Mauritius announces highest award for PM Modi, a first for India
Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced the country's highest award 'The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi is the first Indian to receive the honour - making it the 21st international award bestowed upon him by a foreign country. This is an honour for the historical relations between India and Mauritius.
Cabinet approves development of ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji (12.4 km) in Uttarakhand
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 12.4 km ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand. The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs. 2,730.13 crore. Currently, the journey to the Hemkund Sahib Ji is a challenging 21-km uphill trek from Govindghat and is covered on foot or by ponies or palanquins. The proposed ropeway is planned to provide convenience to pilgrims visiting the Hemkund Sahib Ji and tourists visiting the Valley of Flowers. It will ensure all-weather last-mile connectivity between Govindghat and Hemkund Sahib Ji. The ropeway is planned to be developed in public-private partnership and will be based on Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km), seamlessly integrated with the most advanced Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Ji (1.85 km) with a design capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 11,000 passengers per day. The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year.
Cabinet approves development of Ropeway Project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (12.9 km) in Uttarakhand
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 12.9 km ropeway project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (12.9 km) in Uttarakhand. The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs. 4,081.28 crore. The ropeway is planned to be developed in a public-private partnership and will be based on the most advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology with a design capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 18,000 passengers per day. The ropeway project will be a boon to the pilgrims visiting Kedarnath as it would provide environment-friendly, comfortable and fast connectivity and reduce travel time in one direction from about 8 to 9 hours to about 36 minutes. The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year.The development of ropeway project is a significant step towards fostering balanced socio-economic development, enhancing last - mile connectivity in hilly regions and fostering rapid economic growth.
Shri Ajay Bhadoo Appointed as CEO of Government e Marketplace
The Government of India has appointed Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce Shri Ajay Bhadoo, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Government e Marketplace (GeM) with effect from March 3, 2025. He will assume this role in addition to his existing responsibilities in the Department of Commerce. His appointment as CEO of GeM, India’s largest e-marketplace for government procurement, comes at a pivotal time as the platform transitions to a next-generation digital marketplace powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Currently, GeM has recorded a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ?4.58 lakh crore, reflecting a 28.65% year-on-year growth. An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1999 batch from the Gujarat cadre, Shri Bhadoo brings over two decades of experience in policy formulation and implementation across diverse sectors, including urban infrastructure development.
Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024
Nithin Kamath, Founder and CEO of Zerodha, has been named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 for his role in reshaping India’s brokerage industry through a low-margin, high-volume strategy. Kamath will now represent India at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Monte Carlo in June.
Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumes charge as 11th chairman of Sebi
Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumed charge as the 11th chairman of capital markets regulator SEBI. He replaces Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ended on 28th February 2025. Pandey, a career bureaucrat who was serving as the Finance Secretary till now, was appointed chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) by the government on 27th February 2025. His appointment comes at a crucial time for Sebi, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing India's securities and capital markets. As Sebi Chairman, Pandey will play a key role in strengthening market regulations, ensuring investor protection, and overseeing reforms in the capital markets. His extensive experience in finance and economic policy is expected to aid in the effective functioning of the regulatory body.
Inaugural Olympic Esports Games to be held in 2027 in Saudi Arabia
The first Olympic Esports Games will be held in two years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the International Olympic Committee said, as part of a 12-year deal with the country signed last year. The IOC has been looking into Esports for several years, forming a dedicated commission to find opportunities to tap into a younger generation involved with gaming. ith its traditional audience base gradually ageing, the governing body is trying to connect with a younger generation of potential Olympics fans.
Rajnath Singh inaugurates Aero India 2025
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Aero India 2025, the 15th edition of Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, in Bengaluru. Aero India 2025 is being held over 42,438 square metres, with participation from 30 defence ministers and 43 military chiefs from various countries. A total of 90 nations will be represented at the event. The exhibition will feature 70 fighter jets, cargo aircraft, and trainer aircraft, along with 30 helicopters, all performing aerial stunts. Russian and American fighter jets will be the key highlights of the exhibition. Additionally, over 900 manufacturers from different countries will showcase advancements in AI, drones, cybersecurity, global aerospace, and emerging technologies. Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) products will be prominently displayed in this edition of the show.
Paris AI Action Summit 2025
France hosts the third edition of the AI Action Summit on February 10 and 11 in Paris, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss artificial intelligence. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chair the summit, providing an opportunity to discuss AI governance, technological collaboration, and strategic partnerships.
India reaches historic milestone of 100 GW solar power capacity
India has reached a major milestone by surpassing 100 GW of installed solar power capacity, signaling significant progress toward energy independence and a sustainable future. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership for this achievement. This milestone strengthens India’s position as a global leader in renewable energy and marks a crucial step toward the country’s goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, as highlighted in a press release from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
RBI projects 6.7% GDP growth for FY26; inflation in FY25 to remain at 4.8%
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected a real GDP growth of 6.4% for FY25, with expectations of economic activity picking up in the second half of the fiscal year. This growth is anticipated to be driven by improvements in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, while announcing the outcome of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, stated that for FY26, GDP growth is estimated at 6.7%. The quarterly projections for FY26 are as follows: Q1 FY26: 6.7%, Q2 FY26: 7.0%, Q3 FY26: 6.5%, and Q4 FY26: 6.5%. On the inflation front, the central bank expects Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation to ease to 4.8% in FY25, with Q4 FY25 inflation projected at 4.4%. For FY26, inflation is forecasted at 4.2%, with quarterly estimates as follows: Q1 FY26: 4.5%, Q2 FY26: 4.0%, Q3 FY26: 3.8%, and Q4 FY26: 4.2%.
DRDO successfully conducts successive flight-trials of Very Short-Range Air Defence System
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted three successive flight-trials of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. These tests were carried out against high-speed targets flying at very low altitude. During all the three flight-tests, the missiles intercepted and completely destroyed the targets having reduced thermal signature mimicking low flying drones at different flying conditions. The flight-tests were carried out in final deployment configuration where in two field operators carried out weapon readiness, target acquisition and missile firing.
The flight data captured by various range instruments like Telemetry, Electro-Optical Tracking System and Radar deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, confirmed the pin-point accuracy and established the unique capability of VSHORADS missile system in neutralizing drones along with other classes of aerial threats. The flight-tests were witnessed by senior officials of DRDO, Armed Forces and development and production partners. VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence system designed and developed indigenously by Research Center Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Development cum Production Partners. The missile system has the capability to meet the needs of all the three branches of the Armed Forces, viz. Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
National Youth Day 2025
The National Youth Day or Rashtriya Yuva Divas is celebrated on 12th January every year in commemoration of the great spiritual leader, philosopher, and thinker Swami Vivekananda, whose unwavering belief in the potential of youth continues to resonate deeply with young citizens of the country. His inspiring life and empowering message urge the youth to nurture their dreams, unleash their energies, and shape a future worthy of his envisioned ideals. The youth, defined as those within the age group of 15-29 years, make up nearly 40% of India’s total population. Representing the most vibrant and dynamic segment of society, this group constitutes the nation’s most valuable human resource. With their limitless potential, the youth hold the power to propel India to new heights of progress and innovation. National Youth Day serves as a moment to acknowledge, celebrate, and harness this potential, inspiring young minds to contribute meaningfully to the nation's development.
Sh. Bhuvnesh Kumar assumes charge as Chief Executive Officer of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). He is an officer of the 1995 batch IAS from the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
A graduate and gold medalist from the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, he held several important positions both at the Centre and in his cadre state. Along with CEO UIDAI, he continues to be an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. Earlier, he has also served as the Joint Secretary in MeitY.
India becomes fourth nation to achieve space docking with indigenous system
India has reached a major milestone in space exploration, becoming the fourth nation to successfully perform space docking using its indigenously developed ‘Bharatiya Docking System’. The SpaDeX mission, ISRO’s year-end project, aims to achieve the challenging task of docking two satellites in space. This cost-effective technology demonstration will test and validate in-space docking capabilities using two small spacecraft, SDX01 and SDX02. These technologies are critical for future missions, including Chandrayaan-4, the Indian space station, and the manned Gaganyaan mission.
Justice V. Ramasubramanian assumes charge as NHRC Chairperson
Justice V. Ramasubramanian, a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, assumed charge as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India. Justice (Dr.) Vidyut Ranjan Sarangi also took office as a Member of the Commission. Their appointments were made by President Droupadi Murmu on December 21.
PM Modi Chosen for Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados
PM Narendra Modi was conferred the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados, the prestigious civilian honour of Barbados. He got the honour for his contribution for strengthening bilateral ties of India-Barbados.
PM Modi Receives Highest Civilian Honour 'Order of Excellence' of Guyana
President of Guyana Dr. Irfaan Ali conferred the Order of Excellence, the country's highest civilian honour, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Georgetown, Guyana. The award recognised Modi's visionary statesmanship, championing the rights of developing nations, exceptional service to the global community, and his commitment to strengthening India-Guyana relations. He is the only fourth foreign leader to be conferred with the highest civilian award of Guyana.
PM Narendra Modi Honoured with Top Civilian Honour of Dominica
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the 'Dominica Award of Honour', the top civilian honour of Dominica by Dominican President Sylvanie Burton during the India-CARICOM Summit. He received this honour for his contributions to the Caribbean nation during the Covid-19 pandemic and his dedication to enhancing the bilateral partnership between India and Dominica. The award also recognises India's support for Dominica in healthcare, education and information technology under Modi's leadership and his role in promoting climate resilience-building initiatives and sustainable development on a global level.
Sonu Sood Named Brand Ambassador of Thailand Tourism
Sonu Sood, renowned Bollywood actor and philanthropist, has a new feather in his cap as he was in November 2024 appointed as the brand ambassador and honourary advisor for Thailand tourism. Known for roles on screen and loved for his humanitarian work, especially during the pandemic. Sood's new role is set to further strengthen Thailand's image as a preferred travel destination for Indian tourists.
