Current affairs 23 December 2024

India’s Forest Cover Increases by 1,445 Sq. Km in ISFR 2023.

• The India State of Forest Report 2023 shows forest and tree cover at 8.27 lakh sq. km, 25.17% of India's geographical area.
• Forest cover grew by 156 sq. km, tree cover by 1,289 sq. km, totaling a 1,445 sq. km increase since 2021.
• This report, published biennially by the Forest Survey of India based on satellite data and field-based surveys.

Govt to Launch Consumer Protection Apps on Nat’l Consumer Day.

• Jago Grahak Jago App and Jagriti App to be launched to aid CCPA in addressing dark patterns and consumer safety online.
• Jago Grahak Jago App alerts users about potentially unsafe URLs during e-commerce activities.
• Jagriti App enables users to report suspicious URLs, with complaints sent to the CCPA for action.

Govt Launches "Udaan Yatri Cafe" at Airports.

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched “Udaan Yatri Cafe” to provide affordable food and essentials at airports.
• The pilot initiative at Kolkata Airport offers water, tea, coffee, and snacks at reasonable rates.
• Managed by the Airports Authority of India, it will expand to other airports if successful.

India’s First Bio-Bitumen Highway Inaugurated.

• Union Transport Minister inaugurated India’s first bio-bitumen highway on the Nagpur-Mansar Bypass (NH-44), using lignin from crop residues.
• The road, 40% stronger than traditional asphalt, uses 15% bio-bitumen, offering eco-friendly and cost-effective construction.
• This road is constructed by joint collaboration of Central Road Research Institute and biotech firm- Praj Industries.

PM Modi Receives Kuwait’s Highest Honour.

• PM Narendra Modi awarded Kuwait's top honour, the Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer, during his two-day visit.
• This knighthood is given to Heads of State and foreign royals as a sign of friendship, previously awarded to Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Prince Charles.
• It marks the 20th international honour conferred upon PM Modi.