Current Affairs - National

The Merchant Shipping Bill, Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, and Coastal Shipping Bill were passed in 2025 to replace outdated colonial-era laws and modernise India’s maritime legal framework. These bills align national legislation with international conventions, improve sea safety, environmental protection, and seafarer welfare, and boost India’s maritime trade efficiency. The reforms also aim to increase coastal cargo handling, enhance infrastructure planning, and strengthen maritime security, promoting India’s economic and trade ambitions while supporting a future-ready shipping ecosystem integrated with global standards.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a landmark Independence Day speech on August 15, 2025, from the Red Fort that lasted 103 minutes. This became the longest Independence Day address by any Indian Prime Minister to date. Such extended speeches reflect his detailed communication style, covering multiple aspects of governance, achievements, and future vision. The record-setting length also highlighted the significance he placed on connecting with citizens on the nation’s 79th Independence Day. By surpassing previous records, the 103-minute duration stands out in history as a benchmark for Independence Day speeches.

The FASTag Annual Pass, introduced by NHAI on 15 August 2025, provides a year-long facility for non-commercial vehicle owners to travel seamlessly across national highways without repeated toll recharges. Priced at ₹3,000, the pass remains valid for one year or 200 toll crossings, whichever occurs first. This scheme simplifies highway travel by removing the inconvenience of frequent FASTag top-ups and ensuring zero toll deductions after activation. With nationwide coverage across 1,150 toll plazas and tech-enabled features through the Rajmargyatra App, it enhances convenience, reduces congestion, and supports a smoother, more efficient toll payment ecosystem.

‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2025, is a landmark national security initiative focused on protecting India’s vital establishments through indigenous technology. The mission represents a major stride towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat by aiming to reduce dependency on foreign systems and create a comprehensive multi-layered security shield. It integrates advanced surveillance, cyber protection, and physical defence in one unified framework, ensuring a proactive approach to national security. By anchoring protection on indigenous research and innovation, the mission not only strengthens defence infrastructure but also reflects India’s cultural ethos of self-reliance and resilience in the face of emerging threats.

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four new semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), with a cumulative investment of around ₹4,600 crore. These projects will be established in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant step toward enhancing India’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. The approved companies include SiCSem, Continental Device India Pvt Ltd (CDIL), 3D Glass Solutions Inc., and Advanced System in Package (ASIP) Technologies. By spreading the projects across multiple states, the initiative not only boosts local economies but also supports India’s goal of becoming a global hub in semiconductor production.