📰 Daily Briefing Thursday, Jan 29

Daily Current Affairs: 29 January 2026

Analysis for 29 January 2026

Narayan Ramachandran heads PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority) constituted 9-member SAARG committee.

[Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)]

Key Updates:

  • Narayan Ramachandran, former country head and CEO of Morgan Stanley India, chairs the SAARG committee formed by PFRDA.
  • The committee includes former whole-time member Ananth Narayan, Motilal Oswal Co-founder Raamdeo Agrawal, DSP Mutual Fund MD & CEO Kalpen Parekh, and First Global Founder & CMD Devina Mehra.
  • PFRDA mandates the SAARG committee to review and modernise the National Pension System (NPS) investment framework within 9 months.
  • The panel will benchmark NPS guidelines against leading global pension systems and the evolving Indian investment ecosystem.

Similar Coverage

Aparna Garg appointed as Member Finance, Railway Board (Start of December) ▼
  • Aparna Garg, Director General (DG), Indian Railways Institute of Financial Management (IRIFM), has been appointed as the Member Finance, Railway Board (RB), with effect from December 1, 2025.
  • Her appointment is for a period of three months or until further orders and will be in addition to her current duties.
  • She is an Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) officer of the 1987 batch.
  • She has held key positions such as Principal Financial Advisor, Rail Wheel Factory, Bengaluru, and Divisional Railway Manager of Mysore.
  • She has also served in various other capacities in Southern Railway, Western Railway, and South-Western Railway zones.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) constitutes high-level committee to enable assured payouts under National Pension System. (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has constituted a high-level committee to formulate guidelines and regulations for establishing a framework for assured payouts under the National Pension System (NPS).
  • The committee will be chaired by Dr. M. S. Sahoo, Founder of Dr. Sahoo Regulatory Chambers and former Chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).
  • The 15-member panel comprises experts from law, actuarial science, finance, insurance, capital markets, and academia.
  • The committee has been established as a standing advisory committee on structured pension payouts.
  • Its core objectives include formulating regulations for assured payout products, designing an end-to-end framework for transition from accumulation to payout phase, and enabling legally enforceable, market-based guarantees for assured payouts.
  • The committee will define operational parameters such as lock-in periods, withdrawal limits, pricing methodologies, and fee and cost structures for service providers.
  • It will establish capital and solvency requirements for providers and examine tax implications for payout options within the NPS architecture.
  • The committee will develop standardized disclosure norms to prevent mis-selling and align subscriber expectations with market-based guarantees.
RBI Recognizes SRPA as First SRO for Payment System Operators (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India has recognised the Self-Regulated PSO Association (SRPA) as the first Self-Regulatory Organisation for Payment System Operators.
  • In October 2025, the RBI recognised the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC) as the SRO for NBFCs.
  • The RBI granted SRO status to the FinTech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) in August 2024.
  • The recognition follows the RBI’s Framework for Recognition of a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for Payment System Operators, issued in October 2020.
  • The recognition also follows the Omnibus Framework for Recognition of SROs for Regulated Entities of the Reserve Bank released in March 2024.
  • According to the 2020 framework, an SRO must be a not-for-profit entity comprising only regulated payment system participants, both banks and non-banks.
  • Once recognised, an SRO like SRPA is tasked with setting behavioural and professional standards for its members, resolving inter-PSO disputes, and acting as the collective voice of the payments industry in consultations with the RBI and other authorities.
  • An SRO will also monitor member compliance and report violations of RBI guidelines or the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
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.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2025 on 30 individuals.

Key Updates:

  • President Droupadi Murmu approved the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak for six persons.
  • Six persons received the Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak.
  • Eighteen persons were awarded the Jeevan Raksha Padak.
  • Six of the 30 awardees are being honoured posthumously.
  • The awards recognise meritorious acts of human nature in saving a life.

Similar Coverage

Dr A. E. Muthunayagam Awarded Padma Shri 2026 in Science and Engineering (End of January) ▼
  • Dr A. E. Muthunayagam, a veteran scientist of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, was awarded the Padma Shri 2026 in the field of Science and Engineering.
  • He served as the founding Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) from November 1985 to April 1994.
  • He was the Project Manager for the Vikas engine project, developed with a French aerospace company, and oversaw liquid propulsion systems for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
  • He was among the first batch of scientists recruited by Vikram Sarabhai in 1966 for India’s emerging space programme.
  • He held the position of Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras from 2005 to 2008.
  • He previously served as the Secretary of the Department of Ocean Development and Executive Vice-President of the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment.
  • He holds an engineering degree from the University of Madras, a master's from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), a doctorate from Purdue University, and an LLB from the University of Kerala.
  • He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), and a foreign member of the Academy of Cosmonautics, Moscow.
President Droupadi Murmu announced gallantry medals for 70 Armed Forces and security personnel. (End of January) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu announced 70 gallantry medals on the eve of the 77th Republic Day 2026.
  • The awards include one Ashok Chakra, three Kirti Chakras, 13 Shaurya Chakras, one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry), six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
  • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Air Force) received the Ashok Chakra.
  • Major Arshdeep Singh (Army), Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba (Army) and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (Air Force) were awarded the Kirti Chakra.
  • Six of the 70 gallantry awards were given posthumously.
Anke Gowda And 44 Others Named As Padma Awardees 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • A total of 45 distinguished individuals have been selected for the Padma Awards 2026, comprising the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, announced one day ahead of Republic Day.
  • The President of India will personally confer the awards upon the recipients at a ceremonial function to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • Karnataka’s Anke Gowda, a 75-year-old former bus conductor, was recognised for establishing Pustak Mane, a library housing over two million books and rare manuscripts in 20 languages.
  • Mumbai-based paediatrician Armida Fernandes was selected for her contribution to improving infant survival through the initiation of Asia’s first human milk bank.
  • The awardees include 90-year-old Tarpa player Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda from Maharashtra, Bundeli war art trainer Bhagwandas Raikwar from Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir social worker Brij Lal Bhatt.
  • The list features Budri Thati for establishing schools in Naxal-affected areas of Chhattisgarh, Santhali author Charan Hembrom, brass engraving expert Chiranji Lal Yadav, and Hyderabad-based geneticist Kumaraswamy Thangaraj.
  • Other recipients include Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya, Gaffaruddin Mewati Jogi, Haily War, Inderjit Singh Sidhu, K Pazhanivel, Kailash Chandra Pant, Khem Raj Sundriyal, Kollakkayli Devaki Amma ji, Mahendra Kumar Mishra, Meer Hajibhai Kasambhai, and Mohan Nagar.
  • The awardees also include Naresh Chandra Dev Verma, Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala, Nuruddin Ahmed, Othuvar Tiruthani Swaminathan, Padma Gurmeet, Pokhila Lekthepi, Punniyamurthy Natesan, R Krishnan, Raghupat Singh, and Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar.
  • The final set of awardees consists of Rajastapathi Kaiiappa Gounder, Rama Reddy Mamidi, Ramchandra Godbole and Sunita Godbole, SG Sushila Amma, Sangyusang S Pongenor, Shafi Shouk, Shrirang Devba Lad, Shyam Sundar, Simanchal Patro, Suresh Hangawadi, Taga Ram Bhil, Techie Gubin, Thiruvarur Bhaktavatsalam, Vishva Bandhu, and Yumnaam Jatra Singh.
Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025 Conclude, Honoring Seven Exemplary Personalities Across Diverse Fields (Mid of November) ▼
  • The inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025 concluded this evening at Ramoji Film City, celebrating distinguished individuals whose exceptional contributions uplift communities, advance knowledge, and inspire the nation.
  • Instituted in memory of Sri Ramoji Rao garu, the awards honoured seven exemplary personalities across diverse fields.
  • **Shri Jaideep Hardikar** received the Excellence in Journalism Award as 'A distinguished journalist and author, Shri Hardikar has spent over two decades reporting on India’s rural realities with deep empathy and insight.'
  • **Shri Srikanth Bolla** received the Youth Icon Award as 'Founder & Chairman of Bollant Industries and an MIT alumnus, Shri Bolla has become a national symbol of resilience and inclusive leadership.'
  • **Prof. Sathupati Prasanna Sree** received the Excellence in Art & Culture Award as 'A visionary scholar who created scripts for 19 tribal languages' and 'Vice-Chancellor of Adikavi Nannayya University.'
  • **Smt. Amla Ashok Ruia** received the Excellence in Rural Development Award, 'Popularly known as the “Water Mother,” Smt. Ruia has transformed drought-prone villages through innovative water-harvesting initiatives' through 'Aakar Charitable Trust.'
  • **Shri Akash Tandon** received the Excellence in Service to Mankind Award as 'Founder of Pehchaan – The Street School, Shri Tandon has built a movement providing education to thousands of underprivileged children in Delhi-NCR.'
  • **Smt. Pallabi Ghosh** received the Women Achiever Award as 'A fearless crusader against human trafficking, Smt. Ghosh has rescued over 10,000 women and children and impacted more than 75,000 lives' through the 'Impact and Dialogue Foundation.'
  • **Prof. Madhavi Latha Gali** received the Excellence in Science & Technology Award as 'A pioneering geotechnical engineer at IISc Bengaluru, Prof. Latha contributed to major national infrastructure projects, including the Chenab Railway Bridge.'

Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash near Baramati Airport.

[Maharashtra]

Key Updates:

  • Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, was killed in a plane crash near Baramati Airport.
  • The crash occurred during landing at Baramati airport and also claimed the lives of four others.
  • The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will investigate the crash with coordination from Pune rural police.
  • Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared a state holiday and three days of mourning following Pawar’s death.
  • The Pune Traders Federation announced that all shops in Pune city will remain closed for the entire day on Thursday.

Similar Coverage

Amit Shah releases Gujarati edition of 'Chunotiya Mujhe Pasand Hai' based on life of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel (Start of December) ▼
  • Amit Shah released the Gujarati edition of the book 'Chunotiya Mujhe Pasand Hai' chronicling the life of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel.
  • Anandiben Patel served as the first woman Chief Minister of Gujarat and later as Governor of three states.
  • The book portrays her journey from a lower-middle-class background to holding key public offices.
  • Shah noted that Anandiben executed gubernatorial responsibilities with perfection and discipline.
  • He credited Anandiben for her role in the Narmada project land acquisition during her tenure as Revenue Minister.
  • Shah highlighted that Anandiben, at 85, continues to work with energy and diligence in Uttar Pradesh.
Aman Jain appointed as head of public policy at Meta India (Mid of December) ▼
  • Aman Jain will join Meta India early next year as head of public policy and will report to Simon Milner, Vice President of Policy, Asia Pacific (APAC) at Meta.
  • He will be a member of the India leadership team.
  • Jain previously served as country head for government affairs and public policy at Google India and as Director of Public Policy at Amazon.
Sadanand Vasant Date took charge as Director General of Police, Maharashtra (Start of January) ▼
  • Sadanand Vasant Date succeeded Rashmi Shukla, the first woman DGP of Maharashtra.
  • Date, a 1990-batch IPS officer, will occupy the post for two years in line with Supreme Court guidelines.
  • He has earlier served as chief of the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad and as the first commissioner of the Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar police Commissionerate.
Swaraj Kaushal passed away, former Mizoram Governor (Start of December) ▼
  • Swaraj Kaushal, former Mizoram Governor and husband of the late Sushma Swaraj, passed away on December 4, 2025, at the age of 73.
  • He was a senior advocate with a distinguished public and legal career.
  • He was born on July 12, 1952, in Solan, Himachal Pradesh.
  • He was appointed the Governor of Mizoram in 1990 at the age of 37.
  • He is survived by his daughter, Bansuri Swaraj, who is a New Delhi Member of Parliament (MP).
  • He was rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after complaining of chest pain, where he was declared dead.
  • He will be cremated at the Lodhi Road crematorium.

U.S. dollar hits four-year low as President Trump signals tolerance of decline

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • The U.S. dollar dropped to a four-year low against a basket of currencies on 28 January 2026.
  • President Donald Trump described the dollar’s value as "great" when asked if it had fallen too far.
  • The dollar had already fallen 10% during 2025 before the latest slide.
  • Analysts noted Trump’s stance effectively green-lights further dollar selling by markets.
  • A weaker dollar benefits U.S. multinationals’ foreign revenue conversion but risks importing inflation.

Similar Coverage

US President Donald Trump raises tariffs on South Korean imports to 25% (End of January) ▼
  • US President Donald Trump announced an increase in tariffs on South Korean imports from 15% to 25% across automobiles, lumber, pharmaceuticals and other reciprocal tariffs.
  • South Korea exported goods worth about $123 billion to the US last year, with car exports accounting for about $30 billion.
  • South Korea’s Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan will visit Washington to meet US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
  • The October deal included South Korea’s pledge to invest $350 billion in the US, partly in shipbuilding.
  • The agreement was submitted to South Korea’s National Assembly on 26 November and is likely to be passed in February.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launches Trump Gold Card visa with $1 million post-approval fee (Mid of December) ▼
  • Applicants pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to DHS before vetting begins.
  • The $1 million residency fee is payable only after DHS approval.
  • Corporate sponsors pay $2 million per employee plus a 1% annual maintenance fee of $20,000.
  • A 5% transfer fee of $100,000 applies when a company reassigns the visa to another employee.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) injects $5 billion USD/INR swap and Rs 1 lakh crore OMO to ease liquidity. (Mid of December) ▼
  • RBI combines a three-year USD/INR buy-sell swap of $5 billion with open market purchases of government securities worth Rs 1 lakh crore to inject durable liquidity.
  • The measures accompany a 25 basis point repo rate cut to 5.25%, taking the cumulative reduction since February to 125 bps.
  • The rupee has fallen 5% this year, becoming Asia’s worst performer and breaching the 90-per-dollar mark.
  • Foreign portfolio investors have withdrawn more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore, while foreign direct investment and overseas borrowing remain subdued.
  • Currency analysts expect USD/INR to trade within the 89.40–90.95 range.
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.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to launch National Household Income Survey (NHIS) in 2026

[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch the National Household Income Survey (NHIS) and the Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) in April 2026.
  • The National Statistics Office (NSO) will conduct the fieldwork for both surveys digitally across India for a duration of one full year.
  • MoSPI is convening an All-India Workshop of Trainers (AIWOT) in Chennai on 28–29 January 2026 to prepare senior officials and field functionaries for the rollout.
  • The NHIS will provide data on household income distribution, living conditions, and sources of income from labour, capital, and land.
  • The ASISSE will build a national database of the corporate services sector, capturing indicators such as Gross Value Added (GVA), fixed capital formation, employment, and emoluments.
  • The ASISSE will use an enterprise-based approach aligned with the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) framework to generate estimates at state and industry levels.
  • The surveys will cover the entire Indian Union, with the exception of villages in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that remain inaccessible year-round due to geographical constraints.

