Daily Current Affairs 28th & 29th December 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

By Ameena Ameena - Dec 29 2025

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Securities and Exchange Board of India Doubles Threshold to ₹10 Lakh to Simplify Issuance of Duplicate Securities

  • Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has simplified the procedure for issuance of duplicate securities by doubling the monetary threshold for simplified documentation from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
  • The revised norms aim to make the process faster, efficient, and investor-friendly, while reducing compliance burden and procedural inconsistencies.
  • The decision follows a consultation paper issued in November 2025, focused on ease of investor services and uniformity in procedures.
  • Effective immediately, the new guidelines also apply to applications currently under process.

Key Highlights :

  • Investors holding securities valued up to ₹10 lakh will now be required to submit fewer documents, simplifying recovery of lost or damaged securities.
  • All duplicate securities will be issued only in demat mode, promoting dematerialisation and stronger investor protection.
  • For securities above ₹10 lakh, SEBI has prescribed a standardised Affidavit-cum-Indemnity Bond format with rationalised documentation.
  • Securities up to ₹10,000: Investors can submit a simple undertaking on plain paper.
  • Securities above ₹10,000 and up to ₹10 lakh: Submission of only a standard Affidavit-cum-Indemnity Bond on appropriate non-judicial stamp paper is required.
  • Securities above ₹10 lakh: Investors must additionally submit a copy of FIR, police complaint, court order, or complaint containing full details of the securities.
  • For securities valued above ₹10 lakh, the listed company must publish an advertisement about the loss of securities in a widely circulated regional newspaper on a weekly basis.

About SEBI :

  • It is India’s capital market regulator, was constituted in 1988 as a non-statutory body and became a statutory body in 1992.
  • Chairman of SEBI: Tuhin Kanta Pandey
  • SEBI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Life Insurance Corporation of India Partners with Sahaj Insurance Services to Boost Life Insurance Reach in Rural and Semi-Urban India

  • Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has entered into a strategic collaboration with Sahaj Insurance Services Private Limited to expand life insurance penetration in rural and semi-urban India.
  • The partnership aims to improve insurance access and awareness in underserved and low-literacy regions, supporting India’s broader goals of financial inclusion and social security.
  • Under the agreement, Sahaj’s assisted digital service network will enable citizens to understand, enrol in, and manage LIC life insurance policies, simplifying insurance processes at the last mile.
  • The collaboration will leverage digitally enabled rural centres to provide services such as policy onboarding, policy servicing, and claims assistance.
  • The partnership aligns with its long-standing objective of providing life insurance protection to all sections of society, especially beyond urban centres.
  • Sahaj Insurance Services highlighted that the initiative combines LIC’s trusted brand with Sahaj’s last-mile delivery and assisted digital model.
  • Sahaj Insurance Services Private Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sahaj Retail and operates under the Kanoria Foundation initiative.
  • Sahaj Insurance Services has recently received a corporate agency licence from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), enabling it to distribute insurance products nationwide.

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Slaps ₹1 Crore Penalty on Reliance General Insurance for Regulatory Violations

  • The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) imposed a ₹1 crore monetary penalty on Reliance General Insurance for violation of regulatory norms.
  • IRDAI observed irregular payouts of ₹5.16 crore in FY19 made by the insurer to Glitterbug Technologies, the parent company of Coverfox Insurance Broking.
  • The regulator also flagged arbitrary payments made to an individual agent of Oriental Insurance Company, amounting to ₹1.14 crore (FY19), ₹27 lakh (FY20) and ₹28.67 lakh (FY21).
  • IRDAI directed Reliance General Insurance to place the penalty order before its Board, submit the Board meeting minutes, and file an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 90 days.

About IRDAI:

  • Headquarters (HQ): Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  • Chairperson:Ajay Seth
  • Founded: 1999

Customs Clearance Facilitation Committee Meeting Strengthens Stakeholder Confidence in Customs Clearance Process

