🇮🇳 National News
The first batch under the Cyber Commandos Programme has successfully completed training conducted by the IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation. This initiative was launched by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) with the objective of strengthening India’s cyber defence infrastructure by equipping law enforcement personnel with advanced cybersecurity skills.
Map the institution: IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation. Theme: capacity-building in cyber policing. Cybersecurity preparedness is a recurring theme in internal security and governance.
Quick revision: IIT Madras Pravartak trained the first batch of Cyber Commandos under an MHA-led programme.
India has witnessed the highest number of child adoptions in over a decade, marking a significant milestone in child welfare. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is also actively promoting foster care and other family-based alternative care systems to ensure better outcomes for children.
This rise has been supported by legal reforms and capacity-building measures, indicating growing social acceptance of legal adoption processes across the country.
Keywords: adoption, foster care, alternative care, legal reforms. Links to social sector governance and child welfare outcomes.
Quick revision: Child adoptions hit a 12-year high, supported by reforms and push for family-based care.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” portal in New Delhi. Developed through a collaboration between NITI Aayog and NCAER (National Council of Applied Economic Research), this portal acts as a centralized platform for state-wise data across economic, fiscal, and social indicators.
Know the collaboration: NITI Aayog + NCAER. Use-case: state-level indicator repository. State-wise data platforms are useful for policy, rankings, and exam questions on institutions.
Quick revision: FM launched NITI-NCAER States Economic Forum portal for state-wise economic/fiscal/social indicators.
Assam introduced the ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan’, described as the largest initiative of its kind in the state. The scheme provides a ₹10,000 seed fund to eligible women to support self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Launched by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Behali, Biswanath district, the initiative is expected to benefit up to 30 lakh women across the state.
Remember: scheme name + ₹10,000 seed fund + 30 lakh beneficiaries. Women-led entrepreneurship schemes are common in state-policy MCQs.
Quick revision: Assam rolled out a women entrepreneurship drive with ₹10,000 seed fund, aiming to benefit 30 lakh women.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed an MoU with Delhi government agencies to develop sustainable cruise tourism on a 4-km Yamuna stretch from Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur.
The proposed boats will be electric-solar hybrid vessels equipped with modern safety features. Supporting infrastructure includes HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) jetties for ferry operations, ensuring environmentally friendly river tourism.
Anchor points: IWAI, Sonia Vihar-Jagatpur, electric-solar hybrid boats, HDPE jetties. Connects inland waterways, green mobility, and urban tourism.
Quick revision: IWAI and Delhi agencies planned eco-cruise services on a 4-km Yamuna stretch using electric-solar hybrid boats.
The Dalai Lama was honoured with the Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability at a ceremony held at his residence in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The award was presented by Gold Mercury International.
This recognition acknowledges his lifelong commitment to non-violence, human dignity, interfaith cooperation, and environmental stewardship. The ceremony was noted as a milestone as he nears his 90th birthday.
Award name + presenting body are key. Awards are direct recall questions.
Quick revision: Dalai Lama received the Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability in Dharamshala.
Rajnigandha Achievers won the Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025 in New Delhi, defeating Jindal Panther in the final. The tournament commemorates Shri Aditya Vikram Birla and featured leading polo players from across the globe.
Winners + runner-up + venue = typical sports CA pattern. Sports finals are asked as straightforward factual MCQs.
Quick revision: Rajnigandha Achievers beat Jindal Panther to lift the Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup 2025 in New Delhi.
🌐 International News
UNESCO released a comprehensive report titled “Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well” during the France-hosted ‘Nutrition for Growth’ summit. The report stresses the importance of improving the nutritional value of school meals globally.
It highlights the critical link between healthy nutrition and better health and learning outcomes for children worldwide.
Report title is the key recall item. Often asked under international organisations + reports/themes.
Quick revision: UNESCO’s “Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well” pushes stronger nutrition in school meals.
Russia launched a nuclear-powered submarine equipped with the Zircon hypersonic missile, marking a significant advancement in naval warfare technology. The missile is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 9 (over 10,000 kph) at approximately 20 km altitude.
President Vladimir Putin described it as a strategic weapon effective against targets on land, sea, and air. The missile is stated to be difficult to intercept due to its exceptional speed and agility.
Remember the figures: Mach 9, ~20 km altitude; missile name: Zircon. Frequently tested under defence-tech and international security.
Quick revision: Russia showcased a nuclear-powered submarine armed with Zircon, a hypersonic missile cited at Mach 9.
💼 Business & Economy
EY Economy Watch has forecasted India’s GDP growth at 6.5% for FY26. According to the analysis, achieving this target would require 7.6% growth in Q4 FY25.
The report suggests that higher public investment and a balanced fiscal approach—growth-supportive yet disciplined—will be essential. It highlights the need for increased spending in healthcare and education sectors.
Key observations include improved revenue-to-GDP ratio and equalization transfers to reduce regional disparities. While the fiscal deficit may rise through supplementary grants, higher nominal GDP could ease the pressure on fiscal metrics.
Numbers to retain: 6.5% (FY26) and 7.6% (Q4 FY25 required). Forecast-based economy MCQs often ask “which agency + what number”.
Quick revision: EY Economy Watch projects 6.5% growth in FY26 and flags 7.6% Q4 FY25 growth as a requirement.
👔 Appointments
N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and board member of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has joined the IMF Managing Director’s Advisory Council. The council focuses on global entrepreneurship and strategies for long-term economic growth.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva noted that medium-term global growth prospects are at their lowest levels in decades, citing weak productivity growth as a key concern.
Match: Chandrasekaran ↔ IMF MD’s Advisory Council. International bodies + notable Indian appointments are common CA questions.
Quick revision: N. Chandrasekaran joined the IMF MD’s Advisory Council focused on entrepreneurship and long-term growth.
The Government has appointed Swaminathan S. Iyer as Whole-time Member (Life) of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
His tenure will be for 5 years or until he reaches the age of 62, whichever is earlier. The role involves oversight of life insurance regulation, policy formulation, and sector growth initiatives.
Remember: IRDAI, position Whole-time Member (Life), tenure rule. Regulator appointments are high-frequency exam content.
Quick revision: Swaminathan S. Iyer became IRDAI Whole-time Member (Life) for five years or up to age 62.
🕊️ Obituaries
Hollywood actor Val Kilmer passed away at the age of 65 in Los Angeles. He was known for his iconic roles in films such as Batman Forever and Top Gun. The cause of death was stated as pneumonia.
Kilmer had been battling throat cancer since 2014 and used a breathing tube. His life and career were featured in the 2021 documentary “Val”, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
Obituaries: remember name + age + notable works. Celebrity obituaries sometimes appear in current affairs sections.
Quick revision: Val Kilmer, known for Batman Forever and Top Gun, died at 65 in Los Angeles due to pneumonia.
📤 Found this useful? Help your friends stay updated too!
