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ISRO Successfully Launches ‘BlueBird Block-2 Satellite’ via LVM3-M6 Mission from Sriharikota, APOn 24 December 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the ‘BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite’ into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) aboard its Launch Vehicle Mark (LVM3-M6) rocket in a dedicated commercial mission from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh (AP). The satellite was built by United States of America (USA)-based AST SpaceMobile Inc.,under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a commercial arm of ISRO.What? Launch of BlueBird Block-2 satelliteFrom: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, APBy Whom? ISRO, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL)Launch Vehicle: LVM3-M6 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII)Client: AST SpaceMobile Inc, USAOrbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO), ~600 km altitudePayload Weight: 6,100 kg (heaviest payload in LVM3 history)Significance: Largest commercial communication satellite deployed in LEO; first dedicated commercial mission under NSILPurpose: To provide direct 4G/5G cellular broadband to standard smartphones via satellite.About BlueBird Block-2 Satellite:Design: Features a 223 square meter (m2) phased array, making it the largest commercial satellite in LEO, and weighs 6,100 kilogram (kg), the heaviest commercial payload launched by India.Purpose: Provides direct cellular broadband connectivity to standard smartphones without special hardware.Connectivity: Supports global Fourth/Fifth Generation (4G/5G) voice, video calls, texts, streaming, and data services.Constellation: Part of AST SpaceMobile’s LEO constellation, following BlueBird 1–5, with plans to expand to 45–60 satellites by 2026 in partnership with over 50 mobile operators.LVM3-M6 Launch Vehicle:Type: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII (GSLV MkIII), also known as LVM-3((also known as Baahubali). This mission marks the 6th operational flight of LVM3.Configuration: Three-stage rocket with two S200 solid strap-on boosters, one L110 liquid core stage, and one C25 cryogenic upper stage.Dimensions: Stands 43.5 m tall with a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes.Capability: Can carry 4,200 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and approximately 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).Developer: Built by ISRO with Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) (S200 boosters).Previous Missions: Prior to LVM3‑M6, the LVM3 vehicle successfully launched Chandrayaan‑2, Chandrayaan‑3, two OneWeb missions carrying 72 satellites, and LVM3‑M5/CMS‑03.About Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):ISRO was initially established as the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962 by former Prime Minister(PM) Jawaharlal Nehru, based on scientist Vikram Sarabhai’s recommendation. It was renamed ISRO in 1969 and brought under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).Chairman – V. NarayananHeadquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
CCI Approvals on December 23, 2025On December 23 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), approved the following proposals:Acquisition of Certain warrants of Federal Bank by Asia II Topco XIII:Approval: The CCI approved the proposal of Blackstone Inc., American private equity firm, to acquire certain warrants of Federal Bank Limited, India’s leading private sector bank, through its subsidiary Asia II Topco XIII Pte Ltd.Transaction Details: Following Federal Bank’s board approval in October 2025, Asia II Topco XIII will acquire warrants worth Rs.6,196.5 crore at Rs.227 per warrant, convertible into equity within 18 months, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.Key Result: On complete exercise of the warrants, Blackstone through its arm Asia II Topco XIII will hold 9.99% of the paid-up capital share capital of Federal Bank (Target) on a fully diluted basis.Acquisition of full control in Tata BlueScope Steel Pvt. Ltd. by TSLApproval: The CCI has approved Tatal Steel Limited (TSL’s) proposal for acquisition of full control in Tata BlueScope Steel Pvt. Ltd, under the Competition Act, 2002.Acquisition: As per the proposed deal, Tata Steel Limited (Acquirer) will acquire the remaining 50% stake in Tata BlueScope Steel Pvt. Ltd. (Target) held by BlueScope Steel Asia Holdings Pty Ltd (Seller) through its subsidiary Tata Steel Downstream Products Ltd (TSDPL) for up to USD 130 million (≈ Rs.1,100 crore).Following the completion of the transaction, Tata BlueScope Steel will become a 100%-owned subsidiary of TSL.
