Australia will eliminate tariffs on 100% of its tariff lines for Indian exports from January 1, 2026, under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA). The move is expected to deepen bilateral trade and create new opportunities for Indian exporters, particularly in labour‑intensive sectors. The decision coincides with the third anniversary of the Ind-Aus ECTA and signals stronger economic integration between the two countries. Industry officials anticipate gains across textiles, leather, footwear and agri-food products, with benefits extending to small and medium enterprises through reduced duties and smoother market access.
Tariff elimination covers 100% of tariff lines for India.
Effective date: January 1, 2026
Part of India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA)
Aims to boost Indian exports in labour-intensive sectors
Commemorates 3rd anniversary of Ind-Aus ECTA
Expected positive impact on SMEs and supply chains
Nepal, India Agree to Expand Cooperation in Agriculture Sector
Nepal and India agreed to expand agricultural cooperation through a biennial action plan within three months, translating bilateral agreements into tangible results. The arrangement was decided during the ninth meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Agriculture Working Group in Kathmandu in December 2025. The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation between agricultural universities and research institutions, including ICAR and the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), through separate time-bound plans. They further agreed to enhance collaboration in livestock, poultry and fisheries under a separate memorandum of understanding, aiming to boost productivity and food security.
Biennial action plan to operationalize agriculture cooperation
Ninth Nepal-India Joint Agriculture Working Group meeting
Strengthening ICAR-NARC university research linkages
Time-bound plans for universities and institutes
Expanded cooperation in livestock, poultry, fisheries
Aims to translate agreements into tangible results
After Five Years of Civil War in Myanmar, Military Junta Stages Election
Myanmar’s military junta conducted a restricted election in December 2025 after five years of civil conflict. Voter turnout appeared limited and many international observers condemned the process as neither free nor fair. The opposition and Western diplomats criticised the poll, while the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party is expected to emerge as a major bloc. Human rights concerns persisted, with Aung San Suu Kyi remaining detained and her party dissolved. Analysts say the election outcome could entrench military influence and complicate regional stability.
Myanmar held elections in December 2025 under junta rule
Global observers criticised the process as non-democratic
Government Approves Project to Protect Breeding Habitats of Sandbar-Nesting Birds in Ganga Basin
The government approved a project to protect breeding habitats of sandbar-nesting birds, including the Indian Skimmer, in the Ganga basin. The initiative was cleared during the 68th meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in New Delhi. The project focuses on long-term monitoring, community participation and evidence-based conservation, complementing work on dolphins, fish and turtles under Namami Gange Mission-2. It aims to safeguard biodiversity, support habitat restoration and ensure sustainable management of riverine ecosystems in the basin.
Ganga basin habitat protection project approved
Targets sandbar-nesting birds like Indian Skimmer
Cleared at 68th NMCG meeting in New Delhi
Emphasizes long-term monitoring and community involvement
Aryaman Financial Arm Gets RBI Approval to Operate as NBFC
Aryaman Financial Services Ltd (AFSL) said its wholly owned subsidiary Aryaman Finance (India) Ltd has received a Certificate of Registration from the Reserve Bank of India to commence the business of a Non-Banking Financial Institution. AFSL, based in Mumbai, is a SEBI-registered Category-I merchant banker involved in lead management and syndication of Small and Medium Sized IPOs, FPOs, Rights Issues, Composite Issues, QIP, PIPE deals, VC funding and other forms of fund raising. The RBI CoR allows Aryaman Finance to operate as an NBFC, broadening AFSL’s financial services portfolio and offering new credit and funding options to corporate issuers and investors.
RBI issued Certificate of Registration to Aryaman Finance (India) Ltd.
Aryaman Finance will operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company
AFSL is a SEBI-registered Category-I merchant banker
Current activities include IPO lead management, syndication, and other fund-raising services
Prerequisite milestone for AFSL’s expansion into NBFC services
Potential impact on access to credit for issuers and investors
Noida International Airport Partners Tech Mahindra for Network, Cyber Security Backbone
Noida International Airport (NIA) partnered with Tech Mahindra to establish and operate an integrated Network and Security Operations Centre (NOC-SOC). The project will provide 24x7 monitoring and management of airport IT infrastructure, including applications, databases, networks, servers and storage. The integrated NOC-SOC is designed for proactive threat detection, rapid incident response and high system availability to support uninterrupted airport operations. The collaboration underscores the airport’s emphasis on cyber resilience as it nears operational launch and integrates advanced digital controls into its core processes.
NIA to host NOC-SOC with Tech Mahindra
24x7 monitoring of IT infrastructure planned
Focus on proactive threat detection and incident response
Aims for high system availability at launch
Highlights emphasis on cyber resilience for airport operations
Iran Launches Three Satellites with Russian Soyuz Rockets
Iran successfully placed three domestically developed satellites into low-Earth orbit using Russian Soyuz launch vehicles, further underscoring deepening strategic and technological cooperation between the two U.S.-sanctioned countries. The launch took place in December 2025 and was confirmed by Iranian state media.
