📰 Daily Briefing Tuesday, Feb 03

Daily Current Affairs: 3 February 2026

Analysis for 03 February 2026

Sarvesh Ranjan promoted to Chief General Manager of Union Bank of India.

[Union Bank of India]

Key Updates:

  • Sarvesh Ranjan assumed the post of Chief General Manager at Union Bank of India on 1 February 2026.
  • He succeeded Bhaskara Rao Kare who superannuated on 31 January 2026.
  • Prior to promotion, Sarvesh Ranjan was serving as General Manager in the same bank.
  • He presently heads the Central Reconciliation, Transaction Monitoring and Anti-Money Laundering departments of Union Bank of India.
  • Sarvesh Ranjan is an engineering graduate with nearly 30 years of banking experience.
  • He has completed leadership programmes at the University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland), ISB Hyderabad and IDRBT Hyderabad and holds IT and cyber security certifications.

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IndusInd Bank appoints Arijit Basu as Part-time Chairman for three years (End of January) ▼
  • IndusInd Bank has appointed Arijit Basu as an Additional Director in the category of Non-Executive Independent Director and Part-time Chairman for a three-year term starting 31 January 2026.
  • Arijit Basu will succeed Sunil Mehta, whose tenure as the Part-time Chairman and Director of the bank concludes on 30 January 2026.
  • The appointee is the former Managing Director (MD) and Board Member of State Bank of India (SBI) and former MD and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SBI Life Insurance Company.
  • He has previously served as the Chairman of the Board of HDB Financial Services Ltd, which is a subsidiary of HDFC Bank.
  • Arijit Basu holds a master’s degree in arts from the University of Delhi and has completed the Certified Associate course of the Indian Institute of Bankers.
  • He currently serves as an Independent Director for Prudential Plc, Peerless Hospitex and Hospital Research Centre Ltd, and CleanMax Enviro Energy Solutions Ltd.
  • The appointment follows the earlier exits of former CEO Sumant Kathpalia and Deputy CEO Arun Khurana amidst investor criticism over accounting lapses in 2025.
  • IndusInd Bank shares fell by 10% last year, making it the worst-performing stock on the private bank index, which rose nearly 16% during the same period.
  • The bank stated that the appointment is in line with the regulatory disclosures of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) appoints Anup Kumar Saha as Whole-time Director (Mid of January) ▼
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) has appointed Anup Kumar Saha as Whole-time Director, subject to regulatory approvals.
  • Saha will act as Whole-time Director (Designate) and join senior management from January 12, 2026.
  • He will oversee consumer banking, marketing and data analytics functions at KMB.
  • Anup Kumar Saha most recently served as Managing Director at Bajaj Finance.
  • He previously spent 14 years at ICICI Bank in senior leadership roles.
ICICI Bank board approves Sandeep Bakhshi’s reappointment as MD & CEO till 2028. (Mid of January) ▼
  • The board of ICICI Bank approved the reappointment of Sandeep Bakhshi as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a two-year term from October 4, 2026 to October 3, 2028.
  • The reappointment is subject to approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the bank’s shareholders and other statutory authorities.
  • Bakhshi took over as MD & CEO in October 2018 and has been credited with steering the bank through tighter risk controls, improved asset quality and steady growth across retail and corporate banking.
  • The board noted the reappointment aligns with RBI’s Commercial Banks: Governance Directions, 2025.
Union Bank of India Celebrates 107th Foundation Day, Launches Digital Initiatives and Expands Branch Network (Mid of November) ▼
  • Union Bank of India (UBI) celebrated its 107th Foundation Day.
  • A central function was organised by the bank’s headquarters in Mumbai at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC.
  • Department of Financial Services (DFS) Secretary M Nagaraju (IAS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, attended as the chief guest.
  • UBI launched two new digital initiatives — the Union E-Biz mobile app for MSMEs and the Union Ease mobile app.
  • The bank announced the opening of 51 new branches across key regions.

Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny Win Top Honours at 68th Grammy Awards

Key Updates:

  • The 68th Grammy Awards took place in Los Angeles, where Kendrick Lamar emerged as the biggest winner with five awards, including Record of the Year for Luther and Best Rap Album for GNX.
  • Bad Bunny won the Album of the Year award for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, making history as the first Puerto Rican star to win the category, and also secured Best Música Urbana Album.
  • Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for Wildflower, while Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist.
  • Lady Gaga secured Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem and Best Dance/Pop Recording for Abracadabra, while Lola Young won Best Pop Solo Performance for Messy.
  • Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for Defying Gravity, and Tame Impala won Best Dance/Electronic Recording for End Of Summer.
  • FKA Twigs won Best Dance/Electronic Album for Eusexua, and Laufey won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for A Matter Of Time.
  • Natalia Lafourcade won Best Latin Pop Album for Cancionera, and Yungblud won Best Rock Performance for Changes (Live From Villa Park).
  • Nine Inch Nails won Best Rock Song for As Alive As You Need Me To Be, and Turnstile won Best Rock Album for Never Enough and Best Metal Performance for Birds.
  • The Cure won Best Alternative Music Album for Songs Of A Lost World and Best Alternative Music Performance for Alone.
  • Clipse, Pusha T, and Malice won Best Rap Performance for Chains & Whips, while Kendrick Lamar also won Best Melodic Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for TV Off.
  • Chris Stapleton won Best Country Solo Performance for Bad As I Used To Be, and Tyler Childers won Best Country Song for Bitin' List.
  • Kehlani won Best Rhythm and Blues (R&B) Performance and Best R&B Song for Folded, and Leon Thomas won Best R&B Album for Mutt.
  • Tyla won Best African Music Performance for Push 2 Start, and music legend Fela Kuti became the first African to receive the Grammys Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • The Dalai Lama won the Best Audiobook Narration award for Meditations: The Reflections Of His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
  • Ludwig Göransson won Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media for Sinners, and Austin Wintory won Best Video Game Score for Sword of the Sea.
  • Huntr/x won Best Song Written for Visual Media for Golden (From Korean Pop (K-Pop) Demon Hunters), and Doechii won Best Music Video for Anxiety.
  • John Williams won Best Music Film for Music by John Williams, and Samara Joy won Best Jazz Vocal Album for Portrait.
  • Sullivan Fortner won Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Nate Smith won Best Alternative Jazz Album, and Chick Corea won Best Jazz Performance for Windows (Live).
  • Kwamé Ryan and the Houston Grand Opera won Best Opera Recording for Heggie: Intelligence, and Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony Orchestra won Best Orchestral Performance.
  • Cirkut was named Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), and Amy Allen was named Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical).
  • The various artists compilation for Sinners won Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, and Nate Bargatze won Best Comedy Album.

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Japan Music Awards 2026: BTS and members Jin, J-Hope, Jimin, Jungkook receive multiple nominations (Start of November) ▼
  • The Japan Music Awards 2026 ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Tokyo's Toyota Arena.
  • Nominated works include 'Don't Say You Love Me' by Jin, 'Killin It Girl & Sweet Dreams' by J-Hope, and 'Permission To Dance On The Stage: Live' by BTS.
  • Nominees for Best K-pop artist are BTS, Jin, J-Hope, Jimin, and Jungkook.
83rd Golden Globe Awards held on January 11, 2026 (Mid of January) ▼
  • The 83rd Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night marked the official start to the 2026 awards season.
  • In a first, the Globes recognized achievement in podcasting — and handed the prize to 'Good Hang with Amy Poehler,' a light-hearted interview series.
  • Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) was the company that had the biggest night, winning top awards for 'One Battle After Another,' 'Sinners,' 'The Pitt' and 'Hacks'.
  • Timothée Chalamet scored his first Golden Globe for his lead role as a fiercely ambitious table tennis player in 'Marty Supreme'.
  • Paul Thomas Anderson’s film 'One Battle After Another' won four trophies: best musical/comedy, best director, best screenplay, and best supporting actress (Teyana Taylor).
  • The medical procedural 'The Pitt' won two marquee awards: best drama series and best drama series actor for Noah Wyle.
India to host second Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi on 24 and 25 January (Mid of January) ▼
  • The second Global Buddhist Summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 24 and 25 January.
  • Organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Culture.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the summit as chief guest.
  • The theme for this year’s gathering is ‘Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence’.
  • More than 200 delegates are expected, including heads of national Buddhist Sanghas, supreme patriarchs, and senior figures from various countries.
  • A major highlight will be a live demonstration of NORBU, described as a ‘Neural Operator for Responsible Buddhist Understanding’.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2025 on 30 individuals. (End of January) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu approved the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak for six persons.
  • Six persons received the Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak.
  • Eighteen persons were awarded the Jeevan Raksha Padak.
  • Six of the 30 awardees are being honoured posthumously.
  • The awards recognise meritorious acts of human nature in saving a life.

Government sets record Rs 17.2 lakh crore gross market borrowing for 2026-27.

Key Updates:

  • Gross market borrowing for 2026-27 fixed at Rs 17.2 lakh crore.
  • Net market borrowing pegged at Rs 11.7 lakh crore.
  • Gap of Rs 5.5 lakh crore between gross and net borrowing reflects repayment of earlier debt.
  • Capital expenditure target for FY27 set at Rs 12.2 lakh crore.
  • Borrowing programme overseen by Department of Expenditure in coordination with Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

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India Ratings projects credit growth at 13% and deposit growth at 11.4% for FY27 (Mid of January) ▼
  • India Ratings & Research expects advances growth to remain at 13% for FY27, unchanged from FY26.
  • Deposit growth is forecast at 11.4% in FY27, up from 10.7% in FY26.
  • The loan-to-deposit ratio is projected to rise to 83.2% in FY27 from 81.9% in FY26 and 80.3% in FY25.
  • Banks are expected to bridge the funding gap by tapping the certificate of deposit and corporate bond markets.
  • Gross non-performing assets are projected to fall to 1.9% in FY26 and 1.7% in FY27 from 2.2% in FY25.
  • Non-bank finance companies are projected to record moderated loan growth of 15%-16% in FY27, down from 18% in FY26.
Banking system LDR hits 81% all-time high as credit growth outpaces deposit mobilisation. (Start of January) ▼
  • Banking system loan-to-deposit ratio reached an all-time high of 81%.
  • HDFC Bank loans grew 12% year-on-year while deposits rose 11.5%.
  • HDFC Bank gross advances stood at ₹28.44 lakh crore and total deposits at ₹28.59 lakh crore.
  • Bank of Baroda global advances rose 14.57% year-on-year to ₹13.44 lakh crore and global deposits grew 10.25% to ₹15.47 lakh crore.
  • Punjab National Bank global deposits increased 8.5% to ₹16.6 lakh crore and global advances expanded 11% to ₹12.32 lakh crore.
  • Union Bank of India global deposits rose 3.4% to ₹12.22 lakh crore and advances grew 7.13% to ₹10.16 lakh crore.
  • Axis Bank gross advances increased 14.1% to ₹11.70 lakh crore and deposits grew 15% to ₹12.60 lakh crore.
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank net advances grew 16% to ₹4.80 lakh crore and deposits rose 14.6% to ₹5.42 lakh crore.
  • Yes Bank advances rose 5.2% to ₹2.57 lakh crore and deposits grew 5.5% to ₹2.92 lakh crore.
  • RBL Bank deposits increased 12% to ₹1.19 lakh crore and advances rose 13% to ₹1.04 lakh crore.
  • IndusInd Bank net advances dropped 13.1% to ₹3.18 lakh crore and deposits fell 3.8% to ₹3.94 lakh crore.
  • Bajaj Finance assets under management rose 22% year-on-year to around ₹4.85 lakh crore.
  • Poonawalla Fincorp AUM grew 77.5% year-on-year to ₹55,000 crore.
  • M&M Finance business assets grew about 12% to nearly ₹1.29 lakh crore.
Delhi Government signs MoU with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for Yamuna rejuvenation and infrastructure capital expenditure. (Start of January) ▼
  • Delhi Government and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sign MoU making RBI the banker, debt manager and financial agent for Delhi.
  • Market borrowings via State Development Loans will carry interest of around seven per cent, replacing earlier high-cost borrowings at 12-13 per cent.
  • Surplus funds of Delhi Government will be automatically invested daily through RBI mechanisms.
  • Access to Ways and Means Advances and Special Drawing Facilities is enabled for managing temporary cash-flow mismatches.
  • All borrowed funds must be used exclusively for capital expenditure with priority sectors being Yamuna rejuvenation, drinking water supply, health infrastructure, public transport, roads and flyovers.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) injects Rs 2.90 lakh crore liquidity via bond buys and USD swap (End of December) ▼
  • RBI will buy Rs 2 lakh crore of government bonds through open market operations in four tranches of Rs 50,000 crore each.
  • RBI will conduct a $10-billion buy/sell swap auction on Jan. 13 to ease dollar liquidity.
  • System liquidity turned negative mid-December, driving the weighted average call rate to 5.46%, above the 5.25% repo rate.
  • Between December 11 and 18, RBI had infused Rs 1.45 lakh crore through OMOs and a $5-billion swap.
  • Power Finance Corp scrapped a Rs 6,000-crore bond sale after bids came in at higher-than-expected coupons.
  • The 10-year benchmark yield has risen 20 basis points since Dec. 5 despite a quarter percentage point policy rate cut.
  • State governments collectively raised Rs 33,720 crore through bond sales on Tuesday at cutoff yields higher than expected.
  • Bank of India raised Rs 10,000 crore long term infrastructure bonds at 7.23%.

Finance Minister (FM) to introduce Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) Amendment Bill in March 2026

[Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)]

Key Updates:

  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the introduction of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) Amendment Bill during the second half of the Budget session starting 9 March.
  • The Bill, which was first introduced in the Lok Sabha on 12 August 2025, incorporates suggestions from a select committee report submitted in December 2025.
  • The IBC Amendment Bill 2025 marks the seventh legislative intervention since the Act’s enactment, following the previous amendment in 2021.
  • New provisions included in the Bill cover group insolvency processes, cross-border insolvency, and creditor-initiated insolvency processes.
  • The government will set up an Integrated Technology Platform to enhance consistency, transparency, and oversight for all stakeholders under the IBC.
  • The IBC framework has successfully resolved over 1,000 companies, leading to a direct recovery of more than ₹3.3 lakh crore for creditors.
  • Reforms are planned for the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and appellate tribunals to address capacity constraints and speed up resolution timelines.
  • The Finance Minister confirmed that the strategic disinvestment of IDBI Bank remains on track.

