Daily Current Affairs 30th December 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Grants Non-Banking Financial Company Registration to Aryaman Finance (India) Limited

Aryaman Finance (India) Limited (AFIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aryaman Financial Services Limited (AFSL), received a Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to commence operations as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).
The RBI grants NBFC registration under Section 45-IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, which governs regulation and supervision of NBFCs in India.
Post approval, AFIL will operate as a Type-II NBFC-ND-ICC (Non-Deposit Taking – Investment and Credit Company), meaning it is not allowed to accept public deposits.
As an NBFC-ND-ICC, AFIL will primarily undertake lending, investment, and allied financial services, while complying with RBI prudential norms and regulatory requirements.

About AFSL :

Aryaman Financial Services Limited (AFSL) is a SEBI-registered Category-I Merchant Banker, highlighting its strong regulatory standing in the capital markets.
AFSL’s core business includes lead management and syndication of IPOs, FPOs, Rights Issues, Private Investment in Public Equity (PIPE), Venture Capital (VC) funding, and other fund-raising activities.

International Finance Corporation to Invest ₹300 Crore in Grihum Housing Finance’s Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities to Boost Affordable Housing

International Finance Corporation (IFC) will invest up to ₹300 crore (about USD 30 million) in Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) issued by Grihum Housing Finance Limited, an affordable housing finance company in India.
The investment aims to mobilise private capital for affordable mortgage lending and to deepen India’s RMBS market by attracting long-term institutional investors.
RMBS are securities backed by pools of residential home loans, enabling lenders to access market-based, longer-tenor funding while improving housing affordability for borrowers.
This marks IFC’s first-ever RMBS investment in India, aligned with the Government of India’s flagship housing scheme Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
The transaction will help Grihum expand responsible and affordable home loans for first-time buyers from low- and middle-income groups, especially in semi-urban and peri-urban areas.
The initiative is expected to support homeownership, job creation, and diversification of Grihum’s long-term funding base, while catalysing additional private and institutional investment.
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets and promotes scalable, long-term development solutions.
CEO, Grihum Housing Finance : Arjun Chowdhry

Ministry of Commerce Adds Russia’s Sber Bank to FY26 Gold Import Authorised List

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has added Russia’s Sber Bank to the list of banks authorised to import gold for FY 2025–26, expanding the authorised importer base.
The decision was notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) through an amendment to Appendix 4B of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023.
Sber Bank’s authorisation is valid from June 25, 2025, to March 31, 2026, and is restricted exclusively to gold imports for domestic consumption.
With this inclusion, Sber Bank becomes the third bank—after Indian Overseas Bank and Union Bank of India—authorised to import only gold during FY 2025–26.
This marks the first addition to the list of authorised banks in the current financial year, indicating calibrated expansion under trade policy norms.
The authorisation has been granted under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, as amended from time to time.
Banks authorised to import gold/silver for FY 2025–26 include major lenders such as State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, Federal Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IndusInd Bank, RBL Bank, Yes Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, all valid up to March 31, 2026.

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Implements Stricter Regulations to Ensure Fair and Timely Motor Insurance Claim Settlements

IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has implemented strict regulatory measures to ensure transparent, fair and time-bound motor insurance claim settlements, protecting policyholders’ interests.

Key Highlights :

