Daily GK Update- 29th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amit Shah Inaugurates Anti-Terrorism Conference 2025: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the two-day Anti-Terrorism Conference–2025 in New Delhi, calling for a strong, impenetrable and technology-driven anti-terrorism grid to counter rapidly evolving security threats.Organised by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the conference focuses on actionable outcomes, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and analysing global and domestic terror incidents under the government’s zero-tolerance policy.During the event, Shah unveiled key tools including the updated NIA Crime Manual, Organised Crime Network Database, and Lost, Looted and Recovered Weapons Database, while stressing uniform ATS structure, mandatory use of NATGRID & NIDAAN, and a “duty to share” intelligence culture among agencies.

 

2. Delhi Launches ‘Atal Canteen’ Scheme to Provide Meals at ₹5: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the ‘Atal Canteen’ in New Delhi on the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.The Atal Canteen scheme aims to provide meals at just ₹5 for needy and working people; 45 canteens began operations immediately, with 55 more to open within 15 days.The initiative is expected to benefit millions of people and reflects Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision of ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry.

 

3. JP Nadda Lays Foundation of India’s First PPP-Based Medical Colleges in MP’s Tribal Districts: Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Madhya Pradesh CM Dr Mohan Yadav laid the foundation of two medical colleges in Dhar and Betul districts, becoming India’s first medical colleges under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aimed at strengthening healthcare in tribal-dominated regions.The colleges are part of four PPP-based medical colleges in MP (Dhar, Betul, Katni, Panna), linked with district hospitals upgraded as per National Medical Commission (NMC) norms, while the state provides land and private partners build academic and clinical infrastructure.The initiative reflects rapid expansion of medical education, with medical colleges increasing from 387 (2014) to 819, MBBS seats rising to over 1.28 lakh, and a target of adding 75,000 new medical seats by 2029, while MP plans more colleges across several districts.

 

4. 150th Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan Begins in Jalandhar Celebrating Hindustani Classical Music: Punjab is hosting the 150th Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan, the oldest Hindustani classical music festival in India, from 26–28 December at Shree Devi Talab Temple, Jalandhar, organised in collaboration with NZCC, Patiala and supported by the state government.The 3-day festival is dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the late Banaras Gharana vocalist Pt Chhannu Lal Mishra, who passed away in October 2025.The festival features renowned classical music artists including Vidushi Malini Awasthi, Pt Sajan Mishra, Swaransh Mishra, Pt Ronu Majumdar, Shashank Subramanyam, Ashwini Bhide, among others.

 

5. Saleem Ahmad Takes Charge as CMD of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited: Saleem Ahmad has assumed charge as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), replacing Sukhmal Chand Jain, who stepped down from the role.Ahmad, a civil engineering graduate from Jamia Millia Islamia University, brings over 35 years of experience in large infrastructure projects and previously served as Director (Projects) at NBCC (India) Ltd, with earlier stints at DMRC and Mumbai Port Trust.He will serve in this role until 30 April 2029 (superannuation) or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 29 December – International Cello Day: International Cello Day is observed every year on 29 December to celebrate the cello, a prominent string instrument of the violin family.The day highlights the rich sound, versatility and emotional depth of the cello in classical, jazz and contemporary music.It aims to promote awareness and appreciation of the cello and encourage young musicians to learn the instrument.The cello plays a crucial role in orchestras, chamber music and solo performances, bridging harmony and rhythm in music compositions.

 

2. India Set To Become Third-Largest Economy By 2030: India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy with a GDP of $4.18 trillion, overtaking Japan. Official projections now indicate that India is on track to surpass Germany within the next three years, reaching an estimated GDP of $7.3 trillion by 2030. This milestone reflects sustained economic momentum despite global trade and policy uncertainties. India’s real GDP grew by 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of FY 2025–26, marking a six-quarter high. This follows growth of 7.8 per cent in the previous quarter and 7.4 per cent in Q4 of FY 2024–25. Real gross value added (GVA) also expanded by 8.1 per cent, driven largely by industrial output and services sector expansion, highlighting the economy’s resilience. Robust private consumption has remained central to India’s growth story. High-frequency indicators suggest sustained activity, with declining unemployment, improving export performance, and strong credit flows to the commercial sector. Urban consumption has strengthened further, supported by stable financial conditions and benign inflation, which has stayed below the lower tolerance threshold.

