Current Affairs - October 22, 2024 Current Affairs

Odisha took top honours in the state category at the 5th National Water Awards 2023, conferred by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. The awards recognized excellence in nine categories, including Best State, Best District, and Best Civil Society. Odisha's first-place finish was followed by Uttar Pradesh in second and Gujarat and Puducherry in third place. This prestigious award acknowledges Odisha's outstanding efforts in water conservation and management, which have contributed to the government's vision of 'Jal Samridh Bharat'.

Haryana has pioneered the implementation of sub-quotas for Dalits, introducing a subclassification within the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. The state will divide the 20% SC quota into two equal parts: Deprived Scheduled Castes (DSC) and Other Scheduled Castes (OSC). This move aims to address disparities in employment opportunities and the under representation of DSC in government jobs, as highlighted by empirical data. The decision aligns with a Supreme Court ruling and demonstrates Haryana's commitment to promoting social equity and inclusive governance. This initiative may set a precedent for other states to follow.

Hurricane Oscar, upgraded from a tropical storm, is forecasted to make a second landfall in Cuba, specifically affecting the north coast provinces of Holguin and Guantanamo to Punta Maisi. The storm's trajectory poses significant challenges for Cuba's 10 million residents, who are preparing for potential damage and disruptions. As a hurricane, Oscar's impact is expected to be substantial, with authorities issuing warnings and taking precautions to ensure public safety. Effective preparedness and response measures are crucial to mitigate the effects of this powerful storm.

Cyclonic storm 'Dana' is forecasted to hit Odisha's coast, prompting evacuation preparations for residents in vulnerable low-lying areas. With predicted wind speeds of 120 km/h, 'Dana' poses a significant threat. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) tracks its progression, anticipating intensification from a low-pressure area to a cyclonic storm. Effective evacuation plans are crucial to minimize damage and ensure public safety. Authorities closely monitor 'Dana's' movement, warning citizens of potential risks and necessary precautions.

The National Para-Swimming Championship 2024 took place in Panaji, where athletes from various states competed in different categories. Among the winners, Lakhan Singh from Rajasthan secured gold in the S4 100m freestyle event, while swimmers from Odisha, Haryana, and Maharashtra also achieved top spots in their respective events. Panaji served as the host city for this prestigious para-sports event, highlighting the growing prominence of para-swimming in India.

The significant archaeological find of 16th-century copper plate inscriptions was made at the Sri Singeeswarar temple in Mappedu village, Tiruvallur district. These inscriptions, dating back to 1513 CE, provide valuable insights into the Vijayanagara Kingdom's history and reign of King Krishandevaraya. The copper plates feature the kingdom's seal and are written in Sanskrit and Nandinagari script. This discovery sheds light on the cultural and historical significance of the region, highlighting the importance of preserving ancient artefacts for future generations. Tiruvallur's rich history is further underscored by this remarkable find.

The Government of India launched the eShram – One Stop Solution in New Delhi to enhance access to social security schemes for unorganised workers. This innovative platform aims to streamline data from various government ministries and integrate important welfare schemes, including the One Nation One Ration Card and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). By centralizing this information, the initiative seeks to improve the welfare and support provided to unorganised workers, making it easier for them to access essential services and benefits.

Bihar has taken a significant step in boosting its logistics infrastructure with the inauguration of its first Dry Port and Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Bihta, near Patna. This facility will provide efficient warehousing, customs clearance, and multi-modal transport services, streamlining import and export operations for businesses in Bihar. Strategically located, the ICD is well-connected by rail to major ports such as Kolkata, Haldia, Visakhapatnam, and Mundra. This development is expected to enhance trade facilitation, reduce transportation costs, and promote economic growth in the region. Bihar's logistics landscape is poised for significant transformation.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is pioneering the Moonlight program, a groundbreaking initiative to create a dedicated satellite constellation for communication and navigation on the Moon. This ambitious project involves launching five satellites, including one for high-data-rate communications and four for navigation. The Lunar Pathfinder, the first satellite, is scheduled to launch in 2026, with full deployment expected by 2030. Moonlight will enable seamless connectivity between the Moon and Earth, facilitating future lunar missions and research. ESA's innovative approach will significantly enhance lunar exploration capabilities.

The UDAN scheme, which stands for "Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik," was launched in 2016 to enhance regional air connectivity across India. It aims to make air travel more accessible by operationalizing new routes, airports, and aerodromes. Since its inception, 601 routes and 71 airports have been activated, significantly increasing air travel infrastructure. This initiative is a part of India's larger plan to further expand airport capacity, aiming for 350-400 operational airports by 2047.

Ajay Kumar Singh, a senior IPS officer from the 1989 batch, has taken over as Jharkhand's new DGP, replacing Anurag Gupta, who was removed due to past election-related misconduct. Singh's appointment comes ahead of Jharkhand's upcoming elections, scheduled to take place in two phases on November 13 and 20, 2024. As DGP, Singh will play a crucial role in maintaining law and order during the electoral process. His selection was made from a panel of three IPS officers recommended by the state government. This change in leadership aims to ensure fair conduct during the assembly elections.

Kerala has taken a significant step towards enhancing road safety by launching the Citizen Sentinel app, enabling citizens to report traffic violations by uploading photos and videos up to 8 MB. Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), this app is part of Kerala's 100-day action plan. Verified reports will lead to e-challans being issued to violators by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD). Kerala is the third state in India to implement this innovative solution, following Chhattisgarh and Odisha. This initiative promotes public participation in maintaining traffic discipline and ensures swift action against violators.

Glasgow, Scotland, has been selected to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking the city's return as host after a 12-year hiatus. The 2026 Games will feature a streamlined sports program, focusing on 10 disciplines, including athletics, swimming, and gymnastics. Notably, popular sports like hockey, badminton, wrestling, and shooting will not be included. Glasgow's experience in hosting major international events, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games, makes it an ideal location for this prestigious sporting event. The city's infrastructure and expertise will ensure a successful and memorable Games.

The Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the West Manipur Hills, characterized by its unique landscape of five lakes amidst tropical rainforests and hilly terrain within the Barak River basin. This ecologically sensitive area has become a focal point of controversy due to proposed oil exploration plans. Environmentalists and local groups, including the Naga citizens group, have expressed strong opposition to the project, citing concerns about potential harm to the sanctuary's fragile ecosystem and biodiversity. Manipur's rich natural heritage is reflected in this sanctuary, underscoring the need for sustainable conservation efforts.