Daily Briefing Sunday, Dec 28

Daily Current Affairs: 28 December 2025

Analysis for 28 December 2025

Vaibhav Suryavanshi received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

[Government of India]

Key Updates:

  • Vaibhav Suryavanshi was honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • President Droupadi Murmu presented the award, which is India’s highest civilian honor for children between the ages of 5 and 18.
  • He is the 14-year-old vice-captain of the Bihar team and became the youngest player to score a century in men’s List A cricket at the age of 14 years and 272 days.
  • During a Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) match against Arunachal Pradesh, he scored a century in 36 balls and the fastest 150 in men’s List A cricket in 59 deliveries.
  • He became the youngest player to score a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and recorded the second-fastest century in the league's history while playing for the Rajasthan Royals (RR).
  • He will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 VHT to attend a conditioning camp in Bengaluru before joining the India Under-19 (U-19) squad for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe.

Similar / Past Coverage

President Droupadi Murmu presented Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 (End of December) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu presented the annual Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar to distinguished scientists from diverse fields at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • A total of 24 awards were presented under the second edition of the Puraskar in four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team.
  • Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was posthumously awarded the Vigyan Ratna, the highest science award, for his lifetime achievements and contributions in the field of science and technology.
  • The Vigyan Team award was conferred upon the Team- Aroma Mission CSIR for contributions to Agricultural Science.
  • The awards are modeled on the Padma awards and recognize outstanding contributions across 13 domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, and Space Science and Technology.
Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha (Mid of December) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha, a gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan dedicated to the recipients of the Param Vir Chakra.
  • The gallery features portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, commemorating their exceptional acts of valour, courage, and self-sacrifice during war.
  • The Param Vir Dirgha replaces colonial-era displays of British Aides-de-camp (ADCs) that were previously housed in the corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • The inauguration was held on Vijay Diwas, an occasion observed on December 16 to commemorate India’s victory in the 1971 war and the liberation of Bangladesh.
  • President Droupadi Murmu stated that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s strength, discipline, and deterrence to the world.
President Droupadi Murmu presents Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2025 to distinguished scientists (End of December) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu presented the annual ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’ (RVP) to distinguished scientists from diverse fields at a special function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • Under the second edition of the Puraskar, 24 awards were presented to scientists in four categories - Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team.
  • The highest science award - Vigyan Ratna - was given posthumously to India’s eminent physicist, Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, for lifetime achievements and contributions made in the field of science and technology.
  • The Vigyan Team award was presented to the Team- Aroma Mission Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in the field of Agricultural Science.
  • The awards are given to scientists across 13 domains including Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, and Space Science and Technology.
  • Jayan N was conferred the Vigyan Shri award for Space Science and Technology, while Ankur Garg received the Vigyan Yuva in the same category.
  • S Venkata Mohan was recognized with the Vigyan Shri award in the field of Environmental Science.
C.P. Radhakrishnan releases book 'Sanatan Sanskriti Ki Atal Drishti' authored by Vasudev Devnani (End of December) ▼
  • C.P. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India, released the book 'Sanatan Sanskriti Ki Atal Drishti' authored by Vasudev Devnani, Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.
  • The release event took place at the Vice-President’s Enclave in New Delhi.
  • The book release coincides with the centenary birth anniversary celebrations of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
  • Vasudev Devnani holds the position of Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.

Union Civil Aviation Ministry (MoCA) clears Al Hind Air, FlyExpress, Shankh Air to break IndiGo-Air India duopoly.

[Union Civil Aviation Ministry (MoCA), Al Hind Air, FlyExpress, Shankh Air, IndiGo, Air India]

Key Updates:

  • Al Hind Air and FlyExpress received no-objection certificates from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry this week.
  • Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air already holds an NOC and targets commercial launch in 2026.
  • IndiGo and the Air India Group together control more than 90% of India’s domestic market, with IndiGo alone exceeding 65%.

