Current Affairs - National

DGCA granted safety clearance to Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt Ltd, making India only the second country in the Asia Pacific region after Malaysia to adopt this robust ICAO-aligned safety framework. This clearance highlights the country’s commitment to enhancing aviation safety standards by strengthening safety management systems (SMS) and ensuring stricter regulatory oversight in ground handling operations. Such a move ensures operational efficiency, passenger safety, and compliance with global standards, reinforcing Air India SATS’ reputation as a reliable ground-handling service provider in India’s rapidly growing aviation sector.

The Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited was launched with the core aim of providing credit access for rural women entrepreneurs through a digital, transparent, and affordable financial model. With an initial infusion of ₹105 crore, the cooperative seeks to empower over 20 lakh women by enabling them to start or expand income-generating activities in small businesses, agriculture, and rural services. Unlike microfinance institutions that often charge high interest, this initiative offers low-interest loans directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. It strengthens Bihar’s self-help group ecosystem, enhances financial inclusion, and aligns with women-led development schemes like Lakhpati Didi and Bank Sakhi.

The Kapas Kisan App was launched to empower cotton farmers by digitizing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement process. It provides farmers with a transparent and farmer-first platform where they can self-register, book delivery slots, and track payments in real time. By cutting out middlemen and reducing paperwork delays, the app ensures timely transactions and prevents distress sales, protecting farmers from volatile market conditions. Supporting multiple Indian languages, the app is designed for inclusivity and ease of use. This initiative not only enhances farmer welfare but also aligns with Digital India and agri-tech innovation goals to modernise the cotton sector.

India’s first-ever mobile tempered glass factory was inaugurated in Noida on August 30, 2025, by Union Minister of Electronics and IT Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw. The facility, established by Optiemus Electronics in collaboration with Corning Incorporated, USA, will manufacture tempered glass under the premium “Engineered by Corning” brand. This milestone strengthens the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by reducing import dependence and creating jobs. With an initial investment of ₹70 crore, the plant begins with a 25-million-unit annual capacity and 600 jobs, while a planned ₹800 crore Phase 2 expansion is expected to significantly boost production and employment.

BioFach India 2025 is scheduled to take place at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida. The event is a key platform for the organic sector, featuring participation from more than 27 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from India’s North-Eastern Region under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development program. It will provide opportunities for farmers to showcase their organic products, connect with buyers, and engage with businesses and policymakers. Such exhibitions play a vital role in promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing market access for farmers, and shaping future strategies for the organic sector in India.