Prelims Current Affairs includes World Diabetes Day, Children’s Day, Nyoma Airbase, Gaganyaan Mission, National Water Awards 2024, Cheetah Translocation – From Botswana to Bharat.

IMPORTANT DAYS

1. WORLD DIABETES DAY

Observed every year on 14 November
Aim : global initiative aimed at raising awareness about diabetes.
Theme: “Diabetes Across Life Stages”, which highlights how diabetes can impact individuals at every point in life—from early childhood to old age.

2. CHILDREN’S DAY

Observed every year on 14 November
Aim : to honor the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was fondly called “Chacha Nehru.”
This day reminds us of his love for children and his vision for their education and happiness.
Theme: “For Every Child, Every Right.”

INFRASTRUCTURE

3. NYOMA AIRBASE

Current Context: India has inaugurated its newest and highest fighter-capable airbase at Nyoma in Ladakh, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), marking a major boost to the country’s air power along the northern front.

About NYOMA AIRBASE

• Nyoma lies at 13,700 feet, making it one of the world’s highest fighter-capable airbases.
• Located only 35 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC), it gives India rapid-response capability against China.
• It strengthens India’s forward military posture after the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troop buildup in eastern Ladakh (2020).
• The base will significantly boost air infrastructure in Ladakh and enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ability to respond quickly to any aerial threats along the northern frontier.

SPACE

4. GAGANYAAN MISSION

Current Context: ISRO successfully conducted a critical parachute test for its upcoming human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.
ISRO will next conduct three uncrewed flights with Vyomitra, a half-humanoid robot, aiming for a crewed mission by early 2027.

ABOUT GAGANYAAN MISSION

• The Gaganyaan Programme was approved in December 2018.
• It is India’s first indigenous human spaceflight initiative.
• It aims to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capability by sending a crew to 400 km low-Earth orbit for three days, with a safe return and sea landing in Indian waters.
• The Human Rated LVM3, a modified version of ISRO’s reliable LVM3 rocket, is identified as the launch vehicle for Gaganyaan mission.
• It features a Crew Escape System (CES) with high-thrust solid motors to safely evacuate the crew during launch emergencies.

AWARDS

5. NATIONAL WATER AWARDS 2024

Current Context: Maharashtra has secured the first position in the Best State category of the 6th National Water Awards for 2024.
Gujarat and Haryana have been placed second and third respectively.

About

• Instituted in 2018 by the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR).
• The National Water Awards aim to encourage sustainable water management and support the government’s ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’ vision.
• This year, 46 winners have been selected across ten categories, including Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, and Best Institution.

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

6. CHEETAH TRANSLOCATION – FROM BOTSWANA TO BHARAT

Current Context: During the 1st ever Presidential visit from India to Botswana, the President of India announced the translocation of 8 cheetahs to India, marking a major milestone in Project Cheetah.
Botswana symbolically handed over the cheetahs, with 5 quarantined at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve (Botswana).

ABOUT THE PROJECT

❖ Launched in 2022 under Project Tiger, Project Cheetah aims to reintroduce cheetahs extinct in India since 1952, as the world’s 1st intercontinental wild carnivore translocation.

Objective:

• Restore cheetah populations
• Revive savanna ecosystems
• Promote ecotourism and livelihoods
• Reduce human–wildlife conflict through community awareness

Governance Structure:

• National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
• Madhya Pradesh Forest Department
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

Status of Cheetah Population and Habitat:
India currently has 27 cheetahs, including 16 born in the country.

Key Sites:

• Kuno National Park
• Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS)
• Nauradehi WLS (proposed)

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