Current Affairs - National

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.

Nikita Porwal from Madhya Pradesh was crowned Femina Miss India World 2024, earning the opportunity to represent India at the Miss World pageant. The prestigious event, which marked its 60th edition, also saw Rekha Pandey from Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Aayushi Dholakia from Gujarat named as the 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively. The event featured a celebrity jury that included Sangeeta Bijlani, Anees Bazmee, and Madhur Bhandarkar, further adding to the glamour of the occasion.

The Mumbai court ordered the ossification test to ascertain if an accused individual in a murder case is a minor. This test is commonly used in legal cases to determine the age of an individual by examining the bones, especially those that change significantly with age, like the clavicle and sternum. The degree of bone growth or fusion can indicate the individual's age, which is particularly relevant in cases involving juveniles.