📰 Daily Briefing Friday, Jan 02

Daily Current Affairs: 2 January 2026

Analysis for 02 January 2026

Narendra Modi inaugurates Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics

Key Updates:

  • Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics titled 'The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One' at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex.
  • The exposition marked the reunification of the Piprahwa gem relics of Lord Buddha after 127 years.
  • The exhibition displays relics, gem relics and ancient reliquaries excavated from the Piprahwa site in 1898 and during subsequent excavations between 1971 and 1975.
  • The repatriated relics are exhibited alongside artefacts preserved in the collections of the National Museum in New Delhi and the Indian Museum in Kolkata.
  • Modi paid tributes to social reformer Savitribai Phule and freedom fighter Rani Velu Nachiyar on their birth anniversaries.

Similar Coverage

All About Kalachakra Ceremony: Buddhist Ritual PM Modi Attended In Bhutan (Mid of November) ▼
  • PM Narendra Modi attended the Kalachakra ceremony in Bhutan on the second day of his visit.
  • He inaugurated the sacred Kalachakra 'Wheel of Time' Empowerment alongside Bhutan's King and the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
  • The ceremony was presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
  • The Kalachakra Ceremony is one of the most sacred rituals in Tibetan Buddhism, rooted in the Kalachakra Tantra.
  • It represents the cycles of time and existence, both cosmic and personal, and the path to liberation.
  • The ceremony includes the construction of an intricate sand mandala, sacred dances, prayers, and empowerment rites.
  • PM Modi and Bhutan's King jointly inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project.
  • PM Modi and the Bhutanese King offered prayers before the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha at Thimphu's Tashichhodzong.
Rashtra Prerna Sthal Memorial Inauguration (End of December) ▼
  • The memorial features 65-feet-tall bronze statues of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
  • Developed over 65 acres at an estimated cost of ₹230 crore in Lucknow.
  • A modern museum showcasing the lives, ideas, and contributions of national leaders is part of the complex.
Prime Minister Modi releases commemorative postal stamp on Ashwagandha in New Delhi (End of December) ▼
  • India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative postal stamp on Ashwagandha at the closing ceremony of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi.
  • The five-rupee postal stamp on Ashwagandha symbolises the rise of medicinal plants and underscores the use of traditional medicine techniques and philosophies such as Ayurveda.
  • Prime Minister Modi launched the Traditional Medicine Global Library, a landmark global platform designed to preserve and provide equitable access to scientific data, policy documents and validated knowledge related to traditional medicine.
Prime Minister releases commemorative postal ticket and coin on Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th Martyrdom Anniversary in Kurukshetra (End of November) ▼
  • PM Modi released a commemorative postal ticket and a special coin dedicated to the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur.
  • The event was organised by the Haryana Government at Jyotisar village in Kurukshetra.
  • PM Modi also inaugurated the Panchajanya Memorial at the Mahabharata Experience Centre complex in Jyotisar.

Abdolnasser Hemmati appointed Governor of Central Bank of Iran

[Iran]

Key Updates:

  • Abdolnasser Hemmati has been appointed as the new governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI).
  • He succeeds Mohammad Reza Farzin, who resigned as the rial plunged to a record low against the US dollar.
  • His appointment follows nationwide protests driven by steep currency devaluation and soaring inflation.

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Ahmed al-Sharaa Unveiled New Banknotes as Interim President (End of December) ▼
  • Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim President of Syria, introduced the country's new banknotes at a ceremony in Damascus to replace political imagery with agricultural symbols.
  • Abdul Qader Hosriya, the Governor of the Central Bank, announced that the currency exchange process will be completed within 90 days.
  • The new currency, which enters circulation on 1 January, features denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Syrian pounds following the removal of two zeros.
  • Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, was ousted and fled to Russia in December 2024.
  • Hafez al-Assad, the father of the ousted leader, ruled the country from 1971 until his death in 2000.
  • Syria's official news agency (SANA) reported that the new currency design is an expression of national identity and a move away from the veneration of individuals.
B P Kanungo appointed as non-executive chairman of IIFL Finance Ltd (End of December) ▼
  • B P Kanungo has been appointed as the non-executive chairman of the board of IIFL Finance Ltd.
  • He served as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 2017 to 2021 and was a member of the Monetary Policy Committee.
  • As chairman, Kanungo will lead the board in setting strategic direction, enhancing governance standards, and safeguarding the interests of shareholders, customers, regulators, and other stakeholders.
Central Bank of Oman unveils new currency symbol for Omani Rial (End of November) ▼
  • The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has unveiled an official symbol for the Omani Rial.
  • This marks a major national milestone and standardizes the currency’s representation across financial, commercial, and digital platforms.
  • The symbol reflects Oman’s rich heritage and economic maturity.
  • It aligns with Oman Vision 2040, strengthening global recognition, investor confidence, and the Sultanate’s position as a growing financial hub.
  • Ahmed Ja’afar Al Musalmi, Governor of the Central Bank of Oman, described the adoption of the symbol as a strategic initiative.
  • The symbol will facilitate international exchange operations by ensuring the currency is immediately recognizable.
  • Its design draws inspiration from Oman’s rich heritage, linking Oman’s economic past with its contemporary ambitions.
  • The CBO anticipates that the new symbol will strengthen global recognition of the Omani Rial and support Oman’s growing economic integration with the world.
Vikram Sahu appointed CEO of Bank of America NA India (Start of December) ▼
  • Vikram Sahu has been approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Bank of America NA (BoFA) in India.
  • He will assume the charge in addition to his current responsibilities as India country executive.
  • He will replace Kaku Nakhate, who served as the bank CEO for about 15 years.
  • Nakhate will take over as the India chair with a focus on deepening relationships with key clients of the India franchise.
  • Sahu will report to Jin Su, president of Asia Pacific for the US bank.

Maitreyi Pushpa conferred with IFFCO Sahitya Samman 2025 and Ankita Jain receives IFFCO Yuva Sahitya Samman

Key Updates:

  • Maitreyi Pushpa received the IFFCO Sahitya Samman 2025 for her literary contributions on rural and agricultural life.
  • Ankita Jain was awarded the IFFCO Yuva Sahitya Samman for her book 'Oh Re! Kisan'.
  • The awards were presented by IFFCO Chairman Dilip Sanghani at Kamani Auditorium in New Delhi.
  • The award instituted by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) carries a memento, citation, and Rs 11 lakh cheque.
  • Maitreyi Pushpa was born in Sikurra village of Aligarh district and obtained her M.A. in Hindi Literature from Bundelkhand College, Jhansi.
  • Ankita Jain is the Director of agro-manufacturing firm 'Vaidik Vatika' and founding member of 'Jai Jungle Farmers Producer Company'.

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President Droupadi Murmu conferred National Handicrafts Awards 2023-2024 (Mid of December) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024 at a ceremonial event in New Delhi.
  • The awards celebrate master artisans preserving centuries-old traditions while shaping the handicrafts sector's future.
  • President Murmu noted the handicraft sector employs over 3.2 million people, mostly in rural and remote regions.
  • Women constitute 68% of the handicraft workforce, making the sector a significant avenue for women’s empowerment.
  • She highlighted that the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative promotes regional crafts on global platforms.
President Droupadi Murmu presented Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 (End of December) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu presented the annual Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar to distinguished scientists from diverse fields at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • A total of 24 awards were presented under the second edition of the Puraskar in four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team.
  • Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was posthumously awarded the Vigyan Ratna, the highest science award, for his lifetime achievements and contributions in the field of science and technology.
  • The Vigyan Team award was conferred upon the Team- Aroma Mission CSIR for contributions to Agricultural Science.
  • The awards are modeled on the Padma awards and recognize outstanding contributions across 13 domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, and Space Science and Technology.
Sonali S Jeet Iyengar conferred with 10th "ATAL Shastra" MARKENOMY & InWENA Lifetime Achievement award 2025 (Mid of November) ▼
  • Eminent multidisciplinary Fine Artist, museologist, sculptor, art restorer Sonali S Jeet Iyengar received the twin awards 10th "ATAL Shastra" MARKENOMY & InWENA Lifetime Achievement award 2025.
  • The award function was held at the Indian Merchants Chamber (IMC) in Mumbai.
  • She has contributed works of art to various energy sectors of Urja, energy, power, nuclear power plant, MBPT Mumbai Port Trust Authority of India, CAI, CIRCOT.
  • She received awards from Central Railways' UNESCO World Heritage for art sculptures at CSMT Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) & Hiramanek Star report Artist Of The year Award 2025 award.
PDUNASS Team receives two Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2025 for capacity-building and RGDE initiative (Start of November) ▼
  • Shri Kumar Rohit, Director, PDUNASS, jointly received the award for 'Best Achievement in Capacity Building' and 'Special Initiative – Reimagining Governance: Discourse for Excellence (RGDE)'
  • Shri Uttam Prakash, RPFC-I, received the RGDE award as Moderator of the RGDE Series since its inception
  • Shri Ankur P. Gupta, RPFC-I, jointly received the 'Best Achievement in Capacity Building' award

Delhi Police traced 1,303 missing persons under Operation Milap in southwest district

[Delhi]

Key Updates:

  • Delhi Police traced 1,303 missing persons, including 434 children and 869 adults, under Operation Milap in the southwest district.
  • In December alone, 102 missing persons were traced, comprising 35 children and 67 adults.
  • Kapashera police station traced the highest number of missing children in December, locating 12 girls.
  • Sagarpur police station traced 16 missing adults in December, the highest among police stations.

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Lost, Looted and Recovered Firearm database launched to strengthen anti-terror crime effort (End of December) ▼
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the 'Lost, Looted and Recovered Firearm' database prepared by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
  • The database will centrally record government-owned weapons that are looted, stolen, lost, or recovered from state police forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
  • It will be accessible to all state police forces, paramilitary units, and law enforcement agencies for tracing weapon origin, movement, and recovery patterns.
Lost, Looted and Recovered Firearm database launched to strengthen anti-terror crime effort (End of December) ▼
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the 'Lost, Looted and Recovered Firearm' database prepared by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
  • The database will centrally record government-owned weapons that are looted, stolen, lost, or recovered from state police forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
  • It will be accessible to all state police forces, paramilitary units, and law enforcement agencies for tracing weapon origin, movement, and recovery patterns.
Organised Crime Network Database and Weapons Database Launched to Bolster Law Enforcement (End of December) ▼
  • Union Home Minister (MHA) Amit Shah on Friday launched two pivotal databases: the Organised Crime Network Database and the Weapons Database.
  • These databases are intended to bolster efforts of law enforcement agencies nationwide, forming the backbone of the country's zero-terror policy.
  • Shah advocated for a seamless national-level technology framework, vested in unified databases, to enhance inter-agency efficacy in dismantling organized crime networks.
  • The conference, attended by top law enforcement officials, highlighted a shift towards a collaborative data-sharing approach.
  • The launch occurred on 26-12-2025 during the Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025.
NATGRID-NPR Integration enables real-time access to 119 crore residents' family details (End of December) ▼
  • The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has been linked to the National Population Register (NPR) which stores family-wise details of 119 crore residents.
  • Access to NATGRID is now extended to Superintendent of Police-rank officers; earlier it was limited to ten Central agencies.
  • The upgraded tool 'Gandiva' supports facial recognition and entity resolution by matching suspect images with photo identity documents.

European Union (EU) welcomes Bulgaria as 21st eurozone member

[European Union (EU), Bulgaria]

Key Updates:

  • Bulgaria becomes the 21st of 27 EU members to adopt the euro, raising the euro-using population to 350 million.
  • The lev retires after being pegged to the Deutschmark and later the euro since 1997.
  • Euro becomes sole legal tender in Bulgaria from February 1, following a one-month dual-currency period.
  • Membership grants Bulgaria a seat on the European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council that sets eurozone interest rates.
  • Consumer protection rules require all shops to display dual prices to curb unjustified price hikes during the changeover.

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European Court of Justice (ECJ) rules Poland must recognise same-sex marriages lawfully concluded in other EU member states (End of November) ▼
  • The European Court of Justice (ECJ) stated that EU member states are obliged to recognise a same-sex marriage between two EU citizens that had been 'lawfully concluded in another member state'.
  • The ruling covers the case of a Polish couple who married in Berlin and whose marriage certificate was rejected by Polish authorities.
  • The ECJ clarified that Polish domestic law would not have to be changed to recognise marriages between people of the same sex.
  • The court emphasised that as EU citizens, the couple had the right to freedom of movement and the right to lead a family life.
  • Forcing them to live as an unmarried couple in Poland was contrary to EU law and infringed their rights.
Andrej Babis appointed as Prime Minister of Czech Republic (Mid of December) ▼
  • Czech President Petr Pavel appointed billionaire Andrej Babis as the new prime minister following ANO's victory in the October parliamentary election.
  • Babis, leader of the populist ANO party, replaces a strongly pro-Ukrainian centre-right administration.
  • His incoming cabinet is set to include the far-right SPD party, raising concerns about Czech Republic's future relations with the European Union (EU) and NATO.
  • Babis plans to oppose EU climate policies and reduce military aid to Ukraine, shifting focus within the EU toward energy and tariffs.
European Union leaders Von der Leyen and António Costa to be chief guests at India Republic Day 2026 (Start of January) ▼
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will be the chief guests at India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
  • Their visit will coincide with the India–EU Summit, where discussions are expected to centre on the proposed Free Trade Agreement.
  • India and the European Union resumed negotiations for a comprehensive FTA in June 2022 after a gap of over eight years.
India–EU Cross-Border Payments: UPI–TIPS Link Enters Realisation Phase (End of November) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India stated that the process of interlinking UPI with the Eurosystem’s TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) platform has entered the realisation phase.
  • The proposed link is expected to facilitate cross-border remittances between India and the Euro Area and benefit users across both jurisdictions.
  • The RBI noted that it will continue working with the European Central Bank alongside NPCI International Payments Limited on technical integration, risk management, and settlement mechanisms required to operationalise the link.

