Daily Current Affairs 01st & 02nd January 2026 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

India Overtakes Japan to Emerge as the World’s Fourth-Largest Economy: Government

• India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s 4th-largest economy, with a GDP of USD 4.18 trillion, and is expected to overtake Germany by 2030 to rank 3rd globally.
• India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy, with real GDP growth rising to 8.2% in Q2 FY26, compared to 7.8% in Q1 FY26 and 7.4% in Q4 FY25, showing strong growth momentum.
• The Government of India projects that the economy will expand to USD 7.3 trillion by 2030, reinforcing India’s path to becoming the third-largest economy in the world.
• The United States remains the largest global economy, followed by China in the second position, while India ranks fourth at present.
• Major global institutions have expressed confidence in India’s growth outlook, with projections from the World Bank (6.5% in 2026), IMF (6.6% in 2025; 6.2% in 2026) and OECD (6.7% in 2025; 6.2% in 2026).
• Additional growth forecasts underline optimism, including Moody’s (6.4% in 2026), S&P Global (6.5% in FY26), Asian Development Bank (7.2% in 2025) and Fitch Ratings (7.4% in FY26), supporting India’s strong medium-term economic outlook.

Reserve Bank of India Releases Annual Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India (2024-25)

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the “Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024-25” under Section 36(2) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, analysing the banking sector performance during FY25 and H1 FY26.
• At the end of FY25, India’s commercial banking system consisted of 12 PSBs, 21 PVBs, 44 Foreign Banks, 11 Small Finance Banks, 6 Payments Banks, 43 Regional Rural Banks, and 2 Local Area Banks.
• The consolidated balance sheet of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) (excluding RRBs) increased by 11.2% in FY25, lower than 15.5% growth in FY24.
• The Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of SCBs remained comfortable at 17.4% at end-March 2025 and 17.2% at end-September 2025.
• SCBs profitability remained robust, with Return on Assets (RoA) at 1.4% and Return on Equity (RoE) at 13.5% in FY25, moderating to 1.3% RoA and 12.5% RoE in H1 FY26.
• On the assets side, bank credit grew by 11.5% and investments increased by 9.2% in FY25, while on the liabilities side, deposits rose by 11.1%.
• The share of PSBs in the consolidated balance sheet of SCBs declined to 54.9% at end-March 2025 from 55.2%, while the share of PVBs moderated to 37.1% from 37.5%.
• The GNPA ratio of SCBs declined to a multi-decadal low of 2.2% at end-March 2025 and further to 2.1% at end-September 2025, reflecting improved asset quality.

Key Highlights :

Analysis of Bank Frauds

• During H1 FY26 (April–September), the number of bank fraud cases declined to 5,092, but the amount involved increased by 30% to ₹21,515 crore.
• In FY25, the total fraud cases fell to 23,879, while the amount involved rose to ₹34,771 crore, indicating high-value frauds.
• Card and internet frauds accounted for 66.8% of total cases by number, while advances-related frauds formed 33.1% of the total amount involved in FY25.
• Private Sector Banks (PVBs) accounted for 59.3% of fraud cases by number, whereas Public Sector Banks (PSBs) accounted for 70.7% of the total fraud amount, with coverage for frauds of ₹1 lakh and above.

Co-operative and Non-Banking Sectors

• The number of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) declined by 15 to 1,457 at end-March 2025 due to ongoing consolidation.
• Out of 1,457 UCBs, 1,406 were non-scheduled and 49 were scheduled banks at end-FY25.
• UCB deposit growth improved to 5.2% in FY25 from 4.1%, while credit growth accelerated to 6.7%, the highest in six years.
• The consolidated balance sheet of UCBs expanded by 4.4% in FY25, and net profit rose by 14.2%, aided by lower provisioning and better asset quality.
• As per revised norms effective April 1, 2023, 92.1% of UCBs maintained Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) above 12% at end-March 2025.
• NBFC loans and advances expanded by 19.4% at end-March 2025, with upper-layer NBFCs recording higher growth than middle-layer NBFCs.
• Industry and retail sectors dominated NBFC credit with an 81.1% share, followed by services at 15.4% at end-March 2025.
• The share of NBFC credit in GDP increased to 14.6% in FY25, up from 13.5% in the previous year.

