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Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Projects Worth Rs.235 Crores in TNOn January 8, 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), launched port infrastructure and digital governance projects worth Rs.235 crores at Chennai Port Authority (Chennai Port) and Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) in Chennai (Ennore) (Tamil Nadu, TN), as part of the “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme.He also launched the electronic (e)-Port Clearance Portal.What? Port Infrastructure and Digital governance projects launchedWho? Union Minister Sarbananda SonowalWhere? At Chennai Port and KPL in Chennai (TN)Alignment: “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme.Value: Rs.235 crores, Rs.129.36 crores (Chennai Port) and Rs.105.64 crores (Kamarajar Port)Portal Launched: e-Port clearance portalFund Support: Rs.18 lakhs (Royal Madras Yacht Club)Budget Allocation: The investment of Rs.235 crores, encompasses Rs.129.36 crores for projects at Chennai Port and Rs.105.64 crores allocated for KPL.About Projects launched at Chennai Port: It includes:Strengthening 850 metres (m) of coastal revetment using climate-resilient designs with an investment of Rs.33.28 croresConstruction of a new firefighting pump house at the Oil Dock Area to meet Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) safety norms worth Rs.43 croresModernization of Chennai Port Hospital worth Rs.8.08 croresImplementation of Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing (SAP)-based Enterprise Business System (EBS) integrating finance, operations, Human Resource (HR), assets and customer services at a cost of Rs.45 crores.Key Projects at Kamarajar Port:New boundary wall near Northern Port Access Road worth Rs.1.39 croresRehabilitation of 202m-Northern Breakwater Head using 3,055 tetrapods damaged by past cyclones at an investment of Rs.105 crores, ensuring navigational safety and uninterrupted port operations.Other Key Initiatives Launched:e-Port Clearance Portal: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also launched the e-Port Clearance Portal under One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP), enabling online submission and issuance of Port Clearance.Fund for Sailing Training: He also handed over cheque worth Rs.18 lakh to the Royal Madras Yacht Club for sailing training of 20 students from Chennai Port School.About Tamil Nadu (TN):Chief Minister (CM) – Muthuvel Karunanidhi (M.K.) StalinGovernor – R.N. RaviCapital – ChennaiNational Park (NP) – Guindy NP, Mukurthi NP
Renowned Ecologist & Conservationist Madhav Gadgil Passed AwayOn January 8, 2026, Ecologist, Scholar, and Conservationist Madhav Dhananjaya Gadgil passed away at the age of 83 in Pune, Maharashtra. He was born on April 24, 1942 in Poona, Bombay Province, British India(now Pune, Maharashtra).He was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 1981 in the field of Civil Service and the Padma Bhushan in 2006 in the field of Science and Engineering.What? Ecologist & Conservationist Madhav Gadgil Passed AwayWhere? In Pune (Maharashtra)Known as: Father of modern Indian ecologyMajor Contributions: Instrumental in creating India’s first Biosphere Reserve – Nilgiri BR; Contributed to Biological Diversity Act, 2002Panel Leadership: Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (Chairman)Awards: Padma Shri (1981); Padma Bhushan (2006); UN Champion of the Earth Award (2024).About Madhav Gadgil:Profile: Madhav Gadgil,recognized as the father of modern Indian ecology, was a distinguished Indian ecologist, academic, author and environmental conservationist known for his pioneering contributions to ecological science and policy.Career: In the 1960s, he began his career as a scientist and researcher in ecology. He joined the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka). Later, he became a founding faculty member of the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES) at IISc and played a crucial role in designing curricula in ecology, establishing long-term ecological field studies, and training students in scientific methods.
Renowned Ecologist & Conservationist Madhav Gadgil Passed AwayOn January 8, 2026, Ecologist, Scholar, and Conservationist Madhav Dhananjaya Gadgil passed away at the age of 83 in Pune, Maharashtra. He was born on April 24, 1942 in Poona, Bombay Province, British India(now Pune, Maharashtra).He was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 1981 in the field of Civil Service and the Padma Bhushan in 2006 in the field of Science and Engineering.What? Ecologist & Conservationist Madhav Gadgil Passed AwayWhere? In Pune (Maharashtra)Known as: Father of modern Indian ecologyMajor Contributions: Instrumental in creating India’s first Biosphere Reserve – Nilgiri BR; Contributed to Biological Diversity Act, 2002Panel Leadership: Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (Chairman)Awards: Padma Shri (1981); Padma Bhushan (2006); UN Champion of the Earth Award (2024).About Madhav Gadgil:Profile: Madhav Gadgil,recognized as the father of modern Indian ecology, was a distinguished Indian ecologist, academic, author and environmental conservationist known for his pioneering contributions to ecological science and policy.Career: In the 1960s, he began his career as a scientist and researcher in ecology. He joined the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka). Later, he became a founding faculty member of the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES) at IISc and played a crucial role in designing curricula in ecology, establishing long-term ecological field studies, and training students in scientific methods.
