GMR Aero Technic, an airframe Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) organisation, has signed a license agreement with Honeywell Aerospace for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of line replaceable units (LRUs) of LEAP…
SpiceJet Ends Boeing 737 MAX Operations
Key Updates:
- SpiceJet ceased operations of Boeing 737 Max aircraft after mutually terminating the lease agreement with BOC Aviation.
- Three Boeing 737 planes are being ferried to the Philippines, reducing SpiceJet's operating fleet to 11 aircraft.
- SpiceJet's domestic market share dropped from 3.9% in January to 1.6% in July 2026.
- SpiceJet recorded the lowest on-time performance among all airlines in July 2026, with only 35% of flights on time.
- SpiceJet delayed salaries and vendor payments due to a cash crunch.
- SpiceJet placed a $22 billion order for up to 250 Boeing 737 Max planes, but took delivery of only 13 aircraft.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Safran Aircraft Engines signed a long-term agreement for the production and supply of superalloy turbine ring forgings for the CFM LEAP engine programme. HAL will manufacture the ring…
The United States (US) notified the sale of sustainment support services and related equipment for Apache helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers to India at an estimated cost of $482.2 million. The Defence Security…
The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched Hub & Spoke International Flight Operations from Ahmedabad on 01 September 2026. Ahmedabad became the third spoke airport under India's International Aviation Hub Strategy, after…
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) proposes Public Insurance Registry as Digital Public Infrastructure
Key Updates:
- The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) released a consultation paper on September 1, 2026, proposing a Public Insurance Registry (PIR) as Digital Public Infrastructure for the insurance sector.
- The PIR is intended to support the objectives of the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha Act, 2025.
- The proposed registry aims to provide a consistent and authoritative view of insurance records while keeping relevant information with source institutions.
- It is designed to serve eight key stakeholder groups, including policyholders, insurers, reinsurers, intermediaries, regulators, financial institutions, government agencies, and researchers.
- The consultation paper seeks feedback on data architecture, identity framework, data standards, privacy and consent safeguards, commercial confidentiality, governance, and implementation readiness.
- Comments and feedback on the proposed PIR can be submitted until September 30, 2026.
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The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has prohibited Niva Bupa Health Insurance from opening new business locations for six months. The regulatory action follows Niva Bupa's non-compliance…
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has initiated a nine-month investigation into the use of 'dark patterns' by insurers to gather personal information for quotes. The IRDAI has…
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has granted a Certificate of Registration to Prudential HCL Health Insurance Ltd. Prudential HCL Health Insurance Ltd is a joint venture between the…
The Ministry of Finance released the Draft Insurance Ombudsman (Amendment) Rules, 2025, on 25 November 2025. The draft proposed a two-tier redressal structure with an Appellate Authority constituted by the Insurance…
India's Auto-Component Trade Deficit Reaches $1.4 Billion
Key Updates:
- India's auto-component trade deficit reached $1.4 billion in FY26.
- Exports of auto components were approximately $24 billion, while imports were $25.4 billion.
- Tarun Garg, MD and CEO of Hyundai Motor India, emphasized building advanced technology to reduce the deficit.
- He suggested focusing on semiconductors, EV battery cells, and power electronics.
- Garg stressed the importance of R&D and innovation for strategic independence.
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India's current account deficit (CAD) widened to $4.2 billion (0.5% of GDP) in Q1 2026-27 from $3.4 billion (0.4% of GDP) in Q1 2025-26. The merchandise trade deficit increased to $86.1 billion from $68.9 billion…
India's merchandise trade deficit widened to $30.43 billion in June 2026, a 59% year-on-year increase from $19.10 billion in June 2025. Imports rose 31% to $70.84 billion, while exports grew 15.5% to $40.41 billion in…
India's total exports (merchandise and services) grew 11.37% year-on-year to USD 232.73 billion in the first quarter of FY27, as per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I). The trade deficit widened to USD 37.42…
Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI) data shows India's total exports (merchandise and services) rose 13.31% year-on-year to USD 80.14 billion in July 2026. Total imports increased 15.83% to USD 95.16 billion…
Vizhinjam International Seaport commences first export voyage to Spain with eight containers
Key Updates:
- Vizhinjam International Seaport commenced its first export voyage to Valencia, Spain, on September 1, 2026.
- The vessel MSC Beryl, part of MSC's Himalaya service, carried eight export containers.
- Two containers originated from Thiruvananthapuram, while six were brought from Kochi by road.
- The ship is expected to reach Valencia in approximately 20 days.
- The full-fledged land-based EXIM cargo operations at Vizhinjam began on August 18, 2026.