Similar / Past Coverage

Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) grants NOCs to three new airlines to increase competition and lower flight costs (End of December) ▼
  • The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has given no objection certificates (NOCs) to three airlines – Al Hind Air, FlyExpress and Shankh Air – to provide more choice for consumers and bring down the cost of flights.
  • Shankh Air, which aims to be the leading full-service airline of Uttar Pradesh, plans to launch its flight services around the first quarter of 2026.
  • Al Hind Air, owned by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, has an initial investment between Rs 200 and Rs 500 crore and will focus on domestic and regional travel using ATR 72-600 model aircraft.
  • FlyExpress, which received its NOC from the MoCA, is reportedly backed by a courier and cargo services company from Hyderabad.
  • To begin operations, these carriers must next get an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) by proving they have financial backing, aircraft, and trained crew.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Civil Aviation Ministry slash IndiGo weekly flights by 10%. (Start of December) ▼
  • IndiGo’s weekly domestic departures were approved at 15,014 for the winter schedule.
  • IndiGo actually operated 59,438 flights in November 2025 against 64,346 approved domestic flights.
  • The airline recorded 951 flight cancellations during November 2025.
  • IndiGo could operate only 339 aircraft in October 2025 and 344 aircraft in November 2025 against an estimated 403 aircraft.
  • The 10% cut translates to a minimum reduction of 216 daily flights from the summer level of over 2,200 daily flights.
  • Air India and Air India Express weekly domestic flights were reduced by 0.8% and 6% respectively from summer to winter schedule.
  • Akasa Air’s weekly domestic schedule reduced by 5.7% from 1,089 to 1,027 flights.
  • SpiceJet increased weekly domestic flights by over 26% from 1,240 to 1,568.
Air India wins Travel + Leisure Best Domestic Airline Award (Mid of December) ▼
  • Air India has been recognised as the ‘Best Domestic Airline’ at the Travel + Leisure India and South Asia’s Best Awards 2025, for the second consecutive year.
  • The recognition is decided through a customer vote and reflects the trust placed in Air India by its patrons.
  • The award underscores the strides made by Air India in delivering an elevated product and service experience across touchpoints for millions of passengers.
  • Air India is investing significantly in modernising its fleet and enhancing customer experience, including a USD 400 million retrofit programme to refurbish existing aircraft cabins.
DGCA rolls back rest-day rule to restore IndiGo flight operations (Start of December) ▼
  • The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) revoked its directive that barred airlines from substituting pilots’ weekly rest days with leave.
  • The regulator cited 'ongoing operational disruptions' and 'repeated representations from airlines seeking flexibility to maintain the continuity and stability of operations'.
  • DGCA has also directed its own inspectors, who are hired on five-year contracts as auditors and barred from flying for commercial carriers, to operate IndiGo flights.

NATGRID-NPR Integration enables real-time access to 119 crore residents' family details

[NATGRID, Government of India]

Key Updates:

  • The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has been linked to the National Population Register (NPR) which stores family-wise details of 119 crore residents.
  • Access to NATGRID is now extended to Superintendent of Police-rank officers; earlier it was limited to ten Central agencies.
  • The upgraded tool 'Gandiva' supports facial recognition and entity resolution by matching suspect images with photo identity documents.

Similar / Past Coverage

Centre proposes shared network access for power distribution (Start of December) ▼
  • The Centre has proposed shared network access for power distribution.
  • Raj and the International Solar Alliance will build the country’s first digital power network.
  • Experts propose solar panels for low-income neighbourhoods.
National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) operational for secure real-time database access (Start of December) ▼
  • NATGRID is a platform for police and investigating agencies to securely access government and private databases in real time.
  • The platform receives around 45,000 requests a month.
  • Access is now available to Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers, expanded from the earlier restriction to ten central agencies.
  • The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked States to use NATGRID to access datasets including driving license, Aadhaar registration, airline data, bank records, and social media account details.
National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA): Paperless Lawmaking under Digital India (Start of December) ▼
  • NeVA is a Mission Mode Project under the Digital India programme.
  • 28 State and Union Territory Legislatures have signed MoUs for its adoption.
  • 20 have already become fully digital Houses.
  • NeVA enables complete backend computerisation of Legislature Secretariat branches.
  • Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs provides ICT infrastructure, training and continuous technical handholding.
  • NeVA offers a unified digital architecture for all 37 State/UT Legislatures.
  • Bhashini-powered AI tools enable text translation, speech-to-text and voice-to-speech.
TCoE Launches Samriddh Gram Phygital Pilot to Digitally Empower Rural India (End of October) ▼
  • The Telecom Centres of Excellence TCoE has signed agreements with leading implementation partners to roll out the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot.
  • The initiative is designed to seamlessly integrate physical infrastructure with digital services across rural communities, leveraging BharatNet connectivity to deliver essential citizen-centric services, bridging the urban-rural digital divide and driving sustainable development at the grassroots level.
  • The Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot represents a bold new model of “phygital transformation,” merging physical presence with digital platforms.
  • The Department of Telecommunications DoT has identified three pilot villages for this initiative: Chaksu, Rajasthan; Khatav, Maharashtra; and Kolar, Karnataka.
  • Each of these villages will host a Samriddhi Kendra—a state-of-the-art integrated service hub that serves as the focal point for local citizens to access digital education, healthcare, governance, and economic opportunities.
  • Each Samriddhi Kendra will act as a comprehensive service hub, integrating multiple sectors through digital innovation, including Education and Skilling, Agriculture, Healthcare, e-Governance, E-Commerce and Entrepreneurship, Financial Inclusion, and Connectivity Backbone.
  • The implementation partners for the pilot include: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D), Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A), Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B), Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM-C), National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM), and National Institute of Smart Governance (NISG).
  • Following successful implementation and impact evaluation, the model is expected to be scaled up nationwide, with plans to establish hundreds of Samriddhi Kendras across India’s 6 lakh villages.

Indian Railways Vision 2030: Originating Train Capacity to Double in 48 Major Cities

[Indian Railways]

Key Updates:

  • Ministry of Railways (MoR) plans to double the originating train capacity in 48 major cities by 2030.
  • Capacity augmentation will be implemented progressively over the next five years to deliver immediate benefits.
  • Works include augmenting current terminals with additional platforms, stabling lines, pit lines, and shunting facilities.
  • New terminals will be identified and created in and around urban areas.
  • Maintenance facilities, including mega coaching complexes, will be established.
  • Sectional capacity will be increased through traffic facility works, signaling upgradation, and multitracking.

