1️⃣ Manipur Wins 30th Senior Women’s National Football Championship – Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2025

• Winner: Manipur
• Tournament: 30th Senior Women’s National Football Championship (Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2025)
• Venue: Amritsar, Punjab
• Organised By: All India Football Federation (AIFF)
• Significance:
• Manipur clinched the title with an outstanding performance, continuing its dominance in women’s football.
• The team showcased excellence in grassroots sports development under the Manipur State Sports Department.
• Static Link:
• AIFF Headquarters: New Delhi
• President: Kalyan Chaubey
• Background: Manipur has historically produced top Indian footballers like Bala Devi and Oinam Bembem Devi.

2️⃣ First India–Ethiopia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) Meeting Held in New Delhi

• Event: 1st Joint Defence Cooperation Committee Meeting
• Participants: India and Ethiopia
• Venue: New Delhi
• Objective:
• To enhance bilateral defence and security cooperation.
• Discuss training exchanges, defence industry collaboration, and peacekeeping coordination.
• Significance:
• Strengthens India’s ties with East Africa, especially within the African Union Peace and Security Framework.
• Ethiopia is a key strategic partner in the Horn of Africa.
• Static Link:
• Ethiopia Capital: Addis Ababa
• Indian Ambassador: Robert Shetkintong (as of 2025)

3️⃣ Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) Granted Mini Ratna Status

• Organisation: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)
• Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
• New Status: Mini Ratna Category-I Public Sector Enterprise
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence (Department of Defence Production)
• Significance:
• Recognized for its strong financial performance and contribution to shipbuilding and submarine refits.
• Mini Ratna status gives greater financial autonomy for investments up to ₹500 crore without government approval.
• About HSL:
• Established in 1941 (India’s oldest shipyard).
• Undertakes construction of warships, support vessels, and submarines.
• Context: Supports India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” initiatives in the defence sector.

4️⃣ Ministry of Mines Classifies Limestone as a Major Mineral

• Announced By: Ministry of Mines, Government of India
• Decision: Limestone reclassified as a major mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).
• Impact:
• Transfers regulatory control from State Governments to the Central Government.
• Ensures standardized exploration, auction, and revenue-sharing mechanisms.
• Significance:
• Boosts cement industry growth and ensures transparent mineral allocation.
• Aims to enhance mineral self-sufficiency and streamline resource governance.
• Static Link:
• Limestone is primarily used in cement, steel, and chemical industries.
• Major producing states: Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

5️⃣ Saudi Arabia Abolishes the Kafala System for Migrant Workers

• Country: Saudi Arabia
• Reform: Complete abolition of the Kafala (Sponsorship) System.
• New Framework: Labour Reform Initiative (LRI) under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
• About the Kafala System:
• Earlier tied migrant workers’ employment and residency to their employer (“sponsor”).
• Criticized for leading to worker exploitation and restricted mobility.
• Significance:
• Migrant workers can now change jobs, travel, or leave the country without employer permission.
• Major step in labour rights reform across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
• Impact on India:
• India is one of the largest sources of migrant labour to Saudi Arabia (~2.5 million workers).
• This reform enhances protection and welfare for Indian expatriates.