Donald Trump took the oath of office on 20th January as the 47th president of the United States, bringing with him broad pledges to transform the country. Trump overcame a turbulent four years, involving impeachments, indictments, and assassination attempts, to return to the White House, marking a historic milestone. The ceremony was performed indoors at the Capitol Rotunda because of the cold weather.

For a returning president who feels empowered and validated by his historic political resurgence, it was an assertive beginning. Trump has another opportunity to usher in what he referred to as “a golden age” for the nation, four years after he was voted out of the White House.

Trump’s inauguration, which had both a formal ceremony and free-flowing speech, served as a reminder that he can only maintain solemnity for so long before veering off course with a mix of anger and humor. Trump dodged reporters’ questions for almost an hour before departing the White House for an evening of inaugural festivities.

Trump stated that the nation was experiencing a “crisis of trust” in his inauguration speech and promised to restore safety, justice, and sovereignty. Additionally, he evaluated a number of executive actions intended to address topics like diversity initiatives, energy policy, and immigration in the federal government right away.

Trump made it clear early on that he intended to move swiftly and forcefully while in office. In addition to cracking down on illegal crossings and possibly reintroducing the “Remain in Mexico” policy, he is expected to sign a slew of executive actions aimed at immigration and border security.

His other aims include blocking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities within government agencies and accelerating fossil fuel development by reversing climate policies from the Biden administration. It is anticipated that an order requiring federal agencies to halt practices that offer preference based on race, gender, and sexual orientation will dismantle these DEI programs, which conservatives have long condemned.

Trump’s “America First” foreign policy, which prioritizes national sovereignty, will be rekindled upon his return to office. “Make America great again,” he vows.

One of the numerous executive orders that are anticipated to be issued on his first day in office is probably going to eliminate the effective ban on TikTok, the social media platform that is controlled by Chinese people.

Trump has previously adopted a tough posture toward China, but as both countries negotiate a more volatile geopolitical landscape, his administration‘s relationship with the nation will be crucial.

He pardoned almost 1,500 individuals charged with the Jan. 6 attack, even if they had been found guilty of attacking police officers, as his first move after taking office. Trump also commuted the sentences of 14 additional individuals, including Oath Keepers leaders and the Proud Boys.

Trump has also stated that he will give immigration reform and border security top priority. Among the most contentious actions will be a fresh attempt to impose a state of national emergency along the southern border and a constitutionally dubious attempt to terminate birthright citizenship.

Together with legislative initiatives from the Republican-controlled Congress, these actions imply that Trump’s government will quickly reverse policies put in place under Biden’s administration and step up his prior plan to tighten security and restrict immigration.

Trump’s second term is expected to be characterized by forceful executive actions, conservative-driven policies, and an emphasis on reversing the legacy of the previous administration, now that his electoral comeback is complete. As Democrats struggle with how to cooperate or fight a revitalized Trump White House, the political landscape is poised to become extremely polarized.

PM Narendra Modi congratulated on X and wrote, “Congratulations my dear friend President @realDonaldTrump on your historic inauguration as the 47th President of the United States! I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a successful term ahead!“

Team India made athletic history by winning the first Kho Kho World Cup 2025 title in a spectacular display of speed, talent, and strategy at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on a lovely Sunday night.

India’s men’s and women’s teams won the first Kho Kho World Cup on Sunday at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, marking a historic occasion in sports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the two wins and said it was a great day for Indian sports and a significant boost for one of the nation’s oldest traditional activities.

In the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, the Indian women’s team defeated Nepal 78–40 in a decisive match to win the title. The women’s team’s triumphs included decisive wins in the group stages against South Korea, Iran, and Malaysia, as well as victory against Bangladesh in the quarterfinals and South Africa in the semi-finals.

Thanks to strong efforts from tournament star Ramji Kashyap and skipper Pratik Waikar, the Men in Blue easily defeated Nepal 54-36 in the final. They were added to the women’s team, who won a decisive 78-40 victory over Nepal in another outstanding final.

The Indian men’s team had an incredible road to the championship. India’s resounding wins over Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan in the group rounds set the stage for their dominance throughout the competition. They maintained their momentum throughout the knockout stages, defeating a formidable South African team in the semifinals and outperforming Bangladesh in the quarterfinals.

