📰 Daily Briefing Saturday, Feb 07

Daily Current Affairs: 7 February 2026

Analysis for 07 February 2026

PM Modi hosts 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026.

Key Updates:

  • Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, the 9th edition, was livestreamed on 6 February 2026 at 10 am.
  • PM Modi interacted with students, parents, and teachers across Devmogra, Coimbatore, Raipur, Guwahati, and his residence.
  • Over 4.5 crore students, 28 lakh teachers, and 6.15 lakh parents registered for PPC 2026.
  • The programme is part of the government’s Exam Warriors initiative to reduce exam anxiety.
  • The next telecast of PPC 2026 is scheduled for 9 February at 10 am on DD National, DD News, DD India, All India Radio, and online platforms.

Similar Coverage

PM Narendra Modi visits Dera Sach Khand Ballan on 1 February (Start of February) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dera Sach Khand Ballan, the spiritual headquarters of the Ravidassia community, in Jalandhar on 1 February 2026.
  • The Ravidassia community and other backward classes comprise approximately one-third of the total population of Punjab.
  • The visit is highlighted as a symbol of the fulfilment of the vision of Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar for a society providing equal opportunities for backward classes.
  • Satnam Singh Sandhu, a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha, described the outreach as a boost to social inclusion and investment sentiment in the border state.
Prime Minister signs off Mann Ki Baat 2025 with focus on youth and culture (End of December) ▼
  • PM Modi delivered the 129th episode of Mann Ki Baat, his last in 2025, emphasising youth, innovation, culture and public health.
  • He announced the second edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue on National Youth Day, January 12.
  • The broadcast highlighted grassroots initiatives like Manipur’s solar electrification drive and IISC Bengaluru’s music collective Geetanjali.
PANCHAM Chatbot and Rural Governance Initiatives Launched by MoPR (End of January) ▼
  • The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) will launch the PANCHAM – Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
  • MoPR will release the 17th issue of Gramoday Sankalp magazine and the Compendium of Basic Statistics on Panchayati Raj Institutions–2025.
  • The Ministry will introduce the Expert Committee Report on Service Delivery at the Panchayat Level and the PESA Performance and Implementation Rank Indicators.
  • Around 240 panchayat heads, including Sarpanches, Mukhiyas, and Gram Pradhans, will be felicitated for achieving saturation in flagship Central Government schemes.
  • The MoPR tableau for the Republic Day Parade 2026 is themed SVAMITVA Scheme: Aatmanirbhar Panchayat se Samriddh evam Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Nearly 450 special guests, including heads of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs), will attend the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path.
  • Prizes and certificates will be awarded to winners of the Know Your Constitution Quiz and Essay Competition organised as part of Constitution Day–2025.
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 Registrations Open on MyGov Portal (Start of December) ▼
  • Ministry of Education (MoE) announced the 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) to be held in January 2026.
  • Online MCQ-based competition for participant selection runs on MyGov portal from 1st December 2025 to 11th January 2026.
  • Students of Classes 6-12, teachers, and parents can register; all completers receive MyGov participation certificate.

Delhi Police Chief Satish Golchha led Operation Shastra against online weapon glorification.

[Delhi]

Key Updates:

  • Delhi Police registered 61 FIRs and arrested 67 people under Operation Shastra.
  • 15 juveniles were apprehended during the operation.
  • Police recovered 69 illegal firearms, 93 live cartridges, and 13 knives and other sharp-edged weapons.
  • Over 500 teams with more than 2,000 personnel analysed over 6,000 social media profiles.

Similar Coverage

Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025 unveils updated NIA Crime Manual, Organised Crime Network Database and Weapon Database (End of December) ▼
  • Union Home Minister released the updated crime manual prepared by NIA for use by State police in investigation and prosecution.
  • An Organised Crime Network Database was launched to help States, under NIA-CBI guidance and IB cooperation, eliminate networks that channel ransom money into terrorism.
  • A national e-database on lost/looted and recovered weapons was inaugurated to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts.
Indian Security Forces conduct Operation Trashi-I in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir (End of January) ▼
  • Operation Trashi-I was launched on 18 January 2026 by a joint team comprising the Indian Army, Para (Special Forces), and Jammu and Kashmir Police (J&K Police) Special Operations Group (SOG).
  • The operation is focused on the Chatroo belt of Kishtwar district, specifically the dense forests of Janseer-Kandiwar and locations along the Kishtwar-Sinthan road.
  • The first exchange of fire occurred on 18 January 2026 in Sonnar village near Mandral-Singhpora, resulting in injuries to eight security personnel.
  • A Pakistani terrorist belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit was killed during a firefight on 24 January 2026.
  • Security forces are utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), drones, and sniffer dog units to track terrorists moving through heavy snowfall in the region.
  • The operation was initiated following the busting of three terrorist hideouts in Kathua district on 16 January 2026.
  • Recovered items from the operation sites include empty M4 cartridges, food items, cooking gas cylinders, and other logistical materials.
Operation Prahar: Punjab Police 72-hour mega crackdown on gangsters (End of January) ▼
  • Punjab Police launched Operation Prahar, a 72-hour intensive action deploying 2,000 teams with 12,000 personnel to eliminate organised crime.
  • The operation targets 60 main gangsters based abroad, their 1,200 associates and 600 family members involved in criminal activities.
  • A reward policy of Rs 10 crore has been announced for police personnel for successful actions against drugs and gangsters.
National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy to provide template for States against terror (End of December) ▼
  • The Union government is finalising India’s first anti-terror policy which will provide a template for all States to combat and respond to terror-related incidents.
  • The policy is being finalised by the Home Ministry with inputs from the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
  • Key focus areas include digital radicalisation, misuse of open borders, and foreign-funded conversion networks.

Kenta Kon appointed as Toyota CEO

[Toyota Motors]

Key Updates:

  • Kenta Kon will assume the role of Toyota CEO effective April 1.
  • Current CEO Koji Sato will become vice chairman and chief industry officer.
  • Kenta Kon is currently Toyota's CFO and is described as a longtime confidant of former CEO Akio Toyoda.
  • Executive vice president Yoichi Miyazaki will succeed Kon as CFO.

Similar Coverage

Milan Nedeljkovic appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group (Mid of December) ▼
  • Milan Nedeljkovic has been appointed as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BMW Group.
  • He will assume his role.
  • He succeeds Oliver Zipse.
  • Milan Nedeljkovic is an industry veteran in the German automaker.
  • He has been a member of the Board of Management at BMW AG.
  • He was responsible for the company's production.
  • He completed his mechanical engineering from RWTH Aachen University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
  • He also completed his doctorate at the Chair of Forming Technology and Foundry Engineering of the Technical University of Munich.
Henrique Braun appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company (Mid of December) ▼
  • Henrique Braun has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Coca-Cola Company.
  • He will succeed James Quincey as CEO on 31 March 2026.
  • James Quincey will transition to Executive Chairman of the Board.
  • Henrique Braun is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company.
  • James Quincey concluded his nine-year run at the helm as CEO.
Kota Ravi recommended as CMD of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). (End of January) ▼
  • The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) recommended Shri Kota Ravi for the post of Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited during PESB Meeting No. 8/2026.
  • Shri Kota Ravi is currently serving as Director (Operations) at HAL.
  • The PESB recommendation will now be placed before the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for final approval.
Thierry Sabbagh appointed Divisional Vice-President and President for Middle East, KSA, CIS and India at Nissan (Mid of January) ▼
  • Thierry Sabbagh’s responsibilities were expanded to include Nissan India effective January 1, 2026.
  • He will serve as Divisional Vice-President and President, Middle East, KSA, CIS and India – Nissan and Infiniti.
  • Leon Dorssers, Senior Vice President and Chief of Commercial Operations, Nissan AMIEO, is leaving the company.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) doubles collateral-free loan limit for micro and small enterprises to ₹20 lakh

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the collateral-free loan ceiling for micro and small enterprises from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh.
  • The earlier ₹10 lakh limit had remained unchanged since 2010.
  • The revised limit applies to all loans sanctioned or renewed on or after 01 April 2026.
  • Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated the revision indexes the limit for inflation.

Similar Coverage

RBI Draft ECB Reforms Eye 10% Tier-1 Cap for Bank Acquisition Finance (Mid of November) ▼
  • India Inc’s M&A deal value in H1 2025 stood at USD 50.5 billion, according to EY data cited in the article.
  • Under the draft RBI norms, Indian banks can extend acquisition-finance ECBs only up to 10% of their Tier-1 capital; lenders are asking for this ceiling to be raised to 20%-40% of net worth.
  • At the current 10% limit, domestic banks have less than USD 30 billion (about Rs 2.5 lakh crore) available for acquisition financing.
Bank of Baroda and SIDBI Sign MoU to Boost Credit Access for MSMEs and Startups (Mid of November) ▼
  • Bank of Baroda and SIDBI Sign MoU to Boost Credit Access for MSMEs and Startups Across India.
  • Partnership aims to enhance joint financing, streamline digital working capital, and expand global opportunities for small businesses and startups under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
  • The MoU was formalised in the presence of Mr. M. Nagaraju, IAS, Secretary, Department of Financial Services DFS, who attended as the Chief Guest.
  • Both institutions will combine SIDBI’s deep expertise in MSME development with Bank of Baroda’s strong national footprint to enhance credit delivery and expand financial inclusion among small businesses.
  • Bank of Baroda’s digital Working Capital Platform will be operationalised for SIDBI-approved borrowers, ensuring seamless, technology-driven working capital access.
  • The partnership will reinforce startup support through SIDBI’s Venture Debt Programme and BOB’s specialised Startup Banking solutions, including advisory services and customised financial products.
  • Bank of Baroda’s extensive international network will be leveraged to assist MSMEs and startups in exploring export opportunities, gaining market insights, and availing global banking solutions.
  • The Small Industries Development Bank of India SIDBI is the principal financial institution for the promotion, financing, and development of MSMEs and startups in India.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) slaps Rs 91 lakh penalty on HDFC Bank (Start of December) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a penalty of Rs 91 lakh on HDFC Bank.
  • The penalty was for violating certain provisions of the Banking Regulation Act and non-compliance with certain directions.
  • Deficiencies included those related to Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.
  • Non-compliance also pertained to ‘Interest Rate on Advances’ and ‘Guidelines on Managing Risks and Code of Conduct in Outsourcing of Financial Services by banks’.
  • A Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation of HDFC Bank was conducted with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024.
  • HDFC Bank adopted multiple benchmarks within the same loan category.
  • HDFC Bank outsourced the function of determining compliance with KYC norms of certain customers to its outsourcing agents.
  • A wholly-owned subsidiary of HDFC Bank undertook business not permissible under Section 6 of the Banking Regulation (BR) Act.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to compensate ₹25,000 for small digital fraud losses.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will compensate customers up to ₹25,000 or 85% of the loss, whichever is lower, for small-value digital frauds.
  • The compensation is a one-time relief and applies to frauds below ₹50,000 which account for nearly 65% of fraud cases in number terms.
  • Under the proposed structure, 15% of the loss will be borne by the customer, 15% by the bank, and the remaining by RBI.
  • RBI is reviewing its 2017 framework on customer liability in unauthorised electronic banking transactions and will issue draft revised instructions shortly.
  • RBI will issue guidelines for enhanced authentication for senior citizens and calibrated safeguards in digital payments including lagged credits.
  • RBI will issue comprehensive instructions to banks and non-bank lenders on advertising, marketing and sale of financial products to prevent mis-selling.
  • RBI will release harmonised guidelines on loan recovery practices and norms governing engagement of recovery agents for borrower protection.

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slice Launches Three Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Banking Solutions Including Repo-linked Savings Account (End of January) ▼
  • slice has introduced India’s first savings account linked to 100% of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) repo rate.
  • The savings account features daily interest calculation and credit, no minimum balance requirements, and instant liquidity.
  • The slice UPI credit card allows customers to scan and pay at any UPI-enabled merchant using an approved credit limit.
  • The UPI credit card offers up to 3% cashback, weekly rewards through slice sparks, and a slice in 3 feature for no-cost Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) conversion on purchases above ₹2,000.
  • The credit card is issued with no joining, renewal, or annual fees.
  • slice provides digital fixed deposits with interest rates of up to 7.25% per annum.
  • The fixed deposits are insured up to ₹5 lakh by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
  • Rajan Bajaj is the Founder and Executive Director of slice, and Dilip Asbe is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
  • slice is a digital-first banking ecosystem based in Bangalore, Karnataka.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Projects 1.9% GNPA Ratio by March 2027 (Start of January) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recorded the gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio of scheduled commercial banks at multi-year lows of 2.3% in March 2025 and 2.2% in September 2025.
  • The net non-performing asset (NNPA) ratio for scheduled commercial banks remained at approximately 0.5% since the March 2025 quarter.
  • The RBI projects the bad loans ratio for Indian banks to fall to 1.9% by March 2027 under the baseline scenario.
  • System-wide capital-to-risk weighted assets ratios and Common equity Tier-1 ratios remained comfortably above Basel III norms and regulatory thresholds.
  • Macro stress tests indicate that banks would maintain capital levels above regulatory minimums even under severe macroeconomic scenarios.
  • The RBI released its Financial Stability report in December, noting that the banking sector closed 2025 with its cleanest balance sheets in over a decade.
  • The RBI attributed the improvement in asset quality to legacy bad-loan resolution, tighter underwriting standards, and steady economic growth.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) to establish Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC) as Section 8 non-profit for fraud detection. (Mid of December) ▼
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants approval to State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) to set up Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC).
  • IDPIC will be formed as a Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013.
  • The platform aims to detect and prevent fraudulent digital transactions in public sector banks.
  • Approval is conditional on exemption from Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, allowing banks to hold over 30% of paid-up share capital in IDPIC until October 16, 2026.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) receives 13.34 lakh complaints under RB-IOS in FY25 up 13.55% (Start of December) ▼
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received 13,34,244 complaints under RB-IOS in FY25, up 13.55% from 11,75,075 previous year.
  • Loans and Advances accounted for 29.25% of total complaints.
  • Credit Cards contributed 17.15% of complaints, up 20.04% year-on-year.
  • Mobile and electronic banking complaints stood at 16.86%, down 12.74%.
  • Deposit Accounts made up 16.84% of complaints.
  • ATM/debit cards accounted for 6.10% of complaints.
  • Top five categories constituted 86.20% of all complaints.
  • 91.22% of complaints lodged through online modes such as CMS and email.
  • RBI Contact Centre handled 9.27 lakh calls, up 28.89%.
  • Metropolitan regions contributed 45.86% of complaints.
  • Rural areas accounted for 10.04% of complaints.
  • RB-IOS launched on November 12, 2021.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Forex Reserves Reach Record High of $709.4 Billion

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a record high of $709.4 billion for the week ended 23 January 2026.
  • The total reserves increased by $8.05 billion during the reporting week, comprising a $5.6 billion rise in gold reserves and a $2.37 billion increase in foreign currency assets.
  • Gold prices surged by 8.5% to reach $4,987 per ounce during the week, which significantly contributed to the growth in reserves.
  • The previous record for forex reserves was $704.89 billion, which was established in September 2024.
  • The reserves were also supported by the settlement of a matured Non-Deliverable Forward (NDF) position worth approximately $3 billion in the Over-the-Counter (OTC) market on 16 January 2026.
  • The Indian rupee closed at a record low of 91.99 against the US dollar on 30 January 2026 due to trade uncertainties and persistent capital outflows.

Similar Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reports India’s forex reserves rose $392 million to $687.19 billion (Mid of January) ▼
  • India’s foreign exchange reserves jumped by $392 million to $687.19 billion in the week ended January 9, 2026.
  • Foreign currency assets (FCAs) fell by $1.124 billion to $550.87 billion.
  • Gold holdings rose by $1.568 billion to $112.83 billion.
  • Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) edged down by $39 million to $18.739 billion.
  • India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund fell by $13 million to $4.758 billion.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases draft foreign exchange risk capital rules effective April 2027. (Mid of January) ▼
  • Banks must compute foreign exchange risk capital requirements on a continuous basis at both consolidated and standalone levels.
  • Capital for foreign exchange risk must be maintained at the close of each business day.
  • Banks may exclude specific 'structural' foreign exchange positions from the net open position subject to strict conditions.
  • The methodology for structural foreign exchange positions must be documented in the bank's risk management policy.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) records $4.472 billion drop in India’s foreign exchange reserves. (End of November) ▼
  • India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $4.472 billion to $688.104 billion in the week ended November 21.
  • Foreign currency assets declined by $1.69 billion to $560.6 billion.
  • Gold reserves decreased by $2.675 billion to $104.182 billion.
  • Special Drawing Rights dropped $84 million to $18.566 billion.
  • India’s reserve position with the IMF fell $23 million to $4.757 billion.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reports India's forex reserves rise to $687.26 billion (Mid of December) ▼
  • India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $1.03 billion to $687.26 billion for the week ending on December 12, 2025.
  • In the previous reporting week, India's forex reserves had dropped by $1.877 billion to $686.227 billion.
  • Foreign currency assets decreased by $151 million to $556.88 billion for the week ended December 5.
  • Value of the gold reserves increased by $1.188 billion to $106.984 billion during the week.
  • The Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) were up by $93 million to $18.721 billion.
  • India's reserve position with the IMF was down by $97 million to $4.675 billion in the reporting week.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) keeps repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and projects 7.4% GDP growth for FY26.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25%.
  • RBI retained the monetary policy stance at "neutral".
  • RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the MPC met on 4th, 5th and today to deliberate and decide on policy repo rate.
  • RBI set its real growth expectation for 2025-26 at 7.4%.
  • RBI raised its inflation forecast for Q1 and Q2 of FY27 to 4% and 4.2%, respectively.
  • RBI sold $30 billion from its foreign exchange reserves between September and November.
  • The benchmark 10-year yield has barely fallen over the past year despite large rate cuts.

Similar Coverage

Government of India keeps small savings scheme interest rates unchanged for January–March 2026 quarter. (Start of January) ▼
  • Interest rates on all major small savings instruments remain unchanged for the January–March 2026 quarter.
  • Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) and Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) offer the highest rate at 8.2 per cent.
  • Public Provident Fund (PPF) continues at 7.1 per cent with exempt–exempt–exempt tax status.
  • National Savings Certificate (NSC) offers 7.7 per cent annual compounding and qualifies for Section 80C deduction.
  • Five-year Post Office Time Deposit provides 7.5 per cent and is eligible for Section 80C benefits.
  • Monthly Income Scheme pays 7.4 per cent with monthly interest payouts.
  • Kisan Vikas Patra carries 7.5 per cent interest and matures in 115 months.
  • Post Office Savings Account retains 4 per cent interest rate.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cuts repo rate by 25 basis points (Start of December) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sliced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent on December 5.
  • The cumulative reduction in the repo rate this calendar year is 125-basis-point.
  • The rupee breached the 90-mark against the US dollar, hitting a record low.
  • Domestic inflation remains historically benign, with CPI inflation at 0.25 per cent in October 2025.
  • The policy announced Rs 1 trillion in Open Market Operations (OMO) and a $5 billion FX swap.
  • The 10-year bond yields are expected to move toward the 6.8 to 7 per cent range.
  • Experts believe there is scope for another 25 bps cut in this cycle.
Delhi Government signs MoU with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for Yamuna rejuvenation and infrastructure capital expenditure. (Start of January) ▼
  • Delhi Government and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sign MoU making RBI the banker, debt manager and financial agent for Delhi.
  • Market borrowings via State Development Loans will carry interest of around seven per cent, replacing earlier high-cost borrowings at 12-13 per cent.
  • Surplus funds of Delhi Government will be automatically invested daily through RBI mechanisms.
  • Access to Ways and Means Advances and Special Drawing Facilities is enabled for managing temporary cash-flow mismatches.
  • All borrowed funds must be used exclusively for capital expenditure with priority sectors being Yamuna rejuvenation, drinking water supply, health infrastructure, public transport, roads and flyovers.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) injects Rs 2.90 lakh crore liquidity via bond buys and USD swap (End of December) ▼
  • RBI will buy Rs 2 lakh crore of government bonds through open market operations in four tranches of Rs 50,000 crore each.
  • RBI will conduct a $10-billion buy/sell swap auction on Jan. 13 to ease dollar liquidity.
  • System liquidity turned negative mid-December, driving the weighted average call rate to 5.46%, above the 5.25% repo rate.
  • Between December 11 and 18, RBI had infused Rs 1.45 lakh crore through OMOs and a $5-billion swap.
  • Power Finance Corp scrapped a Rs 6,000-crore bond sale after bids came in at higher-than-expected coupons.
  • The 10-year benchmark yield has risen 20 basis points since Dec. 5 despite a quarter percentage point policy rate cut.
  • State governments collectively raised Rs 33,720 crore through bond sales on Tuesday at cutoff yields higher than expected.
  • Bank of India raised Rs 10,000 crore long term infrastructure bonds at 7.23%.

Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) approves merger of 17 Power Grid Corporation of India subsidiaries

[Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Power Grid Corporation of India]

Key Updates:

  • Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) sanctioned orders on 27 January 2026 for merging 17 wholly owned subsidiaries of Power Grid Corporation of India.
  • The sanction orders were received by the company on 4 February 2026.
  • The restructuring uses two composite schemes: Scheme/Group-A and Scheme/Group-B.
  • Twelve subsidiaries, including several regional transmission systems, will merge into POWERGRID Khavda II-C Transmission Limited.
  • Five subsidiaries—POWERGRID Bhadla III and POWERGRID Ramgarh II among them—will amalgamate into POWERGRID Vataman Transmission Limited.
  • The mergers take effect retrospectively from the appointed date of 1 April 2024.
  • Disclosure was made under Regulation 30 of SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015.

Similar Coverage

Maharashtra signs MoUs for Innovation City and Small Modular Reactors (SMR) at World Economic Forum (WEF) (End of January) ▼
  • The Tata Group has pledged to invest $11 billion in developing the ecosystem for India's first ‘Innovation City' near Navi Mumbai airport.
  • The investments are in sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, quantum processing, renewable energy, green skill, electric vehicles, urban transformation, green steel, shipbuilding, sustainability, fintech, digital infrastructure and textiles.
  • Maharashtra will also be the first in the country to set up small modular reactors (SMR) for generating atomic electricity.
  • The initiative is in line with the passage of Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill in Parliament.
  • The state has also signed an MoU with US-based Supervity AI to set up the world's first AI Global Capability Centre (GCC) hub in BKC.
  • The state has held talks with govt nuclear energy entities in India and Russia to fulfill the power demand of data centres.
Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Affairs in the Power Sector launched to address power sector trilemma (End of January) ▼
  • The Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Regulatory Affairs in the Power Sector has been jointly established by IIT Delhi, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and the Grid Controller of India Ltd. (Grid India).
  • The Centre will focus on advanced regulatory research, capacity building, advisory support, and knowledge creation for policy-relevant analysis.
  • It will directly support policy and regulatory decision-making by addressing the power sector trilemma of affordability, sustainability and efficiency.
Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves combination involving Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd, JSW Sambalpur Steel, JFE Steel Corp and JSW Kalinga Steel. (End of January) ▼
  • Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed combination between Bhushan Power and Steel Limited (BPSL), JSW Sambalpur Steel Limited (JSW Sambalpur), JFE Steel Corporation (JFE) and JSW Kalinga Steel Ltd (JSW Kalinga).
  • The combination involves transfer of BPSL’s steel business undertaking (Target Business) to JSW Sambalpur by way of slump sale.
  • JFE will acquire 50% direct shareholding in JSW Kalinga, resulting in indirect acquisition of 50% shareholding in JSW Sambalpur.
  • Post-transaction, JSW Kalinga and JSW Sambalpur will operate as a 50:50 joint venture between JFE and JSW Steel Ltd.
  • JSW Kalinga is a wholly owned subsidiary of Piombino Steel Limited, which is a subsidiary of JSW Steel Limited.
  • JSW Sambalpur is a wholly owned subsidiary of JSW Kalinga and is yet to commence commercial operations.
  • BPSL is currently an indirect subsidiary of JSW Steel, held through Piombino Steel Limited.
Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves acquisition of ICICI Venture Funds Management Company Limited businesses by ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited. (End of November) ▼
  • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of certain businesses from ICICI Venture Funds Management Company Limited by ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited.
  • The Acquirer is a joint venture between ICICI Bank Limited and Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Prudential Plc.
  • Target Businesses include managing and/or sponsoring five SEBI-registered alternative investment funds and providing non-exclusive, non-binding advice to an identified offshore investment fund.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves Blackstone’s 9.99% stake acquisition in Federal Bank.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Blackstone, Federal Bank]

Key Updates:

  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Blackstone’s acquisition of up to 9.99 per cent stake in Federal Bank.
  • Competition Commission of India (CCI) had cleared the proposal in December 2025.
  • Federal Bank will issue up to 272.97 million warrants convertible into equity shares of face value ₹2 at ₹227 per share.
  • Blackstone will invest ₹6,196.51 crore through its affiliate Asia II Topco XIII Pte Ltd.
  • Post-transaction, Blackstone can nominate a director if its shareholding remains at or above 5 per cent.
  • Upon full conversion, Blackstone will become the single largest shareholder in Federal Bank.
  • Federal Bank reported a 9 per cent YoY rise in Q3 FY26 net profit to ₹1,041 crore.
  • Gross NPAs declined to 1.72 per cent and net NPAs to 0.42 per cent in Q3 FY26.
  • Net interest income rose 9 per cent YoY to ₹2,653 crore; net interest margin improved to 3.18 per cent.

Similar Coverage

Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves acquisition of 51% to 74% stake in RBL Bank Limited (RBL) by Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C. (ENBD) (End of January) ▼
  • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of a shareholding between 51% and 74% in RBL Bank Limited (RBL) by Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C. (ENBD) on 20 January 2026.
  • The transaction includes a mandatory open offer under SEBI regulations representing up to 26% of the expanded voting capital of RBL.
  • The deal involves a preferential allotment of equity shares amounting to up to 60% of the total paid-up equity share capital of RBL.
  • The proposal includes the amalgamation of ENBD’s Indian banking operations, which operate through a network of 3 branches, into RBL on a going concern basis.
Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) operationalised under RBI Governor (Start of January) ▼
  • The Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) held its first meeting in Mumbai under the chairmanship of Reserve Bank of India governor Sanjay Malhotra.
  • The board reviewed the functions of RBI's department of payment and settlement systems.
  • Key focus areas across domestic and global payment systems were discussed during the meeting.
M&M Exits RBL Bank with 63% Gain; Emirates NBD Makes Strategic Investment (Start of November) ▼
  • Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) offloaded its entire 3.45% stake in RBL Bank for about Rs 678 crore through a block deal.
  • The floor price for M&M's sale was pegged at Rs 321 per share.
  • M&M had invested Rs 417 crore in July 2023 to acquire the stake at Rs 197 per share, yielding a 63% return.
  • Emirates NBD will acquire a 60% stake in RBL Bank through a preferential equity issue worth Rs 26,853 crore (around $3 billion) at Rs 280 per share.
  • The bank’s board has approved the issue and allotment of 96 crore new shares to the Dubai-based banking group.
  • The transaction marks the largest-ever foreign direct investment (FDI) in India’s financial services sector.
  • Emirates NBD will also make a mandatory open offer to acquire up to an additional 26% stake in RBL Bank at the same price.
  • Shares of RBL Bank ended Tuesday’s session at Rs 322.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) slaps ₹61.95 lakh fine on Kotak Mahindra Bank. (End of December) ▼
  • RBI imposed the penalty for non-compliance with norms on Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) account, business correspondents, and credit information companies.
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank opened additional BSBD accounts for customers who already held such accounts.
  • The bank engaged business correspondents for activities outside the permitted scope.
  • The lender furnished inaccurate borrower information to credit information companies.

ASSET (Accelerating Sustainable State Energy Transition) platform aims to make Andhra Pradesh a top-three renewable energy hub by 2035.

[Andhra Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • NITI Aayog unveiled a draft blueprint under the ASSET platform to transform Andhra Pradesh into one of India’s top three renewable energy hubs by 2035.
  • The plan envisages total sectoral investments of Rs 7.5 lakh crore, with 90% expected from private players and the creation of 5-6 lakh new jobs.
  • Andhra Pradesh targets adding 35 GW solar, 12 GW wind, and 55-60 GWh storage capacity for domestic needs, plus 30 GW solar, 25-30 GW wind, and 10-12 GW pumped storage for national exports by 2035.
  • Power purchase costs are estimated to fall to Rs 3.90 - Rs 4 per unit, with supply costs kept below Rs 6 per unit, benefiting households, farmers, and industries.
  • Infrastructure upgrades include Rs 65,000-Rs 70,000 crore for transmission modernisation and Rs 40,000 crore for strengthening distribution networks.
  • The blueprint will be finalised by March 2026 and implementation is expected to begin mid-March, monitored by a dedicated ‘Energy War Room’.

Similar Coverage

Draft National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2026 targets 2,000 kWh per capita consumption and 100 GW nuclear capacity (End of January) ▼
  • The Ministry of Power (MoP) launched the Draft National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2026 on Jan 21, 2026, to transform India’s power sector to meet the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
  • The Draft NEP 2026 sets a target of 2,000 kWh per capita electricity consumption by 2030, rising to over 4,000 kWh by 2047.
  • The policy mandates a 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030 (vs 2005) and aims for net-zero emissions by 2070.
  • The NEP 2026 promotes low-carbon pathways through large-scale renewable integration and nuclear expansion to 100 GW by 2047.
  • By 2030, renewable energy sources will have equal scheduling and deviation rights as conventional sources like coal.
  • The policy aims for single-digit Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses and mandates N-1 Redundancy for cities with over 10 lakh people by 2032.
  • The NEP 2026 introduces functional unbundling of State Transmission Utilities (STUs) to create independent SLDCs and mandates that all power sector data must be stored in India.
  • The MoP proposes exempting cross-subsidies for industries, railways, and metros to lower power costs and boost manufacturing competitiveness.
NITI Aayog unveils sectoral roadmaps to decarbonise cement, aluminium and green-transition MSMEs (End of January) ▼
  • NITI Aayog has proposed setting up a National Project Management Agency (NPMA) and allocating 8-9% of the credit-guarantee fund value to help an estimated 69 million MSMEs in the country go green as India works towards becoming Net Zero by 2070.
  • MSMEs alone have contributed 135 million tonnes of carbon emissions in 2022.
  • The Aayog has called for supporting MSMEs in terms of technology upgradation, market access, and green transition to fulfil ‘Viksit Bharat’ goals by 2047.
  • In a separate report on Roadmap for Cement Sector Decarbonisation, the Aayog has proposed increased usage of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) from municipal solid waste for substituting thermal heating from coal.
  • It has suggested increased usage of supplementary cementitious materials or clinker substitutes and scaling up Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) in the cement industry for capturing CO2 in process emission.
  • By using these three solutions, the Indian cement sector may reduce 80-85% GHG emission by 2070.
  • In a third report on Roadmap for Aluminium Sector Decarbonisation a three-stage process to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
  • Aluminium production accounted for approximately 2.8% of India’s GHG emissions or 83 MTCO2 e in 2023, and without intervention, emissions could rise to 376 MTCO2 e by 2070.
Odisha to Host India’s Energy COP: Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 in Puri from December 5 to 7 (Start of December) ▼
  • The Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 is set to convene in Puri, Odisha, from December 5 to 7.
  • Positioned as 'a COP for India’s energy sector,' the Summit will bring together policymakers, international experts, and industry leaders.
  • The summit’s theme is “Powering India: Sufficiency, Balance, Innovation”.
  • GELS 2025 aims to create a structured platform for meaningful engagement among the Union Government, nearly 15 States, and over 30 national and international energy experts.
  • The Summit is organised with the Tony Blair Institute and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, aligned with India’s Net Zero 2070 vision.
  • Key participants include Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Principal secretary (energy) Vishal Kumar Dev, NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer (CEO) B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Union energy minister Pralhad Joshi, and Chief Ministers from Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
  • Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the Summit on December 6.
International Conference on Green Hydrogen 2025 to convene in New Delhi (Mid of November) ▼
  • Event: Third edition of the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2025) organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
  • Duration & Format: Two-day conference on 11–12 November featuring "plenary sessions, expert panels and technical discussions focused on building a resilient green hydrogen ecosystem."
  • Context: The 2025–26 financial year is "heading for a record in renewable energy installations," with 3,089 MW of wind and 21,686 MW of solar capacity added in the first six months.
  • National RE share: Non-fossil fuel capacity reached 2,56,089 MW, constituting 51.12% of India’s total power capacity of 5,00,889 MW.
  • State rankings: Maharashtra (27,674 MW) has overtaken Tamil Nadu (26,589 MW) in total installed renewable energy capacity, while Rajasthan leads at 40,407 MW.

