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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS
SBI Life Introduces New Smart Samriddhi Life Insurance Savings Scheme
- SBI Life Insurance has launched ‘New Smart Samriddhi’, an individual, non-linked, non-participating life insurance savings plan.
- The New Smart Samriddhi plan offers a combination of guaranteed savings and life insurance cover, ensuring financial security for the policyholder’s family.
- The product provides guaranteed annual additions of 5.5% or 6% on cumulative premiums, depending on the premium amount chosen.
- New Smart Samriddhi is designed to promote disciplined, goal-based savings, addressing the need for balanced financial planning by enabling steady growth of savings along with assured financial protection.
About SBI Life Insurance :
- It operates as a joint venture (JV) between State Bank of India (SBI) and BNP Paribas of France.
- Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) : Amit Jhingran.
National Payments Corporation of India Launches Central Portal – upihelp.npci.org.in to Manage UPI Autopay Mandates
- The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched a centralized portal – npci.org.in to enable users to view, manage, and revoke all UPI Autopay standing instructions from a single platform.
- The initiative aims to curb opaque recurring charges and prevent dark patterns used by some digital platforms that trigger automatic monthly debits with low user visibility.
- NPCI has announced that UPI Autopay mandates will become portable, allowing users to transfer recurring mandates seamlessly from one UPI application to another.
- All UPI ecosystem members, including banks and payment service providers, are required to implement these reforms by December 31, 2025, to enhance consumer protection and transparency.
- According to NPCI data, UPI Autopay recurring transactions recorded 100% year-on-year growth, reflecting rapid adoption of recurring digital payments.
- In November 2025, the top 10 banks together processed 926 million UPI Autopay transactions, a significant rise from 530.5 million transactions in November 2024.
- State Bank of India (SBI) emerged as the largest processor of UPI Autopay transactions, handling 290 million recurring payments.
- Airtel Payments Bank recorded the fastest growth, with UPI Autopay transactions increasing from 25.6 million to 89.7 million within a year.
About NPCI:
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Founded: 2008
- MD & CEO: Aviral Singh
- Key Initiatives: Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), RuPay (domestic card payment network), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS)
Odisha Tops GST Growth While Telangana Leads in Direct Tax Expansion
- India’s tax landscape is undergoing a structural shift, with smaller and mid-sized states emerging as the fastest-growing contributors to both GST and direct taxes.
Key Highlights :
- Odisha has recorded the highest GST growth in the country, achieving a 22.4% CAGR during FY18–FY25.
- GST collections in Odisha increased sharply from ₹14,849 crore (FY18) to ₹60,928 crore (FY25), reflecting rapid revenue expansion.
- Odisha’s strong GST performance is primarily driven by the mining sector, supported by auction-based mineral allocation policies and higher royalty collections, which together led to a nearly tenfold increase in mining revenues.
- In direct taxes, Telangana emerged as the fastest-growing state, posting a 50.7% CAGR during FY19–FY24.
- Direct tax collections in Telangana surged from ₹10,860 crore (FY19) to ₹84,439 crore (FY24), indicating robust income and corporate tax growth.
- Telangana’s direct tax growth is supported by Hyderabad’s emergence as a global IT hub, rapid expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), and growth in R&D, pharmaceuticals, and real estate sectors.
- Maharashtra remains the largest contributor to India’s tax revenues, leading GST collections in FY25 with ₹3.59 lakh crore.
- Maharashtra also tops direct tax collections in FY24, with revenues of ₹7.62 lakh crore, highlighting its dominant economic base.
- Karnataka ranks second in both GST and direct tax collections, reflecting its strong services and technology-driven economy.
- Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Haryana feature among the top GST-contributing states, indicating diversified industrial and manufacturing bases.
- In direct taxes, Delhi has replaced Haryana among the top five contributing states, underscoring the importance of services, corporate headquarters, and high-income employment.
Goldman Sachs Forecasts Robust India GDP Growth of 6.7% in 2026 and 6.8% in 2027
- Goldman Sachs Group Inc released its Global Economics Analyst: Macro Outlook 2026 report, projecting India to remain among the fastest-growing major economies
- India’s real GDP growth is estimated at 6.7% in 2026 and 6.8% in 2027, above consensus forecasts, reflecting strong macroeconomic fundamentals.
- The key drivers of India’s growth include robust domestic demand, sustained public infrastructure spending, and limited exposure to global trade disruptions compared to export-oriented economies.
- Inflation is expected to ease by end-2026, enabling emerging-market central banks to continue or adopt accommodative monetary policy.
- A major downside risk identified is global labour-market weakness, where productivity gains are not translating into adequate job creation.
- Global economic growth is projected at 2.8% in 2026, higher than the consensus estimate of 2.5%, supported by cooling inflation and supportive financial conditions.
