Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC - 12th January 2024

1. Maharashtra is the top clean state of the country under the Swachh Survekshan 2023 award

• President Draupadi Murmu presented the Swachh Survekshan 2023 Awards in the presence of Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and other officials at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. 
• The theme of the 8th edition of the Urban Sanitation Survey 2023 was "Waste to Wealth", while the theme for 2024 is "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle". Ms Murmu also launched the 'Swachh Survekshan' 2023 dashboard at the function. 
• In the category of states for cleanliness, Maharashtra was given the first prize, Madhya Pradesh was given the second prize and Chhattisgarh was given the third clean state award.
• Odisha is at the fourth position, followed by Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Karnataka, Goa, Haryana and Bihar. 

Major Award

• In the category of cities with population more than one lakh, Surat in Gujarat and Indore in Madhya Pradesh were jointly declared the cleanest cities in the country. Navi Mumbai got third position. Indore has received this award for the seventh consecutive time. 
• The list of top 10 cleanest cities with population more than one lakh also includes Greater Visakhapatnam, Bhopal, Vijayawada, New Delhi, Tirupati, Greater Hyderabad and Pune. 
• In the category with population less than one lakh, Saswad in Maharashtra, Patan in Chhattisgarh and Lonavala in Maharashtra secured the top three positions among the cleanest cities. 
• Varanasi and Prayagraj from Uttar Pradesh took the top two positions among clean Ganga cities. 
• Mhow Cantonment Board was declared the cleanest Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh. 
• Chandigarh received the Best Safaimitra Safe City (Safest City for Sanitation Workers) award. 
• Madhyamgram, Kalyani and Howrah – all cities in West Bengal – were placed at the bottom, while the last states in the list were Rajasthan, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. Swachh Survekshan 2023 
• The Swachh Survekshan, which began with a modest assessment of 73 major cities in 2016, now covers 4,477 cities. A total of 4,477 urban local bodies, 61 cantonment boards, 88 Ganga towns and 18,980 commercial areas participated in the survey. Responses from approximately 12 crore citizens were received. 
• The government claims that this is the world's largest urban sanitation survey. The latest ranking prioritizes addressing old dumpsites, managing plastic waste, implementing the principles of reduce, reuse, recycling and ensuring the safety of Safai Mitras. 

2. Maharashtra govt declares new Atpadi Conservation Reserve in Sangli district 

• The Government of Maharashtra has declared a new Conservation Reserve in the forest land of Sangli district namely ‘Atpadi Conservation Reserve’. 
• The newly formed Atpadi Conservation Reserve connects the Maini Conservation Area in the west with the Maldhok Bird Sanctuary in the northeast. 
• This will help in the protection of wildlife corridors and preserve the habitat of wolves, deer, foxes, civets and other mammals in the area 
• This newly declared Conservation Reserve hosts three types of forest cover, Semi-evergreen, moist deciduous and dry deciduous.
• 36 tree species, 116 herb species, 15 shrub species, 14 vine species and 1 parasitic plant are found in this area. The Atpadi Conservation Reserve will help preserve the habitat of wolves, jackals, deer, foxes, civets, rabbits and other mammals in the area.

About Maharashtra

• Capital – Mumbai
• Chief Minister – Eknath Sindhe
• Deputy Chief Minister – Devendra Fadnavis & Ajit Pawar 
• Governor – Ramesh Bais 

3. Tamil Nadu launched special vehicle to restore coastal ecosystems 

• Tamil Nadu government has launched the Tamil Nadu Blue Carbon Agency to preserve and restore coastal ecosystems. 
• This part of the Tamil Nadu Coastal Mission was announced in the 2023-24 state budget, with a Rs 2000 crore cost backed by World Bank funding. 
• A special-purpose vehicle called the Tamil Nadu Blue Carbon Agency has been set up for preservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, corals, seagrass, and salt marshes. 
• This is a significant move towards environmental conservation, focusing on protection and revitalization of the state’s coastal ecology. 