Renowned Ecologist & Conservationist Madhav Gadgil Passed AwayOn January 8, 2026, Ecologist, Scholar, and Conservationist Madhav Dhananjaya Gadgil passed away at the age of 83 in Pune, Maharashtra. He was born on April 24, 1942 in Poona, Bombay Provi...
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Former Union Minister and Veteran BJP Leader Kabindra Purkayastha Passed AwayOn 7th January 2026, veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister of State (MoS) Kabindra Purkayastha, Ministry of Communications, passed away at the age of 94 in Silchar, Assam.He was born on 15th December 1931 at Kamarkhal, then part of Sylhet district (presently in Bangladesh).What? Former Union Minister of State Kabindra Purkayastha Passed AwayWhere? Silchar, AssamPolitical Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)Position Held: Union MoS for Communications (1998–1999)About Kabindra Purkayastha:Legacy: Known as the patriarch of the BJP in Assam and remembered as an intellectual mentor who shaped the party’s growth in the state.RSS Association: Joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1951, serving as a pracharak across the Northeast after working as a teacher before entering active politics.BJP: A founding member of the BJP who strengthened its organisational base in Assam and Northeast India, earned recognition as its patriarch in Assam particularly the Barak Valley, and worked for refugee rehabilitation and regional development.Parliament: Elected as a three-time Member of Parliament(MP) from the Silchar Lok Sabha constituency in 1991, 1998, and 2009.Ministry: Served as Union MoS for Ministry of Communications during 1998–1999 under Prime Minister (PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Former Union Minister and Veteran BJP Leader Kabindra Purkayastha Passed AwayOn 7th January 2026, veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister of State (MoS) Kabindra Purkayastha, Ministry of Communications, passed away at the age of 94 in Silchar, Assam.He was born on 15th December 1931 at Kamarkhal, then part of Sylhet district (presently in Bangladesh).What? Former Union Minister of State Kabindra Purkayastha Passed AwayWhere? Silchar, AssamPolitical Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)Position Held: Union MoS for Communications (1998–1999)About Kabindra Purkayastha:Legacy: Known as the patriarch of the BJP in Assam and remembered as an intellectual mentor who shaped the party’s growth in the state.RSS Association: Joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1951, serving as a pracharak across the Northeast after working as a teacher before entering active politics.BJP: A founding member of the BJP who strengthened its organisational base in Assam and Northeast India, earned recognition as its patriarch in Assam particularly the Barak Valley, and worked for refugee rehabilitation and regional development.Parliament: Elected as a three-time Member of Parliament(MP) from the Silchar Lok Sabha constituency in 1991, 1998, and 2009.Ministry: Served as Union MoS for Ministry of Communications during 1998–1999 under Prime Minister (PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Former Union Minister and Veteran BJP Leader Kabindra Purkayastha Passed AwayOn 7th January 2026, veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister of State (MoS) Kabindra Purkayastha, Ministry of Communications, passed away at th...
Renowned Australian Cricketer Usman Khawaja Announced Retirement from International CricketIn January 2026, renowned Pakistan-born Australian cricketer Usman Tariq Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket following the fifth and final Ashes Test held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney, Australia, marked his 88th Test match.What? Australian Cricketer Announced Retirement from International CricketWho? Usman Tariq KhawajaAnnounced Where? Final of 5th Ashes SeriesTest Match: 6206 runs (87 test matches)ODIs: 40 matches, 1554 runsAbout Usman Khawaja:Debut Match: He, Australia’s first Muslim Test cricketer, started his international cricket career debuting against England in the final Test Match of 2010-11 series.In 2018, he scored his 1st Ashes century (171 runs)at the SCG against England.Test Match Career: He scored 6206 runs in 87 test matches and 157 innings at an average of 43.39, including 16 hundreds (100s) and 28 fifties (50s) in the longest format.ODI Career: He scored 1554 runs in 40 One Day Internationals (ODIs) matches and 39 innings at an average of 42, including two centuries and 12 fifties.
