Current Affairs march-12th-2024
National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Unveils Bronze Statue Of Ahom General Lachit Borphukan In Assam’s Jorhat
- In a significant tribute to Assam's rich history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed a monumental 125-foot bronze statue of the esteemed Ahom general, Lachit Borphukan, at his final resting place in eastern Assam’s Jorhat district.
- Crafted by the renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, the statue, towering on a 41-foot pedestal, stands as a testament to Borphukan's legendary stature.
- Former President Ram Nath Kovind laid the foundation of this colossal tribute in February 2022, immortalizing the legacy of Lachit Borphukan, a celebrated army commander during the reign of the Ahom kingdom (1228-1826).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Virtually Inaugurates Sela Tunnel
- During the Viksit Bharat Viksit North East program in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Sela Tunnel project, a crucial infrastructural endeavor.
- Situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet and constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the tunnel spans from Tezpur, Assam, to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district.
- With a budget of Rs 825 crore, the project aims to ensure all-weather connectivity and enhance the preparedness of the Armed Forces in the region.
- Employing the Austrian Tunneling Method, the tunnel upholds the highest safety standards, marking a milestone in enhancing connectivity and security in the Northeastern region.
International News
Sea6 Energy Launches World’s First Large-Scale Mechanized Tropical Seaweed Farm
- Sea6 Energy, at the forefront of the Blue Economy movement, initiated the world’s first large-scale mechanized tropical seaweed farm off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia.
- Spanning an expansive one-square-kilometer area, this seaweed farm marks a significant stride in establishing the scalability of sustainable tropical seaweed cultivation for diverse industrial applications.
- Leveraging a vertically integrated technology platform, Sea6 automates various processes, from seeding to harvesting, thereby enhancing the productivity of smallholder farmers and extending the shelf life of seaweed feedstock.
- This pioneering initiative underscores the potential of seaweed farming in advancing sustainable economic development.
State News
Maharashtra Unveils Fourth Women’s Policy For Holistic Development
- Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment, Maharashtra unveiled its fourth women’s policy aimed at fostering the comprehensive development of women.
- Women and Child Development Minister, Aditi Tatkare, introduced this policy on the eve of Women’s Day, coinciding with the golden jubilee year of the Women’s Economic Development Corporation.
- Maharashtra sets a precedent as the first state in India to introduce such a comprehensive women’s policy.
- Building upon the foundation laid by three previous policies, this initiative reaffirms the state's dedication to promoting gender equality and women’s advancement across all spheres of life.
Important Days News
International Day Of Women Judges 2024
- Every year on March 10th, the International Day of Women Judges celebrates the invaluable contributions of women in the judiciary worldwide.
- With the theme "Women in Justice, women for justice," this year’s observance emphasizes the pivotal role of women in decision-making processes for fostering equality and democracy.
- Recognizing the need for women's full and equal participation at all levels of the judiciary, this day serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards achieving gender parity and justice for all.
Schemes News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launches Mahtari Vandan Yojana In Chhattisgarh
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, virtually inaugurating the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ from Kashi, Uttar Pradesh, extended financial assistance to women in Chhattisgarh.
- The scheme, aimed at empowering women, commenced with the distribution of the first installment of Rs 1,000 to 70,12,417 women in the state. With an allocation of Rs 655.57 crore by the state government, PM Modi ensured monthly transfers of Rs 1,000 to eligible beneficiaries under the scheme.
- This initiative, the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, is expected to benefit approximately 70 lakh women in Chhattisgarh, providing them with crucial financial support on a regular basis.
Appointments News
Devendra Jhajharia Appointed as President of Paralympic Committee of India
- Devendra Jhajharia, a distinguished Paralympic gold medalist, assumes the esteemed position of President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
- With an illustrious career as a javelin thrower, Jhajharia clinched gold medals in the 2004 Athens and 2016 Rio Paralympics in the F46 disability category.
- Succeeding Deepa Malik, another celebrated para-athlete, Jhajharia was elected unopposed, underscoring his unmatched credentials and leadership in the realm of para-sports in India.
Agreements News
India-EFTA Trade And Economic Partnership Agreement: Key Highlights
- India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, sealed a pivotal Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
- This landmark agreement, marking India’s maiden Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with four developed European nations, holds immense economic potential and advocates for free trade and economic integration.
- EFTA’s commitment to bolster foreign direct investments in India by $100 billion over the next 15 years aims to spur job creation and foster economic growth, signaling a new era of collaboration and prosperity.
Sports News
Satwik-Chirag Clinch BWF French Open Men’s Doubles Title
- Indian badminton stalwarts Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty clinched the prestigious BWF French Open men’s doubles title by triumphing over Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan of Chinese Taipei in the final.
- With a stellar performance, Satwiksairaj and Chirag secured victory in straight games (21-11, 21-17), adding another feather to their illustrious cap.
- This victory marks their second French Open title following their previous triumph in 2022, cementing their status as the world’s top-ranked men’s doubles pair and bringing glory to Indian badminton on the global stage.
Miscellaneous News
Majuli Mask Making And Manuscript Painting Receive GI Tags
- Majuli, renowned as the largest river island globally, receives prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tags from the Indian government for its traditional crafts – Majuli mask making and Majuli manuscript painting.
- Majuli masks, integral to traditional bhaonas (theatrical performances) of the neo-Vaishnavite tradition, depict a diverse array of characters and motifs.
- Originating in the 16th century, Majuli manuscript paintings, rendered on sanchi pat (manuscripts made of agar tree bark), showcase intricate artwork, with notable examples dating back to the rendering of the Bhagwat Purana by Srimanta Sankardev.
- These GI tags signify the cultural significance and craftsmanship of Majuli’s traditional arts, preserving and promoting them on a global platform.