India had planned to have 175 GW of renewable energy capacity, including 100 GW solar by 2022.

India has achieved the milestone of 100GW solar energy capacity, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Friday (February 7, 2025), underscoring the country’s target of having 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030.

“Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, India has achieved the historic milestone of 100 GW solar capacity. This achievement is powered by our relentless commitment to a cleaner, greener future,” the New & Renewables Energy Minister said in a post on X.

Earlier, India had planned to have 175 GW of renewable energy capacity, including 100 GW solar by 2022. But it could not be achieved due to staggering impact of the pandemic which forced imposition of lockdown restrictions.

As per the post on X, India added 2.82 GW of solar capacity during 2004-14 under the UPA regime. This is compared with 100 GW during 2014-2025.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the IBCA in April 2023 to secure the future of tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, pumas, jaguars and cheetahs.

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023 for global conservation of seven big cats formally became a full-fledged treaty-based intergovernmental organisation on January 23, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and IBCA said Monday.

The IBCA is headquartered in India, and on Monday, the MEA confirmed that IBCA’s foundational framework agreement came into force on January 23, formalising its establishment. As per the framework agreement, the Indian government serves as the depository for instruments of ratification, approval, or accession from countries seeking to become parties to the agreement.

“The Ministry would like to inform that, under Article XVIII (1) of the framework agreement, five countries – Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia and Liberia – have submitted their ratifications/approvals on various dates. The ratification/approval of the agreement by the Government of Liberia on January 8, 2025, marks the 5th instrument of ratification/approval upon which the framework agreement shall take effect on January 23, 2025,” the MEA stated in its communication to Delhi-based IBCA.

Five signatory countries, including India, were required to ratify and formally deposit their instrument of ratification for the IBCA framework agreement to come into force. Liberia became a party to the framework agreement last month, the fifth to ratify the agreement along with India, Nicaragua, Eswatini and Somalia, the MEA stated.

The framework agreement entering into force marks the official start of the IBCA’s operations, activities and programmes as mandated. It can now establish its governing bodies, secretariat, and administrative structures. “It is a milestone for big cats conservation and leadership of global South,” said S P Yadav, interim head and director general of IBCA.

The IBCA was conceived by India and PM Modi launched it in April 2023 during the 50th-year celebrations of Project Tiger to secure the future of seven big cats – the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar and cheetah.

India formally joined the IBCA last September. Prior to that, the Union Cabinet had approved the establishment of IBCA’s headquarters in February 2024 and cleared a one-time budgetary support of Rs 150 crore for it for the 2023-24 to 2027-28 period.

A government note said that as of now 27 countries, including India, have consented to join IBCA and several global and national organisations working on wildlife conservation have partnered with IBCA.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headlines edited)

The Defence Ministry made the announcement on X, stating that the missiles would significantly augment the combat capabilities of the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet.

India on Tuesday inked a contract with Russia for procurement of anti-ship cruise missiles, a move that will significantly augment the combat capabilities of the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet.

The Defence Ministry made the announcement in a post on X.

The contract was inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

“Ministry of Defence today inked a contract with Russia for the procurement of Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi. These missiles will significantly augment the combat capabilities of the @indiannavy’s submarine fleet,” it wrote on the social media platform.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

The biggest star of the day was all-rounder Gongadi Trisha, who complemented her excellent 3/15 with an unbeaten 33-ball 44 while batting.

An utterly dominant India flaunted their embarrassment of riches to win a second successive U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup title with a nine-wicket shellacking of South Africa here on Sunday, the triumph giving a peek into the game’s most perfectly calibrated youth structure.

Having outclassed every team during their march to the final, India asserted themselves yet again, getting the job done with as many as 52 balls to spare while also becoming the first team to win the tournament without dropping a single game.

The biggest star of the day was all-rounder Gongadi Trisha, who complemented her excellent 3/15 with an unbeaten 33-ball 44 while batting.

South Africa, led by Kayla Reyneke, opted to bowl first, but their decision backfired quickly as India’s three-pronged spin attack bowled them out for 82.

Left-arm spinner Aayushi Shukla was the star of the show with figures of 4-2-9-2, while leg-spinner Trisha, who has also been a revelation with the bat, further underlined her all-round capabilities with her triple strikes with the ball.

Trisha once again anchored India’s chase with an unbeaten knock that was studded with eight fours.

Vice-captain Sanika Chalke (26 not out; 22 balls, 4×4) sealed the victory with a powerful heave to the square-leg boundary, forcing the young Indian players, draped in the Tricolour, to break into wild celebrations.

“I’ve dreamt of this moment for the past two years, and I can’t believe I hit the winning runs — it’s truly surreal. My teammates’ support made all the difference, and this moment is one I’ll cherish forever,” said Sanika after the match.

Left-arm spinner Parunika (4-0-6-2) provided India with an immediate breakthrough, dismissing opener Simone Lourens for a duck as South Africa struggled from the outset.

Right-arm seamer Shabnam Shakil (2-0-7-1) then removed the dangerous Jemma Botha, reducing South Africa to 20/2 by the end of the fourth over.

The pressure intensified when Aayushi bowled Diara Ramlakan, further denting South Africa’s innings.

At the halfway mark, South Africa were struggling at 33/3, unable to gain any momentum.

Captain Kayla Reyneke (7) tried to stabilise the innings but fell to Trisha, who later stumped Mieke van Voorst (23) to break a promising 30-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Their skipper attempted to break free but perished while trying to go big, holing out to Trisha at long-off.

Despite Fay Cowling (15; 20 balls) and Mieke van Voorst putting up a small resistance, South Africa’s struggles continued.

The duo tried to rebuild but with just four overs remaining, South Africa were precariously placed at 58/5.

Trisha’s breakthrough then triggered a collapse and they were eventually bowled out in the final delivery of their innings.

India got off to a strong start in their chase, scoring briskly with a steady flow of singles and boundaries.

Trisha was once again the aggressor with her exquisite strokes, while Kamalini G also chipped in.

The opening partnership was moving smoothly until Kamalini was dismissed for 8, caught by Simone Lourens off Kayla Reyneke’s bowling, leaving India at 36/1 in 4.3 overs.

Sanika faced a few dot balls before settling in as South Africa’s wayward bowling and fielding also helped India’s cause.

Trisha , on the other hand, continued to exude confidence, accumulating runs with a mix of singles and boundaries.

Indian opener Trisha, who struck the only century of this edition of the tournament — 110 against Scotland — finished as the top-scorer with 309 runs from seven innings at a fantastic average of 77.25 and a strike rate of over 147.

She also returned with seven wickets at an economy rate of 6.42 across the seven outings.

Vaishnavi emerged as the tournament’s top wicket-taker, claiming 17 scalps at an outstanding economy rate of 4.35 from six matches, while Aayushi Shukla supported her brilliantly with 14 wickets from seven matches.

In the final, India were 71/1 at the halfway mark of their innings.

The defending champions enjoyed a flawless campaign, winning all their group-stage matches against the West Indies, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.

Their winning momentum continued in the Super Six stage with victories over Bangladesh and Scotland.

In the semi-final, India delivered a commanding performance against England to extend their unbeaten run to six matches. PTI TAP TAP AH AH

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)

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)