CCI Approvals on December 23, 2025On December 23 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), approved the following proposals:Acquisition of Certain warrants of Federal Bank by Asia II Topco XIII:Approval: The CCI approved the proposal of Blackstone Inc., American private equity firm, to acquire certain warrants of Federal Bank Limited, India’s leading private sector bank, through its subsidiary Asia II Topco XIII Pte Ltd.Transaction Details: Following Federal Bank’s board approval in October 2025, Asia II Topco XIII will acquire warrants worth Rs.6,196.5 crore at Rs.227 per warrant, convertible into equity within 18 months, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.Key Result: On complete exercise of the warrants, Blackstone through its arm Asia II Topco XIII will hold 9.99% of the paid-up capital share capital of Federal Bank (Target) on a fully diluted basis.Acquisition of full control in Tata BlueScope Steel Pvt. Ltd. by TSLApproval: The CCI has approved Tatal Steel Limited (TSL’s) proposal for acquisition of full control in Tata BlueScope Steel Pvt. Ltd, under the Competition Act, 2002.Acquisition: As per the proposed deal, Tata Steel Limited (Acquirer) will acquire the remaining 50% stake in Tata BlueScope Steel Pvt. Ltd. (Target) held by BlueScope Steel Asia Holdings Pty Ltd (Seller) through its subsidiary Tata Steel Downstream Products Ltd (TSDPL) for up to USD 130 million (≈ Rs.1,100 crore).Following the completion of the transaction, Tata BlueScope Steel will become a 100%-owned subsidiary of TSL.
CCI Approvals on December 23, 2025On December 23 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), approved the following proposals:Acquisition of Certain warrants of Federal Bank by Asia II Topco XIII:App...
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Saleem Ahmad Assumes Charge as CMD of RVNLOn 23rd December 2025, Saleem Ahmad assumed charge as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Railways (MoR). He will hold the position until his superannuation on 30 April 2029 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.He succeeded Sukhmal Chand Jain, who had been serving as interim CMD after the retirement of the previous CMD, Pradeep Gaur, on August 31, 2025.What? Assume charge CMD of RVNLWho? Saleem AhmadTenure: 23 December 2025 – 30 April 2029Predecessor: Sukhmal Chand Jain (interim)About Saleem Ahmad:Experience: Brings over 35 years of experience in the construction and infrastructure sector.Key Role: During his career, Saleem Ahmad has served as Executive Director(ED) (Civil) at Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Limited and contributed to key projects at the Mumbai Port Trust.Previous Role: Served as Director (Projects) at NBCC (India) Limited before joining RVNL.
Saleem Ahmad Assumes Charge as CMD of RVNLOn 23rd December 2025, Saleem Ahmad assumed charge as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Railways (MoR). He will hold the position until his superannuation on 30 April 2029 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.He succeeded Sukhmal Chand Jain, who had been serving as interim CMD after the retirement of the previous CMD, Pradeep Gaur, on August 31, 2025.What? Assume charge CMD of RVNLWho? Saleem AhmadTenure: 23 December 2025 – 30 April 2029Predecessor: Sukhmal Chand Jain (interim)About Saleem Ahmad:Experience: Brings over 35 years of experience in the construction and infrastructure sector.Key Role: During his career, Saleem Ahmad has served as Executive Director(ED) (Civil) at Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Limited and contributed to key projects at the Mumbai Port Trust.Previous Role: Served as Director (Projects) at NBCC (India) Limited before joining RVNL.
Saleem Ahmad Assumes Charge as CMD of RVNLOn 23rd December 2025, Saleem Ahmad assumed charge as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Rail...