Similar Coverage

National Newborn Week observed from November 15–21 with theme “Newborn Safety: Every Touch, Every Time, Every Baby” (End of November) ▼
  • National Newborn Week will be observed across the country from November 15 to 21 with the theme “Newborn Safety: Every Touch, Every Time, Every Baby.”
  • The theme underscores the urgent need to prioritize newborn safety at every stage of care.
  • The week-long initiative aims to reinforce a culture of safety through health workers, parents, and hospital systems.
RBI Launches Three Key Surveys for Monetary Policy Inputs (Start of November) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the launch of the next round of three key surveys.
  • The November 2025 round of Inflation Expectations Survey of Households (IESH) aims at capturing subjective assessments on price movements and inflation across 19 cities.
  • The Urban Consumer Confidence Survey (UCCS) seeks qualitative responses from households regarding their sentiments and is conducted regularly in 19 cities.
  • The Rural Consumer Confidence Survey (RCCS) collects perceptions and expectations from households residing in rural and semi-urban areas across 31 states and UTs.
  • The RBI stated that the results of the surveys provide useful inputs for monetary policy.
  • The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is scheduled to meet for three days beginning December 3.
National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH) Scheme to Ensure 4% Public Procurement for SC/ST MSMEs (End of December) ▼
  • The Government of India announced the implementation of the National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH) Scheme under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) in December 2025.
  • The NSSH Scheme aims to enhance the competitiveness of SC/ST-owned enterprises by ensuring a minimum of 4% procurement from these businesses is fulfilled under the Public Procurement Policy.
  • The scheme provides structured support through vendor development programmes, special marketing assistance, and capacity building to help SC/ST MSMEs compete for government contracts.
  • To access benefits, entrepreneurs must complete Udyam Registration and register under the Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS) to ensure visibility in government procurement databases.
  • The initiative supports participation in national and international exhibitions to broaden market reach and expand networks for underserved entrepreneurs.
Government to Release New National Accounts Series with FY 2022-23 as Base Year (End of November) ▼
  • The government will release a new series of national accounts on February 27, 2026, with fiscal year 2022-23 as the base year.
  • An Advisory Committee on National Account Statistics (ACNAS) under the chairmanship of professor B.N. Goldar has been constituted to advise MoSPI.
  • The Ministry has planned to release discussion papers on national accounts to apprise users of the changes in the new series.

Department of Posts (DoP) partners with Stock Holding Services Limited (SSL) to extend demat and IPO access through 1.65 lakh post offices.

[Department of Posts (DoP)]']

Key Updates:

  • Department of Posts (DoP) signed an agreement with Stock Holding Services Limited (SSL) on 27 January 2026 at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.
  • The collaboration enables demat and trading account opening, mutual fund investments, IPO participation, and other SEBI-regulated investment products via India Post’s network of over 1.65 lakh post offices.
  • SSL services will be accessible through digital onboarding links and QR codes hosted on official platforms and deployed at selected post office locations.
  • SSL and DoP will jointly conduct structured investor education programmes targeting first-time investors, rural households, and semi-urban citizens.

Similar Coverage

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) mandates Choice Wealth to deploy digital investment platform (Mid of January) ▼
  • Choice Wealth will deploy a one-stop digital investment platform providing online mutual funds aggregator services and Robo-Advisory services for IPPB customers.
  • IPPB customers will access investment products through mobile applications, web-based platforms, and mATM-compatible devices.
  • Axis Finance Ltd launches Axis Finance Vyapar Business Loan, offering collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 lakh for micro and small businesses in semi-urban and rural markets.
NPCI International and BENEFIT Partner for India-Bahrain Cross-Border Remittances; NBBL Launches Forex on Bharat Connect (Mid of November) ▼
  • NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) partnered with Bahrain’s BENEFIT to link India’s UPI with Bahrain’s Fawri+ for real-time cross-border remittances.
  • The collaboration is established under the guidance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).
  • NBBL, in collaboration with Clearcorp Dealing Systems (India) Ltd (Clearcorp), introduced the Forex category on Bharat Connect by integrating with Clearcorp’s FX-Retail Platform.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Introduces SWAGAT-FI Framework for Low Risk Foreign Investors (Start of December) ▼
  • Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) introduced the SWAGAT-FI framework for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs) through two separate notifications dated December 1.
  • The new framework is named Single Window Automatic & Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors (SWAGAT-FI).
  • SWAGAT-FI provides easier investment access to low risk foreign investors, enables a unified registration process, and reduces repeated compliance and documentation.
  • Sebi identified low risk foreign investors as government-owned funds, central banks, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral entities, highly regulated public retail funds, appropriately regulated insurance companies, and pension funds.
  • Sebi amended FPIs and FVCIs regulations, which will come into force on June 1, 2026.
  • Under the new framework, Sebi granted an option to SWAGAT-FIs applying for registration or already registered as FPIs to also register as FVCI without further documentation.
  • Registration under both FPI and FVCI regulations enables SWAGAT-FIs to invest in listed equity instruments and debt securities as FPI, and in unlisted Indian companies and startups as FVCI.
  • Sebi increased the periodicity for continuance of registration, including payment of fee and review of KYC documentation, to 10 years.
  • Sebi allowed retail schemes in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) with a resident Indian sponsor or manager to register as FPIs.
  • Sebi amended FPI Regulations to subject sponsor contributions to a maximum of 10 percent of the fund's corpus or assets under management for retail schemes.
  • As of June 30, 2025, India had 11,913 registered FPIs holding assets worth ₹80.83 lakh crore.
  • SWAGAT-FIs are estimated to contribute more than 70 percent of total FPIs' assets under custody.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants BRISKPE final PA-CB authorisation for cross-border inward and outward payments. (Start of January) ▼
  • BRISKPE receives RBI final authorisation to operate as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act 2007.
  • Authorisation covers both inward and outward payment flows within the RBI PA-CB regulatory framework.
  • BRISKPE becomes one of India’s youngest cross-border payments fintechs to secure PA-CB approval.
  • Platform serves over 10,000 customers, majority being MSME exporters.
  • BRISKPE targets scaling transaction volumes above USD 1 billion by end-2026.
  • Operations integrate with global banks for collections and AD Category-I banks in India.
  • Platform holds ISO 27001, SOC-II-Type-II certifications and is GDPR compliant.

GAIL (India) Ltd to acquire equity stake in Singapore-based LNG ship-owning company.

[GAIL, K LINE, J M Baxi]

Key Updates:

  • GAIL (India) Ltd will take an equity stake in a Singapore-based LNG ship-owning company through its wholly owned subsidiary GAIL Global IFSC Ltd registered in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
  • The LNG vessel is under construction in South Korea and is linked to a long-term charter signed by GAIL.
  • Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd (K LINE) and J M Baxi Marine Services will also be equity partners in the ship-owning company.
  • GAIL already holds a 26 per cent stake in the LNG carrier ‘GAIL Bhuwan’ hired from Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd.

Similar Coverage

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) form joint venture to enter ethane shipping segment. (Start of January) ▼
  • ONGC subscribes to 2,00,000 equity shares of ₹100 each in Bharat Ethane One IFSC Private Limited and Bharat Ethane Two IFSC Private Limited.
  • Each joint venture company will own and operate one Very Large Ethane Carrier (VLEC) under the Indian flag.
  • The vessels will transport ethane from the United States to ONGC Petro additions Limited (OPaL), a subsidiary of ONGC.
Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves combination involving Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd, JSW Sambalpur Steel, JFE Steel Corp and JSW Kalinga Steel. (End of January) ▼
  • Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed combination between Bhushan Power and Steel Limited (BPSL), JSW Sambalpur Steel Limited (JSW Sambalpur), JFE Steel Corporation (JFE) and JSW Kalinga Steel Ltd (JSW Kalinga).
  • The combination involves transfer of BPSL’s steel business undertaking (Target Business) to JSW Sambalpur by way of slump sale.
  • JFE will acquire 50% direct shareholding in JSW Kalinga, resulting in indirect acquisition of 50% shareholding in JSW Sambalpur.
  • Post-transaction, JSW Kalinga and JSW Sambalpur will operate as a 50:50 joint venture between JFE and JSW Steel Ltd.
  • JSW Kalinga is a wholly owned subsidiary of Piombino Steel Limited, which is a subsidiary of JSW Steel Limited.
  • JSW Sambalpur is a wholly owned subsidiary of JSW Kalinga and is yet to commence commercial operations.
  • BPSL is currently an indirect subsidiary of JSW Steel, held through Piombino Steel Limited.
GAIL (India) Ltd (GAIL) completes 694-km Mumbai-Nagpur Natural Gas Pipeline (MNPL) in Maharashtra (Mid of January) ▼
  • GAIL (India) Ltd (GAIL) has completed the 694-kilometre Mumbai-Nagpur Natural Gas Pipeline (MNPL) built along the Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway.
  • The pipeline has a capacity of approximately 16.5 million standard cubic metres per day and features bi-directional flow capability.
  • The project marks India's first major integration of a high-capacity pipeline into a dense transport corridor under the PM-GatiShakti framework.
  • Around 675 km of the 24-inch high-capacity gas line was installed within a utility strip just three metres wide.
  • The MNPL will enable city gas distribution networks in 16 districts, supporting piped natural gas for an estimated 95 lakh households and over 1,700 CNG stations.
  • The project reached completion after delivering 18.7 million safe man-hours and navigating clearances across 10 districts covering 56 km.
  • The pipeline is designed to support industrial growth in sectors such as power generation, fertilisers, chemicals, and manufacturing.
Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited acquiring additional 30.58% stake in Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited. (End of January) ▼
  • Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of an additional 30.58% shareholding in Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited by Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited.
  • Post-acquisition, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited’s shareholding in Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited will rise from 68.84% to 99.42%.
  • Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited is the publicly listed parent of the Apollo Hospitals group and provides healthcare services across India.
  • Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited offers primary and secondary healthcare, diagnostics, and telemedical consultation services in India.

Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 introduces procedural, administrative and penal improvements for effective implementation.

[Uttarakhand]

Key Updates:

  • Uttarakhand Government implemented the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, after Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) approved it under Article 213 of the Constitution of India.
  • The ordinance amends the UCC Act, 2024, and came into force immediately.
  • It simplifies marriage registration, enabling fully online application from anywhere without physical presence at Sub-Registrar offices.
  • Within less than a year of UCC implementation, 4,74,447 marriages have been registered, averaging about 1,400 registrations per day compared to 67 per day under the previous Uttarakhand Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2010.
  • Couples and witnesses can now upload documents and record video statements online to complete registration.

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Telangana Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill 2026 removes two-child norm for local body polls (Start of January) ▼
  • The Telangana Legislative Assembly passed the Telangana Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to abolish the two-child disqualification norm for contesting local body elections.
  • Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka stated the two-child norm was introduced in 1994 as a population control measure.
  • The rural fertility rate in Telangana is 1.7, below the replacement level, prompting the amendment to encourage a replacement rate of 2.1.
Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System 2.0 (ICJS 2.0) Integration (Start of January) ▼
  • The Central Home Ministry has set a target of fully implementing ICJS 2.0 by 2026, under which states are required to integrate police, courts, prosecution, prisons, forensic, and fingerprint databases onto a single digital platform.
  • Uttarakhand has received 93.46 points in the ICJS 2.0 ranking released by the National Crime Records Bureau, securing the first position nationwide.
  • Through ICJS 2.0 implementation, key modules have been successfully integrated in all districts of Uttarakhand, enabling case diaries, charge sheets, digital evidence, and judicial processes to be coordinated on a single digital platform.
Uttarakhand Police secures top rank in ICJS 2.0 national rankings (Start of January) ▼
  • Uttarakhand ranked first in the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0 national ranking with a score of 93.46, followed by Haryana at 93.41 and Assam at 93.16.
  • The ranking was released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) as part of its monthly Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and ICJS Progress Dashboard Report.
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs has set a target to fully operationalize ICJS 2.0 by 2026, integrating police, courts, prosecution, prisons, forensics, and fingerprint databases on a single digital platform.
  • A 112-member team of the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) received medals and commendation certificates from the Uttar Pradesh Government for crowd control and rescue operations during Prayagraj Mahakumbh-2025.
  • The Uttarakhand Police is implementing advanced digital modules such as e-Sakshya, e-Summons, and Nyaya Shruti to reinforce the justice delivery system under the 'One Data, One Entry' principle.
UIDAI Aadhaar Update Rules 2025: Online Name/Address/Mobile Changes from Nov 1 (Start of November) ▼
  • Policy Name: UIDAI Aadhaar Update Rules effective from November 1, 2025
  • Objective: "make Aadhaar upgrades faster, simpler, and totally online"
  • Key Feature: "name, address, and mobile number modification can be completed online using the myAadhaar site, removing the requirement for in-person visits"
  • Exclusion: "Biometric upgrades will still require a visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra"
  • Process Enhancement: "Document uploads and automated verification will reduce manual processing"
  • Implementing Agency: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

Gujarat launches Namo Lakshmi Yojana with ₹1,250 crore outlay for 12 lakh girl students.

[Gujarat]

Key Updates:

  • The Gujarat government introduced the Namo Lakshmi Yojana to provide financial aid to approximately 12 lakh girl students in the state.
  • The scheme has a total expenditure of ₹1,250 crore.
  • It targets female students mainly studying between Class 9 and 12 to reduce dropout rates.
  • Aid will be disbursed in instalments throughout the academic year to cover school fees, uniforms, books, stationery and transport.
  • Funds will be directly transferred into beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Similar Coverage

Lado Lakshmi Yojana: Haryana Govt Credits Rs 2,100 Each to 7 Lakh Women as Second Installment (Start of December) ▼
  • Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the second installment of the Lado Lakshmi Yojana.
  • Under this installment, Rs 2,100 each was credited to the accounts of 7 lakh eligible women.
  • The first installment was released on November 1.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Completes 11 Years with 12-Point Rise in Sex Ratio at Birth (End of January) ▼
  • The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched in 2015 to address the falling Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) and gender-based educational inequalities.
  • The national SRB improved from 918 in 2014–15 to 930 in 2023–24, according to data released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
  • The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for girls at the secondary level increased from 75.51 per cent in 2014–15 to 78 per cent in 2023–24.
  • Institutional deliveries in India rose from 61 per cent in 2014–15 to over 97.3 per cent by 2023–24.
  • The Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav programme successfully re-enrolled more than 100,000 out-of-school girls into the education system.
  • BBBP has been integrated with Mission Shakti under the Sambal and Samarthya components, linking it to One Stop Centres, women’s helplines, and working women’s hostels.
  • District-level funding is allocated based on SRB performance, providing ₹40 lakh for districts below 918, ₹30 lakh for those between 919 and 952, and ₹20 lakh for better-performing districts.
  • The scheme aims to improve the SRB by two points every year and maintain institutional deliveries above 95 per cent.
Bihar Cabinet approves 'Saat Nishchay-3' to double per capita income and create one crore jobs (End of December) ▼
  • The Bihar government approved the 'Saat Nishchay-3' (SN-3) programme for the period 2025-2030 to bring Bihar into the category of most developed states.
  • The SN-3 programme aims to double the average per capita income of people of Bihar to ensure double employment and double income.
  • A target has been set to create jobs and employment opportunities for one crore youth over the next five years, supported by the newly constituted Department of Youth, Employment and Skill Development (DYESD).
  • The Bihar government aims to ensure at least Rs 50 lakh crore of private investment in the state over the next five years.
  • The scheme will prioritise the 94 lakh poor families identified during the cast-based survey of 2023 in terms of providing employment.
  • In the healthcare sector, a policy will be introduced to provide separate incentives for doctors and to prohibit private practice by government doctors.
  • The education sector reforms include the development of old educational institutions into 'centres of excellence' alongside the establishment of an education city.
  • The agriculture sector will focus on accelerating the 4th Agriculture Roadmap for 2024 to 2029 and the preparation of a Makhana Roadmap to promote its production and processing.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana provides cash benefit of ₹5,000 for first child and ₹6,000 for second girl child (Start of January) ▼
  • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a Centrally Sponsored flagship scheme to provide maternity benefits to women belonging to socially and economically disadvantaged sections of society.
  • Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers receive a cash benefit of five thousand rupees for the first child and six thousand rupees for the second girl child.
  • Four crore 50 lakh beneficiaries are enrolled under the scheme and more than 19 thousand crore rupees has been disbursed to the beneficiaries.

Maharashtra Launches Country’s First Menopause Clinics to Provide Integrated Healthcare Support for Women

[Maharashtra]

Key Updates:

  • Maharashtra has established the country’s first dedicated menopause clinics across government hospitals and urban health facilities.
  • The initiative was launched on 14 January 2026, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, under the guidance of the Minister of State for Health Meghna Bordikar.
  • The clinics provide expert medical consultation, mental health counselling, and screening for bone, heart, and hormonal health at a single location.
  • The programme aims to address physical changes, mental stress, hormonal imbalance, bone-related problems, sleep disorders, and depression in women.
  • Maharashtra is the first state in India to introduce such specialised clinics exclusively for women during the menopause phase.

Similar Coverage

Gujarat CM inaugurates Asha Van for early cancer detection (Start of January) ▼
  • Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Cancer Screening Van - Asha Van to support the early detection of cancer.
  • The Asha Van was donated to the Bhavnagar branch of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) by Jenburkt Pharmaceutical.
  • The van is equipped with EVA-Pro diagnostics, a mammography unit, and expert tele-consultation facilities.
  • The initiative aims to advance the goal of "Health and Wellness for All" in rural areas.
  • The van enables on-site screening for various diseases including lung, oral, blood, cervical, pancreatic, liver, breast, and prostate cancer using ultra-modern instrumentation.
Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojna launched with ₹10 lakh annual health cover (End of January) ▼
  • Punjab government launched Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojna on 24 January 2026 in Mohali.
  • The scheme provides health insurance cover up to ₹10 lakh per year to three crore residents from 65 lakh families.
  • Over 900 government and private hospitals in Punjab and Chandigarh are empanelled under the scheme.
  • Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated Punjab is the first state to offer ₹10 lakh health insurance coverage.
  • Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the scheme.
Tamil Nadu’s ‘Women’s Wellness on Wheels’ Scheme: Cancer Screening Vans for All Districts (Mid of November) ▼
  • Scheme name: ‘Women’s Wellness on Wheels’ – 38 fully-equipped vehicles to be rolled out, one in each of Tamil Nadu’s 38 districts (“Tamil Nadu plans to launch 38 vehicles in 38 districts under the scheme”).
  • Objective: Protect women from cancer by enabling “complete check-ups for women to screen them for cancer risks such as cervical cancer and breast cancer” inside the mobile units.
  • Key feature: These are “fully-equipped vehicles, the first of its kind in India” for cancer screening of women.
  • Associated initiative: Free HPV vaccination for girls aged 14 and below to prevent cervical cancer, to be implemented in private hospitals at a cost of ₹ 36 crore.
Karnataka Approves Paid Menstrual Leave Policy (Start of November) ▼
  • Karnataka has become the first state in India to approve 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually for women employees.
  • This progressive policy is applicable to both government and private sectors, granting one day of leave per month.
  • The policy aims to support women’s health, dignity, and productivity in the workplace, reflecting a growing recognition of menstrual health as a legitimate workplace issue.
  • Under the new guidelines, all female employees across Karnataka — including those in the private sector — will be eligible for one paid day of leave each month due to menstruation-related discomfort or health challenges.
  • The decision sends a powerful message of empathy, equity, and realism in workplace policymaking by recognizing biological realities and boosting productivity and morale.

Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) Awards Conferred with Top Prizes of ₹1 Crore

Key Updates:

  • Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, conferred the National Awards for Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 28 January 2026.
  • The MYGS initiative involved over 28,000 students from 619 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) participating in simulated Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat proceedings.
  • In the JNV category, JNV Una (Himachal Pradesh) won the first prize of ₹1 crore, JNV Kannur (Kerala) won the second prize of ₹75 lakh, and JNV Ukhrul-I (Manipur) won the third prize of ₹50 lakh.
  • In the EMRS category, EMRS Kosambuda (Chhattisgarh) secured the first prize of ₹1 crore, EMRS Hirli (Odisha) won the second prize of ₹75 lakh, and EMRS Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) won the third prize of ₹50 lakh.
  • The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Prime Minister’s vision of nurturing one lakh young leaders across the country through experiential civic learning.
  • A comprehensive MYGS Compendium in English and Hindi was released to document the journey of students gaining first-hand exposure to grassroots governance and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI).

Similar Coverage

Super-100 of Veer Gatha 5.0 felicitated by Raksha Rajya Mantri and Minister of State for Education. (End of January) ▼
  • Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth and Minister of State for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (I/C) Shri Jayant Chaudhary felicitated the Super-100 winners of Veer Gatha 5.0 in New Delhi on 24 January 2026.
  • Veer Gatha 5.0 recorded over 1.92 crore student participants from more than two lakh schools, including 28,005 international students from CBSE schools abroad.
  • Among the 100 national winners, 64 are girls.
  • Each Super-100 awardee received ₹10,000 cash, a medal and a certificate, and will attend the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026.
  • Senior attendees included Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Secretary Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Ms Sukirti Lekhi, and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat.
Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) Initiative: Key Features and Launch Details (Start of November) ▼
  • Initiative Name: Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) – jointly by Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
  • Launch: Unveiled in New Delhi; rollout planned across "over one thousand schools nationwide."
  • Objective: "Strengthen Janbhagidari and promote participatory local governance by engaging students in simulated Gram Sabha sessions."
  • Key Features: Includes release of a "Training Module on Model Youth Gram Sabha" and the "MYGS Portal."
  • Ministers Attending: Minister of State for Panchayati Raj SP Singh Baghel and Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey.
6th National Water Awards 2024: Maharashtra adjudged Best State (Mid of November) ▼
  • National Water Awards 2024 instituted by Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti
  • Objective: "to promote awareness on water conservation and highlight grassroots efforts aligned with the government's 'Jal Samridh Bharat' vision"
  • 46 winners across 10 categories (Best State, Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, Best School/College, Best Industry, Best Water User Association, Best Institution, Best Civil Society, Best Individual)
6th National Water Awards 2024: Winners Announced Across 10 Categories (Mid of November) ▼
  • Scheme Name: 6th National Water Awards (NWA) 2024, launched by Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti
  • Launch Year: Awards announced for 2024; application process opened on 23 October 2024 on Rashtriya Puraskar Portal of Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Objective: "creating awareness among the people about the importance of water and motivating them to adopt best water usage practices" and recognising efforts towards "Jal Samridh Bharat"
  • Key Feature: 46 winners (including joint winners) selected across 10 categories—Best State, District, Village Panchayat, Urban Local Body, School/College, Industry, Water User Association, Institution, Civil Society, and Individual
  • Implementing Agency: Evaluation by Jury Committee; ground-truthing by Central Water Commission (CWC) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
  • Award Ceremony: To be held on 18 November 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu as Chief Guest

Ministry of Jal Shakti Honours 58 WaSH Warriors as Special Guests for 77th Republic Day

[Ministry of Jal Shakti]

Key Updates:

  • The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, hosted 58 WaSH Warriors from Swachh Sujal Gaon villages as Special Guests for the 77th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.
  • The WaSH Warriors were nominated by States and Union Territories under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to represent rural households, marginalised communities, and Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) majority villages.
  • Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, chaired the Samvad Samaroh on 27 January 2026, attended by Ministers of State Shri V. Somanna and Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary.
  • The JJM has reportedly benefited over 9.5 crore women and saved an estimated 4.5 crore hours of their time by providing household tap water connections.
  • A booklet titled Peyjal: Jan Shakti Ki Abhivyakti – Volume II was released to document the journeys of WaSH Warriors and grassroots leadership in sustainable drinking water systems.
  • The event highlighted community leaders including Shri Motilal from Chhattisgarh, Ms Nijuma Devi from Assam, Mrs Lentsothsi from Nagaland, and Shri Amrutbhai Parmar from Gujarat.
  • The honoured guests belong to villages that are Har Ghar Jal certified under JJM and ODF Plus Model verified under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).
  • Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM), interacted with the warriors at Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan.

Similar Coverage

Supriya Sahu wins United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Champions of the Earth 2025 award (Mid of December) ▼
  • Supriya Sahu received the Champions of the Earth 2025 award in the Inspiration and Action category for her subnational climate leadership in Tamil Nadu.
  • She spearheaded the Cool Roof initiative that lowers classroom temperatures by five to eight degrees using solar-reflective paint.
  • She led the Green Tamil Nadu mission, resulting in the planting of more than 100 million trees across the state.
  • She guided the Tamil Nadu mangrove mission, achieving new plantings across 4,300 hectares and restoration across 2,200 hectares with local community participation.
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.
UPL launches global campaign celebrating farmers as climate heroes ahead of COP30 (Start of November) ▼
  • UPL, a provider of sustainable agricultural products and solutions, has launched a global campaign ‘#AFarmerCan - The hero you don’t know you need’.
  • The campaign celebrates farmers as climate heroes and calls on world leaders to recognise their role in building climate resilience.
  • It was launched ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Belém, Brazil.
  • UPL's engagement at COP30 is guided by five pillars: greenhouse gas mitigation, energy security, water conservation, soil health regeneration, and biodiversity protection.
  • UPL is proposing a four-pillar incentive framework to strengthen farmer resilience, focusing on ‘Pay’, ‘Protect’, ‘Procure’, and ‘Promote’.
  • Jai Shroff, Chairman and Group CEO, UPL, stated that the campaign aims to amplify the message that the future of climate resilience begins in the fields.
  • In Belém, the campaign spans airport signage, more than 1000 branded taxis and 200 buses featuring QR codes, targeted digital campaigns, social media activations, an evocative film, and eco-friendly merchandise.
Amla Ashok Ruia receives Ramoji Excellence Award 2025 for Rural Development (Mid of November) ▼
  • Amla Ashok Ruia, known as 'Water Mother,' was honoured with the 'Excellence in Rural Development' award at the inaugural Ramoji Excellence Awards 2025.
  • The award was presented by Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, in the presence of Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy, AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma.
  • Through her Aakar Charitable Trust, Ruia has restored livelihoods and water security in drought-prone villages via innovative water-harvesting initiatives.

Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Republic Day 2026 animal contingent debuts Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies and raptors

Key Updates:

  • The Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) will for the first time present Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, Army dogs and four raptors in the 2026 Republic Day parade.
  • Captain Harshita Raghav, one of the first women inducted into the RVC in 2023, will lead the 2026 contingent.
  • Bactrian camels inducted for Ladakh’s cold deserts can carry up to 250 kg and operate above 15,000 ft along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
  • Indigenous Zanskar ponies from Ladakh carry 40-60 kg loads and patrol high-altitude areas including Siachen.
  • Army dogs inducted under the 2023-2025 indigenous breeds drive include Mudhol, Rampur, Chippipara, Kombai and Rajapalayam.
  • The RVC traces its origin to the 1779 Stud Department in Bengal and received the President’s Flag in 1989.

Similar Coverage

77th Republic Day Parade held at Kartavya Path with theme 150 years of Vande Mataram (End of January) ▼
  • The 77th Republic Day Parade was held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi with the dominant theme of 150 years of Vande Mataram.
  • The Bhairav light commando battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry regiment, a specialised assault infantry unit designed for rapid response, made its debut in the national parade.
  • The Shaktiban Regiment, a newly raised artillery unit equipped with drones, counter-drones, and loiter munition, was showcased for the first time.
  • The Universal Rocket Launcher System (Suryastra) with deep-strike capabilities and the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) were displayed.
  • For the first time, the mounted 61 Cavalry contingent appeared in combat gear, departing from their traditional ceremonial uniform.
  • Double-humped Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies were included in the ceremonial event for the first time.
  • A mixed scouts contingent comprising members from Ladakh Scouts, Dogra Scouts, Arunachal Scouts, Kumaon Scouts, Garhwal Scouts, and Sikkim Scouts participated in heavy thermal gear.
  • The Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent featured raptors (kites) and Army dogs as part of the marching display.
  • Key military assets showcased included the BrahMos, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), and Dhanush artillery gun.
  • The parade featured 18 marching contingents and 13 bands, lasting approximately 90 minutes.
77th Republic Day parade on 26 January 2026 to feature 30 tableaux and mark 150 years of Vande Mataram (End of January) ▼
  • The parade showcased 30 tableaux: 17 from states and Union Territories, 13 from ministries, departments and services.
  • The overarching themes are ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
  • Assam’s tableau theme is ‘Asharikandi – Terracotta Craft Village of Assam’.
  • Chhattisgarh’s tableau theme is ‘The Mantra of Freedom – Vande Mataram’.
  • Gujarat’s tableau theme is ‘Mantra of Swadeshi – Self-Reliance – Freedom: Vande Mataram’.
  • Himachal Pradesh’s tableau theme is ‘Dev Bhoomi, Veer Bhoomi’.
  • Jammu and Kashmir’s tableau will display Handicrafts and Folk Dances of Jammu & Kashmir.
  • Kerala’s tableau theme is ‘Water Metro & 100% Digital Literacy: Aatmanirbhar Kerala for Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
  • Maharashtra’s tableau theme is ‘Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta’.
  • Manipur’s tableau theme is ‘Towards Prosperity: From Agricultural Fields to International Markets’.
  • Nagaland’s tableau theme is ‘The Hornbill Festival – Celebrating Culture, Tourism & Self-Reliance’.
  • Odisha’s tableau theme is ‘Soil to Silicon: Rooted in Tradition, Rising with Innovation’.
  • Puducherry’s tableau will highlight the Rich Heritage of Craft, Culture and Auroville’s Vision.
  • Rajasthan’s tableau theme is ‘Golden Touch of the Desert: Bikaner Gold Art (Usta Art)’.
  • Tamil Nadu’s tableau theme is ‘Mantra of Prosperity: Self-Reliant India’.
  • Uttar Pradesh’s tableau theme is ‘Culture of Bundelkhand’.
  • West Bengal’s tableau theme is ‘Bengal in the Freedom Movement of India’.
  • Madhya Pradesh’s tableau theme is ‘Punyashlok Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’.
  • Punjab’s tableau theme is ‘350th Year of Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’.
  • Air HQs tableau theme is ‘Veteran Tableau – Nation Building through War’.
  • Naval HQs tableau theme is ‘Samudra Se Samriddhi’.
  • Department of Military Affairs tableau theme is ‘Tri-Services Tableau – Operation Sindoor, Victory through Jointness’.
  • Ministry of Culture tableau theme is ‘Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation’.
  • Department of School Education & Literacy tableau theme is ‘National Education Policy 2020: Rocketing Indian School Education on the Path to Viksit Bharat’.
  • Ministry of AYUSH tableau theme is ‘AYUSH KA TANTRA, SWASTHYA KA MANTRA’.
  • Ministry of Home Affairs (NDMA & NDRF) tableau theme is ‘Bhuj Earthquake: 25 Years of Resilience’.
  • Ministry of Home Affairs (BPRD) tableau theme is ‘Jan Kendrit Nyay Pranali - Enactment of the Three New Criminal Laws – 2023’.
  • Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (CPWD) tableau theme is ‘Vande Mataram – Commemoration of 150 Years’.
  • Ministry of Information & Broadcasting tableau theme is ‘Bharat Gatha: Shruti, Kriti, Drishti’.
  • Ministry of Panchayati Raj tableau theme is ‘SVAMITVA Scheme – Aatmanirbhar Panchayat se Samriddh evam Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
  • Ministry of Power tableau theme is ‘Prakash Ganga: Powering an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat’.
  • Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship tableau theme is ‘Powered by Skills: Building a Self-Reliant, Future-Ready India’.
77th Republic Day celebrated with theme '150 years of Vande Mataram' (End of January) ▼
  • The 77th Republic Day celebrations had the theme '150 years of Vande Mataram'.
  • President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen were the chief guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
  • This year marks the first Republic Day after Operation Sindoor where India showcased its military might.
  • The parade began with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute at Kartavya Path.
  • A total of 29 Indian Air Force aircraft, including 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters, participated in the flypast.
  • For the first time, the parade showcased a phased Battle Array Format of the Indian Army, including the aerial component.
  • A military contingent from the European Union (EU) participated, marking the EU’s first participation in such an event outside of Europe.
Republic Day Parade 2026: Bactrian Camels to march on Kartavya Path (End of January) ▼
  • Two Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) named Galwan and Nubra will participate in the Republic Day Parade 2026 on Kartavya Path.
  • The camels will be part of the Animal Contingent led by the Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC).
  • The contingent will also feature indigenous Zanskar ponies from Ladakh and Army dog breeds including Rajapalayam, Chippiparai, Mudhol, Kombai, and Rampur.
  • Ladakh is the only region in India where the double-humped Bactrian camel species is found.
  • The genus Camelus includes two domestic species: the single-humped Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) and the double-humped Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus).
  • The name Bactrian is derived from the ancient kingdom of Bactria, located in modern-day Balkh, Afghanistan, which was known as Bahlika or Tushara in ancient Sanskrit sources.
  • Bactrian camels were historically known as the Ships of the Silk Road and were used by Chinese monks Faxian (Fahien) and Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) to travel to India.
  • The species is capable of carrying average loads of approximately 180 kilograms and can travel between 35 to 40 kilometres per day.

