Taiwan completes underwater trial of indigenous submarine Narwhal
Taiwan announced the successful completion of the first underwater sea trial of its domestically developed submarine Narwhal. The test, conducted near Kaohsiung, is part of a broader plan to modernise Taiwan’s navy and strengthen deterrence amid regional tensions. The Narwhal is the first of eight submarines planned under Taiwan’s indigenous submarine programme, designed to safeguard sea lanes and enable sea denial operations if required. The trial marks a milestone in Taiwan’s defence modernization and its efforts to reduce reliance on foreign‑built platforms.
Underwater trial of Narwhal submarine conducted near Kaohsiung.
Narwhal is the first of eight domestically built submarines.
Part of Taiwan’s effort to strengthen maritime deterrence.
Supports secure sea lanes and potential sea denial operations.
Signifies progress in Taiwan’s indigenous defence program.
Edrington appoints Paul Ross as COO for India operations
Edrington has appointed Paul Ross as Chief Operating Officer for its India operations. Based in Gurgaon, Ross will oversee growth of flagship brands such as The Macallan and Highland Park and coordinate with partners to strengthen the company’s locally anchored business as demand for premium spirits rises in India. The appointment follows a UK–India trade agreement that is expected to reduce tariffs on Scotch whisky imports, supporting Edrington’s confidence in India’s evolving consumer market. The move signals continued investment in India as a strategic growth market for premium and ultra‑premium beverages.
Paul Ross appointed COO for Edrington India.
Based in Gurgaon; oversees Macallan and Highland Park growth.
Signals India as a key growth market for premium spirits.
USDU becomes UAE's first approved USD-backed stablecoin
The UAE has approved its first USD-backed stablecoin, USDU, under the Central Bank's Payment Token Services Regulation. The stablecoin is issued and managed by Universal Digital, a crypto firm regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market. Universal Digital said it is the first foreign payment token issuer registered with the UAE central bank. The approval places the UAE among the first major financial jurisdictions with a fully regulated framework for USD-denominated settlement using digital assets, marking a milestone in building regulated digital asset infrastructure for payments and cross-border transfers.
USDU approved under the UAE central bank's Payment Token Services Regulation.
Issued and managed by Universal Digital; regulated by FSRA at Abu Dhabi Global Market.
Universal Digital becomes the first foreign payment token issuer registered with the UAE central bank.
Positions the UAE among early major jurisdictions enabling regulated USD-denominated digital-asset settlement.
Stablecoins are pegged to reserve assets (often USD) to reduce volatility for payments, settlements, and cross-border transfers.
Airtel partners with Adobe to offer free Adobe Express Premium
Bharti Airtel announced a global first in telecom by offering its 360 million customers free access to Adobe Express Premium for a year. The subscription, valued at about ₹4,000 annually, enables users to create social content, marketing materials, short videos, and other design assets with ease. The partnership aims to democratise access to professional design tools, empowering students, creators, and small businesses regardless of design experience. Airtel’s Siddharth Sharma described the collaboration as a step toward enabling digital expression and AI‑assisted content creation across the country.
Adobe Express Premium free for 360 million Airtel users for 1 year.
Value of subscription ~₹4,000 per user annually.
Aims to democratise access to professional design tools.
Targets students, creators, and small businesses.
Emphasizes AI‑assisted content creation for all users.
Google DeepMind unveils AlphaGenome for disease genetics
Researchers at Google DeepMind introduced AlphaGenome, an AI tool designed to identify genetic drivers of disease by predicting how mutations influence gene regulation and cellular activity. The system aims to reveal which regulatory changes cause diseases, accelerating the development of new therapies. Experts note that many common conditions, including heart disease and autoimmune disorders, involve complex gene regulation patterns. AlphaGenome is presented as a research aid to understand functional genome elements and the broader biology of disease, potentially guiding future experiments and drug discovery.
AlphaGenome identifies genetic drivers of disease.
Predicts how mutations affect gene regulation and cell activity.
Aims to accelerate discovery of new therapies.
Addresses complexity of gene regulatory networks in common diseases.
Sen-ted as a research tool for understanding genome function.