Similar / Past Coverage

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Redevelopment of 1,337 Railway Stations with ₹12,118 crore FY 2025–26 Allocation (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to transform 1,337 railway stations into modern, commuter-friendly, and future-ready transit hubs.
  • ₹12,118 crore has been allocated under Plan Head–53 ‘Customer Amenities’ for FY 2025–26.
  • 155 stations have already completed redevelopment works, with 15 stations identified for Public Private Partnership (PPP) development.
Ministry of Railways crosses 1 billion tonne freight loading in FY25-26 (End of November) ▼
  • Indian Railways cumulative freight loading reached 1020 Million Tonnes as of 19 November.
  • Coal led commodity-wise loading at 505 MT, followed by iron ore 115 MT, cement 92 MT, container traffic 59 MT, pig iron & finished steel 47 MT, fertilisers 42 MT, mineral oil 32 MT, foodgrains 30 MT, raw materials for steel plants approx. 20 MT, and balance-other-goods 74 MT.
  • Daily freight loading averaged 4.4 MT, up from 4.2 MT last year.
  • Freight loading for April-October touched 935.1 MT in 2025 against 906.9 MT in the same period last year.
  • Ministry of Railways rolled out Policy for Bulk Cement Terminals and rationalised rates for bulk cement movement in containers to cut transit time and logistics costs.
Delhi Metro Phase V(A) Project: Union Cabinet approves Rs 12,014.9-crore expansion (End of December) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved Delhi Metro’s Phase V(A) project, which will add three new corridors spanning 16 kilometres and 13 stations to the network.
  • The Rs 12,014.9-crore project, scheduled for completion in three years, will be funded by the Government of India, the Government of Delhi, and international funding agencies.
  • The three corridors comprise the 9.91-km stretch between Ramakrishnan Ashram Marg and Indraprastha, the 2.26-km link between Aerocity and Indira Gandhi Airport Terminal 1, and the 3.9-km route connecting Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj.
  • The expansion will extend the Magenta and Golden lines, taking the total Delhi Metro network to nearly 400 km.
  • The project includes 10 underground and three elevated stations to reduce road congestion and boost the economy.
PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains: Routes, Travel Time, and Objectives (Start of November) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains.
  • The new routes include Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow Junction–Saharanpur, Firozpur Cantt–Delhi, and Bengaluru–Ernakulam.
  • These additions are expected to boost regional mobility, tourism, and trade, supporting economic growth and improving access to cultural and commercial centres.
  • The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will save nearly 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to existing services.
  • The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will cover the journey in about 7 hours and 45 minutes, reducing travel time by nearly an hour.
  • The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express will be the fastest train on this route, completing the journey in just 6 hours and 40 minutes.
  • The Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express will complete the journey in 8 hours and 40 minutes, cutting travel time by over 2 hours.
  • The Banaras–Khajuraho route aims to create direct connectivity between Varanasi and Khajuraho, passing through Prayagraj and Chitrakoot.
  • The Firozpur–Delhi service is expected to enhance trade and employment opportunities, boost tourism, and contribute to the socio-economic growth of border areas.
  • The Bengaluru–Ernakulam route connects major IT, educational, and commercial hubs, promoting economic collaboration and tourism between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

EPFO Single-Window Service Centres Revamp

[EPFO, Government of India]

Key Updates:

  • Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, announced that EPFO offices will be revamped into modern, technology-enabled, single-window service centres.
  • All upcoming and several existing EPFO offices will be redesigned on the lines of passport seva kendras, allowing citizens to resolve any EPF-related issue at any regional office nationwide.
  • EPFO will undertake mission-mode KYC verification and launch a dedicated digital platform for simplified claim filing and faster settlements.
  • Claims up to ₹5 lakh are now settled automatically and withdrawals of up to 75 percent of EPF balances have been eased.
  • EPFO will introduce EPF Suvidha Providers—authorised facilitators to assist members in accessing benefits and resolving grievances.

