NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 1 January – DRDO Day: DRDO Day is celebrated every year on 1
January to mark the achievements of India’s Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO).DRDO was established in 1958, and it has since
played a key role in advancing India’s defence technology.The day highlights
India’s advancements in defence technology, including missiles, radars,
armaments, and aerospace systems. DRDO Day honours the contributions of
scientists and engineers who strengthen India’s strategic and defence
capabilities.
2. India’s
First Bullet Train Likely by August 2027: India is poised to enter the era of high-speed rail,
with the country’s first bullet train expected to begin operations by August
15, 2027. The announcement was made by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw,
signalling a major milestone in India’s transport infrastructure and
Indo-Japanese technological collaboration. Union Minister for Railways Ashwini
Vaishnaw stated that the bullet train project is progressing as planned and
will be ready for operations in 2027. He described the August 15 target as a
symbolic and achievable deadline, reflecting the government’s intent to
showcase indigenous execution of a globally benchmarked project. The
announcement has renewed focus on India’s first high-speed rail corridor.
According to the minister, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor will
be commissioned in phases. The first operational stretch will be between Surat
and Bilimora, followed by Vapi–Surat, then Vapi–Ahmedabad. Subsequent phases
will connect Thane to Ahmedabad, culminating in the full Mumbai–Ahmedabad
route. This staggered rollout is aimed at enabling early operations while
construction continues on remaining sections.
3. Assam
Constitutes 8th State Pay Commission: Assam has
become the first state in India to constitute its 8th State Pay Commission,
taking a proactive step ahead of the scheduled expiry of the 7th Pay Commission
on January 1, 2026. The move has generated significant attention among state
government employees and pensioners, who have been awaiting clarity on the next
cycle of pay and pension revision. The decision was announced by Chief Minister
Himanta Biswa Sarma, who confirmed that former chief secretary Subhas Das has
been appointed as the head of the newly constituted pay commission. With this
step, Assam has moved ahead of other states,
even as the Union Government’s 8th Pay Commission is yet to formally begin its
work. The 8th Pay Commission is expected to revise salaries, allowances, and
pensions for government employees, replacing the 7th Pay Commission framework
that ends on January 1, 2026. While this date marks the formal end of the
current pay structure, experts note that the actual implementation of revised
pay scales often takes considerable time due to detailed consultations,
financial assessments, and administrative approvals.
4. Parvati–Arga
Bird Sanctuary Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone: In a major boost to wetland conservation in northern
India, the Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has been declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). The decision adds
an additional layer of legal protection to one of the state’s lesser-known yet
ecologically rich wetland ecosystems, reinforcing efforts to balance
conservation with sustainable development. The ESZ notification was announced
by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with Minister
of State Kirti Vardhan Singh highlighting the move on social media. The
declaration aims to regulate developmental and human activities around the
sanctuary, preventing ecological degradation while encouraging responsible
ecotourism. Eco-Sensitive Zones act as buffer areas that minimise the impact of
urbanisation, infrastructure expansion, and pollution on protected habitats.
Spread over 1,084 hectares in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh, the Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary represents a classic Indo-Gangetic
floodplain ecosystem. It comprises two permanent freshwater oxbow lakes—Parvati
Lake and Arga Lake—formed from abandoned river channels. The wetland plays a
critical role in groundwater recharge, flood mitigation, and climate
resilience, while supporting diverse aquatic and terrestrial life.
5. Kaamya
Karthikeyan Skis to South Pole: Eighteen-year-old Kaamya Karthikeyan has scripted
history by becoming the youngest Indian and the second-youngest woman in the
world to ski to the South Pole. Her feat marks another milestone in a
remarkable mountaineering and polar exploration journey that has already placed
her among India’s most accomplished young adventurers. Kaamya reached the South
Pole on December 27, 2025, after skiing and trekking nearly 115 kilometres
across Antarctica. She endured extreme conditions, including temperatures
dropping to minus 30 degrees Celsius, gale-force winds, and whiteout
conditions. Pulling a sled carrying her full expedition load, she completed the
journey entirely on foot, demonstrating exceptional physical endurance and
mental resilience. Kaamya is the daughter of Commander S Karthikeyan, an
officer in the Indian Navy, and Lavanya Karthikeyan, an early childhood
educator. An alumna of Navy Children School, she has been exposed to discipline
and outdoor pursuits from an early age. The Indian Navy publicly congratulated her,
highlighting the scale and toughness of her South Pole achievement.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Australia to Grant Duty-Free Access to All Indian
Exports from January 2026 under ECTA: From January 1, 2026, Australia will
provide duty-free access to all Indian exports under the Economic
Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), marking 100% zero-duty tariff
lines.The ECTA was an ‘early harvest’ deal, addressing select trade-related
issues, while both countries are negotiating a Comprehensive Economic
Cooperation Agreement (CECA) for broader trade coverage.India’s exports to
Australia grew by 8% in 2024-25, with significant gains across manufacturing,
chemicals, textiles, plastics, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, and gems
& jewellery.