The IRDAI (Protection of Policyholders’ Interests, Operations and Allied Matters of Insurers) Regulations, 2024 act as the primary legal framework to prevent arbitrary or coercive practices in motor claim settlements.
Under the 2024 Regulations, insurers must adopt board-approved claim settlement policies and ensure clear disclosure of roles, duties and appointment details of surveyors/loss assessors to the insured.
All claim deductions and settlements must be transparent, reasonable, documented and supported by written explanations, as mandated by IRDAI.
The share of motor insurance complaints declined from 18% in FY 2023–24 to 24.8% in FY 2024–25, indicating improved grievance redressal.
During FY 2022–23 to FY 2024–25, the Insurance Ombudsman received 10,156 motor insurance complaints, of which 9,943 complaints were disposed of, while the rest remain under process.
As per the Master Circular on Protection of Policyholders’ Interests, 2024, motor claims below ₹50,000 do not require mandatory survey by a registered surveyor.
For small-value motor claims, insurers are permitted to use app-based and AI-driven assessment methods, speeding up settlements.
The IRDAI (Insurance Surveyors and Loss Assessors) Regulations, 2015 mandate continuous monitoring of surveyor performance and adherence to a prescribed code of conduct by insurers.
Insurers must investigate deviations, take necessary action, and report confirmed violations to IRDAI for regulatory processing.
IRDAI has the power to suspend a surveyor’s licence for reasons such as professional misconduct, violation of code of conduct, failure of duties, or actions prejudicial to policyholders.
As part of regulatory enforcement, IRDAI issued 53 cautions and advisories to surveyors during FY 2022–23, FY 2023–24 and FY 2024–25, based on inspection observations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

VoxelGrids Develops India’s First Indigenous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner

VoxelGrids, a Zoho-backed Indian medical technology startup, has developed India’s first indigenously built Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner, providing a major boost to Make in India and the medical technology sector.
The development significantly reduces India’s dependence on imported diagnostic equipment and strengthens the domestic healthcare infrastructure.
The project is the outcome of a 12-year research and development effort led by Arjun Arunachalam, Founder of VoxelGrids.
Until now, India relied largely on foreign manufacturers such as Siemens and GE Healthcare for MRI machines.
VoxelGrids has designed and built a 1.5-tesla MRI scanner, which has been deployed at the Chandrapur Cancer Care Foundation near Nagpur.
The MRI scanner is completely designed and manufactured in India.
It does not use liquid helium, unlike conventional MRI machines.
The scanner is around 40% cheaper to build compared to imported MRI systems.
The machine incorporates indigenous technological innovations, rather than being a replica of foreign designs.
The initiative will help lower the cost of MRI scans, improving access to affordable healthcare.
It strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat in the medical devices sector.
The development encourages growth of the Indian medical technology startup ecosystem.
It improves the availability of advanced diagnostic facilities in tier-2 cities and rural regions.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves.
MRI is widely used to detect cancer, brain disorders, spinal injuries, and soft tissue abnormalities.
Medical device manufacturing is a priority sector under Make in India, aimed at reducing imports and healthcare costs.

Bureau of Indian Standards Notifies India’s First Standard for Agarbattis (IS 19412:2025)

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified India’s first-ever standard for agarbattis (incense sticks) to strengthen consumer safety and product quality.
The standard IS 19412:2025 was announced on National Consumer Day 2025.
India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of agarbattis, making this move significant for both domestic consumers and global markets.
IS 19412:2025 is the first Indian Standard exclusively for agarbattis.
It provides a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure agarbattis are safe, consistent in quality, and environmentally responsible.
The standard covers four key aspects:
- Quality of raw materials used
- Burning performance and ash behaviour
- Fragrance quality, performance, and stability
- Chemical safety and toxicity control
For the first time, agarbattis used widely for religious, cultural, and aromatic purposes are brought under a formal safety regime.
A major feature of the standard is the ban on harmful chemicals that can affect human health, indoor air quality, and the environment.
Prohibited insecticidal chemicals include:
- Alethrin
- Permethrin
- Cypermethrin
- Deltamethrin
- Fipronil
These substances are associated with neurotoxicity and respiratory risks.
The standard also prohibits certain synthetic fragrance intermediates, including:
- Benzyl cyanide
- Ethyl acrylate
- Diphenylamine
These chemicals have toxic, allergenic, and environmental risks, especially when released during combustion indoors.
The notification was announced by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
The move aligns with the goal of consumer empowerment by ensuring everyday household products meet scientifically defined safety and quality benchmarks.

