The collaboration is designed to leverage the scientific and technological expertise of DRDO with the academic and research excellence of RRU, an institution dedicated to national security and police science. This strategic alliance will foster joint efforts in critical areas of defence and security, bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application.
Fostering Research and Education
The primary objective of the MoU is to create a framework for long-term collaboration in research and academics. According to official announcements, the partnership will facilitate a range of activities aimed at strengthening the country's technological and human resource assets in the security domain. Key areas of cooperation will include:
- Joint research projects in defence and internal security sectors.
- Development of specialized academic programs and training modules.
- Facilitating the exchange of knowledge, publications, and scientific information.
- Providing students and researchers from RRU with access to DRDO's advanced facilities and expert guidance.
This initiative is expected to create a direct pipeline for innovative solutions and highly skilled professionals to enter India's defence ecosystem. The presence of Professor Dr. Bimal N. Patel, the Vice-Chancellor of RRU, at the signing ceremony underscored the university's commitment to the partnership.
Strengthening National Security Capabilities
The MoU represents a crucial step toward enhancing India's self-reliance in defence technology and security strategy. By combining DRDO's extensive experience in developing cutting-edge defence technologies with RRU's focus on security and strategic studies, the collaboration aims to address contemporary and future security challenges more effectively.
The agreement will promote the development of indigenous technologies and solutions tailored to India's specific security needs. The high-level signing, witnessed by the Defence Minister, signals the government's strong support for integrating academic institutions into the national security framework, thereby enhancing the nation's overall defence and internal security posture.
This partnership is poised to create a synergistic environment where academic research directly contributes to the operational readiness and technological superiority of the country's defence forces and security agencies.
Global football superstar Lionel Messi recently visited Vantara, the wildlife rescue and conservation center in Jamnagar, Gujarat, founded by Anant Ambani. During his visit, Messi participated in traditional Hindu cultural practices and learned about the facility's extensive conservation efforts.
The visit, which took place on December 16, saw the Argentinian icon hosted by Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani. He was reportedly joined by teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul for the unique cultural and environmental tour.
Focus on Conservation and Culture
A primary focus of the visit was Vantara's work in wildlife conservation. Messi engaged in discussions with Anant Ambani about the center's mission to rescue and rehabilitate animals. The event highlighted a blend of global sportsmanship with local tradition and environmental stewardship.
A significant part of the experience involved Messi's participation in traditional Hindu rituals. Reports and images from the visit show him taking part in a Maha Aarti, a revered Hindu ceremony of worship. This gesture was in line with the cultural ethos of the center and offered the football star a glimpse into local traditions.
Details of the Visit
The event was documented across various social media platforms, showing Messi and his teammates at the Ambani-led facility. Key activities during their time at Vantara included:
- Observing wildlife up close within the conservation center.
- Participating in a traditional Aarti ceremony.
- Engaging directly with Anant Ambani on the subject of wildlife conservation.
The visit underscores a growing intersection of global personalities showing interest in India's cultural and environmental initiatives. Vantara, founded by Anant Ambani, has positioned itself as a major center for animal welfare, and this high-profile visit brings international attention to its work.

Photo Credits : CCTV
New Delhi, December 10, 2025: Deepavali, India's iconic Festival of Lights (also known as Diwali), has achieved a major global milestone by being officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition was announced during the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee, which is currently being hosted in New Delhi at the historic Red Fort.
The inscription of Deepavali makes it the 16th element from India to be featured on this prestigious global list, which aims to protect and promote 'living expressions' passed down through generations.
Why This UNESCO Recognition is Important
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) noted that the festival strengthens social bonds, promotes inclusivity, and embodies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The five-day festival is celebrated across India and globally by various communities, marking new beginnings and seeking prosperity. It is a time for cleaning and decorating homes with diyas (lamps), exchanging sweets, and performing rituals.
The move is expected to bring increased global awareness and support for the traditions and communities that keep this festival alive. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the honour as a responsibility, stating, "We must ensure Deepavali remains a living heritage," and that it celebrates the "universal message... hope over despair."
Celebration and Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the addition, calling it a "thrilling" moment and stating that Deepavali is "the soul of our civilisation" and personifies illumination and righteousness. The announcement was met with cheers from delegates at the Red Fort meeting.
The nomination dossier for Deepavali was submitted for the 2024-25 cycle, prepared through extensive consultation with artisans, practitioners, and cultural groups across the country. The inscription on the Intangible Heritage list is a testament to the festival's deep-rooted cultural significance—from the legend of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.
This latest inclusion joins other Indian traditions on the list, such as the Garba dance of Gujarat (2023), Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), and the Kumbh Mela (2017).
The hosting of the 20th session of the UNESCO committee in India for the first time underlines the nation’s growing commitment to safeguarding its cultural inheritance. The recognition is anticipated to boost local economies associated with the festival, such as potters and traditional sweet-makers. Future efforts will focus on documenting the diverse regional practices of Deepavali to ensure the tradition is transmitted to the next generation sustainably.
