HAL and DIAT Partnership for aerospace innovation

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pune-based Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia. The partnership aims to promote research, skill development and innovation in aerospace technology. HAL Management Academy (HMA), HAL’s flagship training institution, will play a key role in this collaboration, enabling HAL executives to gain exposure to higher education, research and training in cutting-edge aerospace technologies.

Highlights of the HAL-DIAT collaboration agreement:

Higher education opportunities – HAL executives will be able to pursue Masters and PhD programmes at DIAT.

Specialised training programmes – HAL personnel will be provided focused training on innovative aerospace technologies.

Faculty and student exchange programmes – Knowledge-sharing programmes will be organised between HAL and DIAT.

Joint conferences and seminars – Industry-focused academic events will be conducted.

Joint Research Projects – HAL and DIAT will work together on strategic research and development (R&D) projects.

Objective of Partnership:

To promote synergy between aerospace industry and academia.

Advancing R&D in defence and aviation sector.

Empowering innovative technologies and skill development.

Impact of Collaboration:

Strengthening Defence Sector – Empowering aviation and defence technology under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Enhancing Global Competitiveness – To propel India towards global leadership in aerospace and defence innovation.

Fostering Aerospace Innovation – Empowering India’s aerospace research ecosystem with new technologies.

Skill Development – ​​To prepare a generation of new talented professionals with advanced aerospace engineering knowledge.

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India’s First Wildlife Biobank

India has taken a significant step in wildlife conservation by establishing the country’s first zoo-based biobank at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP) in Darjeeling, West Bengal. The facility became functional in July 2024 and aims to preserve genetic material (DNA, cells and tissues) of endangered species. Along with this, the zoo has also started an animal museum, which will further strengthen wildlife conservation and research. The project is being operated in collaboration with the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

New Animal Museum

Apart from the biobank, PNHZP has also started a modern pathology laboratory and skeletal museum, which will strengthen conservation and educational efforts.

Pathology Laboratory: This laboratory will enable advanced medical testing and disease diagnosis, improving health management of zoo animals. It will be helpful in early detection of wildlife diseases and genetic disorders.

Skeletal Museum: This museum preserves skeletons of endangered species, providing information about their anatomy and evolutionary history. This museum will be an important educational resource for researchers, students and visitors.

The animal museum was inaugurated by West Bengal Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda on 23 December 2024.

Why is the biobank important?

The biobank set up at PNHZP will act as a ‘frozen zoo’ where DNA, cell and tissue samples obtained from endangered species will be cryogenically preserved in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. This method will be useful for scientific research, breeding programmes and future species revival efforts.

As of February 2025, the biobank has collected genetic samples of more than 60 animals from 23 species, including those at the highest risk of extinction. The goal of this long-term genetic repository is to aid scientists in conserving wildlife and preventing biodiversity loss. The initiative is being expanded nationally, with Delhi’s National Zoological Park and Odisha’s Nandankanan Zoological Park also planning to set up similar biobanks in the future.

Contribution of Darjeeling Zoo to Wildlife Conservation

Established on 14 August 1958, PNHZP has been a pioneer in the conservation of high-altitude species of the Himalayan region. It has successfully conducted captive breeding programmes for endangered species such as the red panda, snow leopard and Himalayan wolf.

Between 2022 and 2024, the zoo reintroduced 9 red pandas into the wild in Singalila National Park, with the positive outcome of 5 of these pandas being born into the natural environment. This achievement has been nominated for the 2024 World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Awards.

Future Prospects

The biobank and animal museum set up at PNHZP is a revolutionary initiative in India’s wildlife conservation strategy. It will conserve biodiversity as well as provide vital resources for scientific research.

In the coming years, this biobank can also play an important role in the revival of species on the verge of extinction. Amidst the rapidly changing climate and environmental threats, such genetic conservation projects can give greater importance to wildlife conservation efforts. will make the world impactful and sustainable.

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International Art Exhibition in Hyderabad

Art lovers in Hyderabad are in for a unique visual experience as Shrishti Art Gallery and Goethe-Zentrum Hyderabad come together to present an international art exhibition “Topographies of Tents, Terracotta and Time”. This unique cultural exhibition will showcase works of renowned national and international artists, exploring deep themes such as identity, displacement and transformation.

A unique artistic experience

This exhibition will bring together various artistic styles and approaches to provide a thought-provoking experience. Curated by Matthew Patridge, the exhibition features works by three eminent artists:

Arnaldo Drais Gonzalez (Venezuela/Germany)

Sudhakar Chippa (India)

Sven Kellert (Germany)

These artists incorporate diverse materials, styles and interpretations reflecting their personal journeys and social themes. The exhibition will highlight that the relationship between place and identity is constantly changing.

Artists’ Distinctive Styles

Arnaldo Drais Gonzalez – Exploring Migration and Impermanence

Venezuelan-German artist Arnaldo Drais Gonzalez’s work focuses on themes of migration, impermanence and identity. He reuses discarded materials to create luminous structures that symbolize movement and the fluid nature of existence. His temporary shelters reflect the spirit of the fragmented homes of displaced individuals, making a profound impact on social and political realities.

Sudhakar Chippa – Combining Tradition and Urban Expanse

Indian artist Sudhakar Chippa uses traditional terracotta material and transforms it into floating geometric structures that reflect the rapid expansion of the urban landscape. His art challenges the traditional concept of terracotta and makes it a symbol of modernity, urbanization and environmental change.

Sven Kellert – Combining Art, Architecture and Nature

German artist and architect Sven Kellert experiments with fluid acrylic forms, allowing his works to evolve in accordance with time and natural processes. Their art bridges the gap between architecture and fine art, reflecting organic movement and environmental influences.