Kerala Unveils India’s First Elderly Budget with ₹40 Crore Allocation for Geriatric Care

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

  • Kerala became the first state in India to present a dedicated Elderly Budget during the presentation of the State Budget 2026-27.
  • Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal presented the document as part of the final budget of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) led government.
  • Senior citizens currently constitute 18.7 per cent of the state population, a figure projected to reach nearly 25 per cent within the next ten years.
  • The government allocated ₹30 crore to provide subsidies for retirement homes featuring community kitchens, playgrounds, and healthcare systems.
  • An allocation of ₹10 crore was made to form volunteer forces under Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGI) to assist elderly people living alone.
  • The LSGI will implement schemes including a dedicated telephone number for on-call medical and volunteer assistance.
  • The population of people aged 60 and above in Kerala is projected to double from 4.2 million in 2011 to 8.4 million by 2036.
  • Kerala was the first state in the country to constitute an Elderly Commission to address geriatric care and socio-economic development planning.

Similar Coverage

16th Finance Commission retains states’ tax share at 41% (Start of February) ▼
  • The sixteenth Finance Commission recommended retaining the state’s share in the divisible tax pool at 41% for the five-year period beginning April 1, 2026.
  • The commission recommended ending revenue deficit grants for the states.
  • The commission added states’ contribution to GDP among its horizontal devolution criteria.
  • The commission recommended stricter fiscal discipline for states and annual disclosure of net proceeds of Union taxes certified by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
  • States are required to disclose their off-budget borrowings.
  • The commission enhanced disaster grants and enforced stricter timelines for fund transfers to local governments with higher penalties for failure.
  • For horizontal devolution, the commission will give 15.5% weightage to population based on 2011 census, 10% to demographic performance, 10% each to area and forest cover, 42.5% on per-capita income distance, and the rest on states’ contribution to GDP.
  • Of total grants of Rs 7.91 lakh crore to rural and urban local bodies, 60% is earmarked for rural local bodies and 40% for urban local bodies, with 20% grant to be performance-linked.
  • Half of the basic grant is tied to sanitation, solid waste management, and water management.
  • The commission proposed an urbanisation premium of ₹10,000 crore to incentivise merger of peri-urban villages into larger urban local bodies.
  • A ₹56,100-crore special infrastructure window is proposed for comprehensive wastewater management in select urban growth centres.
  • States must transfer funds to local bodies within 10 working days of receipt from the centre, failing which interest will be payable.
  • The commission recommended a combined ₹2.04 lakh crore corpus for State Disaster Response and Mitigation Funds over five years with an 80:20 split between response and mitigation.
  • The centre’s share is capped at ₹1.56 lakh crore for disaster management.
  • The commission proposed separate allocations of ₹79,406 crore for the National Disaster Response and Mitigation Funds.
  • From 2027-28 onwards, states must fully upload and validate data on the National Disaster Management Information System portal to access disaster grants.
  • The commission called for strict enforcement of a 3% gross state domestic product (GSDP) cap on states’ fiscal deficits and discontinuation of off-budget borrowings.
  • The centre accepted the borrowing cap for states in principle and will examine other fiscal recommendations separately.
Union Budget 2026-27: Health Sector Allocation and New Regional Medical Hubs Scheme (Start of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has been allocated ₹1,06,530.42 crore for the 2026–27 fiscal year, marking a 10 per cent increase over the previous year.
  • The government announced a new scheme to establish five regional medical hubs in partnership with the private sector to function as integrated healthcare, education, and research complexes.
  • A dedicated allocation of ₹1,000 crore has been made for Allied Healthcare Professionals (AHPs) to add 100,000 professionals over the next five years across 10 disciplines, including Optometry, Radiology, Anaesthesia, OT technology, Applied Psychology, and Behavioural Health.
  • The allocation for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has been increased to ₹9,500 crore from the previous ₹8,995 crore.
  • Funding for the National Health Mission (NHM) has been raised to ₹39,390 crore for the 2026–27 period, up from ₹37,100.07 crore.
  • The government plans to train 1.5 lakh caregivers in the coming year for geriatric and allied care services, covering skills such as wellness, yoga, and the operation of medical devices.
  • The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, received an increased allocation of ₹5,500.92 crore.
  • The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been allotted ₹4,821.21 crore, reflecting an increase of approximately 10 per cent.
  • A second National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS 2) is planned for North India to prioritise mental health.
  • The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has been earmarked ₹350 crore, while the National Tele Mental Health Programme allocation rose to ₹51 crore.
VB-G RAM G Scheme Launched with ₹95,692.31 Crore Outlay in Budget 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • The Centre has allocated ₹95,692.31 crore for the rollout of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar Aajeevika Mission (Grameen) (VB-G RAM G).
  • The VB-G RAM G scheme promises 125 days of work in a year and is set to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
  • An allocation of ₹30,000 crore has been made for MGNREGA, which will continue until the new scheme is implemented and pending works are completed.
  • The total expenditure for VB-G RAM G is expected to reach ₹1,51,000 crore when including contributions earmarked by state governments.
  • The Department of Rural Development has received a total allocation of ₹1,94,368.81 crore, marking an increase of approximately 3.5 per cent compared to the previous year.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) has been earmarked ₹54,916.70 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has been allocated ₹19,000 crore, while the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) received ₹19,200 crore.
  • Based on the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, panchayats will receive an additional ₹55,990 crore.
  • The Department of Land Resources has been allocated ₹2,654.33 crore for the 2026-27 period.
Income Tax Act, 2025 to replace 1961 Act from 1 April 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Income Tax Act, 2025 will come into force from 1 April 2026.
  • The new Act is revenue-neutral with no changes to existing tax rates or slabs.
  • The legislation cuts overall text volume and number of sections by nearly 50% compared with the 1961 Act.
  • A single 'tax year' concept replaces the distinction between 'previous year' and 'assessment year'.
  • Taxpayers can claim TDS refunds even if returns are filed after the due date without penal charges.
  • The deadline for revising returns has been extended from 31 December to 31 March.
  • A six-month foreign asset disclosure window is offered to small taxpayers like students, tech professionals and NRIs for income or assets below a specified threshold.
  • TCS reduced to 2% on overseas tour packages and on remittances for education and medical purposes under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme.
  • For property transactions involving non-residents, TDS can be deducted using the buyer’s PAN-based challan instead of requiring a TAN.

VOC Port Anti-Drone System Project for India’s First Maritime Counter-Drone Shield

Key Updates:

  • V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) has become the first port in India to implement an advanced Anti-Drone System to strengthen maritime and coastal security.
  • The VOC Port Authority signed an agreement for the project with Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology.
  • The project involves the deployment of an integrated Radio Frequency (RF) and radar-based drone detection and jamming system with 360-degree coverage and an operational range of up to 5 km.
  • The security setup includes a drone detector, drone detection radar, and a man-pack jammer to facilitate real-time tracking, classification, and neutralisation of unauthorised drones.
  • The initiative is aligned with the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, with the project scheduled for completion within three months.

Similar Coverage

Indian Army and Shield AI Sign Deal for V-BAT Unmanned Aerial Systems (End of January) ▼
  • The Indian Army signed an agreement with the United States (US) defence technology company Shield AI for the procurement of the V-BAT unmanned aerial system (UAS).
  • The V-BAT is a Group 3 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) without the requirement for runways or launch infrastructure.
  • Powered by a heavy-fuel engine, the aircraft has an endurance of more than 12 hours and can operate in environments where Global Positioning System (GPS) signals are disrupted.
  • The drones will be equipped with Hivemind, an artificial intelligence (AI) autonomy software platform that enables beyond-visual-range operations with limited human input.
  • Shield AI has partnered with India-based JSW Defence to establish a manufacturing facility at EMC Maheshwaram in Hyderabad, Telangana.
  • The 90 million US Dollar investment will enable large-scale production of V-BATs in India to serve the Indian Armed Forces and function as a global production hub.
  • Construction of the Hyderabad manufacturing facility by JSW Defence commenced in December 2025.
  • The V-BAT drones have been utilised in the Ukraine conflict to identify air defence systems, military headquarters, and drone control sites.
  • In 2025, the drones executed more than 35 missions and identified over 200 Russian targets in the Ukraine warzone.
  • Shield AI previously signed a deal with the Japanese Navy on 22 January 2026 for regional deterrence efforts in the Indo-Pacific.
  • The company was founded in 2015 by Brandon Tseng, a former US Navy SEAL, along with Ryan Tseng and Andrew Reiter.
  • Other customers of the V-BAT system include the US Coast Guard, US Marines, and several foreign militaries.
  • The company's first product, an autonomous quadcopter called Nova, was used by Israeli forces in October 2023 to explore tunnel networks in the Gaza Strip.
  • Shield AI has a reported valuation of 5.6 billion US Dollars as of 2025.
Indian Navy receives first weaponised unmanned fast interceptor crafts from Sagar Defence Engineering. (Start of February) ▼
  • Indian Navy will receive the first batch of two autonomous weaponised unmanned fast interceptor crafts (FICs) from Pune-based Sagar Defence Engineering.
  • India will join the league of countries possessing weaponised swarm (vessel) capability after induction of these crafts.
  • Sagar Defence dispatched the first two FICs to the Navy on Friday for deployment somewhere on the west coast.
  • Indian Navy placed orders for 12 weaponised boat swarms after signing a deal with Sagar Defence on 5 January 2022.
  • FICs are designed, developed and manufactured entirely in India under the iDEX–DIO framework.
  • Each craft is fitted with a 12.7 mm gun and can deploy short-range missiles and loitering ammunition.
  • Multiple crafts can be controlled from a single control station and operate in a GPS-denied environment.
  • Craft endurance exceeds two days at sea and operational range is over 400 nautical miles (approximately 800 km).
India signs Rs 168 crore contract for first solar-powered surveillance drone on January 11, 2026 (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Indian Army has signed a Rs 168 crore deal with a Bengaluru-based startup for solar-powered spy drones.
  • The system, called the Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS), has been developed by Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research & Technologies under the Defence Ministry’s iDEX innovation programme.
  • MAPSS changes that by using solar energy to keep flying for extended periods, making it useful for watching long stretches of the border without interruption.
  • Because it runs on electric power, it is quieter and produces less heat, making it harder to detect.
  • The company has already tested similar platforms that stayed in the air for more than 24 hours at heights above 26,000 feet.
  • Those trials were carried out at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga.
  • Since Operation Sindoor, the force has added a range of unmanned systems, including loitering munitions and surveillance drones, in deals worth over Rs 5,000 crore.
India unveils Mission Sudarshan Chakra to boost indigenous defence capabilities (Start of January) ▼
  • Mission Sudarshan Chakra was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2025.
  • The mission was announced during the Prime Minister's Independence Day address from the Red Fort.
  • It aims to ensure defence systems are entirely researched, developed and manufactured within India.
  • The programme seeks to anticipate future warfare scenarios through predictive and advanced technologies.
  • By 2035, the mission aims to establish a comprehensive national security shield covering both strategic and civilian assets.
  • Mission Sudarshan Chakra gained prominence in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Government rejects lowering age of consent to protect child safety under Pocso Act

Key Updates:

  • Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD) Annpurna Devi stated that any dilution of the age of consent or introduction of exceptions would undermine child safety and weaken India's commitment to protecting children.
  • The age of consent is uniformly fixed at 18 years across statutes including Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Pocso Act 2012, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006, Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act 1956, Juvenile Justice Act 2015, and Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act 1956.
  • Pocso Act does not explicitly define 'consent' and treats any sexual act with a person below 18 years as an offence irrespective of purported consent.

Similar Coverage

Delhi High Court clarifies POCSO Act cases cannot be dismissed solely on victim turning hostile (End of December) ▼
  • The Delhi High Court ruled that a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cannot be dismissed merely because the victim turns hostile, especially when scientific evidence is available.
  • The court upheld the 20-year jail term of a man convicted of raping his minor stepdaughter, despite the victim retracting her statement during trial.
  • The court emphasized that child victims may retract due to fear of losing shelter, financial stability, or family pressure, and such hostility should not undermine the prosecution's case.
Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat: National Pledge for Child Marriage-Free India (Start of January) ▼
  • Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat (BVMB) was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development on November 27, 2024.
  • BVMB deploys dedicated Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) mandated under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
  • UNICEF provides technical support for data-driven interventions and capacity-building workshops for CMPOs and One Stop Centres.
  • An intensive 100-day awareness drive under BVMB is running until March 2026.
Government of China (GoC) Records Record Low Birth Rate of 5.63 Per 1,000 People (Mid of January) ▼
  • China's birth rate fell to a record low of 5.63 per 1,000 people in 2025, the lowest since 1949.
  • The national death rate rose to 8.04 per 1,000 people, marking the highest level since 1968.
  • The total population of China decreased by 3.39 million to reach 1.4 billion by the end of 2025.
  • The Government of China (GoC) offers parents 3,600 yuan ($500) for each child under the age of three to boost birth rates.
  • A new 13% tax has been implemented on contraceptives, including condoms, birth control pills, and devices.
  • The YuWa Population Research Institute (YPRI) reported that China's fertility rate is approximately one birth per woman, significantly below the 2.1 replacement rate.
  • The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) indicates the national pension pot is running dry as the country faces a population of 300 million pensioners.
Spain announces social media ban for children under 16 at World Government Summit (Start of February) ▼
  • Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a ban on social media platforms for children under the age of 16 at the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai.
  • The Spanish government will require platforms to implement age verification systems and introduce a bill to hold social media executives accountable for illegal and hateful content.
  • Australia implemented a world-first social media ban for children under 16 on 10 December, leading to the removal of approximately 4.7 million accounts.
  • French lawmakers approved a bill banning social media for children under 15, which is scheduled for discussion in the Senate.
  • The United Kingdom (UK) and Denmark are also considering legislative measures to restrict social media access for children.

Amaravati Quantum Valley to host India's first 133-qubit quantum computer with £600-million investment.

Key Updates:

  • Andhra Pradesh government earmarked 50 acres at Uddandarayunipalem village in Thullur mandal for the Amaravati Quantum Valley.
  • The foundation stone was laid on 7 February by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh.
  • The Valley will house India's first 133-qubit quantum computer through partnerships with IBM, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
  • The project represents a £600-million investment aligned with India's National Quantum Mission.
  • The state will sign memoranda of understanding with nine leading companies during the foundation ceremony.
  • The Quantum Valley building is scheduled for completion by August, with quantum computer installation targeted for December.
  • The initiative is expected to create approximately 88,000 jobs and train hundreds of thousands of students.

