Daily Current Affairs: 8 April 2026

Analysis for 08 April 2026

Gyanesh Kumar retains post as Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker reject Opposition impeachment motions.

Key Updates:

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla rejected Opposition impeachment notices against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on 6 April 2026.
The Lok Sabha motion carried 130 MP signatures and the Rajya Sabha motion 63 MP signatures, meeting the minimum 100 and 50 MP thresholds respectively.
The presiding officers cited Section 3 of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 in their Parliamentary Bulletin notifications giving no detailed reasons for refusal.
The removal process for a Chief Election Commissioner mirrors that for a Supreme Court judge under Article 124(4) requiring a special Parliamentary majority and Presidential order.

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Nitish Kumar to take oath as Rajya Sabha member on April 10. (Start of April) ▼

Nitish Kumar is set to take oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10.
Senior National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders are expected to attend the oath-taking ceremony.
Kumar will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah during his Delhi visit.
After the oath, Kumar will return to Patna and hold a meeting with Janata Dal (United) (JDU) leaders.
Kumar is likely to resign as Bihar chief minister on April 13.
He is expected to attend Parliament's three-day special session beginning April 16.
Deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary is among the frontrunners to succeed Kumar as chief minister.
JDU may get the deputy chief minister's post and could also demand the Speaker's post.

Nitish Kumar resigns from Bihar Legislative Council (End of March) ▼

Nitish Kumar submitted his resignation letter as Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) which was accepted by Council Chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh.
He was elected to the Rajya Sabha on March 16 and filed nomination papers in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Nitish Kumar has been a member of the Bihar Legislative Council since 2006 and was elected for a fourth consecutive term in May 2024.
Under constitutional provisions, he can remain Chief Minister of Bihar for up to six months without being a member of either House of the state legislature.
He has served as Chief Minister of Bihar almost continuously since 2005 and has held the post on no fewer than 10 occasions.
The National Democratic Alliance, led by Nitish Kumar, won 202 seats in the November 2025 Bihar elections.

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

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

Nitish Kumar to contest Rajya Sabha elections from Bihar. (Start of March) ▼

Nitish Kumar announced on March 5, 2026, that he will file nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16, 2026.
Kumar took oath as Chief Minister of Bihar for a record 10th time on November 20, 2025, following the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) victory in the 2025 Assembly elections.
If elected, Kumar will have served in all four legislative roles: MLA, MLC, Lok Sabha MP, and Rajya Sabha MP.
The Rajya Sabha elections will fill five vacancies from Bihar arising from the retirement of Harivansh Narayan Singh and Ram Nath Thakur of Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), Prem Chand Gupta and Amarendra Dhari Singh of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Upendra Kushwaha of Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
Probable Chief Minister candidates from BJP include Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Industry Minister Dilip Jaiswal, and Digha MLA Sanjeev Chourasia.
JD(U) is likely to have two Deputy CMs: Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Nishant Kumar, son of Nitish Kumar.

Narendra Bhooshan appointed Secretary, Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development.

Key Updates:

Narendra Bhooshan is a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
He has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development.
His prior experience spans infrastructure development, public service delivery, and governance reforms.
He is expected to accelerate land record modernisation and promote transparency through technology integration.

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National Productivity Council (NPC) designated as Environment Audit Designated Agency under Environment Audit Rules 2025 (End of March) ▼

National Productivity Council (NPC), an autonomous body under Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), signed an agreement with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to function as Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA).
Environment Audit Rules 2025 were notified on 29 August 2025.
NPC will develop eligibility criteria for environmental auditors, conduct examinations and certification, register auditors, monitor performance, build capacity through training, and manage digital systems for audit processes.
Framework ensures compliance with Environment (Protection) Act 1986, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam 1980, and Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972.
NPC will certify Certified Environmental Auditors (CEA) and register Registered Environmental Auditors (REA), renew, suspend or cancel certifications, monitor performance, and maintain a publicly accessible online registry.
Capacity building efforts include training programmes, workshops, seminars, conferences and online courses for auditors.
NPC operates through 13 offices across India.

Lt General Hitesh Bhalla signed MoU with Ladakh administration for wildlife conservation. (Start of March) ▼

Lt General Hitesh Bhalla is the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Fire and Fury Corps.
The MoU was signed between the Fire and Fury Corps and the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department of Union territory administration.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Lt General Hitesh Bhalla and Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra.
The MoU was signed on the occasion of World Wildlife Day under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) programme.

M Anitha (IRS) appointed Director in Department of Defence. (Start of February) ▼

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of M Anitha, IRS (Income Tax: 2007), as Director in the Department of Defence under the Central Staffing Scheme.
The Civil Services Board (CSB) recommended her lateral shift from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), where she is currently Director.
Her tenure in the Department of Defence will last up to 26 September 2026, the balance period of her five-year deputation at the Director level, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The appointment takes effect from the date she assumes charge of the post.

Vibha Chahal Appointed Director of Food and Public Distribution Department (Start of January) ▼

Vibha Chahal was appointed as the Director of the Food and Public Distribution Department.
Shubha Sarma took additional charge as the Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department in Odisha.
Bakki Karthikeyan and Geetika Sharma were promoted to the position of Director in the Ministry of Mines.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) cleared the extension of central deputation for Nirupama J. Dange and Pooja Pandey.
Ajay Kumar Shukla was elevated to the post of Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department in Uttar Pradesh.
Karthikeyan Manickam was appointed as the Chairman of ESAF Small Finance Bank.

Menaka Guruswamy became first openly queer MP in Rajya Sabha.

Key Updates:

Menaka Guruswamy took oath as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.
She is India’s first openly queer MP.
Guruswamy is a Senior Advocate and a constitutional law expert.
She played a key role in the 2018 Supreme Court judgment that decriminalised homosexuality.

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Rituparna Sengupta receives Women Empowerment Award for Art and Culture at UK House of Commons. (End of March) ▼

Rituparna Sengupta was honoured with the Women Empowerment Award for Art and Culture at the House of Commons, Westminster Parliament, UK.
The award was presented by Seema Malhotra and Virendra Sharma at an event organised by GloWomen CiC to mark International Women's Day.
Her husband, Sanjay Chakrabarty, attended the ceremony.

Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana: Punjab Cabinet clears monthly aid of ₹1,000–₹1,500 for over 97% women (Start of April) ▼

The Punjab Cabinet approved the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana to provide ₹1,000 per month to all other women and ₹1,500 per month to Scheduled Caste women.
The scheme is expected to benefit more than 97% of women in Punjab.
A budgetary provision of ₹9,300 crore has been sanctioned for the scheme in 2026-27.
Eligible women must be 18 years or above, registered as voters in Punjab, possess a valid Aadhaar card with Punjab residency, and hold a valid Voter ID issued by the Election Commission of India.
Financial assistance will be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts under the Direct Benefit Transfer mode.
There is no restriction on the number of eligible women in a family, and existing social security pensioners will continue to receive full benefits under this scheme in addition to their pensions.

Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) launches 'Say No To Proxy Sarpanch' campaign (Start of March) ▼

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) launched the 'Say No To Proxy Sarpanch' social media campaign on 8 March 2026 to combat the 'Sarpanch Pati' practice.
The campaign runs from 8 March to 18 March 2026 and targets proxy leadership where male relatives exercise authority in place of elected women sarpanches.
An advisory committee set up by MoPR in September 2023 recommended exemplary penalties for proven proxy leadership cases and a helpline-based reporting mechanism with whistleblower rewards.

Nitish Kumar to take oath as Rajya Sabha member on April 10. (Start of April) ▼

Nitish Kumar is set to take oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10.
Senior National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders are expected to attend the oath-taking ceremony.
Kumar will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah during his Delhi visit.
After the oath, Kumar will return to Patna and hold a meeting with Janata Dal (United) (JDU) leaders.
Kumar is likely to resign as Bihar chief minister on April 13.
He is expected to attend Parliament's three-day special session beginning April 16.
Deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary is among the frontrunners to succeed Kumar as chief minister.
JDU may get the deputy chief minister's post and could also demand the Speaker's post.

Santhosh Viswanathan appointed Vice-President and Managing Director for Asia Pacific and Japan at Intel.

[Intel Corporation]

Key Updates:

Santhosh Viswanathan previously served as Vice-President and Managing Director of Intel India.
He will now oversee business operations, brand, and customer engagements across the Asia Pacific and Japan region.
Earlier, Viswanathan led Intel operations in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
He also served as Global Director of Operations in the United States, overseeing sales operations strategy and planning for Intel's global sales organisation.
Intel stated that Viswanathan helped position India as a key growth market during his tenure as India head.

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PM Modi inaugurates ₹3,300 crore Kaynes semiconductor plant in Gujarat (Start of April) ▼

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kaynes Technologies’ ₹3,300 crore semiconductor facility at Sanand, Ahmedabad.
The plant has started commercial production of Intelligent Power Modules (IPMs), each module containing 17 chips.
Output will be supplied to California-based Alpha and Omega Semiconductor (AOS).
Full-phase capacity target: 6.33 million units per day.
It is India’s second operational semiconductor unit under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) after Micron Technology’s project.
The facility is an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT/ATMP) unit, marking an Indian EMS firm’s entry into chip manufacturing.

United States invites India into Pax Silica initiative (Mid of January) ▼

Pax Silica is a US-led initiative focused on securing AI and tech supply chains, aimed at bringing 'friendly and trusted' countries together to ensure that key technologies are safe, reliable, and not controlled by hostile play.
The initiative was launched on December 12 to 'reduce coercive dependencies' and build a 'secure, prosperous, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain'.
India was initially left out of the initiative, which included countries such as Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Israel, UAE and Australia.
US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor announced that India will be invited to join Pax Silica as a full member next month.
The initiative includes measures such as 'pursuing new joint ventures and strategic co-investment opportunities'.
India stands to gain from likely investments and partnerships under the initiative, as it currently lacks global-scale AI infrastructure.
US companies Microsoft and Google announced major AI infrastructure investments in India in December, with Microsoft planning to spend $17.5 billion and Google over $15 billion.

Indian Army EME and IIT-Madras partner for Nodal Indigenisation Centre (End of March) ▼

The Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) of the Indian Army has partnered with the IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation to develop indigenous military technologies.
A Nodal Indigenisation Centre has been established at Avadi to strengthen the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor.
The partnership focuses on critical domains including sensing systems, cyber-physical systems, and autonomous technologies.
Major General Lalit Kapoor serves as the Indian Army Commander-Base Workshop Group.
M J Shankar Raman is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation.
The Corps of EME is the technical backbone of the Indian Army responsible for the maintenance and sustenance of equipment.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates Missile Integration facility at Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) in Bengaluru (Mid of February) ▼

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Missile Integration facility at Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) in Bengaluru.
He flagged-off the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat systems and unveiled the Mountain Fire Control Radar.
Singh remotely inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (CoE-AI) in Pune and launched BEL's AI Policy.
He was briefed on indigenous defence technologies including AI-based solutions developed by Indian start-ups.
BEL showcased ongoing R&D aligned with programmes such as Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile Systems (QRSAM), Light Combat Aircraft Mark II (LCA Mk II), Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Project Kusha (MR SAM/LR SAM), Counter Drone Systems, and Naval Weapon Control Systems.
Indigenously developed air defence and anti-drone systems were effectively utilised during Operation Sindoor.

Payal Nag wins double gold at World Archery Para Series Bangkok

Key Updates:

Payal Nag defeated world No.1 Sheetal Devi 139-136 to claim the compound women’s individual gold at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok.
She partnered Sheetal Devi to secure the team gold, helping India finish atop the medal table with seven gold, five silver and four bronze medals.
The 18-year-old quadruple amputee from Balangir, Odisha, became the world’s first quadruple amputee archer to compete internationally after World Archery approved her customised equipment.
Coach Kuldeep Vedwan spotted her through a 2023 social-media post, obtained district-collector permission to shift her from Parbati Giri Bal Niketan orphanage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board academy in Katra.
Vedwan designed a steel device fitted to her right prosthetic leg that enables her to lift and shoot the bow, and she trains nearly eight hours daily.
Payal made her international debut at the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai and earlier defeated Sheetal Devi for double gold at the 2025 Jaipur Nationals.

