1. "Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan" App

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the "Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan" app to promote battlefield tourism. It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Defence and Tourism and the Army. Now tourists can visit Siachen Base Camp and Galwan Valley, including the battlefields of 1962, 1971 and 1999. Information about the India-China standoff in Doklam and the historical battlefields of Kargil will also be available through this app. This initiative will encourage tourism and economic development in border areas. The Indian Army is working to transform border areas into tourist destinations, which will provide employment opportunities to local communities. Such schemes will be helpful in preserving India's strategic history and encouraging the spirit of nationalism.

2. Punjab launches She Cohort 3.0

The Punjab government launched She Cohort 3.0 in Mohali to empower women entrepreneurs. The program will help women set up and expand technology-based startups. It was inaugurated by Science, Technology and Environment Secretary Priyank Bharati. In the presence of more than 250 startups and students, discussions were held on strengthening the startup ecosystem of the state. The initiative aims to make marginalized women self-reliant using science and technology.

3. Indonesian President Chief Guest on Republic Day

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at this year's 76th Republic Day celebrations. He will visit India on January 25 and 26 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be his first visit to India, which is taking place on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of relations between the two countries. This is the fourth time an Indonesian leader will attend the Republic Day as the chief guest. The first time President Sukarno received this honor was in 1950. Mr. Subianto will also be accompanied by a 352-member military contingent to India, which will be the largest ever group in any foreign contingent. However, the Indonesian Air Force will not participate in the flypast. The visit also demonstrates the strengthening economic and strategic ties between India and ASEAN countries, with Indonesia being India's largest trading partner.

4. India ranked second in QS World Future Skills Index

India has been ranked second for digital skills and fourth for artificial intelligence and green skills in the QS World Future Skills Index 2025. India leads the world in digital skills, after the United States. However, India's performance in future-oriented innovation and sustainability has been average. The index evaluates countries' preparedness on four factors such as skills fit, academic readiness, future of work, and economic transformation. India ranked lowest among the top 30 countries in skill fit with 59.1 points. The report has classified India as a "future skills contender", while countries like USA, UK, Germany and Australia have been considered "future skills pioneers". This index shows that India needs to focus on improvement opportunities for emerging skills.

5. Approval to set up third launch pad

The Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of a third launch pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Center. This launch pad will be used for next-generation launch vehicles and human space flight missions. The TLP will support NGLV and LVM 3 vehicles. Its construction will cost Rs 3984.86 crore and will be completed in four years. This new pad will also be a backup to the first two launch pads at Sriharikota. Currently, ISRO's space transportation system is completely dependent on two launch pads. This decision is an important step towards increasing autonomy and capability in India's space program. India aims to have its own space station by 2035 and a manned moon mission by 2040.

6. Mizoram's new Governor General VK Singh

Former Army Chief General Vijay Kumar Singh was sworn in as the 25th Governor of Mizoram on January 16. He was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court Vijay Bishnoi. General Singh replaced Hari Babu Kambhampati, who is now the Governor of Odisha. General Singh served as a Union Minister in the Narendra Modi government from 2014 to 2024. He was the 24th Chief of the Indian Army. His appointment will give the benefit of experience in administrative and developmental reforms in Mizoram.

7. Successful test of anti-drone micro-missile 'Bhargavastra'

India successfully tested the first domestically developed micro-missile system 'Bhargavastra'. In the test conducted in Gopalpur, the system hit targets at a distance of more than 2.5 km. Bhargavastra Swarm is designed to deal with drone threats and can launch 64 missiles simultaneously. It is based on mobile platform and capable of quick deployment in different areas.