🇮🇳 National News
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced that Class 10 board examinations will be conducted twice a year starting from the 2026 academic session.
Key features:
- First phase: February (mandatory for all students)
- Second phase: May (optional improvement attempt)
- Students can improve performance in up to three subjects
The reform aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to reduce exam stress and promote holistic learning rather than high-stakes testing.
India and South Africa signed two agreements on submarine cooperation during the 9th Joint Defence Committee meeting held in Johannesburg.
The discussions focused on:
- Defence manufacturing collaboration
- Technology sharing
- Capacity building and training
The engagement reinforces India’s growing defence diplomacy and export ambitions.
Kerala emerged as the top-performing state in the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) 2020–25 of protected areas.
Highlights:
- Eravikulam National Park ranked highest nationally
- Kerala received the highest “Very Good” rating
- Emphasis on biodiversity protection and eco-tourism management
The evaluation covered 438 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across India.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana.
Objectives:
- Improving turmeric farmers’ income
- Enhancing research and value addition
- Boosting global competitiveness of Indian turmeric
India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of turmeric.
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan released his autobiography titled “The One: Cricket, My Life and More”, offering insights into his career, struggles, and personal journey.
💼 Business & Economy
According to Brand Finance India 100 – 2025:
- Adani Group recorded the fastest brand growth
- Tata Group retained the top position as India’s most valuable brand
- India’s top 100 brand value crossed USD 236 billion
The report highlights India’s rising global brand presence.
🌐 International News
At the Hague Summit, NATO members committed to raising defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, significantly higher than the earlier 2% target.
The decision reflects heightened security concerns and increased focus on:
- Military readiness
- Cybersecurity
- Infrastructure resilience
👔 Appointments
Ravi Agrawal was reappointed as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for one year, ensuring continuity in direct tax administration and reforms.
🏆 Sports
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Women’s Title | Odisha |
| Men’s Title | Tamil Nadu |
The tournament showcased veteran hockey talent and promoted lifelong sports participation.
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