Gujarat Re-Enters India’s Tiger Landscape

More than thirty years after disappearing from India’s official tiger range, Gujarat has been formally recognised once again as a tiger-bearing state. The decision follows sustained photographic and camera-trap evidence confirming the presence of a resident tiger in Ratanmahal Sanctuary in Dahod district. As a result, Gujarat will be included in the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026, marking a significant conservation milestone.

India is poised to conclude 2025 on a high note in economic diplomacy with the successful completion of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand. Announced jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the agreement is expected to significantly deepen bilateral economic ties and potentially double trade volumes within five years. Beyond trade figures, the FTA reflects India’s evolving approach to global economic integration and strategic partnerships.

Fresh Strains in Yemen’s Fragmented Conflict

Tensions in Yemen’s east have escalated after southern separatists accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes against their positions, exposing widening rifts within the coalition opposing the Iran-backed Houthi movement. The episode underscores how internal rivalries, rather than frontline fighting alone, continue to destabilise the war-torn country.

A Landmark Advance in Cancer Research

Researchers at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have achieved a major scientific breakthrough by developing the world’s first systematic molecular classification of oral cancer. The study, published on December 25 in the journal Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research, is expected to significantly improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes, particularly in India and Southeast Asia, where oral cancer incidence is among the highest globally.

Varanasi Enters India’s National Sports Calendar

Varanasi is set to achieve a significant sporting milestone as it hosts the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship for men and women from January 4 to 11. The prestigious national tournament will be held at the Dr Sampurnanand Sports Stadium in Sigra, marking the first time a championship of this scale is organised in the Purvanchal region of eastern Uttar Pradesh. The event aligns with the broader objectives of the Khelo India initiative, which aims to strengthen grassroots and competitive sports across the country.