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The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH)…
A Cameroon-flagged cargo ship M/V LUTUF was hijacked by pirates off Somalia's Puntland coast. The ship was carrying Turkish weapons destined for a Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu.
The Central Government lifted the export ban on wheat flour and related products, including maida, semolina, wholewheat atta and resultant atta, with immediate effect. The ban was originally imposed on July 12, 2022…
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitates export of 18 MT certified ethnic rice from Tripura to Europe
Key Updates:
- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the export of 18 metric tonnes of NPOP-certified ethnic rice from Tripura to Austria and the Netherlands.
- The consignment, flagged off on September 2, includes four rice varieties: Aromatic Kali Khasa, Aromatic Harinarayan, Biron (white sticky), and Maimi Hanga (black rice).
- The produce was aggregated from local Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) supported by the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency (TSOFDA).
- The export was handled by Sonepat-based exporter M/s Pratithi Organic Foods.
- The trade followed a Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet organized by APEDA in Tripura in August, linking local producers with overseas buyers.
- Participating farmers are projected to realize price gains of up to 40% compared to domestic market rates.
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The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first-ever air shipment of Neelam and Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka to the Maldives. The export consignment comprised…
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first-ever sea shipment of botanical-infused ready-to-cook millet functional foods from Karnataka to New Zealand on June…
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH)…
India's rice exports to 26 priority markets totalled ₹23,476 crore and 4.79 million tonnes between November 2025 and March 2026, covering Basmati and non-Basmati rice, according to an Indian Rice Exporters Federation…
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) Clarifies Negative Manufacturing Deflator in GDP Methodology
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) clarified that a negative implicit deflator for manufacturing does not indicate a decline in factory-gate prices.
- In Q1 of 2026-27, manufacturing nominal GVA grew 7.7% against 9.2% real GVA, yielding a -1.5% implicit deflator.
- The negative deflator arises from double deflation when input prices rise faster than output prices, notably in textiles, basic metals, and rubber and plastic products.
- MoSPI revised Q1 2025-26 GDP to ₹80.32 lakh crore under the new 2022-23 base series, later updated to ₹80.44 lakh crore and then to ₹80 lakh crore after incorporating new IIP and PPI data.
- Q1 2026-27 GDP stood at ₹88.27 lakh crore, with an implied GDP inflation rate of 2.5% against CPI inflation of 3.9% and WPI inflation above 9%.
- In mining, real GVA contracted 2.4% while nominal GVA grew 22.3% in Q1, as crude petroleum and natural gas prices rose sharply on the PPI measure.
- MoSPI stated that the statistical discrepancy between production-side and expenditure-side GDP estimates is a balancing item and not evidence of under- or over-statement.
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The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will use the output Producer Price Index (PPI) for deflation in annual and quarterly GDP data. The updated estimates may be released along with the GDP…
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the National Accounts Statistics 2026 on 31 August 2026. The publication contains 60 statements based on updated Final Estimates for FY 2022–23 and FY…
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) signed an MoU with Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology to develop a Predictive and Analytical Framework for Monthly Consumption Expenditures in…
EY projects India's real GDP growth at 7-7.2% for FY27, with nominal GDP growth pegged at 12.5-13%. India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) expanded 7.3% in June 2026, its fastest pace in 23 months.
NABARD & IMD Sign MoU to Boost Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Rural Finance via DiCRA
Key Updates:
- The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) signed an MoU to integrate IMD's data products into the Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture (DiCRA) platform.
- The MoU aims to make climate data freely accessible to farmers, financial institutions, policymakers, and researchers across India.
- Under the MoU, IMD will provide district and block-level weather forecasts, agromet advisories, in-situ observations, and weather alerts through DiCRA.
- The data will be integrated into a dedicated Weather Portal within DiCRA's existing suite of thematic portals, which includes geospatial data on soil moisture, vegetation health, crop conditions, and climate vulnerability.
- IMD's weather forecasting accuracy has improved by 40-50% over the last decade, with forecasts now reaching the panchayat level.
- The partnership aims to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture and rural finance by converting climate information into actionable intelligence.
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On August 27, 2026, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen…
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) signed an MoU with Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology (MAHAPREIT) to finance green, climate-resilient and sustainable…
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched the RSVC-AMRIT platform on August 15, 2025, in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA). The platform serves as a…
NABARD, with support from the Gates Foundation and Dalberg Advisors, announced the winners of the National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge. The challenge was launched to advance DiCRA (Data in Climate Resilient…
SEBI approves merchant banking licence for Zerodha
Key Updates:
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved Zerodha's application for a merchant banking licence.
- Zerodha plans to start merchant banking operations within the next couple of months.
- The licence will enable Zerodha to manage Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and advise companies on fundraising.
