Deep in the high-altitude wilderness of Arunachal Pradesh, a landmark wildlife survey has thrown up rare treasures of nature - among them, the first-ever photographic proof of the mysterious and little-seen Pallas's cat.

The survey, conducted by WWF-India with the support of the state Forest Department and local communities, also recorded the presence of snow leopard, common leopard, clouded leopard, leopard cat, and marbled cat above 4,200 metre, indicating the landscape's unique wildcat diversity.

"The discovery of the Pallas's cat in Arunachal Pradesh is a milestone for wildlife research in the eastern Himalayas," said the state's Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Nyilyang Tam.

India’s space sector marked its 100th technology transfer agreement on Wednesday, enabling Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to independently produce Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs).

The agreement, facilitated by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), was signed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), IN-SPACe, and HAL.

Under the deal, ISRO will transfer SSLV know-how to HAL over a period of 24 months, providing training and technical support. “During this period, ISRO will guide HAL in acquiring SSLV technology—from commercial processes to technology integration—culminating in the accomplishment of two missions under the agreement,” an official statement said.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today inaugurated India’s first overseas Atal Innovation Centre at the IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus during his two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates. The visit, taking place on September 10–11, aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in education, foster academic excellence and innovation, and explore new avenues of partnership.

At the inaugural ceremony, Minister Pradhan also launched two key academic programs: a Ph.D. program in Energy and Sustainability and a B.Tech program in Chemical Engineering. He commended the collaborative efforts behind the project and engaged with students and faculty during his campus tour.

As part of the visit, the Minister held talks with Sara Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Discussions centered on strengthening educational cooperation, including support for Indian curriculum-based schools in the UAE and the establishment of Atal Innovation Labs for Indian schools in the Emirates, inspired by the success of Atal Tinkering Labs in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on his re-election, expressing confidence in further strengthening ties between India and Norway.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Congratulations to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on his re-election. I look forward to continue working closely together to further strengthen the India-Norway partnership in all areas.”

Norway’s Labour Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre secured another term after Monday’s legislative elections, amid a tight race that also saw a record-breaking performance by the anti-immigration Progress Party, Al Jazeera reported.

Trees may not speak, but they have protectors who gave their lives for them. Every year on September 11, India observes National Forest Martyrs Day to honour the unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives defending forests, trees, and wildlife. It is not just a day of remembrance but a reminder that safeguarding nature is our shared responsibility.

HISTORY BEHIND THE DAY

The origins of this observance trace back to the 1730 Khejarli massacre in Rajasthan. Led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi, more than 350 Bishnois laid down their lives while resisting the felling of sacred Khejri trees ordered by the king’s men. Their legacy inspired later conservation movements, including the Chipko Movement, shaping India’s environmental ethos.

Every year on 11 September, India pauses to remember one of its proudest moments on the global stage, Swami Vivekananda’s speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. Celebrated as Digvijay Diwas, the day honours the monk who carried India’s voice, spirituality and philosophy across continents. More than a historical anniversary, it remains a reminder of his timeless call for unity, compassion and respect among all people.

Digvijay Diwas Date and Observance

In 2025, Digvijay Diwas falls on 11 September, marking 132 years since Vivekananda’s famous address. Across India, cultural organisations, schools, and spiritual centres observe the day through lectures, seminars and discussions. These gatherings not only pay homage to his words but also encourage young people to carry forward his teachings of self-improvement and social responsibility.

The Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday inaugurated the Central Power Research Institute’s (CPRI) state-of-the-art Regional Testing Laboratory (RTL) in Nashik. According to an official statement, this facility is poised to bolster India’s power sector by providing advanced testing and certification services for electrical equipment.

During the inauguration, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, state ministers Chhagan Bhujbal and Girish Mahajan, senior officials from the Ministry of Power, CPRI leadership, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and representatives from the power and electrical industry were present.

Strategically located to serve industries across western India, RTL Nashik will offer testing services for transformers, energy meters, smart meters, and transformer oil, among others. Officials said the lab will help cut down turnaround times for testing and certification, ensuring faster procurement cycles for utilities while strengthening the quality assurance ecosystem.

With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 fast approaching, the ICC has unveiled its flagship ‘Will to Win’ campaign film.

The release of ‘Will to Win’, which depicts determination and perseverance as the path to glory, coincided with the opening of the general ticket window on Tuesday at [Tickets.cricketworldcup.com](http://Tickets.cricketworldcup.com), as per the ICC.

The campaign film showcases leading stars from across the participating nations, including India’s Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, Australia’s Ellyse Perry, South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp, Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali, Bangladesh’s Nigar Sultana Joty, New Zealand’s Melie Kerr, and England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced an immediate relief of Rs 1,500 crore for rain-affected Himachal Pradesh.

PM Modi, who took stock of the flood and landslides situation in the state, also announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the family of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

He first conducted an aerial survey of affected areas and then held a meeting in Kangra to review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well as assess the damage.

In the meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, BJP leaders, affected families, and people engaged in rescue services in Kangra, PM Modi assured all help for the restoration and rebuilding of infrastructure in the affected areas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of areas affected by floods, cloudbursts, and heavy rains in Punjab. He later held an official review meeting in Gurdaspur to assess damage and ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures.

During the visit, PM Modi announced financial assistance of Rs. 1,600 crore for Punjab, in addition to the Rs. 12,000 crore already available with the state. Advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and funds under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme was also assured.

The Prime Minister emphasized a multi-dimensional approach to restore the region and support affected communities. Measures include rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana, restoring national highways, reconstructing schools, providing relief through the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and distributing mini kits for livestock.