Atal Pension Yojana enrolment milestone

Introduction

• India’s flagship pension scheme for workers in the unorganised and low-income sectors
• Aims to ensure universal social security for all citizens, especially those with limited income stability

Why in news?

• Recorded 8.34 crore enrolments as of 31 October 2025, reflecting growing awareness about pension security and improved financial inclusion efforts nationwide
• Women constitute 48% of total subscribers, with over 4.04 crore women enrolled

Background

• Launched on 9 May 2015
• Open to Indian citizens aged 18–40 with a bank or post office savings account
• Subscribers receive a monthly pension after turning 60, with pension payouts beginning from 2035 onwards for early enrollees
• Subtopic: Significance Demonstrates strengthened last-mile access and simplified registration

• Highlights rising female participation in long-term social security schemes and a gender-balanced outreach
• Indicates effective Government and PFRDA-led outreach across rural and remote areas

Facts/General knowledge

• Awareness creation supported through: Advertisements across print, digital and broadcast platforms

• Informational brochures in 13 regional languages
• Virtual training programmes for banking correspondents, field staff and Self Help Group members
• Partnerships with ministries and agencies like NABARD, NCFE, NRLM and SRLM
• Digital channels such as e-APY, net banking, mobile apps and bank portals for seamless onboarding
• Pension saturation campaigns and APY awareness drives across India
• Delivered through a wide institutional network: public and private banks, regional rural banks, cooperative banks, payments banks, small finance banks, and the Department of Posts
• These institutions are registered as Points of Presence – APY, responsible for subscriber enrolment and servicing, ensuring easy access for citizens

Uttarakhand’s Yuva App, Prayag Portal, and Self-Employment Centres

Introduction

• The Uttarakhand government unveiled digital and institutional measures to empower youth with employment and self-employment opportunities.

Why in news?

• Launch of the Yuva Uttarakhand mobile application for unemployed youth.
• Inauguration of the Prayag portal to provide job information to job-seeking youth.
• Distribution of appointment letters to 17 individuals selected through employment fairs.
• The Chief Minister toured exhibitions organised by various government departments.

Background

• Yuva Uttarakhand mobile application aims to share information on self-employment with the state’s unemployed youth.
• Prayag portal serves as a comprehensive resource for job information in the state.
• Self-employment centres are to be established in all districts to act as hubs for information and applications related to various self-employment schemes.
• The government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IIT Roorkee and Microsoft to enhance the skill set of the state’s youth.

Significance

• Expands access to self-employment opportunities and related schemes for unemployed youth.
• Streamlines job-related information for users seeking employment.
• Provides district-level support through dedicated centres for guidance and applications.
• Strengthens skill development through formal collaborations with an academic institution and a technology company.

Facts/General knowledge

• 17 appointment letters were distributed at the event.
• The Chief Minister inspected exhibitions by government departments.
• The Prayag portal’s primary focus is outsourcing employment opportunities in various government departments.
• The portal was designed by the state’s IT development agency.
• It brings all employment-related information onto one platform to ensure user convenience.
• Two self-employment centres were inaugurated in the first phase: Dehradun and Udham Singh Nagar.

Atal Canteen Scheme, Delhi

Introduction

• A scheme in Delhi that provides clean and nutritious meals at affordable prices.

Why in news?

• Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 25 new Atal Canteens.
• With this addition, a total of 71 Atal Canteens are now operational in the city.

Background

• The scheme was launched on 25 December 2025 by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
• Subtopic: Significance
• Supports labourers, street vendors, construction workers and rickshaw pullers.
• Ensures food security, dignity and social inclusion.

Facts/General knowledge

• The government plans to expand the number of Atal Canteens to 100 soon.

Sujalam Bharat App

Introduction

• A key digital initiative for efficient management of rural drinking water supply systems.
• Subtopic: Why in news?
• The Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the Sujalam Bharat App.

Background

• Undertaken under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
• Developed with the support of the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N).

Significance

• Shifts governance by placing comprehensive information with citizens and Gram Panchayats, promoting community ownership and accountability of water service providers.
• Envisioned as the “Aadhaar for rural water systems,” forming the backbone of a transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric water delivery ecosystem.

