🇮🇳 National News
India’s traditional medicine and wellness framework, AYUSH, has received a significant international push through its inclusion in bilateral trade agreements with Oman and New Zealand.
These agreements provide formal recognition to AYUSH systems and explicitly include herbal products, wellness therapies, and related services. Regulatory clarity under the agreements will facilitate smoother trade, reduce compliance hurdles, and promote international acceptance of Indian traditional healthcare practices.
AYUSH exports grew by 6.11%, increasing from USD 649.2 million in 2023–24 to USD 688.89 million in 2024–25.
The move enhances India’s standing in the global traditional medicine ecosystem, supports exports, and encourages joint research, innovation, and wellness collaborations.
Haryana is set to introduce India’s first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind–Sonipat route, marking a major milestone in sustainable rail transport.
The pilot project, undertaken by Indian Railways, aims to use green hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel for trains operating on non-electrified routes. Developed by Northern Railway, the hydrogen train will test the feasibility of hydrogen as a zero-emission substitute for diesel locomotives.
A dedicated hydrogen production plant at Jind will supply fuel through electrolysis, featuring a 3,000 kg hydrogen storage capacity with stable electricity supply for uninterrupted operations.
India and Bhutan have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) enabling Bhutanese law clerks to work at the Supreme Court of India.
Under the agreement, Bhutanese clerks will serve for three months and receive the same honorarium as Indian law clerks, with travel expenses borne by the Court.
The initiative was announced by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and is aimed at enhancing judicial cooperation, professional training, and institutional ties.
The MoU follows the October 2025 visit of former CJI B R Gavai to Bhutan, during which both nations discussed cooperation in technology adoption and judicial capacity building.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has become the longest-serving CM in the state’s history, surpassing Devaraj Urs. He has completed over seven years and eight months in office across multiple tenures.
Originating from a small village in Mysuru district, Siddaramaiah began his political career in 1983. He served in key roles within the Janata Party and Janata Dal before joining the Indian National Congress in 2006.
As the first Chief Minister from the Kuruba community, he strongly advocated social justice through the AHINDA coalition, representing minorities, backward classes, and Dalits.
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated Sanskaar Shaala in Guwahati.
The initiative focuses on value-based education for children aged four to fourteen years, emphasizing ethical conduct, compassion, and Indian cultural values alongside academic learning. The Governor stressed the importance of moral education complementing formal schooling.
He also attended the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Guwahati Blind High School, praising inclusive education initiatives and highlighting government efforts aimed at empowering persons with disabilities.
Archaeologists in Pakistan have discovered 2,000-year-old bronze coins from the Kushan Empire, dating to the reign of King Vasudeva.
The discovery was made at Bhir Mound near Taxila in Rawalpindi. Along with the coins, lapis lazuli fragments were found, indicating extensive trade links between Central and South Asia.
The coins feature King Vasudeva on one side and a female deity on the other, reflecting religious diversity during the Kushan era. The findings underscore Taxila’s political, economic, and cultural importance during ancient times.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked the 25th anniversary of the maiden flight of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The event symbolizes India’s progress toward self-reliance in defence aviation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Launched in 1983, the Tejas programme aimed to replace ageing fighter aircraft with an indigenous, modern platform.
The first flight occurred on 4 January 2001 from HAL Airport, Bengaluru, piloted by Wing Commander Rajiv Kothiyal. The milestone positioned India among a select group of nations capable of designing and developing combat aircraft.
💼 Business & Economy
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a uniform 30-day delay for the use of stock price data in investor education programmes.
This replaces the earlier system that allowed one-day or three-month lags. The objective is to prevent misuse of sensitive market data while ensuring educational material remains relevant.
SEBI cautioned that using live or near-real-time prices could blur the distinction between education and investment advice, which requires regulatory authorization. Existing safeguards will remain in place to ensure that educational content does not include recommendations or inducements.
Axis Bank has introduced a new feature called ‘Safety Centre’ within its mobile banking application. Launched in January 2026, the tool strengthens protection against digital fraud and cyber threats.
Customers can manage internet banking, mobile banking, UPI limits, and fund transfers in real time.
Key features include:
- SMS Shield – identifies genuine messages
- One-click restriction – on fund transfers
- Third-party payment blocking – enhanced control
- UPI usage and payee addition controls
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed limiting banks’ dividend payouts to 75% of Profit After Tax (PAT).
The proposal applies to scheduled commercial banks and aims to strengthen capital buffers. Retaining higher profits will help banks absorb future risks, support credit growth, and withstand economic downturns.
While shareholder returns may be moderated, the focus is on long-term financial stability. The move aligns with global banking prudential norms and aims to reduce systemic risk.
Financial Software and Systems (FSS) has become the first payments company across India, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and South Africa to receive ISO/IEC 42001 certification.
The certification recognizes FSS’s commitment to the ethical, transparent, and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
ISO/IEC 42001 is the world’s first AI management system standard, focusing on governance, accountability, and risk management. The recognition boosts regulatory confidence, enhances customer trust, and highlights India’s leadership in fintech innovation and responsible AI adoption.
👔 Appointments
Ramesh Kumar Juneja has been appointed Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE).
He assumed charge during the 184th Committee of Administration meeting held in Chennai. CLE functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and promotes Indian leather and footwear exports globally.
Juneja brings over four decades of industry experience. He founded the JC Group and played a key role in integrating Indian leather businesses into global value chains.
The General Insurance Council has appointed S Prakash as CEO – Health Insurance Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships.
The appointment took effect from 7 January 2026. His role focuses on strengthening collaboration among insurers, hospitals, regulators, and policyholders.
Key priorities include:
- Standardizing treatment protocols
- Reducing disputes
- Curbing fraud and abuse
- Improving grievance redressal mechanisms
The aim is to enhance efficiency, transparency, and trust in India’s health insurance system.
🔬 Science & Technology
The Government of India has relaxed DSIR norms by removing the requirement that startups must exist for three years to gain recognition.
The announcement was made during the 41st Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).
The reform allows early-stage deep-tech startups to access institutional and policy support at an earlier stage. It reflects the government’s confidence in Indian innovation and entrepreneurship and aims to help startups scale during their most vulnerable growth phase.
📅 Important Days
Earth’s Rotation Day is observed globally on 8 January each year. The day highlights the importance of the Earth’s rotational motion.
It commemorates French physicist Léon Foucault’s 1851 pendulum experiment, which publicly demonstrated that the Earth rotates on its axis.
8 January 2026 marks the 175th anniversary of this historic scientific demonstration.
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