Malayalam Publisher Ravi Deecee Conferred France’s Knight of Arts & LettersIn December 2025, Ravi Deecee, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of DC Books which is of one of India’s prominent Malayalam literary publishing house, was honoured with Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters), one of France’s highest civilian honours, in recognition of his commitment to multilingualism, literary innovation, and international cultural collaboration.Deecee formally received the award from Thierry Mathou, French Ambassador to India, at a ceremony held at the Embassy of France in Delhi.What? Conferred Knight of the Order of Arts and LettersWho? Ravi Deccee, MD and CEO of DC BooksPresenter: French Ambassador to India H.E. Thierry MathouConferred by: Ministry of Culture, FranceSignificance: Recognition for promoting French literature and cultural exchange in IndiaReason for French Honour:Translations of Famous French Works: DC Books has published Malayalam translations of some of the famous French works, including titles by Annie Ernaux, Celine, Johanna Gustawsson, Jean-Paul Sartre, Emmanuel Carrere, David Diop, and Maryse Conde.Facilitates Platform for International Authors: Apart from publishing, DC Books has played an important role in bringing international authors to Kerala through its Vagamon Writers Residency, which has been part of the Villa Swagatam programme of the French Embassy since its launch.Kerala Literature Festival (KLF): KLF, founded by Deecee, is held annually in the month of January in Kerala’s Kozhikode.Since its inception in 2016, the festival has emerged as one of the largest literature festivals in the world.In January 2025, France was the guest nation at KLF, the festival attracted some of the prominent French writers: 2019 Nobel laureate Esther Duflo.Other Key Indian Winners:Previous Publishers: It included Pramod Kapoor, founder of Roli Books and Aditi Maheswari, the CEO of Vani Prakashan Group.Indian Actors: Some of the prominent Indian actors who have been honoured with the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (3rd of the three-category award): Nandita Das, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.About Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres:Overview: Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, established in 1957 by the French Ministry of Culture, recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of arts and culture in France and around the world.Ranks: It comprises three ranks i.e. Commandeur(Commander), Officier (Officer), and Chevalier (Knight).Winners: Since 1957, the Order has honored creators, thinkers, visionaries, and cultural ambassadors.The 1st class, comprised 162 distinguished personalities, including Le Corbusier and Marcel Pagnol, whose work shaped the artistic landscape of the the 20th Century.
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PayNearby Secures TPAP License from NPCI; Launches PayNearby Saathi AppIn December 2025, PayNearby, leading Indian fintech company, secured Third-Party Application Provider(TPAP) license from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), allowing the fintech major to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services directly through its own platform.After receiving the NPCI’s approval, the company introduced the ‘PayNearby Saathi’ application (app).What? PayNearby Secured TPAP licenseFrom Whom? NPCIOther Key Launch: PayNearby Saathi appKey Benefits: UPI-enable banking services like: credit facilities and investment products (FD/RD/Mutual Funds)About PayNearby Saathi App:Onboarding Process: The app supports UPI-assisted onboarding and usage through the company’s existing retail network and Digital Naaris, who support customers with digital financial services in local areas.Banking Services: This new app is designed to provide UPI-enabled savings accounts and payments, and investment products like: Fixed Deposit (FD)/Recurring Deposit (RD)/Gold/Mutual Funds(MFs).It offers credit facilities such as personal loan, gold loan, business loans, and credit cards.Supports Multilinguism: The app also features BHASHa INterface for India (BHASHINI), the Government of India (GoI)-supported Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven speech technology platform, enabling users to speak in their preferred language, raise queries, and receive instant response.
PayNearby Secures TPAP License from NPCI; Launches PayNearby Saathi AppIn December 2025, PayNearby, leading Indian fintech company, secured Third-Party Application Provider(TPAP) license from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), allowing the fintech major to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services directly through its own platform.After receiving the NPCI’s approval, the company introduced the ‘PayNearby Saathi’ application (app).What? PayNearby Secured TPAP licenseFrom Whom? NPCIOther Key Launch: PayNearby Saathi appKey Benefits: UPI-enable banking services like: credit facilities and investment products (FD/RD/Mutual Funds)About PayNearby Saathi App:Onboarding Process: The app supports UPI-assisted onboarding and usage through the company’s existing retail network and Digital Naaris, who support customers with digital financial services in local areas.Banking Services: This new app is designed to provide UPI-enabled savings accounts and payments, and investment products like: Fixed Deposit (FD)/Recurring Deposit (RD)/Gold/Mutual Funds(MFs).It offers credit facilities such as personal loan, gold loan, business loans, and credit cards.Supports Multilinguism: The app also features BHASHa INterface for India (BHASHINI), the Government of India (GoI)-supported Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven speech technology platform, enabling users to speak in their preferred language, raise queries, and receive instant response.
