1) Bengaluru Ranked 26th in Global AI City Index 2025
What’s the News?
Bengaluru has been ranked 26th globally in the Global AI City Index 2025, released by Tortoise Media.
Why It Matters:
- Bengaluru is the only Indian city to make it to the top 30, ahead of Tokyo (29th) and Seoul (28th).
- The city is recognized for its strong AI startup ecosystem, research institutions, and availability of skilled tech talent.
- It houses major R&D centers of Google, Microsoft, and IBM.
Global Top 3: San Francisco, New York, and London.
Context Tip: The Global AI Index ranks cities based on innovation, investment, and implementation of artificial intelligence in public and private sectors.
2) WHO Declares Hepatitis D a Carcinogen
What’s the News?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially classified Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) as a Group 1 human carcinogen, recognizing its potential to cause liver cancer.
What You Should Know:
- Hepatitis D only infects people who already have Hepatitis B.
- It causes the most severe form of viral hepatitis, leading to cirrhosis and liver failure faster than other types.
Relevance: This classification will push for greater screening, global vaccination strategies, and policy funding for HDV treatment.
3) Moldova Becomes 107th Member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
What’s the News?
Moldova, a landlocked Eastern European nation, has officially joined the International Solar Alliance, becoming its 107th member.
Significance:
- This expands ISA’s reach deeper into Eastern Europe, helping diversify the global solar movement.
- Moldova aims to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and align with EU green standards.
About ISA:
- Launched at COP21 (Paris) by India and France, the ISA is headquartered in Gurugram, India.
- It promotes solar power deployment among tropical nations.
4) Dhruva Space to Launch First Commercial Mission with Australian Partners
What’s the News?
Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space has announced its first full-scale commercial space mission, in collaboration with Australia’s HEX20 and Electro Optic Systems (EOS).
Mission Highlights:
- Launch planned via ISRO's PSLV.
- The mission includes deployment of nanosatellites for communications and surveillance applications.
- Dhruva is building India's private satellite infrastructure in the global market.
Quick Fact:
This move strengthens India’s role as a global small satellite launch hub, enhancing space diplomacy with Australia.
5) NITI Aayog Launches India Electric Mobility Index
What’s the News?
NITI Aayog has unveiled the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025, the first-of-its-kind national tool to track EV adoption across states.
Index Features:
- Assesses states on EV infrastructure, adoption, policy support, and manufacturing readiness.
- Aims to support India’s goal of 30% EV penetration by 2030.
- Data-backed rankings will help in targeted policy intervention.
Leading States (Pilot Data): Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
6) Historic 30th Session of International Seabed Authority (ISA) Concludes in Jamaica
What’s the News?
The 30th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) concluded in Kingston, Jamaica, marking a pivotal moment in global deep-sea governance.
Key Outcomes:
- Debated regulations for deep seabed mining, especially in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean.
- Negotiated frameworks to balance mineral extraction and marine ecosystem protection.
About ISA:
- Established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- Governs exploration of seabed resources beyond national jurisdictions.
Why It Matters:
Deep-sea mining holds promise for rare earth metals used in batteries and electronics but also raises significant environmental concerns.
