National News

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Cleared for Service: Guwahati-Kolkata Route to Launch India’s Modern Overnight Rail Era

• Indian Railways has officially cleared the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train for commercial service following comprehensive trials and certification, marking a transformative milestone in long-distance overnight rail travel across India with the Guwahati-Kolkata corridor designated as the inaugural route for operations.
• The indigenously manufactured train is engineered to operate at speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour, featuring modern sleeper amenities designed for overnight journeys while maintaining affordable fare structures compared to air travel, making high-speed comfort accessible to a broader demographic of travelers.
• Advanced safety and technological systems have been integrated into the train’s design, including the KAVACH automatic train protection system for collision avoidance, regenerative braking technology for energy efficiency, and smart passenger facilities such as automated doors, climate control, GPS-based passenger information systems, and onboard Wi-Fi connectivity.
• The successful deployment of this completely indigenously built train reinforces the Make in India initiative in railway manufacturing, demonstrates India’s growing technological self-reliance in transportation infrastructure, and is positioned to fundamentally transform intercity and overnight connectivity patterns by offering a competitive alternative to both conventional trains and air travel across the country.

National News

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Unveils New Logo and Mascot to Champion Data-Driven Governance

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has officially unveiled a new institutional logo and introduced a mascot named “सांख्यिकी (Sankhyiki)” as part of a comprehensive initiative to promote data-driven governance, enhance transparency in statistical processes, and encourage greater public participation in national surveys and data collection exercises.
• The newly designed logo incorporates the theme “Data for Development” and features symbolic elements including the Ashoka Chakra representing national identity, the Indian Rupee symbol signifying economic statistics, and graphical growth motifs that visualize data trends and India’s development trajectory through statistical representation.
• The mascot Sankhyiki has been specifically created to make the often-complex field of statistics more citizen-friendly and approachable, serving as a relatable communication tool that bridges the gap between technical statistical concepts and public understanding, particularly for engaging diverse population segments.
• This branding initiative is strategically designed to enhance MoSPI’s outreach capabilities for conducting nationwide surveys, improve awareness about the importance of accurate data reporting, strengthen participation in census and statistical exercises, and reinforce the ministry’s role in providing credible data for evidence-based policy formulation and developmental planning.

Appointments and Resignations News

Union Government Appoints New Chief Justices for Kerala, Patna and Meghalaya High Courts Following Supreme Court Collegium Recommendations

• The Union Government has approved the appointment of three new Chief Justices to High Courts across India, acting upon recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium system, with Justice Soumen Sen designated as Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo appointed as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, and Justice Revati Prashant Mohite Dere named as Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court.
• These judicial appointments have been executed under the constitutional provisions of Articles 217 and 222 of the Constitution of India, which govern the appointment, transfer, and conditions of service for High Court judges, ensuring adherence to established constitutional mechanisms for judicial administration.
• The appointments are designed to ensure continuity in judicial leadership across these crucial High Courts, filling vacancies that could otherwise impact the dispensation of justice and the administrative functioning of these constitutional courts that handle significant volumes of litigation affecting millions of citizens.
• The selection process reflects the merit-based recommendation system of the Supreme Court Collegium, which evaluates candidates based on seniority, competence, and integrity, thereby upholding the fundamental principle of judicial independence from executive influence while maintaining the highest standards of judicial excellence in India’s constitutional framework.

Banking and Finance News

India Implements Additional Excise Duty on Tobacco Products and Introduces Health & National Security Cess from February 1

• The Government of India will implement new fiscal measures effective February 1, 2026, introducing additional excise duty on various tobacco products and establishing a Health and National Security Cess specifically on pan masala products, which will replace the earlier compensation cess that was part of the GST transition framework.
• These newly introduced levies will be imposed over and above the existing Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, which currently stand at 40 percent for tobacco and pan masala products and 18 percent for biris, creating a multi-layered taxation structure on these sin goods.
• The primary policy objectives behind these fiscal measures include generating increased revenue for government exchequer, implementing stronger regulatory control over the consumption of sin goods that have documented public health implications, discouraging tobacco use through price mechanisms, and supporting broader public health policy initiatives.
• The introduction of the specifically named Health and National Security Cess signals the government’s intent to earmark portions of this revenue for healthcare infrastructure development and national security expenditure, while the overall taxation strategy aligns with international best practices of using fiscal tools to reduce consumption of products with negative health externalities and to compensate society for associated healthcare costs.

