NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Bharti Enterprises and Warburg Pincus Acquire 49%
Stake in Haier India to Boost Growth and Innovation: Bharti Enterprises and Warburg Pincus announced
a strategic investment in Haier India, acquiring a collective 49% stake in
the Indian subsidiary of China’s Haier Group; the deal size was not
disclosed.Post-transaction, Haier Group will retain 49% ownership, while the
remaining stake will be held by Haier India’s management, ensuring continued
operational continuity and local leadership.The partnership aims to strengthen
Haier India’s “Made in India, Made for India” strategy by expanding local
sourcing, manufacturing capacity, product innovation and market penetration.
2. NHAI’s Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust Gets SEBI
Approval to Monetise Road Assets via InvIT: The Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust
(RIIT), sponsored by NHAI, received SEBI approval as an
Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) to enable monetisation of road
assets through retail and domestic investors.Raajmarg Infra Investment Managers
Pvt. Ltd. (RIIMPL) has been incorporated as the Investment Manager for RIIT,
with equity participation from leading banks and financial institutions
including SBI, PNB, Axis Bank, HDFC, ICICI, IDBI, IndusInd, Yes Bank, and Bajaj
Finserv Ventures.The InvIT framework allows NHAI to transfer multiple
revenue-generating road assets to a trust, issue units to investors, and raise
funds for infrastructure development, complementing other monetisation models
like ToT (Toll Operate Transfer) and securitisation.
As of FY 2024-25, NHAI has raised approximately ₹49,000
crore via ToT, ₹43,000 crore through InvIT, and ₹40,000 crore through
securitisation, highlighting diversified financing for national highway
development.
3. President Droupadi Murmu Releases Constitution of
India in Santhali Language at Rashtrapati Bhavan: President Droupadi Murmu released
the Constitution of India in the Santhali language, written in the Ol
Chiki script, at a function held at Rashtrapati BhavanSanthali, one of India’s
most ancient living languages included in the Eighth Schedule through
the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, is spoken widely in
Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar.The President said the move will help
Santhali-speaking people read and understand the Constitution in their own
language and praised Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal for this initiative
in the Constitution’s centenary year.
4. Cabinet Approves Three New Corridors Under Delhi Metro
Phase-V (A): The Union
Cabinet approved three new corridors under Delhi Metro Phase-V (A)
worth about ₹12,015 crore—R.K. Ashram Marg–Indraprastha, Aerocity–Airport
Terminal-1, and Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj, taking the metro network beyond
400 km.The project includes 13 new metro stations, with the R.K. Ashram
Marg–Indraprastha stretch extending the Botanical Garden–R.K. Ashram Marg
corridor and providing crucial connectivity to the redeveloping Central Vista
area.The Central Vista corridor will connect all Kartavya Bhawans, benefiting
nearly 60,000 office-goers and 2 lakh visitors daily, while improving last-mile
access and easing traffic congestion.Extensions on the Aerocity–Tughlakabad
corridor will strengthen airport connectivity with South Delhi areas like Saket
and Kalindi Kunj, boosting the economy, reducing road congestion, and improving
air quality.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India to Chair Kimberley Process from January 2026,
Strengthening Global Fight Against Conflict Diamonds: The Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary has
selected India to assume the Chairpersonship from 1 January
2026, with India taking over as Vice Chair; this marks the third time
India will chair the KP.The Kimberley Process is a tripartite initiative
involving governments, the international diamond industry and civil society,
aimed at preventing the trade in conflict diamonds, as defined by UN Security
Council resolutions.Established in 2003, the Kimberley Process Certification
Scheme (KPCS) has 60 participants (with the EU counted as one) and regulates
over 99% of global rough diamond trade, making it the most comprehensive
mechanism in the sector.During its tenure, India will focus on strengthening
governance and compliance, promoting digital certification and traceability,
enhancing transparency, and building global trust in conflict-free diamonds.
2. 24 December – International Day against Cybercrime: International Day against Cybercrime was
observed on 24 December, aiming to raise awareness about cyber threats and
promote safe online practices.Theme 2025 – Countering Cybercrime – Sharing
Responsibility – Securing our FutureThe day highlights the increasing need for
cybersecurity measures to protect individuals, businesses, and governments from
cyber-attacks.It emphasizes the importance of education, reporting, and legal
frameworks to prevent and combat various forms of cybercrime globally.