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Sheetal Devi named Para Archer of the Year 2025 by World Archery (End of March) ▼

Sheetal Devi, a 19-year-old athlete from Jammu & Kashmir, was named Para Archer of the Year 2025 by World Archery.
She is the first and only female armless archer to win a gold medal at the World Para Archery Championships, achieving the feat in the women’s compound individual event in Gwangju, South Korea.
The Arjuna awardee completed a full set of medals at the World Championships, including a silver in the women’s team event and a bronze in the mixed team event.
Her international honours include a bronze medal in the mixed team event at the Paris Paralympics and individual silver medals from the 2022 Asian Para Games and the 2023 Asian Championships in Bangkok.
In other categories of the 2025 World Archery Awards, Emircan Haney of Turkey was named Archer of the Year and Baptiste Addis of France was named Young Archer of the Year.
The Best Team of the Year title was awarded to the recurve men’s team from Korea.
The World Archery Awards were launched in 2011 to recognise excellence and outstanding contributions to the international archery season.

Indian archers claim two bronze and reach two finals in Asia Cup Stage-1 (End of March) ▼

Indian archers won two bronze medals and advanced to the finals of the men’s recurve and women’s compound team events at the Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament Stage 1 in Bangkok.
The women’s compound team of Chikitha Taniparthi, Raj Kaur and Tejal Salve defeated Thailand 229-226 in the semifinal and will face Kazakhstan in the final.
The men’s compound team of Rajat Chauhan, Rishabh Yadav and Uday Kamboj lost 233-234 to Vietnam in the semifinal but beat Bhutan 234-232 to secure bronze.
The men’s recurve team of Devaang Gupta, Sukhchain Singh and Juyel Sarkar beat Malaysia 5-1 to enter the final where they will face Kazakhstan.
The women’s recurve team of Ruma Biswas, Kirti and Ridhi Phor defeated Malaysia 5-1 to win bronze.

Haryana Thunders defeat Delhi Dangal Warriors to win Pro Wrestling League 2026 (Start of February) ▼

Haryana Thunders won the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 title by defeating Delhi Dangal Warriors 5-4 in the final at Noida Indoor Stadium.
The final bout was decided in the women's 62 kg clash where Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna Koliadenko secured a 16-0 technical superiority win.
Haryana Thunders received ₹1.5 crore prize money while runners-up Delhi Dangal Warriors got ₹75 lakh.
Turan Bayramov of Delhi Dangal Warriors won the Player of the Tournament award worth ₹2.5 lakh for winning all 7 of his bouts in the 57 kg men's category.
Neha Sangwan of Haryana Thunders was named Player of the Match for keeping the final alive till the last bout.
Ronak of Delhi Dangal Warriors won Fighter of the Match for his performance in the men's 125 kg category.
Akshay Dhere of Haryana Thunders claimed the Impact Player of the Match award for strong performance in the 57 kg men's category.

Esha Singh claims India’s maiden gold at Asian rifle and pistol championship (Mid of February) ▼

Esha Singh won the 10m air pistol women’s final at the Asian rifle and pistol championship held in New Delhi.
India secured gold in the women’s 10m air pistol team event.
Samrat Rana won individual bronze in the men’s 10m air pistol event.
Indian men’s air pistol team of Samrat Rana, Sharvan Kumar and Varun Tomar secured team silver.
Vladimir Svechnikov of Uzbekistan won the men’s individual gold and Valeriy Rakimzhan took silver.
Uzbekistan won the men’s team gold in 10m air pistol.
Vietnam took silver and Chinese Taipei bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol team event.

To Lam elected as Vietnam's president for five-year term.

[Vietnam]

Key Updates:

To Lam was unanimously elected as Vietnam's president by all 495 deputies present at the National Assembly session.
To Lam holds the dual role of Communist Party Secretary General and state president, consolidating unprecedented power.
The parliament will elect a new prime minister later on Tuesday to replace outgoing Pham Minh Chinh.
To Lam pledged to maintain peace and stability as the foundation for fast and sustainable growth.
He proposed a new growth model targeting double-digit annual growth for the next five years.

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Min Aung Hlaing became President of Myanmar. (Start of April) ▼

Min Aung Hlaing assumed the presidency after stepping down as armed forces commander as required by the constitution.
The newly-elected parliament that selected him is dominated by military loyalists, with the military guaranteed 25% of seats and its party winning nearly 80% of the rest.
General Ye Win Oo succeeded Min Aung Hlaing as armed forces commander.
Min Aung Hlaing created a new consultative council that holds paramount authority over civilian and military affairs.
Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy won a landslide victory in the November 2020 election before the 1 February 2021 coup.
The National Unity Government, operating from resistance-held areas near the Thailand border, rejects the new government and parliament as illegitimate.

Myanmar coup leader Min Aung Hlaing elected president by pro-military parliament (Start of April) ▼

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing won 429 of 584 parliamentary votes cast to become Myanmar’s president.
The vote took place in the pro-military parliament on Friday, as confirmed by combined-house speaker Aung Lin Dwe.
Min Aung Hlaing led the 2021 coup that ousted Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
The pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party secured over 80 percent of contested seats in the December–January election.
Armed-forces members occupy 25 percent of unelected parliamentary seats.
Ye Win Oo, former intelligence chief, succeeded Min Aung Hlaing as commander-in-chief on Monday.
China congratulated Min Aung Hlaing and pledged high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

India and Vietnam elevate tribal cooperation to ministerial level, push for institutional partnership (End of March) ▼

India and Vietnam elevated collaboration on tribal and ethnic development to the ministerial level through a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on 18 March 2026.
The meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, and Vietnam’s Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, H.E. Dao Ngoc Dung.
This is the first ministerial engagement exclusively focused on tribal and ethnic development between the two nations.
The dialogue built on prior discussions led by Smt. Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and H.E. Y Thong, Deputy Minister of Vietnam, on 17 March 2026.
Key areas explored included rights-based approaches to tribal welfare, community-led development models, institutional mechanisms for cultural preservation, and use of digital platforms for tribal outreach.
Shri Jual Oram emphasized Vietnam’s pivotal role in India’s Act East Policy and broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
India’s tribal population exceeds 104 million people (over 8.6% of the population), while Vietnam is home to 54 officially recognized ethnic groups.
A draft Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at institutionalizing bilateral engagement in tribal and ethnic affairs was reviewed; Vietnam confirmed approval on its side.
Vietnam invited Shri Jual Oram for an official visit to formally sign the MoC.
The year 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Anutin Charnvirakul Wins Thailand General Election as Prime Minister (Start of February) ▼

Anutin Charnvirakul and the Bhumjaithai Party secured a victory in the Thailand general election held on 8 February 2026.
The Bhumjaithai Party won approximately 192 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives, according to preliminary results from the Election Commission (EC).
Anutin Charnvirakul assumed the role of Prime Minister following the ousting of Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai party over a border crisis with Cambodia.
The People's Party, led by Natthaphong Rueangpanyawut, secured 117 seats and announced it would serve as the opposition.
A survey conducted by the National Institute for Development Administration (NIDA) correctly projected the Bhumjaithai Party as the winner of the election.
Voters also approved a referendum to replace the 2017 military-backed constitution by a margin of nearly two to one.
The Bhumjaithai Party campaign included pledges to implement a consumer subsidy programme and cancel a maritime claims agreement with Cambodia.

Campbell Wilson Resigns as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Air India

[Air India]

Key Updates:

Campbell Wilson has announced his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Air India.
He was appointed to the position in 2022 on a five-year contract that was originally scheduled to conclude in July 2027.
Wilson will continue to serve in his current role until a successor is announced and positioned by the Tata Group-owned carrier.
N. Chandrasekaran serves as the Chairman of both Air India and the Tata Group.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) maintains a 25% stake in the airline alongside the Tata Group.
The carrier's projected losses for the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26 are estimated to reach ₹20,000 crore.
Prior to his tenure at Air India, Wilson served as the founding CEO of Scoot, a subsidiary of SIA.
The airline has faced significant challenges including the closure of Pakistan's airspace and a Boeing plane crash in Ahmedabad that resulted in 260 fatalities.

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Sunil Mittal to retire as Chair of Airtel Africa in July 2026; Gopal Vittal appointed Non-Executive Chair (End of March) ▼

Sunil Bharti Mittal will retire as Chair of Airtel Africa Board at the conclusion of the July 2026 AGM after serving since the company’s 2019 listing.
Gopal Vittal will become Non-Executive Chair of Airtel Africa from the same date, nominated by the controlling shareholder under the 17 June 2019 relationship agreement.
Shravin Bharti Mittal will assume the role of Deputy Chair of Airtel Africa from July 2026 and will liaise with the Airtel Money Board and the Dubai headquarters.
Annika Poutiainen will also retire as a Non-Executive Director at the July 2026 AGM, having served over seven years.
Gopal Vittal is currently Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel and Board Chair of the GSMA, and was appointed a non-executive director of Airtel Africa in October 2024.

Vijaypat Singhania, former Raymond chairman and Padma Bhushan awardee, passed away at 87 in Mumbai. (Start of April) ▼

Vijaypat Singhania died in Mumbai at the age of 87.
He was the former chairman of Raymond Group and led the company for around two decades until 2000.
He transferred his entire 37 per cent stake in Raymond to his son Gautam Singhania.
Singhania held the world record for the highest altitude reached in a hot air balloon.
He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan award.
His last rites will be performed on Sunday as announced by a company spokesperson.

Pieter Elbers resigns as IndiGo CEO (Mid of March) ▼

Pieter Elbers resigned as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IndiGo with immediate effect on 10 March 2026 citing personal reasons.
Rahul Bhatia, promoter and Managing Director (MD) of IndiGo, will serve as interim CEO until a new leader is appointed.
Elbers had been appointed IndiGo CEO in September 2022 after Ronojoy Dutta’s tenure from 2019 to 2022.
Under Elbers, IndiGo placed a record order for 500 aircraft to support aggressive domestic and international expansion.
Following IndiGo’s December 2025 operational meltdown, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed a ₹22.2 crore penalty on the airline.

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.

R.K. Raghavan launched autobiography 'A road well travelled'.

Key Updates:

R.K. Raghavan served as Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
His autobiography 'A road well travelled' was launched in Chennai on Sunday.
The book is described as an upgraded version of the first edition.
Raghavan recounted his career from State police training to heading the Intelligence Bureau and the CBI.
He worked with leaders including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, M.G. Ramachandran, and Jayalalithaa.

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William Dalrymple won 2026 Mark Lynton History Prize for The Golden Road. (Mid of March) ▼

William Dalrymple received the Mark Lynton History Prize 2026 for his book The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World.
The award carries a cash prize of $10,000 and is administered jointly by the Nieman Foundation for Journalism and the Columbia University School of Journalism.
The prize citation praised the book for its blend of literary grace, commitment to serious research and social concern.
Previous winners of the prize include Adam Hochschild, Jill Lepore and Robert Caro.
The 2026 shortlist also featured works by Nicholas Boggs, Sven Beckert, Siddharth Kara and Martha A. Sandweiss.

Coffee Table Book on Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train launched on 23 February 2026 (End of February) ▼

Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, launched the coffee table book 'Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train: Journey of a Thousand Shrines' at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, on 23 February 2026.
The book documents the Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train initiative under Indian Railways’ Bharat Gaurav Policy.
The initiative was conceptualised and driven by Dr. Anup Dayanand, IRTS (Retd.).
46 trips have been operated, carrying 28,786 pilgrims and generating ₹25.57 crore in earnings for Indian Railways.

Biswabhusan Harichandan releases two books in Odisha (Start of February) ▼

Biswabhusan Harichandan, former Odisha Cabinet Minister and former Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, authored the Odia book 'E Mati Katha Kahe' and the English book 'Buxi Jagabandhu: The Great Commander'.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati released both books at a function in Bhubaneswar.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the book release event.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Sambad Group founder Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, and Professor Bhagaban Jayasingh (translator of the English book) also addressed the gathering.

Gen MM Naravane authored unpublished memoir 'Four Stars of Destiny'. (Mid of February) ▼

Gen MM Naravane served as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from December 2019 to April 2022.
Penguin agreed to publish his memoir 'Four Stars of Destiny' after a casual conversation at a March 2023 book launch for General Bipin Rawat.
The memoir was scheduled for publication in April 2024 but remains unpublished pending Ministry of Defence (MoD) clearance since 2023.
The unpublished book contains 448 pages and covers events from Galwan to the Agnipath scheme.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated the book is withheld because its contents are not factually correct.
On 4 February 2026 Rahul Gandhi displayed a printed copy in Parliament and quoted Naravane’s claim that the PM’s message during the 2020 border tensions was 'Jo uchit samjho, woh karo'.