Specialized Banking (Payments & SFBs)

• During FY25, the combined balance sheet of Payments Banks grew by 43.7% to ₹37,592 crore.
• Payments Bank deposits surged by 56.8% to ₹25,605 crore, while investments increased by 64.3% to ₹24,037 crore in FY25.
• Despite growth, net profit of Payments Banks declined marginally by 2.2% to ₹92 crore in FY25.
• The balance sheet of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) grew by 20.9% to ₹4.05 lakh crore in FY25.
• Due to faster deposit growth, the Credit-Deposit ratio of SFBs moderated to 86.4% at end-March 2025 from 90.1%.
• The net profit of SFBs declined to ₹3,496 crore owing to higher provisioning and contingencies.
• Asset quality of SFBs deteriorated, with GNPA ratio rising to 3.6% at end-March 2025.
• SFBs remained well-capitalised, with CAR at 21.5% and Tier-1 capital at 18.8% at end-March 2025.

Reserve Bank of India Grants Final Payment Aggregator–Cross Border Authorization to Prosus-Backed Fintech BRISKPE

• BRISKPE, a Prosus-backed fintech, has received final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator–Cross Border (PA-CB) under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• The authorisation allows both inward and outward cross-border payment flows, positioning BRISKPE as a fully compliant, end-to-end cross-border payments platform for Indian businesses.
• BRISKPE becomes one of India’s youngest fintechs specialising in cross-border payments to secure PA-CB authorisation in a short time frame.
• Launched in 2023, BRISKPE provides real-time payment tracking, local virtual accounts, competitive FX, and a digital-first onboarding experience.
• The PA-CB license is mandatory for entities facilitating online cross-border payments for import and export of goods and services.
• This move reinforces the RBI’s focus on bringing fintech intermediaries under direct regulatory oversight to ensure compliance and transaction security.

IDFC First Bank Launches ‘Gaj’, an Invitation-Only Premium Metal Credit Card

• IDFC First Bank has launched ‘Gaj’, a premium metal credit card offered exclusively on an invitation-only basis for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs).
• The card represents the pinnacle of the bank’s Ashva–Mayura–Gaj trilogy, a curated series of premium metal credit cards.

Key Highlights :

• The design of the card features a twin-elephant motif (Gaj meaning elephant in Sanskrit), symbolizing majesty, wisdom, and stability.
• It carries a joining fee and an annual fee of ₹12,500 plus GST
• The annual fee is waived upon reaching a milestone of ₹10 lakh in annual spends.
• Cardholders receive 12,500 Reward Points (RP) as a welcome benefit, where 1 RP = ₹1 for travel bookings, effectively offsetting the joining fee.
• A key feature is zero foreign exchange (forex) markup on all international transactions, targeting the “Global Indian”
• The card provides interest-free global ATM cash withdrawals for up to 45 days (subject to a flat transaction fee).
• It offers accelerated rewards of up to 33.33% value-back (50 RP per ₹150) on hotel bookings and 16.67% on flight bookings via the bank’s app.
• Travel benefits include complimentary access to 4 domestic (including one guest) and 4 international airport lounges per quarter.
• The card includes a Trip Cancellation Cover of up to ₹50,000 and a Personal Air Accident Cover of ₹1 crore.
• Cardholders are also eligible for a lifetime free ‘FIRST Digital’ RuPay Credit Card to facilitate UPI payments.

About IDFC First Bank :

• Established : 2018.
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Managing Director and CEO : V. Vaidyanathan

Syria Introduces New Banknote Series Effective January 1, 2026

• Syria unveiled a new series of banknotes at a ceremony in Damascus, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Central Bank Governor Abdul Qadir Husrieh.
• The new Syrian currency (SYP) will be issued in denominations ranging from 10 to 500 pounds.
• The new banknotes will enter circulation from January 1, 2026.
• Redenomination reform involves dropping two zeros, where 10,000 old SYP equals 100 new SYP, aimed at easing hyperinflation pressures.
• The redenomination does not change purchasing power, ensuring price neutrality for citizens.
• All bank deposits and electronic balances will automatically convert on Day 1 of the reform.
• The Central Bank of Syria will oversee a nationwide currency exchange through its branch network.
• The design of new notes replaces Assad-era portraits with nature-based symbols.
• Featured motifs include wheat fields, olive branches, orange blossoms, and roses, highlighting agriculture and cultural heritage.
• The new designs symbolize a “new national identity” and economic revival following the 2025 regime change.
• Coins for smaller denominations are planned and will be issued in later phases.
• During the currency transition period, old and new banknotes will coexist for about 90 days.

Rediff.com Gets Final NPCI Approval to Operate as UPI Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP)

• Rediff.com India Limited, a subsidiary of Infibeam Avenues Limited, has received final approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP).
• The company has initiated Closed User Group (CUG) testing for its digital payments platform, RediffPay, ahead of its full Unified Payments Interface (UPI) public launch.
• Infibeam Avenues Ltd (proposed to be renamed AvenuesAI) holds an 82% majority stake in Rediff.com.
• Axis Bank has been appointed as the Payment System Provider (PSP) bank for the platform.

Key Features of RediffPay

• Financial Wellness Focus: It is positioned as India’s first UPI app specifically focused on financial wellness, helping users save, invest, and access credit responsibly.
• Service Suite: Beyond standard Peer-to-Peer (P2P) and merchant payments, it offers bill payments, mobile recharges, and investment products like Equities, Mutual Funds (MF), Fixed Deposits (FD), and Recurring Deposits (RD).
• Credit Facilities: The app provides pre-approved credit for merchant payments up to ₹1,00,000 per day and cash withdrawals up to ₹10,000.
• Compliance: The platform is built to comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, and offers multilingual services to promote financial inclusion.
• User Ecosystem: The launch leverages Rediff’s existing ecosystem of 60 million users to scale the service rapidly.

Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, IDFC First Bank Unveil New Cohort of IGNITE Startup Programme

• The Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), the technology transfer and incubation arm of IIT-Delhi (New Delhi), in partnership with IDFC First Bank, launched a new cohort under the Innovation Growth & Nurturing Initiative for Technology Entrepreneurs (IGNITE)

Key Highlights :

• The IGNITE programme is implemented as part of IDFC First Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, in collaboration with FITT, IIT-Delhi.
• The programme is designed to bridge deep-tech research, funding, mentorship, and market access, enabling startups with global impact potential to scale their solutions.
• The objective of IGNITE is to nurture innovation-led early- to growth-stage startups in India, supporting their journey from proof-of-concept to market-ready commercialisation.
• The IGNITE cohort focuses on high-potential startups working in climate tech, clean energy, healthcare, agri-tech, mobility, education, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for social good.

Funding and Mentorship Support

• Under the programme, each selected startup receives non-dilutive funding of up to ₹30 lakh, along with capacity-building workshops on technology development, business strategy, and investor readiness.
• The cohort provides structured mentorship from IIT faculty, industry experts, and CSR leaders of IDFC First Bank, strengthening technical and business capabilities.
• Startups also gain access to investor-connect sessions, demo days, and SIDBI–FITT pitching opportunities, aimed at accelerating startup growth and funding access.

Selected Startups and Corporate Details

• A total of 15 startups were selected under the IGNITE cohort, reflecting the programme’s focus on high-impact and innovation-driven enterprises.
• The 15 selected startups are Aaizel International Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Macphy Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Propickle Technologies Pvt. Ltd., FluxGo Mobility Pvt. Ltd., AICA Health Tech Pvt. Ltd., CLUIX Pvt. Ltd., OpenSpectrum AI Pvt. Ltd., Fruvetech Pvt. Ltd., PRAVIDYA Software Pvt. Ltd., Bravecore Pvt. Ltd., Indigotex Pvt. Ltd., IX Energy Pvt. Ltd., Cunomial Technologies Pvt. Ltd., ScaNxt Scientific Technologies Pvt. Ltd., and Neo Risers Pvt. Ltd.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

