Daily Current Affairs: 10 February 2026

Analysis for 10 February 2026

Rohit Kumar Singh appointed Chair of Global Value Chains Committee of US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF)

Key Updates:

Rohit Kumar Singh, 1989-batch IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre, has been appointed Chair of the Global Value Chains Committee of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).
He has also been appointed advisor to the USISPF Board of Directors.
Singh formerly served as Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Government of India.
He led India’s first AI-enabled grievance redressal ecosystem, bringing a paradigm shift to consumer protection.

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Vikas Chadha appointed as Global Chief Executive Officer of TVS Supply Chain Solutions Limited (TVSSCS). (Mid of January) ▼

Vikas Chadha has been appointed as the Global Chief Executive Officer of TVS Supply Chain Solutions Limited (TVSSCS) with effect from January 22, 2026.
He succeeds Ravi Viswanathan, who will retire during the 2026-27 financial year.
During the transition, Viswanathan will continue as Managing Director and work closely with Chadha to ensure leadership continuity.

EPFO Constitutes Four-Member Committee for Cadre Restructuring (End of November) ▼

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has set up a four-member committee for cadre restructuring of the retirement fund body.
The committee, headed by BP Sharma, the former secretary of the department of personnel and training, will submit its report by March 31, 2026.
It will undertake a comprehensive review of the existing workload of EPFO, identify imbalances, overlaps and inefficiencies in the present workforce structure and evaluate the requirement for rationalisation, optimisation or augmentation of human resources in line with functional necessities.
The committee will benchmark the cadre structure of officers and employees of the central board and recommend appropriate restructuring measures to enhance efficiency, service delivery and institutional effectiveness, while ensuring that manpower deployment remains commensurate with the functional workload.
It will recommend a suitable framework for induction of officers on deputation from the central government and other public institutions for bringing in talent, best practices, and cross-sectoral expertise to EPFO.
The committee will also recommend a framework for EPFO officers and staff to go on deputation or exchange programmes to other organisations to facilitate exposure to new ideas, professional development, and adoption of innovative practices.

IRS officer Sandip Pradhan appointed as whole-time member of Sebi (End of November) ▼

Govt appoints IRS officer Sandip Pradhan as member Sebi
The government on Thursday appointed Indian Revenue Service officer Sandip Pradhan as a whole-time member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India ( Sebi ) for a period of three years.
Pradhan replaces Ashwani Bhatia, who demitted office after completion of his term as a whole-time member.
The government hereby appoints Sandip Pradhan , IRS (IT:1990), Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), Pune, as Whole Time Member of the Sebi
He would be the second IRS officer serving as a whole-time member, as his batchmate Kamlesh Chandra Varshney has been with the capital markets regulator since September 2023.
Pradhan rejoined his parent department, the Central Board of Direct Taxes, after serving as Director General, Sports Authority of India (SAI) till September 2024.
Before his appointment at the SAI, Pradhan had worked as the director general of the Sports Authority of Gujarat for four years (2013-17).

Lav Aggarwal appointed as Director General of Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) (Start of January) ▼

Lav Aggarwal, previously Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development, appointed as Director General of DGFT.
Rabindra Kumar Agarwal appointed to head Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Srikant Nagulapalli assigned role in Ministry of Petroleum.

Biswabhusan Harichandan releases two books in Odisha

[Odisha, Andhra Pradesh]

Key Updates:

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

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Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan releases 55 literary works on January 6, 2026 (Start of January) ▼

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan officially released 55 volumes of literary works in classical Indian languages on January 6, 2026.
The literary works include volumes in Kannada, Odia, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil, along with a sign-language series of the Tirukkural by poet Thiruvalluvar.
A total of 41 books were developed by the Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL).
The Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) brought out 13 books and the sign language series of the Tirukkural.
The released works include Malayalam translations of Sangam-period books such as Purananooru, Pathitrupathu, and Pathuppattu.
A Telugu translation of Silappathikaram, recognized as one of the five great epics, was included in the collection.
Odia literary works such as Charyapada and Madalapanji were released to introduce the rich vocabulary of the Odia language to non-Odia readers.
The collection includes research books such as the Sangam Literature Dictionary and Akananuru Akaramuthali (Verb and Noun words).
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advances the vision of education in Indian languages to preserve the nation's historical and cultural wealth.

Amit Shah releases Gujarati edition of 'Chunotiya Mujhe Pasand Hai' based on life of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel (Start of December) ▼

Amit Shah released the Gujarati edition of the book 'Chunotiya Mujhe Pasand Hai' chronicling the life of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel.
Anandiben Patel served as the first woman Chief Minister of Gujarat and later as Governor of three states.
The book portrays her journey from a lower-middle-class background to holding key public offices.
Shah noted that Anandiben executed gubernatorial responsibilities with perfection and discipline.
He credited Anandiben for her role in the Narmada project land acquisition during her tenure as Revenue Minister.
Shah highlighted that Anandiben, at 85, continues to work with energy and diligence in Uttar Pradesh.

Anu Garg appointed as Chief Secretary of Odisha (End of December) ▼

Anu Garg, a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, was appointed as the first woman Chief Secretary of Odisha.
She will replace Manoj Ahuja following his superannuation on December 31.
She is currently serving as the Development Commissioner (DC) and is considered the number two in the state’s bureaucratic hierarchy.
Garg served as a joint secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) from October 2012 to April 2015.
She previously served as the commissioner-cum-secretary of the Department of Health and Family Welfare in the Government of Odisha during 2008–12.
She was a member of the High-Level Expert Group (HLEG) for Universal Health Coverage instituted by the Planning Commission in October 2010.
Her previous roles include serving as the collector of Sambalpur and Bargarh districts and as the secretary of the water resources department.

Anu Garg appointed as Chief Secretary of Odisha (End of December) ▼

Anu Garg has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Odisha, becoming the first woman to hold the post.
She succeeds Manoj Ahuja, who superannuated on December 31.
Garg, a 1991-batch IAS officer, was serving as Development Commissioner of Odisha prior to the appointment.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) inks MoU with Bharat Taxi for surge-free last-mile connectivity at 10 airports

[Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bharat Taxi]

Key Updates:

Airports Authority of India (AAI) signed an MoU with Bharat Taxi, a driver-owned cooperative taxi service promoted by National Cooperative Development Corporation.
Services will begin at Rajkot, Vadodara, Surat, Bhuj, Pune, Aurangabad, Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Agra airports.
Bharat Taxi guarantees transparent pricing with no surge charges and operates under Sahakar se Samriddhi and Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
MoU exchanged by AAI chairman Vipin Kumar on 9 February 2026.

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Bharat Taxi offers zero-commission, surge-free rides with driver-ownership model (Start of February) ▼

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first government-backed ride-hailing cooperative.
The platform operates on the ‘Sarathi Hi Malik’ model where drivers are cooperative members and owners.
Bharat Taxi charges zero commission and applies no surge pricing, allowing drivers to retain full fare earnings.
Fares can be up to 30% cheaper than rival services Ola and Uber according to the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
Government provides ₹5 lakh personal accident insurance and ₹5 lakh family health insurance for every driver.
Over 3 lakh drivers were onboarded during pilot runs in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat.
The service is integrated with Digital Public Infrastructure tools such as DigiLocker and UMANG for verification and operations.
Drivers face no exclusivity clauses and can simultaneously operate on other ride-hailing platforms.
Nationwide expansion is planned over the next two years.

Airtel Payments Bank (APB) enables EV wallet recharges on Bharat Connect via Airtel Thanks app. (Mid of December) ▼

Airtel Payments Bank (APB) has partnered with NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) to launch EV wallet recharges on the Bharat Connect (BBPS) platform through the Airtel Thanks app.
Users can top up their EV wallets instantly and interoperably by selecting ‘Recharge EV’ under the Pay Bills section of the Airtel Thanks app.
The facility is available to all Airtel Thanks app users and the recharge amount is reflected instantly in the EV wallet.
Airtel Payments Bank (APB) operates a nationwide network of over 5 lakh active banking points.

Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL) onboards 51,000 drivers across Delhi and Saurashtra region. (Start of December) ▼

Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited operates Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative taxi network fully owned and run by drivers.
Bharat Taxi pilots began in Delhi and Gujarat with zero-commission model transferring entire fare to drivers.
Platform connects with government systems including DigiLocker and UMANG for deep digital integration.
Service follows transparent no-surge pricing and allows drivers to purchase shares for decision-making power.

Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited promotes Bharat Taxi rollout with 56,000 drivers registered. (Mid of December) ▼

Bharat Taxi will launch in Delhi on January 1 and offers auto-rickshaws, cars, and bike taxis.
Under the cooperative model, drivers retain nearly 80% of their earnings with a zero-commission structure.
Beta trials for consumers started in Delhi, and the app is available on Google Play with an iOS version expected soon.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) Mundra Port records highest-ever monthly automobile exports and liquid cargo volumes in January 2026.

[Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ)]

Key Updates:

Mundra Port shipped 25,762 vehicles in January 2026, its highest-ever monthly automobile export figure.
The port loaded 5,701 vehicles onto a single vessel, setting a new single-vessel loading record.
The liquid terminal processed 1.120 million tonnes of liquid cargo in January 2026, its highest monthly throughput.
Automakers including Maruti Suzuki and Toyota routed exports through Mundra during January 2026.
Vehicle shipments were destined for Africa, Europe, East Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Mundra Port is operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ).