Similar / Past Coverage

Special Campaign 5.0 Assessment Report & CPGRAMS Annual Report Released (End of December) ▼
  • The Assessment Report of Special Campaign 5.0 and the Annual Report of CPGRAMS were released by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
  • Special Campaign 5.0 institutionalised Swachhata and reduced pendency across government offices, generating over Rs 4100 crores through systematic disposal of scrap and e-waste.
  • CPGRAMS report highlights the Government’s focus on responsive, technology-enabled and time-bound grievance redressal.
EPFO Constitutes Four-Member Committee for Cadre Restructuring (End of November) ▼
  • The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has set up a four-member committee for cadre restructuring of the retirement fund body.
  • The committee, headed by BP Sharma, the former secretary of the department of personnel and training, will submit its report by March 31, 2026.
  • It will undertake a comprehensive review of the existing workload of EPFO, identify imbalances, overlaps and inefficiencies in the present workforce structure and evaluate the requirement for rationalisation, optimisation or augmentation of human resources in line with functional necessities.
  • The committee will benchmark the cadre structure of officers and employees of the central board and recommend appropriate restructuring measures to enhance efficiency, service delivery and institutional effectiveness, while ensuring that manpower deployment remains commensurate with the functional workload.
  • It will recommend a suitable framework for induction of officers on deputation from the central government and other public institutions for bringing in talent, best practices, and cross-sectoral expertise to EPFO.
  • The committee will also recommend a framework for EPFO officers and staff to go on deputation or exchange programmes to other organisations to facilitate exposure to new ideas, professional development, and adoption of innovative practices.
National Pension System (NPS) Amendments 2025: 80% Lump-sum Withdrawal and Extended Exit Age (End of December) ▼
  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) notified amendments to the PFRDA Exits and Withdrawals Regulations, 2015, applicable to the National Pension System (NPS).
  • The permissible lump-sum withdrawal at normal exit has been increased from 60% to 80%, while the mandatory annuity portion has been reduced to 20%.
  • The maximum exit age for subscribers has been extended from 70 years to 85 years.
  • For the All Citizen Model, normal exit is now permitted after 15 years of investment or upon reaching 60 years of age, whichever is earlier.
  • The threshold for 100% lump-sum withdrawal for non-government subscribers has been raised from ₹5 lakh to ₹8 lakh.
  • The mandatory 5-year minimum subscription period previously required for premature exit has been removed for non-government subscribers.
  • New structured withdrawal mechanisms, namely Systematic Lumpsum Withdrawal (SLW) and Systematic Unit Withdrawal (SUR), have been introduced to allow periodic redemption of investment units.
  • For government subscribers with a corpus between ₹8 lakh and ₹12 lakh, a lump-sum withdrawal of up to ₹6 lakh is permitted, with the remainder accessible via SUR.
  • The list of permitted reasons for partial withdrawal has been liberalized to include medical treatment without restriction to a specific list of illnesses.
EPFO ties up with City Union Bank for EPF remittance facility (Start of November) ▼
  • City Union Bank (CUB) has tied up with the Employees’ Provident Fund Office (EPFO) for remittance of EPF payments.
  • The EPF payment facility was officially launched by R. Vijay Anandh, executive director, CUB, and Maneesh Agnihotri, Regional PF Commissioner, Tamil Nadu, in Chennai.
  • Many MSMEs and SMEs within CUB's network would be the primary focus for clients targeted by the bank.
  • This EPF remittance facility will enable the employers with CUB accounts to make the EPF remittance seamlessly through net banking.

CCPA imposes ₹11 lakh penalty on Vision IAS for misleading UPSC result advertisements

[CCPA, Vision IAS]

Key Updates:

  • The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a ₹11 lakh penalty on Vision IAS for publishing misleading advertisements related to results of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022 and 2023.
  • The CCPA found that Vision IAS claimed "7 in Top 10 & 79 in Top 100 selections in CSE 2023" and "39 in Top 50 selections in CSE 2022" without clearly disclosing the nature and extent of courses actually availed by the candidates.
  • Out of the 119 plus selections claimed across the two years, only three candidates had enrolled in full foundation courses; the remaining 116 had opted for short-term or standalone programmes.
  • The Authority noted that Vision IAS continued to display the impugned advertisements on its website even after receiving a show-cause notice and failed to furnish enrolment forms or consent documents authorising the use of candidates’ names and images.
  • The CCPA has directed the institute to discontinue misleading advertisements, ensure truthful and complete disclosures going forward, and submit a compliance report within 15 days.

Similar / Past Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposes Rs 99.30 lakh penalty on Jammu and Kashmir Bank (Start of December) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a fine of Rs 99.30 lakh on Jammu and Kashmir Bank.
  • The penalty was for failing to comply with directions regarding grievance handling, customer communication, KYC verification, and the transfer of unclaimed deposits.
  • The fines were based on the statutory inspection of the bank's financial position as of March 2024.
  • The inspection found that certain complaints were not escalated to the Internal Ombudsman.
  • The bank did not send final resolution letters to customers after closing complaints.
  • The bank was not using face-verification technology for video-based customer identification.
  • The bank was not verifying customers' financial information furnished at the time of onboarding.
  • There was a delay in the transfer of eligible unclaimed deposits to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) slaps Rs 91 lakh penalty on HDFC Bank (Start of December) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a penalty of Rs 91 lakh on HDFC Bank.
  • The penalty was for violating certain provisions of the Banking Regulation Act and non-compliance with certain directions.
  • Deficiencies included those related to Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.
  • Non-compliance also pertained to ‘Interest Rate on Advances’ and ‘Guidelines on Managing Risks and Code of Conduct in Outsourcing of Financial Services by banks’.
  • A Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation of HDFC Bank was conducted with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024.
  • HDFC Bank adopted multiple benchmarks within the same loan category.
  • HDFC Bank outsourced the function of determining compliance with KYC norms of certain customers to its outsourcing agents.
  • A wholly-owned subsidiary of HDFC Bank undertook business not permissible under Section 6 of the Banking Regulation (BR) Act.
RBI Penalizes Three Cooperative Banks for Regulatory Non-Compliance (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties on three cooperative banks for non-compliance with various regulatory norms.
  • By orders dated November 6, 2025, the RBI imposed a penalty of Rs 2 lakh on The Mumbai District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., Maharashtra, for contravention of Section 20 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
  • The Karaikudi Co-operative Town Bank Ltd., Tamil Nadu, faced a penalty of Rs 1.5 lakh for non-compliance with RBI directions on ‘Prudential Norms on Capital Adequacy – Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs)’ and ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’ guidelines.
  • The District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, was fined Rs 50,000 for violations related to KYC norms.
  • The penalty on the District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, was imposed under Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Lost, Looted and Recovered Firearm database launched to strengthen anti-terror crime effort

