Leadership Continuity at AEPC as A Sakthivel Takes Charge Again

A Sakthivel has been appointed chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), marking his fifth term at the helm of India’s apex organisation for apparel exports. He succeeds Sudhir Sekhri and assumes office at a time when the global garment industry is grappling with demand uncertainty, sustainability requirements, and changing trade policies. The appointment signals continuity in leadership as India’s apparel sector looks to consolidate recent gains and expand its global presence.

Kashmir’s Insect Biodiversity Expands with Discovery of New Conocephalus Species

Researchers have identified three previously unknown species of meadow katydids in Jammu and Kashmir, shedding new light on the region’s rich but poorly explored insect biodiversity. The discovery follows extensive field surveys across varied habitats of the Kashmir Valley and nearby mountain ranges, overturning the long-held belief that only one species of this genus existed in the region.

New Bridge to Boost Connectivity and Economy in Sundarbans Region

In a major infrastructure announcement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone for a significant new bridge over the Muriganga river. The 5-kilometer structure will directly link Sagar Island, the largest island in the Sundarbans delta, with the mainland at Kakdwip. The project represents a critical push to enhance connectivity in the ecologically sensitive and strategically important region.

Seven Fifty-Plus Stands: Australia’s Historic Batting Day in Ashes Test

Australia delivered a once-in-a-century batting performance on Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, rewriting a 134-year-old Test cricket record. The dominant display placed the hosts firmly in control of the match and on course for a 4–1 series victory, underlining the depth and consistency of Australia’s red-ball batting.

PSLV-C62 Mission: EOS-N1, Global Payloads and Launch Details

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will kick off its 2026 launch calendar with the PSLV-C62 mission, scheduled for January 12 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The mission marks ISRO’s first launch of the year and reflects its continued emphasis on strategic capability building, commercial launches, and international collaboration.