Renowned Australian Cricketer Usman Khawaja Announced Retirement from International CricketIn January 2026, renowned Pakistan-born Australian cricketer Usman Tariq Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket following the fifth and final Ashes Test held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney, Australia, marked his 88th Test match.What? Australian Cricketer Announced Retirement from International CricketWho? Usman Tariq KhawajaAnnounced Where? Final of 5th Ashes SeriesTest Match: 6206 runs (87 test matches)ODIs: 40 matches, 1554 runsAbout Usman Khawaja:Debut Match: He, Australia’s first Muslim Test cricketer, started his international cricket career debuting against England in the final Test Match of 2010-11 series.In 2018, he scored his 1st Ashes century (171 runs)at the SCG against England.Test Match Career: He scored 6206 runs in 87 test matches and 157 innings at an average of 43.39, including 16 hundreds (100s) and 28 fifties (50s) in the longest format.ODI Career: He scored 1554 runs in 40 One Day Internationals (ODIs) matches and 39 innings at an average of 42, including two centuries and 12 fifties.
Renowned Australian Cricketer Usman Khawaja Announced Retirement from International CricketIn January 2026, renowned Pakistan-born Australian cricketer Usman Tariq Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket following the fifth and fi...
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Asian Games Gold Medalist Runner Jinson Johnson Announces RetirementOn January 7, 2026, Olympian and Asian Games gold medalist runner Jinson Johnson announced his retirement from competitive middle-distance running, bringing his distinguished 15-year international career to a closeWhat? Indian middle-distance runner announces retirementWho? Jinson Johnson Asian Games Medals: Gold medal(1500 m) in 2018; Silver (800 m, 2018); Bronze (1500 m, 2023)Olympics: Represented India at Rio 2016 (800 m)National Records:800 m: 1:45.65 (2018)1500 m: 3:35.24 (ISTAF Berlin, 2019) – current record800 m: 1:45.65 (2018)1500 m: 3:35.24 (ISTAF Berlin, 2019) – current recordAbout Jinson Johnson:Early Career: He began his athletics journey in 2007 by winning a school national medal in Kolkata (West Bengal, WB), marking his entry into competitive middle-distance running.International Career: Represented India at the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.He also represented India at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the 800 meter (m) event, becoming the first Indian male runner to qualify for the Olympic 800m since Sriram Singh in 1980.Asian Games Success: Won gold (1500m) and silver (800m) at the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia and bronze in the 1500m at the 2023 Asian Games held in Hangzhou (China), his final international appearance. Asian Athletics Championships: Secured a silver medal (2015) and bronze medal (2017) at the Asian Athletics Championships and finished fifth at the 2018 Commonwealth Games (Australia) while breaking a 23-year-old national 1500m record.National Records: Set the 800m national record of 1:45.65 in 2018, breaking Sriram Singh’s 42-year-old mark, and currently holds the 1500m national record of 3:35.24 set in Internationales Stadionfest (ISTAF), Berlin in 2019.Career Highlights: Ranked Asia’s top middle-distance athlete in 2018, represented Asia-Pacific at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Continental Cup held in Ostrava, Czech Republic.About Athletics Federation of India (AFI):President – Bahadur Singh SagooHeadquarters – New Delhi, DelhiEstablished – 1946
Asian Games Gold Medalist Runner Jinson Johnson Announces RetirementOn January 7, 2026, Olympian and Asian Games gold medalist runner Jinson Johnson announced his retirement from competitive middle-distance running, bringing his distinguished 15-year international career to a closeWhat? Indian middle-distance runner announces retirementWho? Jinson Johnson Asian Games Medals: Gold medal(1500 m) in 2018; Silver (800 m, 2018); Bronze (1500 m, 2023)Olympics: Represented India at Rio 2016 (800 m)National Records:800 m: 1:45.65 (2018)1500 m: 3:35.24 (ISTAF Berlin, 2019) – current record800 m: 1:45.65 (2018)1500 m: 3:35.24 (ISTAF Berlin, 2019) – current recordAbout Jinson Johnson:Early Career: He began his athletics journey in 2007 by winning a school national medal in Kolkata (West Bengal, WB), marking his entry into competitive middle-distance running.International Career: Represented India at the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.He also represented India at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the 800 meter (m) event, becoming the first Indian male runner to qualify for the Olympic 800m since Sriram Singh in 1980.Asian Games Success: Won gold (1500m) and silver (800m) at the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia and bronze in the 1500m at the 2023 Asian Games held in Hangzhou (China), his final international appearance. Asian Athletics Championships: Secured a silver medal (2015) and bronze medal (2017) at the Asian Athletics Championships and finished fifth at the 2018 Commonwealth Games (Australia) while breaking a 23-year-old national 1500m record.National Records: Set the 800m national record of 1:45.65 in 2018, breaking Sriram Singh’s 42-year-old mark, and currently holds the 1500m national record of 3:35.24 set in Internationales Stadionfest (ISTAF), Berlin in 2019.Career Highlights: Ranked Asia’s top middle-distance athlete in 2018, represented Asia-Pacific at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Continental Cup held in Ostrava, Czech Republic.About Athletics Federation of India (AFI):President – Bahadur Singh SagooHeadquarters – New Delhi, DelhiEstablished – 1946
