Vaishnaw to attend G7 Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting in Washington
Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will participate in the G7 Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting in Washington, as part of ongoing efforts to bolster global supply chains for essential resources. The gathering focuses on securing strategic minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earth elements crucial for defence, semiconductors and renewable energy. Vaishnaw emphasised that resilient supply chains are vital for India’s Viksit Bharat ambitions. The meeting aligns with broader dialogue among major economies on resource security and manufacturing competitiveness, with potential implications for India’s industrial policy and export opportunities in critical minerals sectors.
Ashwini Vaishnaw to participate in the G7 Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting in Washington.
Focus on securing critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, graphite, rare earths.
Meeting linked to defence, semiconductors and renewable energy needs.
Vaishnaw ties supply chains to India’s Viksit Bharat goals.
Part of wider international discussions on resource security and manufacturing.
Taliban appoints diplomat to Afghan embassy in New Delhi
The Taliban administration has appointed a diplomat to head the Afghan embassy in New Delhi, marking a visible presence of the regime in India nearly five years after Kabul’s takeover. Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, a senior official in the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has arrived in Delhi to assume the role of Charge d’Affaires. The development follows a prior meeting between India and the Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister in October 2025. The move signals continuing diplomatic engagement channels between India and Afghanistan as both sides navigate regional security dynamics and humanitarian considerations.
Taliban appoints diplomat to Afghan embassy in New Delhi; Noor to head as Charge d’Affaires.
Arrival follows October 2025 meeting with Taliban acting Foreign Minister Mottaqi.
Marks a rare public Taliban presence in India since takeover.
Flamingo Festival draws families to Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
The Flamingo Festival attracted families to Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary near Sullurpeta, drawing visitors from Tirupati, Nellore, Annamayya, Kadapa and Chitoor districts, with some traveling from Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The festival highlighted migratory birds and included activities at the Nelapattu sanctuary and nearby ecological education centres. Government school grounds hosted inaugural sessions and cultural programmes, while other venues offered bird-watching and boating experiences. The event underscores India’s biodiversity and eco-tourism potential, showcasing the Nip in a key wildlife corridor along the eastern coast during the migratory season.
Flamingo Festival draws families to Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary.
Visitors from multiple districts and neighboring states attend.
Festival features bird viewing and ecological education activities.
Inaugural sessions held at government schools; cultural programmes held locally.
Event highlights biodiversity and eco-tourism along India’s eastern coast.
Google teams with Walmart, Shopify and others to add shopping in Gemini AI chatbot
Google said on Sunday that it is expanding shopping features in its Gemini AI chatbot by partnering with Walmart, Shopify, Wayfair and other large retailers to turn the Gemini app into a virtual merchant as well as an assistant. An instant checkout function will let customers buy from participating businesses without leaving the chat, using a range of payment providers. The announcement was made on the first day of the National Retail Federation’s annual convention in New York, where AI in e-commerce was a central topic. Walmart’s incoming president and CEO John Furner, and Alphabet chief Sundar Pichai, described this as the next evolution in retail.
Gemini AI chatbot will host shopping from multiple major retailers including Walmart, Shopify and Wayfair.
Instant checkout feature enables purchases directly within Gemini chat without switching apps.
Payments will be processed through a variety of providers, without leaving the chat interface.
Announcement coincides with the National Retail Federation convention in New York.
Company executives frame agent-led commerce as a key future trend in retail.
Macquarie India head Abhishek Poddar resigns; second senior exit in months
Abhishek Poddar, managing director and country head-India at Macquarie Asset Management, has resigned after an eight-year tenure. He is currently on gardening leave and is expected to formally exit by the end of January. This marks the second senior-level departure from Macquarie India in recent months, following the December resignation of Deep Gupta after nearly 18 years with the group. The leadership churn at the Australia-headquartered asset manager’s India franchise highlights restructuring within the firm’s local operations as it navigates evolving market conditions and investment strategies.
Abhishek Poddar resigns as MD-India at Macquarie Asset Management.
Exit planned by end of January; Poddar is on gardening leave.
Second senior departure from Macquarie India in recent months.
Follow-up leadership changes include earlier departure of Deep Gupta.
Indicates ongoing leadership churn within Macquarie’s India franchise.