Worldline India records UPI transactions at 228.5 billion and QR base crossing 731 million in 2025

Key Updates:

UPI processed 228.5 billion transactions in 2025, registering a 33% year-on-year increase.
UPI transaction value rose 21% to ₹299.74 trillion in 2025.
Average UPI ticket size declined to ₹1,314 in 2025 from ₹1,437 in 2024.
UPI QR deployments crossed 731 million in 2025, up from over 633 million in 2024.
PoS terminals grew 15% year-on-year to 11.48 million in 2025.
Total card transactions reached ₹28.73 trillion in 2025, up 6% year-on-year.
Credit card transaction value increased 11% to ₹23.65 trillion in 2025.
Credit card transaction volumes rose 27% to 5.69 billion in 2025.
Debit card transaction volumes fell 23% and transaction value declined 13% in 2025.
Bharat BillPay transaction volumes rose 40% to 3.05 billion in 2025.
Bharat BillPay transaction value nearly doubled to ₹14.84 trillion in 2025.

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National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) data shows UPI transactions hit record ₹29.52 trillion in March (Start of April) ▼

UPI transactions reached an all-time high of ₹29.52 trillion in March 2026, up 10% from ₹26.84 trillion in February.
Transaction volume rose 11% to 22.64 billion in March from 20.39 billion in February.
Daily UPI transactions in March averaged 730.36 million, marking a 24% increase over the previous fiscal.
For FY26, UPI value grew 21% to ₹314.23 trillion and volume surged 30% to 241.616 billion.
Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) volume increased 9% to 366 million and value rose 15% to ₹7.4 trillion in March.
FASTag transactions grew 4% to 364 million with value up from ₹6,925 crore to ₹7,193 crore in March.
Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) transactions jumped 23% to 111 million and value climbed 24% to ₹31,956 crore in March.

Department of Financial Services (DFS) report shows UPI overtakes cash with 57% share of transactions (Mid of February) ▼

Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, released the report titled 'Socio-Economic Impact Analysis of the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of RuPay Debit Card and low-value BHIM-UPI (Person-to-Merchant) transactions' during Chintan Shivir on 13-14 February 2026.
Survey covered 10,378 respondents across 15 States: 6,167 users, 2,199 merchants, and 2,012 service providers.
UPI accounts for 57% of surveyed user transactions, surpassing cash at 38%.
65% of UPI users report multiple digital transactions per day.
Report recommends targeted interventions to boost RuPay debit card usage in rural and semi-urban areas through merchant enablement programmes, UPI Lite for low-value transactions, and investment in connectivity, digital literacy, and fraud risk mitigation.

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) partners with PayNet to enable UPI acceptance in Malaysia. (Mid of February) ▼

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) signed an agreement with Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) to enable QR-based merchant payments between India and Malaysia.
Indian travellers will scan DuitNow QR codes using UPI-enabled apps during the first phase of the rollout.
Malaysian travellers will scan UPI QR codes using DuitNow apps in a subsequent phase.
The integration will give Indian users access to millions of DuitNow QR acceptance points across Malaysia, including restaurants, retail outlets and tourist establishments.
Malaysian visitors will gain acceptance across millions of UPI QR-enabled merchant locations in India.
NPCI International Payments was incorporated in April 2020 as a wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI to deploy UPI and RuPay systems overseas.

Canara Bank Integrates NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) UPI Technology (End of January) ▼

Canara Bank will integrate NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) bank plugins to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services on its banking app, Canara ai1Pe.
Canara Bank is the first financial institution to adopt this technology stack approach from NBSL to host UPI features and upgrades.
NBSL was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2024.
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded 21.63 billion transactions worth ₹27.97 trillion at the end of 2025.
The Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Bank index grew by 31% in 2025, outperforming the Nifty for the fifth consecutive year.
The Indian Rupee (INR) breached the 91 per US Dollar mark as Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) sold ₹29,300 crore in 2026.
In 2025, BHIM presented a proof of concept for BHIM Vishwas, a technology stack designed for white-labeling payment capabilities for banks.

MoSPI launches first-ever Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE)

Key Updates:

The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), launched the first-ever Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) in April 2026.
The survey covers corporate entities in the services sector registered under the Companies Act, 1956/2013 or the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 across all States and Union Territories.
ASISSE has a sample size of approximately 1.21 lakh enterprises and covers sectors including trade, transport, hospitality, information technology, education, and health.
The survey is conducted under the provisions of the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 (amended in 2017) and the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023.
Data for the survey will be collected through a secure web-based portal to generate key operational and economic indicators for evidence-based policymaking.
The NSO released an accompanying explainer document titled Know Your Survey: A User Guide to ASISSE to promote transparency and ease of compliance.
ASISSE, together with the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) and the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE), provides a holistic view of the non-agricultural economy.

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National Statistics Office (NSO) launches Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for AI data integration (Start of February) ▼

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched a beta version of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) server on February 6.
The MCP server is integrated with the eSankhyiki portal, which serves as the national repository for official statistics.
The technology allows users to query datasets in real time without downloading large files, enabling direct integration of official statistics into artificial intelligence tools and analytics platforms.
The beta release includes seven major statistical products: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), Index of Industrial Production (IIP), National Accounts Statistics (NAS), Wholesale Price Index (WPI), and Environmental Statistics.
The launch precedes the AI Impact Summit scheduled to be held from February 15 to February 20, 2026.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to launch National Household Income Survey (NHIS) in 2026 (End of January) ▼

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch the National Household Income Survey (NHIS) and the Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) in April 2026.
The National Statistics Office (NSO) will conduct the fieldwork for both surveys digitally across India for a duration of one full year.
MoSPI is convening an All-India Workshop of Trainers (AIWOT) in Chennai on 28–29 January 2026 to prepare senior officials and field functionaries for the rollout.
The NHIS will provide data on household income distribution, living conditions, and sources of income from labour, capital, and land.
The ASISSE will build a national database of the corporate services sector, capturing indicators such as Gross Value Added (GVA), fixed capital formation, employment, and emoluments.
The ASISSE will use an enterprise-based approach aligned with the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) framework to generate estimates at state and industry levels.
The surveys will cover the entire Indian Union, with the exception of villages in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that remain inaccessible year-round due to geographical constraints.

Uttar Pradesh First Economic Survey: GSDP to touch Rs 36 lakh crore in 2025-26 (Mid of February) ▼

Uttar Pradesh tabled its first-ever Economic Survey in the Assembly on Monday.
State’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) more than doubled from Rs 13.30 lakh crore in 2016-17 to Rs 30.25 lakh crore in 2024-25, registering a CAGR of 10.8%.
Per capita income doubled from Rs 61,142 in 2016-17 to Rs 1,26,304 in 2024-25.
State budget size rose from Rs 3.47 lakh crore in 2016-17 to Rs 8.33 lakh crore for 2025-26.
Public debt-to-GSDP ratio declined to 28% in 2024-25 from 29.3% in 2016-17, staying within FRBM limits.
Agriculture contributes 25.8%, industry 27.2%, and services 47% to the state’s GSDP.
Over 3.22 lakh jobs generated under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.
State signed MoUs worth over Rs 2.94 lakh crore at the World Economic Forum 2026 in sectors including data centres, renewable energy, defence manufacturing, and food processing.
Exports more than doubled from Rs 0.84 lakh crore in 2016-17 to Rs 1.86 lakh crore in 2024-25.
Ayushman Bharat covers 5.46 crore beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh.

Saksham Skill Census Launched to Create Livelihood Intelligence Framework (Start of March) ▼

The Saksham Skill Census, India’s first AI-powered skill census, was launched at RD National College, Bandra West, Mumbai Suburban’s H-West Ward.
The initiative employs AI technology and GIS mapping to divide areas into hyperlocal regions for data collection.
Enumerators will conduct door-to-door surveys using an AI tool named Arc, while residents can also participate through virtual self-surveys.
Hon. Minister of IT, Shri Ashish Shelar, and Mumbai Suburban District Collector, Shri Saurabh Katiyar IAS, attended the launch event.
Ashwin Srivastava, Founder of Sapio Analytics, highlighted the importance of equipping youth with essential skills and opportunities.

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) crosses ₹18.4 lakh crore GMV

[Government e Marketplace]

Key Updates:

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) cumulative Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) reached ₹18.4 lakh crore.
GeM recorded ₹5 lakh crore procurement in FY 2025–26 alone.
68 per cent of total orders on GeM in FY 2025–26 were executed by Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).
MSEs accounted for 47.1 per cent of the platform’s total GMV in FY 2025–26.
Over 11 lakh MSEs are registered on GeM, securing 51 lakh orders worth ₹2.36 lakh crore in FY 2025–26.
More than 2.1 lakh women-led MSEs registered on GeM received orders exceeding ₹28,000 crore in FY 2025–26.
SC/ST entrepreneur-owned enterprises secured procurement orders worth over ₹6,000 crore in FY 2025–26.
Startups accounted for orders exceeding ₹19,000 crore on GeM in FY 2025–26.
Procurement by States and Union Territories on GeM grew by 38.3 per cent in FY 2025–26.

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Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rise 8.2% in March 2026 to Rs 1.78 lakh crore (Start of April) ▼

Net GST collections for March 2026 reached Rs 1.78 lakh crore, up 8.2% from the previous month.
Gross GST revenue for March 2026 stood at Rs 2 lakh crore, an 8.8% increase over March 2025.
Domestic GST revenue grew 5.9% to Rs 1.46 lakh crore, while import GST revenue surged 17.8% to Rs 0.54 lakh crore.
Refunds issued in March 2026 totalled Rs 0.22 lakh crore, 13.8% higher than in March 2025.
Maharashtra led pre-settlement collections at Rs 0.13 lakh crore, followed by Karnataka and Gujarat.
Post-settlement SGST collections rose in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Post-settlement SGST collections declined in Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh, Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

Finance Ministry records 8.1% YoY rise in February GST collections to ₹1.83 lakh crore (Start of March) ▼

India’s gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection reached ₹1.83 lakh crore in February 2026, up 8.1% YoY.
Cumulative gross GST revenue for FY26 up to 28 February stood at ₹20.27 lakh crore, marking an 8.3% YoY increase.
Total refunds issued in February were ₹22,595 crore, up 10.2% YoY, yielding net GST revenue of ₹1.61 lakh crore.
Gross Domestic Revenue grew 5.3% to ₹1.36 lakh crore, while Gross Import Revenue surged 17.2% to ₹47,837 crore.
Net cess revenue declined to ₹5,063 crore from ₹13,481 crore in February 2025.
Maharashtra led pre-settlement SGST with ₹10,286 crore, followed by Karnataka and Gujarat.
Post-settlement SGST growth was positive in Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Post-settlement SGST contracted in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian Army signs first-ever Capital Procurement Contract via GeM Portal (Start of April) ▼

Indian Army executed its first capital procurement contract through Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.
Contract covers supply of 93 Telescopic Handlers under Buy (Indian) category.
Contract signed with M/s JCB India Ltd at total cost of Rs 25.90 Cr.
Procurement aims to compress timelines while maintaining procedural integrity.
Move reinforces Government’s push towards Aatmanirbharta in defence and promotes Indian industry participation.
GeM portal was developed in five months based on recommendations of a Group of Secretaries.

SWAYATT Initiative Completes Seven Years of Promoting Inclusive Public Procurement (Start of March) ▼

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated the seven-year anniversary of its flagship initiative, SWAYATT (Startups, Women and Youth Advantage through e-Transactions).
Launched on 19 February 2019, the initiative aims to democratise public procurement for startups, women entrepreneurs, youth, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), and Self Help Groups (SHGs).
The initiative focuses on addressing three critical challenges for emerging enterprises: access to markets, access to finance, and access to value addition.
Cumulative order values for women entrepreneurs on GeM rose from ₹1,265.62 crore in FY 2018–19 to ₹83,323 crore by FY 2025–26.
Order volumes for women-led enterprises increased from 1,01,530 to 44,48,894 over the seven-year period.
Startup participation saw cumulative order values increase from ₹497.24 crore in FY 2018–19 to ₹54,005.8 crore by FY 2025–26.
Order volumes for startups expanded from 17,434 to 5,30,578 during the same period.
GeM has established dedicated storefronts, including Startup Runway and Womaniya, to enhance the discoverability of these sellers among government buyers.

Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) Launched for 2024-25

[National Statistical Office]

Key Updates:

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) announced the launch of the first-ever Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE).
The survey has its first reference period of 2024-25 and is scheduled to commence from April 2026 across all states and Union Territories.
The NSO will use the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) database as a sampling frame to survey more than 1.21 lakh enterprises.
The survey covers corporate entities registered under the Companies Act, 1956/2013 or the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008.
The scope of ASISSE includes services such as trade, transport, hospitality, information technology, education, and health.
The survey is conducted under the provisions of the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 (amended in 2017) and the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023.
Data will be collected through a secure web-based portal and will be supported by a user guide titled Know Your Survey: A User Guide to the Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE).
ASISSE aims to provide a holistic view of the non-agricultural economy alongside the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) and the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE).

