Current Affairs - National

The Marine Fisheries Census, announced on World Fisheries Day, is set to be conducted in 2025. This digital initiative aims to survey 1.2 million households along India’s coastline within 45 days. Utilizing mobile apps and virtual servers, the census process is 80% faster and gathers data on socio-economic conditions, household size, and fisherfolk engagement. This effort supports the blue economy initiative under Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, enhancing data-driven policy-making for sustainable marine development.

Kerala's Kanhirapoil region in Kasaragod has yielded significant archaeological discoveries, including 24 pairs of prehistoric footprints and a human figure carved into rock, dating back to the Megalithic period. These rock-cut footprints, likely representing souls of the dead, demonstrate ancient civilizations' sophisticated craftsmanship using iron tools. Similar finds in Udupi, Wayanad's Edakkal Caves, and other north Kerala sites highlight the region's shared cultural heritage, underscoring Kerala's importance in India's archaeological landscape and providing valuable insights into the lives of prehistoric communities.

The World Bank's 'Jobs at Your Doorstep' report concentrates on six states, proposing a comprehensive framework for the entire country. Unveiled by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the report prioritizes skilling, redefining jobs and addresses technology-driven shifts in employment. Key recommendations include integrating informal and region-specific education into curricula, and ensuring students acquire relevant skills for emerging job markets. This initiative aims to enhance India's employment landscape, making education more aligned with industry requirements and regional needs.

India's first self-sufficient gaushala, equipped with a state-of-the-art Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant, was inaugurated in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Named Adarsh Gaushala, the facility is a significant milestone in promoting sustainable development and green energy solutions. It generates biogas and organic manure by processing cattle dung and organic waste, demonstrating the "Waste to Wealth" vision. This project is a collaboration between the Gwalior Municipal Corporation and the Indian Oil Corporation, contributing to environmental sustainability and the growth of organic farming in the region.

India has been ranked 23rd globally in the Sustainable Trade Index 2024, as reported by the Hinrich Foundation and IMD. The index evaluates countries based on three pillars: economic growth, societal advancement, and environmental resilience. New Zealand topped the index with a perfect score of 100, followed by the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and Japan. India's position highlights its ongoing efforts to balance trade sustainability, though challenges remain in achieving higher rankings.