Category: current affairs

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28/09/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28/09/2023 China refuses to further expand cooperation under CPEC (General Studies- Paper II) Source : The Hindu China has refused to expand cooperation in key areas under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This development signals strain in the traditionally strong friendship between China and Pakistan. Key Highlights The CPEC is a multi-billion dollar project connecting Gwadar Port in Pakistan to China’s Xinjiang province. It is a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at expanding Chinese influence through global infrastructure projects. Delays and Differences in the 11th JCC Meeting The 11th Joint Cooperation Committee…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27/09/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27/09/2023 Central Govt and Navy’s new project to reconstruct an ancient ‘stitched ship’ (General Studies- Paper I) Source : The Indian Express The Indian government is embarking on a significant endeavor to resurrect India’s ancient maritime heritage in partnership with the Indian Navy and Hodi Innovations based in Goa. This project aims to reconstruct an ancient stitched ship reminiscent of those that sailed India’s maritime trade routes around 2,000 years ago. Key Highlights Project Collaboration and Funding This ambitious project involves collaboration across various government ministries and departments. The Indian Navy is responsible for designing, constructing, and…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26/09/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26/09/2023 Surety Bonds market fails to kick off (General Studies- Paper III) Source : The Indian Express The government’s ambitious plan to launch the Surety Insurance Bonds market as an alternative to bank guarantees in infrastructure projects has faced significant challenges in the last three years. Despite the launch of two basic level Surety Bonds (Bid Bonds) in December 2022, the Surety Bond market in India has not made significant progress. Key Highlights Insurance Companies’ Plans Hindered Leading general insurers like New India Assurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, SBI General Insurance, and Bajaj Allianz General Insurance have…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23/09/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23/09/2023 A clear message to industry on dispute resolution (General Studies- Paper III) Source : TH ADR encompasses mechanisms to resolve disputes without court intervention. ADR is gaining importance in India due to delays and rising litigation costs. Key Highlights Shift Toward Mediation Arbitration and conciliation were the primary focus of ADR discussions until recently. The Mediation Bill, 2023, passed during the monsoon session of Parliament and now referred to as the Mediation Act, 2023, highlights the growing importance of mediation. The Act mandates pre-litigation mediation for parties before approaching an Indian court, even without a prior…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22/09/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22/09/2023 State of Working India 2023 (General Studies- Paper II) Source : The Indian Express The “State of Working India 2023” report by Azim Premji University’s Centre for Sustainable Employment highlights significant trends in India’s employment and workforce landscape in 2021-22. The report examines unemployment rates, women’s workforce participation, intergenerational mobility, and caste-wise workforce dynamics. Key Highlights Unemployment Rates: Overall unemployment rate decreased from 8.7% in 2017-18 to 6.6% in 2021-22. However, 42% of Indian graduates under 25 were unemployed in 2021-22. Women’s Workforce Participation: Post-pandemic, 60% of women were self-employed, compared to 50% before the pandemic.…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21/09/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21/09/2023 The Khalistan shadow on India-Canada ties, over the years (General Studies- Paper II) Source : The Indian Express Relations between India and Canada have faced significant strains due to Canada’s alleged leniency toward Khalistani supporters. The situation hit a new low when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India, in Surrey in June. India rejected these allegations and accused Canada of providing shelter to Khalistani extremists. Key Highlights Historical Tensions: 1948 Kashmir Plebiscite: As early as 1948, Canada supported a plebiscite…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20/09/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20/09/2023 Govt. introduces women’s quota Bill in Lok Sabha (General Studies- Paper II) Source : TH The Union government introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Eighth) Amendment Bill, 2023, to provide one-third reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.   Key Highlights   What is delimitation?   The Delimitation Commission of India The Delimitation Commission of India is a constitutional body responsible for the process of delimitation in India. Serious allegation strain India-Canada Relations (General Studies- Paper II) Source : TH Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused agents of the Government of…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19/09/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19/09/2023 Hanging fire for 27 years: How Women Reservation Bill kept lapsing? (General Studies- Paper II) Source : The Indian Express The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has cleared the draft Women’s Reservation Bill. This draft bill is expected to be tabled in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during the ongoing special session of Parliament for consideration and passage. The bill’s objective is to increase the representation of women in the Indian legislative bodies, addressing the gender disparity in politics and decision-making. Background and Highlights The Women’s Reservation Bill in India has…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18/09/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18/09/2023 India is at a pivotal moment in its health-care journey (General Studies- Paper II) Source : TH India is emerging as a global leader in various critical issues, such as climate change, electrification, manufacturing, and space exploration. However, it faces a significant challenge in the form of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which could burden the country with substantial economic costs. Key Highlights India’s Rising NCD Burden: India currently grapples with a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, respiratory issues, and mental health problems. Economic Implications: If unaddressed, the NCD burden could cost…
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