1) Maharashtra Govt Signs MoU with IIT Madras Start-up TuTr Hyperloop

• The Maharashtra Government signed an MoU with TuTr Hyperloop, a start-up incubated at IIT Madras, to explore development of a hyperloop transport system.
• Hyperloop technology uses vacuum tubes and magnetic levitation to achieve speeds above 1,000 km/h, offering futuristic mass transport solutions.
• Maharashtra could become one of the first Indian states to pilot hyperloop technology.

2) NorthEast United FC Wins Durand Cup 2025

• NorthEast United FC defeated Diamond Harbour FC to win the Durand Cup 2025.
• The Durand Cup, established in 1888, is Asia’s oldest football tournament.
• The victory is a major boost for football in India’s North-Eastern region, known for its sporting culture.

3) Government of India Temporarily Suspends Postal Services to USA

• The Government of India announced the temporary suspension of postal services to the United States.
• The suspension covers letters, parcels, and express services due to logistical/operational disruptions.
• Such moves are rare and usually linked to aviation or security-related restrictions.

4) Nepal Joins International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

• Nepal officially became a member of the International Big Cat Alliance, launched by India in 2023 during its G20 presidency.
• The IBCA works for conservation of seven big cats — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah.
• Nepal’s inclusion strengthens transboundary wildlife conservation in the Himalayas.

5) Odisha CM Launches First Fintech Hub at GIFT City

• The Chief Minister of Odisha inaugurated the state’s first Fintech Hub at GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City).
• The hub aims to promote digital finance, start-ups, and global financial innovation.
• It marks Odisha’s growing presence in India’s fintech ecosystem.

6) Rajasthan’s Dungarpur Police Launch ‘Operation Sanskar’

• The Dungarpur district police, Rajasthan, launched ‘Operation Sanskar’ to counter youth crime and drug abuse.
• The initiative focuses on awareness campaigns, community engagement, and skill development.
• It represents a policing model that combines enforcement with social reform.

7) Trial Run of India’s First Urban Ropeway Transport System Held in Varanasi, UP

• The first trial run of an urban ropeway transport system was held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• Once operational, it will be India’s first city-based ropeway transport, designed to reduce traffic congestion.
• Ropeway stations will link Cantt Railway Station to Godowlia Chowk, covering about 3.8 km.

8) Aneesh Dayal Singh Appointed as Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA)

• Aneesh Dayal Singh, senior IPS officer and current Director General of CRPF, has been appointed as the Deputy National Security Advisor of India.
• The NSA framework assists in formulating strategic and security policies under the Prime Minister’s Office.
• His appointment adds significant expertise in internal security and counter-insurgency operations.