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Ponduru Khadi from Andhra Pradesh Receives GI TagIn December 2025, Ponduru Khadi, a traditional handspun and handwoven cotton fabric from Ponduru village, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh (AP), received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the GI Registry, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I).The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) submitted a declaration for Ponduru Khadi’s GI registration.What? GI tag granted to Ponduru KhadiWhere? Ponduru village, Srikakulam district, Andhra PradeshBy Whom? Geographical Indications (GI) Registry, DPIIT, MoC&IRegistered Proprietor: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)GI Law: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999Validity: 10 years (renewable)About Ponduru Khadi:Identity: Ponduru Khadi, locally known as Patnulu, nominated under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.Historical Significance: During the Swadeshi Movement in 1921, Mahatma Gandhi praised Ponduru Khadi in Young India and, after receiving a Ponduru Khadi stole, deputed Devdas Gandhi to study its production process.Artisan Support: The Andhra Fine Khadi Karmik Abhivrudhi Sangam (AFKKS), established in 1949, supports Ponduru Khadi artisans.Cotton Varieties: The fabric is made exclusively from indigenous hill cotton, punasa cotton, and red cotton grown locally in and around Srikakulam.Production Process: Ponduru Khadi is produced through an entirely manual process, from cotton cleaning to spinning and weaving, with no use of mechanisation.Unique Techniques: Cotton is cleaned using the jawbone of the Valuga fish, and spinning is done using a single-spindle 24-spoke Gandhi Charkha, producing ultra-fine yarn with a yarn count of about 100–120.GI Protection: Ponduru Khadi has been granted a Geographical Indication under the GI Act, 1999, covering Classes 23, 24, and 25 to prevent misuse and imitation.About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:Definition: A sign used on goods originating from a specific geographical area with qualities or reputation attributable to that originLegal Framework: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999Administering Authority: Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM)Validity: 10 years (renewable)About Andhra Pradesh (AP):Chief Minister (CM) – Nara Chandrababu NaiduGovernor – Syed Abdul NazeerCapital – AmaravatiWildlife Sanctuary (WLS) – Sri Lankamalleswara WLS, Krishna WLS
NIRL Signed MoU with PTC India Limited to Establish Green Energy Joint VentureIn December 2025, NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NLC India Limited (NLCIL), signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with PTC India Limited (formerly Power Trading Corporation) at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu (TN), for the establishment of a green energy joint venture company (JVC) to develop renewable energy projects.What? Green energy Joint Venture Agreement signedEntities: NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL) and PTC India LimitedWhere? Neyveli, Tamil NaduTarget Capacity: Up to 2,000 Megawatt (MW)First Phase: Around 500 MWEquity: Proposed shareholding is 74% NIRL and 26% PTC India.Focus: Solar, Wind, Hydro, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Green Ammonia.About the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA):Purpose: The joint venture will establish, operate, and maintain renewable energy projects covering solar, wind, hydro, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), green ammonia, and other emerging green technologies.Capacity Plan: A total green energy capacity of up to 2,000 Megawatt (MW) will be developed in phases, with an initial deployment of approximately 500 MW.Strategic Objective: The venture aims to accelerate large-scale renewable energy deployment, develop renewable energy parks, and support India’s transition to clean and sustainable energy.Partner Strengths: NLC India Limited will contribute project development and power generation expertise, while PTC India Limited will provide power trading capabilities and market access.Power Sales: Electricity will be sold through competitive and regulated mechanisms under Sections 62 and 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003.Target Customers: The venture will supply power to Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), government entities, and commercial and industrial consumers.Ownership & Governance: NIRL will hold 74% equity and PTC India Limited 26%, with both partners appointing nominee directors for board-level oversight.