- Zerodha Corporate Advisors filed the application with SEBI on April 27, 2026.
- Zerodha has over 1.6 crore customers.
- SEBI amended merchant banking rules in December 2025, revising net worth and liquid net worth requirements.
- As of the article, 12 other applications, including from InCred Capital and Neo Wealth Management, are pending with SEBI for merchant banking licences.
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International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) granted the investment banking registration to Nexent Capital IFSC Private Limited on July 31, 2026. The registration was granted under the IFSCA (Capital Market…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted GlobalPay an expanded Authorised Dealer Category II (AD II) licence under FEMA 2026. The licence enables GlobalPay to offer a broader suite of regulated foreign exchange and…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted a Certificate of Registration as a Type II NBFC-ND to Delhivery Financial Services Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Delhivery Ltd, on July 13, 2026. Delhivery reported…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted EbixCash World Money Ltd a perpetual Authorised Dealer Category-II (AD-II) licence with permission to handle trade remittances and family maintenance remittances. EbixCash became…
Argentina Escalates Falklands Dispute With UK
Key Updates:
- Argentine President Javier Milei escalated his country's long-running dispute with Britain over the Falkland Islands on Thursday.
- Milei praised U.S. President Donald Trump for saying Washington could reconsider its historically neutral stance on the islands' sovereignty.
- Argentina announced measures to halt the Sea Lion offshore oil project, located aboutقيقة 220 kilometers variablesMarg artificiel...
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Germany defeated Spain 1-0 in the men's final to win their fourth FIH Men's World Cup title, equalling Pakistan's record. Argentina beat the Netherlands 2-1 to claim third place in the men's tournament.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has secured a 10-year marine services contract for Argentina's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project. The deal involves an estimated investment commitment of $70…
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football seven weeks after Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup final in the US. Messi's last international match was the World Cup final against Spain.
Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a joint venture of National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO) and Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL) under the Ministry of Mines, has secured five critical mineral blocks in Argentina. Nearly…
India to Host 16th Aero India from February 8-12, 2027 in Bengaluru
Key Updates:
- The 16th edition of Aero India will be held from February 8 to 12, 2027 at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru.
- The defence ministry announced the event, which aims to showcase India's growing aerospace and defence capabilities.
- Online registration and exhibition space booking for Aero India 2027 will commence on September 3, 2026, through the official portal www.aeroindia.gov.in.
- The event will feature aerial displays by the Indian Air Force and international flying teams, along with business and strategic engagements.
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The 16th edition of Aero India, Asia's largest airshow, will be held from February 8 to 12, 2027, at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will serve as the nodal agency for…
On 19 August 2026, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu flagged off the scaled-up phase of transshipment cargo reform at Delhi's IGI Airport. The Proof of Concept on the Chennai–Delhi–Frankfurt route reduced…
The CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) has completed the design phase of the 19-seater Saras MkII light transport aircraft. CSIR-NAL is based in Bengaluru and serves as India's premier research and…
India has emerged as the world's 3rd-largest domestic aviation market. The metro rail network in India has expanded from 248 kilometres to over 1,095 kilometres and now reaches 26 cities.
PM Modi Receives Uzbekistan's Highest Honour 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' on August 30, 2026
Key Updates:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Uzbekistan's highest honour, the 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on August 30, 2026.
- The award ceremony took place at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent.
- Modi dedicated the honour to the long-standing friendship and shared heritage of India and Uzbekistan.
- India and Uzbekistan elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Modi's visit.
- Modi is scheduled to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan on August 31 and September 1, 2026.
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India and Uzbekistan upgraded their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during PM Modi's visit to Tashkent. The two countries set an annual bilateral trade target of $5 billion by 2030.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia. The Bintang Adipurna is the highest civilian honour of Indonesia.
India's Defence Minister outlines roadmap for 16 DPSUs
Key Updates:
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh outlined a roadmap for 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) focusing on quality, R&D, timely delivery, and exports.
- He emphasised that DPSUs' progress is a national security imperative and urged them to achieve global standards.
- He highlighted that India achieved defence production worth ₹1.8 lakh crore in 2025-26, with DPSUs contributing ₹1.29 lakh crore.
- CMDs of seven DPSUs presented dividend cheques totalling ₹3,951 crore for FY25-26.
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The Defence Ministry has notified the sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) comprising 405 defence items to be sourced only from Indian suppliers. Of the 405 items, 389 belong to Defence Public Sector Undertakings…
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that India's annual defence production reached an all-time high of Rs 1.78-lakh crore in the 2025-26 financial year. This output represents a 15.6% growth over the previous fiscal…
The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare unveiled the 'Viksit Krishi and Samruddh Kisan' roadmap at the 98th ICAR Foundation Day on July 17, 2026. The roadmap targets developing 100 Climate Smart Villages…
General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on June 30. General Seth introduced the 'VIJAY' vision to define key priorities for the future transformation of the Indian Army.
