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IDFC FIRST Bank Launches ‘Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card’In January 2026, IDFC FIRST Bank, an Indian private sector bank, launched the ‘Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card’, a premium offering for frequent international travelers that provides zero foreign exchange(Forex) markup along with travel and lifestyle rewards.What? Launch of Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit CardLaunched by: IDFC FIRST BankKey Feature: Zero foreign exchange markup on international transactionsTarget Audience: Frequent international travelers and premium lifestyle spendersAnnual Fee: Rs 3,000 plus GST (waived from 2nd year on annual spends of Rs 6 lakh)About Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card:Application: Apply digitally via website/applications(app); Rs 500 gift voucher on spending Rs 5,000 within 30 days of activation.Travel Insurance: Domestic and international lounge access with Rs 20,000 monthly spend, with airport meet-and-greet on USD 1,000 annual spend, along with travel insurance including Rs 25,000 trip cancellation, lost baggage and flight delay cover, Rs 1 crore air accident, and Rs 10 lakh personal accident cover.Fees & Interest: Rs.3,000 + Goods and Services Tax(GST ) joining and annual fee (waived on Rs.6 lakh annual spend), dynamic interest from 8.5% per annum (p.a)., 0% interest on global Automated Teller Machine (ATM) withdrawals till due date (Rs.199 fee), and fuel surcharge waiver at select outlets.Rewards: Earn up to 60 reward points per Rs.150 on hotels, 40 on flights, and 10 on other spends; each point is worth Rs.0.25, with lifetime validity, no cap, and online redemption.

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07 Jan, 2026
IDFC FIRST Bank Launches ‘Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card’In January 2026, IDFC FIRST Bank, an Indian private sector bank, launched the ‘Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card’, a premium offering for frequent international travelers that provides zero foreign exchange(Forex) markup along with travel and lifestyle rewards.What? Launch of Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit CardLaunched by: IDFC FIRST BankKey Feature: Zero foreign exchange markup on international transactionsTarget Audience: Frequent international travelers and premium lifestyle spendersAnnual Fee: Rs 3,000 plus GST (waived from 2nd year on annual spends of Rs 6 lakh)About Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card:Application: Apply digitally via website/applications(app); Rs 500 gift voucher on spending Rs 5,000 within 30 days of activation.Travel Insurance: Domestic and international lounge access with Rs 20,000 monthly spend, with airport meet-and-greet on USD 1,000 annual spend, along with travel insurance including Rs 25,000 trip cancellation, lost baggage and flight delay cover, Rs 1 crore air accident, and Rs 10 lakh personal accident cover.Fees & Interest: Rs.3,000 + Goods and Services Tax(GST ) joining and annual fee (waived on Rs.6 lakh annual spend), dynamic interest from 8.5% per annum (p.a)., 0% interest on global Automated Teller Machine (ATM) withdrawals till due date (Rs.199 fee), and fuel surcharge waiver at select outlets.Rewards: Earn up to 60 reward points per Rs.150 on hotels, 40 on flights, and 10 on other spends; each point is worth Rs.0.25, with lifetime validity, no cap, and online redemption.
IDFC FIRST Bank Launches ‘Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card’In January 2026, IDFC FIRST Bank, an Indian private sector bank, launched the ‘Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card’, a premium offering for frequent international travelers that prov...
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FSS Becomes First Payments Company in India, ME, APAC, SA to Receive  ISO/IEC 42001 CertificationOn January 6, 2026, Financial Software and Systems (FSS), a payment solutions and transaction processing company, has become the first payments company in India, the Middle East (ME), Asia-Pacific (APAC), and South Africa (SA) to earn the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/ International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 42001 (ISO/IEC 42001) Certification.The certification highlights FSS’s strong commitment to the responsible and trustworthy use of Artificial Intelligence(AI) across its digital payments platforms.What? ISO/IEC 42001 Certification awardedWho? Financial Software and Systems (FSS)Significance: First Payment company in India, ME, APAC, SAPurpose: For ethical and responsible use of AIAbout ISO/IEC 42001: Overview: It is the world’s first international standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS), and recognizes organizations that demonstrate responsible, ethical, and trustworthy use of AI.Objective: It is aimed at ensuring responsible and ethical use of AI, establishing a structured governance framework, and ensuring AI systems are transparent, accountable, and explainable.It also includes mitigating risks such as bias, unintended outcomes, and regulatory non-compliance.

