Current Affairs - National

Under India’s leadership, the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) has successfully standardized 19 spices since its establishment in 2013. The committee, chaired by India and supported by the Spices Board in Kochi, works under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) to develop international standards that promote food safety, fair trade, and consumer protection. During the 8th CCSCH session, standards for vanilla, large cardamom, and coriander were finalised, marking another milestone in harmonizing global spice trade practices and reinforcing India’s pivotal role in shaping food quality benchmarks worldwide.

The Government of India extended the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Arvind Panagariya, by one month to November 30, 2025. This extension shifts the report submission deadline from October 31 to November 30, allowing additional time for finalizing recommendations on tax revenue distribution between the Centre and states for the 2026–2031 period. The Commission is also reviewing fiscal mechanisms for disaster management financing. The extension ensures thorough deliberation on key fiscal policies, equitable devolution, and performance-based grants, reflecting the importance of comprehensive guidance for Centre-State financial relations in the coming fiscal period.

NITI Aayog, through its Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), launched the ‘We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises’ initiative in partnership with DP World. The program aims to support 100 high-potential women-led MSMEs by providing mentorship, trade access, and international market exposure, including platforms like Bharat Mart in Dubai. It integrates NITI Aayog’s extensive ecosystem of women entrepreneurs with DP World’s global trade infrastructure to enhance export readiness. The initiative promotes sustainable and inclusive business growth, capacity-building, and long-term access to global value chains for women entrepreneurs.

The LIMBS Live Cases Dashboard, launched by Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, enables real-time tracking of court cases involving the Government of India. Part of the Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS), it consolidates over 7 lakh active cases from 53 ministries and departments, providing data on hearings scheduled in the Supreme Court, High Courts, and subordinate courts for the next seven days. This centralised platform enhances transparency, accountability, and coordination among ministries, streamlines litigation management, reduces delays, and supports the government’s broader push for e-governance and efficient legal administration.

The 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) is scheduled to take place in Chandigarh from 6 to 9 December 2025. The festival, organised under the theme “Vigyan se Samruddhi: For Atma Nirbhar Bharat,” serves as India’s flagship science outreach initiative. IISF brings together scientists, students, innovators, and the public to foster scientific awareness, collaboration, and innovation. First organised in 2015, the festival highlights India’s commitment to promoting scientific temper and engaging communities in science-led discussions, activities, and exhibitions, making Chandigarh the host city for this major national event.