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Five Indian Films Qualify for Best Picture Eligibility at 98th Academy AwardsIn January 2026, Five Indian films, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, Tanvi The Great, Mahavatar Narsimha, Tourist Family and Sister Midnight were included in the list of 201 feature films eligible for the Best Picture category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026), released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).Indian Films at Oscars 2026Kantara A Legend – Chapter 1: Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under Hombale Films, with Rishab Shetty also starring in the lead role as Berme.Mahavatar Narasimha: It is an animated film directed by Ashwin Kumar, produced by Shilpaa Dhawan, Kushal Desai, and Chaitanya Desai of Kleem Productions in association with Hombale Films, with Harjeet Walia voicing the lead character, Lord Narasimha.Tanvi The Great: Directed by veteran actor Anupam Kher and produced by Anupam Kher under Anupam Kher Studio in association with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), starring Shubhangi Dutt as the titular protagonist, Tanvi Raina.Tourist Family: It marks the directorial debut of Abishan Jeevinth and is produced by Nazerath Pasilian, Magesh Raj Pasilian, and Yuvaraj Ganesan under Million Dollar Studios and MRP Entertainment, starring M. Sasikumar in the lead role alongside Simran.Sister Midnight: A dark comedy written and directed by Karan Kandhari, produced by Alastair Clark and Anna Griffin under Wellington Films and Griffin Pictures, with Radhika Apte starring as the lead character, Uma.About Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS):President – Lynette Howell TaylorHeadquarters – Beverly Hills (California), United States of America (USA)Established – 1927
Five Indian Films Qualify for Best Picture Eligibility at 98th Academy AwardsIn January 2026, Five Indian films, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, Tanvi The Great, Mahavatar Narsimha, Tourist Family and Sister Midnight were included in the list of 201 feature films eligible for the Best Picture category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026), released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).Indian Films at Oscars 2026Kantara A Legend – Chapter 1: Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under Hombale Films, with Rishab Shetty also starring in the lead role as Berme.Mahavatar Narasimha: It is an animated film directed by Ashwin Kumar, produced by Shilpaa Dhawan, Kushal Desai, and Chaitanya Desai of Kleem Productions in association with Hombale Films, with Harjeet Walia voicing the lead character, Lord Narasimha.Tanvi The Great: Directed by veteran actor Anupam Kher and produced by Anupam Kher under Anupam Kher Studio in association with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), starring Shubhangi Dutt as the titular protagonist, Tanvi Raina.Tourist Family: It marks the directorial debut of Abishan Jeevinth and is produced by Nazerath Pasilian, Magesh Raj Pasilian, and Yuvaraj Ganesan under Million Dollar Studios and MRP Entertainment, starring M. Sasikumar in the lead role alongside Simran.Sister Midnight: A dark comedy written and directed by Karan Kandhari, produced by Alastair Clark and Anna Griffin under Wellington Films and Griffin Pictures, with Radhika Apte starring as the lead character, Uma.About Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS):President – Lynette Howell TaylorHeadquarters – Beverly Hills (California), United States of America (USA)Established – 1927
Five Indian Films Qualify for Best Picture Eligibility at 98th Academy AwardsIn January 2026, Five Indian films, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, Tanvi The Great, Mahavatar Narsimha, Tourist Family and Sister Midnight were included in the list of 201 ...
SBI Research Projects India’s FY26 GDP Growth at 7.5%On January 7, 2026, the State Bank of India’s (SBI) Economic Research Department released its Ecowrap report, projecting India’s GDP growth for fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26) at 7.5% with an upward bias, slightly above the 7.4% first advance estimate provided by the National Statistical Office (NSO).What? GDP growth projected at 7.5% for FY26 (SBI)By Whom? State Bank of India (SBI) Economic Research DepartmentReport: Ecowrap reportNSO Estimate: 7.4% (First Advance Estimates)RBI Projection: 7.3%Report Significance: The research report by SBI said the difference between the RBI’s estimate and NSO’s estimate is always in the range of 20-30 bps and, hence, the 7.4 per cent estimate of FY26 is quite expected and reasonable.India GDP Overview FY26:Real GDP: NSO estimates real GDP at Rs 201.90 lakh crore, growing 7.4% in FY26.Nominal GDP: Projected to expand by 8.0% to Rs 357.13–357.14 lakh crore.RBI Projected: 7.3% for the same financial year (FY 2026).