NIRL Signed MoU with PTC India Limited to Establish Green Energy Joint VentureIn December 2025, NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NLC India Limited (NLCIL), signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with PTC India Limited (formerly Power Trading Corporation) at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu (TN), for the establishment of a green energy joint venture company (JVC) to develop renewable energy projects.What? Green energy Joint Venture Agreement signedEntities: NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL) and PTC India LimitedWhere? Neyveli, Tamil NaduTarget Capacity: Up to 2,000 Megawatt (MW)First Phase: Around 500 MWEquity: Proposed shareholding is 74% NIRL and 26% PTC India.Focus: Solar, Wind, Hydro, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Green Ammonia.About the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA):Purpose: The joint venture will establish, operate, and maintain renewable energy projects covering solar, wind, hydro, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), green ammonia, and other emerging green technologies.Capacity Plan: A total green energy capacity of up to 2,000 Megawatt (MW) will be developed in phases, with an initial deployment of approximately 500 MW.Strategic Objective: The venture aims to accelerate large-scale renewable energy deployment, develop renewable energy parks, and support India’s transition to clean and sustainable energy.Partner Strengths: NLC India Limited will contribute project development and power generation expertise, while PTC India Limited will provide power trading capabilities and market access.Power Sales: Electricity will be sold through competitive and regulated mechanisms under Sections 62 and 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003.Target Customers: The venture will supply power to Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), government entities, and commercial and industrial consumers.Ownership & Governance: NIRL will hold 74% equity and PTC India Limited 26%, with both partners appointing nominee directors for board-level oversight.
NIRL Signed MoU with PTC India Limited to Establish Green Energy Joint VentureIn December 2025, NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NLC India Limited (NLCIL), signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with PTC India Limited...
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SEBI Approves NCDEX to Launch a Mutual Fund PlatformOn December 15, 2025, the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch a Mutual Fund (MF) transaction platform.What? NCDEX received in-principle approvalFrom: SEBIPurpose: To launch a Mutual Fund transaction platformClearing & Settlement: Handled by NCCL.About NCDEX MF Transaction Platform:Functionality: SEBI’s approval allows NCDEX to set up a platform where investors can easily buy and sell MF units, after meeting regulatory requirements.Clearing & Settlement: The National Commodity Clearing Limited (NCCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NCDEX, will handle the backend processing such as Clearing through validating trade details and Settlement which ensures money moves from investor to MF and units are allocated appropriately.Independent Operation: The MF platform will be independent of the trading infrastructure of NCDEX for commodities or future stock trading systems. It can roll out faster without depending on the equity system.
SEBI Approves NCDEX to Launch a Mutual Fund PlatformOn December 15, 2025, the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch a Mutual Fund (MF) transaction platform.What? NCDEX received in-principle approvalFrom: SEBIPurpose: To launch a Mutual Fund transaction platformClearing & Settlement: Handled by NCCL.About NCDEX MF Transaction Platform:Functionality: SEBI’s approval allows NCDEX to set up a platform where investors can easily buy and sell MF units, after meeting regulatory requirements.Clearing & Settlement: The National Commodity Clearing Limited (NCCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NCDEX, will handle the backend processing such as Clearing through validating trade details and Settlement which ensures money moves from investor to MF and units are allocated appropriately.Independent Operation: The MF platform will be independent of the trading infrastructure of NCDEX for commodities or future stock trading systems. It can roll out faster without depending on the equity system.
SEBI Approves NCDEX to Launch a Mutual Fund PlatformOn December 15, 2025, the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch a Mutual Fund (M...
