Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh said that women constables have been appointed in large numbers as part of the Rozgar Mela. The Minister said this while speaking at the 18th National Rozgar Mela virtually. Dr Singh said the appointment of women in security forces has been possible due to various provisions of the government. He added, BSF women troops are deployed along the borders at zero line. The Minister also informed that a woman Assistant Commandant will lead an all male CRPF contingent on this Republic Day.

The Indian Literature and Arts Society proudly conferred the Indian Literature Award 2026 upon Dr. P.S. Shrivastava, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the literary world through his remarkable non-fiction work, Believe It or Not – The Story of an Unsung Inventor of Color Cinematographic Process. The award celebrates not only literary excellence but also the power of writing to reclaim forgotten histories and bring overlooked pioneers into the public consciousness. Dr. Shrivastava’s acclaimed book delves into the extraordinary life and achievements of an Indian inventor whose groundbreaking work led to the development of a fully indigenous color cinematographic process—a monumental achievement that has largely remained absent from mainstream film history. With precision and passion, the author uncovers a story that challenges conventional narratives of technological progress in cinema, highlighting India’s own innovations that emerged despite limited recognition and resources. What sets Believe It or Not apart is its seamless blend of technical insight and human storytelling. Dr. Shrivastava not only explains the scientific and cinematic dimensions of the invention but also vividly portrays the socio-cultural environment in which the inventor lived and worked. Through a careful weaving of historical facts and personal anecdotes, the book captures the struggles, resilience, and quiet triumphs of an individual whose vision left a lasting imprint on the world of film. Set against the backdrop of Madhya Pradesh, the narrative resonates with broader themes of perseverance, creativity, and determination in the face of adversity. It serves as a poignant reminder of the rich yet often underappreciated tradition of Indian innovation, urging readers to look beyond dominant global narratives and recognize the diverse voices that have shaped cinematic history. By honoring Dr. P.S. Shrivastava with the Indian Literature Award 2026, the Indian Literature and Arts Society not only celebrates a work of meticulous research and engaging storytelling, but also reinforces the importance of documenting and honoring unsung heroes. The recognition stands as an inspiration for future generations to explore hidden legacies, question established histories, and pay tribute to those whose contributions continue to influence the arts, science, and culture of India and the world.

The government has notified 33 questions that will be put to citizens during the first phase of the Census, starting April 1. The first phase of Census 2027 – houselisting operations – will take place during a 30-day period specified by each State and Union Territory between April 1 and September 30 this year.    The enumerators will ask about the ownership status of the house, its use, the type of material used in flooring and roof, the number of rooms, and the sex of the head of the household during the survey. The enumerators will then ask about the use of the house, its condition, and the number of persons normally residing in the household. Officials will also collect information about the head of the household, like the name and sex, whether the head of the household belongs to the Scheduled Caste, the Scheduled Tribe or other communities and the ownership status.    The citizens will also be asked about the basic facilities in their houses, like the main source of drinking water, main source of lighting, access to and type of latrine, wastewater outlet, availability of bathing facility, availability of kitchen and LPG and PNG connection and the main fuel used for cooking.   The enumerators will also collect information about radio and transistor, television, access to the Internet, gadgets like laptop, computer, telephone, mobile phone, smartphone, type of vehicle, main cereal consumed in the household and mobile number for census-related communication.   There will also be an option for self-enumeration to be conducted in a 15-day period just before the start of houselisting operations of 30 days.   The Census will be conducted in two phases – house-listing and housing census from April to September; and population enumeration in February 2027.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kerala today. During the visit, Mr Modi will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and flag off various developmental projects in Thiruvananthapuram. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. The projects span key sectors including rail connectivity, urban livelihoods, science and innovation, citizen-centric services, and advanced healthcare, reflecting the Prime Minister’s continued focus on inclusive growth, technological advancement and improved quality of life for citizens.   Prime Minister Modi will flag off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train. These include the Nagercoil-Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, and a new passenger train between Thrissur and Guruvayur. The introduction of these services will significantly enhance long-distance and regional connectivity between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, making travel more affordable, safe and time-bound for passengers. The improved connectivity will provide a strong impetus to tourism, trade, education, employment and cultural exchange across the region.   As part of efforts to strengthen urban livelihood, the Prime Minister will launch the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, marking the next phase of financial inclusion for street vendors. The UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility will provide instant liquidity, promote digital transactions, and help beneficiaries build formal credit histories. Mr Modi will also disburse PM SVANidhi loans to one lakh beneficiaries, including street vendors from Kerala.    In the field of science and innovation, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram. The hub will focus on life sciences and the bio-economy, integrate traditional knowledge systems such as Ayurveda with modern biotechnology, sustainable packaging, and green hydrogen, and promote startup creation, technology transfer, and global collaboration. It will serve as a platform for converting research into market-ready solutions and enterprises.   Strengthening healthcare infrastructure will be another key focus of the visit. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Radiosurgery Centre at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram. The facility will provide highly precise, minimally invasive treatment for complex brain disorders, enhancing regional tertiary healthcare capabilities.   The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the new Poojappura Head Post Office in Thiruvananthapuram. This modern, technology-enabled facility will offer a comprehensive range of postal, banking, insurance and digital services, further strengthening citizen-centric service delivery.