About Tamil Nadu 

• Formation – 26 January 1950 
• Capital – Chennai 
• Chief Minister – M K Stalin 
• Governor – R N Ravi 

4.US And UK Launch Airstrikes On Yemen’s Huthi Rebels Over Red Sea Attacks

• In response to the Iran-backed Huthi rebels’ escalating assaults on shipping in the Red Sea, the United States and Britain carried out airstrikes using fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles. 
• The Huthis, controlling a significant part of Yemen since 2014, had intensified attacks on the crucial international sea route, triggering global concerns. 
• Shipping companies diverting around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope raised alarms about potential economic repercussions. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak convened an emergency cabinet meeting, reflecting the gravity of the situation. The international community faces the challenge of managing a complex geopolitical scenario in the region. 

5.Simmtech To Set Up Semiconductor Plant In Sanand, Gujarat 

• The semiconductor industry in India is witnessing a significant boost as Simmtech, a South Korean firm, announced its plans to set up a manufacturing plant in Sanand, Gujarat. 
• With an investment of Rs 1,250 crore, Simmtech aims to contribute to the creation of a robust semiconductor ecosystem in the state. 
• Simmtech, recognized as the world’s largest manufacturer of semiconductor substrates, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government for the establishment of its plant. 
• The company will be situated in close proximity to Micron’s existing facility in Sanand. Simmtech has been allocated 30 acres of land, and the construction work is scheduled to commence in the next two to three months. The entire setup process is expected to take 6-7 months. 

6.National Road Safety Week From January 11 To 17 

• National Road Safety Week, a crucial initiative in India, is observed annually from January 11 to 17. The 2024 observance marks the 35th year of this vital campaign. 
• Aimed at raising awareness about road safety, this week-long event plays a significant role in educating citizens about responsible driving, pedestrian safety, and the need for improved road infrastructure. 
• Recognizing the severity of road safety challenges, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced an annual observance known as National Road Safety Month (RSM). In 2024, this month-long campaign will run from January 15 to February 14, providing an extended period for awareness and education activities. 

7.National Youth Day 2024 

• National Youth Day observed every year on January 12th in India, commemorates the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and recognizes his significant contributions to Indian society and the world. 
• The Government of India, in 1984, declared January 12 as National Youth Day to honour Swami Vivekananda’s birthday. This day is dedicated to motivating and inspiring the youth using the life and ideas of Swami Vivekananda, aiming to foster national development. 
• The theme for National Youth Day 2024 is “Viksit Yuva-Viksit Bharat.” This theme reflects a focus on youth empowerment and nation-building. It underscores the critical role of the youth in shaping a developed India, aligning with Swami Vivekananda’s vision of harnessing youth power for positive societal change. 

8.ANUBHAV Awards Scheme, 2024 

• The ANUBHAV Awards Scheme, initiated by the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DoPPW), is an innovative platform for recognizing the contributions made by retired officials to nation-building during their tenure in government service. 
• Launched in 2015 under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, the scheme is a step towards documenting India’s administrative history through written narratives by retired Central Government employees. 
• Retiring Central Government employees/pensioners can participate by submitting their ‘Anubhav’ write-ups 8 months before retirement and up to 1 year after their retirement. The scheme offers 05 ANUBHAV Awards and 10 Jury Certificates annually. 

9.Rural Ministry Partners With SBI For SHG Loans 

• In a significant move towards fostering rural development and financial inclusion, the Rural Development Ministry and the State Bank of India (SBI) have joined hands through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). 
• The primary objective of this collaboration is to streamline and facilitate enterprise financing for rural self-help groups (SHGs), as announced in an official statement. 
• The MoU, a pivotal step towards rural economic empowerment, was formally signed by Mr. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, Additional Secretary – National Rural Livelihoods Mission, and Mr. Shantanu Pendsey, Chief General Manager at the Corporate office of State Bank of India in Mumbai. 

10.Rear Admiral Upal Kundu Takes Charge As Chief Of Staff, Southern Naval Command 

• Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, an esteemed alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, has recently taken over as the Chief of Staff at the Southern Naval Command (SNC). This seasoned naval officer brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise, particularly in anti-submarine warfare (ASW). 
• The Admiral’s illustrious career includes commanding several key naval vessels. Among them, he steered the guided missile frigate INS Trikand and the missile corvette INS Kuthar with distinction. 
• In addition to his accomplishments at sea, Rear Admiral Upal Kundu demonstrated his managerial acumen in ashore commands. His stewardship at INS Tanaji and INS Kadamba showcased his ability to efficiently oversee naval operations from land-based positions. 

