Most favourite spritual destination, report by OYO.

Northern India has emerged as the most favoured spiritual travel destination followed by Southern, Western and Eastern regions in the country, reveals OYO Cultural Travel 2022 Roundup Report by global hospitality chain OYO.

Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi, which is also one of the oldest cities in the world, emerged as the top religious destination for bookers across India. This was followed by Tirupati, Puri, Amritsar and Haridwar, as per the report.

In the North zone, Varanasi emerged as the most popular destination due to its favored status among Hindus and Buddhists. This was followed by Prayagraj, Amritsar, Haridwar, Katra, and Rishikesh.

The cultural cities of Vijayawada, Mysore, Tirupati, Madurai and Vellore were most favored in South India. In the West zone, Shirdi received the maximum traction from travellers followed by Mahabaleshwar, Nashik, Ujjain, and Pushkar. Goa, which has always been a popular tourist spot, was the most favoured destinations in East India, along with Puri.

Indian Army Day

On April 1st, 1895, the Indian Army became a legally recognized entity. In 1949, India appointed its first Army Chief. Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa succeeded General Francis Butcher, the final British Commander-in-Chief of India, as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on January 15, 1949. The 75th Army Day in India will be observed on January 15, 2023.

The Indian army is thought to have the fourth-strongest army in the world, according to the Global Fire Power Index 2017. This rating indicates that India’s army is inferior to those of the United States, Russia, and China. Pakistan, a neighbor of India, is listed as the thirteenth on this list.


The East India Company’s forces were the ancestors of the Indian army, which later went by the name “British Indian Army” before becoming known as the National Army upon Independence.

The British established the Indian Army on April 1, 1895. Although the Indian Army was founded on April 1st, Army Day is observed in India on January 15th.

Significance of Indian Army Day

The day is observed at all Army Command Headquarters. Although preparations are being made, due to the ongoing global epidemic, the day will be observed under stringent guidelines. The soldiers of the Indian Army are honoured on this day for their selfless dedication to the country and for serving as the best possible examples of brotherhood. Salutations are given to all the brave soldiers who have given their all to protect the motherland and maintain the nation’s sovereignty.

Why is Army Day Celebrated in India?

India ultimately achieved independence from more than 200 years of British rule on August 15, 1947. Racial strife, Pakistani refugees entering, and some individuals moving there were all occurring at the time of India’s independence.

When the army had to take over to preserve peace during partition, many administrative problems had already begun to arise as a result of the chaotic situation.

At the time of India’s independence, British general Sir Francis Butcher oversaw the Indian army. As a result, it was the perfect time to give the Indians full control over the country. On January 15, 1949, Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa was appointed the first Indian Army Chief of Independent India.

Because it was such an incredible opportunity for the Indian Army, it was decided to commemorate this historic day in India every year as Army Day. Since that time, this custom has continued.

In recognition of the handover of command of the army to Indian civilians, the nation celebrates January 15 as Army Day.

Every year, army parades and other military performances are organised in all Army Command headquarters and in the nation’s capital to mark the occasion.

Every year, a parade is held at Delhi Cantonment’s Cariappa Parade Ground to commemorate Army Day. The head of the Indian Army bows before it. During the celebration of the 70th Army Day in 2018, General Bipin Rawat and General M.M. Narwane respectively saluted the Parade.

The 71st Indian Army Day will be observed on January 15, 2019, in Delhi, the nation’s capital.

A female officer led an Army group in the Army Day parade for the first time ever. Lt. Bhawana Kasturi is the first female officer to command a group of 144 male officers.

The Indian Army Chief traditionally salutes the parade each year; in 2022, that honour will go to General Manoj Mukund Naravane.

A report released by Taste Atlas, that ranks cuisine all around the world.

According to an online survey done by Taste Atlas, Indian cuisine was termed as the fifth best cuisine in the world. In the global list of best cuisines in the world for the year 2022, Italy was ranked first followed by Greece and Spain on second and third spot respectively. India ranked fifth on the ranking which is based on votes by the audience for ingredients, dishes and beverages while Japanese cuisine earned the fourth spot.

Overall, India got 4.54 points as per the TasteAtlas Awards 2022 results and the best-rated foods in India were Garam Masala, Ghee, Malai, Butter Garlic Naan, and Keema among other more than 400 items.

