1) NPCI signs agreement with Razorpay for UPI payment services in Malaysia

• About: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), through its international arm NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), has signed an agreement with Razorpay to enable UPI-based digital payments in Malaysia.
• Objective:
• To expand India’s UPI ecosystem globally, promoting cross-border payments.
• To allow Indian travellers and NRIs to make seamless payments in Malaysian stores via UPI.
• Significance: Strengthens India’s status as a global leader in fintech and digital payment infrastructure.
• Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

2) Kartik Aaryan wins Best Actor Award at Dadasaheb Phalke Awards 2025

• Event: Actor Kartik Aaryan received the Best Actor Award at the Dadasaheb Phalke Awards 2025 ceremony.
• For: His performance in the film ‘Chandu Champion’, based on Indian Paralympian Murlikant Petkar’s life.
• Significance:
• Recognizes excellence in Indian cinema and performing arts.
• The Dadasaheb Phalke Awards are among India’s most prestigious film honors, named after the father of Indian cinema.
• Ministry: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

3) India sends humanitarian aid to Jamaica and Cuba after Cyclone Melissa

• About: Following the devastation caused by Cyclone Melissa in the Caribbean region, India dispatched humanitarian assistance to Jamaica and Cuba.
• Assistance Included: Emergency medical supplies, food items, and disaster relief materials.
• Significance:
• Demonstrates India’s commitment to disaster relief diplomacy under its “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family” philosophy.
• Reflects India’s growing global role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
• Ministry: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

4) Google launches ‘Project SumCatcher’ to test AI Data Centers in Space

• About: Google has launched an innovative initiative called Project SumCatcher, aimed at testing artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in outer space.
• Objective:
• To explore low-latency computing and energy efficiency using space-based infrastructure.
• To enhance AI model training by utilizing microgravity and solar power.
• Significance: Marks a major leap in space computing and sustainable technology research, merging AI and aerospace innovation.

5) Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar receives the World Peace and Security Leadership Award 2025

• About: Spiritual leader and founder of The Art of Living Foundation, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, was honored with the World Peace and Security Leadership Award 2025.
• Reason: For his contributions to global peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian service.
• Presented by: The World Peace Federation in collaboration with international peace organizations.
• Significance: Recognizes India’s leadership in spiritual diplomacy and peace advocacy worldwide.

6) Maharashtra becomes the first state to partner with Starlink for satellite-based Internet services

• About: Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to partner with Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, to deliver high-speed internet connectivity in rural and remote regions.
• Objective:
• To bridge the digital divide and improve e-governance, education, and telemedicine in underserved areas.
• To support the Digital India mission.
• Significance: A major step in advancing satellite broadband connectivity across India’s rural landscape.

7) DRI dismantles multi-state drug network in Valsad under ‘Operation White Cauldron’

• About: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully dismantled a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking network in Valsad, Gujarat, under Operation White Cauldron.
• Seizure: A significant quantity of synthetic drugs and precursors was recovered.
• Significance:
• Strengthens India’s anti-narcotics enforcement framework.
• Highlights DRI’s commitment to combating illegal drug trade and organized crime.
• Ministry: Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue).