National Affairs

DoT Rolls Out 3 Major Telecom Security Reforms

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced three key reforms introduced by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) via the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) to bolster India's telecom security infrastructure.

• Pro Tem Certification Extended & Expanded: The scheme is extended for two years (from January 1, 2026). Its scope now includes critical hardware like 5G Core Session Management Function (SMF), Optical Line Terminals (OLT), and Optical Network Terminators (ONT). Under this, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) submit a declaration of conformance with Indian Telecommunication Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR).
• Massive Fee Reductions for Testing Labs: The designation application fee for Telecom Security Testing Laboratories (TSTLs) has been slashed by over 50%. Furthermore, a 50% concession applies to Indian startups, MSEs, and women-owned businesses, while central/state government testing agencies and IITs receive complete fee waivers.
• Streamlined ONT Device Certification: Customized variants of ONT devices—deployed at customer premises for internet access—will now undergo a single, unified certification procedure instead of multiple separate tests. Mandatory certification took effect on January 1, 2026.

Redeveloped ‘Batadrava Than’ Sacred Site Inaugurated in Assam

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the redeveloped Batadrava Than at Borduwa village in Assam's Nagaon district. Built at a cost exceeding Rs 222 crore, the grand project is named Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva Abhirbhav Kshetra.

• Cultural Hub: Spread across 162–165 bighas, the site features a 25-meter-high Guru Asana symbolizing the saint, themed theatres, performance spaces for Sattriya dance, and an architecture layout shaped like a sacred tree.
• Srimanta Sankardeva (1449–1568): A revered saint, scholar, and social reformer who founded the Ekasarana (Neo-Vaishnavism) movement in Assam, enriching the region's heritage through Borgeet (devotional songs), Ankia Naat (one-act plays), and Sattriya dance.

FITT-IIT Delhi and IDFC First Bank Launch New IGNITE Cohort

The Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi, alongside IDFC First Bank, launched a new cohort under the IGNITE (Innovation Growth & Nurturing Initiative for Technology Entrepreneurs) program.

• The Blueprint: 15 high-potential startups have been selected for this round.
• Financial & Scaling Support: Each startup receives up to Rs 30 lakhs in non-dilutive funding, structured mentorship from IIT faculty, and corporate readiness workshops funded under IDFC First Bank’s CSR initiative.
• Focus Sectors: Deep-tech innovations in climate tech, clean energy, healthcare, agri-tech, mobility, education, and AI for social good.

National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP-2025) Enforced

The DoT officially enforced the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025) to streamline and administer radio-frequency spectrum management in India aligned with international ITU standards.

• Spectrum Range: Allocates frequencies spanning from 8.3 kHz to 3000 GHz.
• Key Highlights: Identifies the 6,425-7,125 MHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) to boost mid-band availability for 5G-Advanced and future 6G networks.
• Satellite & Aero-Maritime Boost: Allocates Ka (26.5–40 GHz), Q (33–50 GHz), and V (40–75 GHz) bands for high-throughput space services (LEO/MEO/GSO constellations). It also adds a dedicated spectrum for In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication.

GIFT City to Host India's First Specialized AI Research Body

The Gujarat government gave its in-principle nod to establish the Indian Artificial Intelligence Research Organization (IAIRO) at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. This makes Gujarat the first Indian state to set up a dedicated state-backed AI research entity.

• Operational Structure: Functioning as a non-profit Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under Section 8 of the Companies Act, it utilizes a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
• Partners & Funding: A joint venture between the Government of India, the Government of Gujarat, and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) acting as the anchor partner. The Rs 300 crore budget for the first 5 years will be split equally among the three entities.
• Tech Base: Advanced product R&D and policy studies utilizing a hybrid computing model that integrates local GPU nodes with the national IndiaAI Cloud.

India-Australia Trade: Zero-Duty on 100% Australian Tariff Lines

Marking the third anniversary of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced that 100% of Australian tariff lines have become completely zero-duty for Indian exports.

• Trade Milestone: India's exports to Australia grew by 8% in FY25, substantially balancing bilateral trade.
• Key Growth Sectors: Engineering, textiles, pharmaceuticals, gems & jewelry, and heavy chemicals. Broad-based agri-export gains were led by marine products, spices, coffee, fruits, and vegetables.

Banking & Finance

RBI Releases Trend and Progress of Banking Report 2024-25

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) published its statutory annual report under Section 36(2) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, reviewing the sector's health through FY25 and H1 FY26.

• System Asset Growth: The consolidated balance sheet of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) moderated to an 11.2% growth rate in FY25 (compared to 15.5% in FY24). On the assets side, bank credit grew by 11.5% while investments edged up by 9.2%.
• Market Share Shift: Public Sector Banks (PSBs) saw their share in the consolidated balance sheet of SCBs dip slightly to 54.9% at the close of March 2025 (down from 55.2% in March 2024).
• Frauds Volumetric Surge: While the absolute number of reported bank fraud cases fell to 5,092 during April-September 2026, the total financial amount involved spiked by 30% to Rs 21,515 crore.

