Current Affairs - National

On January 7, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the BHARATPOL portal at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), BHARATPOL aims to facilitate real-time international police assistance and strengthen India's efforts in combating transnational crimes such as cybercrime, financial crimes, and human trafficking. The portal replaces traditional communication modes, streamlining the exchange of information between Indian law enforcement agencies and INTERPOL. It plays a critical role in enhancing cooperation and improving the efficiency of law enforcement operations.

India's first organic fisheries cluster was launched in Soreng District, Sikkim, by Union Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh. This initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable, chemical-free, and antibiotic-free fish farming. It aligns with Sikkim’s broader commitment to organic practices, as the state is already known for its organic farming. The cluster will supply eco-friendly fish to global markets, reinforcing the state’s dedication to ecological sustainability and further boosting farmers' incomes through this innovative approach in the aquaculture sector.

The 15th Aero India, Asia's largest aero show, will take place from February 10-14, 2025, at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru. The event, themed "The Runway to a Billion Opportunities," will include air displays, and static exhibitions, and promote India's Make-in-India initiative. It will host global CEOs, domestic PSUs, and private firms, fostering bilateral meetings to strengthen defence and aerospace partnerships. This platform underscores India's growing prominence in the global aerospace industry.

India has reached the milestone of over 1,000 km of metro network, making it the 3rd largest in the world. The achievement was marked by the inauguration of Delhi Metro's phase IV. This development spans across 11 states and 23 cities. The expansion of India's metro network reflects significant growth in urban transportation infrastructure. Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for various railway projects in Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, and Odisha, further contributing to the nation's transportation progress.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is tracking cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. HMPV, a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus from the Pneumoviridae family, primarily affects infants aged 6–12 months, posing a hospitalization risk. The virus, discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands, recently re-emerged in China in late 2024, raising global health concerns. Monitoring its prevalence in Karnataka underscores the importance of early detection and preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations.