Current Affairs - National

The IWT Terminal was inaugurated at Jogighopa in Assam. This terminal is strategically located on the Brahmaputra River, part of National Waterway-2 (NW-2). It is significant for boosting economic growth through enhanced inland waterways transport, reducing transit time and transportation costs, and improving multi-modal connectivity, particularly for trade with neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh. The initiative aligns with PM Gati Shakti and strengthens India’s Act East Policy, further promoting regional trade and logistics.

Childhood cancers, defined as cancers affecting children aged 0-14 years, account for 4% of all cancer cases in India. This represents a significant public health concern, as cancer in children not only impacts young patients but also has a broader socio-economic impact on their families. The indirect costs, including loss of education and income, are substantial, with children often facing educational disruptions and emotional strain, while parents may experience job loss or reduced working hours due to caregiving responsibilities.

The 27th Western Zonal Council meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is being held in Pune, Maharashtra, on February 22. This council includes representatives from Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra, and the UTs of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. The meeting is attended by Chief Ministers, administrators, and senior officials from the region. Zonal Councils, established in 1957, facilitate inter-state cooperation, and each council has a Standing Committee headed by Chief Secretaries to ensure effective governance and collaboration between states.

India’s first Open-Air Art Wall Museum was inaugurated at Mausam Bhawan in New Delhi on February 18, 2025, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The museum features 38 murals that depict the evolution of meteorology, IMD's contributions to weather forecasting, and the department’s historical milestones. The project was developed in collaboration with Delhi Street Art, bringing science and art together to make weather science more engaging and accessible to the public. The murals also highlight India’s cultural ties with the weather, creating an informative and artistic tribute.

The Matsya-6000 submersible, developed under India’s Deep Ocean Mission by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), successfully passed its wet tests at Kattupalli Port. This submersible is a significant part of India’s Samudrayan Project, which aims to advance deep-sea exploration. It features state-of-the-art systems such as thrusters, ballast, navigation sensors, and life-support systems, making it crucial for India’s shallow-water and deep-sea exploration goals. The success of these tests brings India closer to conducting 500-meter shallow-water trials by 2025.