18 October 2024 current affairs

18 October 2024 current affairs

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National news

Kaksar Bridge Renamed in Honor of Kargil War Hero Capt. Amit Bhardwaj

The Kaksar Bridge was renamed Capt. Amit Bhardwaj Setu to honor Capt. Amit Bhardwaj, who sacrificed his life during the Kargil War (1999).

  • Ceremony Attendance: The event was attended by prominent military and civil officials, including CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and Major General K. Mahesh, SM.
  • Army’s Role Highlighted: Dr. Jaffer Akhoon praised the Indian Army’s role in education and support in Kargil, particularly through the Sadbhavana Scheme, and acknowledged their humanitarian efforts during harsh winters.
  • Memorial Inauguration: Sunita Dhonkaria, Capt. Bhardwaj’s sister, inaugurated a memorial at the bridge in his honor.
  • Bravery in Action: Capt. Amit Bhardwaj, of the 4 JAT Battalion, demonstrated immense bravery during a rescue operation in Kaksar, sacrificing his life while fighting infiltrators.
  • Lasting Tribute: The renaming of the bridge serves as a permanent tribute to his courage and dedication to the nation.

Kargil war:

  • The Kargil War took place between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999 in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC). The conflict began when Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated and occupied high-altitude Indian territory.
  • India responded with Operation Vijay, launching air and ground assaults to reclaim the territory. The war saw intense combat in difficult mountainous terrain. Key battles were fought at Tololing and Tiger Hill.
  • The war ended with India’s victory, regaining control of the occupied areas by July 26, 1999, now commemorated annually as Kargil Vijay Diwas. The conflict resulted in significant casualties, with 527 Indian soldiers and hundreds of Pakistani soldiers losing their lives.
Cabinet Approves 3% DA Hike for Central Govt Employees
Cabinet Approves 3% DA Hike for Central Govt Employees

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a 3% hike in the dearness allowance (DA) for central government employees and pensioners, raising the total DA to 53% of basic pay.

  • Effective Date: The increase is effective from July 1, 2024, aimed at offsetting rising prices and the cost of living.
  • Financial Impact: The decision will incur an annual cost of ₹9,448.35 crore to the exchequer, benefiting approximately 49.18 lakh employees and 64.89 lakh pensioners.
  • Retroactive Application: The new DA will be applicable retroactively, allowing employees to receive arrears for July, August, and September.
  • Inflation Connection: The increase is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission and aims to adjust for inflation as measured by the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW).
  • Minimum Support Price (MSP) Adjustment: The Cabinet also approved a ₹150 increase in the MSP for key rabi crops, raising the wheat MSP from ₹2,275 to ₹2,425 per quintal.
  • Background on DA Revisions: DA and Dearness Relief (DR) are revised biannually on January 1 and July 1, according to the average AICPI-IW.
  • Financial Support: The increase enhances the financial position of employees during the festive season, demonstrating the government’s commitment to support both public servants and the agricultural sector.
Supreme Court’s Justice Statue Removes Blindfold
Supreme Court’s Justice Statue Removes Blindfold
  • The traditional Lady of Justice statue in the Supreme Court, under Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, has undergone a significant change, removing the blindfold and replacing the sword with the Indian Constitution.
  • Modern Understanding of Justice: The new statue reflects a contemporary approach to justice that is aware, conscious, and empathetic, rather than blind or punitive.
  • Key Changes in the Statue:
    • No Blindfold:
      • Traditionally, Lady Justice was depicted with a blindfold to symbolize impartiality.
      • The new statue has its eyes open, indicating that justice in India is aware and seeks equality.
    • Constitution Replaces the Sword:
      • The sword, symbolizing authority and punishment, has been replaced by the Indian Constitution.
      • This emphasizes that justice is delivered based on constitutional principles rather than violence.
    • Retaining the Scales:
      • The scales remain as a symbol of fairness and balance, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to impartiality in judgment.
  • Moving Beyond Colonial Legacy:
    • The previous depiction was influenced by colonial ideals.
    • The new statue signifies a departure from colonial symbolism, emphasizing justice guided by constitutional law.
  • Message from Chief Justice DY Chandrachud:
    • The statue conveys that the law is not blind and promotes equality before the law.
    • The removal of the sword reinforces that justice is dispensed according to constitutional laws, not through force.
  • Symbol of Modern Indian Justice:
    • The updated statue represents a progressive vision for the Indian judiciary, highlighting constitutional values and fairness in the justice process for all.

