Current Affairs - National

India strengthened its partnership with the European Union during the third Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting in Brussels. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, semiconductors, renewable energy technologies, secure digital infrastructure, and resilient supply chains. Both sides emphasised the importance of trusted partnerships to address global trade disruptions and technological challenges. The collaboration also aims to promote sustainable economic growth, enhance digital transformation, strengthen trade and investment ties, support clean energy initiatives, and encourage innovation through joint efforts between governments, industries, startups, and research institutions.

Operation Vajra was a special operation under which the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) dismantled a high-tech Mephedrone manufacturing laboratory in Pune and arrested the key conspirators. The operation was carried out by the Preventive Branch of the Office of the Deputy Narcotics Commissioner, CBN, Neemuch. The illicit laboratory was seized in Maharashtra, while the accused were apprehended in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. All actions were taken under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The operation reflects the government's continued efforts to combat illegal drug production and strengthen narcotics law enforcement across the country.

The Department of Posts partnered with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to conduct the largest-ever telecom network performance survey covering more than 5.68 lakh villages across the country. The survey aims to assess the quality and availability of mobile services provided by operators such as Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL. Using the extensive rural postal network, Gramin Dak Sevaks, and an Android-based mobile application, the initiative will identify connectivity gaps, support evidence-based policymaking, improve rural telecom infrastructure, and strengthen the Digital India mission by enhancing mobile connectivity in remote and underserved regions.

Jaipur secured the 6th position globally in the Happy City Index 2026, making it the only Indian city to feature in the world's top 10 happiest cities. The city earned this recognition for its high quality of life, effective governance, rich cultural heritage, strong tourism sector, and continuous urban development. Improvements in infrastructure, public services, smart city initiatives, sustainability, and citizen engagement have further enhanced the living standards of residents. Jaipur's successful balance between preserving its historical identity and embracing modern development played a key role in achieving this prestigious global ranking.

Four states Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra—signed the Narmada Project Payment Pact to settle long-pending financial issues related to the implementation of the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal (NWDT) Award. The agreement covers cost-sharing for the Sardar Sarovar and Indira Sagar projects, including rehabilitation expenses, compensation for submerged land, construction costs, interest on borrowings, and settlement of outstanding dues. The pact represents an important step toward cooperative federalism, improved inter-state coordination, and efficient management of the Narmada River basin and its major water resource projects.