NITI Aayog–NIIT Foundation MoU for 100% Aspirational Blocks coverage

[NITI Aayog]

Key Updates:

  • NITI Aayog has partnered with NIIT Foundation to achieve 100% coverage in digital literacy, financial inclusion and employability across select Aspirational Blocks.
  • The collaboration targets approximately 1.2 lakh beneficiaries with at least 40% women participation.
  • NIIT Foundation will lead on-ground implementation through trained mobilisers, trainers, and by building capacity of community facilitators, self-help group leaders and peer educators.

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Delhi NEEV programme introduces hands-on entrepreneurship education for Classes 8-12 (End of November) ▼
  • The Delhi government’s New Era of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Vision (NEEV) programme embeds structured, activity-based entrepreneurial exercises into classrooms.
  • NEEV targets students from Classes 8 to 12 and replaces rote learning with creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving tasks.
  • Activities include Role Model Research, Talk Show, Business in a Box – Rapid Fire Challenge, Startup of the Day, and a two-week My Billion-Rupee Idea assessment.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B Ministry) and Netflix Conclude ‘Inspiring Innovators’ Skilling Initiative (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B Ministry) marked the culmination of ‘Inspiring Innovators – Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Pehchaaan’, a skilling initiative developed in collaboration with the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity.
  • The initiative showcases the contributions of eight Indian start-ups identified by the Office of the PSA for their work in driving social-impact innovation.
  • Eight short animated films were created by students from eight universities across India, including the National Institute of Design (NID), Chitkara University, and Satyajit Ray Institute of Film and Television.
  • Voiceovers for the films were recorded by participants from the Voicebox, a skilling initiative by Netflix in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
  • The initiative provided hands-on creative experience to a cohort of 26 students, where fifty per cent of the participants were women and several students came from Tier-2 cities.
  • Students were mentored by experts from the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, and Graphiti Studios to gain practical exposure to industry processes and emerging technologies like AI-led narratives.
Samsung–UNGCNI ‘DigiArivu’ Initiative to Strengthen STEM Education in Tamil Nadu (End of November) ▼
  • Initiative Name: ‘DigiArivu–Empowering Students Thru Tech’ launched by Samsung in partnership with United Nations Global Compact Network India.
  • Objective: Strengthen digital science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Tamil Nadu.
  • Coverage: 10 government schools in Kancheepuram and Ranipet districts; expected to benefit over 3,000 students.
  • Key Provisions: Upgrade school infrastructure, enable STEM and digital learning, train teachers, and support holistic student development.
Intellipaat partners with IndiaAI Mission to roll out nationwide AI literacy programme (Mid of November) ▼
  • Intellipaat has partnered with the IndiaAI Mission under MeitY to launch the 'YUVAi for ALL' programme aimed at making India AI-literate
  • The initiative will provide free training on Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI to students, teachers, and professionals
  • Participants will receive Government-recognized certification upon completion of the programme
  • The programme includes AI awareness workshops, GenAI tool demonstrations, community learning drives, and foundation AI literacy e-learning videos
  • The collaboration aligns with the Government's vision to empower 10 million citizens with essential AI skills by January 2026

Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme: ₹300 crore one-time assistance of ₹5,000 each to 6 lakh tea garden workers.

[Assam]

Key Updates:

  • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme at Doomdooma in Tinsukia district.
  • The scheme will disburse over ₹300 crore as a one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 each to more than six lakh permanent and casual tea garden workers.
  • The benefit covers 836 tea gardens across 27 districts and 73 legislative assembly constituencies in Assam.
  • Budgetary allocation has been made to ensure successful implementation of the scheme.
  • The launch fulfills an election promise of the present Assam government.

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Atal Vichal Agragami Assam scheme announces Rs 25,000 monthly financial assistance for research scholars (End of January) ▼
  • Under the 'Atal Vichal Agragami Assam scheme', the state government will provide monthly financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to research scholars.
  • Divyang research scholars will receive enhanced support of Rs 40,000 per month.
  • The scheme is scheduled to be formally launched on February 11, 2026.
Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojna launched with ₹10 lakh annual health cover (End of January) ▼
  • Punjab government launched Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojna on 24 January 2026 in Mohali.
  • The scheme provides health insurance cover up to ₹10 lakh per year to three crore residents from 65 lakh families.
  • Over 900 government and private hospitals in Punjab and Chandigarh are empanelled under the scheme.
  • Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated Punjab is the first state to offer ₹10 lakh health insurance coverage.
  • Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the scheme.
Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Land Holdings (Amendment) Act 2025 grants ownership of labour-line land to tea garden workers (End of November) ▼
  • The Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Land Holdings (Amendment) Act, 2025.
  • The amendment excludes labour lines from land ancillary to special cultivation, allowing government to declare them surplus and acquire them.
  • Government shall "give settlement of such lands to tea garden workers residing and in occupation of such lands".
  • Land allotted per family "shall be such as may be notified by the Government from time to time".
  • Allotted land will be heritable but not transferable for 20 years; thereafter sale/transfer is allowed only to a tea garden worker residing in the same tea estate.
Assam Government launches monthly financial aid for celibate monks of satras (Start of January) ▼
  • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a scheme to provide a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 to celibate monks residing in ‘satras’.
  • At least 620 ‘Udasin Bhakats’ (celibate monks) will benefit from the welfare initiative.
  • The initiative reaffirms the Assam government’s commitment to dignity, care and respect for those who uphold Assam’s civilisational heritage.

India and European Union sign new security and defence partnership

[European Union (EU)]

Key Updates:

  • India and the European Union (EU) have signed a security and defence partnership pact focusing on maritime domain cooperation and Indo-Pacific engagements.
  • The partnership will facilitate stronger participation of the Indian defence industry in the European market.
  • An industry-led India-EU Defence Industry Forum will be established with official participation as observers and associating EU member states.
  • A dedicated annual EU-India Security and Defence Dialogue has been announced.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the Indian defence industry can contribute meaningfully to the EU's 'ReArm initiative' aimed at diversifying suppliers and de-risking dependencies.

Similar Coverage

India and European Union sign Free Trade Agreement conclusion document during 16th Summit in New Delhi (End of January) ▼
  • India and the European Union (EU) formally signed the conclusion document for their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 27 January 2026.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chaired the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
  • The EU leaders served as the Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day of India, marking the first time EU leaders have held this position.
  • A military contingent representing the European Union Military Staff and EU Naval Operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES participated in the Republic Day Parade for the first time.
  • Under the FTA, India will reduce car import tariffs from 110% to 10% and phase out duties on auto components over a period of 5 to 10 years.
  • The leaders adopted the Towards 2030: India–EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda to guide cooperation in prosperity, technology, security, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.
  • The India–EU Security and Defence Partnership was signed as the first overarching framework to enhance cooperation in maritime security, cyber threats, and counter-terrorism.
  • Both parties agreed to launch negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate the exchange of classified information.
  • The India–EU Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation was renewed until 2030, with talks beginning on India’s association with the Horizon Europe research programme.
  • New initiatives established include the India–EU Task Force on Green Hydrogen and the India-EU Wind Business Summit scheduled for 2026.
  • The two sides signed an Administrative Arrangement on Disaster Risk Management to enhance coordination in disaster preparedness and response.
  • A pilot European Legal Gateway Office will be launched to support the movement of workers, initially focusing on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
  • The leaders agreed to launch an Education and Skills Dialogue in 2026 to facilitate the recognition of qualifications and promote vocational education.
  • The 17th India–EU Summit is scheduled to take place in Brussels in 2027.
India and Germany to unveil defence and security roadmap during Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first bilateral visit to India (Mid of January) ▼
  • India and Germany will unveil a defence and security roadmap that will strengthen the defence manufacturing network base in India.
  • German technology for India’s defence preparedness will be part of the bilateral conversation.
  • Chancellor Merz is accompanied by a 25-member delegation of CEOs, including top executives of a leading submarine manufacturer, signalling strong defence ties on the agenda.
India-France sign overarching R&D pact for future defence challenges (End of November) ▼
  • Agreement signed by DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat and France’s National Armaments Director Lt Gen Gael Diaz de Tuesta at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi
  • Enables joint R&D, sharing of know-how, joint training, and co-held intellectual property rights
  • Key cooperation areas: aeronautical platforms, unmanned vehicles, advanced materials, cybersecurity, AI, space, navigation, advanced propulsion, sensors, quantum tech, underwater tech
India and Brunei hold inaugural Joint Working Group meeting on Defence Cooperation on Dec 10 2025 (Mid of December) ▼
  • The inaugural meeting of the India-Brunei Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation was held in New Delhi, marking a key step in advancing defence engagement between the two countries.
  • The Ministry of Defence said the talks centred on expanding military-to-military exchanges and joint training, strengthening maritime security cooperation with a focus on sea lane safety and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), enhancing capacity-building initiatives, and identifying opportunities for industry partnerships and technology cooperation.
  • The meeting was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, and Poh Kui Choon, Deputy Permanent Secretary in Brunei's Ministry of Defence.
  • Before the deliberations began, both sides signed the Terms of Reference (ToR), formally establishing the JWG on Defence Cooperation.
  • During her two-day visit, Choon also met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi, adding a diplomatic dimension to the technical discussions held under the JWG.
  • Both delegations noted the increasing momentum in defence cooperation and agreed to pursue a structured roadmap under the JWG mechanism.
  • They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

Bangladesh and China sign G2G deal to establish advanced drone manufacturing plant in Bogra

[Bangladesh, China]

Key Updates:

  • The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) signed a government-to-government (G2G) agreement to establish a drone manufacturing facility.
  • The plant will be located near the New Bogra Airbase in the Bogra region and is expected to be operational by late 2026.
  • The facility will initially focus on producing Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAVs.
  • The partnership involves a full technology transfer from CETC to the BAF to enable Bangladesh to eventually design and assemble its own indigenous UAVs.
  • The BAF is also finalising a USD 2.2 billion deal with China to procure 20 Chengdu J-10C Vigorous Dragon multirole fighter jets to replace its ageing fleet.
  • The manufacturing site's proximity to India’s Siliguri Corridor, known as the Chicken’s Neck, has raised security concerns regarding intelligence risks and signals data collection.
  • The signing ceremony at the BAF headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment was attended by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen.

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China's 3D-printed miniature turbojet engine completes maiden single-engine flight test (Mid of November) ▼
  • Technology: domestically developed ultra-lightweight miniature turbojet engine manufactured primarily by 3D printing
  • Institution: Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC)
  • Key performance: 30-minute flight at 6,000 m altitude and Mach 0.75, engine operated normally and stably
  • Design features: 160-kilogram thrust class; over three-quarters of engine weight in 3D-printed rotating parts, reducing part count and weight
  • Significance: first 3D-printed, ultra-lightweight miniature turbojet engine in this thrust class in China to pass a flight test
Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) Secures Rs 300 Crore Contracts for Unmanned Systems (End of January) ▼
  • The aerospace division of Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) has secured contracts of around Rs 300 crore under the ongoing Emergency Procurement – VI framework of the government.
  • The contracts cover a range of indigenous unmanned systems, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and loitering munitions for the Indian Army and Indian Navy.
  • The contracted platforms, namely Omega One, Omega Nine, Bayonet, and Cleaver, are developed to meet urgent operational requirements across diverse terrains and mission profiles.
  • The Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded BFL a Rs 1,661 crore contract for the supply of over 2.55 lakh units of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines to the Indian Army.
AVPL International and CSC e-Governance Services sign MoU to integrate drone technology into rural enterprises (Mid of November) ▼
  • AVPL International will offer its ‘Viraj UAS’ agri drones, spare parts, and training programmes via CSC’s network of over five lakh village level entrepreneurs.
  • CSC SPV will facilitate the onboarding of AVPL’s products on its platform, provide visibility and outreach support, and enable channel partners to effectively deliver these services locally.
  • AVPL International will provide drones and accessories and will also train CSC entrepreneurs and rural youth in drone operations, maintenance, and data-driven agricultural practices.
India moves toward $450 million BrahMos export deals with Vietnam and Indonesia (End of December) ▼
  • India has moved closer to inking deals to export BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Vietnam and Indonesia, which collectively will be worth over Rs 4,000 crore ($450 million).
  • Russia, the joint developer of BrahMos missiles, has assured India that it has no objection to the precision-strike weapon being sold to Vietnam and Indonesia.
  • The assurance was given during the delegation-level meeting between defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov on Dec 4.
  • Once the deals are inked, Vietnam and Indonesia will become the other ASEAN countries after the Philippines to buy the air-breathing missiles.
  • India had inked a $375 million contract to supply three anti-ship BrahMos coastal batteries to the Philippines in Jan 2022.
  • India successfully deployed the BrahMos missiles, whose range has been increased to 450 km from the original 290 km, from Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets during Operation Sindoor in May.
  • India also plans to begin inducting the new 800-km BrahMos from 2028 onwards, with tests currently underway for the extended-range missiles.
  • India wants to sell the indigenous Akash air defence missile systems and Pinaka multi-launch rocket systems to the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, UAE, and Brazil.