SBI Research Projects India’s FY26 GDP Growth at 7.5%On January 7, 2026, the State Bank of India’s (SBI) Economic Research Department released its Ecowrap report, projecting India’s GDP growth for fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26) at 7.5% with an upward bias, slightly above the 7.4% first advance estimate provided by the National Statistical Office (NSO).What? GDP growth projected at 7.5% for FY26 (SBI)By Whom? State Bank of India (SBI) Economic Research DepartmentReport: Ecowrap reportNSO Estimate: 7.4% (First Advance Estimates)RBI Projection: 7.3%Report Significance: The research report by SBI said the difference between the RBI’s estimate and NSO’s estimate is always in the range of 20-30 bps and, hence, the 7.4 per cent estimate of FY26 is quite expected and reasonable.India GDP Overview FY26:Real GDP: NSO estimates real GDP at Rs 201.90 lakh crore, growing 7.4% in FY26.Nominal GDP: Projected to expand by 8.0% to Rs 357.13–357.14 lakh crore.RBI Projected: 7.3% for the same financial year (FY 2026).
SBI Research Projects India’s FY26 GDP Growth at 7.5%On January 7, 2026, the State Bank of India’s (SBI) Economic Research Department released its Ecowrap report, projecting India’s GDP growth for fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26) at 7.5% with an upward bia...
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UN-DESA Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.6% for 2026In January 2026, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) released report titled ‘World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2026’, projecting India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at a robust 6.6% for the calendar year (CY) 2026, down from earlier estimate of 7.4% and forecast 6.7% for 2027 with India remaining the world’s fastest-growing major economy.India’s Inflation is forecast at 4.1 percent for 2025.What? UN-DESA Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.6% for 2026 and 6.7% for 2027Report Name: World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2026.Global Growth Projection (2026): 2.7% (declining from 2.8% in 2025).Key Growth Driver: Strong demand in major international markets.India’s Status: Projected to remain the fastest-growing major economy.Global Economic Outlook:Global Growth: Global growth is expected to moderate to 2.7% in 2026, down from an estimated 2.8% in 2025 and 2.9 percent in 2027.Global Trade: Global trade is projected to slow significantly to 2.2% in 2026, compared to 3.8% in 2025.IMF Comparison: UN projections align with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which expects India to be the only major economy growing above 6% in 2025–26.GDP Growth: India’s real GDP growth for Financial Year 2025–26 (FY26) is projected at 7.4%, up from 6.5% in FY 2024–25.Sectoral Growth FY 2025–26:Services: Services Gross Value Added (GVA) is projected to grow 7.3%, driven by core services at 9.9% and trade-related services at 7.5%.Industry: Manufacturing and construction are expected to expand by 7.0%.Demand: Private consumption is projected to rise by 7.0%, supported by strong investment and Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) growth of 7.8%.Agriculture: Agriculture and allied sectors are expected to grow moderately at 3.1% on healthy crop output.Utilities: Electricity, gas, water, and utilities are projected to grow by 2.1%.About United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA):Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs– Li JunhuaHeadquarters– New York, United States of America (USA)Establishment– 1948
UN-DESA Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.6% for 2026In January 2026, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) released report titled ‘World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2026’, projecting India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at a robust 6.6% for the calendar year (CY) 2026, down from earlier estimate of 7.4% and forecast 6.7% for 2027 with India remaining the world’s fastest-growing major economy.India’s Inflation is forecast at 4.1 percent for 2025.What? UN-DESA Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.6% for 2026 and 6.7% for 2027Report Name: World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2026.Global Growth Projection (2026): 2.7% (declining from 2.8% in 2025).Key Growth Driver: Strong demand in major international markets.India’s Status: Projected to remain the fastest-growing major economy.Global Economic Outlook:Global Growth: Global growth is expected to moderate to 2.7% in 2026, down from an estimated 2.8% in 2025 and 2.9 percent in 2027.Global Trade: Global trade is projected to slow significantly to 2.2% in 2026, compared to 3.8% in 2025.IMF Comparison: UN projections align with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which expects India to be the only major economy growing above 6% in 2025–26.GDP Growth: India’s real GDP growth for Financial Year 2025–26 (FY26) is projected at 7.4%, up from 6.5% in FY 2024–25.Sectoral Growth FY 2025–26:Services: Services Gross Value Added (GVA) is projected to grow 7.3%, driven by core services at 9.9% and trade-related services at 7.5%.Industry: Manufacturing and construction are expected to expand by 7.0%.Demand: Private consumption is projected to rise by 7.0%, supported by strong investment and Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) growth of 7.8%.Agriculture: Agriculture and allied sectors are expected to grow moderately at 3.1% on healthy crop output.Utilities: Electricity, gas, water, and utilities are projected to grow by 2.1%.About United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA):Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs– Li JunhuaHeadquarters– New York, United States of America (USA)Establishment– 1948
UN-DESA Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.6% for 2026In January 2026, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) released report titled ‘World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2026’, projecting India’s Gross Domestic...