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07 Jan, 2026
FSS Becomes First Payments Company in India, ME, APAC, SA to Receive  ISO/IEC 42001 CertificationOn January 6, 2026, Financial Software and Systems (FSS), a payment solutions and transaction processing company, has become the first payments company in India, the Middle East (ME), Asia-Pacific (APAC), and South Africa (SA) to earn the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/ International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 42001 (ISO/IEC 42001) Certification.The certification highlights FSS’s strong commitment to the responsible and trustworthy use of Artificial Intelligence(AI) across its digital payments platforms.What? ISO/IEC 42001 Certification awardedWho? Financial Software and Systems (FSS)Significance: First Payment company in India, ME, APAC, SAPurpose: For ethical and responsible use of AIAbout ISO/IEC 42001: Overview: It is the world’s first international standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS), and recognizes organizations that demonstrate responsible, ethical, and trustworthy use of AI.Objective: It is aimed at ensuring responsible and ethical use of AI, establishing a structured governance framework, and ensuring AI systems are transparent, accountable, and explainable.It also includes mitigating risks such as bias, unintended outcomes, and regulatory non-compliance.
FSS Becomes First Payments Company in India, ME, APAC, SA to Receive  ISO/IEC 42001 CertificationOn January 6, 2026, Financial Software and Systems (FSS), a payment solutions and transaction processing company, has become the first payments company i...
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MIB Sets Up LEDC to Boost India’s Concert & Live Entertainment EconomyIn January 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) set up a Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to boost India’s concert and live entertainment economy.What? Live Events Development Cell was establishedWho? Ministry of Information and BroadcastingPurpose: Boost India’s concert and live entertainment economyFormation: July 2025 under Union Minister Ashwini VaishnawMarket: Organised live events market valued at Rs.20,861 crore in 2024About Live Events Development Cell(LEDC):Formation: Constituted in July 2025 under Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, MIB, the LEDC includes officials from the Centre, states, industry bodies, and major event companies to coordinate policy and promote sector growth.Support System: The LEDC will streamline approvals, permissions, and coordination with government departments for large-scale live events, and position India as a leading global destination for live events by 2030.Growth: India’s organised live events market, valued at approximately Rs.20,861 crore in 2024, is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 18% through 2030.Concert Economy: The live entertainment economy covers all concert-related activities, including tickets, merchandise, and food & beverage, driving broader economic impact.

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07 Jan, 2026
MIB Sets Up LEDC to Boost India’s Concert & Live Entertainment EconomyIn January 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) set up a Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to boost India’s concert and live entertainment economy.What? Live Events Development Cell was establishedWho? Ministry of Information and BroadcastingPurpose: Boost India’s concert and live entertainment economyFormation: July 2025 under Union Minister Ashwini VaishnawMarket: Organised live events market valued at Rs.20,861 crore in 2024About Live Events Development Cell(LEDC):Formation: Constituted in July 2025 under Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, MIB, the LEDC includes officials from the Centre, states, industry bodies, and major event companies to coordinate policy and promote sector growth.Support System: The LEDC will streamline approvals, permissions, and coordination with government departments for large-scale live events, and position India as a leading global destination for live events by 2030.Growth: India’s organised live events market, valued at approximately Rs.20,861 crore in 2024, is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 18% through 2030.Concert Economy: The live entertainment economy covers all concert-related activities, including tickets, merchandise, and food & beverage, driving broader economic impact.
MIB Sets Up LEDC to Boost India’s Concert & Live Entertainment EconomyIn January 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) set up a Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to boost India’s concert and live entertainment economy.What? Live ...
