📰 Daily Briefing Sunday, Jan 11

Daily Current Affairs: 11 January 2026

Analysis for 11 January 2026

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Reports $9.809 Billion Decline in India's Forex Reserves

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data shows India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $9.809 billion to $686.801 billion in the week ended January 02, 2026.
  • Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs), the largest component of the reserves, decreased by $7.622 billion to stand at $551.99 billion.
  • Gold reserves decreased by $2.058 billion during the week to reach a total of $111.262 billion.
  • Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) dropped by $25 million to $18.778 billion.
  • The country’s reserve position in the IMF decreased by $105 million to $4.771 billion as of December 26.
  • In the previous week ending December 26, the reserves had increased by $3.293 billion to $696.61 billion.
  • The RBI intervenes in the foreign exchange market to curb excessive volatility in the rupee without anchoring to any predetermined exchange rate level.

Similar Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Increases Foreign Exchange Reserves to $696,610 Million (Start of January) ▼
  • India's Foreign Exchange Reserves increased to $696,610 Million for the week ending December 26 from $693,320 Million in the previous week.
  • The reserves reached an all-time high of $704,890.00 Million in September 2024 and a record low of $29,048.00 Million in September 1998.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Interest Rate was recorded at 5.25% in December 2025, down from 5.50% in the previous period.
  • The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) stood at 3.00% in November 2025, compared to 3.25% in the preceding month.
  • The Reverse Repo Rate was maintained at 3.35% as of November 2025.
  • Bank Loan Growth YoY increased to 12.00% in December 2025 from 11.50% in the previous period.
  • The RBI Central Bank Balance Sheet was valued at 40,873.89 INR Billion in November 2025.
  • Foreign Exchange Reserves in India are projected to reach $710,000.00 Million by the end of the current quarter and trend around the same level in 2027.
  • India's Foreign Exchange Reserves averaged $311,804.00 Million from 1998 until 2025.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) records $4.472 billion drop in India’s foreign exchange reserves. (End of November) ▼
  • India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $4.472 billion to $688.104 billion in the week ended November 21.
  • Foreign currency assets declined by $1.69 billion to $560.6 billion.
  • Gold reserves decreased by $2.675 billion to $104.182 billion.
  • Special Drawing Rights dropped $84 million to $18.566 billion.
  • India’s reserve position with the IMF fell $23 million to $4.757 billion.
India's Forex Reserves Fall to $689.73 Billion as of October 31, 2025 (Mid of November) ▼
  • India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $5.6 billion in the week ended October 31, 2025.
  • The total foreign exchange reserves stood at $689.73 billion as of October 31, 2025, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • In the week preceding, the reserves had dipped by $6.92 billion to $695.36 billion.
  • Foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, decreased by $1.9 billion to $564.59 billion for the week ended October 31.
  • The value of gold reserves declined by $3.8 billion to $101.72 billion during the week.
  • Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) were down by $19 million to $18.64 billion.
  • India's reserve position with the IMF was up by $16.4 million at $4.77 billion in the reporting week.
  • The Reserve Bank of India undertakes interventions in the foreign exchange market to moderate undue volatility in the rupee’s exchange rate and preserve orderly trading conditions.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reports India's forex reserves rise to $687.26 billion (Mid of December) ▼
  • India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $1.03 billion to $687.26 billion for the week ending on December 12, 2025.
  • In the previous reporting week, India's forex reserves had dropped by $1.877 billion to $686.227 billion.
  • Foreign currency assets decreased by $151 million to $556.88 billion for the week ended December 5.
  • Value of the gold reserves increased by $1.188 billion to $106.984 billion during the week.
  • The Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) were up by $93 million to $18.721 billion.
  • India's reserve position with the IMF was down by $97 million to $4.675 billion in the reporting week.

India adopts OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework CARF

Key Updates:

  • India’s move toward adopting the OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework CARF, slated for implementation from April 1, 2027.
  • India reasserted its position as the world’s largest market for crypto adoption.
  • India joined global crypto elite, ranks among top 10 in transactional use.

Similar Coverage

CoinSwitch Q3 2025 Report: Gen Z Leads India's Crypto Investments; Delhi Tops Buyer Cities (Start of November) ▼
  • Gen Z has now become the leading force in India's crypto investments, surpassing millennials for the first time.
  • A CoinSwitch report reveals that investors aged 18-25 now constitute 37.6% of the platform's user base.
  • Millennials (26–35 years) follow at 37.3%, while those aged 36–45 make up 17.8%.
  • The study draws insights from the activity of over 2.5 crore users on CoinSwitch, India’s largest crypto trading platform.
  • Delhi contributes the highest share at 19.3%, followed by Bengaluru (8.9%) and Mumbai (7.0%).
  • Bitcoin is the most held token (7.2%), followed by Dogecoin (6.1%) and Ethereum (4.9%).
  • Ethereum led trading volumes at 8.9%, while Ripple and Bitcoin both recorded 7.6%.
  • Mumbai allocates the largest share to Blue-Chip assets (37.4%), Hyderabad leads in Large-Cap investments (37.3%), Patna dominates Mid-Cap holdings (42%), and Jaipur tops Small-Cap portfolios (9.4%).
  • Kolkata stood out for performance, with 77% of investor portfolios in profit, the highest among all tracked locations.
  • July emerged as the peak month for trading activity in the quarter, with trading volumes surging notably on July 11 and July 18.
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.
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.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) to establish Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC) as Section 8 non-profit for fraud detection. (Mid of December) ▼
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants approval to State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) to set up Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC).
  • IDPIC will be formed as a Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013.
  • The platform aims to detect and prevent fraudulent digital transactions in public sector banks.
  • Approval is conditional on exemption from Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, allowing banks to hold over 30% of paid-up share capital in IDPIC until October 16, 2026.

