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Odisha to Establish a National UAV Test & Innovation Corridor at Rangeilunda AirportIn January 2026, Government of Odisha partnered with BonV Aero at Wings India 2026 (Hyderabad – Telangana) to establish India’s first National UAV Test & Innovation Corridor at Rangeilunda Airport (Ganjam district), repurposing the operational commercial airport for live drone testing in dynamic airspace up to 1,000 metres.Key Features of the Corridor: Drone Testing: Drones will operate in low-altitude airspace up to about 1,000 metre (m), enabling realistic testing conditions. It includes beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, swarm drone trials, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based navigation, and autonomous airspace management scenarios.Phased Development: The project is being developed in phases under the Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN) scheme, Government of India (GoI)’s initiative to grow regional aviation and new tech infrastructure.Significance: It will be India’s first operational commercial airport repurposed as a live UAV test and development facility, enabling drones to fly and be tested in real and dynamic airspace.
Odisha to Establish a National UAV Test & Innovation Corridor at Rangeilunda AirportIn January 2026, Government of Odisha partnered with BonV Aero at Wings India 2026 (Hyderabad – Telangana) to establish India’s first National UAV Test & Innovation Corridor at Rangeilunda Airport (Ganjam district), repurposing the operational commercial airport for live drone testing in dynamic airspace up to 1,000 metres.Key Features of the Corridor: Drone Testing: Drones will operate in low-altitude airspace up to about 1,000 metre (m), enabling realistic testing conditions. It includes beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, swarm drone trials, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based navigation, and autonomous airspace management scenarios.Phased Development: The project is being developed in phases under the Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN) scheme, Government of India (GoI)’s initiative to grow regional aviation and new tech infrastructure.Significance: It will be India’s first operational commercial airport repurposed as a live UAV test and development facility, enabling drones to fly and be tested in real and dynamic airspace.
Odisha to Establish a National UAV Test & Innovation Corridor at Rangeilunda AirportIn January 2026, Government of Odisha partnered with BonV Aero at Wings India 2026 (Hyderabad – Telangana) to establish India’s first National UAV Test & Innovation C...
MoMA Launches two Additional Modules on UMEED PlatformIn January 2026, the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) launched two additional modules named ‘Survey Module’ and ‘Waqf Property Lease Management Module’ on Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) central portal.These two new modules were formally launched by Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, MoMA in New Delhi, Delhi.About New Modules:Survey Module: This new module offers a comprehensive digital framework that helps in recording, managing, and updating information related to the survey of Waqf properties on the central portal.Waqf Property Lease Module: It facilitates end-to-end management of leasing-related information of Waqf properties via the portal, enabling systematic recording and monitoring of key details like: lease information, lease period, lease amount and other relevant information in a structured and transparent manner.UMEED Central Portal: The platform, launched in June 2025, serves as a centralized digital system under the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Act, 1995, enabling real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties.
MoMA Launches two Additional Modules on UMEED PlatformIn January 2026, the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) launched two additional modules named ‘Survey Module’ and ‘Waqf Property Lease Management Module’ on Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) central portal.These two new modules were formally launched by Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, MoMA in New Delhi, Delhi.About New Modules:Survey Module: This new module offers a comprehensive digital framework that helps in recording, managing, and updating information related to the survey of Waqf properties on the central portal.Waqf Property Lease Module: It facilitates end-to-end management of leasing-related information of Waqf properties via the portal, enabling systematic recording and monitoring of key details like: lease information, lease period, lease amount and other relevant information in a structured and transparent manner.UMEED Central Portal: The platform, launched in June 2025, serves as a centralized digital system under the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Act, 1995, enabling real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties.
MoMA Launches two Additional Modules on UMEED PlatformIn January 2026, the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) launched two additional modules named ‘Survey Module’ and ‘Waqf Property Lease Management Module’ on Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, ...