  • The Customs Clearance Facilitation Committee (CCFC) meeting was convened by Delhi Customs at the Kalpana Chawla Conference Hall, IGI Airport, under the chairmanship of the Chief Commissioner of Customs, Delhi Zone.
  • The meeting brought together partner Government agencies including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Plant Quarantine, and the Drug Controller, highlighting inter-agency coordination in customs clearance.
  • Trade associations such as the Customs Broker Fraternity, ASSOCHAM, and the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) participated along with custodians, importers, exporters, and departmental officers, reflecting the entire EXIM ecosystem.
  • During the deliberations, recent policy and digital initiatives introduced by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) were discussed, with a focus on their implementation framework within the Delhi Customs Zone.
  • The Delhi Customs Zone reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ease of doing business and advancing trade facilitation within the framework of law.
  • The guiding motto of the Delhi Customs Zone is based on the principles of Transparency, Accessibility, and Efficiency, which form the foundation of its administrative functioning.
  • By adopting an open-door policy, promoting transparent decision-making, and ensuring accessible processes, Delhi Customs aims to foster a culture of trust, efficiency, and shared responsibility within the EXIM community.

Bombay Stock Exchange Reconstitutes BANKEX Index as Part of Periodic Review

  • BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) has implemented the reconstitution of the BSE BANKEX index effective December 26, 2025, as part of its periodic index review.
  • Canara Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Union Bank of India have been added to the BSE BANKEX.
  • No constituent was removed, and the BSE BANKEX now includes 14 banking stocks.
  • A revised weighting structure has been introduced, capping the combined weight of the top three stocks at 45% and the top five stocks at 60% to improve diversification and reduce concentration risk.
  • The reconstitution is part of a broader index review by BSE Index Services, which also covered major indices like BSE SENSEX, BSE 100, and BSE SENSEX 50.
  • Managing Director & CEO of BSE : Sundararaman Ramamurthy

Central Board of Direct Taxes Launches NUDGE Campaign for AY 2025-26 to Boost Voluntary Tax Compliance

  • The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) launched the NUDGE (Non-Intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable) campaign for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 to improve voluntary tax compliance.
  • The campaign uses advanced risk analytics and data matching to identify potential discrepancies in filed Income-Tax Returns (ITRs).
  • Key risk areas flagged include bogus donations to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs), ineligible deductions or exemptions, incorrect or invalid Permanent Account Numbers (PANs), and errors in claimed deduction amounts.
  • Revised ITRs can be filed up to 31 December 2025 to avoid scrutiny, enquiries, or demand notices.
  • Updated returns filed after 1 January 2026 may attract additional tax and liabilities.
  • In AY 2025-26, over 15 lakh revised ITRs were filed under the NUDGE campaign.
  • More than 21 lakh updated returns were filed for earlier AYs 2021-22 to 2024-25, resulting in additional tax collection of about ₹2,500 crore.
  • The NUDGE initiative, first launched by CBDT in 2024, focuses on non-intrusive compliance enforcement through data-driven risk identification.

India Emerges as World’s Third-Largest Fuel Retail Market With Over 1 Lakh Petrol Pumps

  • India’s petrol pump network has crossed 1 lakh fuel retail outlets, nearly doubling over the last decade, making India the third-largest fuel retail market in the world after the United States and China.
  • The rapid expansion has been driven mainly by state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs), improving fuel accessibility in rural and remote regions.
  • Rural petrol pumps now account for 29% of India’s total fuel retail network, rising from 22% a decade ago, reflecting increased focus on rural infrastructure development.

Key Highlights :

  • Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) leads the Indian fuel retail market with 41,664 outlets, making it one of the largest fuel retailers globally.
  • IOCL’s outlet count significantly exceeds that of China’s largest fuel retailer, Sinopec, which operates just over 30,000 stations.
  • Private sector participation in fuel retailing has grown steadily, with market share increasing from 5.9% in 2015 to 9.3% at present.
  • Nayara Energy Limited, backed by Russia’s Rosneft, is the largest private fuel retailer in India with 6,921 petrol pumps.
  • The Reliance Industries–BP joint venture ranks second among private players, operating 2,114 fuel stations across the country.
  • Shell maintains a limited presence in India’s fuel retail market, with 346 outlets, focusing on select high-value locations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries 2025

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi.
  • The conference will be organised under the theme “Human Capital for Viksit Bharat”, reflecting the government’s focus on transforming India’s population into skilled, productive and future-ready human capital to achieve the goal of a developed nation.
  • The event seeks to strengthen structured Centre–State collaboration on critical development priorities.
  • Deliberations will focus on early childhood education, school education, skilling, higher education, and sports and extracurricular activities, with emphasis on inclusive, sustainable and people-centric growth.
  • Special sessions will cover deregulation in States, technology in governance, AgriStack for smart supply chains, One State One World-Class Tourist Destination, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swadeshi, and a roadmap for a post–Left Wing Extremism future.
  • Informal discussions will also take place on heritage and manuscript preservation and digitisation and Ayush for All, highlighting the integration of traditional knowledge with modern governance.
  • Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, senior central officials and experts will participate.
  • Previous editions were held at Dharamshala (June 2022), New Delhi (January 2023), New Delhi (December 2023) and New Delhi (December 2024).

