Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the User Evaluation Trials (UET) of Next Generation Akash missile (Akash-NG) system. During the trials, the missiles successfully intercepted aerial targets at different range & altitude including the near-boundary-low-altitude and Long Range, high altitude scenarios.
Akash-NG, equipped with indigenous RF seeker and propelled by solid rocket motor, is a potent system for ensuring air defense against different types of aerial threats. All the systems & sub-systems including the Multi Function Radar (MFR), Command and Control Unit, Missile Launch vehicle (MLV) etc.,
have been designed by various laboratories of DRDO with the help of Indian industries. The trials were witnessed by Senior Scientists of DRDO & User Reps from the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Vice-President of India, Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan today released the book Sanatan Sanskriti Ki Atal Drishti, authored by Shri Vasudev Devnani, Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, at the Vice-President’s Enclave in New Delhi.
Highlighting Shri Vajpayee’s contributions to nation-building, the Vice-President said that Shri Vajpayee’s visionary leadership transformed India in multiple domains. Referring to the successful nuclear tests at Pokhran in May 1998 under Operation Shakti, he noted that Shri Vajpayee’s decisive leadership demonstrated India’s confidence and resolve on the global stage.
The Vice-President also underlined Shri Vajpayee’s foresight in the creation of the states of Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand, driven by his deep understanding of regional aspirations and the need for decentralised and responsive governance.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) launched a Comprehensive Internship Policy aimed at creating a structured, large-scale platform for nurturing young talent and strengthening India’s sports ecosystem.
Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition of certain warrants of Federal Bank Limited by Asia II Topco XIII Pte. Ltd.
The proposed combination envisages acquisition of certain warrants by Asia II Topco XIII Pte. Ltd. (Acquirer), each carrying a right to subscribe to one fully paid-up equity share of Federal Bank Limited (Target).
Upon full exercise of the warrants, the Acquirer will hold 9.99% of the paid-up share capital of the Target, on a fully diluted basis. The Acquirer will have the right to nominate a director on the Target’s board (as long as the Acquirer holds at least 5% of the paid-up share capital of the Target).
India's ‘Baahubali' rocket, Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)-M6, took off from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh this morning with BlueBird 6, a next-gen communications satellite from US innovator AST SpaceMobile. This is the heaviest payload carried by an Indian launcher. The goal is to beam broadband straight from space to ordinary smartphones, no special gear required.
As the 24-hour countdown concluded, the 43.5 metre tall rocket supported by two S200 solid boosters lifted off majestically at 8:55 am from the second launch pad at this spaceport, situated about 135 km east of Chennai.
The satellite, BlueBird 6, is part of a next generation of BlueBird Block-2 communication satellites, designed to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones.
The mission is being undertaken as part of the commercial agreement signed between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), a commercial arm of ISRO and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC).
LVM3, developed by ISRO, is a three-stage launch vehicle comprising two solid strap-on motors (S200), a liquid core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25).
In its earlier missions, LVM3 successfully launched Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions carrying 72 satellites. The previous launch of LVM3 was the LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission, that was successfully accomplished on November 2, the ISRO said.
Eminent Chhattisgarh-based Hindi writer and Jnanpith Award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla died on Tuesday evening due to age-related ailments at a government hospital here, his family members said. He was 89.
A celebrated literary figure, Vinod Kumar Shukla was the author of acclaimed novels such as 'Naukar Ki Kameez', 'Khilega To Dekhenge', 'Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi',
and 'Ek Chuppi Jagah'.
He was widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in Hindi literature, known for his unique, simple, and deeply evocative writing style.
For his unparalleled contribution to Hindi literature, creative excellence, and distinctive literary expression, Shukla was awarded the 59th Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honour.
he award was presented to him on November 21 this year at a ceremony held at his residence in Raipur.
He was the first author from Chhattisgarh to receive the prestigious award.
Shukla's novel 'Naukar Ki Kameez' was adapted into a film of the same name by filmmaker Mani Kaul.
Oman has introduced its first polymer one-rial banknote, designed to last longer and stay more secure than previous ones. The new banknote, which will start circulating from January 11, 2026, also highlights the country’s cultural and economic achievements.