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NSIC upgraded to Schedule A CPSE status by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) (Start of March) ▼

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) announced the upgrade of National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) to Schedule A Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) status.
Schedule A recognition enhances NSIC’s managerial, operational and financial powers.
NSIC received an “Excellent” rating from the Department of Public Enterprises for 2024–25.

National Statistics Office (NSO) launches Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for AI data integration (Start of February) ▼

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched a beta version of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) server on February 6.
The MCP server is integrated with the eSankhyiki portal, which serves as the national repository for official statistics.
The technology allows users to query datasets in real time without downloading large files, enabling direct integration of official statistics into artificial intelligence tools and analytics platforms.
The beta release includes seven major statistical products: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), Index of Industrial Production (IIP), National Accounts Statistics (NAS), Wholesale Price Index (WPI), and Environmental Statistics.
The launch precedes the AI Impact Summit scheduled to be held from February 15 to February 20, 2026.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to launch National Household Income Survey (NHIS) in 2026 (End of January) ▼

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch the National Household Income Survey (NHIS) and the Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) in April 2026.
The National Statistics Office (NSO) will conduct the fieldwork for both surveys digitally across India for a duration of one full year.
MoSPI is convening an All-India Workshop of Trainers (AIWOT) in Chennai on 28–29 January 2026 to prepare senior officials and field functionaries for the rollout.
The NHIS will provide data on household income distribution, living conditions, and sources of income from labour, capital, and land.
The ASISSE will build a national database of the corporate services sector, capturing indicators such as Gross Value Added (GVA), fixed capital formation, employment, and emoluments.
The ASISSE will use an enterprise-based approach aligned with the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) framework to generate estimates at state and industry levels.
The surveys will cover the entire Indian Union, with the exception of villages in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that remain inaccessible year-round due to geographical constraints.

Saksham Skill Census Launched to Create Livelihood Intelligence Framework (Start of March) ▼

The Saksham Skill Census, India’s first AI-powered skill census, was launched at RD National College, Bandra West, Mumbai Suburban’s H-West Ward.
The initiative employs AI technology and GIS mapping to divide areas into hyperlocal regions for data collection.
Enumerators will conduct door-to-door surveys using an AI tool named Arc, while residents can also participate through virtual self-surveys.
Hon. Minister of IT, Shri Ashish Shelar, and Mumbai Suburban District Collector, Shri Saurabh Katiyar IAS, attended the launch event.
Ashwin Srivastava, Founder of Sapio Analytics, highlighted the importance of equipping youth with essential skills and opportunities.

Administrative Capacity Building Programme for Scientists and Academicians Launched under Mission Karmayogi

[Telangana]

Key Updates:

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the first-ever Administrative Capacity Building for Scientists and Academicians programme under the Mission Karmayogi framework.
The programme aims to equip academic leaders and scientists with governance skills and decision-making capabilities for leadership roles.
The initiative was announced during a Special Session of SADHANA Saptah held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
The Capacity Building Commission (CBC) will develop structured modules for administrative functions, including a focused course on answering Parliamentary Questions.
The Minister launched the revamped UNNATI portal to strengthen institutional capacity-building ecosystems.
A roadmap for the national rollout of the Karmayogi Kartavya Karyakram was introduced during the event.
The CBC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) to foster global knowledge partnerships.
The CBC-RIS collaboration focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) in governance, digital transformation, and public sector innovation.
Short-format orientation modules will be designed for early-career civil servants and Assistant Secretaries to familiarise them with governance systems.

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Science City of Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) inks MoU with CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) (Start of April) ▼

The Science City of Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) signed an MoU with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) on 30 March 2026.
The collaboration aims to strengthen science popularisation and promote joint research in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy.
SCAP CEO Venkateswarlu Kesineni and CSIR-NIScPR director Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam signed the agreement.

Assam Government launches Provincialisation Management System (PMS 1.0) for Venture Educational Institutions (Mid of February) ▼

The Government of Assam launched the Provincialisation Management System (PMS 1.0) to streamline the process of provincialising venture educational institutions.
Chief Minister (CM) Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the digital platform at Lok Sewa Bhawan to ensure transparency in the provincialisation of teaching and non-teaching staff.
The portal operates under the framework of the Assam Education Act, 2017, which was recently updated as the 2025 Amended Act.
The initiative includes special budgetary provisions for teachers of schools and colleges established after 2006 for the first time.
Educational institutions are required to register on the portal using the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) code for schools or the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) code for colleges.
The system facilitates digital screening and automated verification of institutional data to reduce manual errors and administrative delays.
Since 2011, over 57,000 teachers have been provincialised across primary, secondary, and college levels in the state of Assam.
The eligibility criteria for the provincialisation process were notified in the Government of Assam Gazette on 30 December 2025.

CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative trains over 2 lakh workers (Mid of January) ▼

The CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative has trained over 2 lakh workers across the country.
During phase I and II, more than 1.90 lakh individuals were trained through 5200+ skill-based trainings, including special targeted initiatives for rural citizens and women.
The third phase was officially launched in June 2025 by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR, and Secretary, DSIR, with a reinvigorated focus on advanced skilling, bridging academia-industry gaps, and accelerating development and growth.
The first year of the third phase has already trained more than 14,000 trainees by conducting 425+ training programmes across 37 CSIR laboratories, nationwide.
The initiative is closely aligned with the national vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Skill India'.
It caters to a diverse spectrum of beneficiaries ranging from students, young researchers, technical staff, and working professionals to school dropouts, ITI diploma holders, farmers, and rural communities.
The programme spans 18 out of 36 key sectoral skills as identified by the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM).

Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and CSIR-NIScPR sign MoU to advance evidence-based science policy and communication. (Mid of February) ▼

Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) signed an MoU on 10 February 2026 at INSA, New Delhi.
The MoU targets long-term collaborative activities in science communication and evidence-driven science policy research to support informed policymaking and sustainable STI development in India.
Dr. Brajesh Pandey, Executive Director of INSA, delivered welcome remarks highlighting the need for partnerships bridging scientific research with communication and policy engagement.
Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Former Senior Advisor at the Department of Science and Technology (DST), emphasised that sustained collaboration between scientific institutions is essential for advancing evidence-based STI policy research.
Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, noted the partnership will harness respective strengths in science communication, policy research and academic engagement to create actionable STI policy frameworks.
Prof. Anurag Agrawal, Vice President (Policy) at INSA, stressed that evidence-driven approaches are crucial for aligning national scientific progress with long-term developmental goals.
Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, President of INSA, described strong policy foundations as essential for advancing science and technology and ensuring societal well-being.
Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Hon’ble Member of NITI Aayog, highlighted the need for policy frameworks supporting responsible, ethical and human-centric adoption of disruptive technologies.
The MoU covers joint policy research studies, co-authored publications, pilot projects for policy innovation, capacity-building programmes and outreach activities.
The collaboration will engage government institutions, international organisations, think tanks, researchers and young scholars to strengthen India’s STI policy ecosystem.

NITI Aayog and Atal Innovation Mission launch ATL Sarthi and Mentor India Academy in Telangana

[NITI Aayog]

Key Updates:

NITI Aayog and the Atal Innovation Mission launched the ATL Sarthi and Mentor India Academy in Telangana.
The initiative will provide structured mentorship and institutional support to 379 Atal Tinkering Labs in the state.
Vardhaman College of Engineering has been onboarded as the nodal institution for Telangana under the programme.
The programme clusters ATLs regionally and connects them with local institutions for continuous mentorship, teacher training, and startup support pathways.
The rollout builds on AIM’s national mission of establishing over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs across India.

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₹12.66 crore Challenge Fund launched to boost women and youth-led rural enterprises. (Start of March) ▼

The Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) partnered with TBIS BITS Pilani Hyderabad, T-Hub and Telangana government’s WE Hub to launch the fund.
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) backs the fund that will focus on women and youth-led enterprises at the grassroots level.
The initiative will enable 300 women and young entrepreneurs through institutional support, enterprise formalisation, capability enhancement and scalable growth.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) launches first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura to strengthen State-led innovation ecosystem (Start of March) ▼

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog launched the first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura at the Hapania International Exhibition Centre in Agartala.
SIM is part of the approved AIM 2.0 programme under NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission (SSM) and will be institutionalised under the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT).
T-NEST (Tripura – Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Startups), a dedicated incubation and innovation facility, was inaugurated to incubate startups and promote Make from Tripura solutions.
Innovation Centres will be created in each of Tripura’s 8 districts and linked to T-NEST to promote innovation among women and tribal communities.
Tripura launched one of India’s first District Innovator Fellowships (DIF) to identify and nurture grassroots innovators with structured lifecycle support.
Tripura will formulate a State AI Policy aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of responsible and inclusive AI and establish an AI City in Agartala with support from global technology enablers.
SIM will support Tripura in strengthening innovation education and entrepreneurial exposure from the school level and enable startups to access infrastructure, mentorship, and funding support.

NITI Aayog sanctions Rs 1.55 crore for RISE centre in NTR district (End of March) ▼

NITI Aayog has sanctioned Rs 1.55 crore for the Rural Innovations Incubation, Skelling and Entrepreneurship (RISE) centre at Ibrahimpatnam in NTR district.
The RISE centre is located at Guntupalli in Ibrahimpatnam mandal, one of the two aspirational blocks in NTR district.
The centre aims to empower women and transform rural women into entrepreneurs in line with the Swarnandhra Vision @2047 and One Family - One Entrepreneur initiative.
Funds will be utilised for AI-based skill surveys, skill development, training programmes, and infrastructure creation in Ibrahimpam block.
A detailed report on the RISE centre plan was sent to NITI Aayog and approved by a special committee.

NITI Aayog–NIIT Foundation MoU for 100% Aspirational Blocks coverage (End of January) ▼

NITI Aayog has partnered with NIIT Foundation to achieve 100% coverage in digital literacy, financial inclusion and employability across select Aspirational Blocks.
The collaboration targets approximately 1.2 lakh beneficiaries with at least 40% women participation.
NIIT Foundation will lead on-ground implementation through trained mobilisers, trainers, and by building capacity of community facilitators, self-help group leaders and peer educators.

France hosts One Health Summit in Lyon on 7 April 2026

[France, Group of Seven]

Key Updates:

The One Health Summit will be held in Lyon (France) on 7 April 2026, marking World Health Day.
For the first time, Heads of State and Government from around the world will gather to step up the implementation of the One Health approach.
The One Health approach recognises the interlinkage between human, animal and ecosystem health and seeks to strike a balance between them.
The Summit is the ninth One Planet Summit and is being held in synergy with France’s 2026 G7 Presidency.
A One Health Festival is being held in France and abroad from 16 March to 15 May 2026, involving more than 150 events.

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World Health Day 2026: Together for health. Stand with science (Start of April) ▼

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend G7 summit in France from 15-17 June (End of March) ▼

Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed his participation in the G7 summit scheduled in France from 15 to 17 June.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot welcomed Modi’s confirmation during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting at Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay.
France highlighted India’s contribution to G7 work on macroeconomic imbalances and international partnerships, noting India’s current BRICS presidency.
Jaishankar and Barrot agreed to continue close coordination to ensure safety of the Strait of Hormuz amid West Asia conflict-related energy disruptions.
French President Emmanuel Macron and PM Modi, during Macron’s 17-19 February India visit, elevated bilateral ties to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership' and jointly inaugurated the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation in Mumbai.

India and France inaugurate Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS Delhi (Mid of February) ▼

Union Minister for Health JP Nadda and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) at AIIMS, New Delhi, on Wednesday.
The IF-CAIH has been established under a joint MoU between AIIMS, Sorbonne University, and Paris Brain Institute, with additional collaboration from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and other leading French institutions.
The launch coincided with the Rencontres Universitaires et Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (RUSH) 2026, held at AIIMS on February 18 and February 19, coordinated by the French Embassy.
President Macron emphasised that India and France are committed to developing computing capacity and talent to build trusted AI systems.
The initiative builds on ongoing India-France cooperation in Digital Health, Antimicrobial Resistance, Human Resources for Health, and responsible use of health data.