Joint Art Journey – Residence Program at Banyan Hearts Open Studio

This artistic collaboration developed during the residency program at Banyan Hearts Open Studio:

Gonzalez and Calhert drew deep inspiration by immersing themselves in the rich traditions, landscapes, and materials of Hyderabad.

Chippa provided insight into the regional art scene as a local artist, leading to a meaningful cultural exchange.

Their experiences were documented through photographs, videos, and interviews, giving the exhibition a narrative form.

Exhibition Details – Date, Location, and Time

Important information for those who wish to experience this unique art confluence:

Opening Date: 23 February 2025

Exhibition Days: Tuesday to Sunday

Timings: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

Venue: Shrishti Art Gallery, #267, Road No. 15, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad-33

The vision of curator Matthew Patridge

The exhibition curator Matthew Patridge, a renowned artist, writer and musician from Hamburg, has designed it specifically to:

He is known for promoting inter-cultural artistic collaborations.

He is the co-founder of an artist collective house called “Westwerk” in Hamburg, Germany.

Having a background in Literature and Philosophy at Cambridge University, his curation style is experimental and dynamic.

Srishti Art Gallery – A leading hub for contemporary art

Srishti Art Gallery has been at the forefront of Indian contemporary art for the past 25 years, having staged over 200 exhibitions.

The gallery:

Encourages dialogue between international and Indian artists.

Promotes experimental and contemporary art.

Provides a strong platform for artists exploring global and local themes.

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Shaktikant Das appointed as Principal Secretary-2 to PM Modi

The Government of India has appointed retired IAS officer and former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das as Principal Secretary-2 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Das is the first Principal Secretary to have extensive experience in both financial and monetary policy. At a time when the Indian economy is facing challenges such as trade war, rupee volatility and economic slowdown, his appointment is considered extremely important. His tenure will end with the tenure of the Prime Minister or continue till further orders.

Key points of appointment

Appointed as Principal Secretary-2 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

His tenure will last till the tenure of the Prime Minister or till further orders.

Former Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) (December 2018 – December 2024).

Held several important positions in the Ministry of Finance:

Revenue Secretary

Secretary of Economic Affairs

Fertilizer Secretary

1980 batch Tamil Nadu cadre IAS officer.

Played an important role in major decisions related to financial and monetary policy.

Significance of the appointment

When the Indian economy is facing several challenges:

The trade war waged by the US.

Rupee volatility.

The overall economic slowdown.

His Extensive expertise will help maintain a balance between the government's growth goals and inflation control.

Key achievements as RBI Governor

Maintained financial stability, especially during crises like:

IL&FS crisis and its impact on non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

Russia-Ukraine war and the inflation it caused.

Key policy decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Repo rate cut by 125 basis points.

Announcement of loan moratorium and loan restructuring package.

Improved banking sector stability:

Gross non-performing assets (GNPA) were brought down from 10.8% in 2018 to 2.8% in 2024.

Handled tense issues between the government and the RBI:

Transfer of surplus funds of Rs 1.76 lakh crore in 2019.

Role in enhancing liquidity and implementing loan restructuring policies.

Contribution in major economic reforms

Demonetisation (2016): Led the remonetisation process.

Budget making: Was an important part of the team preparing the Union Budget.

Also served as 15th Finance Commission and G20 Sherpa (2017).

The appointment of Shaktikant Das is being considered an important step towards strengthening the economy and efficiently implementing the policies of the government.

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Virat Kohli breaks Tendulkar's record - 14,000 runs

Virat Kohli has once again inscribed his name in golden letters in the history of cricket. He achieved the distinction of becoming the fastest batsman to complete 14,000 runs in ODI cricket. Kohli achieved this feat in just 287 innings, leaving behind Sachin Tendulkar (350 innings) and Kumar Sangakkara (378 innings). This historic moment came during the Champions Trophy 2025 match between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where Kohli scored an unbeaten 100 (his 51st ODI century) to guide India to victory.

Kohli's consistent performance and his prowess in chasing targets have made him a record-breaker in ODI cricket. He has been the fastest to reach every 1,000-run milestone since completing 8,000 runs in 2017, proving his supremacy in the ODI format.

Virat Kohli's Achievements

Fastest to 14,000 ODI runs (by innings)

287 innings – Virat Kohli (2025)

350 innings – Sachin Tendulkar

378 innings – Kumar Sangakkara

Kohli achieved this record 63 innings before Tendulkar and 91 innings before Sangakkara.

Milestone Match

India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Runs needed: Just 15 runs to reach 14,000 runs

Final Score: 100 runs (51st ODI century, hit the winning run)*

India's Victory: Chasing a target of 242 runs, won by 6 wickets

Comparison in reaching milestones

Kohli's record for fastest 1,000 runs

Runs                Innings            Year

8,000               175                   2017

9,000                194                  2017

10,000              205                 2018

11,000              222                 2019

12,000               242                 2020

13,000                277                 2023

14,000                 287                2025

Kohli's dominance in ODI cricket

Third highest run scorer

Virat Kohli: 14,085 runs*

Kumar Sangakkara: 14,234 runs

Sachin Tendulkar: 18,426 runs

Most ODI centuries - 51 (broke Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 centuries in 2023 ODI World Cup).

Third batsman to complete 14,000 ODI runs - (after Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara).

Most catches for India in ODIs (158 catches).

Close to 300 ODIs - Will become the 7th Indian to complete 300 ODIs when he plays the next match.

Fastest 1,000 run progression - Completed 13,000 to 14,000 runs in just 10 innings.

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