🚀 Himalayan Seeds from Ladakh Sent to ISS by NASA Crew-11 Mission
Two rare seeds — Sea Buckthorn and Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat from Ladakh — are on their way to the International Space Station (ISS) via NASA’s Crew-11 mission. These plants, known for their high nutritional and medicinal value, will be studied in microgravity to understand their growth patterns in space. Such experiments could pave the way for sustainable space farming, crucial for future deep-space missions to the Moon and Mars.
🥇 Nigerian Scientist Wins First Global M.S. Swaminathan Prize for Food and Peace
Dr. Ademola Adenle, a Nigerian scientist, has been awarded the inaugural Global M.S. Swaminathan Prize for his contributions to food security, sustainable agriculture, and conflict resolution. The award honors the legacy of M.S. Swaminathan, the father of India’s Green Revolution, and aims to highlight the link between agricultural innovation and global peace.
📚 India Named Guest of Honour at Bogotá International Book Fair 2026
Colombia has announced India as the Guest of Honour for the 38th Bogotá International Book Fair in 2026. This prestigious recognition will allow India to showcase its literature, culture, and publishing industry to a global audience. The event attracts over 500,000 visitors annually and is one of the largest literary gatherings in Latin America.
🏛 Former IAS S. Radha Chauhan Appointed Chairperson of Capacity Building Commission
Retired IAS officer S. Radha Chauhan has been appointed the new Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) — a key institution under the Mission Karmayogi framework. The CBC focuses on improving training and skill development across India’s civil services for better governance delivery.
🌊 IIT Delhi & IIT Gandhinagar Develop District Flood Severity Index
A joint initiative by IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar has resulted in the launch of a District Flood Severity Index. This tool uses rainfall, river flow, and historical flood data to assess the vulnerability of districts to flooding. It aims to improve disaster preparedness and aid policymakers in prioritizing mitigation efforts.
🔬 NIT Calicut Becomes India’s First I-STEM Catalyst Centre
National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut has been designated as India’s first I-STEM Catalyst Centre under the Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering Facilities Map program. This status allows the institute to provide advanced scientific equipment access to researchers and startups across the country, boosting innovation and R&D capabilities.
đźš— Tata AutoComp to Acquire Slovakia-based IAC Group
Tata AutoComp Systems has announced plans to acquire International Automotive Components (IAC) Group in Slovakia, a leading supplier of automotive interiors. This acquisition strengthens Tata’s global manufacturing footprint and positions it to serve international automotive markets more competitively.
