Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) record 15.9% non-food credit growth in FY26
Key Updates:
Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) recorded a year-on-year non-food credit growth of 15.9% in financial year 2025–26.
Total outstanding credit of SCBs stood at ₹212.9 lakh crore as of March 2026, an increase of ₹29.2 lakh crore over the previous year.
Sector-wise, services sector registered the highest credit growth at 19%, followed by personal loans (16.2%), agriculture and allied activities (15.7%), and industry (15%).
Industrial credit growth nearly doubled to 15% from 8.2%, with micro and small industries recording a sharp rise of 33.1%.
Personal loans grew by 16.2%, driven by vehicle loans and loans against gold jewellery, while housing credit remained stable.
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Canara Bank raises MCLR-linked lending rates by 10 basis points for 2-3 year tenors. (Mid of March)▼
Canara Bank increased the 2-year MCLR to 8.95% from 8.85% effective Thursday.
The 3-year MCLR was raised to 9% from 8.90%.
Roughly half of Canara Bank’s loan book is linked to MCLR.
The bank’s loan portfolio stood at Rs 11.92 lakh crore as of December end.
Bank of Baroda and Uco Bank kept their MCLR rates unchanged on Tuesday.
Uco Bank reduced treasury bill-linked benchmark rates by 5 basis points for 3-month and 6-month tenors while leaving the 1-year rate unchanged.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data shows banking system CASA ratio drops to 37.9% in December 2025 quarter. (Start of April)▼
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data placed the banking system’s CASA ratio at a two-year low of 37.9% in December 2025 quarter against 40.1% in December 2023 quarter.
Savings account share within total deposits fell 210 basis points to 28.9%.
Aggregate bank deposits rose 10% year-on-year to ₹239.8 lakh crore by December 2025, slower than the 11% growth in the year-earlier quarter.
Savings account balances grew 8% year-on-year to ₹69.4 lakh crore in December 2025 quarter, up from 5% growth a year earlier.
Current account deposits expanded 10% to ₹21.4 lakh crore in December 2025 quarter versus 9% growth in December 2024 quarter.
Certificates of deposit issuances by banks hit a record ₹15.5 lakh crore in FY26, marking a 17% year-on-year increase.
Credit-deposit ratio touched an all-time high of 83.0% driven by seasonal tax-related deposit outflows.
Total bank credit stood at ₹207.7 lakh crore as of 15 March 2026, recording 13.5% year-on-year growth compared with 11.1% a year earlier.
Aggregate bank deposits reached ₹250.1 lakh crore, rising 10.8% year-on-year, up from 10.2% growth in the previous year.
MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary announces Scheduled Commercial Banks' Gross NPAs fall to record 2.15% in September 2025 (Mid of February)▼
Gross NPAs of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) for domestic operations declined to a historic low of 2.15% as of September 2025.
Public sector banks (PSBs) recorded a gross NPA ratio of 2.50%, private sector banks 1.73%, and foreign banks 0.80% as on 30 September 2025.
The slippage ratio for PSBs fell to 0.8% in September 2025, lower than the 1.8% recorded by private sector banks.
Over 30,000 pre-admission cases involving defaults of ₹13.78 lakh crore were settled under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) as of March 2025.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) initiated the Asset Quality Review in 2015, followed by the government's 4R strategy: recognition, resolution, recapitalisation, and reforms.
MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary reports Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) Gross NPAs at historic low of 2.15% (Mid of February)▼
The Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) ratio of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) for domestic operations declined to a historic low of 2.15% as of September 2025.
According to provisional data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Gross NPA ratio stood at 2.50% for Public Sector Banks (PSBs), 1.73% for Private Sector Banks (PVBs), and 0.80% for foreign banks.
The slippage ratio for PSBs improved to 0.8% in September 2025, compared with 1.8% for private sector banks, indicating stronger underwriting standards.
The government and RBI implemented the 4R’s strategy involving transparent recognition of NPAs, resolving and recovering value, recapitalising PSBs, and reforms in the financial ecosystem.
As of March 2025, over 30,000 cases involving underlying defaults of ₹13.78 lakh crore were settled at the pre-admission stage under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016.
Recovery measures include amendments to the SARFAESI Act, expansion of Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs), and enhanced oversight of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).
Public sector banks have adopted automated Early Warning Systems (EWS) with nearly 80 triggers and established specialised stressed asset management verticals.
The Asset Quality Review (AQR) initiated by the RBI in 2015 and mandatory registration of security interests with CERSAI were cited as key regulatory contributors to asset quality improvement.
Government of India sets 60-day FDI clearance for 40 sub-sectors from land-bordering nations
Key Updates:
The Government of India has established a 60-day timeline to process and decide Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) proposals from countries sharing land borders, including China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan.
The expedited clearance applies to 40 sub-sectors under six broad categories: capital goods manufacturing, electronic capital goods and electronic component manufacturing, polysilicon wafers, advanced battery components, rare earth permanent magnets, and rare earth processing.
Specific sub-sectors identified for fast-track approval include insulation items, castings and forgings for power plants, machine tools, display components (plasma, polymer, LCD, LED), camera modules, electronic capacitors, speakers and microphones for ICT products, Li-ion batteries, wearables, and rare earth metal facilities.
A mandatory condition for these proposals is that the majority shareholding and control of the investee entity must remain with resident Indian citizens or Indian-owned and controlled entities at all times.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) mandated that Indian investee firms must report investment details prior to inward remittance under the Foreign Exchange Management (Mode of Payment and Reporting of Non-debt Instruments) Regulations, 2019, for access by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
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Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) releases FDI equity inflow data for April-December FY26 (End of April)▼
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) reported total foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflows of $47.87 billion for April-December FY26.
Singapore was the top source of FDI equity inflows at $17.6 billion, accounting for a 37% share of the total.
The United States (US) and Mauritius were the second and third largest sources, contributing $7.8 billion (16%) and $4.8 billion (10%) respectively.
Japan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were also among the top five investor countries.
FDI from the Cayman Islands rose to $2 billion from $422 million in 2024.
Cyprus invested $1.4 billion compared to $1.2 billion in 2024, while inflows from Luxembourg rose to $545 million from $352.67 million.
Investments from China were $6.49 million in 2025, up from $3.73 million in 2024, whereas inflows from Hong Kong fell to $61.4 million from $87.7 million.
Computer Software & Hardware was the most attractive sector with $10.7 billion (22% share), followed by the Services Sector (Financial, Banking, and R&D) at 18%.
Maharashtra received the highest state-wise inflows at $15.38 billion, followed by Karnataka at $11.15 billion.
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Chamber India Sign MoU to Globalise Startup Ecosystem (Start of May)▼
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chamber India to strengthen the nation's startup ecosystem and promote innovation-led growth.
Under the collaboration, DPIIT-recognised startups will receive a 50% discount on Chamber India's privileged membership fees.
The partnership provides access to services including export facilitation, intellectual property advisory, business matching opportunities, and participation in global delegations.
DPIIT has over 200,000 recognised startups in India, which have created more than 21 lakh jobs nationwide.
The MoU aims to bridge domestic innovation with international market opportunities through Chamber India's established network.
Government of India allows 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in insurance companies via automatic route (Start of May)▼
The Government of India has allowed 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in insurance companies through the automatic route.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in Press Note 1 (2026 Series), clarified that foreign investment is permitted automatically subject to regulatory clearance by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
Foreign investment in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) remains capped at 20% under the automatic route, keeping it under a separate framework.
Insurance companies with foreign investment must appoint at least one resident Indian citizen as chairperson, managing director, or chief executive officer to ensure domestic control.
The 100% FDI limit also extends to insurance intermediaries such as brokers, reinsurance brokers, corporate agents, third-party administrators, surveyors, loss assessors, managing general agents, and insurance repositories, subject to IRDAI norms.
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) eases FDI rules for firms with up to 10% Chinese shareholding. (Mid of March)▼
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notified that overseas companies with Chinese shareholding up to 10% can invest in India through the automatic route, subject to sectoral limits and conditions.
The relaxation does not apply to entities incorporated in China, Hong Kong or other countries sharing land borders with India.
Earlier, foreign firms with any shareholding link to such nations required mandatory government approval for investments across sectors.
The term 'beneficial owner' will carry the same meaning as defined under Section 2(1)(fa) of the Prevention of Money-laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Under PMLA rules, controlling ownership interest refers to entitlement to more than 10% of shares, capital or profits in a company.
Investments from entities having any direct or indirect ownership link with citizens or firms from land-bordering nations will have to follow additional reporting requirements under the standard operating procedure prescribed by DPIIT.
The decision to ease the norms was cleared by the Union Cabinet last week.
The government had earlier tightened the FDI policy through Press Note 3 (2020) on April 17, 2020, to prevent opportunistic takeovers of Indian companies during the Covid-19 pandemic.
DPIIT indicated that proposals for FDI from these countries in specified sectors will be considered under an expedited approval mechanism with a 60-day timeline.
Countries sharing land borders with India include China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Afghanistan.
China currently ranks 23rd in FDI equity inflows into India, accounting for 0.32% share, or USD 2.51 billion, between April 2000 and December 2025.
International Organization for Migration (IOM) ranks India first in global remittance inflows
Key Updates:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that India received the highest remittances globally in 2024 with inflows of $137.67 billion, becoming the first nation to cross the $100 billion mark.
India's annual remittance inflows increased from $83.15 billion in 2020 to $137.67 billion in 2024.
The top five remittance-receiving countries in 2024 were India, Mexico, the Philippines, France, and Pakistan.
The United States was the largest source of remittances in 2024 with over $100 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia (over $46 billion), Switzerland (around $40 billion), and Germany (nearly $24 billion).
Under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10.C, the target is to reduce remittance transaction charges to below 3 per cent for sending $200, while South Asia recorded the lowest average cost at around 5 per cent.
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United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projects India's economy to grow at 6.4% in 2026 (End of April)▼
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projected India's economic growth at 6.4% for 2026 and 6.6% for 2027 in its Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026 report.
India's growth rate reached 7.4% in 2025, driven by rural economy consumption, goods and services tax rate cuts, and export frontloading.
Inflation in India is projected to be 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027.
Economies in South and South-West Asia grew by 5.4% in 2025, compared to 5.2% in 2024.
India attracted the largest share of greenfield FDI in the first three quarters with USD 50 billion, followed by Australia (USD 30 billion), Republic of Korea (USD 25 billion), and Kazakhstan (USD 21 billion).
India was the world's largest remittance recipient in 2024 with USD 137 billion.
