Current Affairs - National

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.

As per the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) Air Quality Snapshot for October 2025, Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, recorded the cleanest air in India with an average PM2.5 concentration of just 10 μg/m³. In contrast, Dharuhera in Haryana topped the list of polluted cities with a PM2.5 level of 123 μg/m³, while other highly polluted cities included Ghaziabad, Delhi, and Noida. The report emphasized the need for consistent and year-round air quality management rather than short-term, seasonal interventions such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

RITES Ltd, a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate General of Naval Projects (DGNP) in Mumbai to provide consultancy services for naval infrastructure development in the Mumbai region. The services will cover soil studies, feasibility analysis, detailed project reports, structural design, project management, and third-party inspection. This partnership aims to improve planning, design, and execution efficiency for Indian Navy infrastructure projects, strengthening defence-related construction capabilities in the Mumbai area.

Under “Operation Weed Out,” the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai seized 42.34 kg of high-grade hydroponic weed valued at ₹42 crore from two passengers arriving from Bangkok. The contraband was cleverly hidden inside food packets and intercepted at Mumbai Airport. This major bust came shortly after a ₹47 crore cocaine seizure, pushing the total drug recovery value beyond ₹100 crore in just three days. The operation highlights the DRI’s continued vigilance and commitment to combating sophisticated drug-smuggling networks in support of the “Nasha Mukt Bharat” initiative.

India has secured the third position globally in the clean industrial project pipeline, following China and the United States. With 65 large-scale low-emission industrial projects, India demonstrates its strong commitment to decarbonizing sectors such as chemicals, steel, cement, and aviation. The nation’s clean industry pipeline represents an investment potential exceeding $150 billion and the creation of nearly 200,000 jobs. Although only six projects have reached the investment stage, this ranking highlights India’s expanding role as a key player in sustainable industrial transformation aligned with its net-zero by 2070 target.