Prince Edward’s visit, after becoming Duke of Edinburgh in 2023, is the first official UK royal visit to India since November 2019, when Charles last visited.

Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, arrived in Mumbai on Sunday as a part of his three-day visit aimed at celebrating the longstanding ties between India and the UK, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

After assuming the title of Duke of Edinburgh in March 2023, Prince Edward’s visit marks the first official UK royal visit to India since November 2019, when Charles, then the Prince of Wales, last visited.

“His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh is visiting India, from Sunday 2nd February to Tuesday 4th February, to celebrate the shared ties between the UK and India, and champion young people and the benefits of non-formal education,” the palace statement said.

Prince Edward’s plans during 3-day visit

Prince Edward, the youngest brother of King Charles III, will promote the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award during his India trip to Mumbai and Delhi. The award, established in 1956 by his late father, Prince Philip, aims to support young people in developing key life skills.

Earlier in a statement, the British High Commission in India said, “His Royal Highness will travel to Mumbai and Delhi to promote The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, delivered as The International Award for Young People (IAYP) in India: a non-formal education and learning framework supporting young people to find their purpose, place and passion in the world. Since its inception in India in 1962, the Award has helped more than 150,000 students from 325 schools and educational institutions across the country.”

The award, known in India as the International Award for Young People, provides a structured program to help young individuals “find their purpose, place and passion in the world.” Founded by Prince Philip in 1956, the initiative encourages participants to build confidence and develop essential skills to reach their full potential.

British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, welcomed Prince Edward’s visit, calling it an “important reminder of the vibrant and enduring links” between India and the UK.

During his visit, Prince Edward will interact with young people involved in the award program, engage with Indian education and business leaders, and attend events highlighting the role of sports and the arts in empowering youth.

“In addition to meeting with members of the government, His Royal Highness is scheduled to undertake varied engagements spanning the breadth of the living bridge that connects the UK and India. This includes discussions with Indian education and business leaders and philanthropists, and joining events that celebrate our shared love for sport and the arts,” Buckingham Palace’s statement said.

Prince Edward last visited India in 2018. This marks his first official visit since being granted the title of Duke of Edinburgh by King Charles III in 2023. After completing his engagements in India, he will travel to Nepal to join The Duchess of Edinburgh.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

Mission set for Spring 2025 launch; Shukla also part of India’s Gaganyaan Mission team.

ISRO astronaut and Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, Shubhanshu Shukla, will take on the role of pilot on the Axiom Mission 4, or Ax-4, that will go to the International Space Station (ISS) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida no earlier than Spring 2025, the US space agency said on Thursday.

Shukla will make history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the orbiting laboratory aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. A serving officer in the IAF, he has also been chosen as an astronaut for India’s Gaganyaan Mission.

Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and Director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the commercial mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shukla will serve as pilot, said NASA.

The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.

“I am excited to see continued interest and dedication for the private astronaut missions aboard the International Space Station,” said Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

“As NASA looks toward the future of low Earth orbit, private astronaut missions help pave the way and expand access to the unique microgravity environment,” said the US space agency.

The first private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 1, lifted off in April 2022 for a 17-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory. The second private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 2, also was commanded by Whitson and launched in May 2023 with four private astronauts who spent eight days in orbit. The most recent private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 3, launched in January 2024; the crew spent 18 days docked to the space station.

“Working with the talented and diverse Ax-4 crew has been a deeply rewarding experience,” said Whitson.

“Witnessing their selfless dedication and commitment to expanding horizons and creating opportunities for their nations in space exploration is truly remarkable. Each crew member brings unique strengths and perspectives, making our mission not just a scientific endeavour, but a testament to human ingenuity and teamwork,” Whitson added.

Meanwhile, NASA on Thursday said it is “working expeditiously” along with SpaceX to safely bring back Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and astronaut Butch Willmore, currently stuck in the International Space Station (ISS) for 238 days.

NASA said this after billionaire and SpaceX founder Elon Musk stated that US President Donald Trump had asked him to facilitate the return of both Williams and Wilmore as soon as possible.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Daksh Malik, 14, is already brainstorming potential names for the asteroid he discovered. Among his creative ideas are “Destroyer of the World” and “Countdown”.

Daksh Malik, a Class 9 student from Shiv Nadar School in Noida, has earned recognition from NASA for his provisional discovery of an asteroid, currently labelled as ‘2023 OG40.’ This unique opportunity also grants Daksh the privilege of naming the celestial body after its verification process, which could take around four to five years.

