Daily Current Affairs 31st December 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

By Ameena Ameena - Dec 31 2025

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING,FINANCE & BUSINESS

India Plans ₹3.84 Lakh Crore Borrowing via Short-Term Treasury Bills in Q4

  • The Government of India plans to borrow ₹3.84 lakh crore through short-term Treasury Bills (T-Bills) over 12 weeks in Q4 of the current financial year to meet short-term funding requirements.

Key Highlights :

  • Weekly Treasury Bill auctions will range between ₹29,000 crore and ₹35,000 crore, as stated by the Finance Ministry.
  • The planned Q4 borrowing of ₹3.84 lakh crore is ₹10,000 crore lower than the ₹3.94 lakh crore raised in the same quarter of the previous financial year.
  • Earlier, the Government had announced a Q3 Treasury Bill auction calendar of ₹2.47 lakh crore, ending 31 December 2025.
  • The borrowing programme has been finalised in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • Treasury Bills (T-Bills) are money market instruments issued by the Government of India as a promissory note with guaranteed repayment at maturity.
  • T-Bills are zero-coupon securities, meaning they do not pay interest and are issued at a discount, allowing investors to earn a profit from the difference between purchase price and face value at maturity.
  • In India, T-Bills are issued with tenures of 91 days, 182 days, and 364 days, catering to short-term investment needs.
  • The minimum investment amount in Treasury Bills is ₹25,000, making them accessible to retail investors, and they can be purchased in multiples of ₹25,000.
  • Some government securities (G-Secs) may start from ₹10,000, providing broader access to small investors.
  • T-Bills provide a safe and liquid investment option while supporting the Government’s short-term financing and cash management.

Reserve Bank of India Highlights Strong Balance Sheets and Profitability of Banks in FY25

  • According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), commercial banks showed robust performance in FY25, supported by strong balance sheets, sustained profitability, and improved asset quality.
  • The Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio declined to a multi-decadal low of 2.2% as of March 2025, and further improved to 2.1% by end-September 2025, indicating strengthening asset quality.
  • The combined net profit of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) rose by 14.8% year-on-year to ₹4.01 lakh crore in FY25, although growth slowed compared to 32.8% in FY24.
  • Profitability remained strong, with Return on Assets (RoA) at 1.4% and Return on Equity (RoE) at 13.5% in FY25; during H1 FY26, RoA and RoE stood at 1.3% and 12.5% respectively.
  • Capital and liquidity buffers of banks remained well above regulatory requirements, with Capital-to-Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) at 17.4% in March 2025 and 17.2% in September 2025.
  • Bank credit and deposit growth continued in double digits, though at a moderated pace, reflecting resilience in lending activity amid prudent regulation.
  • The RBI report also highlighted the performance of co-operative banks and NBFCs, noting improved asset quality, strong capital buffers, and continued double-digit credit growth across the broader financial sector.
  • Overall, the report indicates a stable and resilient banking sector, supporting sustainable economic growth in India.

Reserve Bank of India Imposes ₹2.40 Lakh Penalty on Valuecorp Securities & Finance Limited

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.40 lakh on Valuecorp Securities & Finance Limited.
  • The penalty was levied due to non-compliance with RBI regulatory directions.
  • The violations related to submission of data to Credit Information Companies (CICs), transfer of loan exposure, and Know Your Customer (KYC) norms.
  • The RBI exercised its powers under the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005 and the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 to impose the penalty.
  • The central bank found that Valuecorp Securities & Finance Limited failed to furnish customer credit information to CICs as required under regulations.
  • The company was also found to have transferred loan exposure to entities not permitted under the applicable RBI guidelines.
  • Further findings included a failure to assign Unique Customer Identification Codes (UCICs) and a failure to carry out risk categorisation of its customers.
  • Valuecorp Securities & Finance Limited is an Indian non-government public limited company, incorporated in 1991, and headquartered in Mumbai (Fort area).
  • The company operates in the securities and financial services sector.

Reserve Bank of India Advises Microfinance Institutions to Monitor Stress in Loan Portfolios

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has advised microfinance institutions (MFIs) to closely monitor stress build-up in their loan portfolios going forward.
  • In its Trend and Progress of Banking in India report for FY25, the RBI noted a decline in microfinance disbursements in southern states, particularly due to regulatory and industry measures in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
  • The guardrails were introduced by self-regulatory organisations (SROs) such as Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN) and Sa-Dhan, focusing on steady and calibrated growth of the sector.
  • As of March 2025, all lenders except NBFCs (excluding NBFC-MFIs) recorded a contraction in microfinance credit, reflecting stress in the sector.
  • The RBI’s 2022 regulatory reforms for microfinance—including removal of interest rate caps and introduction of standardised rules—laid the foundation for systemic and sustainable growth.
  • These reforms aim to support financial inclusion and promote social equity through a robust and regulated microfinance sector.

