1. PM Modi Inaugurates Kartavya Bhavan in New Delhi
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Kartavya Bhavan in New Delhi, marking a significant addition to India’s administrative infrastructure. The new building has been built as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, aiming to modernize and reorganize government workspaces in the national capital.
Kartavya Bhavan is designed to enhance administrative efficiency, optimize office space, and reflect the spirit of transparent and people-centric governance.
Details:
What is Kartavya Bhavan?
- Kartavya Bhavan is a newly constructed government building near India Gate and is part of the revamped Central Secretariat.
- It is intended to house several key ministries and departments, bringing them under one roof for better coordination and ease of governance.
- The name “Kartavya” (meaning duty) symbolizes the government’s emphasis on service-oriented and responsible administration.
About the Central Vista Project
- Central Vista is India’s most ambitious infrastructure redevelopment plan in recent years.
- It includes:
- A new Parliament building (already inaugurated in 2023)
- Revamping of Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath)
- New office complexes like Kartavya Bhavan
- A common Central Secretariat and Prime Minister’s residence
- The aim is to replace old and scattered British-era structures with modern, energy-efficient, and secure offices.
Features of Kartavya Bhavan
- Built with a focus on sustainability, using green building materials and energy-efficient systems.
- Designed to accommodate thousands of government employees.
- Equipped with modern amenities, high-speed digital infrastructure, and barrier-free access.
- Incorporates architectural elements reflecting Indian culture and democratic values.
Why This Inauguration Matters
- The Bhavan brings together various ministries, leading to faster inter-departmental collaboration.
- Reduces reliance on multiple rented office spaces across Delhi, saving costs in the long run.
- Enhances public service delivery by offering a centralized location for citizen access.
- Symbolically reinforces the government’s shift from power to duty, as reflected in the renaming of Rajpath to Kartavya Path.
Conclusion:
The inauguration of Kartavya Bhavan is not just a real estate milestone but a representation of a modern, duty-bound, and efficient Indian state. As part of the larger Central Vista transformation, the building embodies the vision of a New India—strong in infrastructure, rooted in values, and focused on public welfare.
It highlights how infrastructure and architecture can also reflect the ideals of governance, duty, and national service, serving as a daily reminder to public servants about their responsibility to the nation.
2. SAP Labs India Signs MoU with GSV to Digitally Skill Logistics & Transport Professionals
Context: To strengthen India’s workforce in the logistics and transport sector, SAP Labs India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC) under the Government of Skill India (GSV) initiative.
This partnership aims to digitally train and upskill over 10,000 professionals by leveraging SAP’s expertise in enterprise software, digital tools, and cloud-based platforms. It is a significant move to modernize one of India’s most vital but traditionally under-digitized sectors.
Details
What is SAP Labs India?
- SAP Labs India is the Indian arm of SAP SE, a global leader in enterprise software and cloud-based technology solutions.
- The company has been instrumental in driving digital transformation across industries, including supply chain, finance, and manufacturing.
About GSV (Government of Skill India) and LSC
- GSV, through its sector skill councils like Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC), is responsible for identifying skills gaps, designing training programs, and certifying skilled professionals.
- LSC operates under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and plays a key role in standardizing skill development in logistics, warehousing, and transport services.
Objectives of the MoU
- To provide industry-relevant digital skills to current and aspiring professionals in logistics and transport.
- To create a future-ready workforce by focusing on digital supply chains, automation, and smart logistics.
- To support India’s goal of building a $5 trillion economy by modernizing traditional sectors.
Focus Areas of Training
- Use of cloud-based ERP systems
- Data analytics in supply chain and warehousing
- Basics of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) in logistics
- Real-time inventory management and tracking systems
- Green logistics and sustainability practices
Need for Digital Skilling in Logistics
- The logistics sector contributes around 14% of India’s GDP but faces challenges like inefficiency, outdated practices, and lack of trained manpower.
- With rising demand for e-commerce, cold-chain logistics, and just-in-time delivery, there is a growing need for professionals with digital and tech-based skills.
Wider Impact
- Helps improve employment prospects and income levels of youth and workers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
- Encourages industry-academia partnerships to close the skill gap.
- Aligns with national priorities like Digital India, Make in India, and Skill India Mission.
Conclusion: The collaboration between SAP Labs India and the Logistics Sector Skill Council marks a forward-thinking approach to empowering India’s logistics and transport workforce through digital training.
3. IIT Palakkad Launches India’s First AI-Powered Learning App ‘Totoz’
Context: In a major step toward revolutionizing digital education, IIT Palakkad has launched ‘Totoz’, India’s first AI-powered learning application. This app is designed to offer a personalized, interactive, and adaptive learning experience to students by using artificial intelligence tools that understand user behaviour, learning pace, and skill levels.
