Current Affairs search results for tag: national

1. DDWS announces Launch of WhatsApp Version of SBM Academy.

Tags: National News

Why in the news?

• The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, convened a meeting with representatives from 22 States and Union Territories to review the findings of Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2024 and discuss the strategic planning for the upcoming Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) 2025-26, which begins in February.

Important points:

• This platform facilitated candid discussions on key recommendations emerging from the SSG findings, ensuring an evidence-based approach to accelerating progress towards Sampoorna Swachhata including enhanced waste management systems.
• A key highlight of the meeting was the launch of the WhatsApp version of the SBM Academy, an innovative step towards enhancing accessibility and engagement with training content. 
• The revamped SBM Academy course has undergone a significant overhaul, incorporating interactive elements to make learning more practical, dynamic, and widely available.

This initiative ensures that all users and citizens have the choice to complete their training through:

• IVRS by dialing 1800 1800 404
• WhatsApp by sending a message to 1800 1800 404
• Currently available in Hindi and English, the platform allows users to earn a training certificate upon achieving a minimum score of 50 out of 100 marks. 
• This platform will enable frontline workers, Swachhagrahis, and all users and stakeholders across rural India to access crucial sanitation and hygiene information in a more user-friendly and accessible format.
• As the nation observes Martyrs' Day (30th January), the meeting also reflected on the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, who championed sanitation as a fundamental national priority. Marking the occasion, officials reiterated the need for cross-sector collaboration across departments, ministries, and other stakeholders to safeguard rural sanitation gains and advance waste management solutions.

2. DeepSeek’s ‘Sputnik moment’ exposes holes in U.S. curbs on chip export

Tags: International News

Why in the news?

• U.S. export controls on high-tech chips may have inadvertently fuelled the success of start-up DeepSeek’s AI chatbot, sparking fears in Washington there could be little it can do to stop China in the push for global dominance in artificial intelligence.

Important points:

• For years many hadassumed U.S. supremacy in AI was a given, with the field dominated by big Silicon Valley names like OpenAI and Facebook-parent Meta.
• The firm, based in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has stunned investors and industry insiders with its R1 programme, which can match its American competitors seemingly at a fraction of the cost.

3. Tripura becomes first North East State to sign MoU with Bhashini for Multi-lingual Governance

Tags: National News

Why in the news?

• The Government of Tripura, has signed a MOU agreement with Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, under the esteem guidance of Hon'ble Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha.

Important point:

• Bhashini is a revolutionary initiative under the Digital India program, to ensure seamless communication and internet accessibility for all Citizens in 22 Indian languages. With Voice as a medium, Bhashini aims to bridge digital as well as the literacy divides.
• The workshop outlined Bhashini's vision for Digital Inclusivity, showcasing its software capabilities such as real-time translation, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and voice-to-voice translation between Indian Regional Languages and English. 
• It highlighted the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) for high accuracy translations and emphasized the State's, DIBD’s roles and responsibilities in the mission. 
• Bhashini can integrate with existing systems like the CM Helpline, eVidhan, Kisan Sahayata App and e-Districts to enable multilingual communication. 
• It can enhance local governance through apps like Amar Sarkar and improve education with multilingual technologies.
• Bhashini can also support the CCTNS Platform by translating FIRs and enabling voice-based data entry. 
• Bhashini would reduce the digital divide by easing access to Internet in regional and local languages of Tripura.
• Tripura proudly stands as the first north-eastern state, the first in eastern India, and the eighth state in the country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bhashini. 

4. IWAI sets up new Regional Office at Varanasi

Tags: National News

Why in the news?

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has upgraded its existing sub-office at Varanasi to a full-fledged Regional Office on January 23, 2025. 

Important points:

• IWAI presently hasfive regional offices in Guwahati (Assam), Patna (Bihar), Kochi (Kerala), Bhubaneswar (Odisha) and Kolkata (West Bengal). It will now have its sixth regional office in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• The Varanasi regional office with its sub-office at Prayagraj will oversee works in 487-kilometre stretch from Majhua to Varanasi MMT (Multi-Modal Terminal) and further up to Prayagraj, apart from other NWs in Uttar Pradesh.
• Implementation of the World-Bank supported Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) will be one of its key priorities. 
• JMVP is aimed at the capacity augmentation of River Ganga, i.e., NW-1 through various river conservancy works like bandalling and maintenance dredging in addition to already constructed MMT at Varanasi to promote cruise tourism and smooth cargo movement along the waterway. 
• Three Multi-Modal Terminals – one each at Varanasi, Sahibganj and Haldia along with an Inter-Modal Terminal at Kalughat and a new navigational lock at Farakka in West Bengal have been built under JMVP to facilitate easy navigation along River Ganga. 