RBI Approves HDFC Bank Group to Acquire Up to 9.5% Stake in IndusInd BankOn 15 December 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved HDFC Bank Limited, along with its group entities, to acquire an aggregate holding of up to 9.5% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights in IndusInd Bank Limited.The approval has been granted under the RBI (Commercial Banks – Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights) Directions, 2025, with non-compliance leading to automatic lapse of permission.What? RBI approval to acquire an aggregate stakeAcquirer Bank: HDFC Bank GroupTarget Bank: IndusInd BankPermissible Limit: Up to 9.50% aggregate holdingValidity Period: One year, till December 14, 2026Regulation: RBI Commercial Banks (Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights) Directions, 2025Key Details of Approval:Validity: The approval is valid for one year, from 15 December 2025 to 14 December 2026, and the aggregate holding must not exceed 9.50% at any time.Coverage: The approval applies to aggregate holdings of HDFC Bank, its promoter group entities,Mutual Funds(MFs), trustees, and corporate bodies under the same management or control.Entities: The covered group entities include HDFC Mutual Fund, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC Pension Fund Management Limited, and HDFC Securities Limited.
RBI Approves HDFC Bank Group to Acquire Up to 9.5% Stake in IndusInd BankOn 15 December 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved HDFC Bank Limited, along with its group entities, to acquire an aggregate holding of up to 9.5% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights in IndusInd Bank Limited.The approval has been granted under the RBI (Commercial Banks – Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights) Directions, 2025, with non-compliance leading to automatic lapse of permission.What? RBI approval to acquire an aggregate stakeAcquirer Bank: HDFC Bank GroupTarget Bank: IndusInd BankPermissible Limit: Up to 9.50% aggregate holdingValidity Period: One year, till December 14, 2026Regulation: RBI Commercial Banks (Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights) Directions, 2025Key Details of Approval:Validity: The approval is valid for one year, from 15 December 2025 to 14 December 2026, and the aggregate holding must not exceed 9.50% at any time.Coverage: The approval applies to aggregate holdings of HDFC Bank, its promoter group entities,Mutual Funds(MFs), trustees, and corporate bodies under the same management or control.Entities: The covered group entities include HDFC Mutual Fund, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC Pension Fund Management Limited, and HDFC Securities Limited.
RBI Approves HDFC Bank Group to Acquire Up to 9.5% Stake in IndusInd BankOn 15 December 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved HDFC Bank Limited, along with its group entities, to acquire an aggregate holding of up to 9.5% of the paid-up shar...
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ADB Approves USD 846 Mn Loan for India’s Skill DevelopmentIn December 2025, The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 846 million(Mn) (about Rs.7,000 crore) loan to India to boost skills and employability by modernising Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) under a flagship national programme.What? ADB Approved Loan to IndianLoan Amount: USD 846 MnPurpose: Modernise 650 ITIs across 12 states + upgrade 5 NSTIsBeneficiaries: 1.3 million youth (focus on women, disadvantaged groups)Sectors: Renewable energy, electric mobility, advanced manufacturing, green jobsCo-financier: World BankKey Highlights:Programme overview: The funding supports the “Supporting Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs Program (PM-SETU)”. It aims to build a future ready workforce for manufacturing and emerging technology sectors, aligned with Skill India and Make in India priorities.ITI Modernisation Model: The programme aims to modernise 650 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across 12 states using a hub-and-spoke cluster model. It focuses on upgrading infrastructure, training equipment, and digital systems to deliver industry-aligned, demand-driven courses.NSTI Centres Upgrade: It proposes to upgrade 5 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) into Centres of Excellence for advanced trainer development, thereby improving the quality and capacity of instructors nationwide.PPP-Led Governance: The programme introduces governance reforms through Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs), granting ITIs greater institutional autonomy and strengthening industry participation in curriculum design, assessment, and placement activities.High-Growth Sectors: Training will be expanded in high-growth sectors