“FESTIVAL”

Kanuma Panduga 2025

Kanuma Panduga is an essential festival celebrated in the southern states of India, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, coinciding with the Sankranti festival. It falls on the day after Makar Sankranti and is dedicated to honoring cattle, primarily cows and bulls, symbolizing the bond between humans, animals, and nature. This festival marks the sun’s journey toward the northern hemisphere, heralding the arrival of the spring season and longer days. The festival is observed with much fervor, traditional rituals, and cultural celebrations.

“SPORTS”

Smriti Mandhana Smashes India’s Fastest Women’s ODI Century!

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana broke multiple records in the 3rd ODI against Ireland Women at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot. Leading the team in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, Mandhana scored the fastest century by an Indian in women’s ODIs, showcasing her dominance. Her record-breaking performance and partnership with Pratika Rawal contributed to India’s strong showing in the series.

Arjun Erigaisi Stuns Chess World with Wins Against Carlsen, Caruana

Indian grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi achieved a remarkable feat in the online chess community by defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana in the Titled Tuesday weekly blitz competition conducted by Chess.com. This competition, held in the early hours of Tuesday, was fiercely contested, and Erigaisi’s performance stood out as he finished with 10 points out of 11 rounds, marking his dominance in the event.

“DEFENCE”

Indian Army Conducts Exercise ‘Devil Strike’

The Indian Armed Forces are set to conduct a major military exercise, Exercise Devil Strike, from January 16 to 19, 2025. The exercise, which is being organized under the leadership of the Indian Army, aims to enhance the combat readiness of the forces by simulating high-intensity combat operations. This exercise is expected to feature advanced strategies and innovative combat techniques to strengthen national security and ensure effective defense against external threats. It also serves as a test of the synchronization between various branches of the Indian military, ensuring a well-coordinated response to potential challenges.

PM Modi Commissions INS Surat, Nilgiri, and Vagsheer

On January 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three significant naval assets—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vagsheer—at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. This event underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities and achieving self-reliance in defense production.

“SCIENCE”

ISRO Successfully Docks Satellites, Enters Elite Club

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully docked two satellites in space, marking India as the fourth country to achieve this feat after the United States, Russia, and China. The docking process, part of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Exercise) mission, demonstrates ISRO’s capability to conduct autonomous satellite docking. This milestone is critical for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

 “AWARDS”

Singapore Confers Honorary Citizenship on Tarun Das

Singapore has awarded its highest honor for non-citizens, the Honorary Citizen Award, to Tarun Das, former Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening Singapore-India relations. Tarun Das has been instrumental in fostering robust economic and people-to-people connections between Singapore and India over several decades. In 1993, he led a delegation of Indian industrialists to Singapore, marking a pivotal moment in India’s “Look East” policy.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

India-Spain Declare 2026 as ‘Dual Year’ for Culture, Tourism, and AI

In a significant diplomatic development, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India and Spain will commemorate 2026 as a ‘dual year’ focusing on culture, tourism, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and promote mutual understanding between the two nations.

ISKCON Temple Inaugurated by PM Modi in Navi Mumbai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple of ISKCON in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, on January 15, 2025. Built over 12 years at a cost of ₹170 crore, this temple is Asia’s second-largest ISKCON temple. It stands as a fusion of spirituality and knowledge, featuring various facilities that reflect ISKCON’s mission to serve society. The inauguration was attended by prominent figures, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor CP Radhakrishnan, and MP Hema Malini.

India Set to Surpass Japan as World’s Fourth-Largest Economy by 2026

India is projected to overtake Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2026, according to the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). This optimistic outlook is underpinned by robust GDP growth forecasts and strategic policy recommendations aimed at enhancing economic resilience and fostering sustainable development.