Amendment to Marriage Rules for Foreigners On 13th October 2025, the Uttarakhand government approved a major amendment to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The amendment simplifies marriage registration procedures for foreign nationals, particularly citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Key Amendments Provision Details UCC Amendment The Uttarakhand government amended provisions related to marriage registration under the Uniform Civil Code.
17th BRICS Summit 2025 The 17th BRICS Summit 2025 was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 6–7 July 2025. The summit was organised under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive & Sustainable Governance”. Key Highlights of the Summit Aspect Details Venue Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dates Held from 6–7 July 2025. Theme Strengthening Global South Cooperation f
6th BIMSTEC Summit The 6th BIMSTEC Summit was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 4, 2025. The summit was organised under the theme “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC”. Major Outcomes Outcome Details Bangkok Vision 2030 A roadmap adopted for long-term regional development. India-Led Initiatives Initiative Details BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce Establishment of the BIMSTEC Chamb
Science & Technology Vigyan Ratna 2025 Awarded to: Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, posthumously. Awarded for: Outstanding contribution to Physics. Awarded by: Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India under Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar. Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Category Purpose Vigyan Ratna For lifetime achievements in science. Vigyan Shri For exceptional individual contributions. Vigyan Yuva
Newsmakers Person Why in News Asha Sharma Appointed as the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming and head of Xbox. Fatima Bosch Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was crowned the 74th Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand, where Saina Nehwal served as a judge. PV Sindhu Elected Chair of the BWF Athletes Commission for the 2026–2029 term. Maharaja Bijli Pasi PM Narendra Modi paid tribute to him on 25 December 2025 during the i
India’s First National Cooperative University The foundation stone for India’s first National Cooperative University was laid in Anand, Gujarat, regarded as the cradle of India’s cooperative movement. The institution has been named Tribhuvandas National Cooperative University in honour of Tribhuvandas Patel, a pioneer of India’s dairy cooperative revolution. Key Highlights Component Details Institution India’s fi
51st G7 Summit The 51st G7 Summit was held in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada in June 2025. The summit marked the 50th anniversary of the first G7 meeting and was organised under the theme “Partnerships for the Future”. Key Outcomes of the Summit Aspect Details Venue Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. Theme “Partnerships for the Future”. Major Development For the first time in years, a formal join
Tribal Genome Sequencing Initiative Gujarat has become the first state in India to start a genome sequencing project focused solely on tribal communities. The initiative aims to identify genetic health risks, promote precision healthcare, and enable early detection of genetic disorders among tribal populations. Key Highlights Component Details First State Gujarat is the first Indian state to launch a genome sequencing project focused only on
Gujarat Regains ‘Tiger State’ Status The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) confirmed the presence of a tiger in the Ratanmahal Sanctuary of Gujarat. Following this development, Gujarat has regained the status of a tiger-inhabited state after more than three decades and will be included in the 2026 tiger census. Key Highlights Component Details Confirming Authority The tiger presence was confirmed by the National Tiger C
Padma Awards 2026 Padma Vibhushan Awardees Awardee Field / Contribution Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol Legendary Bollywood icon in the field of Art; awarded posthumously. Ms. N Rajam Renowned Hindustani classical violinist in the field of Art. Shri V S Achuthanandhan Veteran political leader from Kerala in Public Affairs; awarded posthumously. Shri K T Thomas Former Supreme Court Judge in the field of Public
India’s First Integrated Private Satellite Manufacturing Facility On 22nd January 2026, the foundation stone for India’s first integrated private satellite manufacturing facility was laid at Khoraj in Sanand district of Gujarat. The facility, named “Palmanaro”, is expected to emerge as a major private-sector hub for indigenous satellite and optical payload manufacturing. Key Highlights Component Details Facility Name T
NATO Summit 2025 The NATO Summit 2025 was held in The Hague, the Netherlands. A major outcome of the summit was the agreement by NATO members to raise defence spending targets to 5% of GDP, compared to the earlier 2% goal. Key Outcomes of NATO Summit 2025 Outcome Details Venue Held in The Hague, the Netherlands. Defence Spending Target NATO members agreed to spend 5% of GDP on defence. Common Funding Plan Appro
18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was held in Bhubaneswar in January 2025. The event was organised under the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to Viksit Bharat”. Key Details Aspect Details Event 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Venue Bhubaneswar. Date Held in January 2025. Theme Diaspora’s Contribution to Viksit Bharat. About Pravasi
Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana The Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana was inaugurated in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to landless agricultural labourers and vulnerable communities for livelihood support. Key Features of the Scheme Component Details Launch Place The scheme was inaugurated in Raipur. Target Beneficiaries Covers over 5.