CIO Mahesh Patil steps down from Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC after 21 years
Mahesh Patil has resigned as Chief Investment Officer at Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC after 21 years with the fund house. He announced on LinkedIn that he is leaving to pursue personal goals and will hand over responsibilities to his successors. Patil oversaw assets under management of about Rs 4.5 lakh crore and noted that the leadership team would continue to meet investor expectations. He named Harish Krishnan (CIO Equity), Kaustubh Gupta (CIO Fixed Income) and Sunaina da Chuna (Co CIO Debt) as his potential successors. The transition comes amid a broader phase of succession planning at the company.
Mahesh Patil resigns as CIO of Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC after 21 years.
Leaves to pursue personal goals; handover to named successors.
Managed roughly Rs 4.5 lakh crore in AUM.
Successors named: Harish Krishnan, Kaustubh Gupta, Sunaina da Chuna.
Aryna Sabalenka wins Brisbane International again ahead of Australian Open
World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Marta Kostyuk to claim her third Brisbane International title in a 79-minute final, finishing with a 6-4, 6-3 scoreline. The victory strengthens Sabalenka’s preparation for the Australian Open, establishing her as a leading favourite for the year’s first major. Kostyuk battled hard, but Sabalenka’s strength and consistency dictated the match. The Brisbane title adds to Sabalenka’s growing list of hard-court successes and provides momentum as players transition from warm-up events to Grand Slams.
Aryna Sabalenka defeats Marta Kostyuk to win Brisbane International 2026.
Final lasted 79 minutes; score 6-4, 6-3.
This is Sabalenka’s third Brisbane title.
Victory boosts Sabalenka’s momentum ahead of the Australian Open.
Kostyuk fought hard but could not overcome Sabalenka’s form.
National Basketball Championship: Indian Railways clinch twin titles
The National Basketball Championship concluded with Indian Railways securing two titles, marking a dominant performance. In the women’s final, Railways defeated Kerala 75–66 to win their eighth consecutive crown and 41st overall. The results underscore Railways’ long-running success in Indian basketball and reflect depth in the organization’s women’s squad. The tournament showcased rising talent from different states and highlighted ongoing improvements in domestic basketball infrastructure and competition formats. Organisers lauded players and support staff for a competitive event that contributes to the sport’s development at the national level.
Railways win two titles at the National Basketball Championship 2026.
Women’s final: Railways beat Kerala 75–66; eighth consecutive title.
Railways’ 41st overall championship highlighted dominance in women’s basketball.
Tournament showcased homegrown talent and competitive formats.
Event praised for contributing to national basketball development.
PM Modi to take part in Shaurya Yatra at Somnath temple during Somnath Swabhiman Parv
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit Somnath in Gujarat on January 10–11, 2026, to participate in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. The programme includes Omkar Mantra chanting, a drone show, and a Shaurya Yatra on January 11 to honour warriors who defended the Somnath Temple. The event marks 1,000 years since Mahmud Ghazni’s 1026 invasion and ties to the restoration efforts following independence. Modi will also perform darshan and address a public function at Somnath. The observance, running January 8–11, 2026, also commemorates the temple’s resilience and national pride.
PM Modi to visit Somnath during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv (Jan 10–11, 2026).
Shaurya Yatra scheduled for January 11; honours soldiers who protected the temple.
Drone show planned; Omkar Mantra chanting part of the programme.
Event marks 1,000 years since Ghazni’s 1026 invasion and restoration history.
PM to meet attendees and address a public function in Somnath.
Western Command holds 2026 Investiture Ceremony recognizing gallantry and service
Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar presided over the Western Command Investiture Ceremony 2026 in Delhi Cantt. The event recognised 100 awardees for bravery and distinguished service, including six Yudh Seva Medals and 30 Sena Medals (G) with four posthumous honours. The ceremony also awarded 44 Vishisht Seva Medals and featured a display of in-house drone capabilities. General Katiyar addressed awardees and families, stressing professional excellence, innovation and readiness to safeguard India’s frontiers. The gathering highlighted the Army’s focus on valor, sacrifice, and modernisation in support of national security.
Western Command Investiture Ceremony 2026 honoured 100 awardees.
Awards included six Yudh Seva Medals, 30 Sena Medals (Gallantry), and four posthumous.
44 Vishisht Seva Medals awarded; drones showcased by troops.
General Manoj Kumar Katiyar presided; emphasis on innovation and readiness.
Ceremony reinforces army ethos and national security commitments.