 

3. Nepal’s Gen Z Uprising and Why It Matters for India: Nepal’s recent youth-led uprising has shaken not only Kathmandu’s political establishment but also the assumptions that have long underpinned India–Nepal relations. What began as protests against a social media ban and entrenched corruption quickly escalated into a full-blown political rupture, forcing the resignation of a government, dissolving Parliament, and opening a period of deep uncertainty in India’s immediate neighbourhood. The protests, led largely by Gen Z groups, were sparked by a ban on social media platforms, but their roots ran far deeper. Anger over corruption, economic inequality, unemployment and political unresponsiveness had been simmering for years. Over two days of unrest on September 8 and 9, violence spiralled rapidly — at least 76 people were killed, many more injured, government buildings and Parliament were torched, and thousands of prisoners reportedly escaped amid the chaos.The upheaval culminated in the fall of the government led by K P Sharma Oli, marking one of the most dramatic political collapses in Nepal’s recent history.In the aftermath, the office of Nepal’s President announced fresh elections scheduled for March 5, with an interim government headed by the country’s first female Prime Minister taking charge. While this has restored a measure of constitutional order, uncertainty remains high.

 

4. Australia to remove tariffs on all Indian exports: Australia will eliminate customs duties on 100 per cent of its tariff lines for Indian exports from January 1, 2026, marking a major milestone under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA). The decision is expected to significantly deepen bilateral trade ties and improve market access for Indian exporters, especially in labour-intensive sectors. The move comes as India and Australia mark three years of the Ind-Aus ECTA. From January 2026, every product exported from India will enter the Australian market at zero customs duty. This is expected to enhance price competitiveness for Indian goods and strengthen supply-chain linkages between the two economies. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India’s exports to Australia grew 8 per cent in FY 2024–25, contributing to an improvement in India’s trade balance. Strong growth was recorded in manufacturing, chemicals, textiles, plastics, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, and gems and jewellery. Agricultural exports also expanded across fruits and vegetables, marine products, spices, and coffee, while gems and jewellery exports rose 16 per cent during April–November 2025.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. TASL Delivers First WhAP 8×8 Armoured Vehicles to Royal Moroccan Army from Morocco Plant: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has handed over the first batch of WhAP 8×8 armoured vehicles to the Royal Moroccan Army, marking the initial supply under a local manufacturing arrangement in Morocco.The Berrechid plant in Morocco, covering 20,000 sq. metres, began production after being inaugurated in September by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defence Abdelatif Loudyi.The WhAP 8×8 platform, jointly developed by DRDO and TASL, is a versatile wheeled armoured vehicle with monocoque hull, scalable ballistic/mine protection, independent suspension, central tyre inflation system, and amphibious capability.The vehicle can be configured for multiple operational roles including armoured personnel carrier, infantry combat vehicle, reconnaissance, command post, ambulance, and mortar carrier, with weapon configurations supporting both manned and remote-controlled systems.

 

2. North Korea test-fires strategic long-range cruise missiles: North Korea has test-fired two strategic long-range cruise missiles in a display of what it described as heightened “combat readiness,” according to state media reports released on December 29. The launch underscores Pyongyang’s continued emphasis on strengthening its nuclear-capable strike forces amid persistent tensions with the United States and South Korea. The missile drill was conducted on December 28 over the Yellow Sea, also known as the West Sea, to the west of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the missiles flew for more than two hours before accurately striking their designated targets. Photographs released by KCNA showed the missiles in flight and impact phases, highlighting their range and precision. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the exercise. He called for the “unlimited and sustained” development of the country’s nuclear combat forces, framing the test as a necessary response to what Pyongyang views as hostile external threats. KCNA stated that the goal of the drill was to assess the counter-offensive posture and combat capability of long-range missile sub-units.