Sudarsan Pattnaik Creates World Record Santa Claus Sculpture in Odisha

Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik created a world record–breaking Santa Claus sculpture at Niladri Beach, Puri, Odisha.
The artwork celebrates the Christmas spirit and conveys a message of peace, harmony and global unity.
Titled “World’s Biggest Apple and Sand Installation of Santa Claus”, the sculpture was unveiled on 26 December 2025.
It has been officially recognised by the World Records Book of India.
Sudarsan Pattnaik shared visuals of the installation on social media, highlighting its unique festive theme.
The sculpture was made using 1.5 tonnes of apples along with sand.
It measures 60 feet in length, 45 feet in width and 22 feet in height.
The installation combines sand art with fruit-based elements, making it a one-of-a-kind artistic creation.
The artwork was designed to spread a message of peace and harmony across the world.
The installation attracted tourists and local visitors, boosting cultural tourism in Puri.
It promoted the Christmas spirit through creative public art.
The sculpture showcased India’s innovation and eco-friendly artistic talent on a global platform.
Sudarsan Pattnaik is an internationally acclaimed sand artist.
He is known for creating sculptures highlighting social issues, global events, climate change, humanitarian causes and environmental protection.
Niladri Beach, Puri, is widely known for sand art exhibitions and tourist attractions, especially during festive occasions like Christmas.

RECENT NEWS

The Odisha government will host the Regional AI Impact Conference from December 19 to 20. Positioning the state as a key contributor to India’s emerging artificial intelligence ecosystem in governance and public service delivery.

President Droupadi Murmu Releases Constitution of India in Santhali Language

President of India Droupadi Murmu released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language at a special function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Constitution has been published in the Ol Chiki script, enabling Santhali-speaking tribal citizens to read and understand India’s supreme law in their mother tongue.
The initiative reflects India’s commitment to inclusive governance, cultural respect and accessibility of democratic institutions, especially for tribal communities.
Addressing the gathering, the President described the release as a moment of pride and joy for the Santhali community.
She highlighted that language is central to identity, participation and constitutional awareness.
Making the Constitution available in Santhali allows millions of tribal citizens to engage more deeply with their fundamental rights, duties and democratic values.
The move reinforces the idea that the Constitution is a living document accessible to every Indian, irrespective of linguistic background.
A key highlight was the use of the Ol Chiki script, the traditional script of the Santhali language.
The year 2025 marks the centenary of the Ol Chiki script, adding symbolic significance to the release.
President Murmu appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Law and Justice for completing this work during the 100th anniversary of the script, stressing the importance of preserving indigenous scripts and knowledge systems.
Santhali is one of the oldest living tribal languages of India.
It is widely spoken across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar.
Santhali was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, granting it official recognition.
Inclusion in the Eighth Schedule promotes the development, preservation and use of the language in education, administration and public life.
The initiative aligns with Article 350A (protection of linguistic minorities) and Article 29 (protection of cultural heritage).
It strengthens constitutional literacy, an essential pillar of participatory democracy in India.

India to Introduce Its First Comprehensive National Anti-Terror Policy

India is set to introduce its first comprehensive National Anti-Terror Policy, aimed at strengthening the national security architecture.
The policy is in the final stages and will provide a unified framework for Central and State agencies to prevent, investigate and respond to terror-related incidents.
It reflects India’s evolving security challenges such as digital radicalisation, cross-border threats and the need for stronger inter-agency coordination.
A major focus of the policy is on emerging and non-traditional terror threats.
It addresses digital radicalisation, where extremist groups use social media and encrypted platforms to recruit and indoctrinate youth.
The policy also highlights the misuse of open borders, particularly along the India–Nepal border, for terrorist movement and logistics.
Special attention is given to foreign-funded conversion and radicalisation networks, which threaten internal security and social harmony.
To fine-tune the policy, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) conference will be held in New Delhi on 26–27 December.
The conference will bring together Central agencies and State anti-terror units to discuss operational and strategic aspects.
NIA Director General Sadanand Date and National Security Guard (NSG) Director General Brighu Srinivasan have already consulted State police chiefs on evolving terror trends.
Recent terror incidents have influenced the policy framework.
The 22 April Pahalgam terror attack highlighted the need for improved secure data access through the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID).
Interrogation of suspects in the 10 November suicide attack near the Red Fort revealed the growing role of online radicalisation, stressing the need for stronger cyber-monitoring and early detection mechanisms.
Although India has multiple counter-terror laws and agencies, the absence of a single national policy has often led to fragmented responses.
The new policy aims to integrate intelligence sharing, preventive strategies and operational responses under one national vision.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier announced the government’s plan to introduce a National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy.
The policy marks a shift from reactive counter-terrorism to proactive, intelligence-driven prevention.
It is expected to enhance Centre–State coordination, reduce response time and ensure a consistent national approach to combating terrorism.

