• 01 Jan 2026

Anti‑Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft ‘Anjadip’

Why in News?

The Indian Navy has received ‘Anjadip’, the third indigenously built Anti‑Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

Key Points

• Delivery: It was delivered to the Indian Navy at Chennai (INS Adyar).
• Builder: The vessel is indigenously designed and constructed by GRSE, Kolkata, with collaboration from L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli.
• Technical Features: Equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous anti‑submarine rockets, and shallow water SONAR systems.
  • Designed for shallow water operations and detection of underwater threats.
• Propulsion: At approximately 77 meters in length, it is one of the largest Indian naval warships propelled by a waterjet system.
• Strategic Importance: Enhances coastal surveillance and maritime security.
  • Strengthens India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the littoral zone.
• Indigenous Content: The project reflects India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the growing capability of domestic defence manufacturing.

6‑Lane Greenfield Highway Corridor in Maharashtra

Why in News?

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the construction of a 6‑lane greenfield access‑controlled highway corridor connecting Nashik, Solapur and Akkalkot in Maharashtra under the BOT (toll) model.

Key Points

• Project Length: Total length of the corridor will be approximately 374 kilometres. 
• Capital Cost: Estimated capital cost is ₹19,142 crore.
• Connectivity: The corridor will link with Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway).
• Purpose: To reduce travel time and logistics costs for freight and passengers.
  • To enhance transport integration as part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
• BOT (Toll): Build-Operate-Transfer (Toll) model is a public-private partnership model where a private entity builds, operates, and transfers a project while recovering costs via tolls.
• Greenfield project: It is a completely new initiative constructed on undeveloped land, established from scratch without requiring modification or upgrading of existing facilities.

Mirzapur Hosts Purvanchal’s First Yarn Processing Plant

Why in News?

The first Yarn Processing Plant of Purvanchal is set to be established in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• Objective: The plant aims to provide locally processed yarn to the carpet industry, reducing dependence on other states.
• Economic Significance: Mirzapur–Bhadohi belt is a major hub of handmade carpet production and export.
• Investment Model: The project is being developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• Investment Size: An estimated investment of around ₹8 crore has been proposed for the plant.
• Benefit to Artisans: Local weavers and carpet manufacturers will benefit from reduced raw material cost and timely availability of yarn.
• Completion Timeline: The plant is targeted to be completed by April 2026.
• Policy Initiatives:The state government is actively promoting the sector with policies like the Uttar Pradesh Textile & Garmenting Policy 2022
• First in Purvanchal: Mirzapur plant being specifically the first dedicated yarn processing plant for the Purvanchal region's carpet and wool industries

VijAIpatha AI Labs Launched in Karnataka Government Schools

Why in News?

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched ‘VijAIpatha’ AI, STEM and Robotics laboratories under the Cyient AI Labs (CyAILS) initiative in government schools of Hosapete in Vijayanagara district of Karnataka.

Key Points

• VijAIpatha: It is a CSR‑led pilot initiative to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and Robotics labs in government schools. 
• Implementing Partners: The initiative is implemented by the Cyient Foundation in partnership with the Government of Karnataka.
• Infrastructure: Each lab is equipped with high‑performance computers, AI‑ready software, robotics kits, IoT devices, sensors, and secure broadband connectivity.
• Curriculum Integration: The labs will integrate CBSE’s AI curriculum, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Digital India, and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions.
• Objective: The aim is to democratise access to future‑ready skills in AI, STEM, and robotics for students from government schools, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Puri to be Odisha’s Sixth Municipal Corporation

Why in News?

The Odisha State Government has officially notified Puri as the sixth Municipal Corporation of the State.

Key Points

• Official Notification: Issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department, taking effect on January 1, 2026.
• Urban Status: With this Puri becomes the sixth Municipal Corporation in Odisha, joining Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, and Rourkela. 
• Civic Development: The move aims to boost civic amenities, enhance infrastructure development, and improve public services for residents, pilgrims, and visitors.
• Wider Urban Reforms: Alongside Puri’s upgrade, the government declared four towns as Notified Area Councils (NACs)—Loisingha (Balangir), Chandikhole (Jajpur), Jashipur (Mayurbhanj) and Basta (Balasore).
  • It also expanded the limits of Berhampur Municipal Corporation.
• Famous Site: Shri Jagannath Temple (Char Dham pilgrimage site).
  • Annual Jagannath Rath Yatra held in Puri.

First 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography in India

Why in News?

India’s first 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography with iStent has been successfully performed by the Army Hospital, Delhi Cantt, representing a major advancement in glaucoma diagnosis and treatment.

Key Points

• Technology Used: The procedure was performed using a stand-mounted Spectralis system and a 3D operating microscope, enabling precise imaging and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
• iStent Device: Micro-device implanted to facilitate aqueous outflow, reducing intraocular eye pressure in glaucoma patients.
• Significance for Healthcare: Enhances precision, safety, and outcomes in ophthalmic surgery.
• Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases characterized by optic nerve damage due to high intraocular pressure.