FreshSSB batches start around the 1st & 15th of every month.
Lucknow becomes UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ Lucknow has been declared a UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy,’ recognising its centuries-old Awadhi cuisine, culinary traditions, and inclusive food culture. The honour is expected to boost tourism, entrepreneurship, global outreach, and position Lucknow as a major gastronomic destination.
Australian mining companies prefer India over China Australian mining and renewable energy firms increasingly favour India due to transparency, cost efficiency, a stable legal framework, and lower corruption. Companies see India as more reliable than China, with growing opportunities in zero-emission technologies and mining equipment partnerships.
Indian women win their first ODI Cricket World Cup India’s women’s cricket team won their maiden ODI World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 52 runs. Harmanpreet Kaur led the team, while Shafali Verma played a crucial role. The victory highlights India’s rapid rise and growing investment in women’s cricket.
ISRO launches GSAT-7R, India’s heaviest communication satellite ISRO successfully launched the GSAT-7R, a 4,400-kg communication satellite for the Indian Navy. The satellite will enhance secure naval communications, maritime domain awareness, and operations across the Indian Ocean. It marks a milestone in India’s indigenous defence space capability.
AI adoption rises, but tech layoffs continue As companies adopt AI to improve efficiency, many are restructuring and cutting jobs in non-AI roles. Major firms like Amazon and Meta have already laid off thousands. Hiring in AI-related sectors rises, but overall layoffs remain high across retail and tech services.
Tri-services exercise ‘Trishul’ begins India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force have begun the 12-day joint exercise ‘Trishul’ to enhance combat readiness and interoperability. Over 20,000 personnel, along with tanks, fighter jets, and warships, are participating to refine integrated operations in land, sea, and air domains.
Trump justifies restarting nuclear tests Former U.S. President Donald Trump defended restarting nuclear weapons testing, saying the U.S. must match rivals like China, Pakistan, and Russia, which he claims are already testing. He argues testing is required to ensure reliability of America’s nuclear arsenal.
Bangladesh envoy says ties with Pakistan have improved Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan said bilateral ties have improved, with faster visa processing and progress in trade and connectivity talks. Both countries are exploring direct sea links between Karachi and Chittagong to boost economic engagement.
Great Nicobar project: tribal reserve land map prepared The Andaman and Nicobar administration has prepared a map to denotify tribal reserve land for the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar mega project, involving a port, airport, and power plant. The plan is under review amid environmental and tribal welfare concerns.
Supreme Court flags stray dog feeding in govt. offices The Supreme Court criticised government employees for feeding stray dogs inside office premises, violating earlier directions to create designated feeding zones. Orders for strict enforcement will be issued, ensuring public safety while supporting animal welfare regulations.
‘Digital arrests’ scam causes ₹3,000 crore loss The Supreme Court revealed that cybercriminals impersonating police and govt. officials extorted over ₹3,000 crore, mainly targeting elderly victims. The court called digital arrests a major national challenge and ordered stronger action against cybercrime and fraudulent call centres.
SIR 2.0 begins in 9 States, 3 UTs The Election Commission launched the second phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls across 9 States and 3 UTs, covering 51 crore voters. Opposition parties like TMC and DMK allege the process may lead to “silent rigging” and voter exclusion.
SC to review surrogacy ban on couples with one child The Supreme Court will examine whether denying surrogacy to couples who already have one biological or adopted child violates their reproductive rights. Petitioners cite emotional stress of secondary infertility, while the Centre argues surrogacy cannot be considered a constitutional right.
Online tournaments may be excluded from gaming ban: SC The Supreme Court signalled that skill-based online tournaments, like chess or competitive esports, may remain outside the purview of the new Online Gaming Act, which primarily seeks to ban online gambling and betting involving money.
Centre releases AI governance guidelines The government announced AI Governance Guidelines focusing on safety, accountability, transparency, and responsible innovation. The approach encourages rapid AI development with minimal regulation while addressing risks related to misuse of large language models and automated decision systems.
Stubble-burning area in Punjab down by 20% Satellite data shows a nearly 20% reduction in stubble-burning area in key Punjab districts. Although recorded incidents dropped, the actual burnt area remains close to previous years due to delayed burning and weather factors. Incentives and rainfall aided the reduction.
