Current Affairs - National

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution mandates the election of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, emphasizing that it must happen “as soon as” the House meets. This provision reflects the urgency and importance of the position in ensuring the continuity of parliamentary functioning. The Deputy Speaker is not merely a stand-in but plays a critical role in presiding over debates, maintaining order, and ensuring democratic processes, especially when the Speaker is unavailable. The prolonged vacancy in this post, as seen in recent years, has raised serious constitutional and democratic concerns, highlighting a deviation from established traditions and weakening of institutional checks.

The launch of the first cherry cargo train from Katra to Mumbai marks a transformative development in Kashmir’s agricultural logistics. With cherries being a highly perishable crop, timely and affordable transportation is crucial. Earlier, only large growers could afford the high costs of air cargo, excluding many small-scale farmers from lucrative markets. This new train service, covering the journey in just over 30 hours in refrigerated vans, provides an economical and efficient solution. Transporting 24 tonnes of cherries in one trip, opens up major market access for growers during the May–June harvest season, promoting agricultural growth and income stability in the region.

Operation Chakra-V is a specific initiative by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) aimed at targeting sophisticated cybercrime syndicates involved in transnational tech support scams, digital arrests, and various financial frauds. This operation led to the arrest of six members of a cybercrime syndicate, highlighting the active efforts by Indian authorities to combat cybercrime through coordinated measures including Operation Chakra-V, along with supporting institutions like the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), CERT-In, and Cyber Swachhta Kendra.

IIT Kharagpur has entered into a strategic collaboration with Singapore’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME) through a formal MoU to advance semiconductor research and innovation. The partnership, announced during SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025, aims to explore key areas such as post-CMOS technologies, AI hardware, quantum devices, and advanced chip packaging. This move is part of a broader initiative to enhance India's position in the global semiconductor landscape. By combining expertise from both institutions, the collaboration is set to play a vital role in talent development, fostering cutting-edge research, and reinforcing international cooperation in high-tech sectors.

The Gujarat Karmayogi Swasthya Suraksha Yojana is a dedicated healthcare scheme launched by the Government of Gujarat to offer cashless medical treatment to eligible groups such as All India Services officers, state government employees, and pensioners. The scheme provides coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family annually through a “G” category PMJAY card. It is implemented by the State Health Agency (SHA), which manages beneficiary data and ensures the proper distribution of benefits. By focusing on public servants and their families, the initiative strengthens healthcare accessibility and reduces financial stress related to medical expenses.