1) India Ranked 131st in the Women, Peace & Security (WPS) Index 2025/2026

Published By:

Georgetown University & Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)

India’s Rank:

131 out of 177 countries

Index Components:

• Inclusion: Education, employment, parliamentary representation
• Justice: Laws, discrimination, safety, violence indicators
• Security: Community & household safety

Reasons for Low Rank:

• Persistent gender-based violence
• Low female workforce participation
• Social insecurities & inadequate legal protections

Significance:

Highlights urgent areas for reform in women’s safety, rights, socio-economic empowerment, and justice delivery.

2) Five Products of Tamil Nadu Receive GI Tag

The 5 Tamil Nadu Products Granted GI Tag:

1.Heritage Woraiyur Cotton Sarees

• Known for ancient weaving traditions of Trichy; fine cotton texture.

2.Thooyamalli Rice

• Aromatic, traditional white rice variety valued for nutrition and soft texture.

3.Ambasamudram Choppu Samaan

• Eco-friendly wooden play utensils crafted using traditional techniques.

4.Namakkal Stone Utensils

• Handmade stone cookware known for durability and natural heat retention.

5.Kavindapadi Country Sugar

• Unrefined traditional sugar (cane-derived) known for purity and mineral richness.

Significance of GI Tag:

• Protects Tamil Nadu’s traditional craftsmanship and agricultural heritage
• Enhances market value & export potential
• Supports rural artisans, farmers, and micro-industries
• Ensures authenticity and prevents imitation

3) Lok Sabha Passes Central Excise Amendment Bill 2025

Purpose:

To revise the tax structure on:

• Tobacco
• Cigarettes
• Pan masala
• Tobacco-based alternatives

Reason:

• To curb tobacco consumption
• Increase health-related revenue
• Align taxation with public health goals

Impact:

• Higher prices for tobacco products
• Supports national anti-addiction programmes
• Helps fund healthcare initiatives

4) Finance Minister Inaugurates 18th Plenary Meeting of the Global Forum on Tax Information Exchange

Hosted By:

India

Global Forum Focus Areas:

• Tax transparency
• Automatic tax information exchange
• Anti–tax evasion mechanisms
• Beneficial ownership & corporate accountability

Significance for India:

• Enhances India’s leadership in the global tax governance ecosystem
• Helps reduce black money flow
• Strengthens international financial cooperation

5) Taj Mahal Tops India’s Heritage Footfall Rankings 2024–2025 (Domestic & Foreign Tourists)

Report: ASI Heritage Footfall Rankings 2024–25

Finding:

Taj Mahal ranks No. 1 for both:

• Domestic tourist visits
• Foreign tourist visits

Significance:

• Reinforces Taj Mahal’s global cultural appeal
• Major driver of UP’s tourism economy
• Shows strong recovery in India’s heritage tourism post-pandemic

6) Book Released – “Kashmir in the Line of Fire” by J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha

Themes Covered:

• Counterterrorism actions
• Governance reforms
• Historical insurgency background
• Development measures in Kashmir

Importance:

Provides administrative insights into Jammu & Kashmir’s transformation narrative.

7) Bihar Launches CM Bharat Darshan Yojana for Secondary School Students

Objective:

To provide students with educational exposure tours across India.

Benefits:

• Visits to cultural, scientific, historical sites
• National integration exposure
• Enhances experiential learning

Target Group:

Students of government secondary schools.

8) Savagya Kushwaha (Age 3) Becomes World’s Youngest FIDE-Rated Chess Player

Achievement:

• Officially recognized by FIDE with a chess rating at just 3 years old.

Significance:

• Breaks global records
• Reflects India’s expanding influence in world chess
• Inspires young chess aspirants

9) Finland to Close Embassies in Pakistan, Afghanistan & Myanmar by 2026

Reason:

• Diplomatic restructuring
• Security challenges
• Budget rationalization
• Shift in strategic priorities

Significance:

• Reduces Nordic diplomatic footprint in South & Southeast Asia
• Reflects global trend of strategic embassy consolidation