The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the nationwide celebrations to mark the 150 years of the national song, 'Vande Mataram'.

Addressing a cabinet briefing, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "Keeping in mind the role played by the song during the freedom struggle, a decision was taken to hold country-wide celebrations to mark its 150th year. The celebrations will be held across the country, especially for our youth and students, many of whom may not be well-acquainted with historical events."

The song Vande Mataram, composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji, was a source of inspiration to the people in their struggle for freedom.

Known as the “Amazon of the seas”, the Coral Triangle is a 5.7 million sq. km expanse across the tropical waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste — and the richest marine ecosystem on the earth. The Triangle is home to more than three-quarters of the world’s coral species, a third of all reef fish, the vast mangrove forests, and six of the seven marine turtle species. It also sustains the food security and livelihoods of more than 120 million people.

The Coral Triangle is also facing mounting dangers. Growing carbon emissions, destructive fishing, air, water, and soil pollution, and the accelerating effects of climate change are all driving coral bleaching, habitat loss, and species decline, placing both biodiversity and coastal communities at grave risk.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday granted self-regulatory organisation (SRO) status to the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC).

According to the central bank, it had received three applications to be recognised as self-regulatory organisations in the NBFC space, including that of the FIDC.

“Based on the examination, it has been decided to recognise the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC) as an SRO for NBFCs. The remaining two applications were not considered since they were incomplete as on the last date of submission of application,” the RBI said in its press release.

Veteran actor Sandhya Shantaram died at the age of 94. Her last rites were conducted today at Vaikunth Dham in Shivaji Park. While there is no clarity on what caused her death, sources told Indiatoday.in that she was suffering from old age-related issues.

Known for her captivating performances and the ability to bring depth to every role, Sandhya left behind a legacy that defined Indian cinema’s golden era.

Married to filmmaker V Shantaram, Sandhya was both his muse and a prominent actor in her own right. She was widely recognised for her work in the Marathi classic 'Pinjara', which showcased her ability to convey complex emotions with ease. In 'Do Aankhen Barah Haath', she combined acting and dance, earning critical acclaim for her versatility.

The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Akshar, the second vessel in a series of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), was commissioned into service at Karaikal, Puducherry, on Saturday. The 51-metre-long vessel has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), showcasing the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and advancing the Government’s Make in India initiative with over 60% indigenous content.

Commissioned by Dipti Mohil Chawla, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, in the presence of Additional Director General Donny Michael, Coast Guard Commander, Eastern Seaboard, the event was attended by senior officials from the central and state governments.

Displacing approximately 320 tons, ICGS Akshar is powered by twin 3,000 KW diesel engines, achieving a maximum speed of 27 knots and an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. The ship is equipped with indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) and gearboxes, providing superior manoeuvrability and operational flexibility.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will conduct the 10th edition of the National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-X) off the coast of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, starting tomorrow. This two-day biennial flagship exercise will be conducted in conjunction with the 27th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) and Preparedness Meeting. In a statement, ICG said the exercise is designed to evaluate and enhance India’s national preparedness to respond to marine oil spill incidents.

The exercise will further strengthen inter-agency cooperation, promote the adoption of best practices, and set new benchmarks in maritime environmental stewardship, operational readiness, and technological integration.

The event is expected to witness active participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including central ministries, coastal state governments, major ports, oil handling agencies, and maritime organizations. The event will host more than 40 foreign observers from 32 countries and over 100 national delegates, making it a globally relevant forum for marine pollution response.

High in the frozen expanse of Ladakh, where oxygen thins and silence reigns, India has carved a road into history. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has set a new Guinness World Record by constructing the world’s highest motorable road at Mig La Pass, perched at a breathtaking 19,400 feet above sea level. This feat surpasses their own record at Umling La (19,024 feet), reaffirming India’s engineering prowess in the most formidable conditions on Earth.

But this isn’t just a record. It’s a story of resilience, innovation, and national pride. The Likaru–Mig La–Fukche road, built under Project Himank, connects the Hanle region to the border village of Fukche, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). For locals who endure harsh winters and isolation, this road is a promise of accessibility, safety, and hope.

The bilateral Exercise KONKAN-2025 between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy commenced today off the western coast of India. The exercise reaffirms the shared commitment of both nations to ensuring secure, open, and free seas and exemplifies the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlined in the India-UK Vision 2035. The exercise will be conducted in two phases from 5 to 12 October 2025.

The harbour phase will feature professional interactions between naval personnel, cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and cultural exchanges. Joint Working Group meetings and Subject Matter Expert exchanges are also planned. The sea phase will involve complex maritime operational drills focusing on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, flying operations, and other seamanship evolutions. Both navies will deploy frontline assets, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, submarines, and integral as well as shore-based air assets. The participation of the UK Carrier Strike Group (UK CSG-25), led by HMS Prince of Wales, and including assets from Norway and Japan, adds further significance to this year’s edition.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today announced today that Bihar’s makhana, recognized as a global food, will be exported to Europe and other Asian countries, in addition to the USA, Canada, and Arab nations.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Makhana Festival in Patna, he said that an agreement has been signed for exports to African countries as well. Mr. Chouhan emphasized that makhana is not only Bihar’s pride but also a symbol of Indian tradition, values, and the hard work of farmers.

He assured that the Agriculture Ministry will provide all possible support to ensure global recognition for Bihar’s makhana and its farmers. He further stated that the Makhana Board has started efforts to strengthen makhana cultivation, production, and export.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today launched the Goa government’s flagship welfare programme ‘Mhaje Ghar’ Yojana at a function held at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Taleigao.

The scheme aims to regularise houses built on government and community lands and to grant ownership rights to long-time residents. He also inaugurated projects worth more than 2,452 crores today.

Amit Shah, inaugurated the ‘Mhaje Ghar’ Yojana in the presence of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State Shripad Naik, and Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate, among other dignitaries.