Key Facts on Supreme Court

  • The Supreme Court of India is the apex court of India under the integrated judicial system established by the Constitution of India.
  • Articles 124 to 147 in Part V of the Indian Constitution deal with the provisions related to the Supreme Court of India.
  • The Constitution of India empowers the Parliament to increase or decrease the number of judges of the SC.
  • The Supreme Court of India was established on January 28, 1950, two days after India became a republic with the adoption of its Constitution on January 26, 1950.
  • The Supreme Court of India is located in New Delhi.

Banking news

RBI Grants White Label ATM License to Electronic Payment and Services Limited
RBI Grants White Label ATM License to Electronic Payment and Services Limited

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a White Label Automated Teller Machine (ATM) License to Mumbai-based Electronic Payment and Services Limited (EPS) after a decade-long hiatus. This license, granted under the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007, aims to enhance ATM networks, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions of India. With this approval, EPS becomes the fifth company authorized to operate White Label ATMs (WLAs) in the country.

Key Highlights:

  • EPS Plans: EPS intends to deploy 9,000 WLAs branded as “EPS Bancs” across India within the first three years. Initially, they plan to set up around 2,000 ATMs by March 2025.
  • Current Operations: The company currently manages over 10,300 ATMs for various banks across India.
  • Company Background: EPS was established in 2011 and is supported by investors such as Apis Partners from the UK and the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO). The Chairman and Managing Director is Mani Mamallan.

This initiative reflects RBI’s commitment to expanding financial services access and bolstering ATM infrastructure throughout the country.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Founded Year: April 1, 1935
  • Current Governor: Shaktikanta Das (25th Governor of RBI)

State news

Kaziranga Named India’s Second Largest Butterfly Diversity Hub
Kaziranga Named India’s Second Largest Butterfly Diversity Hub

Kaziranga National Park, known for its iconic one-horned rhinoceros, has been identified as India’s second-largest hub for butterfly diversity, following Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh.

  • Butterfly Species Count:
  • The park is home to an impressive 446 butterfly species.
  • This distinction underscores Kaziranga’s rich biodiversity.

Research Findings: Researcher: The findings stem from years of research conducted by Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, who has been studying the park’s butterfly population since 2007.

Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024:

  • Event: The first-ever Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024 took place in September, focusing on the comprehensive study of butterfly species in Kaziranga.
  • Participation: Approximately 40 butterfly enthusiasts attended, including members from:
    • North Eastern Hill University
    • Cotton University
    • Maharashtra Forest Department
    • Corbett Foundation
    • North East Butterflies group

Significance of Location: Kaziranga’s diverse butterfly population is noteworthy as it is situated outside the Himalayan and Patkai mountain ranges, where high species diversity is typically observed.

Kaziranga National Park Overview:

  • Location:
    • Situated in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, India.
    • Declared a national park in 1974.
    • Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Biodiversity:
    • Home to two-thirds of the global population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros.
    • Represents the largest undisturbed area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplains.

Assam:

  • Capital: Dispur
  • Governor: Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya
  • Chief minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
Nayab Saini Sworn in as Haryana CM, BJP Wins Third Term
Nayab Saini Sworn in as Haryana CM, BJP Wins Third Term

Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana for the second time. BJP’s Third Consecutive Term: This marks the BJP’s third consecutive term in power in the state.

Oath Ceremony: The oath was administered by Governor Bandaru Dattatreya at a ceremony attended by:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi
  • Union Ministers
  • NDA leaders

Council of Ministers: Saini’s council includes 13 ministers who also took their oaths.

Election Victory: Saini, a Dalit leader from Kurukshetra, led the BJP to victory in the October 5 Assembly elections, where the party secured 48 out of 90 seats.

