The Indian government has approved a ₹417 crore Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC 2.0) in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, spanning 200 acres under Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). It aims to attract ₹2,500 crore in investment, generate about 15,000 jobs and bolster local manufacturing and innovation. Supported by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and MoS Jitin Prasada, the plan includes world‑class, plug‑and‑play infrastructure—factory sheds, utilities, shared facilities, skill development, housing and health centres—designed to reduce logistics and overhead costs. Strategically located near major expressways, Jewar International Airport and industrial zones, it aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global electronics manufacturing hub.
India refused to sign the joint communique at the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting held in Qingdao, China. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh cited the omission of any reference to the April 2022 Pahalgam terror attack, which India attributes to Pakistan-backed militants, as the main reason. He emphasized the need for a united stance against terrorism and warned against double standards. Due to the lack of consensus, especially with China and Pakistan adopting a softer approach on terrorism; no joint statement was issued.
India marked a historic achievement as the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as part of Axiom Mission 4, successfully docked with the International Space Station. The docking represents a significant step in India’s growing role in global space exploration. The mission has been widely praised, with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh describing it as a symbol of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Vishwabandhu Bharat.” During his stay, Shukla will conduct seven Indian-designed microgravity experiments focused on space biosciences and sustainability.
The Government of India has revamped the Sugamya Bharat App to improve accessibility for elderly citizens and persons with disabilities. Developed by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the updated app features a user-friendly interface, AI-powered chatbot, real-time notifications, and tools for reporting accessibility barriers through geo-tagged photos. Originally launched in 2021, the app now boasts over 83,000 downloads, 14,358 active users, and has received 2,705 complaints of which 1,897 have been successfully resolved, marking a step forward in inclusive governance.
Kerala, along with Chandigarh, secured the top position in the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries for the 2020–25 cycle. Kerala scored 76.22%, with Eravikulam National Park achieving the highest individual score of 92.97%. Out of 21 protected areas in the state, 20 showed improvement. However, Mangalavanam in Kochi saw a decline due to pollution and poor planning. The report highlights challenges like feral cattle, human–wildlife conflict, and traffic, and recommends better habitat protection and community participation.
The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation celebrated the 19th Statistics Day, marking the 132nd birth anniversary of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis. The theme was “75 Years of National Sample Survey,” emphasizing the survey's role in strengthening India’s statistical system. Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh highlighted real-time data monitoring, methodological reforms, and inclusive engagement. Secretary Saurabh Garg spoke on digital transformation, including CAPI data collection, the eSankhyiki portal, and GoIStat app. Dr. Prajamitra Bhuyan received the CR Rao Award, and a panel discussed emerging technologies' impact on official statistics.
The Union Cabinet has approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme with a total outlay of ₹99,446 crore to create over 3.5 crore jobs across various sectors, particularly in manufacturing. The scheme has two parts. Under Part A, first-time employees earning up to ₹1 lakh per month will receive one month’s EPF wage, capped at ₹15,000, in two instalments. Part B provides employers with incentives of up to ₹3,000 per month for each new hire, disbursed through direct benefit transfer.
The Union Cabinet has approved the new National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, replacing the earlier version to transform India into a global sporting powerhouse. The policy is built on five pillars: excellence in elite sports, sports as a driver of economic growth, social inclusion, mass participation, and integration of sports with education. It outlines a strategic framework focused on governance reforms, private sector involvement, technology adoption, national benchmarks, and a model for state-level implementation, aiming to make sports a catalyst for national development.
The Coal Ministry is set to launch RECLAIM (Responsible, Equitable, Community-led, Landscape-level Approach for Indian Mine Closure), a Community Engagement and Development Framework for inclusive mine closure and community development. Developed by the Coal Controller Organisation in collaboration with the Heartfulness Institute, RECLAIM offers a step-by-step guide for a just and sustainable transition for mining communities. It includes practical tools, templates, and tested methods, focusing on gender inclusivity, vulnerable groups, and integration with Panchayati Raj Institutions.
The Reserve Bank of India has directed all categories of banks to integrate the Department of Telecommunications’ Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) into their systems. This tool enables real-time detection of mobile numbers flagged as fraud risks using API-based verification. The FRI uses data from cybercrime reports and the Mobile Number Revocation List to help identify suspicious transactions. Banks and UPI providers can now block or delay such transactions. Institutions like PhonePe, PNB, HDFC, ICICI, Paytm, and India Post Payments Bank have already adopted it.
