Zelensky names Kyrylo Budanov as head of Presidential Office
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky named spy chief Kyrylo Budanov as his new head of the presidential staff, more than a month after the previous top aide resigned amid a corruption row. Budanov has led the military intelligence agency, known for strikes against Russia and for shaping security policy. The appointment signals a consolidation of security and political leadership in Kyiv as the war and reconstruction efforts continue. Analysts say Budanov's background in intelligence could influence governance and coordination with allied intelligence services. The change comes during a challenging period for Ukraine as it seeks to maintain unity, transparency, and strategic resilience.
Budanov named head of the Ukrainian presidential staff.
Background in military intelligence and security policy.
Appointment seen as consolidation of leadership in Kyiv.
Possible impact on governance and allied intelligence coordination.
Comes amid ongoing war and reconstruction challenges.
KFC Operator Sapphire Foods' Merger with Devyani International
In a significant consolidation in the food services sector, Sapphire Foods India will merge with Devyani International, one of the country's leading quick-service restaurant (QSR) operators.
Both the companies operate KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants in India. Additionally, Devyani International has Costa Coffee, Vaango, and The Food Street in its stable, while Sapphire Foods operates Taco Bell in India.
The boards of Devyani International Ltd (DIL) and Sapphire Foods India Ltd (SFIL) have approved a scheme of arrangement for the merger of SFIL with and into DIL, marking a strategic consolidation of the two companies.
IIT Madras launches IITM Global to become world's first multinational IIT
On 2 January 2026, IIT Madras launched IITM Global, a research foundation aiming to transform the institute into the world's first multinational IIT. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the initiative on the campus, signaling expanded international partnerships, innovation ecosystems, and joint programmes. IITM Global seeks to connect campuses, industry, and startups across borders while preserving IIT Madras's academic standards. The launch also marks the start of IITM Festival Fortnight, including Shaastra 2026 (2–6 January) and Saarang 2026 (8–12 January), which bring technology, culture, and community outreach to students and the public. The move aims to broaden research funding, global mobility, and collaborative education.
IIT Madras launches IITM Global on 2 January 2026.
Aims to become the world’s first multinational IIT.
Jaishankar inaugurates the initiative.
Fortnight events Shaastra (2–6 January) and Saarang (8–12 January).
Seeks to expand international partnerships and research funding.
Modi inaugurates Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics relating to Lord Buddha at Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in New Delhi in January 2026. The event brings together Piprahwa relics that were repatriated after more than a century, alongside authentic relics and archaeological materials from Piprahwa held in major Indian museums. Officials said the exhibition highlights the long history of Buddhist heritage and the ongoing effort to preserve, study, and share it with the public. Mr. Modi emphasised that repatriation strengthens cultural links and invites scholars, students, and visitors to engage with India's ancient past. The exposition will run for several weeks and feature curated displays and lectures.
Piprahwa relics repatriated after more than a century.
Relics from Piprahwa and materials in National Museum Delhi and Indian Museum Kolkata showcased.
Exhibition highlights Buddhist heritage and cultural exchange.
Inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2026.
Event to run for several weeks with displays and lectures.
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh takes charge of South Western Air Command
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command in early 2026. The appointment reflects the Indian Air Force's emphasis on operational experience, strategic planning, and leadership at the command level. As AOC-in-C, he will oversee air operations, readiness, and planning in a region facing security and border challenges. Singh previously served in senior leadership roles and brings decades of flying and command experience. He succeeds the outgoing commander, and his tenure is expected to focus on ensuring strong deterrence, rapid response capabilities, and joint exercises with neighbouring forces. The South Western Air Command remains a crucial component of India's air defence posture.
Tejinder Singh appointed AOC-in-C of SWAC.
Emphasis on operational experience and strategic planning.
Oversees air operations and readiness in a key region.
Succeeds the previous commander; tenure focused on deterrence.
Importance of joint exercises with neighbouring forces.
Buddhists worldwide marked Mahayana New Year on 3 January 2026, with celebrations varying by region. Mahayana is one of the two main branches of Buddhism and is practiced across parts of Northeast Asia, including China, Japan, Tibet, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Korea. Communities observed temple ceremonies, prayers, and cultural events as part of the new year. Some regions align the date with the lunar cycle or calendar customs, while others celebrate on the Gregorian date. The observance reflects diverse traditions within Buddhism and highlights shared values such as compassion, wisdom, and peace. Scholars noted the importance of interfaith dialogue during such observances.
