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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

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.

Key Highlights :

• 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.

About ICICI Bank Limited : 

• Incorporated : 1994
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) : Sandeep Bakhshi

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Approves Key Policy Reforms to Boost Governance and Growth of National Pension System

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) approved major policy reforms to strengthen governance, increase competition, and ensure sustainable growth of the National Pension System (NPS).
• The reforms will be implemented in phases and aim to expand NPS coverage across corporate, retail, and gig-economy workers, while protecting subscriber interests.
• Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) will now be allowed to independently sponsor and manage Pension Funds, subject to eligibility criteria such as net worth, market capitalisation, and prudential norms aligned with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.
• PFRDA appointed three new Trustees to the Board of NPS Trust:
• Dinesh Kumar Khara, former Chairman of State Bank of India, designated Chairperson of the Board.
• Swati Anil Kulkarni, former Executive Vice President of UTI AMC.
• Arvind Gupta, Co-Founder and Head of Digital India Foundation and Member of the National Venture Capital Investment Committee under SIDBI’s Fund of Funds Scheme.
• A revised Investment Management Fee (IMF) structure will be applied from 1 April 2026, with slab-based rates for non-government subscribers:
• Up to ₹25,000 crore AUM: 0.12%
• ₹25,000–50,000 crore AUM: 0.08%
• ₹50,000–1,50,000 crore AUM: 0.06%
• Above ₹1,50,000 crore AUM: 0.04%
• The Annual Regulatory Fee (ARF) remains 0.015% of AUM, with 0.0025% earmarked for the Association of NPS Intermediaries (ANI) to support outreach and financial literacy, enhancing long-term retirement security.
• Currently, there are 10 pension funds operating under NPS, with assets under management (AUM) of about Rs 16 lakh crore as of 30 November 2025.

About PFRDA :

• Established : 2003
• It is a regulatory body under the Government of India tasked with promoting old-age income security by regulating and developing pension funds, including the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
• Chairman : Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann

India’s Unified Payments Interface Records Record 21.63 Billion Transactions in December 2025: National Payments Corporation of India

• 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.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Union Minister Piyush Goyal 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.

Indian Oil Corporation Sources First Crude Oil Cargo from Colombia to Reduce Dependence on Russian Supplies

• Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) purchased its first-ever crude oil cargo from Colombia under an optional supply agreement with Ecopetrol, marking a strategic move to diversify crude oil imports away from Russia.
• The cargo consists of 2 million barrels of Colombian Castilla crude, with delivery scheduled for late February, highlighting India’s efforts to expand sourcing from South America.
• The decision comes amid disruptions in Russian oil supplies caused by United States (US) and European Union (EU) sanctions, prompting Indian refiners to seek alternative crude suppliers.
• As a result of this shift, India’s imports of Russian crude oil are expected to decline to a three-year low of around 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in December, compared to 1.84 million bpd in November.
• The IOC–Ecopetrol supply deal, originally signed in late 2021 and renewed annually, has been sparingly used, as South American crude is generally less price-competitive than Russian and Middle Eastern crude grades, making this purchase significant for energy security and diversification

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Union Home Minister Amit Shah 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.
• The event was attended by Shri Nityanand Rai, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs; Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar; Admiral D. K. Joshi (Retd.), Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Shri Govind Mohan, Union Home Secretary; and other dignitaries.
• 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.

RECENT NEWS

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the newly constructed Bio-CNG and Fertilizer Plant by Banas Dairy and laid the foundation stone for a 150-ton powder plant in Vav-Tharad district, Gujarat.

Vice President Inaugurates 9th Siddha Day Celebrations in Chennai

• Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• He emphasized Siddha medicine as a comprehensive, preventive, holistic, and sustainable healthcare system, highlighting its relevance in the contemporary world.
• The event was attended by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ma. Subramanian, Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, senior officials, and heads of Siddha institutions.
• The Government reaffirmed its commitment to making Siddha evidence-based, globally accepted, and widely accessible, while preserving its classical integrity.
• On the occasion, five eminent personalities were honoured for their outstanding contributions to Siddha medicine: Dr. B. Michael Jeyaraj, Dr. T. Kannan Rajaram, Late Dr. I. Sornamariammal, Dr. Mohana Raj, and Prof. Dr. V. Banumathi.
• Their contributions span research, manuscript preservation, education, leadership, and grassroots development of Siddha medicine.
• The event was themed “Siddha for Global Health” and witnessed participation from Siddha practitioners, scientists, academicians, scholars, and students nationwide.
• The celebrations reaffirmed the Ministry of Ayush’s commitment to promoting Siddha through research, education, innovation, and global engagement, positioning it as an integral part of national and international health systems.

