Current Affairs - National

Vantara, a modern animal rescue, conservation, and rehabilitation centre, was inaugurated in Jamnagar, Gujarat, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like MRI, CT scans, and ICUs, designed to provide medical care to rescued animals. During his visit, PM Modi interacted with rehabilitated animals, observed medical procedures, and highlighted the importance of wildlife conservation. The centre aims to protect endangered species and offer sanctuary to animals in need, showcasing the efforts made by India to promote environmental sustainability and animal welfare.

The first-ever river dolphin survey in India recorded a total of 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight states, with over 8,500 km surveyed. The survey, which involved 3,150 man-days, highlighted the importance of conservation efforts. Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of river dolphins, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. The survey's findings are critical for promoting eco-tourism, conservation, and raising awareness about wildlife, as emphasized by the Prime Minister.

The Payment Security Summit & Awards – India will be hosted in Mumbai on March 4, 2025. The event will focus on strengthening digital payment security in response to rising cyber threats, bringing together industry leaders, regulators, and financial institutions. Cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of cyber resilience for ensuring India’s economic growth and financial integrity, highlighting the summit’s relevance in addressing these challenges.

The Ancient Tea Horse Road, a centuries-old trade route, connected China to India through Tibet. This route facilitated the exchange of goods, including tea from China and horses from Tibet, and it was a vital part of trade between the two regions. The road passed through significant locations such as Lhasa in Tibet, before continuing to India and beyond. The Tea Horse Road played a crucial role in linking the cultures of China, Tibet, and India, contributing to the historical and economic interactions between these regions.

The Centre has approved the development of a second airport in Telangana at Mamnoor, which is located near Warangal and is less than 150 km from Hyderabad. This decision is part of an initiative to enhance aviation infrastructure in the state, with an allocation of ₹205 crore to acquire 253 acres for the airport's development. A special waiver was also granted to bypass the 150 km restriction under the Hyderabad Greenfield Airport agreement.