Turkmenistan Government legalises cryptocurrency mining and exchange operations

[Turkmenistan]

Key Updates:

  • Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed legislation regulating virtual assets, bringing cryptocurrencies under civil law.
  • The law establishes a licensing scheme for cryptocurrency exchanges overseen by the country’s central bank.
  • Digital currencies will not be recognised as a means of payment, currency, or security.
  • Turkmenistan’s internet remains tightly regulated and controlled by the government.

Similar Coverage

RBI adds seven more names to alert list of unauthorised forex trading platforms (End of November) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India has expanded its alert list of unauthorised online forex trading platforms by adding seven more names, bringing the total count to 95.
  • The newly added platforms are Starnet FX, CapPlace, Mirrox, Fusion Markets, Trive, NXG Markets, and Nord FX.
  • According to the RBI, all entities on the list are neither permitted to conduct foreign exchange transactions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, nor cleared to run electronic trading platforms for forex dealings.
Azerbaijan hosts World Telecommunication Development Conference WTDC25 in Baku (End of November) ▼
  • Azerbaijan hosted the World Telecommunication Development Conference WTDC25, bringing together ITU members, ministers and global digital leaders to advance inclusive connectivity.
  • Delegates highlighted cybersecurity, data protection, and the need for ethical deployment of emerging technologies.
  • Discussions focused on bridging rural-urban gaps, reducing connectivity costs, and supporting developing nations.
  • With more than 2,500 participants, the event marked a record for ITU development conferences and positioned Azerbaijan as a key digital collaborator.
  • Leaders agreed that affordability, sustainability and global cooperation are essential to narrowing the digital divide.
Kazakhstan to Join Abraham Accords; Trump Hosts Central Asian Summit (Start of November) ▼
  • Kazakhstan is set to join the Abraham Accords between Israel and Muslim majority countries.
  • Proof: "Kazakhstan is set to join the Abraham Accords between Israel and Muslim majority countries"
  • The Abraham Accord nations previously included Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates.
  • Proof: "the other Abraham Accord nations — Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates."
  • Mr. Trump hosted a summit with the leaders of Kazakhstan and four other Central Asian nations.
  • Proof: "Mr. Trump hosted a summit with the leaders of Kazakhstan and four other Central Asian nations"
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Kazakhstan's entry will create a partnership for special and unique economic development.
  • Proof: "You're now creating a partnership that brings special and unique economic development on all sorts of issues that they can work on together," Rubio said.
  • Specific areas of enhanced Israeli-Kazakh cooperation would include defense, cybersecurity, energy and food technology.
  • Proof: "That official said specific areas of enhanced Israeli-Kazakh cooperation would include defense, cybersecurity, energy and food technology"
  • Rubio and Tokayev discussed expanding opportunities for commercial trade and investment as well as increased cooperation in energy, technology, and infrastructure.
  • Proof: "Rubio and Tokayev 'discussed expanding opportunities for commercial trade and investment as well as increased cooperation with Kazakhstan in energy, technology, and infrastructure,' the department said in a statement."
US Export-Import Bank (Exim) commits $1.25 billion financing for Reko Diq mining project (Mid of December) ▼
  • US President Donald Trump’s administration committed $1.25 billion in financing from the US Export-Import Bank (Exim) for the Reko Diq mining project in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
  • The financing is set to support the import of up to $2 billion in US mining equipment and services.
  • Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker announced the approval, describing it as a “win-win” for both nations.
  • The US Embassy in Islamabad hailed the deal as a “game-changer” for economic growth in Balochistan.
  • This initiative is projected to create 6,000 jobs in the US and 7,500 jobs in Balochistan.
  • The project aims to unlock one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits.
  • Reko Diq is owned 50% by Canadian firm Barrick Gold, 25% by Pakistan’s federal government, and 25% by the Balochistan government.
  • The Reko Diq project carries a total development cost of around $7 billion and aims for production by 2028.
  • Once operational, the project could generate $2.8 billion in export revenue in its first year.
  • Saudi Arabia’s Manara Minerals has signaled interest in a 15% stake in the project.

Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) launched to position India among top five global live entertainment hubs

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has constituted the Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) as a single-window facilitation mechanism to streamline processes for the live entertainment sector.
  • LEDC aims to double the sector’s size, generate 15–20 million jobs and place India among the top five global live entertainment hubs by 2030.
  • The cell brings together representatives from the Central and State governments, industry bodies and major event companies to coordinate policy support and sectoral expansion.

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Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam 2025 observed on December 6-7 (Start of December) ▼
  • Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam 2025 is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Academy and supported by Andhra Pradesh Tourism and the Department of Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
  • The festival is held at Tummalapallivari Kshetrayya Kalakshetram in Vijayawada.
  • The theme for this edition is 'Celebrating the Richness of Telugu Music Traditions'.
  • A special dawn rendition of the Pancharatna Kritis will be presented at Durga Ghat on 7th December at 7 am.
Federal Bank Launches Bharat Surotsav: A Cultural Extravaganza (Mid of November) ▼
  • Federal Bank has introduced its new cultural initiative, Bharat Surotsav, aimed at celebrating India's rich artistic heritage through an immersive dance and music festival.
  • The launch was graced by several dignitaries from the bank's regional headquarters.
  • The inaugural event is set for November 22 at the Madras Music Academy, featuring acclaimed artists like Padma Shri Shobana and the Carnatic-rock group Agam Band.
  • Federal Bank is offering a special 15% discount on tickets for its debit and credit cardholders.
  • MVS Murthy, Chief Marketing Officer at Federal Bank, emphasized the festival's role in blending finance with culture, fostering unity and pride among diverse audiences.
  • Each city in the Bharat Surotsav series will spotlight local cultural talents, enriching the community's connections with their unique heritage.
Bharat 6G Alliance charts focused roadmap for India to lead global 6G by 2030 (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, chaired the Apex Council meeting under the Bharat 6G Mission and reviewed the progress of the Bharat 6G Alliance.
  • The Government has approved a ₹1-lakh-crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund under the Department of Science & Technology to boost frontier research in AI-native networks, semiconductors, photonics, sensing, cybersecurity and satellite–terrestrial integration.
  • India secured inclusion of “Ubiquitous Connectivity” in the ITU IMT-2030 (6G) framework, strengthening global recognition of India’s capabilities.
  • The Bharat 6G Alliance has grown from 16 founding members to over 84 organisations and released eight technical reports and whitepapers covering spectrum, AI-native networks, green telecom, emerging applications, and RF sensing.
  • Four institutions—Punjab Engineering College, Banasthali Vidyapith, IIT Roorkee (AMRIT), and Thapar University—were awarded for exemplary innovation, societal impact and industry collaboration under the 5G Use Case Labs initiative.
C-DOT and IIT-Gandhinagar sign MoU to establish Centre of Excellence for next-gen telecom innovation (Mid of November) ▼
  • Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar (IIT-GN) signed an MoU to set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for telecom and cybersecurity research
  • The CoE will focus on Mobile Communications, Cyber Security, Quantum Communication, Advanced AI, and Advanced Telecom Applications
  • The centre will enable collaboration between IIT Gandhinagar students, faculty, researchers and C-DOT researchers in Telecom and ICT domain
  • It will support incubation, mentoring, and collaboration with startups, industries, and academia to foster innovation and entrepreneurship
  • The initiative aligns with national missions for telecom, semiconductor, and digital transformation to create an industry-ready workforce

Telangana Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill 2026 removes two-child norm for local body polls

[Telangana]

Key Updates:

  • The Telangana Legislative Assembly passed the Telangana Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to abolish the two-child disqualification norm for contesting local body elections.
  • Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka stated the two-child norm was introduced in 1994 as a population control measure.
  • The rural fertility rate in Telangana is 1.7, below the replacement level, prompting the amendment to encourage a replacement rate of 2.1.

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EC Orders 'Special Revision' of Assam Voter List: Key Features and Schedule (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Election Commission has ordered a 'Special Revision' of Assam's electoral rolls.
  • January 1, 2026, is the qualifying date for the revision exercise, with the final voter list scheduled for publication on February 10, 2026.
  • This focused update aims for accuracy and is designed to strengthen accuracy and address gaps in the list in a structured but moderate manner.
  • The process involves door-to-door verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) using pre-filled registers, with each household serving as the basic unit for confirming or correcting voter details.
  • The Special Revision is more extensive than a routine summary revision but not as demanding as a full Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which is a far more rigorous and exhaustive process.
  • Details of D-Voters (doubtful voters) will not be included in the BLO register, and their particulars will continue to be carried forward to the draft electoral roll without alteration, unless an order is received from a competent Foreigners' Tribunal or an appropriate court of law.

ICAR Crop Varieties Release: 184 New Varieties of 25 Crops Unveiled

[Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)]

Key Updates:

  • Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled 184 new varieties of 25 crops developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
  • These varieties are part of the over 3,200 new seed varieties developed in the last 10–11 years under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
  • The government aims to ensure farmers receive good quality seeds at the right price and as quickly as possible.

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Agriculture Ministry Releases First Advanced Estimates of Kharif Crop Production for 2025-26 (End of November) ▼
  • Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has released the first advanced estimates of production of main Kharif crops.
  • Total food grain production estimated to increase by 3.87 million tonnes to 173.33 million tonnes.
  • Kharif rice production is estimated at 124.504 million tonnes, which is 1.732 million tonnes more than last year.
  • Kharif maize production is estimated at 28.303 million tonnes, 3.495 million tonnes more than the previous year.
  • Total Kharif coarse cereals production projected at 41.414 million tonnes and pulses at 7.413 million tonnes.
  • Total Kharif oilseed production estimated at 27.563 million tonnes, with soybean at 14.266 million tonnes and peanut at 11.093 million tonnes.
  • Sugarcane production estimated at 475.614 million tonnes, an increase of 21.003 million tonnes over last year.
  • Cotton production estimated at 29.215 million bales (170 kg each); Patson and Mesta at 8.345 million bales.
  • ICAR denied bias allegations in evaluation of gene-edited rice lines Pusa DST-1 and DRR Dhan 100 Kamala under AICRPR multi-location trials.
Argentina and India strengthen agricultural research cooperation through ICAR-INTA Work Plan 2025-2027 (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina, have signed a Work Plan 2025-2027 to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agricultural research, capacity building, and technology exchange.
  • The Work Plan establishes collaboration across natural resource management, sustainable agronomy including zero tillage, mechanisation, micro-irrigation and fertigation, crop and animal biotechnology, livestock improvement, production technologies for temperate and tropical crops, digital agriculture, biosafety and phytosanitary measures, and value chain development.
  • Implementation will be through joint research, germplasm exchange, expert engagements, and structured training and study visits.
  • Germplasm exchange will include soybean, sunflower, maize, blueberry, citrus, wild papaya species, guava, and select vegetable crops.
  • Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the India–Argentina scientific partnership and agreed to annual monitoring and review to ensure effective implementation and progress.
NSC Seed Processing Units & Online Booking Platform: Key Features (End of October) ▼
  • Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated six NSC vegetable & flower seed processing-cum-packaging units (4-tonnes/hr capacity each) located at Pusa (New Delhi), Bareilly, Dharwad, Hassan, Suratgarh and Raichur.
  • Launched 'Seed Management 2.0' and an online seed booking platform to increase farmers' accessibility and transparency in seed supply.
  • Objective is to ensure supply of quality seeds to farmers, curb counterfeit seeds and boost agricultural productivity of small and marginal farmers.
Horticulture production up 4% to 369.05 mn tonne in 2024-25 (End of November) ▼
  • Horticulture production rose 4 percent to 369.05 million tonne in the crop year ended June 2025.
  • Fruit production increased by 5.12 percent to 118.76 million tonne.
  • Vegetable production increased by 4.09 percent to 215.68 million tonne.
  • Onion production rose to 30.78 million tonne in 2024-25 from 24.26 million tonne in the previous year.
  • Potato production increased marginally by 1.85 percent to 58.10 million tonne.
  • Tomato output is estimated at 19.46 million tonne for 2024-25.
  • Production of aromatic and medicinal plants increased to 7,81,000 tonne from 7,26,000 tonne last year.
  • Spice production is estimated at 12.50 million tonne.

Industrial Research and Development Promotion Program removes 3-year viability norm for deep-tech startups

Key Updates:

  • Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) has removed the mandatory three-year viability criteria for deep-tech startups to access up to Rs 1 crore under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Program (IRDPP).
  • Startups must still meet evaluation standards linked to technological maturity.
  • The change is intended to accelerate scaling of deep-tech startups and provide early momentum to innovators.

