Current Affairs - National

The Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP) has triggered a serious inter-state water-sharing conflict between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The project proposes diverting 200 TMC of surplus Godavari floodwaters to the Krishna and Penna basins to address water scarcity in Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region. Telangana opposes the project, citing violations of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, lack of clearances from bodies like the Apex Council and Central Water Commission, and environmental concerns. Additionally, it disputes the claim of “surplus” water and objects to the unauthorised inter-basin transfer. The high-level committee aims to address these complex legal, environmental, and federal issues through cooperative dialogue.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was introduced to overhaul India’s education system after 34 years, replacing the NEP of 1986. It was formulated based on the recommendations of the Dr. K. Kasturirangan Committee and officially adopted in 2020. The policy emphasises inclusive, flexible, and multidisciplinary learning approaches across school and higher education. Key reforms include the 5+3+3+4 school structure, mother tongue instruction in early education, the introduction of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), and the promotion of Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs). Its fifth anniversary in 2025 was commemorated at the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS).

The Government of India has finalised seven PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Parks across seven states—Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. This ambitious initiative, with an outlay of ₹4,445 crore up to 2027–28, aims to boost India's textile manufacturing ecosystem by integrating the entire value chain from fibre to fashion. These parks are expected to generate around 20 lakh direct and indirect jobs and attract investments worth ₹70,000 crore. By developing world-class infrastructure and logistics, the scheme supports India’s goal to become a global textile manufacturing and export hub.

Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh has been selected as the location for India’s first Hindi-medium MBBS college, marking a significant step towards language-inclusive medical education. This institution will begin functioning in the 2027–28 academic year, initially offering 50 MBBS seats. The medical curriculum, including instruction, examinations, and clinical practice, will be conducted entirely in Hindi. This aligns with Madhya Pradesh’s broader initiative to increase accessibility in higher education by offering regional language alternatives, especially in technical fields like medicine. Clinical training will take place at the hospital affiliated with the existing government medical college in Jabalpur, reinforcing the city’s central role in this groundbreaking development.

The Lok Sabha approved the extension of President’s Rule in Manipur beyond August 13, 2025, for another six months, pushing central control over the state until February 2026. This decision was made to uphold peace and stability in Manipur, which has been affected by ethnic tensions and disturbances. The statutory resolution was passed with the assurance from the Ministry of Home Affairs that law and order have improved significantly, with minimal fatalities since the rule was imposed. As per the Indian Constitution, President’s Rule can only be extended with Parliamentary approval every six months, making the Lok Sabha’s role crucial in this governance measure.