Senior BJP leader and former Governor of West Bengal Keshri Nath Tripathi passed away this morning. He was 88. Tripathi breathed his last at his residence in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. His last rites will be performed in Prayagraj this evening. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar condoled Tripathi's demise. In a message, Vice President said that Tripathi will always be remembered for his erudition, exemplifying the highest degree of commitment and dedication to public service.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the world's longest river cruise 'MV Ganga Vilas' from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on 13th of January. The luxury cruise will cover a distance of more than 3,200 kilometers across 27 river systems in five States in India and Bangladesh. The MV Ganga Vilas cruise is curated to bring out the best of the country to be showcased to the world. The 51 days cruise is planned with visits to 50 tourist spots including World Heritage Sights, National Parks, river Ghats, and major cities like Patna in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Kolkata in West Bengal, Dhaka in Bangladesh and Guwahati in Assam. The MV Ganga Vilas vessel is 62 meters in length, 12 meters in width. It has three decks, 18 suites on board with a capacity of 36 tourists, with all the amenities to provide a memorable and luxurious experience for the tourists. The ship is equipped with pollution-free mechanisms and noise control technologies. The maiden voyage of MV Ganga Vilas will witness 32 tourists from Switzerland relishing the Varanasi to Dibrugarh journey. The expected date of arrival of MV Ganga Vilas in Dibrugarh is on 1st of March, 2023.    

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention at Indore in Madhya Pradesh today, January 9.

In a message, Mr. Modi said he is looking forward to being in Indore to mark the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. 

Prime Minister said, this is a great opportunity to deepen the connection with the Indian diaspora, which has distinguished itself globally. The three-day Pravasi Bhartiya Divas convention began in Indore yesterday, January 8. 

The Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela, PMNAM will be conducted in 242 districts of the country today, January 9.

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in a statement said that several local businesses, companies, and organizations have been invited to be part of the mela and provide apprenticeship opportunities to India’s youth.

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur will visit Rajasthan today, January 9. He will lay the foundation stone of Chittorgarh Stadium in Chittorgarh and inaugurate the University stadium in Udaipur. 

Mr. Thakur will attend the closing function and Campfire of the 18th National Scouts & Guides Jamboree at Rohat in Pali district at 4 pm today.

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur has said, the country's youth are emerging as pioneers and fast adopters of new technology. The Minister was speaking at the Y20 India curtain raiser event at Akashwani Rang Bhawan in New Delhi today. On the occasion, Mr. Thakur launched the themes, logo and website of Y20 summit. Youth 20 (Y20) is the official youth engagement group of G20. It provides a platform that allows youth to express their vision and ideas on the G20 priorities.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister called India as a nation of software and spirituality. He said, country's youngsters are driving the start-up culture and providing pragmatic solutions to the socio-economic problems. Calling Gen Z as the future of the world economy and humanity, he encouraged them to capitalise on India's G20 presidency by expressing their visions and ideas to the G20 leaders and build networks.

The distribution of passes for Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations has gone digital. Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt yesterday launched Invitation Management Portal in New Delhi to extend e-Invitations to guests and online sale of tickets to the general public.

The portal -
www.aamantran.mod.gov.in
- is part of the Government’s e-governance initiative. The portal provides the facility for the issue of online passes to dignitaries and their guests along with the provision for the general public to purchase tickets online, irrespective of geographical location.

National Council of Science Museums in association with Nehru Memorial Museum and Library organised Astro Tourism - A Sky Gazing event at Delhi's India Gate yesterday. The event was inaugurated by Minister of State for Culture, Arjun Ram Meghwal.

The programme will continue till tomorrow with various activities. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Meghwal said, the programme will help in developing scientific temper among the people.

The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being organised in Indore from tomorrow to the 10th of January in partnership with the Government of Madhya Pradesh.  

The theme of this PBD conference is "Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal".

AIR correspondent reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention on January 9 while President Smt Draupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session and present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.

The Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela will be conducted in 242 districts of the country on the 9th of this month. The Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry said, several local businesses, companies, and organisations have been invited to be part of the mela.

The Mela will provide a unique platform for the participating organizations to select the apprentices. Candidates who are class five to Class 12th pass-outs and have skill training certificates, or ITI Diploma holders or graduates can apply for this apprenticeship mela.