Similar Coverage

Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework released to integrate quantum technologies into tri-services (End of January) ▼
  • Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan released the 'Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework' to integrate quantum technologies into the tri-services.
  • The framework covers four pillars: quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.
  • It aims to prepare the armed forces for future battlefields and achieve technological dominance.
  • The document aligns with the National Quantum Mission, of which the defence forces are an integral part.
  • The Ministry of Defence stated the framework will guide the incorporation of quantum technology through joint efforts of all three services.
  • The release event was attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, and Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces Amaravati as India's first integrated Financial City (End of November) ▼
  • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Amaravati will become India's first integrated Financial City, housing major financial institutions.
  • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation for construction of nationalized banks and financial institutions in Amaravati.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently moved to a rented building in Vijayawada.
  • Many banks are handling Andhra Pradesh’s operations from Hyderabad.
  • Institutions that began construction activities in Amaravati include State Bank of India (SBI), Union Bank of India, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank (PNB), IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of India, Indian Bank, Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank, AP Cooperative Bank, NABARD, LIC, and New India Assurance.
  • The financial hub in Amaravati will generate direct employment for more than 6,500 people.
  • Fifteen state-owned banks and insurance companies are setting up their headquarters in Amaravati.
  • 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty nationwide.
  • The Centre is establishing training hubs in districts for Quantum Valley and AI-related projects.
TN iTNT Hub inks LoI with XeedQ GmbH for state-backed quantum computing access (Mid of January) ▼
  • Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT) signed a Letter of Intent with Germany-based XeedQ GmbH to launch one of India’s first state-backed quantum computing programmes.
  • XeedQ will provide remote access, quantum hardware, technical expertise, and learning support.
  • Students and startups will work on an actual 4-qubit quantum computer rather than simulators or cloud-access.
India's First Quantum City Unveiled in Bengaluru, ISRO Announces New Launchpads and Missions (End of November) ▼
  • The plan for India’s first Quantum City or Q-city was unveiled at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 by Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology NS Boseraju.
  • The Q-city is proposed to be established over 6 acres in Hesarghatta.
  • Under the Karnataka Quantum Mission, the government has allocated an investment of Rs 1,000 crore for the Q-city.
  • The Q-city will house advanced research laboratories, a quantum hardware park, cryogenic testing facilities, quantum cloud clusters, and a deep tech startup zone, hosting end-to-end services from research to commercialisation.
  • The government approved Rs 1,136 crore to establish the Quantum Supremacy Centre in Bengaluru.
  • Work is underway to establish the Swiss and Karnataka Quantum Collaboration Centre.
  • ISRO Chairman, Dr V Narayanan, stated that two new ISRO launchpads are on the cards — in Sriharikota and Kulasekarapattinam.
  • LVM3-M6 and Bluebird Block-2 Mission are the upcoming commercial mission projects of ISRO.
  • Fiber optic pressure, temperature, and level sensors and HMC and Nano technology-based sensors are major new developments in progress at ISRO.

Tamil Nadu Urban Greening Policy 2026 mandates 15% green cover in ULBs

[Tamil Nadu]

Key Updates:

  • Tamil Nadu government released its first Urban Greening Policy 2026 to integrate trees, urban forests, parks, wetlands and blue-green infrastructure into city planning.
  • Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) must strive to maintain at least 15% of their total municipal area under green cover.
  • Funding will be mobilised through convergence of existing schemes such as AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission and the Green Tamil Nadu Mission.
  • A state-level Urban Greening Coordination Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary will ensure convergence among departments.
  • The Municipal Administration and Water Supply department will set up a dedicated urban forest wing for greening initiatives.
  • ULBs are encouraged to adopt the 3-30-300 Urban Green Liveability Guideline and improve city biodiversity index scorecards (Singapore Index).
  • Urban local bodies may explore levying a green fee linked to building permissions and development approvals.

Similar Coverage

Tamil Nadu Government Targets More Beaches for Blue Flag Certification (Mid of November) ▼
  • The Tamil Nadu government has selected 10 other beaches in Tamil Nadu to pursue global certification.
  • These targeted beaches include four in Chennai, two in Cuddalore, and one each in Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, and Tuticorin.
  • The initiative involves the commitment of the state government and the local community in maintaining global eco-standards.
  • The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests is involved in this effort, with congratulations extended to them and the Chengalpattu district administration.
  • The objective is to make beaches clean, safe, inclusive, and sustainable.
Tata Realty & Infrastructure (TRIL) and DBS Bank India sign ₹1,280 crore green loan facility (Start of December) ▼
  • Tata Realty & Infrastructure (TRIL) and DBS Bank India signed a ₹1,280 crore green loan facility.
  • DBS Bank India acted as the sole advisor and green loan coordinator for the transaction.
  • A special purpose vehicle (SPV) developing Intellion Park, Gurugram, availed the facility.
  • The real estate sector accounts for nearly 40% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions.
  • India’s property market saw 89 million sq ft of office leasing in 2024.
  • India’s property market experienced a 35% surge in FDI inflows in Q1 2025.
  • Climate-first private credit is projected to deliver 15–20% risk-adjusted returns.
Tamil Nadu Deep Tech Startup Policy 2025-26 to mobilise Rs 100 crore and support 100 deep-tech startups (Start of January) ▼
  • The policy ‘aims to support 100 deep tech startups, mobilise Rs 100 crore of public and private investments including venture capital’.
  • It will ‘facilitate training of students and professionals through a specialised skilling programme and research fellowships’.
  • Government plans to establish a ‘Govt as Early Adopter Programme’, supporting pilot deployment and field validation.
NGT Zonal Bench Chennai convenes Regional Conference on Environment 2025 (Start of December) ▼
  • The Zonal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Chennai, is organizing the Regional Conference on Environment, 2025 on the 6th and 7th of December 2025.
  • The conference will include three Technical Sessions; The First session will address "Environmental Law Enforcement & Biodiversity Conservation Role of Regulatory Authorities".
  • The second session will discuss "Solid Waste and Biomedical Waste Management Policy Overview".
  • The Third session will focus on "Challenges in Protecting Coastal Zones".

Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to Revert to Ballot Papers for Local Polls

[Karnataka]

Key Updates:

  • The Karnataka Cabinet approved the introduction of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to replace Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with ballot papers for local body elections.
  • The amendment aims to ensure transparency and confidentiality in the election process for local authorities including Gram Panchayats.
  • The State Election Commission (SEC) will be entrusted with the responsibility of independently preparing and revising electoral rolls for local bodies.
  • The SEC conducts polls for rural local bodies such as Zilla, Taluk, and Gram Panchayats, and urban local bodies including Municipal Corporations and Town Panchayats.
  • Upcoming elections for five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) are scheduled to be held using ballot papers after May 2026.

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Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill, 2025 withheld by Governor (Start of February) ▼
  • Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot withheld assent to The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention) Bill, 2025 and reserved it for the President’s consideration.
  • The Governor’s communication cited vague definition of hate speech, overlap with existing laws, and risk of misuse for political malice.
  • The Bill reclassifies non-cognisable and bailable offences as cognisable and non-bailable for individuals and organisations.
  • Lok Bhavan noted the Bill could grant authorities arbitrary power to prohibit speech or events likely to cause hatred.
  • Governor observed the Bill was passed without meaningful consultation with civil society, media bodies, digital rights groups or constitutional experts.
Telangana Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill 2026 removes two-child norm for local body polls (Start of January) ▼
  • The Telangana Legislative Assembly passed the Telangana Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to abolish the two-child disqualification norm for contesting local body elections.
  • Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka stated the two-child norm was introduced in 1994 as a population control measure.
  • The rural fertility rate in Telangana is 1.7, below the replacement level, prompting the amendment to encourage a replacement rate of 2.1.
Akka Pade Scheme State-wide Rollout to Protect Women and Minor Girls (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the statewide implementation of the 'Akka Pade' scheme across all 31 districts and five police commissionerates.
  • The decision is aimed at strengthening efforts to prevent atrocities against minor girls and women, including child marriages, by extending the initiative beyond its pilot phase.
  • Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil said the 'Akka Pade' scheme was initially launched on a trial basis in select districts to curb child marriages and protect minor girls and women from abuse and exploitation.
Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls digitisation drive (End of November) ▼
  • The Election Commission of India reported that more than 47% of the enumeration forms distributed across 12 States and Union Territories have been digitised.
  • Goa achieved the highest digitisation at 76.89% followed by Rajasthan at 72.20%.
  • Kerala and Uttar Pradesh recorded the lowest digitisation at 23% and 26.6% respectively.
  • The enumeration phase began on November 4 and will end on December 4, with the draft list to be published on December 9.

Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Agreement: 46 Subjects Devolved for Six Eastern Nagaland Districts

[Nagaland]

Key Updates:

  • The Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) signed an agreement in New Delhi on 5 February 2026 to create the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).
  • The FNTA will cover six districts of Nagaland: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator.
  • Powers related to 46 subjects will be transferred to the FNTA.
  • The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will provide a fixed annual allocation and bear the initial establishment expenditure for the FNTA.
  • The agreement includes provisions for a mini-Secretariat headed by an Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary and sharing of development outlay proportional to population and area.
  • The arrangement does not affect Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.

Similar Coverage

Indo-Taiwan Industrial Technology Innovation Park (ITIP): ₹1,000 crore Taiwanese investment for electronics & semiconductor hub in Karnataka (Start of December) ▼
  • Karnataka government signed an MoU with Allegiance International Co Ltd of Taiwan to establish the Indo-Taiwan Industrial Technology Innovation Park (ITIP) with a proposed investment of around ₹1,000 crore.
  • The project is expected to create about 800 direct jobs as companies set up operations in ITIP over a period of 5 years.
  • ITIP will serve as a dedicated hub for Taiwanese companies in electronics and semiconductors, fostering advanced manufacturing, R&D, and innovation.
Union Cabinet Clears Bill Allowing 100 Per Cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Insurance Sector (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved a bill to raise Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector to 100 per cent.
  • The proposed legislation is the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the proposal in the Union Budget this year.
  • The insurance sector has attracted around Rs 82,000 crore in foreign investment.
  • The bill proposes amendments to the Insurance Act, 1938, allowing up to 100 per cent FDI.
  • It permits mergers between insurance and non-insurance companies.
  • The bill creates a dedicated policyholders’ fund.
  • A requirement mandates that at least one key management position, such as chairman, managing director or CEO, must be held by an Indian citizen.
  • Existing net worth requirements for insurers will remain unchanged.
  • Amendments are also proposed to the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) Act, 1956.
  • Changes to the LIC Act would empower its board to take operational decisions such as branch expansion and recruitment.
  • Amendments are also proposed to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) Act, 1999.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) grants in-principle approval to NHAI’s Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) for InvIT registration. (Start of December) ▼
  • Sebi has granted in-principle approval to register 'Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust' (RIIT) as an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).
  • RIIT must meet specific conditions over the next six months including appointment of directors, submission of requisite financial statements, and compliance with other regulatory requirements.
  • NHAI incorporated Raajmarg Infra Investment Managers Pvt. Ltd. (RIIMPL) last month as the investment manager for RIIT.
  • RIIMPL is a collaborative venture with equity participation from State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, NaBFID, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finserv Ventures Ltd., HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, IndusInd Bank, and Yes Bank.
  • The InvIT aims to unlock monetisation potential of National Highway assets and create a long-term investment instrument targeting retail and domestic investors.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approves NHAI-sponsored Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust as Public InvIT (End of December) ▼
  • NHAI-sponsored Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).
  • The Public InvIT aims to unlock the monetisation potential of the National Highway assets while creating a high-quality, long-term investment instrument primarily targeting retail and domestic investors.
  • NHAI had incorporated Raajmarg Infra Investment Managers Pvt Ltd (RIIMPL) as the Investment Manager for RIIT.
  • RIIMPL has been established as a collaborative venture with equity participation from State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, NaBFID, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finserv Ventures Ltd., HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, IndusInd Bank, and Yes Bank.
  • NRVVMK Rajendra Kumar, Member (Finance), NHAI, will be the Managing Director and CEO (Additional Charge) of the investment manager company.

Revised Startup Recognition Norms Increase Turnover Limits and Add Deep-Tech Category

Key Updates:

  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notified revised startup recognition criteria on 5 February 2026.
  • General startup turnover limit raised from ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore.
  • New 'Deep Tech Startup' sub-category introduced with age limit extended to 20 years and turnover cap of ₹300 crore.
  • Multi-State Cooperative Societies registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 and cooperative societies under State/UT Acts now eligible for startup recognition.

Similar Coverage

National Startup Day 2026 highlights India’s startup-driven future (Mid of January) ▼
  • National Startup Day is observed every year on January 16 across the country.
  • India currently ranks as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with over 1.59 lakh startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of early 2025.
  • DPIIT-recognised startups have generated over 16.6 lakh direct jobs across sectors as of October 31, 2024.
Prime Minister Modi celebrates decade of Startup India movement (Mid of January) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Startup India Movement on National Startup Day.
  • He congratulated stakeholders and highlighted the courage, spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial zeal of India’s youth powering India’s rise in the global startup ecosystem.
  • Modi emphasized reforms creating a conducive atmosphere for startups to venture into areas like space and defence.
  • He noted Indian startups are contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat by turning youth into problem solvers.
  • The Prime Minister acknowledged the role of mentors, incubators, investors and academic institutions in supporting startups.
  • Startup India was launched on 16 January 2016 to nurture innovation and promote entrepreneurship.
  • Over the past decade more than 2,00,000 startups have been recognised across India, driving employment and innovation-led economic growth.
FITT, IIT Delhi and IDFC FIRST Bank launch IGNITE cohort to back high-impact climate, AI and social-good startups (End of December) ▼
  • FITT, IIT Delhi in collaboration with IDFC FIRST Bank announced the launch of a new cohort under the IGNITE Program to support high-potential startups working across climate tech, clean energy, healthcare, agri-tech, mobility, education, and AI-driven solutions for social good.
  • The program offers non-dilutive financial support of up to ₹30 lakhs per startup along with structured capacity-building workshops covering technology development, business strategy, and investor readiness.
  • Startups gain mentorship from IIT Delhi faculty, industry experts, and IDFC FIRST Bank CSR leaders, plus access to investor connect sessions, demo day exposure, and SIDBI-FITT investment pitching opportunities.
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) records USD 51 billion FDI inflow in six months (Mid of January) ▼
  • India has received foreign direct investment (FDI) worth USD 51 billion in the last six months.
  • DPIIT will organise National Startup Day on January 16, during which 75 Grand Challenges will be launched to foster innovation and problem-solving across sectors.
  • More than 3,000 requests have been received to participate in National Startup Day.
  • 20 National Startup Awards will be presented on National Startup Day to recognise excellence in entrepreneurship.

FLO Bangalore Industrial Park inaugurated in Gowribidanur, Karnataka

[ Karnataka]

Key Updates:

  • FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) Bangalore, the women’s wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), inaugurated a first-of-its-kind women-led industrial park in Gowribidanur, Karnataka.
  • The 50-acre industrial park is designed exclusively for FLO Bengaluru members to support first-generation women entrepreneurs in manufacturing and large-scale enterprise.
  • The initiative is supported by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) and Karnataka Udyog Mitra (KUM).
  • The park provides a comprehensive ecosystem including single window access for approvals, access to financial institutions, and guidance on business planning and project execution.
  • Planned shared facilities at the site include skill development and capacity building centres, creche facilities, and Research and Development (R&D) support.

Similar Coverage

Odisha CM inaugurates India's first Flat Rolled Products (FRP) aluminium unit in Sambalpur (End of January) ▼
  • Odisha Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated India’s first Flat Rolled Products (FRP) aluminium unit at the Aditya Aluminium plant of Hindalco Industries Limited (Hindalco) at Lapanga in Sambalpur.
  • The CM inaugurated a specialised battery foil unit established with an investment of ₹834 crore.
  • A foundation stone was laid for the expansion of the smelter plant involving an investment of ₹21,162 crore.
  • Hindalco Industries Limited (Hindalco) Managing Director (MD) Satish Pai stated that the total investment in these projects is envisaged at ₹50,000 crore.
  • The projects are expected to generate employment for 15,000 youths, including the recruitment of 4,500 women across facilities in Keonjhar, Rayagada, and Sambalpur.
  • The CM inaugurated the 25th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Enterprise Odisha Exhibition 2026 in Rourkela.
Andhra Pradesh Signs MoU with FICCI-FLO to Establish 30-Acre Industrial Park for Women Entrepreneurs (End of January) ▼
  • The Andhra Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry – Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO) to establish an exclusive industrial park for women entrepreneurs.
  • The agreement involves the development of a 30-acre industrial park in Amaravati under the state policy for private industrial parks with plug-and-play industrial infrastructure (4.0) for the period 2024-29.
  • The proposed park is dedicated to women entrepreneurs who are members of FICCI-FLO to promote enterprise creation, economic self-reliance, and employment generation.
  • The initiative aligns with the state government plan to establish 175 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) parks, with one situated in each assembly constituency.
  • The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) will facilitate land allotment, statutory approvals, and infrastructure development for the project.
  • The MoU was signed by the Minister for Industries and Commerce and Food Processing, TG Bharath, and FICCI-FLO National President, Poonam Sharma.
  • The budget outlay for the industrial park is not specified in the article.
  • The specific launch date for the commencement of the park is not specified in the article.
Top Cities for Women in India 2025 report released on 07-01-2026 (Start of January) ▼
  • In an eye-opening study by Avtar Group, the fourth edition of 'Top Cities for Women in India' has been unveiled.
  • The 2025 rankings place Bengaluru at the pinnacle for women, backed by robust industrial growth and career enablement.
  • Chennai and Pune follow closely with excellent social inclusion attributes, showcasing safety and public services as pivotal factors for women.
  • The longitudinal inclusivity index highlights key cities across India, evaluating their performance on social and industrial inclusion parameters essential to women's empowerment.
  • The increased presence of tier-2 cities in top rankings signifies a new era in women-friendly urban ecosystems.
Maharashtra signs MoUs for Innovation City and Small Modular Reactors (SMR) at World Economic Forum (WEF) (End of January) ▼
  • The Tata Group has pledged to invest $11 billion in developing the ecosystem for India's first ‘Innovation City' near Navi Mumbai airport.
  • The investments are in sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, quantum processing, renewable energy, green skill, electric vehicles, urban transformation, green steel, shipbuilding, sustainability, fintech, digital infrastructure and textiles.
  • Maharashtra will also be the first in the country to set up small modular reactors (SMR) for generating atomic electricity.
  • The initiative is in line with the passage of Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill in Parliament.
  • The state has also signed an MoU with US-based Supervity AI to set up the world's first AI Global Capability Centre (GCC) hub in BKC.
  • The state has held talks with govt nuclear energy entities in India and Russia to fulfill the power demand of data centres.