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Income Tax Act, 2025 to replace 1961 Act from 1 April 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Income Tax Act, 2025 will come into force from 1 April 2026.
  • The new Act is revenue-neutral with no changes to existing tax rates or slabs.
  • The legislation cuts overall text volume and number of sections by nearly 50% compared with the 1961 Act.
  • A single 'tax year' concept replaces the distinction between 'previous year' and 'assessment year'.
  • Taxpayers can claim TDS refunds even if returns are filed after the due date without penal charges.
  • The deadline for revising returns has been extended from 31 December to 31 March.
  • A six-month foreign asset disclosure window is offered to small taxpayers like students, tech professionals and NRIs for income or assets below a specified threshold.
  • TCS reduced to 2% on overseas tour packages and on remittances for education and medical purposes under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme.
  • For property transactions involving non-residents, TDS can be deducted using the buyer’s PAN-based challan instead of requiring a TAN.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) revamps liquidation filings for efficiency. (Start of January) ▼
  • IBBI introduced revised electronic forms for liquidation to lessen compliance burdens and enhance regulatory filing quality.
  • The updated forms follow amendments to the IBBI Liquidation Process Regulations, 2016.
  • Insolvency practitioners must file these forms electronically within specified times.
  • The forms will be phased in from January 2026 with full implementation by February 2026.
Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act 2025 modernises Jamma Bane land records in Kodagu (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act 2025 empowers tahsildars in Kodagu district to correct land records to bring them in conformity with the Karnataka Land Revenue Act 1964.
  • The amendment targets Jamma Bane holdings where original grantee names persist in records despite generational transfers, blocking sale or bank loans.
  • Tahsildars will conduct enquiries and hold adalats before updating the Record of Rights, and any order passed will be appealable under the Act.
One Nation One Election Bills: Parliament Can Alter 5-Year Term Through Amendment (End of November) ▼
  • The 23rd Law Commission told the Joint Parliamentary Committee that Parliament can constitutionally amend the five-year term of legislatures to enable simultaneous elections.
  • The Commission stated, 'Parliament can certainly do so by way of a constitutional amendment. This is what is proposed by the bill in question.'
  • It clarified that the proposed amendment does not require state ratification as it is not covered under the proviso to Article 368(2) of the Constitution.

Government of India (GoI) proposes ₹73,990 crore outlay for Telecom Ministry

Key Updates:

  • The Government of India (GoI) proposed a ₹73,990 crore outlay for the Telecom Ministry, representing a 38% increase from the Revised Estimate (RE) of ₹53,000 crore.
  • Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is allocated ₹28,473 crore for capital infusion, spectrum costs, network rollout, and internal Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) requirements.
  • The Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) of BSNL grew by approximately 9%, increasing from ₹90 to ₹99.
  • An allocation of ₹1,39,000 crore is designated for the BharatNet project to improve rural broadband infrastructure.
  • The budget for the Development of the North East Region increased from an RE of ₹4,495 crore to ₹6,800 crore, a jump of nearly 50%.
  • Development initiatives for the North East include the provision of 4,000 e-buses for urbanisation and the establishment of five Buddhist circuits across six states.

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Union Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman presents Union Budget 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • Union Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026 on 1 February 2026.
  • State Bank of India (SBI) opened a Global Trade Finance Centre (GTFC) in Kolkata to strengthen its trade and international banking operations.
  • Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ajay Kumar Srivastava stated the budget provides a roadmap for Viksit Bharat by balancing industrial scaling with job creation.
  • Heritage Foods Ltd Executive Director Brahmani Nara described the budget as a landmark step for strengthening the dairy and livestock ecosystem in India.
  • Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Alexander Schoen noted the budget places manufacturing, infrastructure, and supply-chain resilience at the centre of economic policy.
  • The Indian space sector is exploring derived demand for products and services from the defence sector following the FY27 budget proposals.
Union Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 1,102 crore for ministers' salaries, entertainment of state guests, and ex-governors. (Start of February) ▼
  • Union Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 1,102 crore for expenses of Council of Ministers, Cabinet Secretariat, Prime Minister's Office (PMO), and hospitality and entertainment of state guests.
  • Rs 620 crore allotted for expenses of council of ministers in 2026-27, up from Rs 483.54 crore in 2025-26.
  • Rs 256.19 crore allocated to National Security Council Secretariat for 2026-27, against Rs 279.74 crore in 2025-26.
  • Rs 65 crore allotted to Office of Principal Scientific Advisor for 2026-27, against Rs 61.32 crore in 2025-26.
  • Cabinet Secretariat receives Rs 80 crore in 2026-27, against Rs 78 crore in 2025-26.
  • Prime Minister's Office (PMO) allocated Rs 73.52 crore for 2026-27, against Rs 68 crore in 2025-26.
  • Rs 5.76 crore allotted for hospitality and entertainment expenses in 2026-27, down from Rs 6.20 crore in 2025-26.
  • Rs 1.53 crore allocated for secretariat assistance to former governors in 2026-27, against Rs 1.40 crore in 2025-26.
VB-G RAM G Scheme Launched with ₹95,692.31 Crore Outlay in Budget 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • The Centre has allocated ₹95,692.31 crore for the rollout of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar Aajeevika Mission (Grameen) (VB-G RAM G).
  • The VB-G RAM G scheme promises 125 days of work in a year and is set to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
  • An allocation of ₹30,000 crore has been made for MGNREGA, which will continue until the new scheme is implemented and pending works are completed.
  • The total expenditure for VB-G RAM G is expected to reach ₹1,51,000 crore when including contributions earmarked by state governments.
  • The Department of Rural Development has received a total allocation of ₹1,94,368.81 crore, marking an increase of approximately 3.5 per cent compared to the previous year.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) has been earmarked ₹54,916.70 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has been allocated ₹19,000 crore, while the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) received ₹19,200 crore.
  • Based on the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, panchayats will receive an additional ₹55,990 crore.
  • The Department of Land Resources has been allocated ₹2,654.33 crore for the 2026-27 period.
Union Budget sets Rs 80,000 crore target for disinvestment and asset monetisation in FY 2026-27. (Start of February) ▼
  • The Union Budget for FY 2026-27 has set a disinvestment and asset monetisation target of Rs 80,000 crore under miscellaneous capital receipts.
  • The revised target for FY 2025-26 was around Rs 34,000 crore against the initially budgeted Rs 47,000 crore.
  • Actual collections from disinvestment and asset monetisation in FY 2024-25 stood at Rs 20,214 crore.
  • In FY 2025-26, disinvestment activity included a roughly Rs 5,000 crore divestment in Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.
  • The government combines proceeds from stake sales and asset monetisation under miscellaneous capital receipts since FY24.

Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO) grants In-Principle Approval to Matrixport for operations in Bhutan

[Bhutan]

Key Updates:

  • Matrix Bhutan Pte Ltd, an entity of Matrixport, has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO) to operate regulated financial services.
  • The approval permits the entity to operate within or from Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) in Bhutan.
  • Subject to final regulatory conditions, the licence will allow Matrix Bhutan Pte Ltd to provide money services, deal in investments as matched principal, and provide custody services.
  • Matrixport plans to contribute to a proposed Center of Excellence (CoE) in GMC to strengthen compliance capabilities and upskill local Bhutanese talent.
  • Matrixport is a digital asset financial services unicorn valued at over US$1 billion, managing more than US$7 billion in assets globally.
  • India link not mentioned in the article.

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IDFC FIRST Bank Launches Gaj: Metal Credit Card for Private Banking Customers (End of December) ▼
  • IDFC FIRST Bank has launched 'Gaj:', an invitation-only premium metal credit card designed for high-net-worth individuals (HNI).
  • The card represents the final installment of the Bank's Ashva- Mayura- Gaj: trilogy of premium metal credit cards.
  • The card carries a joining and annual fee of ₹12,500 plus GST, with the annual fee waived on annual spends of ₹10 lakh.
  • The offering includes 12,500 invitation Reward Points, where 1 Reward Point equals ₹1 for travel bookings.
  • Key features of the card include 0% foreign exchange markup and interest-free global ATM cash access.
  • The card provides a ₹50,000 Trip Cancellation Cover and offers up to 50X rewards on hotels and 25X on flights via the bank's ecosystem.
  • As of September 30, 2025, IDFC FIRST Bank serves 35 million customers with a total business value of ₹5,35,673 crore ($60.4 billion).
  • The bank's customer deposits grew 23.4% year-on-year to ₹2,69,094 crore, while loans and advances grew 19.7% to ₹2,66,579 crore.
  • IDFC FIRST Bank operates 1,041 branches and reaches over 60,000 cities, towns, and villages across India.
  • The bank has impacted over 40 million lives through social initiatives, including financing 3.6 million women entrepreneurs and 300,000+ SMEs.
Market Access Support Scheme Rs 4,531-cr for Exporters (Start of January) ▼
  • The government launched Rs 4,531 crore market access support for exporters under which financial support will be provided to participate in activities such as international fairs and exhibitions.
  • Rs 4,531 crore will be allocated over six years (2025-31) and Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for 2025-26.
  • Structured financial and institutional support will be provided for Buyer-Seller Meets, participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, and Mega Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets organised in India.
  • A minimum participation of 35 per cent MSMEs has been mandated for supported events, with special prioritisation for new geographies and smaller markets.
  • Small exporters with export turnover of up to Rs 75 lakh in the preceding year will be provided partial airfare support.
NPCI International and BENEFIT Partner for India-Bahrain Cross-Border Remittances; NBBL Launches Forex on Bharat Connect (Mid of November) ▼
  • NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) partnered with Bahrain’s BENEFIT to link India’s UPI with Bahrain’s Fawri+ for real-time cross-border remittances.
  • The collaboration is established under the guidance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).
  • NBBL, in collaboration with Clearcorp Dealing Systems (India) Ltd (Clearcorp), introduced the Forex category on Bharat Connect by integrating with Clearcorp’s FX-Retail Platform.
NPCI International-BENEFIT pact links India’s UPI with Bahrain’s Fawri+ for instant cross-border remittances (Mid of November) ▼
  • NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Bahrain’s BENEFIT signed an agreement to connect India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Bahrain’s Electronic Fund Transfer System (EFTS) Fawri+ service for real-time cross-border remittances.
  • The collaboration is established under the guidance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).
  • NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) and Clearcorp Dealing Systems (India) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL), launched forex services on Bharat Connect by integrating with CCIL’s FX-Retail Platform.

Central Bank of India (CBI) partners with HSBC Asset Management India (HSBC AMC) to distribute mutual fund products

[Central Bank of India (CBI), HSBC]

Key Updates:

  • Central Bank of India (CBI) has entered into a distributorship agreement with HSBC Asset Management India Pvt Ltd (HSBC AMC) to offer mutual fund products to its customers.
  • HSBC AMC, which acquired the L&T Investment Management business in November 2022, recorded a daily average Assets Under Management (AUM) of ₹1.39 lakh crore in December 2025.
  • CBI reported a 31.6% year-on-year increase in net profit to ₹1,262 crore for the December quarter.
  • The net interest income of CBI for the December quarter stood at ₹3,503 crore, reflecting a 1% decline compared to the previous year.
  • The asset quality of CBI improved during the quarter, with Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) declining to 2.7% and Net NPAs easing to 0.45%.

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Canara HSBC Life Insurance (CHLIC) partners Equitas Small Finance Bank (ESFB) to expand life insurance reach. (End of December) ▼
  • CHLIC will distribute life protection, savings, annuity, child plans, and investment-linked solutions through ESFB’s network of 994 banking outlets and 365 ATMs across 18 states and Union Territories.
  • The partnership targets deeper penetration in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra.
  • The alliance supports IRDAI’s ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ vision.
HDFC Bank integrates Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) into SmartGateway (Start of January) ▼
  • HDFC Bank has integrated the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) into its online merchant payment platform, SmartGateway.
  • The integration enables merchants to accept payments via the Digital Rupee at zero transaction cost.
  • The Digital Rupee is offered as a secure and sovereign-backed digital payment option alongside existing modes such as Unified Payments Interface (UPI), cards, and net banking.
  • The enhancement allows customers to access an instant and secure digital payment experience within the HDFC Bank checkout ecosystem.
IDFC FIRST Bank partners with FPSB India to upskill Wealth Management Regional Managers (End of November) ▼
  • IDFC FIRST Bank signed an MoU with FPSB India under the Approved Corporate Partner initiative.
  • FPSB India will upskill IDFC FIRST Bank's Wealth Management Regional Managers through specialised training and certification programs.
  • The collaboration supports hiring initiatives and creates enhanced career pathways for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals.
  • FPSB India is the Indian subsidiary of Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. and offers the globally recognised CFP® certification.
  • FPSB India is home to over 3,215 CFP® professionals in India and part of a global network representing more than 230,648 CFP® professionals worldwide.
Bank of India and State Bank of India (SBI) sign MoU to establish Centre of Excellence for Strategic Leadership in Project Financing Across India (Start of December) ▼
  • Bank of India and State Bank of India (SBI) collaborate on co-financing, capacity building, and co-branded initiatives.
  • The MoU provides a framework for the two banks to collaborate on multiple fronts.
  • The partnership addresses structured project financing in infrastructure, energy, and industrial development sectors.
  • State Bank of India (SBI) offers retail banking, corporate banking, treasury operations, and international banking.
  • Bank of India focuses on corporate banking, project financing, and trade services.

National Statistics Office (NSO) proposes Survey on Migration for July 2026-June 2027

[National Statistics Office (NSO)]

Key Updates:

  • National Statistics Office (NSO) will conduct a Survey on Migration during July 2026-June 2027 to update migration data.
  • Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020-21 recorded an all-India migration rate of 28.9 percent.
  • PLFS 2020-21 showed male migration rate at 10.7 percent and female migration rate at 47.9 percent.
  • Marriage accounted for 86.8 percent of female migration while 22.8 percent of male migration was for employment or better employment.
  • Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) organises migration surveys to inform policy on urban planning, housing, transportation, employment, social security and skill development.