About Tamil Nadu:

• Capital: Chennai
• Chief Minister: M.K. Stalin
• Governor: R.N. Ravi
• National Parks: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park, Guindy National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

Prime Minister to Inaugurate 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.

About Uttar Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• Governor: Anandiben Patel
• Capital: Lucknow
• National Parks: Dudhwa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary (Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary), Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranipur Wildlife

Union Minister to Inaugurate Smart Green Aquaculture Farm and RAS Facility in Hyderabad

• Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), Union Minister for the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, will inaugurate the Smart Green Aquaculture Farm and Research Institute along with a state-of-the-art Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) Facility.
• The inauguration will take place in Hyderabad, Telangana, following the General Body Meeting.
• Smart Green Aquaculture Limited has established India’s first commercial-scale tropical RAS-based Rainbow Trout Aquaculture Farm and Research Institute at Kandukur Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, Telangana.
• The project demonstrates that high-value cold-water species such as Rainbow Trout can be farmed year-round in tropical climates using precision engineering, controlled biological systems, and advanced water recirculation technologies.
• This development challenges the traditional belief that premium aquaculture species are limited to specific climatic zones and establishes technology rather than climate as the key determinant of aquaculture viability.
• The facility will function as a live training and demonstration platform, providing hands-on exposure to youth in advanced aquaculture systems, automation, and biosecurity, thereby strengthening human capital in the fisheries sector.
• The Government of India has undertaken several initiatives for the holistic development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, with a significant increase in central government investments since 2015.
• Cumulative investments worth ₹38,572 crore have been approved or announced across various fisheries and aquaculture schemes since 2015.
• Cold water fisheries are emerging as a high-growth and high-potential segment, driven by rising demand for premium species, growing domestic and export markets, and increased adoption of sustainable aquaculture technologies.
• Trout farming is a high-value and strategically important segment of Indian aquaculture, traditionally concentrated in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, utilizing cold, well-oxygenated snow-fed water resources.
• The Department of Fisheries has strengthened trout production through the establishment of rainbow trout hatcheries, leading to enhanced production and local employment generation.
• With new hatcheries and advanced techniques, an annual production of 14 lakh trout seeds has been achieved.
• Uttarakhand has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) under the Vibrant Village Scheme for the supply of trout fish.
• The Government of India is promoting aquaculture as a strategic growth engine through technology adoption, institutional reforms, species diversification, capacity building, and infrastructure development, including modern systems such as RAS.
• These measures aim to shift the sector from subsistence-based practices to a technology-driven, market-oriented ecosystem, enhancing productivity, farmer incomes, and sustainability.
• The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has also notified the development of cold water fisheries clusters in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.

About Telangana:

• Capital: Hyderabad
• Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
• Chief Minister: Anumula Revanth Reddy
• National Parks: Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, Mrugavani National Park, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary

Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 to be Held in Jaipur

• As part of India’s preparatory engagements for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 will held in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• The Conference will act as a regional platform to deliberate on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support governance reforms, economic growth, innovation, and inclusive development.
• Senior leadership from the Government of India and the Government of Rajasthan will participate, including Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India.
• Other prominent participants include Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Commerce and Industry; Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan; and Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Cabinet Minister for Information Technology and Communication, Government of Rajasthan, among others.
• The Conference will witness major announcements and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening Rajasthan’s Artificial Intelligence ecosystem, promoting innovation, and accelerating AI adoption across priority sectors.
• The agenda includes high-level sessions on AI for Public Service Delivery and Governance, Ethical and Responsible AI, AI and the Future of Employment and Skills, and the growth of Rajasthan’s AI startup and innovation ecosystem.
• Discussions will also cover advanced applications such as Digital Twins, AI-driven infrastructure planning, and strategic deliberations on whether AI can enable India to move from an outsourcing-based model to global intellectual property creation.
• Experts will share perspectives on Global, National, and Regional AI strategies, with an academic and research perspective provided by Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT Jodhpur), highlighting the role of institutions in developing locally grounded and globally competitive AI solutions.
• The Conference is being held in conjunction with Rajasthan DigiFest × TiE Global Summit 2026, reflecting Rajasthan’s ambition to emerge as a hub for digital innovation and emerging technologies.
• The Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 forms part of a series of regional consultations feeding into the India AI Impact Summit 2026, reinforcing India’s approach of building global AI leadership through regional innovation, practical implementation, and real-world impact.