India to Assume Chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026

India will assume the Chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process (KP) from 1 January 2026, marking a major milestone in its global economic and diplomatic engagement.
The decision was taken at the Kimberley Process Plenary, reflecting India’s growing stature as a responsible leader in ethical trade, transparency and sustainable sourcing.
This will be the third time India has been entrusted with the Chair of the Kimberley Process.
The Kimberley Process is a tripartite international initiative involving governments, the global diamond industry and civil society organisations.
Its primary objective is to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds.
Conflict diamonds are defined as rough diamonds used by rebel groups or their allies to finance armed conflicts, as recognised under United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established pursuant to a United Nations resolution and came into force on 1 January 2003.
It mandates that international trade in rough diamonds can take place only between Kimberley Process participants and must be accompanied by tamper-proof certificates certifying that the diamonds are conflict-free.
Over time, the KPCS has emerged as the most comprehensive global framework regulating the rough diamond trade.
India will assume the role of Vice Chair on 25 December 2025, before formally taking over as Chairperson on 1 January 2026, ensuring a smooth and phased transition.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India’s selection reflects global trust in the Government of India’s commitment to integrity, transparency and rule-based international trade.
The Kimberley Process currently has 60 participants, with the European Union and its member states counted as a single participant.
Collectively, Kimberley Process members account for over 99% of the global rough diamond trade, highlighting the Process’s global reach and relevance.
By curbing the flow of conflict diamonds, the Kimberley Process has contributed significantly to reducing violence in conflict-prone regions, especially in Africa, while promoting ethical practices in the diamond industry.
During its tenure as Vice Chair in 2025 and Chair in 2026, India will focus on strengthening governance and compliance mechanisms, advancing digital certification and traceability systems, enhancing transparency through data-driven monitoring, building consumer confidence in conflict-free diamonds, and making the Kimberley Process more inclusive and effective as a multilateral framework.
These priorities align with India’s broader emphasis on technology-driven governance and responsible global leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, marking the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a Bharat Ratna awardee.
The national memorial has been developed as a space to preserve, celebrate and transmit the ideals of Indian nationalism, good governance and selfless leadership to future generations.
The Rashtra Prerna Sthal has been developed over 65 acres in the Vasant Kunj area of Lucknow and is envisioned as a national inspiration site reflecting India’s ideological journey rooted in nationalism and public service.
At the core of the memorial are three bronze statues, each 65 feet tall, depicting key leaders who shaped India’s political and ideological discourse: Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Deendayal Upadhyaya.
Each statue symbolises their philosophy, ideals and contributions to governance, nationalism and social thought.
A major attraction of the complex is the lotus-shaped museum, spread across nearly 98,000 square feet.
The museum uses modern digital and immersive technologies to showcase India’s democratic and national journey, the lives and contributions of Vajpayee, Mookerjee and Upadhyaya, and key milestones in nation-building, governance and political thought.
The lotus design reflects Indian cultural symbolism, resilience and growth.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, remembering him as an eloquent parliamentarian, gifted poet and visionary statesman.
Vajpayee was conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2015.
His legacy includes major contributions to infrastructure development, foreign policy, democratic institutions, inclusive growth and consensus-based politics, making him a central figure in modern Indian political history.

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.