Previous Roles: Prior to becoming Chief Minister, Saini held several significant positions within the BJP, including serving as the Haryana BJP chief.

Article 164 of the Constitution of India

  • Appointment: The Governor of the state appoints the Chief Minister.
  • Majority Requirement: The Chief Minister must be a member of the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) of the state. If no party has a clear majority, the Governor may invite the leader of the largest party or coalition to form the government.
  • Council of Ministers: The Chief Minister is responsible for advising the Governor in the appointment of the Council of Ministers. The Council is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly.
  • Tenure: There is no fixed term for the Chief Minister, but the Chief Minister holds office during the pleasure of the Governor, which means they can be dismissed by the Governor.

Haryana:

  • Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya
  • Capital: Chandigarh
Government and Meta Launch ‘Scam se Bacho’ Campaign to Combat Online Scams
Government and Meta Launch ‘Scam se Bacho’ Campaign to Combat Online Scams

Government and Meta have joined forces for the “Scam se Bacho” campaign to tackle the rising threat of online scams. During the launch of the campaign in New Delhi, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju delivered the keynote address, describing the initiative as a timely and essential step toward safeguarding citizens from the increasing danger of online fraud. He emphasized that it reflects a whole-of-government approach to fostering a culture of digital safety and vigilance.

Key Points from the Address:

  • The initiative reflects a whole-of-government approach to enhancing digital safety and vigilance.
  • India has over 900 million internet users, showcasing significant digital growth under the Digital India initiative.
  • Despite this growth, the country faced a surge in cyber fraud, with 1.1 million cases reported last year.

Meta:

  • CEO: Mark Zuckerberg (Jul 2004–)

Collaborating Agencies: The campaign is a joint effort involving the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.

Banking news

HDFC Opens First Singapore Branch to Expand Global Presence
HDFC Opens First Singapore Branch to Expand Global Presence

HDFC Bank has officially opened its first branch in Singapore as part of its strategy to expand international operations.

  • Wholesale Banking License: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) granted HDFC Bank a wholesale banking license effective from October 15, 2024. This license allows the bank to offer a variety of financial products and services to Singapore residents.
  • Target Audience: The Singapore branch will focus on serving:
  • Multinational corporations (MNCs)
  • Portfolio investors
  • Wealthy customers
  • Trade partners
  • International Presence: With the new branch in Singapore, HDFC Bank now operates five international branches, including locations in:
  • Hong Kong
  • Bahrain
  • Dubai
  • Singapore

Additionally, it has an IFSC Banking Unit in Gujarat International Finance Tech City (GIFT City) and representative offices in Kenya, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and London.

  • Growing Balance Sheet: As of March 31, 2024, HDFC Bank’s international business had a balance sheet size of $9.06 billion, indicating the importance of its overseas operations for overall growth.

HDFC bank:

  • CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan (27 Oct 2020–)
  • Headquarters: Mumbai
  • Founded: August 1994, Mumbai

Singapore: Prime minister: Lawrence Wong

Award news

Sister Rosita Milesi Honored with 2024 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award
Sister Rosita Milesi Honored with 2024 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award

Sister Rosita Milesi, a 79-year-old Brazilian nun, lawyer, and social worker, has been awarded the 2024 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Nansen Refugee Award’s Global Laureate. This recognition is for her nearly four decades of dedicated work championing the rights and dignity of refugees and migrants of various nationalities in Brazil.

The award was presented during a ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland, on October 14, 2024.

2024 Regional Winners:

  • Maimouna Ba (Africa region)
  • Jin Davod (Europe region)
  • Nada Fadol (Middle East and North Africa region)
  • Deepti Gurung (Asia-Pacific region)

About the UNHCR

  • High Commissioner: Filippo Grandi
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Established: 1950

The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award honors individuals and organizations that have shown extraordinary humanitarian work in support of refugees.

