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DoP and SIDBI Sign MoU for Verification of IMEsIn December 2025, the Department of Posts (DoP), also known as India Post, under the Ministry of Communications, and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi, Delhi, to conduct Contact Point Verification (CPV) of Informal Micro Enterprises (IMEs) registered on the Udyam Assist Platform (UAP).The MoU aims to enhance data integrity, formalisation, and access to institutional credit for informal micro enterprises across India.What? MoU for Contact Point Verification (CPV) of Informal Micro Enterprises (IMEs)Entities: Department of Posts (DoP) & SIDBISignatories: Manisha Bansal Badal (DoP), Amit Nagar (SIDBI)Platform: Udyam Assist Platform (UAP)Objective: Data verification, enterprise formalisation, credit enablementOperational Period: 31st December 2025 to 30th December 2027Implementation: Uses 1.64 lakh post offices, trained staff, and SIDBI’s CPV mobile app for geo-tagged verificationKey Details of MoU:Signatories: The MoU was signed by Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager (GM) (Citizen Centric Services & Rural Business) of DoP and Amit Nagar, Deputy General Manager (DGM) of SIDBI.Duration: The agreement is valid from 31st December 2025 to 30th December 2027 and extendable by mutual agreement, with strict adherence to data confidentiality, information security, and Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance.Verification: The initiative leverages 1.64 lakh post offices and trained postal staff to conduct on-ground, geo-tagged verification of enterprise demographics, business details, and physical locations.CPV App: The initiative uses SIDBI’s CPV mobile application(app) for real-time, geo-tagged verification, with system access, guidelines, and training to ensure accurate and uniform execution nationwide.
DoP and SIDBI Sign MoU for Verification of IMEsIn December 2025, the Department of Posts (DoP), also known as India Post, under the Ministry of Communications, and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi, Delhi, to conduct Contact Point Verification (CPV) of Informal Micro Enterprises (IMEs) registered on the Udyam Assist Platform (UAP).The MoU aims to enhance data integrity, formalisation, and access to institutional credit for informal micro enterprises across India.What? MoU for Contact Point Verification (CPV) of Informal Micro Enterprises (IMEs)Entities: Department of Posts (DoP) & SIDBISignatories: Manisha Bansal Badal (DoP), Amit Nagar (SIDBI)Platform: Udyam Assist Platform (UAP)Objective: Data verification, enterprise formalisation, credit enablementOperational Period: 31st December 2025 to 30th December 2027Implementation: Uses 1.64 lakh post offices, trained staff, and SIDBI’s CPV mobile app for geo-tagged verificationKey Details of MoU:Signatories: The MoU was signed by Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager (GM) (Citizen Centric Services & Rural Business) of DoP and Amit Nagar, Deputy General Manager (DGM) of SIDBI.Duration: The agreement is valid from 31st December 2025 to 30th December 2027 and extendable by mutual agreement, with strict adherence to data confidentiality, information security, and Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance.Verification: The initiative leverages 1.64 lakh post offices and trained postal staff to conduct on-ground, geo-tagged verification of enterprise demographics, business details, and physical locations.CPV App: The initiative uses SIDBI’s CPV mobile application(app) for real-time, geo-tagged verification, with system access, guidelines, and training to ensure accurate and uniform execution nationwide.
DoP and SIDBI Sign MoU for Verification of IMEsIn December 2025, the Department of Posts (DoP), also known as India Post, under the Ministry of Communications, and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), under the Ministry of Finance ...