Reflecting on his fascination with space, Daksh told The Print, “I’ve been fascinated with space…I used to watch all these documentaries on National Geographic about planets and the solar system. This is like a dream come true.”

Daksh and two friends from his school have participated in the International Asteroid Discovery Project (IADP) for the past year and a half. They learned about this opportunity through an email from their school’s astronomy club, which introduced them to the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC). The IASC is a NASA-affiliated citizen science initiative that invites people worldwide—including students—to discover asteroids.

Daksh Malik, a Class 9 student from Shiv Nadar School in Noida, has earned recognition from NASA for his provisional discovery of an asteroid, currently labelled as ‘2023 OG40.’ This unique opportunity also grants Daksh the privilege of naming the celestial body after its verification process, which could take around four to five years.

Reflecting on his fascination with space, Daksh told The Print, “I’ve been fascinated with space…I used to watch all these documentaries on National Geographic about planets and the solar system. This is like a dream come true.”

Daksh and two friends from his school have participated in the International Asteroid Discovery Project (IADP) for the past year and a half. They learned about this opportunity through an email from their school’s astronomy club, which introduced them to the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC). The IASC is a NASA-affiliated citizen science initiative that invites people worldwide—including students—to discover asteroids.

Despite over 6,000 participants joining the IADP annually, only a handful successfully discover new asteroids. Before Daksh, just five other Indian students had achieved a named asteroid discovery.

While waiting for NASA’s final verification, Daksh is brainstorming potential names for his asteroid. His ideas range from the dramatic “Destroyer of the World” to the intriguing “Countdown”.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

Army daredevils drop jaws with stunts like bullet wheelie and human pyramid.

A daring group of soldiers performed breathtaking stunts on motorcycles, leaving viewers in awe, as part of the 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path here on Sunday.

Known as ‘The Dare Devils’, the Motorcycle Rider Display Team of the Army’s Corps of Signals showcased their exceptional skills, indomitable courage and teamwork and attempted to set two world records in the process.

Captain Dimple Singh Bhati, led the fighter formation and set a World Record by becoming the first woman officer of the Indian Army to present a salute to President Droupadi Murmu on a 12-foot ladder mounted on a moving motorcycle.

With remarkable balance and poise, Bhati presented a sharp and graceful salute to the President, embodying the courage, precision and excellence of the Corps.

The daredevils displayed a ‘Three Peak Devil Formation’ by Naik Jayakumar, Naik SP Mangu and Signalman Sanket making a world record for the longest assisted handstand on Kartavya Path.

They began their performance with the riders performing an ‘Opening Salute’ with ‘Bullet Wheelie’.

The Corps of Signals’ Dare Devils team was led by Captain Ashish Rana, who presented a crisp and smart salute to the President.

The riders performed the Shatrujeet Formation led by Naik Sumit Kumar Yadav and seven other daredevils, depicting the soldiers’ valour and excellence.

The Mercury’s Peak Formation was performed by Havildar Pramod Patil, Havildar Sangram Keshari Jena and 12 other daredevils.

This awe-inspiring act represented the speed, communication and efficiency that define the Corps of Signals.

The Info Warriors Formation, symbolising the new age of technological warriors and the pride of the Corps of Signals, was performed by Havildar Gamit Paresh, Naik Sunil Kumar and 14 other daredevils. It represented the Army’s mastery of modern technology and its pivotal role in ensuring secure and seamless communication on and off the battlefield.

Next was the magnificent Lotus Formation by Company Havildar Major Durgesh Kumar, Company Quartermaster Havildar Sujit Mondal and 20 other daredevils.

This stunning display vividly recreated India’s national flower, the lotus, symbolising purity, resilience and enlightenment. The team’s flawless synchronisation and artistry made this formation a breathtaking tribute to the spirit and heritage of the nation.

The final act was a team of 33 personnel forming a human pyramid on nine moving motorcycles, pushing the boundaries of human endurance and mechanical precision.

The balancing act, performed by Naib Subedar Anil Kumar and a team of eight daredevils showcased the ultimate synergy of strength, skill and coordination, leaving the audience in absolute admiration.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest on the occasion and the ceremonial parade will also see participation of a marching contingent and a band contingent from Indonesia.

India is set to showcase its military prowess and rich cultural heritage and display a symbolic confluence of ‘virasat’ and ‘vikas’ on Kartvya Path in New Delhi to mark the 76th Republic Day on January 26 when the nation will also commemorate the platinum jubilee of the enactment of the Constitution.

Republic Day 2025 updates : January 26

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest on the occasion and the ceremonial parade will also see participation of a marching contingent and a band contingent from Indonesia.

He will be the fourth Indonesian President to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations. Mr. Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India’s first Republic Day celebrations in 1950.

75 years of Constitution is the focus

While 75 years of the Constitution is the focus of celebrations this year, the theme for the tableaux is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’.

Republic Day Parade : Chief guests India hosted

Sixteen tableaux from across states and Union Territories and 15 from central ministries, departments and organisations will roll down the ceremonial boulevard on Sunday.

The country will display its military prowess by showcasing some of the cutting-edge defence platforms including BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash, with the Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’ and DRDO’s surface-to-surface tactical missile ‘Pralay’ set to register their presence in the ceremonial parade for the first time.

T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks Sarath (infantry carrying vehicle BMP-II), Short Span Bridging System 10m, Nag Missile System, multi-barrel rocket launcher system ‘Agnibaan’ and ‘Bajrang’ (light specialist vehicle) will also be part of the parade, officials said on Thursday.

Parade will see many firsts

The parade will see many other firsts as well, such as the tri-services tableau that will depict the spirit of “jointness” among the armed forces.

The tableau would display a battlefield scenario demonstrating a synchronised operation in land, water and air with the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft and advanced light helicopter, according to the Defence Ministry.

The theme of the tri-services tableau will be ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (Strong and Secure India).

Besides, the DRDO will present a tableau with the theme ‘Raksha Kavach — multi-layer protection against multi-domain threats’, officials said.

President Droupadi Murmu will deliver an address to the nation on the eve of the Republic Day.

This January 26 will carry extra significance as India’s Constitution, which came into effect on this historic day in 1950, completes 75 years.

The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949.

Modi to lead nation in paying tribute to martyrs

Before the parade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in paying tribute to the country’s martyrs by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.

The parade will begin in the morning with the National Salute and will continue for 90 minutes, reflecting the journey of India’s heritage and growth.

C-130J Super Hercules, C-295, C-17 Globemaster, P-8I, MiG-29 and Su-30, among other aircraft, will also take part in the celebrations.

The ceremonial parade will be heralded by 300 cultural artistes playing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ on musical instruments representing different parts of the country, according to the Defence Ministry.

Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area will be the Parade Commander, while Parade Second-in-Command will be Chief of Staff (COS), Delhi Area, Maj Gen Sumit Mehta.

India’s military prowess

Maj Gen Mehta said the event will showcase India’s military prowess with a number of cutting-edge platforms and a range of vibrant tableaux depicting the country’s heritage.

Two Param Vir Chakra awardees — both Kargil war heroes — and one Ashok Chakra awardee will be part of the parade, he said.

The flypast will feature 40 Indian Air Force aircraft and three Dornier aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard.

The Indian Army will be represented by a mounted column, eight mechanised columns, and six marching contingents, officials said. The column will be represented by the 61 Cavalry.

The marching columns will consist of contingents from the Brigade of the Guards contingent, Jat Regiment, Garhwal Rifles Regiment, J&K Light Infantry (JAKLI) regiment and a contingent of the Corps of Engineers.

Capt Ritika Khareta will be the contingent commander of a marching contingent of the Army’s Corps of Signals. The officer is the only woman member of her contingent and the rest are men.

There will also be a motorcycle display by daredevils of the Corps of Signals. Capt Ashish Rana will be its leader and Capt Dimple Singh Bhati, the second in line.

“I will be riding a ladder on a motorcycle and give a salute to the president during the parade,” Bhati said soon after the full dress rehearsal on January 23.

Capt Rana said Capt Bhati would become the “first woman officer” from the Army to give the ladder-born salute to the president in the history of Republic Day celebrations.

States that will display their tableaux during the 76th Republic Day Parade include Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Delhi and Chandigarh will showcase them among the Union Territories.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra won the award for ‘enhancing tropical cyclone prediction and warning systems in the Indian Ocean region through exceptional leadership and services’.

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the director general (meteorology) of India Meteorological Department,  has won the Outstanding Service Award, 2025, from American Meteorological Society (AMS). He received the award for “enhancing tropical cyclone prediction and warning systems in the Indian Ocean region through exceptional leadership and services”, according to the citation.

