1. Over the last five financial years, approximately 57,125 KM of national highways have been constructed under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
a. India has 161,350KM of national highways as on March 2022 compared to 101,011 Km in FY 2013-14
2. The country's first all-electric tug project was inaugurated by Sarbananda Sonowal. This project has been launched for Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla
Its objective is to fulfill the vision of green shipping in the maritime sector.
Under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) - Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal Virtually flgged off India's first all-electric green tug, marking a major national milestone in sustainable and energy-efficient maritime operations.
A tug (or tugboat) is a powerful, manoeuvrable vessel used to assist larger ships in habour operations such as guiding, towing, berthing, escorting and emergency response, especially in confined port waters where precision is required.
3. The Maharashtra state government has mandated that all thermal power plants in the state need to blend 5-7% bamboo based biomass/charcoal with coal under the Bamboo Industry Policy to reduce emissions.
Maharastra mandated December 2,2025 that all public and private thermal power plants in the state need to blend 5-7 percent bamboo-based biomass or charcoal with coal. The requirement, notified under the new Maharashtra Bamboo Industry Policy, 2025, positions bamboo as a formal component of the State's energy mix for the first time. The state has huge bamboo - growing potential, despite declining production.
Bamboo, described as "green gold", is among the world's fastest - growing renewable biomaterials. It can sequester large amounts of carbon dioxide, regenerate degraded soils, and grow with minimal input compared to commercial timber or agricultural energy crops. Maharashtra's policy leans heavily on these charachteristics to position bamboo as a low-emission substitute in industrial combustion.
4. The Scope and timeline of the Prime Minister's JI - VAN scheme (launched in 2019) have been extended by 5 years to 2028-29 to ensure continued financial support for second-generation ethanol projects.
Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan - Vatavaran Anukool Fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana aims to provide financial support to Integrated Bioenthanol Projects using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock.
Centre for High Technology (CHT), a technical body under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG), will be the implimentation Agency for the scheme.
Background
Indian government had lauched an Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme in 2003 for undertaking blending of ethanol in Petrol to adress environmental concerns due to fossil fuel burning, provide remuneration of farmers, subsidize crude imports and achieve forex savings. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has targeted to achieve 10% blending percentage of Ethanol in petrol by 2022. Presently, EBP is being run in 21 States and 4 UTs of the Country.
Under EBP programme, OMCs are to blend upto 10% of ethanol in Petrol. In order to meet 10% ethanol blending target with a project demand for petrol in 2021-22, about 450 crore litres of ethanol would be required. The estimated production of bioenthanol in the country is around 300 crore litres, a large part of which is required for potable alcohol and chemical industries and the balance is used for Ethanol Blending Petrol (EBP) programme.
The present policy allows procurement of ethanol produced from molasses and non-food feed stock like celluloses and lignocelluloses material including petrochemical route.
Despite efforts of the Government such as higher ethanol prices and simplification of ethanol purchase system, the highest ever ethanol procurement stands around 150 crore litres during Ethanol supply year 2017-18 which is sufficient for around 4.22% blending on Pan India basis. Therefore, an alternate route viz. Second Generation (2G) Ethanol from biomass and other wastes is being expolored by MoP&NG to bridge the supply gap for EBP programme. In this direction, Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana is being lauched as a tool to create 2G Ethanol capacity in the country and attract investments in this new sector.
Objectives
1. Establish 12 commercial-scale and 10 demonstration-scale 2G Bioethanol projects using non-food biomass.
2. Provide farmers with income for agricultural waste.
3. Reduce environmental pollution from biomass burning.
4. Support India's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme and reduce fossil fuel imports.
5. Generate rural and urban employment.
6. Contribute to Swachh Bharat Mission by aggregating waste feedstock.
7. Indigenise 2G bioethanol technology.
Financial Implications
1. Total outlay: ₹1,969.50 crore (2018-19 to 2023-24).
2. ₹1,800 crore for 12 commercial projects.
3. ₹150 crore for 10 demonstration projects.
4. ₹19.50 crore for administrative charges.
