Current Affairs For 18th ctober 2023

Current affairs coverage sheds light on social, political, economic, and environmental issues that may not receive widespread attention. By highlighting these topics, it raises awareness among individuals and promotes a sense of social responsibility and civic engagement.

 

Q1.What recent decision has the Supreme Court of India made regarding the Electoral Bond case?

1. The case has been dismissed
2. The case has been referred to a 5-judge Constitution Bench
3. The case has been postponed indefinitely
4. The case has been transferred to a lower court

Ans:-2)The case has been referred to a 5-judge Constitution Bench

• The Supreme Court has taken the step of referring a cluster of petitions contesting the electoral bond scheme for political party funding to a five-judge Constitution bench. This move, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, came in response to an urgent application seeking a decisive judgment. The hearing for this matter is scheduled for October 30.
• Electoral bonds were introduced as a substitute for cash donations to political parties, with the aim of enhancing transparency and accountability in political funding.
• The presence of four Public Interest Litigations (PILs) underscores the substantial public interest and concern surrounding the electoral bond scheme. Back in March, one of the PIL petitioners asserted that a significant sum, amounting to Rs 12,000 crore, had been channeled to political parties via electoral bonds.

 

Q2.What decision did the Supreme Court make regarding the appeal to legalize same-sex marriage?

1. The appeal was accepted and same-sex marriage was legalized
2. The appeal was dismissed, and same-sex marriage remains illegal
3. The appeal was referred to a Constitutional Bench for further consideration
4. The Supreme Court did not make a decision on the matter

Ans:-2)The appeal was dismissed, and same-sex marriage remains illegal

• India’s Supreme Court recently delivered a notable verdict, rejecting an appeal to legalize same-sex marriages in the nation. This decision represents a setback for LGBTQ rights in one of the world’s most densely populated countries.
• Chief Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud underscored that matters like same-sex marriage ought to be addressed by the parliament, reiterating the court’s dedication to refraining from involvement in policy affairs.
• Chandrachud additionally advocated for initiatives to combat discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. This encompasses the implementation of helplines and the establishment of secure shelters for those within the LGBTQ community who are at risk.

 

Q3.What is the expected outcome for the pro-EU opposition in Poland’s parliament polls?

1. Projected to win
2. Projected to lose
3. Expected to face a tie
4. No projections have been made

Ans:-2)Project to lose

• Poland’s recent parliamentary elections marked a significant shift, putting an end to eight years of populist rule by the Law and Justice (PiS) party. The liberal opposition, led by former EU chief Donald Tusk, emerged victorious, heralding a new era for the nation.
• A focal point in the elections was women’s rights, particularly Poland’s stringent abortion laws. Tusk’s commitment to liberalize these laws galvanized a substantial number of women voters. Notably, more women than men participated in the vote, with an impressive 73.7% turnout among women.
• Tusk’s Civic Coalition, potentially joined by allies Third Way and Left, is poised to secure a majority in the 460-seat parliament. This outcome signals a potential shift towards more progressive policies, including improved relations with the European Union and a commitment to release frozen EU funds.

 

Q4.How much worth of development projects did the Prime Minister inaugurate in Uttarakhand?

1. Rs 2400 Crore
2. Rs 3200 Crore
3. Rs 4200 Crore
4. Rs 5200 Crore

Ans:- 3) Rs 4200 Crore

• In Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recently marked a momentous occasion by laying the foundation stone and dedicating numerous development projects valued at around Rs 4200 crore.
• Encompassing a wide array of sectors such as rural development, road infrastructure, power generation, irrigation, drinking water supply, horticulture, education, healthcare, and disaster management, these initiatives reflect the Prime Minister’s dedication to fostering progress, connectivity, and resilience in Uttarakhand. They are poised to contribute significantly to the state’s sustainable development and elevate the overall quality of life for its residents.

 

Q5.What is the name of the campaign initiated by the Uttar Pradesh Government?

1. ‘Clean and Healthy Festival’
2. ‘Swachch Tyohar, Swasth Tyohar’
3. ‘Health and Hygiene Drive’
4. ‘Clean India, Green India’

Ans:-2)’Swachch Tyohar, Swasth Tyohar’

• The Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath has introduced a special cleanliness campaign titled ‘Swachch Tyohar, Swasth Tyohar’ (Clean Festival, Healthy Festival). This drive advocates the belief that ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’ and encourages active participation from both municipal bodies and citizens.
• The campaign underscores the significance of cleanliness, especially during the festive season. By ensuring clean and hygienic environments at religious sites and promptly addressing any infrastructure issues, the government aims to offer a spiritually enriching and enjoyable festival experience for everyone.
• This initiative seamlessly marries the timeless wisdom that ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness,’ fostering a harmonious integration of spirituality and hygiene during the forthcoming Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali festivities.