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FITT, IIT Delhi and IDFC FIRST Bank launch IGNITE cohort to back high-impact climate, AI and social-good startups (End of December) ▼
  • FITT, IIT Delhi in collaboration with IDFC FIRST Bank announced the launch of a new cohort under the IGNITE Program to support high-potential startups working across climate tech, clean energy, healthcare, agri-tech, mobility, education, and AI-driven solutions for social good.
  • The program offers non-dilutive financial support of up to ₹30 lakhs per startup along with structured capacity-building workshops covering technology development, business strategy, and investor readiness.
  • Startups gain mentorship from IIT Delhi faculty, industry experts, and IDFC FIRST Bank CSR leaders, plus access to investor connect sessions, demo day exposure, and SIDBI-FITT investment pitching opportunities.
Nvidia Joins India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) as Founding Member and Strategic Technical Adviser (Start of November) ▼
  • Nvidia has joined the India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) as a founding member and strategic technical adviser.
  • The IDTA is an industry-led consortium of investors, corporates, technology partners, and ecosystem stakeholders from India and the US.
  • The alliance aims to fund ‘deep tech startups’ in India, focusing on industries such as space, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
  • The IDTA had earlier announced a commitment of $1 billion to invest in companies and has since garnered another $850 million in commitments from its newest members.
  • Nvidia's role involves providing technical guidance, training, and policy input to help Indian deep-tech startups adopt its AI and computing tools.
  • Nvidia will also voluntarily invest capital in deep-tech startups based in India over the next decade, similar to other IDTA members.
  • The IDTA was launched in September at the Semicon India event organised by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and Semiconductors and Electronics Ecosystem (Semi) in New Delhi.
  • The IDTA is not a government group and seeks to offer a counterpart to the efforts of the government, which established a $12 billion Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme.
DFS Launches Startup Common Application Journey on Jan Sammarth Portal for Credit Access (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance launched the Startup Common Application Journey on the Jan Sammarth Portal.
  • The initiative aims to "simplify and streamline access to credit for startups across India."
  • The Startup Common Application Journey was "developed jointly by the IBA and PSB Alliance."
  • The Jan Sammarth Portal will now serve as "a single digital platform where startups can apply for loans, compare offers from various Public Sector Banks, and track their applications through one unified digital system."
  • The initiative allows startups to secure "loans of up to Rs 20 crore under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)."
  • The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) is "operated by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)."
  • The platform "integrates key data sources such as PAN, GST, Udyam registration, Income Tax Returns, and credit bureau information to ensure quick verification and processing."
  • The scheme "includes special interest concessions for women entrepreneurs."
Google and Telangana Government Launch Google for Startups AI Hub at T-Hub Hyderabad (Mid of December) ▼
  • Google and the Telangana government launched the Google for Startups hub at T-Hub in Hyderabad.
  • Selected AI-first startups will receive free, year-long coworking seats and curated access to venture investors.
  • Startups will gain mentorship, hands-on AI expertise, and global visibility through the Google for Startups network.
  • T-Hub is a public-private partnership between the Telangana government, IIIT Hyderabad, Indian School of Business (ISB), NALSAR Law University, and private entities.
  • Google experts will conduct in-depth sessions on AI/ML, product, UX, and go-to-market for startups, student founders, and developers.
  • The initiative supports women entrepreneurs, tier-II innovators, and university talent.
  • Google will provide its full stack to startups, including AI capabilities on Google Cloud, Android, Play, and ads.

NCERT Deemed University Status to Expand Research Role

[National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)]

Key Updates:

  • The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is likely to be granted deemed-to-be-university status by the end of January.
  • Once accorded the status, NCERT will be able to initiate expanded in-house research programmes and function as a full-fledged research university.
  • Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the decision to transform NCERT into a deemed university in 2023.

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Suresh Goyal appointed as Director General of National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) (Mid of December) ▼
  • Suresh Goyal will take over as the director general of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) on January 5, 2026.
  • He succeeds Poonam Gupta, who led the organisation from July 2021 to April 2025.
  • Goyal joins NCAER after serving as the Managing Director and CEO of the National Highway Infra Trust (NHIT).
National Cadet Corps (NCC) 78th Raising Day observed on November 23 (End of November) ▼
  • National Cadet Corps (NCC) celebrates its 78th raising day on November 23, 2025.
  • NCC was officially formed after the National Cadet Corps Act was passed on April 16, 1948, and operations began on July 15, 1948.
  • Started with 20,000 cadets, NCC is now the world's largest uniformed youth organization with 20 lakh cadets.
  • NCC has a presence in 713 of India's 780 districts.
  • Brigadier M.L. Rawat is known as the father of the NCC.
RCI Launches Comprehensive Reforms to Transform Rehabilitation Education in India (End of October) ▼
  • Scheme Name: Central Rehabilitation Register (CRR) – fee waiver and validity extension initiative by Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
  • Key Feature: CRR registration, renewal, and qualification addition fees completely waived; validity extended from 5 to 7 years
  • Beneficiary: Students and rehabilitation professionals across India
  • Additional Feature: Automatic renewal for professionals earning 100+ Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) points; online correction via digital dashboard at no cost
  • Initiative: 144 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) designated for 7-year approval tenure and automatic extension
  • Objective of CoEs: Ensure academic quality, participate in expert panels, examination boards, and academic reviews
  • Governance Reform: Common No Objection Certificate (NOC) system and reduced approval fees for institutions
  • Transparency Measure: Video-based inspections and Improvement Notice mechanism before re-inspection
  • Examination Reform: Supplementary exams within 75 days of results; uniform grace marks; paper setters/moderators/examiners drawn exclusively from CoEs
  • Inclusion Initiative: Promotion of Indian-authored books and regional language resources; special submission link on RCI website for Indian authors/publishers
MoSPI Releases National Industrial Classification (NIC) - 2025 (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the National Industrial Classification (NIC) - 2025.
  • The release of the National Industrial Classification (NIC) - 2025 took place in New Delhi.
  • The National Industrial Classification (NIC) - 2025 was released on 18th November, 2025.
  • The releasing body is the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation of the Republic of India.

Haryana Beti Bachao Beti Padhao follow-up measures yield 923 sex ratio in 2025

[Haryana]

Key Updates:

  • Haryana’s sex ratio at birth improved to 923 in 2025, a 13-point rise from 910 in 2024.
  • State government cracked down on sex-selective abortions and illegal sale of MTP kits, registering 114 FIRs under the MTP Act and conducting 154 raids under the PC-PNDT Act.
  • Reverse tracking of 12-week pregnant women with a previous girl child was introduced to curb illegal abortions.

Similar Coverage

India’s Fertility Rate Drops to 1.9 Below Replacement Level, Population to Peak at 1.8–1.9 Billion by 2080 (Start of December) ▼
  • India’s total fertility rate (TFR) currently stands at 1.9.
  • In 2000, India’s TFR was 3.5.
  • India’s population projected to peak at 1.8 or 1.9 billion by 2080.
  • Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP) general secretary Anil Chandran attributes fertility decline to rising female literacy and education.
  • Kerala achieved replacement-level fertility between 1987 and 1989 with current TFR around 1.5.
  • West Bengal’s TFR stands at 1.3 per SRS Statistical Report 2023, down from 1.7 in 2013.
RBI releases Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2024-25 with 11 new data tables (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India released the 10th edition of 'Handbook of Statistics on Indian States, 2024-25' disseminating wide-ranging data on regional economies.
  • The Handbook provides sub-national statistics on socio-demographics, health, state domestic product, agriculture, environment, prices, wages, industry, infrastructure, banking, fiscal and exports.
  • Eleven new tables added: State-wise Domestic Tourist Visits; Net State Value Added (current and constant prices); State-wise Status of Ground Water Extraction; State-wise Revenue Expenditure; State-wise Capital Receipts; Market Borrowings of State Governments; State-wise Gender-wise Subscribers of NPS All Citizen; State-wise Gender-wise Enrolments under APY; State-wise Exports; State-wise Foreign Tourist Visits.
International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) receives 2025 United Nations Population Award (Start of December) ▼
  • United Nations Population Fund India (UNFPA India) honored International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) for receipt of the 2025 United Nations Population Award during the 46th Annual Conference of the Indian Association for the Study of Population.
  • Shireen Jejeebhoy is President of IUSSP.
  • Andrea M Wojnar is Representative of UNFPA India.
  • The conference theme is 'People, Planet, Prosperity.'
Study Warns of Global ‘Baby Bust’ with 97% Countries Below Replacement Fertility by 2100 (Start of November) ▼
  • A new study, published in The Lancet, reveals that the world will soon witness a very low fertility rate.
  • The study was collated by researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME).
  • It suggests that by 2100, over 97% of countries will have fertility rates below the percentage required to sustain population size over time.
  • By 2050, 155 of 204 (76%) countries will be below the replacement level of fertility, estimated to further rise to 198 of 204 (97%) by 2100.
  • The global Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has reduced to less than half over the past 70 years, from five children per female in 1950 to 2.2 children in 2021.
  • Researchers state that countries require a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1 children per person to maintain long-term generational replacement of the population.
  • In 2021, almost half of the world, 110 of 204 countries, are below the population replacement level of 2.1 births per female.
  • Chad has the highest Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in the world, at seven births.
  • The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of sub-Saharan Africa is double the global average, at four children per female in 2021.

Assam Government launches monthly financial aid for celibate monks of satras

[Assam]

Key Updates:

  • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a scheme to provide a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 to celibate monks residing in ‘satras’.
  • At least 620 ‘Udasin Bhakats’ (celibate monks) will benefit from the welfare initiative.
  • The initiative reaffirms the Assam government’s commitment to dignity, care and respect for those who uphold Assam’s civilisational heritage.

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Assam launches ‘Prerona’ scheme to support 4.4 lakh Class 10 students with monthly study aid (End of November) ▼
  • Assam has rolled out the ‘Prerona’ scheme.
  • The scheme supports Class 10 board aspirants with a monthly Rs 300 allowance until exams conclude.
  • It was announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday.
  • The initiative aims to reduce financial stress, curb dropouts, and boost exam readiness for 4.4 lakh students.
  • The assistance is universal and does not depend on income eligibility.
  • It covers High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) students under the Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB) as well as Class 10 students from CBSE-affiliated Adarsha Vidyalayas who are residents of Assam.
Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission Bill to Protect Satra Lands (End of November) ▼
  • The Assam government tabled a bill to create the Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission, a quasi-judicial body to preserve satras and regulate their lands.
  • The commission will have civil-court powers under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and exclusive jurisdiction over matters it is empowered to determine.
  • An Assam Satra Preservation and Development Fund is established, with mandatory annual budgeting, audit by the Accountant General (Audit), Assam, and officials deployed on deputation.
Sainik Tujhe Salaam Initiative to Honour Army Veterans and Veer Naris (Start of December) ▼
  • The Assam government launched 'Sainik Tujhe Salaam' to honour Armed Forces veterans above the age of 90, Veer Naris, and Veer Mothers.
  • The state is home to around 41,968 ex-servicemen and 10,361 Veer Naris.
  • The directorate of sainik welfare and 21 district sainik welfare offices support the veteran community year-round.
EC Orders 'Special Revision' of Assam Voter List: Key Features and Schedule (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Election Commission has ordered a 'Special Revision' of Assam's electoral rolls.
  • January 1, 2026, is the qualifying date for the revision exercise, with the final voter list scheduled for publication on February 10, 2026.
  • This focused update aims for accuracy and is designed to strengthen accuracy and address gaps in the list in a structured but moderate manner.
  • The process involves door-to-door verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) using pre-filled registers, with each household serving as the basic unit for confirming or correcting voter details.
  • The Special Revision is more extensive than a routine summary revision but not as demanding as a full Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which is a far more rigorous and exhaustive process.
  • Details of D-Voters (doubtful voters) will not be included in the BLO register, and their particulars will continue to be carried forward to the draft electoral roll without alteration, unless an order is received from a competent Foreigners' Tribunal or an appropriate court of law.

Tamil Nadu District Mineral Foundation Rules 2025 Mandate 70% of DMF Funds for Directly Affected Areas

[Tamil Nadu]

Key Updates:

  • The Tamil Nadu District Mineral Foundation Rules, 2025 supersede the 2017 rules.
  • A minimum of 70% of the District Mineral Trust Fund must be spent on directly affected areas and high-priority sectors such as drinking water supply and health care.
  • Mining lease holders who contravene contribution norms face a penalty equal to a one-time payment of the contribution plus 12% interest for the contravention period.
  • The District Collector concerned will be the chairperson of the District Mineral Foundation Trust, Managing Committee, and Governing Council.
  • All royalty or seigniorage fee payments must include the Trust Fund component; no such fee shall be accepted without the mandatory contribution.
  • Districts with annual collections of ₹10 crore or more shall maintain an endowment fund of up to 10% of annual receipts to create sustainable livelihoods in areas where mining has ceased.

