Current Affairs - National

Kamarajar Port became India's second major port to achieve an 18-metre operational draft after the successful completion of the ₹440 crore Capital Dredging Phase VI project. The upgraded infrastructure allows the port to handle fully laden Capesize vessels carrying up to 1,70,000 DWT, significantly improving cargo handling efficiency. The project included deepening approach channels, entrance channels, berths, and navigational areas, transforming the port into a Cape Compliant Port. This achievement is expected to reduce logistics costs, improve turnaround time, enhance India's global maritime competitiveness, and strengthen the country's export-import (EXIM) trade.

India was ranked 125th out of 197 countries in the Global Passport Index 2026. Although the country's overall score improved to 45.1, its highest in the past five years, it slipped one place from the previous year's ranking due to stronger improvements made by other countries. The index evaluates passports using three key factors: enhanced mobility, quality of living, and investment opportunities. India showed progress in quality of life and investment potential, but limited visa-free travel access to major destinations affected its mobility score, preventing a higher overall ranking despite the improved performance.

UIDAI has introduced a new digital service that allows Aadhaar holders to update their Email ID directly through the official Aadhaar App without visiting an Aadhaar Seva Kendra. The service became available on July 1, 2026, and is offered free of charge for six months. This initiative aims to make Aadhaar services more accessible, convenient, and citizen-friendly by enabling users to update their details from anywhere. The feature received a strong response, with over 2.5 lakh email updates completed within the first two days, reflecting the growing adoption of digital government services.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) launched the 24×7 Women Helpline 14490 to provide immediate support, complaint registration, psychological counselling, and guidance for women facing violence, harassment, workplace exploitation, and other forms of abuse. The helpline is available round the clock and serves as a single point of contact for women aged 18 years and above. It also offers referral services, information about government welfare schemes, and grievance redressal support. As part of the Digital India initiative, the service aims to make assistance more accessible, improve complaint handling, and strengthen institutional support for women's safety and empowerment.

The Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS) is an interstate irrigation project constructed across the Tungabhadra River, a major tributary of the Krishna River. It was developed to supply irrigation water to drought-prone agricultural regions of Telangana, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, thereby improving agricultural productivity and supporting rural livelihoods. The scheme also aims to promote equitable sharing of river water among the participating states. Over the years, it has become an important component of water resource management in the Krishna River basin and continues to play a vital role in ensuring water security and sustainable agricultural development.