Zojila Tunnel, India's Longest (14.15 km) & Asia's Longest Bi-Directional Road Tunnel, Nears Completion With ₹6,500 Cr Investment

Subsea Cables Carry 99% Internet Traffic: Vulnerabilities, Ownership Concentration & India's Resilience Plan

Subsea cables carry over 99% of global internet traffic, yet their supply chain is concentrated among a few private players and hyperscalers, making them vulnerable to sabotage, cyberattacks, and economic disruption. Recent NATO, Finland, and China incidents highlight intensifying threats, while India is building repair capacity via a DoT single-window clearance portal. This is a high-yield topic for GS3 infrastructure, science-tech, and security questions.

KAVACH Version 4.0 Commissioned on SCR: India’s Indigenous Automatic Train Protection System Explained

KAVACH, India's indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, has been upgraded to Version 4.0 and commissioned on the South Central Railway's Malkajgiri–Kamareddi section over 108 route km. This is crucial for UPSC as it touches infrastructure, safety technology, and comparisons with global systems like ETCS, ATC, and PTC. The article also links to Sam Pitroda committee recommendations on railway modernisation.

AM/NS India Supplies 100% Steel for INS Malvan, 2nd Mahe Class ASW Shallow Watercraft Commissioned

INS Malvan, the Indian Navy's latest indigenously-built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercraft (ASW-SWC), has been commissioned using specialised steel from AM/NS India's Hazira plant in Surat. This highlights India's growing defence indigenisation (80%+ content) and the strategic role of Gujarat's industrial ecosystem in national security.

India-Sri Lanka Update FTA, Sign Social Security Pact; $450 Mn Cyclone Aid Package

India and Sri Lanka are deepening ties through a $450 million cyclone reconstruction package, updated FTA negotiations, and a Social Security Agreement. The visit also stressed provincial elections in Sri Lanka and security assurances, making it crucial for India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and regional stability.

India Formally Names 27 Locations in Arunachal Pradesh; China Slams Move as Unilateral

India formally identified 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh by their standard names on its official map, countering China's frequent renamings. China's state media slammed the move as 'self-deception', warning it could harm improving bilateral ties. This is a key flashpoint in the India-China boundary dispute, with implications for border negotiations and bilateral relations.

Russia in 'Productive' Talks with India, China for Arctic Cooperation; Northern Sea Route Key

Russia confirms productive talks with India and China for Arctic cooperation, including the Northern Sea Route. This opens strategic opportunities for India in polar diplomacy, energy security, and global logistics. A parliamentary panel has recommended appointing a polar ambassador to strengthen India's engagement.

Triangular Security Grid Approved for Siliguri Corridor: Garrisons at Dhubri, Kishanganj, Chopra

Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed security of the Siliguri Corridor (Chicken's Neck) and announced a 'Triangular Security Grid' with three new military garrisons at Dhubri (Assam), Kishanganj (Bihar), and Chopra (West Bengal). This is critical for national security as the corridor is the only land link connecting 8 northeastern states to the rest of India.

India's Proposed 28 MT Crude, 9 MT LNG, 4 MT LPG Strategic Fuel Reserves

India is considering a decade-long strategic fuel programme to add 28 MT crude, 9 MT LNG and 4 MT LPG storage to buffer energy shocks. The plan is still a proposal, and analysts stress that storage alone cannot ensure energy security—deliverability through ships, pipelines and governance matters equally.