Current Affairs - National

B Vanlalvawna, a 1998-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Cambodia. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). His appointment comes at a time of growing diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia. Cambodia, with its capital Phnom Penh and its leaders Prime Minister Hun Manet and President Hun Sen, share historical and cultural ties with India.

Madhya Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone by conducting India's first entirely paperless election for the post of sarpanch in Ratua Ratanpur. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the state election commission, aims to eliminate paper usage in the electoral process, enhancing both efficiency and transparency. By embracing digital methods, the state is paving the way for modern electoral practices, making voting more accessible and straightforward for panchayats and urban bodies. This innovation reflects a commitment to leveraging technology in governance and improving the electoral experience for citizens.

Tata Steel has commissioned India’s largest blast furnace at its Kalinganagar facility in Odisha, representing a significant advancement in the steel industry. With an investment of Rs 27,000 crore, this expansion increases the plant’s capacity from 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 8 MTPA. The new facility incorporates advanced and eco-friendly technologies designed to enhance production efficiency while meeting the demands of various sectors such as automotive, infrastructure, and defence. Key features include energy recovery systems and a focus on environmental protection, solidifying Tata Steel's commitment to sustainable practices in manufacturing.

The Maharashtra government has approved the renaming of Pune Airport to "Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport" to honour the revered saint's contributions to Bhagwat Dharma. Sant Tukaram was born in Lohgaon, near the airport, and this decision aligns with the sentiments of local villagers and the Warkari community. The renaming reflects a tribute to Sant Tukaram’s legacy and cultural significance, enhancing the airport's connection to the region's spiritual heritage.

VisioNxt is India’s first fashion forecasting initiative, developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) with support from the Ministry of Textiles. It uniquely combines Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI) to generate trend insights that reflect India's rich cultural diversity. Launched in 2018, VisioNxt aims to enhance global competitiveness by providing tailored insights for fashion consumers and professionals. Operating through hubs in Chennai and Delhi, it also supports Indian weavers and designers, reducing dependence on foreign trend agencies and fostering a stronger connection to local culture and design.