Axis Finance Launches Vyapar Business Loan for MSMEsOn 8th January 2026, Axis Finance Limited (AFL), a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and a wholly owned subsidiary of Axis Bank Limited, launched the ‘Axis Finance Vyapar Business Loan’, a collateral-free credit solution for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) across semi-urban and rural markets in India.What? Launch of Axis Finance Vyapar Business LoanBy Whom? Axis Finance Limited (AFL)Target Segment: MSEs in retail, service, and trading sectorsLoan Amount: Up to Rs 10 lakhCollateral: Not requiredOther Initiative: Launch of Safety Centre on its Mobile Banking App ‘Open’About Vyapar Business LoanPurpose: Designed to empower micro and small business owners for working capital, business expansion, and equipment upgrades.Loan: Offers collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 lakh with flexible repayment tenures.Process: Provides quick, hassle-free credit through minimal documentation and data-driven underwriting.Impact: Supports self-employed shopkeepers, traders, and service providers in scaling operations and achieving growth aspirations. Other Launches: Axis Bank also launched the Safety Centre on its mobile banking application (app) ‘open’, to enhance digital banking security for its customers.Key features include Short Message Service (SMS) authentication, blocking Internet Banking, fund transfers, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Net Banking transactions, restricting new payees, and setting secure transaction limits.
Axis Finance Launches Vyapar Business Loan for MSMEsOn 8th January 2026, Axis Finance Limited (AFL), a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and a wholly owned subsidiary of Axis Bank Limited, launched the ‘Axis Finance Vyapar Business Loan’, a collateral-free credit solution for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) across semi-urban and rural markets in India.What? Launch of Axis Finance Vyapar Business LoanBy Whom? Axis Finance Limited (AFL)Target Segment: MSEs in retail, service, and trading sectorsLoan Amount: Up to Rs 10 lakhCollateral: Not requiredOther Initiative: Launch of Safety Centre on its Mobile Banking App ‘Open’About Vyapar Business LoanPurpose: Designed to empower micro and small business owners for working capital, business expansion, and equipment upgrades.Loan: Offers collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 lakh with flexible repayment tenures.Process: Provides quick, hassle-free credit through minimal documentation and data-driven underwriting.Impact: Supports self-employed shopkeepers, traders, and service providers in scaling operations and achieving growth aspirations. Other Launches: Axis Bank also launched the Safety Centre on its mobile banking application (app) ‘open’, to enhance digital banking security for its customers.Key features include Short Message Service (SMS) authentication, blocking Internet Banking, fund transfers, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Net Banking transactions, restricting new payees, and setting secure transaction limits.
Axis Finance Launches Vyapar Business Loan for MSMEsOn 8th January 2026, Axis Finance Limited (AFL), a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and a wholly owned subsidiary of Axis Bank Limited, launched the ‘Axis Finance Vyapar Business Loan’, a col...
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Akasa Air Becomes Fifth Indian Airline to Join IATAIn January 2026, Akasa Air became the 5th Indian member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global body representing over 360 airlines and more than 80% of global air traffic.What? Akasa Air became the International Air Transport Association (IATA).Significance: 5th Indian airline to become an IATA member.Mandatory Prerequisite: Completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).Existing Indian Members: Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet.About International Air Transport Association (IATA):Overview: The IATA is a global trade association representing the airline industry.Requirement: Membership followed the successful completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) in December 2025.Focus: Membership enables participation in industry-wide dialogue on safety management, digital transformation, and sustainable aviation.Indian Members: The other four Indian carriers that are IATA members are Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet.About Akasa Air: India’s youngest airline founded in 2020 by Vinay Dube and late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, connects 26 domestic and six international cities, operates 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with plans to expand to 226, and has served over 23 million passengers to date.
