1) Madhya Pradesh to Develop India’s First State-Level Multi-National Park Tiger Reserve
Announcement By:
Government of Madhya Pradesh
What Is Special?
- MP will develop India’s first state-level multi-national park tiger reserve, integrating multiple protected areas under a single landscape-level conservation framework.
Objectives:
- Improve tiger corridor connectivity
- Strengthen biodiversity conservation
- Reduce human–wildlife conflict
- Promote eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods
Significance:
- Positions MP as the Tiger State of India with advanced conservation planning
- Aligns with Project Tiger and global wildlife conservation best practices
2) India’s First Miss India, Meher Castelino, Passes Away at 81
Who Was She?
Meher Castelino – India’s first Miss India titleholder
Contribution:
- Pioneer of Indian beauty pageants
- Represented India internationally at a time when global exposure for Indian women was limited
Significance:
- Her passing marks the end of an era in India’s cultural and fashion history
3) India and New Zealand Announce a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Countries Involved:
🇮🇳 India & 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Key Areas Covered:
- Trade in goods and services
- Agriculture and dairy cooperation
- Technology and innovation
- Education and skilled mobility
Significance:
- Boosts bilateral trade and investment
- Strengthens India’s economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific
- Enhances access for Indian IT, pharma, and textiles
4) Japan to Restart the World’s Largest Nuclear Power Plant – Kashiwazaki-Kariwa
Power Plant:
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant
Country:
Japan
Why Important?
- It is the world’s largest nuclear power plant by capacity
- Restart follows enhanced post-Fukushima safety upgrades
Significance:
- Strengthens Japan’s energy security
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels
- Supports Japan’s clean-energy transition
5) ISRO Successfully Completes Drogue Parachute Tests for Gaganyaan Crew Module
Organisation:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Test Conducted:
Drogue Parachute Tests
Purpose:
- Safe deceleration and stabilization of the Gaganyaan Crew Module during re-entry
Location:
Chandigarh
Significance:
- Critical milestone in India’s first human spaceflight mission
- Ensures astronaut safety during landing phase
6) US Senate Approves Appointment of Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator
Appointee:
Jared Isaacman – Billionaire investor and commercial astronaut
Organisation:
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Significance:
- First time a commercial spaceflight pioneer leads NASA
- Signals closer collaboration between government space agencies and private space companies
7) West Bengal Renames 100-Day Employment Scheme as ‘Mahatmashree’
Previous Name:
Karmashree
New Name:
Mahatmashree
Objective:
- Provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to rural households
Significance:
- Aligns state scheme branding with social welfare and dignity of labour
- Important from state-level employment policy perspective
8) Two-Day PESA Festival to Begin in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
PESA:
Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
Venue:
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Objectives:
- Raise awareness about tribal self-governance rights
- Promote Gram Sabha empowerment
- Highlight tribal culture and traditions
Significance:
- Strengthens tribal autonomy and constitutional rights
- Important for Scheduled Areas governance
9) Biography “Salman Khan: The Sultan of Bollywood” Released
Book Title:
Salman Khan: The Sultan of Bollywood
Author:
Mohar Basu
Subject:
Life, career, stardom, controversies, and cultural influence of Salman Khan
Significance:
- Adds to contemporary Indian cinema literature
- Useful for culture and entertainment-related current affairs