Daily Current Affairs: 6 January 2026

Analysis for 06 January 2026

A Muhamed Mustaque sworn in as Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court

[Sikkim]

Key Updates:

A Muhamed Mustaque was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court.
Governor Om Prakash Mathur administered the oath of office at Lok Bhawan.
He previously served as Acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.
He succeeds Biswanath Somadder following the latter’s retirement.

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Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak appointed as Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court (Start of January) ▼

Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak was appointed as the chief justice of the Jharkhand High Court.
He will assume charge after incumbent Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan demits office on attaining the age of 62 years.
Justice Sonak was appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court on June 21, 2013, and is due to retire on November 27, 2026.
His name was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium last month.

Justice Surya Kant appointed as 53rd Chief Justice of India (Start of November) ▼

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday appointed Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India.
Justice Kant, who is likely to take oath on November 24, will succeed CJI B R Gavai, who is due to retire on November 23.
Justice Kant will serve as CJI for nearly 15 months until his retirement on February 9, 2027.
He will also be the first CJI from Haryana.
Justice Surya Kant was born on February 10, 1962, in Haryana’s Hisar and obtained a degree in law from Punjab’s Maharshi Dayanand University.
Hegan his legal practice at the Hisar District Court in 1984 and was the youngest Advocate General of Haryana at the age of 38.
At 43, he was elevated a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and served there for 14 years before being appointed Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court.
In his nearly six-year tenure in the Supreme Court, he has been part of several significant judgments, including the 2023 ruling on the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution; 2024 verdict on the minority tag to Aligarh Muslim University; the grant of bail to former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in 2024, and the bench that granted bail to Alt-News co-founder Mohammed Zubair in 2022.

Justice Surya Kant, who gave landmark rulings on Article 370 and corruption, takes oath as Chief Justice of India (End of November) ▼

Justice Surya Kant took oath as India's 53rd Chief Justice at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, succeeding Justice B R Gavai.
He is known for landmark rulings on issues such as Article 370, gender equality, free speech, and corruption.
Born on February 10, 1962, in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Kant began his journey in law as a small-town lawyer.
His tenure as Chief Justice of India is expected to last nearly 15 months until his retirement on February 9, 2027.
Justice Kant studied law in Haryana and secured the first rank in his Master’s program at Kurukshetra University.
His career included arguing cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, elevation as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, and later to the Supreme Court in 2019.
His name was officially recommended by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai.
Justice Kant has a reputation for balancing legal principles with real-world concerns and has shown interest in issues affecting people directly.
In the landmark Pegasus spyware case, he noted that citing national security cannot prevent legitimate questions from being asked in court.
He has stated that “freedom of speech is not a licence to flout societal norms.”
Justice Kant is seen as a judge who combines firmness with empathy and has repeatedly underlined that corruption is a “serious societal threat.”
He ordered a CBI investigation into 28 cases involving alleged fraud that impacted homebuyers.
He granted bail to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, stressing the need for investigative agencies to shed the image of being a “caged parrot.”
His judgments have tried to strike a balance between national interest and citizens’ rights, as seen in the Char Dham highway case.
He was part of the seven-judge bench that reopened the Aligarh Muslim University minority status issue.
Since joining the Supreme Court, Justice Kant has contributed to over 300 benches.
He faces the challenge of guiding the judiciary amid nearly 90,000 pending cases.
Landmark judgments include upholding the Centre’s decision to remove Jammu and Kashmir’s special status (Article 370) and putting the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance.
He was part of the bench that examined allegations of unlawful surveillance through Pegasus and ordered the formation of an independent committee of cyber experts.
He nudged the Election Commission to disclose details of 65 lakh voters excluded from the draft list in the Bihar Electoral Roll Review.
He was part of the presidential reference examining the powers of Governors and the President in clearing or withholding state bills.
He reinstated a woman sarpanch who had been unlawfully removed, calling out gender bias.
Justice Kant directed that one-third of seats in bar associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, must be reserved for women.
He was part of the bench that appointed a five-member committee to investigate the security lapse during the Prime Minister’s Punjab visit.
He upheld the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme for the defence forces, calling it constitutionally valid.
He continues to hear petitions by women officers seeking parity in permanent commission.

Delhi Government signs MoU with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for Yamuna rejuvenation and infrastructure capital expenditure.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Delhi]

Key Updates:

Delhi Government and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sign MoU making RBI the banker, debt manager and financial agent for Delhi.
Market borrowings via State Development Loans will carry interest of around seven per cent, replacing earlier high-cost borrowings at 12-13 per cent.
Surplus funds of Delhi Government will be automatically invested daily through RBI mechanisms.
Access to Ways and Means Advances and Special Drawing Facilities is enabled for managing temporary cash-flow mismatches.
All borrowed funds must be used exclusively for capital expenditure with priority sectors being Yamuna rejuvenation, drinking water supply, health infrastructure, public transport, roads and flyovers.

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Delhi to have two more revenue districts, SDM count to go up (End of November) ▼

The Delhi government is preparing for a major administrative overhaul to streamline governance.
Under the proposed changes, the number of revenue districts in the capital will be increased to 13.
The number of SDM offices will be expanded to 39 from 33.
Officials believe the new structure will significantly reduce delays and minimise the need for the public to visit multiple government offices for routine work.
At present, the capital has 11 revenue districts, each headed by a district magistrate.
The districts operate separately from the MCD, which is divided into 12 zones led by deputy commissioners.
The new district boundaries are being planned on the basis of Delhi’s 11 municipal zones.
The Delhi Cabinet has given an in-principal approval to the proposal that currently awaits the L-G’s approval.
The government has been planning to establish a mini-secretariat in every district to bring all departmental services except law and order under one roof.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area functions as a separate entity within the New Delhi district that usually witnesses confusion over its jurisdiction.
The government has planned to merge NDMC and Delhi Cantonment areas into the New Delhi district and align MCD zones with revenue districts.
In September 2012, new districts were created when South-East Delhi and Shahdara were carved out.
The current restructuring will require a major redraw of Delhi’s administrative map, leading to the addition or exclusion of villages and localities.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Approves Risk-Based Pricing for Deposit Insurance (End of December) ▼

The central board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a proposal to transition to a risk-based pricing system for deposit insurance.
The new model replaces the uniform premium currently charged to banks under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) scheme.
Under the existing flat-rate system, banks pay a premium of 12 paise for every Rs 100 of assessable deposits.
The proposed framework will charge lower premia to banks with stronger capital adequacy, better asset quality, and sound governance, while weaker banks will pay higher rates.
The DICGC, established under the DICGC Act, 1961, has operated the deposit insurance framework on a flat-rate basis since 1962.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra introduced the reform measures alongside the October monetary policy decision to help better-rated banks save significantly on premium costs.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Issues Transaction Account Directions, Eases Limits (Mid of December) ▼