such as renewable energy, electric mobility, advanced manufacturing, and other green and digital economy areas, aligned with future labour market demand.Youth-Centric Skilling: The initiative is expected to directly benefit at least 1.3 million youth, with a strong focus on women and disadvantaged groups, by improving employment outcomes and access to modern skilling opportunities.Green & Inclusive Design: Investments will support energy-efficient buildings, disaster and health preparedness, and green skills, while integrating climate-responsive and sustainability-oriented content into training curricula.Results-Based Financing: The programme adopts a Results-Based Lending (RBL) modality, linking fund disbursements to measurable outcomes such as higher graduate employment rates and improved institutional performance.World Bank Support: The initiative will be co-financed with the World Bank, aligning multilateral financial and technical support with India’s large-scale skilling transformation agendaAbout Asian Development Bank (ADB):President – Masato Kanda (Japan)Headquarters – Manila, the PhilippinesMember Nations – 69 (50 member nations are from Asia-Pacific region)Established – 1966
Overview of Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi’s Visit to BrazilAdmiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy (IN), visited Brazil from December 9 to 12, 2025 to enhance maritime cooperation, professional exchanges, and capacity-building with the Brazilian Navy(BN).Key Highlights of the Visit:Engagements: During his visit to Brazil, CNS Tripathi held high-level bilateral meetings with senior leaders of Brazil, including Celso Amorim, Chief Advisor to the President of Brazil; Brazilian Defence Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro, among others, to review the full spectrum of bilateral defence and maritime security cooperation, and coordination across the South Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.Visited BN Facilities: CNS Tripathi visited key BN facilities: the Itaguai Naval Complex and the amphibious helicopter carrier NAM Atlantico (A140).Also, he attended the passing-out parade of 140 midshipmen at Brazilian Naval Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Tripartite MoU Signed: A key highlight of CNS Tripathi’s visit was the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the IN, the BN and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to exchange information on the maintenance of Scorpene‑class submarines and other naval vessels.The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework that will facilitate the exchange of technical information, maintenance philosophies, industrial practices, spare parts support, and personnel training.The new tripartite MoU will be valid for a period of 10 years from the date of signing and may be extended through mutual written consent.
Overview of Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi’s Visit to BrazilAdmiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy (IN), visited Brazil from December 9 to 12, 2025 to enhance maritime cooperation, professional exchanges, and capacity-building with the Brazilian Navy(BN).Key Highlights of the Visit:Engagements: During his visit to Brazil, CNS Tripathi held high-level bilateral meetings with senior leaders of Brazil, including Celso Amorim, Chief Advisor to the President of Brazil; Brazilian Defence Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro, among others, to review the full spectrum of bilateral defence and maritime security cooperation, and coordination across the South Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.Visited BN Facilities: CNS Tripathi visited key BN facilities: the Itaguai Naval Complex and the amphibious helicopter carrier NAM Atlantico (A140).Also, he attended the passing-out parade of 140 midshipmen at Brazilian Naval Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Tripartite MoU Signed: A key highlight of CNS Tripathi’s visit was the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the IN, the BN and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to exchange information on the maintenance of Scorpene‑class submarines and other naval vessels.The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework that will facilitate the exchange of technical information, maintenance philosophies, industrial practices, spare parts support, and personnel training.The new tripartite MoU will be valid for a period of 10 years from the date of signing and may be extended through mutual written consent.
Overview of Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi’s Visit to BrazilAdmiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy (IN), visited Brazil from December 9 to 12, 2025 to enhance maritime cooperation, professional exchanges, and...