- Emerging markets are expected to outperform developed economies due to stronger domestic demand and favourable structural trends.
About Goldman Sachs :
- Established : 1869.
- Headquarters : New York, USA
- Chairman & CEO : David Michael Solomon
Securities and Exchange Board of India Excludes Zero Coupon Zero Principal Bonds and Delisted Securities from BSDA Eligibility Valuation
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has decided to exclude Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) bonds and delisted securities from the valuation threshold used to determine Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA) eligibility.
Key Highlights :
- As per the revised norms, the value of ZCZP bonds and delisted securities will not be counted while checking BSDA eligibility, simplifying the process for investors and reducing compliance burden for depository participants (DPs).
- These changes will come into effect from March 31, 2026, and will support small investors with holdings below ₹10 lakh.
- A Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA) is a simpler version of a regular demat account introduced by SEBI in 2012, aimed at reducing demat charges for investors with small portfolios.
- ZCZP bonds are unique fundraising instruments for Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) on India’s Social Stock Exchange (SSE), acting as donations rather than loans, with zero interest (zero coupon) and no principal repayment at maturity.
- For illiquid securities, DPs will calculate account value using the last available closing price, and they must review BSDA eligibility quarterly instead of occasionally.
- If an investor is eligible for BSDA, the DP is required to open or convert the account into a BSDA by default. Investors wishing to retain a regular demat account must provide active consent through a verifiable channel.
- For valuation purposes, the daily closing prices or NAVs will be used; if unavailable, the last traded price may be considered. For unlisted securities, face value can be used, while illiquid securities will use the last closing price.
- The value of suspended securities, delisted securities, and ZCZP bonds will not be considered when determining BSDA eligibility.
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development to Roll Out ₹1,300 Crore Thematic Funds for Agritech and Climate Start-Ups
- The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will launch two new thematic funds in January 2026—the ₹1,000 crore NABARD Green Impact Fund (NGIF) and the ₹300 crore NABARD Carbon Fund (NCF).
- Both funds are aimed at promoting agriculture and climate technology start-ups, strengthening sustainable rural development.
- The NABARD Green Impact Fund (NGIF) will be financed from NABARD’s profits, and the interest income will be used to reduce borrowing costs for stakeholders such as state governments implementing climate adaptation projects.
- Key focus areas under NGIF include crop diversification, water-efficient farming, and other climate-resilient agricultural practices.
- The NABARD Carbon Fund (NCF) will focus on carbon developers and start-ups engaged in emissions reduction and carbon capture technologies, which are capital-intensive and often underserved by conventional finance.
- India currently has only 2,800 DPIIT-recognised agritech start-ups, of which NABARD has supported more than 300 start-ups.
- Under the AgriSURE scheme, NABARD’s total approvals stand at ₹200 crore, reflecting its role in early-stage agritech financing.
- Of the total AgriSURE approvals, ₹130 crore has been sanctioned under the Fund of Funds scheme, while ₹70 crore has been approved under the Direct investment scheme.
- All investments under AgriSURE have been focused on early-stage start-ups, including the Series A stage.
- The typical ticket size for early-stage and Series A investments ranges between ₹20 crore and ₹25 crore per start-up.
About NABARD:
- It is an All India Development Financial Institution (DFI) and an apex Supervisory Body for overall supervision of Regional Rural Banks, State Cooperative Banks and District Central Cooperative Banks in India.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Founded: July 12, 1982 by the Government of India
- Chairman: Shaji K V
CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS
Maharashtra to Get Dedicated Raisin Research Centre in Sangli
- In a major boost for grape and raisin farmers, the Shivaji University Senate has approved in principle the establishment of a dedicated Raisin Research Centre in Sangli district, Maharashtra.
- The proposal was raised by Sangli MLA Sudhir Gadgil to address challenges faced by local growers and processors.
- Need for the Centre: Local stakeholders have highlighted several issues affecting the raisin sector:
- Rising export competition and cheaper imports.
- Limited access to scientific research for quality improvement.
- Lack of structured training and skill development.
- Need for better quality standards and value addition to remain competitive internationally.
- Key Features of the Proposed Centre: The Raisin Research Centre will focus on:
- Scientific research on raisin varieties and processing methods.
- Quality improvement and standardisation.
- Developing processing and value addition techniques.
- Skill development and training for farmers and processors.
- Supporting global competitiveness of Indian raisins.
- Role of Shivaji University: The university will establish and oversee the centre, providing academic and research frameworks. The Senate has approved the proposal in principle and plans a phased rollout for smooth implementation.
- Phased Rollout Plan:
- Initial Phase: Start operations at a temporary location, begin basic research and training activities.
- Later Phase: Shift to a permanent campus, recruit scientific and technical staff, and expand research and outreach programmes.
