United States formally designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), marking a historic upgrade in bilateral relations. The announcement came during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington, D.C., where the two nations finalised a comprehensive strategic cooperation deal covering defence, artificial intelligence (AI), civil nuclear energy, and critical minerals. This move grants Saudi Arabia access to advanced military and economic privileges under US law, without extending the mutual defence commitment that comes with full NATO membership.
Ashok Leyland Partners with FAMCO Qatar to Boost Presence in Gulf Markets
Commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland partnered with Qatar-based Al-Futtaim Group's firm FAMCO Qatar to strengthen presence in the country off the Persian Gulf as part of its overseas expansion plans.
The move builds on Ashok Leyland's expansion into Saudi Arabia with FAMCO KSA last year (2024), reinforcing the strong strategic alliance between Al-Futtaim and Ashok Leyland.
Through its partnership with FAMCO Qatar, Ashok Leyland will introduce its full commercial vehicle range, including the new electric bus, tailored to the needs of local businesses and communities.
Delhi's Khan Market 24th most Expensive Global Retail Spot
Delhi's upscale Khan Market rank slipped one notch to 24th in a global list of the most expensive high-street retail locations, with an annual rent of $223 per sq ft, according to Cushman & Wakefield.
Nevertheless, Khan Market remains India's most expensive high street.
As per the Cushman & Wakefield report released, London's New Bond Street became the world's most expensive retail destination, with an annual rent of $2,231 per square foot per year.
Via Monte Napoleone in Milan, Italy, lost its top position and became the 2nd most expensive main street globally with an annual rent of $2,179 per sq ft.
New York's Upper 5th Avenue (49th to 60th Sts) was at third position with an annual rent of $2,000 per sq ft, compared to rank 2nd in the last year's (2025) list.
Global real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield released its flagship retail report 'Main Streets Across The World 2025' that focuses on headline rents in 138 best-in-class urban retail locations globally.
Zimbabwe and Namibia Will Jointly Host the 2026 U-19 Cricket World Cup
The 16th edition of the Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup will be played across five venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026.
As per the format, the 16 cricket teams have been divided into four groups of four. Following the round-robin group stage, the top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six phase, where they will be split into two groups of six each.
The groups:
Group A: India, Bangladesh, USA, New Zealand
Group B: Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, Scotland
Group C: Australia, Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka
Group D: Tanzania, West Indies, Afghanistan, South Africa
The Government appointed seven new secretary-rank officers, including the new heads for oil, telecom and agriculture ministries.
As per reports, the appointments committee of cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to appoint Neeraj Mittal, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, as petroleum secretary, replacing Pankaj Jain, who was named member secretary of the Eighth Pay Commission.
Manoj Joshi, a 1989- batch IAS officer, moved to pharmaceuticals from the department of land resources, while V. Vidyarthi moved from tourism to the department of empowerment of persons with disabilities. Replacing him is fellow officer from Karnataka, Srivatsa Krishna.
Atish Chandra, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, who is currently in the Prime Minister's Office, was named officer on special duty in the department of agriculture and farmers welfare, and will take over as secretary at the end of Feb, when Devesh Chaturvedi retires.
Chennai Port Trust Chairman Sunil Paliwal was named Chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
Regional Open Digital Health Summit 2025
The Regional Open Digital Health Summit 2025 was held in New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, technologists, public health leaders, and global experts from across the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR).
Organised by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Ministry of Electronics and IT, in collaboration with the National Health Authority (NHA), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, WHO-SEARO and UNICEF, the summit aimed to accelerate the adoption of open, interoperable, and standards-based digital health ecosystems across the region.
Ayush Pavilion Emerges as a Major Attraction at India International Trade Fair 2025
The Ministry of Ayush is showcasing the best of India's traditional healthcare heritage at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 under the theme "आयुष के साथ – स्वस्थ भारत, श्रेष्ठ भारत." The thematic stalls in the Ayush Pavilion emerged as one of the most visited attractions of the fair, drawing thousands of visitors keen to explore holistic wellness solutions rooted in Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
Each stall highlights a distinct aspect of Ayush health systems—ranging from digital diagnostics and dietary demonstrations to interactive games and expert consultations. The pavilion is designed to engage visitors of all age groups through participatory activities, live demos, and educational sessions.
Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, was presented the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 in New Delhi. The award was conferred by Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, in recognition of Bachelet's lifelong commitment to human rights, gender equality, and global justice.
Michelle Bachelet served two terms as President of Chile (2006–2010 and 2014–2018) and left behind a profound legacy.
Instituted in 1985, the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development honours individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to,
India Launches 1st Indigenous, Low-Cost Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Jitendra Singh launched India's first indigenous "CRISPR" based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, which particularly affects India's tribal population. The therapy, named 'BIRSA 101' is dedicated to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, whose 150th anniversary was observed few days back and who is remembered as a great tribal freedom fighter.
The breakthrough was developed at CSIR–Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (IGIB).
+91-85588-96644
