Government of India allows 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in insurance companies via automatic route
Key Updates:
The Government of India has allowed 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in insurance companies through the automatic route.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in Press Note 1 (2026 Series), clarified that foreign investment is permitted automatically subject to regulatory clearance by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
Foreign investment in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) remains capped at 20% under the automatic route, keeping it under a separate framework.
Insurance companies with foreign investment must appoint at least one resident Indian citizen as chairperson, managing director, or chief executive officer to ensure domestic control.
The 100% FDI limit also extends to insurance intermediaries such as brokers, reinsurance brokers, corporate agents, third-party administrators, surveyors, loss assessors, managing general agents, and insurance repositories, subject to IRDAI norms.
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Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) eases FDI rules for firms with up to 10% Chinese shareholding. (Mid of March)▼
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notified that overseas companies with Chinese shareholding up to 10% can invest in India through the automatic route, subject to sectoral limits and conditions.
The relaxation does not apply to entities incorporated in China, Hong Kong or other countries sharing land borders with India.
Earlier, foreign firms with any shareholding link to such nations required mandatory government approval for investments across sectors.
The term 'beneficial owner' will carry the same meaning as defined under Section 2(1)(fa) of the Prevention of Money-laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Under PMLA rules, controlling ownership interest refers to entitlement to more than 10% of shares, capital or profits in a company.
Investments from entities having any direct or indirect ownership link with citizens or firms from land-bordering nations will have to follow additional reporting requirements under the standard operating procedure prescribed by DPIIT.
The decision to ease the norms was cleared by the Union Cabinet last week.
The government had earlier tightened the FDI policy through Press Note 3 (2020) on April 17, 2020, to prevent opportunistic takeovers of Indian companies during the Covid-19 pandemic.
DPIIT indicated that proposals for FDI from these countries in specified sectors will be considered under an expedited approval mechanism with a 60-day timeline.
Countries sharing land borders with India include China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Afghanistan.
China currently ranks 23rd in FDI equity inflows into India, accounting for 0.32% share, or USD 2.51 billion, between April 2000 and December 2025.
Union Cabinet approves 60-day timeline for FDI approvals from Land Bordering Countries in critical manufacturing sectors. (Mid of March)▼
Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi amended FDI guidelines for countries sharing land border with India (LBCs).
Beneficial Ownership (BO) definition now aligns with Prevention of Money Laundering Rules 2005 and applies at investor entity level.
Non-controlling LBC Beneficial Ownership up to 10 percent allowed under automatic route subject to DPIIT reporting.
LBC investment proposals in capital goods, electronic components, polysilicon and ingot-wafer manufacturing to be decided within 60 days.
Cabinet Secretary’s Committee may revise the list of specified manufacturing sectors eligible for expedited clearance.
Majority shareholding and control of investee entity must remain with resident Indian citizen(s) and/or resident Indian entity(ies) owned and controlled by resident Indian citizen(s) at all times.
Changes stem from Press Note 3 (PN3) dated 17 April 2020 that mandated government route for LBC investments to curb opportunistic takeovers during COVID-19 pandemic.
Ministry of Finance reports FDI equity inflow in banking sector fell to $115 million in FY25 (Mid of February)▼
Foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflow in the banking sector dropped from $898 million in FY23 to $115 million in FY25.
Total FDI inflow comprises equity inflow, equity capital of unincorporated bodies, re-invested earnings, and other capital.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Master Directions require its prior approval for any share acquisition giving a person 5% or more of a bank’s paid-up capital.
Foreign holding in State Bank of India (SBI) stood at 11.07% at end-March 2025, the highest among public sector banks.
Canara Bank recorded 10.55% foreign holding, Bank of Baroda 9.43%, Union Bank of India 7.48%, and Punjab National Bank 5.85% at end-FY25.
Under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), over 56.31 crore loan accounts amounting to ₹37.31 lakh crore have been disbursed as on 2 January 2026.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has disgorged ₹665.26 crore through enforcement orders against unregistered investment advisers since 2024.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy: Union Cabinet eases norms for bordering countries (Mid of March)▼
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the easing of FDI norms for all countries sharing land borders with India.
The decision involves the amendment of Press Note 3 of 2020, which previously mandated prior government approval for investments from bordering nations in any sector.
The target countries sharing land borders with India include China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Afghanistan.
China currently ranks 23rd in India's FDI equity inflow with a 0.32 per cent share, totalling 2.51 billion United States Dollar (USD) from April 2000 to December 2025.
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, India's exports to China were 14.25 billion USD and imports were 113.45 billion USD, resulting in a trade deficit of 99.2 billion USD.
During the April-January 2025-26 period, India's exports to China rose to 15.88 billion USD, while imports reached 108.18 billion USD.
Following military tensions in June 2020, India banned over 200 Chinese mobile apps, including TikTok, WeChat, and Alibaba's UC browser.
Global Financial Regulators Assess Risks of Anthropic Mythos AI to Banking Systems
Key Updates:
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) are monitoring Anthropic’s Mythos AI model for its potential to destabilise banking systems.
South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) convened with banks and insurance companies to review vulnerabilities associated with the AI tool.
The National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) in the Netherlands reported that Mythos can construct chain attacks by combining small, seemingly harmless software bugs into serious exploits.
The Canadian Financial Sector Resiliency Group (CFRG) and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) met with executives from Canada’s six largest banks to discuss AI-related cybersecurity risks.
Anthropic has restricted Mythos from public release to prevent the tool from being weaponised to detect and exploit software vulnerabilities within the global financial sector.
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Government forms panel under State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman to assess AI platform Mythos risks (End of April)▼
The Government of India has formed a panel led by State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman C S Setty to assess risks from the AI platform Mythos and devise mitigation strategies.
C S Setty also leads the Indian Banks' Association (IBA).
Mythos is an AI model developed by Anthropic that possesses advanced coding capabilities to detect and exploit cybersecurity weaknesses in operating systems.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is consulting with various governments and technology companies to understand the issue.
The panel will facilitate interaction among banks to identify threats and determine necessary additional investments to counter AI-driven challenges.
Regulators across Asia, Europe, and the US have warned banks to review their defences against the potential for Mythos to disrupt banking systems.
World Economic Forum (WEF) projects global GDP to rise by $56 trillion in five years (Mid of April)▼
The World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates global GDP will increase by about USD 56 trillion over the next five years.
The projected growth is attributed to advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other emerging technologies.
The report identifies information technology services, advanced manufacturing, energy and other technology‑driven industries as the largest growth opportunities.
Agriculture, education, healthcare, tourism and transport services are also expected to benefit from increased innovation and modernisation.
Information technology services, advanced manufacturing, health and healthcare, and accommodation and leisure are highlighted as key drivers of global economic growth.
Real estate, electronics, insurance and pensions, and chemicals and materials are noted as sectors less likely to drive major growth.
Emerging markets face new challenges from geo‑economic fragmentation and the expansion of AI and robotics reshaping traditional development models.
The WEF warns of risks including rising debt levels, societal polarisation and the impact of climate change.
Advancements in frontier technologies and accelerated green and energy transitions are expected to support the economic expansion.
Mission Jagrook: SEBI's nationwide investor awareness initiative (End of April)▼
The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs launched 'Mission Jagrook', a nationwide investor awareness initiative by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
SEBI implemented the Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework in April 2025.
SEBI introduced "SEBI Check", a tool that allows investors to verify the payment details of registered intermediaries before transferring money.
The SEBI Data Analytics and Digital Forensics Laboratory utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models to detect network-based frauds and complex market manipulation patterns.
SEBI, in collaboration with the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and market institutions, conducted 'Niveshak Shivir' programmes to reduce unclaimed financial assets.
India has over 5,900 listed companies and more than 140 million unique investors.
The primary market in India facilitates capital formation of nearly ₹10 trillion annually.
AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) formed for national AI strategy (Mid of April)▼
The Centre announced the formation of the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) to lead the national AI governance strategy.
AIGEG is a high-level inter-ministerial body designed to coordinate the development of AI policy across central ministries and institutions.
The body is chaired by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, with Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics & IT and Commerce & Industry, serving as Vice Chairperson.
Members of AIGEG include the Principal Scientific Advisor, the Chief Economic Advisor, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog.
The body includes secretaries from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Department of Telecommunications, Department of Economic Affairs, Department of Science and Technology, and a representative of the National Security Council Secretariat.
The Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC) will support AIGEG by providing expert advisory on global developments, emerging technologies, risks, and regulation.
The mandate of AIGEG includes reviewing existing AI mechanisms, studying regulatory gaps, issuing compliance guidelines for firms, and developing a roadmap for AI deployment over the next decade.
The AI Safety Institute is designated as the main body responsible for guiding the safe and trusted development and use of AI in India.
AI governance guidelines released by MeitY in November last year suggested amending the Information Technology (IT) Act to classify AI systems, create an India-specific risk assessment framework, and establish a national database for AI-related security incidents.
Government of India (GoI) Resumes Wheat Exports with 5 Million Tonnes Allocation
Key Updates:
The Government of India (GoI) has authorised the resumption of wheat exports after a four-year hiatus, lifting the ban originally imposed in 2022.
India, the world's second-largest wheat producer after China, has permitted traders to export a total of 5 million tonnes of wheat in two tranches of 2.5 million tonnes each.
ITC Limited (ITC) has commenced loading 22,000 metric tons of wheat at the Kandla port for shipment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The export deal for the shipment to the UAE was finalised at a price of approximately $275 per ton on a free on board basis.
Indian wheat is currently at least $20 per ton more expensive than supplies from Australia or the Black Sea region, which are priced between $290 and $300 per ton.
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ICAR Special Task Force to safeguard India's agricultural resilience amid global geopolitical uncertainties (Start of April)▼
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has constituted a high-level Special Task Force to counter emerging global challenges and safeguard India's agricultural sector.
The Task Force chaired by M L Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR, outlined a comprehensive framework for national food and input security.
It will intensify the 'Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav' campaign, prioritising 100 aspirational districts to deliver complete packages of agricultural practices and build grassroots confidence.
Dedicated officers across divisions will track weekly progress and align actions under a unified plan.
A campaign for balanced fertiliser and bio-input use will be launched, with district-level assessments to rationalise consumption in wheat and rice.
Technological solutions like Direct Seeding of Rice will be scaled up under strengthened agrometeorology programmes with real-time advisories.
The Task Force will meet as situational exigencies demand and provide data-driven inputs to the government through institutional feedback mechanisms.
All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA) Reports 2.01 Lakh Tonnes Sugar Exports till February 2026 (Mid of February)▼
India exported 2,01,547 tonnes of sugar through February in the 2025-26 marketing year.
The central government approved a total export quota of 2 million tonnes for the 2025-26 marketing year, including a recent addition of 500,000 tonnes.
White sugar accounted for 163,000 tonnes of total shipments, while refined sugar made up 37,638 tonnes.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the top destination with 47,006 tonnes, followed by Afghanistan with 46,163 tonnes, Djibouti with 30,147 tonnes, and Bhutan with 20,017 tonnes.
India's sugar production is estimated to rise by 13 per cent to 29.6 million tonnes in the 2025-26 marketing year, excluding diversion for ethanol.
The All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA) noted that the additional 500,000-tonne export allocation is on a pro-rata basis and cannot be swapped between mills.
India and United States reach framework for first-phase bilateral trade agreement (Start of February)▼
India and the United States announced a framework for the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement on Saturday.
The framework will be converted into a legal agreement expected to be signed by mid-March.
India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of American food and agricultural products including dried distillers' grains, red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits.
India will grant duty concessions on US goods such as walnuts, almonds, pistachios, some lentils, high-end cars and motorcycles.
India agreed to address long-standing barriers to trade in US medical devices and eliminate restrictive import licensing procedures for US Information and Communication Technology (ICT) goods.
Minimum import prices have been fixed on certain products like apples to protect interests of MSMEs and farmers.
India will eliminate import duties on certain US goods on the day the agreement comes into force, while duties on other items may be phased out over time.
India will extend duty benefits on certain American medicines for neuro, heart and diabetes, cosmetics, medical devices, X-ray valves, diagnostic reagents, pacemakers, imaging apparatus, hearing aid, and artificial joints.
India will allow American aircraft, semiconductor chips, and high quality machinery into its market.
India's exports to the US including spices, tea, coffee, copra, coconut oil, areca nut, cashew, Brazil nut, chestnut, avocado, banana, guava, mango, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, shiitake mushroom, vegetable planting material and saplings, roots and tubers such as taro, barley, canary seeds, bakery goods, cocoa and cocoa products, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and fruit jams and pastes will attract zero reciprocal tariffs in the American market.
India-US trade deal locks 18% tariff on $900 billion US global imports, zero duty on $150 billion (Mid of February)▼
India secured 18% tariff on nearly $900 billion worth of US global imports and zero-duty access on $150 billion.