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan will be on a visit to Odisha and West Bengal today. This will be his maiden visit to the two states after assuming office.   During the visit, the Vice President will attend the Parakram Diwas celebrations being organised by the Ministry of Culture in Cuttack in Odisha and Kolkata, West Bengal. The events are being held to commemorate the 129th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Sutapa Bhattacharjee, a gifted singer and dedicated artist from Tripura State, India, has been conferred the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025, a prestigious honor presented by the Veyil Foundation. This distinguished recognition celebrates her remarkable contributions to the field of performing arts, particularly her enduring commitment to vocal music and cultural preservation. Affiliated with Surdhara Sangeetalaya, a renowned music school in Agartala, Tripura, Sutapa Bhattacharjee has cultivated her musical journey through years of disciplined training and artistic exploration. Her association with the institution has played a pivotal role in shaping her musical identity, enabling her to refine her craft while nurturing a deep-rooted passion for Indian classical and traditional music. Academically accomplished, Sutapa Bhattacharjee holds a Bisharad degree in Rabindra Sangeet, Najrul Sangeet, and Lok Geeti from the Bangiya Sangeet Parishad. This extensive training reflects her profound understanding of lyrical depth, melodic structure, and the cultural essence of these rich musical traditions. Her performances are marked by authenticity, emotional resonance, and a strong command over diverse musical forms. Further strengthening her artistic repertoire, she has also earned a Bisharad degree in Classical Vocal (Shashtriya Sangeet) from the Lucknow Board. This formal grounding in classical music seamlessly complements her expertise in folk and semi-classical genres, allowing her to engage audiences with versatility and finesse. Through her soulful performances and dedication to musical education, Sutapa Bhattacharjee continues to inspire emerging artists and contribute meaningfully to India’s vibrant musical heritage. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 stands as a fitting tribute to her artistic excellence, perseverance, and invaluable role in enriching the cultural fabric of Tripura and beyond.

Nusrat Manzoor, a distinguished educator from Jammu & Kashmir, India, has been conferred with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 by the Veyil Foundation, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of education. The award celebrates her enduring commitment to academics, mentorship, and transformative educational leadership. Serving as the Principal of Government Higher Secondary School, Amirakadal, Nusrat Manzoor has dedicated her career to strengthening public education through purposeful leadership and a student-centric vision. Under her guidance, the institution has fostered an environment that values academic rigor alongside personal growth, ensuring that education remains both meaningful and inclusive. Nusrat Manzoor views education as a vital public service and leadership as a profound responsibility. Her approach emphasizes holistic student development, grounded in discipline, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. By encouraging teamwork and innovation among faculty, she has created a collaborative academic culture that adapts to diverse learning needs and evolving educational challenges. A strong advocate of values-based education, she believes that true academic success lies not only in scholastic achievement but also in character-building. Her leadership philosophy focuses on nurturing critical thinking, creativity, ethical awareness, and social responsibility, preparing students to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and integrity. Throughout her journey, Nusrat Manzoor has worked tirelessly to strengthen educational institutions by promoting shared values and collective responsibility. Her mentorship has inspired both students and educators to strive for excellence while remaining grounded in empathy and purpose. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 stands as a fitting tribute to Nusrat Manzoor’s unwavering dedication to education and mentorship. Her work continues to leave a lasting impact on the academic landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, shaping future generations and reaffirming the transformative power of inspired leadership in education.

