Current Affairs - National

Uber introduced the ‘Moto Women bike taxi service in Bengaluru as a pilot program to enhance safety and inclusivity in urban mobility. This initiative caters exclusively to female riders and drivers, providing a secure and empowering transportation option. With Bengaluru being a hub for urban mobility innovations, this program addresses safety concerns and offers flexible earning opportunities for women, contributing to the growing demand for bike taxis as a vital supplement to public transport systems.

The ‘Jalvahak’ scheme was launched to promote long-haul cargo transportation on major rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak. The scheme specifically targets cargo owners who transport goods over 300 km using inland waterways, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. As part of the launch, Minister Sonowal flagged off three cargo ships and two barges from Kolkata's GR Jetty, signalling the commencement of regular cargo services on National Waterways 1 and 2. This initiative is expected to reduce road congestion and promote the efficient use of inland water transport in India.

In 2023, India contributed nearly 50% of the estimated malaria cases in the region, marking a significant share compared to other countries. This highlights the burden of malaria in India despite notable progress in reducing cases over the years. Alongside Indonesia, which accounted for nearly one-third of cases, these two countries are central to the regional malaria statistics. Efforts to further reduce malaria cases in India are critical to achieving global malaria reduction targets.

The primary goal of the upgraded 'Rajmarg Saathi' initiative by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is to enhance highway safety. The initiative focuses on improving road safety and emergency response through upgraded Route Patrolling Vehicles (RPVs). These vehicles are equipped with closed cabinets for organized storage and AI-enabled dashboard cameras to identify cracks, potholes, and infrastructure issues. The collected data on road conditions will be integrated into the NHAI One application, which will further improve road safety measures.

The Ministry of Culture will set up a 10.24-acre cultural village called 'Kalagram' in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh. This initiative aims to showcase India's rich heritage and cultural diversity. The site will feature performances, with a Ganga Pandal capable of holding 10,000 people, along with 20 stages across the city for cultural programs. Kalagram will focus on promoting emerging artists and performances from prestigious institutions such as the National School of Drama and Zonal Cultural Centres, making it an important cultural highlight of the event.