Indian exports to the US stood at $86.35 billion in 2024.
Tariffs on $30.94 billion of Indian goods slashed from up to 50% to 18%.
$10.03 billion of Indian exports now enjoy zero-duty access to the US.
Silk products secured zero-duty access to a $113-billion US market.
Textiles and apparel tariffs reduced from peaks of 50% to 18%.
Machinery and engineering exports tariffs cut to 18% in a $477-billion market.
India’s current machinery exports to the US are $2.35 billion.
$1.36 billion worth of Indian farm exports enter the US with zero additional duties.
Products valued at $1.035 billion assured zero reciprocal tariffs including spices, tea, coffee, fruits, nuts, and processed foods.
Dairy, meat, poultry, cereals, millets, and oilseeds remain fully protected under exemption.
Gems and jewellery tariffs reduced from 50% to 18% for a $61-billion market.
Diamonds and platinum secured 0% duty access covering a $29-billion segment.
Home décor tariffs dropped to 18% for a $52-billion market; 0% duty for $13-billion segment including chandeliers and seats.
Toy sector tariffs cut from 50% to 18% for an $18-billion market.
Leather and footwear industry gains 18% tariff cap in a $42-billion market.
India is the 5th largest exporter of digitally delivered services with exports of $0.28 trillion in 2024, up 10.3% year-on-year.
Zero additional duty access secured for industrial exports valued at $38 billion covering aircraft parts, generic drugs, and elementary auto parts.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) to invest $70 Billion in Asia-Pacific infrastructure by 2035
Key Updates:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will support $70 billion in new energy and digital infrastructure projects across the Asia-Pacific region by 2035.
Under the Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative, ADB aims to mobilise $50 billion for cross-border power infrastructure, including 22,000 circuit-kilometers of transmission lines.
The power initiative targets the integration of 20 gigawatts of renewable energy and aims to reduce regional power sector emissions by 15% by 2035.
The Asia-Pacific Digital Highway will mobilise $20 billion to finance digital corridors, subsea fibre networks, and satellite links to provide broadband access to 200 million people.
ADB President Masato Kanda advised countries like India to strengthen domestic economies and build reserves to ensure resilience against global order stress tests.
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Modified UDAN scheme cleared with ₹28,840 crore outlay to expand regional air connectivity (End of March)▼
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore.
The scheme will fund development of 100 new airports through a challenge-based mode with budgetary support of ₹12,159 crore.
200 modern helipads will be developed in hilly regions, the North-East, island territories and aspirational districts with funding of ₹3,661 crore.
₹400 crore is allocated to support acquisition of domestically manufactured aircraft.
Enhanced viability gap funding (VGF) will provide 80–90 per cent Central support to airlines on regional routes, tapering over five years, with an allocation of ₹10,043 crore.
Operational and maintenance (O&M) support for three years is approved for RCS aerodromes with an annual ceiling of ₹3 crore per airport and ₹90 lakh per helipad, totalling ₹2,577 crore.
The revised scheme targets connecting 120 new destinations and enabling air travel for around 4 crore additional passengers.
Since its launch, UDAN has operationalised 663 routes and 95 aerodromes with 10 airline operators, carrying about 1.62 crore passengers on over 3.41 lakh flights.
du and Datawave Networks invest in Singapore-India-Gulf subsea cable system (Mid of February)▼
UAE-based telecom operator du has partnered with Cyprus-based Datawave Networks to invest in the Singapore-India-Gulf (SING) subsea cable system.
The SING cable will connect six strategic landing points: Kalba (UAE), Muscat (Oman), Mumbai and Chennai (India), Kedah (Malaysia), and Singapore.
The system will feature 16 fibre pairs and support tens of terabits per second of data capacity.
Industry estimates suggest the cable could go live by 2030.
United States Department of State launches $200 million Edge AI Package for Indo-Pacific (End of February)▼
The United States Department of State (US State Department) announced the Edge AI Package on 19 February 2026.
The programme offers up to $200 million in competitive funding to support secure and affordable smartphones across the Indo-Pacific region.
It is framed within the broader Pax Silica strategy launched in December 2025 to secure global AI and semiconductor supply chains.
Pax Silica reportedly includes the United States, Japan and South Korea, with India set to join on 20 February 2026.
Proposals are invited from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for distributing low-cost, AI-ready smartphones in designated Indo-Pacific countries.
Interested parties must email EdgeAI@state.gov to request technical requirements and the submission window remains open for 90 days.
Savills ranks Bengaluru as world's fastest-growing major city through 2035
Key Updates:
Global real estate advisory firm Savills identified Bengaluru as the world’s fastest-growing major city through 2035 in its Growth Hubs Index.
The index evaluated 245 cities globally based on indicators including projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to 2035, personal wealth expansion, and inward migration.
India emerged as a standout performer with multiple cities featuring in the top 20, reflecting broad-based urban growth momentum across the country.
Bengaluru's top position is attributed to its strong talent pool and its growing appeal as a destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
The Asia-Pacific region dominates the rankings, accounting for 85% of the top 20 and approximately 75% of the top 50 fastest-growing cities globally.
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Reliance MET City’s Metropolis earns India’s first LEED Platinum pre-certification under LEED for Cities: Plan and Design. (End of March)▼
Metropolis by Reliance MET City, Haryana, received India’s first LEED Platinum Pre-Certification under the LEED for Cities: Plan and Design rating system, as confirmed by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The LEED for Cities and Communities: Plan and Design program evaluates large-scale developments at the planning stage across infrastructure, energy, water, mobility, ecology, and livability.
Metropolis is part of a 140-acre master plan within the 8,250-acre Reliance MET City in Jhajjar district, Haryana.
Reliance MET City hosts over 650 companies from 11 countries and supports more than 40,000 jobs.
Metropolis is located in Village Daryapur on MDR 123, 0 km from Delhi and 5 minutes from the KMP Expressway.
Nearby assets include AIIMS Badsa, the upcoming Haryana Orbital Corridor, and the proposed BCCI international cricket stadium.
Knight Frank ranks India 6th globally in ultra-high net worth individual population (End of April)▼
Knight Frank ranks India as the sixth-largest country globally by ultra-high net worth individual (UHNWI) population.
India is home to 19,877 UHNWIs with net worth exceeding $30 million in 2026, accounting for 2.8% of the global UHNWI population.
The UHNWI population in India is projected to grow by 27% to 25,217 by 2031.
In 2026, the share of UHNWIs in India's top five cities is Mumbai (35.4%), Delhi (22.8%), Bengaluru (10.6%), Hyderabad (6.3%), and Chennai (4.8%).
India ranks third globally in billionaire population with 207 billionaires in 2026, following the United States of America (USA) with 914 and Mainland China with 485.
India's billionaire population is expected to increase by 51% to 313 by 2031, raising its global share from 6.7% to 8%.
The global UHNWI population rose to 713,626 in 2026, compared to 551,435 in 2021.
QS Best Student Cities 2026 report (Start of February)▼
Delhi has emerged as the world's most affordable city for international students, ranking first globally in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Best Student Cities 2026 report.
The report titled India's 155 Million Student Mandate was released by Knight Frank, Deloitte India, and QS.
Mumbai is ranked 11th and Bengaluru is ranked 15th globally in the affordability parameter for students.
The rankings assessed 150 cities across six categories including affordability, employer activity, university ranking, city desirability, student voice, and student mix.
India is home to the world's largest 18-23 age cohort, comprising nearly 155 million young adults.
The report notes that India is transitioning from a traditional outbound student market to a core geography for offshore university campuses.
SBI Research projects India GDP growth between 6.8% and 7.1% for FY27 (End of April)▼
SBI Research projects India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth between 6.8% and 7.1% for FY27.
India's growth for FY26 is estimated at 7.6%.
For FY27, inflation is projected to average 4.5% and the fiscal deficit is estimated between 4.5% and 4.6%.
The report identifies the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) GIFT City as a stable global financial destination.
Indian airports may emerge as alternative transit hubs due to airspace risks over parts of the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to maintain its current monetary policy status quo.
Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system launched for barrier-less collection on NH-48
Key Updates:
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari launched India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system on 1 May 2026.
The system is implemented at the Chorayasi toll plaza on the Surat–Bharuch stretch of National Highway 48 (NH-48) in Gujarat.
The MLFF technology utilises Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and FASTag-based radio frequency identification to collect tolls without requiring vehicles to stop.
High-performance sensors read FASTag data and vehicle registration numbers to allow uninterrupted traffic flow and reduce travel time at toll points.
The initiative aims to modernise national highway infrastructure, improve fuel efficiency, and lower vehicle emissions by removing physical barriers at toll plazas.
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Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system: reduces travel time and decongests highways (Start of May)▼
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) operationalised India's first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system at the Choryasi toll plaza on the Surat–Bharuch section of NH-48 in Gujarat on May 1, 2026.
The MLFF system uses high-performance Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to read FASTag and Vehicle Registration Number, removing the need for boom barriers and vehicles to stop for toll collection.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued new National Highway Fee rules for unpaid user fees: commuters must pay double the applicable toll amount, but if paid within 72 hours, only the original fee applies; an e-notice with vehicle details is issued, and a grievance redressal mechanism allows challenging the e-notice within 72 hours.
Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) has awarded MLFF contracts for toll plazas at Gharaunda (Haryana), Boariach (Gujarat), Daulatpura, Manoharpura, Shahjahanpur (Rajasthan), Mundaka (Delhi), Nemili, Chenasamudram, Paranur (Tamil Nadu), Kasepalli, Amakathadu, Marur (Andhra Pradesh), Chalakwadi, Hiwargaon Pavsa (Maharashtra), and Badarpur Faridabad (Haryana); bids have been invited for an additional 108 fee plazas.
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, the MLFF is projected to be implemented across all four-lane and above national highways and expressways by March 2029.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launches India's first Melody Road in Mumbai (Mid of February)▼
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has installed India's first Melody Road on a 500-metre stretch of the Mumbai Coastal Road.
The musical track is situated between Priyadarshini Park and Amarsons Garden at the northbound exit of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) tunnels.
The technology uses rumble strips to play the song Jai Ho through vehicle wheel friction when motorists exceed a speed of 60 kmph.
The project was executed by a team of Hungarian experts, making Mumbai the fifth city in the world to adopt this technology.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the pilot initiative on 11 February 2026.
Signboards have been placed at distances of 500 metres, 100 metres, and 60 metres ahead of the stretch to alert motorists.
The technology has previously been implemented in Hungary, Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) increases FASTag Annual Pass fee to ₹3,075 (Mid of March)▼
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a revision in the FASTag Annual Pass fee for the financial year 2026–27.
The annual pass fee will increase from ₹3,000 to ₹3,075, effective from April 1, 2026.
The revision is implemented under the provisions of the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.
The pass is valid for one year or 200 toll crossings, whichever is earlier, across approximately 1,150 fee plazas on National Highways and Expressways.
The scheme is applicable to eligible non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans possessing a valid FASTag.
The FASTag Annual Pass was launched on August 15, 2025, and currently has over 56 lakh subscribers.
Vehicle owners can activate the pass through the Rajmarg Yatra mobile application or the official website of the NHAI.
FASTag Annual Pass Crosses 50 Lakh User Mark with ₹3,000 One-Time Fee (Start of February)▼
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) reported that the FASTag Annual Pass has crossed 50 lakh users with over 26.55 crore transactions recorded within six months of launch.
The initiative was launched on August 15, 2025, to provide financial relief to commuters using national highways.
The pass is applicable for all non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag and requires a one-time fee payment of ₹3,000.
The validity of the pass is for one year or 200 toll plaza crossings, applicable at approximately 1,150 fee plazas on National Highways and National Expressways.
Chandigarh leads in usage accounting for 14 per cent of total transactions, followed by Tamil Nadu at 12.3 per cent and Delhi at 11.5 per cent.
Bijwasan Fee Plaza in Delhi NCR is the leading location with 57 per cent of car crossings using the pass, followed by Mundaka in Delhi NCR and Jhinjholi in Sonipat at 53 per cent each.
The pass can be activated within two hours through the Rajmargyatra App or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) website.
National Guidelines on Fire and Life Safety in Healthcare Facilities (2026) launched to enhance hospital safety
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) launched a nationwide Fire Safety Week from May 4 to 10 to strengthen fire prevention and response systems in healthcare facilities.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava inaugurated the initiative under the theme Fire Safety in Health Facilities and released the National Guidelines on Fire and Life Safety in Healthcare Facilities (2026).
The new guidelines introduce stricter safety protocols for high-risk zones including Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Neonatal and Pediatric ICUs (NICUs/PICUs), and operation theatres.
