Current Affairs - National

The government has reduced the maximum time for resolving citizen grievances to 21 days, down from the previous 60 days under the UPA administration. This change is part of an effort to enhance the responsiveness and efficiency of the Central Public Grievances Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). By shortening the grievance resolution timeline, the government aims to improve citizen service and accountability, reflecting its commitment to more effective and timely resolution of public complaints.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated a shooting range named after Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker in Gwalior. The range is located at the historic Jiwaji Club, which has been in existence for 125 years. The newly inaugurated facility includes 10-meter air pistol and rifle ranges, aimed at enhancing shooting sports infrastructure in the city. The dedication of the range coincided with Bhaker's success at the Paris Olympics, where she won two individual bronze medals.

Magic Planet, India's first theme park dedicated to magic and illusion, was founded in 2014 in Kerala. The park, created by magician Gopinath Muthukad, blends street magic with science and education, offering a unique experience for visitors. With attractions like street magic shows, a circus castle, and a fantasy theatre, Magic Planet also focuses on empowering differently-abled children through its Different Art Center. This innovative park highlights the intersection of entertainment, education, and social responsibility.

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.