India Records Highest-Ever Trademark Registrations in FY 2024–25

• India achieved its highest-ever trademark registrations in a single financial year during Financial Year 2024–25, marking a major milestone for the country’s innovation and business ecosystem.
• More than 5.5 lakh domestic trademark registrations were recorded, the highest in India’s history.
• The announcement was made by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry.
• The surge reflects stronger institutional frameworks, improved ease of intellectual property registration, and rising confidence among startups, innovators, and businesses in protecting brand identity.
• Digitisation of intellectual property processes has enabled online filing, faster examination, reduced pendency, and greater transparency, encouraging early trademark protection, especially among small businesses.
• Sectors with the highest trademark registrations during the year included pharmaceuticals, veterinary products, and sanitary and healthcare preparations, highlighting India’s growing role as a global pharmaceutical and healthcare manufacturing hub.
• Trademark protection in India is governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999, which provides legal protection against infringement, civil and criminal remedies, and allows registration validity for 10 years, renewable indefinitely in blocks of 10 years.
• The Act also ensures refusal of generic, descriptive, or deceptively similar trademarks and permits transfer and licensing of registered trademarks.
• The record number of registrations underlines the increasing importance of intellectual property protection in promoting entrepreneurship, brand creation, innovation, and economic growth in India.

Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone in Uttar Pradesh

• The Union Government has declared the Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) to strengthen biodiversity conservation and ecological protection.
• The decision aims to create a protective buffer around the sanctuary while promoting sustainable and responsible eco-tourism.
• Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary is a significant wetland ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh, located in the Gangetic plains, and is known for supporting rich avian biodiversity.
• The sanctuary attracts a large number of resident and migratory bird species and plays an important role in maintaining water balance and supporting nature-based local livelihoods.
• The sanctuary covers an area of about 1,084 hectares and serves as a crucial stopover site for migratory birds arriving annually from Central Asia and Tibet, making it part of an important international migratory corridor.
• Declaration as an Eco-Sensitive Zone provides a regulated buffer around the core protected area to control activities that may harm wildlife, vegetation and water bodies.
• The ESZ status helps prevent unregulated construction, pollution and industrial activities, ensuring long-term ecological conservation of the wetland habitat.
• According to Kirti Vardhan Singh, the move reflects the government’s commitment to balancing environmental conservation with sustainable development.
• The objectives of the ESZ notification include conservation of bird habitats and wetland ecology, promotion of responsible eco-tourism, prevention of ecological degradation, strengthening biodiversity management, and supporting sustainable livelihoods linked to conservation.

RECENT NEWS

• India is preparing to set up its first ever Forest University in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Marking a major step in advancing education and research in forestry, wildlife conservation, and environmental sciences. The project reflects the growing national focus on biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, and sustainable natural resource management.

About Uttar Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• Governor: Anandiben Patel
• Capital: Lucknow
• National Parks: Dudhwa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary (Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary), Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranipur Wildlife

India Approves Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM)

• The Government of India has approved the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) as a major strategic step towards self-reliance in critical minerals and advanced manufacturing.
• The scheme aims to establish India’s first fully integrated domestic manufacturing ecosystem for sintered rare earth permanent magnets, which are essential for clean energy, electric mobility and high-technology industries.
• The initiative aligns with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat by 2047, with a strong focus on end-to-end value chain development.
• The primary objective of the REPM scheme is to build a self-sustaining domestic supply chain for rare earth permanent magnets.
• It seeks to develop integrated capacity from rare earth oxides to finished magnets, establish 6,000 metric tonnes per annum manufacturing capacity, and ensure domestic availability of high-performance sintered magnets.
• Rare earth oxides, which are the base input, are also critical for several downstream strategic industries.
• Key features of the scheme include an approved financial outlay of over ₹7,000 crore and complete end-to-end integration, covering mineral processing, refining and magnet manufacturing.
• The scheme focuses on high-value sintered rare earth permanent magnets used in advanced applications.
• Strategic sectors supported include electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, aerospace and defence.
• The Ministry of Mines is supporting the scheme through international cooperation to secure raw material supplies.
• India has entered into bilateral agreements with mineral-rich countries such as Australia, Argentina and Zambia to ensure access to critical minerals and diversify supply sources.
• This approach strengthens supply-chain resilience and reduces exposure to global disruptions and geopolitical risks.
• Rare earth permanent magnets are indispensable for electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, consumer electronics, precision defence equipment, aerospace systems and advanced manufacturing.
• The REPM scheme will significantly reduce import dependence, particularly on China, while enhancing energy security, industrial capability and clean energy transition.
• India possesses substantial rare earth mineral resources, found in coastal beach sands, red sands and inland alluvial deposits.
• Major states with rare earth mineral presence include Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
• Despite this resource base, India has historically relied on imports for processed rare earth materials and finished magnets, which the REPM scheme aims to decisively address.

