👔 Appointments
The Central Government has formally approved the appointment of Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak as the Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court. President Droupadi Murmu, acting on the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium, sanctioned this crucial judicial appointment through a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.
Justice Sonak will assume his new responsibilities on January 8, 2026, succeeding Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, who retires upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 62 years.
Profile of Justice Mahesh Sonak:
- Birth Date – November 28, 1964
- Education – Don Bosco High School, Panaji, Goa; Bachelor of Science from Dhempe College of Arts and Science; Law degree from M.S. College of Law, Panaji (affiliated with Bombay University)
- Enrollment as Advocate – October 1988 with the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa
- Specialization – Civil and constitutional law, labor and service matters, environmental law, commercial and tax laws, company law, and public interest litigations
- Previous Roles – Additional Standing Counsel for Central Government, Special Counsel for State Government, counsel for statutory corporations
- High Court Appointment – Additional Judge of Bombay High Court on June 21, 2013
- Retirement Date – November 27, 2026
Additional Appointments: In concurrent notifications, the Centre also approved the appointments of Ramesh Chander Dimri and Neerja Kulwant Kalson as Additional Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court for a tenure of two years.
This appointment was made following recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant during its meeting on December 18, 2025. The collegium system represents the constitutional mechanism through which judges are appointed to High Courts and the Supreme Court in India, ensuring judicial independence through peer consultation.
Interestingly, Justice Sonak recently made headlines by becoming the first person in Goa to register a “living will” or advance medical directive, demonstrating his progressive approach to personal rights and dignity.
⚽ Sports
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will create history by becoming the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open main draw at the age of 45 years. The American tennis legend has been granted a wildcard entry for the women’s singles tournament scheduled to begin on January 18, 2026.
This participation will see Venus Williams surpass the previous age record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 years old when she competed at the Australian Open in 2015. Williams’ entry marks her return to Melbourne Park after a five-year absence, with her last appearance dating back to 2021.
Recent Comeback: Venus Williams has not played a tournament outside the United States since 2023. However, she made a remarkable comeback in July 2025 at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, where she defeated world number 35 Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4, becoming the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match.
At the 2025 US Open, Williams demonstrated her enduring competitiveness by taking 11th seed Karolína Muchová to three sets in a prime-time opening-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. In doubles, she partnered with Leylah Fernandez to reach the women’s doubles quarterfinals, showcasing her continued physical readiness for elite competition.
Preparation for Australian Open: Williams has accepted wildcards for warm-up tournaments in Auckland, New Zealand, and the Hobart International in Tasmania, where she will compete alongside Grand Slam champions Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu.
Stellar Career at Australian Open:
- Win-Loss Record – 54 wins and 21 losses at Melbourne Park
- Singles Finals – Reached finals twice (2003 and 2017), losing to sister Serena Williams both times
- Semifinals & Quarterfinals – Six quarterfinals and semifinals in 2001
- Doubles Champion – Four-time women’s doubles champion (2001, 2003, 2009, and 2010), all won alongside sister Serena
- Mixed Doubles – Captured the mixed doubles title with Justin Gimelstob in 1998
Off the court, Venus Williams recently married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in a private ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida, in late December 2025, adding a personal highlight to her professional resurgence.
About Australian Open: The Australian Open is chronologically the first of the four Grand Slam tennis events held every year, preceding the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Tournament Director Craig Tiley praised Williams’ selection, stating, “Venus is a true legend and trailblazer of our sport—she’s an inspiration to us all.”
Health Journey: Williams’ remarkable return follows years of health struggles, including her battle with Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease diagnosed in 2011. She underwent uterine fibroid surgery in August 2024, which significantly improved her health and quality of life, enabling her competitive return.
💼 Business & Economy
India’s foreign exchange reserves continued their upward trajectory, increasing by $3.293 billion to reach $696.610 billion in the week ended December 26, 2025. This marks the continuation of a positive trend, with reserves having increased by more than $4.368 billion in the previous week.
Component-wise Breakdown:
| Component | Change | Total Value |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) | +$184 million | $559.612 billion |
| Gold Reserves | +$3 billion | $113.320 billion |
| Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) | +$60 million | $18.803 billion |
| Reserve Position with IMF | +$93 million | $4.875 billion |
Foreign Currency Assets (FCA), the largest component of reserves, are expressed in dollar terms and reflect the effects of appreciation or depreciation of non-US currencies such as the euro, pound, and yen held in the reserves.