The United States has levied a 1% tax on all remittances since January 2026.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated 16.6 million green jobs globally, with 1.3 million (8%) in India, 7.3 million (44%) in China, and 2.5 million (15%) in the rest of Asia.
India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme provides incentives for domestic manufacturing of solar photovoltaic, batteries, and green hydrogen.
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projects India's economy to grow at 6.4% in 2026 (End of April)▼
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026.
India's economic growth is projected to be 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027.
India's growth rate for 2025 was 7.4%, supported by rural consumption, goods and services tax rate cuts, and export frontloading.
Inflation in India is projected to be 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027.
India attracted the largest share of greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Asia-Pacific region during the first three quarters with USD 50 billion.
Other top greenfield FDI recipients in the Asia-Pacific region include Australia (USD 30 billion), Republic of Korea (USD 25 billion), and Kazakhstan (USD 21 billion).
India was the world's largest remittance recipient in 2024 with USD 137 billion.
The United States has levied a 1% tax on all remittances since January 2026.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India accounts for 8% of global green jobs with 1.3 million positions, compared to 7.3 million (44%) in China and 2.5 million (15%) in the rest of Asia.
The report cited India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for high-efficiency solar modules, batteries, and green hydrogen to foster green industrial development.
World Migration Report 2026 released by International Organisation for Migration (IOM) (Start of May)▼
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), a United Nations (UN) agency, released the World Migration Report 2026, stating that 304 million people lived outside their country of birth as of mid-2024.
The Mexico-to-United States (US) corridor remains the largest migration route globally with 11 million people, followed by Afghanistan-to-Iran (3.7 million) and Syria-to-Turkiye (3.5 million).
The India-United Arab Emirates (UAE) corridor is the fifth-largest globally, with over three million Indians residing in the UAE, making them the top nationality in that country.
The India-US corridor is the sixth-largest globally with 3.2 million migrants, and the report highlights the influence of the United States-India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) on bilateral trade and defence cooperation.
Other significant India-centric routes in the top 20 international corridors include the Bangladesh-India corridor at the 11th spot and the India-Saudi Arabia corridor at the 14th spot.
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projects India's economy to grow at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027 (End of April)▼
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026.
India's economy is projected to grow at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027.
India's growth rate for 2025 was 7.4%, supported by rural economy consumption, goods and services tax rate cuts, and export frontloading.
Inflation in India is projected to be 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027.
Economies in South and South-West Asia grew by 5.4% in 2025 and 5.2% in 2024.
India's exports to the United States declined by 25% in the second half of 2025 following the introduction of 50% tariffs in August 2025.
India attracted the largest share of greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the first three quarters with $50 billion, followed by Australia ($30 billion), Republic of Korea ($25 billion), and Kazakhstan ($21 billion).
India was the world's largest remittance recipient in 2024 with $137 billion.
The United States has levied a 1% tax on all remittances since January 2026.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated that India has 1.3 million green jobs, which is 8% of the global total of 16.6 million.
India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme provides incentives for domestic manufacturing of solar photovoltaic, batteries, and green hydrogen.
State Bank of India (SBI) expects lending of ₹70,000-80,000 crore under ECLGS 5.0
Key Updates:
State Bank of India (SBI) expects eligible customer utilisation under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 to be in the range of ₹70,000-80,000 crore.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will facilitate an underwriting auction for government securities worth ₹34,000 crore on 8th May.
Kotak Mahindra Bank received approval from the RBI to acquire up to 9.99% stake in AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB).
Axis Bank raised $500 million in an offshore loan from MUFG.
Union Bank shed approximately ₹75,000 crore in bulk deposits in FY26, including ₹30,000 crore in Q4.
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Punjab National Bank (PNB) partners with Kiwi to expand credit on UPI for 180 million customers (End of April)▼
Punjab National Bank (PNB) has partnered with Kiwi to launch the RuPay-based PNB Kiwi Credit Card.
The collaboration aims to introduce credit-enabled Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments to 180 million customers.
The PNB Kiwi Credit Card offers fully digital onboarding, UPI integration, and cashback on online transactions ranging from 0.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent.
PNB operates over 10,000 branches, with 60 per cent of these located in semi-urban and rural regions.
Jio Financial Services Limited and Allianz Group form 50:50 Insurance Joint Venture (End of April)▼
Jio Financial Services Limited and Allianz Group (Allianz) have signed a binding agreement to form a 50:50 primary insurance joint venture (JV).
The JV will operate in the general and health insurance segments of the Indian market.
The partnership aligns with the national goal of Insurance for All by 2047 and the Viksit Bharat vision.
The companies are working towards a separate agreement for a life insurance venture in India.
Allianz has been present in India since 2000.
NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) partners with Juspay to launch switch and SDK for Banking Connect platform (Start of May)▼
NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) partnered with Juspay to introduce a switch and software development kit (SDK) for its Banking Connect platform.
The solution provides a single integration layer for banks and partners.
It enables routing to a central switch and supports structured data delivery for risk and fraud monitoring systems.
The initiative is expected to reduce onboarding time and standardise integration processes.
The announcement was made on April 30, 2026.
Reliance Jio and Bank of Baroda (BoB) launch bob World Lite for JioPhone Prima 4G (Mid of April)▼
Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (Jio) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) have partnered to launch 'bob World Lite', a mobile banking application for feature phone users.
The application is specifically designed for the JioPhone Prima 4G device to expand digital banking access in semi-urban and rural areas.
The app features a lightweight, low-bandwidth architecture that supports keypad navigation and secure access.
Services offered include Unified Payments Interface (UPI) enabled Scan & Pay, money transfers, bill payments, and recharges.
The platform allows self-onboarding for both BoB customers and customers of other banks.
The app comes pre-loaded on new JioPhone Prima 4G devices and is available for download via the JioStore for existing users.
JANANI: Digital Maternal and Child Healthcare Platform for Unified Health Services
Key Updates:
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) launched JANANI (Journey of Antenatal, Natal and Neonatal Integrated Care) to unify pregnancy tracking and newborn care under a digital system.
Developed as an upgraded version of the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portal, the platform was unveiled at the National Summit on Innovation and Inclusivity: Best Practices Shaping India’s Health Future.
The platform has recorded 1.34 crore beneficiary registrations, over 30 lakh registrations of pregnant women, over 30 lakh Mother and Child Health (MCH) cards, and over 1 lakh biometric verifications.
JANANI features QR-enabled digital MCH cards and interoperability with other platforms including U-WIN and POSHAN for seamless data exchange.
Registration is available through Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), Aadhaar-linked OTP or biometric verification, and mobile numbers.
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Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and ABDM: Digital-First Future charted at NHA Chintan Shivir (End of April)▼
The National Health Authority (NHA) conducted a two-day Chintan Shivir in Pune to accelerate healthcare transformation for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
The National Medical Commission (NMC) announced that the integration of hospital management systems (HMIS) with ABDM platforms is now mandatory.
Service delivery in medical colleges will be evaluated based on Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)-linked patient data.
The ABDM State Adoption Index, developed with World Bank support, tracks performance across core digital registries, adoption and usage metrics, and budget utilisation.
The NHA is working to integrate multiple schemes, including PM RAHAT, onto the PM-JAY platform.
Karnataka implemented an online referral system to optimise resource utilisation and strengthen public healthcare institutions.
Gujarat introduced clinical governance reforms comprising Online Tumor Board Certification, digital verification mechanisms, and data-driven monitoring systems.
PM-JAY incentives were utilised to upgrade infrastructure at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
The NHA presented 18 PM-JAY Awards across categories including pre-authorisation efficiency, bio-authentication, training completion, and claims processing.
ABDM Awards for digital adoption were granted to Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tripura.
The event discussed the System Integrator Model to achieve scalable and standardised digital health integration across India.
Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NHA.
Jiyo Parsi portal records 300 fresh registrations at Mumbai facilitation camp (Start of April)▼
The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) and Bombay Parsi Panchayat organised a Universal Parsi Registration Drive in Mumbai that recorded 300 fresh registrations on the Jiyo Parsi portal.
Jiyo Parsi, launched in 2013-14, is a Central Sector Scheme to arrest the declining Parsi population.
The scheme provides medical assistance for fertility treatment and pregnancy-related care, financial assistance for childcare and care of dependent elderly, and advocacy through counselling, awareness campaigns, and outreach programmes.
Assistance is released via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) after biometric authentication and verification by respective state governments.
Census data show Parsi population declined from 1,14,000 in 1941 to 57,264 in 2011.
Between 2020-21 and 2024-25, Rs 17.64 crore was spent and 232 babies were born under the scheme.
An evaluation by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) in 2025 found the scheme largely successful in reaching its intended population.
Samriddh Gram Initiative nominated for WSIS Prizes 2026 (End of April)▼
The Samriddh Gram: Integrated Phygital Service Delivery Model is enabled by BharatNet, an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
The initiative has been nominated for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026 under the Action Line AL C6: Enabling Environment category.
The project establishes Samriddhi Kendras as one-stop community hubs providing integrated services in healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, financial inclusion, and e-commerce.
The model utilizes high-speed broadband, Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity, and public Wi-Fi to enable telemedicine, smart classrooms, and digital governance services.
Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated India's first Samriddhi Kendra at Umri Village in Guna district, Madhya Pradesh.
The WSIS Forum 2026 is scheduled to be held from 6–10 July 2026 in Geneva.
Samriddhi Kendra inaugurated under Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Initiative to deliver integrated citizen services in rural Madhya Pradesh. (Mid of March)▼
Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the Samriddhi Kendra at Umri village in Guna district, Madhya Pradesh.
The Samriddhi Kendra is an Integrated Phygital (Physical + Digital) Service Centre under the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
The initiative leverages BharatNet high-speed broadband infrastructure to transform digital connectivity into an integrated platform for delivery of citizen-centric services in rural areas.
The centre provides telemedicine consultations, a Health ATM for basic diagnostics, and access to affordable medicines through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
Education and skilling facilities include smart classroom infrastructure, digital learning access, digital training programmes supported by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), and skill development programmes for rural youth.
Agriculture services include soil testing support, agricultural advisory services, access to modern farming technologies, and drone-based agriculture services.
The centre facilitates assisted access to e-governance services, including information on government schemes, issuance of certificates, digital documentation, and support for online citizen services.
Financial and digital services include banking and digital payment services, financial literacy support, and assisted access to e-commerce platforms.
Connectivity services are provided through BharatNet-enabled high-speed FTTH broadband and public Wi-Fi access under the PM-WANI framework.
The centre operates on a community-driven model involving trained local youth serving as Village Level Entrepreneurs.