Akasa Air Becomes Fifth Indian Airline to Join IATAIn January 2026, Akasa Air became the 5th Indian member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global body representing over 360 airlines and more than 80% of global air traffic.What? Akasa Air became the International Air Transport Association (IATA).Significance: 5th Indian airline to become an IATA member.Mandatory Prerequisite: Completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).Existing Indian Members: Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet.About International Air Transport Association (IATA):Overview: The IATA is a global trade association representing the airline industry.Requirement: Membership followed the successful completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) in December 2025.Focus: Membership enables participation in industry-wide dialogue on safety management, digital transformation, and sustainable aviation.Indian Members: The other four Indian carriers that are IATA members are Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet.About Akasa Air: India’s youngest airline founded in 2020 by Vinay Dube and late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, connects 26 domestic and six international cities, operates 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with plans to expand to 226, and has served over 23 million passengers to date.
Akasa Air Becomes Fifth Indian Airline to Join IATAIn January 2026, Akasa Air became the 5th Indian member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global body representing over 360 airlines and more than 80% of global air traffic.What?...
UIDAI Launches Aadhaar Mascot ‘Udai’ to Enhance Public AwarenessOn January 8, 2026, Neelkanth Mishra, Chairman, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), unveiled a new Aadhaar mascot named “Udai”, as part of its efforts to strengthen public outreach, awareness, and trust in Aadhaar-related services, at an event in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.What? Aadhar Mascot launchedUnveiled by: Neelkanth Mishra (UIDAI Chairman)Mascot: “Udai”Developers: Arun Gokul (Design) and Riya Jain (Name)Purpose: Simplify Aadhaar services communication for 1.4 Billion usersAbout Mascot ‘Udai’:Developer: The mascot design was created by Arun Gokul from Thrissur (Kerala). The name “Udai”, symbolizing progress, growth, and empowerment, was suggested by Riya Jain from Bhopal(Madhya Pradesh).Purpose: Udai is intended as a resident-facing communication companion to make Aadhaar-related information more relatable, clear, and user-friendly.Mascot Utilization: The mascot will be used to explain topics such as Aadhaar enrollment and updates, authentication and offline verification, selective sharing of information, and responsible use and responsible use and new technology adoption.Background: The mascot and its name were selected through open national competitions on the MyGov platform. UIDAI received 875 creative entries from across India, including designers, students, and professionals.
UIDAI Launches Aadhaar Mascot ‘Udai’ to Enhance Public AwarenessOn January 8, 2026, Neelkanth Mishra, Chairman, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), unveiled a new Aadhaar mascot named “Udai”, as part of its efforts to strengthen public outreach, awareness, and trust in Aadhaar-related services, at an event in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.What? Aadhar Mascot launchedUnveiled by: Neelkanth Mishra (UIDAI Chairman)Mascot: “Udai”Developers: Arun Gokul (Design) and Riya Jain (Name)Purpose: Simplify Aadhaar services communication for 1.4 Billion usersAbout Mascot ‘Udai’:Developer: The mascot design was created by Arun Gokul from Thrissur (Kerala). The name “Udai”, symbolizing progress, growth, and empowerment, was suggested by Riya Jain from Bhopal(Madhya Pradesh).Purpose: Udai is intended as a resident-facing communication companion to make Aadhaar-related information more relatable, clear, and user-friendly.Mascot Utilization: The mascot will be used to explain topics such as Aadhaar enrollment and updates, authentication and offline verification, selective sharing of information, and responsible use and responsible use and new technology adoption.Background: The mascot and its name were selected through open national competitions on the MyGov platform. UIDAI received 875 creative entries from across India, including designers, students, and professionals.
UIDAI Launches Aadhaar Mascot ‘Udai’ to Enhance Public AwarenessOn January 8, 2026, Neelkanth Mishra, Chairman, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), unveiled a new Aad...
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Union Minister Annapurna Devi Launches ‘PANKHUDI Portal’ for Women and Child DevelopmentOn 8th January 2026, Union Minister Annapurna Devi, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), launched the ‘PANKHUDI’, an integrated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and partnership facilitation digital portal, in New Delhi, Delhi.What? Launch of PANKHUDI digital portalLaunched by: Union Minister Annapurna Devi, MoWCDWhere? New Delhi (Delhi)Objective: Strengthen CSR and partnership initiatives for women and child developmentConcept Promoted: Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation)Thematic Areas: Nutrition, health, ECCE, child protection, women’s safety & empowermentLinked Flagship Missions: Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0; Mission Vatsalya; Mission ShaktiPANKHUDI Portal OverviewPurpose: A single-window integrated digital portal designed to facilitate CSR and partnerships by unifying voluntary and institutional contributions for women and child welfare.Stakeholders: Brings together individuals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), corporates, and Central and State Government agencies on one platform.Key Features: Provides real-time tracking and a unified digital workflow to improve coordination, ensuring transparency through non-cash contributions and a complete digital audit trail.Thematic Areas: Covers nutrition, health, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), child welfare, protection, rehabilitation, and women’s safety and empowerment.Flagship Missions: Promotes Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) and Supports Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, Mission Vatsalya (Child Protection Services), and Mission Shakti (Women Safety, Security, and Empowerment).
