“AWARDS”

5 Military Personals Honored With Prestigious MacGregor Memorial Medal

Five distinguished military personnel were honoured with the prestigious MacGregor Memorial Medal for the years 2023 and 2024, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to military reconnaissance, exploration, and adventure. The awards were conferred by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan at a ceremony hosted by the United Service Institution of India (USI) in New Delhi.

“SPORTS”

Dhoni becomes first keeper to complete 200 dismissals in IPL history

Chennai Super Kings captain M.S. Dhoni added another feather to his cap in his illustrious career by becoming the first player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to complete 200 fielding dismissals. Dhoni achieved the feat during the Chennai Super Kings encounter against Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.

“DEFENCE”

India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI Begins at Aundh, Pune

The 6th edition of Exercise DUSTLIK, a bilateral joint military drill between India and Uzbekistan, commenced on April 16, 2025, at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune. The exercise, which will run until April 28, 2025, aims to strengthen bilateral military cooperation, develop joint tactical interoperability, and enhance coordination between the armed forces of both nations. DUSTLIK is held alternately in India and Uzbekistan, with the previous edition hosted in Termez District, Uzbekistan, in April 2024.

Defence Literature Festival ‘Kalam & Kavach 2.0’

The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), under the aegis of the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) of the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with Pentagon Press, hosted the second edition of the Defence Literature Festival ‘Kalam & Kavach 2.0’ in New Delhi on April 15, 2025. The event, held at the Manekshaw Centre, revolved around the theme, ‘Securing India’s Rise through Defence Reforms’, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India).

Indian Navy Hosted 3rd Edition Of Meghayan-25

The Indian Navy hosted the 3rd edition of its prestigious Meteorological and Oceanological Symposium – Meghayan-25 on April 14, 2025, at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi. The event marked the celebration of World Meteorological Day 2025 and aimed at promoting awareness and collaboration in Marine Meteorology and Oceanology. It was virtually inaugurated by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and featured participation from key scientific and defence institutions.

 “APPOINTMENTS”

Justice BR Gavai Next CJI of India as Successor to Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna

On April 16, 2025, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna named Justice B R Gavai, the second-most senior judge of the Supreme Court, as his successor. This announcement was made through a letter to the Union Law Ministry, and after government approval, Justice Gavai is set to become the 52nd CJI of India. Justice Gavai, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019, will take office as CJI after the retirement of CJI Khanna on May 13, 2025. Justice Gavai’s legal journey spans decades, with significant contributions to Indian jurisprudence, particularly in constitutional and administrative law.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Banaras Shehnai Get Recognition of GI Tag

The recent conferment of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to the Banaras Shehnai is a landmark recognition of India’s rich intangible cultural heritage. Known worldwide through Ustad Bismillah Khan, the shehnai is not just an instrument but a symbol of spiritual and ceremonial music. For the traditional artisans of Varanasi (Kashi), the GI tag is not merely an official certificate—it is a deeply emotional and cultural validation of their legacy, commitment, and craftsmanship spanning generations.