BioAsia 2026 begins in Hyderabad with record 4,000 delegates (Mid of February) ▼

BioAsia 2026, Asia's premier life sciences and health-tech forum, commenced in Hyderabad on 17 February 2026.
The two-day event drew over 4,000 delegates and more than 500 companies, marking its largest edition to date.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy inaugurated the forum at 9:30 am on 17 February at HITEX Hall 4.
The 2026 edition theme is 'TechBio Unleashed: AI, Automation & the Biology Revolution'.
The exhibition footprint expanded to 9,000 square metres, up from 7,000 square metres in 2025.
175+ exhibitors span pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medtech, digital health and advanced manufacturing.
Startup Pavilion hosted 40 emerging startups, Innovation Pavilion featured 16 exhibitors, and 22 MSME exhibitors participated.
Keynote speakers included Prof. Bruce Levine (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Howard Y. Chang (Amgen) and Pushmeet Kohli (Google DeepMind).
Global firms Novartis, Eli Lilly, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Sanofi, MSD and Miltenyi Biotec, alongside Indian leaders Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and Biocon Biologics, featured prominently.

Russia’s First Deputy PM Denis Manturov arrives in New Delhi for strategic India–Russia talks

[Russia]

Key Updates:

Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for high-level consultations covering defence, energy, trade, and other critical areas of bilateral cooperation.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs noted Manturov’s role as co-chair of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological & Cultural Cooperation.
Manturov will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the visit.
Key topics include defence and security collaboration, energy supply, and trade relations, with particular attention to the implications of the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Russia has recently resumed its position as India’s largest crude oil supplier following a month-long US sanction waiver.
Earlier consultations in New Delhi were co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit Delhi on 14-15 May for BRICS foreign ministers meeting (Start of April) ▼

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit New Delhi on 14-15 May to attend the BRICS foreign ministers meeting.
The meeting will finalise the general outlines of the documents to be submitted to the BRICS summit under India’s 2026 presidency.
Lavrov will hold a separate working visit to meet External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and other Indian officials.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to visit India from 27 February to 2 March 2026 (Start of March) ▼

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will undertake his first official visit to India from 27 February to 2 March 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On 27 February, Carney will arrive in Mumbai and participate in business engagements with Indian and Canadian CEOs, industry and financial experts, innovators, educators, and Canadian Pension Funds based in India.
Carney will arrive in New Delhi on 1 March, followed by delegation-level talks with Modi at Hyderabad House on 2 March.
The two leaders will review progress under the India–Canada Strategic Partnership and cooperation in trade and investment, energy, critical minerals, agriculture, education, research, innovation, and people-to-people ties.
Modi and Carney will also attend the India–Canada CEOs Forum on 2 March.
Relations had soured in 2024 when Canada expelled six Indian officials after then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged credible evidence linking India to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.

India and Azerbaijan launch Confidence Building Mechanism during high-level meeting in Baku (Start of April) ▼

India and Azerbaijan initiated a process towards a Confidence Building Mechanism (CBM) during a senior-level meeting in Baku.
The Indian delegation was led by the Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, who met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov.
The two nations reviewed bilateral cooperation in the sectors of economic and trade relations, energy, tourism, and education.
Political consultations were conducted between the MEA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, led by Sibi George and Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov.
India expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for the support provided during the evacuation of Indian citizens from Iran.
The representatives exchanged views on regional and international security issues, including the current tensions in the Middle East.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit India on January 19, 2026, to boost strategic ties (Mid of January) ▼

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit India on Monday, January 19, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated the visit will allow both leaders to “chart new frontiers” for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
This marks Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s third official visit since assuming office as United Arab Emirates (UAE) president and his fifth in the past decade.
Bilateral trade between the two nations touched an all-time high of $100.06 billion in FY 2024–25.
The UAE is currently India’s third-largest trading partner and the second-largest export destination, with exports crossing $36.63 billion in FY 2024-25.
Relations are bolstered by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Local Currency Settlement (SCS) system, and the Bilateral Investment Treaty.
Defence cooperation between the nations now spans joint exercises and maritime dialogues, following a recent visit by India’s army chief to the UAE.
India is set to take over the BRICS presidency in 2026, a grouping the UAE joined in its recent expansion phase.
Indians constitute the largest expatriate group in the UAE, numbering about 4.3 million people, or roughly 35% of the population.
The visit coincides with the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, scheduled for January 19-23.

India's First Indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) Attains Criticality at Kalpakkam

Key Updates:

The first indigenous 500-megawatt electric (MWe) Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, has attained criticality.
Criticality signifies the initiation of a self-sustaining nuclear fission reaction, a vital milestone before full power generation.
The reactor is a key component of the second stage of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) three-stage nuclear power programme.
The project is managed by the Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI), which was incorporated in 2003 to build and operate the reactor.
Upon commissioning, India will be the second country after Russia to have a commercial operating FBR.
The FBR uses uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel surrounded by a Uranium 238 (U238) blanket that undergoes nuclear transmutation to produce more fuel.
The first stage of the nuclear programme involves Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium and heavy water (deuterium oxide) as coolant and moderator.
India currently has an installed atomic power capacity of 8,180 MWe through the first stage PHWRs.
The third stage of the programme aims to utilise thorium reserves found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

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Adani Power forms nuclear energy unit as India opens sector to private players (Mid of February) ▼

Adani Power has formed a wholly-owned subsidiary to undertake nuclear power generation activities.
The move follows the Government of India allowing private sector participation in nuclear power generation.
The subsidiary will explore opportunities in nuclear energy as part of India’s clean energy transition.

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 to commission third indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Aridhaman by May (End of February) ▼

India is nearing the commissioning of its third homegrown nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridhaman, which is expected to enter service by May.
The submarine was constructed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) programme in Visakhapatnam and weighs approximately 7,000 tonnes.
INS Aridhaman is powered by an 83-megawatt nuclear reactor and features advanced indigenous sonar systems named USHUS and Panchendriya.
The vessel is designed to carry nuclear-capable missiles, including the K-15 Sagarika with a 750-km range and the K-4 missile with a 3,500-km strike range.
Upon commissioning, the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) will operate three nuclear ballistic missile submarines, alongside INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.
The submarine will eventually be stationed at Project Varsha, an ultra-secure naval base situated near Visakhapatnam.
India is also scheduled to induct the Russian-built nuclear attack submarine Chakra III by 2027-28 and is negotiating with Germany for six submarines under Project-75(I).
Pakistan is reportedly procuring eight Hangor-class diesel-electric attack submarines from China as part of a 5 billion dollar deal signed in 2015.

Astronomers detect two Earth-like planets 120 light-years away in unconventional solar system

Key Updates:

Astronomers discovered an alien solar system located 120 light-years from Earth containing two Earth-like planets.
The system defies standard formation models by placing a rocky planet beyond gas giant planets.
NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and ESA's Characterising ExOPlanets Satellite (CHEOPS) provided the observational data.

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Carl Grillmair, NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal awardee, fatally shot at 67. (End of February) ▼

Carl Grillmair, 67, was found shot dead on his porch in Llano, Antelope Valley on 16 February 2026.
He was a research scientist at Caltech's Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC).
Grillmair received NASA's Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 2011 for his 2007 paper detecting water on an exoplanet.
His research focused on dark matter, Milky Way structure, stellar populations and exoplanets.
Freddy Snyder, 29, was arrested and charged with Grillmair’s murder, carjacking and first-degree burglary.
On 20 December 2025 Grillmair had called deputies to remove Snyder from his property.

University of Warwick (UoW) astronomers discover unique inside-out planetary system around star LHS 1903 (End of February) ▼

Astronomers from the University of Warwick (UoW) have discovered a unique planetary system around a cool red dwarf star named LHS 1903.
The discovery was made using the European Space Agency (ESA) CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite (CHEOPS).
The system consists of four planets arranged in an unusual rocky-gaseous-gaseous-rocky order, which challenges traditional planetary formation models.
The research, published in the journal Science, proposes a theory of inside-out planet formation where planets develop one after another rather than simultaneously.
The outermost rocky planet in the LHS 1903 system is believed to have formed in a gas-depleted environment after the system ran out of gas required for gaseous atmospheres.
Scientists from the University of Birmingham contributed to the analysis and confirmation of the planetary system properties.

MeerKAT telescope detects most distant hydroxyl megamaser 8 billion light-years away (Start of March) ▼

Astronomers using the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa detected the most distant hydroxyl megamaser ever observed, located in a galaxy more than 8 billion light-years away.
The discovery paper was accepted for publication in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters and a pre-print is available on arXiv.
The megamaser’s intensity qualifies it as a gigamaser, the brightest class of space lasers produced when hydroxyl molecules in merging galaxies collide and amplify radio emissions.
A foreground galaxy, perfectly aligned with the distant megamaser, acts as a gravitational lens, further amplifying the radio signal during its journey to Earth.
Dr. Thato Manamela, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pretoria, is the lead author of the study.
Prof. Roger Deane, Director of the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA) and professor at the Universities of Cape Town and Pretoria, is a co-author.
MeerKAT’s centimeter-wavelength sensitivity and advanced computational pipelines processed terabytes of data to enable the discovery.
Systematic surveys led by the University of Pretoria aim to find hundreds to thousands of similar systems ahead of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) era.

Scientists discover new class of magma ocean liquid planets using James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) (Mid of March) ▼

Scientists have identified a new category of exoplanets known as magma ocean worlds, which exist in a permanent molten state.
The discovery, detailed in the journal Nature Astronomy, was made using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
The primary example of this new class is L 98-59 d, located approximately 35 light-years away from Earth.
L 98-59 d has a radius approximately 1.63 times larger and a mass 1.64 times that of Earth.
The planet's surface temperature reaches approximately 1,900°C, and it is enveloped in a thick atmosphere rich in hydrogen sulfide.
The molten state is maintained by a runaway greenhouse effect and tidal heating caused by the gravitational pull of neighbouring planets.
The planet orbits a small red star and features a mantle composed of molten silicate with a likely molten core.

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovers two new marine nematode species off Tamil Nadu coast.

[Tamil Nadu]

Key Updates:

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) researchers identified two new free-living marine nematode species along the Tamil Nadu coast.
The findings were published on March 25, 2026, in the international taxonomy journal Zootaxa.
Corononema dhriti becomes only the fourth known species of its genus worldwide and is named after ZSI's first woman director Dhriti Banerjee.
Epacanthion indica possesses specialised mandibles and tooth-like structures, making it a microscopic predator within the benthic food chain.
Marine nematodes recycle nutrients by breaking down organic matter, maintain sediment health and act as bio-indicators of environmental change.

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Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovers two new polychaete worm species in Bay of Bengal (Start of February) ▼

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) researchers identified two new marine worm species, Namalycastis solenotognatha and Nereis dhritiae, in Digha and Bankiput regions of Purba Medinipur, West Bengal.
Namalycastis solenotognatha inhabits sulfide-rich, foul-smelling mudflats and decomposing mangrove wood, and possesses a channeled jaw structure with multiple pulp-cavity canals.
Nereis dhritiae was found inside wooden dock piles on sandy beaches submerged at high tide and is named after ZSI’s first woman director Dhriti Banerjee.
Both species tolerate heavy human activity and industrial pollution, highlighting their resilience and potential as bioindicators for monitoring coastal health.

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.

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) discovers new cockroach species Neoloboptera peninsularis in Deccan plateau (End of March) ▼

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Pune identified the new cockroach species Neoloboptera peninsularis from agricultural landscapes in Nathachi Wadi, Daund near Pune.
The species exhibits a yellowish-brown glossy body, fully developed wings, asymmetrical cerci and a whip-like male genital component.
Prior to this finding only two species within the genus Neoloboptera had been documented in India, the latest described in 1995.
The study employed an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological analysis with DNA sequencing and provided the first DNA barcode for the genus.
Distinct genetic lineages from Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka indicate potential for further undescribed species in India.

Porcupines invade Kashmir saffron fields, devouring corms and slashing production

[Jammu and Kashmir]

Key Updates:

Porcupines are damaging saffron fields in Pampore, Lethpora and adjoining areas in south Kashmir.
Porcupines eat corms, the bulb-like structures essential for saffron growth.
Saffron production has fallen from about 27,000 kg a decade-and-a-half ago to nearly 1,000 kg now.
Pampore MLA Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi estimates constituency loss at Rs 500 crores.
Farmers cannot harm porcupines as they are a protected species.
The government has deployed a dedicated wildlife team to inspect affected saffron fields.
Authorities advise farmers to clear caves, crevices, bushes and undergrowth to remove porcupine shelters.
Farmers are recommended to install 1.5-metre-deep mesh barriers around saffron karewas to block burrowing.
Reflective white paint on tree trunks or white gunny bags are suggested as low-cost nocturnal deterrents.
Motion-activated lighting and sound sensors along field perimeters are advised to startle porcupines at night.
Capturing cages are being placed for live-trapping and subsequent translocation of porcupines to forest habitats.
Wildlife Protection staff have been directed to patrol around saffron fields in Lethpora and adjacent villages during night hours.