A PhD holder in Physics, Mohapatra also serves as India’s Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). With three decades of meterology-related experience in the bag, he was elected the third vice-president of WMO in 2023 for a four-year term.

Mohapatra has vast experience in refining weather-prediction technology.

As part of WMO’s Tropical Cyclone Programme, he helped improve cyclone warning services to 13 WMO/ESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) panel member countries. This meant the track & intensity forecast errors up to 72 hours were cut by 25 per cent in 2018-22 compared to 2013-17. Landfall errors, meanwhile, were down 40-70 per cent, according to the WMO website.

‘Weather forecasting challenging’

Speaking to The Indian Express earlier this month, Mohaptra had said that weather forecasting has become very challenging in evolving climatic conditions.

“Climate change is leading to increased frequency and uncertainty in extreme weather events. It is also seen that drier regions are getting increased rainfall and wet regions are receiving lesser rainfall. Localised extreme events have increased, like higher intensity rainfall is occurring in lesser time duration,” the former Physics lecturer had said.

Keeping the evolving climate scenario in mind, India Meteorological Department, the country’s premier weather forecasting agency, launched Mission Mausam in 2024 as it stepped into its 150th year of existence.

Over the years, Mohapatra has chaired many WMO committees, such as the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (2017-18) and the executive council of South Asia Hydromet Forum.

He has served as an expert member on nearly a dozen WMO committees including the International Organising Committee for 8th & 9th International Workshop on Tropical Cyclones and the expert team on climate impact on tropical cyclones

Who wins the award?

The Outstanding Service Award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the committee/board of the Scientific and Technological Activities Commission (STAC) or in service to the larger community in the committee/board discipline, according to the AMS website.

There are two other awards, namely, Outstanding Early Career Award and Distinguished Scientific/Technological Accomplishment Award.

He has served as an expert member on nearly a dozen WMO committees including the International Organising Committee for 8th & 9th International Workshop on Tropical Cyclones and the expert team on climate impact on tropical cyclones

Who wins the award?

The Outstanding Service Award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the committee/board of the Scientific and Technological Activities Commission (STAC) or in service to the larger community in the committee/board discipline, according to the AMS website.

There are two other awards, namely, Outstanding Early Career Award and Distinguished Scientific/Technological Accomplishment Award.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

Chennai, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday claimed that the Iron Age began in the region and the use of iron on Tamil soil could be dated to the first quarter of 4th millennium BCE, thus establishing that iron usage was prominent in South India over 5,300 years ago.

The history of the Indian subcontinent can no longer overlook Tamil Nadu. In fact, it must begin from here, the CM said.

“I am making an important announcement here. Based on research, the use of iron on Tamil soil could be dated back to early 4000 BCE. Melting iron was introduced about 5,300 years,” he said citing the recent findings of the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department during excavations in the state.

Speaking after releasing a book on “Antiquity of Iron” authored by K Rajan and Sivanantham and published by TN Archaeology Department, at a function held at the Secretariat here, Stalin said the specimen of the relics obtained at archaeological sites were sent to a reputed research centre in Pune, and a renowned international research facility in Florida for analysis.

“We sent samples for analysis at national institutes and for radiocarbon dating, too. The results showed that iron was introduced to South India as early as 3345 BC,” he said.

The chief minister laid the foundation stones for Keeladi Open Air Museum, Gangaikonda Cholapuram Museum and launched a webiste for Keeladi Museum, on the occasion.

“I have been saying that the history of India should begin from Tamil soil. The Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department is continuously conducting excavations in this direction and these findings are emerging as turning points in our history,” the CM said.

State Finance and Archaeology Minister Thangam Thennarasu, and Principal Secretary to the Government T Udhayachandran, and other officials participated.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

As part of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) 49th Raising Day
celebrations, ICG proudly announces the commencement of the ‘Sentinels of the Sea

