Exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II
1. Overview of the Exercise
- Exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II concluded with a closing ceremony at Al-Hamra Training City in Abu Dhabi.
- It marked the successful completion of the second edition of the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise.
- The exercise was conducted from December 18 to 30.
2. Strategic Significance
- The exercise reaffirmed the deepening defence partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates.
- It underscored both countries’ shared commitment to regional peace, security, and stability.
- Such joint exercises strengthen military-to-military ties and signal enhanced cooperation in the West Asian security landscape, a region of strategic importance to India.
3. Objectives of the Exercise
- To enhance:
- Interoperability between the two armed forces
- Mutual trust and understanding
- Operational synergy in complex operational environments
- Special emphasis was placed on urban warfare scenarios and sub-conventional operations conducted under a United Nations mandate, reflecting contemporary peacekeeping and counter-insurgency challenges.
4. Training Components
- The exercise combined:
- Classroom-based instruction for doctrinal and tactical alignment
- Field-based practical training for real-world operational readiness
- Training focused on operations in built-up and urban areas, a key feature of modern conflict zones.
5. Key Military Drills and Activities
- Progressive and realistic drills included:
- Room intervention and building clearance
- Heliborne operations
- Air assault missions
- Platoon-level joint assault exercises
- Both armies:
- Exchanged operational experiences
- Rehearsed and standardised tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
- This standardisation improves coordination during joint or multinational deployments.
6. Participating Units
- Indian Army contingent:
- 45 personnel
- Primarily from a battalion of The Mechanised Infantry Regiment
- UAE Land Forces contingent:
- Represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion
7. Broader Implications
- The exercise enhances India’s defence diplomacy in the Gulf region.
- It improves preparedness for:
- UN peacekeeping operations
- Counter-terrorism and urban combat missions
- DESERT CYCLONE–II contributes to building a credible joint response capability for future regional or multilateral security challenges.
Ban on Certain Oral Formulations of Nimesulide
1. Key Decision by the Union Health Ministry
- The Union Health Ministry has banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of oral immediate-release formulations of nimesulide above 100 mg.
- The ban has been imposed with immediate effect through an official notification issued earlier this week.
2. Scope and Limits of the Ban
- The prohibition does not apply to all forms of nimesulide.
- Excluded from the ban:
- Oral formulations below 100 mg
- Oral formulations above 100 mg in sustained-release or extended-release forms
- Non-oral formulations, such as topical gels, creams, and suppositories
- This indicates a targeted regulatory approach rather than a blanket ban.
3. Legal and Regulatory Basis
- The ban has been enforced under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
- The decision was taken after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB).
- The government stated it was satisfied that the banned formulations pose a risk to human health and that safer alternatives are available.
4. Health Concerns Driving the Ban
- Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for:
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory action
- Fever reduction
- It is approved only for short-term, second-line use, meaning it should be used when other treatments fail.
- The primary concern is potential liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity), which has prompted regulatory scrutiny.
5. Therapeutic Uses of Nimesulide
- According to product characteristics, nimesulide is approved for:
- Acute pain
- Symptomatic relief in painful osteoarthritis
- Primary dysmenorrhea
- Despite these uses, its safety profile has necessitated stricter control.
6. Government’s Risk–Benefit Assessment
- The Ministry concluded that:
- Immediate-release formulations above 100 mg pose higher health risks.
- The availability of safer alternative medicines reduces the need for high-dose immediate-release forms.
- The decision reflects a precautionary approach to drug regulation and public health protection.
7. Broader Implications
- The ban reinforces the government’s role in:
- Ensuring drug safety
- Preventing misuse of high-risk medications
- It signals increased regulatory vigilance over NSAIDs with adverse safety profiles.
- The move balances continued access to the drug in safer forms while protecting public health.
BSNL Launches Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) Services Nationwide
Announcement
- Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced the nationwide launch of Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi).
- The rollout coincides with the New Year, symbolising a step forward in service enhancement.
Coverage
- VoWiFi is now available across all telecom circles in India, ensuring uniform access for BSNL customers nationwide.
What VoWiFi Is
- Also known as Wi-Fi Calling, VoWiFi allows users to:
- Make and receive voice calls
- Send and receive messages
- All communication happens over a Wi-Fi network instead of relying solely on mobile signal strength.
