Current Affairs - National

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is pioneering a major shift in India’s coal mining sector by becoming the first public sector undertaking (PSU) to adopt paste fill technology. This advanced underground mining method is designed to enhance safety and reduce environmental damage by refilling mined-out areas with a paste made from waste materials. SECL has entered into a ₹7040 crore agreement with TMC Mineral Resources Private Limited to bring this technology into operation. The move signifies a forward-thinking approach to mining, blending industrial progress with sustainability, and positions SECL as a leader in environmentally responsible coal extraction.

Jammu and Kashmir has taken a significant step toward digital healthcare transformation with the launch of the e-SEHAT App by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. This innovative platform enables tele-diagnosis and aims to bridge the healthcare gap, particularly in remote and underserved areas of the region. The app caters to the general public, medical professionals, and students, creating an inclusive ecosystem for e-health services. To ensure its success, the government is focusing on staff training and raising public awareness for better implementation and monitoring. This move highlights J&K’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance healthcare delivery and accessibility.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) conducted a study to develop "venom maps" for Russell's viper, one of the most venomous snakes in India. By integrating local climate data, researchers were able to predict regional variations in venom composition, which can significantly impact the effectiveness of antivenom treatment. These venom maps are intended to assist healthcare professionals in administering more targeted and effective treatment to snakebite victims. This research also contributes to a better understanding and conservation of the species, which is listed as protected wildlife under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport was ranked as the 9th busiest airport in the world in 2024 by Airports Council International (ACI) World. This ranking is based on actual passenger traffic data, with the airport handling 77 million passengers during the year. The steady climb from 17th in 2019 to 9th in 2024 demonstrates the airport's rising global prominence, driven by improved infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and strong growth in India’s aviation sector. It remains the only Indian airport in the global top 10, highlighting its role as a major international hub and reflecting the broader expansion of air travel in the region.

Milkfed, officially known as the Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation, launched the mascot ‘Veera’ to boost the national presence of its dairy brand Verka. Designed as a smiling young Sikh boy with folded hands, Veera symbolizes Punjab’s warmth and cultural values. The move is intended to emotionally resonate with consumers and elevate Verka’s market appeal across India, similar to the impact of the Amul Girl. This branding initiative was unveiled during the foundation-laying ceremony of a ₹135 crore dairy expansion project in Amritsar, reinforcing Milkfed’s ambition to modernize operations and expand beyond its stronghold in Punjab.