Successful Conclusion of DESERT CYCLONE–II

The second edition of the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II concluded with a formal closing ceremony at Al-Hamra Training City in Abu Dhabi. Conducted from December 18 to 30, the exercise brought together contingents of the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces, reinforcing the deepening defence partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates.

BSNL Rolls Out VoWiFi Nationwide

On New Year’s Day, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited announced the nationwide rollout of Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi), also known as Wi-Fi Calling. The service has been activated across all telecom circles, marking a major step in BSNL’s efforts to strengthen voice connectivity in both urban and hard-to-reach regions of India.

Bomb Cyclone Batters the United States

A rapidly intensifying winter storm evolved into a powerful bomb cyclone across large parts of the United States on Monday, unleashing blizzard conditions, damaging winds and widespread power outages just days before the New Year holiday. Named Winter Storm Ezra, the system caused major disruptions across the Midwest, Great Lakes and East Coast during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Historic Legal Recognition in Peru

In a landmark step for biodiversity protection, Amazonian stingless bees have become the first insects in the world to be granted legal rights. The recognition follows ordinances adopted by the municipalities of Satipo and Nauta in Peru. The move aims to safeguard these vital pollinators amid escalating threats from deforestation, climate change and forest fires across the Amazon rainforest.

Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme Phase-III Strengthens India’s Import Substitution Drive

The Union government has approved the third phase of the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) with a substantial outlay of ₹41,863 crore, marking a major step in India’s strategy to deepen domestic electronics manufacturing. The decision reinforces the country’s objective of reducing import dependence, strengthening supply-chain resilience, and building a globally competitive electronics component ecosystem aligned with industrial growth and export ambitions.