Geothermal Energy Project MoU signed to make Himachal Pradesh a Green Energy State

[HP Govt]

Key Updates:

  • The Government of Himachal Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s Geotropy India Pvt. Ltd. on 5 February 2026.
  • The MoU was executed by D.P. Gupta, Chief Engineer of the Directorate of Energy, and Tomos Otto Hansson, Chairperson of Iceland-based GEOTROPY ehf.
  • The initiative aims to harness the geothermal potential of the state to ensure round-the-clock availability of renewable energy.
  • The exploration and development of geothermal energy will be conducted without any financial burden on the state government.
  • The signing ceremony was attended by Chief Minister (CM) Sukhu, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and Iceland’s Ambassador to India, Benedikt Hoskuldsson.
  • The project is part of the state's vision to transition into a green energy state and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.

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Reliance Industries (RIL) announces people-first Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform and global clean energy hub (Mid of January) ▼
  • Jio will launch a people-first artificial intelligence platform built in India, for India, and the world.
  • In Jamnagar, we are building India's largest artificial intelligence-ready data centre with a single goal -- affordable AI for every Indian.
  • At Jamnagar, we are building the world's largest integrated clean energy ecosystem, spanning solar, battery energy storage, green hydrogen, green fertilizer, sustainable aviation fuel, and maritime fuels, and advanced materials.
  • Our multi-gigawatt utility scale solar project, among the world's largest, will deliver round-the-clock clean power through advanced storage and modern grid integration.
  • Jamnagar, once the largest hydrocarbon energy exporter, will in the coming years become India's largest exporter of green energy and material, from Gujarat.
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) launches Pragya-AIX unifying 26+ AI apps to boost oil and gas output (End of January) ▼
  • Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has gone live with Pragya-AIX, its Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Exchange.
  • Pragya-AIX integrates over 26 intelligent applications into a single unified digital platform.
  • The platform centralises AI solutions for seismic analytics, production optimisation, and smart field monitoring.
  • Pragya-AIX aims to transform data into strategic decisions, improving safety, cost efficiency, and process optimisation across the hydrocarbon value chain.
  • The deployment positions ONGC to support India’s energy security and self-reliance goals through scaled AI-driven upstream operations.
Google commits $8 million to India’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem (Mid of December) ▼
  • Google on Tuesday announced fresh collaborations and funding commitments worth $8 million to strengthen India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem.
  • Research funding will go to TANUH at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru for non-communicable disease treatment.
  • The Airawat Research Foundation at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur will receive funding for AI-driven urban governance.
  • Google is working with the National Health Authority (NHA) to use AI to convert millions of unstructured medical records into the international FHIR standard.
  • Google announced a $2 million founding contribution to set up an Indic Language Technologies Research Hub at IIT Bombay.
  • Google said it is partnering with ReNew Energy on a 150 MW solar project in Rajasthan, extending its push to power AI growth with clean energy and support India’s non-fossil fuel goals.
  • The company said it would provide $400,000 to support collaborations using its MedGemma models to build India-specific health foundation models.
  • Google announced separate Google.org funding of $2 million to develop Garuda, an AI language model for agriculture.
Adani Group (AG) invests over $75 billion in energy transition space over 5 years (Mid of December) ▼
  • Adani Group (AG) will invest over $75 billion in energy transition space over 5 years.
  • The AG is building the world's largest renewable energy park at Khavda in Gujarat, spread across 520 square kilometres.
  • The park will generate 30 GW of green energy by 2030, enough to power more than 60 million Indian homes every year.
  • India is the world's third-largest electricity user.
  • India has a per person electricity consumption of less than 1,400 kilowatt-hours a year.
  • India contributed 4 per cent of cumulative global emissions over 200 years of industrial activity.
  • Europe contributed 13 per cent, the US 19 per cent, and China 20 per cent of cumulative global emissions.
  • The AG announced Adani Annual Internships, offering 50 paid positions each year for third-year students.
  • A minimum of 25 per cent of these interns will receive pre-employment offers for joining.
  • The AG announced the Adani 3S Mining Excellence Centre with TEXMiN.

Iran Reaffirms Support for Chabahar Port and Expansion of Bilateral Ties with India

[Iran]

Key Updates:

  • Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, stated that Chabahar Port is vital for providing access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
  • The Government of India has transferred the entire committed amount of $120 million to Iran for the development of the port terminal.
  • India remains committed to a 10-year contract signed in 2024, which includes a $250 million line of credit for the further development of the port.
  • The United States (US) administration has extended the sanctions waiver for the Chabahar project until 26 April.
  • The Union Budget for the current year saw zero allocation for the port as the committed financial obligations were already met.

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India and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to ink terms of reference on 5 February for starting FTA talks (Start of February) ▼
  • India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will sign terms of reference on 5 February to launch negotiations for a free trade agreement.
  • Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will preside over the signing ceremony.
  • GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.
  • India already implemented a free trade pact with the UAE in May 2022.
  • India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on 18 December 2025.
  • Earlier negotiations between India and GCC were held in 2006 and 2008; third round deferred.
  • India's exports to GCC rose 1% to USD 57 billion in 2024-25.
  • India's imports from GCC rose 15.33% to USD 121.7 billion in 2024-25.
  • Bilateral trade reached USD 178.7 billion in 2024-25.
  • UAE was India's third-largest trading partner in 2024-25 with a trade deficit of USD 26.76 billion.
  • Saudi Arabia was India's fifth-largest trading partner with a trade deficit of USD 18.36 billion.
  • Qatar was India's 22nd-largest trading partner with a trade deficit of USD 10.78 billion.
  • Oman was India's 28th-largest trading partner with a trade deficit of USD 2.48 billion.
  • Kuwait was India's 29th-largest trading partner with a trade deficit of USD 6.35 billion.
  • Bahrain was India's 65th-largest trading partner with a trade deficit of USD 45.97 million.
Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi concludes successful India visit (End of November) ▼
  • Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi led a trade delegation to India from November 19-25.
  • Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the visit “a very successful one and productive one”.
  • Azizi held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
  • India and Afghanistan announced initiation of an air-freight corridor on the Kabul-Delhi and Kabul-Amritsar sectors.
  • Both sides reactivated the Joint Working Group on Trade, Commerce and Investment and agreed to explore collaboration in mining and other high-value sectors.
  • Commercial representatives will be deputed to respective embassies and a joint chamber of commerce and industry will be institutionalised.
Pakistan commissions second Turkiye-built MILGEM corvette PNS Khaibar in Istanbul (End of December) ▼
  • Pakistan commissioned the MILGEM-class warship PNS Khaibar at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard.
  • PNS Khaibar is the second of four MILGEM corvettes being constructed by Turkish state-owned defence firm ASFAT under a 2018 contract.
  • The first vessel, PNS Babur, was delivered in 2023.
  • The MILGEM project is Turkiye’s warship programme designed to produce multipurpose corvettes and frigates for reconnaissance, surveillance, early warning, anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, and amphibious operations.
  • The commissioning ceremony was attended by Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
Kuwait and China sign $4.1 billion deal for Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port construction (End of December) ▼
  • The Kuwaiti Ministry of Public Works and China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC) signed a construction contract for the first phase of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project on December 22, 2025.
  • The engineering, procurement, and construction contract to complete the project is valued at $4.164 billion.
  • The State Audit Bureau is the government oversight body responsible for monitoring public funds that confirmed the project cost.
  • The project is intended to help Kuwait diversify its economy and play a larger role in global trade.

China approves limited rare earth exports to Japan under stricter dual-use controls

[China]

Key Updates:

  • China has approved several rare earth exports to Japan under its new dual-use export control regime.
  • Japanese firms confirmed export licences were granted but volumes remain below previous levels.
  • China requires detailed supply-chain disclosure, including final re-export destinations, from Japanese importers.
  • Heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium face the strictest scrutiny under the controls.
  • Nomura Research Institute warned prolonged delays could cause annual production losses exceeding ¥2.6 trillion ($17 billion), shaving 0.43% off Japan’s GDP.
  • Japan’s deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu retrieved rare-earth-rich mud from 6,000 m near Minamitorishima Island, a world first hailed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Similar Coverage

Rare Earth Corridors Scheme: Government support for mining, processing and manufacturing of critical minerals in coastal states (Start of February) ▼
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced government backing for rare earth corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in Budget 2026 on February 1.
  • The corridors will integrate mining, processing, research and manufacturing of critical minerals.
  • Beach sand deposits in these coastal states contain 13.15 million tonne monazite with 7.23 million tonne in-situ rare earth elements oxide and 1.18 million tonne thorium oxide as on January 29, 2026, according to Department of Atomic Energy data.
  • A scheme for rare earth permanent magnets launched in November 2025 provides an early framework for downstream manufacturing.
Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong announces India-China bilateral trade hit record USD 155.6 billion in 2025 (Start of February) ▼
  • India-China bilateral trade reached USD 155.6 billion in 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of over 12 per cent.
  • India’s exports to China grew by 9.7 per cent during the same period.
  • The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin last August led to improved ties and increased people-to-people exchanges.
  • China supports India’s BRICS presidency and is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with New Delhi for Global South development.
  • The military stand-off that began after the June 2020 Galwan Valley clashes effectively ended in October 2024.
China Unveils New Export Controls on Japan Amid Taiwan Tensions on 7 January 2026 (Start of January) ▼
  • China’s Ministry of Commerce banned the export of dual-use items with military applications to Japan.
  • The export ban is intended to safeguard national security and applies to all goods that could enhance Japan’s military capabilities.
  • Japanese Prime Minister (PM) Sanae Takaichi stated in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would be a survival-threatening situation for Japan, meeting the threshold for collective self-defence.
  • The Chinese military recently conducted live-fire drills that simulated a blockade of the island of Taiwan following President Xi Jinping's New Year’s address.
  • Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued a protest against the measures, with officials stating the ban was absolutely unacceptable and did not comply with international practice.
  • Taiwan’s governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) considers the island a de facto independent country, although it is not officially recognised by most nations, including Japan.
India Ranks Third in Global Rare Earth Reserves Amidst Production and Processing Challenges (End of December) ▼
  • India holds about 6.9 million tonnes of rare earth oxide (REO) reserves, placing it behind only China and Brazil.
  • In 2024, India produced only 2,900 tonnes of rare earths, ranking seventh globally.
  • Most of India's reserves are found in monazite-rich coastal sands, which also contain thorium, a radioactive element.
  • Production was largely restricted and handled mainly by Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), where rare earth elements were treated as by-products rather than strategic resources.
  • China controls about 90 per cent of global rare earth refining capacity and almost the entire processing of heavy rare earth elements.
  • India holds nearly 6-7 per cent of global rare earth reserves, yet contributes less than 1 per cent of global production.
  • The report highlighted that processing and refining is the biggest challenge, as India has very limited processing and refining capacity.

India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-III ballistic missile from Odisha

[Odisha]

Key Updates:

  • India successfully carried out a test launch of the Agni-III intermediate-range ballistic missile on 06 Feb 2026.
  • The missile was fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.
  • The launch met all mission objectives and validated operational and technical parameters.
  • The test was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).

Similar Coverage

Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully flight-tests man portable anti-tank guided missile (Mid of January) ▼
  • The third generation fire and forget man portable anti-tank guided missile (MPATGM) with top attack capability was flight-tested successfully against a moving target in KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar.
  • The test-firing was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • The warhead is capable of defeating modern main battle tanks.
  • The missile can be launched from a tripod or military vehicle launcher.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO and the industry partners for the successful test-firing of the missile.
India conducts salvo launch of two Pralay quasi-ballistic missiles off Odisha coast (Start of January) ▼
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a salvo launch of two quasi-ballistic missiles, Pralay, off the coast of Odisha as part of user evaluation trials.
  • Both missiles followed the intended trajectory and met all flight objectives, as confirmed by tracking sensors deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.
  • Pralay is an indigenously developed, solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile employing state-of-the-art guidance and navigation systems to ensure high precision.
  • The missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against a variety of targets and is slated for induction into the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force with a conventional warhead.
  • The system has been developed by Hyderabad-based DRDO facility Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with three Pune-based units — Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), and Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE].
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Successfully Conducts Flight Tests of Indigenously Developed Taimoor Missile on January 04, 2026 (Start of January) ▼
  • The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully tested the Taimoor Weapon System, which was developed in Pakistan and can hit targets up to 600 kilometres away.
  • The Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile can accurately strike enemy targets on land and at sea within a 600 kilometer range and carries a conventional warhead.
  • Equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation and guidance system, Taimoor is designed to fly at very low altitudes to help it avoid enemy air and missile defenses.
  • The successful test demonstrates the technical skill, innovation, and independence of Pakistan’s defense industry.
  • Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu congratulated the scientists, engineers, and the entire PAF team for their achievement.
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tests Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) in Maharashtra on Sunday (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), a third-generation ‘fire and forget’ type of missile with top attack capability, against a moving target at the KK Ranges in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar on Sunday.
  • The homegrown MPATGM consists of an Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker which tracks targets using infrared images, an all-electric control actuation system, and a tandem warhead that uses dual charges to defeat the layered armour of adversary tanks.
  • The ‘Fire and forget’ type of missile refers to a weapon system that locks onto a target before launch and does not require further guidance from the operator after firing.
  • Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are the Development-Cum-Production Partners (DcPP) for the weapon system.
  • The missile can be launched from tripod or a Military Vehicle Launcher and features a miniaturised infrared imaging seeker and advanced avionics on board for control and guidance.

United States launches $12 billion civilian critical minerals stockpile under Project Vault

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • The United States is creating a $12 billion strategic critical minerals reserve for non-military civilian purposes.
  • President Trump announced the initiative, named Project Vault, in the Oval Office alongside business executives.
  • The reserve will be funded by a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and $2 billion in private-sector financing.
  • The stockpile targets minerals such as cobalt, graphite, silicon, copper, nickel, titanium and lithium used in electric vehicle batteries, semiconductors and smartphones.
  • In 2024 the U.S. was entirely import-reliant for 12 critical minerals and imported 50% or more of 29 others, according to the White House.
  • The reserve aims to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese rare earths and strengthen American leverage in trade negotiations.