Reserve Bank of India Report: ATM Count Falls in FY25 Amid Growing Digital Payments

  • According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the total number of ATMs in India declined as digital payments reduced the need for cash withdrawals.
  • The overall number of ATMs fell to 2,51,057 as of 31 March 2025, down from 2,53,417 a year earlier, mainly due to network rationalisation by banks.
  • Private sector banks led the decline, with their ATM count reducing to 77,117 from 79,884, while public sector banks’ ATMs fell to 1,33,544 from 1,34,694, largely due to closure of offsite ATMs.
  • In contrast, white label ATMs (operated by non-banks) increased to 36,216 from 34,602, indicating a growing role of independent ATM operators.
  • Public sector banks (PSBs) maintained a balanced spread of ATMs across rural, semi-urban, urban, and metropolitan areas, whereas private and foreign banks remained concentrated in urban and metro regions.
  • Despite fewer ATMs, bank branches increased by 2.8% to about 1.64 lakh, driven largely by PSBs, with over two-thirds of new PSB branches opened in rural and semi-urban areas.
  • On deposit insurance, 97.6% of accounts were covered under the ₹5 lakh limit, though the insured deposit coverage ratio fell slightly to 41.5% from 43.1% in FY25.
  • Overall, the report highlights a shift towards digital payments, rationalisation of ATM networks, and expansion of banking access in rural and semi-urban India.

Private Bank Employment Falls in FY25 Driven by ICICI Bank; PSU Bank Staff Slightly Rises

  • According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, private sector banks saw a decline in employee numbers in FY25, while public sector banks (PSBs) reported a marginal increase.
  • PSB employee strength rose slightly to 7,57,641 in FY25 from 7,56,015 in FY24, whereas private banks’ workforce declined to 8,38,150 from 8,45,407 during the same period.
  • The total number of employees in the banking system increased to 18.08 lakh from 17.87 lakh, mainly due to strong hiring by Small Finance Banks (SFBs).
  • Small finance banks (SFBs) added nearly 16,000 employees, taking their total workforce to 1.77 lakh, making them the key driver of overall employment growth in the banking sector.
  • Among large banks, State Bank of India (SBI) increased its employee count to 2,36,226 from 2,32,296, while HDFC Bank saw a marginal rise to 2,14,521 from 2,13,527.
  • ICICI Bank, the second-largest private sector lender, reported a sharp decline in employees to 1,30,957 from 1,41,009 in FY24.
  • Among SFBs, AU Small Finance Bank (often noted alongside Suryoday in recent reports) emerged as a major employer with 50,946 employees, boosted by its merger with Fincare SFB and its in-principle approval to become a universal bank.
  • Overall, SFBs played a major role in driving employment growth in the Indian banking sector in FY25.

Tracxn Report: India Creates 5 Unicorns as 111 Emerge Worldwide in 2025

  • According to the Tracxn India Tech Annual Funding Report 2025, India added 5 new unicorns in 2025, while 111 unicorns were created globally during the year.
  • The five new Indian unicorns in 2025 are Navi (financial services), Jumbotail (B2B grocery), JSW One MSME (retail steel platform), Juspay (digital payments), and Raise Financial Services (parent company of Dhan).
  • On average, Indian start-ups took 5.8 years to grow from Series A funding to unicorn status.
  • Before attaining unicorn status, Indian start-ups raised an average of USD 149 million in funding.
  • India currently has 124 unicorns, which account for around 6% of the global unicorn ecosystem.
  • India ranks third globally in terms of the number of unicorns, after the United States (1,104 unicorns) and China (249 unicorns).
  • The Indian unicorn ecosystem is highly concentrated in Bengaluru (52 unicorns), followed by Gurugram (20) and Mumbai (19).
  • Other emerging unicorn hubs in India include Chennai and Pune, with 7 unicorns each, as per the Tracxn report.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence Inaugurated in Baramati

  • Industrialist Gautam Adani inaugurated the Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Baramati, Maharashtra.
  • The centre has been established under Vidya Pratishthan, a reputed educational institution governed by the Pawar family, and is fully funded by the Adani Group Chairman.
  • The initiative aims to strengthen India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem and higher education infrastructure through industry–academia collaboration.
  • The centre is located in Baramati, around 110 kilometres from Pune, and is envisioned as a hub for advanced learning, research, and innovation in emerging digital technologies.
  • The inauguration ceremony was attended by several prominent leaders, including Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule (Member of Parliament from Baramati), Ajit Pawar, Sunetra Pawar, Rohit Pawar, and Yugendra Pawar, Treasurer of Vidya Pratishthan.
  • The centre reflects the growing role of corporate participation in educational development, supporting skill development aligned with Industry 4.0, enhancing student employability, and promoting research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

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

Madhya Pradesh to Establish India’s First Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model Medical Colleges

  • India is set to witness a major reform in medical education with the establishment of its first Public Private Partnership (PPP) model medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh.
  • The foundation stone for two such colleges in the tribal-dominated districts of Dhar and Betul was laid in the presence of J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, and Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to operationalise medical colleges under the PPP model, particularly in tribal and backward regions.
  • Medical education in India has traditionally been concentrated in urban and semi-urban areas, resulting in shortages of doctors and medical institutions in tribal and remote districts.
  • The PPP initiative aims to address regional imbalance in medical education and healthcare delivery.
  • Under the PPP framework:
    • The state government provides land (up to 25 acres) on lease.
    • Private partners construct infrastructure, including college buildings, hostels, laboratories and residential facilities.
    • Existing district hospitals are upgraded and used as teaching hospitals.
    • District hospitals remain under state government control to ensure uninterrupted public healthcare services.
    • All development and upgrades will strictly follow National Medical Commission (NMC) norms.
  • The first phase includes medical colleges in Dhar (western Madhya Pradesh) and Betul (central Madhya Pradesh).
  • In total, four PPP-based medical colleges are planned in the state at Dhar, Betul, Katni and Panna, all linked with district hospitals.

