Current Affairs - National

The Siddi tribal community, recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), has achieved an impressive literacy rate of 72%. This milestone highlights the success of government and community initiatives aimed at improving education among marginalised groups. Historically of Bantu-African origin, the Siddis have long faced geographical and socio-economic challenges. Reaching 72% literacy demonstrates a major step toward inclusion, empowerment, and access to better livelihoods. It reflects increased school enrollment, awareness of educational schemes, and the community’s growing participation in India’s developmental framework.

Google announced a $15 billion investment to set up a major Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centre in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This facility, with an initial capacity of 1 gigawatt and plans for multi-gigawatt expansion, represents Google’s largest AI infrastructure investment outside the United States. The project underscores India’s growing importance as a global AI and cloud computing hub, strengthening the country’s digital ecosystem, enhancing data processing capabilities, and creating significant employment opportunities in advanced technology sectors within the region and beyond.

Five beaches in Maharashtra—Shrivardhan and Nagaon in Raigad, Parnaka in Palghar, and Guhagar and Ladghar in Ratnagiri—have been awarded the Blue Flag certification. This international recognition is granted by Denmark’s Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches that meet 33 stringent criteria encompassing cleanliness, safety, environmental management, and sustainability. The certification highlights Maharashtra’s commitment to maintaining high environmental standards and promoting eco-friendly tourism. Achieving Blue Flag status not only enhances the beaches’ global visibility but also encourages conservation practices, public awareness, and responsible tourism development along the coastline.

The 90th Foundation Day of the National Sugar Institute (NSI) was celebrated in Kanpur, with Union Minister Prahlad Joshi attending as the chief guest. During the event, the minister announced the introduction of regular B.Tech and M.Tech programs related to the sugar industry. These courses will be offered by NSI in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, aiming to enhance technical expertise, research, and innovation in the sugar sector. Holding the event in Kanpur highlights the city’s longstanding association with sugar education and industry development in India.

The fourth edition of the SPARK (Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken) program has been launched to encourage scientific curiosity and research skills among undergraduate Ayurveda students. Specifically, the program targets 300 BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) students from colleges recognized by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM). Each selected student will receive a studentship of ₹50,000 to support their research initiatives. By focusing on Ayurveda students, the initiative aims to strengthen evidence-based research in traditional medicine and nurture the next generation of scholars in India’s ancient healthcare system.