The app represents a blend of cutting-edge AI technology and academic excellence, offering students a platform that goes beyond traditional e-learning models.
Details
What is Totoz?
- ‘Totoz’ is an AI-based educational app developed by IIT Palakkad’s Technology Innovation Foundation (IITPKD TIF).
- It leverages machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) to provide students with customised study content, question sets, and progress feedback.
- The app aims to reduce the one-size-fits-all problem in current digital learning platforms by offering dynamic learning paths tailored to each student.
Key Features of the App
- Adaptive Learning Engine
- Tracks student performance and modifies content difficulty accordingly.
- Instant Feedback System
- Provides real-time corrections, hints, and explanations to help learners understand concepts better.
- Multilingual Support
- Can cater to students from different language backgrounds.
- Gamified Learning Tools
- Includes quizzes, points, badges, and interactive challenges to keep learners engaged.
- Offline Capability
- Certain content is available without continuous internet access, useful for rural areas.
Target Users
- School and college students preparing for board exams, entrance tests, or skill-based assessments.
- Learners from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where access to quality education may be limited.
- Educational institutions looking to integrate AI into their teaching models.
Why is Totoz Significant?
- First-of-its-kind AI app developed by an Indian IIT.
- Promotes inclusive and accessible education using digital tools.
- Supports NEP 2020’s vision of technology-driven learning and personalized education.
- Encourages the Make in India and Digital India goals by offering an indigenous alternative to foreign edtech apps.
Development and Support
- Developed under IIT Palakkad’s incubation framework, with support from various academic and technology experts.
- Plans are in place to scale the app nationally and collaborate with state education boards, schools, and NGOs.
Conclusion: The launch of ‘Totoz’ by IIT Palakkad marks a key milestone in India’s digital education journey. As the country moves toward AI-integrated learning ecosystems, innovations like Totoz provide a powerful, scalable, and inclusive solution for students across academic and economic backgrounds.By combining academic expertise with artificial intelligence, IIT Palakkad has not only introduced a new tool for learners but has also showcased how technology can be used responsibly and creatively to make education more effective, personalised, and fun.
4. Defence Acquisition Council Clears Major Procurement Plans Worth ₹67,000 Crore
Context: In a major boost to India’s defence preparedness, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved proposals worth ₹67,000 crore to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
This set of approvals includes both indigenously developed systems and advanced weapon platforms aimed at enhancing combat readiness across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to modernize India’s defence ecosystem and promote self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Details
What is DAC?
- The Defence Acquisition Council is the apex decision-making body in the Ministry of Defence for capital procurement of defence equipment.
- It is responsible for evaluating and approving defence acquisition proposals in line with strategic, operational, and budgetary needs.
Key Highlights of the ₹67,000 Crore Approval
- Indigenous Focus
- All the approvals are under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) and Buy (Indian) categories, which ensure maximum participation of Indian defence industries.
- This supports local manufacturers and aligns with India’s defence indigenization goals.
- Major Equipment Approved
- Next-generation anti-tank weapons, electronic warfare systems, and surveillance drones.
- Light tanks, tactical communication systems, and naval equipment.
- Upgraded avionics and missiles for fighter aircraft and helicopters.
- Advanced surveillance systems to improve battlefield situational awareness.
- Support to Defence Startups and MSMEs
- A portion of these acquisitions is expected to be sourced from Indian startups, MSMEs, and private manufacturers, giving a boost to domestic defence production.
- Strategic Significance
- Enhances India’s readiness in border management, counter-insurgency, and multi-domain warfare.
- Equips the forces with better tools for network-centric operations, surveillance, and precision strikes.
Why this matters
- India continues to face security challenges on multiple fronts, including tensions along the northern borders and increasing maritime activity in the Indo-Pacific.
- Modernizing the armed forces with state-of-the-art indigenous equipment not only strengthens defence capability but also reduces dependency on imports.
- The DAC’s decisions reflect a shift from traditional procurement to technology-driven defence development.
Conclusion: The Defence Acquisition Council’s approval of ₹67,000 crore worth of proposals marks a strategic leap forward in India’s defence modernization journey. By emphasizing indigenous manufacturing, the move not only empowers the armed forces but also fuels the growth of India’s defence industrial base.
It is a clear reflection of India’s commitment to self-reliance, technological innovation, and combat readiness, ensuring that its defence forces are well-equipped to meet current and future security challenges.
