CURRENT AFFAIRS 12 October, 2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS 12 October, 2024

1. NIHON HIDANKYO ORGANIZATION HONORED WITH THE 2024 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE-

• The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 to the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo.
• This grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha, is receiving the Peace Prize for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again.
• For its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again.
• The survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, who have shared their personal stories to educate the world about the horrors of nuclear weapons.
• They advocate for disarmament and emphasize that such weapons must never be used again.

2. UNGA ELECTS 18 NEW MEMBERS TO HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL FOR 2025-2027 TERM –

• The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has elected 18 new members to the 47-member Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term. This decision was made through a secret ballot held recently, with countries like Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Qatar, and Thailand among the newly elected.
• The newly elected members will begin their three-year terms on January 1, 2025. The Human Rights Council, based in Geneva, plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights globally. The elections reflect a commitment to staggered terms, ensuring continuity within the Council’s composition.
• The Human Rights Council, established in 2006, aims to address human rights violations and promote fundamental freedoms. The recent elections continue the practice of rotating membership, with approximately one-third of the Council’s 47 members changing annually. This system is designed to maintain a diverse representation of countries, promoting equitable geographical distribution.

The elected members reflect the following distribution among regional groups-

• African States: 13 seats
• Asia-Pacific States: 13 seats
• Eastern European States: 6 seats
• Latin American and Caribbean States: 8 seats
• Western European and other States: 7 seats

3. KAIMUR APPROVED AS BIHAR’S SECOND TIGER RESERVE –

• The central government has given its in-principle approval for Bihar’s second tiger reserve in Kaimur district. This decision follows a proposal from the Bihar government to develop the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) into a tiger reserve.
• Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran was the only tiger reserve in Bihar until now.
• VTR has exceeded its carrying capacity, currently housing 54 tigers, surpassing the ideal limit of 45.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) granted in-principle approval for KWLS to be designated as a tiger reserve during its 12th meeting.
• Additional technical approvals from the central government are required before formal declaration.
• The establishment of the Kaimur Tiger Reserve aims to manage the growing tiger population in Bihar.
• Ensure a sustainable and eco-friendly environment in both reserves.

4. WORLD’S HIGHEST IMAGING CHERENKOV TELESCOPE UNVEILED IN LADAKH –

• On October 4, 2024, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, inaugurated the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh. This monumental facility is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia and stands as the highest of its kind in the world, located at an altitude of approximately 4,300 meters.
• Built indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support from Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and other Indian industry partners, MACE represents a significant achievement in India’s pursuit of advanced astrophysical research.
• Its inauguration coincides with the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the DAE, symbolizing a robust commitment to scientific advancement.

5. INDIA’S TEXTILES SECTOR TARGETS $350 BILLION BY 2030 –

• India’s textiles sector is set for significant expansion, with an 11% year-on-year growth in Ready-Made Garments (RMG) of all Textiles exports, as per India’s trade data of August 2024, signaling a bright future.
• The Textiles sector in the country is expected to grow to USD 350 billion by 2030, driven by India’s inherent strengths and a strong policy framework that encourages investment and exports.
• A number of schemes and policy initiatives as part of the government’s roadmap aim to leverage and catalyze these inherent strengths to help the textile sector achieve the USD 350 billion goal by 2030.

Key factors contributing to the sector’s expansion

• 11% Growth in (RMG) Exports
• India’s trade data for August 2024 reports an 11% year-on-year growth in RMG (Ready-Made Garments) exports, a positive indicator of the sector’s robust future.