India Makes Significant Progress in Maternal Health Outcomes
- India has achieved a major public health milestone with institutional deliveries increasing to 89%, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
- This rise has played a crucial role in reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and reflects sustained improvements in access to maternal healthcare services.
- Maternal death refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy due to causes related to pregnancy or its management.
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births.
- Maternal Mortality Rate measures maternal deaths among women aged 15–49 years per lakh women, calculated under the Sample Registration System (SRS).
- Under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1, the global target is to reduce MMR to below 70 per 1,00,000 live births by 2030.
- India’s progress has been steady and significant. The MMR declined from 130 (2014–16) to 97 (2018–20) per 1,00,000 live births. During the same period, institutional deliveries increased from 79% (2015–16) to 89% (2019–21).
- 100% institutional deliveries have been achieved in Kerala, Goa, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu.
- More than 90% coverage has been recorded in 18 other States and Union Territories.
- Rural areas now report nearly 87% institutional births, while urban areas have reached around 94%, indicating improved healthcare reach across regions.
- Institutional deliveries are critical as they ensure skilled medical supervision, timely management of complications, and access to emergency obstetric care, significantly reducing the risk of maternal and newborn deaths. This remains one of the most effective strategies to lower MMR.
- To address these issues, the Government of India has implemented multiple targeted initiatives. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) promotes institutional deliveries among poor and vulnerable women.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) provides a maternity benefit of ₹5,000 for the first living child, while PMMVY 2.0 under Mission Shakti offers additional incentives if the second child is a girl.
- Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) ensures free, quality antenatal check-ups on the 9th of every month.
- The LaQshya Programme focuses on improving the quality of care in labour rooms and maternity operation theatres. Capacity-building initiatives train MBBS doctors in Life Saving Anaesthesia Skills (LSAS) and Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC), particularly for rural and remote areas.
- Maternal Death Surveillance and Review (MDSR) monitors maternal deaths at facility and community levels to improve accountability and care quality.
- Additionally, Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Days (VHSND) and the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Portal enable regular outreach and digital tracking of pregnant women and newborns for timely healthcare delivery.
Largest Ancient Stone Labyrinth Discovered in Maharashtra
- Indian archaeologists have discovered the largest circular stone labyrinth ever found in India in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur district, Maharashtra.
- The structure dates back to nearly 2,000 years ago, belonging to the Early Common Era (1st–3rd century CE), a period when the region played a crucial role in inland and overseas trade networks.
- The labyrinth measures around 50 feet × 50 feet and consists of 15 concentric stone circuits, the highest number recorded in India so far. Earlier discoveries in the country had a maximum of 11 circuits, making this find archaeologically unique.
- The structure has been linked to the Satavahana dynasty, which ruled large parts of the Deccan during the same period.
- Under the Satavahanas, Maharashtra emerged as a major trade corridor, connecting the Deccan Plateau with western coastal ports and facilitating trade with the Roman world.
- Archaeologists note strong Indo-Roman cultural influence in the design.
- The circular labyrinth closely resembles symbols found on ancient Roman coins from Crete, while Roman coins have also been unearthed in Indian port towns from this era, indicating sustained commercial contact between Indian and Roman traders.
- Similar but smaller stone labyrinths discovered in Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur point to a network of such markers across western Maharashtra, likely outlining ancient inland trade routes linking coastal ports with the Deccan interior.
About Maharashtra:
- Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
- Governor: Acharya Devvrat
- Capital: Mumbai
- National Parks: Tadoba National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Chandoli National Park, Gugamal National Park, Navegaon National Park
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary
Indian Railways Strengthens AI-Based Wildlife Protection System
- Indian Railways has strengthened its Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based wildlife protection system along railway tracks to enhance wildlife conservation and railway safety.
- The initiative aims to reduce train accidents involving elephants, lions, tigers, and other wildlife, especially in forest areas and wildlife corridors, by providing real-time alerts to train operators.
- The system uses AI-enabled cameras and advanced sensor technologies to detect animal movement near railway tracks and generate alerts well in advance, enabling loco pilots to slow down or stop trains in time.
- AI-based cameras can alert loco pilots nearly 500 metres in advance.
- An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) integrated with a Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) captures ground vibrations and sounds, making it particularly effective in detecting elephants, whose movement produces distinctive vibrations.
- Alerts are transmitted in real time to loco pilots, station masters, and control rooms for coordinated preventive action.
- The system has already been implemented across 141 route kilometres on the Northeast Frontier Railway, a region highly prone to elephant–train collisions.
- Based on its successful performance, additional tenders have been awarded to extend the system to 981 more route kilometres.
- With this expansion, total coverage will increase to 1,122 route kilometres across sensitive wildlife zones in the country.
- The strengthened AI-based system enhances operational safety of railways, protects endangered wildlife, and supports India’s environmental and conservation commitments.