 

3. 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.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Chhattisgarh Unveils Logo, Mascot ‘Morveer’ for Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games in Bilaspur: The logo, theme song and official mascot of the first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) were unveiled at Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium, Bilaspur, with the Games scheduled to begin from February 14.Jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI, IOA, National Sports Federations and Chhattisgarh, the Games will feature 7 competitive sports and 2 indigenous demonstration sports, conducted as per international technical standards.The official mascot Morveer reflects Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity, combining ‘Mor’ (our own) and ‘Veer’ (bravery), symbolising the pride, courage and collective spirit of India’s tribal communities.A key focus of KITG is talent scouting from tribal regions; selected athletes will be inducted as Khelo India Athletes and receive ₹5 lakh annual scholarships for 8 years, with Chhattisgarh becoming the first state to host this exclusive national tribal sports event.

 

2. Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey scripts historic 8-wicket T20I haul: Bhutan’s young left-arm spinner Sonam Yeshey created history in international cricket by becoming the first bowler to take an eight-wicket haul in men’s T20 Internationals. The landmark performance came during the third T20I against Myanmar in Gelephu, marking one of the most extraordinary bowling spells ever witnessed in the shortest format. The 22-year-old delivered sensational figures of 8 for 7 in four overs, including a maiden, at an economy rate of just 1.80. His spell completely dismantled Myanmar’s chase of 128, bowling them out for only 45 in 9.2 overs. Bhutan secured an emphatic 82-run victory, sealing an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series. Before Yeshey’s feat, the best bowling figures in men’s T20 Internationals stood at seven wickets in an innings. Malaysia’s Syazrul Idrus had taken 7 for 8 against China in 2023, while Bahrain’s Ali Dawood claimed 7 for 19 against Bhutan earlier in 2025. No bowler in men’s T20 cricket had previously crossed the seven-wicket mark, making Yeshey’s achievement unprecedented.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Ola Electric Gets ₹366.78 Crore Incentive under PLI-Auto Scheme for FY 2024-25: Ola Electric has received a sanction order of ₹366.78 crore from the Ministry of Heavy Industries under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components for FY 2024-25.The incentive relates to the Demand Incentive for the Determined Sales Value and will be disbursed through IFCI Limited, the designated financial institution under the PLI-Auto Scheme.Ola Electric stated that this milestone highlights its role in India’s advanced automotive manufacturing ecosystem, reflecting its strengths in scale, localisation, and technology-led vertically integrated manufacturing.

 

2. India Successfully Tests K-4 SLBM from INS Arighaat, Boosting Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrence: India successfully test-fired the K-4 intermediate-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Visakhapatnam.With a strike range of around 3,500 km, the K-4 significantly enhances India’s sea-based nuclear attack capability, strengthening the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad.Derived from the Agni-III missile, the K-4 is India’s longest-range sea-launched strategic weapon, capable of carrying a 2.5-ton nuclear warhead and launching from Arihant-class submarines using underwater ejection technology.Commissioned into the Navy in August 2024, the K-4 places India among a select group of nations with land, air and undersea nuclear strike capability; the ‘K’ series is named in honour of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

 