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Bharat Container Shipping Line MoU signed with ₹15,000 crore joint funding for port capacity expansion (Start of February) ▼

The Union Government signed an MoU on 4 February 2026 to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
The MoU was signed among Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Chennai Port Authority, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL).
A separate tripartite MoU was signed between VOCPA, Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC), and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) to finance the Outer Harbour Project at Tuticorin.
The agreements provide for joint funding of up to ₹15,000 crore for eligible projects to expand port capacity under the Sagarmala Programme and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
The financing framework will use a Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) focusing on debt funding for breakwater construction and allied onshore-offshore facilities.
The initiatives align with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) announced in Union Budget 2026-27 and support the Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047 vision.

New Mangalore Port Authority Golden Jubilee: Rs 1,500-cr Infrastructure & CSR Projects Unveiled (Mid of November) ▼

Implementing Agency: New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Financial Outlay: 16 infrastructure and 113 CSR projects collectively valued at Rs 1,500 crore announced during the golden-jubilee celebration.
Strategic Objective: Projects align with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to expand India’s maritime infrastructure.
Green Initiative: NMPA currently operates on 100% solar power and is transitioning further toward green energy.
Future Cargo Target: Port presently handles over 46 million tonnes annually, with plans to double capacity to 100 million tonnes by 2047.
Upcoming Investment: India Maritime Week 2025 is expected to bring additional MoUs worth Rs 52,000 crore for the port sector.

Ministry of Railways crosses 1 billion tonne freight loading in FY25-26 (End of November) ▼

Indian Railways cumulative freight loading reached 1020 Million Tonnes as of 19 November.
Coal led commodity-wise loading at 505 MT, followed by iron ore 115 MT, cement 92 MT, container traffic 59 MT, pig iron & finished steel 47 MT, fertilisers 42 MT, mineral oil 32 MT, foodgrains 30 MT, raw materials for steel plants approx. 20 MT, and balance-other-goods 74 MT.
Daily freight loading averaged 4.4 MT, up from 4.2 MT last year.
Freight loading for April-October touched 935.1 MT in 2025 against 906.9 MT in the same period last year.
Ministry of Railways rolled out Policy for Bulk Cement Terminals and rationalised rates for bulk cement movement in containers to cut transit time and logistics costs.

Inland Waterways Development Council approves ₹1,500 crore infrastructure push (End of January) ▼

The third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) held in Kochi approved projects worth more than ₹1,500 crore for expanding India’s inland water transport network.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MOPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the meeting attended by state ministers from Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
The council approved Ro-Ro and cargo terminals at Muktyala and Harishchandrapuram on the Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh to strengthen cargo movement.
Foundation stones were laid for river cruise jetties exceeding ₹150 crore in Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha and Telangana to expand cruise tourism circuits.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves R. Vijay Anandh as MD & CEO of City Union Bank for three years.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI), City Union Bank]

Key Updates:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conveyed approval through a letter dated 9 February 2026.
Appointment effective 1 May 2026 for a period of three years.
R. Vijay Anandh is currently Executive Director of City Union Bank.
Appointment subject to approval by City Union Bank shareholders.
City Union Bank Q3 net profit rose 16% year-on-year to ₹332 crore.
Net interest income increased 28% to ₹752 crore in Q3 from ₹587.7 crore a year ago.
Gross non-performing assets declined to 2.17% from 2.42% quarter-on-quarter.
Net NPAs eased to 0.78% from 0.90% sequentially.
City Union Bank shares closed 1.25% lower at ₹288.80 on NSE.

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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Approves Re-appointment of Kaizad Bharucha as HDFC Bank Deputy Managing Director (End of January) ▼

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the re-appointment of Kaizad Bharucha as the Whole-time Director and Deputy Managing Director of HDFC Bank.
The re-appointment is for a tenure of 3 years, effective from April 19, 2026.
Shares of HDFC Bank closed at ₹931.15 on the BSE, reflecting an increase of 0.38 per cent.
Lodha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government to invest ₹1 trillion in a data centre park.
RMZ partnered with the Andhra Pradesh government to facilitate investments totaling up to $10 billion.
Eternal recorded a 73 per cent increase in Q3 FY26 profit to ₹102 crore, while revenue grew by 202 per cent.

Sarvesh Ranjan promoted to Chief General Manager of Union Bank of India. (Start of February) ▼

Sarvesh Ranjan assumed the post of Chief General Manager at Union Bank of India on 1 February 2026.
He succeeded Bhaskara Rao Kare who superannuated on 31 January 2026.
Prior to promotion, Sarvesh Ranjan was serving as General Manager in the same bank.
He presently heads the Central Reconciliation, Transaction Monitoring and Anti-Money Laundering departments of Union Bank of India.
Sarvesh Ranjan is an engineering graduate with nearly 30 years of banking experience.
He has completed leadership programmes at the University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland), ISB Hyderabad and IDRBT Hyderabad and holds IT and cyber security certifications.

Vinay Muralidhar Tonse Appointed as MD & CEO of YES Bank (Start of February) ▼

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YES Bank.
The appointment is for a tenure of three years, effective from the date he assumes charge.
The appointment is subject to the approval of the shareholders of the bank.
Tonse will succeed Prashant Kumar, whose current extended tenure as the MD & CEO is scheduled to end on April 5, 2026.
Tonse previously served as the Managing Director (Retail Business & Operations) at the State Bank of India (SBI) until November 30, 2025.
The bank confirmed that Tonse is not debarred from holding the office of a director by any order of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) or any other authority.

Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves acquisition of 51% to 74% stake in RBL Bank Limited (RBL) by Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C. (ENBD) (End of January) ▼

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of a shareholding between 51% and 74% in RBL Bank Limited (RBL) by Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C. (ENBD) on 20 January 2026.
The transaction includes a mandatory open offer under SEBI regulations representing up to 26% of the expanded voting capital of RBL.
The deal involves a preferential allotment of equity shares amounting to up to 60% of the total paid-up equity share capital of RBL.
The proposal includes the amalgamation of ENBD’s Indian banking operations, which operate through a network of 3 branches, into RBL on a going concern basis.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants Transcorp International Limited in-principle approval for Centralized Payment Systems (CPS)

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Transcorp International Limited]

Key Updates:

Transcorp International Limited received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to participate in Centralized Payment Systems (CPS).
The approval enables the company to build and operate its payment ecosystem with RTGS and NEFT capabilities.
Transcorp will hold and operate a bank account at RBI and be allotted its own IFSC Code.
The Board of Directors reviewed the development at its meeting held on 04 February 2026.
The company recorded 49% growth in profitability during the quarter ended 31 December 2025 compared to the previous quarter.
Profitability for the nine-month period ended 31 December 2025 grew 67% over the corresponding period of the previous year.
Transcorp fully repaid all public Fixed Deposits under its Public Fixed Deposit scheme and has NIL outstanding public Fixed Deposits.
The company operates with the lowest average debt utilisation, resulting in reduced finance costs.
Digital payments and Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) business achieved record high payment volumes monthly.

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Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves Tata Steel Ltd acquisition of 50.01% equity in Thriveni Pellets Pvt Ltd. (End of January) ▼

Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 50.01% equity share capital of Thriveni Pellets Pvt Ltd by Tata Steel Ltd.
Tata Steel Ltd is a public limited listed entity engaged in integrated steel manufacturing operations including mining, steelmaking, and further processing.
Thriveni Pellets Pvt Ltd is a private limited company engaged in the sale of iron ore pellets in India.
TPPL’s wholly owned subsidiary, Brahmani River Pellets Limited, is also engaged in production and sale of iron ore pellets in India.

Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves acquisition of 51% to 74% stake in RBL Bank Limited (RBL) by Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C. (ENBD) (End of January) ▼

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of a shareholding between 51% and 74% in RBL Bank Limited (RBL) by Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C. (ENBD) on 20 January 2026.
The transaction includes a mandatory open offer under SEBI regulations representing up to 26% of the expanded voting capital of RBL.
The deal involves a preferential allotment of equity shares amounting to up to 60% of the total paid-up equity share capital of RBL.
The proposal includes the amalgamation of ENBD’s Indian banking operations, which operate through a network of 3 branches, into RBL on a going concern basis.

Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development (HCAPSD) receives USD 305 million World Bank assistance (Mid of December) ▼

The World Bank has green-lighted a financial assistance package worth USD 305 million for the Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development (HCAPSD).
The project has a total budget of Rs 3,646 crore, with Haryana contributing Rs 1,065 crore and an additional Rs 83 crore as a grant.
Key interventions include deploying 500 electric buses and setting up 200 EV charging stations in major cities, transitioning industry to cleaner energy, and enhancing soil management processes.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants Payoneer India in-principle PA-CB approval (End of January) ▼

Payoneer India has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator – Cross Border (PA-CB).
The RBI has already fully authorised 19 entities with a PA-CB licence.
Payoneer Global claims to support customers in more than 190 countries and territories.
Over the trailing 12 months as of the third quarter of 2025, Payoneer Global served nearly two million active customers and processed over $80 billion in transaction volume.

Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates Zetwerk Electronics’ ₹100-crore facility in Bengaluru

[Zetwerk Electronics]

Key Updates:

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated Zetwerk Electronics’ ₹100-crore manufacturing facility in Bengaluru.
The facility targets high-end electronics manufacturing for defence, aerospace, automotive, medical devices, telecom and IT hardware.
It is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs at full capacity within 18 to 36 months.
The unit builds on Zetwerk’s defence electronics capabilities after its 2022 acquisition of Pinaka Aerospace.
Zetwerk partners with Indian and global firms, public sector units like HAL and BHEL, and directly with the armed forces.
Confirmed orders are projected to almost double the company’s EV-related production in the next one to two quarters.

