Current Affairs - National

The EARTH Summit 2025 was inaugurated in Gandhinagar, a key administrative and economic centre in Gujarat known for hosting major national conferences and government initiatives. The event marked an important step toward strengthening India’s rural and cooperative sectors through the launch of more than 13 new digital services under the Sahakar Sarathi initiative. By choosing Gandhinagar as the venue, the organisers highlighted the city’s growing role as a hub for agricultural innovation, cooperative development, and policy-driven technological reforms. The summit also introduced cooperative taxi and insurance schemes, further demonstrating the city’s importance in shaping strategies for rural empowerment and digital transformation.

Hindustan Copper Ltd entered into a strategic partnership with NTPC Mining Limited to advance the exploration and development of copper and other critical mineral resources. This collaboration is designed to enhance India’s resource and energy security by promoting joint investments in mining, processing, and related technological capabilities. As global demand for critical minerals grows due to their importance in renewable energy, electric mobility, and advanced manufacturing, such alliances help position India to meet future industrial requirements. The agreement, signed in Kolkata in the presence of senior leadership from both organizations, marks a significant step toward strengthening domestic mineral self-reliance.

India set up a fully equipped field hospital in Mahiyanganaya, Sri Lanka, to provide trauma care and emergency medical support following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The deployment included a 25-member Indian team comprising medical professionals and engineers, ensuring both healthcare delivery and assistance in restoring essential connectivity. Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft also transported Bailey bridges to support infrastructure rehabilitation. This initiative demonstrates India’s commitment to regional humanitarian aid, strengthening bilateral ties while responding swiftly to urgent rescue and relief requirements in a neighbouring country experiencing significant casualties and ongoing distress.

Atal Innovation Mission partnered with Hitachi MGRM Net to develop the MStar Global AI Connect platform, an initiative aimed at boosting nationwide innovation. The platform is designed to connect schools, mentors, incubators, and industry stakeholders, enabling a seamless pipeline from school-level creativity to startup ecosystems and further into market-ready innovations. By facilitating these linkages, the initiative aims to foster large-scale entrepreneurship, fuel technological advancements, and support the broader goal of transforming India into a developed nation. The focus on collaboration makes AIM a central driver in nurturing the next generation of innovators.

Bharat Taxi has initiated its pilot trials in Delhi and Gujarat as part of a transformative shift toward a cooperative, driver-owned ride-hailing model. Supported by the Union Ministry of Cooperation and National e-Governance Division, the platform aims to create an alternative to conventional aggregators by offering zero-commission earnings, no-surge transparent pricing, and democratic participation for drivers, who are recognised as stakeholders rather than just service providers. The early trials include beta testing of the mobile app, rapid onboarding of over 51,000 drivers, and active operations in Delhi and the Saurashtra region. These efforts mark an important step in promoting cooperative-driven digital platforms under the “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” vision.