3. India’s Rare Earth Reserves Lag in Production: India holds the world’s third-largest reserves of rare earth elements, yet its production remains marginal on the global scale. A recent report highlights a persistent mismatch between India’s resource endowment and its actual output, underlining deep structural and regulatory bottlenecks in the mining and processing ecosystem. According to the report by Amicus Growth, India possesses about 6.9 million tonnes of rare earth oxide reserves. This places it behind only China, with around 44 million tonnes, and Brazil, with nearly 21 million tonnes. Other significant reserve holders include Australia, Russia, Vietnam, and the United States. Despite accounting for nearly 6–7 per cent of global reserves, India’s contribution to global supply remains negligible. In 2024, India produced only about 2,900 tonnes of rare earth elements, ranking seventh globally. This is starkly lower than China’s output of 270,000 tonnes, which firmly establishes its dominance. The United States followed with 45,000 tonnes, while Myanmar produced around 31,000 tonnes. Australia, Thailand, and Nigeria reported production levels of roughly 13,000 tonnes each. India’s output accounts for less than 1 per cent of global production.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Defers 3-Hour Cheque Clearance Rollout, Revises CTS Timings: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has postponed the January 3, 2026 rollout of the 3-hour cheque clearance under the Continuous Clearing and Settlement on Realisation (CCSR) framework in the Cheque Truncation System (CTS).The directive is issued under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, reinforcing RBI’s authority to regulate payment systems and maintain financial stability.Phase 1 of CCSR was launched on October 4, 2025, while Phase 2 aimed to reduce cheque settlement time to within three hours, replacing the traditional T+1/T+2 system.The RBI deferred Phase 2 implementation “until further notice” to allow banks more time to prepare for operational and technological changes.

 

2. The RBI revised CTS operational timings: Presentation session (09:00 AM–03:00 PM) and Confirmation session (09:00 AM–07:00 PM), ensuring flexibility for banks while existing clearance timelines continue for now.IRFC Extends ₹9,821 Crore Loan to DFCCIL to Refinance World Bank Debt for Eastern Freight Corridor: Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) has extended a Rs 9,821 crore rupee loan to DFCCIL to refinance its World Bank foreign currency debt for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project.The loan agreement was signed by DFCCIL’s Director (Finance) Rahul Kapoor and IRFC’s Executive Director (Finance) Deepa Kotnis at the Railway Board, New Delhi, in the presence of senior officials including Chairman & CEO Satish Kumar.The refinancing shifts DFCCIL’s debt from foreign currency to rupee-denominated financing, reducing exchange rate risk and highlighting the growing capacity of Indian financial institutions to support large-scale infrastructure projects domestically.

 

3. Canara HSBC Life Insurance Partners with Equitas Bank to Expand Insurance Access Across India: Canara HSBC Life Insurance and Equitas Small Finance Bank have entered a strategic bancassurance partnership to increase life insurance accessibility across India, integrating the insurer’s portfolio with the bank’s branch network.Through this collaboration, Canara HSBC Life Insurance will distribute products such as life protection, savings, annuity, child plans, and investment-linked policies across 994 Equitas Bank outlets and 365 ATMs in 18 states and Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra.The partnership aims to promote financial inclusion by allowing customers in Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities to access insurance plans directly through existing banking touchpoints, aligning with IRDAI’s goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.The alliance reflects the ‘Promises Ka Partner’ philosophy of Canara HSBC Life Insurance, focusing on simplifying insurance, enhancing trust, and expanding reach through a phygital banking model for straightforward and transparent services.

 

Daily GK Update- 28th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 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.

 

2. National Test House and Department of Posts Sign MoU for Nationwide Sample Collection and Testing: National Test House (NTH) and the Department of Posts have signed an MoU to enable nationwide collection and safe, timely delivery of samples to NTH laboratories for testing.Under the agreement, the Department of Posts will provide doorstep sample pickup and transport samples to NTH labs in Kolkata, Ghaziabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, Guwahati, Varanasi and Chennai, using its extensive postal network.The collaboration will improve accessibility, affordability, and efficiency of NTH’s testing services by reducing logistical hurdles and turnaround time across the country.