ESIC Grants Registration Extension for SPREE 2025 Till 31 January 2026On 31st December 2025, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), under the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E), announced a one-month extension of the Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees (SPREE) 2025, permitting voluntary registration without past liabilities until 31 January 2026.SPREE 2025, implemented by ESIC under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, was originally valid from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025.What? Registration Extension of SPREE 2025By Whom? Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)New Deadline: January 31, 2026 (Extended from December 31, 2025).Objective: Expand social security coverage and promote voluntary compliance.Key Benefit: No past dues, penalties, inspections, or legal actionRelevant Act: Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 (ESI Act).Registration: Through ESIC, Shram Suvidha, or Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portals.About SPREE 2025:Objective: The scheme aims to expand social security coverage by encouraging voluntary, simplified, and hassle-free registration of unregistered establishments and employees.December 2025.Eligibility: It covers factories and establishments with 10 or more employees in ESI-implemented areas, including shops, hotels, transport services, medical and educational institutions, municipal bodies, and workers earning up to Rs. 21,000 per month (Rs. 25,000 for persons with disabilities).Registration: Employers can register digitally through the ESIC, Shram Suvidha, or Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portals, with coverage effective from the declared registration date.Benefits: The scheme provides social security benefits, supports ease of compliance, expands ESIC coverage, and allows employers to register without past liabilities or legal action.
ESIC Grants Registration Extension for SPREE 2025 Till 31 January 2026On 31st December 2025, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), under the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E), announced a one-month extension of the Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees (SPREE) 2025, permitting voluntary registration without past liabilities until 31 January 2026.SPREE 2025, implemented by ESIC under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, was originally valid from 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025.What? Registration Extension of SPREE 2025By Whom? Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)New Deadline: January 31, 2026 (Extended from December 31, 2025).Objective: Expand social security coverage and promote voluntary compliance.Key Benefit: No past dues, penalties, inspections, or legal actionRelevant Act: Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 (ESI Act).Registration: Through ESIC, Shram Suvidha, or Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portals.About SPREE 2025:Objective: The scheme aims to expand social security coverage by encouraging voluntary, simplified, and hassle-free registration of unregistered establishments and employees.December 2025.Eligibility: It covers factories and establishments with 10 or more employees in ESI-implemented areas, including shops, hotels, transport services, medical and educational institutions, municipal bodies, and workers earning up to Rs. 21,000 per month (Rs. 25,000 for persons with disabilities).Registration: Employers can register digitally through the ESIC, Shram Suvidha, or Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portals, with coverage effective from the declared registration date.Benefits: The scheme provides social security benefits, supports ease of compliance, expands ESIC coverage, and allows employers to register without past liabilities or legal action.
ESIC Grants Registration Extension for SPREE 2025 Till 31 January 2026On 31st December 2025, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), under the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E), announced a one-month extension of the Scheme for Pro...
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MoF Keeps Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes Unchanged for Q4FY26In December 2025, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA-Budget Division) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), kept the interest rates unchanged across all Small Savings Schemes (SSS) including Public Provident Fund (PPF), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) among others, for the 4th Quarter of financial Year 2025-26(Q4FY26) i.e. starting from January 01, 2026 to March 31, 2026, from those notified for Q3FY26.This marks the 8th consecutive quarter with no change in SSS interest rates, which were last revised by the DEA in Q4FY24.About Small Savings Schemes (SSS):Overview: SSS are the Government of India(GoI)-backed savings instruments, aimed at promoting household savings and offering risk-free investment options.Management: These schemes are mainly administered by DEA and administered through designated banks and over 1.5 lakh post offices, offering fixed returns with sovereign guaranteesQuarterly review: Since 2016, the interest rates for SSS have been notified by DEA on a quarterly basis, depending upon bond yields and market trends.
MoF Keeps Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes Unchanged for Q4FY26In December 2025, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA-Budget Division) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), kept the interest rates unchanged across all Small Savings Schemes (SSS) including Public Provident Fund (PPF), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) among others, for the 4th Quarter of financial Year 2025-26(Q4FY26) i.e. starting from January 01, 2026 to March 31, 2026, from those notified for Q3FY26.This marks the 8th consecutive quarter with no change in SSS interest rates, which were last revised by the DEA in Q4FY24.About Small Savings Schemes (SSS):Overview: SSS are the Government of India(GoI)-backed savings instruments, aimed at promoting household savings and offering risk-free investment options.Management: These schemes are mainly administered by DEA and administered through designated banks and over 1.5 lakh post offices, offering fixed returns with sovereign guaranteesQuarterly review: Since 2016, the interest rates for SSS have been notified by DEA on a quarterly basis, depending upon bond yields and market trends.