3. 27 December – International Day of Epidemic
Preparedness: International
Day of Epidemic Preparedness is observed annually on 27th
December to raise awareness about the importance of preventing, detecting,
and responding to epidemics and infectious disease outbreaks.Theme 2025
–Strengthening Global Health Systems for Future Crises.The day emphasizes the
need for global cooperation, strong health systems, and rapid response
mechanisms to contain epidemics and protect public health.It highlights the
role of research, innovation, and preparedness plans in mitigating the impact
of emerging infectious diseases.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. China
launches military encirclement drill near Taiwan: China has launched a
large-scale military exercise encircling Taiwan, prompting the island to deploy
its armed forces in response. The drill, announced on December 29, reflects
heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait and reinforces Beijing’s increasingly
assertive posture toward the self-ruled island, which China claims as its own
territory. China’s military said it had mobilised its army, navy, air force,
and rocket units to conduct joint operations around Taiwan. The exercise, named
“Just Mission 2025,” is being led by the Eastern Theatre Command and spans five
maritime zones, including the Taiwan Strait and waters to the north, east,
southeast, and southwest of the island. Beijing stated that the drills are
intended to test combat readiness, improve joint operational capability, and
issue a “serious warning” against any moves toward Taiwanese independence.
Chinese authorities announced temporary sea and airspace restrictions in the
designated exercise zones for a duration of 10 hours, beginning at 8:30 am
local time. According to Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command,
the drills focus on sea-and-air combat readiness patrols, seizing comprehensive
control, and simulating blockades of key ports and critical areas. Such
scenarios closely align with potential contingency plans aimed at isolating
Taiwan.
2. Iran
launches three satellites with Russian Soyuz rockets: Iran has successfully placed three
domestically developed satellites into low-Earth orbit
using Russian Soyuz launch vehicles, further
underscoring deepening strategic and technological cooperation between the two
U.S.-sanctioned countries. The launch took place on December 28 and was
confirmed by Iranian state media, marking another milestone in Tehran’s
expanding space programme amid continued Western pressure over its nuclear
activities. According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, the
satellites—Paya, Zafar-2, and a second unit of Kowsar—were carried aboard
Russian Soyuz rockets. All three satellites are
designed for low-Earth orbit operations. They are
intended to support civilian applications such as monitoring agricultural
productivity, managing natural resources, and assessing environmental
conditions across Iran and neighbouring regions. Iran’s ambassador to Russia,
Kazem Jalali, stated that the satellites were designed and built by Iranian
scientists despite sanctions and external threats. He emphasised that
cooperation between Tehran and Moscow spans multiple domains, some of which are
not publicly disclosed. His remarks were widely broadcast on Iranian state
television, highlighting national resilience and technological self-reliance.
SPORTS
1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes Youngest Centurion in
Men’s List A Cricket with 36-Ball Hundred: Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored a blistering 190 off
84 balls, including 15 sixes, and reached his century in just 36 balls for
Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate Group match.At
14 years and 272 days, Suryavanshi became the youngest player in men’s
List A cricket history to score a century.His 36-ball century is the
second-fastest by an Indian in List A cricket, behind Anmolpreet Singh’s
35-ball hundred, while globally the record is held by Jake Fraser-McGurk (29
balls) and AB de Villiers (31 balls).
2. Virat Kohli Becomes Fastest to 16,000 List A Runs,
Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar: Virat Kohli became the fastest player to reach
16,000 List A runs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar, achieving the milestone in
his 330th innings during Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match against
Andhra.Kohli now holds the record for the fastest to each block of 1000 List A
runs from 10,000 runs onwards, breaking multiple long-standing records.In the
Vijay Hazare Trophy, after a 15-year gap, Kohli has scored 819 runs from 13
matches at an average of 68.25 and a strike rate of 106, including four
centuries and three fifties.
