International News

India’s AYUSH System Gains Global Boost Through Deals With Oman and New Zealand

• India’s traditional healthcare system AYUSH has achieved significant international recognition through its formal inclusion in bilateral trade agreements with Oman and New Zealand, marking a milestone in the global acceptance of Indian traditional medicine practices.
• The comprehensive agreements formally acknowledge the AYUSH system and cover a wide range of herbal products and wellness services, while providing crucial regulatory clarity and framework to facilitate and support international trade in traditional medicine.
• This global recognition substantially enhances India’s credibility and standing in international traditional medicine markets, creating new opportunities for increased exports and encouraging meaningful collaboration in research, development, and wellness sectors between partner nations.
• AYUSH exports demonstrated strong growth with a 6.11% increase, rising from USD 649.2 million in the fiscal year 2023–24 to USD 688.89 million in 2024–25, clearly reflecting the rising international demand and acceptance for Indian herbal and wellness products.
• The bilateral agreements are expected to open new markets, streamline regulatory processes for Indian AYUSH exporters, and establish India as a leading global hub for traditional medicine and holistic wellness solutions.

Science and Technology News

Haryana to Launch India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train

• Haryana is preparing to launch India’s first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind–Sonipat route, representing a groundbreaking pilot project by Indian Railways that utilizes green hydrogen technology to promote clean and sustainable rail transport across the nation.
• The hydrogen train, completely built and developed by Northern Railway, will serve as a demonstration project to prove the feasibility and viability of hydrogen as a zero-emission fuel alternative to conventional diesel on non-electrified railway routes throughout India.
• A dedicated hydrogen production and storage plant has been established at Jind with a substantial storage capacity of 3,000 kilograms, powered by stable electricity supply, and will produce hydrogen fuel through the electrolysis process for the train’s operations.
• This initiative marks a significant step in India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector and aligns with the country’s broader goals of achieving net-zero emissions and promoting renewable energy adoption.
• The successful implementation of this pilot project could pave the way for widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered trains across India’s vast non-electrified railway network, potentially revolutionizing sustainable public transportation.

International News

Supreme Court Signs MoU for Law Clerks Exchange With Bhutan

• India and Bhutan have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding that will enable Bhutanese law clerks to work in the Supreme Court of India for a three-month period, during which they will receive the same honorarium as their Indian counterparts, with all travel expenses covered by the Court.
• The collaborative initiative was officially announced by Chief Justice Surya Kant and is specifically designed to strengthen judicial cooperation, enhance professional training opportunities, and deepen institutional ties between the two neighboring countries.
• The agreement follows a significant diplomatic visit by former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai to Bhutan in October 2025, where both nations discussed and planned extensive collaboration in areas including technology integration, capacity building, and judicial modernization.
• This exchange program is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing, expose Bhutanese legal professionals to the workings of one of the world’s largest democracies’ apex court, and promote best practices in judicial administration and legal research.

National News

Centre Unveils ₹17 Lakh Crore PPP Project Pipeline for Next Three Years

• The Government of India has unveiled an ambitious three-year Public Private Partnership (PPP) project pipeline worth over ₹17 lakh crore, encompassing 852 diverse projects across Central ministries, State governments, and Union Territories throughout the country.
• Announced under the Union Budget 2025–26 and meticulously prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs, the comprehensive pipeline aims to provide investors and developers with early visibility into upcoming opportunities, significantly improve project bankability, and accelerate infrastructure execution timelines.
• The expansive initiative spans critical sectors including transport infrastructure, energy production and distribution, urban development, logistics networks, water management systems, and social infrastructure, demonstrating the government’s holistic approach to national development.
• The PPP model is designed to effectively leverage private sector capital, advanced technology, and operational efficiency while appropriately sharing risks with the public sector, thereby reducing the burden on government finances while ensuring quality infrastructure delivery.
• This massive infrastructure push is expected to create substantial employment opportunities, attract significant foreign and domestic investment, and position India as a preferred destination for infrastructure development and long-term investment.

