📰 Daily Briefing Tuesday, Apr 07

Daily Current Affairs: 7 April 2026

Analysis for 07 April 2026

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Project Chetak marks 47th foundation day.

[Border Roads Organisation]

Key Updates:

  • Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated the 47th foundation day of Project Chetak on Saturday in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
  • Project Chetak was launched on 4 April 1980 and operates in northern Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat.
  • The project maintains over 4,000 km of roads and a 214-km ditch-cum-bund.
  • Its motto is “Chetak’s Effort, Nation’s Development.”
  • BRO’s Project Seva celebrated its 66th foundation day on 15 February in Dimapur.
  • Project Seva, initiated in 1961, serves Nagaland and Manipur and is headquartered in Dimapur.

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Major General Bipin Bakshi, Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar, Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, and Brigadier Akhelesh Bhargava author Redlines Redrawn on Operation Sindoor. (End of January) ▼
  • Major General Bipin Bakshi, Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar, Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, and Brigadier Akhelesh Bhargava co-author the book Redlines Redrawn: Operation Sindoor and India’s New Normal published by Konark Publishers priced at ₹995.
  • The book analyses the build-up, execution, and ramifications of Operation Sindoor from military, diplomatic, and airpower perspectives.
  • Air Marshal Anil Chopra is quoted in the book as a leading expert on airpower assessing Operation Sindoor’s demonstration of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) Phase 2 Launched with ₹6,839 Crore Outlay (End of February) ▼
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) in a border village in the Cachar district of Assam.
  • The second phase of the programme has a total financial outlay of ₹6,839 crore and will be implemented until the financial year 2028-2029.
  • The VVP Phase 2 aims to cover 1,954 villages across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
  • A total of 140 villages located in Assam have been included for development under the second phase of the scheme.
  • The first phase of the VVP was launched in April 2023 at Kibithoo in Arunachal Pradesh, covering 662 villages in 19 districts along the northern border.
  • The programme focuses on comprehensive development through security-related initiatives, scheme saturation, and connectivity programmes to transform border villages into India’s first villages.
Inland Waterways Projects on Brahmaputra (NW-2) with ₹526 crore Investment Launched (Mid of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an elevated road corridor connecting Pandu Port in Guwahati to National Highway-27 built with an investment of ₹180 crore.
  • He laid the foundation stone for the Cruise Terminal at Biswanath Ghat and performed Bhoomi Pujan for the Cruise Terminal at Neamati with a combined investment of ₹158 crore.
  • Bhoomi Pujan was performed for the Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) at Bogibeel, Dibrugarh, being developed with an investment of ₹188 crore to train over 5,000 students annually in vessel operations, inland navigation and maritime logistics.
  • All four projects are being implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) to boost infrastructure on inland waterways on river Brahmaputra (NW-2).
Sanjay Seth inaugurates restored Taram Chu Bridge and Chungthang-Lachen axis in Sikkim (Start of March) ▼
  • The Minister of State for Defence (MoS), Sanjay Seth, inaugurated the restored 400-foot Bailey Suspension Bridge at Taram Chu and the 28 km-long Chungthang–Lachen road in North Sikkim on 26 February 2026.
  • The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) restored the critical Lachen Axis following damages from the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of October 2023, Cyclone Remal in June 2024, and cloud bursts in 2025.
  • Project Swastik of the BRO, led by Brigadier Amit Sakhre, cleared 96 landslides, constructed four major bridges, and performed eight kilometres of fresh formation cutting to restore the lines of communication.
  • The BRO previously opened the 7.5 km Naga-Toong stretch in October 2025 as part of the efforts to enhance connectivity in the disaster-hit region.
  • The restoration of these assets supports the Atmanirbhar Sikkim- Viksit Bharat Vision aimed at regional development and security.

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways records India's major ports handling 915.17 MT cargo in FY 2025-26

Key Updates:

  • India's major ports handled 915.17 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2025-26, exceeding the annual target of 904 MT and registering 7.06% year-on-year growth.
  • Deendayal Port Authority led with 160.11 MT, followed by Paradip Port Authority at 156.45 MT and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) at 102.01 MT.
  • Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Mumbai Port Authority, Chennai Port Authority, and New Mangalore Port Authority also contributed significantly to overall cargo throughput.
  • Mormugao Port Authority recorded the highest growth at 15.91%, followed by Kolkata Dock System at 14.28% and JNPA at 10.74%.
  • The Ministry attributed the performance to infrastructure upgrades, better hinterland connectivity, digital initiatives, and faster turnaround times.

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V O Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) launches India’s first Digital Twin platform for major ports (Mid of March) ▼
  • V O Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, became the first major port in India to implement a comprehensive Digital Twin platform for port management.
  • Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the platform on 23 February 2026 as part of infrastructure projects worth over ₹1,500 crore at the port.
  • The Digital Twin platform creates a real-time virtual replica of the port’s infrastructure, operational assets and maritime ecosystem using IoT sensors, GPS tracking, LiDAR mapping, drone imaging and CCTV networks.
  • The system enables real-time monitoring of berth occupancy, vessel movements, crane utilisation and yard capacity, and supports predictive maintenance of cargo handling equipment through AI-based asset monitoring.
  • The platform facilitates berth and traffic optimisation, reduces congestion and waiting time, and provides energy and emissions tracking for sustainability management.
  • From April 2025 to January 2026, VOCPA handled 35.97 million tonnes of cargo, up six per cent year-on-year, including a record four million tonnes in January 2026.
  • Container volumes rose 9.4 per cent to more than 716,000 TEUs during the same period.
  • VOCPA has also installed an advanced anti-drone system to strengthen security of critical infrastructure.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) Mundra Port records highest-ever monthly automobile exports and liquid cargo volumes in January 2026. (Start of February) ▼
  • Mundra Port shipped 25,762 vehicles in January 2026, its highest-ever monthly automobile export figure.
  • The port loaded 5,701 vehicles onto a single vessel, setting a new single-vessel loading record.
  • The liquid terminal processed 1.120 million tonnes of liquid cargo in January 2026, its highest monthly throughput.
  • Automakers including Maruti Suzuki and Toyota routed exports through Mundra during January 2026.
  • Vehicle shipments were destined for Africa, Europe, East Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
  • Mundra Port is operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ).
Ministry of Commerce (MoC) records $27.10 billion merchandise trade deficit for February 2026 (Mid of March) ▼
  • India’s merchandise trade deficit widened to $27.10 billion in February 2026, compared with $14.42 billion in the same month of the previous year.
  • Merchandise exports for February 2026 stood at $36.61 billion, while imports were recorded at $63.71 billion.
  • The cumulative merchandise exports for the April–February 2025–26 period reached $402.93 billion, marking a 1.84% increase from $395.66 billion in the corresponding period last year.
  • The trade deficit for February 2026 narrowed from the $34.68 billion deficit recorded in January 2026.
  • Trade Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated that exports to West Asia have been impacted by regional conflict and the government is considering support measures for Middle East exports.
  • India has increased its procurement of Russian oil this month to manage volatility in global energy markets.
  • Potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could impact approximately half of India’s monthly imports, particularly oil and energy-linked shipments.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) records India's total exports at US$ 790.86 billion for April 2025-February 2026 (Mid of March) ▼
  • India's total merchandise and services exports grew by 5.79% to reach US$ 790.86 billion (₹72.76 lakh crore) between April 2025 and February 2026.
  • The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) reported that merchandise exports during this period reached US$ 402.93 billion (₹37.07 lakh crore), an increase of 1.84% compared to the previous year.
  • Non-petroleum exports rose by 5.03% to US$ 354.12 billion (₹32.58 lakh crore) during the April-February period.
  • Merchandise imports reached US$ 713.53 billion (₹65.64 lakh crore), resulting in a merchandise trade deficit of US$ 310.60 billion (₹28.58 lakh crore).
  • Services exports reached US$ 387.93 billion (₹35.69 lakh crore), creating a services trade surplus of US$ 200.96 billion (₹18.49 lakh crore).
  • In February 2026, India's export value reached US$ 76.13 billion (₹7.00 lakh crore), representing an 11.05% increase compared to the previous year.
  • Export growth was supported by sectors including engineering goods, electronics, chemicals, gems and jewellery, agri-based products, pharmaceuticals, marine products, rice, handicrafts, coffee, meat, dairy, and poultry products.
  • Significant export growth was recorded in markets including China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Togo, Sri Lanka, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.

Moody's cuts India FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6% from 6.8% on West Asia conflict impact

Key Updates:

  • Moody's Ratings reduced India's FY27 real GDP growth projection to 6% from an earlier 6.8%.
  • West Asia supplies around 55% of India's crude oil imports and over 90% of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
  • Moody's projects FY27 retail inflation to average 4.8%, up from 2.4% in FY26.
  • The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) expects India's GDP growth to moderate to 6.1% in FY27 after 7.6% growth in 2025-26.
  • Domestic rating agency Icra forecasts FY27 growth at 6.5% due to elevated energy prices linked to the West Asia conflict.
  • India's current account deficit narrowed to about 0.4% of GDP in calendar year 2025 from 0.9% in 2024.
  • Moody's anticipates the current account deficit to stay around 1-1.5% of GDP for 2026 and 2027.
  • Gulf region accounts for roughly 40% of India's total remittance inflows, posing a vulnerability amid conflict.
  • Global crude prices have risen by almost 50% since United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on 28 February.
  • Moody's expects central government debt to decline gradually toward 50% of GDP by 2030-31 from about 57% of GDP in 2024-25.

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S&P Global Ratings raises India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast to 7.1% (End of March) ▼
  • S&P Global Ratings revised India’s FY27 growth forecast upward to 7.1%.
  • The agency lifted its FY28 forecast by 0.2 percentage points to 7.2%.
  • India’s GDP is officially estimated to expand 7.6% in FY26.
  • S&P projects inflation to rise to 4.3% in FY27 and expects the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to keep rates unchanged with a neutral stance.
  • The RBI monetary policy committee held the repo rate at 6.50% in February and is scheduled to meet early next week.
  • S&P assumes Brent crude to average $92 per barrel in the June quarter and around $80 per barrel in 2026.
  • In a severe disruption scenario, Brent could average $185 per barrel in the June quarter and nearly $130 per barrel in 2026.
  • S&P expects one 25 bps rate hike by India’s central bank in the second half if energy-driven inflation persists.
ICRA projects India GDP growth at 6.5% for FY27 amid West Asia conflict (Start of April) ▼
  • ICRA forecasts India’s GDP growth to moderate to 6.5% in FY27 from 7.6% in FY26.
  • The projection assumes average crude oil price at USD 85 per barrel in FY27.
  • ICRA expects India’s current account deficit (CAD) to widen to 1.7% of GDP in FY27 from 1% in FY26.
  • Elevated energy prices and concerns around energy availability due to the West Asia conflict are cited as key downside risks.
  • ICRA anticipates an extended pause on policy rates by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) through FY27.
Goldman Sachs (GS) cuts India’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 5.9% (End of March) ▼
  • Goldman Sachs lowered India’s 2026 growth forecast to 5.9% from its pre-Gulf conflict estimate of 7%.
  • The revision follows the Gulf conflict and higher Brent crude price projections of $105 per barrel in March and $115 in April.
  • India’s inflation is forecast to rise to 4.6% in 2026, prompting Goldman Sachs to expect a 50-basis point hike in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) policy rate.
  • Goldman Sachs projects India’s current account deficit to widen to 2% of GDP in 2026 from 1.3% in October-December 2025.
  • Among major economies, India faces the largest growth forecast cut, compared with China (4.7% from 4.8%), South Korea (1.9% from 2%), and Hong Kong (1.8% from 2.6%).
Goldman Sachs Cuts India 2026 Growth Forecast to 5.9% (End of March) ▼
  • Goldman Sachs has lowered India’s 2026 growth forecast to 5.9% from its pre-Iran war estimate of 7%.
  • The bank predicts a 50 basis points increase in policy rates by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) due to currency depreciation pressures.
  • India’s inflation is projected to rise to 4.6% in 2026 from an earlier forecast of 3.9%, while remaining within the RBI target range of 2-6%.
  • The Current Account Deficit (CAD) of India is projected to widen to 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2026 from 1.3% in the October-December 2025 period.
  • Retail inflation in India rose to 3.21% year-on-year in February from 2.74% in January.
  • The RBI kept the benchmark repo rate unchanged at 5.25% during its February meeting.
  • Brent crude prices are projected to average $105 per barrel in March and $115 in April before declining to $80 per barrel in the fourth quarter of the year.
  • Growth forecasts for other economies were revised to 4.7% for China, 1.9% for South Korea, and 1.8% for Hong Kong.
  • The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the RBI is scheduled to meet earlier next week.

Coforge promotes Sunil Fernandes to Chief Operating Officer (COO).

[Coforge]

Key Updates:

  • Sunil Fernandes has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Coforge.
  • Fernandes will oversee global delivery and key Coforge operations including admin, facilities and internal IT services.
  • He will continue to report to Coforge CEO and Executive Director Sudhir Singh.
  • Fernandes has served as Coforge’s Chief Delivery Officer since 2024.
  • He previously held leadership roles at Accenture, Infosys Technologies and Cognizant Technology Solutions.

