🔭 1. Professor Michelle Doherty Becomes First Woman UK Astronomy Royal in 350 Years
Historic First in British Astronomy:
Professor Michelle Doherty, a renowned space physicist, has been appointed as the UK’s Astronomy Royal—a prestigious position established in 1675. She becomes the first woman ever to hold the role in its 350-year history, marking a major step toward gender inclusion in the traditionally male-dominated field of astronomy.
Why it matters:
The Astronomy Royal serves as the monarch’s chief scientific adviser on space and astronomical matters. Doherty's appointment reflects the growing prominence of women in global science leadership, and her work in space weather and planetary magnetospheres is internationally acclaimed.
🏔 2. Indian Army Conducts ‘Divya Drishti’ High-Altitude Technology Demonstration in Sikkim
Pushing Tech Boundaries at 14,000 ft:
The Indian Army carried out a high-altitude technology demonstration exercise named ‘Divya Drishti’ in the rugged terrain of Sikkim. The exercise showcased cutting-edge surveillance, drone warfare, and AI-based battlefield technologies adapted for extreme altitudes.
Why it matters:
This exercise is crucial for India's mountain warfare preparedness, especially given its strategic location near the India-China border. It reflects the Army’s push toward modern warfare capabilities in some of the world’s harshest terrains.
🕊 3. Cambodia Adopts Assam’s ‘Hargila Army’ Conservation Model for Biodiversity Protection
Grassroots Conservation Goes Global:
Inspired by India’s innovative ‘Hargila Army’ movement in Assam, Cambodia has now adopted the same community-driven conservation model to protect its endangered species and wetlands.
Why it matters:
The Hargila Army, led by conservationist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, empowered local women to save the Greater Adjutant Stork (locally known as ‘Hargila’). This is a rare case where women-led ecological activism in India is being replicated internationally—a testament to India's growing soft power in environmental leadership.
🧠 4. Eminent Economist Meghnad Desai Passes Away at 85
A Towering Voice in Economics and Policy:
Lord Meghnad Desai, internationally respected economist, author, and member of the UK’s House of Lords, has passed away at the age of 85. Known for his Marxist roots and later shift to liberal economics, Desai wrote extensively on globalization, Indian economy, and political economy.
Why it matters:
Desai was a bridge between Indian and Western economic thought, and his death marks the end of a distinctive era of critical yet constructive engagement with development and policy. He was also the founder of the Centre for the Study of Global Governance at LSE.
⚽ 5. Manipur Defeats West Bengal 3–0 to Win Dr. B.C. Roy Football Trophy (Tier 1)
A Powerhouse in Youth Football Emerges:
Manipur clinched the Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy Tier-1 by defeating West Bengal 3–0 in a commanding performance. The tournament, a prestigious U-19 national football championship, has often served as a pipeline for future Indian football stars.
Why it matters:
Manipur’s dominance underscores Northeast India’s growing contribution to Indian football. This victory also reaffirms the region’s role as a nursery for sports talent, especially at the grassroots and youth levels.
