NATIONAL NEWS

India Post Launches Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48

• India Post introduced Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48 services.

• The launch was announced by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

• The services assure delivery within 24 and 48 hours respectively.

• The announcement was made during an event in Pichor, Shivpuri (Madhya Pradesh).

• The move marks a major push towards modernising postal operations.

• Focus is on faster, reliable, and time-bound delivery standards.

• A renovated sub-post office was inaugurated, along with the foundation for a new building.

• The initiative aligns with broader telecom and communication sector reforms.

SPORTS

Yonex Sunrise India Open Badminton 2026 Begins

• The India Open Badminton 2026 has commenced in New Delhi from 13 January.

• Matches are being played at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

• PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, is spearheading India’s campaign.

• Currently ranked 18th, Sindhu returns after injury setbacks and a tough 2025 season.

• In men’s singles, Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty are set for a first-round clash.

• The tournament allows players to adapt to conditions ahead of the BWF World Championships in August.

• It is a Super 750 event, part of the 2026 BWF World Tour, attracting elite global players.

• The competition will run till 18 January 2026 under its official sponsored title.

DEFENCE

DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous MPATGM

• DRDO conducted a successful test of a third-generation MPATGM.

• The missile uses a fire-and-forget guidance system with top-attack capability.

• The trial was conducted at KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra.

• It is fully indigenously developed, including propulsion and control systems.

• An imaging infrared seeker enables precise target tracking.

• A tandem warhead allows penetration of advanced armoured protection.

• The missile is capable of day and night operations.

• It can be launched from a tripod or vehicle-mounted platform.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

13th NITSER Council Meeting Held in New Delhi

• The 13th Council meeting of NITSER was chaired by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on 13 January.

• Discussions focused on academic excellence, research quality, and institutional governance.

• The role of NITs and IIESTs in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship was highlighted.

• Emphasis was placed on aligning curricula with industry needs and national priorities.

• The Minister proposed industry-driven curriculum committees for future-ready skills.

• Institutions were encouraged to emerge as centres of applied learning and employability.

• Strengthening accreditation frameworks for premier technical institutes was underlined.

• Promotion of Indian languages with AI-based multilingual learning was also discussed.

India Hosts 28th CSPOC Conference in New Delhi

• India is hosting the 28th CSPOC conference from 14–16 January 2025.

• The event is being held in New Delhi over three days.

• Delegates from over 60 Commonwealth nations are participating.

• Representatives from semi-autonomous legislatures are also attending.

• The conference focuses on strengthening parliamentary democracy.

• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is chairing the conference.

• The Standing Committee meeting is scheduled on the opening day.

• After the event, the CSPOC Chairmanship will pass to the UK Speaker Lindsay Hoyle.