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.
Jan 11, 2026
UIDAI Launches 'Udai' Mascot to Simplify Aadhaar Communication
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has unveiled a resident-facing Aadhaar mascot named 'Udai' to strengthen public understanding and ease of access to Aadhaar-related services. The initiative is aimed at making Aadhaar communication simpler, more inclusive, and relatable for over a billion residents using the digital identity ecosystem.
According to UIDAI, Udai will function as a friendly communication companion to help citizens navigate various Aadhaar services. These include Aadhaar updates, authentication, offline verification, selective information sharing, technology upgrades, and responsible usage practices. The mascot is expected to improve awareness and trust by presenting complex technical concepts in a citizen-friendly manner.
The mascot and its name were selected through open national-level competitions conducted on the MyGov platform. UIDAI received 875 entries from students, professionals, and designers across the country.
Jan 10, 2026
NHAI sets two Guinness World Records for road-construction feats on Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawa...
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has set two Guinness World Records for road construction on the Vanavolu-Vankarakunta section of the six-lane Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada Economic Corridor. The records include the longest continuous Bituminous Concrete laying distance of about 29 lane kilometres within 24 hours, and the highest quantity laid in a 24-hour period, exceeding 10,000 metric tonnes. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu commended the achievement, highlighting the project as a testament to India’s highway-infrastructure vision and the dedication of engineers, workers, and field teams involved.
Two Guinness records set on Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada corridor
29 lane kilometres laid in 24 hours
Over 10,000 metric tonnes of Bituminous Concrete laid
Recognition by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister
Jan 09, 2026
All-India Tiger Estimation 2026 begins in Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary
The All-India Tiger Estimation 2026 (AITE-26) commenced in January at the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary under the Erode Forest Division. The census uses standardized scientific methods to assess tiger populations and biodiversity. Forest department staff underwent pre-enumeration training before field operations started across four ranges—Anthiyur, Bargur, Chennampatti, and Thattakarai. More than 150 personnel are deployed to cover 52 patrol beats, ensuring systematic spatial coverage. The census is a key component of India’s wildlife management framework, informing conservation strategies and biodiversity monitoring nationwide.
AITE-26 began in January at Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary
Part of national tiger population and biodiversity assessment
Pre-enumeration training completed; field work across four ranges
Over 150 personnel; 52 patrol beats covered
Informs conservation planning and biodiversity monitoring
Jan 08, 2026
Sagar Island bridge project launched in West Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone for a 5‑kilometre bridge over the Muriganga River, connecting Sagar Island with the mainland. The four‑lane structure will link Lot 8 in Kakdwip with Kachuberia on Sagar Island, at an estimated cost of ₹1,670 crore and is awarded to Larsen & Toubro. Construction is expected to take two to three years and will replace ferry services. The bridge aims to transform connectivity for residents and pilgrims visiting the Sundarbans, while boosting trade and tourism potential in the region.
Foundation stone laid for 5 km Muriganga bridge.
Link: Kakdwip to Sagar Island; four lanes; ₹1,670 crore.
Contract awarded to Larsen & Toubro.
Expected completion in 2–3 years; ferries replaced.
Aims to aid pilgrims during Gangasagar Mela and boost economy.
A. Sakthivel takes charge as AEPC chairman for historic fifth term in January 2026
A. Sakthivel, founder of Tiruppur‑based Poppys Knitwear Pvt Ltd, has assumed charge as the chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) for a fifth term in January 2026. A long‑time industry veteran, he has served as an AEPC board member for the last 43 years. The AEPC coordinates policy advocacy, market access and export promotion for India’s apparel sector. In his new term, Sakthivel is expected to push broader export destinations, strengthen supply‑chain sustainability and address tariff challenges faced in major markets, including the United States. His leadership is seen as pivotal for maintaining India’s apparel competitiveness in global markets.
Sakthivel begins fifth term as AEPC chairman in January 2026.
Founder of Poppys Knitwear Pvt Ltd; long AEPC tenure (43 years).
AEPC role includes policy advocacy and market access for apparel exporters.
Focus areas: expanding destinations and sustainability compliance.
Aims to mitigate adverse tariff measures in key markets.
PMK joins NDA in Tamil Nadu ahead of assembly elections
In a major political development, the PMK faction led by Anbumani Ramadoss joined the BJP‑led NDA in Tamil Nadu ahead of the assembly elections. Joint announcements were made by AIADMK leader E. Palaniswami and PMK chief, signaling a consolidation of the NDA’s presence in the state. Palaniswami described the alliance as a winning combination, while Ramadoss called it a moment of pride for PMK supporters. The move strengthens the NDA’s electoral footprint in Tamil Nadu, with discussions on candidate sharing and policy alignment likely in the coming weeks as parties prepare for the polls.
PMK joins NDA in Tamil Nadu ahead of assembly elections.
Public announcements made by Palaniswami and Ramadoss.
AIADMK and PMK cooperation under the NDA banner.
Alliance aims to expand electoral reach in the state.
Future discussions expected on seat sharing and policy alignment.
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