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India-UAE Joint Military Drill ‘DESERT CYCLONE-II’ Commenced at Abu DhabiOn December 18 2025, the 2nd edition of the joint military exercise “DESERT CYCLONE-II” between the armies of India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), commenced at Abu Dhabi, the capital city of UAE, that will run till December 30, 2025.The two-week long military exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and foster defence cooperation between the Indian Army (IA) and the UAE Land Forces through joint training in urban environments.The exercise will focus on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations (UN) mandate, enabling the forces of both countries to operate together in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and stability operations.What? Commencement of Joint Military ExerciseName of Exercise: Desert Cyclone-IIEdition: 2ndBetween: IA and UAE Land ForcesWhere? Abu Dhabi, the UAEKey Participants: 45 Mechanised Infantry Regiment (Indian contingent) and 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion (UAE Land Forces)About Desert Cyclone-II:Key Participants: The Indian contingent includes 45 personnel, mainly from a battalion of The Mechanised Infantry Regiment.The UAE Land Forces contingent comprises 53 personnel from Mechanised Infantry Battalion.Planned Drills: During the exercise, troops from both countries will train in a range of tactical drills, including fighting in built-up areas, heliborne operations and detailed mission planning.The exercise will also include the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques for conduct of operations in built-up areas.Significance: DESERT CYCLONE-II reflects the strengthening strategic partnership between India and the UAE and is expected to further bolster military-to-military relations.It also reaffirms the shared commitment of both countries to regional peace, security and stability.Previous Edition: India hosted the 1st edition of Desert Cyclone-I at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (MFFR) in Rajasthan in January 2024.Defence Engagements: Exercise DESERT CYCLONE-II, following recent high-level defence visits including the UAE Land Forces Commander (27–28 October 2025) and the UAE Presidential Guard Commander (15–19 December 2025), aims to further deepen India–UAE bilateral defence cooperation.About the United Arab Emirates (UAE):President- Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al NahyanCapital- Abu DhabiCurrency- UAE Dirham (AED)
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Ethiopia from December 16 to December 17, 2025Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was on a 2-day official visit to Ethiopia from December 16 to 17, 2025 as the 2nd leg of his 3-nation tour (Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman), at the invitation of Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister (PM) of Ethiopia.This marked PM Modi’s 1st ever bilateral visit to the African nation.Key Highlights:Bilateral Meeting: During his visit to Ethiopia, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed at the National Palace (in Addis Ababa), where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome.The meeting was held in one-on-one, restricted and delegation-level formats, during which both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, rooted in long-standing civilisational links and strengthened by close people-to-people ties.Addressed Joint Session of Ethiopian Parliament: During his visit, PM Modi addressed the joint session of the Parliament of Ethiopia.With this, the Ethiopian Parliament has become the 18th parliament worldwide to be addressed by PM Modi.Elevation to Strategic Partnership: India and Ethiopia have elevated their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership (SP), marking a major step in strengthening cooperation between the two Global South partners.3 MoUs: Following the bilateral meeting, PM Modi and his Ethiopian counterpart witnessed the exchange of 3 key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in areas like: customs cooperation, United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping training, and data infrastructure.Custom Cooperation: India and Ethiopia signed an agreement on cooperation and mutual administrative assistance on custom matters.UN Peacekeeping Operations: Both countries signed a MoU which aimed at implementing arrangements for co-operation in UN Peacekeeping operations training.Establishment of Data Centre: Also, both countries signed a MoU for setting up a data centre at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.MoU on Debt Restructuring: India and Ethiopia signed a MoU on Debt Restructuring in respect of Ethiopia under the Group-20 (G20) Common Framework.About Ethiopia:Prime Minister (PM)- Abiy Ahmed AliCapital- Addis AbabaCurrency- Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Ethiopia from December 16 to December 17, 2025Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was on a 2-day official visit to Ethiopia from December 16 to 17, 2025 as the 2nd leg of his 3-nation tour (Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman), at the invitation of Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister (PM) of Ethiopia.This marked PM Modi’s 1st ever bilateral visit to the African nation.Key Highlights:Bilateral Meeting: During his visit to Ethiopia, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed at the National Palace (in Addis Ababa), where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome.The meeting was held in one-on-one, restricted and delegation-level formats, during which both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, rooted in long-standing civilisational links and strengthened by close people-to-people ties.Addressed Joint Session of Ethiopian Parliament: During his visit, PM Modi addressed the joint session of the Parliament of Ethiopia.With this, the Ethiopian Parliament has become the 18th parliament worldwide to be addressed by PM Modi.Elevation to Strategic Partnership: India and Ethiopia have elevated their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership (SP), marking a major step in strengthening cooperation between the two Global South partners.3 MoUs: Following the bilateral meeting, PM Modi and his Ethiopian counterpart witnessed the exchange of 3 key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in areas like: customs cooperation, United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping training, and data infrastructure.Custom Cooperation: India and Ethiopia signed an agreement on cooperation and mutual administrative assistance on custom matters.UN Peacekeeping Operations: Both countries signed a MoU which aimed at implementing arrangements for co-operation in UN Peacekeeping operations training.Establishment of Data Centre: Also, both countries signed a MoU for setting up a data centre at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.MoU on Debt Restructuring: India and Ethiopia signed a MoU on Debt Restructuring in respect of Ethiopia under the Group-20 (G20) Common Framework.About Ethiopia:Prime Minister (PM)- Abiy Ahmed AliCapital- Addis AbabaCurrency- Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Ethiopia from December 16 to December 17, 2025Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was on a 2-day official visit to Ethiopia from December 16 to 17, 2025 as the 2nd leg of his 3-nation tour (Jordan, Ethiopia, and ...
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India and Saudi Arabia Signed Visa Waiver Agreement to Facilitate Official TravelIn December 2025, India and Saudi Arabia (SA) signed a bilateral Visa Waiver Agreement (VWA) in Riyadh to facilitate official travels and strengthen bilateral exchanges under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) in Riyadh, SA.Signatories: The agreement was signed by Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari, Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.What? Bilateral Visa Waiver Agreement signedCountries: India and Saudi ArabiaBy Whom? Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan (India) & Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari (Saudi Arabia)Objective: To facilitate official travel and boost bilateral cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council.About Visa Waiver Agreement:Visa Agreement: Provides mutual exemption from short-stay visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special, and official passports, streamlining official travel.Limitation: The waiver does not apply to ordinary passport holders, tourists, or business travelers.Strategic Council: The SPC is a high-level mechanism to deepen bilateral collaboration across defence, energy, investments, and cultural exchange.Economic Ties: India is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner, after China, and Saudi Arabia is India’s fifth-largest partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 39.9 billion in 2024.
India and Saudi Arabia Signed Visa Waiver Agreement to Facilitate Official TravelIn December 2025, India and Saudi Arabia (SA) signed a bilateral Visa Waiver Agreement (VWA) in Riyadh to facilitate official travels and strengthen bilateral exchanges under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) in Riyadh, SA.Signatories: The agreement was signed by Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari, Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah.What? Bilateral Visa Waiver Agreement signedCountries: India and Saudi ArabiaBy Whom? Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan (India) & Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari (Saudi Arabia)Objective: To facilitate official travel and boost bilateral cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council.About Visa Waiver Agreement:Visa Agreement: Provides mutual exemption from short-stay visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special, and official passports, streamlining official travel.Limitation: The waiver does not apply to ordinary passport holders, tourists, or business travelers.Strategic Council: The SPC is a high-level mechanism to deepen bilateral collaboration across defence, energy, investments, and cultural exchange.Economic Ties: India is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner, after China, and Saudi Arabia is India’s fifth-largest partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 39.9 billion in 2024.
