1) PMO Renamed as Seva Tirth

Announcement:

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) will now be officially known as “Seva Tirth”.

Purpose of the Name Change:

• To reflect a governance model based on public service, empathy, and accountability.
• The term Seva Tirth symbolizes a sacred place of service to the nation.

Significance:

Marks a major symbolic shift, emphasising citizen-centric governance.

2) Maharashtra Top State in Attracting Foreign Tourists – India Tourism Data Compendium 2025

Report By:

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

Key Finding:

• Maharashtra ranked 1st in India for foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in 2025.

Reason for Dominance:

• Major attractions: Mumbai, Ajanta–Ellora, Shirdi, UNESCO sites
• Good connectivity & hospitality infrastructure

Significance:

Boosts tourism income, employment, and cultural visibility.

3) Assam Launches Prerna Scheme for Class 10 Students

Objective:

To provide academic support and financial incentives to Class 10 students in government schools.

Key Benefits:

• Scholarships
• Free coaching
• Career guidance

Goal:

Raise pass percentages, reduce dropout rates, and improve educational equity.

4) Dr. Prem Kumar Appointed Speaker of the 18th Bihar Legislative Assembly

• Leader: Senior BJP politician Dr. Prem Kumar
• Role: Elected as Speaker of the 18th Bihar Legislative Assembly.
• Significance: Experienced legislator trusted to uphold parliamentary rules & conduct.

5) Indian Researchers Discover Spiral Galaxy “Alaknanda” Using NASA’s James Webb Telescope

Discovery:

Indian astronomers identified a new spiral galaxy named Alaknanda.

Using:

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

Significance:

• Expands understanding of galaxy formation
• Highlights India’s increasing contribution to global space research

6) Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates Semiconductor Training Labs “Parangat” in Punjab

About the Initiative:

• Launched to build a skilled semiconductor workforce under India’s chip manufacturing mission.

Features:

• Clean-room labs
• Chip design training
• Advanced semiconductor fabrication tools

Objective:

Support India’s goal of becoming a global semiconductor hub.

7) Oxford University Declares “Rage Belt” as Word of the Year 2025

Meaning:

“Rage Belt” refers to regions or groups exhibiting intense political anger, polarization, or protest-driven identity formation.

Reason for Selection:

Reflects rising global social unrest and cultural polarization trends in 2025.

8) Harmanpreet Kaur Becomes PNB’s First Female Brand Ambassador

Cricketer:

Indian Women’s Team captain Harmanpreet Kaur

First-Ever Female Ambassador for PNB:

Punjab National Bank appointed her to:

• Promote financial literacy
• Encourage women’s banking
• Represent the bank’s youth and sports outreach

9) Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), Assam Granted Navratna Status

Designation:

NRL becomes India’s 27th Navratna PSU.

Benefits of Navratna Status:

• Greater financial autonomy
• Faster investment approvals
• Expansion in energy & petrochemical sectors

Significance:

Major boost to Northeast India’s industrial sector.

10) Karnataka Launches e-Swathu 2.0 for Rural Property Digitisation

Platform:

Digital portal for uploading, validating & certifying rural property records.

Key Features:

• Tamper-proof digitized records
• Reduction of land disputes
• Integration with revenue & panchayat systems

Objective:

Complete digitisation of rural land under Bhoomi & Panchatantra systems.

11) Darjeeling Mandarin Orange Receives GI Tag

Region:

Grown in the Darjeeling hills, West Bengal

Why GI Tag Given:

• Unique aroma, thin peel, and high juice content
• Traditional cultivation methods

Significance:

• Enhances farmer income
• Boosts export potential
• Protects the heritage horticulture of the Himalayan region