NATIONAL NEWS

Union Home Minister Inaugurates Development Projects in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration at Sri Vijaya Puram.

Shri Amit Shah also inaugurated an exhibition on the three new criminal laws at Sri Vijaya Puram.

He recalled that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was the first to hoist the Tricolour in free India at this place and noted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi renamed islands as Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep in his honour.

On the occasion, nine development projects were inaugurated and foundation stones for two projects were laid, amounting to ₹373 crore in a single day.

Major projects include an Integrated Command and Control Centre worth ₹229 crore, Phase-I of a District Hospital costing ₹33 crore, a Forensic Science Laboratory, and six other schemes worth ₹50 crore.

Development is underway across sectors such as tourism, environment, fisheries, agriculture, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, and clean energy.

The upcoming Great Nicobar Project is expected to transform the region into a global trade hub and strategic security centre, and a major international tourism destination in the coming decade.

The islands are being upgraded to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for scuba diving and adventure water sports.

Under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, 2.4 million trees have been planted, highlighting environmental commitment.

98% household waste collection by the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council was cited as a major success under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Union Minister Announces Zero-Duty on All Australian Tariff Lines for Indian Exports from 1 January 2026

Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced that 100% of Australian tariff lines will become zero-duty for Indian exports from 1 January 2026, providing a major boost to India’s export competitiveness.

The move is expected to create new market opportunities for labour-intensive sectors, significantly benefiting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), farmers, and workers.

The announcement coincided with the third anniversary of the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which came into force on 29 December 2022.

Over the past three years, ECTA has contributed to sustained export growth, enhanced market access, and stronger supply-chain resilience, supporting Indian exporters, MSMEs, farmers, and workers.

As a result of improved trade ties, India’s exports to Australia increased by 8% in 2024–25, helping to improve India’s trade balance, making the development important for economy, trade, and current affairs examinations.

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NTPC Signs MoA with Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute

NTPC Limited – Western Region–I Headquarters, Mumbai signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI) for the upgradation of radiotherapy services.

Under this Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, NTPC has sanctioned ₹23.16 crore for upgrading radiotherapy facilities at the Siddhpur Satellite Centre of GCRI, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The financial support will be utilized for the procurement and installation of a high-energy Linear Accelerator (LINAC).

The installation of the LINAC will significantly enhance advanced cancer treatment capabilities and improve access to quality radiotherapy services for patients in the region.

The initiative reinforces NTPC’s commitment to inclusive development and its continued focus on strengthening critical healthcare infrastructure through impact-driven CSR interventions.

 

BANKING

ICICI Bank Introduces Capital Gains Account Scheme Effective 1 January 2026

ICICI Bank Limited launched the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS), 1988 under the Income Tax (IT) Act, 1961, effective from 1 January 2026, to help taxpayers deposit un-invested long-term capital gains and claim tax exemptions.

Under CGAS, long-term capital gains or sale proceeds from specified assets can be deposited before the Income Tax Return (ITR) due date to remain eligible for capital gains tax exemption.

The deposited funds can be parked for up to three years, during which they earn interest at rates similar to savings accounts or term deposits, depending on the account type.

The proceeds can be reinvested in residential or commercial property, agricultural land, or new capital assets of industrial undertakings located in non-urban areas or Special Economic Zones (SEZs), as per the applicable account category.

Withdrawals from the CGAS account are allowed only with proof of utilization, with the first withdrawal through Form C, subsequent withdrawals through Form D, and any unutilized balance after three years becoming taxable.

Type A Account under CGAS functions as a savings account, allows flexible withdrawals only for approved reinvestment purposes, and does not provide cheque book or debit card facilities.

Type B Account is a fixed-tenure term deposit (FD) available in cumulative and non-cumulative options, requires a minimum deposit of ₹10,000, and offers interest rates comparable to regular fixed deposits.

The scheme is currently available to resident individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), with plans to extend access to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and non-individual entities in the future.

CGAS accounts can be opened at ICICI Bank branches across India, excluding rural branches, in accordance with CGAS guidelines.

Several other banks, including HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, and others, are also authorised to offer CGAS services at their non-rural branches.

India’s Unified Payments Interface Records Record 21.63 Billion Transactions in December 2025

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded an all-time high of 21.63 billion transactions in December 2025, according to National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)

The total transaction value in December 2025 stood at ₹27.97 lakh crore, compared to 20.47 billion transactions worth ₹26.32 lakh crore in November 2025, showing month-on-month growth.

On average, about 698 million UPI transactions were processed daily during December, indicating deep penetration of digital payments in India.

For the calendar year 2025, UPI handled around 228 billion transactions worth nearly ₹300 lakh crore, up from 172 billion transactions worth ₹246.82 lakh crore in 2024, reflecting rapid growth in digital financial adoption.

 

DEFENCE

Indian Army Inaugurates ‘Radio Sangam’ Community Radio Station

The Indian Army (IA), in collaboration with the civil administration and local residents, launched “Radio Sangam”, a Community Radio Station, at Keri village in Doongi block, Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), located near the Line of Control (LoC).

Radio Sangam is the first community radio station established along the LoC, aimed at enhancing communication and information outreach for border-area communities.

