1) China successfully converts thorium into uranium fuel for the first time

• Key Fact: China has achieved a major milestone in nuclear research by successfully converting thorium into uranium fuel, marking the first time such a process has been accomplished.
• Significance:
• Thorium is more abundant and safer than uranium, offering a cleaner and more sustainable nuclear fuel option.
• This achievement strengthens China’s position in advanced nuclear technology and energy security.
• Context: India also possesses large thorium reserves and has been developing thorium-based reactors under its three-stage nuclear power program.

2) ‘Eastern Prachand Prahar’ Tri-Service Exercise to be conducted in Arunachal Pradesh

• About: A major tri-service (Army, Navy, Air Force) military exercise named Eastern Prachand Prahar will be conducted in Arunachal Pradesh, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Objective:
• To test and enhance joint combat readiness and coordination among the three forces.
• To ensure operational preparedness in high-altitude and sensitive border regions.
• Context: This is part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border defence and integrated theatre command structures.

3) Ayushman Bharat becomes the World’s No.1 Health Scheme

• Achievement: The Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has become the largest health insurance scheme in the world, covering over 12 crore families.
• Key Features:
• Provides cashless healthcare coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary treatment.
• Covers over 1,600 diseases and treatments in both government and empanelled private hospitals.
• Significance: Reinforces India’s goal of achieving universal health coverage under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

4) Madurai declared India’s Dirtiest City in Swachh Survekshan 2025

• Report Released by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• Finding: Madurai has been ranked as India’s dirtiest city in the Swachh Survekshan 2025 rankings.
• Criteria: Assessment was based on waste segregation, sanitation infrastructure, citizen feedback, and cleanliness of public areas.
• Context: The survey is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), aimed at promoting urban cleanliness and sustainable waste management.

5) Nauradehi Sanctuary to become the Third Home for Cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh

• Location: Situated in Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• Development: The Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary will be developed as India’s third cheetah habitat, following Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Objective:
• To expand the cheetah reintroduction program under Project Cheetah.
• To ensure habitat diversity and species conservation.
• Significance: Strengthens India’s efforts in reintroducing the cheetah, which became extinct in the country in 1952.