January 2025

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the creation of two new battalions for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to enhance its capacity and manage increasing security demands. Each battalion will consist of 1,025 personnel, bringing the total number of CISF battalions from 13 to 15 and creating over 2,000 new jobs.

The expansion will improve the CISF’s rapid-response capabilities, efficiently manage emergencies, and provide relief opportunities for current personnel. The new battalions will be led by senior commandant-level officers and also involve the recently approved Mahila Battalion.

With this expansion, the CISF’s total strength will rise to nearly 200,000 personnel, enhancing its ability to protect vital national infrastructure such as industrial sites, government buildings, nuclear and space establishments, airports, and historical monuments.

Established in 1969, the CISF has evolved into a key agency for safeguarding critical infrastructure and providing security consultancy services across both the public and private sectors. The new battalions will significantly bolster the force’s ability to fulfill its security mandate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg Tunnel in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on January 13, 2025.

Key attendees included Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Dr. Jitendra Singh, J&K Lt. Gov. Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, other senior officials, and Tunnel Project Officials.

The Sonamarg Tunnel significantly reduces travel time to 20-25 minutes between Gagangeer and Sonamarg.
The tunnel is equipped with cutting-edge technologies for real-time updates and seamless connectivity.
Work on the Tunnel project began in May 2015 and was completed last year.
The tunnel enhances year-round road accessibility in the Ladakh region.
It is expected to boost trade, tourism, and socio-economic development in regions including Kargil and Leh.
Provides all-weather connectivity and links towards the under-construction Zojila tunnel.

Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited handed over the sixth Scorpene submarine, Vaghsheer, of Project P-75 to the Indian Navy on January 10, 2025. This advanced submarine boasts superior stealth features and the capability to launch precise attacks with guided weapons, including torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles, whether submerged or on the surface. Vaghsheer is versatile, capable of performing various missions such as Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Intelligence Gathering, and Area Surveillance.

The submarine features a high level of automation with a sophisticated Integrated Platform Management System and Combat Management System, integrating diverse equipment, systems, and sensors. It stands out from its predecessors with indigenously developed Air Conditioning and Internal Communication & Broadcast Systems.

Chairman and Managing Director Sanjeev Singhal highlighted that the delivery of the six submarines — Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, Vagir, and Vaghsheer — reaffirms India’s position in the exclusive group of submarine-building nations.

The Ministry of Defence announced that around 10,000 special guests will witness the 76th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, on January 26. These guests, known as the “architects of Swarnim Bharat,” are recognized for their contributions to various government schemes. They include sarpanches, disaster relief workers, water warriors, handloom and handicraft artisans, SHG members, and ASHA workers.

For the first time, individuals from disaster relief, environmental conservation, renewable energy, and wildlife preservation are being honored. Notable sports achievers, including Paralympic athletes, international sports medalists, patent holders, and top start-up founders, will also attend. Excelling school children from national competitions like the All India School Band and Veer Gatha will be present as special guests.

Besides the parade, these guests will visit key landmarks in Delhi such as the National War Memorial and PM Sangrahalay, and interact with government ministers.

Indusfood 2025, held from January 8 to 10 at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, is Asia’s premier Food and Beverage Trade Show. Organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), this event featured 1,800 exhibitors from 30 countries.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurated the event, highlighting the importance of the processed food industry for India’s economic growth.

Key events included the Indusfood Innovation Awards, the Sustainable Food Manufacturing Summit, the Global Food Security Conclave, and the World Chefs – Asia President’s Forum.

The show aimed to foster international market linkages, promote cross-border partnerships, and support India’s vision of becoming a developed nation.

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was celebrated from January 8 to 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This flagship event, organized by the Government of India, recognizes the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the nation’s development. The theme for this year was “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event on January 9, 2025, and launched the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora. The event saw participation from over 6,000 non-resident Indians (NRIs) from 75 countries, including business leaders, academics, and professionals.