“SPORTS”

Djokovic Breaks Federer’s Record for Grand Slam Match Count

Novak Djokovic, one of tennis’ greatest players, added another milestone to his illustrious career on January 17, 2025, by breaking a tie with Roger Federer for the most Grand Slam matches played in tennis history. The Serbian tennis star achieved his 430th Grand Slam match during the second round of the Australian Open, where he won a challenging match against Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria. This victory added to Djokovic’s growing list of records, highlighting his unparalleled success in tennis.

“SCIENCE”

First Black-eyed Pea Sprouts in Space by ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone in space agriculture by successfully germinating black-eyed pea (lobia) seeds aboard its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS). This breakthrough underscores the potential for cultivating sustainable food sources for long-duration space missions, essential for meeting the nutritional and psychological needs of astronauts during extended periods in space.

China launches Pakistan’s satellite into space

On January 17, 2025, China successfully launched Pakistan’s first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite, PRSC-EO1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The satellite, designed to collect Earth observation data using electro-optical sensors, was deployed into its planned orbit by a Long March-2D carrier rocket at 12:07 pm Beijing Time.

Pixxel launches India’s 1st private satellite constellation with SpaceX

Google-backed Indian space start-up company Pixxel has become the first Indian private company to launch its commercial satellite constellation named Firefly on board a Space X rocket. The SpaceX rocket also carried the world’s first commercial satellite for surveillance of space objects orbiting the earth, made by an Indian space company, Digantara. The satellites were launched aboard the Transporter-12 rideshare mission of SpaceX onboard the Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the United States of America.

“AWARDS”

Mridangist T.V. Gopalakrishnan Honoured with RK Srikantan Trust Award

Renowned mridangist T.V. Gopalakrishnan has been selected to receive the RK Srikantan Trust Award during the Sankranti Music Fest. This recognition celebrates his exceptional contributions to Indian classical music. Born on June 11, 1932, in Tripunithura, Kerala, T.V. Gopalakrishnan hails from a distinguished musical family. He began playing the mridangam at the age of four and had his arangetram at the Cochin palace at the age of six.

Singapore confers Honorary Citizen Award on Tarun Das

Singapore has conferred the Honorary Citizen Award on Tarun Das, former Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), for his invaluable contributions to Singapore and Singapore-India relations. The award was presented by Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at a ceremony held in New Delhi. The Honorary Citizen Award is the highest recognition bestowed by the Singapore Government on non-Singaporeans for their outstanding contributions to the country’s growth and development.

 “APPOINTMENTS”

Vineet Joshi Takes Charge as Secretary of Higher Education

Shri Vineet Joshi has assumed the role of Secretary of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, effective today at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. Prior to this appointment, Shri Joshi had a distinguished career in various key positions within the Indian educational sector. His vast experience in managing education-related initiatives is expected to bring significant improvements to India’s higher education landscape.

Justice Arun Mishra: New Ombudsman of BCCI

Justice Arun Mishra, a former Supreme Court judge, has been appointed as the Ombudsman and Ethics Officer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The announcement was made and marking another significant milestone in his illustrious career. Justice Mishra’s extensive legal expertise and leadership experience make him well-suited for the dual responsibilities of ensuring ethical practices and addressing disputes within the BCCI.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

RBI Allows Overseas Banks to Open INR Accounts

In a significant policy shift, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has authorized overseas branches of authorized banks to open Indian Rupee (INR) accounts for non-residents. This initiative aims to bolster the global use of the Indian Rupee in cross-border transactions and investments.