11.Sheel Vardhan Singh Assumes Role As UPSC Member 

• In a significant development, Sheel Vardhan Singh, the former Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), has been appointed as a member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). 
• During his tenure as the Director General of CISF from November 2021 to December 2023, Singh played a pivotal role in providing visionary leadership that significantly enhanced security measures across the vital industrial sector. 
• Following Singh’s appointment, there are still three vacancies for members in the UPSC, paving the way for potential future appointments. This underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure a diverse and experienced panel of individuals to oversee the crucial task of selecting top-tier civil servants. 

12.Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav Launched A Book Titled ‘Modi: Energising A Green Future’ 

• Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, heading the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), has recently unveiled an insightful book titled “Modi: Energising A Green Future”. 
• This book, a significant addition to environmental literature, is published by Pentagon Press in collaboration with the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation. 
• The central theme of the book revolves around Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and actions for a sustainable and eco-friendly future. It delves deep into the strategies and policies under PM Modi’s leadership that have placed India at the forefront of the global environmental movement. 

13.Unveiling The Essence Of The 9th Asian Winter Games: Slogan, Emblem, And Mascots 

• The 9th Asian Winter Games, set to illuminate the winter sports landscape in 2025, have officially entered an exciting phase with the unveiling of its core symbols – the slogan, emblem, and mascots. 
• Embracing the spirit of unity and sportsmanship, the official slogan “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia” resonates deeply with the ethos of the Games. This slogan encapsulates the aspirations and passion for winter sports among Asian countries, highlighting the essence of dreams, love, and camaraderie that the Games aim to foster. 
• The heart and soul of the Games are personified in its mascots, “Binbin” and “Nini”, two charming Siberian tiger cubs. Inspired by actual tiger cubs born in the Heilongjiang Siberian Tiger Park, these mascots embody the vitality and spirit of the Games. 

14.Aman Sherawat Secures 57kg Gold In 2024 Zagreb Open Singles 

• India’s young wrestling sensation, Aman Sehrawat, set the stage on fire at the Zagreb Open 2024 by winning a gold medal in the 57 kg category of the men’s singles event. 
• The 20-year-old wrestler demonstrated his prowess by defeating China’s Zou Wanhao 10-0 in the final, securing victory by technical superiority. This impressive win marked a stellar beginning for Sehrawat in the year 2024. 
• Sehrawat, currently ranked 13th in the world, showcased his dominance over his Chinese counterpart right from the initial moments of the final match. With precision and skill, he left no room for error and concluded the fight with a resounding victory, leaving a minute and eight seconds on the clock. 

15.Rhythm Sangwan Clinches 16th Olympic Quota For 2024 Paris Games 

• In a remarkable feat at the Asian Shooting Championships 2024 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Rhythm Sangwan secured a bronze medal in the women’s 25m pistol event, obtaining a Paris 2024 Olympic quota for India. 
• This accomplishment marked India’s 16th shooting quota for the upcoming Olympics, surpassing the previous record tally of 15 set for the Tokyo 2020 Games. 
• During the intense 25m pistol final, Rhythm Sangwan showcased her skills, scoring 28 out of 45 to claim the bronze. The gold and silver medals were secured by Jiin Yang and Yeji Kim from the Republic of Korea, who shot 41/50 and 32/50, respectively. 

16.China Deploys ‘Einstein Probe,’ A Lotus-Shaped Satellite, To Monitor Cosmic Turbulence 

• China has recently sent a groundbreaking astronomical satellite named Einstein Probe (EP) into space on a mission to observe mysterious transient phenomena in the universe. 
• The satellite, shaped like a lotus in full bloom, employs innovative X-ray detection technology inspired by the functioning of a lobster eye. Launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, this mission marks a significant step in unraveling the secrets of the cosmos. 
• The Einstein Probe, weighing approximately 1.45 tonnes and resembling a full-size SUV, boasts a distinctive lotus shape. Its design includes 12 petals and two stamens, with each petal housing wide-field X-ray telescopes (WXT) and each stamen containing follow-up X-ray telescopes (FXT). 