- By enabling timely, preventive action through real-time data, the initiative shifts the approach from reactive accident response to proactive risk prevention.
Commissioning of Unit-2 of Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project
- India has commissioned Unit-2 (250 MW) of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, marking another major step towards clean and sustainable energy
- The project is located on the Subansiri River along the Arunachal Pradesh–Assam border and is the largest hydropower project in India.
- It is a 2,000 MW run-of-the-river hydropower project being developed by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), comprising eight units of 250 MW each.
- The project is designed to generate clean electricity, support flood moderation, and promote regional development, while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- The commercial operation of Unit-2 was inaugurated by Union Minister Manohar Lal, Minister of Power, Housing and Urban Affairs.
- The commissioning of Unit-2 adds 250 MW of renewable energy to the national grid, strengthens power supply in the North-Eastern region, and reinforces India’s commitment to Net Zero and green energy goals.
- Following the commissioning of Unit-2, three more units of 250 MW each are planned to be commissioned in the near term, while the remaining four units are scheduled for phased commissioning during 2026–27.
- Once fully operational, the project will generate 7,422 million units (MU) of electricity annually, improving grid stability and renewable energy availability in eastern and north-eastern India.
- The project features a 116-metre-high concrete gravity dam, the largest dam in North-East India, and is designed as a run-of-the-river scheme with small pondage.
- It is the first cascaded dam on the Subansiri River and plays a key role in flood moderation.
- Around one-third of the reservoir capacity (about 442 million cubic metres) is kept empty during the monsoon period to absorb excess floodwater and protect downstream areas in Assam.
- During construction, the project provided daily employment to around 7,000 local people.
- Power generated will be supplied to 16 beneficiary states, with free power allocation to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, and 1,000 MW reserved for the North-East region.
- NHPC has also undertaken riverbank protection works, local livelihood support, and corporate social responsibility activities, contributing to long-term socio-economic development of the region.
India Announces $450 Million Humanitarian and Reconstruction Package for Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah
- India has announced a $450 million humanitarian and reconstruction assistance package for Sri Lanka following the large-scale devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
- The assistance was announced during high-level meetings in Colombo, reinforcing India’s role as a first responder and trusted neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region.
- The announcement was made during the visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who travelled to Sri Lanka as a special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Sri Lankan leadership described India’s support as a strong symbol of deepening India–Sri Lanka relations.
- Cyclone Ditwah caused extensive damage across Sri Lanka, affecting over 600 people, destroying hundreds of buildings, and displacing nearly 2 lakh people.
- The cyclone severely damaged roads, railways, bridges, public utilities, and caused major losses to agriculture, health, and education infrastructure, creating urgent humanitarian needs and long-term reconstruction challenges.
- During his two-day visit, Jaishankar met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, opposition leaders, and representatives of the Indian-origin Tamil community.
- President Dissanayake termed India’s assistance as “a new chapter in Indo–Sri Lanka relations.”
- The $450 million relief package includes a $100 million grant and $350 million in concessional credit lines, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding.
- The funds will be utilised for restoration of roads, railways and bridges, reconstruction of damaged houses, repair of health and education infrastructure, agricultural support to address food shortages, and strengthening disaster response and preparedness systems.
- The assistance is being provided under Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched by India in response to Cyclone Ditwah.
- Since 28 November, India has supplied over 1,134 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including dry rations, tents, tarpaulins, clothing, hygiene kits, water purification systems, and 5 tonnes of medicines and surgical equipment.
- The operation demonstrates India’s rapid maritime and logistical response capability.
- India’s support strengthens regional stability, enhances diplomatic trust amid global competition, showcases India’s humanitarian diplomacy and soft power, and aligns with the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)
- India and Sri Lanka share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties, and India has emerged as Sri Lanka’s largest crisis supporter, notably during the 2022–23 economic crisis, fuel and food shortages, and past natural disasters.
- The assistance reflects India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, prioritising stability, development, and humanitarian support to neighbouring countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Inaugurate Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major national event dedicated to honouring the life and ideals of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- The inauguration coincides with Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 101st birth anniversary, highlighting his enduring contribution to Indian public life and governance.
- Rashtra Prerna Sthal has been developed as a national landmark focusing on leadership values, national service, cultural awareness, and public inspiration.
- The complex has been constructed at an approximate cost of ₹230 crore and is spread across 65 acres, making it one of the largest memorial complexes in the region.
- The site is envisioned not merely as a memorial but as a space for reflection, learning, and inspiration, particularly for younger generations.
- A key attraction of the complex is the presence of 65-foot-high bronze statues of three iconic leaders — Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee — symbolising their significant contributions to India’s political thought, nation-building, and public life.
- The complex also houses a state-of-the-art museum designed in the shape of a lotus, spread over nearly 98,000 square feet.