RECENT NEWS

  • In a landmark step towards eco-sensitive infrastructure development, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced India’s first wildlife-safe road on a stretch of National Highway 45 (NH-45) in Madhya Pradesh.

About Madhya Pradesh:

  • Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
  • Governor: Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
  • Capital: Bhopal
  • National Parks: Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Pench National Park, Panna National Park.
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ken Gharial Sanctuary, Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary.

Supreme Court Reaffirms Personal Liberty in Passport Renewal Case

  • The Supreme Court of India has ruled that personal liberty is not a gift of the State but its first obligation, holding that mere pendency of criminal proceedings does not automatically disqualify a person from holding or renewing a passport.
  • The judgment reinforces constitutional protection under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
  • The ruling arose from the case Mahesh Agarwal vs Union of India, where the petitioner sought renewal of his passport.
  • The petitioner was convicted in a coal block allocation case and was also facing proceedings under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in another matter.
  • Despite trial court and High Court permissions, granted with conditions, the passport authority denied renewal, citing pending criminal cases.
  • The judgment was delivered by a Supreme Court Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice A. G. Masih.
  • The Court observed that liberty occupies a central place in India’s constitutional framework and can be restricted only by clear statutory authority.
  • Any restriction on liberty must satisfy the tests of necessity, proportionality, and legality.
  • The Court reiterated that Article 21 covers not only life but also freedom of movement, travel abroad, and the right to pursue livelihood.
  • Any State-imposed restraint must be narrowly tailored and justified in the interest of justice, security, or public order.
  • Under the Passports Act, 1967, Section 6(2)(f) permits refusal of a passport when criminal proceedings are pending.
  • However, the Supreme Court clarified that this provision is not an absolute bar.
  • When a criminal court permits issuance or renewal of a passport with conditions, the passport authority is bound to respect the judicial order.
  • The Court clarified that possession of a passport does not automatically confer permission to travel abroad.
  • The decision on foreign travel of an accused lies solely with the criminal court, not with passport authorities.
  • Passport authorities cannot second-guess judicial risk assessments or speculate on possible misuse.
  • Authorities cannot insist on future travel schedules or visas at the stage of passport renewal.
  • Even in cases involving serious offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Court held that administrative rigidity cannot override judicial safeguards.
  • Temporary legal disabilities must not turn into indefinite exclusions, especially when courts have imposed conditions.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND REPORTS

Jayshree Ullal Becomes Richest Indian Professional Manager Globally: Hurun India Rich List 2025

  • The Hurun India Rich List 2025 has named Jayshree Ullal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arista Networks, as the richest Indian-origin professional manager in the world.
  • She has topped the list with a net worth of ₹50,170 crore, far ahead of other prominent Indian-origin technology leaders.
  • Key Rankings (Indian-origin Professional Managers):
    • Jayshree Ullal (Arista Networks) – ₹50,170 crore
    • Satya Nadella (Microsoft) – ₹9,770 crore
    • Sundar Pichai (Alphabet) – ₹5,810 crore (ranked 7th)
  • The ranking highlights the role of equity ownership and long-term leadership in high-growth companies, which can outweigh conventional executive compensation.
  • Background and Education:
    • Born on 27 March 1961 in London to an Indian-origin family.
    • Moved to India at the age of five; her father was associated with the Ministry of Education and contributed to the creation of the Indian Institutes of Technology.
    • Educated at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, New Delhi, later moved to the United States.
    • Holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from San Francisco State University and a Master of Science in Engineering Management (1986) from Santa Clara University.
    • Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering in 2025.
  • Professional Career:
    • Began her career in the semiconductor sector with Advanced Micro Devices and Fairchild Semiconductor.
    • Gained prominence at Crescendo Communications as Vice President of Marketing before its acquisition by Cisco Systems in 1993.
    • At Cisco, she was instrumental in building the switching division into one of the company’s most profitable businesses.
  • Leadership at Arista Networks:
    • Joined Arista Networks in 2008 as President and Chief Executive Officer.
    • At the time, the company had fewer than 30 employees and minimal infrastructure.
    • Under her leadership, Arista became a global leader in cloud networking, supporting hyperscale data centres and artificial intelligence-driven infrastructure.

