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1. Which state government has appealed to the people of its state to have more children and announced plans to enact a law making only those with more than two children eligible to contest local body elections?
a. Kerala
b. Andhra Pradesh
c. Uttar Pradesh
d. Tamil Nadu
Answer: b. Andhra Pradesh
Chandrababu Naidu’s Remark on Population Control Sparks New Debate
What did Naidu say?
– In October 2024, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said, “We are considering incentivizing families with more children and encouraging couples to have more children.”
– Expressing concern over the aging population in southern states, he urged people in his state to have more children.
– He also mentioned that his government is planning to introduce a law making only those with more than two children eligible to contest local body elections.
– Referring to a state cabinet decision on August 7, Naidu said, “We have repealed the previous law that barred people with more than two children from contesting local body elections. We will introduce a new law under which only those with more than two children will be eligible to contest.”
Why promote population growth?
– India’s average population growth in the 1950s was 6.2%. This decreased to 2.1% in 2021, and in Andhra Pradesh, it dropped to 1.6%.
– Naidu said, “We are already at a loss. Having fewer than two children leads to a rapid decline in the young population. Having more than two children will ensure a stable population.”
– “We only have a demographic advantage until 2047.”
– “After 2047, Andhra Pradesh will have more elderly people than the youth.”
– “This is already happening in countries like Japan, China, and many parts of Europe. Having more children is also your responsibility. You are not just doing this for yourself, but for the country’s benefit, it is a service to society.”
– Naidu has previously voiced similar concerns, stating that the average age of the state’s population is currently 32 years, which will rise to 40 years by 2047.
Naidu’s earlier stance on population control
– “I was once in favor of population control and introduced a law that barred people with more than two children from contesting elections. I feared that a large population would lead to shortages of water, land, and other resources. You listened to me, and in just 10 years, Andhra Pradesh reduced its population. Now, I fear that we won’t have enough young people in the state.”
Higher average age in southern states
– According to the 2011 census, southern states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana have a higher average age than many northern states.
– In 2011, Kerala’s average age was 31.9 years, followed by Tamil Nadu (29.9), Andhra Pradesh (27.6), Karnataka (27.4), and Telangana (26.7).
– In comparison, states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar had average ages of 21.5 and 19.9 years, respectively.
Political impact of population differences between North and South India
– Currently, there are 543 seats in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament).
– Since 1977, the number of Lok Sabha seats has not increased. The Delimitation Commission has been formed four times (in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002), but the number of seats was not raised.
– According to the Constitution, the number of seats allocated to a state must be proportional to its population. This implies that states with less interest in population control could gain more seats in Parliament.
– Southern states promoting family planning could face a reduction in their seats.
– To address these concerns, during the Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1976, the Constitution was amended to freeze delimitation until 2001, with the 1971 census used as the basis for seat allocation until then.
– Despite this, there have been changes in seat allocation for states like Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram (which gained statehood in 1986), the creation of an assembly for the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and the formation of new states like Uttarakhand.
– The 84th Constitutional Amendment of 2001 extended this freeze until 2026, arguing that by then, population growth rates across the country would have become uniform. However, this hasn’t happened. Northern states have not implemented family planning as effectively as southern states, increasing the population gap between North and South India.
– This is likely why Naidu now says, “We are already at a loss. Having fewer than two children leads to a rapid decline in the young population. Having more than two children will ensure a stable population.”
What will be the seat distribution after the 2026 delimitation?
– According to an NDTV report (September 21, 2023), India’s estimated population in 2026 will be 1.42 billion, and this data will be crucial for delimitation, which involves redrawing electoral boundaries based on population.
– The number of Lok Sabha seats is expected to increase from 543 to 753 after the census and delimitation process.
Estimated increase in Lok Sabha seats in states
Southern States: State, Current Seats, 2026 Seats, Difference
– Karnataka, 28 → 36 (+8)
– Telangana, 17 → 20 (+3)
– Andhra Pradesh, 25 → 28 (+3)
– Tamil Nadu, 39 → 41 (+2)
– Kerala, 20 → 19 (-1)
Northern States: State, Current Seats, 2026 Seats, Difference
– Uttar Pradesh, 80 → 128 (+48)
– Bihar, 40 → 70 (+30)
– Madhya Pradesh, 29 → 47 (+18)
– Maharashtra, 48 → 68 (+20)
– Rajasthan, 25 → 44 (+19)
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2. President Draupadi Murmu made an official visit to which three African countries in October 2024?
a. South Africa, Malawi and Congo
b. Nigeria, Niger and Algeria
c. Libya, Mali and Angola
d. Algeria, Mauritania and Malawi
Answer: d. Algeria, Mauritania and Malawi
– This was the first visit by any Indian President to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi.
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3. Which African country’s university awarded honorary doctorate to President Draupadi Murmu?
a. Algeria
b. Mauritania
c. Malawi
d. Nigeria
Answer: a. Algeria
Droupadi Murmu Awarded Doctorate Degree
– The Martyr Ihaddaden Abdelhafid University in Algeria awarded President Droupadi Murmu an honorary doctorate in Political Science for her advocacy of science and knowledge for all social groups in India.
