Randhir Singh to vacate Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) presidency; Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani set to succeed.
[Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)]
Key Updates:
- Randhir Singh became the first Indian elected as Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president in September 2024 for a four-year term until 2028.
- His presidency will end prematurely on 26 January 2026 after around 17 months due to ill-health, with a new election scheduled during the OCA General Assembly in Tashkent.
- Qatar Olympic Committee president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani is the lone candidate and will be elected as the new OCA chief on 26 January 2026.
- Randhir Singh, 79, had served as OCA acting president since 2021 before formally taking office in 2024.
- He previously served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 1987 to 2012 and was an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member from 2001 to 2014.
Similar Coverage
- The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) notified the 'National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026' on 'January 13, 2026,' under the 'National Sports Governance Act, 2025.'
- The rules provide a framework for 'National Sports Bodies and Regional Sports Federations' regarding the inclusion of sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs), composition of the general body and executive committee, election procedures, and disqualification criteria.
- The rules mandate the inclusion of at least four sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs) in the General Bodies of National Sports Bodies, with fifty per cent of women SOMs in the General Body.
- To ensure the representation of at least four women in the Executive Committee, the rules provide that every National Sports Body may reserve specific posts for women in the Executive Committee, through its bye-laws.
- Sportspersons applying as SOMs should not be less than twenty-five years of age, must have retired from active sports, and should not have participated in competitive events for at least one year prior to the date of application.
- A 'tiered criteria' featuring '10 tiers' has been prescribed for SOMs, ranging from medalists in the 'Summer Olympic Games, Paralympic Games or Winter Olympic Games' to those who won a medal in the National Games or a National Championship.
- The rules specify that the roster of the National Sports Election Panel shall at all times contain at least twenty members who satisfy statutory qualifications.
- The fee for the electoral officer is subject to a maximum amount of Rs. 5 lakh, with additional fees permitted for a mutually agreed assistant.
- The rules require that every National Sports Body shall amend its bye-laws in conformity with the provisions of the act, within a period of six months.
- The Central Government is authorized to relax the provisions of the Rules for a period of twelve months upon receiving an application from a National Sports Body, provided reasons are recorded in writing.
- Inderjit Singh Bindra died at the age of 84.
- He served as president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from 1993 to 1996.
- Bindra was president of the Punjab Cricket Association from 1978 to 2014.
- The PCA stadium was renamed IS Bindra Stadium in 2015 to honour his administrative work.
- He played a key role in organising the 1987 Reliance Cup, the first World Cup held outside England.
- In 1994 he approached the Supreme Court of India to break Doordarshan’s monopoly on cricket broadcasting.
- The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has launched the National Olympic Education and Development Programme (NOEDP) and formally revived the National Olympic Academy (NOA).
- PT Usha, IOA chief, was confirmed as president of the National Olympic Academy.
- Olympic medallist and IOA vice president Gagan Narang was appointed director of the academy.
- Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo started his first full four-year term as president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).
- Pawan Singh was elected as the new secretary general of the NRAI.
- Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo succeeded former president Raninder Singh, who completed his three terms in office.
- Amit Sanghi was elected as the senior vice president of the NRAI.
- Kanwar Sultan Singh and Sushma Singh were elected as vice presidents of the NRAI.
- Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang, Kunti Malik, Zorawar Singh Sandhu, and Elavenil Valarivan are the four sportspersons in the executive committee of the NRAI.
Adani Aerospace & Defence and Embraer sign MoU to assemble regional jets in India under Make in India
[Adani Aerospace & Defence, Embraer]
Key Updates:
- Adani Aerospace & Defence and Brazil’s Embraer signed an MoU to assemble Embraer regional jets in India.
- The MoU was announced at an event attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
- Facility location and final partnership structure are still being finalised.
- Embraer is the world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer after Airbus and Boeing.
- The collaboration targets a full regional transport aircraft ecosystem including manufacturing, supply chains, MRO and pilot training.