India’s Rare Earth Reserves–Production Mismatch Highlighted in Report

  • India holds a strong global position in rare earth element reserves, but its actual production remains very low, creating a sharp mismatch between availability and output.
  • The report underlines serious implications for strategic industries, clean energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and national security.
  • Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of 17 critical minerals essential for:
    • Electric vehicles and wind turbines
    • Mobile phones and electronic devices
    • Defence systems, missiles, and advanced weaponry
    • Permanent magnets and batteries
  • Despite the name, REEs are not geologically rare, but are difficult to mine and refine due to complex processing requirements.
  • According to the report, India ranks 3rd globally in rare earth reserves:
    • China: 44 million tonnes of rare earth oxide
    • Brazil: 21 million tonnes
    • India: 6.9 million tonnes
  • India holds around 6–7% of global rare earth reserves, ahead of several developed economies.
  • Despite large reserves, India’s production remains extremely limited.
  • Rare earth production data (2024):
    • China: 270,000 tonnes (global leader)
    • United States: 45,000 tonnes
    • Myanmar: 31,000 tonnes
    • India: 2,900 tonnes (7th globally)
  • India contributes less than 1% of global rare earth production, reflecting a major structural gap.
  • Most Indian rare earth reserves are found in monazite-rich coastal sands, mainly along the eastern and southern coasts.
  • Monazite also contains thorium, a radioactive element, making mining and processing highly regulated and technically complex.
  • The report highlights key structural bottlenecks:
    • Strict regulatory framework governing rare earth mining
    • Production largely restricted to Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL)
    • Rare earths historically treated as by-products, not as strategic minerals
    • Severe gap in processing and refining capacity, which is the most critical stage
  • China controls about 90% of global rare earth refining capacity, including dominance over heavy rare earth processing, giving it end-to-end value chain control.
  • India currently has very limited refining and separation infrastructure.
  • A Japan-linked joint venture in Visakhapatnam has marked India’s limited return to rare earth processing.
  • However, the scale remains small and insufficient to influence global supply chains.
  • The report concludes that India’s core challenge is execution and capacity building, not resource availability.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Defence Acquisition Council Clears ₹79,000 Crore Defence Procurement Proposals

  • The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved procurement proposals worth ₹79,000 crore under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
  • The approvals cover acquisitions for the Indian Army (IA), Indian Navy (IN), and Indian Air Force (IAF) under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured – IDDM) category to boost operational readiness and self-reliance in defence production.
  • This decision was taken during the fourth DAC meeting of 2025, following similar major approvals in October 2025.

Key Highlights :

  • For the Indian Army, the DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Loiter Munition Systems, Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLWRs), Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka MLRS, and the Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II.
  • These Army acquisitions aim to enhance precision strike capability, counter low-flying drones, extend the range and accuracy of Pinaka, and protect critical assets in tactical battle areas and hinterland regions.
  • For the Indian Navy, the DAC granted AoN for Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radio (HF SDR) Manpack, and leasing of High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
  • The Naval acquisitions will ensure safe manoeuvring of ships, strengthen secure long-range communications, and provide continuous Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • For the Indian Air Force, AoN was approved for Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording Systems, Astra Mk-II beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, Full Mission Simulators for LCA Tejas, and SPICE-1000 precision guidance kits.
  • These IAF procurements will improve aerospace safety, enhance BVR air combat capability, strengthen pilot training, and boost long-range precision strike capability.
  • The approvals underline the Government of India’s focus on indigenisation, Make in India in defence, and strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces.

About Ministry of Defence (MoD):

  • Union Minister : Rajnath Singh
  • Minister of State : Sanjay Seth

Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Kaundinya Sets Sail on Maiden Overseas Voyage from Porbandar to Muscat

  • Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya, an engine-less Indian Naval Sailing Vessel, embarked on its maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman on December 29, 2025.
  • The expedition seeks to retrace ancient maritime routes that historically linked India’s western coast with Oman, thereby reviving India’s maritime heritage and seafaring traditions.
  • The 65-foot-long INSV Kaundinya has been constructed entirely using traditional stitched-shipbuilding techniques, with materials and methods dating back several centuries, inspired by a 5th-century ship painting in the Ajanta Caves.
  • The vessel represents a unique blend of history, indigenous craftsmanship, and naval expertise, featuring culturally significant motifs like the Gandabherunda (two-headed eagle) and a Harappan-style stone anchor.
  • The voyage will span approximately 1,400 kilometres across the sea and is expected to take around 15 days, steered by giant oars and square sails rather than a modern rudder.
  • A total of 18 sailors (comprising 4 officers and 14 naval sailors) are onboard the vessel for this historic expedition, skippered by Commander Vikas Sheoran.
  • The vessel was formally flagged off by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, in the presence of the Ambassador of Oman to India, Issa Saleh Al Shibani, underscoring strong India–Oman cultural and maritime ties.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Russia Successfully Launches Soyuz-2.1b Rocket Carrying 52 Satellites from Vostochny Cosmodrome

