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TN CM M.K. Stalin Announces ‘Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme’In January 2026, Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister (CM) Muthuvel Karunanidhi (M.K.) Stalin announced the ‘TN Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS)’ for State government employees and teachers, providing pension and retirement benefits equivalent to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).What? TN Announces Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS)Announced by? M.K. Stalin, CM of TNFor whom?  State government employees and teachersPension: Assured pension of 50% of last-drawn basic payEmployee Contribution: 10% of basic payState Contribution: Entire additional requirementBenefits: DA revision twice a year, 60% family pension, gratuity up to Rs.25 lakhAbout Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS):Objective: Provides assured post-retirement income security to State government employees by restoring OPS-equivalent benefits while retaining a contributory structure.Contribution: Requires employees to contribute 10% of basic pay, with the TN Government bearing the entire additional financial liability.Safeguards: Ensures minimum pension for employees retiring without qualifying service and special compassionate pension for Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) employees who retired without pension before TAPS implementation.Benefits: Guarantees a pension equal to 50% of last-drawn basic pay with Dearness Allowance (DA) revised twice yearly, provides 60% family pension to nominees, and grants gratuity up to Rs. 25 lakh on retirement or death during service based on service length.Finance: Involves a one-time government contribution of Rs.13,000 crore and an annual contribution of around Rs. 11,000 crore, expected to rise with future salary revisions.

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06 Jan, 2026
TN CM M.K. Stalin Announces ‘Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme’In January 2026, Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister (CM) Muthuvel Karunanidhi (M.K.) Stalin announced the ‘TN Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS)’ for State government employees and teachers, providing pension and retirement benefits equivalent to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).What? TN Announces Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS)Announced by? M.K. Stalin, CM of TNFor whom?  State government employees and teachersPension: Assured pension of 50% of last-drawn basic payEmployee Contribution: 10% of basic payState Contribution: Entire additional requirementBenefits: DA revision twice a year, 60% family pension, gratuity up to Rs.25 lakhAbout Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS):Objective: Provides assured post-retirement income security to State government employees by restoring OPS-equivalent benefits while retaining a contributory structure.Contribution: Requires employees to contribute 10% of basic pay, with the TN Government bearing the entire additional financial liability.Safeguards: Ensures minimum pension for employees retiring without qualifying service and special compassionate pension for Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) employees who retired without pension before TAPS implementation.Benefits: Guarantees a pension equal to 50% of last-drawn basic pay with Dearness Allowance (DA) revised twice yearly, provides 60% family pension to nominees, and grants gratuity up to Rs. 25 lakh on retirement or death during service based on service length.Finance: Involves a one-time government contribution of Rs.13,000 crore and an annual contribution of around Rs. 11,000 crore, expected to rise with future salary revisions.
TN CM M.K. Stalin Announces ‘Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme’In January 2026, Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister (CM) Muthuvel Karunanidhi (M.K.) Stalin announced the ‘TN Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS)’ for State government employees and teachers, provi...
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Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya Inaugurates ‘Sanskaar Shaala’ for ChildrenOn January 4, 2026,Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Assam,  inaugurated Sanskaar Shaala, also known as Shankar Shaala, a cultural and value-based learning initiative for children aged from 4 to 14, at the Lohia Lions Auditorium in Guwahati, Assam.The Assam government also launched a new financial assistance scheme for Udasin Bhakats.What? Launch of Sanskaar Shaala for children & Financial Assistance Scheme for Udasin BhakatsLaunched by: Assam governmentSanskaar Shaala: For children aged 4–14; promotes ethical, social, and cultural awarenessFor Udasin Bhakats: Celibate Vaishnavite monks of Udasin satra system; each receives Rs. 1,500/monthAbout Sanskaar Shaala: Aim: The program aims to develop ethical, social, and cultural awareness in young learners.Implementation: Designed for school and college students across Assam, the program is conducted under the guidance of the Governor’s office with active support from educational institutions.Interactive Learning: The program engages children through hands-on sessions, workshops, and skill-development activities, fostering holistic growth, social responsibility, and a strong understanding of Indian cultural and ethical values.About Scheme for Udasin Bhakats: Udasin Bhakats: Celibate Vaishnavite monks dedicated to spiritual practice, worship, and preserving the cultural and religious traditions of the Udasin satra system, founded by 15th-century saint Srimanta Sankardeva in Assam.The term “Bhakat” means devotee or disciple and “Udasin” means detached, referring to individuals who renounce worldly life in pursuit of spirituality.Purpose: To ensure the welfare of Bhakats and support the preservation of Assam’s cultural and religious heritage linked to the Udasin satra system.Financial Assistance: Under the initiative, each eligible Udasin Bhakat will receive monthly financial assistance of Rs.1,500 credited directly to their bank account. Around 620 Udasin Bhakats are currently identified as beneficiaries across Assam.Implementation: The scheme is implemented under the guidance of the Assam Government, with coordination from relevant religious and administrative bodies.About Assam:Chief Minister (CM) – Himanta Biswa SarmaGovernor – Lakshman Prasad AcharyaCapital – DispurNational Park (NP) – Manas NP, Dibru-Saikhowa NP

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06 Jan, 2026
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya Inaugurates ‘Sanskaar Shaala’ for ChildrenOn January 4, 2026,Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Assam,  inaugurated Sanskaar Shaala, also known as Shankar Shaala, a cultural and value-based learning initiative for children aged from 4 to 14, at the Lohia Lions Auditorium in Guwahati, Assam.The Assam government also launched a new financial assistance scheme for Udasin Bhakats.What? Launch of Sanskaar Shaala for children & Financial Assistance Scheme for Udasin BhakatsLaunched by: Assam governmentSanskaar Shaala: For children aged 4–14; promotes ethical, social, and cultural awarenessFor Udasin Bhakats: Celibate Vaishnavite monks of Udasin satra system; each receives Rs. 1,500/monthAbout Sanskaar Shaala: Aim: The program aims to develop ethical, social, and cultural awareness in young learners.Implementation: Designed for school and college students across Assam, the program is conducted under the guidance of the Governor’s office with active support from educational institutions.Interactive Learning: The program engages children through hands-on sessions, workshops, and skill-development activities, fostering holistic growth, social responsibility, and a strong understanding of Indian cultural and ethical values.About Scheme for Udasin Bhakats: Udasin Bhakats: Celibate Vaishnavite monks dedicated to spiritual practice, worship, and preserving the cultural and religious traditions of the Udasin satra system, founded by 15th-century saint Srimanta Sankardeva in Assam.The term “Bhakat” means devotee or disciple and “Udasin” means detached, referring to individuals who renounce worldly life in pursuit of spirituality.Purpose: To ensure the welfare of Bhakats and support the preservation of Assam’s cultural and religious heritage linked to the Udasin satra system.Financial Assistance: Under the initiative, each eligible Udasin Bhakat will receive monthly financial assistance of Rs.1,500 credited directly to their bank account. Around 620 Udasin Bhakats are currently identified as beneficiaries across Assam.Implementation: The scheme is implemented under the guidance of the Assam Government, with coordination from relevant religious and administrative bodies.About Assam:Chief Minister (CM) – Himanta Biswa SarmaGovernor – Lakshman Prasad AcharyaCapital – DispurNational Park (NP) – Manas NP, Dibru-Saikhowa NP
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya Inaugurates ‘Sanskaar Shaala’ for ChildrenOn January 4, 2026,Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Assam,  inaugurated Sanskaar Shaala, also known as Shankar Shaala, a cultural and value-based learning initiativ...