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released final guidelines on transaction account directions.
The final guidelines removed restrictions on cash credit (CC) accounts.
The revised rule permits any lending bank with more than 10% exposure to open a current or overdraft account for the borrower.
In situations where no bank or only one bank meets this threshold, the two lenders with the largest exposure will be allowed to operate such accounts.
The requirement to transfer funds from collection accounts to designated transaction accounts within two working days remains unchanged.
The guidelines will come into effect from April 1.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Issues Guidelines for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) Licensing and Classification (Mid of December) ▼

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Urban Co-operative Banks – Licensing, Scheduling and Regulatory Classification Guidelines, 2025.
The RBI stated that no fresh proposals for the organization of new UCBs or the conversion of cooperative credit societies into UCBs are being considered.
A four-tiered regulatory framework has been adopted for UCBs based on deposit size as of March 31 of the preceding financial year.
Tier 1 UCBs include all unit UCBs, salary earners’ UCBs, and other UCBs with deposits up to ₹100 crore.
Tier 2 UCBs are defined as those with deposits of more than ₹100 crore and up to ₹1000 crore.
Tier 3 UCBs consist of those with deposits of more than ₹1000 crore and up to ₹10,000 crore.
Tier 4 UCBs include those with deposits exceeding ₹10,000 crore.
UCBs transitioning to a higher Tier are allowed a glide path of up to two years to comply with higher regulatory requirements.
To be included in the Second Schedule to the RBI Act, 1934, a UCB must maintain Tier 3 deposit levels for two consecutive years.
UCBs seeking scheduling must maintain a Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of at least three per cent more than the minimum requirement.
The eligibility for scheduling also requires the absence of major regulatory and supervisory concerns based on the latest RBI inspection or audited financials.

Banking system LDR hits 81% all-time high as credit growth outpaces deposit mobilisation.

Key Updates:

Banking system loan-to-deposit ratio reached an all-time high of 81%.
HDFC Bank loans grew 12% year-on-year while deposits rose 11.5%.
HDFC Bank gross advances stood at ₹28.44 lakh crore and total deposits at ₹28.59 lakh crore.
Bank of Baroda global advances rose 14.57% year-on-year to ₹13.44 lakh crore and global deposits grew 10.25% to ₹15.47 lakh crore.
Punjab National Bank global deposits increased 8.5% to ₹16.6 lakh crore and global advances expanded 11% to ₹12.32 lakh crore.
Union Bank of India global deposits rose 3.4% to ₹12.22 lakh crore and advances grew 7.13% to ₹10.16 lakh crore.
Axis Bank gross advances increased 14.1% to ₹11.70 lakh crore and deposits grew 15% to ₹12.60 lakh crore.
Kotak Mahindra Bank net advances grew 16% to ₹4.80 lakh crore and deposits rose 14.6% to ₹5.42 lakh crore.
Yes Bank advances rose 5.2% to ₹2.57 lakh crore and deposits grew 5.5% to ₹2.92 lakh crore.
RBL Bank deposits increased 12% to ₹1.19 lakh crore and advances rose 13% to ₹1.04 lakh crore.
IndusInd Bank net advances dropped 13.1% to ₹3.18 lakh crore and deposits fell 3.8% to ₹3.94 lakh crore.
Bajaj Finance assets under management rose 22% year-on-year to around ₹4.85 lakh crore.
Poonawalla Fincorp AUM grew 77.5% year-on-year to ₹55,000 crore.
M&M Finance business assets grew about 12% to nearly ₹1.29 lakh crore.

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RBI Data: Bank Credit Growth Slows to 11.3%, Deposit Growth Rises to 9.7% in October (Mid of November) ▼

Banks' annual credit growth at the end of October 31 stood at 11.3% while deposits grew 9.7%, Reserve Bank of India data showed.
The gap between credit and deposit growth prints narrowed to 160 basis points at the end of October 31 as compared with the 200 basis points seen on October 17.
Exactly a year back, the gap in credit and deposit growth was merely 10 basis points with credit expanded 11.8% while deposit grew at 11.7% year-on-year.
Demand deposits rose 21% year-on-year to Rs 31 lakh crore against 17% rise seen a fortnight back.
The time deposits, which are known as fixed deposits, grew 8.3% to Rs 211 lakh crore.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Projects 1.9% GNPA Ratio by March 2027 (Start of January) ▼

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recorded the gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio of scheduled commercial banks at multi-year lows of 2.3% in March 2025 and 2.2% in September 2025.
The net non-performing asset (NNPA) ratio for scheduled commercial banks remained at approximately 0.5% since the March 2025 quarter.
The RBI projects the bad loans ratio for Indian banks to fall to 1.9% by March 2027 under the baseline scenario.
System-wide capital-to-risk weighted assets ratios and Common equity Tier-1 ratios remained comfortably above Basel III norms and regulatory thresholds.
Macro stress tests indicate that banks would maintain capital levels above regulatory minimums even under severe macroeconomic scenarios.
The RBI released its Financial Stability report in December, noting that the banking sector closed 2025 with its cleanest balance sheets in over a decade.
The RBI attributed the improvement in asset quality to legacy bad-loan resolution, tighter underwriting standards, and steady economic growth.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) records gross NPAs at 10-year low of 2.1% (Start of January) ▼

Gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) have fallen to a decadal low of 2.1%.
The ratio of special mention accounts overdue by 61-90 days (SMA-2) declined to 0.8% as of end-September 2025.
In the MSME sector, the SMA ratio eased to 5.1%.
Stress in unsecured loans moderated sharply, with the SMA-2 ratio falling to 13% from more than 20% a year earlier.
Credit costs for the system are expected to be around 0.6% in the December quarter.
Fresh stress formation among large borrowers improved, with the SMA-2 ratio declining nearly 36% in September 2025.
69% of gold loan disbursements were to prime-and-above borrowers.
Private sector banks disbursed over 70% of consumer loans to prime-and-above borrowers.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) receives 13.34 lakh complaints under RB-IOS in FY25 up 13.55% (Start of December) ▼

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received 13,34,244 complaints under RB-IOS in FY25, up 13.55% from 11,75,075 previous year.
Loans and Advances accounted for 29.25% of total complaints.
Credit Cards contributed 17.15% of complaints, up 20.04% year-on-year.
Mobile and electronic banking complaints stood at 16.86%, down 12.74%.
Deposit Accounts made up 16.84% of complaints.
ATM/debit cards accounted for 6.10% of complaints.
Top five categories constituted 86.20% of all complaints.
91.22% of complaints lodged through online modes such as CMS and email.
RBI Contact Centre handled 9.27 lakh calls, up 28.89%.
Metropolitan regions contributed 45.86% of complaints.
Rural areas accounted for 10.04% of complaints.
RB-IOS launched on November 12, 2021.

Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) cuts Base Rate and Benchmark Prime Lending Rate (BPLR).

[Karur Vysya Bank (KVB)]

Key Updates:

Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) revised its Base Rate from 11.15 per cent to 10.70 per cent.
KVB also reduced the Benchmark Prime Lending Rate (BPLR) from 16.15 per cent to 15.70 per cent.
Both revised rates will be effective from January 07, 2026.

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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Approves Risk-Based Pricing for Deposit Insurance (End of December) ▼

The central board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a proposal to transition to a risk-based pricing system for deposit insurance.
The new model replaces the uniform premium currently charged to banks under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) scheme.
Under the existing flat-rate system, banks pay a premium of 12 paise for every Rs 100 of assessable deposits.
The proposed framework will charge lower premia to banks with stronger capital adequacy, better asset quality, and sound governance, while weaker banks will pay higher rates.
The DICGC, established under the DICGC Act, 1961, has operated the deposit insurance framework on a flat-rate basis since 1962.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra introduced the reform measures alongside the October monetary policy decision to help better-rated banks save significantly on premium costs.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cuts repo rate by 25 basis points (Start of December) ▼

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sliced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent on December 5.
The cumulative reduction in the repo rate this calendar year is 125-basis-point.
The rupee breached the 90-mark against the US dollar, hitting a record low.
Domestic inflation remains historically benign, with CPI inflation at 0.25 per cent in October 2025.
The policy announced Rs 1 trillion in Open Market Operations (OMO) and a $5 billion FX swap.
The 10-year bond yields are expected to move toward the 6.8 to 7 per cent range.
Experts believe there is scope for another 25 bps cut in this cycle.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cuts repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25% and projects FY26 inflation at 2%. (Start of December) ▼

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra announces a 25 basis points reduction in the repo rate to 5.25%.
The standing deposit facility rate now stands at 5.0%, and the marginal standing facility and bank rate at 5.5%.
RBI retains the neutral policy stance with future moves dependent on inflation trajectory, growth, and global risks.
RBI projects CPI inflation for FY26 at 2%, with Q3 at 0.6% and Q4 at 2.9%.
RBI revises FY26 real GDP growth forecast upward to 7.3%, with Q3 at 7% and Q4 at 6.5%.
RBI announces ₹1 lakh crore in OMO purchases and a $5 billion dollar-rupee swap in December to augment liquidity.
India’s forex reserves stand at USD 686 billion, providing more than 11 months of import cover.
The 10-year bond yield drops nearly 5 basis points to 6.4581% post-policy announcement.
RBI launches a two-month nationwide customer grievance redressal campaign starting January 1, 2026, to clear pending Ombudsman grievances.

Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav Creative Challenges Announce Winners

[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]

Key Updates:

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) announced winners of four creative challenges under the ‘Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav’ campaign organised with MyGov.
Citizens shared personal experiences and creative expressions reflecting India’s transformation over the last 11 years under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Aligned with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’, the campaign engaged citizens across age groups and backgrounds through Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Short AV, and Blog Writing contests.

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6th National Water Awards 2024: Maharashtra adjudged Best State (Mid of November) ▼

National Water Awards 2024 instituted by Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti
Objective: "to promote awareness on water conservation and highlight grassroots efforts aligned with the government's 'Jal Samridh Bharat' vision"
46 winners across 10 categories (Best State, Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, Best School/College, Best Industry, Best Water User Association, Best Institution, Best Civil Society, Best Individual)

6th National Water Awards 2024: Winners Announced Across 10 Categories (Mid of November) ▼

Scheme Name: 6th National Water Awards (NWA) 2024, launched by Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti
Launch Year: Awards announced for 2024; application process opened on 23 October 2024 on Rashtriya Puraskar Portal of Ministry of Home Affairs
Objective: "creating awareness among the people about the importance of water and motivating them to adopt best water usage practices" and recognising efforts towards "Jal Samridh Bharat"
Key Feature: 46 winners (including joint winners) selected across 10 categories—Best State, District, Village Panchayat, Urban Local Body, School/College, Industry, Water User Association, Institution, Civil Society, and Individual
Implementing Agency: Evaluation by Jury Committee; ground-truthing by Central Water Commission (CWC) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
Award Ceremony: To be held on 18 November 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu as Chief Guest

Union Minister Highlights Women and Youth as Architects of Viksit Bharat (Start of November) ▼

The initiative/vision discussed is Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Women and Youth are called the architects of Viksit Bharat.
The force that will drive Viksit Bharat lies in the confidence of youth, the compassion of women, and the curiosity of minds, along with youthful innovation, women’s leadership, empathy, resilience, creativity, youthful energy, and intellect.
The goal of Viksit Bharat is India’s emergence as a global leader in the 21st century.

National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025: Objectives, Categories, and Prizes (Mid of November) ▼

The National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025 are announced by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
The NGRA is one of the highest national honours in the livestock and dairy sector, aiming to encourage milk-producing farmers, dairy cooperative societies/MPCs/FPOs, and Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs).
Awards will be conferred on 26th November 2025 as part of the National Milk Day celebrations.
The awards are given in three categories: Best Dairy farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds, Best Dairy Cooperative society/ Milk Producer company/ Dairy Farmer producer organization, and Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT).
For the 'Best Dairy Farmer' and 'Best DCS/FPO/MPCs' categories, monetary prizes are ₹5,00,000 for 1st rank, ₹3,00,000 for 2nd rank, ₹2,00,000 for 3rd rank, and ₹2,00,000 for a Special Award for North Eastern Region (NER)/Himalayan States.
For the 'Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT)' category, the award consists of a Certificate of merit and a memento only, with no cash prize.
The National Gopal Ratna Awards have been conferred annually since 2021 under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), which was launched in December 2014 to focus on the scientific conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds.

Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages Literary Works Release

Key Updates:

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled 41 literary works by Centres of Excellence for Classical Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia.
A 45-episode Sign Language interpretation series of the Tirukkural was announced, developed by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil.
The Minister emphasized that budgetary constraints are not an issue as a supporting framework is being established.

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Constitution of India Released in Santhali Language (End of December) ▼

President Droupadi Murmu released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language, written in the Ol Chiki script.
The release function was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Santhali was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 92nd Amendment Act, 2003.

