Current Affairs - National

The Union Cabinet recently approved classical language status for five languages: Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese. This addition increases the total number of classical languages in India to 11. Classical languages hold significant cultural and historical importance, and the recognition brings them special status for preservation and promotion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the construction of four compressed bio-gas plants in Assam on October 2, 2024, as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 programme. The plants are located in Guwahati, Jorhat, Sivasagar, and Tinsukia. This initiative aims to promote sustainable energy and reduce pollution. Oil India Ltd, in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, plans to establish a total of 25 CBG plants by 2024-25. This project will contribute to Assam's transition to cleaner energy and provide an alternative source of income for farmers.

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, marking the beginning of an extraordinary life dedicated to India's struggle for independence. As a renowned lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer, Gandhi led the nationalist movement against British rule. His legacy includes influential writings such as "Hind Swaraj" and "My Experiments with Truth," an autobiography. Gandhi's life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948, now observed as Martyrs' Day.

The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ was launched from Mumbai on October 1, 2024, by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. This initiative aims to transform India into a global cruise tourism hub, with a target of doubling cruise passenger traffic by 2029. The mission emphasizes three key segments: ocean and harbour, river, inland, and island cruises. It will be implemented in three phases, focusing initially on studies, master planning, and modernization of existing cruise facilities. This mission is expected to significantly enhance the cruise sector in India and attract more international tourists.

Hygenco Green Energies has made a significant move in India's renewable energy sector by launching a massive 1.1 GW procurement tender for its Green Ammonia project. This tender invites bids for 625 MW from solar PV projects and 500 MW from wind power, showcasing Hygenco's commitment to sustainability. Notably, Hygenco has already commissioned India's first Green Hydrogen project in Hisar, demonstrating its pioneering efforts in the field ¹ ² ³ ⁴. This initiative will contribute to India's transition toward a low-carbon economy and support the National Green Hydrogen Mission's goal of making India a Green Hydrogen Hub by 2030.