2. Barham Salih Appointed as UN High Commissioner for
Refugees from January 2026: The United Nations General Assembly has appointed
former Iraqi President Barham Salih as the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). His tenure will be for five years,
commencing on January 1, 2026.He will succeed Filippo Grandi of Italy as the
head of the refugee agency. The UNHCR is responsible for the protection and
support of refugees, displaced persons, and stateless people worldwide.
3. 1 January – Global Family Day: Global Family Day is celebrated every
year on 1 January to promote peace, unity and harmony among people
worldwide.The day evolved from the “One Day in Peace” initiative and emphasises
resolving conflicts through non-violence and understanding.It highlights the
idea that the entire world is one family, encouraging compassion, tolerance and
mutual respect.
4. Sri
Lanka Honours India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu: Sri Lanka has formally acknowledged India’s swift and large-scale
humanitarian assistance during the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah,
honouring Indian naval assets for their critical role in rescue and relief
operations. The recognition underlines the depth of regional cooperation at a
time when the island nation faced one of its deadliest climate disasters in
recent years. The Sri Lanka Navy honoured eight foreign naval vessels,
including two from India, for providing immediate assistance after Cyclone
Ditwah struck in late November. Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya
personally conveyed gratitude to diplomatic representatives of the assisting
countries. The cyclone triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and
infrastructure collapse, overwhelming national disaster-response systems.
Indian Navy ships INS Vikrant and INS Udayagiri were among the first foreign
vessels to respond. Both ships were initially in Sri Lankan waters to
participate in the International Fleet Review 2025 marking the navy’s 75th
anniversary. Following the cyclone’s landfall on November 27, these vessels
were swiftly redeployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
operations.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. China Launches “Justice Mission 2025” Military Drills
Around Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions: The Chinese military has dispatched air, navy,
and rocket troops to conduct joint drills around Taiwan, calling it a
“stern warning” against separatist and external interference
forces.The drills, code-named “Justice Mission 2025”, will focus on
sea-air combat readiness, joint seizure of superiority, blockades on key ports,
and deterrence around the Taiwan Strait.The drills are being conducted by the
Eastern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army.
2. AF’s SDI Signs MoU with IIT Madras to Develop
Indigenous Digital Communication System for Airborne Use: The Indian Air Force’s Software Development
Institute (SDI) signed an MoU with IIT Madras for the joint design
and development of an indigenous digital communication system for airborne
applications.The collaboration supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,
aiming to enhance self-reliance in defence technology and strengthen India’s
strategic capabilities.The project will develop indigenous, secure and advanced
digital communication systems for use in IAF aircraft and airborne platforms.
SPORTS
1. India Tops Global Doping List for Third Consecutive
Year, WADA 2024 Report Reveals: According to the WADA 2024 report, India
recorded 260 positive doping cases from 7,113 samples (3.6% positivity
rate), marking the highest number of doping offenders globally for the
third consecutive year.Norway documented the second-highest proportion of
positive cases at 1.75%, followed by the U.S. at 1.15%, while countries like
China and Germany reported far fewer violations despite higher testing
volumes.Athletics, weightlifting, and wrestling were the most affected sports
in India, with 76, 43, and 29 positive cases respectively, reflecting a
persistent pattern in endurance and strength-based sports.In response, India
has strengthened its anti-doping framework through NADA reforms, a new
anti-doping panel by the Indian Olympic Association, and the National Anti-Doping
(Amendment) Bill, 2025, aligning with global standards.
