Current Affairs - Places

The protests in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, were triggered by the disposal of 337 tonnes of toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, which was transported to an industrial incineration facility. Locals fear environmental damage, including groundwater contamination and air pollution, despite government assurances of safe disposal. The waste is a remnant of the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of history's worst industrial disasters, leaving lasting health and environmental impacts. Public mistrust of government handling of hazardous materials has fueled opposition, with activists citing past failures in ensuring safety and transparency in waste management practices.

A grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was recently unveiled by the Indian Army at Pangong Tso in Ladakh, located near the India-China border. Installed by the Fire and Fury Corps on December 26, the statue is part of India's broader infrastructure push to strengthen the strategic position of Ladakh. The installation of the statue at such a significant location symbolizes India's commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity while honouring historical figures like Shivaji Maharaj.

A well-preserved juvenile mammoth, estimated to have died 50,000 years ago, was discovered in the Batagaika crater in Siberia. The find is notable for retaining its head and trunk, which are rare in such discoveries. Siberia has been a significant site for prehistoric finds, including a 32,000-year-old sabre-toothed cat cub and a 44,000-year-old wolf carcass. These discoveries contribute valuable insights into prehistoric life and climate conditions in the region.

Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Jalandhar has developed innovative products for use in space communication and satellites. These advancements were achieved by the Space Technology Incubation Centre (STIC), which was established at the institute with the support of ISRO. The products were demonstrated to a delegation from ISRO, showcasing the institute's role as a hub for fostering technological innovation and contributing to the country's space research capabilities.

The Prime Minister chaired the 4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi. The conference aimed to strengthen the partnership between the Centre and State Governments, focusing on cooperative federalism and enhanced coordination for accelerated growth. The theme of the conference was ‘Promoting Entrepreneurship, Employment and Skilling – Leveraging the Demographic Dividend,’ emphasizing the importance of skilling and employment in driving national development.