1️⃣ Indian Navy to Participate in 32nd Edition of SIMBEX in Singapore

The Indian Navy is set to take part in the 32nd edition of SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) to be held in Singapore.

• SIMBEX, which began in 1994, is one of the longest uninterrupted naval exercises that India has with any country.
• It covers anti-submarine warfare, maritime security operations, air defense, and tactical drills, strengthening regional maritime cooperation.
• Importance: This exercise highlights India’s expanding maritime footprint in the Indo-Pacific and its role as a net security provider.
• In recent years, India has also participated in QUAD naval exercises, and Malabar, showcasing multilateral cooperation.

2️⃣ Yulia Sviridenko Appointed Prime Minister of Ukraine

Yulia Sviridenko has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Ukraine, becoming the first woman to hold the post in Ukraine’s history.

• She succeeds Denys Shmyhal during a critical time as the country continues to face geopolitical tensions and economic recovery challenges due to the ongoing conflict.
• Background: Sviridenko previously served as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, where she led post-war reconstruction strategies.
• Her appointment reflects Ukraine's push for technocratic and reform-driven leadership amid its EU accession aspirations.

3️⃣ Indore Retains Title of Cleanest City (Population Above 10 Lakh) for 8th Year in a Row

Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has been crowned India’s cleanest city (in the category of over 10 lakh population) for the 8th consecutive year in the Swachh Survekshan 2025 rankings.

• This milestone was achieved under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) launched by PM Modi in October 2014.
• Indore’s strategy includes:
• 100% waste segregation at source
• Door-to-door garbage collection
• Efficient composting and recycling
• Active citizen participation and digital monitoring

📊 Swachh Bharat Mission – A Quick Overview

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched on 2nd October 2014 with the goal to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management.

✅ Key Milestones:

1. Swachh Bharat Phase I (2014–2019):

• Focused on building toilets (over 110 million constructed)
• India declared ODF (Open Defecation Free) in 2019

1. Swachh Bharat Phase II (2020–2025):

• Focus on ODF+ and ODF++ (solid and liquid waste management)
• Use of technology, data analytics, and urban-rural integration

1. Impact:

• Rise in public hygiene awareness
• Over 4500 cities certified as ODF+
• Improvement in public health indicators, especially in rural areas

🧹 Why Indore stands out:

• India’s first city with a fully digital waste tracking system
• Implementation of bio-CNG plant, converting organic waste into fuel
• Robust citizen grievance redressal and reward mechanisms

4️⃣ President Appoints New Chief Justices in Five High Courts

The President of India, following recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium, has appointed new Chief Justices in five High Courts across the country:

• The appointments are aimed at expediting judicial processes, ensuring leadership stability, and filling long-standing vacancies.
• These include High Courts in key states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, and Bombay.

🏛️ Context & Significance:

• High Courts play a critical role in constitutional governance, especially in issues relating to fundamental rights, state laws, and PILs.
• Timely appointments are crucial, as over 4.5 crore cases are pending across all levels of the Indian judiciary (as of 2025).

5️⃣ National Conference on Good Governance Practices Begins in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has inaugurated a National Conference on Good Governance Practices in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

• The conference focuses on:
• Digital governance and e-office practices
• Service delivery innovations
• Public grievance redressal mechanisms
• Administrative reforms in aspirational districts
• Historical context: DARPG’s conferences are part of the Good Governance Week initiative launched in 2021 to recognize best practices and promote Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.

🌍 Why Odisha?

Odisha has recently emerged as a model in disaster resilience, digital land records, and inclusive development programs like Mo Sarkar and 5T governance framework.