Similar Coverage

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to launch National Household Income Survey (NHIS) in 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch the National Household Income Survey (NHIS) and the Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) in April 2026.
  • The National Statistics Office (NSO) will conduct the fieldwork for both surveys digitally across India for a duration of one full year.
  • MoSPI is convening an All-India Workshop of Trainers (AIWOT) in Chennai on 28–29 January 2026 to prepare senior officials and field functionaries for the rollout.
  • The NHIS will provide data on household income distribution, living conditions, and sources of income from labour, capital, and land.
  • The ASISSE will build a national database of the corporate services sector, capturing indicators such as Gross Value Added (GVA), fixed capital formation, employment, and emoluments.
  • The ASISSE will use an enterprise-based approach aligned with the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) framework to generate estimates at state and industry levels.
  • The surveys will cover the entire Indian Union, with the exception of villages in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that remain inaccessible year-round due to geographical constraints.
International Labour Organization (ILO) projects global unemployment rate to remain at 4.9% through 2027 (End of January) ▼
  • The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates global unemployment at 186 million people in 2026.
  • The ILO warns that 465 million jobs depend on foreign demand through exports of goods and services and related supply chains.
  • Nearly 300 million workers live in extreme poverty on less than $3 a day.
  • About 2.1 billion workers are expected to hold informal jobs in 2026 with limited social protection and job security.
  • Youth unemployment among 15 to 24-year-olds is projected at 12.4% for 2025, with 260 million young people not in education, employment or training.
  • Women account for only two-fifths of global employment, highlighting entrenched gender inequalities.
International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) receives 2025 United Nations Population Award (Start of December) ▼
  • United Nations Population Fund India (UNFPA India) honored International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) for receipt of the 2025 United Nations Population Award during the 46th Annual Conference of the Indian Association for the Study of Population.
  • Shireen Jejeebhoy is President of IUSSP.
  • Andrea M Wojnar is Representative of UNFPA India.
  • The conference theme is 'People, Planet, Prosperity.'
International Migrants Day observed on December 18 with theme 'My Great Story: Cultures and Development' (Mid of December) ▼
  • International Migrants Day is observed each year on December 18 to acknowledge the millions of people who leave their homes in search of safety, opportunity and dignity across borders.
  • The theme for International Migrants Day 2025 is 'My Great Story: Cultures and Development.'
  • On December 4, 2000, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated December 18 as International Migrants Day.

Supreme Court orders Centre to constitute Water Disputes Tribunal for Pennaiyar river sharing between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

[Supreme Court of India, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu]

Key Updates:

  • The Supreme Court directed the Central government to constitute a Water Disputes Tribunal within a month under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
  • The dispute was brought by Tamil Nadu under Article 131 of the Constitution against Karnataka and the Union of India.
  • Pennaiyar is an inter-State river flowing from Karnataka through Andhra Pradesh into Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
  • Tamil Nadu alleged that Karnataka’s infrastructure projects on the Pennaiyar reduced downstream flow and harmed irrigation.
  • Karnataka argued that the new state government formed after May 2023 Assembly elections had not been allowed fresh negotiations.
  • The Centre informed the court that ministerial talks were proposed but Tamil Nadu refused to participate in certain meetings.
  • In January 2024 the Supreme Court constituted a new negotiation committee with a one-year statutory negotiation limit.
  • By November 2024 the court was informed that mediation between the two states had failed.

Similar Coverage

Puri (Odisha) becomes first Indian city to deliver BIS-grade tap water safe for direct drinking (Mid of January) ▼
  • Puri is the only Indian city where residents can drink tap water straight without side effects.
  • Water meets every Bureau of Indian Standards limit, certified by BIS.
  • Multi-stage treatment train: sedimentation, filtration, ozonation, chlorination plus real-time sensor monitoring.
  • Mission name: Drink from Tap (DFT).
  • State plans to extend DFT to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Supreme Court declines to entertain appeal against Madhya Pradesh HC order on VIP darshan at Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple (End of January) ▼
  • The Supreme Court (SC) declined to entertain an appeal challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s dismissal of a petition against VIP entry into the garbhagriha of Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
  • The three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and comprising Justices R Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi stated that in the presence of Mahakal, nobody is VIP.
  • The SC advised the petitioner to approach the relevant authority instead of the courts for decisions on temple entry rules.
NGT Orders Udupi DC and KUWSDB to Curb Sauparnika River Pollution (End of January) ▼
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Southern Zone directed Udupi DC and Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board (KUWSDB) Chairman to file a detailed report on stopping wastewater flow into the Sauparnika River in Kollur.
  • Commercial establishments—lodges and hotels around Sri Mookambika Temple—are allegedly discharging sewage and sullage water into the river, causing long-term contamination.
  • Although the Underground Sewerage Scheme (UGSS) was completed in 2020 at a cost of Rs 19.97 crore, river contamination persists.
  • NGT observed that the Udupi DC’s report filed on November 25, 2025, lacked specifics on waste volume, UGSS carrying capacity, required enhancements, estimated costs, and implementation timelines.
  • Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has been instructed to identify violators and report enforcement actions taken.
Supreme Court stays 100-metre Aravalli definition, forms new expert panel (End of December) ▼
  • Supreme Court stays its November 20 order accepting the Centre’s 100-metre height definition for Aravalli Hills.
  • A new High-Powered Expert Committee will be constituted to resolve critical ambiguities.
  • The stay will remain in effect till the new committee is constituted.
  • The Court issued notice on the suo motu case returnable on January 21.

Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Program (DRAP) launched to achieve Zero Dumpsite India by September 2026

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Program (DRAP) under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U) 2.0.
  • DRAP targets scientific remediation of 8.8 crore metric tonnes of legacy waste across 1,428 dumpsites in India.
  • Sites with over 45,000 metric tonnes of waste are prioritised; no minimum limit for Union Territories and Northeastern states.
  • Central financial support under DRAP is ₹550 per tonne of waste.
  • States must prepare Micro Action Plans and monitor progress through the DRAP Portal.

Similar Coverage

Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban: Lucknow achieves 100% scientific municipal solid-waste processing (End of January) ▼
  • Lucknow has become the first city in Uttar Pradesh to achieve 100 per cent scientific processing of municipal solid waste under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban.
  • The city now operates three waste-processing facilities, each with a capacity of 700 MT per day, collectively handling over 2,100 MT daily.
  • Door-to-door waste-collection efficiency has reached 96.53 per cent and source-segregation levels have crossed 70 per cent.
Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 Notified to be Effective from April 1, 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • The SWM Rules, 2026, will supersede the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and come into full effect from April 1, 2026.
  • The rules mandate four-stream segregation of solid waste at source into wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste, and special care waste.
  • Bulk Waste Generators (BWG) are defined as entities with a floor area of 20,000 square metres or more, water consumption of 40,000 litres per day or more, or solid waste generation of 100 kg per day or more.
  • The rules introduce Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR), making BWGs accountable for processing wet waste on-site or obtaining an EBWGR certificate.
  • Industrial units using solid fuel, including cement and waste-to-energy plants, are mandated to replace it with Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) at a substitution rate increasing from 5 per cent to 15 per cent over six years.
  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will develop a Centralised Online Portal to track waste generation, collection, transportation, processing, and disposal.
  • Environmental compensation will be levied based on the Polluter Pays principle by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) and Pollution Control Committees (PCC).
  • Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) are formally recognised as facilities for sorting solid waste and may act as deposition points for various waste streams.
  • Special provisions for hilly areas and islands include the levy of user fees on tourists and regulation of tourist inflow based on available waste management facilities.
  • State-level committees for effective implementation will be chaired by the Chief Secretary of the State or Head of the Union Territory (UT) Administration.
Union Budget 2026 allocates Rs 20,000 crore for CCUS to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors (Start of February) ▼
  • The Union Budget 2026 earmarks Rs 20,000 crore over five years for carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) targeting power, steel, cement, refinery and chemicals sectors.
  • The scheme will also support emissions reduction in iron, chemicals, coal gasification and green hydrogen applications.
  • India’s annual carbon dioxide emissions are about 2.6 gigatonne per annum (gtpa), making it the third largest emitter after China and the US.
  • The NITI Aayog and MN Dastur & Co 2022 joint report states India needs a sustainable solution for sectors contributing 70 % of emissions.
  • The programme may be implemented in phases with the first phase spanning six years and some sub-schemes eligible for 100 % government funding.
  • Semi-commercial CCUS projects may be fully funded by the government while laboratory-scale projects could receive partial support.
DRAP and UiWIN Initiatives Launched for Dumpsite Remediation and Urban Investment (Start of November) ▼
  • Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched two flagship initiatives: the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) and the Urban Investment Window (UiWIN).
  • The initiatives were inaugurated by the Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs during the two-day 'National Urban Conclave 2025'.
  • DRAP targets the elimination of legacy waste dumpsites by September 2026, aiming to achieve 'Lakshya Zero Dumpsites'.
  • UiWIN aims to unlock private and multilateral investments to fuel infrastructure growth in cities, and will serve as a one-stop platform to attract private capital and long-term concessional funding from multilateral agencies such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
  • Under DRAP, the Centre will fast-track the remediation of remaining dumpsites across urban India in a mission-mode effort.
  • The government has allocated central financial assistance of Rs 550 per tonne for waste remediation under DRAP.
  • So far, 1,048 out of 2,476 dumpsites, holding about 25 crore metric tonnes of waste, have been remediated, reclaiming nearly 7,580 acres of land.
  • UiWIN will also focus on promoting Public-Private Partnership (PPP)-based urban projects to accelerate sustainable infrastructure development.

Excise duty exemption on biogas-blended CNG to cut retailers' costs

Key Updates:

  • Union Budget FY27 exempts excise duty on the biogas/compressed biogas (CBG) component in blended CNG.
  • Currently both pure CNG and biogas-blended CNG attract 14% excise duty.
  • Biogas attracts 5% GST while natural gas is outside the GST framework.
  • Average share of CBG in CNG is around 1% nationally.
  • India currently sells about 250,000 kg of CBG per day under its CNG blending programme.
  • Budget earmarked Rs 9,200 crore for new Ujjwala gas connections next fiscal year against Rs 12,736 crore this fiscal year.
  • Budget deferred by two years the plan to impose an additional duty of Rs 2 per litre on unblended diesel to April 2028.

Similar Coverage

Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman proposes ₹20,000 crore for CCUS and customs duty relief in Union Budget 2026-27 (Start of February) ▼
  • The Union Budget 2026-27 proposes an outlay of ₹20,000 crore over the next five years to support Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies.
  • The CCUS funding aims to scale up projects and improve technology readiness across five industrial sectors: power, steel, cement, refineries, and chemicals.
  • The basic customs duty exemption on capital goods used for manufacturing lithium-ion cells is extended to cover energy storage systems.
  • The existing customs duty exemption on the import of goods required for nuclear power projects is extended until the year 2035.
  • The customs duty exemption for nuclear power is expanded to cover all nuclear power plants, irrespective of their capacity.
  • A basic customs duty exemption is proposed on the import of sodium antimonate for use in the manufacture of solar glass.
  • The Budget proposes a basic customs duty exemption on the import of capital goods required for processing critical minerals in India.
  • The entire value of biogas will be excluded while calculating the central excise duty payable on biogas-blended Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
  • The Finance Minister (FM) proposed to restructure the Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) to improve efficiency.
  • The mineral-rich states of Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu will be supported to establish dedicated Rare Earth Corridors for mining and processing.
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme: India Achieves ₹1,55,000 Crore Forex Savings (End of December) ▼
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) is implementing the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, which has moved from a pilot stage to a nationwide scale-up with average blending touching around 19% in Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024–25.
  • The national target is to achieve E20 (20% ethanol in petrol) by ESY 2025–26, reaching the goal five years ahead of the original 2030 schedule.
  • According to the MoPNG, the country has saved ₹1,55,000 crore in foreign exchange (forex) over the past few years because of ethanol blending.
  • Feedstock diversification for ethanol production includes Maize (46%), FCI rice (22%), and Sugarcane juice (16%) to ensure a stable and sustainable supply.
  • The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) stated that vehicles that are BS6 phase-2 compliant or marked with an E20 sticker can handle up to 20% ethanol blends without adverse impact on components.
  • Top performing states in ethanol blending include Haryana (19.3%), West Bengal (19.28%), Himachal Pradesh (19.26%), and Kerala (19.25%).
Global Methane Status Report Warns of Slow Progress, Outlines Path to 2030 Goals (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Global Methane Status Report (GMSR) 2025 is a flagship analysis by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
  • The report warns that the world is making progress on methane reduction but far too slowly to meet the 2030 Global Methane Pledge (GMP).
  • Methane, a potent greenhouse gas responsible for nearly a third of current warming, reached approximately 352 million tonnes (Mt) in 2020.
  • Under current legislation, emissions are projected to rise to 369 Mt by 2030, pushing the world further from its agreed goal of cutting methane emissions at least 30 per cent below 2020 levels by 2030.
  • Agriculture accounts for 42 per cent of global methane emissions, primarily from livestock digestion (enteric fermentation), rice cultivation, and manure management.
  • More than 72 per cent of total global 2030 methane reduction potential lies in the energy sector, where many solutions deliver near-immediate results at low or even negative cost.
  • Fully implementing technical measures consistent with the GMP will require $127 billion per year by 2030, while tracked funding reached $13.7 billion annually in 2021–22.
Union Budget 2026 allocates Rs 20,000 crore for CCUS to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors (Start of February) ▼
  • The Union Budget 2026 earmarks Rs 20,000 crore over five years for carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) targeting power, steel, cement, refinery and chemicals sectors.
  • The scheme will also support emissions reduction in iron, chemicals, coal gasification and green hydrogen applications.
  • India’s annual carbon dioxide emissions are about 2.6 gigatonne per annum (gtpa), making it the third largest emitter after China and the US.
  • The NITI Aayog and MN Dastur & Co 2022 joint report states India needs a sustainable solution for sectors contributing 70 % of emissions.
  • The programme may be implemented in phases with the first phase spanning six years and some sub-schemes eligible for 100 % government funding.
  • Semi-commercial CCUS projects may be fully funded by the government while laboratory-scale projects could receive partial support.

MHA mandates 2-year Central deputation as SP/DIG for IPS officers seeking IG rank at Centre

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) modified guidelines making a minimum two years of Central deputation at Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Inspector General (DIG) level mandatory for empanelment as Inspector General (IG) or equivalent at the Centre.
  • The revised rule applies to IPS officers of the 2011 batch onwards.
  • The official communication was sent to all Chief Secretaries of state governments for circulation among IPS officers in their cadres.
  • Copies were also forwarded to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), all state Directors General of Police (DGsP), Union Territory division of MHA, and other senior officials.