In spite of frequent touches from players like Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, the team maintained a 26–18 lead going into the second half of the match thanks to Aditya Ganpule and captain Pratik Waikar.

First to attack, Ramji Kashyap’s spectacular skydive won Suraj Pujara of Nepal. India got off to a fantastic start with 10 points in only 4 minutes when Suyash Gargate touched Bharat Sahu. The Men in Blue were known for their skill in skydiving, which gave them a strong start in Turn 1 and kept their opponents from making the Dream Run. The Indians had a terrific start as the score at the end of the turn was 26-0 in their favor.

Nepal made a valiant effort to rally against Team India in Turn 4. However, the defenders, who were once more headed by Pratik Waikar and Sachin Bhargo, also affectionately known as Chingari, proved to be too formidable. With equally outstanding performances from Mehul and Suman Barman, Team India won a well-earned championship in the end, winning 54-36.

“Today’s a great day for Indian Kho Kho. Incredibly proud of Indian Men’s Kho Kho team for winning the Kho Kho World Cup title. Their grit and dedication is commendable. This win will contribute to further popularising Kho Kho among the youth,” PM Modi wrote on X.

In addition, the Prime Minister praised the Indian women’s team for their historic victory, stating, “Congratulations to the Indian women’s team on winning the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup! This victory, driven by their unparalleled skill, determination, and teamwork, will inspire countless young athletes across the nation.“

The implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, which would update the salaries of about 50 lakh central government employees and the benefits of 65 lakh pensioners, was approved by the Union Cabinet on Thursday.

A committee will be established by the central government to implement the 8th Pay Commission for government employees and pensioners, which might have a positive impact on millions of people. The Narendra Modi-led administration began implementing the 7th Pay Commission’s recommendations in January 2016; they would expire on December 31, 2025.

The timeline indicates that the 8th Pay Commission will take effect on January 1, 2026. As with previous commissions, salary adjustments are anticipated, including adjustments to retirees’ Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR).

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister of information and broadcasting, stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the decision to establish the 8th Pay Commission.

Although he acknowledged that the 8th Pay Commission for Central Government employees has been approved, the precise date of its establishment has not yet been disclosed. The minister declared, “The 8th Central Pay Commission for central government employees has been approved by the Prime Minister.” Vaishnaw stated that the Commission’s chairman and two members would be named shortly.

Seven Pay Commissions have been established since 1947; the most recent one was established in 2014 and went into effect on January 1, 2016. For the fiscal year 2016–17, the 7th pay commission’s expenditures increased by Rs 1 lakh crore.

What is 8th Pay Commission?
The Indian government established a Pay Commission to determine the pay and benefits of Central Government employees as well as pensioner allowances. The 8th Pay Commission will suggest changes to the beneficiaries’ pension and wage plans, which will raise their pay and benefits.

There are over 50 lakh central government employees and nearly 65 lakh pensioners, news agency PTI reported.

According to Ashwini Vaishnaw, starting the procedure now guarantees enough time to receive and analyze recommendations prior to the 7th Pay Commission’s completion, since its term ends in December 2025. He added that the establishment of the new Pay Commission in 2025 would guarantee that its recommendations are implemented well in advance of the seventh pay panel’s term ending.

When the pay commission’s recommendations are put into practice, government workers’ quality of life improves along with economic growth and consumption. The central government typically conducts a pay commission to update staff compensation every ten years.

India has accomplished a significant milestone by becoming the fourth nation to successfully complete space docking. This incredible accomplishment was made by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Thursday morning during the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX).

ISRO verified the successful docking at ten in the morning. The spacecraft’s hold point was lowered from 15 meters to 3 meters. Accurately starting the docking process was followed by rigidization and smooth retraction. India is currently one of the Elite countries with this cutting-edge space technology.

The Indian satellites were able to dock in space and move at a speed of 10 millimeters per second thanks to the Bhartiya Docking System. The satellites were 475 kilometers away from Earth. For next missions like Chandrayaan-4 and India’s planned space station, this accomplishment is essential.

What is the SpaDeX mission?
The PSLV-C60 rocket, which is intended to launch two tiny spacecraft into low-Earth orbit, will carry the SpaDeX mission. This mission’s main goal is to demonstrate key technologies for the rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two spacecraft: the Target (SDX02) and the Chaser (SDX01).

