Trump's sudden shift on Kyiv shakes the transatlantic alliance, prompting European leaders to cross the ocean in a urgent effort to strengthen it. Fears grow in European capitals that the post-World War II alliance is on the verge of collapse as Trump holds talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meet separately with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House this week, trying to persuade him to continue supporting Ukraine. This marks a sharp shift from the Joe Biden administration’s strategy of backing Ukraine and distancing Russia. The move threatens NATO unity and puts pressure on US-EU relations. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) states that Trump’s team seeks a “grand bargain” with Russia, which could redefine global power dynamics, arms agreements, and resource control.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says that India’s technological sector is growing and is likely to reach 300-350 billion US dollars in the next five years. Speaking at the 16th Foundation Day of IIT Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, on February 24, 2025, he mentions that India has over 1.25 lakh start-ups and 110 unicorns, making it the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world. He encourages students to take advantage of this growth and contribute to India’s technological progress while leading globally in research and development. He also talks about India’s progress in defence self-reliance, stating that the country has achieved 88% self-sufficiency in ammunition production and that defence exports have reached about Rs 23,000 crore in 2023-24. He adds that the goal is to increase defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. He reaffirms the government’s commitment to building a strong defence industry that ensures national security and boosts economic growth.

U.S. pharmaceutical company Amgen to invest approximately $200 million this year in a new technology center in Hyderabad, India, with plans for further investments. CEO Robert Bradway announced this at the site's inauguration. The center focuses on enhancing drug development through artificial intelligence and data science. Amgen aims to employ about 2,000 people at the Hyderabad site by the end of the year, with around 300 employees already on board, according to Som Chattopadhyay, Amgen's National Executive for India. Additionally, Hyderabad hosts the BioAsia conference this week, featuring executives from Amgen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, and several Indian pharmaceutical companies.

Jhumur, is a traditional folk dance performed by the Adivasi tea tribes of Assam during the harvest season. It is complemented by traditional instruments including the Madal, Dhol, Taal and Flute. The dance is done to commemorate a number of events, such as weddings, community meetings, and harvest celebrations.
The term "tea tribe" describes a multiethnic and multicultural group of tea garden laborers and their offspring.
These individuals came from Central India, primarily from what is now West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
In the 19th century, they came to Assam to work in the British-established tea estates.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi is launching India’s first Centre for Advanced Research on Addictive Behaviours (CAR-AB) to address the growing problem of internet and technology addiction among children and youth. Approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), this center focuses on developing effective solutions for managing excessive technology use. The Economic Survey of India (2024-25) points out that internet overuse is a major factor affecting the mental health of children and adolescents. It also stresses the need for interventions at schools and within families to help control this issue.

DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully test the Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR) at ITR, Chandipur. The trials confirm the missile’s Man-in-Loop capability and its ability to accurately strike a small ship target in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range. The missile employs Bearing-only Lock-on after launch mode, allowing it to select a target from multiple options nearby. It initially locks onto a large target within a specified search area, and in the terminal phase, the pilot identifies a smaller concealed target, ensuring a precise hit. The missile features an indigenous Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based INS and Radio Altimeter for mid-course guidance, along with an integrated avionics module, Electro-Mechanical actuators for aerodynamic and jet vane control, thermal batteries, and a PCB warhead. It is powered by solid propulsion with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer. The trials confirm that the missile successfully achieves all mission objectives.

A 1.4-meter Buddha head was discovered in Ratnagiri during an excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), confirming the site's Tantric Buddhist heritage. Additionally, a number of stupas with Vajrayana Buddhist deities have been found during the excavation. It is estimated that some of these artifacts date back about 1,500 years. Once a bustling hub of Buddhist study and pilgrimage, Ratnagiri is one of the three Buddhist sites known as the "Diamond Triangle," together with Lalitgiri and Udayagiri in Odisha. According to historical records, Ratnagiri was inhabited between the fifth and thirteenth centuries, and Vajrayana Buddhist activity persisted there until the sixteenth century.

India builds the world's longest hyperloop test facility, achieving a major milestone in high-speed transportation. This follows the completion of a 422-meter test track in December 2024. The new infrastructure, spanning 40–50 km, tests the feasibility of commercial hyperloop operations with support from Indian Railways. India's 422-meter vacuum tube testing facility is developed through collaboration between Indian Railways, L&T Constructions, and Avishkar Hyperloop at IIT Madras. TuTr Hyperloop, a deep-tech startup at IIT Madras, conducts India's first commercially successful hyperloop pod test, highlighting the country's dedication to this advanced transportation technology. Additionally, IIT Madras and Indian Railways collaborate on a vertical take-off and landing vehicle with financial support from Indian Railways.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) introduces Ocelot, a new quantum computing chip designed to lower the cost of quantum error correction by up to 90% compared to current methods. Developed by the AWS Center for Quantum Computing at the California Institute of Technology, Ocelot marks significant progress toward building fault-tolerant quantum computers. These advanced computers aim to solve complex problems that traditional computers cannot handle. AWS designs Ocelot with error correction built into its architecture from the start, using the "cat qubit." Named after Schrödinger's cat thought experiment, cat qubits naturally reduce certain types of errors, minimizing the resources needed for quantum error correction.

