Current Affairs - National

India is undertaking an ambitious deep-ocean initiative by planning to build the world’s deepest underwater research laboratory at a depth of 6,000 metres. This project, part of the Vision 2047 roadmap, aims to establish a pioneering habitat capable of supporting long-term scientific research in extreme marine environments. Such a facility would enable breakthroughs in studying deep-sea biodiversity, geological processes, biotechnology, and human endurance under immense pressure. With advanced materials, specialised life-support systems, and docking bays for submersibles, the lab is designed to operate in one of Earth’s most challenging zones. This achievement would position India as a global leader in deep-sea exploration and marine innovation.

The ₹1,500 crore modernisation initiative was launched at New Mangalore Port during its Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2025. This port, located at Panambur in Mangaluru along the Arabian Sea, holds the distinction of being Karnataka’s only major port. Recognised as India’s 9th major port in 1974 and inaugurated the following year, it has grown into one of the top 10 ports in the country. Its all-weather deep inner harbour enables efficient maritime operations year-round, and the new modernisation projects aim to further enhance capacity, improve logistics, and support regional economic growth.

Tata Power has announced a major step toward strengthening India’s renewable energy manufacturing ecosystem by planning a 10 GW solar wafers and ingots plant. This facility will complete the company’s solar manufacturing chain, as it already operates around 4.9 GW of integrated cell and module production capacity. By moving into upstream components such as ingots and wafers, the company aims to reduce the nation’s reliance on imports and support the Make-in-India initiative. The project also aligns with government incentives promoting domestic manufacturing and clean energy. Once operational, it will significantly enhance India’s capability to build a self-reliant solar supply chain.

Bhopal has been chosen as the venue for the 22nd All India Annual TDS Conference, an important national gathering organised by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). The event brings together senior tax administrators, including Principal Chief Commissioners, Chief Commissioners, Directors General, and other top officials responsible for shaping TDS policies. The conference will focus on recent amendments made to the Income Tax Act, 2025, promote voluntary tax compliance, and highlight new digital tools for monitoring and data-driven enforcement. By hosting this conference, Bhopal becomes a key center for discussions aimed at improving transparency, simplifying regulations, and strengthening India’s TDS administration system.

Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched two major digital platforms — Sahakar Digi Pay and Sahakar Digi Loan — to modernise urban cooperative banks (UCBs). These initiatives focus on integrating digital payment and lending systems to help UCBs remain competitive in India’s evolving cashless economy. The plan includes onboarding 1,500 banks within two years and ensuring at least one UCB operates in every town with a population exceeding two lakh within five years. The move also supports financial inclusion, youth entrepreneurship, and sectoral revival while reinforcing cooperative banking reforms to strengthen the sector’s financial health and governance standards.