As per reports, the satellites—Paya, Zafar-2, and a second unit of Kowsar—were carried aboard Russian Soyuz rockets. All three satellites are designed for low-Earth orbit operations. They are intended to support civilian applications such as monitoring agricultural productivity, managing natural resources, and assessing environmental conditions across Iran and neighbouring regions.
RRU to Host World Police & Fire Games 2029 Disciplines
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gujarat will host eight disciplines of the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) 2029. This marks India’s debut as a WPFG host nation for the international event, which features 60+ sports and thousands of uniformed personnel. The 2025 USA edition saw India win hundreds of medals, underscoring the country’s growing strength in police and fire service sports. The eight disciplines selected by RRU include Wrist Wrestling, Bench Press, Bodybuilding, Cross Country (10 km), Push–Pull Lifting, Muster, Indoor Rowing and Darts, to be conducted on campus facilities and nearby venues.
RRU to host eight WPFG 2029 disciplines
India’s WPFG hosting debut
Event features 60+ sports and thousands of athletes
India won over 600 medals in 2025 WPFG (USA edition)
Disciplines include strength, endurance and precision events
Rural and campus facilities to support events
Carlsen and Goryachkina Take World Rapid Titles in Doha
In Doha, Magnus Carlsen captured his sixth World Rapid title, finishing a point ahead of rivals. In the women’s event, Aleksandra Goryachkina defeated Zhu Jiner in a blitz playoff to win the coveted World Rapid crown, marking her first title in this format. The event showcased elite rapid chess, with a mix of strategic play and speed. Commentators highlighted Carlsen’s continued dominance in rapid time controls and Goryachkina’s rise in women’s chess, signaling a competitive landscape for future World Rapid Championships.
Magnus Carlsen wins sixth World Rapid title
Aleksandra Goryachkina wins women’s World Rapid title
Opponent in women’s final: Zhu Jiner (playoff)
Event held in Doha, featured top chess players
Showcases evolving strength in rapid chess
Mumbai Indians Appoint Former Australian Kristen Beams as Spin-Bowling Coach
Mumbai Indians announced the appointment of former Australian leg-spinner Kristen Beams as spin-bowling coach for the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season. Beams played for Australia in Tests, ODIs and Twenty20s and has a wealth of WBBL experience. She joins MI’s coaching staff led by head coach Lisa Keightley and former captain Jhulan Goswami, along with batting coach Devika Palshikar and fielding coach Nicole Bolton. Beams’ appointment is expected to strengthen MI’s spin options and development programs for upcoming season, aligning with the team’s long-term success strategy in women’s cricket.
Kristen Beams appointed spin-bowling coach for WPL 2026
Former Australia international with WBBL experience
Joined MI coaching team alongside Keightley and Goswami
Focus on spin development and match readiness
MI aims to strengthen performance in next WPL season
Mumbai Civic Body Polls: BJP to Contest 137 Seats, Shiv Sena 90
In the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest 137 seats and the Shiv Sena 90 seats. A seat-sharing pact was announced by Mumbai BJP president Amit Satam, as nomination papers deadline neared on December 30. Both parties plan to allocate some seats to alliance partners from their quotas. The BMC election is a key political battleground ahead of national elections, with governance, municipal services and local development at the centre of campaigning. Local leaders expect a closely fought contest given the scale of the urban ward elections.
BMC polls: BJP 137 seats, Shiv Sena 90 seats
Seat-sharing pact announced ahead of nominations deadline
Alliances may allocate seats to partners
Election seen as test for governance and development in Mumbai
Indian Air Force, IIT Madras to Build India's First Indigenous Airborne Communication System
The Indian Air Force signed an MoU with IIT Madras to develop an indigenous digital communication system for airborne platforms. The collaboration between the IAF’s Software Development Institute (SDI) and IIT Madras aims to create secure networking and encryption tools for modern military operations. The project supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence self-reliance goals. The MoU was signed by Air Vice Marshal R. Guruhari, SDI Commandant, and IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, with Pravartak Technologies Foundation CEO Dr M. J. Shankar Raman. The effort will focus on algorithms for networking and encryption to enable fast, secure data exchange in flight.
MoU between IAF SDI and IIT Madras
Goal: indigenous airborne communication system
Focus on secure networking and encryption algorithms
Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence self-reliance
Key signatories include AVM Guruhari and Prof. Kamakoti
Part of broader defence technology development program
India Successfully Tests 120-Km Range Pinaka Rocket in Odisha
India conducted a maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket LRGR 120 at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. The rocket achieved its maximum range of 120 kilometres and performed in-flight maneuvers as planned. The trial coincided with Defence Acquisition Council approval for the project, and the missile landed on target with precision. The LRGR 120 test marks progress in indigenous missile development, reinforcing India’s capability in precision strike technology and contributing to the broader Make in India defence program.