Implementation
Projects receive Viability Gap Funding (VGF) in two phases:
1. Phase-I (2018-23): 6 commercial + 5 demonstration projects.
2. Phase-II (2020-24): 6 commercial + 5 demonstration projects.
Proposals are reviewed by a Scientific Advisory Committee and approved by a Steering Committee under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG).
Benefits
1. Ethanol produced will be supplied to Oil Marketing Companies for blending.
2. Reduces fossil fuel import dependence and greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Mitigates air pollution from crop burning, improving public health.
4. Increases farmer income through waste sales.
5. Creates employment in projects and biomass supply chains.
6. Advances waste management and indigenous 2G technology.
5. India's first 24 x 7 on open and networked court was inaugurated in Kollam City, Kerala
6. The 'Pramukh Varni Amrut Mahotsav', organized by the BAPS Swaminarayan organization, was addressed by Home Minister Amit Shah in Ahemdabad.
Pramukh Varni Din commemorates the day Shastriji Maharaj appointed Pramukh Swami Maharaj as the President of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. On Vaishakh Vad 10 Vikram Samwat year 1963 (June 5, 1907), Shashtriji Maharaj, the third spiritual successor of bhagwan Swaminarayan, inaugurated a shikharbaddha mandir in Bochasan with Akshar Purushottham in the Central Shrine. Thus this day became known as the day Shashtriji Maharaj founded the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
7. The 'Jal Shakti Hackathon - 2025' was launched by Union Minister C.R. Patil in New Delhi.
Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil today launched the "Jal Shakti Hackathon - 2025' and Bharat- WIN Portal at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi. The initiative is aligned with the vision of PM and his emphasis on 'Water Vision @ 2047' to strengthen scientific and technological solutions in India's water sector.
The Hackathon aims to promote innovation in the water sector and make it a truly public good, accessible to all stakeholders. It adopts a whole-of-government and Whole-of-Society (Jan Bhagidari) approach, enabling broad participation from citizens, researchers, industries and innovators.
8. IIT-Bombay lauched India's first deep tech venture capital fund (Y-Point Venture Capital fund)
IIT Bombay marked a major milestone in its pursuit of global leadership in education, research, and innovation with the unveiling of its Strategy Plan 2026-2030 and Beyond, alongside the launch of India's first incubator - linked deep tech venture capital fund by the Society for Innovation and Enterpreneurship (SINE), IIT Bombay.
9. Bengluru secured the 16th position in the list of the world's top tech cities (Global Tech cities Index)
Bengaluru stands as India's premier IT destination, earning its reputation as the 'Silicon Valley of India.' The city has over 3000 IT companies, including global giants and virtually every major Indian IT firm. This concentration makes it one of the best cities for IT jobs in India, offering opportunities across all technology domains. Bengaluru's advanced IT infrastructure, availability of upskilling platforms, and dense professional network make it deal for both freshers and experienced professionals.
10. The Government of India launched the State-Level Watershed Mahotsav 2025 and Mission Watershed PUNARUTTHAN in Kohima (Nagaland) to revive traditional water bodies.
The State - Level Lauching Programme of Watershed Mahotsav 2025 was held at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima on December 2025, organised by the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA), Department of Land Resources, Government of Nagaland.
The event was graced by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State, Ministry of Rural Development and Communications, Government of India, as the Guest of Honour.
11. 'Your Money, Your Right' is a nationwide initiative lauched by the Government of India.
b. This initiative is based on the 3A frameword (Awareness, Accessibility, and Action)
c. Through coordinated efforts of Government departments, regulators and financial institutions, nearly 2000 crore has been returned to rightful owners.
The initiative is coordinated by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with key financial sector fund regulators, including:
i. Reserve Bank of India
ii. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India.
iii. Securities and Exchange Board of India
iv. Investor Education and Protected Fund Authority
v. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority.
The Central objective is to help citizens identify, access and reclaim financial assets that legally belong to them, using simple processes and transparent systems.
The volume of unclaimed financial assets in India is significant and spans multiple segments of the formal financial system. Indicative estimates suggest that Indian banks together hold around 78ooo crore in unclaimed deposits. Unclaimed insurance policy proceeds are estimated at nearly 14000 crore, while unclaimed amounts in mutual funds are about 3000 crore. In addition, unclaimed dividends account for around 9000 crore rupees.
