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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – January 01-03, 2024

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the January 01-03, 2024)

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January 01-03, 2024 

MoU signed between the Government of India, Assam, and representatives of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA)

Memorandum of Settlement signed between the Government of India, Government of Assam and representatives of United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), in New Delhi to end insurgency in the NorthEast region. 

Key Points

• The tripartite agreement is very important for peace in Assam and the entire Northeast. Under this agreement, ULFA representatives have agreed to abjure a path of violence, lay down all their arms and ammunition and disband their armed organisation. 
• Apart from this, ULFA has also agreed to vacate all camps occupied by its armed cadres, engage in the peaceful democratic process established by law and maintain the integrity of the country.
• The Union Home Minister said that the Modi government has signed the NLFT agreement in 2019, Bru and Bodo in 2020, Karbi in 2021, Adivasi agreement in 2022, Assam-Meghalaya border agreement, Assam-Arunachal border agreement and agreement with UNLF in 2023. 
• Shri Amit Shah also said that a time-bound program will be made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to fulfill the demands of ULFA and a committee will also be formed for its monitoring.

Uttar Pradesh Plans to Develop India’s First AI City in Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh plans to establish the country’s first AI city in Lucknow. This initiative aims to create a thriving hub for artificial intelligence, integrating cutting-edge technology, research centers, and educational institutions to foster innovation and nurture the workforce of the future.

Key Points

• The AI city is proposed to be located in the city of Lucknow, according to an Expression of Interest issued by UP Electronics Corporation Ltd. 
• The city already features Centers of Excellence in areas such as AI and MedTech, thereby forming a sound base for the establishment of the AI city. 
• The city is expected to become a hub for nurturing a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship among AI/ML startups. 
• Lucknow’s AI city represents an advanced step in implementing artificial intelligence at a large scale and nurturing the workforce of the future.

Assam CM Launches 200 Eco-Buses In Guwahati To Combat Pollution

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged off 200 electric buses from Guwahati. The government has taken this decision to create a pollution-free environment in Assam.

Key Points

• Unlike CNG-powered buses, these buses will ply on a total of 13 routes in Guwahati. Furthermore, charging stations have been set up at several places, including Mirza and Jagiroad. 
• The new initiative aims to establish Guwahati as the country’s first city powered by a 100% green public transportation system by the year 2025.
• Additionaly, CM Sarma ceremonially launched the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) in Guwahati. The NCMC serves as a versatile transport card designed to simplify various transactions related to travel, toll taxes, and retail purchases, and allows cash withdrawals. 
• Operating via the RuPay card system, the NCMC can be obtained as a prepaid, debit, or credit card from associated banks.

NEHHDC Establishes Ashtlaxmi Haat for Northeast Arts and Crafts

The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) establishing Ashtlaxmi Haat & Experience Centre at Guwahati with a project cost of ₹ 7.6 crore.

Key Points

• The initiative attempts to develop and promote the indigenous crafts of the region by connecting craftsmen to prospective markets and consumers and generating economic, cultural, and social opportunities for creators while adding cultural value for consumers.  
• The Haat will have 24 permanent stalls, which will provide market access to artisans of all Northeast states & will have an artisan residency to provide accommodation to artisans from outstation.
• It provides the artisans a direct city outlet bridging them to contemporary consumers seeking authentic ethnic wares. 
• The residency component lets craftspeople from remote hills and villages stay during sales exhibitions.
• The organization procures handicrafts and handlooms from artisans and weavers across the region and retails the same. Moreover, it promotes the products at various National and International Markets through exhibitions and trade fairs. 

Jammu And Kashmir Becomes First UT To Implement PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Jammu & Kashmir has become the first Union Territory to implement the PM Vishwakarma Yojana (PMBY) skill training program for craftsmen and artisans. 

The initiative aims to empower and enhance the skills of the craftsmen community in the country. 

The start of training for the first batch of 30 trainees in Darzi craft at the Industrial Training Institute in Shopian. 

This initiative, launched by the Central government in September 2023, aims to uplift and recognize the crucial role these skilled individuals play in preserving and enriching India’s cultural heritage.

Gujarat Sets Guinness Record In Mass Surya Namaskar

Gujarat sets Guinness record for performing mass Surya Namaskar simultaneously in the state on the first day of the new year.

Over 4,000 participants across 108 locations and 51 different categories performed Surya Namaskar, solidifying the state’s commitment to wellness and cultural heritage. 

The record-breaking event was held at the majestic Modhera Sun Temple. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from diverse groups, including families, students, yoga enthusiasts, and even senior citizens.

India, UAE Launch Maiden Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’

The collaborative military exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ involving India and the UAE is scheduled to take place in Rajasthan from January 2 to January 15. 

Key Points

• The UAE contingent is being represented by troops from the Zayed First Brigade.  The Indian Army contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented mainly by a Battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment. 
• The aim of this Exercise is to enhance interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations including Fighting in Built-Up Area (FIBUA) in desert/ semi desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations. 
• The Exercise will enhance cooperation and interoperability between both the sides during Peace Keeping Operations. 
• Drills planned to be rehearsed during Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ include Establishment of a Joint Surveillance Centre, Cordon and Search Operation, Domination of Built-Up Area and Heliborne Operations. 
• The Exercise will also foster collaborative partnership and help in sharing best practices between the two sides. 
• Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ signifies further strengthening of bonds of friendship and trust between India and the UAE. 
• The Exercise aims to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.

India, Pakistan Exchange List of Nuclear Installations

India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad. 

About Non-Nuclear Aggression Agreement

• The Non-nuclear aggression agreement is a bilateral and nuclear weapons control treaty between India and Pakistan, on the reduction (or limitation) of nuclear arms.
• It is also known as the India-Pakistan Non-Attack Agreement, that was signed on 31 December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991.
• It provides that India and Pakistan inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the Agreement on the first of January of every calendar year. 
• Each party shall refrain from undertaking, encouraging or participating in, directly or indirectly, any action aimed at causing the destruction of, or damage to, any nuclear installation or facility in the other country.

Importance of this agreement

• Both the countries reaffirm their commitment to durable peace and the development of friendly and harmonious bilateral relations. 
• They are conscious of the role of confidence building measures in promoting such bilateral relations based on mutual trust and goodwill.