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World Day of War Orphans 2026 – January 6World Day of War Orphans is observed annually on January 6 across the globe to raise awareness about the children who have lost one or both parents to war, armed conflict, or political violence.A war orphan is a child who loses one or both parents in military service, while United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) defines an orphan as any child under 18 who has lost one or both parents from any cause.Event: World Day of War Orphans 2026Date: January 6, 2026Purpose: To raise awareness about the children who lost their parents to warProposed: 1994 by French NGO SOS Enfants en DetresseFirst Observed: January 6, 1995Other Global Observance: World Orphans Day – April 20Background: Origin: In 1994, the World Day of War Orphans was proposed by the French organization SOS (Societas Socialis) Enfants en Detresse (SOS Children in Distress).First Observation: World Day of War Orphans was observed for the first time on January 6, 1995.Other Global Observance: The “World Orphans Day” was observed annually worldwide on April 20, declared by Worldwide Organization for Charity (WOC).First Orphanage: In Anno Domini (AD) 400, the Romans established the 1st orphanage to support widows and orphans of soldiers who died in battle, offering aid until the age of 18.In 1741, The Founding Hospital, London (United Kingdom, UK) became the 1st charity orphanage.Impacts of War on Orphaned Children:Crisis: Over 140–150 million children worldwide have lost parents, with war in regions like Syria and South Sudan leaving many vulnerable and displaced.Vulnerability: Even non-orphans face violence and lack basic needs, intensifying the crisis’s physical and psychological impact.Focus on Children’s Rights: World Day of War Orphans highlights the importance of protecting children under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), its Optional Protocol on children in armed conflict, and international humanitarian law.Indian Constitutional Provisions: Constitutional Protection: Article 21, Article 21(a), Article 29 (2), Articles 23 and 24, Article 39 (e), Article 39 (f) of the Indian Constitution contain provisions pertaining to the protection of orphans and orphanages.Child Protection: Article 39 (f) of the Indian Constitution empowers the state to enact laws protecting children from exploitation and abandonment.About United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF):Executive Director (ED) – Catherine M RussellHeadquarters – New York, United States of America (USA)Establishment – 1946Member Countries – 190

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06 Jan, 2026
World Day of War Orphans 2026 – January 6World Day of War Orphans is observed annually on January 6 across the globe to raise awareness about the children who have lost one or both parents to war, armed conflict, or political violence.A war orphan is a child who loses one or both parents in military service, while United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) defines an orphan as any child under 18 who has lost one or both parents from any cause.Event: World Day of War Orphans 2026Date: January 6, 2026Purpose: To raise awareness about the children who lost their parents to warProposed: 1994 by French NGO SOS Enfants en DetresseFirst Observed: January 6, 1995Other Global Observance: World Orphans Day – April 20Background: Origin: In 1994, the World Day of War Orphans was proposed by the French organization SOS (Societas Socialis) Enfants en Detresse (SOS Children in Distress).First Observation: World Day of War Orphans was observed for the first time on January 6, 1995.Other Global Observance: The “World Orphans Day” was observed annually worldwide on April 20, declared by Worldwide Organization for Charity (WOC).First Orphanage: In Anno Domini (AD) 400, the Romans established the 1st orphanage to support widows and orphans of soldiers who died in battle, offering aid until the age of 18.In 1741, The Founding Hospital, London (United Kingdom, UK) became the 1st charity orphanage.Impacts of War on Orphaned Children:Crisis: Over 140–150 million children worldwide have lost parents, with war in regions like Syria and South Sudan leaving many vulnerable and displaced.Vulnerability: Even non-orphans face violence and lack basic needs, intensifying the crisis’s physical and psychological impact.Focus on Children’s Rights: World Day of War Orphans highlights the importance of protecting children under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), its Optional Protocol on children in armed conflict, and international humanitarian law.Indian Constitutional Provisions: Constitutional Protection: Article 21, Article 21(a), Article 29 (2), Articles 23 and 24, Article 39 (e), Article 39 (f) of the Indian Constitution contain provisions pertaining to the protection of orphans and orphanages.Child Protection: Article 39 (f) of the Indian Constitution empowers the state to enact laws protecting children from exploitation and abandonment.About United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF):Executive Director (ED) – Catherine M RussellHeadquarters – New York, United States of America (USA)Establishment – 1946Member Countries – 190
World Day of War Orphans 2026 – January 6World Day of War Orphans is observed annually on January 6 across the globe to raise awareness about the children who have lost one or both parents to war, armed conflict, or political violence.A war orphan is...