- The museum showcases India’s national journey and the contributions of these leaders through advanced digital and immersive technologies, providing an engaging educational experience.
- The inauguration of Rashtra Prerna Sthal represents a key step in institutionalising the legacy of selfless leadership and good governance.
- By integrating art, architecture, technology, and history, the complex aims to inspire citizens to uphold democratic values, public service, and national unity.
- For Uttar Pradesh, the project is expected to boost cultural tourism and further strengthen Lucknow’s status as a centre of political and historical significance.
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
Haryana Declares Hansi as 23rd District
- The Haryana government has officially declared Hansi as a new district, making it the 23rd district of the state, following the issuance of a formal government notification.
- The decision aims to improve administrative efficiency, strengthen governance, and accelerate development activities in the region.
- With the notification, Hansi has been granted full district status. The newly created district comprises two administrative subdivisions: Hansi and Narnaund.
- This reorganisation is expected to reduce the administrative burden on Hisar district and provide the Hansi region with independent district-level administration.
- The notification was issued under the provisions of the Haryana Land Revenue Act, 1887 and the Registration Act, 1908.
- As per statutory requirements, the order received formal approval from the Governor of Haryana, giving it legal validity.
- The decision was taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
- Earlier, Hansi was part of the Hisar district. Due to increasing administrative and developmental requirements, the state government decided to reorganise Hisar district by carving out Hansi as a separate district.
RECENT NEWS
- In a move aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment, the Government of Haryana has modified the disbursement structure of the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana (DDLLY).
About Haryana:
- Chief Minister: Nayab Singh Saini
- Governor: Ashim Kumar Ghosh
- Capital: Chandigarh
- National Parks: Sultanpur National Park, Kalesar National Park
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary
Union Cabinet Approves Delhi Metro Phase V (A) with Three New Corridors
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three new corridors under Delhi Metro Phase V (A) to strengthen metro connectivity in Central Delhi, South Delhi, and the Domestic Airport area.
- The project aims to promote clean, efficient, and sustainable public transport while addressing critical connectivity gaps in the National Capital.
- Delhi Metro Phase V (A) will cover a total length of 076 kilometres with an estimated cost of ₹12,014.91 crore.
- The project will be jointly funded by the Government of India, the Government of Delhi, and international funding agencies.
- The phase will include 13 stations, comprising 10 underground stations and 3 elevated stations, and involves extensions of existing metro lines, including the Magenta Line and the Golden Line.
- One approved corridor is the R.K. Ashram Marg–Indraprastha corridor, with a length of 9.913 kilometres, which is an extension of the Botanical Garden–R.K. Ashram Marg corridor.
- This corridor will provide direct metro access to the Central Vista area, connecting key landmarks and government offices, and is expected to offer doorstep connectivity to about 60,000 office-goers and nearly 2 lakh visitors daily.
- The second approved corridor is the Aerocity–Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1 corridor, with a length of 263 kilometres, extending the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor.
- It is aimed at providing seamless metro connectivity to the Domestic Airport Terminal 1, benefiting both air passengers and airport staff.
- The third corridor is the Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj corridor, with a length of 9 kilometres, also an extension of the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor.
- This corridor will improve metro connectivity for South Delhi regions such as Saket, Tughlakabad, and Kalindi Kunj.
- Overall, the approval of Delhi Metro Phase V (A) is expected to enhance urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and improve accessibility to key economic and administrative zones in the national capital.
Gujarat Leads India in Rooftop Solar Energy Adoption
- Gujarat has reinforced its position as India’s leading state in rooftop solar energy, achieving an installed capacity of 1,879 Megawatt with over 5 lakh rooftop solar systems.
- X`The state has already achieved 50% of its target of installing 1 million residential rooftop solar systems by March 2027, largely under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to provide affordable and clean electricity to households.
- Over the years, Gujarat has installed more than 1.1 million rooftop solar systems across various schemes.
- Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme alone, the state accounts for over 5 lakh residential installations, placing it well ahead of other states in residential rooftop solar adoption.
- Key statistics include a total installed rooftop solar capacity of 1,879 Megawatt, over 5 lakh residential systems installed under PM Surya Ghar, 50% progress towards the 1 million systems target, with the deadline set for March 2027.
- To make rooftop solar affordable, Gujarat has provided strong financial support, with residential consumers receiving ₹3,778 crore in subsidies, significantly reducing upfront installation costs.
- The subsidy structure for households includes ₹30,000 per kilowatt for systems up to 2 kilowatt, ₹18,000 per kilowatt for systems between 2 and 3 kilowatt, and a maximum subsidy of ₹78,000 for systems above 3 kilowatt.
- These incentives have driven widespread adoption in both urban and rural areas.
