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MoD Signed Rs 4,666 Crore Defence Deals for Carbines and TorpedoesIn December 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed two defence procurement contracts worth Rs 4,666 crore for the purchase of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines for the Indian Army (IA) and Heavy Weight Torpedoes for the Indian Navy (IN).These contracts were signed in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of MoD, at South Block in New Delhi, Delhi.This marks a major step towards modernization and operational preparedness of the Armed Forces.What? MoD Signed Two Defence Procurement ContractsTotal Value of Contract: Rs 4,666 crore Contract-1: Total Cost: Rs 2,770 croreProcurement of: More than 4.25 lakh CQB Carbines(for IA as well as for IN)Manufacturers: Bharat Forge Limited; PLR Systems Pvt. Ltd. (60:40) Contract-2:Total Cost: Rs 1,896 croreContract Signed with: WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L. (Italy)Procurement of: 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes (for IN’s Kalvari Submarines)What? MoD Signed Two Defence Procurement ContractsTotal Value of Contract: Rs 4,666 crore Total Cost: Rs 2,770 croreProcurement of: More than 4.25 lakh CQB Carbines(for IA as well as for IN)Manufacturers: Bharat Forge Limited; PLR Systems Pvt. Ltd. (60:40) Total Cost: Rs 1,896 croreContract Signed with: WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L. (Italy)Procurement of: 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes (for IN’s Kalvari Submarines)Key Details of Contracts:Procurement of CQB Carbines:Signatories: The MoD signed a contract worth Rs 2,770 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and PLR Systems Pvt. Ltd., a Joint Venture (JV) between Adani Defence and Israel Weapon Industries, for the procurement of over 4.25 lakh battle carbines, along with accessories for IA and IN.Manufacturers: As per the contract, Bharat Forge will manufacture 60% of the carbines and remaining 40% by PLR Systems.Also, the deliveries of these carbines will be completed in around 5 years.Significance: The CQB Carbines, designed as a key component of the modern infantry arsenal, provide a critical edge in close combat through its compact design, high rate of fire and enhanced lethality.Procurement of Heavy Weight Torpedoes:Signatories: The MoD has signed a contract worth approximately Rs 1,896 crore with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L. (Italy) for the procurement and integration of 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes along with associated equipment for IN’s Kalvari Class Submarines under Project-75(P-75).As per MoD, the delivery of torpedoes is expected to start from April 2028 and will be completed by early 2030.Significance: These torpedoes are expected to enhance the combat capability of the 06 Kalavari class submarines.These torpedoes, equipped with modern technological features and robust operational capabilities will bolster the IN’s underwater prowess.Total Contracts Signed in FY26: The MoD has signed capital contracts worth Rs 1,82,492 crore in Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26), for the modernisation of the Armed Forces.About Ministry of Defence (MoD):Union Minister– Rajnath Singh (Constituency- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, UP)Minister of State (MoS)- Sanjay Seth(Constituency- Ranchi, Jharkhand)
MoJS Launches ‘Jal Seva Aankalan’ to Assess Drinking Water ServicesIn December 2025, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti(MoJS) launched ‘Jal Seva Aankalan’, a Gram Panchayat (GP)-led digital drinking water service functionality assessment tool on the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) portal.The tool was virtually launched by Union Minister C R Patil, Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) in the presence of Union Minister of State(MoS) V. Somanna,MoJS, Union MoS Raj Bhushan Choudhary,MoJS along with senior officials from the DDWS.About Jal Seva Aankalan: Overview: It is a community-owned self-assessment process that enables villages to collectively review their water service delivery systems, reducing reliance on infrequent and costly third-party surveys.Focus : The initiative shifts the focus from infrastructure creation to sustained service delivery, placing GP and village institutions at the centre of monitoring drinking water supply in Har Ghar Jal(HCJ) villages.Assessment Process: The process starts with structured discussions involving members of the Village Water & Sanitation Committee (VWSC), the Panchayat Secretary, system operators, and a diverse group of water users, including women and vulnerable groups.The outcomes are subsequently presented to the Gram Sabha for open discussion and formal endorsement. JJM Dashboard: After the approval from the Gram Sabha, the assessment is uploaded to the JJM Panchayat Dashboard and made publicly available on platforms such as eGramSwaraj and the Meri Panchayat Application(app)A 30-day window is provided for citizen feedback before the report is finalised.Timeline: All HGJ Gram Panchayats are expected to complete the Jal Seva Aankalan by 26 January 2026.