About Rajasthan:

• Capital: Jaipur
• Governor: Haribhau Bagade
• Chief Minister: Bajan Lal Sharma
• National Parks: Ranthambhore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Desert National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary

IndiaAI to Convene Human Capital Working Group Meeting at IIT Guwahati

• IndiaAI, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Assam and Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati), will organize the Human Capital Working Group Meeting at the IIT Guwahati campus.
• The Human Capital Working Group is chaired by Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chair of the Human Capital Working Group and former Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Government of India.
• The two-day meeting will bring together senior policymakers, academic leaders, industry experts, and practitioners to deliberate on the future of education, skilling, and workforce readiness in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Key participants include Shri Syedain Abbasi, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Assam; Shri K. S. Gopinath Narayan, IAAS, Principal Secretary (Information Technology), Government of Assam; and Shri Ashwani Kumar, IAS, Director, Information Technology Department, Government of Assam.
• Academic and institutional representatives include Prof. Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati; Prof. Gautam Barua, Former Director, IIT Guwahati; and Smt. Shikha Dahiya, Joint Director, IndiaAI, MeitY, along with other government officials, academicians, and dignitaries.
• The inaugural session will feature a Summit Address by Prof. T. G. Sitharam, outlining the Human Capital vision under the India AI Impact Summit framework.
• The meeting is anchored in the objective of treating AI as a public utility and will focus on inclusive, scalable, and responsible approaches to AI-led workforce transition.
• The agenda includes expert panel discussions on Gender-Responsive Strategies for the AI Transition, Redefining Education for the Cognitive Age, Architecture of the National Language Translation Mission, Building an Inclusive and Empowered India, and Reverse Engineering Approach to AI Education.
• The Guwahati meeting will act as a regional and thematic precursor to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled from 15th to 20th February 2026 in New Delhi.
• Outcomes of the Human Capital Working Group Meeting are expected to directly inform the deliberations of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, reinforcing India’s commitment to building a resilient, future-ready, and AI-empowered workforce.

About Assam:

• Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya
• Capital: Dispur
• National Parks: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National Park, Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

NTPC Signs MoA with Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute to Upgrade Radiotherapy Services

• NTPC Limited – Western Region–I Headquarters, Mumbai signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Gujarat Cancer & 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 MoA was exchanged between Dr. Shashank Pandya, Director, GCRI, and Shri E. Satya Phani Kumar, Regional Executive Director (West–I), NTPC, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.
• The signing ceremony was attended by Shri Akhaya Kumar Patra, General Manager (Operation Services); Shri A. P. Samal, Chief Executive Officer (NTPC Nuclear Power Utility Limited) and Chief General Manager (Nuclear); and Smt. Vandana Chaturvedi, Regional Head (Human Resources), West–I, along with other senior officials of NTPC Western Region–I and members of the CSR team.
• Senior representatives from GCRI were also present at the ceremony.
• The initiative reinforces NTPC’s commitment to inclusive development and its continued focus on strengthening critical healthcare infrastructure through impact-driven CSR interventions.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak Named Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court

• The Department of Justice (DoJ) under the Ministry of Law and Justice (MoL&J) announced that the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, approved the appointment of Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak, a Judge of the Bombay High Court (HC), as the Chief Justice (CJ) of the Jharkhand High Court, under Article 217(1) of the Constitution of India (CoI), in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
• He will assume office after the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan on 8 January 2026.
• Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak was enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa in October 1988.
• He practiced at the Panaji Bench of the High Court of Judicature at Bombay, handling cases related to civil and constitutional law, labour and service law, environmental law, commercial and tax laws, company law, and public interest litigations.
• He served as Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government and as Special Counsel for the State Government.
• He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in June 2013.
• His retirement is scheduled for 27 November 2026, making this appointment relevant for current affairs and judiciary-related competitive examinations.

