Daily Current Affairs News: 3rd January, 2025

National News

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Cleared for Service: Know The First Route

• Indian Railways has cleared the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train after successful trials and certification, marking a new era in long-distance overnight rail travel. The Guwahati–Kolkata corridor will be the first route, offering high speed (up to 180 kmph), modern sleeper amenities, and affordable fares compared to air travel. Equipped with advanced safety systems like KAVACH, regenerative braking, and smart passenger facilities, the indigenously built train strengthens Make in India, enhances passenger comfort, and is set to transform intercity and overnight connectivity across India.

MoSPI Unveils New Logo and Mascot to Promote Data-Driven Governance

• MoSPI Unveils New Logo and Mascot “सांख्यिकी (Sankhyiki)” to promote data-driven governance, transparency, and public participation. The logo, themed “Data for Development”, features the Ashoka Chakra, Rupee symbol, and growth motifs, while the mascot makes statistics citizen-friendly and enhances outreach for surveys and awareness campaigns.

Centre Appoints New Chief Justices for Kerala, Patna and Meghalaya High Courts

• Union Government Approves Chief Justice Appointments in Three High Courts.
• Acting on the Supreme Court Collegium recommendations, the Centre has appointed Justice Soumen Sen as Chief Justice of Kerala High Court, Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo as Chief Justice of Patna High Court, and Justice Revati Prashant Mohite Dere as Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court.
• These appointments, made under Articles 217 and 222 of the Constitution, ensure judicial leadership continuity, follow merit-based Collegium recommendations, and uphold the independence of the judiciary.

Additional Excise Duty on Tobacco from February 1

• India Introduces New Excise Duty and Health & National Security Cess on Tobacco and Pan Masala.
• From February 1, the government will levy additional excise duty on tobacco products and a Health and National Security Cess on pan masala, replacing the compensation cess. These levies are over and above GST (40% for tobacco and pan masala, 18% for biris) and aim to increase revenue, regulate sin goods, and support public health policy.

State News

Tamil Nadu to Begin Jallikattu 2026 with Event at Thatchankurichi

• Tamil Nadu has approved the first Jallikattu 2026 event to be held on January 3 at Thatchankurichi village in Pudukkottai district, marking the official start of the season.
• The permission was granted under the Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2017 to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, with strict legal, safety, and animal welfare norms.
• Authorities have mandated compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), crowd control, and emergency preparedness, while applications are accepted only through an online portal to ensure transparency and accountability, preserving this traditional cultural sport under regulated conditions.

Assam Becomes First State to Constitute 8th State Pay Commission

• Assam has become the first state in India to constitute its 8th State Pay Commission, ahead of the expiry of the 7th Pay Commission on January 1, 2026.
• Announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and headed by former Chief Secretary Subhas Das, the move aims to expedite revision of salaries, allowances, and pensions for state employees and pensioners, signalling
• Assam’s proactive approach to pay reforms, employee welfare, and administrative preparedness.

International News

India, Pakistan Complete Exchange of Nuclear Facility Information

• India and Pakistan exchanged their nuclear installations lists on January 1, 2026, under the 1988 bilateral Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations, marking the 35th consecutive year of this confidence-building measure.
• The annual exchange, conducted through diplomatic channels, aims to prevent attacks, promote transparency, and maintain strategic stability in South Asia.

India and Pakistan Exchange Prisoners Lists Under Consular Pact

• India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civil prisoners and fishermen under the 2008 Consular Access Agreement, with India urging early release, consular access, and repatriation.
• India shared details of 391 prisoners and 33 fishermen held in its custody, while Pakistan provided lists of 58 prisoners and 199 fishermen.
• The exchange underscores humanitarian concerns, particularly for fishermen who cross maritime boundaries, and reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts for the safety and welfare of detainees.

Banking News

UPI Transactions Surge to 21.63 Billion in December 2025

• UPI transactions surged to 21.63 billion in December, recording a 29% year-on-year growth, according to NPCI data.
• The transaction value crossed nearly ₹28 lakh crore, while daily usage rose to about 698 million transactions, highlighting strong adoption of digital payments.
• Growth in UPI and IMPS platforms reflects India’s rapid shift towards a cashless economy, strengthening its position as a global leader in real-time digital payment systems.

GST Collections Jump 6.1% in December 2025 Reached ₹1.75 Lakh Crore

• India’s GST collections rose 6.1% year-on-year in December to ₹1.75 lakh crore, while April–December FY26 collections grew 8.6% to ₹16.5 lakh crore, reflecting stronger economic activity, better compliance, and the impact of GST reforms.
• The trend underscores the maturity of India’s indirect tax system and successful rate rationalisation under the GST Council.

Defense News

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Appointed as Vice Chief of the Air Staff

• Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor has assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force on January 1, 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari.
• With nearly 40 years of service, he brings extensive operational, command, and training experience, including flying MiG-21 and MiG-29 aircraft with over 3,400 flying hours. An NDA alumnus, he has served as Air Defence Commander, Senior Air Staff Officer, and Chief Instructor (Flying), and played a key role in the induction of PC-7 Mk II trainer aircraft.
• A recipient of the PVSM, SYSM, AVSM, and VM, his appointment strengthens the IAF’s leadership amid a focus on training modernization, air defense preparedness, and operational readiness.

Air Marshal S. Shrinivas Takes Charge as Chief of IAF Training Command

• Air Marshal S. Shrinivas has assumed charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Indian Air Force Training Command on January 1.
• A veteran fighter pilot and Category ‘A’ flying instructor, he brings over 4,200 flying hours and extensive experience in pilot training, safety, and command roles.
• His appointment strengthens the IAF’s focus on training excellence, human resource development, and operational preparedness.

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh Takes Charge of South Western Air Command

• Air Marshal Tejinder Singh has assumed charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force on January 1, 2026.
• A highly experienced fighter pilot with over 4,500 flying hours, he brings deep expertise in air operations, strategic planning, and command leadership.
• An NDA alumnus and recipient of the Vayu Sena Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, his appointment strengthens the IAF’s focus on operational readiness and air defence preparedness in a strategically vital region.

India-UAE Desert Cyclone II Military Exercise Concludes

• India–UAE Desert Cyclone II joint military exercise concluded in Abu Dhabi on December 30, 2025.
• The two-week drill focused on urban warfare, counter-terrorism, and UN-mandated operations, enhancing interoperability between the Indian Army and UAE Land Forces.
• Conducted at Al-Hamra Training City, the exercise strengthened defence cooperation, joint operational readiness, and India’s growing strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates.

Science & Technology News

Gaganyaan and Artemis-II: Landmark Human Space Missions of 2026

• 2026 will be a landmark year for human spaceflight as India’s Gaganyaan (G1) uncrewed mission and NASA’s Artemis-II crewed lunar mission prepare for launch, testing critical life-support, safety, re-entry, and deep-space technologies.
• While ISRO aims to establish India’s independent human space capability with Vyommitra aboard LVM3, NASA plans to send astronauts beyond the Moon for the first time since 1972, signalling a multipolar and technology-driven new era of global space exploration.