Daily GK Update- 3rd Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Completes Nine Years: Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a flagship maternity benefit scheme for pregnant women and lactating mothers, has completed nine years, having been launched on 1 January 2017.The centrally sponsored scheme aims to provide financial support to improve health and nutrition, especially for women from socially and economically disadvantaged sections.Under PMMVY, beneficiaries receive ₹5,000 for the first child and ₹6,000 for the second girl child, in instalments linked to pregnancy registration and childbirth.The first instalment of ₹3,000 is provided on pregnancy registration, while the second instalment of ₹2,000 is given after childbirth, along with additional incentives under the Janani Suraksha Yojana. As per the Ministry of Women and Child Development, over 4.5 crore women have been enrolled, with more than ₹19,000 crore disbursed, supporting nutrition, medical check-ups, and overall maternal health.

 

2. Goa to Get Third District Named ‘Kushavati’, Quepem to Be Headquarters: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that the state’s proposed third district will be named ‘Kushavati’, after a river flowing through the region, and it will be developed as an aspirational district.The new district will comprise four talukas—Dharbandora, Quepem, Sanguem and Canacona (currently in South Goa), with Quepem town as its headquarters; interim administration will be managed by South Goa district authorities.Kushavati district will be eligible for ₹15 crore additional central funding under the aspirational district programme, with special infrastructure focus due to its 27% tribal population.

 

3. India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Run Between Guwahati and Howrah: India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will run between Guwahati (Assam) and Howrah (West Bengal), connecting the Northeast with eastern India.The sleeper train has been designed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and manufactured by BEML Ltd, Bengaluru, marking a key collaboration in railway production.Under the ICF–BEML collaboration, 10 rakes will be built by March 2026 (the first two rakes are already ready), after which ICF will manufacture 50 more Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains.

 

4. PM Modi Chairs 50th PRAGATI Meeting, Reviews ₹40,000+ Crore Projects and Pushes Outcome-Oriented Governance: PM Narendra Modi chaired the 50th PRAGATI meeting in New Delhi, reviewing five major infrastructure projects across Road, Railways, Power, Water Resources and Coal sectors, spanning five states with a cost of ₹40,000+ crore.The PRAGATI ecosystem has accelerated projects worth over ₹85 lakh crore in the last decade, resolving about 94% issues (2,958 out of 3,162) across 377 projects reviewed since 2014, significantly reducing delays and cost overruns.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Guinea Coup Leader Mamady Doumbouya Wins Presidential Election: Mamady Doumbouya, the leader of Guinea’s 2021 military coup, has won the presidential election.Doumbouya had taken power after overthrowing President Alpha Condé and later promised a transition towards civilian rule in Guinea.His election victory marks a formal consolidation of power, raising regional and international focus on democratic governance and political stability in West Africa.

 

2. India’s Pharma at a Crossroads: How U.S. Tariffs Could Reshape the ‘Pharmacy of the World’: India’s pharmaceutical sector, long celebrated as the “pharmacy of the world”, is facing a defining stress test. In September 2025, U.S. President “Donald Trump” announced a 100% tariff on branded and patented pharmaceutical imports, effective October 1, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. While generics have been spared for now, the move has injected uncertainty into global supply chains — and into an Indian industry that supplies nearly 40% of U.S. generic medicines and anchors India’s export-led growth. The tariff targets branded and patented pharmaceutical imports unless they are manufactured domestically in the U.S. The stated objective is to revive local manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. However, for India — whose pharma exports to the U.S. touched nearly $9 billion in FY25 — the announcement has raised fears of spillover effects, particularly if the tariff regime expands to generics in a future escalation.Markets reacted immediately. Shares of major Indian pharmaceutical companies fell sharply, wiping out significant market capitalisation, reflecting investor anxiety over U.S. exposure, regulatory uncertainty, and rising compliance costs.

