16 SEPTEMBER NEWS || CURRENT AFFAIRS

Details: Indian Railways has set a target of January 2025 for conducting field trials of its first hydrogen-fueled train. This train is a significant step towards clean energy and will help reduce the railway's carbon emissions.

Background: The Indian government has emphasized the adoption of green energy sources to achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. Hydrogen fuel, which only releases water when burned, can play a crucial role in achieving this goal. The railway, being a major polluter in the transportation sector, is actively working to reduce its environmental impact by adopting hydrogen trains.

Details: India has been declared the special partner country for the ‘European Hydrogen Week’ to be held in November 2024. This reflects India's commitment to the development of clean energy and a hydrogen economy.

Background: The European Union (EU) has set a target to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, and hydrogen is seen as playing a crucial role in achieving this goal. India, with its vast renewable energy resources and growing energy demand, can become a key partner in hydrogen production and utilization. This partnership will promote the exchange of hydrogen technology and investments between the two regions.

Details: India recently participated in the G-20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting held in Brazil. The meeting discussed key issues such as food security, climate change, and sustainable development in the agriculture sector.

Background: The G-20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting is an important platform for addressing global agricultural challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. India, being a major agricultural economy, actively participates in these discussions and shares its experiences and expertise to ensure global food security.

Details: The Election Commission of India has appointed both Champion Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar as National Disabled Icons for voter awareness in September 2024. This reflects the commission's efforts to include persons with disabilities in the electoral process.

Background: India has a large number of voters with disabilities, and it is important to encourage them to participate in the electoral process. The appointment of National Disabled Icons is a positive step in this direction, as these icons will serve as a source of inspiration for the disabled community and encourage them to exercise their franchise.

Details: The Lokpal, which is India's apex anti-corruption body, started functioning on 27th March 2019. Recently, it has constituted a special investigation cell to probe corruption-related crimes.

Background: The Lokpal was established after a long-standing demand and aims to investigate corruption allegations against high-ranking officials of the central government. However, its functioning has faced several challenges since its inception, including delays in investigations and staff shortages. This new investigation cell is a step towards addressing these challenges and making the Lokpal's investigation process more effective.

Details: A recent report reveals that India has suffered a massive loss of 56 billion dollars due to weather-related disasters between 2019 and 2023. This highlights the growing impacts of climate change and emphasizes the need for improved disaster management.

Background: India, due to its diverse geography, is vulnerable to various natural disasters such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and earthquakes. Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of these disasters, resulting in significant loss of life and property and impacting the economy. This report underscores the urgent need to take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change and better prepare for disasters.

Details: An expert group constituted by Niti Aayog has recommended a new Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA) to effectively deal with public health crises. This will strengthen India's preparedness to handle future pandemics and other health emergencies.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the shortcomings of India's public health system and highlighted the need for a robust legal framework to deal with such emergencies in the future. PHEMA aims to provide a centralized and coordinated response mechanism, clarify emergency powers, and streamline the flow of information during health emergencies.

Details: The India Bio-Economy Report (IBER) 2024 was launched at the Global Bio India 2024 conference held recently in New Delhi. This report highlights the growth and potential of the bio-economy in India.

Background: The bio-economy, based on the sustainable use of biological resources, is a crucial growth area for India. It encompasses sectors such as biotechnology, agriculture, healthcare, and the environment. IBER 2024 assesses India's progress in this sector and provides a roadmap for future growth.

Details: Onam is a major festival of Kerala celebrated during the harvest season. It marks the homecoming of King Mahabali and is celebrated with grand feasts, boat races, and cultural programs.

Background: Onam is an integral part of Kerala's cultural identity and symbolizes unity and prosperity for the people of the state. The festival is associated with the legend of King Mahabali, a benevolent and just Asura king. Due to his love and dedication towards his people, he was granted the boon to return to his kingdom once every year. Onam is the celebration of this homecoming.

Details: The National Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide tap water to every rural household, has provided tap connections to 15 crore rural families by the year 2019-2024. This is a significant achievement towards ensuring access to clean water.

Background: Access to clean drinking water has been a major challenge in rural areas of India. The National Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, aims to address this challenge and provide functional household tap connections to all rural households. This mission is playing a crucial role in improving the health and living standards of rural communities.

Details: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) launched Multiple Journey QR Tickets on September 13th. This feature will allow passengers to make multiple journeys by scanning a QR code on their mobile phones, making the ticket purchasing process more convenient.

 Background: Delhi Metro has been continuously adopting technological innovations to make travel more convenient for its passengers. The Multiple Journey QR Ticket is another step in this direction. It will not only save time but also eliminate the need to carry tokens or smart cards.