Current Affairs - National

The Patna High Court ruled against the Bihar government's increase of reservation quotas from 50% to 65%, citing a violation of the 50% cap set by the Supreme Court. The decision also addressed the unconstitutional addition of a 10% Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota, emphasizing adherence to legal precedents on reservation policies in educational institutions and government employment.

On June 23, 2024, Kozhikode achieved the distinction of becoming India’s inaugural UNESCO City of Literature, a title that celebrates its profound literary heritage and cultural importance. This accolade not only acknowledges Kozhikode’s contributions to literature, cinema, and media but also reflects its remarkable ability to foster literary talent and uphold a spirit of artistic freedom. The decision to designate Kozhikode over other cities like Kolkata was attributed to meticulous planning and proactive efforts by local authorities and cultural institutions.

The Home Minister inaugurated the ‘Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme’ at Terminal-3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. This initiative aims to expedite immigration clearance for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders using automated e-gates, thereby enhancing travel efficiency and convenience.

The world’s first conservation and breeding centre for Asian king vultures is being established in Uttar Pradesh, specifically in Maharajganj. Known as the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre, this facility aims to protect and increase the population of critically endangered Asian king vultures, addressing their decline caused by factors such as diclofenac poisoning.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced new safety and performance standards (IS 18590: 2024, IS 18606: 2024) for electric vehicles (EVs) and IS 18294: 2023 for e-rickshaws/e-karts. These standards cover critical aspects like powertrains, batteries, and vehicle construction, ensuring stringent safety and quality measures are met. BIS now oversees 30 standards dedicated to EVs, playing a crucial role in promoting sustainable transportation and bolstering consumer confidence in electric mobility solutions across India.