Balod: India’s First “Child Marriage-Free” District Balod district of Chhattisgarh has become the first district in India to be officially declared child marriage-free. All 436 gram panchayats and nine urban bodies in the district were awarded formal certificates by the state government. Key Highlights Aspect Details District Balod, located in Chhattisgarh. National Achievement Became India’s first offi
World Bank Land Conference 2025 The World Bank Land Conference 2025 was held in Washington D.C. from 5th to 8th May 2025. During the conference, global attention was drawn towards India’s flagship initiatives such as the SVAMITVA Scheme and the Gram Manchitra platform. Key Details Aspect Details Conference World Bank Land Conference 2025. Venue Washington D.C.. Dates Held from 5th to 8th May 2025.
India AI Impact Summit 2026 The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from 16–21 February 2026. The summit was anchored around three guiding “Sutras” — People, Planet, and Progress. Key Outcomes of the Summit Outcome Details New Delhi Declaration Signed by 88 nations to promote democratic, inclusive, and accessible AI governance. Investment Commitments Secured $250 billion i
United Nations Population Award 2025 The United Nations Population Award 2025 was awarded to Varsha Deshpande, a women’s rights activist from Satara, Maharashtra. She was recognised for her pioneering efforts in preventing sex-selective abortions and promoting gender equality. Key Details Aspect Details Award United Nations Population Award 2025. Awarded To Varsha Deshpande, women’s rights activist from Satara, Mah
Nobel Prize 2025 Nobel Prize Winners 2025 Category Winner(s) Awarded By For Physics John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis. Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit. Chemistry Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi. Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Development of metal-organic frameworks.
CM-FLIGHT Scheme On 12th October 2025, the Chief Minister of Assam launched the “CM-FLIGHT” scheme in Guwahati. The scheme focuses on foreign language training to improve global employment opportunities for Indian youth, especially in Japan. About the Scheme Component Details Full Form Chief Minister’s Foreign Language Initiative for Global Human Talent. Language Focus Youth will be trained in the Japanese la
Central Empowered Committee (CEC) On 31st July 2025, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) recommended the Supreme Court to approve the rationalisation of boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, including its critical tiger habitat. The CEC is a body constituted by the Supreme Court of India to assist in matters related to environmental conservation and forest protection. About the Central Empowered Committee Feature Details Constit
Ramesh Chand Panel On 2nd January 2025, the government decided to constitute an 18-member panel chaired by NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand. The panel has been set up to revise the base year of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and suggest a roadmap for transition to the Producer Price Index (PPI). Key Mandates of the Panel Mandate Details Base Year Revision Update the WPI base year from 2011-12 to 2022-23. Commodity Basket Develo
Justice Joseph Committee In April 2025, the Government of Tamil Nadu formed a high-level committee to study constitutional and legal provisions affecting Centre-state relations. The three-member committee is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph. Key Highlights Component Details Constituted By Government of Tamil Nadu. Formation Date Formed in April 2025. Chairperson Headed by former Suprem
78th World Health Assembly The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) was held in Geneva under the theme “One World for Health”. The assembly witnessed important developments related to traditional medicine and the recognition of skin diseases as a global public health priority. Key Details Aspect Details Venue Geneva. Theme “One World for Health”. President Teodoro J. Herbosa of the Philipp
Bihar’s First Nuclear Power Plant On 24 June 2025, the Centre announced in Patna that it had approved the establishment of a nuclear power plant in Bihar. The project is part of India’s plan to establish six Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) across the country under the new Nuclear Energy Mission. Key Highlights Component Details State Bihar will receive its first nuclear power plant. Reactor Type The project is based
Assam Polygamy Prohibition Bill, 2025 On 9th November 2025, the Assam Cabinet approved the Assam Polygamy Prohibition Bill, 2025, aimed at banning polygamy in the state. The Bill provides for imprisonment and penalties for offenders irrespective of religion, while exempting tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule. Key Provisions of the Bill Provision Details Main Objective To prohibit the practice of polygamy in Assam. Punishment