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Union MoS Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Rs 32 Crore CSIR-NIO Shore-Based Regional Centre in Visakhapatnam, APIn January 2026, Union Minister of State (MoS)(Independent Charge, IC) Dr Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), inaugurated the Shore-Based Laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR–NIO) Regional Centre at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP).About CSIR–NIO Regional Centre:Infrastructure: The Rs 32 crore facility with a built-up area of 4,550 square metres (sq m) was constructed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) at Yendada Village, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam.Research: The centre focuses on marine geological and geophysical surveys of the Eastern Continental Margin of India (ECMI), including bathymetry mapping, tectonic studies, deep-sea exploration, and monsoon research in the Bay of Bengal.Energy: The facility strengthens national energy security by supporting offshore oil, gas, hydrocarbon, and seabed mineral exploration.Community: The centre contributes to the Blue Economy by supporting fisheries, coastal resilience, skill development, seaweed cultivation, and harmful algal bloom forecasting.
Union MoS Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Rs 32 Crore CSIR-NIO Shore-Based Regional Centre in Visakhapatnam, APIn January 2026, Union Minister of State (MoS)(Independent Charge, IC) Dr Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), inaugurated the Shore-Based Laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR–NIO) Regional Centre at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP).About CSIR–NIO Regional Centre:Infrastructure: The Rs 32 crore facility with a built-up area of 4,550 square metres (sq m) was constructed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) at Yendada Village, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam.Research: The centre focuses on marine geological and geophysical surveys of the Eastern Continental Margin of India (ECMI), including bathymetry mapping, tectonic studies, deep-sea exploration, and monsoon research in the Bay of Bengal.Energy: The facility strengthens national energy security by supporting offshore oil, gas, hydrocarbon, and seabed mineral exploration.Community: The centre contributes to the Blue Economy by supporting fisheries, coastal resilience, skill development, seaweed cultivation, and harmful algal bloom forecasting.
Union MoS Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Rs 32 Crore CSIR-NIO Shore-Based Regional Centre in Visakhapatnam, APIn January 2026, Union Minister of State (MoS)(Independent Charge, IC) Dr Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T) and Ministry ...
IR Launched 1st-ever LNG diesel dual-fuel DEMU Train in Ahmedabad Indian Railways (IR) successfully launched India’s 1st-ever Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-diesel dual-fuel Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train at Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in January 2026.Key Features:Dual-fuel System: The Integrated Coaching Depot (ICD), Sabarmati has successfully modified two 1,400 Horse Power (HP) DEMU Driving Power Cars (DPCs) equipped with 2,200-liter (lt) LNG tank to operate on a dual-fuel system, enabling up to 40% diesel substitution with LNG.Operational Efficiency: Both modified units have successfully completed more than 2,000 kilometers (kms) of field trials.After the successful trials, the train is now capable of covering a maximum 222 km of daily operation on a single full refill.Economic Significance: Trial-based estimates indicate an annual savings of nearly Rs 11.9 lakh per DPC and about Rs 23.9 lakh annually for an 8-coach DEMU train.Environment Impact: The use of LNG will help in reducing the levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and particulate matter.
IR Launched 1st-ever LNG diesel dual-fuel DEMU Train in Ahmedabad Indian Railways (IR) successfully launched India’s 1st-ever Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-diesel dual-fuel Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train at Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in January 2026.Key Features:Dual-fuel System: The Integrated Coaching Depot (ICD), Sabarmati has successfully modified two 1,400 Horse Power (HP) DEMU Driving Power Cars (DPCs) equipped with 2,200-liter (lt) LNG tank to operate on a dual-fuel system, enabling up to 40% diesel substitution with LNG.Operational Efficiency: Both modified units have successfully completed more than 2,000 kilometers (kms) of field trials.After the successful trials, the train is now capable of covering a maximum 222 km of daily operation on a single full refill.Economic Significance: Trial-based estimates indicate an annual savings of nearly Rs 11.9 lakh per DPC and about Rs 23.9 lakh annually for an 8-coach DEMU train.Environment Impact: The use of LNG will help in reducing the levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and particulate matter.
IR Launched 1st-ever LNG diesel dual-fuel DEMU Train in Ahmedabad Indian Railways (IR) successfully launched India’s 1st-ever Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-diesel dual-fuel Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train at Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, Gujarat i...
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NSO to Launch India’s First-Ever NHIS & ASISSE from April 2026In January 2026, the National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), announced plans to conduct India’s first-ever National Household Income Survey (NHIS) and Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE), both scheduled to run for one year starting April 2026.Key Details:Announcement: The announcement was made during the two-day All-India Workshop of Trainers (AIWOT) for NHIS and ASISSE, held from January 28 to 29 , 2026 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).NHIS: It collects detailed data on household income, living conditions and income distribution, enabling comparisons across regions and households and supporting policy formulation and assessment of household well-being.ASISSE: It covers the incorporated services sector using Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) data and provides state- and industry-level estimates of Gross Value Added (GVA), capital formation, employment and emoluments.Digital Survey: Both NHIS and ASISSE will be conducted digitally using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI).Coverage: The surveys will cover all of India, except the hard-to-access villages in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands.