MoJS Launches ‘Jal Seva Aankalan’ to Assess Drinking Water ServicesIn December 2025, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti(MoJS) launched ‘Jal Seva Aankalan’, a Gram Panchayat (GP)-led digital drinking water service functionality assessment tool on the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) portal.The tool was virtually launched by Union Minister C R Patil, Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) in the presence of Union Minister of State(MoS) V. Somanna,MoJS, Union MoS Raj Bhushan Choudhary,MoJS along with senior officials from the DDWS.About Jal Seva Aankalan: Overview: It is a community-owned self-assessment process that enables villages to collectively review their water service delivery systems, reducing reliance on infrequent and costly third-party surveys.Focus : The initiative shifts the focus from infrastructure creation to sustained service delivery, placing GP and village institutions at the centre of monitoring drinking water supply in Har Ghar Jal(HCJ) villages.Assessment Process: The process starts with structured discussions involving members of the Village Water & Sanitation Committee (VWSC), the Panchayat Secretary, system operators, and a diverse group of water users, including women and vulnerable groups.The outcomes are subsequently presented to the Gram Sabha for open discussion and formal endorsement. JJM Dashboard: After the approval from the Gram Sabha, the assessment is uploaded to the JJM Panchayat Dashboard and made publicly available on platforms such as eGramSwaraj and the Meri Panchayat Application(app)A 30-day window is provided for citizen feedback before the report is finalised.Timeline: All HGJ Gram Panchayats are expected to complete the Jal Seva Aankalan by 26 January 2026.
MoJS Launches ‘Jal Seva Aankalan’ to Assess Drinking Water ServicesIn December 2025, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti(MoJS) launched ‘Jal Seva Aankalan’, a Gram Panchayat (GP)-led digital drinking water s...
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Overview of Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan’s Visit to Puducherry, Kerala & TN from December 29 to 30, 2025Vice President (VP) of India C.P. Radhakrishnan visited Puducherry, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu (TN) from December 29 to 30, 2025, where he took part in cultural, educational, social, and development-related programmes.Highlights of VP C.P. Radhakrishnan’s Visits:Visit to Puducherry:On December 29, 2025, VP Radhakrishnan was welcomed with an official civic reception, marking his first visit to Puducherry as VP of India.He inaugurated the Senior Secondary Block at Petit Seminaire Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) School in Puducherry.Launched a housing project under the Smart City Mission and distributed the keys of 216 newly constructed tenements to beneficiaries at Kumaragurupallam in Puducherry.Visit to Kerala: During the visit, VP Radhakrishnan participated in Trivandrum Fest 2025, celebrated as the Christmas-New Year Peace Carnival, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The festival is organized by the South Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India in association with the Assembly of Christian Trust Services.During the visit, he also released four books “The Sage Who Re-imagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru”; “Sree Narayana Gurudeva Divya Leelamrutham”; “Naam Arivakannu”; and “Empowering Minds and Transforming Lives: Sree Narayana Guru’s Philosophy of Education and Skill Development”Visit to Tamil Nadu(TN): On December 30, 2025, VP Radhakrishnan addressed the valedictory function of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 as Chief Guest in Rameshwarm, TN.About Tamil Nadu (TN):Chief Minister (CM) – Muthuvel Karunanidhi(M.K) StalinGovernor – R.N. RaviCapital – ChennaiWildlife Sanctuary (WLS) – Kalakad WLS, Vallanadu Black Buck WLS
Overview of Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan’s Visit to Puducherry, Kerala & TN from December 29 to 30, 2025Vice President (VP) of India C.P. Radhakrishnan visited Puducherry, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu (TN) from December 29 to 30, 2025, where he took part in cultural, educational, social, and development-related programmes.Highlights of VP C.P. Radhakrishnan’s Visits:Visit to Puducherry:On December 29, 2025, VP Radhakrishnan was welcomed with an official civic reception, marking his first visit to Puducherry as VP of India.He inaugurated the Senior Secondary Block at Petit Seminaire Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) School in Puducherry.Launched a housing project under the Smart City Mission and distributed the keys of 216 newly constructed tenements to beneficiaries at Kumaragurupallam in Puducherry.Visit to Kerala: During the visit, VP Radhakrishnan participated in Trivandrum Fest 2025, celebrated as the Christmas-New Year Peace Carnival, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The festival is organized by the South Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India in association with the Assembly of Christian Trust Services.During the visit, he also released four books “The Sage Who Re-imagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru”; “Sree Narayana Gurudeva Divya Leelamrutham”; “Naam Arivakannu”; and “Empowering Minds and Transforming Lives: Sree Narayana Guru’s Philosophy of Education and Skill Development”Visit to Tamil Nadu(TN): On December 30, 2025, VP Radhakrishnan addressed the valedictory function of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 as Chief Guest in Rameshwarm, TN.About Tamil Nadu (TN):Chief Minister (CM) – Muthuvel Karunanidhi(M.K) StalinGovernor – R.N. RaviCapital – ChennaiWildlife Sanctuary (WLS) – Kalakad WLS, Vallanadu Black Buck WLS