State News

Tamil Nadu Government Approves Jallikattu 2026 Season Opening at Thatchankurichi Village with Strict Regulatory Framework

• The Government of Tamil Nadu has granted official permission for the first Jallikattu event of the 2026 season, scheduled to be held on January 3 at Thatchankurichi village in Pudukkottai district, formally inaugurating the annual traditional bull-taming festival that holds deep cultural significance in the state.
• The permission has been granted under the legal framework of the Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2017 to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which provides specific statutory provisions allowing Jallikattu while establishing comprehensive legal, safety, and animal welfare norms that must be strictly observed during such events.
• District authorities have mandated complete compliance with detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that encompass participant safety measures, crowd control mechanisms, emergency medical preparedness including ambulance services and trauma care facilities, veterinary supervision, and animal welfare protocols to prevent cruelty.
• To ensure transparency, accountability, and proper regulation, the Tamil Nadu government has implemented a digital governance system whereby all applications for organizing Jallikattu events must be submitted exclusively through an online portal, enabling systematic scrutiny, documentation, and monitoring while preserving this traditional cultural sport under carefully regulated conditions that balance cultural heritage with contemporary concerns about animal welfare and public safety.

State News

Assam Becomes First Indian State to Constitute 8th State Pay Commission Ahead of Schedule

• Assam has achieved a national first by becoming the first state in India to officially constitute its 8th State Pay Commission, demonstrating proactive governance by establishing the commission ahead of the scheduled expiry date of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations on January 1, 2026.
• The constitution of the pay commission was formally announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and will be headed by Subhas Das, a former Chief Secretary of Assam, whose administrative experience and understanding of state finances position him to lead comprehensive deliberations on pay revision matters.
• The primary mandate of the 8th State Pay Commission encompasses the thorough revision of salary structures, various allowances, and pension benefits for all state government employees and pensioners, a process that directly impacts the financial welfare of thousands of public servants and the state’s fiscal expenditure patterns.
• This early establishment of the pay commission signals Assam’s proactive administrative approach to pay reforms, demonstrates commitment to employee welfare by preventing gaps in pay commission recommendations, allows adequate time for comprehensive study and consultation, and showcases administrative preparedness in managing the complex financial implications of salary revisions while balancing state fiscal sustainability.

International News

India and Pakistan Complete 35th Consecutive Annual Exchange of Nuclear Installations Information

• India and Pakistan successfully exchanged comprehensive lists of their nuclear installations on January 1, 2026, marking the 35th consecutive year of this vital confidence-building measure conducted under the bilateral Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations, which was originally signed between the two nations in 1988.
• The annual exchange of information regarding nuclear facilities is conducted through established diplomatic channels, with both countries simultaneously sharing data about the location and nature of nuclear installations that are covered under the agreement’s protective framework.
• The primary objectives of this bilateral agreement and the annual information exchange include preventing military attacks against each other’s nuclear installations even during armed conflict, promoting transparency regarding nuclear infrastructure, building mutual confidence through institutionalized communication, and reducing risks of miscalculation in the strategically sensitive South Asian region.
• This uninterrupted 35-year track record of compliance with the agreement represents one of the few consistently maintained diplomatic protocols between India and Pakistan despite periodic tensions, serving as an important mechanism for maintaining strategic stability, demonstrating that both nuclear-armed neighbors recognize the catastrophic risks associated with nuclear infrastructure attacks, and providing a foundational element of nuclear risk reduction in South Asia.

International News

India and Pakistan Exchange Lists of Prisoners and Fishermen Under 2008 Consular Access Agreement

• India and Pakistan conducted the periodic exchange of lists detailing civil prisoners and fishermen held in custody in each country under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, with India simultaneously urging for early release, adequate consular access, and expedited repatriation of its nationals detained in Pakistani custody.
• India shared comprehensive lists containing details of 391 civil prisoners and 33 fishermen currently held in its jails and detention facilities, while Pakistan reciprocated by providing information about 58 civil prisoners and 199 fishermen of Indian nationality currently detained in Pakistani custody.
• The exchange underscores significant humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding fishermen who frequently cross maritime boundaries inadvertently due to the absence of physical markers in ocean waters, poor navigation equipment, and the pursuit of fish stocks that do not respect international boundaries, often resulting in arrest and detention.
• This bilateral mechanism reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations to address humanitarian issues that affect ordinary citizens, ensure the safety and welfare of detainees through consular access that allows officials to verify conditions of detention, facilitate communication between prisoners and their families, and work toward repatriation, even as broader political and diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan remain complex and periodically strained.

