Current Affairs - National

The 1st International Conference on Steel Slag Road, organized by CSIR, took place in New Delhi. The conference highlighted the utilization of steel slag in road construction, emphasizing its benefits such as strength, durability, and eco-friendliness. This technology aims to address India's infrastructure needs by using processed steel slag as an aggregate, reducing the dependency on natural aggregates and promoting sustainable construction practices.

The Simla Agreement, signed on 2nd July 1972, was a significant diplomatic effort between India and Pakistan following the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. It aimed to establish peace, normalise relations, and resolve conflicts through bilateral negotiations, particularly focusing on issues like Kashmir and the Line of Control (LoC). Despite its limitations and subsequent developments such as nuclearisation, the agreement remains a foundational document in the context of Indo-Pakistani relations and South Asian geopolitics.

Tata Group has been identified as India’s most valuable brand with a reported value of US$ 28.6 billion, marking a significant increase from the previous year. This underscores Tata Group's strong market presence and strategic brand management, positioning it ahead of other prominent entities like Infosys and HDFC Group in terms of brand value.

Corporate Infotech Private Limited (CIPL), a Noida-based IT company, is developing 'Gov-Drive', a cloud-based platform designed specifically for over 50 lakh government employees. This platform aims to enhance the speed and confidentiality of file exchange among various governmental entities, including ministries, departments, judiciary, and advisory bodies. The initiative seeks to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency within the central government through modern digital solutions.

The Indian Army inaugurated the Khalubar War Memorial in Ladakh to mark the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Located in the Aryan Valley, this memorial commemorates the bravery of soldiers, including Captain Manoj Pandey, who played a crucial role in reclaiming the area during the Kargil War. The opening ceremony featured a 'Trek to Battle Site,' underscoring the significance of the location in India's military history.