Himachal Pradesh Launches ‘Green to Gold’ Initiative for Industrial Hemp Cultivation

• Himachal Pradesh has initiated the cultivation of industrial hemp as part of a major policy shift aimed at transforming the rural economy, promoting sustainability, and strengthening the bio-economy.
• Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative, envisioning hemp as a key driver to achieve a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh by 2027 and to position the state as a leader in the green and bio-based economy.
• Cannabis had traditionally grown wild in regions such as Kullu, Mandi and Chamba, often associated with the illegal drug trade. Under the new policy framework, the state has redefined hemp as a regulated industrial resource instead of an illicit crop.
• Industrial hemp has been identified as a high-value, multi-use crop, with applications in medicinal uses (pain management and inflammation control), textiles and apparel, paper and packaging, cosmetics and personal care products, biofuel and renewable energy.
• A key feature of the policy is strict regulation, with all cultivated hemp required to have tetrahydrocannabinol content below 0.3 percent, which is an internationally accepted scientific threshold.
• This limit ensures that the crop is non-intoxicating, unsuitable for drug misuse, and safe for industrial fibre and seed utilisation, balancing economic benefits with social and legal safeguards.
• Following the Cabinet decision of 24 January, the state is preparing to launch a pilot project for controlled cultivation, particularly to support farmers affected by declining incomes due to wildlife damage, especially from monkeys.
• Industrial hemp is suitable for hill agriculture as it is climate-resilient, requires nearly 50 percent less water than cotton, and can grow in marginal and degraded soils.
• The state government estimates that once fully scaled, regulated hemp cultivation could generate annual revenues between ₹1,000 crore and ₹2,000 crore, while reducing dependence on illegal markets and imports.
• The initiative is expected to create new livelihood opportunities for farmers, rural youth and startups, while supplying the growing pharmaceutical and wellness industries.
• Under the broader Hemp Hub vision, Himachal Pradesh aims to become a manufacturing centre for hempcrete (carbon-negative construction material), specialised textiles, and Ayurvedic and herbal medicines.
• Hempcrete, known for its low carbon footprint, insulation properties and sustainability, aligns with India’s climate commitments and green construction goals.

RECENT NEWS

• In the wake of severe floods, landslides, and cloudbursts across Himachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey and led a review meeting in Kangra, announcing a ₹1,500 crore central relief package.

Dulhasti Stage-II Hydroelectric Project Approved on Chenab River

• The Union Government’s environmental clearance mechanism has approved the Dulhasti Stage-II Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir.
• The approval was granted by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on Hydel Projects during its 45th meeting, functioning under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• The clearance allows the floating of construction tenders for the project, which is estimated to cost more than ₹3,200 crore.
• The Chenab River basin is shared by India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty, which has been suspended with effect from 23 April 2025.
• With the treaty in abeyance, the Central Government is accelerating hydropower development in the Indus basin to strengthen energy generation and water utilisation.
• The installed capacity of Dulhasti Stage-II will be 260 Megawatt, consisting of two units of 130 Megawatt each.
• Water will be diverted from Dulhasti Stage-I through a 3,685 metre long tunnel with a diameter of 8.5 metres, creating a horseshoe-shaped pondage.
• The project includes an underground powerhouse, along with a surge shaft and pressure shaft.
• It is designed as a run-of-the-river project, ensuring efficient power generation with minimal environmental impact.
• Dulhasti Stage-I, operational since 2007, has an installed capacity of 390 Megawatt.
• Dulhasti Stage-II will utilise water discharged from Stage-I, adding 260 Megawatt without constructing a large reservoir.
• The project strengthens renewable energy capacity, enhances energy security, and supports strategic infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.

