India ships 7.5 tonnes of cancer medicines to Kabul
India has dispatched 7.5 tonnes of life-saving cancer medicines to Afghanistan in January 2026 as part of its ongoing humanitarian assistance to the war-torn country. The shipment, announced by the Ministry of External Affairs on social media, aims to address the urgent needs of cancer patients in Kabul. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the medicines would help meet a shortage and reinforce India’s commitment to its Afghan partners. The handover included vaccines as part of broader health support. In late 2025, Indian officials also discussed cooperation in traditional medicine with Afghan counterparts and reaffirmed long-term health assistance. Earlier shipments included 73 tonnes of medicines in November 2025.
7.5 tonnes of cancer medicines sent to Kabul in January 2026.
Announcement made by MEA via X (formerly Twitter).
Handover included vaccines as part of broader health support.
India cites ongoing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
References to December 2025 talks on traditional medicine collaboration.
Jaishankar meets EU envoys ahead of January 27 summit
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with European Union envoys on 23 January 2026 ahead of the India-EU Summit scheduled for 27 January. The discussions focused on deepening bilateral ties, de-risking the global economy, and advancing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement. Officials emphasised cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and regional security. The meeting underscored India’s desire for a balanced partnership with the EU, addressing shared concerns such as supply chains and climate action. The talks followed recent high-level exchanges, signaling readiness to push for an ambitious agreement during the summit. Source: Economic Times.
Jaishankar met EU envoys on 23 January 2026.
India-EU Summit scheduled for 27 January.
Discussions on FTA, trade, investment and technology.
Emphasis on de-risking and regional security cooperation.
Indication of readiness for a broad, ambitious agreement.
Alwar to host 400-wild-animal biodiversity park with 81 species
Alwar district in Rajasthan will host a new biological park featuring more than 400 wild animals from 81 species. The project includes a high-tech animal rescue centre and a veterinary hospital. The park, planned in the Kati Ghati region, will be the first such facility in the National Capital Region, offering lion, tiger and herbivore safaris in one place. A detailed project report is already prepared, awaiting approval from the Union Environment Ministry. If approved, the park will span from Kati Ghati to Jaisamand and will involve forest department teams trained in rescue and rehabilitation methods learned from Gir National Park.
Biological park planned in Alwar with 400 wild animals from 81 species.
Features include a high-tech rescue centre and a veterinary hospital.
First of its kind in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Lions, tigers and herbivores to be showcased together with safaris.
DPR submitted; awaiting Union Environment Ministry approval.
GEI targets expanded under Carbon Credit Trading Scheme
The government has expanded the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme to cover additional carbon-intensive sectors. The Environment Ministry said 208 more entities are now obligated to meet emission intensity reduction targets, bringing the total covered entities to 490 across India’s most emission-heavy industries. The move strengthens the Indian carbon market and aligns with national climate action goals. Companies will have to regularly report emissions data and pursue efficiency improvements to lower GEI. The policy aims to lower greenhouse gas intensity and push industry toward cleaner production while supporting sustainable growth. This follows global climate commitments and supports India’s commitments under national plans.
208 more entities added to GEI targets under CCTS.
Total of 490 entities now covered.
Targets aim to reduce emission intensity in key sectors.
Enhances the scope of the Indian carbon market.
Emphasis on regular emission reporting and efficiency gains.
Guardian India appoints Karunakaran Azhisur as India Head
Guardian India Operations Private Limited has appointed Karunakaran Azhisur as Country Head for India. In this role, he will report to Chief Strategy Officer and Chair of the Guardian India Board, while continuing to serve as Chief Information Officer for Guardian India. The appointment is part of Guardian Life Insurance’s global operations, with support from the executive team. Michael Prestileo, Guardian India’s Chief Strategy Officer, praised Karunakaran's experience and leadership, saying his appointment will advance the company’s technology strategy and innovation for policyholders. Azhisur is expected to lead digital transformation initiatives and strengthen customer services in the Indian market globally.
Karunakaran Azhisur appointed as Guardian India Country Head.
He remains Chief Information Officer for Guardian India.
Reports to the Chief Strategy Officer and Chair of the Guardian India Board.
Appointment aligns with Guardian Life Insurance’s global operations.
