Finland Opens Europe’s First Integrated Lithium Project Near Kokkola
Finland launched Europe’s first fully integrated lithium project near Kokkola, marking a milestone in the region’s clean energy strategy. The plant will manage the complete lithium value chain—from mining at the Syväjärvi site to concentration, refining, and production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide. The 43-kilometre network links mine, concentrator, and refinery, enabling an efficient supply chain for EV manufacturing and energy storage. By hosting the full cycle domestically, Finland aims to cut reliance on imports and strengthen Europe’s role in the global battery market. The project highlights a shift toward regional, high-value mineral processing and export-oriented technology.
Europe’s first fully integrated lithium project near Kokkola
Complete value chain: mining to battery-grade lithium hydroxide
Aims to reduce Europe’s import dependence for lithium
Strengthens Europe’s position in the battery supply chain
Europe’s First Complete Lithium Value Chain Begins
Europe initiated its first fully integrated lithium value chain, linking mining, processing, and chemical production within a European framework. The end-to-end approach is designed to shorten supply lines, reduce import dependence, and expedite EV and energy storage manufacturing in Europe. The collaboration among mining firms, processing facilities, and policymakers aims to secure a stable supply of critical minerals for the continent’s green transition. By consolidating activities within Europe, the project seeks to foster local jobs, accelerate innovation in battery materials, and attract investment in regional infrastructure dedicated to sustainable energy materials.
First end-to-end lithium value chain in Europe
Links mining, processing, and chemical production domestically
Aims to cut import dependence and boost EV manufacturing
Public-private collaboration to secure critical minerals
Supports regional innovation and investment in battery materials
Chandrayaan-5 Launch Site Assessments Begin in Japan
ISRO scientists began launch site assessments in Japan for the Chandrayaan-5 mission, signaling deeper space collaboration with JAXA. The objective is to evaluate Japanese launch facilities, including infrastructure, system compatibility, and safety protocols essential for a lunar mission. The ISRO-JAXA partnership underpins joint development of satellites, Earth observation, and mission planning. Assessments cover environmental conditions, logistics, and risk mitigation to ensure mission precision and reliability. Chandrayaan-5 would advance India’s lunar exploration program, leveraging international collaboration to share technology and expertise while expanding India’s role in global space science.
ISRO conducts Chandrayaan-5 launch site assessments in Japan
Partnership with JAXA strengthens lunar mission planning
Assessments include infrastructure, compatibility, safety protocols
Focus on environmental/logistical readiness and risk mitigation
Advances India’s role in international space collaboration
India Clinches Four Golds at Commonwealth Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships
India delivered a strong showing at the Commonwealth Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Apia, securing four gold medals across youth and junior divisions, alongside the senior Universal Cup. In the men’s 65 kg, Sunil Singh posted a total of 271 kg (snatch 126 kg, clean and jerk 145 kg). In the women’s 58 kg, Aisangfa Gogoi totaled 185 kg (snatch 79 kg, clean and jerk 106 kg). Abhinob Gogoi won the men’s 71 kg event with 284 kg (129 snatch, 155 clean and jerk). Charu Pesi won in the Universal Cup men’s 65 kg with 289 kg (127 snatch, 162 clean and jerk). The results underline India’s rising strength in youth weightlifting.
India won four gold medals across youth and junior divisions
Sunil Singh: 271 kg total in men’s 65 kg (126 snatch, 145 CJ)
Aisangfa Gogoi: 185 kg total in women’s 58 kg (79 snatch, 106 CJ)
Abhinob Gogoi: 284 kg total in men’s 71 kg (129 snatch, 155 CJ)
Charu Pesi: 289 kg total in Universal Cup men’s 65 kg (127 snatch, 162 CJ)
Event highlights India’s growing talent pool
India Finishes with Four Golds Across Youth and Junior Categories
India sealed four gold medals across youth and junior divisions at the Commonwealth Championships in Apia, contributing to a sustained growth in weightlifting talents. Sunil Singh topped the men’s 65 kg with a combined lift of 271 kg (snatch 126, clean and jerk 145). In the women’s 58 kg, Aisangfa Gogoi clinched gold with 185 kg total (snatch 79, clean and jerk 106). Abhinob Gogoi won the men’s 71 kg event with 284 kg (129 snatch, 155 clean and jerk). Charu Pesi won the Universal Cup men’s 65 kg with 289 kg (127 snatch, 162 clean and jerk). The quartet’s success boosts India’s status in youth and junior weightlifting.