Overview of Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan’s Visit to Puducherry, Kerala & TN from December 29 to 30, 2025Vice President (VP) of India C.P. Radhakrishnan visited Puducherry, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu (TN) from December 29 to 30, 2025, where he took p...
Former Bangladesh PM Begum Khaleda Zia Passed AwayOn December 30, 2025, Former Prime Minister (PM) of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia, chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away at the age of 80 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She was born on 15 August 1945 in Jalpaiguri in Bengal Province, British India (now in West Bengal, WB).She served as PM from 1991 to 1996 and later from 2001 to 2006.What? Former Bangladesh PM Begum Khaleda Zia Passed AwayWhere? Dhaka (Bangladesh)Political Party: BNP (Chairperson)Significance: First female PM of BangladeshPM Tenure: 1991-1996, 2001-2006About Begum Khaleda Zia:Profile: Khaleda Zia is the spouse of Ziaur Rahman, former President of Bangladesh. She entered politics after the assassination of her husband in 1981.Career: In 1982, she joined the BNP, which was founded by Ziaur Rahman. In 1984, she became the Chairperson of the BNP. She emerged as an opposition leader against the military rule of H.M. Ershad, leading pro-democracy movements.Leadership Roles: In 1991, after the fall of military rule, BNP won the free elections, and Khaleda Zia became the first woman PM of Bangladesh. She served till 1996, restoring parliamentary democracy, strengthening democratic institutions, and economic liberalization and private-sector growth.In 1996, her government resigned amid political unrest over election demands.In 2001, she again became the PM, focusing on infrastructure development, economic growth, strengthening relations with China, Pakistan, and Middle Eastern countries. Her tenure ended due to political instability in 2006.Awards: In 2022, she was honored with the ‘Mother of Democracy’ award by the Canadian Human Rights International Organization (CHRIO) for her contributions to democracy and human rights.About Bangladesh:President – Mohammed ShahabuddinCapital – DhakaCurrency – Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)
Former Bangladesh PM Begum Khaleda Zia Passed AwayOn December 30, 2025, Former Prime Minister (PM) of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia, chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away at the age of 80 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She was born on 15 August 1945 in Jalpaiguri in Bengal Province, British India (now in West Bengal, WB).She served as PM from 1991 to 1996 and later from 2001 to 2006.What? Former Bangladesh PM Begum Khaleda Zia Passed AwayWhere? Dhaka (Bangladesh)Political Party: BNP (Chairperson)Significance: First female PM of BangladeshPM Tenure: 1991-1996, 2001-2006About Begum Khaleda Zia:Profile: Khaleda Zia is the spouse of Ziaur Rahman, former President of Bangladesh. She entered politics after the assassination of her husband in 1981.Career: In 1982, she joined the BNP, which was founded by Ziaur Rahman. In 1984, she became the Chairperson of the BNP. She emerged as an opposition leader against the military rule of H.M. Ershad, leading pro-democracy movements.Leadership Roles: In 1991, after the fall of military rule, BNP won the free elections, and Khaleda Zia became the first woman PM of Bangladesh. She served till 1996, restoring parliamentary democracy, strengthening democratic institutions, and economic liberalization and private-sector growth.In 1996, her government resigned amid political unrest over election demands.In 2001, she again became the PM, focusing on infrastructure development, economic growth, strengthening relations with China, Pakistan, and Middle Eastern countries. Her tenure ended due to political instability in 2006.Awards: In 2022, she was honored with the ‘Mother of Democracy’ award by the Canadian Human Rights International Organization (CHRIO) for her contributions to democracy and human rights.About Bangladesh:President – Mohammed ShahabuddinCapital – DhakaCurrency – Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)
Former Bangladesh PM Begum Khaleda Zia Passed AwayOn December 30, 2025, Former Prime Minister (PM) of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia, chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away at the age of 80 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She was born on ...