Key Benefits
- Ensures clear and reliable call quality in areas with poor mobile coverage such as:
- Homes and offices
- Basements
- Rural and remote locations
- Helps reduce congestion on mobile networks.
Technology & Functionality
- VoWiFi is an IMS-based service (IP Multimedia Subsystem).
- Supports seamless handover between Wi-Fi and mobile networks during calls.
- Calls are made using the customer’s existing mobile number and default phone dialer.
- No third-party apps are required.
Cost to Customers
- The service is free of charge.
- No additional fees for making calls over Wi-Fi.
Connectivity Requirements
- Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection, which may include:
- BSNL Bharat Fiber
- Any other broadband service
Target Beneficiaries
- Particularly advantageous for:
- Users in rural and underserved regions
- Areas with limited or unreliable mobile coverage
Device Compatibility
- Supported on most modern smartphones.
- Users need to enable Wi-Fi Calling in their handset settings.
Customer Support
- For compatibility and assistance, customers can:
- Visit the nearest BSNL customer service centre
- Contact the BSNL helpline: 1800-1503
Strategic Importance
- The VoWiFi launch is a key part of BSNL’s network modernisation programme.
- Reinforces BSNL’s commitment to enhancing nationwide connectivity, especially in underserved areas.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE)
- The CGSE is implemented by the Department of Financial Services (DFS).
- The scheme became operational from 01 December 2025.
- It aims to support exporters during periods of global economic uncertainty and headwinds.
Role of Exports in the Indian Economy
- Exports are a critical pillar of India’s economy, contributing nearly 21% of GDP.
- They generate robust foreign exchange inflows, supporting macroeconomic stability.
- Over 45 million people are directly and indirectly employed in export-oriented industries.
- MSMEs contribute around 45% of India’s total exports, highlighting their central role.
- Sustained export growth supports:
- Current account balance
- Overall macroeconomic stability
Objectives of the Scheme
- Provide credit guarantees to exporters, especially MSMEs.
- Enable banks and financial institutions (Member Lending Institutions – MLIs) to extend additional credit.
- Improve liquidity and ensure business continuity.
- Support export market diversification.
- Enhance the global competitiveness of Indian exporters.
Key Features of CGSE
- Offers additional collateral-free credit support.
- Total credit guarantee coverage of up to ₹20,000 crore.
- Applicable to both direct and indirect exporter MSMEs.
- Working capital loans allowed up to 20% of existing export credit / working capital limits.
Implementation and Institutional Framework
- Implemented by DFS through National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC).
- Financial assistance is extended via eligible MLIs.
Performance and Uptake (as on 31.12.2025)
- 1,788 applications received, amounting to ₹8,599 crore.
- 716 applications sanctioned, totaling ₹3,141 crore.
- Strong response reflects high confidence among exporters and MSMEs.
Expected Impact
- Improves liquidity position of exporters and MSMEs.
- Ensures continuity of operations during uncertain global conditions.
- Helps in employment sustenance.
- Enables exporters to:
- Build capabilities
- Enter new and emerging export markets
- Strengthen global competitiveness
Validity of the Scheme
- CGSE is open until 31 March 2026 or
- Until guarantees worth ₹20,000 crore are fully issued, whichever is earlier.
PFRDA Introduces Policy Reforms to Promote Sustainable Growth of NPS
Regulatory Reform for Pension Fund Sponsorship
- The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has approved in principle a new framework.
- Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) will now be permitted to independently set up Pension Funds to manage the National Pension System (NPS).
- Objective:
- Strengthen the pension ecosystem
- Enhance competition
- Safeguard subscriber interests
Eligibility and Safeguards
- The framework addresses earlier regulatory constraints that limited bank participation.
- Banks will be allowed to sponsor Pension Funds only if they meet clearly defined eligibility criteria, including:
- Net worth
- Market capitalisation
- Prudential soundness aligned with RBI norms
- Ensures that only well-capitalised and systemically robust banks participate.
- Detailed eligibility criteria will be notified separately.
- Criteria will apply to both new and existing Pension Funds.