  • Russia successfully launched the Soyuz-2.1b space rocket carrying the Fregat upper stage with 52 satellites from Site 1S of the Vostochny Cosmodrome, located in the Amur Region of eastern Russia.
  • This mission marked the sixth Soyuz-2 launch from the Vostochny Spaceport in 2025 and was Russia’s final orbital launch of the year.
  • The payload comprised two Aist-2T Earth-observation satellites (No. 1 and No. 2) along with 50 small satellites developed by Russian universities under the Universat programme.
  • The Aist-2T satellites were developed by the Progress Rocket and Space Centre under Roscosmos and represent an upgraded version of the Aist-2D platform launched in 2016.
  • These satellites perform stereoscopic Earth imaging and generate digital terrain models with 2-metre panchromatic resolution and a 32-kilometre swath width.
  • The planned service life of the Aist-2T satellites is at least five years.
  • The satellites are tasked with producing 3-Dimensional (3-D) models of Earth to help in monitoring natural emergencies such as fires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
  • The remaining 50 satellites are designed to support scientific and technological requirements of organisations in Russia and its friendly countries, including Iran, Belarus, and Ecuador.
  • Several of the smaller satellites are CubeSats that will study climate change and space weather in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for the Russian Hydrometeorological Service.
  • In December 2025, Russia also launched three Iranian communication satellites—Paya, Kowsar, and Zafar-2— into a 500 km orbit from the Vostochny Cosmodrome using a Soyuz rocket.
  • Paya weighs 150 kg, making it the heaviest satellite ever launched by Iran, while Kowsar weighs 35 kg.
  • The Iranian satellites can capture images with up to 3-metre resolution and are intended for water resource management, agricultural monitoring, and environmental observation, with an operational life of up to five years.

About Russia :

  • President : Vladimir Putin
  • Capital : Moscow
  • Currency : Russian Ruble (RUB).

Defence Research and Development Organisation Conducts Successful Flight Test of 120 km Range Pinaka Rocket

  • The maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) was successfully conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha, on 29 December 2025.
  • The LRGR-120 was tested for its maximum range of 120 kilometres and successfully demonstrated all planned in-flight manoeuvres.
  • The rocket impacted the designated target with textbook precision, validating its high accuracy and guidance capability.
  • The entire flight trajectory of the LRGR-120 was continuously monitored by deployed range instruments.
  • The rocket was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, proving its compatibility with multiple Pinaka variants from the same launch platform.
  • The successful test demonstrated the versatility of the Pinaka weapon system, enabling the launch of guided rockets of different ranges using a single launcher.
  • The LRGR-120 has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • The development was carried out in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI).
  • The flight trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) and the Proof & Experimental Establishment (P&EE).

Delhi Government Partners with IIT Kanpur to Roll Out AI-Powered Grievance Monitoring System

  • The Delhi government, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, will implement an Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System (IGMS) to enhance transparent and efficient governance.
  • The IGMS is an AI- and ML-powered platform designed to integrate multiple grievance portals into a single unified dashboard, addressing issues like delays, duplication, and fragmented oversight.
  • The system will connect platforms such as PGMS (Public Grievance Management System), LG Listening Post, Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), and other portals via secure APIs.
  • IIT Kanpur will be responsible for system integration, cybersecurity audits (VAPT – Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing), and ongoing maintenance of the IGMS platform.
  • Key features of the platform include Semantic Search to identify complaints by meaning, Root Cause Analysis for recurring issues, and Automatic Routing to the correct departments.
  • The initiative aims to strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms and ensure effective citizen-centric governance in Delhi.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SUMMITS & CONFERENCE

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Launches Anti-Terror Conference 2025 in New Delhi

  • Union Minister Amit Shah, heading the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Cooperation, inaugurated the Anti-Terror Conference (ATC) 2025 in New Delhi, Delhi.
  • The two-day Anti-Terror Conference 2025 was organized by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the MHA and was held from 26 to 28 December 2025.

Key Highlights :

  • During the conference, Amit Shah launched key anti-terror digital tools, including the Updated NIA Crime Manual, Organized Crime Network Database (OCND), and Lost, Looted and Recovered Weapons Database (LLRWD).
  • The event was attended by senior dignitaries such as Minister of State (MoS) Nityanand Rai and MoS Bandi Sanjay Kumar from the MHA.
  • The conference witnessed participation from central and state security agencies, including the NIA, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF/CAPFs), State Police Anti-Terror Squads (ATS), along with forensic experts, prosecutors, and technology specialists.
  • The primary objective of ATC 2025 was to review terrorism threats, share best practices, and formulate a coordinated national strategy against terrorism and organized crime.
  • The conference focused on strengthening the counter-terrorism framework through enhanced inter-agency coordination, intelligence sharing, and addressing emerging threats such as cyber-terrorism and terror financing.
  • Emphasis was also laid on improving investigation, prosecution, and forensic capabilities, and on developing a uniform, technology-driven counter-terror architecture across India.
  • The Updated NIA Crime Manual serves as a revised investigative and prosecution guide for handling terrorism and organized crime cases.
  • The Organized Crime Network Database (OCND) is a national AI-enabled platform designed to map organized criminals and their linkages with terror networks using FIRs, charge-sheets, and intelligence dossiers.
  • The Lost, Looted and Recovered Weapons Database (LLRWD) is India’s first-ever weapons tracking database, created to monitor government weapons that are lost, stolen, looted, or recovered from State Police forces and CAPFs.
  • The LLRWD, prepared by the NIA, aims to prevent misuse of official weapons by criminals and terrorists.
  • During the conference, Amit Shah honoured nine NIA personnel with Sewa Padak and Veerta Padak for their exceptional service.
  • The Sewa Padak recognizes outstanding dedication, commitment, and meritorious service in maintaining national security and law enforcement.
  • The Veerta Padak is awarded for acts of courage, bravery, and valor in counter-terror operations and high-risk investigations.
  • The Union Minister of Home Affairs is Amit Shah, who represents the Gandhinagar constituency of Gujarat.

