1 0-700 km/h in .2 seconds: Chinese Maglev sets record again
Researchers at China ‘s National University of Defense Technology successfully propelled a one-ton vehicle to 700 kilometers per hour in just two seconds on a 400-meter test track , setting a new world record for a superconducting electric maglev system . This breakthrough could revolutionize various transportation modes, from hyperloop systems to aerospace launches. The same team previously achieved a speed of 648 km/h on the same track in January. Their ten years of research have brought China to the forefront of global maglev technology, a significant advancement since the development of its first manned maglev train thirty years ago. Professor Li Jie, who led Beijing’s first commercial maglev subway line, believes this breakthrough will accelerate China’s ultra-high-speed maglev transport development. In 2020, CRRC Qingdao Sifang tested a prototype at a speed of 600 km/h. Meanwhile, Southwest Jiaotong University in Chengdu developed a high-temperature superconducting maglev system capable of speeds exceeding 600 km/h. The latest development involves a collaboration between the Third Research Academy of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation and the North University of China. They built a 2-kilometer experimental line in Datong to test maglev trains in a low-vacuum pipeline, with the goal of eventually achieving speeds of 1,000 km/h.
2 RRU Gujarat to host disciplines of World Police and Fire Games 2029
The 23rd World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) will be hosted in eight disciplines in 2029 at the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gujarat . This will be India’s first appearance as the host country for this prestigious global event . The World Police and Fire Games is a biennial, Olympic-style sporting event exclusively for police, fire service, and law enforcement personnel from around the world. The Games include over 60 sporting disciplines and attract thousands of participants. In the 2025 edition of the USA, over 9,000 athletes participated, and India won nearly 600 medals, demonstrating its strong performance. India is the second Asian country to host the World Police and Fire Games after China. Chengdu, China hosted the 18th World Police and Fire Games in 2019. The 21st World Police and Fire Games will take place in Birmingham, United States, in 2025, and the 22nd Games will be held in Perth, Australia, in 2027. The first World Police and Fire Games took place in San Jose, California, United States, in 1985.
3 National Test House signs MoU with NHAI to ensure quality in National Highway projects
The National Test House (NTH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to strengthen quality control and third-party testing in national highway and infrastructure projects . Under the agreement, NTH will be listed as an accredited laboratory for NHAI. It can send samples related to highway construction and related works for testing and inspection to NTH’s laboratories located across the country. Samples will be tested at NTH’s regional laboratories and satellite centers located in Ghaziabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Guwahati, Bengaluru, and Varanasi.
India is at the cusp of a new era of artificial intelligence (AI). The government has allocated a budget of over ₹10,300 crore over the next five years under the ” IndiaAI Mission, ” and 38,000 GPUs have been deployed so far. Its goal is to create a robust and self-reliant AI ecosystem in the country. The government plans to strengthen computing infrastructure, develop indigenous AI models, support startups, and increase access to AI technology for the general public. The use of AI in sectors like agriculture, health, education, and governance is already yielding practical and positive results. According to a government statement, programs like the IndiaAI Mission , Digital ShramSetu , and Foundational Model Development are ensuring that technological innovations reach every citizen, while also promoting research, skill development, and entrepreneurship. Nearly 6 million people currently work in the technology and AI sectors, and the Indian tech industry is expected to reach over $280 billion in annual revenue this year. It is estimated that AI could contribute $1.7 trillion to India’s economy by 2035.
5 Denmark became the first country to discontinue traditional postal service.
Denmark has become the first country to discontinue traditional postal service . In Denmark, the four-hundred-year-old system of letter delivery was discontinued this week. The decision was made following the rise of digital communication and a more than 90 percent decline in the government postal service. However, private shipping and postal services will continue to deliver letters.
6 Union Minister Rammohan Naidu flagged off the maiden flight of the civilian version of the new generation Dhruv helicopter at HAL
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu flagged off the maiden flight of the civilian version of the new-generation Dhruv helicopter at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru . The helicopter has received civil certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for its indigenously powered engine .
7 2025 will be a decisive year for India, as it overtakes Japan to become the fourth largest economy.
The year 2025 marked a turning point in India ‘s development trajectory . This year saw a strengthening economy, improved employment, a decline in inflation, and stable exports. During this period, India surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 8.2% in the second quarter of the current fiscal year, primarily due to strong domestic demand. The unemployment rate declined to 4.7% in November 2025, primarily due to a significant decline in the female unemployment rate. Merchandise exports also saw positive momentum.
8 9th anniversary of BHIM i.e. Bharat Interface for Money app
December 30th marks the 9th anniversary of the BHIM app , or Bharat Interface for Money . The National Payments Corporation of India ‘s BHIM app was launched on this day in 2016. As of December 28th this year, over 663 million transactions worth over ₹64,000 crore have been recorded through the BHIM app. On a monthly basis, 19.5 million transactions worth over ₹25 lakh crore have been processed through the BHIM app. The BHIM app aims to promote financial inclusion and a cashless economy in the country by enabling e-payments directly through banks.
9 Union Minister for Jal Shakti virtually launched the Water Services Assessment under Jal Jeevan Mission
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil virtually launched the Jal Seva Assessment to enhance efficient service delivery and community participation under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The Jal Shakti Ministry stated that the Jal Seva Assessment is a Gram Panchayat-led digital assessment facility for drinking water services on the Jal Jeevan Mission portal . Its objective is to enable villages to self-assess their water service systems at the community level, rather than relying on a third-party survey. This work is expected to be completed by January 26th next year through the Har Ghar Jal Gram Panchayats. Mr. Patil stated that the Jal Seva Assessment will empower Gram Panchayats to be custodians of their water supply systems, strengthening the decision-making process through Gram Sabhas.
10 Winners of the 13th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Sports Awards announced
The winners of the 13th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Sports Awards were announced at the World Sports Summit in Dubai , attended by leading figures from the global sports world. Organized by the Dubai Sports Council, the event was themed “Uniting the World through Sport,” highlighting the role of sport in promoting global cooperation and development. Among the awardees, Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic was honored with the Global Lifetime Achievement Award . The awards were established in 2008.