A. National Current Affairs – India

1. Government Approves ₹14,500-Crore Scheme to Boost Energy Storage

• The Union Cabinet approved a ₹14,500-crore Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme to promote large-scale energy storage infrastructure.
• The initiative aims to support the development of grid-scale battery storage systems and improve the reliability of renewable energy.
• The scheme is expected to strengthen India's clean-energy transition by helping integrate solar and wind power into the national electricity grid.

2. Agniveers to Get an Option for Two-Year Extension in Service

• A revised Agnipath framework reportedly offers an optional two-year extension to the remaining 75% of Agniveers after their initial four-year engagement.
• The proposed arrangement is aimed at providing greater continuity of service and additional career opportunities.
• The development is significant for India's military recruitment and retention policy, particularly in the context of strengthening the armed forces.

3. India Launches SUVIKALP Tool for Sustainable Mine Repurposing

• The Ministry of Coal introduced the SUVIKALP (Mine Repurposing Tool) to promote the productive reuse of abandoned and closed coal and lignite mines.
• Developed by the Coal Controller Organisation, the digital platform evaluates possible land uses through environmental, financial, technical and social criteria.
• The initiative aims to encourage sustainable land management, community participation and economic development in former mining areas.

4. Supreme Court Questions the Relevance of Two-Child Norms in Elections

• The Supreme Court observed that declining fertility rates have raised questions about the continued relevance of two-child restrictions for electoral eligibility.
• The Court indicated that its earlier 2003 ruling in the Javed case may require reconsideration by a larger Bench.
• The development has renewed debate over reproductive rights, population policy and the eligibility criteria applicable to elected representatives.

🌍 B. International Current Affairs

1. Amazon Rainforest Reportedly Turns from Carbon Sink into Carbon Source

• A scientific study published in the journal Nature has highlighted concerns that parts of the Amazon rainforest are releasing more carbon than they absorb.
• Deforestation, forest degradation, rising temperatures and prolonged droughts are among the major factors affecting the rainforest's carbon balance.
• The development raises serious concerns about global warming, biodiversity conservation and the future of the world's largest tropical rainforest.

2. Iran Announces Transit Exemptions for Ships from Four Countries

• Iran reportedly announced exemptions from certain Strait of Hormuz transit restrictions for vessels belonging to four countries, including India and China.
• The development is important because the Strait of Hormuz is a major international route for global petroleum transportation.
• The announcement carries significant implications for international trade, energy security and maritime relations amid tensions in the Gulf region.

3. Hong Kong Activist Joshua Wong Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

• Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong was reportedly sentenced to 10 years in prison in a national security-related case.
• The case has once again drawn international attention to Hong Kong's national security legislation and the treatment of pro-democracy activists.
• The development has renewed discussions about civil liberties, freedom of expression and political rights in the region.

4. South Korea Plans to Expand Naval Operations Near the Strait of Hormuz

• South Korea announced plans to expand its maritime security operations closer to the Strait of Hormuz.
• The proposed deployment includes maritime patrol aircraft and an explosive ordnance disposal team to support the safety of commercial shipping.
• The move highlights the growing international concern over maritime security and uninterrupted energy supplies through strategically important waterways.

🏆 C. Sports Current Affairs

1. India Defeats New Zealand in the First ODI

• India secured a victory over New Zealand in the opening One-Day International of the series.
• India won by five wickets under the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method after New Zealand were bowled out for 185 runs.
• The victory gave India an early advantage in the series and highlighted the team's ability to perform under challenging match conditions.

2. India Defeats Pakistan 3–2 in the SAFF Championship

• India registered a 3–2 victory over Pakistan in an exciting SAFF Championship encounter.
• Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored twice for India, playing a crucial role in securing the victory.
• India held a three-goal advantage before Pakistan scored twice late in the match, making the closing moments particularly competitive.

3. Como Stuns Lens with a Historic 9–1 Victory

• Italian club Como registered a remarkable 9–1 victory against Lens in a European football competition.
• The result was reported as a record-breaking away victory in the UEFA Champions League, highlighting Como's extraordinary attacking performance.
• The emphatic result attracted international attention because of the remarkable turnaround in Como's journey through Italian football.

4. India Crushes South Korea 8–1 to Reach Tournament Final

• The Indian team delivered an impressive performance against South Korea, securing an 8–1 victory.
• The dominant win helped India qualify for the tournament final against Japan.
• The result highlighted India's attacking strength, teamwork and determination ahead of the title clash