Published on: November 25, 2024
Snippets : 25 NOVEMBER 2024
Snippets : 25 NOVEMBER 2024
- BBMP has adopted blockchain technology to protect and secure E-Khata data, an electronic version of property ownership documentation (A or B Khata). Launched on October 1, property owners can download E-Khata through the platform www.bbmpeAasthi.karnataka.gov.in. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) assisted BBMP in implementing blockchain, offering a secure, fool-proof mechanism to protect against data manipulation or hacks. Blockchain stores data in decentralized “nodes” that are digitally connected, ensuring secure, tamper-proof records. Each transaction is stored in a “block,” and blocks are linked in an irreversible chain, making it impossible to alter past data. The technology verifies mutation requests such as property sale details and flags fraudulent transactions. Awareness campaigns are being conducted across the city, targeting Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs), to educate the public on how E-Khata simplifies property documentation and prevents fraud.
- At the United Nations climate talks (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, a key agreement was reached to channel at least $300 billion annually to support developing nations in their climate change efforts, a significant increase from the previous $100 billion target set in 2009. The funding will assist in transitioning away from fossil fuels, adapting to climate impacts, and addressing the damage caused by extreme weather events. However, while the $300 billion target is seen as a step forward, it falls short of the $1.3 trillion that developing countries had requested. Nations like Fiji welcomed the agreement, although India called the $300 billion figure “abysmally poor” and criticized the process, with civil society groups and developing countries echoing similar sentiments. The funding proposal includes public and private funding, bilateral and multilateral contributions, and alternative sources like carbon credit trading, but lacks the grants or concessionary loans that developing nations had demanded. Critics of the carbon market proposal argue that the rules could allow polluters to bypass real emission reductions, further questioning the adequacy of the agreement. Developing countries, particularly African nations and small island states, rejected initial proposals and were unsatisfied with the final offer, citing it as insufficient for meaningful climate action.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a groundbreaking 100 TPD cattle dung-based Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant at Adarsh Gaushala in Gwalior. This initiative aligns with the government’s “Waste to Wealth” vision, aiming to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. The CBG plant, the first of its kind in India, is housed in the largest cowshed in Gwalior, where biogas is produced from cattle dung and vegetable/fruit waste from local markets and homes. Developed in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation at a cost of Rs 31 crores, the plant spans over 5 acres and will generate 2 tons of Bio-CNG and 10-15 tons of dry bio-manure daily, benefiting organic farming. The initiative is not only an environmentally friendly solution but also promotes economic growth by creating local employment and offering affordable bio-manure to nearby farmers. The project serves as a model for sustainable development, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and fostering green energy practices. As a self-sufficient gaushala, it sets a benchmark for other regions to replicate, contributing to climate change mitigation and offering a holistic approach to both environmental and social benefits.
- Lakkundi’s ancient relics are getting a new lease on life thanks to the efforts of Karnataka Tourism Minister H.K. Patil and the State Tourism Department. In a unique initiative, the department is collecting historical relics from residents of Lakkundi village in Gadag district, with the goal of restoring the village’s rich archaeological heritage and nominating it for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Over 1,050 historical relics have been identified in just three days, and the department plans to recognize and reward residents who contribute to the initiative. The collected relics will be stored safely and eventually shifted to a museum or open museum, highlighting the village’s importance as a major economic center in the 10th century, with minting operations and a rich cultural heritage.
- Over 1.76 crore school students from all 36 states and union territories have enthusiastically participated in Project Veer Gatha 4.0, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education. Instituted in 2021, the project aims to inspire patriotism among students by sharing stories of gallantry award winners’ bravery, selfless sacrifice, and courage. Students can engage in creative projects and activities based on these heroic deeds, with three successful editions conducted in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The project honors gallantry awards like the Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra, which recognize acts of bravery and sacrifice by armed forces personnel and civilians.
- The Union Minister for Education, along with the Minister of Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs, launched a World Bank report titled “Jobs at Your Doorstep: A Jobs Diagnostics for Young People in Six States” in New Delhi. This report serves as a diagnostic and roadmap for providing strategic linkages between education and job opportunities in India, focusing on six states: Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan. The report identifies key priority sectors and roles offering high employment potential for young people graduating from secondary school, emphasizing the benefits of embedding skill-based education from Classes 9-12.
- In a groundbreaking achievement for India’s biotechnology sector, the Union Minister launched the first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, developed to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Supported by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Nafithromycin is marketed under the trade name Miqnaf and is designed specifically to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP), one of the most common and deadly infectious diseases globally. This antibiotic targets both typical and atypical pathogens, providing a powerful solution where no new antibiotic in this class has been developed worldwide for over three decades. Nafithromycin stands out for its efficacy, offering 10x the effectiveness with just 3 doses, and minimal side effects, including negligible gastrointestinal issues and no significant drug interactions. It also remains unaffected by food, making it a versatile treatment option for patients. The development of Nafithromycin is the result of 14 years of research and a ₹500 crore investment, with clinical trials conducted across the U.S., Europe, and India. This marks a significant milestone in India’s fight against drug-resistant pneumonia and strengthens the country’s position in the global biotechnology arena.
- The famous Chinar boat race 2024 was organised recently in Jammu and Kashmir’s Dal Lake by the Army.
- A volcano erupted with lava spewing from a fissure on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, becoming the tenth such event in the area in three years.
- Recently, Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, ventured into the over-the-top (OTT) space with the launch of its new app, Waves. This digital platform has been developed to meet India’s growing demand for streaming services, offering a wide array of content, including live TV, video on demand, games, radio streaming, and e-commerce options through the ONDC network. Waves provides on-demand content such as movies, shows, ebooks, and historical visuals, live events like religious programs and cricket tournaments, and games for all age groups. The app also features online shopping options and currently offers access to around 65 live channels, including those from private broadcasters. An OTT platform, like Waves, delivers content via wireless internet, bypassing traditional media consumption methods like cable or set-top boxes, and offers benefits such as on-demand access, flexible subscription models, cross-device availability, and personalized content recommendations.