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World Economic Forum (WEF) President Børge Brende steps down after Epstein links review (Start of March) ▼
  • Børge Brende announced his resignation as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF) after an internal review into his contacts with Jeffrey Epstein.
  • The WEF review, conducted by outside counsel, found no additional concerns beyond previously disclosed interactions.
  • Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim President and CEO of the WEF.
Amarendu Prakash resigns as Chairman and Managing Director of Steel Authority of India (SAIL). (Start of April) ▼
  • Amarendu Prakash submitted his resignation on 2 January 2026 and ceased to be a member of the SAIL board from 1 April 2026.
  • The Ministry of Steel approved his resignation effective 1 April 2026.
  • Krishna Kumar Singh, Director (Personnel) of SAIL, has been given additional charge as CMD for three months from 2 April 2026 to 1 July 2026 or until a regular appointment is made, whichever is earlier.
  • SAIL reported a consolidated net profit of ₹374.03 crore for the third quarter of the previous financial year.
William Walsh Appointed CEO of IndiGo (Start of April) ▼
  • IndiGo has announced the appointment of William Walsh as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
  • He succeeds Pieter Elbers, who stepped down from the position of CEO on 11 March.
  • William Walsh currently serves as the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
  • His tenure at IATA concludes on 31 July 2026, and he is expected to join IndiGo by 3 August 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
  • He has previously served as the CEO of British Airways and the International Airlines Group (IAG).
  • The IAG portfolio includes airlines such as Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Level, and Vueling.
  • In his new role, he will oversee the overall management and strategic direction of the airline, focusing on operational performance and network strategy.
  • The appointment was confirmed by IndiGo Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta and Managing Director (MD) Rahul Bhatia.
Fino Payments Bank Appoints Ketan Merchant as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Anup Agarwal as Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (Start of March) ▼
  • The board of Fino Payments Bank has approved the appointment of Ketan Merchant as Interim CEO, subject to approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • Merchant will carry out the duties of the Managing Director (MD) and CEO under the Banking Regulation Act for a period not exceeding four months from the date of RBI approval.
  • Anup Agarwal has been appointed as the Interim CFO for a period of up to four months with effect from 6 March 2026.
  • The appointments follow the arrest of MD and CEO Rishi Gupta by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) in connection with an alleged Goods and Services Tax (GST) evasion probe.
  • Merchant joined the bank in 2018 and has over 27 years of banking experience, including previous roles at HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Barclays.
  • Agarwal is a Chartered Accountant with around 20 years of experience and has been associated with the bank since June 2022, leading Finance – Investor Relations & Analytics.

Shree Jagannath International Airport receives Stage-I forest clearance

[Odisha]

Key Updates:

  • The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) granted Stage-I forest clearance for the Shree Jagannath International Airport at Puri on 1 April 2026.
  • MoEFCC allowed diversion of 27.886 hectares of forest land for the greenfield airport project.
  • The project was proposed by the Odisha government in 2023 and recommended by the advisory committee on 27 February 2023.
  • The airport is estimated to cost ₹5,631 crore and will span 471.34 hectares, including the diverted forest land.
  • The Union civil aviation ministry gave in-principle approval on 5 May 2025 based on Odisha’s commerce and transport department proposal.
  • The airport is designed to handle over 4 million passengers annually and aims to boost global pilgrim connectivity to Puri.

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Noida International Airport Phase I inaugurated by PM Modi (End of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase I of Noida International Airport at Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh on 28 March 2026.
  • Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted the Aerodrome License to Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) under the Public Use category for all-weather operations.
  • Phase 1 developed at an investment of around ₹11,200 crore by YIAPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Government of India.
  • Concession period commenced on 1 October 2021 for 40 years.
  • Airport designed for initial passenger handling capacity of 12 million passengers per annum, scalable up to 70 million passengers per annum.
  • Airport features a 3,900-metre runway, Instrument Landing System (ILS), and advanced airfield lighting for all-weather, round-the-clock operations.
  • Airport aims to operate as a net-zero emissions facility with energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices.
Madurai Airport Granted International Status by Union Cabinet (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to declare Madurai airport as an international airport to boost global connectivity.
  • Madurai will become the third international airport in Tamil Nadu once the status change is implemented.
  • Union Information and Broadcasting Minister (MIB) Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision to support the region's industrial clusters and its role as an educational and healthcare hub.
  • The upgrade is expected to enhance connectivity to pilgrimage sites including Meenakshi Amman temple, Koodal Azhagar temple, Thirupparankundram Murugan temple, Palamudhircholai Murugan temple, and Rameswaram.
  • The policy aims to attract international pilgrims and businesses while supporting trade and economic activity in the surrounding areas.
  • The MIB stated that several airlines have shown interest in expanding international operations from the airport.
  • Madurai airport is among the oldest airports in Tamil Nadu and currently handles domestic flights.
Noida International Airport Phase I inaugurated to boost NCR aviation capacity (End of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase I of Noida International Airport at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh on 28 March 2026.
  • The airport is located in Gautam Buddha Nagar district along the Yamuna Expressway and serves as the second international gateway for Delhi-NCR after Indira Gandhi International Airport.
  • Phase I has been built at an investment of around ₹11,200 crore under a public-private partnership model.
  • It is designed to handle 12 million passengers per annum initially, with provision to scale up to 70 million passengers annually in subsequent phases.
  • The airport has a 3,900-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft and is equipped with Instrument Landing System (ILS) and airfield lighting for all-weather, round-the-clock operations.
  • It includes an integrated cargo terminal designed to handle over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of cargo annually in the first phase, expandable to around 18 lakh metric tonnes.
  • A 40-acre maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility is part of the project.
Supreme Court (SC) clears removal of 45,675 mangroves for Versova-Bhayandar coastal road (End of March) ▼
  • The Supreme Court (SC) refused to interfere with a Bombay High Court (HC) order allowing the removal of 45,675 mangrove trees for the proposed Versova-Bhayandar coastal road.
  • A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant noted that the project is intended to decongest the western highway and provide significant advantages to Mumbai residents.
  • The project proponent has identified 31 hectares of land for compensatory afforestation, which received permission on 12 December 2025.
  • The SC mandated that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Nagpur, must file annual status and audit reports for the next 10 years on or before 12 January.
  • The environmental NGO Vanasakthi contested the project, stating that mangroves absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) five times more than normal forests and serve as critical flood protection for Mumbai.
  • The court emphasised the need to maintain a balance between environmental protection norms and developmental requirements in the public interest.

Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) fully completed; freight capacity set to double

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Railways completed the entire 1,506-km Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) running from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Terminal (JNPT) in Maharashtra to Dadri in Uttar Pradesh.
  • The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) executed the project in phases.
  • A successful trial run on 31 March 2026 on the 102-km balance JNPT–New Saphale section marked full operational readiness of WDFC.
  • The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), spanning 1,337 km from Ludhiana in Punjab to Sonnagar in Bihar, has already been completed and commissioned.
  • The Union Budget 2026-27 proposed a new Dedicated Freight Corridor linking Dankuni in West Bengal with Surat in Gujarat.

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Seven High-Speed Rail Corridors Project and ₹16 Lakh Crore Investment (Start of February) ▼
  • The Government of India announced seven new high-speed rail corridors: Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Hyderabad-Chennai, Chennai-Bengaluru, Delhi-Varanasi, and Varanasi-Siliguri.
  • The new corridors will span approximately 4,000 km and involve an estimated investment of ₹16 lakh crore.
  • The Ministry of Railways (MoR) will utilise indigenous technologies for the development of track works, slabs, viaducts, signalling systems, and overhead electricals.
  • Future Bullet trains for these corridors will be manufactured in India by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML).
  • The MoR is currently manufacturing 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains and plans to implement 52 commodity-wise reforms in the freight sector this year.
  • An East-West dedicated freight corridor is being planned to connect industrial hubs in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha to ports on the East and West coasts.
  • The propulsion systems for these trains, including converters, inverters, and motors, are already being manufactured in India and exported to Europe and the United States.
Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), and port authorities form Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) with ₹15,000 crore joint funding. (Start of February) ▼
  • Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Chennai Port Authority, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) signed an agreement on Tuesday to form Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL).
  • The agreement provides for joint funding of up to ₹15,000 crore for eligible projects aimed at port capacity expansion under the Sagarmala Programme and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
  • India will place orders for 15 domestically manufactured container vessels through BCSL during fiscal 2026-27 as part of a strategy to procure 51 vessels in the next five years under phase one.
  • The initiative is aligned with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) announced in Union Budget 2026-27.
Union Budget 2026-27 announces seven new bullet train corridors with ₹16 lakh crore investment (Mid of February) ▼
  • Indian Railways is finalising Detailed Project Reports for seven high-speed rail corridors announced in Union Budget 2026-27.
  • The seven corridors are Mumbai–Pune, Pune–Hyderabad, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Hyderabad–Chennai, Chennai–Bengaluru, Delhi–Varanasi and Varanasi–Siliguri.
  • National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has been directed to take immediate action for timely progress.
  • Railway Board estimates the combined length of the corridors at nearly 4,000 km and projected investment of approximately ₹16 lakh crore.
  • Standardisation of high-speed rail systems, creation of dedicated core teams and initiation of pre-construction activities have been approved.
  • Planning for trained technical manpower for upcoming high-speed rail projects has been emphasised.
  • India’s first bullet train, the 508 km Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, is planned to operate on a 100 km stretch by 2027.
PM Gati Shakti Plan: ₹4,474 crore multitracking projects approved for West Bengal and Jharkhand (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved two railway multitracking projects worth ₹4,474 crore.
  • The projects will add fourth lines on the Sainthia–Pakur and Santragachi–Kharagpur routes, adding about 192 km across West Bengal and Jharkhand.
  • Proposed by the Ministry of Railways (MoR), the works are scheduled for completion by 2030–31 under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
  • The expansion will benefit around 5,652 villages with a combined population of nearly 1.47 crore people.
  • Freight movement is expected to rise by about 31 million tonnes annually, saving an estimated six crore litres of oil and cutting carbon emissions by nearly 28 crore kg.
  • Tourist spots gaining better rail access include Bolpur-Shantiniketan, Nandikeshwari Temple, Tarapith, Patachitra Gram, Dhadika Forest, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Rameshwar Kund.

Gujarat High Court (HC) AI Policy Prohibits Use in Judicial Decision-Making and Judgment Drafting

[Gujarat]

Key Updates:

  • The Gujarat High Court (HC) introduced a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy during a conference of district judiciary judges.
  • The policy prohibits the use of AI for authoring, generating, or substantially composing any judgment, final order, or binding legal ruling.
  • AI is barred from being used in judicial reasoning, bail sentencing considerations, fact-finding, or the evaluation and categorisation of proof.
  • The policy restricts AI to administrative roles, metadata-driven case allocation, and legal research of principles to improve justice delivery speed.
  • Judges and court officers are held personally responsible for the accuracy and appropriateness of any AI-generated content issued under their names.
  • The policy prohibits entering sensitive data into AI tools, including names, addresses, identifying information of parties, and privileged communications.
  • AI tools are permitted for code generation for Information Technology (IT) department tasks and drafting circulars or notices already in the public domain.

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Supreme Court allows passive euthanasia for patient in 13-year vegetative state on March 11, 2026 (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Supreme Court (SC) of India permitted the withdrawal of artificial life support for Harish Rana, marking a historic first for a patient in a permanent vegetative state (PVS).
  • The decision was delivered by a bench comprising Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice K V Viswanathan.
  • The court classified Clinically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration (CANH) as a medical treatment rather than basic sustenance, allowing its withdrawal under specific legal requirements.
  • The SC directed All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, to admit the patient to its palliative care department to implement the end-of-life care plan.
  • The ruling follows the 2018 landmark judgment in the Common Cause vs Union of India case, which recognised the legality of passive euthanasia for terminally ill patients.
  • The SC urged the Central Government to enact comprehensive legislation addressing end-of-life care to prevent decisions influenced by financial distress or socio-economic vulnerability.
  • The court directed Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) of all districts to prepare and maintain a panel of registered medical practitioners for nomination to secondary medical boards.
Professor B Ravindran Appointed to United Nations (UN) Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI) (End of February) ▼
  • Professor B Ravindran of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has been appointed to the United Nations (UN) Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • The panel was established through a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution in August 2025 to serve as a global scientific body assessing the impact of AI on societies.
  • Professor B Ravindran currently serves as the Head of the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI and is the Founding Head of the Centre for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (CeRAI) at IIT Madras.
  • The appointment of the 40 leading experts to the panel was announced by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in Delhi.
  • Professor B Ravindran will represent India and the voice of the Global South on this international panel of experts.
Kerala's Wayanad becomes India's first fully paperless district court (Start of January) ▼
  • Kerala's Kalpetta in Wayanad becomes India's first fully paperless district court, using AI tools and digital records to deliver faster, greener and more accessible justice.
  • Every stage of a case, from institution and pre-trial proceedings to evidence recording, interim applications, and final adjudication, is conducted electronically.
  • AI-based judicial assistance tools generate structured summaries from electronic case records and enable judges to interact with the system through question-and-answer features.
  • Court orders and judgments are authenticated using secure digital signatures, granting them full legal validity while ensuring integrity and authenticity.
India unveils first AI governance guidelines ahead of AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Government of India unveiled the nation's first comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance guidelines to manage risks while promoting innovation.
  • The framework is anchored in seven broad principles or sutras: trust, people first, innovation over restraint, fairness and equity, accountability, understandable by design, and safety, resilience, and sustainability.
  • The guidelines outline the development and usage of AI across key sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, finance, and governance.
  • The government proposed the establishment of three new national institutions: an AI governance group, a technology and policy expert committee, and an AI safety institute.
  • The five-day AI Impact Summit 2026 is scheduled to commence in New Delhi on 16 February 2026.
  • The framework emphasises reliance on existing legal structures such as Information Technology (IT) rules, data protection laws, and criminal statutes instead of a standalone AI law.
  • The Delhi declaration is expected to be considered for adoption during the summit to position India as a global voice in responsible AI governance aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.
  • High-risk AI applications affecting safety, rights, or livelihoods are required to follow stronger safeguards and maintain human oversight under the new guidelines.