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"Are you some kind of collector?"
Meant as mockery, these words instead ignited a spark.

Hemant Pareek is a true embodiment of resilience and determination. Coming from a humble background in Rajasthan—his father, a priest, and his mother, a daily laborer under MGNREGA—Hemant witnessed his mother’s struggle for fair wages. That moment planted the dream of becoming a District Magistrate in his heart.
Despite the challenges of a Hindi-medium education and financial struggles, he never gave up on his UPSC journey. On his second attempt, his unwavering resolve led him to secure an impressive 884th rank in the 2023 UPSC results.
Stories like Hemant’s prove that true determination knows no limits.

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander lands safely in the Moon's Mare Crisium region, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. This controlled descent paves the way for a new phase of lunar exploration, as Blue Ghost is the first of three spacecraft set to explore the Moon's lesser-known areas. The mission encourages more private investment in deep space exploration and plays an important role in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to establish a human presence on the Moon.

The Government of India grants 'Navratna' status to two railway public sector companies, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC). With this, IRCTC becomes the 25th Navratna among Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), while IRFC is the 26th. This status gives them more financial independence, allowing them to invest up to Rs 1,000 crore without government approval. As a result, they can make business decisions faster and improve efficiency. The Indian Government classifies CPSEs into three categories based on their financial performance and efficiency—Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna. Companies that meet specific financial and performance criteria receive 'Navratna' status, which grants them more flexibility in investment and expansion.

The Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), a Bengaluru-based DRDO lab, successfully tests the Indigenous On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the LCA Tejas aircraft. This advanced system produces and regulates breathable oxygen for pilots during flight, removing the need for traditional liquid oxygen cylinders. The ILSS undergoes extensive trials on the LCA-Prototype Vehicle-3 of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), meeting strict aeromedical standards. It performs well in various flight conditions, including altitudes up to 50,000 feet and high-G maneuvers.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen unveils a five-part plan to raise 800 billion euros for Europe's defense and provide immediate military aid to Ukraine after the suspension of US support. She states that "ReArm Europe" aims to secure a safe and resilient Europe, working closely with NATO partners. The plan enables EU countries to quickly send military equipment to Ukraine, including air and missile defense systems, artillery, missiles, drones, and anti-drone technology. Von der Leyen describes the EU as facing a "clear and present danger" due to growing security threats. Additionally, uncertainty over US support, especially after Washington halts aid and former President Donald Trump comments on NATO, pushes Europe to take stronger action.

MeitY launches AIKosha, a platform that supports India's researchers, entrepreneurs, and startups by providing access to computing power, datasets, tools, and a secure environment to develop advanced AI applications. The platform includes an AI sandbox with an integrated development environment, along with tools and tutorials. New initiatives under MeitY include AIKosha the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, the AI Compute Portal, the AI Competency Framework for Public Sector Officials, iGOT-AI Mission Karmayogi, the IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program with Station F, the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative, and IndiaAI FutureSkills. These efforts aim to enhance AI research, innovation, and skill development.

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The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise Khanjar-XII takes place in Kyrgyzstan from March 10 to March 23, 2025. Since its start in 2011, the exercise has become an annual event, held alternately in India and Kyrgyzstan, reflecting their strong strategic ties. The previous edition was conducted in India in January 2024. The Indian contingent includes troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade represents Kyrgyzstan. The exercise aims to share knowledge and best practices in counter-terrorism and special forces operations, particularly in urban and high-altitude mountainous terrain. It also focuses on advanced skills such as sniping, building intervention, and mountain craft. In addition to training, the exercise features cultural exchanges, including the celebration of the Kyrgyz festival Nowruz, strengthening the friendship between the two nations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNICEF now jointly oversee a new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator on Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD). This indicator fills a previous gap in monitoring progress toward ending malnutrition, achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and advancing the broader 2030 Agenda. The United Nations Statistical Commission officially adopts this indicator at its 56th session in New York. The MDD's inclusion is one of several key updates approved as part of the 2025 Comprehensive Review of the SDG indicator framework, the final review within the 2030 Agenda's timeframe.

The India-Bangladesh Naval Exercise Bongosagar 2025 and Coordinated Patrol take place in the Bay of Bengal this week, with the Indian Navy's INS Ranvir and the Bangladesh Navy's BNS Abu Ubaidah participating. The exercise improves cooperation between the two navies, enabling them to respond jointly to maritime security challenges. It includes various operations such as surface firing, tactical maneuvers, underway replenishment, Visit-Board-Search-Seizure (VBSS) cross boarding, communication drills, and quizzes for operational teams and junior officers on professional topics. This exercise helps both navies strengthen coordination, refine tactical planning, and enhance information sharing for smooth maritime operations. It builds mutual confidence and improves their ability to conduct joint missions and respond quickly and effectively to emerging threats at sea.