Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the first series of eleven volumes of Collected Works of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in New Delhi today. The programme will be organised on the occasion of the 162nd birth anniversary of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. In Amrit Kaal, it has been the Prime Minister’s vision to bestow fitting recognition to freedom fighters who have contributed immensely to the service of the Nation. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah today paid tributes to Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya on his birth anniversary. In a social media post, Mr. Modi said that the great man Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya ji, dedicated his life to India and Indianness. He added that his incomparable personality and work will continue to inspire every generation of the country.

In a social media post, the Home Minister said that Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya is an excellent example of how a person can dedicate his life for the better future of the nation, culture, and youth. Mr. Shah added that Malviya ji believed that building a strong nation was possible only by inculcating the values of nationalism among the youth. He further added that his contribution to the country's independence and strong education system has given him the title of 'Mahamana'.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the charismatic poet-politician who served as India’s 10th Prime Minister for three non-consecutive terms, remains a towering figure in the nation’s history.

Vajpayee passed away at the age of 93 on August 16, 2018. His health had been a growing concern after a stroke in 2009 impaired his speech and led to his reliance on a wheelchair. His condition worsened as reports indicated he struggled with recognizing people, battled dementia, and grappled with long-term diabetes. For several years, he withdrew from public life, rarely venturing out except for medical checkups at AIIMS. On June 11, 2018, he was hospitalized at AIIMS due to a severe kidney infection shortly after which he passed away. His demise marked the end of an era for Indian politics, leaving behind a legacy of statesmanship and leadership.

Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur is set to unveil the official logo, jersey, mascot, torch, and theme song today for the upcoming Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai.

The event promises to mark the beginning of an exciting chapter in Indian sports, with the 6th edition of the games scheduled to take place from January 19 to 31, 2024.

The Khelo India Youth Games, a flagship initiative to promote grassroots-level sports across the country, have previously been hosted in Delhi, Pune, Guwahati, Panchkula, and Bhopal. The forthcoming edition will unfold in four vibrant cities of Tamil Nadu – Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and Coimbatore.

The launch ceremony will witness the presence of Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Government of Tamil Nadu, alongside other dignitaries from the Union Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India, and the State Government.

The government intends to operationalize a new research station in East Antarctica, near existing Indian research base Maitri.

Site for new station has been identified. Preliminary topographical survey for approach road is underway.

The details of the scheduled timelines for its completion are as follows:

1. Development of Master plan, hiring of consultant & designing: 18 months.
2. Drafting of tender and tendering, award and signing of contract, site survey by consultants, road cutting and formations at site: 18 months.
3. Prefabrication/procurement's at mainland, transportation to Cape Town/ Antarctica/ Indian Barrier to site and preparation for construction in Antarctica by the construction company: 18 months.
4. Transportation of final components from Indian Barrier to site and construction in Antarctica by the construction company: 12 months.
5. Completion of construction: January 2029.

The existing Indian research station ‘Maitri’ is very old. It is imperative to build a new research station. The proposed project envisages adherence to environmental protocol for Antarctica and improving the quality of Indian scientific research in Antarctica.

South Western Railway (SWR) and JSW Minerals Rail Logistics Private Limited entered into an agreement on Friday for operation of five special type of wagons with 'side discharge' arrangement for unloading, officials said.

It will be put to use for transportation of iron ore from the mines at Mineral Enterprises Ltd Siding, Sasalu and Swamihalli to the steel plant of JSW at Tornagallu. This is in addition to seven rakes for which agreement was signed on October 17, they said.

In a statement, SWR officials said, "Total 12 BOBSNS (Bogie open hopper wagons with bottom discharge arrangement to carry ballast ores) rakes shall be procured by JSW Minerals Rail Logistics Private Limited. The rake is manufactured by Titagarh Rail System Limited, Kolkata and the first rake is expected to operate from April, 2024." JSW Minerals Rail Logistics Private Limited is investing Rs. 29.57 crore per rake. A rebate of 10 per cent is granted to the customer on base freight for every booking, it said.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday was presented the first ticket of the Ultimate Kho Kho League Season 2, set to commence on December 24 at JN Indoor Stadium, Cuttack. Host and defending champions Odisha Juggernauts will take on Rajasthan Warriors in the maiden match. The chief minister said on the occasion, “Promotion of traditional Indian sport Kho Kho is crucial for us and Ultimate Kho Kho League provides an opportunity for masses to enjoy the thrill of the unique game. I wish the teams the best and a memorable experience in Odisha.”

CEO and league commissioner of Ultimate Kho Kho Tenzing Niyogi said, “It is a privilege to meet Naveen Patnaik, and we are delighted to present him the first ticket for the second edition of Ultimate Kho Kho. Odisha has emerged as the vibrant nucleus of sports in India, proudly hosting a series of prestigious events in recent years. His vision has laid the foundation for a sporting legacy that continues to inspire and captivate us. As we begin the second chapter of Ultimate Kho Kho, the excitement is extremely high, especially as we host this edition in Odisha.”

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda inaugurated a two-day tribal orientation programme - Adi Vyakhyan - in New Delhi yesterday. The programme has been organized by the National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI), with the objective to have a deeper understanding of the complexities of tribal traditions and culture and to explore the challenges to their existence. This is an initiative to explore tribal identity and the tribal contributions to the nation’s cultural diversity.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister emphasised tribal identity, their recognition and conservation. He stated that tribal language and literature are important for preserving tribal identity. He further highlighted the efforts made by the government for the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), including the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) initiative for the upliftment of tribal people. The Union Minister also applauded Adi Manthan for furthering discussion on the Panchayats (Extension of Scheduled Areas) (PESA) Act- 1996, the Forest Rights Act (FRA)- 2006 and the Prevention of SC/STs Atrocities Act- 1989.

Sports entrepreneur Vita Dani has become the first Indian to be inducted as a governing board member of the International Table Tennis Federation's (ITTF) Foundation. The Foundation was established in 2018 by the ITTF to attract more people to the sport.

Commenting on her new role, Vita said, “It is a great feeling to be inducted into an organisation that aligns perfectly with my vision for the growth of table tennis and its impact on the community.

"Table tennis is a sport that anybody can play. It has great mental and physical benefits, and our aim is to spread that message and make the game accessible to everyone.”

ITTF and ITTF Foundation President Petra Sorling said, “I am delighted to welcome Ms Vita Dani to the ITTF family as a new member of the ITTF Foundation Governing Board. Her passion for growing our sport and using it as a catalyst for development makes her a valuable member."

The sixth edition of the Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize was awarded to poet-critic Sukrita Paul Kumar for her book, 'Salt & Pepper: Selected Poems'. An amount of USD 5,000, a Tagore statue and a certificate for contribution to literature was given to Kumar at the award ceremony on Monday.

"Receiving the sixth Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize is a deeply humbling experience. This recognition not only validates my artistic journey but also emphasizes the universality of storytelling in connecting diverse cultures. I am profoundly thankful for this acknowledgement," said the 74-year-old poet.