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IAF Commemorates 25th Anniversary of Tejas First FlightOn January 4, 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) marked the 25th anniversary of the historic maiden flight of the indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).What? 25th anniversary of Tejas LCA’s 1st flightCommemorated by: IAF1st Flight Took Place: On January 04, 2001Piloted by: Wing Commander Rajiv KothiyalLCA Programme launched: 1983About Tejas LCA Journey:Background: In 1983, the Government of India (GoI) established the LCA programme with the initial goal of developing indigenously built LCA to replace the obsolete fleet of the IAF.Maiden Flight Test: The Tejas LCA made its historic maiden flight on 4 January 2001, flown by Wing Commander Rajiv Kothiyal in the Technology Demonstrator-1 (TD-1) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport in Bengaluru, Karnataka.Induction: The flight test initiated Tejas’ evaluation, leading to its induction into the IAF and the development of advanced variants like Tejas Mk-1A.Key Agreement: In late 2025,  HAL secured a major order for 97 more Mk-1A jets in a deal worth more than Rs 62,370 crore.In May 2025, VEM Technologies handed over the 1st centre fuselage assembly for LCA Tejas Mk 1A to HAL, in Hyderabad, Telangana, and the 2nd such centre was received by HAL in September 2025.

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07 Jan, 2026
IAF Commemorates 25th Anniversary of Tejas First FlightOn January 4, 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) marked the 25th anniversary of the historic maiden flight of the indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).What? 25th anniversary of Tejas LCA’s 1st flightCommemorated by: IAF1st Flight Took Place: On January 04, 2001Piloted by: Wing Commander Rajiv KothiyalLCA Programme launched: 1983About Tejas LCA Journey:Background: In 1983, the Government of India (GoI) established the LCA programme with the initial goal of developing indigenously built LCA to replace the obsolete fleet of the IAF.Maiden Flight Test: The Tejas LCA made its historic maiden flight on 4 January 2001, flown by Wing Commander Rajiv Kothiyal in the Technology Demonstrator-1 (TD-1) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport in Bengaluru, Karnataka.Induction: The flight test initiated Tejas’ evaluation, leading to its induction into the IAF and the development of advanced variants like Tejas Mk-1A.Key Agreement: In late 2025,  HAL secured a major order for 97 more Mk-1A jets in a deal worth more than Rs 62,370 crore.In May 2025, VEM Technologies handed over the 1st centre fuselage assembly for LCA Tejas Mk 1A to HAL, in Hyderabad, Telangana, and the 2nd such centre was received by HAL in September 2025.
IAF Commemorates 25th Anniversary of Tejas First FlightOn January 4, 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) marked the 25th anniversary of the historic maiden flight of the indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).What? 25th anniversary of ...
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ONGC Signs MoU with MoTA to Empower Tribal Students of EMRSOn January 5, 2026, The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), under Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in New Delhi(Delhi) to strengthen Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) through Rs 28 crore Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) funding.What? MoU signedEntities: ONGC & NSTFDCFunding? Rs. 28 CrCoverage? 144 EMRSPurpose: To empower tribal students studying in EMRSFramework: Under CSR initiative of ONGCKey Details of MoU:Career Mentorship: The MoU aims to empower tribal students enrolled in EMRS by supporting Digital learning infrastructure, career mentorship and counselling, capacity building of teachers, health and hygiene facilities, and entrepreneurship training.About ONGC CSR Project: ONGC has committed Rs.28 crores for the project. The initiative will be implemented across 144 EMRS situated in 11 states and Union Territories (UTs).About EMRS: It is a central government scheme, launched in Financial Year 1997-98 (FY 98) under MoTA designed to provide quality, holistic education to tribal children, helping bridge educational gaps and open future opportunities.

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07 Jan, 2026
ONGC Signs MoU with MoTA to Empower Tribal Students of EMRSOn January 5, 2026, The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), under Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in New Delhi(Delhi) to strengthen Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) through Rs 28 crore Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) funding.What? MoU signedEntities: ONGC & NSTFDCFunding? Rs. 28 CrCoverage? 144 EMRSPurpose: To empower tribal students studying in EMRSFramework: Under CSR initiative of ONGCKey Details of MoU:Career Mentorship: The MoU aims to empower tribal students enrolled in EMRS by supporting Digital learning infrastructure, career mentorship and counselling, capacity building of teachers, health and hygiene facilities, and entrepreneurship training.About ONGC CSR Project: ONGC has committed Rs.28 crores for the project. The initiative will be implemented across 144 EMRS situated in 11 states and Union Territories (UTs).About EMRS: It is a central government scheme, launched in Financial Year 1997-98 (FY 98) under MoTA designed to provide quality, holistic education to tribal children, helping bridge educational gaps and open future opportunities.
ONGC Signs MoU with MoTA to Empower Tribal Students of EMRSOn January 5, 2026, The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) signed a Memorandum of Und...