Similar Coverage

Tamil Nadu Toy Manufacturing Policy 2025 targets global market with dual focus on advanced manufacturing and traditional crafts (Start of December) ▼
  • The policy introduces targeted incentives for makers of experiential learning toys and products designed for children with special needs.
  • Investments above ₹50 crore with a minimum of 50 jobs will qualify for a special incentive package covering fixed capital subsidy, land concessions, stamp duty exemption, training support, quality certification assistance, IP creation subsidy and electricity tax relief.
  • MSMEs establishing toy units will receive capital subsidies up to ₹1.5 crore, payroll support, interest reimbursement and IP incentives under the MSME Policy 2021.
  • Creative design studios will receive a 30 per cent payroll subsidy for 12 months.
  • The policy will be valid for five years, implemented by the Industries Department, with SIPCOT as the nodal agency.
Madras High Court reaffirms exclusive ritual rights of Thengalai sect at Devarajaswamy Temple in Kancheepuram (Start of December) ▼
  • Madras high court has reaffirmed that only the Thengalai sub-sect of Sri Vaishnava holds exclusive rights to lead religious recitations and rituals at the Sri Devarajaswamy Temple in Kancheepuram.
  • The court observed that earlier landmark judgments from 1882, 1915, 1939, and 1969 already determined that the Adhyapaka Mirasi rights belong exclusively to the Thengalai sect residing in Kanchipuram.
  • The bench ruled that these findings continue to remain legally valid and enforceable, noting that the Vadagalai sect’s participation must be limited to joining the recitation as worshippers without independent invocation.
Tamil Nadu secures GI tags for five products (Start of December) ▼
  • Tamil Nadu has added five new products to its Geographical Indication list, including Woraiyur cotton sarees, Ambasamudram wooden toys, Thooyamalli rice, Namakkal soapstone utensils, and Kavindapadi country sugar.
  • The initiative was led by the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation (Poompuhar) and the Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board along with NGOs and weavers societies.
  • The GI recognition aims to protect the geographical uniqueness of these products and support the livelihoods of artisans and farmers.
Kerala Secures Rs 850 Crore FDI and Implements Building Rule Reforms (Start of November) ▼
  • Kerala government has secured a Rs 850 crore foreign direct investment (FDI) from UAE-based Al Marzooqi Holdings FZC.
  • The investment is for the Meridian Tech Park project at Technopark Phase III in Thiruvananthapuram.
  • The Meridian Tech Park is designed to create over 10,000 jobs.
  • The state government recently introduced comprehensive reforms to the building rules to streamline construction approvals and enhance ease of doing business.
  • The Floor Space Index (FSI) for government-owned IT parks has been raised from 4 to 7.
  • The coverage area for government-owned IT parks has increased from 60 per cent to 70 per cent.
  • For commercial structures, the maximum area eligible for instant permits has been raised from 100 sq m to 250 sq m.

Swadesh Darshan Yojana (SDY): Rs 148 Crore Sanctioned for Bhoramdev Corridor Project

Key Updates:

  • The Bhoramdev Corridor project has been approved under the Central Government's Swadesh Darshan Yojana.
  • An amount of Rs 148 crore has been sanctioned for the project to develop the 1,000-year-old Bhoramdev Temple corridor.
  • Development work will be carried out here for Rs 148 crore, which includes the launch of a tribal corridor and a convention centre.
  • Chhattisgarh has 219 projects worth Rs 7.83 lakh crore across 18 sectors now advancing rapidly since November 2024.
  • These initiatives are poised to generate over 1.5 lakh jobs across 26 of the state's 33 districts.
  • Of the total investment, nine marquee projects valued at Rs 6,063 crore are already operational, while 109 projects, representing Rs 2.10 lakh crore and 87,132 jobs, are in advanced stages of construction.

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Batadrava Than Redevelopment and ₹177-Crore Smart Surveillance System Launched in Assam (End of December) ▼
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the redeveloped Batadrava Than at the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardev in Assam on 29 Dec 2025.
  • A Smart Surveillance System (ICSS) was launched in Assam with an outlay of ₹177-crore.
  • The Batadrava Cultural Project at the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva was inaugurated with a budget of ₹227-Crore.
  • The infrastructure projects also included the launch of a mega auditorium and the guwahati auditorium inauguration.
Madhya Pradesh State-Level Multi-National Park Tiger Corridor (Mid of December) ▼
  • Madhya Pradesh is developing the country's first state-level multi-national park tiger corridor in coordination with NHAI and PWD.
  • The corridor will incorporate underpasses in forest areas, slow-traffic zones, and wildlife-safe designs to balance tiger movement, tourism, and local connectivity.
  • It will promote eco-tourism and strengthen the local economy.
Rail Multitracking Projects: Improved Connectivity and Freight Movement with Rs 2,781 Crore Outlay (End of November) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved doubling of the 141-km Dwarka-Kanalus rail line in Gujarat and building third and fourth lines between Badlapur and Karjat (32 km) in Mumbai metropolitan region.
  • The two line-expansion projects worth Rs 2,781 crore are part of Indian Railways’ push to improve connectivity on routes with high passenger footfall.
  • The Devbhumi Dwarka (Okha)-Kanalus rail line will improve connectivity to the Dwarkadhish temple, a key pilgrimage site, and transportation of commodities such as coal, salt, container, and cement.
  • The Badlapur-Karjat line... will further help the commuters between Pune to Mumbai.
India dedicates 125 Border Roads Organisation projects to strengthen border infrastructure (Start of December) ▼
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dedicated 125 newly completed projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to the nation from Leh.
  • The projects — built at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore — comprise 28 roads, 93 bridges and four miscellaneous structures across Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram.
  • The event marked the largest single-day and highest-value inauguration in BRO history.
  • The 920-metre Shyok Tunnel on the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi Road in Ladakh is highlighted as an engineering marvel providing all-weather connectivity to a critical military terrain.
  • Singh stated: "These infrastructure projects are the nation's tribute to those heroes who laid down their lives in the service of the nation."
  • He emphasised: "Enhanced road networks, real-time communication systems and satellite-based surveillance are now allowing Indian soldiers to operate with greater speed and precision in forward areas."
  • The defence minister noted that stronger border connectivity stabilises local economies, enhances disaster response and strengthens people’s faith in governance in remote regions.

National Strategy for India’s Textiles: Target of USD 350 Billion Industry and USD 100 Billion Exports by 2030

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Textiles (MoT) is organizing a national conference to deliberate on a coordinated national strategy for positioning India as a global textiles manufacturing hub.
  • The MoT deliberations align with the national vision of developing a USD 350 billion textile industry and achieving USD 100 billion in textile exports by 2030.
  • A conclave on "‘Strengthening and Empowering the Textiles Sector of the North-Eastern Region of India’" will focus on silk, handloom, and bamboo-based textiles.
  • The initiative focuses on revitalising traditional textiles with emphasis on handloom and handicrafts for modern markets and the promotion of women-led enterprises.

Similar Coverage

Chaupal Programme empowers artisans nationwide (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the Ministry of Textiles launched the nationwide rollout of the Chaupal Programme.
  • Chaupals will be established as permanent, district-level engagement platforms across 100 identified handicraft aspirational districts.
  • These platforms will serve as hubs for artisan enrolment, dissemination of information on government schemes, skill upgradation, and entrepreneurship development.
Tex-RAMPS Scheme Approved with an Outlay of ₹305 Crore (Start of December) ▼
  • The Union government has approved the 'Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-up (Tex-RAMPS) Scheme', as announced by Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh.
  • The Tex-RAMPS Scheme has an outlay of ₹305 crore.
  • The Tex-RAMPS Scheme will be effective from 2025-2026 to 2030-2031.
  • It aims to strengthen research, innovation, and competitiveness in the textiles sector and empower India’s textile sector.
  • The Tex-RAMPS Scheme is designed to address critical gaps in research, data systems, innovation support, and capacity development to future-proof India’s textiles and apparel ecosystem.
  • It will promote advanced research, create robust data systems, strengthen State-level planning, and support incubators, hackathons, and academia-industry collaborations to nurture high-value textile start-ups and entrepreneurship.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred National Handicrafts Awards 2023-2024 (Mid of December) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024 at a ceremonial event in New Delhi.
  • The awards celebrate master artisans preserving centuries-old traditions while shaping the handicrafts sector's future.
  • President Murmu noted the handicraft sector employs over 3.2 million people, mostly in rural and remote regions.
  • Women constitute 68% of the handicraft workforce, making the sector a significant avenue for women’s empowerment.
  • She highlighted that the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative promotes regional crafts on global platforms.
44th India International Trade Fair held at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi (End of November) ▼
  • The 44th India International Trade Fair brought together art forms from each corner of the country, showcasing rich cultural diversity at Bharat Mandapam.
  • Jharkhand was the focus state of the event.
  • The fair featured pavilions from Turkey, Tunisia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.

Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) with ₹41,863 Crore Investment Approval

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has approved 22 new proposals, including from Dixon Technologies, Samsung Display Noida, Foxconn, and Hindalco Industries, under the third tranche of the ambitious Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS).
  • The newly approved projects under the ECMS involve a projected investment of ₹41,863-crore and a production value of ₹2,58,152-crore.
  • The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had notified the ECMS on April 8, 2025, with an outlay of ₹22,919 crore.
  • These new approved projects are expected to generate 33,791 jobs directly.
  • The projects span eight states -- Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan -- aligned with the Centre's vision on ensuring 'geographically-balanced' industrial growth.
  • The ECMS will run for six years, with one year as a gestation period, and offers investment, turnover-linked, and capital expenditure (capex)-linked incentives across sub-assemblies, supply chain ecosystem, and telecom sub-assembly.
  • The scheme aims to develop a robust component manufacturing ecosystem to increase domestic value addition (DVA) and increase India’s share of exports in global electronic trade.

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India's First Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Plant to be Established in Odisha (Start of November) ▼
  • India's first Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor manufacturing plant will be established in Odisha.
  • The plant, named SiCSem, is an integrated device manufacturer and has received approval from the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
  • It will be established as an Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) facility in Bhubaneswar.
  • The SiCSem project is valued at Rs 2,000-crore.
  • SiCSem will be one of the first ISM-approved ATMP facilities to be set up in Odisha.
  • Another key project, 3DGS, has also received approval from the India Semiconductor Mission and uses revolutionary technology with glass substrate for packaging.
  • The SiC project will manufacture various semiconductor devices through both RIR Power Semiconductors and SiCSem.
Cabinet clears Rs 7,280 cr rare earth magnet manufacturing scheme. (End of November) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet cleared a Rs 7,280-crore incentive scheme to build domestic rare earth magnet capacity.
  • The program will run for seven years and aims to create 6,000 metric tons per annum capacity.
  • India will set up 5 units of 1,200 tons per annum capacity within three years.
  • The scheme focuses on integrated manufacturing facilities to reduce dependence on China.
Centre approves 17 projects worth ₹7,172 cr under Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (Mid of November) ▼
  • 17 projects approved under Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) with ₹7,172 crore investment
  • Total approved projects under ECMS now 24, involving vendors like Jabil Circuit India, Aequs Consumer Products, Uno Minda, ASUX Safety Components India, Zetfab India, TE Connectivity India, and Meena Electrotech
  • Projects span categories: camera module, connectors, multi-layer PCB, oscillators, enclosures across nine states
  • Cumulative production value expected: ₹65,111 crore
  • Scheme outlay: ₹22,919 crore over six years with one-year gestation period, offering investment, turnover-linked, and capex-linked incentives
Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS): Key Features and Objectives (Mid of November) ▼
  • Scheme Name: Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS); Notified on April 8 this year with an outlay of ₹22,919 crore.
  • Objective: Bolster India’s push into producing high-value components and integrating into global value chains (GVCs).
  • Key Features: Offers investment, turnover-linked, and capital expenditure (capex)-linked incentives across sub-assemblies (electronics), supply chain ecosystem, and sub-assembly (telecom); six-year duration with one-year gestation period.
  • Latest Approval: 17 new projects worth ₹7,172 crore approved, taking the cumulative tally to 24 approved projects.
  • Investment & Production: Total proposed investment under ECMS stands at ₹1.15 lakh crore against a target of ₹59,000 crore; projects are expected to yield production worth ₹65,111 crore cumulatively.
  • Employment: Applicants propose to create employment for nearly 1.41 lakh people compared to a target of 91,600.
  • Categories Covered: Camera module, connectors, multi-layer PCB, oscillators, enclosures, among others, spread across nine states.

Himachal Pradesh Road Infrastructure Development: Tuman Village receives first motorable road and HRTC connectivity

[Himachal Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • The 2.7-kilometre stretch connecting Shakeld to Tuman was built by the Public Works Department (PWD), providing much-needed connectivity to a region that had long remained isolated from basic transport facilities.
  • Tuman, a small village in the Chawasi area of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, got its first motorable road on Monday for the first time after India gained Independence.
  • To celebrate the milestone, a trial run of a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus was conducted, flagged off from Shakeld to Tuman by Karsog Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gaurav Mahajan.

Similar Coverage

Delhi Metro TS-01 Mid-Life Rehabilitation (End of December) ▼
  • TS-01, the first Delhi Metro train introduced into service in 2002, completed 23 years of service.
  • After mid-life rehabilitation last year, it now features CCTV cameras, integrated passenger emergency alarms, LCD-based dynamic route maps and public information boards.
  • The train has run over 2.9 million kilometres, carrying more than 60 million passengers with 2.4 million door operations.
Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited promotes Bharat Taxi rollout with 56,000 drivers registered. (Mid of December) ▼
  • Bharat Taxi will launch in Delhi on January 1 and offers auto-rickshaws, cars, and bike taxis.
  • Under the cooperative model, drivers retain nearly 80% of their earnings with a zero-commission structure.
  • Beta trials for consumers started in Delhi, and the app is available on Google Play with an iOS version expected soon.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase-IV to connect 25,000 habitations with ₹70,125 Crore Outlay (End of December) ▼
  • The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched on 25 December 2000 to ensure all-weather connectivity to previously unconnected rural habitations.
  • Under PMGSY Phase – IV (2024), a total road length of 62,500 kilometres is proposed to be constructed during the implementation period from FY 2024–25 to 2028–29, with an overall financial outlay of ₹70,125 crore.
  • Phase IV of the scheme aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to 25,000 unconnected rural habitations based on Census 2011 population criteria.
  • For the financial year 2025–26, the programme under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has been allocated ₹19,000 crore.
  • The Online Management, Monitoring, and Accounting System (OMMAS) enables real-time monitoring of all works under the PMGSY, ensuring physical and financial progress remains aligned with targets.
  • The Electronic Maintenance of PMGSY Roads (e-MARG) platform ensures systematic monitoring of road maintenance for a period of five years from the date of completion.
  • The Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) covers 44 most severely affected districts across nine States including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • A mandatory GPS-enabled Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) has been enforced since May 2022 on all vehicles and machinery deployed for PMGSY-III works to ensure transparency and quality standards.
Uttar Pradesh Government Prepares for New District Kalyan Singh Nagar (End of October) ▼
  • The Uttar Pradesh government has started preparations for creating the 76th district.
  • The new district will be named Kalyan Singh Nagar, after its former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh.
  • Kalyan Singh Nagar will be formed by merging Atrauli and Gangiri tehsils of Aligarh and Dibai tehsil of Bulandshahr.
  • Ram Kumar Dwivedi, the officer in charge of the Commissioner and Secretary of the Revenue Council, has sought proposals from the district magistrates of Aligarh and Bulandshahr.
  • The initiative aims to keep the memory of a great leader alive and address the backwardness of the area, fulfilling public sentiment.