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Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Inaugurates HAL’s Dhruv-NG Helicopter in BengaluruIn December 2025, Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), inaugurated and flagged off the inaugural flight of the indigenous next-generation civil helicopter Dhruv-NG(Next Generation) at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities in Bengaluru, Karnataka.What? Inauguration of Dhruv-NG civil helicopter and first flight flagged offBy Whom? Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, MoCAWhere? Bengaluru, KarnatakaOperator: HALVariant: Civil version of the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)Engines: Twin Shakti 1H1C enginesWeight & Capacity: Maximum take-off weight 5,500 kg, carries up to 14 passengersSpeed & Range: Maximum speed 285 km/h, range ~630 km, endurance ~3 hours 40 minutesPurpose: Designed for civil aviation with focus on safety, performance, passenger comfort, and global market standards.About Dhruv-NG :Aircraft: The Dhruv NG is an Advanced Light Helicopter(ALH) developed and manufactured by HAL, designed to meet civil aviation requirements and represent a significant advance in India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities.Type: A 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role civil helicopter suitable for Very Important Person(VIP) transport, air ambulance, offshore operations, law enforcement, disaster relief, and Search and Rescue (SAR).Engines: Powered by twin Shakti 1H1C(One Helicopter, One Engine Control) engines, offering higher power, internal maintenance in India.Weight & Capacity: Maximum take-off weight 5,500 kilogram (kg), carries up to 14 passengers.Speed & Range: Maximum speed 285 kilometer per hour (km/h), range of 630 km, endurance 3 hours 40 minutes, and a service ceiling of 6,000 meter (m).Cockpit: Features a civil-certified glass cockpit compliant with Avionics System Level 4 (AS4) standards, integrated with modern avionics for superior situational awareness.Safety: Includes crashworthy seats, self-sealing fuel tanks, twin-engine redundancy, and advanced vibration-control systems for a smooth and secure flight.Cabin: The 7.33 cubic metre (m3) cabin is configurable for VIP transport (4–6 seats), air ambulance (4 stretchers plus doctor and attendant), or up to 14 passengers with 1,000 kilogram (kg) payload.Support: HAL provides end-to-end manufacturing, maintenance, and upgrades, with Power-By-Hour (PBH) and Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) ensuring high fleet serviceability.Indigenous: Represents a major milestone in India’s rotary-wing technology and offers a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters.About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):HAL is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence (MoD), originally established as Hindustan Aircraft on 22 December 1940 and restructured as HAL in 1964.Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)- Dr. D.K. SunilHeadquarters– Bengaluru, Karnataka
DRDO Conducts Maiden Flight Test of 120-km Range Pinaka LRGR 120 in OdishaOn 29th December 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120), at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. What? Maiden flight test of Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120)By Whom? Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)Where? Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, OdishaRange: 120 kilometresLauncher: In-service Pinaka LauncherCoordination: ITR Chandipur & Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE)Design: Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)Developed by: High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) and supported by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI).About Maiden Flight Test:Mission: The test achieved its mission objective of striking a target at a maximum range of 120 kilometer (km) with precision.Launcher Versatility: The LRGR was fired from an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating the system’s versatility and its ability to launch multiple Pinaka variants of varying ranges from a single platform.Validation: The successful flight trial, conducted from an in-service Pinaka launcher, was coordinated by Integrated Test Range (ITR) Chandipur and Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), confirming both system performance and launcher integration.Key People: The event was graced by Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of DRDO and other dignitaries.About Pinaka LRGR 120 :Capability: The Pinaka LRGR 120 is a long-range, precision-guided rocket for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), delivering