Union Minister Annapurna Devi Launches ‘PANKHUDI Portal’ for Women and Child DevelopmentOn 8th January 2026, Union Minister Annapurna Devi, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), launched the ‘PANKHUDI’, an integrated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and partnership facilitation digital portal, in New Delhi, Delhi.What? Launch of PANKHUDI digital portalLaunched by: Union Minister Annapurna Devi, MoWCDWhere? New Delhi (Delhi)Objective: Strengthen CSR and partnership initiatives for women and child developmentConcept Promoted: Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation)Thematic Areas: Nutrition, health, ECCE, child protection, women’s safety & empowermentLinked Flagship Missions: Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0; Mission Vatsalya; Mission ShaktiPANKHUDI Portal OverviewPurpose: A single-window integrated digital portal designed to facilitate CSR and partnerships by unifying voluntary and institutional contributions for women and child welfare.Stakeholders: Brings together individuals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), corporates, and Central and State Government agencies on one platform.Key Features: Provides real-time tracking and a unified digital workflow to improve coordination, ensuring transparency through non-cash contributions and a complete digital audit trail.Thematic Areas: Covers nutrition, health, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), child welfare, protection, rehabilitation, and women’s safety and empowerment.Flagship Missions: Promotes Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) and Supports Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, Mission Vatsalya (Child Protection Services), and Mission Shakti (Women Safety, Security, and Empowerment).
Union Minister Annapurna Devi Launches ‘PANKHUDI Portal’ for Women and Child DevelopmentOn 8th January 2026, Union Minister Annapurna Devi, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), launched the ‘PANKHUDI’, an integrated Corporate Social Respo...
OPSA Partners with ORF to Launch Inaugural Edition of SDIOn January 8, 2026, The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (OPSA) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) partnered to launch the inaugural edition of the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) 2026 during a meeting at OPSA’s office in New Delhi(Delhi).What? Launch of Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) 2026Launched by: OPSA in collaboration with ORFFocus? Science-tech diplomacy, emerging tech governance, multipolar partnershipsDignitaries: The partnership was announced by Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) and Dr. Samir Saran, President, ORF, in New Delhi, Delhi.About Raisina SDI: Overview: The Raisina SDI will be held from 5 to 7, March 2026 in New Delhi, alongside the Raisina Dialogue.Intersection Exploration: The Raisina SDI will be a dedicated platform within the Raisina Dialogue to explore the intersection of science, technology, and diplomacy.Focus Areas: It includes Science and technology diplomacy, emerging and disruptive technologies, scientific cooperation in a multipolar world, and issues such as technology control regimes, research security, and fair participation in global standards and regulations.Participation: The SDI will bring together scientists, diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders through high-level sessions and expert roundtables.
OPSA Partners with ORF to Launch Inaugural Edition of SDIOn January 8, 2026, The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (OPSA) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) partnered to launch the inaugural edition of the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) 2026 during a meeting at OPSA’s office in New Delhi(Delhi).What? Launch of Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) 2026Launched by: OPSA in collaboration with ORFFocus? Science-tech diplomacy, emerging tech governance, multipolar partnershipsDignitaries: The partnership was announced by Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) and Dr. Samir Saran, President, ORF, in New Delhi, Delhi.About Raisina SDI: Overview: The Raisina SDI will be held from 5 to 7, March 2026 in New Delhi, alongside the Raisina Dialogue.Intersection Exploration: The Raisina SDI will be a dedicated platform within the Raisina Dialogue to explore the intersection of science, technology, and diplomacy.Focus Areas: It includes Science and technology diplomacy, emerging and disruptive technologies, scientific cooperation in a multipolar world, and issues such as technology control regimes, research security, and fair participation in global standards and regulations.Participation: The SDI will bring together scientists, diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders through high-level sessions and expert roundtables.
OPSA Partners with ORF to Launch Inaugural Edition of SDIOn January 8, 2026, The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (OPSA) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) partnered to launch the inaugural edition of the ...
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Union Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates NIDMS of NSG in New DelhiIn January 2026, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Cooperation, inaugurated the National Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Data Management System (NIDMS) of the National Security Guard (NSG) through video conferencing in New Delhi (Delhi).The digital platform is located at the NSG garrison in Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana, aims to strengthen India’s counter-terrorism and counter-IED capabilities by enabling post-blast investigations and evidence-based prosecution.What? National IED Data Management System (NIDMS) inauguratedInaugurated by: Union Minister Amit Shah, MHA and Ministry of CooperationDeveloped by: National Bomb Data Centre (NBDC) of the NSG.Purpose: Data-driven investigation and analysis of IED-related incidentsKey Concept: ‘One Nation, One Data Repository’.Technology: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics.About National IED Data Management System (NIDMS):Overview: NIDMS is a secure, national-level digital platform developed by the National Bomb Data Centre (NBDC) of the NSG for systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of IED-related data.Data Coverage: The system serves as a central repository of all bomb explosion incidents in India from 1999 to the present.Technology: NIDMS is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled platform that identifies patterns, trends, signature linkages, and modus operandi related to explosives and circuits used.Beneficiaries: The platform is accessible to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS), State Police Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and other central investigation and intelligence agencies.National Integration: NIDMS supports the ‘One Nation, One Data (ONOD) Repository’ vision and is integrated with Interoperable Criminal Justice System-2 (ICJS-2) under the ‘One Data–One Entry’ principle.Through ICJS-2, it links with Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), electronic (e)-Courts, e-Prisons, e-Prosecution, e-Forensics, and the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), strengthening national security coordination.About National Security Guard (NSG):Establishment: The NSG, commonly known as ‘Black Cats’, established in 1984 as India’s elite counter-terrorism and anti-hijacking force.Headquarters: Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).Motto: Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha (Omnipresent Omnipotent Security).Director General (DG) – Brighu SrinivasanHubs: Regional hubs are in Mumbai (Maharashtra), Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN), Kolkata (West Bengal), Hyderabad (Telangana), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), and Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh, UT), supported by the National Bomb Data Centre (NBDC).
TEC Signs MoU with IIT Kanpur to Jointly Conduct Research & Technical StudiesOn January 9, 2026, The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of Department of Telecommunication (DoC), under the Ministry of Communications, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur).TRAI, under Ministry of Communications, approved RANext Technologies as Digital Connectivity Rating Agency (DCRA).Technology Standardization: The MoU is aimed at driving research, testing, and standardization in next-generation telecom technologies, including:6G architecture & Technologies: It includes contributions to pre-standardization and standardization in global forumsAI & ML in Telecom: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Telecom for network automation, optimization and intelligent management.Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs): It includes satellite, High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) and integration with terrestrial networks.TRAI Approved RANext as a DCRA:Authorization: With this move, RANext Technologies is authorized to assess and rate the quality of digital connectivity infrastructure in buildings and properties across India.Evaluation: RANext will assess properties on key connectivity aspects, including Fibre infrastructure standards, in-building mobile connectivity, broadband and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) performance inside premises, and readiness for future smart technologies such as IoT.About Telecommunications Engineering Centre (TEC):Senior Deputy General (Sr. DDG) – Syed Tausif AbbasHeadquarters – New Delhi, DelhiEstablishment – 1991
TEC Signs MoU with IIT Kanpur to Jointly Conduct Research & Technical StudiesOn January 9, 2026, The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of Department of Telecommunication (DoC), under the Ministry of Communications, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur).TRAI, under Ministry of Communications, approved RANext Technologies as Digital Connectivity Rating Agency (DCRA).Technology Standardization: The MoU is aimed at driving research, testing, and standardization in next-generation telecom technologies, including:6G architecture & Technologies: It includes contributions to pre-standardization and standardization in global forumsAI & ML in Telecom: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Telecom for network automation, optimization and intelligent management.Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs): It includes satellite, High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) and integration with terrestrial networks.TRAI Approved RANext as a DCRA:Authorization: With this move, RANext Technologies is authorized to assess and rate the quality of digital connectivity infrastructure in buildings and properties across India.Evaluation: RANext will assess properties on key connectivity aspects, including Fibre infrastructure standards, in-building mobile connectivity, broadband and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) performance inside premises, and readiness for future smart technologies such as IoT.About Telecommunications Engineering Centre (TEC):Senior Deputy General (Sr. DDG) – Syed Tausif AbbasHeadquarters – New Delhi, DelhiEstablishment – 1991
TEC Signs MoU with IIT Kanpur to Jointly Conduct Research & Technical StudiesOn January 9, 2026, The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of Department of Telecommunication (DoC), under the Ministry of Communications, signed ...
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