Similar Coverage

United States to build new Trump-class battleships starting with USS Defiance (End of December) ▼
  • President Donald Trump announced plans to build a new 'golden fleet' of naval war vessels, starting with two battleships.
  • The first 'Trump class' battleship will be named the USS Defiance, followed by another eight and then 10 to 15 more.
  • These 30,000- to 40,000-ton vessels will be the flagships of the American naval fleet.
  • The battleships will be partially funded by $26 billion allocated by a defense spending bill passed by Congress this month.
  • The vessels will carry sea-born nuclear cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and utilize artificial intelligence.
  • The first battleship will take about 30 months to construct and will be 100 times more powerful than World War II-era battleships.
Medium-Calibre Ammunition Facility Inauguration by Rajnath Singh (End of January) ▼
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate a medium-calibre ammunition facility built by Solar Industries in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
  • The facility is part of the government’s push to modernise the Indian Army and boost indigenous defence production.
  • During the visit, Singh will also tour Economic Explosives Limited, another defence-related unit in Nagpur.
World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 annual meeting concludes in Davos (End of January) ▼
  • The 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting concluded in Davos on 23 January 2026.
  • U.S. President Donald Trump dominated the agenda with his claim to Greenland, prompting strong European resistance.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flew in for talks as a U.S.–Russia discussion on Ukraine continued; Russian Presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev held talks at the USA House, the first Russian official to visit Davos since 2022.
  • U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told a panel that global oil production needs to more than double to meet rising energy demand and criticised Europe and California for overspending on green energy.
  • Elon Musk stated the U.S. could meet all electricity needs via solar from a small area of Utah, Nevada or New Mexico but noted high tariff barriers hamper deployment.
  • Trump discussed a secret sonic weapon allegedly used in the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro and predicted increased U.S. and European defence spending.
US Export-Import Bank (Exim) commits $1.25 billion financing for Reko Diq mining project (Mid of December) ▼
  • US President Donald Trump’s administration committed $1.25 billion in financing from the US Export-Import Bank (Exim) for the Reko Diq mining project in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
  • The financing is set to support the import of up to $2 billion in US mining equipment and services.
  • Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker announced the approval, describing it as a “win-win” for both nations.
  • The US Embassy in Islamabad hailed the deal as a “game-changer” for economic growth in Balochistan.
  • This initiative is projected to create 6,000 jobs in the US and 7,500 jobs in Balochistan.
  • The project aims to unlock one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits.
  • Reko Diq is owned 50% by Canadian firm Barrick Gold, 25% by Pakistan’s federal government, and 25% by the Balochistan government.
  • The Reko Diq project carries a total development cost of around $7 billion and aims for production by 2028.
  • Once operational, the project could generate $2.8 billion in export revenue in its first year.
  • Saudi Arabia’s Manara Minerals has signaled interest in a 15% stake in the project.

Indian Coast Guard busts international oil smuggling racket through Coordinated Sea-Air Operation

Key Updates:

  • Indian Coast Guard (ICG) busted an international oil smuggling racket during a Coordinated Sea-Air Operation.
  • The operation was carried out by the Indian Coast Guard.
  • The smuggling involved oil, but the exact quantity seized is not specified in the article.

Similar Coverage

Union Budget 2026-27: Focus on Manufacturing, MSMEs, and Fiscal Consolidation (Start of February) ▼
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27, targeting an economic growth of approximately 7% with a focus on the goal of Viksit Bharat.
  • The government announced the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 and the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to strengthen domestic high-value manufacturing.
  • New sector-specific initiatives include Biopharma SHAKTI for biotechnology, three dedicated chemical parks, and a scheme for rare earth permanent magnets.
  • The budget proposed the revival of 200 legacy industrial clusters and the establishment of hi-tech tool rooms in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
  • For Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the government announced a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and a ₹2,000 crore top-up to the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund.
  • The Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) will be mandatory for all CPSE purchases from MSMEs and will be linked with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
  • The existing ₹10 lakh per consignment value cap on courier exports for small firms has been removed to encourage international trade.
  • The government will support states to set up five hubs for medical value tourism and establish three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIA).
  • A new National Institute of Design (NID) will be established in eastern India, and AVGC content creator labs will be set up in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges.
  • The Bharat-VISTAAR initiative will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to integrate AgriStack portals with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) practices.
  • Infrastructure projects include 20 new National Waterways and a Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) connecting Dankuni in the east to Surat in the west.
  • The government allocated ₹2 lakh crore to states under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
  • The fiscal deficit for 2026-27 is estimated at 4.3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with a target to bring the debt-to-GDP ratio to 50% by 2030.
  • The budget provided ₹1.4 lakh crore as Finance Commission grants to states.
Adani's Kutch Copper Signs MoU with Caravel Minerals for Australian Copper Supply (Start of November) ▼
  • Adani Enterprises Ltd ’s copper arm, Kutch Copper Ltd (KCL), has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Caravel Minerals Ltd for strategic collaboration on the Caravel Copper Project.
  • The partnership sets up an exclusive framework for negotiating a life-of-mine offtake agreement covering up to 100% of Caravel’s copper concentrate output, expected to be around 62,000 to 71,000 tonnes of payable copper per annum in the project’s initial years.
  • The concentrate would supply Adani’s $1.2 billion (AUD 1.8 billion) Kutch Copper Smelter in Gujarat.
  • The Caravel Copper Project is among Australia’s largest undeveloped copper resources, with an estimated 1.3 million tonnes of payable copper and an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) forecast at USD 2.07 per pound.
  • KCL has secured first rights to participate in direct equity or project-level investments during the term of the MoU, aligned with the project’s AUD 1.7 billion initial capital expenditure.
  • The MoU also lays out collaborative workstreams, including co-engineering, joint procurement, and initiatives leveraging the India-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  • Global copper demand is forecast to surge 50% by 2040 on the back of electrification and renewable-energy expansion.
Union Budget 2026–27 announces India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 and multiple sector-specific manufacturing schemes (Start of February) ▼
  • India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 launched to strengthen chip manufacturing and ecosystem development.
  • Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme announced to deepen local value addition.
  • Biopharma SHAKTI scheme targets pharmaceutical and biotechnology capabilities.
  • Three dedicated chemical parks planned to expand domestic chemical production.
  • Scheme for rare earth permanent magnets covers research, mining, processing and manufacturing.
  • Container manufacturing scheme and initiatives for construction and infrastructure equipment announced.
  • Integrated programme for textiles and dedicated push for affordable sports goods manufacturing introduced.
  • Revival of 200 legacy industrial clusters and setting up of hi-tech tool rooms in CPSEs planned.
  • Five-year income tax exemptions for non-residents supplying capital goods to toll manufacturers in bonded zones.
  • Deferred duty payments for trusted manufacturers and expanded duty-free imports for export-oriented sectors such as seafood, footwear, textiles and electronics.
Union Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman presents Union Budget 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • Union Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026 on 1 February 2026.
  • State Bank of India (SBI) opened a Global Trade Finance Centre (GTFC) in Kolkata to strengthen its trade and international banking operations.
  • Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ajay Kumar Srivastava stated the budget provides a roadmap for Viksit Bharat by balancing industrial scaling with job creation.
  • Heritage Foods Ltd Executive Director Brahmani Nara described the budget as a landmark step for strengthening the dairy and livestock ecosystem in India.
  • Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Alexander Schoen noted the budget places manufacturing, infrastructure, and supply-chain resilience at the centre of economic policy.
  • The Indian space sector is exploring derived demand for products and services from the defence sector following the FY27 budget proposals.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visits United States for Critical Minerals Ministerial from 2 to 5 February 2026

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar embarked on a three-day visit to the United States (US) from 2 February to 5 February 2026.
  • The EAM will participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
  • The ministerial meeting focuses on supply chain resilience, clean energy transitions, and strategic cooperation in critical minerals.
  • S. Jaishankar is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Marco Rubio to discuss a proposed trade deal and address the downturn in strategic relations.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the visit includes meetings with senior members of the US administration.
  • Earlier on 29 January 2026, the EAM held talks with the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, covering defence, trade, and critical minerals.

Similar Coverage

Japan and India hold 18th Japan–India Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi (End of January) ▼
  • The 18th Japan–India Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue was held in New Delhi, marking the substantive core of Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu’s official visit to India.
  • Both sides decided to initiate a Private Sector–led Business-to-Business Dialogue on Economic Security in early 2026.
  • A Japan–India AI Strategic Dialogue was formally established to cooperate on artificial intelligence governance, innovation, and competitiveness.
  • Japan will contribute to India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit in February 2026.
  • The next round of Senior Officials’ Talks on Economic Security and the Joint Working Group on Critical Minerals will be convened.
  • The Japan–India Startup Support Initiative (JISSI) was reviewed to promote collaboration between Japanese and Indian startups.
  • The Japan–India Intellectual Conclave (Kizuna Dialogue) is scheduled in Shillong in February 2026.
  • Foreign Minister Motegi called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirming the Japan–India partnership as a 'natural partnership' anchored in shared democratic values and strategic interests.
European Union leaders attend 77th Republic Day of India as Chief Guests and co-chair 16th EU-India Summit (End of January) ▼
  • President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen paid a State Visit to India on 25–27 January 2026 as Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day of India.
  • A contingent of the European Union Military Staff and the European Union Naval Operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES participated in the Republic Day Parade for the first time.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chaired the 16th EU-India Summit with President Costa and President von der Leyen in New Delhi on 27 January 2026.
  • The EU-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations were successfully concluded during the Summit.
  • The EU-India Security and Defence Partnership, the first overarching defence and security framework between the two sides, was signed.
  • The leaders condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 and the terror incident near Red Fort, New Delhi on 10 November 2025.
  • The EU-India Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda 'Towards 2030' was adopted to advance cooperation across five pillars: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global challenges, and enabling factors.
PM Narendra Modi visits Dera Sach Khand Ballan on 1 February (Start of February) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dera Sach Khand Ballan, the spiritual headquarters of the Ravidassia community, in Jalandhar on 1 February 2026.
  • The Ravidassia community and other backward classes comprise approximately one-third of the total population of Punjab.
  • The visit is highlighted as a symbol of the fulfilment of the vision of Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar for a society providing equal opportunities for backward classes.
  • Satnam Singh Sandhu, a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha, described the outreach as a boost to social inclusion and investment sentiment in the border state.
CP Radhakrishnan participates as Chief Guest at multiple events during visit to Puducherry, Kerala and Tamil Nadu (Start of January) ▼
  • CP Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India, attended the 30th Convocation of Pondicherry University as Chief Guest.
  • He unveiled the statue of Mahakavi Bharathiar and launched a housing project under the Smart City Mission in Puducherry.
  • He participated as Chief Guest at the valedictory ceremony of Kashi-Tamil Sangamam 4.0 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
  • He inaugurated the public meeting concluding the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram.

New York City joins WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network after United States withdrawal

[New York City, World Health Organization (WHO), United States]

Key Updates:

  • New York City Health Department announced it has joined the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).
  • The decision follows President Donald Trump's withdrawal of the United States from WHO.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, both Democrats, have also said their states will join GOARN.
  • GOARN comprises more than 360 technical institutions that respond to public health events such as pandemics and disease outbreaks.
  • By joining GOARN, New York City gains access to a global network of over 360 institutions for deployment of staff and resources to affected countries.

Similar Coverage

United States officially withdraws from the World Health Organization (WHO) (End of January) ▼
  • The United States (US) has officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), a United Nations (UN) agency.
  • The US Department of Health and Human Services cited the WHO's alleged mishandling of the pandemic and political influence from member states as reasons for the exit.
  • Washington has terminated all government funding and recalled personnel and contractors from the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
  • The US has not paid its membership fees for 2024 and 2025, with estimated arrears amounting to $260 million.
  • In April last year, the US was the only member state that did not agree to the international pandemic treaty designed for future pandemic response.
  • The WHO board is scheduled to discuss the US withdrawal during its upcoming meeting from 2-7 February.
  • US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that future engagement with the WHO will be limited to safeguarding American health interests.
  • The WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, noted that the withdrawal represents a loss for both the US and the global community.
  • India link not mentioned in the article.
Cabinet Renews BIRAC-CEPI Research Partnerships, Expands Scope to Monoclonal Antibodies (Start of December) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet has renewed the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) Engagement Strategy with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
  • The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), had partnered with CEPI in October 2019, to advance vaccine development for diseases of epidemic potential.
  • The partnership recorded progress in early-stage development of vaccine candidates for Chikungunya, Coronavirus and Monkey pox.
  • Under the strategy, BIRAC’s bioassay laboratory and experimental animal facility supported the development of several Indian and global vaccine candidates at different stages, from pre-clinical to phase-3 efficacy trials.
  • Training programmes on vaccine development and clinical trials have been organized, contributing to capacity building in the domain.
  • The latest renewal further broadens the strategy scope to the development of allied technologies, particularly monoclonal antibodies.
  • Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are lab-made proteins that mimic the body's natural immune response to target specific cells or antigens.
  • CEPI is an innovative partnership between public, private, philanthropic and civil organisations which supports the development of vaccines and associated technologies against emerging infectious diseases.
  • Several national governments, the European Commission, and philanthropic organisations, such as Gates Foundation and Welcome Trust, are involved with CEPI.
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day observed on 30 January (End of January) ▼
  • World Health Organisation (WHO) designated 30 January as World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day at the 74th World Health Assembly on 31 May 2021.
  • The date commemorates the adoption of the London Declaration on NTDs on 30 January 2012.
  • WHO’s 2030 targets include 90% reduction in people needing treatment for NTDs and 75% reduction in years of life lost due to NTDs.
  • By 1 January 2026, 58 countries had eradicated at least one NTD.
  • Global financial aid for NTDs fell by 41% between 2018 and 2023.
  • USAID’s dismantling and the United States withdrawal from WHO have suspended 47 treatment campaigns affecting 143 million people worldwide.
  • ANRS MIE, responsible for monitoring emerging infectious diseases, prioritises dengue and chikungunya under its Emergence epidemic response system.
  • ANRS MIE funds projects including LSDengue, ARBOGEN, DENGAGE, DENGAFRICA, and LEISHNEW targeting dengue, chikungunya, and leishmaniasis.
  • ANRS MIE co-directs Global Health EDCTP3 and serves as one of nine international coordination centres for the STRIVE network linking over 300 clinical trials in 40 countries.
Integrated Health Information Platform for Near Real-time Disease Reporting (Start of December) ▼
  • The Integrated Health Information Platform collects data from over 1.5 lakh health workers and facilities.
  • It enables near real-time reporting of diseases from all levels of healthcare including ANMs, primary health centres, district hospitals, and tertiary care centres.
  • The platform was started in the middle of the pandemic in 2021.
  • An AI component scans news articles in 13 different languages for mentions of unusual clusters of diseases.
  • The portal includes a section for community reporting of unusual health events by anyone.

Addverb unveils Made-in-India wheeled humanoid Elixis-W at LogiMAT India 2026

Key Updates:

  • Addverb launched Elixis-W, a Made-in-India wheeled humanoid for industrial use, at LogiMAT India 2026 held at BEC, Mumbai.
  • Elixis-W integrates cognition, mobility, and dexterity to operate autonomously in unstructured environments and collaborate safely with humans.
  • The company also showcased Cruiser 360, a 4-Way Pallet Shuttle for high-density multi-directional pallet movement, and FlowT, an Autonomous Forklift for flexible material handling.
  • Quadruped robot Trakr was demonstrated, highlighting its navigation intelligence and safe human-robot interaction.

Similar Coverage

Union Budget 2026: Centre Announces Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and Divyang Sahara Yojana (Start of February) ▼
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed supporting the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) to scale up the production of assistive devices.
  • The Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana aims to promote artificial limb manufacturing through Artificial Intelligence (AI) interventions.
  • Under the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana, differently-abled individuals will receive industry-relevant training and access to customised assistive products.
  • The Divyang Sahara Yojana will support ALIMCO in increasing production and investing in AI integration and Research and Development (R&D).
  • The government plans to strengthen PM Divyasha Kendras and establish Assistive Technology Marts to provide easy access to assistive devices.
East Coast Railway (ECoR) deploys humanoid robot ‘ASC Arjun’ at Visakhapatnam station (End of January) ▼
  • East Coast Railway (ECoR) introduced the humanoid robot ‘ASC Arjun’ at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in Indian Railways.
  • The robot supports security, passenger assistance, crowd management, cleanliness monitoring and safety awareness.
  • ASC Arjun uses Face Recognition System (FRS) for intrusion detection and sends IoT-enabled alerts to Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel.
  • It delivers autonomous public announcements in English, Hindi and Telugu and performs semi-autonomous platform patrol with obstacle avoidance.
  • The robot provides fire and smoke detection with instant alerts and interacts with passengers using cultural gestures such as Namaste and salute to RPF officers.
  • Designed and developed indigenously in Visakhapatnam over more than one year, ASC Arjun integrates real-time IoT connectivity with RPF control rooms.
xTerra Robotics Unveils SCORP, India’s First Legged Mobile Manipulator (Mid of January) ▼
  • SCORP is India’s first legged mobile manipulator, developed by deep-tech startup xTerra Robotics incubated at IIT Kanpur.
  • The robot merges legged locomotion with a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm to navigate and manipulate in complex environments.
  • SCORP performs intricate pipe network inspections using a high-resolution camera mounted on its robotic arm for close-range visual analysis.
  • It uses a RealSense D435 stereo depth camera for automated crack detection by capturing precise 3D depth information.
  • SCORP can autonomously patrol, detect threats, and physically interact with objects using its robotic arm for tasks like waste pickup and fire extinguisher pressure checks.
Bharat Forge (BF) Inks MoU with Agile Robots (AR) for AI-Led Industrial Automation (Mid of January) ▼
  • Pune-based Bharat Forge (BF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Germany-headquartered Agile Robots (AR) to explore a strategic collaboration in artificial intelligence-driven robotics and industrial automation.
  • The partnership will focus on co-developing intelligent automation and robotic solutions for civilian manufacturing applications, including automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, industrial goods and logistics.
  • The two companies plan to jointly develop and deploy vision- and AI-based robotic systems, including solutions that support highly autonomous manufacturing environments, often referred to as “dark factories”.
  • The collaboration is aimed at India and Southeast Asia markets and will not extend to defence-related applications.
  • BF will contribute its manufacturing and sectoral expertise, while AR will bring its capabilities in AI-enabled robotics and automation.