Panchamrit Commitments: National Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions by 2070

Key Updates:

  • India has committed to a pathway towards net-zero emissions by 2070 as part of the Panchamrit commitments announced at COP-26. "Referring to the Panchamrit commitments announced at COP-26, he observed that India’s pathway towards net-zero emissions by 2070 is both ambitious and realistic."
  • The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a global leadership initiative by India to mobilise countries of the Global South for affordable solar solutions. "He highlighted India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance, which has mobilised countries of the Global South around affordable and scalable solar solutions."
  • The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) focuses on strengthening global infrastructure systems against climate-induced shocks. "the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which focuses on strengthening infrastructure systems against climate-induced shocks."
  • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) integrates civilisational ethics of environmental stewardship into India's urbanisation and infrastructure strategies. "Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs... situating contemporary climate policy within a broader civilisational ethic... values that continue to inform India’s urbanisation and infrastructure strategies."
  • India is transitioning towards domestic clean-technology manufacturing to ensure energy security and a future-ready economy. "It must rest on homegrown clean technologies, resilient manufacturing and a future-ready workforce."

Similar Coverage

Bharat Climate Forum 2026: India Targets Net-Zero by 2070 through Clean-Tech Manufacturing (Start of January) ▼
  • Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan delivered the inaugural address at the Bharat Climate Forum 2026, stating that climate action can accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen energy security, and power a future-ready Indian economy.
  • India is pursuing the Panchamrit commitments announced at COP26, which include a "roadmap toward net-zero emissions by 2070" to balance economic growth with future responsibility.
  • The government aims to transform "Make in India into Make in India for the World" by developing homegrown technologies in Renewable energy systems, Battery storage, Green hydrogen, and Electric mobility.
  • India is leading global climate collaboration through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) based on partnerships without dependence.
  • The transition focuses on building a skilled workforce and resilient manufacturing ecosystems to ensure India does not rely on "imported clean technologies or fragile global supply chains.
COP30 UN Climate Conference – Key Take-aways from Belém, Brazil (End of November) ▼
  • COP30 took place in Belém, Brazil, from 10–21 November 2025.
  • Countries agreed on a sweeping package to scale up climate finance and accelerate implementation of the Paris Agreement.
  • The final text did not include a clear commitment to move away from fossil fuels.
  • Talks were suspended on Thursday after a fire broke out in the venue, triggering evacuations.
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva both stressed that ‘the world is watching’ and urged compromise.
  • Guterres told youth participants that phasing out fossil fuels is a ‘decisive battle’ and called for youth power to achieve it.
  • Negotiators face tense divisions over fossil fuels and climate finance as the summit heads past its scheduled close.
  • Barcarena’s Maria Naura Gouvêa Municipal School, fitted with flood-resistant walls and solar power, is highlighted as a model of local climate adaptation.
  • Women’s groups at COP30 emphasized that ‘there is no climate justice without gender equality.’
  • Indigenous peoples marched in Belém with the message ‘The Answer is Us’ demanding greater recognition.
UNEP's EGR 2025 Reports Record Global GHG Emissions in 2024, Warns of Off-Target Progress (Start of November) ▼
  • The 16th edition of 'The Emissions Gap Report (EGR) 2025' was released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
  • Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reached a record high of 57.7 Gigatonnes of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e) in 2024.
  • This marks an increase of 2.3% in global GHG emissions compared to 2023 emissions.
  • India recorded the largest year-on-year increase in emissions (+0.165 GtCO₂e), followed by China, Russia, Indonesia, and the United States of America (USA).
  • China, the USA, India, the European Union (EU), Russia, and Indonesia continue to be the largest global emitters.
  • The report projects that even if countries fully implement their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), average global temperatures are expected to increase by 2.3 °C to 2.5 °C above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century.
  • To align with the 1.5 °C target, countries are required to reduce annual emissions by 55% by 2035, compared with 2019 levels.
COP30 in Belém adopts Global Goal on Adaptation indicators to mobilize collective climate resilience (Mid of November) ▼
  • COP30 Presidency introduced 'Global Mutirão' as the summit’s call for collective climate action
  • Expected adoption of ~100 indicators under the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) to track resilience progress
  • Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT programmes (Africa Agriculture Adaptation Atlas and Adaptation Insights) already operationalize data-driven adaptation investment plans in Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Tanzania and Kenya

United States hosts G7 finance-minister session on critical minerals

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent convened finance ministers to discuss critical minerals.
  • Australia invited to Washington meeting alongside G7 members.
  • India invited; acceptance status unclear.