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National Siddha Day 2026 – January 6 National Siddha Day is observed annually across India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar, regarded as the father of the Siddha system of medicine, which coincides with the Ayilyam star in the Tamil month of Margazhi.The 9th National Siddha Day falls on 6 January 2026.2026 Theme: “Siddha for Global Health”Background:Approval: In 2017, the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) approved the annual observance of Agathiyar’s birthday as National Siddha Day.First Observance: The First-ever National Siddha Day was observed on 4th January 2018.2026 Event: Event: On 3rd January 2026, the Vice President of India, Chandrapuram Ponnusami (C. P.) Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, TN.Awards and Felicitations: During the event, the Ministry of AYUSH honored five eminent personalities for their outstanding contributions to the Siddha system of medicine.

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06 Jan, 2026
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PM Narendra Modi Virtually Inaugurates 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi, UPOn January 04 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the 72nd edition of the National Volleyball Tournament (Senior National Championship) at Dr. Sampurnanand Sports Stadium in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP) via video conferencing.UP’s CM Yogi Adityanath was present among other key dignitaries at the inaugural event.What? Virtual Inauguration of 72nd National Volleyball TournamentInaugurated by: PM Narendra ModiVenue: Sampoornand Sports Stadium (Varanasi, UP)Duration: January 4 to 11, 2026Teams: 58 (across various states and institutions)Organizers: Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) in collaboration with UP governmentMascots: ‘Nandu’ (Nandi bull) & ‘Neera’ (Ganga River Dolphin).About 72nd National Volleyball Tournament:Organizers: The tournament was organized by the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) in collaboration with the UP government.Participants: The tournament, scheduled to be held till January 11, 2026, is expected to witness the participation of over 1,000 players, representing 58 teams, from across the country.Mascots: For the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship, the organizers unveiled two mascots: ‘Nandu’, inspired by the Nandi bull for strength, and ‘Neera’, the Ganga River Dolphin symbolizing environmental awareness.

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06 Jan, 2026
PM Narendra Modi Virtually Inaugurates 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi, UPOn January 04 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the 72nd edition of the National Volleyball Tournament (Senior National Championship) at Dr. Sampurnanand Sports Stadium in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP) via video conferencing.UP’s CM Yogi Adityanath was present among other key dignitaries at the inaugural event.What? Virtual Inauguration of 72nd National Volleyball TournamentInaugurated by: PM Narendra ModiVenue: Sampoornand Sports Stadium (Varanasi, UP)Duration: January 4 to 11, 2026Teams: 58 (across various states and institutions)Organizers: Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) in collaboration with UP governmentMascots: ‘Nandu’ (Nandi bull) & ‘Neera’ (Ganga River Dolphin).About 72nd National Volleyball Tournament:Organizers: The tournament was organized by the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) in collaboration with the UP government.Participants: The tournament, scheduled to be held till January 11, 2026, is expected to witness the participation of over 1,000 players, representing 58 teams, from across the country.Mascots: For the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship, the organizers unveiled two mascots: ‘Nandu’, inspired by the Nandi bull for strength, and ‘Neera’, the Ganga River Dolphin symbolizing environmental awareness.
PM Narendra Modi Virtually Inaugurates 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi, UPOn January 04 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the 72nd edition of the National Volleyball Tournament (Senior National Championship) at Dr. S...
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DRDO Develops Portable Water Purification System ‘SWaDeS’ for SoldiersIn January 2026, the Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), developed a portable water purification system ‘SeaWater Desalination System (SWaDeS)’, available in manual-operated and engine-driven variants, to supply safe drinking water to soldiers deployed in remote, coastal, and water-scarce regions.What? Portable Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS) developedDeveloper: Defence Laboratory Jodhpur, DRDOPurpose: Provide safe drinking water to soldiers in remote areasVariants: Manual (10–12 personnel), Engine-operated (20–25 personnel)Special Capability: CBRN water purification moduleTesting: Successfully completed Acceptance Test Procedure (ATP)About Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS):Variants: The engine-operated variant can desalinate seawater with Total Dissolved Solids(TDS) up to ~35,000 milligrams per litre (mg/L) to below 500 mg/L for 20–25 soldiers, while the manual unit is portable for 10–12 personnel.Deployment: Engine-operated system sets up within 2–3 minutes and manual units support remote or power-scarce areas.Testing: Both variants have passed Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs) validating field reliability.Applications: Suitable for naval operations, coastal installations, inland saline lakes (e.g., Pangong Tso), and long-range patrols.CBRN Water Safety: The system features a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) water purification module, ensuring safe drinking water even in contaminated and high-risk environments.