Facts/General knowledge

• Creates a unified digital identity, the Sujal Gaon ID, for every rural water scheme.
• Enables real-time monitoring and management of water infrastructure from source to household.
• Integrates with PM Gati Shakti GIS for precise geospatial mapping of water networks and asset inventory.
• Incorporates water quality data and community feedback.

Tex-RAMPS Scheme

Introduction

• Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-Up (Tex-RAMPS) scheme of the Ministry of Textiles
• Aims to improve the coverage, quality, timeliness, and credibility of textile-related statistical products and research, strengthening textile data systems across States and Union Territories to support better planning and decision-making

Why in news?

• Ministry of Textiles signed MoUs with 15 States for Tex-RAMPS during the National Textile Ministers' Conference in Guwahati
• The conference was held on the theme “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation”

Background

• Implemented as a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Ministry of Textiles
• Operational period: FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, aligned with the 16th Finance Commission cycle
• Supports integrated planning across handlooms, handicrafts, apparel, and technical textiles

Significance

• Strengthens cooperative federalism by improving textile data systems and bridging critical data gaps
• Enables evidence-based planning to support India’s roadmap towards a USD 350 billion textile industry

Facts/General knowledge

• Financial assistance: Rs 12 lakh per year as an annual grant to each State or Union Territory
• Financial assistance: Rs 1 lakh per year per district, linked to the development and implementation of district action plans
• Key components: Research & Innovation; Data, Analytics & Diagnostics; Integrated Textiles Statistical System (ITSS); Capacity Development; Start-up & Innovation Support

PM SVANidhi Scheme Extension to 2030

Introduction

• The Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme supports street vendors with working capital loans, financial inclusion, and digital transactions.
• It offers interest subsidy on timely loan repayment, cashback for digital transactions, and eligibility for an enhanced next tranche of loans.
• The ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ component provides social security benefits to street vendors.

Why in news?

• The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring and extension of PM SVANidhi until 31 March 2030, targeting 1.15 crore street vendors, including 50 lakh new beneficiaries.

Background

• Launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to support vendors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Designed to help restart businesses through working capital loans while promoting digital transactions and financial inclusion.
• Integrates social security through ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’.

Significance

• Expanded beneficiary coverage to 1.15 crore, with 50 lakh new beneficiaries.
• Enhanced loan amounts across first and second tranches, providing greater working capital.
• Quick access to credit via a UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card for vendors who have repaid the second loan.
• Coverage broadened beyond statutory towns to census towns and peri-urban areas in a graded manner.
• ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ strengthened through monthly Lok Kalyan Melas to ensure access to multiple government schemes.
• Focus on capacity building in entrepreneurship, digital skills, and food safety in partnership with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

Facts/General knowledge

• As of July 2025, over 96 lakh loans worth Rs 13,797 crore were disbursed to 68 lakh street vendors.
• PM SVANidhi won the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2023) for innovation and the Silver Award for Government Process Re-engineering (2022) for digital transformation.
• Under PM SVANidhi 2.0, implementation is a joint responsibility of MoHUA and the Department of Financial Services.

Census of India 2027 – Cabinet Approval and Key Features

Introduction

• Census 2027 is a nationwide exercise to generate comprehensive data for administrative, social, and economic planning.

Why in news?

• The Union Cabinet approved conducting the 2027 Census of India on 12 December 2025, with an allocation of ₹11,718.24 crore.
• The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs decided on 30 April to include a caste census in the upcoming exercise.
• Unlike in 2019, the government statement does not mention a separate budgetary allocation for updating the National Population Register (NPR).

Background

• Legal framework: Census Act, 1948, and Census Rules, 1990.
• The 2021 Census could not be conducted due to COVID-19.
• NPR context: First collected in 2010 and updated in 2015; it holds a database of 1.19 billion residents.
• Data privacy: The Census Act, 1948, prohibits sharing census data, while NPR data can be shared with state governments and government agencies.
• Subtopic: Significance
• Positioned as the world’s largest administrative and statistical exercise.
• Inclusion of caste-based data aims to reflect the country’s vast social and demographic diversity and address associated challenges through informed policymaking.
• Digital adoption, including real-time management and self-enumeration, is expected to make the exercise more inclusive, transparent, and policy-oriented, improving the effectiveness of governance and development plans.
• Census-as-a-Service (CAAS) will deliver clean, machine-readable data with improved visualisation tools, enabling quick availability of information needed for policymaking.