deep-strike and stand-off engagement capability against high-value targets, while strengthening the Indian Army’s (IA’s) counter-force and long-range artillery operations.Guidance: An advanced onboard guidance system markedly improves accuracy and minimizes Circular Error Probable (CEP).Design Lead: The rocket was designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) under DRDO.Development Support: Development was carried out in association with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) and supported by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI). About Odisha:Chief Minister (CM) – Mohan Charan MajhiGovernor – Hari Babu KambhampatiCapital – BhubaneswarWildlife Sanctuary (WLS) – Lakhari valley WLS, Karlapat WLS
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MHA Appoints IPS Officer Rakesh Agarwal as Interim DG of NIAIn December 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Rakesh Agarwal, an Indian Police Service(IPS) officer, as the Interim Director General (DG) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). He will hold the position until a full-time DG is appointed.This follows the premature repatriation of Sadanand Vasant Date, former DG of NIA, to his parent cadre in Maharashtra.What? Additional charge of NIA DG (interim)Who? Rakesh AgarwalPredecessor: Sadanand Vasant DateTenure? Till regular DG appointed or further ordersAbout Rakesh Agarwal: He is a 1994-batch IPS officer from the Himachal Pradesh (HP) cadre, who is currently serving as the Special Director General (SDG) at NIA from September 2025. He was recognized for expertise in counterterrorism, terror financing, and organized crime investigations.About NIA: NIA, established in 2008, in New Delhi (Delhi), following the 26/11 Mumbai attack in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is a premier counter-terrorism agency, which investigates terrorism, terror financing, and organized crime affecting national security.
MHA Appoints IPS Officer Rakesh Agarwal as Interim DG of NIAIn December 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Rakesh Agarwal, an Indian Police Service(IPS) officer, as the Interim Director General (DG) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). He will hold the position until a full-time DG is appointed.This follows the premature repatriation of Sadanand Vasant Date, former DG of NIA, to his parent cadre in Maharashtra.What? Additional charge of NIA DG (interim)Who? Rakesh AgarwalPredecessor: Sadanand Vasant DateTenure? Till regular DG appointed or further ordersAbout Rakesh Agarwal: He is a 1994-batch IPS officer from the Himachal Pradesh (HP) cadre, who is currently serving as the Special Director General (SDG) at NIA from September 2025. He was recognized for expertise in counterterrorism, terror financing, and organized crime investigations.About NIA: NIA, established in 2008, in New Delhi (Delhi), following the 26/11 Mumbai attack in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is a premier counter-terrorism agency, which investigates terrorism, terror financing, and organized crime affecting national security.
MHA Appoints IPS Officer Rakesh Agarwal as Interim DG of NIAIn December 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Rakesh Agarwal, an Indian Police Service(IPS) officer, as the Interim Director General (DG) of t...
Syria Unveils New Currency Series for Circulation from January 1, 2026In December 2025, President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Abdul Qadir Husrieh, Governor, Central Bank of Syria, unveiled a new series of bank notes at a ceremony in Damascus, Syria.The currencies ranging from 10 to 500 Syrian pounds(SYP) will enter circulation from January 1, 2026.What? Syria unveiled new bank notesWhere? In Damascus (Syria)When? Circulation starts January 1, 2026 (90-day dual tender)Redenomination: 10 to 500 Syrian Pounds, Two Zeros removedDesign? Agricultural motifs (roses, wheat, olives, oranges); no portraitsAbout New Syrian Currencies: Redenomination Details: Currency reform drops two zeros (e.g., 10,000 old SYP = 100 new SYP) to combat hyperinflation and simplify transactions without altering purchasing power. All bank deposits and electronic balances auto-convert on Day 1. Central Bank oversees nationwide swap at branches.Design Symbolism: New notes feature nature motifs replacing Assad-era portraits: wheat fields, olive branches, orange blossoms, roses. Represents “new national identity” and economic rebirth after 2025 regime fall. Coins planned for smaller denominations later.Currency Transition: The new banknotes are expected to coexist with the old notes for about 90 days, providing time for people to exchange currency.