Code on Social Security 2020: 90-day engagement rule for gig-worker social-security cover

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Labour and Employment pre-published draft rules under the Code on Social Security, 2020 proposing that a gig or platform worker must be engaged for 'not less than 90 days with an aggregator, or in the case of multiple aggregators, not less than one hundred and twenty days, in the last financial year' to qualify for social-security benefits.
  • A worker is counted as 'engaged' on a calendar day if they earn any income, irrespective of amount, for work done for an aggregator on that day.
  • If a worker is associated with multiple aggregators, engagement days across all aggregators will be added together; being engaged with three aggregators on the same calendar day will be counted as three separate days of engagement.
  • Stakeholders have 30 to 45 days to submit objections and suggestions before the rules are finalised for implementation alongside all four labour codes from 1 April.

Similar Coverage

Jharkhand Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill 2025: Minimum Wage & Welfare Board (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Bill enables formation of a Gig Workers’ Welfare Board chaired ex-officio by the labour department minister.
  • Aggregators engaging gig workers must register with the Board; violation attracts a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
  • The Act will ensure minimum wages for gig workers based on duration and nature of work and provide for social security, identity cards and medical insurance.
Right to Disconnect Bill 2025 grants employees legal right to ignore after-hours work calls and emails (Start of December) ▼
  • The bill proposes creation of an Employees’ Welfare Authority 'tasked with ensuring that employees are not obligated to respond to work-related communications once the official workday concludes.'
  • Employees will have 'the right to refuse any work-related calls or emails after work hours and on holidays, with no repercussions for such refusals.'
  • Companies with more than 10 employees must 'negotiate terms regarding after-hours work with unions or employee representatives' and pay overtime at 'the normal wage rate.'
  • Non-compliant companies face 'a fine amounting to 1% of the total remuneration paid to their employees.'
Labour codes: What changes for workers and employers (End of November) ▼
  • Effective November 21, the four labour codes replace 29 central labour laws.
  • The codes aim to ease regulations and compliance norms for employers and ensure uniformity in wage structure and social security protection for workers.
  • They are seen as beneficial for domestic manufacturing with easier compliances, decriminalisation of offences, and incentives for economies of scale.
  • Trade unions have flagged changes related to hire and fire, retrenchment, fixed-term employment, and curtailment of the right to strike.
  • The Code on Wages amalgamates four wages and payment related labour laws, defining wage, employee, and minimum wage to cover all employees irrespective of industry, sector, wage or gender.
  • A National Floor Wage will now be the baseline wage, to be followed by all states.
  • Wage includes basic pay, dearness allowance, and retaining allowance, forming the basis for calculation of benefits and social security contributions, with deductions not exceeding 50 per cent of total pay.
  • Overtime wage is fixed at at least twice the normal wage for any work beyond normal working hours.
  • Working hours will be between 8-12 hours/day, not exceeding 48 hours a week, with flexibility for less than six working days where hours shall not exceed 12 hours in a day including rest.
  • Time limits are set for wage payments, including within 7 days of the next month for monthly payments and within 2 days for resignation or termination.
  • Employers must issue electronic or physical wage slips to employees on or before payment of wages.
  • The Code on Social Security merges nine existing social security laws to cover both organised and unorganised sectors, legally defining gig and platform workers for the first time.
  • National registration and a social security fund for unorganised and gig workers is stipulated.
  • Aggregators for gig workers are to contribute 1-2 per cent of annual turnover for social security, capped at 5 per cent of the amount payable by the aggregator to gig workers.
  • Fixed-term employees will be at par with permanent workers and eligible for gratuity after 1 year of continuous service.
  • EPFO coverage extends to all establishments having 20 or more employees, and ESIC coverage is pan-India, mandatory even if a single person is engaged in hazardous occupation.
  • The Industrial Relations Code merges three industrial laws and defines a worker to include sales promotion employees, working journalists, and those employed in supervisory capacity drawing wages less than Rs 18,000.
  • It introduces fixed-term employment to facilitate hiring for shorter tenures, which trade unions have objected to.
  • The threshold for seeking prior government approval for layoff, retrenchment and closure in factories, mines and plantations is hiked to 300 workers from 100.
  • Conditions for a legal strike are extended to all industrial establishments, requiring notice within 60 days before striking or within 14 days of giving such notice.
  • The definition of strike has been amended to include mass casual leave by more than 50 per cent of the workers on a given day.
  • It introduces a ‘negotiating union or council’, where a trade union with 51 per cent membership of workers will be the ‘sole negotiating union’.
  • The OSH Code merges 13 central labour laws, aiming to streamline compliances via single registration, common licences and electronic filings.
  • The threshold for obtaining a factory licence is increased from 10 workers to 20 for manufacturing aided with power; from 20 to 40 for units without power.
  • Contract labour norms apply on contractors employing 50 workers, versus 20 workers earlier, and employers are given flexibility to employ contract labour even in core activities, subject to conditions.
  • It permits women to work in night shifts, before 6 am and beyond 7 pm, subject to their consent and provisions for safety.
  • Mandatory appointment letters are to be issued by employers to every employee.
  • Every employer is required to provide annual health examinations or tests free of cost to employees.
  • Safety committees will need to be constituted in factories employing 500 or more workers, employers employing 250 or more construction workers, and employers employing 100 or more mine workers.
NITI Aayog Reports on Service Sector Job Growth and Employment Share in India (End of October) ▼
  • India’s services sector's employment share rose from 26.9 percent in 2011–12 to 29.7 percent in 2023–24, according to two new NITI Aayog reports.
  • The sector added nearly 40 million jobs in six years, bringing total employment to about 188 million.
  • The two NITI Aayog reports are titled “India’s Services Sector: Insights from Employment Trends and State-Level Dynamics” and “India’s Services Sector: Insights from GVA Trends and State-Level Dynamics”.
  • Gross employment elasticity increased from 0.35 before the pandemic to 0.63 in the post-pandemic period.
  • India’s services sector continues to lag the global average of about 50 percent.
  • NITI Aayog projected that artificial intelligence (AI) could generate up to 4 million new jobs in India by 2030.

Assam Proton Therapy Machine Procurement for Cancer Care

[Assam]

Key Updates:

  • Assam government will purchase a proton therapy machine at a cost of Rs 500 crore for cancer care.
  • The machine will be part of the cancer grid in Assam and is aimed at making the state a hub of medical tourism.
  • Assam will be the first state in the country to have a proton-based therapy machine in the public health system.

Similar Coverage

Tata Memorial Breakthrough: India-led Study Shows Radiation Therapy Reduces Bladder Cancer Recurrence (Mid of November) ▼
  • An India-led research study has shown that radiation therapy after surgery safely reduces the risk of relapse for bladder cancer.
  • It is a post-operative treatment used for patients with high-risk, muscle-invasive bladder cancer to reduce the risk of recurrence in the pelvic area.
  • Dr Vedang Murthy, professor of Radiation Oncology at Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), is the principal investigator of the bladder adjuvant radiotherapy trial.
  • The Bladder Adjuvant Radiotherapy (BART) trial is the largest randomised trial in the world to evaluate the role of radiation therapy after bladder cancer surgery.
  • The trial enrolled more than 150 patients across four cancer centres in India between 2016 and 2024.
  • Results showed a marked reduction in potentially painful local cancer recurrences among patients who received radiation after surgery, without an increase in side effects.
  • The study observed a consistent 12–15% absolute improvement with radiotherapy in disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival.
Patanjali Group signs MoU with Russian government to promote Ayurveda and wellness (Start of December) ▼
  • Patanjali Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Russian government to facilitate its entry into Russia.
  • The MoU aims to promote health and wellness, health tourism, exchange of skilled human resources, and research-related initiatives.
  • Ramdev stated that the first major objective of this MoU is to expand Patanjali's wellness services in Russia.
  • Sergey Cheremin said they aim to transform the lifestyle of the people of Russia by adopting Patanjali's yoga, Ayurveda, and naturopathy.
VoxelGrids Builds India’s First Indigenous MRI Scanner (End of December) ▼
  • VoxelGrids, a Zoho-backed start-up, has developed the country’s first indigenous MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner.
  • The machine, with a Magnetic Field Strength of 1.5 tesla, is not just a locally made version of MRIs from global giants like Siemens or GE HealthCare but comes with its own technological advancements.
  • VoxelGrids’ MRI scanners, due to the absence of liquid helium, are around 40 per cent cheaper to build.
  • The electronics around the magnet are extremely well-packaged while maintaining the same bore-size making it far more power efficient and reducing operating costs exponentially.
  • The scanner has been deployed at Chandrapur Cancer Care Foundation (CCCF) near Nagpur.
  • The company already has the capacity to make 20-25 such scanners per year at its Bengaluru manufacturing facility.
National Cancer Awareness Day observed on 7 November: Theme 2025-2027 - "United by Unique" (Start of November) ▼
  • India observes National Cancer Awareness Day on 7 November.
  • The date was chosen to commemorate the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, whose research on radioactivity laid the foundational work for cancer therapy.
  • The initiative was launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare under the leadership of then-Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.
  • The global theme for 2025-2027 is "United by Unique", which places people at the centre of cancer care.

Indonesia Raises Alert for Mount Bur Ni Telong Amid Increased Volcanic Activity

[Indonesia]

Key Updates:

  • Indonesian authorities have escalated the alert level for Mount Bur Ni Telong volcano, located in the western Aceh province, following heightened volcanic activity.
  • The stratovolcano, standing at 2,624 meters, has shown an increased frequency of both shallow and deep volcanic earthquakes.
  • Officials are evacuating nearby residents and urge caution around fumaroles and solfataras due to toxic gases.

Similar Coverage

WHO Declares End of Poliovirus Outbreak in Indonesia (End of November) ▼
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared Indonesia's polio outbreak over.
  • Indonesia was previously declared polio-free in 2014.
  • The last confirmed polio case in Indonesia was in South Papua province in June 2024.
  • WHO is the abbreviation for World Health Organization.
Long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano erupts in northern Ethiopia (End of November) ▼
  • A satellite image shows ash rising from the eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia.
  • The Hayli Gubbi volcano in the Afar region of Ethiopia erupted for several hours on Sunday morning.
  • The eruption sent thick plumes of smoke up to 14km into the sky.
  • Ash clouds reached Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan according to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre.
  • The nearby village of Afdera was covered in ash.
  • There were no casualties from the eruption.
  • The volcano erupted for the first time in 12,000 years.
  • The volcano sits within the Rift Valley, a zone of intense geological activity.
Magnitude 7.5 quake strikes northern Japan, injures dozens (Start of December) ▼
  • The quake occurred at 23:15 local time at a depth of 50 km about 80 km off the coast of the Aomori region.
  • Tohoku Electric Power reported no irregularities at its Higashidori and Onagawa nuclear power plants.
  • Japanese authorities told the International Atomic Energy Agency no abnormalities were detected at the disabled Fukushima nuclear power station site.
India's Wildfire Management Resolution Adopted At UNEA-7 (Mid of December) ▼
  • India's resolution on strengthening global wildfire management was adopted at the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, with wide support from member states.
  • The resolution responds to the rising number, scale and intensity of wildfires worldwide and calls for stronger international cooperation, early warning systems and better access to finance for prevention and management.
  • Wildfires, once seasonal, have become frequent and prolonged due to climate change and human activities.
  • UNEP's global report 'Spreading Like Wildfire' warns that wildfires may increase by 14 per cent by 2030, 30 per cent by 2050 and 50 per cent by 2100 if current trends continue.
  • Global efforts are moving towards integrated fire management based on early warning systems, risk mapping and satellite-based monitoring, supported by local communities and frontline personnel.
  • The Global Fire Management Hub, set up in 2023 by FAO and UNEP, is an important mechanism for international cooperation.
  • India's resolution calls for stronger cooperation to develop early warning systems, risk assessment tools and satellite- and ground-based monitoring, along with community-based alert mechanisms.

India signs ₹1.82 trillion defence contracts in first nine months of FY26

Key Updates:

  • Contracts worth ₹1.82 trillion have been signed in nine months through December to acquire weapons and equipment for the armed forces.
  • Approximately ₹1.2 trillion of the ₹1.49 trillion capital-acquisition budget for FY26 had been utilised by the third quarter ending December.
  • The Ministry of Defence (MoD) total budgetary allocation for FY26 is ₹6.81 trillion, of which ₹1.8 trillion—over 26%—is earmarked for capital outlay on defence services.
  • The MoD aims to double the usual 10% increase and seek a 20% rise in the modernisation component for the FY27 defence budget.