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06 Jan, 2026
DRDO Develops Portable Water Purification System ‘SWaDeS’ for SoldiersIn January 2026, the Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), developed a portable water purification system ‘SeaWater Desalination System (SWaDeS)’, available in manual-operated and engine-driven variants, to supply safe drinking water to soldiers deployed in remote, coastal, and water-scarce regions.What? Portable Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS) developedDeveloper: Defence Laboratory Jodhpur, DRDOPurpose: Provide safe drinking water to soldiers in remote areasVariants: Manual (10–12 personnel), Engine-operated (20–25 personnel)Special Capability: CBRN water purification moduleTesting: Successfully completed Acceptance Test Procedure (ATP)About Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS):Variants: The engine-operated variant can desalinate seawater with Total Dissolved Solids(TDS) up to ~35,000 milligrams per litre (mg/L) to below 500 mg/L for 20–25 soldiers, while the manual unit is portable for 10–12 personnel.Deployment: Engine-operated system sets up within 2–3 minutes and manual units support remote or power-scarce areas.Testing: Both variants have passed Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs) validating field reliability.Applications: Suitable for naval operations, coastal installations, inland saline lakes (e.g., Pangong Tso), and long-range patrols.CBRN Water Safety: The system features a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) water purification module, ensuring safe drinking water even in contaminated and high-risk environments.
DRDO Develops Portable Water Purification System ‘SWaDeS’ for SoldiersIn January 2026, the Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), developed a portable water purification system ‘SeaWater Desal...
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Indian Scientists Develop 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations Under Mission MausamIn January 2026, Indian scientists led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), developed indigenously manufactured (3-dimensional) 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) under Mission Mausam, marking a major step in enhancing India’s weather observation and forecasting capabilities.The first batch of these advanced stations is set to be deployed in Delhi from February 2026.What? India’s first 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) developedBy Whom? Scientists from Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), PuneDeployment: From February 2026First Location: Delhi; later Mumbai, Kolkata, ChennaiProgramme: Mission MausamCertification: Instruments certified by IMD’s Surface Laboratory and recognised by BISAbout 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS):Production: AWS units are fully manufactured domestically using 3D-printing technology under the Make in India initiative, reducing costs and allowing flexible, precise designs.Key Features : The indigenously developed AWS are low-cost, lightweight, and quick to deploy, enabling real-time, high-density weather data collection, particularly in remote and disaster-prone areas.Operation: Stations automatically record and transmit temperature, wind speed, humidity, and rainfall in real-time, and are solar-powered for urban and remote deployment.Coverage: The initiative aims to fill observation gaps, improve hyper-local forecasts, and increase sensor density in urban microclimates and complex terrains like the Himalayas.Certification: All instruments are certified by the India Meteorological Department (IMD’s) Surface Laboratory and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and will be installed alongside existing observatories for testing, calibration, and accuracy verification.Deployment: The first batch is being deployed in Delhi, followed by Mumbai (Maharashtra), Kolkata (West Bengal, WB), and Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN) over six months, with an initial 50 units produced and 80 more planned.About Mission Mausam:Budget: The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi approved a total budget of Rs. 2,000 crore for 2024–2026, aiming to upgrade meteorological infrastructure, fill observation gaps in urban and climate-sensitive regions, and enable accurate hyper-local weather forecasts across India.Leadership: Led by IITM under MoES, the programme is primarily implemented by the IMD and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF).About Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES):Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC)- Dr. Jitendra Singh (Constituency – Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, J&K)

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06 Jan, 2026