MoF Keeps Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes Unchanged for Q4FY26In December 2025, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA-Budget Division) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), kept the interest rates unchanged across all Small Savings Schemes (...
Cabinet Approvals on 31 December 2025On December 31, 2025, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the following proposals:Cabinet Approved Widening of NH-326 in Odisha:Cost: The Union Cabinet approved the widening and strengthening of NH-326 from 68.600 km to 311.700 km in Odisha, with the total budget outlay of Rs.1,526.21 crores, encompassing civil construction cost of Rs.966.79 crores.Implementation: The project will be implemented in the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode using modern construction and Quality-Control (QC) technologies and is targeted for completion in 24 months, followed by a 5-year defect liability and maintenance period.Cabinet Approved construction of a 6-lane greenfield corridor in Maharashtra:Financial Outlay: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs(CCEA), chaired by the PM Narendra Modi, has approved the Construction of 6-lane greenfield access-controlled Nashik- Solapur-Akkalkot Corridor in Maharashtra onBuild-Operate-Transfer (BOT) (Toll) mode, covering approximately 374 km, involves an investment of Rs.19,142 crores.Improved Connectivity: The corridor will improve connectivity between Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Solapur in Maharashtra and Kurnool in AP, strengthening west-east transport connectivity.Alignment: The project aligns with the Pradhan Mantri GatiShakti – National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP), an initiative by the Government of India (GoI).About Maharashtra:Chief Minister (CM) – Devendra FadnavisGovernor – Acharya DevvratCapital – MumbaiWildlife Sanctuary (WLS) – Sagareshwar WLS, Tipeshwar WLS
Cabinet Approvals on 31 December 2025On December 31, 2025, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the following proposals:Cabinet Approved Widening of NH-326 in Odisha:Cost: The Union Cabinet approved the widening and strengthening of NH-326 from 68.600 km to 311.700 km in Odisha, with the total budget outlay of Rs.1,526.21 crores, encompassing civil construction cost of Rs.966.79 crores.Implementation: The project will be implemented in the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode using modern construction and Quality-Control (QC) technologies and is targeted for completion in 24 months, followed by a 5-year defect liability and maintenance period.Cabinet Approved construction of a 6-lane greenfield corridor in Maharashtra:Financial Outlay: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs(CCEA), chaired by the PM Narendra Modi, has approved the Construction of 6-lane greenfield access-controlled Nashik- Solapur-Akkalkot Corridor in Maharashtra onBuild-Operate-Transfer (BOT) (Toll) mode, covering approximately 374 km, involves an investment of Rs.19,142 crores.Improved Connectivity: The corridor will improve connectivity between Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Solapur in Maharashtra and Kurnool in AP, strengthening west-east transport connectivity.Alignment: The project aligns with the Pradhan Mantri GatiShakti – National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP), an initiative by the Government of India (GoI).About Maharashtra:Chief Minister (CM) – Devendra FadnavisGovernor – Acharya DevvratCapital – MumbaiWildlife Sanctuary (WLS) – Sagareshwar WLS, Tipeshwar WLS
Cabinet Approvals on 31 December 2025On December 31, 2025, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the following proposals:Cabinet Approved Widening of NH-326 in Odisha:Cost: The Union Cabinet approved the widening...
