Current Affairs - Places

The 12th edition of the Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth was held in New Delhi, marking an important cultural and social event focused on young audiences. Organised by the Smile Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the festival emphasised themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It showcased films created by disabled children and highlighted socially relevant issues through cinema. By hosting the festival in New Delhi, the organizers aimed to reach a wide and diverse audience, using films as a powerful medium to educate, inspire, and encourage positive action among children and youth.

Gulfood 2026 is being hosted in Dubai, marking a significant milestone for India as it participates as a Partner Country for the first time in the event’s 31-year history. The exhibition is taking place across two major venues—the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. India’s participation, led by APEDA, showcases the country’s growing agri-food export strength through a large and diverse pavilion featuring exhibitors from across India. This engagement highlights deepening India–UAE trade relations and reinforces Dubai’s role as a global hub for food, beverage, and agri-trade connectivity.

Andaman has become the site of India’s first open-sea marine fish farming project, marking a significant shift from traditional coastal aquaculture to open-ocean farming. The pilot initiative focuses on cultivating marine finfish and seaweed using specially designed cages capable of withstanding strong ocean currents. Implemented with the support of scientific institutions and local administration, the project aims to enhance the livelihoods of fishing communities while promoting the sustainable use of marine resources. It aligns with India’s broader Blue Economy vision by combining marine science, innovation, and economic development to responsibly harness ocean potential.

New Delhi has been chosen as the venue for the 60th EU-India Summit, highlighting India’s role in strengthening strategic engagement with the European Union. During this summit, both sides are set to sign a major Security and Defence Partnership aimed at expanding cooperation in critical areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism. The choice of location underscores the importance of diplomatic dialogue at the highest level and reflects mutual commitment to addressing shared security challenges amid increasing global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

Bhubaneswar is the city where the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation launched its first government-supported creche, marking an important step toward supporting working parents. The facility, located at Saheed Nagar, provides affordable and reliable day care services for children aged between 6 months and 6 years. Operating from Monday to Saturday, the creche offers extended hours to accommodate working schedules. It has been thoughtfully designed to promote early childhood development through play materials, learning aids, and an engaging environment. This initiative reflects an urban welfare approach aimed at balancing workforce participation with child care needs.