1. Sharda Sinha

On 5th November 2025, Prime Minister (PM)and Bihar Chief Minister offered heartfelt tributes to the late folk legend Sharda Sinha on her first death anniversary, remembering her immense contribution to Bihar’s cultural and musical heritage.

In his tribute, PM Modi described Sharda Sinha as “Bihar Kokila,” emphasizing that she gave a new identity to Bihar’s folk tradition through her soulful voice and timeless compositions.
The Prime Minister highlighted that her melodious Chhath songs remain deeply intertwined with the festival’s cultural essence and will forever be cherished by devotees of the Sun God.
Sharda Sinha, affectionately known as the “Bihar Kokila,” was revered for her exceptional renditions in Bhojpuri and Maithili, through which she became a household name across North India.
The singer passed away on November 5 last year at Delhi’s AIIMS while undergoing treatment for septicaemia.

Key Points

Strategic Partnership Deepened: The MoU was signed during the 17th meeting of the India–Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation, underscoring both nations’ commitment to bolstering long-term strategic ties.
High-Level Co-Chairs: The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Israel’s Director General of the Ministry of Defence, Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram, who reaffirmed the mutual importance of the bilateral defence partnership.
Comprehensive Policy Framework: The new MoU establishes a unified vision and policy framework for deeper defence cooperation, focusing on operational synergy and future-oriented defence technologies.
Focus on Advanced Technologies: Priority areas identified under the MoU include Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Science & Technology, and Research & Development, aiming to promote joint research and next-generation solutions

Key Points

Steep Decline in Ranks: IIT Delhi retained its position as India’s top-ranked institution but slipped 15 spots to 59th place, marking its lowest position in recent years.
Sharp Fall for IIT Bombay: Once India’s best-ranked institution, IIT Bombay dropped by 23 ranks to 71 this year, down from 48 in 2025, reflecting increasing competition from East and Southeast Asia.
Other IITs Affected: IIT Madras (70), IIT Kanpur (77), IIT Kharagpur (77), IIT Roorkee (114), and IIT Guwahati (115) all recorded declines, with several reaching their lowest ranks in the past five years.
Private Institution Gains: Chandigarh University emerged as the only Indian institution among the top ten to improve its ranking, moving up to 109 from 120 last year, showcasing the growing prominence of private universities.
Regional Dominance: The top 10 Asian universities were dominated by institutions from Hong Kong, China, and Singapore, led by The University of Hong Kong (1), Peking University (2), and joint third-place holders National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University.
Improved Scores, Lower Ranks: Despite overall score improvements, Indian institutions fell in rank due to stronger performances by counterparts in China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore, particularly in research visibility and international engagement.

Telangana IT and Industries Minister revealed that the hub’s primary objective is to secure a spot for Telangana among the world’s top 20 AI hubs by 2035 through sustained research, innovation, and collaboration.
The Telangana Artificial Intelligence Innovation Hub (TAIH) will function as a central platform to drive AI-based advancements, bridging the gap between academia, industry, and government initiatives.
TAIH is designed to support research, innovation, and practical applications of AI across diverse sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, governance, education, and urban development.

Daya Dongre was born on March 11, 1940, in Amravati, Maharashtra, into an artistic family, as her mother Yamunatai Modak was also a noted actress in Marathi theatre.
Her creative journey began with a passion for music, and she first gained recognition after winning an All-India Radio singing competition at a young age.
She rose to prominence through her roles in popular Marathi television serials such as Tuzhi Majhi Jodi Jamli Re, Nanda Saukhya Bhare, Yachasathi Kela Hota Atthahas, and Lekure Udand Jali, which made her a familiar face in Marathi households.