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MoSPI Launches New Logo and Mascot ‘Sankhyiki‘ to Modernize Institutional IdentityOn 1 January 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) unveiled its new logo and mascot in New Delhi, Delhi, marking a step toward modernising its institutional identity, enhancing public outreach, and highlighting the vital role of official statistics in national development.What? Launch of new logo and mascotBy Whom? Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)Where? New Delhi (Delhi)Theme: Data for DevelopmentLogo Symbolism: Ashoka Chakra (truth & governance) & ₹ symbol (economic planning)Mascot Name: Sankhyiki(सांख्यिकी)About New Logo of MoSPI:Purpose: The logo modernises MoSPI’s identity while reinforcing the role of official statistics in nation-building through the message “Data for Development”.Symbolism: The Ashoka Chakra represents truth and good governance, while the central Rupee symbol (₹) highlights the importance of statistics in economic planning and national growth.Design: The design blends India’s heritage with modern statistical science by incorporating numerical elements( ९ ), symbols(=,S,Σ), and an upward growth bar(↗) to represent modern data systems and progress driven by reliable, data-based insights.Colours: Saffron, white, green, and deep blue signify growth, truth, sustainability, stability, and knowledge.About Mascot of MoSPI:Identity: The mascot “Sankhyiki (सांख्यिकी)” is a friendly, citizen-centric character representing MoSPI.Objective: It simplifies complex statistical concepts to make data more relatable, engaging, and accessible to the public.Usage: Sankhyiki will feature in National Sample Surveys(NSS), awareness campaigns, educational content, digital platforms, and public events.Significance: The mascot promotes public participation, builds trust in official statistics, and supports transparent, data-driven governance.About Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI):Ministry Role: MoSPI is an executive ministry of the Government of India (GoI) responsible for ensuring the coverage and quality of official statistics through scientifically designed surveys.Organisational Wings: The MoSPI functions through two wingsStatistics Wing: Known as the National Statistical Office (NSO), it coordinates statistical activities across the country and formulates statistical standards.PI Wing: The Programme Implementation (PI) Wing monitors infrastructure projects and the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) through its two divisions—MPLADS and the Infrastructure and Project Monitoring Division (IPMD).Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC) – Rao Inderjit Singh (Constituency: Gurgaon, Haryana).
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Completes Nine yearsOn January 1, 2026, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a flagship maternity benefit scheme of the Government of India (GoI), completed nine years of implementation, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to support pregnant women and lactating mothers.About Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY):Overview: The PMMVY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), launched on January 01, 2017.NSFA: The scheme is being implemented as per provisions under Section 4 of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.Purpose: The scheme aims to provide financial support to pregnant and lactating mothers to improve maternal wellbeing by ensuring safe delivery, reduced malnutrition, and wage loss during pregnancy.It provides free meals, during pregnancy and six months after the childbirth, through the local Anganwadi is envisaged so as to meet the nutritional standards.Mission Shakti: The scheme launched in 2022, combines various schemes for women’s empowerment, including financial support and safety.PMMVY was brought under the Samarthya component of Mission Shakti, which focuses on economic empowerment and financial inclusion for women.Funding Pattern: It is implemented with a funding ratio of 60:40 between Centre and State Governments (SG) and Union Territories (UTs) with legislature except North East (NE) & Special Category States where the ratio is 90:10.For UTs without a legislature, 100% funding will be provided by the Central Government (CG).Benefit: The benefit is available to a woman for the first two living children provided the second child is a girl.In case of the first child the amount of Rs 5000 in two instalments and for the second child, the benefit of Rs 6000 will be provided subject to the second child being a girl child in one instalment after the birth.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Completes Nine yearsOn January 1, 2026, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a flagship maternity benefit scheme of the Government of India (GoI), completed nine years of implementation, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to support pregnant women and lactating mothers.About Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY):Overview: The PMMVY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), launched on January 01, 2017.NSFA: The scheme is being implemented as per provisions under Section 4 of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.Purpose: The scheme aims to provide financial support to pregnant and lactating mothers to improve maternal wellbeing by ensuring safe delivery, reduced malnutrition, and wage loss during pregnancy.It provides free meals, during pregnancy and six months after the childbirth, through the local Anganwadi is envisaged so as to meet the nutritional standards.Mission Shakti: The scheme launched in 2022, combines various schemes for women’s empowerment, including financial support and safety.PMMVY was brought under the Samarthya component of Mission Shakti, which focuses on economic empowerment and financial inclusion for women.Funding Pattern: It is implemented with a funding ratio of 60:40 between Centre and State Governments (SG) and Union Territories (UTs) with legislature except North East (NE) & Special Category States where the ratio is 90:10.For UTs without a legislature, 100% funding will be provided by the Central Government (CG).Benefit: The benefit is available to a woman for the first two living children provided the second child is a girl.In case of the first child the amount of Rs 5000 in two instalments and for the second child, the benefit of Rs 6000 will be provided subject to the second child being a girl child in one instalment after the birth.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Completes Nine yearsOn January 1, 2026, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a flagship maternity benefit scheme of the Government of India (GoI), completed nine years of implementation, marking a signi...