Asian Games Gold Medalist Runner Jinson Johnson Announces RetirementOn January 7, 2026, Olympian and Asian Games gold medalist runner Jinson Johnson announced his retirement from competitive middle-distance running, bringing his distinguished 15-year...
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Conferred 2026 IEEE Medal of HonourOn January 6, 2026, Jensen Huang, Chief and Executive Officer (CEO), NVIDIA, was awarded the 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor, the highest recognition from Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).What? IEEE Medal of Honor 2026 awardedWho? IEEEAwardee: Jensen Huang (CEO, NVIDIA )Cash Prize: USD 2 millionAbout IEEE Award 2026: Revolutionizing Computing: Jensen Huang received the award for his outstanding contributions to the field of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and accelerated computing, which have revolutionized computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and High-Performance Computing (HPC) worldwide.Cash Prize: The 2026 award includes a USD 2 million cash prize, marking the second consecutive year that IEEE has attached a monetary award to this honor.Award: The IEEE Medal of Honour, established in 1917, is awarded annually to individuals who have made exceptional contributions or achieved outstanding accomplishments in electrical, electronics, and computer engineering.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Conferred 2026 IEEE Medal of HonourOn January 6, 2026, Jensen Huang, Chief and Executive Officer (CEO), NVIDIA, was awarded the 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor, the highest recognition from Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).What? IEEE Medal of Honor 2026 awardedWho? IEEEAwardee: Jensen Huang (CEO, NVIDIA )Cash Prize: USD 2 millionAbout IEEE Award 2026: Revolutionizing Computing: Jensen Huang received the award for his outstanding contributions to the field of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and accelerated computing, which have revolutionized computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and High-Performance Computing (HPC) worldwide.Cash Prize: The 2026 award includes a USD 2 million cash prize, marking the second consecutive year that IEEE has attached a monetary award to this honor.Award: The IEEE Medal of Honour, established in 1917, is awarded annually to individuals who have made exceptional contributions or achieved outstanding accomplishments in electrical, electronics, and computer engineering.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Conferred 2026 IEEE Medal of HonourOn January 6, 2026, Jensen Huang, Chief and Executive Officer (CEO), NVIDIA, was awarded the 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor, the highest recognition from Institute of Electrical and Electronics Eng...
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RBI Cancels CoR of 35 NBFCs for Regulatory Non-ComplianceIn January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-IA (6) of the RBI Act, 1934, cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) of 35 Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) for non-compliance with regular requirements, effective from December 9 to 31, 2025.As per RBI directions, these companies are now restricted to carry out the business of Non-banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs), as defined in clause (a) of Section 45-I of the RBI Act, 1934.Additionally, 16 other NBFCs have voluntarily surrendered their CoR to the RBI which led to the cancellation of registration for various strategic and operational reasons.List of NBFCs with Cancelled CoR:Geographical Concentration:The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stated that the cancelled NBFCs are predominantly concentrated in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), with only a few located outside.Cancelled NBFCs: Key firms in Delhi/NCR include AG Securities, ALB Leasing & Finance, ATM Credit & Investments, Corporate Capital Services India, Decisive Finance, Divine Investments, Liberty Sales, Pearls Hire Purchase Corporation, Quasar India Fincap, Sunlife Securities, Sunrise Manufacturing Co, Swito Finance & Estates, Triveni Vinimay and others.Outside the NCR, Shivom Investment & Consultancy Ltd is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, while Satya Prakash Capital Investment Ltd operates from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh(MP).Voluntary Surrender NBFCs : Categories: These 16 NBFCs span across 3 main categories namely: business exit category (8 companies); meeting unregistered CIC criteria (3 companies); and corporate restructuring (5 companies).