NSO to Launch India’s First-Ever NHIS & ASISSE from April 2026In January 2026, the National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), announced plans to conduct India’s first-ever National Household Income Survey (NHIS) and Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE), both scheduled to run for one year starting April 2026.Key Details:Announcement: The announcement was made during the two-day All-India Workshop of Trainers (AIWOT) for NHIS and ASISSE, held from January 28 to 29 , 2026 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).NHIS: It collects detailed data on household income, living conditions and income distribution, enabling comparisons across regions and households and supporting policy formulation and assessment of household well-being.ASISSE: It covers the incorporated services sector using Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) data and provides state- and industry-level estimates of Gross Value Added (GVA), capital formation, employment and emoluments.Digital Survey: Both NHIS and ASISSE will be conducted digitally using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI).Coverage: The surveys will cover all of India, except the hard-to-access villages in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands.
NSO to Launch India’s First-Ever NHIS & ASISSE from April 2026In January 2026, the National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), announced plans to conduct India’s first-ever National Househol...
National Voters’ Day 2026 – January 25National Voters’ Day (NVD) is observed annually across India on 25 January to commemorate the establishment of the Election Commission of India(ECI) in 1950 and to promote the importance of voting, electoral participation, and voter registration, especially among youth.25 January 2026 marks the 16th NVD and commemorates 76 years of service of the ECI.2026 Theme: “My India, My Vote” with a tagline of ‘Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy’.Background: Approval : The observance of NVD was approved in 2011 during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Dr. Manmohan Singh, the then Prime Minister(PM) of India.Inception: The first NVD was observed in 2011 to commemorate the foundation day of the ECI, a permanent constitutional body established on 25 January 1950 under , under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.16th National Voters’ Day Celebrations (NVD-2026):Event: On January 26, 2026, the ECI celebrated the 16th National Voters’ Day (NVD-2026) in New Delhi, Delhi.Chief Guest: The event was graced by President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, as the Chief Guest, with Union Minister of State(MoS)(Independent Charge, IC)Arjun Ram Meghwal, Ministry of Law and Justice (MoL&J), as the Guest of Honour, and was led by Chief Election Commissioner(CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners(ECs) Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi.Best Electoral Practices Awards 2025: During the event, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Best Electoral Practices Awards 2025 across multiple categories.Release of Publications: On the occasion of NVD-2026, two publications “2025: A Year of Initiatives and Innovations” and “Chunav Ka Parv, Bihar Ka Garv,” highlighting the successful conduct of the General Elections in Bihar were released.Exhibition on Electoral Processes: A special exhibition was organised showcasing electoral roll preparation, conduct of elections, key voter-centric initiatives of the ECI.
National Voters’ Day 2026 – January 25National Voters’ Day (NVD) is observed annually across India on 25 January to commemorate the establishment of the Election Commission of India(ECI) in 1950 and to promote the importance of voting, electoral participation, and voter registration, especially among youth.25 January 2026 marks the 16th NVD and commemorates 76 years of service of the ECI.2026 Theme: “My India, My Vote” with a tagline of ‘Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy’.Background: Approval : The observance of NVD was approved in 2011 during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Dr. Manmohan Singh, the then Prime Minister(PM) of India.Inception: The first NVD was observed in 2011 to commemorate the foundation day of the ECI, a permanent constitutional body established on 25 January 1950 under , under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.16th National Voters’ Day Celebrations (NVD-2026):Event: On January 26, 2026, the ECI celebrated the 16th National Voters’ Day (NVD-2026) in New Delhi, Delhi.Chief Guest: The event was graced by President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, as the Chief Guest, with Union Minister of State(MoS)(Independent Charge, IC)Arjun Ram Meghwal, Ministry of Law and Justice (MoL&J), as the Guest of Honour, and was led by Chief Election Commissioner(CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners(ECs) Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi.Best Electoral Practices Awards 2025: During the event, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Best Electoral Practices Awards 2025 across multiple categories.Release of Publications: On the occasion of NVD-2026, two publications “2025: A Year of Initiatives and Innovations” and “Chunav Ka Parv, Bihar Ka Garv,” highlighting the successful conduct of the General Elections in Bihar were released.Exhibition on Electoral Processes: A special exhibition was organised showcasing electoral roll preparation, conduct of elections, key voter-centric initiatives of the ECI.