Factors Supporting Reserve Growth:
- RBI Swap Operation – A $5 billion USD/INR swap operation conducted by the Reserve Bank of India in mid-December to inject liquidity into the banking system. Banks sold dollars to the RBI in exchange for rupees, agreeing to repurchase dollars later. Transaction settled on December 18, 2025
- Capital Inflows – Strong capital inflows into the country, with India witnessing a notable increase in foreign direct investment commitments during the current financial year
- RBI Intervention – The central bank’s proactive management of liquidity and exchange rate stability through monitored interventions in the forex market to reduce excessive volatility in the rupee’s movement
Significance of Foreign Exchange Reserves:
- Managing exchange rate stability
- Meeting external payment obligations
- Providing confidence to investors and markets
- Serving as a buffer against external shocks
The RBI has stated that it closely monitors developments in the forex market and intervenes when necessary to maintain orderly market conditions, though these interventions are not linked to any fixed exchange rate target.
After witnessing significant outflows in 2025 when Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) withdrew approximately $17.5 billion, market strategists indicate that conditions are easing, and FPI inflows could return in 2026, supported by improving earnings visibility, reasonable valuations, and enhanced macro stability.
🇮🇳 National News
India achieved a significant milestone in its ambitious high-speed rail program with the successful breakthrough of the first mountain tunnel in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually witnessed and announced this achievement, marking critical progress in the construction of India’s first bullet train project.
The tunnel, designated as Tunnel No. 8, is located near Zaroli Village in Valsad district, Gujarat. It measures 350 meters in length and involved excavation through challenging mountainous terrain, demonstrating India’s growing expertise in complex civil engineering projects.
Technical Achievement: The breakthrough was accomplished using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), a sophisticated approach that involves sequential excavation and immediate rock support installation. This method is particularly suited for projects where the surrounding rock conditions vary significantly.
Project Timeline and Specifications:
- Tunnel Construction Start – January 2025
- Breakthrough Achievement – January 2026
- Length – 350 meters
- Total Mountain Tunnels in Project – 21 tunnels spanning approximately 28 kilometers
Overall Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor:
- Total Length – 508 kilometers
- Maximum Speed – 320 km/h
- Expected Journey Time – Approximately 2 hours (compared to current 7+ hours)
- Number of Stations – 12 stations including Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand/Nadiad, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati
- Technology Partner – Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
- Train Type – Shinkansen E5 series trains
As of January 2026, approximately 380 kilometers of land acquisition has been completed. Civil construction work is progressing rapidly in Gujarat, with significant progress also being made in Maharashtra and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
Environmental and Engineering Considerations: The mountain tunnels are being constructed with special attention to environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and geological stability. Advanced geological surveying and rock mechanics studies have been conducted to ensure safe and sustainable construction practices.
Future Impact: Once operational, this high-speed rail corridor is expected to transform travel between India’s financial capital Mumbai and the commercial hub of Ahmedabad, significantly reducing travel time and boosting economic connectivity in the region. The project represents India’s entry into the elite club of nations operating high-speed rail networks.
The Union Government has approved traditional medicine projects in India, Uzbekistan, and Myanmar under the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), demonstrating India’s commitment to promoting and internationalizing its ancient healing systems.
The National Medicinal Plants Board was constituted by the Government of India in November 2000 as an inter-ministerial body to coordinate all matters relating to medicinal plants and support the Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) systems of medicine.
Objectives of NMPB:
- Coordination of all matters related to medicinal plants and the Ayush systems of medicine
- Protection, cultivation, and development of medicinal plants
- Promotion of research and development in medicinal plants
- Facilitating domestic and international trade in medicinal plants
- Quality assurance and standardization of medicinal plant products
International Collaboration – Project Details:
1. India: The government has approved projects focusing on conservation of endangered medicinal plant species, establishment of medicinal plant gardens in educational institutions, and capacity building programs for farmers engaged in cultivation of medicinal plants.
2. Uzbekistan: Collaboration includes knowledge sharing on cultivation techniques, establishing joint research centers for medicinal plants, and developing sustainable harvesting practices adapted to Central Asian climate conditions.
3. Myanmar: Projects involve technical cooperation in traditional medicine practices, exchange of germplasm of medicinal plants, and joint training programs for practitioners of traditional medicine systems.
These international collaborations align with India’s efforts to position itself as a global leader in traditional medicine and herbal healthcare. The projects will facilitate exchange of knowledge, promote sustainable practices, and enhance the global acceptance of traditional medicine systems.
Key Focus Areas:
- Conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plant resources
- Promotion of organic cultivation practices
- Development of value chain for medicinal plants
- Quality control and standardization
- Capacity building and training programs
- Research and development in phytochemistry and pharmacology
Economic Potential: The global herbal medicine market is valued at over $100 billion annually, with India being one of the major exporters of medicinal plant-based products. These approved projects are expected to strengthen India’s position in the international market while ensuring sustainable use of medicinal plant resources.