RECENT NEWS

• Jammu & Kashmir has achieved an important milestone in the modernization of public services with the launch of its first Gen Z Post Office at the AIIMS Vijaypur campus. This initiative reflects the changing approach of Department of Posts towards making postal services more digital, accessible and aligned with the expectations of younger citizens.

Ayushman Bharat Expansion and Digital Healthcare Growth in India in 2025

• The year 2025 marked a major milestone for India’s public healthcare system with the expansion of Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and rapid growth in digital healthcare initiatives.
• Odisha and Delhi joined Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY in 2025 by signing Memorandums of Understanding with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, leaving West Bengal as the only state outside PMJAY.
• As of 1 December 2025, PMJAY achievements include 42.48 crore Ayushman cards created, 10.98 crore hospital admissions authorised, and claims worth ₹1.60 lakh crore approved, strengthening India’s move towards universal health coverage.
• Digital healthcare delivery expanded significantly with strong government support and technology adoption.
• The eSanjeevani telemedicine platform provided over 43.2 crore free tele-consultations, with 57 percent beneficiaries being women, improving gender equity in healthcare access and enabling specialist consultations in rural and remote areas.
• The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) gained wide acceptance, promoting a paperless and interoperable digital health ecosystem.
• As of 26 December 2025, 84.35 crore ABHA accounts were created, including 12.09 crore accounts added in 2025 alone, with 80.66 crore health records linked, of which 35.52 crore were linked during 2025.
• Senior citizen healthcare coverage was strengthened under Ayushman Vay Vandana, introduced in October 2024, providing free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year for all citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income.
• By 2025, 94.19 lakh senior citizens were enrolled under this scheme.
• The Ayushman App, developed by the National Health Authority, enabled self-verification and Ayushman card creation using face authentication, OTP, iris scan, and fingerprint, ensuring last-mile digital inclusion, even though basic mobile devices.
• India recorded strong progress under the TB-Free India campaign, as highlighted in the World Health Organization Global TB Report 2025.
• Tuberculosis incidence declined by 21 percent between 2015 and 2024, TB deaths reduced by 25 percent, treatment coverage increased from 53 percent in 2015 to 92 percent in 2024, and missing TB cases reduced from 10 lakh to less than 1 lakh during the same period.
• The 100 Days TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched in December 2024, was expanded nationwide using a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
• Artificial Intelligence-driven healthcare reforms were launched in 2025 to improve efficiency and early diagnosis.
• Three Centres of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare were established at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Chandigarh, and All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh.
• Artificial Intelligence tools introduced included Clinical Decision Support Systems integrated with eSanjeevani, Artificial Intelligence-based disease surveillance, and Artificial Intelligence tools for tuberculosis detection and diabetic retinopathy screening, enhancing accuracy, speed, and public health outcomes.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Israel to Confer Israel Prize for Peace 2026 on Donald Trump

• Israel has announced a special peace honour for former United States President Donald Trump, marking a significant diplomatic development.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Trump will be awarded the Israel Prize for Peace in 2026 following a high-profile meeting with Israeli leadership in Florida.
• This decision comes shortly after Trump was overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize, highlighting Israel’s independent recognition of his role in peace initiatives and bilateral relations.
• The Israel Prize is Israel’s highest civilian honour, traditionally awarded to Israeli citizens for exceptional contributions in science, culture and society.
• This announcement is historic as it is the first time in 80 years that the Israel Prize will be awarded to a non-Israeli, and also marks the first-ever introduction of a Peace category under the Israel Prize.
• The move represents a deliberate departure from long-standing convention, which Netanyahu described as a conscious decision to “break tradition”.
• According to the Israeli Prime Minister, the award reflects the overwhelming sentiment across Israel’s political spectrum in appreciation of Trump’s contributions.
• Key reasons cited include strong support for Israel’s security, active role in Middle East peace efforts, and diplomatic initiatives that facilitated a Gaza peace deal.
• The honour also recognises Trump’s role in efforts linked to the release of the last surviving hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.
• The announcement reinforces Trump’s international profile in peace diplomacy and underscores continued strategic alignment between Israel and the United States, extending beyond electoral cycles.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Appointments Committee of the Cabinet Appoints IPS Officer Rakesh Agarwal as Interim Director General of National Investigation Agency