Banking and Finance News

UPI Transactions Surge to 21.63 Billion in December 2025 Recording 29% Year-on-Year Growth

• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions surged to an impressive 21.63 billion in December 2025, recording a substantial 29 percent year-on-year growth rate according to official data released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), demonstrating the continued expansion and deepening penetration of India’s digital payment ecosystem.
• The total transaction value processed through the UPI platform crossed nearly ₹28 lakh crore during December 2025, while daily usage statistics revealed an average of approximately 698 million transactions per day, highlighting the platform’s integration into everyday commercial activities across urban and increasingly rural India.
• The robust growth trajectory observed in UPI transactions, along with complementary platforms like Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), reflects India’s rapid and comprehensive shift toward a cashless economy, driven by smartphone penetration, improved internet connectivity, merchant acceptance networks, and government promotion of digital payments.
• These record-breaking transaction volumes strengthen India’s position as a global leader in real-time digital payment systems, with the UPI infrastructure now being studied and adopted by numerous countries worldwide, while the domestic success demonstrates successful financial inclusion efforts, changing consumer behavior, and the creation of a digital payments ecosystem that processes billions of transactions with remarkable reliability and efficiency.

Banking and Finance News

GST Collections Increase 6.1% Year-on-Year in December 2025 Reaching ₹1.75 Lakh Crore

• India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections registered a 6.1 percent year-on-year increase in December 2025, reaching ₹1.75 lakh crore, demonstrating sustained revenue growth from the country’s unified indirect tax system despite global economic uncertainties and domestic challenges.
• For the cumulative April-December period of fiscal year 2025-26, GST collections grew by 8.6 percent compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year, totaling ₹16.5 lakh crore, reflecting stronger and more sustained economic activity across multiple sectors of the Indian economy.
• The consistent growth in GST revenues is attributed to multiple factors including increased economic activity and consumption, improved tax compliance mechanisms, enhanced detection of tax evasion through data analytics and technology integration, widening of the tax base, and the positive impact of systematic GST reforms implemented by the GST Council.
• This revenue trend underscores the increasing maturity and stabilization of India’s indirect tax system, which unified multiple central and state taxes into a single framework, while successful rate rationalization measures undertaken by the GST Council have balanced revenue considerations with taxpayer convenience, reduced litigation, simplified compliance, and created a more predictable tax environment that supports both government finances and business operations.

Appointments and Resignations News

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff

• Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor officially assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force on January 1, 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari in this critical position that represents the second-highest rank in the IAF hierarchy and plays a crucial role in operational planning and force modernization.
• With nearly 40 years of distinguished service in the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal Kapoor brings extensive operational experience, command leadership, and training expertise, having accumulated over 3,400 flying hours including significant experience piloting frontline fighter aircraft such as the MiG-21 and the more advanced MiG-29 platforms.
• An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, he has held several key appointments throughout his career including serving as Air Defence Commander responsible for protecting critical airspace, Senior Air Staff Officer involved in operational planning, Chief Instructor (Flying) shaping pilot training standards, and playing a pivotal role in the successful induction and operationalization of the PC-7 Mk II basic trainer aircraft.
• Air Marshal Kapoor is a recipient of several prestigious military honors including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Sena Medal (SYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VM), recognizing his distinguished service and exceptional contributions, and his appointment strengthens the Indian Air Force’s leadership structure at a crucial time when the force is focused on training modernization, air defense preparedness, technological upgrades, and maintaining operational readiness amid evolving regional security dynamics.