India Retains Women's Asian Champions Hockey Trophy 2024
Defending champion, Indian Women's Hockey team defeated China 1-0 in the final at Rajgir, Bihar to retain the Women's Asian Champions Hockey Trophy 2024. India's Deepika scored the only goal of the final to hand India its third Women's Asian Champions Hockey title, making India join most successful team with South Korea in terms of title triumphs of the Women's Asian Champions Hockey event.
ISRO's Communication Satellite GSAT-N2 Launched into Space by SpaceX
Elon Musk-owned SpaceX successfully launched the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s communication satellite GSAT-N2 aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The event marks the first of many commercial collaborations between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and SpaceX.
The GSAT-N2 is a communication satellite jointly developed by ISRO's Satellite Centre and Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. With 48 Gbps data transmission capacity, this high-throughput satellite will enhance broadband services and provide in-flight connectivity nationwide. It will continue the GSAT series of communication satellites and add data transmission capacity to the communication infrastructure required for India's Smart Cities Mission. The satellite is equipped with 32 user beams, comprising 8 narrow spot beams over the Northeast region and 24 wide spot beams over the rest of India. These 32 beams will be supported by hub stations located within mainland India.
The Ka-Band HTS communication payload provides a throughput of approximately 48 Gbps. GSAT-N2 has been designed to support the growing demand for high-speed internet, especially in areas where connectivity has traditionally been limited. The satellite has a lift-off weight of 4,700 kg and a mission life of 14 years.
PM Narendra Modi Conferred 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger'
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred the national award 'Grand Commander of the Order of Niger' on PM Shri Narendra Modi for his statesmanship and stellar contribution to fostering India-Nigeria ties.
Odisha Wins 14th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2024
Odisha emerged champion of the 14th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2024, defeating two-time champion Haryana 5-1 in its first-final appearance on November 16, 2024 at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Chennai. Shilanand Lakra was the hero for Odisha in the final as he scored 3 goals in quick succession to strengthen Odisha's position in the final. Raj at Akash Tirkey and Pratap Lakra also scored early goals for Odisha. Joginder Singh scored only goal for Haryana in the final.
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark Crowned Miss Universe 2024
21-year-old Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark was crowned Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico City, beating 125 contestants across the globe in the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe beauty pageant. The first runner-up is Nigeria's Chidimma Adetshina, and the second runner-up is Mexico's Maria Fernanda Beltran. Victoria was crowned the winner by her predecessor, Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua. Victoria is the first beauty from Denmark to win this crown. She is a European and World Championship dancer, beauty entrepreneur, mental health and animal protection advocate, and an aspiring lawyer.
Arvinder Singh Sahney Appointed Chairman and MD of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
Arvinder Singh Sahney was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of state-run Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) with immediate effect. In his previous role, Sahney headed the petrochemicals division of the company. He succeeded V. Satish Kumar, the Director (marketing) who was handling the additional charge of CMD since September 1, 2024. Mr. Arvinder will head the IOCL for 5 years with effect from the date of his assumption of charge of the post, or till the date of his superannuation, or until further order, whichever is the earliest.
British Writer Samantha Harvey Wins Booker Prize 2024 for Space Story "Orbital'
Britain's Samantha Harvey won the 2024 Booker Prize for her novel 'Orbital', a story about a single day aboard the International Space Station which she wrote during COVID-19 lockdowns. The award-winning novel, Harvey's Fifth, was the top-selling book on the shortlist of six finalists and has sold more copies than the past three Booker Prize winners combined.
Justice B.R. Gavai Appointed as Executive Chairman of NALSA
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Judge of the Supreme Court of India was appointed as the new Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) by the President of India Droupadi Murmu. Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as Chairman Supreme Court's Legal Service Committee. Justice Gavai's appointment follows the convention that the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court occupies the position of the NALSA Executive Chairman. He succeeds Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who was previously the Executive Chairman of NALSA. Before being appointed as Executive Chairman, Justice Gavai served as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC). In his new role, Justice Gavai will lead NALSA's efforts in advancing access to justice and providing legal aid to marginalized and underprivileged communities across India.
UNESCO Recognizes 24 Coastal Villages in Odisha as 'Tsunami Ready'
Twenty-four coastal villages in Odisha were recognized by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO as Tsunami Ready' during the 2nd Global Tsunami Symposium held in Indonesia on November 11, 2024. These villages are located in Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Puri and Ganjam districts in Odisha. Besides, the Tsunami Ready Recognition Certificates were renewed for two villages in the state. These villages are Noliasahi in Jagatsinghpur district and Venkatraipur in Ganjam district. They were recognized as Tsunami Ready in 2020.
Pankaj Advani Wins IBSF World Billiards Championship 2024
India's star cueist Pankaj Advani emerged as champion of the IBSF World Billiards Championship 2024 title as he prevailed over Robert Hall of England 4-2 in the final in Doha, Qatar. It was Advani's record 28th world title triumph. It also happened to be his seventh world title in a row, a streak that began in 2016.
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