Current Affairs - National

The Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel, inaugurated on July 13, 2024, is India’s longest and largest urban tunnel. This 11.8 km tunnel, developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), connects Thane to Borivali, significantly reducing travel time from over an hour to just 12 minutes. The project, which costs Rs. 16,600 crore, cuts the travel distance by 12 km and is part of a larger infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity in Mumbai.

Scientists from Hyderabad's National Geophysical Research Institute discovered a hidden ridge in Andhra Pradesh's Darsi and Addanki regions, linked to a billion-year-old collision between India and East Antarctica. This significant geological finding involved reprocessing seismic data to uncover Proterozoic sediment layers, which has provided new insights into the ancient tectonic activities that shaped India's eastern coast. The discovery highlights Andhra Pradesh’s crucial role in understanding the geological history of the Indian subcontinent and its connections to the ancient Gondwana supercontinent.

The first confirmed death from Chandipura virus in Gujarat was reported in Mota Kanthariya, Aravalli, involving a four-year-old child. This death, confirmed by Pune’s National Institute of Virology, is part of a concerning outbreak in the region. The virus has caused 14 deaths within two weeks and has 26 suspected cases under investigation. Chandipura virus, transmitted primarily by sandflies and mosquitoes, poses significant health risks, including rapid progression to severe symptoms like encephalitis and mortality. The outbreak underscores the need for vigilant public health responses and management strategies.

The Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana (Chief Minister Youth Work Training Scheme) was launched by the Maharashtra government to address unemployment among youth. The scheme aims to boost youth employability by providing valuable internship opportunities and equipping young individuals with essential skills. With a provision of ₹5,500 crore, it offers monthly stipends through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and involves participation from both government and private sector industries in Maharashtra, reflecting the government's commitment to developing a skilled workforce and fostering entrepreneurship.

India has launched its first national toll-free anti-narcotics helpline, numbered 1933, under the initiative named MANAS (Madak Padarth Nisedh Asuchna Kendra). This helpline, launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aims to combat drug-related crimes and support the goal of a 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' by 2047. It offers a confidential and user-friendly platform for citizens to report issues related to drug trafficking, illegal sale, storage, manufacturing, and cultivation of narcotics.