12. Lucknow district has become the top district in Uttar Pradesh (in the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Biji Yojana) by completing 62,271 roof top solar installation
Muft Bijli Yojana is a government scheme that aims to provide free electricity to households in India. This scheme was lauched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, 2024. Under the scheme, households will be provided with a subsidy to install solar panels on their roofs. The subsidy will cover upto 40% of the cost of the solar panels. The scheme is expected to benefit 1 crore households across India. It is estimated that the scheme will save the government Rs. 75000 crore per year in electricity costs.
13. India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel on the Ganges River has commenced commercial operations between Namo Ghat and Lalita Ghat (Varanasi).
India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel, named FCV Pilot-01, was launched in Varanasi in December 2025, built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) for the Inland Waterways Authority of India to promote zero-emission transport on inland waterways, using a hybrid system of hydrogen, batteries, and solar power for silent, green operation.
14. The Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav 2025 will be organized in New Delhi with the theme "Many languages, One Emotion".
The Ministry of Education organized the Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav 2025 today on the birth anniverdary of Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, at National Bal Bhawan, New Delhi, celebrating India's rich linguistic diversity under the theme "Many languages, One Emotion" as its theme. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs actively participated in the event, highlighting the depth, vibrancy and cultural significance of India's tribal languages.
15. Begusarai in Bihar has secured the first position for creating environmental awareness among children.
16. Interpol recently issue a Blue corner notice (investigation notice) for the missing owners following a fire at a nightclub in Goa
Interpol issued a Blue Corner Notice for the missing owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, of the "Birch of Romeo Lane" nightclub in Goa following a tragic fire in December 2025 that killed 25 people, to held locate them and gather information as they fled the country, likely to Thailand, after the incident.
Blue corner Notice is issued to collect information about a person's identity, location, or activities linked to a criminal investigation. It is not an arrest warrant, unlike a Red Notice, but it helps law enforcement agencies across countries track suspects internationally.
17. Scientists at the Bose Institute in Kolkata have created the GlowCas9 protein, which glows inside cells, allowing for realtime monitoring of operations carried out by CRISPR-Cas9 and tracking gene editing.
In the new study, the researchers have combined Cas9 with a split nano-luciferase enzyme derived from a deep-sea shrimp protein to create a bio-luminous version of Cas9 called GloCas9, which glows inside cells.
18. The Convention hall of the Faculty of Arts at Delhi University will be named 'Vande Mataram Hall'
19. The Union Cabinet has raised and approved 100 percent FDI in the insurance sector from 75%.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is when a non-resident investor acquires an equity stake (>=10%) in an Indian company, with a lasting interest and some degree of control/management influence.
In the context of the insurance sector, 100% FDI means a foreign insurer can now hold full ownership in an Indian insurance company, subject to Indian regulatory conditions
20. The country's first sleeper Vande Bharat train will run between Patna and Delhi.
21. The country's first Power Museum will be built in Patna.
In a landmark decision, Bihar is all set to get country's first ever power museum, to be developed on the 3-acre campus of the decommissioned karbigahiya Thermal Power Station in Patna.
Advisor to the chief minister of Bihar and director general of Bihar Museum Anjani Kumar Singh reviewed the complete project plan in a high - level meeting held at Bihar Museum in Patna. During the session, official s presented the detailed vision, proposed timeline and the process for the selection of the executing agency.
22. India's first deep - sea marine microbial research facility will be established in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
India's first Deep Sea Marine Microbial Repository is being established at the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) campus near Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, to study microbes from extreme deep-sea environments for potential biomedical, industrial, and environmental applications, as part of the Deep Ocean Mission. The state of the art facility will enable scientists to isolate, culture, and store unique microbes that thrive under high pressure and low temperatures, unlocking their potential for new drugs and biotechnology, with some promising strains already identified.
23. The Ministry of MSME has signed MoU with Amazon to strengthen market access for artisans under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana (Launched on September 17, 2023.