Objectives:

• The decision is aimed at streamlining IWAI projects and related works in the state of Uttar Pradesh. For effective implementation of Inland Water Transport (IWT) activities in National Waterway-1 (NW-1), River Ganga,
• There are about 30 rivers in Uttar Pradesh, of which ten have been declared as National Waterways.
•  The Varanasi Regional Office of IWAI shall look after development works not only on River Ganga but its various tributaries and other national waterways in Uttar Pradesh.
•  These include rivers like Betwa, Chambal, Gomti, Tons, Varuna and parts of Gandak, Ghaghra, Karamnasa and Yamuna rivers.
• IWAI’s Varanasi Regional Office will also be coordinating with the State IWT Authority set up for development of waterways in Uttar Pradesh.  
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5. India's WASH Innovations Lead Global Discourse at World Economic Forum 2025

Tags: International Relations

Why in the news:

• The India Pavilion at World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos hosted a global discussion titled “India’s WASH Innovation: Driving Global Impact in Climate and Water Sustainability.” 

Important points:

• Shri C. R. Patil, Hon'ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, delivered the keynote address, presenting India's journey in implementing the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
• These initiatives have been pivotal in improving sanitation coverage and providing safe drinking water to millions of rural households.
• In 2019, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) only 17% of rural households had functional tap water connections.
• However, today, a staggering 79.66% of rural households under the Jal Jeevan Mission have access to safe drinking water. 
• This transformation is not just about providing water but also about changing lives—rural India is now saving 55 million hours per day on fetching water, enabling increased workforce participation and productivity, especially from women.”
• The World Economic Forum provides a platform for the ministry to showcase India’s groundbreaking initiatives in WASH innovation and climate resilience, emphasizing efforts to promote equitable and inclusive access to WASH services.
• Key achievements, such as the elimination of open defecation, construction of over 95 million toilets under SBM, and widespread household tap water connections under JJM, have established India as a global leader in WASH initiatives.
• These achievements align with the broader goals of the World Economic Forum to foster collaborative solutions for climate action and water sustainability.
• Tackling the global water crisis, which threatens health, food security, economic growth, and biodiversity, requires collaborative action. India’s experience provides insightful lessons to inform and strengthen global WASH strategies.
• The session concluded with actionable insights and participant commitments, reaffirming India’s key role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) and Climate Action (SDG 13).
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6. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses the inaugural function of the International Year of Cooperatives-2025

Tags: National News

Why in the news?

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today addressed the inaugural function of International Year of Cooperatives 2025 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Important points:

• Shri Amit Shah also inaugurated the corporate office of the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC). 
• He mentioned that the Ministry of Cooperation has outlined a 12-month program to celebrate the Year of Cooperatives in India, which is being inaugurated today. 
• He said that India will celebrate the Year of Cooperatives in a way that will significantly advance the cooperative movement across the country. 
• Shri Shah stated that by December 31, 2025, when the UN International Year of Cooperatives concludes, the growth of India's cooperative movementwill be both symmetric and inclusive, and the goal of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi” will be largely achieved. 
• The country also has 49 scheduled banks and over 8.25 lakh cooperative institutions.
• The Union Minister of Cooperation stated that in the coming days, the principle of ‘Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives’ will be implemented across the nation. 
• The 'umbrella organization' will do the work of integrating activities like digital banking, mobile banking, online transactions and trade with foreign countries with the Urban Cooperative Bank. 
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7. Shree Vijyapuram (Port Blair) Resonates with Patriotism as Union Minister Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse Leads 'JAI HIND' Padyatra

Tags: National News

Why in the news?

• Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and SportsSmt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse participated in the ‘Jai Hind’ Padyatra in Shree Vijyapuram (Port Blair), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as part of the Parakram Diwas celebrations to honour the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. 

