Current Affairs - National

The government has approved nine One Stop Centres (OSCs) to support distressed Indian women abroad. These include shelter homes in six Gulf nations and non-shelter OSCs in Toronto and Singapore. Supported by the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), these centres aim to provide comprehensive assistance, including legal, medical, and emergency aid, under revised guidelines from 2017. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to the welfare of overseas Indian women.

The 12th Edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2024 was held in Kaziranga, Assam, starting November 27. The event focused on showcasing the tourism potential of Northeast India, emphasizing its cultural, natural, and biodiversity-rich offerings. The ITM serves as an important platform for both domestic and international audiences, and it facilitates collaboration among tourism professionals, media, and government agencies. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, with key regional leaders attending, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma.

Cyclone Fengal, originating as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on November 30. IMD and ISRO are on high alert, monitoring the system, which is predicted to bring strong winds of up to 75 kmph and heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Alerts have been issued for several districts, and safety measures, including rescue operations and school closures, are in place. Cyclone Fengal is the third storm of the 2024 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, emphasizing the region's vulnerability to such natural disasters.

The 13th National Seed Congress 2024 is being held at the International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi from November 28 to 30, 2024. Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, this event brings together over 700 delegates from various sectors to discuss innovations, collaborations, and strategies for enhancing the seed industry. Key themes include leveraging biodiversity, public-private partnerships, and technology for food security and climate resilience. Important initiatives, such as the Rice Fallow Atlas, were also launched to optimize crop planning and improve food security in Eastern India.

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) with an enhanced budget of ₹2,750 crore for the period till March 31, 2028. This mission aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in India, with key initiatives including the opening of 2,500 new innovation labs in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, North East, and aspirational districts and blocks.