Similar Coverage

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accords Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Armed Forces proposals worth Rs 79,000 crore (End of December) ▼
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: 'The decisions taken today will help in enhancing operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.'
  • AoN approved for Loiter Munition System for Artillery Regiments, Low Level Light Weight Radars, Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka MRLS, and Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II for Indian Army.
  • For Indian Navy: AoN accorded for procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radios (HF SDR) Manpack, and leasing High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
  • For Indian Air Force: AoN approved for Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II Missiles, Full Mission Simulator for LCA Tejas, and SPICE-1000 Long Range Guidance Kits.
Pakistan and Libyan National Army (LNA) Finalise $4 Billion Defence Cooperation Deal (End of December) ▼
  • Pakistan and the Libyan National Army (LNA) reached a military equipment deal valued between $4 billion and $4.6 billion. [Quote: 'Pakistan has reached a deal worth over $4 billion to sell military equipment to the Libyan National Army (LNA)']
  • The agreement includes the sale of 16 JF-17 fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft. [Quote: '...listed the purchase of 16 JF-17 fighter jets, a multi-role combat aircraft that has been jointly developed by Pakistan and China, and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft']
  • The deal was finalised in Benghazi following a meeting between Pakistan military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and LNA deputy commander-in-chief Saddam Khalifa Haftar. [Quote: '...finalised after a meeting last week between Pakistan military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Saddam Khalifa Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of the LNA, in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi']
  • The defence cooperation pact encompasses weapons sales, joint training, and military manufacturing spread over a 2.5-year period. [Quote: '...entered a defence cooperation pact with Pakistan, which included weapons sales, joint training and military manufacturing... spread over 2-1/2 years']
  • Libya has been under a United Nations (UN) arms embargo since 2011, though a December 2024 report described the restrictions as 'ineffective.' [Quote: 'Libya has been subject to a U.N. arms embargo since 2011... A panel of experts said in a December 2024 report to the U.N. that the arms embargo on Libya remained "ineffective"']
  • Pakistan previously signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia in September 2025 to strengthen security ties. [Quote: '...signing a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia in September 2025']
India hits record Rs 1.54 lakh crore defence production in FY25; defence sector stocks upbeat (End of November) ▼
  • India recorded its highest-ever defence production of Rs 1.54 lakh crore and record exports of Rs 23,622 crore in FY25.
  • Indigenous production stood at Rs 1,27,434 crore in FY24, marking a 174% rise compared to FY15.
  • DPSUs and other PSUs accounted for approximately 77% of total production, while the private sector contributed 23%.
  • The private sector accounted for over Rs 15,233 crore of defence exports, while DPSUs contributed around Rs 8,389 crore.
  • FY25 saw 193 defence contracts worth Rs 2,09,050 crore signed, with 177 contracts worth nearly Rs 1.69 lakh crore going to domestic industries.
  • India now sources at least 65% of its defence needs from local producers.
  • Government targets Rs 3 lakh crore defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
  • India exports defence products to over 100 nations, including the United States, France, and Armenia.
  • HAL share price up 13.57%, BDL up 37.24%, BEL up 44.78%, Bharat Forge up 11.02%, and Paras Defence up 48.13% so far in 2025.
India-France sign overarching R&D pact for future defence challenges (End of November) ▼
  • Agreement signed by DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat and France’s National Armaments Director Lt Gen Gael Diaz de Tuesta at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi
  • Enables joint R&D, sharing of know-how, joint training, and co-held intellectual property rights
  • Key cooperation areas: aeronautical platforms, unmanned vehicles, advanced materials, cybersecurity, AI, space, navigation, advanced propulsion, sensors, quantum tech, underwater tech

India and Bangladesh begin talks on Ganges Water Sharing Treaty renewal on January 02, 2026

[Bangladesh]

Key Updates:

  • India and Bangladesh have begun talks on renewing the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, set to expire in Dec 2026 - 30 years after it was signed - according to officials.
  • Both started measuring water levels in the Ganga and Padma, with measurements to be recorded every 10 days till May 31.
  • Central Water Commission (CWC) deputy director Saurabh Kumar and CWC assistant director Sunny Arora are in Bangladesh, while a four-member Bangladeshi team is in India, the officials said.
  • Senior Bangladesh water resource ministry official Shibber Hossain said 'special attention' was being given to the Indian team's security.

Similar Coverage

India and Bangladesh complete humanitarian exchange of fishermen on December 9, 2025 (Start of December) ▼
  • India and Bangladesh completed a coordinated humanitarian exchange of fishermen, repatriating those who had inadvertently crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing.
  • The exchange on December 9, 2025, involved the release and repatriation of 47 Indian fishermen and 38 Bangladesh fishermen, along with their operable vessel.
  • In January 2025, the Government of India facilitated the release of 95 Indian fishermen, and in a reciprocal manner, released 90 Bangladeshi fishermen.
  • The mutual repatriation arrangement was shaped by the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides.
  • The Government of India attaches the highest importance to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen.
Bangladesh Joins UN Water Convention, Raising Concerns for India (Mid of November) ▼
  • Bangladesh became the first country in South Asia to join the U.N.’s Water Convention, officially known as the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes.
  • The convention, initially intended for European and Central Asian countries, became available to all U.N. member countries in 2016.
  • Bangladesh's decision to join was driven by a need to safeguard and manage its waterways and address rising water security risks.
  • The author believes Bangladesh joining the convention could heighten tensions in South Asia, particularly with India.
  • India fears that Bangladesh's membership could undermine its negotiating power in future water disputes and when the Ganges River Treaty is due for renewal in 2026.
  • A day before signing the U.N. convention, Bangladesh joined China and Pakistan in announcing a ‘trilateral cooperation’ on the economy, climate and social development.
IWAI signs MoUs worth over ₹6,000 crore for development of Inland Waterways on National Waterway-1 (Ganga) (Start of December) ▼
  • Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), nodal agency under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), signed 25 MoUs for inland waterways development.
  • The MoUs aim to strengthen river cruise tourism, ship repair infrastructure, multimodal connectivity and clean-energy transportation along National Waterway-1 (Ganga).
  • Uttar Pradesh receives substantial share of commitments focused on expanding operations in Varanasi and along the Ganga corridor.
  • Key MoUs include ₹800 crore for cruise tourism, ₹350 crore ship repair facility in Varanasi with UP government, ₹200 crore for two river cruise terminals in Varanasi, ₹100 crore for electric vessel charging infrastructure, ₹200 crore Regional Centre of Excellence in Varanasi, ₹1,000 crore with Rhenus Logistics for tug-barges, ₹1,500 crore with NTCPWC of IIT-Madras for dredging supervision, and ₹1,500 crore with IPRCL for rail connectivity DPR and PMC services.
India and Brunei hold inaugural Joint Working Group meeting on Defence Cooperation on Dec 10 2025 (Mid of December) ▼
  • The inaugural meeting of the India-Brunei Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation was held in New Delhi, marking a key step in advancing defence engagement between the two countries.
  • The Ministry of Defence said the talks centred on expanding military-to-military exchanges and joint training, strengthening maritime security cooperation with a focus on sea lane safety and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), enhancing capacity-building initiatives, and identifying opportunities for industry partnerships and technology cooperation.
  • The meeting was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, and Poh Kui Choon, Deputy Permanent Secretary in Brunei's Ministry of Defence.
  • Before the deliberations began, both sides signed the Terms of Reference (ToR), formally establishing the JWG on Defence Cooperation.
  • During her two-day visit, Choon also met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi, adding a diplomatic dimension to the technical discussions held under the JWG.
  • Both delegations noted the increasing momentum in defence cooperation and agreed to pursue a structured roadmap under the JWG mechanism.
  • They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) advances semiconductor design through Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme

[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme under the Semicon India Programme aims to build a self-reliant, globally competitive chip design ecosystem.
  • As many as 24 DLI-supported chip design projects target strategic sectors, including video surveillance, drone detection, energy metering, microprocessors, satellite communications, and IoT SoCs.
  • Projects supported under the government's DLI scheme are scaling rapidly, with 16 tape-outs, 6 ASIC chips, 10 patents, over 1,000 engineers engaged, and over 3x private investment leveraged.
  • With an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) supports investments in semiconductor and display manufacturing as well as the design ecosystem.
  • C-DAC, a premier R&D organisation under MeitY, is responsible for implementing the DLI Scheme as the Nodal Agency.
  • The DLI Scheme supports semiconductor design across the full lifecycle—from design and development to deployment—covering Integrated Circuits (ICs), chipsets, Systems-on-Chip (SoCs), systems and IP cores.

Similar Coverage

Centre approves 17 projects worth ₹7,172 cr under Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (Mid of November) ▼
  • 17 projects approved under Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) with ₹7,172 crore investment
  • Total approved projects under ECMS now 24, involving vendors like Jabil Circuit India, Aequs Consumer Products, Uno Minda, ASUX Safety Components India, Zetfab India, TE Connectivity India, and Meena Electrotech
  • Projects span categories: camera module, connectors, multi-layer PCB, oscillators, enclosures across nine states
  • Cumulative production value expected: ₹65,111 crore
  • Scheme outlay: ₹22,919 crore over six years with one-year gestation period, offering investment, turnover-linked, and capex-linked incentives
Tata Electronics and Intel to explore chip packaging and AI PC solutions in India (Start of December) ▼
  • Tata Electronics has signed Intel as the first major prospective customer for its upcoming semiconductor facilities in India.
  • Intel and Tata intend to explore manufacturing and packaging of Intel products for local markets at Tata Electronics’ upcoming Fab and OSAT facilities.
  • The collaboration will also focus on rapidly scaling tailored AI PC solutions for consumer and enterprise markets in India.
  • Tata Group is building two semiconductor facilities in India worth around $14 billion, including a fabrication plant in Gujarat and an assembly and testing plant in Assam.
Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS): Key Features and Objectives (Mid of November) ▼
  • Scheme Name: Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS); Notified on April 8 this year with an outlay of ₹22,919 crore.
  • Objective: Bolster India’s push into producing high-value components and integrating into global value chains (GVCs).
  • Key Features: Offers investment, turnover-linked, and capital expenditure (capex)-linked incentives across sub-assemblies (electronics), supply chain ecosystem, and sub-assembly (telecom); six-year duration with one-year gestation period.
  • Latest Approval: 17 new projects worth ₹7,172 crore approved, taking the cumulative tally to 24 approved projects.
  • Investment & Production: Total proposed investment under ECMS stands at ₹1.15 lakh crore against a target of ₹59,000 crore; projects are expected to yield production worth ₹65,111 crore cumulatively.
  • Employment: Applicants propose to create employment for nearly 1.41 lakh people compared to a target of 91,600.
  • Categories Covered: Camera module, connectors, multi-layer PCB, oscillators, enclosures, among others, spread across nine states.
CSIR and NICDC sign MoU to embed R&D hubs and innovation centres in India’s industrial corridors (Mid of November) ▼
  • CSIR–NICDC MoU signed by Dr. Vibha Malhotra Sawhney, Head, Technology Management Directorate, CSIR, and Mr. Vikas Goel, General Manager (CS & Marketing), NICDC, in New Delhi.
  • Joint plan to develop R&D hubs, industrial incubators, and innovation centres across NICDC’s smart industrial cities and corridors.
  • Priority technology domains: industrial automation and robotics, renewable energy and clean technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, digital manufacturing, agro-processing and green chemicals.
  • Framework aligns with national initiatives Make in India, Startup India, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat to commercialise indigenous technologies and foster tech-driven startups.

Govt Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) starts state’s first government AI clinic in Noida

Key Updates:

  • Govt Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Kasna has launched a clinic that will use artificial intelligence and genetic screening to detect and treat serious diseases such as cancer and heart, kidney and liver ailments at an early stage.
  • Officials said it is UP's first AI-powered govt clinic within a govt hospital.
  • The clinic will use artificial intelligence along with genetic screening to analyse diagnostic inputs, including blood tests, imaging scans and other clinical data.
  • AI tools will also be used to analyse X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI reports and laboratory investigations, particularly for critically ill patients.
  • According to doctors at GIMS, the use of robotics combined with AI can improve surgical precision across multiple specialities, including abdominal, orthopaedic, neurological and cardiac procedures.
  • The AI clinic was inaugurated online by the additional director general of health services (ADGHS), govt of India.