Traditional Medicine Systems in India: India has a rich heritage of traditional medicine systems including Ayurveda (over 5,000 years old), Siddha, Unani, Yoga, Naturopathy, and various folk medicine traditions. These systems rely heavily on medicinal plants, with over 7,500 species used in various traditional medicine formulations across India.
Impact: The approval of these projects signifies growing recognition of traditional medicine systems at both national and international levels, contributing to healthcare accessibility, rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and global acceptance of India’s ancient wellness systems.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated development projects worth ₹373 crore and laid foundation stones for several initiatives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. An exhibition on the three new criminal laws was also inaugurated during the event.
Highlighted Themes:
- Historical Significance – The Home Minister emphasized the islands’ crucial role in India’s freedom struggle, particularly the cellular jail’s connection to the independence movement
- Economic Transformation – The transformation of the islands from a financial burden to an economic contributor was highlighted, showcasing successful developmental policies
Major Projects Inaugurated:
- Integrated Command and Control Centre – A modern facility to enhance administrative efficiency and coordination across island administration
- District Hospital – Healthcare infrastructure to improve medical services for residents and visitors
The Home Minister specifically highlighted the Great Nicobar project as a future global cargo and tourism hub. This ambitious project is expected to establish a transshipment port, create a greenfield international airport, develop a power plant, build township infrastructure, and position the island as a strategic economic gateway.
Sustainable Development Initiatives: The government outlined comprehensive development plans across multiple sectors:
- Tourism – Development of eco-tourism and adventure tourism facilities
- Fisheries – Modernization of fishing infrastructure and processing units
- Clean Energy – Investment in renewable energy projects
- MSMEs – Support for micro, small, and medium enterprises
Strategic Importance: The projects were described as marking a new chapter in the development and strategic importance of the islands, which occupy a crucial maritime position in the Indian Ocean.
📅 Important Days
World Braille Day is celebrated globally on January 4 every year to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication for the human rights of blind and partially sighted people.
The date commemorates the birthday of Louis Braille, who invented the Braille script and was born in France on January 4, 1809. The United Nations designated January 4 as World Braille Day, with celebrations beginning in 2019 following the UN General Assembly’s proclamation in November 2018.
About Louis Braille: Louis Braille lost his sight at age three following an accident in his father’s harness shop. While attending the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, he encountered a military communication system called “night writing” developed by Charles Barbier. By 1824, at just 15 years old, Louis had simplified this complex system into an efficient six-dot cell code that could be felt entirely under a single fingertip.
Understanding Braille: Braille is a tactile representation of alphabetic and numerical symbols using six dots to represent each letter and number, as well as musical, mathematical, and scientific symbols. It is a universal code rather than a language—a tool to write and read Sanskrit, Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Spanish, and numerous other languages.
Types of Braille:
- Uncontracted Braille – Spells out every word completely
- Contracted Braille – A shorthand version that abbreviates familiar words
- Nemeth Code – A unique version specifically for mathematics and science
Significance: Braille script is the only way through which visually impaired people can access literature, education, and information independently, live a dignified life, achieve literacy and professional competence, and exercise their fundamental human rights to education and information.
A function was organized by the National Federation of the Blind in New Delhi to commemorate the day. The federation also launched a joint Braille campaign named “More Braille, More Empowerment” to uplift visually impaired people and ensure their right to equality and a life with dignity.
Global Context: According to estimates, approximately 36 million people worldwide are blind. By 2050, this number is predicted to rise to 115 million, making Braille literacy and accessibility increasingly critical.
Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how critically important it is to produce essential information in accessible formats, including Braille and audible formats. The pandemic emphasized the need to intensify activities related to digital accessibility to ensure digital inclusion of all people.
Contemporary Relevance: Despite technological advancements and screen readers, Braille remains essential because it provides a tactile connection to the written word, enables understanding of spelling, punctuation, and page layout, allows the study of complex subjects like science and mathematics, and provides the intellectual framework necessary for academic achievement.
Advocacy and Action: World Braille Day serves as a reminder to produce essential information in accessible formats, ensure Braille signage in public spaces, support organizations producing Braille materials, advocate for inclusive education policies, and promote digital accessibility alongside traditional Braille.
- Family classics such as Uno, Monopoly, and LEGO are available in Braille versions
- NASA named an asteroid ‘9969 Braille’ in acknowledgment of Louis Braille’s contribution
- Braille versions exist for writing almost any language worldwide
Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Braille is recognized as essential in the context of education, freedom of expression and opinion, and social inclusion, as reflected in Article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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