Current Affairs October 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the culmination program of the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign’s Amrit Kalash Yatra at Kartavya Path on October 31, 2023.

1. This program marked the closing ceremony of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating India’s 75th year of independence.
2. The Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign is a tribute to the Veers and Veeranganas who have made the supreme sacrifice for the country.
3. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Amrit Vatika and Amrit Mahotsav Memorial during the event.
4. He addressed thousands of Amrit Kalash Yatris participating from across the country.
5. The Prime Minister also launched the ‘Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform for the youth of the country.
6. The Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign achieved significant success, with over 2.3 lakh Shilaphalakams built in 36 States and Union Territories, nearly four crore Panch Pran pledge selfies uploaded, and two lakh Veeron ka Vandan programs organized nationwide.
7. Delegates from all 36 States and Union Territories gathered in the National Capital to participate in the final event of Meri Maati Mera Desh.

MCQs

Q.: What did Prime Minister Modi inaugurate during the Culmination of the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign’s program?

a) A new hospital
b) A museum
c) Amrit Vatika and Amrit Mahotsav Memorial
d) A sports stadium

Ans : c) Amrit Vatika and Amrit Mahotsav Memorial

Q.: What was the primary focus of the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign?

a) Environmental Conservation
b) Celebrating Festivals
c) Paying homage to those who sacrificed for the country
d) Promoting Sports

Ans : c) Paying homage to those who sacrificed for the country

Q.: What new platform was launched for the youth of the country during the program?

a) Digital India
b) Skill India
c) Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)
d) Start-up India

Ans : c) Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) offers a home voting facility or postal ballot facility for senior citizens aged 80 and above and individuals with 40 percent disabilities.

1. To vote by postal ballot, an Absentee Voter must apply through Form-12D to the Returning Officer of the respective constituency within a specified period.
2. A polling team, comprising two polling officials, a videographer, and a security person, visits the elector’s home to assist them in casting their vote through the Postal Ballot while maintaining vote secrecy.
3. The ECI has directed Chief Electoral Officers of several states to disseminate information and provide assistance to these categories of voters.
4. The ECI also offers transportation to senior citizens and differently-abled persons who choose to visit polling stations to vote. Wheelchairs must be provided at all polling stations for their convenience.
5. In the 2019 General Elections, the ECI allowed disabled and senior citizens to vote through postal ballots, which significantly increased voter turnout.
6. The use of e-postal ballots in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections saw approximately 60.14 percent of absentee voters casting their votes, compared to just 4 percent in the 2014 general elections. The ECI expects a similar positive impact on voting percentages in the upcoming state assembly elections.

Questions : What is the eligibility criterion for individuals to use the home voting facility offered by the Election Commission of India?

a) Individuals aged 60 and above
b) Senior citizens aged 80 and above
c) Individuals with disabilities of any age
d) Senior citizens aged 80 and above and individuals with 40 percent disabilities.

Ans : d) Senior citizens aged 80 and above and individuals with 40 percent disabilities.

A joint military exercise called ‘Exercise KAZIND-2023’ is being conducted between the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the Kazakhstan contingent. The exercise is taking place in Otar, Kazakhstan, from October 30 to November 11, 2023.

1. The Indian Army contingent, led by a Battalion from the DOGRA Regiment, consists of 90 personnel, while the Kazakhstan contingent is represented by personnel from the Regional Command South of Kazakh Ground Forces.
2. Additionally, 30 personnel from the Air Force on both sides are participating in this edition of the exercise alongside the Army contingents.
3. The joint exercise was initiated in 2016 as ‘Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK’ and was later upgraded to a company-level exercise and renamed ‘Exercise KAZIND.’ This year, it has been further upgraded as a Bi-service Exercise by including the Air Force component.
4. The primary focus of this edition of the exercise is to practice counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional environment under the United Nations mandate. The contingents will jointly rehearse various tactical drills, including Raid, Search and Destroy Operations, Small Team Insertion and Extraction Operations, and Counter Unmanned Aerial System Operations.