Rajnath Singh Unveils RAKSHA Defence Diplomacy Document on September 3, 2026
Key Updates:
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released 'Raksha', a 10-year blueprint for India's defence diplomacy, in New Delhi on September 3, 2026.
- The blueprint's key pillars include strategic partnerships, capacity building, indigenous exports, and maritime security.
- Under strategic partnerships, India aims to deepen bilateral and multilateral security cooperation.
- Under capacity building, the plan focuses on enhancing joint military exercises, training programmes, and sharing best practices with friendly nations.
- The indigenous exports pillar seeks to promote Make-in-India defence platforms and establish India as a reliable global defence manufacturing hub.
- The maritime security pillar aims to strengthen India's role as a net-security provider and first responder in the Indian Ocean Region.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the NCC's All India Girls High Altitude Long Trek 'Aparajita - Parang La 2026' on August 18, 2026, at Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi. The expedition comprises 28 NCC girl cadets led…
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honoured the tri-services all-women crew of the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni on July 30, 2026. The crew completed the Samudra Pradakshina Expedition, India's first-ever…
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the T-Series Tanks Overhaul Project at Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur, on August 27, 2026. The Rs 472 crore…
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026) on 30 June 2026 in New Delhi. The framework decentralises financial powers within the Defence Research and Development…
Indian Air Force successfully tests indigenous Khagantak-243 glide bomb capable of hitting targets up to 180 km
Key Updates:
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the drop of the indigenously designed and developed Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), Khagantak-243)..
- The Khagantak-243 was developed by Nagpur-based start-up JSR Dynamics Pvt Ltd in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) under the Development-cum-Production Partner model.
- The bomb carries a 125 kg Mk-81 general-purpose blast fragmentation warhead inside a cylindrical body and features swivel-type mid-body glide wings and five aft control surfaces.
- Khagantak-243 has a glide ratio of more than 12 and can cover a range of 144 km to 180 km when released from an altitude of 12 km at Mach 0.8.
- The IAF first tested Khagantak-243 from the Su-30MKI at Pokhran, and the weapon is planned for integration with the MiG-29K and Mirage-2000.
- The IAF has already placed a limited series contract with BEL for Khagantak-243.
- The Khagantak family also includes heavier variants Khagantak-306 and Khagantak-225, which offer longer ranges.
- More than 1,000 Khagantak units are projected to enter IAF service by ̈2026, potentially reducing India's import dependency from more than 70% to under 20%.
- The development follows the DRDO's own 1,000-kg Gaurav Long Range Glide Bomb trials in April ̈2025.
- Imported Spice and Hammer glide bombs were used in Operation Sindoor, highlighting the role of such weapons in strike missions.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is supported by 930 Indian firms in its maintenance operations. IAF has indigenised 97% of frequently required operational spares and 93% of mandatory overhaul spares, developing around 62,300…
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested its Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) at 22,000 feet in Nyoma, Ladakh. The MCPS was deployed at 20,000 feet, and the jumpers landed…
Around 40 Su-30MKI fighters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) have been integrated with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The IAF operates a total fleet of 270 Sukhoi-MKI aircraft, with the Su-30MKI possessing an unfuelled…
The Indian Air Force (IAF) received the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) for the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over…
India and Belgium Sign MoUs on Energy and Defence
Key Updates:
- India and Belgium signed multiple MoUs covering renewable energy, defence, trade, investment, maritime affairs, critical minerals, semiconductors, and research on September 3, 2026.
- The agreements were exchanged at Hyderabad House in New Delhi in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
- India and Belgium agreed to enhance cooperation in startups, maritime capacity building, university and research sectors, and will soon sign a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.
- A dedicated MoU on renewable energy was signed to boost sustainability cooperation between the two nations.
- Both countries decided to enhance cooperation in the processing and recycling of critical minerals.
- Defence cooperation will include increased military exchanges, training cooperation, co-development and co-production of defence equipment, and strengthened intelligence sharing.
- India and Belgium are collaborating on the Zorawar tank and a green ammonia project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
- Belgium's IMEC Institute will be integrated with India's semiconductor ecosystem.
- An Investment Fast-Track Mechanism for Belgian companies in India was established, and the India-Belgium Business Forum will be a regular mechanism.
- The two sides aim to double bilateral trade over the next five years following the India-EU Free Trade Agreement concluded earlier in 2026.
- This was Belgian PM Bart De Wever's first visit to India, the first by a Belgian Prime Minister in two decades.