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Google commits $8 million to India’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem (Mid of December) ▼
  • Google on Tuesday announced fresh collaborations and funding commitments worth $8 million to strengthen India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem.
  • Research funding will go to TANUH at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru for non-communicable disease treatment.
  • The Airawat Research Foundation at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur will receive funding for AI-driven urban governance.
  • Google is working with the National Health Authority (NHA) to use AI to convert millions of unstructured medical records into the international FHIR standard.
  • Google announced a $2 million founding contribution to set up an Indic Language Technologies Research Hub at IIT Bombay.
  • Google said it is partnering with ReNew Energy on a 150 MW solar project in Rajasthan, extending its push to power AI growth with clean energy and support India’s non-fossil fuel goals.
  • The company said it would provide $400,000 to support collaborations using its MedGemma models to build India-specific health foundation models.
  • Google announced separate Google.org funding of $2 million to develop Garuda, an AI language model for agriculture.
Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) to be set up at GIFT City through PPP model (End of December) ▼
  • Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel gave in-principle approval for the establishment of the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) to strengthen research and development in artificial intelligence.
  • The facility will be set up through a tripartite partnership involving the state and Central governments, and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance under the PPP model.
  • IAIRO will be constituted as a non-profit institute under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
  • An estimated budget of approximately ₹300 crore has been earmarked for the first five years, with equal contribution of 33.33% each from the state government, the Centre, and the private partner.
  • The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) has joined as the anchor private partner and will contribute ₹25 crore for the year 2025-26.
  • IAIRO will function under a hybrid compute model, integrating on-premise GPU infrastructure along with national platforms such as the IndiaAI Cloud.
Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Authorizes ₹1.60 Lakh Crore for Hospital Admissions (End of December) ▼
  • The government's flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) saw a major expansion with Delhi and Odisha signing the MoU with the Ministry of Health (MoH) for its implementation.
  • The MoH initiative provides free treatment benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, through Ayushman Vay Vandana cards.
  • As of December 1, a total of 10.98 crore hospital admissions amounting to Rs 1.60 lakh crore have been authorised under the AB-PMJAY since its inception in 2018.
  • The eSanjeevani telemedicine service provided more than 43.2 crore free tele-consultations, ensuring access to specialist doctors in rural and remote areas.
  • Under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), more than 84.35 crore health accounts (ABHA accounts) have been created so far to facilitate digital storage and sharing of medical records.
  • The 100 Days TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched on December 7, 2024, in 347 high priority districts, was expanded to cover all districts of the country to strengthen testing, treatment, and nutritional support.
  • The MoH launched AI-driven healthcare reforms, establishing three centres of excellence for AI in healthcare at AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and AIIMS Rishikesh.
  • An Android-based 'Ayushman app' was launched by the National Health Authority (NHA) featuring face-auth, OTP, IRIS, and fingerprint authentication for Ayushman card creation.
IndiaAI and WHO Launch Global Call for AI Health Solutions for Casebook (End of October) ▼
  • The IndiaAI Mission (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have announced a global call for abstracts.
  • The call highlights impactful and scalable applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health systems.
  • Shortlisted entries will be invited to contribute a chapter to the Casebook on AI Health Use Cases Across the Global South.
  • The Casebook, jointly developed by IndiaAI and WHO, is set to be launched at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi in February.
  • It will serve as a comprehensive reference for policymakers, innovators, and researchers seeking to replicate and scale successfully implemented AI solutions across the Global South.
  • Researchers, innovators, and institutions from across the Global South are invited to submit abstracts by 31st October 2025.
  • Selected contributors will submit full chapters, with the submission deadline for chapter entries set for 15th December.
  • Selected entries will have the opportunity to be showcased at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.

Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) readies 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations for Delhi rollout

[Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Delhi]

Key Updates:

  • Indian scientists led by IITM Pune are deploying 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations in Delhi under Mission Mausam to strengthen India’s weather observation network.
  • The first batch of these next-generation stations is set to be installed in the national capital from February.
  • Manufacturing via 3D printing reduces costs, allows flexible design of geometric structures and is well-suited for large-scale production.
  • All indigenously developed meteorological instruments are certified by IMD’s Surface Laboratory, which the Bureau of Indian Standards recognises.

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Genesys International rolls out India’s first 3D subsurface mapping for Adani airports (Start of December) ▼
  • Genesys International has rolled out India’s first 3D subsurface mapping solution.
  • The project includes the country’s first 3D Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey for end-to-end detection and mapping of underground utilities.
  • Genesys will deploy advanced 3D GPR systems integrated with high-precision LiDAR technologies to deliver high-resolution 3D models.
CSIR-NAL curtain-aiser spotlights aerospace tech under IISF 2025 (Start of December) ▼
  • CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) hosted the IISF 2025 curtain-raiser under the JIGYASA Programme.
  • Students toured the Flight simulator facility to learn aircraft control and simulation-based engineering.
  • DRISHTI indigenous runway-visibility technologies were demonstrated to the visitors.
  • The Advanced composites division displayed cutting-edge materials used in aerospace structures and lightweight components.
Delhi’s cloud-seeding trials fail to yield rain; IIT Kanpur cites low cloud-moisture (End of October) ▼
  • Technology/Event: Cloud-seeding trials using a Cessna aircraft dispersing eight 0.5-kg flares of silver-iodide mix per sortie
  • Implementing Agency: IIT Kanpur executing the project under a MoU with Delhi environment department
  • Key Finding: Seeded cloud humidity only 10–20 %, below optimal levels, producing no measurable rainfall over Delhi; neighbouring Noida/Greater Noida registered 0.1–0.2 mm
  • Objective: Intended precipitation to mitigate urban air pollution; PM2.5 at Mayur Vihar, Karol Bagh and Burari fell marginally (≈10–25 µg/m³) post-seeding though no rain occurred
  • Budget & Trials: Rs 1.9 crore spent on three sorties so far; overall budget Rs 3.21 crore covers up to nine trials
Indian Army inks MoU via 515 Army Base Workshop to fast-track indigenous land-system drones (Mid of December) ▼
  • The MoU was signed between the 515 Army Base Workshop, acting on behalf of the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) and the Directorate General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, and Raghu Vamsi Par East Automation Pvt Ltd.
  • The partnership establishes a pathway from evaluation to field induction and scaling up of drone technologies, aligned with operational requirements and indigenous manufacturing goals.
  • The MoU focuses on technology infusion in drone manufacturing, with emphasis on IC engine-based drones and systems capable of operating in GPS-denied environments.
  • Raghu Vamsi Par East will provide technical consultancy to the Army Base Workshop for comprehensive evaluation of drone technologies including subsystem reviews, integration readiness assessments and compliance with Army standards.

Union Minister J P Nadda announces India ranks 8th globally in World Health Organization (WHO) Pharmacovigilance Contributions

[World Health Organization (WHO)]

Key Updates:

  • India now stands at the 8th position globally in World Health Organization (WHO) Pharmacovigilance Contributions, rising from the 123rd position held ten years ago.
  • The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the 10th edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2026, which serves as the official book of drug standards for India.
  • The Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2026 has incorporated 121 new monographs, increasing the total count to 3,340 monographs.
  • India has become the first country to include 20 blood component monographs to expand research in blood transfusion, thalassemia, hemophilia, and anaemia.
  • The new monographs are designed to benefit the National TB Elimination Programme, Anaemia Mukt Bharat, and the Universal Immunisation Programme.
  • The Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) is currently recognized as a standard in 19 Global South countries.

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Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine commences in New Delhi (End of December) ▼
  • The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine kicked off on Wednesday, with a focus on 'Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-Being,' at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
  • Union Health Minister JP Nadda and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasised the importance of traditional medicine in global healthcare.
  • The three-day global scientific gathering is held from December 17th to 19th, 2025.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to grace the closing ceremony of the Summit on December 19th, 2025.
  • The summit is being jointly organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.
AMRIT Pharmacy Initiative: 10 Years of Affordable Medicines (Mid of November) ▼
  • Scheme Name: AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) pharmacies, implemented by HLL Lifecare Ltd.
  • Launch: First outlet opened at AIIMS, Delhi in 2015; network now spans 255 outlets across 24 States and 4 UTs.
  • Objective: Provide life-saving and essential medicines and implants at 50–90% discount to reduce treatment costs, especially for low-income patients.
  • Achievement: Over 6.85 crore patients benefited; medicines worth >Rs 17,000 crore (MRP) dispensed, saving patients ~Rs 8,500 crore cumulatively.
  • Future Plan: Expand network to 500 outlets, aiming to place an AMRIT pharmacy in every medical college and district hospital.
IPC–Jharkhand Pharmacy Council MoU to Strengthen Pharmacovigilance and Medicine Safety (Mid of November) ▼
  • MoU signed between Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), Ghaziabad and Jharkhand State Pharmacy Council (JSPC) to promote safe and rational medicine use in Jharkhand.
  • Objective: build capacity of registered pharmacists in adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting, pharmacovigilance, materiovigilance and safe medicine use.
  • Key feature: strengthen utilisation of the National Formulary of India (NFI) as standard reference across Jharkhand healthcare facilities for rational dispensing.
  • Initiatives include awareness programmes for hospital and community pharmacists, mandatory NFI use in institutional pharmacy settings, and joint observance of National Pharmacovigilance Week.
Pharmaceutical Investments and Pricing in India (Mid of November) ▼
  • WeGovy's 2.4 mg dose is priced at ₹ 26,015 for a month's supply in India.
  • Eli Lilly disclosed plans to invest $1 billion for contract manufacturing in India.
  • Eli Lilly will set up a new manufacturing and quality centre in Hyderabad.
  • The investment by Eli Lilly came amid 100% US tariffs on the pharma sector.
  • India is referred to as the world's third largest pharmaceutical industry.

Forest Department records first-ever sighting of Sirkeer Malkoha in Uttarkashi hills

Key Updates:

  • The Sirkeer Malkoha (Taccocua leschenaultii), a bird species typically found in Uttarakhand's plains, has been recorded for the first time in Uttarkashi district.
  • The species is known to inhabit dry scrub forests and open woodlands below 1,000m.
  • The sighting in the Barkot area is rare and a significant subject for research.

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Holematthi Nature Foundation (HNF) records Karnataka's first 'Sandalwood Leopard' (Start of January) ▼
  • The Holematthi Nature Foundation (HNF) documented an ultra-rare leopard colour morph in Vijayanagara district, marking the first in the state.
  • The big cat, named the 'Sandalwood Leopard,' has a pale reddish-pink coat resembling the colour of sandalwood, marked with light-brown rosettes.
  • The leopard (Panthera pardus) has an appearance consistent with naturally occurring genetic traits such as hypomelanism or erythrism.
  • This discovery marks only the second such sighting in India, with the only previous Indian record from Rajasthan's Ranakpur region.
  • Globally, this colour morph, referred to as 'strawberry leopards,' has been documented only five times, including sightings in South Africa and Tanzania.
  • Definitive identification of the underlying genetic mechanism would require molecular analysis using non-invasive DNA samples such as scat or hair.
Rare Clouded Leopard Sighted in Kakoi Reserve Forest (RF) Highlights Conservation of Smaller Habitats (End of December) ▼
  • The Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a vulnerable and Schedule I–protected species.
  • The species was sighted at the Kakoi Reserve Forest (RF) located in the eastern Himalayan foothills of Assam.
  • The sighting was recorded during a routine camera-trap exercise.
  • The presence of the species highlights the vital role smaller reserve forests play in the conservation of threatened carnivores.
  • A Siberian tigress was spotted with five cubs in China.
  • Forest officials in Panchkula have deployed drones for rescue teams following an alert over a leopard sighting.
  • A rare red fox appeared near Pangong Tso, leading an IFS officer to flag conservation concerns.
  • The Nature Conservancy is restoring habitat for a rare moth and other prairie species.
First India-born cheetah Mukhi gives birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park (End of November) ▼
  • India-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park.
  • Mukhi is the sole surviving cheetah cub born in India at Kuno, a landmark for the country’s cheetah reintroduction project.
  • Mukhi was born on March 29, 2023, to Namibian cheetah Jwala.
  • The father of the cubs is also said to be of Indian origin, believed to be one of the males born to Asha.
  • Mukhi survived maternal abandonment, dehydration from extreme summer heat, and a serious injury, requiring hand-rearing and rehabilitation.
  • Uttam Kumar Sharma is the Director of Kuno National Park and Project Cheetah.
  • At present, India has 34 cheetahs, including 10 adults and 24 cubs, following the reintroduction of 20 individuals from southern Africa in 2022 and 2023.
Tenkasi District Forest Division (Tamil Nadu) Launches ‘Golden Jackal Ambassadors’ Scheme for Conservation (Start of December) ▼
  • The population of golden jackal is rapidly dwindling due to indiscriminate construction activities being taken up in the areas closer to residential areas after removing the forests and shrubs.
  • The ‘Golden Jackal Ambassadors’ scheme targets schools and colleges to train students as ambassadors for conserving golden jackal.
  • Students badged as ‘Golden Jackal Ambassadors’ will disseminate messages on conserving golden jackal, rescuing and treating injured golden jackals and releasing them back in the forests.
  • Lack of awareness among the public on conserving small animals like golden jackal, mongoose, ant-eater, tortoise, snakes, monitor lizard etc. has led to the sharp fall in their population.
  • The ‘Friends of Elephants’ scheme has started yielding good results as villagers cooperate in alerting forest personnel about elephants entering ranches or hamlets.
  • Forest department cultivates native plants inside the forest preferred by elephants to create sufficient food.

India records 166 tiger deaths in 2025, 40 more than previous year; MP reports highest toll

Key Updates:

  • India lost 166 tigers in 2025, forty more than the previous year, according to the latest data of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
  • Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of deaths at 55, followed by Maharashtra (38), Kerala (13) and Assam (12).
  • Of the 166 deceased tigers, 31 were cubs.
  • Experts attribute the major cause of death to territorial infighting due to space crunch as tiger populations reach saturation.

