Category: National

The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog, in collaboration with DP World, has launched a joint initiative titled ‘We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises’. About the Initiative ‘We Rise’ has been introduced under the aegis of WEP’s Award to Reward (ATR) programme. The initiative seeks to support and scale women-led enterprises in India by providing access to: Focus of the Programme The initiative will focus Read More …

The 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH8) concluded successfully in Guwahati, marking a major step forward in global spice standard-setting efforts. Three New Spice Standards Finalized A key highlight of the session was the finalization of three new Codex standards for: These standards have been recommended for adoption by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the international food standards body established by the FAO and WHO Read More …

The Union Ministry of Mines has issued a notification classifying limestone entirely as a major mineral, removing its previous dual classification that depended on end use. Earlier Classification Previously, limestone was treated as both a major and minor mineral based on its intended use: New Classification and Impact With the latest notification, all forms of limestone will now be treated as a major mineral. Recent Related Changes Earlier, through a Read More …

Background: Decline in Naxal Influence Government Strategy: The National Action Plan and Policy The government’s success is attributed to the rigorous implementation of the National Action Plan and Policy on LWE, which adopts a multi-pronged approach: 1. Security and Intelligence 2. Ideological and Financial Measures 3. Development and Governance Impact and Future Goals (Source: PIB)

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A, manufactured at the third production line of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), successfully completed its maiden flight in Nashik. Defence Minister Inaugurates New Production Lines About the New Production Line Existing Facilities About the Aircraft Strategic Significance (Source: TH)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced plans to extend the range of the Astra Mark 2 air-to-air missile to over 200 kilometres, marking a significant step in India’s pursuit of indigenous beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat capabilities. Objective and Context Incorporation of Advanced Features Technical Advancements and Collaborations Strategic Significance

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched the Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA) to promote innovation and collaboration in the digital identity domain. Objective and Vision Key Focus Areas Strategic Partnerships Alignment with National Priorities

When Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, visited Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh recently, it marked a significant moment for one of India’s most renowned Islamic seminaries. The visit rekindled the long-standing historical and religious ties between Afghanistan and Deoband. Historical Background of Darul Uloom DeobandFounded on May 31, 1866, in Deoband town of Saharanpur district, about 150 km from Delhi, the Darul Uloom Deoband was Read More …

The Union Ministry of Mines has released the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) along with State rankings, marking a major initiative to encourage mining sector reforms and promote competitive federalism among States. The launch also fulfills the announcement made in the Union Budget 2025–26. About the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI)The SMRI serves as a comprehensive tool to assess and compare the performance and preparedness of States in the non-coal Read More …

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation an Advanced Night Vision Factory at Nimmaluru, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, on October 16, 2025. The facility marks a major milestone in India’s quest for defence indigenization and technological self-reliance. Enhancing Defence Manufacturing CapabilitiesThe Advanced Night Vision Factory will significantly boost India’s ability to produce cutting-edge night vision equipment, missile sensors, and drone guard systems. This initiative is expected to enhance Read More …

The National Security Guard (NSG), India’s elite counter-terrorism and counter-hijack force, will soon set up a new hub in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This addition will mark the seventh operational hub, complementing existing facilities in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Jammu. Round-the-Clock Presence of Commandos Extensive Reconnaissance Across India Foundation Stone for Special Operations Training Centre (SOTC) About the National Security Guard Structure and Inspiration

Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, inaugurated residential accommodation for Senior Sailors and Defence Civilians of the Indian Navy as part of Project Seabird Phase IIA at Naval Base, Karwar, on 14 Oct 2025. (Source: PIB)

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