Indian Navy First Training Squadron concludes three-day Indonesia visit

[Indonesia]

Key Updates:

  • Indian Navy First Training Squadron (1TS) departed Belawan, Indonesia on January 23 after a three-day port call.
  • Ships of 1TS included INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi.
  • Professional interactions, cultural exchanges, training visits and friendly sports meets were held with Indonesian Navy personnel.
  • Capt Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer 1TS, met Laksamana Muda (RAdm) Deny Septiana, Commander of Naval Area Command I (Komando Kodaeral I).
  • An onboard reception co-hosted by 1TS and Consulate General of India, Medan, was attended by senior dignitaries of Kodaeral I with Kolonel Wirawan Aby P, Chief of Operations, as Chief Guest.
  • Indian naval trainees visited Komando Daerah Angkatan Laut I facilities to understand regional command roles.
  • Joint yoga sessions and friendly sports were organised fostering camaraderie between the two navies.
  • Ships were opened to local school children, generating excitement and curiosity through guided tours.
  • The visit advances India's Act East Policy and strengthens maritime cooperation with Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) member Indonesia under the MAHASAGAR vision.

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India and Brazil sign tripartite MoU to boost Scorpène submarine maintenance and defence ties (Mid of December) ▼
  • A landmark tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Navy, Brazilian Navy, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
  • The MoU focuses on the exchange of information related to the maintenance of Scorpène-class submarines and other naval vessels.
  • The agreement aims to enhance life-cycle support, enable experience sharing in maintenance, logistics, and training, and strengthen cooperation between government agencies and industry of both nations.
  • The MoU will further boost Defence Research and Development (R&D) collaboration and drive technological innovation in sustaining Scorpène-class submarines and other naval platforms.
  • The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi visited Brazil.
  • In July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Brazil, where he and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva decided to charter a strategic roadmap to strengthen bilateral ties, including defence and security.
  • India and Brazil recognized convergent views and strategic complementarities in defence and security matters.
  • An Agreement on the Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information was signed, enabling deeper cooperation in various strategic areas.
  • A Bilateral Cybersecurity Dialogue was established to deepen cooperation through the exchange of information, experiences, and national perspectives on cybersecurity issues.
Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard hold 22nd high-level meeting in New Delhi (Mid of January) ▼
  • This was 22nd such high-level meeting between the two forces.
  • Deliberations focused on enhancing collaboration in Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) and capacity building.
  • Discussions also covered cooperation in emerging areas, including the use of technology, information sharing, training initiatives, and personnel exchanges.
  • A Japan Coast Guard National Strike Team (NST) is also visiting Mumbai and will conduct a joint exercise with the ICG pollution response team, focusing on Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) spill response.
Indian Navy First Training Squadron embarks on long-range training deployment to Southeast Asia (Start of January) ▼
  • Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron embarks on a long-range deployment to Southeast Asia, combining officer training with port calls, joint exercises and maritime diplomacy under India’s Act East Policy.
  • Three naval ships and an ICG vessel of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron will be part of the long range training deployment to South East Asia.
  • The ships of the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy — INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship Sarathi — will be proceeding on an LRTD to South East Asia as part of a training curriculum of the 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course (IOTC).
  • The squadron is scheduled to undertake port calls at Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.
  • The 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course includes six international officer trainees.
  • Personnel from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force have also embarked for the deployment.
CNS Admiral Tripathi visits US to strengthen maritime partnership; Exercise Malabar 2025 underway (Mid of November) ▼
  • Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, embarked on an official visit to the United States aimed at further enhancing the longstanding maritime partnership between the Indian Navy and the United States Navy.
  • During his visit, Admiral Tripathi is scheduled to hold discussions with senior officials of the US Department of War and meet top US naval leadership, including Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, and Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet (USPACFLT), Admiral Stephen T. Koehler.
  • The CNS's visit coincides with the multilateral naval exercise, Exercise Malabar 2025.
  • Exercise Malabar 2025 is a major Indo-Pacific maritime drill aimed at strengthening interoperability and coordination among the four partner nations--India, the US, Japan, and Australia.
  • Exercise Malabar 2025 is held in the West Pacific training area from November 10 to 18.
  • First established as a bilateral India-US exercise in 1992, Exercise Malabar has since evolved into a key maritime activity of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), involving Australia, Japan, India, and the United States.

United States official says Hamas disarmament in Gaza to be accompanied by amnesty

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • A United States (US) official stated that disarmament by Hamas in Gaza will be accompanied by "some sort of amnesty" for the Palestinian group.
  • The US official made the comment on Monday after the recovery of the body of the last Israeli captive in Gaza, paving the way for the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal agreed in October.
  • US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza plan states that Hamas members who decommission weapons will be given amnesty and safe passage if they wish to leave Gaza.
  • Hamas said the return of captive remains underscored its commitment to phase one of the ceasefire and demanded Israel open the Rafah crossing without restrictions and withdraw completely from Gaza.
  • Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan met Hamas officials in Ankara on Monday to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

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Israel announces limited reopening of Rafah crossing with Egypt after final captive body located (End of January) ▼
  • Israel will allow a limited reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt after locating the body of the last Israeli captive Ran Gvili.
  • The announcement was made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office late on Sunday.
  • Rafah crossing will reopen for pedestrian passage only and remain under full Israeli inspection mechanism.
  • The crossing was supposed to open in both directions under the first phase of the United States-brokered ceasefire in October.
  • Hamas stated it handed over the location of the Israeli soldier’s remains with absolute transparency.
  • More than 480 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire began in October.
  • Israeli attacks on Sunday killed at least three Palestinians and wounded four others in Gaza City.
Major General Roman Gofman appointed Director of Mossad (Start of December) ▼
  • Major General Roman Gofman was appointed Director of the Mossad, replacing David Barnea.
  • Gofman, previously Military Secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has no background in intelligence.
  • Born in Belarus, Gofman moved to Israel at age 14 and joined the armoured corps in 1995.
  • He was seriously wounded during clashes with Hamas militants in Sderot on October 7.
  • Netanyahu’s selection of Gofman passed over two candidates suggested by outgoing Mossad chief Barnea.
India invited to join Donald Trump-led Board of Peace for global conflict resolution (Mid of January) ▼
  • India was invited to join the Donald Trump-led Board of Peace, which is described as a new International Organization and Transitional Governing Administration meant to embark on a bold new approach to resolving Global Conflict!
  • Donald J. Trump will serve as the inaugural Chairman of the Board of Peace and will remain in this position even when he is no longer the President of the United States.
  • The organization offers a tenure of three years for members, but nations can become permanent members if they pay $ 1 billion in cash in the first year of membership.
  • The Executive Board's founding members include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio; US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff; Trump’s son-in-law and businessman Jared Kushner; former UK prime minister Tony Blair; American businessman Marc Rowan; World Bank Group president Ajay Banga; and US national security adviser Robert Gabriel.
  • The Board's charter allows it to work to secure enduring peace in areas not just affected by, but also threatened by conflict.
  • The original mandate for the Board was approved by the UN in November 2025 to operate in Gaza until the end of 2027, though the new charter has expanded its scope significantly.
  • Invitations for membership have been sent to several countries including Hungary, Albania, Greece, Canada, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Paraguay, and Argentina, with Pakistan also reporting an invitation.
Israel and Azerbaijan accept invitation to join Trump’s Board of Peace (End of January) ▼
  • Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has agreed to join the board.
  • Azerbaijan foreign ministry stated: 'Azerbaijan, as always, is ready to actively contribute to international cooperation, peace, and stability.'
  • Armenia has also joined the Trump-led peace board.
  • India received an invitation letter dated January 16 from Trump inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join the Board of Peace.
  • Current members of the Board of Peace are: Israel, Azerbaijan, Armenia, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Argentina, Belarus.

Indian Security Forces conduct Operation Trashi-I in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir

[Jammu and Kashmir]

Key Updates:

  • Operation Trashi-I was launched on 18 January 2026 by a joint team comprising the Indian Army, Para (Special Forces), and Jammu and Kashmir Police (J&K Police) Special Operations Group (SOG).
  • The operation is focused on the Chatroo belt of Kishtwar district, specifically the dense forests of Janseer-Kandiwar and locations along the Kishtwar-Sinthan road.
  • The first exchange of fire occurred on 18 January 2026 in Sonnar village near Mandral-Singhpora, resulting in injuries to eight security personnel.
  • A Pakistani terrorist belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit was killed during a firefight on 24 January 2026.
  • Security forces are utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), drones, and sniffer dog units to track terrorists moving through heavy snowfall in the region.
  • The operation was initiated following the busting of three terrorist hideouts in Kathua district on 16 January 2026.
  • Recovered items from the operation sites include empty M4 cartridges, food items, cooking gas cylinders, and other logistical materials.

Similar Coverage

Operation Prahar: Punjab Police 72-hour mega crackdown on gangsters (End of January) ▼
  • Punjab Police launched Operation Prahar, a 72-hour intensive action deploying 2,000 teams with 12,000 personnel to eliminate organised crime.
  • The operation targets 60 main gangsters based abroad, their 1,200 associates and 600 family members involved in criminal activities.
  • A reward policy of Rs 10 crore has been announced for police personnel for successful actions against drugs and gangsters.
India and United Arab Emirates conduct second edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone in Abu Dhabi (Mid of December) ▼
  • Exercise Desert Cyclone-II is scheduled from December 18-30 in Abu Dhabi.
  • The Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
  • The UAE Land Forces contingent is represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
  • The exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate, including peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations.
  • Tactical drills include fighting in built-up areas, heliborne operations, mission planning, and integration of UAS and counter-UAS techniques.
India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise 'Garuda Shakti' Begins in Himachal (Start of December) ▼
  • The 10th edition of the India-Indonesia joint special forces exercise 'Garuda Shakti' is being conducted from December 3-12 at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, in Himachal Pradesh.
  • The Indian contingent is represented by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Indonesian contingent comprises personnel from the Indonesian Special Forces.
  • The exercise aims to strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the special forces of the two nations.
  • Its scope includes troop-level tactics, techniques and procedures in a counter-terrorism environment, covering unarmed combat techniques, combat shooting, sniping, heliborne operations and planning for drone, counter-UAS and loiter-munition strikes in semi-mountainous terrain.
2900 kg of explosives, 5 kg heavy metal: Major terror module busted in Delhi-NCR; what cops found in Faridabad (Mid of November) ▼
  • Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana Police jointly recovered 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate, arms, and bomb-making equipment in Faridabad.
  • Two individuals, Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie and Dr Adil Ahmad Rather, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
  • Officials confirmed the seizure of 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate, along with 2,900 kg of IED-making material, including chemicals, detonators, wires, and other bomb-making components.
  • Recovered items included one assault rifle with three magazines and 83 live rounds, one pistol with eight live rounds, 20 timers with batteries, 24 remote controls, walkie-talkie sets, and 5 kg of heavy metal.
  • The operation is being described as one of the biggest terror-related recoveries in the Delhi-NCR region in recent years.
  • The Faridabad raid followed crucial leads developed by Jammu and Kashmir Police during a separate investigation in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
  • An AK-47 rifle was earlier recovered from Dr Rather’s locker at the Government Medical College in Srinagar.
  • The Jammu and Kashmir Police dismantled an inter-state and transnational terror module associated with proscribed organisations Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH).
  • Investigations revealed that the arrested individuals were part of a “white-collar terror ecosystem” involving radicalised professionals, including doctors and academics, allegedly operating under instructions from foreign handlers in Pakistan.
  • Funds were raised through professional and academic networks under the guise of social and charitable causes.
  • Seven individuals were arrested by J&K Police, including Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie and Dr Adeel of Kulgam.
  • The J&K Police confirmed the recovery of one Chinese Star pistol, one Beretta pistol, one AK-56 rifle, and a Krinkov rifle, along with a significant quantity of ammunition.
  • A day before the Faridabad recovery, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested three suspects, Dr Ahmed Mohiuddin Syed, Mohd Suhel, and Azad, near the Adalaj Toll Plaza.
  • The Gujarat ATS recovered two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, 30 live cartridges, and 4 litres of castor oil from the suspects.
  • Central agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB), are coordinating with local forces.

St. Xavier’s College researchers discover Hemileccinum indicum mushroom in Uttarakhand oak forests

[Uttarakhand]

Key Updates:

  • Researchers at St. Xavier’s College, Jharkhand, identified Hemileccinum indicum, a new mushroom species, in the oak forests of Uttarakhand at 2,600 m altitude.
  • This is the first record of the genus Hemileccinum in India.
  • DNA sequencing and electron microscopy revealed the species’ distinctive pitted spores.