India earned four golds across youth and junior divisions
Sunil Singh: 271 kg total in 65 kg
Aisangfa Gogoi: 185 kg total in 58 kg
Abhinob Gogoi: 284 kg total in 71 kg
Charu Pesi: 289 kg total in Universal Cup 65 kg
Signals strong development path for Indian weightlifting
Punjab FC Retains AIFF Elite Youth League Title with 3-0 Win
Punjab FC defended the AIFF Elite Youth League title with a 3-0 victory over Zinc Football Academy. After a goalless first half, Punjab FC surged in the second period: at 69 minutes Karish Soram struck from the left, 70 minutes saw captain Vishal Yadav double the lead, and 79 minutes brought a third through Thongram Rishikanta Singh. The team dominated the first half, with chances from Vishal Yadav and Sameer saved by Smarnik Thapa, and a header from Satnam Singh that hit the crossbar. The win reinforces Punjab FC’s reputation as a top pathway for Indian football talent.
Punjab FC wins AIFF Elite Youth League 3-0
69' Soram opens scoring, 70' Yadav doubles lead
79' Singh adds third; solid second half performance
India Army to Host 11 Nations for Exercise PRAGATI in Meghalaya
The Indian Army will host the inaugural Exercise PRAGATI in Meghalaya, inviting military delegations from 11 friendly foreign countries. PRAGATI stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region, reflecting India’s strategic security role. The exercise aims to strengthen defence cooperation, enhance interoperability among armed forces, build mutual trust and coordination, and promote regional security. Invitations extended to 15 countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam, signaling broad regional outreach. The event will be held at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.
Inaugural Exercise PRAGATI to be hosted in Meghalaya
PRAGATI = Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation
Rithika Sri Becomes India’s First Transgender Umpire
Rithika Sri from Tamil Nadu has become India’s first transgender cricket umpire, marking a milestone in sports administration. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association introduced an 'Other' category in its State Panel Umpire examination to allow transgender candidates. Born as R. Muthuraj in Salem, she holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and once worked at a Mohali call centre. Her interest in umpiring grew while watching the Indian Premier League, leading her to pursue officiating. Her achievement signals greater inclusion in Indian sports and may inspire more diverse officials to enter cricket administration.
Rithika Sri named India’s first transgender umpire
TNCA adds 'Other' category for umpire exams
Born R. Muthuraj; Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Worked at a call centre in Mohali
Inspiration for greater inclusion in sports administration
APEDA to Set Up Basmati and Organic Training Centre in Pilibhit
APEDA will set up a Basmati and Organic Training Centre in Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh, on 7 acres allocated from the Tanda Bijesi village. The ₹15 crore project aims to boost India’s agricultural exports by training farmers in premium basmati cultivation, seed production, organic farming, and export compliance. It will also introduce modern technologies such as AI-based crop mapping to identify varieties and monitor fields. The facility, to be built with support from the Public Works Department, is expected to be completed within one year. The centre will include demonstration farms, a seed production unit, an auditorium, a museum with 45 basmati varieties, and a NABL-accredited lab for DNA profiling, pesticide residues, and heavy metals.
7 acres allocated in Pilibhit for a new training centre
₹15 crore project to boost basmati exports and organic farming
AI-based satellite mapping to identify basmati varieties
Facilities include demonstration farms, seed unit, auditorium, and museum
NABL-accredited laboratory for DNA profiling, pesticide residues, heavy metals
Completion targeted within 12 months
Bengaluru Police Roll Out AI-Powered Multilingual Namma 112
Bengaluru City Police have upgraded the Namma 112 emergency system with an AI-powered multilingual platform named VANKI (Multilingual Voice AI for Nationwide Key Interventions). VANKI translates caller language in real time and conveys messages to emergency handlers, speeding up dispatch of police, ambulance, or fire services. The system initially supports more than 10 languages, including Bengali, Gujarati, Odia, Manipuri, Kashmiri, Nepali, and Assamese, plus international languages such as Spanish, French and Arabic. The upgrade aims to remove language barriers during crises and improve access for residents and visitors. The move underlines India’s push to use AI in public safety.
Namma 112 upgraded with VANKI multilingual AI
Real-time language translation for emergency calls
Supports 10+ Indian languages and several international languages
Aims to cut response times and improve accessibility
Demonstrates use of AI in public safety systems
EPFO to Launch E-PRAAPTI Portal for Old EPF Accounts
EPFO will launch a digital platform named EPF Aadhaar-Based Access Portal for Tracking Inoperative Accounts (E-PRAAPTI). The portal will help members identify old EPF accounts without UAN, track them, and link or activate them via Aadhaar-based authentication. The system is designed to reduce manual intervention, minimize documentation, and improve transparency and efficiency in account updates. Members will securely access old accounts, initiate UAN linking, and receive activation updates. The project aligns with the government’s digital governance push and faster service delivery for workers. Officials say the portal will simplify enrollment, reduce paperwork, and improve worker welfare by faster access to provident fund benefits.
Launch of E-PRAAPTI portal for old EPF accounts
Aadhaar-based authentication for linking accounts
Reduces manual intervention and documentation
Provides secure access and status updates on activation
Supports digital governance and worker welfare improvements