Prime Minister recently announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra focused on protection of the nation’s critical civil and defence infrastructure by 2035.

About Sudarshan Chakra Mission

• It is a comprehensive national security initiative to safeguard India's vital assets.
• It will equip critical national sites with cutting-edge technology and powerful weapon systems by 2035.
• The mission aims not only to neutralize enemy attacks but also to deliver impactful counterstrikes, much like the Sudarshan Chakra.
• It will be designed to enhance rapid, precise, and powerful defence responses, reinforcing India’s strategic autonomy.

The President of USA and Russia met in Alaska regarding the Ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.

About Alaska

• It is a non-contiguous U.S. state on the northwest extremity of the North American continent. 
• It was bought by the USA from Russia as per Alaska Treaty 1867.
• Maritime Boundaries: Beaufort Sea and Arctic Ocean (North), Gulf of Alaska and Pacific Ocean (South), Bering Sea (West),Chukchi Sea (Northwest)
• The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, are visible across much of Alaska
• Nearly one-third of the state lies within the Arctic Circle, and about 85% of Alaska is underlain by permafrost.

Supreme Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government to consider converting the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA) into a Metropolitan Corporation for people-centric governance. 

• Noida in Delhi-NCR, does not have an elected local government, but is governed by NOIDA, constituted under the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Area Development Act, 1976. 

Municipal Corporation

• Created for administration of big cities and established by concerned state legislatures.
• Municipal Corporation has three main authorities – Council (legislative wing), Standing Committees (facilitates council’s working) and Commissioner (chief executive authority).

Indian Naval Ships INS Rana (a Guided Missile Destroyer) and INS Jyoti (Fleet Tanker) will participate in the 12th edition of Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25) in Colombo.

About SLINEX

• It is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, started in 2005.
• Aim:   enhancing interoperability, maritime cooperation, and exchanging best practices between both Navies.
• Significance: in consonance with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy ’ and Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR)

India's maize cultivation has surged mainly driven by the ethanol push.

About Maize Crop:

• A kharif crop: requires a temperature between 21°C to 27°C and grows well in old alluvial soil. 
  • In some states like Bihar, maize is also grown in the rabi season. 
• Can be used both as food and fodder. 
• Major Maize-growing states: Karnataka (Top producer), Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
• Major Export Destinations (2023-24): Vietnam, Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Thailand.

India rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s (PCA) award on issues of general interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty.

About Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)

• It is a treaty based intergovernmental organization to facilitate arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution between states.
• Genesis: It was established in 1899 by the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes, during first Hague Peace Conference. 
• Contracting Parties: 125 members including India. 
• Headquarters: Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands.

The President of South Africa announced the launch of the Global Outlook Council on Water Investments (GOCWI).

About GOCWI

• Launched as a G20 Presidential Legacy Initiative, it forms a core pillar of the Global Water Partnership’s (GWP) Global Transformation Agenda on Water Investments.
  • GWP is a multi-stakeholder action network and intergovernmental organisation dedicated to equitable, sustainable, and efficient management of water resources.
  • GWP’s Transformation Agenda aims to mobilise 15 billion for water security by 2030.
• It will serve as a high-level platform to sustain political and financial momentum for water investments worldwide.

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is bridging critical gaps in healthcare by offering essential care in Iraq.

About MSF

• MSF is an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation founded in 1971 in France in the wake of war and famine in Biafra, Nigeria.
• It focuses on delivering emergency medical humanitarian aid quickly, effectively, and impartially.
• It was awarded the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its pioneering humanitarian work on several continents.