IIT Madras Pravartak launches AI training for rural teachers
IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has partnered with SWAYAM Plus to offer a free AI training program for rural school teachers. The course, titled AI for Educators – K12 Teachers, begins on February 5, 2026, with registrations open until January 31. The 40‑hour certification covers generative AI tools, prompt engineering, AI‑driven lesson planning, and AR/VR-based learning, focusing on inclusive education and responsible AI use. The program is designed to empower teachers to integrate AI in classrooms and strengthen digital capabilities across rural India.
AI for Educators – K12 Teachers course starts Feb 5, 2026.
Registration open until Jan 31; 40 hours of training.
Part of SWAYAM Plus in collaboration with IIT Madras Pravartak.
Covers generative AI, prompt engineering, and AI‑driven planning.
Aims for inclusive, responsible AI use in classrooms.
Australian Open 2026: Gadecki, Peers retain mixed doubles crown after 37 years
Hometown wildcards Olivia Gadecki and John Peers successfully defended their Australian Open mixed doubles title, becoming the first pair in 37 years to retain the crown. The Australian duo defeated France's Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard in a thrilling final at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, winning 4–6, 6–3, 10–8.
Gadecki and Peers became the first pair in 37 years to retain the AO mixed doubles title.
Entered the tournament as hometown wildcards.
Beat France's Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard in the final.
CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026 flagged off
The CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026 was flagged off virtually by junior Home Minister Nityanand Rai. The 25‑day event covers 6,500 kilometers of India’s coastline and aims to strengthen coastal security through public participation. Two CISF teams will start from Bakkhali in West Bengal and Lakhpat in Gujarat, converging at Kochi on February 22. The programme aligns with India’s SAGAR vision and marks the 150th anniversary of the song Vande Mataram. CISF has recently been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation under the ISPS Code to bolster maritime security.
Cyclothon flagged off virtually by junior Home Minister.
Length: 6,500 km along India’s coastline.
Two teams start from Bakkhali and Lakhpat; end in Kochi on Feb 22.
Aims to involve coastal communities in security.
CISF designated as Recognised Security Organisation under ISPS.
Simran Bala Becomes First Woman CRPF Officer from Rajouri
Simran Bala, 26, has become the first woman CRPF officer from Rajouri (Jammu & Kashmir) to lead an all-male marching contingent at the 77th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path. Her achievement marks a milestone for gender inclusion within India’s central armed police forces and serves as an inspiring example for aspiring women in uniformed services. Bala’s leadership reflects evolving attitudes toward women in leadership roles within high‑visibility national events and reinforces a broader push for gender equality in security forces.
Simran Bala, 26, becomes first woman CRPF officer from Rajouri.
Led an all-male marching contingent at Republic Day Parade.
Milestone for gender inclusion in central security forces.
Promotes representation of women in high‑profile roles.
Supports broader goals of gender equality in uniformed services.
Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs passes away at 72
Former Australia hockey player and India coach Michael Nobbs has died at 72 after a long illness. Nobbs coached the Indian men's team during a period that included Olympic competition in London 2012. He also coached Japan and contributed to global hockey development. Nobbs’ passing is a notable loss for the sport and is commemorated by the hockey community for his coaching philosophy and international experience that helped shape Indian hockey in the 2010s.
Michael Nobbs (72) passes away after illness.
Former India men’s hockey coach (2012 London Olympics era).
Also coached Japan; contributed to international hockey.
Remembered for coaching philosophy and global experience.
Sports community notes his impact on Indian hockey.
Meghalaya Spice Festival to promote spices in Mumbai
Meghalaya government will host its first Meghalaya Spice Festival in Mumbai from January 30 to February 1, 2026. The event showcases Meghalaya’s premium spices, aims to strengthen market access and export linkages for farmers, and positions the state as a leading spice destination. The festival features GI-tag Lakadong turmeric, ginger, black pepper, bay leaves, cinnamon, and indigenous spice blends. Brand Meghalaya will highlight state initiatives in organic farming, branding, and value addition. B2B meetings, buyer-seller interactions, culinary demonstrations, and farmer stories are planned, with a dedicated Meghalaya pavilion to showcase agriculture and rural enterprise support programs.