Key Updates:

  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the 'Lost, Looted and Recovered Firearm' database prepared by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
  • The database is hosted by the NIA and incorporates inputs from all states, Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir, the North-East, and Naxal-affected regions.
  • It serves as a centralised repository for records of government-owned weapons that have been looted, stolen, lost, or recovered from state police forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

Similar / Past Coverage

Saudi-led coalition warns Southern Transitional Council against military moves undermining Yemen de-escalation

[Saudi-led coalition, Southern Transitional Council, Yemen]

Key Updates:

  • Saudi-led coalition spokesman Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki stated 'any military movements that violate these [de-escalation] efforts will be dealt with directly and immediately'.
  • Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman posted on X that 'it’s time' for STC troops 'to let reason prevail by withdrawing from the two provinces and doing so peacefully'.
  • The STC accused Saudi Arabia of launching air strikes on its positions in Hadramout province.
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged 'restraint and continued diplomacy, with a view to reaching a lasting solution'.
  • Yemen’s government requested the Saudi-led coalition 'to take all necessary military measures to protect innocent Yemeni civilians in Hadramout province and support the armed forces'.

Similar / Past Coverage

Asim Munir Conferred With Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence (End of December) ▼
  • Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, was awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence, the highest national honour of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
  • The award was conferred under a Royal Decree issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
  • The Saudi leadership recognized Field Marshal Munir for his professionalism, strategic outlook, and commitment to strengthening ties between Pakistan and the KSA.
  • During his official visit, Field Marshal Munir also met with Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Minister of Defence of the KSA, to discuss regional security and military cooperation.
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.
India and Saudi Arabia sign Visa Waiver Agreement to boost official travels and bilateral exchanges (Mid of December) ▼
  • Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan and Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari, Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, signed the bilateral Visa Waiver Agreement.
  • The agreement covers holders of diplomatic, special and official passports and aims to facilitate official travels and boost bilateral exchanges under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
  • Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that the Parliament of India will soon constitute the India-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group.
  • Major General Abdul Rahman bin Sanhat Al-Harbi, Chairman of the Saudi-India Parliamentary Friendship Committee from the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, met with Speaker Birla to emphasize parliamentary diplomacy and institutional collaboration.
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.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) team crafts mild mitochondrial uncouplers that raise cellular calorie burn

[University of Technology Sydney (UTS)]

Key Updates:

  • Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have developed experimental drugs aimed at enhancing the efficiency of mitochondria, the 'powerhouses' of cells, to burn more calories.
  • The research team from UTS and Memorial University of Newfoundland focused on a class of compounds known as mitochondrial uncouplers.
  • These molecules alter how cells utilize energy, prompting them to burn energy less efficiently and instead release it as heat.
  • By adjusting the chemical structure of these molecules, researchers could fine-tune their effects on cellular energy expenditure.
  • Some experimental drugs successfully enhanced mitochondrial activity without causing harm to cells or disrupting their ability to produce ATP.
  • These compounds may lower oxidative stress within cells, potentially improving metabolic health, offering anti-aging benefits, and providing protection against neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.