Leadership praised for driving technology strategy and innovation.
Two new rare ant fly species found in Delhi and Western Ghats
Researchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu report two new rare ant fly species, Metadon ghorpadei and Metadon reemeri, from Delhi’s urban forest and the Western Ghats. These flies belong to the subfamily Microdontinae (Syrphidae) and exhibit myrmecophily, a close association with ants where larvae live inside ant nests and feed on brood. The discoveries highlight biodiversity in protected areas and the importance of conserving urban green spaces and biodiversity hotspots. Ongoing surveys and monitoring are urged to better understand distribution and ecological roles of these extremely rare insects, which add to India’s known invertebrate fauna.
Two new ant fly species discovered: Metadon ghorpadei and Metadon reemeri.
Found in Delhi’s urban forest and Western Ghats (Tamil Nadu).
Species belong to Microdontinae (Syrphidae) family.
Larvae live in ant nests, a behavior called myrmecophily.
Highlights need to conserve urban green spaces and biodiversity hotspots.
SkiMo sprint to make Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026
Milano Cortina 2026 will host ski mountaineering's sprint race, the oldest winter sport’s Olympic debut in the Games. Organisers shortened the endurance race to fit the schedule, turning the challenging climb and descent into a high-speed dash for gold. Ski mountaineering, which originated as mountain soldiers’ training, involves uphill travel either on skis with special skins or on foot in steep sections. The sprint event tests speed and technique, offering a compact spectacle for spectators. The inclusion marks a milestone for winter sports in the Olympics and reflects evolving interests in mountain athletic disciplines. It will attract athletes from around the world and stimulate tourism in winter regions.
Ski mountaineering sprint makes Olympic debut in 2026 Games.
Event shortened to fit schedule for Milano Cortina.
Originated as mountain soldiers’ training; now a sport.
Sprint tests speed and technique in a compact format.
Expected to attract global athletes and boost winter tourism.
Yash Anil Rashiya wins Roll Ball World Cup gold for India
Yash Anil Rashiya, a 20-year-old Roll Ball athlete from Surat, has become a rising star after winning the gold at the 7th Roll Ball World Cup 2025 in Dubai. Selected among 12 elite players to represent Team India, Rashiya played a key role in securing the World Cup title against international competition. His victory has boosted visibility for roll ball, a sport blending football and roller skating, on the global stage. The win underscores India’s growing strength in lesser-known sports and showcases youth talent from Gujarat’s sports ecosystem.
Yash Anil Rashiya wins gold at 7th Roll Ball World Cup 2025.
Player from Surat, part of Team India’s elite squad.
Roll Ball combines football and roller skating.
Victory increases visibility of India in lesser-known sports.
Promotes Gujarat’s sports talent on the world stage.
Sikkim Police awarded President of India’s Colour Award
The Sikkim Police have been honoured with the President of India’s Colour Award, a prestigious national recognition for police forces. The award was announced by the state’s Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva during a press conference, who called it a historic moment for the force and the state. He credited the Ministry of Home Affairs for guidance and support. The Colour Award places Sikkim Police among a select group of forces recognised at the national level for sustained service. The conferment is expected to boost morale and highlight security achievements in protecting people and maintaining law and order across the region.
Sikkim Police awarded the President of India’s Colour Award.
Announcement made by DGP Akshay Sachdeva.
Recognised for sustained service and national standing.
Ministry of Home Affairs credited for support.
Award expected to boost morale and regional security profile.
Parakram Diwas 2026 marks Netaji Bose’s 129th birth anniversary
Parakram Diwas 2026 will be observed to commemorate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s 129th birth anniversary. The Ministry of Culture has organized events in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and 13 other locations across the country connected to Bose’s life and legacy. The programmes include cultural performances, exhibitions and a theatrical act by the National School of Drama, with island cuisines and traditional handicrafts on display. The celebrations will run through January 25, reflecting on Bose’s courage and patriotism and inviting people to engage with India’s freedom struggle. The government describes the occasion as a homage to the nation’s enduring spirit.
129th birth anniversary of Netaji Bose celebrated as Parakram Diwas 2026.
Events in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and 13 other locations nationwide.
Cultural performances, exhibitions and NSD theatrical acts included.
