Maharashtra Designates DPS Flamingo Lake as Conservation Reserve
In a move for wildlife conservation in urban India, the Maharashtra State Wildlife Board officially declared DPS Flamingo Lake as a conservation reserve. This landmark designation represents the first time a wetland connected to the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary received formal protection status, marking a crucial step in preserving the ecological integrity of Navi Mumbai's fragile wetland ecosystem. The decision came during a high-level board meeting presided over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, underscoring the state government's commitment to environmental conservation amid rapid urban development.
SECL Pioneers Paste Fill Technology for Sustainable Coal Mining in India
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) made history in India's mining sector by becoming the first coal PSU to implement paste fill technology for underground coal mining. This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant advancement in sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices within the country's coal industry. The adoption of this innovative approach promises to transform how coal is extracted in areas with surface constraints while minimising environmental impact.
To implement this cutting-edge underground mining technology, SECL entered into a substantial agreement with TMC Mineral Resources Private Limited, valued at Rs. 7040 crore. This partnership demonstrates SECL's commitment to incorporating advanced technologies that align with modern environmental standards while ensuring continued coal production to meet energy demands.
Anahat Singh, Veer Chotrani Qualify for Squash World Championships 2025
Indian squash players Veer Chotrani and Anahat Singh qualified for the PSA World Championships after winning their respective finals at the World Championships Qualifying Event (Asia) in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia.
The 2025 World Championships scheduled in Chicago, USA from May 9 to 17, 2025.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Inaugurates National Wrestling Championship in Kota
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla inaugurated the National Wrestling Championship in Kota, Rajasthan.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, Sanjay Singh, was also present at the event.
Bihar's Mahila Samvad Campaign: Empowering Women through Dialogue and Awareness
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the 'Mahila Samvad' campaign, a state-wide initiative aimed at connecting women with welfare schemes and amplifying their voices in policy discussions. This transformative campaign particularly targets rural women and intends to create a two-way communication channel between women citizens and government officials.
This initiative marks a shift towards inclusive governance, where women's voices are placed at the centre of development planning.
Dr. Mangi Lal Jat Takes Charge as Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR
Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, a distinguished Agronomist, assumed charge as the Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) in its notification, named Dr Jat as the new Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, for period of three years. Prior to this he was serving as Deputy Director General (Research) and Director of the Global Research Program at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad.
Dr. Jat, a globally respected figure in sustainable agriculture, brings over 25 years of rich experience in agronomy, climate-resilient farming, and conservation agriculture.
US, Philippines Launch Exercise 'Balikatan' near Taiwan
The Philippine and US militaries kicked off three weeks of joint exercises that will simulate a full-scale battle scenario, as the two allies seek to deter to Beijing's ambitions in the disputed South China Sea.
Around 17,000 troops are taking part in the annual 'Balikatan', or 'shoulder to shoulder' exercise, which for the first time includes an integrated air and missile defence. The exercise is being held from April 21 to May 9, 2025.
Second Edition of Tri-services Future Warfare Course
The second edition of Tri-services Future Warfare Course for senior military officers is being held at Manekshaw Centre from April 21 to May 9. The three-week course focuses on how technology impacts war-fighting, "necessitating a re-look at the thinking, concepts, doctrines, strategies and tactics, techniques and procedures.
The course is being conducted under the aegis of Integrated Defence Staff headquarters and coordinated by the tri-services think-tank Centre for Joint Warfare Studies.
This edition features an enhanced curriculum covering specialised subjects and domain-specific warfare developments in military operations.
Building on the success of the first course held in September 2024, this expanded three-week programme continues the vision of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan to prepare officers for the complex challenges of modern warfare.
Ananya Panday Becomes Chanel's First-Ever Indian Brand Ambassador
Bollywood actress Ananya Panday was officially announced as the first-ever Indian brand ambassador for the iconic French luxury house, Chanel. The announcement was made on positioning Ananya at the forefront of global haute couture and marking a significant step in Chanel's expansion into the Indian fashion landscape.
This collaboration comes exactly a year after Ananya Panday attended the Chanel Spring/Summer 2025 show at Paris Fashion Week.
National Civil Services Day is celebrated every year in India on April 21 to appreciate the efforts and hard work of civil servants who contribute immensely to the country's smooth functioning.
The roots of this day go back to April 21, 1947, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister, addressed the first batch of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers at Metcalfe House, New Delhi. In his iconic speech, he referred to them as the "steel frame of India," underlining their crucial role in maintaining order, unity, and governance in a newly independent nation.
Since 2006 April 21 has been celebrated as National Civil Service Day.
World Creativity and Innovation Day
World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) is celebrated annually on April 21 to highlight the pivotal role of creativity and innovation in problem-solving and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The inception of WCID traces back to May 25, 2001, when Marci Segal, a creativity expert from Canada, established the day in Toronto.
Recognising the significance of creativity in human development, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated April 21 as World Creativity and Innovation Day in 2017 through Resolution 71/284.
BPTP Bags 'Iconic Project Launch' and 'Unique Design Concept' Awards at Times Real Estate Awards 2025
Business Park Town Planners (BPTP), one of India's most trusted and innovative real estate developers, was honoured with two prestigious accolades at the Times Realty & Infrastructure Conclave 2025, underscoring its commitment to innovation, excellence, holistic and customer-centric design.
The company received the titles 'Iconic Project Launch of the Year 2025' and 'Unique Design Concept of the Year 2025' for its landmark residential project, Amstoria Verti Greens. These honours recognise the project's exceptional launch strategy and its distinctive, future-ready design which sets new standards of contemporary urban living. The awards were received by Mr. Harinder Dhillon Senior VP Sales, BPTP Limited and Mr. Ankur Balendu Dwivedi, Vice President - Sales, BPTP Limited.
Amit Shah Unveils 'HEALD' Initiative to Combat Liver Diseases across India
The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) marked a milestone with the launch of HEALD, Healthy Liver Education and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Prevention, a first-of-its-kind nationwide initiative aimed at tackling liver disease in India on the occasion of World Liver Day.
HEALD is envisioned as a multi-sectoral program combining public education, early screening, psychological and medical treatment of alcohol use disorder, and liver disease management.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while unveiling the HEALD initiative and inaugurating India's first Integrated Liver Habilitation (LiHAB) Centre, applauded ILBS for setting a national example in healthcare innovation.
Launch of 'Sanskriti Ka Paanchva Adhyay': A Compilation of PM Modi's Speeches on Culture
A new book titled 'Sanskriti Ka Paanchva Adhyay' was officially launched in New Delhi. This book is a curated compilation of speeches and thoughts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on India's cultural, spiritual, and traditional heritage.
The head of the Juna Akhara, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, launched the book. Presiding over the event, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, lauded Mr Modi's efforts in preserving the country's culture, traditions, spiritual values, and cultural heritage.