2. Former New Zealand All-Rounder Doug Bracewell Retires
from International Cricket: Former New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell (35)
announced his retirement from all forms of international
cricket, ending a 12-year international career with the Black
Caps.Bracewell represented New Zealand in 28 Tests, 21 ODIs and 20 T20Is,
taking 120 wickets and scoring 915 runs across formats.He played a crucial role
in New Zealand’s famous 2011 Test win over Australia at Hobart, claiming
career-best figures of 6 wickets in the second innings.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Rajasthan Launches “e-Swasthya Samvad” Digital
Platform to Strengthen Medical Education Governance: The Rajasthan government has launched
a new digital communication platform, “e-Swasthya Samvad,” to enhance
governance, transparency, and coordination in the state’s medical education system.The
initiative has been introduced under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal
Sharma and Medical Education Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar as part of
technology-driven health reforms.e-Swasthya Samvad will act as a dedicated
digital interface connecting policymakers and medical institutions, enabling
faster decision-making, real-time monitoring, and effective policy
implementation.The platform will operate twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday)
through video conferencing, with structured interactions involving senior
officials first, followed by engagement with faculty, doctors, nursing staff,
students, and the public.
2. Gaganyaan
and Artemis-II Set Historic Space Milestones: The year 2026 is emerging as a defining phase for
global human spaceflight, with India and the United States preparing two landmark missions that could reshape the future of
space exploration. India’s Gaganyaan programme and NASA’s Artemis-II mission
together reflect a transition towards a more technologically ambitious and
multipolar space era. India is preparing for its first uncrewed orbital test
under the Gaganyaan programme, known as the G1 mission, tentatively scheduled
for March 2026. The mission will be launched by Indian Space
Research Organisation aboard the
human-rated LVM3 rocket. A humanoid robot,
Vyommitra, will be onboard to simulate astronaut responses and monitor
crew-centric systems. The spacecraft is expected to operate in low-Earth orbit
at an altitude of about 300–400 kilometres. The primary aim of the G1 mission
is to validate critical systems such as life support, crew module safety,
communication links, re-entry mechanisms, and parachute-assisted sea recovery.
A successful mission would move India closer to its first human spaceflight and
place it among a select group of nations with independent crewed launch and
recovery capability. It also strengthens India’s long-term plans for space
stations, commercial missions, and reduced dependence on foreign partners.
3. Iran Launches Three Indigenous Satellites into Orbit
with Russian Soyuz Rocket: Iran placed three
domestically developed satellites—Paya, Zafar-2, and Kowsar (second unit)—into
low-Earth orbit (LEO) using Russian Soyuz launch vehicles, as confirmed by
Iranian state media.The LEO satellites are meant for civilian uses such as agricultural
monitoring, natural resource management, and environmental assessment in Iran
and nearby regions.Due to Western sanctions and limited access to global launch
services, Iran has increasingly relied on Russia for space launches, with
cooperation expanding notably after 2022.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Go Digit General Insurance Board Approves Merger with
Holding Company in Landmark Move: The Go Digit General Insurance board has
approved the merger of its holding company, Go Digit Infoworks Services,
with the listed insurer, marking a landmark move.This will be the first merger
of an insurance company with a non-insurance holding company following recent
liberalisation of insurance laws.The scheme of amalgamation under Sections
230–232 of the Companies Act requires approvals from shareholders, creditors,
and regulators including IRDAI, SEBI, stock exchanges, and NCLT.
2. LIC Partners with Sahaj Insurance Services to Expand
Insurance Reach in Rural India: LIC has entered into a strategic partnership
with Sahaj Insurance Services Pvt. Ltd. to expand insurance penetration in
rural and semi-urban India.Sahaj’s assisted digital service network will help
citizens understand, enrol in, and manage LIC life insurance policies,
especially in low-awareness regions.
Sahaj Insurance Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Sahaj Retail under the Kanoria Foundation initiative, holds a corporate agency
licence from IRDAI to distribute insurance products nationwide.
3. Rediff.com Gets NPCI Approval for TPAP License: com India Ltd. has received final approval from NPCI for its Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) license, enabling the launch of RediffPay.The company has started Closed User Group (CUG) testing as a precursor to joining the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem. RediffPay aims to provide secure, interoperable UPI services, promoting financial inclusion and facilitating saving, investing, and credit access across India.
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