- Embraer currently operates around 50 aircraft across 11 variants in India for the Indian Air Force, government agencies and Star Air.
- Embraer forecasts India will need at least 500 aircraft in the 80–140 seat category over the next 20 years.
- Embraer will showcase E195-E2 and E175 at Wings India 2026 starting 28 January.
Similar Coverage
- Wings India 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad from 28-31 January 2026.
- The event is formally launched by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu.
- The theme is 'Indian Aviation: Paving the Future - From Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation and Safety to Sustainability'.
- The event features 13 thematic sessions, over 150 exhibitors, 7,500 business visitors, one lakh general visitors, more than 200 foreign delegates, over 500 B2B and B2G meetings, and aircraft displays exceeding 31 aircraft.
- Confirmed participants include Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, HAL, Dassault, Bell Textron, ATR, Pilatus, De Havilland, RTX, Rolls-Royce, United Aircraft Corporation, CSIR-NAL, GMR, Adani, Noida International Airport, Etihad Airways, Thai Airways, Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air.
- Air shows include performances by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force and the Mark Jefferies Aerobatic Team.
- The aerospace division of Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) has secured contracts of around Rs 300 crore under the ongoing Emergency Procurement – VI framework of the government.
- The contracts cover a range of indigenous unmanned systems, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and loitering munitions for the Indian Army and Indian Navy.
- The contracted platforms, namely Omega One, Omega Nine, Bayonet, and Cleaver, are developed to meet urgent operational requirements across diverse terrains and mission profiles.
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded BFL a Rs 1,661 crore contract for the supply of over 2.55 lakh units of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines to the Indian Army.
- The cap on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in defence firms with existing licences under the automatic route is set to be raised to 74% from 49%.
- The government is dropping a condition that stipulates foreign investment beyond 74% is only allowed if it 'results in access to modern technology'.
- A requirement for fully export-oriented defence manufacturers to set up domestic maintenance and support facilities is set to be dropped to attract foreign investment.
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is asking for a 20% increase in spending in the budget for fiscal 2026/27 over the $75.36 billion allotted for the current year.
- India aims to nearly double domestic production of defence equipment to $33.25 billion and boost defence exports to $5.5 billion by 2029.
- Defence exports grew 12% year-on-year in 2024/25 to $2.6 billion - a record high as the nation seeks to reduce arms imports.
- Foreign equity inflows into the defence sector accounted for $26.5 million of total foreign inflows of $765 billion in the 25 years through September 2025.
- Foreign firms currently operating in India include France's Airbus, Lockheed Martin of the U.S. and Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
- Presently, foreign investors can only own 74% of an Indian defence business under the automatic route when the companies are seeking new licenses.
- The government sought to bolster funding following a conflict with Pakistan in May in which drones and fighter jets took centre stage.
- Indian carriers inducted 80 aircraft in calendar year 2025.
- 106 more aircraft are expected to be inducted in 2026.
- For the next 10-15 years, Indian carriers will induct about 100 aircraft annually given the orders of airlines like AI Group, IndiGo and Akasa.
- India has 843 aircraft as of now.
- Indian carriers (primarily Air India) are in double digits for wide-body aircraft, while Emirates has 250 wide bodies.
US President Donald Trump raises tariffs on South Korean imports to 25%
[United States, South Korea]
Key Updates:
- US President Donald Trump announced an increase in tariffs on South Korean imports from 15% to 25% across automobiles, lumber, pharmaceuticals and other reciprocal tariffs.
- South Korea exported goods worth about $123 billion to the US last year, with car exports accounting for about $30 billion.
- South Korea’s Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan will visit Washington to meet US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
- The October deal included South Korea’s pledge to invest $350 billion in the US, partly in shipbuilding.
- The agreement was submitted to South Korea’s National Assembly on 26 November and is likely to be passed in February.