National News

Government of India Approves Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Rates for Rabi 2025–26

• In January 2025, the Government of India approved Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Rabi 2025–26 season to ensure that farmers across the country have access to affordable and balanced fertilizers essential for optimal crop production.
• The subsidy rates are effective from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026 and cover Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers, including Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and multiple NPKS grades, with Ammonium Sulphate being added to the subsidy scheme for the first time.
• Subsidy rates have been strategically fixed per kilogram of nutrients rather than per bag of fertilizer to protect farmers from global price volatility, promote balanced soil health management, and sustain long-term agricultural productivity across diverse cropping patterns.
• The decision reinforces India’s food security goals and reflects the government’s continued and unwavering focus on farmer welfare, agricultural sustainability, and ensuring balanced fertilization practices that maintain soil fertility for future generations.

State News

Siddaramaiah Becomes Karnataka’s Longest Serving Chief Minister

• Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the state’s longest-serving Chief Minister, surpassing the previous record held by Devaraj Urs with over seven years and eight months in office across his multiple tenures.
• Rising from humble beginnings in a small village in Mysuru district, Siddaramaiah began his political journey in 1983 and held several key positions in the Janata Party and Janata Dal before making a significant political shift by joining the Congress party in 2006.
• As the first Chief Minister from the Kuruba community, a historically marginalized pastoral community, he has consistently championed social justice and inclusive governance through the AHINDA coalition, representing minorities, backward classes, and Dalits.
• His tenure has been marked by several welfare-oriented schemes and programs aimed at uplifting marginalized communities, including initiatives in education, healthcare, and rural development that have significantly impacted Karnataka’s social landscape.
• Siddaramaiah’s long political career and sustained leadership reflect his ability to navigate complex coalition politics, maintain grassroots connections, and implement policies that resonate with Karnataka’s diverse population across rural and urban areas.

State News

Assam Governor Launches Sanskaar Shaala for Value-Based Education

• Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya officially launched Sanskaar Shaala in Guwahati, a comprehensive program focused on providing value-based education for children aged four to fourteen years across the state.
• The innovative program places strong emphasis on ethics, compassion, and Indian cultural values, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals who possess both academic knowledge and strong moral foundations essential for responsible citizenship.
• The Governor highlighted the critical importance of integrating moral and ethical learning alongside formal academic education, noting that character development and values education are essential components of a complete educational experience.
• During the same visit, Governor Acharya attended the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Guwahati Blind High School, where he praised ongoing efforts in inclusive education and highlighted various government initiatives specifically designed to support and empower persons with disabilities.
• The Sanskaar Shaala initiative represents a broader movement to revive traditional Indian values and cultural heritage in modern education systems while ensuring that children develop strong ethical frameworks to guide their future decisions.

International News

2,000-Year-Old Kushan Coins of King Vasudeva Unearthed Near Taxila

• Archaeologists in Pakistan have made a significant discovery of 2,000-year-old bronze coins from the Kushan Empire dating to the reign of King Vasudeva at Bhir Mound near the ancient city of Taxila in Rawalpindi district.
• Alongside the valuable coins, fragments of lapis lazuli were discovered at the site, providing concrete evidence of extensive long-distance trade networks that linked Central Asia and South Asia during the Kushan period, facilitating cultural and commercial exchanges.
• Detailed numismatic analysis reveals that the coins prominently depict King Vasudeva on one side and a female deity on the other, reflecting the remarkable religious pluralism and syncretic traditions that characterized the Kushan era, which saw the blending of Greco-Roman, Persian, and Indian influences.
• The archaeological find significantly highlights Taxila’s crucial importance as a political, economic, and cultural center during the Kushan period, serving as a major hub along the ancient Silk Road trade routes.
• This discovery offers invaluable insights into ancient trade practices, religious beliefs, governance systems, and the sophisticated urban civilization that flourished in the region two millennia ago, contributing to our understanding of South Asian history.

