Rakesh Aggarwal assigned additional charge of Director General of National Investigation Agency (NIA)
[National Investigation Agency (NIA)]
Key Updates:
- Rakesh Aggarwal, a 1994-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Himachal Pradesh cadre, has been assigned the additional charge of Director General of National Investigation Agency (NIA).
- He is currently serving as Special Director General of the NIA.
- The assignment follows the premature repatriation of incumbent DG Sadanand Vasant Date, a 1990-batch Maharashtra cadre IPS officer, to his parent cadre.
- Aggarwal will hold the additional charge till the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Similar Coverage
- 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.
- Suresh Goyal will take over as the director general of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) on January 5, 2026.
- He succeeds Poonam Gupta, who led the organisation from July 2021 to April 2025.
- Goyal joins NCAER after serving as the Managing Director and CEO of the National Highway Infra Trust (NHIT).
- Justice Vikram Nath has been nominated as the new executive chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
- The appointment takes effect from November 24.
- The nomination was made by the President of India and notified by the ministry of law and justice.
- As per convention, the post of executive chairperson of NALSA goes to the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court.
- Justice Nath is currently next in line after Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.
- NALSA is tasked with ensuring free and competent legal services for marginalised and economically weaker citizens.
- Justice Nath is also in line to serve as the CJI for seven months.
- NALSA's constitutional mandate under Article 39A is to ensure that no individual is denied justice due to financial or social constraints.
- Before this appointment, Justice Nath served as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).
- Justice Vikram Nath was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2021.
- He previously served as chief justice of the Gujarat High Court.
- Justice Nath was part of the five-judge Constitution bench that delivered an opinion on the President’s Article 143 reference concerning delays in granting assent to state bills.
- This bench held that neither the Governors nor the President could be bound by judicially imposed timelines for granting assent.
- Justice Nath led the three-judge bench that modified directions concerning mass capture and non-release of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR.
- The larger bench directed all states and Union territories to remove stray dogs from schools, hospitals, sports complexes, bus depots, and railway stations, and said they cannot be released back after sterilization.
- Justice Nath’s bench sought the Union government’s response on whether individuals acquitted after years on death row are entitled to compensation for wrongful incarceration.
- He authored the judgment for the three-judge bench that acquitted Surendra Koli in the sole surviving Nithari killing case.
- The bench held that Koli's conviction could not be sustained when he had already been acquitted in other connected cases arising from the same set of facts and evidentiary material.
- Justice Nath, along with Justice Sandeep Mehta, issued comprehensive guidelines to address the mental health crisis among students, particularly in coaching hubs.
- Air Marshal Tejbir Singh has assumed charge as Director General Inspection & Safety at Air Headquarters of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- He takes over from Air Marshal Makarand Bhaskar Ranade, who superannuated on 30 November 2025.
- Air Marshal Tejbir Singh is an alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies, UK.
- Air Marshal Tejbir Singh has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal 2010 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal 2018.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Injects Rs 50,000 Crore via Open Market Operation (OMO)
[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]
Key Updates:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) injected Rs 50,000 crore through an open market operation (OMO) to ease liquidity stress in the banking system.
- The RBI received bids worth Rs 1.39 lakh crore for this second tranche of the Rs 1 lakh crore OMO announced earlier in the month.
- The inter-bank liquidity system deficit was recorded at Rs 68,586 crore as of Wednesday due to advanced tax outflows.
- The central bank utilized a $5 billion dollar-rupee swap deal and the purchase of government securities to inject durable liquidity into the system.
- The RBI purchased seven dated stocks, including the 6.75% 2029, 6.10% 2031, 6.54% 2032, 7.18% 2033, 6.33% 20235, 7.23% 2039, and 7.09% 2054 papers.
Similar Coverage
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will purchase government securities worth ₹2 lakh crore through Open Market Operations (OMO) to inject liquidity into the banking system.
- The RBI will conduct a USD 10 billion buy/sell dollar-rupee swap auction for a tenor of three years on January 13, 2026.
- The OMO purchase auctions for an aggregate amount of ₹2,00,000 crore will be held in four tranches of ₹50,000 crore each.
