NATIONAL NEWS

National Commission for Women Launches New 24×7 Short Helpline Number 14490 for Women’s Safety

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched a new 24×7 national short-code helpline number: 14490, offering women across India quick and easy access to support during emergencies involving violence, harassment, or threats.

The toll-free number connects directly to NCW’s existing helpline system, enabling women to seek help instantly, receive guidance, counselling, and legal aid, and get connected to law enforcement agencies when required.

The initiative strengthens NCW’s mission to ensure timely assistance, improve accessibility for vulnerable groups, and respond effectively to rising cases of gender-based violence.

Key features of 14490:

Toll-free, easy-to-remember short code

Operational 24×7

Support for cases of domestic violence, sexual harassment, cybercrime, mental health concerns, and legal queries

Integrated with NCW’s national helpline network and state authorities

The short code is designed to remain memorable even under stress, accessible from any mobile or landline, and aligns with the government’s focus on Digital India and women-led development, ensuring help is just a call away for every woman in distress.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

World Health Organization Declares Indonesia Free of Type-2 cVDPV

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Indonesia free from Type-2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) after no polio cases reported since June 2024 in children or the environment.

To achieve polio-free status, a country must have no wild poliovirus cases for at least three years as per WHO criteria.

The criteria also require robust immunization, effective surveillance, and rapid response systems for suspected cases.

The outbreak of cVDPV-2 began in Aceh Province in 2022, prompting emergency vaccination measures.

Indonesia conducted two nationwide vaccination rounds using nOPV2 between 2022–2024 to control the outbreak.

IPV (2nd dose) immunization coverage increased from 63% to 73% in 2024, strengthening population immunity.

Indonesia introduced a hexavalent vaccine providing protection against six diseases including polio.

Indonesia stopped indigenous wild poliovirus transmission in 1995 and was certified wild-polio free in 2014.

Poliomyelitis (Polio) is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting children under 5 years.

Polio attacks the nervous system, causing paralysis or death in severe cases.

 

BANKING

IDFC FIRST Bank Signs Memorandum of Understanding with FPSB India

IDFC FIRST Bank signed an Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with FPSB India, the Indian subsidiary of Financial Planning Standards Board Limited., as an Approved Corporate Partner (ACP) to strengthen financial planning standards and upskill banking teams.

Rahul Singh, Country Head – Private Banking, IDFC FIRST Bank, and Chandrakant Sureka, Interim CEO, FPSB India, signed the MoU.

The partnership falls under FPSB India’s ACP Programme aimed at promoting financial planning excellence and professional certification in Indian financial institutions.

The collaboration will upskill IDFC FIRST Bank’s Wealth Management Regional Managers through specialized training and certification programs.

It will support hiring initiatives and create career pathways for Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Both organisations will conduct joint strategic programs to strengthen the financial planning ecosystem and promote professional standards in wealth management.

 

RANKS, INDICES & REPORTS

Ind-Ra Revises India’s FY26 GDP Growth Forecast Upward to 7% from 6.3%

India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) raised India’s FY26 GDP growth projection to 7%, up from 6.3% projected in July 2025.

The upward revision was due to high GDP growth in Q1 FY26 (April–June) at 8%, the fastest pace in five quarters.

RBI has projected FY26 GDP growth at 6.8%, higher than 6.5% in FY25.

Official Q2 FY26 GDP data (July–September) is scheduled for release on 28 November 2025.

Major headwinds include the US unilateral tariff hikes, which affected India significantly since August 2025.

Tailwinds supporting growth are faster-than-expected disinflation, boosting real rural wages, and GST rationalisation improving consumer sentiment.

The sharp upward revision is driven by strong Q1 GDP growth and lower-than-expected impact of US tariffs on global trade.

FY26 growth risks are evenly balanced; growth could exceed 7% if there is a faster Indo-US trade deal or favourable weather conditions.

Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) is expected to grow 7.4% YoY in FY26, up from 7.2% in FY25.

Indian exports to the US fell 11.9% in September and 8.9% in October 2025 YoY, despite averaging USD 7.4 billion/month between April–October 2025.

Ind-Ra noted that bilateral trade deals and diversification of export markets are essential for reviving Indian exports.

 

DEFENCE

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Signs USD 1 Billion Deal with GE

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a USD 1 billion (approx. 8,800 crore) agreement with General Electric (GE), United States of America (USA), for 113 F404-GE-IN20 (General Electric F404 Turbofan Engine, Indian Variant 20) jet engines to power 97 LCA Tejas Mk-1A aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The agreement covers engines for 68 single-seater and 29 twin-seater Tejas Mk-1A variants, with deliveries scheduled between 2027–2032 as per HAL’s production plan.

