CURRENT AFFAIRS 30 October, 2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS 30 October, 2024

1. DROP IN INDIA’S FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES TO $688.26 BILLION –

• India’s foreign exchange reserves decreased by $2.163 billion, bringing the total to $688.267 billion for the week ending October 18, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India.
• This decline follows a significant drop of $10.746 billion in the previous week, marking one of the largest reductions in reserves in recent times.
• As of October 18, India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $2.163 billion, totaling $688.267 billion, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The previous week saw a significant drop of $10.746 billion, bringing reserves down to $690.43 billion. Prior to that, reserves had decreased by $3.709 billion to $701.176 billion.
• Reserves reached an all-time high of $704.885 billion at the end of September.

2. CENTRE TO BEGIN CENSUS FROM 2025 –

• The Central government is set to commence the long-awaited census exercise in 2025, aiming for completion by 2026. This census was originally scheduled for 2021 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following its completion, the BJP-led government plans to initiate a delimitation exercise for Lok Sabha seats, which is expected to be finalized by 2028.
• Census Start and End: The census will begin in 2025 and is projected to conclude in 2026, marking a significant delay of four years.
• Delimitation Process: The delimitation of Lok Sabha seats will commence post-census completion, with a target completion date of 2028.
• Future Census Cycles: The traditional decadal census cycle will be adjusted, with the next census scheduled for 2035.

3. OCTOBER 27, INDIAN ARMY INFANTRY DAY –

• Infantry Day is celebrated annually in India on October 27 to commemorate the significant role played by the infantry in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and security. This day marks the landing of the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment at Srinagar airfield in 1947, a pivotal moment in the defense of Jammu and Kashmir against invading forces.
• The day commemorates the landing of the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment on October 27, 1947, to protect the people of Jammu and Kashmir from the attacks of Pakistani Kabaili Raiders supported by the Pakistan Army.
• This brave action successfully thwarted Pakistan’s plans to occupy Jammu and Kashmir.
• The infantry is often referred to as the “Queen of the Battle,” signifying its central role in military operations throughout history.

4. INDIA RANKS 79TH IN WORLD JUSTICE PROJECT’S RULE OF LAW INDEX 2024 –

• The World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2024 reveals that India ranks 79th out of 142 countries, reflecting a continuing decline in the rule of law globally. This year’s Index shows a decline in the rule of law in 59% of the countries surveyed, marking the sixth consecutive year of global declines since 2016.
• Global Trend: For the seventh consecutive year, rule of law scores declined in 57% of countries worldwide, attributed mainly to authoritarian trends and a decline in Fundamental Rights.
• India’s Performance: India ranked 79th out of 142 countries in the overall index, with its score increasing slightly from last year. Regionally, India holds the 3rd position among 6 South Asian countries.
• Income Group Ranking: Among lower-middle-income countries, India ranked 8th out of 38.
• Global Ranking Leaders: Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Germany top the list, while Venezuela, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Haiti, and Myanmar rank the lowest.
• Within South Asia, India ranked third after Nepal (69) and Sri Lanka (75), followed by Bangladesh (127) Pakistan (129) and Afghanistan (140). Among the G7 countries, Germany topped fifth, followed by Canada (12), Japan (14), UK (15), France (22), the USA (27) and Italy (32). Venezuela got the lowest rank and placed at 142.

5. SOHRAI PAINTINGS: A GIFT TO RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN –

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented unique, handcrafted artifacts representing different regions of India to leaders of various countries during the recently held BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.
• These gifts, each selected for their cultural significance and historical roots, showcased the country’s diverse traditional art forms, including Jharkhand’s Sohrai painting and Maharashtra’s Mother of Pearl Sea Shell Vase and Warli Painting.
• The carefully chosen items served as cultural ambassadors, promoting Indian indigenous art on a global stage.
• Prime Minister Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a Sohrai painting from Hazaribagh district in Jharkhand. This painting style, recognized under India’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, symbolizes the unique cultural identity of Jharkhand’s indigenous communities.
• Traditionally created during the Sohrai harvest festival, these paintings are a vibrant representation of agrarian life, symbolizing the harmony between humans and nature. The women of tribal communities have passed down this art form across generations, using it as a means of storytelling and expression.