National Voters’ Day 2026 – January 25National Voters’ Day (NVD) is observed annually across India on 25 January to commemorate the establishment of the Election Commission of India(ECI) in 1950 and to promote the importance of voting, electoral part...
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Former BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra Passed AwayIn January 2026, Inderjit Singh Bindra, former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and a key architect of modern cricket marketing and administration in India, passed away at the age of 84 in New Delhi, Delhi.About Inderjit Singh Bindra:Profile: He was a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, serving in the Punjab cadre before his long association with cricket administration.Cricket Administration: He served as the President of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) from 1978 to 2014, marking one of the longest tenures in cricket administrationHe served as BCCI President (1993–1996), modernising its operations, governance, and commercial strategy, and strengthening Indian cricket’s global stature.He retired from cricket administration in 2014, also served as the Principal Adviser to the International Cricket Council (ICC).International Contributions : Played a key role in bringing the 1987 and 1996 ICC Cricket World Cups to India.Commercial Reforms: In 1994, Bindra ended Doordarshan’s cricket monopoly, bringing ESPN and TWI to India and expanding the cricket market globally.Honour: In 2015, the PCA stadium was renamed IS Bindra Stadium to honour his outstanding contributions as a cricket administrator.
Former BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra Passed AwayIn January 2026, Inderjit Singh Bindra, former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and a key architect of modern cricket marketing and administration in India, passed away at the age of 84 in New Delhi, Delhi.About Inderjit Singh Bindra:Profile: He was a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, serving in the Punjab cadre before his long association with cricket administration.Cricket Administration: He served as the President of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) from 1978 to 2014, marking one of the longest tenures in cricket administrationHe served as BCCI President (1993–1996), modernising its operations, governance, and commercial strategy, and strengthening Indian cricket’s global stature.He retired from cricket administration in 2014, also served as the Principal Adviser to the International Cricket Council (ICC).International Contributions : Played a key role in bringing the 1987 and 1996 ICC Cricket World Cups to India.Commercial Reforms: In 1994, Bindra ended Doordarshan’s cricket monopoly, bringing ESPN and TWI to India and expanding the cricket market globally.Honour: In 2015, the PCA stadium was renamed IS Bindra Stadium to honour his outstanding contributions as a cricket administrator.
Former BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra Passed AwayIn January 2026, Inderjit Singh Bindra, former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and a key architect of modern cricket marketing and administration in India, passed aw...
Veteran Journalist & Padma Awardee Mark Tully Passed AwayIn January 2026, veteran journalist and renowned broadcaster Sir William Mark Tully, who was widely known as British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)’s ‘voice of India’, passed away at the age of 90 in New Delhi, Delhi. He was born on October 24, 1935 at Tollygunge, Calcutta (now Kolkata, in West Bengal(WB)), then part of British-ruled India.He was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s 4th highest civilian honor, in 1992 in the field of Literature and Education; and the Padma Bhushan, India’s 3rd highest civilian honor, in 2005 in the field of Literature and Education.About Sir William Mark Tully:Profile: He was a veteran journalist, renowned broadcaster, and acclaimed author who made India his home and became one of the most respected foreign correspondents covering the subcontinent.Early Career: He joined the BBC in the 1960s and was later posted to India as junior administrative assistant in 1965.He served as Bureau Chief for BBC, New Delhi (India) for 22 years.Author: Apart from being an award-winning journalist, he was also a renowned author and had written several books on India for instance: ‘No Full Stops in India’; ‘India in Slow Motion’; and ‘The Heart of India’.Key Events Covered in South Asia History: During his several decades long career in journalism, he covered the most turbulent events in South Asia history, specifically India, which included:1971 Bangladesh war; the Emergency between 1975 and 1977;Operation Blue Star; the assassination of former Prime Minister (PM) of India Indira Gandhi and the anti-Sikh riots and the Bhopal Gas tragedy (thousands of people died due to leakage of methyl isocyanate in Madhya Pradesh, MP)in 1984;The assassination of former PM of India Rajiv Gandhi in 1991; and the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.Awards/Accolades: He was also knighted(KBE) by the British government in 2002 for his exceptional services to journalism.