India establishes its first Equine Disease‑Free Compartment (EDFC) at the Remount Veterinary Corps Centre in Meerut, recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health. This facility is declared free from Equine Infectious Anemia, Influenza, Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra, enhancing biosecurity and veterinary surveillance. Indian sport horses from here can now compete internationally, boosting equestrian sports, breeding, and high‑value trade. The initiative reflects India’s growing leadership in science‑based animal health systems and expands compartmentalisation to poultry.
Union MSME Minister Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi reported that 6.5 crore MSME units are now registered—3.8 crore on Udyam Portal (since July 1, 2020) and 2.72 crore on Udyam Assist (since January 2023)—providing jobs to 28 crore people. MSMEs contribute 30.1% to India’s GDP, 35.4% to manufacturing, and 45.7% to exports. Under PM Vishwakarma and PMEGP schemes, 80.33 lakh people have been supported. The Credit Guarantee Scheme has backed ₹9.80 lakh crore, with ₹3 lakh crore guaranteed in 2024‑25. Delayed payment cases have reduced from 93,000 (2017) to 44,000 .
Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences in Bengaluru have developed tunable structural color materials using 400 nm polystyrene nanospheres that self-assemble into hexagonal monolayers on water. Through reactive ion etching, they shrink and alter sphere arrangements, enabling predictable, angle-dependent color shifts similar to peacock feathers or butterfly wings. These vibrant, fade-resistant colors offer potential for eco-friendly applications in wearable sensors, anti-counterfeiting tags, displays, and paints. The findings highlight a scalable and sustainable innovation in color technology.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the Phenome India National Biobank at CSIR-IGIB, aiming to create a comprehensive health database from 10,000 Indians. Inspired by the UK Biobank, it will collect genomic, lifestyle, and clinical data to support personalised treatments. The initiative targets early disease diagnosis, better therapies, and understanding India’s unique health patterns. It reflects CSIR’s push for indigenous innovations, with research spanning genomics, CRISPR therapies, women’s health, and AI-based applications in defence and space.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, emphasized that critical minerals, technology, and supply chains should not be weaponised for selfish interests. He called for cooperation to ensure resilient supply chains and demand-driven, financially sustainable BRICS New Development Bank projects. Highlighting the dual impact of Artificial Intelligence, he stressed India’s “AI for All” approach, using AI in key sectors. Modi urged balanced global efforts for innovation and responsible AI governance, addressing ethics, risks, and bias.
Astronomers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, along with global collaborators, discover tiny plasma loops in the Sun’s lower atmosphere. These loops, 3,000–4,000 km long but under 100 km wide, are short-lived and visible in H-alpha and extreme UV wavelengths. They likely result from magnetic reconnection, releasing energy and producing upward plasma jets. Despite forming in dense chromospheric layers, their temperatures soar to millions of degrees. Future high-resolution telescopes like India’s proposed NLST may further study their dynamics.
Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India’s agriculture and fisheries exports have reached ₹4.5 lakh crore and could grow to ₹20 lakh crore with enhanced food processing, branding, and packaging. New crops like jamun, litchi, pineapple, and bottle gourd are now entering global markets, with jamun exported to the UK and Punjabi litchis to Doha and Dubai. He stressed expanding drip irrigation, energy‑efficient pumps, resilient supply chains, organic certification via blockchain, and supportive initiatives like Drone Didi and the Turmeric Board to boost farmer incomes.
The Ministry of Mines launched the Aspirational DMF Programme to align District Mineral Foundation (DMF) efforts with the Aspirational District and Block Programmes aimed at uplifting underserved regions. A national workshop in New Delhi brought together 152 DMFs and 62 district collectors to promote transparency, innovation, convergence, and accountability. Key highlights included the release of Coffee Table Book 2.0, recognition of districts adopting PMKKKY-2024 guidelines, and an exhibition showcasing self-help group enterprises supported through DMF funds.
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, comprising twelve forts from the 17th to 19th centuries, have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as India’s 44th heritage site. Spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, these forts reflect the Maratha Empire's strategic military and architectural brilliance. The decision was made at UNESCO’s 47th World Heritage Committee session. Prime Minister Modi and other leaders hailed the recognition, highlighting the Maratha legacy of governance, strength, and cultural pride.
India has entered into a long-term agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Ma’aden and three Indian fertilizer companies, like Indian Potash Limited (IPL), Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO), and Coromandel International Limited (CIL) to import 3.1 million metric tonnes of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) annually for five years, with an option to extend for another five years. This strategic partnership, amid China’s export restrictions, ensures a stable fertilizer supply and also fosters cooperation in urea production, mutual investments, and research on customised fertilizers.