This is the current affairs of 28 & 29 September 2023. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. FSSAI asked consumers and sellers to stop using which of the following for packing, serving and storing food items?
a. Newspaper
b.Tree Leaves
c. Paper Plates
d. None of These
Answer: a. Newspaper
FSSAI: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
– The CEO of FSSAI, Ms. Kamala Vardhan Rao, issued relevant guidelines in this regard.
– FSSAI has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, which strictly prohibit the use of newspapers or similar material for packaging, storing, and wrapping food items.
– According to these regulations, the use of newspapers for packaging, serving, or storing food should be immediately discontinued, as the ink used in newspapers contains various bioactive substances that can contaminate food and lead to health-related problems upon ingestion.
– Printing inks may contain chemicals, including heavy metals, that can enter the body through food.
About FSSAI:
– The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India.
– It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
– FSSAI is responsible for regulating and overseeing food safety, as well as promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety standards.
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2. According to the ‘India Aging Report 2023’ released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the elderly population in India will increase from 10.5% to how much by the year 2050?
a. 20.8%
b. 18.8%
c. 15.8%
d. 10.8%
Answer: a. 20.8%
– The Secretary of Social Justice in the Central Government, Saurabh Garg, and Andrea M. Wojnar, the India Representative of UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), released the ‘India Ageing Report 2023’ on September 27, 2023.
Elderly Population in 2022 and 2050:
– According to the ‘India Ageing Report 2023,’ in 2022, there were 149 million people in the country aged 60 and above, accounting for approximately 10.5% of India’s population.
– It is estimated that by 2050, the number of elderly people will double to 347 million, or 20.8% of the population.
Projected Increase in the Elderly Population:
– India’s decade growth rate of the elderly population is estimated to be 41% at present, and it is projected that by 2050, the proportion of the elderly population in the country will more than double, accounting for over 20% of the total population.
– The report estimates that the population of people aged 80 and above will increase by approximately 279% between 2022 and 2050.
– Therefore, strengthening social security, including elderly pensions, is essential in this context.
More Than 40% in Poverty:
– The report states that in India, more than 40% of the elderly population falls into the poorest wealth category.
Need for Pensions:
– In India, the majority of workers in the informal sector lack any form of social security like pensions and health insurance.
– According to the report, based on the ‘Longitudinal Ageing Study of India 2017-18,’ approximately 11% of elderly men receive pensions from their previous employment, and 16.3% receive social pensions.
– Among them, around 18.7% live without any income.
– The report emphasizes that such levels of poverty can affect their quality of life and access to healthcare.
Government Schemes for the Elderly:
– The Central Government runs a comprehensive National Social Assistance Program (NSAP) for the elderly.
– NSAP consists of three sub-schemes: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme, and Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme.
– The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme provides a monthly amount of 200 rupees to individuals below the poverty line aged 60 to 79 years.
– Under the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme, all individuals above 18 years of age receive a monthly pension of 300 rupees.
– The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme provides a monthly amount of 300 rupees to widows aged 40 years or older. After attaining the age of 80, beneficiaries in these categories receive 500 rupees per month.
– Additionally, elderly individuals aged 65 years and above who do not receive any social pension are entitled to receive 10 kilograms of free grain every month.
Note: The monthly pension amounts of 200 rupees and 300 rupees from the Central Government’s scheme have remained unchanged since 2007. The Central Government is providing its employees with a 42% Dearness Allowance on their salaries, while it is not showing the same concern for the elderly. Experts consider this move by the government as a sign of insensitivity.
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3. In view of the adverse effects on the environment and human health, the Gujarat government banned which species of foreign mangrove trees?
a. Bruguera Gymnorrhiza
b. Bruguera Cylindrica
c. Avicennia Marina
d. Conocarpus
Answer: d. Conocarpus
– In September 2023, the Gujarat government imposed a ban on the foreign Macgrove species.
– Now, the planting of this species in forest or non-forest areas in Gujarat will be illegal.
– Prior to this, Telangana had also imposed a ban on these species of plants.
Harm from the Foreign Macgrove Species Konokarpus:
– According to the Chief Forest Conservator S.K. – Chaturvedi, this has led to diseases like cold, cough, asthma, allergies, and more.
– Konokarpus is a perennial species with shiny green leaves. It is a fast-growing species and is said to be not palatable for wild herbivores or domestic animals.
– Its roots go deep into the soil and develop extensively, causing damage to communication lines, drainage systems, and water supply networks.
– Uprooting them entirely is a challenge.
– In Ahmedabad, Konokarpus plants were first planted along the Sabarmati River in the year 2016-17, but now they are appearing in several places.
Gujarat:
– Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
– Governor: Acharya Devvrat
– Capital: Gandhinagar
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4. Who addressed the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on behalf of India?
a. President
b. Prime Minister
c. Home Minister
d. Foreign Minister
Answer: d. Foreign Minister
– On September 26, 2023, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
– During his speech, he began by saying, “Namaste from Bharat.”
– He used the term “Bharat” several times instead of India during his speech. At the end, he also made a reference to “India that is Bharat.”
