2024_Dec_Current_Affairs_Part_01
Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)
■ Government has allocated Rs 3,295 crore for the development of 40 tourism projects across 23 states under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
■ The scheme provides interest-free loans for 50 years to States for developing iconic tourist centers, branding, and global marketing.
■ The Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale component.
■ It aims to boost local economies, create jobs, promote sustainable tourism and strengthen the entire tourist value chain.
■ The State Government is solely responsible for the project’s operations and maintenance, potentially through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
Cyber Scams
Phishing Scams: Fraudsters send fake emails or messages that mimic trusted organizations to trick victims into sharing sensitive information like passwords or financial details.
Credit Card Scams: Fraudsters offer loans at low interest rates with quick approval. After the victim pays an upfront fee to secure the loan, the scammers disappear.
Mistaken Money-Transfer Scams: Scammers contact victims claiming money was mistakenly sent to their account and using fake transaction receipts to pressure them into returning it to avoid legal trouble.
Lottery and Prize Scams: Victims receive notifications claiming they have won a significant prize and are asked to pay a processing fee or taxes to claim it.
Fake Charity Appeal Scams: Scammers create fake websites or social media pages for bogus causes like disaster relief or health initiatives, using emotional stories or images to create urgency and sympathy.
Cash-on-Delivery (CoD) Scams: Scammers set up fake online stores that accept CoD orders. When the product is delivered, it is either counterfeit or not as advertised.
Investment Scams: These scams appeal to a victim’s desire for quick money by promising high, unrealistic returns through Ponzi or pyramid schemes.
Job Scams: Scammers post fake job listings on hiring platforms or social media to trick job seekers, especially fresh graduates, into giving personal information or money.
Emotional Manipulation Scams: Scammers on dating apps build relationships with victims and later ask for money for emergencies, often demanding payments in cryptocurrency.
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) 2.0 Scheme
■ Government of India is planning to introduce a new Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) 2.0 scheme, which aims to encourage a self-sustaining drone ecosystem.
■ Local production of drones and their components and also promotes services related to drones, such as leasing and software sales.
■ India hosts around 300 drone manufacturers.
9th International Conference on Waste to Worth
■ A skilled workforce in recycling technologies, which focused on innovation and global partnerships to tackle waste management issues.
■ New rules introduced by Govt. :
Plastic Waste Management Rules.
E-Waste Management Rules.
Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules
Motor Vehicle Scrap Policy
National Circular Economy Framework
■ Introduced in 2023, the NCEF serves as a collaborative effort involving government, industry, and communities to adopt circular economy principles.
■ The framework emphasises resource conservation, waste reduction, and climate resilience, aligning with India’s commitments to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
West Bengal Recognised for Heritage Tourism
■ West Bengal has gained recognition as a premier heritage tourism destination by UNESCO
■ The state government is focused on improving various heritage sites. Key locations include the Dakshineshwar and Kalighat temples, which are vital for attracting tourists and promoting cultural heritage.
■ The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated on December 3 each year.
■ The 2024 theme focuses on amplifying the leadership of PwDs for a sustainable future.
■ The United Nations declared IDPD in 1992, aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by disabled individuals.
■ The Marburg virus has recently emerged as health threat in Africa.
■ The virus has rapidly spread across 17 African countries within the last two months.
Transmitted by fruit bats.
Bonus Facts:
■ Clade 1 refers to a specific lineage of viruses.
■ It is known for causing severe diseases.
■ This clade is prevalent in certain regions, including parts of Africa.