National News

The Supreme Court's Electoral Bond Case Referred to 5-Judge Constitution Bench

• The Supreme Court has taken a significant step by referring a cluster of petitions challenging the electoral bond scheme for political party funding to a five-judge Constitution bench.
• This move, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, responds to an urgent application for a conclusive judgment. The hearing is scheduled for October 30.
• Electoral bonds were introduced as an alternative to providing cash donations to political parties, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in political funding.
• Currently, there are four pending Public Interest Litigations (PILs) related to this matter, underlining the public's interest and concerns regarding the electoral bond scheme.

Supreme Court Rejects Appeal to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

• India's Supreme Court recently made a crucial decision by dismissing an appeal seeking the legalization of same-sex marriages in the country.
• This ruling marks a setback for LGBTQ rights in one of the world's most populous nations.
• Chief Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud emphasized that matters like same-sex marriage should fall within the domain of the parliament, showcasing the court's commitment to avoid interfering in policy matters.
• However, Chandrachud also called for measures to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ individuals, advocating for the establishment of hotlines and safe houses to support vulnerable members of the LGBTQ community.

State News

PM Inaugurates Rs 4200 Crore Worth of Development Projects in Uttarakhand

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recently commemorated a historic day in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, by laying the foundation stone and dedicating several development projects valued at approximately Rs 4200 crore.
• These initiatives encompass various sectors, including rural development, road infrastructure, power generation, irrigation, drinking water supply, horticulture, education, healthcare, and disaster management, among others.
• This showcases the Prime Minister's commitment to promoting growth, connectivity, and resilience in Uttarakhand, ultimately contributing to the state's sustainable development and improving the residents' quality of life.

Uttar Pradesh Government's 'Swachch Tyohar, Swasth Tyohar' Campaign

• The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has launched a special cleanliness campaign, titled 'Swachch Tyohar, Swasth Tyohar' (Clean Festival, Healthy Festival).
• This initiative aims to propagate the belief that 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness,' encouraging active participation from municipal bodies and citizens.
• The campaign emphasizes the significance of cleanliness during the festive season, ensuring clean and hygienic surroundings at religious places, and addressing infrastructure concerns to provide a spiritually enriching and enjoyable festival experience for all.
• This initiative aligns with the age-old adage that 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness,' promoting a harmonious blend of spirituality and hygiene during the upcoming Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali celebrations.

Jharkhand Becomes First State to Advocate for Minimum Wages for Workers

• Jharkhand has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first state in India to initiate steps towards including gig workers (e.g., Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, Uber, and Rapido employees) under the umbrella of minimum wages.
• This move is a significant stride towards ensuring fair compensation for those engaged in the gig economy. Jharkhand's groundbreaking decision to consider minimum wages for gig workers and reevaluate minimum wage standards for other laborers is a pivotal step towards equitable compensation for workers across various sectors.
• The Jharkhand State Minimum Wage Advisory Council, under the state's labor department, has formed a committee to study the working conditions of gig workers, including those in delivery and ride-hailing services.
• Based on their findings, the committee will make recommendations regarding minimum wages for these workers.

Economy News

Anticipated Economic Growth of India in 2023-24

• India has demonstrated remarkable resilience amidst global challenges, according to the latest India Development Update (IDU) by the World Bank.
• Despite a challenging global environment, India's economy grew at an impressive rate of 2% in FY22/23, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing major economies.
• India's internal demand played a pivotal role in this growth, bolstered by significant investments in public infrastructure, contributing to overall economic resilience.
• Bank credit expanded by 8% in the first quarter of FY23/24, indicating a healthy financial environment.
• Although inflation rose to 7.8% in July due to increased food prices, it is expected to normalize gradually.
• The fiscal consolidation is set to continue, with the fiscal deficit projected to decline from 4% to 5.9% of GDP. Public debt is stabilizing at 83% of GDP.

India's Economy to Grow at 6.3% in FY24 as per FICCI Survey

• The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) recently unveiled its latest Economic Outlook Survey, offering insights into India's anticipated economic growth in the upcoming fiscal year, FY24.
• The central projection of the survey foresees a 6.3% growth in the Indian economy for FY24. This projection is supported by several key factors, including the anticipated stimulus to economic growth during the festival season, which typically triggers increased consumer spending, driving economic expansion.
• The agricultural sector's growth is predicted to decrease from 4% in FY23 to 2.7% in the current fiscal year due to the influence of El Niño on monsoon rainfall.
• The industry sector is expected to grow at a rate of 5.6%, underscoring its pivotal role in India's economic landscape.
• The services sector is expected to exhibit robust growth at 7.3%, emphasizing its significant contribution to India's economic expansion.