About  Ministers of State for Home Affairs :

  • Union Minister : Amit Shah
  • Ministers of State (MoS) : Nityanand Rai and Bandi Sanjay Kumar

India to Host 4th India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi from 15–20 February, 2026

  • India will host the 4th Edition of the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi from 15 to 20 February.
  • The India AI Impact Summit aims to shape the future of inclusive, responsible, and resilient Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • The summit is anchored on three guiding principles, namely People, Planet, and Progress.
  • These principles emphasize AI for human welfare, environmental protection, and inclusive economic growth.
  • India has formally invited China to participate in the India AI Impact Summit, indicating a gradual thaw in bilateral relations.
  • The invitation reflects a shared focus on building domestic AI capacity and cooperation in emerging technologies.
  • Previous editions of the India AI Impact Summit were hosted by the United Kingdom (2023), South Korea, and France.
  • China participated in the South Korea and France editions after initial debate during the UK-hosted summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Addresses 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in Delhi

  • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries held in Pusa, Delhi, from 26 to 28 December 2025.
  • During his address, PM Modi emphasized cooperative federalism and strong Centre–State collaboration as essential for achieving Viksit Bharat.
  • The central theme of the conference was “Human Capital for Viksit Bharat”, highlighting the importance of education, skill development, health, sports, and youth empowerment.
  • The focus on human capital was underscored by the fact that nearly 70% of India’s population is of working age, presenting a major demographic opportunity.
  • States and Union Territories were encouraged to identify 100 products each for domestic manufacturing to strengthen self-reliance.
  • The conference also urged States to support the upcoming National Manufacturing Mission (NMM).
  • Improving Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) at the State and local levels was highlighted as a key priority.
  • The National Conference of Chief Secretaries brings together Chief Secretaries, senior State and UT officials, and domain experts for policy coordination and best-practice sharing.
  • The conference has been held annually since 2022, with the first edition conducted in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

SBI Mutual Fund Divests 2.43% Stake in Nazara Technologies for ₹216 Crore

  • SBI Mutual Fund (SBI MF) divested a 2.43% stake in Nazara Technologies through open market transactions on December 29, 2025.
  • The stake sale was valued at approximately ₹216 crore, with the total transaction amounting to ₹216.32 crore.
  • Following the divestment, SBI Mutual Fund’s shareholding in Nazara Technologies declined to 3.35%, from the earlier 5.78%.
  • Nazara Technologies is a leading Indian gaming and sports media company, often in focus in capital market developments.

About SBI Mutual Fund :

  • It is an Indian private asset management company sponsored by the State Bank of India (SBI).
  • Incorporated : 1987
  • Corporate head office : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Rashtriya Raksha University to Host World Police and Fire Games 2029

  • Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gujarat, will host eight disciplines of the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) 2029, marking India’s first time as a host nation for this prestigious international sporting event for uniformed services.
  • The World Police and Fire Games is a biennial, Olympic-style sporting event exclusively for police, fire service, and law enforcement personnel from across the world.
  • The Games feature more than 60 sports disciplines and attract thousands of participants globally.
  • In the 2025 United States of America edition, over 9,000 athletes participated, and India won more than 600 medals, highlighting its strong performance.
  • RRU will host eight disciplines during WPFG 2029, namely Wrist Wrestling, Bench Press, Bodybuilding, Cross Country (10 kilometres), Push–Pull Lifting, Muster, Indoor Rowing, and Darts.
  • These events will be conducted using RRU’s advanced sports and training infrastructure.
  • To ensure smooth execution, RRU has established a dedicated Secretariat to manage planning, logistics, venue operations, and athlete services.
  • The university is also training 500 volunteers to support event operations, reflecting a professional and long-term approach to hosting international sporting events.
  • RRU houses a state-of-the-art School of Physical Education and Sports, including a Human Performance Laboratory that has tested over 4,070 individuals and completed more than 50 research studies.
  • The university is also developing a Sports Indoor Complex and an Anti-Doping Laboratory, strengthening India’s sports science and integrity ecosystem.
  • Apart from WPFG 2029, RRU will host the 2nd International Olympic Research Conference (IORC) in Gandhinagar from 27 to 30 January 2026.
  • The theme of the conference is “Building a Sustainable Olympic Ecosystem through Education, Governance and Research.”
  • It will bring together Olympic Studies Centres, National Olympic Committees, researchers, administrators, and policymakers.
  • The conference will focus on Olympic education, sports development in schools and universities, governance and ethics in sports, anti-doping strategies, transparency and accountability in sports organisations, and affordable sports science innovations.
  • A major highlight will be a two-day anti-doping workshop conducted in collaboration with the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).
  • Hosting WPFG 2029 is significant as it marks India’s debut as host, enhances global sports diplomacy, promotes fitness and camaraderie among uniformed services, and showcases India’s sports infrastructure and organisational capabilities, aligning with India’s ambition to host large-scale international sporting events.