- Gujarat’s success is further supported by consumer-friendly policy incentives, including ₹2,950 assistance for regulatory charges for systems up to 6 kilowatt, waiver of network strengthening charges, no requirement for net metering agreements, no load limit for residential rooftop systems, and no banking charges on surplus electricity.
- Consumers are also allowed to sell excess power to the grid, making rooftop solar financially attractive.
- Rooftop solar systems enable households to generate electricity through solar panels installed on rooftops, with surplus power fed back into the grid.
- India is actively promoting rooftop solar as part of its renewable energy transition and climate commitments, supported by financial incentives from both central and state governments.
RECENT NEWS
- In a key infrastructure move, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two critical multitracking railway projects worth ₹2,781 crore. These projects aim to strengthen the Indian Railways network in Maharashtra and Gujarat, enhancing both passenger and freight capacity.
About Gujarat:
- Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
- Governor: Acharya Devvrat
- Capital: Gandhinagar
- National Parks: Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Vansda National Park, Marine National Park
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary
CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
P.V. Sindhu Elected Chair of BWF Athletes’ Commission for 2026–29 Term
- P. V. Sindhu has been elected Chair of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Athletes’ Commission for the 2026–2029 term, strengthening athlete representation in global badminton governance.
- As Chair of the Athletes’ Commission, the double Olympic medallist will also serve as a Member of the BWF Council, ensuring direct player representation in policy and decision-making at the international level.
- P. V. Sindhu has been associated with the BWF Athletes’ Commission since 2017 and has served as a BWF Integrity Ambassador since 2020, reflecting her long-standing administrative and sporting experience.
- Debora Jille (Netherlands) has been appointed Deputy Chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission, alongside members from Korea, Egypt, and China, highlighting the global composition of the body.
- In Para badminton, Chan Ho Yuen Daniel (Hong Kong China) has been elected Chair of the BWF Para Athletes’ Commission, with Cathrine Rosengren (Denmark) serving as Deputy Chair.
- Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha, the first female badminton player from Iran to compete in the Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020), has been appointed as one of five new members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission.
About Badminton World Federation (BWF) :
- It is the international governing body for badminton, is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- Headquarters : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 Conferred at Rashtrapati Bhavan
- The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 at Gantantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- This was the second edition of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, with 24 awards conferred to eminent scientists and scientific teams across four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and Vigyan Team.
- The awards recognise outstanding contributions to science and technology that have significantly strengthened India’s scientific capabilities and inspired future innovation.
- Disciplines covered include agriculture, atomic energy, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, medicine, physics, environmental science, space science, and technology innovation.
- Vigyan Ratna (Posthumous) was awarded to Late Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar of Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune, for his seminal contributions including the Hoyle–Narlikar theory, Quasi-Steady State Cosmology, and for founding IUCAA.
- Under Vigyan Shri, awards were presented to distinguished scientists:
- Agricultural Science: Dr Gyanendra Pratap Singh (ICAR–NBPGR, New Delhi) for developing mega wheat varieties with heat and drought tolerance.
- Atomic Energy: Dr Yusuf Mohammad Seikh (BARC, Mumbai) for work on neutron and synchrotron beamlines, superconductivity, and magnetic materials.
- Biological Sciences: Dr Kumarasamy Thangaraj (CSIR–CCMB, Hyderabad) for contributions to human genomics, disease susceptibility, and infertility research.
- Chemistry: Thalappil Pradeep (IIT Madras) for indigenous water purification technologies and molecular clusters.
- Environmental Science: Dr S. Venkata Mohan (CSIR–NEERI, Nagpur) for work in environmental bioengineering, wastewater treatment, and biohydrogen.
- Engineering Sciences: Aniruddha B. Pandit (ICT Mumbai) for cavitation reactors and energy-efficient microbial cell disruption.
- Mathematics and Computer Science: Mahan Mj (TIFR, Mumbai) for research in geometric group theory and hyperbolic three-manifolds.
- Space Science and Technology: Shri Jayan N. (ISRO, Bengaluru) for contributions to cryogenic engines and regenerative cooling systems.
- The Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awards recognised young scientists:
- Agricultural Science: Dr Jagadis Gupta (BRIC–NIPGR, New Delhi) for nitric oxide signalling and shelf-life enhancement, and Dr Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia (ICAR–IIRR, Hyderabad) for genome-edited Samba Mahsuri rice.
- Biological Sciences: Dr Deepa Agashe (NCBS–TIFR, Bengaluru) for molecular evolution studies, and Debarka Sengupta (IIIT Delhi) for single-cell genomics, artificial intelligence, and cancer biomarkers.
- Chemistry: Dr Dibyendu Das (IISER Kolkata) for systems chemistry and peptide nanostructures.
- Earth Science: Dr Waliur Rahaman (NCPOR, Goa) for isotope geochemistry and climate studies.
