AWARDS

U.S. Scientists Win 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for Quantum Chip Innovation

• The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to three American scientists — John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis.

• They were recognised for creating a chip that demonstrates quantum physics principles in real-world applications.

• The laureates are associated with the University of California and Yale University.

• Their breakthrough has accelerated progress in quantum computing, cryptography, and advanced sensing technologies.

• Their experiments proved that quantum effects like tunnelling and energy quantisation can appear in hand-sized electrical circuits.

• This discovery established that quantum phenomena can function at a macroscopic level, reshaping modern physics.

• The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences honoured the trio with 11 million Swedish kronor for their research.

• Their work is considered a key milestone toward practical and powerful quantum technologies of the future.

NATIONAL NEWS

69th National School Games Begin in Jammu & Kashmir

• Jammu & Kashmir has kicked off the 69th National School Games with great enthusiasm.

• The event is organized by the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, J&K.

• Around 30 teams from various States and Union Territories are taking part in the tournament.

• Competitions are being held in Football, Wushu, Taekwondo, and Table Tennis across six venues.

• Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the event by launching a ceremonial football at TRC Ground, Srinagar.

• In the opening match, J&K’s U-19 football team secured a strong win over Karnataka by three goals.

• West Bengal edged past Delhi with a narrow one-goal victory at the same ground.

• At Kashmir University Grounds, Maharashtra drew with Vidya Bharat, while Meghalaya triumphed over Chhattisgarh.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

India Mobile Congress 2025 Inaugurated by PM Modi in New Delhi

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 9th India Mobile Congress 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, on 8 October.

• The event, themed “Innovate to Transform,” is jointly organized by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India.

• Known as Asia’s largest telecom, media, and technology showcase, IMC 2025 focuses on innovation and digital transformation.

• The four-day program highlights areas like Optical and Quantum Communications, 6G, Semiconductors, and Fraud Risk Indicators.

• Over 1.5 lakh participants, 400 companies, and delegates from 150+ nations are taking part in the mega exhibition.

• More than 1,600 use-cases across 5G, AI, cybersecurity, smart mobility, and green tech are being presented in 100+ sessions.

• During the event, PM Modi also inaugurated Phase 1 of Navi Mumbai International Airport, India’s largest greenfield facility.

• He further launched Mumbai Metro Line-3’s second phase and the ‘Mumbai One’ app, promoting seamless digital travel across 11 transport systems.

India Participates in G20 Energy Transitions Meeting in South Africa

• Union Power Minister Shri Manohar Lal is representing India at the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, from 7–10 October 2025.

• The conference, held under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, focuses on global energy security, sustainability, and equitable access.

• Key sessions include discussions on clean cooking, affordable energy, and sustainable industrial growth.

• India is showcasing its milestone of achieving 50% of its power generation capacity from renewable sources.

• This accomplishment highlights India’s leadership and commitment to clean and sustainable energy.

• The Minister will emphasize India’s strategy to ensure affordable, reliable, and inclusive energy access.

• Developing countries’ challenges in balancing economic growth with climate goals will also be addressed.

• India’s “One Earth, One Family, One Future” vision will guide its contributions to building a greener global energy framework.

ECONOMY NEWS

World Bank Lifts India’s FY26 Growth Forecast to 6.5%

• The World Bank has revised India’s FY26 growth projection to 6.5%, up from its earlier 6.3% estimate in June.

• The upward revision reflects strong domestic demand and signs of revival in rural consumption.

• Reforms like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) continue to strengthen India’s economic fundamentals.

• India is set to maintain its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, driven by steady consumer spending.

• For FY27, growth is expected to ease to 6.3% due to the impact of a 50% tariff imposed by the U.S.

• South Asia’s growth outlook stands at 6.6% for 2025 but is likely to slow to 5.8% in 2026.

• The decline marks a 0.6 percentage point drop from April’s projection, indicating regional headwinds.

• The World Bank cited global uncertainty, political instability, and AI-related labour disruptions as key risks.

SPORTS

Linthoi Chanambam Wins India’s First Medal at Judo Junior World Championships

• Linthoi Chanambam created history by securing India’s maiden medal at the Judo Junior World Championships.

• The 19-year-old earned a bronze in the women’s 63 kg category at the event in Lima, Peru.

• She triumphed over Joni Geilen of the Netherlands in the bronze medal match.

• Earlier, Chanambam faced defeat against Japan’s So Morichika in her Group D encounter.

• After Morichika advanced to the final, Chanambam got another chance through the repechage round.

• She made a strong comeback, winning consecutive bouts to clinch the bronze.

• The repechage system allows competitors who lose earlier to fight again for a podium finish.