Current Affairs - National

India has achieved the position of having the world’s third-largest metro network, marking a significant milestone in urban transport development. With over 1,143 km of operational metro lines and rapid expansion across 29 cities, the country has greatly improved urban mobility and connectivity. This growth reflects strong government support and a focus on sustainable development. The metro system now serves millions of passengers daily, reducing traffic congestion and pollution. The expansion also demonstrates India’s commitment to modern infrastructure and efficient public transport systems, contributing to economic growth and better quality of urban life.

Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 was inaugurated at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi on 18 March 2026. The event was organized by TRIFED in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and witnessed participation from ministers and numerous tribal artisans. The festival showcases tribal culture through stalls, traditional cuisine, and live craft demonstrations. It also includes performances by hundreds of artists and hosts business conclaves to promote sustainable livelihoods and market access for tribal communities. The event highlights the integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern markets, supporting economic empowerment and cultural preservation.

Six cities were selected for the initial rollout of the 24 Speed Post service launched by India Post. These cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad—were chosen due to their high demand for logistics and strong business communication networks. The service aims to ensure next-day delivery for urgent consignments, making it highly beneficial for businesses and individuals. By starting with these major metropolitan areas, the Department of Posts can test and refine the system before expanding it to more locations. This phased approach helps improve efficiency, reliability, and overall service quality in postal operations.

The National Highways Authority of India has revised the FASTag Annual Pass fee for the financial year 2026–27, increasing it from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,075. This revised fee applies to non-commercial vehicles using FASTag across around 1,150 toll plazas on national highways and expressways. The annual pass offers significant convenience by allowing either one year of validity or up to 200 toll crossings, reducing the need for frequent recharges. Users can easily activate the pass through digital platforms like the Rajmarg Yatra App or the official website, making it a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for regular highway commuters.

The ‘Say No To Proxy Sarpanch’ campaign was launched to address the issue of proxy leadership in village governance, commonly referred to as the “Sarpanch Pati” practice. In many villages, women are elected as sarpanches due to reservation policies, but their husbands or male relatives often take over decision-making authority. The campaign aims to promote genuine leadership by elected women representatives and encourage communities to respect their authority. It also raises awareness through public participation and social media engagement. Additional measures include advisory recommendations such as penalties for proxy governance, helplines for complaints, and capacity-building programs to strengthen women’s leadership in Panchayati Raj institutions.