INTERNATIONAL NEWS
EU Designates Iran’s IRGC as a Terrorist Organisation
• The European Union has officially listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group, marking a major policy shift.
• With this move, the IRGC is placed alongside global terror outfits like ISIS and al Qaeda under EU law.
• The decision followed reports of violent suppression of protests in Iran, including deaths, arrests, and widespread rights abuses.
• Formed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the IRGC was meant to protect Iran’s clerical system but later grew into a powerful force.
• It now holds influence across military, intelligence, missile programmes, and key economic sectors, as well as regional proxy networks.
• Several EU states earlier hesitant, such as France and Italy, backed the step citing security and legal concerns.
• Israel welcomed the designation, calling it a long-overdue measure to curb IRGC-linked global networks.
• The listing enables faster asset freezes, easier prosecutions, and stronger Europol coordination against IRGC activities in Europe.
STATE NEWS
Odisha to Observe State-Level Shaheed Diwas 2026
• The Odisha government will commemorate Shaheed Diwas-2026 on 30 January 2026 at the Odisha Legislative Assembly premises, near Mahatma Gandhi’s statue.
• A prayer meeting is being organised by the Information and Public Relations Department to honour Mahatma Gandhi and martyrs of India’s freedom struggle.
• Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati has been invited to attend and pay floral tributes.
• Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Speaker Surama Padhy, and other senior dignitaries will also be present.
• The observance aims to remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters and inspire the youth with their ideals.
• Martyrs’ Day is observed annually on 30 January across India.
• Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on 30 January 1948 by Nathuram Godse at the age of 78.
• The year 2026 marks the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Rüsoma Orange Festival Celebrated in Nagaland
• The 5th edition of the Rüsoma Orange Festival was organised at Rüsoma village, around 10 km from Kohima.
• The two-day festival began on 30 January and showcased the village’s agricultural strength.
• This year’s theme was “Abundance of Rüsoma”, highlighting prosperity through farming.
• The event focused on village development and acknowledged the efforts of local orange growers.
• Promoting rural entrepreneurship and the distinct flavour of Rüsoma oranges was a key objective.
• Visitors enjoyed cultural programmes, games, and a variety of activity-based events.
• Stalls selling local food, fast food, orange saplings, and village products were major attractions.
• Currently, 470 of 570 households practice orange farming, with plans to expand orchards to 100 hectares in the next 6–7 years.
NATIONAL NEWS
Republic Day Parade 2026: Best Marching Contingents & Tableaux Announced
• The results for the Best Marching Contingents and Tableaux of the Republic Day Parade 2026 were officially declared, honouring excellence in drill, discipline, and thematic creativity.
• Among the three Armed Services, the Indian Navy was adjudged the Best Marching Contingent for its precision and overall performance.
• In the CAPFs and Auxiliary Forces category, the Delhi Police secured the top position as the Best Marching Contingent.
• Maharashtra won first place in the States/UTs tableau category with its theme “Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta.”
• The second and third positions in the States/UTs tableaux were awarded to Jammu & Kashmir (Handicrafts and Folk Dances) and Kerala (Water Metro & 100% Digital Literacy) respectively.
• In the Central Ministries/Departments category, the Ministry of Culture won for its tableau “Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation.”
• A Special Prize was conferred on the Central Public Works Department for “Vande Mataram – Commemoration of 150 Years,” while special cultural recognition went to the ‘Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India’ dance group.
• Under the Popular Choice Awards (MyGov poll), the Assam Regiment and CRPF emerged as Best Marching Contingents, while Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan won the top three tableau positions, and the Department of School Education & Literacy was recognised for its NEP 2020 tableau.
AWARDS
Dushara Vijayan Receives Tamil Nadu State Film Award (Special Mention)
• Actor Dushara Vijayan has been honoured with the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress (Special Mention).
• The award was given for her performance in Natchathiram Nagargiradhu (2022), directed by Pa. Ranjith.
• Her role was praised for its emotional depth and sensitive portrayal of themes like love, identity, and social realities.
• The recognition marks an important step forward in her journey within contemporary Tamil cinema.
• Dushara described the honour as deeply personal, crediting the land and culture that shaped her artistic path.
• She highlighted that the achievement reflects collective effort, acknowledging writers, directors, technicians, and co-actors.
• She congratulated fellow awardees and noted cinema’s role in questioning, inspiring, and shaping society.
• The actress also recalled with pride that Sarpatta Parambarai received the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for 2021, underlining her association with socially rooted cinema.
Dhanush Wins Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor
• Dhanush was awarded the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor for his powerful performance in Vada Chennai.
• The honour, announced by the Tamil Nadu government, recognises his role in the 2018 Vetri Maran-directed film.
• Calling it a “true honour,” the actor thanked the state government and congratulated fellow winners on social media.
• The performance has been widely regarded as one of the most impactful roles in modern Tamil cinema.
• Vada Chennai emerged as a major winner, securing seven awards across different categories.
• Notable winners included Samuthirakani (Best Villain), Ameer (Best Supporting Actor), Santhosh Narayanan (Best Music Director), and Velraj (Best Cinematography).
• Aishwarya Rajesh received the Best Actress (Special Prize) for her performances in Vada Chennai and Kanaa.
• The awards covered films released between 2016 and 2022, with winners set to receive a gold medal, memento, and certificate at a ceremony on 13 February at Kalaivanar Arangam.
