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