Kar Saathi AI assistant and PRARAMBH 2026 campaign launched to simplify 2025 tax rules

Key Updates:

  • The Income Tax Department launched a new website and AI-powered chatbot Kar Saathi to simplify compliance under the Income Tax Act, 2025.
  • Kar Saathi provides 24x7 automated real-time responses on filing returns, updated provisions, and navigating forms.
  • PRARAMBH 2026, a nationwide awareness campaign, was launched alongside to explain the simplified 2025 tax rules and promote voluntary compliance.
  • PRARAMBH stands for 'Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat'.
  • The campaign uses print, radio, television, digital platforms, social media, workshops, and simplified guidance material.
  • CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal described the initiative as a citizen-first effort to reduce confusion and disputes.
  • The new tax regime has reduced the number of tax rules and cut forms by nearly half to ease compliance.

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Kar Saathi AI chatbot launched to simplify taxpayer services (Start of April) ▼
  • The Income Tax Department on 2 April 2026 unveiled an AI-powered chatbot named Kar Saathi on its revamped digital platform.
  • Kar Saathi functions as an intelligent virtual assistant to help taxpayers understand rules, file returns, and resolve queries without intermediaries.
  • The chatbot is positioned as a one-stop solution for accessing tax-related services and guidance.
  • Kar Saathi is a key pillar of the government’s strategy to support the transition to the new Income Tax Act, 2025, effective from 1 April 2026.
  • The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman Ravi Agrawal first outlined the concept during the launch of the PRARAMBH initiative.
  • PRARAMBH has rationalised rules from 510 to 333 and reduced forms from 399 to 190, eliminating compliance for over six crore transactions.
  • CBDT has prepared more than 2,200 FAQs and detailed guidance notes covering 186 forms to aid the transition.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launches PRARAMBH 2026 and Income Tax Website 2.0. (End of March) ▼
  • Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, launched PRARAMBH 2026, the Income Tax Department’s nationwide awareness campaign on the Income Tax Act, 2025, in New Delhi on 20 March 2026.
  • She unveiled the upgraded Income Tax Website 2.0 to enhance taxpayer services.
  • Revenue Secretary Shri Arvind Shrivastava and CBDT Chairman Shri Ravi Agrawal attended the launch event.
  • CBDT rolled out an AI-enabled chatbot named Kar Saathi to assist taxpayers on the new Act, Rules and Forms.
  • Brochures explaining the new Act were released in 10 regional languages besides English and Hindi.
AI4India, Intel India and IHFC host Pre-Event for India-AI Impact Summit 2026 to spotlight inclusive AI (End of January) ▼
  • The Official Pre-Event for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held at the Research & Innovation Park, IIT Delhi.
  • IHFC (Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi) will offer funding of up to Rs 2 crore to promising AI ventures.
  • An EXPO will feature 25 emerging AI startups presenting technologies for climate resilience, healthcare accessibility, digital education and smart governance.
India AI Impact Summit 2026 releases AI Impact Startup Book mapping 100 deep-tech innovators (Mid of February) ▼
  • The AI Impact Startup Book was launched on the third day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
  • The compendium maps 100 high-impact AI-driven solutions across sectors, technologies and geographies.
  • AI innovation is expanding beyond healthcare into foundation models, indigenous AI infrastructure, waste-tech, voice- and vision-based Indian applications, and edge AI integrated with hardware.
  • Nearly 47% of early-stage ventures retain strong local presence, while about 68% of growth-stage startups operate internationally.
  • Shri Abhishek Singh, Director General of NIC, Additional Secretary at Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and CEO of IndiaAI, called the book a repository for ministries and states to evaluate and scale AI solutions.
  • Sushant Kumar, Founder and CEO of Kalpa Impact, highlighted eight insights, noting India is building its own foundation models, AI infrastructure and edge innovation.

Jiyo Parsi portal records 300 fresh registrations at Mumbai facilitation camp

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) and Bombay Parsi Panchayat organised a Universal Parsi Registration Drive in Mumbai that recorded 300 fresh registrations on the Jiyo Parsi portal.
  • Jiyo Parsi, launched in 2013-14, is a Central Sector Scheme to arrest the declining Parsi population.
  • The scheme provides medical assistance for fertility treatment and pregnancy-related care, financial assistance for childcare and care of dependent elderly, and advocacy through counselling, awareness campaigns, and outreach programmes.
  • Assistance is released via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) after biometric authentication and verification by respective state governments.
  • Census data show Parsi population declined from 1,14,000 in 1941 to 57,264 in 2011.
  • Between 2020-21 and 2024-25, Rs 17.64 crore was spent and 232 babies were born under the scheme.
  • An evaluation by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) in 2025 found the scheme largely successful in reaching its intended population.

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Karmayogi Sadhana Week 2026 launched to enhance civil-service capabilities (Start of April) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Karmayogi Sadhana Week 2026 on 2 April 2026.
  • The initiative promotes the mantra 'Nagrik Devo Bhav' for citizen-centric governance.
  • The week-long programme unites ministries, states, and training institutions for national capacity building.
  • Activities include webinars and workshops themed around Technology, Tradition, and Tangible Outcomes.
Samriddhi Kendra inaugurated under Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Initiative to deliver integrated citizen services in rural Madhya Pradesh. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the Samriddhi Kendra at Umri village in Guna district, Madhya Pradesh.
  • The Samriddhi Kendra is an Integrated Phygital (Physical + Digital) Service Centre under the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
  • The initiative leverages BharatNet high-speed broadband infrastructure to transform digital connectivity into an integrated platform for delivery of citizen-centric services in rural areas.
  • The centre provides telemedicine consultations, a Health ATM for basic diagnostics, and access to affordable medicines through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
  • Education and skilling facilities include smart classroom infrastructure, digital learning access, digital training programmes supported by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), and skill development programmes for rural youth.
  • Agriculture services include soil testing support, agricultural advisory services, access to modern farming technologies, and drone-based agriculture services.
  • The centre facilitates assisted access to e-governance services, including information on government schemes, issuance of certificates, digital documentation, and support for online citizen services.
  • Financial and digital services include banking and digital payment services, financial literacy support, and assisted access to e-commerce platforms.
  • Connectivity services are provided through BharatNet-enabled high-speed FTTH broadband and public Wi-Fi access under the PM-WANI framework.
  • The centre operates on a community-driven model involving trained local youth serving as Village Level Entrepreneurs.
  • The initiative is implemented by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in partnership with the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF).
Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai Campaign Launched to Promote Skill India Digital Hub (End of February) ▼
  • Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) Jayant Chaudhary launched the nationwide awareness campaign Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai on 23 February 2026.
  • The campaign was introduced on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to accelerate progress toward a Viksit Bharat through digital skilling.
  • Actor Amitabh Bachchan has been brought on board to strengthen awareness and participation in the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), India's integrated platform for skilling and employment.
  • The SIDH platform has already onboarded more than 1.5 crore registered candidates, emerging as one of the largest unified digital skilling platforms in the country.
  • The mobile-first, AI-enabled platform offers industry-aligned courses and is available in more than 21 Indian languages to ensure inclusion and ease of access.
  • Key features of SIDH include Aadhaar-based eKYC registration, OTP-enabled mobile access, QR-code-enabled personalised digital CVs, and digitally verified credentials.
  • The campaign targets a diverse user base including youth, women, professionals, entrepreneurs, and differently-abled citizens to support the vision of Lifelong Learning for Prosperity.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Completes 11 Years with 12-Point Rise in Sex Ratio at Birth (End of January) ▼
  • The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched in 2015 to address the falling Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) and gender-based educational inequalities.
  • The national SRB improved from 918 in 2014–15 to 930 in 2023–24, according to data released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
  • The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for girls at the secondary level increased from 75.51 per cent in 2014–15 to 78 per cent in 2023–24.
  • Institutional deliveries in India rose from 61 per cent in 2014–15 to over 97.3 per cent by 2023–24.
  • The Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav programme successfully re-enrolled more than 100,000 out-of-school girls into the education system.
  • BBBP has been integrated with Mission Shakti under the Sambal and Samarthya components, linking it to One Stop Centres, women’s helplines, and working women’s hostels.
  • District-level funding is allocated based on SRB performance, providing ₹40 lakh for districts below 918, ₹30 lakh for those between 919 and 952, and ₹20 lakh for better-performing districts.
  • The scheme aims to improve the SRB by two points every year and maintain institutional deliveries above 95 per cent.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrates 47th Raising Day of Project Chetak at Bikaner in Rajasthan

Key Updates:

  • Project Chetak of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 47th Raising Day at Bikaner in Rajasthan on 4 April 2026.
  • Project Chetak was raised on this day in 1980 and has since developed and maintained infrastructure in Rajasthan, Punjab and northern Gujarat.
  • The project has constructed over 4,000 km of roads and 214 km of Ditch Cum Bund in the western sector.
  • Its motto is 'Chetak ka Prayas, Desh ka Vikas' and it maintains key feeder roads towards the International Border.

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CISF Raising Day observed on March 10 (Mid of March) ▼
  • CISF Raising Day is observed on March 10 every year.
  • The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was established on March 10, 1969.
  • The CISF was created through the CISF Act, 1968 passed by the Indian Parliament.
  • At inception the force had a strength of just over 3,000 personnel.
  • CISF works under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • The force guards airports, seaports, metro networks, nuclear facilities and government buildings.
  • CISF Raising Day is marked with ceremonies, parades, cultural programmes, sports activities, blood donation drives and health camps across the country.
Bhupendra Patel released Gujarati biography of ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada. (End of February) ▼
  • Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel released the Gujarati biography 'Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada' in Gandhinagar.
  • The book chronicles the life, struggles, and global spiritual journey of ISKCON Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured Srila Prabhupada on his 150th birth anniversary by releasing a commemorative coin and postal stamp.
  • Dr Usha Upadhyay is the author of the biography 'Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada'.
  • Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa is the Co-Mentor and Vice Chairman of the Global Hare Krishna Movement.
  • The Akshaya Patra Foundation serves 5 lakh children daily in Gujarat and 23.5 lakh children nationwide.
Brig. Rakesh Kumar Bora paid tribute to martyrs during foundation day of 5th Bihar Battalion. (End of January) ▼
  • Brig. Rakesh Kumar Bora paid tribute to martyrs on 28 January 2026.
  • The event was held at Bihar Regiment Centre, Danapur in Patna, India.
  • The tribute was part of the foundation day celebrations of the 5th Bihar Battalion.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Completes 11 Years with 12-Point Rise in Sex Ratio at Birth (End of January) ▼
  • The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched in 2015 to address the falling Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) and gender-based educational inequalities.
  • The national SRB improved from 918 in 2014–15 to 930 in 2023–24, according to data released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
  • The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for girls at the secondary level increased from 75.51 per cent in 2014–15 to 78 per cent in 2023–24.
  • Institutional deliveries in India rose from 61 per cent in 2014–15 to over 97.3 per cent by 2023–24.
  • The Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav programme successfully re-enrolled more than 100,000 out-of-school girls into the education system.
  • BBBP has been integrated with Mission Shakti under the Sambal and Samarthya components, linking it to One Stop Centres, women’s helplines, and working women’s hostels.
  • District-level funding is allocated based on SRB performance, providing ₹40 lakh for districts below 918, ₹30 lakh for those between 919 and 952, and ₹20 lakh for better-performing districts.
  • The scheme aims to improve the SRB by two points every year and maintain institutional deliveries above 95 per cent.

India approves Rs 39,000 crore Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft programme

Key Updates:

  • The Defence Ministry approved the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) programme, formerly called Ghatak, valued at Rs 39,000 crore.
  • DRDO will adopt a development-cum-production partner model and invite industry bids to build six prototypes at an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore.
  • Following prototype development, over 60 unmanned stealth fighters will be ordered, sufficient to form four squadrons.
  • The aircraft are targeted for induction in eight years and will have more than 80% indigenous content.
  • The stealth drones will be capable of deploying locally developed weapons including future versions of Astra long-range air-to-air missiles and next-generation air-to-ground systems.
  • The programme is being developed alongside the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft under Vision 2047 to enable manned-unmanned teaming.
  • Formal tenders to select industry partners for the RPSA project are expected shortly.

