In November 2025, a significant step was taken towards enhancing national security through technology innovations. The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalya (GSV) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing smart technology solutions. This agreement marks a pivotal collaboration for comprehensive research and development in logistics with the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy.
The primary focus of the MoU is to establish a robust platform for collaborative studies and research in logistics management at various levels. It encompasses concept analysis, operational logistics planning, and validation. Furthermore, the agreement promotes joint research initiatives in chip design, hardware security, and advanced encryption technologies, including homomorphic and blockchain-based encryption.
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalya (GSV) holds the distinction of being India's first university dedicated to the transportation and logistics sector. Established as a Central University by the Act of Parliament in 2022, GSV covers a comprehensive range of sectors, including railways, highways, ports, aviation, maritime, shipping, inland waterways, urban transport, and complete logistics and supply chain networks. The university functions under the Ministry of Railways, with Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw serving as the Chancellor.
In a parallel development, the 16th Finance Commission (FC) presented its report to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in November 2025. This report outlines the distribution framework of net tax proceeds between the Centre and States for the award period 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The Finance Commission, constituted under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution, plays a crucial role in recommending the allocation of tax proceeds between the Union and the States, as well as among the States themselves. Additionally, it evaluates arrangements for financing disaster management initiatives and grants-in-aid to States.
Chaired by Dr. Aravind Panagariya, the 16th FC commenced its operations on April 1, 2026. The commission is responsible for ensuring equitable resource distribution and establishing principles for grants-in-aid. The commission's other esteemed members include Ajay Narayan Jha, Annie George Mathew, Niranjan Rajadhyaksha, and Soumya Kanti Ghosh.
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