• A grand vision and the great Indian research deficit
  India’s ambition to become a global innovation leader is constrained by chronic underinvestment in R&D. Despite hosting 17.5% of the world’s population, India produces only about 3% of global research output and spends around 0.6–0.7% of GDP on R&D, far below peers. The article stresses boosting R&D to at least 2% of GDP, greater private-sector participation, focused national missions, and deep reforms in universities, funding mechanisms, and industry–academia collaboration.
• Linked civilisations, a modern strategic partnership
  India–Iran relations are rooted in deep civilisational ties and are gaining renewed strategic relevance amid a multipolar world. Energy security, Chabahar Port, and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)—around 40% shorter and 30% cheaper than the Suez route—are key pillars. The article highlights cooperation in connectivity, security, technology, and knowledge-based sectors to transform ties from transactional to innovation-driven.
• SC pauses its judgment on Aravali, moots new panel
  The Supreme Court has kept in abeyance its November 20 judgment upholding the Centre’s definition of the Aravalli range and proposed a high-powered expert committee. The court aims to assess whether mining in newly excluded areas could cause adverse ecological impacts. It stressed independent expert opinions, stakeholder consultation, and resolving ambiguities to prevent irreversible environmental damage to one of the world’s oldest mountain systems.
• The quiet foundations for India’s next growth phase
  India’s next growth phase is being built through steady governance and structural reforms rather than headline announcements. Measures include large-scale compliance reduction, faster project approvals, labour code consolidation, logistics and port reforms, and major digital platforms supporting trade. India crossed $4.1 trillion GDP, exports reached $825 billion in 2024–25, and targeted energy, nuclear, and infrastructure reforms aim to de-risk long-cycle investments and sustain double-digit growth.
• DAC gives its nod for defence purchases worth ₹79,000 cr.
  The Defence Acquisition Council approved capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹79,000 crore for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Key approvals include radars, guided rockets, loiter munitions, tugboats, communication systems, missiles, simulators, and unmanned platforms. The package focuses on boosting indigenous capabilities, enhancing precision strike, surveillance, maritime awareness, and joint operational readiness of the three services.
• Union govt. gearing up to host mega AI summit in February
  India will host a large AI Impact Summit in February, with participation expected from 15–20 heads of state and nearly one lakh delegates. Building on earlier global AI discussions, the summit will focus on AI’s impact on work, trust, safety protocols, and sectoral applications. Top researchers and industry leaders from global AI firms are expected, positioning India as a key convenor in global AI governance.
• Indian Navy’s stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya sets off for Oman
  INSV Kaundinya, an indigenously built stitched sailing vessel, began its maiden voyage from Gujarat to Muscat. Constructed using ancient shipbuilding techniques and natural materials, the expedition seeks to revive India’s maritime heritage and highlight historic India–Oman links. The voyage underscores cultural diplomacy, shared maritime history, and India’s outreach in the Indian Ocean region.
• Army imparts self-defence training to villagers in Jammu’s Doda to fight terror
  The Army has trained local civilians, including Village Defence Guards, in Doda district in the use of firearms, self-defence, and bunker tactics amid rising terror threats in the Chenab Valley. Villagers in high-altitude, remote areas were trained to improve vigilance and resilience. The initiative aims to strengthen local security, boost confidence, and complement ongoing counter-terror operations.
• India’s space programme, a people’s space journey
  India’s space programme has evolved into a people-centric mission, with milestones like Chandrayaan-3’s south pole landing and expanding satellite services. With Gaganyaan progressing, a rising space budget, over 350 startups, and a space economy projected to grow from $8 billion to $44 billion, the focus is on governance, security, STEM education, and global collaboration, aligning with the vision of Amrit Kaal and Viksit Bharat 2047.
• No third-party mediation during Operation Sindoor: govt. officials
  The government reiterated that there was no third-party mediation in ending Operation Sindoor, rejecting claims by China and repeated assertions by former US President Donald Trump. Officials clarified that the ceasefire was requested by Pakistan and accepted through direct military channels. India reaffirmed its consistent position against external mediation in bilateral issues with Pakistan, stressing strategic autonomy and national security interests.
• Army’s animal contingent to debut at Republic Day parade
  For the first time, the Army will showcase a specially curated animal contingent at the Republic Day parade. The contingent includes horses, mules, camels, and trained dogs, highlighting their role in logistics, patrol, search-and-rescue, and operations in extreme terrains like Ladakh and Siachen. The display underscores tradition, operational utility, and the Army’s self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.