Mahayana New Year celebrated on 3 January 2026.
Mahayana is a major Buddhist tradition across Northeast Asia.
Celebrations include temple ceremonies and cultural events.
Date varies by region and lunar calendars.
Interfaith dialogue is highlighted during observances.
MoSPI unveils new logo and mascot to promote data-driven governance
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) unveiled a new logo and a mascot to promote data-driven governance in India. The initiative aims to modernise the department's identity and strengthen the use of statistics in policymaking and development planning. The new logo centers on the theme 'Data for Development' and includes an Ashoka Chakra symbolising transparency and good governance, a Rupee sign indicating economic planning, and upward numeric motifs representing progress. The mascot, named Sankhyiki, is designed as a friendly, citizen-centric character to explain statistics simply. Officials say the branding will improve public understanding of data, support evidence-based decisions, and foster trust in statistics across sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
MoSPI launched a new logo and a mascot for data-driven governance.
Logo theme is 'Data for Development' with Ashoka Chakra and Rupee symbol.
Mascot named Sankhyiki designed to simplify statistics.
Branding aims to improve public understanding and policy making.
Aims to strengthen data use in health, education, and infrastructure.
Tripura SLDC earns ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification in the northeast
Tripura State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) has become the first centre in India's northeast to obtain ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, a mark of effective information security management. The milestone was announced during the 22nd foundation day of Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL). Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath noted that the certification protects critical computerised systems from rising cyber threats and strengthens the security of the national power grid. Officials say the certification will improve incident response, risk assessment, and data protection across electricity operations, reflecting India's focus on cyber resilience in the energy sector as digitisation expands the grid and smart infrastructure.
First NE centre to receive ISO/IEC 27001:2022.
Announced during TSECL's 22nd foundation day.
Aims to protect critical systems from cyber threats.
Strengthens security of the national power grid.
Improves incident response and data protection.
Surat set to become India’s first slum-free city
Surat Municipality is advancing a long-standing plan to become India’s first fully slum-free city. Officials say large-scale in-situ redevelopment and housing schemes are nearing completion to ensure durable homes for all residents. The effort focuses on replacing informal slum clusters with planned, multi-storey residential complexes that keep residents close to workplaces and social networks. The city’s approach includes upgrading basic services, improving housing stability, and providing permanent residence documents. Local leaders emphasise that attaining a slum-free status will enhance living conditions, spur inclusive urban growth, and attract investment. The completion would mark a milestone in urban planning and social welfare for Gujarat’s Diamond Capital.
Surat aims to be India’s first fully slum-free city.
In-situ redevelopment and housing schemes under way.
Slums replaced with planned, multi-storey housing near work sites.
Improved services and permanent residency for residents.
Goal supports inclusive urban growth and investment.
Karnataka Sets Record with 198 Organ Donations in 2025
Karnataka has recorded its highest-ever organ donation figures with 198 donations in 2025, setting a new milestone in the state's transplant history.
This has surpassed the previous record registered in 2023, when the state reported 178 organ donations.
According to health department, with this achievement, Karnataka has secured the third position nationally in organ donations for 2025, setting a milestone for the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO).
Among the States, Tamil Nadu topped the chart with 267 organ donations, followed by Telangana with 205. Karnataka stood third with 198 donations, while Maharashtra and Gujarat reported 153 and 152 donations respectively, according to official data.
Centre clears appointment of Bombay HC Justice M. S. Sonak as Jharkhand Chief Justice
The Centre cleared the appointment of Justice M. S. Sonak, presently a judge of the Bombay High Court, as Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court in January 2026. The appointment follows a Supreme Court Collegium recommendation from December 2025. Justice Sonak will assume office on the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice, Tarlok Singh Chauhan, on 8 January 2026. Experts note this move aligns Jharkhand's judiciary with the collegium practice of appointing senior judges from other high courts to ensure administrative efficiency and independent adjudication. The decision reflects ongoing efforts to fill vacancies and maintain judicial infrastructure across states.
Justice M. S. Sonak appointed Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court.
Current judge from Bombay High Court to take over.
Appointment followed December 2025 Supreme Court Collegium recommendation.
Will assume on 8 January 2026 after Chauhan's retirement.
Aims to improve judiciary efficiency and independence.
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