– This honor was bestowed upon her during her visit to Algeria in October 2024.
President Visits Ancient Roman City
– President Droupadi Murmu visited the archaeological site of the ancient Roman city of Tipasa, experiencing a glimpse of Algeria’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
– Built in the 6th century BCE, Tipasa was a significant cultural and trading center on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
Algeria’s Importance to India Due to Oil and Gas
– Algeria holds the world’s tenth-largest natural gas reserves.
– It is the fourth-largest gas exporter globally and has the third-largest untapped shale gas resource.
– Algeria’s oil and gas abundance makes it a crucial partner for India.
– India and Algeria share cordial relations, cooperating in strategic sectors such as oil and gas, defense, and space collaboration.
– The total trade between India and Algeria amounts to 1.7 billion USD.
Algeria:
– Capital: Algiers
– President: Abdelmadjid Tebboune
– Prime Minister: Nadir Larbaoui
– Currency: Algerian Dinar
– Population: 46.7 million
– Neighboring countries: Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara (administered by Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic), and Morocco
– Sea: Mediterranean Sea
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4. Which agreements were signed between the two countries during President Draupadi Murmu’s visit to Mauritania?
a. Training of diplomats
b. Cultural exchange
c. Visa exemption and Foreign Office consultation
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above (Four agreements – Training of diplomats, Cultural exchange, Visa exemption and Foreign Office consultation)
This was the first visit by any Indian President to Mauritania. President Droupadi Murmu visited the country in October 2024.
Note:
– Mauritania is currently chairing the African Union. President Murmu’s visit took place a year after the African Union was made a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023.
Mauritania:
– Capital: Nouakchott
– President: Mohamed Ould Ghazouani
– Prime Minister: Mokhtar Ould Dahi
– Currency: Ouguiya
– Population: 4.328 million
– Neighboring countries: Algeria, Mali, Senegal, – Western Sahara
– Sea: Atlantic Ocean
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5. Which country is also called the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, where President Draupadi Murmu donated 1000 metric tons of rice and cancer treatment machines during her visit?
a. Algeria
b. Mauritania
c. Malawi
d. Nigeria
Answer: c. Malawi
India-Malawi Agreements:
– Four agreements were signed between India and Malawi in the fields of art and culture, youth affairs, sports, and pharmaceutical cooperation.
India Donates 1,000 Metric Tons of Rice and Medical Equipment:
– As part of humanitarian aid, India provided 1,000 metric tons of rice to Malawi.
– Additionally, as part of health cooperation, a Bhabhatron cancer treatment machine was handed over to Malawi.
– President Murmu also announced India’s support in establishing a permanent artificial limb fitment center (Jaipur Foot) in Malawi.
Trade Relations Between India and Malawi:
– India and Malawi share historical trade relations.
– Interestingly, many members of the Nyasaland Indian Traders Association (NITA), established in 1923, and later the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in 1936, were of Indian origin.
– India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Malawi, right after its independence in 1964.
Malawi:
– Malawi is a landlocked country and is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa.”
– Capital: Lilongwe
– President: Lazarus Chakwera
– Currency: Malawian Kwacha
– Population: 21.2 million
– Neighboring countries: Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia
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6. Who has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Commission for Women by the Central Government?
a. Vijaya Sayani
b. Archana Majumdar
c. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar
d. Rajni Mehta
Answer: c. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar
– She has been appointed as the 9th Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
– She succeeds Rekha Sharma in this role.
– Rahatkar previously served as the Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women from 2016 to 2021.
– She has also been the President of the BJP Mahila Morcha (Women’s Wing).
– Her appointment is for a term of three years or until she reaches the age of 65, whichever comes first.
National Commission for Women (NCW):
– It is a statutory body.
– Its objective is to protect women’s rights, eliminate discrimination and violence against women, and ensure equal opportunities for them in all spheres.
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7. When was Karmayogi Week (National Learning Week) organised?
a. 19 to 25 October
b. 15 to 20 October
c. 15 to 20 October
d. 5 to 15 October
Answer: a. 19 to 25 October
– On October 19, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Karmayogi Week, also known as the National Learning Week.
– The objective of Mission Karmayogi is to provide a new direction for the personal and organizational skill development of civil servants.
– PM Modi emphasized that through Mission Karmayogi, the goal is to create human resources that become the driving force for the country’s development.
– Mission Karmayogi was launched in September 2020, aiming to envision a future-ready civil service rooted in Indian ethos with a global perspective.
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8. How much amount has been doubled by the Government of India to promote education of Indian-origin Tamil community living in plantation areas of Sri Lanka?
a. Rs 10.23 crore
b. Rs 12.23 crore
c. Rs 15.23 crore
d. Rs 17.23 crore
Answer: d. Rs 17.23 crore
– The purpose of this fund is to promote education for the Indian-origin Tamil community living in the plantation areas of Sri Lanka.
– Under this project, the infrastructure of nine plantation schools identified by the Sri Lankan government will be upgraded.
