Current Affairs - December 8, 2024 Current Affairs

The national workshop on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) was held in New Delhi, organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in collaboration with the National Housing Bank (NHB). The workshop aimed to enhance understanding and cooperation among stakeholders for implementing PMAY-U 2.0, targeting affordable housing solutions for urban poor and vulnerable groups. Over 250 representatives from banks, housing finance companies, and primary lending institutions participated, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the scheme’s success in addressing India’s urban housing challenges.

Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed annually on December 6 to commemorate the death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a crusader for social justice. The term "Mahaparinirvan" from Buddhist philosophy represents liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This day reflects Dr Ambedkar's lifelong efforts to uplift marginalized communities, promote social equality, and eradicate caste-based discrimination. His advocacy for affirmative action and initiatives like the Mahad Satyagraha and Kalaram Temple entry movement highlight his transformative impact on India's social fabric.

The Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station includes two Indian astronauts, Prime-Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Backup-Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, who have completed the initial phase of their training. This mission is part of a private initiative by Axiom Space, using the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, and focuses on commercial activities, international collaboration, and scientific research. By including Indian astronauts, the mission highlights India's growing role in global space exploration and its ability to contribute to cutting-edge research in microgravity environments.

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema visited India to strengthen bilateral ties across various sectors. Key discussions included the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, advancing economic and investment cooperation, and enhancing cross-border connectivity. Notable progress in the hydropower sector was also reviewed, including the near completion of Punatsangchhu-II and plans for future projects. The visit reflects Bhutan and India’s enduring partnership amidst evolving regional dynamics, showcasing shared commitments to development and strategic collaboration. Bhutan’s engagement with Indian private entities, like the Adani Group, further emphasizes this partnership.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and democracy, awarded India’s Prime Minister its second-highest national honour, marking a significant step in their diplomatic and cultural relationship. This move underscores Nigeria's strategic partnership with India, including cooperation in defence, economic, and developmental arenas. Despite competition from other global players like China, Nigeria continues to value its collaboration with India. Their shared leadership roles in the Global South further highlight the importance of these ties. This recognition symbolizes Nigeria’s acknowledgement of the growing bilateral relationship and mutual efforts toward collective progress for developing nations.

The European Space Agency's PROBA-3 mission was launched aboard PSLV-C59, marking the 61st flight of the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle). This mission demonstrated ISRO's proficiency in satellite deployment and highlighted its collaboration with the European Space Agency and NewSpace India Limited. The PSLV has been a reliable workhorse for ISRO, and this launch utilized the PSLV-XL configuration, a variation optimized for specific missions. This milestone underlines ISRO’s sustained excellence in space exploration and international cooperation.

The Mauryan archaeological site of Kumhrar, located in Patna, is significant for its 80-pillar assembly hall, attributed to the Mauryan empire under Emperor Ashoka. This hall is believed to have hosted the 3rd Buddhist Council, a pivotal event in the propagation of Buddhism. The site highlights Pataliputra's (modern Patna) historical role as a political and cultural hub. Recent efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) aim to preserve and study the site, which showcases advanced Mauryan architectural techniques and planning. This initiative underscores the importance of conserving India’s rich heritage while rekindling interest in ancient history.

The Aircraft Act was originally enacted in 1934 to regulate various aspects of civil aviation, including safety, security, and accident investigations, establishing key bodies such as the DGCA, BCAS, and AAIB. The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill, 2024, replaces the Aircraft Act, retaining its foundational provisions while introducing reforms like single-window clearances for RTR certifications and expanded DGCA authority over aircraft design and manufacturing. The Bill reflects efforts to modernize the aviation sector and enhance regulatory oversight while addressing inefficiencies in the previous framework established in 1934.

Hyderabad has been chosen as the location for India's first Google Safety Engineering Centre (GSEC), making it the only such facility in the Asia-Pacific region and the fifth globally. This centre focuses on advanced research, AI-driven security solutions, and addressing India's unique cybersecurity challenges. Hyderabad's thriving tech ecosystem, supported by global tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, and initiatives such as T-Hub and T Works, has positioned the city as a hub for innovation, education, and startups. The GSEC project is expected to boost employment and strengthen Hyderabad's reputation in the cybersecurity domain.

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, enacted in 2013, aims to create a safe and respectful work environment for women. To enhance its implementation, the Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the SHe-Box portal, which ensures confidentiality and provides a streamlined process for filing and tracking complaints. The portal allows nodal officers to monitor it, ensuring transparency and accountability in addressing workplace harassment. By reinforcing the provisions of the 2013 Act, the initiative highlights the government’s commitment to safeguarding women’s rights at work.