The initiative is implemented by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in partnership with the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF).
Union Cabinet approves amendment to Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act for Vande Mataram
Key Updates:
The Union Cabinet approved amending the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act to place the National Song, Vande Mataram, on par with the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
Vande Mataram was penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, while Jana Gana Mana was composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
The amendment extends legal protections to Vande Mataram, making disruptions or disrespectful acts legally enforceable rather than just advisory.
Acts of disruption include interrupting the song (shouting slogans, playing loud music, making noise, organising protests), mocking or parodying (jokes, gestures, mimicking, altering lyrics), refusing protocol (remaining seated, walking around, talking loudly), and disrupting institutional events (school assemblies, government functions, official ceremonies).
Penalties for such acts include up to 3 years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
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Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) mandates six stanzas of Vande Mataram for schools and government events (Mid of February)▼
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ordered that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram will now be sung at schools and official government events.
The official version of the national song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, has been fixed at a duration of 3 minutes and 10 seconds.
The move coincides with the 150th anniversary of the creation of Vande Mataram and restores the original composition.
Audience members must stand in an attention pose when the national song is played, though this is not mandatory inside cinema halls.
The song is required to be played during Civil Investitures, the arrival and departure of the President or Governors at formal State functions, and when the National Flag is brought on parade.
Schools are instructed to begin the day's work with community singing of the national song to promote respect among students.
When performed by a band, the song must be preceded by a roll of drums lasting seven paces in slow march.
Triumphal Arch design unveiled on 10 April (Mid of April)▼
The U.S. administration unveiled drawings for a 250-foot Triumphal Arch across the Potomac River on 10 April.
The project is intended to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in July.
The Commission on Fine Arts (CFA) is the federal design panel responsible for considering the project's design.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced that President Trump's signature will appear on all future U.S. paper currency, marking the first time for a sitting president.
The U.S. Treasury Department will produce a $1 coin and a 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring President Trump's portrait.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was renamed the Trump-Kennedy Centre in 2025.
The Campaign Legal Center (CLC) filed a complaint regarding corporate donations to projects including the White House ballroom and the Trump-Kennedy Centre.
Federal law requires a recommendation from the interior secretary or the General Services Administration (GSA) for new commemorative works in the area.
78th Zomi National Day celebrated in Manipur (End of February)▼
The 78th edition of Zomi National Day was celebrated at the Centenary Hall of the Evangelical Baptist Convention (EBC) in Churachandpur, Manipur.
Manipur deputy chief minister Losi Dikho attended as chief guest, accompanied by Karong MLA K Kumo Sha, Autonomous District Council (ADC) members of Senapati, deputy commissioner Dharun Kumar S, and representatives from the 27 Sector Assam Rifles.
The programme included cultural exchanges, special dance performances, choirs from different communities, choreography, mass prayers and a one-minute silence in honour of departed leaders.
Dikho announced that the turf ground funded under Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has been granted, with construction works set to begin soon.
Vande Mataram Frames National Filmmaking Competition launched by Ministry of Culture (End of April)▼
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has launched the Vande Mataram Frames National Filmmaking Competition to celebrate 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram.
The competition features a total prize pool of up to ₹50 lakh.
Participants must be aged 15 years and above and can enter individually or in teams of up to three members.
The competition consists of three categories: Reel Category (up to 60 seconds), AI Film Category (3–5 minutes), and Short Film Category (up to 15 minutes).
Prizes for the Reel Category are ₹1,50,000 for 1st, ₹1,00,000 for 2nd, and ₹50,000 for 3rd place.
Prizes for the AI Film Category are ₹5,00,000 for 1st, ₹3,00,000 for 2nd, and ₹1,50,000 for 3rd place.
Prizes for the Short Film Category are ₹15,00,000 for 1st, ₹12,00,000 for 2nd, and ₹10,00,000 for 3rd place.
The competition themes include stories from India’s freedom struggle, unsung heroes and historical narratives, cultural diversity and heritage, and modern expressions of patriotism.
The deadline for submissions through the official portal vandemataram150.in is April 23, 2026.
The Union Cabinet approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore to address short-term liquidity mismatches caused by the West Asia Crisis.
Eligible borrowers include Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), non-MSMEs with existing working capital limits, and scheduled passenger airlines with outstanding credit facilities as of March 31, 2026.
The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) will provide fee-free guarantee coverage of 100% for MSMEs and 90% for non-MSMEs and the airline sector.
MSMEs and non-MSMEs can avail additional credit up to 20% of peak working capital utilised during the fourth quarter of FY26 (capped at Rs 100 crore), while airlines can avail up to 100% additional credit (capped at Rs 1,500 crore).
The loan tenure is five years with a one-year moratorium for MSMEs and non-MSMEs, and seven years with a two-year moratorium for airlines.
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Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS 5.0) Approved with ₹2.55 Lakh Crore Credit Flow (Start of May)▼
The Union Cabinet approved the fifth version of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS 5.0) to provide financial support to businesses facing liquidity pressures due to the West Asia crisis.
The scheme aims to facilitate a total additional credit flow of ₹2.55 lakh crore, which includes a specific earmark of ₹5,000 crore for the airline sector.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will receive 100 per cent guarantee coverage on additional credit, while non-MSMEs and scheduled passenger airlines will be covered up to 90 per cent.
Eligible borrowers include MSMEs and airlines with standard accounts as of March 31, 2026, with credit caps set at ₹100 crore for general borrowers and ₹1,500 crore for airlines.
The loan tenure is fixed at five years for MSMEs and seven years for the airline sector, with the scheme remaining applicable for loans sanctioned until March 31, 2027.
Rail Multi-Tracking Projects Approved with ₹23,437 Crore Outlay (Start of May)▼
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved three multi-tracking railway projects worth ₹23,437 crore to expand the national rail network by 901 kilometres.
Managed by the Ministry of Railways (MoR), the projects cover 19 districts across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
The approved corridors include the Nagda–Mathura 3rd and 4th Line, Guntakal–Wadi 3rd and 4th Line, and Burhwal–Sitapur 3rd and 4th Line, with a completion target of 2030–31.
Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP), the projects aim to provide connectivity to 4,161 villages and handle an additional 60 million tonnes of freight per annum.
The initiative is expected to reduce oil imports by 37 crore litres and cut carbon emissions by 185 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting approximately 7 crore trees.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) Extended with Revised Outlay of ₹83,977 Crore (Mid of April)▼
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) until March 2028.
The total financial outlay for the scheme has been revised to ₹83,977 crore, marking an increase from the previous allocation of ₹80,250 crore.
The extension aims to complete rural road and bridge projects to improve connectivity to agricultural markets, higher secondary schools, and hospitals.
Infrastructure works in plain areas and roads in hilly regions are scheduled for completion by March 2028, while bridge construction in hilly areas has been extended until March 2029.
The government will sanction and implement 161 long-span bridges along approved road alignments at an estimated cost of ₹961 crore.
Projects sanctioned before 31 March 2025 that have not yet been awarded are now eligible for tendering and execution under the extended period.
Assam Interim Budget 2026-27: Rs 62,294.78 Crore Outlay and ULFA Peace Package (Mid of February)▼
Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog tabled an interim budget of ₹62,294.78 crore for the financial year 2026–27 to seek a Vote on Account.
The 16th Finance Commission increased the inter-se share for Assam to 3.258 per cent, which is expected to result in a devolution exceeding ₹50,000 crore.
The Government of India (GoI) earmarked ₹500 crore as the first tranche of a ₹5,000 crore special development and rehabilitation package under the 2023 United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) peace accord.
The Assam government committed ₹3,000 crore from its own resources for infrastructure and development projects linked to the ULFA peace agreement.
A 69-kilometre Kokrajhar–Gelephu new railway line has been sanctioned under the India–Bhutan connectivity initiative.
The budget proposes the construction of 40-km underground railway tracks along the Siliguri corridor to fortify the Chicken’s Neck region.
A highway project is planned from the semiconductor plant at Jagiroad to the Bhutan border via Udalguri, including a new bridge over the Brahmaputra river.
The state government requested a feasibility study for five new airports in Nagaon, Diphu, Umrangso, Majuli, and Manas.
The government reported providing over 1.58 lakh transparent appointments, surpassing the initial target of 1 lakh government jobs.
The state is finalising discussions with tea associations to announce enhanced wages for tea garden workers within the current year.
Cabinet Approves ECLGS 5.0, Railway Projects, and Sugarcane FRP Increase
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) issued new guidelines for states to shift the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) base year to 2022-23 to align with national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) revisions.
The Union Cabinet approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 (ECLGS 5.0) to provide additional credit to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and airlines facing economic challenges.
The government increased the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane by ₹10 to ₹365 per quintal for the 2026-27 season, a move expected to benefit one crore farmers.
The Union Cabinet approved three new railway projects with an estimated cost of ₹23,437 crore to enhance infrastructure and connectivity across 19 districts in six states.
The timeline for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) was extended with an increased financial outlay of over ₹83,000 crore to support rural road development and connectivity.
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Rail Multi-Tracking Projects Approved with ₹23,437 Crore Outlay (Start of May)▼
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved three multi-tracking railway projects worth ₹23,437 crore to expand the national rail network by 901 kilometres.
Managed by the Ministry of Railways (MoR), the projects cover 19 districts across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
The approved corridors include the Nagda–Mathura 3rd and 4th Line, Guntakal–Wadi 3rd and 4th Line, and Burhwal–Sitapur 3rd and 4th Line, with a completion target of 2030–31.
Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP), the projects aim to provide connectivity to 4,161 villages and handle an additional 60 million tonnes of freight per annum.
The initiative is expected to reduce oil imports by 37 crore litres and cut carbon emissions by 185 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting approximately 7 crore trees.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) to invest $70 Billion in Asia-Pacific infrastructure by 2035 (Start of May)▼
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will support $70 billion in new energy and digital infrastructure projects across the Asia-Pacific region by 2035.
Under the Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative, ADB aims to mobilise $50 billion for cross-border power infrastructure, including 22,000 circuit-kilometers of transmission lines.
The power initiative targets the integration of 20 gigawatts of renewable energy and aims to reduce regional power sector emissions by 15% by 2035.
The Asia-Pacific Digital Highway will mobilise $20 billion to finance digital corridors, subsea fibre networks, and satellite links to provide broadband access to 200 million people.
ADB President Masato Kanda advised countries like India to strengthen domestic economies and build reserves to ensure resilience against global order stress tests.
