NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Parliament passes the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill 2025: The Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, marks the second major aviation reform under Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.The bill aims to align India’s aircraft leasing and financing ecosystem with global standards, providing a critical boost to investor confidence in the country’s rapidly growing aviation market.It builds on the framework of the Cape Town Convention of 2001, which sought to simplify and standardize international leasing agreements. Although India formally adopted this convention in 2008, gaps in legal enforcement led to higher leasing costs—typically 8 to 10 percent higher than in other nations. This legislation aims to address those gaps, ensuring legal certainty for aircraft financiers and reducing costs for Indian carriers.
2. Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil launches a new website of the Department of Water Resources, RD &GR based: Union Minister of Jal Shakti, R. Patil, launched a new website for the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR) in New Delhi.This initiative aligns with the Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) framework, aiming to create a cohesive digital ecosystem across all government departments.Key features of the new website include:Consistent User Experience: The DBIM framework ensures a uniform look and feel across government websites, enhancing user navigation and accessibility.Enhanced Accessibility: The website complies with the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), making it accessible to all citizens, including those with disabilities.
3. Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil launches Web-based Reservoir Storage Monitoring System (RSMS) Portal: Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil launched the Web-based Reservoir Storage Monitoring System (RSMS) Portal in New Delhi, which automates the generation of weekly water storage bulletins, replacing the earlier manual system.The portal monitors 161 key reservoirs (total live storage capacity of 182.375 BCM) and provides real-time updates, graphs, tables, and downloadable bulletins. It is accessible to decision-makers and the general public.Bulletins are issued every Thursday and shared with agencies including PMO, NITI Aayog, IMD, MoJS, and various state governments. Advisories are released in case of critical storage situations.Reservoir data support agriculture, power, domestic use, disaster management, and climate resilience, playing a critical role in ensuring water security and planning crop cycles across the country.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Hungary first European country to withdraw from the ICC: The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced that his country is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Hungary is the first European country to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, which was established in 2002.The decision to withdraw from the ICC was announced by Viktor Orbán in the presence of the visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on a four-day official visit to Hungary.The ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his alleged war crimes in Gaza.Hungary, being the founder member of the ICC and a signatory to the 1998 Rome Statute, was under an obligation to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. With Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the ICC, the country is under no obligation to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu.
2. The Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines: The Ottawa Convention, also known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, was concluded during a diplomatic conference in Oslo on 18 September 1997. It was opened for signature in Ottawa from 3 to 4 December 1997 and later at the United Nations Headquarters. The treaty came into force on 1 March 1999. Its aim is to eliminate the humanitarian crisis caused by anti-personnel mines, which are designed to detonate when triggered by unsuspecting individuals. Under the Convention, countries were required to destroy their landmine stockpiles within four years. However, compliance has varied. Russia, USA, China, India, and Israel have never signed this treaty.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. India’s Defence Export Protocol: India’s Ministry of External Affairs recently defended its strategic trade practices amid claims of improper arms supply to Russia. This comes in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions and India’s commitment to international trade regulations. The Ministry asserted that Indian companies adhere strictly to export controls and end-user commitments.In FY 2024-25, defence exports reached ₹23,622 crore, marking a 12.04% growth from the previous year. The government has implemented measures to simplify licensing requirements, facilitating an increase in defence exports. This includes support for both Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and the emerging private sector.
2. Challenges Facing Advanced Light Helicopter Operations: Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the ALH has been grounded due to safety concerns following fatal crashes. This situation has raised alarms about the helicopter’s reliability and the implications for military operations.The ALH programme commenced in 1984, with initial design support from Germany. The helicopter first flew in 1992 and achieved military certification in 2002. It was designed for multi-role missions and is classified into several variants, including Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III, and Mk-IV. Despite its potential, the ALH has encountered various operational setbacks.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Re-Entry of POEM-4 Module: To ensure a safe re-entry, ISRO engineers performed engine restarts to de-orbit POEM-4 to a nearly circular orbit at 350 km with a 55.2° inclination. The module was passivated by venting remaining fuel, reducing the risk of accidental break-up during descent.During its operational period, POEM-4 hosted various innovative payloads. Notably, it included India’s first astrobiology experiments developed by students from RV College of Engineering and Amity University. The payloads successfully collected valuable scientific data, contributing to research in space technology and astrobiology.
2. Rapid-CRISPR for Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia Diagnosis: Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is a rare but aggressive form of leukaemia. This blood cancer arises from a genetic mutation involving the fusion of PML and RARA genes. The result is decrease in white blood cells and platelets. This reduction hampers the body’s ability to fight infections and manage bleeding. APL can cause severe internal bleeding, particularly in vital organs. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to death within days. However, early diagnosis and treatment can lead to high cure rates.Researchers at Tata Memorial Hospital have developed a new diagnostic test called RAPID-CRISPR. This test utilises CRISPR technology for rapid and accurate diagnosis. The test can deliver results in under three hours. It is also more cost-effective than traditional tests. Importantly, it does not require complex laboratory setups.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. What is Stagflation?: Stagflation refers to a situation where an economy experiences slow growth, high unemployment, and persistent inflation simultaneously. This combination creates a challenging environment for economic management.The current global economy faces stagflation risks due to supply chain disruptions, rising commodity prices, and geopolitical tensions. Policymakers must navigate these challenges to promote stability and growth.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Recent Award: Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award – Nikhil SinghalUgadi Award from the Andhra Pradesh government – Historian and archaeologist MyNaa Swamy59th Jnanpith Award – Vinod Kumar Shukla (for Deewar Mein Ek Khirki Rehti Thi)Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024 – Veteran Sculptor Ram SutarOeko-Tex certification from Germany for Eri silk – North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development CorporationStockholm Water Prize 2025 – Austrian hydrologist Günter Blöschl (for his groundbreaking contributions to flood risk management and water resource engineering)
2. Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana Award
: The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana is the highest civilian honour awarded by Sri Lanka. It recognises foreign leaders who have encourageed strong ties with the nation. Recently, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi received this award during his state visit to Sri Lanka.The award consists of a silver medal adorned with nine Sri Lankan gems, known as Navarathna. The design features a globe surrounded by lotus petals. At the centre is a Pun Kalasa, symbolising prosperity. The medal also includes symbols of the Sun and Moon, along with a Dharma Chakra, representing shared Buddhist heritage. It is presented with a 6.5 cm wide ribbon for wearing around the neck.
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