Current Affairs - National

The Centre has approved the development of a second airport in Telangana at Mamnoor, which is located near Warangal and is less than 150 km from Hyderabad. This decision is part of an initiative to enhance aviation infrastructure in the state, with an allocation of ₹205 crore to acquire 253 acres for the airport's development. A special waiver was also granted to bypass the 150 km restriction under the Hyderabad Greenfield Airport agreement.

The 9th National Summit on Healthcare Innovations took place in Puri, Odisha, on February 28, 2025. The summit focused on healthcare innovations and best practices across India, aiming to showcase successful healthcare initiatives and promote knowledge-sharing under the National Health Mission (NHM). The event was inaugurated by Union Health Minister JP Nadda at Swosti Premium Beach Resort, emphasizing the state's role in healthcare advancements.

TRIFED's signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd (HPMC) aims to significantly boost tribal entrepreneurship. These MoUs focus on supporting tribal businesses through the implementation of a B2B (Business-to-Business) marketing approach, which will help promote and expand the market for tribal products. The agreement was formalized during the 'Aadi Mahotsav' event in New Delhi on February 24, 2025, marking a key step in advancing opportunities for tribal entrepreneurs.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with IIT Madras to enhance audit skills and promote sustainable auditing practices. The key focus areas include data governance, AI-driven capacity building, environmental audits, and the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework. IIT Madras Director, V. Kamakoti, highlighted the importance of digital collaboration during the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar lecture series at the CAG's office, underlining the significance of technological integration in auditing processes.

NITI Aayog, the Indian government's premier think tank, has established a committee to develop a strategic plan for transforming AIIMS, New Delhi, into a globally recognized centre for medical research and healthcare excellence. The committee, led by NITI Aayog member VK Paul, aims to assess the current systems at AIIMS and propose reforms with specific timelines for implementation. This initiative is part of NITI Aayog's broader efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, governance, and self-sufficiency within the institution.