Similar Coverage

India, Australia, and Canada Form New Trilateral Technology and Innovation Alliance (End of November) ▼
  • India, Australia and Canada agreed to form a new trilateral technology and innovation alliance called the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership.
  • The three sides agreed to strengthen their ambition in cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, to complement existing bilateral initiatives.
  • The initiative will draw on the natural strengths of the three countries and have an emphasis on green energy innovation and building resilient supply chains, including in critical minerals, said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.
  • It will deepen their respective ambition and strategic collaboration towards net zero and drive further diversification of supply chains towards a secure, sustainable, and resilient future.
  • The Partnership will also examine the development and mass adoption of artificial intelligence to improve the lives of our citizens.
  • They agreed that officials should convene in the first quarter of 2026 to take the initiative forward.
  • Separately, Modi met his British counterpart Keir Starmer and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
  • Addressing the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Meeting, Modi called for a profound rethink of the global development parameters and proposed setting up of a G20 initiative to counter the drug-terror nexus and a global healthcare response team.
International Conference on Critical Metals in Jamshedpur Highlights Need for Collaboration (Start of November) ▼
  • The event was an ‘International conference on critical metals’.
  • The conference was held in Jamshedpur.
  • Lekhan Thakkar, the joint secretary with the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), Union Govt., stated that 'International collaboration today is not a choice but a necessity to address strategic needs and, with trust and transparency, lead to mutual development.'
  • Thakkar also said, “Critical metals influence the economic and industrial development of the nation and thereby, geo-politics of a region.”
  • Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) CMD Kancham Anand Rao said, “UCIL is ready to partner, especially in the fields of extraction of critical minerals.”
  • CSIR-NML director Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury stressed the need for technological sovereignty in critical minerals towards achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Sarma V Pisupati, director, C2M, Penn State University, USA, underlined the current need to be creative, collaborative, and have the conviction to excel in the field of critical minerals.
  • The meet had 'over 350 participants'.
  • Global experts engaged in discussions on critical minerals and deliberated on technical, policy, and supply chain issues in the field.
'Resilience can't be built in silos': PM Modi proposes critical minerals, satellite data initiatives at G20 (End of November) ▼
  • PM Modi proposed a G20 initiative to enhance clean energy transitions by boosting recycling, easing supply chain pressures, and advancing joint research on critical minerals.
  • He suggested forging a partnership to make satellite data more accessible and interoperable, proposing the G20 Open Satellite Data Partnership to make G20 space agencies' data available to developing countries for various activities.
  • Modi emphasized strengthening global cooperation to deal with natural disasters, stating that 'resilience cannot be built in silos' and advocating for greater collaboration.
  • He called for the G20 to promote comprehensive strategies linking nutrition, public health, sustainable agriculture, and disaster preparedness to build a stronger global security system.
  • India established the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group during its G20 Presidency and advocates for a 'development-centric' approach to disaster resilience, which is India's vision behind setting up the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
  • India proposed a G20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative to promote recycling, urban mining, second-life batteries, and related innovations, aiming to strengthen clean energy transitions and supply chain security.
  • During the New Delhi G20 Summit, a resolution was made to triple renewable energy and double the energy efficiency rate by 2030, requiring developed countries to fulfill their commitments to provide affordable climate finance and technology.
  • Modi highlighted the Deccan Principles on Food Security adopted during India's presidency as a basis for creating a G20 roadmap on food security and called for greater collective action on the climate agenda to strengthen food security.
  • He sought a greater voice for the Global South in global governance structures, noting that the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of G20 in the New Delhi Summit was a major step forward that must be taken beyond G20.
  • A declaration adopted at the G20 Leaders' Summit underlined solidarity, equality, and sustainability as key pillars of inclusive growth, also prominently mentioning energy security, climate action, and disaster resilience and response.
  • G20 members comprise the world's major economies, representing 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world's population.
  • South Africa is hosting the G20 Summit, marking the first time it is held on the African continent and the fourth consecutive summit of the grouping to be held in the Global South, following Brazil (2024), India (2023), and Indonesia (2022).
India welcomes key outcomes at UNFCCC CoP30; reaffirms commitment to equity, climate justice and global solidarity (End of November) ▼
  • India expressed 'strong support' to Brazil for the inclusive leadership at CoP30.
  • India welcomed progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation, noting it reflects recognition of the overwhelming need for adaptation in developing countries.
  • India emphasized the long-standing obligations of developed countries to provide climate finance and appreciated the Presidency's efforts in supporting India in beginning the journey towards a long-overdue focus on Article 9.1.
  • India expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the Just Transition Mechanism, calling it a significant milestone.
  • India thanked the Presidency for providing space to discuss unilateral trade-restrictive climate measures, which it said are increasingly affecting developing countries and violate the principles of equity and CBDR-RC.
  • India stressed that the burden of climate change mitigation must not be shifted onto those least responsible for causing the problem.
  • India reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to science-based and equitable climate action and to a rules-based global order that is equitable and respectful of national sovereignty.
  • India called on all Parties to ensure that the road from Belem leads to a future defined by fairness, solidarity, and shared prosperity for all.

Syria declares ceasefire in Aleppo after three days of clashes with Kurdish forces

[Syria]

Key Updates:

  • Syria’s government declared a ceasefire in Aleppo following three days of intense clashes with Kurdish fighters.
  • The truce took effect at 3 am local time (midnight GMT).
  • Under the ceasefire terms, Kurdish militants were to withdraw from Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zaid and be granted safe passage to north-east Syria controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
  • The SDF has not yet confirmed its agreement to the ceasefire.
  • The US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack confirmed the Aleppo ceasefire on X, stating Washington “warmly welcomes the temporary ceasefire”.

