NATIONAL NEWS

India Climbs to 5th Place in Global Aviation – 2024

• India became the 5th largest aviation market in 2024, serving over 211 million passengers.

• As per IATA’s WATS report, the country saw an 11.1% rise in passenger traffic.• As per IATA’s WATS report, the country saw an 11.1% rise in passenger traffic.

• India overtook Japan, despite Japan’s 18.6% growth, which brought in 205 million flyers.

• USA topped the list with 876 million passengers, followed by China (741M), UK (261M), and Spain (241M).

• The Mumbai–Delhi route ranked 7th among the busiest globally, while Jeju–Seoul led the chart with 13.2 million travelers.

Kartavya Bhavan: A Modern Hub for Central Ministries

• PM Modi unveiled Kartavya Bhavan in New Delhi on August 6 to enhance administrative integration.

• Also called Central Secretariat Building–3, it’s the first of several planned centralized ministry buildings.

• Departments from Shastri Bhawan and Nirman Bhawan will move to this 1.5 lakh sq. m. complex.

• The facility has seven floors, two basements, and will host ministries like Home, External Affairs, MSME, and more.

• Key features include solar panels, rainwater systems, and double-glazed eco-friendly facades.

• Operates on a zero-discharge system with in-house waste and water treatment.

• Smart tech like motion-sensor LEDs, efficient HVAC, and smart lifts are expected to cut energy use by 30%.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Moldova Becomes 107th Member of International Solar Alliance

• Moldova joined the ISA by submitting its ratification in New Delhi, becoming the 107th member.

• The 7th Regional ISA Meet for Latin America & the Caribbean took place in Chile on August 4, 2025.

• Sri Lanka hosted the Asia-Pacific meeting in Colombo from July 15–17.

• Mauritius became the first African country to sign ISA’s Partnership Framework.

• India, a founding country, is leading the ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’ global solar project.

• Recent additions to the alliance include Panama, Spain, Nepal, and Paraguay.

• Founded at COP-21 in 2015 by India and France, ISA promotes global solar cooperation.

• After ratification by 15 countries in 2017, it became the first intergovernmental body based in India.

LEGAL NEWS

New Sea Cargo Law to Modernize Maritime Sector

• The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025 was passed on August 6, replacing the 1925 law.

• The bill simplifies rules for sea cargo, defining legal responsibilities and protections for stakeholders.

• It gives the Centre authority to amend rules and update bills of lading standards.

• Minister Shantanu Thakur said the reform will improve business ease in maritime logistics.

• MP Sanjay Seth noted cargo volume surged from 819M tonnes (2014–15) to 1600M+ tonnes (2024).

• The bill aligns with India's goal of becoming a top-three global economy, backed by 12 major and 100+ minor ports.

• The shipping sector has gained global momentum under PM Modi’s leadership.