RBI Cancels CoR of 35 NBFCs for Regulatory Non-ComplianceIn January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-IA (6) of the RBI Act, 1934, cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) of 35 Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) for non-compliance with regular requirements, effective from December 9 to 31, 2025.As per RBI directions, these companies are now restricted to carry out the business of Non-banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs), as defined in clause (a) of Section 45-I of the RBI Act, 1934.Additionally, 16 other NBFCs have voluntarily surrendered their CoR to the RBI which led to the cancellation of registration for various strategic and operational reasons.List of NBFCs with Cancelled CoR:Geographical Concentration:The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stated that the cancelled NBFCs are predominantly concentrated in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), with only a few located outside.Cancelled NBFCs: Key firms in Delhi/NCR include AG Securities, ALB Leasing & Finance, ATM Credit & Investments, Corporate Capital Services India, Decisive Finance, Divine Investments, Liberty Sales, Pearls Hire Purchase Corporation, Quasar India Fincap, Sunlife Securities, Sunrise Manufacturing Co, Swito Finance & Estates, Triveni Vinimay and others.Outside the NCR, Shivom Investment & Consultancy Ltd is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, while Satya Prakash Capital Investment Ltd operates from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh(MP).Voluntary Surrender NBFCs : Categories: These 16 NBFCs span across 3 main categories namely: business exit category (8 companies); meeting unregistered CIC criteria (3 companies); and corporate restructuring (5 companies).
RBI Cancels CoR of 35 NBFCs for Regulatory Non-ComplianceIn January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-IA (6) of the RBI Act, 1934, cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) of 35 No...
UNGA Declares 2026 as International Year for Rangelands and PastoralistsIn January 2026, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), at its 76th session held in New York, the United States of America (USA).IYRP 2026 aims to raise awareness about rangelands and pastoralists and promote policies for their sustainable management and livelihoods.What? 2026 declared as International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP)Declared by: UNGAResolution Led by: MongoliaLeading Agency:FAOKey Goals: Promote pastoralist knowledge, innovation, partnerships, and policies for sustainable rangelands and livelihoodsAbout IYRP 2026:Resolution Adoption: On 28 February 2022, the UN General Assembly(UNGA) adopted a resolution initiated by Mongolia and backed by 60 Member States worldwide.Implementing Agency: The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has been declared the leading agency to celebrate the Year in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.Key Goals: IYRP 2026 aims to share pastoralist knowledge, encourage innovation, build partnerships, and support policies for sustainable rangelands and livelihoods.Significance: Rangelands which cover nearly 50% of the Earth’s land surface, supporting more than 2 billion people and over 50% of the world’s livestock.These rangelands play a pivotal role in conservation of biodiversity, ecosystem regulation, ecosystem regulation and climate resilience.
UNGA Declares 2026 as International Year for Rangelands and PastoralistsIn January 2026, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), at its 76th session held in New York, the United States of America (USA).IYRP 2026 aims to raise awareness about rangelands and pastoralists and promote policies for their sustainable management and livelihoods.What? 2026 declared as International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP)Declared by: UNGAResolution Led by: MongoliaLeading Agency:FAOKey Goals: Promote pastoralist knowledge, innovation, partnerships, and policies for sustainable rangelands and livelihoodsAbout IYRP 2026:Resolution Adoption: On 28 February 2022, the UN General Assembly(UNGA) adopted a resolution initiated by Mongolia and backed by 60 Member States worldwide.Implementing Agency: The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has been declared the leading agency to celebrate the Year in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.Key Goals: IYRP 2026 aims to share pastoralist knowledge, encourage innovation, build partnerships, and support policies for sustainable rangelands and livelihoods.Significance: Rangelands which cover nearly 50% of the Earth’s land surface, supporting more than 2 billion people and over 50% of the world’s livestock.These rangelands play a pivotal role in conservation of biodiversity, ecosystem regulation, ecosystem regulation and climate resilience.
UNGA Declares 2026 as International Year for Rangelands and PastoralistsIn January 2026, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), at its 76th session held in New York, t...