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Tata Electronics partners Japan’s ROHM for automotive chip assembly and testing in India (End of December) ▼

Tata Electronics has entered into a strategic partnership with Japan’s ROHM for automotive semiconductor assembly and testing in India for both Indian and global markets.
Tata Electronics will assemble and test ROHM’s India-designed automotive-grade Nch 100V, 300A Si MOSFET in a TOLL package, targeting mass production shipments by next year.
The Tata Group is currently building two semiconductor facilities in India, worth around $14 billion, including a fabrication plant in Gujarat and an assembly and testing plant in Assam.

Science and Technology Minister Arjunbhai Modhwadia Lays Foundation Stone for Azista Space Electro-Optical Payload Factory in Sanand (End of January) ▼

Science and Technology Minister Arjunbhai Modhwadia laid the foundation stone for the Electro-Optical Payload Factory of Azista Space Limited in Sanand, Gujarat.
The facility is being constructed at Plot Nos. K-19 to K-24/1 in the Khoraaj Industrial Estate, Sanand.
Azista Space Limited has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth over ₹500 crore with the Gujarat government for this project.
The plant is designed to be India’s first integrated private-sector satellite manufacturing facility, covering design, development, and testing under one roof.
The company has received technical guidance from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Space Applications Centre (SAC).
The facility has already developed complex systems such as silicon carbide mirrors domestically using indigenous technology.
The project aligns with the Gujarat Space Technology Policy and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to strengthen national security and strategic preparedness.

Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) with ₹41,863 Crore Investment Approval (Start of January) ▼

The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has approved 22 new proposals, including from Dixon Technologies, Samsung Display Noida, Foxconn, and Hindalco Industries, under the third tranche of the ambitious Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS).
The newly approved projects under the ECMS involve a projected investment of ₹41,863-crore and a production value of ₹2,58,152-crore.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had notified the ECMS on April 8, 2025, with an outlay of ₹22,919 crore.
These new approved projects are expected to generate 33,791 jobs directly.
The projects span eight states -- Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan -- aligned with the Centre's vision on ensuring 'geographically-balanced' industrial growth.
The ECMS will run for six years, with one year as a gestation period, and offers investment, turnover-linked, and capital expenditure (capex)-linked incentives across sub-assemblies, supply chain ecosystem, and telecom sub-assembly.
The scheme aims to develop a robust component manufacturing ecosystem to increase domestic value addition (DVA) and increase India’s share of exports in global electronic trade.

Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) approves 22 projects with Rs 41,863 crore investment (Start of January) ▼

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) approved 22 proposals under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) with projected investments of Rs 41,863 crore and estimated production of Rs 2.58 lakh crore.
The approved proposals include applications from Dixon, Samsung Display Noida Pvt Ltd, Foxconn’s Yuzhan Technology India Pvt Ltd, Hindalco Industries, Tata Electronics, Amara Raja-ATL, Motherson and Vital Electronics, among others.
Together, the projects are expected to generate 33,791 direct jobs.
The Union Cabinet approved the scheme in March 2025 with an outlay of Rs 22,919 crore as part of the government’s broader push to make India self-reliant in electronics manufacturing and reach $500 billion in electronics production by 2030-31.

Pulse Self-Reliance Mission launched to make India world’s largest pulse exporter

[Madhya Pradesh]

Key Updates:

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the nationwide Pulse Self-Reliance Mission at Sehore, Madhya Pradesh.
The mission mandates every state to prepare a customised regional roadmap for expanding pulse cultivation based on local needs.
Farmers will receive seed kits and Rs 10,000 per hectare support for model cultivation under a cluster-based approach.
Up to Rs 25 lakh subsidy per unit will be given to establish 1,000 dal mills across the country, including 55 in Madhya Pradesh.
Seed release ceremonies will now be held in states among farmers instead of Delhi.

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Swasth Seema Abhiyan: Uttarakhand govt & ITBP sign MoU to strengthen health services in 108 border villages (End of January) ▼

Uttarakhand government and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) signed an MoU under the first phase of Swasth Seema Abhiyan to provide integrated primary health services in 108 border villages of Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts.
ITBP will provide qualified doctors, paramedical staff, medical examination rooms, telemedicine facilities and conduct regular visits to border villages as per a fixed schedule.
ITBP will maintain beneficiaries' Medical Health Cards and manage equipment, medicines and consumables.
State government will provide demographic data of villages, initial medical equipment and ensure continuous supply of medicines every six months based on consumption.
State government will handle emergency evacuation, telecommunication support, equipment ownership and necessary replacements.

Sahakar Sarathi Initiative Launches 13 New Services and Products for Cooperative Sector (Start of December) ▼

Union Home & Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched over 13 new services and products under the ‘Sahakar Sarathi’ initiative.
New offerings include Digi KCC, Campaign Sarathi, Website Sarathi, Cooperative Governance Index, ePACS, the World’s Largest Grain Storage Application, Shiksha Sarathi and Sarathi Technology Forum.
The Ministry of Cooperation aims to establish a cooperative institution in every Panchayat, expand cooperative membership to more than 50 crore people and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP.

Rajnath Singh addresses 100th Common Foundation Course at LBSNAA (Start of December) ▼

Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, addressed the valedictory ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.
He urged young civil servants to stay mission-ready for national security and highlighted Operation Sindoor as an example of civil–military fusion.
Singh emphasised that good governance and national security must move together to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Bhupendra Patel flagged off Rashtriya Ekta Yatra from Karamsad to Kevadia (End of November) ▼

Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, flagged off the 152-kilometre Rashtriya Ekta Yatra from Karamsad to Kevadia.
The foot march commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary and will culminate in Ekta Nagar, Narmada district, on December 5.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated the march will inspire citizens to align their goals with the nation’s Viksit Bharat aim by 2047.

Seven High-Speed Rail Corridors Project and ₹16 Lakh Crore Investment

[West Bengal]

Key Updates:

The Government of India announced seven new high-speed rail corridors: Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Hyderabad-Chennai, Chennai-Bengaluru, Delhi-Varanasi, and Varanasi-Siliguri.
The new corridors will span approximately 4,000 km and involve an estimated investment of ₹16 lakh crore.
The Ministry of Railways (MoR) will utilise indigenous technologies for the development of track works, slabs, viaducts, signalling systems, and overhead electricals.
Future Bullet trains for these corridors will be manufactured in India by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML).
The MoR is currently manufacturing 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains and plans to implement 52 commodity-wise reforms in the freight sector this year.
An East-West dedicated freight corridor is being planned to connect industrial hubs in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha to ports on the East and West coasts.
The propulsion systems for these trains, including converters, inverters, and motors, are already being manufactured in India and exported to Europe and the United States.

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Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train achieves second mountain tunnel breakthrough in Palghar using NATM (Start of February) ▼

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project achieved its second mountain tunnel breakthrough with completion of tunnel MT-6 in Palghar district, Maharashtra.
Tunnel MT-6 is 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide, designed to accommodate both up and down tracks.
The breakthrough follows the first mountain tunnel breakthrough of MT-5 near Saphale on January 2, both completed within one month.
The New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), a drill-and-controlled blast technique, was used to excavate MT-6 from both ends.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that seven new high-speed rail corridors have been announced in the Union Budget.
Rs 16,000 crores worth of work is underway for the Mumbai suburban network and the budget for Maharashtra railway is Rs 23,926 crore.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Express Launch Enhances Overnight Rail Connectivity (Mid of January) ▼

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda Town railway station in West Bengal.
The train will operate on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route and is expected to cut travel time by up to six hours.
Developed by BEML using ICF technology, the train includes catering services in the fare for all classes.

Ministry of Railways (MoR) Receives Rs 2.93 Lakh Crore Capex Allocation in Union Budget 2026-27 (Start of February) ▼

The Ministry of Railways (MoR) has been allocated a total capital expenditure (capex) of Rs 2,93,030 crore for the financial year 2026-27.
The MoR received a total outlay of Rs 2,78,030 crore in the Union Budget 2026-27, marking the highest-ever allocation for the ministry.
A total outlay of Rs 2,77,830 crore is provided for capital expenditure in Budget Estimates (BE) 2026-27, with an additional Rs 200 crore sourced from the Nirbhaya Fund.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed the development of seven high-speed rail corridors across the country.
The seven proposed high-speed rail corridors are Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bangalore, Hyderabad-Chennai, Chennai-Bangalore, Delhi-Varanasi, and Varanasi-Siliguri.
The key focus areas for the capital expenditure include the construction of new lines, gauge conversion, doubling, traffic facilities, and rolling stock.

Ashwini Vaishnaw conferred 70th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar on 100 rail officials (Start of January) ▼

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conferred the 70th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar on 100 employees and officers for their exemplary service.
The awardees include personnel who played a critical role in ensuring safe and seamless Railway operations during large-scale events such as the Mahakumbh.
26 Shields were awarded to the best-performing Railway Zones across various categories, acknowledging their outstanding achievements and overall excellence.
Officers were also recognised for contributions during Operation Sindoor and for introducing advanced Ballast Cleaning Machines in difficult sections.