- Separately, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a Defence Ministers' Meeting with Belgian Minister of Defence Theo Francken to expand defence industry engagement.
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President Droupadi Murmu made a historic visit to Romania, the first by an Indian President in three decades, and signed three MoUs in science & technology, sports, and culture. India and Romania set a target to double…
India and Armenia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 17, 2026, in Yerevan to enhance cooperation in defence research, development, innovation and shared production. The MoU was signed during a meeting…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the 'Bintang Adipurna', the highest civilian honour of Indonesia. India and Indonesia signed agreements for the supply of BrahMos missiles and Air-to-Air Missile ASTRA systems…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi. The two nations signed a pact on co-development in the defence sector, with the first project…
Ecuador Declares National Red Alert over El Nino
Key Updates:
- Ecuador declared a national red alert over the El Nino phenomenon on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
- Officials said the current El Nino could be the strongest on record.
- El Nino causes rising surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, altering wind patterns and precipitation.
- The phenomenon is currently driving severe droughts in Central America and wildfires in Indonesia.
- Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, and Peru have also declared emergencies related to El Nino.
- Ecuador's Ministry of Risk Management is coordinating preventive evacuations and emergency committees.
- Ecuador anticipates droughts and wildfires in its Amazon region as the crisis intensifies.
- Scientists predict the current El Nino will reach its peak by the end of the year and cause record global heat in 2027.
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A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in Chocó province. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake at a depth of 107…
Spain declared a national emergency over wildfires for the first time, allowing the government to coordinate the response. More than 10,000 people were evacuated from towns in the mountains west of Madrid due to three…
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's Flores region at 5.58 am local time, killing at least 38 people. The epicentre was located 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province at a depth…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan expressed grief and offered India's assistance to Venezuela following a series of powerful earthquakes. The United States Geological Survey (USGS)…
New Zealand Kākāpō Population Reaches 325 Birds
Key Updates:
- The kākāpō population has reached 325 birds, up from 51 when the recovery programme began in 1995.
- The 2026 breeding season produced a record 90 chicks, which were added to the official count on 1 September.
- The kākāpō is the world's heaviest parrot and is flightless, making it vulnerable to introduced predators such as cats, rats, and stoats.
- The species breeds only when rimu trees produce large quantities of fruit, typically every two to four years.
- Conservationists use a rapid DNA test to determine the sex of newly hatched kākāpō within about an hour.
- The population is concentrated on predator-free offshore islands including Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, Pukenui/Anchor Island, and Te Kāhaku/Chalky Island.
- The population increase marks the first time the species has crossed 300 birds in around 75 years.
- The recovery programme is now experimenting with reducing intensive management to help the birds become more self-sustaining.
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The conservation breeding programme for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has hatched 26 chicks in its fourth year, comprising 18 through artificial insemination, 4 through natural breeding, and 4 from wild-collected eggs.…
The Asiatic lion population in India increased from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025, as announced by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on World Lion Day. Project Lion, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on…
Rajasthan's tiger population across five tiger reserves increased to 149 in 2026 from 135 in the previous year. The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve houses 72 of the 149 tigers in the state.
Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, also known as Surha Tal, located in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has been designated as India's 100th Ramsar site. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 June…
LiDAR Survey to Map Hidden Monuments at Lakkundi
Key Updates:
- The Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage (DAMH) will collaborate with the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) to conduct a LiDAR survey at Lakkundi.
- The survey will employ Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), GIS mapping, remote sensing, ground penetrating radar (GPR), drone documentation, and photogrammetry.
- The MoU for the survey was signed on August 27, 2026, and the outcome is expected within six months.
- The survey aims to locate monuments concealed by vegetation overgrowth and time in Lakkundi, a prominent urban centre between the 10th and 12th centuries CE.
- The initiative was first discussed with former ISRO chairman Kiran Kumar, and the project will help narrow excavation locations.
- Similar technology-based studies are proposed for the ancient sites of Nagavi and Rajghatta.
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The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared Gollala Gudi in Palampet, Mulugu district, Telangana, a site of national importance. This brings the total number of ASI-protected sites to 10.
Mizoram has declared 79 monuments and archaeological sites as State Protected Monuments. The 79 sites were declared protected under the Mizoram Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2001.
The Centre delisted 18 monuments from the protected list since 2021 under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, citing they had ceased to be of national importance. The Archaeological…
The National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) has developed India's first soil texture map. The map provides detailed information on soil characteristics across every hectare of the country.
Apple Maps renames Lake Ontario to Lake America after Trump order
Key Updates:
- Apple Maps has started renaming Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' following an order from U.S. President Donald Trump.
- The name change applies to Apple Maps users in the United States, while Canadian users continue to see 'Lake Ontario'.