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President Droupadi Murmu Launches Series of Initiatives under SOAR in New DelhiOn January 1, 2026, President of India Droupadi Murmu launched a series of initiatives under the Skilling for AI(Artificial Intelligence) Readiness(SOAR) programme, an integral component of the Skill India Mission(SIM), at an event organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre(RBCC) in New Delhi, Delhi.During the event, she launched the ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’ under the Skilling for AI Readiness initiative and also virtually inaugurated the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) centre at Rairangpur in Odisha.Key Highlights:Conferment of AI Certificates: As part of the programme, President Droupadi Murmu conferred AI certificates to students and Members of Parliament (MPs) who completed various AI learning modules under the SOAR initiative.Inauguration of IGNOU Regional & Skill Centre: The centre was inaugurated to expand higher education and skill development opportunities in the tribal-dominated areas of northern Odisha.The centre aims to improve access to distance education, vocational training, and skill-oriented programmes, particularly for young people from rural and underserved areas.SkillTheNation Challenge: The initiative is a nationwide AI skilling programme launched under SOAR by the MSDE to expand AI awareness, learning, and certification across India.Aim:The initiative aims to create a future-ready and inclusive workforce by strengthening AI literacy among students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and learners from urban, semi-urban, and rural regions, while encouraging innovation and real-world application of AI solutions.Learning & Partnerships: It delivers online and offline training, in collaboration with IGNOU and Skill Centres, and offers multi-level courses from beginner to advanced learners.
President Droupadi Murmu Launches Series of Initiatives under SOAR in New DelhiOn January 1, 2026, President of India Droupadi Murmu launched a series of initiatives under the Skilling for AI(Artificial Intelligence) Readiness(SOAR) programme, an integral component of the Skill India Mission(SIM), at an event organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre(RBCC) in New Delhi, Delhi.During the event, she launched the ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’ under the Skilling for AI Readiness initiative and also virtually inaugurated the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) centre at Rairangpur in Odisha.Key Highlights:Conferment of AI Certificates: As part of the programme, President Droupadi Murmu conferred AI certificates to students and Members of Parliament (MPs) who completed various AI learning modules under the SOAR initiative.Inauguration of IGNOU Regional & Skill Centre: The centre was inaugurated to expand higher education and skill development opportunities in the tribal-dominated areas of northern Odisha.The centre aims to improve access to distance education, vocational training, and skill-oriented programmes, particularly for young people from rural and underserved areas.SkillTheNation Challenge: The initiative is a nationwide AI skilling programme launched under SOAR by the MSDE to expand AI awareness, learning, and certification across India.Aim:The initiative aims to create a future-ready and inclusive workforce by strengthening AI literacy among students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and learners from urban, semi-urban, and rural regions, while encouraging innovation and real-world application of AI solutions.Learning & Partnerships: It delivers online and offline training, in collaboration with IGNOU and Skill Centres, and offers multi-level courses from beginner to advanced learners.