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India Establishes Joint Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) Grid in New Delhi to Strengthen Air Defence Shield (Start of January) ▼
  • The Indian defence forces are working towards creating a joint Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) grid to foil any enemy drone attacks.
  • The joint CUAS grid being created by networking all the CUAS systems of the forces will be separate from the existing air defence networks of the defence forces, such as the Integrated Air Command and Control Systems (IACCS) of the Indian Air Force.
  • The joint CUAS grid would be established with the existing Joint Air Defence Centres (JADC), including the three services, and deployed to monitor all drone movements.
  • The Centre is working on Mission Sudarshan Chakra to create a massive air defence shield.
  • During Operation Sindoor, the Pakistan Army tried to target Indian civilian and military installations in a big way by using Turkish and Chinese-origin drones.
  • Major damage to small drones was caused by the L-70 and ZU-23 air-defence guns of the Indian Army.
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed laser counter UAS system.
  • The Chief of the Defence Staff is responsible for integrating the three forces and enhancing jointness among them.
India inducts third nuclear-powered ballistic submarine INS Aridhaman at Visakhapatnam (Start of April) ▼
  • India inducted its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridhaman, into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam.
  • INS Aridhaman is the third Arihant-class submarine and displaces 7,000 tonnes.
  • The submarine is equipped with eight vertical launch tubes and can carry either eight K-4 missiles or up to 24 K-15 missiles.
  • K-15 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) have a range of up to 750 km, while K-4 SLBMs can hit targets 3,500 km away.
  • INS Aridhaman strengthens India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent and completes a fleet of three operational SSBNs for the first time.
  • India’s nuclear triad comprises land-based nuclear missiles, air-delivered nuclear weapons, and sea-based SSBNs.
  • India’s nuclear doctrine follows a “no first use” policy, and SSBNs ensure a retaliatory second-strike capability.
  • India joined the United States, Russia, China, and France as countries with full nuclear triad capabilities.
  • The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) collaborated with private firms and Russia for the nuclear submarine project.
  • INS Arihant, commissioned in 2016, conducted its first deterrence patrol in 2018 and successfully launched an SLBM in October 2022.
  • INS Arighaat, commissioned in 2024, is armed with indigenously built K-15 missiles and powered by 83 MW pressurised light-water nuclear reactors.
  • India’s fourth SSBN, codenamed S4*, is under construction and will carry additional K-4 missiles.
  • India plans to build two indigenous nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSN) and lease one from Russia by 2027-28.
India tests Sheshnaag-150 long-range swarm-attack drone with 1,000 km range (Mid of March) ▼
  • Sheshnaag-150 is a long-range swarm-attack drone under development by Bengaluru-based Newspace Research Technologies.
  • The drone made its maiden flight about a year ago and is currently undergoing testing and development.
  • It has an operational range of over 1,000 km and can remain airborne for more than five hours.
  • The platform can carry warheads weighing between 25 kg and 40 kg for precision strikes on infrastructure, vehicles or personnel.
  • Development gained urgency after Operation Sindoor when the Indian military asked the company to accelerate work on indigenous long-range swarming strike capability.
  • The drone operates as part of a coordinated swarm-attack system using proprietary control software that enables autonomous target identification, tracking and engagement with minimal human supervision.
  • Sheshnaag-150 is designed to function even in GPS-denied environments and is likely to adopt a visual navigation system to counter satellite signal jamming.
Indian Army tests new Shaurya drone squadrons for armoured regiments at Babina (End of March) ▼
  • The Indian Army (IA) is equipping its armoured regiments with dedicated drone units known as Shaurya Squadrons to support surveillance, precision strikes, electronic warfare, and logistics.
  • A 13-day drill was conducted at the Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi to demonstrate the integration of drone assets with mechanised forces and attack helicopters.
  • The exercise was led by the White Tiger Division under the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and witnessed by the Southern Army Commander, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth.
  • The Shaurya Squadrons aim to compress the sensor-to-shooter cycle and enhance battlefield awareness by providing real-time surveillance for tank formations.
  • Approximately five to six Shaurya Squadrons have been activated so far, though formal raising will occur after official approval is received.
  • The IA operates 63 armoured regiments with a total fleet of roughly 4,500 tanks, including T-90S Bhishma, upgraded T-72 M1 Ajeya, and Arjun MK1/MK1A variants.
  • The initiative draws lessons from Operation Sindoor and drone-centric global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war to institutionalise Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities.
  • The IA has previously raised Ashni platoons in the infantry for tactical intelligence and Divyastra batteries in the artillery to integrate UAV-based targeting with conventional guns.

Chhattisgarh revives blackbuck population a century after local extinction

[Chhattisgarh]

Key Updates:

  • Blackbucks officially last sighted in Chhattisgarh in 1927.
  • Reintroduction began in 2018 at Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary with 77 blackbucks: 50 translocated from Delhi and 27 sourced from Kanan Pendari Zoo, Bilaspur.
  • Current wild population in Barnawapara is around 130 blackbucks, with about 80 more awaiting release.
  • Project implemented under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 using stress-free translocation, acclimatization enclosures, PTZ IR camera monitoring, and daily foot patrols.
  • Forest department plans to introduce another batch into Gomardha Wildlife Sanctuary to expand range and reduce habitat pressure.
  • Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act and is the state animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.

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First Great Indian Bustard chick born in Gujarat in decade via 770-km halt-free egg transfer from Rajasthan (End of March) ▼
  • The first Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick in a decade hatched in Gujarat on 26 March after a 770-km road transfer of a 15-day-old fertile egg from Sam, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan to Naliya, Kutch, Gujarat.
  • Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the birth as India’s first under the “jumpstart” method, where a captive-bred fertile egg replaced an infertile egg laid by a radio-tagged female GIB in Kutch.
  • The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and state forest departments of Rajasthan and Gujarat coordinated the 19-hour journey using a handheld shock-proof portable incubator carried without halts.
  • Gujarat now has only three surviving GIBs, all female; the national wild population is estimated at ~150, mostly in Rajasthan.
  • WII and Rajasthan forest department run two captive-breeding centres at Sam and Ramdevra, Jaisalmer, holding 73 birds; eggs here are incubated artificially and chicks bred for founder stock.
  • A Supreme Court-appointed expert committee last July recommended the jumpstart egg-swapping technique; the Supreme Court accepted the recommendation in December.
  • Scientists will monitor the chick intensively for the first four weeks against predators such as desert fox.
Scientific Reports Study Estimates India's Jungle Cat Population at Over 3 Lakh (End of March) ▼
  • A study published in Scientific Reports estimates the countrywide population of jungle cats (Felis chaus) in India to be between 1.57 lakh and 4.59 lakh individuals.
  • The jungle cat is protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, which prohibits hunting or trading of the species.
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List currently categorises the species as being of least concern.
  • Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Odisha are the states estimated to support the largest populations of jungle cats across 21 states with suitable habitats.
  • The research indicates that jungle cats prefer agro-pastoral and open habitats over dense forests and provide ecological services by controlling rodent populations in farms.
  • Identified threats to the species include habitat fragmentation, speeding vehicles on highways, poaching, and stray dogs that act as sources of disease and kleptoparasitism.
  • The study was co-authored by researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS).
Madhya Pradesh to extend Bhavantar scheme to mustard farmers, benefiting 80 lakh farmers (End of February) ▼
  • Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the State Government’s plan to extend the Bhavantar Yojana to mustard farmers to cover the gap between market price and procurement price.
  • The proposal has been sent to the Union Government; the scheme currently benefits soybean farmers in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Mustard acreage rose 28% this year and estimated production is 15.71 lakh metric tonne.
  • Market price of mustard is ₹5,500–₹6,000 per quintal while Union Government procurement price is ₹6,200 per quintal.
  • Ladli Behna scheme, launched in March 2023, gives ₹1,500 monthly to women aged 21–60 years with annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh; 1,25,29,051 women currently receive the allowance.
Gaudham Yojana launched in Chhattisgarh for Cattle Conservation (Mid of March) ▼
  • Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched the Gaudham Yojana for cattle conservation at Guru Ghasidas University in Bilaspur.
  • In the first phase of the scheme, 29 Gaudhams (cattle conservation centres) have commenced operations across 11 districts of the state.
  • The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the state’s first cow sanctuary at Jogipur village in the Kota development block of Bilaspur district.
  • The proposed cow sanctuary will be developed over 184 acres with an initial approved budget of ₹1.32 crore and a capacity to shelter 2,500 cattle.
  • All Gaudhams established on government lands in Chhattisgarh will be officially known as Surabhi Gaudham.
  • The state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to promote animal husbandry and milk production.
  • The scheme aims to provide shelter to stray cattle, boost the rural economy through cow dung products, and reduce cattle deaths in road accidents.

16 Indian Softshell Turtles rescued in Greater Noida smuggling bust

Key Updates:

  • Police rescued 16 Indian Softshell Turtles during a routine check in Jharcha, Greater Noida.
  • Indian Softshell Turtles are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • The accused, Gagan (22) from Panipat, Haryana, was arrested on the spot.
  • The turtles were being smuggled to Delhi markets for onward sale to international buyers.
  • Each turtle fetches between Rs 40,000 and Rs 1 lakh on the black market.
  • A net used to trap the turtles was recovered from the accused.
  • The forest department was alerted and the turtles were rescued.
  • Demand for these turtles is high in Nepal and China.

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Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle reintroduced to Ganga after 30 years under Namami Gange Mission (End of March) ▼
  • The endangered Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) was released into the Ganga on 26 April after a 30-year absence.
  • Twenty captive-bred turtles were freed in the Haiderpur Wetland Complex, Uttar Pradesh, by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and the Namami Gange Mission.
  • The turtles were reared at the Garhaita Turtle Conservation Centre under the National Chambal Sanctuary.
  • Sonic tags fitted on each turtle will monitor their movements for two years to assess survival and dispersal.
  • One group was released above the barrage and another downstream in the main river channel to compare soft versus hard release techniques.
  • Haiderpur Wetland connects fully with the Ganga during monsoon, aiding natural dispersal of the species.
  • The goal is to establish a self-sustaining population of Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles in the Ganga.
Wildlife Management Authority conserves 19,858 Olive Ridley turtle eggs on Hope Island, Kakinada Bay (End of March) ▼
  • Wildlife Management Authority and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary officials collected 19,858 Olive Ridley turtle eggs from 174 nests on Hope Island in the Kakinada Bay.
  • The eggs are being conserved under the in-situ conservation method on the island.
  • Kakinada District Forest Officer N. Rama Chandra Rao stated that the hatchlings are being released into the sea.
  • On 26 March 2026, Joint Collector Apoorva Bharat and Kakinada Assistant Collector Ms. Manisha released 585 Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings into the sea on the island.
  • Hope Island is identified as one of the safe nesting grounds of Olive Ridley Turtles in Andhra Pradesh.
Sangtam Naga apex body bans pangolin hunting in Nagaland (Mid of February) ▼
  • The United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), apex tribal body of the Sangtam Naga community, passed a resolution banning pangolin hunting within its jurisdiction.
  • The ban falls under the Countering Pangolin Trafficking Project led by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) with support from the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Pangolin Crisis Fund.
  • WTI’s initiative, launched in Manipur in 2023, targets the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla).
  • The Sangtam Naga community primarily inhabits Kiphire and Tuensang districts of Nagaland along the Indo-Myanmar border.
U.N. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) COP15 adds 40 species to global protection list (Start of April) ▼
  • The U.N. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) COP15 summit concluded in Campo Verde, Brazil, with representatives from 132 countries and the European Union.
  • CMS Parties approved listing 40 new species for international protection, including the snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica), great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), and giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis).
  • A pre-summit report found 49 percent of CMS-catalogued species show declining numbers and nearly one in four are threatened with global extinction.
  • CMS-listed countries are legally bound to protect at-risk species, conserve and restore habitats, remove migration barriers, and cooperate with other range states.
  • A major U.N. assessment released during the summit warned migratory freshwater fish populations are in freefall due to habitat destruction, overfishing, and water pollution.

Three new rove beetle species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh forests

[Arunachal Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • Researchers identified three new rove beetle species—Megalopinus arunachalensis, Megalopinus mithun, and Megalopinus micros—in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The study was published in the journal 'Soil Organisms' and conducted by scientists from Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) and the University of Tübingen, Germany.
  • Specimens were collected from Pakke Tiger Reserve and Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • The beetles belong to the family Staphylinidae and inhabit decaying wood and moist leaf litter.
  • Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighted the discovery as evidence of Arunachal Pradesh’s rich biodiversity and the need for conservation.

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New Butterfly Species Basar Duke Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh (End of March) ▼
  • A rare butterfly species, scientifically named Euthalia (Limbusa) zubeengargi, has been discovered in the Basar region of the Lepa Rada district in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The species has been given the common name Basar Duke and is named after the Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg.
  • The discovery was made by Roshan Upadhaya, a PhD scholar and member of the Arunachal Pradesh Police (APP), and Kalesh Sadasivan.
  • The butterfly is distinguished by its olive-brown wings with white markings and a turquoise-green underside.
  • The species inhabits shaded understories of semi-evergreen forests at altitudes between 600 and 700 metres above sea level.
  • The find is considered exceptionally rare and highly localised, with only two male specimens recorded despite repeated surveys.
New ‘Farmer-Friendly’ Wasp Chelonus mahadevi Discovered in Assam (Mid of March) ▼
  • Scientists have discovered a new species of tiny wasp named Chelonus mahadevi in Assam.
  • The wasp is an egg-larval parasitoid that lays its eggs inside the eggs of harmful crop-eating insects, killing the pest from within.
  • It acts as a natural bio-pesticide, helping tea farmers control pests without using chemical pesticides.
  • The discovery supports sustainable agriculture and aligns with SDG 2 (Sustainable Agriculture) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
  • Chelonus mahadevi is currently listed under the Not Evaluated (NE) category of the IUCN Red List.
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) constitutes Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species (End of March) ▼
  • National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) constituted an Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species in pursuance of National Green Tribunal directions.
  • The Committee is chaired by Shri Dhananjai Mohan, IFS (Retd.), former PCCF and Head of Forest Force, Uttarakhand, with Prof. (Dr.) A. Biju Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, as Co-Chair.
  • The Committee will prepare a consolidated national list of invasive alien species based on State-wise inputs, identify high-risk species, and recommend science-based management strategies and national-level guidelines for prevention, control, and eradication.
  • The Committee includes representatives from Zoological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, ICAR research bureaus, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Wildlife Institute of India, Forest Survey of India, and State Forest Departments of Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Assam.
  • The Committee will function for a period of two years.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovers two new lichen moth species in eastern Himalayas (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) identified two new lichen moth species named Caulocera hollowayi and Asura buxa.
  • Caulocera hollowayi was discovered in Sikkim and Asura buxa in West Bengal.
  • The findings were documented in the journal Zootaxa by a team of Indian researchers.
  • Lichen moth caterpillars feed on lichens, making the moths indicators of environmental health and air quality in Himalayan ecosystems.

Researchers Trap Infrared Light in Ultra-Thin Molybdenum Diselenide Layer

Key Updates:

  • Researchers from the University of Warsaw, Lodz University of Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, and the Polish Academy of Sciences developed a nanoscale structure to trap infrared light.
  • The structure uses a layer of Molybdenum Diselenide (MoSe2) that is 40 nanometres thick, which is over 1,000 times thinner than a human hair.
  • The design employs a subwavelength grating consisting of closely spaced parallel strips that act as a near-perfect mirror to confine light.
  • Molybdenum Diselenide (MoSe2) was selected for its high refractive index, which slows light down by approximately 4.5 times compared to 1.5 times in glass.
  • The structure facilitates third harmonic generation, a nonlinear optical process that combines three infrared photons to produce one visible blue light photon.
  • The light conversion efficiency in this nanoscale structure is more than 1,500 times stronger than in a flat layer of the same material.
  • The research team utilised Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) to produce large, uniform films of MoSe2, overcoming the limitations of the traditional exfoliation method.
  • The findings of the study were published in the scientific journal ACS Nano.