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Thailand and Cambodia sign ceasefire agreement after weeks of deadly border fighting (End of December) ▼
  • Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement that took effect at noon local time, calling for a halt in military movements and airspace violations for military purposes.
  • The agreement was signed by Cambodia's Defense Minister Tea Seiha and Thailand's Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit at a border checkpoint in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand.
  • The deal includes a provision for Thailand to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers held as prisoners since earlier fighting in July, contingent on the ceasefire holding for 72 hours.
  • The agreement reaffirms commitment to an earlier ceasefire brokered by Malaysia and pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump, formalized in October at a regional meeting in Malaysia.
  • Both sides agreed to joint humanitarian demining operations and to refrain from disseminating false information or fake news.
  • The agreement also calls for resumption of previous measures to demarcate the border and cooperation in suppressing transnational crimes, particularly online scams.
Syria publishes first print issue of Al Thawra Al Souriya newspaper 5 years after Assad ban (Start of December) ▼
  • Syria published the first print issue of the official Al Thawra Al Souriya newspaper for the first time in five years.
  • Al Thawra Al Souriya means 'the Syrian revolution' in Arabic.
  • Al Thawra Al Souriya will replace Al Thawra, an Assad-era state newspaper.
  • Former President Bashar al-Assad stopped printing dailies during the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Assad was overthrown by Ahmed al-Sharaa, former al-Qaeda commander and current Syrian President, last December.
Hostage Remains Transferred in Gaza Ceasefire (Start of November) ▼
  • Palestinian militants handed over remains of two hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza.
  • The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed it had facilitated the transfer of the remains as a 'neutral intermediary.'
  • The transfer is part of 'the fragile ceasefire agreement' between Israel and the Hamas militant group, which 'began Oct. 10.'
  • Hamas militants have previously returned the remains of 15 hostages since the start of the ceasefire.
United States launches Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS targets in Syria (End of December) ▼
  • The U.S. military launched retaliatory strikes on Friday against dozens of ISIS targets in Syria.
  • More than 70 ISIS targets were struck using over 100 munitions from fighter jets, attack helicopters and rocket artillery.
  • Jordanian fighter aircraft also participated in the strikes.
  • The operation named 'Operation Hawkeye Strike' was carried out in response to the attack on U.S. forces in Palmyra, Syria.
  • The strikes targeted ISIS weapon areas and infrastructure in central Syria.
  • There are currently 1,000 U.S. troops in Syria, mostly in eastern Syria.
  • The U.S. estimates between 1,500 to 3,000 ISIS militants remain active in Syria and Iraq.

Chile endorses India’s bid for permanent seat on United Nations Security Council

[Chile, United Nations]

Key Updates:

  • Chile supports India's aspiration of being a permanent member of the Security Council because we believe this body should better reflect the realities of today.
  • India can be a stabilising factor, an established factor, in global affairs.
  • Chile have been supporting reforms of the system.

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Stefan Priesner appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in India (Start of December) ▼
  • Stefan Priesner of Austria assumed the post of United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in India on 1 December 2025.
  • He previously served as UN Resident Coordinator in Iran from 2021 to 2025.
  • He was UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore from 2017 to 2021.
  • He holds a master’s degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree in law from the University of Vienna.
Brazil Hands Over BRICS Chair to India for 2026 Summit (Mid of December) ▼
  • Brazil hosted the 17th BRICS Summit earlier this year.
  • India will assume the BRICS chair for 2026.
  • Brazilian Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin stated: "BRICS is not aimed against any country" and "not to replace the US dollar".
  • Alckmin confirmed President Lula’s visit to India is scheduled for February 2026.
  • Brazil and India are exploring defence cooperation in aerospace, naval projects and joint research.
  • Brazil is evaluating India’s Akash missile system; discussions include joint production and technology transfer.
  • Brazil and India are working on interoperability between India’s UPI and Brazil’s PIX digital payment systems.
  • Brazil has announced a business e-visa for Indian travellers; system launch date not specified.
  • Both governments target direct India-Brazil flights by end-2026.
  • Brazil became the second BRICS member after India to decline joining China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
India Reaffirms Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam at 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Forum in Riyadh on December 14-15, 2025 (Mid of December) ▼
  • India reaffirmed its commitment to the ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and religious harmony at the 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) forum.
  • The Indian delegation was led by P Kumaran, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
  • The forum was hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh from December 14 to 15, 2025.
  • The Indian representative highlighted the nation's civilizational heritage and the long-standing belief in Sarva Dharma Samabhav, which stresses equal respect for all faiths.
  • The gathering marked two decades of the UNAOC and brought together political leaders, religious representatives, civil society, youth, and media to address global divisions.
Thailand seeks BRICS membership with India’s support (Start of December) ▼
  • Thailand has formally expressed its ambition to join the BRICS grouping.
  • Thailand is seeking India’s backing ahead of New Delhi’s chairmanship of BRICS in 2026.
  • The intention to join BRICS was announced by Thai Ambassador Chavanart Thangsumphant at a National Day reception in Delhi.
  • India, a founding member of BRICS, will host the summit next year.
  • India-Thailand relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership earlier this year.
  • Thailand raised the matter of its BRICS membership with India during Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow’s visit from 29 November to 2 December.
  • Thailand's national day is on 5th December.

India Rejects China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Infrastructure Buildup in Shaksgam Valley

[China, Pakistan]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian government on Friday firmly rejected China's infrastructure buildup through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the Shaksgam Valley, terming it 'illegal and invalid'.
  • Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India has never recognised the 'so-called' China-Pakistan boundary agreement of 1963 or the 'so-called' CPEC.
  • The MEA reaffirmed that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an 'integral and inalienable part' of India.
  • The CPEC passes through Indian territory which is under 'forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan'.
  • The remarks follow reports of China's construction of military infrastructure and roads in the Shaksgam Valley, a trans-Karakoram tract ceded by Pakistan under the 1963 Boundary Agreement.
  • The China-Pakistan concert on the boundary in the Karakoram area of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir covers a distance of over 590 km and violates India's traditional and legal rights.