India and Greece sign Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen defence industrial cooperation

[Greece]

Key Updates:

India and Greece signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen defence industrial cooperation.
The agreement was signed after bilateral talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Greek counterpart Nikolaos-Georgios Dendias at the Manekshaw Centre.
The declaration will pave the way for developing a five-year roadmap for India-Greece defence partnership.
Greece will position an International Liaison Officer at the Information Fusion Center-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), Gurugram, to enhance maritime cooperation.
A Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026 was exchanged to chart military engagements between the armed forces of both countries.
Both ministers reaffirmed that the India-Greece Strategic Partnership is based on shared values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect.
The countries agreed to expand their indigenous defence industries through partnership between India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and Greece’s ‘Agenda 2030’ defence reforms.

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India and Germany to unveil defence and security roadmap during Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first bilateral visit to India (Mid of January) ▼

India and Germany will unveil a defence and security roadmap that will strengthen the defence manufacturing network base in India.
German technology for India’s defence preparedness will be part of the bilateral conversation.
Chancellor Merz is accompanied by a 25-member delegation of CEOs, including top executives of a leading submarine manufacturer, signalling strong defence ties on the agenda.

India and Brazil sign tripartite MoU to boost Scorpène submarine maintenance and defence ties (Mid of December) ▼

A landmark tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Navy, Brazilian Navy, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
The MoU focuses on the exchange of information related to the maintenance of Scorpène-class submarines and other naval vessels.
The agreement aims to enhance life-cycle support, enable experience sharing in maintenance, logistics, and training, and strengthen cooperation between government agencies and industry of both nations.
The MoU will further boost Defence Research and Development (R&D) collaboration and drive technological innovation in sustaining Scorpène-class submarines and other naval platforms.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi visited Brazil.
In July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Brazil, where he and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva decided to charter a strategic roadmap to strengthen bilateral ties, including defence and security.
India and Brazil recognized convergent views and strategic complementarities in defence and security matters.
An Agreement on the Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information was signed, enabling deeper cooperation in various strategic areas.
A Bilateral Cybersecurity Dialogue was established to deepen cooperation through the exchange of information, experiences, and national perspectives on cybersecurity issues.

India and Netherlands sign Letter of Intent to strengthen defence cooperation (Mid of December) ▼

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel to discuss security and defence topics.
A Letter of Intent on defence cooperation was signed and exchanged between India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Netherlands' Ambassador to India Marisa Gerards.
The ministers prioritised co-development and co-production of defence equipment and agreed to craft a Defence Industrial Roadmap.

India-France sign overarching R&D pact for future defence challenges (End of November) ▼

Agreement signed by DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat and France’s National Armaments Director Lt Gen Gael Diaz de Tuesta at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi
Enables joint R&D, sharing of know-how, joint training, and co-held intellectual property rights
Key cooperation areas: aeronautical platforms, unmanned vehicles, advanced materials, cybersecurity, AI, space, navigation, advanced propulsion, sensors, quantum tech, underwater tech

Somalia signs defence pact with Saudi Arabia amid Gulf rivalries in Horn of Africa

[Somalia, Saudi Arabia]

Key Updates:

Somali defence minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi defence minister Prince Khalid bin Salman signed a military cooperation agreement on 9 February 2026 on the sidelines of the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh.
The Somali defence ministry stated the pact focuses on cooperation in training, technical assistance and defence support to strengthen the Somali National Armed Forces and protect Somalia’s airspace and territorial integrity.
The agreement was signed around six weeks after Israel recognised Somaliland, the self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 and is still claimed by Mogadishu as part of its sovereign territory.
Somalia has terminated defence and security agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while expanding cooperation with other partners including Qatar.
The UAE firm DP World is developing the Berbera port in Somaliland, a project Mogadishu says operates with little regard for Somalia’s federal government.

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Israel becomes first UN member to recognise Somaliland as independent state (End of December) ▼

Israel became the first United Nations (UN) member state officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Israeli recognition of Somaliland is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.
Netanyahu announced plans to expand cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and economy.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in May 1991 and is internationally recognised as part of Somalia.
Taiwan was the first to recognise Somaliland in 2020, followed by Ethiopia which signed an MoU in January 2024 to explore formal recognition.
The foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) cancels plan to operate Islamabad International Airport after President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to India (End of January) ▼

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) scrapped plans to operate Islamabad International Airport days after President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s surprise visit to India.
The airport project was under discussion since August 2025 but collapsed after Abu Dhabi failed to find a local partner and reportedly lost interest.
The Express Tribune confirmed the cancellation was not officially linked to politics.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are publicly at odds, particularly over Yemen, with Riyadh opposing UAE-backed separatist factions.
Pakistan deepened defence ties with Saudi Arabia, aiming to form an 'Islamic NATO' alongside Turkey.
During the India visit, the UAE President approved release of 900 Indian prisoners and signed a Letter of Intent for a Framework Agreement on Defence Cooperation with India.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025 treating any aggression against one as aggression against both.

Saudi-led coalition warns Southern Transitional Council against military moves undermining Yemen de-escalation (End of December) ▼

Saudi-led coalition spokesman Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki stated 'any military movements that violate these [de-escalation] efforts will be dealt with directly and immediately'.
Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman posted on X that 'it’s time' for STC troops 'to let reason prevail by withdrawing from the two provinces and doing so peacefully'.
The STC accused Saudi Arabia of launching air strikes on its positions in Hadramout province.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged 'restraint and continued diplomacy, with a view to reaching a lasting solution'.
Yemen’s government requested the Saudi-led coalition 'to take all necessary military measures to protect innocent Yemeni civilians in Hadramout province and support the armed forces'.

India and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to ink terms of reference on 5 February for starting FTA talks (Start of February) ▼

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will sign terms of reference on 5 February to launch negotiations for a free trade agreement.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will preside over the signing ceremony.
GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.
India already implemented a free trade pact with the UAE in May 2022.
India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on 18 December 2025.
Earlier negotiations between India and GCC were held in 2006 and 2008; third round deferred.
India's exports to GCC rose 1% to USD 57 billion in 2024-25.
India's imports from GCC rose 15.33% to USD 121.7 billion in 2024-25.
Bilateral trade reached USD 178.7 billion in 2024-25.
UAE was India's third-largest trading partner in 2024-25 with a trade deficit of USD 26.76 billion.
Saudi Arabia was India's fifth-largest trading partner with a trade deficit of USD 18.36 billion.
Qatar was India's 22nd-largest trading partner with a trade deficit of USD 10.78 billion.
Oman was India's 28th-largest trading partner with a trade deficit of USD 2.48 billion.
Kuwait was India's 29th-largest trading partner with a trade deficit of USD 6.35 billion.
Bahrain was India's 65th-largest trading partner with a trade deficit of USD 45.97 million.

Saudi Arabia to observe International Day of the Arabian Leopard on 10 February 2026

[Saudi Arabia]

Key Updates:

The International Day of the Arabian Leopard is observed annually on 10 February to raise global awareness about the critically endangered big cat.
The official theme for the 2026 observance is Protecting the Pride of Arabia.
The day was officially established by Saudi Arabia to spotlight conservation challenges including habitat loss, illegal hunting, and declining prey populations.
The initiative aligns with regional biodiversity goals and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which prioritises environmental sustainability and wildlife protection.
The Arabian leopard is native to the mountainous regions of the Arabian Peninsula, with fewer than a few hundred individuals estimated to survive in the wild.
The species plays a vital ecological role in regulating prey populations and serves as a symbol of natural and cultural identity in the region.

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Holematthi Nature Foundation (HNF) records Karnataka's first 'Sandalwood Leopard' (Start of January) ▼

The Holematthi Nature Foundation (HNF) documented an ultra-rare leopard colour morph in Vijayanagara district, marking the first in the state.
The big cat, named the 'Sandalwood Leopard,' has a pale reddish-pink coat resembling the colour of sandalwood, marked with light-brown rosettes.
The leopard (Panthera pardus) has an appearance consistent with naturally occurring genetic traits such as hypomelanism or erythrism.
This discovery marks only the second such sighting in India, with the only previous Indian record from Rajasthan's Ranakpur region.
Globally, this colour morph, referred to as 'strawberry leopards,' has been documented only five times, including sightings in South Africa and Tanzania.
Definitive identification of the underlying genetic mechanism would require molecular analysis using non-invasive DNA samples such as scat or hair.

International Jaguar Day: November 29 (End of November) ▼

On November 29, we celebrate International Jaguar Day.
The jaguar *Panthera onca* is the largest feline in the Americas and the third largest in the world, behind only the tiger and the lion.
With up to 2.5 meters in length and more than 100 kg in weight, the jaguar is a top predator, crucial for maintaining the health and balance of the ecosystems where it lives.
Brazil is home to the largest jaguar population on the planet, especially in the Amazon and the Pantanal.
Jaguars mark territory through trees, leaving visual marks as well as chemical ones: glands between their toes release pheromones that remain on the bark, signaling to other individuals that the area is occupied.

Project Cheetah Reintroduces Extinct Big Cat, Population Reaches 32 with 21 India-Born Cubs (Start of December) ▼

India launched Project Cheetah in 2022 to reintroduce cheetahs, the only large carnivore extinct in independent India since 1952, primarily through translocation from Africa.
As of December 2025, the country now supports a thriving population of 32 cheetahs, including 21 India-born cubs.
An India-born female Mukhi gave birth to five healthy cubs in November 2025.

Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Republic Day 2026 animal contingent debuts Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies and raptors (End of January) ▼

The Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) will for the first time present Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, Army dogs and four raptors in the 2026 Republic Day parade.
Captain Harshita Raghav, one of the first women inducted into the RVC in 2023, will lead the 2026 contingent.
Bactrian camels inducted for Ladakh’s cold deserts can carry up to 250 kg and operate above 15,000 ft along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Indigenous Zanskar ponies from Ladakh carry 40-60 kg loads and patrol high-altitude areas including Siachen.
Army dogs inducted under the 2023-2025 indigenous breeds drive include Mudhol, Rampur, Chippipara, Kombai and Rajapalayam.
The RVC traces its origin to the 1779 Stud Department in Bengal and received the President’s Flag in 1989.

China overtakes US as world’s top R&D spender in 2024; India ranks 7th

[China, United States]

Key Updates:

Global R&D expenditure reached an estimated $2.87 trillion in 2024, up 3% year-on-year, according to World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) data from the Global Innovation Index Database released in December 2024.
China led with $785.9 billion R&D spending in 2024, marking a 20-fold rise since 2000 and a 23 percentage point gain in global share.
The United States (US) ranked second with $781.8 billion R&D spending in 2024, doubling since 2000 but losing 9.7 percentage points in global share.
Japan placed third with $186.0 billion R&D spending in 2024, recording a 7.2 percentage point decline in global share.
Germany was fourth at $132.2 billion, Republic of Korea fifth at $126.4 billion, and United Kingdom sixth at $86.5 billion in 2024 R&D spending.
India ranked seventh globally, spending $75.7 billion on R&D in 2024, tripling since 2000 and equalling roughly one-tenth of China’s expenditure.
France, Türkiye, and Brazil occupied eighth, ninth, and tenth positions with $65.8 billion, $43.2 billion, and $38.4 billion R&D spending respectively in 2024.
Asia accounted for about 45% of total global R&D spending in 2024, with China, Japan, and Republic of Korea among the top 10 spenders.
Emerging economies Turkey, Egypt, India, Thailand, Poland, and Saudi Arabia increased their global R&D presence during 2024.
Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Russia, Brazil, and the United Kingdom recorded declines in their shares of global R&D spending.

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India rises to 6th largest global patent filer with over 64,000 patents (Mid of November) ▼

India filed over 64,000 patents, with more than 55% filed by resident Indian innovators
Country climbed from 81st to 38th rank in the Global Innovation Index
Key national milestones cited: Chandrayaan-3, world’s first DNA vaccine, and indigenous antibiotics
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized entrepreneurship, start-ups, skilling, and applied sciences as new opportunity drivers
Government provides accessible funding, mentorship, and skill development pathways even for those without advanced degrees

Dezan Shira & Associates (DSA) Releases Asia Manufacturing Index (AMI) 2026 (End of January) ▼

Dezan Shira & Associates (DSA) released the third edition of the Asia Manufacturing Index (AMI) 2026 on January 12, 2026.
China retained the top position as Asia’s leading manufacturing economy for the third consecutive year.
Malaysia climbed to second place in the AMI 2026, overtaking Vietnam in the rankings.
Singapore advanced to fourth place, reinforcing its role in high-value and advanced manufacturing.
India and Indonesia maintained their positions at sixth and seventh place, respectively.
Thailand recorded an improvement in the index, moving from 10th to eighth place.
Bangladesh ranked 11th among the 11 major Asian manufacturing economies analyzed in the report.
The AMI 2026 introduced an archive and exact scores on a standardized 1–100 scale for every parameter.
Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines experienced incremental ranking changes reflecting stable but competitive positions.
Targeted industrial policy, infrastructure investment, and regulatory reform are narrowing performance gaps across Asian manufacturing economies.
Manufacturing economies in the region increasingly compete across similar cost, scale, and capacity factors.

Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights India's pharma shift to value-driven innovation (Start of February) ▼

India's pharmaceutical industry is the world's third-largest by volume, meeting approximately 20 per cent of global generics demand.
In FY25 the sector's annual turnover reached Rs 4.72 lakh crore, with exports growing at a CAGR of 7 per cent over the last decade (FY15 to FY25).
India exports pharmaceuticals to 191 countries in FY25, with over 50 per cent of exports directed to highly regulated markets such as the US and Europe.
India ranks 11th globally in pharmaceutical exports by value, with a 3 per cent share.
Medical devices exports have grown from USD 2.5 billion in FY21 to USD 4.1 billion in FY25.
India provides a majority of the world's diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DPT), Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and measles vaccines.
India's medical devices sector exports to 187 countries in FY25 and now manufactures high-end equipment including MRI and CT scanners, linear accelerators, cardiac stents, and ventilators.

Dezan Shira & Associates (Dezan Shira) ranks China atop Asia Manufacturing Index 2026 (End of January) ▼

China commands 30 percent of worldwide manufacturing production.
Malaysia rises to second place in AMI 2026, overtaking Vietnam.
Vietnam drops to third despite GDP growth of 8.02 percent in 2025.
Singapore advances to fourth; South Korea ranks fifth.
India remains sixth in AMI 2026 with first-place Workforce and third-place Economy pillars.
Thailand climbs from tenth to eighth place.
Japan ranks ninth; Philippines tenth; Bangladesh stays eleventh.
Asia accounts for over 65 percent of global semiconductor manufacturing capacity as of 2023.
China holds 32.4 percent share of Asia Pacific semiconductor materials market in 2024.
Vietnam records total trade value of $930.05 billion, an 18.2 percent year-over-year growth.
India’s logistics costs fall to 7.97 percent of GDP.
India’s Bharatmala Phase I spent ₹4.72 lakh crore (88 percent of outlay) but completed only 54 percent of target road length.
Manufacturing MSMEs in India face over 1,450 regulatory obligations annually.
Bangladesh labor productivity stands at $8.7 per hour in 2025.
Thailand R&D spending is 1.16 percent of GDP versus 2 percent government target.
Southeast Asia semiconductor market valued at $23.9 billion in 2024, projected to exceed $55 billion by 2033.

ICMR–NIV and Indian Immunologicals Limited advance indigenous two-dose KFD vaccine into Phase I trial

[Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Indian Immunologicals Limited]

Key Updates:

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also termed monkey fever, is endemic to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) initiated next-generation vaccine development on request of Government of Karnataka.
The project partners are Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) and ICMR–National Institute of Virology (NIV).
The vaccine is a fully indigenous, adjuvanted, inactivated two-dose regimen given 28 days apart.
Preclinical milestones completed include animal challenge studies, toxicity studies, and manufacture of GLP-grade material.
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved Phase I human clinical trial now underway.

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Karnataka reports death due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) in Udupi district (End of January) ▼

A 29-year-old man from Tirthahalli taluk in Karnataka died of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever, on 28 January.
KFD is transmitted to humans through the vector Haemaphysalis spinigera, which is a forest tick, and other infection sources include squirrels and rats.
The infection spreads through the bite of tick nymphs or contact with sick or dead infected monkeys, but it does not transmit via human-to-human contact.
The incidence of the fever usually begins in October or November and reaches its peak between January and April.
Clinical symptoms of KFD include chills, pounding headache, bleeding from the nose, throat, and gums, low blood pressure, and decreased platelet and blood counts.
Neurological symptoms associated with the infection include nausea, vomiting, muscle stiffness, mental disorder, tremors, poor vision, severe headache, and poor reflexes.
The case fatality rate for KFD ranges from 2% to 10% depending on early detection and access to healthcare.
There is no specific treatment for the disease, and management involves supportive care such as intravenous fluid therapy to replace lost fluids and control haemorrhagic bleeding.

South Africa releases first locally produced foot-and-mouth disease vaccine by Agricultural Research Council (ARC) (Start of February) ▼

Agricultural Research Council (ARC) released the first batch of South Africa’s locally produced foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine developed at ARC-Onderstepoort.
The initial batch comprises 12 900 multi-strain doses produced by the ARC Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (ARC OVI) Transboundary Animal Diseases Campus.
The vaccine is registered as a stock remedy under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Seeds and Remedies Act (No. 36 of 1947) and meets required quality, safety and efficacy standards.
Local production enables faster outbreak response, closer strain matching to regional circulating viruses, and improved supply control.
Since 2019 the outbreak has spread to eight of South Africa’s nine provinces, severely disrupting the commercial livestock value chain.
Milk South Africa (Milk SA) welcomed the 12 900 doses but warned volumes fall far short of national requirements and urged rapid scale-up of both domestic and imported vaccines.

Kyrgyzstan bans import of animals and animal products from India over Nipah virus risk (End of January) ▼

Kyrgyzstan has halted imports of animals and animal products from India following reports of a Nipah virus outbreak there.
Enhanced screening for passengers arriving on international flights has been introduced at Manas International Airport in Bishkek and Osh airport.
All arriving passengers at Manas International Airport are undergoing temperature checks using specialised screening equipment.
The Kyrgyz Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Food Processing Industry stated the import ban aims to prevent potential entry of the Nipah virus into Kyrgyzstan.

Cabinet Renews BIRAC-CEPI Research Partnerships, Expands Scope to Monoclonal Antibodies (Start of December) ▼

The Union Cabinet has renewed the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) Engagement Strategy with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), had partnered with CEPI in October 2019, to advance vaccine development for diseases of epidemic potential.
The partnership recorded progress in early-stage development of vaccine candidates for Chikungunya, Coronavirus and Monkey pox.
Under the strategy, BIRAC’s bioassay laboratory and experimental animal facility supported the development of several Indian and global vaccine candidates at different stages, from pre-clinical to phase-3 efficacy trials.
Training programmes on vaccine development and clinical trials have been organized, contributing to capacity building in the domain.
The latest renewal further broadens the strategy scope to the development of allied technologies, particularly monoclonal antibodies.
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are lab-made proteins that mimic the body's natural immune response to target specific cells or antigens.
CEPI is an innovative partnership between public, private, philanthropic and civil organisations which supports the development of vaccines and associated technologies against emerging infectious diseases.
Several national governments, the European Commission, and philanthropic organisations, such as Gates Foundation and Welcome Trust, are involved with CEPI.