Defence News

Air Marshal S. Shrinivas Assumes Command of Indian Air Force Training Command

• Air Marshal S. Shrinivas has formally assumed charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Indian Air Force Training Command on January 1, 2026, taking command of the organization responsible for all pilot training, technical training, and human resource development across the Indian Air Force.
• A veteran fighter pilot and Category ‘A’ flying instructor, Air Marshal Shrinivas brings exceptional credentials with over 4,200 flying hours accumulated during his career, demonstrating sustained operational flying experience and deep understanding of aircraft operations, tactics, and the demands of military aviation.
• His extensive experience encompasses critical areas including comprehensive pilot training methodologies across basic, intermediate and advanced stages, aviation safety protocols and accident prevention, training curriculum development, and various command roles that have provided him with holistic understanding of both operational requirements and training systems.
• The appointment of such an experienced aviator and instructor to lead the Training Command strengthens the Indian Air Force’s institutional focus on training excellence, ensures continuation of high standards in pilot production and technical education, supports human resource development aligned with modern aircraft and systems being inducted, and enhances operational preparedness by ensuring a steady pipeline of well-trained personnel capable of operating India’s increasingly sophisticated aerial combat platforms.

Defence News

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh Takes Charge as Commander of South Western Air Command

• Air Marshal Tejinder Singh has officially assumed charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force on January 1, 2026, taking command of one of the IAF’s operationally critical commands responsible for air operations along India’s western borders.
• A highly experienced fighter pilot with an exceptional flying record of over 4,500 flying hours, Air Marshal Singh brings comprehensive expertise in air combat operations, strategic planning for air campaigns, leadership in high-pressure operational environments, and command of fighter squadrons and airbases.
• An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and a recipient of prestigious military honors including the Vayu Sena Medal recognizing distinguished service and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for exceptional devotion to duty, his career reflects consistent excellence and professional competence across various appointments.
• His appointment to lead the South Western Air Command strengthens the Indian Air Force’s focus on maintaining operational readiness and air defence preparedness in a strategically vital region that includes responsibility for airspace along the Pakistan border, where the command must maintain constant vigilance, operate advanced fighter aircraft and air defence systems, and be prepared to respond effectively to any airspace violations or security contingencies in coordination with other defense services.

Defence News

India-UAE Desert Cyclone II Joint Military Exercise Concludes Successfully in Abu Dhabi

• The India-UAE Desert Cyclone II joint military exercise concluded successfully in Abu Dhabi on December 30, 2025, after a comprehensive two-week training program designed to enhance military cooperation and operational coordination between the armed forces of both nations.
• The bilateral exercise focused on critical contemporary military challenges including urban warfare tactics for operations in built-up areas, counter-terrorism operations involving room intervention and hostage rescue scenarios, and procedures for UN-mandated peace enforcement operations that both nations may undertake internationally.
• Conducted at the Al-Hamra Training City, a state-of-the-art military training facility that provides realistic urban terrain for practicing complex combat scenarios, the exercise enhanced tactical and operational interoperability between the Indian Army contingent and the UAE Land Forces through joint planning, coordinated execution, and shared learning.
• The successful conduct of Desert Cyclone II strengthens the comprehensive defense cooperation framework between India and the United Arab Emirates, enhances joint operational readiness for potential coalition operations, enables both armies to learn from each other’s tactical approaches and best practices, and reflects India’s growing strategic partnership with the UAE that extends beyond defense to encompass trade, energy security, technology, and people-to-people connections in the Gulf region.

Science and Technology News

Gaganyaan and Artemis-II Mark 2026 as Landmark Year for Human Space Exploration

• The year 2026 is set to become a landmark period for human spaceflight as India’s Gaganyaan (G1) uncrewed mission and NASA’s Artemis-II crewed lunar mission prepare for launch, representing significant technological demonstrations that will test critical systems necessary for safely transporting humans in space environments.
• India’s Gaganyaan G1 mission will test essential life-support systems, crew escape mechanisms, re-entry heat shields, parachute deployment systems, and ocean recovery operations, with the humanoid robot Vyommitra aboard the LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3) rocket to simulate crew conditions and validate spacecraft systems before actual astronauts fly.
• NASA’s Artemis-II mission plans to send a crew of astronauts beyond the Moon for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, testing the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System for deep-space human operations, verifying life support for extended missions beyond low Earth orbit, and paving the way for eventual lunar landings under the Artemis program.
• These parallel missions signal a new era of multipolar and technology-driven global space exploration, with ISRO aiming to establish India’s independent human spaceflight capability and join the exclusive group of nations that have launched humans to space, while NASA advances its lunar exploration architecture, demonstrating that space exploration is becoming more diversified with multiple nations and agencies developing advanced capabilities for scientific discovery, national prestige, and eventual space settlement.