Current Affairs - National

The National Centre for Good Governance successfully conducted the 34th Capacity Building Program for 35 Maldivian civil servants, including senior officials, in New Delhi. The two-week program, which began on October 14, was organized in collaboration with India's External Affairs Ministry. This initiative marks the second program in Phase 2 of the renewed training program, demonstrating India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and capacity building in the Maldives. Such programs foster cooperation, knowledge sharing, and people-to-people connections between the two nations.

The 18th NFDC Film Bazaar will be held in Goa from November 20-24, concurrently with the International Film Festival of India. This esteemed event brings together filmmakers from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of multilingual stories. This year's selection features 21 films and 8 web series from 7 nations, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, and Hong Kong. Industry professionals will gather to explore co-production opportunities, celebrating the rich cultural landscape of global cinema. Goa's vibrant cultural backdrop provides an ideal setting for this premier film event.

The 21st Livestock Census, set to launch on October 25, 2024, will collect detailed data on 15 livestock species, including information on pastoralist holdings and gender roles in animal husbandry. This census is distinct for its use of mobile data collection methods, enabling efficient and accurate recording by over 1 lakh field officials across villages and urban areas. This comprehensive approach aims to better inform policies for livestock management and agricultural development.

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 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.