World Economic Forum 2026 The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 was held at Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, in January 2026. The annual gathering was organised under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”. Key Details Aspect Details Venue Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. Date Held in January 2026. Theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”. President Børge Brende. Major Reports
Keyi Panyor to Become India’s First ‘Bio-Happy District’ The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) initiated a project based on the concept of “Biohappiness” in the newly created Keyi Panyor district of Arunachal Pradesh. With this initiative, Keyi Panyor is set to become India’s first ‘Bio-Happy District’. What is Biohappiness? Aspect Details Concept Biohappiness links biodiversity conse
Shri Radha Shyam Ratho Committee On 25th June 2025, the Working Group chaired by Shri Radha Shyam Ratho submitted its report to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Working Group was constituted in February 2025 to undertake a comprehensive review of trading and settlement timings of financial markets regulated by the RBI. Objective of the Working Group Area Details Main Objective To review and recommend reforms in trading and settlement timi
Architecture Pritzker Architecture Prize 2025 Aspect Details Awarded To Liu Jiakun (China). Awarded For Designs that celebrate everyday life. Awarded By The Pritzker family through the Hyatt Foundation. Royal Gold Medal 2025 Aspect Details Awarded To Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. Awarded For Innovative and user-centered designs recognised for simplici
India’s First Quantum Valley Amaravati has been designated as the site for India’s first Quantum Valley under the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration (AQVD), officially approved by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The initiative seeks to transform Amaravati into a global hub for quantum technologies in alignment with India’s National Quantum Mission. What is the Quantum Valley Initiative? Aspect Details Location The Quantu
National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) In July 2025, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) was made the nodal body to deal with major disasters. The body was given statutory status under the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025 by inserting Section 8A. Role of NCMC Aspect Details Legal Status Granted statutory status through the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. Relevant Section Established through
India’s First and World’s Largest Green Ammonia Complex On 17th January 2026, the foundation stone for AM Green’s Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia Complex was laid in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The project will establish India’s first and the world’s largest green ammonia complex. Project Highlights Component Details Location The project is located in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Project Developer Dev
Major International Honours Received by Narendra Modi in 2025 Date Country Award Description 05 Mar 2025 Barbados Honorary Order of Freedom One of Barbados’ highest national honours. 12 Mar 2025 Mauritius Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean Mauritius’ highest national honour. 05 Apr 2025 Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana Highest Sri Lankan honou
Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 on July 24, 2025. The rules were issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to ensure scientific management and remediation of chemically polluted lands. Key Regulatory Provisions Provision Details Legal Basis Notified u
National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) The 11th Meeting of the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) was held on 20 January 2026 in New Delhi. The NCDS is constituted under Section 5 of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 and serves as a policy advisory body for the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). Role and Mandate Area Details Legal Basis Constituted under Section 5 of the Dam Safety Act, 2021. Advisory Role Functions as a polic
Rising Nitrate Levels in India’s Groundwater The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) annual report of December 2024 revealed a sharp rise in groundwater pollution across India. The number of districts with excessive nitrate levels increased from 359 in 2017 to 440 in 2023, now affecting more than 60% of the country. Key Findings and Impacts Area Details Worst-Hit States Rajasthan recorded 49%, Karnataka 48%, and Tamil Nadu 37% nitrate exc
Appointments Person Appointment / Position Rakesh Aggarwal Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Jared Isaacman 15th Administrator of NASA, succeeding Bill Nelson. Nidhi Chhibber Took additional charge as CEO of NITI Aayog. Shatrujeet Kapur Appointed Director General of ITBP. Praveen Vashista Appointed Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission.
