1. Critical Minerals
India’s first deep-sea auction of critical minerals, vital for EVs, defence, and renewable energy, has been delayed due to low bidder interest. Critical minerals are essential for modern tech and national security but have supply risks. They are used in electronics, semiconductors, EVs, wind turbines, solar panels, batteries, stainless steel, and more. Major producers include Chile, Indonesia, Congo, China, Australia, and South Africa. In 2023, India listed 30 critical minerals, granting the central government exclusive auction rights. The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) aims for domestic production, global acquisitions, mineral recycling, stockpiling, research, and establishing processing parks and Centers of Excellence.

2. Fatah-4 Missile
Pakistan successfully tested the Fatah-IV, a long-range cruise missile with a 750 km range, Mach 0.7 speed, and 330 kg conventional warhead. It features advanced navigation, terrain-hugging flight, and a low 4-meter circular error probability (CEP), enabling high accuracy.

3. Niger River
A boat accident on the Niger River in north-central Nigeria killed 26 people. The Niger is West Africa’s largest river, 4,200 km long, flowing through Mali, Niger, Benin, and Nigeria into the Atlantic via the Niger Delta. The delta hosts the fifth largest mangrove forest and major cities include Bamako, Niamey, and Onitsha.

4. Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary
Goa’s Wildlife Board recommended placing the iron ore handling proposal at Kalem railway station in Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary before the National Board for Wildlife. The sanctuary, home to Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Devil’s Canyon, and rich biodiversity, houses leopards, elephants, gaur, king cobras, and 200 bird species amidst tropical forests.

5. INS Imphal
INS Imphal, an indigenously built stealth guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy, took part in a PASSEX with USS Gridley. Commissioned in December 2023, it is part of the Visakhapatnam-class, equipped with BrahMos missiles, anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine weapons, modern radar, and TACS. It supports up to 45 days of endurance and is the first Indian warship named after a Northeast city with accommodation for women officers.

6. Bathukamma Festival
Telangana’s Bathukamma Festival, a nine-day floral celebration honoring feminine energy and agricultural prosperity, set two new Guinness World Records. Rooted in Kakatiya dynasty traditions, it culminates with Saddula Bathukamma or Pedda Bathukamma, followed by the seven-day Boddemma festival.

7. Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT)
India invoked the MLAT with Singapore regarding a singer’s death. MLATs allow countries to cooperate in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting crimes across borders, covering evidence sharing, locating individuals, judicial assistance, and freezing or confiscating crime proceeds. India has treaties with over 45 countries.

8. Payments Regulatory Board (PRB)
The RBI formed a six-member PRB under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, replacing the BPSS. Chaired by the RBI Governor, it regulates and supervises all domestic and cross-border payment systems, supported by the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS), meeting at least twice a year.

9. Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses
The Union Cabinet approved a six-year Mission to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses. Key features include research, quality seed production, training programs, cluster-based interventions, 1,000 processing units, and assured procurement under the Price Support Scheme (PM-AASHA) to enhance productivity and market stability.

10. Biomedical Research Career Programme Phase III (BRCP)
The Union Cabinet approved Phase III of BRCP to nurture top biomedical research talent from 2025–2037, funded ₹1,500 crore jointly by DBT and Wellcome Trust. The programme includes Early Career & Intermediate Fellowships, Collaborative Grants, research management support, mentorship, networking, and international partnerships, building on Phases I and II of India Alliance.