There are a total of 465 Indian food items on the list, including dishes, stews, drinks, snacks, flatbreads and desserts.

The website also came out with a list of 464 restaurants selling Indian cuisine. The list includes: Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (Mumbai), Karavalli (Bangalore), Bukhara (New Delhi), Dum Pukht (New Delhi), Comorin (Gurugram).

A report released by Taste Atlas, that ranks cuisine all around the world.

According to an online survey done by Taste Atlas, Indian cuisine was termed as the fifth best cuisine in the world. In the global list of best cuisines in the world for the year 2022, Italy was ranked first followed by Greece and Spain on second and third spot respectively. India ranked fifth on the ranking which is based on votes by the audience for ingredients, dishes and beverages while Japanese cuisine earned the fourth spot.

Overall, India got 4.54 points as per the TasteAtlas Awards 2022 results and the best-rated foods in India were Garam Masala, Ghee, Malai, Butter Garlic Naan, and Keema among other more than 400 items.

There are a total of 465 Indian food items on the list, including dishes, stews, drinks, snacks, flatbreads and desserts.

The website also came out with a list of 464 restaurants selling Indian cuisine. The list includes: Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (Mumbai), Karavalli (Bangalore), Bukhara (New Delhi), Dum Pukht (New Delhi), Comorin (Gurugram).

National Youth Day

India observes National Youth Day on January 12 each year to mark the centennial festivities of Swami Vivekananda, one of the greatest philosophers and religious figures of all time. Since Swami Vivekananda made significant contributions to leading the nation and society down a new and rising route, his thoughts have served as a driving force for our nation. He had a strong belief in youth’s potential and was a devoted devotee of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

Swami Vivekananda significantly influenced the modernization and inspiration of Hinduism and philosophical views. His birthday is also recognised as National Youth Day in the nation since he served as an example for young people.

Swami Vivekananda’s birthday is commemorated on National Youth Day. He was a philosopher, social reformer, and thinker. The primary goal of the festival is to spread Swami Vivekananda’s ideology and the principles for which he lived and worked. He undoubtedly served as a major inspiration for the entire Indian National Youth. Numerous events are planned in schools, colleges, and other venues across the nation.

National Youth Day: History

The Indian government originally proclaimed January 12 as National Youth Day in 1984, the year Swami Vivekananda was born. Since that time, the day is recognised nationwide as National Youth Day. The government’s major goal is to improve the future of the nation by inspiring young people to live by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda. It is a fantastic approach to harness the youth’s boundless energy and help the nation advance.

Several Indian states hold a variety of celebrations, each one distinct, to honour this day. For instance, a two-day event called “Mission Bhartiyam” and “Basti Yuvo Mahotsav” is organised in Uttar Pradesh to inform and motivate India’s youth.

In contrast, India holds a National Youth Day where people from all around the nation participate in various educational and cultural events that encourage racial harmony and peace.

In addition, the Ramakrishna Math and Mission holds a significant celebration of National Youth Day. Among other things, Swami Vivekananda’s committed followers meditate, organise spiritual events, and offer nightly prayers.

National Youth Day 2023 Activities

Yuva Diwas, also known as National Youth Day, is extensively observed across the nation. Schools provide a range of activities on that day to help pupils be ready for life in India in the future, including debate, group discussions on national issues, essay writing, and sports competitions.

Also organised are blood donor camps, in which volunteers take part. Students are motivated by these competitions to work for the nation and learn about national figures like Swami Vivekanand Ji.

Organizations like Ramakrishna Math and other missions celebrate this day by promoting Swami Vivekananda, the great saint, and his principles.

1. Show Appreciation to a Young Person

The world frequently revolves around adults, yet National Youth Day may be the ideal opportunity to express your appreciation for a young person. Show them how much you care for them and let them know how amazing it is that they are succeeding in life now and shaping the future. Give them inspiration to keep going forward by praising their positive traits.

2. Volunteer on National Youth Day

Participating in a charity that supports and assists young people in overcoming obstacles is a wonderful way to honour National Youth Day. Non-profit groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boys & Girls Club of America, YMCA, and First Place for Youth frequently want volunteers to assist with tutoring, programming, or just spending time with children that require a little extra care. Volunteer opportunities for community members may also be available at nearby schools.