India and Saudi Arabia Signed Visa Waiver Agreement to Facilitate Official TravelIn December 2025, India and Saudi Arabia (SA) signed a bilateral Visa Waiver Agreement (VWA) in Riyadh to facilitate official travels and strengthen bilateral exchanges ...
Bannerghatta Zoo Welcomes Eight Black-Capped Capuchin MonkeysIn December 2025, Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), Bengaluru(Karnataka) has received eight black-capped capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella) four males and four females under an international animal exchange programme.The capuchins landed at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (Karnataka) around 9 pm on 14 December 2025 and were transported to BBP the same day.What? eight black-capped capuchin monkeys arrivedWhere? At Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru (Karnataka)Scientific Name: Sapajus apellaFrom: Induna Primate and Parrot Park (South Africa)Import: The eight black-capped capuchin monkeys were imported from Induna Primate and Parrot Park in South Africa.About Black-Capped Capuchin Monkeys: Features: It is a medium-sized primate with dark brown or black fur and a distinctive black cap on its head, a light-colored face, and a long prehensile tail.Habitat: The black-capped Capuchin monkeys, native to Central and South America, found in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana.Purpose of the exchange: The exchange aims to strengthen conservation initiatives, enhance genetic diversity of the captive population, promote visitor awareness, and support scientific research at BBP.Bannerghatta Biological Park: It is located about 22 Kilometer (Km) south of Bengaluru, part of Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) and spans over 260 Km. It features a Zoological Park (ZP), safari, and butterfly park.
Bannerghatta Zoo Welcomes Eight Black-Capped Capuchin MonkeysIn December 2025, Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), Bengaluru(Karnataka) has received eight black-capped capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella) four males and four females under an international animal exchange programme.The capuchins landed at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (Karnataka) around 9 pm on 14 December 2025 and were transported to BBP the same day.What? eight black-capped capuchin monkeys arrivedWhere? At Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru (Karnataka)Scientific Name: Sapajus apellaFrom: Induna Primate and Parrot Park (South Africa)Import: The eight black-capped capuchin monkeys were imported from Induna Primate and Parrot Park in South Africa.About Black-Capped Capuchin Monkeys: Features: It is a medium-sized primate with dark brown or black fur and a distinctive black cap on its head, a light-colored face, and a long prehensile tail.Habitat: The black-capped Capuchin monkeys, native to Central and South America, found in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana.Purpose of the exchange: The exchange aims to strengthen conservation initiatives, enhance genetic diversity of the captive population, promote visitor awareness, and support scientific research at BBP.Bannerghatta Biological Park: It is located about 22 Kilometer (Km) south of Bengaluru, part of Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) and spans over 260 Km. It features a Zoological Park (ZP), safari, and butterfly park.
Bannerghatta Zoo Welcomes Eight Black-Capped Capuchin MonkeysIn December 2025, Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), Bengaluru(Karnataka) has received eight black-capped capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella) four males and four females under an internation...
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DPIIT Launches Digital Module for e-B-4 Visa to Generate Sponsorship Letters OnlineOn December 17, 2025, the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), launched a new digital module that enabled Indian companies to generate Indian sponsorship letters online for inviting foreign professionals under the electronic (e)-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa) on the National Single Window System (NSWS).Launched on November 29, 2025, the module is part of business visa reforms to simplify processes and enhance ease of doing business.What? Launch of Digital Module for e-B-4 VisaWho? DPIITPurpose: To generate Indian sponsorship letters online for inviting foreign professionals under e-B-4 VisaKey Reforms: Equipment installation, shifted from employment to business visa; e-B-4 replaces e-PLI VisaPlatform: NSWSAbout e-B-4 Visa: Key Reforms: Activities like equipment installation, commissioning, and payment of fees/royalties have moved from employment to business visas.The B-4 Visa lets foreign experts support production-linked activities, including Quality Control(QC) and audits, training, supply chain, and plant design.The e-B-4 Visa has replaced the older electronic Production-Linked Incentive Visa (e-PLI Visa).Application: The e-B-4 Visa is applied online through the NSWS module, enabling Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) and non-PLI companies to instantly generate digital sponsorship letters with auto-populated forms and Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MoCA)/Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) authentication.Each letter carries a unique Identification(ID) for the e-visa application, integrated via Application Programming Interfaces(APIs) for a seamless process.
DPIIT Launches Digital Module for e-B-4 Visa to Generate Sponsorship Letters OnlineOn December 17, 2025, the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), launched a new digital module that enabled Indian companies to generate Indian sponsorship letters online for inviting foreign professionals under the electronic (e)-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa) on the National Single Window System (NSWS).Launched on November 29, 2025, the module is part of business visa reforms to simplify processes and enhance ease of doing business.What? Launch of Digital Module for e-B-4 VisaWho? DPIITPurpose: To generate Indian sponsorship letters online for inviting foreign professionals under e-B-4 VisaKey Reforms: Equipment installation, shifted from employment to business visa; e-B-4 replaces e-PLI VisaPlatform: NSWSAbout e-B-4 Visa: Key Reforms: Activities like equipment installation, commissioning, and payment of fees/royalties have moved from employment to business visas.The B-4 Visa lets foreign experts support production-linked activities, including Quality Control(QC) and audits, training, supply chain, and plant design.The e-B-4 Visa has replaced the older electronic Production-Linked Incentive Visa (e-PLI Visa).Application: The e-B-4 Visa is applied online through the NSWS module, enabling Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) and non-PLI companies to instantly generate digital sponsorship letters with auto-populated forms and Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MoCA)/Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) authentication.Each letter carries a unique Identification(ID) for the e-visa application, integrated via Application Programming Interfaces(APIs) for a seamless process.
DPIIT Launches Digital Module for e-B-4 Visa to Generate Sponsorship Letters OnlineOn December 17, 2025, the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), launched a new digital m...
TRAI Mandates Adoption of 1600-Series Numbers for Service Calls by IRDAI-Regulated EntitiesOn December 17, 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), under the Ministry of Communications, directed all the entities, regulated by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), to adopt “1600” series phone numbers for service and transactional calls to consumers by 15 February 2026.What? TRAI issued directions for IRDAI-regulated entitiesDirection: Adoption of “1600” series phone numbersPurpose: For service and transactional calls to consumersDeadline: 15 February 2026About TRAI’s 1600-Series Numbers:1600 Series: The “1600” numbering series is a special range assigned by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, for use by Banking, Financial Services, Insurance (BFSI) entities and select government bodies.Legitimate Calls Identification: The aim is to ensure that customers can easily identify legitimate calls from regulated financial institutions and differentiate them from spam or fraud calls.Objectives: To enhance consumer trust in financial communications, curb spam and unsolicited calls, and prevent voice-call fraud and impersonation scams where fraudsters mimic official calls from insurers.
TRAI Mandates Adoption of 1600-Series Numbers for Service Calls by IRDAI-Regulated EntitiesOn December 17, 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), under the Ministry of Communications, directed all the entities, regulated by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), to adopt “1600” series phone numbers for service and transactional calls to consumers by 15 February 2026.What? TRAI issued directions for IRDAI-regulated entitiesDirection: Adoption of “1600” series phone numbersPurpose: For service and transactional calls to consumersDeadline: 15 February 2026About TRAI’s 1600-Series Numbers:1600 Series: The “1600” numbering series is a special range assigned by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, for use by Banking, Financial Services, Insurance (BFSI) entities and select government bodies.Legitimate Calls Identification: The aim is to ensure that customers can easily identify legitimate calls from regulated financial institutions and differentiate them from spam or fraud calls.Objectives: To enhance consumer trust in financial communications, curb spam and unsolicited calls, and prevent voice-call fraud and impersonation scams where fraudsters mimic official calls from insurers.
TRAI Mandates Adoption of 1600-Series Numbers for Service Calls by IRDAI-Regulated EntitiesOn December 17, 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), under the Ministry of Communications, directed all the entities, regulated by Insurance...