Reform Express initiative introduces five new reforms to boost cargo and passenger services (End of March)▼
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced five new reforms under the Reform Express initiative, raising the 2026 total to nine.
Indian Railways launched stainless steel containers with top-loading and hydraulic side-discharge systems for salt transport to cut corrosion and handling damage.
Flexible wagon designs tailored to route-specific tunnels and bridges will be introduced to raise the current 24% share of passenger vehicle movement by rail.
Stricter contractor eligibility, fixed 2% bid security, mandatory bid-capacity evaluation, tighter subcontracting rules, and extra performance guarantees for under-priced bids will improve infrastructure project quality.
Aadhaar-based OTP verification and deletion of nearly three crore fake IRCTC accounts have been implemented to curb ticketing misuse.
Passengers may now cancel tickets 72, 24, or 8 hours before departure aligned with revised chart timings, cancel counter tickets at any station, receive automatic e-ticket refunds, upgrade class up to 30 minutes before departure, and change boarding stations digitally within the same timeframe.
Union Cabinet approves infrastructure projects worth Rs 12,236 crore across railways, aviation, urban transport, power and agriculture (End of February)▼
The Union Cabinet approved infrastructure and policy proposals worth Rs 12,236 crore, covering railways, aviation, urban transport, power sector reforms and agriculture.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) cleared three railway projects—Gondia-Jabalpur doubling, Punarakh-Kiul third and fourth line, and Gamharia-Chandil third and fourth line—costing Rs 9,072 crore.
These railway projects span Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, adding 307 km to the network and enhancing connectivity to 5,407 villages with a population of nearly 98 lakh.
The railway capacity augmentation is expected to handle 52 million tonnes of additional freight traffic per annum, save 6 crore litres of oil and cut CO2 emissions by 30 crore kg.
CCEA approved a new civil enclave at Srinagar International Airport at a cost of Rs 1,677 crore, featuring a 71,500 square metre terminal with peak-hour capacity of 2,900 passengers and annual capacity of 10 million passengers.
The Srinagar airport project includes a 1,000-car multi-level car park, apron for 15 aircraft and targets a 5-star GRIHA rating.
The Cabinet cleared a 3.33-km Ahmedabad Metro extension from GIFT City to Shahpur at Rs 1,067.35 crore with three elevated stations to be implemented by Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited.
The Ahmedabad Metro extension is projected to serve over 23,700 passengers daily by 2029 and nearly 58,000 by 2041.
Power sector reforms enhanced delegation to Powergrid, raising per-project equity investment limit for subsidiaries from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 7,500 crore to boost participation in high-value tariff-based competitive bidding projects.
The Cabinet approved renaming Kerala to 'Keralam' through the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to be referred by the President to the Kerala Legislative Assembly under Article 3 of the Constitution.
The Cabinet fixed the minimum support price (MSP) for raw jute (TD-3 grade) at Rs 5,925 per quintal for 2026-27, an increase of Rs 275 per quintal over the previous year.
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 Guidelines Released for Comprehensive Child Health Screening
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) released the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 Guidelines at the National Summit on Good Practices and Innovations in Public Healthcare Service Delivery.
The updated framework expands the established 4Ds approach—Defects at Birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental Delays—to include mental health conditions, behavioural concerns, and non-communicable diseases.
RBSK 2.0 follows a lifecycle-based approach to provide a comprehensive continuum of care for children from birth to 18 years of age.
Health screening services are delivered through Mobile Health Teams at Anganwadi Centres and schools to identify risk factors for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
The guidelines introduce digital health cards, real-time data systems, and a robust referral tracking system to ensure children identified with health conditions receive facility-based diagnosis and treatment.
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India's maternal mortality drops nearly 80% since 1990: Global study (End of March)▼
India's maternal mortality ratio fell from 508 per one lakh livebirths in 1990 to 116 per one lakh livebirths in 2023.
India recorded 24,700 maternal deaths in 2023.
The Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021-23 places India's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) at 88 per lakh live births.
India has achieved an 86% reduction in MMR since 1990, surpassing the global average reduction of 48%.
The global maternal mortality ratio declined from 321 per one lakh livebirths in 1990 to 190.5 in 2023.
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target is an MMR below 70 per one lakh livebirths by 2030.
104 of 204 countries and territories have not yet met the SDG maternal mortality target.
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 expanded to include mental health conditions and non-communicable disease risk factors (Start of May)▼
The revised Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 guidelines expand child health screening to include mental health conditions and early risk factors for diabetes and hypertension among children aged 0-18 years.
The earlier focus on screening for birth defects, diseases, deficiencies and developmental delays (4Ds) has been broadened under the revised framework.
Screenings are conducted by Mobile Health Teams visiting anganwadi centres and schools for early identification of health conditions.
The revised framework introduces digital health cards for longitudinal tracking of a child's health status and real-time data systems.
A referral tracking mechanism has been introduced to ensure children receive diagnosis and follow-up treatment without dropping out of care.
India ranks second globally in childhood obesity, projected to have 20 million obese children by 2040: World Obesity Atlas 2026 (Start of March)▼
India ranks second globally in childhood obesity after China, overtaking the United States, according to the World Obesity Atlas 2026.
In 2025, India had 14.9 million children aged 5–9 and over 26 million aged 10–19 who were overweight or obese.
By 2040, India is projected to have 20 million children living with obesity and 56 million either overweight or obese.
The World Obesity Atlas 2026 predicts BMI-attributed hypertension in Indian children will rise from 2.99 million to 4.21 million between 2025 and 2040.
Hyperglycaemia cases are projected to increase from 1.39 million to 1.91 million, and high triglycerides from 4.39 million to 6.07 million in the same period.
India leads the WHO South-East Asia Region with over 45 million young people aged 0–19 overweight or obese.
The World Obesity Federation (WOF) warns India is among the fastest-rising countries, with nearly 5% annual increase in childhood overweight and obesity.
Only 35.5% of Indian school-age children receive school meals, and 74% of adolescents aged 11–17 fail to meet recommended physical activity levels.
The Atlas urges stronger prevention policies, including healthier school food environments, protection from marketing of unhealthy foods, and taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages.
WHO Foundation–Novo Nordisk initiative to prevent childhood obesity through school-based programmes (Mid of March)▼
The WHO Foundation and Novo Nordisk have launched a joint initiative in India to prevent childhood obesity through school-based programmes.
The initiative aligns with the Indian government’s Ayushman Bharat School Health and Wellness Programme and WHO’s Health Promoting Schools framework.
It aims to provide financial support for obesity prevention and strengthen health-system readiness.
The project focuses on promoting early-life healthy environments and integrating health education in schools.
NITI Aayog launches Central Prabhari Officer (CPO) portal for real-time governance
Key Updates:
NITI Aayog has launched the Central Prabhari Officer (CPO) portal to strengthen real-time governance and improve coordination among stakeholders.
The portal is designed to accelerate last-mile delivery under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
Central Prabhari Officers (CPOs) will submit field observations and recommendations in real time via mobile devices to inform policy actions and administrative interventions.
The platform enables Districts to view suggestions provided by CPOs and submit responses, while State Planning Secretaries coordinate implementation across departments.
Officers at NITI Aayog and various Line Ministries and Departments will monitor these inputs to ensure data-driven governance and faster administrative response.
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MoRD Launches Real-Time Internal Audit Portal to Boost Transparency and Accountability in Rural Governance (End of March)▼
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) operationalised an Internal Audit Portal developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
The portal (ruralaudit.dord.gov.in) enables Secretary-level access for direct real-time monitoring of audit performance across departments.
It provides a real-time dashboard to monitor audit status, Action Taken Reports (ATRs), and pending cases from field units to headquarters.
An automated escalation mechanism generates system alerts for delays in compliance, ensuring accountability across administrative levels.
Role-based secure access safeguards data integrity while enabling coordination among officials.
The platform centralises audit tracking by allowing seamless flow of audit observations from field offices to central authorities.
The Ministry expects the portal to reduce the compliance gap and accelerate closure of audit observations through continuous 365-day monitoring.
The initiative aligns with the Digital India mission to strengthen governance, transparency, and fiscal discipline in rural development expenditure.
Uttar Pradesh launches Nivesh Mitra 3.0 to streamline investor approvals (End of March)▼
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched Nivesh Mitra 3.0, an upgraded single-window investment portal, in Lucknow.
The portal consolidates over 530 services from 43 departments into fewer than 200 simplified services.
Key features include PAN-based single login, dynamic common application form, AI-powered chatbot, real-time application tracking, automated alerts, and integration with NSWS, IGRS, and GIS-based land bank systems.
The state government disbursed ₹2,781.12 crore in incentives to 85 industrial projects across manufacturing, automobiles, electronics, cement, and food processing sectors.
₹73 crore was allocated to IT and electronics projects and ₹20 crore to food processing units.
45 companies received incentives and 62 companies were issued Letters of Comfort (LoCs), together representing nearly ₹50,000 crore in investment potential and an estimated 50,000 job opportunities.
The earlier complex land-use approval process under Section 80 has been removed; approval under the master plan now grants automatic land-use clearance.
Between 2012 and 2017, only 16 Letters of Comfort were issued, rising to 3,367 in the last nine years, reflecting growing investor confidence.
Delhi CM launches CM Jan Sunwai Portal and app for integrated grievance redressal (End of February)▼
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the CM Jan Sunwai Portal and mobile app for public grievance submission.
Complaints can be registered via portal, app, call centre (1902), or offline through the Chief Minister’s Office.
A three-tier grievance redressal mechanism—Grievance Redressal Officer, Appellate Authority, and Final Appellate Authority—has been implemented.
Each complaint receives a unique reference ID and SMS updates at every stage.
Negative feedback triggers automatic escalation to a higher authority.
The system operates on 100% feedback-driven monitoring to ensure officer accountability.
A secure, cloud-based e-admission portal for EWS, DG, and CWSN categories replaced the earlier outdated software.
Aadhaar-based identity verification and digital birth-certificate verification are mandatory to prevent fraud.
Income certificates will be verified through an integrated online system.
Over 7,000 active Common Service Centre (CSC) centres across Delhi will deliver e-District services locally.
The Delhi government is already providing 75 e-District services online, including income, caste, residence, birth and death certificates, and services related to social welfare, food and civil supplies, labour, and education.
CM Pragati portal created the first comprehensive digital record of all Delhi government land and building assets.
RAJMARG PRAVESH Portal Upgrade Launched for Faster Highway NOCs (End of February)▼
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari launched the upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH web portal to streamline issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for facilities along National Highways.