Banking and Finance News

SEBI Proposes 30-Day Lag on Market Price Data for Investor Education

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed implementing a uniform 30-day lag period for sharing and using stock price data in investor education programs, replacing the previous inconsistent rules that mandated one-day and three-month delays for different purposes.
• The regulatory reform aims to effectively prevent potential misuse of sensitive real-time market data while simultaneously keeping educational content sufficiently relevant and meaningful for investors who are learning about market dynamics and investment principles.
• SEBI specifically highlighted concerns that using live or near-real-time market data in educational content could dangerously blur the critical distinction between genuine investor education and actual investment advice, with the latter requiring specific regulatory compliance and registration.
• The proposal carefully maintains existing safeguards from earlier circulars, ensuring that all educational content continues to avoid making specific stock recommendations, market predictions, or investment suggestions that could be construed as financial advice.
• This measured approach balances the need for realistic, data-driven investor education with the imperative to protect retail investors from potential manipulation and ensures that educational initiatives remain clearly separated from advisory services.

Banking and Finance News

Axis Bank Launches ‘Safety Centre’ to Boost Digital Banking Security

• Axis Bank has launched an innovative ‘Safety Centre’ feature on its mobile banking application to significantly strengthen customer protection against the growing threat of digital fraud and cybercrime in online financial transactions.
• Introduced in January 2026, the comprehensive security feature empowers users to actively manage their internet and mobile banking settings, UPI transaction limits, fund transfer permissions, and multiple fraud protection tools in real-time directly from their smartphones.
• Key security functions include the SMS Shield feature to help customers verify genuine bank messages from fraudulent ones, one-click restriction capabilities on fund transfers during suspicious activity, blocking of third-party payment requests, and granular controls over UPI usage and payee additions.
• The Safety Centre puts control directly in customers’ hands, allowing them to quickly respond to potential security threats, customize their security settings according to their comfort level, and significantly reduce their vulnerability to common digital fraud techniques.
• This launch reflects Axis Bank’s proactive approach to cybersecurity and customer protection, addressing the increasing sophistication of digital fraud attempts while maintaining the convenience and accessibility that customers expect from modern digital banking.

Banking and Finance News

RBI Proposes 75% Cap on Banks’ Dividend Payouts

• The Reserve Bank of India has proposed implementing a regulatory cap limiting banks’ dividend payouts to a maximum of 75% of Profit After Tax (PAT) to strengthen capital buffers and ensure long-term financial stability across the banking sector.
• The prudential measure applies to all scheduled commercial banks operating in India and encourages the retention of profits to absorb future financial risks, support sustained credit growth to the economy, and withstand potential economic shocks and market volatility.
• While shareholders may experience moderated dividend distributions in the short term, the proposal prioritizes the strengthening of bank balance sheets and aligns Indian banking practices with global best practices in prudential banking regulation and capital management.
• By limiting excessive dividend payouts, the RBI aims to maintain adequate capital adequacy ratios, reduce systemic risk in the banking system, and promote prudential banking practices that prioritize institutional stability over short-term shareholder returns.
• The measure ensures that bank profits are strategically used to reinforce financial resilience and build capital reserves rather than being fully distributed as dividends, particularly important in an environment of evolving global economic uncertainties and regulatory requirements.

Banking and Finance News

IDFC FIRST Bank Launches ‘Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card’

• In January 2026, IDFC FIRST Bank launched the Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card, a premium financial product specifically aimed at frequent international travelers and lifestyle-focused spenders who regularly transact in foreign currencies.
• The card’s standout feature is its zero foreign exchange markup on international transactions, making overseas spending and international online purchases significantly more cost-effective compared to traditional credit cards that typically charge 2-3.5% forex markup fees.
• Priced at ₹3,000 plus applicable GST as an annual fee, the card offers a fee waiver from the second year onwards for customers who spend ₹6 lakh or more, and includes comprehensive benefits such as airport lounge access, travel insurance coverage, priority airport services, and a robust reward points structure.
• The launch strategically strengthens IDFC FIRST Bank’s competitive presence in the premium credit card segment with a digital-first approach and globally focused product design that caters to India’s growing class of international travelers and digital consumers.
• Additional features include accelerated reward points on international spending, comprehensive fraud protection, contactless payment technology, and exclusive lifestyle benefits that position the card as a comprehensive solution for affluent customers with global financial needs.

