Current Affairs - National

IIT Madras secured the top position in the 'overall' category in the NIRF 2024 rankings, continuing its consistent performance in India's higher education landscape. The NIRF, introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2015, ranks institutions based on various key parameters. IIT Madras's achievement highlights its excellence in areas such as research, teaching, and infrastructure. The rankings play a crucial role in helping students and parents make informed decisions about higher education institutions in India.

On August 11, 2024, the Prime Minister introduced 109 new seed varieties designed to be high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified. Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, these seeds cover 61 different crops, including both field and horticultural varieties. The goal of this initiative is to boost farm productivity, enhance nutritional quality, and improve the income of farmers. This release represents a significant step towards advancing agricultural practices and adapting to climate challenges.

The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flowering shrub native to the montane grasslands of southwest India, has recently been added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Known for its rare mass blooming event that occurs once every 12 years, the Neelakurinji has been classified as Vulnerable under the IUCN criteria. This assessment was the first global evaluation of the species, conducted by researchers from the Centre for Ecology Taxonomy Conservation and Climate Change and reviewed by experts from the Western Ghats Plant Specialist Group.

The Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICoAS) Foundation Day 2024 was celebrated with the theme ‘ICoAS @ Viksit Bharat.’ This theme underscored the vital role that ICoAS officers play in shaping India’s economic future, particularly in contributing to the nation’s development goals by 2047. The event featured prominent speakers, including Dr. T. V. Somanathan, who emphasized the significance of the ICoAS in realizing the vision of a developed India. Various sessions highlighted the importance of cost control, resource optimization, and the advisory role of ICoAS officers in the country's progress.

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.