Current Affairs - National

Uber is launching its bicycle taxi service in Gaya, Bihar, beginning in August 2024. This initiative is expected to provide a convenient transportation option for both locals and the many national and international tourists visiting the city. The service, covering routes between Gaya and Bodh Gaya, will also create job opportunities for vehicle owners. Uber's introduction of this service in Gaya marks a significant development in the city's transportation infrastructure, offering a flexible and eco-friendly travel option through a mobile app.

The district jail in Mangaluru has introduced an innovative nursery initiative where prisoners cultivate ornamental plants, such as croton, hibiscus, jasmine, and royal farm plants. This program, led by Superintendent B T Oblesappa and expanded to 30 inmates, aims to rehabilitate prisoners by providing them with valuable agricultural skills and a potential livelihood upon release. The initiative has received positive local reception, with strong demand for the saplings, and also contributes to the government's revenues, highlighting a successful approach to prisoner rehabilitation and self-sufficiency.

The Supreme Court's National Task Force was established to enhance the safety and security of healthcare workers, including doctors and other medical professionals, particularly following an incident at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The task force, consisting of government officials and medical professionals, will focus on developing protocols to improve infrastructure and prevent violence, including gender-based and sexual violence, in healthcare settings. This initiative underscores the importance of safeguarding those who work in critical and often vulnerable positions within the healthcare system.

On India's first National Space Day, the country celebrated an important educational achievement with the release of 'Sapno ki Udaan', an innovative e-magazine. This launch, led by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, aims to inspire the next generation of Indian students by merging science, creativity, and education. The e-magazine was unveiled in a virtual event, highlighting the modern, digital-first approach to education and ensuring widespread accessibility.

The 100-metre steel bridge, a crucial part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, was inaugurated in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. This bridge, constructed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRC) and manufactured in Japan, signifies a major milestone in India's high-speed rail infrastructure. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train is set to drastically reduce travel time between the two cities, marking a significant advancement in India's transportation sector.