Category: National

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was on 26 January conferred the Ashoka Chakra, the country’s highest peacetime gallantry award, by President Droupadi Murmu during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. Kirti Chakra for Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan NairIn another notable recognition, Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will be awarded the Kirti Chakra for distinguished acts of courage and devotion to duty. Second Indian in SpaceGroup Captain Read More …

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased several advanced indigenous defence technologies during the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, underlining India’s growing self-reliance in critical military capabilities. Key Highlights: LR-AShM and Naval Technologies TableauAmong the prominent systems displayed were: LR-AShM: Major Milestone in Hypersonic Weapons ProgrammeThe LR-AShM was presented as a major milestone in India’s hypersonic weapons development. Designed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Read More …

The Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, raised in October 2025, made its first public appearance during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. The debut reflected the Indian Army’s evolving combat doctrine and its shift towards a future-ready, agile force structure tailored for modern warfare. 4 BHAIRAV Battalion: Role and SignificanceThe 4 BHAIRAV Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment has been raised to bridge the operational gap between conventional Read More …

International Data Privacy Day, observed annually on 28 January, highlights the critical importance of protecting personal data in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Also known as Data Protection Day, it marks the signing of Convention 108 in 2006 by the Council of Europe—the world’s first legally binding international treaty on data protection. Shared Responsibility in the Digital EcosystemThe day serves as a reminder that data protection is a shared Read More …

For the year 2026, the President of India has approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards, including two duo cases (each duo counted as one award). The approved list comprises: Diversity of Awardees About the Padma AwardsThe Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honours of India and are conferred in three categories: Fields of RecognitionThe awards recognise contributions across a wide range of disciplines and fields, including: Announcement and Read More …

President Smt Droupadi Murmu has approved gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel, including six posthumous honours, on the eve of the 77th Republic Day. The awards recognise acts of exceptional valour, courage and self-sacrifice in both wartime and peacetime operations. Break-up of AwardsThe gallantry decorations announced this year include: Ashoka Chakra for Space Mission ContributionGroup Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been conferred the Ashoka Read More …

Two majestic Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus), named ‘Galwan’ and ‘Nubra’, walked down Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade this year as part of the ‘Animal Contingent’. The camels are named after the Galwan Valley and Nubra Valley in Ladakh, India’s only region where this rare double-humped camel species is found. Camelids: Diversity Within the FamilyThe current family of large camelids comprises three genera and seven species. The genus Camelus Read More …

The foundation stone for India’s first integrated private satellite manufacturing plant was laid at Khoraj in Sanand, Gujarat, marking a major milestone in the country’s growing private space sector. Electro-Optical Payload Factory of Azista SpaceThe ceremony for the Electro-Optical Payload Factory of Azista Space was held in the presence of Gujarat’s Science and Technology Minister. The facility, named ‘Palmnaro’, is envisioned as a premier hub for indigenous manufacturing of satellites Read More …

The Sikkim Police has been conferred with the President’s Police Colour Award, recognising its outstanding service, professionalism, and dedication to duty. About the President’s Police Colour (Nishaan)Popularly known as the Nishaan, the award symbolises bravery, discipline, and commitment. It is worn with pride on the left sleeve of the police uniform and represents one of the highest ceremonial honours for a police force in India. Historic Achievement for SikkimSince Independence, Read More …

The two-day motorsport event “Namsai–Pangsau PowerDrive 2026”, themed “Daring to Push Boundaries, Celebrating Culture,” was held at Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh. The event aimed to position the state as India’s next major hub for adventure tourism and motorsports. Part of Pangsau Pass International FestivalThe PowerDrive was organised as part of the 10th Edition of the Pangsau Pass International Festival 2026, linking motorsports with cultural celebration and regional tourism promotion. About Read More …

The Supreme Court on January 22 issued directions permitting simultaneous Basant Panchami puja and namaz at the ASI-protected Bhojshala Temple/Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. The order marks the latest development in the long-running dispute surrounding the 11th-century monument. Background of the DisputeThe controversy over the Bhojshala–Kamal Maula complex has been ongoing since the early 2000s. The site has been a point of contention due to Read More …

India observes National Voters’ Day (NVD) every year on January 25 to celebrate democracy and encourage citizens to actively participate in the electoral process. The day underscores the importance of voting as a fundamental democratic right and duty. Foundation of the Election Commission of IndiaNational Voters’ Day marks the establishment of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on January 25, 1950, under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. The ECI Read More …

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on 22 January 2026 launched ECINET, a one-stop digital platform for all election-related information and services, at the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026. The three-day conference, held from January 21–23, 2026, took place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. ECINET has been positioned as the world’s largest electoral service platform, bringing together the electoral services of the world’s largest democracy Read More …

The year 2018 marked the beginning of a transformative journey in India’s local economic development. As part of an innovative state-led experiment, Moradabad’s brassware was chosen as the district’s signature product under the newly launched One District One Product (ODOP) initiative in Uttar Pradesh. Moradabad was not an isolated case but the first chapter of a nationwide movement. As of December 2025, the ODOP initiative has been adopted at the Read More …

Indian Railways has introduced a humanoid robot named “ASC ARJUN” at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative across the Indian Railways network. The humanoid robot will operate alongside Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel to support station operations, especially during periods of high passenger footfall. The initiative is aimed at enhancing passenger safety, security, and operational efficiency. ASC ARJUN has been fully designed and developed in Visakhapatnam using indigenous, home-grown Read More …