1) India and Russia Sign the Logistics Support Agreement (ReLOS)
Full Form:
ReLOS – Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support
Purpose of the Agreement:
- Mutual access to military bases, logistics facilities, and supplies
- Enhances support for naval ships, aircraft, and military personnel of both nations
- Facilitates refuelling, maintenance, berthing, and humanitarian operations
Significance:
- Deepens India–Russia defence cooperation
- Helps Indian Navy operate more effectively in the Arctic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans
- Complements India’s existing logistics agreements with USA, Australia, France, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan
2) India–Malaysia Joint Military Training Exercise “Harimau Shakti” Begins in Rajasthan
Edition: Annual Exercise
Meaning: Harimau Shakti → “Tiger Power”
Location:
Rajasthan deserts, India
Participating Forces:
- Indian Army
- Malaysian Army
Focus Areas:
- Jungle and desert warfare
- Search & destroy operations
- Counter-terrorism & joint tactical drills
- Enhancing interoperability
Significance:
- Strengthens India–Malaysia defence relations
- Boosts India’s military diplomacy in Southeast Asia
- Helps both forces improve joint operational readiness
3) Australia’s Victoria University Lays Foundation Stone for Its First India Campus in Gurugram
Location:
Gurugram, Haryana
What It Means:
- Victoria University becomes one of the first major Australian universities to open a physical campus in India.
Context:
India now allows top foreign universities to set up campuses under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Significance:
- Expands high-quality international education in India
- Reduces dependence on overseas study
- Strengthens India–Australia academic collaboration
4) Record Highest Contraction Observed in the Ozone Layer Hole Over Antarctica
Event:
Scientists observed record shrinkage in the Antarctic ozone hole in 2025.
Reason for the Recovery:
- Global ban on ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol (1987)
- Reduction in CFC emissions worldwide
- Strengthening of atmospheric chemical healing processes
Significance:
- Major environmental success story
- Demonstrates the effectiveness of global climate agreements
- Influences future environmental policies
5) 15th International Sand Art Festival Concludes at Konark, Odisha
Location:
Konark, near Chandrabhaga Beach, Odisha
Event Highlights:
- Artists from dozens of countries participated
- Themes included oceans, peace, Indian culture, climate change
- Showcased world-renowned sand sculptors, including Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik
Significance:
- Promotes Odisha’s coastal tourism
- Strengthens India’s global cultural representation
- Runs parallel to the Konark Dance Festival
6) India’s HAL, BEL, and MDL Included in SIPRI’s Top 100 Global Arms Manufacturing Companies List
Published By:
SIPRI – Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
Indian Companies Included:
- HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)
- BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited)
- MDL (Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited)
Why They Were Ranked:
- Increase in arms and defence production
- Indigenous manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat
- Rising exports of aircraft, warships, radars, and defence electronics
Significance:
- Strong indicator of India’s growing defence industrial base
- Positions India as an emerging global defence exporter
- Enhances strategic autonomy in defence manufacturing