Similar Coverage
- US import duties on South Korean products reduced from 25% to 15% under the new agreement.
- South Korea will build nuclear-powered submarines and establish new partnerships with the US in shipbuilding, AI, and the nuclear industry.
- South Korea commits to invest $350 billion in the United States, including $200 billion in cash and $150 billion for shipbuilding.
- Kim Jong Un oversaw a long-range strategic cruise missile launching drill, state media KCNA reported.
- The cruise missiles flew along their preset orbit above the sea west of the Korean Peninsula and accurately hit their targets.
- Kim described the missile test as 'just a responsible exercise' given that the country 'is facing various security threats.'
- Kim urged 'unlimited and sustained' development of the country's nuclear weapons forces.
- State media photos showed Kim inspecting a nearly completed 8,700-ton hull at a shipyard, indicating progress on North Korea's first nuclear-powered submarine.
- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is expected to seek China's cooperation on addressing Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions during his planned visit to China.
- Japan, South Korea, and the United States have conducted expanded joint air drills, including US B-52 bombers flying with Japanese fighter jets over the Sea of Japan.
- Mexico Senate passed new tariffs of up to 50% on over 1,400 products including metals, cars, clothing and appliances.
- The levies will take effect on 1 January 2026 and apply to countries without a free trade agreement with Mexico, including China, Thailand, India and Indonesia.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum stated the measures are needed to boost domestic production.
- China’s commerce ministry spokesperson said the tariffs will substantially harm the interests of trading partners including China and urged Mexico to correct its decision.
- The move comes as Mexico negotiates with the US over threatened US tariffs on Mexican steel and aluminium.
- India extended safeguard duties on select steel products until April 2028, starting at 12 per cent and tapering to 11 per cent.
- The Director General Trade Remedies (DGTR) investigation found imports of specific steel products had increased in a recent, sudden, sharp and significant manner, causing and threatening serious injury to domestic producers.
- Benchmark hot rolled coil prices corrected by more than 10 per cent to Rs 46,000 per ton in early December 2025 from a high of Rs 52,500 per ton in May 2025.
- S&P assumes average prices of Rs 48,000 per ton over the next 12 to 18 months.
- S&P projects domestic steel consumption will expand at 8 per cent annually over the next three to four years, significantly higher than the 2-3 per cent global average.
- With the levy in place, import parity increases by about Rs 6,500 per ton.
- If current prices are maintained at Rs 50,000 per ton, this could increase the aggregate earnings of select steel companies representing 50 per cent of India's total steel output by about 10 per cent.
French National Assembly approves social media ban for children below 15 years
[French National Assembly, France]
Key Updates:
- The French National Assembly passed a bill banning children below 15 years from social media by 130 votes to 21.
- The bill mandates age-verification mechanisms compliant with European Union law to enforce the ban.
- President Emmanuel Macron aims to implement the ban before the start of the next academic year in September.
- Social media platforms must deactivate non-compliant accounts by 31 December.
- The legislation extends the existing smartphone ban in junior and middle schools to high schools.
- Australia was the first country to ban children below 16 from social media platforms in December.
- The United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, and Greece are also considering similar bans.
- A 2024 Harris Interactive survey showed 73 percent of the French public supported the ban for those below 15 years.
Similar Coverage
- France will ban social media use for children under 15 starting September 2026.
- The ban also prohibits mobile phones in high schools for students aged 15 to 18.
- The draft bill has been completed and will be submitted to France’s Conseil d’État for legal review.
- The Danish government announced last month that it had secured an agreement by three governing coalition and two opposition parties in parliament to ban access to social media for anyone under the age of 15.
- The proposed measure would give some parents the right to let their children access social media from age 13, local media reported.
- Danish authorities have said that despite the restrictions, around 98% of Danish children under age 13 have profiles on at least one social media platform.
- A new 'digital evidence' app, announced by the Digital Affairs Ministry last month and expected to launch next spring, will display an age certificate to ensure users comply with social media age limits.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for users under the age of 16 starting next year.
- Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated the government is reviewing mechanisms used to impose age restrictions for social media use in Australia and other nations.
- The government hopes social media platforms will comply with the decision to bar those under the age of 16 from opening user accounts by next year.
- The ban aims to protect young people from online harms such as cyberbullying, financial scams, and child sexual abuse.
- The effects of social media on children’s health and safety have become a growing global concern.
- Companies including TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta Platforms are facing lawsuits in the United States over their role in fueling a mental health crisis.
- In Australia, social media platforms are poised to deactivate accounts registered to users under 16 next month.
- France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece are jointly testing a template for an age verification app.
- Indonesia initially planned to set a minimum age for social media users but later required tech platforms to filter negative content and impose stronger age verification measures.
- Malaysia has put social media companies under greater scrutiny due to a claimed rise in harmful content, including online gambling and posts related to race, religion, and royalty.
- Platforms and messaging services with more than 8 million users in Malaysia are now required to obtain a license under a new regulation that came into effect in January.
- Indonesia has become the first country in the world to block Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot over the risk of fake, artificial intelligence (AI) generated pornographic content.
- The Grok AI technology allowed users to alter online images to remove the subjects’ clothes, which the government termed a serious violation of human rights, dignity, and the security of citizens in the digital space.
- The social media platform X limited image generation and editing features to paying subscribers as it sought to tamp down mounting criticism over the deepfakes.
- The Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry of Indonesia summoned X officials to discuss the matter under rules that ban the sharing online of content deemed obscene.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) debuts Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) at 77th Republic Day Parade
[Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]
Key Updates:
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) for the first time at the 77th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path.
- The LR-AShM is designed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy and can engage static and moving targets within a range of around 1,500 kilometers.
- The missile follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory, starts at hypersonic speed of Mach 10, maintains an average speed of Mach 5, and uses a two-stage solid propulsion rocket motor system.
- After Stage-II burnout, the vehicle performs an unpowered glide with manoeuvres in the atmosphere, making detection by enemy radars difficult due to low-altitude, high-speed flight.
- Versions with ranges up to 3,500 kilometers are under development and the missile is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy in two to three years.
- The LR-AShM draws key components from the submarine-launched ballistic missile Sagarika (K-15) and the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile.
- DRDO successfully tested the missile on 16 November 2024 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
- DRDO also achieved a ground test run of over 12 minutes with its Actively Cooled Scramjet Full Scale Combustor earlier this month, building on a subscale test of more than 1,000 seconds conducted on 25 April last year.
- In September 2020, DRDO demonstrated hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology with the Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle flight test from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex.
Similar Coverage
- The third generation fire and forget man portable anti-tank guided missile (MPATGM) with top attack capability was flight-tested successfully against a moving target in KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar.
- The test-firing was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- The warhead is capable of defeating modern main battle tanks.
- The missile can be launched from a tripod or military vehicle launcher.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO and the industry partners for the successful test-firing of the missile.
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), a third-generation ‘fire and forget’ type of missile with top attack capability, against a moving target at the KK Ranges in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar on Sunday.
- The homegrown MPATGM consists of an Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker which tracks targets using infrared images, an all-electric control actuation system, and a tandem warhead that uses dual charges to defeat the layered armour of adversary tanks.
- The ‘Fire and forget’ type of missile refers to a weapon system that locks onto a target before launch and does not require further guidance from the operator after firing.
- Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are the Development-Cum-Production Partners (DcPP) for the weapon system.
- The missile can be launched from tripod or a Military Vehicle Launcher and features a miniaturised infrared imaging seeker and advanced avionics on board for control and guidance.
- Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) successfully ran the full-scale combustor for over 12 minutes at the Scramjet Connect Pipe Test Facility.
- The test validated the design of the actively-cooled scramjet combustor for hypersonic cruise missiles.