The portal provides single-window online applications for permissions covering fuel stations, wayside amenities, rest area complexes, private properties, connecting roads, and industrial access points.
It also facilitates utility permissions for water pipelines, gas pipelines, optical fibre cables, electrical transmission lines, and other infrastructure services along or across National Highways.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) redesigned the portal to ensure streamlined digital workflows, reduced approval timelines, improved transparency, and real-time application tracking.
The portal can be accessed at http://rajmargpravesh.morth.gov.in.
100 Days Ayushman Student Coverage Mission to Expand Youth Health Coverage in Nagaland
Key Updates:
Nagaland launched the ‘100 Days Ayushman Student Coverage Mission’ to expand health coverage for its younger citizens.
The mission is being implemented from May to August, led by the Nagaland Health Protection Society (NHPS) in collaboration with district administrations.
Registration and Ayushman card generation camps will be conducted in selected educational institutions.
Eligible students will be enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS).
The initiative aims to strengthen student health security through universal registration and improved access to healthcare benefits.
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Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY): ₹5 Lakh Health Coverage (Start of May)▼
Ayushman Bharat Diwas is celebrated annually on April 30 to recognise the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
PM-JAY was launched on September 23, 2018, in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
The scheme provides cashless health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary healthcare.
It targets over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore individuals), focusing on the poorest 40% of the population identified by SECC 2011 data.
The programme is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN) under the umbrella of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The scheme covers pre-existing conditions and provides access to over 1,900 medical procedures at empanelled public and private hospitals.
Beneficiary groups include low-income families, people with chronic illnesses, hospitalised patients, women, the elderly, and interstate migrants.
The coverage includes maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, mental health, and rehabilitation care.
By late 2025, more than 5.38 crore Ayushman cards were issued, with 74.4 lakh beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh receiving free treatment.
Over 1 lakh Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) have been operationalised to expand healthcare access in underserved areas.
The Ask Ayushman chatbot on WhatsApp is utilised to help users find hospitals and check eligibility.
Maharashtra government launched the ₹65.25 crore 'Majha Gaon, Arogyasampann Gaon' rural healthcare initiative on World Health Day.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the campaign in Mumbai in the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar.
Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar outlined the campaign’s vision to strengthen rural healthcare systems and make villages disease-free.
The initiative emphasises preventive healthcare including sanitation, clean drinking water, wastewater management, nutrition, and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
It prioritises maternal and child health, mental health, and lifestyle-related illnesses.
Administrative committees have been set up from state to village level for implementation.
Villages meeting predefined health indicators will be recognised as 'Arogyasampann Gaon'.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele ousted in no-confidence vote on 7 May 2026
Key Updates:
Jeremiah Manele was ousted as Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands after a 26-22 vote of no confidence on 7 May 2026.
The no-confidence motion was moved by former deputy prime minister Frederick Kologeto and the 'New Coalition' seized control of the 50-seat Parliament.
In his final statement, Manele warned Opposition leader Matthew Cooper Wale to 'be very careful of who you are dealing with and sitting next to'.
Manele raised concerns that a recent Appeal Court decision could 'open the door to more political instability' by involving courts in parliamentary processes.
The removal raises immediate questions about the future of the 2022 security pact and Solomon Islands' ties with China.
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Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley secures third consecutive term after Barbados Labor Party wins all 30 parliamentary seats (Mid of February)▼
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley won a third consecutive term after her Barbados Labor Party captured all 30 seats in Parliament.
The general election was held on Wednesday, with results announced by state-owned media.
This marks the third occasion that the Barbados Labor Party alone secured every parliamentary seat.
Mottley was challenged by Ralph Thorne of the Democratic Labor Party.
Mottley expects Cabinet swearing-in on Monday and Parliament to reopen by the end of next week.
Under Mottley, Barbados became a republic by cutting ties with Queen Elizabeth II in November 2021.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Mottley and pledged deeper cooperation against transnational crime.
United Kingdom shelves Chagos Islands transfer to Mauritius after United States withholds support (Mid of April)▼
The United Kingdom has set aside a bill to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius due to lack of support from United States President Donald Trump.
The UK government stated it would only proceed with the deal if it had US support.
A bill outlining plans to cede sovereignty of the 60-plus Indian Ocean islands was dropped from the next UK parliamentary agenda starting 13 May.
In May last year the UK and Mauritius jointly announced a deal to return full sovereignty of Chagos to Mauritius, with Britain leasing Diego Garcia on a 99-year lease to preserve US military operations.
Trump opposed the move in January, calling it an 'act of great stupidity'.
Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago and hosts a major United States military base leased from Britain since 1966.
Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful pledged to 'spare no effort to seize any diplomatic or legal avenue to complete the decolonisation process'.
Britain has controlled the Chagos since 1814, including after Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s.
The Diego Garcia base has supported US military operations in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Chagossians forcibly evicted to make way for the base have brought compensation claims to British courts.
In 2019 the International Court of Justice recommended that the archipelago be returned to Mauritius.
Sanae Takaichi wins Japan general election as Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secures supermajority. (Start of February)▼
Sanae Takaichi is the Prime Minister of Japan and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The LDP won 316 of the 465 seats in Japan’s lower house of parliament.
The victory gives the LDP a supermajority, exceeding the 233 seats needed for a majority.
Takaichi called the snap election after three months in office to consolidate political support.
She has pledged to suspend the 8 percent sales tax on food to ease household burdens.
US President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Takaichi and announced her White House visit on March 19.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described Takaichi’s win as a 'big victory' for Japan–US relations.
Japan–US trade was valued at $317 billion in 2024, with around 50,000 US troops stationed in Japan.
Maldives formally rejects UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands transfer deal (End of March)▼
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu conveyed non-recognition of the UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands deal through two written objections (November 2024 and January 2026) and a phone call with UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.
The President's Office termed the UK proceeding "in sole consultation with Mauritius" as "deeply concerning" and asserted Maldives' historical claim to the archipelago.
The UK pays an average £101 million per year to lease the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, the largest Chagos island.
International Court of Justice (ICJ) 2019 advisory opinion and International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) 2023 ruling endorsed Mauritius' claim, calling the 1965 separation unlawful.
US President Donald Trump urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer not to cede the territory, placing the UK-Mauritius deal on indefinite hold.
Maldives government is evaluating legal options, including a formal submission to ICJ, to assert sovereign rights over the Chagos Archipelago.
India and European Union launch ₹169 crore EV battery recycling partnership
Key Updates:
India and the European Union (EU) launched a ₹169 crore (€15.2 million) joint programme to enhance electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling capacity and recover critical raw materials.
The initiative was announced under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), specifically within Working Group 2 focused on green and clean energy technologies.
The programme focuses on recovering critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and nickel from used batteries.
A joint EU-India pilot line will be established in India to test and deploy innovative recycling technologies.
The deadline for submitting proposals for the third coordinated call for EV battery recycling technologies is September 15, 2026.
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Rocklink India Establishes Integrated Recycling Facility in Uttar Pradesh (End of April)▼
Rocklink India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Germany-based Rocklink Group, has set up its first integrated recycling facility in the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) Industrial Area in Sikandrabad, Uttar Pradesh.
The facility is designed to process lithium-ion batteries, rare earth magnets, and metal-bearing industrial waste.
The plant has an initial lithium-ion battery recycling capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year and rare earth magnet dismantling and processing operations of 60 tonnes per month.
A rare earth chloride processing line with a production capacity of 1,500 tonnes per year is planned for completion in Q1 2026.
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) registered plant is capable of processing 95 types of pre- and post-consumer battery scrap materials.
The facility employs a self-developed recycling technology called R2, which achieves over 98 per cent recovery efficiency for metals such as aluminium, copper, and iron.
The facility handles permanent magnet alloys including NdFeB, SmCo, and AlNiCo.
Rocklink India will expand the Magcycle reverse logistics model, implemented in Europe since 2018, into the Indian market.
The upcoming processing unit will utilise a 22-metre direct-heated rotary kiln for the safe calcination of industrial waste.
Delhi Draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030: Up to ₹1 Lakh Scrappage Incentive and Full Road Tax Waiver (Mid of April)▼
The Delhi government released the draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030 to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption through financial incentives and infrastructure mandates.
The policy proposes a 100 per cent exemption on road tax and registration fees for electric cars priced up to ₹30 lakh until 31 March 2030.
Strong hybrid vehicles priced up to ₹30 lakh will be eligible for a 50 per cent exemption on road tax and registration fees.
A scrappage incentive of up to ₹1 lakh is proposed for the first 1,00,000 applicants who replace Delhi-registered BS-IV or older vehicles with new electric cars priced up to ₹30 lakh.
Additional scrappage incentives include ₹50,000 for electric goods carriers, ₹25,000 for electric three-wheelers, and ₹10,000 for electric two-wheelers.
From 1 January 2026, no new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) two-wheelers or light goods vehicles will be permitted to join aggregator and delivery fleets.
From 1 January 2027, only electric three-wheelers, including auto-rickshaws, will be permitted for new registrations in Delhi.
Electric two-wheelers priced up to ₹2.25 lakh will receive phased subsidies starting at ₹10,000 per kWh (capped at ₹30,000) in the first year, reducing to ₹3,300 per kWh by the third year.
Electric auto-rickshaws will receive a flat incentive of ₹40,000 in the first two years and ₹30,000 in the third year.
Incentives for electric goods carriers in the N1 category are set at ₹1 lakh in the first year, ₹75,000 in the second year, and ₹50,000 in the third year.
All new infrastructure projects by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and Delhi Cantonment Board must be EV-charging ready.
Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) has been designated as the nodal agency for planning and coordinating public charging and battery swapping stations.
Rocklink India Establishes Lithium-ion Battery and Rare Earth Recycling Facility in Uttar Pradesh (End of April)▼
Rocklink India Pvt. Ltd. has established an integrated recycling facility for lithium-ion batteries and rare earth magnets at the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) Industrial Area in Sikandrabad, Uttar Pradesh.
The facility has an initial lithium-ion battery recycling capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year and rare earth magnet processing operations of 60 tonnes per month.
A rare-earth chloride processing unit with an annual capacity of 1,500 tonnes is scheduled for commissioning in the first quarter of 2026.
The plant is registered under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms and is equipped to handle 95 types of battery scrap.
The facility utilises an in-house recycling process termed R2 to convert battery waste into reusable components.
Recovery rates for metals such as aluminium, copper, and iron are over 98 per cent, producing black mass for further refinement.
The facility includes infrastructure for recycling rare earth magnets containing materials such as NdFeB, SmCo, and AlNiCo.
