1. National Industrial Classification 2025 (NIC-2025)

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has launched the National Industrial Classification 2025 (NIC-2025) during the 75th NSS anniversary and World Statistics Day. NIC is India’s standard framework for classifying economic activities for surveys, censuses, and GDP estimation. First introduced in 1962, it has undergone multiple revisions, with NIC-2025 being the latest upgrade aligned with the UN’s ISIC Rev. 5. The new version adopts a 6-digit coding system, offering greater detail to capture emerging sectors like fintech, digital services, and green economy activities. Key enhancements include clearer categorisation of intermediation services, expanded environmental and sustainability-linked sectors, and dedicated codes for cloud services, blockchain, and platform-based activities. NIC-2025 is technology-neutral and provides a comprehensive, comparable classification system essential for accurate statistical reporting across India’s economy.

Source : MoSPI Releases the National Industrial Classification (NIC) – 2025

2. NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System)

The U.S. has approved a nearly $700 million sale of the NASAMS air defence system to Taiwan. NASAMS is a medium-range, ground-based defence system jointly developed by Raytheon (USA) and Kongsberg (Norway). Operational since 1994, it protects airspace against aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and cruise missiles. Used by 13 countries, it forms part of the U.S. National Capital Region’s air defence. The system features a modular, network-enabled architecture, a 360° X-band radar with a 75 km range, and AMRAAM missiles capable of engaging targets up to 30 km. With three launchers carrying six missiles each, NASAMS can track and engage up to 72 targets simultaneously while maintaining strong resistance against electronic warfare.

Source : U.S. confirms sale worth $700 million of air defence missile system to Taiwan

3. Semeru Volcano 

Mount Semeru, Indonesia’s highest peak in East Java, has erupted again, sending ash and gases kilometres into the sky and triggering the highest alert level. Standing at 3,676 metres on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Semeru—also called Mahameru—is among Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. Its summit has multiple shifting craters, and it erupts frequently, often releasing ash every 10–30 minutes. Past eruptions include a deadly 2021 event that buried villages and claimed 62 lives.

Source : Video: Volcano Erupts In Indonesia, Spews Ash 13km Into Sky

4. Key Facts About Curaçao 

Curaçao, with a population of just 156,000, has become the smallest nation ever to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Located in the southern Caribbean near Venezuela, it is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It includes Curaçao Island and Klein Curaçao, covering 171 sq. miles. Once part of the Netherlands Antilles (dissolved in 2010), it now enjoys internal autonomy under a constitutional monarchy, with the Dutch monarch represented by a governor. Famous for tourism and oil refining, its capital Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Curaçao has a multicultural society speaking Papiamento, Dutch, and English, and recorded a population of 156,115 in the 2023 census.

Source : L&T to produce armoured vehicle BvS10 Sindhu for Indian Army at Hazira facility

5. BvS10 Sindhu

L&T and BAE Systems have secured a contract to supply the Indian Army with the BvS10 Sindhu, an advanced all-terrain armoured vehicle. The original BvS10, already used by several European militaries, consists of two articulated units designed to traverse extreme landscapes. The Sindhu variant is specifically tailored for India’s diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions, deserts, marshlands, and flood-prone zones. Amphibious and highly configurable, it can serve as a troop carrier, command post, ambulance, recovery vehicle, logistic carrier, or armed platform. L&T will produce the Sindhu at its Hazira facility with support from BAE Systems Hägglunds.

Source : L&T to produce armoured vehicle BvS10 Sindhu for Indian Army at Hazira facility

6. BIRSA-101 

India has unveiled BIRSA-101, its first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), named in honour of tribal leader Birsa Munda. Developed by CSIR-IGIB, the therapy uses CRISPR-Cas9 to correct the genetic mutation that causes SCD. Delivered as a one-time infusion, it enables the body to produce healthy red blood cells, unlike global CRISPR therapies which are significantly more expensive. SCD leads to rigid, sickle-shaped blood cells that cause pain, anemia, organ damage, and infection risks. The disease’s severity increases when both parents are carriers.

Source : Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launches India's first indigenous "CRISPR" based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, which particularly affects India's tribal population

7. YUVA AI for ALL Initiative 

MeitY has launched the YUVA AI for ALL Initiative under the IndiaAI Mission to provide free, foundational AI learning to all citizens, especially youth. The self-paced 5-hour beginner course uses simple explanations and Indian examples to make AI accessible. Available on FutureSkills Prime, iGOT Karmayogi, and major ed-tech platforms, the program aims to empower 1 crore learners with basic AI skills and provides a Government of India certificate upon completion. The IndiaAI Mission focuses on “Making AI in India” and “Making AI Work for India” by strengthening the nation’s AI ecosystem and ensuring access to high-end computing resources for innovators.

Source : Government Launches ‘YUVA AI for ALL’ Free National AI Learning Course

8. Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has received the 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development. Established in 1986 in memory of former PM Indira Gandhi, the annual award carries ₹25 lakh and a citation. It honours individuals or organisations contributing to global peace, disarmament, international cooperation, scientific progress, and human upliftment. Notable past recipients include Mikhail Gorbachev, UNICEF, Jimmy Carter, the UN with Kofi Annan, Angela Merkel, ISRO, Manmohan Singh, David Attenborough, Pratham NGO, and the Indian Medical and Trained Nurses Associations.

Source : Former Chile President Michelle Bachelet gets Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

9. Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary 

A tiger has returned to Gujarat after decades, marking a historic nine-month stay in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary in Dahod. Declared a sanctuary in 1982 and known primarily for its sloth bear population, Ratanmahal lies on the Gujarat–Madhya Pradesh border. Its landscape includes dry teak forests, deciduous woodlands, bamboo groves, and Mahuda-rich patches, forming the catchment of the Panam River. Wildlife includes leopards, civets, four-horned antelope, sunbirds, barbets, and numerous other species.

Source : Tiger returns to Gujarat after decades, marks historic nine-month stay in Ratanmahal sanctuary

10. Climate Change Performance Index 2026 

India has dropped 13 places to rank 23rd in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026, published by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and Climate Action Network International. The index assesses 4 areas—GHG emissions, renewable energy, energy use, and climate policy. Denmark, the UK, and Morocco lead the 2026 rankings, while China, Russia, the U.S., and Saudi Arabia remain among the weakest G20 performers. India, now rated a “medium” performer, scored medium in emissions, policy, and energy use, but low in renewable energy due to its expanding fossil fuel production.

Source : India slips 13 ranks, figures at 23rd position in latest Climate Change Performance Index