- Apple Maps users in other countries will see both 'Lake Ontario' and 'Lake America' labels.
- Google Maps had already changed the lake's name to 'Lake America' several days earlier, citing U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) policy.
- U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Trump reached out to Apple directly to facilitate the change.
- MapQuest refused to adopt the new name, which led to a surge in downloads for the service.
- Apple previously renamed the Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' under a similar order last year.
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US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 27, 2026, renaming Lake Ontario to 'Lake America'. The order directs the Interior Secretary to update the Geographic Names Information System to reflect the…
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/79/142 on December 12, 2024, designating August 27 as World Lake Day. World Lake Day commemorates the opening of the first World Lake Conference in Shiga…
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on 7 August 2026 the formal assignment of standard names to 27 places and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh. The exercise was carried out in consultation with the…
Glaw Lake, located inside the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, has been designated as the state's first Ramsar site and India's 101st. The designation was announced by Union Environment…
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Warns 2026 El Niño Is 'Supersized' as Impacts Worsen
Key Updates:
- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicted a 'nearly 100% likelihood' that the current El Niño will persist through February.
- The WMO stated that its update is the first unequivocal El Niño/La Niña forecast in the organization's history.
- The 2026 El Niño is expected to be the strongest on record by a wide margin.
- El Niño is defined by warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific, disrupting global weather patterns.
- The event has already contributed to the hottest summer on record in the United States.
- Drought linked to El Niño has exacerbated the hunger crisis in Sudan and caused water rationing in Puerto Rico.
- The El Niño is expected to raise global average temperatures by 0.1–0.2 degrees Celsius, compounding human-induced warming.
- The United Nations warned that global warming is likely to cross 1.5 degrees Celsius in the coming years.
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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed the onset of El Niño, noting an 80 per cent chance of emergence between June and August and a 90 per cent probability thereafter. Tropical Pacific Ocean temperature…
Dr. Florence Rabier of France has been named the recipient of the International Meteorological Organization (IMO) Prize, the highest scientific distinction in meteorology, awarded by the World Meteorological Organization…
The Five Eyes intelligence alliance, comprising the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, warned that frontier AI models will fundamentally transform offensive and defensive cyber…
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has warned Pakistan to reverse reconstructions at two historical sites in Taxila to avoid being placed on the danger list. The specific sites…
Bhupender Yadav Inaugurates International Workshop on Tiger Landscapes
Key Updates:
- Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated the two-day International Workshop on Tiger Landscapes in New Delhi.
- The workshop is themed 'Tiger Landscapes: Conservation, Bioeconomy and Ecotourism as Pillars for Livelihood and Income Generation'.
- The workshop is jointly organized by the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
- The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in landscape conservation and sustainable development.
- The workshop brought together experts and representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Malaysia, Nepal, and Vietnam.
- The Minister emphasized that conservation with harmony and human-nature coexistence should be the foundation of ecological conservation.
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The Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) inaugurated the National Workshop on “Tiger Re-introduction: Opportunities & Challenges” in Alwar, Rajasthan, organised by the National Tiger Conservation…
India's tiger population rose from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,682 in 2022, surpassing the international target of doubling tiger numbers by that year. Project Tiger was launched in India in 1973, and the article notes that if it…
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) reported that 25 out of 58 tiger reserves in India are potential recipient sites requiring priority intervention due to low or absent tiger populations and…
India launched the Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP) on International Clouded Leopard Day, observed annually on August 4. The clouded leopard is listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life Protection Act (WPA)…
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) sign MoU on biofuels and circular economy
Key Updates:
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) signed an MoU to collaborate on biofuels, biomass utilisation, waste-to-resource solutions, and circular economy initiatives.
- The agreement covers the full biofuels value chain, including Compressed Biogas (CBG).
- Key areas of joint work include feedstock assessment, supply chain development, biomass and waste resource management, technology evaluation, and pilot projects.
- The MoU addresses the assessment and utilisation of biofuel by-products such as Fermented Organic Manure (FOM), digestate, Bio-CO2, and Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS).
- The partnership will explore potential carbon credit opportunities linked to bioenergy projects.
- BPCL operates refineries in Mumbai, Kochi, and Bina with a combined capacity of around 35.3 million tonnes per annum.
- BPCL has set a target to achieve net-zero emissions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2040.