Gujarat Reinstated as a Tiger-Bearing State

  • Gujarat has been officially reinstated as a tiger-bearing state after 33 years, following confirmation by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
  • The decision allows Gujarat’s inclusion in the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026, marking its return to India’s official tiger map under Project Tiger.
  • The move strengthens India’s wildlife conservation framework and reflects sustained evidence of tiger presence in the state.
  • Gujarat was last included in the national tiger census in 1989, when pugmarks were recorded but no confirmed photographic or physical evidence was established.
  • Due to the absence of confirmed sightings, the state was excluded from the 1992 tiger census.
  • Since then, only one confirmed tiger sighting occurred in 2019, but the animal survived for just 15 days, failing to establish a viable population.
  • As a result, Gujarat remained outside the formal tiger estimation process for over three decades.
  • The turning point came with the confirmed presence of a nearly four-year-old tiger in the Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary, located in Dahod district along the Gujarat–Madhya Pradesh border.
  • The tiger reportedly entered the region in mid-February 2025 and has maintained a stable presence for nearly ten months.
  • Continuous camera-trap images and CCTV footage provided strong evidence of sustained habitation rather than transient movement.
  • Based on this evidence, the NTCA directed the implementation of tiger conservation measures in the sanctuary.
  • The All India Tiger Estimation 2026, one of the world’s largest wildlife population surveys, has begun from Indore.
  • Gujarat will now be included in the exercise for the first time since 1989.
  • A dedicated camera-trap survey will be conducted along the Gujarat–Madhya Pradesh border.
  • As the tiger has not yet been radio-tagged, radio-collaring will be carried out during the census to scientifically track its movement across state boundaries.
  • Gujarat’s inclusion will also involve the use of Stripe Pattern Recognition Software, a key technological tool under AITE.
  • Trained forest officials will be able to monitor tiger movements within Gujarat and across the national tiger landscape.
  • This development highlights India’s growing use of technology-driven conservation, combining camera traps, AI-based pattern recognition, and real-time data sharing for wildlife protection.

RECENT NEWS

  • Bharat Taxi, India’s ambitious cooperative ride-hailing platform, has begun pilot operations in Delhi and Gujarat, marking a disruptive shift in how cab services are structured in the country.

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

Ministry of Civil Aviation Grants No Objection Certificates to New Airlines

  • The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two new airlines, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress.
  • These approvals clear the way for their commercial launch in 2026.
  • Another new carrier, Shankh Air, which has already secured its NOC earlier, is also expected to begin operations next year.
  • Together, these developments indicate increased activity and competition in India’s domestic aviation sector.
  • Granting of an NOC is the first major regulatory step for launching an airline in India.
  • It signifies that the proposed airline has met initial requirements related to ownership structure, financial capability, and security clearances.
  • The approvals come at a time when India’s aviation market is witnessing rapid passenger growth, along with concerns over market concentration and resilience.
  • India is currently the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, driven by rising incomes, improved regional connectivity, and increasing air travel demand.
  • At present, there are nine scheduled domestic airlines operating in the country.
  • The market is highly concentrated, with IndiGo and the Air India Group together controlling over 90% of the domestic market.
  • IndiGo alone holds more than 65% market share, making it the dominant carrier.
  • Other scheduled airlines include Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Star Air, Fly91, and IndiaOne Air.
  • The entry of Al Hind Air, FlyExpress, and Shankh Air is expected to improve competition, expand capacity, and offer more choices to passengers.
  • New airlines can strengthen connectivity on underserved and regional routes and reduce over-dependence on a few major players.
  • Over time, this is expected to support better price discovery, improved service standards, and greater stability in India’s aviation ecosystem.