- Hypersonic cruise missiles exceed five times the speed of sound (over 6,100 kmph) for extended periods.
- Turkey's Kizilelma aircraft, developed by Baykar, achieved a historic milestone by accurately targeting a jet-powered drone with a Gokdogan missile.
- The test was guided by radar information during trials in the Sinop firing area.
- The Kizilelma flew with five F-15 fighter jets from Merzifon’s 5th Main Jet Base as the launched Gokdogan missile directly hit the target drone.
- Baykar conducted the pilot test on 30 November.
- Kizilelma features Aselsan's Murad Aesa radar with a Beyond Visual Range air-to-air Gokdogan missile.
- The Bayraktar Kizilelma is a single-engine, low-observable, carrier-capable aircraft developed as part of Turkish Muharip İnsansız Uçak Sistemi (MIUS) project.
- Kizilelma is equipped with low radar cross-section and advanced sensors.
- Planned variants include Kizilelma B and Kizilelma C, with the latter having a twin-engined configuration.
- It is one of the two Turkish jet-powered stealth UCAVs, along with TAI Anka-3.
- As many as 6 prototypes of the multirole stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle have been built.
United Nations (UN) releases State of Finance for Nature 2026 report
[United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)]
Key Updates:
- The United Nations (UN) released the State of Finance for Nature 2026 report on 22 January 2026.
- The report finds that for every $1 invested in protecting nature, $30 is spent on activities that destroy it.
- Global nature-negative finance flows are estimated at $7 trillion, while nature-positive finance flows amount to $200 billion.
- Environmentally harmful subsidies are concentrated in sectors including fossil fuels, agriculture, water, transport, and construction.
- The data identifies utilities, industrials, energy, and basic materials as sectors where environmental damage is particularly significant.
- The report advocates for scaling up nature-positive investments such as regenerative agriculture, sustainable forestry, and nature-based infrastructure.
Similar Coverage
- UNEP’s 2025 Adaptation Gap Report titled "Running on Empty" estimates adaptation finance needs in developing countries at "US$310 billion per year in 2035, when based on modelled costs" and up to "US$365 billion a year" based on NDC/NAP figures.
- International public adaptation finance flows to developing countries were "US$26 billion in 2023: down from US$28 billion the previous year," making needs "12-14 times as much as current flows."
- The private sector "could do more – with potential to provide around US$50 billion per year if backed by targeted policy action and blended finance solutions."
- Countries reported on "over 1,600 implemented adaptation actions, mostly on biodiversity, agriculture, water and infrastructure," indicating progress in planning and implementation.
- The report warns that "If current finance trends continue, the Glasgow Climate Pact goal of doubling international public adaptation finance from 2019 levels by 2025 will not be achieved."
- UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy 2026–2030, which defines the organisation’s global agenda on climate, biodiversity, pollution and land degradation, may be reopened for negotiation on language and scope.
- UNEP’s regular budget allocation from New York suffered a 20% reduction, largely due to the United States halting payments to the UN and similar cuts by other contributors.
- The Environment Fund, UNEP’s primary voluntary core funding source, has dropped by 11–12% after the US withdrawal of its approximate 7% contribution and reductions from other donors.
- Of 19 draft resolutions submitted for UNEA-7, four were withdrawn before negotiations began, leaving 15 technically alive but some described as 'on life support'.
- Remaining resolutions include proposals on wildfires led by India and on glacier protection, which could gain political traction if they survive the week.
- The United Nations (UN) declared 2026 as the 'International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP)' to highlight ecosystems that cover about half the world’s land.
- Through Resolution 78/127, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 2026 as the 'International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY)'.
- The United Nations (UN) declared 2026 the 'International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026)' to spotlight roles in agrifood systems.
- The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared the first-ever 'United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport' to run from 2026 to 2035.
- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported a 'historic 10% decline in freedom of expression globally between 2012 and 2024'.
