DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: Jan. 9, 2025

Launch of Indian Genomic Data Set & IBDC Portals

Tags: Science and Technology

Why in the news?

• Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology,  announced that India is no longer dependent on foreign genomic data at the Genome India Data Conclave, held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi,

Important points:

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the ‘Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED)’ and the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portals, making 10,000 whole genome samples accessibleto researchers across India and the globe.

• “India has developed its own genomic data set, a monumental achievement that will fuel future medical and scientific breakthroughs. 

• The entire collection of 10,000 whole genome samples, archived at IBDC, is now made available for research purposes not only within India but globally. 

• The Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) will facilitate seamless access to valuable genetic information, enabling researchers to explore genetic variations and design more accurate genomic tools. 

• The data will serve as a foundation for cutting-edge research and will catalyze innovations in areas such as mRNA-based vaccines, protein manufacturing, and genetic disorder treatments. 

• The Minister highlighted the impressive growth of India’s bioeconomy, which has surged from $10. India now ranks 12th globally in biotech and 3rd in the Asia-Pacific region. 

• The Minister also pointed out that India is the largest vaccine producer in the world and the third-largest startup ecosystem.

• The ‘GenomeIndia’ project is poised to make India a global hub for genomic research, positioning the country at the forefront of the next scientific and medical revolution.

Union Minister Shri B.L. Verma inaugurates 23rd Divya Kala Mela at Vadodara

Tags: National News

Why in the news?

• Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment,Shri B.L. Verma inaugurated the 23rd Divya Kala Mela at Akota stadium in Vadodara, Gujarat. 

Key points:

• The Divya Kala Mela is being organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, from 9th - 19th January 2025 at Akota Stadium, Vadodara.

•  Prior to this, similar events were successfully held in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Indore, Guwahati, Jaipur, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, and Surat.

• The mela showcases the exquisite skills and products of Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs from across the country, including Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeastern states.

• Products such as handicrafts, handlooms, embroidery works, and packaged foods will be available for sale.

• An exclusive Job Fair for Divyangjans will be held on 17th January as part of the Mela.

•  NDFDC has been designated as the nodal agency for organizing these melas.

• Approximately 100 Divyang artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs from 20 states and Union Territories are participating in this mela. 

Significance:

• This initiative is a unique step towards the economicempowerment of Divyangjans, providing them with a significant platform to market and exhibit their skills and products.

• These initiatives focus on providing training, skills, and financial support to them.

• It serves as a powerful medium to promote the concept of ‘Vocal for Local’ by providing a national platform for products created by Divyang artisans. 

DELIVERY OF SIXTH SCORPENE SUBMARINE ‘VAGHSHEER’

Tags: Defence

Why in the news?

• Vaghsheer, the sixth submarine of the Project 75 class, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 09 Jan 25 after successful completion of mandatory sea trials. 

Important points:

• The submarine was launched in April 2022 and commenced her sea trials in December 2023.

• The submarine has been constructed by the Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai in collaboration with Naval Group, France.

• It is planned to be commissioned in an event that will mark the culmination of Project 75 that successfully built six state-of-the-art submarines for the Indian Navy.

About Project 75 :

• Project 75 intends to build six diesel-electric attack submarines of the Kalvari class that are based on the Scorpene-class, which are being built at MDL (Mazagon Dock Limited).

• The submarines under Project-75 Scorpene-Class are powered by diesel-electric propulsion systems.

Submarines of the Ongoing Project-75:

• Five submarinesINS Kalavari, INS Khanderi,INS Karanj, INS Vela and INS Vagir have been commissioned into the Indian Navy.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Tags: National

• Why in the news?

• The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 

Important points:

• The Chief Guest of18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention is H.E. Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago .

• The 18th PBD Convention is scheduled for January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 

• The theme for this year is the “Diaspora's contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

• A large number of Indian diaspora members from over 50 different countries have registered to participate in the PBD Convention.

• Prime Minister remotely flagged-off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special Tourist Train for the Indian diaspora, which will depart from the Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi and would travel to multiple destinations of tourism and religious importance in India for a period of three weeks. 

• The Pravasi Bharatiya Express will be conducted under the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana.

About the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) :

• The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) celebrated once in two years on 9th Januaryis a significant event that honors the contributions of the Indian diaspora to their homeland. 

• The day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Mumbai on 9 January 1915.

• The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention was first established in 2003 under the government of then Prime Minister Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, as a platform to recognize and engage with the overseas Indian community.

• The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs. 

• It is held in different cities, to showcase the diversity and progress of different regions of India. 

• Since 2015, it has evolved into a biennale event, with theme-based conferences held in the intervening years.