Irish author Paul Lynch’s “Prophet Song” was named the winner of the Booker Prize 2023, beating London-based Indian-origin author Chetna Maroo’s debut novel “Western Lane”, at a ceremony in London.

Lynch, 46, won for his novel presenting a dystopian vision of Ireland in the grips of totalitarianism, something the author describes as “an attempt at radical empathy”. Set in Dublin, “Prophet Song” tells the story of a family grappling with a terrifying new world in which the democratic norms they are used to begin to disappear.

“I was trying to see into the modern chaos. The unrest in Western democracies. The problem of Syria – the implosion of an entire nation, the scale of its refugee crisis and the West’s indifference,” said Lynch, who won the GBP 50,000 literary award.

Christopher Luxon has been sworn in as New Zealand’s prime minister today. The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Governor-General Cindy Kiro.

Luxon leads a conservative coalition after his National Party struck a deal on Friday with two smaller parties following a general election last month. Under the coalition agreement, Luxon has promised to deliver tax cuts and less government bureaucracy, including a 6.5% cut to the public service.

After the swearing-in ceremony, he said his top priority is to improve the economy. He said he would hold his first Cabinet meeting tomorrow and look to quickly finalize a 100-day plan.

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti, commemorates the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak.

This festival holds paramount importance for adherents of Sikhism as it marks the anniversary of the revered Guru who played a pivotal role in shaping and fortifying the Sikh community. Sikh literature dictates that Guru Nanak's birth anniversary is observed on the Full Moon day of the Indian lunar month of Kartik.

NHPC has won the prestigious ‘The Economic Times HR World Exceptional Employee Experience Award 2023 (ET HR WORLD EX Awards) in ‘Large Scale Enterprise’ category. The award was presented in a glittering ceremony organized by ET HR World at Bengaluru on 22nd November 2023.

The Award has been conferred to NHPC in recognition to its wide range of Employees Centric HR initiatives which are not limited to employees only but also extended to their families. It is also a recognition to NHPC’s organizational culture, which despite of tough geographic and climatic challenges, is not only nurturing the employees during their service but also extending good care & support after their superannuation.

The Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement, Robert Shetkintong, a 2001 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as the High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Mozambique. He is currently serving as the Ambassador of India to Ethiopia since 2020. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly, the Ministry added.

India, the largest consumer and second-largest producer of sugar globally, has achieved a remarkable feat by being named the Chair of the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) for the year 2024.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, this announcement came during the 63rd council meeting of the ISO held in London, signifying India's ascendancy in the global sugar sector.

Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary (Food), Government of India, expressed India's commitment to spearheading sustainable practices in sugarcane cultivation, sugar and ethanol production and maximizing the utilization of by-products.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday launched the ‘Hot Cooked Meal Scheme’ for children aged 3 to 6 years at a Composite School in Ayodhya, noting that “well-nourished and healthy children will become the basis of a strong India”.

On the occasion, the chief minister also said that Ramlala will be placed in his own temple after 500 years on January 22. Before this historic occasion, the work of providing nutritious meals, on the lines of mid-day meals, to children aged 3 to 6 years in the state began from Ayodhya, signifying an auspicious beginning, he said.

The chief minister also enquired about the progress in the construction of the Ram Temple and members of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust provided updates on the construction work to him.

Vijayawada Railway Station has been given Platinum Certification- The Highest Standard IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Rating yesterday at Green Building Congress held at Chennai Trade Centre. Senior officers of the Railways received the certification for Vijayawada Railway Station.

Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division, Narendra A. Patil termed it as “Historic & Prestigious Moment” for Vijayawada Division.

In Shooting, Indian shooter Anish Bhanwala won the bronze medal in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event at the ISSF World Cup Final 2023 in Doha, Qatar yesterday. Competing at the Lusail Shooting Range, Anish Bhanwala scored 27 out of 35 for third place in the final.

It was also the first medal for India in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event in the ISSF World Cup Final history. The ISSF World Cup Final 2023 is being held for rifle, pistol, and shotgun shooters. It will conclude with team events today.

A 13-year-old Indian-origin Yoga prodigy Ishwar Sharma won Gold Medal at the European Yoga Sports Championship in Sweden. The Yoga prodigy from from Sevenoaks in Kent, south-east England started taking up Yoga when he was three years old after seeing his father practise daily.

Sharma has bagged the Europe Cup 2023 in the Boys 12-14 category last week after he participated in the European competition organised by the International Yoga Sports Federation in collaboration with Swedish Yoga Sports Federation in Malmo.

“Ishwar is passionate about spreading the message of Yoga especially for special needs children,” his family said in a statement, with reference to his autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).