- The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the 'Global Environment Outlook, Seventh Edition: A Future We Choose (GEO-7)' on 9 December 2025, involving 287 scientists from 82 countries.
- Slovenia, acting as President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for December 2025, held an open debate on 'Leadership for peace' on 15 December 2025.
- The Republic of Sierra Leone, as President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for November 2025, held a briefing on 18 November 2025 regarding 'Enhancing regional counter-terrorism cooperation in West Africa and the Sahel'.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a new safety guide titled 'Monitoring for Protection of the Public and the Environment' to help countries design radiation monitoring programmes.
- The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/79/137 proclaiming 'World Meditation Day'.
- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) launched a database compiling national laws and decrees governing meteorology and hydrology across all member nations.
- The World Bank released the 'World Development Report 2025: Standards for Development' to assess how standards accelerate economic development.
- Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) has joined the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) as an Adopter
- APSEZ pledges to begin nature-related reporting from the financial year 2026
- TNFD is a science-based global initiative founded by UNEP FI, UNDP, WWF and Global Canopy that guides companies to integrate nature-related considerations into financial and business decision-making
- APSEZ has already afforested more than 4,200 hectares of mangroves and actively conserves another 3,000 hectares, making it the largest private sector contributor to mangrove ecosystem restoration in India
- The company states this adoption strengthens its commitment to transparent and science-based environmental disclosures and builds on its ongoing ESG strategy
BAFTA Awards 2026 nominations announced on January 27, 2026
[British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)]
Key Updates:
- The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) announced the nominations for the 2026 BAFTA awards on January 27, 2026.
- The 79th BAFTA awards ceremony will be held on February 22, 2026, at London's Royal Festival Hall.
- Manipuri film 'Boong' has been nominated in the Best Children's and Family Film category.
- 'Boong' is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Excel Entertainment, the production house of Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.
- The film premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and was named the Spotlight Film at the 2025 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
- Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' leads with 14 nominations, and Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' has 13 nominations.
- Scottish actor Alan Cumming will host the 2026 BAFTA awards ceremony.
Similar Coverage
- Vietnamese film Skin Of Youth, written and directed by Ash Mayfair, emerged as the recipient of the Golden Peacock for Best Feature Film at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
- The Golden Peacock Award included a cash prize of Rs 40 lakh.
- Set in 1990s Saigon, Skin Of Youth is about San, who wants to have enough money for a sex-change operation to fulfil her dream of living in a woman's body.
- Sidharth Bharathan received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2024 black-and-white horror fantasy film 'Bramayugam'.
- The 55th Kerala State Film Awards were presented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday, 25 January 2026.
- In 'Bramayugam', Sidharth Bharathan played the cook who serves the demonic entity Chathan portrayed by Mammootty.
- Bharathan described the film as 'an epoch leap' in his understanding of acting and filmmaking.
- The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has launched the Multilingual Module on the E-Cinepramaan portal.
- This initiative is part of CBFC’s ongoing vision to digitize and simplify the film certification process for the Indian film industry.
- The module is designed to streamline and simplify certification for films intended for release in multiple Indian languages.
- Applicants can submit films in various languages through a single, unified application, significantly reducing procedural duplication.
- Each film certified for multilingual release will receive a Multilingual Certificate, clearly listing all languages in which the film has been approved.
- The entire application will be processed by one Regional Office, ensuring efficiency and uniformity.
- The 10th London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) was held on November 2 in London.
- 'Project Y,' a female-driven crime noir from director Lee Hwan, won Best Film at the 10th London East Asia Film Festival.
- The film 'Project Y' stars Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo.
- LEAFF also honored Kang Yoon-sung's 'Run to The' with the Future of Asia Cinema Award.
- The sold-out closing film 'Kokuho' by Korean-Japanese director Lee Sang-il was screened at the festival.
- Executive Director Jeon Hye-jung reflected on LEAFF's growth into a major Asian film festival in the UK.