Current Affairs - National

Aadhaar authentication transactions have crossed the significant milestone of 150 billion, showcasing the rapid growth and widespread adoption of Aadhaar-based services in India. This achievement highlights the role of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in driving the digital economy forward. In April 2025 alone, there were 210 crore authentication transactions, an 8% increase compared to April 2024. The Aadhaar e-KYC process has greatly enhanced customer experience by simplifying identity verification, thus facilitating easier access to banking, financial services, and various other sectors, reinforcing India’s progress in digital inclusion and service delivery.

The Inclusive India Summit 2025, organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), is scheduled to take place at the India International Centre in New Delhi. This summit coincides with Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) and will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing both physical and virtual participation. The event focuses on promoting digital accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities. It is supported by key partners, including the SBI Foundation, National Association for the Blind (NAB), Association of People with Disability (APD), and Mission Accessibility, making New Delhi a central hub for this important national initiative.

The Government of India has taken a step to support ethanol production by allocating 2.8 million tonnes of rice at subsidized rates. This initiative not only helps in utilising the excess stock of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) but also aligns with the country's broader energy goals. Specifically, it contributes to the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, which aims to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels by increasing ethanol content in fuel. The targeted ethanol blending is set to reach 20% by 2025-26, making this rice allocation a significant move in supporting energy security and sustainable resource management.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has opened a new office in Srinagar’s Transport Bhawan to strengthen its presence in the region and manage various water transport initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir. This move aligns with IWAI’s plans to develop river navigation infrastructure for National Waterways NW-26 (Chenab), NW-49 (Jhelum), and NW-84 (Ravi). By establishing a regional office in Srinagar, IWAI aims to streamline coordination with the J&K government, enhance project execution, and promote sustainable inland water transport in the Union Territory.

Kozhikode has been recognized for its elder-friendly urban policies, earning a spot in the WHO's Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities. The city focuses on enhancing accessibility, healthcare, public spaces, and digital inclusion for senior citizens. Initiatives such as senior-friendly parks, community health programs, and awareness campaigns for active ageing contribute to Kozhikode's age-friendly status. This recognition highlights the city's commitment to creating a supportive environment for its ageing population.