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🌊 Global Plastics Treaty
Delegates from over 180 countries are currently meeting in Geneva, a major international city in Switzerland, to finalize the Global Plastics Treaty—a legally binding agreement aimed at reducing plastic pollution across its entire life cycle, from production to disposal.
This treaty is considered one of the most important environmental efforts since the Paris Climate Agreement, and if passed, it could reshape global laws on plastic manufacturing and waste management.
📰 Obituary Update: Shibu Soren Passes Away at 81
Veteran tribal leader and founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Shibu Soren, passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. He passed away at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where he had been receiving care for kidney complications. Popularly known as “Dishom Guru”, Soren was a towering figure in Indian politics, especially in the tribal rights movement. He played a key role in the creation of Jharkhand state in 2000 and served as its Chief Minister three times, though none of his terms lasted a full tenure due to political instability.
Throughout his distinguished political journey spanning over forty years, he secured eight terms in the Lok Sabha and held key ministerial roles, notably serving as the Union Coal Minister during the UPA regime. His legacy is deeply rooted in the empowerment of tribal communities and the fight for social justice. His son, Hemant Soren, currently serves as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand and shared an emotional tribute, calling his father the soul of Jharkhand.
🛡️ India–Philippines Naval Drill in South China Sea
India and the Philippines teamed up for their first navy drill, called a “maritime cooperative activity,” in the South China Sea—a region known for ongoing border disagreements. Conducted inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, the two-day drill featured Indian warships like INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan, alongside Philippine frigates BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Miguel Malvar. This strategic move aims to boost maritime security, freedom of navigation, and regional stability, especially amid rising tensions with China. Though Chinese vessels shadowed the exercise, no untoward incidents occurred
🏀 Punjab’s Palpreet Singh Brar Named India Captain for FIBA Asia Cup
Punjab’s own Palpreet Singh Brar will captain the Indian men’s basketball squad at the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup, scheduled from August 5 to 17 in Saudi Arabia—a moment of pride for both the state and the nation. Standing tall at 6’11”, Palpreet hails from Kothe Surgapuri, a small village in Punjab with fewer than 1,000 residents and limited sports facilities. Despite these challenges, his journey from a modest farming background to international recognition is truly inspiring.
Palpreet made history in 2016 as the first Indian cager directly drafted into the NBA D-League, selected by the Long Island Nets in New York. Currently serving as Deputy Chief Inspector of Trains in Indian Railways, his leadership in the Asia Cup marks a major milestone for Indian basketball and showcases the power of perseverance and grassroots talent.
🛫 Alay Parikh Appointed Head of Boeing India’s Defense & Services Unit
Aerospace giant Boeing has named Alay Parikh as the new Director of Business Development for its Defense, Space & Security and Global Services division in India. With close to 20 years at Boeing, Parikh has worked in important positions across defense systems and global supply chain management. His appointment comes as Boeing deepens its engagement with India, one of its largest defense markets, operating platforms like the C-17, Apache, Chinook, and P-8I aircraft.
Parikh’s leadership is expected to strengthen customer relationships, drive new business opportunities, and support India’s growing defense ecosystem. This update is relevant for aspirants preparing for defense industry GK, corporate appointments, and current affairs.
🧑⚖️ Anchal Bhatheja: A Trailblazer in India’s Legal Landscape
In a landmark moment, Anchal Bhatheja, born in Bathinda, Punjab, has become the first visually impaired woman lawyer to argue a case before the Supreme Court of India. Despite losing her eyesight completely just before her Class 10 exams due to retinopathy of prematurity, Anchal’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. She became the first student with visual impairment to join the National Law School in Bengaluru and successfully completed her graduation in 2023.
Her debut case challenged a Uttarakhand Judicial Service recruitment notification that excluded visually impaired candidates from disability reservations, arguing it violated the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Anchal’s appearance not only marks a legal milestone but also highlights the urgent need for inclusive access to legal documents and a shift in societal perceptions about disability in the profession.
⚖️ Fresh Judicial Appointments in Punjab & Haryana High Court
In a major step toward reducing case pendency, 10 District and Sessions Judges from Punjab and Haryana were recently sworn in as Additional Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. With these appointments, the court’s working strength has risen to 59, out of a sanctioned total of 85 judges.
This move is part of a broader institutional effort to tackle the backlog of over 4.3 lakh cases, and it reflects the ongoing push to strengthen India’s judicial infrastructure.
📊 Condensed Static GK Table for Aspirants
| Category | Entity | Capital/Headquarters | Currency | Key Person(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Switzerland | Bern | Swiss Franc (CHF) | President: Karin Keller-Sutter |
| Country | Philippines | Manila | Philippine Peso (₱) | President: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. |
| Indian State | Jharkhand | Ranchi | — | CM: Hemant Soren Governor: Santosh Kumar Gangwar |
| Sports Body | Indian Basketball Federation | New Delhi | — | President: Aadhav Arjuna |
| Aviation Company | Boeing | Arlington, Virginia, USA | — | CEO: Kelly Ortberg |
| Judiciary | Indian Supreme Court | New Delhi | — |
Current CJI: B.R. Gavai • First CJI: H.J. Kania • First Female Judge: Fathima Beevi • First Female Advocate: Cornelia Sorabji • Likely First Female CJI: B.V. Nagarathna (expected 2027) |
📰 For more aspirant-focused current affairs articles, click here to explore the full roundup.