Veteran Journalist & Padma Awardee Mark Tully Passed AwayIn January 2026, veteran journalist and renowned broadcaster Sir William Mark Tully, who was widely known as British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)’s ‘voice of India’, passed away at the age of 90 in New Delhi, Delhi. He was born on October 24, 1935 at Tollygunge, Calcutta (now Kolkata, in West Bengal(WB)), then part of British-ruled India.He was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s 4th highest civilian honor, in 1992 in the field of Literature and Education; and the Padma Bhushan, India’s 3rd highest civilian honor, in 2005 in the field of Literature and Education.About Sir William Mark Tully:Profile: He was a veteran journalist, renowned broadcaster, and acclaimed author who made India his home and became one of the most respected foreign correspondents covering the subcontinent.Early Career: He joined the BBC in the 1960s and was later posted to India as junior administrative assistant in 1965.He served as Bureau Chief for BBC, New Delhi (India) for 22 years.Author: Apart from being an award-winning journalist, he was also a renowned author and had written several books on India for instance: ‘No Full Stops in India’; ‘India in Slow Motion’; and ‘The Heart of India’.Key Events Covered in South Asia History: During his several decades long career in journalism, he covered the most turbulent events in South Asia history, specifically India, which included:1971 Bangladesh war; the Emergency between 1975 and 1977;Operation Blue Star; the assassination of former Prime Minister (PM) of India Indira Gandhi and the anti-Sikh riots and the Bhopal Gas tragedy (thousands of people died due to leakage of methyl isocyanate in Madhya Pradesh, MP)in 1984;The assassination of former PM of India Rajiv Gandhi in 1991; and the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.Awards/Accolades: He was also knighted(KBE) by the British government in 2002 for his exceptional services to journalism.
Veteran Journalist & Padma Awardee Mark Tully Passed AwayIn January 2026, veteran journalist and renowned broadcaster Sir William Mark Tully, who was widely known as British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)’s ‘voice of India’, passed away at the age of...
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Veteran Indian Sports Administrator Randhir Singh Steps Down as President of OCAIn January 2026, veteran Indian sports administrator and 5-time Olympic shooter Randhir Singh announced the end of his tenure as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) prematurely due to health issues.Following his resignation, the members of OCA elected Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani who is currently serving as the President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), as their new President during the General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.About Randhir Singh:Previous Tenure: In September 2024, Randhir Singh scripted history becoming the 1st Indian to be elected as President of OCA for a 4-year term (till 2028) during the 44th General Assembly of the continental body held in New Delhi, Delhi.Previous Role in OCA: Prior to his appointment as OCA President, he served as acting President of the continental body since 2021, filling in for Kuwait’s Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, who was handed a 15-year ban due ethics violations.Other Key Roles: During his long career in sports administration, he held various posts in Indian and Asian sports bodies like: served as the Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 1987 to 2012.He also served as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) between 2001 and 2014 and later continued as the honorary member of the international sports body.
Veteran Indian Sports Administrator Randhir Singh Steps Down as President of OCAIn January 2026, veteran Indian sports administrator and 5-time Olympic shooter Randhir Singh announced the end of his tenure as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) prematurely due to health issues.Following his resignation, the members of OCA elected Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani who is currently serving as the President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), as their new President during the General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.About Randhir Singh:Previous Tenure: In September 2024, Randhir Singh scripted history becoming the 1st Indian to be elected as President of OCA for a 4-year term (till 2028) during the 44th General Assembly of the continental body held in New Delhi, Delhi.Previous Role in OCA: Prior to his appointment as OCA President, he served as acting President of the continental body since 2021, filling in for Kuwait’s Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, who was handed a 15-year ban due ethics violations.Other Key Roles: During his long career in sports administration, he held various posts in Indian and Asian sports bodies like: served as the Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 1987 to 2012.He also served as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) between 2001 and 2014 and later continued as the honorary member of the international sports body.