Government Announces Major Reforms to Modernise Employees Provident Fund Organisation

  • The Government of India announced major reforms to modernise the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and expand social security coverage.
  • The initiatives were announced by Union Minister for Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya while inaugurating the Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan of EPFO at Vatva, Gujarat.
  • The reforms aim to make EPFO services technology-driven, citizen-centric and easily accessible, while ensuring financial security for workers.
  • Modern technology-enabled EPFO offices will be developed across the country on the lines of Passport Seva Kendras, functioning as single-window service centres.
  • A pilot project has already started in Delhi to test this model.
  • Under the any-office service facility, EPF members can now resolve grievances at any EPFO regional office in India, without visiting their original or linked office.
  • The government will introduce EPF Suvidha Providers, who will act as authorised facilitators to help members with claim filing, procedures and digital access, especially benefiting first-time and less tech-savvy users.
  • A mission-mode KYC verification drive will be launched to activate inoperative EPF accounts, ensuring that workers can access funds stuck due to incomplete KYC.
  • A simplified digital platform will be introduced for faster claim settlement.
  • Automatic processing of EPF claims up to ₹5 lakh has already been implemented to reduce delays and paperwork.
  • Social security protection for Indian workers abroad will be integrated into Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
  • This allows Indian workers to retain provident fund benefits abroad and access them after returning to India, similar to provisions in the India–UK FTA.
  • India’s social security coverage has increased from 19% before 2014 to 64% currently.
  • About 94 crore people are now covered under social security schemes.
  • The government aims to expand coverage to 100 crore citizens by March 2026, making India one of the largest social security providers globally.
  • Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a statutory body established under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
  • It functions under the Ministry of Labour and Employment and is administered by the Central Board of Trustees, a tripartite body of government, employers and employees.
  • EPFO manages EPF (1952), Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS, 1995) and Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI, 1976).
  • EPS provides pension after 58 years of age with a minimum of 10 years of service.
  • The Supreme Court has recently allowed employees additional time to opt for higher pension contributions under EPS with employer consent.

RECENT NEWS

  • In a bid to reform its internal workforce structure and improve service delivery, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has constituted a four-member committee for cadre restructuring. The move aims to enhance both organizational efficiency and the quality of customer service for millions of EPF account holders across India.

World’s Largest Open-Air Theatre Dhanu Yatra Inaugurated in Bargarh, Odisha

  • Dhanu Yatra, the world’s largest open-air theatre festival, was inaugurated in Bargarh district of Odisha.
  • It is an eleven-day cultural festival that celebrates Indi an mythology, tradition, and folk performance, attracting thousands of visitors from across Odisha and other parts of India.
  • The festival is based on the mythological re-enactment of the life of Lord Krishna, starting from his birth and culminating in the death of King Kansa, his demon uncle.
  • A unique feature of Dhanu Yatra is that the entire town of Bargarh is transformed into the mythical city of Mathura.
  • Streets, palaces, riverbanks, and courtyards become live performance spaces, turning the town itself into a theatre.
  • Key locations such as the Rangamahal, Nanda Raja’s court, and other public spaces serve as natural stages where different episodes of Krishna’s life are enacted sequentially.
  • Unlike conventional theatre, there is no fixed stage or seating, and the boundary between performers and audience is blurred, creating a fully immersive and interactive experience.
  • Dhanu Yatra plays an important role in preserving and promoting the cultural and mythological heritage associated with Lord Krishna.
  • The festival involves extensive community participation, with local residents actively taking part as performers and organisers, strengthening social and cultural bonding.
  • The event significantly boosts tourism and the local economy, benefiting artisans, traders, and service providers during the festival period.
  • Recognising its cultural importance, the Central Government has accorded National Festival status to Dhanu Yatra, highlighting its significance at the national level.

About Odisha:

  • Chief Minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
  • Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati
  • Capital: Bhubaneswar
  • National Parks: Simlipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary

India Launches First National Database for Lost, Looted and Recovered Government Firearms

  • The Union Government has launched India’s first-ever national weapon database to strengthen the fight against terrorism, organised crime, and extremism.
  • The database aims to track lost, stolen, looted, and recovered government firearms and improve coordination among law enforcement agencies.
  • The Lost, Looted and Recovered Firearm Database is a centralised digital repository of government-owned weapons that are lost, stolen, looted, or recovered.
  • It includes firearms belonging to State Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
  • Data has been collected from all States and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, North Eastern States, and Naxal-affected regions.
  • The database is hosted on a secure digital platform by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and provides real-time access to authorised agencies.
  • Key features of the database include centralised nationwide coverage, real-time data updates, and easy access for police, paramilitary, and investigative agencies.
  • It helps trace the origin of weapons, movement patterns, and recovery history.
  • The initiative helps prevent stolen government weapons from reaching terrorist groups, Naxalites, and organised criminal gangs.
  • It strengthens terror and criminal investigations, improves coordination between central and state agencies, and enhances internal security and preventive policing.
  • Experts note that unaccounted government firearms pose a major internal security threat, making systematic tracking essential.
  • The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is India’s central anti-terror agency, established in 2009 under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) include the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and others.
  • The database is part of India’s broader efforts to modernise law enforcement, use technology for intelligence gathering, and strengthen national security coordination.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

