Daily Current Affairs: 30 December 2025

Hugh Morris, former England and Glamorgan batter and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive, passes away at 62

[England, Wales, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)]

Key Updates:

• Hugh Morris captained England A as well as leading Glamorgan over two spells.
• He was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January 2022 and left his role as Glamorgan chief executive in September 2023.
• Morris led Glamorgan to the Sunday League title in 1993 and won three full England caps.
• He spent 16 years in various senior roles at the ECB and oversaw three consecutive Ashes series wins for the England men's Test team.
• He was appointed MBE in 2022 for services to cricket and charity and was inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in September 2024.

Brigitte Bardot passed away at age 91

[France]

Key Updates:

• Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot, French cinema actress and founder of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation (BBF), passed away at 91.
• French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute, stating the nation was mourning 'a legend of the century'.
• The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announced her death with 'immense sadness' and remembered her as 'a world-renowned actress and singer'.

Jayshree Ullal topped Hurun India Rich List 2025

Key Updates:

• Jayshree Ullal, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Arista Networks (Arista), topped the Hurun India Rich List 2025 of the richest professional managers of Indian-origin.
• She surpassed Satya Nadella of Microsoft and Sundar Pichai of Google in personal wealth with an estimated net worth of $5.7 billion.
• She joined Arista in September 2008 and has led the company as its CEO for 17 years.
• She secured the second rank among the top five generation women wealth creators under the Candere Hurun Indian Women Leaders List 2025.
• She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering in 2025 in recognition of her professional contributions.
• Her professional career includes previous roles at Cisco Systems, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Fairchild Semiconductor.

Government projects India to become 3rd-largest economy with $7.3 trillion GDP by 2030

Key Updates:

• India’s real GDP grew 8.2 per cent in Q2 FY2025-26, up from 7.8 per cent in the previous quarter and 7.4 per cent in Q4 of 2024-25.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2025-26 upwards to 7.3 per cent from the earlier estimate of 6.8 per cent.
• With GDP valued at $4.18 trillion, India has surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy.
• India is poised to displace Germany from the third rank in the next 2.5 to 3 years with a projected GDP of $7.3 trillion by 2030.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) secures 100% duty-free access for Indian exports to Australia

[Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI), Australia]

Key Updates:

• Australia will provide duty-free access to 100% of its tariff lines for Indian exports starting Jan 1, 2026, under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).
• India's exports to Australia grew by 8% in 2024-25, with significant gains in manufacturing, chemicals, textiles, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and petroleum products.
• Gems and jewellery exports to Australia recorded a growth of 16% during the April-Nov 2025 period.
• Agri-exports witnessed broad-based growth in categories including fruits, vegetables, marine products, spices, and coffee.
• The ECTA, which came into force on Dec 29, 2022, serves as the foundation for ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).

Dulhasti Stage-II Hydropower Project receives environmental clearance

Key Updates:

• The Expert Appraisal Committee under the Ministry of Environment accorded environmental clearance to the 260-megawatt Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project on Chenab river in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir.
• The project is estimated to cost over ₹3,200 crore and will be implemented as a run-of-the-river scheme.
• The clearance was granted during the 45th meeting of the Expert Appraisal Committee on hydel projects.

Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Authorizes ₹1.60 Lakh Crore for Hospital Admissions

[Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)]

Key Updates:

• The government's flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) saw a major expansion with Delhi and Odisha signing the MoU with the Ministry of Health (MoH) for its implementation.
• The MoH initiative provides free treatment benefits of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, through Ayushman Vay Vandana cards.
• As of December 1, a total of 10.98 crore hospital admissions amounting to Rs 1.60 lakh crore have been authorised under the AB-PMJAY since its inception in 2018.
• The eSanjeevani telemedicine service provided more than 43.2 crore free tele-consultations, ensuring access to specialist doctors in rural and remote areas.
• Under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), more than 84.35 crore health accounts (ABHA accounts) have been created so far to facilitate digital storage and sharing of medical records.
• The 100 Days TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched on December 7, 2024, in 347 high priority districts, was expanded to cover all districts of the country to strengthen testing, treatment, and nutritional support.
• The MoH launched AI-driven healthcare reforms, establishing three centres of excellence for AI in healthcare at AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and AIIMS Rishikesh.
• An Android-based 'Ayushman app' was launched by the National Health Authority (NHA) featuring face-auth, OTP, IRIS, and fingerprint authentication for Ayushman card creation.

