1) Puducherry Becomes First UT to Achieve Zero Maternal Mortality Rate

• Puducherry became the first Union Territory in India to record zero maternal mortality rate (MMR).
• Reflects success of institutional deliveries, maternal health schemes, and quality healthcare services.
• Aligns with India’s targets under the National Health Mission (NHM).
• Nodal Body: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).

2) Former CEC S.Y. Quraishi’s Book Democracy Heartland Released

• S.Y. Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, released his book titled “Democracy Heartland”.
• The book focuses on Indian electoral democracy, voter behavior, and reforms needed in election processes.
• Nodal Area: Election Studies & Governance.

3) Huma Qureshi Wins “Face of Asia” Award – Busan Film Festival 2025

• Indian actress Huma Qureshi received the “Face of Asia” Award at the Busan International Film Festival 2025 (South Korea).
• Recognized for her contribution to cinema and global representation of Indian films.
• Nodal Body: Busan International Film Festival Committee.

4) Dr. Sima Bahous Begins Second Term at UN Women

• Dr. Sima Bahous (Jordan) started her second term as Executive Director of UN Women.
• UN Women works for gender equality, women’s empowerment, and elimination of discrimination.
• Nodal Body: United Nations.

5) First India–Hellenic Navy Bilateral Maritime Exercise Concluded

• The first-ever bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Hellenic Navy (Greece) was held in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Focus: Maritime security, interoperability, and joint operations.
• Enhances India’s presence in the West Asia–Mediterranean strategic corridor.
• Nodal Body: Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence.

6) First Indian Defence Manufacturing Plant in Morocco – Atmanirbhar Bharat

• Under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the first Indian defence manufacturing plant abroad will be established in Morocco.
• Aim: Strengthen India’s defence exports and global supply chain presence.
• Marks a major step in India’s journey as a defence exporter nation.
• Nodal Body: Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

7) Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound – India’s Official Oscar Entry 2026

• Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s movie Homebound selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2026 (Best International Feature Film category).
• Ghaywan is known for films like Masaan and Geeli Pucchi.
• Boosts Indian cinema’s international recognition.
• Nodal Body: Film Federation of India (FFI).

8) Punjab Has Highest Debt-to-GSDP Ratio – CAG Report

• According to the first State Finances Report (2022–23) by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), Punjab has the highest debt-to-GSDP ratio among states.
• Indicates fiscal stress and weak revenue management.
• Highlights the need for financial discipline and structural reforms in state finances.
• Nodal Body: CAG of India.