Qualcomm completes 2-nm chip tape-out at Bengaluru Development Centre

[Qualcomm]

Key Updates:

Qualcomm Technologies announced the tape-out of its 2-nanometre semiconductor design at its Bengaluru Development Centre.
Tape-out is the final design stage before sending the chip to a fabrication facility for manufacturing.
Union electronics and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated the next target is to build 2-nanometre fabs in India.
The milestone follows the government’s announcement of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 in Union Budget 2026.
Qualcomm’s India president Savi Soin noted the achievement as the outcome of over two decades of sustained effort in India.
Qualcomm’s largest engineering workforce outside the US is based in India, contributing across design implementation, validation, system integration, and AI optimisation.
Qualcomm president and CEO Cristiano R Amon will keynote the India AI Impact Summit scheduled from 16 to 20 February.

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Amaravati Quantum Valley to host India's first 133-qubit quantum computer with £600-million investment. (Start of February) ▼

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

Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) develops India's first homegrown 1.0 GHz microprocessor, DHRUV64 (Mid of December) ▼

India has developed its first indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor, DHRUV64, by C-DAC.
The semiconductor is developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP).
DHRUV64 is said to provide a reliable, fully indigenous processor technology capable of supporting both strategic and commercial applications.
DHRUV64 is built on modern architectural features that are designed to deliver higher efficiency, enhanced multitasking capability and improved reliability across various applications.
The microprocessor is suitable for 5G infrastructure, automotive systems, consumer electronics, industrial automation and the Internet of Things (IoT).
DHRUV64 leverages modern fabrication technologies that enables it to easily integrate with a wide range of external hardware systems.
Microprocessors are essentially “brains” of modern electronic devices such as mobiles, computers, satellites and even defense systems.
India consumes around 20% of all the microprocessors manufactured globally and the milestone means that India can reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for its use cases.
SHAKTI (2018, IIT Madras): Focus on strategic, space, and defense applications.
AJIT (2018, IIT Bombay): Used for industrial and robotics applications.
VIKRAM (2025, ISRO–SCL): Engineered to withstand extreme space conditions.
THEJAS64 (2025, C-DAC): Designed for industrial automation.
C-DAC is already working on the next generation of RISC-V processors: the Dhanush and Dhanush+ SoCs that are expected to further expand the range of indigenous options available for both strategic and commercial use.

Adani Group partners Vidya Pratishthan to launch Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Baramati (End of December) ▼

The Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence has been established under Vidya Pratishthan, Baramati, Maharashtra with funding from Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani.
An MoU has been formally signed between Adani Group and Vidya Pratishthan to enhance AI collaboration.
This partnership is a commitment to build applied technological capability, where AI research, engineering, and execution move together in an integrated fashion.

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) advances semiconductor design through Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme (Start of January) ▼

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme under the Semicon India Programme aims to build a self-reliant, globally competitive chip design ecosystem.
As many as 24 DLI-supported chip design projects target strategic sectors, including video surveillance, drone detection, energy metering, microprocessors, satellite communications, and IoT SoCs.
Projects supported under the government's DLI scheme are scaling rapidly, with 16 tape-outs, 6 ASIC chips, 10 patents, over 1,000 engineers engaged, and over 3x private investment leveraged.
With an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) supports investments in semiconductor and display manufacturing as well as the design ecosystem.
C-DAC, a premier R&D organisation under MeitY, is responsible for implementing the DLI Scheme as the Nodal Agency.
The DLI Scheme supports semiconductor design across the full lifecycle—from design and development to deployment—covering Integrated Circuits (ICs), chipsets, Systems-on-Chip (SoCs), systems and IP cores.

Scientists discover new frog Oreobates shankusacha in Peru's San Martin cloud forest, flag habitat loss threat.

Key Updates:

Scientists discovered the new frog species Oreobates shankusacha in Peru's San Martin cloud forest region.
The frog measures about an inch long and has golden eyes.
The species is nocturnal and inhabits the forest floor among leaves, moss, and ferns.
Nature Conservation Action and the Ararancha Association - Ecology and Conservation reported the discovery in the journal Salamandra.
The name shankusacha derives from the Kichwa-Lamista phrase meaning "heart of the forest".
Cloud forests where the frog lives exceed 4,430 feet above sea level.
Approximately 60 percent of the regional forest has been destroyed by coffee cultivation, cattle grazing, and illegal logging.
Scientists classify Oreobates shankusacha as endangered due to deforestation and its limited range.

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Zoological Society of London-led study blames photo tourism for presumed deaths of seven galaxy frogs in Western Ghats (Start of January) ▼

Galaxy frogs (Melanobatrachus indicus) live exclusively under rotten logs in Kerala’s Western Ghats.
The species is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Between June 2020 and April 2021 photographers overturned logs and trampled vegetation, causing the disappearance—and presumed deaths—of seven monitored frogs.
Photographers handled frogs with bare hands, exposed them to high-powered camera flashes for nearly four hours per session and moved them to different logs for better pictures.
Displacing logs altered the moss-covered microhabitat, likely preventing the frogs from returning and disrupting their feeding and breeding.
Frogs rely on skin respiration; drying from flash heat or handling hampers breathing and can be lethal.
The study recommends banning capture, handling and chasing of animals, minimising high-intensity lights, and training guides to curb unethical wildlife photography.

Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) team discovers Brachycephalus lulai in Brazil’s cloud forests (Mid of December) ▼

A team of scientists has discovered a new species of tiny toadlet in the cloud forests of Brazil's Serra do Quiriri mountain range.
This bright orange frog measures just 8.9-13.4 mm in length, making it one of the smallest four-legged animals on Earth.
This species is deaf to its own advertising calls, relying on visual cues like vocal sac inflation, mouth gaping, and arm waving for communication.
After detailed analysis, they named it Brachycephalus lulai after the Brazilian president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Found in the Atlantic Forest, which is a highly threatened ecosystem, Brachycephalus lulai inhabits leaf litter at elevations above 750 meters.

Rediscovery of 'Lost' Killifish Moema claudiae in Bolivia's Fragile Wetlands (Mid of November) ▼

A rare killifish, Moema claudiae, thought extinct for over two decades, has been rediscovered in a small Bolivian pond.
Moema claudiae was last recorded more than 20 years ago at its original collection site in Bolivia, which has since been destroyed and converted into agricultural land.
The species held a status of “Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct)” according to IUCN criteria.
Researchers Heinz Arno Drawert and Thomas Otto Litz made the discovery of a surviving population.
The finding was published in the journal Nature Conservation.
The rediscovery site is located where the Amazon rainforest transitions into the Llanos de Moxos, a mosaic of wetlands, savannas, and forest patches.
The rediscovery site also revealed six additional species of seasonal killifish, making it the most genetically diverse assemblage of seasonal killifish ever recorded worldwide.
Moema claudiae was named by renowned ichthyologist Professor Wilson Costa in honour of his wife, Claudia.
In the last 25 years, Bolivia has lost nearly 10 million hectares of forest, including vast wetland areas essential for seasonal fish species, largely driven by expanding agriculture.
Seasonal killifish like Moema claudiae survive in temporary pools that dry out for months at a time, with their eggs remaining dormant in the soil until rains return, a strategy known as diapause.

Malabar gliding frog builds foam nest above water instead of laying eggs in water (Mid of November) ▼

Species: Malabar gliding frog (Rhacophorus malabaricus) – "Known as the Malabar gliding frog, this vivid green amphibian"
Location: Western Ghats, India – "High in the misty forests of the Western Ghats in India"
Key behaviour: Constructs foam nest above ponds/streams – "the female selects a tree branch or leaf positioned directly above a pond or slow-moving stream"
Nest details: White frothy foam up to ~3 inches diameter, holds ~200 eggs – "This nest can reach around three inches in diameter" and "the female deposits up to 200 eggs"
Ecological role: Indicator of clean water and balanced habitat – "Frogs are indicators of environmental health; their presence suggests clean water and a balanced habitat"

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Identifies Landing Site for Chandrayaan-4 Mission

[Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]

Key Updates:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has identified a landing site near Mons Mouton in the Moon’s south polar region for the Chandrayaan-4 mission.
Researchers at the Space Applications Centre (SAC) selected the specific site labelled MM-4, located at 84.289 degrees south latitude and 32.808 degrees east longitude.
The MM-4 site was chosen for its manageable average slope of approximately 5 degrees, minimal large rocks, and continuous sunlight exposure for 11 to 12 days.
Chandrayaan-4 is India’s first lunar sample return mission and is currently scheduled for launch around 2028.
The mission architecture includes five distinct components: a propulsion module, descender, ascender, transfer module, and re-entry module.
The landing site discovery was made by analysing high-resolution images from the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and using digital elevation models.
The mission aims to collect lunar soil and rock samples using robotic systems and return them to Earth via the ascender module.