Similar / Past Coverage

Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Researchers Develop Green Tea-Based Nanoparticle Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease (Mid of December) ▼
  • Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have identified a new pathway involving nanoparticles to treat Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
  • The therapy involves nanoparticles that integrate epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) -- an antioxidant found in green tea --, dopamine -- a neurotransmitter important for mood -- and tryptophan -- an amino acid involved in many cellular functions -- into a nanoparticle called EGCG-dopamine-tryptophan nanoparticles (EDTNPs).
  • Incorporation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) -- a protein crucial for the survival, growth, and function of neurons onto EDTNPs (B-EDTNPs) creates a dual-action nanoplatform that not only clears neurotoxic Amyloid Beta aggregates but also enhances neuronal regeneration.
  • The research involves the synthesis of EDTNPs using biocompatible assembly techniques like pressure-assisted hydrothermal and electrostatic-based co-incubation methods to combine antioxidant, neurotransmitter, and amino acid components.
  • The therapy enables it to simultaneously target amyloid aggregation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal degeneration -- four key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's.
Texas A&M University team uses molybdenum-disulfide nanoflowers to trigger mitochondria transfer and revive aging cells (Start of December) ▼
  • Researchers at Texas A&M University used nanoflowers made from molybdenum disulfide to scavenge reactive oxygen species and stimulate stem cells to produce surplus mitochondria.
  • The surplus mitochondria were naturally transferred to old, damaged neighboring cells, restoring energy levels without genetic manipulation.
  • In lab tests, mitochondria transfer rates doubled, heart smooth-muscle cell numbers rose three-to-four-fold, and chemotherapy-damaged heart cells showed significantly higher survival.
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) and CrisprBits Sign LoI to Establish Centre of Excellence for CRISPR Innovation and Translation (CoE-CIT) (End of December) ▼
  • The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology (DST) and CRISPRBITS Private Limited (CrisprBits) based in Delhi... have announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to jointly establish the CoE-CIT.
  • The CoE-CIT is envisioned to bridge the bench to bed gap leading and have therapeutic impact by combining JNCASR’s strengths in fundamental biomedical sciences with CrisprBits’ expertise in applied gene-editing and translational platforms.
  • The CoE-CIT is a dedicated hub to harness cutting-edge CRISPR technologies to facilitate translation of scientific discoveries in a laboratory into real-world clinical applications.
  • The CoE will serve as a replicable national model for academic–industry partnerships to strengthen India’s biotechnology and innovation ecosystem.
  • Synergizing the mutual strengths in genetics, molecular and chemical biology, and computational biology, this unique partnership will open a new route to impact society and national missions.
What is Molecule?: Weight-loss pills going viral among young Russians (Start of November) ▼
  • Russian teenagers are turning to a viral weight-loss pill named Molecule.
  • This pill is sold illegally and contains a banned substance linked to heart problems.
  • Users report severe side effects including anxiety, insomnia, dry mouth, loss of appetite, dilated pupils, and tremors.
  • Although the packaging lists natural ingredients, the pills were found to be contaminated with sibutramine.
  • Sibutramine, previously used as an antidepressant and appetite suppressant, was banned in many countries due to increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
  • In Russia, sibutramine is available to adults via prescription for obesity, but purchasing and selling it without one is a criminal offense.
  • Self-administering the drug is highly unsafe as the amount of active ingredient in it remains unknown.
  • After prison sentences for purchasing and reselling, Molecule pills were removed from sale but later launched under the new name Atom.
  • Molecule pills are marketed as a weight loss supplement with banned substances and unknown quantities, differing from FDA-approved prescription GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic.
  • The pills are popular among young Russians because they are significantly cheaper than recognized weight-loss injections like Ozempic.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) researchers unveil first molecular classification of oral cancer for precision therapy

[Banaras Hindu University (BHU)]

Key Updates:

  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU) researchers analysed over 8,000 scientific articles and genomic data to create the world’s first systematic molecular classification of oral cancer.
  • The study identifies five distinct biological groups: Cell-Cycle Dysregulation (CCD), Immune-Mediated (IM), Xenobiotic Metabolism-Associated (XMA), Inflammatory Pathway Activation (IPA), and Viral Protein Activation (VPA).
  • Each group is directly linked to specific actionable genes and pathways, guiding clinicians to select targeted therapies such as HER2 inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, or specific immunotherapies.
  • Unlike Western classifications, this model emphasises pathways influenced by tobacco and betel quid use (XMA and IPA), making it highly relevant for the Indian population.
  • The classification clarifies that HPV is a minor driver in most Indian oral cancers, preventing the misapplication of Western treatment protocols.

Similar / Past Coverage

Tata Memorial Breakthrough: India-led Study Shows Radiation Therapy Reduces Bladder Cancer Recurrence (Mid of November) ▼
  • An India-led research study has shown that radiation therapy after surgery safely reduces the risk of relapse for bladder cancer.
  • It is a post-operative treatment used for patients with high-risk, muscle-invasive bladder cancer to reduce the risk of recurrence in the pelvic area.
  • Dr Vedang Murthy, professor of Radiation Oncology at Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), is the principal investigator of the bladder adjuvant radiotherapy trial.
  • The Bladder Adjuvant Radiotherapy (BART) trial is the largest randomised trial in the world to evaluate the role of radiation therapy after bladder cancer surgery.
  • The trial enrolled more than 150 patients across four cancer centres in India between 2016 and 2024.
  • Results showed a marked reduction in potentially painful local cancer recurrences among patients who received radiation after surgery, without an increase in side effects.
  • The study observed a consistent 12–15% absolute improvement with radiotherapy in disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival.
Indian Scientists Develop AI Framework For Personalised Cancer Therapy (End of November) ▼
  • Scientists at the S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (S N Bose) introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) framework that could change how we understand and treat cancer, and also pave the way for personalised therapies.
  • The framework, developed in collaboration with Ashoka University, gives a new lens to look at cancer -- not by its size or spread alone, but by its molecular personality.
  • The new AI framework titled OncoMark can read the molecular “mind” of cancer and predict its behaviour.
  • The team at S N Bose, led by Dr. Shubhasis Haldar and Dr. Debayan Gupta, used OncoMark to analyse 3.1 million single cells across 14 cancer types.
  • S N Bose is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
  • OncoMark achieved over 99 per cent accuracy in internal testing and remained above 96 per cent across five independent cohorts.
  • It was validated on 20,000 real-world patient samples from eight major datasets, showing broad applicability.
  • The new framework, published in the Nature journal Communications Biology, reveals which hallmarks are active in a patient's tumour.
Servier India launches subsidised biomarker testing for IDH-mutated AML and cholangiocarcinoma (Mid of November) ▼
  • Initiative offers a customised biomarker test panel for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) and Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) across India at subsidised rates
  • IDH1 and IDH2 mutation tests for both cancers provided free of cost to patients in the government sector
  • Partnership involves Servier India, MedGenome and Strand Life Sciences to expand molecular testing access beyond urban centres
  • Programme launched under Servier Care patient-support platform providing financial assistance and subsidised diagnostics where legally permissible
  • Early molecular testing aims to guide precision oncology treatment decisions and improve survival rates in AML and CCA
India unveils first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy NexCAR19 for affordable cancer immunotherapy (Start of November) ▼
  • NexCAR19 is India’s first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy, developed by ImmunoACT, an IIT Bombay spin-off.
  • The therapy was supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
  • NexCAR19 is described as the world’s first humanised CAR-T therapy developed in India.
  • Clinical trials conducted at Tata Memorial Centre have shown promising results in treating blood cancers like Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL).
  • The therapy reprograms a patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer, representing India’s first “living drug.”