PayNearby Secures TPAP License from NPCI; Launches PayNearby Saathi AppIn December 2025, PayNearby, leading Indian fintech company, secured Third-Party Application Provider(TPAP) license from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), allowin...
Axis Bank Launches’ Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans’ for MSMEsIn December 2025, Axis Bank Limited, leading private sector lender in India, launched a new digital loan product ‘Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans’ for Micro,Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).It is designed specifically to cater the cash flow requirements of small merchants.What? Launch of new digital loan productLaunched by: Axis BankName: Digital Merchant Cash Advance LoansLoan Type: Unsecured credit facility for MSMEsLoan Range: Rs 2 lakh to Rs 20 lakhKey Features: Fully-digital loan process; EDI systemAbout Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans:Loan: This new offering will provide an unsecured credit facility ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 20 lakh to MSMEs.Assessment: The product is the first-of-its-kind in the industry, assessing merchants’ eligibility primarily on daily cash flows instead of conventional financial documents.Digital Process: The bank follows a fully digital process from application to disbursement, enabling merchants to receive instant credit decisions after submitting their loan applications.EDI System: The new loan product features Everyday Installment (EDI) system, allowing shopkeepers and small merchants to repay loans in small daily instalments linked to their daily sales.
Axis Bank Launches’ Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans’ for MSMEsIn December 2025, Axis Bank Limited, leading private sector lender in India, launched a new digital loan product ‘Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans’ for Micro,Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).It is designed specifically to cater the cash flow requirements of small merchants.What? Launch of new digital loan productLaunched by: Axis BankName: Digital Merchant Cash Advance LoansLoan Type: Unsecured credit facility for MSMEsLoan Range: Rs 2 lakh to Rs 20 lakhKey Features: Fully-digital loan process; EDI systemAbout Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans:Loan: This new offering will provide an unsecured credit facility ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 20 lakh to MSMEs.Assessment: The product is the first-of-its-kind in the industry, assessing merchants’ eligibility primarily on daily cash flows instead of conventional financial documents.Digital Process: The bank follows a fully digital process from application to disbursement, enabling merchants to receive instant credit decisions after submitting their loan applications.EDI System: The new loan product features Everyday Installment (EDI) system, allowing shopkeepers and small merchants to repay loans in small daily instalments linked to their daily sales.
Axis Bank Launches’ Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans’ for MSMEsIn December 2025, Axis Bank Limited, leading private sector lender in India, launched a new digital loan product ‘Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans’ for Micro,Small, and Medium Enter...
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Canara HSBC Life Insurance & ESFB Partner for BancassuranceOn December 23, 2025, Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited (Canara HSBC), a Joint Venture (JV) between Canara Bank and HSBC Insurance, has entered into a strategic bancassurance partnership with Equitas Small Finance Bank (ESFB), to expand life insurance distribution through ESFB’s branch network.What? Bancassurance partnership announcedEntities: Canara HSBC and ESFBPurpose: To expand life insurance by offering Canara HSBC Life’s products via ESFB’s network.Alignment: ‘Insurance for All by 2047’Highlights of Partnership :Product Offering: Under this alliance, Canara HSBC Life will provide its life protection, savings, annuity, child, and investment‑linked plans through Equitas SFB’s branch network.Financial Inclusion: The collaboration integrates life insurance with ESFB’s branch and phygital banking model, improving access for customers across Tier 1, 2, and 3 locations.Alignment: The initiative aligns with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)’s vision of “Insurance for All by 2047”.ESFB: ESFB, based in Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN), was established as a microfinance institution in 2007 and became a bank in 2016 after receiving a license by Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Canara HSBC Life Insurance & ESFB Partner for BancassuranceOn December 23, 2025, Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited (Canara HSBC), a Joint Venture (JV) between Canara Bank and HSBC Insurance, has entered into a strategic bancassurance partnership with Equitas Small Finance Bank (ESFB), to expand life insurance distribution through ESFB’s branch network.What? Bancassurance partnership announcedEntities: Canara HSBC and ESFBPurpose: To expand life insurance by offering Canara HSBC Life’s products via ESFB’s network.Alignment: ‘Insurance for All by 2047’Highlights of Partnership :Product Offering: Under this alliance, Canara HSBC Life will provide its life protection, savings, annuity, child, and investment‑linked plans through Equitas SFB’s branch network.Financial Inclusion: The collaboration integrates life insurance with ESFB’s branch and phygital banking model, improving access for customers across Tier 1, 2, and 3 locations.Alignment: The initiative aligns with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)’s vision of “Insurance for All by 2047”.ESFB: ESFB, based in Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN), was established as a microfinance institution in 2007 and became a bank in 2016 after receiving a license by Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Canara HSBC Life Insurance & ESFB Partner for BancassuranceOn December 23, 2025, Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited (Canara HSBC), a Joint Venture (JV) between Canara Bank and HSBC Insurance, has entered into a strategic bancassurance partner...