President Presents Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025

  • President of India Droupadi Murmu presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 at a ceremonial function held in New Delhi.
  • The award recognises children below 18 years for exceptional achievements, bravery and exemplary conduct, highlighting the role of youth in shaping India’s future.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is India’s highest civilian honour for children.
  • It is awarded in six categories: Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art and Culture, and Science and Technology.
  • The scheme replaced the earlier National Bravery Awards and aims to encourage, inspire and recognise young role models whose actions positively impact society.
  • Vaka Lakshmi Pragnika (7 years) was praised for her achievements in chess, contributing to India’s growing global stature in the sport.
  • Acts of bravery by Ajay Raj and Mohammed Sidan P, who saved lives through courage and presence of mind, were commended.
  • Vyoma Priya (9) and Kamlesh Kumar (11) were remembered with reverence for losing their lives while saving others, symbolising supreme sacrifice at a young age.
  • Shravan Singh (10) was lauded for supplying water, milk and lassi to Indian soldiers during Operation Sindoor in a border area despite risks.
  • Achievements across diverse fields were also recognised.
  • Shivani Hosuru Uppara, a differently abled sportsperson, was praised for overcoming economic and physical challenges to excel in sports.
  • Vaibhav Suryavanshi was commended for his record-breaking achievements in cricket at a young age, reflecting India’s growing sporting talent.

14-year-old Cricket Prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi Receives Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

  • Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old emerging cricket prodigy, was awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu for his outstanding achievements in domestic and Under-19 cricket.
  • The President noted that Vaibhav has set multiple records at a very young age, establishing himself in the highly competitive cricketing arena.
  • The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) praised him as an “explosive young batter”, highlighting his growing stature in Indian cricket.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is India’s highest civilian honour for children aged 5 to 18 years.
  • It is awarded annually in six categories: Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art and Culture, and Science and Technology.
  • Vaibhav Suryavanshi was honoured under the Sports category, reflecting India’s focus on recognising and nurturing young sporting talent.
  • In domestic cricket, Vaibhav scored 190 off 84 balls against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, becoming the youngest centurion in List A history.
  • He broke AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest 150 in List A cricket and hit 15 sixes, the most by an Indian in a 50-over match.
  • In T20 cricket, he scored 108 off 61 balls for Bihar in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy*, becoming the youngest centurion in the tournament at 14 years and 250 days.
  • At the Under-19 level, he scored 171 off 95 balls against UAE in the Under-19 Asia Cup, the highest score by an Indian in the tournament.
  • He also scored a century against Australia Under-19 in a Youth Test match in Brisbane.
  • In the Rising Stars Asia Cup, he smashed 144 off 42 balls for India A against UAE, including 11 fours and 15 sixes, and became the youngest male cricketer to score a century at senior national level with a 32-ball hundred.
  • In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he made his debut for Rajasthan Royals at 14 years and 23 days, becoming the youngest player ever to feature in the IPL.
  • He became the youngest IPL centurion with a 35-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans.
  • His century is the fastest by an Indian in IPL history and the second-fastest overall, after Chris Gayle.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Odisha Names Anu Garg as State’s First Woman Chief Secretary

  • The Government of Odisha has appointed Anu Garg, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, as the Chief Secretary (CS) of Odisha, making her the first woman to hold the state’s top bureaucratic post.
  • The appointment of Anu Garg will come into effect on 1 January 2026, following the retirement of incumbent Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on 31 December 2025.