Strengthening NPS Governance
- PFRDA has appointed three new Trustees to the Board of NPS Trust:
- Shri Dinesh Kumar Khara – Former Chairman, State Bank of India
- Ms. Swati Anil Kulkarni – Former EVP, UTI AMC
- Dr. Arvind Gupta – Co-Founder, Digital India Foundation and member of SIDBI’s Fund of Funds VC committee
- Shri Dinesh Kumar Khara has been designated as the Chairperson of the NPS Trust Board.
Revision of Investment Management Fee (IMF)
- PFRDA has revised the Investment Management Fee (IMF) structure effective 1 April 2026.
- Purpose:
- Align with evolving public aspirations
- Meet international benchmarks
- Expand NPS coverage across:
- Corporate sector
- Retail subscribers
- Gig-economy workers
- The revised IMF structure:
- Is slab-based
- Introduces differentiated rates for:
- Government sector
- Non-Government sector
- Applies to schemes under the Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF), with MSF corpus counted separately
IMF for Government Sector
- IMF remains unchanged for:
- Government employees under the Composite Scheme
- Subscribers opting for Auto Choice
- Subscribers opting for Active Choice G 100
IMF Structure for Non-Government Sector (NGS)
| AUM Slab (₹ Crore) | IMF Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 25,000 | 0.12% |
| 25,000 – 50,000 | 0.08% |
| 50,000 – 1,50,000 | 0.06% |
| Above 1,50,000 | 0.04% |
The structure incentivizes economies of scale and reduces cost burden on subscribers.
Annual Regulatory Fee (ARF)
- ARF remains unchanged at 0.015% of AUM.
- Of this:
- 0.0025% of AUM will be passed on to the Association of NPS Intermediaries (ANI).
- Purpose:
- Support awareness
- Outreach programs
- Financial literacy initiatives
- Activities will be conducted under PFRDA’s guidance.
Expected Impact of Reforms
- Promote a more competitive, well-governed, and resilient NPS ecosystem.
- Improve long-term retirement outcomes.
- Enhance old-age income security.
- Support growing formalisation in India’s financial and pension sectors.
- Expand NPS access to corporate, retail, and gig-economy segments.
First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Guwahati–Howrah Route
Key Announcement
- Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the launch at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.
- The first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will operate between:
- Guwahati (Assam) and Howrah (West Bengal).
- Trial, testing, and certification have been successfully completed.
- The train will be flagged off by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in January.
- Marks a major milestone for Indian Railways and long-distance overnight travel.
Strategic Significance
- Represents a shift towards modern, passenger-centric overnight rail travel.
- Aligns with Indian Railways’ vision of major reforms in 2026.
- Enhances regional connectivity between Northeast India and Eastern India.
Districts Benefited
Assam
- Kamrup Metropolitan
- Bongaigaon
West Bengal
- Coochbehar
- Jalpaiguri
- Maldah
- Murshidabad
- Purba Bardhaman
- Hooghly
- Howrah
Train Composition & Capacity
- Total coaches: 16
- 11 Three-tier AC
- 4 Two-tier AC
- 1 First Class AC
- Total passenger capacity: ~823 passengers
Design & Engineering Advancements
- Completely new bogie design with advanced suspension.
- Improved ride stability, safety, and comfort.
- Enhanced ergonomic interiors, including berths and ladders.
- Special focus on safety and security parameters.
Operational Planning
- Designed specifically for overnight journeys.
- Timetable planned to:
- Depart in the evening
- Arrive early the next morning
Passenger Experience
- Comfortable, safe, and high-quality overnight travel.
- Region-specific cuisine:
- From Guwahati: Authentic Assamese dishes
- From Kolkata: Traditional Bengali cuisine
- Promotes cultural immersion through onboard services.
Key Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
- Semi-high-speed train with design speed up to 180 kmph
- Ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning
- Automatic doors with vestibules
- Superior suspension with noise reduction
- KAVACH safety system installed
- Advanced disinfectant technology for sanitation
- Driver cab with modern control and safety systems
- Aerodynamic exterior with automatic passenger doors
- Special facilities for Divyangjans
- Emergency talk-back communication system
- CCTV surveillance in all coaches
- Advanced aerosol-based fire detection and suppression system
Overall Impact
- Heralds a new era of sleeper train travel in India.
- Combines speed, comfort, safety, and modern technology.
- Reinforces Indian Railways’ commitment to:
- Passenger-centric services
- Technological innovation
- Enhanced regional and cultural connectivity