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Indian Army Signs Rs.293 crore Contract with NIBE Limited for ‘Suryastra Rocket Launch System’On January 4, 2026, Indian Army (IA), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed an Emergency Procurement (EP) contract worth Rs.293 Crores with NIBE Limited  for the procurement of the Suryastra rocket launcher system.The procurement aims to enhance the IA’s long-range precision strike capability and bolster its artillery modernization program.What? Emergency Procurement Contract signedEntities: Indian Army and NIBE LimitedValue: Rs.293 croresProcurement: Suryastra rocket launcher system Suryastra: India’s first indigenously developed, multi-calibre, long-range precision-guided rocket launcher; 150–300 km; CEP < 5 mAbout Suryastra:Overview: Suryastra is India’s first indigenously developed, multi-calibre, long-range, precision-guided rocket launcher system, inducted by the IA to significantly enhance its deep-strike artillery capabilities.Developer: The systems are being produced in collaboration with Israel’s Elbit Systems, under a technology partnership, adapted from Israeli Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) technology.Launcher: It is a universal, multi-caliber, long-range precision rocket system that can fire different types of guided rockets and loitering munitions from a single wheeled launcher.Features: It strikes targets at ranges of about 150-300 kilometer (km) with very high accuracy Circular Error Probable (CEP) < 5 meters (m) and uses high-mobility ‘shoot-and-scoot’ tactics to deliver flexible, deep-strike firepower while minimizing vulnerability to enemy counter-battery fire.Munition Versatility: The launcher, based on the Precise and Universal Launching System(PULS), is compatible with short- and long-range guided rockets, large-caliber precision rockets, and functions as a multi-role firepower platform.Launch Platform: Mounted on a BEML High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) 6×6 truck, the Suryastra launcher offers high tactical mobility, rapid deployment, and effective shoot-and-scoot capability, with strong off-road performance and payload capacity for operations across diverse terrains.Alignment: The initiative aligns with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.About Emergency Procurement Contract: Contract: It enables the Indian Armed Forces to quickly buy critical equipment to meet urgent operational needs. It bypasses lengthy procedures, has a cost limit of around Rs.300 crores, and requires fast delivery, usually within 6-12 months.Aim: It aims to rapidly fill capability gaps during security emergencies while maintaining basic oversight.About Ministry of Defence (MoD):Union Minister – Rajnath Singh (Constituency – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, UP)Minister of State (MoS) – Sanjay Seth (Constituency – Ranchi, Jharkhand)

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07 Jan, 2026
Indian Army Signs Rs.293 crore Contract with NIBE Limited for ‘Suryastra Rocket Launch System’On January 4, 2026, Indian Army (IA), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed an Emergency Procurement (EP) contract worth Rs.293 Crores with NIBE Limited  for the procurement of the Suryastra rocket launcher system.The procurement aims to enhance the IA’s long-range precision strike capability and bolster its artillery modernization program.What? Emergency Procurement Contract signedEntities: Indian Army and NIBE LimitedValue: Rs.293 croresProcurement: Suryastra rocket launcher system Suryastra: India’s first indigenously developed, multi-calibre, long-range precision-guided rocket launcher; 150–300 km; CEP < 5 mAbout Suryastra:Overview: Suryastra is India’s first indigenously developed, multi-calibre, long-range, precision-guided rocket launcher system, inducted by the IA to significantly enhance its deep-strike artillery capabilities.Developer: The systems are being produced in collaboration with Israel’s Elbit Systems, under a technology partnership, adapted from Israeli Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) technology.Launcher: It is a universal, multi-caliber, long-range precision rocket system that can fire different types of guided rockets and loitering munitions from a single wheeled launcher.Features: It strikes targets at ranges of about 150-300 kilometer (km) with very high accuracy Circular Error Probable (CEP) < 5 meters (m) and uses high-mobility ‘shoot-and-scoot’ tactics to deliver flexible, deep-strike firepower while minimizing vulnerability to enemy counter-battery fire.Munition Versatility: The launcher, based on the Precise and Universal Launching System(PULS), is compatible with short- and long-range guided rockets, large-caliber precision rockets, and functions as a multi-role firepower platform.Launch Platform: Mounted on a BEML High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) 6×6 truck, the Suryastra launcher offers high tactical mobility, rapid deployment, and effective shoot-and-scoot capability, with strong off-road performance and payload capacity for operations across diverse terrains.Alignment: The initiative aligns with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.About Emergency Procurement Contract: Contract: It enables the Indian Armed Forces to quickly buy critical equipment to meet urgent operational needs. It bypasses lengthy procedures, has a cost limit of around Rs.300 crores, and requires fast delivery, usually within 6-12 months.Aim: It aims to rapidly fill capability gaps during security emergencies while maintaining basic oversight.About Ministry of Defence (MoD):Union Minister – Rajnath Singh (Constituency – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, UP)Minister of State (MoS) – Sanjay Seth (Constituency – Ranchi, Jharkhand)
Indian Army Signs Rs.293 crore Contract with NIBE Limited for ‘Suryastra Rocket Launch System’On January 4, 2026, Indian Army (IA), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed an Emergency Procurement (EP) contract worth Rs.293 Crores with NIBE Limit...