Surya Charishma Tamiri Wins Women’s Singles Title at 87th Senior National Badminton Championships

  • Indian shuttler Surya Charishma Tamiri emerged champion in the Women’s Singles category at the 87th Senior National Badminton Championships, held in Vijayawada.
  • In the final, she defeated Tanvi Patri after losing the opening game, registering a comeback victory by 17–21, 21–12, 21–14, showcasing strong stamina, composure, and shot selection.
  • In the Men’s Singles final, Rithvik Sanjeevi S clinched the title by defeating Bharat Raghav in straight games with a scoreline of 21–16, 22–20, displaying calmness in a closely contested second game.
  • Doubles Results:
    • Men’s Doubles: A. Hariharan and Ruban Kumar defeated Mithilesh Krishnan and Prejan by 24–22, 21–17 to win the title.
    • Women’s Doubles: Former champions Shikha Gautam and Ashwini Bhat K reclaimed the crown by beating Priya Devi Konjengban and Shruti Mishra 21–14, 21–18.
    • Mixed Doubles: Sathwik Reddy K and Radhika Sharma secured the title with a convincing 21–9, 21–15 win over Ashith Surya and Amrutha P.
  • The Senior National Badminton Championships is one of India’s most important domestic badminton tournaments and serves as a crucial platform for established players and emerging talents to demonstrate form and stake claims for national selection.

Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey Creates World Record in Men’s Twenty20 International Cricket

  • Sonam Yeshey of Bhutan created history by becoming the first bowler ever to take eight wickets in a men’s Twenty20 International (T20I) match.
  • The record-breaking feat was achieved during the third T20I against Myanmar at Gelephu on 29 December 2025, marking one of the most dominant bowling performances in the shortest format of the game.
  • The 22-year-old slow left-arm orthodox spinner delivered an exceptional spell with figures of 8 wickets for 7 runs in 4 overs, including one maiden over, at an economy rate of 1.80.
  • While chasing a target of 128 runs, Myanmar was bowled out for just 45 runs in 9.2 overs.
  • Bhutan won the match by 82 runs, taking an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match Twenty20 International series.
  • The spell stood out for its accuracy, variation, and control, leaving Myanmar batters with minimal scoring opportunities.
  • Sonam Yeshey surpassed the previous best bowling figures in men’s T20Is, which were seven wickets in an innings.
  • Earlier notable records included:
    • Syazrul Idrus – 7 wickets for 8 runs against China (2023)
    • Ali Dawood – 7 wickets for 19 runs against Bhutan (2025)
  • His eight-wicket haul is an unprecedented achievement in global men’s Twenty20 International cricket.
  • Born on 3 December 2003, Sonam Yeshey progressed through Bhutan’s Under-19 system and made his senior international debut in July 2022.
  • He has emerged as a key member of Bhutan’s bowling attack, contributing consistently in international matches.
  • Career statistics in Twenty20 Internationals:
    • Matches played: 34
    • Wickets taken: 37
    • Bowling average: 17.37
    • Economy rate: 5.69

Smriti Mandhana Becomes Second Indian Woman to Score 10,000 International Runs

  • Smriti Mandhana became the second Indian woman and the fourth player globally to score 10,000 runs in international cricket.
  • She achieved the milestone during the fourth Twenty20 International (T20I) against Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
  • With this feat, she further cemented her status as one of the finest batters of the modern era.
  • Smriti Mandhana reached the landmark in the seventh over of India’s innings in the fourth T20I of the five-match series.
  • She joined an elite group of women cricketers to reach 10,000 international runs:
    • Mithali Raj
    • Suzie Bates
    • Charlotte Edwards
  • She is now the second Indian woman after Mithali Raj to achieve this milestone, highlighting India’s growing legacy in women’s cricket.
  • In the same match, Mandhana delivered a dominant performance:
    • Runs: 80 off 48 balls
    • Boundaries: 11 fours and 3 sixes
    • Fifty: Reached in 35 balls
  • Her innings powered India to their highest-ever team total in women’s T20 Internationals – 221/2.
  • Test Cricket:
    • Matches: 7
    • Runs: 629
    • Average: 57.18
    • Centuries/Fifties: 2/3
  • One Day Internationals (ODIs):
    • Matches: 117
    • Runs: 5,322
    • Average: 48.38
    • Centuries/Fifties: 14/34
    • Sixth highest run scorer in women’s ODIs
  • Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):
    • Matches: 157
    • Runs: 4,102
    • Average: 29.94
    • Strike Rate: 124.22
    • Hundreds/Fifties: 1/32
    • Second highest run scorer in women’s T20 Internationals
    • Holds the record for the most 50+ scores in women’s T20 Internationals (32)