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Ultracold atoms drive India’s quantum leap in precision clocks and future quantum computers (Mid of January) ▼
  • Ultracold atoms sit at the heart of the quantum-technology revolution.
  • India has built a strong and steadily growing presence in cold and ultracold-atom research.
  • Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai was the first laboratory in India to create a Bose–Einstein condensate.
  • Bose–Einstein Condensate is a state where billions of atoms act like a single “super-atom” with quantum effects visible on a macroscopic scale.
  • Laser cooling, awarded the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics, uses light’s momentum to slow atoms to a few billionths of a degree above absolute zero.
  • Today’s best atomic clocks based on cold atoms would not lose even one second over the age of the universe.
  • Cold-atom gravity sensors can detect underground structures, monitor volcanoes, and test Einstein’s theory of gravity.
  • Ultracold atoms arranged by laser light form quantum simulators that mimic exotic solids, superconductors, or black-hole-like systems.
  • Cold atoms are being developed as building blocks for quantum computers to solve problems like molecular design and cryptography faster than classical machines.
Raman Research Institute (RRI) unveils Raman Driven Spin Noise Spectroscopy (RDSNS) for real-time, non-invasive imaging of cold atoms (Start of January) ▼
  • RDSNS combines spin noise spectroscopy with coherent Raman laser beams that amplify the signal without heating or disturbing the atoms.
  • The Raman beams boost the detectable signal by nearly one million times, enabling precise density measurements from a probing volume as small as 0.01 mm³.
  • Using RDSNS, the RRI team studied potassium atoms trapped in a magneto-optical trap (MOT) and uncovered insights invisible to conventional methods.
  • The probe is far-detuned and operates at very low power, making the technique effectively non-invasive, achieving density measurements with only a few percent uncertainty on microsecond timescales.
  • Fast, precise, and non-destructive density measurements are essential for technologies such as quantum gravimeters, magnetometers, atomic clocks, and neutral-atom quantum computers.
Ministry of Science and Technology approves quantum teaching facilities at 23 institutions under National Quantum Mission (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Union government approved establishing quantum teaching facilities or laboratories in 23 academic institutions across India under the National Quantum Mission.
  • 100 more institutions are under consideration for similar facilities to support advanced research and training in emerging quantum technologies.
  • The decision was disclosed during a joint monthly meeting of secretaries of science ministries and departments led by Minister Jitendra Singh.
  • Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood attended the meeting.
  • The meeting reviewed preparations for the next PSLV mission expected later this year and upcoming satellite launches.
  • Plans for launching the next navigation satellite for the Navy around May were discussed.
  • A large technology exhibition is proposed in New Delhi from May 11 to 13 for National Technology Day celebrations.
  • The exhibition is expected to bring together over 3,000 stakeholders and showcase more than 500 technologies and innovations.
  • The Department of Science and Technology is examining updates to manpower guidelines for project staff to align with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) framework.
Delhi govt–IIT Madras MoU to test 'smog-eating' photocatalytic coatings on roads (End of March) ▼
  • Delhi government signed a six-month collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) on 13 March to evaluate photocatalytic coatings that break down nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  • The project is funded by the Delhi government and led by Professor Somnath C Roy of IIT Madras.
  • Laboratory testing will precede field trials in Delhi; specific trial locations are yet to be decided.
  • Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) surfaces will be assessed for their ability to dismantle pollutants under sunlight.
  • Deployment modes under study include mixing TiO₂ into concrete and asphalt, applying it as coatings, and developing rooftop or streetlight-mounted panels.

FAO Food Price Index rises to 128.5 in March, resuming global uptrend

[Food and Agriculture Organization]

Key Updates:

  • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Price Index reached 128.5 points in March, up 2.4% from February.
  • This marks the second consecutive monthly increase after a five-month streak of declines.
  • The index tracks grains, sugar, meat, dairy and vegetable oils, making it a key global inflation gauge.
  • Rising energy and freight costs are feeding directly into higher food prices across categories.
  • The index has broken above its recent consolidation zone near the 120 level, signalling a structural shift from stabilisation to recovery.

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Government of India (GoI) reports Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation at 2.13% for February (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation rose to an 11-month high of 2.13% in February, compared to 1.81% in January and 0.96% in December.
  • Manufactured products, which carry the largest weight in the WPI basket, saw inflation rise to 2.92% in February from 2.86% in January.
  • Inflation in primary articles, including agricultural commodities and minerals, increased to 3.27% in February from 2.21% in January.
  • Food inflation grew to 1.85% in February as compared to a 1.41% gain recorded in January.
  • Fuel and power inflation remained in negative territory at -3.78% in February, though the index for this category rose 1.17% on a month-on-month basis.
  • Crude petroleum and natural gas prices rose by 4.17% during the month, while non-food articles increased by 0.83%.
  • India’s retail inflation for February was recorded at 3.21% prior to the impact of the West Asia conflict.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) unveils modernised Consumer Price Index with food weight dropping to 36.8 percent. (Start of February) ▼
  • Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) announced new CPI 2024 series to release on 12 February.
  • Food and beverages weight declines from 45.9 percent in 2012 to 36.8 percent in 2024, a 9.1 percentage point reduction.
  • Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels category weight rises from 16.9 percent to 17.7 percent.
  • House rent index compilation extended to rural areas for first time using Census 2011 dwelling type weights.
  • Six rented dwellings selected per rural village versus 12 per urban market under revised Index.
  • Transport category weight increases marginally to 8.8 percent.
  • Health category weight rises to 6.1 percent.
  • Education services weight declines to 3.3 percent from 4.5 percent.
CPI 2024 series modernised with food weight cut to 36.8% and rural rent tracking introduced (Start of February) ▼
  • Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) announced the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) 2024 series to be released on 12 February 2026.
  • Food and beverages weight in CPI basket lowered from 45.9% in 2012 to 36.8% in 2024, a reduction of 9.1 percentage points.
  • Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels category weight rose from 16.9% to 17.7%, becoming the second-largest gainer.
  • House rent index compilation extended to rural areas for the first time, selecting six rented dwellings per rural village versus 12 per urban market.
  • Census 2011 data now used for dwelling type weights, replacing the earlier Housing Condition Survey.
  • Transport weight increased marginally to 8.8% and health weight rose to 6.1%.
  • Education services weight declined to 3.3% from 4.5%.
Philippines Declares National Energy Emergency Following Iran Conflict and Global Fuel Price Surge (End of March) ▼
  • Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency in response to the war in Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The Philippines, which imports 98% of its oil from the Gulf, became the first country to declare an energy emergency after domestic fuel prices doubled since 28 February.
  • The government will procure one million barrels of oil to supplement the current national stock, which is estimated to last for 45 days.
  • The emergency declaration will remain in place for one year, granting the government legal authority to directly purchase petroleum products and oversee the distribution of fuel, food, and medicines.
  • Philippine Ambassador to the United States (US) Jose Manuel Romualdez stated that Manila is coordinating with the US to secure exemptions for importing oil from sanctioned countries.
  • Energy Secretary Sharon Garin announced that the country will temporarily increase reliance on coal-fired power plants to address the high costs of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
  • The government has implemented fuel-saving measures including a four-day work week for civil servants, reduced ferry services, and subsidies for transport drivers.

Chhattisgarh Forest Department scientifically reintroduces 34 blackbucks into Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary in two phases.

Key Updates:

  • Chhattisgarh Forest Department released 34 blackbucks into Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary following strict scientific protocols.
  • The translocated blackbucks were released into the Rampur grassland area to augment the existing population.
  • Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Arun Pandey guides the blackbuck conservation programme in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Satovisha Samaddar and Divisional Forest Officer Dhammsheel Ganveer lead field implementation.

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Forest Owlet unseen for 113 years rediscovered in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park (Start of March) ▼
  • The Forest Owlet, endemic to central India, was first found in 1872 and vanished after 1884, presumed extinct for 113 years.
  • Local tourism operator Labh Yadav first spotted the owl in Kuno National Park's Parond Beat and alerted forest officials.
  • Vivek Patel from Pune's Wildlife Research and Conservation Society confirmed the sighting on-site, marking Kuno's inaugural record.
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Forest Owlet as endangered, with 250-999 adults worldwide.
  • Unlike nocturnal relatives, the Forest Owlet hunts mornings from 6-10 a.m., perching in harsh sun on tall branches.
  • Previous sightings in Madhya Pradesh were limited to eastern Khandwa, Burhanpur, and Betul districts.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) Directs Reconsideration of Quarry Project Near Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary (Start of March) ▼
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) set aside the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Tamil Nadu's order rejecting a stone and gravel quarry proposal near the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary.
  • The proposed quarry project is spread over 6.02.5 hectares in Padmanabamangalam village, Srivaikundam taluk, Thoothukudi district.
  • The Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of the blackbuck (Indian antelope), which is a protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
  • The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has notified the blackbuck as a scheduled species that requires open grasslands with intermittent bushes for its habitat.
  • According to the District Forest Officer (DFO), Thoothukudi, the proposed quarry site is located 1.92 km from the sanctuary and 1.44 km from its Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
  • The NGT bench, comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Dr Prashant Gargava, directed the SEIAA to reconsider the proposal within six weeks and impose appropriate protective conditions for wildlife.
  • Research papers cited by the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) indicate that blackbucks are timid animals that can move up to 5 km from the sanctuary for grazing.
India’s Cheetah Population Reaches 53 as Jwala Delivers Five Cubs at Kuno National Park (Mid of March) ▼
  • A Namibian cheetah named Jwala delivered five cubs at Kuno National Park (KNP) on 9 March 2026.
  • The birth of the five cubs has increased India’s total cheetah population to 53, crossing the 50-mark for the first time since the reintroduction began.
  • This is the third litter delivered by Jwala, who was translocated from Namibia to India in 2022 as part of Project Cheetah.
  • With this new litter, the total number of cheetah cubs born on Indian soil has risen to 33 across ten successful litters recorded since the translocation programme started.
  • Project Cheetah aims to re-establish the species in India after it was officially declared extinct in the country in 1952.
  • The KNP landscape provides a suitable habitat for the cheetahs with prey species including chital and chinkara.
Assam government proposes new Reserved Forest adjacent to Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary to boost habitat connectivity. (End of March) ▼
  • The Assam government has proposed the creation of a new Reserved Forest adjacent to Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonitpur district.
  • Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river in Assam.
  • The sanctuary is part of the Laokhowa–Burachapori ecosystem and lies between Kaziranga National Park to the east and Orang National Park to the west.
  • Vegetation includes wet alluvial grasslands, riparian forests, semi-evergreen forests, and supports species such as Hollong, Mekai, Dhuna, Udiyam, Nahar, and Samkothal.
  • Fauna includes the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, wild buffalo, hog deer, wild pig, elephants, Bengal Florican, Black-necked Stork, Mallard, Teal, and Whistling Duck.
  • The proposed Reserved Forest aims to improve habitat continuity, reduce fragmentation, and facilitate wildlife movement across protected areas in the Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem.

Climate change endangers Karnataka’s GI-tagged Appemidi mango

Key Updates:

  • Appemidi mango received Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2009.
  • A 30-km conservation march from Sarakuli village to Unchalli Falls assessed tree status during 30 March-1 April.
  • Conservationists recorded 33 distinct accessions of appemidi, several now under threat.
  • Effective rainfall days varied from 17 in 2021 to 165 in 2025 against a local average of 120.
  • Efforts to revive the famed Ananta Bhattana Appe variety through grafting have not achieved fruiting.
  • Activists seek biodiversity heritage site status for the Aghanashini valley landscape.

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India and Germany strengthen climate resilience cooperation through EUR 20 million grant (End of February) ▼
  • India and Germany held a high-level climate talk titled From Risk to Resilience: Advancing Adaptation Policy Pathways at the German Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday evening.
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is currently finalising India's National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
  • Germany and India are deepening cooperation to support the implementation of the NAP, specifically for strengthening climate resilience in forests, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
  • Under the International Climate Initiative (IKI), Germany launched a new Large Grant project for India with a funding volume of up to EUR 20 million.
  • The IKI project aims to enhance resilience in high-risk ecosystems across the Himalayas, island regions, the Western Ghats, the North-East, and the Lower Gangetic floodplains.
  • The initiative supports ecosystem-based approaches (EbA) including forest restoration, biodiversity corridor connectivity, flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge, and community-led natural resource management.
  • The project will explore innovative financing mechanisms such as blended finance, biodiversity credits, and insurance schemes to support the NAP.
  • Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), participated in the dialogue with World Resources Institute (WRI) India.
  • In 2024, Germany's total international climate finance contribution amounted to EUR 11.8 billion, with nearly half of public budget resources supporting adaptation measures.
Climate change threatens Nilgiri Wood Pigeon habitat in Western Ghats (Start of March) ▼
  • A research paper titled Biogeography and habitat suitability of the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon using MaxEnt warns that climate change could restrict the habitat of the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Columba elphinstonii) to isolated pockets by 2100.
  • The study, published in the Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy, utilised MaxEnt, a machine-learning method, to model habitat suitability for the species.
  • The Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (NWP) is endemic to the Western Ghats, inhabiting high-elevation wet evergreen and moist deciduous forests in the Nilgiris, Anamalai Hills, Biligirirangan Hills, Nandi Hills, and northern Maharashtra.
  • Researchers used 9,757 occurrence records from the eBird database, a citizen-science project, to identify 117 presence points and model environmental projections using nine bioclimatic variables.
  • The model predicts that habitat suitability will initially increase between 2021 and 2040 before witnessing sharp declines in high-suitability areas by the period 2081-2100.
  • The study highlights the phenomenon of up-slope shifting, where species move higher up mountain slopes as climate change alters their preferred habitats and food sources.
  • Although the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently down-listed the NWP to Least Concern, researchers from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) advocate for systematic ground surveys to validate population thresholds.
  • The NWP is one of 16 bird species occupying mid and high-elevation parts of the Western Ghats that are highly susceptible to climate change and anthropogenic pressures like deforestation.

