Current Affairs - National

The 'Saheli Smart Card' has been launched in New Delhi by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to replace the earlier pink ticket system, enabling free bus travel specifically for women and transgender persons residing in Delhi. To qualify, users must provide valid address proof and an Aadhaar card. The initiative is part of a broader push toward digitisation and transparency in public transport, integrating features like the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). It is designed to eliminate fraud, ensure only genuine residents benefit, and support cashless, modern travel through QR-based ticketing, mobile apps, and card readers across the capital.

Kerala’s first skin bank will be inaugurated on July 15, 2025, at the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. This specialized facility is designed to collect and store donated skin for the treatment of patients suffering from severe burns. The initiative marks a major advancement in burn care within the state, as donated skin can significantly reduce pain, prevent infections, and accelerate healing for burn victims. The project has received approval from the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO), and further plans are in place to expand such services to other parts of the state, including Kottayam.

On July 5, 2025, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that Puri will be upgraded to a municipal corporation, making it the sixth such entity in the state of Odisha. The move is aimed at strengthening civic infrastructure in the historic city, which sees a heavy influx of tourists and pilgrims throughout the year. Puri will now join Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Rourkela as one of the state’s municipal corporations. The government’s decision reflects its commitment to improving urban services, especially in cities of religious and cultural significance, and is part of a broader vision to develop Puri by 2036.

Woolah Tea, based in Assam, has secured a 20-year patent (Patent No. 567895) for its unique invention—India’s first bagless tea innovation. This product, known as ‘Compressed true whole leaf tea dips,’ uses a bundle of handpicked whole tea leaves (locally called eti koli duti paat, meaning one bud and two leaves) tied together with a natural string. This innovation eliminates the need for conventional tea bags, offering a more natural and sustainable alternative. Assam, renowned for its tea production, has once again showcased its leadership in tea innovation through Woolah Tea’s eco-friendly and health-conscious approach.

The State Bank of India (SBI) inaugurated two new Global Trade Finance Centres in the cities of Kolkata and Hyderabad to strengthen its role in international trade facilitation. These centres aim to modernise the import-export process by implementing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and document digitization. With over 800 trained professionals, the centres are set to provide faster, more secure, and efficient services for businesses. This move aligns with SBI’s broader vision of digital transformation in global trade and enhances India's position in the international market by streamlining trade processes and reducing dependence on traditional paper-based methods.