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Sanskaar Shaala inaugurated by Assam Governor to promote value-based education (Start of January) ▼
  • Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated Sanskaar Shaala, a programme for children aged 4 to 14, at Lohia Lions Auditorium in Guwahati.
  • The Governor emphasised that value-based education is essential to shape responsible citizens and societal harmony.
  • He highlighted that initiatives like Sanskaar Shaala align with India’s cultural values and support the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
J&K's Gondola Cable Car Project in Pahalgam: Objectives and Features (Start of November) ▼
  • **Project Name:** Gondola cable car project.
  • **Location:** "proposed 1.4km gondola project in Pahalgam" connecting "Yatri Niwas to Baisaran".
  • **Objective:** "aiming to revive tourism after a recent terrorist attack" and "promises to boost footfall and economic activity in south Kashmir’s hill circuit."
  • **Estimated Cost:** "estimated to cost Rs 120 crore, including land compensation."
  • **Funding Source:** "to be funded from JKCCC’s own resources."
  • **Implementing Agency:** J&K Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC).
  • **Current Status:** "halted since Pahalgam attack" and "site work has remained on hold pending security clearance."
  • **Related Initiative:** "govt is also exploring the installation of a ski drag lift at nearby Aru valley using existing foundations to promote winter tourism in the area."
Government clarifies 90% of Aravalli region is protected under new Supreme Court-approved framework (End of December) ▼
  • The Centre asserted that "90 percent of the Aravalli region will remain 'protected'" under a framework approved by the Supreme Court to prevent large-scale mining.
  • A freeze on new mining leases is in place until a "Management Plan for Sustainable Mining is prepared for the entire landscape by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)."
  • The new definition identifies an "Aravalli Hill" as "any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its local relief."
  • An "Aravalli Range" is defined as a "collection of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other."
  • According to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), "In the total area of 1.44 lakh square kilometres of the Aravalli, mining eligibility can only be in 0.19 per cent of the area."
  • The MoEFCC committee recommended prohibiting mining in "core and inviolate areas, including protected areas, eco-sensitive zones, tiger reserves, wetlands and areas close to such sites."
  • The Supreme Court, on November 20, 2025, accepted the recommendations of a committee to "standardise" the definition of Aravalli hills and ranges across Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi.
  • The government has initiated the "'Green Aravalli' movement for the preservation of the mountain range" and committed to using technology like drones for monitoring.
  • Existing mines may continue operations only if they "strictly comply with sustainable mining norms" laid down by the committee.
Supreme Court height-based definition sparks Aravalli mining fears (End of December) ▼
  • The Supreme Court accepted a criterion that a landform with a rise of 100 metres from the surrounding ground qualifies as a hill or mountain.
  • The Aravalli range acts as a natural barrier against desertification, slows the eastward march of the Thar Desert, recharges groundwater, and moderates air pollution in the National Capital Region.
  • The Union government claims mining activity would be allowed in just 0.19 per cent of the Aravalli area and that nearly 90 per cent of the region remains fully protected.

Poland Backs India Amid Trump Tariff Threats Over Russian Oil

[Poland]

Key Updates:

  • Poland expressed satisfaction that India has reduced Russian oil imports.
  • EAM S Jaishankar participated in India’s first-ever engagement in the Weimar Triangle format.
  • Weimar Triangle consists of France, Germany, and Poland.

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United States Warns India of Higher Tariffs Over Continued Russian Oil Imports (Start of January) ▼
  • United States (U.S.) president Donald Trump warned on January 4 that Washington could raise tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi does not stop buying Russian oil.
  • At present, Indian shipments face a cumulative 50% import tariff, with half of that directly linked to India’s continued purchases of Russian crude.
  • U.S. senator Lindsey Graham is pushing legislation that would impose sweeping secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas if Moscow refuses to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine within 50 days.
  • Indian exports to the U.S. fell 20.7% between May and November 2025, and a further escalation in tariffs could deepen the decline.
  • As tariff threats harden into policy, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) says India can no longer afford strategic ambiguity.
Russia Becomes India's Top Sunflower Oil Supplier, Capturing 56% Market Share in 2024 (Start of November) ▼
  • Imports of sunflower oil from Russia have shot up twelvefold in the last four years, making it India’s largest supplier, displacing Ukraine.
  • The share of Russian oil in India’s total sunflower oil imports was around 10% in 2021, which rose to 56% in 2024.
  • India imported 2.09 million tonnes of sunflower oil from Russia in calendar 2024, up 12 times from about 175,000 tonnes in 2021.
  • Less than 5% of the sunflower oil consumed in India is produced locally.
  • India meets nearly 60% of its total cooking oil requirement through imports.
  • Palm oil accounts for nearly 50% of the total cooking oil consumption, with soyabean and sunflower oils having the second and third largest share.
  • Sunflower oil imports rose significantly as it became cheaper than palm oil for the first time ever during 2023 and 2024.
  • Sunflower oil imports are expected to fall by about 13% this year due to a steep price rise.
  • There is a premium of $150 per tonne on sunflower oil over the palm oil and soyabean oil.
  • The share of Russia in sunflower oil imports is expected to remain around 55-60% this year.
GTRI Recommends India Halt Sanctioned Oil Imports and Seek Tariff Relief from US (Start of November) ▼
  • The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) outlined a three-step plan for India to protect its trade interests under the ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiation with America.
  • On October 24, government officials stated that India and the US are "very near" to finalising the first tranche of the ambitious Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
  • Washington imposed sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil on October 22, which together account for 57 per cent of Russia's crude output.
  • Since the introduction of the 25 per cent "Russian oil" tariff on July 31, total duties on Indian goods have doubled to 50 per cent.
  • The introduction of the "Russian oil" tariff led to a 37 per cent fall in Indian exports between May and September.
  • GTRI argues that removing the "Russian oil" tariff would halve India's US duty burden from 50 per cent back to 25 per cent.
  • GTRI suggests India seek average industrial tariffs of around 15 per cent and duty-free access for select export sectors, including textiles, gems and jewellery, and pharmaceuticals, to achieve parity with major partners like the European Union.
Council and Parliament (EU) agree on rules to prohibit Russian gas imports (Start of December) ▼
  • Imports of Russian pipeline gas and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) will be prohibited from six weeks after the regulation's entry into force, with a transition period for existing contracts.
  • Russian gas accounts for an estimated 13% of European Union (EU) imports in 2025, valued at over €15 billion annually.
  • European Union (EU) oil imports from Russia dropped to below 3% in 2025 due to the current sanctions regime.
  • The Commission intends to propose legislation for phasing out Russian oil imports to the European Union (EU) no later than end of 2027.
  • The prior authorisation procedure does not apply to imports from countries that exported over 5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas to the European Union (EU) in 2024.
  • The regulation introduces effective, proportionate, and dissuasive penalties for non-compliance, including a maximum threshold for both companies and private individuals.
  • The Commission will review the regulation's implementation within two years of its entry into force.
  • Member states must notify the Commission within one month of the regulation's entry into force regarding Russian gas supply contracts or national legal bans.