Vice President releases second and final series of 'Mahamana Vangmay' at Bharat Mandapam (End of December) ▼

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan released the second and final series of 'Mahamana Vangmay', a comprehensive collection of writings and speeches of Bharat Ratna Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.
The final series comprises 12 volumes and approximately 3,500 pages.
The first series of the collected works was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023.
The event was organized by the Mahamana Malaviya Mission in collaboration with the Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Vinod Kumar Shukla Passed Away After Winning The 59th Jnanpith Award (End of December) ▼

Vinod Kumar Shukla, a renowned Hindi writer, poet, and novelist, passed away at the age of 88 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
He was the first person from Chhattisgarh to receive the Jnanpith Award, which is the highest literary honor given to writers in Indian languages.
He was awarded the 59th Jnanpith Award for his significant contributions to Hindi literature.
His major novels include Naukar Ki Kameez, Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rahti Thi, and Khilega To Dekhenge.
His first booklet of poetry, titled Lagbhag Jai Hind, was published in 1971.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur confirmed the cause of death as multiple organ infection and organ failure.

Ravi Deecee received the French honour Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (End of December) ▼

Ravi Deecee, the Publisher and Managing Director of DC Books, was conferred with the insignia of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters).
The Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, presented the award at a ceremony held at the Embassy of France on December 4.
The award recognizes his commitment to multilingualism and the publication of Malayalam translations of leading French works by authors such as Annie Ernaux, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Maryse Condé.
DC Books also manages the Vagamon Writer Residency in Kerala, which has been part of the Villa Swagatam programme of the French Embassy since its inception.
Instituted in 1957, the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres recognizes individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the promotion and enrichment of arts and culture.

Prasar Bharati Initiative for Thadou Language Live Broadcast on AIR Imphal

[Prasar Bharati]

Key Updates:

Prasar Bharati has asked AIR Imphal for inputs on recruiting staff to resume live broadcasts in Thadou and other major dialects.
The move follows a request by Thadou Inpi Manipur to either reinstate previous Thadou staff or hold fresh recruitment.
Fresh auditions for major dialects including Thadou have been proposed to AIR’s zonal office and Directorate.

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Abhishek Sharma inaugurates Radio Sangam 88.8 FM at Keri village (Start of January) ▼

Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, inaugurated Radio Sangam (88.8 FM) in Keri village.
Radio Sangam is the first community radio station established by the Indian Army along the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir.
The station aims to counter misinformation, promote hyperlocal content, and bridge the digital divide in forward areas.

Prime Minister signs off Mann Ki Baat 2025 with focus on youth and culture (End of December) ▼

PM Modi delivered the 129th episode of Mann Ki Baat, his last in 2025, emphasising youth, innovation, culture and public health.
He announced the second edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue on National Youth Day, January 12.
The broadcast highlighted grassroots initiatives like Manipur’s solar electrification drive and IISC Bengaluru’s music collective Geetanjali.

Tripura to host 2nd Prabashi Tripurabasi Summit 2025-26 (End of December) ▼

Tripura is scheduled to host the second Prabashi Tripurabasi Summit 2025-26 to reconnect with natives of the state residing beyond its borders.
The summit is organized by the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT).
The initiative aims to nurture emotional, cultural, and developmental bonds with Prabashi Tripurabasi, who are individuals originally from Tripura now spread across India and abroad.
The gathering seeks to foster dialogue, collaboration, and shared participation in the progress of Tripura by integrating the diaspora into the state's social, economic, and cultural advancement framework.

National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 enhances mid-band spectrum for 5G/6G and satellite services (End of December) ▼

Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, released the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025).
NFAP-2025 allocates radio-frequency spectrum in the range 8.3 kHz to 3000 GHz.
Identifies the 6425-7125 MHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) to boost 5G, 5G Advanced and future 6G networks.
Allocates Ka, Q and V bands for satellite-based services for high-throughput GSO and large non-GSO satellite constellations.
Provides additional spectrum for In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) and emerging technologies like Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication and LEO/MEO satellite services.

e-B-4 Visa Scheme Facilitates Online Business Travel for Chinese Nationals

[China]

Key Updates:

The e-B-4 Visa, introduced on January 1, allows Chinese businessmen to apply online without visiting the embassy or agents.
It covers specific business activities such as installation and commissioning of equipment, quality check, essential maintenance, production, IT and ERP ramp-up, training, supply chain development, plant design, and senior management visits.
Indian companies inviting Chinese nationals under this visa must register on DPIIT’s National Single Window System (NSWS) portal at https://www.nsws.gov.in/ under 'Login-Business User Login'.
Applications are submitted online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in under 'For e-Visa by Bureau of Immigration' with mandatory supporting documents.

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DPIIT launches e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa) digital module (Mid of December) ▼

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) launched an online module on the National Single Window System (NSWS) for digital generation of sponsorship letters for the e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa).
The facility is open to both production-linked incentive (PLI) beneficiary firms and non-PLI companies.
Foreign professionals can use the digitally generated sponsorship letters to apply for e-visas and visit Indian manufacturing facilities for services such as machine installation, quality checks, training and plant design.

India and Oman sign Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on December 19, 2025 (End of December) ▼

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed by India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Oman's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef in Muscat.
Under the bilateral trade pact, Indian companies operating in Oman are allowed to employ up to 50 per cent of their total staff from their India office.
The CEPA increases the quota for Intra-Corporate Transferees from 20 per cent to 50 per cent and extends the permitted duration of stay for contractual service suppliers from 90 days to two years.
Oman has offered to ease norms in 127 sub-sectors, including computer-related services, healthcare, education, and professional services such as accounting and engineering.
The agreement provides for 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) by Indian companies in major services sectors in Oman through commercial presence.
The pact includes a provision that if Oman offers more liberal terms to any other South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries regarding their Omanisation policy, similar concessions will be extended to India.
The trade deal is expected to be implemented by the first quarter of 2026.

India resumes tourist visas for Chinese citizens after five-year suspension (End of November) ▼

India has resumed issuance of tourist visas to Chinese citizens worldwide, ending a five-year suspension imposed following the 2020 Galwan clash.
The decision followed a July order to resume tourist visas for Chinese nationals.
Direct passenger flights between India and China were resumed under a January 2025 agreement.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage, halted for five years, was revived in June 2025 with the first group of Indian pilgrims crossing into Tibet.
PM Modi visited China on August 31 for the SCO Summit in Tianjin, marking his first visit in seven years.

Centre proposes 'country of origin' filter on e-commerce sites under Legal Metrology Rules (Mid of November) ▼

Consumer affairs department has proposed that every e-commerce company selling imported products must provide a 'searchable and sortable filter' for 'country of origin' with their product listings.
The proposed change in the Legal Metrology Rules is aimed at helping consumers make quick choices as per their preference.
The consumer affairs department has notified amended Legal Metrology Rules stating that 18 different weights and measures will be verified by government approved test centres.

Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) operationalised under RBI Governor

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

The Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) held its first meeting in Mumbai under the chairmanship of Reserve Bank of India governor Sanjay Malhotra.
The board reviewed the functions of RBI's department of payment and settlement systems.
Key focus areas across domestic and global payment systems were discussed during the meeting.

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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) slaps ₹61.95 lakh fine on Kotak Mahindra Bank. (End of December) ▼

RBI imposed the penalty for non-compliance with norms on Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) account, business correspondents, and credit information companies.
Kotak Mahindra Bank opened additional BSBD accounts for customers who already held such accounts.
The bank engaged business correspondents for activities outside the permitted scope.
The lender furnished inaccurate borrower information to credit information companies.

RBI Recognizes SRPA as First SRO for Payment System Operators (Mid of November) ▼

The Reserve Bank of India has recognised the Self-Regulated PSO Association (SRPA) as the first Self-Regulatory Organisation for Payment System Operators.
In October 2025, the RBI recognised the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC) as the SRO for NBFCs.
The RBI granted SRO status to the FinTech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) in August 2024.
The recognition follows the RBI’s Framework for Recognition of a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for Payment System Operators, issued in October 2020.
The recognition also follows the Omnibus Framework for Recognition of SROs for Regulated Entities of the Reserve Bank released in March 2024.
According to the 2020 framework, an SRO must be a not-for-profit entity comprising only regulated payment system participants, both banks and non-banks.
Once recognised, an SRO like SRPA is tasked with setting behavioural and professional standards for its members, resolving inter-PSO disputes, and acting as the collective voice of the payments industry in consultations with the RBI and other authorities.
An SRO will also monitor member compliance and report violations of RBI guidelines or the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Issues Guidelines for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) Licensing and Classification (Mid of December) ▼

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Urban Co-operative Banks – Licensing, Scheduling and Regulatory Classification Guidelines, 2025.
The RBI stated that no fresh proposals for the organization of new UCBs or the conversion of cooperative credit societies into UCBs are being considered.
A four-tiered regulatory framework has been adopted for UCBs based on deposit size as of March 31 of the preceding financial year.
Tier 1 UCBs include all unit UCBs, salary earners’ UCBs, and other UCBs with deposits up to ₹100 crore.
Tier 2 UCBs are defined as those with deposits of more than ₹100 crore and up to ₹1000 crore.
Tier 3 UCBs consist of those with deposits of more than ₹1000 crore and up to ₹10,000 crore.
Tier 4 UCBs include those with deposits exceeding ₹10,000 crore.
UCBs transitioning to a higher Tier are allowed a glide path of up to two years to comply with higher regulatory requirements.
To be included in the Second Schedule to the RBI Act, 1934, a UCB must maintain Tier 3 deposit levels for two consecutive years.
UCBs seeking scheduling must maintain a Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of at least three per cent more than the minimum requirement.
The eligibility for scheduling also requires the absence of major regulatory and supervisory concerns based on the latest RBI inspection or audited financials.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues final guidelines averting restructuring for 12 bank groups (Start of December) ▼

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) final guidelines allow banks and their group entities to continue overlapping lending activities, preventing restructuring for 12 large bank groups.
The draft guidelines would have impacted 12 bank groups, accounting for ~55% of sectoral advances, and 2-6% of consolidated advances of individual banks.
The final framework permits overlapping lending operations subject to board approval.
Of the 26 bank group entities with lending operations, only two currently qualify as upper-layer Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).
The remaining bank group entities must adopt upper-layer norms (excluding listing requirements) by March 31, 2028.
The guidelines impose a 20% ceiling on a bank group’s shareholding in an Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC).
There are currently 13 ARCs in which one or more banks hold stakes.
In all but two of these ARCs, shareholding by any single bank is less than 20%.
Banks with shareholding exceeding the 20% limit in ARCs will have to partially divest by March 2028.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to visit India on January 12–13

[Germany]

Key Updates:

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit India from January 12 to 13, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
The Chancellor will be received by PM Modi in Ahmedabad on January 12 for the former's first visit to the country.
During his two-day visit, Chancellor Merz will also be travelling to Bengaluru.
Discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation across trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility.
Leaders are expected to advance collaboration in defence and security, science, innovation and research, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people ties.

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India to host German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in third week of January (Start of December) ▼

India will host German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his first visit to the country after assuming office.
Merz is expected to visit India in the third week of Jan for a summit with PM Narendra Modi.
This engagement follows President Putin's visit and precedes the India-EU summit scheduled for Jan 27.
Discussions will focus on trade, technology, and sustainable development, building on existing partnerships.
Germany's support for Ukraine and shared concerns over the Indo-Pacific will also be key topics.
The leaders had earlier met on the margins of the G7 summit in Canada where they agreed to diversify the strategic partnership.
Germany is also a key partner for India in maintaining a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.

India inaugurates two new consulates in Russia to boost bilateral ties (Mid of November) ▼

India has opened two new consulates in Russia, in Yekaterinburg and Kazan.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated these new offices.
The move aims to significantly enhance trade, tourism, and economic, scientific, technological, academic, and cultural connections between India and Russia.
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko and India's Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar were also present at the function held to mark the opening.
Yekaterinburg is known for its heavy engineering, gem cutting, defence manufacturing, metallurgy, nuclear fuel, chemicals and medical equipment.
Kazan hosted the 2024 BRICS summit and is well known for its oil production and refining, for fertilisers, automobiles, defence manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and electrical equipment.
The consulates will contribute to joint efforts in increasing bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030.
India and Russia set a target of USD 100 billion in annual trade volume by 2030 and vowed to develop a robust bilateral payment settlement mechanism using national currencies.
There is a sizeable and diverse Indian diaspora in Russia, which includes more than 30,000 Indian students today.

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.

PM Modi’s first-ever State Visit to Ethiopia (Mid of December) ▼

PM Modi will arrive in Ethiopia on Tuesday for his first-ever State Visit to the African nation.
The visit is held at the invitation of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
Modi will address a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament and meet members of the Indian diaspora.
Addis Ababa is hosting an Indian Prime Minister for the first time since 2011.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) develops hand-operated Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS)

[Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]

Key Updates:

The manual version of SWaDeS can be carried by a single person and can meet the emergency requirements of a group of 10-12 personnel.
The engine operated system has the capability of purifying sea water having a salinity of 35,000 milligrams per litre of total dissolved solids (mg/L TDS) to less than 500 mg/L TDS to meet the requirement of 20-25 soldiers.
Developed by the Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur, in response to the requirements projected by the Tri-command services, it can also be used by the civil sector in fresh water stressed areas.