States and institutions are required to upload fire safety audit details on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) to ensure continuous monitoring and compliance.
Over 50,000 participants have completed fire safety training courses through government platforms, with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) planning further regional preparedness programmes.
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'Safe Cities' Project: ₹10 Crore Allocation for Dhar (End of April)▼
The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has selected Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, under the 'Safe Cities' project for 2026.
The project is fully funded by the Central Government, with an allocation of ₹10 crore for the Dhar district.
The initiative will be implemented for a minimum period of five years.
Dhar is among 10 major cities identified across the country under the MWCD initiative.
Infrastructure upgrades include the installation of CCTV cameras at sensitive locations, improved street lighting, better monitoring mechanisms, and the construction of 'Pink Toilets' in public places.
The project involves developing dedicated waiting areas for women and their families in district hospitals and health centres, and strengthening women-friendly amenities at tourist spots.
The scheme includes conducting awareness campaigns and training programmes to promote community sensitivity towards women's safety and empowerment.
National Fire Service Day observed on April 14 (Mid of April)▼
National Fire Service Day is observed every year on April 14 across India.
The day commemorates the Bombay Dock Explosion that occurred on April 14, 1944, at Victoria Dock in Mumbai.
The disaster involved a British freighter, SS Fort Stikine, which was carrying ammunition, cotton bales, and gold.
A total of 66 firefighters lost their lives while battling the blaze during the 1944 explosion.
Fire Service Week is observed annually from April 14 to April 20.
The theme for this year's National Fire Service Week is "Safe School, Safe Hospital & Fire Safety Aware Society – Together for Fire Prevention".
Uttarakhand health department readies 17-bed hospital at Kedarnath for Char Dham Yatra. (Mid of March)▼
Uttarakhand health department will operationalise a 17-bed hospital at Kedarnath before the Char Dham Yatra starting on 22 April.
Director general of health and family welfare Dr Sunita Tamta stated that nearly 90% of the facility is ready and equipment has been installed.
About 400 medical graduates will be deployed along the yatra route across Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi and Chamoli districts covering Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines.
Around 229 specialist doctors from the health department, government medical colleges and private institutes will serve on a rotational, fortnightly basis during the yatra period.
Last year approximately 159 pilgrims died from health-related issues, mainly cardiac arrest and high-altitude conditions, with most casualties reported at Kedarnath followed by Yamunotri.
Health minister Dhan Singh Rawat announced deployment of 177 ambulances including road, air and water units, 25 medical relief posts and 33 health screening points along the route.
ESIC Marks 75th Year of Service with Infrastructure Expansion and NHA-NABL MoUs (End of February)▼
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) commenced its 75th Year of Service celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Established in 1952 with 1.2 lakh beneficiaries and one dispensary, ESIC now serves over 15 crore beneficiaries through 166 hospitals, 17 medical colleges, and nearly 1,600 dispensaries.
The organisation's footprint currently extends across 713 districts in 36 States and Union Territories (UTs).
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya released a commemorative coin (ESIC@75), the ESIC@75 Coffee Table Book, and launched the Swasthya Rath Initiative.
ESIC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Authority (NHA) for the convergence of the ESI Scheme with Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
An MoU was signed between ESIC and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) to improve diagnostic standards and laboratory accreditation.
Under the new Labour Codes, ESIC’s mandate includes pan-India coverage and the extension of benefits to unorganised and gig workers.
The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) highlighted that workers aged 40 and above are now mandated to receive annual health check-ups for preventive care.
India was recently recognised by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) for excellence in social security administration.
ESIC will observe a nationwide Special Services Fortnight from 24 February to 10 March 2026, featuring health camps, preventive screenings, and grievance redressal drives.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Mandates 5-Year Retraction Disclosure for Advanced Research Grant (ARG)
Key Updates:
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has made it compulsory for researchers applying for the Advanced Research Grant (ARG) to disclose research paper retractions from the past five years.
The policy requires Principal Investigators (PI) and Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PI) to provide details and reasons for any retractions due to plagiarism, data fabrication, or ethical violations.
Applicants must submit an undertaking stating that their research proposals are not generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and must clearly cite any AI-assisted text.
Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ANRF, leads the initiative aimed at enhancing research integrity and funding efficiency in India.
The ANRF has reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism, stating that proposals may be subjected to third-party plagiarism checks and tools to detect AI use.
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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) exempts small non-deposit taking NBFCs from registration (Start of May)▼
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will exempt non-deposit-taking Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) with an asset size of less than ₹1,000 crore from registration and reserve fund requirements effective from July 1, 2026.
To qualify for the exemption, NBFCs must not avail public funds and must not have any customer interface.
The exemption applies to the provisions of sections 45IA and 45IC of the RBI Act, 1934.
Section 45IA concerns registration requirements, while Section 45IC requires NBFCs to transfer 20 per cent of their annual net profit into a reserve fund.
Existing eligible NBFCs, including those holding Certificate of Registration as Type I NBFC, can apply for deregistration by December 31, 2026.
These changes are introduced via the Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Companies - Registration, Exemptions and Framework for Scale Based Regulation) Amendment Directions, 2026.
The RBI has set the asset size of ₹1,000 crore as the threshold level for systemic significance requiring oversight.
Amaravati Quantum Reference Facilities (AQRF) launched to build India’s first sovereign quantum hardware ecosystem (Mid of April)▼
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the Amaravati Quantum Reference Facilities (AQRF) in Amaravati.
AQRF comprises Amaravati 1S located at a private college and Amaravati 1Q located at Medha Towers.
The facility is part of the broader Amaravati Quantum Valley project backed by IBM, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
The Quantum Valley is expected to attract about $1 billion in investments by 2029.
The state targets starting production and export of quantum computers within two years.
Union Cabinet approves Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 with ₹10,000 crore corpus. (Mid of February)▼
The Union Cabinet approved the second edition of the Startup India Fund of Funds (FoF) with Rs. 10,000 crore (US$ 1.2 billion).
The FoF aims to provide patient capital to deep technology companies, technology-driven innovative manufacturing ventures, and early-stage growth enterprises.
The scheme adopts a sectoral and stage-focused investment approach to improve efficient capital deployment across business stages.
Startup India initiative, launched in 2016, has increased recognised startups from a few hundred to over 2 lakh.
The Fund expects to catalyse private investments, create jobs, and support India’s position as a global innovation hub.
BIRAC–RDI Fund: ₹2,000 crore national call announced to scale high-impact biotechnology innovations (Mid of February)▼
Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced the first national call for the BIRAC–RDI Fund, a ₹2,000 crore financing window under the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) initiative.
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is appointed as the second-level fund manager and will deploy the amount over up to five years.
The fund will support technologies from TRL-4 to TRL-9 through equity, convertible instruments and long-term debt.
Phase-1 submissions for eligible startups, SMEs and industry partners close on 31 March 2026.
India’s biotechnology startups expanded from around 50 in 2014 to more than 11,000 today.
The bioeconomy grew from about $8 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024, targeting $300 billion by 2030 and $1 trillion by 2047.
Biotechnology experiments using domestically developed kits are being conducted in space for plant and life sciences research.
Samarth Panchayat Portal Expanded to Boost Rural Financial Autonomy
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is expanding the Samarth Panchayat portal to Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra to digitise revenue collection and asset management.
The portal enables village panchayats to generate and collect tax and non-tax payments, maintain records, and track revenue to enhance financial self-reliance.
Successful pilot projects for the online platform have already been implemented in Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh.
According to MoPR data, 25 states and Union Territories (UTs) have implemented Own Source of Revenue (OSR) regulations, specifically Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
India currently has a total of 266,999 panchayats, including 57,678 in Uttar Pradesh, 27,894 in Maharashtra, and 2,192 in Assam.
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Samriddh Gram Initiative nominated for WSIS Prizes 2026 (End of April)▼
The Samriddh Gram: Integrated Phygital Service Delivery Model is enabled by BharatNet, an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
The initiative has been nominated for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026 under the Action Line AL C6: Enabling Environment category.
The project establishes Samriddhi Kendras as one-stop community hubs providing integrated services in healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, financial inclusion, and e-commerce.
The model utilizes high-speed broadband, Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity, and public Wi-Fi to enable telemedicine, smart classrooms, and digital governance services.
Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated India's first Samriddhi Kendra at Umri Village in Guna district, Madhya Pradesh.
The WSIS Forum 2026 is scheduled to be held from 6–10 July 2026 in Geneva.
MoRD Launches Real-Time Internal Audit Portal to Boost Transparency and Accountability in Rural Governance (End of March)▼
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) operationalised an Internal Audit Portal developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
The portal (ruralaudit.dord.gov.in) enables Secretary-level access for direct real-time monitoring of audit performance across departments.
It provides a real-time dashboard to monitor audit status, Action Taken Reports (ATRs), and pending cases from field units to headquarters.
An automated escalation mechanism generates system alerts for delays in compliance, ensuring accountability across administrative levels.
Role-based secure access safeguards data integrity while enabling coordination among officials.
The platform centralises audit tracking by allowing seamless flow of audit observations from field offices to central authorities.
The Ministry expects the portal to reduce the compliance gap and accelerate closure of audit observations through continuous 365-day monitoring.
The initiative aligns with the Digital India mission to strengthen governance, transparency, and fiscal discipline in rural development expenditure.
SAMPANN platform adopted by Goa government and Cochin Port Authority for digital pension disbursement (Start of April)▼
The Government of Goa and the Cochin Port Authority signed agreements to join the Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) digital platform SAMPANN for pension disbursement.
The signing ceremony was presided over by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in New Delhi.
SAMPANN, developed by the Office of the Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA), is an end-to-end digital platform covering the entire pension lifecycle.
Currently, SAMPANN directly credits pensions for approximately 4.8 lakh telecom pensioners of DoT, BSNL, MTNL, and VSNL.
DoT is offering SAMPANN as a 'Platform as a Service' (PaaS) to other departments, state governments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
Samriddhi Kendra inaugurated under Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Initiative to deliver integrated citizen services in rural Madhya Pradesh. (Mid of March)▼
Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the Samriddhi Kendra at Umri village in Guna district, Madhya Pradesh.
The Samriddhi Kendra is an Integrated Phygital (Physical + Digital) Service Centre under the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
The initiative leverages BharatNet high-speed broadband infrastructure to transform digital connectivity into an integrated platform for delivery of citizen-centric services in rural areas.
The centre provides telemedicine consultations, a Health ATM for basic diagnostics, and access to affordable medicines through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
Education and skilling facilities include smart classroom infrastructure, digital learning access, digital training programmes supported by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), and skill development programmes for rural youth.
Agriculture services include soil testing support, agricultural advisory services, access to modern farming technologies, and drone-based agriculture services.
The centre facilitates assisted access to e-governance services, including information on government schemes, issuance of certificates, digital documentation, and support for online citizen services.
Financial and digital services include banking and digital payment services, financial literacy support, and assisted access to e-commerce platforms.
Connectivity services are provided through BharatNet-enabled high-speed FTTH broadband and public Wi-Fi access under the PM-WANI framework.
The centre operates on a community-driven model involving trained local youth serving as Village Level Entrepreneurs.
The initiative is implemented by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in partnership with the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF).
India and Cambodia to commence 2nd edition of CINBAX exercise from May 4, 2026
Key Updates:
The 2nd edition of the bilateral military exercise CINBAX-II between India and Cambodia will be held from 4th May 2026 for two weeks.
The exercise will take place in Cambodia's Kampong Speu Province.
A total of 120 personnel from the Indian Army, primarily from a battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, and 160 personnel from the Royal Cambodian Army will participate.
The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations, tactical drills, drone operations, and training in sniper and mortar handling.
Key objectives include improving interoperability, communication, coordination, and developing shared strategies for conflict situations.
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India and Thailand to conduct joint air exercise near Malacca Strait on 9 February 2026 (Mid of February)▼
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) will commence a joint air exercise near the Malacca Strait on 9 February 2026.
The drill will be conducted near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the North Malacca Strait, marking the first international air exercise for the IAF in 2026.
India will deploy four to six Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft, mid-air refuelling tankers, and an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.
The RTAF will participate with four to six Gripen fighter jets operating from Thai air bases.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and test logistics endurance and operational sustainability in island territories within the Indian Ocean Region.
The joint drill will include maritime search and rescue operations supported by naval vessels deployed at sea.
Defence cooperation between the two nations is institutionalised under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2012 and India’s Act East policy.
The IAF is scheduled to participate in three additional major air exercises with France, the United States, and Greece over the next two months.
India and Uzbekistan begin 7th edition of joint exercise DUSTLIK at Gurumsaray, Namangan (Mid of April)▼
The 7th edition of India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise DUSTLIK runs from 12 to 25 April 2026 at Gurumsaray Field Training Area, Namangan, Uzbekistan.