Veteran Indian Sports Administrator Randhir Singh Steps Down as President of OCAIn January 2026, veteran Indian sports administrator and 5-time Olympic shooter Randhir Singh announced the end of his tenure as President of the Olympic Council of Asia...
Padma Awards 2026: President Approves 131 Padma Awards, includes 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma ShriOn January 25 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the Padma Awards for 2026, a day before the 77th Republic Day of India.This year’s list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan; 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awardees.About Padma Awards 2026:Total Winners: Droupadi Murmu, the President of India has approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards, including 2 duo case cases (in a duo case, the award is counted as one) for year 2026.Among these Padma awardees, there are 19 women and the list also comprises 06 persons from the category of foreigners or Non-Resident Indians (NRI) or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), along with 16 Posthumous awardees.States Representation: Among the states, Maharashtra received the highest number of Padma awards (15), followed by Tamil Nadu (TN) (13); Uttar Pradesh(UP) and West Bengal(WB)(11 each) and Kerala (8).Prominent Padma Vibhushan Winners: Among 5 Padma Vibhushan awardees, veteran actor Dharmendra Singh Deol (Arts, Maharashtra)and former Chief Minister (CM) of Kerala V.S. Achuthanandan (Public Affairs, Kerala) have been conferred with the award, posthumously.Other 3 eminent personalities featured on the list are: former Judge of Supreme Court (SC) K.T. Thomas (Kerala); educationist P. Narayanan (Literature and Education, Kerala); and violinist N. Rajam (Art).Prominent Padma Bhushan Winners: Shibhu Soren (Posthumous), founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party and former Chief Minister (CM) of Jharkhand; Bhagat Singh Koshyari, former CM of Uttarakhand; renowned Malayalam actor Mammooty; famous playback singer Alka Yagnik; Uday Kotak, were among this year’s Padma Bhushan laureates.Prominent Padma Shri Winners: Some of the famous sports personalities such as: former Captain of Indian Test Cricket team Rohit Sharma; Captain of Indian Women’s cricket team Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar; para-high jumper Praveen Kumar; hockey player Savita Punia and also, coach of Indian women’s hockey team Baldev Singh, have been conferred with the Padma Shri.
Padma Awards 2026: President Approves 131 Padma Awards, includes 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma ShriOn January 25 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the Padma Awards for 2026, a day before the 77th Republic Day of India.This year’s list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan; 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awardees.About Padma Awards 2026:Total Winners: Droupadi Murmu, the President of India has approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards, including 2 duo case cases (in a duo case, the award is counted as one) for year 2026.Among these Padma awardees, there are 19 women and the list also comprises 06 persons from the category of foreigners or Non-Resident Indians (NRI) or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), along with 16 Posthumous awardees.States Representation: Among the states, Maharashtra received the highest number of Padma awards (15), followed by Tamil Nadu (TN) (13); Uttar Pradesh(UP) and West Bengal(WB)(11 each) and Kerala (8).Prominent Padma Vibhushan Winners: Among 5 Padma Vibhushan awardees, veteran actor Dharmendra Singh Deol (Arts, Maharashtra)and former Chief Minister (CM) of Kerala V.S. Achuthanandan (Public Affairs, Kerala) have been conferred with the award, posthumously.Other 3 eminent personalities featured on the list are: former Judge of Supreme Court (SC) K.T. Thomas (Kerala); educationist P. Narayanan (Literature and Education, Kerala); and violinist N. Rajam (Art).Prominent Padma Bhushan Winners: Shibhu Soren (Posthumous), founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party and former Chief Minister (CM) of Jharkhand; Bhagat Singh Koshyari, former CM of Uttarakhand; renowned Malayalam actor Mammooty; famous playback singer Alka Yagnik; Uday Kotak, were among this year’s Padma Bhushan laureates.Prominent Padma Shri Winners: Some of the famous sports personalities such as: former Captain of Indian Test Cricket team Rohit Sharma; Captain of Indian Women’s cricket team Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar; para-high jumper Praveen Kumar; hockey player Savita Punia and also, coach of Indian women’s hockey team Baldev Singh, have been conferred with the Padma Shri.
Padma Awards 2026: President Approves 131 Padma Awards, includes 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma ShriOn January 25 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the Padma Awards for 2026, a day before the 77th Republic Day of I...
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