Millions of TikTok users in the United States are no longer able to watch videos on the social media platform as a federal ban on the popular app takes effect. The newly enacted US law prohibiting the use of the platform came into effect today, a day before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. The ban followed months of legal battles and heightened scrutiny over TikTok’s Chinese ownership. In an interview with a News network, Trump has said he was thinking about giving TikTok a 90-day extension that would allow them to continue operating. TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration.

India and Sri Lanka have finalised the price per unit for energy from the Sampur solar power plant to further strengthen energy cooperation between the two countries.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake informed in a public meeting yesterday that the price of 5.97 US cents per kilowatt-hour was finalised in the joint venture between National Thermal Power Corporation and Ceylon Electricity Board recently.

The 135 mega-watt project is part of India’s contribution to bilateral energy cooperation, highlighting its role as a global leader in renewable energy and a key partner in advancing Sri Lanka’s transition to sustainable energy solutions.

India is now the seventh-largest coffee producer globally, with exports reaching 1.29 billion dollars in the last financial year. The Commerce and Industry Ministry said in a release that this is nearly double the 719 million dollars worth of exports in 2020-21. The Ministry also highlighted that in the first half of this month, India exported over 9,300 tonnes of coffee, with top buyers including Italy, Belgium, and Russia. It added that while India primarily exports unroasted coffee beans, there is a growing demand for value-added products like roasted and instant coffee, further fueling the export boom. Meanwhile, Karnataka leads in coffee production, contributing 248,000 metric tonnes in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Talking about domestic consumption, the Ministry said that it has increased from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023. This is attributed to the rise of café culture, higher disposable incomes, and a growing preference for coffee over tea in India.

The 1st Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) celebrated its 20th Raising Day on Sunday and commemorated two decades of dedicated service to the nation, as per a press release.

Established in 2006, the 1st Battalion plays a crucial role in disaster response across the northeastern states of Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram.

Over the past two decades, the NDRF has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to saving lives and mitigating the impact of disasters, a statement from the release stated.

The Department of Posts has organized a three-day event to mark the celebration of 75 Years of the adoption of the constitution of India in New Delhi. The event is taking place at the National Philatelic Museum and offers a variety of fun and engaging activities for visitors of all ages. It aims to engage citizens in reflecting on the values enshrined in the Constitution while fostering a sense of unity and national pride. During the celebration, an exhibition, quiz, stamp safari and letter-writing competition will be organised.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia visited the museum of philately today. Talking to reporters, Mr Scindia said that the Indian Constitution is our guiding light to take the country on the path of progress and prosperity. He said, the students were brought to this museum to give them awareness about the Constitution, philately, and India Post.

The commerce ministry’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has selected 24 companies in the third round of the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods, with a total investment commitment of ₹3,516 crore. This includes ₹2,299 crore from 18 new applicants and an additional ₹1,217 crore from six existing beneficiaries, the ministry said in a press statement.

Notable companies selected include Hindalco Industries Ltd, LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd, Voltas Ltd and Blue Star Climatech Ltd, which committed a combined additional investment of ₹1,173 crore.

Uttarakhand cabinet gives nod to implementation of UCC in the state

The Uttarakhand State Cabinet has given its nod to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) manual, paving the way for its implementation in the state. Speaking to the media after the Cabinet meeting in Dehradun, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his optimism about the UCC’s impact. He stated that Uttarakhand’s adoption of the UCC will serve as an inspiration for the rest of the country.

The Uniform Civil Code seeks to ensure that all citizens are governed by a common set of laws in matters of personal relationships, promoting equality and justice.

President Trump Inauguration Day Speech: From declaring plans to “take back” the Panama Canal to blaming US inflation on government overspending, Donald Trump’s speech after being sworn in as the 47th President of US was a blitzkrieg of claims and announcements.

In a speech packed with eye-catching assertions, he also claimed that China now controls the Panama Canal, that America’s emergency response system is broken, and that immigrants from prisons and mental institutions abroad are being granted sanctuary in the US.

Dr. Krishna Ella, co-founder and Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech International, one of India’s leading vaccine makers, was earlier this week conferred with the India Fellowship of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) – among the country’s science academies – for the year 2025. This is the first year that the INSA has awarded fellowships to representatives from the industry.

“Dr. Krishna Ella, a prominent Indian scientist and entrepreneur, leads Bharat Biotech in ground-breaking vaccine development. His achievements include India’s Covaxin, the world’s first clinically proven conjugated Typhoid Vaccine, ROTAVAC, and the first preservative-free vaccine, Revac-B mcf Hepatitis B Vaccine. Bharat Biotech also introduced India’s first cell-cultured Swine Flu vaccine and manufactures the world’s most affordable Hepatitis vaccines. Additionally, they were the first globally to develop a vaccine for the Zika virus,” said the citation on the website of INSA.

The ‘Musi River Historic Buildings’ in Hyderabad have been put on the 2025 World Monuments Watch, in an announcement made by the New York-based organisation on late on Wednesday (January 15, 2025). Gujarat’s ‘Bhuj Historic Water Systems’ is the other site in India named by the WMF on its list of 25-sites facing risk due to the water crisis and climate change.

“As Hyderabad confronts environmental challenges and rapid change, World Monuments Fund highlights heritage as a pathway for rejuvenation alongside environmental conservation and climate adaptation,” says the WMF document that puts it on the watch.