Similar Coverage

Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor appointed Director General of Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) (End of January) ▼
  • Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, former Haryana Director General of Police, was appointed as Director General of Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
  • Praveen Kumar, a 1993-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre and then DG of ITBP, was appointed as Director General of Border Security Force (BSF).
  • Rakesh Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IPS officer and then Special DG of National Investigation Agency (NIA), was appointed as Director General of NIA.
Raj Kumar Goyal sworn in as Chief Information Commissioner of Central Information Commission (Mid of December) ▼
  • Raj Kumar Goyal was sworn in as Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) in the Central Information Commission by President Droupadi Murmu.
  • He retired in August from the post of Secretary, Department of Justice in the Ministry of Law and Justice.
  • The appointment fills the vacancy left after previous CIC Heeralal Samariya demitted office in September.
  • A three-member committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recommended his name for the post of CIC.
  • Goyal was a 1990-batch officer of the Jammu and Kashmir cadre and later the Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre.
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor appointed as Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) (Mid of January) ▼
  • Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, former Haryana Police chief, has been appointed as the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
  • He succeeds Praveen Kumar, who has become the head of the Border Security Force (BSF).
  • Kapoor, a 1990-batch IPS officer, had been relieved from the post of Haryana DGP following controversy related to the suicide of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar.
  • Kapoor will serve as ITBP chief until October 31, 2026.
Rakesh Aggarwal appointed Director General of National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Mid of January) ▼
  • Rakesh Aggarwal, a 1994 batch IPS officer of Himachal Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the regular Director General of National Investigation Agency (NIA).
  • He had been serving as interim head of NIA after the premature repatriation of incumbent Sadanand Date.
  • Praveen Kumar, a 1993 batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, has taken over as Director General of Border Security Force (BSF).
  • He was earlier serving as ITBP DG while also holding additional charge as BSF DG.
  • Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, a 1990 batch IPS officer and former DGP of Haryana, has been appointed as Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

18% Central Excise duty on unmanufactured tobacco withdrawn for unbranded, non-retail sale

Key Updates:

  • The government withdrew the 18% Central Excise duty on unmanufactured tobacco or tobacco refuse that is unbranded and not packed for retail sale through a Gazette notification dated 1 February 2026.
  • All other unmanufactured tobacco or tobacco refuse that are branded or retail-packed will continue to attract 18% excise duty.
  • Imports of unmanufactured tobacco or tobacco refuse without a brand name and not packed for retail sale are also exempted from Customs countervailing duty equal to the central excise duty, reducing the applicable customs duty.
  • Experts stated that the change is unlikely to affect tobacco stocks of companies like ITC and Godfrey Phillips since they deal in branded, retail-packed unmanufactured tobacco which remains subject to 18% excise duty.

Similar Coverage

Government of India (GoI) Implements New Excise Duty and Health Cess on Tobacco Products (Start of February) ▼
  • The Government of India (GoI) has imposed an additional excise duty on cigarettes and tobacco products along with a health cess on pan masala effective from 1 February.
  • The new tax framework replaces the previous structure of 28 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) plus compensation cess with a 40 per cent GST regime.
  • The GST Council approved these levies following the repayment of a ₹2.69 lakh crore loan taken to offset state revenue losses, which was scheduled for completion by 31 January 2026.
  • Non-filter cigarettes up to 65 mm in length attract an additional levy of approximately ₹2.05 per stick, while filter cigarettes of the same size are charged roughly ₹2.10 per stick.
  • Cigarettes in the 65–70 mm category face an extra duty of around ₹3.6–4 per stick, while premium cigarettes measuring 70–75 mm are taxed at approximately ₹5.4 per stick.
  • The highest levy of ₹8.50 per stick applies to non-standard or atypical cigarette designs, while retail prices for a pack of 10 sticks have increased by at least ₹22–25.
  • Cigarettes measuring 76 mm in length are set to become costlier by ₹50–55 per pack, with brands in the 84 mm segment likely to be re-tagged at ₹220–225 from the previous ₹170.
  • The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) reports that India has an estimated 8,000–9,000 cigarette and tobacco stockists.
Union Budget 2026–27: Basic Customs Duty Removed on 17 Cancer Drugs and Rare Disease Medicines (Start of February) ▼
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the complete removal of basic customs duty on 17 cancer-related drugs and medicines in the Union Budget 2026–27.
  • Customs duty relief was extended to seven additional rare diseases, exempting personal imports of drugs, medicines, and foods for special medical needs.
  • The exemption aims to reduce the financial burden on patients relying on imported oncology medicines for complex and advanced treatments.
  • The measure is intended to lower out-of-pocket expenditure for patients, particularly those lacking comprehensive health insurance coverage.
  • The Union Budget 2026–27 also provided a 69% increase in funding for the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to strengthen internal security.
Union Budget 2026–27 waives customs duty on 17 cancer drugs and cuts TCS on overseas remittances (Start of February) ▼
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman fully exempted basic customs duty on 17 cancer drugs and on medicines, drugs and food for special medical purposes related to seven rare diseases.
  • Tax Collection at Source (TCS) on overseas tour packages reduced to 2% from the earlier 5–20% with no minimum amount.
  • TCS on foreign remittances for education and medical treatment under Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) cut to 2% from 5%.
  • Customs duty on specified manufacturing parts of microwave ovens exempted.
  • Customs duty on personal-use imports by international travellers reduced to 10% from 20%.
  • Export realisation period for textile and leather exporters extended to one year.
  • Basic customs duty raised on low-cost imported umbrellas, ATM/cash dispenser machines and parts, potassium hydroxide, film & broadcasting equipment for foreign crews, imported zoo animals and birds, ammonium phosphate/nitro-phosphate fertilisers and naphtha, coffee roasting/brewing/vending machines, and castor oil cake.
  • Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures trading increased to 0.05% from 0.02% and on options premium and exercise to 0.15%.
  • Tax Collection at Source (TCS) on sale of alcoholic liquor, minerals and scrap raised to 2% from 1%.
  • National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) on chewing tobacco and gutkha raised to 60% from 25% while effective duty incidence remains at 25% through notification.
Finance Ministry notifies 40% GST rate on tobacco & pan masala from Feb 1 (Start of January) ▼
  • Tobacco products and pan masala will attract a 40% GST rate under the Goods and Services Tax regime.
  • Biris will attract an 18% GST rate.
  • The current GST compensation cess on sin goods will be discontinued from February 1.
  • Additional excise duty will be levied on tobacco products and a Health and National Security Cess on pan masala.
  • The Chewing Tobacco, Jarda Scented Tobacco and Gutkha Packing Machines (Capacity Determination and Collection of Duty) Rules, 2026 have been notified to determine production capacity and collect duty.

India hosts third edition of tri-services future warfare course in Delhi

Key Updates:

  • The third edition of the tri-services future warfare course runs from 2 to 25 February 2026 in New Delhi.
  • The course is conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) in partnership with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
  • The venue is the Manekshaw Centre at Delhi Cantonment.
  • The curriculum covers specialised subjects, domain-specific warfare developments, critical and rare earth elements, supply chain vulnerabilities and regional and global geopolitics.
  • Participants include officers from the three services ranging from majors to major generals, plus representatives from defence industry start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private industry.
  • The course aims to align operational priorities of the armed forces with the capabilities of the indigenous defence industry.

Similar Coverage

Delhi World Book Fair 2024: Free Entry, Indian Military History Theme (Start of January) ▼
  • The 53rd Delhi World Book Fair is being organised by National Book Trust (NBT) and co-organised by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).
  • The fair is being inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
  • Entry to the event is free for the first time in history.
  • The theme pavilion is titled 'Indian Military History: Valour & Wisdom @75'.
  • Spain is the focus country and Qatar the guest of honour.
  • Qatar’s ambassador is His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Jabir Al Jaber.
India-UK conduct 8th 'Ajeya Warrior-25' joint military exercise in Rajasthan (Mid of November) ▼
  • Exercise name: 'Ajeya Warrior-25' (8th edition)
  • Location: Mahajan field firing ranges, Bikaner district, Rajasthan
  • Participants: 240 personnel with equal representation from Indian Army (Sikh Regiment) and British Army
  • Focus: Counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environment under UN mandate
  • Training components: joint mission planning at Brigade level, integrated tactical drills, simulation-based scenarios, company-level field training exercises
India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise 'MITRA SHAKTI-2025' Begins in Belagavi (Mid of November) ▼
  • Eleventh edition of Joint Military exercise “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025”
  • between India and Sri Lanka
  • commenced on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka.
  • The exercise will be held till November 23.
  • The Indian contingent of 170 personnel is represented mainly by troops from the Rajput Regiment, while the Sri Lankan contingent of 135 personnel comprises troops primarily from the Gajaba Regiment.
  • The aim of the exercise is to jointly rehearse the conduct of sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate, with a focus on enhancing interoperability in counter-terrorist operations.
  • The exercise integrates the employment of drones, counter-unmanned aerial systems and helicopters.
President of India inaugurates third edition of Indian Army seminar Chanakya Defence Dialogue-2025 in New Delhi (End of November) ▼
  • The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the inaugural session of the third edition of the Indian Army’s Seminar, ‘Chanakya Defence Dialogue-2025’, in New Delhi.
  • The recent success of Operation Sindoor stands as a defining moment in our counter-terror and deterrence strategy.
  • Our diplomacy, economy and armed forces together project an India that seeks peace, but is prepared to protect its borders and its citizens with strength and conviction.
  • The Army is transforming itself through quantifiable deliverables under the Decade of Transformation.
  • The President expressed confidence that these defence reforms will help in making India self-reliant.

Indian Micro-Fertilisers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) to organise 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit & B2B Expo in Mumbai on 5-6 February 2026

[Mumbai]

Key Updates:

  • Indian Micro-Fertilisers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) will hold the 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit & B2B Expo on 5 and 6 February 2026 at National Stock Exchange (NSE), Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.
  • The summit theme is 'Converge, Collaborate & Co-create' and will focus on crop nutrition, specialty fertilisers, biologicals, micronutrients, and India’s role in global agri-input manufacturing.
  • Minister of Marketing & Protocol, Government of Maharashtra, Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, will inaugurate the summit.
  • Agriculture Commissioner, Government of India, Dr P. K. Singh, will attend as Guest of Honour and outline government perspective on agri-input reforms, ease of doing business, export competitiveness and specialty crop nutrition products.
  • Participants include senior officials from Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), national research institutions, State Agriculture Departments, and Commissioners of Agriculture from several states including Maharashtra.
  • Day 1 themed 'Converge & Collaborate' will feature inaugural session, policy dialogue on One Nation, One License proposal, farmer recognition program, roundtable on integrating micronutrients and biologicals into fertiliser policy, 'Media Speaks' session, startup pitch platform, and industry networking sessions.
  • Day 2 themed 'Co-Create' will focus on structured B2B meetings, masterclasses on international trade, institutional and government business, fundraising, and sessions on manufacturing, data analytics and digital technologies.
  • The summit will conclude with an Industry–Government–Startup Conclave and a closing policymakers’ interaction.
  • IMMA will highlight policy priorities such as implementation of One Nation, One License, faster approval processes for micronutrients, biologicals and specialty fertilisers, differentiation between subsidised and non-subsidised agri inputs, export-oriented regulations, and stronger enforcement against counterfeit and sub-standard products.

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All India Spices Exporters Forum to host 9th International Spice Conference in Kochi from 23-26 February 2026 (Mid of January) ▼
  • The All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF) will host the 9th edition of the International Spice Conference (ISC 2026) from February 23 to 26, 2026 in Kochi, Kerala.
  • The 4-day conference theme is 'Spice 360 – Getting Future Ready'.
  • Amitabh Kant, former G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, will inaugurate the conference and deliver the keynote address on 'Transforming Agro-Industry: Innovation, Inclusion & Global Leadership.'
  • Martin Sonntag, CEO of Oterra, will be the Guest of Honour and speak on 'Shaping the Next Decade of Food & Nutrition: Collaboration, Trust, and Responsibility.'
  • Emmanuel Nambusseril, Chairman, AISEF, stated that ISC has evolved into a globally recognised platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration across the spice value chain.
  • Nishesh Shah, Vice Chairman, AISEF, said the theme reflects the industry’s collective responsibility to prepare for the future by navigating trade and climate risks, embracing technology, and building resilient supply chains.
  • The conference will feature Crops and Markets sessions offering market intelligence and production outlooks for turmeric, ginger, cumin, chilli, Mediterranean herbs, major Chinese spices, black pepper and dehydrated products.
Madhya Pradesh declares 2026 as 'Year of Agriculture' with ₹27,000 crore budget (End of January) ▼
  • Madhya Pradesh will observe 2026 as the 'Year of Agriculture' with a sector budget of ₹27,000 crore.
  • The agriculture budget rose from ₹600 crore in 2002-03 to ₹27,000 crore in 2024-25.
  • The 10-point agricultural development model covers technology transfer, income enhancement, natural farming, marketing and export, innovation, and digital transparency.
  • e-Mandi scheme covers 259 markets with 40 lakh farmers registered.
  • Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana targets raising Madhya Pradesh's share in national milk output from 9% to 20%.
  • Cow shelter grant doubled to ₹40 per destitute animal; related budget increased from ₹250 crore to ₹505 crore.
  • Procurement price for milk raised from ₹2.50 to ₹8.50 per litre; 1,200 new milk cooperatives formed.
  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana sanctioned over 11 lakh houses in Madhya Pradesh last year, with 4 lakh completed.
  • Chief Minister's Majra-Tola Yojana approved ₹21,000 crore to connect nearly 20,000 settlements with roads.
  • Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G) extends MNREGA employment from 100 to 125 days.
  • Dropout rate at elementary level in Madhya Pradesh fell from 6% to zero in 2024-25.
  • 94,234 Class 12 students scoring above 75% received laptops worth ₹25,000 each.
Argentina and India strengthen agricultural research cooperation through ICAR-INTA Work Plan 2025-2027 (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina, have signed a Work Plan 2025-2027 to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agricultural research, capacity building, and technology exchange.
  • The Work Plan establishes collaboration across natural resource management, sustainable agronomy including zero tillage, mechanisation, micro-irrigation and fertigation, crop and animal biotechnology, livestock improvement, production technologies for temperate and tropical crops, digital agriculture, biosafety and phytosanitary measures, and value chain development.
  • Implementation will be through joint research, germplasm exchange, expert engagements, and structured training and study visits.
  • Germplasm exchange will include soybean, sunflower, maize, blueberry, citrus, wild papaya species, guava, and select vegetable crops.
  • Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the India–Argentina scientific partnership and agreed to annual monitoring and review to ensure effective implementation and progress.
Sixth International Agronomy Congress (IAC–2025) inaugurated in New Delhi (End of November) ▼
  • Event: Sixth International Agronomy Congress (IAC–2025) organised by Indian Society of Agronomy in collaboration with ICAR, IARI, NAAS and TAAS
  • Theme: ‘Re-envisioning Agronomy for Smart Agro-Food Systems and Environmental Protection’
  • Inaugurated by: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police conduct joint exercise Agni Pariksha in Arunachal Pradesh

[Arunachal Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) conducted a six-day joint training exercise named Agni Pariksha from 19 to 24 January.
  • The exercise was held at Sigar in the East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh to enhance inter-force combat synergy and operational integration.
  • Spearhead gunners under the Spear Corps led the training for personnel from infantry regiments and the ITBP.
  • The primary objective of the exercise was to familiarise non-artillery personnel with artillery procedures, coordination mechanisms, and the execution of firing missions.
  • Infantry and ITBP personnel were trained to independently conduct multiple artillery firing drills under the supervision of experienced gunners.
  • The initiative represents the first phase of a collaborative firepower training programme aimed at developing integrated combat capabilities for future battlefields.