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Republic Day Parade 2026: Bactrian Camels to march on Kartavya Path (End of January) ▼

Two Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) named Galwan and Nubra will participate in the Republic Day Parade 2026 on Kartavya Path.
The camels will be part of the Animal Contingent led by the Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC).
The contingent will also feature indigenous Zanskar ponies from Ladakh and Army dog breeds including Rajapalayam, Chippiparai, Mudhol, Kombai, and Rampur.
Ladakh is the only region in India where the double-humped Bactrian camel species is found.
The genus Camelus includes two domestic species: the single-humped Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) and the double-humped Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus).
The name Bactrian is derived from the ancient kingdom of Bactria, located in modern-day Balkh, Afghanistan, which was known as Bahlika or Tushara in ancient Sanskrit sources.
Bactrian camels were historically known as the Ships of the Silk Road and were used by Chinese monks Faxian (Fahien) and Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) to travel to India.
The species is capable of carrying average loads of approximately 180 kilograms and can travel between 35 to 40 kilometres per day.

Tajikistan and Uzbekistan propose inclusion of Striped Hyena in CMS Appendices I and II (Start of March) ▼

Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have submitted a proposal to include the Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Appendix I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
The proposal will be considered during the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CMS COP15) scheduled for March 23-29 in Campo Grande, Brazil.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the Striped Hyena is classified as Near Threatened globally and Vulnerable within the Mediterranean region.
The global population of mature Striped Hyenas is estimated to be between 5,000 and 9,999 individuals.
The Striped Hyena is one of four species belonging to the family Hyaenidae, which also includes the Spotted Hyena, the Brown Hyena, and the Aardwolf.
The species is found across North and Sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia (Middle East), and Central and South Asia, including India.
Listing under both Appendices would obligate member states to implement measures to safeguard the species and its habitats through coordinated transboundary conservation actions.
Major threats to the species include habitat loss, fragmentation due to urbanisation and agricultural expansion, illegal hunting, and human-wildlife conflict.

India adds Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand as new Ramsar sites, tally reaches 98 (Start of February) ▼

Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district, Gujarat, were designated as Ramsar wetlands of international importance on 1 February 2026.
India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982 and now has 98 Ramsar sites.
Chhari-Dhand is a seasonal saline wetland between the Banni grasslands and Kutch salt flats that supports about 30,000 common cranes and critically endangered sociable lapwings each winter.
Patna Bird Sanctuary comprises freshwater marshes, woodlands and grasslands, records 178 bird species and 252 plant species, and is recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by BirdLife International.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated the sites are also home to chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes besides endangered birds.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan launches Project HANUMAN to curb human-wildlife conflict (Start of March) ▼

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan launched Project HANUMAN (Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nurturing) to tackle human-wildlife conflict in Chittoor and Parvathipuram Manyam districts.
The project deploys 100 GPS-enabled vehicles comprising 93 Rapid Response vehicles and 7 Wildlife Ambulances.
Four Wildlife Rescue and Treatment Centres are being established under the initiative.
Ex-gratia compensation for wildlife attack victims has been raised to Rs. 10 lakhs for deaths and Rs. 2 lakhs for injuries.
AI-based early warning systems will be implemented in vulnerable villages.
The Central Government enhanced ex-gratia from Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 10 lakhs in December 2023 under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes 'Development of Wildlife Habitats' and 'Project Tiger and Elephant'.
Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh stated in Lok Sabha that elephants caused 21 human deaths in Andhra Pradesh from 2019 to 2023.
The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended in 2022 to rationalise listings of wild animals in Schedules I and II.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued guidelines advising States and Union Territories to utilise provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for managing human-wildlife conflict situations.

EU Parliament tightens water pollution standards to curb PFAS, microplastics and pharmaceuticals

[European Union]

Key Updates:

The European Union (EU) Parliament approved updated water pollution standards on 26 March 2026.
The updated lists add Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals such as painkillers, industrial substances, pesticides, microplastics and antimicrobial resistance indicators.
Tighter environmental quality standards now apply to several pollutants already regulated under previous directives.
The directive amends Directive 2000/60/EC, Directive 2006/118/EC and Directive 2008/105/EC.
EU countries must align national rules by 21 December 2027.
The measures support the European Green Deal goal to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050.
The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) warns full compliance is not required until 2039, with possible extensions to 2045.

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Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviews 175 inspections for air pollution abatement in National Capital Region (NCR) (Start of April) ▼

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Enforcement Task Force (ETF) reviewed 175 inspections and enforcement actions conducted in the National Capital Region (NCR) between 14 March and 26 March.
The 128th meeting of the ETF resulted in proposed closures for 10 units and the sealing of diesel generator sets for 27 units.
Show Cause Notices (SCNs) were issued to eight units, and Environmental Compensation (EC) was proposed for one unit for violating environmental norms.
The inspections included 114 diesel generator set violations, 37 industrial sector units, and 23 construction and demolition sites.
Sectoral enforcement in 16 zones across Meerut and Faridabad revealed 140 violations, leading to directions for corrective actions by municipal bodies.

National Productivity Council (NPC) designated as Environment Audit Designated Agency under Environment Audit Rules 2025 (End of March) ▼

National Productivity Council (NPC), an autonomous body under Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), signed an agreement with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to function as Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA).
Environment Audit Rules 2025 were notified on 29 August 2025.
NPC will develop eligibility criteria for environmental auditors, conduct examinations and certification, register auditors, monitor performance, build capacity through training, and manage digital systems for audit processes.
Framework ensures compliance with Environment (Protection) Act 1986, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam 1980, and Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972.
NPC will certify Certified Environmental Auditors (CEA) and register Registered Environmental Auditors (REA), renew, suspend or cancel certifications, monitor performance, and maintain a publicly accessible online registry.
Capacity building efforts include training programmes, workshops, seminars, conferences and online courses for auditors.
NPC operates through 13 offices across India.

Gujarat launches 'Lake and Air Watch' initiative with ₹10 crore outlay for real-time air and lake monitoring (Mid of March) ▼

Gujarat Urban Development Mission (GUDM) will launch the 'Lake and Air Watch' initiative under the state’s Urban Development and Urban Housing Department.
Air quality monitoring stations will be installed in 17 municipal corporations and 152 municipal areas to provide real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) information.
The initiative has an estimated provision of Rs 10 crore to strengthen environmental protection and promote sustainable urban development.
Satellite technology will analyse lake areas, waste presence and algae growth, and timely alerts will be issued for conservation action.
An integrated digital platform will consolidate lake health and air quality data at the state level through a centralised dashboard with maps, trends and alerts.

Rice University develops copper-aluminium layered double hydroxide that removes PFAS 100 times faster than current filters (End of January) ▼

Rice University scientists created a layered double hydroxide (LDH) material from copper and aluminium that absorbs long-chain PFAS up to 100 times faster than granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis.
The positively charged LDH uses electrostatic attraction to bind negatively charged PFAS molecules and concentrates them for destruction without extreme heat.
Heating the captured PFAS to 400-500°C breaks carbon-fluoride bonds, yielding calcium fluoride safe for landfill disposal.
Scaling the technology faces challenges in occupational safety, regulatory compliance and real-world complexity.

Centre proposes first-ever Tar-balls Management Rules 2026 under polluter pays principle

Key Updates:

The Union government has for the first time proposed dedicated Tar-balls Management Rules 2026 to manage weathered oil residue polluting India’s western coast.
Tar balls are sticky lumps formed by weathering of oil from leaks, spills, effluents and marine accidents and contain toxic contaminants like heavy metals and persistent-organic pollutants.
The Rules assign responsibilities for generation, collection, storage, transport, treatment and disposal of tar balls, including repurposing as fuel in cement production.
Oil facilities—defined as entities that own, control or operate ships, vessels and facilities handling crude or fuel oil—must pay environmental compensation under the polluter pays principle for any oil spill causing damage.
State governments are to declare coastal tar ball pollution as a state disaster and act under the Disaster Management Act.
A steering committee with members from seven ministries and pollution control boards will advise coastal states and Union Territories on implementation.
Tar balls with calorific value above 1,500 kilo-calories can be used as fuel in cement industries after authorisation from the concerned state pollution control board.

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Rice’s Whale Endangerment Halts Trump Gulf Drilling Expansion as ‘God Squad’ Considers Exemption (Start of April) ▼

Rice’s whale, recognised as a distinct species in 2021, numbers fewer than 100 and lives year-round in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico at depths of 100–400 m.
The whale feeds almost exclusively on silver-rag driftfish, undertakes strenuous daytime dives, rests near the surface at night, and is vulnerable to vessel strikes and noise pollution.
The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill killed a significant portion of the already-small Rice’s whale population.
The Trump administration’s drilling plan targets about 1.27 billion acres of U.S. federal Gulf waters and is backed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act mandating at least 30 offshore lease sales over the next 15 years.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum convened the seven-member Endangered Species Committee, nicknamed the God Squad, which can exempt projects from Endangered Species Act protections if five votes find net economic benefit.
The committee has issued exemptions only twice since its 1978 creation: once for a Platte River dam affecting whooping cranes and once for northern spotted owl logging that was later withdrawn after litigation.
Environmental groups including the Center for Biological Diversity filed emergency lawsuits to block the God Squad meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

Ministry of Mines notifies Offshore Areas Mineral Prevention of Illegal Mining and Transportation Rules, 2026 (Start of February) ▼

The Ministry of Mines notified the Offshore Areas Mineral Prevention of Illegal Mining and Transportation Rules, 2026, which came into force on February 3, 2026.
The rules are framed under the Offshore Areas Mineral Development and Regulation Act, 2002 (OAMDR Act) to regulate all offshore minerals except mineral oils and hydrocarbons.
Operating right holders are mandated to deploy real-time electronic monitoring systems for vessel tracking, weight recording, and continuous video capture of offshore operations.
A digitally signed transit permit issued via a regulation portal is required for dispatching minerals, with the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) sharing these permits with state governments.
Companies exporting minerals directly from offshore areas must obtain clearance from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) at least seven days before export.
Mandatory weighment systems must be installed at the first onshore point of discharge to match weight records against dispatch data.
Penalties for illegal mining include imprisonment up to five years and fines ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore, plus an additional daily penalty of ₹5 lakh for continuing offences.
Proceeds from the public auction of seized minerals and property will be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.

Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard conduct joint HNS response drill onboard ICGS Samudra Prahari in Mumbai (Mid of January) ▼

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) conducted a joint Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) response drill in Mumbai.
Japan Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Yoshio Seguchi led a high-level delegation visiting the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters West.
Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Commander, Coast Guard Region West, held a courtesy meeting with Admiral Seguchi.
The joint training exercise was conducted onboard the Indian Coast Guard’s pollution response vessel ICGS Samudra Prahari.
The ICG Pollution Response Strike Team and the JCG National Strike Team (NST) participated in the drills.
Prior to the sea exercise, planning sessions, rehearsals, and classroom interactions were held in Mumbai focusing on response protocols for hazardous chemical spills at sea.
A joint demonstration of HNS response procedures was reviewed by the JCG Commandant and the ICG Regional Commander onboard Samudra Prahari.
The Japanese delegation also visited Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited to gain insight into India’s shipbuilding capabilities.

Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard hold 22nd high-level meeting in New Delhi (Mid of January) ▼

This was 22nd such high-level meeting between the two forces.
Deliberations focused on enhancing collaboration in Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) and capacity building.
Discussions also covered cooperation in emerging areas, including the use of technology, information sharing, training initiatives, and personnel exchanges.
A Japan Coast Guard National Strike Team (NST) is also visiting Mumbai and will conduct a joint exercise with the ICG pollution response team, focusing on Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) spill response.

First complete mitochondrial genome of Madras hedgehog decoded

[Madras]

Key Updates:

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Madras hedgehog (Paraechinus nudiventris) was sequenced for the first time, yielding a 17,232-base-pair sequence with 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs and two rRNAs.
The study ‘Mitochondrial genome of the lesser known Madras hedgehog: genomic characterization and comparative analysis within Erinacidae’ appeared in the peer-reviewed journal Mitochondrial DNA Part A.
Researchers Brawin Kumar, Harald Meimberg and Thapasya Vijayan from BOKU University, Vienna, Austria, assembled and analysed the genome.
DNA samples were collected from hedgehogs killed by vehicles across 62 km² in Thoothukudi district.
Analysis shows the Madras hedgehog diverged from its sister species, the Indian hedgehog (Paraechinus micropus), about 3.69 million years ago during the late Pliocene to early Pleistocene.
The species inhabits semi-arid plains, dry grasslands, thorn forests and rocky landscapes of southern India.

