Current Affairs - National

The National Biodiversity Authority launched the digital portal to enable online issuance of Certificates of Origin for cultivated medicinal plants, marking an important step in digitizing biodiversity-related regulatory processes. The portal facilitates easier access for stakeholders seeking Access and Benefit Sharing exemptions under the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023. By offering a single-window, end-to-end digital system, it significantly reduces procedural delays and improves transparency. The initiative supports sectors such as AYUSH, seed industries, and research institutions, ensuring smoother compliance with biodiversity regulations while promoting sustainable use and conservation of biological resources across the country.

The Cities of Care Conference 2026 was jointly hosted by IIT Madras, along with the University of Toronto India Foundation and the University of Toronto in Chennai. The conference aimed to translate climate ambitions into actionable outcomes for urban India. A key focus of the event was the Water-Food-Waste Nexus, which is critical for building urban resilience as India’s population is projected to double by 2050. The conference also witnessed the launch of the “Sustainable India 2025” report, highlighting practical strategies to address environmental and sustainability challenges in rapidly growing cities.

Wings India 2026, recognised as Asia’s largest civil aviation event, was organised from January 28 to 31 in Hyderabad. The event highlighted India’s emergence as the world’s fastest-growing civil aviation market and served as a platform to showcase the country’s strengths in aviation connectivity, manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability. Held under the theme “Indian Aviation: Paving the Future,” the event emphasized the critical role of civil aviation in driving economic growth, enhancing global integration, and positioning India as a key player in the international aviation ecosystem.

Cochin International Airport Ltd is set to become India’s first airport operator to introduce hydrogen-powered buses for passenger transportation, marking a major milestone in sustainable aviation practices. The initiative is being implemented through a Memorandum of Agreement with the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster Foundation under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. As part of this green mobility project, three hydrogen fuel cell buses will be procured within a period of 12 months, with total funding capped at ₹8.7 crore, reinforcing CIAL’s leadership in clean energy adoption.

Gujarat launched the Mukhyamantri Gramotthan Yojana to promote urban-style infrastructure and amenities in rural areas. The initiative was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel from Bhadran in Anand district. In its first phase, the scheme covers 114 taluka-headquarter villages and focuses on improving essential facilities such as roads, drainage systems, solar street lighting, and e-Gram services. Additionally, foundation stones were laid for 2,666 Gram Panchayat Ghar-cum-Talati Awas buildings with a total investment of ₹663 crore, reflecting the state’s commitment to strengthening rural governance and infrastructure development.