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IAF Hosts Bilateral Air Exercise AviaIndra-2025 with RussiaThe Indian Air Force (IAF) commenced the 3rd edition of Exercise AviaIndra (2025), a bilateral air exercise with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF), scheduled to be conducted from 15th December to 22nd December 2025 in New Delhi, Delhi.The exercise aims to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, improve mutual understanding, and strengthen aerospace operational synergy.What? Bilateral Air Exercise AviaIndra-2025Participants: Indian Air Force (IAF) and Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF)Host: New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaWhen? 15th December to 22nd December 2025Key Aircraft: Su-30 MKI, Tejas, IL-78, Mi-17.1st edition: 2014About Exercise AviaIndra-2025:Strategic Ties: The exercise reflects the long-standing, trust-based defence partnership between India and Russia and reinforces continued military engagement.Participating Assets: The drills involve Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighters, indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, IL-78 aerial refuellers, and Mil Mi-17 helicopters operating in an integrated manner.Operational Scope: Joint missions include air superiority tasks, coordinated aerial manoeuvres, tactical planning, and exchange of best practices.Technology Focus: India and Russia emphasized collaboration in niche military technologies and indigenous capability development under initiatives like Make in India.Background: The AviaIndra series, launched in 2014, is a biennial India–Russia air exercise focused on joint flying operations and operational coordination.Previous editions: Exercise AviaIndra was conducted in two phases, with Phase I held in Russia and Phase II in India for both the 2014 and 2018 editions.Disruptions: The AviaIndra exercise was interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020–2021 and later saw a prolonged pause following the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine conflict in 2022–2024.About Indian Air Force (IAF):Chief of the Air Staff (CAS)- Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet SinghHeadquarters – New Delhi, DelhiEstablished – 1950
IAF Hosts Bilateral Air Exercise AviaIndra-2025 with RussiaThe Indian Air Force (IAF) commenced the 3rd edition of Exercise AviaIndra (2025), a bilateral air exercise with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF), scheduled to be conducted from 15th December to 22nd December 2025 in New Delhi, Delhi.The exercise aims to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, improve mutual understanding, and strengthen aerospace operational synergy.What? Bilateral Air Exercise AviaIndra-2025Participants: Indian Air Force (IAF) and Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF)Host: New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaWhen? 15th December to 22nd December 2025Key Aircraft: Su-30 MKI, Tejas, IL-78, Mi-17.1st edition: 2014About Exercise AviaIndra-2025:Strategic Ties: The exercise reflects the long-standing, trust-based defence partnership between India and Russia and reinforces continued military engagement.Participating Assets: The drills involve Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighters, indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, IL-78 aerial refuellers, and Mil Mi-17 helicopters operating in an integrated manner.Operational Scope: Joint missions include air superiority tasks, coordinated aerial manoeuvres, tactical planning, and exchange of best practices.Technology Focus: India and Russia emphasized collaboration in niche military technologies and indigenous capability development under initiatives like Make in India.Background: The AviaIndra series, launched in 2014, is a biennial India–Russia air exercise focused on joint flying operations and operational coordination.Previous editions: Exercise AviaIndra was conducted in two phases, with Phase I held in Russia and Phase II in India for both the 2014 and 2018 editions.Disruptions: The AviaIndra exercise was interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020–2021 and later saw a prolonged pause following the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine conflict in 2022–2024.About Indian Air Force (IAF):Chief of the Air Staff (CAS)- Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet SinghHeadquarters – New Delhi, DelhiEstablished – 1950
IAF Hosts Bilateral Air Exercise AviaIndra-2025 with RussiaThe Indian Air Force (IAF) commenced the 3rd edition of Exercise AviaIndra (2025), a bilateral air exercise with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF), scheduled to be conducted from...