- The four OMO tranches are scheduled for December 29, 2025, January 5, 2026, January 12, 2026, and January 22, 2026.
- Under the swap arrangement, a bank will sell US dollars to the RBI and simultaneously agree to buy the same amount back at the end of the three-year period.
- These measures follow a previous RBI action involving ₹1 lakh crore OMO purchase auctions and a USD 5 billion Buy/Sell Swap auction for a tenor of three years.
- RBI will buy Rs 2 lakh crore of government bonds through open market operations in four tranches of Rs 50,000 crore each.
- RBI will conduct a $10-billion buy/sell swap auction on Jan. 13 to ease dollar liquidity.
- System liquidity turned negative mid-December, driving the weighted average call rate to 5.46%, above the 5.25% repo rate.
- Between December 11 and 18, RBI had infused Rs 1.45 lakh crore through OMOs and a $5-billion swap.
- Power Finance Corp scrapped a Rs 6,000-crore bond sale after bids came in at higher-than-expected coupons.
- The 10-year benchmark yield has risen 20 basis points since Dec. 5 despite a quarter percentage point policy rate cut.
- State governments collectively raised Rs 33,720 crore through bond sales on Tuesday at cutoff yields higher than expected.
- Bank of India raised Rs 10,000 crore long term infrastructure bonds at 7.23%.
- 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.
- The retail CBDC pilot has processed more than 120 million transactions valued at over ₹28,000 crore.
- The pilot includes 17 banks and has an active user base of over 8 million.
- Retail e-rupee circulation surged 334% in Financial Year 2025 to ₹1,016.5 crore as of March 2025.
- RBI is focusing on programmability and cross-border integration for the digital rupee.
- RBI has introduced a retail sandbox enabling fintech firms to develop CBDC-based solutions.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) records November IIP growth at 6.7%
[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)]
Key Updates:
- India’s industrial output rose 6.7 per cent year-on-year in November, posting the highest rate of growth in 25 months.
- Manufacturing production grew 8 per cent, the most in 25 months.
- Mining sector growth rebounded to 5.4 per cent in November after contracting in six of the previous seven months.
- Electricity generation declined 1.5 per cent in November compared to the same month last year.
- Industrial production rose 3.3 per cent in April-November versus 4.1 per cent in the first eight months of 2024-25.
- Manufacturing output increased 4.4 per cent in April-November, while mining output fell 0.9 per cent and electricity generation dipped 0.2 per cent.
- Consumer non-durables production rose 7.3 per cent in November after falling 5.2 per cent in October.
- Capital goods output grew 10.4 per cent, infrastructure goods 12.1 per cent, and consumer durables 10.3 per cent in November.
Similar Coverage
- India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 4.0% year-on-year in September 2025.
- The growth was led by a 4.8% expansion in manufacturing.
- The data was released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
- The Quick Estimate of IIP stood at 152.8 in September 2025, up from 146.9 in September 2024.
- Sector-wise, mining output slipped 0.4%, while electricity generation grew 3.1%.
- Out of 23 manufacturing sub-groups, 13 recorded positive growth in September.
- Top performing manufacturing sectors included basic metals (12.3%), electrical equipment (28.7%), and motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers (14.6%).
- Based on use-based classification, infrastructure/construction goods grew 10.5%, consumer durables grew 10.2%, and intermediate goods grew 5.3%.
- Consumer non-durables recorded a growth rate of –2.9%.
- The next IIP release, for October 2025, is scheduled for November 28, 2025.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised India’s GDP forecast for FY2025-26 upwards to 7.3% from the earlier 6.8%.
- RBI raised Q3 FY26 growth estimate to 7.0% from 6.4%.
- RBI raised Q4 FY26 growth estimate to 6.5% from 6.2%.
- RBI raised Q1 FY27 growth projection to 6.7% from 6.4%.
- RBI projected Q2 FY27 growth at 6.8%.
- RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) cut the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%.
- India’s economy grew 8.2% in Q2 FY25, 7.8% in Q1 FY25, and 6.5% for full-year FY25.
- RBI announced Rs 1 lakh crore OMO purchases and a 3-year USD/INR swap of USD 5 billion.
- IMF projects India to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by end of 2025.
- India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) has projected India’s GDP to expand by 7.2% in the second quarter (July–September) of FY26.
- The Indian economy recorded a 5.6% growth in Q2 of FY25 and 7.8% growth in the April–June quarter of the current fiscal.
- The National Statistical Office (NSO) is scheduled to release the official GDP numbers for Q2 FY26 on November 28.
- Ind-Ra identified private consumption as a leading growth driver from the demand side and the resilient services sector along with favourable base-led goods exports growth in manufacturing as supply-side drivers for Q2 FY26.
- Retail inflation has eased faster than anticipated by both Ind-Ra and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- Ind-Ra estimates private consumption to have grown 8% year-on-year in Q2 FY26, compared to 7% in Q1 and 6.4% in Q2 FY25.
- The agency stated that investment demand grew 7.5% year-on-year during Q2 FY26.
- Ind-Ra cautioned that nominal GDP growth may have dipped below 8% year-on-year in Q2 FY26.
- Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose an annual 0.4% in October.
- IIP growth lower than upwardly revised 4.6% in September.
- IIP growth below 3.7% recorded in October last year.
- Manufacturing sector slowed to 1.8% in October.
- Manufacturing growth 4.4% in October last year.
- Electricity sector contracted 6.9% in October.
- Electricity growth 2% in same month last year.
- Mining sector fell 1.8% in October.
- Mining expansion 0.9% in year ago period.
- Capital goods sector rose 2.4% in October.
- Capital goods expansion 5.4% in September.
- Consumer durables segment fell 0.5% in October.
- Consumer durables growth 10% in September.
- Non-durables sector contracted 4.4% in October.
- Non-durables decline 0.3% in September.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) records double-digit deposit and credit growth alongside lowest gross NPAs in decades.
[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]
Key Updates:
- Commercial, co-operative and other financial institutions expanded balance sheets, though at a marginally slower pace than the previous year.
- Aggregate deposits and bank credit grew at a double-digit rate during 2024-25.
- Gross non-performing assets fell to 2.2% by March 2025 and further to 2.1% by September 2025, marking the lowest level in many decades.
- Capital to risk-weighted assets ratio for major commercial banks stood at 17.4% in March 2025 and 17.2% in September 2025.
- Return on assets was 1.4% in 2024-25 and moderated to 1.3% in the first half of 2025-26.
- Urban co-operative banks posted faster balance sheet growth, improved asset quality for the fourth straight year, and raised savings and profits.
- Non-banking financial companies reported double-digit credit growth, better loan quality and maintained strong financial buffers.
Similar Coverage
- Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) dropped to 2.31% by March 2025.
- Gross NPAs peaked at 11.46% in 2018.
- Net NPAs declined to 0.52%.
- Public Sector Banks (PSBs) reduced Gross NPAs from 9.11% in 2021 to 2.58% in 2025.
- Domestic deposits increased from ₹88.35 lakh crore in 2015 to ₹231.90 lakh crore in 2025.
- Credit grew from ₹66.91 lakh crore to ₹181.34 lakh crore between 2015 and 2025.
- Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) improved from 12.94% in 2015 to 17.36% in 2025.
- Common Equity Tier 1 (CET-1) ratio reached 14.81%.
- Public Sector Bank (PSB) profits rose from ₹1.05 lakh crore in FY 2022–23 to ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.
- Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) posted their highest ever earnings of ₹4.01 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.
- Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) earned ₹1.02 lakh crore in the first quarter of FY26.
- Return on Assets (RoA) stood at 1.37%.
- Return on Equity (RoE) stood at 14.1%.
- Key reforms include the Asset Quality Review (2015) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (2016).
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework in 2025.
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra announces a 25 basis points reduction in the repo rate to 5.25%.
- The standing deposit facility rate now stands at 5.0%, and the marginal standing facility and bank rate at 5.5%.
- RBI retains the neutral policy stance with future moves dependent on inflation trajectory, growth, and global risks.
- RBI projects CPI inflation for FY26 at 2%, with Q3 at 0.6% and Q4 at 2.9%.
- RBI revises FY26 real GDP growth forecast upward to 7.3%, with Q3 at 7% and Q4 at 6.5%.
- RBI announces ₹1 lakh crore in OMO purchases and a $5 billion dollar-rupee swap in December to augment liquidity.
- India’s forex reserves stand at USD 686 billion, providing more than 11 months of import cover.
- The 10-year bond yield drops nearly 5 basis points to 6.4581% post-policy announcement.
- RBI launches a two-month nationwide customer grievance redressal campaign starting January 1, 2026, to clear pending Ombudsman grievances.
- Bank of Baroda (BoB) received the 'Best Bank in India' title from The Banker, a Financial Times publication, at the 2025 Asia-Pacific awards.
- BoB operates phygital branches that allow customers to obtain statements, generate income tax payment certificates, update nominees and receive financial advice over video calls.
- BoB has opened 184 new branches across India to expand reach.
- BoB's Smart OD product provides small businesses quick working capital within 24 hours based on transaction history.
- BoB offers liquid fixed deposits with higher interest rates and anytime withdrawal without loss of earnings.
- NSFI 2025-30 emphasises synergistic ecosystem approach improving quality and consistency of last-mile access and effective usage of financial services.
- NSFI 2025-30 lists five objectives called Panch-Jyoti and 47 action points.
- NSFI 2025-30 adopts gender-sensitive approach for women-led financial inclusion.
- NSFI 2025-30 includes differentiated strategies for improving financial resilience of households especially underserved and vulnerable segments.
- NSFI 2025-30 focuses on improving availability and use of equitable responsible suitable and affordable financial services for households and micro enterprises.
- NSFI 2025-30 synergises livelihood skill development and support ecosystem linkages with financial inclusion.
- Earlier five-year strategy ending in 2024 achieved its objectives.
- NSFI 2025-30 framed under Technical Group on Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy (TGFIFL).
Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) to be set up at GIFT City through PPP model
[Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO)]
Key Updates:
- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel gave in-principle approval for the establishment of the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) to strengthen research and development in artificial intelligence.
- The facility will be set up through a tripartite partnership involving the state and Central governments, and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance under the PPP model.
- IAIRO will be constituted as a non-profit institute under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
- An estimated budget of approximately ₹300 crore has been earmarked for the first five years, with equal contribution of 33.33% each from the state government, the Centre, and the private partner.
- The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) has joined as the anchor private partner and will contribute ₹25 crore for the year 2025-26.
- IAIRO will function under a hybrid compute model, integrating on-premise GPU infrastructure along with national platforms such as the IndiaAI Cloud.
Similar Coverage
- Ahmedabad has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games as the delegates of 74 Commonwealth member nations ratified India’s bid at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow.
- India edged out Abuja, Nigeria, as the other bidder for the hosting.
- The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave and the Narendra Modi Stadium are going to be the prime venues for the Games.
- The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, currently under construction, will stage multiple sporting events and serve as the athletes’ village, accommodating up to 3,000 people.
- IFSCA Chairperson K Rajaraman states an expert committee is examining how GIFT City can host IP in a better and attractive way.
- Rajaraman notes that worldwide earnings on IP in terms of royalty and dividends in 2023 was around $501 billion and India’s share was 0.5 percent.
- Goutam Bhattacharya highlights that GIFT IFSC can offer a single-window advisory for patent, trademark, design, and copyright registration.
- Ankit Sahni emphasises that GIFT IFSC can enable IP-backed financing, cross-border technology licensing, royalty securitisation, and global dispute resolution.
- Infibeam Avenues' subsidiary, IA Fintech IFSC, has secured in-principle approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to operate as a Payment Service Provider (PSP) within Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT-IFSC).
- The approval will allow IA Fintech to offer regulated payment and settlement services, including escrow operations, cross-border remittances, and merchant payment processing.
- Trade finance transaction volumes at GIFT-IFSC rose from $20 billion in FY22 to $46 billion in FY25.
- The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) serves as the unified regulator for financial products, institutions, and services within the IFSC ecosystem.
- GIFT-IFSC is India’s designated international financial centre located in Gandhinagar.
- India today observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the country’s first Home Minister and a key figure in integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union.
- The day, celebrated annually on October 31 since 2014, highlights Patel’s role in strengthening national unity and reaffirms citizens’ commitment to the values of sovereignty and integrity.
- On the eve of the anniversary, the Prime Minister released a commemorative ₹ 150 coin and a postage stamp in honour of Sardar Patel.
- As part of the national observance, the “Run for Unity” was organised across the country.
DRDO successfully tests maiden Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) in Odisha
[Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Odisha]
Key Updates:
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) at the Integrated Test Range in Odisha's Chandipur.
- The rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 km, demonstrating all in-flight manoeuvres as planned.
- The LRGR impacted the target with textbook precision.
- The LRGR 120 is an extended-range, precision-guided rocket developed for the Indian Army’s Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
- Unlike earlier unguided Pinaka rockets, the LRGR is equipped with a guidance system that significantly improves accuracy.
- The rocket is fired from the existing Pinaka launcher, allowing the Army to enhance capability without inducting a new launch platform.
Similar Coverage
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed user evaluation trials of the next-generation Akash (Akash-NG) missile system, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Armed Forces. Quote: "The DRDO on Tuesday 'successfully completed' user evaluation trials of the next-generation Akash missile system, paving the way for its induction into the armed forces, officials said."
- The Akash-NG system met all Preliminary Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) and demonstrated high precision against high-speed, low-altitude, and long-range high-altitude targets. Quote: "User evaluation trials of Akash NG missile successfully completed today, meeting all PSQR requirements... The system demonstrated high precision against diverse aerial threats, including high-speed, low-altitude and long-range high-altitude targets."
- The missile system is equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully homegrown radars and Control and Command (C2) systems. Quote: "Equipped with an indigenous RF seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully homegrown radars and C2 systems, Akash-NG marks a major boost to India's air defence capability."
- During the trials, the DRDO successfully intercepted aerial targets at various ranges and altitudes, including near-boundary-low-altitude scenarios. Quote: "During the trials, the missiles successfully intercepted aerial targets at different ranges and altitudes, 'including the near-boundary-low-altitude and long-range, high-altitude scenarios,' the DRDO said."
- CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) developed the Hansa-3 NG as India's first all-composite airframe two-seater trainer aircraft for PPL and CPL training.
- Industry partner M/s Pioneer Clean Amps is setting up a facility at Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, to produce up to 100 Hansa-3 NG aircraft annually.
- CSIR-NAL is developing the 19-seater SARAS Mk-2 Light Transport Aircraft with pressurised cabin, digital avionics, glass cockpit, autopilot, and command-by-wire flight controls.
- Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the Iron Bird Facility for SARAS Mk-2 for full-system integration and ground testing of aircraft subsystems.
- CSIR-NAL inaugurated a manufacturing facility for High Altitude Platforms (HAPs), solar-powered unmanned aircraft capable of flying above 20 km altitude.
- CSIR-NAL's subscale HAP vehicle achieved 7.5 km altitude and over 10 hours endurance, with full-scale flight to 20 km targeted for 2027.
- CSIR-NAL collaborated with M/s Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd for 150-kg class Loitering Munition UAV powered by NAL’s certified Wankel engine.
- The Loitering Munition UAV features 900 km range, 6–9 hours endurance, 5 km service ceiling, GPS-denied navigation, low radar cross-section, and AI-enabled target identification.
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system.
- The test was conducted at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh.
- The test validated canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and complete aircrew recovery.
- The test was conducted in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- The complex dynamic test placed 'India in an elite club of nations with advanced in-house escape system testing capability'.
- Defence minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test as a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defence capability and a step forward towards self-reliance.
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.
- The test achieved a controlled velocity of 800 km/h, validating canopy severance, ejection sequencing and full aircrew recovery.
- The test was conducted in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- The system carried the forebody of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
- A dual-sled system with the LCA aircraft forebody was propelled to precisely controlled velocity through phased firing of multiple solid-propellant rocket motors.
- The canopy-fragilisation pattern, ejection sequence and complete aircrew-recovery process were simulated using an instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy.
- DRDO established the four-kilometre Rail Track Rocket Sled Penta Rail Supersonic Track at TBRL in 2014.
- ISRO has previously used the facility for Rail Track Rocket Sled deployment tests of the Gaganyaan pilot parachutes and Apex Cover Separation parachutes in cluster configuration.
India inaugurates DHRUV-NG next-generation civil helicopter at HAL Bengaluru
[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru]
Key Updates:
- Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated DHRUV-NG, the next-generation civil helicopter, at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.
- DHRUV-NG is a 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter engineered to master the diverse and demanding requirements of the Indian terrain.
- The helicopter is equipped with twin Shakti 1H1C engines and features a civil-certified Glass Cockpit compliant with AS4 requirements.
- It has a maximum take-off weight of 5,500 kg, a maximum speed of 285 km/h, and can carry up to 14 passengers.
- HAL offers a 'One-Stop Solution' for manufacturing, maintenance, and upgrades, with operational support through Power-By-Hour (PBH) and Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) models.
Similar Coverage
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday staged a breathtaking aerial display at Air Force Station Mohanbari to commemorate Vijay Diwas, marking the anniversary of India’s decisive victory in the 1971 war leading Pakistan’s surrender and subsequent birth of Bangladesh.
- The event was attended by Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who warmly recalled the IAF’s pivotal role in the conflict and underscored the enduring lesson of jointmanship.
- Organised by Shillong-based Eastern Air Command headquarters, the celebration showcased frontline assets including Sukhoi Su-30 fighters, Dornier Do-228 surveillance aircraft, Antonov An-32 transport planes, and heavy-lift platforms such as the Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters.
- Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh highlighted the indispensable coordination between the services, noting that river crossings, air drops, and operations in the Western Sector were possible only through close cooperation between the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
- PM Shri Tourism Helicopter Service was launched in Madhya Pradesh.
- Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, along with Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, flagged off the service.
- Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to introduce intra-state connectivity and an air ambulance.
- Through the service, tourists will now be able to enjoy spiritual and religious pilgrimages and wildlife sanctuaries in remote areas via helicopters.
- Tourists will be offered a travel and return package, including accommodation, local transportation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a guide.
- An MoU for the construction of an airport in Ujjain was also signed between the Central and state governments.
- The service will begin in Sector 1 covering Indore, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Mandu, Maheshwar, and the western region of Madhya Pradesh.
- Sector 2 will cover Central Madhya Pradesh including Bhopal, Pachmarhi, Sanchi, and Orchha.
- Sector 3 will cover Jabalpur, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Khajuraho, and Chitrakoot.
- CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) developed the Hansa-3 NG as India's first all-composite airframe two-seater trainer aircraft for PPL and CPL training.
- Industry partner M/s Pioneer Clean Amps is setting up a facility at Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, to produce up to 100 Hansa-3 NG aircraft annually.
- CSIR-NAL is developing the 19-seater SARAS Mk-2 Light Transport Aircraft with pressurised cabin, digital avionics, glass cockpit, autopilot, and command-by-wire flight controls.
- Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the Iron Bird Facility for SARAS Mk-2 for full-system integration and ground testing of aircraft subsystems.
- CSIR-NAL inaugurated a manufacturing facility for High Altitude Platforms (HAPs), solar-powered unmanned aircraft capable of flying above 20 km altitude.
- CSIR-NAL's subscale HAP vehicle achieved 7.5 km altitude and over 10 hours endurance, with full-scale flight to 20 km targeted for 2027.
- CSIR-NAL collaborated with M/s Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd for 150-kg class Loitering Munition UAV powered by NAL’s certified Wankel engine.
- The Loitering Munition UAV features 900 km range, 6–9 hours endurance, 5 km service ceiling, GPS-denied navigation, low radar cross-section, and AI-enabled target identification.
- India is procuring additional advanced satellite-linked Heron Mark II unmanned aerial vehicles from Israel under emergency provisions invoked after Operation Sindoor.
- Emergency procurement allows the armed forces to directly procure complete weapon systems up to ₹300 crore.
- Following Operation Sindoor, all three services have opted for the Heron Mk II under emergency procurement.
- The Heron Mark II has an endurance of 45 hours and a service ceiling of 35,000 feet.
- It is equipped with satellite communication, automatic take-off and landing systems, and advanced electro-optical/infrared sensors.
- India’s armed forces have initiated a tri-service programme to acquire 87 Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAVs under the Make in India initiative.
- The estimated value of the Make in India MALE UAV project is over ₹20,000 crore.
- The order will be split between two Indian vendors in a 64:36 ratio, enabling at least 60 per cent indigenous content.
FITT, IIT Delhi and IDFC FIRST Bank launch IGNITE cohort to back high-impact climate, AI and social-good startups
[IIT Delhi, IDFC FIRST Bank]
Key Updates:
- FITT, IIT Delhi in collaboration with IDFC FIRST Bank announced the launch of a new cohort under the IGNITE Program to support high-potential startups working across climate tech, clean energy, healthcare, agri-tech, mobility, education, and AI-driven solutions for social good.
- The program offers non-dilutive financial support of up to ₹30 lakhs per startup along with structured capacity-building workshops covering technology development, business strategy, and investor readiness.
- Startups gain mentorship from IIT Delhi faculty, industry experts, and IDFC FIRST Bank CSR leaders, plus access to investor connect sessions, demo day exposure, and SIDBI-FITT investment pitching opportunities.
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- SINE, IIT Bombay's umbrella organisation, launched India's first deep tech venture capital fund, Y-Point Venture Capital Fund, worth Rs 250 crore.
- The fund will invest in deep tech startups emerging from IIT Bombay and other premier academic and research institutes.
- It will invest in pre-seed and seed stages across 25-30 startups with a maximum ticket size of Rs 15 crore.
- The fund will strategically invest in companies building products backed by fundamental research, with a keen focus on high-impact sectors including Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Computing, Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Materials, Nuclear Technology, Space and Defence Technology, Climate and CleanTech and Life Sciences and Healthcare.
- IDFC FIRST Bank offers the IDFC FIRST Global Savings Account in USD and EUR through GIFT City, Gujarat for Non-Resident Indians.
- Both the principal and the interest earned are freely and fully transferable to overseas bank account without any limits or restrictions.
- The account allows holding funds in USD or EUR without conversion risk and with global flexibility.
- Zero remittance fee is charged on transfers from the account.
- Interest earned is TDS exempted for NRIs on the FIRST Global Savings Account and fixed deposits.
- The USD Savings Account currently offers an attractive interest rate of 4.75%.
- Monthly interest credit results in monthly compounding interest earning for customers.
- Customers can book USD and Euro fixed deposits at attractive rates.
- A single mobile banking app manages both NRI and GIFT City Global Savings accounts.
- Integrated banking experience provides a single Relationship Manager for NRI and GIFT City banking needs.
- Aryaman Finance (India) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aryaman Financial Services, received the Certificate of Registration from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on December 24, 2025.
- The certificate authorizes the company to operate as a Type II NBFC-ND-ICC (Non-Deposit taking - Investment and Credit Company).
- The subsidiary was incorporated on January 31, 2025, and received additional capital infusion on April 01, 2025.
- The company has complied with SEBI Listing Regulations disclosure requirements under Regulation 30.
- The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance launched the Startup Common Application Journey on the Jan Sammarth Portal.
- The initiative aims to "simplify and streamline access to credit for startups across India."
- The Startup Common Application Journey was "developed jointly by the IBA and PSB Alliance."
- The Jan Sammarth Portal will now serve as "a single digital platform where startups can apply for loans, compare offers from various Public Sector Banks, and track their applications through one unified digital system."
- The initiative allows startups to secure "loans of up to Rs 20 crore under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)."
- The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) is "operated by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)."
- The platform "integrates key data sources such as PAN, GST, Udyam registration, Income Tax Returns, and credit bureau information to ensure quick verification and processing."
- The scheme "includes special interest concessions for women entrepreneurs."