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Rakesh Agarwal (IPS) as the Interim Director General (DG) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Rakesh Agarwal will serve as Interim DG of NIA until a full-time Director General is appointed.
• The appointment follows the premature repatriation of Sadanand Vasant Date, the former DG of NIA, to his parent cadre in Maharashtra.
• Rakesh Agarwal is a 1994-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre.
• He has been serving as Special Director General (SDG), NIA since September 2025.
• He is recognized for his expertise in counter-terrorism, terror financing, and organized crime investigations.

About NIA :

• The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was established in 2008 following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi.
• NIA functions as India’s premier counter-terrorism agency, investigating terrorism, terror financing, and organized crime impacting national security.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Flags Off Indigenous Dhruv-NG Helicopter at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru

• Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu (Civil Aviation) inaugurated and flagged off the inaugural flight of the indigenous Dhruv-NG helicopter at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru, Karnataka, on 30 December 2025.

Key Highlights :

• Dhruv-NG (Next Generation) is an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) developed and manufactured by HAL, marking a major leap in India’s indigenous civil aviation and aerospace capabilities.
• The helicopter is a 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role civil aircraft, suitable for VIP transport, air ambulance services (HEMS), offshore operations, law enforcement, disaster relief, and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.
• Dhruv-NG is powered by twin Shakti 1H1C engines, offering higher power, enhanced reliability, and complete domestic maintenance capability, strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• It has a maximum take-off weight of 5,500 kg and can carry up to 14 passengers, making it versatile for civil and utility roles.
• The helicopter has a maximum speed of 285 km/h, a range of 630 km, endurance of 3 hours 40 minutes, and a service ceiling of 6,000 metres, enabling high-altitude operations.
• The civil-certified glass cockpit, compliant with Avionics System Level-4 (AS4) standards, provides modern avionics and enhanced situational awareness for pilots.
• Advanced safety features include crashworthy seats, self-sealing fuel tanks, twin-engine redundancy, and vibration-control systems, ensuring high levels of passenger and crew safety.
• The 33 cubic metre cabin is configurable for VIP seating (4–6 seats), air ambulance operations (4 stretchers + medical crew), or 14 passengers with a 1,000 kg payload.
• HAL provides end-to-end lifecycle support, including manufacturing, maintenance, upgrades, and innovative models like Power-By-Hour (PBH) and Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) to ensure high serviceability.
• Dhruv-NG represents a major milestone in India’s rotary-wing technology, offering a cost-effective and high-performance alternative to imported helicopters.

About HAL :

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, originally founded in 1940 and restructured as HAL in 1964.
• HAL Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Chairman & Managing Director: Dr. D. K. Sunil

China Sets World Record: Superconducting Maglev Hits 700 km/h in Just 2 Seconds

• China set a new world record by accelerating a superconducting electric maglev train to 700 km/h in just 2 seconds, marking the fastest maglev acceleration test ever conducted.
• The experiment was conducted by researchers at the National University of Defence Technology on a 400-metre maglev test track, where a 1,000-kg test vehicle was successfully accelerated and brought to a safe stop.
• The maglev system uses superconducting magnetic levitation, enabling the train to float above the track without physical contact, while electromagnetic acceleration provides propulsion with negligible friction.
• The project represents over 10 years of sustained research; earlier in January 2025, the same system achieved 648 km/h, and about 30 years ago, the university developed China’s first manned single-bogie maglev, making China the third country in the world to master maglev technology.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Indian Air Force and IIT Madras Partner to Develop Indigenous Airborne Digital Communication System

