Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry Takes Charge as Chief of Central Air Command
In a significant leadership transition within the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command (CAC) on June 1, 2026.
He succeeded Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, who retired on May 31, 2026, after completing 40 years of distinguished service in the Indian Air Force. The appointment is considered important for strengthening the operational capabilities and leadership structure of the force.
With extensive and diverse experience in military aviation and command responsibilities, Air Marshal Chaudhry is regarded as well-equipped to lead one of the Indian Air Force's key operational commands.
Indian Students Win Earth Prize 2026
Indian students Vivaan Chhaychharia, Ariana Agrawal, and Avyana Mehta won the prestigious Earth Prize 2026 for developing an innovative technology called "Plas-Stick".
The technology uses tamarind seed powder to remove microplastics from water efficiently. It does not require expensive equipment or chemicals, making it an affordable and sustainable solution to water pollution.
Tamil Nadu Farmer Receives UN Soil Farmer Hero Award
Valluvan, a 58-year-old farmer from Tamil Nadu, received the Soil Farmer Hero Award from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Valluvan successfully transformed a loss-making coconut farm into a thriving multi-crop farming system. Today, he cultivates more than 14 different crops, resulting in water conservation, increased income, and improved soil carbon levels.
West Bengal Cabinet Expansion
As part of a cabinet expansion exercise in West Bengal, 35 newly elected legislators took oath as ministers, taking the total number of ministers in the state government to 41.
The new cabinet emphasizes social and regional representation, including professionals from diverse backgrounds such as doctors, educators, journalists, and former domestic worker Kalita Majhi.
