INDIA

1. Centre Issues Notice to Meta Over WhatsApp Username Feature
The Centre has asked Meta to pause WhatsApp's username feature in India, citing concerns over fraud, impersonation and digital scams. The government has sought detailed safeguards before allowing the feature's rollout, prioritising user privacy and online security.

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2. Lt Gen Sandeep Jain Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff
Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain has taken charge as the Vice Chief of Army Staff. A highly decorated officer with nearly four decades of service, he brings extensive operational, strategic and international peacekeeping experience to the Indian Army's senior leadership.

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3. 117 Senior Citizens Urge PM Modi and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to Resume Dialogue
A group of 117 eminent citizens has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to restart bilateral dialogue. The letter stresses that peaceful engagement is vital for regional stability, cooperation and long-term development in South Asia.

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4. 'VB-GRAM-G' Initiative Launched; Minimum Daily Wage Raised to ₹300
The Centre has implemented the VB-GRAM-G initiative, increasing the minimum daily wage under the scheme to ₹300. The move aims to improve rural livelihoods, enhance workers' incomes and strengthen social security for economically weaker sections across participating regions.

Also Read: Misuse of the RTI Act: Can India Protect Democracy Without Weakening Transparency?

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WORLD

5. Japan's Prime Minister Begins Official Visit to India
Japan's Prime Minister has arrived in India for an official visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties. Discussions will cover trade, investment, technology, clean energy, defence cooperation and regional security under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership framework.

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6. Russia Increases Fuel Imports from India Amid Oil Supply Disruptions Following Ukrainian Strikes
Russia has increased imports of refined petrol from India after Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted several domestic oil refineries. The move highlights shifting global energy dynamics as Moscow seeks to stabilise fuel supplies amid continuing conflict and infrastructure damage.

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ECONOMY

7. Nayara Energy Cuts Petrol Price by ₹5 and Diesel by ₹3 per Litre
Nayara Energy has reduced petrol prices by ₹5 per litre and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre across its retail outlets. The price cut offers relief to consumers and increases competition in India's fuel retail market.

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8. Commercial LPG Cylinder Price Reduced by ₹180
Oil marketing companies have reduced the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by ₹180. The decision is expected to lower operating costs for restaurants, hotels and small businesses while providing relief to the hospitality and food service sectors.

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9. AI-Driven Cyberattacks Pose Growing Threat to the Economy, Warns RBI
The Reserve Bank of India has warned that AI-powered cyberattacks are becoming a serious threat to financial stability. Banks and financial institutions have been urged to strengthen cybersecurity systems to counter increasingly sophisticated digital fraud and cyber risks.

Also Read: What Is the Real Proof of Indian Citizenship? India's Growing Identity Debate Explained

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ODISHA

10. Odisha Cabinet Approves ₹2,245 Crore Special Blue Economy Hub for 10-Year Development
The Odisha Cabinet has approved a ₹2,245 crore Special Blue Economy Hub with a ten-year investment plan. The project aims to boost fisheries, marine industries, coastal tourism, aquaculture and sustainable maritime development while creating employment opportunities across the state.

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11. Odisha Abolishes Admission Fees in Government and Government-Aided Institutions from KG to PG
Odisha has abolished admission fees in all government and government-aided educational institutions from Kindergarten to Post-Graduation. The initiative aims to improve access to education, reduce financial burdens on families and encourage higher enrolment across the state.