India Reaffirms Commitment to 'Pact for Future' at UN Dialogue
India reiterated its strong commitment to the Pact for the Future and its annexes, the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the Declaration on Future Generations, during the third interactive informal dialogue held to review the pact.
Describing the initiative as a vital step in the global community's collective efforts to address emerging and long-term challenges, India emphasised the importance of inclusive, forward-looking international cooperation.
The informal interactive dialogue aimed to provide a platform for member States to exchange ideas and share practices, looking ahead to 2028 in the implementation of the pact.
New Lichen Species Allographa Effusosoredica in the Western Ghats
A team of Indian scientists uncovered a previously unknown species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, from the richly biodiverse Western Ghats, carrying within it a tale of symbiosis, evolution and resilience.
The discovery of Allographa effusosoredica by scientists from MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, marks the first Indian Allographa species supported by molecular data.
Government Extends NTPC CMD Gurdeep Singh's Tenure till July 2026
The government extended the tenure of Gurdeep Singh as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NTPC by one year.
Singh who was due to retire on July 31, will now lead the power giant for till July-end 2026. NTPC is India's largest power producing entity under Ministry of Power.
Ajay Kumar Shrivastava Appointed Director (Engineering & R&D), HAL
Ajay Kumar Shrivastava officially assumed the role of Director (Engineering and R&D) at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), one of India's premier aerospace and defence public sector undertakings. With 37 years of experience in aircraft design and development, Shrivastava's appointment marks a significant move in advancing indigenous aviation capabilities and innovation.
Ajay Shrivastava began his professional journey at HAL in 1988 as a Management Trainee (Technical). Over the decades, he has served in multiple leadership roles including Head of the Aircraft Research & Design Centre (ARDC) and the Transport Aircraft Research & Design Centre (TARDC).
Bihar Wins U18 Boys' Title at Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025
Bihar's rugby team clinched the U18 Boys' title at the 10th Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025, held in Dehradun, with a narrow 17–15 victory over defending champions Odisha. With this win, Bihar completed a double title sweep, having also won the Girls' U18 championship earlier.
The Junior National Rugby 7s Championship is India's premier youth rugby tournament and a critical stage for identifying future national-level talent.
World Pickleball League Announces Jio World Garden as Official Venue for Season 2
The World Pickleball League (WPBL) announced Jio World Garden as the host venue for Season 2, set to take place in Mumbai from January 24 to February 8, 2026.
With six competing teams, marquee players, celebrity franchise owners, and India's fastest-growing sport at its core, World Pickleball League Season 2 will be the first-ever franchise sports league to be held at Jio World Garden, affirming its rising stature and ambition to deliver a premium, fan-first experience.
Narayan Singh Deo Appointed Interim Chairperson of ISSF Panel
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) announced the appointment of its president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, as the Interim Chairperson of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Committee on E-Sports, E-Games, and Technological Innovations.
The appointment marks an important milestone for India's growing influence in international shooting sport governance.
India-Argentina Hold 2nd JWG Meeting on Agriculture
The second Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Agriculture between India and Argentina was held, with the Indian Co-chair, Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, joining the session virtually. The meeting was co-chaired by Sergio Iraeta, Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, from the Argentina side. Both sides underscored the significance of the meeting as a key milestone in deepening bilateral cooperation in the fields of agriculture and allied sectors.
INS Nistar, India's First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel, Commissioned in Visakhapatnam
INS Nistar, the country's first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV) was commissioned into the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam. The commissioning ceremony took place in the presence of Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, senior naval officials, and representatives from Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), the shipbuilder.
INS Nistar is the first of two DSVs being built by HSL and is equipped for complex deep-sea saturation diving and submarine rescue operations, a capability limited to a few global navies.
Veteran Tamil Actor-Filmmaker Velu Prabhakaran Passes Away
Veteran Tamil director, cinematographer and actor Velu Prabhakaran passed away in Chennai. He was 68.
Velu Prabhakaran made his Tamil cinema debut as a cinematographer with the 1980 film Ivargal Vithyasamanavargal. In 1989, he transitioned to direction with his debut film Nalaya Manithan, starring Prabhu, Ajay Rathnam, Amala, and Jaishankar. That same year, he also stepped in front of the camera for the first time, acting in his own directorial venture Sariyana Jodi.
INCOIS Receives National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) was conferred the National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 for its exceptional application of open-source spatial technologies. The award was presented during the Open Source GIS Day (Edition 2) held at IIT Bombay, recognising INCOIS's contributions to marine geospatial intelligence and data-driven ocean management.
INCOIS is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), headquartered in Hyderabad. It is responsible for providing ocean information and advisory services to various stakeholders, including fishermen, coastal authorities, disaster management agencies, and researchers.
The National Geospatial Practitioner Award is a prestigious recognition granted to institutions demonstrating innovative uses of geospatial technology.
Kerala Announces Kathakali and Classical Arts Awards
The Government of Kerala announced the State Kathakali Awards, Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram, and Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram for 2023, honouring veterans who have contributed immensely to the preservation and promotion of Kerala's classical performing arts. The awards reflect the state's commitment to safeguarding its rich cultural heritage.
Kerala is renowned for its classical art forms like Kathakali, Koodiyattam, and traditional percussion instruments like Chenda and Maddalam. These awards are instituted by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi under the Department of Cultural Affairs to recognise outstanding contributions by individuals in preserving these traditions. The awards are presented annually and carry a cash prize, citation, and a plaque.
Jindal Foundation Honoured with CSR TIMES Gold Award
The Jindal Foundation, the social arm of Jindal Steel, was awarded the prestigious CSR TIMES Award in the Gold Category for Sports Promotion. H.E. Ms Jacqueline Mukangira, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to India, presented the award to Mr Prashant Hota, President & Group Head (CSR) of Jindal Steel, at the 12th CSR Summit in New Delhi.
Centre Appoints Justice T. A. Goud as Acting Chief Justice of Tripura High Court
The Central government notified the appointment of Justice Todupunuri Amarnath Goud as Acting Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court.
This follows the transfer of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh to the Telangana High Court. Justice Goud will perform the duties of Chief Justice until Justice M. S. R. Ramachandra Rao, currently Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, takes charge as Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court.
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