1) Tamil Nadu ACS Supriya Sahu Receives UNEP ‘Champions of the Earth’ Award 2025

Awarding Body:

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Award:

Champions of the Earth Award 2025 (UNEP’s highest environmental honour)

Recipient:

Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary (Environment, Climate Change & Forests), Government of Tamil Nadu

Reason for the Award:

• Leadership in wetland conservation, urban biodiversity restoration, and climate-resilient governance
• Major role in reviving water bodies, mangroves, and eco-sensitive zones in Tamil Nadu

Significance:

• Global recognition of India’s sub-national climate leadership
• Highlights the role of bureaucratic innovation in environmental protection
• Strengthens India’s credibility in global climate action platforms

2) UNESCO Adds 72 New Cities to the Global Network of Learning Cities

Organisation:

UNESCO

What is the Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC)?

• A global platform promoting lifelong learning, inclusive education, and sustainable urban development.

Latest Update:

• 72 new cities worldwide added to the network.

Objectives of GNLC:

• Promote education at all ages
• Encourage digital, vocational, and community learning
• Support Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education)

Significance:

• Expands global cooperation in education-driven urban development
• Encourages cities to adopt people-centric learning policies

3) India Secures 3rd Place at FEI Asian Equestrian Championship 2025

Event:

FEI Asian Equestrian Championship 2025

India’s Performance:

• Finished 3rd in the overall medal tally

Sports Disciplines Included:

• Dressage
• Jumping
• Endurance riding

Significance:

• One of India’s best performances in Asian equestrian sports
• Highlights growing excellence beyond traditional sports
• Reflects improved training, horse management, and international exposure

4) India’s First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vessel Launched in Varanasi

Launched By:

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

Location:

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

What Makes It Special:

• India’s first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessel
• Zero carbon emissions
• Uses green hydrogen as fuel

Developed Under:

• National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)

Significance:

• Major milestone in green maritime transport
• Supports India’s climate commitments
• Promotes clean energy solutions in inland waterways

5) Himachal Pradesh’s Chonjin Angmo Becomes First Indian & World’s Fifth Visually Impaired Woman to Climb Mount Everest

Achievement:

• First visually impaired woman from India to summit Mount Everest
• Fifth such woman globally

State:

Himachal Pradesh

Significance:

• Historic achievement in adventure sports
• Symbol of inclusivity, resilience, and empowerment of persons with disabilities
• Inspires policy focus on adaptive sports and inclusive mountaineering