Himahin Golok – The Sphere of Freedom  is a poignant and thought-provoking short film that examines the enduring psychological impact of war through the pure and unguarded perspective of a child. Set within an intimate domestic and school environment, the film transforms global conflict into a deeply personal experience, reminding viewers that the scars of violence often reach far beyond the battlefield. The narrative follows a gentle, sensitive young boy who, while sitting beside his father, witnesses a live war broadcast on television. The images he sees disturb him deeply, prompting innocent yet profound questions about violence, nations, and human cruelty. To explain the complex realities of war, borders, and power struggles, his father introduces him to a globe—an object that soon becomes central to the child’s understanding of the world and its divisions. At school, the child encounters another unsettling metaphor for conflict when he observes older students playing chess, described as a battlefield of kings, queens, and soldiers. The symbolic resemblance to war disturbs him so intensely that he throws the chessboard away, rejecting the idea of victory built upon destruction. This moment marks a turning point, as the child begins to actively search for peace rather than passively accept conflict as a norm. In a powerful and visually evocative act, he takes a globe from the principal’s office, erases its borders, and paints it green—reimagining the world as a shared space free from hatred, divisions, and violence. This simple yet profound gesture encapsulates the film’s central message: that the idea of peace often begins with imagination, and that children, unburdened by political agendas, may see solutions adults have long forgotten. Directed with sensitivity by Dr. Mainu Devi and produced by Dr. Sweta Kashyap, Himahin Golok – The Sphere of Freedom  uses minimal dialogue and symbolic imagery to deliver a universal message. The film avoids graphic depictions of war, instead focusing on its emotional consequences, making its impact subtle yet deeply resonant. Ultimately, the film envisions a harmonious, borderless world through a child’s eyes—one where compassion triumphs over conflict and humanity chooses understanding over violence. Himahin Golok – The Sphere of Freedom  stands as a quiet yet powerful reminder that the seeds of peace can be planted early, and that sometimes the most profound truths emerge from the simplest perspectives.

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to double bilateral trade to 200 billion dollars by 2032. The decision was taken during the delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi yesterday. During the meeting, several agreements were also signed in the fields of Defence, Space, Energy and Food Safety between India and the UAE. Briefing the media about the outcomes of the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed that a letter of intent was signed to conclude a framework agreement on a strategic defence partnership between both countries. He added that a letter of intent was also signed on joint initiatives on space infrastructure development and its commercialisation. Mr Misri noted that both nations also signed a sales and purchase agreement between HPCL India and Adnoc Gas UAE. He said that India and the UAE have agreed for establishment of a supercomputing cluster in India. The Foreign Secretary also informed that a letter of intent was signed on the UAE’s participation in the development of a special investment region in Dholera, Gujarat. He added that this is a mega partnership that will look at the establishment of an international airport, a pilot training school, a smart urban township, and projects related to railway connectivity and energy infrastructure. He noted that both countries will promote bilateral civil nuclear cooperation. Mr Misri also informed that First Abu Dhabi Bank and DP World will set up their offices and operations in GIFT city Gujarat. The Foreign Secretary added that the House of India will be established in Abu Dhabi, which will be a cultural space consisting of a museum of Indian Art, Heritage, and Archaeology, among others.

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi met the Economic Advisor of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of Oman, H.E. Dr Said Mohammed Ahmed Al Saqri at Davos in Switzerland. In a social media post, Mr Joshi said that during the meeting, he highlighted India’s proven ability to scale renewables – solar, wind, Green Hydrogen and energy storage even in arid and desert conditions, offering strong opportunities for global investors. The Minister said that the discussions focused on joint collaboration on manufacturing and export opportunities for solar modules, electrolysers and green hydrogen.

Leaders of European Union countries will hold an emergency summit on Jan 22. European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said the meeting will focus on US threats of tariffs linked to President Donald Trump’s stated desire to acquire Greenland. He said the EU is engaging with Washington at all levels over the tariff threats and the bloc is taking every possible step to protect its economic interests. He said the bloc is ready to respond if the threatened tariffs are imposed. Earlier, EU ambassadors met in Brussels last Sunday for an emergency session. The talks focused on the US tariff threat and possible countermeasures. US President Donald Trump had said that the United States needs Greenland for national security. He warned that tariffs would follow if no agreement is reached.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working President Nitin Nabin has been elected as the new President of the Party. Party’s National Returning Officer, Dr K. Laxman, today announced Mr Nabin’s appointment as the party’s new president at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. Mr Nabin was felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda and Nitin Gadkari.