🌋 1. Krasheninnikov Volcano Erupts After 600 Years on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula

In a rare geological event, the Krasheninnikov volcano—located in the seismically active Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia—has erupted after more than six centuries of dormancy.

• The Kamchatka region is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its frequent volcanic activity and earthquakes.
• Why it matters: The unexpected eruption has raised alerts for aviation and local settlements due to potential ash clouds and lava flow.
• The volcano is named after Stepan Krasheninnikov, an 18th-century Russian explorer and geographer who documented Siberian natural features.
• The event is being closely monitored by international volcanic observatories for potential regional impact.

🌍 2. 3rd UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) Begins in Turkmenistan

The United Nations has convened the Third Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, bringing together leaders from 32 such nations.

• What’s at stake? LLDCs face severe economic challenges due to lack of direct sea access, resulting in higher transport costs and dependence on transit nations.
• The conference focuses on the Vienna Programme of Action (VPoA) and its successor framework to address trade barriers, digital connectivity, and climate resilience.
• India’s role: As a strong advocate for global South-South cooperation, India has historically supported LLDCs with capacity-building and infrastructure development via the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.

⚓ 3. INS Himgiri Joins Indian Navy Under Project 17A

The Indian Navy has inducted INS Himgiri, a state-of-the-art stealth guided-missile frigate built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, under the ambitious Project 17A.

• About Project 17A: It aims to build seven next-gen stealth frigates for enhanced maritime security using modular construction technology.
• INS Himgiri is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and electronic warfare systems and boosts India’s blue water naval capabilities.
• This is a tribute to the original INS Himgiri, which served from 1974 to 2005 and played a crucial role in India’s naval history.

🏅 4. Malta to Host 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has announced that Malta, the Mediterranean island nation, will host the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games.

• The event will bring together athletes aged 14–18 from over 70 nations, encouraging sportsmanship, youth leadership, and cultural exchange.
• Malta previously hosted the Games in 2008, and this return reflects its commitment to youth development through sport.
• India is expected to field a strong contingent, especially after impressive performances in the 2023 Trinidad & Tobago edition, where Indian athletes won multiple medals.

⚓ 5. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan Assumes Charge as 47th Vice Chief of Naval Staff

Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan has taken over as the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS), the second-highest-ranking officer in the Indian Navy.

• An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and Defence Services Staff College, Vatsayan has held key operational commands including Eastern Fleet Commander.
• Why it matters: His appointment comes at a time when the Indian Navy is focused on indigenization, modernization, and maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.
• He will play a pivotal role in shaping policies under the ongoing Maritime India Vision 2030 and Navy’s ‘Atmanirbhar’ roadmap.