Festival runs January 30–February 1, 2026 in Mumbai.
Focus on Meghalaya’s premium spices and export linkages.
GI-tag Lakadong turmeric highlighted among products.
Special Brand Meghalaya pavilion for government initiatives.
Includes B2B meetings, culinary demos, and farmer storytelling.
CMCA to celebrate 18th Traffic Police Day in Bengaluru
The Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness (CMCA) will celebrate the 18th Traffic Police Day in Bengaluru on January 30. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Bangalore Traffic Police Park on St Mark’s Road. It recognises the vital role of Bengaluru’s traffic police in maintaining road safety and mobility, while promoting civic awareness among residents and students. Organisers plan demonstrations, talks on road safety, and community engagement activities to foster safer travel habits and greater public participation in traffic management.
Event date and time: January 30, 10:00 a.m.
Venue: Bangalore Traffic Police Park, St Mark’s Road.
Organised by CMCA to promote road safety and civic awareness.
Focus on youth engagement and community participation.
Highlights the role of traffic police in city mobility.
Nation marks Mahatma Gandhi’s 78th death anniversary
The nation observed Mahatma Gandhi’s 78th death anniversary with a national tribute. A Sarva-Dharma Prarthana was held at Gandhi Samadhi, Rajghat, New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on social media, recalling Gandhi’s emphasis on swadeshi and duty as guiding principles for India’s development. Martyrs’ Day, or Shaheed Diwas, is observed on January 30 to honor freedom fighters and their sacrifices. The commemorations underscore India’s commitment to Gandhi’s legacy in public life and national service.
Gandhi’s 78th death anniversary observed nationwide.
Sarva-Dharma Prarthana at Rajghat, New Delhi.
Prime Minister Modi pays tribute on social media.
Martyrs’ Day observed to honor freedom fighters.
Remembrance ties to Gandhi’s emphasis on duty and Swadeshi.
Arundhati Roy wins Mathrubhumi Book of the Year Award 2026
Author Arundhati Roy has won the Mathrubhumi Book of the Year Award 2026 for her novel Mother Mary Comes to Me. The prize, now in its seventh edition, carries ₹200,000 and a sculpture. Roy’s work is described as a nuanced exploration of memory, family, and power, blending memoir with social and political commentary. The award recognises contributions to contemporary Indian literature published in India, whether in English or translated from an Indian language, highlighting Roy’s continued impact on Indian literary discourse.
Roy wins Mathrubhumi Book of the Year Award 2026.
Award includes ₹200,000 and a sculpture.
Honor for Mother Mary Comes to Me, Roy’s latest work.
Recognises contributions to contemporary Indian literature.
Tamil Nadu to lay foundation for Knowledge City in Tiruvallur
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will lay the foundation stone for the Knowledge City in Tiruvallur district on January 29, 2026. The project aims to foster innovation, knowledge, and research by bringing together universities, research laboratories, and knowledge-driven industries in a collaborative ecosystem. The nodal agency for the project is the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO). Sandeep Nanduri, Managing Director of TIDCO, described Knowledge City as a hub for research, entrepreneurship, and high‑value employment. The development will include campuses, laboratories, incubators, tech parks, and industry clusters designed to enhance the region’s R&D infrastructure and attract investments, strengthening Tamil Nadu’s knowledge economy and regional competitiveness.
Foundation stone to be laid on January 29, 2026 in Tiruvallur.
Aims to integrate universities, labs, and industry for collaboration.
Nodal agency: Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO).
Project to include campuses, incubators, and tech parks.
Expected outcome: enhanced R&D, investments, and high-value jobs.
Coking coal designated as a 'critical mineral' to reduce imports
The Government of India designated coking coal as a ‘Critical and Strategic Mineral’ under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The move aims to cut steel import dependence and strengthen the domestic steel supply chain. The designation provides faster approvals, easier mining clearances, and enhanced policy support for coking coal projects. Despite the change, India continues to rely on imports for this key raw material. The decision is expected to bolster domestic production, improve security of supply, and support long‑term capacity expansion in the steel sector.
Coking coal declared a Critical and Strategic Mineral.
Intended to reduce import dependence for steel production.