Rocklink India is expanding its Magcycle reverse logistics model to India to streamline the collection and movement of magnet scrap.
Materials unsuitable for direct recycling are processed into rare earth chlorides using a rotary kiln-based system.
Centre approves 58 companies under critical mineral recycling incentive scheme with ₹1,500 crore outlay (Start of May)▼
The Ministry of Mines approved 58 companies for participation under the incentive scheme for promotion of critical mineral recycling.
The scheme has an outlay of ₹1,500 crore and is part of the National Critical Mineral Mission.
It aims to develop domestic recycling capacity for critical minerals from lithium-ion batteries, e-waste, and industrial scrap to reduce import dependence and support clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Participants have pledged capacity of about 850 thousand tonnes per annum and pledged investment of about ₹5,000 crore.
Selected companies represent segments including battery recycling, e-waste processing, and recovery from other waste, with the next stage being project execution.
India and Vietnam Review Defence Ties and Sign 13 Agreements in New Delhi on 6 May 2026
Key Updates:
Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, in New Delhi on 6 May 2026.
The two nations signed 13 agreements to provide for deeper two-way engagement and reviewed the growing strategic trust under the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key areas including maritime security, defence industry collaboration, and joint research, co-development, and co-production.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to working with Vietnam under the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for All in the Region (MAHASAGAR) vision.
Vietnam President To Lam was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on his maiden visit to India during the high-level exchanges.
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India and Vietnam set $25 billion bilateral trade target by 2030 (Start of May)▼
India and Vietnam agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The two nations established a bilateral trade target of 25 billion USD to be achieved by 2030.
Investment flows will be expanded across high-technology manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, electric vehicles, and digital services.
Market access was approved for Indian grapes and Vietnamese durians, with commitments to fast-track access for pomegranates and pomelos.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) entered an agreement to facilitate cross-border digital payments using QR-based systems.
Vietnam will host a liaison officer at the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) located in Gurugram.
India has implemented 66 quick impact projects across most provinces in Vietnam as part of its development partnership.
India and Vietnam discuss BrahMos missile sale during President To Lam's visit from 5 May to 7 May (Start of May)▼
Vietnamese President To Lam is visiting India from 5 May to 7 May to discuss expanding defence ties and the potential purchase of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
BrahMos is a joint venture between Indian and Russian government entities, and India has previously sold these missiles to the Philippines and signed a contract with Indonesia in March.
A potential deal with Vietnam for the missiles could be valued at approximately 60 billion rupees ($629 million), including training and logistical support.
Bilateral trade between India and Vietnam exceeded $16 billion in the last fiscal year, with both nations seeking to further expand economic cooperation.
India previously gifted the indigenously built missile corvette Kirpan to the Vietnamese military in 2023 and continues to provide military training.
India and Austria seal 15 deals across defence, counter-terrorism, technology and trade (Mid of April)▼
India and Austria concluded 15 arrangements covering defence, technology, innovation and trade.
A Joint Working Group on counter‑terrorism was agreed to be set up between the two countries.
A Letter of Intent (LoI) on defence will provide an institutional framework for cooperation in military matters, defence industrial and technology partnership.
The defence LoI builds on the India‑European Union (EU) Defence and Security Partnership signed on 27 January 2026.
The LoI on counter‑terrorism will advance cooperation and establish a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Austria’s tunnelling expertise in projects such as the Delhi Metro and the Atal Tunnel.
Modi mentioned collaboration in defence, semiconductors, quantum technology and biotechnology.
India and Republic of Korea (ROK) target $50 billion bilateral trade by 2030 (End of April)▼
India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) aim to increase bilateral trade from $27 billion to $50 billion by 2030.
The two nations decided to upgrade the India-Korea trade agreement by next year.
An India-Korea financial forum, an industrial cooperation committee, and an economic security dialogue focused on critical technologies and supply chains will be launched.
The India-Korea digital bridge was launched to deepen partnerships in Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and information technology.
A Korean industrial township will be established to facilitate the entry of Korean Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into India.
The ROK formally joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
India signed to join the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
A comprehensive framework for partnership in shipbuilding, shipping, and maritime logistics was signed.
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed for cooperation in the field of ports and for technology and trade for steel supply chains.
The two leaders agreed to hold leader-level meetings annually.
Meetings of joint commissions led by foreign, finance, and science and technology ministers will be held this year.
India commemorates first anniversary of Operation Sindoor against terror infrastructure in PoK and Pakistan
Key Updates:
India observed the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, a military countermeasure initiated following the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025.
The operation involved decisive military action by the Indian Armed Forces against terror infrastructure and terrorists located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) released footage of the 88-hour military response, which included precision strikes that commenced at 1:05 AM.
The Headquarters of the Indian Defence Staff (HQ IDS) designated the operation as a symbol of national resolve to safeguard the sovereignty of the country.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi stated that India would identify and punish terrorists and their backers, asserting that terror and trade cannot coexist.
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India: COAS General Upendra Dwivedi flags off culmination ceremony of Bharat RannBhoomi Darshan D2D Expedition at National War Memorial, New Delhi (End of February)▼
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi flagged off the culmination ceremony of Bharat RannBhoomi Darshan D2D Expedition at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
The 22-day expedition covered approximately 3,400 kilometres, starting from Dwarka on 3 February 2026.
Led jointly by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Border Security Force (BSF), the expedition traversed key locations across Gujarat and Rajasthan to honour war heroes and showcase India’s military heritage.
India's Ministry of Defence signs ₹1,476 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Ltd for Indian Army systems
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a ₹1,476 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) to procure five ground-based mobile electronic systems for the Indian Army.
The mobile electronic systems are intended to boost the surveillance and networking infrastructure of the Indian Army.
The systems will feature a minimum of 72 per cent indigenous content.
The contract was inked under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously designed, developed and manufactured) category in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The procurement aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives to strengthen the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
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Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signs MoU with SASMOS HET Technologies to boost indigenous defence manufacturing (Start of March)▼
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed an MoU with SASMOS HET Technologies Limited to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
The MoU was exchanged between BEL chairman and managing director Manoj Jain and SASMOS chairman and managing director H G Chandrashekar in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The collaboration will focus on localising critical components, increasing domestic value addition and strengthening production capabilities as well as exports.
The MoU covers high-reliability photonics and fibre optic systems, avionics and mission-critical electronic systems, aerospace-grade interconnect solutions, electro-mechanical assemblies and sub-systems for airborne, naval and land-based platforms.
The partnership aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing and defence supply chains.
BEL shares ended trading 2% higher at ₹469.60 on the NSE and have given a YTD return of 18%.
India signs Rs 1,950 crore deal with Bharat Electronics Limited for two mountain radars for Indian Air Force (Start of April)▼
The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 1,950 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for procurement of two mountain radars and associated infrastructure for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The mountain radar is indigenously designed and developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The radars will be manufactured by BEL and their installation will enhance India’s air defence and reduce dependence on foreign equipment.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bellatrix Aerospace sign MoU to develop Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite technologies. (Start of March)▼
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bengaluru-based Bellatrix Aerospace signed an MoU on Thursday to collaborate on design, development and manufacturing of satellite systems and payloads for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) operations.
VLEO altitude ranges between 100 and 450 kilometres, enabling higher-resolution images, faster communications and better atmospheric science.
Bellatrix Aerospace, founded in 2015, specialises in satellite propulsion technologies and satellite subsystems.
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.
CSIR-CRRI and BPCL Develop India's First Plastic Waste-Based Phoenix Geocell for Road Construction
Key Updates:
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) developed the Phoenix Geocell, India's first technical textile geocell made from end-of-life mixed plastic waste.
The technology converts mixed municipal plastic waste into structural strips of 4–8 mm thickness to create honeycomb structures with thermal stability up to 250 degrees Celsius.
The innovation was demonstrated on July 11, 2025, at Loop 1 of the elevated DND–Faridabad–KMP Expressway near Delhi with support from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The geocell system underwent durability and performance testing under extreme temperatures and varying terrain conditions in Leh and Bikaner.
The project was recognised by the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records and aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission, Waste to Wealth Mission, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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Gyan Bharatam Mission launches nationwide survey to map India’s manuscript heritage (Mid of March)▼
Ministry of Culture (MoC) will conduct a three-month nationwide survey from Monday to map India’s manuscript heritage.
Survey teams will identify manuscripts in institutions, private collections and with individual custodians starting at district level.
Discovered manuscripts will be geotagged and uploaded in real time through the Gyan Bharatam mobile application.
The mission aims to create a consolidated database and national digital repository on the Gyan Bharatam Mission central portal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Gyan Bharatam Mission in the Union Budget 2025–26 and described it as the proclamation of India's culture, literature and consciousness.
State and district-level committees chaired by chief secretaries and district magistrates have been set up to oversee the survey.
Existing digitised collections exceeding one million manuscripts held by institutions and state governments will be integrated into the central platform.
Yashwant Gupta conferred with MP Birla Memorial Award (Mid of March)▼
The MP Birla Planetarium (MPBP) conferred the MP Birla Memorial Award on Yashwant Gupta, the director of the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
The biennial award was instituted in 1993 and was last presented to Prof Thanu Padmanabhan in 2019.
The award ceremony resumed after a six-year hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and renovation work at the planetarium.
Notable past recipients of the award include Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, Govind Swarup, K Kasturirangan, and APJ Abdul Kalam.
The award was not presented in 2015 and 2017 as the MPBP was undergoing renovation during those years.
PB-SHABD platform free access extended till March 2027 (Mid of March)▼
Prasar Bharati extended free access to its PB-SHABD (Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination) platform until March 2027.
PB-SHABD was launched in March 2024 and delivers daily news content in video, audio, text and photograph formats.
The platform taps Prasar Bharati’s network of over 1,500 reporters, correspondents and stringers backed by 60 round-the-clock editing desks.
Around 1,000 news stories are published daily, covering agriculture, technology, foreign affairs, political developments and governance updates.
Content is generated by Regional News Units across India and the central headquarters, and is available in all major Indian languages.
All material is logo-free and credit-free, allowing media organisations to use it without attribution.
Registered media outlets can access the service through shabd.prasarbharati.org.
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2026 nominations open from 28 March to 11 May 2026 (End of March)▼
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2026 nominations opened on 28 March 2026 and will close on 11 May 2026.
Nominations, including self-nominations, are submitted online through the Ministry of Home Affairs Awards Portal (https://awards.gov.in).
RVP is administered by the RVP Secretariat, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India (GOI).