Syria Unveils New Currency Series for Circulation from January 1, 2026In December 2025, President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Abdul Qadir Husrieh, Governor, Central Bank of Syria, unveiled a new series of bank notes at a ceremony in Damascus, Syria.The currencies ranging from 10 to 500 Syrian pounds(SYP) will enter circulation from January 1, 2026.What? Syria unveiled new bank notesWhere? In Damascus (Syria)When? Circulation starts January 1, 2026 (90-day dual tender)Redenomination: 10 to 500 Syrian Pounds, Two Zeros removedDesign? Agricultural motifs (roses, wheat, olives, oranges); no portraitsAbout New Syrian Currencies: Redenomination Details: Currency reform drops two zeros (e.g., 10,000 old SYP = 100 new SYP) to combat hyperinflation and simplify transactions without altering purchasing power. All bank deposits and electronic balances auto-convert on Day 1. Central Bank oversees nationwide swap at branches.Design Symbolism: New notes feature nature motifs replacing Assad-era portraits: wheat fields, olive branches, orange blossoms, roses. Represents “new national identity” and economic rebirth after 2025 regime fall. Coins planned for smaller denominations later.Currency Transition: The new banknotes are expected to coexist with the old notes for about 90 days, providing time for people to exchange currency.
Syria Unveils New Currency Series for Circulation from January 1, 2026In December 2025, President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Abdul Qadir Husrieh, Governor, Central Bank of Syria, unveiled a new series of bank notes at a ceremony in Damascus, Syri...
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IDFC First Bank Unveils ‘Gaj: Invitation-only Metal Credit Card’In December 2025, IDFC First Bank Limited launched ‘Gaj’, a premium metal credit card offered exclusively on an invitation-only basis, specifically designed to cater to High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) with established relationships with the bank.It is the top tier of IDFC First Bank’s premium metal card series, called the Ashva–Mayura–Gaj trilogy.What? Launch of Invitation-only premium metal credit cardName of Card: ‘Gaj’Launched by: IDFC First Bank LimitedAvailable only for: HNIsJoining and Annual Fee: Rs 12,500 +GSTAnnual fee waived On: Annual Spends of Rs 10 lakhKey Features: Zero foreign exchange markup, interest-free global ATM withdrawals, airport lounge access.About Gaj-Metal Premium Credit Card: Design: This newly launched credit card, crafted on metal, features a twin-elephant motif. It is designed to be a silent ambassador of Indian excellence on the global platform.Fees: The ‘Gaj’ metal credit card carries a joining fee and annual fee of Rs.12,500 with Goods and Services Tax (GST) each, with the annual fee waived on annual spends of Rs.10 lakh.Key Benefits: Cardholders receive 12,500 Reward Points(RP) on joining (Rs.1 = 1 RP on travel), effectively offsetting the joining fee.The card offers zero foreign exchange markup, interest-free global Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cash withdrawals, accelerated rewards on hotel and flight bookings via the bank’s app, and travel perks including airport lounge access, trip cancellation cover up to Rs.50,000, and insurance benefits.
IDFC First Bank Unveils ‘Gaj: Invitation-only Metal Credit Card’In December 2025, IDFC First Bank Limited launched ‘Gaj’, a premium metal credit card offered exclusively on an invitation-only basis, specifically designed to cater to High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) with established relationships with the bank.It is the top tier of IDFC First Bank’s premium metal card series, called the Ashva–Mayura–Gaj trilogy.What? Launch of Invitation-only premium metal credit cardName of Card: ‘Gaj’Launched by: IDFC First Bank LimitedAvailable only for: HNIsJoining and Annual Fee: Rs 12,500 +GSTAnnual fee waived On: Annual Spends of Rs 10 lakhKey Features: Zero foreign exchange markup, interest-free global ATM withdrawals, airport lounge access.About Gaj-Metal Premium Credit Card: Design: This newly launched credit card, crafted on metal, features a twin-elephant motif. It is designed to be a silent ambassador of Indian excellence on the global platform.Fees: The ‘Gaj’ metal credit card carries a joining fee and annual fee of Rs.12,500 with Goods and Services Tax (GST) each, with the annual fee waived on annual spends of Rs.10 lakh.Key Benefits: Cardholders receive 12,500 Reward Points(RP) on joining (Rs.1 = 1 RP on travel), effectively offsetting the joining fee.The card offers zero foreign exchange markup, interest-free global Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cash withdrawals, accelerated rewards on hotel and flight bookings via the bank’s app, and travel perks including airport lounge access, trip cancellation cover up to Rs.50,000, and insurance benefits.