About Anu Garg :

  • Anu Garg is a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, with over 30 years of experience in public administration.
  • In February 2023, she created history by becoming the first woman Development Commissioner of Odisha, the second-highest bureaucratic position in the state administration.
  • She has served at the Union Government level as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Ministry of Textiles (MoT), and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
  • At the state level, she has held key positions including Principal Secretary of the Labour Department and the Women and Child Development Department of Odisha.
  • Anu Garg was a member of the High-Level Expert Group (HLEG) on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) constituted by the Planning Commission of India.
  • Prior to her appointment as Chief Secretary, she served as Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, overseeing the Planning & Convergence Department and the Water Resources Department of Odisha.

Centre Appoints Three Senior Advocates as Additional Solicitors General for Supreme Court

  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the appointment of Davinder Pal Singh, Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar, and Anil Kaushik as Additional Solicitors General (ASGs) for India in the Supreme Court of India (SCI).
  • The appointments of the new Additional Solicitors General are valid for a period of three years from the date of assuming office, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
  • Additional Solicitors General (ASGs) assist the Attorney General of India (AGI) and the Solicitor General of India (SGI) in representing the Government of India (GoI) before the Supreme Court of India.
  • Davinder Pal Singh is the Founder and Senior Partner of Arthe Law and is empanelled with the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
  • He has previously served as Additional Advocate General for the states of Haryana and Punjab, and as Special Counsel for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
  • Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar is a Senior Advocate and a former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Andhra Pradesh, serving during 2018–2024, with expertise in constitutional law and Supreme Court litigation.
  • Anil Kaushik is a Senior Advocate with extensive Supreme Court experience, a former Additional Advocate General of Haryana, and is currently serving as Senior Counsel for the states of Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENVIRONMENT

Zoological Survey of India Scientists Unveil New Soil-Dwelling Micro-Arthropod Species ‘Neelus sikkimensis’

  • Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new soil-dwelling micro-arthropod species named ‘Neelus sikkimensis’ in the high-altitude regions of Sikkim.
  • This discovery marks the first-ever record of the genus Neelus in India, representing a significant addition to Indian biodiversity documentation.
  • The findings were published in the Journal of the Entomological Research Society, lending scientific validation to the discovery.
  • The research was conducted by the Apterygota Section of the ZSI, led by Dr Guru Pada Mandal, with scientist Kusumendra Kumar Suman as a key member of the research team.
  • With the discovery of Neelus sikkimensis, the global species count of the genus Neelus has increased to eight species.
  • Neelus sikkimensis is a rare species of springtail (Collembola) and is microscopic in size, adapted to survive in complete darkness.
  • The species lacks eyes and inhabits soil and moss layers, indicating specialized subterranean adaptation.
  • A key identifying feature of the species is its distinctive labral chaetotaxy, referring to the unique arrangement of bristles on its mouthparts.
  • Collembola (springtails) play a crucial ecological role in soil ecosystems by facilitating organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling.
  • By supporting soil fertility and terrestrial ecosystem balance, species like Neelus sikkimensis contribute significantly to environmental sustainability.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Japan to Conduct World’s First Continuous Deep-Sea Mining of Rare-Earth Mud at 6,000 Metres Depth

  • Japan will conduct a test mining operation of rare-earth mud from the deep seabed at a depth of about 6,000 metres, marking the world’s first continuous attempt to lift such material directly onto a vessel.
  • The test mining will be carried out off Minamitori Island, located around 1,900 km southeast of Tokyo, between January and February 2026, under a government-backed project.
  • The mining system is designed to extract and lift up to 350 metric tonnes per day of rare-earth mud, demonstrating the technical feasibility of deep-sea mineral extraction.
  • Environmental impacts of the operation will be carefully monitored both onboard the vessel and on the seabed, highlighting concerns related to marine ecosystem protection.
  • Japan has invested approximately ¥40 billion since 2018 in deep-sea rare-earth research, reflecting its strategy to secure critical minerals.
  • The exact size of Japan’s rare-earth reserves in the deep seabed remains undisclosed.
  • Rare-earth muds are pelagic sediments formed from the accumulated remains of plankton, which contain high concentrations of rare-earth elements.

