1. Anti-Paper Leak Law Made More Stringent

The Union Cabinet has approved draft amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 to strengthen action against paper leaks and examination fraud. The proposed amendments provide for imprisonment of up to 10 years, fines up to ₹10 crore, and the establishment of fast-track courts for cases involving organised cheating networks.

The tougher law aims to ensure transparency and fairness in public examinations conducted for recruitment and admissions. It is expected to deter criminal syndicates involved in question paper leaks and restore public confidence in India's examination system.

2. Pralhad Joshi Becomes New Union Education Minister

Following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, Pralhad Joshi has officially taken charge as the Union Minister of Education. Along with this responsibility, he will continue handling his existing ministerial portfolios.

As the new Education Minister, Pralhad Joshi is expected to oversee the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, strengthen digital education, improve skill development, and promote research and innovation across educational institutions.

3. Satya Pal Kumar Appointed Director of FIU-India

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Satya Pal Kumar, a 2005-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, as the new Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)-India.

FIU-India is responsible for collecting and analysing financial transaction reports to detect money laundering, terror financing, and other financial crimes. The appointment is expected to strengthen India's financial intelligence and regulatory framework.

Economy, Infrastructure & Trade

4. India Gets Relief Under New US Tariff Rules

The United States has implemented revised Section 301 tariffs on imports. Due to India's timely policy prohibiting imports made using forced labour, the country has been placed in a lower 10% tariff category, instead of the initially proposed 12.5% tariff.

This reduction is expected to improve the competitiveness of Indian exports in the US market and provide relief to exporters across several manufacturing sectors.

5. BHAVYA-Rasayan Scheme Approved

The Central Government has approved the ₹3,030 crore Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan (BHAVYA) scheme.

The scheme aims to establish three dedicated industrial chemical parks across India. Each park will receive up to ₹1,000 crore in central financial assistance to promote domestic chemical manufacturing, reduce import dependence, generate employment, and attract private investment.

6. India's First Bank-led Quantum Finance Hub

Punjab National Bank (PNB) and the Government of Andhra Pradesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish India's first bank-led Quantum Finance Hub at Amaravati Quantum Valley.

The initiative will promote research in quantum computing, cybersecurity, financial technology, and next-generation banking solutions, helping India become a global leader in quantum finance.

Defence & International Relations

7. India's First Tri-Service All-Women Global Sailing Expedition

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed and flagged in 'Samudra Pradakshina', India's first-ever tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition.

The team successfully completed an extraordinary 314-day voyage around the world, showcasing the courage, professionalism, and leadership of women officers from India's Armed Forces. The expedition marks a historic milestone for women's participation in defence.

8. India Condemns Attack on MV OMORFI

India strongly condemned the drone and missile attack on the commercial vessel MV OMORFI in the Black Sea, which resulted in the tragic death of an Indian seafarer.

The Government expressed condolences to the victim's family and reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety of international maritime trade routes and civilian shipping during global conflicts.

9. India Hosts 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting

As the Chair of BRICS 2026, India hosted the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting in Chandigarh.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the BRICS Health Ministerial Declaration, focusing on stronger healthcare cooperation, pandemic preparedness, digital health, vaccine collaboration, and improving access to affordable healthcare among BRICS nations.

Science, Education & Biodiversity

10. Punjab Introduces AI from Classes I-XII

Punjab has become the first Indian state to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a mainstream subject from Classes I to XII under the Sarbat.AI initiative.

The initiative aims to equip students with future-ready skills, computational thinking, coding knowledge, machine learning concepts, and responsible AI usage from an early age.

11. New Dinosaur Species Discovered in Gujarat

Paleontologists have announced the discovery of a new long-necked dinosaur species named Ceratocaudia antiqua from the Kutch district of Gujarat.

The dinosaur belonged to the macro-narian sauropod group and possessed a unique horn-like crest on its tail. The discovery provides valuable insights into dinosaur evolution and highlights India's importance in global paleontological research.