Current Affairs - National

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts an impressive 446 butterfly species, securing its position as India's second-highest butterfly diversity hub. This remarkable finding was highlighted during the "Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024," which brought together experts and enthusiasts from across India. The park's unique landscape, comprising grasslands, wetlands, and forests, provides a haven for these delicate creatures. Only Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh surpasses Kaziranga in butterfly diversity, underscoring the importance of preserving these ecosystems for India's rich biodiversity.

The calibration of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) was successfully completed by Noida International Airport from October 10 to October 14, 2024. This task was conducted by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) with the assistance of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Noida Airport plays a vital role in connecting Delhi and Western Uttar Pradesh, making it a significant infrastructure hub in the region.

The 7th International Solar Alliance Assembly is scheduled to occur at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from November 3 to 6, 2024. This significant event will bring together leaders from 120 member countries to discuss crucial topics such as solar energy adoption, mobilizing finance for deployment, and global climate action. The assembly will provide a platform for ministers, mission heads, senior officials, and key stakeholders to collaborate and accelerate solar deployment, particularly in regions with limited energy access.

BEML, a state-owned company, has secured a significant contract worth ₹866.87 crore from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) to design, manufacture, and commission India’s first indigenously built bullet trains. This project involves creating two high-speed trainsets, each consisting of eight cars and aims to achieve a test speed of 280 km/h with an operational speed of 250 km/h. Set to be produced at BEML’s facility in Bengaluru, this initiative is part of India's broader efforts to enhance rail infrastructure and promote self-reliance in railway technology, moving away from reliance on foreign technologies.

India's first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers was inaugurated by Dr Jitendra Singh in Pune, marking a significant milestone in the country's biotechnology sector. Developed by Praj Industries, the facility specializes in producing Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic. This initiative is part of India's rapidly growing bio-economy, valued at over $150 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $300 billion by 2030, driven by over 8,500 biotech startups. The facility underscores India's commitment to biotechnology research and innovation, positioning itself as a key player in the global biotech industry.