Puri (Odisha) becomes first Indian city to deliver BIS-grade tap water safe for direct drinking

[Odisha]

Key Updates:

  • Puri is the only Indian city where residents can drink tap water straight without side effects.
  • Water meets every Bureau of Indian Standards limit, certified by BIS.
  • Multi-stage treatment train: sedimentation, filtration, ozonation, chlorination plus real-time sensor monitoring.
  • Mission name: Drink from Tap (DFT).
  • State plans to extend DFT to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

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Uranium found in breast milk in 6 Bihar districts (End of November) ▼
  • A study conducted between October 2021 and July 2024 detected Uranium (U238) in all breast milk samples analysed from 40 mothers aged 17-35 in Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar and Nalanda.
  • Uranium concentrations ranged from 0 to 5.25 g/L, and there is no permissible limit for uranium in breast milk.
  • Khagaria recorded the highest average contamination, Nalanda the lowest, while Katihar showed the single-highest reading.
  • Nearly 70% of infants faced exposure levels associated with potential non-carcinogenic health risks.
  • The source of the uranium contamination remains unclear, and the Geological Survey of India is also trying to find out.
  • Uranium can cause cancer, neurological disorders, affect the growth of children, kidney damage, neurological impairment, cognitive delays, and increase the risk of cancer later in life.
  • Bihar's environmental conditions, including heavy dependence on groundwater, discharge of untreated industrial effluents, and long-term use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, have already led to contamination with arsenic, lead and mercury in biological samples.
  • Infants are especially vulnerable to uranium because their organs are still developing, they absorb toxic metals more readily, and their low body weight amplifies exposure.
  • Despite the alarming results, the researchers strongly emphasised that breastfeeding should continue, as it remains irreplaceable for immunity and early development, and should be discontinued only on medical advice.
  • The study calls for urgent biomonitoring, rigorous water-quality testing, and immediate public-health intervention.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) develops hand-operated Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS) (Start of January) ▼
  • 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.
Indore Epidemic Response: Chlorination & Tanker Supply Drive (Start of January) ▼
  • Indore health administration declared the Bhagirathpura waterborne outbreak an epidemic.
  • Specialised teams from ICMR-NIRBI and NCDC were called in to contain the spread and identify contamination sources.
  • Narmada water supply in the affected zone remains suspended until pipelines are certified fully decontaminated.
NITI Aayog Releases Report on Water Budgeting in Aspirational Blocks (End of November) ▼
  • NITI Aayog today released a report on 'Water Budgeting in Aspirational Blocks'.
  • The report marks a significant effort to take forward local water budgeting for effective water management and aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for Viksit Bharat@2047, emphasising the necessity for sustainable and equitable water security across diverse landscapes of India.
  • Water Budgeting is a structured approach for estimating water demand across key sectors: human, livestock, agriculture, and industry, while accounting for supplies from multiple sources such as runoff, surface water, groundwater, and water transfers.
  • The water budgeting exercise uses a web-based platform Varuni to enhance the block-level water security planning and for an integrated water management.
  • The report highlights the need for adopting customised strategies across 18 Aspirational Blocks with different endowments of water availability, spread across 8 agro-climatic zones of the country in 11 States.
  • The water budget provides insights for each block related to its water demand-supply scenario, challenges and recommendations and identifying suitable measures for enhancing water security.
  • NITI Aayog collaborated with GIZ India to prepare the report.

