Merz’s First India Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad on January 12 during his first official India visit. Scheduled for January 12 13, 2026, the visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation.

Digital Shield Against Terror
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the National IED Data Management System, calling it a next generation security shield to analyze bomb incidents, track terror trends, and strengthen strategies, alongside plans for a new NSG hub in Ayodhya.

Samagra Shiksha 3.0
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a consultation on Samagra Shiksha 3.0 in New Delhi, emphasizing universal quality education and full enrolment up to Class XII as key milestones toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.


Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas
Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas was celebrated today, marking Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the global Indian community, praising the diaspora’s role as a powerful bridge strengthening India’s ties with the world.

Agniveers Pass Out
INS Chilka held the Passing Out Parade of the 02/25 batch today. A total of 2,172 trainees, including Agniveers, SSR Medical Assistants, Sports entry recruits, and Coast Guard Naviks, finished 16 weeks of training.


PUCC Penalty Relaxed
The Odisha government has relaxed enforcement of Pollution Under Control Certificate penalties until April 1. Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena directed authorities not to impose fines, and e-detection challans at toll gates will remain suspended during the period.

Cold Wave Tightens Grip
The IMD has forecast that biting cold will continue for the next two weeks due to cold northerly winds. Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded their coldest nights of the season, with the state capital witnessing its lowest temperature in 13 years.

PG Seats Expansion
The Health and Family Welfare Department has initiated steps to increase postgraduate seats in government medical colleges. The department plans to add 502 PG seats across 12 colleges and has asked institutions to submit proposals along with financial details.

PMAY Handover Drive
The Odisha government will distribute pucca houses to nearly 10 lakh beneficiaries under PMAY in January. Panchayatiraj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik said around 34 lakh applicants have been shortlisted, with the final list sent to the Centre for approval.

SG Ends Bangladesh Tie
Bangladesh cricketers may lose SG bat sponsorship as the Indian manufacturer ends ties amid rising cricketing and diplomatic tensions, following BCCI’s directive that led Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rehman from their squad.