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Stanford’s Global AI Vibrancy Tool 2025: USA Tops; India Ranks 3rd In December 2025, Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) released the ‘ Global AI Vibrancy Tool (GVT) 2025’, under its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Index project. According to the report, India ranked 3rd in the 2024 Global Vibrancy Index with a score of 21.59, marking a significant improvement from its 7th position in 2023.The United States of America(USA) topped the rankings with a score of 78.6, while China placed second with 36.95.Highlights of GVT 2025:Other top 10 countries: South Korea secured the 4th position with a score of 17.24, while the United Kingdom (UK) ranked 5th with 16.64.Singapore (6th rank) (16.43), Spain (7th rank) (16.37), United Arab Emirates (UAE) (eighth rank) (16.06), Japan (ninth) (16.04), and Canada (tenth) (15.56).Performance Across Key Pillars: The USA holds the 1st position across all categories, including Research and Development (R&D), Responsible AI, Economy, Talent, Policy & Governance, Public Opinion, and Infrastructure, while China consistently ranks 2nd in each of these areas.India-Specific: The growth in Talent & Workforce pillar is driven by the expansion of AI-skilled professionals and increasing AI activity in its software and tech industry. The scientific publications, patents, and global collaborations in AI have increased, scaling the R&D pillar.About Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI):Executive Director (ED) – Russell WaldHeadquarters – California, United States of America (USA)Establishment – 2019
Stanford’s Global AI Vibrancy Tool 2025: USA Tops; India Ranks 3rd In December 2025, Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) released the ‘ Global AI Vibrancy Tool (GVT) 2025’, under its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Index project. According to the report, India ranked 3rd in the 2024 Global Vibrancy Index with a score of 21.59, marking a significant improvement from its 7th position in 2023.The United States of America(USA) topped the rankings with a score of 78.6, while China placed second with 36.95.Highlights of GVT 2025:Other top 10 countries: South Korea secured the 4th position with a score of 17.24, while the United Kingdom (UK) ranked 5th with 16.64.Singapore (6th rank) (16.43), Spain (7th rank) (16.37), United Arab Emirates (UAE) (eighth rank) (16.06), Japan (ninth) (16.04), and Canada (tenth) (15.56).Performance Across Key Pillars: The USA holds the 1st position across all categories, including Research and Development (R&D), Responsible AI, Economy, Talent, Policy & Governance, Public Opinion, and Infrastructure, while China consistently ranks 2nd in each of these areas.India-Specific: The growth in Talent & Workforce pillar is driven by the expansion of AI-skilled professionals and increasing AI activity in its software and tech industry. The scientific publications, patents, and global collaborations in AI have increased, scaling the R&D pillar.About Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI):Executive Director (ED) – Russell WaldHeadquarters – California, United States of America (USA)Establishment – 2019
Stanford’s Global AI Vibrancy Tool 2025: USA Tops; India Ranks 3rd In December 2025, Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) released the ‘ Global AI Vibrancy Tool (GVT) 2025’, under its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Index...
Russia President Vladimir Putin Signs Into Federal Law Key Military Pact With IndiaIn December 2025, Russia president Vladimir Putin signed into federal law a major military cooperation agreement with India, formalising the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) pact, following its ratification by both houses of Russia’s Parliament.The military pact will come into effect once India and Russia complete the exchange of their ratification instruments.What? Signs RELOS agreement with IndiaSigned by:Russia President Vladimir PutinRELOS Agreement: Establishes framework for the movement and deployment of military formationsAreas covered: Docking of warships, use of airspace, airfield infrastructureRegulation: Regulated dispatch of troops, warships, military aircraftsImplementation: Effective after exchange of ratification instruments between India and Russia About Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) pact:RELOS Clearance: The RELOS was ratified by the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, on December 2, 2025, followed by approval from the Federation Council, Russia’s upper house, on December 8, 2025.Framework: The RELOS agreement establishes a framework for the movement and deployment of military formations, the docking of warships in each other’s ports, and the use of airspace and airfield infrastructure by military aircrafts from both nations.It is intended to be applied during joint military exercises and training activities, as well as in situations involving humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.Regulation: The agreement regulates the dispatch of troops, warships, and military aircraft, as well as the provision of their mutual logistical support.Significance: Strengthens the strategic military partnership between India and Russia while enhancing mutual defence readiness and operational interoperability.About Russia:President – Vladimir PutinPrime Minister (PM) – Mikhail MishustinCapital – MoscowCurrency – Russian Ruble (RUB)