17. Show of fairness Tableau rotational plan for States and Union Territories is an equitable one 

• The Defence Ministry has finalized a rotational plan which will ensure that all States and Union Territories get a chance to display their tableaux at the Republic Day parade within a three-year cycle. This is a welcome step that will potentially avoid controversy over the selection of tableaux that has become an un- fortunate and frequent accompaniment of the parade. This year, tableaux of 16 States/Union Territories (UT) were selected for the January 26 parade following an established process but the Opposition-ruled Delhi, Punjab, Karnataka and West Bengal that were not qualified cried foul. Karnataka's Congress Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that seven proposals sent by the State were rejected by the Centre. A political motive behind selection and exclusion has often been suggested, under the current BJP regime and the previous UPA regime. Only around 15 or 16 tableaux from States/UTs are selected each year, and, obviously, all cannot be accommodated. Those States that have not been selected for the parade this year were invited to showcase their tableaux at the Bharat Parv from January 23 to 31 at the Red Fort. The new plan, that has been agreed to by 28 States, is aimed at giving everyone an equitable chance at participation. 
• The Defence Ministry already has an elaborate screening mechanism for participants in the parade. A committee of distinguished persons drawn from various fields including Padma awardees was set up this year too that screened proposals from States and organizations. The Ministry of Culture had empanelled 30 agencies for design and fabrication of tableaux through an open selection process and States/UTs were advised to engage these agencies following appropriate procedure. The allegations by States of discrimination with respect to their proposals may or may not be unfounded, but the selection process has to be apolitical and conducted in a transparent manner while maintaining standards to avoid questions in the first place. While the marching contingents and military platforms at the parade showcase the nation's military might, the tableaux and the performances hold a lens to the country's cultural splendor and diversity. In the backdrop of controversies year after year, the new proposal of a rotational opportunity for each State/UT offers a fairer, more transparent mechanism. The assertion by officials that the Government, Minister or Secretary do not have any role in the selection process, is reassuring. It will go a long way in keeping the festivities free from bickering. 

18. Direct tax kitty crosses 80% of 2023-24 target 

• India's net direct tax collections touched 14.7 lakh crore by January 10, meeting over four-fifths of this year's target and reflecting a growth of 19.4% over the corresponding period of 2022-23. 
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Thursday said provisional direct tax collections continue to register 'steady growth' with gross collections rising 16.77% to 17.18 lakh crore, led by a 26.11% rise in Personal Income Tax (PIT) inflows. Corporate Income Tax or CIT collections grew at a relatively muted pace of 8.32%. 
• "After adjustment of refunds, the net growth in CIT collections is 12.37% and that in PIT collections is 27.26% [PIT only]," the tax collections amount to 17.18 lakh crore, showing a year-on-year growth of 16.77% 
• Net direct tax collection, after refunds, stands at 214.70 lakh crore, reflecting a year- on-year growth of 19.41% 
• Direct tax collections are at 80.61% of the Budget estimates for FY24 as of January 10. 
• The net corporate Income tax has grown by 12.37%, and the net personal income tax has grown by 27.26% amounting to 2.48 lakh crore have been issued between April 1, 2023, and January 10, 2024 
• Refunds amounting to *2.48 lakh crore had been issued to taxpayers by Wednesday, about 23,000 crore more than the re funds that had been sent by December 17. 
• Rating agency ICRA said it expects the full year's direct tax collections to exceed the budget estimates by 1 lakh crore,"Direct tax revenues are projected to grow by 12% in 2024-25, based on expectations that benign levels of commodity prices would augur favorably on the profitability of corporates," ICRA economists said. "Hence such tax col- lections and the continued efforts by the government to improve compliance are likely to support personal income tax inflows amid widening of the tax base." 
• Board said in a statement. Net of refunds, PIT and Securities Transaction Tax receipts were up 27.22%. 
• The net direct tax collection has grown by 1 lakh crore since December 17, when it had surpassed 13.7 lakh crore. 
• "Direct Tax collection, net of refunds, stands at 14.70 lakh crore, which is 19.41% higher than the net collections for the corresponding period of last year. This collection is 80.61% of the total budget estimates of direct taxes for FX. 2023-24," the CBDT said. 

