Current Affairs - National

NABARD has provided significant financial support to Odisha’s power sector by extending a long-term loan of ₹1,685.27 crore to OPTCL. This initiative represents NABARD’s first-ever project financing to a State PSU within the state, marking an important milestone in its efforts to strengthen infrastructure development. The loan, offered at a concessional interest rate of 7.75%, is aimed at enabling large-scale transmission upgrades and improving the reliability of Odisha’s electricity network. By facilitating affordable funding, NABARD plays a crucial role in accelerating the state’s long-term power sector modernization and overall economic progress.

The Sujalam Bharat App has been launched to strengthen and modernize rural water management across India. Developed under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, it enables real-time monitoring, geo-referencing of water infrastructure, and transparent tracking of village water supply systems. The platform helps communities understand their water sources, supply reliability, and infrastructure health while promoting active participation in the management of drinking water schemes. With features like the Sujal Gaon ID and integration with advanced GIS tools, the app supports better planning, maintenance, and long-term sustainability. Its goal is to make rural water services more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centric under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Microsoft has committed US$17.5 billion for 2026–2029 to strengthen India’s AI ecosystem, marking its largest-ever investment in Asia. The investment focuses on three pillars: building hyperscale AI infrastructure with the new India South Central cloud region, integrating AI into public platforms like e-Shram and National Career Service to benefit over 310 million informal workers, and skilling 20 million Indians by 2030 through initiatives like ADVANTA(I)GE India. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing digital sovereignty with Sovereign Public and Private Cloud offerings, ensuring localized compliance, security, and AI-driven productivity solutions, positioning India as a global AI hub.

Ghaziabad emerged as the most polluted city in India in November 2025, recording a PM2.5 concentration of 224 µg/m³, which placed it above all other cities during that period. Delhi followed closely with a PM2.5 level of 215 µg/m³ after a significant rise from October. Uttar Pradesh dominated the list overall, with six of the top ten polluted cities, while Haryana contributed three and Delhi one. According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, the region experienced almost no ‘safe AQI day’. Although the impact of stubble burning was relatively lower than the previous year, pollution levels remained alarmingly high across several regions.

IIT Kanpur has partnered with the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) to strengthen cybersecurity and integrate AI/ML technologies in mining operations. The collaboration focuses on conducting risk assessments, providing policy support, improving security operations, and enhancing incident response capabilities. Additionally, the partnership includes training programs and innovation projects, as well as joint research and pilot solutions aimed at increasing NMDC’s technological readiness. This initiative not only advances digital security in mining but also promotes the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in one of India’s key industrial sectors, reflecting a significant step toward modernization and efficiency.