Banking and Finance News

FSS Becomes First Payments Company to Receive ISO/IEC 42001 Certification

• Financial Software and Systems (FSS) has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first payments company across India, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and South Africa to receive the prestigious ISO/IEC 42001 certification for artificial intelligence management systems.
• This global recognition highlights FSS’s strong commitment to ethical, responsible, and trustworthy use of artificial intelligence in digital payments infrastructure, setting a new industry benchmark for AI governance in financial technology.
• ISO/IEC 42001, recognized as the world’s first international standard specifically for AI management systems, ensures robust governance frameworks, operational transparency, and comprehensive risk mitigation in AI-driven operations and decision-making processes.
• The certification significantly strengthens regulatory confidence in FSS’s operations, enhances customer trust in the company’s AI-powered payment solutions, and underscores India’s growing leadership position in fintech innovation and responsible AI adoption across emerging markets.
• This achievement positions FSS as a pioneer in establishing industry best practices for AI governance in payments, potentially influencing regulatory frameworks and setting standards for other companies operating in the rapidly evolving fintech and digital payments ecosystem.

Defence News

Indian Army Creates Modern Warfare Force ‘Bhairav’ with Over 1 Lakh Drone Operatives

• In January 2026, the Indian Army announced the creation of ‘Bhairav’, a groundbreaking modern warfare force that integrates advanced drone technology and unmanned aerial systems into conventional combat operations, representing a paradigm shift in military strategy.
• Comprising over one lakh (100,000) specially trained drone operatives and structured into agile Bhairav battalions, this specialized force is designed for real-time surveillance, precision strikes, reconnaissance missions, and high-intensity combat operations, effectively bridging the capability gap between regular infantry and Special Forces.
• With 15 specialized battalions already raised and operational plans to expand to 25 battalions in the near future, Bhairav marks a major leap in India’s military modernization efforts and establishes technology-driven battlefield dominance as a core military capability.
• The force’s creation reflects strategic lessons learned from recent global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, where drone warfare demonstrated transformative impact on modern battlefield dynamics and combat effectiveness.
• This initiative significantly strengthens India’s future-ready defense capabilities, provides asymmetric advantages in potential conflict scenarios, and positions the Indian Army at the forefront of military technological innovation among emerging defense powers globally.

Defence News

IAF Commemorates 25th Anniversary of Tejas Light Combat Aircraft’s First Flight

• On January 4, 2026, the Indian Air Force marked the historic 25th anniversary of the maiden flight of the indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, symbolizing India’s remarkable progress toward self-reliance in defense aviation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• The Tejas program was launched in 1983 with the ambitious objective of replacing the IAF’s aging fleet of fighter aircraft with a modern, indigenous aircraft designed and manufactured entirely in India, reducing dependence on foreign military imports.
• The historic first flight took place on January 4, 2001, from HAL Airport in Bengaluru, piloted by Wing Commander Rajiv Kothiyal, marking India’s entry into the elite group of nations capable of designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced fighter aircraft domestically.
• Over the past 25 years, the Tejas program has evolved through multiple variants, achieved Initial Operational Clearance and Final Operational Clearance, entered squadron service with the Indian Air Force, and continues to undergo upgrades with advanced avionics, weapons systems, and capabilities.
• The silver jubilee celebration recognizes the contributions of thousands of scientists, engineers, technicians, and test pilots from organizations like HAL, DRDO, ADA, and NAL who transformed India’s aerospace capabilities and established a foundation for future indigenous aircraft development programs.