President Droupadi Murmu Launches Series of Initiatives under SOAR in New DelhiOn January 1, 2026, President of India Droupadi Murmu launched a series of initiatives under the Skilling for AI(Artificial Intelligence) Readiness(SOAR) programme, an int...
ISRO Successfully Conducted Static Test of 3rd Stage of SSLV in Sriharikota, APOn December 30, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a static ground test of an enhanced version of the 3rd stage (SS3) of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) at the Solid Motor Static Test Facility of the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh (AP).SSLV is a three-stage, all-solid ISRO launch vehicle designed for quick, on-demand missions and industrial production support.What? Successfully Static Test of Improved Version of 3rd Stage (SS3) of SSLVWhere? Solid Motor Static Test Facility, SDSC (in Sriharikota, AP)Conducted by: ISROKey Upgrade: Carbon-epoxy motor case with improved igniter and nozzleImpact: Enhanced SS3 qualified for flight inductionKey Details of Test:Test Trial: During the test, the enhanced SS3 motor was fired for 108 seconds (s), closely matching the pre-test predictions for all parameters.The motor was instrumented with around 233 sensors to monitor pressure, thrust, temperature, vibration and the behaviour of control electronics.Impact: Following the success of this test, an enhanced version of SS3 now qualifies for induction in flight.Enhanced SS3 Performance: The upgrades, including a new carbon-epoxy motor case, have boosted SSLV’s payload capacity by about 90 kilogram (kg) and enhanced efficiency and reliability with an improved igniter and nozzle system.
ISRO Successfully Conducted Static Test of 3rd Stage of SSLV in Sriharikota, APOn December 30, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a static ground test of an enhanced version of the 3rd stage (SS3) of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) at the Solid Motor Static Test Facility of the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh (AP).SSLV is a three-stage, all-solid ISRO launch vehicle designed for quick, on-demand missions and industrial production support.What? Successfully Static Test of Improved Version of 3rd Stage (SS3) of SSLVWhere? Solid Motor Static Test Facility, SDSC (in Sriharikota, AP)Conducted by: ISROKey Upgrade: Carbon-epoxy motor case with improved igniter and nozzleImpact: Enhanced SS3 qualified for flight inductionKey Details of Test:Test Trial: During the test, the enhanced SS3 motor was fired for 108 seconds (s), closely matching the pre-test predictions for all parameters.The motor was instrumented with around 233 sensors to monitor pressure, thrust, temperature, vibration and the behaviour of control electronics.Impact: Following the success of this test, an enhanced version of SS3 now qualifies for induction in flight.Enhanced SS3 Performance: The upgrades, including a new carbon-epoxy motor case, have boosted SSLV’s payload capacity by about 90 kilogram (kg) and enhanced efficiency and reliability with an improved igniter and nozzle system.
ISRO Successfully Conducted Static Test of 3rd Stage of SSLV in Sriharikota, APOn December 30, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a static ground test of an enhanced version of the 3rd stage (SS3) of its Small ...
