Current affairs 28 May 2024

Myanmar junta revived China-backed mega-dam project on Irrawaddy river.

• Irrawaddy River flows south through central Myanmar to the Andaman Sea.
• Significance: Longest river in Myanmar; vital for transportation, agriculture, and fishing.
• Biodiversity: Supports rich ecosystems; home to endangered species like the Irrawaddy dolphin.
• Challenges: Pollution, climate change, hydroelectric projects.
• Impact: Crucial for local livelihoods and ecological balance.

Dipa Karmakar won India's first-ever gold medal at Asian Championships.

• Dipa bagged historic Gold in women's vault at the Asian Championships with an average score of 13.566, marking India's first gold in the event.
• South Korea's Kim Son Hyang and Jo Kyong-byol took silver and bronze with scores of 13.466 and 12.966 respectively.
• This victory follows Dipa's 16th place finish in the all-round category, where she scored 46.16 but missed Paris 2024 Olympics quota.

CCRAS launched PRAGATI-2024 initiative for Ayurveda advancement.

• The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush hosted the Pharma Research in AyurGyan And Techno Innovation (PRAGATI-2024) in New Delhi to boost Ayurveda research and industry collaboration.
• The initiative aims to connect researchers with industry partners for the development of safe, effective Ayurvedic drugs and devices.

UAPA tribunal upheld ban on Manipur extremist groups.

• UAPA tribunal reaffirmed the ban on seven Meitei extremist organizations in Manipur, citing involvement in 335 violent incidents over five years.
• These groups, which advocate for Manipur’s secession, operate from camps in Myanmar and Bangladesh and are linked to NSCN.
• Manipur continues to face significant unrest with recent ethnic violence leading to over 50,000 displacements.

Ayush and AIIA drive insurance integration in healthcare.

• The Ministry of Ayush and All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) hosted a sensitization program in New Delhi to bridge Ayush healthcare providers and the insurance sector.
• The event underscores commitments to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and quality-driven through collaborative efforts.
• Minister of Ayush: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.