3. Host a National Youth Day Event

An event in commemoration of National Youth Day can be hosted by parents, educators, and youth leaders. Perhaps hold an awards ceremony for exceptional achievements for a group of unique young people at their school. Or simply throw a little celebration with food and entertainment as a special school assembly to honour the occasion and show kids how much you care.


Which is the most favourite beach destination for Indians?see report.

A new search report from US-based vacation rental firm Airbnb reveals that for domestic travellers, Kerala is a more popular beach destination than Goa, apart from the hills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as the North-Eastern regions.

Under these categories, Airbnb saw over 375 percent increase in searches for Kerala from Q3 2021 to Q3 2022, followed by Goa (almost 275 percent increase in searches) and Pondicherry (over 200 percent increase).

The report, which compared search data from Q3 2021 to Q3 2022, also stated that hill stations of Uttarakhand witnessed over 100 percent increase in searches, while Himachal Pradesh saw over 50 percent rise in the same period.

More importantly, the North Eastern region has proved to be a trending destination among travellers. Airbnb’s search data showed an increase of over 450 percent in searches for stays in Meghalaya, over 400 percent increase in searches for Assam, and almost 300 percent increase in searches for Nagaland from Q3 2021 to Q-3 2022.

Which is the most favourite beach destination for Indians?see report.

A new search report from US-based vacation rental firm Airbnb reveals that for domestic travellers, Kerala is a more popular beach destination than Goa, apart from the hills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as the North-Eastern regions.

Under these categories, Airbnb saw over 375 percent increase in searches for Kerala from Q3 2021 to Q3 2022, followed by Goa (almost 275 percent increase in searches) and Pondicherry (over 200 percent increase).

The report, which compared search data from Q3 2021 to Q3 2022, also stated that hill stations of Uttarakhand witnessed over 100 percent increase in searches, while Himachal Pradesh saw over 50 percent rise in the same period.

More importantly, the North Eastern region has proved to be a trending destination among travellers. Airbnb’s search data showed an increase of over 450 percent in searches for stays in Meghalaya, over 400 percent increase in searches for Assam, and almost 300 percent increase in searches for Nagaland from Q3 2021 to Q-3 2022.

‘Right to repair’ portal launched to handle repair related issues among consumers.

Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday introduced a host of new initiatives, including a right to repair portal and an NTH mobile app and opened new premises of the National Consumer Helpline centre in the national capital.

On the ‘right to repair’ portal, manufacturers will share the manual of product details with customers so that they can either repair by self, by third parties, rather than depend on original manufacturers. Initially, mobile phones, electronic, consumer durables, automobile and farming equipments will be covered.

Speaking on the theme “Effective disposal of cases in consumer commission” on the occasion of National Consumer Day, Mr. Goyal lauded the consumer commissions for disposing of higher number of pending cases in last six months and expressed confidence of eliminating the backlog of cases across the country.

“In a short span of six months, we have doubled disposal of pending cases. About 90,000 pending cases were disposed (between July and November this year),” he said. About 38,000 pending cases were disposed of by consumer courts in the year-earlier period.

'Right to repair' portal launched to handle repair related issues among consumers.

Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday introduced a host of new initiatives, including a right to repair portal and an NTH mobile app and opened new premises of the National Consumer Helpline centre in the national capital.

On the ‘right to repair’ portal, manufacturers will share the manual of product details with customers so that they can either repair by self, by third parties, rather than depend on original manufacturers. Initially, mobile phones, electronic, consumer durables, automobile and farming equipments will be covered.

Speaking on the theme “Effective disposal of cases in consumer commission” on the occasion of National Consumer Day, Mr. Goyal lauded the consumer commissions for disposing of higher number of pending cases in last six months and expressed confidence of eliminating the backlog of cases across the country.

“In a short span of six months, we have doubled disposal of pending cases. About 90,000 pending cases were disposed (between July and November this year),” he said. About 38,000 pending cases were disposed of by consumer courts in the year-earlier period.

Center to introduce Bhagavad Gita in NCERT syllabus.

On Monday, 19 December, the Centre informed the Lok Sabha that the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) should include Shlokas from Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and knowledge from Vedas in textbooks in Sanskrit from classes 11th to 12th. Besides, references from Bhagavadgita should be incorporated in NCERT textbooks of classes 6th to 7th. 

