The Ministry of Railways announced a new round-trip package scheme offering 20% discount on fares for passengers booking both onward and return journeys for the same set of passengers.
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During the 76th Republic Day Parade, a total of 26 tableaux from various states, union territories, and Union Ministries will showcase India’s cultural diversity and inclusiveness. The overarching theme is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas”. The parade will include:
A notable highlight will be the Tri-Services tableau themed “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat”, emphasizing the integration and jointness of the Armed Forces for national security. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will also feature its first-ever Republic Day tableau, celebrating its 150-year legacy. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture’s tableau will reflect on India’s cultural diversity, inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s mantra “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi”.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in 2026, defeating Delhi Capitals by six wickets in a thrilling final at Vadodara on 5 Feb 2026. Smriti Mandhana’s blistering 87 and Georgia Voll’s 79 powered RCB to chase down a record 204-run target, sealing their dominance in women’s cricket.
The World Boxing Cup Finals 2025, held from November 16–20 in Greater Noida, India, brought together over 130 top-ranked boxers from 18 countries for the season’s grand finale. India fielded a strong 20-member team, featuring world champions and Olympians, and made an impressive start with all four boxers on Day 1 winning their quarterfinals to secure at least bronze medals.
The event included athletes from powerhouse nations like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Cuba, and featured three Olympic medallists. A vibrant opening ceremony, global broadcasts, and smooth organization highlighted India’s capability as a major international sports host. The successful 2025 edition set a promising benchmark for future World Boxing Cup seasons.
India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan, according to NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam on 24 May 2025. India’s GDP now stands at $4.3 trillion, as per IMF data, placing it behind only the US ($30.5 trillion), China ($19.2 trillion), and Germany. India is expected to overtake Germany within 2.5 to 3 years to become the third-largest economy.
The IMF projects India will remain the fastest-growing major economy, with a growth rate exceeding 6% annually over the next two years. India’s GDP has doubled from $2.1 trillion in 2015, and is projected to reach $5.5 trillion by 2028. Meanwhile, Germany is expected to see zero growth in 2025, making it vulnerable in the global economic race due to trade tensions.
The BCCI has announced a 15-member squad for the five-match T20I series against England, starting on 22 January 2025 in Kolkata.
Suryakumar Yadav will captain the team, with Axar Patel as vice-captain. Mohammed Shami returns to the squad after over a year, joined by players like Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma.
After the T20I series, England will also play three ODIs, which serve as India’s final preparation for the Champions Trophy starting on 19 February 2025. The ODI squads are yet to be finalized, and BCCI plans to request an extension for submitting the Champions Trophy 2025 squad, which is due on 12 January.
ISRO has successfully completed the flight acceptance hot test of the cryogenic engine for the LVM3-M6 mission at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) is a three-stage medium-lift launch vehicle, and each mission’s cryogenic engine undergoes hot testing before flight.
ISRO stated that an innovative test method has reduced setup time and effort, enabling faster delivery of cryogenic stages.
The CE20 engine performed as expected, meeting all test objectives. It will now be integrated into the Cryogenic Upper Stage of the LVM3-M6 mission, set for the second half of 2025.