1️⃣ US President Signs GENIUS Act Legalizing Stablecoin Cryptocurrencies

In a landmark decision for the digital economy, the President of the United States has signed the GENIUS Act (Government-Enforced National Infrastructure for Utility Stablecoins) into law.

• This legislation creates a comprehensive framework for the regulation of stablecoins, cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar.
• Impact: It allows stablecoins to be used officially for remittances, digital payments, and financial services, while ensuring safeguards against fraud and volatility.
• The move is expected to influence global financial systems, with implications for India’s Digital Rupee (e₹) rollout and global crypto policy debates.

2️⃣ ASI Declares Mizoram’s Lungphun Ropul a Monument of National Importance

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared Lungphun Ropul in Mizoram a Monument of National Importance, the first such recognition in the state.

• Lungphun Ropul is a collection of ancient Mizo monoliths, believed to represent funeral or honorific traditions among early Mizo tribes.
• This move will bring conservation funding, archaeological research, and boost tourism and cultural recognition in the Northeast, a region historically underrepresented in national heritage listings.

3️⃣ Gujarat Becomes First State to Launch Tribal Genome Sequencing Project

Gujarat has launched India’s first state-level Tribal Genome Sequencing Project, targeting genetic mapping of Scheduled Tribes to better understand health vulnerabilities and guide personalized medicine.

• The project will analyze genetic traits, disease resistance, and inherited disorders prevalent in Gujarat's tribal belts like Dang, Chhota Udaipur, and Narmada.
• It complements India’s broader IndiGen Genome Programme, but with exclusive tribal health focus, and may inform future public health strategies and drug development policies.

4️⃣ DRDO Successfully Test Fires Akash Prime Air Defence System at High Altitude in Ladakh

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a high-altitude test of Akash Prime, an upgraded variant of India’s indigenous Akash air defence missile system, in Ladakh.

• Akash Prime features enhanced guidance systems, thermal performance, and high-mobility launch platforms suitable for mountain warfare.
• This strengthens India’s air defence preparedness in sensitive border zones amid continued tensions with China in Eastern Ladakh since 2020.
• The Akash system, first inducted in 2008, is now a key part of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant defence) vision and has been cleared for export.

5️⃣ G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting Concludes in South Africa

The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting concluded in Cape Town, South Africa, under the 2025 G20 Presidency.

• Major discussions included:
• Debt restructuring for developing countries
• Climate finance
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) models
• Global taxation frameworks
• India was represented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, who emphasized:
• The success of India Stack
• The need for regulated global frameworks for crypto assets
• Enhanced SDR (Special Drawing Rights) for climate-resilient infrastructure in the Global South
• Background: Following India’s influential G20 presidency in 2023, its role in shaping financial and digital governance remains strong.

6️⃣ Odisha Government Launches ‘ShaktiShree’ Programme for Safety of Girl Students in Colleges

The Odisha government is rolling out the ShaktiShree Programme aimed at ensuring the safety, dignity, and empowerment of girl students in higher education institutions.

• Key components include:
• CCTV installation, emergency response systems, and mobile safety apps
• Self-defense and mental health support
• Awareness campaigns against gender-based violence
• The initiative is aligned with the 5T governance model (Teamwork, Technology, Transparency, Transformation, Timeliness) and Odisha’s growing focus on women-led development through schemes like Mission Shakti.
• This comes amid national calls for improved campus safety, following concerns highlighted in recent NCRB reports on crimes against women in educational settings.