Bilateral / Multilateral Exercises Involving India India participated in several important bilateral and multilateral military exercises during 2025–26 to strengthen defence cooperation, interoperability, maritime security, border preparedness, and strategic partnerships with friendly countries. Major Bilateral and Multilateral Exercises Exercise Participating Countries Location / Time Key Focus Vajra Prahar India – USA B
Major International Honours Received by Narendra Modi in 2025 Date Country Award Description 05 Mar 2025 Barbados Honorary Order of Freedom One of Barbados’ highest national honours. 12 Mar 2025 Mauritius Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean Mauritius’ highest national honour. 05 Apr 2025 Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana Highest Sri Lankan honou
SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting 2025 The SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting 2025 was held in Qingdao, China, on 26 June 2025. India was represented by Rajnath Singh, and Belarus was welcomed as a new member. Key Highlights of the Meeting Aspect Details Venue Qingdao, China. Date Held on 26 June 2025. India’s Representative India was represented by Rajnath Singh. New Member Belarus w
Committee for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance On 25th January 2026, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) constituted a committee of investment experts for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG). The committee has been formed to review, modernize, and strengthen the investment framework under the National Pension System (NPS). Aim of the Committee Objective Details Modernisation of NPS Framew
India’s Revised CAFE Norms (Phase III) Notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on September 25, 2025, the Phase III Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms mandate automakers to maintain fleet-wide average fuel efficiency. The revised norms aim to curb CO2 emissions and encourage cleaner vehicle technologies. What are CAFE Norms? Aspect Details Full Form CAFE stands for Corporate Average Fuel Economy.
Internal Military Exercises of India India conducted several important internal military exercises during 2025–26 involving the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Special Forces. These exercises focused on joint warfare, airborne operations, drone warfare, coastal security, disaster response, and multi-domain combat preparedness. Major Internal Exercises Exercise Conducted By Location / Time Key Focus Exercise Devil Strike
Rashtra Prerna Sthal On 25th December 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The memorial complex is dedicated to the life, ideals, and contributions of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Key Features of Rashtra Prerna Sthal Component Details Location Located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Dedicated To Honors the life and ideals of former Prime Minister Atal Biha
Uttar Pradesh Contributes 21% to National Foodgrain Supply On 12th December 2025, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched Farmers’ School 8.0 for the Rabi season in Barabanki district. Uttar Pradesh has only 11% of India’s cultivable land, yet contributes 21% of the country’s total foodgrain production. Key Agricultural Highlights Component Details Farmers’ School 8.0 Launched for the Rabi season in Barabanki district
World’s First-Ever Global Carbon Tax on Shipping The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved the world’s first-ever global carbon tax on the shipping industry. The initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping and accelerate the transition toward cleaner fuels and technologies. Key Features of the Carbon Tax Aspect Details Implementation Year The mechanism will come into effect from
River Revival Program The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a comprehensive River Revival Program for the restoration of small rivers and tributaries across the state. The initiative combines scientific expertise, ecological planning, and inter-departmental coordination for long-term aquatic ecosystem restoration. Key Features of the Program Component Details Main Objective To restore degraded small rivers and tributaries through scientif
Mailani–Nanpara Railway Line Declared a Heritage Line On 8th October 2025, the Railway Board declared the Mailani–Nanpara railway line as a heritage line. The railway route passes through the ecologically important Dudhwa National Park in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. Key Features of the Heritage Line Component Details Heritage Declaration Declared a heritage railway line by the Railway Board on 8 October 2025.