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Amazon Seller Services Private Ltd. to enable artisans enrolled under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme to access online markets, enhance product visibility and expand their customers base across India. The MoU was signed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME) and the Amazon team at Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, lauched on 17th September 2023, provides holistic end-to-end support to artisans registered under PM Vishwakarma. The scheme focuses on improving product quality through skill training and modern toolkit, expanding market reach, enabling access to credit, and strenghtening tradition skills passed down through generations under the guru-shishya parampara.
Through this MoU, Amazon will collaborate with the Ministry of MSME to support artisans engaged in traditional product-based trades such as carpentry, pottery, metalsmithing, goldsmithing, sculpture, tailoring, locksmithing, basket/mat/coin making, doll and toy making, garland making cobbler work, etc.
24. The Saras Aajeevika Food Festival, 2025 was organized at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi from December 1st to December 9th. It was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Ruler Development and Agriculture and Farmers welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This festival was held under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
25. Indira Gandhi international Airport in New Delhi has been declared the country's first 'water positive' airport due to its environmentally friendly practices.
26. Recently, the Prime Minister's Office has bee renamed 'Seva Tirth'. Similarly, Raj Bhavan and Raj Niwas have been renamed 'Lok Bhavan' and Lok Niwas' respectively.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah has said that for the past 11 years, the Modi government has been synonumous with service, not power, where the topmost leader of power considers himself the Pradhan Sewak and works 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the people
27. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched a 100 - day intensive awareness campaign for a Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat from November 27, 2025, to March 8, 2026.
The campaign to end child marriage was lauched on November 27, 2024, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of this initiative.
Read More: Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat
28. Victoria University of Australia has laid the foundation stone for its first Indian campus in Gurugram, Haryana.
With a planned opening by mid-2026, the Delhi NCR campus based at Gurugram, Haryana will offer courses across business, IT, sports management and research, and will emulate the successful and modern design of VU's vertical City Tower in Melbourne.
Internationally renowned, the award-winning VU Block Model sees students study one subject at a time, across four week blocks in small, workship-style classes. VU is the firs Australian university to introduce this unique learning model and remain the largest university to do so.
29. The Telangana Government has announced that the road near the US Consulate in Hyderabad will be named after US President Donald Trump. The road will now be called 'Donald Trump Avenue'.
The Government confirmed that the road adjoining the United States Consulate General in Hyderabad will be designated 'Donald Trump Avenue'. Officials will formally notify the Union Ministry of External Affairs and the US Embassy. The move follows the Chief Minister's earlier remarks at an international busniess forum, where he promoted naming major city landmarks after influential global entities.
The renaming initiative is part of a wider plan to honour personalities and corporations shaping global industry and diplomacy. A new greenfield radial road at the regional ring road project is set to be named after the late industrialist Ratan Tata. The state aims to leverage symbolic naming to enhance hyderabad's global and attract greater international visibility.
30. Rajasthan has become the first state in India to complete 100% digitization of its electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) program.
31. India hosted the 20th UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage session at the Red Fort. Deepavali was nominated for inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Deepavali was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is the 16th element from India to be included in UNESCO's list of global living traditions.
The GOI will host the 20th session of UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage from 8 to 13 December 2025 in New Delhi. The historic Red Fort complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been chosen as the venue, symbolising the convergence of India's tangible and intangible heritage under one roof.
This will be the first time that India hosts the ICH Committee session, and the meeting will be chaired by H.E. Vishal V. Sharma, India's permanent delegate to UNESCO. The event coincides with the twentieth anniversary of India's ratification of the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005, underscoring India's sustained commitment to preserving living cultural traditions.
Intangible cultural heritage, as UNESCO defines it, include the practices, knowledge, expressions, objects and spaces that communities see as part of their cultural identity. Passed down over generations, this heritage evolves, strenghthening cultural identity and appreciation of diversity.
32. On December 5, 2025, the Right to Disconnect Bill 2025 (a Private member's bill) was introduced in the lok Sabha. Under this bill, any employee has the right to ignore work-related calls and emails after office hours.
Provisions: Payment of overtime wages, establishment of an employee welfare authority (for companies with more than 10 employees).
The Bill, introduced by MP Supriya Sule, seeks to formally recognize an employees's right to disengage from official communication once working hours end. It aims to restore work-life balance in the increasingly digital and 'always-on' work environment created by remote and hybrid work.