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Mansukh Mandaviya leads first anniversary of Fit India Sundays on Cycle (End of December) ▼
  • Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led the first anniversary celebrations of the ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative at the Rock Beach promenade.
  • The initiative was conducted at over 700 districts in 2 lakh locations across the country, with more than 20 lakh people taking part over the course of the year.
  • The event was simultaneously held in more than 10,000 locations, including Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Khelo India centres across cities such as Hazaribagh, Kargil, Patiala, and Visakhapatnam.
  • The Fit India Mobile App Carbon Credit Incentivization was launched to allow citizens to earn and redeem carbon credits through cycling.
  • Three cyclists who earned the highest carbon credits were felicitated during the event for their performance.
  • The celebration included participation from legendary hockey goalkeeper P R Sreejesh, table tennis icon Sharath Kamal, and Arjuna Awardee archers Jyothi Surekha and Abhishek Verma from SAI Sonipat.
Swasth Seema Abhiyan: Uttarakhand govt & ITBP sign MoU to strengthen health services in 108 border villages (End of January) ▼
  • Uttarakhand government and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) signed an MoU under the first phase of Swasth Seema Abhiyan to provide integrated primary health services in 108 border villages of Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts.
  • ITBP will provide qualified doctors, paramedical staff, medical examination rooms, telemedicine facilities and conduct regular visits to border villages as per a fixed schedule.
  • ITBP will maintain beneficiaries' Medical Health Cards and manage equipment, medicines and consumables.
  • State government will provide demographic data of villages, initial medical equipment and ensure continuous supply of medicines every six months based on consumption.
  • State government will handle emergency evacuation, telecommunication support, equipment ownership and necessary replacements.
PPP-Model Medical Colleges in Madhya Pradesh Tribal Districts (End of December) ▼
  • Madhya Pradesh to set up India’s first PPP-model medical colleges in Dhar and Betul tribal districts.
  • State government provides up to 25 acres of land on lease; private partners build academic and clinical infrastructure.
  • Associated district hospitals upgraded as per National Medical Commission norms while remaining under State administrative control.
  • Two more PPP colleges planned at Katni and Panna; foundation ceremonies for these to follow.
  • Chief Minister announces similar PPP medical colleges will also come up in Bhind, Morena, Khargone, Ashoknagar, Guna, Balaghat, Tikamgarh, Sidhi, and Shajapur districts.
SAI launches four-day Sports Sciences Workshop for combat sports coaches (Start of January) ▼
  • The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has launched a four-day Sports Sciences Workshop for combat sports coaches at its Sports Science Division in New Delhi.
  • The workshop is being attended by SAI coaches from Boxing, Wrestling and Judo disciplines.
  • The inaugural session was addressed by Prof. (Dr.) Deepak Joshi, Director, Sports Injury Centre (SIC), Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi.
  • SAI and the Sports Injury Centre (SIC) are set to sign a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) following in-principle approval from the Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports.

Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) develops sunlight-powered photo-supercapacitor integrating energy capture and storage.

[Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS)]

Key Updates:

  • Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, created a photo-rechargeable supercapacitor using binder-free nickel–cobalt oxide (NiCo₂O₄) nanowires on nickel foam.
  • Under illumination the electrode capacitance rose by 54% from 570 to 880 millifarads per square centimetre at 15 milliamperes per square centimetre current density.
  • The electrode retained 85% of its original capacity after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles.
  • An asymmetric device with activated carbon negative and NiCo₂O₄ nanowire positive electrodes delivered a stable 1.2 volt output and 88% capacitance retention after 1,000 photo-charging cycles.
  • Nickel substitution narrows the band gap to about 1.67 eV and induces half-metallic behaviour, enabling faster charge transport for photo-assisted storage.
  • The integrated system can function without an electrical grid, supporting India’s clean-energy goals.

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India's First MWh-Scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Inaugurated at NTPC NETRA (Mid of November) ▼
  • India’s largest and first MWh-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system was inaugurated.
  • The VRFB system has a capacity of 3 MWh.
  • The system was inaugurated at NETRA, the R&D Centre of NTPC at Greater Noida.
  • This project aims to provide long-duration energy storage (LDES) solutions, enhancing renewable energy integration and grid resilience.
  • The Vanadium Redox Flow Battery is described as a contemporary technology with the potential to emerge as an alternative for more traditional lithium ion-based batteries.
  • The inauguration was performed by Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs.
  • NTPC NETRA is also engaged in pioneering R&D work in Carbon Capture, Green Hydrogen, Energy Storage and Waste-to-Energy Technologies.
CSIR-National Physical Laboratory inaugurates world-class environmental and solar calibration facilities (Start of January) ▼
  • Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the world’s second National Environmental Standard Laboratory and the world’s fifth National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration at CSIR-NPL.
  • The National Environmental Standard Laboratory will provide India-specific calibration and certification of air pollution monitoring systems under Indian climatic conditions.
  • The National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration, developed with PTB Germany, achieves the lowest global uncertainty of 0.35% (k=2) for reference solar cell calibration.
  • CSIR-NPL houses atomic clocks that established Indian Standard Time (IST), with the Minister noting “half the nation synchronised its watches with the atomic clock housed at NPL.”
  • NPL’s new solar facility reduces India’s dependence on foreign certification, saves foreign exchange, and boosts investor confidence in the domestic solar sector.
India signs Rs 168 crore contract for first solar-powered surveillance drone on January 11, 2026 (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Indian Army has signed a Rs 168 crore deal with a Bengaluru-based startup for solar-powered spy drones.
  • The system, called the Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS), has been developed by Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research & Technologies under the Defence Ministry’s iDEX innovation programme.
  • MAPSS changes that by using solar energy to keep flying for extended periods, making it useful for watching long stretches of the border without interruption.
  • Because it runs on electric power, it is quieter and produces less heat, making it harder to detect.
  • The company has already tested similar platforms that stayed in the air for more than 24 hours at heights above 26,000 feet.
  • Those trials were carried out at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga.
  • Since Operation Sindoor, the force has added a range of unmanned systems, including loitering munitions and surveillance drones, in deals worth over Rs 5,000 crore.
India Inaugurates First 3 MWh Vanadium Flow Battery at NTPC NETRA (Mid of November) ▼
  • India’s largest Vanadium Redox Flow Battery system was inaugurated at NTPC NETRA, Greater Noida.
  • The 3 MWh system represents India’s largest vanadium flow battery installation and was developed in-house by NTPC NETRA.
  • Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, vanadium flow batteries use liquid electrolytes, allowing them to store energy for extended durations with enhanced safety, longer life cycles, and scalability.
  • The project marks a major step forward in the nation’s journey towards long-duration energy storage solutions, enhancing renewable energy integration and grid resilience.
  • The adoption of vanadium flow battery technology aims to diversify India’s energy storage materials beyond lithium and strengthen supply chain resilience by reducing dependence on imported components.
  • NTPC NETRA has positioned itself at the forefront of India’s long-duration energy storage innovation.
  • NTPC Ltd.’s clean energy research portfolio now spans green hydrogen, carbon capture, waste-to-energy, and energy storage technologies, in alignment with India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.

IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 to spotlight population-scale AI deployment and governance

[IndiaAI]

Key Updates:

  • The IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi and positions India as a leader in real-world AI deployment rather than model development.
  • Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), CEO of IndiaAI Mission, and Director General of National Informatics Centre (NIC), oversees the summit.
  • GPUs under the IndiaAI Mission are available at ₹65 per GPU hour to democratise access to high-performance computing.
  • About twelve foundational models are under development and some will be launched ahead of the summit.
  • The Bhashini initiative provides speech-to-speech and speech-to-text APIs to address India’s linguistic diversity.
  • The summit features flagship challenges AI for All, AI for Her, and YUVAi, with participation from 136 countries.
  • YUVAi programme has reached nearly 100,000 students within two weeks and targets over one million learners by the summit.
  • Stanford AI Index ranked India as the third-largest AI ecosystem globally, up from seventh two years earlier.
  • Global firms Nvidia, Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, Qualcomm, Intel, and Schneider Electric, plus academics from Stanford, will attend the summit.
  • NIC is deploying AI in judicial systems, agriculture, healthcare, and education integrated with India’s digital public infrastructure.

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AI4India, Intel India and IHFC host Pre-Event for India-AI Impact Summit 2026 to spotlight inclusive AI (End of January) ▼
  • The Official Pre-Event for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held at the Research & Innovation Park, IIT Delhi.
  • IHFC (Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi) will offer funding of up to Rs 2 crore to promising AI ventures.
  • An EXPO will feature 25 emerging AI startups presenting technologies for climate resilience, healthcare accessibility, digital education and smart governance.
Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 held in Jaipur (Start of January) ▼
  • The Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 will be held in Jaipur on January 6.
  • The conference will focus on the role of artificial intelligence in governance, economic growth, innovation and public service delivery.
  • Senior leaders expected include Union minister for electronics and information technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, minister of state for electronics and information technology and commerce and industry Jitin Prasada, Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and the state’s IT and communication minister Rajyavardhan Rathore.
  • Discussions will centre on AI applications in public service delivery and governance, ethical and responsible use of AI, and the impact of AI on employment and skills.
  • The conference will be held alongside Rajasthan DigiFest × TiE Global Summit 2026.
UP Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 Convenes in Lucknow Jan 12-13 (Mid of January) ▼
  • IndiaAI, MeitY, and the Uttar Pradesh government host the UP Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 in Lucknow on 12-13 January 2026.
  • The conference focuses on responsible, inclusive, and scalable AI adoption in governance, healthcare, and public service.
  • Sessions cover global AI landscape, AI-driven healthcare delivery, digital public infrastructure, diagnostics, and workforce empowerment.
IndiaAI Mission, MeitY and Government of Meghalaya host first Regional AI Impact Conference 2025 in Shillong (Start of December) ▼
  • The IndiaAI Mission and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Information Technology & Communications Department, Government of Meghalaya, and IIM Shillong, organised the first Regional AI Impact Conference 2025 in Shillong.
  • The conference theme was 'Artificial Intelligence for Citizen Empowerment: Smarter Governance, Better Lives'.
  • Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, 'Our mission is to democratize AI so that every citizen can access its benefits.'
  • Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma unveiled three initiatives: the BHASHINI Hackathon for Khasi and Garo language model training; MeghDEE for co-creating digital innovation; and the DRISHTI-NE Hackathon for youth AI innovation.
  • An MoU was signed between the Information Technology & Communication Department, Government of Meghalaya, and the IndiaAI Mission for establishing two Data & AI Labs in the state.
  • Another MoU was signed between the same department and MATH T-Hub for setting up a Satellite Incubation Centre in Shillong.
  • The event serves as a precursor to the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled in New Delhi from February 15-20, 2026.

Andhra Pradesh CM launches voice-based billing agent Pilloo AI for small businesses

[Andhra Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched Pilloo AI, a next-generation voice-based billing and accounting agent, at the Secretariat in Andhra Pradesh.
  • The AI tool is designed to empower small and medium business owners by enabling them to manage finances through simple voice interactions in their native languages.
  • Pilloo AI allows users to create invoices, record transactions, generate reports, and manage accounts without requiring accounting expertise or complex software.
  • The application was developed by Founder G. Sai Praneeth and Co-founder Ram Mohan Locharla to replace manual record-keeping for small businesses.
  • The launch event was attended by Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Prathipati Pulla Rao.

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CAG to Establish Centre of Excellence for Financial Audit in Hyderabad (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) will set up a centre of excellence in Hyderabad to incubate advanced skills and standardised high-quality financial audit methodologies across the departments.
  • The centre will serve as an incubator for global best practices, foster advanced skills, and drive the standardisation of high-quality financial audit methodologies across the department.
  • The CAG is developing an indigenously built Large Language Model called CAG-LLM to combine deep data synergy with AI-driven analytics for sharper, more focused, and evidence-based audits.
Deloitte India launches AI-powered 'Tax Pragya' platform to revolutionize tax research (Start of December) ▼
  • Deloitte is launching 'Tax Pragya', an AI-powered tool to streamline tax research.
  • Tax Pragya is built on a vast repository of data encompassing over a million court cases alongside Deloitte's comprehensive knowledge solution papers.
  • Unlike traditional research methods, which can take hours, this platform promises to condense analysis into mere minutes.
Odisha CM launches Samikshya portal for real-time tracking of local body projects (End of January) ▼
  • Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Samikshya portal at Lok Seva Bhawan alongside receiving the 6th State Finance Commission (SFC) report.
  • The portal provides real-time updates on implementation and progress of projects funded under grants of the SFC and the Central Finance Commission (CFC).
  • Projects covered include roads, drinking water supply, sanitation, street lighting, parks and other public utilities across rural and urban local bodies.
  • Citizens, elected representatives and stakeholders can access the portal at https://samikshya.odisha.gov.in to track development works and strengthen accountability.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah launches e-Swathu 2.0: Rs 2,000 crore revenue boost (Start of December) ▼
  • Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the revamped digital platform e-Swathu 2.0.
  • e-Swathu 2.0 is expected to generate up to Rs 2,000 crore revenue by regularising 95 lakh properties in gram panchayats across the state.
  • Revenue is estimated to increase by Rs 1,778 crore, potentially up to Rs 2,000 crore with effective implementation.
  • The portal enables residents to obtain digital e-khata documents (Forms 11A and 11B) quickly and transparently.
  • All Panchayat property records will receive 11B accounts within 15 days of application, provided online and through Bapuji Centres.

Kerala HVIC Foundation and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) sign MoA for ₹8.7 crore hydrogen bus project

Key Updates:

  • The Kerala HVIC Foundation and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the procurement and operation of three hydrogen-powered buses.
  • The project has a total outlay of ₹8.7 crore and is part of the Kerala Hydrogen Valley initiative.
  • The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is supporting the development of Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVIC) across India under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
  • Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT) is the state nodal agency for renewable energy and green hydrogen leading the Kerala HVIC initiative.
  • The hydrogen valley is being developed in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram and includes initiatives such as hydrogen-powered water transport and biogenic hydrogen production.
  • CIAL has commissioned South India’s first hydrogen refuelling station in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to support the vehicles.