Similar Coverage

New Plant Species Strobilanthes riteshii Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh (End of January) ▼
  • Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) discovered a new flowering plant species named Strobilanthes riteshii in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The species was identified near Chayangtajo village in the East Kameng district at an elevation of approximately 1,600 metres.
  • The plant is named in honour of Dr Ritesh Kumar Choudhary, a taxonomist from the ARI, for his contributions to plant taxonomy and molecular systematics.
  • Researchers recorded fewer than 25 mature individuals of the species, leading to its provisional assessment as Data Deficient under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria.
  • The discovery was published in the Indian Journal of Forestry by a team including researchers from the BSI and ARI Pune.
  • India hosts approximately 168 species of the genus Strobilanthes, with Arunachal Pradesh alone home to at least 44 species.
  • The species is genetically distinct but closely related to plants found in India, China, and Tibet, highlighting the eastern Himalaya as a key biogeographical corridor.
  • Conservation efforts have commenced with individuals of the species being maintained at the BSI Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre.
Botanists Discover Parakaempferia alba, New Ginger Species in Arunachal Pradesh (End of January) ▼
  • Parakaempferia alba belongs to the Zingiberaceae (Ginger) family.
  • The species was discovered in Siang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • It grows at 150–400 meters altitude on shaded, humid stream banks with sandy soil.
  • The discovery was announced by Indian researchers and published in a peer-reviewed botanical journal.
American Scientist Toby Kiers Wins Tyler Prize for Revealing Hidden Fungal Networks (Mid of January) ▼
  • American evolutionary biologist Toby Kiers has been awarded the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement for her work on mycorrhizal networks.
  • Mycorrhizal fungi draw down 13.12 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, around a third of total emissions from fossil fuels.
  • Kiers and her team launched a worldwide Underground Atlas last year to chart the global distribution of mycorrhizal fungi.
  • In 2011, she published a landmark paper in Science showing that mycorrhizal fungi behave like traders in a 'biological marketplace,' moving phosphorus from abundance to scarcity to secure more carbon.
  • Kiers co-founded the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) to map fungal biodiversity and advocate for its protection.
  • SPUN is launching an 'Underground Advocates' programme to train scientists in legal tools to protect fungal biodiversity.
Study Uncovers Survival Mechanisms of Japan's Ghost Plants in Sunless Forests (Start of November) ▼
  • Ghost plants of Japan are unique flora found in shaded forests, thriving without sunlight.
  • These plants lack chlorophyll and do not photosynthesise, instead relying entirely on underground fungal networks for carbon and nutrients.
  • A peer-reviewed study published in Annals of Botany explains their fascinating adaptation to darkness and fully mycoheterotrophic nature.
  • The ghost plants belong to families such as Thismia, Gastrodia, and Monotropastrum, forming mycoheterotrophic relationships with fungi, often from families like Ceratobasidiaceae.
  • Their survival depends on a complex tripartite relationship involving a tree, a fungus, and the ghost plant, which is essential for their survival and the health of forest ecosystems.
  • Ghost plants challenge the understanding of plant survival by demonstrating a continuum from mixotrophy to full mycoheterotrophy, with albino individuals showing full fungal reliance.
  • These plants are indicators of healthy, undisturbed forests and are highly vulnerable, as they cannot be cultivated independently and are susceptible to habitat destruction or soil changes.

Kerala becomes first Indian state to declare Bacillus subtilis as State Microbe

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

  • Kerala declared Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe, making it the first state in the country to officially designate a state microbe.
  • Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced the designation during the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM) in Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Bacillus subtilis is a probiotic bacterium found in the environment, human gut, and fermented foods.
  • CoEM, established by the Kerala government, aims to study microorganisms' role in health, environment, and sustainability.
  • CoEM functions under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) in collaboration with the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC).
  • CoEM is the first institution in India to integrate microbiome-based translational research across human health, nutrition, immunity, agriculture, fisheries, and environmental conservation.
  • CoEM signed MoUs with Kerala Startup Mission and Amrita School of Biotechnology for future collaborations.

Similar Coverage

Karnataka to notify 44 temples and wells in Lakkundi as State-protected monuments (End of January) ▼
  • Tourism Minister HK Patil announced that eight more temples and stepwells in Lakkundi will be notified as State-protected monuments by end-February, raising the total protected sites to 44.
  • The Lakkundi Heritage Area Development Authority has been directed to submit a proposal within a month to include another 20 temples and wells under protection.
  • Special excavation drives will begin by March to identify and restore buried temples, with public cooperation sought through compensation or mutual consent.
  • Government sanctioned Rs 1.65 crore for an open-air museum in Lakkundi; land registration to finish before Republic Day.
  • Rs 10 crore released for comprehensive development of five selected temples and one ancient well; work orders to be issued in February.
  • Prajwal Ritti, who handed over a recent gold hoard found in Lakkundi, will receive government employment and a house; official orders to be issued on Republic Day.
Kerala's Agathi Rahitha Keralam (Destitute-Free Kerala) Scheme: Eliminating Extreme Poverty (Start of November) ▼
  • Scheme Name: Agathi Rahitha Keralam (Destitute-Free Kerala) – relaunched 2021 by Kerala’s Left Democratic Front government to end extreme poverty.
  • Objective: Eradicate extreme poverty defined as severe deprivation in nutritious food, safe housing, basic income, and health status.
  • Target Beneficiaries: 64,006 priority households (1,03,099 persons) identified through community-driven deprivation indices and multi-stage validation.
  • Key Features: Individual micro-plans with short-, medium- and long-term support; provision of food via community kitchens, new/renovated houses, medical care up to ₹5 lakh under KASP, insurance, MNREGS job cards, scholarships, free travel passes, land and essential documents (ration cards, Aadhaar).
  • Implementing Agency: Kerala Local Self-Government (LSG) Department in partnership with Kudumbashree, LIFE Mission, ASHA workers, NGOs, community activists and gram/ward sabhas.
  • Budget: Over ₹1,000 crore earmarked exclusively for extreme-poverty eradication, supplementing existing welfare schemes.
Formation Days of Indian States and Union Territories on November 1 (Start of November) ▼
  • All these states and the Union Territory of Puducherry celebrate their formation day on November 1.
  • Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep came into being on this day in 1956.
  • Punjab and Haryana were formed in 1966.
  • Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000.
Karnataka Health Advisory for Sabarimala Pilgrims (Mid of November) ▼
  • Karnataka issues advisory for Sabarimala pilgrims amid rising cases of Amoebic meningoencephalitis.
  • The state health department has advised the pilgrims travelling to Kerala to exercise caution during their travel.
  • The advisory requested the visitors to use nose clips or close the nose tightly while bathing from water bodies during their visit to Kerala.
  • The department asked the travellers to visit the nearest hospital and seek treatment if they experience fever, unbearable headache, vomiting, tightness in neck area, changes in mental state or behavioural disorders within seven days of the visit.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) captures galaxy cluster MACS J1149.5+2223

[National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)]

Key Updates:

  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured a detailed image of the massive galaxy cluster MACS J1149.5+2223.
  • The galaxy cluster is located approximately 5 billion light-years away from Earth in the constellation Leo.
  • The image demonstrates gravitational lensing, a phenomenon where the immense gravity of the cluster distorts light from background galaxies into arcs and elongated streaks.
  • MACS J1149.5+2223 contains over 300 verified galaxies and is identified as one of the largest gravitationally bound objects in the universe.
  • A lensed spiral galaxy within the cluster, resembling a pink jellyfish, previously hosted the most distant single star ever discovered and a supernova seen four times due to lensing.
  • The observations were conducted using the Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam), Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec), and Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS) instruments.
  • The study is part of the Canadian NIRISS Unbiased Cluster Survey (CANUCS) programme, which aims to investigate the first generations of galaxies and the era of reionisation.

Similar Coverage

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope produces highest-resolution dark-matter map covering 800,000 galaxies. (End of January) ▼
  • NASA's James Webb Space Telescope identified nearly 800,000 galaxies to create the most detailed dark-matter map over such a large sky area.
  • The map has twice the resolution of previous attempts using the Hubble Space Telescope and captures galaxies spanning the past 10 billion years.
  • The study, led by Diana Scognamiglio of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), was published in Nature Astronomy.
  • Dark matter comprises just over 25% of the universe, while ordinary matter makes up only 5% and dark energy fills the remainder.
  • Scientists infer dark-matter distribution by measuring how its gravity warps light from distant galaxies, a technique called gravitational lensing.
NASA Confirms First Starless Dark-Matter Hydrogen Cloud 'Cloud-9' Near Messier 94 (Start of January) ▼
  • NASA dubbed the object 'Cloud-9' and described it as a 'starless, gas-rich dark-matter' hydrogen cloud.
  • Cloud-9's core is made up of neutral hydrogen and is about 4,900 light-years in diameter.
  • The hydrogen mass is estimated at one million times the mass of the sun, with dark matter totaling about five billion solar masses.
  • Cloud-9 is the ninth gas cloud identified on the outskirts of the nearby spiral galaxy Messier 94 and appears to have a 'physical association' with it.
  • Hubble Space Telescope observations confirmed there are no stars inside Cloud-9, supporting theories of failed galaxy formation.
Indian Astronomers Discover Ancient Spiral Galaxy Alaknanda (Start of December) ▼
  • Indian astronomers have discovered 'Alaknanda,' a remarkably well-formed spiral galaxy.
  • The discovery was made by astronomers Rashi Jain and Yogesh Wadadekar from Pune-based National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA).
  • The astronomers used the powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) for this discovery.
  • Galaxy Alaknanda is located 12 billion light years away and is 30,000 light years across.
  • Alaknanda likely formed when the Universe was only about 1.5 billion years old.
  • The galaxy exhibits a mature structure with clear arms, similar to our Milky Way, in a fraction of the time previously thought possible.
  • Alaknanda has the textbook grand spiral design, with two clear spiral arms wrapped around a bright centre.
  • The galaxy is forming new stars at an exceptionally rapid rate, nearly 30 times higher than the Milky Way today.
  • Observations suggest Alaknanda contains around 10 billion times the mass of the Sun in stars.
  • Its spiral arms show a beads-on-a-string pattern that signals active star formation.
  • The discovery challenges existing models of galaxy formation, as scientists believed galaxies that formed this quickly after the Big Bang should be chaotic and irregular in design.
  • The low contribution of light from Alaknanda's central bulge suggests it grew mainly through smooth gas accretion rather than through major collisions.
  • The research on Alaknanda was published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Scientists will continue to study Alaknanda to understand how this galaxy assembled so fast.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Discovers Lemon-Shaped Exoplanet PSR J2322-2650b (End of December) ▼
  • Astronomers using National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have characterized a remarkable exoplanet with an unusual lemon shaped appearance.
  • Designated PSR J2322-2650b, this Jupiter-mass world orbits a rapidly spinning neutron star known as a pulsar.
  • Strong gravitational tides from the compact host stretch the planet into a distinctive lemon shaped exoplanet, marking it as one of the most deformed worlds observed to date.
  • The lemon shaped exoplanet completes an orbit around its pulsar every 7.8 hours, at a distance of approximately 1 million miles.
  • This discovery represents the first known Jupiter-mass gaseous planet orbiting a pulsar.
  • Observations with the JWST revealed an atmosphere dominated by helium and carbon, featuring detectable molecular carbon species such as C2 and C3.
  • Day-side temperatures reach up to 3,700 degrees Fahrenheit, while the night side cools to about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The pulsar’s emission is negligible in the infrared wavelengths observed by JWST, enabling a clear transmission spectrum of the planet’s atmosphere without significant contamination from the host.
  • The system resembles a black widow pulsar, where the neutron star evaporates its companion, yet the planetary mass and composition do not fit standard stripping models.

Bengaluru startup Akashlabdhi readies July launch of AntarikshHAB, India’s first inflatable space habitat

[Bengaluru]

Key Updates:

  • Akashlabdhi, incubated at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), completed key habitat tests in Switzerland with partners including European Space Agency (ESA).
  • The July mission will launch a 70 cubic metre scaled version of AntarikshHAB aboard a vehicle supplied by Spanish firm PLD Space.
  • The inflatable module will be deployed in orbit, then de-orbited for atmospheric re-entry and post-flight material inspection.
  • Underground validation tests at Versuchsstollen Hagerbach (VSH) run by Amberg Group covered pressure, leak-before-burst, thermal cycling, accelerated ageing, and micrometeoroid impact simulations.
  • Indian academic contributors are IISc, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-Roorkee) and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-Delhi); Swiss partners include ETH Zurich, EMPA and Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI).
  • The programme is grant-supported by ESA and its partners and aims to advance the habitat to Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6).

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Dr A. E. Muthunayagam Awarded Padma Shri 2026 in Science and Engineering (End of January) ▼
  • Dr A. E. Muthunayagam, a veteran scientist of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, was awarded the Padma Shri 2026 in the field of Science and Engineering.
  • He served as the founding Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) from November 1985 to April 1994.
  • He was the Project Manager for the Vikas engine project, developed with a French aerospace company, and oversaw liquid propulsion systems for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
  • He was among the first batch of scientists recruited by Vikram Sarabhai in 1966 for India’s emerging space programme.
  • He held the position of Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras from 2005 to 2008.
  • He previously served as the Secretary of the Department of Ocean Development and Executive Vice-President of the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment.
  • He holds an engineering degree from the University of Madras, a master's from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), a doctorate from Purdue University, and an LLB from the University of Kerala.
  • He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), and a foreign member of the Academy of Cosmonautics, Moscow.
Delay in French Syntactic Foam Procurement Delays India’s Samudrayaan Mission (Start of December) ▼
  • Samudrayaan consists of a sphere capable of plunging to a depth of 6,000 metres into the ocean.
  • National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, leads the Samudrayaan project and has built a steel replica of the submersible as a simulator.
  • Syntactic foam cladding gives the submersible buoyancy and allows it to float.
  • Syntactic foam is developed in France and being tested in Norway.
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is making two titanium hulls for NIOT.
  • Final titanium hull will be tested in Russia for pressure at 6,000 metres.
  • Mission aims to collect soil and rock samples pivotal to India’s plans to mine precious metals from the high seas.
Andhra teen Kunchala Kaivalya Reddy selected for advanced astronaut training by Titans Space Industries (Mid of November) ▼
  • Discovered two asteroids—2020 CM24 in Class VIII and 2021 CM37 two years later—through the International Astronomical Collaboration’s Asteroid Search Campaign
  • Represented India at the 2021 Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition in Germany and won a Silver Honour
  • Underwent 10-day basic astronaut training at the International Air and Space Program, becoming the youngest Indian to do so
  • Chosen by Titans Space Industries (Florida) for 2026-2029 advanced astronaut training among 150 candidates from 36 countries; programme includes zero-gravity, scuba diving, and hiking modules ahead of a planned 300 km Earth orbit mission
  • Plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics in Germany
CSIR-NAL curtain-aiser spotlights aerospace tech under IISF 2025 (Start of December) ▼
  • CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) hosted the IISF 2025 curtain-raiser under the JIGYASA Programme.
  • Students toured the Flight simulator facility to learn aircraft control and simulation-based engineering.
  • DRISHTI indigenous runway-visibility technologies were demonstrated to the visitors.
  • The Advanced composites division displayed cutting-edge materials used in aerospace structures and lightweight components.

CCRAS–CSU workshop transliterates five rare Ayurvedic manuscripts in Kerala.

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

  • Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and Central Sanskrit University (CSU) completed a 15-day Transliteration Capacity Building Workshop on Ayurvedic Manuscripts at CSU Puranattukara (Guruvayoor) Campus, Thrissur, Kerala from 12 to 25 January 2026.
  • The workshop trained 33 scholars—18 from Ayurveda and 15 from Sanskrit—in manuscriptology, palaeography, technical Ayurvedic terminology, and scripts including Grantha and Vattezhuthu.
  • Five rare unpublished manuscripts were transliterated: Dhanwanthari (Vaidya) Chinthamani (146 palm-leaf pages from Grantha to Sanskrit), Dravyashuddhi (110 pages Grantha to Sanskrit), Vaidyam (59 pages Medieval Malayalam to Malayalam), Roga Nirnaya Part I (75 pages Medieval Malayalam to Malayalam), and Vividharogangal (78 pages Vattezhuthu to Malayalam and Sanskrit).
  • The event was held under the MoU between CCRAS and CSU as part of CCRAS’s national initiative to document, digitise and enable research-based utilisation of classical Ayurvedic manuscripts.
  • Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, stated this was the second such workshop; the first at CSU Puri Campus, Odisha, transliterated 14 Ayurvedic manuscripts.

