Current Affairs - Places

Scientists from the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) discovered a massive underground palaeo-channel stretching between Prayagraj and Kanpur in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab region. The channel, buried 10 to 15 metres below the surface and extending nearly 200 km, represents an ancient independent river system distinct from the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The discovery was made using advanced Heliborne transient electromagnetic technology (H-TEM) along with confirmatory drilling. Researchers identified highly porous clay and sand layers within the channel, making it suitable for groundwater recharge projects. The initiative involved collaboration between CSIR-NGRI, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).

The Mahey Tokpo-Raldho irrigation canal was inaugurated in the Union Territory of Ladakh by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on May 15, 2026. The canal, located in the high-altitude Changthang district at over 14,000 feet, was constructed to address persistent water shortages in the region. Stretching 2.10 km and supplied by Yaya Lake, the project is designed to support irrigation across nearly 100 acres of agricultural land in the Mahey region. Alongside the inauguration, a plantation drive involving 15,000 trees was also organised to promote slope stabilisation and soil conservation in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region.

India’s first Mega Greenfield Shipyard will be developed at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu under a tripartite agreement involving HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, NSHIP-TN, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited. The project was established under the India-ROK ‘VOYAGES’ framework during the South Korean President’s state visit. The shipyard is expected to have an annual capacity of 2.5 Million Gross Tonnage and generate around 15,000 direct jobs. This initiative supports the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to make India one of the top five global shipbuilding nations by significantly increasing domestic shipbuilding capacity and maritime infrastructure development.

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra. It is a premier research and development organisation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). C-DAC is widely known for developing India’s first indigenous supercomputer, PARAM 8000, in 1991. The organisation plays a significant role in advanced computing, electronics, and information technology research in India. In the IP Catalyst initiative launched in 2026, C-DAC Pune was entrusted with the implementation of the programme aimed at promoting patent commercialisation and supporting innovation-driven technology development across the country.

The National Conference on Laboratory Animal Welfare was organised in New Delhi by the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) on May 11, 2026. The conference focused on promoting ethical research practices and ensuring animal welfare in scientific experiments. It was conducted under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying with the theme “Policies and Best Practices of Research on Animals and their Welfare.” The event highlighted humane treatment of animals during vaccine development and drug discovery trials while also encouraging institutions to align with international animal welfare standards and responsible scientific research practices.