- Engineering Sciences: Arkaprava Basu (Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru) for graphics processing unit and central processing unit memory systems for artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- Mathematics and Computer Science: Sabyasachi Mukherjee (TIFR, Mumbai) for complex analysis and conformal dynamics.
- Medicine: Dr Suresh Kumar (PGIMER, Chandigarh) for work in paediatric critical care and probiotics research.
- Physics: Amit Kumar Agarwal (Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur) for quantum condensed matter physics, and Prof. Surhud Shrikant More (IUCAA, Pune) for cosmology and galaxy clustering statistics.
- Space Science and Technology: Shri Ankur Garg (ISRO–Space Applications Centre, Bengaluru) for satellite data processing and remote sensing.
- Technology and Innovation: Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam (Indian Institute of Technology Madras) for biomedical devices and cataract surgery technologies.
- The Vigyan Team Award was conferred on Team – Aroma Mission (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) led by CSIR–Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) for developing high-yield aromatic crops, enhancing farmer incomes, and promoting rural entrepreneurship.
- The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar serves as India’s premier platform to celebrate scientific excellence, encourage innovation-driven research, and strengthen the nation’s science and technology ecosystem.
CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
North Korea Reveals 8,700-Tonne Nuclear-Powered Submarine Under Construction
- North Korea has unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine, described as an 8,700-tonne-class vessel, marking a significant advancement in its naval and nuclear capabilities.
- The nuclear-powered submarine is being developed to strengthen sea-based nuclear deterrence, enabling the launch of nuclear-capable missiles from underwater platforms.
- The most prominent submarine under inspection has been referred to as “Hero Kim Kun Ok”, also designated as Tactical Nuclear Attack Submarine No. 841.
- If the programme is successfully completed, North Korea would join a small group of nuclear-submarine nations, including the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and India.
- India currently operates two nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs)—INS Arihant and INS Arighaat—strengthening its credible minimum deterrence.
- A third Indian SSBN, INS Aridhaman, is undergoing sea trials and is expected to be inducted into service soon, further enhancing India’s sea-based nuclear triad.
About North Korea :
- Capital : Pyongyang
- Currency : North Korean Won.
VoxelGrids Develops India’s First Indigenous MRI Scanner, Boosting Made-in-India Tech
- VoxelGrids, a Zoho-backed startup, has developed India’s first indigenously designed MRI scanner, marking a significant advancement in Made-in-India medical technology.
- The 5-tesla MRI scanner has been deployed at the Chandrapur Cancer Care Foundation near Nagpur, after a 12-year development effort led by founder Arjun Arunachalam.
- Unlike imported MRI machines, VoxelGrids’ scanner does not use liquid helium, making it approximately 40% cheaper, more power-efficient, and significantly reducing operating costs.
- India currently has around 5,000 MRI machines (about 3.5 per million people), with over 91% market share dominated by five foreign OEMs, emphasizing the strategic importance of this indigenous medical technology breakthrough.
- The development of locally designed MRI scanners is expected to improve affordable healthcare access and reduce dependence on imports in the medical imaging sector.
India Tests K-4 Intermediate-Range submarine-launched ballistic missile With 3,500 km Strike Range from INS Arighaat
- India successfully test-fired the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Visakhapatnam.
- The K-4 missile has a strike range of 3,500 km, significantly strengthening India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence capability.
- The K-4 missile was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 29 August 2024, making India one of the few nations with a nuclear triad, comprising land, air, and sea-based nuclear strike capability.
- Derived from the Agni-III, the K-4 has been specially adapted for underwater launches from submarine silos.
- The missile is capable of carrying a 5-ton nuclear warhead and can be launched from Arihant-class nuclear submarines.
- The ‘K’ series of missiles is named in honour of P.J. Abdul Kalam, the architect of India’s missile programme under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
- Each Arihant-class submarine can carry four K-4 missiles, enhancing India’s strategic deterrence capability.
- The K-4 missile was indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS AND AUTHOR
Vice President Releases Book ‘Sanatan Sanskriti Ki Atal Drishti’
- The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, released the book ‘Sanatan Sanskriti Ki Atal Drishti’ at the Vice President’s Enclave, New Delhi.
- The book has been authored by Shri Vasudev Devnani, Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.
- The Vice President congratulated the author and described the book as a timely and significant contribution, particularly as the nation commemorates the centenary birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- While speaking on the occasion, the Vice President stated that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was not merely an individual but an institution in himself, whose life and leadership were deeply rooted in strong values, democratic principles, and an inclusive vision of nationalism.
- He recalled the Pokhran Nuclear Tests of May 1998, conducted under Operation Shakti during Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister, noting that they demonstrated India’s strategic autonomy, national confidence, and global standing.