 

Q6.Which state became the first to take measures to guarantee minimum wages for workers?

1. Bihar
2. Jharkhand
3. Chhattisgarh
4. Odisha

Ans:- 2) Jharkhand

• Jharkhand is making history as the first state in India to take strides towards encompassing gig workers, including employees of platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, Uber, and Rapido, within the purview of minimum wages. This groundbreaking move signifies a major step in ensuring equitable compensation for those operating in the gig economy.
• Jharkhand’s progressive approach in considering minimum wages for gig workers and reassessing wage standards for laborers across different sectors is a significant stride towards guaranteeing fair remuneration. Under the state’s labor department, the Jharkhand State Minimum Wage Advisory Council has constituted a committee to address this matter.
• The primary goal of this committee is to examine the working conditions of gig workers, particularly those engaged in delivery and ride-hailing services. Based on their findings, the committee will put forth recommendations regarding the minimum wages applicable to these workers.

 

Q7.What is the expected economic growth rate of India in 2023-24?

1. 5%
2. 6%
3. 7%
4. 8%

Ans:- 3)7%

• India has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of global challenges, according to the latest India Development Update (IDU) by the World Bank. Despite a challenging global scenario, India’s economy expanded by 7.2% in FY22/23, positioning it among the fastest-growing major economies.
• The robust internal demand in India played a pivotal role in driving its economic growth. Substantial investments in public infrastructure spurred economic activity. Additionally, the financial sector witnessed bolstered growth, contributing to overall economic resilience.
• The initial quarter of FY23/24 witnessed a 15.8% surge in bank credit, indicating a robust financial environment. Inflation saw a rise to 7.8% in July, primarily due to escalated food prices, but it is anticipated to gradually stabilize. The trend of fiscal consolidation is expected to persist, with the fiscal deficit predicted to decrease from 6.4% to 5.9% of GDP. Moreover, public debt is stabilizing at 83% of GDP.

 

Q8.According to the FICCI survey, what is the projected economic growth rate for India in FY24?

1. 5.3%
2. 6.3%
3. 7.3%
4. 8.3%

Ans:-2)6.3%

• The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) recently unveiled its latest Economic Outlook Survey, offering insights into the anticipated growth of India’s economy in the upcoming fiscal year, FY24.
• The survey’s central projection envisions a 6.3% expansion in the Indian economy for FY24. This projection is contingent on various pivotal factors. Additionally, the festive season is expected to be a catalyst for economic growth. Festive occasions traditionally lead to heightened consumer spending, which, in turn, propels economic advancement.
• Anticipations suggest that growth in the agricultural sector will decelerate from 4% in FY23 to 2.7% in the current fiscal year due to the impact of El Niño on monsoon rainfall. Meanwhile, the industry sector is projected to grow at a rate of 5.6%, underscoring its significance in India’s economic landscape. The services sector is predicted to demonstrate robust growth at 7.3%, emphasizing its pivotal role as a major contributor to India’s economic upswing.

 

Q9.For how many consecutive months has wholesale inflation remained negative in India?

1. Three months
2. Four months
3. Five months
4. Six months

Ans:- 4) Six months

• India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) continued its negative trend for the sixth consecutive month in September, registering at -0.26 percent. This indicates a persistent decline in wholesale-level prices of goods.
• Notably, the food index within the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) saw a significant drop, largely attributed to a sharp reduction in tomato prices. Although tomatoes experienced a substantial decline of 73 percent in September, other food items such as cereals (1 percent), pulses (6 percent), fruits (5 percent), and milk (0.7 percent) witnessed price increases, leading to concerns for consumers.
• The WPI data indicated a 0.59 percent month-on-month (MoM) reduction in September, mirroring the 1.1 percent decline in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Nevertheless, the adverse base effect, coupled with escalating prices in specific categories, counterbalanced the sequential decline, underscoring persisting economic challenges.

 

Q10.How much investment has the Asian Development Bank made to enhance Ahmedabad’s peri-urban areas?

1. $81 Million
2. $101 Million
3. $141 Million
4. $181 Million

Ans:-4)$181 Million

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $181 million to enhance the quality of life in the peri-urban areas surrounding Ahmedabad, a city in the state of Gujarat, India. The project aims to elevate urban living standards and mobility in these swiftly expanding areas.
• A primary objective of this initiative is to regulate urban sprawl, offering a model for urban planning in other regions as well. This approach aids in effectively managing the expansion of cities and their surrounding areas.
• Furthermore, the project will augment the connectivity of peri-urban areas to Ahmedabad city, encompassing the improvement of 10 junctions along the existing Sardar Patel Ring Road.