Current Affairs - National

Asia’s largest rail operations command centre has been established at Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, serving as the hub for the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). This state-of-the-art facility manages operations across a 1,506 km stretch spanning five states. The Sabarmati Operations Command Centre is equipped with advanced features like AI-ready systems, automated alarms, and disaster management capabilities. It also boasts a massive real-time monitoring video wall, making it the most advanced facility of its kind in the region. The centre plays a vital role in improving efficiency, safety, and coordination for freight movement in India.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) launched Bima Sugam, a unified digital marketplace for various insurance products including life, health, motor, travel, and general insurance. The platform, operated by the Bima Sugam India Federation (BSIF), will be rolled out in phases, with full transactional functions expected by December 2025. Bima Sugam aims to improve accessibility, transparency, and trust in insurance services, connecting insurers, brokers, agents, banks, and policyholders through a single interface. By streamlining comparison, purchase, renewal, and claim processes, the initiative supports India’s vision of “Insurance for All by 2047” and strengthens the country’s digital public infrastructure.

India has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through a Technical Cooperation Programme with the key goal of building world-class Blue Ports. This initiative, led by the Department of Fisheries, focuses on modernizing fishing port infrastructure by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence, and automation. The aim is to strengthen the marine economy, improve sustainability, and enhance export potential. As part of the framework, three pilot harbours in Diu, Puducherry, and Gujarat have been approved with a combined investment of ₹369.8 crore, setting the foundation for a global-standard Blue Economy infrastructure in India.

The MANTHAN 2025 national conference was inaugurated in New Delhi by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Organised by the Directorate General of Defence Estates, the two day conference focused on the theme Strategic Roadmap to Aatmanirbhar Bharat @2047. The event highlighted the Defence Estates Department’s role in managing defence land and emphasised the importance of long term planning for strengthening India’s self reliance in the defence sector. Hosting the conference in the national capital provided a platform for policy makers, defence officials, and experts to collaborate on strategies that align with the country’s vision for 2047.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the PM Mitra Park in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, as part of the government’s initiative to establish seven integrated textile parks across India. This park is envisioned as a self contained ecosystem that brings together spinning, weaving, processing, designing, and garment production in one location. It also aims to revive the cultural legacy of Maheshwari sarees, inspired by the vision of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. By linking heritage with modern industry, the park is expected to empower artisans, create employment for rural youth, support farmers with fair cotton pricing, and strengthen India’s global textile competitiveness.