4.5-million-year-old freshwater fish fossils discovered in Shivalik foothills near Dehradun

Key Updates:

  • Scientists led by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) unearthed otoliths of snakehead (Channa sp.), goby (Gobiidae indet.), and gourami (Trichogaster fasciata) in the Shivalik foothills near Mohand, Dehradun.
  • The fossils, dated to about 4.5 million years ago, mark the first evidence of aquatic life in a region previously known only for terrestrial animal remains.
  • The gourami fossil represents India’s first recorded occurrence and only the second globally after a find in Sumatra, Indonesia.
  • Analysis of the otolith assemblage indicates calm, vegetated freshwater bodies existed in the area during the Pliocene epoch.
  • Roughly 500 kg of bulk sediments collected in the 2024 field season were processed at the WIHG laboratory to extract the delicate otoliths.
  • The peer-reviewed study was published by Springer-Nature in its Palaeobiodiversity and Paleoenvironments journal on 31 March.

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MoEFCC designates CMLRE's Bhavasagara as National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna (Start of April) ▼
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) designated the Bhavasagara Referral Centre of the Centre for Marine Living Resources & Ecology (CMLRE) as a National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
  • The Kochi-based repository holds over 3,500 taxonomically identified and geo-referenced specimens of marine invertebrates and vertebrates.
  • As a National Repository, Bhavasagara will serve as the official custodian for newly discovered deep-sea species in Indian waters and provide authenticated specimens for research.
  • The facility aligns with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) and supports India’s blue economy and marine governance objectives.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) researcher discovers new mangrove crab species Chhapgarus ngankeeae along India’s west coast. (End of March) ▼
  • Chhapgarus ngankeeae, a new marine crab species, was identified from preserved specimens collected in Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
  • Sameer Kumar Pati of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) found the species by re-examining crabs previously misidentified as Pseudograpsus intermedius.
  • The holotype was collected from beneath a stone in the muddy backwaters of the Galgibag River in Goa.
  • The crab measures about 1.6 cm across its squarish, brown, hairy shell and has a uniquely V-shaped constriction on the hard tip of the male first gonopod.
  • The species name honours the late marine biologist Dr Ngan Kee Ng of the National University of Singapore for her contributions to brachyuran crab taxonomy.
New gudgeon goby fish species Butis bargabhimae discovered in West Bengal’s Rupnarayan River (Mid of March) ▼
  • Scientists from Tamralipta Mahavidyalaya and Vidyasagar University identified the new estuarine fish species Butis bargabhimae in the Rupnarayan River near Tamluk, West Bengal.
  • Fieldwork and specimen collection took place between June 2022 and August 2024, yielding seven specimens with traditional hand nets and trawl nets by local fishermen.
  • The species is distinguished by interorbital scales between the eyes, auxiliary scales across the body, and light-and-dark bands on the pectoral fins, plus DNA similarity of only 86% to its nearest relatives.
  • The specific epithet bargabhimae honours the local Hindu deity Bargabhima, linking the region’s biodiversity to its cultural heritage.
  • DNA comparisons revealed that several fish earlier recorded from Bangladesh and other parts of India had been misidentified and likely belong to the new species or its close relatives.
International team discovers new blind aquifer-dwelling fish species Gitchak nakana in Assam well (Start of March) ▼
  • An international team of fish taxonomists from Germany, India and Switzerland described the new genus and species Gitchak nakana from a dug-out well in an Assam village.
  • Gitchak nakana is the first aquifer-dwelling fish species recorded from Northeast India and the eastern Himalayan landscape.
  • The species name combines the Garo word 'Gitchak' meaning red, with 'na-tok' and 'kana' meaning blind fish, reflecting its red colour and absence of eyes.
  • The fish belongs to a new genus within the family Cobitidae.
  • The discovery was published in Scientific Reports, a Nature portfolio journal.
  • The single well locality is undisclosed due to the species being found only there and in very low numbers.
  • Rajeev Raghavan, assistant professor at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) and South Asia chair of IUCN SSC Freshwater Fish Specialist Group, was part of the team.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar becomes first fast bowler to claim 200 IPL wickets.

Key Updates:

  • Bhuvneshwar Kumar reached 200 IPL wickets by dismissing Ayush Mhatre during RCB vs CSK on Sunday.
  • He is the second bowler overall and the first fast bowler to reach the 200-wicket mark in IPL history.
  • Bhuvneshwar now has 202 wickets in 192 IPL matches at an average of 27.25.
  • Yuzvendra Chahal leads the all-time list with 224 wickets in 176 IPL matches.
  • Sunil Narine is third with 193 wickets in 191 IPL matches.

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Rashid Khan becomes first bowler to reach 700 T20 wickets (Mid of February) ▼
  • Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan became the first player in cricket history to reach the milestone of 700 wickets in T20 cricket.
  • He achieved the landmark during an International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Delhi.
  • Rashid Khan is the highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals (T20Is) with 191 victims, followed by Tim Southee (164) and Ish Sodhi (162).
  • In the overall T20 wicket-takers list, Dwayne Bravo holds the second position with 631 wickets, while Sunil Narine is third with 613 wickets.
  • He was the first Afghan player to join the Indian Premier League (IPL), winning the title with Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2022.
  • Rashid Khan holds the records for being the youngest player to top the ICC One Day International (ODI) bowling rankings and the fastest to reach 100 ODI wickets.
  • His domestic career includes winning the Big Bash League (BBL) title with Adelaide Strikers in 2018.
Finn Allen slams fastest T20 World Cup century off 33 balls against South Africa (Start of March) ▼
  • Finn Allen scored 100 not out in 33 balls for New Zealand against South Africa in the first semifinal of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on 4 March 2026.
  • Allen’s innings included 10 fours and 8 sixes, powering New Zealand to chase 170 in 12.5 overs with one wicket lost.
  • He broke Chris Gayle’s 2016 record of a 47-ball century against England in Mumbai.
  • Allen became the first batter to score a century in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup knockout match.
  • New Zealand will face the winner of the India-England semifinal in the final on 8 March 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium.
India defeats England to reach 2026 T20 World Cup final (Start of March) ▼
  • India secured a seven-run victory over England in the second semi-final of the 2026 T20 World Cup held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
  • Jasprit Bumrah became the 44th bowler in history to reach 500 international wickets, achieving the feat by dismissing England captain Harry Brook.
  • Bumrah established a new world record for the best bowling average among players with 500 international wickets at 20.62, surpassing Glenn McGrath's average of 21.76.
  • The Indian pacer's career wicket tally includes 234 wickets in 52 Test matches, 149 in One Day Internationals (ODI), and 117 in Twenty20 Internationals (T20I).
  • Bumrah recorded a career strike rate of 33.2, the second-best among bowlers with 500 wickets, trailing only Lasith Malinga who holds a strike rate of 32.8.
  • The list of bowlers with the best averages at 500 wickets includes Allan Donald (22.04), Richard Hadlee (22.1), and Curtly Ambrose (22.11).
  • India will face New Zealand in the tournament final on 8 March at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Abhishek Sharma slams second-fastest T20I half-century against New Zealand (End of January) ▼
  • Abhishek Sharma recorded the second-fastest half-century by an Indian in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in 14 balls.
  • The record was achieved during the third T20I against New Zealand at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
  • Abhishek Sharma hit five fours and four sixes to surpass Hardik Pandya’s previous second-fastest record of 16 balls.
  • Yuvraj Singh holds the record for the fastest T20I half-century by an Indian, achieved in 12 balls against England in 2007.
  • India successfully chased a target of 154 runs in 10 overs, posting 94/2 during the PowerPlay overs.
  • The fastest T20I half-centuries by Indians include Yuvraj Singh (12 balls vs England, 2007), Abhishek Sharma (14 balls vs New Zealand, 2026), Hardik Pandya (16 balls vs South Africa, 2025), Abhishek Sharma (17 balls vs England, 2025), KL Rahul (18 balls vs Scotland, 2021), and Suryakumar Yadav (18 balls vs South Africa, 2022).

Murali Sreeshankar wins India Athletics Series 1 long jump with 8.15m leap

Key Updates:

  • Murali Sreeshankar leapt 8.15m to win the men’s long jump at the opening Indian Athletics Series held at Kanteerava Stadium.
  • Sreeshankar, representing NCOE Trivandrum, recorded his winning jump in his fourth attempt.
  • Sunny Kumar of Bihar finished second with 7.90m and Purushotham of Karnataka was third with 7.87m.
  • Ancy Sojan of Reliance won the women’s long jump with 6.54m, followed by Shaili Singh with 6.52m and Moumita Mondal with 6.37m.
  • Tamil Nadu pole vaulter Reagan Ganesh set a personal best of 5.35m to win the pole vault.
  • Tamil Arasu of Railways won the men’s 100m in 10.23 seconds and Giridharani Ravi Kumar of Tamil Nadu won the women’s 100m in 11.53 seconds.
  • Sarvesh Kushare of Maharashtra won the high jump by clearing 2.23m.
  • Jishnu Prasad of BSF won the men’s 200m in 20.76 seconds, with Vishal TK of NCOE Trivandrum second in 20.80 seconds and Tamil Arasu of Railways third in 20.83 seconds.

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Sahibzada Farhan wins ICC Men's Player of the Month for February 2026 (End of March) ▼
  • International Cricket Council (ICC) named Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026.
  • Farhan scored 383 runs in seven matches (six innings) at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka at an average of 76.60.
  • He hit two centuries and two half-centuries and finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer.
  • Farhan became the first batter to score two centuries in a single edition of the men’s T20 World Cup, with tons against Namibia and Sri Lanka.
  • He broke Virat Kohli’s longstanding record for most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition.
  • Farhan reached a career-high second position in the ICC Men’s T20I batting rankings after scoring a century against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.
  • He shared a record 176-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman, the highest for any wicket in T20 internationals.
  • Last Pakistan male player to win the monthly ICC award was Haris Rauf in November 2024.
India edges England to reach T20 World Cup 2026 final (Start of March) ▼
  • India defeated England by 7 runs in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Wankhede Stadium.
  • India scored 253 for 19 sixes and 18 fours; England replied with 246 for 15 sixes and 21 fours.
  • Sanju Samson was named Player of the Match for his 42-ball 89 runs.
  • Jacob Bethell hit 105 off 48 balls for England before being run out by Hardik Pandya’s throw.
  • Axar Patel took two decisive catches, including a diving catch off Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling and a boundary-line relay catch with Shivam Dube.
  • India will face New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup final.
India defeats New Zealand to defend T20 World Cup title (Start of March) ▼
  • India defended their T20 World Cup title by beating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
  • India posted 255 for 5 in 20 overs; Sanju Samson top-scored with 89 off 46 balls.
  • New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs; Tim Seifert made 52 off 26 balls.
  • Jasprit Bumrah took 4 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs for India.
Shailesh Kumar wins gold at World Para Athletics Grand Prix New Delhi (Mid of March) ▼
  • Shailesh Kumar claimed gold in men’s high jump T63 with a best jump of 1.84 m at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in New Delhi.
  • The event marked his 2026 season opener after being reigning world champion.
  • More than 200 Indian athletes are competing in the Grand Prix which serves as a key classification event.
  • Asian Para Games is the season’s priority target for Indian para-athletes including Shailesh Kumar.

Divya Singh cycles to Everest Base Camp in 14 days

Key Updates:

  • Divya Singh from Uttar Pradesh became the first woman of India to reach Everest Base Camp by bicycle after a 14-day journey from Kathmandu.
  • She cycled 10–12 hours daily, carrying her bicycle on shoulders when trails were too steep or unrideable.
  • A viral video shows her holding the Indian flag at Everest Base Camp upon completion of the expedition.

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Bhupatiraju Anmish Varma Sets Guinness World Record (GWR) for Seven Volcanic Summits Challenge (End of March) ▼
  • Bhupatiraju Anmish Varma from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, established a new Guinness World Record (GWR) by completing the Seven Volcanic Summits challenge.
  • Varma achieved the mountaineering feat in a record time of 92 days, 4 hours, and 45 minutes.
  • GWR officially announced the achievement in March 2026, marking a new global benchmark in adventure sports.
  • The Seven Volcanic Summits challenge is recognised as one of the most demanding pursuits in mountaineering, requiring immense endurance and skill.
Uttarakhand health department readies 17-bed hospital at Kedarnath for Char Dham Yatra. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Uttarakhand health department will operationalise a 17-bed hospital at Kedarnath before the Char Dham Yatra starting on 22 April.
  • Director general of health and family welfare Dr Sunita Tamta stated that nearly 90% of the facility is ready and equipment has been installed.
  • About 400 medical graduates will be deployed along the yatra route across Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi and Chamoli districts covering Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines.
  • Around 229 specialist doctors from the health department, government medical colleges and private institutes will serve on a rotational, fortnightly basis during the yatra period.
  • Last year approximately 159 pilgrims died from health-related issues, mainly cardiac arrest and high-altitude conditions, with most casualties reported at Kedarnath followed by Yamunotri.
  • Health minister Dhan Singh Rawat announced deployment of 177 ambulances including road, air and water units, 25 medical relief posts and 33 health screening points along the route.
India: COAS General Upendra Dwivedi flags off culmination ceremony of Bharat RannBhoomi Darshan D2D Expedition at National War Memorial, New Delhi (End of February) ▼
  • Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi flagged off the culmination ceremony of Bharat RannBhoomi Darshan D2D Expedition at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
  • The 22-day expedition covered approximately 3,400 kilometres, starting from Dwarka on 3 February 2026.
  • Led jointly by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Border Security Force (BSF), the expedition traversed key locations across Gujarat and Rajasthan to honour war heroes and showcase India’s military heritage.
India conducts Military Civil Fusion Exercise Sanjha Shakti at Khadki Military Station (Mid of January) ▼
  • A joint Military Civil Fusion (MCF) exercise, Sanjha Shakti, was successfully conducted on January 8 and 9 at the Dighi Range, Khadki Military Station.
  • The exercise involved 16 civil agencies including Maharashtra Police’s elite Force One commandos and over 350 civilian personnel.
  • It focused on enhancing interoperability, rapid response, and coordinated action in emergency and security scenarios.

