FreshSSB batches start around the 1st & 15th of every month.
Former CJI: Opinion in Presidential Reference does not overrule a judgment Former CJI B.R. Gavai clarified that a Presidential Reference opinion cannot overturn a Supreme Court judgment, only explain the law. He said timelines for Governors must be set by Parliament, and the advisory opinion on the Tamil Nadu Bill case did not change earlier rulings.
UNSC reforms no longer an option but a necessity: Modi at IBSA meet PM Modi told the IBSA summit that UNSC reform is urgent to reflect global realities and eliminate double standards on terrorism. He urged India-Brazil-South Africa coordination to strengthen multilateralism, democratic values, and cooperation across continents.
PM calls for global compact on AI to prevent misuse Modi urged G-20 countries to create a global framework preventing AI misuse in deepfakes, crime, and terror. Emphasising human-centric technology, he called for transparency, safety-by-design, global standards, and ensuring AI benefits reach all, not just wealthy nations.
PM discusses trade, critical minerals with Ramaphosa Modi met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to boost cooperation in investment, mining, critical minerals, skill development and defence. Both leaders agreed to strengthen India-South Africa partnership, amplify Global South concerns, and expand technology and people-to-people ties.
U.S., Ukraine and European officials discuss Trump’s proposal to end war U.S., Ukrainian and European officials met in Geneva to review Trump’s draft plan to end the Ukraine war, which Kyiv fears offers concessions to Russia. Negotiators sought better terms before Ukraine decides, stressing gratitude despite Trump accusing them of ingratitude.
Goa tops in digitisation of SIR forms, Kerala lags The Election Commission reported that 47% of SIR electoral forms have been digitised across 12 States/UTs. Goa leads with 76.89%, while Kerala and Uttar Pradesh remain lowest. BLOs face heavy workload, with some reporting extreme stress during the ongoing revision exercise.
Justice Surya Kant takes oath as 53rd Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd CJI, with key attention on the SIR case and pendency issues. Known for a conciliatory approach, he is expected to guide smoother dispute resolution and ensure timely completion of election roll-related matters.
Navy gets ‘silent hunter’; 80% home-grown Mahe INS Mahe, a shallow-water anti-submarine vessel with 80% indigenous components, was commissioned in Mumbai. The craft boosts Navy’s coastal defence and technological capabilities. Army Chief Dwivedi highlighted joint-services synergy and India’s growing self-reliance in advanced maritime warfare systems.
Gavi, UNICEF ink deal to provide easy access to malaria vaccine Gavi and UNICEF signed a pact to make the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine widely accessible for children. Lower pricing and large-scale procurement aim to save millions of lives. WHO-prequalified vaccines will support mass immunisation, especially in regions bearing highest malaria burden.
Over 80% nations got loans from China in last two decades A global study shows over 80% of countries received Chinese loans or grants between 2000–2023, totalling over $2 trillion. The U.S. emerged the biggest beneficiary. China is shifting from lending to rich nations towards low-income countries under the Belt and Road agenda.
Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India: MEA India condemned China’s treatment of an Arunachal citizen detained in Shanghai and reaffirmed that the State is an essential part of India. MEA said China violated international travel norms and must explain its actions, while Arunachal leaders demanded stronger diplomatic response.
Toxic air is a year-round blight in nearly 60% of Indian districts: study A study found PM2.5 levels above national limits in 447 districts, showing pollution persists year-round, not just in winter. Northern and eastern India remain hotspots, while southern and coastal districts fare better. Population-weighted exposure reveals widespread risk across seasons.
Rajnath seeks global collaboration for boosting maritime capabilities Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged global partners to join India in advancing cutting-edge shipbuilding, green-fuel vessels, and maritime security. Highlighting India’s growing naval capabilities and indigenous production, he stressed international cooperation to develop resilient sea-lanes and next-generation maritime technologies.
No problem in Kerala SIR, 99% forms given: EC to SC The Election Commission told the Supreme Court that Kerala’s SIR revision faces no issues, with 99% forms distributed. It denied staffing shortages despite Kerala’s claim that simultaneous SIR and local body polls would be impossible. The EC assured full coordination with State authorities.
Will consider plea to revive NJAC, end Collegium: CJI CJI Surya Kant said the Supreme Court will examine pleas to restore the NJAC and end the Collegium system. Petitioners argue the 2015 judgment reviving the Collegium lacked transparency and fostered nepotism. The Court may allow in-person arguments on the matter.
