Current Affairs - National

The Lok Sabha approved the extension of President’s Rule in Manipur beyond August 13, 2025, for another six months, pushing central control over the state until February 2026. This decision was made to uphold peace and stability in Manipur, which has been affected by ethnic tensions and disturbances. The statutory resolution was passed with the assurance from the Ministry of Home Affairs that law and order have improved significantly, with minimal fatalities since the rule was imposed. As per the Indian Constitution, President’s Rule can only be extended with Parliamentary approval every six months, making the Lok Sabha’s role crucial in this governance measure.

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is recognised as the first Indian airport developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Located in Nedumbassery, near Kochi in Kerala, CIAL is notable not only for pioneering this model but also for its sustainability initiatives. It holds the distinction of being the world’s first fully solar-powered airport. In a further innovative step, CIAL is collaborating with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) to construct the world’s first airport-based green hydrogen production plant. This marks a significant leap toward integrating renewable energy and advanced technology into airport infrastructure.

On July 26, 2025, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami released the book “Sustainable Wellness of Students: A Collective Responsibility in Higher Education” at a program in Dehradun. The initiative underscores the importance of mental health, student welfare, and holistic development in higher education. The book highlights student-centric approaches, emphasising psychological support, skill development, and collaborative responsibility from educators, families, and policymakers. Uttarakhand has also led the way in implementing the National Education Policy 2020, demonstrating its proactive stance on educational reform and student well-being. The event reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to building a supportive academic environment for youth.

The second edition of the Kala Utsav 2025 – Artists in Residence Programme took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, which is the official residence of the President of India. The event saw the participation of artists representing three significant indigenous art forms—Sohrai Art from Jharkhand, Pattachitra from Odisha, and Patua Painting from West Bengal. President Droupadi Murmu's interaction with the artists highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting traditional art forms in national venues of prominence such as the Rashtrapati Bhavan. This not only honours the artists but also brings wider recognition to these unique cultural expressions.

Maharashtra’s first glass bridge was inaugurated over the Napne Waterfall, located near Nadhavade village in the scenic Konkan region. This perennial waterfall, which flows throughout the year, is now a centrepiece of the Sindhuratna Tourism Scheme—a state initiative aimed at spotlighting lesser-known yet beautiful destinations. The glass bridge offers a unique experience to visitors, enhancing tourism in the area while also creating an iconic viewpoint. The project is expected to draw more attention to the natural beauty of the Konkan region and encourage eco-friendly tourism practices in Maharashtra.