1. Conclusion of CMS COP15 in Brazil

The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) concluded in Campo Grande, Brazil. The summit, held under the slogan "Connecting Nature to Sustain Life," addressed the global biodiversity crisis with a specific focus on ecological connectivity.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• State of the World Report: An interim report warned that nearly 49% of migratory species conserved under the UN treaty are currently in decline.
• New Protections: Parties agreed to grant the highest level of protection to 44 additional species, including the giant otter and several shark and seabird species.
• Ecological Connectivity: A primary outcome was the emphasis on safeguarding "migratory corridors" to ensure species can move freely across international boundaries.
• CMS Status: The CMS (also known as the Bonn Convention) is the only global convention specializing in the conservation of migratory species and their habitats.

2. Indonesia Bans Social Media for Children Under 16

Indonesia has officially become the first country in Southeast Asia to enforce a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 16. This regulation follows a similar landmark move by Australia.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Targeted Platforms: The ban applies to major digital platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
• Compliance: The Indonesian government has mandated that tech companies implement robust age verification systems; platforms like 'X' have already updated their help centers to reflect the 16-year minimum age requirement for Indonesian users.
• Objective: To protect minors from digital risks such as cyberbullying, data exploitation, and exposure to harmful content.
• Legal Context: The regulation is enforced by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, with strict sanctions for non-compliant platforms.

3. Sheetal Devi: World Archery 'Para Archer of the Year 2025'

Indian archer Sheetal Devi has been honored as the Para Archer of the Year 2025 by World Archery. This global recognition follows her extraordinary performance on the international circuit.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Historical Feat: Sheetal is the first and only female armless archer to win a gold medal at the World Para Archery Championships (achieved in Gwangju, South Korea).
• Technique: Born with Phocomelia, she draws the bow using her feet, legs, and shoulder, a unique style that has made her a global icon of the sport.
• Medal Haul: Her breakthrough season included a world title, a Paris Paralympics bronze in the mixed team event, and multiple medals at the Asian Para Games.
• Other Winners: The 2025 World Archery Awards also named Emircan Haney (Turkey) as the overall Archer of the Year.

4. Gerd Faltings Awarded the Abel Prize 2026

The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters has awarded the Abel Prize 2026 to the German mathematician Gerd Faltings. Often described as the "Nobel Prize for Mathematics," this honor recognizes his monumental contributions to arithmetic geometry.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Citation: Awarded for introducing powerful tools in arithmetic geometry and resolving long-standing conjectures by Mordell and Lang.
• Historical Context: Faltings is the first German mathematician to receive the Abel Prize. He is also a recipient of the Fields Medal (1986).
• Major Work: He is best known for proving the Mordell Conjecture, a problem that had remained unsolved for over six decades.
• Affiliation: Faltings has been a long-time director at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in Bonn.

5. Indian Army Receives First Batch of 'Prahar' LMGs

In a significant boost to indigenous defense manufacturing, the Indian Army has received its first batch of 2,000 'Prahar' Light Machine Guns (LMGs) from Adani Defence and Aerospace.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Specifications: The 'Prahar' is a 7.62 x 51 mm calibre LMG, known internationally as the Negev NG7.
• Joint Venture: It is manufactured at the Small Arms Complex in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, through a partnership with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI).
• Total Order: The delivery is part of a larger contract for approximately 41,000 LMGs to be supplied to the Indian Armed Forces.
• Manufacturing Achievement: The first batch was delivered ahead of schedule, marking a transition for the Indian private sector from a component manufacturer to a full Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for small arms.