The awards cover 14 domains: Agricultural Science, Atomic Energy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Defence Technology, Earth Science, Engineering Sciences, Environmental Science, Mathematics & Computer Science, Medicine, Physics, Space Science and Technology, Technology & Innovation, and Others.
Four award categories are Vigyan Ratna (VR) for lifetime achievements, Vigyan Shri (VS) for distinguished contributions, Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) for scientists up to 45 years, and Vigyan Team (VT) for collaborative teams of three or more researchers.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, urged institutions and individuals to nominate deserving candidates.
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Sign 5-Year Cybersecurity Pact
Key Updates:
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has entered into a five-year partnership with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) to bolster India's digital identity infrastructure.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was formalised between UIDAI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vivek Chandra Verma and S.O. Junare, Director of the Gujarat Campus of NFSU.
The collaboration focuses on six strategic domains: academic enrichment, information security, forensic capabilities, cybersecurity technical support, research in cutting-edge technologies, and educational outreach.
Joint research efforts under this agreement will explore artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, deepfake detection, and cryptographic technologies.
The partnership aims to strengthen digital resilience and forensic capabilities to safeguard digital public infrastructure while providing student placement and capacity building opportunities.
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Sagarika Chakraborty and Prof. Dr. Harpreet Kaur Establish IIRIS Chair of Infosec and Forensic Society (End of February)▼
Ms. Sagarika Chakraborty, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IIRIS, and Prof. Dr. Harpreet Kaur, Vice Chancellor of National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the IIRIS Chair of Infosec and Forensic Society.
The IIRIS Chair is the first of its kind in India, aimed at creating a centre of excellence for research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration in information security and forensic science.
The partnership includes the launch of a joint Certificate Programme on Cyber-Led Forensic Investigation and Diligence to build skills at the intersection of law, technology, and investigations.
The certificate programme is designed under the theme Bridging Legal Theory & Investigative Practice in the Digital Age to equip participants with competencies for professional practice.
IIRIS is a global risk, security, and intelligence firm with over a decade of operational experience in more than ten countries.
The collaboration focuses on skilling students at NLU Jodhpur in cyber-led forensic investigations to prepare them for future litigation and legal work.
The MoU was signed on February 24, 2026, in New Delhi, aligning with the university's focus on the interface between law and technology.
FIU-IND and I4C sign MoU to combat cyber fraud and financial crimes (Mid of April)▼
Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance information sharing and coordination.
The MoU was signed by Shri Amit Mohan Govil, Director, FIU-IND, and Shri Rajesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, I4C.
The collaboration aims to develop operational information and support investigative agencies to prevent financial crimes, protect digital transactions and undertake asset recovery.
The MoU will enable both agencies to establish robust feedback mechanisms for enhancing fraud detection protocols at the national level.
FIU-IND is the central national agency responsible for receiving, processing, analysing, and disseminating information relating to suspect financial transactions and coordinating efforts against money laundering and financing of terrorism.
I4C is an attached office of MHA responsible for providing a framework and ecosystem for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) for dealing with Cyber Crime in coordinated and comprehensive manner.
UIDAI launches first structured Bug Bounty Programme to strengthen Aadhaar System Security (Mid of March)▼
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched its first structured Bug Bounty Programme to further strengthen the security of the Aadhaar system.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) stated that the programme allows cyber security experts to look for possible weaknesses in some of UIDAI’s key digital platforms.
A panel of 20 experienced security researchers and ethical hackers has been selected to take part in the initiative.
They will examine UIDAI digital assets such as UIDAI official website, myAadhaar portal and the Secure QR Code application.
Survey of India (SoI) inks five-year MoU with Digital University of Kerala (DUK) for geospatial and AI research (Start of March)▼
Survey of India (SoI), the national nodal agency for geospatial data under the Department of Science and Technology, signed a five-year MoU with Digital University of Kerala (DUK).
The MoU focuses on academic and research collaboration in geo-informatics, AI, machine learning for automated feature extraction, geodesy, astronomy and related engineering disciplines.
SoI officials can pursue postgraduate and doctoral programmes at DUK with joint supervision of research.
The partnership includes customised training programmes, expert lectures, collaborative research projects, co-authored publications and joint participation in national and international initiatives.
DUK students will gain internships, capstone projects and dissertation opportunities at SoI under joint mentorship.
Both institutions will share research infrastructure, geospatial datasets, laboratories and library resources.
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) signs agreement with EDF-France for nuclear power development
Key Updates:
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with EDF – France on 27 April 2026 to explore the development of nuclear projects in India.
The collaboration focuses on Evolutionary Power Reactor (EPR) and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies as complementary solutions for carbon-free nuclear power.
EDF – France is the largest nuclear operator globally and specializes in Pressurised Water Reactors (PWR) and European Pressurised Reactors (EPR).
India has established a target to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 to support the Viksit Bharat and Net Zero Carbon initiatives.
The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill was passed by Parliament on 18 December 2025 to modernize nuclear sector governance.
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India and Japan sign agreements in quantum technology and health research on May 06, 2026 (Start of May)▼
India and Japan exchanged agreements in quantum science and medical devices during a high-level bilateral meeting in New Delhi on May 06, 2026.
A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in health and medical devices was signed between the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
A Letter of Intent (LoI) on cooperation in Quantum Science and Technology was signed between Japan's Cabinet Office and the DST.
The engagement is part of the India-Japan Science, Technology and Innovation Partnership, building on the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan in August 2025.
India's deep-tech focus includes national missions in Quantum Technologies, Cyber-Physical Systems, Electric Mobility, Clean Energy, and Advanced Computing.
Collaboration under India's National Quantum Mission covers quantum computing, communication, sensing, and secure communication networks.
NTPC signs MoU with Électricité de France (EDF) to explore nuclear power projects in India (Mid of April)▼
NTPC and Électricité de France (EDF) signed a non-binding MoU on 8 April 2026 to explore cooperation in developing nuclear power projects in India.
The agreement sets a framework for jointly assessing the feasibility of deploying EDF’s European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) technology in India.
The collaboration covers evaluation of technology suitability for Indian requirements, localisation opportunities, economic and tariff aspects, training programmes, site identification, and technical support.
NTPC has an installed capacity of more than 89 GW, with 32 GW under construction, and targets 149 GW total capacity by 2032 including 60 GW from renewable energy sources.
The MoU was signed by Arnada Prasad Samal, CGM (Nuclear Cell), NTPC, and Vakisasi Ramany, Senior Vice President, International Nuclear Development, EDF.
India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) Achieves Criticality at Kalpakkam (Start of April)▼
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.
India's 100 GW Nuclear Power Roadmap targets 100 GW capacity by 2047 (Mid of April)▼
India has set a target to scale up its nuclear power capacity from the current 8.8 gigawatt (GW) to 100 GW by 2047.
Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad announced the roadmap during an inaugural session held in New Delhi.
The roadmap identifies necessary legislative changes, including the Shanti Act which has already been enacted to facilitate the expansion.
The government aims to increase the number of players in the nuclear sector from a single company to approximately 10-12 companies.
The strategy focuses on standardising processes and shortening procedures to reduce tariffs and ensure fuel security.
The planned capacity addition will primarily come from new nuclear plants, incorporating emerging technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
State governments are being encouraged to identify and provide land for the development of upcoming nuclear power projects.
Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti observed on May 7, 2026
Key Updates:
Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2026 was observed on May 7, marking the 165th birth anniversary of the Nobel laureate.
Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, in Kolkata to parents Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi.
He became the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his poetry collection titled Gitanjali.
Tagore authored India’s national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and established Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan.
In West Bengal, the anniversary is celebrated on the 25th day of Boishakh according to the Bengali calendar.
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Tamil poet Vairamuthu named 2025 Jnanpith Award winner (Mid of March)▼
Vairamuthu has been conferred the 60th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, announced by Bharatiya Jnanpith on Saturday.
He becomes the third Tamil writer to receive the Jnanpith Award after Akilan and Jayakanthan.
The Jnanpith Selection Committee chaired by Pratibha Ray selected Vairamuthu for his originality, creative depth and distinct poetic voice.
Vairamuthu has authored over 37 books including poetry collections, novels and travel writings such as Kallikattu Ithikasam, Karuvachi Kaviyam, Thanni Desam and Moondraam Ulaga Por.
He has won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics seven times.
Vairamuthu received the Padma Shri in 2003 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014.
He won the Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel Kallikattu Ithikasam.
The Jnanpith Award carries a cash prize of ₹11 lakh, a bronze statuette of Goddess Saraswati and a citation.
Sundar Pichai, Ranbir Kapoor and Vikas Khanna Named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2026 (Mid of April)▼
Sundar Pichai was named to TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2026 for democratising Artificial Intelligence, with Google integrating tools such as Gemini CLI, NotebookLM and Antigravity under his leadership.
Ranbir Kapoor was the sole Indian actor on TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2026, praised for blending stardom with nuanced storytelling and elevating Indian cinema for a global audience.
Vikas Khanna was included in TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2026, recognised for his Michelin‑starred culinary work, humanitarian efforts and the FeedIndia initiative that provided 30 million meals during the pandemic.
The 2026 list marks Sundar Pichai's third appearance on the TIME100.
Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 announced on 16 March (Mid of March)▼
Sahitya Akademi announced its 2025 awards on 16 March 2026 for 24 Indian languages.
The award ceremony will be held in New Delhi on 31 March 2026.
Each awardee receives an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and ₹1,00,000.
Navtej Sarna won the English award for his novel ‘Crimson Spring’ set around the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Mamta Kalia won the Hindi award for her memoir ‘Jeete Jee Allahabad’.
Nandini Sidha Reddy won the Telugu award for poetry collection ‘Animesha’.
Ramakrishna Paramahansa Jayanti celebrated on 19 February 2026 (Mid of February)▼
Ramakrishna Paramahansa Jayanti falls on 19 February 2026.
Dwitiya Tithi begins at 04:57 PM on 18 February 2026 and ends at 03:58 PM on 19 February 2026.
The day marks the 190th birth anniversary of Ramakrishna Paramahansa.
Ramakrishna was born on dwitiya tithi of shukla paksha in the month of Phalguna, Vikram Samvat 1892.
He was a 19th-century spiritual leader who practised Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam.
His guru was Bhairavi Brahmani, a tantric teacher.
He guided Swami Vivekananda and established the Ramakrishna Mission.
Kids’ Athletics Day observed on 7 May
Key Updates:
Kids’ Athletics Day is held annually on 7 May.
The Kids’ Athletics programme was launched in 2022 and has reached 1.3 million children in schools, clubs, and communities globally.
