NEWS 31-12-2025. News For 9th-Jan (Friday) *International News* 1. Guyana has invited Indian companies to participate in the 2026 offshore oil blocks auction to deepen energy cooperation and expand bilateral oil ties. 2. Operation Absolute Resolve was launched by the U.S. to capture Nicolás Maduro on narco-terrorism charges and weaken a hostile regime while advancing strategic interests. 3. China has expanded strategic rail and infrastructure projects in Tibet near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), enhancing military mobility and raising security concerns for India. *National news* 1. NCERT has been proposed to be granted deemed-to-be university status to strengthen teacher education, curriculum research, and academic autonomy in school education. 2. Adani Group is in talks with the Uttar Pradesh government to explore setting up Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as India opens its nuclear energy sector to private investment. *Defence News* 1. India plans to invest $3.4 billion in building around 500 km of new railway lines near the China border to boost defence logistics and strategic preparedness. 2. India inaugurated an Integrated Security Hub in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to enhance surveillance, coordination, and rapid response for maritime and strategic security. *Sports news* 1. Deepti Sharma became the highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is. < < Back