• Sarhad Se Samandar’ motorcycle expedition. The landmark event will be flagged off
  by Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, PTM, TM, Commander Coast Gurad Region
  (West) along with Dr Atul Fulzele, Inspector General, BSF Punjab Frontier at 1330 hrs
  on 22 January 2025, from the Attari Border, Amritsar.
• 
  This prestigious rally, organized by the ICG Regional Headquarters West in
  collaboration with Triumph Motorcycles Ltd. will span over 10 days, covering a distance
  of 2,300 Kilometers. The route traverses India’s border towns and coastal cities
  including Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Vadodara, Daman
  and concludes at the iconic Gateway of India, Mumbai on 01 Feb 25 (Coast Guard
  Day-25).
• The expedition is a tribute to the unwavering dedication and valour of the
  ICG in safeguarding the nation’s maritime boundaries. It symbolizes the Coast Guard’s
  critical role in national security, vigilance at sea and highlights India’s proud maritime
  heritage. The rally also fosters the spirit of national unity, environmental
  consciousness and camaraderie, reflecting the collective strength of India’s defence
  forces.

In line with Govt. of India’s vision of Fit India Movement, Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao
and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan will be highlighted during the rally. The expedition
encourages emotional resilience, well-being and teamwork. Through the journey, the
ICG personnel will interact with students at various schools en-route, conducting
awareness drives aimed at inspiring young minds with India’s rich maritime legacy.
This motorcycle rally offers a chance to physically connect with the countrymen
residing in the hinterland of India. The ride through the vast and diverse terrains will
bring ICG closer to the land, the culture, and the people, reminding us that our roots
are firmly planted in the rich soil of India’s history, values, and traditions.

The expedition also reinforces the importance of road safety and responsible driving,
emphasizing the values of teamwork, discipline and adventure. It celebrates the spirit
of exploration while spreading the message of environmental stewardship and
sustainable practices. The ICG remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the
nation’s maritime interests while promoting awareness and unity through such
meaningful initiatives

source/content: indiancoastguard.gov.in (headline edited)

Inspired by the significant findings of marine strata containing fossils, the state government has announced plans to transform the site into a Marine Fossil Park.

Chhattisgarh’s Manendragarh district is poised to attract history enthusiasts and geologists with the discovery of a 280-million-year-old marine fossil site along the Hasdeo River. Inspired by the significant findings of marine strata containing fossils, the state government has announced plans to transform the site into a Marine Fossil Park.

The conspicuousness of this fossil site was first identified by structural geologist Professor S K Ghosh in 1954. Years later, in 2015, experts from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleo Sciences, Lucknow, confirmed the importance of the fossils found in this region.

Acknowledging its scientific value, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) designated the site as a National Geological Monument in 1982, recognising its exceptional contribution to understanding the Earth’s ancient history, a state government spokesperson said to TNIE.

“The Chhattisgarh government’s decision to develop this site into a Marine Fossil Park is expected to attract both tourists and scientists from around the world. The Park will serve as a biodiversity heritage site, offering a unique opportunity to explore the story of the Earth’s evolution and the ancient organisms that once lived here”, he added.

The notable park will be of glaring pride not only just for Chhattisgarh state but for the entire Asia, offering a rare glimpse into the Earth’s ancient marine life.

Researchers will have access to the valuable site for scientific studies, while visitors can explore opportunities to learn about the ancient exciting history of marine life. The findings of fossiliferous marine fauna suggest the massive expanse of salt water covering the earth surface in this part of the state.

The Chhattisgarh government, while emphasising the site as meaningful and crucial, is working closely with teams from the Geological Survey of India, Kolkata, and the Birbal Sahni Institute, Lucknow to assess the site’s potential.

Scientists are of the opinion that 280 million years ago, the region where the Hasdeo river is located was covered by a massive glacier.

As geological changes took place, this region became a part of the ‘Tethys Sea’, allowing marine life to enter. While these species eventually became extinct, their preserved fossils continue to provide valuable insights into the history of life on Earth.

The initiative by Chhattisgarh promises to bring the state onto the global map, showcasing the rich natural heritage of the region and offering future generations the occasion to understand the Earth’s ancient past.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

The signing of the pact comes days before the Biden administration hands over charge to the Trump administration.

India and the U.S. have inked an agreement to enhance cooperation in cybercrime investigations, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The signing of the pact comes days before the Biden administration hands over charge to the Trump administration.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Washington DC on Friday (January 17, 2025) by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and Acting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristie Canegallo, the MEA said.

It said the agreement allows the respective agencies of the two countries to step up the level of cooperation and training with respect to the use of cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics in criminal investigations.

From India, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Home Ministry is responsible for the execution of the MoU.

On the U.S. side, the DHS and its constituent agencies U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crimes Center are tasked with implementing the pact.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)