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DRDO develops new generation man-portable autonomous underwater vehicles (Mid of November) ▼

Developed by: DRDO's Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam
Primary payloads: side scan sonar and underwater cameras for real-time detection of mine-like objects
Key capability: onboard deep learning based target recognition algorithms enable autonomous classification, reducing operator workload and mission time

Jal Shakti Hackathon–2025 and Bharat-WIN Portal launched to drive water innovation (Mid of December) ▼

Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Patil inaugurated the Jal Shakti Hackathon–2025 and the Bharat-WIN Portal.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Water Vision @ 2047’ for a technologically empowered, sustainable, and water-secure India.
Bharat-WIN Portal hosted at https://bharatwin.mowr.gov.in democratizes water-sector innovation for startups, MSMEs, industry, research institutions, young innovators, rural youth, women-led enterprises, academia, and global collaborators.
Hackathon priority domains include water resource management, wastewater treatment and reuse, water-use efficiency & circular economy, smart water monitoring, climate resilience and hydrological modelling, flood & drought forecasting, precision agriculture & farm-level water conservation, revival of traditional water systems, and river-basin and watershed management.
Winning participants receive ₹1 lakh grant for developing a Proof-of-Concept (PoC), mentorship through national research institutions, and opportunities for piloting and real-world implementation.
National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, designated as Project Implementation Agency to scrutinize proposals, facilitate expert review, recommend innovations for approval, and support capacity-building and scaling of solutions.
Grants-in-aid for selected innovations provided under the ‘Research and Development Programme in Water Sector’ and the National Water Mission.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) transfers seven indigenous technologies to Indian Armed Forces and approves 12 new defence projects (Start of December) ▼

DRDO has handed over seven cutting-edge technologies developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme to the three Services.
Technologies include an indigenous high-voltage power supply for airborne self-protection jammers, a tide-efficient gangway for naval jetties, advanced very low frequency–high frequency switching matrix systems, VLF loop aerials for underwater platforms, an indigenous waterjet propulsion system for fast interceptor craft, a novel process for recovery of lithium precursors from used lithium-ion batteries, and a long-life seawater battery system for sustained underwater sensing and surveillance applications.
The handover took place at the meeting of the Empowered Committee of DRDO, held at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat.
The Committee approved 12 new projects spanning strategic, aerospace, naval and electronic warfare technologies.

Paras Defence and Space Technologies receives DRDO technology transfer for T-90 tank Driver Night Sight system (End of November) ▼

Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd announced it has signed an agreement with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to receive technology for the Driver Night Sight (DNS) system used in T-90 tanks.
The technology transfer agreement has been executed with DRDO under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
The DNS system enables enhanced visibility for tank drivers during low-light and night-time operations, making it a critical component for armoured vehicle mobility and combat readiness.

Zoological Society of London-led study blames photo tourism for presumed deaths of seven galaxy frogs in Western Ghats

[Zoological Society of London]

Key Updates:

Galaxy frogs (Melanobatrachus indicus) live exclusively under rotten logs in Kerala’s Western Ghats.
The species is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Between June 2020 and April 2021 photographers overturned logs and trampled vegetation, causing the disappearance—and presumed deaths—of seven monitored frogs.
Photographers handled frogs with bare hands, exposed them to high-powered camera flashes for nearly four hours per session and moved them to different logs for better pictures.
Displacing logs altered the moss-covered microhabitat, likely preventing the frogs from returning and disrupting their feeding and breeding.
Frogs rely on skin respiration; drying from flash heat or handling hampers breathing and can be lethal.
The study recommends banning capture, handling and chasing of animals, minimising high-intensity lights, and training guides to curb unethical wildlife photography.

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Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) team discovers Brachycephalus lulai in Brazil’s cloud forests (Mid of December) ▼

A team of scientists has discovered a new species of tiny toadlet in the cloud forests of Brazil's Serra do Quiriri mountain range.
This bright orange frog measures just 8.9-13.4 mm in length, making it one of the smallest four-legged animals on Earth.
This species is deaf to its own advertising calls, relying on visual cues like vocal sac inflation, mouth gaping, and arm waving for communication.
After detailed analysis, they named it Brachycephalus lulai after the Brazilian president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Found in the Atlantic Forest, which is a highly threatened ecosystem, Brachycephalus lulai inhabits leaf litter at elevations above 750 meters.

Malabar gliding frog builds foam nest above water instead of laying eggs in water (Mid of November) ▼

Species: Malabar gliding frog (Rhacophorus malabaricus) – "Known as the Malabar gliding frog, this vivid green amphibian"
Location: Western Ghats, India – "High in the misty forests of the Western Ghats in India"
Key behaviour: Constructs foam nest above ponds/streams – "the female selects a tree branch or leaf positioned directly above a pond or slow-moving stream"
Nest details: White frothy foam up to ~3 inches diameter, holds ~200 eggs – "This nest can reach around three inches in diameter" and "the female deposits up to 200 eggs"
Ecological role: Indicator of clean water and balanced habitat – "Frogs are indicators of environmental health; their presence suggests clean water and a balanced habitat"

Gramma, Galápagos Tortoise and San Diego Zoo's Oldest Resident, Dies (End of November) ▼

Gramma, estimated to be about 141 years old, died on November 20.
She arrived at the San Diego Zoo from the Bronx Zoo in either 1928 or 1931 as part of the zoo's first group of Galápagos tortoises.
She was euthanized after suffering from bone conditions related to her old age that had progressed recently.

The Destructive Impact of the Invasive Cane Toad and Conservation Efforts (Mid of November) ▼

The cane toad (Rhinella marina) is recognized as one of the most invasive destructive species globally.
Originally from Central and South America, cane toads were introduced to other regions, such as Australia, to manage beetle pests affecting sugarcane crops.
Cane toads possess a powerful toxin called bufotoxin, released from glands behind their eyes, which is lethal to many animals, including native wildlife and pets.
Predators like quolls, goannas, snakes, and crocodiles have experienced catastrophic population declines after ingesting cane toads.
Female cane toads exhibit rapid reproduction, laying between 8,000 and over 30,000 eggs per clutch and potentially breeding multiple times annually.
In new environments, cane toads face few natural predators and are highly adaptable, thriving in diverse habitats from cities to farmlands.
Conservation efforts in Western Australia include training native crocodiles to avoid eating cane toads, which has significantly reduced crocodile deaths.
Scientists are also researching gene-edited tadpoles that consume other cane toad eggs as a potential strategy to control their populations.

