Current Affairs - National

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.

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a public sector shipyard located in Visakhapatnam, has been granted Mini Ratna (Category-I) status by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The recognition was presented to HSL’s CMD, Cmde Girideep Singh, during the DPSU Annual Review Meeting held in New Delhi. Established originally as the Scindia Shipyard by industrialist Walchand Hirachand under The Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd, HSL has played a pivotal role in shipbuilding and naval support operations, significantly contributing to India’s maritime and defence capabilities over the decades.

The 2nd WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from December 17 to 19, 2025. Co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and India’s Ministry of AYUSH, the summit will bring together around 7,000 participants, including global health leaders, researchers, and traditional medicine practitioners. The event, themed “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being,” aims to promote evidence-based traditional medicine, strengthen universal health coverage, and foster collaboration between science, innovation, and indigenous wisdom for sustainable healthcare development worldwide.

The 18th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference 2025 was held in Gurugram, a rapidly developing city known for its modern infrastructure and urban mobility advancements. Hosting this prestigious event highlights Gurugram’s growing role as a hub for discussions and innovations in sustainable and smart urban transport solutions. The conference brought together policymakers, experts, and industry leaders to recognize and celebrate excellence in urban transport across Indian cities, promoting best practices and future-ready mobility systems.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, marking a significant milestone in India’s ongoing railway modernization efforts. The newly launched routes include Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru. These trains are designed to enhance regional connectivity, reduce travel time, and offer modern comfort through energy-efficient and high-speed rail technology. The initiative strengthens intercity travel, boosts tourism, and supports economic growth across northern and southern India. Each route strategically connects cultural, commercial, and technological hubs, aligning with the government’s broader vision for efficient and self-reliant rail infrastructure.