1️⃣ Election Commission of India Appoints Neetu Chandra & Kranti Prakash Jha as SVEEP Icons for Bihar

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has named Neetu Chandra, an acclaimed actress, and Kranti Prakash Jha, a noted actor and poet, as SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) icons for Bihar.

• This move aims to enhance voter awareness and participation ahead of upcoming electoral cycles in the state.
• Both icons are Bihar natives, increasing the cultural relatability and potential reach of the campaign.
• SVEEP, launched in 2009, has been instrumental in increasing turnout in states with historically low voting percentages, and often involves film personalities, sportspersons, and influencers to drive the message.

2️⃣ Maharashtra Becomes First Indian State to Grant Agriculture Status to Livestock and Poultry

In a landmark policy shift, the Maharashtra Government has become the first state in India to officially recognize livestock and poultry farming as agriculture.

• This reclassification means farmers engaged in animal husbandry and poultry will now be eligible for agriculture-related subsidies, loans, and disaster relief benefits.
• This is a significant move for rural economies, especially in Vidarbha and Marathwada, where livestock is often a primary livelihood source.
• Historical context: While India is the world’s largest milk producer and among the top five in poultry, livestock farming had not been institutionally classified as agriculture, limiting access to formal support systems.

3️⃣ INCOIS Receives National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), based in Hyderabad, has been awarded the National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 for its cutting-edge work in ocean monitoring, forecasting, and geospatial mapping.

• INCOIS has pioneered the use of satellite-based coastal vulnerability mapping, fisheries zone advisories, and tsunami early warning systems.
• It played a major role in India’s maritime preparedness during events like Cyclone Mocha and Tsunami 2004 recovery.
• This award recognizes institutions that use geospatial technology to support national development and climate resilience.

4️⃣ India Sends 3 Lakh Measles-Rubella Vaccines to Bolivia

In a major humanitarian outreach, the Government of India has dispatched 3 lakh doses of Measles-Rubella vaccines to Bolivia, responding to an urgent health crisis.

• This forms part of India’s Vaccine Maitri 2.0 initiative, continuing its role as a global health partner.
• India is one of the largest vaccine producers globally, thanks to its vaccine manufacturing hubs in Hyderabad and Pune, including the Serum Institute of India.
• Earlier, India supplied vaccines to 150+ countries during COVID-19, and now continues to assist in global immunization campaigns.

5️⃣ Indian Open Athletics Meet Held for the First Time in Patna, Bihar

For the first time ever, the prestigious Indian Open Athletics Meet was hosted in Patna, Bihar, marking a historic moment in the state’s sports history.

• The event saw participation from top national athletes in track and field, and was organized by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
• This meet acts as a qualifier and talent spotter for future international events including the Asian Games and Olympics.
• Significance for Bihar: This move signals increased investment in sports infrastructure and training centers in Eastern India, which has traditionally been underrepresented at the national level.