- The Vice President also highlighted Vajpayee’s iconic slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan”, which reflected his holistic vision of national strength encompassing defence, agriculture, and science.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS
Khelo India Tribal Games: India’s First National-Level Sports Event for Tribal Athletes
- India has taken a major step towards inclusive sports development with the unveiling of the logo, theme song, and mascot of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games at the Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
- The Games will begin on 14 February 2026 and mark the first-ever national-level sporting event dedicated exclusively to tribal athletes.
- Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya described the initiative as a crucial platform to integrate tribal youth into India’s national sports mainstream and strengthen the country’s long-term talent pipeline.
- The launch ceremony was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, senior officials of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, representatives of the Sports Authority of India, and state authorities.
- Chhattisgarh’s selection as the host state is significant due to its large tribal population and strong tradition of indigenous sports and physical culture, placing the state at the centre of India’s evolving sports ecosystem.
- The official mascot Morveer was unveiled as a symbol rooted in Chhattisgarhi culture. The name combines ‘Mor’ (mine/our own) and ‘Veer’ (bravery and valour), representing the collective pride, resilience, and courage of tribal communities.
- The mascot reflects how India’s sports policy is increasingly being aligned with cultural identity and social inclusion.
- The inaugural Games will feature seven competitive sports disciplines: archery, athletics, football, hockey, wrestling, swimming, and weightlifting, chosen to match both traditional strengths and Olympic pathways.
- In addition, two indigenous demonstration sports will be showcased, highlighting the cultural dimension of the event.
- The technical conduct of the Games will follow international standards, ensuring global-level benchmarking in officiating and performance assessment.
- The Khelo India Tribal Games are part of the broader Khelo India Scheme, which aims to promote mass participation and sporting excellence across the country.
- While earlier Khelo India formats focused on youth, university, winter, para, and beach sports, this initiative addresses a long-standing gap by focusing on tribal-dominated regions, which have historically produced raw talent but lacked structured support.
- In 2020, the Khelo India Games were declared an Event of National Importance under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007, underlining their strategic national value.
Daily CA One- Liner: December 27
- SBI Life Insurance has launched ‘New Smart Samriddhi’, an individual, non-linked, non-participating life insurance savings plan.
- The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched a centralized portal – npci.org.in to enable users to view, manage, and revoke all UPI Autopay standing instructions from a single platform.
- India’s tax landscape is undergoing a structural shift, with smaller and mid-sized states emerging as the fastest-growing contributors to both GST and direct taxes.
- Goldman Sachs Group Inc released its Global Economics Analyst: Macro Outlook 2026 report, projecting India to remain among the fastest-growing major economies
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has decided to exclude Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) bonds and delisted securities from the valuation threshold used to determine Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA) eligibility.
- The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will launch two new thematic funds in January 2026—the ₹1,000 crore NABARD Green Impact Fund (NGIF) and the ₹300 crore NABARD Carbon Fund (NCF).
- P. V. Sindhu has been elected Chair of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Athletes’ Commission for the 2026–2029 term, strengthening athlete representation in global badminton governance.
- North Korea has unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine, described as an 8,700-tonne-class vessel, marking a significant advancement in its naval and nuclear capabilities.
- VoxelGrids, a Zoho-backed startup, has developed India’s first indigenously designed MRI scanner, marking a significant advancement in Made-in-India medical technology.
- India successfully test-fired the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Visakhapatnam.
- In a major boost for grape and raisin farmers, the Shivaji University Senate has approved in principle the establishment of a dedicated Raisin Research Centre in Sangli district, Maharashtra
- India has achieved a major public health milestone with institutional deliveries increasing to 89%, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Indian archaeologists have discovered the largest circular stone labyrinth ever found in India in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur district, Maharashtra
- Indian Railways has strengthened its Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based wildlife protection system along railway tracks to enhance wildlife conservation and railway safety
- India has commissioned Unit-2 (250 MW) of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, marking another major step towards clean and sustainable energy
- India has announced a $450 million humanitarian and reconstruction assistance package for Sri Lanka following the large-scale devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major national event dedicated to honouring the life and ideals of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- The Haryana government has officially declared Hansi as a new district, making it the 23rd district of the state, following the issuance of a formal government notification
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three new corridors under Delhi Metro Phase V (A) to strengthen metro connectivity in Central Delhi, South Delhi, and the Domestic Airport area
- Gujarat has reinforced its position as India’s leading state in rooftop solar energy, achieving an installed capacity of 1,879 Megawatt with over 5 lakh rooftop solar systems
- The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 at Gantantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan
- The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, released the book ‘Sanatan Sanskriti Ki Atal Drishti’ at the Vice President’s Enclave, New Delhi
- India has taken a major step towards inclusive sports development with the unveiling of the logo, theme song, and mascot of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games at the Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

