Current Affairs - National

BioFach India 2025 is scheduled to take place at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida. The event is a key platform for the organic sector, featuring participation from more than 27 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from India’s North-Eastern Region under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development program. It will provide opportunities for farmers to showcase their organic products, connect with buyers, and engage with businesses and policymakers. Such exhibitions play a vital role in promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing market access for farmers, and shaping future strategies for the organic sector in India.

The national conference of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Parliamentary Committee was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in Bhubaneswar. This event is notable because it is the first time such a conference is being held outside the national capital. The theme of the conference focuses on the role of parliamentary and legislative committees in advancing the welfare, development, and empowerment of SCs and STs. Hosting the conference in Bhubaneswar signifies a step toward decentralization and inclusivity, aiming to strengthen dialogue, representation, and policymaking for marginalised communities at a regional level.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated a new fleet of ‘U-Special’ buses in New Delhi, reviving a service once popular among Delhi University students. These electric, air-conditioned buses are equipped with CCTV cameras and panic buttons, ensuring both comfort and safety. The initiative reflects a dual commitment—supporting student welfare by easing their daily commute while also advancing sustainable public transport in the capital. Beyond buses, the CM also addressed student concerns over recent Delhi Metro fare hikes and promised to explore concession passes. This integrated approach demonstrates efforts to create a safer, more affordable, and environmentally conscious transit system.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with the Department of School Education to link the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) status of Aadhaar-linked school children with the UDISE+ system. UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) is a critical database managed by the Department of School Education & Literacy under the Ministry of Education. By integrating MBU status, the collaboration ensures better monitoring of children’s biometric updates and helps maintain more accurate educational records. This initiative strengthens the linkage between Aadhaar and educational data, ultimately improving governance, efficiency, and accountability in the school system.

The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring of the PM SVANidhi Scheme and extended its lending operations till 31 March 2030. This extension provides a longer financial window for street vendors and small businesses to access affordable credit. With a total outlay of ₹7,332 crore, the scheme also introduces features like UPI-linked RuPay Credit Cards for eligible beneficiaries and digital cashback incentives to promote digital transactions. Additionally, coverage is widened beyond statutory towns to include census towns and peri-urban areas, thereby ensuring greater inclusivity and long term support for grassroots entrepreneurship.