Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik added another feather to his cap this Christmas by creating a world-record sand art installation at Niladri Beach in Puri, Odisha. Titled “World’s Biggest Apple and Sand Installation of Santa Claus”, the massive artwork blends festive cheer with a message of global harmony.

Unveiled on Thursday, the installation was officially recognised by the World Records Book of India. Created using 1.5 tonnes of apples along with sand, the sculpture measures an impressive 60 feet in length, 45 feet in width and 22 feet in height. Through the larger-than-life depiction of Santa Claus, Pattnaik sought to spread a message of peace and unity during the holiday season.

The Delhi Metro on Thursday operated its first-ever train, TS#01, as a special service to mark the anniversary of the commencement of passenger services on the network in 2002.

The train was run on the 8.3-km Shahdara-Tis Hazari section, where Delhi Metro services were inaugurated more than two decades ago, enabling passengers to relive the experience of the historic inaugural run, according to a statement.

TS#01 was decorated with flowers and a commemorative banner on the occasion, while passengers travelling on the special service were greeted with flowers, it said.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted its two-day inaugural Flight Safety Seminar along with the First Annual Flight Safety Meeting in New Delhi. The seminar, which concluded yesterday, featured expert lectures by eminent military and civil aviation specialists, covering diverse aspects of aviation safety, operations, airworthiness, and human factors.

These sessions facilitated a meaningful exchange of knowledge and best practices among participants. The event witnessed participation from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including representatives from defence services, civil aviation authorities, and allied organisations, reflecting a collaborative and joint approach towards flight safety.

Addressing the event, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Samir Kumar Sinha, highlighted the pivotal role of ICG aviation in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. He underscored the paramount importance of a strong safety culture in aviation operations.

One of India’s most impactful rural infrastructure initiatives, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) marks its 25th anniversary today. Launched on 25th December 2000 to ensure all-weather connectivity to previously unconnected rural habitations, the programme has emerged as a key enabler of agricultural growth, employment generation, improved access to education and health services, and poverty alleviation.

Since its inception, over 8 lakh 25 thousand kilometres of rural roads have been sanctioned under PM Gram Sadak Yojana, with more than 7 lakh 87 thousand kilometres completed. Budgetary allocations to the Scheme in recent years reflect the government’s sustained emphasis on strengthening rural road connectivity. Around 19 thousand crore rupees have been allocated for the financial year 2025-26. Under Phase IV, a total road length of 62 thousand 500 kilometers will be constructed between the financial years 2024-25 and 2028-29, with an overall financial outlay of over 70 thousand crore.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport commenced commercial flight operations today, marking a key milestone for India’s civil aviation sector. The airport is also expanding air travel capacity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) began operations, with the first flight, operated by IndiGo, flight no. 6E460, travelling from Bengaluru, landed at the Navi Mumbai International Airport at 8 am. According to the airport operator, the aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute on arrival, a time-honoured aviation tradition marking NMIA’s first commercial touchdown and departure.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the ‘Atal Canteen’ in the national capital, on the occasion of the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee yesterday. Addressing the media, the Delhi Chief Minister hailed it as a major scheme for the needy and working people in the city, where they can have a meal for just 5 rupees. She informed that 45 canteens have started operating today, while the remaining 55 canteens will open in the next 15 days.

Meanwhile, Mr Lal said, this initiative will benefit millions of people. He noted that these canteens will help fulfil Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision that no one should go to bed hungry.

The nation is remembering Shaheed Udham Singh on his 126th Birth Anniversary today. Born in 1899 on this day in the village of Punjab in the undivided India, revolutionary freedom fighter avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by assassinating Michael O’Dwyer, the then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. While in the custody of the Britishers, he used the name ‘Ram Mohammad Singh Azad’, representing the three major religions in India and his anti-colonial sentiments. He was an active member of the Ghadar Party and Hindustan Socialist Republic Association (HSRA).

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today inaugurated the Counter-Terrorism Conference organised by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi. On the occasion, Mr Shah honoured nine NIA personnel with the Sewa Padak and Veerta Padak for their commendable Service and contribution to counter-terror measures. The Minister also unveiled NIA’s Updated Crime Manual, Organised Crime Network Database and Lost and Recovered Weapon Database.

In a social media post, Mr. Shah underlined that terror is the biggest enemy of humankind and everyone needs to fight against it together. He said that the Narendra Modi government is ruthlessly curbing terror in the country. He added that the conference, known as the country’s thought machine, pools the strategies of all the agencies to devise the most effective operational plan to end terror.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas in New Delhi today. This year, 20 children from 18 States and Union Territories have been awarded for demonstrating outstanding achievements. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the awards will encourage the recipients and also inspire children across the country. President Murmu noted that the award-winning children have made extraordinary contributions in various fields, including bravery, art and culture, environment, innovation, and science and technology.

The President said that this day is observed every year to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh ji, the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, whose unparalleled sacrifice continues to inspire generations. The President further said that when the children of a country are imbued with patriotism and high ideals, the humanity of that nation is assured.

India will observe National Consumer Day on December 24, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms. The day commemorates the presidential assent to the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which laid the foundation for a structured consumer rights framework in the country.

The theme for National Consumer Day 2025, “Efficient and Speedy Disposal through Digital Justice,” reflects the government’s emphasis on technology-driven, accessible, and timely resolution of consumer disputes. The observance will feature a series of launches, recognitions, and announcements aimed at enhancing consumer awareness, digital grievance redressal, quality assurance, and institutional capacity.

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which came into force in July 2020, marked a major reform by replacing the 1986 law and introducing a modern framework to address emerging marketplace challenges. The Act guarantees key consumer rights, including the right to information, protection against unfair trade practices, and access to effective redressal.