Annapurna Devi, Minister of State for Education, stated in a written response that the ministry formed the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Division in the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in 2020 with the goal of promoting interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary research on all facets of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), preserving and disseminating IKS knowledge for further research and societal applications.

Minister Devi stated that NCERT has begun the development of National Curriculum Frameworks (NCF) where inputs from various ministries, departments, states, and union territories are invited from grass root levels. 

She added that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2022, paragraph 4.27, refers to Indian traditional knowledge that is both sustainable and strives for the welfare of all. She also laid emphasis on teaching the world the “Indian way of doing things.”

Center to introduce Bhagavad Gita in NCERT syllabus.

On Monday, 19 December, the Centre informed the Lok Sabha that the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) should include Shlokas from Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and knowledge from Vedas in textbooks in Sanskrit from classes 11th to 12th. Besides, references from Bhagavadgita should be incorporated in NCERT textbooks of classes 6th to 7th. 

Annapurna Devi, Minister of State for Education, stated in a written response that the ministry formed the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Division in the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in 2020 with the goal of promoting interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary research on all facets of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), preserving and disseminating IKS knowledge for further research and societal applications.

Minister Devi stated that NCERT has begun the development of National Curriculum Frameworks (NCF) where inputs from various ministries, departments, states, and union territories are invited from grass root levels. 

She added that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2022, paragraph 4.27, refers to Indian traditional knowledge that is both sustainable and strives for the welfare of all. She also laid emphasis on teaching the world the “Indian way of doing things.”

Nation to hold mock drill for covid emergency responses.

During a virtual meeting with health ministers and senior officials of states in view of the recent surge in coronavirus cases in some parts of the world, he said, “The Centre and states need to work in tandem and in a collaborative spirit as was done during the previous surges for Covid prevention and management.”

“A mock drill for an emergency response to deal with Covid 9 cases will be conducted at hospitals across the country on Tuesday, 27th December, the Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya will also be participating in the Mock drill,” official sources told ANI.The mock drill is being conducted amid fear of a Covid surge in the country in the wake of a spurt of Covid cases reported in China and other countries. The Union Ministry in India has started taking several proactive steps in this direction.

According to officials, travel guidelines have been revised and issued. 2% random screening of international passengers to be re-initiated from Saturday, December 24, the random screening charges will be charged to the passengers.

Nation to hold mock drill for covid emergency responses.

During a virtual meeting with health ministers and senior officials of states in view of the recent surge in coronavirus cases in some parts of the world, he said, “The Centre and states need to work in tandem and in a collaborative spirit as was done during the previous surges for Covid prevention and management.”

“A mock drill for an emergency response to deal with Covid 9 cases will be conducted at hospitals across the country on Tuesday, 27th December, the Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya will also be participating in the Mock drill,” official sources told ANI.The mock drill is being conducted amid fear of a Covid surge in the country in the wake of a spurt of Covid cases reported in China and other countries. The Union Ministry in India has started taking several proactive steps in this direction.

According to officials, travel guidelines have been revised and issued. 2% random screening of international passengers to be re-initiated from Saturday, December 24, the random screening charges will be charged to the passengers.

India doubled its steel production capacity in the past 8 years, to become world 2nd largest steel producing country.

India’s steel production has reached a historic level of 120 million tonnes per year making it the world’s second-largest producer of Steel, the government informed the Rajya Sabha.

Steel Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India intends to double its steel production to 300 million tonnes per annum by 2030.

“There has been a doubling in the last eight years of steel production in the country, which has been historic and which is why we have become the second largest steel producer in the world today,” he informed the Rajya Sabha during question hour.

The minister informed that steel production in the country has increased at a historic level. In 2013-14, we had only close to about 60 million tonnes per annum production of steel, we are today at 120 million tonnes,” he said.

India doubled its steel production capacity in the past 8 years, to become world 2nd largest steel producing country.

India’s steel production has reached a historic level of 120 million tonnes per year making it the world’s second-largest producer of Steel, the government informed the Rajya Sabha.

Steel Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India intends to double its steel production to 300 million tonnes per annum by 2030.

“There has been a doubling in the last eight years of steel production in the country, which has been historic and which is why we have become the second largest steel producer in the world today,” he informed the Rajya Sabha during question hour.

The minister informed that steel production in the country has increased at a historic level. In 2013-14, we had only close to about 60 million tonnes per annum production of steel, we are today at 120 million tonnes,” he said.