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CSIR-CIMFR completes India’s first safety assessment of hydrogen compressor-dispenser (Mid of January) ▼
  • CSIR-CIMFR conducted the country’s first-ever comprehensive safety assessment of a hydrogen compressor-dispenser.
  • The assessment covered the entire integrated system for safe operation in Gas Group IIC explosive environment.
  • The hydrogen compressor-dispenser system uses flameproof and intrinsically safe electrical, instrumentation and mechanical components.
  • The safety evaluation was performed on the unit installed at NTPC Ltd’s NETRA campus in Greater Noida.
  • Successful assessment removes the need for equipment relocation and enables rollout of hydrogen fuel pumps across India.
Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd (APL) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) sign MoU for ₹1,200 Crore e-Methanol plant (End of January) ▼
  • Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd (APL) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a 150 Tonnes Per Day (TPD) e-Methanol plant at Kandla Port in Gujarat.
  • The project involves a capital investment of more than ₹1,200 crores and is expected to generate approximately 3,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
  • Under the agreement, DPA will provide pipeline connectivity, storage, and fuel-handling infrastructure, while APL will establish the green methanol production facility within the port area.
  • The plant will produce e-methanol using green hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide powered by renewable electricity to support India’s Maritime Decarbonisation roadmap.
  • Kandla Port is being developed as a Green Hydrogen Hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to produce and export 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen over the next 5 to 6 years.
  • The facility is intended to position Kandla Port as a major green fuel supply point for international maritime trade routes, including the Singapore–Rotterdam corridor.
  • The initiative contributes to India’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
Sarbananda Sonowal flags off India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel (Mid of December) ▼
  • Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel in Varanasi.
  • The hydrogen-powered vessel reflects India's growing technological capabilities and its commitment to sustainable energy.
  • Hydrogen engines are an emerging technology offering clean, sustainable energy with near-zero emissions.
  • Research and testing are still underway before full-scale commercial adoption of hydrogen engines.
  • India has now joined the list of countries such as China, Norway, the Netherlands, and Japan that operate hydrogen-powered vessels.
  • The initiative aligns with long-term strategic frameworks, including the Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030) and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV 2047), which outline the roadmap for greener transport, smart infrastructure, and increased use of alternative fuels on inland waterways.
Indian Railways (IR) Prepares India’s First Hydrogen Train for Pilot Run on Jind–Sonipat Route (Start of January) ▼
  • The Northern Railway (NR) is entering the final stages of a pilot project to launch India’s first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana.
  • The train features 10 coaches, including two driving power cars and eight passenger coaches, designed and manufactured indigenously at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai.
  • A state-of-the-art hydrogen production plant with a 3,000-kg storage capacity has been established at Jind to generate green hydrogen using the electrolysis process.
  • The project involves retrofitting a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) with hydrogen fuel technology, delivering a total output of 2,400 kW across two power cars.
  • The Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO) laid down the technical specifications for the hydrogen train-set as part of a green mobility initiative.
  • The train is designed to reach an operational speed of 110 km per hour and is capable of covering 180 km using 360 kg of hydrogen.
  • The coaches are equipped with metro-style features, including two doors on each side and safety mechanisms that ensure doors are fully closed before departure.
  • The hydrogen plant at Jind is supported by a stable 11 kV power supply to ensure uninterrupted electrolysis for fuel generation.
  • Target dates for trial runs have been reported as January 26, 2026, according to project officials and state government statements.

New orchid species Diplozentrum papillosum discovered in Kerala’s Idukki district

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

  • The orchid was found in Kanthalloor, Marayoor, in Idukki district, located in the southern ranges of the Western Ghats.
  • The species belongs to the Diplozentrum genus, which is endemic to the southern Western Ghats, and has been scientifically named Diplozentrum papillosum.
  • The orchid grows on rocks and tree branches, using strong roots to anchor itself and withstand high wind conditions in its natural habitat.
  • It is characterised by unbranched flower clusters, pink and white fragrant blooms, and uniquely shaped petals that distinguish it from other Diplozentrum species.
  • The discovery highlights the ecological richness and endemic plant diversity of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.

Similar Coverage

The Corpse Flower: Unique Characteristics, Pollination, and Conservation Status (Start of November) ▼
  • The Amorphophallus titanum, also known as the corpse flower, is native to the rainforests of western Sumatra in Indonesia.
  • It is renowned for its immense size, capable of reaching over three metres in height, making it the world's largest unbranched inflorescence.
  • The plant emits a foul odor, often likened to rotting flesh, which serves an evolutionary purpose by attracting its natural pollinators: flesh flies and carrion beetles.
  • The stench is produced by a mix of volatile chemicals such as dimethyl trisulfide, isovaleric acid, and trimethylamine, and the spadix heats up through thermogenesis during blooming to spread the odour further.
  • The corpse flower blooms rarely and unpredictably, taking anywhere from seven to ten years for its first bloom, and when it does, the spectacle lasts only 24 to 48 hours.
  • Between blooms, the plant produces a single enormous leaf that resembles a small tree, sometimes growing up to five metres tall, to photosynthesise and replenish the energy reserves in its huge underground corm.
  • The species is currently endangered in the wild, with its main threat being deforestation in Sumatra, largely due to palm oil production and human encroachment.
  • Botanical institutions worldwide, including Kew Gardens in London, The Huntington Library in California, and Bogor Botanical Gardens in Indonesia, actively participate in cultivating and protecting Amorphophallus titanum and assist in artificial pollination.
Nagaland University Researchers Discover New Plant Species Hoya nagaensis in Phek District (End of January) ▼
  • Researchers from Nagaland University (NU) have discovered a new plant species named Hoya nagaensis in the Phek district of Nagaland.
  • The species was identified in the Kavünhou Community Reserved Forest, a high-altitude community-protected area in the Eastern Himalaya.
  • The research team was led by Principal Investigator Gyati Yam from the Department of Forestry at NU, alongside researchers Vieneite-o Koza and Joynath Pegu.
  • The findings regarding the new species were published in the Kew Bulletin, a peer-reviewed international journal for plant and fungal taxonomy.
  • Hoya nagaensis has been provisionally assessed as critically endangered due to its restricted distribution and threats from shifting cultivation and forest disturbance.
  • The discovery highlights the effectiveness of traditional forest stewardship practiced by local Naga communities in conserving biodiversity.
New Plant Species Strobilanthes riteshii Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh (End of January) ▼
  • Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) discovered a new flowering plant species named Strobilanthes riteshii in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The species was identified near Chayangtajo village in the East Kameng district at an elevation of approximately 1,600 metres.
  • The plant is named in honour of Dr Ritesh Kumar Choudhary, a taxonomist from the ARI, for his contributions to plant taxonomy and molecular systematics.
  • Researchers recorded fewer than 25 mature individuals of the species, leading to its provisional assessment as Data Deficient under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria.
  • The discovery was published in the Indian Journal of Forestry by a team including researchers from the BSI and ARI Pune.
  • India hosts approximately 168 species of the genus Strobilanthes, with Arunachal Pradesh alone home to at least 44 species.
  • The species is genetically distinct but closely related to plants found in India, China, and Tibet, highlighting the eastern Himalaya as a key biogeographical corridor.
  • Conservation efforts have commenced with individuals of the species being maintained at the BSI Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre.
Study Uncovers Survival Mechanisms of Japan's Ghost Plants in Sunless Forests (Start of November) ▼
  • Ghost plants of Japan are unique flora found in shaded forests, thriving without sunlight.
  • These plants lack chlorophyll and do not photosynthesise, instead relying entirely on underground fungal networks for carbon and nutrients.
  • A peer-reviewed study published in Annals of Botany explains their fascinating adaptation to darkness and fully mycoheterotrophic nature.
  • The ghost plants belong to families such as Thismia, Gastrodia, and Monotropastrum, forming mycoheterotrophic relationships with fungi, often from families like Ceratobasidiaceae.
  • Their survival depends on a complex tripartite relationship involving a tree, a fungus, and the ghost plant, which is essential for their survival and the health of forest ecosystems.
  • Ghost plants challenge the understanding of plant survival by demonstrating a continuum from mixotrophy to full mycoheterotrophy, with albino individuals showing full fungal reliance.
  • These plants are indicators of healthy, undisturbed forests and are highly vulnerable, as they cannot be cultivated independently and are susceptible to habitat destruction or soil changes.

Gujarat becomes India’s renewable energy powerhouse with 42.583 GW installed capacity

[Gujarat]

Key Updates:

  • Gujarat accounts for 16.5 % of India’s total renewable energy with an installed capacity of 42.583 GW.
  • The state leads India in wind power capacity at 14,820.94 MW and in rooftop solar with over 11 lakh installations generating 6,412.80 MW.
  • Gujarat ranks second in total solar power capacity at 25,529.40 MW.
  • Major solar parks in Gujarat include Charanka (749 MW), Radhanesda (700 MW), and Dholera (300 MW).
  • Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat is planned to be the world’s largest at 37.35 GW, with 11.33 GW already achieved.
  • Under PM-KUSUM, 12,700 standalone solar water pumps have been installed in Gujarat.
  • Gujarat targets 105 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030.

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India Energy Week 2026 to be held in Goa from 27–30 January (Start of February) ▼
  • India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 will be held in Goa from 27 to 30 January 2026.
  • The event is organised under the patronage of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and jointly hosted by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) and dmg events.
  • Over 120 countries are expected to participate in IEW 2026.
  • The previous edition saw 68,000 attendees, 570 exhibitors and 5,400 conference delegates.
  • India is projected to account for more than 23 per cent of global incremental energy demand by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2025.
  • IEW 2026 will showcase recent reforms under the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 2025 and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 2025.
  • Clean energy initiatives such as India’s ethanol blending programme, biofuels, green hydrogen and sustainable fuels will be major focus areas.
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana enables Gujarat to cross 5 lakh rooftop solar installations with 1,879 MW capacity (End of December) ▼
  • Gujarat has installed over 5 lakh rooftop solar systems under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna, achieving 1,879 MW aggregate capacity.
  • Residential consumers have availed subsidies worth Rs 3,778 crore under the scheme.
  • Subsidy rates: Rs 30,000 per kW up to 2 kW, Rs 18,000 per kW above 2 kW up to 3 kW, and maximum Rs 78,000 for systems above 3 kW.
  • State provides Rs 2,950 assistance towards regulatory charges for systems up to 6 kW and waives network strengthening charges for the same category.
  • No net metering agreement required, no load limit for residential solar installations, no banking charges on residential consumers, and households can sell surplus electricity.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Announces Record 266.78 GW Clean Energy Capacity (Mid of January) ▼
  • India marked a record-breaking year in its clean energy journey in 2025, with non-fossil fuel installed capacity rising to 266.78 GW, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Shri Pralhad Joshi said.
  • Solar power led the expansion, with installed capacity increasing from 97.86 GW in 2024 to 135.81 GW in 2025, registering a growth of 38.8 per cent.
  • Wind energy capacity also witnessed steady growth, rising from 48.16 GW to 54.51 GW, marking an increase of 13.2 per cent.
  • Bioenergy installed capacity reached 11.61 GW, including 0.55 GW from waste-to-energy off-grid projects, reflecting steady progress in clean fuel generation and waste management.
  • Small hydro power capacity increased to 5.16 GW, supporting decentralised and region-specific renewable energy development.
  • Large hydro power capacity stood at 50.91 GW, including 7,175.6 MW of pumped storage, strengthening grid stability and renewable energy integration.
  • The progress strengthens India’s pathway towards energy security, climate responsibility and a self-reliant green economy, while moving steadily towards the national target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
  • The Minister added that MNRE will continue to work closely with States and stakeholders to further accelerate renewable energy deployment across the country.
Adani Group (AG) invests over $75 billion in energy transition space over 5 years (Mid of December) ▼
  • Adani Group (AG) will invest over $75 billion in energy transition space over 5 years.
  • The AG is building the world's largest renewable energy park at Khavda in Gujarat, spread across 520 square kilometres.
  • The park will generate 30 GW of green energy by 2030, enough to power more than 60 million Indian homes every year.
  • India is the world's third-largest electricity user.
  • India has a per person electricity consumption of less than 1,400 kilowatt-hours a year.
  • India contributed 4 per cent of cumulative global emissions over 200 years of industrial activity.
  • Europe contributed 13 per cent, the US 19 per cent, and China 20 per cent of cumulative global emissions.
  • The AG announced Adani Annual Internships, offering 50 paid positions each year for third-year students.
  • A minimum of 25 per cent of these interns will receive pre-employment offers for joining.
  • The AG announced the Adani 3S Mining Excellence Centre with TEXMiN.

Global Soft Power Index 2026 released on 27 January 2026

Key Updates:

  • Brand Finance released the Global Soft Power Index 2026, which ranks 193 United Nations (UN) member states across 55 metrics.
  • The United States (US) retained the top position with a score of 74.9 out of 100, despite recording the sharpest decline of 4.6 points compared to the previous year.
  • China secured the second rank with a score of 73.5 and was the only country in the index to record an increase in its soft power score.
  • India ranked 32nd globally with a score of 48.0, slipping two positions and declining by 1.8 points from the previous year.
  • India achieved high rankings in specific indicators including familiarity (13th), influence (17th), and culture and heritage (19th).
  • India recorded weaker scores in reputation (73rd), governance (100th), and net positive impact (123rd).
  • The top 10 countries in the 2026 index are the US, China, Japan, United Kingdom (UK), Germany, France, Switzerland, Canada, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
  • The UK fell to the fourth position with a score of 69.2, marking its lowest rank since the inception of the index.
  • Switzerland was identified as the most resilient country, ranking 1st in reputation, trust, effective governance, and economic stability.
  • Soft power is defined in the report as a nation’s ability to shape preferences and behaviours through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion.