The legislation highlights a growing global concern: employees being expected to respond instantly, even during personal time, weekends, and holidays.
33. Indian Railways has partnered with IIT Guwahati for an AI-based freight train wagon and monitoring system called 'DRISHTI'
34. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first Global Aircraft Engine MRO (Safran Aircraft Engine Services India) facility in Hyderabad.
Key Highlights:
1. Strategic Significance: SAESI is a major Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility dedicated to LEAP engines (powering Airbus A320neo & Boeing 737 MAX aircraft). It represents a landmark achievement as:
a. One of the world's largest aircraft engine MRO facilities.
b. The first global engine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to establish an MRO operation in India.
2. Government's Vision & Reforms: PM Modi positioned the facility within India's broader economic and industrial strategy:
a. Highlighted India's fast-growing aviation market and openness to investment/innovation.
b. Cited Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes as a key attractor for global companies.
c. Framed investors as "co-creators" and "stakeholders" in the mission for a developed India (*Viksit Bharat*).
d. Emphasized the government's transformative reforms to encourage global investment.
Called the facility a significant step toward a self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar) and resilient India.
3. Facility Details:
1. Location: GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park-SEZ, Hyderabad.
2. Investment: Over ₹1,300 crore.
3. Capacity: Designed to service up to 300 LEAP engines annually.
4. Employment: Will employ over 1,000 highly-skilled technicians/engineers at full capacity (target 2035).
4. Additional Announcement: Foundation stone laid for a dedicated **M88 Military Engine MRO** at the same location. This facility is expected to support the Indian Air Force and Navy, advancing self-reliance in defence.
5. State Government Request: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy requested PM Modi to declare a Hyderabad-Bengaluru Defence and Aerospace Corridor.
Overall Impact: The inauguration marks a pivotal moment for India's aviation sector, aiming to position the country as a **Global MRO Hub**. It underscores the success of recent policy initiatives, boosts aerospace manufacturing and maintenance capabilities, and enhances strategic partnerships with global aerospace leaders.
35. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently unveiled Asia's tallest (77-foot tall) bronze statue of Lord Ram, created by renowned sculptor Ram V. Sutar, at the Shri Sansthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math in Goa.
36. The Union Cabinet approved a financial outlay of Rs. 7280 crore for the Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Manufacturing Promotion Scheme.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the 'Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets' with a financial outlay of Rs. 7280 crore. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to establish 6000 Metric Tons per Annum (MTPA) of integrated Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) manufacturing in India, thereby enhancing self-reliance and positioning India as a key player in the global REPM Market.
37. IIT Kharagpur has launched the "Impact RISE Initiative" for social transformation in November 2025.
The initiatives is IIT Kharagpur's national commitment to translate its scientific and tehnological expertise from the lab into real-world, measurable solutions for India's pressing development challenges. The goal is to build, test on campus, and then expand these sustainable solutions across India and globally.
38. The Bihar government is developing a modern FinTech City on the lines of Gujarat's GIFT City in Jaitiya Mauza near Fatuha in Patna.
39. On the initiative of the Central Government, NPCIL and NTPC have started a survey to setup nuclear power plants in three districts of Bihar - Siwan, Banka, and Nawada (Rajauli).
40. From the academic session 2025-26, CBSE has made 'skill Education' Compulsory for classes 6-8 under the new National Education Policy 2020.
41. The NCB, in collaboration with the Delhi Police, has launched Operation 'Crystal Fortress' against drug peddlers and cartels.
42. The first auction of limestone blocks will be held to boost mineral development in Jammu and Kashmir.
43. India's first private sector navigation hub, Ananth Centre fro Excellence for Navigation (ACEN), was recently inaugurated in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), launched by ISRO Chairman V. Narayan
44. Darjeeling Mandarin oranges from west Bengal received a GI tag.
45. The SEBI has lauched a new framework called SWAFAT-FI (Single Window Automatic and Generalised Access for trusted Foreign Investors) to facilitate investment in India for low-risk foreign investors, which will be effective from June 1, 2026.
46. The Regional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact Conference 2025 was held at the State Convention Centre in Shillong. The focus of this conference was on 'People, Planet, and Progress.
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