Current Affairs - National

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) entered into a strategic MoU with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering to strengthen India’s maritime sector. As part of this collaboration, CSL is investing ₹3,700 crore in a Block Fabrication Facility (BFF) in Kochi, which will support the construction of large commercial vessels and create around 2,000 direct jobs. Additionally, CSL plans to establish a ₹15,000 crore shipyard in Tamil Nadu, expected to generate 10,000 jobs. These initiatives not only boost India’s shipbuilding capacity but also align with the nation’s long-term vision of becoming a global maritime hub.

Ahmednagar Railway Station in Maharashtra has been renamed ‘Ahilyanagar’ in honour of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, one of India’s most respected women rulers. Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled between 1725 and 1795, is celebrated for her progressive governance, support for women’s rights, and contributions to spiritual architecture, including temples and ghats across India. The renaming is a tribute to her legacy of justice, compassion, and cultural development. Although the station has adopted the new name, its operational code remains unchanged as ANG, ensuring continuity for passengers and railway operations. This change preserves history while modernizing identity.

In the Global Digital Nomad Report 2025, India secured the 38th position with a score of 84.85 among 64 countries evaluated. The report assesses nations on factors such as visa procedures, tax benefits, economic stability, quality of life, and digital infrastructure—crucial elements that attract digital nomads. While Spain emerged at the top, India’s 38th rank highlights both opportunities and challenges in becoming a preferred destination for remote workers. The ranking shows that India has potential due to its affordability and growing digital infrastructure but still needs to improve on aspects like streamlined visas and lifestyle offerings to rise further.

The 28th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) 2025 is being hosted in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 22–23 September 2025. The event is jointly organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh. With the theme ‘Viksit Bharat: Civil Service and Digital Transformation,’ the conference aims to highlight the role of digital innovation in governance. The inauguration is led by Dr. Jitendra Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, making it a significant platform for discussing technology-driven governance.

Asia’s largest rail operations command centre has been established at Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, serving as the hub for the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). This state-of-the-art facility manages operations across a 1,506 km stretch spanning five states. The Sabarmati Operations Command Centre is equipped with advanced features like AI-ready systems, automated alarms, and disaster management capabilities. It also boasts a massive real-time monitoring video wall, making it the most advanced facility of its kind in the region. The centre plays a vital role in improving efficiency, safety, and coordination for freight movement in India.