Current Affairs - National

The declaration of a waterborne disease outbreak as an epidemic reflects a serious public health emergency requiring immediate intervention. Indore took this step following reported fatalities in the Bhagirathpura area, prompting emergency containment and response measures. Special teams from both central and state agencies were deployed to identify the source of contamination, with experts from the National Centre for Disease Control and ICMR-NIRBI involved in the investigation. Authorities are examining whether pipeline leaks led to single or multiple contamination points, highlighting the importance of infrastructure safety and coordinated public health governance in urban areas.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited has partnered with the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening Eklavya Model Residential Schools. This collaboration focuses on improving infrastructure, promoting digital education, and providing career mentorship to tribal students studying in EMRS institutions. The initiative is supported through ONGC’s Corporate Social Responsibility funding, reflecting its commitment to inclusive development. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs oversees 499 functional EMRS across the country, making this partnership significant for enhancing educational access and quality for Scheduled Tribe students nationwide.

Dong village, situated in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, holds the distinction of being India’s easternmost village. Owing to its geographical location, Dong witnesses the country’s earliest sunrise each year. To mark the arrival of 2026, the village hosted a special cultural event named “Alo Prabhat: Dance of the Dawn.” The celebration featured vibrant cultural performances highlighting the traditions of the Meyor and Mishmi indigenous communities. Traditional chants, folk songs, and indigenous rhythms played on native musical instruments reflected the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Surat has emerged as a leading example of urban transformation due to focused government initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of the urban poor. The efforts emphasise in-situ redevelopment, construction of affordable housing, and provision of essential civic amenities such as water, sanitation, and electricity. These large-scale rehabilitation measures are designed to integrate slum dwellers into the formal urban framework rather than displacing them. While Chandigarh is recognised as the first slum-free city among urban centres with a population of about 10 lakh, Surat is now poised to achieve this milestone on a much larger scale, marking a significant step in urban development in India.

New Delhi’s Public Works Department has introduced mandatory QR codes on all new road signages to enhance transparency, quality control, and citizen participation. These QR codes provide details such as manufacturer name, material, manufacturing date, reflective sheeting code, and warranty information. Integrated with the PWD Sewa app, they allow residents to report damaged signboards, potholes, or other infrastructure issues directly. The initiative also enforces standards such as retro-reflective sheeting for night visibility and a 10-year warranty, demonstrating how technology can strengthen accountability and efficiency in public infrastructure management.