The Central Bank of Oman has released the one-rial polymer banknote, the country has first time issued currency in this material. Unlike the traditional cotton based notes, polymer is durable and comes with advanced security features to help prevent counterfeiting.
The note measures 145 by 76 millimetres combining design, heritage, and national pride.
The front side features the Oman Botanic Garden, representing the nation’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. On the rear side, the Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Cultural Complex appears alongside the Duqm Port and Refinery, showing Oman’s cultural landmarks and economic progress. Together, these images offer a clear picture of the country’s identity and achievements.
Additionally, collectors and the public can buy limited editions, including 1,000 uncut sheets and 10,000 specially packaged notes. These will be available from January 11, 2026, at Central Bank counters in Ruwi, Salalah, and Sohar, as well as through Oman Post’s sales outlet at the Opera Galleria.
Bharti Airtel announced a series of senior leadership changes, including the appointment of Shashwat Sharma as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel India, effective January 1, 2026.
Sharma, who is currently the CEO-designate, will take over the top role for a five-year term, subject to shareholder approval.
He will also be designated as a key managerial personnel of the company.
The appointment is part of a broader leadership reshuffle approved by Airtel’s board at its meeting held on December 18, following recommendations from the HR and Nomination Committee, the telecom giant said in an exchange filing.
Alongside Sharma’s elevation, the board has approved the appointment of Gopal Vittal as Executive Vice Chairman. Vittal, who currently serves as Vice Chairman and Managing Director, will take on the new role as a whole-time director from January 1, 2026, for a period of five years, subject to shareholder nod, as well.
UAE-based fintech firm Paytm Arab Payment, a step-down subsidiary of One97 Communications, has approved the allocation of shares amounting to a 49 per cent stake in the company to Abu Dhabi-based Abbar Global Opportunities Holdings Limited for about Rs 19 crore, a regulatory filing said.
Abbar Global Opportunities Holdings Limited (AGOHL) is a special purpose vehicle owned by Mohamed Ali Rashed Alabbar, founder of Emmar Properties -- the developer of projects such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a fresh round of liquidity measures through open-market operations (OMOs) and a foreign exchange buy-sell swap, under which it will inject close to ₹3 trillion into the banking system.
The flow of money from overseas Indians into non-resident Indian (NRI) deposit schemes moderated to $8.3 billion during April-October of FY26 from $11.9 billion in the same period last year, the latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) showed.
This decline was primarily because of reduced inflows into foreign currency non-resident (bank) or FCNR (B) deposits.
According to the data, outstanding NRI deposits stood at $168.78 billion at the end of October 2025, up from $162.69 billion a year ago.
NRI deposit schemes include FCNR deposits, non-resident external (NRE) deposits, and non-resident ordinary (NRO) deposits.
As much as $1.6 billion flowed into FCNR (B) accounts in April-October of FY26, down from $6.1 billion in April-October of FY25. The outstanding amount in FCNR (B) accounts stood at $31.88 billion at the end of October 2025.
Meanwhile, NRE deposits saw an inflow of $3.9 billion in April-October of FY26, compared to $3.0 billion in April-October of FY25. Outstanding NRE deposits stood at $100.98 billion in October 2025.
Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), the parent of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) signed a deal with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to become a premier partner for six major ICC tournaments, across both men’s and women’s events, till 2027.
The partnership strengthens HMC’s presence in global cricket, marking its return to the sport after its earlier association with the ICC between 2011 and 2015.
Under the agreement, HMC will engage fans at ICC events through on-ground activations, vehicle displays, and digital initiatives aimed at improving audience interaction.
These rights will span several major tournaments, with particular focus on the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7 and is expected to attract massive global audiences.
With this agreement, the ICC has now completed its Premier Partner lineup, adding to recent tier-two partnerships announced in 2025.
The United Nations Convention against Cybercrime was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 24 December 2024 in New York by resolution 79/243. The Convention is the first comprehensive global treaty on this matter, which provides States with a range of measures to be undertaken to prevent and combat cybercrime.
It also aims to strengthen international cooperation in sharing electronic evidence for serious crimes.
After years of work, the Convention was adopted by the General Assembly on 24 December 2024, opened for signature on 25 October 2025 at a signing ceremony held in Hanoi, Viet Nam, and will remain open for signature at UN Headquarters in New York until 31 Dec 2026.