Tata Advanced Systems Limited Delivers First Batch of Indigenous WhAP 8×8 Armoured Vehicles to Morocco

  • Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has delivered the first batch of indigenously developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 vehicles to the Royal Moroccan Army (RMA) of the Kingdom of Morocco.
  • The delivery is part of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make with Friends / Make for the World initiatives, strengthening defence exports and strategic partnerships.
  • A total of 150 WhAP 8×8 vehicles were contracted in September 2024, with deliveries planned over three years, and a production capacity of up to 100 units per year.
  • The WhAP (Kestrel) has been jointly developed by DRDO and TASL, showcasing India’s growing indigenous defence manufacturing capability.
  • The vehicle is powered by a 600 hp turbocharged diesel engine, achieving a top speed of 100–104 km/h on roads and offering high mobility in difficult terrains.
  • Amphibious capability is enabled through hydro-jet propulsion, allowing operations in water at speeds of up to 10 km/h.
  • The WhAP can be configured for multiple combat and support roles including Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV), reconnaissance, command post, ambulance, mortar carrier, and CBRN response vehicle.
  • It supports Remote-Controlled Weapon Systems with 7.62 mm machine guns and can be equipped with anti-tank guided missiles, enhancing battlefield lethality.
  • The WhAP production facility at Berrechid, Morocco, inaugurated in September 2025, is the first Indian private defence manufacturing facility in Africa, marking a milestone in India’s global defence footprint.

Rajpura, Punjab to Host India’s First Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) Manufacturing Plant

  • Rajpura (Punjab) will host India’s first manufacturing plant for Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE), advancing import substitution in the chemicals sector.
  • The facility will be set up by Shivtek Spechemi Industries Ltd, which signed an MoU with Bodal Chemicals Ltd to acquire 8 acres of land with an investment of ₹50 crore.
  • India currently has no domestic CPE production and imports about 2,000 metric tonnes annually, largely from China, which dominates global CPE output.
  • Rajpura’s proximity to Bodal Chemicals’ chlorine facility allows direct pipeline supply, resulting in lower logistics costs and reduced carbon emissions.

Ola Electric Bags ₹366.78 Crore Incentive Under Production Linked Incentive-Auto Scheme

  • Ola Electric has received a sanction order of ₹366.78 crore from the Ministry of Heavy Industries under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components (PLI-Auto).
  • The sanctioned incentive pertains to FY 2024–25 and is issued under the Demand Incentive for Determined Sales Value component of the scheme.
  • The incentive amount will be disbursed through IFCI Limited, which acts as the designated financial institution for implementing the PLI-Auto Scheme.
  • The PLI-Auto Scheme is aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing, encouraging advanced automotive technologies, and enhancing global competitiveness of India’s automobile and auto components sector.
  • The scheme supports India’s broader objective of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and the transition towards electric mobility and clean transportation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

NATGRID Linked with National Population Register (NPR) to Boost Intelligence and Investigations

  • The Government of India has linked the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) with the National Population Register (NPR) to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve criminal investigations, and enhance internal security.
  • This integration enables authorised agencies to access verified demographic and family-linked data, helping in identifying suspects, their networks, and movement patterns more efficiently.
  • National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is a real-time intelligence and data access platform developed after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks (2008) to address gaps in intelligence coordination.
  • It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and serves as a secure backbone for information sharing among authorised law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
  • NATGRID integrates 20+ categories of civil and commercial databases, including banking and financial transactions, telecom records, passport and immigration data, tax identifiers, vehicle registrations, and police FIRs under CCTNS.
  • It provides on-demand, role-based access, and does not permanently store data, ensuring controlled and secure usage.
  • Agencies with access include the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate, Financial Intelligence Unit, Narcotics Control Bureau, and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.
  • As part of recent reforms, Superintendent of Police (SP)-level officers at the state level have also been granted access.
  • NATGRID is supported by the Gandiva analytical backbone, an advanced intelligence tool used for multi-source data fusion and entity resolution.
  • Gandiva enables facial recognition using Telecom Know Your Customer data, driving licences, vehicle registration systems, and other photo-based identity databases, helping link unrelated data points and speed up suspect tracking.
  • The National Population Register (NPR) is a comprehensive database of usual residents of India, maintained on a family-wise basis.
  • It serves as the first step towards the creation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
  • The NPR was first compiled in 2010 and later updated in 2015 through door-to-door enumeration, covering around 119 crore residents.
  • It is legally anchored under the Citizenship Act of India.
  • Linking NATGRID with NPR is expected to enhance preventive policing, improve inter-agency coordination, and strengthen counter-terrorism and organised crime investigations by providing faster access to reliable population data.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Alpine SG Pipers Win Global Chess League 2025 Season 3