Rediff.com Receives NPCI Nod; To Launch 'RediffPay'

Rediff.com India Limited (a subsidiary of Infibeam Avenues Ltd) secured final approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP).

• Digital Wellness: The company initiated Closed User Group (CUG) testing for RediffPay, designed as India's first financial wellness-focused UPI application.
• Features: Beyond basic P2P transfers, bill payments, and merchant recharges, it integrates financial products like mutual funds, equities, and insurance. It features pre-approved merchant credit up to Rs 1,000,000/day and cash withdrawals up to Rs 10,000. Axis Bank serves as its Payment System Provider (PSP) bank.

IDFC First Bank Launches Ultra-Premium Metal Card ‘Gaj’

IDFC First Bank rolled out Gaj, an elite, invitation-only metal credit card targeted exclusively at ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). This marks the apex tier of the bank's premium Ashva–Mayura–Gaj card trilogy.

• Cost Structures: Carries a joining and annual fee of Rs 12,500 + GST (annual fee waived on annual spends reaching Rs 10 lakhs).
• Core Perks: Features zero foreign exchange markup, interest-free global ATM cash withdrawals, luxury airport lounge access, and a trip cancellation insurance cover up to Rs 50,000.

Syria Overhauls Currency to Combat Hyperinflation

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and the Central Bank of Syria unveiled a major redenomination of the country's national currency, entering circulation with a 90-day dual-tender window.

• Redenomination: The currency drops two zeros (e.g., 10,000 old Syrian Pounds auto-converts to 100 new SYP) to stabilize bookkeeping and standard retail transactions.
• Aesthetic Shift: New banknotes (denominations ranging from 10 to 500 SYP) swap old political portraits for regional agricultural motifs—such as damask roses, olives, wheat fields, and citrus blossoms—to symbolize economic rebirth.

Appointments & Resignations

Rakesh Agarwal Appointed Interim Director General of NIA

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) named senior IPS officer Rakesh Agarwal (1994 batch, Himachal Pradesh cadre) as the Interim Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

• He steps in following the premature repatriation of former chief Sadanand Vasant Date to his parent cadre in Maharashtra.
• Agarwal has been serving as the Special DG at NIA since September 2025 and is a recognized specialist in counter-terrorism financing and organized crime syndicates.

Science & Technology

DRDO Successfully Tests 120-km Range Pinaka Guided Rocket

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha.

[In-Service Pinaka Launcher] ───> Precision Strike Target (120 km Max Range Achieved)

• System Integration: The guided rocket was fired from a standard, in-service Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) platform, proving the launcher’s capability to handle advanced ammunition variants seamlessly.
• Development Agencies: Designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), with specialized fuel and propellants from the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL). Crucial tracking and guidance architecture were developed by DRDL and RCI.

Civil Next-Gen Helicopter 'Dhruv-NG' Logs Maiden Flight

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu flagged off the inaugural flight of the indigenous next-generation civil helicopter, Dhruv-NG, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.

• Technical Specifications: A 5.5-tonne, twin-engine platform powered by upgraded Shakti 1H1C engines. It hits a maximum cruise speed of 285 km/h, features an operational range of 630 km, and delivers an endurance of 3 hours and 40 minutes.
• Design & Safety: Outfitted with an Avionics System Level 4 (AS4) certified glass cockpit, crashworthy passenger seats, and specialized low-vibration dampers. Its flexible 7.33 cubic meter cabin can quickly transition from a 14-seat commuter arrangement to an air ambulance or a luxury 4-6 seat VIP configuration.

Obituary

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia Passes Away

The Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the country's first female Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away in Dhaka at the age of 80.

• Historical Timeline: Born in British India's Jalpaiguri (now in West Bengal) in 145, she assumed leadership of the BNP following the assassination of her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, in 1981.
• Governance: She served two separate tenures as Prime Minister (1991–1996 and 2001–2006), overseeing parliamentary restoration, economic deregulation, and infrastructure expansion. In 2022, she was honored with the 'Mother of Democracy' award by the Canadian Human Rights International Organization.

State News

'VijAIpatha' AI & STEM Labs Launched in Karnataka Government Schools

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the Cyient AI Labs (CyAILS) initiative, dubbed ‘VijAIpatha’, at a girls' government school in Hosapete taluk, Vijayanagara district, Karnataka.

• Rural Tech Literacy: A CSR-driven pilot project with a 3-year budget allocation of Rs 1 crore aimed at democratizing access to AI, advanced robotics, IoT kits, and STEM tracks.
• Deployment Phases: Phase 1 launches high-performance, broadband-connected lab infrastructure across five pilot schools before expanding into a scalable national model under Phase 2.

Karnataka Sets Up India's First AI-Powered Skills Intelligence Unit

The Government of Karnataka announced the launch of the Karnataka Strategic & Intelligence Unit (KSIU), marking India’s very first AI-driven state-level skills intelligence network.

• Revealed at the Quest 2 Learn Summit 2025 in Bengaluru, the KSIU operates alongside localized District Skill Groups (DSGs).
• The system uses predictive AI modeling to map real-time industry workforce demands against current academic and vocational curriculums, looking to systematically eliminate regional skill gaps across the state.