1. Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 Notified
The Central Government, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has officially notified the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 with a total corpus of ₹10,000 crore.
- Exam-Centric Facts:
- Objective: To mobilize venture capital for the Indian startup ecosystem, focusing on deep tech, innovation-driven manufacturing, and early growth-stage startups.
- Implementation Agency: The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) will manage the operationalization of the scheme.
- Strategic Focus: The fund is divided into four segments, including specific support for "Make in India" initiatives and long-gestation technologies.
- Timeline: Commitments to Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) will be spread over the 16th and 17th Finance Commission cycles.
2. 'Samudra Sahas' Blue Water Sailing Expedition
The Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery has flagged off its first-ever blue water sailing expedition, titled 'Samudra Sahas', from Marve, Mumbai, to mark its bicentenary celebrations.
- Exam-Centric Facts:
- The Journey: The expedition will cover approximately 520 nautical miles along the Konkan Coast using 21-foot Seabird class sailing boats.
- Route: The voyage is conducted in four legs: Mumbai to Vijaydurg, Vijaydurg to Goa, and back to Mumbai.
- Tribute: The mission is a tribute to the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Leadership: The team is led by Captain Kshitij Nair and Subedar Prakash Funde, supported by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
3. Jannik Sinner Wins Monte Carlo Masters 2026
In a high-stakes final at the Court Rainier III, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz to clinch the 2026 Monte Carlo Masters title.
- Exam-Centric Facts:
- The Match: Sinner secured the victory with a score of 7-6(5), 6-3, demonstrating superior consistency on the clay surface.
- Tournament Category: The Monte Carlo Masters is an ATP Masters 1000 event, traditionally marking the start of the prestigious European clay-court season.
- Significance: This win further solidifies Sinner's dominance in the 2026 ATP tour, making him a top favorite for the upcoming French Open.
4. 'e-SafeHER' Cyber Security Program for Rural India
C-DAC Hyderabad, in partnership with the Reliance Foundation, has launched the 'e-SafeHER' initiative to promote cybersecurity awareness among women in rural India.
- Exam-Centric Facts:
- Target: The program aims to empower one million women across rural India over the next three years (expanding through 2029).
- Institutional Framework: It is anchored under MeitY’s Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) programme.
- "Cyber Sakhis": The initiative focuses on training women to become "Cyber Sakhis"—community leaders who promote safe digital practices and confidence in online transactions.
- Phased Rollout: The first phase of the program will focus on rural communities in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha before expanding nationwide.
