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EU Leaders to Be Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day, 16th India–EU Summit on Jan 27

January 18, 2026

EU Leaders to Be Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day, Marking New Phase in India–EU Ties

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Council President Antonio Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will pay a State Visit to India from January 25 to 27, 2026. In a significant diplomatic gesture, the two European Union leaders will serve as Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, underscoring the growing strategic depth of India–EU relations.

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Wolf Puppy’s Last Meal Unlocks Woolly Rhinoceros Genome from the Ice Age

January 18, 2026

Ice Age Discovery: Woolly Rhinoceros Genome Recovered from Wolf Puppy’s Stomach

In a remarkable scientific breakthrough, researchers have recovered a complete genome of the woolly rhinoceros from undigested stomach contents of a 14,400-year-old wolf puppy preserved in Siberian permafrost. The puppy, discovered near the village of Tumat in northeastern Siberia, had consumed meat from a woolly rhinoceros shortly before its death, providing scientists with an unprecedented genetic window into the final days of this iconic Ice Age species.

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Spituk Gustor Festival Begins in Ladakh, Marking Spiritual Renewal

January 17, 2026

Spituk Gustor Festival Begins in Ladakh, Marking Spiritual Renewal and Cultural Continuity

The annual two-day monastic festival Spituk Gustor has commenced in Ladakh, marking a spiritually significant moment in the region’s cultural calendar. Celebrated after a week-long period of prayers and rituals, the festival is dedicated to seeking world peace, prosperity, and the victory of good over evil. It also symbolically signals the conclusion of the first phase of Ladakh’s severe winter.

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Indelible Ink Explained: How India’s Election Safeguard Works and Why It’s in the News

January 17, 2026

Indelible Ink in Indian Elections and the Maharashtra Municipal Poll Controversy

The purple mark on a voter’s finger has long been a powerful symbol of electoral integrity in India. Known as indelible ink, it serves as a visible safeguard against multiple voting. However, during recent municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra, this routine mechanism has come under scrutiny, with Opposition parties alleging that the ink is fading or being removed easily, raising concerns about possible electoral malpractice.

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President Appoints Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner in Central Vigilance Commission

January 17, 2026

Praveen Vashista Appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in Central Vigilance Commission

In a significant appointment to India’s apex anti-corruption body, Shri Praveen Vashista has been appointed as a Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The President of India approved the appointment via a warrant dated December 12, 2025, under Section 4(1) of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003. Shri Vashista assumed charge after making and subscribing to the oath of office on January 16, 2026, strengthening the institutional framework for vigilance and corruption prevention.

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