Indian Scientists Develop 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations Under Mission MausamIn January 2026, Indian scientists led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), developed indigenously manufactured (3-dimensional) 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) under Mission Mausam, marking a major step in enhancing India’s weather observation and forecasting capabilities.The first batch of these advanced stations is set to be deployed in Delhi from February 2026.What? India’s first 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) developedBy Whom? Scientists from Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), PuneDeployment: From February 2026First Location: Delhi; later Mumbai, Kolkata, ChennaiProgramme: Mission MausamCertification: Instruments certified by IMD’s Surface Laboratory and recognised by BISAbout 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS):Production: AWS units are fully manufactured domestically using 3D-printing technology under the Make in India initiative, reducing costs and allowing flexible, precise designs.Key Features : The indigenously developed AWS are low-cost, lightweight, and quick to deploy, enabling real-time, high-density weather data collection, particularly in remote and disaster-prone areas.Operation: Stations automatically record and transmit temperature, wind speed, humidity, and rainfall in real-time, and are solar-powered for urban and remote deployment.Coverage: The initiative aims to fill observation gaps, improve hyper-local forecasts, and increase sensor density in urban microclimates and complex terrains like the Himalayas.Certification: All instruments are certified by the India Meteorological Department (IMD’s) Surface Laboratory and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and will be installed alongside existing observatories for testing, calibration, and accuracy verification.Deployment: The first batch is being deployed in Delhi, followed by Mumbai (Maharashtra), Kolkata (West Bengal, WB), and Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN) over six months, with an initial 50 units produced and 80 more planned.About Mission Mausam:Budget: The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi approved a total budget of Rs. 2,000 crore for 2024–2026, aiming to upgrade meteorological infrastructure, fill observation gaps in urban and climate-sensitive regions, and enable accurate hyper-local weather forecasts across India.Leadership: Led by IITM under MoES, the programme is primarily implemented by the IMD and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF).About Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES):Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC)- Dr. Jitendra Singh (Constituency – Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, J&K)
Indian Scientists Develop 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations Under Mission MausamIn January 2026, Indian scientists led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), developed indigenous...
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TMB Partners with Tech-Fini to Bolster UPI InfrastructureOn January 5, 2026, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB), one of India’s most trusted private sector lender, has entered into a strategic partnership with TechFini, a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure and fintech solutions providers, to strengthen its UPI acquiring and issuing capabilities.What? Partnership announcedBetween: TMB and TechFiniAim: To bolster UPI infrastructure in IndiaRole of TechFini: TSP for TMB, managing UPI switching via TechFini UPI SwitchKey Details of Partnership:TSP: Under this collaboration, TechFini will serve as a Technology Service Provider (TSP) for TMB, managing UPI switching via its TechFini UPI Switch.Expansion: This collaboration will enable faster, secure, and scalable UPI infrastructure for Payment Aggregators (PAs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), merchants, and fintech partners across the country.Lending Automation: This strategic partnership is expected to expand UPI use cases in lending and collections using UPI Autopay solution, enabling automated Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) and loan repayments directly from customers’ UPI handles.TechFini UPI Platform: It offers a cloud-native UPI platform encompassing Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) services, UPI Plugin Software Development Kit(SDK), acquiring and issuing infrastructure, and UPI Autopay.The platform is built to handle up to 10,000 transactions per second (TPS), ensuring scalability and readiness for future UPI innovations.

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06 Jan, 2026
TMB Partners with Tech-Fini to Bolster UPI InfrastructureOn January 5, 2026, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB), one of India’s most trusted private sector lender, has entered into a strategic partnership with TechFini, a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure and fintech solutions providers, to strengthen its UPI acquiring and issuing capabilities.What? Partnership announcedBetween: TMB and TechFiniAim: To bolster UPI infrastructure in IndiaRole of TechFini: TSP for TMB, managing UPI switching via TechFini UPI SwitchKey Details of Partnership:TSP: Under this collaboration, TechFini will serve as a Technology Service Provider (TSP) for TMB, managing UPI switching via its TechFini UPI Switch.Expansion: This collaboration will enable faster, secure, and scalable UPI infrastructure for Payment Aggregators (PAs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), merchants, and fintech partners across the country.Lending Automation: This strategic partnership is expected to expand UPI use cases in lending and collections using UPI Autopay solution, enabling automated Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) and loan repayments directly from customers’ UPI handles.TechFini UPI Platform: It offers a cloud-native UPI platform encompassing Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) services, UPI Plugin Software Development Kit(SDK), acquiring and issuing infrastructure, and UPI Autopay.The platform is built to handle up to 10,000 transactions per second (TPS), ensuring scalability and readiness for future UPI innovations.