– These include six schools in the plantation areas of the Central Province and one each in Uva, Sabaragamuwa, and the Southern Province.
– This additional fund was provided at the request of the Sri Lankan government. With this, India’s total commitment to the project has now reached 60 million Sri Lankan Rupees (17.225 million Indian Rupees).
– This project is part of India’s many past and ongoing development partnership initiatives in Sri Lanka’s education sector.
Sri Lanka:
– President: Anura Kumara Dissanayake
– Prime Minister: Harini Amarasuriya
– Capitals: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Legislative) and Colombo (Executive and Judicial)
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9. Who became the fourth Indian cricketer to score nine thousand runs in test matches?
a. Rohit Sharma
b. Virat Kohli
c. KL Rahul
d. Rishabh Pant
Answer: b. Virat Kohli
– Indian batsman Virat Kohli achieved this milestone during the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand.
– On October 18, 2024, Virat Kohli scored 70 runs off 102 balls. With this, Kohli crossed the 9,000-run mark in Test cricket.
– Before him, only Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar had reached this milestone in Indian cricket.
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10. Which country’s team won the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024?
a. India
b. South Africa
c. New Zealand
d. Bangladesh
Answer: c. New Zealand
– The final match of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 was held on October 20, 2024, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
– The New Zealand team, led by Sophie Devine, emerged victorious.
– New Zealand won the Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time by defeating South Africa in the final.
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11. Supreme Court suggested to the Parliament to amend which law to ban ‘child engagement’ and declare ‘child marriage’ illegal?
a. Indian Judicial Code, 2023
b. Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006
c. Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012
d. Indian Civil Defense Code, 2023
Answer: b. Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006
Which judges’ bench delivered the verdict
– A bench consisting of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Mishra delivered this verdict during a hearing of a public interest petition in October 2024.
– The court stated that “child marriage takes away the right to choose a life partner. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act cannot be obstructed by any ‘personal law’ tradition. It deprives children of their freedom, choice, self-determination, and the right to enjoy their childhood. Forced and early marriages adversely affect both parties involved.”
Violation of Article 21
– Justice DY Chandrachud said that child marriage violates the right to life and liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. “All children married as minors are deprived of their choice and autonomy, the right to education, sexual rights, and the right to child development. Girls who are married off in childhood are also deprived of their rights to health.”
Court’s Ruling
– The Supreme Court urged Parliament to consider amending the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, to prohibit child engagement and declare ‘child marriage’ illegal.
– In fact, according to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, child marriage is illegal but not void.
PCMA Act, 2006
– This is a law aimed at curbing child marriages and punishing those involved.
– The marriageable age for girls is 18 years and for boys is 21 years.
– Child marriage is illegal but not void.
– There is a provision for a sentence of up to two years for child marriage offenses.
– The court can issue orders to prevent marriages.
– Crimes under this act are non-bailable.
Reduction in Child Marriage
– The Supreme Court bench noted that since the enactment of the PCMA law, “the prevalence of child marriage in India has halved… from 47% in 2015-16 to 27%, and to 23.3% in 2019-2021.” However, despite the government’s efforts, there remains a gap in implementing specific, targeted measures focused on preventing child marriage.
– While existing schemes are effective, they do not provide adequate resources to address child marriage comprehensively.
Supreme Court’s 12 Directives on Child Marriage
1. States and Union Territories should appoint Child Marriage Prevention Officers at the district level. Collectors and Superintendents of Police will also be held accountable.
2. States must upload reports every three months to establish individual accountability and prevent child marriage. The State Women and Child Development and Home Ministries will review these reports.
3. Effective community engagement techniques should be developed in collaboration with local people.
4. States should consider creating Special Juvenile Police Units.
5. States should establish Special Child Marriage Prohibition Units, comprising five social workers, including at least two women.
6. Magistrates can take cognizance of cases and issue directives. Fast-track courts should be established in collaboration with the central and state governments for such cases.
7. Legal action should be taken against any government employee found involved in child marriage.
8. An initiative for ‘Child Marriage Free Villages’ should be launched, similar to the ‘Open Defecation Free Villages’ initiative. Such villages and gram panchayats should be awarded ‘Child Marriage Free’ certificates. 9. Community leadership should be encouraged to take an active role.
9. Awareness programs should be conducted in schools, religious institutions, and panchayats. Effective hoardings and slogans should be created in the local language.
10. States should incorporate a ‘Sex Education’ framework in school curricula as per WHO recommendations.
11. Information about Childline (1098) and Women’s Helpline (181) should be provided in schools, panchayats, and local institutions. Children should be informed about how to seek help.
12. The Supreme Court has requested all parties to submit a status report on this matter after one year.
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12. When is International Chefs Day celebrated?
a. 19 October
b. 20 October
c. 21 October
d. 22 October
Answer: b. 20 October
Theme for 2024
– Growing Great Chefs
The purpose of this day is to educate people around the world about healthy eating.
– The renowned master chef and former president of the World Association of Chefs Societies (Worldchefs), Dr. Bill Gallagher, established International Chef Day in 2004.
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