Facts/General knowledge

• Census year: 2027; this will be the 16th Census of India and the 8th after Independence.
• Approved cost: ₹11,718.24 crore.
• Phased programme: First phase (April–September 2026): Houselisting and Housing Census conducted over 30 days as per the convenience of States/UTs.

• Second phase (February 2027): Population Enumeration (PE), with caste-based data to be collected electronically during PE.
• Non-synchronous areas: Snow-affected areas of Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand to be covered in September 2026.
• Digital methodology: Data collection via Android and iOS mobile applications.

• Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) for real-time management and monitoring.
• Houselisting Block (HLB) Creator web map application for officers-in-charge.
• Self-enumeration option for the public.
• Data products and dissemination: Launch of Census-as-a-Service (CAAS) to provide clean, machine-readable, and usable data to various ministries.

• Enhanced visualisation tools to ensure quick availability of information for policymaking.
• Employment and capacity: Approximately 3 million field staff (including enumerators and supervisors) to be deployed for data collection, monitoring, and supervision.

• Around 18,600 technical staff to be hired locally for 550 days, generating approximately 10.2 million man-days of employment.
• Enumerators are government officials, most of whom are school teachers, performing these duties in addition to their regular work and receiving a reasonable honorarium.

PESA Mahotsav 2025

Introduction

• The two-day PESA Mahotsav 2025 was observed at Visakhapatnam on 23–24 December 2025.
• It commemorates the enactment of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA).

Why in news?

• Participation from tribal communities across all ten PESA States.
• Showcasing of tribal sports, crafts, food, art, dance and traditions.
• Sports events included Kabaddi, Archery, the PESA Run and tribal demonstration games.
• The PESA Mahotsav Baton was ceremonially handed over to Chhattisgarh, the next host State.
• Jharkhand approved its draft PESA Rules, becoming the ninth of the ten PESA States to move towards formal notification.

Background

• PESA empowers tribal communities in Fifth Schedule Areas by placing the Gram Sabha at the centre of governance.

Significance

• Created a national platform for indigenous heritage through large-scale cultural showcasing.
• Encouraged youth participation and leadership via diverse sports events.
• Subtopic: Facts/General knowledge
• PESA Day is celebrated annually on 24 December.
• The ten PESA States are: Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana.

Bihar’s Centres of Excellence under Saat Nischay-3

Introduction

• Bihar government will develop selected colleges and institutions as Centres of Excellence under the ‘Saat Nischay-3’ programme.
• The plan aims to improve academic standards and create subject-specific expert centres across the state.
• The initiative will upgrade institutions with better academic infrastructure and specialised departments.
• Subtopic: Why in news?
• 54 colleges and institutions across Bihar have been shortlisted to be developed as Centres of Excellence under ‘Saat Nischay-3’.
• Subtopic: Background
• The programme has been launched by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
• According to the Bihar Higher Education Department, the initiative will help students access quality education within the state and reduce migration to other states.
• As part of the education initiative, selected institutions will receive improvements in academic infrastructure and specialised departments.

Significance

• Better access to quality education within Bihar.
• Reduction of student migration to other states.
• Upgrading reputed institutions to become centres of excellence in specific disciplines, as stated by Higher Education Director N.K. Agrawal.
• Strengthening faculty expertise and subject specialisation, alongside improved research facilities.

Facts/General knowledge

• Total institutions selected: 54 across Bihar.
• Each selected college will become an expert centre for a specific subject.
• First phase (2026–27) key institutions:
• Patna University
• Patna Women’s College
• Patna Science College
• Patna College
• Magadh Mahila College
• College of Arts and Crafts, Patna
• Universities included:
• Pataliputra University
• Magadh University
• Lalit Narayan Mithila University
• Veer Kunwar Singh University
• Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University
• Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University
• Locations covered include districts such as Gaya, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Purnea and West Champaran.

Goa Liberation Day

Introduction

• Goa Liberation Day is observed on 19 December each year.
• It commemorates Goa’s liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961.

Why in news?

• The 64th anniversary of Goa Liberation Day is being marked.