Russia President Vladimir Putin Signs Into Federal Law Key Military Pact With IndiaIn December 2025, Russia president Vladimir Putin signed into federal law a major military cooperation agreement with India, formalising the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) pact, following its ratification by both houses of Russia’s Parliament.The military pact will come into effect once India and Russia complete the exchange of their ratification instruments.What? Signs RELOS agreement with IndiaSigned by:Russia President Vladimir PutinRELOS Agreement: Establishes framework for the movement and deployment of military formationsAreas covered: Docking of warships, use of airspace, airfield infrastructureRegulation: Regulated dispatch of troops, warships, military aircraftsImplementation: Effective after exchange of ratification instruments between India and Russia About Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) pact:RELOS Clearance: The RELOS was ratified by the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, on December 2, 2025, followed by approval from the Federation Council, Russia’s upper house, on December 8, 2025.Framework: The RELOS agreement establishes a framework for the movement and deployment of military formations, the docking of warships in each other’s ports, and the use of airspace and airfield infrastructure by military aircrafts from both nations.It is intended to be applied during joint military exercises and training activities, as well as in situations involving humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.Regulation: The agreement regulates the dispatch of troops, warships, and military aircraft, as well as the provision of their mutual logistical support.Significance: Strengthens the strategic military partnership between India and Russia while enhancing mutual defence readiness and operational interoperability.About Russia:President – Vladimir PutinPrime Minister (PM) – Mikhail MishustinCapital – MoscowCurrency – Russian Ruble (RUB)
Russia President Vladimir Putin Signs Into Federal Law Key Military Pact With IndiaIn December 2025, Russia president Vladimir Putin signed into federal law a major military cooperation agreement with India, formalising the Reciprocal Exchange of Lo...
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IA Signed MoU with Raghu Vamsi Par East to Boost Indigenous Drone CapabilitiesIn December 2025, the Indian Army (IA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Raghu Vamsi Par East Automation Private Limited, a Joint venture(JV) between Raghu Vamsi Group and Par East, coordinated through the 515 Army Base Workshop (ABW) in Secunderabad, Telangana, to fast-track the development and induction of indigenous drone capabilities for land systems.What? MoU signed to accelerate indigenous drone capabilitiesEntities: Indian Army & Raghu Vamsi Par East Automation Pvt LtdWhere? Secunderabad, TelanganaWhy? To strengthen indigenous manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and shorten induction timelinesFocus Areas: IC engine-based drones and GPS-denied operationsAbout the MoU:Parties: The collaboration involves the IA through 515 ABW, Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), Directorate General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (DG EME), and Raghu Vamsi Par East Automation Private Limited.Objective: The collaboration establishes a streamlined pathway from technical evaluation to field induction and scaling up of indigenous drone technologies aligned with operational requirements.Technology Focus: The partnership focuses on Internal Combustion (IC) engine-based drones and systems capable of operating in Global Positioning System (GPS)-denied environments.Roles: Raghu Vamsi Par East provides technical consultancy, subsystem evaluation, and integration readiness support, while 515 ABW facilitates trials, validation, certification, and ensures safety, interoperability, and standards compliance.Strategic Impact: The MoU strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat by reducing import dependence, accelerating the deployment of drone solutions, and establishing a replicable model for future defence programmes.
IA Signed MoU with Raghu Vamsi Par East to Boost Indigenous Drone CapabilitiesIn December 2025, the Indian Army (IA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Raghu Vamsi Par East Automation Private Limited, a Joint venture(JV) between Raghu Vamsi Group and Par East, coordinated through the 515 Army Base Workshop (ABW) in Secunderabad, Telangana, to fast-track the development and induction of indigenous drone capabilities for land systems.What? MoU signed to accelerate indigenous drone capabilitiesEntities: Indian Army & Raghu Vamsi Par East Automation Pvt LtdWhere? Secunderabad, TelanganaWhy? To strengthen indigenous manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and shorten induction timelinesFocus Areas: IC engine-based drones and GPS-denied operationsAbout the MoU:Parties: The collaboration involves the IA through 515 ABW, Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), Directorate General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (DG EME), and Raghu Vamsi Par East Automation Private Limited.Objective: The collaboration establishes a streamlined pathway from technical evaluation to field induction and scaling up of indigenous drone technologies aligned with operational requirements.Technology Focus: The partnership focuses on Internal Combustion (IC) engine-based drones and systems capable of operating in Global Positioning System (GPS)-denied environments.Roles: Raghu Vamsi Par East provides technical consultancy, subsystem evaluation, and integration readiness support, while 515 ABW facilitates trials, validation, certification, and ensures safety, interoperability, and standards compliance.Strategic Impact: The MoU strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat by reducing import dependence, accelerating the deployment of drone solutions, and establishing a replicable model for future defence programmes.