3. R Praggnanandhaa and Anish Giri Lead Alpine SG Pipers
to Maiden Global Chess League 2025 Title: R Praggnanandhaa and Anish Giri’s team,
Alpine SG Pipers, won the Global Chess League 2025 Season 3 title,
defeating defending champions Triveni Continental Kings in Mumbai.The finals
were dominated by Pipers with scores of 4-2 in the first match and 4.5-1.5 in
the second match, marking their maiden GCL title.Anish Giri was named the
Finals MVP, winning both his games with Black, while Praggnanandhaa secured a
crucial victory against Vidit Gujrathi in the second match.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India
Launches ₹7,000 Crore Scheme for Rare Earth Magnets: India has taken a major
strategic step to secure its critical mineral supply chain by approving a
₹7,000 crore scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of sintered rare earth
permanent magnets. The initiative aims to reduce import dependence, strengthen
industrial self-reliance and support high-growth sectors vital to the country’s
long-term economic and strategic goals. The government-approved “Scheme to
Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM)” seeks to
establish India’s first end-to-end domestic manufacturing ecosystem for
high-value magnets. The scheme targets the creation of 6,000 metric tonnes per
annum capacity covering the entire value chain—from rare earth oxides to
finished permanent magnets. Rare earth oxides form the foundational input for
downstream industries, including magnet manufacturing.
2. VoxelGrids
Unveils India’s First Indigenous MRI Scanner: In a major boost to India’s medical technology
ecosystem, Bengaluru-based start-up VoxelGrids has developed the country’s
first fully indigenous MRI scanner. The milestone marks a significant step
towards reducing India’s heavy dependence on imported diagnostic equipment and
strengthening the “Made in India” push in high-end healthcare technology. The
1.5-tesla MRI scanner developed by “VoxelGrids” has been deployed at the
Chandrapur Cancer Care Foundation near “Nagpur”. The system is the outcome of a
12-year effort led by founder “Arjun Arunachalam”, aimed at designing and
manufacturing MRI technology entirely within India—an area traditionally
dominated by global players. Unlike conventional MRI machines produced by
multinational firms such as “Siemens” and “GE HealthCare”, VoxelGrids’ scanner
does not use liquid helium. This innovation reduces manufacturing costs by
nearly 40 per cent. The company has also developed compact, energy-efficient
electronics around the magnet while retaining standard bore size, significantly
lowering power consumption and operating expenses.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI Announces ₹2 Lakh Crore OMO Purchases, $10 Billion
Dollar-Rupee Swap to Boost Liquidity: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced
OMO purchase auctions of ₹2 lakh crore and a USD/INR buy-sell swap of
$10 billion (3-year tenor) to inject liquidity into the banking system.The OMO
purchases will be conducted in four tranches of ₹50,000 crore each on Dec 29,
2025; Jan 5, Jan 12, and Jan 22, 2026, while the Dollar-Rupee swap auction is
scheduled for Jan 13, 2026.These measures aim to increase rupee liquidity,
absorb excess dollar liquidity, and reduce elevated dollar-rupee forward
premiums, according to market analysts.RBI data shows that in October 2025, the
central bank sold a net $11.88 billion in the forex market to support the
rupee; overall in 2025, it bought $17.69 billion and sold $29.56 billion of
U.S. dollars.To manage liquidity and forex volatility, the RBI has purchased
government bonds worth ₹6.5 lakh crore in 2025 and reiterated that it will
closely monitor market conditions and take necessary steps to ensure orderly
liquidity.
2. SBI Launches YONO 2.0, Unifying Mobile and Internet Banking to Boost Digital Scale and Security: State Bank of India (SBI) launched YONO 2.0, a major upgrade of its digital banking platform, integrating mobile and internet banking on a single backend architecture to enhance scale, security and seamless customer experience.YONO 2.0 features include simplified KYC/re-KYC, improved personalisation and security, bilingual support (English & Hindi) with plans to expand to 15 regional languages, and sustainability tools like carbon footprint tracking and green score.SBI Chairman C S Setty highlighted that technology-led distribution lowers customer acquisition costs, while enabling personalised services; SBI currently has 50+ crore customers and around 9.6 crore YONO users.
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