Defense & National Security

1. DRDO Successfully Tests Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM)

India achieved another significant milestone in defence technology as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.

The Kusha missile has been developed to strengthen India's air defence system by intercepting long-range aerial threats, including enemy fighter aircraft, stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, drones, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The successful test validates the missile's guidance, propulsion, radar integration, and interception capabilities.

The Kusha missile programme is considered India's indigenous alternative to advanced foreign air defence systems and will significantly improve the country's strategic defence preparedness.

Key Highlights

• Successfully tested by DRDO.
• Test conducted from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
• Designed to destroy long-range aerial threats.
• Strengthens India's multi-layered air defence network.
• Major boost to the 'Make in India' defence initiative.

2. NATO Members Raise Defence Spending Target to 5% of GDP

During the NATO Summit held in Ankara, Türkiye, member nations reaffirmed their commitment to Article 5, which states that an attack on one NATO member is considered an attack on all members.

The summit also approved "The Hague Defence Commitment," under which all member countries agreed to increase defence expenditure to at least 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035. The decision comes amid growing global security concerns, geopolitical tensions, and increasing military modernization requirements.

The higher spending target aims to improve collective defence capabilities, strengthen military readiness, and ensure long-term security cooperation among NATO allies.

Key Highlights

• Summit held in Ankara, Türkiye.
• Article 5 commitment reaffirmed.
• Defence spending target increased to 5% of GDP by 2035.
• Focus on collective security and military modernization.

International Relations & Summits

3. United States and Saudi Arabia Sign Historic '123 Agreement'

The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation framework under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, commonly known as the 123 Agreement.

Unlike previous negotiations, the new framework removes the earlier requirement linking the agreement to Saudi Arabia's diplomatic normalization with Israel. The agreement also allows greater flexibility regarding domestic uranium enrichment under mutually agreed safeguards.

The agreement is expected to strengthen strategic cooperation between both countries while supporting Saudi Arabia's peaceful nuclear energy programme.

Key Highlights

• Signed under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act.
• Expands civilian nuclear cooperation.
• Previous Israel-normalization condition removed.
• Supports peaceful nuclear energy development.

4. India Hosts BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction

As the BRICS Chair for 2026, India hosted the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in New Delhi.

The meeting focused on improving cooperation among BRICS nations for disaster preparedness, early warning systems, climate resilience, emergency response, and capacity building. Ministers agreed to work toward a collaborative regional disaster response framework to reduce the impact of natural disasters.

The initiative highlights India's growing leadership role in global disaster management.

Key Highlights

• Hosted in New Delhi.
• India chaired the meeting.
• Focus on disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
• Regional disaster response framework proposed.

5. India and Tanzania Strengthen Educational Partnership

Tanzanian President Hussein Ali Mwinyi attended the 63rd Convocation of IIT Madras, where the final master plan for the upcoming International IIT Campus on the Fumba Peninsula, Zanzibar, was unveiled.

The project represents a significant milestone in India-Africa educational cooperation. Once operational, the campus will provide world-class engineering and technology education while strengthening academic collaboration between India and Tanzania.

Key Highlights

• IIT campus planned in Zanzibar.
• Master plan unveiled during IIT Madras Convocation.
• Strengthens India-Tanzania relations.
• Promotes global higher education collaboration.

Economy, Policy & Banking

6. Government Relaxes FDI Rules for E-Commerce Exports

The Government of India eased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules for the e-commerce sector by allowing foreign-funded companies to operate inventory-based models exclusively for sourcing products manufactured in India for export.

The policy aims to increase exports, attract global investment, support Indian manufacturers, and improve India's position in international supply chains without affecting domestic retail regulations.

Key Highlights

• FDI norms relaxed.
• Inventory model allowed only for exports.
• Supports Indian manufacturing.
• Expected to boost exports and investments.

7. NABARD and MAHAPREIT Sign Green Infrastructure MoU

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAHAPREIT to jointly finance sustainable and green infrastructure projects across rural Maharashtra.

The partnership will support renewable energy, solar projects, rural electrification, water conservation, climate-resilient infrastructure, and environmentally sustainable development.

Key Highlights

• Green infrastructure financing.
• Rural Maharashtra to benefit.
• Focus on renewable energy.
• Supports sustainable rural development.

8. EnKash Launches India's First UPI-Based Corporate Meal Card

Fintech company EnKash introduced India's first UPI-powered corporate meal card, allowing employees to use meal benefits directly through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

The innovation eliminates the need for separate prepaid meal cards and enables seamless digital payments at eligible restaurants and food outlets while simplifying employee benefit management.

Key Highlights

• First UPI-enabled meal card.
• Direct integration with UPI.
• Easier employee benefit utilization.
• Supports India's digital payment ecosystem.

Environment & Global Studies

9. FAO Releases SOFI 2026 Report on Global Hunger

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) published the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2026 Report.

According to the report, global hunger declined slightly to approximately 645 million people, representing 7.8% of the world's population. Although progress has been made, the report stresses that climate change, conflicts, economic instability, and food inflation continue to threaten global food security.

Key Highlights

• Global hunger reduced to 645 million.
• Represents 7.8% of world population.
• Climate change remains a major challenge.
• Published by FAO.

10. Study Identifies Indian Paddy Fields as Major Methane Hotspot

A research paper published in Nature Food identified India's irrigated paddy fields as one of the world's largest methane emission hotspots.

The study estimates that Indian rice cultivation releases around 3.9 million tonnes of methane annually, mainly due to waterlogged farming practices. Researchers suggest adopting climate-smart agricultural techniques, improved irrigation, and alternate wetting and drying methods to reduce emissions.

Key Highlights

• Published in Nature Food.
• India emits about 3.9 million tonnes of methane annually from paddy cultivation.
• Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas.
• Climate-smart farming can reduce emissions.

Science & Biodiversity

11. New Stingless Bee Species Discovered in Nagaland

Scientists officially announced the discovery of a new subterranean stingless bee species named Tetragonula yikhumensis from Wokha district, Nagaland.

Unlike most stingless bees, this newly identified species nests underground. Researchers believe the discovery will improve understanding of pollinator diversity, ecosystem conservation, and biodiversity in Northeast India.

The finding also highlights the ecological richness of Nagaland and the importance of protecting its unique habitats.

Key Highlights

• New species: Tetragonula yikhumensis.
• Discovered in Wokha, Nagaland.
• Underground nesting stingless bee.
• Important for biodiversity conservation.