7th National Sub-Junior Under-17 Boxing Championship commences in Nagpur

Key Updates:

  • The 7th National Sub-Junior Under-17 Boxing Championship commenced in Nagpur on 4 April 2026.
  • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari formally inaugurated the week-long championship.
  • Nearly 600 young boxers, including around 250 girls and 350 boys, are participating.
  • The contingent is accompanied by nearly 180 coaches and team managers along with 70 officials.
  • Competitions will be held across 13 weight categories.
  • The championship will conclude on 11 April 2026.
  • Outstanding performers will be shortlisted for the Indian Under-17 squad to represent the country at the Asian Boxing Championship in Tashkent later this year.

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Chandrika Pujari wins gold at World Boxing Futures Cup (Mid of March) ▼
  • India concluded the World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok with a total of five medals, including one gold, three silver, and one bronze.
  • Chandrika Pujari won the gold medal in the women’s 51 kg category by defeating Uzbekistan’s Mardonova Nazokat with a unanimous decision.
  • Gunjan (48 kg) and Joyshree Devi (54 kg) secured silver medals after losing their respective final matches to boxers from England and the United States.
  • L. Ambekar Meetei earned a silver medal in the men’s 50 kg category after losing the final bout to an opponent from Ukraine.
  • Radhamani Longjam secured a bronze medal for India in the 57 kg weight category.
Bhubaneswar hosts India's first National Indoor Athletics Championships (End of March) ▼
  • The Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar has been named as the venue for the World Indoor Athletics Championships to be held from 3-5 March 2028.
  • India is hosting its maiden national indoor athletics championship in Bhubaneswar as a preparatory step towards conducting the 2028 global showpiece.
  • The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) worked in coordination with the Odisha government to secure the hosting rights for the 2028 world event.
  • The indoor facility at Kalinga Stadium features a 200m synthetic oval track and a 100m straight track, both compliant with World Athletics Category 1 standards.
  • The national championship consists of 11 events for both men and women, including 60m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 60m hurdles, high jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump, and shot put.
  • Approximately 300 athletes are participating in the national championships, with Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra sending the largest contingents of around 30 athletes each.
  • National record holders Animesh Kujur, Mohammed Afsal, and Praveen Chitravel are among the key competitors in the indoor event.
  • The AFI is also bidding to host the Asian Indoor Athletics Championship in Bhubaneswar in 2028, with a decision expected from the Asian Athletics Association in May.
  • The indoor facility at Kalinga Stadium has a spectator seating capacity of approximately 1700.
Vijender Singh appointed to Asian Boxing Council (Mid of January) ▼
  • Vijender Singh has been appointed as a member of the Asian Boxing Council.
  • He thanked the Boxing Federation of India for entrusting him with this responsibility.
  • Vijender remains one of India’s most recognisable sporting figures, having won a historic bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Rekha Gupta inaugurates 47th National Junior Boys Handball Championship (Mid of January) ▼
  • The 47th National Junior Boys Handball Championship was inaugurated at a government school in Pitampura, New Delhi.
  • The event was organised by the Handball Federation of India (HFI) and the Delhi Handball Association.
  • A cash prize of ₹1 lakh was announced for the winning team of the championship.
  • Under the Delhi Government’s updated policy, international medal winners are eligible for ₹7 crore for Gold, ₹5 crore for Silver, and ₹3 crore for Bronze.

World Health Day 2026: Together for health. Stand with science

Key Updates:

  • World Health Day is observed every year on April 7.
  • World Health Day 2026 theme is 'Together for health. Stand with science'.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded on April 7, 1948.
  • The first World Health Day was marked by WHO in 1950.

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World Water Day 2026: Water and Gender (End of March) ▼
  • World Water Day 2026 is observed on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
  • The official theme for 2026 is 'Water and Gender' with the campaign slogan 'Where water flows, equality grows'.
  • World Water Day was first observed on Monday, March 22, 1993, following United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/47/193 adopted on December 22, 1992.
  • UN-Water is the coordinating body for World Water Day, with UNICEF and UN Women as the 2026 campaign co-leads.
  • The UN World Water Development Report 2026, titled 'Water for all people: Equal rights and opportunities', was launched on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
  • 2.2 billion people — approximately 27% of the global population — lack access to safely managed drinking water.
  • Women and girls spend an estimated 200 million hours per day collectively collecting water.
  • Women hold fewer than 20% of leadership roles in the water sector across most regions.
  • WASH stands for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.
  • SDG 6 calls for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water and adequate sanitation for all by 2030.
World Tuberculosis Day observed on 24 March 2026 with the theme Yes! We can end TB (End of March) ▼
  • World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on 24 March to raise global awareness about the infectious disease.
  • The theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2026 is Yes! We can end TB, emphasizing political will, increased funding, and community participation.
  • The date commemorates 24 March 1882, when Dr Robert Koch discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes the disease.
  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 3,500 people die from tuberculosis and approximately 30,000 fall ill every day globally.
  • India carries the highest share of the global tuberculosis burden and implements the National TB Elimination Programme to combat the disease.
  • Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus serves as the Director-General of the WHO.
  • The National TB Elimination Programme in India utilizes nutrition initiatives and digital tracking to improve treatment adherence.
World TB Day 2026 spotlights science-driven push to eliminate tuberculosis (End of March) ▼
  • World Health Organization (WHO) reported an estimated 10.6 million people developed TB in 2022, including 1.3 million children.
  • WHO recorded 1.3 million TB deaths among HIV-negative individuals and an additional 300,000 deaths among people living with HIV in 2022.
  • Approximately 410,000 people developed multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB) in 2022.
  • Sustainable Development Goal 3 calls for ending the TB epidemic by 2030.
  • WHO’s End TB Strategy targets a 90% reduction in TB deaths and an 80% reduction in TB incidence by 2030 compared with 2015 levels.
World Oral Health Day 2026 observed on March 20 with theme 'A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life' (Mid of March) ▼
  • World Oral Health Day is observed every year on March 20.
  • The theme for World Oral Health Day 2026 is 'A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life'.
  • World Oral Health Day was first celebrated on September 12, 2007.
  • The original date was chosen to mark the birthday of Dr Charles Godon, founder of the FDI World Dental Federation.
  • The observance date was changed to March 20 in 2013.

Chetak Screen Awards 2026 held on 5 April

Key Updates:

  • The Chetak Screen Awards 2026 ceremony was held in Mumbai on Sunday, 5 April.
  • Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and businesswoman Nita Ambani presented the Best Film award to Karan Johar for the movie Homebound.
  • Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, won the award for Best Film.
  • The film Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, won a total of 14 trophies including the Best Director award.
  • Ranveer Singh was named Best Actor (Male) and Akshaye Khanna won Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) for the film Dhurandhar.
  • Yami Gautam received the Best Actor (Female) award for her performance in the film Haq.
  • The winners were selected by the Screen Academy, an independent not-for-profit body comprising 53 filmmakers, artistes, and cultural voices.
  • The selection process was led by Dr Priya Jaikumar, Chair of Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts.
  • The ceremony was hosted by Alia Bhatt, Zakir Khan, Sunil Grover, and Saurabh Dwivedi, the Editor – Hindi at The Indian Express (IE).

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Dr Partha Sarathi Mahanta wins Best Director at New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF) 2026. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Dr Partha Sarathi Mahanta, IGP of Assam Police and Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, directed the animated short film 'CHYIMI'.
  • 'CHYIMI' received the Best Director Award at the New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF) 2026.
  • NYSAF 2026 is partnered with Cine Universitario UACJ in Mexico for additional screenings of selected films.
  • The festival recognises outstanding animated storytelling and provides a global platform for filmmakers.
Nandamuri Balakrishna Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026 (End of March) ▼
  • Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026 for his five-decade contribution to the film industry.
  • The award ceremony was held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
  • Delhi Honorary Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the award to the veteran actor in the presence of dignitaries from the film and cultural sectors.
  • The film Bhagavanth Kesari, starring Balakrishna and directed by Anil Ravipudi, was specially screened at the festival.
  • Bhagavanth Kesari previously won the award for the Best Film in Telugu at the 71st National Film Awards.
  • The Government of India (GoI) awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in the country, to Balakrishna in 2025 for his contribution to arts and cinema.
  • Film director Anil Ravipudi and producer Sahu Garapati participated in the special screening event alongside the actor.
Amol Palekar to be Honoured with Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 (Mid of March) ▼
  • Veteran actor and filmmaker Amol Palekar will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 21st edition of META in New Delhi.
  • The 21st edition of the festival, instituted by the Mahindra Group and produced by Teamwork Arts, will be held from 19 March to 25 March 2026.
  • The jury panel for the 2026 awards includes Amal Allana, Anuradha Kapur, Rajit Kapur, Satish Alekar, and Ila Arun.
  • The festival received a record 422 submissions from over 20 states and 100 cities, featuring productions in nearly 60 languages and dialects.
  • Ten productions have been shortlisted to compete in 13 categories at venues including Kamani Auditorium and Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts.
  • The competitive categories include Best Production, Best Director, Best Stage Design, Best Light Design, Best Sound & Music Design, Best Costume Design, Best Actor in a Lead Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Original Script, Best Ensemble, and Best Choreographer.
  • Amol Palekar is recognised for his work in Hindi cinema during the 1970s, including films such as Chhoti Si Baat, Chitchor, Bhumika, Baaton Baaton Mein, and Gol Maal.
  • He is also noted for expanding the reach of theatre by performing in alternative spaces such as parks, terraces, canteens, and garages.
Chiranjeevi Received NTR National Film Award at Gaddar Telangana Film Awards 2025 (Start of March) ▼
  • Megastar Chiranjeevi was conferred with the NTR National Film Award at the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards 2025.
  • The award was presented by the Government of Telangana, with the actor acknowledging Chief Minister (CM) Revanth Anumula and Bhatti Mallu.
  • The NTR National Film Award is named in honour of the legendary Telugu cinema figure, N. T. Rama Rao (NTR).
  • Chiranjeevi was previously honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2006 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2024.
  • Other major winners at the ceremony included Naga Chaitanya, who was named Best Actor, and Rashmika Mandanna, who was named Best Actress.
  • The actor's recent work includes the hit film Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, and his upcoming projects include the socio-fantasy film Vishwambhara and a project with director Srikanth Odela.

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace observed on April 6 with 2026 theme 'Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers'

Key Updates:

  • International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is observed annually on April 6.
  • The 2026 theme is 'Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers'.
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established the day through Resolution 67/296 on August 23, 2013.
  • The International Olympic Committee (IOC) played a key role in the creation of the day.
  • The day aligns with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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World Civil Defense Day observed on March 1 (Start of March) ▼
  • World Civil Defense Day is observed on March 1 every year.
  • It was created by the International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) General Assembly in 1990.
  • The day commemorates 1972, when the ICDO Constitution came into force as an intergovernmental organization.
  • ICDO was created in 1931 in Paris by French Surgeon-General George Saint-Paul.
  • ICDO was recognized by the French Parliament in June 1935.
  • Today 50 countries are members of ICDO.
United Nations observes International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March (End of March) ▼
  • The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed on 21 March each year.
  • The date commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa when police killed 69 peaceful demonstrators protesting apartheid pass laws.
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed this day as an international observance in 1966.
  • In 1979 UNGA decided that a week of solidarity with peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination should be organized annually starting on 21 March.
  • The observance led to the creation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
Global Tourism Resilience Day observed on February 17 (Mid of February) ▼
  • Global Tourism Resilience Day is observed annually on February 17.
  • The day was established by a United Nations General Assembly resolution led by Jamaica and first celebrated on February 17, 2023.
  • The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General praised Jamaica’s leadership in initiating the day.
  • Over 90 countries have supported the Global Tourism Resilience Day initiative.
World Understanding and Peace Day observed on February 23 (End of February) ▼
  • World Understanding and Peace Day is observed annually on February 23 to commemorate the founding of Rotary International (RI).
  • The first Rotary Club meeting was held on February 23, 1905, in Chicago by Paul Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey.
  • The 59th World Day of Peace, celebrated by the Vatican on January 1, 2026, features the theme Peace be with you all: Towards an unarmed and disarming peace.
  • RI selects 75 scholars annually for the Rotary Peace and Conflict Resolution Program to study peacebuilding and diplomacy at Rotary Peace Centers.
  • The six major humanitarian focus areas of RI include disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and peace and conflict prevention/resolution.

National Maritime Day observed on April 5

Key Updates:

  • National Maritime Day is observed every year on April 5 to recognise India’s maritime heritage and the shipping industry’s role in trade and economic growth.
  • The date marks the 1919 maiden voyage of the Indian-owned ship SS Loyalty from Mumbai to London, operated by Scindia Steam Navigation Company.
  • Over 90% of India’s trade by volume is transported via sea.
  • India has a coastline of over 7,500 km, 12 major ports and over 200 non-major ports.
  • India is among the top suppliers of skilled seafarers globally.