Policy provides faster approvals and easier mining clearances.
Aims to strengthen domestic steel supply chain.
India remains importer‑dependent for coking coal.
Assam launches Eti Koli Duti Paat tea workers welfare scheme
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the Eti Koli Duti Paat scheme in Doomdooma, Tinsukia district, creating direct financial support for tea garden workers. The state will disburse over ₹300 crore as one‑time assistance of ₹5,000 to more than six lakh workers, including permanent and casual labourers, across 836 gardens in 27 districts and 73 assembly constituencies. The scheme recognises the contributions of tea tribes and indigenous communities and is supported by budget provisions to ensure timely implementation. The move seeks to improve living standards and livelihoods for workers integral to Assam’s tea industry.
One-time ₹5,000 assistance to over 6 lakh tea workers.
Total allocation around ₹300 crore.
Coverage across 836 gardens in 27 districts.
Aims to recognise tea tribes and improve livelihoods.
NCERT launches WhatsApp channel for students and teachers
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) launched an official WhatsApp channel to deliver quick updates for students, teachers, and parents. The channel will share textbook changes, curriculum updates, teacher training information, and other educational news, complementing the DIKSHA platform for online materials. The initiative aims to provide direct, reliable information and curb misinformation across the large student and teacher population in India. The channel is part of a broader digital education strategy to improve access to timely resources and support nationwide learning.
NCERT launches official WhatsApp channel for updates.
Updates cover textbooks, curriculum changes, and teacher training.
Aims to reduce misinformation with direct communications.
Part of broader digital education and DIKSHA integration.
Targets students, teachers, and parents nationwide.
Smithsonian to return three bronze sculptures to India
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art announced it will return three bronze sculptures to the Government of India after provenance research showed they were illicitly removed from temples in Tamil Nadu. The objects are a 10th–century Shiva Nataraja, a 12th‑century Somaskanda, and a 16th‑century Saint Sundarar with Paravai. One sculpture will remain on long‑term loan to the museum while the others are returned under a formal repatriation agreement. The move aligns with global efforts to address illegitimate acquisitions and to preserve India’s cultural heritage through transparent provenance efforts.
Three bronze sculptures to be returned: Shiva Nataraja, Somaskanda, Saint Sundarar with Paravai.
Provenance research confirmed illicit temple removal from Tamil Nadu.
One sculpture to stay on long‑term loan; others returned to India.
Part of Smithsonian’s broader repatriation and provenance program.
Signal for ethical museum practices and cultural heritage restitution.
Meghalaya living root bridges nominated for UNESCO heritage
Meghalaya has officially nominated its living root bridges for UNESCO’s 2026–27 World Heritage evaluation cycle. Cultivated over centuries by the Khasi and Jaintia communities, these bridges showcase sustainable living and indigenous knowledge. If inscribed, the bridges would bring global recognition to Meghalaya’s cultural and ecological heritage, highlighting techniques that use living trees to span rivers. The nomination emphasises biodiversity, ecological design, and community stewardship, underscoring India’s diverse cultural landscape and the importance of preserving traditional practices for future generations.
Meghalaya nominates living root bridges for UNESCO World Heritage.
Bridges showcase indigenous knowledge and sustainable design.
Created by Khasi and Jaintia communities.
Nomination highlights biodiversity and cultural heritage.
If inscribed, would boost global recognition of Meghalaya.
UP to mandate Aadhaar-based biometric authentication for property registration
Uttar Pradesh has announced that Aadhaar-based biometric authentication will be mandatory for property registration from February 1, 2026. The rule requires biometric verification of executants, parties, and witnesses using Aadhaar e-KYC and e-signatures, with successful authentication necessary to complete the registration. The move aims to curb land fraud and enhance governance in land deals. Other related measures include digitisation of property records and increased use of digital signatures. Officials emphasize that the changes will improve transparency and reduce disputes in registrations across sub-registrar offices.
Aadhaar biometric authentication mandatory from Feb 1, 2026.
Biometric verification for executants, parties, and witnesses.
Aadhaar e-KYC and e-signatures to be used in deed registrations.
Intended to curb land fraud and enhance transparency.
Includes digitisation of property records and governance improvements.