Daily Current Affairs – 26 December 2025

Latest National, International, Banking, Economy, Defence & Science News

Dear Readers, here is the Daily Current Affairs for 26 December 2025, covering all the important national and international events relevant for competitive examinations.

Current Affairs play a crucial role in exams like Banking, SSC, UPSC, and State Government exams. Regular revision of daily news helps candidates score better in General Awareness, Banking Awareness, Economy, and Static GK sections.

Candidates can also test their preparation by attempting the Current Affairs Quiz with answers after reading today’s updates.

CURRENT AFFAIRS – BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

SEBI Approves NHAI-Sponsored Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (InvIT)

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has received approval from SEBI for its sponsored Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) to operate as a Public Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).
This move strengthens NHAI’s asset monetisation programme, enabling retail and domestic investors to participate in national highway infrastructure development.

RBI Postpones Phase-2 of Faster Cheque Clearance System

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has deferred Phase-2 of the faster cheque clearance system to allow banks more time for operational readiness.
Phase-1, introduced in October 2025, has already significantly reduced cheque settlement time from 1–2 days to a few hours.

Revised Cheque Timings:

• Presentation: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Confirmation/Rejection: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

IFSCA Relaxes Staffing and Office Norms at GIFT IFSC

The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) announced regulatory relaxations to improve ease of doing business at GIFT City.
Key changes include removal of employee transfer caps for Global In-House Centres (GHCs) and elimination of mandatory office space norms for BAFT services.

₹10,000 Crore Refinancing Deal Under Atmanirbhar Bharat

DFCCIL and IRFC signed a landmark agreement to refinance ₹10,000 crore of foreign currency debt originally raised from the World Bank.
This refinancing is expected to save ₹2,700 crore by reducing forex and interest rate risks.

Axis Bank Launches Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans

Axis Bank introduced Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans for MSMEs, offering:

• Unsecured loans from ₹2 lakh to ₹20 lakh
• Fully digital approval and disbursement
• Daily installment repayment linked to sales

New CPI, GDP & IIP Series Announced

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) announced:

• New CPI base year: 2024
• New GDP & IIP base year: 2022–23
• CPI data to include e-commerce platforms for the first time

Canara HSBC Life Partners with Equitas Small Finance Bank

Canara HSBC Life Insurance entered a bancassurance partnership with Equitas SFB, expanding access to life insurance products across Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3 cities.

CURRENT AFFAIRS – NATIONAL & STATE NEWS

Union Cabinet Clears Delhi Metro Phase-V(A)

The Union Cabinet approved Delhi Metro Phase-V(A) at a cost of ₹12,014.91 crore.
The project adds 16.076 km across three corridors, improving Central Vista, Airport, and South Delhi connectivity.

43 Young Authors Selected Under PM-YUVA 3.0

Under PM-YUVA 3.0, 43 young writers below 30 years were selected across 22 Indian languages and English.
Each author will receive:

• ₹50,000 monthly scholarship for 6 months
• 10% lifetime royalty on published books

CURRENT AFFAIRS – DEFENCE

Indian Coast Guard Inducts ‘Samudra Pratap’

The Indian Coast Guard inducted Samudra Pratap, India’s first indigenous Pollution Control Vessel, built by Goa Shipyard Limited.
The vessel enhances marine pollution response, surveillance, and SAR operations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS – APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

India to Chair Kimberley Process from January 2026

India will assume the Chairmanship of the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026, focusing on conflict-free diamond trade and transparency.

Saleem Ahmad Appointed CMD of RVNL

Saleem Ahmad took charge as Chairman & Managing Director of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), bringing over 35 years of infrastructure experience.

CURRENT AFFAIRS – ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Paytm Expands to Indonesia & Luxembourg

One97 Communications (Paytm) announced global expansion through new subsidiaries in Indonesia and Luxembourg, while diluting 49% stake in its UAE unit.

CURRENT AFFAIRS – MoUs & AGREEMENTS

National Test House Signs MoU with Department of Posts

The MoU enables pan-India sample collection and testing, improving access to quality testing services for consumers, MSMEs, and industries.

CURRENT AFFAIRS – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Russia Plans Lunar Nuclear Power Plant by 2036

Roscosmos, with support from Rosatom, plans to deploy a nuclear power plant on the Moon to support long-term lunar missions.

India Commissions Indigenous Water-Soluble Fertilizer Plant

India inaugurated its first home-grown Water-Soluble Fertilizer pilot plant in Nagpur, reducing dependence on imports and boosting Make in India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS – APPS & PORTALS

‘Meri Yojana’ Welfare Portal Launched in Uttarakhand

The Meri Yojana Portal provides centralized information on Central and State Government welfare schemes, improving transparency and accessibility.

CURRENT AFFAIRS – OBITUARIES

WWII Veteran Ira “Ike” Schab Passes Away

World War II veteran Ira “Ike” Schab, a Pearl Harbor witness, passed away at the age of 105 in the USA.

Daily Current Affairs One-Liners – 26 December 2025

• SEBI approved NHAI-sponsored Raajmarg InvIT
• RBI postponed Phase-2 of faster cheque clearance
• IFSCA relaxed staffing norms at GIFT IFSC
• DFCCIL & IRFC signed ₹10,000 crore refinancing deal
• Axis Bank launched Digital Merchant Cash Advance Loans
• Delhi Metro Phase-V(A) approved
• India to chair Kimberley Process from 2026