Current Affairs - National

Bharat Taxi is scheduled for its full-scale rollout in Delhi in January 2026, marking a significant development in India’s ride-hailing sector. After pilot operations in Delhi and parts of Gujarat in December 2025, the platform plans to expand operations with a cooperative, driver-owned model. Its zero-commission approach, at least in the initial phase, aims to improve driver earnings and welfare while offering affordable and transparent pricing for passengers. The January 2026 rollout is expected to intensify competition with established players like Ola and Uber, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the urban mobility market in India.

With the designation of Siliserh Lake and Kopra Jalashay, India’s total number of Ramsar sites has increased to 96. These additions marked the 95th and 96th entries to the internationally recognised list of wetlands of importance. Siliserh Lake, a historic man-made freshwater body built in 1845 in Rajasthan, serves as a crucial water source, while Kopra Jalashay gained distinction as the first Ramsar site in Chhattisgarh. The expansion reflects India’s growing commitment to wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable management of vital aquatic ecosystems across different regions.

The AYUSH Expo was organised in New Delhi as a major component of the 2nd WHO Global Conference on Traditional Medicine. Hosted at Bharat Mandapam between December 17 and 19, 2024, the event was jointly organised by the Ministry of AYUSH and the World Health Organization. The expo highlighted India’s rich heritage of traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy. It also featured specialised pavilions and zones such as medicinal plants, spices, metallotherapeutics, wellness practices, and the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library, reinforcing India’s leadership in traditional healthcare knowledge.

The Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali, operating under the Department of Science and Technology, has developed an advanced nanoparticle-based therapy aimed at treating Alzheimer’s disease through a multi-target approach. Unlike conventional treatments that focus on a single aspect of the disease, this innovative therapy integrates EGCG, dopamine, and tryptophan within engineered nanoparticles. The formulation simultaneously addresses multiple pathological features of Alzheimer’s, including amyloid plaque accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal degeneration. This comprehensive strategy enhances therapeutic effectiveness and represents a significant advancement in neurodegenerative disease research.

Miyana Railway Station in Guna district of Madhya Pradesh was honoured with the National Energy Conservation Award 2025, presented by President Droupadi Murmu. The station was recognised under the Best Transport Category for its significant efforts in reducing electricity consumption. By adopting energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting, BLDC fans, and smart lighting systems, the station achieved savings of 9,687 electricity units. This achievement reflects the broader commitment of Indian Railways towards sustainable practices, cost efficiency, and environmentally responsible operations, as highlighted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency through this national-level recognition.