Current Affairs - National

Agra stands as the most popular destination for international tourists visiting Uttar Pradesh, renowned for its iconic Taj Mahal and rich history. Despite fluctuations in tourist numbers, Agra continues to attract foreign visitors, cementing its place as a major attraction. Varanasi, on the other hand, has drawn the highest number of Indian tourists, especially since 2019, while Prayagraj remains a significant destination for domestic travellers.

Delhi Airport has secured the 24th position globally among megahubs, indicating its significant role in international air travel. This ranking reflects the airport's improved performance from the previous year, with a notable 5th place in low-cost carrier (LCC) operations. In contrast, Mumbai Airport has dropped to the 44th position in megahub rankings but maintains its 11th place in LCC operations. The global top 5 megahubs include prominent airports like London Heathrow, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo-Haneda, while LCC megahub leaders include Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Singapore Changi.

The "Rangeen Machhli" app, launched by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, aims to support the ornamental fisheries sector by providing multilingual information, a directory of aquarium shops, and educational modules for fish care and breeding. This initiative seeks to boost the ornamental fisheries industry, promoting employment and economic growth in this sector.

The Home Minister of India, Shri Amit Shah, has announced that Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be renamed Sri Vijaya Puram. This decision aims to remove colonial imprints and honour the significant role of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India’s freedom struggle. The new name symbolizes the victory achieved during the freedom struggle and acknowledges the islands' historical importance, including the first unfurling of the Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the presence of the cellular jail where freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, were imprisoned.

India’s first teal carbon study, which focuses on the role of wetlands in climate adaptation and resilience, was conducted at Keoladeo National Park. Wetlands play a critical role in mitigating climate change by storing organic carbon, known as teal carbon, in non-tidal freshwater systems. Keoladeo National Park, a well-known wetland, was chosen for this study to highlight its importance in managing methane emissions and enhancing climate benefits through conservation efforts. Conservation of such wetlands is vital for maximizing their role in combating climate change.