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India approves ₹29.2 crore for Maitri-II Station to replace Maitri in Antarctica (Mid of December) ▼

The Ministry of Earth Sciences has approved ₹29.2 crore for pre-investment activities, including architectural design and preparation of the Detailed Project Report DPR.
The new Maitri-II Station is conceived as a state-of-the-art, year-round research hub that will significantly elevate India’s scientific capability in biology, earth sciences, glaciology, atmospheric sciences, climate studies and long-term environmental monitoring.
The upgraded station will feature modern laboratories, advanced ice-core storage and processing systems, a dedicated biological and microbial research suite and expanded atmospheric observation facilities.
The projected timeline for Maitri-II to become operational is estimated as seven years with expected completion by 2032.

Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) Enters Science Operations Phase (End of November) ▼

NISAR is a joint Earth-observation mission of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
The 12-meter diameter antenna reflector, developed by NASA, has been successfully deployed and calibrated.
ISRO released the first S-band radar images, marking the commencement of the satellite’s science phase.
Initial S-band images captured the Godavari River Delta, demonstrating the satellite’s capability to map vegetation, agriculture, and aquaculture with precision.
The satellite was launched onboard GSLV-F16 and completed 100 days in orbit on the day of image release.

ISRO targets 2028 for Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample-return mission and triples spacecraft output (Mid of November) ▼

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan: "the government has approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission, designed as a lunar sample-return mission"
Chandrayaan-4 objective: "will attempt to bring back samples from the moon — a capability currently demonstrated only by the US, Russia and China"
LUPEX mission: "joint lunar polar exploration programme with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)" aiming to "study water ice at the lunar south pole"
Space station plan: "first of the five modules will be placed in orbit by 2028" with full Indian Space Station targeted for completion "by 2035"
Human spaceflight timeline: "crewed mission was always planned for 2027" with "three uncrewed test missions" to precede it

India flags off INS Sagardhwani for Sagar Maitri V oceanographic mission (End of January) ▼

INS Sagardhwani, India's oceanographic research vessel under the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) of DRDO, was flagged off for the fifth edition of the Sagar Maitri (SM-5) initiative from Southern Naval Command, Kochi.
Sagar Maitri is a flagship collaborative initiative of the Indian Navy and DRDO, aligned with the Government of India's vision of 'Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR)'.
The initiative seeks to build sustained scientific collaboration with eight Indian Ocean Rim countries: Oman, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
Under the Sagar Maitri programme, INS Sagardhwani will retrace the historic routes of INS Kistna, which participated in the International Indian Ocean Expedition during 1962-65.
The ongoing mission marks the launch of collaborative oceanographic studies with the Maldives, enabling joint research and professional exchanges among scientists from IOR nations.

India launches world’s first doctor-led AI healthcare ecosystem iLive Connect

Key Updates:

iLive Connect is the world’s first doctor-led, AI-powered healthcare ecosystem providing 24/7 home medical monitoring.
Developed by cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Rahul Chandola and senior interventional cardiologist Dr Viveka Kumar.
System uses FDA- and CE-approved wearable biosensor patch on chest and wristband to track two-lead ECG, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, blood pressure trends, physical activity, and heart rate variability.
Data transmitted to secure cloud platform monitored round-the-clock by specialised doctors at central medical command centre.
Doctors alert patient and family within two minutes at first sign of harmful physiological change and provide immediate medical guidance.
10-week observational study of 410 patients showed 76% reduction in hospital readmissions with early detection of cardiac, metabolic, and post-discharge complications.
Technology especially beneficial for senior citizens, high-risk patients, elderly living alone, and recently discharged patients.

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National Health Authority (NHA) Organises Federated Intelligence Hackathon at IIT Kanpur (End of January) ▼

The National Health Authority (NHA), in collaboration with the ICMR–National Institute for Research in Digital Health and Data Science (ICMR-NIRDHDS) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, organised the Federated Intelligence Hackathon for Healthcare.
The national-level initiative was held at the IIT Kanpur campus to advance secure and scalable Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for India's healthcare ecosystem.
The event featured a Hackathon Week from 19 to 23 January 2026, followed by a two-day on-site programme beginning on 23 January 2026.
The hackathon received a total of 191 registrations, comprising 76 individual participants and 115 teams from health-tech start-ups, clinicians, and researchers.
The competition carries a total prize pool of ₹12 lakh, with winners announced during the valedictory sessions on 24 January 2026.
The programme integrated NHA’s digital health governance through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) with the clinical research expertise of ICMR-NIRDHDS.
Technical sessions covered Health Technology Assessment (HTA), traditional machine learning, and AI use cases in ophthalmology, bone age detection, and computational pathology.
Participating organisations and experts included representatives from NITI Aayog, Samsung India, Google Health AI, CoRover.ai, ArtPark@IISc, and the Wadhwani Foundation.

Govt Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) starts state’s first government AI clinic in Noida (Start of January) ▼

Govt Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Kasna has launched a clinic that will use artificial intelligence and genetic screening to detect and treat serious diseases such as cancer and heart, kidney and liver ailments at an early stage.
Officials said it is UP's first AI-powered govt clinic within a govt hospital.
The clinic will use artificial intelligence along with genetic screening to analyse diagnostic inputs, including blood tests, imaging scans and other clinical data.
AI tools will also be used to analyse X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI reports and laboratory investigations, particularly for critically ill patients.
According to doctors at GIMS, the use of robotics combined with AI can improve surgical precision across multiple specialities, including abdominal, orthopaedic, neurological and cardiac procedures.
The AI clinic was inaugurated online by the additional director general of health services (ADGHS), govt of India.

AI4India, Intel India and IHFC host Pre-Event for India-AI Impact Summit 2026 to spotlight inclusive AI (End of January) ▼

The Official Pre-Event for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held at the Research & Innovation Park, IIT Delhi.
IHFC (Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi) will offer funding of up to Rs 2 crore to promising AI ventures.
An EXPO will feature 25 emerging AI startups presenting technologies for climate resilience, healthcare accessibility, digital education and smart governance.

All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and CAYEIT partner for AI-driven innovation (End of January) ▼

The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), an apex institution under the Ministry of AYUSH, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Ayurveda Education, Innovation & Technology (CAYEIT) in New Delhi.
The partnership aims to modernise Ayurveda through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) enabled data analysis, and digital-first education models.
The collaboration focuses on developing personalised, Prakriti-based treatment models and utilising network pharmacology to provide scientific evidence for Ayurvedic formulations.
The MoU was signed by Prof. (Vd.) P. K. Prajapati, Director of AIIA, and Prof. Dr. Abhimanyu Kumar, Chairman and CEO of CAYEIT.
Following this agreement, AIIA now maintains a total of 74 national and 20 international collaborations.

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

[Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Bay of Bengal]

Key Updates:

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

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

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

New Ant Species Polyrhachis garbhangaensis Discovered in Assam (Start of February) ▼

Scientists have identified a new ant species named Polyrhachis garbhangaensis in the Garbhanga Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam.
The species belongs to the rare mucronata group of spiny ants and represents only the third species of this group ever recorded in India.
The discovery was led by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, and the formal description was published in the journal Asian Myrmecology on 30 January.
The ant measures approximately 5.6 millimetres in length and is distinguished by a bright yellow-orange abdomen and curved spines on its body.
Assam is a major centre of diversity for this genus, accounting for 21 of the more than 70 known Polyrhachis species recorded in India.
The research team also recorded an ant-mimicking spider in the same area, suggesting complex predator-prey relationships within the urban-adjacent forest ecosystem.

GITAM School of Science records first confirmed predation by horn-eyed ghost crab on mottled lightfoot crab at Rushikonda (Start of December) ▼

Researchers from GITAM School of Science, Visakhapatnam, documented the “first confirmed instance” of a horn-eyed ghost crab preying on a mottled lightfoot crab along the Rushikonda shoreline.
The observation implies a behavioural extension of the horn-eyed ghost crab from sandy intertidal zones into rocky sections, “likely tied to nocturnal foraging.”
Ghost crabs influence coastal ecosystems through feeding habits and burrow construction that “shape the physical texture of the shore.”
Six species of ghost crabs have been reported along the Indian coastline, with at least three—O. brevicornis, O. macrocera and O. cordimanus—observed at Rushikonda Beach.
The finding has been published in the November edition of the Journal of Threatened Taxa.

CUSAT-led team establishes new genus and species of microscopic crustacean from Kavaratti lagoon (End of January) ▼

The crustacean belongs to the family Laophontidae within the Copepoda class.
Named Indiaphonte bijoyi, the generic name honours India and the species name commemorates S. Bijoy Nandan, Dean, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).
Females range from 518 to 772 micrometres in body length; males from 508 to 756 micrometres.
As meiofauna, these organisms produce omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA essential for fish and shellfish growth and human nutrition.
Harpacticoid copepods serve as reliable bio-indicators of pollution, oil spills, heavy metals and climate change.

India defeats England to win 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup

[England]

Key Updates:

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash reward of ₹7.5 crore for the Indian Under-19 cricket team following their 2026 Under-19 World Cup victory.
India defeated England by 100 runs in the final at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe, to secure their sixth International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup title.
India posted a total of 411/9 in the final, featuring an innings of 175 runs off 80 balls by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Captains Ayush Mhatre and Abhigyan Kundu contributed to the total before the bowlers dismissed England for 311 in 40.2 overs.
Caleb Falconer scored 115 runs off 67 balls for England in the final match.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the reward includes the players, coaching staff, support staff, and the Junior Cricket Committee.
BCCI President Mithun Manhas noted that India currently holds both the men’s and women’s Under-19 World Cup titles.