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IA Creates Modern Warfare Force ‘Bhairav’ with over 1 Lakh Drone OperativesIn January 2026, the Indian Army (IA) announced the creation of a modern warfare force named ‘Bhairav’, aimed at enhancing India’s combat capabilities by integrating drone technology and establishing a pool of over 1 lakh trained drone operatives.Currently, Bhairav is being trained to tackle the complexities of modern warfare with its advanced drone operations capabilities.What? Creation of modern warfare force with drone capabilitiesName of Force: BhairavCreated by: Indian ArmyTotal Battalions Raised: 15 (raising to 25 in near future)Role: Use drones in real operations to target enemy bases and formationsAbout Bhairav Battalions:Overview: The Bhairav unit is prepared for modern warfare, with all operatives trained to use drones for targeting enemy bases and formations in real operations.Key Functions: The Bhairav battalions, raised by IA, have been specifically created to provide a dedicated force for high-speed, offensive operations, carrying out Special Forces tasking at various levels as per requirements.Aim: To bridge the gap between the Para Special Forces(SF) and regular Infantry battalions, carrying out special operations at tactical to operational depth.Current Status: So far, the IA has raised approximately 15 Bhairav battalions, which have been deployed across various formations along both borders.In addition to that, IA is already planning to raise around 25 such battalions in the near future.Army Day Parade: The new battalions will make their 1st appearance at Indian Army Day Parade at Jaipur, Rajasthan on January 15, 2026.Other Modern Warfare: Considering the operation requirements of the force, IA has also created ‘Rudra Brigades’ which are all-arms formations that combine infantry, mechanised units, tanks, artillery, special forces and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs).About Indian Army (IA):The IA is the land-based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces.Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) – General Upendra DwivediHeadquarters- New Delhi, DelhiEstablished- 1895Motto – Seva Paramo Dharma (Service Before Self)

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07 Jan, 2026
IA Creates Modern Warfare Force ‘Bhairav’ with over 1 Lakh Drone OperativesIn January 2026, the Indian Army (IA) announced the creation of a modern warfare force named ‘Bhairav’, aimed at enhancing India’s combat capabilities by integrating drone technology and establishing a pool of over 1 lakh trained drone operatives.Currently, Bhairav is being trained to tackle the complexities of modern warfare with its advanced drone operations capabilities.What? Creation of modern warfare force with drone capabilitiesName of Force: BhairavCreated by: Indian ArmyTotal Battalions Raised: 15 (raising to 25 in near future)Role: Use drones in real operations to target enemy bases and formationsAbout Bhairav Battalions:Overview: The Bhairav unit is prepared for modern warfare, with all operatives trained to use drones for targeting enemy bases and formations in real operations.Key Functions: The Bhairav battalions, raised by IA, have been specifically created to provide a dedicated force for high-speed, offensive operations, carrying out Special Forces tasking at various levels as per requirements.Aim: To bridge the gap between the Para Special Forces(SF) and regular Infantry battalions, carrying out special operations at tactical to operational depth.Current Status: So far, the IA has raised approximately 15 Bhairav battalions, which have been deployed across various formations along both borders.In addition to that, IA is already planning to raise around 25 such battalions in the near future.Army Day Parade: The new battalions will make their 1st appearance at Indian Army Day Parade at Jaipur, Rajasthan on January 15, 2026.Other Modern Warfare: Considering the operation requirements of the force, IA has also created ‘Rudra Brigades’ which are all-arms formations that combine infantry, mechanised units, tanks, artillery, special forces and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs).About Indian Army (IA):The IA is the land-based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces.Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) – General Upendra DwivediHeadquarters- New Delhi, DelhiEstablished- 1895Motto – Seva Paramo Dharma (Service Before Self)
IA Creates Modern Warfare Force ‘Bhairav’ with over 1 Lakh Drone OperativesIn January 2026, the Indian Army (IA) announced the creation of a modern warfare force named ‘Bhairav’, aimed at enhancing India’s combat capabilities by integrating drone tec...