Important points:

• The event paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of Netaji and celebrated his invaluable contributions to India’s freedom movement.
• The Padyatra, covering a scenic route of approximately 5 kilometers from Flag Point to Netaji Stadium, witnessed the participation of around 1500 MY Bharat Youth Volunteers and youth leaders. 
• The event highlighted the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters and Netaji’s vision for an independent and progressive India.  
• The event featured a variety of youth competitions, including painting, essay writing, and quizzes, aimed at inspiring young minds. Cultural performances, such as group songs and traditional dances, highlighted and celebrated Netaji’s ideals.
• A photo exhibition showcasing the life of Netaji and stalls displaying local handicrafts added to the event's attractions. 
• Prominent youth leaders were honored for their significant contributions to nation-building. Also, the participation of Army officers and their families underscored the enduring connection between Netaji’s legacy and India’s defense forces.

About 'JAI HIND' Padyatra :

• The 'JAI HIND' Padyatra marks the fifth in a series of 24 Padyatras planned to commemorate 75 years of the Constitution and celebrate India’s vibrant cultural diversity.
• Union Minister expressed her pride in being part of this momentous occasion and commended MY Bharat volunteers for their dedication to fostering patriotism and a deeper connection to India’s rich heritage.
• The Union Minister of State also lauded the enthusiastic participation of the youth and emphasized the importance of Netaji’s ideals in shaping India’s future.
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8. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurates ‘Hindu Adhyatmik Aur Seva Mela’

Tags: National News

Why in the news?

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today inaugurated the Hindu Adhyatmik Aur Seva Mela in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Important points:

• In his address, Union Home Minister highlighted the significance of the Hindu Adhyatmik Aur Seva Mela, which brought together over 200 Seva Sanstha on a single platform. 
• The Hindu Aadhyatmik Seva Sansthan brought together more than 200 ‘Seva Sanstha’ on one platform through this fair
• The Hindu Aadhyatmik Seva Sansthan has a great role to play in developing, preserving and promoting our family values
• Through such fairs, a wonderful system of carrying forward family, religion, culture and traditions has been going on for a long time
• There is no greater message of harmony and unity than Kumbh in the entire world

9. Army Hospital (R&R) performs India’s first-ever Left Ventricular Assist Device

Tags: National News

Why in the news?

• Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi Cantt has performed India’s first-ever Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation using the HeartMate 3 device in a government institution. 

Important points:

• This marks a historic first for the Armed Forces Medical Services too. The procedure was successfully performed on a 49-year-old wife of an Armed Forces veteran who had been waiting for a heart transplant for over two years. 
• The LVAD, often regarded as a ‘mechanical heart’, serves as a life-saving bridge for patients with end-stage heart failure.
• The HeartMate 3 LVAD is a cutting-edge device that uses advanced technology to improve heart function. 
• It offers hope to patients with severe cardiac conditions. Currently, the patient is recovering steadily under medical supervision, showcasing the success of high-quality teamwork.
• This achievement reflects the Army Hospital’s relentless pursuit of excellence in medical care. This milestone reaffirms the position of Army Hospital (R&R) as a leader in providing advanced medical care.

10. “National Conference of DMs on PM JANMAN on 21st January 2025

Tags: National News

Why in the news?

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is organizing “National Conference of DMs on PM JANMAN” on 21st January2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi under guidance of Sh. Jual Oram,  Minister of Tribal Affairs and Sh. Durgadas Uikey, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs. 

Important points:

• This conference is focusing on 06 core areas under the Abhiyan viz. Rural Development (Awas & Roads), PVTG) Hostels (schools) Drinking water under JJM, operationalization of Anganwadis and operationalization of Multi-Purpose Centers (MPCs).
• The Conference is specifically targeted at sharing best practices and facilitating progress in districts which have substantial scope for improvement. 
• This event is being organized to ensure that the objectives of the Mission are expedited and the intended benefits reach the last mile as targeted in line with vision of Prime Minister. 
• The conference will feature breakout sessions focused on each core area, with participation from State Tribal Welfare Departments (TWD), District Magistrates, and their teams, including the PO ITDA and the DSWO/DWO/ in-charge of Tribal Welfare (3 members per District). 
• A total of 88 districts from 18 States will engage in discussions and share insights draw out action plan on the implementation of PM JANMAN.

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