Current Affairs - National

Ajay Kumar Bhalla, a 1984-batch IAS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, has been entrusted with additional charge as the Governor of Nagaland after the vacancy left by the passing of La Ganesan. Bhalla has had an extensive career, having served as the Union Home Secretary for nearly five years until August 22, 2024. He was appointed as the Governor of Manipur on January 3, 2025, and now expands his responsibilities to Nagaland as well. His administrative experience and leadership are seen as vital in handling key governance matters in the northeastern region of India.

Foxconn, Apple’s largest manufacturing partner, launched a new facility in Devanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka, dedicated to producing the iPhone 17. This unit is Foxconn’s second-largest plant globally outside of China, emphasizing Bengaluru’s growing importance as a global technology and manufacturing hub. The new facility strengthens India’s role in Apple’s international supply chain, signaling a strategic shift in diversifying production beyond China. With Bengaluru already known as India’s “Silicon Valley,” this development reinforces the city’s status as a critical center for advanced electronics manufacturing and innovation, while also boosting India’s presence in the global smartphone industry.

The Merchant Shipping Bill, Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, and Coastal Shipping Bill were passed in 2025 to replace outdated colonial-era laws and modernise India’s maritime legal framework. These bills align national legislation with international conventions, improve sea safety, environmental protection, and seafarer welfare, and boost India’s maritime trade efficiency. The reforms also aim to increase coastal cargo handling, enhance infrastructure planning, and strengthen maritime security, promoting India’s economic and trade ambitions while supporting a future-ready shipping ecosystem integrated with global standards.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a landmark Independence Day speech on August 15, 2025, from the Red Fort that lasted 103 minutes. This became the longest Independence Day address by any Indian Prime Minister to date. Such extended speeches reflect his detailed communication style, covering multiple aspects of governance, achievements, and future vision. The record-setting length also highlighted the significance he placed on connecting with citizens on the nation’s 79th Independence Day. By surpassing previous records, the 103-minute duration stands out in history as a benchmark for Independence Day speeches.

The FASTag Annual Pass, introduced by NHAI on 15 August 2025, provides a year-long facility for non-commercial vehicle owners to travel seamlessly across national highways without repeated toll recharges. Priced at ₹3,000, the pass remains valid for one year or 200 toll crossings, whichever occurs first. This scheme simplifies highway travel by removing the inconvenience of frequent FASTag top-ups and ensuring zero toll deductions after activation. With nationwide coverage across 1,150 toll plazas and tech-enabled features through the Rajmargyatra App, it enhances convenience, reduces congestion, and supports a smoother, more efficient toll payment ecosystem.