19. Agnipath scheme was brought after consultations: Army chief 

• Con the Agnipath scheme, he reiterated that its final framework came about "after an iterative process, after consultations, and it took into account whatever issues we had to put across (The Army chief outlined the problem in the Rajouri Poonch sector, in response to a question from The Hindu at the annual press conference ahead of Army Day. "If we look at the entire Jammu and Kashmir, in terms of the number of terrorists neutralized in the entire State in 2023, it is 71, of which 51 are in the (Kashmir) valley and 21 in the Rajouri-Poonch region. Our own casualties in Kashmir have been seven; in Rajouri-Poonch, it has been 20. The figures, especially in Rajouri Poonch, is something we have taken note of," Gen. Pande said. 
• "My guidance to soldiers and commanders there is unambiguous, in terms of respect for human rights and zero tolerance for any actions on that account," he said. The Army chief's statement comes in the wake of allegations of recent civilian deaths in Army custody. 
• "We have clearly laid down guidelines which spell out what you must do, and what you must not do in those areas and for soldiers to be able to act in a professional manner and whatever they're doing. This is something which I have emphasized and re emphasized. But let me assure you that our counterterrorism operations in those areas will continue in a relentless fashion so that we get back to normalcy at the earliest," he added 
• Gen. Pande declined to comment on his predecessor's remarks that the armed forces had been "taken by surprise" regarding the Agnipath scheme. Launched in June 2022, the scheme is aimed at short-term recruitment of soldiers, sailors and airmen for a four-year period. Agnipath had taken the Army "by surprise" while it was a "bolt out of the blue'' for the Navy and Air Force, former Army Chief Gen. Manoj Mukund Naravane has written in his upcoming memoir, Four Stars of Destiny "It would be unfair for me to say anything on that," Gen. Pande said, when asked about Gen. Naravane's observations, adding, "From here on, we need to move forward. 
• The Army Chief characterized the situation on the northern border with China as "stable but sensitive". "We continue to talk to find a solution to address the balance issues between the two sides. Operational preparedness is very high, and deployment is both robust, and balanced," he added 

20. 'Minorities' right to open institutions not for ghettoisation’ 

• The Supreme Court on Thursday observed that the right given to religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer their own educational institutions under Article 30 (1) of the Constitution was not intended to "ghettoize" them. 
• The minority character of an educational institution is not lost if its founders, who belong to a particular minority community, choose administrators from other communities, including the majority group, to run the institution, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud observed. 
• The Chief Justice is heading a seven-judge Bench hearing a reference related to the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
• "Article 30 does not mandate that the administration of a minority educational institution should be only by members of that community," Chief Justice Chandrachud said. 
• The provision confers on the minority the discretion to choose the administrators of the institution, the CJI added. 
• Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who represents the AMU Old Boys' Association, said whether or not an educational institution has minority character should be learnt from its genesis. 
• In its written submissions, the Centre has contended that the AMU, established in 1875, cannot be considered a minority institution given its "national character". 

