20th October 2023 Current Affairs for UPSC and STATE PSC Exams

20th October 2023 Current Affair: These current affairs updates for October 20, 2023, provide valuable information to aid your preparation for UPSC Current Affairs 2023 and State PSC exams. The news headlines covered in the current affairs for October 20, 2023, include NCLAT’s Jurisdiction and the Contempt of Court in India, The Majestic Jagannath Temple: A Haven of Spiritual Bliss, Significance of India’s RRTS Project for the National Capital Region, Algal Bloom Transforms Puducherry Beaches Red Amidst Industrial Pollution.

1) NCLAT’s Jurisdiction and the Contempt of Court in India

• Quasi-Judicial Bodies in India: The recent contempt of court notice issued by the Supreme Court to NCLAT members underscores the complexities and challenges faced by quasi-judicial bodies in India. These bodies play a crucial role in the legal and corporate landscape, and the case of Finolex Cables highlights the need for effective functioning and adherence to legal procedures within these institutions.
• Dispute Involving Finolex Cables: The dispute at the heart of this legal controversy revolves around Finolex Cables, a prominent player in the Indian cable and wire industry. The allegations of corporate mismanagement and other legal issues raised in this case demonstrate the significant impact that such disputes can have on the business and legal environment in India.

2) The Majestic Jagannath Temple: A Haven of Spiritual Bliss

• Pilgrimage Destination: The Jagannath Temple is a revered pilgrimage destination, attracting millions of devotees and tourists each year.
• Cultural Heritage: The temple is a significant part of India’s cultural heritage, reflecting the rich traditions and beliefs of the region.
• Annual Chariot Procession: The Rath Yatra is one of India’s most famous chariot processions and a major event in the Hindu calendar.
• Treasure Room Mystery: The locked treasure room within the temple has remained a source of mystery and intrigue, with speculation about its contents continuing to capture public interest.

3) Significance of India’s RRTS Project for the National Capital Region

• Inauguration by Prime Minister: The first leg of India’s RRTS project was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 20, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transportation infrastructure.
• Enhanced Connectivity: The RRTS project aims to address the growing transportation needs of the National Capital Region by providing seamless, high-speed connectivity between Delhi and neighboring cities, reducing travel time and enhancing regional mobility.
• Differentiation from Existing Systems: The RRTS system differs from existing metro and railway networks in India due to its higher operating speeds, which make it well-suited for longer-distance commutes and regional travel.

4) Algal Bloom Transforms Puducherry Beaches Red Amidst Industrial Pollution

• Unusual Color Transformation: The red sea in Puducherry is a striking and unusual change from the region’s typical clear blue waters, capturing the attention of residents and visitors alike.
• Algal Bloom Explanation: Algal blooms are a result of rapid algae growth, which can be triggered by various factors, including increased nutrients in the water, temperature changes, and sunlight exposure.
• Impact on Fisheries: Algal blooms can have a detrimental impact on local fisheries by depleting oxygen levels in the water, which can harm or even kill fish and other marine species, affecting the livelihoods of fishermen.