Current Affairs - National

The Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme, launched by the Ministry of Textiles, is a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing the traceability, certification, and branding of Indian cotton. Through the use of QR-based certification technology and blockchain software, the programme ensures complete traceability of Kasturi Cotton Bharat across the supply chain. The initiative is supported by a budget of Rs. 30 crore and involves collaboration between the Government of India, trade bodies, and industry stakeholders, promoting Indian cotton on both national and international platforms.

The Quit India Movement was launched on August 8, 1942, during the All India Congress Committee session in Bombay (now Mumbai). This event was pivotal in India's fight for independence from British rule. The movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, demanded the immediate withdrawal of British forces from India and was marked by Gandhi's famous "Do or Die" speech. The date and year of this launch are significant, as they marked the beginning of a large-scale civil disobedience movement against British colonialism.

The first in-house cadaver organ retrieval by ESIC Super Specialty Hospital took place in Hyderabad. This event marked a significant advancement in the field of organ transplantation. During this procedure, a 45-year-old brain-dead male donor's organs were retrieved and successfully used to save three lives. The organs were allocated by Jeevandhan and distributed to ESIC and Osmania General Hospital. The success of this operation highlighted the effective coordination among the neurosurgery, anaesthesia, and transplant teams involved.

The "VIRAASAT" exhibition, dedicated to celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day, began on August 3, 2024, at Handloom Haat in Janpath, New Delhi. Organized by the National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) under the Ministry of Textiles, this event highlights the rich tradition of handloom and handicrafts in India. The exhibition will run until August 16, 2024, offering various activities, stalls, and workshops to connect handloom weavers and artisans with the market.

On August 2, 2024, the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of eight new national high-speed road corridor projects. This initiative is part of a larger effort to modernize and expand India's road network. The approved projects will cover a total of 936 kilometres and involve a significant investment of Rs 50,655 crore. Additionally, these projects are expected to generate around 4.42 crore mandays of employment, providing a significant boost to the job market and local economies.