21. Surat, Indore cleanest cities; Maharashtra tops State list

• Surat in Gujarat and Indore in Madhya Pradesh were on Thursday jointly declared the cleanest cities of India at the annual clean city awards for 2023 of the Union Urban Affairs Ministry. The next best is Navi Mum bai. 
• The Swachh Survekshan pus with awards were given away by President Droupadi Murmur here. 
• Indore has been adjudged the cleanest city for the seventh time in a row. 
• The list of top 10 cleanest cities with a population of more than one lakh includes Greater Visakhapatnam, Bhopal, Vijayawada, New Delhi, Tirupati, Greater Hyderabad and Pune. 
• In the State rankings, Maharashtra came first, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Odisha is ranked fourth, followed by Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Karnataka, Goa, Haryana and Bihar. 
• In the category of cities d with a population of less 1- than one lakh, Saswad and Lonavala in Maharashtra 
• The tables list the cleanest cities with more than 1 lakh population and the best-performing States, according to the Swachh Survekshan Awards. Indore bagged the tag of India's cleanest city for the seventh consecutive time and Patan in Chhattisgarh secured the top three spots. The Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh was adjudged the cleanest Board. cantonment 
• Varanasi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh won the top two awards for the cleanest Ganga towns. Chandigarh won the award for the safest city for sanitation workers. Twenty zonal awards were given to medium and small cities. 
• Madhyamgram, Kalyani and Haora, all cities in West Bengal, have the dubious distinction of being placed at the bottom of the list, while the States at the end of the list were Rajasthan, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. 
• The theme of the cleanliness survey 2023 was "Waste to wealth", while for 2024, it is "Reduce, reuse and recycle". 
• "Only by eliminating manholes through mechanized cleaning and achieving the goal of sanitation through machine holes, we will be able to establish our true identity as a sensitive society," Ms. Murmu said in her address. She noted that the circular cycling and reusing more economy's methods of re- and more goods were proving helpful for sustainable development. 
• She pressed confidence that such a system will prove to be very useful in the field of waste management also. also Murmu Ms. launched the 'Swachh Survekshan' 2023 dashboard at the function. 
• Union Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said: "Today, every city in India is ODF (open defecation free). This became possible because the Swachh Bharat Mission went from being a government programme to becoming a Jan Andolan (people's movement)." 
• Mr. Puri said that in 2014, there was only 15-16% scientific processing of waste, while today the number is almost 76%; in the next two to three years, 100% will be achieved. "By the end of this mission, we would have fully transitioned from manhole to machine hole," he said.
• The Swachh Survekshan, which began with a modest evaluation of 73 major cities in 2016, now covers 4,477 cities. The evaluation this year was done by over 3,000 asses- sors. Nearly 12 crore citizen responses were received. 

22. Crimes in Delhi railway stations rise -by 105% in two years, says RTI reply 

• The number of crimes occurring on railway premises has increased in the past three years in the national capital, a Right to Information (RTI) reply said. 
• In 2021, the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Railways, in Delhi recorded 2,108 crimes, which rose by 45% to 3,065 cases in 2022. Up to 4,342 cases until November 30, 2023, a stag- gering 105% increase from cases registered in 2021. 
• The RTI was filed by Madhya Pradesh-based activist Chandra Shekhar Gaur. 
• Thefts are rampant in Old Delhi Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station with 2016 cases registered in 2021. Cases of theft rose by 18% to 2,831 in 2022 and 3909 cases till November 30, 2023, a whopping 93% increase as compared to 2021, according to the information supplied by Apoorva Gupta, DCP (Railways), Delhi Police. 
• Instances of snatching of personal valuable items increased from 19 in 2021 to 85 in 2022, a 347% increase and 96 in 2023, an increase of 405%. More cases under the Touting Act, which includes unauthorized carrying on of business of procuring and supplying of railway tickets, were registered in 2023, up to 124, much higher than six cases registered in 2021 and eight registered in 2022. 
• Robberies cases doubled from 10 in 2022 to 22 cases registered in 2023. The number of kidnappings also rose from nine cases in 2021, to 14 cases in 2022 and later increased to 24 cases in 2023. 
• Cases registered under miscellaneous sections c the Indian Penal Code ros from 14 cases in 2021, to 2 in 2022, increasing to 10 in 2023. 
• Other categories in which crimes were record ed are murder, attempt to murder, rape, eve teasing, accident, hurt, cheating, extortion, drugging, narcotics, gambling, arms, excise cases. 
• Another disturbing trend is that since 2021, 1,897 people have died on railway tracks. In 2021, 507 people died, while in 2022 the number stood at 714 people and in 2023 up to November 2023, 676 people succumbed. "These are run over incidents," Apoorva Gupta, DCP (Railways), the Delhi Police told The Hindu. Also, 468 people were injured on railway tracks 144 (2021), 174 (2022) and 150 (2023).