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Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovers new cockroach species Neoloboptera peninsularis in Deccan plateau (End of March) ▼

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Prof. Ramkrishna More College have identified a new cockroach species named Neoloboptera peninsularis in the Deccan plateau.
The species was recorded from agricultural landscapes in Nathachi Wadi, Daund, near Pune, where it lives in decomposing leaf litter and beneath palm shrubs.
Neoloboptera peninsularis is characterised by a yellowish-brown glossy body, fully developed wings, asymmetrical cerci, and a whip-like male genital component.
Prior to this finding, only two species within the genus Neoloboptera had been documented in India, with the last one described in 1995.
The research team, led by Shabnam Ansari and Dr K P Dinesh, employed an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological analysis with modern DNA sequencing.
The study provides the first DNA barcode for the genus, addressing the Darwinian shortfall regarding evolutionary relationships.
The discovery addresses the Linnaean shortfall concerning species diversity and the Wallacean shortfall regarding species distribution in the Deccan peninsula.
Genetic analysis conducted during the study indicated several distinct undocumented lineages in Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Rare gynandromorphic Vela carli crab discovered in Silent Valley, Kerala. (Mid of March) ▼

The freshwater crab species Vela carli was found exhibiting both male and female traits in Silent Valley National Park, Kerala.
Researchers from MES Mampad College, Kerala conducted the study that documented this rare case of gynandromorphy.
Scientists Dr. K.S. Anoop Das and K.T. Fahis from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) identified the crab during routine fieldwork inside a tree cavity.
Gynandromorphy in this crab results from an early cell-division error, causing different body parts to develop as male and female rather than creating a functional hermaphrodite.

Google DeepMind unveils AlphaGenome AI to predict DNA mutations and disease risk (End of January) ▼

Google DeepMind’s AlphaGenome AI model reads up to one million DNA letters with single-letter precision to predict how genetic changes cause diseases.
AlphaGenome targets the 98 percent of non-coding DNA, formerly called junk DNA, that regulates gene activity and influences RNA splicing.
In a leukaemia case study, the model compared normal and mutated DNA sequences and predicted increased activity of nearby genes linked to the cancer.
The model is freely available to scientists for non-commercial research but is not intended for clinical use.
Robert Goldstone, head of genomics at the Francis Crick Institute, described AlphaGenome as a breakthrough that turns the genome into a decipherable language for discovery.
Ben Lehner of the Wellcome Sanger Institute warned that most existing biological datasets are too small and poorly standardised for optimal AI training.

DNA analysis confirms Brandt’s hedgehog as first-time Indian species in Jammu & Kashmir (End of January) ▼

DNA analysis and morphometric study proved that this a new species not only for J&K but the whole India
The animal was found to match with Brandt’s Hedgehog which presently has been reported from the countries of Afghanistan, Iran, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Yemen but has not been reported in India until now
The discovery shows that the species has expanded its distribution
The confirmation of the presence of Brandt’s Hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas) is a noteworthy addition to the biodiversity of UT of Jammu and Kashmir
The study suggests a potential range expansion for the species, which could be attributed to various ecological factors such as climate change, habitat connectivity, and food availability
The discovery of Brandt’s Hedgehog highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to be initiated with clear objectives and conservation strategies
To ensure the habitat availability and the extent of sites with suitable habitat, a detailed habitat analysis is to be done
Further studies are recommended to monitor the population dynamics of hedgehog species in the area

India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) Achieves Criticality at Kalpakkam

Key Updates:

India's first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, achieved criticality on 6 April at 8:25 pm.
The achievement marks the formal entry into the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear power programme.
The 500 MWe reactor is designed to produce more fuel than it consumes, making it a self-sustaining nuclear fission chain reaction.
The PFBR uses a Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel comprising Plutonium-239 and Uranium-238, with liquid sodium as a coolant.
India will be the second country after Russia to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor once the indigenously designed unit is commissioned.
The reactor uses fast neutrons to convert Uranium-238 into fissile Plutonium-239, which will eventually feed stage three reactors.
Stage three of the programme aims to achieve energy independence by utilising India's thorium reserves, which are the third-largest in the world.
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) will oversee low power physics experiments before the plant reaches full commercial operation, expected by late 2026 or early 2027.
Stage one of the national nuclear doctrine involved Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural Uranium-238 to generate energy and Plutonium-239.

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Shri A. K. Balasubrahmanian took over charge as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) (Start of January) ▼

Shri A. K. Balasubrahmanian took over charge as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) on January 01, 2026.
He succeeded the outgoing Chairman, Dr. D. K. Shukla.
Before joining AERB, he served as Chairman of the Project Design Safety Committee for Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)–based Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and as a Member of the Safety Review Committee for Operating Plants of AERB.
He has earlier served as Director (Technical) on the Board of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
He is a mechanical engineer with training in nuclear engineering and is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (FNAE).
He has nearly 40 years of experience in the design, development, safety assessment, construction, and commissioning of Nuclear Power Plants.
The AERB was constituted on November 15, 1983, by the President of India under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.

US conducts first airlift of Valar Atomics' Ward microreactor from California to Utah (Mid of February) ▼

The US Departments of Energy and Defense airlifted a fuel-free Ward microreactor from March Air Force Base, California to Hill Air Force Base, Utah aboard a C-17 cargo aircraft.
The reactor, developed by California-based Valar Atomics, is slightly larger than a minivan and can generate up to 5 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 5,000 homes.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey accompanied the reactor on the flight.
The demonstration aims to validate rapid deployment of nuclear power for military and civilian use, with the reactor scheduled to begin operating at 100 kilowatts in July and peak at 250 kilowatts this year.
Valar Atomics plans to start test power sales in 2027 and reach full commercial operations in 2028.
The Energy Department targets three microreactors to achieve criticality by July 4.
Fuel for the reactor will be transported from the Nevada National Security Site to the San Rafael facility.
Critics, including Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists, question the economic viability and radioactive waste management of microreactors.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) commissions 3.55 million tonnes-per-year residue upgradation facility at Visakhapatnam refinery (Start of January) ▼

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) has commissioned a 3.55 million tonnes-per-year residue upgradation facility (RUF) at its Visakhapatnam refinery.
The facility includes India's first residue hydrocracking unit and the world's first LC-Max unit.
The unit is capable of converting approximately 93 per cent of low-value bottom-of-the-barrel oils into high-value petroleum products.
The project lifts the Visakhapatnam refinery's Nelson Complexity Index to 11.6, making it one of India's most advanced deep-conversion refineries.
The new unit will increase distillate yields at the refinery by up to 10 per cent from pre-modernisation levels.
The facility features three LC-Max reactors weighing about 2,200 tonnes each, which are among the heaviest globally.
Engineers India Ltd (EIL) provided project management consultancy services for the facility, while Larsen & Toubro (L&T) served as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor.

Palak and Mukesh win gold at ISSF World Cup

Key Updates:

Indian shooters Palak and Mukesh Nelavalli won the gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team competition at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup for rifle and pistol.
The event was held in Granada.
The Indian duo set a new junior world record with an aggregate score of 487.7 in the final.
In the final round, Mukesh scored 244.7 and Palak recorded a score of 243.0.
China's Qianxun Yao and Kai Hu secured the silver medal with a score of 484.8.
Hungary's Veronika Major and Akos Karoly Nagy won the bronze medal with a combined total of 414.9.
The Indian pair qualified for the medal match with a score of 581-17x in the qualification round.

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Hardik Singh and Navneet Kaur win Hockey India Player of the Year 2025 awards (End of March) ▼

The 8th annual Hockey India (HI) awards were held in New Delhi to recognise standout performances during the 2025 season.
Hardik Singh and Navneet Kaur were conferred with the Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year in the men’s and women’s categories respectively, receiving ₹20 lakh each.
Zafar Iqbal, a member of the 1980 Moscow Olympics gold-winning team, received the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award along with a prize of ₹25 lakh.
Bichu Devi Kharibam won the Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year, and Sanjay received the Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year.
Sumit was awarded the Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year, while Sukhjeet Singh received the Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year.
Sakshi Rana and Prince Deep Singh were named the Upcoming Players of the Year (Under 21) in the women's and men's categories respectively, each receiving ₹10 lakh.
Forward Gurjant Singh, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, announced his retirement from international hockey during the ceremony.
The Indian men's team was felicitated for their Asia Cup victory in Rajgir, with players receiving ₹3 lakh each and coaching staff receiving ₹1.5 lakh each.
The junior men's team was honoured for winning bronze at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Men’s Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu, with players receiving ₹5 lakh each.

India defeats New Zealand to win ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (Mid of March) ▼

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash reward of ₹131 crore for the senior men’s Indian team following their victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
India became the first team in the history of the tournament to retain the title and the first to win the championship three times.
The Indian team posted a record finals score of 253 for five, featuring Sanju Samson’s 89 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Match in the final for his bowling figures of four for 14.
Sanju Samson was adjudged Player of the Series for scoring a total of 321 runs in five innings.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded the winners USD 2.34 million (₹21.5 crore) and the runners-up USD 1.17 million (₹10.75 crore).
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the reward, which is an increase from the ₹125 crore reward announced in 2024.

BCCI Naman Awards 2026 honour Shubman Gill, Smriti Mandhana and domestic stars (Mid of March) ▼

Shubman Gill won the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) 2024-25.
Smriti Mandhana won the Best International Cricketer (Women) 2024-25 for the fifth time.
Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid and Mithali Raj received the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
Harshit Rana won Best International Debut (Men) 2024-25.
N Sree Charani won Best International Debut (Women) 2024-25.
Deepti Sharma took the most wickets for India Women in ODIs during 2024-25.
Ayush Mhatre (Mumbai) won the Lala Amarnath Award for Best All-rounder in Domestic Limited-Overs Competitions 2024-25.
Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha) won the Lala Amarnath Award for Best All-rounder in Ranji Trophy 2024-25.
Ira Jadhav (Mumbai) won Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Jr Domestic) 2024-25.
Shafali Verma (Haryana) won Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Sr Domestic) 2024-25.
Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan (Madhya Pradesh) topped wicket-takers in U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
Kishan Sarkar (Tripura) topped wicket-takers in U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
Shanthanu Singh (Uttar Pradesh) topped run-scorers in U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
Pritam Raj (Bihar) topped run-scorers in U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
Hemchudeshan J (Tamil Nadu) topped wicket-takers in U19 Cooch Behar Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
Arkajit Roy (Tripura) topped wicket-takers in U19 Cooch Behar Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
Nitya J Pandya (Baroda) topped run-scorers in U19 Cooch Behar Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
Ragavan Ramamoorthy (Puducherry) topped run-scorers in U19 Cooch Behar Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
Vicky Ostwal (Maharashtra) topped wicket-takers in U23 Col. C K Nayudu Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
Dipjyoti Saikia (Assam) topped wicket-takers in U23 Col. C K Nayudu Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
Macneil H N (Karnataka) topped run-scorers in U23 Col. C K Nayudu Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
R Jashwanth Shreeram (Puducherry) topped run-scorers in U23 Col. C K Nayudu Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha) topped wicket-takers in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
Suchith J (Nagaland) topped wicket-takers in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
Y V Rathod (Vidarbha) topped run-scorers in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
Snehal Kauthankar (Goa) topped run-scorers in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
Mumbai Cricket Association won Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments 2024-25.
Ulhas Gandhe (Vidarbha C A) won Best Umpire in Domestic Cricket 2024-25.

India defeats Kenya to win Roll Ball World Cup 2025 (End of January) ▼

India clinched the gold medal at the 7th Roll Ball World Cup 2025 in Dubai.
Yash Anil Rashiya scored the match-winning goal in the final against Kenya.
The tournament was held in Dubai.

Blanka Vlasic appointed International Event Ambassador for TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026

[Croatia]

Key Updates:

Blanka Vlasic, double Olympic medallist and two-time World Champion, has been named the International Event Ambassador for the 2026 TCS World 10K Bengaluru.
The 18th edition of the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) World 10K Bengaluru is scheduled for Sunday, 26 April 2026.
The race is a World Athletics Gold Label Race promoted by Procam International.
Vlasic won Olympic silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016, and set a Croatian national record of 2.08 m in 2009.

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Odisha selected to host World Athletics Indoor Championships 2028 (Mid of March) ▼

Odisha in India will host the World Athletics Indoor Championships from 3-5 March 2028.
Astana in Kazakhstan will host the 2030 edition of the championships from 15-17 March 2030.
The decisions were taken during the 240th World Athletics Council Meeting held in Torun, Poland.
Hefei in China was awarded the 2028 World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships to be held on 9 April 2028.

