Sheetal Devi Honoured as World Archery’s Para Archer of the Year 2025
Nineteen-year-old Sheetal Devi from Jammu and Kashmir has been named World Archery’s Para Archer of the Year 2025. The award recognises her rising status and outstanding performance on the world stage. The honour places Devi among the top para-athletes internationally and highlights India’s growing strength in para sports. Her journey from India's northern region to global recognition underscores the talent pipeline in Indian para athletics and reinforces national support for inclusive sporting excellence.
Sheetal Devi, 19, from Jammu and Kashmir, named Para Archer of the Year 2025.
Award from World Archery recognises global standing in para archery.
Highlights India's strength in para sports.
Sheetal Devi Wins Gold at World Para Archery Championships in Gwangju
Sheetal Devi made history by becoming the first and only female armless archer to win gold at the World Para Archery Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. She secured gold in the women’s compound individual event, demonstrating exceptional precision and determination. Devi’s victory adds to India’s growing success in para sports and is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes with disabilities across the country.
Devi wins gold in women’s compound individual at World Para Archery Championships.
Location: Gwangju, South Korea.
First female armless archer to win gold at these championships.
Pramod Bhagat Leads India with Gold and Silver at Spanish Para Badminton International 2026
Pramod Bhagat led India at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2026 in Toledo, with one gold and two silvers. He won gold in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 event with Manisha Ramdass, defeating fellow Indians Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan in straight sets. Bhagat earned silver in the men’s singles SL3 final, losing to Nitesh Kumar, and added silver in the men’s doubles SL3-SU5 with Sukant Kadam. The results reflect India’s depth in para badminton on the international circuit.
Gold in mixed doubles SL3-SU5 with Manisha Ramdass.
Silver in men’s singles SL3 and silver in doubles SL3-SU5 with Sukant Kadam.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has resigned from the Legislative Council position and has filed nomination for the Rajya Sabha, where he is set to become a member. He has been one of Bihar’s longest-serving chief ministers. The move signals a transition in state politics and may lead to a new Chief Minister in the near term. Kumar has previously spoken of an interest in serving in both Houses of Parliament, a trajectory that would place him among a small group of leaders who have held seats in multiple legislatures. His national role could influence the state’s political landscape in coming months.
Kumar resigned from the Legislative Council and pursued Rajya Sabha membership.
He is Bihar’s longest-serving chief minister.
The resignation indicates a likely leadership transition in Bihar.
Kumar has expressed interest in serving in both Houses of Parliament.
Adani Defense Delivers First Batch of Prahar LMGs to Indian Army
Adani Defense and Aerospace delivered the first batch of 2,000 Prahar Light Machine Guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army. The 7.62 mm calibre weapons are part of a larger order for 40,000 units and are manufactured in India under the Make in India framework. The delivery was completed 11 months ahead of the schedule. The initial consignment was handed over to the company’s small arms manufacturing unit in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The project is a collaboration with Israel Weapon Industries, combining global technology with domestic manufacturing and supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense production.
First batch comprises 2,000 Prahar LMGs (7.62 mm).
Total order size: 40,000 units.
Delivery completed 11 months ahead of schedule.
Made in India under Make in India; consignments to Gwalior, MP.
India Establishes First Port of Refuge to Strengthen Maritime Safety
India has operationalized its first Port of Refuge (PoR) through the initiative of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ). A PoR is a designated safe location where ships in distress can seek shelter during emergencies such as fire, collision or mechanical failure. This marks a response to a long-standing gap in India's maritime infrastructure along its 11,000 km coastline and busy shipping lanes. Globally, PoRs are standard features that enable quick, coordinated responses to crises, protecting lives, cargo, and the environment. The new framework enhances the safety of crews, safeguards ecosystems, and improves disaster-handling efficiency at sea.
PoR designated shelter for distressed vessels during emergencies.
Operationalized by APSEZ in partnership with Indian authorities.
Aims to strengthen safety along India’s 11,000 km coastline.
Aligns India with international maritime safety practices.
Expected to improve crew safety, cargo protection and environmental safeguards.
IndiaSkills National Competition 2025-26 Begins in Greater Noida
The IndiaSkills National Competition 2025-26 began in Greater Noida with over 650 finalists. The event is organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and supported by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Participants qualified through five regional competitions held across the country and competed across 63 skill categories. IndiaSkills aims to promote technical excellence and build a future-ready workforce aligned with global standards. The competition showcases India’s talent pool, reinforces Skill India objectives, and strengthens the country’s broader skilling ecosystem.
Over 650 finalists across 63 skill categories.
Organized by MSDE with NSDC support.
Finalists selected from five regional competitions.
Part of Skill India to build a future-ready workforce.
Telangana Passes Bill for Elderly Financial Support
The Telangana Assembly passed the Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Bill, 2026, to strengthen financial security for senior citizens. The law applies to public representatives, government employees and private sector workers, making financial support to elderly parents a legal obligation. In cases of neglect, authorities can deduct 15 percent of the salary or ₹10,000, whichever is lower, and transfer it to the parents. The Bill aims to enforce accountability and ensure that elderly citizens are not left without support, aligning with social welfare priorities at the state level.
Bill mandates financial support for elderly parents by employees.
Penalties include salary deduction or ₹10,000, whichever is lower.
Applies to public representatives, government and private sector employees.