IA Signed MoU with Raghu Vamsi Par East to Boost Indigenous Drone CapabilitiesIn December 2025, the Indian Army (IA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Raghu Vamsi Par East Automation Private Limited, a Joint venture(JV) between Raghu Va...
University of Patanjali Named India’s First Yoga-Ayurveda Cluster CentreIn December 2025, University of Patanjali in Haridwar(Uttarakhand) became India’s first Yoga and Ayurveda focused ‘Cluster Center’ under the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture.The initiative preserves ancient Indian knowledge systems through research, digitization, and institutional mentoring.What? University of Patanjali Designated as Cluster CenterUnder Which Mission? Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM)GBM Implemented by: Ministry of Culture (MoC)Key Figures: Swami Ramdev (Chancellor), Dr. Acharya Balkrishna (VC), Dr. Anirban Dash (Project Director)MoU Signed: This recognition was formalized through an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in the presence of Yogaguru Swami Ramdev, Chancellor of University of Patanjali; Dr. Anirban Dash, Director of GBM, among others, during a ceremony held in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.Gyan Bharatam Mission:Overview: Gyan Bharatam Mission safeguards India’s intellectual heritage, particularly manuscripts and traditional knowledge, through conservation, research, and dissemination.Total MoUs Signed: So far, 33 MoUs, including 20 cluster centers (of which 8 are universities) were signed under GBM.Preservation of Ancient Texts/Manuscripts: As of now, the university has preserved more than 50,000 ancient texts, digitized over 42 lakh pages and republished 40 manuscripts.Significance: Now, the university as a Cluster Center of GBM, will be able to mentor 20 associated institutions, that will strengthen nationwide efforts in cultural preservation.
University of Patanjali Named India’s First Yoga-Ayurveda Cluster CentreIn December 2025, University of Patanjali in Haridwar(Uttarakhand) became India’s first Yoga and Ayurveda focused ‘Cluster Center’ under the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture.The initiative preserves ancient Indian knowledge systems through research, digitization, and institutional mentoring.What? University of Patanjali Designated as Cluster CenterUnder Which Mission? Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM)GBM Implemented by: Ministry of Culture (MoC)Key Figures: Swami Ramdev (Chancellor), Dr. Acharya Balkrishna (VC), Dr. Anirban Dash (Project Director)MoU Signed: This recognition was formalized through an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in the presence of Yogaguru Swami Ramdev, Chancellor of University of Patanjali; Dr. Anirban Dash, Director of GBM, among others, during a ceremony held in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.Gyan Bharatam Mission:Overview: Gyan Bharatam Mission safeguards India’s intellectual heritage, particularly manuscripts and traditional knowledge, through conservation, research, and dissemination.Total MoUs Signed: So far, 33 MoUs, including 20 cluster centers (of which 8 are universities) were signed under GBM.Preservation of Ancient Texts/Manuscripts: As of now, the university has preserved more than 50,000 ancient texts, digitized over 42 lakh pages and republished 40 manuscripts.Significance: Now, the university as a Cluster Center of GBM, will be able to mentor 20 associated institutions, that will strengthen nationwide efforts in cultural preservation.
University of Patanjali Named India’s First Yoga-Ayurveda Cluster CentreIn December 2025, University of Patanjali in Haridwar(Uttarakhand) became India’s first Yoga and Ayurveda focused ‘Cluster Center’ under the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM), a flags...
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