 

3. Turkmenistan Legalises Crypto Mining and Exchanges: Turkmenistan has formally legalised cryptocurrency mining and exchange operations, marking a significant policy shift in one of the world’s most tightly controlled economies. The new legislation, signed on January 1, 2026, brings virtual assets under the country’s civil law framework and introduces a regulated structure for crypto-related activities. The law was signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and establishes official recognition of cryptocurrency mining and trading. Under the legislation, cryptocurrencies are classified as virtual assets and are governed by civil law. However, the government has clarified that digital currencies will not be recognised as legal tender, currency, or securities, limiting their role strictly to regulated asset transactions. A key feature of the new law is the creation of a licensing regime for cryptocurrency exchanges. These exchanges will operate under the supervision of Turkmenistan’s central bank, ensuring state oversight in line with the country’s controlled financial system. Authorities have stated that the framework is intended to improve transparency and regulatory clarity, even as broader internet access and digital freedoms remain tightly regulated.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Defence Contracts Boost Armed Forces Modernisation: The Ministry of Defence has signed defence procurement contracts worth ₹4,666 crore, reinforcing India’s drive towards modernisation and operational readiness. The agreements cover the induction of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines for frontline troops and Heavyweight Torpedoes for submarines, reflecting a dual focus on land and maritime combat capabilities. Under the first contract, over 4.25 lakh CQB Carbines, valued at ₹2,770 crore, will be inducted into the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. The weapons will be supplied by Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd. These indigenously developed carbines are intended to replace ageing small arms and enhance infantry lethality in close-combat scenarios, including urban and counter-terrorism operations. The CQB Carbine features a compact build, high rate of fire, and improved accuracy, making it suitable for confined-space engagements. Its induction marks a significant milestone under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. The programme also highlights deeper collaboration between the government and private industry, with positive spillover effects for employment generation, MSMEs, and the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Deepti Sharma Becomes Highest Wicket-Taker in Women’s T20Is: Deepti Sharma became the highest wicket-taker in women’s T20Is, overtaking Australia’s Megan Schutt by claiming her 152nd wicket during the final T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram.She created history by becoming the first Indian cricketer (men or women) to take 150 T20I wickets and the first player globally to score 1,000 runs and take 150 wickets in T20Is.India defeated Sri Lanka by 15 runs to complete a 5–0 series whitewash, with Harmanpreet Kaur’s half-century and Deepti Sharma’s economical spell contributing to the win.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. New Social Security Rules to Redefine Benefits for Gig Workers: The Centre has released a draft of new Social Security Code rules that could significantly reshape welfare coverage for gig and platform workers across India. Issued under the Labour Codes framework for public consultation, the proposal lays down minimum engagement thresholds and compliance obligations that will directly impact workers associated with food delivery, quick commerce and ride-hailing platforms. Under the draft rules, gig and platform workers will be eligible for social security benefits only if they are engaged for at least 90 days with an aggregator in a financial year. In cases where a worker is associated with multiple aggregators, the eligibility threshold rises to 120 days. Importantly, the rules clarify that engagement begins from the day a worker starts earning income, irrespective of the amount earned.

2. Assam to Procure Proton Therapy Machine for Public Cancer Care: Assam is set to become the first state in India to introduce proton therapy for cancer treatment within the public health system. The state government has decided to procure a high-end proton therapy machine at an estimated cost of ₹500 crore, marking a major advancement in specialised oncology care and positioning Assam as an emerging destination for medical tourism in eastern India. Announcing the decision, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said a tender has already been floated for the procurement. At present, proton therapy facilities in India are available only in the private sector, notably with Tata Memorial Centre and Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. No government-run healthcare institution in the country currently offers this advanced radiotherapy technology, making Assam’s move a national first.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UPI Transactions Surge 29% in December, Digital Payments Maintain Strong Growth Momentum: UPI transactions rose 29% year-on-year in December, reaching 63 billion transactions, while the transaction value increased 20% to around ₹28 lakh crore, as per NPCI data.On a month-on-month basis, UPI showed steady growth, with the average daily transaction value rising to ₹90,217 crore in December from ₹87,721 crore in November 2025.The average daily UPI transaction count increased to 698 million in December, compared to 682 million in the previous month, reflecting higher digital payment adoption.IMPS transactions also recorded growth, with the transaction value reaching ₹6.62 lakh crore (up 10% YoY) and volume increasing to 380 million, alongside a rise in average daily transaction value.

 

2. Gross GST Collections Rise 6.1% in December: Gross GST collections in December 2025 rose 6.1% year-on-year to about ₹75 lakh crore, with CGST and SGST recording growth, while IGST declined compared to the same month last year.From April to December 2025–26, gross GST collections increased by 8.6% to around ₹16.5 lakh crore, with all major components—CGST, SGST, and IGST—showing growth, reflecting stronger economic activity and improved compliance.GST revenues have shown a steady upward trend over the years, rising from ₹11.37 lakh crore in 2020–21 to ₹20.18 lakh crore in 2023–24, with 2024–25 marking the highest-ever gross collection of ₹22.08 lakh crore.