Key points from S. Jaishankar’s speech:
– Without naming Canada, he stated that promoting terrorism for political ends is wrong. Respect for sovereignty is essential, but this respect should not be selective.
– He emphasized that the days are gone when some countries used to set the agenda and expected others to follow. Rules are effective only when they apply equally to all.
– Times are changing, and now it is essential to listen to the voices of other countries. He mentioned that the agenda of a few countries cannot be imposed on the world.
– The world is witnessing an extraordinary era of turbulence. In India’s vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” not only a few but many concerns are addressed.
– He stated that from the age of confrontation, India has entered the age of global friendship. Aspiring to be a leading power, India is ready to take on significant responsibilities.
– He spoke for a society deeply rooted in the democratic values of ancient traditions. India’s thinking, perspective, and actions are more down-to-earth and effective.
– He also mentioned India’s Women’s Reservation Bill, which has passed in the Indian Parliament, in his speech at the UN.
UNGA:
78th President – Dennis Francis
Headquarters – New York, USA
Founded – 1945
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5. In which violence-hit state has the ‘Armed Forces Special Powers Act’ (AFSPA) been extended for six months by declaring the hill districts as disturbed areas?
a. Sikkim
b. Kerala
c. Punjab
d. Manipur
Answer: d. Manipur
– The Manipur government has extended the ‘Armed Forces Special Powers Act’ (AFSPA) for six months in the entire state, excluding the jurisdiction of 19 police stations in seven districts of the Imphal Valley.
– This decision by the Manipur government will come into effect from October 1, 2023, and will remain in force for six months.
Renewed Violence in Manipur in September:
– After the discovery of the dead bodies of two missing students in Manipur in September 2023, violence erupted once again in the state.
– On September 27, 2023, violent clashes occurred between protesters and security forces in several places, including the capital city, Imphal. A significant number of students participated in the protests.
– Protesters set fire to the BJP office in Thoubal district, attacked the residence of the BJP president in Imphal, and set fire to the home of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
Extension of AFSPA in Manipur:
– The areas where the AFSPA has been extended have a dominance of tribal communities.
– The government’s decision came after a demand from the military. Military officials argued that the absence of – AFSPA has hindered operations against insurgent groups.
– After several years of peace, during the current wave of ethnic violence, insurgent groups have once again gained ground in the state.
– Since the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023, at least 175 people have been killed in clashes between various communities and the Kuki tribal people in the state.
– In Manipur, apart from the state police, nearly 40,000 central security forces are deployed.
Manipur:
– Chief Minister: N. Biren Singh
– Governor: Anusuiya Uikey
– Capital: Imphal
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6. Which players’ team won the gold medal in the 10 meter pistol men’s event in the 19th Asian Games?
a. Shiva Narwal, Arjun Singh and Sarabjit Singh
b. Tanish George Mathew and Sarabjit Singh
c. Arjun Singh, Anand AS and Sarabjit Singh
d. None of These
Answer: a. Shiva Narwal, Arjun Singh and Sarabjit Singh
– Sarabjit Singh, Arjun Singh, and Shiva Narwal’s team won the gold medal in the 10-meter pistol men’s event with a score of 1734.
– In this event, China won the silver with a score of 1733, and Vietnam secured the bronze with a score of 1730.
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7. When is World Heart Day Observed?
a. 27 September
b. 28 September
c. 29 September
d. 30 September
Answer: c. 29 September
Theme 2023
– Use ❤️ Know ❤️
– This day is organized by the ‘World Heart Federation.’
Objective: To spread awareness and educate people worldwide about cardiovascular diseases (CVD), heart diseases, and strokes.
– Every year, 18.6 million people worldwide die due to heart-related diseases.
– In India, there is an increasing trend in heart attack-related deaths among individuals under the age of 40.
– Performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can save many lives in the event of a heart attack.
Why do heart attacks occur suddenly?
– If there is a blockage in the patient’s heart arteries and they are unaware of it, this can happen.
How to take care of your heart:
– Consume a healthy diet.
– If you are overweight, try to lose some weight.
– Engage in daily exercise.
– Aim for at least two and a half hours of physical activity per week.
– Avoid tobacco use.
– Limit alcohol consumption.
– Get regular check-ups for blood sugar and blood pressure.
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8. When is International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste celebrated?
a. 27 September
b. 28 September
c. 29 September
d. 30 September
Answer: c. 29 September
– This day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly on 29 September 2019.
– The main objective of this day is to work towards addressing the problem of climate change through sustainable food habits and taking steps towards zero hunger along with responsible consumption and production.
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9. When is International Safe Abortion Day celebrated?
a. 28 September
b. 29 September
c. 30 September
d. 01 September
Answer: a. 28 September
– This day has been declared by the World Health Organization.
– The purpose of the day is to spread awareness of safe abortion.
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10. Name the Managing Director of HDFC Bank, whose reappointment for three years was approved by RBI?
a. Rakesh Chakradhar
b. Ashok Verma
c. Sashidharan Jagadishan
d. Vikram Jadaun
Answer: c. Sashidharan Jagadishan
– HDFC Bank said that the Reserve Bank has approved the reappointment of Jagadishan. His tenure has been extended for three years from October 27.
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