Deepavali Gets UNESCO Recognition

Deepavali, India’s iconic festival of lights symbolizing cultural and spiritual heritage, has been officially recognized by UNESCO. It is now part of the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its global cultural significance.

Modi on Deepavali Recognition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed UNESCO’s inclusion of Deepavali in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List, saying the festival embodies India’s culture and ethos. He described Deepavali as the soul of the nation’s civilisation, celebrated worldwide with immense joy.

Prez Murmu Stresses Human Dignity

President Droupadi Murmu, speaking at Human Rights Day 2025 in New Delhi, reaffirmed India’s commitment to protecting and celebrating human rights. She stressed that dignity is non‑negotiable and no individual should be deprived of their fundamental rights.

Pradhan Invites for Pariksha Pe Charcha

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged students, teachers, and parents to join Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The programme focuses on easing exam stress and fostering a supportive environment for young learners.


Mahanadi Dispute Panel Formed

The Odisha government has formed a high‑level committee led by Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo to address issues before the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal. The move reflects the sensitivity and complexity of the ongoing river water dispute.

Odisha MLAs’ Salary Hiked
The Odisha Assembly has approved a hike in legislators’ monthly salary from Rs1.11 lakh to Rs 3.45 lakh, making it among the highest in India. The revised pay structure will take effect from June 2024.

Amazon to invest $35B in India

US-based tech giant Amazon has announced a $35 billion investment in India by 2030. Senior VP Amit Agarwal revealed the plan at the Amazon Smbhav Summit in New Delhi, aligning the company’s growth strategy with the government’s Viksit Bharat vision.

Belgium Rejects Choksi’s Appeal

Belgium’s Court of Cassation has rejected fugitive Mehul Choksi’s appeal against arrest in Antwerp, ruling in India’s favour. Choksi, accused of six bank frauds worth Rs13,000 crore between 2018–2022, has been jailed in Antwerp since April this year.

Adani Electricity Bags 15 Golds

Adani Electricity has won all 15 gold awards for the second year in a row at the 39th Annual Chapter Convention on Quality Concepts (CCQC‑2025), organised by the Quality Circle Forum of India’s Mumbai Chapter, marking a major achievement.

India Crush South Africa

India crushed South Africa by 101 runs in the first T20I at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack. Posting 175/6, the Men in Blue bowled out the Proteas for just 74 in 12.3 overs, sealing a dominant series opener.