Stay updated with the most important global and national developments for competitive exams. These topics are crucial for UPSC, PSC, SSC, banking, railways, and defence exam preparation.
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Inaugurated in Giza
Egypt has inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the iconic Giza Pyramids, now the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilisation.
Built over almost 20 years at a cost of $1 billion, the museum showcases 50,000+ artefacts, including the entire Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time since 1922.
Designed with pyramid-style architecture and panoramic views, the GEM is expected to boost Egypt's tourism by targeting 30 million visitors annually by 2032.
Key Exam Points
Location: Giza, Cairo
Cost: $1 billion | 20-year project
50,000+ artefacts, full Tutankhamun collection
Goal: Tourism boost to 30M visitors by 2032
Lucknow Declared UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
Lucknow has been officially recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, celebrating its legendary Awadhi cuisine and royal culinary heritage.
With this prestigious honour, Lucknow becomes the second Indian city after Hyderabad to hold this title.
This achievement reflects the city's historic food legacy, famous for kebabs, biryani, and the dum-pukht slow-cooking technique, rooted in Nawabi culture.
Exam Highlights
2nd Indian city after Hyderabad (2019)
Announced at UNESCO 43rd General Conference, Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
Part of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) — 408 global cities
Cuisine focus: Kebabs, Biryani, Dum-Pukht
Rohan Bopanna Announces Retirement from Tennis
Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna has retired after an illustrious 22-year professional career, ending his journey at the Paris Masters 1000.
Known for powerful serves and doubles excellence, Bopanna won the 2017 French Open mixed doubles title and made history by becoming World No. 1 in men's doubles in 2024 at age 43 — the oldest to achieve the feat.
He represented India in Davis Cup and the Olympics, emerging as one of the most inspirational players in Indian tennis history.
Exam Highlights
Retired after 22 years (Final event: Paris Masters 1000)
Grand Slam: 2017 French Open (Mixed Doubles)
World No. 1 in Doubles (2024)
Represented India in Davis Cup & Olympics
Belongs to Coorg, Karnataka
Kane Williamson Retires from T20 Internationals
New Zealand cricket legend Kane Williamson has retired from T20 Internationals to help the team prepare for the next T20 World Cup cycle.
Known for calm leadership, consistency, and tactical brilliance, Williamson leaves as one of the finest gentlemen of modern cricket.
He played 93 T20Is, scored 2,575 runs, and guided New Zealand to the 2021 T20 World Cup final and semifinals in 2016 & 2022.
He will now prioritise Test cricket and selective T20 leagues.
Key Exam Facts
T20I Career: 93 matches (2,575 runs, Avg. 33.44, 18 fifties)
NZ captain in 2021 T20 WC Final
Semifinalist in 2016 & 2022
Debut: 2011
To focus on Tests and franchise cricket