The Indian contingent totals 60 personnel: 45 from the Army (Mahar Regiment battalion) and 15 from the Indian Air Force.
Uzbekistan fields around 60 personnel from its Army and Air Force.
The exercise focuses on physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and basic special arms skills in semi-mountainous terrain.
Key operational aspects include land navigation, strike missions on enemy bases, and seizure of enemy-held areas.
A 48-hour validation phase will test joint tactical drills for neutralising unlawful armed groups.
The previous edition was held in April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune.
Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) conduct joint in-situ air exercise from 9-13 February 2026 (Mid of February)▼
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) are undertaking a joint in-situ air exercise from 9-13 February 2026.
IAF Su-30MKI, IL-78 refuelling aircraft, AWACS and AEW&C platforms are participating alongside RTAF Gripen aircraft.
The exercise aims to enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two air forces and strengthen Indo-Thai defence cooperation.
India and United States commence 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026 in Himachal Pradesh (End of February)▼
The 16th edition of the bilateral Special Forces exercise, Vajra Prahar 2026, is being conducted between the Indian Army and the United States (U.S.) Army.
The exercise is hosted at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS) in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
The exercise is conducted annually to enhance interoperability, operational coordination, and the exchange of advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
The 2026 edition focuses on counter-terrorism operations, precision strikes, intelligence-driven missions, and joint planning under simulated battlefield conditions.
The drill aims to strengthen the strategic partnership and enhance the capability of Special Forces to operate in diverse environments.
Singapore and New Zealand Sign World's First Legally Binding Supply Chain Resilience Pact on May 4, 2026
Key Updates:
Singapore and New Zealand signed the Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies, the world's first legally binding bilateral agreement to maintain the flow of critical goods during crises.
The pact was signed by Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Energy, Science and Technology Tan See Leng and New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay on May 4, 2026.
Both nations committed to not imposing unnecessary export restrictions on essential goods including food, fuel, healthcare products, and chemical and construction materials.
The agreement will be incorporated into the existing bilateral free trade agreement between the two countries once domestic procedures on both sides are completed.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) stated that the framework facilitates information sharing and consultation between the two countries before or during supply chain disruptions.
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India and New Zealand sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA) (End of April)▼
India and New Zealand have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to enhance trade in goods and services, investment flows, and labour mobility.
The FTA comprises 20 chapters covering goods, services, rules of origin, customs facilitation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, dispute settlement, and legal provisions.
Bilateral trade between India and New Zealand is projected to reach USD 5 billion by 2030.
Foreign direct investment from New Zealand into India is projected to reach USD 20 billion over the next 15 years.
India secured duty-free access for all its exports to New Zealand, including labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, plastics, and engineering goods.
The agreement introduces a temporary employment visa pathway allowing up to 5,000 Indian professionals to work in New Zealand for up to three years.
India will expand services exports in IT, education, financial services, tourism, construction, engineering, healthcare, and AYUSH, including yoga instructors, Indian chefs, and music teachers.
New Zealand receives immediate duty-free access to over 54% of its exports to India, including sheep meat, wool, coal, and forestry products.
Tariffs on seafood, iron, steel, and aluminium from New Zealand will be reduced or phased out over time.
India has protected apples, kiwifruit, manuka honey, and dairy through tariff-rate quotas, minimum import prices, and safeguard mechanisms.
India has excluded dairy, sugar, and certain metals from the agreement to protect domestic producers.
Bilateral trade between India and New Zealand was approximately USD 2.4 billion in 2024.
India and New Zealand to sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for USD 5 billion trade target (Mid of April)▼
India and New Zealand will sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 27, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The pact aims to attract USD 20 billion in investment over the next 15 years and double bilateral trade to USD 5 billion within five years.
India will receive zero-duty market access on 100 per cent of its exports to New Zealand under the agreement.
The agreement will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand's exports to India, including wool, coal, wood, wine, avocados, and blueberries.
India has excluded dairy products (milk, cream, whey, yoghurt, cheese), onions, sugar, spices, edible oils, and rubber from duty concessions to protect domestic farmers.
New Zealand will provide a temporary employment entry visa pathway for Indian professionals in skilled occupations with an annual quota of 5,000 visas and a stay of up to three years.
Bilateral merchandise trade between the two nations stood at USD 1.3 billion in 2024-25, while total trade in goods and services reached USD 2.4 billion in 2024.
India welcomes Japan's review of Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology (End of April)▼
India welcomed Japan's review of the Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology to expand bilateral defence cooperation and industrial collaboration.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the move aligns with the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
The review aims to ease constraints on defence exports, allowing transfers under tighter but more flexible conditions, particularly to trusted partners.
Both nations committed to deepening practical cooperation in line with their Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation.
Defence engagement between the two countries includes the 2+2 dialogue, joint exercises, and maritime cooperation.
The shift is expected to facilitate technology sharing, supply chain integration, and the co-development of defence platforms.
FTA Calendar – India-UK, Oman, New Zealand Agreements Implementation (Mid of April)▼
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the India-UK free trade agreement is expected to come into force by May 2026.
The India-Oman free trade agreement will take effect from 1 June 2026.
India is set to sign its free trade agreement with New Zealand on 27 April 2026, with the pact expected to come into force by October 2026.
Since 2014, India has concluded eight trade agreements, including Mauritius (April 2021), United Arab Emirates (May 2022), Australia (December 2022), Oman (December 2025), United Kingdom (July 2025), European Free Trade Association (October 2025), New Zealand (negotiations concluded December 2025), and European Union (negotiations concluded 27 January 2026).
India and Cambodia commence second edition of joint military exercise CINBAX-II 2026
Key Updates:
The Indian Army dispatched a 120-member contingent for the second edition of the India-Cambodia Joint Military Exercise, CINBAX-II 2026.
The exercise is scheduled to be held from May 4 to 17, 2026, in the Kampong Speu Province of Cambodia.
The venue for the training is the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Prov Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre Camp Basil.
Conducted under the Chapter VII mandate of the United Nations (UN), the exercise focuses on company-level joint operations in a sub-conventional environment.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that the exercise aims to strengthen defence cooperation between the two nations amid evolving global security challenges.
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India and Thailand to conduct joint air exercise near Malacca Strait on 9 February 2026 (Mid of February)▼
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) will commence a joint air exercise near the Malacca Strait on 9 February 2026.
The drill will be conducted near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the North Malacca Strait, marking the first international air exercise for the IAF in 2026.
India will deploy four to six Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft, mid-air refuelling tankers, and an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.
The RTAF will participate with four to six Gripen fighter jets operating from Thai air bases.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and test logistics endurance and operational sustainability in island territories within the Indian Ocean Region.
The joint drill will include maritime search and rescue operations supported by naval vessels deployed at sea.
Defence cooperation between the two nations is institutionalised under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2012 and India’s Act East policy.
The IAF is scheduled to participate in three additional major air exercises with France, the United States, and Greece over the next two months.
Indian Army contingent departs for Egypt for fourth edition of India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone-IV (Start of April)▼
An Indian Army contingent has departed for Egypt to participate in the fourth edition of the India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone-IV scheduled at Anshas from April 9-17.
The Indian contingent comprises 25 personnel from special forces units.
The exercise aims to enhance joint mission planning capabilities and improve interoperability through exchange of best practices in special operations.
Troops will undertake training activities focused on special operational tactics, techniques and procedures in desert and semi-desert terrain.
India and Uzbekistan begin 7th edition of joint exercise DUSTLIK at Gurumsaray, Namangan (Mid of April)▼
The 7th edition of India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise DUSTLIK runs from 12 to 25 April 2026 at Gurumsaray Field Training Area, Namangan, Uzbekistan.
The Indian contingent totals 60 personnel: 45 from the Army (Mahar Regiment battalion) and 15 from the Indian Air Force.
Uzbekistan fields around 60 personnel from its Army and Air Force.
The exercise focuses on physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and basic special arms skills in semi-mountainous terrain.
Key operational aspects include land navigation, strike missions on enemy bases, and seizure of enemy-held areas.
A 48-hour validation phase will test joint tactical drills for neutralising unlawful armed groups.
The previous edition was held in April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune.
Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) conduct joint in-situ air exercise from 9-13 February 2026 (Mid of February)▼
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) are undertaking a joint in-situ air exercise from 9-13 February 2026.
IAF Su-30MKI, IL-78 refuelling aircraft, AWACS and AEW&C platforms are participating alongside RTAF Gripen aircraft.
The exercise aims to enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two air forces and strengthen Indo-Thai defence cooperation.
United States and Philippines conduct Balikatan 2026 exercise featuring HIMARS live-fire on 27 April 2026
Key Updates:
The United States (US) Army deployed the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) from Palawan during the Balikatan 2026 exercise to reinforce archipelagic coastal defence.
The exercise, running from 20 April to 8 May 2026, is the largest to date with over 17,000 troops involved, including approximately 10,000 from the US.
Participating nations in the Palawan drills included the Philippines, the US, Australia, and New Zealand, while Japan joined the broader Balikatan exercise for the first time.
The M142 HIMARS launcher used in the training was operated by the 5th Battalion, 3rd Artillery Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division/Multi-Domain Command-Pacific.
The live-fire event on 27 April 2026 integrated multiple weapon systems including Stinger missiles, Javelin systems, and TOW missiles to validate readiness against simulated coastal assaults.
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Indian Army to host inaugural edition of multilateral exercise 'Pragati' in Meghalaya (End of April)▼
The Indian Army is hosting the inaugural edition of the multilateral exercise 'Pragati'.
The exercise is being conducted at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.
Military delegations from 11 friendly countries are participating in the exercise.
'Pragati' stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.
The exercise aims to strengthen defence cooperation, enhance interoperability, and build mutual trust among participating nations.
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Upendra Dwivedi visited his alma mater, Sainik School Rewa.
India and Thailand to conduct joint air exercise near Malacca Strait on 9 February 2026 (Mid of February)▼
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) will commence a joint air exercise near the Malacca Strait on 9 February 2026.
The drill will be conducted near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the North Malacca Strait, marking the first international air exercise for the IAF in 2026.
India will deploy four to six Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft, mid-air refuelling tankers, and an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.
The RTAF will participate with four to six Gripen fighter jets operating from Thai air bases.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and test logistics endurance and operational sustainability in island territories within the Indian Ocean Region.
The joint drill will include maritime search and rescue operations supported by naval vessels deployed at sea.
Defence cooperation between the two nations is institutionalised under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2012 and India’s Act East policy.
The IAF is scheduled to participate in three additional major air exercises with France, the United States, and Greece over the next two months.
South Korea and United States Air Forces hold 2025 first Buddy Squadron exercise at Osan Air Base (Mid of February)▼
The South Korean Air Force and the United States Air Force began their first Buddy Squadron exercise of 2025 on Monday at Osan Air Base in Gyeonggi Province.
The exercise runs through Friday and is the 26-1 iteration under a revised framework reducing annual iterations from eight to four while more than doubling participating aircraft and sorties.
Participating aircraft include South Korean KF-16 fighters, F-35A stealth fighters, FA-50 light attack aircraft, and United States F-16 fighters.
The Buddy Squadron exercise, renamed from Friendship Training in 1997, started in 1991 to enhance combined operational capabilities through joint training.
Indian Army contingent departs for Egypt for fourth edition of India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone-IV (Start of April)▼
An Indian Army contingent has departed for Egypt to participate in the fourth edition of the India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone-IV scheduled at Anshas from April 9-17.
The Indian contingent comprises 25 personnel from special forces units.
The exercise aims to enhance joint mission planning capabilities and improve interoperability through exchange of best practices in special operations.
Troops will undertake training activities focused on special operational tactics, techniques and procedures in desert and semi-desert terrain.
Canada joins European Political Community Summit in Armenia as first non-European participant
Key Updates:
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, Armenia, marking the first time a non-European nation has participated in the forum.
The EPC is an institution championed by French President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen diplomatic ties and includes member nations such as the United Kingdom (UK) and Armenia.
Armenia, which froze its membership in the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in 2024, is set to hold its first bilateral summit with the European Union (EU) to discuss democracy funding and visa liberalisation.
Three Indian nationals sustained moderate injuries following an Iranian drone attack on the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which also triggered a fire at the energy installation.
The United States (US) has initiated Project Freedom, a multi-layered defensive mission involving guided-missile destroyers and aircraft to secure merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
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Prime Minister Modi to undertake week-long Europe visit from around May 18, likely to meet Pope (Start of May)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a week-long visit to Europe from around May 18, with a possible stop at the Vatican for a meeting with the Pope.
Modi will first visit Norway to participate in the third India-Nordic summit in Oslo alongside leaders from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.
The India-Nordic summit is expected to focus on green energy, climate change, blue economy, innovation, digitalisation, and Arctic cooperation.