Wholesale Inflation in India Remains Negative for Sixth Consecutive Month

• India's Wholesale Price Index (WPI) remained in the negative zone for the sixth consecutive month in September, registering at -0.26 percent.
• This indicates a continued decrease in prices for goods at the wholesale level. The food index of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) witnessed a significant drop, primarily due to a sharp decrease in tomato prices.
• However, other food items such as cereals (1 percent), pulses (6 percent), fruits (5 percent), and milk (0.7 percent) experienced price hikes, raising concerns for consumers.
• The WPI data exhibited a 0.59 percent month-on-month (MoM) decrease in September, mirroring the decline in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 1.1 percent.
• Nonetheless, the unfavorable base effect, combined with rising prices in certain categories, offset the sequential fall, underscoring ongoing challenges.

Important Days News

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2023

• The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed annually on October 17th, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and addressing the pressing issue of poverty.
• The theme for 2023 is "Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting dignity in practice for all." This theme underscores the importance of universal access to decent work and social protection in upholding human dignity.
• The UN General Assembly officially declared October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty through resolution 47/196 on December 22, 1992.
• International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2023 holds immense significance as a global reminder of the ongoing battle against poverty.

Summits & Conferences News

India and UK Hold First 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue in New Delhi

• The inaugural India-UK '2+2' foreign and defence dialogue took place in New Delhi, where both sides explored ways to enhance cooperation in critical areas, including trade and investment, defense, critical technologies, civil aviation, health, and energy.
• Besides bilateral collaboration, the dialogue delved into international developments, with a specific focus on the Indo-Pacific region.
• Both nations share a vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing a free, open, and inclusive region.
• The dialogue also explored the potential for collaboration in counterterrorism, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and maritime security, demonstrating the commitment of both nations to work together on global challenges and ensure the safety and security of the region.

World Health Summit 2023

• The 2023 World Health Summit, held from October 15 to October 17 in Berlin, Germany, and online, centered around the theme "A Defining Year for Global Health Action."
• This summit fosters international collaboration and open discourse rooted in scientific insights, placing global health at the forefront of political agendas and advancing the global health conversation in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) emerged as a significant global health challenge, demanding immediate attention and a multi-faceted approach in this year's discussions.

PM to Inaugurate Global Maritime India Summit 2023 in Mumbai

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the third edition of the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023), scheduled from 17th to 19th October at MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai.
• This prestigious maritime event, organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, serves as a significant gathering for the global maritime community.
• GMIS 2023 presents 'Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,' a comprehensive 25-year roadmap for India's maritime blue economy. This visionary plan outlines strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing port facilities, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering international collaboration.
• Notably, one of the prominent projects is the Tuna Tekra all-weather deep draft terminal, which will play a pivotal role as a gateway for Indian trade within the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

Appointments News

Justice Siddharth Mridul Appointed as Chief Justice of Manipur High Court

• Justice Siddharth Mridul has been appointed as the Chief Justice of Manipur High Court, three months after the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendation.
• The Centre had notified the appointment on October 9, and the process is set to follow soon.
• The Supreme Court collegium also recommended the transfer of Justice MV Muralidaran, who currently serves as the Acting Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, to the Calcutta High Court.
• These developments mark important changes in the judiciary, aiming to ensure the effective functioning of these high courts.

Awards News

69th National Film Awards 2023 Conferred by President Droupadi Murmu

• On October 17, President Droupadi Murmu will confer the 69th National Film Awards 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
• These awards, initially delayed due to the pandemic, are finally set to honor outstanding achievements in Indian cinema.
• Notable awardees include Allu Arjun, who received the Best Actor award for his role in "Pushpa: The Rise."
• Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon jointly received the Best Actress title for their outstanding performances in "Gangubai Kathiawadi" and "Mimi," respectively.
• The film "Rocketry: The Nambi Effect" was recognized as the Best Feature Film, and "The Kashmir Files" received the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Film on National Integration, both contributing significantly to the Indian film industry.

Obituaries News

Noted Malayalam Film Producer PV Gangadharan Passes Away at 80

• Prominent Malayalam film producer and director of Mathrubhumi group of publications, V. Gangadharan, passed away in Kozhikode on October 13, at the age of 80.
• He made a significant mark in both the realms of cinema and politics. He had also contested in the Kerala Legislative Assembly elections from the Kozhikode North constituency in 2011.
• His notable awards include the Nargis Dutt Award for National Integration in 1997 for "Kanakkinavu," and the national award for best film in 2000 for "Santham," among others.
• PV Gangadharan's contributions have left a lasting impact on the world of Malayalam cinema.

Miscellaneous News

'Gadkari': The Biopic of 'Expressway Man of India'

• A biographical film titled 'Gadkari' is scheduled for release on October 27, portraying the life of Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways.
• Actor Rahul Chopda has been chosen to depict the role of Nitin Gadkari in this Marathi movie. The film highlights Gadkari's inspiring journey, from being a common political worker to becoming a distinguished Cabinet Minister.
• It celebrates his role in India's infrastructure development and his ascent in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
• This biopic is set to provide insights into Gadkari's life and his contributions to India's infrastructure and development.