IDFC First Bank Unveils ‘Gaj: Invitation-only Metal Credit Card’In December 2025, IDFC First Bank Limited launched ‘Gaj’, a premium metal credit card offered exclusively on an invitation-only basis, specifically designed to cater to High-Net-Worth In...
Rediff.com India Secures NPCI Approval for TPAP LicenceIn December 2025, Rediff.com India Limited , a subsidiary of Infibeam Avenues Limited, received final approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP).The company subsequently began Closed User Group (CUG) testing of its digital payments platform, ‘RediffPay’, ahead of its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) public launch.What? Received TPAP License for CUG testing of RediffPayWho: Rediff.com India( Infibeam Avenues Ltd)Approved by: NPCIObjective: Launch India’s first financial wellness-focused UPI appCredit: Pre-approved UPI credit for payments of Rs.1 lakh/day & withdrawals Rs. 10,000Payment System Provider (PSP): Axis Bank.About RediffPay:Wellness: RediffPay, India’s first UPI app focused on financial wellness, integrates standard UPI functionality, promotes financial inclusion, offers multilingual services, complies with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 and helps users save, invest, and access credit responsibly.Services: The platform offers standard UPI features Peer-to-Peer (P2P) transfers, merchant payments, bill payments, and mobile recharges alongside investment products including equities, Mutual Funds (MF), Fixed Deposits (FD), and Recurring Deposits (RD).Credit: Users can access pre-approved credit for merchant payments up to Rs.1,00,000 per day and cash withdrawals up to Rs.10,000.Equity & Infrastructure: Infibeam Avenues Ltd. (proposed to be renamed AvenuesAI) owns 82% of Rediff.com India and leverages its fintech infrastructure and 60 million-user ecosystem to scale RediffPay, with Axis Bank as the Payment System Provider (PSP).
Rediff.com India Secures NPCI Approval for TPAP LicenceIn December 2025, Rediff.com India Limited , a subsidiary of Infibeam Avenues Limited, received final approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP).The company subsequently began Closed User Group (CUG) testing of its digital payments platform, ‘RediffPay’, ahead of its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) public launch.What? Received TPAP License for CUG testing of RediffPayWho: Rediff.com India( Infibeam Avenues Ltd)Approved by: NPCIObjective: Launch India’s first financial wellness-focused UPI appCredit: Pre-approved UPI credit for payments of Rs.1 lakh/day & withdrawals Rs. 10,000Payment System Provider (PSP): Axis Bank.About RediffPay:Wellness: RediffPay, India’s first UPI app focused on financial wellness, integrates standard UPI functionality, promotes financial inclusion, offers multilingual services, complies with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 and helps users save, invest, and access credit responsibly.Services: The platform offers standard UPI features Peer-to-Peer (P2P) transfers, merchant payments, bill payments, and mobile recharges alongside investment products including equities, Mutual Funds (MF), Fixed Deposits (FD), and Recurring Deposits (RD).Credit: Users can access pre-approved credit for merchant payments up to Rs.1,00,000 per day and cash withdrawals up to Rs.10,000.Equity & Infrastructure: Infibeam Avenues Ltd. (proposed to be renamed AvenuesAI) owns 82% of Rediff.com India and leverages its fintech infrastructure and 60 million-user ecosystem to scale RediffPay, with Axis Bank as the Payment System Provider (PSP).
Rediff.com India Secures NPCI Approval for TPAP LicenceIn December 2025, Rediff.com India Limited , a subsidiary of Infibeam Avenues Limited, received final approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third-Party A...
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