Context:

• Poland has announced its largest-ever defence training initiative, titled “At Readiness”, aimed at strengthening national resilience amid ongoing regional tensions triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The programme, unveiled by Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, represents Poland’s most ambitious security mobilisation effort since the Cold War.

Context:
According to the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR) 2025 report, India has emerged as the fastest-growing alcohol market in the world for the first half of 2025, registering a 7% increase in total alcohol volume. This marks the third consecutive year that India has topped global alcohol market growth among 20 major economies, reflecting the country’s rising consumption and economic momentum.

Context:
The Government of Maharashtra has launched the “Sardh Shatabdi Mahotsav” to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram’. The celebrations began on 7 November 2025 at the Mantralaya’s Trimurti courtyard in Mumbai, inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The initiative honours the song’s deep historical and emotional significance in India’s freedom movement.

Context:
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Emissions Gap Report 2025, titled “Off Target”, India recorded the highest absolute increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally during 2023–24, adding 165 million tonnes of GHGs. Although India maintains one of the lowest per capita emissions among major economies, its total emissions growth has drawn global attention ahead of the COP30 Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil.

Context:
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have appointed Malolan Rangarajan, former Tamil Nadu all-rounder and long-time RCB staff member, as the head coach of the RCB Women’s team ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. His promotion marks a major leadership transition for the franchise as it looks to build on its recent success and prepare for the next phase of growth.