Current Affairs - National

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with the Department of School Education to link the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) status of Aadhaar-linked school children with the UDISE+ system. UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) is a critical database managed by the Department of School Education & Literacy under the Ministry of Education. By integrating MBU status, the collaboration ensures better monitoring of children’s biometric updates and helps maintain more accurate educational records. This initiative strengthens the linkage between Aadhaar and educational data, ultimately improving governance, efficiency, and accountability in the school system.

The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring of the PM SVANidhi Scheme and extended its lending operations till 31 March 2030. This extension provides a longer financial window for street vendors and small businesses to access affordable credit. With a total outlay of ₹7,332 crore, the scheme also introduces features like UPI-linked RuPay Credit Cards for eligible beneficiaries and digital cashback incentives to promote digital transactions. Additionally, coverage is widened beyond statutory towns to include census towns and peri-urban areas, thereby ensuring greater inclusivity and long term support for grassroots entrepreneurship.

The National Designated Authority (NDA) for carbon markets has been constituted with 21 members as a statutory body under the Environment Ministry. It is chaired by the Environment Secretary and includes representatives from key ministries like External Affairs, Steel, Renewable Energy, Power, and NITI Aayog. The creation of this 21-member body is a mandatory step under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which was further finalised at COP29 in Baku (2024). The NDA will serve as the nodal regulator, overseeing India’s participation and compliance in global carbon markets.

‘Project Aarohan, launched by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is designed to support the educational aspirations of toll plaza employees children. The program, unveiled in New Delhi by Chairman Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav, provides scholarships, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities for students from marginalised and economically weaker sections. With an initial fund of ₹1 crore for 2025–26, the initiative covers 500 students from Class 11 to graduation and offers higher scholarships to 50 exceptional students pursuing post-graduation. Beyond financial assistance, the project also emphasises mentorship, career guidance, and skill development, ensuring holistic growth and preparing beneficiaries for future success.

PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation of projects worth ₹5,400 crore at Khodaldham Ground in Ahmedabad. These projects aim to significantly boost Gujarat’s connectivity and infrastructure, including metro networks, modern bus services, and the addition of 3,000 km of new rail tracks with complete electrification. The redevelopment of Sabarmati Ashram is also a major highlight, envisioned as a global symbol of peace and heritage. The projects further cover diverse sectors such as urban development, energy, roads, and railways, reflecting a holistic approach to modernizing Ahmedabad and enhancing its role as a key hub for growth and progress.