Odisha Cabinet approves Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) solar manufacturing facility

[Odisha, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL)]

Key Updates:

  • The state cabinet cleared a proposal by Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) to establish an integrated solar manufacturing facility in the Tata special economic zone (SEZ) in Ganjam district.
  • Planned in two phases, the facility will have a production capacity of 10 GW ingot-wafer and 5 GW solar cell manufacturing, making it the first upstream solar manufacturing unit of its kind in the state.
  • Beyond direct employment, the project is expected to catalyse ancillary industries in glass, chemicals, packaging, logistics and precision machinery, generating additional livelihood opportunities for MSMEs.
  • The facility is expected to strengthen the upstream solar value chain in Odisha, reduce dependence on imports of critical solar components, and support India’s target of achieving 100 GW domestic solar module manufacturing capacity by 2030.

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PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana enables Gujarat to cross 5 lakh rooftop solar installations with 1,879 MW capacity (End of December) ▼
  • Gujarat has installed over 5 lakh rooftop solar systems under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna, achieving 1,879 MW aggregate capacity.
  • Residential consumers have availed subsidies worth Rs 3,778 crore under the scheme.
  • Subsidy rates: Rs 30,000 per kW up to 2 kW, Rs 18,000 per kW above 2 kW up to 3 kW, and maximum Rs 78,000 for systems above 3 kW.
  • State provides Rs 2,950 assistance towards regulatory charges for systems up to 6 kW and waives network strengthening charges for the same category.
  • No net metering agreement required, no load limit for residential solar installations, no banking charges on residential consumers, and households can sell surplus electricity.
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) to Set Up 110MW Solar Power Plant in Uttar Pradesh (Mid of December) ▼
  • NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has received the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for the development of its 110MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic power project.
  • The solar power project is located in Uttar Pradesh.
  • The project is for National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC).
  • National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC) will set up, commission, operate and maintain the solar power plant.
  • The project will cater to National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC)’s power requirement and support its vision of adopting clean and sustainable energy solutions for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Tata Power to build India’s largest 10 GW solar wafers & ingots plant (Mid of November) ▼
  • Tata Power plans to set up the country's largest solar wafers and ingots manufacturing plant with a capacity of 10 gigawatts
  • The facility will complete Tata Power's presence across the manufacturing chain; the company already has 4.9 GW of integrated cell and module-making capacity
  • The project aligns with the Indian federal government's push for increased use of locally made ingots and wafers to cut reliance on imports from China
  • Tata Power is exploring the use of federal and state financial support for the new factory and will finalize investment details within the next two months
  • Separately, Tata Power is considering entering nuclear power generation as India targets at least 100 GW of nuclear projects by 2047
Odisha to Host India’s Energy COP: Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 in Puri from December 5 to 7 (Start of December) ▼
  • The Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 is set to convene in Puri, Odisha, from December 5 to 7.
  • Positioned as 'a COP for India’s energy sector,' the Summit will bring together policymakers, international experts, and industry leaders.
  • The summit’s theme is “Powering India: Sufficiency, Balance, Innovation”.
  • GELS 2025 aims to create a structured platform for meaningful engagement among the Union Government, nearly 15 States, and over 30 national and international energy experts.
  • The Summit is organised with the Tony Blair Institute and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, aligned with India’s Net Zero 2070 vision.
  • Key participants include Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Principal secretary (energy) Vishal Kumar Dev, NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer (CEO) B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Union energy minister Pralhad Joshi, and Chief Ministers from Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
  • Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the Summit on December 6.

NASA Accelerates Crew-11 Return After First ISS Medical Evacuation

[National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)]

Key Updates:

  • NASA announced the first medical evacuation from ISS, bringing four Crew-11 astronauts home early.
  • Crew-11 consists of NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Michael Fincke, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.
  • The Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft launched on August 1, 2025, and the medical issue emerged near mission end.
  • NASA clarified the situation is not an emergency; the astronaut is stable and not in immediate danger.
  • ISS spans 356 feet, larger than a six-bedroom house, with six sleeping quarters, two bathrooms, a gym, and a 360-degree bay window.