World Athletics aims to reach a total of 2 million children this year by engaging more than 700,000 additional participants.
Sebastian Coe is the President of World Athletics.
Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, is the host of the 2026 World Athletics Relays.
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International Day of Sport for Development and Peace observed on April 6 with 2026 theme 'Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers' (Start of April)▼
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is observed annually on April 6.
The 2026 theme is 'Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers'.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established the day through Resolution 67/296 on August 23, 2013.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) played a key role in the creation of the day.
The day aligns with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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.
Raksha Khadse announces ASMITA athletics events in 250 districts to mark International Women’s Day (Start of March)▼
ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women) League athletics events will be held on 8 March 2026 in 250 districts.
Over two lakh girls will compete in 100m, 200m, and 400m races in Under-13, 13–18, and 18+ age groups.
Each venue will have five Technical Officials, ten Volunteers, one Competition Manager, one Past Champion Athlete, and one District Youth Officer.
A Women Technical Officials Development Workshop will run alongside referee and timekeeper training aligned with Athletics Federation of India standards.
ASMITA initiative to hold athletics events in 250 districts for 2 lakh girls (Start of March)▼
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) announced ASMITA League athletics events on 8 March 2026 in 250 districts.
Over 2 lakh girls will compete in 100m, 200m, 400m races across Under-13, 13–18 and 18+ age groups.
ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women), launched in 2021 under Khelo India Scheme, organises the league.
Each venue will have five Technical Officials, 10 Volunteers, one Competition Manager, one Past Champion Athlete and one District Youth Officer.
A Women Technical Officials Development Workshop will run parallel to train referees and timekeepers per Athletics Federation of India standards.
The initiative targets talent identification for 2030 Commonwealth Games Ahmedabad and India’s 2036 Olympics bid.
International Day of the Midwife observed on May 5, 2026
Key Updates:
International Day of the Midwife is observed on May 5, 2026.
Midwives provide essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health services worldwide.
Midwives support women and gender-diverse people before, during, and after birth.
The observance involves the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), its partners, allies, and more than 135 midwives’ associations.
The participating midwives' associations span across more than 115 countries.
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India's maternal mortality drops nearly 80% since 1990: Global study (End of March)▼
India's maternal mortality ratio fell from 508 per one lakh livebirths in 1990 to 116 per one lakh livebirths in 2023.
India recorded 24,700 maternal deaths in 2023.
The Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021-23 places India's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) at 88 per lakh live births.
India has achieved an 86% reduction in MMR since 1990, surpassing the global average reduction of 48%.
The global maternal mortality ratio declined from 321 per one lakh livebirths in 1990 to 190.5 in 2023.
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target is an MMR below 70 per one lakh livebirths by 2030.
104 of 204 countries and territories have not yet met the SDG maternal mortality target.
National Safe Motherhood Day 2026: Focus on maternal health advocacy and safe pregnancies (Mid of April)▼
National Safe Motherhood Day is observed annually on 11 April in India.
The day was first established in 2003 by the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI).
The date honours Kasturba Gandhi's birth anniversary.
The 2026 observance highlights the need for improved maternal care in underserved rural regions.
The day advocates collective action to prioritise maternal health and prevent preventable deaths.
International Women's Day 2026 observed on March 8 with theme 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls' (Start of March)▼
International Women's Day 2026 is observed globally on March 8.
The United Nations (UN) announced the 2026 theme as 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls'.
The UN officially recognised International Women's Day in 1975.
World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 observed on May 5 with theme 'Hand Hygiene: one action that saves lives'.
Key Updates:
World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 was observed on May 5, 2026.
The theme for World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 is 'Hand Hygiene: one action that saves lives'.
Dr Jarbas Barbosa stated that hand hygiene is an action that saves lives.
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) contribute to the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
A webinar for World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 was held on May 5, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. EST.
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World Oral Health Day 2026 observed on March 20 with theme 'A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life' (Mid of March)▼
World Oral Health Day is observed every year on March 20.
The theme for World Oral Health Day 2026 is 'A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life'.
World Oral Health Day was first celebrated on September 12, 2007.
The original date was chosen to mark the birthday of Dr Charles Godon, founder of the FDI World Dental Federation.
The observance date was changed to March 20 in 2013.
World Water Day 2026: Water and Gender (End of March)▼
World Water Day 2026 is observed on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
The official theme for 2026 is 'Water and Gender' with the campaign slogan 'Where water flows, equality grows'.
World Water Day was first observed on Monday, March 22, 1993, following United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/47/193 adopted on December 22, 1992.
UN-Water is the coordinating body for World Water Day, with UNICEF and UN Women as the 2026 campaign co-leads.
The UN World Water Development Report 2026, titled 'Water for all people: Equal rights and opportunities', was launched on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
2.2 billion people — approximately 27% of the global population — lack access to safely managed drinking water.
Women and girls spend an estimated 200 million hours per day collectively collecting water.
Women hold fewer than 20% of leadership roles in the water sector across most regions.
WASH stands for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.
SDG 6 calls for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water and adequate sanitation for all by 2030.
World TB Day 2026 spotlights science-driven push to eliminate tuberculosis (End of March)▼
World Health Organization (WHO) reported an estimated 10.6 million people developed TB in 2022, including 1.3 million children.
WHO recorded 1.3 million TB deaths among HIV-negative individuals and an additional 300,000 deaths among people living with HIV in 2022.
Approximately 410,000 people developed multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB) in 2022.
Sustainable Development Goal 3 calls for ending the TB epidemic by 2030.
WHO’s End TB Strategy targets a 90% reduction in TB deaths and an 80% reduction in TB incidence by 2030 compared with 2015 levels.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work observed on 28 April (End of April)▼
World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed annually on 28 April to promote safe, healthy and decent work.
The day has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.
Occupational accidents or work-related diseases cause 6,300 deaths daily, totaling more than 2.3 million deaths per year.
There are 317 million accidents on the job annually.
The economic burden of poor occupational safety and health practices is estimated at 4 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year.
National Cartoonists Day observed globally on May 5
Key Updates:
National Cartoonists Day is observed every year on May 5.
The day was established by the National Cartoonists Society in the late 1990s.
The date May 5 commemorates the debut of the first colour comic strip in the New York World in 1895.
The first colour comic strip featured the character The Yellow Kid, created by Richard F. Outcault.
The day honours the evolution of the craft from early newsprint to modern digital and animated formats.
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World Laughter Day 2026 observed on May 3, 2026 (Start of May)▼
World Laughter Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May to promote health, happiness, and world peace through laughter.
Largest laughter yoga class record set by students of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 29 August 2017 with 15,991 tribal students led by Dr. Madan Kataria.
Most number of people laughing simultaneously record set by Achariya World Class Educational Institutions, Puducherry on 12 December 2012 with 12,000 participants laughing non-stop for five minutes.
Longest marathon laughter therapy class record set by Harish Rawat in Noida, Uttar Pradesh from 30 June to 1 July 2018 for a total duration of 36 hours and 2 minutes.
Longest duration of laughing by an individual record set by Sunilkumar S.V. in Kochi, Kerala on 10 May 2022 for 4 hours, 1 minute, and 14 seconds.
International Design Day observed on 27 April with theme "The Spaces In Between" (End of April)▼
International Design Day is observed annually on 27 April to reflect on the role design plays in shaping society.
The theme for International Design Day 2026 is "The Spaces In Between".
The Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) is serving as the global host for the 2026 celebrations.
The International Council of Design (ICoD) provides leadership regarding the origins and purpose of International Design Day.
The SEGD was founded in 1973 and represents more than 2,000 members across 30 chapters in seven international regions.
World Creativity and Innovation Day observed on April 21 (End of April)▼
World Creativity and Innovation Day is observed on April 21.
The initiative was promoted by Marci Segal from Toronto, Canada, and officially started in 2001.
April 21 was chosen as the date because it comes just before Earth Day to highlight the role of creativity in sustainability.
The United Nations (UN) officially recognised the day in 2017.
World Puppetry Day observed on March 21 (End of March)▼
World Puppetry Day is celebrated annually on March 21.
Cirque Du Soleil marked the occasion at the Disney Springs venue by showcasing intricate puppets from the production Drawn to Life.
Drawn to Life is a collaborative show between Cirque Du Soleil and Disney that originally opened in 2021.
The production features specialised puppetry including a moving pillow, moving trash cans, a living desk, and a giant hand.
Soma Mandal Named Regional Winner of 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards
Key Updates:
Soma Mandal was named the regional winner for the South Asia region of the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards by the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge).
She was selected for her dedication to empowering pupils to participate in the worldwide fight against climate change.
Soma Mandal is a science teacher at GD Goenka Public School, Delhi, with over 10 years of teaching experience.
The award benefits include a trophy, publicity, £500 worth of books for her class, and a feature on a 'Thank you' page in new Cambridge textbooks from November 2026.
The 2026 competition received over 12,000 nominations from 126 different countries and identified nine regional winners.
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Ministry of Ayush invites applications for Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga-2026 (End of February)▼
The Ministry of Ayush has invited applications for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga-2026 to recognise exemplary contributions to the development and promotion of Yoga at national and international levels.
Each award comprises a trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹25 lakh.
The awards are conferred in two primary categories: Individuals (National and International) and Institutions (National and International).
Applications for the awards must be submitted through the National Awards Portal (www.awards.gov.in).
The final date for the submission of applications is 21 March 2026.
The felicitation ceremony for the award winners will coincide with the International Yoga Conference.
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev launches Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award (Mid of February)▼
Spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev launched the Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award to recognise individuals for their contributions to the growth and well-being of the nation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the launch event as the chief guest and felicitated the award recipients during the Mahashivaratri celebrations.
The award recognises contributions across seven categories: national security, business, arts and entertainment, sports, community welfare, science and technology, and literature and academia.
Noted violinist N Rajam was among the individuals honoured with the Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award.
Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Kiran Kumar received the award as a representative of the organisation for its decades of work in space technology.
The Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award is a national honour established by the Isha Foundation.
Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 announced on 16 March (Mid of March)▼
Sahitya Akademi announced its 2025 awards on 16 March 2026 for 24 Indian languages.
The award ceremony will be held in New Delhi on 31 March 2026.
Each awardee receives an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and ₹1,00,000.
Navtej Sarna won the English award for his novel ‘Crimson Spring’ set around the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Mamta Kalia won the Hindi award for her memoir ‘Jeete Jee Allahabad’.
Nandini Sidha Reddy won the Telugu award for poetry collection ‘Animesha’.