The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award is an important accolade presented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to honor individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the welfare of refugees and displaced persons. Here are some key points about the award:

Key Facts about the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award

  1. Establishment:
  2. The award was established in 1954 in honor of Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian explorer and humanitarian who served as the League of Nations’ first High Commissioner for Refugees.
  3. Purpose:
  4. The award aims to recognize and celebrate the exceptional work and dedication of those who assist refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals. It seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by these vulnerable groups.
  5. Eligibility:
  6. The award is open to individuals, groups, or organizations who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the displaced and have worked to promote the rights and dignity of refugees.

Summit news

Om Birla addresses the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva
Om Birla addresses the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and emphasised the need for multilateralism in the world. He also said that dialogue and cooperation amongst Parliaments in science, technology, and innovation were important for the common good.

·  Event Overview:

  • Date: October 13-17, 2024
  • Location: IPU headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Significance: The IPU is a global organization representing national parliaments.

·  Keynote Address:

  • Speaker: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
  • Emphasis:
    • The need for multilateralism in global affairs.
    • Importance of dialogue and cooperation among parliaments in areas of science, technology, and innovation for the common good.

Indian Delegation:

  • Led by Om Birla, included:
    • Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh
    • Secretaries General of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
    • Various Members of Parliament.

Assembly Highlights:

  • Participation: Involvement of all member parliaments and various committees, including:
    • Forum of Women Parliamentarians
    • Forum of Young MPs.
  • Platform: Delegates discussed and exchanged views to galvanize parliamentary action.

Theme of the Assembly:

  • Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future.

Membership Update:

  • Jamaica’s Rejoining: Jamaica rejoined the IPU as its 181st Member Parliament after previously being a member from 1983 to 1996.

About the Inter-Parliamentary Union:

  • Established: 1889 in Paris, originally named Inter-Parliamentary Conference; renamed IPU in 1899.
  • Founders: Fredric Passy (France) and William Randal Cremer (England), the latter of whom won the first Nobel Peace Prize.
  • Mission: Promote peace, democracy, human rights, and sustainable development through parliamentary cooperation.
  • Headquarters: Located in Geneva, Switzerland.


Appointment news

CJI Chandrachud Nominates Justice Sanjiv Khanna as Successor
CJI Chandrachud Nominates Justice Sanjiv Khanna as Successor

Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to become the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) following the recommendation by current CJI DY Chandrachud to the Union law ministry.

  • Retirement Date of Current CJI: Justice Khanna will assume the role after CJI Chandrachud retires on November 10, 2024.

Key Points on Justice Sanjiv Khanna

  • CJI Recommendation: Recommended by CJI DY Chandrachud in accordance with established convention.
  • Tenure: Justice Khanna will serve as CJI for a six-month period, until his retirement on May 13, 2025.
  • Career Start: Enrolled as an advocate in 1983 and practiced at the Tis Hazari complex in Delhi before moving to the Delhi High Court.

Key Roles and Judicial Appointments:

  • Senior Roles:
  • Served as Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department.
  • Held the position of Standing Counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi (2004).
  • Served as Additional Public Prosecutor at the Delhi High Court.
  • Judicial Progression:
  • Became an additional judge at the Delhi High Court in 2005; elevated to a permanent judge in 2006.
  • Elevated to the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019, bypassing the Chief Justice of a High Court position.

Current Roles:

  • Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority.
  • Governing Council Member of the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal.

Important days

International Abhidhamma Divas 2024: Date, History, Teachings, Celebrations, and Significance
International Abhidhamma Divas 2024: Date, History, Teachings, Celebrations, and Significance

India is recognized as the birthplace of Buddhism, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.

  • The teachings of Buddha have a profound influence on global thought and understanding.

Abhidhamma: Central to Buddhist philosophy, the Abhidhamma focuses on:

  • Mental discipline
  • Self-awareness
  • Ethical conduct

Celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas:

  • Observed on October 17, this day celebrates the rich philosophical tradition of the Abhidhamma.
  • It highlights the relevance of Abhidhamma teachings in guiding:
    • Mental discipline
    • Ethical living

India’s Role in Buddhism:

  • The celebration underscores India’s significant role in preserving and promoting the Buddhist legacy globally.
  • Sacred Sites: Locations like Bodh Gaya serve as living symbols of Buddha’s journey toward Nirvana, illustrating the deep connection between India and Buddhism.

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