Background

• The Indian government waited 14 years after independence to move troops to Goa due to the sensitivity of the issue and to avoid risking a war with Portugal.
• In 1961, the Indian government launched Operation Vijay and annexed Daman and Diu and Goa with the Indian mainland.
• As a result, Goa, Daman, and Diu became Union Territories of India.
• Goa remained a Union Territory until 1987, when it was granted statehood as the 25th state of India.

Significance

• Marks the end of Portuguese rule in Goa and the region’s integration with India.
• Highlights the transition of Goa from a Union Territory to full statehood within the Indian Union.
• Subtopic: Facts/General knowledge
• Statehood Day of Goa is celebrated on 30 May.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of Goa:
• Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
• Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
• Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary
• Mollem National Park

Haryana’s Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana – Quarterly Disbursement Update

Introduction

• The Lado Lakshmi Yojana is a Haryana government welfare scheme providing direct financial assistance to women from economically weaker sections.
• It aims to bolster social security and financial stability for women through a digital, direct benefit transfer approach.
• Married and unmarried women aged 23 to 60 years are covered; those above 60 shift to the Old Age Samman Allowance Scheme.

Why in news?

• The Government of Haryana has shifted disbursements from monthly to quarterly, effective December 2025.
• Beneficiaries will receive ₹6,300 every three months instead of ₹2,100 monthly.
• Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced this while releasing the scheme’s second instalment.
• The change is intended to streamline welfare distribution, enhance planning flexibility for recipients, and reduce administrative load, without altering the overall assistance amount.

Background

• Launched on 25 September 2025, aligning with the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, reflecting the Antyodaya principle of uplifting the last person.
• The original benefit provided ₹2,100 per month via Direct Benefit Transfer to eligible women aged 23–60.
• The first payment under the scheme was made on 1 November 2025.

Significance

• Strengthens women’s economic empowerment in Haryana.
• Supports consistent financial security for beneficiaries.
• Optimises administrative processes while preserving the scheme’s core welfare objectives.
• Subtopic: Facts/General knowledge
• Eligibility: Age: 23–60 years

• Annual income: Up to ₹1 lakh
• Residency: Permanent resident of Haryana for 15+ years
• Status: Both married and unmarried women eligible
• Exclusions: Recipients of other pensions and duplicate applications are disqualified
• Application and verification:
• Online registration via the official mobile app
• Aadhaar-based e-KYC and a mandatory live photo upload
• SMS notifications on verification status
• Benefits credited within 24–48 hours after approval
• Compliance: Over 25,000 ineligible applications were rejected during initial verification, including non-residents and document misuse

• Performance (as of 30 November 2025): Beneficiaries: Over 7 lakh women

• Total disbursed: Approximately ₹148 crore
• Pending KYC: 1.43 lakh women (benefits to follow post-completion)
• Daily new registrations: 3,000–4,000

Project Mahadeva — Maharashtra’s U13 Football Development Programme

Introduction

• A statewide football development programme unveiled by the Maharashtra government under the leadership of the state’s Chief Minister.
• A comprehensive, inclusive talent hunt for young aspirants across every corner of the state.
• Provides a holistic environment blending sport, education, and wellbeing.

Why in news?

• As part of the launch, the selected youngsters will train with Lionel Messi at the “GOAT Football Clinic” in Mumbai.
• This internationallevel exposure is presented as a potential turning point, infusing ambition, discipline, and a global outlook, and raising the bar for grassroots sport.

Background

• Talent identification follows multiple rounds: districtlevel trials, regional rounds, and a final statelevel selection camp.
• Scholars are chosen through this elaborate, inclusive, multiphase process.
• Scholarships are structured to run over several years, integrating training with schooling and comprehensive support.

Significance

• Moves beyond onetime camps to a sustained, structured pathway for young footballers.
• Mirrors youth academy standards with systematic training and regular competitive matches.
• Aims to foster ambition, discipline, and a global perspective in emerging players.
• Subtopic: Facts/General knowledge
• Programme: Project Mahadeva — Maharashtra’s youth football talent hunt and development scheme.
• Age group: Under13 (boys and girls).
• Selection pathway: district → regional → statelevel.
• Selected cohort: 60 athletes (30 boys and 30 girls).
• Scholarship duration: five years.
• Support provided: professional coaching under qualified trainers; continued academic education; proper equipment; nutrition; fitness and mental conditioning; training infrastructure; exposure to regular competitive matches and systematic training.

