CURRENT AFFAIRS 17 October, 2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS 17 October, 2024

1. NAYAB SAINI SWORN IN AS HARYANA CM, BJP WINS THIRD TERM –

• Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as Haryana’s Chief Minister for the second time, marking BJP’s third consecutive term in power in the state.
• Governor Bandaru Dattatreya administered the oath at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, and NDA leaders. Saini’s council of 13 ministers also took the oath.
• Saini, a Dalit leader from Kurukshetra, led the BJP to victory in the October 5 Assembly elections, securing 48 seats in the 90-member house. Saini’s rise to the top post continues from his earlier roles in the BJP, including as Haryana BJP chief.

Key Cabinet Members

• Anil Vij
• Krishan Lal Panwar
• Rao Narbir Singh
• Mahipal Dhanda
• Vipul Goel

2. CABINET APPROVES 3% DA HIKE FOR CENTRAL GOVT EMPLOYEE –

• In a significant move, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a 3% hike in the dearness allowance (DA) for central government employees and pensioners, bringing the total DA to 53% of the basic pay.
• This increase is aimed at compensating employees against rising prices and is effective from July 1, 2024. The decision, announced by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, will result in an annual cost of ₹9,448.35 crore to the exchequer, benefiting approximately 49.18 lakh employees and 64.89 lakh pensioners.
• Impact of the Hike- The new DA will be applicable retroactively, allowing employees to receive arrears for July, August, and September.
• Connection to Inflation- The increase aligns with the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission and aims to adjust for the rising cost of living as measured by the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW).
• Additional Measures- In conjunction with the DA hike, the Cabinet also approved a ₹150 increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for key rabi crops, raising the wheat MSP from ₹2,275 to ₹2,425 per quintal.

3. 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 in a letter to the Union law ministry.
• Justice Khanna, the second-most senior judge of the Supreme Court, will take over the position after Justice Chandrachud’s retirement on November 10, 2024.
• Justice Khanna will serve as the CJI for a six-month period before retiring on May 13, 2025.
• Justice Sanjiv Khanna enrolled as an advocate in 1983 and practiced at Delhi’s Tis Hazari complex before moving to the High Court of Delhi.

Key Roles

• Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department
• Standing Counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi (2004)
• Additional Public Prosecutor at the Delhi High Court

4. 40TH RAISING DAY OF NATIONAL SECURITY GUARD –

• On October 16, 2024, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, commemorated the 40th Raising Day of the National Security Guard (NSG), praising the bravery and dedication of its personnel.
• The NSG was established on October 16, 1984, in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star, aimed at eliminating Sikh extremists from the Golden Temple of Amritsar.
• The operation underscored the need for a dedicated force to handle terrorism. Following a bill presented to Parliament in August 1986, the NSG officially came into existence on September 22, 1986. Today, it remains a vital force in India’s security landscape, committed to safeguarding the nation from various threats.

5. SUPREME COURT’S JUSTICE STATUE REMOVES BLINDFOLD –

• The traditional Lady of Justice, often depicted blindfolded with scales and a sword, has undergone a symbolic transformation in the Supreme Court of India. Under the guidance of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, the newly commissioned statue sheds the blindfold and replaces the sword with the Constitution.
• This change represents a modern understanding of justice in India, one that is neither blind nor punitive, but instead rooted in constitutional values and equality.
• The new statue now stands prominently at the judges’ library in the Supreme Court, marking a departure from colonial-era symbolism.
• Traditionally, Lady Justice was portrayed with a blindfold, symbolizing impartiality and equality before the law.
• The new statue, however, has its eyes open, symbolizing that justice is not blind in India, but instead aware, conscious, and empathetic.
• The sword, a traditional symbol of authority and punishment, has been replaced by the Indian Constitution.