SmartGreen Aquaculture produces food-grade rainbow trout inland near Hyderabad using closed-loop RAS

Key Updates:

The integrated aquaculture facility uses a closed-loop recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) to grow trout in a biosecure indoor environment.
RAS allows precise control of temperature, oxygen levels and water quality, enabling cold-water species production on the warm Deccan Plateau.
The project includes plans for a microalgae biorefinery to support feed and sustainability beyond aquaculture.

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Lakshadweep hosts first-ever investors' meet to unlock fisheries, aquaculture potential (Mid of December) ▼

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD), Government of India joined hands with the Lakshadweep administration to organise the event.
Investors called for value-added facilities for sashimi-grade tuna, fish oil refining capacities, the requirement of skilled labour, and ornamental fish brood banks for the strategic utilisation of Lakshadweep's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEC).
Union ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh, SP Singh Baghel and George Kurian, along with Praful Patel, the Administrator of Lakshadweep, attended the event.

Watershed Mission: Revival of 150-Year-Old Waterbody in Andhra Pradesh (Mid of November) ▼

Scheme Name: Watershed Mission (under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana); Implementing Ministry: Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India
Objective: “Conservation of both water and soil” and “save water and ensure water security for future generations”
Key Features: 21-acre tank revived at cost of Rs 1.20 crore; 5-acre plantation with 250 coconut trees, walking track, open-air theatre, open gym for multipurpose community use

Telangana bags Rs 5.75 lakh crore investments (Start of December) ▼

Telangana attracted total investment commitments of nearly Rs 5.75 lakh crore at its global summit.
Investment proposals worth Rs 2.9 lakh crore were attracted on the final day of the summit.
MoUs were signed across multiple sectors including food and agriculture, electronics, manufacturing, data centres, and biotechnology.
Top firms pledging investments included Godrej Industries Group, Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RPCL), Kaynes Technology India Limited, and Bharat Biotech.
Godrej Group pledged Rs 150 crore to expand its dairy business.
Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RPCL) plans a Rs 1,500 crore investment for a manufacturing facility for beverages, snacks, confectionery, and other consumer products.
Electronics manufacturer Kaynes Technology India Limited committed Rs 1,000 crore as part of its expansion plans.
JCK Infra pledged Rs 9,000 crore for data centre facilities.
APG Group plans to invest Rs 6,750 crore for a hyperscale data centre campus.
Infrakey Data Centre Parks announced an investment of Rs 70,000 crore.
Tokyo-headquartered NTT DATA Group announced a Rs 10,500 crore AI data centre cluster in Hyderabad in April.
The Brookfield-Axis Energy Ventures consortium committed to an MoU worth Rs 75,000 crore.
Adani Group is setting up a 48-megawatt AI green data centre in Telangana with an investment of Rs 2,500 crore.

ICGS Samudra Pratap commissioned as India’s first indigenous Pollution Control Vessel with women officers

Key Updates:

ICGS Samudra Pratap, the first of two Pollution Control Vessels built by Goa Shipyard Limited, was commissioned by Rajnath Singh.
The ship is equipped with side-sweeping arms, floating booms, high-capacity skimmers, portable barges, and a pollution-control laboratory.
It integrates Dynamic Positioning, Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Platform Management System, and Automated Power Management System.
Powered by two 7,500 kW diesel engines driving indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers, it offers 6,000 nautical mile endurance.
The vessel displaces approximately 4,200 tons and achieves speeds exceeding 22 knots.
It carries a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote-Controlled Guns supported by modern fire-control systems.
Based at Kochi, the ship will undertake pollution response, maritime surveillance, and environmental protection duties.
The complement includes the maiden appointment of two women Officers performing duties alongside male counterparts.

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Indian Coast Guard inducts first indigenously built Pollution Control Vessel Samudra Pratap (End of December) ▼

‘Samudra Pratap’ is the first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel of the Indian Coast Guard.
The vessel is equipped with Dynamic Positioning capability (DP-1), with FiFi-2 / FFV-2 notation certificate.
It carries an Oil finger printing machine, Gyro stabilized Standoff Active Chemical Detector and PC lab equipment enabling comprehensive pollution response operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone and beyond.

Indian Coast Guard conducts RPREX-2025 off Mumbai coast to strengthen maritime pollution response (End of December) ▼

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) executed the regional level pollution response exercise (RPREX-2025) off the coast of Mumbai.
RPREX-2025 validated the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP).
The exercise involved ONGC, Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA), forest department’s mangrove cell, coastal police, fisheries department, JSW Port, Angre Port, and various oil handling agencies.

India Hosts 3rd Session of International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Council in Mumbai (Mid of December) ▼

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal virtually inaugurated the 3rd Session of the Council of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) in Mumbai.
The Council session is organized by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
The event brings together 42 IALA Council Members, 3 AIMG Members, 11 international observers, IALA Secretariat delegates, and representatives from 30+ countries.
India launched a Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism to streamline visitor access to 75 lighthouse destinations across the country.
All lighthouses in India are now fully solar powered, and tourism footfall at these sites has seen significant growth.
India’s maritime strategy is guided by Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, focusing on port modernization, green shipping, and global integration.

MoS&T-TDB and VMSPL Sign IC-CIR&D Pact for 20-Passenger Electric Boat (Start of January) ▼

The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T), signed an agreement with Vijai Marine Services Private Limited (VMSPL), Goa for the 'Smart Sea Project by Vijai Autonomous Craft for Environment (VACE)'.
The project will develop and demonstrate a 20-passenger electric boat with IRS-certified FRP hull, electric propulsion and battery systems supplied by Canadian partner ACEL Power Inc.
Aimed at reducing emissions and noise, the initiative supports India’s goals of clean waterways and sustainable tourism under the Indo-Canada Collaborative Industrial Research and Development Programme (IC-CIR&D).

Eastern Imperial Eagle spotted wintering in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

[Tamil Nadu]

Key Updates:

Wildlife enthusiasts confirmed the presence of an Eastern Imperial Eagle visiting the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve during the winter migratory season.
The bird breeds primarily throughout Western and Central Asia and migrates during winter to parts of Africa, the Middle East as well as South and East Asia.
Arockianathan Samson from the Bombay Natural History Society documented 58 species of raptors in MTR between 2011 and 2022.
The tiger reserve provides an ideal habitat, food availability and a conducive climate for raptors to flourish.
Continuous sightings of the Imperial Eagle have been documented through the global bird-watching platform eBird from 2020 to 2025.