NASA’s SPHEREx Mission Tracks Brightening of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • NASA’s SPHEREx mission observed comet 3I/ATLAS in December 2025, detecting infrared light from dust, water, organic molecules, and carbon dioxide in its coma.
  • Comet 3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar object discovered passing through our solar system.
  • SPHEREx detected organic molecules including methanol, cyanide, and methane within the comet’s coma.
  • The comet showed a dramatic brightness increase two months after its closest approach to the Sun, due to sublimation of water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
  • The mission is managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and launched on March 11, 2025.
  • SPHEREx completed the first of four planned all-sky infrared maps of the cosmos in late 2025.
  • Comet 3I/ATLAS was discovered by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, on July 1, 2025.

Similar Coverage

Gemini North Telescope Captures Greening of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS (Mid of December) ▼
  • The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is not only brightening but also taking on a distinct green hue as it approaches Earth.
  • The latest image of the comet was captured by scientists using the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) on the 8.1-meter Gemini North telescope atop Hawaii's dormant Mauna Kea volcano.
  • The green colour of the comet is caused by diatomic carbon (C2) molecules in its coma, which emit light at green wavelengths when exposed to solar radiation.
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detects organic molecules in planet-forming disk of star T Chamaeleontis (T Cha) (End of December) ▼
  • Astronomers studied the young, Sun-like star T Chamaeleontis (T Cha), which is located approximately 350 light-years from Earth.
  • The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) revealed the presence of complex organic molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the star's circumstellar disk.
  • A sudden burst of accretion in 2022 caused the partial collapse of the disk’s inner wall, allowing ultraviolet (UV) radiation to illuminate previously hidden regions.
  • The detection was made using the JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), which captured the PAH glow in the 5–15 microns wavelength range.
  • Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), led the analysis of the spectroscopic data.
  • The study found that the PAHs in the T Cha disk are relatively small, containing fewer than 30 carbon atoms.
  • Comparison with archival data from the Spitzer Space Telescope from 2002 showed that the intrinsic properties of the molecules remained stable over nearly two decades.
  • The T Cha system contains a wide gap in its disk believed to have been carved out by an emerging protoplanet.
Durham University-led team detects impossible bow shock from discless white dwarf RXJ0528+2838 (Mid of January) ▼
  • A powerful outflow generating a persistent bow shock has been discovered around the white dwarf RXJ0528+2838, 730 light-years away.
  • The star is described as a ‘supposedly quiet, discless system’ yet drives a spectacular nebula.
  • The shock wave indicates the dead star has been ejecting material for at least 1,000 years, contradicting current understanding.
  • Researchers state the finding challenges the standard picture of how matter moves and interacts in extreme binary systems.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) observes white dwarf system EX Hydrae using IXPE (Start of January) ▼
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) used the Imaging X-ray Polarisation Explorer (IXPE) to study the white dwarf system EX Hydrae as a structured system with shape and depth.
  • EX Hydrae is a binary system located approximately 200 light years away in the constellation Hydra, consisting of a compact white dwarf and a companion star.
  • The system is classified as an intermediate polar, where the magnetic field is strong enough to redirect gas along magnetic field lines toward the star’s surface but not strong enough to fully dominate the accretion disc.
  • IXPE measures the polarisation of X-ray light, which provides data on the direction and structure of light movement and scattering.
  • Observations revealed a column of hot gas rising almost 2,000 miles above the surface of the white dwarf.
  • The data suggested that X-rays bounce off the white dwarf’s surface before reaching Earth, a detail made visible through polarisation.
  • The study was led by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and published in the Astrophysical Journal.
  • IXPE is a joint mission between NASA and the Italian Space Agency, designed to collect data on objects ranging from neutron stars to black holes.

Goa becomes second Indian state to publish comprehensive Bird Atlas

[Goa]

Key Updates:

  • Goa has become the second state in India, after Kerala, to publish a comprehensive state-level bird atlas.
  • The Bird Atlas of Goa was released during the ninth Bird Festival of Goa, which was formally inaugurated at Valpoi.
  • The ninth edition of the bird festival was organised under the theme Majestic Mhadei.
  • A publication titled Birds of Goa: Konkani Nomenclature – Olakh Suknayanchi was released to popularise avifauna documentation in the local language.
  • The Goa Forest Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ResQ Charitable Trust to enhance wildlife rescue and rehabilitation coordination across the state.
  • Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of Forests, C Candavelou, served as the chief guest for the festival inauguration.

Similar Coverage

Government declares Parvati-Arga Bird Sanctuary as Eco-Sensitive Zone (End of December) ▼
  • The Government has declared the Parvati-Arga Bird Sanctuary of Uttar Pradesh as an Eco sensitive zone.
  • Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, said that through this initiative, the government is working to develop it as a responsible ecotourism destination and strengthen its biodiversity.
  • The sanctuary, spread across one thousand 84 hectares, welcomes migratory birds from Central Asia and Tibet.
Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls digitisation drive (End of November) ▼
  • The Election Commission of India reported that more than 47% of the enumeration forms distributed across 12 States and Union Territories have been digitised.
  • Goa achieved the highest digitisation at 76.89% followed by Rajasthan at 72.20%.
  • Kerala and Uttar Pradesh recorded the lowest digitisation at 23% and 26.6% respectively.
  • The enumeration phase began on November 4 and will end on December 4, with the draft list to be published on December 9.
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) leads 40th Asian Waterbird Census in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (End of December) ▼
  • The 40th Asian Waterbird Census and the 60th International Waterbird Census will take place in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and its nearby wetlands.
  • The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department is working with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to count the bird species.
  • The main focus will be on four special bird species: the endangered Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis), endangered Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris), Near Threatened Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), and Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus).

Ghaziabad and Delhi ranked most polluted Indian cities in January 2026 by CREA

[Ghaziabad, Delhi]

Key Updates:

  • Ghaziabad was the most polluted city in India in January 2026, recording a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 184 micrograms per cubic metre.
  • Delhi ranked as the second most polluted city with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 169 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly three times the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre.
  • According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Delhi recorded 24 Very Poor days, 3 Severe days, 2 Poor days, and 2 Moderate days during the month.
  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) defines Air Quality Index (AQI) categories as Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderate (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), and Severe (401-500).
  • Across India, 123 out of 248 cities recorded monthly average PM2.5 concentrations above the national standard, and none met the World Health Organization (WHO) daily safe guideline of 15 micrograms per cubic metre.
  • Of the 97 cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) with sufficient data, all 97 breached the WHO daily safe guideline.
  • The ten most polluted cities in January 2026 were Ghaziabad, Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Greater Noida, Dharuhera, Gangtok, Singrauli, Bhiwadi, and Narnaul.
  • Uttar Pradesh and Haryana each had three cities featured in the top ten most polluted list.
  • PM2.5 are defined as fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

Similar Coverage

Hanoi ranks second only to Delhi as world’s most polluted city amid PM2.5 surge (Mid of December) ▼
  • Hanoi has been ranked second with India’s capital New Delhi still holding the first rank in terms of worst AQI index.
  • Levels of PM2.5 pollutants were vastly higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended daily exposure limit.
  • Experts suggest that the cause of pollution can be the emissions from construction sites and the huge number of motorbikes and cars.
Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Program (DRAP) launched to achieve Zero Dumpsite India by September 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Program (DRAP) under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U) 2.0.
  • DRAP targets scientific remediation of 8.8 crore metric tonnes of legacy waste across 1,428 dumpsites in India.
  • Sites with over 45,000 metric tonnes of waste are prioritised; no minimum limit for Union Territories and Northeastern states.
  • Central financial support under DRAP is ₹550 per tonne of waste.
  • States must prepare Micro Action Plans and monitor progress through the DRAP Portal.
Ghaziabad tops India’s pollution chart in Nov 2025: CREA (Start of December) ▼
  • Ghaziabad emerged as the most polluted city in India in November 2025, with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 224 µg/m³.
  • Noida, Bahadurgarh, Delhi, Hapur, Greater Noida, Baghpat, Sonipat, Meerut and Rohtak joined Ghaziabad in the top 10 most polluted cities.
  • Delhi ranked as the fourth most polluted city, recording a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 215 µg/m³ in November, about twice its October level of 107 µg/m³.
  • The contribution of stubble burning was comparatively lower this year, an average of seven per cent in November, down from 20 per cent last year.
  • Shillong, Meghalaya was Indiaʼs cleanest city in November, with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 7 µg/m³.
Delhi Government and MCD Offices Adjust Working Hours to Combat Air Pollution (Start of November) ▼
  • The Delhi government and MCD offices will adjust working hours amid rising air pollution levels.
  • The new working hours will be implemented from November 15, 2025, to February 15, 2026.
  • The staggering of hours aims to distribute vehicular traffic load and reduce congestion during peak hours, assisting in pollution control.
  • Delhi government offices will operate from 10 am to 6:30 pm.
  • MCD offices will function from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

UNAM scientists detect hydrothermal unrest in El Chichón volcano crater lake, Mexico

[Mexico]

Key Updates:

  • El Chichón volcano is located in northern Chiapas state, Mexico.
  • The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) researchers reported physical and chemical changes in the 1-km-diameter, 200-m-deep crater lake formed after the 1982 eruption.
  • The 1982 eruption caused over $117 million in damage and displaced local populations.
  • Lake water, historically sulphur-rich and near 100 °C, now shows heightened sulphate and silica content and changed colour due to reduced algal influence.
  • Hollow sulphur spheres floating on the lake indicate a bottom layer of liquid sulphur where temperatures reach 118 °C.
  • Between June and August 2025 seismic activity increased, prompting investigations by several institutions.
  • Current activity is hydrothermal with possible minor phreatic explosions; no evidence of ascending fresh magma, so a repeat of the 1982 eruption is considered unlikely.

Similar Coverage

Volcán de Fuego eruption sends ash up to 15,000 feet on February 1, 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala erupted on February 1, 2026, producing ash plumes reaching 14,000 to 16,000 feet.
  • Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH) confirmed the heightened eruptive activity.
  • Ashfall was reported in communities including Panimache, Morelia, and Santa Sofia.
  • Volcanic Ash Advisories were issued by the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Washington.
USGS reports new Kilauea lava fountains up to 100 ft, all activity confined within Halema‘uma‘u crater (Start of December) ▼
  • Fresh lava fountains erupted from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano on Saturday, US vulcanologists said.
  • Sustained lava fountains approximately 50–100 feet (15–30 meters) in height are currently erupting from the north vent.
  • All the eruptive activity is confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
  • Authorities are monitoring elevated volcanic gas levels and the potential spread of “Pele’s hair,” strands of volcanic glass often produced by lava fountaining activity.
  • Hot, glassy volcanic fragments can fall on the ground within 1–2 miles (1–3 kilometers) of the eruptive vents.
Tropical Storm Nokaen (Ada) Increases Lahar Risk Near Mayon Volcano (Mid of January) ▼
  • The state weather bureau, PAGASA, reported that tropical storm Nokaen is packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
  • The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that intense rainfall may generate syn-eruption lahars on major channels draining the southern to eastern slopes of Mayon Volcano.
  • Phivolcs cautioned that older, erodible eruption deposits on the southwestern slopes of Mayon could be remobilized as non-eruption lahars.
  • The storm is projected to bring heavy to intense rainfall of 100 to 200 millimeters to areas surrounding the volcano in Albay province.
  • Phivolcs warned that hot lahars could cause scalding upon contact, potentially leading to severe and life-threatening injuries.
Indonesia Raises Alert for Mount Bur Ni Telong Amid Increased Volcanic Activity (Start of January) ▼
  • Indonesian authorities have escalated the alert level for Mount Bur Ni Telong volcano, located in the western Aceh province, following heightened volcanic activity.
  • The stratovolcano, standing at 2,624 meters, has shown an increased frequency of both shallow and deep volcanic earthquakes.
  • Officials are evacuating nearby residents and urge caution around fumaroles and solfataras due to toxic gases.

Apogee Aerospace and Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) Partner for Albatross 2.0 Seaplanes

[Apogee Aerospace]

Key Updates:

  • Apogee Aerospace has placed an order for 15 Albatross 2.0 amphibian aircraft with Australia's Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) for a total value of Rs 3,500 crore.
  • The Albatross 2.0 is a transport category amphibian aircraft with a capacity of up to 28 seats that can operate on both water and land.
  • Apogee Aerospace will invest Rs 500 crore to establish tail-section manufacturing, maintenance, overhaul, training, and advanced systems integration capabilities in India.
  • AAI plans to establish its second full Albatross manufacturing and assembly line in India, following its existing facility in the United States (US).
  • The first Albatross 2.0 aircraft is expected to enter the Indian market within the next 18 to 24 months.
  • The Union Budget for 2026-27 proposed a Seaplane Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme to support operations and incentivise the indigenisation of seaplane manufacturing.

Similar Coverage

Adani Group and Leonardo tie up to build helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India. (Start of February) ▼
  • Adani Group and Leonardo signed a Memorandum of Understanding in New Delhi to establish an integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India.
  • The partnership targets Indian Armed Forces' requirements for Leonardo's AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters.
  • The collaboration will deliver phased indigenization, maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities, and comprehensive pilot training.
  • Indian Armed Forces project demand for over 1,000 helicopters in the coming decade.
  • India has a helicopter penetration density of less than 250 helicopters for the country's population and will need around 100 helicopters annually for the next 10 years.
  • The announcement follows Adani Defence & Aerospace and Embraer's strategic collaboration to set up a regional aircraft manufacturing facility in India.
Bharat Dynamics Limited secures Rs 2,461.62 crore Indian Army order for ATGMs and SAMs (Start of December) ▼
  • Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has secured additional orders worth Rs 2,461.62 crore from the Indian Army since the last disclosure on November 13, 2025.
  • Major orders include supply of Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) under emergency procurement.
  • ATGM contracts are scheduled to be fulfilled over a period of 42 months, while the SAM orders are expected to be completed within 12 months.
  • Shares of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) jumped 2.12% to their day’s high of Rs 1,561.95 on the BSE following the order announcement.
Akasa Air joins International Air Transport Association (IATA) as fifth Indian carrier member. (Start of January) ▼
  • Akasa Air becomes the fifth Indian airline to join IATA after Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and SpiceJet.
  • IATA members account for more than 80 per cent of global air traffic.
  • Akasa Air qualified the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) in December, a mandatory prerequisite for membership.
  • Akasa Air has served over 23 million passengers and connects 26 domestic and six international cities.
  • Akasa Air aims to operate a fleet of 226 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft over ten years and currently operates 31 aircraft of the same model.
  • In FY25, Akasa Air registered a revenue growth of 49% and improved EBITDA margins by 50%.
  • The airline registered industry-leading load factors of over 87% and grew ASKs by 48% compared to FY24.
  • Unit Cost per Available Seat Kilometre (CASK), excluding fuel, reduced by 7%.
  • Ancillary portfolio expanded to over 25 products, contributing to a diversified revenue model.
  • Akasa Air carried nearly 100,000 tonnes of cargo by March 2025 and built a network of more than 1,150 corporate partners.
Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) Secures Rs 300 Crore Contracts for Unmanned Systems (End of January) ▼
  • The aerospace division of Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) has secured contracts of around Rs 300 crore under the ongoing Emergency Procurement – VI framework of the government.
  • The contracts cover a range of indigenous unmanned systems, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and loitering munitions for the Indian Army and Indian Navy.
  • The contracted platforms, namely Omega One, Omega Nine, Bayonet, and Cleaver, are developed to meet urgent operational requirements across diverse terrains and mission profiles.
  • The Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded BFL a Rs 1,661 crore contract for the supply of over 2.55 lakh units of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines to the Indian Army.

