Ashfaqulla Khan
Tribute was paid to freedom fighter Ashfaqulla Khan on his birth anniversary.
- Born in 1900 in Uttar Pradesh.
- Founded Hindustan Republican Association in 1924, along with Ram Prasad Bismil, Sachindra Nath Bakshi and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee
- Participated in Kakori Train Action 1925
- Awarded death sentence along with Ram Prasad Bismil, Rajendra Lahiri and Roshan Singh
Commonwealth Games 2026
Recently, CWG 2026 (will be held in Glasgow) edition was unveiled which features only 10 sports.
- 6 sports have been dropped from 2026 edition, including badminton, cricket, hockey, squash, table tennis and wrestling.
- CWG – 1st held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada.
- Held every 4 years.
- India hosted Games in 2010 at Delhi.
National Water Awards
Recently, President of India presented fifth NWA
- Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- Aim: To create awareness on the importance of water and to promote best water usage practices
- Odisha is best state and Surat (Gujarat) is Best ULB
Global Energy Monitor
Global Energy Monitor’s news study on BRICS nations released
- Fossil capacity is set to drop below half of the power capacity mix in BRICS bloc for the first time ever in 2024.
- Wind and utility-scale solar capacity in development across BRICS is double the amount of coal, oil, and gas power capacity.
- BRICS countries have enough renewables projects in development to nearly triple capacity by 2030.
- BRICS Members – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, UAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Egypt
Paraboiled Rice
Union Government has scrapped export tax on parboiled rice to boost rice exports.
- Rice that has been partially boiled at the paddy stage in its inedible husk, before milling.
- Also called miniket in West Bengal and Odisha.
- Significance – Increase in rice yield, prevents from insect attacks, contains more of B-vitamins and produces a bran higher in oil content.