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers 2025 – December 17The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is observed globally on December 17 to highlight violence, discrimination, and abuse faced by sex workers and to advocate for their safety, equality, and human rights.December 17, 2025 marks the observance of the 22nd International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.What? International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers 2025When? December 172025 Observance: 22ndOrigin: First observed in 2003Founders: Dr. Annie Sprinkle and Robin Few (Founder, SWOP-USA)Global Coordinator: NSWP – Global Network of Sex Work ProjectsSymbol: Red UmbrellaBackground:Origin: The day was first observed in 2003 after the killing of 49 sex workers by the “Green River Killer” in Seattle, Washington, the United States of America (USA).Founders: The observance was initiated by Dr. Annie Sprinkle and Robin Few, founder of the Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP)-USA.First Memorial Event: The inaugural memorial was held on the lawn of San Francisco City Hall, the USA on December 17, 2003, coinciding with the conviction of Gary Ridgway.Organisers: The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is globally coordinated by the Global Network of Sex Work Projects(NSWP).Symbol:Origin: The red umbrella, recognised globally as a symbol of sex worker rights, originated in Venice, Italy, in 2001.Adoption: In 2005, the International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe (ICRSE) adopted the red umbrella as a symbol of resistance against discrimination.Related International Observances:International Sex Worker Rights Day: March 3International Whore’s Day / International Sex Workers’ Day: June 2International Sex Worker Pride Day: September 14
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers 2025 – December 17The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is observed globally on December 17 to highlight violence, discrimination, and abuse faced by sex workers and to advocate for their safety, equality, and human rights.December 17, 2025 marks the observance of the 22nd International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.What? International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers 2025When? December 172025 Observance: 22ndOrigin: First observed in 2003Founders: Dr. Annie Sprinkle and Robin Few (Founder, SWOP-USA)Global Coordinator: NSWP – Global Network of Sex Work ProjectsSymbol: Red UmbrellaBackground:Origin: The day was first observed in 2003 after the killing of 49 sex workers by the “Green River Killer” in Seattle, Washington, the United States of America (USA).Founders: The observance was initiated by Dr. Annie Sprinkle and Robin Few, founder of the Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP)-USA.First Memorial Event: The inaugural memorial was held on the lawn of San Francisco City Hall, the USA on December 17, 2003, coinciding with the conviction of Gary Ridgway.Organisers: The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is globally coordinated by the Global Network of Sex Work Projects(NSWP).Symbol:Origin: The red umbrella, recognised globally as a symbol of sex worker rights, originated in Venice, Italy, in 2001.Adoption: In 2005, the International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe (ICRSE) adopted the red umbrella as a symbol of resistance against discrimination.Related International Observances:International Sex Worker Rights Day: March 3International Whore’s Day / International Sex Workers’ Day: June 2International Sex Worker Pride Day: September 14
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers 2025 – December 17The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is observed globally on December 17 to highlight violence, discrimination, and abuse faced by sex workers and to advocat...
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Veteran Journalist and Padma Shri Awardee Prafulla Govinda Baruah Passed Away On 14th December 2025, veteran journalist and Padma Shri awardee Prafulla Govinda Baruah, Chairman Emeritus and Editor of The Assam Tribune, passed away at the age of 93 in Guwahati, Assam. He was born on 26 July 1932 in Dibrugarh, Assam Province, British India (now Assam).He was honoured with Padma Shri in 2018 for his contribution to the growth of Assam in the field of Literature and Education.What? Veteran journalist Passed AwayWho? Prafulla Govinda BaruahWhere? Guwahati, AssamKnown for: Chairman Emeritus and Editor of The Assam TribuneAward: Padma Shri in 2018About Prafulla Govinda Baruah:Early Career: He began his journalism career by formally entering the newspaper industry in 1962.Leadership Roles: He took over as Managing Director (MD) of The Assam Tribune Group in 1966, served as Editor from 1997, and later held the position of Chairman Emeritus.Publications: He promoted Assamese literature through ‘Sahitya Prakash’ and founded the monthly literary magazine Goriyasi.Jyotirupa: He established the socio-cultural organization ‘Jyotirupa’ to nurture talent in drama and the arts.Development: He played a key role in establishing the Radha Govinda (RG) Baruah College in Guwahati, Assam, and organized Assam Prakalpa seminars to advance discussions on the state’s economic development.Recognitions: He was felicitated by the Asam Sahitya Sabha, honored by the Kamala Saikia Trust for principled journalism, and received an appreciation citation from the Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute for his cancer awareness initiatives.