Resham Sakhi Yojana The Uttar Pradesh government has launched the Resham Sakhi Yojana to economically empower rural women. Under this scheme, women will be trained to earn income from sericulture while working from home. Key Features of the Scheme Component Details Scheme Name Resham Sakhi Yojana. Launched By Uttar Pradesh government. Main Objective To provide rural women with income opportunities through home-
First Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) The First Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in New Delhi. The assembly was presided over by Shri Bhupender Yadav. Key Details Aspect Details Event First Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). Venue New Delhi. President Shri Bhupender Yadav. About IBCA Feature Details
Tsunami-Ready Villages Recently, the government announced that India is set to become the first country in the Indian Ocean region to have more than 100 villages certified as tsunami-ready. The milestone reflects India’s growing emphasis on community-based disaster preparedness and coastal resilience. Tsunami-Ready Programme Aspect Details Definition Tsunami-ready villages are coastal communities certified for high levels of tsunami awa
Bhoo Kanoon (Land Law Amendment Bill) Recently, the Uttarakhand Cabinet approved the Bhoo Kanoon (Land Law Amendment Bill) to regulate land transactions involving non-residents. The amendment seeks to protect the state’s natural resources, local culture, and the land rights of residents in ecologically sensitive and hilly regions. Key Provisions of the Amendment Provision Details Regulation of Land Transactions Introduces stricter regul
India’s First Centre of Excellence for Hornbill Conservation The Tamil Nadu government has announced the establishment of India’s first dedicated Centre of Excellence for Hornbill Conservation. The Centre will be set up at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) in Coimbatore district to strengthen hornbill conservation and research in the Western Ghats. Key Features of the Centre Component Details Location The Centre will be established
Education & Literature International Booker Prize 2025 Awarded to: Banu Mushtaq (India) for her short story collection Heart Lamp. Awarded by: Booker Prize Foundation, UK. Note: The book was originally written in Kannada and translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi. PEN Pinter Prize 2025 Awarded to: Leila Aboulela, a Sudanese-Scottish writer. Awarded by: English PEN. Awarded for: Powerful writing exploring faith, migration and the lives of Muslim wom
International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025 On 6–7 June 2025, the seventh International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI), hosted by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), was held in Nice, France. It was held for the first time in Europe and brought together global leaders, experts, and policymakers to discuss climate-resilient infrastructure, especially in coastal regions. Why Focus on Coastal Resilience
47th ASEAN Summit The 47th ASEAN Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 26–28, 2025. The summit marked the official admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member. Key Highlights Aspect Details Venue Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Dates Held from October 26–28, 2025. 11th Member Timor-Leste was officially admitted as ASEAN’s 11th member. Kuala Lumpur Accord A j
Raisina Dialogue The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue took place in New Delhi from March 17 to March 19, 2025. The dialogue focused on sustainability, inclusive development, and strategic policymaking under the theme “K?lachakra – People, Peace and Planet”. Key Details Aspect Details Edition 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue. Venue New Delhi, India. Dates Held from March 17 to March 19,
Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi The Tamil Nadu government has officially declared a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram district. The sanctuary aims to protect migratory bird habitats and strengthen biodiversity conservation in the ecologically sensitive coastal region. Key Features of the Sanctuary Component Details Sanctuary Location Located at Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Garibi Mukt Gaon Yojana On 4 July 2025, the Government of Rajasthan launched the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Garibi Mukt Gram Yojana. The scheme aims to eliminate rural poverty through village-level targeted development, livelihood generation, and financial empowerment. Aim and Objectives Aspect Details Core Aim To eliminate rural poverty one village at a time. Target Group Focuses on empowering BPL (
National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) On 23rd July 2025, the Government of India constituted the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC). The NCMC was established under the Disaster Management Act (Amendment) Act, 2025, which came into force on April 9, 2025. The amendment granted statutory status to bodies such as the NCMC that existed even before the enactment of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. What is NCMC? Aspect Details Full