Similar Coverage

Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Granth Kutir Library at Rashtrapati Bhavan (End of January) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Granth Kutir, a library housing 2,300 books and manuscripts at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • The library features reading material in 11 Indian classical languages: Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.
  • The collection includes approximately 50 manuscripts handwritten on traditional materials such as palm leaf, paper, bark, and cloth.
  • The initiative aligns with the Gyan Bharatam Mission of the Union government to preserve, digitise, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.
  • The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) provided professional expertise for the conservation, documentation, and display of the manuscripts.
  • The library replaces colonial-era works, including the speeches of Lord Curzon and works of William Hogarth, which have been relocated within the estate.
  • The Rashtrapati Bhavan recently established Param Vir Dirgha, a gallery featuring portraits of 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees to replace portraits of British Aide-De-Camps.
3rd International Ayurveda Conference held in Brazil, marks 40 years of Ayurveda (Mid of November) ▼
  • The 3rd International Ayurveda Conference was jointly organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) and Conayur, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
  • The two-day event was held from November 14-15, 2025, under the aegis of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
  • The conference commemorated 40 years of Ayurveda in Brazil and brought together experts, practitioners, scholars, and students from across Latin America and India.
  • The deliberations centered on the theme 'Diversity and Inclusion in Ayurveda: Caring for Everybody and Every Being'.
  • Organizers announced that Ayurveda has now been included in the Brazilian Classification of Occupations, marking a historic recognition for the system.
  • Ambassador of India to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, highlighted the growing collaboration between India and Brazil in traditional systems of healthcare.
University of Patanjali designated Gyan Bharatam Mission cluster centre (Mid of December) ▼
  • University of Patanjali has been designated a cluster centre under the Gyan Bharatam Mission of the Ministry of Culture.
  • It is the country’s first yoga- and Ayurveda-focused university to receive cluster centre status.
  • As a cluster centre, it will mentor and connect 20 other institutions to the mission.
9th Siddha Day celebrations on 3 January 2026 themed 'Siddha for Global Health' (Start of January) ▼
  • Siddha Day is annually observed on 6 January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar, revered as the father of Siddha medicine.
  • The 9th Siddha Day celebrations will be held on 3 January 2026 at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai.
  • The theme of the 9th Siddha Day is 'Siddha for Global Health'.
  • The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, will preside over and inaugurate the 9th Siddha Day celebrations.

Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) develops framework to predict glacial lake formation

[Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT Guwahati), Assam]

Key Updates:

  • Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) have developed an advanced predictive framework to identify areas where new glacial lakes are likely to form in the Eastern Himalayas.
  • The framework is designed to address the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) caused by rapid glacier melting and expansion due to climate change.
  • The probabilistic model utilizes high-resolution satellite imagery and digital elevation data to account for topographical features such as bowl-shaped depressions and valleys.
  • The research team evaluated multiple predictive methods, including Logistic Regression, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Bayesian Neural Networks (BNN).
  • The Bayesian Neural Network (BNN) approach was identified as the most accurate method for predicting potential glacial lake formation sites.
  • The study identified 492 specific locations in the Eastern Himalayas where new glacial lakes are likely to form.
  • The research findings have been published in the international journal Scientific Reports.

Similar Coverage

Siliserh Lake in Alwar District Designated India's 96th Ramsar Site (Mid of December) ▼
  • Siliserh Lake in Alwar district was declared a Ramsar site Friday by The Convention on Wetlands, making it India's 96th such recognised wetland.
  • Kopra reservoir near Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh has also been added to the list.
  • The designation is a major boost for biodiversity conservation, water and climate security, and sustainable livelihoods.
  • Siliserh is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscape, offering sightings of more than 100 bird and animal species.
  • Its proximity to the Sariska Tiger Reserve further enhances its appeal as a key tourism destination in the region.
  • The Ramsar status would help strengthen conservation efforts, promote tourism, and support biodiversity and water-resource management around the lake.
  • Built in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh to supply drinking water to Alwar city, Siliserh Lake remains an important historical and ecological landmark, with its old aqueducts still visible around the site.
Geological Survey of India (GSI) Hosts 65th Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) Meeting (End of January) ▼
  • The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, will host the 65th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) on 21 January 2026 at the A. P. Shinde Symposium Hall, ICAR, Pusa, New Delhi.
  • The CGPB serves as GSI’s apex coordination platform where the organisation’s Annual Field Season Programme (FSP) is presented, scrutinised, and finalised.
  • Exploration focuses on critical and strategic minerals such as lithium, rare earth elements (REEs), graphite, platinum group elements (PGEs), vanadium, scandium, and cesium, in alignment with India’s energy transition goals.
  • The GSI will adopt next-generation exploration technologies, including AI and machine learning-based data integration, advanced geophysical surveys, hyperspectral remote sensing, deep drilling, and mineral system-based studies.
  • The Annual Programme for Field Season 2026–27 comprises 1,068 rigorously peer-reviewed projects across multiple earth-science disciplines, including carbon sequestration studies and offshore exploration.
  • Environmental initiatives include landslide hazard zonation and slope stability studies, with a focus on disaster risk reduction in the Himalayan and North-Eastern regions.
Gogabeel Lake in Bihar becomes India’s 94th Ramsar wetland site (Start of November) ▼
  • Gogabeel Lake—an oxbow wetland between the Ganga and Mahananda rivers—has been designated as India’s 94th Ramsar site
  • The lake is Bihar’s first community reserve, “conserved and managed by the local community”
  • With this addition, Bihar now has six Ramsar sites, placing it third among Indian states
  • India remains the top Ramsar nation in Asia and third globally behind the UK (176) and Mexico (144)
  • The Convention secretariat notes that during floods the lake joins the two rivers, highlighting its hydrological role
Meghalaya Unveils Soil Lake Amidst Accelerating Climate Threat (Mid of December) ▼
  • Meghalaya inaugurated the Soil Lake at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills, developed under the Nengsang River Valley Project.
  • The Soil Lake aims to rejuvenate a key water body, boost eco-tourism, and promote sustainability and ecological balance.
  • Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma warned that Meghalaya may have "even crossed the tipping point" due to intensifying climate impacts on water bodies, agriculture, and forests.
  • The state faces environmental decline, including a decline in spring discharge, irregular rainfall, and greater soil erosion over the past decade.
  • Nearly 70,000 springs sustain rural households in Meghalaya, with over 40 per cent of villages reporting reduced water availability during lean seasons.
  • The newly developed lake is a 0.5-hectare water body, capable of holding nearly 10,000 cubic metres of water.
  • The government's response includes the Meghalaya Climate Change Council and flagship programmes such as spring rejuvenation, watershed development, and climate-adaptive water harvesting.
  • More than 500 new structures are planned to support irrigation, recharge groundwater, and moderate floods and droughts.
  • A community-based water harvesting programme involves 533 structures to strengthen irrigation, flood control, and micro-hydropower generation.

Freshwater influx threatens Maharashtra’s Lonar meteor lake and submerged ancient temples

[Maharashtra]

Key Updates:

  • Lonar lake in Buldhana district is India’s only basaltic meteor impact crater and a Ramsar wetland.
  • The lake’s pH has dropped from 11.5 to nearly 8.5 due to freshwater influx.
  • Fish were spotted in the lake last year for the first time, signalling ecosystem shift.
  • Nine of the 15 shoreline temples are now partially or fully underwater.
  • Lake level has risen by around 20 feet because deep borewells drilled by farmers punctured basalt layers.
  • Two additional freshwater springs now flow into the crater beyond the historical two.
  • Hydrogeologist Ashok Tejankar recommends intercepting spring water to supply Lonar town after purification.

Similar Coverage

Tropical Storm Nokaen (Ada) Increases Lahar Risk Near Mayon Volcano (Mid of January) ▼
  • The state weather bureau, PAGASA, reported that tropical storm Nokaen is packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
  • The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that intense rainfall may generate syn-eruption lahars on major channels draining the southern to eastern slopes of Mayon Volcano.
  • Phivolcs cautioned that older, erodible eruption deposits on the southwestern slopes of Mayon could be remobilized as non-eruption lahars.
  • The storm is projected to bring heavy to intense rainfall of 100 to 200 millimeters to areas surrounding the volcano in Albay province.
  • Phivolcs warned that hot lahars could cause scalding upon contact, potentially leading to severe and life-threatening injuries.
Siliserh Lake in Alwar District Designated India's 96th Ramsar Site (Mid of December) ▼
  • Siliserh Lake in Alwar district was declared a Ramsar site Friday by The Convention on Wetlands, making it India's 96th such recognised wetland.
  • Kopra reservoir near Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh has also been added to the list.
  • The designation is a major boost for biodiversity conservation, water and climate security, and sustainable livelihoods.
  • Siliserh is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscape, offering sightings of more than 100 bird and animal species.
  • Its proximity to the Sariska Tiger Reserve further enhances its appeal as a key tourism destination in the region.
  • The Ramsar status would help strengthen conservation efforts, promote tourism, and support biodiversity and water-resource management around the lake.
  • Built in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh to supply drinking water to Alwar city, Siliserh Lake remains an important historical and ecological landmark, with its old aqueducts still visible around the site.
China's Chang'e-6 Space Mission Discovers Tiny Iron Oxide Crystals On Moon (Mid of November) ▼
  • Chinese researchers have made a major scientific breakthrough by identifying tiny crystals of Iron oxide, commonly known as hematite and maghemite, in lunar soil for the first time.
  • The finding comes from samples brought back by China's Chang'e-6 mission.
  • China's space agency, Shandong University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have reported the discovery of micrometre-sized Iron oxide crystals in lunar soil, present in the form of hematite and maghemite.
  • These tiny particles were found in samples from the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin, one of the Moon's oldest and largest impact zones.
  • According to the research published in Science Advances, this discovery is direct evidence that Iron oxide is present on the lunar surface.
  • It disproves the notion that the Moon's atmosphere is so reducing that such oxidizing minerals cannot form there.
  • According to the study, hematite may have been formed by massive impacts on the Moon.
NASA Considers Nuclear Disruption for Asteroid 2024 YR4 to Prevent Lunar Impact (End of October) ▼
  • Asteroid 2024 YR4 has prompted renewed attention to the role of nuclear disruption as a viable last-resort option against potential celestial collisions.
  • Ongoing analyses reveal a small but measurable probability of a lunar impact in 2032.
  • NASA’s 2025 assessment revised 2024 YR4’s impact probability with the Moon to approximately 3.8 percent.
  • Asteroid 2024 YR4 measures approximately 60 ± 7 metres across according to James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations.
  • Nuclear intervention provides a scalable mechanism suited to asteroids of this size and composition, as kinetic methods would exceed the practical capabilities of existing spacecraft.
  • Viable nuclear mission windows are outlined between late 2029 and late 2031.
  • In the nuclear standoff model, an explosive charge is detonated at a controlled height above the asteroid’s surface, vaporizing a thin layer of material to propel the remaining mass.
  • A lunar impact could cause a transient but severe increase in micrometeoroid flux in low Earth orbit, potentially elevating debris levels by up to a thousandfold for several days, threatening satellites and human spaceflight.
  • The implementation of nuclear mitigation missions requires compliance with existing space treaties that restrict the use of nuclear devices beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Odisha CM inaugurates India's first Flat Rolled Products (FRP) aluminium unit in Sambalpur

[Odisha]

Key Updates:

  • Odisha Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated India’s first Flat Rolled Products (FRP) aluminium unit at the Aditya Aluminium plant of Hindalco Industries Limited (Hindalco) at Lapanga in Sambalpur.
  • The CM inaugurated a specialised battery foil unit established with an investment of ₹834 crore.
  • A foundation stone was laid for the expansion of the smelter plant involving an investment of ₹21,162 crore.
  • Hindalco Industries Limited (Hindalco) Managing Director (MD) Satish Pai stated that the total investment in these projects is envisaged at ₹50,000 crore.
  • The projects are expected to generate employment for 15,000 youths, including the recruitment of 4,500 women across facilities in Keonjhar, Rayagada, and Sambalpur.
  • The CM inaugurated the 25th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Enterprise Odisha Exhibition 2026 in Rourkela.

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Odisha Cabinet approves Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) solar manufacturing facility (Mid of January) ▼
  • 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.
NITI Aayog unveils sectoral roadmaps to decarbonise cement, aluminium and green-transition MSMEs (End of January) ▼
  • NITI Aayog has proposed setting up a National Project Management Agency (NPMA) and allocating 8-9% of the credit-guarantee fund value to help an estimated 69 million MSMEs in the country go green as India works towards becoming Net Zero by 2070.
  • MSMEs alone have contributed 135 million tonnes of carbon emissions in 2022.
  • The Aayog has called for supporting MSMEs in terms of technology upgradation, market access, and green transition to fulfil ‘Viksit Bharat’ goals by 2047.
  • In a separate report on Roadmap for Cement Sector Decarbonisation, the Aayog has proposed increased usage of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) from municipal solid waste for substituting thermal heating from coal.
  • It has suggested increased usage of supplementary cementitious materials or clinker substitutes and scaling up Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) in the cement industry for capturing CO2 in process emission.
  • By using these three solutions, the Indian cement sector may reduce 80-85% GHG emission by 2070.
  • In a third report on Roadmap for Aluminium Sector Decarbonisation a three-stage process to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
  • Aluminium production accounted for approximately 2.8% of India’s GHG emissions or 83 MTCO2 e in 2023, and without intervention, emissions could rise to 376 MTCO2 e by 2070.
MoEF Greenlights ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel’s Rs 1.5 Lakh Crore Greenfield Plant in Andhra Pradesh (Start of November) ▼
  • The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) has granted environmental clearance for ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel’s (AM/NS) 8.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) steel plant at Anakapalli in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Backed by an overall investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore, the project will be India’s largest greenfield steel manufacturing plant.
  • The plant will be developed in multiple phases, with the first targeting an 8.2 MTPA integrated steel capacity and an eventual expansion to 24 MTPA.
  • AM/NS, a joint venture of ArcelorMittal and Japan’s Nippon Steel, began its engagement with the Andhra Pradesh government in August 2024.
  • With the MoEF’s clearance, all major approvals for the project have been obtained within 14 months.
India's First Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Plant to be Established in Odisha (Start of November) ▼
  • India's first Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor manufacturing plant will be established in Odisha.
  • The plant, named SiCSem, is an integrated device manufacturer and has received approval from the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
  • It will be established as an Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) facility in Bhubaneswar.
  • The SiCSem project is valued at Rs 2,000-crore.
  • SiCSem will be one of the first ISM-approved ATMP facilities to be set up in Odisha.
  • Another key project, 3DGS, has also received approval from the India Semiconductor Mission and uses revolutionary technology with glass substrate for packaging.
  • The SiC project will manufacture various semiconductor devices through both RIR Power Semiconductors and SiCSem.