India beats England to win record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup

[England]

Key Updates:

  • India defeated England by 100 runs in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final.
  • India set a total of 411 for 9 in 50 overs, the highest in the final.
  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 175 off 80 balls with 15 sixes and 15 fours.
  • Sooryavanshi’s 150 came in 71 deliveries, the fastest 150 in Under-19 cricket.
  • England were bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs.
  • Caleb Falconer hit 115 off 66 balls and Ben Dawkins made 66 for England.
  • India’s earlier Under-19 titles came in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022.

Similar Coverage

India defeats Hong Kong to win Squash World Cup (Mid of December) ▼
  • India won their first-ever Squash World Cup title by defeating Hong Kong 3-0 in the final.
  • The final match was held in Chennai.
  • India surpassed their previous best performance of a bronze medal in 2023, and Hong Kong also registered its best-ever finish in the tournament's history.
India defeats Kenya to win Roll Ball World Cup 2025 (End of January) ▼
  • India clinched the gold medal at the 7th Roll Ball World Cup 2025 in Dubai.
  • Yash Anil Rashiya scored the match-winning goal in the final against Kenya.
  • The tournament was held in Dubai.
Pakistan U19 defeat India U19 to win ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 (End of December) ▼
  • Pakistan U19 lifted the Under-19 Asia Cup title after outplaying India U19 by 191 runs at Dubai’s ICC academy ground.
  • Pakistan posted 327/8, propelled by Sameer Minhas’ 172-run knock; India were bowled out for 156 in reply.
  • Deepesh Devendran top-scored for India with 36 off 16 balls at No. 10.
India U19 crush South Africa U19 to seal 3-0 Youth ODI clean sweep (Start of January) ▼
  • India U19 defeated South Africa U19 by 233 runs in the third Youth ODI at Benoni.
  • India U19 posted 393/7 in 50 overs, with twin centuries from openers Aaron George and skipper Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
  • South Africa U19 were bowled out for 160 in 35 overs, with Kishan Singh taking 3/15.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeat Delhi Capitals to clinch second WPL title

[Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals]

Key Updates:

  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final by six wickets against Delhi Capitals at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara.
  • Smriti Mandhana scored 87 and Georgia Voll scored 79 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down 204 runs in 19.4 overs.
  • Delhi Capitals, batting first, posted 203 for 4 in 20 overs, the highest total in a WPL final.
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru topped the league stage with six wins in eight matches to qualify directly for the final.
  • Delhi Capitals reached the final by defeating Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator.
  • Delhi Capitals have now lost all three WPL finals they have contested.

Similar Coverage

Nat Sciver-Brunt becomes first centurion in Women's Premier League history (End of January) ▼
  • Nat Sciver-Brunt scored the first-ever century in Women's Premier League history during Match 16 of the TATA Women’s Premier League 2026.
  • She reached the century in 57 deliveries with 16 fours and 1 six.
  • The match was played between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, India on January 26, 2026.
  • Hayley Matthews supported with 56 runs as Mumbai Indians posted a competitive total.
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to field first.
  • Amelia Kerr returned to Mumbai Indians' playing XI while Nicola Carey missed out due to injury.
  • Mumbai Indians have two wins from six matches and must win both remaining games to stay in playoff contention.
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru lead the points table with 10 points from six games and have already qualified for the playoffs.
Haryana Thunders defeat Delhi Dangal Warriors to win Pro Wrestling League 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • Haryana Thunders won the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 title by defeating Delhi Dangal Warriors 5-4 in the final at Noida Indoor Stadium.
  • The final bout was decided in the women's 62 kg clash where Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna Koliadenko secured a 16-0 technical superiority win.
  • Haryana Thunders received ₹1.5 crore prize money while runners-up Delhi Dangal Warriors got ₹75 lakh.
  • Turan Bayramov of Delhi Dangal Warriors won the Player of the Tournament award worth ₹2.5 lakh for winning all 7 of his bouts in the 57 kg men's category.
  • Neha Sangwan of Haryana Thunders was named Player of the Match for keeping the final alive till the last bout.
  • Ronak of Delhi Dangal Warriors won Fighter of the Match for his performance in the men's 125 kg category.
  • Akshay Dhere of Haryana Thunders claimed the Impact Player of the Match award for strong performance in the 57 kg men's category.
Praggnanandhaa secures Candidates spot via last-gasp London Classic open win (Mid of December) ▼
  • Praggnanandhaa tied for first place at the London Chess Classic open section with 7/9 points.
  • The victory added 8.17 circuit points, taking his FIDE Circuit total to 115.17 and sealing the Candidates berth.
  • Nodirbek Abdusattorov, the only rival for the spot, earned 19.62 circuit points from winning the elite invitational section but remains on 71.61 overall, now out of reach.
  • The 2026 Open Candidates will be held in Cyprus from March 28 to April 16 alongside the Women’s Candidates.
  • Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy and Vaishali Rameshbabu will represent India in the Women’s Candidates.
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) to host eight disciplines of World Police & Fire Games 2029 (End of December) ▼
  • RRU in Gujarat will host Wrist Wrestling, Bench Press, Bodybuilding, Cross Country 10km, Push-Pull Lifting, Muster, Indoor Rowing and Darts.
  • The university has established a dedicated Secretariat to coordinate planning, logistics, venue management and athlete services.
  • RRU is building a cadre of 500 trained volunteers to support the Games.

Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026 themed with Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya

[Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya]

Key Updates:

  • The Surajkund International Crafts Mela is organized annually in February near the Delhi–Haryana border.
  • Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya are the designated partner states for the 2026 edition of the fair.
  • The event features the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative of Uttar Pradesh, showcasing regional specialities.
  • Specific products highlighted under the ODOP showcase include glass bangles from Firozabad, perfumes from Kannauj, and Black Pottery from Azamgarh.
  • The fair also displays Bhadohi carpets and traditional textiles such as Chikankari and Zardozi from Uttar Pradesh.
  • The mela serves as a platform for master artisans, weavers, and folk artists from across India and several international partner countries.

Similar Coverage

District-Led Textiles Transformation (DLTT) initiative to create Global Export Champions and self-reliant hubs (Mid of January) ▼
  • Ministry of Textiles unveiled the District-Led Textiles Transformation (DLTT) initiative to transform 100 high-potential districts into Global Export Champions and elevate 100 Aspirational Districts into self-reliant hubs.
  • Districts were categorized into Champion Districts and Aspirational Districts using a data-driven scoring methodology based on Export Performance, MSME Ecosystem, and Workforce Presence.
  • Champion Districts interventions include upgrading to Mega Common Facility Centres, integrating Industry 4.0, and facilitating direct Export Market Linkages.
  • Aspirational Districts interventions include basic skilling and certification, establishing Raw Material Banks, and promoting micro-enterprises through Self-Help Groups and Cooperatives.
  • The initiative emphasizes Purvodaya convergence in east and northeast zones for tribal belt development, connectivity improvement, and Geographical Indication tagging of cultural handicrafts.
India hosts National Textiles Ministers’ Conference in Guwahati to weave growth, heritage and innovation (Start of January) ▼
  • The two-day National Textiles Ministers’ Conference commenced in Guwahati, Assam, organised by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
  • Theme of the Conference: “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation”.
  • Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh urged States and UTs to formulate investor-friendly policies to attract greater investment in the textile sector.
  • Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita stated India has set an ambitious target of building a USD 350 billion textile economy.
  • Handloom Census 2019–20 highlighted that the Northeastern region contributes around 52 per cent of the country’s total handloom output.
  • Report released: India’s Textile Atlas: State Compendium 2025.
Chaupal Programme empowers artisans nationwide (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the Ministry of Textiles launched the nationwide rollout of the Chaupal Programme.
  • Chaupals will be established as permanent, district-level engagement platforms across 100 identified handicraft aspirational districts.
  • These platforms will serve as hubs for artisan enrolment, dissemination of information on government schemes, skill upgradation, and entrepreneurship development.

Arun Ice creams sets Guinness World Record with 5,113 children in Hyderabad

[Hyderabad]

Key Updates:

  • 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.

Similar Coverage

NHAI bags four Guinness World Records on Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada Economic Corridor (Mid of January) ▼
  • The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) created two records on January 6 near Puttaparthi: longest continuous laying of bituminous concrete covering 28.89 lane km and highest quantity of 10,655 metric tonnes laid in 24 hours.
  • On January 11 NHAI added two more records: continuous laying of 57,500 metric tonnes of bituminous concrete and continuous paving of 156 lane km (52 km of 3-lane width), surpassing the previous world record of 84.4 lane km.
  • The record-setting works were executed across Package-2 and Package-3 of the 343-km access-controlled six-lane Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada Economic Corridor on NH-544G.
Sudarsan Pattnaik created World’s Biggest Apple and Santa Claus Sand Sculpture (End of December) ▼
  • Sudarsan Pattnaik set a new world record with the sand art installation titled ‘World’s Biggest Apple and Sand Installation of Santa Claus’ on Niladri Beach in Puri.
  • The World Records Book of India formally recognised the record on December 24.
  • The installation measured 60 feet in length, 22 feet in height, and 45 feet in width and used 1.5 tons of apples.
  • The project was executed under Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik’s leadership with the participation of 30 students from his Sand Art Institute.
Jude Owens becomes youngest Guinness World Records holder for two snooker trick shots (End of January) ▼
  • Jude Owens, aged 2 years and 302 days, set a Guinness World Record for the youngest person to perform a pool bank shot on 12 October 2025.
  • At 2 years and 261 days old, he also became the youngest to complete a snooker double pot.
  • The toddler from Manchester is now officially the youngest person ever to perform both trick shots and one of the youngest double record holders in Guinness World Records history.
  • Jude's father, Luke Owens, first noticed his natural ability at home where snooker quickly became the toddler's favourite hobby.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) creates Guinness World Record with largest career advice session (End of November) ▼
  • ICAI conducted the 'Career in Accounting and Finance for Youth (CAFY 4.0) & Super Mega Career Counselling Programme' in Mumbai.
  • The Mumbai session gathered more than 7,400 students, teachers, principals and others, achieving an eligible record count of 6,166 students.
  • Pan-India, the total number of participants exceeded 1.3 lakh.

Hakki Pikki traders stranded in Chad over visa extension

[Africa]

Key Updates:

  • Eight Hakki Pikki traders from Karnataka are stranded in Chad after their passports were seized over alleged illegal stay.
  • The group applied for a visa extension 14 days before expiry but officials delayed the process.
  • An immigration official demanded $2,000 per person as penalty for overstaying and threatened imprisonment.
  • The Indian Embassy in Chad advised paying the fine and offered no further assistance.
  • The stranded traders are currently in Abeche, about 900 km from N'Djamena, Chad's capital.

Similar Coverage

Gambia and Myanmar begin International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings on 12 January 2026 (Mid of January) ▼
  • Public hearings opened on 12 January 2026 at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a landmark case brought by the Gambia against Myanmar, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention.
  • The proceedings, held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, mark the start of the merits phase in the case, after years of preliminary legal arguments.
  • Judge Iwasawa Yuji, President of the ICJ, outlined a detailed schedule that includes two rounds of pleadings by Gambia and Myanmar, as well as closed sessions to hear testimony.
  • Gambia filed its application in November 2019, accusing Myanmar of breaching the Genocide Convention through acts allegedly committed during 'clearance operations' carried out by the Myanmar military, or Tatmadaw.
  • In January 2020, the Court unanimously ordered provisional measures, directing Myanmar to take all steps within its power to prevent genocidal acts against the Rohingya and preserve evidence.
  • The ICJ is the United Nations’ (UN) principal judicial organ; it settles legal disputes between States and determines State responsibility rather than trying individuals.
Seychelles President Patrick Herminie Arrives in India for First State Visit (Start of February) ▼
  • Seychelles President Patrick Herminie arrived in Chennai for his first State visit to India, which is scheduled to continue until 10 February.
  • The visit commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.
  • President Herminie will hold discussions with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.
  • The President is scheduled to visit Chennai and Mumbai to participate in various business events.
  • Seychelles is designated as a key maritime neighbour under India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
  • Patrick Herminie was sworn in as the sixth President of Seychelles in October 2025.
  • Vice President (VP) CP Radhakrishnan represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of President Herminie in Victoria in October 2025.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that the visit follows the previous visit of the Indian VP to Seychelles in October 2025.
  • Historical records from 1770 indicate that a group of five Indians were among the first recorded inhabitants of the Seychelles islands.
India and Bangladesh complete humanitarian exchange of fishermen on December 9, 2025 (Start of December) ▼
  • India and Bangladesh completed a coordinated humanitarian exchange of fishermen, repatriating those who had inadvertently crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing.
  • The exchange on December 9, 2025, involved the release and repatriation of 47 Indian fishermen and 38 Bangladesh fishermen, along with their operable vessel.
  • In January 2025, the Government of India facilitated the release of 95 Indian fishermen, and in a reciprocal manner, released 90 Bangladeshi fishermen.
  • The mutual repatriation arrangement was shaped by the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides.
  • The Government of India attaches the highest importance to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen.
International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations to be observed annually on 14 December (Mid of December) ▼
  • The General Assembly adopted texts recommended by its Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee).
  • The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) had its mandate extended until 30 June 2029.
  • The General Assembly decided to proclaim 14 December as the International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations.
  • The International Day against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations is to be observed annually beginning in 2025.
  • The General Assembly adopted a decision concerning Gibraltar.
  • The General Assembly adopted four decisions concerning the 'Increase in the membership of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space'.

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026 on February 6

Key Updates:

  • International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is observed annually on February 6.
  • The 2026 observance falls on Friday, February 6.
  • The day was first introduced in 2003.
  • United Nations (UN) sponsors the day as part of its efforts to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
  • Over 230 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to FGM according to UN data.

Similar Coverage

National Girl Child Day observed on January 24 (End of January) ▼
  • National Girl Child Day is observed across India on January 24 to promote awareness about the rights, education, health, safety, and overall welfare of girls.
  • The day was first observed in 2008 after being initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Government of India.
  • The primary objective of the observance is to address social challenges such as gender bias, child marriage, and unequal access to opportunities.
  • Government programmes such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) are highlighted for their role in increasing awareness about the importance of educating and empowering girls.
  • The initiative focuses on promoting gender equality and social inclusion while highlighting government welfare schemes for the girl child.
  • The observance serves to encourage families and communities to support the aspirations of girls and challenge discriminatory practices.
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers observed on December 17 (Mid of December) ▼
  • International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is observed annually on December 17.
  • The observance began in 2003 as a direct response to a tragedy in the United States.
  • It was inaugurated by Dr. Annie Sprinkle and the Sex Workers Outreach Project USA (SWOP-USA).
  • The first memorial vigil took place outside San Francisco City Hall, attended by fewer than 100 people.
  • The day focuses on the 'Red Umbrella,' which has become the international symbol for sex worker rights.
IOC plans blanket ban on transgender women from female events at LA 2028 Olympics (Mid of November) ▼
  • The International Olympic Committee is preparing a universal rule that would bar all transgender women from competing in women’s events at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
  • Current regulations allow each sport to set its own testosterone-based eligibility rules; the proposed change would impose a single across-the-board ban.
  • The new policy, still under discussion, could also affect athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD) such as 2024 Olympic boxing gold medallist Imane Khelif.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women observed on November 25 with the theme of cyberviolence (End of November) ▼
  • The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed on November 25.
  • The global theme for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which begins on this day, is cyberviolence.
  • As many as 58% of women have been victims of online violence.
  • 90 – 95% of deepfake videos are sexual images of women.
  • 1 in 4 female journalists and 1 in 3 female parliamentarians have been threatened online, including death threats.
  • Every Woman is a 501(c)(3) organization.