Rajasthan Land Revenue Act, 2025 On 3rd October 2025, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde approved the Rajasthan Land Revenue (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2025. The Act amends the Rajasthan Land Revenue Act, 1956 and expands the authority of RIICO over land management in industrial areas. Key Provisions of the Act Provision Details Amendment Amends the Rajasthan Land Revenue Act, 1956. RIICO Authority Expands the pow
Anti-Conversion Law Implemented in Rajasthan On 8th October 2025, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde approved the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2025. The law introduces strict provisions regarding interfaith marriages, unlawful religious conversions, penalties, and mandatory prior notification requirements. Key Provisions of the Law Provision Details Prior Notification Priests or clerics conducting interfaith marr
25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 was held in Tianjin, China, from 31 August to 1 September. The summit focused on multipolarity, governance reforms, economic cooperation, institutional restructuring, and counter-terrorism coordination. Key Outcomes & Developments Aspect Details Venue Tianjin, China. Dates Held from 31 August to 1 September
Sikkim: India’s First Digital Nomad Village India’s first Digital Nomad Village was launched in Yakten, located in the Pakyong district of Sikkim, on 15 July 2025. The initiative, named ‘Nomad Sikkim’, aims to combine remote working opportunities with sustainable rural tourism and local community participation. Key Highlights Component Details Initiative India’s first Digital Nomad Village. Location
Sakharov Prize 2025 The Sakharov Prize 2025 was awarded to Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaghlobeli. The award recognised their contributions toward the defence of human rights, freedom of thought, and fundamental freedoms. Awardees Awardee Contribution Andrzej Poczobut Belarusian journalist and human rights advocate. Mzia Amaghlobeli Georgian journalist and founder of independent media organisations. About the Pr
Sakharov Prize 2025 The Sakharov Prize 2025 was awarded to Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaghlobeli. The award recognised their contributions toward the defence of human rights, freedom of thought, and fundamental freedoms. Awardees Awardee Contribution Andrzej Poczobut Belarusian journalist and human rights advocate. Mzia Amaghlobeli Georgian journalist and founder of independent media organisations. About the Pr
CITES CoP20 The 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora was held from 24 November to 5 December 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The meeting coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Convention and was the first CITES CoP hosted in Central Asia. Key Details of CITES CoP20 Aspect Details Meeting CITES CoP20, the 20th meeting of the Conference of
Billiards/Snooker Championships IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship 2025 Venue: Manama, Bahrain. Champion: 16-year-old Welsh cueist Riley Powell defeated India’s snooker legend Pankaj Advani in the final. Key Fact: Pankaj Advani has won a record 28 world titles across billiards, snooker and pool. IBSF World Billiards Champion Champion: Indian cueist Sourav Kothari won the 2025 IBSF World Billiards title. Final: He defeated multiple-time winner Pankaj A
Heatwaves & Lightning: Now National Disasters The 16th Finance Commission has recommended the inclusion of heatwaves and lightning in India’s list of nationally notified disasters due to their rising frequency, intensity, and death toll. The move would allow states to utilise funds from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide relief and assistance to affected people. What is a “Nationally Notified Disaster”? Aspect Details
On 14 April, India commemorates Ambedkar Jayanti, marking the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, one of the most influential architects of modern India and a leading social reformer who championed equality and justice. Early Life and Education Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 into a Dalit (Scheduled Caste) family, and he experienced severe caste-based discrimination from an early age. Role in Framing the Constitution Dr. Ambedkar is widely regarded as the pr
First Woman in India & Global Milestones Person Achievement Prof. Uma Kanjilal Became the first woman Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU. Kishori Solanke Appointed as the first woman Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India. Sanae Takaichi Became Japan’s first female Prime Minister. Medha Roopam Became the first woman District Magistrate of Noida. Sonali Mishra Became the first woman Dire
India Joins Tropical Forest Forever Facility as Observer Recently, at the Leaders’ Summit in Belém, Brazil, India announced that it would join the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) as an Observer. The move aligns India with global efforts to finance forest conservation and reduce carbon emissions. What is the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF)? Aspect Details TFFF A global mechanism designed to financially reward count
Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 Aspect Details Host City/Country Turin, Piedmont, Italy. India at the Event India won a total of 33 medals, including 8 gold, 18 silver and 7 bronze. PT Facts Host: The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 were hosted in Turin, Italy. India: India won 33 medals at the event. Medal Breakup: India’s tally included 8 gold, 18 silver and 7 bronze.