National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) Launches Reports to Strengthen Circular Economy in Waste Sectors

[NITI Aayog, Rajasthan]

Key Updates:

  • National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) released three reports focusing on the circular economy in end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), waste tyres, e-waste, and lithium-ion batteries.
  • The reports were shared during the International Material Recycling Conference (IMRC) organised by the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) in Jaipur.
  • NITI Aayog recommended the development of modern recycling infrastructure and the formalisation of informal recycling activities to improve resource recovery.
  • The reports suggest strengthening the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to address challenges in waste management and enforcement.
  • The government of India aims to achieve 30% electric vehicle (EV) penetration by 2030, following a rise in EV sales from 50,000 units in 2016 to 2.08 million units in 2024.
  • Lithium-ion battery demand is projected to grow from 29 GWh in 2025 to 248 GWh by 2035.
  • The number of ELVs is projected to increase from 23 million in 2025 to 50 million by 2030.
  • E-waste generation in India is expected to rise from 6.19 million metric tonnes in 2024 to 14 million metric tonnes by 2030.

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CSIR-CRRI Steel Slag Technology Transforms Road Construction (End of January) ▼
  • Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh has advocated for the adoption of steel slag-based technology in sustainable road construction, particularly in difficult and hilly terrains.
  • The agreement between the Technology Development Board and Ramuka Global Eco Work for producing pothole repair mix ECOFIX, developed by CSIR-CRRI, marks a significant step in this effort.
  • Singh highlighted that this technology aligns with the circular economy's goals by utilizing industrial waste and reducing costs.
NITI Aayog unveils sectoral roadmaps to decarbonise cement, aluminium and green-transition MSMEs (End of January) ▼
  • NITI Aayog has proposed setting up a National Project Management Agency (NPMA) and allocating 8-9% of the credit-guarantee fund value to help an estimated 69 million MSMEs in the country go green as India works towards becoming Net Zero by 2070.
  • MSMEs alone have contributed 135 million tonnes of carbon emissions in 2022.
  • The Aayog has called for supporting MSMEs in terms of technology upgradation, market access, and green transition to fulfil ‘Viksit Bharat’ goals by 2047.
  • In a separate report on Roadmap for Cement Sector Decarbonisation, the Aayog has proposed increased usage of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) from municipal solid waste for substituting thermal heating from coal.
  • It has suggested increased usage of supplementary cementitious materials or clinker substitutes and scaling up Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) in the cement industry for capturing CO2 in process emission.
  • By using these three solutions, the Indian cement sector may reduce 80-85% GHG emission by 2070.
  • In a third report on Roadmap for Aluminium Sector Decarbonisation a three-stage process to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
  • Aluminium production accounted for approximately 2.8% of India’s GHG emissions or 83 MTCO2 e in 2023, and without intervention, emissions could rise to 376 MTCO2 e by 2070.
India unveils first-of-its-kind R&D roadmap to deploy Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) for 2070 net-zero target (Start of December) ▼
  • India has launched the first of its kind R&D roadmap to enable the country's net-zero emission targets of 2070 through Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS).
  • The roadmap will leverage the government's Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) funding pathways to accelerate CCUS development and deployment.
  • It will guide coordinated action, foster collaboration, and enable investments that accelerate technology deployment for reducing carbon footprints across hard-to-abate sectors such as cement, power and steel.
  • India early this year unveiled a pioneering national initiative of creating five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds in the cement sector, forming a first of its kind research and innovation cluster to combat industrial carbon emissions.
India ranks third globally in clean industrial project pipeline with $150 bn capital need (Start of November) ▼
  • India’s clean industrial project pipeline is the third largest in the world after China and the US
  • Capital requirement to operationalise the pipeline exceeds $150 billion
  • Major share of pipeline consists of greenfield facilities in chemicals sector, hydrogen, port infrastructure and core industrial production assets
  • Investments aim to accelerate industrial growth under ‘Make in India’ initiative and position India as a global hub for clean industrial production
  • Surging production and consumption in heavy industries such as steel, cement, chemicals, aviation and shipping is powering economic growth and employment

Data Privacy Day observed on January 28

Key Updates:

  • Data Privacy Day is observed on January 28 every year.
  • India notified the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules ahead of Data Privacy Day 2026.
  • The DPDP Rules aim to strengthen digital privacy governance as nearly a billion Indians use online services.

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NeSDA Way Forward December 2025 Report: 24,090 e-services across States/UTs (End of January) ▼
  • Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) released the 32nd NeSDA Way Forward monthly report for December 2025.
  • 24,090 e-services are provided across States/UTs.
  • 8,656 e-services relate to Local Governance & Utility Services.
  • 156 new e-services were added by States/UTs in November 2025.
  • 21 States/UTs achieved over 90% saturation of 59 mandatory e-services: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
  • Portals providing 100% services are Assam (Sewa Setu), Jammu & Kashmir (e-UNNAT), Karnataka (Seva Sindhu), Odisha (Odisha One), Madhya Pradesh (MP e-Service), Uttarakhand (Apuni Sarkar) and Kerala (e-Sevanam).
  • Over 90% of services are provided by 4 States/UTs through their Unified Service Delivery Portals: e-District Chandigarh, e-District Delhi, Saral Haryana and e-Mitra (Rajasthan).
  • National Digital Library of India (NDLI) and Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) are highlighted as best-practice portals of Central Government Ministries/Departments.
  • City-level digital platforms of Puducherry and Guwahati Municipalities are showcased as best practices.
Google India rolls out on-device scam detection and homomorphic encryption push as DPDP Rules take effect (End of November) ▼
  • Google India showcased privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) such as federated learning, homomorphic encryption, and differential privacy as core to implementing the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.
  • A new scam-detection feature on Pixel phones uses Gemini Nano to analyse calls in real time entirely on-device without recording audio or sending data to Google.
  • Android 11+ users will see a prominent alert when attempting to share screens with unknown contacts to combat digital arrest scams, developed with Google Play, Navi, and Paytm.
  • Google introduced Enhanced Phone Number Verification (ePNV), a SIM-based secure protocol replacing SMS OTP flows.
  • Google Pay displays over one million fraud warnings weekly and Google Play Protect blocked 115 million sideloaded app installs that abuse sensitive permissions for financial fraud.
India adopts OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework CARF (Mid of January) ▼
  • 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.
Aadhaar Vision 2032: UIDAI's Strategic and Technological Review for Future Digital ID (Start of November) ▼
  • The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has begun work on preparing Aadhaar for the future and making sure it remains inclusive and up-to-date by leveraging the latest available technology.
  • UIDAI “has embarked on a comprehensive strategic and technological review to shape the next decade of Aadhaar’s evolution through a new ‘Aadhaar Vision 2032’ framework”.
  • The review is being conducted to create a “forward-looking roadmap” to strengthen Aadhaar’s “technological foundation, integrate emerging digital innovations, and ensure that India’s digital identity platform remains robust, inclusive, and future-ready”.
  • An Expert Committee will work to create the technological and strategic roadmap for the future of Aadhaar, integrating AI, blockchain and quantum computing.
  • Neelkanth Mishra, the chairperson, of UIDAI will also play the role of the chairperson of the high-level expert committee, which includes eminent experts and leaders from academia, industry, and administration.
  • The Aadhaar Vision 2032 framework will focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Quantum Computing, Advanced Encryption, and next-generation Data Security mechanisms.
  • The Aadhaar Vision 2032 document will outline the framework for “next-generation Aadhaar architecture” that will align with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, and emerging global standards of privacy and cybersecurity.

QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026 released on 28 January 2026

Key Updates:

  • QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026 was released on 28 January 2026.
  • University of Oxford (UK) tops the ranking, overtaking ETH Zurich (Switzerland) and Imperial College London (UK).
  • Seven of the top 10 universities are UK institutions.
  • Over 950 institutions from 42 countries and territories are ranked using 12 performance indicators.
  • City St George’s, University of London is the highest-ranked new entrant at 127th place.
  • Denmark records the highest average score in seven of the twelve indicators among locations with five or more ranked institutions.
  • Ireland is the most improved location, with 87.5% of its ranked universities moving up.
  • Western Europe is the most represented sub-region with 227 ranked institutions.
  • Istanbul is the most represented metropolitan area with 29 ranked universities.
  • Baku Engineering University improved the most, rising 96 places to =395.
  • University of Oxford leads the Employer Reputation indicator, followed by University of Cambridge and Imperial College London.
  • University of Oxford also tops the Employment Outcomes indicator, followed by University of Cambridge and London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

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Oxford Word of the Year 2025 shortlist announced (End of November) ▼
  • Oxford University Press announced the shortlist for Oxford Word of the Year 2025.
  • The three shortlisted words are 'Aura Farming', 'Biohack', and 'Rage Bait'.
  • The winning word will be announced on December 1.
Brand Finance ranks Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys in top three global IT services brands. (End of January) ▼
  • Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) holds a brand value of USD 21.2 billion and is the world's second most valuable IT services brand.
  • Infosys, with a brand value of USD 16.4 billion, is the third most valuable IT services brand and the fastest growing over the past six years with a brand value CAGR of 15 per cent.
  • India and the United States each have eight firms featured in the top 25 IT services brands worldwide.
  • Accenture retains the top position with a brand value of USD 42.2 billion.
  • HCLTech and Wipro are also ranked in the top 10, while Tech Mahindra holds the 12th position.
  • The collective brand value of the world's top 25 IT services brands stands at USD 167.2 billion.
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.
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.

International Day of Clean Energy observed on 26 January

Key Updates:

  • The International Day of Clean Energy is observed annually on 26 January.
  • The date marks the anniversary of the founding of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2009.
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially proclaimed 26 January as the International Day of Clean Energy in 2023.
  • The theme for 2026 focuses on accelerating the global transition to renewable, affordable, and sustainable energy for all.
  • The observance aims to raise awareness for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
  • India link not mentioned in the article.

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Mumbai hosts India’s first city-led climate initiative framing climate action as a child right (End of January) ▼
  • Mumbai is slated to host the ‘Mumbai Climate Week 2026’ from February 17 to 19, marking India’s first city-led initiative dedicated to fostering local action through citizen-driven solutions.
  • UNICEF India and YuWaah have been named the official youth engagement partners for the event.
  • Campus Climate Roadshows will be organised across select Mumbai colleges from February 9 to 16, featuring a signature electronic waste installation under the education ministry’s ‘Mission LiFE’.
National Energy Conservation Award 2025: Goa bags second prize in Category 4 (Mid of December) ▼
  • Goa was awarded the second prize in category 4 of the National Energy Conservation Award 2025 by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
  • The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi in the presence of Union power minister Manohar Lal and MoS (power) Shripad Naik.
  • The head of the state-designated agency in Goa responsible for energy conservation and efficiency activities, Mayur Hede, received the award.
  • The annual awards recognise outstanding achievements by states, Union territories, organisations, industries, and other entities in promoting energy efficiency, conservation, and sustainable practices.
National Energy Conservation Day observed on December 14 (Mid of December) ▼
  • The National Energy Conservation Day is celebrated every year on December 14 since 1991.
  • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, spearheads the celebrations every year.
  • The objective of the day is to drive mass awareness about the importance of energy efficiency and conservation.
  • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) recognizes industries with National Energy Conservation Awards and awards prizes to national winners of the annual National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation.
  • The National Energy Conservation Awards were given away for the first time on December 14, 1991.
  • Beginning 2021, the Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards (NEEIA) were added under two categories: Buildings, Transport and Industries; and Students and Research Scholars.
  • The Ministry of Power launched the National Painting Competition in 2005 to promote energy conservation among students.
World Sustainable Transport Day 2025: 29th November, Accelerating Clean, Inclusive, and Resilient Mobility (End of November) ▼
  • World Sustainable Transport Day is observed globally on 29th November.
  • The theme for World Sustainable Transport Day 2025 focuses on accelerating clean, inclusive, and resilient mobility.
  • The slogan for World Sustainable Transport Day 2025 is “Accelerating the shift: Paving the way for inclusive and Resilient Mobility”.
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) formally established World Sustainable Transport Day in a resolution adopted on May 16, 2023.
  • The initiative for World Sustainable Transport Day was led by Turkmenistan.
  • The date of November 26 was chosen for World Sustainable Transport Day because the first United Nations (UN) Global Sustainable Transport Conference was held on that day in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in 2016.
  • A general slogan for World Transport Day is “Move Green, Move Smart”.

International Customs Day observed on 26 January 2026

Key Updates:

  • International Customs Day (ICD) is observed annually on 26 January to recognise the role of customs administrations in facilitating global trade, protecting borders, and preventing illegal movement of goods.
  • The theme for ICD 2026 is Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment.
  • The theme focuses on innovation, digital transformation, and adaptive strategies to secure global trade against challenges such as e-commerce, cross-border crime, and supply chain risks.
  • The observance traces its origins to 1953, when the first session of the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) was held in Brussels, Belgium.
  • The CCC is now known as the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
  • The WCO represents 183 member countries and works to strengthen customs systems worldwide.
  • Customs authorities are responsible for preventing smuggling and illegal trade, streamlining import and export processes, and collecting duties to support government revenue.
  • Customs administrations also focus on adapting to challenges such as e-commerce and digital trade while strengthening international cooperation through trade agreements.
  • ICD aims to raise awareness among travellers and businesses regarding compliance with customs laws to help reduce violations and improve trade efficiency.

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World Customs Organization (WCO) marks International Customs Day 2026 on January 26 (End of January) ▼
  • International Customs Day 2026 was observed on January 26.
  • The World Customs Organization (WCO) announced the 2026 theme as 'Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment'.
  • The day traces its origin to the first session of the Customs Cooperation Council held in Brussels, Belgium in 1953.
  • The Customs Cooperation Council is today known as the World Customs Organization (WCO).
  • WCO represents 183 member countries working to strengthen customs systems worldwide.
India DGFT, MEA and FIEO organise National Conference on Strategic Trade Controls 2026 (Mid of January) ▼
  • DGFT, in collaboration with MEA and FIEO, organised the National Conference on Strategic Trade Controls (NCSTC) 2026 in New Delhi.
  • The Conference provided a platform for discussions on India’s Strategic Trade Control framework, including policies and procedures governing the export of dual-use and sensitive goods under the SCOMET framework.
  • The third edition of the Handbook on India’s Strategic Trade Control System was released during the inaugural session.
  • The Conference included seven thematic sessions covering licensing framework, enforcement mechanisms, compliance, supply chain security, AEO programme, ITT, and sector-specific controls.
  • Discussions covered emerging technologies such as quantum-related items, advanced computing, semiconductors, additive manufacturing, aerospace technologies and cyber security in context of SCOMET List updates.
  • Over 500 stakeholders participated, including Government officials, industry representatives, exporters, compliance professionals, academia, research institutions, and international participants.
International Migrants Day observed on December 18 with theme 'My Great Story: Cultures and Development' (Mid of December) ▼
  • International Migrants Day is observed each year on December 18 to acknowledge the millions of people who leave their homes in search of safety, opportunity and dignity across borders.
  • The theme for International Migrants Day 2025 is 'My Great Story: Cultures and Development.'
  • On December 4, 2000, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated December 18 as International Migrants Day.
International Day of Epidemic Preparedness observed on December 27 (End of December) ▼
  • International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is observed annually on December 27.
  • The United Nations General Assembly officially designated this day in December 2020 through Resolution 75/27.
  • The initiative was spearheaded by Vietnam and supported by several other nations.
  • The first observance took place on December 27, 2020.