India has announced a USD 450 million reconstruction assistance package for cyclone Ditwah-affected Sri Lanka, in line with its MAHASAGAR policy.

About the MAHASAGAR doctrine

• It is an extension of SAGAR doctrine with a shift of focus from just  maritime security to economic and geopolitical concerns. 
  • The term ‘MAHASAGAR’ suggests more ambitious undertones to India’s maritime objectives as it means ‘Great Ocean’.
• Overall Objective: To strengthen India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean and Global South through inclusive growth, security, and sustainable development.

About SAGAR Doctrine:

• Launched in 2015, SAGAR aimed to improve India’s maritime engagement through five pillars. i.e.
  • Security Cooperation, Trade and Economic Integration, Capacity Building and Disaster Management, Sustainable Development, Connectivity and Infrastructure.

Recently DRDO successfully completed the Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG system.

About Akash- New Generation (NG) Missile 

• Type: Surface-to-air missile (SAM) defense system designed to work against diverse aerial threats e.g. high-speed, low-altitude and long-range high-altitude targets etc.
• Developed by: DRDO along with Bharat electronic limited (BEL).
• Features:  It is equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency seeker and propelled by a solid rocket motor.

Union Finance Minister expressed concerns over ‘poor maintenance’ of Hampi.

About Group of Monuments at Hampi

• It comprises mainly the remnants of the Capital City of Vijayanagara Empire (14th-16th Century AD).
• Location: Tungabhadra basin in Vijaynagar District (Karnataka).
• Important remains: Krishna temple, Narasimha, Ganesa, Hemakuta group of temples, Achyutaraya temple complex, Vitthala temple complex etc.
• Vitthla temple is the most exquisitely ornate structure on the site and represents the culmination of Vijayanagara temple architecture.
• It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.

India has been re-elected to the ICAO Council for the term 2025-2028.

About ICAO Council

• It is a governing body responsible for Secretariat oversight, and for ongoing diplomatic and technical decision making through ICAO while the Assembly is not in session.
• It comprises 36-members, elected by the 193 Member States during the ICAO Assembly, and serves as the governing body for a 3-year term.

About ICAO:

• It is a specialized United Nations agency established in 1944 under the Chicago Convention.
• Membership: 193 members in total.  India is one of its founding members.
• It coordinates global standards for safety, efficiency and sustainability in air transport.
• It ensures the smooth operation of the global air mobility network; promotes trade, cultural exchange, tourism, socio-economic development.

President of India presented the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar- 2025. 

About Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

• Objective: Recognise notable and inspiring contributions made by individuals or teams in fields of science, technology, and innovation.
• Eligibility: All scientists, technologists and innovators working in government or private organizations.
  • Also includes Indian origin individuals in abroad with exceptional contributions benefitting Indian communities or society. 
• Given in four categories:
  • Vigyan Ratna:  Lifetime achievements. 
  • Vigyan Shri: Distinguished contributions.  
  • Vigyan Yuva:  For young scientists.
  • Vigyan Team: Comprising three or more scientists/researchers/innovators .
• Given in 13 domains like Physics, Engineering Sciences, etc. 

Union Minister of Power, Housing & Urban Affairs, inaugurated the commercial operation of Unit–2 (250 MW) of 2000 MW Subansiri LEP. 

About Subansiri LEP

• India’s largest hydropower project, comprising 8 units of 250 MW each, designed as a Run-of-the-River scheme. 
  • Run-of-river projects use natural downward flow of rivers and micro turbine generators to capture kinetic energy carried by water. 
• Undertaken by: National Hydroelectric Power Corporation private Ltd (NHPC). 
• Location: North Lakhimpur on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.  
• River Subansiri is a major tributary of River Brahmaputra.

Kuwait signed an agreement with China to build Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port.

About Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port

• Location: Boubyan Island, Kuwait.
• Aim: Enhance regional trade and transportation, contributing to Kuwait’s economic diversification, reducing its reliance on oil.
• Operationalization: Entire project is expected to be operational by 2026. 
• Part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): BRI or New Silk Road, is China-led infrastructure projects launched in 2013. It has two components:
  • Silk Road Economic Belt: Land routes across Europe, Middle East, Central Asia and Asia. 
  • Maritime Silk Road: Sea routes across East Asia, South Asia, Middle East and Africa. 

Department of Posts transported Thanjavur Painting of Lord Ram from Bengaluru to Ayodhya. 

About Thanjavur Painting

• Classical art form named after the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. (Thanjavur was the capital of the Chola dynasty). 
• Flourished under Chola, Nayaks of Vijaynagara, and Maratha rulers.
• Key Features: 
  • Also called ‘Palagai Padam,’ meaning picture on a wooden plank as they are crafted on wooden planks.
  • Embellished with glass beads, semi-precious gems/stones, vibrant natural colors, and gold foil providing a three-dimensional effect. 
  • Known for their extravagant depictions of deities. 
• Received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag.