Current Affairs - National

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved Maharatna status, granting it enhanced operational autonomy and financial powers. This upgrade enables HAL to invest up to 15% of its net worth in projects and ₹5,000 crore in foreign ventures. To qualify, HAL demonstrated an average annual turnover exceeding ₹25,000 crore, a net worth of over ₹15,000 crore, and a net profit exceeding ₹5,000 crore over three years ¹. As a Maharatna company, HAL joins the ranks of prominent PSUs like NTPC, ONGC, and BHEL, showcasing its substantial operational success.

The Assam Accord was signed in 1985 between the Central Government, the Assam State Government, and leaders of the Assam Movement to address the issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh. It sought to protect the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of the Assamese people through various safeguards. Clause 6 of the accord specifically called for the protection and promotion of the indigenous identity of Assam, with legislative and constitutional provisions.

Horseshoe crabs, ancient marine creatures known for their blue blood, are facing extinction due to habitat loss and human activities along the coastline of Odisha. Conservation efforts are underway to protect them, including tracking their movements and studying their nesting patterns. These crabs, dating back millions of years, are vital to biomedical science due to their blood's unique properties, and they play an important ecological role in their coastal habitat.

The 38th National Games will be held in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, 2025, as announced by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The event will bring together athletes from across the country to compete in various sports. The official schedule is awaiting approval from the IOA General Assembly, which will meet in October 2024. This will be a significant event in India's sports calendar, further enhancing Uttarakhand's role as a host for national sporting events.

The MACE Observatory, inaugurated by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is situated in Hanle, Ladakh. It is Asia's largest and the world's highest imaging Cherenkov telescope, constructed indigenously by BARC. This advanced telescope is crucial for cosmic-ray research and the study of high-energy gamma rays, helping to unlock deeper insights into the universe's most energetic events. Additionally, the observatory contributes to both scientific progress and the socio-economic development of the Ladakh region.