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Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Two World-Class Laboratories at CISR-NPL in New DelhiOn January 5, 2026, Union Minister of State(MoS) Independent Charge (IC) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), inaugurated National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NSEL), second-of-its-kind in the world, and National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration, world’s fifth-of-its-kind, at Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) campus in New Delhi(Delhi), during its 80th Foundation Day celebrations.About National Environmental Standard Laboratory(NSEL): Certification:  The facility is Asia’s first and the world’s second pollution monitoring facility after the United Kingdom(UK). It is designed to test, calibrate, and certify air pollution monitoring devices, strengthening domestic capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign certification agencies.Data Accuracy: It supports accurate and transparent environmental data for programmes, including National Clean Air Programme(NCAP) and helps regulators, industries and startups improve compliance and enforcement.About National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration: Collaboration: It was developed in collaboration with Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany and uses a Laser-based Differential Spectral Responsivity (L-DSR) system.Performance: It achieves the world’s lowest calibration uncertainty (0.35%, k=2) and reduces dependence on foreign certification, saves foreign exchange and boosts investor confidence in India’s solar sector.Other 4 Laboratories : Four international laboratories are recognized under the World Photovoltaic Scale (WPV) for high-precision solar cell calibration. These include the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the United States of America(USA), PTB in Germany, AIST in Japan, and the Tianjin Institute of Power Sources (TIPS) in China.

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07 Jan, 2026
Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Two World-Class Laboratories at CISR-NPL in New DelhiOn January 5, 2026, Union Minister of State(MoS) Independent Charge (IC) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), inaugurated National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NSEL), second-of-its-kind in the world, and National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration, world’s fifth-of-its-kind, at Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) campus in New Delhi(Delhi), during its 80th Foundation Day celebrations.About National Environmental Standard Laboratory(NSEL): Certification:  The facility is Asia’s first and the world’s second pollution monitoring facility after the United Kingdom(UK). It is designed to test, calibrate, and certify air pollution monitoring devices, strengthening domestic capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign certification agencies.Data Accuracy: It supports accurate and transparent environmental data for programmes, including National Clean Air Programme(NCAP) and helps regulators, industries and startups improve compliance and enforcement.About National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration: Collaboration: It was developed in collaboration with Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany and uses a Laser-based Differential Spectral Responsivity (L-DSR) system.Performance: It achieves the world’s lowest calibration uncertainty (0.35%, k=2) and reduces dependence on foreign certification, saves foreign exchange and boosts investor confidence in India’s solar sector.Other 4 Laboratories : Four international laboratories are recognized under the World Photovoltaic Scale (WPV) for high-precision solar cell calibration. These include the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the United States of America(USA), PTB in Germany, AIST in Japan, and the Tianjin Institute of Power Sources (TIPS) in China.
Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Two World-Class Laboratories at CISR-NPL in New DelhiOn January 5, 2026, Union Minister of State(MoS) Independent Charge (IC) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), inaugurated Nationa...