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Indian Navy Signs Contract with MSME Shipyard for Construction of Three 200-tonne Barges on 16 January 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • The Indian Navy (IN) concluded a contract for the construction and delivery of three 200-tonne Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges with M/s Suryadipta Projects Private Limited, Thane, an MSME shipyard, on 16 January 2026.
  • The barges will be designed and constructed entirely in India under the Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to quality, safety and national maritime standards.
  • The project stands as a strong endorsement of the Government of India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, showcasing the growing capability of Indian MSME shipyards to deliver specialised naval auxiliary platforms.
  • The initiative contributes directly to the strengthening of India’s domestic shipbuilding ecosystem, in alignment with the goals of the Maritime India Vision 2030, which emphasises self-reliance, innovation, and capacity building.
Indian Navy First Training Squadron concludes three-day Indonesia visit (End of January) ▼
  • Indian Navy First Training Squadron (1TS) departed Belawan, Indonesia on January 23 after a three-day port call.
  • Ships of 1TS included INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi.
  • Professional interactions, cultural exchanges, training visits and friendly sports meets were held with Indonesian Navy personnel.
  • Capt Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer 1TS, met Laksamana Muda (RAdm) Deny Septiana, Commander of Naval Area Command I (Komando Kodaeral I).
  • An onboard reception co-hosted by 1TS and Consulate General of India, Medan, was attended by senior dignitaries of Kodaeral I with Kolonel Wirawan Aby P, Chief of Operations, as Chief Guest.
  • Indian naval trainees visited Komando Daerah Angkatan Laut I facilities to understand regional command roles.
  • Joint yoga sessions and friendly sports were organised fostering camaraderie between the two navies.
  • Ships were opened to local school children, generating excitement and curiosity through guided tours.
  • The visit advances India's Act East Policy and strengthens maritime cooperation with Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) member Indonesia under the MAHASAGAR vision.
Indian Navy commences second edition of IOS SAGAR with 16 IONS nations (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Indian Navy (IN) has commenced the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative to enhance collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Naval personnel from 16 friendly foreign countries belonging to the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) are participating in the event.
  • The IN assumed the chair of the IONS in February 2026.
  • The initiative supports the Government of India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR) framework.
  • The programme includes professional training interactions at naval training establishments in Kochi followed by sea deployment onboard an IN ship.
  • The sea phase involves operational activities, maritime engagement, and port visits to foster professional linkages and exchange best practices.

Bangladesh launches emergency measles-rubella campaign on 5 April 2026

[Bangladesh]

Key Updates:

  • Bangladesh launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign on 5 April 2026.
  • The campaign targets over 1.2 million children in 30 upazilas.
  • Partners include UNICEF, WHO and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
  • Expansion to four City Corporations starts 12 April 2026, followed by nationwide rollout from 3 May 2026.
  • Children aged 6 to 59 months in high-risk areas are prioritised.
  • Since 2007, Gavi has invested more than US$2.2 billion in measles and measles-rubella immunisation across 57 lower-income countries, reaching over 1.3 billion children.

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Global Mumps Resurgence reported with 100,000 cases in 2025 (Start of March) ▼
  • Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the parotid salivary glands, causing painful swelling near the jaw or cheeks.
  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 100,000 cases worldwide in 2025, primarily in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
  • The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the primary tool for prevention, with two doses providing approximately 88 per cent effectiveness and one dose offering 78 per cent protection.
  • According to WHO and CDC guidance, children should receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12–15 months and the second dose at 4–6 years.
  • Potential complications of the disease include orchitis (inflammation of testes), oophoritis (inflammation of ovaries), meningitis, encephalitis, pancreatitis, and hearing loss.
  • There is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps, and infected individuals should isolate for at least five days after symptoms appear to prevent transmission.
National Vaccination Day observed on 16 March with theme 'Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible' (Mid of March) ▼
  • National Vaccination Day is observed every year on 16 March in India.
  • The theme for 2026 is 'Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible'.
  • The day commemorates 16 March 1995 when the first dose of oral polio vaccine was given under the Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme.
  • India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) is one of the world’s largest public health initiatives providing free vaccines to children and pregnant women.
West Bengal Health System Reform Program Operation approved with USD 286 million loan (Mid of January) ▼
  • The World Bank (WB) approved the 'West Bengal Health System Reform Program Operation' with a USD 286 million loan to improve quality of life and life expectancy through equitable healthcare access.
  • The program will 'support the delivery of personalised healthcare services across the state for people aged 30 and above through digital tracking of non-communicable diseases ( NCDs ) such as hypertension and diabetes.'
  • The 'USD 286 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a final maturity of 16.5 years, including a three-year grace period.'
  • Target beneficiaries include 'boys, married adolescents, and healthcare providers' through the strengthening of gender-based violence (GBV) services.
  • In the five districts of 'Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Maldah and Uttar Dinajpur, the Program will improve access to quality healthcare services and reduce inequities in maternal and adolescent health.'
  • The initiative aims to 'bring a patient-centric care approach to the state's health systems, improve health outcome measurement, and enhance healthcare facilities' resilience to extreme weather events.'
Union Health Minister J P Nadda launches India-made tetanus and adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) (End of February) ▼
  • Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda launched the indigenously manufactured tetanus and adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.
  • The Td vaccine has been introduced for supply under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and CRI will supply 55 lakh doses to UIP by April.
  • India achieved Maturity Level 3 in the World Health Organization (WHO) global benchmarking of regulatory systems, reflecting robust vaccine regulatory standards.
  • Under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, India supplied vaccines to nearly 100 countries, with 48 countries receiving vaccines free of cost.
  • CRI is the first government institute to manufacture vaccines under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.
  • Universal Immunization Programme is the world’s largest immunisation programme, providing 11 vaccines against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
  • The annual immunisation cohort under UIP comprises nearly 5 crore beneficiaries, including around 2.5 crore pregnant women and 2.5 crore children.
  • Vaccine coverage in India has reached nearly 99 per cent due to systematic tracking and sustained immunisation efforts.

India delivers humanitarian aid to flood and earthquake-hit Afghanistan

[Afghanistan]

Key Updates:

  • India delivered humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) materials to Afghanistan including kitchen sets, hygiene kits, plastic sheets, tarpaulins, and sleeping bags.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the aid through MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X.
  • Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority reported 35 deaths and 52 injuries across 25 provinces due to heavy rains, floods, and a 5.8-magnitude earthquake.
  • The earthquake epicentre was in Badakhshan province at 186 km depth, striking at 8:42 pm local time.
  • Floods destroyed 131 houses and partially damaged 650 others, while over 3,000 jeribs of agricultural land were affected.
  • US Geological Survey (USGS) data show Afghanistan averages around 560 earthquake-related fatalities annually.

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India dispatches 1,000 tonnes of rice to Burkina Faso amid humanitarian crisis (Start of April) ▼
  • India sent 1,000 metric tonnes of rice to Burkina Faso as humanitarian assistance, announced Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
  • The consignment aims to support food security for vulnerable communities and internally displaced persons in Burkina Faso.
  • Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African nation, faces one of the world's most neglected humanitarian crises due to insecurity and adverse climatic conditions.
  • United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) reports at least 4.5 million people in Burkina Faso need humanitarian assistance in 2026.
  • Over two million people have been displaced by years of insecurity, though more than 1.1 million internally displaced persons had returned to their communities by 31 October 2025.
  • Burkina Faso's military junta banned all political parties in January, suspending their activities since the 2022 coup.
  • Suspected jihadists killed at least 12 civilians in a March village attack, as the country combats violence linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State groups.
India dispatches 1,000 metric tonnes of rice to drought-hit Malawi on March 9 (Start of March) ▼
  • India dispatched 1,000 metric tonnes of rice to Malawi from Nhava Sheva Port on March 9.
  • The humanitarian aid responds to drought caused by the El Niño effect.
  • Over 4 million people, roughly 20 per cent of Malawi’s population, face acute food shortages.
  • Lake Chilwa and other major water bodies have dried up, prompting Malawi to declare a state of disaster.
  • Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced the dispatch on X.
  • President Droupadi Murmu undertook a State visit to Malawi in 2024 and signed MoUs on arts and culture, youth matters, sports and pharmaceutical cooperation.
India dispatches 7.5 tonnes of cancer medicines to Afghanistan (End of January) ▼
  • India dispatched 7.5 tonnes of life-saving cancer medicines to Kabul to address urgent needs of cancer patients.
  • The medicines were sent to meet the shortage in Afghanistan.
  • India remains committed to supporting the friendly people of Afghanistan.
India slashes Chabahar Port aid to zero in Union Budget 2026-27 (Start of February) ▼
  • Union Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹0 to Iran’s Chabahar Port, down from ₹400 crore in FY 2024-25 and ₹100 crore initially in FY 2025-26.
  • US sanctions on Iran and a potential 25% tariff warning from the Trump administration influenced the funding pause.
  • India holds a six-month US exemption for Chabahar Port participation ending 26 April 2026.
  • Bhutan remains the largest aid recipient at ₹2,288 crore in Budget 2026-27.
  • Bangladesh’s allocation dropped to ₹60 crore in Budget 2026-27 after being revised to ₹34 crore in FY 2025-26.
  • Maldives received ₹550 crore, Sri Lanka ₹400 crore, Nepal ₹800 crore, Myanmar ₹300 crore, Afghanistan ₹150 crore, Mongolia ₹25 crore, African countries ₹225 crore, Mauritius ₹550 crore, and Seychelles ₹19 crore under Aid to Countries in Budget 2026-27.
  • Total Aid to Countries outlay for FY 2026-27 is ₹5,686 crore, about 4% higher than FY 2025-26 Budget Estimates of ₹5,483 crore.

National Maritime Day observed on April 5

Key Updates:

  • National Maritime Day is observed in India on April 5 to commemorate the historic voyage of the country's first modern merchant ship.
  • India possesses a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometres and handles approximately 95 per cent of its trade by volume through maritime routes.
  • The Indian Navy (IN) operates Operation Sankalp to maintain a constant vigil and provide security escorts for merchant vessels in the Gulf region.
  • The Sagarmala Programme is a government initiative designed to modernise ports, improve connectivity, and reduce logistics costs across India.
  • The India-Middle-East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) is a strategic project aimed at linking India to Europe through maritime and overland routes via the Middle East.
  • India imports more than 85 per cent of its crude oil, with nearly 80 per cent of its energy imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Historical maritime milestones include the Harappan port of Lothal and the naval dominance of the Chola Empire in the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia.
  • The Indian government has implemented strategic visions such as Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and MAHASAGAR to enhance cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
  • Major Indian ports mentioned as gateways to trade include Mumbai, Kandla, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Kochi, Paradip, and Tuticorin.
  • Advanced naval assets deployed for maritime security and deterrence include the warship INS Surat and the submarine INS Aridhaman.

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India hosts Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) maritime exercise IMEX TTX 26 in Kochi (End of March) ▼
  • Indian Navy hosted the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) maritime exercise at Maritime Warfare Centre of Southern Naval Command in Kochi last Friday.
  • The exercise brought together delegates from IONS member navies to deliberate on evolving non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Participating countries included Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Timor-Leste.
  • India assumed the IONS chairmanship for the 2026–2028 cycle after a gap of 16 years.
  • IMEX TTX 2026 marks a key milestone in strengthening regional maritime leadership.
Indian Navy Signs Contract with MSME Shipyard for Construction of Three 200-tonne Barges on 16 January 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • The Indian Navy (IN) concluded a contract for the construction and delivery of three 200-tonne Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges with M/s Suryadipta Projects Private Limited, Thane, an MSME shipyard, on 16 January 2026.
  • The barges will be designed and constructed entirely in India under the Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to quality, safety and national maritime standards.
  • The project stands as a strong endorsement of the Government of India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, showcasing the growing capability of Indian MSME shipyards to deliver specialised naval auxiliary platforms.
  • The initiative contributes directly to the strengthening of India’s domestic shipbuilding ecosystem, in alignment with the goals of the Maritime India Vision 2030, which emphasises self-reliance, innovation, and capacity building.
Indian Navy First Training Squadron concludes three-day Indonesia visit (End of January) ▼
  • Indian Navy First Training Squadron (1TS) departed Belawan, Indonesia on January 23 after a three-day port call.
  • Ships of 1TS included INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi.
  • Professional interactions, cultural exchanges, training visits and friendly sports meets were held with Indonesian Navy personnel.
  • Capt Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer 1TS, met Laksamana Muda (RAdm) Deny Septiana, Commander of Naval Area Command I (Komando Kodaeral I).
  • An onboard reception co-hosted by 1TS and Consulate General of India, Medan, was attended by senior dignitaries of Kodaeral I with Kolonel Wirawan Aby P, Chief of Operations, as Chief Guest.
  • Indian naval trainees visited Komando Daerah Angkatan Laut I facilities to understand regional command roles.
  • Joint yoga sessions and friendly sports were organised fostering camaraderie between the two navies.
  • Ships were opened to local school children, generating excitement and curiosity through guided tours.
  • The visit advances India's Act East Policy and strengthens maritime cooperation with Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) member Indonesia under the MAHASAGAR vision.
Indian Navy commences second edition of IOS SAGAR with 16 IONS nations (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Indian Navy (IN) has commenced the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative to enhance collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Naval personnel from 16 friendly foreign countries belonging to the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) are participating in the event.
  • The IN assumed the chair of the IONS in February 2026.
  • The initiative supports the Government of India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR) framework.
  • The programme includes professional training interactions at naval training establishments in Kochi followed by sea deployment onboard an IN ship.
  • The sea phase involves operational activities, maritime engagement, and port visits to foster professional linkages and exchange best practices.