Current Affairs - National

Power Grid commissioned the Khavda II-B inter-state transmission project to facilitate the evacuation of 4.5 GW of renewable energy from the Khavda region of Gujarat, one of India’s largest renewable energy hubs. The project was implemented through Power Grid’s subsidiary under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) route and achieved commercial operation from December 13. This transmission system plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s interstate power grid by enabling the large-scale integration of solar and wind energy, supporting the country’s renewable energy expansion and long-term clean energy goals.

AIIMS Vijaypur became the location for Jammu & Kashmir’s first Gen Z Post Office, reflecting India Post’s strategy to modernise postal services within educational and institutional campuses. The Gen Z Post Office model focuses on youth-centric, technology-enabled services designed to meet the expectations of younger users. AIIMS Vijaypur also earned the distinction of being the first AIIMS in the country to host such a facility. Alongside this, India Post expanded the concept further by launching its first Gen G Post Office in Karnataka at Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, highlighting a parallel effort to create inclusive, community-focused postal service hubs for the general population.

The India CPSE Consultative Conference was organised in New Delhi by the Capacity Building Commission in collaboration with the Department of Public Enterprises. The event focused on enhancing the role of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in India’s long-term development vision. It aimed to align CPSE capacity-building initiatives with Mission Karmayogi, a national programme designed to improve governance, leadership capabilities, and institutional efficiency. By bringing together key stakeholders, the conference emphasised collaboration, skill development, and strategic reforms to strengthen CPSE performance, supporting the broader goal of achieving Developed India by 2047.

Bharat Taxi is scheduled for its full-scale rollout in Delhi in January 2026, marking a significant development in India’s ride-hailing sector. After pilot operations in Delhi and parts of Gujarat in December 2025, the platform plans to expand operations with a cooperative, driver-owned model. Its zero-commission approach, at least in the initial phase, aims to improve driver earnings and welfare while offering affordable and transparent pricing for passengers. The January 2026 rollout is expected to intensify competition with established players like Ola and Uber, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the urban mobility market in India.

With the designation of Siliserh Lake and Kopra Jalashay, India’s total number of Ramsar sites has increased to 96. These additions marked the 95th and 96th entries to the internationally recognised list of wetlands of importance. Siliserh Lake, a historic man-made freshwater body built in 1845 in Rajasthan, serves as a crucial water source, while Kopra Jalashay gained distinction as the first Ramsar site in Chhattisgarh. The expansion reflects India’s growing commitment to wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable management of vital aquatic ecosystems across different regions.