  • Alpine SG Pipers, led by Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Anish Giri, won the Global Chess League 2025 Season 3, defeating defending champions Triveni Continental Kings in the finals held in Mumbai.
  • This victory marked the first-ever Global Chess League title for Alpine SG Pipers and highlighted India’s growing dominance in international chess, with Indian players excelling in high-pressure global team formats.
  • The finals were played in a two-match format, where overall consistency and team strength were decisive.
  • Alpine SG Pipers won the first match by 4–2, gaining an early advantage through aggressive and tactically sharp play.
  • In the second match, the team dominated further, registering a 4.5–1.5 win to clinch the championship convincingly.
  • Anish Giri played a decisive role in the finals by delivering a tactical masterclass against Wei Yi and winning both games with the Black pieces.
  • His exceptional performance earned him the Most Valuable Player of the Finals award.
  • Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa delivered a crucial victory in the second match by defeating Vidit Gujrathi in a 35-move tactical game, displaying composure, maturity and attacking precision at a critical stage.
  • Another key contribution came from Alireza Firouzja, who defeated Fabiano Caruana in the first match, underlining the strong collective performance of Alpine SG Pipers.
  • The Global Chess League is a franchise-based international chess tournament designed to make chess more spectator-friendly by combining rapid-format games, team strategies and high-intensity matches.
  • Season 3 featured elite grandmasters and emerging talents from across the world and concluded with a high-quality final in Mumbai, further strengthening the league’s global appeal.

Daily CA One- Liner: December 28th & 29th

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi
  • Gujarat has been officially reinstated as a tiger-bearing state after 33 years, following confirmation by the National Tiger Conservation Authority
  • The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two new airlines, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress
  • The Government of India announced major reforms to modernise the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and expand social security coverage
  • Dhanu Yatra, the world’s largest open-air theatre festival, was inaugurated in Bargarh district of Odisha
  • The Union Government has launched India’s first-ever national weapon database to strengthen the fight against terrorism, organised crime, and extremism
  • President of India Droupadi Murmu presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 at a ceremonial function held in New Delhi
  • Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old emerging cricket prodigy, was awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu for his outstanding achievements in domestic and Under-19 cricket
  • The Government of India has linked the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) with the National Population Register (NPR) to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve criminal investigations, and enhance internal security
  • Alpine SG Pipers, led by Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Anish Giri, won the Global Chess League 2025 Season 3, defeating defending champions Triveni Continental Kings in the finals held in Mumbai .
  • Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has simplified the procedure for issuance of duplicate securities by doubling the monetary threshold for simplified documentation from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
  • Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has entered into a strategic collaboration with Sahaj Insurance Services Private Limited to expand life insurance penetration in rural and semi-urban India.
  • The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) imposed a ₹1 crore monetary penalty on Reliance General Insurance for violation of regulatory norms.
  • The Customs Clearance Facilitation Committee (CCFC) meeting was convened by Delhi Customs at the Kalpana Chawla Conference Hall, IGI Airport, under the chairmanship of the Chief Commissioner of Customs, Delhi Zone.
  • BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) has implemented the reconstitution of the BSE BANKEX index effective December 26, 2025, as part of its periodic index review.
  • The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) launched the NUDGE (Non-Intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable) campaign for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 to improve voluntary tax compliance.
  • India’s petrol pump network has crossed 1 lakh fuel retail outlets, nearly doubling over the last decade, making India the third-largest fuel retail market in the world after the United States and China.
  • The Government of Odisha has appointed Anu Garg, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, as the Chief Secretary (CS) of Odisha, making her the first woman to hold the state’s top bureaucratic post.
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the appointment of Davinder Pal Singh, Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar, and Anil Kaushik as Additional Solicitors General (ASGs) for India in the Supreme Court of India (SCI).
  • Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new soil-dwelling micro-arthropod species named ‘Neelus sikkimensis’ in the high-altitude regions of Sikkim.
  • Japan will conduct a test mining operation of rare-earth mud from the deep seabed at a depth of about 6,000 metres, marking the world’s first continuous attempt to lift such material directly onto a vessel.
  • Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has delivered the first batch of indigenously developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 vehicles to the Royal Moroccan Army (RMA) of the Kingdom of Morocco.
  • Rajpura (Punjab) will host India’s first manufacturing plant for Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE), advancing import substitution in the chemicals sector.
  • Ola Electric has received a sanction order of ₹366.78 crore from the Ministry of Heavy Industries under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components (PLI-Auto).

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