 

3. NGT Dismisses Appeal on Jhansi Sand Mining Clearance: The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal in New Delhi has dismissed an appeal challenging the cancellation of environmental clearance for sand mining in the Dhasan river in Jhansi district. The tribunal held that the appeal was time-barred and arose from gross non-compliance with environmental clearance conditions, reaffirming the strict statutory limits governing environmental litigation. The environmental clearance for sand mining in the Dhasan river, located in “Jhansi district”, had been granted to the appellant on November 18, 2022. It was subsequently revoked on December 22, 2024, by the “State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority”. The revocation followed findings of gross non-compliance with clearance conditions, as established by a joint committee report submitted in earlier proceedings.

 

4. Rajasthan Launches e-Swasthya Samvad Platform: The Rajasthan government has launched a new digital communication platform, “e-Swasthya Samvad”, aimed at strengthening governance, transparency and coordination in the state’s medical education system. The initiative reflects the state’s push towards technology-driven reforms to improve health services and administrative efficiency. The platform has been introduced under the direction of Chief Minister “Bhajanlal Sharma” and Medical Education Minister “Gajendra Singh Khimsar”. Officials stated that the initiative seeks to streamline communication between policymakers and institutions involved in medical education and healthcare delivery across Rajasthan. Principal Secretary, Medical Education, “Gayatri Rathore”, said e-Swasthya Samvad will function as a dedicated digital interface connecting all stakeholders. The platform is designed to enable quicker decision-making, better monitoring of health programmes and more effective implementation of policy directives through real-time interaction.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Brigitte Bardot, French Cinema Icon, Dies at 91: Legendary French actress and singer “Brigitte Bardot”, a defining cultural figure of the 1950s and 1960s, has died at the age of 91. Her death was announced by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which did not disclose details regarding the time or place of her passing. The foundation described her as a world-renowned artist who gave up fame to devote her life to animal welfare. Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot rose to international fame with the 1956 film “And God Created Woman”, directed by “Roger Vadim”, her first husband. The film transformed her into a global sex symbol and redefined post-war femininity in cinema. She went on to star in major French films such as “The Truth”, “Very Private Affair”, and “Jean-Luc Godard”’s “Contempt”, cementing her place in film history.

 

2. Jayshree Ullal Tops Hurun India Rich List 2025: Indian-origin technology leader “Jayshree Ullal” has emerged as the richest Indian-origin professional manager in the world after securing the top position on the Hurun India Rich List 2025. Her rise reflects the growing global influence of Indian-origin executives in shaping the technology sector. According to the Hurun report, Ullal’s net worth is estimated at ₹50,170 crore, placing her ahead of several high-profile global technology leaders. The ranking positions her above peers such as “Satya Nadella” and “Sundar Pichai”, highlighting a shift in how professional managers with equity stakes are represented on global rich lists. Ullal has served as President and CEO of “Arista Networks” since 2008. Under her leadership, the company has grown into a major player in cloud networking, providing high-performance solutions for hyperscale data centres, cloud service providers and large enterprises. In 2024, Arista reported revenues of about $7 billion, marking nearly 20 per cent year-on-year growth.

 

3. Why Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland Has Triggered Global Backlash: Israel’s decision to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state has sent shockwaves across Africa and the Middle East, triggering swift diplomatic condemnation and raising fears of renewed instability in the already fragile Horn of Africa. While the move may appear symbolic, its geopolitical consequences are anything but — touching questions of sovereignty, regional rivalries, and the future of international norms around secession. Somaliland is a self-declared republic located in northwestern Somalia, with its capital in Hargeisa. It broke away from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the Siad Barre regime and a brutal civil war. Since then, it has functioned with its own government, currency, security forces and electoral processes.

Yet, no country had formally recognised Somaliland as a sovereign state until now. The international community has largely upheld Somalia’s territorial integrity, fearing that recognition of breakaway regions could encourage fragmentation across Africa, where colonial-era borders remain deeply sensitive.Mogadishu has consistently rejected Somaliland’s claim to independence, but lacks the political cohesion and military capacity to reintegrate the region by force.