Modi is also likely to visit the Netherlands (key partner in water management, agriculture, technology, semiconductor industry) and Italy for his first bilateral visit (discussions on defence, energy, investment, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor).
In mid-June, Modi will visit France for the G7 Outreach summit.
Turkey and Australia unveil new partnership model for COP31 in Antalya (Mid of April)▼
The President‑Designate of COP31, appointed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, issued a letter dated 13 April outlining the vision for the summit.
Turkey will hold the presidency of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and host the summit in Antalya.
Australia, represented by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, will serve as COP31 President of Negotiations with exclusive authority to lead negotiations.
The new Turkey‑Australia partnership model is described as a departure from previous COP structures, combining Turkey’s presidency and host duties with Australia’s lead in negotiations.
The Action Agenda prioritises zero‑waste and circular‑economy approaches, acceleration of the clean‑energy transition, green and low‑carbon industrialisation, resilience of vulnerable regions and oceans, food security, sustainable agriculture, climate‑resilient cities, and strengthening of financial and institutional mechanisms.
The presidency appointed Samed Ağırbaş as Climate High‑Level Champion and Sally Higgins as Youth Climate Champion.
Fatma Varank will act as Chief Executive Officer of the COP31 presidency, overseeing strategy, negotiations preparation and coordination.
The Troika approach linking the past, current and future presidencies involves Brazil, Azerbaijan and Turkey to ensure stability and predictability.
A Pre‑COP meeting is scheduled in Fiji from 5 to 8 October 2026, including a leaders’ event in Tuvalu.
The guiding principles for the presidency are Dialogue, Consensus and Action, aimed at strengthening participation, ownership of outcomes and concrete implementation.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to visit India from 27 February to 2 March 2026 (Start of March)▼
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will undertake his first official visit to India from 27 February to 2 March 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On 27 February, Carney will arrive in Mumbai and participate in business engagements with Indian and Canadian CEOs, industry and financial experts, innovators, educators, and Canadian Pension Funds based in India.
Carney will arrive in New Delhi on 1 March, followed by delegation-level talks with Modi at Hyderabad House on 2 March.
The two leaders will review progress under the India–Canada Strategic Partnership and cooperation in trade and investment, energy, critical minerals, agriculture, education, research, innovation, and people-to-people ties.
Modi and Carney will also attend the India–Canada CEOs Forum on 2 March.
Relations had soured in 2024 when Canada expelled six Indian officials after then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged credible evidence linking India to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
ASSOCHAM and ICCC sign MoU to strengthen India-Canada business collaboration (Mid of March)▼
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) signed an MoU on Monday during the India-Canada Business Roundtable held in New Delhi.
The MoU provides a framework for collaboration to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation between members of both organisations.
Both organisations will facilitate exchange of information on trade policies, economic laws, and investment opportunities in India and Canada.
Joint initiatives under the MoU include trade missions, business delegations, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, and workshops.
Notable attendees included Anil K Agarwal (Past President & Chairman, ASSOCHAM International Council), Kam Rathee (Chair of the Advisory Board, ICCC), Prashant Srivastava (President, ICCC), Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra (Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council on Education), Ed Jager (Trade Commissioner, High Commission of Canada to India), and Nina Tangri (Associate Minister of Small Business, Government of Ontario).
India to host North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj from May 4 to May 6
Key Updates:
The North Tech Symposium 2026, themed 'Defence Triveni Sangam', is scheduled to be held in Prayagraj from May 4 to May 6.
The event is organised by the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to showcase India’s military and technological capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the symposium, with Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh attending as special guests.
The symposium will feature live demonstrations of AI-based surveillance systems, heavy-lift logistics drones, and indigenous artillery systems to promote self-reliance.
The platform aims to connect the armed forces, academia, and defence manufacturers to strengthen the strategic ecosystem and support the Make in India campaign.
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BEL AI Policy and CoE-AI launched to boost indigenous defence innovation (Mid of February)▼
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Missile Integration facility at Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) in Bengaluru.
He flagged-off the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat systems and unveiled the Mountain Fire Control Radar.
Singh remotely inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (CoE-AI) in Pune and formally launched BEL’s AI Policy.
BEL was commended for progress in electronic warfare systems, avionics, naval platforms, electro-optics, and tank electronics.
Indigenous air defence and anti-drone systems developed by BEL were utilised during Operation Sindoor.
The minister urged BEL, other Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and industry partners to advance AI and quantum computing for real-time decision-making, autonomous systems, cyber defence, and precision operations.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveils advanced armoured platforms on April 25, 2026 (End of April)▼
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled two indigenous advanced armoured platforms, one tracked and one wheeled, on April 25 at the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) facility in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra.
The platforms were unveiled by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO.
Both vehicles are integrated with an indigenously developed 30 mm crewless turret and a 7.62 mm PKT gun, and are configured to launch anti-tank guided missiles.
The platforms provide STANAG Level 4 and Level 5 protection using modular ballistic and blast protection systems.
The vehicles feature amphibious capability incorporating hydro-jet systems for crossing water obstacles.
The systems were manufactured through collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Limited, supported by a network of micro, small and medium enterprises.
The indigenous content of the platforms is currently estimated at 65 per cent, with plans to increase it to 90 per cent.
The unveiling involved senior scientists from multiple DRDO laboratories, including the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, Armament Research and Development Establishment, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, and Research and Development Establishment (Engineers).
Indian Army hosts inaugural United Nations Fellowship Training Programme on small arms control in Jabalpur (Mid of February)▼
The Indian Army is hosting the inaugural United Nations (UN) Fellowship Training Programme on small arms and light weapons (SALW) control for the Asia-Pacific region.
The three-week training programme is being conducted at the Military College of Materials Management (MCMM) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and will culminate on 6 March.
The fellowship is organised by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) through its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD).
Delegates from 13 countries in the Asia-Pacific region are participating in the programme held under the aegis of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The programme is designed to build technical and operational capacity for implementing the UN Programme of Action (PoA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).
The initiative aims to enhance regional cooperation, improve tracing systems, and strengthen responsible stockpile management practices to counter illicit SALW proliferation.
Deepayan Basu Ray, Director of UNRCPD, and Lieutenant General Sanjay Sethi addressed the strategic importance of the fellowship in addressing security challenges posed by illicit arms flows.
Indian Army joins National Additive Manufacturing Symposium 2026 to advance defence indigenisation (Mid of March)▼
The Indian Army participated in the National Additive Manufacturing Symposium (NAMS) 2026 organised by the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing (NCAM) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) at SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi.
Lt Gen Rajiv Kumar Sahni, Director General of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (DG EME), led the Indian Army delegation comprising Maj Gen Shivendra Kumar Bhattacharya and Maj Gen P S Bindra.
DG EME underlined additive manufacturing’s role in Combat Force Regeneration at the battlefield edge, rapid prototyping, and sustaining unmanned systems against emerging "Drone Tsunami".
Panel discussion titled "AM for Strategic Autonomy and Enhanced Combat Force Regeneration: Smart Manufacturing for Defence Applications" examined integration of additive manufacturing with digital twin frameworks, predictive maintenance, and data-enabled decision tools.
Discussions addressed decentralised production, forward-area manufacturing, supply-chain compression, lifecycle sustainment, and challenges of material qualification, certification protocols, interoperability, and cyber-physical security.
Industry experts presented metal additive manufacturing advances such as topology optimisation, lattice structures, and light-weighting for high-performance defence platforms.
Academia, represented by IIT Delhi and 3D Graphy, focused on quality assurance, standardisation, non-destructive evaluation, in-situ monitoring, and simulation-driven digital twins for certified outputs.
Nepal objects to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh; India rejects claims as unjustified
Key Updates:
On May 3, 2026, Nepal's Foreign Ministry objected to India and China planning the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh pass, asserting that the area is Nepali territory.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the territorial claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence, and that the Lipulekh pass has been a route for the Yatra since 1954.
Nepal claimed that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River are integral parts of Nepal since the Sugauli Treaty of 1816.
Lipulekh pass became a point of discord in 2020 when the then Nepalese government under K P Sharma Oli objected to India building infrastructure and a road there, leading Nepal to publish its own map claiming Lipulekh.
India announced the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra on April 30, 2026, to take place from June to August 2026; trade via Lipulekh had resumed in August 2025 before the GenZ protests toppled the government in September 2025.
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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026: Registration and Route Details (Start of May)▼
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has opened registrations for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026.
The registration window is from 30 April 2026 to 19 May 2026 via the official website kmy.gov.in.
The yatra is scheduled to be conducted from June to August 2026.
The pilgrimage will be conducted through two routes: Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La in Sikkim.
The Lipulekh Pass route includes 10 batches, a duration of approximately 22 days, and an estimated cost of ₹2.09 lakh per person.
The Nathu La route includes 10 batches, a duration of approximately 21 days, and an estimated cost of ₹3.31 lakh per person.
Eligibility criteria include being an Indian citizen aged between 18 and 70 years as of 1 January 2026, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or less.
Applicants must possess an Indian passport valid for at least 6 months as of 1 September 2026.
Selection is conducted through a computer-generated, random, and gender-balanced draw of lots.
A non-refundable confirmation amount of ₹5,000 is payable to KMVN for the Lipulekh route or STDC for the Nathu La route.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Government proposes Shipki La Pass as additional pilgrimage route (Start of February)▼
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is in dialogue with China to explore opening the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh as an additional route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
The MEA successfully organised the pilgrimage between June and August 2025 through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.
The programme is conducted in coordination with the state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
The yatra is managed on a self-financing basis, providing pilgrims with transportation, accommodation, food, medical tests, and guides.
Safety protocols for the pilgrimage include provisions for airlifting pilgrims by helicopter on the Indian side in the event of medical emergencies.
The pilgrimage is of spiritual significance to followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.
Nepal and India sign Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (End of February)▼
The Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was signed on Tuesday at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs in Kathmandu.
The agreement enables Nepal and India to cooperate in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
It aims to strengthen cooperation in investigation, prosecution and judicial processes related to criminal cases.
The agreement facilitates exchange of legal assistance including evidence collection, information sharing and coordination between competent authorities.
It is expected to help minimise financial crime in Nepal and make criminal investigation, accusation and judicial procedure more effective.
The agreement will also help combat money laundering and financial investment in terrorist activities.
Joint Secretary Binod Kumar Bhattarai signed on behalf of the Nepal government.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava signed on behalf of the Indian government.
India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after six-year hiatus (End of March)▼
Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district will resume this year after a six-year suspension.
District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgai stated that preparations have begun for the trade session that typically runs from June to September following Union government directives.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a No Objection Certificate for the resumption of trade.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri wrote to Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan requesting restoration of trade through the Himalayan pass.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry have granted clearances for the trade resumption.
The state government has been asked to ensure resumption of trade for the 2026 session.
Local officials' contact details will be shared with Chinese counterparts for better coordination.
Authorities issuing trade passes, designated banks for currency exchange, the Customs Department and the Dharchula administration have been instructed to prepare a detailed action plan.
The action plan includes arrangements for transit camps, communication, banking services, security and medical facilities for traders.
Border trade with Tibet via Lipulekh had resumed in 1992 after a long suspension but was halted in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jeevan Singh Ronkali, president of the Pithoragarh-based Simant Vyapar Sangathan, welcomed the decision and said traders would retrieve goods stored in warehouses in Tibet's Taklakot since 2019.
United States launches Project Freedom to secure transit in the Strait of Hormuz
Key Updates:
United States (US) President Donald Trump announced Project Freedom to guide neutral commercial ships safely out of the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's closure of the waterway.
United States Central Command (Centcom) deployed guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, and 15,000 service members to support the operation.
According to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), an estimated 20,000 sailors and 2,000 ships have been trapped in the Gulf since the start of the conflict.
Centcom reported that US forces sunk six Iranian small boats targeting civilian vessels and confirmed that two US-flagged merchant vessels successfully transited the strait.
A tanker affiliated with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) state-owned oil company, Adnoc, and a South Korean cargo vessel were reportedly targeted during the hostilities.
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India-flagged Tanker Jag Vikram Transits Strait of Hormuz Following United States-Iran Ceasefire (Mid of April)▼
The India-flagged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker Jag Vikram crossed the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transit by an Indian vessel since the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran.
Jag Vikram is owned by the Mumbai-based Great Eastern Shipping Company and is a mid-sized gas carrier with a deadweight capacity of over 26,000 tonnes.
India imports approximately 88 per cent of its crude oil, around 50 per cent of its natural gas needs, and nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirement.
More than half of India's crude imports, about 40 per cent of gas, and up to 85-90 per cent of LPG shipments originate from Gulf countries and pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to MarineTraffic data, 426 tankers, 34 LPG carriers, and 19 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vessels were effectively stranded in the region during the disruption.
