India and South Africa on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce 12 African Cheetahs annually over the next eight to ten year. In terms of the agreement, an initial batch of 12 cheetahs will be flown from South Africa to India next month. The cats will join eight Cheetah brought in India from Namibia last year.

The initiative to reintroduce cheetah to a former range state is being carried out following the local extinction of this iconic species due to over hunting and loss of habitat in the last century. The terms of the MoU will be reviewed every five years to ensure it remains relevant.

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, EPFO, launched a massive outreach programme in all the districts through a revamped 'Nidhi Aapke Nikat' programme for expanding its presence across the country. The aim of this programme is to reach all the districts on 27th of every month and strengthen the relationship between the organization and its stakeholders. In this direction, EPFO on Friday organized camps in 685 districts.

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate change  Bhupender Yadav visited the LiFE pavilion set up at the ongoing Bharat Parva at Red Fort in New Delhi on Friday. On the occasion Mr Yadav interacted with the visitors at the Pavillion and asked them to become pro-planet people by adopting a sustainable lifestyle.

The pavilion encapsulates the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to become a pro-planet person to save mother Earth from the impacts of climate change. The pavilion has various interactive tools to disseminate the information about Mission LiFE.The motion sensor wall displays various habits which help determine pro-planet behavior and the informative wall tells the visitor about benefit of various environment friendly habits while the Augmented Reality panel allows the visitors to take selfie with the mascot- Prakriti.

Home Minister Amit Shah has paid tribute to Lala Lajpat Rai on the occasion of his birth anniversary today. In a message, the Minister said that Rai ignited patriotism among millions of youth through his thoughts during the country's Independence movement. Mr Shah also recalled Lala Lajpat Rai as a symbol of patriotism, dedication, and sacrifice, who fought for freedom till his last breath.

President Droupadi Murmu has approved 412 Gallantry awards and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel and others.

These include six Kirti Chakras, including four posthumous, and 15 Shaurya Chakras including two posthumous. These include one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 92 Sena Medals, including four posthumous, one Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), seven Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry) and 29 Param Vishisht Seva Medals.

Naresh Lalwani has taken over as the new General Manager of Central Railway. He is a senior officer of the Indian Railway Engineering Service of 1985 batch.  Before taking over as General Manager, Central Railway, he was working as Senior Deputy General Manager and Chief Vigilance Officer of Western Railway. He succeeds Ashok Kumar Misra, General Manager Western Railway who was holding the additional charge of Central Railway as well.

The Nation is celebrating its 74th Republic Day today. The main function was held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi from where President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in celebrating the Republic Day. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was the Chief Guest at the parade.

The Republic Day Parade ceremony started this morning with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial where he led the nation in paying solemn tributes to the brave-hearts by laying a wreath. As per the tradition, the National Flag was unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. This time, 21-gun salute was given with 105-mm Indian Field Guns replacing the vintage 25 pounder gun which reflects the growing Aatmanirbharta in defence. Four Mi-17 and V5 helicopters showered flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path. The Republic Day parade began with the President taking the salute.

Union Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Development of North Eastern Region G Kishan Reddy inaugurated the Bharat Parv at Red Fort in New Delhi this evening. This six-day mega event beginning today will be celebrated till the 31st of this month as part of the Republic Day Celebrations.

AIR Correspondent reports that the event will be open to the general public from tomorrow afternoon to 10 PM daily. During the event, some of the best Republic Day Parade tableaux will be showcased. 

The 30th National Child Science Congress will begin today at Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The five-day event which will be organized at Science City will conclude on 31st January.

The program will be hosted by the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST), the Gujarat Council of Science City, and SAL Education.

More than 1400 delegates including child scientists, escort teachers, evaluators, and government officials will attend the congress.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur has felicitated the winners of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar at his residence yesterday. Sharing pictures of PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees, Mr. Thakur said in his message that these young minds have demonstrated true grit and determination in their pursuit of excellence. He said that there is no doubt that they will continue to make India proud.