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Gujarat regains Tiger State status after 33 years as NTCA confirms tiger presence in Ratanmahal sanctuary (End of December) ▼
  • The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) confirmed the presence of a tiger in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary in central Gujarat.
  • Forest officials detected pugmarks of a tiger in the Pipalgota Round of the Kanjeta Range in the sanctuary.
  • Analysis of camera trap data revealed an image of a tiger captured at 2:40 am.
  • The NTCA included Gujarat in the national Tiger Census and suggested steps to strengthen the ecosystem.
  • The Gujarat Forest Department has increased the number of camera traps and is ensuring availability of water, prey base, security, and fire prevention.
  • Prey base species such as antelopes and spotted deer were released in the area during the monsoon.
  • Forest department officials will be trained in conservation and breeding of tigers.
  • Attempts are on to bring a female tiger to increase the tiger population in the region.
  • Gujarat has become the only state in India to host three big cat species — lion, tiger and leopard — simultaneously.
53 arrested for forest encroachment in Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve on December 16 (End of December) ▼
  • Forest authorities in Chhattisgarh arrested 53 individuals for attempting to encroach upon protected land within the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR).
  • The Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) serves as a critical catchment for the Mahanadi River and a vital habitat for tigers, elephants, and leopards.
  • The enforcement operation was conducted in the Sitanadi core zone, specifically in the Ghotbeda area of reserve forest compartment number 323.
  • The joint forest team was led by Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Bholanath Singh Rajput, Ranger Kushal Kashyap, and Deputy Ranger Lokeshwar Chauhan.
India to Host Global Big Cats Summit Next Year (Mid of November) ▼
  • India will host a ‘Global Big Cats Summit’ in New Delhi next year.
  • The announcement was made by India’s Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav at a high-level ministerial segment at COP30 conference in Belem, Brazil.
  • The summit will focus on renewed global cooperation to protect big cat species and their habitats as part of integrated climate and biodiversity action.
  • The International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) has 17 countries formally associated, with over 30 more expressing willingness to join.
  • India's ambition is to bring all big cat range countries, and all nations valuing biodiversity and climate security, into the Alliance.
India's All India Tiger Estimation: The World's Largest Wildlife Survey (Start of November) ▼
  • The All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) is widely recognised as the world’s largest wildlife survey, unmatched in both scale and precision.
  • It is conducted across more than 400,000 square kilometres of forests in over 20 states, mobilising an army of over 60,000 forest staff and field experts.
  • The survey blends satellite imagery, field surveys, and data analytics to create the most comprehensive picture of a single species ever attempted.
  • The methodology involves three phases: Phase 1 includes beat guards conducting carnivore sign surveys, prey counts, and vegetation/human pressure assessments; Phase 2 is handled by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, using satellite images and remotely sensed information; and Phase 3 utilizes camera trapping in four square kilometre grids to identify individual tigers by their stripe patterns.
  • The 2022 cycle used more than 40,000 camera traps, earning India a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest camera trap wildlife survey.
  • Cubs are deliberately not counted in the estimation, as about fifty percent do not survive up to one year, and are only included as independent individuals after two to two-and-a-half years of age.
  • Extrapolation is used to estimate tiger numbers in similar but unsampled forests, combining Phase 1 sign and prey data with Phase 2 habitat models.

Tripura State Load Dispatch Centre becomes first in Northeast to secure ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification

[Tripura]

Key Updates:

  • Tripura State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) has achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, making it the first in the northeast to do so.
  • The certification is designed to safeguard critical computerised systems from escalating cyber threats, ensuring the security of the national power grid.
  • Power minister Ratan Lal Nath announced the certification during the 22nd foundation day celebration of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL).

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Indian Railways commissions Kavach 4.0 on 738 Route km to boost safety on Delhi–Mumbai & Delhi–Howrah lines (Start of December) ▼
  • Kavach 4.0 is an indigenously developed, upgraded version of Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system requiring SIL-4 safety certification.
  • It aids the Loco Pilot by automatically applying brakes if the train exceeds specified speed limits and ensures safe operation during inclement weather.
  • Kavach 4.0 has been commissioned on 738 Route km covering Palwal–Mathura–Nagda section (633 Rkm) on Delhi–Mumbai route and Howrah–Bardhaman section (105 Rkm) on Delhi–Howrah route.
  • Major improvements in Version 4.0 include increased Location Accuracy, Improved Information of Signal Aspects in bigger yards, Station-to-Station Kavach interface on OFC, and Direct Interface to existing Electronic Interlocking System.
  • Track-side Kavach implementation work has been taken up on 15,512 Route km covering all Golden Quadrilateral, Golden Diagonal, High Density Network and identified sections of Indian Railways.
  • Bids have been invited for equipping another 9,069 locomotives with Kavach version 4.0.
Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme Extension, TSTL Fee Reduction, and ITSAR ONT Simplification Announced (End of December) ▼
  • Department of Telecommunications (DoT) through National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) extends Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme for two years from 01-01-2026.
  • NCCS reduces Telecom Security Testing Laboratory (TSTL) designation application fee by more than 50%, with complete waiver for Central/State Government testing agencies, IITs, and 50% concession for Indian Startups, MSEs, and women-owned enterprises.
  • NCCS simplifies Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirement (ITSAR) certification for Optical Network Terminator (ONT) devices by grouping customized variants under a single certification, cutting testing cases tenfold.
Andhra Pradesh and WEF to establish Centre for Energy and Cyber Resilience (Mid of November) ▼
  • Andhra Pradesh government and World Economic Forum signed agreement to set up a centre for energy and cyber resilience
  • Centre aims to protect electricity infrastructure in the state
  • CM Chandrababu Naidu stated target to generate 160 GW of green energy in Andhra Pradesh
  • AI-driven technologies to be used to reduce power transmission losses and supply costs
  • State quickly implemented solar rooftop power generation under PM Surya Ghar scheme
Goa Police's 1930 Cloud-Based Cyber Fraud Call Centre: Key Features and Achievements (Mid of November) ▼
  • Goa police has become the first state police force in India to achieve a 100% response rate in cyber fraud calls.
  • The initiative is a '1930 cloud-based call centre' which was launched last month and inaugurated by Union home minister Amit Shah.
  • The call centre ensures 100% accessibility by successfully responding to all calls, including missed calls.
  • Nine police personnel of the cyber police station attend to calls round the clock.
  • The system automatically records calls for quality assurance, allows staff to review conversations, supports conference calling, and enables real-time supervision by senior officers.
  • The objective of the call centre is to reduce the time taken to report cyber fraud incidents, allowing officers to act faster and helping save substantial amounts of citizens’ money.

Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 held in Jaipur

[Rajasthan]

Key Updates:

  • The Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 will be held in Jaipur on January 6.
  • The conference will focus on the role of artificial intelligence in governance, economic growth, innovation and public service delivery.
  • Senior leaders expected include Union minister for electronics and information technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, minister of state for electronics and information technology and commerce and industry Jitin Prasada, Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and the state’s IT and communication minister Rajyavardhan Rathore.
  • Discussions will centre on AI applications in public service delivery and governance, ethical and responsible use of AI, and the impact of AI on employment and skills.
  • The conference will be held alongside Rajasthan DigiFest × TiE Global Summit 2026.

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Odisha hosts two-day Regional AI Impact Summit 2025 to advance sustainable AI solutions (Mid of December) ▼
  • Odisha is hosting a two-day Regional AI Impact Summit 2025 in Bhubaneswar organised by the Electronics and Information Technology Department, Government of Odisha.
  • The summit focuses on scalable public AI solutions centred on the 3Ps - People, Planet, and Progress.
  • Odisha Minister Mukesh Mahaling stated that the outcomes of this summit will inform how AI can be used to monitor governance modules.
  • Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Secretary Saurabh Garg said the objective is to ensure AI is available for the benefit of all without requiring users to know the technology.
  • Principal Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev noted that Odisha is the first state in the country to bring out an AI policy.
  • The Odisha government launched the Odisha AI mission aligned with the India AI mission to democratise AI through access, affordability, equity, and inclusivity.
Stanford University AI Index ranks India third in Global AI Vibrancy (Mid of December) ▼
  • India climbed four steps to rank third in the 2024 Global AI Vibrancy Index with a score of 21.59.
  • The United States leads with 78.6 and China follows with 36.95, while India surpasses South Korea, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Canada, Germany, and France.
  • India’s improvement is measured across seven pillars: R&D, responsible AI, economy, talent, policy and governance, public opinion, and infrastructure.
  • India pledged USD 1.25 billion toward AI initiatives, part of global government investments including China’s USD 47.5 billion semiconductor fund and France’s 109 billion euro commitment.
  • The country slipped five positions on the policy and governance pillar according to the report.
IIT Madras and IndiaAI Mission to Host Meet on Safe, Trusted AI Ahead of India-AI Impact Summit 2026 (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will host a pre-summit meet on safe and trusted artificial intelligence.
  • The pre-summit meet will take place in Chennai.
  • The conclave aims to shape AI Safety Commons proposals and governance models for the Global South.
  • The meeting will discuss steps to create an AI Safety Commons for the Global South, including shared datasets, benchmarks and governance resources.
  • Discussions will also look at how responsible AI principles can be implemented through governance and regulatory models suited to different cultural, legal and technological environments.
  • The outcomes will feed into the roadmap for the India–AI Impact Summit and support India’s role in shaping a global AI framework centred on trust, safety and inclusion.
  • The India–AI Impact Summit will take place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
  • This is the first time the summit will be held in the Global South.
  • Concerns around fairness, accountability and misuse underline the need for frameworks that can be used across global contexts.
India’s 2025 AI Leap: BharatGen Multimodal LLU, 34,000-GPU Compute Pool, and Ethical Governance (Start of December) ▼
  • India’s national compute capacity crossed 34,000 GPUs under the IndiaAI Mission.
  • BharatGen AI, the first multimodal large language model built to work across 22 Indian languages, was launched on June 2, 2025.
  • Over Rs. 10,300 crore was allocated to the IndiaAI Mission over five years for infrastructure, talent, safety, and data access.
  • Bhashini, India’s multilingual AI platform, signed an MoU with the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) to provide services in 22 languages at railway stations.

Karnataka Organ Donation Record 2025

[Karnataka]

Key Updates:

  • Jeevasarthakathe is the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO).
  • Karnataka achieved a record of 198 donations from organ donors in 2025, making it the highest number of donations in a year in the state’s record.
  • Karnataka stands third in the country behind Tamil Nadu (267) and Telangana (205) for state-wise donations.
  • Karnataka’s previous record for organ donations was in 2023 when 178 donors donated their organs.
  • Non-Transplant Human Organ Retrieval Centres (NTHORCs) are utilized to encourage donations through medical college hospitals.
  • SOTTO collaborated with the police department to nominate a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) rank officer as a nodal officer to identify potential organ donation cases in head injury incidents.

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Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls digitisation drive (End of November) ▼
  • The Election Commission of India reported that more than 47% of the enumeration forms distributed across 12 States and Union Territories have been digitised.
  • Goa achieved the highest digitisation at 76.89% followed by Rajasthan at 72.20%.
  • Kerala and Uttar Pradesh recorded the lowest digitisation at 23% and 26.6% respectively.
  • The enumeration phase began on November 4 and will end on December 4, with the draft list to be published on December 9.
Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan: Guinness World Records and Health Outcomes (Start of November) ▼
  • The Union Health Ministry achieved three Guinness World Records titles under the nationwide 'Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan' (SNSPA) campaign.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar campaign from September 27 to October 2, 2025, in conjunction with Poshan Maah (nutrition month).
  • The campaign focuses on improving health and nutrition of women, adolescent girls, and children; aiming to strengthening early detection, ensuring access to essential health services, and empowering families to adopt healthier lifestyles.
  • The three Guinness World Records are: most people (over 3.21 crore) to register for a healthcare platform in one month; most people (over 9.94 lakh) to sign up for breast cancer screening online in one week; and most people (over 1.25 lakh) to sign up for vital signs screening online in one week (at state level).
  • As part of the campaign, 19.7 lakh health camps were organised, with a footfall of more than 11 crore on all healthcare platforms.
  • Over 20 ministries participated in the campaign, which also involved central government institutes, medical colleges and private organisations.
  • Key outcomes of the campaign include over 1.78 crore hypertension screenings, 1.73 crore diabetes screenings, 69.5 lakh oral cancer screenings, 62.6 lakh antenatal care check-ups, 1.43 crore vaccine doses and 1.51 crore anaemia tests.
  • More than 85.9 lakh women were screened for tuberculosis, 10.2 lakh for sickle cell disease, and 2.14 crore individuals participated in counselling and wellness sessions.
  • Over 2.68 lakh Nikshay Mitra (anti-tuberculosis volunteers) were registered during the campaign.
Singer Palak Muchhal enters Guinness & Limca Book of Records for funding over 3,800 heart surgeries (Mid of November) ▼
  • Palak Muchhal earned Guinness and Limca Book of Records recognition for humanitarian work, not music.
  • Through her Palak-Palash Charitable Foundation, she has funded over 3,800 heart surgeries for underprivileged children across India.
  • A large part of her concert earnings goes directly toward these surgeries.
Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA): 3 Guinness Records & Key Features (Start of November) ▼
  • Campaign Name: Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA); launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17 and held till October 2 as part of 'Poshan Month'.
  • Objective: Focus on preventive and women-centric healthcare, improving health and nutrition of women, adolescent girls and children.
  • Scale: Reached every district; 19.7 lakh health camps held and over 11 crore people participated across health platforms.
  • Key screenings/services: 1.78 crore screened for hypertension, 1.73 crore for diabetes, 69.5 lakh for oral cancer, 85.9 lakh women for tuberculosis, 10.2 lakh for sickle-cell disease, 1.51 crore anaemia tests, 62.6 lakh antenatal check-ups, 1.43 crore vaccine doses administered.
  • Digital milestones (Guinness records): Over 3.21 crore people registered on a healthcare platform in one month; over 9.94 lakh signed up for online breast-cancer screening in one week; over 1.25 lakh registered for online vital-signs screening at state level in one week.
  • Participation: More than 20 ministries/departments, central institutes, medical colleges, private organisations; 5 lakh+ Panchayati Raj reps, 1.14 crore students, 94 lakh SHG members, 5 lakh+ community-platform participants.