President Murmu Awards National Sports Honors 2025
In a dazzling ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu celebrated India’s top athletes with the National Sports Awards. The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna was awarded to stars like double Olympic medalist shooter Manu Bhaker, youngest World Chess Champion D. Gukesh, men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympic high jump gold medalist Praveen Kumar. Notably, 32 athletes received the Arjuna Award, including a record 17 para-athletes, showcasing growing inclusivity in Indian sports. The event highlighted their exceptional achievements and dedication.
T.V. Gopalakrishnan Honored at Sankranti Music Fest
Celebrated mridangist T.V. Gopalakrishnan received the RK Srikantan Trust Award at the Sankranti Music Fest, recognizing his immense contributions to Indian classical music. Renowned for his versatility, Gopalakrishnan excels not only as a mridangist but also as a classical vocalist, composer, researcher, and educator. His innovative teaching methods and unwavering dedication have inspired countless musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical music.
ISRO Germinates Black-Eyed Peas in Space
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked a groundbreaking achievement by germinating black-eyed pea seeds in space. Part of the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS), the seeds sprouted in just four days, showcasing the potential for sustainable food sources on long-duration space missions. This experiment is a critical step towards ensuring astronauts’ nutritional needs and psychological well-being by providing fresh produce and improving air quality in microgravity conditions. ISRO’s advancement in space agriculture brings humanity closer to living and thriving in space.
Vineet Joshi Assumes Key Role in Higher Education
Shri Vineet Joshi has commenced his tenure as Secretary of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. With a robust background, Joshi’s previous roles include Chief Secretary of Manipur, Director-General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), and Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). His wealth of experience in the education sector positions him to drive significant reforms and advancements in higher education, promising a progressive future for India’s academic landscape.
RBI Implements Daily VRR Auctions to Manage Liquidity
To address a liquidity deficit of over ₹2 trillion, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions. Effective January 16, 2025, these auctions aim to alleviate tight liquidity conditions in the banking system, with an initial amount of ₹50,000 crore. Conducted on all working days in Mumbai, the auctions will see reversals the next working day, ensuring enhanced liquidity support and banking system stability.
TSF Advocates for Roman Script for Kokborok
The Twipra Student Federation (TSF) staged a protest in Agartala, Tripura, advocating for the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language. This movement reflects the Borok people’s enduring struggle for linguistic recognition and cultural justice. Officially recognized in 1979, Kokborok is a Sino-Tibetan language spoken by the Borok community. The TSF believes that adopting the Roman script will boost literacy rates and strengthen cultural identity among its speakers.