Current Affairs - National

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is set to launch the ‘One Scientist, One Product’ scheme on July 16, coinciding with its 96th foundation day celebrations. This initiative aims to revolutionize agricultural and animal husbandry research in India. The event, held in Delhi, will highlight ICAR’s commitment to advancing agricultural science and technology, with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan presiding over the inauguration. The scheme represents a significant step forward in promoting innovation and progress in the agricultural sector.

IIT Delhi will host the DD-Robocon India 2024 competition in association with Prasar Bharati. The event aims to foster technical skill development, innovation, and teamwork among engineering students across India. It provides a platform for showcasing and advancing participants’ capabilities in robotics, with the winning team earning the opportunity to represent India at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Robocon 2024 in Vietnam, highlighting the prestigious nature of the competition.

The first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) will be held in Goa from November 20-24. This event, announced by I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, aims to strengthen the ecosystem for intellectual property rights in the media and entertainment sector. It will coincide with the International Film Festival of India, also held in Goa, from November 20-28. The summit is part of India's efforts to position itself as a global leader in the media and entertainment industry, encouraging high-quality content creation and meaningful collaborations.

India observes 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' (Constitution Murder Day) annually on June 25. This day commemorates the sacrifices made during the 1975 Emergency period, emphasizing the struggle to uphold democracy and individual freedom. The decision to observe this day aims to honour those who endured persecution and to ensure that such oppressive actions do not recur in India's democratic history. The Emergency, spanning from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, remains a significant chapter in India's political and constitutional history, shaping subsequent governance and citizen rights awareness.

The SDG India Index 2023-24 reports India's composite score as 71, reflecting substantial progress across various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as poverty eradication, economic growth, and climate action. This score marks an improvement from 66 in 2020-21 and 57 in 2018, highlighting India's advancements towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development set by the United Nations.