The Government of India prioritised Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport and piped cooking gas for households while partially restoring supplies to fertiliser plants.
US and South Korea begin Freedom Shield military exercise amid Middle East war (Mid of March)▼
Freedom Shield exercise started on Monday and runs through March 19.
About 18,000 South Korean troops are participating in Freedom Shield.
Freedom Shield is one of two annual command-post exercises; the other is Ulchi Freedom Shield held in August.
Warrior Shield field training accompanies Freedom Shield with 22 field exercises, down from 51 last year.
North Korea describes allied drills as invasion rehearsals and uses them to justify military demonstrations and weapons tests.
Iran temporarily closes Strait of Hormuz during live-fire drills amid indirect US-Iran talks in Geneva (Mid of February)▼
Iran announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday for live-fire exercises conducted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil passes, was stated to be closed for several hours for safety and maritime concerns.
Indirect talks between the United States and Iran over Iran’s nuclear programme took place in Geneva on Tuesday, marking the second round of such negotiations.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner led the US delegation at the indirect talks held at the residence of the Omani envoy to Geneva.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed optimism, stating a new window has opened for reaching a negotiated solution.
US Vice President JD Vance said the talks went well in some ways but noted Iran had not yet acknowledged US red lines.
Iran last closed the strait during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s by mining the waterway.
Oil prices fell after the talks, with US oil down 1.3% at $62.06 per barrel and Brent crude down 2.3% at $67.03 per barrel.
The US has increased its military presence in the region, with aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford deployed towards the Middle East.
Iran Claims Deployment of Qader Cruise Missile Against United States Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (End of March)▼
The Qader cruise missile is a shore-based anti-ship weapon developed by Iran to target naval vessels such as warships and tankers.
It is an upgraded version of the Noor missile, which is based on a Chinese missile design.
The missile has a reported operational range of between 120 and 300 kilometres.
It carries a warhead containing approximately 200 kilograms of high explosives.
The system utilizes a turbojet engine and employs a sea-skimming flight path at low altitudes to avoid radar detection.
In its final phase, the missile uses active radar guidance to lock onto and strike moving targets.
The United States (US) Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is protected by the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), Sea Sparrow missiles, and Aegis defence systems.
Iran previously claimed that the carrier was targeted on 1 March 2026 using four ballistic missiles launched by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
European Southern Observatory (ESO) completes first observations with PoET telescope
Key Updates:
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) successfully completed the first observations using the Paranal solar ESPRESSO Telescope (PoET) located on the Paranal Plateau in Chile.
The PoET instrument is designed to help astronomers distinguish signals from exoplanets by filtering out astrophysical noise caused by stellar activity such as sunspots, flares, and convective movements.
Equipped with a 60-centimetre-diameter mirror, the telescope simultaneously studies specific regions of the solar disk and records the total light from the entire visible disk of the Sun.
Data from the telescope is processed by the ESPRESSO spectrograph on the Very Large Telescope (VLT), allowing the instrument to be utilised during the day while it searches for distant stars at night.
Developed by Portuguese researchers with funding from the European Research Council (ERC), the system is undergoing final calibration before regular scientific data collection begins.
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Unveils Roman Space Telescope (End of April)▼
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) unveiled the Roman space telescope to scan for planets outside the solar system and probe dark matter and dark energy.
The telescope is named after astronomer Nancy Grace Roman, referred to as the Mother of Hubble.
The Roman space telescope cost over $4 billion and took more than a decade to build.
The telescope features a field of view at least 100 times larger than the Hubble space telescope and will be positioned 1.5 million kilometres from Earth.
The telescope is expected to transmit 11 terabytes of data per day to Earth.
The Roman space telescope is scheduled to be launched aboard a SpaceX rocket from Florida in September at the earliest.
The telescope will complement the James Webb Space Telescope, Europe's Euclid space telescope, and the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile.
The mission aims to discover tens of thousands of new planets, billions of galaxies, thousands of supernovae, and tens of billions of stars.
GalaxEye launches world's first OptoSAR satellite Mission Drishti (Start of May)▼
GalaxEye successfully launched its Mission Drishti satellite, described as the world's first OptoSAR satellite.
The 190-kilogram satellite is the largest ever built by an Indian private company.
Mission Drishti integrates electro-optical and synthetic aperture radar sensors for all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation.
The satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as part of the CAS500-2 rideshare mission.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) congratulated GalaxEye on the launch, calling it a major achievement.
South Korea's CAS500-2 Earth-observation satellite successfully enters orbit via SpaceX Falcon 9 (Start of May)▼
A South Korean Earth-observation satellite, the Compact Advanced Satellite (CAS) 500-2, successfully entered low-Earth orbit after launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The satellite was carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that lifted off at 12 a.m. on Saturday (U.S. time) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California.
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) confirmed that the satellite separated from the launch vehicle about one hour after liftoff and successfully entered orbit.
The CAS500-2 has a mass of 534 kilograms and features a ground resolution of 0.5 metres in black-and-white images and 2 metres in colour.
The satellite was developed for disaster monitoring and agricultural observation and will begin joint operations with CAS500-1 in the second half of the year after a four-month initial operation period.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Completes Assembly of Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (End of April)▼
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has completed the final assembly of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.
The telescope is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, with a target launch window as early as fall 2026 or by May 2027.
The observatory features a primary mirror measuring about 2.4 metres and a field of view approximately 100 times greater than the Hubble Space Telescope.
The mission's primary objectives include studying dark energy and dark matter, and mapping the distribution and movement of galaxies.
The telescope will use a specialised coronagraph instrument to enable direct imaging of exoplanets and their surrounding disks.
The observatory will be positioned at Lagrange Point 2, located nearly one million miles from Earth.
Pixxel and Sarvam to Launch India’s First Orbital Data Centre Satellite Pathfinder
Key Updates:
Pixxel has partnered with Sarvam to develop and build Pathfinder, which is India’s first orbital data centre satellite.
The Pathfinder is a 200 kg-class satellite scheduled for launch as early as the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2026.
The satellite will host data centre-class Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to enable Artificial Intelligence (AI) training and inference directly in orbit.
Pathfinder will carry a hyperspectral imaging camera to capture high-fidelity data and analyse it in real-time using foundation models.
The satellite will be developed at the Gigapixxel facility, which is designed to scale satellite production to up to 100 units.
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Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Receives DRDO-Developed Satellite Imaging System 'Prajna' (End of April)▼
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has received 'Prajna', an indigenously developed AI-enabled satellite imaging system.
Prajna was developed by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The system is intended to enhance real-time decision support for security agencies, monitor sensitive regions, and support counter-terrorism operations.
DRDO and the Indian Navy conducted in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container 'ADC-150' from the P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1.
The ADC-150 is designed to deliver a 150 kg payload to enhance naval operational logistics for providing quick response to vessels under distress.
The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, served as the nodal laboratory for the ADC-150 activity.
The parachute system for the ADC-150 was developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra.
Flight clearance and certification for the ADC-150 were provided by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Bengaluru.
Instrumentation support for the ADC-150 trials was provided by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad.
Ministry of Home Affairs receives DRDO-developed 'Prajna' satellite imaging system for security support (End of April)▼
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) received 'Prajna', an indigenously developed AI-enabled satellite imaging system.
The system was developed by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Prajna is designed to enhance real-time decision support for security agencies, monitor sensitive regions, and support counter-terrorism operations.
DRDO and the Indian Navy conducted successful in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container 'ADC-150' from the P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1.
The ADC-150 is designed to deliver a 150 kg payload to provide quick response to naval vessels requiring critical stores, equipment, or medical assistance at sea.
The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, served as the nodal laboratory for the ADC-150 activity.
The parachute system for the ADC-150 was developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra.
The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Bengaluru, provided the flight clearance and certification for the ADC-150.
The Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, provided the instrumentation support for the ADC-150 trials.
Karnataka launches India's first state-led Centre of Excellence for Space Technology in Bengaluru (Start of May)▼
The Karnataka government launched the country's first state-led Centre of Excellence for Space Technology in Bengaluru on May 1, 2026.
The Centre was established by the Karnataka government through the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) in collaboration with the Satcom Industry Association India (SIA-India).
The Centre was inaugurated by Minister for Electronics, IT/BT, and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge.
The CoE SpaceTech Foundation has been established under a Memorandum of Agreement between KITS and SIA-India to drive research and innovation in space technologies.
The Centre has formalised strategic MoUs with multiple industry and academic partners to support research in space biotech and microgravity, enable collaboration, build talent pipelines, and provide startups with training and market access.
GalaxEye's Mission Drishti to carry NVIDIA Jetson Orin for AI-driven Earth observation (End of February)▼
GalaxEye, a Bengaluru-based private space technology company, will deploy NVIDIA Jetson Orin on its upcoming satellite mission, Mission Drishti.
Mission Drishti will feature the world’s first SyncFused OptoSAR architecture, integrating Electro-Optical (EO) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors on a single satellite platform.
The satellite is designed to accelerate processing and interpretation of Earth observation data in space and quickly deliver insights to customers.
Insights from Mission Drishti are expected to benefit sectors including agriculture, disaster management, and natural resource management.
The mission will explore the feasibility of Orbital Data Centres (ODC), where multiple satellites operate as interconnected compute nodes.
GalaxEye plans to scale Mission Drishti to a constellation of 10 satellites by 2030.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Implements Syndromic Surveillance for Early Outbreak Detection
Key Updates:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) introduced a syndromic surveillance approach in 2025 to track symptom patterns and provide early warnings for potential disease outbreaks.
The surveillance method focuses on primary symptoms including fever, cough, diarrhoea, neurological symptoms, and rashes to detect clusters before laboratory confirmation.
ICMR has developed standardised syndrome-wise pathogen lists categorised into Priority 1 (High risk), Priority 2 (Medium risk), and Priority 3 (Low risk) to manage public health caseloads.
The tracked respiratory viruses include seasonal influenza A, seasonal influenza B, SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, human respiroviruses 1 and 3, human rubulaviruses 2 and 4 (formerly human parainfluenzaviruses 1-4), human metapneumovirus, and measles virus.
The bacterial pathogens identified for surveillance include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bordetella pertussis, and Gram-negative bacilli such as K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa.
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Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviews 175 inspections for air pollution abatement in National Capital Region (NCR) (Start of April)▼
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Enforcement Task Force (ETF) reviewed 175 inspections and enforcement actions conducted in the National Capital Region (NCR) between 14 March and 26 March.
The 128th meeting of the ETF resulted in proposed closures for 10 units and the sealing of diesel generator sets for 27 units.
Show Cause Notices (SCNs) were issued to eight units, and Environmental Compensation (EC) was proposed for one unit for violating environmental norms.
The inspections included 114 diesel generator set violations, 37 industrial sector units, and 23 construction and demolition sites.
Sectoral enforcement in 16 zones across Meerut and Faridabad revealed 140 violations, leading to directions for corrective actions by municipal bodies.
International Epilepsy Day 2026 to be observed on 9 February with theme 'Turning Stories into Action' (Start of February)▼
International Epilepsy Day 2026 falls on Monday, 9 February, the second Monday of February.
The 2026 theme 'Turning Stories into Action' is led by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).
The #EpilepsyPledge invites individuals, workplaces, schools, and organisations to commit to actions such as learning seizure first-aid, challenging myths, or sharing accurate information.
Purple is the global colour of epilepsy awareness.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
With proper treatment, seizures can often be managed or controlled.
Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) signs three MoUs to strengthen drug safety (Mid of February)▼
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with the Goa State Pharmacy Council (GSPC), Quality Council of India (QCI), and HLL Infra Tech Services Limited.
The agreements aim to strengthen pharmacovigilance systems, enhance professional competencies, and promote uniform standards for medicine quality and patient safety across India.
The MoU with the GSPC focuses on the professional development of pharmacists, promotion of the National Formulary of India, and strengthening adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting mechanisms.
The collaboration with the GSPC supports the establishment of ADR Monitoring Centres and enhances systematic reporting and documentation practices across healthcare facilities.
The IPC and the QCI will collaborate on quality promotion, public health awareness, and capacity building through joint training and awareness programmes in pharmacovigilance.
Harsh Mangla, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, emphasised that the MoUs must translate into the achievement of objectives to improve primary and secondary healthcare.
NASA identifies X-ray dot 3DHST-AEGIS-12014 using Chandra and Webb telescopes
Key Updates:
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Chandra X-ray Observatory and James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) identified a unique object named 3DHST-AEGIS-12014, also known as an X-ray dot.
The X-ray dot is located approximately 11.8 billion light-years from Earth and provides a link to a class of mysterious early universe objects called Little Red Dots (LRDs).
