📊 Index & Rankings
Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 has marked a significant improvement for Bengaluru, which rose to 36th position among Million-Plus Cities, a major leap from last year’s 125th rank.
Mysuru has achieved a prestigious milestone by entering the Super Swachh League, demonstrating:
- Sustained cleanliness initiatives
- Strong community involvement
- Excellence in sanitation practices
Despite progress, Bengaluru still faces challenges in toilet maintenance and landfill remediation. These results reflect Karnataka’s mixed performance in urban waste management and progress toward Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban goals.
🇮🇳 National News
Maharashtra has inaugurated Vidarbha’s first integrated steel plant in Gadchiroli, developed by LMEL.
Project features:
- 4.5 MnTPA steel plant
- 5 MnTPA iron ore grinding unit
- State’s first 10 MnTPA slurry pipeline
The initiative will spur industrial growth, promote green logistics, create significant employment, and position Vidarbha as a major manufacturing and infrastructure hub in India.
Vimananu Ltd and CYGR have entered a partnership to advance domestic drone production in Navi Mumbai.
Agreement covers:
- Manufacturing of multiple UAV types – ISR, nano drones, fixed-wing systems
- Emphasis on technology transfer and indigenous capability development
This initiative supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission, enhanced defence self-reliance, and expansion of India’s role in the global UAV ecosystem.
Vijayawada has earned a top-four national ranking and a seven-star garbage-free certification.
Success achieved through:
- Effective implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission
- Advanced waste management systems
- Swift post-flood recovery measures
This accomplishment highlights strong disaster resilience, community participation, and commitment to sustainable urban development and zero-waste goals.
At the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2025 in Dubai, India secured:
| Medal | Count |
|---|---|
| 🥇 Gold | 2 |
| 🥈 Silver | 2 |
Organized by HBCSE-TIFR with support from DAE, DST, and MoE. India’s performance reflects a robust STEM education ecosystem and continued success in nurturing scientific talent.
INCOIS received the National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 at IIT Bombay for its pioneering use of open-source GIS technology.
Contribution areas:
- Marine forecasting
- Disaster warning systems
- Improved ocean governance
- Enhanced public safety and disaster resilience
- Sustainable use of marine resources
Kerala conferred the following awards for 2023:
- State Kathakali Awards
- Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram
- Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram
| Awardee | Art Form |
|---|---|
| Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri | Kathakali |
| Sankara Warrier | Chenda |
| Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar | Maddalam |
| Girijadevi | Koodiyattam |
The awards celebrate Kerala’s cultural heritage, foster artistic excellence, and sustain classical performing arts.
Prithvi-II and Agni-I, both nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, were successfully test-fired from Chandipur.
Developed by DRDO, the tests:
- Validated operational capabilities
- Strengthened India’s strategic deterrence posture
These systems are vital for maintaining military preparedness and ensuring national security.
India will participate in SIMBEX 2025, advancing naval cooperation with Singapore.
Deployment includes:
- INS Delhi
- INS Satpura
- Other key platforms
This exercise enhances bilateral interoperability, aligns with Act East Policy and SAGAR vision, and positions India as a leader in regional maritime security.
Bihar triumphed in the 10th Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025, defeating Odisha 17–15 in the final.
Achievements:
- Secured double victory (also won U18 Girls’ title earlier)
- Maintained an undefeated streak throughout the tournament
Standout performers: Goldan Kumar and Sunny Kumar
The event highlights Bihar’s dominance in junior rugby and its role as a talent pipeline for India’s senior rugby teams.
💼 Business & Economy
HSBC has become the first UK-based bank to exit the Net Zero Banking Alliance, following a trend previously set by major US and Canadian banks.
Implications:
- Criticism from climate activists and investors
- Concerns regarding HSBC’s climate strategy
- Questions about future of global climate coordination in banking
While HSBC reiterates its commitment to achieving net zero by 2050, the decision exposes differences among financial institutions in tackling climate-related risks and gaps in disclosure practices.
Tesla has opened its first showroom in India at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
Key highlights:
- Model Y introduced with starting price of ₹59.89 lakh
- Imported models
- Fast-charging infrastructure
- Advanced safety systems
This move aims to accelerate India’s EV market growth and overcome hurdles like high import duties. It strengthens Mumbai’s status as an automotive innovation hub and opens new prospects for clean mobility in India.
🕊️ Obituaries
Felix Baumgartner, the world-renowned skydiver famous for his 2012 supersonic jump from near space, died in a paragliding accident in Italy at the age of 56.
Notable achievements:
- First person to break the sound barrier during freefall
- Set multiple aerospace and extreme flight records
His legacy continues to inspire advancements in aerospace science and adventure sports.
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