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Fossil discovery in Gujarat identifies giant snake from Eocene era (End of December) ▼

Fossil evidence discovered in Gujarat has attracted scientific notice due to evidence of a snake of extraordinary size that existed during what is loosely defined as the Eocene era, some 47 million years ago.
The species was identified as a related member of the extinct madtsoiid species, the clade of species recognised for having evolved the largest species of snake throughout history.
The fossils of the collected Gujarat species are dominated by well-preserved vertebrae in sedimentary deposits from the early Eocene period.
Described in the study published in Scientific Reports, the species has outstanding vertebral features compared with similar species of the madtsoiid genus.
The Eocene was a time when the planet saw hot conditions year-round, and the polar regions were mostly devoid of ice.
Analysis of the geological and palaeobotanical data available for Gujarat has revealed a landscape dominated by rivers, deltas, and dense forests.
Madtsoiids have been found on various southern continents: Africa, South America, and Australia; these continents all comprised the supercontinent Gondwana.

Forest Department records first-ever sighting of Sirkeer Malkoha in Uttarkashi hills (Start of January) ▼

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.

Birders Spot Rare Rustic Bunting in NCR for First Time (Start of December) ▼

Rustic bunting (Emberiza rustica) spotted at Najafgarh Jheel on Delhi-Gurugram border.
First time the passerine bird recorded in national capital region (NCR).
Rustic bunting breeds across northern Palearctic regions in wet coniferous woodlands.
Migrates to southeast Asia and parts of East Asia including Japan, Korea, and eastern China during winter.
Handful of records across India predominantly in northeast and Himalayan belt.
2025 IUCN Red List reclassifies rustic bunting from vulnerable to near threatened.

Tamil Nadu Forest Department launches smooth-coated otter conservation drive in Cauvery delta (End of December) ▼

The Tamil Nadu Department of Forests unveiled a conservation initiative titled ‘Conservation initiative to study the population dynamics, behavioural pattern, and habitat improvement of smooth-coated otters in Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, and Cuddalore districts, within the Cauvery River delta’.
The project received administrative approval for Rs. 20 lakh, with Rs. 10 lakh disbursed for the 2025-26 financial year as per a July government order.
Led by the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) in Vandalur, Chennai, the study will be conducted through the department of wildlife biology at AVC Autonomous College in Mayiladuthurai.
Smooth-coated otters are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and safeguarded under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Otters are monitored through direct observations, faecal sample analysis, photographic records, and environmental DNA sampling.
The Endangered Wildlife and Environmental Trust (EWET) has performed field surveys and habitat mapping throughout the delta to safeguard and track otter populations.

9th Siddha Day celebrations on 3 January 2026 themed 'Siddha for Global Health'

Key Updates:

Siddha Day is annually observed on 6 January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar, revered as the father of Siddha medicine.
The 9th Siddha Day celebrations will be held on 3 January 2026 at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai.
The theme of the 9th Siddha Day is 'Siddha for Global Health'.
The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, will preside over and inaugurate the 9th Siddha Day celebrations.

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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.

Naturopathy Day observed on 18 November: Theme 2025 - "Losing weight naturally through Naturopathy" (End of November) ▼

Naturopathy Day is observed in India every year on 18 November to promote a healthy lifestyle through the drugless, holistic system of medicine known as Naturopathy.
The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India, officially declared this day in 2018 to raise awareness about natural healing practices and overall well-being.
The official theme for Naturopathy Day 2025 is "Losing weight naturally through Naturopathy".

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.

3rd International Ayurveda Conference held in Brazil, marks 40 years of Ayurveda (Mid of November) ▼

The 3rd International Ayurveda Conference was jointly organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) and Conayur, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The two-day event was held from November 14-15, 2025, under the aegis of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
The conference commemorated 40 years of Ayurveda in Brazil and brought together experts, practitioners, scholars, and students from across Latin America and India.
The deliberations centered on the theme 'Diversity and Inclusion in Ayurveda: Caring for Everybody and Every Being'.
Organizers announced that Ayurveda has now been included in the Brazilian Classification of Occupations, marking a historic recognition for the system.
Ambassador of India to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, highlighted the growing collaboration between India and Brazil in traditional systems of healthcare.

World Day of War Orphans observed on 6 January

[United Nations (UN)]

Key Updates:

World Day of War Orphans is observed annually on 6 January to show the struggles experienced by children who lost their parents during war or armed conflicts.
The day was launched by the French organisation SOS Enfants en Détresse to draw international attention to children who lose parental care because of wars and armed conflicts.
Historical accounts show that the Second World War left millions of children orphaned across Europe, with Poland and Yugoslavia alone reporting about 300,000 and 200,000 orphans, respectively.

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Children's Day (Bal Diwas) in India: Date, History, and Significance (Mid of November) ▼

Children’s Day, or Bal Diwas, is observed in India every year on November 14.
The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, who was fondly known as Chacha Nehru.
Nehru believed that the progress of a nation depends on the proper nurturing and education of its young citizens and viewed children as the pillars of the nation’s future.
Initially, India followed the global observance of Universal Children’s Day on November 20, as recommended by the United Nations, but the Indian government decided in 1957 to celebrate it on November 14.
Children’s Day underscores the importance of protecting children’s rights, promoting their welfare, and recognizing their role as the foundation of the country’s future.
The day emphasizes the need to nurture young minds, protect their rights, and invest in their education and well-being, serving as a reminder that every child deserves love, care, and equal opportunities.
Schools and community groups across India celebrate Children’s Day with activities such as dance performances, skits, speeches, and art or writing competitions, often educating children about their rights and duties.

International Jury for IFFI 2025 Announced (End of November) ▼

The International Jury for IFFI 2025 will be chaired by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
Graeme Clifford (Australia) is a member of the International Jury.
Remi Adefarasin (UK) is a member of the International Jury.
Katharina Schüttler (Germany) is a member of the International Jury.
Chandran Rutnam (Sri Lanka) is a member of the International Jury.

Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare observed on 30 November (Start of December) ▼

Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare is observed on 30 November.
The 1925 Geneva Protocol banned the use of chemical weapons in war.
The Chemical Weapons Convention has nearly universal adherence.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a message for the Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare.

International Day of Commemoration & Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide & the Prevention of this Crime observed on 9 December (Start of December) ▼

The International Day of Commemoration & Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide & the Prevention of this Crime is observed on 9 December.
The Secretary-General, António Guterres, stated that 'Genocide is an abomination. It is a horrendous crime. And it is the solemn duty of all States to prevent and punish it.'
The 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was adopted as a pledge against eradication due to nationality, ethnicity, race or religion.
Human Rights Day is observed on 10 December.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is described as the bedrock of the global community, defining what every person needs to survive and thrive.
International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development is observed on 5 December.
Jan Marian presented his credentials as the new Permanent Representative of Czechia to the United Nations (Vienna).
John Brandolino is the Acting Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV).