NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. PM Modi Inaugurates Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on
Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 101st Birth Anniversary: Prime Minister Narendra
Modi inaugurated Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar
Pradesh, dedicated to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 101st
birth anniversary, describing it as a symbol of self-respect, unity and
service, aligned with the vision of Sabka Prayas for a developed India.He
praised the transformation of a 30+ acre former garbage dump into a modern
national memorial, congratulating the Uttar Pradesh government, planners and
workers for converting the area into a landmark of national
inspiration.Recalling the ideals of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal
Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Prime Minister highlighted Article 370
abrogation, Antyodaya-based welfare saturation, expanded social security
coverage, digital and infrastructure growth, and Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as a
hub of development and manufacturing.
2. Manohar Lal Inaugurates 250 MW Unit of Subansiri Lower
Hydroelectric Project, Boosting India’s Clean Energy Push: Union Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated
the commercial operation of Unit–2 (250 MW) of the 2,000 MW Subansiri
Lower Hydroelectric Project through virtual mode, marking a key milestone
in India’s largest hydropower project and boosting clean energy generation in
the North-East region.The commissioning reflects India’s commitment to
renewable energy expansion, national grid strengthening and Net Zero goals,
while supporting regional development in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and the wider
North-East.With Unit–2 operational, three more 250 MW units are set for
near-term commissioning, while the remaining four units will be commissioned in
phases during 2026–27, taking the project closer to full capacity.The project
features the largest dam in North-East India (116-metre-high concrete gravity
dam) and plays a crucial flood moderation role on the Subansiri River, enhancing
grid resilience and downstream safety.
3. Bhogapuram International Airport to Be Dedicated to
Nation in May 2026: Union
Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu announced that
the Bhogapuram International Airport near Vizianagaram, Andhra
Pradesh will be dedicated to the nation in May 2026, with trial runs
scheduled next month, advancing the inauguration ahead of the original June
2026 timeline.He made the announcement during the launch of the Aviation,
Aerospace and Defence (AAD) EduCity near Bhogapuram Airport, noting that 91.7%
of the airport construction work has already been completed.Spread over 136
acres, the AAD EduCity is being developed as India’s first integrated Aviation,
Aerospace and Defence education hub, aimed at addressing the shortage of
skilled aviation professionals and positioning India as a global talent
supplier.
4. President Murmu Gives Assent to VB—G RAM G Act 2025: President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to
the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB—G
RAM G) Act, 2025, replacing the MGNREGA and providing a modern
statutory framework for rural employment aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047
vision.The Act enhances the wage employment guarantee to 125 days per
financial year for rural households, strengthens livelihood security, and links
employment with the creation of durable and productive rural assets.It empowers
States to aggregate a pause period of up to 60 days to ensure availability of
agricultural labour during peak sowing and harvesting seasons and mandates
weekly or 15-day wage payments, with delay compensation for late payments.VB—G
RAM G removes previous dis-entitlement provisions, restores unemployment
allowance if work is not provided within the stipulated period, and focuses on
empowerment, inclusive growth, convergence, and saturation-based delivery.
5. 24 December – National Consumer Rights Day: National Consumer Rights Day is
observed every year on 24 December in India to promote awareness
about consumer rights, responsibilities and protection laws.Theme 2025
– Efficient and Speedy Disposal through Digital JusticeThe day marks the
enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which provided legal safeguards
to consumers against unfair trade practices.It aims to empower consumers by
highlighting key rights such as Right to Safety, Right to Information, Right to
Choice, Right to be Heard, Right to Redressal and Right to Consumer Education.
6. 25 December – Good Governance Day: Good Governance Day is observed every year on
25 December in India to promote awareness about accountability,
transparency and effective public administration.The day marks the birth
anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, recognising his
contribution to strengthening democratic governance in India.It aims to ensure
citizen-centric governance, focusing on efficient delivery of public services,
inclusive development and responsive institutions.
7. 24 December – DMRC Foundation Day: DMRC Foundation Day is observed on 24
December to commemorate the establishment of the Delhi Metro Rail
Corporation (DMRC), which laid the foundation of modern urban mass rapid transit
in India.DMRC was set up in 1995 with the objective of developing and operating
a world-class metro system in the National Capital Region (NCR).The Delhi Metro
is known for its timely project execution, technological innovation and
eco-friendly operations, serving as a model for metro projects across India.The
first line of the Delhi Metro, the Red Line, was inaugurated by Atal Bihari
Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India on 24 December 2002. The first
segment of the Red Line from Tis Hazari to Shahdara was opened to the public on
25 December 2002.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Oman Unveils First Polymer One-Rial Banknote with
Advanced Security Features, to Circulate from 2026: Oman has unveiled its first polymer
one-rial banknote, issued by the Central Bank of Oman, which will
enter circulation from January 11, 2026, alongside existing paper-based notes
as legal tender.The shift to polymer material enhances durability, suits Oman’s
hot and humid climate, reduces replacement costs, and strengthens protection
against counterfeiting, aligning Oman with global best practices.The note
reflects Oman’s cultural and economic identity, featuring the Oman Botanic
Garden on the front and Duqm Port and Refinery on the reverse, along with
advanced security elements such as a transparent window, colour-shifting foil,
and iridescent ink.The banknote measures 145 x 76 mm and reflects Oman’s
culture and economy, featuring the Oman Botanic Garden on the front and the
Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Cultural Complex with Duqm Port and Refinery on the
reverse.
2. Trump Announces “Trump-Class” Battleships: Donald Trump announced that a new class
of US battleships will be named “Trump-class battleships”, with the
declaration made at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, USA.The announcement was
formally made by USA Navy Secretary John Phelan, who said the first vessel, USS
Defiant, would be the largest and most powerful battleship ever built by the
USA.
3. Japan Approves Restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear
Plant: Japan has approved the restart of the
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant after nearly 20 years,
signalling a major shift in post-Fukushima energy policy with a renewed focus
on energy security, cost control, and decarbonisation.The Niigata prefectural
assembly cleared the restart proposal, allowing TEPCO to resume operations;
Reactor No. 6 is expected to restart by January 20, 2026, with an investment of
nearly ¥100 billion for safety upgrades.The move aims to reduce Japan’s heavy
reliance on imported fossil fuels, which cost about ¥10.7 trillion annually,
positioning nuclear power as a stable domestic energy source despite local
protests.
4. China
Opens World’s Longest Expressway Tunnel in Xinjiang: China has opened to traffic the world’s
longest expressway tunnel, marking a major infrastructure milestone in its
western region. The newly inaugurated Tianshan Shengli tunnel in Xinjiang
significantly cuts travel time across one of the country’s most challenging
mountain terrains and strengthens connectivity between northern and southern
parts of the autonomous region. The tunnel, measuring 22.13 kilometres in
length, passes through the central Tianshan mountain range in the Xinjiang
Uygur Autonomous Region. According to Song Hailiang, chairman of China Communications Construction
Company, the project has set two world records. It is the longest expressway
tunnel globally and also features the deepest vertical shaft ever built for a
highway tunnel. The tunnel is a critical component of the G0711 Urumqi–Yuli
Expressway, which also became operational on Friday. The expressway acts as a
major transport artery linking city clusters across Xinjiang. It traverses the
vast Tianshan range, which stretches nearly 2,500 kilometres and historically
posed a significant natural barrier between northern and southern Xinjiang.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. INS Sindhughosh Decommissioned After 40 Years of
Service: INS Sindhughosh, the lead
submarine of her class, was decommissioned, after completing 40 years of
distinguished service, marking the end of an important chapter in India’s
conventional submarine force.The decommissioning ceremony was held at the Naval
Dockyard, Mumbai, in the presence of Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, with the
submarine formally paid off under the command of Lt Cdr Rajat
Sharma.Commissioned on April 30, 1986, INS Sindhughosh was a Soviet-origin
Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine acquired from Russia under Project 877EKM.
2. Centre
Launches First-Ever National Weapon Database: In a major step to strengthen India’s internal
security framework, the Centre has launched the country’s first-ever national
weapons database aimed at curbing terrorism, organised crime, and extremism.
The initiative seeks to improve tracing, monitoring, and recovery of
government-owned firearms that fall into illegal circulation, enhancing
coordination among law enforcement agencies across the country. The ‘Lost,
Looted and Recovered Firearm’ database was formally launched by Union Home
Minister Amit Shah during the inaugural session of the Anti-Terror Conference
2025. The two-day annual conference is organised by the National Investigation
Agency, which developed the database under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The
platform was officially dedicated to the nation as part of efforts to modernise
counter-terror infrastructure.
SPORTS
1. East Bengal Football Club Wins Inaugural SAFF Women’s
Club Championship 2025: East Bengal FC has
clinched the title of the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship
2025 with a dominant 3-0 win against hosts Nepal’s APF (Armed Police
Forces) in the final at Dasrath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal.With this win, East
Bengal has become the first Indian women’s club to win an international
tournament.
2. Virat
Kohli Breaks List A Batting Average Record: Indian batting icon Virat Kohli once again etched his
name into cricket history with a record-breaking performance in domestic
one-day cricket. Playing for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy,
Kohli’s fluent knock not only powered his team but also helped him surpass a
long-standing world record, reaffirming his stature as one of the greatest
batters of the modern era. Kohli scored a classy 77 runs off just 61 balls
against Gujarat in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match
held in Bengaluru. The innings was marked by crisp stroke play, controlled
aggression, and exceptional timing. While the knock played a key role in
stabilising Delhi’s innings, its wider significance lay
in the milestone Kohli achieved during the process, adding another chapter to
his illustrious career. With this innings, Kohli overtook former Australian
great Michael Bevan to become the highest-averaging batter in List A cricket
among players with a minimum of 5,000 runs. Kohli’s List A average now stands
at 57.87, narrowly surpassing Bevan’s iconic mark of 57.86. Bevan’s record had
endured for decades and was widely regarded as a benchmark of consistency in
one-day cricket.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. IIT Delhi Develops AILAS: AI Agent Capable of
Conducting Independent Laboratory Experiments: IIT Delhi has developed an AI agent named
AILAS (Artificially Intelligent Laboratory Agent) capable of conducting
scientific experiments independently, mimicking human researchers.AILAS can
control laboratory devices and make real-time decisions during experiments,
enhancing efficiency and accuracy in research workflows.
2. Param
Rudra Supercomputer Launched at IIT-Patna: In a major boost to advanced research and
high-performance computing in eastern India, the first Param Rudra
supercomputer in Bihar has been inaugurated at the Indian
Institute of Technology Patna. The facility marks a significant milestone under
India’s National Supercomputing Mission and is expected to strengthen the
region’s scientific and technological capabilities. The Param Rudra
supercomputer was formally launched on Friday, making IIT-Patna the first institution
or government establishment in Bihar to host such a facility. The inauguration
was carried out by Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary in the Union
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Officials described the
development as a transformative step that will enable researchers to undertake
complex computational work locally, reducing dependence on facilities outside
the state. The supercomputer has been established under the National
Supercomputing Mission, a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing India’s
computational infrastructure. Under the mission, 37 supercomputers have already
been deployed nationwide with a combined capacity of 39 petaFLOPS, supporting
more than 12,000 researchers. Ten additional systems are planned, which will
raise India’s total compute capacity to over 100 petaFLOPS in the coming phase.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. New
Income Tax Act 2025 To Take Effect From April 1: India’s direct tax
framework is set for its most sweeping reform in over six decades with the replacement
of the Income-tax Act, 1961, by the Income-tax Act, 2025. The new legislation
will come into force from April 1, 2026, and will apply to income earned in the
financial year 2025–26 onwards. The move marks a decisive shift towards
simplification, clarity, and technology-driven tax administration. Over the
years, the 1961 Act had expanded into a highly complex law with more than 800
sections, frequent amendments, and overlapping interpretations. To address
this, the government undertook a comprehensive rewrite aimed at eliminating
obsolete provisions, reducing litigation, and aligning tax law with a modern,
digital economy. The new Act seeks to make compliance easier for taxpayers
while improving administrative efficiency. Although the Income-tax Act, 2025
received presidential assent in August 2025, it will be operational from April
1, 2026. This means tax returns filed for Assessment Year 2026–27 will still
largely follow the 1961 Act. However, procedural and administrative changes
linked to the new law will begin influencing compliance systems from the
upcoming financial year.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Jorhat Teen Bags National Award for Sustainability
Innovation: A 14-year-old innovator from Assam’s Jorhat has earned
national recognition for her pioneering efforts in promoting sustainable
practices. Aishi Prisha Borah has been conferred the Pradhan Mantri
Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for her
exceptional contributions in science and technology, highlighting the growing
role of young minds in addressing environmental challenges through innovation.
Aishi Prisha Borah, a student from Jorhat district in Assam, has demonstrated
remarkable scientific curiosity and social responsibility at an early age. Her
work focuses on practical, low-cost solutions rooted in sustainability and
waste reduction. Through her initiatives, she has addressed everyday
environmental issues, making science relevant to community needs and grassroots
practices.
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