Current Affairs - National

The Trade Facilitation Conference 2025 was inaugurated by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary on July 12, 2025, in New Delhi. The event, themed “Scientific Excellence for Seamless Trade,” focused on enhancing India's trade mechanisms through improved testing and compliance systems. It was organised by the Central Revenues Control Laboratory (CRCL) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). The choice of New Delhi as the venue underscores its status as a hub for major government-led initiatives and international conferences, especially those related to finance and trade development.

India’s men’s football team dropped to the 133rd position in the July 2025 FIFA world rankings, marking its lowest placement since December 2016. This steep decline followed two back-to-back losses in June — a 0-2 defeat to Thailand and a 0-1 loss to Hong Kong. As a result, India fell six spots from its previous rank of 127 and also experienced a drop in rating points from 1132.03 to 1113.22. The team’s recent poor form, including just one win in eight matches, led to the departure of head coach Manolo Marquez and has raised concerns about India’s prospects in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

Ujjain is the city chosen for the establishment of a new Akashvani Kendra as part of the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme. This initiative, launched in January 2023 by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, aims to enhance the broadcasting capabilities of Prasar Bharati. The BIND scheme, with an approved financial outlay of ₹2,539.61 crore, is focused on upgrading and expanding infrastructure across the country to improve public broadcasting services. The selection of Ujjain signifies the government's commitment to decentralize broadcasting facilities and promoting regional connectivity in information dissemination.

The 'Saheli Smart Card' has been launched in New Delhi by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to replace the earlier pink ticket system, enabling free bus travel specifically for women and transgender persons residing in Delhi. To qualify, users must provide valid address proof and an Aadhaar card. The initiative is part of a broader push toward digitisation and transparency in public transport, integrating features like the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). It is designed to eliminate fraud, ensure only genuine residents benefit, and support cashless, modern travel through QR-based ticketing, mobile apps, and card readers across the capital.

Kerala’s first skin bank will be inaugurated on July 15, 2025, at the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. This specialized facility is designed to collect and store donated skin for the treatment of patients suffering from severe burns. The initiative marks a major advancement in burn care within the state, as donated skin can significantly reduce pain, prevent infections, and accelerate healing for burn victims. The project has received approval from the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO), and further plans are in place to expand such services to other parts of the state, including Kottayam.