Current Affairs - Places

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) carried out two successful hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) on July 3, 2025, at its Propulsion Complex located in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. This facility is crucial for propulsion-related development and testing. These hot tests simulated real flight conditions to ensure the system's performance and reliability under operational stress. The successful validation at Mahendragiri marked a significant milestone in ISRO’s preparations for India’s first human spaceflight mission under the Gaganyaan programme. The choice of this location reflects its specialised infrastructure for high-precision propulsion experiments.

The first Governing Council meeting of the National Cadet Corps Alumni Association (NCCAA) was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. The NCCAA is envisioned as a platform to connect former and current NCC cadets, fostering a spirit of unity and continuity among members of the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation. Holding the meeting in the national capital underlines the importance of the initiative and reflects the government's support for strengthening youth involvement in nation-building. The association is poised to play a significant role in energising and modernising the NCC framework going forward.

The bridge that was recently renamed as Sindoor Bridge is the Carnac Bridge in Mumbai. This renaming was part of a larger effort to shed colonial-era names and honour Indian achievements. The new name commemorates Operation Sindoor, a military mission against terrorist camps, and symbolizes both national pride and historical correction. The original Carnac Bridge, named after British Governor James Rivett-Carnac, had become structurally unsafe and was demolished in 2022. After reconstruction, the 328-meter-long, four-lane bridge was inaugurated on July 10, 2025, by CM Devendra Fadnavis. It now stands as a symbol of modern Indian resilience and post-colonial identity.

The Uttar Pradesh Agritech Innovation Hub was inaugurated in Meerut at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUAT) by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alongside Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary. This state-of-the-art hub is part of a strategic initiative to revolutionise Indian agriculture through next-generation technologies like IoT-enabled devices, real-time analytics, and smart irrigation systems. By situating the hub in Meerut, the government aims to empower local farmers, promote sustainable practices, and strengthen collaboration among agricultural institutions, startups, and rural communities—ultimately contributing to a self-reliant, technologically advanced farming ecosystem.

Amaravati has been designated as the site for India’s first Quantum Valley under the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration (AQVD), officially approved by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. This initiative aims to transform the city into a global hub for quantum technologies, aligning closely with India’s National Quantum Mission. By focusing on deep-tech advancements, Amaravati is expected to become a centre for research, innovation, and development in quantum computing, communication, and sensing. This strategic move not only places Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of cutting-edge technology but also contributes to India's broader scientific and technological leadership on the global stage.