Pixxel and Digantara, two Indian space start-ups, successfully launched their satellites atop a SpaceX rocket, ushering in a new era for the country’s private space sector. These pioneering missions seek to improve earth observation and space object monitoring, thereby tackling major concerns in agriculture, defense, and space sustainability. Pixxel achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian private firm to deploy a constellation of satellites equipped with advanced hyperspectral imaging technology.

According to a Crisil Intelligence research, India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate is expected to rise to 6.7% in the following fiscal year (FY25). According to the article, if food inflation continues to fall but non-food inflation remains stable, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may be able to decrease interest rates in the coming months. Headline inflation is steadily approaching the RBI’s 4% objective, with food inflation falling for the second straight month and non-food inflation remaining unchanged. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation cooled to 5.2% in December, down from 5.5% in November.

Ramdas Kamath Shevgoor, the renowned artist behind Shevgoor Fine Arts, died in Manipal from an age-related disease. He was 78. Ramdas Kamath Shevgoor, a member of Mangaluru’s famed Shevgoor artist family, was the son of L. K. Shevgoor, a pioneering graphic designer and portrait artist. Ramdas Shevgoor was well regarded for his portraiture skills, notably in oil painting. His lifelike portraits adorn the walls of numerous educational institutions and other establishments across the coastal district. Notably, many portraits in the Hall of Fame at the World Konkani Centre were created by him.

According to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) ’s Vision-2047 document released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India wants to achieve 100% detection of all sorts of severe weather at the village and household levels by 2047, as well as zero loss of life due to such events. According to the document, released on the eve of the IMD’s 150th anniversary, the weather department aims for 100% forecast accuracy for up to three days, 90% for up to five days, 80% for up to seven days, and 70% for up to ten days, covering all severe weather events at the block and panchayat levels.

Wholesale price inflation surged to 2.37 percent in December 2024, driven by a surge in manufactured goods, despite lower food prices, according to government data. In November 2024, the wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation rate was 1.89 percent. It was 0.86% in December 2023. According to the report, food inflation slowed to 8.47 percent in December 2024, down from 8.63 percent in November. Inflation in vegetable stood at 28.65 per cent, as against 28.57 per cent in November. Among food items, cereals, pulses, wheat saw easing in inflation in December.

On January 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated three sophisticated naval vessels: the INS Surat, the INS Nilgiri, and the INS Vagheer. These three strong submarines represent India’s desire for a self-sufficient navy capable of facing difficulties across the Indian Ocean and beyond. By commissioning these three frontline naval combatants, India would boost its ambitions to become a global defense leader while also enhancing its desire for self-reliance. INS Surat is a stealth-guided missile destroyer known for its speed and cutting-edge technology.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar released Dr. K.S. Chauhan’s book, “Parliament: Powers, Functions, and Privileges: A Comparative Constitutional Perspective”. During the event, Dhankhar praised the author’s commitment and tireless efforts in researching the complex role of Parliament in a democracy. The book sheds light on Parliament’s function and obligations, particularly in government oversight. It discusses the importance of dialogue, debate, and deliberation in ensuring accountability. It also highlights the significance of parliamentary privileges and the need for responsible use by MPs.

Indian pace star Jasprit Bumrah has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024, following a succession of outstanding performances during India’s tour of Australia. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the award, which recognizes Bumrah’s dominance against world-class opponents. Bumrah defeated Australia’s Pat Cummins and South Africa’s Dane Paterson to win the award. Over three grueling Test matches, Bumrah spearheaded India’s bowling attack, scalping an impressive 22 wickets at an exceptional average of 14.22, reaffirming his stature as one of the finest bowlers in world cricket.

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has bestowed the country’s Honorary Citizen Award on former Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) president Tarun Das in recognition of his outstanding contributions to improving bilateral relations. The Honorary Citizenship Award is the Singapore government’s highest accolade for a non-Singaporean. It is awarded to individuals who have made significant impact in fields such as business, science and technology, education, health, arts and culture, and community service.

The Rural Development Ministry has sanctioned 56 new Watershed Development Projects in the 10 best-performing states, totaling Rs 700 crores, according to the government. According to a statement issued here, the projects will be implemented across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim. “These projects would further help in increasing the income of farmers, addressing land degradation and strengthening climate resilience efforts,” the statement said.