IMF gives ‘C’ grade for India’s national accounts statistics The IMF graded India’s GDP and GVA data at ‘C’, citing methodological gaps, discrepancies between production and expenditure measures, and insufficient price indices. It warned these shortcomings hamper surveillance. India defended its methods but acknowledged the need to improve data coverage and accuracy.
SC asks govt. to regulate user content on Internet The Supreme Court asked the Centre to frame guidelines for online content to protect users from abuse, obscenity and reputational harm while preserving free speech. It suggested an autonomous body to vet extreme content and sought preventive mechanisms against harmful online behaviour.
Japan will pay a ‘painful price’ if it steps out of line over Taiwan: China China warned Japan against intervening in Taiwan matters, criticising Tokyo’s plan to deploy missiles near the island. Beijing accused Japan of provoking tensions and ignoring historical aggression. Japan denied reports that Trump advised it to avoid provoking China on Taiwan.
India posts 8.2% Q2 GDP growth, tops six quarters India’s GDP recorded 8.2% growth in July–September, the highest in six quarters, driven by manufacturing and services. The government highlighted resilience despite global challenges, while economists noted low nominal GDP growth and questioned data quality following the IMF’s critical assessment.
Trump says he will stop all migration from ‘Third World’ after DC shooting Donald Trump said he would halt migration from “Third World countries” after a shooting in Washington involving an Afghan national. He claimed migration erodes U.S. stability and vowed stricter controls, even as critics warned his statements fuel xenophobia and politicise isolated incidents.
Putin to visit India for annual summit next week President Vladimir Putin will visit India for the annual summit with PM Modi to discuss defence cooperation, trade, energy and regional issues. India seeks clarity on Russian crude supplies and Ukraine conflict, while both sides aim to deepen their long-standing strategic partnership.
India, Russia Defence Ministers to meet, S-500 acquisition on agenda Defence Ministers Rajnath Singh and Andrei Belousov will discuss ongoing military cooperation and India’s interest in acquiring Russia’s S-500 air defence system. Talks will also cover shipbuilding collaboration, the status of S-400 deliveries, and strengthening long-term defence partnerships.
India launches ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to provide relief supplies to Sri Lanka India delivered relief materials to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu using INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri. The aid includes essential supplies, reaffirming India’s Neighbourhood First policy. Modi expressed solidarity, and India pledged continued support as Sri Lanka recovers.
India sends more relief to cyclone-battered Sri Lanka India intensified humanitarian support with additional ships, aircraft and NDRF teams carrying boats, medical kits and rescue tools. INS Sukanya and cargo aircraft transported supplies as Sri Lanka battles the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has caused over 150 deaths.
Scientists warn against accepting ‘one-sided deal’ at plant treaty meet Indian scientists opposed a proposal at the global plant treaty meet, saying it favours agribusinesses and big tech. They argued the plan weakens benefit-sharing and omits key issues like payment schedules. They urged India to reject the compromise, calling it unfair to developing nations.
Govt. orders ‘SIM binding’ for messaging platforms The government directed apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to ensure their services work only when the user’s registered SIM is present on the device. The move aims to curb cyber fraud but platforms fear user inconvenience, privacy concerns and logistical challenges.
CSIR-NAL unveils production version of Hansa-3 plane CSIR-NAL launched the production model of the Hansa-3NG trainer aircraft, featuring improved avionics, fuel efficiency and full indigenous technology. Designed for pilot training and surveillance, the aircraft marks a major step toward reducing import dependence in aviation manufacturing.
The many roles of sugarcane in India and the world Research on sugarcane shows its vast genetic diversity and long domestication history. India grows major volumes and hosts key breeding institutes. Beyond sugar, cane supports bioethanol, traditional medicine, ecological studies and sustainable development, making its conservation and scientific improvement globally important.
Fragile frontier: The Durand Line Renewed clashes along the Durand Line highlight the long-standing border dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Afghanistan rejects the colonial-era boundary, while Pakistan fortifies the region. Historical invasions, tribal dynamics and current Taliban policies continue to fuel instability along this sensitive frontier.
Vital vanguard: Tejas Despite recent crashes, HAL and the IAF reaffirm Tejas as a safe, reliable and crucial indigenous fighter. Continuous upgrades, new variants and expanded production enhance its combat abilities. Tejas strengthens India’s aerospace self-reliance and holds significant export potential for future air power.
Sachin Jangir Recommended for IMA 160 (AIR 140) & NDA 152 (AIR 128).