Fossil discovery in Gujarat identifies giant snake from Eocene era

[Gujarat]

Key Updates:

  • 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.

Similar / Past Coverage

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) researchers discover 47-million-year-old snake fossil in Gujarat (End of December) ▼
  • Along the Kutch coast, researchers unearthed fossils hinting at an ancient serpent, now estimated to be a mind-blowing 49 feet long and weighing nearly 1,000 kilograms.
  • For almost two decades, dedicated researchers from IIT Roorkee have meticulously studied these remains.
  • At a breathtaking 49 feet, it potentially takes the crown as the largest snake ever unearthed on Earth.
  • Early snakes, dating back over 160 million years, first emerged in the oceans.
  • Given the striking references to Vasuki Naag in Hindu scriptures, the scientific community has aptly named this newly identified serpent 'Vasuki'.
Scientists unveil Lycodon irwini, new wolf snake species on Great Nicobar Island (Start of December) ▼
  • Scientists have unveiled Lycodon irwini, a new species of wolf snake discovered in Great Nicobar Island's dense forests.
  • The species is named in honor of Steve Irwin.
  • Lycodon irwini has an exceptionally slender body, dark-sheened serpent reaching around 1.2 metres in length.
  • It features a slim, elongated body, narrowing tail, smooth upper body with bluish black sheen, and underside ranging from black to brownish black.
  • The species is extremely rare with only four confirmed records, primarily from moist evergreen forest.
  • Lycodon irwini is restricted entirely to Great Nicobar Island.
  • Researchers recommend classifying the species as Endangered under IUCN guidelines due to its limited range and threats from habitat disturbance.
Citizen science unveils new shieldtail snake Rhinophis siruvaniensis in Western Ghats plantations (Mid of December) ▼
  • Rhinophis siruvaniensis, a new burrowing shieldtail snake, was discovered in a coffee plantation at Jellipara village, Palakkad district, Kerala.
  • The species was formally described in the journal Evolutionary Systematics by scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Wayanad Wild and the Kalinga Foundation.
  • Shieldtails belong to the Uropeltidae family; India and Sri Lanka together host 73 known species, with the genus Rhinophis containing 26 species.
  • Genetic analysis using mitochondrial DNA shows R. siruvaniensis is a 2–4% sequence divergent sister taxon to R. melanoleucus from Wayanad.
  • The study relied on three specimens collected outside protected areas, highlighting that unknown biodiversity can persist in plantation landscapes.
  • Researchers preserved specimens in ethanol, examined scale counts and colour patterns under a stereo microscope and amplified mitochondrial DNA via PCR for species delimitation.
  • Herpetologists caution that exclusive use of mitochondrial DNA can mislead taxonomy; nuclear DNA or low-coverage genome sequencing is needed for firmer species status confirmation.
  • Burrowing snakes possess highly specialised skulls and narrow diets, making them vulnerable to climate change and soil perturbations.
  • The Shieldtail Mapping Project (SMP), a citizen-science platform founded in 2021, has already geo-referenced over 1,200 shieldtail records, six-fold the data gathered by a single researcher in a decade.
  • Future work will micro-CT scan shieldtail skulls to test whether environmental conditions drive morphological change, continuing collaboration between Indian and London Natural History Museum researchers.
Wildlife Institute of India (WII) discovers 13 new bush frog species in Northeast India (Start of December) ▼
  • A comprehensive five-year study by scientists at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) led to the discovery of 13 new amphibian species across Northeast India.
  • The study was based on extensive sampling across 81 localities in eight states, including 25 protected areas.
  • Of the 13 new bush frog species, six were found in Arunachal Pradesh, three in Meghalaya and one each in Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur.
  • The study integrates acoustic, genetic and morphological analyses, and re-examines century-old museum specimens from the Indo-Burma region.
  • Bush frogs bypass the tadpole stage entirely: their eggs hatch directly into froglets, making them independent of standing water and reliant on humid forest microhabitats.

