National News
Cabinet approves implementation of Eighth Pay Commission
On 16 January 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his cabinet approved the formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). For Central Government employees. The decision, announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, aims to revise the salaries and allowances of pensioners as well as central government employees. The 8th Pay Commission will work to meet the financial needs of the workforce and ensure timely revision of compensation structures. The move has been taken ahead of the tenure of the 7th Pay Commission, which ends in 2026, giving enough time to implement the changes before the tenure ends.
India’s hydrogen train sets engine power benchmark
Railway Minister of India, Ashwini Vaishnav, Recently shared a remarkable achievement in the field of green energy technology during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Indian Railways has developed the world’s most powerful hydrogen fueled train engineSetting a new benchmark in global railway innovation. Built with indigenous technology, this engine reflects India’s growing capabilities in green energy and sustainable development.
PM Modi inaugurates ISKCON temple in Navi Mumbai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ISKCON’s Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, On January 15, 2025. Built in 12 years at a cost of ₹170 crore, this temple is the second largest ISKCON temple in Asia. It stands as a blend of spirituality and wisdom, comprising of various facilities that reflect ISKCON’s mission of serving the society. Prominent personalities including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor CP Radhakrishnan and MP Hema Malini attended the inauguration.
International news
Singapore grants honorary citizenship to Tarun Das
Singapore has awarded its highest honor to non-citizens. Honorary Citizen AwardTo Tarun DasFormer Director General of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), In recognition of his significant contribution to strengthening Singapore-India relations.
India is set to overtake Japan to become the world’s fourth largest economy by 2026
India is expected to surpass Japan and become World’s fourth largest economy by 2026, according to PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI)This optimistic outlook is based on strong GDP growth forecasts and strategic policy recommendations aimed at enhancing economic resilience and promoting sustainable growth.
America removed Indian entities, added Chinese companies to the entity list
united states Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has updated its entity list removing Three Indian organizations and eleven Chinese companies were added Due to national security concerns.
The entities removed are:
- indian rare earth
- Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR)
- Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC)
India-Spain declare 2026 as ‘twin year’ for culture, tourism and AI
Foreign Minister in an important diplomatic development S.Jaishankar announced it India and Spain will celebrate 2026 As a ‘two years’ Focusing on culture, tourism and progress Artificial Intelligence (AI)The objective of this initiative is to strengthen bilateral relations and promote mutual understanding between the two countries.
NPCI and Magnatti partner to promote use of UPI in UAE
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), international branch of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has partnered with UAE-based fintech firm Magnati to enable Unified Payment Interface (UPI) Transactions for Indian travelers in UAE. The collaboration aims to integrate UPI into the UAE’s payments ecosystem, allowing Indian visitors to seamlessly use their preferred payment method.
defense news
Indian Army conducts exercise ‘Devil Strike’
The Indian Armed Forces are set to conduct a major military exercise, devil strike exerciseFrom 16 to 19 January, 2025The exercise, being conducted under the leadership of the Indian Army, aims to increase the combat readiness of the forces. Simulation of high intensity combat operationsThe exercise is expected to involve advanced strategies and innovative warfare techniques to strengthen national security and ensure effective defense against external threats. It also serves as a test of Coordination between different branches of the Indian Army, Ensuring a well-coordinated response to potential challenges.
state news
Kanuma Panduga 2025: Festival Highlights
Kanuma Panduga is an essential festival Celebrated in the southern states of India, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil NaduCoincides with the Sankranti festival. It falls on the next day of Makar Sankranti and is dedicated to honoring cattle, mainly cows and bulls, which symbolize the bond between humans, animals and nature. The festival marks the sun’s journey towards the northern hemisphere, marking the arrival of spring and longer days. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, traditional rituals and cultural celebrations.
Odisha government announces ₹20,000 pension for emergency detainees
Odisha State Government has announced an important welfare measure for persons jailed during Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. From January 1, 2025, all surviving prisoners in Odisha will get a monthly pension of ₹20,000, along with medical coverage and other benefits. The move is part of the government’s effort to extend respect and support to those jailed under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the emergency declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
science and technology news
ISRO successfully docks satellites, enters elite club
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully docked two satellites in space and marked India is 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 important for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and the planned Indian space station.
sports news
Smriti Mandhana scored India’s fastest women’s ODI century!
Indian opener Smriti Mandhana Many records were broken in the 3rd ODI against Ireland Women at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Mandhana scored a goal while leading the team in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur. Fastest century by an Indian in Women’s ODIDemonstrating his dominance. Her record-breaking performance and partnership with Pratika Raval contributed to India’s strong performance in the series.
Arjun Erigassi stuns chess world with wins against Carlsen, Caruana
Indian GrandmasterR Arjun Erigaysi achieved a remarkable feat By in the online chess community Defeated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana In Title Tuesday Weekly Blitz Contest Powered by Chess.com. Held in the early hours of Tuesday, the competition was fierce and Erigaysi had a stellar performance, scoring 10 points out of 11 rounds, showing his dominance in the event.
Pixxel and Digantara launch satellites for Earth and space monitoring
In a significant achievement for India’s private space sector, two Indian start-ups, Pixxel and Digantaralaunched its satellites on SpaceX rockets. These pioneering missions aim to address critical global challenges such as agriculture, defence, and space stability. The launch of Pixel introduces a constellation of satellites for advanced Earth observation, while Digantara’s SCOT satellite focuses on real-time tracking of space objects.
