Dr Nitya Anand, who discovered India’s first oral contraceptive pill ‘Saheli’, passed away after a prolonged illness at SGPGIMS Lucknow on Saturday. He was 99. His last rites will be held on Monday.

Anand was also the former director of the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) from 1974 to 1984. He was with CDRI since its inception in 1951. He published over 400 research papers and over 130 patents and supervised 100 PhD students, according to a report by Times of India.

He was the brain behind the discovery of Centchroman’, popularly known as ‘Saheli.’ It was the world’s first and only non-steroidal, non-hormonal, once-a-week oral contraceptive pill. It was launched by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986.

A light and sound show was unveiled on Monday at the University Collecge of Arts and Social Sciences, Osmania University. The show that delves into the historical narrative of the establishment of Osmania University Arts College in 1917, tracing its history over the span of a century was inaugurated by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture G Kishan Reddy.

This illuminating experience will be open to the public every day free of cost.

Emphasising the university’s commitment to not only academic excellence but also the enhancement of students’ socio-cultural lives, Vice-Chancellor D. Ravinder expressed optimism that the campus would come alive every evening. Over the past year, a dedicated committee had diligently explored and curated the university’s historical events from its inception in 1917 to the present day. Reflecting on the initiative, Prof. Ravinder highlighted the university’s role in enriching both education and cultural experiences.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Azali Assoumani, on his re-election as the Comoros President.

PM Modi affirmed hope that the two countries will continue to work to strengthen the India-Comoros partnership, the India-Africa partnership and the 'Vision Sagar'.

"Heartiest congratulations @PR_AZALIon your re-election as the President of Comoros. Look forward to continue working together to further strengthen India-Comoros partnership, India-Africa partnership and 'Vision Sagar.'" PM Modi posted on X.

Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Monday administered the oath of office to newly-appointed Punjab Public Service Commission Chairman Jatinder Singh Aulakh and Chief Information Commissioner Inderpal Singh.

Punjab Chief Secretary Anurag Verma conducted the proceedings during a brief swearing-in-ceremony at the Raj Bhavan, an official statement said.

Aulakh, a 1997-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, retired as additional director general of police (intelligence) on January 31, 2023.

He hails from the Bargari village in Faridkot district.

Tourists heading to Ayodhya will also get a chance to explore water metro as state government will get two vessels for the purpose.

A government spokesperson said the vessels have been provided by the Union Inland Waterways ministry. Once they arrive, the Water Metro Service in Ayodhya will run them between Guptar Ghat and Sant Tulsidas Ghat and serve as an important attraction for tourists and pilgrims.

The total distance between the two points is about 14km.

“Water Metro Service aims at making modern and cheap means of transport accessible for the people living in the region. This will give an impetus to tourism in the area apart from easing the traffic congestion in the city,” said an official statement.

Ola e-bike service will be the “most affordable, sustainable, and convenient solution to commute within the cities”, the company said in a release.

Ride-hailing platform Ola has launched e-bike services in Delhi and Hyderabad. The firm also plans to expand its fleet in Bengaluru after a successful pilot, the company said in a release.

With prices as low as Rs 25 for 5 km, Rs 50 for 10 km, Rs 75 for 15 km, the Ola e-bike service will be the “most affordable, sustainable, and convenient solution to commute within the cities”, the release said.

The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (HPCL) pioneering biomass-based Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant in Budaun on Saturday in the august presence of Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. On the occasion, the State Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli, Member of Parilament from Aonla Dharmendra Kashyap, MLA from Dataganj Rajeev Kumar Singh, MLA from Budaun Sadar Mahesh Chandra Gupta and Senior officials from MoPNG and UP Govt along with HPCL's CMD and senior officials from HPCL were also present.

AP Moller-Maersk has revealed the Ane Maersk, the world’s largest Ship that can run on the green hydrogen derivative. It was named after Ane Maersk Mc-Kinney Uggla, Chairman of the Parent Company AP Moller Holding.

It can carry 8 times more containers than Danish Logistics Company’s Laura Maersk, which became the world’s first methanol dual-fuel container ship when it was launched in September 2023.

The Ane Maersk will begin its first voyage on 9th Feb from Hyundai Heavy Industries Shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, where it was constructed, to Ningbo, China. It will then head to Malaysia, followed by Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Morocco, the UK, France, Belgium and Germany.

Zydus Lifesciences on Saturday said it has received approval from the US health regulator to market a generic anti-epileptic medication. The company has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to manufacture and market Lacosamide Tablets in multiple strengths, the drug firm said in a statement.

Lacosamide is indicated to treat partial-onset seizures. It is also used with other medicines to treat primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

The company said it will manufacture the product at the group's formulation manufacturing facility in Moraiya, Ahmedabad.

Indian women's hockey team star defender Deep Grace Ekka announced her retirement from international hockey on Saturday, January 27. She represented India in two Olympic Games during her international career.

Deep Grace Ekka made her debut for India in 2011 and played 268 international matches for the nation before hanging up her boots. The 29-year-old defender scored 24 goals for India during her stint with the national team.

The Arjuna Awardee will continue to ply her trade for Railways in the national competitions. She also represented Hockey Odisha during her senior career before joining Railways.