India Wins Two Bronze Medals at FIDE World Rapid Chess Championships 2025

  • India delivered a strong performance at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championships 2025, held in Doha, with Koneru Humpy winning bronze in the Women’s section and Arjun Erigaisi clinching bronze in the Open section, highlighting India’s growing dominance in world chess.
  • The Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) World Rapid Chess Championships is a premier global event featuring top players competing under rapid time controls. The 2025 edition witnessed intense competition in both Open and Women’s categories.
  • Koneru Humpy, a two-time World Rapid Champion (2019 and 2024), finished with 8.5 points after 11 rounds, tied with Zhu Jiner (China) and Aleksandra Goryachkina (Russia).
  • Due to FIDE tie-break rules based on Buchholz Cut 1, Buchholz, and average opponent rating, Humpy was placed third, earning the bronze medal.
  • A final-round draw against B. Savitha Shri denied her the chance to become the first woman to win the World Rapid title three times.
  • Women’s section medal winners:
    • Gold – Aleksandra Goryachkina (8.5 points, superior tie-breaks)
    • Silver – Zhu Jiner (8.5 points)
    • Bronze – Koneru Humpy (8.5 points)
  • Other notable Indian performances included R. Vaishali (5th place), Divya Deshmukh (7.5 points), and D. Harika (7 points).
  • In the Open section, Magnus Carlsen (Norway) won his sixth World Rapid title with 10.5 points.
  • Vladislav Artemiev (Russia) secured silver with 9.5 points.
  • Arjun Erigaisi finished with 9.5 points and won the bronze medal on tie-breaks, following a strong late surge.
  • His key win over Aleksandr Shimanov helped him finish ahead of players like Hans Niemann and Leinier Domínguez.
  • Other Indian grandmasters in the Open section also performed consistently:
    • D. Gukesh – 8.5 points
    • Nihal Sarin – 8.5 points
    • R. Praggnanandhaa – 8.5 points

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Passed Away at 80

  • Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away at the age of 80 on December 30, 2025, after a prolonged illness.
  • She was a central figure in Bangladesh’s politics for several decades and played a defining role in shaping the country’s democratic and political landscape.
  • Khaleda Zia’s long-standing political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina dominated Bangladesh’s politics for many years and influenced multiple electoral cycles.
  • She was the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, marking a historic milestone in the country’s political history.
  • Khaleda Zia served two terms as Prime Minister, first coming to power in 1991 following the restoration of parliamentary democracy.
  • She returned to office for her second term from 2001, once again defeating her principal rival Sheikh Hasina.
  • During her political career, Khaleda Zia faced multiple corruption cases, which she described as politically motivated.
  • She was acquitted by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh in January 2025, ending long-running legal battles including the Zia Orphanage Trust case.

 Daily CA One- Liner: December 31st

  • Industrialist Gautam Adani inaugurated the Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Baramati, Maharashtra
  • India is set to witness a major reform in medical education with the establishment of its first Public Private Partnership (PPP) model medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh
  • The Supreme Court of India has ruled that personal liberty is not a gift of the State but its first obligation, holding that mere pendency of criminal proceedings does not automatically disqualify a person from holding or renewing a passport
  • The Hurun India Rich List 2025 has named Jayshree Ullal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arista Networks, as the richest Indian-origin professional manager in the world
  • India holds a strong global position in rare earth element reserves, but its actual production remains very low, creating a sharp mismatch between availability and output.
  • The Government of India plans to borrow ₹3.84 lakh crore through short-term Treasury Bills (T-Bills) over 12 weeks in Q4 of the current financial year to meet short-term funding requirements.
  • According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), commercial banks showed robust performance in FY25, supported by strong balance sheets, sustained profitability, and improved asset quality.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.40 lakh on Valuecorp Securities & Finance Limited.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has advised microfinance institutions (MFIs) to closely monitor stress build-up in their loan portfolios going forward.
  • According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the total number of ATMs in India declined as digital payments reduced the need for cash withdrawals.
  • According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, private sector banks saw a decline in employee numbers in FY25, while public sector banks (PSBs) reported a marginal increase.
  • According to the Tracxn India Tech Annual Funding Report 2025, India added 5 new unicorns in 2025, while 111 unicorns were created globally during the year.
  • The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved procurement proposals worth ₹79,000 crore under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
  • Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya, an engine-less Indian Naval Sailing Vessel, embarked on its maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman on December 29, 2025.
  • Russia successfully launched the Soyuz-2.1b space rocket carrying the Fregat upper stage with 52 satellites from Site 1S of the Vostochny Cosmodrome, located in the Amur Region of eastern Russia.
  • The maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) was successfully conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha, on 29 December 2025.
  • The Delhi government, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, will implement an Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System (IGMS) to enhance transparent and efficient governance.
  • Union Minister Amit Shah, heading the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Cooperation, inaugurated the Anti-Terror Conference (ATC) 2025 in New Delhi, Delhi.
  • India will host the 4th Edition of the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi from 15 to 20 February.
  • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries held in Pusa, Delhi, from 26 to 28 December 2025.
  • SBI Mutual Fund (SBI MF) divested a 2.43% stake in Nazara Technologies through open market transactions on December 29, 2025.
  • Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away at the age of 80 on December 30, 2025, after a prolonged illness.
  • Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gujarat, will host eight disciplines of the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) 2029, marking India’s first time as a host nation for this prestigious international sporting event for uniformed services.
  • Indian shuttler Surya Charishma Tamiri emerged champion in the Women’s Singles category at the 87th Senior National Badminton Championships, held in Vijayawada
  • Sonam Yeshey of Bhutan created history by becoming the first bowler ever to take eight wickets in a men’s Twenty20 International (T20I) match
  • Smriti Mandhana became the second Indian woman and the fourth player globally to score 10,000 runs in international cricket
  • India delivered a strong performance at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championships 2025, held in Doha, with Koneru Humpy winning bronze in the Women’s section and Arjun Erigaisi clinching bronze in the Open section, highlighting India’s growing dominance in world chess

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