Current Affairs - National

India’s first dedicated Tesla Centre is set to open in Gurugram, marking a significant step in Tesla’s expansion into the Indian market. This centre will be located at Orchid Business Park and will function as a full-service facility offering sales consultations, deliveries, repairs, and potentially Supercharging support. Gurugram was selected due to its strategic position in the Delhi-NCR region, strong EV adoption environment, and proximity to affluent buyers and early tech adopters. The launch follows Tesla’s initial presence through experience centres in Mumbai and Delhi, and reinforces India’s emergence as a promising market for premium electric vehicles.

The Global Big Cats Summit scheduled for 2026 will be hosted in New Delhi, reflecting India’s prominent role in global wildlife conservation efforts. As the host city, New Delhi will bring together major big cat range nations, biodiversity experts, and climate action stakeholders under the framework of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). The summit aims to strengthen collaboration on protecting species such as tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and pumas. By choosing New Delhi as the venue, India reinforces its commitment to ecological preservation, climate resilience, and leadership in international conservation dialogue.

The government implemented a 26% rise in print media advertisement rates to provide stronger financial backing to the industry. This adjustment, based on recommendations from the 9th Rate Structure Committee, updates the cost per square centimetre for black-and-white advertisements in newspapers with a circulation of one lakh copies. The revision helps the sector cope with operational challenges, sustain its revenue streams, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving media environment.

Ambaji Marble, primarily found in the Banaskantha district of north Gujarat, has earned recognition through the grant of a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag. This marble is renowned for its milky white appearance, high calcium content, and exceptional durability. Its mining heritage dates back over a thousand years and is associated with the construction period of the iconic Dilwara Jain Temple in Mount Abu. The GI Tag not only acknowledges its unique qualities and historical relevance but also helps preserve its identity while promoting regional craftsmanship. This recognition supports local miners, enhances market value, and protects the stone from imitation.

The 30th CII Partnership Summit 2025 was inaugurated in Visakhapatnam, a major industrial and port city in Andhra Pradesh. This location was chosen as the state is emerging as a fast-growing investment hub with strong support from both the central and state governments. The summit brought together global delegates, industry leaders and policymakers to deepen discussions around trade, technology and investment. With over 2,500 participants from 77 countries, the event highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to accelerate economic growth through sectors like drones, aerospace, semiconductors and defence. Visakhapatnam served as a strategic venue showcasing the region’s potential, infrastructure and investor-friendly governance.