1) India ranks 128th in the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom
- Published annually by The Heritage Foundation, the index measures economic freedom across categories like rule of law, government size, regulatory efficiency, and open markets.
- India’s position at 128th globally reflects challenges in regulatory frameworks, labor reforms, and market freedom, though improvements are seen in innovation and services sectors.
2) India–Bhutan sign pact for first cross-border rail link
- The agreement aims to boost connectivity, trade, and cultural ties between the two nations.
- This will be the first-ever rail link between India and Bhutan, strengthening India’s "Neighbourhood First" policy and Bhutan’s economic integration with South Asia.
3) Union MoS for Textiles Prabita Margherita to inaugurate Best of India Fair in Moscow, Russia
- The fair will showcase India’s textile heritage, handicrafts, and lifestyle products.
- It provides Indian MSMEs and artisans access to Russian and CIS markets, supporting India’s export diversification strategy.
4) Astrosat completes a decade of operations
- Astrosat (launched in 2015) is India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory.
- Over 10 years, it has contributed significantly to studies in stellar evolution, black holes, binary star systems, and galaxies.
- Its success places ISRO among global leaders in space astronomy missions.
5) Kerala launches the Spice Route Initiative
- The initiative seeks to connect ancient ports and heritage sites that were part of the historic spice trade route.
- Aimed at boosting cultural tourism and heritage preservation, it links Kerala’s maritime history with global trade networks of the past.