 

4. Europe’s Russian Assets Dilemma: Why the EU Blinked — and What It Means for the Ukraine War: Last week’s European Union summit in Brussels marked a turning point in Europe’s handling of the Ukraine war. Instead of seizing Russia’s frozen sovereign assets — estimated at around €210 billion — the EU chose a far more cautious path: raising a €90-billion Eurobond to financially sustain Ukraine. The decision has exposed deep fractures within the bloc, sharpened anxieties about global finance, and underlined Europe’s growing fatigue with a war whose endgame remains elusive. At the heart of the summit’s drama was the question of Russia’s frozen wealth, much of it parked at Euroclear in Belgium. While the technical mechanisms for confiscation existed, the real barriers were political and legal.Belgium, Italy and Austria argued that outright seizure would violate international law and invite retaliation from Moscow — retaliation whose costs would fall unevenly on individual states. They insisted that any such move must involve collective burden-sharing. France’s last-minute shift in support of Italy effectively isolated Germany, which had been pushing hardest for a bolder approach.The outcome was a compromise that satisfied no one fully: Russian assets remain frozen indefinitely, but untouched.

 

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 has increasingly depended on Russia to place satellites into orbit, particularly after facing restrictions on access to international launch services. The collaboration has expanded significantly since 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Western governments have accused Iran of supplying drones and missiles to Russia, allegations both countries have denied. Space cooperation has emerged as a visible and symbolic area of this growing partnership.

 

3. Poland Plans $2.2 Billion Anti-Drone Defence Shield: Poland has announced plans to construct a $2.2 billion multi-layered anti-drone defence system along its eastern border, citing rising security concerns linked to Russia’s military actions. The project reflects Warsaw’s growing focus on countering aerial threats and strengthening airspace security amid the prolonged Russia–Ukraine conflict. The decision follows several incidents involving suspected Russian drones entering Polish airspace. In one case earlier this year, multiple drones were detected crossing into Poland, prompting NATO fighter jets to scramble and causing debris damage on the ground. Polish authorities view these incidents as part of broader hybrid tactics aimed at testing regional defences rather than conventional military escalation. Deputy defence minister “Cezary Tomczyk” said the fortification will not resemble a single physical barrier. Instead, it will combine modern electronic warfare tools and conventional weapons. The system will include drone-jamming technologies, alongside machine guns, cannons and missile units. Initial operational capabilities are expected within six months, while full deployment is targeted within 24 months.

 

SPORTS

 

1. 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.

 

2. Tamiri Wins Women’s Singles at National Badminton Championships: Surya Charishma Tamiri claimed the Women’s Singles crown at the 87th Senior National Badminton Championships in Vijayawada, producing a resilient comeback in the final. The championships witnessed strong performances across all categories, underlining the depth of domestic badminton talent in India. “Surya Charishma Tamiri” defeated “Tanvi Patri” in a closely contested final. After dropping the opening game, Tamiri recovered with controlled aggression and improved court coverage to win 17–21, 21–12, 21–14. The victory marked a significant milestone in her senior national career. The Men’s Doubles title was won by “A. Hariharan” and “Ruban Kumar”, who defeated Mithilesh Krishnan and Prejan 24–22, 21–17 in the final. In Women’s Doubles, former champions “Shikha Gautam” and “Ashwini Bhat K” reclaimed the title with a 21–14, 21–18 victory over Priya Devi Konjengban and Shruti Mishra.

 