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Responsible Nations' Index (RNI) launched on January 19, 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • Singapore ranked first and India 16th in the Responsible Nations' Index (RNI) launched by former president Ram Nath Kovind.
  • The RNI is a global evaluative framework developed by the think tank World Intellectual Foundation (WIF) in academic collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and methodological validation by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Mumbai.
  • The index is anchored in three core dimensions -- internal responsibility, environmental responsibility and external responsibility.
  • The RNI has been operationalised through seven dimensions, 15 aspects and 58 indicators.
  • Switzerland was second, Denmark third and the Central African Republic stood last on the 154-nation index.
  • Sudhanshu Mittal, Founder and Secretary, WIF, said the RNI represents a shift from power-centric assessments to responsibility-centric evaluation of nations.
  • India's neighbour Pakistan was in the 90th place, while China was ranked 68th and the US 66th, according to the RNI.
Responsible Nations Index launch by Ram Nath Kovind on January 19 (Mid of January) ▼
  • Responsible Nations Index (RNI) will be launched by former president Ram Nath Kovind on January 19.
  • RNI is developed by World Intellectual Foundation (WIF) in academic collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and methodological validation by Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Mumbai.
  • RNI evaluates countries on internal responsibility, environmental responsibility, and external responsibility.
  • The index covers 154 countries and will be released every year in March.
  • RNI is operationalised through seven dimensions, 15 aspects, and 58 indicators sourced from globally recognised datasets.
Climate Change Performance Index 2026: Denmark leads as India drops 13 places (Mid of November) ▼
  • CCPI 2026 published at UN COP30 Climate Summit lists Denmark (80.52 pts) in 4th place as top-ranked country; top three ranks remain vacant as no nation achieved 'very high' rating
  • India fell 13 positions—from 10th to 23rd—with a score of 61.31, now classed as a 'medium' performer
  • Report jointly released by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and Climate Action Network
  • Saudi Arabia ranks lowest at 67th (11.9 pts); Iran 66th, United States 65th and China 54th also placed among bottom performers
  • Index evaluates countries on GHG emissions, renewable energy, energy use and climate policy
India Achieves Major Power Status, Ranks Third in Asia Power Index 2025 (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Asia Power Index 2025, published by the Lowy Institute in November, evaluates the resources and influence of countries to rank their relative power.
  • India holds the No. 3 position in the Asia Power Index 2025, with a comprehensive power score of 40.0 points, indicating it is a “major power”.
  • The United States is the leading power in Asia, followed by China, according to the index.
  • The index defines power as a country’s capacity to affect the behaviour of other states and non-state actors and influence the outcomes of international affairs.
  • The Asia Power Index extends beyond Asian countries to include Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
  • Japan is ranked No. 4 and Russia is ranked No. 5 in the Asia Power Index 2025.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day observed on February 2

Key Updates:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day is observed every year on February 2.
  • It was established in 2013 by the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation (RPF), the first nonprofit created specifically to represent people living with RA.
  • The date marks the birthday of RPF founder Kelly Young, widely known as RA Warrior.

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World Diabetes Day 2025 observed on November 14 with theme 'Diabetes Across Life Stages' (Mid of November) ▼
  • World Diabetes Day is observed every year on November 14.
  • The theme for World Diabetes Day 2025 is 'Diabetes Across Life Stages'.
  • World Diabetes Day was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • It became an official United Nations Day in 2006.
  • The date was chosen to honour Sir Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, co-discovered insulin in 1922.
  • It is recognised as the world’s largest campaign to raise awareness about diabetes, reaching over one billion people across more than 160 countries.
World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025 observed from 18 – 24 November with theme “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future” (End of November) ▼
  • World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week (WAAW) is observed from 18 – 24 November. (Proof: "This week (18 – 24 November) marks World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week (WAAW)")
  • It is a WHO-led initiative. (Proof: "a WHO-led initiative")
  • The initiative aims to improve understanding of antimicrobial resistance and promote best practices that help prevent the further emergence and spread of resistant infections. (Proof: "to improve understanding of antimicrobial resistance and promote best practices that help prevent the further emergence and spread of resistant infections.")
  • The WHO theme for 2025 is “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.” (Proof: "The WHO theme for 2025 is “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,”")
  • The theme emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated, cross-sector action as AMR continues to impact health systems, food production, the environment, and global economies. (Proof: "emphasising the urgent need for coordinated, cross-sector action as AMR continues to impact health systems, food production, the environment, and global economies.")
  • The WHO calls on governments, healthcare professionals, civil society, veterinarians, farmers, environmental sectors and the public to turn commitments into concrete, measurable action. (Proof: "The WHO calls on governments, healthcare professionals, civil society, veterinarians, farmers, environmental sectors and the public to turn commitments into concrete, measurable action.")
International Day of Radiology observed on November 8: #IDoR2025 highlights radiology’s role in safe patient care (Start of November) ▼
  • The 14th International Day of Radiology (IDoR 2025) is celebrated worldwide on November 8.
  • The day aims to enhance awareness of the value radiology contributes to safe patient care and to improve public understanding of the vital role radiologists and radiographers play in the healthcare continuum.
  • Participants are encouraged to share IDoR 2025 activities by emailing photos to IDoR@myesr.org or posting on social media using the hashtag #IDoR2025.
World Immunisation Day observed annually on November 10 (Mid of November) ▼
  • World Immunisation Day is observed every year on November 10.
  • The day serves as a reminder of how vaccines save lives.
  • It also highlights why equitable access to vaccines remains essential.

Gyan Bharatam initiative launched in Union Budget 2025-26

Key Updates:

  • The Gyan Bharatam initiative was launched in the Union Budget 2025-26 to digitise and preserve India's manuscript heritage.
  • The Union Ministry of Culture is the guiding authority for the initiative, which aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 national growth vision.
  • Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed a funding allocation of Rs 491.66 crore for the project to be implemented between 2025 and 2031.
  • The initiative has successfully digitised more than 7.5 lakh manuscripts, with 1.29 lakh currently accessible online.
  • The project infrastructure includes 28 cluster centres and 17 independent centres established across various states and Union Territories (UTs).
  • Technical partners are engaged to enhance digitisation processes and infrastructure using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

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CCRAS–CSU workshop transliterates five rare Ayurvedic manuscripts in Kerala. (End of January) ▼
  • Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and Central Sanskrit University (CSU) completed a 15-day Transliteration Capacity Building Workshop on Ayurvedic Manuscripts at CSU Puranattukara (Guruvayoor) Campus, Thrissur, Kerala from 12 to 25 January 2026.
  • The workshop trained 33 scholars—18 from Ayurveda and 15 from Sanskrit—in manuscriptology, palaeography, technical Ayurvedic terminology, and scripts including Grantha and Vattezhuthu.
  • Five rare unpublished manuscripts were transliterated: Dhanwanthari (Vaidya) Chinthamani (146 palm-leaf pages from Grantha to Sanskrit), Dravyashuddhi (110 pages Grantha to Sanskrit), Vaidyam (59 pages Medieval Malayalam to Malayalam), Roga Nirnaya Part I (75 pages Medieval Malayalam to Malayalam), and Vividharogangal (78 pages Vattezhuthu to Malayalam and Sanskrit).
  • The event was held under the MoU between CCRAS and CSU as part of CCRAS’s national initiative to document, digitise and enable research-based utilisation of classical Ayurvedic manuscripts.
  • Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, stated this was the second such workshop; the first at CSU Puri Campus, Odisha, transliterated 14 Ayurvedic manuscripts.
Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Granth Kutir Library at Rashtrapati Bhavan (End of January) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Granth Kutir, a library housing 2,300 books and manuscripts at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • The library features reading material in 11 Indian classical languages: Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.
  • The collection includes approximately 50 manuscripts handwritten on traditional materials such as palm leaf, paper, bark, and cloth.
  • The initiative aligns with the Gyan Bharatam Mission of the Union government to preserve, digitise, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.
  • The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) provided professional expertise for the conservation, documentation, and display of the manuscripts.
  • The library replaces colonial-era works, including the speeches of Lord Curzon and works of William Hogarth, which have been relocated within the estate.
  • The Rashtrapati Bhavan recently established Param Vir Dirgha, a gallery featuring portraits of 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees to replace portraits of British Aide-De-Camps.
Gyan Bharatam Initiative: SFC Sanctions Rs.491.66 Crore (Start of December) ▼
  • The Gyan Bharatam Initiative (Gyan Bharatam) is the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture (MoC).
  • The Standing Finance Committee (SFC) has sanctioned Rs.491.66 crore for Gyan Bharatam for the period 2025-2031.
  • The initiative, announced in the Union Budget on 1st February, 2025, aims at surveying, documenting, conserving, digitizing, and disseminating India’s manuscript heritage.
  • Gyan Bharatam envisages covering more than one crore manuscripts through collaboration with academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors.
  • The Gyan Bharatam Digital Web Portal has been launched by the Prime Minister of India.
  • Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) have been signed with 31 institutions, including 19 Cluster Centres and 12 Independent Centres.
  • Approximately 3.5 lakh Manuscripts have been digitized in Gyan Bharatam.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Gyan Bharatam Mission promote multilingual education and manuscript preservation (Start of January) ▼
  • National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes multilingual education.
  • Gyan Bharatam Mission, aimed at preserving and disseminating Indian manuscripts.
  • The Vice-President urged that technology must become an ally of languages, advocating: Digital archives and manuscript digitisation, AI-powered translation and speech technologies, Multilingual digital platforms for education and governance.
  • India’s Constitution, particularly the Eighth Schedule, he said, embodies ancient wisdom by affirming that national unity thrives on mutual respect, not uniformity.

Ancient grain storage tradition Paathara/Khoni fading in Srikakulam district

[Andhra Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • Paathara (Odia: Khoni) is an ancestral underground grain storage pit once common along the Mahendratanaya River banks in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh.
  • The pit is rectangular, plastered with straw and clay, sealed with cow-dung, and mainly stores paddy for household consumption and rituals.
  • In Jalantara Saasanam village (Kanchili Mandal) only two Paatharas were built this year: one by Marla Dillemma and one by Juttu Moinamma.
  • NABARD sanctioned ₹9.75 crore in August 2015 under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund to improve the Pydigam irrigation channel system covering 4,984 acres.
  • Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute (IGMRI) estimates nearly 10% of food grains are lost annually due to unscientific storage, costing about ₹7,000 crore, with insects alone causing ₹1,300 crore damages (2026 estimates).

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Bamanwas Kankar Organic Certification: Rajasthan’s First Fully Organic Village Body (Mid of January) ▼
  • Bamanwas Kankar panchayat in Rajasthan has become the first village body in the State to be certified as fully organic.
  • The transition to organic farming was supported by Cofarmin Federation of Organic Societies and Producer Companies (COFED), a group working in the areas of natural resource conservation, sustainable farming, and women’s empowerment.
  • The participants publicly took an oath to practise pesticide-free farming, organic cattle rearing, and environmentally-responsible land management during a ceremony on January 2.
  • The target beneficiaries include farmers and cattle owners across seven hamlets: "Bamanwas, Nangalhedi, Rah Ka Mala, Bhadana Ki Bhaal, Tolawas, Khariya Ki Dhani, and Bairawas."
  • By this year-end, we aim to convert 300 panchayats across the districts of Bikaner, Alwar, Kotputli–Behror, and Bhilwara into fully organic village bodies, according to COFED.
Jharkhand notifies Panchayat Extension of Scheduled Areas (PESA) Rules empowering gram sabhas (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Jharkhand government has notified the rules under the Panchayat Extension of Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act.
  • The rules aim to restore and protect the rights of tribal communities over their land, water, forest resources, culture, and governance systems.
  • Pre-consent of gram sabha will be required on issues of land acquisition and rehabilitation.
  • No manufacture, storage, or sale of liquor will be allowed without the consent of the gram sabha.
  • The gram sabha has the right to monitor schools, anganwadis, health centres and PDS shops located in rural areas.
  • Each gram sabha will create its own 'Gram Kosh' funded by royalties from minor forest produce, pond leases, market fees, sand ghats, etc.
India Strengthens Global Nutrition Trade with Fortified Rice Export (Start of November) ▼
  • The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the export of 20 metric tonnes of fortified rice.
  • The export of fortified rice was from Chhattisgarh to Papua New Guinea (PNG).
  • The Commerce Ministry provided information regarding this trade.
  • Sponge Enterprises Pvt Ltd, Raipur, was identified as the exporter.
  • Abhishek Dev serves as the Chairman of APEDA.
  • Mukesh Jain is the President of the Rice Exporters Association of Chhattisgarh (TREA-CG).
Karnataka archaeology dept classifies Lakkundi gold find as treasure, recommends one-fifth value reward to finder family (End of January) ▼
  • Karnataka’s Department of Archaeology, Museum and Heritage classified the gold ornaments recovered from a copper pot at Lakkundi in Gadag district as a treasure.
  • The ornaments weighed around 500 g and included rings, bracelet and a bangle.
  • Director Dr Shejeshwar R stated the ornaments are definitely more than 100 years old and thus qualify as antique treasure.
  • The department will recommend financial compensation equal to one-fifth of the treasure’s value to Ganagavva Basavaraja Ritti’s family who unearthed the pot during house modification.
  • Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) senior archaeologist Ramesh Mulimani had earlier said the ornaments were unlikely to be centuries-old buried treasure and suspected recent ancestral burial.

Bharat Parv 2026 closing ceremony on 31 January at Red Fort

[New Delhi]

Key Updates:

  • Bharat Parv 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and runs from 26 to 31 January at the Lawns and Gyan Path in front of the Red Fort.
  • The closing ceremony on 31 January at 5:30 p.m. will have Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan as the chief guest.
  • Punjabi Folk Orchestra and Qalandri Dhamal will perform on 31 January, showcasing traditional instruments like Dhol, Dholki, Taal-Koze, Tansari, Flute, Nagara, Chimta, Sap, Kara, and Vanjli.
  • Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated Bharat Parv 2026 and described it as a vibrant expression of India’s soul and a reminder of constitutional values.