Hornbill Festival and Nagaland

Introduction

• Nagaland is known as the land of festivals, and the Hornbill Festival is referred to as the festival of festivals.
• Initiated in 2000, the Hornbill Festival is Nagaland’s premier cultural event, showcasing the heritage of its 17 Naga tribes.
• Named after the hornbill bird, a symbol of fidelity, beauty, and grace in Naga folklore.

Why in news?

• The Prime Minister of India has congratulated the people of Nagaland on the completion of 25 years of the Hornbill Festival.

Background

• The festival is held annually from 1 December to 10 December.
• It coincides with Nagaland Statehood Day on 1 December.

Significance

• Serves as a platform for Naga tribes to display their rich traditions through performances, dances, and exhibitions.
• Warriors in full ceremonial attire perform traditional dances and war cries that narrate stories of victories, harvests, love, and tribal legends.
• Attire features hornbill feathers, boar tusks, and colourful woven sashes, creating a striking display of Naga heritage and pride.
• It is the state’s largest tourist event, attracting over 1.5 lakh visitors in 2023, including international tourists.

Facts/General knowledge

• Hornbill (bird): The Great Indian Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), also known as the Concave-Casqued Hornbill, is a large bird found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

• It primarily inhabits evergreen and moist deciduous forests and thrives in the canopy of tall trees in the Western Ghats, north-eastern states, and the Himalayas.
• It is the state bird of Arunachal Pradesh and Kerala.
• India hosts nine hornbill species, with the north-east having the highest diversity.
• Nagaland: Statehood: Nagaland became the 16th state of India on 1 December 1963.

• Borders: Assam (west and north-west), Myanmar (east), Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur (south).
• State symbols: Blyth’s tragopan (State Bird) and Mithun (State Animal of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh).
• The mithun (Bos frontalis), a bovine species native to North-East India, is recognised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as a ‘food animal’, enabling its commercial farming and meat processing.
• GI products: Naga tree tomato, Naga cucumber, and Naga Mircha (chilli).
• Protected areas: Intanki National Park, Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Tribes and culture: Home to 17 major tribes and numerous sub-tribes, each with distinct customs, languages, and attire.

Rajasthan’s 100% Digitisation of Voter Rolls under SIR

Introduction

• Rajasthan has become the first state in India to complete 100% digitisation of its electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) programme.
• Announced by Chief Electoral Officer Navin Mahajan on 6 December 2025.
• Represents a major step towards greater electoral transparency, efficiency, and voter convenience through digital governance.

Why in news?

• Achieved full digitisation of voter rolls with 97% voter mapping, the highest in India.
• Only 3% of voters will need to submit documents during the claims and objections phase.
• An average of 30 voters per booth will require verification.
• Accurate mapping aligns each voter with the correct polling booth and ward, streamlining processes.
• Performance exceeds the national average and sets a benchmark for other states.

Background

• The SIR initiative by the Election Commission of India is a periodic exercise to update, correct, and enhance the accuracy of voter lists.
• Activities include voter identity verification, address mapping, deletion of duplicate or outdated entries, addition of new voters, and correction of errors in voter details.
• Digitisation ensures entries are electronically maintained, mapped, and verified, improving accuracy and reducing manual intervention.
• Implementation in Rajasthan was enabled by Booth Level Officers, panchayat-level staff, assistant officers, and supervisors, with teamwork central to the outcome.

Significance

• Verification is simpler due to automated systems reducing paperwork.
• Processes are more transparent through real-time updates and error checks.
• Efficiency improves with fewer repeated submissions or corrections.
• Accessibility increases as voters can verify data easily online.
• Expected to cut down electoral fraud, boost voter participation, and ensure inclusive, accurate representation in future elections.

Facts/General knowledge

• Draft Electoral Roll publication: 16 December 2025.
• Claims and Objections window: 16 December 2025 to 15 January 2026.
• Hearings and verification: 16 December 2025 to 7 February 2026.
• Final Electoral Roll release: 14 February 2026.

India’s First Forest University, Gorakhpur

Introduction

• The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the establishment of India’s first dedicated forest university in Gorakhpur to promote forestry, wildlife and environmental education and research.
• Subtopic: Why in news?
• The state government has approved the Detailed Project Report for the university.
• The project entails an estimated expenditure of ₹500 crore.