‘Green to Gold’ Initiative: ₹1,000–₹2,000 Crore Annual Revenue for Himachal Pradesh

[Himachal Pradesh]

Key Updates:

• Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative, which is "aimed at transforming industrial hemp into a key driver of sustainable growth."
• The policy is "aligned with the vision of making Himachal a self-reliant state by 2027" by transforming hemp into a globally valued industrial and medicinal resource.
• The Himachal Pradesh cabinet approved the policy on "Jan 24 this year," with a pilot project for controlled cultivation set to begin soon.
• The initiative mandates "strict enforcement of THC levels below 0.3%, ensuring the crop remains non-intoxicating and unsuitable for misuse."
• State government projections suggest that regulated hemp farming could "generate Rs 1,000–Rs 2,000 crore annually" for the public exchequer.
• The policy aims to ensure the state's natural wealth "benefits local farmers, youth, and the public exchequer" while providing a climate-resilient alternative for agriculture.
• Industrial hemp is promoted as a sustainable resource that "requires nearly 50% less water and can grow in marginal soils" compared to traditional crops.
• Under the "‘Hemp-Hub' vision," the state aims to become a manufacturing center for products like hempcrete, specialized textiles, and Ayurvedic medicines.

Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) approved with over ₹7,000 crore outlay

Key Updates:

• The Government has approved over 7 thousand crore rupees for the ‘Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets’ (REPM).
• REPM aims to build India’s first integrated domestic manufacturing ecosystem for high-value magnets and create 6,000 metric tonnes per annum capacity spanning the entire value chain from rare-earth oxides to finished magnets.
• The Ministry of Mines has entered into bilateral agreements with mineral-rich countries, including Australia, Argentina and Zambia, to support the initiative.

Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) approved with an outlay of ₹7,280 crore

Key Updates:

• The Government has approved the ‘Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnet’ (REPM) with a financial outlay of ₹7,280 crore.
• The scheme aims to establish 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of integrated REPM manufacturing capacity in India, covering the full chain from rare-earth oxides to finished magnets.
• The total capacity will be distributed among up to five beneficiaries through a global competitive bidding process, with each beneficiary eligible for up to 1,200 MTPA, ensuring diversification along with adequate scale.
• The scheme includes a strong incentive structure, with ₹6,450 crore earmarked as sales-linked incentives for REPM production over five years.
• A ₹750 crore capital subsidy will support the establishment of advanced, integrated REPM manufacturing facilities.
• The scheme will be implemented over seven years, comprising a two-year gestation period for setting up the integrated REPM facilities followed by five years of incentive disbursement linked to REPM sales.
• This also complements India’s broader focus on strengthening its critical mineral value chain through the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), which aims to improve availability and processing capabilities for key minerals, including rare-earth elements utilised across advanced sectors.
• The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) has been reformed under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023 to strengthen India’s critical minerals ecosystem by opening private participation in all spheres of mineral exploration.

Uttar Pradesh State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (UP-SEIAA) cancels Environmental Clearance for sand mining in Jhansi

[Uttar Pradesh]

Key Updates:

• The Uttar Pradesh State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (UP-SEIAA) cancelled the environmental clearance (EC) for sand mining on river Dhasan in Jhansi district.
• The EC was previously cancelled after gross irregularities were discovered during the excavation of sand from the riverbed.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench stated in their judgment dated Dec 24 that the appeal was barred by the limitation of the appeal time, which is a maximum period of 90 days.
• The court fined Saxena Rs 25,000 for his false claim of not receiving the order of cancellation of the EC.

IS 19262: 2025 ‘Electric Agricultural Tractors — Test Code’ released to ensure safety and performance standards

Key Updates:

• The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (MoCA,F&PD) released IS 19262: 2025 ‘Electric Agricultural Tractors — Test Code’ on 28 DEC 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the standard ensures the safety, reliability, and performance of electric agricultural tractors through uniform and standardized testing protocols.
• IS 19262: 2025 establishes a common understanding among stakeholders regarding terminology and tests for PTO power, drawbar power, and the performance of belts and pulleys.
• The standard was formulated following a request from the Mechanization & Technology Division of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) to develop electric tractor standards on priority.
• The implementation of the standard through authorized testing institutes aims to facilitate wider adoption of electric agricultural tractors and contribute to reduced emissions and sustainable mechanization.
• The notification of this standard is voluntary and marks a step towards strengthening India’s standardization framework for emerging technologies in the agriculture sector.

Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) notified with ₹44,700 Crore Outlay

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) notified the operational guidelines for the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capacity.
• The total approved outlay for the initiatives is ₹44,700 crore, comprising ₹24,736 crore for SBFAS and ₹19,989 crore for SbDS.
• Under SBFAS, the government will provide financial assistance ranging from 15% to 25% per vessel, depending on the vessel category, with stage-wise disbursement linked to defined milestones.
• The SBFAS introduces a Shipbreaking Credit Note, providing ship owners scrapping vessels at Indian yards a credit equivalent to 40% of the scrap value to support a circular economy.
• The SbDS provides 100% capital support for common maritime and internal infrastructure in greenfield shipbuilding clusters through a 50:50 Centre–State special purpose vehicle.
• Existing shipyards are eligible for 25% capital assistance under SbDS for brownfield expansion of critical infrastructure such as dry docks, shiplifts, and automation systems.
• The schemes include the establishment of a National Shipbuilding Mission and an India Ship Technology Centre under the Indian Maritime University to support research, design, and innovation.
• Both schemes will remain valid until March 31, 2036, with an in-principle extension envisaged up to 2047 to help India's commercial shipbuilding capacity rise to 4.5 million gross tonnage per annum.

Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) expands to Odisha and Delhi with Rs 5 lakh annual health cover

[Odisha, Delhi]

Key Updates:

• Odisha and Delhi signed MoU with the health ministry for implementation of AB-PMJAY, leaving only West Bengal outside the scheme’s coverage.
• Ayushman Vay Vandana cards provide free treatment benefits up to Rs 5 lakh per year to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of socio-economic status.
• An Android-based ‘Ayushman app’ launched by National Health Authority enables self-verification and supports face-auth, OTP, IRIS, and fingerprint modes for Ayushman card creation.

e-Swasthya Samvad: Strengthening Governance in Medical Education

[Rajasthan]

Key Updates:

• The Rajasthan government has launched a new digital communication platform, 'e-Swasthya Samvad (ESS)', to improve governance, transparency and coordination in the Medical Education Department (MED).
• The initiative has been introduced under the direction of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Medical Education Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar as part of efforts to strengthen health services through technology-driven reforms.
• The platform would function as a dedicated digital interface connecting all stakeholders associated with medical education and health services, enabling faster decision-making and effective implementation of health programmes.
• The interaction will be held in two phases, including an open interaction with faculty members, doctors, nursing staff, students and the public from 6 pm.
• Medical Education Commissioner Naresh Goyal said 'e-Swasthya Samvad' will be conducted twice a week -- every Tuesday and Thursday -- through video conferencing.
• Decisions taken during meetings will be recorded instantly, and concerned officials will be required to submit action taken reports within 72 hours.
• The platform was launched on Dec 29, 2025, to facilitate discussions on budget announcements, implementation of health schemes, and infrastructure projects.

Thailand and Cambodia sign ceasefire agreement after weeks of deadly border fighting

[Thailand, Cambodia]

Key Updates:

• Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement that took effect at noon local time, calling for a halt in military movements and airspace violations for military purposes.
• The agreement was signed by Cambodia's Defense Minister Tea Seiha and Thailand's Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit at a border checkpoint in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand.
• The deal includes a provision for Thailand to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers held as prisoners since earlier fighting in July, contingent on the ceasefire holding for 72 hours.
• The agreement reaffirms commitment to an earlier ceasefire brokered by Malaysia and pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump, formalized in October at a regional meeting in Malaysia.
• Both sides agreed to joint humanitarian demining operations and to refrain from disseminating false information or fake news.
• The agreement also calls for resumption of previous measures to demarcate the border and cooperation in suppressing transnational crimes, particularly online scams.