PM Narendra Modi, who was elected to a third term in June of last year, has attempted to establish India’s position on the international scene, which has expedited India’s space ambitions.

India is now a member of the Elite Group. The only other nations that have created and tested the docking capability are China, Russia, and the United States. India is now competing in the space docking arena with three other nations.

Russia: The Soyuz and Salyut spacecraft successfully docked for the first time in 1969, making Russia the pioneer in space docking. Russia’s developments keep pushing the limits of space technology.

United States: When two Gemini spacecraft docked in 1966, the United States achieved space docking. Since then, the Space Shuttle program and missions like Apollo-Soyuz have helped the United States expand its capabilities.

China: When the Tiangong-1 space station docked with the Shenzhou-8 spacecraft in 2011, China became a member of the space docking club. Since then, China has advanced this technology significantly.

In addition to being a historic event, this docking achievement enhances India’s standing in space exploration and technology.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) stated on X, “Spacecraft docking successfully completed! A historic moment.”

President of India Droupadi Murmu said on X, ” India’s space programme achieves historic milestone with the successful docking of the two satellites launched under Space Docking Experiment, SpaDeX! India is the fourth nation to have demonstrated space docking capability. This achievement paves the way for India’s future endeavours in space exploration such as Chandrayaan-4, India’s planned space station and Gaganyaan. Congratulations to ISRO and the entire scientists and engineers communities of the country for boosting India’s space capabilities.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X, “Congratulations to our scientists at ISRO and the entire space fraternity for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites. It is a significant stepping stone for India’s ambitious space missions in the years to come.”

The nation also plans to send its first orbital expedition to Venus in 2028 and construct its own space station, known as the “Bharatiya Antariksha Station,” by 2035. As part of its ongoing lunar Chandarayaan mission, it also intends to return moon samples in 2027.

On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025 to the Lok Sabha. Experts stated on Tuesday that the Union Budget 2025 must include revolutionary policies that boost manufacturing, innovation, and export competitiveness in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

Leaders in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors have expressed their expectations for revolutionary policies that will address systemic issues, promote innovation, and guarantee that everyone has access to high-quality treatment as India gets ready for the Union Budget FY25–26.

Experts agree that in order to build a strong, sustainable healthcare ecosystem, more funding, tax changes, and legislative efforts are necessary, especially since the industry is still recuperating from the pandemic’s effects.

The industry now anticipates policies that further coincide with India’s goal of becoming a $130 billion pharmaceutical market by 2030, even though past budgets set a solid basis with programs like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and an increased focus on R&D.

“This year’s expectations revolve around incentivising research, streamlining taxation frameworks, and fostering regulatory ease to bolster the sector’s growth and resilience in an evolving global landscape,” said Garima Malhotra, Associate Partner, Healthcare and Lifesciences at Praxis Global Alliance.

Pankaj Tandon, Promoter, Founder & CFO of VitusCare stated, “Strengthening health insurance coverage, particularly for life-sustaining treatments such as dialysis, will be instrumental in reducing the financial burden on patients and their families.”

The sector also anticipates that long-term financing options, such as tax breaks, longer loan payback terms, public-private partnerships, and the creation of special innovation zones, will be given top priority. In order to create a robust, inclusive healthcare system, the experts also emphasized the necessity of strategic reforms in the life sciences and healthcare. This includes important steps to expedite R&D incentives, simplify regulatory processes, and implement laws that will make it easier to import reconditioned medical equipment.

“Expanding import duty exemptions on life-saving drugs and oncology treatments will significantly reduce costs and enhance access. A commitment to increase public health spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2025, alongside investments in rural healthcare infrastructure and a unified GST framework, will improve affordability across the system,” said Munira Loliwala, VP- Strategy and Growth, TeamLease Digital.

Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of Population Foundation of India said, “The Union Budget 2025-26 is an opportunity to align national priorities with India’s evolving demographic realities. By investing in the health and education of youth, advancing gender equality and male engagement, and preparing for an ageing population, India can lay the foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.”

Avinandan Choudhary, Founder and CEO of Formis Health mentioned, “A GST rebate for quick-commerce delivery of medicines could make healthcare essentials more affordable.”