Background

• Location: To be developed on about 125 acres in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, near the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre.
• Academic focus: Specialised degree and diploma courses in forestry, agroforestry, social forestry, horticulture, wildlife studies, ecology and environmental sciences.
• Curriculum and training: Integration of classroom instruction with field-based practical research, providing hands-on exposure to forests and conservation sites.
• Infrastructure plan: Separate student hostels, classrooms, laboratories, an administrative block, an auditorium and residential facilities for faculty.
• Subtopic: Significance
• Once operational, it will function as a national centre for forest education, conservation research and training.
• The institution is expected to enhance India’s environmental protection and sustainability capacity.

Facts/General knowledge

• Uttar Pradesh recorded the second-highest increase in green cover (forest plus tree cover) in India in the ISFR 2023, adding 559.19 sq km.
• The state’s total green cover reached 9.96% of its geographical area.

Shyok Tunnel – Eastern Ladakh

Introduction

• The Shyok Tunnel is a strategically crucial infrastructure project in eastern Ladakh.

Why in news?

• India’s Defence Minister inaugurated 125 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) infrastructure projects, including the Shyok Tunnel.

Background

• The Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie (DS-DBO) Road provides the only surface link to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), India’s northernmost military outpost.
• DBO is critical for surveillance and for securing paths to the Siachen Glacier.

Significance

• Provides all-weather connectivity to forward areas by bypassing a stretch prone to heavy snowfall, avalanches, and landslides.
• Drastically reduces winter disruptions, ensuring a stable supply chain for troops deployed in the eastern Ladakh sector.
• Its importance has surged following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes and the subsequent military standoff with China.
• Subtopic: Facts/General knowledge
• Cut-and-cover tunnel.
• Length: 920 metres.
• Altitude: over 12,000 feet.
• Located in eastern Ladakh, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Indian Army’s First Ascent of Mount Kangto

Introduction

• An expedition team from the Eastern Command of the Indian Army successfully scaled Mount Kangto, marking a historic milestone for India and the mountaineering fraternity.
• The achievement showcases national excellence in both mountaineering and military capability in a remote Himalayan setting.

Why in news?

• The peak has been scaled for the first time on record by the Indian Army.
• The team was flagged off on 3 November from a forward base and reached the summit after weeks of sustained effort.

Background

• The expedition comprised 18 members operating under the Gajraj Corps.
• The summit was reached via a highly technical southern route through the challenging Kameng Himalayas.
• Climbers faced sub-zero temperatures, steep ice walls, deep crevasses and extremely low oxygen levels.

Significance

• Establishes a landmark achievement in Indian mountaineering and military performance.
• Enhances operational familiarity with extreme terrain in the eastern border belt.
• Strengthens India’s presence in one of its most inaccessible regions, aligned with the cultural and ecological importance of the Eastern Himalayas.

Facts/General knowledge

• Elevation: 7,042 metres.
• Highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Revered as a geographical and environmental sentinel for the state.
• Part of the remote Eastern Himalayan chain near the India–China border; its slopes mark the upper reaches of the Kameng region.
• The mountain had remained unclimbed for decades despite multiple attempts.
• The team was formally honoured at a flag-in ceremony by Lt General R. C. Tiwari, Army Commander, Eastern Command.

Appointment of R Doraiswamy as LIC MD and CEO

Introduction

• R Doraiswamy has been appointed Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
• LIC is India’s largest insurance company and plays a key role in the financial sector.

Why in news?

• The appointment is effective from 15 July 2025 and will continue until 28 August 2028, when he reaches the retirement age of 62.

Background

• The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommended his name on 11 June 2025.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), led by the Prime Minister, approved the appointment.
• He replaces Sat Pal Bhanoo, who served as interim MD and CEO from 8 June to 7 September 2025, following the end of Siddhartha Mohanty’s term on 7 June.
• LIC, a listed company under the Ministry of Finance, has one CEO and MD supported by four Managing Directors.

Significance

• The appointment of a new full-time CEO is expected to bring more stability and direction to the organisation’s long-term goals.
• As one of the largest financial institutions in India, leadership at LIC has broader implications for the financial sector.

