Current Affairs - Places

India’s first International Agri Hackathon took place in Pune, where the Union government launched the ‘Clean Plant Programme’. This initiative focuses on supplying disease-free horticultural plants to farmers, starting with Maharashtra, to enhance agricultural productivity. Key crops like grapes, oranges, and pomegranates will benefit from this program, ensuring healthier yields. The event highlights Pune’s growing role in agri-innovation and sustainable farming solutions, aligning with national efforts to modernize agriculture and improve farmer livelihoods through technology and research-driven interventions.

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) meeting was recently held in New Delhi, emphasizing India's growing leadership in biotechnology. The event marked the inauguration of the DST-ICGEB Bio-foundry, the first public-funded platform aimed at advancing bio-based innovations. As part of the BioE3 policy, India aims to strengthen its bio-manufacturing ecosystem, contributing to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and employment. The bioeconomy has witnessed rapid expansion, growing from USD 10 billion in 2014 to over USD 165 billion in 2024. With major vaccine developments and global recognition, India continues to assert itself as a global biotechnology hub.

A 20-MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was inaugurated in Kilokari, South Delhi, making it the largest utility-scale energy storage system in South Asia. This project marks a major advancement in India’s renewable energy infrastructure, being the first commercially approved energy storage system in the country. BESS plays a crucial role in enhancing energy reliability by storing power generated from renewable sources like solar and wind for later use. The system supports Delhi’s efforts toward clean energy and grid stability, setting a precedent for similar projects across India and the broader South Asian region.

The PADH-AI Conclave was held in New Delhi as a strategic platform to explore the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in India's education system. The event brought together policymakers, academic experts, domain specialists, and education entrepreneurs to deliberate on the integration of AI in learning and workforce development. By hosting the conclave in the national capital, organizers ensured the presence of key decision-makers and influencers, making it a significant step toward shaping policy and innovation in educational technology. The discussions are aimed at aligning AI developments with the country’s goals for educational reform and future-ready skill development.

During his two-day visit to Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a range of development projects valued at over ₹82,000 crore. A key highlight of this visit is the dedication of a locomotive manufacturing plant to the nation and the flagging off of an electric locomotive, both taking place in Dahod. In addition, he will lay foundation stones and inaugurate various other infrastructure and development initiatives totalling approximately ₹24,000 crore. These efforts are aimed at boosting industrial growth and regional connectivity, establishing Dahod as an important centre in India's expanding rail manufacturing sector.