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ACC Appoints Lav Aggarwal as DG of DGFT; Rabindra Kumar Agarwal to Head FCI In December 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, appointed Lav Aggarwal as Director General (DG) of Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) and Rabindra Kumar Agarwal as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Food Corporation of India (FCI).This move was part of a bureaucratic reshuffle, which also involved in-situ promotions and the reassignment of 25 senior civil servants to key positions across various central government departments.What? Appointment of DG of DGFT and CMD of FCIApproved by: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)DG of DGFT: Lav Aggarwal, succeeded Ajay BhadooCMD of FCI: Rabindra Kumar Agarwal, succeeded Ashutosh AgnihotriAbout Lav Aggarwal:Succession: Lav Aggarwal succeeded Ajay Bhadoo as DG of DGFT, who had been holding additional charge after Santosh Kumar Sarangi was transferred to Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in the early 2025 reshuffle.Cadre: He is a 1996-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Andhra Pradesh (AP) cadre.Key Role: He served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) from August 2016 to August 2022.Previous Role: He previously held the position of Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).About Rabindra Kumar Agarwal:Succession: He replaces incumbent Ashutosh Agnihotri, who has been appointed Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).Cadre: Rabindra Kumar Agarwal is a 1997-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre.Key Role: He previously served as Deputy Director (Administration) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (Delhi).He also served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).Previous Role: Prior to heading the FCI, he served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation and as the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS).About Food Corporation of India (FCI):Establishment: FCI was set up in 1965 under the Food Corporation Act, 1964.Role: FCI, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD), ensures food security and a stable supply of food grains in India.Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
British-Indian Comedian, Author Meera Syal Awarded Damehood in King’s New Year HonoursIn December 2025, renowned British‑Indian comedian, actress, and writer Meera Syal was awarded a Damehood(DBE) in King Charles III’s New Year Honours List 2026 in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature, drama, and charity.Earlier, she was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1997 and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2015.What? British Indian Comedian, Actress Meera Syal awarded DamehoodHonour Part of: King Charles III’s New Year Honours List for 2026Total Winners: 1,157Honours Title: MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), OBE (Officer), CBE (Commander), and DBE/KBE (Dame/Knight Commander)Youngest Recipient: Toby Roberts (20 years) honoured with MBE.Oldest Recipient: John Hearn (102 years) received BEM.About King Charles III’s New Year Honours list:Total Recipients: This year, a total of 1,157 recipients have been recognised for their exceptional contributions in arts, sports, community service, and politics.They have been honoured with various titles such as MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), OBE (Officer), CBE (Commander), and DBE/KBE (Dame/Knight Commander).Prominent Personalities: Renowned British actor Idris Elba, singer and actor Cynthia Erivo, and 1984 Winter Olympics gold medallists Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.Oldest and Youngest Recipient: The oldest recipient is 102-year-old John Hearn (BEM), and the youngest is 20-year-old Toby Roberts (MBE), Britain’s first Olympic gold medallist at Paris 2024.Other British Indians: Other British Indians honoured include Upadhaya (Damehood), Dhruv Patel and Neeta Akhtar (CBE), and Pavan Popat (OBE).
British-Indian Comedian, Author Meera Syal Awarded Damehood in King’s New Year HonoursIn December 2025, renowned British‑Indian comedian, actress, and writer Meera Syal was awarded a Damehood(DBE) in King Charles III’s New Year Honours List 2026 in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature, drama, and charity.Earlier, she was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1997 and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2015.What? British Indian Comedian, Actress Meera Syal awarded DamehoodHonour Part of: King Charles III’s New Year Honours List for 2026Total Winners: 1,157Honours Title: MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), OBE (Officer), CBE (Commander), and DBE/KBE (Dame/Knight Commander)Youngest Recipient: Toby Roberts (20 years) honoured with MBE.Oldest Recipient: John Hearn (102 years) received BEM.About King Charles III’s New Year Honours list:Total Recipients: This year, a total of 1,157 recipients have been recognised for their exceptional contributions in arts, sports, community service, and politics.They have been honoured with various titles such as MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), OBE (Officer), CBE (Commander), and DBE/KBE (Dame/Knight Commander).Prominent Personalities: Renowned British actor Idris Elba, singer and actor Cynthia Erivo, and 1984 Winter Olympics gold medallists Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.Oldest and Youngest Recipient: The oldest recipient is 102-year-old John Hearn (BEM), and the youngest is 20-year-old Toby Roberts (MBE), Britain’s first Olympic gold medallist at Paris 2024.Other British Indians: Other British Indians honoured include Upadhaya (Damehood), Dhruv Patel and Neeta Akhtar (CBE), and Pavan Popat (OBE).
British-Indian Comedian, Author Meera Syal Awarded Damehood in King’s New Year HonoursIn December 2025, renowned British‑Indian comedian, actress, and writer Meera Syal was awarded a Damehood(DBE) in King Charles III’s New Year Honours List 2026 in r...
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