Facts/General knowledge

• R Doraiswamy has over 38 years of experience at LIC across operations, marketing, technology, pensions, and insurance education.
• He has served as Executive Director (IT/Software Development), Regional Manager (Marketing and Pensions), and Senior Divisional Manager in Chennai, Kottayam, and Pune.
• He has worked with the National Insurance Academy in Pune on research projects in micro insurance, product development, and insurance education.
• He holds a Mathematics degree from Madurai Kamaraj University and is a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of India.

Extension of Arun Kumar Singh as ONGC Chairman

Introduction

• Arun Kumar Singh has received a one-year extension as chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
• He will remain in office until 6 December 2026.

Why in news?

• The one-year extension is a rare decision for the head of a major public sector enterprise.
• It was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Background

• Singh was appointed in 2022 just before turning 60.
• He became one of the oldest executives to head a major public sector enterprise.

Significance

• The extension signals the government’s intent to retain continuity in leadership as ONGC witnesses a turnaround in crude oil and gas production.

Facts/General knowledge

• The extension takes him to age 64.
• The order provides for his re-employment until a regular chairman is selected or further instructions are issued.
• ONGC stands for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.

Re-appointment of Ashwini Kumar Tewari as SBI Managing Director

Introduction

• The Central Government has re-appointed Ashwini Kumar Tewari as Managing Director of the State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest public sector lender.
• The decision extends his leadership as SBI operates in a dynamic economic environment.

Why in news?

• A notification by the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance confirms his re-appointment.
• The move ensures continuity at the top management level.

Background

• Tewari’s re-appointment takes effect from the date he assumes charge.
• His existing term was set to end on 27 January 2026.

Significance

• Ensures continuity as SBI navigates balance sheet consolidation, digital expansion, and credit growth.
• Reflects the government’s confidence in his leadership and administrative experience.
• Subtopic: Facts/General knowledge
• His tenure will now continue beyond 27 January 2026, up to his superannuation on 31 December 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• SBI is the country’s largest public sector lender.

PNB appoints Harmanpreet Kaur as first-ever female brand ambassador

Introduction

• Punjab National Bank appointed Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, as its first female brand ambassador.
• The partnership underscores the bank’s focus on women empowerment, brand modernisation, and customer engagement.

Why in news?

• The announcement was made at PNB’s corporate office in New Delhi during a ceremony themed “Banking On Champions.”
• Harmanpreet Kaur was presented with a framed PNB jersey bearing her name and number, marking her induction into the bank’s identity.
• Subtopic: Background
• Harmanpreet Kaur shared that she has banked with PNB since the age of 18, opening her first account at the PNB Moga branch.
• She described the moment as “surreal” and expressed enthusiasm about inspiring future champions in collaboration with PNB.

Significance

• The association signals institutional commitment to empowering women and youth while strengthening PNB’s contemporary brand image.
• Senior leadership and government representation at the event highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership.
• Launches unveiled at the ceremony reinforce PNB’s push towards innovation, digital-first solutions, and premium customer experiences.
• Onboarding to the IIBX portal enables participation in online gold bullion trading, expanding service offerings.
• Harmanpreet becoming the first customer of the Luxura Metal Credit Card adds credibility and visibility to the product.

Facts/General knowledge

• New offerings unveiled: PNB RuPay Metal Credit Card Luxura (first-ever metal credit card for elite customers)

• PNB One 2.0 (upgraded digital banking platform)
• Digi Surya Ghar (service supporting solar-based solutions)
• PNB’s onboarding on the IIBX portal (enabling gold bullion online trading)
• Leadership present:

Ashok Chandra, MD & CEO

• Executive Directors: M. Paramasivam, Bibhu Prasad Mahapatra, D. Surendran, Amit Kumar Srivastava
• Chief Vigilance Officer: Raghavendra Kumar
• Financial Services Secretary: M. Nagaraju
• Event details: Venue: PNB corporate office, New Delhi

• Theme: “Banking On Champions”
• Symbolic gesture: Framed PNB jersey with Harmanpreet’s name and number
• Harmanpreet Kaur’s emphasis: PNB’s legacy in supporting financial aspirations

• Commitment to empowering women and youth
• Excitement to collaborate in inspiring future champions