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US-Russian Crew Begins 8-Month Mission on International Space Station (Start of December) ▼
  • A U.S.-Russian crew of three began a mission on the International Space Station after being launched there on a Russian spacecraft.
  • A Soyuz booster rocket lifted off from the Russia-leased Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan to put the Soyuz MS-28 into orbit.
  • The spacecraft carried NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian crewmates, Sergei Mikaev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov.
  • The craft docked at the International Space Station.
  • The three are expected to spend about eight months at the orbiting outpost.
  • NASA said this is the first spaceflight for Williams, a physicist, and Mikaev, a military pilot.
  • This is the second flight for Kud-Sverchkov.
  • Already on the space station are NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman and Jonny Kim, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)’s astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov, Alexei Zubritsky and Oleg Platonov.
  • Williams will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aimed at advancing human space exploration and benefiting life on Earth, NASA said.
  • Roscosmos space corporation (Roscosmos) said in a statement Thursday evening that the crew was “in good health” after the flight.
  • A routine inspection of the launch pad, conducted after the liftoff, identified “damage to several launch pad components.”
  • The extent of the damage was being assessed, but “all necessary spare components are available for repairs, and the damage will be repaired shortly,” Roscosmos said.
China’s Shenzhou-22 Launches Emergency Mission to Tiangong Space Station (End of November) ▼
  • China has deployed a replacement return capsule to its space station, marking the first emergency launch in its crewed space programme.
  • The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft, loaded with 600 kg of supplies, including food and material needed to repair a damaged return vehicle, lifted off at 12.11 PM (local time) on Tuesday.
  • It linked up with the Tiangong space station in under four hours.
  • The astronauts had been forced to rely on the fresh capsule because their designated Shenzhou-20 return ship was found to have tiny cracks in one of its portholes, damage suspected to be caused by space debris.
  • The flaw made it unsafe for a crewed descent.
  • Shenzhou-20 will be repaired and sent back to Earth at a later stage, but only as a cargo vessel without astronauts.
  • Zheng Wei, a researcher at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), explained the complexity of repairing the affected glass.
  • According to SCMC, Zheng said removing the glass was too risky, meaning repairs could only be done internally, strengthening the structure from within.
  • Shenzhou-22 was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China on a Long March-2F Y22 rocket.
  • According to Xinhua, the spacecraft includes several upgrades — such as enhancements to the instrument system, more room for payload installation and refinements to various components — improvements that will be incorporated into future vessels.
Shenzhou-21 docks with Tiangong space station 3.5 hours after launch (Start of November) ▼
  • Shenzhou-21 spacecraft docked at the forward port of Tiangong’s Tianhe core module at 3:22 p.m. Eastern (1922 UTC) Oct. 31, according to CMSEO.
  • The mission carries commander Zhang Lu and crewmates Zhang Hongzhang and Wu Fei for a roughly six-month stay aboard Tiangong.
  • Science agenda includes space life sciences, biotechnology, fluid physics, space medicine, materials science, combustion, and reproduction experiments with four black mice.
  • Long March 2F rocket launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 11:44 a.m. Eastern (1544 UTC).
  • China is developing the Long March 10 rocket, Mengzhou crew spacecraft, Lanyue lunar lander, Wangyu lunar suit, and crew lunar rover for a crewed lunar landing before 2030.
International Day of Radiology observed on November 8: #IDoR2025 highlights radiology’s role in safe patient care (Start of November) ▼
  • The 14th International Day of Radiology (IDoR 2025) is celebrated worldwide on November 8.
  • The day aims to enhance awareness of the value radiology contributes to safe patient care and to improve public understanding of the vital role radiologists and radiographers play in the healthcare continuum.
  • Participants are encouraged to share IDoR 2025 activities by emailing photos to IDoR@myesr.org or posting on social media using the hashtag #IDoR2025.

Golden Jubilee of Sarok Festival celebrated on January 10, 2026

Key Updates:

  • Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu attended the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the 'Sarok Festival of the Aka Hrusso' community at Bana in Bichom district, marking 50 years of the festival as a symbol of cultural heritage and continuity.
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the appointment of four more Special Observers in West Bengal to bring greater transparency to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
  • Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh IPS took the salute during the Passing Out Parade of CRPF Batch No. 434 at the Recruit Training Centre (RTC), Avadi, in Tiruvallur.
  • KIIT shines on the global education map, ranking 5th in India for attracting foreign students.

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IIT Madras launches IITM Global Research Foundation to become world’s first multinational university (Start of January) ▼
  • IIT Madras launched the IITM Global Research Foundation aimed at positioning the institute as the world’s first multinational university.
  • The initiative will operate through four pillars: technology transfer to global markets, joint international research projects, overseas business opportunities for IIT Madras startups, and attracting foreign investment into the institute’s innovation ecosystem.
  • Initial centres will be set up in the US, Dubai, Malaysia and Germany, with plans for expansion.
IIT Delhi Leads India in QS World University Rankings Sustainability 2026; Sweden's Lund University Achieves Global Top Spot (Mid of November) ▼
  • IIT Delhi is the top-ranked Indian institution in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026, slipping to rank 205 from last year’s 171.
  • No Indian institute entered the global top 200 in the 2026 rankings.
  • IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur are ranked 236 globally, down from 235 and 202 respectively.
  • Among the top 10 Indian institutions, six are IITs.
  • Of the 15 IITs featured, six improved their rank compared to 2025.
  • IIT Delhi and IIT Kharagpur entered the top 100 in Employability and Outcomes, ranking 93rd and 96th respectively.
  • University of Delhi rose 27 places in Knowledge Exchange to rank 94th.
  • IIT Bombay ranks 100th globally in the Environmental Impact lens.
  • IIT Kharagpur placed 49th in Environmental Sustainability.
  • University of Delhi rose 31 places in Governance to rank 187th globally.
  • India has 103 universities in the rankings, with 26 new entries this year.
  • Globally, Lund University (Sweden) is ranked 1st, followed by University of Toronto (2nd) and UCL (3rd).
  • The US has 240 universities in the rankings, China 163, UK 109, India 103, and France 76.
NITI Aayog Internationalisation Roadmap: Campus-within-Campus & Vishwa Bandhu Scholarship (End of December) ▼
  • NITI Aayog proposes allowing foreign higher education institutions to set up campuses in Indian institutions under the ‘campus within a campus’ model with a sunset clause of 10 years.
  • It calls for easing regulations for mobility of inbound and outbound students by simplifying visa processes, reducing documentation burdens, and addressing regulatory bottlenecks.
  • The report recommends establishing a National Research Sovereign Wealth Impact Fund named Bharat Vidya Kosh with a suggested $10 billion corpus—50% from diaspora or philanthropy and 50% matched by the Government of India.
  • It proposes a scholarship programme ‘Vishwa Bandhu Scholarship’ for international students for 2-year master’s programmes offering study-based internships, competitive stipends, tuition support, research grants, accommodation, travel allowance, and health insurance.
QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026 released by Quacquarelli Symonds (Start of November) ▼
  • QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026 is published by global higher-education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds.
  • The University of Hong Kong is ranked Asia’s best university in the 2026 edition.
  • The acronym QS stands for Quacquarelli Symonds, the organisation that compiles and releases these rankings.