Q.: Indian Military is conducting the joint military exercise ‘Exercise KAZIND-2023’ with which country?

a) China
b) Kazakhstan
c) Russia
d) United States

Ans : b) Kazakhstan

The Indian Army celebrated ‘Shaurya Diwas’ on October 27, 2023, in Jammu and Kashmir. ‘Shaurya Diwas’ marks the 76th anniversary of the landing of Indian forces in Kashmir, ensuring the first civil-military victory of Independent India.

1. The Army troops landed at Budgam Airport a day after the signing of the Instrument of Accession between Maharaja Hari Singh and the Republic of India.
2. During the celebrations, a historical reenactment of the landing and events was performed to honor the brave soldiers and the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
3. The reenactment covered the violation of the ‘Standstill Agreement’ by Pakistan and the arrival of Indian Army soldiers on October 27, 1947, to evict Pakistani Forces.
4. Major Somnath Sharma, the first Param Vir Chakra recipient, led his company despite being injured and saved the Srinagar airfield from Pakistani tribals, sacrificing his life.
5. Tributes were paid to other brave individuals, including Brigadier Rajinder Singh and Lieutenant Colonel Dewan Ranjit Rai, who also made sacrifices to protect the nation.

Question: Who was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra?

Options:
a) General Manekshaw
b) Major Somnath Sharma
c) Lieutenant Colonel Dewan Ranjit Rai
d) Brigadier Rajinder Singh

Answer: b) Major Somnath Sharma

The government is launching a nationwide outreach and awareness campaign called “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” on the 15th November 2023

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Yatra on Birsa Munda Jayanti-Jan Jaati Gaurav Diwas by flagging off Information, Education, and Communication Vans.
2. The Yatra will begin in the Khunti district of Jharkhand for tribal districts initially and later cover the remaining districts across the country from November 22, 2023, to January 25, 2024.
3. It will be the first time that all gram panchayats will be covered during this outreach and awareness campaign.
4. The campaign aims to create awareness and ensure public participation (Jan Bhagidari) in developmental and welfare schemes as India works towards becoming a developed country by 2047.
5. Key features of 20 schemes, including Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, PM PRANAM Yojana, and Urea Subsidy Scheme, will be showcased.
6. Information will be disseminated in rural and urban areas using audio-visuals, brochures, pamphlets, and other mediums in regional languages.
7. The Yatra will collect feedback about the schemes, and people will be able to share their experiences through ‘Kahaani Meri Zubaani’ and participate in on-the-spot Quiz Competitions.
8. Prime Minister’s Mann ki Baat will be live telecast through the campaign’s vans, and a virtual question and answer session with the Prime Minister will be held.
9. On-the-spot services like health camps, Aadhaar enrollment, and MY BHARAT volunteer enrollment will be provided during the Yatra.
10. Agricultural activities, including drone demonstrations and interaction with progressive farmers on soil health cards and natural farming, are key objectives of the Yatra.
11. Over 2,500 vans will cover rural areas, while 200 vans will disseminate information in urban areas.

MCQs

Q.: What is the primary goal of the campaign “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra”?

a) To promote tourism
b) To conduct political rallies
c) To create awareness and ensure public participation in development and welfare schemes
d) To organize cultural festivals

Answer:c) To create awareness and ensure public participation in development and welfare schemes

Q.: Which districts will be covered initially as part of the Yatra’s rollout?

a) Urban districts
b) Tribal districts
c) Coastal districts
d) Northern districts

Answer: b) Tribal districts

Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated Country’s first Nano DAP plant plant near Kalol in Gandhinagar on 24 October 2023.

1. This plant is set up by IFFCO at a cost of 300 crore rupees.
2. The Nano liquid DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) produced at the plant is cost-effective, with one bottle priced at 600 rupees, offering an alternative to conventional DAP costing around 1300 rupees per bag.
3. The Nano DAP plant is expected to reduce imports of DAP, lower logistics and warehousing costs, and produce 5 crore bottles of Nano DAP liquid, equivalent to 25 tons of DAP.

Q.: Who set up the Country’s first Nano DAP plant near Kalol in Gandhinagar?

a) Government of Gujarat
b) IFFCO
c) Indian Ministry of Agriculture
d) Local Farmers’ Cooperative

Answer: b) IFFCO