Current Affairs - National

Nine major ports of India achieved recognition in the Global Top 100 in the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2023, a report compiled by the World Bank and S&P Global Marketing Intelligence. This achievement underscores India's progress in port modernization and efficiency enhancement under the Sagarmala programme, contributing to improved operational metrics like turnaround time and container handling efficiency across these ports.

The Indian Army launched a state-of-the-art skin bank at the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) to provide advanced care for severe burn injuries suffered by armed forces personnel and their families. This facility will serve as a central hub for collecting, processing, storing, and distributing skin grafts, ensuring high-quality care with stringent safety standards.

Delhi Airport launched India’s first self-service mechanism for check-in luggage, known as Self-Service Bag Drop (SSBD). This initiative allows passengers to drop off their luggage, collect tags, and print boarding passes independently, enhancing efficiency and reducing check-in times significantly. The system, implemented across Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 in collaboration with airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and Air India Express, aims to streamline the check-in process by integrating advanced technology for a seamless passenger experience.

The Chenab Bridge, part of the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, spans the Chenab River gorge in Jammu and Kashmir. It stands as the world's highest steel arch rail bridge, towering over the Chenab River at a height of 359 meters (approximately 1,178 feet), surpassing even the height of the Eiffel Tower. This engineering marvel by Indian Railways is a crucial link that will connect the Kashmir Valley to the national railway network, demonstrating significant progress in infrastructure development despite challenging geology, topography, and weather conditions.

India is poised to become the sixth country globally to launch its own Deep Sea Mission. This initiative aims to explore ocean depths, develop indigenous technologies like the Matsyayaan 6000 submersible, and advance ocean sciences for sustainable marine resource management. The mission underscores India's commitment to pioneering deep-sea exploration and enhancing its capabilities in oceanographic research and technology development.