The radio station broadcasts on 88.8 Frequency Modulation (FM) from Keri Village, strengthening local-level connectivity and awareness.

Radio Sangam functions as a trusted source of verified information, promotes local culture, music, and entertainment, and helps build trust and cooperation among the Indian Army, civil administration, and villagers.

The station will air diverse programmes, including public awareness campaigns, agriculture and livelihood guidance, local news and updates, cultural shows, and interactive community programs, making it important for security, governance, and social development.

Indian Army Designates 2026 as the Year of Networking and Data Centricity

The Indian Army (IA), under the leadership of Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Networking & Data Centricity’, aligning with the Indian Army’s 2026 vision to build a future-ready and technology-driven force.

The initiative focuses on digital integration and enhanced connectivity to support real-time decision-making, faster response, and greater combat effectiveness across the force.

The core objective is to treat data as a critical operational asset, improving situational awareness, speed of command, and battlefield efficiency.

It forms part of the Indian Army’s decade-long transformation, driven by military reforms, jointness among services, innovation, and self-reliance.

Under the networking component, seamless digital connectivity is being created among soldiers, command and control centres, sensors, weapon systems, intelligence units, and logistics networks.

The data-centric approach enables real-time collection, processing, and sharing of battlefield data, allowing simultaneous and precise coordinated actions across multiple platforms.

Indigenisation is a key pillar, with indigenous communication systems, battlefield management systems, and secure defence networks forming the technological backbone of the initiative.

The declaration builds upon the 2024–25 theme of the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’, by operationalising and fully integrating previously absorbed technologies into active military operations, making it highly relevant for defence and national security examinations.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Additional Charge as Director General of National Investigation Agency

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) assigned Rakesh Aggarwal, a 1994-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre, the additional charge of Director General (DG) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) following the early repatriation of Sadanand Vasant Date.

Rakesh Aggarwal, who is currently serving as Special DG of the NIA, will act as the interim chief to ensure continuity and stability in India’s premier counter-terrorism agency, while overseeing ongoing sensitive investigations.

The MHA order states that Aggarwal will hold the additional charge of NIA DG until a regular DG is appointed or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Aggarwal was appointed as Special Director General of the NIA on 29 September 2025, on an in-situ basis, by temporarily upgrading his Additional Director General (ADG) post for a two-year tenure or until further orders.

The decision followed the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for the premature repatriation of Sadanand Date, a 1990-batch Maharashtra cadre IPS officer, to his parent cadre with immediate effect.

Sadanand Date is expected to assume charge as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra, as the incumbent 1988-batch IPS officer Rashmi Shukla is scheduled to complete her two-year fixed tenure on 31 December 2025.

RBL Bank Appoints Jaideep Iyer as Executive Director and Deepak Ruiya as Interim CFO

RBL Bank announced key senior management changes, appointing Jaideep Iyer as Executive Director and Deepak Ruiya as interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as part of a planned leadership transition.

As per a stock exchange filing, Jaideep Iyer, currently Head of Strategy, will assume charge as Executive Director for a three-year term starting 21 February 2026.

Jaideep Iyer will succeed Rajeev Ahuja, who is scheduled to retire on 20 February 2026.

Earlier, Iyer served as interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RBL Bank during the 2021–2022 leadership transition period.

His appointment highlights the Board’s focus on internal succession planning, continuity, and stability in top management.

Deepak Ruiya has been appointed as interim CFO with immediate effect and will continue in the role until a regular CFO is appointed, ensuring uninterrupted financial oversight.

These appointments come amid broader management changes, including the recent resignation of RBL Bank’s digital banking head.

 

SPORTS

72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament through video conferencing.

The inaugural ceremony will be held at Dr. Sampoorna­nand Sports Stadium, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

The tournament will be conducted from 4th to 11th January 2026.

More than 1,000 players will participate in the tournament.

A total of 58 teams representing various States and institutions across India will compete in the event.

The tournament is expected to display high standards of competition, sportsmanship, and emerging talent in Indian volleyball.

Hosting the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi highlights the increasing focus on sports infrastructure development and promotion of athletics in the city.

The event further strengthens Varanasi’s position as a venue for major national-level sporting and cultural events, in line with its growing role in hosting significant national initiatives.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Day of War Orphans 2026

World Day of War Orphans 2026 is observed annually on 6th January to highlight the hardships faced by children orphaned due to wars and conflicts.

The day draws attention to the physical neglect, mental trauma, emotional abuse, starvation, and disease suffered by millions of war-affected orphans worldwide.

Children who lose their parents in sudden and violent conflicts are often forced to live with relatives or within foster care systems, frequently under extremely poor living conditions.

Over the past few centuries, civilians have accounted for nearly half of war casualties, with this proportion steadily increasing until 2001, significantly impacting children.

According to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) data (2015), there were nearly 140 million orphans worldwide.

Regional distribution of orphans includes 61 million in Asia, 52 million in Africa, 10 million in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 7.3 million in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

World Day for War Orphans was established by SOS Enfants en Détresse, a French charitable organization dedicated to restoring a sense of normalcy in the lives of children affected by war and conflict.

Every year on 6th January, awareness programmes and campaigns are conducted globally to help people understand the plight and suffering of war orphans and to promote support for their protection, care, and rehabilitation.