1) Alpine SG Pipers Win Tech Mahindra Global Chess League 2025

Winning Team:

Alpine SG Pipers

Tournament:

Tech Mahindra Global Chess League 2025

Significance:

• Alpine SG Pipers clinched the championship title in the franchise-based global chess league
• The league features top international and Indian grandmasters, blending classical strength with rapid formats
• Reflects the growing commercialisation and global appeal of chess

2) ZSI Discovers New Collembola Species Neelus sokkimensis in Sikkim

Discovered By:

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

Species:

Neelus sokkimensis

Category:

Collembola (Springtails – microscopic soil arthropods)

Location:

Sikkim

Significance:

• First record of this species in India
• Indicates rich soil biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas
• Important for ecological studies, soil health research, and biodiversity conservation

3) Josh Tongue Becomes First England Bowler This Century to Take 5 Wickets in Melbourne

Cricketer:

Josh Tongue

Achievement:

• First England bowler in the 21st century to take a five-wicket haul at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Location:

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia

Significance:

• Rare achievement for England bowlers in Australia
• Highlights Tongue’s rising stature in international cricket
• Important Ashes-related trivia for exams

4) UK Launches One-Year Paid Military ‘Gap Year’ Scheme

Announced By:

UK Ministry of Defence

Scheme Details:

• One-year paid military service for young people
• Focus on training, discipline, leadership, and national service

Objective:

• Address recruitment shortages
• Expose youth to military life without long-term commitment

Significance:

• Innovative defence recruitment model
• Reflects renewed emphasis on national service-style programmes in Europe

5) Eruption Occurs at Italy’s Mount Etna Volcano

Volcano:

Mount Etna

Country:

Italy

Details:

• One of the world’s most active volcanoes
• Lava flows and ash emissions reported

Significance:

• Important for volcanology and disaster monitoring
• Etna eruptions are closely tracked due to nearby settlements and air traffic impact

6) Israel Becomes First Country to Formally Recognise Somaliland

Recognising Country:

Israel

Entity Recognised:

Somaliland

Background:

• Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991
• Operates as a de-facto state but lacked international recognition

Significance:

• First formal international recognition of Somaliland
• Major geopolitical development in the Horn of Africa
• Could impact regional diplomacy and UN debates

7) P. V. Sindhu Appointed Chair of BWF Athletes’ Commission (2026–2029)

Sportsperson:

P. V. Sindhu

Organisation:

Badminton World Federation (BWF)

Tenure:

2026–2029

Role:

• Represent athlete interests
• Policy advocacy
• Athlete welfare & governance reforms

Significance:

• First Indian badminton player in such a global leadership role
• Enhances India’s voice in international sports governance