Sanjha Shakti: Indian Army conducts civil–military exercise in Southern Command
The Indian Army conducted the Sanjha Shakti exercise to boost civil–military coordination in the Southern Command. The joint Military–Civil Fusion exercise at the Dighi Hills Range involved more than 350 personnel and 16 civilian agencies, including police, fire and disaster response units from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. The aim was to test interoperability, communication, decision-making and rapid response under realistic scenarios, strengthening civilian resilience during emergencies. Lt Gen DS Kushwah highlighted the importance of close civil–military collaboration, with an emphasis on preparedness and joint action to safeguard public safety and security.
Sanjha Shakti is a civil–military fusion exercise in Southern Command.
Involves 350+ personnel and 16 civilian agencies from multiple states.
Focus on interoperability, communications and rapid-response planning.
Exercises conducted at Dighi Hills Range; scenario-based training.
Lt Gen Kushwah underscored civilian–military cooperation for public safety.
Former hockey Olympic gold medallist Davinder Singh Garcha dies at 73
Davinder Singh Garcha, a former international hockey player who was part of India’s gold medal team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, passed away at his home in Jalandhar at the age of 73. He reportedly suffered chest pains and had a brief hospital stay before returning home. Born December 7, 1952, in Amritsar, Garcha made his international debut at the 1979 Moscow pre-Olympic tournament and scored eight goals in six matches at the Moscow Games, where India defeated Spain 4-3 in the final. His cremation is planned for January 14, with tributes expected from former teammates and fans.
Davinder Singh Garcha, 1980 Olympic hockey gold medallist, passed away at 73.
Born December 7, 1952, in Amritsar; international debut in 1979 Moscow pre-Olympic tournament.
Scored eight goals in six matches at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
India won the 1980 Olympic hockey final 4-3 against Spain.
Cremation set for January 14; tributes anticipated from the hockey community.
Governor inaugurates 13th International Anglo-Indian Reunion
Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the Governor, inaugurated the 13th International Anglo-Indian Reunion in the presence of Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden, who delivered the keynote. Justice Conrad Dias of the Kerala High Court was the guest of honour. Gordon Maher, president of the International Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations, presided over the gathering. Other speakers included former MP Charles Dias and Ursula Fosberry, head of the Federation of the Anglo-Indian Associations in India. The event highlighted cultural ties and the historical Anglo-Indian community’s role in the region’s social and educational development.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar inaugurates 13th International Anglo-Indian Reunion.
Keynote delivered by Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden; Justice Conrad Dias attends as guest of honour.
Gordon Maher presides; other leaders speak on Anglo-Indian contributions.
Event underscores cultural ties and community history in the region.
Participation from former MPs and federation leaders highlighted.
Veterans Day parade to enliven Mumbai’s Marine Drive this weekend
Mumbai will host a Veterans Day parade along Marine Drive, with retired service members from the Navy, Army and Air Force marching 2 km on the promenade. The event, now in its fifth edition, may attract up to 500 participants including gallantry awardees, veterans in wheelchairs and their families. Authorities expect strong public turnout as residents join to honour the Tri-Services community. The parade is part of the national observance of Veterans Day, traditionally held near January 14, commemorating Field Marshal KM Cariappa’s retirement and the armed forces’ enduring service to the nation.
Mumbai hosts Veterans Day parade on Marine Drive (Sunday morning).
Participation from all three services; 2 km march planned.
Up to 500 participants including veterans and families expected.
Fifth edition of the event aims to honour service and sacrifice.
Observance tied to the legacy of Field Marshal Cariappa.
National Youth Day 2026 celebrated across India; PM to engage with youth leaders
National Youth Day 2026 is celebrated on January 12 to mark Swami Vivekananda’s birth and inspire youth participation in nation-building. Government and educational bodies organise debates, seminars and community service activities across states. In 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in New Delhi, engaging around 3,000 youth from diverse backgrounds. Governments and cultural groups emphasise leadership, skill development and social responsibility, aligning with Vivekananda’s legacy to empower young Indians. The day reinforces national efforts to harness youth energy for development and inclusive growth.
National Youth Day 2026 observed on January 12, marking Vivekananda’s birth.
Debates, seminars and youth activities held nationwide.
PM Modi to participate in Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue with ~3,000 youth.
Focus on leadership, skill development and social responsibility.
Celebrations reflect national effort to leverage youth for growth.
NHAI marks four Guinness World Records along Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada corridor
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced four Guinness World Records linked to the Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada economic corridor (NH-544G). Official releases state that on January 6, 2026, two records were set near Puttaparthi as part of the project’s execution excellence and engineering prowess. The feat showcases India’s growing infrastructure capabilities and project delivery speed. The records come amid ongoing efforts to accelerate highway development and regional connectivity, supporting freight movement and regional growth. NHAI emphasized safety, quality, and timely completion as core pillars of the corridor’s implementation.