CBDT Launches NUDGE Campaign for AY 2025-26 ComplianceOn December 23, 2025, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), launched a data-driven “Non-Intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable (NUDGE)” campaign for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, aimed at improving voluntary tax compliance.What? NUDGE Campaign launchedWho? CBDT (MoF)Duration: Assessment Year 2025-26Deadline: 31 December 2025, after 1 January 2026 (additional tax)Targets: Bogus deductions, invalid PANs, suspicious RUPP donationsRisk Analytics: The campaign primarily uses advanced risk analytics and data matching to flag potential discrepancies in filed Income-Tax Returns (ITRs) such as Bogus donations to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) or ineligible deductions or exemptions, incorrect or invalid Permanent Account Numbers (PANs), and errors in the amount claimed for eligible deductions or exemptions.Deadlines: The revised ITRs can be filed up to 31 December 2025 to avoid further scrutiny, enquiries, or potential demand notices. The returns updated after 1 January 2026 may attract additional tax and liabilities.Background: Over 15 lakhs revised ITRs filed in AY 2025-26 under the campaign. More than 21 lakh updated returns for previous AYs from 2021-22 to 2024-25 were filed. Additional tax of around Rs.2,500 crores has been collected.About NUDGE: It was first launched by CBDT in 2024 aimed at identifying potential discrepancies in filed ITRs using advanced risk analytics and data matching.
CBDT Launches NUDGE Campaign for AY 2025-26 ComplianceOn December 23, 2025, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), launched a data-driven “Non-Intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable (NUDGE)” campaign for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, aimed at improving voluntary tax compliance.What? NUDGE Campaign launchedWho? CBDT (MoF)Duration: Assessment Year 2025-26Deadline: 31 December 2025, after 1 January 2026 (additional tax)Targets: Bogus deductions, invalid PANs, suspicious RUPP donationsRisk Analytics: The campaign primarily uses advanced risk analytics and data matching to flag potential discrepancies in filed Income-Tax Returns (ITRs) such as Bogus donations to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) or ineligible deductions or exemptions, incorrect or invalid Permanent Account Numbers (PANs), and errors in the amount claimed for eligible deductions or exemptions.Deadlines: The revised ITRs can be filed up to 31 December 2025 to avoid further scrutiny, enquiries, or potential demand notices. The returns updated after 1 January 2026 may attract additional tax and liabilities.Background: Over 15 lakhs revised ITRs filed in AY 2025-26 under the campaign. More than 21 lakh updated returns for previous AYs from 2021-22 to 2024-25 were filed. Additional tax of around Rs.2,500 crores has been collected.About NUDGE: It was first launched by CBDT in 2024 aimed at identifying potential discrepancies in filed ITRs using advanced risk analytics and data matching.
CBDT Launches NUDGE Campaign for AY 2025-26 ComplianceOn December 23, 2025, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), launched a data-driven “Non-Intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable (NUDGE)” campaign for A...