Complete Ban on New Mining Leases in the Aravalli Range

To strengthen environmental conservation, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has announced a complete ban on the grant of new mining leases across the entire Aravalli Range, extending from Gujarat to the National Capital Region (NCR).
The decision aims to protect one of the world’s oldest mountain systems and reflects the Centre’s long-term commitment to ecological preservation and sustainable development.
As per the official directive, no new mining leases will be granted anywhere in the Aravalli landscape.
The ban seeks to safeguard the geological integrity of the Aravallis and curb illegal and unregulated mining, which has caused severe environmental degradation over the years.
By applying the prohibition uniformly across all Aravalli states, the Centre has ensured a consistent conservation framework, preventing regulatory gaps between states.
The ministry has directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional areas where mining should be prohibited, beyond the zones already restricted.
This identification will be based on ecological sensitivity, geological significance, and landscape-level environmental considerations, bringing more vulnerable stretches of the Aravallis under formal protection.
ICFRE has also been tasked with preparing a science-based and holistic Management Plan for Sustainable Mining for the entire Aravalli region.
The plan will include assessment of cumulative environmental impacts, evaluation of ecological carrying capacity, identification of conservation-critical and ecologically sensitive zones, and measures for restoration and rehabilitation of degraded areas.
While new mining leases are banned, existing mining operations will continue under stricter regulatory oversight.
State governments have been directed to ensure strict compliance with environmental safeguards and adherence to the orders of the Supreme Court of India.
Existing mines will be subject to tighter environmental monitoring, additional operational restrictions, and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
The government emphasised that protecting the Aravalli Range is vital as it acts as a barrier against desertification, supports biodiversity conservation, aids groundwater recharge across multiple states, and provides critical environmental and climatic services.
Unchecked mining in the past has contributed to air pollution, groundwater depletion, and land degradation, particularly in areas surrounding Delhi NCR.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United States President Donald Trump Unveils Plan for New US Navy ‘Battleship’ Under Proposed Golden Fleet

United States (US) President Donald Trump announced plans for the US Navy to build a new large warship, described as a “battleship”, as part of a proposed “Golden Fleet.”
The proposed battleship is claimed to be larger than the Iowa-class battleships used by the US during World War II.
The warship is expected to be equipped with hypersonic missiles, rail guns, and high-powered lasers, though several of these advanced weapons systems are still under development.
The plan aims to revive US shipbuilding capacity, reduce cost overruns and construction delays, and counter China’s dominance, which accounts for about 53% of global shipbuilding, compared to roughly 0.1% by the US.
According to Trump, the US Navy may initially build two ships, with a long-term plan to expand the fleet to up to 25 vessels, although production timelines remain uncertain.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Reserve Bank of India Clears Ratan Kumar Kesh’s Reappointment as Executive Director of Bandhan Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the re-appointment of Ratan Kumar Kesh as Executive Director (ED) of Bandhan Bank for a three-year term, effective March 31, 2026.
He will continue as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of Bandhan Bank, ensuring leadership continuity.

About Ratan Kumar Kesh :

Ratan Kumar Kesh has nearly 30 years of cross-sector banking experience, overseeing operations, technology, digital transformation, risk management, and customer experience.
He has held senior leadership roles in leading banks such as Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Yes Bank, and ICICI Bank.
He joined Bandhan Bank in March 2023 and led major IT and operations transformation, focusing on process improvement, automation, and customer service excellence.
In 2024, he served as Interim Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bandhan Bank, strengthening his leadership credentials.

United Nations General Assembly Appoints Barham Salih as New United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Chief

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approved Barham Salih as the next Head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Barham Salih became the first UN Refugee Chief from the Middle East since the late 1970s, and his appointment was approved by consensus of all 193 UN member states.
He was recommended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who highlighted Salih’s background as a former refugee, crisis negotiator, and senior political leader.
Salih will succeed Filippo Grandi and will assume office on January 1, 2026, serving a five-year term as UNHCR chief.
He served as President of Iraq from 2018 to 2022, leading during the period following the Islamic State (IS) group’s territorial defeat in Iraq.