5. Global AI City Index 2025 Released: Indian Cities Rise in Global Tech Rankings
Context: The Global AI City Index 2025 was recently published, ranking major global cities based on their advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) readiness, research output, infrastructure, innovation, and governance. The index reflects how cities around the world are positioning themselves as AI innovation hubs, capable of driving economic growth, tech development, and smart governance.Notably, Indian cities have improved their rankings, signalling India’s growing strength in the AI ecosystem, both in public and private sectors.
Details:
What is the Global AI City Index?
- The Global AI City Index is an annual ranking published by Tortoise Media, a UK-based data intelligence platform.
- It evaluates over 60 global cities on several key metrics including:
- AI research and patents
- Public funding and policy support
- Start-up ecosystem and private investment
- Academic collaboration and AI talent
- Use of AI in public services and governance
Top Cities in the 2025 Index
- San Francisco (USA) – Maintains its top position due to strong industry presence (OpenAI, Google, Meta) and innovation output.
- Beijing (China) – Known for state-backed AI programs and high R&D investments.
- London (UK) – Leads in policy, regulation, and responsible AI initiatives.
- New York (USA)
- Tel Aviv (Israel) – Rising fast due to strong tech startups and cybersecurity applications.
Indian Cities in the Index
- Bengaluru ranks among the top 25 cities globally, credited for its booming tech startup ecosystem, talent pool, and AI-based innovation hubs.
- Hyderabad and Pune are also recognized for their growing contributions to AI in healthtech, edtech, and smart governance.
- Delhi scores well on AI policy frameworks and government-led digital initiatives.
India’s Growing AI Landscape
- India’s National Programme on Artificial Intelligence and state-level AI missions are helping cities build smart infrastructure.
- Collaboration with global tech companies, academic institutions, and startups is fueling R&D and AI training programs.
- Indian cities are increasingly using AI in urban planning, traffic management, e-governance, public healthcare, and agricultural analytics.
Conclusion
The Global AI City Index 2025 highlights how cities are becoming the new centres of technological and economic power in the age of artificial intelligence. For India, the improved rankings of cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Delhi show clear signs of progress in building AI-ready ecosystems.
As India continues to invest in Digital India, Startup India, and AI-centric policy frameworks, its urban centres are poised to become global players in the AI revolution. The index also serves as a benchmark for Indian cities to further improve infrastructure, foster talent, and ensure responsible AI use in public life.
6. India and Philippines Hold Joint Naval Exercise in South China Sea
Context: In a move reflecting growing maritime cooperation and shared strategic interests, India and the Philippines conducted a joint naval exercise in the South China Sea. The drill took place amid rising regional tensions and is seen as a clear message of mutual commitment to maritime security, freedom of navigation, and international law.
The exercise forms part of India’s broader effort to strengthen defence ties with Southeast Asian nations and uphold a rules-based Indo-Pacific order.
Details
Participating Naval Units
- From India:
- INS Kadmatt, an indigenously built anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvette, participated in the exercise.
- From the Philippines:
- BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a Frigate-class warship, represented the Philippine Navy.
Location and Timing
- The exercise was conducted in the South China Sea, a strategically important and contested maritime region.
- The drill took place as part of India’s Eastern Fleet deployment to Southeast Asia under its “Act East Policy.”
Key Objectives of the Exercise
- Strengthen interoperability and coordination between the two navies.
- Promote peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in international waters.
- Enhance understanding of each other’s standard operating procedures, especially in anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance.
- Build naval-to-naval trust and pave the way for deeper strategic cooperation.
Strategic Significance
- The South China Sea is one of the world’s busiest trade routes and a hotspot for territorial disputes, particularly involving China and ASEAN nations.
- By holding exercises there, India reaffirms its stance on open and inclusive Indo-Pacific cooperation, without taking sides but firmly supporting international maritime law (UNCLOS).
- The drill also aligns with India’s broader efforts under the QUAD framework, though this was a bilateral event.
India-Philippines Defence Ties: Growing Partnership
- The two countries have signed a defence cooperation agreement and have ongoing military and coast guard interactions.
- In 2022, India signed a $375 million deal to supply the BrahMos supersonic missile system to the Philippines, marking India’s first major defence export in Southeast Asia.
- Such joint exercises reinforce defence diplomacy and long-term strategic trust.
Conclusion:
The India-Philippines naval exercise in the South China Sea marks a significant milestone in bilateral maritime cooperation. It underscores both nations’ commitment to maintaining a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, based on respect for international law and sovereign equality.
As geopolitical shifts continue to redefine regional alignments, such partnerships highlight India’s growing role as a responsible maritime power, actively engaging in defence and security initiatives beyond its immediate neighborhood.
