In a remarkable biodiversity discovery, Tripura has recorded its first-ever sighting of the rare Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra) in the state. The find, made in the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, has been documented in the international peer-reviewed journal Munis Entomology & Zoology.

The butterfly was initially spotted on May 5, 2021, during a research survey in the sanctuary. Animesh Das, a member of the research team, confirmed that this species had not been previously recorded in Tripura, expanding its known distribution range. The Banded Royal butterfly is protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Further identification was made on May 20, 2021, when the butterfly was photographed while basking on bushes along a forest track. Researchers noted its distinct white underside with a broad chocolate-colored band and green scales on the hindwings.

Pharma major Cipla announced the launch of CipAir, a mobile application designed to facilitate the first line of screening for asthma in India. This app aims to empower users by helping them understand their likelihood of having asthma, therefore enabling timely intervention and management, the company said in a press release on Monday.

Users are required to perform three exhalations while focusing on extinguishing a virtual candle displayed on the screen. The app provides real-time feedback on the quality of the test and analyses exhalation sounds to detect acoustic patterns indicative of asthma. Results are categorised into Red, Yellow, or Green zones, guiding users on the next steps.

"The mobile-based assessment serves as an easy and convenient starting point for asthma screening. It can facilitate earlier diagnosis, enabling individuals with asthma to manage their condition more effectively and lead a healthier lifestyle," the drugmaker said.

Kiran Jadhav of Navy was in spectacular form over the last 12 shots that ranged between 10.4 and 10.8 to clinch the gold medal in the air rifle open event of the 15th Lakshya Cup shooting championship at the Kamala Sports Academy in Panvel on Sunday.

The 29-year-old Kiran, a trainee of the Lakshya Club from 2015, overtook the early leaders Gajanan Khandagale and Mohit Gowda for the gold.

“I have been in the finals every time since 2018. It is a special feeling, winning the gold for the first time. I believe in enjoying every moment of the sport and go with the flow,” said Kiran, who collected a cash prize of Rs.1,50,000.

Asian Games gold-winning former shot putter Bahadur Singh Sagoo was on Tuesday elected unopposed as the Athletics Federation of India’s president, succeeding the long-serving Adille Sumariwalla in the top position.

The 51-year-old Sagoo, who will serving a four-year term, won a shot put gold in the 2002 Busan Asian Games and also took part in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. He is a member of the AFI Athletes Commission.

Sagoo was the lone candidate left in fray after incumbent senior vice president Anju Bobby George opted out of the race for the position.

His election was formalised at the two-day Annual General Meeting of the AFI.

Celebrated filmmakers Yash Chopra and Shyam Benegal will be honoured at the upcoming edition of the Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) 2025, set to be held in the Rajasthan capital between January 17 and 21.

While the gala will bestow the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award on Chopra, it will also pay tribute to Benegal, who died late last year.

Chopra, known for films such as "Deewar", "Kabhi Kabhie", "Dil To Pagal Hai", "Veer-Zaara", and "Jab Tak Hai Jaan", left an indelible mark with a filmography that spans across decades, capturing hearts worldwide, according to a press release.

"His directorial debut, 'Dhool Ka Phool' (1959), set the tone for socially conscious narratives. Following this, 'Dharmputra' (1961) delved into the complexities of communal tensions. With 'Waqt' (1965), he introduced the genre of multi-starrer films, setting new trends in storytelling.

About 430 million light years from Earth, in the Leo constellation, a new ultra-diffuse galaxy has been discovered to be under formation at the end of the tidal tail, a long, thin stream of stars and interstellar gas, of galaxy NGC 3785. The discovery of the galaxy formation, driven probably by the gravitational interaction between NGC 3785 and a neighbouring galaxy. marks a major milestone in understanding galaxy evolution.

NGC 3785 galaxy is known to possess the longest tidal tail discovered so far. The tail extends from the galaxy and is formed due to gravitational forces ("tidal forces") when two galaxies interact closely, essentially pulling material away from each other during a close encounter or merger process.

When astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institution of Department of Science and Technology and their collaborators looked carefully at the galaxy NGC 3785, they found that not only does it have the longest tidal tail discovered so far, but that an ultra-diffuse galaxy is currently being formed at the end of this tidal tail as well.

State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a new “Har Ghar Lakhpati" recurring deposit scheme, offering a personalised financial product that allows customers to accumulate Rs 1 lakh or more in their accounts through small monthly deposits. This initiative is designed to help individuals become a ‘LAKHPATI’ by the time their deposit matures.

The scheme encourages investors to develop regular savings habits, making it easier to build wealth over time.

Air Commodore Debakinandan Sahu takes charge as the Air Officer Commanding of the Base Repair Depot (BRD) in Tughlakabad on January 6, 2025, succeeding Air Commodore Rishi Seth. The formal handover occurred during a ceremonial parade by depot personnel, marking the transition.

Commissioned into the Aeronautical Engineering branch of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on May 30, 1994, Air Commodore Sahu brings extensive expertise in aviation and guided weapon missile systems. An alumnus of the Air Force Technical College (AFTC), Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), and the College of Air Warfare, Secunderabad, he has a distinguished career spanning technical and operational roles.

Dubai has secured the eighth spot globally and the top position in the Middle East in the Global Power City Index (GPCI) 2024, maintaining this ranking for the second consecutive year.

The index, released annually by Japan’s Mori Memorial Foundation, highlights Dubai’s leadership in innovation, economic growth, and global connectivity. It is the only city in the Middle East to make it to the top 10, solidifying its status as a global hub for business, talent, and investment.

Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, credited the city’s success to its modern infrastructure, progressive laws that encourage innovation, and strong public-private partnerships fostering collaboration and growth. He emphasised that Dubai is not just keeping pace with global trends but setting new standards for excellence.

Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman who was the world’s oldest person according to Guinness World Records, has died, an Ashiya city official said Saturday. She was 116.

Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official in charge of elderly policies, said Itooka died on December 29 at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan.

Itooka, who loved bananas and a yogurt-flavored Japanese drink called Calpis, was born on May 23, 1908. She became the oldest person last year following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, according to the Gerontology Research Group.