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to jointly develop an indigenous digital communication system for airborne platforms.
• The agreement was signed between the Software Development Institute (SDI) of the IAF and IIT Madras, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence technology.
• The MoU was signed by Air Vice Marshal R. Guruhari, Commandant of SDI; Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras; and Dr. M. J. Shankar Raman, Chief Executive Officer of Pravartak Technologies Foundation.
• The collaboration combines the operational experience of the Indian Air Force with the technical and research expertise of IIT Madras.
• The project will focus on the design and development of secure digital communication tools for airborne environments.
• Key areas include networking algorithms, encryption technologies, secure and fast data exchange, and systems capable of operating under high mobility and changing operational conditions.
• The proposed system aims to support secure, resilient and real-time communication, which is critical for modern airborne missions and network-centric warfare.
• It will enable continuous information exchange between aircraft, sensors and command centres.
• The initiative is expected to reduce India’s dependence on imported defence communication equipment and strengthen technological sovereignty.
• The collaboration will lead to the development of prototypes, which will be tested and deployed within existing defence infrastructure.
• The partnership also reflects IIT Madras’ expanding role in defence research, including areas such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, communication systems and cybersecurity, contributing to India’s defence industrial base.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

Global Family Day is observed on the 1st of January 2026.

• Global Family Day 2026 is observed on 1st January.
• Every year, Global Family Day, also known as World Peace Day, is observed to encourage the idea of peace and unity in the world.
• Additionally, it highlights the notion that everyone on the planet is related to one another regardless of nationality, borders, or ethnicity.

• On the first day of the new millennium, in 1997, the United Nations General Assembly declared the International Decade for the Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World.
• A significant contributor to its promotion in the United States was Linda Grover and other initiatives included the publication of publications like “One Day in Peace – January 1, 2000.”
• The idea of a time in the future when there is only peace and no war permeated this book.
• But this was only the beginning of a new peaceful world, and in 1999, all U.N. member states were officially invited to spend the first day of that year developing peacebuilding plans.
• As a result of the day’s success, the U.N. proclaimed Global Family Day a yearly occasion in 2001.

Daily CA One- Liner: January 1 & 2

• India achieved its highest-ever trademark registrations in a single financial year during Financial Year 2024–25, marking a major milestone for the country’s innovation and business ecosystem
• The Union Government has declared the Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) to strengthen biodiversity conservation and ecological protection
• The Government of India has approved the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) as a major strategic step towards self-reliance in critical minerals and advanced manufacturing
• Himachal Pradesh has initiated the cultivation of industrial hemp as part of a major policy shift aimed at transforming the rural economy, promoting sustainability, and strengthening the bio-economy
• The Union Government’s environmental clearance mechanism has approved the Dulhasti Stage-II Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir
• The year 2025 marked a major milestone for India’s public healthcare system with the expansion of Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and rapid growth in digital healthcare initiatives
• Israel has announced a special peace honour for former United States President Donald Trump, marking a significant diplomatic development
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to jointly develop an indigenous digital communication system for airborne platforms.
• India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s 4th-largest economy, with a GDP of USD 4.18 trillion, and is expected to overtake Germany by 2030 to rank 3rd globally.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the “Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024-25” under Section 36(2) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, analysing the banking sector performance during FY25 and H1 FY26.
• BRISKPE, a Prosus-backed fintech, has received final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator–Cross Border (PA-CB) under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• IDFC First Bank has launched ‘Gaj’, a premium metal credit card offered exclusively on an invitation-only basis for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs).
• Syria unveiled a new series of banknotes at a ceremony in Damascus, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Central Bank Governor Abdul Qadir Husrieh.
• com India Limited, a subsidiary of Infibeam Avenues Limited, has received final approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP).
• The Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), the technology transfer and incubation arm of IIT-Delhi (New Delhi), in partnership with IDFC First Bank, launched a new cohort under the Innovation Growth & Nurturing Initiative for Technology Entrepreneurs (IGNITE) programme.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Rakesh Agarwal (IPS) as the Interim Director General (DG) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu (Civil Aviation) inaugurated and flagged off the inaugural flight of the indigenous Dhruv-NG helicopter at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru, Karnataka, on 30 December 2025.
• China set a new world record by accelerating a superconducting electric maglev train to 700 km/h in just 2 seconds, marking the fastest maglev acceleration test ever conducted.
• Global Family Day 2026 is observed on 1st January.