North Korea conducts long-range strategic cruise missile drill under Kim Jong Un

[North Korea]

Key Updates:

• Kim Jong Un oversaw a long-range strategic cruise missile launching drill, state media KCNA reported.
• The cruise missiles flew along their preset orbit above the sea west of the Korean Peninsula and accurately hit their targets.
• Kim described the missile test as 'just a responsible exercise' given that the country 'is facing various security threats.'
• Kim urged 'unlimited and sustained' development of the country's nuclear weapons forces.
• State media photos showed Kim inspecting a nearly completed 8,700-ton hull at a shipyard, indicating progress on North Korea's first nuclear-powered submarine.
• South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is expected to seek China's cooperation on addressing Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions during his planned visit to China.
• Japan, South Korea, and the United States have conducted expanded joint air drills, including US B-52 bombers flying with Japanese fighter jets over the Sea of Japan.

China's People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command launches Just Mission 2025 live-fire drills around Taiwan

[China]

Key Updates:

• The Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command announced 'Just Mission 2025' live-fire drills to the north and southwest of the Taiwan Strait, involving air, navy and rocket troops.
• Taiwan detected at least 14 Chinese naval vessels, 14 coast guard ships and 89 aircraft, 67 of which entered Taiwan’s response zones.
• The drills included fighter jets, bombers, unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range rockets, and practised strikes on land and maritime targets.
• China stated the drills serve 'as a serious warning to Taiwan Independence separatist forces and external interference forces'.
• Taiwan’s defence ministry posted a video showcasing US-made HIMARS rocket systems capable of hitting coastal targets in China’s Fujian province.
• The exercises forced diversion of commercial flights, impacting more than 100,000 international and 6,000 domestic passengers.
• China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian warned that 'external forces attempting to use Taiwan to contain China and arm Taiwan will only embolden pro-independence arrogance'.
• Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te said the island must 'keep raising the difficulty so that China can never meet that standard' for invasion.

Poland to build $2.2 bn multi-layered anti-drone defences to counter Russian threat

[Poland, Russia]

Key Updates:

• Poland is set to build a roughly $2.2 billion multi-layered anti-drone fortification along its eastern border.
• The system will integrate drone-jamming systems, machine guns, cannons and missiles.
• First capabilities are expected in roughly six months, with full completion targeted within 24 months.
• Most of the cost will be covered by European funds under the SAFE defence loan programme, with additional contributions from Poland’s own defence budget.

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accords Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Armed Forces proposals worth Rs 79,000 crore

Key Updates:

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: 'The decisions taken today will help in enhancing operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.'
• AoN approved for Loiter Munition System for Artillery Regiments, Low Level Light Weight Radars, Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka MRLS, and Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II for Indian Army.
• For Indian Navy: AoN accorded for procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radios (HF SDR) Manpack, and leasing High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
• For Indian Air Force: AoN approved for Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II Missiles, Full Mission Simulator for LCA Tejas, and SPICE-1000 Long Range Guidance Kits.

Indian Air Force Software Development Institute and IIT Madras sign MoU for indigenous airborne communication system

[Indian Institute of Technology Madras]

Key Updates:

• The IAF's Software Development Institute (SDI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT-Madras for the joint design and development of an indigenous digital communication system for airborne applications.
• The MoU was signed by Air Vice Marshal R Guruhari, Commandant, SDI; Prof V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras and Dr M J Shankar Raman, CEO, Pravartak Technologies Foundation.
• The collaboration aims to develop advanced algorithms for networking and encryption critical for secure, reliable, and high-performance data exchange in dynamic airborne environments.
• Key focus areas include advanced encryption protocols, secure data transmission, resilience against threats, scalability for airborne networks, and integration with existing defence systems.

Adani Group partners Vidya Pratishthan to launch Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Baramati

[Adani Group]

Key Updates:

• The Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence has been established under Vidya Pratishthan, Baramati, Maharashtra with funding from Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani.
• An MoU has been formally signed between Adani Group and Vidya Pratishthan to enhance AI collaboration.
• This partnership is a commitment to build applied technological capability, where AI research, engineering, and execution move together in an integrated fashion.

Christian Aid pegs 2025 climate-disaster bill above USD 122 billion

Key Updates:

• Heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and storms cost the world more than USD 120 billion in 2025.
• The single costliest event, California wildfires, caused USD 60 billion in damage and over 400 deaths.
• November cyclones and floods across Southeast Asia inflicted USD 25 billion in damage and killed more than 1,750 people.
• China’s floods led to USD 11.7 billion in damage, displaced thousands and killed at least 30.
• Asia accounted for four of the top six costliest disasters, including flooding in India and Pakistan that killed over 1,860 people and cost up to USD 6 billion.
• Typhoons in the Philippines caused more than USD 5 billion in damage and displaced over 1.4 million people.
• Flooding in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo affected thousands, with potentially up to 700 deaths in Nigeria alone.
• Drought in Brazil, summer wildfires in Spain and Portugal, and February cyclones in Australia and Réunion island all inflicted major losses.
• Record-breaking sea temperatures and coral bleaching in Western Australia were recorded alongside worrying extremes in Antarctica.
• Christian Aid stresses that continued fossil-fuel expansion and political delay are driving these predictable disasters.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to commission third launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in four years

[Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Satish Dhawan Space Centre]

Key Updates:

• ISRO is developing a third launch pad at the Shriharikota spaceport and is currently identifying the right vendors for the project.
• The new launch pad is required to handle bigger launch vehicles needed for satellites weighing over 12,000–14,000 kg.
• Shriharikota complex, renamed Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) on September 5, 2002, covers 175 sq km and is located about 135 km east of Chennai.

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detects organic molecules in planet-forming disk of star T Chamaeleontis (T Cha)

Key Updates:

• Astronomers studied the young, Sun-like star T Chamaeleontis (T Cha), which is located approximately 350 light-years from Earth.
• The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) revealed the presence of complex organic molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the star's circumstellar disk.
• A sudden burst of accretion in 2022 caused the partial collapse of the disk’s inner wall, allowing ultraviolet (UV) radiation to illuminate previously hidden regions.
• The detection was made using the JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), which captured the PAH glow in the 5–15 microns wavelength range.
• Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), led the analysis of the spectroscopic data.
• The study found that the PAHs in the T Cha disk are relatively small, containing fewer than 30 carbon atoms.
• Comparison with archival data from the Spitzer Space Telescope from 2002 showed that the intrinsic properties of the molecules remained stable over nearly two decades.
• The T Cha system contains a wide gap in its disk believed to have been carved out by an emerging protoplanet.

Lantana camara’s allelopathy and toxicity turn invaded lands into biodiversity deserts

Key Updates:

• Lantana camara grows in a notoriously aggressive way, releasing chemicals into the soil that suppress other vegetation.
• Its leaves, flowers, and berries contain toxins that make them harmful to livestock.
• The plant’s roots dig deep into the soil and spread wide in search of water and nutrients.
• A fine coat of resin on its leaves slows down water loss, letting it thrive even in the poorest soils and through the hottest and driest days.

Rare Clouded Leopard Sighted in Kakoi Reserve Forest (RF) Highlights Conservation of Smaller Habitats

Key Updates:

• The Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a vulnerable and Schedule I–protected species.
• The species was sighted at the Kakoi Reserve Forest (RF) located in the eastern Himalayan foothills of Assam.
• The sighting was recorded during a routine camera-trap exercise.
• The presence of the species highlights the vital role smaller reserve forests play in the conservation of threatened carnivores.
• A Siberian tigress was spotted with five cubs in China.
• Forest officials in Panchkula have deployed drones for rescue teams following an alert over a leopard sighting.
• A rare red fox appeared near Pangong Tso, leading an IFS officer to flag conservation concerns.
• The Nature Conservancy is restoring habitat for a rare moth and other prairie species.

Government declares Parvati-Arga Bird Sanctuary as Eco-Sensitive Zone

Key Updates:

• The Government has declared the Parvati-Arga Bird Sanctuary of Uttar Pradesh as an Eco sensitive zone.
• Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, said that through this initiative, the government is working to develop it as a responsible ecotourism destination and strengthen its biodiversity.
• The sanctuary, spread across one thousand 84 hectares, welcomes migratory birds from Central Asia and Tibet.

National Test House (NTH) inks MoU with DRDO’s DMSRDE for joint research, testing and training

[Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]

Key Updates:

• The National Test House (NTH), under the Department of Consumer Affairs, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Defence Materials and Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), a DRDO laboratory.
• Both institutions will extend mutual support in testing and evaluation services, particularly when specialised facilities are not available in-house.
• The collaboration is expected to promote knowledge sharing and skill development among scientific and technical personnel.

