Current Affairs - National

The Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, announced at a conference in Bhopal that the National Cadet Corps (NCC) would undergo a major expansion by adding 3 lakh cadets. This move is part of a broader initiative to increase the total strength of NCC cadets across India to between 17 and 20 lakh, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision. The NCC, headquartered in New Delhi, plays a crucial role in fostering discipline, patriotism, and leadership among youth. The announcement made in Bhopal underlines the city’s importance in national defence-related developments and strategic youth engagement.

Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a new Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Rajarhat, Kolkata. The advanced facility, built at a cost of ₹88 crore, is designed to serve not only the state of West Bengal but also several neighbouring regions such as Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Sikkim, Assam, and other northeastern states. This laboratory is expected to significantly strengthen forensic infrastructure in eastern India, aiding in quicker and more accurate criminal investigations across a broad geographic area. The choice of Kolkata highlights its strategic location for regional accessibility and operational efficiency.

TCG CREST (The Chatterjee Group Centres for Research and Education in Science and Technology) is located in Kolkata and has been granted 'Deemed to be University' status by the Ministry of Education. This development marks a significant milestone in India’s higher education sector, as TCG CREST becomes one of the first research-driven private universities in the country. Its focus on advanced research and innovation is expected to equip students with skills relevant to the ever-changing demands of the modern job market, especially in science and technology domains. The establishment in Kolkata positions the city as an emerging hub for academic excellence.

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution mandates the election of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, emphasizing that it must happen “as soon as” the House meets. This provision reflects the urgency and importance of the position in ensuring the continuity of parliamentary functioning. The Deputy Speaker is not merely a stand-in but plays a critical role in presiding over debates, maintaining order, and ensuring democratic processes, especially when the Speaker is unavailable. The prolonged vacancy in this post, as seen in recent years, has raised serious constitutional and democratic concerns, highlighting a deviation from established traditions and weakening of institutional checks.

The launch of the first cherry cargo train from Katra to Mumbai marks a transformative development in Kashmir’s agricultural logistics. With cherries being a highly perishable crop, timely and affordable transportation is crucial. Earlier, only large growers could afford the high costs of air cargo, excluding many small-scale farmers from lucrative markets. This new train service, covering the journey in just over 30 hours in refrigerated vans, provides an economical and efficient solution. Transporting 24 tonnes of cherries in one trip, opens up major market access for growers during the May–June harvest season, promoting agricultural growth and income stability in the region.