Current Affairs - National

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) was established in 1963 with the objective of professionalising India’s foreign trade management and supporting export-oriented research and policy development. Over the years, it has grown into a premier institution under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, contributing significantly to international business education and research. Its establishment marked an important step in strengthening India’s global trade capabilities during a period when the country was expanding its economic engagement with the world. The institute continues to play a vital role in shaping skilled professionals in international trade and business domains.

The Cell Broadcast Alert System, introduced in India for real-time disaster warnings, is powered by an indigenous technology known as SACHET. This system has been developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and plays a crucial role in enhancing disaster preparedness and response. It enables authorities to send immediate alerts to citizens’ mobile phones without requiring any prior subscription or user action. The alerts include loud alarm tones and flashing messages, ensuring high visibility. SACHET supports multiple regional languages and is designed to cover a wide range of emergencies, including natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as man-made threats.

Lakshadweep is the region targeted for connectivity under India’s first commercial seaplane service, launched by SkyHop Aviation after receiving approval from the DGCA. The project aims to connect five islands with the mainland, significantly improving accessibility to this remote archipelago. Using a modified Twin Otter aircraft, this initiative marks a milestone in domestic aviation innovation. It is further supported by government schemes like UDAN and Viability Gap Funding, ensuring affordability and sustainability. This development is expected to boost tourism, enhance local connectivity, and strengthen regional infrastructure in island territories.

Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment was chosen as the theme for International Labour Day 2026 by the International Labour Organisation. This theme emphasises the importance of mental well-being, stress management, and supportive workplace conditions in modern employment settings. With evolving work environments and increasing psychological pressures, the focus extends beyond physical safety to include emotional and social health. The theme highlights the need for policies and practices that foster a balanced, inclusive, and respectful workplace, ensuring overall well-being and productivity of workers across different sectors globally.

21 types of disabilities are identified by the Prashast 2.0 app, which is designed to streamline the process of recognising and supporting children with special needs in schools. The app enables early detection at the school level and connects educators with specialists to ensure appropriate interventions. This aligns with the expanded list of disabilities recognised under the RPWD Act, 2016, which increased the number from 7 to 21. By integrating with the Samagra Shiksha initiative, the app helps provide targeted educational support, ensuring inclusivity and improved learning outcomes for affected students across various regions.