1) Centre Announces Formation of Indian Higher Education Commission
- The Central Government has announced the formation of the Indian Higher Education Commission (IHEC).
- It will be created by merging three key regulatory bodies:
- University Grants Commission (UGC)
- All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
- National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)
- Objective: To provide uniform regulation, better coordination, and improved quality standards in higher education.
- This aligns with the reforms proposed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
2) International Kite Festival 2025 in Tamil Nadu
- The International Kite Festival 2025 will be hosted in Tamil Nadu.
- The event will feature participants from across the world, showcasing cultural exchanges through kite-flying traditions.
- Kite festivals are already popular in Gujarat, but hosting it in Tamil Nadu reflects an effort to expand India’s cultural tourism footprint.
3) Indian Tricolour Hoisted on Seattle Space Needle on 79th Independence Day
- On the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, the Indian Tricolour was displayed on the iconic Seattle Space Needle (USA).
- This symbolizes the strong presence of the Indian diaspora in the United States and deepening India–US cultural ties.
- The gesture echoes similar celebrations in New York’s Times Square in recent years.
4) World’s First Humanoid Robo Games Conclude in Beijing
- The first-ever World Humanoid Robo Games concluded in Beijing, China.
- The event witnessed competitions where AI-powered humanoid robots showcased skills in sports, problem-solving, and mobility tasks.
- Significance: Marks a major step in the global robotics industry, with China positioning itself as a leader in AI and robotics innovation.
5) Russia to Launch Venerad Venus Mission by 2036
- Russia has announced plans to launch the Venerad Venus Mission by 2036.
- The mission will focus on exploring Venus’s atmosphere, geology, and possibility of microbial life.
- Background: Russia (then Soviet Union) was the first country to land a spacecraft on Venus (Venera missions in the 1970s–80s).
- This mission signals Russia’s intent to revive its planetary exploration program.