3. PV Sindhu Elected BWF Athletes’ Commission Chair: Two-time Olympic medallist “P. V. Sindhu” has been elected Chair of the Badminton World Federation Athletes’ Commission for the 2026–2029 term, marking a significant step in athlete representation within global badminton governance. The appointment was confirmed by Olympics.com and positions Sindhu as a key voice for players worldwide. As Chair of the Athletes’ Commission, Sindhu will also serve as a member of the “Badminton World Federation” Council. This dual role ensures direct athlete participation in policy-making and strategic decisions affecting international badminton. The commission is designed to bridge the gap between players and administrators, strengthening transparency and inclusivity. Sindhu expressed gratitude to fellow athletes for entrusting her with the responsibility and acknowledged the contribution of former chair “Greysia Polii”, who served two terms on the commission between 2021 and 2025. Polii, a Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist and Asian Games champion in women’s doubles, retired from competitive badminton in 2022.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. JWST Reveals Hidden Chemistry Around Young Star T Chamaeleontis: Astronomers have uncovered a rare glimpse into the chemical evolution of a young, planet-forming star system after a dramatic structural change exposed previously hidden molecular signatures. Observations of the star “T Chamaeleontis”, located about 350 light-years from Earth, show that a partial collapse of its circumstellar disk’s inner wall briefly illuminated complex organic chemistry, offering new insights into how planetary systems evolve. T Chamaeleontis, often referred to as T Cha, is a young, Sun-like star surrounded by a circumstellar disk containing a wide gap, likely carved by a forming protoplanet. Normally, the dense inner regions of such disks block ultraviolet radiation from reaching the outer disk. In 2022, however, a sudden burst of accretion caused part of this inner wall to thin or collapse, allowing ultraviolet light to stream outward and alter the disk’s chemical visibility. This unexpected illumination revealed strong signatures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), flat, carbon-rich molecules considered important precursors to complex organic chemistry. Detecting PAHs around low-mass, Sun-like stars has been difficult due to their relatively weak ultraviolet output. The event at T Cha temporarily removed this limitation, making the molecules glow brightly in the mid-infrared range.

 

2. Lantana Camara Invasion Threatens Global Ecosystems: A silent ecological invasion is unfolding across vast regions of the world, driven by “Lantana camara”, an aggressive invasive weed now entrenched across tropical, subtropical and warm temperate zones. Easily recognised by its brightly coloured, bouquet-like flowers and strong scent, the plant has spread across millions of hectares, posing serious threats to biodiversity, agriculture and forest ecosystems. Lantana camara spreads rapidly due to a combination of biological advantages. It releases chemicals into the soil that suppress the growth of neighbouring plants, a process known as allelopathy. Its leaves, flowers and berries are toxic to livestock, yet attractive to birds, insects and monkeys that disperse its seeds over long distances. Deep, spreading roots extract scarce water and nutrients, while a resin-coated leaf surface reduces moisture loss, allowing the plant to thrive in drought-prone and degraded soils.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Canara Bank Launches ‘Canara ai1Pe’, Unified Next-Gen UPI App for Seamless Digital Payments: Canara Bank launched its unified UPI app Canara ai1Pe, enabling users of any bank to link accounts for fund transfers, QR payments, bill payments and auto-debit of recurring payments.Canara ai1Pe is part of the Canara ai1 Mobile Banking Super App, which offers 300+ features, including deposits, insurance and everyday banking services, providing a seamless digital payment experience.The app supports all UPI services such as UPI Lite, Autopay, UPI Circle, IPO/Mandate services, along with enhanced security features like device binding and UPI PIN authentication.Developed in collaboration with NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), the app aims to deliver a next-generation UPI payment experience while also complementing Canara Bank’s separate Canara ai1 Corporate app for business customers.

 

2. IDRBT and IIIT Hyderabad Sign MoU to Collaborate on Research and Skill Development in BFSI Technologies: The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) and IIIT Hyderabad signed an MoU to collaborate in academics, research, training, student exchange and skill development in the BFSI sector.The partnership aims to support integration and adoption of emerging technologies in banking and financial services, with the MoU signed by IIIT-H Director Sandeep Shukla and IDRBT Director Deepak Kumar.As part of the collaboration, the institutes will offer joint PhD programmes focusing on areas such as digital payments, cybersecurity, AI, blockchain, cryptography, programmable money, tokens, and API management. The MoU also seeks to enhance industry readiness and employability of research scholars, along with collaboration in BFSI technology standardisation, India-specific cybersecurity solutions, and user experience development.