 

Daily GK Update- 2nd Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Army Hospital Creates History with India’s First 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography with iStent: India’s first 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography with iStent was successfully performed by the Ophthalmology Department at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi Cantt, marking a major milestone in glaucoma treatment.The procedure used a stand-mounted Spectralis imaging system and a 3D operating microscope, enabling real-time visualization of aqueous outflow pathways for highly precise, minimally invasive surgery.This breakthrough sets a new benchmark in glaucoma care in India, significantly improving surgical accuracy, patient outcomes, and positioning Armed Forces Medical Services among global leaders in ophthalmic innovation.

 

2. NTH and NHAI Sign MoU to Enhance Quality Assurance in National Highway Projects: National Test House (NTH) has signed an MoU with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to strengthen quality control, inspection and third-party testing in national highway and infrastructure projects.Under the agreement, NTH will be empanelled as a recognised laboratory for NHAI, allowing highway construction and allied work samples to be sent for scientific testing and inspection.Established in 1912 and functioning under the Department of Consumer Affairs, NTH will also support NHAI through online test requests, digital payments, nodal officer coordination and expert participation in technical committees.

 

3. C R Patil Launches ‘Jal Seva Aankalan’ to Boost Community-Led Water Governance under Jal Jeevan Mission: Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil virtually launched Jal Seva Aankalan to strengthen service delivery and community ownership under the Jal Jeevan Mission.Jal Seva Aankalan is a Gram Panchayat-led digital assessment tool available on the Jal Jeevan Mission portal to evaluate drinking water service functionality at the village level.The initiative is designed as a community-owned self-assessment, reducing dependence on infrequent and costly third-party surveys, with all Har Ghar Jal Gram Panchayats required to complete it by 26 January next year.The tool will empower Gram Panchayats, strengthen democratic decision-making through Gram Sabhas, ensure transparency, and help identify service delivery gaps early for timely corrective action.

 

4. Karnataka Records First Sighting of Ultra-Rare ‘Sandalwood Leopard’: Karnataka has documented its first-ever sighting of an ultra-rare leopard colour morph, informally named the “Sandalwood Leopard”, marking only the second confirmed instance of this rare big cat in India. The discovery, made in the Vijayanagara district, has drawn national and global attention to the state’s rich and genetically diverse wildlife. The Sandalwood Leopard is distinguished by a pale reddish-pink coat with light-brown rosettes, a stark contrast to the typical tawny coat with black rosettes seen in Indian leopards. The female leopard, estimated to be around six to seven years old, was captured on camera traps during wildlife research surveys. In subsequent images, she was seen alongside a cub with a normal tawny coat, highlighting the rarity of the adult’s coloration.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Makes Global History with First Administration of ITVISMA Gene Therapy: Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, has become the first hospital in the world to administer ITVISMA, a one-time gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), marking a significant milestone in precision medicine.The therapy was administered under the supervision of the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, after receiving regulatory approval, making the UAE the second country after the United States to authorise this advanced treatment.Developed by Novartis, ITVISMA targets the genetic root cause of SMA by replacing the defective SMN1 gene, enabling the production of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein.As a single-dose gene therapy approved for patients aged two years and above, ITVISMA expands access beyond infant-only treatments and offers the potential for sustained motor improvement with reduced long-term treatment dependence.

 

2. Why did the US strike Venezuela and Captured President Nicolas Maduro?: In the early hours of January 3, the United States carried out what President “Donald Trump” described as a “large-scale” military strike on Venezuela, followed by the dramatic claim that Venezuelan President “Nicolás Maduro” and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country. While Washington has offered few operational details and Caracas has not confirmed the capture, the episode marks the most direct US military action against Venezuela in decades — and raises fundamental questions about legality, regional stability, and America’s evolving use of force in the Western Hemisphere. Explosions were reported across the Venezuelan capital “Caracas” around 2 am local time. Residents described low-flying aircraft, shaking buildings, and power outages in parts of the city. Smoke was seen rising from military installations, including the La Carlota airfield and the sprawling Fuerte Tiuna complex, both central to Venezuela’s defence infrastructure.Soon after, President Trump announced on social media that US forces had conducted a coordinated operation with American law-enforcement agencies and had “captured” Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The Venezuelan government, while condemning what it called “extremely serious military aggression,” said it had no confirmation of the president’s whereabouts and demanded proof of life.