With this deal, total Tejas Mk-1A programme orders rise to 180 aircraft, including the earlier 2021 order for 83 jets.

LCA Tejas Mk-1A, developed by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO and manufactured by HAL, features Uttam AESA Radar, Electronic Warfare (EW) suite, and advanced mission control systems.

The Tejas Mk-1A has over 64% indigenous content, supporting India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, and is capable of air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions.

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

Velamala Simmanna Selected for Lok Nayak Foundation Literary Award 2025

Velamala Simmanna, noted Telugu writer and Former Head of the Department of Telugu, Andhra University, has been selected for the Lok Nayak Foundation (LNF) Literary Award 2025.

He will receive a cash prize of ₹2 lakh at the award ceremony scheduled on January 18, 2026, in Visakhapatnam.

The announcement was made by LNF Chairman Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad.

The ceremony is held annually on January 18, marking the death anniversaries of Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (N.T. Rama Rao).

LNF also announced Life-Time Achievement Awards (₹1 lakh each) for:

Nori Dattatreyudu – oncologist and Health Advisor to the Government of Andhra Pradesh

Thotakura Prasad – promoter of Telugu culture in Dallas

Vemulapalli Raghavendra Choudhary – doctor serving in Detroit for over 40 years

Aarien Uday Areti – Deputy Mayor, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Distinguished guests at the event include Deputy Speaker Raghu Ramakrishna Raju, Justice B. Devanand, actor Tanikella Bharani, and MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao.

Velamala Simmanna, with 100+ published works, has made significant contributions to literary criticism, language studies, cultural essays, and creative writing.

His work has strengthened the role of Telugu literature in shaping cultural identity and supporting literary growth across communities, including the diaspora.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Chairman of National Company Law Appellate Tribunal

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister (PM( Narendra Modi approved the re-appointment of Justice Ashok Bhushan as Chairman of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

As per the order of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPP&P), he will continue in office till 4 July 2026, when he attains the age of 70 years.

Justice Ashok Bhushan became a permanent Judge of the Allahabad High Court in April 2001, served as Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court in 2015, and was elevated to the Supreme Court of India in May 2016, serving till July 2021.

He was appointed Chairman of the Ravi Beas River Tribunal in July 2020.

He was initially appointed NCLAT Chairperson on 8 November 2021, succeeding Justice Bansi Lal Bhat, who was serving in an acting capacity.

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) is a tribunal formed by the Central Government of India.

 

SPORTS

5th Khelo India University Games Inaugurated in Jaipur, Rajasthan

The 5th Khelo India University Games (KIUG) were inaugurated at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, showcasing a grand blend of India’s youth sporting talent and Rajasthan’s cultural heritage.

The ceremony was led by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, who lit the ceremonial lamp to formally commence the Games.

The event also featured a drone show and cultural performances highlighting the traditions of Rajasthan.

The Games will be held from 24 November to 5 December 2025, with Rajasthan hosting the event across Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, and Bharatpur. Around 7,000 participants, including nearly 5,000 athletes from more than 230 universities, are competing in 23 sporting disciplines, while Kho-Kho is being showcased as a demonstration sport.

Jaipur will function as the main hub, hosting major events such as athletics, shooting, archery, badminton, and hockey, while other cities will conduct additional competitions, turning the entire state into a vibrant sporting arena.

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted that the Khelo India initiative is central to India’s long-term vision of emerging as a global sports powerhouse, noting that athletes discovered through earlier editions have gone on to represent India at prestigious international events.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma encouraged young athletes to maintain consistency and dedication, emphasising their ability to bring honour to the nation through sports.

Launched in 2020, the Khelo India University Games aim to strengthen university-level sports infrastructure and expand participation.

The 2025 edition marks Rajasthan’s first time hosting the Games, symbolising a major step in decentralising sports opportunities and broadening access to high-quality competitive platforms across India.

Italy Wins Its 4th Davis Cup Title

Italy clinched its fourth Davis Cup title by defeating Spain 2–0 in the final, marking a historic hat-trick of championships with consecutive wins in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

This makes Italy only the second nation after the United States to secure three consecutive Davis Cup titles, solidifying its status as a major force in world tennis.

In the final, Matteo Berrettini dominated the opening singles match with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Pablo Carreno Busta, giving Italy an early lead.

Flavio Cobolli completed the triumph by staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Jaume Munar 1-6, 7-6(5), 7-5, sealing the tie and making the doubles match unnecessary.

With this victory, Italy now holds four Davis Cup titles (1976, 2023, 2024, 2025), reflecting the team’s depth, balance, and consistent dominance throughout the tournament.