1) Karnataka Shakti Scheme Enters Golden Book of World Records
- The Karnataka Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel for women across the state, has entered the Golden Book of World Records.
- The scheme recorded over 50 crore women passengers since its launch in June 2023.
- It stands as one of the largest women-centric welfare transport initiatives in India, boosting gender empowerment and mobility.
2) Madras Regiment Conducts 1,359 km ‘Veer Yatra’ Rally in Kerala & Tamil Nadu
- The Madras Regiment of the Indian Army organised a 1,359 km Veer Yatra rally across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- The rally paid tribute to fallen soldiers and aimed to motivate youth towards joining the Armed Forces.
- It also showcased the regiment’s historic contribution as one of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army (est. 1758).
3) NASA and IBM Unveil AI Model ‘Surya’ to Predict Solar Storms
- NASA and IBM jointly unveiled an AI model named ‘Surya’, designed to predict solar storms and space weather events.
- Solar storms can disrupt satellites, GPS, power grids, and communication systems on Earth.
- The model uses advanced machine learning on space data to provide early warnings, strengthening global space safety.
4) India Secures 41st Rank in World Competitiveness Ranking 2025
- India has been ranked 41st in the World Competitiveness Ranking 2025, released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Switzerland.
- The ranking evaluates economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure.
- While India improved in areas like digital adoption and skilled workforce, it still faces challenges in ease of doing business and infrastructure gaps.
5) Kerala Becomes 100% Digitally Literate State
- Kerala has officially become the first state in India to achieve 100% digital literacy.
- Every household in the state now has at least one person trained in basic digital skills such as online banking, e-governance services, and cybersecurity.
- This milestone strengthens Kerala’s reputation as a leader in education and digital governance.
6) NATO to Establish Logistics Headquarters in Enköping, Sweden
- NATO has announced the establishment of a new logistics headquarters in Enköping city, Sweden.
- This will be Sweden’s first major NATO infrastructure since joining the alliance in 2024.
- The base will enhance logistics, supply chains, and rapid troop movement in Northern Europe, strengthening NATO’s deterrence against Russia.