General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - August 2023

Aug 2023

Jan 10, 2026

NHAI sets two Guinness World Records for road-construction feats on Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawa...

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has set two Guinness World Records for road construction on the Vanavolu-Vankarakunta section of the six-lane Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada Economic Corridor. The records include the longest continuous Bituminous Concrete laying distance of about 29 lane kilometres within 24 hours, and the highest quantity laid in a 24-hour period, exceeding 10,000 metric tonnes. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu commended the achievement, highlighting the project as a testament to India’s highway-infrastructure vision and the dedication of engineers, workers, and field teams involved.

Two Guinness records set on Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada corridor
29 lane kilometres laid in 24 hours
Over 10,000 metric tonnes of Bituminous Concrete laid
Recognition by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister

Jan 09, 2026

All-India Tiger Estimation 2026 begins in Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary

The All-India Tiger Estimation 2026 (AITE-26) commenced in January at the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary under the Erode Forest Division. The census uses standardized scientific methods to assess tiger populations and biodiversity. Forest department staff underwent pre-enumeration training before field operations started across four ranges—Anthiyur, Bargur, Chennampatti, and Thattakarai. More than 150 personnel are deployed to cover 52 patrol beats, ensuring systematic spatial coverage. The census is a key component of India’s wildlife management framework, informing conservation strategies and biodiversity monitoring nationwide.

AITE-26 began in January at Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary
Part of national tiger population and biodiversity assessment
Pre-enumeration training completed; field work across four ranges
Over 150 personnel; 52 patrol beats covered
Informs conservation planning and biodiversity monitoring

Jan 08, 2026

Sagar Island bridge project launched in West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone for a 5‑kilometre bridge over the Muriganga River, connecting Sagar Island with the mainland. The four‑lane structure will link Lot 8 in Kakdwip with Kachuberia on Sagar Island, at an estimated cost of ₹1,670 crore and is awarded to Larsen & Toubro. Construction is expected to take two to three years and will replace ferry services. The bridge aims to transform connectivity for residents and pilgrims visiting the Sundarbans, while boosting trade and tourism potential in the region.

Foundation stone laid for 5 km Muriganga bridge.
Link: Kakdwip to Sagar Island; four lanes; ₹1,670 crore.
Contract awarded to Larsen & Toubro.
Expected completion in 2–3 years; ferries replaced.
Aims to aid pilgrims during Gangasagar Mela and boost economy.

A. Sakthivel takes charge as AEPC chairman for historic fifth term in January 2026

A. Sakthivel, founder of Tiruppur‑based Poppys Knitwear Pvt Ltd, has assumed charge as the chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) for a fifth term in January 2026. A long‑time industry veteran, he has served as an AEPC board member for the last 43 years. The AEPC coordinates policy advocacy, market access and export promotion for India’s apparel sector. In his new term, Sakthivel is expected to push broader export destinations, strengthen supply‑chain sustainability and address tariff challenges faced in major markets, including the United States. His leadership is seen as pivotal for maintaining India’s apparel competitiveness in global markets.

Sakthivel begins fifth term as AEPC chairman in January 2026.
Founder of Poppys Knitwear Pvt Ltd; long AEPC tenure (43 years).
AEPC role includes policy advocacy and market access for apparel exporters.
Focus areas: expanding destinations and sustainability compliance.
Aims to mitigate adverse tariff measures in key markets.

PMK joins NDA in Tamil Nadu ahead of assembly elections

In a major political development, the PMK faction led by Anbumani Ramadoss joined the BJP‑led NDA in Tamil Nadu ahead of the assembly elections. Joint announcements were made by AIADMK leader E. Palaniswami and PMK chief, signaling a consolidation of the NDA’s presence in the state. Palaniswami described the alliance as a winning combination, while Ramadoss called it a moment of pride for PMK supporters. The move strengthens the NDA’s electoral footprint in Tamil Nadu, with discussions on candidate sharing and policy alignment likely in the coming weeks as parties prepare for the polls.

PMK joins NDA in Tamil Nadu ahead of assembly elections.
Public announcements made by Palaniswami and Ramadoss.
AIADMK and PMK cooperation under the NDA banner.
Alliance aims to expand electoral reach in the state.
Future discussions expected on seat sharing and policy alignment.

Jan 07, 2026

Siddaramaiah Becomes Longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah became the longest-serving chief minister of Karnataka, surpassing the record held by late Devaraj Urs, and etching his name in the state's political history.
In his second term, the 77-year-old leader on January 6 equalled Urs' record of 2,792 days in office, becoming the longest-serving CM of the state. Urs, widely regarded as an icon of social justice and land reforms in Karnataka, served two terms — 2,113 days from March 20, 1972, to December 31, 1977, and 679 days from February 28, 1978, to January 7, 1980.
Siddaramaiah, the only chief minister after Urs to complete a full five-year term, held office for 1,829 days during his first term from May 13, 2013, to May 15, 2018. In his ongoing second term since May 20, 2023, he has so far completed 963 days.

PM Modi lauds HPCL Residue Upgradation Facility at Visakh Refinery

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the commissioning of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited’s Residue Upgradation Facility at its Visakh Refinery in Andhra Pradesh, announced on January 5, 2026. The project marks India’s first operational residue hydrocracking unit and uses LC-Max technology to convert bottom residues into high-value fuels. With a capacity of 3.55 million tonnes per annum, the facility aims for about 93 percent conversion, raising distillate yields and improving margins by enabling processing of heavier and opportunity crudes. The upgrade enhances refinery complexity, flexibility, and resilience to crude price volatility, aligning with energy security goals and self-reliance initiatives. The Nelson Complexity Index rose to 11.6 after commissioning.

Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) commissioned at Visakh Refinery
First operational residue hydrocracking unit in India
LC-Max technology enables ~93% conversion of bottoms
Capacity: 3.55 MMTPA; distillate yield up by ~10%
Nelson Complexity Index increased to 11.6

Jan 06, 2026

Amit Shah inaugurates NDDB nutrition CSR conclave

Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National CSR Conclave on Nutrition Security and Malnutrition Mitigation at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event, organized by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), focused on collaborative and innovative strategies to combat child malnutrition. During the conclave, Shah launched the third phase of the Giftmilk Programme under the CSR initiative of SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant, benefiting around four thousand government school children in mining areas of Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. The gathering underscored government and industry collaboration to improve nutrition outcomes, with emphasis on sustainable, scalable interventions and monitoring.

CSR Conclave on Nutrition Security inaugurated in New Delhi.
Event hosted by NDDB; influenced by government-industry collaboration.
Giftmilk Programme phase three launched for Bhilai mining areas.
Approximately 4,000 government school children to benefit.
Focus on sustainable, scalable nutrition interventions.
Highlights policy-practice linkages for child nutrition.

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