In Brazil, COP30 and the moment of truth Brazilian President Lula urged world leaders to treat COP30 as a turning point in global climate action. He highlighted the Amazon’s importance, demanded debt-for-climate swaps, and called for climate justice for developing nations disproportionately affected by climate change.
Challenges in the upcoming Household Income Survey India plans its first full-scale Household Income Survey in 2026 to collect accurate income and expenditure data for policy reforms. Pilot surveys reveal people hesitate to disclose income or tax details, making the process sensitive and challenging.
Two Census mobile apps and self-enumeration portal launched For the Digital Census 2027, the government launched the Digital Layout Map app and Census HouseList app, enabling data collection and updating via mobile devices. A self-enumeration portal will allow citizens to fill details online, modernizing census execution.
Trump’s nuclear test threat risks global test-ban regime Donald Trump’s remarks about resuming U.S. nuclear testing threaten the fragile global arms control order. Experts warn such a move could trigger a nuclear arms race since Russia and China are already suspected of underground testing activities.
‘Water recycling through advanced tech is key’ Speakers at The Hindu Sustainability Summit said rapid urbanisation demands large-scale water recycling and industrial reuse. Advanced technologies can reduce freshwater extraction, and government incentives are essential for widespread adoption.
Experts push for soil carbon sequestration, endemic trees Environmental experts stressed increasing soil carbon storage, planting native tree species, and improving watershed management. They called for climate-resilient urban planning, rainwater harvesting, and ecosystem restoration to strengthen climate responses.
Trump hints at India visit; praises Modi Donald Trump indicated he may visit India next year and praised Prime Minister Modi as a “great man.” He also reiterated his claim that he reduced India–Pakistan tensions through trade pressure. No official visit dates have been announced.
Clandestine nuclear activities align with Pakistan’s history: MEA After Trump hinted at Pakistan’s potential nuclear testing, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that Pakistan has a history of clandestine nuclear activities and proliferation. Pakistan dismissed the allegations as baseless.
• SC pushes for reform of colonial-era property laws The Supreme Court asked the Law Commission to review and modernise colonial-era property laws, noting that 66% of civil cases concern property disputes. It cited issues like fake documents, encroachment, delayed registration and intermediaries, calling buying property a “traumatic” process. Blockchain-based registration was suggested. • HAL inks $1-billion deal with GE Aerospace for 113 jet engines HAL signed a nearly $1-billion deal with GE Aerospace to procure 113 jet engines for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. Despite past tariff tensions between India and the U.S., the agreement ensures timely engine supply and strengthens India’s indigenous fighter jet programme. • China launches new aircraft carrier Fujian as it seeks to project power China commissioned its third and most advanced aircraft carrier, Fujian, featuring an electromagnetic catapult system similar to the latest U.S. carriers. It reflects China’s aim to expand naval power across the Pacific and challenge U.S. dominance in key maritime zones. • Trump says he expects global force in Gaza ‘soon’ Donald Trump said he expects a U.S.-coordinated multinational stabilisation force to operate in Gaza soon, involving troops from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the UAE. He indicated openness to discussions with Iran if sanctions are lifted and criticised its alleged role in supporting Hamas. • Centre rules out Kuki-Zo groups’ demand for Union Territory After talks with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, the Centre rejected their demand for a separate Union Territory with a legislature, calling it “unacceptable.” Insurgent groups said coexistence with Meiteis in Manipur was no longer possible. Discussions continued under the existing Suspension of Operations agreement. • Ahead of COP, India says it will join forest protection initiative Ahead of COP30 in Brazil, India declared it will join the Tropical Forest Forever Facility as an ‘Observer.’ The initiative mobilises global finance to protect tropical forests and limit emissions. India says it will balance commitments with its development needs. • Over 70% of India’s prisoners still awaiting trial: SC judge A Supreme Court judge highlighted that more than 70% of India’s prisoners are undertrials, many unaware of their right to free legal aid. Only 7.91% accessed legal assistance. Long imprisonment often exceeds possible sentence durations, revealing systemic delays and inadequacies. • ‘The poor can’t get justice until they learn of their rights’: PM PM Narendra Modi said justice must be timely, accessible and understandable to all, and legal awareness is crucial for social justice. He emphasised making legal aid more proactive and judgments available in local languages. Judges echoed need for simplicity and human-centric reforms.
Sachin Jangir Recommended for IMA 160 (AIR 140) & NDA 152 (AIR 128).
