Politics & International Relations

• US-Ukraine Peace Talks Progress Amid Russian Demands: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated progress in peace talks with the United States regarding a peace plan to end the conflict with Russia. However, Moscow continues to insist on radical changes to any proposed agreement, with a US envoy suggesting a deal is close.
• Benin Foils Coup Attempt: A coup attempt by elements within Benin's armed forces was unsuccessful, with President Patrice Talon confirming the situation is "under control." Reports indicate that the Nigerian Air Force launched airstrikes against pro-coup forces in support of the Beninese government.
• Gaza Ceasefire Developments: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for advancing to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Concurrently, a Hamas official stated the group is prepared to discuss "freezing or storing" its weapons if the Israeli occupation concludes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also anticipates moving to the second phase soon.
• India-Iran Chabahar Port Agreement: India has solidified its strategic and economic ties with Iran by signing a 10-year agreement to develop and operate the Shahid Beheshti Port Terminal at Chabahar Port. This move is expected to enhance India's trade routes and geopolitical influence in the region.
• Japan-China Tensions Over Airspace: Japan lodged a formal protest after a Chinese naval aircraft carrier jet reportedly targeted a Japanese Air Self-Defense Force fighter jet with radar. China, however, denied the accusation, claiming Japan's frequent close-in reconnaissance activities are the primary risk to maritime and air security, and lodged counter-protests.
• US Under Secretary of State Visits India: Allison Hooker, the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, is on a visit to India to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership. Discussions are focusing on deepening economic and commercial ties, including increasing American exports and fostering collaboration in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and space exploration.

Economy

• Federal Reserve Expected to Cut Rates: Global markets are closely watching the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy meeting, with widespread anticipation of a 25-basis point interest rate cut. Several other central banks, including those in Canada, Brazil, Switzerland, Australia, Turkey, and the Philippines, are also scheduled to announce their interest rate decisions this week.
• Concerns Over WTO E-commerce Rules: China's push for data sovereignty and other national data localization policies are reportedly weakening the efficacy of World Trade Organization (WTO) e-commerce rules. This trend is leading to fragmentation in global digital regulations and posing challenges for international trade.
• RBI Announces Liquidity Measures: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled significant measures to support liquidity and stabilize the rupee. These include open market operation (OMO) purchases and a three-year dollar-rupee swap.

Science & Technology

• AI Breakthrough in Drug Discovery: ChemLex, an AI-for-science startup, has secured $45 million in funding and launched a self-driving laboratory in Singapore aimed at accelerating drug discovery. This initiative leverages AI technologies to drastically reduce the time-to-market for new chemical compounds in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Space Telescope Light Pollution Threat: A NASA-led study has warned that light reflections from the rapidly increasing number of satellites orbiting Earth could compromise over 95% of images captured by some space telescopes within the next decade.
• Scientists Explain "Impossible" Black Hole Merger: Astrophysicists have provided a new explanation for the previously mysterious merger of two unusually massive black holes. Their simulations suggest that magnetic fields play a crucial role in determining the mass and spin of black holes, accounting for the characteristics observed in such events.
• UN Declares 2025 as International Year of Quantum Science: The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. This declaration signifies a global shift in focus from theoretical advancements to the practical applications and measurable value of quantum technologies across various sectors.

Social Welfare & Disasters

• Sri Lanka Devastated by Cyclone Ditwah: The death toll from Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has tragically climbed to 627, with hundreds more still reported missing. India has extended emergency relief efforts to assist the affected nation.
• Fatal Nightclub Fire in Goa: A devastating fire at a nightclub in Goa has claimed the lives of 23 to 25 individuals. Investigations are underway, with preliminary findings suggesting violations of safety norms contributed to the tragedy.
• 100 Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolchildren Released: In a positive development, 100 kidnapped schoolchildren in Nigeria have been successfully released, bringing relief to their families and communities.

Sports

• Lando Norris Wins F1 Championship: Lando Norris has clinched the Formula 1 World Championship, preventing Max Verstappen from securing a fifth consecutive title.
• Brazil Triumphs in FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup: Brazil emerged victorious in the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup, defeating Portugal 3-0 in the final.
• Spain Reaches FIH Junior World Cup Final: Spain has advanced to the final of the FIH Junior World Cup. Meanwhile, India's campaign concluded in the semifinals after a 5-1 loss to Germany.