NHAI reports four Guinness World Records for NH-544G corridor.
Two records achieved near Puttaparthi on January 6, 2026.
Part of Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada economic corridor project.
Highlights India’s infrastructure capability and execution speed.
Emphasis on safety, quality, and timely completion.
UIDAI launches Udai, a mascot to simplify Aadhaar communication
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched Udai, a mascot designed to simplify public understanding of Aadhaar services. Udai was chosen from entries submitted through a national design and name competition on the MyGov platform. The mascot aims to improve outreach and clarity for residents seeking Aadhaar-related information and services. UIDAI described Udai as a people-friendly asset to help users navigate identity services more easily. The move aligns with efforts to enhance accessibility and awareness around biometric UID programs across diverse Indian communities.
UIDAI launches mascot Udai to simplify Aadhaar communication.
Udai selected via MyGov national design and name competition.
Mascot aims to improve public understanding of Aadhaar services.
Part of broader efforts to boost accessibility of identity programs.
Represents UIDAI’s focus on user-friendly public outreach.
Railways to confer Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar on 100 employees
Indian Railways will confer the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar 2025 on 100 employees, including officers and staff across various divisions. The awards will be presented on January 9 at the India International Convention & Expo Centre in New Delhi, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and other railway officials in attendance. The ceremony recognises exemplary service, safety, efficiency, innovation and contributions to revenue and operations. This broad recognition reflects the Railways’ ongoing emphasis on workforce excellence and public service delivery across a wide spectrum of railway functions.
Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar 2025 to be awarded to 100 employees.
Ceremony on January 9 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi; Vaishnaw to attend.
Awards cover safety, efficiency, innovation and service excellence.
Recognises a broad range of railway personnel across divisions.
Highlights government emphasis on workforce recognition and public service.
PM Modi lauds Shrimad Vijayaratna Sunder Surishwarji Maharaj on 500th book release
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the release of Shrimad Vijayaratna Sunder Surishwarji Maharaj’s 500th book, praising the spiritual leader for spreading knowledge through writing and life example. Modi described the 500 works as a vast ocean of thoughts and insights, offering simple and spiritual guidance to humanity. He reiterated the nine resolutions from the Navkar Mahamantra Day, including water conservation and local sourcing, as the nation seeks growth in harmony with tradition. The video message underscored the Prime Minister’s emphasis on culture, learning and values in public life.
PM Modi praises Shrimad Vijayaratna Sunder Surishwarji Maharaj on 500th book release.
Describes the collection as a vast ocean of thoughts and insights.
Books offered as simple, spiritual guidance for humanity.
Reinforces nine Navkar Mahamantra Day resolutions, including water conservation.
Shows Modi’s emphasis on culture and values in governance.
Ni Fest 10th edition concludes in Thrissur; rural art camp ends
The 10th edition of Ni Fest, a national art camp and rural art festival, concluded near Wadakkancherry in Thrissur district. Curated by painter Sujith S.N., the camp featured 20 artists, including T. Venkanna and K. Muraleedharan. The event, running from January 7, showcased visual arts, theatre and literature, integrating traditional and contemporary forms. It aimed to nurture rural artistry and connect artists with broader cultural ecosystems in Kerala. The festival’s conclusion marked another milestone in Kerala’s vibrant arts calendar, highlighting the state’s role as a hub for regional and national art initiatives.
Ni Fest concludes in Thrissur after 10th edition.
Curated by Sujith S.N.; 20 participating artists.
Festival features visual arts, theatre and literature.
Aims to support rural art and connect with broader culture networks.
Kerala’s ongoing role as a national arts hub is highlighted.
Soumen Sen sworn in as Chief Justice of Kerala High Court
Justice Soumen Sen was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court in a ceremony at Lok Bhavan. The ceremony was attended by the Governor, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. Justice Sen brings experience from previous judicial roles and is expected to oversee cases at the state level while guiding administrative reforms within the High Court. The appointment aligns with standard constitutional processes for high court leadership changes and signals continuity in Kerala’s judicial administration.
Justice Soumen Sen sworn in as Kerala High Court Chief Justice.
Ceremony attended by Governor and Chief Minister among others.
Sen brings extensive judicial experience to the role.
Expectations of administrative reforms and steady leadership.
Appointment follows constitutional norms for high courts.
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