Maiden flight test of Pinaka LRGR 120 in Odisha
Range demonstrated: 120 km with planned maneuvers
Test aligned with DAC project clearance
Demonstrates indigenously developed missile capability
Former England Cricketer Hugh Morris Passes Away at 62
Former England cricketer Hugh Morris passed away at the age of 62 in December 2025. Morris was known both for his contributions on the field as a reliable opening batter and off the field as a respected cricket administrator.
Hugh Morris was a prominent figure in English county and international cricket during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
He built a reputation as a technically sound opening batter and a natural leader, qualities that later shaped his administrative career.
Bangladesh's First Female Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Dies
Bangladesh's first female Prime Minister Khaleda Zia died at the age of 80 in December 2025 after suffering from a prolonged illness.
Zia became Bangladesh's first female head of government in 1991 after leading her party to victory in the country's first democratic election in 20 years.
Zia first came into public attention as the wife of Bangladesh's former President Ziaur Rahman. Following his assassination in a 1981 military coup, Zia entered politics and later rose to lead the BNP.
After a second term in 1996 that lasted just a few weeks, Zia returned to the post of Prime Minister in 2001, stepping down in October 2006 ahead of a general election.
Her political career had been marred by corruption allegations and a long-standing political rivalry with Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from premiership last year.
India will host the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi from February 15 to 20, 2026. The event, intended to shape a future for inclusive, responsible and resilient AI, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and technology experts. MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan noted that participants from more than 100 countries will attend, with leaders from major economies and tech firms confirming their involvement. The summit emphasises people, planet and progress, aiming to democratize AI resources for healthcare, education and agriculture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the expo, highlighting India’s growing role in global AI governance.
India AI Impact Summit scheduled Feb 15–20, 2026
Over 100 countries to participate; PM Modi to inaugurate
Global leaders and CEOs expected to attend
Focus on inclusive AI and democratic access
Three guiding principles: People, Planet, Progress
Event aims to advance AI in healthcare, education, agriculture
Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence Inaugurated in Baramati
Industrialist Gautam Adani inaugurated the Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Baramati, Maharashtra, in December 2025. The centre supports India’s AI ecosystem and higher education infrastructure, built under Vidya Pratishthan and fully funded by the Adani Group chair. The initiative emphasizes collaboration between industry and academia to prepare youth for emerging technologies such as AI, data science and machine learning. The facility aims to foster research, innovation and skilled workforce development for regional and national growth.
Centre of Excellence in AI inaugurated in Baramati
Funded by the Adani Group chair; run under Vidya Pratishthan
Aims to boost AI research and education
Strengthens industry-academia collaboration
Focus on AI, data science and ML skills
Supports regional and national tech ecosystems
India’s First PPP Medical Colleges to Start in MP Tribal Districts
India will establish its first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh’s tribal districts Dhar and Betul. The foundation stone ceremony, attended by Health Minister and Chief Minister, marked the project as part of broader reforms to expand medical education through PPPs. The plan includes two more PPP medical colleges in Katni and Panna, with a wider strategy to improve access to clinical training and healthcare in tribal regions. The initiative aims to raise local healthcare standards and provide opportunities for aspiring medical professionals in underserved areas.
First PPP medical colleges planned in MP’s Dhar and Betul
Foundation stones laid in December 2025
Two more PPP colleges planned for Katni and Panna
Aims to improve medical education and healthcare access
Part of broader reforms to engage private sector in medical education
Amit Shah Inaugurates Jyoti–Vishnu International Art Centre, Key Policing Infrastructure in Assam
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Jyoti–Vishnu International Art Centre in Guwahati, Assam, along with a series of policing infrastructure projects. The complex includes a 5,000-seat gallery, a modern convention centre, VIP suites and a multi-level parking facility, built to host cultural events and strengthen security. The inauguration was attended by Assam’s Chief Minister and other senior officials. The facility forms part of a broader strategy to enhance cultural capacity and public safety in the region, reflecting both cultural development and security-focused governance initiatives.
Jyoti–Vishnu International Art Centre inaugurated in Guwahati
Centre includes large auditorium and convention facilities
Inauguration also highlighted policing infrastructure
Event attended by state and central officials
Aims to boost culture and security framework in Assam
World's Largest Open-air Theatre 'Dhanu Yatra' in Odisha
In Odisha, the largest open-air theatre in the world, 'Dhanu Yatra' was inaugurated at Bargarh in Odisha. The eleven-day annual cultural spectacle brings mythology, tradition and performance together in a unique celebration as the town of Bargarh turns into the mythical city of Mathura.
The event is a dramatic re-enactment of the mythological tale of lord Krishna's life, from his birth to the death of his demon uncle, King Kansa.
Dhanu Yatra, unlike conventional theatre, erases the boundary between actors and audience, and turns the entire Bargarh town into a dynamic storytelling canvas. The Central Government has accorded National Festival status to 'Dhanu Yatra'. Thousands of visitors from across Odisha and beyond have congregated at Bargarh to watch the colourful Yatra.
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