Visakhapatnam, 07-12-2025: Following a commanding series victory over South Africa, celebrated cricketer Virat Kohli was seen offering prayers at a temple in Visakhapatnam. The star batsman's visit has drawn significant attention, coming on the heels of his exceptional performance in the recent One Day International (ODI) series. The event, Virat Kohli Visits Simhachalam Temple After India ODI Series Win, saw the player engaging in traditional rituals alongside his family.
The temple visited by the cricketer was identified as the historic Simhachalam Temple, also known as Simhachalam Devasthanam, a prominent place of worship in Visakhapatnam, or Vizag. According to reports, Virat Kohli was accompanied by his family during this visit, where he took blessings and performed traditional ceremonies after the conclusion of the cricket series.
The visit followed India's strong 2-1 series win over South Africa in the ODI series. Virat Kohli was instrumental in this victory, delivering what many have described as a stellar performance that saw him rediscover his form. His outstanding contributions with the bat were a key factor in the team's success and earned him high praise from fans and critics alike.
Throughout the series, Virat Kohli demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. His performance highlights include:
- Scoring a total of 302 runs across the series.
- Smashing two centuries and one fifty.
- Being named the "Man of the Series" or "Player of the Series" for his crucial role.
This remarkable comeback and his subsequent spiritual visit have been widely covered, with images and videos of him at the temple circulating online.
After leading his team to a significant win, Virat Kohli chose to spend time at the Simhachalam Temple in a display of faith. Sources confirmed he was there to offer prayers and seek blessings. The visit is seen by many as a moment of thanksgiving for his rediscovered form and the team's successful campaign against South Africa. His decision to visit with his family underscored the personal significance of the occasion for the celebrated athlete.
New Delhi – In a significant gesture of cultural diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a Russian translation of the Bhagavad Gita to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The exchange took place on Thursday evening, December 4, 2025, at the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi.
A Symbolic Welcome in Delhi
President Putin arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day state visit to attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Breaking usual protocol, Prime Minister Modi personally welcomed the Russian President at the Palam Airport. In a show of close friendship, the two leaders traveled together in the same car to the Prime Minister’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, for a private dinner.It was during this meeting that PM Modi gifted the sacred text. Sharing a picture of the moment on social media, PM Modi wrote:
👉 "Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world."
Why This Gift Matters
The gift is seen as more than just a formal exchange. It highlights the deep cultural connection between India and Russia. The specific version gifted is the Russian translation of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, published by ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).This holds special historical importance. In 2011, a lower court in the Siberian city of Tomsk had heard a case seeking to ban this specific Russian translation, alleging it was "extremist." The case caused concern in the Indian Parliament at the time. However, the Russian courts eventually rejected the ban, allowing the text to remain available. By gifting this very book, PM Modi has subtly reaffirmed the value of Indian culture and religious freedom, while celebrating the text's acceptance in Russia.
President Putin's visit will continue on Friday with formal delegation-level talks. The two leaders are expected to discuss important agreements on defense, nuclear energy, and trade.
The decision follows concerns raised by the mobile phone industry regarding technical feasibility and user choice, shifting the focus to voluntary promotion.
New Delhi – The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has withdrawn its directive that made it mandatory for mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi application on all new smartphones sold in India. The move marks a significant policy reversal after industry bodies raised substantial concerns about the rule's feasibility and its impact on consumer choice.
The Sanchar Saathi portal, launched in May 2023, is a citizen-centric initiative by the government aimed at enhancing mobile security. It empowers users to block and trace lost or stolen mobile phones, check the authenticity of a device before purchase, and view and manage all mobile connections registered in their name. To boost its adoption, the government had initially mandated its pre-installation on devices, a move intended to make these security features readily accessible to every user from the moment they unbox their new phone.
However, the directive was met with strong opposition from the mobile manufacturing industry, led by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents major players like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi. The ICEA argued that the mandate posed significant technical and logistical challenges. They highlighted that forcing a single app into the complex, globally integrated software and supply chain ecosystem would be disruptive and time-consuming. Manufacturers pointed out that such a country-specific requirement would complicate production lines and could delay the launch of new models in the Indian market.
Furthermore, the industry raised valid points about user freedom and the issue of 'bloatware'. Forcing the app on every device, they contended, would limit a consumer's right to choose the applications they want on their personal devices. Pre-installing apps that a user might not need or want contributes to unnecessary clutter and consumes valuable storage space.
Acknowledging the feedback, the government has now opted for a more collaborative approach. Instead of a mandate, the DoT will work with manufacturers and industry stakeholders to promote the Sanchar Saathi app and encourage voluntary downloads. The new strategy will likely involve awareness campaigns, placing QR codes on smartphone packaging that link to the app, and making it easily discoverable on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
For consumers, this decision means they retain control over their device's software. They can still access the full suite of powerful features offered by Sanchar Saathi by simply downloading the application at their convenience. The core services of the portal remain fully functional, ensuring that the goal of enhancing citizen safety and curbing mobile phone theft is still actively pursued, albeit through promotion rather than compulsion.
This policy shift underscores a balanced approach, where the government's objective of national security and consumer protection is pursued in harmony with industry feasibility and the fundamental principles of user choice in a competitive digital market.