India Ranks Third in Global Rare Earth Reserves Amidst Production and Processing Challenges

Key Updates:

• India holds about 6.9 million tonnes of rare earth oxide (REO) reserves, placing it behind only China and Brazil.
• In 2024, India produced only 2,900 tonnes of rare earths, ranking seventh globally.
• Most of India's reserves are found in monazite-rich coastal sands, which also contain thorium, a radioactive element.
• Production was largely restricted and handled mainly by Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), where rare earth elements were treated as by-products rather than strategic resources.
• China controls about 90 per cent of global rare earth refining capacity and almost the entire processing of heavy rare earth elements.
• India holds nearly 6-7 per cent of global rare earth reserves, yet contributes less than 1 per cent of global production.
• The report highlighted that processing and refining is the biggest challenge, as India has very limited processing and refining capacity.

Russia launches 52 satellites in one mission, puts 3 Iranian spacecraft into orbit

[Russia, Iran]

Key Updates:

• Russia lifted a Soyuz-2.1b from Vostochny with 52 satellites and separately placed three Iranian communications payloads in orbit.
• Roscosmos said the payload includes two Aist-2T satellites and 50 smaller spacecraft.
• The Aist-2T satellites are designed to photograph the Earth’s surface and produce stereoscopic images to build digital terrain models.
• Some smaller satellites are CubeSats under the Universat program and will study climate change and “space weather” in low Earth orbit for the Russian Hydrometeorological Service.
• A Russian rocket placed the Iranian satellites — Paya, Kowsar, and Zafar-2 — into a 500-kilometre orbit from Vostochny.
• The satellites can capture images with up to three-meter resolution for management of water resources, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.

Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) to host eight disciplines of World Police & Fire Games 2029

[Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), World Police & Fire Games]

Key Updates:

• RRU in Gujarat will host Wrist Wrestling, Bench Press, Bodybuilding, Cross Country 10km, Push-Pull Lifting, Muster, Indoor Rowing and Darts.
• The university has established a dedicated Secretariat to coordinate planning, logistics, venue management and athlete services.
• RRU is building a cadre of 500 trained volunteers to support the Games.

Sonam Yeshey of Bhutan records first T20 8-wicket haul against Myanmar

[Bhutan, Myanmar]

Key Updates:

• Sonam Yeshey became the first player in T20 history, across international and domestic cricket, to take eight wickets in a single match.
• The 22-year-old left-arm spinner achieved record-breaking figures of 8/7 from four overs during the third T20I against Myanmar.
• The match was held at Gelephu Mindfulness City on December 26, 2025.
• Bhutan successfully defended a total of 127/9 by dismissing Myanmar for 45 runs.
• Yeshey surpassed the previous T20I records of seven-wicket hauls held by Syazrul Idrus of Malaysia and Ali Dawood of Bahrain.
• The spinner has taken a total of 12 wickets in the series so far, bringing his career tally to 37 wickets in 34 T20Is.

Surya Charishma Tamiri outlasts Tanvi Patri for national badminton title

Key Updates:

• Surya Charishma Tamiri beat Tanvi Patri 17-21, 21-12, 21-14 in the women’s singles final.
• The final was held at the 87th Senior National Badminton Championships in Vijayawada.
• Rithvik Sanjeevi Sathish Kumar defeated Bharat Raghav 21-16, 22-20 to win the men’s singles title.

Kanger Valley National Park Status 1982

Key Updates:

• Kanger Valley got the status of a national park in the year 1982.
• The state bird, Bastar Maina, is a type of Hill maina (gruncula Dhariosoa), which is capable of emulating the human voices.
• This National Park is home to three exceptional caves – famous for their amazing geological structures of Kutumbasar, Kailash and Dandak- Stellagmites and Stalactitees.
• Tirathgarh Waterfall is located in Kanger Valley National Park.
• The Kenjhardhara and Bhainsadhara are famous for Crocodile Park.
• Bastar has its own Airport which is operated by State Government under UDAN Scheme.
• The name of Kanger Ghati National Park is derived from the Kangar river, which flows in its length.
• Kanger Valley is spread over 200 square kilometers.

2,000-year-old Buddhist site from Kushan Period resurfaces in Kashmir

Key Updates:

• Archaeologists in Zehanpora village have unearthed a significant Buddhist site dating back to the Kushan period, revealing stupas and monastic structures.
• The discovery was initially sparked by old photographs in a French museum.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the discovery a 'proud moment' and described the site as a window into the state’s ancient identity.

Prime Minister signs off Mann Ki Baat 2025 with focus on youth and culture

Key Updates:

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