About UNHCR :

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to the protection of refugees
Founded : 14 December 1950
Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Coast Guard Conducts RPREX-25 Oil Spill Response Drill off Mumbai Coast

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), designated as the central coordinating authority for marine pollution, conducted Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise – RPREX-25 off the Mumbai coast, Maharashtra, to test preparedness against oil spill incidents.
RPREX-25 aimed to validate inter-agency coordination, response capability, and operational readiness of stakeholders involved in marine pollution control.
The exercise followed a two-phase approach, beginning with an Initial Planning Conference (IPC) on 18 December 2025, which included technical lectures and a tabletop exercise for strategic coordination.
The second phase involved a full-scale sea exercise, testing equipment, trained personnel, communication systems, and real-time oil spill response operations.
The ICG deployed a specialised Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) along with two additional vessels fitted with advanced skimming and containment systems for oil spill recovery drills.
Other key participants included the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), which deployed their Oil Spill Response (OSR) vessels and assets, ensuring multi-agency collaboration.
In December 2025, the ICG signed an agreement with L&T Precision Engineering & Systems (subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro – L&T) for procurement of 06 Rail-Less Helo Traversing Systems (RLHTS).
The RLHTS will be installed on indigenously developed Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) to enhance aviation operations at sea.
RLHTS are advanced naval deck systems that enable movement of helicopters between flight deck and hangar without fixed rails, using winches, cables, and sensors.
These systems are compatible with helicopters up to 2.5 tonnes, offering greater safety, flexibility, and operational reliability even in rough maritime conditions.
The procurement of RLHTS significantly strengthens the ICG’s maritime aviation capability and supports safer helicopter operations in challenging environments.

About Indian Coast Guard (ICG) :

Established : 1977
Headquarters : New Delhi
Director-General : Paramesh Sivamani.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

IIT Patna Launches PARAM Rudra Supercomputer, Bihar’s First Advanced HPC System

PARAM Rudra supercomputer was launched at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna, Bihar, marking the first PARAM Rudra system in Bihar under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).
The launch was presided over by Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Key Highlights

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for setting up PARAM Rudra was signed in May 2023 between IIT Patna and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under MeitY.
The supercomputer delivers 838 teraflops performance and is built using indigenously developed Rudra servers and software, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat in High-Performance Computing (HPC).
PARAM Rudra at IIT Patna will support advanced research for around 60 faculty members and 400 students across 10 departments.
Key research areas supported include Computational astrobiology & astrochemistry, material design & molecular electronics, computational fluid mechanics, nano-bio research, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Quantum Computing.
PARAM (PARAllel Machine) signifies “supreme” in Sanskrit, while Rudra refers to the Vedic name of Lord Shiva, symbolising power and strength.
The system uses Intel Xeon Central Processing Unit (CPUs) and NVIDIA A100 Graphics Processing Unit (GPUs), enabling high-end Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and simulation workloads.
It is equipped with large RAM, parallel Lustre storage, and high-speed InfiniBand interconnects, providing petaflop-scale computing capability (1015 Floating Point Operations Per Second, FLOPS).
Earlier PARAM Rudra supercomputers (2024) were deployed at Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) Pune (Maharashtra), Inter University Accelerator Centre (Delhi), and S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata (West Bengal).

About National Supercomputing Mission(NSM):

The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) was launched in 2015 with an outlay of ₹4,500 crore to strengthen India’s HPC ecosystem.
As of December 2025, 37 supercomputers with 39 petaFLOPS capacity have been deployed under NSM, supporting over 12,000 researchers
NSM is jointly implemented by MeitY and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), with C-DAC and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru as nodal implementing agencies.

About MeitY :

Union Minister : Ashwini Vaishnaw
Minister of State : Jitin Prasada

India Introduces First-Ever BIS Standard for Bomb Disposal Systems to Enhance Security Preparedness

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), a statutory body under the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD), notified India’s first dedicated standard IS 19445:2025 for bomb disposal systems to strengthen internal security preparedness and safety infrastructure.
The standard was developed at the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).