Current Affairs - National

The Indian Sign Language (ISL) dictionary has been significantly expanded with the addition of 2,500 new terms, encompassing words in both English and Hindi. This development aims to enhance communication accessibility for the deaf community, particularly in scientific, cultural, and internet-related contexts. The updated dictionary includes contemporary terms such as Aadhaar card and Blockchain. The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) led this initiative, underscoring the government's commitment to promoting ISL as a recognized linguistic system and ensuring inclusive education and social empowerment for the deaf community.

The Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile app, launched by Home Minister Amit Shah, aims to simplify birth and death registration, providing access to local languages and digital certificates. Effective from October 1, 2023, these digital certificates facilitate access to essential services like education, employment, and marriage. Moreover, the centralized database will aid in updating vital records, including the National Population Register, ration cards, property registration, and electoral rolls, ensuring efficient and streamlined registration processes.

The "Sanjeevani" heli ambulance service, launched by the Prime Minister and operated by AIIMS Rishikesh, is India’s first aerial ambulance aimed at enhancing emergency medical response. Inaugurated on Dhanvantari Jayanti, it enables rapid access to medical care for people in Uttarakhand's remote areas, significantly improving survival rates in critical situations like heart attacks and accidents. This initiative represents a vital step in extending lifesaving support to regions with limited ground-based healthcare facilities, reflecting the government’s focus on accessible healthcare innovations.

Aandhi village in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is pioneering a zero-waste model by leveraging green technology to convert various types of waste into valuable resources. The initiative utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plants, Vermifiltration, Constructed Wetlands, and a Resource Recovery Centre. Notably, a 100 Kg Bio-Methanation Plant at the local government school generates biogas and electricity, supplemented by solar power. This innovative approach sets a benchmark for sustainable waste management and environmental conservation in rural India, promoting eco-friendly practices and community-led development.

India secured the 79th position out of 142 countries in the 2024 World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index. This ranking reflects India's standing in both global and regional assessments of the rule of law. Regionally, India ranked third among South Asian countries, after Nepal (69th) and Sri Lanka (75th). The Index highlights a decline in the rule of law globally, with 59% of countries surveyed showing a decline since 2016. India's score showed a slight increase from the previous year, placing it eighth among lower-middle-income countries.