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Punjab Government notifies 'Holy City' status for three towns to ban liquor, meat, and tobacco (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Punjab government issued a formal notification declaring the walled city of Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as "Holy Cities of the State of Punjab."
  • The notification directs that the government will "not to allow sale of liquor, tobacco and cigarettes, and meat within the precints of walled city and municipal limits of Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo."
  • The state government will "allocate necessary budget, and also seek funds from the central government" for the development, cleanliness, security, and promotion of religious tourism in these cities.
  • The resolution for this status was passed on November 24 during a special session to mark the "350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur."
  • The three cities are home to three of the five ‘Takhts’ — "Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Amritsar), Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo) and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Sri Anandpur Sahib)."
Amit Shah inaugurates third International Kite Festival at Baansera Park in Delhi (Mid of January) ▼
  • Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, inaugurated the 3rd International Kite Festival at Baansera Park in Delhi.
  • Shah urged the Delhi government and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to form a committee to make Delhi the national hub for kite festivities.
  • He recalled that during the protest against the Simon Commission, kites with 'Simon Go Back' were flown across the country.
  • Shah also announced that the Indian government and several state governments will observe Somnath Swabhiman Varsh to mark the 1000th anniversary of the first attack on the Somnath temple.
Jharkhand notifies Panchayat Extension of Scheduled Areas (PESA) Rules empowering gram sabhas (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Jharkhand government has notified the rules under the Panchayat Extension of Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act.
  • The rules aim to restore and protect the rights of tribal communities over their land, water, forest resources, culture, and governance systems.
  • Pre-consent of gram sabha will be required on issues of land acquisition and rehabilitation.
  • No manufacture, storage, or sale of liquor will be allowed without the consent of the gram sabha.
  • The gram sabha has the right to monitor schools, anganwadis, health centres and PDS shops located in rural areas.
  • Each gram sabha will create its own 'Gram Kosh' funded by royalties from minor forest produce, pond leases, market fees, sand ghats, etc.
Celebrating India's Tribal Heritage: The 12th Samvad Conclave Kicks Off in Jamshedpur (Mid of November) ▼
  • The 12th edition of Samvad conclave is a five-day event held at Gopal Maidan from November 15 to 19.
  • The conclave coincides with Jharkhand's 25th Statehood Day and the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
  • It brings together 2,500 participants representing 153 tribes from 26 states and Union Territories.
  • Mornings are dedicated to dialogue across multiple venues, and evenings feature cultural performances at Gopal Maidan.
  • There are 51 outlets showcasing tribal handicrafts and 30 stalls for tribal healing practices.
  • The four key elements of the conclave are 'tribal cuisine, healers, handicrafts, samuday ka sath'.

Zapotec tomb discovery in Oaxaca: 1,400-year-old archaeological find

[Mexico]

Key Updates:

  • A 1,400-year-old Zapotec tomb has been discovered in the Central Valleys region of southern Mexico.
  • The discovery was made by a team of researchers from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
  • The tomb complex features an antechamber and a funerary chamber with a depiction of an owl representing night and death in Zapotec iconography.
  • Calendrical information was found on a frieze at the entrance to the funerary chamber.
  • A mural within the funerary chamber, painted on stucco with pigments, shows a funerary procession carrying offerings of copal incense.
  • Researchers from INAH are working to stabilize the microclimate and document the mural and relief sculptures.

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67,800-year-old hand stencil in Indonesian cave becomes oldest known rock art (End of January) ▼
  • A red hand stencil in Liang Metanduno cave on Muna Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia, is dated to at least 67,800 years ago, making it the oldest rock art discovered.
  • Indonesian and Australian archaeologists used uranium-thorium laser analysis of cave popcorn calcite to determine the minimum age.
  • The stencil is over 1,000 years older than Neanderthal-attributed hand stencils in a Spanish cave and more than 15,000 years older than previous Sulawesi art found by the same team.
  • The cave shows repeated use for rock art, with some works painted over up to 35,000 years later.
  • The discovery supports the northern migration route for Homo sapiens from Asia through Sulawesi to Papua New Guinea and into the ancient supercontinent Sahul that included Australia.
Rediscovery of 'Lost' Killifish Moema claudiae in Bolivia's Fragile Wetlands (Mid of November) ▼
  • A rare killifish, Moema claudiae, thought extinct for over two decades, has been rediscovered in a small Bolivian pond.
  • Moema claudiae was last recorded more than 20 years ago at its original collection site in Bolivia, which has since been destroyed and converted into agricultural land.
  • The species held a status of “Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct)” according to IUCN criteria.
  • Researchers Heinz Arno Drawert and Thomas Otto Litz made the discovery of a surviving population.
  • The finding was published in the journal Nature Conservation.
  • The rediscovery site is located where the Amazon rainforest transitions into the Llanos de Moxos, a mosaic of wetlands, savannas, and forest patches.
  • The rediscovery site also revealed six additional species of seasonal killifish, making it the most genetically diverse assemblage of seasonal killifish ever recorded worldwide.
  • Moema claudiae was named by renowned ichthyologist Professor Wilson Costa in honour of his wife, Claudia.
  • In the last 25 years, Bolivia has lost nearly 10 million hectares of forest, including vast wetland areas essential for seasonal fish species, largely driven by expanding agriculture.
  • Seasonal killifish like Moema claudiae survive in temporary pools that dry out for months at a time, with their eggs remaining dormant in the soil until rains return, a strategy known as diapause.
International Jaguar Day: November 29 (End of November) ▼
  • On November 29, we celebrate International Jaguar Day.
  • The jaguar *Panthera onca* is the largest feline in the Americas and the third largest in the world, behind only the tiger and the lion.
  • With up to 2.5 meters in length and more than 100 kg in weight, the jaguar is a top predator, crucial for maintaining the health and balance of the ecosystems where it lives.
  • Brazil is home to the largest jaguar population on the planet, especially in the Amazon and the Pantanal.
  • Jaguars mark territory through trees, leaving visual marks as well as chemical ones: glands between their toes release pheromones that remain on the bark, signaling to other individuals that the area is occupied.
Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) reports first cube-shaped skull from intentional cranial deformation (End of December) ▼
  • The skull belonged to a 40-year-old man who lived in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range more than 1,000 years ago during the Mesoamerican Classic period.
  • The peculiar cube shape of the skull was a sign of 'intentional cranial deformation' carried out during a child's early years with boards and bandages.
  • The square shape was different from the typical 'conical' shapes seen elsewhere in the region and is described as 'parallelepiped,' closer to a parallelogram than a sphere.

SAIL launches nationwide creative contest "सेल-e-BRATION: Steel Built India, SAIL Built Trust" on 30 January 2026

Key Updates:

  • Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Steel, launched the contest on 30 January 2026 in collaboration with MyGov.
  • The contest invites Indian citizens to submit 1080p MP4 videos (max 120 seconds) in Hindi or English by 16 February 2026, 11:59 PM IST via the MyGov portal.
  • Participants can choose from four themes: Building India’s Big Dreams, Shield & Star, There’s a Little Bit of SAIL in Everyone’s Life, and Products Everywhere.
  • Top five creators will each receive ₹10,000 cash, a Letter of Appreciation and Certificate from SAIL, and national exposure on SAIL’s official social media platforms.

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SAIL Great Place to Work Certification for February 2026 to February 2027 (Start of February) ▼
  • Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), has been certified as a Great Place to Work for the period February 2026 to February 2027.
  • This recognition marks the third consecutive year that SAIL has received this certification following an assessment by the Great Place To Work Institute, India.
  • The assessment process involved a company-wide survey measuring the TRUST INDEX© score, which evaluates parameters such as credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie.
  • SAIL has implemented the SAIL DARPAN initiative to establish a transparent and performance-driven work environment focused on objective evaluation and accountability.
  • The organisation has partnered with several institutions for capability enhancement, including Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, IIM Bangalore, IIM Jammu, IIM Raipur, IIM Ranchi, XLRI, and Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI).
  • Shri Amarendu Prakash currently serves as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of SAIL.
Indian Navy Signs Contract with MSME Shipyard for Construction of Three 200-tonne Barges on 16 January 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • The Indian Navy (IN) concluded a contract for the construction and delivery of three 200-tonne Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges with M/s Suryadipta Projects Private Limited, Thane, an MSME shipyard, on 16 January 2026.
  • The barges will be designed and constructed entirely in India under the Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to quality, safety and national maritime standards.
  • The project stands as a strong endorsement of the Government of India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, showcasing the growing capability of Indian MSME shipyards to deliver specialised naval auxiliary platforms.
  • The initiative contributes directly to the strengthening of India’s domestic shipbuilding ecosystem, in alignment with the goals of the Maritime India Vision 2030, which emphasises self-reliance, innovation, and capacity building.
Ministry of Steel targets 300 MT steel capacity by 2030 and 500 MT by 2047. (End of January) ▼
  • India will host Bharat Steel 2026 in New Delhi to spotlight green and resilient steelmaking.
  • The two-day summit expects more than 700 international delegates across governments, public sector enterprises, private companies, start-ups and investors.
  • The Ministry of Steel’s 2024 Green Steel Roadmap envisages greater use of renewable energy, pilot projects for green hydrogen, carbon capture utilisation and storage, and increased scrap use.
  • The Production Linked Incentive scheme for specialty steel aims to shift output from commodity-grade to higher-grade steels for automotive, aerospace, defence and infrastructure.
Indian Navy stitched-sail vessel INSV Kaundinya to undertake maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar to Muscat (End of December) ▼
  • INSV Kaundinya, the Indian Navy’s pioneering stitched sailing vessel that revives India’s ancient shipbuilding and seafaring traditions, will undertake its maiden overseas voyage on the 29th of this month.
  • The vessel will be flagged off from Porbandar, Gujarat, for Muscat, Oman, symbolically retracing the historic maritime routes that connected India with the wider Indian Ocean world for millennia.
  • According to the Defence Ministry, INSV Kaundinya represents a rare convergence of history, craftsmanship and modern naval expertise.

Indian Coast Guard Day observed on February 1

Key Updates:

  • Indian Coast Guard Day is observed annually on February 1.
  • The Indian Coast Guard was formally established on February 1, 1977.
  • Before 1977, coastal protection was handled mainly by the Indian Navy.
  • The Indian Coast Guard operates under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
  • Responsibilities include maritime security, search and rescue, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and disaster support.

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Indian Navy First Training Squadron concludes three-day Indonesia visit (End of January) ▼
  • Indian Navy First Training Squadron (1TS) departed Belawan, Indonesia on January 23 after a three-day port call.
  • Ships of 1TS included INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi.
  • Professional interactions, cultural exchanges, training visits and friendly sports meets were held with Indonesian Navy personnel.
  • Capt Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer 1TS, met Laksamana Muda (RAdm) Deny Septiana, Commander of Naval Area Command I (Komando Kodaeral I).
  • An onboard reception co-hosted by 1TS and Consulate General of India, Medan, was attended by senior dignitaries of Kodaeral I with Kolonel Wirawan Aby P, Chief of Operations, as Chief Guest.
  • Indian naval trainees visited Komando Daerah Angkatan Laut I facilities to understand regional command roles.
  • Joint yoga sessions and friendly sports were organised fostering camaraderie between the two navies.
  • Ships were opened to local school children, generating excitement and curiosity through guided tours.
  • The visit advances India's Act East Policy and strengthens maritime cooperation with Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) member Indonesia under the MAHASAGAR vision.
President approves gallantry and service medals for Indian Coast Guard personnel on 77th Republic Day (End of January) ▼
  • President of India approved Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for ADG Donny Michael, PTM, TM.
  • DIG KS Sitaram received the Vishisht Seva Medal.
  • P/Nvk ME Saumyaranjan Behera was awarded the Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak.
  • IG Iqbal Singh Chauhan and IG Datwinder Singh Saini received the President's Tatrakshak Medal for Distinguished Service.
  • Late Comdt Rakesh Kumar Rana, Late Comdt JG Vipin Babu and Late P/Nvk RP Karan Singh were posthumously conferred the Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry).
  • Comdt JG Shailendra Singh Bisht, P/Nvk RP Gautam Yadav and P/Nvk RP Banti Kumar received the Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry).
  • Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service) was awarded to DIG Vinod Kumar Parmar, DIG Arun Kumar Bhardwaj, DIG Sudhakar Patil, Comdt Indu P and Adh RO Tapas Kumar Banerjee.
Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard conduct joint HNS response drill onboard ICGS Samudra Prahari in Mumbai (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) conducted a joint Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) response drill in Mumbai.
  • Japan Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Yoshio Seguchi led a high-level delegation visiting the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters West.
  • Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Commander, Coast Guard Region West, held a courtesy meeting with Admiral Seguchi.
  • The joint training exercise was conducted onboard the Indian Coast Guard’s pollution response vessel ICGS Samudra Prahari.
  • The ICG Pollution Response Strike Team and the JCG National Strike Team (NST) participated in the drills.
  • Prior to the sea exercise, planning sessions, rehearsals, and classroom interactions were held in Mumbai focusing on response protocols for hazardous chemical spills at sea.
  • A joint demonstration of HNS response procedures was reviewed by the JCG Commandant and the ICG Regional Commander onboard Samudra Prahari.
  • The Japanese delegation also visited Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited to gain insight into India’s shipbuilding capabilities.
India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives Conduct 17th Edition of DOSTI Exercise in Male on January 17, 2026 (Mid of January) ▼
  • The 17th edition of the trilateral exercise 'DOSTI' is being held in Male, involving the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Sri Lanka Coast Guard, and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
  • The harbour phase of the exercise includes collaborative Marine Pollution (MARPOL) exercises, joint Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) drills, and pollution response demonstrations.
  • A four-member delegation from the ICG, led by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, is participating in the exercise to foster reciprocal learning and capacity augmentation.
  • The exercise features tabletop exercises and the implementation of cross-boarding Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance interoperability.
  • Originally started as a bilateral exercise between India and the Maldives in 1991, DOSTI transitioned into a trilateral framework in 2012 with the addition of Sri Lanka.
  • The trilateral engagement reflects India's 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' (SAGAR) vision and its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

World Wetlands Day 2026 observed on February 2

Key Updates:

  • World Wetlands Day is observed every year on February 2.
  • The first World Wetlands Day was celebrated in 1997.
  • It has been a United Nations (UN) International Day since 2022.
  • The Convention on Wetlands was signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
  • The official theme for World Wetlands Day 2026 is 'Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage'.

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National Bird Day observed on January 5 (Start of January) ▼
  • National Bird Day was first established in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition to promote the welfare of birds both in the wild and in captivity.
  • National Bird Day is celebrated annually on January 5 to raise awareness about the importance of birds in our ecosystems.
  • The day honours the efforts of conservationists and environmental organisations working to safeguard endangered bird species, including the bald eagle and the California condor.
Chhattisgarh gets its first Ramsar wetland site on December 12, 2025 (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Kopra Reservoir in Bilaspur district was officially declared Chhattisgarh’s first Ramsar Site.
  • The declaration places Kopra Reservoir on the global map of wetlands of international importance.
  • The State Wetland Authority, environmental experts, forest officials, researchers, and local communities made joint efforts for this designation.
  • Kedar Kashyap is the forest and climate change minister of Chhattisgarh.
  • Vishnu Deo Sai is the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.
  • The Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision 2047 includes a major target of securing Ramsar status for 20 wetlands by 2030.
  • Kopra Reservoir is highlighted as a suitable habitat for species such as the river tern, common pochard, and Egyptian vulture.
International Day for Biosphere Reserves observed on November 3 (Start of November) ▼
  • The International Day for Biosphere Reserves is celebrated annually on November 3.
  • It was established by the UNESCO General Conference at the request of Spain and Uruguay at its 41st session in September 2021.
  • The day highlights the role of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in sustainable territorial development and conservation efforts.