Banking and Finance News

India’s Growth Seen at 6.9% in FY27 Despite Global Pressures: Ind-Ra

• India’s economy is projected to grow at 6.9% in fiscal year 2027, representing a moderation from the estimated 7.4% growth in FY26, primarily due to persistent global economic uncertainties and the mathematical high base effect from previous years’ strong performance.
• Domestic economic reforms including significant income tax cuts for middle-class taxpayers, GST rationalization to reduce compliance burden, and comprehensive trade agreements with strategic partners like the United Kingdom, Oman, and New Zealand are expected to provide substantial support to economic growth.
• The economic landscape shows divergent consumption patterns with rural demand demonstrating strength due to good monsoons and agricultural income growth, while urban consumption remains relatively weaker, though capital expenditure and housing investments are expected to provide significant boost to overall economic activity.
• Inflation is projected to remain stable and within the Reserve Bank of India’s tolerance band, supported by steady food prices, adequate buffer stocks, and effective supply chain management, providing room for accommodative monetary policy if needed.
• Key downside risks to the growth projection include potential US tariff increases on Indian exports, continued weakness in global trade volumes, possible El Niño weather pattern affecting agricultural output, and currency fluctuations, though overall domestic structural reforms are expected to provide adequate cushion against external challenges.

Appointments and Resignations News

Ramesh Kumar Juneja Takes Charge as Chairman of Council for Leather Exports

• Ramesh Kumar Juneja has been appointed as Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), officially taking charge during the organization’s 184th Committee of Administration meeting held in Chennai, marking a new chapter in India’s leather export promotion efforts.
• The Council for Leather Exports, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, serves as the apex body responsible for promoting Indian leather, footwear, leather garments, and related products in global markets through trade facilitation, policy advocacy, and international market development.
• Juneja brings over four decades of extensive industry experience to the position, having founded the prominent JC Group and played a pioneering role in integrating India into global leather value chains, establishing manufacturing facilities, and developing export markets across continents.
• His appointment comes at a crucial time when the Indian leather industry faces both opportunities from growing global demand and challenges from sustainability requirements, changing consumer preferences, and increasing competition from other manufacturing nations.
• Under his leadership, the CLE is expected to focus on promoting sustainable leather production, enhancing design and innovation capabilities, improving quality standards, expanding into new markets, and positioning Indian leather products as premium offerings in the global marketplace.

Appointments and Resignations News

GI Council Appoints S Prakash as CEO for Health Insurance Ecosystem

• The General Insurance Council has appointed S Prakash to the newly created position of CEO for Health Insurance Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships, effective January 7, 2026, reflecting the industry’s commitment to transforming health insurance operations in India.
• The strategic role has been specifically designed to strengthen collaboration and coordination across the entire health insurance value chain, including insurers, hospitals, third-party administrators, regulators, and policyholders, to significantly improve efficiency, transparency, and trust in India’s rapidly growing health insurance sector.
• Prakash will focus on critical areas including standardizing medical treatment protocols and pricing, reducing disputes between hospitals and insurers, implementing robust systems to manage fraud and abuse, and enhancing grievance redressal mechanisms to improve customer satisfaction.
• The appointment addresses longstanding challenges in the health insurance industry, including claim settlement delays, disputes over treatment necessity, lack of standardized pricing, and information asymmetry that often leads to customer dissatisfaction and erosion of trust.
• This initiative is expected to facilitate the development of industry-wide best practices, create standardized operating procedures, improve the claims settlement ratio, reduce turnaround times, and ultimately make health insurance more accessible, affordable, and reliable for millions of Indian policyholders.

Science and Technology News

Govt Relaxes DSIR Norms to Boost Deep-Tech Startups

• The Government of India has significantly relaxed the norms of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) by removing the previously mandatory three-year existence condition for deep-tech startups to receive official recognition and access government support programs.
• Announced during the 41st Foundation Day celebrations of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, this progressive reform allows early-stage deep-tech startups working on cutting-edge technologies to access crucial institutional support, funding opportunities, and recognition much sooner in their development journey.
• The regulatory reform reflects the government’s growing confidence in Indian innovators and entrepreneurs working on breakthrough technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced materials, quantum computing, and other frontier science and technology domains.
• The measure is specifically designed to help deep-tech startups scale and survive during their most vulnerable early phase, when they face the “valley of death” between proof-of-concept and commercial viability, often requiring sustained support before generating revenues.
• This policy change is expected to accelerate India’s deep-tech innovation ecosystem, encourage more scientists and researchers to commercialize their discoveries, attract venture capital investment in technology startups, and strengthen India’s position in the global innovation landscape across emerging technology sectors.