Current Affairs
10 event-centric affairs. Each affair links to entities, GK topics, and exam relevance.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Electoral Bonds Scheme as Unconstitutional
On 15 February 2024, a 5-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, led by CJI DY Chandrachud, unanimously struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme as unconstitutional. The scheme, introduced in 2018 via the Finance Act, allowed anonymous political donations through bonds. The court held that it violated the right to information (Article 19(1)(a)) and was arbitrary. The court directed SBI to submit details of bond purchases to the Election Commission by 6 March 2024, and the EC to publish them by 13 March 2024.
Ram Mandir Consecration: Ayodhya Pran Pratishtha Ceremony
On 22 January 2024, the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, was held. Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the rituals. The temple is built at the site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. The construction follows the 2019 Supreme Court verdict that awarded the disputed site to the Hindu side. The temple's construction is being managed by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Supreme Court Verdict on Same-Sex Marriage: 3-2 Against Legalisation
On 17 October 2023, a 5-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India delivered its verdict on same-sex marriage. By a 3-2 majority, the court declined to legalise same-sex marriage, stating that it is a matter for the legislature to decide. However, the court unanimously agreed that there is no fundamental right to marry. The CJI DY Chandrachud and Justice SK Kaul favoured civil unions, while Justices Bhat, Kohli, and Narasimha disagreed. The court directed the government to form a committee to examine rights of queer couples.
India's Best-Ever Asian Games: 107 Medals at Hangzhou 2022
India achieved its best-ever performance at the Asian Games, winning 107 medals (28 gold, 38 silver, 41 bronze) at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China (held 23 Sep - 8 Oct 2023 due to COVID delay). India finished 4th in the medal tally — its best-ever ranking. Notable performers: Neeraj Chopra (gold, javelin), Indian men's hockey team (gold), Indian men's 4x400m relay team (gold). This was the first time India crossed 100 medals at the Asian Games.
Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam: Women's Reservation Bill Passed
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (128th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2023) was passed by both houses of Parliament in September 2023. It provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. The bill will be implemented after a census and subsequent delimitation exercise. This is a landmark in Indian polity as it amends the Constitution to ensure women's political representation.
G20 Summit 2023: New Delhi Leaders' Declaration
India hosted the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi on 9-10 September 2023 under the theme 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (One Earth, One Family, One Future). The New Delhi Leaders' Declaration was adopted by consensus. Key outcomes: AU (African Union) admitted as permanent G20 member, India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor announced, Global Biofuel Alliance launched, and agreement on tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Aditya-L1: ISRO's First Solar Mission Successfully Launched
On 2 September 2023, ISRO launched Aditya-L1, India's first solar mission, from Sriharikota using PSLV-C57. The spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the L1 Lagrange point of the Sun-Earth system, about 1.5 million km from Earth. It carries 7 payloads to study the solar corona, solar wind, and solar magnetic field. On 6 January 2024, Aditya-L1 was successfully inserted into the L1 halo orbit.
India Becomes World's 5th Largest Economy, Surpasses UK
In 2023, India officially became the world's 5th largest economy by GDP, surpassing the United Kingdom. India's GDP was approximately $3.7 trillion. The top 5 economies are: USA, China, Germany, Japan, India. India is projected to become the 3rd largest economy by 2027-2028, surpassing Germany and Japan. The IMF projected India's growth at 6.3% for FY 2023-24.
Chandrayaan-3: India Creates History with Moon's South Pole Landing
On 23 August 2023, ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully soft-landed on the Moon's south polar region, making India the first country to land near the lunar south pole and the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon. The lander module named 'Vikram' and rover 'Pragyan' conducted in-situ experiments for one lunar day. The mission was launched on 14 July 2023 from Sriharikota.
The Elephant Whisperers Wins Oscar: India's First Academy Award for Documentary
On 12 March 2023, 'The Elephant Whisperers' became the first Indian production to win an Academy Award (Oscar). It won Best Documentary Short Subject at the 95th Academy Awards. Directed by Kartiki Gonsalves and produced by Guneet Monga, the documentary is about the bond between a tribal couple and an orphaned baby elephant in Tamil Nadu's Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Earlier, 'Naatu Naatu' from RRR also won Best Original Song, making it a historic night for India.