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USA Withdraws from 66 International Bodies Including India-led ISAOn January 7, 2026, United States of America (USA) President Donald Trump issued an executive order and presidential memorandum announcing the withdrawal of the USA from 66 international organizations, treaties, and commissions, including the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA) and several United Nations (UN)’s–affiliated entities.The decision forms part of the administration’s “America First” review of multilateral engagements, citing concerns over national sovereignty, resource use, and alignment with USA interests.What? USA withdrawal from 66 international organisationsBy Whom? USA President Donald TrumpWhen? January 7, 2025Policy Basis: “America First” doctrineKey Exit: India- and France-led International Solar Alliance (ISA)UN Split: 35 non-UN bodies and 31 UN-affiliated entitiesOverview of Withdrawal:Sovereignty: Executive Order(EO) 14199 mandated a review of USA involvement in international organizations, prompting withdrawal from those deemed wasteful, mismanaged, or misaligned with USA sovereignty and interests.Scope: The withdrawal covers a total of 66 entities, comprising 35 non–UN organizations and 31 UN-affiliated bodies.Non-UN Bodies: Key non-UN organizations exited include the ISA, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).UN Entities: Major UN-affiliated bodies affected include the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), UN Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Water, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and the Peacebuilding Commission.ISA Exit: The USA formally exited the India–France–led ISA, ending its participation and approximately USD 2.1 million in contributions made between 2022 and 2025 to support global solar energy efforts.Legality: The USA Constitution requires Senate approval to enter treaties, but provides no clear process for withdrawal, leaving unilateral exits legally uncertain and open to judicial challenge.Click here to read full listAbout International Solar Alliance(ISA):The idea of the formation of ISA was conceived as a joint effort of India and France during the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) held in Paris, France in 2015.Director General (DG)– Ashish KhannaHeadquarters– Gurugram, HaryanaEstablished – 2015
Indian Navy’s 1TS Begins Long Range Training Deployment to Southeast AsiaOn January 7, 2026, the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy (IN) began its Long-Range Training Deployment (LRTD) to Southeast Asia, part of the 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course (IOTC), giving naval cadets real operational experience at sea.What? Indian Navy’s 1TS began LRTD to Southeast AsiaVessels: INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, ICGS SarathiPolicy Link: Act East PolicyPurpose: Provides naval cadets hands-on experience in seamanship, navigation, and professional operations.Port Calls: Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand.About Long-Range Training Deployment (LRTD)Overview: It is a special type of naval training mission where ships, along with naval cadets and trainees, sail for extended periods across long distances, often into foreign waters.Vessels Deployed: The deployment includes several vessels from the IN and Indian Coast Guard (ICG), including Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tir, INS Shardul , INS Sujata , and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi.Operational Exposure: The trainees gain hands-on experience in seamanship, navigation, and professional naval operations in varied maritime environments.Port Calls & Engagements: The squadron will make scheduled port calls in key Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.Significance: The visit strengthens India’s Act East Policy ties with Southeast Asia, promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Indian Navy’s 1TS Begins Long Range Training Deployment to Southeast AsiaOn January 7, 2026, the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy (IN) began its Long-Range Training Deployment (LRTD) to Southeast Asia, part of the 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course (IOTC), giving naval cadets real operational experience at sea.What? Indian Navy’s 1TS began LRTD to Southeast AsiaVessels: INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, ICGS SarathiPolicy Link: Act East PolicyPurpose: Provides naval cadets hands-on experience in seamanship, navigation, and professional operations.Port Calls: Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand.About Long-Range Training Deployment (LRTD)Overview: It is a special type of naval training mission where ships, along with naval cadets and trainees, sail for extended periods across long distances, often into foreign waters.Vessels Deployed: The deployment includes several vessels from the IN and Indian Coast Guard (ICG), including Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tir, INS Shardul , INS Sujata , and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi.Operational Exposure: The trainees gain hands-on experience in seamanship, navigation, and professional naval operations in varied maritime environments.Port Calls & Engagements: The squadron will make scheduled port calls in key Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.Significance: The visit strengthens India’s Act East Policy ties with Southeast Asia, promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Indian Navy’s 1TS Begins Long Range Training Deployment to Southeast AsiaOn January 7, 2026, the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy (IN) began its Long-Range Training Deployment (LRTD) to Southeast Asia, part of the 110th Integrated Off...
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