Current Affairs - National

The fourth edition of the SPARK (Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken) program has been launched to encourage scientific curiosity and research skills among undergraduate Ayurveda students. Specifically, the program targets 300 BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) students from colleges recognized by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM). Each selected student will receive a studentship of ₹50,000 to support their research initiatives. By focusing on Ayurveda students, the initiative aims to strengthen evidence-based research in traditional medicine and nurture the next generation of scholars in India’s ancient healthcare system.

The Manipur Global Buyers and Sellers Summit 2025 was inaugurated at the City Convention Centre in Imphal by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The summit, organized under the theme “Bridging Business Sans Borders,” is part of the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India. It aims to promote trade, investment, and collaboration among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing a platform for global buyers and sellers to connect. Hosting the summit in Imphal emphasizes the government’s focus on regional economic development and boosting MSME growth in North-East India.

Article 233 of the Indian Constitution deals with the appointment of District Judges. The Supreme Court clarified that judicial officers who had completed seven years of practice as advocates before entering the judicial service are eligible for direct recruitment as District Judges under this Article. Earlier, only practising advocates with seven years of experience were considered eligible, excluding in-service judicial officers. This ruling ensures broader eligibility and promotes fairness in judicial appointments while maintaining the integrity and experience criteria necessary for the position of District Judge.

Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has identified three major Indian ports as Green Hydrogen Hubs. These include Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tamil Nadu, and Paradip Port Authority in Odisha. This initiative aims to promote sustainable energy infrastructure and accelerate India’s transition towards clean hydrogen production and export. Recognizing these ports as hubs is a strategic step to establish India as a global leader in the green hydrogen ecosystem, boosting both environmental and economic growth.

NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), inaugurated the Viksit Bharat Strategy Room (VBSR) at Mussoorie. The VBSR is designed as an innovative governance hub aimed at enhancing analytical skills, promoting data-driven decision-making, and encouraging innovative approaches among India’s administrative cadre. This initiative supports capacity building for future leaders, equipping them with tools to address complex policy challenges. By integrating technology, research, and strategic thinking, the VBSR strengthens evidence-based governance and contributes to India’s vision of efficient and responsive public administration.