Current Affairs - National

The Kerala High Court has taken a pioneering step by becoming the first in India to publish a comprehensive set of guidelines on the adoption of AI in the district judiciary. This initiative focuses on using AI responsibly to support judicial efficiency while ensuring safeguards against misuse. AI tools can assist in case management by sorting, tagging, and prioritizing matters, thereby reducing the administrative burden on court staff. This complements earlier efforts such as the Supreme Court’s AI tool SUPACE, which helps judges identify relevant precedents. Kerala’s move marks an important milestone in integrating technology with justice delivery.

NITI Aayog, in partnership with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), launched the report “Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways” on 22 August 2025. The report presents a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen India’s homestay and BnB ecosystem by balancing cultural authenticity, economic opportunity, and sustainable tourism practices. It emphasises creating light-touch regulatory frameworks, promoting public–private collaboration, and encouraging digital empowerment for scaling the sector. By positioning homestays as both cultural bridges and economic drivers, the report highlights their role in rural job creation, heritage preservation, and boosting India’s tourism growth in alignment with inclusive development goals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹5,200 crore in Kolkata, West Bengal, on 22 August 2025. The initiatives included major metro network extensions such as the Noapara–Jai Hind Bimanbandar line for direct airport access, the Sealdah–Esplanade line reducing travel time drastically, and the Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section enhancing IT hub connectivity. Alongside these, he laid the foundation for the six-lane elevated Kona Expressway, expected to boost trade, tourism, and logistics. These projects highlight Kolkata’s transformation into a modern urban mobility hub while strengthening its historical role in India’s economic development.

Air India has entered into a collaboration with Indian Oil to promote sustainable aviation practices through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This partnership is significant as Indian Oil recently became the first Indian company to achieve ISCC CORSIA certification for SAF production at its Panipat Refinery, meeting international emission standards. The agreement between Air India and Indian Oil marks an important step in reducing the carbon footprint of India’s aviation sector. It highlights the industry’s commitment to adopting greener technologies, aligning with global environmental goals, and contributing toward long-term climate sustainability.

The SASCI scheme, with a sanctioned outlay of ₹3,295.76 crore, is primarily aimed at boosting tourism development in India, particularly by promoting lesser-known but iconic destinations. The initiative focuses on creating comprehensive and responsible tourism experiences through 100% central funding support. Projects are selected using a challenge-based model to ensure quality, transparency, and long-term sustainability. These projects cover heritage restoration, eco-tourism, spiritual site development, and modern tourist amenities. By enhancing connectivity, infrastructure, and visitor facilities, the scheme significantly increases the attractiveness of such destinations, generating employment opportunities and uplifting local economies while fostering sustainable growth.