Current Affairs - National

The Government of India launched Entity Locker, a secure, cloud-based platform for efficient business document management. It is developed by the National eGovernance Division under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. Key features include Aadhaar-authenticated access, 10 GB encrypted storage, real-time integration with MCA, GSTN, DGFT, and legally valid digital signatures. This initiative aligns with the goals of Digital Public Infrastructure to improve the ease of doing business and ensure the secure handling of documents for enterprises.

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana was launched on 22nd January 2015 as part of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign to promote financial inclusion for the girl child in India. This scheme allows parents to open an account for their daughters at any post office or designated commercial bank branch. The initiative has been widely successful, with over 4 crore accounts opened across the country, and 2025 marks its 10th anniversary. It aims to secure the financial future of girls through savings and interest.

The Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) initiative was launched in Kottayam, Kerala, to align with global sustainability principles and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This initiative focuses on promoting sustainable rubber farming practices by offering free certification and training to farmers, thereby empowering smallholders. It also aims to prevent deforestation and improve supply chain traceability. Kerala, known for its significant rubber cultivation, was an ideal location for launching this initiative to enhance sustainability in the rubber sector.

The Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) from Nicobar district in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was recently awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This achievement highlights the region’s unique production and quality standards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 118th episode of "Mann Ki Baat," emphasized this milestone as a step towards empowering women through self-help groups (SHGs) and specialized training in marketing and branding. The GI tag is expected to enhance the global recognition of Andaman's VCO and boost its contribution to the global market while supporting tribal and local communities economically.

Under the Revised Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) Policy 2024-25, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced a reserve price of ₹2,250 per quintal for rice. This price is applicable to State Governments, Corporations, and Community Kitchens, bypassing e-auctions to streamline food security and distribution. The same price is also extended to ethanol distilleries to boost ethanol production, aligning with India’s energy goals. This policy reflects the government's efforts to enhance both food security and the production of alternative energy sources.