Veteran Journalist and Padma Shri Awardee Prafulla Govinda Baruah Passed Away On 14th December 2025, veteran journalist and Padma Shri awardee Prafulla Govinda Baruah, Chairman Emeritus and Editor of The Assam Tribune, passed away at the age of 93 in Guwahati, Assam. He was born on 26 July 1932 in Dibrugarh, Assam Province, British India (now Assam).He was honoured with Padma Shri in 2018 for his contribution to the growth of Assam in the field of Literature and Education.What? Veteran journalist Passed AwayWho? Prafulla Govinda BaruahWhere? Guwahati, AssamKnown for: Chairman Emeritus and Editor of The Assam TribuneAward: Padma Shri in 2018About Prafulla Govinda Baruah:Early Career: He began his journalism career by formally entering the newspaper industry in 1962.Leadership Roles: He took over as Managing Director (MD) of The Assam Tribune Group in 1966, served as Editor from 1997, and later held the position of Chairman Emeritus.Publications: He promoted Assamese literature through ‘Sahitya Prakash’ and founded the monthly literary magazine Goriyasi.Jyotirupa: He established the socio-cultural organization ‘Jyotirupa’ to nurture talent in drama and the arts.Development: He played a key role in establishing the Radha Govinda (RG) Baruah College in Guwahati, Assam, and organized Assam Prakalpa seminars to advance discussions on the state’s economic development.Recognitions: He was felicitated by the Asam Sahitya Sabha, honored by the Kamala Saikia Trust for principled journalism, and received an appreciation citation from the Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute for his cancer awareness initiatives.
Veteran Journalist and Padma Shri Awardee Prafulla Govinda Baruah Passed Away On 14th December 2025, veteran journalist and Padma Shri awardee Prafulla Govinda Baruah, Chairman Emeritus and Editor of The Assam Tribune, passed away at the age of 93 in...
Indian Navy Commissions India’s First Indigenously Designed Diving Support Craft ‘DSC A20’ in KochiOn December 16, 2025, the Indian Navy (IN) commissioned ‘DSC A20’, India’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Crafts (DSC), at a ceremony held at the Naval Base in Kochi, Kerala, under the Southern Naval Command (SNC).The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the SNC, in the presence of senior naval officials and other dignitaries.What? Commissioning of India’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Craft (DSC)Vessel: DSC A20Who? Indian NavyWhere? Kochi (Kerala)Series: First of Five DSCDeveloper: TRSLCapacity: 390 tonnesStandards: IRS Naval StandardsAbout DSC A20:Background: The contract to build five DSCs was signed on 12 February 2021 between the Ministry of Defence(MoD) and Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata (West Bengal, WB).Design and Construction: DSC A20 is the first of five DSC, constructed by TRSL.It has been designed in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) naval standards.Its design was validated through hydrodynamic studies and model testing conducted at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh, AP).Purpose: The vessel is specially designed to support diving and underwater operations in coastal waters and is fitted with modern diving systems that ensure high safety and efficiency.Features: The ship features a catamaran hull, providing better stability, more deck space, and improved performance at sea. It has a displacement of about 390 tonnes.Capabilities: It includes diving support for naval diving teams, Underwater inspection and repairs of ships, ports, and harbour infrastructure, salvage assistance and harbour clearance operations, diving training platform for naval personnel, and coastal operational deployment and assistance during emergencies.Alignment: The initiative aligns with Government of India (GoI)’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Make in India initiative.About Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL):Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer(CEO)– Umesh ChowdharyHeadquarters – Kolkata, West BengalEstablished – 1997
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