Digital Innovation
India’s First Digital Nomad Village
Akten village in Sikkim became India’s first digital nomad village under the ‘Nomad Sikkim’ project. It offers strong internet connectivity, power backup, and local homestays for remote workers, aiming to boost rural income, sustainable tourism, and India’s digital economy in rural areas.
Agriculture
Gujarat’s Potato Production Leadership
Gujarat topped India with 48.59 lakh tonnes of potato production in 2024-25, led by Banaskantha district, followed by Sabarkantha and Aravalli. Over 25% is used for processing, supported by high-quality seed varieties and extensive cold storage infrastructure.
Public Health
Snack Nutrition Awareness Campaign
The Health Ministry launched the campaign at AIIMS Nagpur to inform people about sugar, fat, and trans-fat content in common snacks. It targets lifestyle diseases, including obesity, which The Lancet projects will affect 450 million Indians by 2050.
Infrastructure
E10 Shinkansen Bullet Trains
Under the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, India will be the first country outside Japan to use E10 Shinkansen trains (Alfa-X) capable of 400 kmph. Two E5 trains arrive in 2026 for trials before E10 deployment in early 2030s.
Education & Technology
India’s First AI Plus Campus
BITS Pilani will establish India’s first AI Plus Campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh at a cost of βΉ1,000 crore. Admissions begin in 2027, offering programs in AI, Robotics, and Data Science with focus on sustainability and global learning.
Defence AI
US DoD AI Military Contracts
The US Department of Defense awarded $200 million contracts to OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI (DeepMind excluded) to develop advanced AI tools for military use. The initiative aims to strengthen national security through autonomous, safe AI systems.
International Finance
CTBC Bank in GIFT City
Taiwan’s largest private bank, CTBC Bank, applied to open an IFSC Banking Unit in GIFT City, Gujarat, occupying 3,100 sq ft in Brigade Towers. Currently, 31 IBUs from multiple countries operate in GIFT City’s international financial hub.
Financial Innovation
India’s First Weather Derivatives
NCDEX (National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange) partnered with IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) to launch India’s first weather derivative contracts, focusing on rainfall-based futures. These help farmers and climate-impacted sectors manage risks effectively.
Insurance Sector
New LIC MD & CEO
R Doraiswamy was appointed as Managing Director and CEO of LIC until August 28, 2028, replacing interim CEO Sat Pal Bhanoo. With over 38 years of experience, he is expected to strengthen LIC’s leadership in India’s financial sector.
Literature & Awards
2025 PEN Pinter Prize
Leila Aboulela, a Sudanese-Scottish author, won the 2025 PEN Pinter Prize for powerful writing on faith, migration, and Muslim women’s struggles. Her acclaimed works include The Translator, Minaret, and River Spirit. Award ceremony: October 10, 2025, British Library.