Researchers propose that LRDs are supermassive black holes embedded in dense gas clouds, and the X-ray dot represents a transition phase where gas is being consumed.
The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, were led by researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy and the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center manages the Chandra programme, while the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) controls its science operations.
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Astronaut Captures Lyrid Meteor Shower from International Space Station (ISS) (End of April)▼
A National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut captured photographs of the Lyrid meteor shower from the International Space Station (ISS).
The images were recorded by astronaut Jessica Meir from the ISS cupola, a module with windows specifically used for photography and observing Earth.
The Lyrid meteor shower reaches its maximum activity annually on April 21 and 22.
The phenomenon occurs when Earth encounters dust particles from a comet, which heat up due to friction upon entering the atmosphere.
The shower is named the Lyrids because the meteors appear to originate from the Lyra constellation, known as the radiant.
Observers in the Northern Hemisphere are advised to look towards the East to view the shower.
The photographs were captured using a three-second exposure.
The ISS is visible from Earth as a bright, steadily moving object without the need for telescopic equipment.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Completes Assembly of Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (End of April)▼
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has completed the final assembly of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.
The telescope is expected to launch in 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
The mission aims to study dark energy, dark matter, galaxy formation, and distant planetary systems using visible and near-infrared light.
The observatory features a primary mirror approximately 2.4 metres wide and can collect data around 1,000 times faster than the Hubble Space Telescope during survey operations.
Each image captured by the telescope will cover an area of the sky roughly 100 times larger than a single shot from Hubble.
The telescope is equipped with a coronagraph designed to block bright starlight to enable direct imaging of large exoplanets, particularly gas giants similar to Jupiter.
The coronagraph system may detect planets up to 100 million times dimmer than their host stars.
Following launch, the telescope will travel nearly one million miles from Earth to be positioned at Lagrange Point 2.
The telescope will be shipped to the Kennedy Space Center for final preparations after undergoing vibration and thermal simulations.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Unveils Roman Space Telescope (End of April)▼
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) unveiled the Roman space telescope to scan for planets outside the solar system and probe dark matter and dark energy.
The telescope is named after astronomer Nancy Grace Roman, referred to as the Mother of Hubble.
The Roman space telescope cost over $4 billion and took more than a decade to build.
The telescope features a field of view at least 100 times larger than the Hubble space telescope and will be positioned 1.5 million kilometres from Earth.
The telescope is expected to transmit 11 terabytes of data per day to Earth.
The Roman space telescope is scheduled to be launched aboard a SpaceX rocket from Florida in September at the earliest.
The telescope will complement the James Webb Space Telescope, Europe's Euclid space telescope, and the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile.
The mission aims to discover tens of thousands of new planets, billions of galaxies, thousands of supernovae, and tens of billions of stars.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Completes Assembly of Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (End of April)▼
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has completed the final assembly of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.
The telescope is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, with a target launch window as early as fall 2026 or by May 2027.
The observatory features a primary mirror measuring about 2.4 metres and a field of view approximately 100 times greater than the Hubble Space Telescope.
The mission's primary objectives include studying dark energy and dark matter, and mapping the distribution and movement of galaxies.
The telescope will use a specialised coronagraph instrument to enable direct imaging of exoplanets and their surrounding disks.
The observatory will be positioned at Lagrange Point 2, located nearly one million miles from Earth.
World Health Organisation (WHO) reports suspected Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship
Key Updates:
The World Health Organisation (WHO), led by Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reported three deaths and three illnesses following a suspected Hantavirus infection outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic.
Hantavirus is a rare rodent-borne disease transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings or urine that can cause life-threatening respiratory problems.
The cruise liner, operated by a Dutch company, departed from Argentina three weeks ago and is currently positioned off the coast of Cabo Verde in West Africa.
One case of the infection has been laboratory-confirmed and sequencing of the virus is ongoing, with one patient currently receiving intensive care in South Africa.
WHO is managing the situation under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, a treaty that outlines the rights and obligations of countries in managing public health risks.
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BA.3.2 COVID-19 variant (Cicada) first identified in November 2024 (End of March)▼
The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorised the BA.3.2 COVID-19 variant as a variant under monitoring.
The variant is nicknamed Cicada because it remained undetected for a long period before resurfacing, mirroring the behaviour of the insect.
The BA.3.2 variant was first identified in November 2024 in a respiratory sample in South Africa.
The variant is a descendant of the older BA.3 branch of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is genetically distinct from the JN.1 lineage.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detected the variant in wastewater samples in at least 25 states in the United States.
The variant features approximately 70–75 mutations in its spike protein, which is the component that allows the virus to enter human cells.
UK raises Newcastle disease risk to medium as European outbreaks surge (Start of April)▼
The UK government raised its Newcastle disease risk level from low to medium after confirmed cases in Spain, Poland and Germany.
Newcastle disease is caused by avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 and causes clinical signs ranging from mild respiratory issues to severe neurological symptoms and sudden high mortality.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published a new outbreak assessment highlighting the growing European disease picture and the threat from migrating birds moving across Europe from March through May.
National Farmers Union (NFU) Poultry board chair Will Raw urged producers to maintain strict biosecurity and ensure appropriate vaccination against Newcastle disease.
Commercial layers, breeders and turkey producers typically use multiple live vaccines plus a final inactivated dose before point of lay.
The virus spreads via direct contact with infected birds or indirectly via contaminated vehicles, equipment, clothing, water or feed.
Newcastle disease has a broader host range than avian influenza, including pigeons, crows and gulls, increasing prevention difficulty.
UK historical outbreaks include over 7,000 cases from the Essex 70 virus in the 1970s, 15 broiler and turkey outbreaks in 1997 and one Scottish gamebird case in 2006.
Deben Mondal passes away at Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital (Mid of March)▼
Deben Mondal, a 48-year-old inmate of the Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home (JCCH), passed away on March 6, 2026, at the Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital.
Asim Halder serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) of Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.
Biswarup Biswas holds the position of Superintendent at the JCCH.
Dr. Subarna Goswami is a public health expert and epidemiologist who provided analysis on the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) outbreak.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discovers 2.5-billion-year-old structure in Zimbabwe
Key Updates:
Scientists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have identified a 2.5-billion-year-old hidden internal structure within the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe using satellite imaging and geophysics mapping.
The Great Dyke is a massive igneous formation stretching over 500 kilometres in a nearly straight line, formed during the Archaean Eon through the intrusion of magma from deep inside the Earth.
The newly discovered internal feature, which is not visible on the surface, is believed to be an ancient magmatic pipe or a storage site where magma cooled and chemically differentiated into mineral layers.
Researchers utilised data from NASA Earth Science programmes, integrating remote sensing, gravity, and magnetism data to reveal subsurface heterogeneities and early magmatic events.
The discovery provides insights into the complexity of early magma systems and the formation of terrestrial planets, while also aiding the exploitation of mineral deposits like chromium and platinum group elements.
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Hidden ocean found 700 km inside Earth’s mantle (End of March)▼
A water-saturated reservoir located roughly 700 km beneath Earth’s surface has been detected in the mantle transition zone (410–660 km deep).
The water is chemically bound within ringwoodite, a high-pressure mineral that can store hydrogen and water in its crystal structure.
The trapped water volume is estimated to equal or exceed the combined volume of all surface oceans.
Ringwoodite samples recovered in volcanic diamonds and xenoliths confirm the mineral’s water-bearing capacity under mantle conditions.
Göbekli Tepe in Turkey recognised as the world's oldest temple dating to 9600 BCE (Mid of March)▼
Göbekli Tepe, located in southern Turkey, is considered the oldest temple in the world, dating back nearly 12,000 years.
The site was discovered in the 1990s and was extensively studied by German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt.
The temple dates back to approximately 9600 BCE, predating both Stonehenge and the pyramids.
The structure consists of large circular buildings with massive T-shaped limestone pillars decorated with symbols and animals like foxes, lions, and birds.
The site was constructed by hunter-gatherers before the advent of farming, settled communities, or the domestication of plants.
Archaeological research indicates that the site was deliberately buried under tons of dirt and debris by humans around 8000 BCE.
China's Zhurong Rover Discovers Ancient Shoreline Deposits on Mars (Start of March)▼
China's Zhurong Mars rover, a component of the Tianwen-1 mission, has identified subsurface structures resembling sandy beach deposits on the planet.
The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), are based on ground-penetrating radar data from the Utopia Planitia region.
The Zhurong rover landed in Utopia Planitia in 2021, an area believed to have once contained the Deuteronilus Ocean.
The radar penetrated up to 80 metres below the surface, detecting layered sedimentary structures that slope upward, similar to coastal deposits on Earth.
The study suggests these formations were created by wave action during the Late Hesperian period, approximately 3.5 to 4 billion years ago.
The presence of these shoreline deposits indicates that Mars once possessed a thicker atmosphere and a warmer climate to maintain a stable liquid ocean.
India link not mentioned in the article.
NASA’s 1,300-pound Van Allen Probe A re-enters Earth’s atmosphere over eastern Pacific after 14-year mission (Mid of March)▼
NASA’s Van Allen Probe A, launched in August 2012, re-entered Earth’s atmosphere at 6:37 a.m. ET on Wednesday over the eastern Pacific Ocean region confirmed by the U.S. Space Force.
The probe and its twin Van Allen Probe B were designed to explore Earth’s Van Allen radiation belts and lasted nearly seven years instead of the planned two-year mission.
Mission ended in 2019 when the probes ran out of fuel and could no longer orient toward the sun.
Probe A’s re-entry was accelerated by the current active solar cycle increasing atmospheric drag, advancing the expected 2034 re-entry date.
Probe B is not expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere until the 2030s.
France defeats India in Thomas Cup 2026 semi-finals
Key Updates:
The Indian men's badminton team secured a bronze medal at the Thomas Cup 2026 after losing to France in the semi-finals.
This achievement marks India's second medal in the history of the tournament, following their gold medal victory in 2022.
The competition was held in Horsens, Denmark, from 24 April to 3 May 2026, sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
India's top-ranked player Lakshya Sen was unable to play the semi-final due to an elbow injury sustained during the quarter-final against Chinese Taipei.
In the singles matches, Ayush Shetty lost to Christo Popov (21-11, 21-9), Kidambi Srikanth lost to Alex Lanier (21-16, 21-18), and HS Prannoy lost to Toma Junior Popov (21-19, 21-16).
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Thomas and Uber Cup 2026: India men and women teams begin campaigns in Horsens, Denmark (Start of May)▼
The 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup championships are being held in Horsens, Denmark from April 24 to May 3.
Indian men face defending champions Canada in Group A, while the women's team takes on Denmark in the opening round.
Both Indian teams are seeded eighth in the tournament based on their individual players' world rankings.
The Indian men created history by winning the 2022 edition of the Thomas Cup.
The Indian women's team won bronze medals in the 2014 and 2016 editions of the Uber Cup.
India defeats Chinese Taipei to reach Thomas Cup semifinals (Start of May)▼
India assured its second Thomas Cup medal by defeating Chinese Taipei 3-0 in the quarterfinals.
The quarterfinal match was held in Horsens.
Lakshya Sen defeated Chou Tien Chen 18-21, 22-20, 21-17 in the first singles.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated Wang Chi Lin and Chiu Hsiang Cheh 23-21, 19-21, 21-12 in the doubles.
Ayush Shetty defeated Lin Chun-Yi 21-16, 21-17 in the second singles to seal the win.
India and France elevate ties to Special Global Strategic Partnership and launch H125 helicopter assembly line in Karnataka (Mid of February)▼
India and France upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron’s meeting in Mumbai.
The two leaders jointly inaugurated the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line of Tata Airbus in Vemagal, Karnataka.
The H125 is claimed to be the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the height of Mount Everest and will be manufactured in India for domestic use and exports.
The first Made-in-India H125 helicopter is scheduled for delivery in early 2027.
A total of 21 outcomes were announced covering defence, tech and innovation, startups, critical minerals, advanced materials, health and skilling.
The facility will produce helicopters for civil and parapublic roles such as emergency medical services, law enforcement and passenger transport.
Modi and Macron virtually launched the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics.
India defeats England to enter record fourth men’s T20 World Cup final (Start of March)▼
India became the first team to qualify for four men’s T20 World Cup finals after beating England by seven runs in the semifinal at the Wankhede.
India had previously reached the finals in 2007, 2014 and 2024.
With this win India became the third team to make successive T20 World Cup finals, after Pakistan (2007 and 2009) and Sri Lanka (2012 and 2014).
England is the only other team to reach at least three T20 World Cup finals: 2010, 2016 and 2021.
India will face New Zealand in the final on Sunday in Ahmedabad.