 

3. India–Australia Trade at Zero Tariffs: Why ECTA Is Quietly Redrawing the Indo-Pacific Economic Map: As of January 1, 2026, every Indian product entering Australia does so without paying a single rupee in tariff. No carve-outs, no fine print. Three years after the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) came into force, Australia has fully eliminated tariffs on Indian exports — offering Indian businesses unfettered access to a nearly $2-trillion economy. In a world where trade barriers are rising, this stands out as a rare, consequential success story. The most striking outcome of “Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement” is that Australia has now removed tariffs on 100% of Indian goods exports. This includes textiles, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, gems and jewellery, agricultural products, and processed foods.In return, India has progressively reduced or eliminated duties on a wide range of Australian exports — particularly coal, critical minerals, metals, wine, and certain agricultural products — creating a two-way flow that benefits both economies.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Rakesh Aggarwal Assigned Additional Charge as Interim DG of NIA Following Sadanand Date’s Repatriation: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has assigned the additional charge of NIA Director General to Rakesh Aggarwal following the premature repatriation of the incumbent DG, Sadanand Vasant Date, to his parent cadre.Rakesh Aggarwal, a 1994-batch Himachal Pradesh cadre IPS officer and current Special Director General of NIA, will hold the interim charge until a regular DG is appointed or further orders are issued.

 

2. Lav Aggarwal Appointed DG of DGFT Amid Key Bureaucratic Reshuffle: Lav Aggarwal has been appointed as Director General of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet as part of a bureaucratic reshuffle.Rabindra Kumar Agarwal, currently Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation, has been appointed as Chairman & Managing Director of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), replacing Ashutosh Agnihotri, who is now Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.Srikant Nagulapalli, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Power, has been appointed as Director General of Hydrocarbons in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.Nidhi Pandey, currently Joint Secretary in the Department of Atomic Energy, will now serve as Additional Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, taking over a key administrative role.

 

3. MoD Signs ₹4,666 Crore Defence Contracts for CQB Carbines and Heavy Weight Torpedoes: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed defence procurement contracts worth ₹4,666 crore for the acquisition of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines and Heavy Weight Torpedoes, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.This move aligns with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, aiming to replace legacy weapon systems and equip Indian soldiers with modern, world-class combat capabilities.A contract worth around ₹1,896 crore was signed with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L., Italy, for the procurement and integration of 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes for the Kalvari Class (P-75) submarines of the Indian Navy, significantly boosting their combat strength.In FY 2025-26, the MoD has signed capital acquisition contracts worth ₹1,82,492 crore, reflecting a major push towards modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces.

 

4. India Successfully Conducts Salvo Launch of Indigenous ‘Pralay’ Ballistic Missiles off Odisha Coast: India successfully conducted a salvo launch of two indigenously developed ‘Pralay’ missiles off the Odisha coast as part of user evaluation trials.The test was carried out by DRDO and witnessed by officials from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and industry partners involved in development and production.‘Pralay’ is a surface-to-surface, short-range ballistic missile with a strike range of 150–500 km, capable of carrying multiple warhead types and equipped with advanced guidance systems for high precision.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Delhi Govt Partners with IIT Kanpur to Launch AI-Based Unified Grievance Redressal System: The Delhi government, in partnership with IIT Kanpur, will launch an AI-based Unified Grievance Redressal System to ensure faster complaint resolution and real-time monitoring.The system will integrate multiple grievance portals—including PGMS, LG Listening Post, and the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System—into a single unified dashboard for smarter analysis and quicker action.Advanced AI features like semantic search, root cause analysis, automatic grievance routing, and digitisation of complaint documents will enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accountability in handling public grievances.IIT Kanpur will manage system integration, cybersecurity audits, and portal maintenance, aiming to improve transparency, efficiency, and performance-based evaluation of departments and regions in grievance resolution.