TMB Partners with Tech-Fini to Bolster UPI InfrastructureOn January 5, 2026, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB), one of India’s most trusted private sector lender, has entered into a strategic partnership with TechFini, a Unified Payments Interface (UPI)...
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SC of India Signs MoU with SC of Bhutan to Exchange Young Legal ProfessionalsIn January 2026, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant announced that the Supreme Court of India(SCI) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Supreme Court of Bhutan(SCB) to facilitate the exchange of young legal professionals and strengthen judicial cooperation between the two nations, in New Delhi (Delhi).What? MoU for judicial exchange of legal professionals.Between: Supreme Court of India and Bhutan.Announced by? Surya Kant, CJIParticipants: Two law clerks from BhutanDuration: Three months.About Judicial Exchange MoU:Objective: The initiative aims to provide practical exposure and promote knowledge sharing between the judiciaries.Engagement: Two law clerks from Bhutan will be engaged by the SCI for a three-month tenure in New Delhi, during which they will work in different courts to gain exposure to judicial functioning.Honorarium: The Bhutanese clerks will receive the same honorarium as Indian law clerks.Bilateral Ties: The exchange helps build long-term professional and institutional ties between the two countries.

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06 Jan, 2026
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India-Pakistan Exchange Nuclear Lists on Jan 1, 2026 (35th Time)In January 2026, India and Pakistan exchanged the list of Nuclear Installations and Facilities through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi (India) and Islamabad (Pakistan), marking the 35th consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries.The exchange was made under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between two countries.What? Exchange of list of nuclear installations and facilitiesBetween: India and PakistanExchange: 35th (since January 01, 1992)Under Which Agreement? Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between India and PakistanOther Exchange: Prisoners ListMandated under: Consular access Pact (May 21, 2008)Total Indian Prisoners: 257, including 199 fishermen and 58 other civiliansKey Details of Agreement:Background: The agreement was signed between India and Pakistan on December 31, 1988 and however, it came into force on January 27, 1991.Annual Exchange: Both countries are required to inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the agreement on the 1st January of every calendar year.The 1st exchange of such lists between the two countries took place on January 01, 1992.Other Key Exchange Lists :Prisoners List: Apart from nuclear installations and facilities, both countries also exchanged a list of prisoners under the consular access pact signed on May 21, 2008.Indian Prisoners: The Government of Pakistan handed over a list of 257 Indian prisoners which include 199 fishermen and 58 other civilians in its custody.Bi-annual Exchange: As per the consular access pact, it is mandatory for both countries to exchange the list of prisoners bi-annually i.e. at the start of January and July.

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06 Jan, 2026
India-Pakistan Exchange Nuclear Lists on Jan 1, 2026 (35th Time)In January 2026, India and Pakistan exchanged the list of Nuclear Installations and Facilities through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi (India) and Islamabad (Pakistan), marking the 35th consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries.The exchange was made under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between two countries.What? Exchange of list of nuclear installations and facilitiesBetween: India and PakistanExchange: 35th (since January 01, 1992)Under Which Agreement? Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between India and PakistanOther Exchange: Prisoners ListMandated under: Consular access Pact (May 21, 2008)Total Indian Prisoners: 257, including 199 fishermen and 58 other civiliansKey Details of Agreement:Background: The agreement was signed between India and Pakistan on December 31, 1988 and however, it came into force on January 27, 1991.Annual Exchange: Both countries are required to inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the agreement on the 1st January of every calendar year.The 1st exchange of such lists between the two countries took place on January 01, 1992.Other Key Exchange Lists :Prisoners List: Apart from nuclear installations and facilities, both countries also exchanged a list of prisoners under the consular access pact signed on May 21, 2008.Indian Prisoners: The Government of Pakistan handed over a list of 257 Indian prisoners which include 199 fishermen and 58 other civilians in its custody.Bi-annual Exchange: As per the consular access pact, it is mandatory for both countries to exchange the list of prisoners bi-annually i.e. at the start of January and July.
India-Pakistan Exchange Nuclear Lists on Jan 1, 2026 (35th Time)In January 2026, India and Pakistan exchanged the list of Nuclear Installations and Facilities through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi (India) and Islamabad (Pakistan), m...
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