Current Affairs - National

A diving team achieved a Guinness World Record in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by creating the tallest human stack underwater. The structure reached a height of 22.3 metres (73.16 feet) and was officially recognised as the world's tallest underwater human stack. The feat was performed at Swaraj Dweep, formerly known as Havelock Island, a popular destination in the archipelago. Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd.), the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory, also participated in the successful attempt. The achievement highlights the region's prominence in adventure tourism, diving activities, and unique marine attractions.

Vadhvan Port, located in Maharashtra, is set to host the world's second longest breakwater with a total length of 10.14 km. Afcons Infrastructure Ltd secured a ₹5,301 crore contract for the project from Vadhvan Port Project Limited. The port is being developed as a key component of India's maritime expansion strategy and is expected to become the country's largest public port. With a planned handling capacity of 23.2 million TEUs, Vadhvan Port is also projected to be among the largest container ports globally. The project is expected to strengthen India's trade infrastructure and enhance its position as a major global maritime hub.

Manipur's first Exclusive Special Court dedicated to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was inaugurated in Thoubal district. Located at the Thoubal District Court Complex in Khangabok, the court has been established to strengthen the state's justice delivery system and ensure faster handling of cases investigated by the NIA. The inauguration was carried out by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. The creation of a dedicated NIA court is expected to improve judicial efficiency in dealing with terrorism-related and other serious national security cases. It also enhances access to specialised legal proceedings within the state, reducing procedural delays and supporting effective law enforcement.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 0.9 in the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), making it the lowest TFR in India and the only region with a fertility rate below 1. This figure is significantly lower than the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population. The TFR has steadily declined from 1.4 in NFHS-4 (2015-16) to 1.3 in NFHS-5 (2019-20) and further to 0.9 in NFHS-6. The data also reflects demographic changes such as a shrinking child population and a growing elderly population in the Union Territory.

E85 fuel is a high-ethanol blend consisting of approximately 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. Introduced as part of India's efforts to enhance energy security and promote sustainable transportation, the fuel is designed for use in Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). E85 aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support domestic ethanol production. Since ethanol is produced from agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane, maize, rice, and biomass resources, the initiative is also expected to create additional income opportunities for farmers and contribute to rural economic development while advancing India's clean energy goals.