 

2. Gujarat CM Approves Establishment of Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) to Boost AI R&D: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel granted in-principle approval for the establishment of the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) to boost AI research and development in the state.The facility will be set up as a public-private partnership (PPP) through collaboration between the State government, Central government, and Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), with operations based in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, as a Section 8 non-profit entity.The estimated budget for the first five years is ₹300 crore, equally contributed by the State, Centre, and private partner, with IPA contributing ₹25 crore in 2025–26; the alliance includes 23 leading pharmaceutical companies such as Cipla, Sun Pharma, and Torrent Pharmaceuticals.IAIRO will function as a multidisciplinary AI hub, focusing on advanced R&D, AI product development, academic-industry-government collaboration, intellectual property creation, capacity building, and policy-oriented research, supporting sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.

 

3. How Climate Change Is Intensifying India’s Lead Poisoning Crisis: Lead exposure remains one of the most under-recognised public health emergencies in India — and climate change is quietly making it worse. While the phase-out of leaded petrol and incremental regulation have reduced some risks, there is still no safe level of lead in the human body. Even minimal exposure can irreversibly damage children’s brains, impair learning, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. As climate extremes intensify, they are disturbing old reservoirs of lead in soil, water, housing and waste, compounding a crisis that already affects millions of Indians. The consequences extend far beyond individual health. Lead exposure undermines educational outcomes, reduces lifetime earnings, and erodes long-term economic productivity — costs that accumulate silently across generations.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Government Retains Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes for 8th Straight Quarter: The government has kept interest rates unchanged for 12 small savings schemes, including PPF and Sukanya Samriddhi, for the March quarter, marking the 8th consecutive quarter with no rate revision.This decision comes despite a 125 basis points cut in the repo rate by the RBI over the past year, bringing the policy rate down to 5.25% during the ongoing easing cycle.As per the Department of Economic Affairs, PPF will continue to offer 7.1% interest, while Sukanya Samriddhi accounts will earn 8.2% during the March quarter.Collections from small savings schemes help finance the Centre’s fiscal deficit; the government plans to raise ₹3.43 lakh crore in FY26 from the National Small Savings Fund as it targets reducing the fiscal deficit to 4.4% of GDP.

 

2. ATM Numbers Decline in FY25 as Digitisation Rises, Bank Branch Network Continues to Expand: RBI Report: According to the RBI’s Trend and Progress of Banking in India for FY25, the total number of ATMs declined moderately to 2,51,057 as of March 31, 2025, primarily due to the increased digitisation of payments, which reduced customer dependence on cash transactions.Both public and private sector banks reduced their ATM networks, with private banks’ ATMs falling to 77,117 and public sector banks’ ATMs declining to 1,33,544, largely because of the closure of offsite ATMs.In contrast, independently-run white label ATMs increased to 36,216, while ATM distribution showed that PSBs had a balanced rural–urban spread, whereas private and foreign banks were concentrated in urban and metropolitan areas.Despite digital alternatives, bank branches continued to expand, rising by 2.8% to 1.64 lakh branches, with PSBs leading new openings, particularly in rural and semi-urban centres, reflecting a continued focus on financial inclusion.

 

3. India Post and SIDBI Sign MoU to Verify Informal Micro Enterprises on Udyam Assist Platform: The Department of Posts and SIDBI have signed an MoU to conduct Contact Point Verification (CPV) of informal micro enterprises registered on the Udyam Assist Platform, aiming to enhance data integrity, formalisation, and access to institutional credit.Under the collaboration, India Post will leverage its nationwide network of over 1.64 lakh post offices and trained field workforce to carry out on-ground, geo-tagged verification of enterprise details using a SIDBI-developed CPV mobile application.SIDBI, the principal financial institution for MSME development, will provide the digital platform, backend infrastructure, operational guidelines, and training, with the MoU valid for two years (Dec 31, 2025–Dec 30, 2027) and provisions for extension, data security, and compliance.

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Amit Shah Inaugurates ₹227 Crore Redeveloped Batadrava Than Honouring Srimanta Sankardeva in Assam: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ₹227 crore redeveloped Batadrava Than, the birthplace of Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva, in Assam’s Nagaon district.The decision to redevelop the site, named as Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva Abhirbhav Kshetra, was first proposed in the 2021-22 State budget. project has been designed not only make the historic site a major tourist attraction but also to reflect the life, ideals, and artistic heritage associated with Mahapurush Sankardeva and the broader cultural traditions of the State.

 

Daily GK Update- 1st Jan, 2026

 

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.