Ministry of Home Affairs Assigns Rakesh Aggarwal 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.

About NIA :

• Formed : 2009
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India

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.

About RBL Bank (Ratnakar Bank Limited):

• Founded: 1943
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• MD & CEO: R Subramaniakumar
• Tagline: "Apno Ka Bank"

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Army Inaugurates ‘Radio Sangam’ Community Radio Station in Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir

• 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.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SpaceX Successfully Launches Italy’s COSMO-SkyMed Second-Generation Earth Observation Satellite

• SpaceX launched the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation–Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3), an Earth Observation Satellite (EOS), for the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Italian Ministry of Defence, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA.
• The launch marked the third satellite in the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation series, the first SpaceX mission of 2026, and the first orbital rocket launch globally in 2026.

Key Highlights :

• The Falcon 9 is a reusable first-stage launch vehicle capable of carrying payloads to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond, supporting commercial, scientific, and government missions.
• The satellite was successfully deployed into a sun-synchronous Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of about 620 kilometres (km).
• CSG-FM3 is part of the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation constellation, developed by Italy to enhance global radar imaging and Earth observation capabilities.
• The COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation system is a dual-use constellation, designed to support both civilian and defence applications, operating 24×7 in all weather conditions.
• Each Second-Generation COSMO-SkyMed satellite, weighing about 2,205 kilograms (kg), is an upgraded version equipped with advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and improved imaging performance.
• The satellite enables real-time monitoring of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, and wildfires, tracks glacier movement, and assesses forest health, crop conditions, and soil moisture.
• It provides high-resolution radar maps for cartography, urban planning, land-use analysis, and infrastructure monitoring, and supports national security, maritime surveillance, border monitoring, and strategic planning.
• COSMO-SkyMed, managed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and Italy’s Ministry of Defence, and operated by Telespazio, can capture high-resolution images day and night, in all weather conditions.
• The first-generation COSMO-SkyMed constellation, consisting of four satellites launched between 2007 and 2010, provided all-weather, day-and-night imaging for disaster management, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and defence, especially over the Mediterranean region.

About SpaceX :

• Established : 2002
• Headquarters : Texas, USA
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) : Elon Musk

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar Launches IITM Global to Position IIT Madras as World’s First Multinational University

• Union Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar Subrahmanyam, from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), launched the IITM Global Research Foundation at the Indian Institute of Technology–Madras (IIT-M) campus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, highlighting IIT-M’s vision to become the world’s first multinational university.
• The IITM Global initiative is designed as a plug-and-play global framework to enable deep-tech innovators, researchers, startups, and industry partners to access international markets, capital, and advanced research opportunities.
• IITM Global is structured around four core pillars, namely technology transfer to global markets, joint international research projects, overseas business opportunities for IIT-M startups, and attracting foreign investment into IIT-M’s innovation ecosystem.
• As part of the rollout, IIT-Madras signed multiple Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) with global partners, including 3 MoUs in the United States of America (USA), 1 in the United Kingdom (UK), 3 in Germany, 3 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), 3 in the Asia-Pacific region, and 6 under the ‘India-for-Global’ initiative.
• In the initial phase, IITM Global centres will be established in the USA, Dubai (UAE), Malaysia, and Germany, with plans for further global expansion, making it a key topic for higher education, innovation, and international collaboration–related examinations.

Abu Dhabi Becomes World’s First to Administer ITVISMA Gene Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

• Yas Clinic – Khalifa City, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and under the support and oversight of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, successfully administered the first gene-therapy injection for hemoglobinopathies in the UAE using CASGEVY, a CRISPR-Cas9–based gene-editing therapy.
• CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology allows highly precise modification of disease-causing genes by targeting and correcting specific DNA sequences, marking a major advancement in genomic medicine.
• The CRISPR-Cas9 mechanism uses guide RNA to identify the defective gene, while the Cas9 enzyme acts as molecular scissors, cutting DNA at the targeted site to enable correction of genetic mutations.