England bundles out Australia for 152 in Boxing Day Test

[England]

Key Updates:

  • England helped bundle Australia out for just 152 in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
  • Josh Tongue claimed his maiden fifer on Australian soil with final figures of 5/45 in 11.2 overs.
  • Josh Tongue became the first England bowler since Dean Headley in 1998 to claim a men’s Test fifer at the MCG.
  • Michael Neser top-scored for Australia with 35 runs, while Usman Khawaja contributed 29 runs.
  • Gus Atkinson supported the bowling effort with figures of 2/28 from 14 overs.

Similar / Past Coverage

Robin Smith passes away aged 62 (Start of December) ▼
  • Robin Smith, one of the finest players of fast bowling during an era when the England team were often viewed as a national joke, has died at the age of 62.
  • Smith made his England debut in 1988 and played 62 Tests, scoring 6,423 runs at an average of 43.67.
  • His unbeaten 167 against Australia at Edgbaston in 1993 remained an England ODI record until 2016.
  • Born in Durban, South Africa to British-born parents, he qualified for England via a four-year residency rule and never played for South Africa.
  • After retirement he captained Hampshire between 1998 and 2002, later relocating to Perth, Australia, where he openly battled mental-health and alcohol issues.
Virat Kohli surpasses Michael Bevan to own List A average world record (End of December) ▼
  • Virat Kohli's career List A average has risen to 57.87, narrowly eclipsing Bevan's iconic mark of 57.86.
  • Kohli achieved this during his 77-run knock for Delhi against Gujarat in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
  • Kohli has become the fastest player in history to reach 16,000 List A runs, beating Sachin Tendulkar's previous record by a staggering 61 innings.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes 36-ball century to script List A history (End of December) ▼
  • Vaibhav Suryavanshi reached the triple-digit score in just 36 balls, courtesy of 10 fours and 8 sixes.
  • At the age of 14 years, 272 days, Suryavanshi also became the youngest to hit a century in men's List A cricket.
  • The milestone puts him second in the list of fastest hundreds in List A cricket among Indians.
Sunil Narine becomes first cricketer to take 600 T20 wickets (Start of December) ▼
  • Sunil Narine became the first bowler to claim 600 wickets in competitive T20 cricket.
  • He achieved this milestone during a World ILT20 game for his franchise Abu Dhabi Knight Riders against Sharjah Warriorz.
  • Narine reached the landmark by claiming the wicket of Tom Abell.
  • Abu Dhabi Knight Riders presented Narine with a special edition jersey featuring the number 600 to commemorate his unprecedented feat.

Kashi hosts 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship

Key Updates:

  • The 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship (Men and Women) will be held at Dr Sampurnanand Sports Stadium in Sigra from January 4 to 11.
  • The official mascots for the national competition are 'Nandu', inspired by Nandi, and 'Neera', a Ganga Dolphin.
  • A total of 73 teams and more than 1,000 players from across the country will participate in the event.
  • Uttar Pradesh (UP) Volleyball Association president Brijesh Pathak and Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari presented the formal invitation for the championship to the Prime Minister.
  • Random anti-doping tests of players will be conducted to ensure the transparency of the event.

Similar / Past Coverage

GS Delhi Aces ousts Yash Mumbai Eagles to lift maiden Tennis Premier League title (Mid of December) ▼
  • GS Delhi Aces clinched its maiden Tennis Premier League title, beating Yash Mumbai Eagles in the final.
  • GS Delhi Aces sealed a dominant 51–36 overall victory.
  • The final was held at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium.
Inika Mazumder becomes National champion in Kyokushin Full Contact Karate (Start of December) ▼
  • Inika Mazumder won gold medals in both Kihon and Kumite at the National Kyokushin Full Contact Championship.
  • Inika Mazumder clinched the Gold Medal in Kihon.
  • Inika Mazumder won the National Champion title in Kumite.
Raipur to host national transgender sports meet (Mid of December) ▼
  • Raipur is set to host the national transgender sports meet 2025 themed 'Samta Ka Mahotsav' on Dec 19–20.
  • The event will be held at Swami Vivekanand athletic stadium in Raipur.
  • Chhattisgarh Mitwa Sankalp Samiti, a community for transgenders and LGBTQ, is organising the meet with support from the department of social welfare.
Sukhman Singh wins IGU Amateur Golf Championship (End of December) ▼
  • Sukhman Singh defeated Harman Sachdeva in the 36-hole final with a 7UP lead after 29 holes at the Tollygunge Club.
  • Shaurya Bhattacharya finished second at the Asian Tour Q-School Final Stage, securing full playing rights for the 2026 season.
  • Rashid Khan, Ajeetesh Sandhu, and Shubham Jaglan also earned Asian Tour cards by finishing inside the top-35.
  • Shubhankar Sharma finished tied 32nd at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open with a total score of 5-under.
  • Ayush Shetty and SD Prajwal Dev were felicitated by the Karnataka Olympics Association (KOA) at its annual awards function.