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DRDO Signs MoU with RRU to Enhance Collaboration on Defence & Internal SecurityOn December 22, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), to enhance collaboration on defence and internal security.The MoU was signed by Dr Chandrika Kaushik, Director General(DG) (Production Coordination & Services Interaction), DRDO; and Professor (Dr) Bimal N Patel, Vice Chancellor, RRU in the presence of in the presence of Union Minister Rajnath Singh, MoD, in New Delhi, Delhi.What? MoU signedEntities: DRDO & RRUSignatories: Dr Chandrika Kaushik (DRDO) and Prof (Dr) Bimal N. Patel (RRU)Purpose: To enhance collaboration on defence and internal securityKey Details of MoU:Scope : Under the MoU, DRDO and RRU will undertake research projects, run Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and fellowship programmes, and conduct specialised training and capacity-building for security forces.It includes studying emerging security challenges, identifying technology gaps and future needs, and supporting maintenance and life-cycle management of DRDO systems used by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and other security agencies.Role of Entities: Under the MoU, RRU will contribute its expertise in internal security education, training and policy, and DRDO will provide advanced indigenous defence technologies.
DRDO Signs MoU with RRU to Enhance Collaboration on Defence & Internal SecurityOn December 22, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), to enhance collaboration on defence and internal security.The MoU was signed by Dr Chandrika Kaushik, Director General(DG) (Production Coordination & Services Interaction), DRDO; and Professor (Dr) Bimal N Patel, Vice Chancellor, RRU in the presence of in the presence of Union Minister Rajnath Singh, MoD, in New Delhi, Delhi.What? MoU signedEntities: DRDO & RRUSignatories: Dr Chandrika Kaushik (DRDO) and Prof (Dr) Bimal N. Patel (RRU)Purpose: To enhance collaboration on defence and internal securityKey Details of MoU:Scope : Under the MoU, DRDO and RRU will undertake research projects, run Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and fellowship programmes, and conduct specialised training and capacity-building for security forces.It includes studying emerging security challenges, identifying technology gaps and future needs, and supporting maintenance and life-cycle management of DRDO systems used by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and other security agencies.Role of Entities: Under the MoU, RRU will contribute its expertise in internal security education, training and policy, and DRDO will provide advanced indigenous defence technologies.
DRDO Signs MoU with RRU to Enhance Collaboration on Defence & Internal SecurityOn December 22, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rashtr...
GoI Notifies New P&NG Rules 2025 to Boost Investment and Ease of Doing BusinessIn December 2025, the Government of India (GoI) notified the new ‘Petroleum and Natural Gas (P&NG) Rules, 2025’, introducing a revised regulatory framework designed to attract investment and simplify operations in India’s oil and gas sector. The announcement was made by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).Highlights of New Framework:Single Licence: Under the new framework, companies will now operate through a single petroleum lease replacing the earlier system of multiple licences.Lease Tenure: The new framework provides lease tenures of up to 30 years and be extended for the full economic life of a field.Financial Penalties: Criminal penalties for violations have been eliminated and replaced with higher financial penalties of Rs 25 lakh, with an additional Rs 10 lakh per day for continued non-compliance.Faster Approval: The new rules also stipulate a time limit on approvals. Applications for petroleum leases must be decided within 180 days, ensuring timely approvals.Competent Authority: The Oil Industry Safety Directorate has been designated as the competent authority for offshore safety, audits and standard-setting across exploration and production activities.
GoI Notifies New P&NG Rules 2025 to Boost Investment and Ease of Doing BusinessIn December 2025, the Government of India (GoI) notified the new ‘Petroleum and Natural Gas (P&NG) Rules, 2025’, introducing a revised regulatory framework designed to attract investment and simplify operations in India’s oil and gas sector. The announcement was made by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).Highlights of New Framework:Single Licence: Under the new framework, companies will now operate through a single petroleum lease replacing the earlier system of multiple licences.Lease Tenure: The new framework provides lease tenures of up to 30 years and be extended for the full economic life of a field.Financial Penalties: Criminal penalties for violations have been eliminated and replaced with higher financial penalties of Rs 25 lakh, with an additional Rs 10 lakh per day for continued non-compliance.Faster Approval: The new rules also stipulate a time limit on approvals. Applications for petroleum leases must be decided within 180 days, ensuring timely approvals.Competent Authority: The Oil Industry Safety Directorate has been designated as the competent authority for offshore safety, audits and standard-setting across exploration and production activities.
GoI Notifies New P&NG Rules 2025 to Boost Investment and Ease of Doing BusinessIn December 2025, the Government of India (GoI) notified the new ‘Petroleum and Natural Gas (P&NG) Rules, 2025’, introducing a revised regulatory framework designed to att...
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