Karnataka: First State to Introduce Paid Menstrual Leave The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025, making Karnataka the first state in India to introduce paid menstrual leave on such a scale. Under the policy, women employees in both public and private sectors will receive one day of paid menstrual leave every month. Key Features of the Policy Component Details Policy Name Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025. State
Viksit Rajasthan@2047 In October 2025, the Rajasthan government released its vision document “Viksit Rajasthan@2047”. The document aims to make Rajasthan a $4.3 trillion economy by 2047. Key Highlights Component Details Vision Document “Viksit Rajasthan@2047”. Released By Released by the Rajasthan government. Economic Target Aims to make Rajasthan a $4.3 trillion economy by 2047.
Cricket 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup Hosts: India and Sri Lanka. Final Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Champion: India won its 3rd title. Runner-Up: New Zealand. Player of the Match: Jasprit Bumrah. Player of the Series: Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand. 2026 Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Host: Co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. Champion: India beat England to secure its record-extending 6th title. Player of the Tournament: Vaibhav Sury
Badminton Championships All England Open Badminton Championships 2025 The 2025 All England Open was held at the Utilita Arena Birmingham, Birmingham, England, from 11 to 16 March 2025. Singles Title Winner Men’s Singles Shi Yuqi, China. Women’s Singles An Se-young, South Korea. US Open 2025 The Yonex US Open 2025 was held in Council Bluffs, United States, from 24 to 29 June 2025. Category
Winter Olympics 2026 Aspect Details Host City/Country Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Mascot Tina and Milo (Stoats). Tina represents the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, while Milo represents the Paralympic Winter Games. Mascot Name Link Their names are inspired by the host cities: Tina from Cortina d’Ampezzo and Milo from Milano. Table Topper Norway ranked 1st, followed by the USA.
Apps, Portals & Digital Initiatives Initiative / App Ministry / Organisation Objective / Purpose DRUM App IIT Kharagpur & IIITM Gwalior Suggests travel routes based on air quality, energy efficiency, speed and distance. Land Stack Portal Ministry of Rural Development Unified platform for transparent digital land governance. ECINET Election Commission of India One-stop digital platform for election-re
Places in News Thailand On 22 January 2025, Thailand became the 38th country and the first in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. Dakar, Senegal In July 2025, France closed its last permanent military bases in Dakar, ending 65 years of military presence since Senegal’s independence in 1960. Mudh-Nyoma Airbase Located in Ladakh, the airbase was inaugurated in November 2025 at 13,700 feet, making it one of the world’s highest fighter-capable
Maharashtra:Agricultural Status to Livestock & Poultry Farming In July 2025, Maharashtra became the first Indian state to grant agricultural status to livestock and poultry farming. The move aims to bring livestock and poultry farmers within the ambit of core agricultural benefits and financial support systems. Why Was Agricultural Status Needed? Issue Explanation Earlier Classification Livestock and poultry were treated as “allied
Space Tech Policy, 2026 On 13th January 2026, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh approved the Madhya Pradesh Space Tech Policy, 2026. The policy aims to promote innovation in satellite manufacturing, geospatial analysis, and downstream space applications. Key Highlights Component Details Policy Name Madhya Pradesh Space Tech Policy, 2026. Approval Date Approved on 13th January 2026. Innovation Focus Promotes
Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar Tiger Reserve On 9th January 2026, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh announced that the Ratapani Tiger Reserve would be renamed after the renowned archaeologist Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar. The decision honours Dr. Wakankar’s contribution to archaeology, heritage conservation, and astronomical geography. Contributions of Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar Area Contribution Bhimbetka Discovery Dr. Wakankar brought
Madhya Pradesh: Home to India’s Highest Vulture Population Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the state with the highest vulture population in India, reflecting major progress in wildlife conservation. According to the first phase of the 2025 Vulture Census, the state’s vulture population reached 12,981, showing a sharp rise over previous years. Vulture Census Highlights Year Vulture Population 2019 8,397 vultures recorded.
EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Takes Effect On January 1, 2026, the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) officially entered into force. The policy imposes a carbon price on selected imports to ensure that EU climate objectives are not weakened by carbon leakage from countries with less stringent environmental regulations. What is CBAM? Aspect Details Full Form CBAM stands for Carbon Border Adj
Agriculture/Ecology/Environment/Sustainable Development World Food Prize 2025 Awarded to: Mariangela Hungria, Brazilian scientist. Awarded by: General Foods. Awarded for: Pioneering work in reducing chemical fertiliser use and developing biological seed and soil treatments to boost crop yields and nutrition. Key Fact: Sanjeev Kapoor was honoured as a Top Agri-Food Pioneer by the World Food Prize Foundation. Stockholm Water Prize Awarded to: Günter Blö
World Para Athletics Championships 2025 Aspect Details Venue Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. Mascot Viraaj, a young elephant. India at the Event India registered its best-ever performance, ranking 10th with 12 medals — six golds, nine silvers and seven bronzes. Table Toppers Brazil topped the medal tally followed by China. PT Facts Venue: The 2025 World Para Athletics Champio
India’s First 100% Digitally Literate State On 21 August 2025, Kerala’s Chief Minister officially announced that Kerala had become the first state in India to achieve complete digital literacy. The achievement was realised through the DigiKeralam-Comprehensive Digital Literacy Programme, launched by the state government in 2023. Key Highlights Component Details First State Kerala became India’s first state to achieve 100% di
India’s First-Ever Mining Tourism Jharkhand has launched India’s first-ever mining tourism initiative. Under a five-year MoU, the Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) will jointly offer curated mine visits for tourists. Key Highlights Component Details Initiative India’s first-ever mining tourism initiative. State Launched by the state of Jharkhand.
Chess Chess World Cup 2025 Venue: Goa, India. Winner: Javokhir Sindarov, Uzbekistan. Historic Achievement: He became the youngest player to win the World Cup at the age of 19. Runner-Up: Wei Yi, China. FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 Venue: Batumi, Georgia. Finalists: Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy, both from India. Winner: Divya Deshmukh. Significance First time two Indian women reached the final. Divya Deshmukh became the first Indian
‘Digital Tree Aadhaar’ Initiative The Jammu & Kashmir Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) launched the ‘Digital Tree Aadhaar’ initiative for the conservation of Chinar trees. The initiative involves conducting a census of Chinar trees and assigning a unique identity to each tree. Key Features Component Details Initiative Name ‘Digital Tree Aadhaar’. Launched By Jammu & Kashmir Forest R
Hockey Women’s Hockey India League Final Venue: Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium, Ranchi. Champion: Odisha Warriors defeated JSW Soorma Hockey Club. Significance: Odisha Warriors won the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League title. 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2025 Venue: Tau Devi Lal Complex, Panchkula, Haryana. Champion: Hockey Jharkhand defeated defending champion Hockey Haryana in the final. Ke
Hansi: 23rd District of Haryana On 17th December 2025, the Haryana Cabinet approved the creation of Hansi as a new district. With this decision, the total number of districts in Haryana will increase to 23. Administrative Structure of Hansi District Component Details Parent District Hansi was carved out of the existing Hisar district. Villages Included The proposed district will include 110 villages from the Hansi and Narnaund
National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI) Recently, the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is considering launching the National Camel Sustainability Initiative (NCSI). The initiative aims to curb the decline in India’s camel population through conservation, sustainable rangeland management, veterinary innovation, and livelihood diversification. What is NCSI? Aspect Details Full Form NCSI stands for Nationa
National Red List Assessment: India’s New Conservation Initiative On 9th October 2025, India launched the National Red List Assessment initiative to conserve the country’s flora and fauna through a science-based, equitable, and people-centred approach by 2030. The initiative supports India’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). What is the National Red List Assessment?