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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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Mizoram Launches Direct Procurement of Ginger and Broomsticks Under Bana Kaih Scheme from Feb 2

January 17, 2026

Mizoram Initiates Direct Farm Procurement to Strengthen Agricultural Economy

The Mizoram government, under Chief Minister Lalduhoma, will commence the direct procurement of ginger and dry broomsticks from farmers starting February 2, 2026. This move is a key component of the state’s flagship Bana Kaih handholding initiative, aimed at ensuring assured market access and stable incomes for cultivators. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a ginger processing unit at Sairang near Aizawl, reinforcing the state's commitment to farm-led growth and value addition.

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Karnataka Launches ‘Gruha Lakshmi Digital Marketing’ Portal to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

January 17, 2026

State-Backed E-Commerce Platform Boosts Market Access for Women-Led Enterprises in Karnataka

In a significant move to promote economic self-reliance and digital inclusion among women, the Department of Women and Child Development, Karnataka has launched Gruha Lakshmi Digital Marketing, a dedicated online platform to showcase and sell products made by women entrepreneurs across the state. The initiative seeks to bridge market access gaps by linking women-led enterprises with national and global consumers through a government-supported digital ecosystem.

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