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GoI Approves Nutrient-Based Subsidy Rates for Rabi 2025–26 SeasonIn January 2025, the Government of India (GoI) approved the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Rabi 2025–26 season, effective from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and NPKS(Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulphur) grades.About Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme – Rabi 2025–26:Features: The policy has a fixed subsidy, a decontrolled P&K sector with company-set Maximum Retail Price (MRP) under GoI oversight, and subsidies passed directly to farmers.Budget: The government has estimated a tentative budgetary requirement of Rs. 37,952.29 crore for the Rabi 2025–26 season, which is approximately Rs.736 crore higher than the allocation for the Kharif 2025 season.NBS Rates: For Rabi 2025–26, the NBS rates are Rs. 43.02 per kg (kilogram) for Nitrogen (N), Rs. 47.96 per kg for Phosphorus (P), Rs. 2.38 per kg for Potassium (K), and Rs. 2.87 per kg for Sulphur (S).DAP Subsidy: GoI has raised the DAP subsidy to Rs 29,805 per metric tonne (MT) from Rs 21,911 in Rabi 2024-25 to protect farmers from international price volatility.Fertilizer Subsidies: Subsidized fertilizers include DAP (18-46-0-0) at Rs 29,805/MT, Muriate of Potash (MOP 0-0-60-0) at Rs 1,428/MT, and Single Super Phosphate (SSP 0-16-0-11) at Rs 7,408/MT.Production and Productivity: Fertilizer Production: Domestic production of P&K fertilizers (DAP and NPKS) increased by over 50%, rising from 112.19 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) in 2014 to 168.55 LMT by 30th December 2025.Foodgrain Yield: Foodgrain productivity grew from 1,930 kg per hectare in 2010–11 to 2,578 kg per hectare in 2024–25.Fortification Incentives: Fertilizers fortified or coated with Boron (B) or Zinc (Zn) are eligible for additional incentives of Rs 300 and Rs 500 per MT respectively, as per the Fertilizer Control Order.

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07 Jan, 2026
GoI Approves Nutrient-Based Subsidy Rates for Rabi 2025–26 SeasonIn January 2025, the Government of India (GoI) approved the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Rabi 2025–26 season, effective from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and NPKS(Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulphur) grades.About Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme – Rabi 2025–26:Features: The policy has a fixed subsidy, a decontrolled P&K sector with company-set Maximum Retail Price (MRP) under GoI oversight, and subsidies passed directly to farmers.Budget: The government has estimated a tentative budgetary requirement of Rs. 37,952.29 crore for the Rabi 2025–26 season, which is approximately Rs.736 crore higher than the allocation for the Kharif 2025 season.NBS Rates: For Rabi 2025–26, the NBS rates are Rs. 43.02 per kg (kilogram) for Nitrogen (N), Rs. 47.96 per kg for Phosphorus (P), Rs. 2.38 per kg for Potassium (K), and Rs. 2.87 per kg for Sulphur (S).DAP Subsidy: GoI has raised the DAP subsidy to Rs 29,805 per metric tonne (MT) from Rs 21,911 in Rabi 2024-25 to protect farmers from international price volatility.Fertilizer Subsidies: Subsidized fertilizers include DAP (18-46-0-0) at Rs 29,805/MT, Muriate of Potash (MOP 0-0-60-0) at Rs 1,428/MT, and Single Super Phosphate (SSP 0-16-0-11) at Rs 7,408/MT.Production and Productivity: Fertilizer Production: Domestic production of P&K fertilizers (DAP and NPKS) increased by over 50%, rising from 112.19 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) in 2014 to 168.55 LMT by 30th December 2025.Foodgrain Yield: Foodgrain productivity grew from 1,930 kg per hectare in 2010–11 to 2,578 kg per hectare in 2024–25.Fortification Incentives: Fertilizers fortified or coated with Boron (B) or Zinc (Zn) are eligible for additional incentives of Rs 300 and Rs 500 per MT respectively, as per the Fertilizer Control Order.
GoI Approves Nutrient-Based Subsidy Rates for Rabi 2025–26 SeasonIn January 2025, the Government of India (GoI) approved the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Rabi 2025–26 season, effective from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, for Phospha...
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Justice A Muhamed Mustaque Takes Oath as 24th CJ Sikkim HCIn January 2026, Justice Muhamed Mustaque Ayumantakatha, senior-most Judge of Kerala High Court(HC), officially sworn-in as the 24th Chief Justice(CJ) of Sikkim HC. The oath of office was administered by Om Prakash Mathur, Governor of Sikkim at a function held at the Lok Bhawan in Gangtok, Sikkim.Sikkim’s Chief Minister (CM) Prem Singh Tamang, along with his council of ministers and senior officials, attended the oath ceremony.He succeeded CJ Biswanath Somadder who retired as the CJ of Sikkim HC on December 14, 2025.

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06 Jan, 2026
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