Island cuisines and handicrafts featured at celebrations.
Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 outlines Vision for 2047 goals
Power Vision 2047: Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 was released for public consultation by the Ministry of Power. The policy outlines a roadmap to reach 2,000 kWh per capita electricity consumption by 2030, expand grid modernization and ensure reliable supply. It also sets a target of net-zero emissions by 2070 and envisages reforms in generation, transmission and distribution. The policy replaces the 2005 framework and aims to balance affordability with climate action. It emphasizes decentralised generation, storage, and green energy integration while supporting industrial growth. The draft invites feedback from states, industry and citizens to shape India’s energy future. Timely implementation will require robust policy coordination.
Draft NEP 2026 released for public consultation.
Target: 2,000 kWh per capita by 2030.
Net-zero emissions target by 2070.
Reforms in generation, transmission, and distribution planned.
Encourages decentralised generation and energy storage.
Kaladi GI-tagged product to be scaled under ODOP with tech help
Udhamapur’s Kaladi, a GI-tagged traditional dairy product from Jammu and Kashmir, will be upscaled for diverse food recipes using advanced food technologies. The Union Science & Technology Minister directed this move under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, to preserve Kaladi’s flavour and texture while increasing shelf life. The plan aims to promote value addition and broaden national and international markets, without compromising original characteristics. Officials emphasise that Kaladi’s unique texture, akin to mozzarella, should be retained in all scalable formats. The project will involve improved packaging, processing, and validation to ensure food safety and market competitiveness. Experts expect growth in rural livelihoods and regional tourism linked to Kaladi products. Source: Times of India.
Kaladi to be scaled under ODOP with new tech inputs.
Goal: preserve flavour and texture while extending shelf life.
Aims to boost national and international markets.
Kaladi’s mozzarella-like texture to be retained in scaling.
Improvements planned in packaging and processing for safety and marketability.
Assam gets Mobile Stroke Units to bolster rural emergency care
The Indian Council of Medical Research handed over two Mobile Stroke Units (MSUs) to the Government of Assam, strengthening emergency medical response in rural areas. The MSUs enable rapid assessment and treatment for stroke patients at the doorstep, significantly reducing treatment delays during the golden hour. The program aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on improving healthcare access and with Health Minister J. P. Nadda’s guidance. The initiative complements existing rural health schemes and aims to improve survival and functional outcomes for stroke patients in remote districts. Officials said the MSUs will be deployed across Assam in the coming weeks.
Two Mobile Stroke Units handed over to Assam by ICMR.
MSUs bring emergency care to rural doorsteps.
Aims to reduce treatment delays during the golden hour.
Aligned with PM Modi and Health Minister Nadda’s health agenda.
Navagraha Symphony to premiere in Chennai on 23 January 2026
Navagraha Symphony, a joint project by Indian and international composers, will have its Chennai premiere on 23 January 2026 as part of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival. The production blends Western symphonic technique with Indian musical motifs, performed by a full orchestra, choir, soloists, and dancers. The performance is designed to showcase cultural fusion and attract audiences from across the country and abroad. Organisers say the program reflects a contemporary expression of Indian cosmology and artistry, offering a novel experience while promoting cross-cultural dialogue. It is expected to boost tourism and cultural exchange during Republic Day season. Source: Times of India.
Chennai premiere on 23 January 2026 as part of LGMF.
Musical fusion of Western and Indian traditions.
Features full orchestra, choir and dancers.
Aims to promote cross-cultural dialogue and tourism.
BHU 111th foundation day celebrations in Varanasi
BHU’s 111th foundation day will be celebrated on 23 January 2026 at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. The programme includes prayers, campus processions, science exhibitions, student performances, and interactions with scholars and alumni. Speakers will emphasise the university’s academic excellence and its role in regional development. The anniversary aligns with Republic Day celebrations and seeks to inspire students with the heritage of BHU founders and national builders. Organisers will announce future projects and collaborations to advance research and education. The event will bring participation from students, faculty, and guests from across the country. Source: Times of India.
BHU foundation day on 23 January 2026 in Varanasi.
Ceremonies include prayers, processions and cultural programs.
Science exhibitions and alumni interactions planned.
Focus on BHU’s academic excellence and regional impact.
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