Key Highlights :

• CASGEVY is approved for patients aged 12 years and above suffering from sickle cell disease with recurrent vaso-occlusive crises or transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia.
• Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Abu Dhabi, became the first hospital in the world to administer ITVISMA, a one-time gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), marking a landmark in precision medicine and genomics-led healthcare.
• The administration of ITVISMA raises important considerations related to environmental clearances, ex-post facto approvals, and environmental impact assessments for advanced medical facilities.
• SKMC successfully delivered ITVISMA, potentially setting global benchmarks for integrating environmental safeguards with advanced healthcare infrastructure.
• The ITVISMA treatment was administered on 28 December 2025, under strict medical and environmental protocols, supervised by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
• The UAE approved ITVISMA on 25 November 2025, becoming the second country after the United States to authorise its clinical use, reflecting a balance between medical innovation and environmental jurisprudence.
• ITVISMA, developed by Novartis, directly addresses the genetic root cause of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), aligning cutting-edge medical science with principles of environmental democracy.
• The therapy works by replacing the defective SMN1 gene, enabling sustained production of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, while complying with strict environmental impact assessment guidelines.
• Unlike earlier SMA treatments, ITVISMA is a single-dose gene therapy, approved for patients aged 2 years and above, including adults, expanding access and potentially reducing long-term environmental and treatment burdens.

India and Pakistan Conduct Annual Exchange of Nuclear Installations List to Strengthen Strategic Transparency

• India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities through diplomatic channels to maintain strategic transparency and confidence-building.
• The exchange was carried out simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad, ensuring mutual compliance.
• This process is conducted under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, which aims to protect nuclear sites from hostile attacks.
• The agreement was signed on 31 December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991, establishing a formal protocol for nuclear safety and notification.
• As per the agreement, both countries are required to inform each other of designated nuclear installations every year on 1 January.
• The recent exchange, announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), marks the 35th consecutive annual exchange, with the first exchange conducted on 1 January 1992, reflecting consistent adherence to bilateral nuclear protocols.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Day of War Orphans 2026 Observed on 6th January

• 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.

Daily CA One- Liner: 6^th January 2026

• 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
• Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament through video conferencing
• Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), Union Minister for the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, will inaugurate the Smart Green Aquaculture Farm and Research Institute along with a state-of-the-art Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) Facility
• As part of India’s preparatory engagements for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 will held in Jaipur, Rajasthan
• IndiaAI, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Assam and Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati), will organize the Human Capital Working Group Meeting at the IIT Guwahati campus
• NTPC Limited – Western Region–I Headquarters, Mumbai signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute (GCRI) for the upgradation of radiotherapy services
• 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.
• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) approved major policy reforms to strengthen governance, increase competition, and ensure sustainable growth of the National Pension System (NPS).
• 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)
• 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.
• Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) purchased its first-ever crude oil cargo from Colombia under an optional supply agreement with Ecopetrol, marking a strategic move to diversify crude oil imports away from Russia.
• The Department of Justice (DoJ) under the Ministry of Law and Justice (MoL&J) announced that the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, approved the appointment of Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak, a Judge of the Bombay High Court (HC), as the Chief Justice (CJ) of the Jharkhand High Court, under Article 217(1) of the Constitution of India (CoI), in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• SpaceX launched the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation–Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3), an Earth Observation Satellite (EOS), for the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Italian Ministry of Defence, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA.
• Union Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar Subrahmanyam, from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), launched the IITM Global Research Foundation at the Indian Institute of Technology–Madras (IIT-M) campus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, highlighting IIT-M’s vision to become the world’s first multinational university.
• Yas Clinic – Khalifa City, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and under the support and oversight of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, successfully administered the first gene-therapy injection for hemoglobinopathies in the UAE using CASGEVY, a CRISPR-Cas9–based gene-editing therapy.
• India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities through diplomatic channels to maintain strategic transparency and confidence-building.
• 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