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OIL Green Energy (OGEL), the renewables arm of Oil India, signed MoUs with four Haryana municipalities for integrated waste-to-energy projects. The projects will be located in Gurugram, Faridabad, Hisar, and Ambala with…
The partnership aims to support 50,000 Safai Mitras and waste management systems across 50 cities by 2028. The programme will focus on four areas: social inclusion, strengthening urban waste management systems, improving…
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Akasa Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 14, 2026, to promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption in India. The partnership will develop a…
The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department signed a five-year MoU with the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business (ISB-BIPP) to unlock the state's estimated ₹22,600 crore forest and pastoral economy…
Sports
India to Host Inaugural Women's Champions Trophy 2027
Key Updates:
- India will host the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy from February 14 to 28, 2027.
- The tournament will be played at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium.
- Six teams will compete: Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
- The teams will play a round-robin league, with the top two sides advancing to the final on February 28.
- Sri Lanka was stripped of hosting rights due to governance issues, and India was selected as the replacement host.
- This will be the third ICC event hosted by India in two years, following the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup and the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup.
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has moved the 2027 ICC Women’s Champions Trophy out of Sri Lanka to another country. The tournament was originally scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from February 14 to 28.
The 10th edition of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in England and Wales from 12 June to 5 July 2026. The tournament will feature 12 teams for the first time…
India defeated Bangladesh 3-1 in the final to win the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2026 title for a record sixth time. The final match of the tournament was held in Madgaon, Goa, where…
The Irani Cup match between Jammu and Kashmir and Rest of India will be held at Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar from October 1 to 5, 2026. This will be the biggest cricket match in Jammu and Kashmir since the…
India to Host World Archery Para Series 2026
Key Updates:
- India is hosting Stage 3 of the World Archery Para Series 2026 from September 5 to 9 at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.
- The World Archery Para Series 2026 is the first edition of the tournament, featuring 109 players from 19 countries.
- The series comprises four stages: Bangkok (March 30-April 4), Nové Město nad Metují (June 28-July 4), Ahmedabad (September 5-9), and Santiago (October 14-18).
- The Archery Association of India (AAI) is hosting the event with assistance from the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
- Key Indian para archers in the squad include Sheetal Devi, Harvinder Singh, Rakesh Kumar, Shyam Sunder Swami, Toman Kumar, Payal Nag, and Sarita Adhana.
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The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and the Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India (CPSFI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly bid for the 2029 World Abilitysport Games. The Games are expected to bring…
Telangana will host the eighth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2026 in November, as announced by the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, in a press release by the Sports…
India finished atop the standings at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Championships 2026 held in Suhl, Germany, with a total of 25 medals. The Indian medal tally comprised seven gold, eight…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day. India is targeting participation in at least three-fourths of Olympic events at…
National Nutrition Week 2026 observed from September 1 to 7
Key Updates:
- National Nutrition Week is observed annually from September 1 to 7 in India.
- National Nutrition Week was launched in India in 1982 by the Food and Nutrition Board.
- National Nutrition Week is distinct from Rashtriya Poshan Maah, which is a month-long September campaign.
- The week aims to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and its impact on health, productivity, and national development.
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Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy launched the Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026 (CMiH 2026). The hackathon aims to strengthen the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission by…
The Andhra Pradesh government introduced peanut millet jaggery ‘chikki’ under the Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme to improve children’s nutrition, immunity, and classroom concentration. The ‘chikki’ is composed of…
World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7. The week is organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development approved the upgradation of 2 lakh Anganwadi Centres as Saksham Anganwadis under Mission Poshan 2.0. The upgraded centres will be equipped with LED screens, water filtration…
Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb Takes Over as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance
Key Updates:
- Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb has been appointed as the Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance of the Indian Air Force (IAF), succeeding Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia who superannuated after 39 years of service.
- He was commissioned into the IAF in September 1988 in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch.
- He has extensive field experience on IL-76, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and Boeing 737-200 aircraft, and was the lead engineer for induction of the first IL-78 Flight Refueller Aircraft in 2003.
- He was among the pioneers involved in inducting and operationalising the AWACS fleet in the IAF.
- He has held key appointments including Director General (Aircraft), Director General (Systems) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Maintenance Plans) at Air Headquarters.
- He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026 and the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2015 for distinguished service.
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Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma became the first woman non-medical officer in the Indian Defence Services to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal (or equivalent) on September 1, 2026. She assumed charge as Assistant Chief…
Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann assumed command as the Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Air Command (SAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF). He succeeds Air Marshal Manish Khanna, who superannuated on June 30.
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja has been appointed as the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) with effect from August 31, 2026. He will succeed incumbent DGAFMS Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin upon her…
Air Marshal Awadesh Kumar Bharti retired from the Indian Air Force (IAF) after serving for 39 years. He was a key architect of the aerial aspect of Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the Pahalgam terror…
Abhinandan Varthaman joined Fly91 as Pilot
Key Updates:
- Abhinandan Varthaman, a former Group Captain in the Indian Air Force (IAF), joined Goa-based regional carrier Fly91 as a commercial pilot.