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India U-17 blanks Bangladesh 4-0 to win SAFF U-19 Women's Championship (Start of February) ▼

India's U-17 women's team defeated Bangladesh 4-0 in the SAFF U-19 Women's Championship final at Pokhara.
Captain Julan Nongmaithem scored in the 42nd minute to give India the lead.
Elizabed Lakra converted a 63rd-minute penalty to double India's advantage.
Pearl Fernandes added the third goal in the 68th minute after dispossessing the goalkeeper.
Substitute Anwita Raghuraman completed the scoring in the 83rd minute.
India had earlier lost 0-2 to Bangladesh in the round-robin stage of the tournament.

India beats England to win record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup (Start of February) ▼

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

Vidarbha defeats Saurashtra to win maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy (Mid of January) ▼

Vidarbha secured their maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy title by defeating Saurashtra by 38 runs in the final held in Bengaluru.
Atharva Taide scored 128 runs off 97 balls, marking his first List A hundred in five years, to help Vidarbha reach a total of 317/8.
Yash Thakur took 4 wickets for 50 runs to bowl out Saurashtra for 279 and secure the victory.
For Saurashtra, Prerak Mankad top-scored with 88 runs and Chirag Jani made 64, while bowler Ankur Panwar took 4 wickets for 65 runs.
This win marks the first senior white-ball title for Vidarbha in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) domestic circuit.

Simon Harmer and Shafali Verma named ICC Players of the Month for November 2025 (Mid of December) ▼

South Africa’s Simon Harmer claimed 17 wickets in the two-Test series against India.
Harmer returned figures of four for 30 and four for 21 in Kolkata, and three for 64 and six for 37 in Guwahati.
India’s Shafali Verma scored 87 from 78 deliveries and took two wickets in the Women’s World Cup final against South Africa.
India won the Women’s World Cup for the first time, with Verma earning Player of the Match in the final.

Manu Bhaker wins silver medal at Asian Shooting Championships 2026

Key Updates:

Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker won the silver medal in the 25m pistol final at the Asian Shooting Championships 2026 held in New Delhi.
Thuy Trang Nguyen of Vietnam secured the gold medal after defeating Bhaker in a shoot-off, following a tied score of 35.
India's Esha Singh finished the competition in the third position to claim the bronze medal in the 25m pistol event.
Meghana Sajjanar won a bronze medal at the same championships while competing in her eighth month of pregnancy.
Bhaker qualified for the final with a score of 584 and used a new pistol from the Italian manufacturer Pardini.
Bhaker previously won two bronze medals in the 25m pistol event at the 2021 and 2023 International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cups.
Bhaker finished in seventh place in the 10m air pistol final five days prior to winning the silver medal.
The qualification cycle for the 2028 Los Angeles (LA) Olympics is scheduled to commence on 31 July 2026.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) was the body associated with the event's documentation.

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Meghana Sajjanar wins Bronze at Asian Championships (Start of February) ▼

Indian shooter Meghana Sajjanar clinched the individual bronze medal and team gold in the 10m air rifle competition at the Asian Championships held in New Delhi.
The 32-year-old athlete from Bengaluru achieved the podium finish while in the eighth month of her pregnancy.
Elavenil Valarivan won the individual gold medal in the event with a score of 252.0, while Misaki Nobata of Japan secured the silver medal.
Meghana Sajjanar maintained a score of 104.1 after the first ten shots and defeated compatriot Arya Borse to confirm her bronze medal.
This achievement follows her previous bronze medal win at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup held in Ningbo, China, in September 2025.
The athlete is scheduled to participate in the 10m mixed air rifle team event alongside Rudrankksh Patil before taking a competitive break.

Manu Bhaker wins senior women’s 25m sports pistol gold at 68th NSCC (Mid of December) ▼

Manu Bhaker claimed gold in the senior women’s 25m sports pistol final with a score of 36 at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi.
Divya T.S. took silver with 32 hits and Anjali Choudhary secured bronze with 28 hits in the same event.
Simranpreet Kaur Brar won the junior women’s 25m sports pistol gold, scoring 39 in the final.

Esha Singh wins 10m air pistol gold at Asian Shooting Championships (Start of February) ▼

Esha Singh claimed the women’s 10m air pistol gold at the Asian Shooting Championships held at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi.
She defeated silver medallist Ching-yen Chen by a commanding margin of 4.8 points, finishing with a score of 239.8.
Singh had deliberately skipped four preceding domestic finals to undertake four days of mental preparation focused on visualising her finals routine.
India’s women’s 10m air pistol final also featured double Paris Olympics medallist Manu Bhaker, former world record holder Rhythm Sangwan and three-time 2025 World Cup winner Suruchi Phogat.
On the men’s side, 21-year-old Samrat Rana secured the Asian Championships bronze in 10m air pistol, adding to his 2025 World Championship gold and World Cup final medal.

Suruchi Phogat and Samrat Rana win silver in 10m air rifle mixed team at Asian Shooting Championship (Start of February) ▼

Suruchi Phogat and Samrat Rana secured the silver medal in the 10m air rifle mixed team event at the Asian Shooting Championship held at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range.
The pair topped the qualification stage but faced a new four-team final format with elimination stages, differing from the previous playoff system.
Gold medallists were Kamalov Mukhammad and Nigina Saidkulova from Uzbekistan.
Phogat, aged 19, had won three of the four ISSF World Cups in 2025 and a gold at the World Cup finals.
Rana, aged 21, claimed a World Championship gold medal earlier, becoming only the third Indian to achieve this feat after Abhinav Bindra and Rudrankksh Patil.

Chess joins Esports Nations Cup 2026 line-up

Key Updates:

Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) announced Chess as an official competitive title of Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026.
Chess joins Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, and Trackmania in the ENC 2026 line-up.
The Chess tournament runs from Nov. 2 to Nov. 8, featuring 128 players in a round-robin group stage of 16 groups of eight players.
Top four players from each group advance to a 64-player single-elimination playoff bracket.
All group stage and round-of-64/32 matches are best-of-two; quarterfinals onward are best-of-four.
Armageddon games serve as tie-breakers and the event uses Rapid 10+0 time control.
Direct invites use official CCT rankings with one player per nation; Titled Tuesday Spring Split acts as additional tie-breaker.
Cut-off date for direct invites to ENC 2026 is May 26.
Two regional qualifiers per region on June 6-7 and June 13-14; four players per qualifier advance, totalling eight players per region.
Regions hosting qualifiers are North America, South America, Africa, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East + India + Central Asia, and East Asia + Southeast Asia + Oceania, each receiving 8 slots.
Each nation can field up to two representatives; if one player is directly invited, only one more can qualify through regional qualifiers.

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Magnus Carlsen wins inaugural Esports World Cup 2025 chess title (Start of February) ▼

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) confirmed chess as one of 16 competitive titles for the first-ever Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC).
The ENC is scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2 November to 29 November 2026.
The chess tournament will feature 128 players and take place from 2 November to 8 November 2026.
Qualification for the event includes 64 players from Champions Chess Tour (CCT) rankings, 56 from online regional tournaments, and 8 Wildcard invitations.
The tournament format consists of 16 groups of eight players, leading to a 64-player knockout playoff using a Rapid 10+0 time control.
Regional qualifiers will be managed by Chess(dot)com in June 2026 across eight zones, including Middle East + India + Central Asia.
Magnus Carlsen won the first Esports World Cup chess title in 2025 representing Team Liquid.

Volodar Murzin defends FIDE World Rapid title; Magnus Carlsen & Ian Nepomniachtchi share FIDE World Blitz crown (Start of January) ▼

Volodar Murzin emerged as the World Rapid champion in 2024 after beating Alexander Grischuk.
Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi were the joint World Blitz champions.
The 2025 championships are hosted at Qatar University’s Sports and Events Complex in Doha.
Each of the Rapid and Blitz sections carries a €350,000 prize fund, with the winner taking home €70,000.

India announces squads for 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships (Start of February) ▼

The 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) will be held in Qingdao, China, from 4 February to 8 February 2026.
Lakshya Sen, the World number 13, will lead the Indian men's team which includes HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, Ayush Shetty, and Tharun Mannepalli.
The Indian men's doubles contingent features Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy, Sai Pratheek K, and Hariharan Amsakarunan.
The Indian women's team will defend their title without PV Sindhu, who withdrew due to medical concerns as confirmed by the Badminton Association of India (BAI).
The women's singles squad consists of Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj, Malvika Bansod, and Surya Charisma Tamiri.
The women's doubles team includes Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand, Priya Konjengbam, Shruti Mishra, and Tanisha Crasto.
The Indian men's team is placed in Group C alongside Singapore and Japan, while the women's team is in Group Y with Myanmar and Thailand.
The tournament format allows the top two teams from each group to progress to the quarterfinals of the biennial continental event.
The event will be live-streamed on the Sony Sports Network and the official YouTube channel of Badminton Asia.

FIFA World Cup 2026 draw completes group stage lineup (Start of December) ▼

The draw placed 42 qualified teams and 22 play-off contenders into 12 groups for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Hosts Canada, Mexico and USA were drawn into Groups B, A and D respectively.
Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify, will face Germany in Group E.
Group L contains England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama; Group I features France, Senegal, Norway and a play-off winner.
The tournament opener on 11 June 2026 will see Mexico play South Africa in Mexico City.
The final will be held on 19 July 2026 in New Jersey.