Local Round-up: From Mumbai Indians’ WPL Victory to India’s First Frozen Zoo, Here’s the Week’s Biggest News!

Local Round-up brings you what's happening across the country in travel, food, infrastructure, and sports. We have curated the updates from the weekend and the beginning of this week for you. So, read these below. 

Indian Scholar Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak Wins 2025 Holberg Prize

Renowned literary theorist Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak has been awarded the 2025 Holberg Prize for her groundbreaking work in postcolonial studies, political philosophy, and feminist theory. Spivak, a professor at Columbia University, is best known for her seminal essay Can the Subaltern Speak?, which has shaped global discussions on marginalised voices.

Darjeeling Establishes India’s First ‘Frozen Zoo’

India's first ‘frozen zoo’ has been set up in Darjeeling, preserving bio-banked genetic material of endangered species. This initiative by the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park aims to support wildlife conservation by ensuring the future genetic diversity of threatened animals, including the red panda and snow leopard.

Karnataka Police Bust Biggest Drug Cartel, Seize 37.87 kg MDMA

In one of Karnataka's largest drug busts, authorities arrested two South African women carrying 37.87 kg of MDMA worth Rs. 75 crore at Mangaluru International Airport. The police believe the accused are part of a larger international drug syndicate.

Mumbai Indians Win Second Consecutive WPL Title

Mumbai Indians claimed their second consecutive Women’s Premier League (WPL) title by defeating the Delhi Capitals in a nail-biting final. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Mumbai’s victory cements their dominance in women’s T20 cricket.

Tamil Nadu Budget Logo Replaces Rupee Symbol with Tamil Letter

Amid an ongoing language debate, the Tamil Nadu government has replaced the rupee symbol with a Tamil letter in the state budget logo. The move reflects the ruling DMK’s stand against Hindi imposition and emphasises Tamil linguistic pride. 

India Home to 15 of the World’s 25 Most Polluted Cities

A new air pollution report reveals that 15 out of the 25 most polluted cities worldwide are in India, despite significant government investments in air quality control. Begusarai in Bihar ranked as the world’s most polluted city, highlighting the urgent need for stricter environmental policies. 

Airtel Brings Starlink to India Through SpaceX Partnership

Telecom giant Bharti Airtel has partnered with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to introduce Starlink satellite internet in India. The collaboration will make Starlink equipment available in Airtel’s retail stores, offering connectivity to rural and remote areas.

Delhi’s IGI Airport Named Best in ‘Over 40 Million Passengers’ Category

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) has been ranked the best airport globally in the ‘over 40 million passengers’ category. The recognition by the Airports Council International (ACI) acknowledges IGI’s world-class facilities and operational excellence.

PM Modi to Inaugurate Over 20 India-Funded Projects in Mauritius

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate more than 20 India-funded development projects in Mauritius, focusing on capacity building and infrastructure development. These initiatives highlight India’s long-standing strategic and economic ties with the island nation.

Madhya Pradesh’s Asha Gond Gains Global Recognition for Skateboarding

Asha Gond, a young skateboarder from a rural Madhya Pradesh village, has gained international recognition for breaking gender norms in sports. Her story, featured in a photo series by Italian photographer Chantal Pinzi, showcases how she overcame cultural barriers to become India’s first female competitor at the world skateboarding championship.

Five People Drown in Maharashtra’s Ghodazari Lake

A tragic drowning incident at Ghodazari Lake in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district claimed the lives of five youths, who were swimming when they got caught in deep waters. Rescue operations were launched, but all five were declared dead on arrival.

Kerala Woman, 59, Treks to Everest Base Camp Using YouTube for Training

A 59-year-old tailor from Kerala, Rukhiya Rasheed, accomplished the extraordinary feat of trekking to Everest Base Camp despite no formal training. Using YouTube videos as her guide, she completed the challenging journey solo.