- He took premature retirement from the IAF on March 31 and joined Fly91 in August.
- He is undergoing type training on the ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft at Fly91.
- He was conferred the Vir Chakra for shooting down an F-16 during the 2019 India-Pakistan conflict.
- He was born on June 21, 1983 in Chennai and was educated at Sainik School and the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla.
- He was commissioned into the IAF as a Flying Officer on June 19, 2004 and was promoted to Group Captain in December 2021.
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Meine Electric will deploy its first pilot Iron-Air Battery system at NTPC Simhadri Thermal Power Station. The pilot project will be a 'multi hundred' kilowatt-hour battery storage system.
Turkey signed the Artemis Accords, becoming the 71st country to do so. The signing ceremony took place at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and NIFTEM-Thanjavur launched a pilot Short-Term Skill Training Programme (STSTP) at ITC-ICML, Trichy on 03 July 2026. The programme is for Assistant Baking Technician…
The Israeli Air Force received its second Boeing KC-46 'Gideon' aerial refueling aircraft at Nevatim Airbase. The aircraft joined the Israeli Air Force's 46 Squadron.
Hung Cao Nominated as Navy Secretary
Key Updates:
- Hung Cao is the acting Navy secretary.
- He is a retired naval officer with the rank of captain.
- He previously served as commander of the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City Beach, Florida.
- He came to the United States as a refugee from South Vietnam in 1975.
- He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House in 2022 and for the U.S. Senate in 2024 in Virginia.
- The nomination requires Senate confirmation.
- The previous Navy secretary, John Phelan, was fired in April.
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President Donald Trump nominated Jay Clayton as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Jay Clayton previously served as the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. attorney for the…
On August 28, 2026, United States President Donald Trump announced an agreement giving the United States majority control over 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven oil reserves. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said…
Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita visited Vietnam and Laos from August 26 to 29, 2026. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral partnerships under India's Act East Policy and…
Sanjay Lohiya, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, has been nominated to the central boards of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and State Bank of India (SBI). Lohiya was appointed…
Modified UDAN Scheme to Build 100 New Airports with Rs 30,000 Crore Outlay
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) plans to build 100 new airports over the next 10 years under the Modified UDAN scheme.
- The approximate outlay for building these 100 airports is Rs 30,000 crore.
- The Union Cabinet approved the Regional Connectivity Scheme - Modified UDAN for a 10-year period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 with a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore.
- The scheme aims to enhance air connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, Himalayan regions, remote areas, and islands like Lakshadweep and Andaman.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Modified Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Scheme with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore over 10 years. The scheme is approved for implementation from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 to…
India plans to add 100 vessels to its merchant fleet over the next five years. The plan aims to reduce dependence on foreign shipping lines and retain a larger share of the $75 billion annual freight bill.
The Union government has included Srikakulam district (Andhra Pradesh) in the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik (UDAN) scheme. Under UDAN, 100 new airports are to be developed between 2026 and 2036.
The Centre has earmarked ₹28,840 crore over the next 10 years for the modified Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme to expand regional aviation. The UDAN scheme envisages the development of 100 aerodromes from existing…
Government Tightens Sugar Stock Limits
Key Updates:
- The central government tightened sugar stock limits for bulk consumers using more than 10 metric tonnes of sugar per month.
- Bulk consumers are allowed to hold only 15 days' stock from September 1, 2026, until November 30, 2026.
- The new stock limit covers confectionery makers, soft drink manufacturers, food processing companies and sweet sellers.
- Bulk consumers will be identified based on their average monthly sugar consumption over the past one year.
- The government will monitor sugar sales from mills to bulk consumers, including direct sales and sales through dealers.
- Compliance will be checked using GST returns and the HSN code for sugar.
- Institutions belonging to central and state governments, Union Territory administrations and local bodies are exempt from the order.
- The measure aims to prevent sugar hoarding, improve supplies and keep prices under control during the festive season.
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The Centre imposed stockholding limits on sugar dealers, restricting them to a maximum of 4,000 quintals or 30 days of retention, effective from August 1 to November 30, 2026. Retail sugar prices reached an all-time high…
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has allowed duty-free imports of up to 10 lakh metric tonnes (1 million tonnes) of raw sugar until October 31, 2026. The imports are permitted under a tariff rate quota…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expanded the Fully Accessible Route (FAR) to include all new issuances of 15-year, 30-year, and 40-year government securities (G-Secs). The RBI removed restrictions for foreign portfolio…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) retained the ₹1 lakh crore threshold for classifying upper layer Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). The threshold will now be reviewed every three years, instead of the earlier…
