Current Affairs - National

Manipur's first Exclusive Special Court dedicated to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was inaugurated in Thoubal district. Located at the Thoubal District Court Complex in Khangabok, the court has been established to strengthen the state's justice delivery system and ensure faster handling of cases investigated by the NIA. The inauguration was carried out by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. The creation of a dedicated NIA court is expected to improve judicial efficiency in dealing with terrorism-related and other serious national security cases. It also enhances access to specialised legal proceedings within the state, reducing procedural delays and supporting effective law enforcement.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 0.9 in the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), making it the lowest TFR in India and the only region with a fertility rate below 1. This figure is significantly lower than the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population. The TFR has steadily declined from 1.4 in NFHS-4 (2015-16) to 1.3 in NFHS-5 (2019-20) and further to 0.9 in NFHS-6. The data also reflects demographic changes such as a shrinking child population and a growing elderly population in the Union Territory.

E85 fuel is a high-ethanol blend consisting of approximately 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. Introduced as part of India's efforts to enhance energy security and promote sustainable transportation, the fuel is designed for use in Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). E85 aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support domestic ethanol production. Since ethanol is produced from agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane, maize, rice, and biomass resources, the initiative is also expected to create additional income opportunities for farmers and contribute to rural economic development while advancing India's clean energy goals.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a standardised vegan logo to help consumers easily identify certified vegan food products. The logo will become mandatory on all approved vegan food packages from July 1, 2027. This initiative aims to improve transparency, prevent misleading claims, and support informed purchasing decisions. The logo features a green square-framed design with a stylized “V” and a sprouting leaf, symbolising plant-based and sustainable food choices. Food businesses have been given sufficient time to update their packaging and comply with the new regulations before the implementation deadline.

MY Bharat, operating under the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, earned a Guinness World Records title for the “Most Users to Take an Online Quiz in One Week.” The achievement was accomplished through the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue (VBYLD) Quiz, which engaged youth from across India in the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. During the assessment period from 25 October to 31 October 2025, over 8.39 lakh quiz participations were recorded, and after extensive verification and audits, 390,812 eligible participants were certified. The record highlights India’s growing digital youth engagement and commitment to nation-building initiatives.