Shikhar Dhawan appointed brand ambassador of Delhi Khel Mahakumbh by Delhi Government (Mid of February) ▼

Shikhar Dhawan, former India cricketer and Arjuna Awardee, has been appointed as the brand ambassador of the inaugural Delhi Khel Mahakumbh.
The Delhi Khel Mahakumbh is an initiative of the Directorate of Education and Sports, Government of NCT of Delhi.
The event aims to strengthen grassroots sports participation and talent identification across Delhi.
The inaugural edition will be held from February 13 across 16 venues in the capital.
Sports included are basketball, football, athletics, kabaddi, wrestling, squash, and volleyball.
Participation is expected from thousands of young athletes representing all 12 districts of Delhi.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni named goodwill ambassador for Pune Grand Tour 2026 (Mid of January) ▼

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was named the goodwill ambassador for the Pune Grand Tour 2026, India’s first international cycling road race.
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 is a UCI 2.2 category multi-stage, five-day continental road cycling race for men.
The race covers a 437-km route across the Deccan Plateau and the Sahyadri range.
A total of 171 riders from 29 teams across 35 countries will participate in the event.
India will field two teams: the Indian National Team led by Naveen John and the Indian Development Team, featuring a total of 12 Indian riders with four substitutes.

Prevention of Blindness Week observed from April 1–7 with the theme Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World

Key Updates:

Prevention of Blindness Week is observed annually from April 1 to April 7 to raise awareness about eye health and preventable vision loss.
The theme for the year 2026 is Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World, highlighting global efforts to combat the leading cause of irreversible blindness.
The week aims to educate the public on the importance of eye care and preventing vision loss caused by conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.
Glaucoma is responsible for approximately 8 million cases of blindness globally and is often referred to as the silent thief of sight because it develops without noticeable symptoms.
The initiative encourages regular eye screenings for individuals over the age of 40, those with a family history of glaucoma, or those at risk due to factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.

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Dr Haripriya Aravind and Dr R Venkatesh Selected for Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026 (Mid of February) ▼

Dr Haripriya Aravind and Dr R Venkatesh from the Aravind Eye Hospital in Puducherry have been selected for the Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award for 2026.
The award is presented by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation to recognise service and compassion in the field of cataract blindness and disability.
The presentation ceremony will be held during the ASCRS Foundation’s conference in Washington DC on 11 April 2026.
The award includes a prize of $100,000, which is donated to the non-profit organisation of the awardee's choice.
The doctors have earmarked the $100,000 cash prize for the Aravind Eye Care System.
The Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award was instituted in 2017 and is endowed by a gift from David and Victoria Chang.
Dr Haripriya Aravind serves as the chief of cataract and intraocular lens services, and Dr R Venkatesh is the chief medical officer at the hospital.

World Hearing Day 2026 observed on March 3 with theme 'From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children' (Start of March) ▼

World Hearing Day is observed annually on March 3.
The theme for World Hearing Day 2026 is 'From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children'.
The date 3/3 was chosen as it represents the design of the two ears, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
World Hearing Day was initially called 'International Ear Care Day' and was formally established in 2012.
The WHO first discussed the day during the 1st International Conference on Prevention and Rehabilitation of Hearing Impairment held in Beijing, China, in 2007.
According to WHO, around 90 million children aged 5-19 years are living with hearing loss.
WHO states that about 60 per cent of hearing loss cases in children are preventable through simple and cost-effective public health measures.

International Epilepsy Day 2026 to be observed on 9 February with theme 'Turning Stories into Action' (Start of February) ▼

International Epilepsy Day 2026 falls on Monday, 9 February, the second Monday of February.
The 2026 theme 'Turning Stories into Action' is led by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).
The #EpilepsyPledge invites individuals, workplaces, schools, and organisations to commit to actions such as learning seizure first-aid, challenging myths, or sharing accurate information.
Purple is the global colour of epilepsy awareness.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
With proper treatment, seizures can often be managed or controlled.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta hails Indian Blind Women's Cricket Team as champions of T20 World Cup and life. (End of January) ▼

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised the Indian Blind Women's Cricket Team for their courage, confidence, and unstoppable determination.
Gupta described the team as true champions of both the T20 World Cup and life, emphasising that victory is measured by self-belief and perseverance.
She expressed support for promoting inclusive sports and recognised the team's role in inspiring young athletes and highlighting the potential of differently-abled sportspersons.

Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 concludes in Delhi on Sunday

Key Updates:

Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in association with Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), concluded on Sunday at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi.
The 19-day festival recorded a footfall of over 1.5 lakh visitors and multi-crore sales.
More than 200 stalls were set up with participation from over 300 tribal artisans and representatives from more than 75 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
Top-performing tribal artisans and sellers were felicitated across ten categories including pottery, cane and bamboo, jewellery, cuisines, textiles, and forest-based products.
The RISA brand was launched on March 18 by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur.
The festival featured 17 live craft demonstrations and over 30 tribal food stalls with more than 120 tribal chefs presenting traditional cuisines.

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Sarhul festival celebrated in Jharkhand on March 21, 2026 (End of March) ▼

The Sarhul festival, a significant nature festival for the tribal community, was celebrated in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on March 21, 2026.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kalpana Soren participated in the traditional rituals at the Tribal College hostel campus.
The festival is dedicated to the worship of nature, reflecting the tribal community’s faith in the natural order as the source of all life.
During the celebrations, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) president played the Mandar, which is a traditional drum.
The festival serves as an occasion to uphold and pass on ancestral traditions related to the preservation and safety of nature.

Chhattisgarh to host first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games from March 25 to April 6. (Start of March) ▼

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games will be held from 25 March to 6 April 2026 in Raipur, Jagdalpur and Sarguja, Chhattisgarh.
Seven medal sports are athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming and wrestling; demonstration sports are mallakhamb and kabaddi.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya stated the Games expand opportunity under PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat vision.
Logo, theme song and mascot 'Morveer' were unveiled on 23 December at Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium, Bilaspur, by CM Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy CM Arun Sao.
The event is jointly managed by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations and Chhattisgarh state committee with international-level technical standards.
Khelo India Games were declared an 'Event of National Importance' in 2020 under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007.

Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 showcases tribal art, culture and cuisine in Delhi. (Mid of March) ▼

Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 will be held from 18 to 30 March 2026 at Sunder Nursery in Delhi.
Public entry starts on 19 March 2026; 18 March is reserved for special invitees.
The festival will feature over 200 stalls and more than 1,000 artisans from tribal communities across India.
An International Pavilion will display global indigenous crafts and enable cultural exchanges.
A 14-day Tribal Business Conclave will include nine thematic sessions on textiles, tourism, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Amitabh Kant will participate in a fireside chat on innovation and tribal enterprise development.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary hosts second Indian Bison Fest from March 8 (Start of March) ▼

The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary will host the second edition of the two-day Indian Bison Fest on March 8 at Zeropoint.
The Hirakud Wildlife Division organises the festival to celebrate the Indian bison, locally called Gayala, and its rising numbers in the Debrigarh-Hirakud landscape.
The 2026 programme adds night camping, making it a two-day immersive experience inside the sanctuary.
Day 1 features expert talks on gaur behaviour, habitat and conservation, a wildlife film screening, a guided gaur safari, and an evening stargazing session covering constellations like Saptarishi Mandal and Orion.
Day 2 includes trekking, a cruise ride, and a visit to Bat Island which shelters over 1,000 fruit bats or flying foxes.
The January 2026 gaur census recorded 848 animals, a net rise of 190 within one year, with 235 juveniles below two years forming nearly 30% of the population.
The first edition on March 25, 2025 drew over 500 participants from across Odisha, including members of 68 eco development committees and students and teachers from 37 nearby schools.

India ranks among world’s most optimistic nations in Ipsos March 2026 survey

Key Updates:

65 per cent of Indian respondents believe the country is heading in the right direction, placing India third globally behind Singapore (78 per cent) and Malaysia (73 per cent).
The Ipsos “What Worries the World” survey for March 2026 covered 29 markets and found that 25 countries had majority pessimism, while India and select Southeast Asian economies showed net optimism.
74 per cent of Indians describe the current economic situation as good, and the Economic Expectations Sub-Index for India rose 6.6 percentage points earlier in 2026.
India’s Real GDP is estimated to grow at approximately 7.4 per cent in FY 2025-26, with the economy valued at over US$ 2.2 trillion.
Inflation is the top worry for 47 per cent of Indian respondents, followed by unemployment (40 per cent), education (30 per cent), crime and violence (27 per cent), and financial and political corruption (26 per cent).
The survey was conducted between 20 February and 6 March 2026 with approximately 2,200 participants in India, primarily representing urban populations across socio-economic classes A, B, and C in metropolitan and tier 1–3 cities.

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LSEG–Ipsos PCSI places India second globally in consumer confidence for January 2026 (End of January) ▼

India’s LSEG–Ipsos Primary Consumer Sentiment Index (PCSI) rose 1.4 points to 60.7 in January 2026, ranking it second among 30 countries.
Indonesia led the index at 62.6, with India and Indonesia the only markets above 60 points.
India’s PCSI Economic Expectations Sub-Index increased 6.6 points and the Employment Sub-Index climbed 6.3 points.
The Current Personal Financial Conditions Sub-Index for India slipped 0.6 points and the Investment Climate Sub-Index declined 2.0 points.
The Global Consumer Confidence Index (GCCI) improved 0.5 points to 49.9 in January 2026, up 1.3 points year-on-year.
Survey covered over 21,000 adults under 75 across 30 countries from 24 December 2025 to 9 January 2026.

State Bank of India (SBI) Forecasts India's Transition to Upper-Middle-Income Status by 2030 (Mid of January) ▼

State Bank of India (SBI) projects India to reach a per capita income of $4,000 by 2030, transitioning the nation into the upper-middle-income category alongside China and Indonesia.
India moved from a low-income to a lower-middle-income economy in 2007, with per capita gross national income (GNI) rising from $90 in 1962 to $910 in 2007.
The Indian economy reached $1 trillion six decades after independence, $2 trillion by 2014, $3 trillion by 2021, and is projected to reach $4 trillion by 2025.
The economy is expected to cross the $5 trillion threshold in approximately two years.
India’s per capita income reached $1,000 in 2009, doubled to $2,000 in 2019, and is projected to touch $3,000 by 2026.
India’s percentile rank in the cross-country distribution of average real GDP growth has risen from the 92nd percentile to the 95th percentile.
To reach the current high-income threshold of $13,936 by 2047, India’s per capita GNI must grow at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 7.5%.
If the high-income threshold increases to $18,000 by 2047, the required annual growth rate for per capita GNI would rise to 8.9%.
Achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 targets would imply a nominal GDP growth in dollar terms of approximately 11.5% over the next two decades.
The number of high-income countries globally has more than doubled to 87 in 2024, while low-income countries have decreased to 26.

Moody's Projects India Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth at 6.4% for FY27 (Mid of February) ▼

Moody's (Moody's) forecasts India's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by 6.4% in Fiscal Year 2026-27 (FY27).
India is expected to record the fastest growth pace among the Group of Twenty (G-20) economies according to the ratings agency.
The Economic Survey 2026 projects India's real GDP expansion to range between 6.8% and 7.2% for FY27.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised its growth projections for FY27 to 6.9% for the first quarter and 7.0% for the second quarter.
Structural reforms including the rationalisation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and income tax reductions are expected to boost domestic consumption.
A trade agreement reached between India and the United States (US) in February 2026 is anticipated to improve conditions for export-linked Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

World Bank (WB) raises India’s FY26 growth forecast to 7.2% (Mid of January) ▼

The World Bank (WB) raised India’s growth forecast for FY26 to 7.2%, an increase from the 6.3% projected in June 2025.
India’s growth is estimated to moderate to 6.5% in FY27, assuming 50% tariffs by the United States remain in place throughout the forecast horizon.
The WB projects India’s growth to edge up to 6.6% in FY28, supported by resilient services activity, a recovery in exports, and a pickup in investment.
The National Statistical Office (NSO) estimated India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth for FY26 at 7.4% on January 7.
Growth for South Asia is expected to rise to 7.1% in 2025 and slow to 6.2% in 2026, reflecting the impact of higher US tariffs on India’s exports.
Global economic growth is expected to moderate to 2.6% in 2026 from 2.7% in 2025.
The United States economy is estimated to rise to 2.2% in 2026, while China’s economic growth is projected to slow to 4.4% from 4.9%.