Largest Indian National Flag Unfurled Underwater in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Key Updates:
India secured a place in the Guinness World Records (GWR) for unfurling the largest Indian national flag underwater.
The record-setting feat was performed at Radhanagar Beach located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The operation involved a team of 223 divers comprising personnel from the Navy, police, and various other agencies.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed the tricolour was unfurled in the depths of the sea to set the world record.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stated that the achievement reflects a nation constantly pushing its limits under the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.
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Ishank Singh becomes youngest to swim across Palk Strait, sets new world record (Start of May)▼
Ishank Singh, a 7-year-old boy from Ranchi, Jharkhand, swam 29 km across the Palk Strait in 9 hours and 50 minutes on April 30.
He began his swim at Talaimannar in Sri Lanka and finished at Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu.
The Universal Records Forum recognised Ishank Singh as the youngest and fastest swimmer to cross the Palk Strait.
The previous record was held by Jay Jashwanth of Tamil Nadu, who completed the feat in 10 hours and 30 minutes at the age of 10 in 2019.
The swim covered a distance of 29 km across the Palk Strait, a challenging waterway known for strong currents and unpredictable weather.
Ishank Singh becomes youngest and fastest swimmer to conquer Palk Strait (Start of May)▼
Ishank Singh, a seven-year-old from Dhurwa, Ranchi, successfully swam across the Palk Strait covering 29 kilometres from Talaimannar (Sri Lanka) to Dhanushkodi (India).
He completed the crossing in 9 hours and 50 minutes on April 30, 2026.
The Universal Records Forum (URF World Records) awarded him a world record certificate as the Youngest and Fastest Palk Strait Swimmer.
Ishank trained for 4-5 hours daily at Ranchi's Dhurwa Dam under the guidance of coaches Aman Kumar Jaiswal and Bajrang Kumar.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren congratulated Ishank on his achievement.
Arun Ice creams sets Guinness World Record with 5,113 children in Hyderabad (Start of February)▼
Arun Ice creams created the largest ice cream social party with 5,113 children in Hyderabad.
Participants continuously ate ice cream for 30 minutes to achieve the record.
The previous Guinness World Record was set on 30 January 2019 with 962 people in Salerno, Italy (UNILEVER Italy).
Mr. Richard William Stenning from the UK Guinness Team officially recognised the record.
The certificate was presented to Mr. C. Sathyan, Vice Chairman, Hatsun Agro Product Ltd.
India and Sri Lanka conduct 4th edition of bilateral diving exercise IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 (Start of May)▼
The fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 was conducted at Colombo from April 21-28.
The Indian Navy's Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel INS Nireekshak participated alongside diving teams from both navies.
A key highlight was the execution of mixed gas dives off Colombo over World War-era wrecks SS Worcester and SS Perseus.
Divers from both navies successfully executed deep-sea dives beyond 55 metres, enhancing joint underwater search, rescue, and salvage capabilities.
Two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) cubes were handed over under India's Aarogya Maitri initiative during the exercise.
International Firefighters Day observed globally on May 4
Key Updates:
International Firefighters Day is observed annually on May 4 to recognise the commitment and bravery of firefighters who protect lives, property, and the environment.
The establishment of this day was prompted by a tragic bushfire in Linton, Australia, on 2 December 1998, which led to the deaths of five firefighters.
JJ Edmondson, a volunteer firefighter from Victoria, advocated for the international day of recognition through a proposal sent on 4 January 1999.
The first International Firefighters Day was officially observed in 1999 and coincides with the feast day of Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.
The day is symbolised by a red and blue ribbon, where red represents the intensity of fire and blue represents water and emergency services.
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National Fire Service Day observed on April 14 (Mid of April)▼
National Fire Service Day is observed every year on April 14 across India.
The day commemorates the Bombay Dock Explosion that occurred on April 14, 1944, at Victoria Dock in Mumbai.
The disaster involved a British freighter, SS Fort Stikine, which was carrying ammunition, cotton bales, and gold.
A total of 66 firefighters lost their lives while battling the blaze during the 1944 explosion.
Fire Service Week is observed annually from April 14 to April 20.
The theme for this year's National Fire Service Week is "Safe School, Safe Hospital & Fire Safety Aware Society – Together for Fire Prevention".
World Earth Day 2026 Observed with Theme 'Our Power, Our Planet' (End of April)▼
World Earth Day is observed annually on 22 April to promote environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability.
The theme for World Earth Day 2026 is 'our power, our planet', which emphasises human agency and collective action.
Campaigns in 2026 focus on civic mobilisation, environmental literacy, and democratic action through activities such as voter registration drives, teach-ins, and town halls.
World Earth Day began on 22 April 1970 in the United States (US) following protests against environmental degradation in cities including New York and Boston.
The 1970 movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and key environmental laws.
The movement expanded globally in 1990 with participation from 141 countries.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work observed on 28 April (End of April)▼
World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed annually on 28 April to promote safe, healthy and decent work.
The day has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.
Occupational accidents or work-related diseases cause 6,300 deaths daily, totaling more than 2.3 million deaths per year.
There are 317 million accidents on the job annually.
The economic burden of poor occupational safety and health practices is estimated at 4 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year.
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members observed on 25 March 2026 (End of March)▼
The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members on 25 March 2026.
In 2025, 179 UN personnel were arrested or detained.
As of the observance date, 118 UN colleagues remain in detention.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed the call for the immediate release and safe return of unlawfully detained staff.
Hazaribag becomes India's first pearl farming cluster (May 3, 2026)
Key Updates:
Hazaribag district has been identified as the first and only pearl farming cluster in India by the Government of India (GoI).
The fisheries department is developing Hazaribag into a model pearl hub at the national level.
Women self-help groups are being encouraged to take up pearl farming, with plans to form an all-women Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO).
Cage culture operations at Tilaiya reservoir have integrated pearl culture along the periphery of cages.
A phased plan includes connecting more farmers, promoting modern technology, and ensuring direct market linkages.
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Integrated Aqua Park Project: ₹100 Crore Sanctioned for Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir. (Mid of March)▼
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced sanction of a ₹100-crore Integrated Aqua Park Project to be established in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The announcement was made during the first national conference on Cold Water Fisheries held in Srinagar.
The Integrated Aqua Park will strengthen aquaculture infrastructure, boost cold-water fisheries development, increase fish production and create employment opportunities in the region.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and other dignitaries jointly released the Model Guidelines for Reservoir Fisheries and Aquaculture Management during the conference.
The guidelines cover scientific seed stocking, cage- and pen-based aquaculture, leasing and governance mechanisms, biodiversity conservation, value chain linkages and monitoring systems.
Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasised scaling up trout production and strengthening incomes of cold-water fish farmers by enhancing productivity, improving value addition and tapping export markets.
The Union Minister urged organising fish farmers through cooperatives and Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and encouraged states and Union Territories to support farmers in accessing schemes, infrastructure and credit.
The ₹100-crore Aqua Park sanctioned for Anantnag and funding under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) will enable local enterprises to scale up operations.
Minister of State SP Singh Baghel highlighted the potential of India’s cold-water fisheries sector and stated that sustained government investments, including the ₹100-crore Aqua Park in Jammu and Kashmir, will serve as hubs for innovation, training, processing and aggregation.
Prasoon Joshi Appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the appointment of lyricist and writer Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of the Prasar Bharati Board on 3 May 2026.
Prasoon Joshi has served as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since 2017 and is a trustee of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
He previously held senior leadership roles in the advertising sector, including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of McCann World Group India and Chairman of McCann World Group Asia Pacific.
Prasar Bharati is India's public service broadcaster established under the Prasar Bharati Act of 1990 and comprises All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD).
The broadcaster has launched the Waves Over-The-Top (OTT) platform to expand its free-to-air digital service offerings in the spirit of public broadcasting.
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Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approves Sanjay Khanna as Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) chairman & managing director (Mid of April)▼
Sanjay Khanna appointed chairman & managing director (C&MD) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Khanna, previously director (refineries) at BPCL, will serve until 31 May 2029 or until further orders.
He is a Chemical Engineering graduate from National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli and holds a postgraduate degree in Finance Management from Mumbai University.
Under his leadership BPCL will invest ₹75,000 crore over five years, including ₹50,000 crore Bina Petrochemical and Refinery Expansion Project (BPREP) at Bina, Madhya Pradesh.
Khanna also serves as Director on the Boards of Bharat PetroResources Limited, Petronet LNG Limited and Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited.
PB-SHABD platform free access extended till March 2027 (Mid of March)▼
Prasar Bharati extended free access to its PB-SHABD (Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination) platform until March 2027.
PB-SHABD was launched in March 2024 and delivers daily news content in video, audio, text and photograph formats.
The platform taps Prasar Bharati’s network of over 1,500 reporters, correspondents and stringers backed by 60 round-the-clock editing desks.
Around 1,000 news stories are published daily, covering agriculture, technology, foreign affairs, political developments and governance updates.
Content is generated by Regional News Units across India and the central headquarters, and is available in all major Indian languages.
All material is logo-free and credit-free, allowing media organisations to use it without attribution.
Registered media outlets can access the service through shabd.prasarbharati.org.
Ravichandran Purushothaman elected Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Southern Region Chairman for 2026-27 (End of March)▼
Ravichandran Purushothaman has been elected as the Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Southern Region for the term 2026-27.
His election was announced in the article without specifying the exact date of election or assumption of office.
The article does not mention his predecessor or any specific agenda for his tenure.
No additional details about his previous roles or organisational affiliations are provided in the article.
Chanchal Kumar appointed Information and Broadcasting Secretary (Start of April)▼
Chanchal Kumar, a 1992-batch Bihar cadre IAS officer, was appointed Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 31 March 2026.
Sanjay Jaju moved from Information and Broadcasting Secretary to Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
Rohit Kansal, 1995-batch AGMUT cadre, appointed Secretary, Department of Rural Development after Shailesh Kumar Singh’s superannuation.
Bhuvnesh Kumar, 1995-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre, appointed Secretary, Ministry of Tourism replacing Srivatsa Krishna.
Srivatsa Krishna appointed Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs replacing Chandra Sekhar Kumar.
Chandra Sekhar Kumar appointed CEO, National Rainfed Area Authority under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Bharat Harbanslal Khera appointed Officer on Special Duty, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Abhishek Singh shifted from Director-General, National Informatics Centre to Director-General, National Testing Agency under Ministry of Education.
Mario Miranda Honoured with Dedicated Gallery on Birth Centenary
Key Updates:
The Goa government announced the establishment of a dedicated gallery to celebrate the life and works of Goan cartoonist Mario Miranda on his 100th birth anniversary.
The gallery will be located at the centuries-old Adil Shah palace situated on the banks of the Mandovi river in Panaji.
The facility is expected to be housed on the first floor of the palace, which currently functions as part of the state museum complex.
The project is being managed by the Directorate of Museums, with Vasu Usapkar serving as the Director and Michael D’Souza as the Museums Secretary.
The reimagined museum space is planned to include dedicated sections for other prominent Goan artists such as Laxman Pai and F N Souza.
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PM Modi and President Murmu paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his 200th birth anniversary. (Mid of April)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his 200th birth anniversary on Saturday.
President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi offered floral tributes at Prerna Sthal on the Parliament premises.
Mahatma Jyotiba Phule was born on April 11, 1827, in Satara, Maharashtra.
Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj to secure equal rights for peasants and lower castes.
Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule were pioneers of women's education in India.
Department of Posts releases commemorative stamps honouring ISRO's space milestones (Mid of April)▼
Department of Posts (DoP) released two commemorative postage stamps to mark India's space achievements led by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The stamps depict India's journey from its first satellite Aryabhata to the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station, attended the unveiling event in Bengaluru.
The stamps and accompanying souvenir sheets highlight India's goal to establish an Indian space station named Bharatiya Antariksha by 2035.
Department of Posts (DoP) Releases Puppets of India Commemorative Stamp Series (Mid of February)▼
The Department of Posts (DoP) issued a special set of eight commemorative postage stamps titled Puppets of India on 13 February 2026 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The stamps were formally released by Ms. Vandita Kaul, Secretary (Posts), to honour the master puppeteers and the diverse puppetry heritage of India.
The commemorative set features eight regional traditions: Kathputli (Rajasthan), Yakshagana Sutrada Gombeyatta (Karnataka), Daanger Putul (West Bengal), Kathi Kundhei (Odisha), Benir Putul (West Bengal), Pavakathakali (Kerala), Ravanachhaya (Odisha), and Tolu Bommalatta (Andhra Pradesh).
The denomination of each stamp in the set is 500 paise (₹5), with the complete set comprising eight stamps.
The stamp set and associated philatelic products were designed by Shri Sankha Samanta with artistic and textual inputs from Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
The stamps are available at Philatelic Bureaus across the country and through the official online portal www.epostoffice.gov.in.