📰 Daily Briefing Tuesday, Mar 10

Daily Current Affairs: 10 March 2026

Analysis for 10 March 2026

Elon Musk Ranked Wealthiest in Hurun Global Rich List 2026; Mukesh Ambani Named Richest Person in Asia

Key Updates:

  • Elon Musk, aged 54, was ranked the wealthiest person in the world with a net worth of US$792 billion, followed by Jeff Bezos of Amazon (US$300 billion) and Larry Page of Alphabet (US$271 billion).
  • Larry Ellison of Oracle (US$267 billion) and Sergey Brin (US$247 billion) were ranked fourth and fifth, followed by Mark Zuckerberg of Meta (US$234 billion), Bernard Arnault of LVMH (US$178 billion), and Warren Buffett (US$173 billion).
  • Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) was named the richest person in Asia with a wealth of US$109 billion, while Gautam Adani ranked second in India with US$83 billion.
  • Cyrus Poonawalla of the Serum Institute of India (SII) recorded a wealth of US$33 billion, followed by Lakshmi N Mittal (US$25 billion), Niraj Bajaj of Bajaj Auto (US$24 billion), and Anil Agarwal (US$18 billion).
  • Uday Kotak was ranked with a wealth of US$16 billion, while new Indian billionaires included Shahid Bilakhia of Meril Life Science (US$6.2 billion) and Basant Bansal of M3M India (US$4.6 billion).
  • Other Indian entrants were Madhusudhan Agarwal (US$4.3 billion) and Rajendrakumar Agrawal (US$3.8 billion) of Haldirams, Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari of Physics Wallah (US$1.7 billion each), Ritesh Agarwal of OYO (US$1.6 billion), and actor Shah Rukh Khan (US$1.3 billion).
  • Jensen Huang of Nvidia entered the global top 10 for the first time with US$172 billion, while Steve Ballmer rounded out the top 10 with US$159 billion.
  • Bill Gates dropped out of the top 10 after donating US$20 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), while the report recorded the deaths of Wang Linpeng (56), Shao Genhuo (60), Henri Beaufour (60), James Irsay (65), David Murdock (102), and S. Daniel Abraham (100).

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Hurun Research Institute ranks India third globally with 308 billionaires in 2026. (Start of March) ▼
  • India’s billionaire count rose to 308, an increase of 24 from the previous year, according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2026.
  • Indian billionaires added 57 new entrants and saw 27 drop out during the year.
  • Total wealth of Indian billionaires grew 10% year-on-year to ₹112.6 trillion.
  • Mukesh Ambani retained his position as India and Asia’s richest person with a net worth of ₹9.8 trillion, up 9%.
  • Gautam Adani remained the second richest Indian despite a 14% decline in wealth to ₹7.5 trillion.
  • Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCL Technologies, was third with wealth of ₹3.2 trillion and the only woman among India’s top 10 richest.
  • Healthcare sector produced 53 new billionaires, industrial products 36, and consumer goods 31.
  • Energy sector, with eight billionaires, accounted for ₹18.3 trillion or about 16% of India’s cumulative billionaire wealth.
  • Cyrus S Poonawalla of Serum Institute of India added nearly ₹0.91 trillion, the largest absolute gain.
  • Mumbai hosts 95 billionaires, adding 15 new entrants, but lost its status as Asia’s billionaire capital to Shenzhen which has 133.
  • India’s youngest billionaire is Ritesh Agarwal, founder of Oyo, aged 32 with net worth of ₹14,440 crore.
  • 23 Indian women billionaires collectively hold wealth of ₹9.8 trillion.
RSS launches Kashmir to Kanyakumari 'Dhwaj Yatra' (Start of February) ▼
  • Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) started the 'Dhwaj Yatra' flag rally from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
  • The yatra began symbolically at Lal Chowk and culminated at the Tourist Reception Centre in Kashmir.
  • Participant Veer Kapoor stated the yatra aims to clear misgivings that RSS is against some people.
  • A movie titled 'Shatak' has been made to celebrate 100 years of RSS and is scheduled for release on February 19.
Salman Khan: The Sultan of Bollywood book release on December 20 (End of December) ▼
  • HarperCollins India is publishing Salman Khan: The Sultan of Bollywood on December 20.
  • The book is authored by award-winning writer Mohar Basu.
  • It is described as 'a love letter, a fan's tribute and a deep dive into the incredible phenomenon called Salman Khan'.
Deepinder Goyal topped Hurun India’s Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2025 list (Mid of December) ▼
  • Deepinder Goyal of Eternal leads Hurun India’s Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2025.
  • Eternal’s valuation rose 27% to Rs 3.2 lakh crore.
  • Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal of InterGlobe Aviation (Indigo) debuted in the top three with a valuation of Rs 2.2 lakh crore.
  • Peyush Bansal of Lenskart was ranked 10th after the company went public at a valuation of Rs 70,236 crore.

Romania Ratifies International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement

[Romania, International Solar Alliance]

Key Updates:

  • Romania’s Ambassador Sena Latif presented the Instrument of Ratification to Joint Secretary (ED) P.S. Gangadhar, the Head of Depository.
  • Secretary (ER) Sudhakar Dalela of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Romanian Vice Minister Clara Alexandra Volintiru witnessed the ratification.
  • Romania became a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) after depositing its ratification.

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International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi formalise Framework for Action to advance solar skills across member countries (Start of March) ▼
  • The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi signed a Framework for Action (FFA) to advance solar energy skills and capacity building across ISA member countries.
  • The framework aims to train renewable energy engineers, research professionals, and Solar Technology Application Centre (STAR-C) trainers.
  • The partnership has previously supported M. Tech. programmes for professionals from 18 developing countries across Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Over the last five years, over a hundred students undertook masters in renewable energy through the ISA–IIT Delhi partnership.
  • The new framework launches a one-year post-graduate diploma programme based on a 'Train-the-Trainers' model, in collaboration with Institut National de l'Énergie Solaire (France).
  • Future plans include expanding academic opportunities to Master's programmes in Public Policy and Ph.D. pathways for the solar energy sector.
  • The collaboration covers four core areas: capacity building, academic programmes, joint research, and knowledge exchange.
  • The research component will focus on solar resource assessment, quality standards, and emerging technologies.
  • IIT Delhi plans to incorporate AI, ML, and Blockchain techniques to enhance distributed solar and ensure security in future sustainable energy systems.
India and European Union to grant each other Most Favoured Nation status for five years under trade deal (Start of March) ▼
  • India and the European Union (EU) will grant each other Most Favoured Nation status for five years after their trade deal takes effect.
  • The deal aims to eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96.6% of traded goods by value and is expected to double EU exports to India by 2032.
  • European companies are projected to save 4 billion euros in duties once the agreement is implemented.
  • Agriculture-related items such as soya, beef, sugar, rice and dairy have been excluded from the trade deal.
  • Both sides agreed not to impose new import or export restrictions beyond World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
  • India and the EU will align food safety and plant health measures with WTO standards and streamline certification and audit procedures.
  • The pact includes commitments to enhanced customs cooperation and faster clearance of goods.
  • Annual import data will be exchanged one year after the pact takes effect to monitor implementation and tariff preference usage.
  • The agreement promotes paperless trade and legal recognition of electronic contracts, signatures and authentication.
  • The EU will mobilise finance and investment to support India’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions under the pact.
Ireda Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Ltd (IGGEFIL) sanctions USD 22.5 million green loan to Swarna Solar for 100 MW Zambia solar project. (Mid of January) ▼
  • Ireda Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Ltd (IGGEFIL) approved its first international loan of USD 22.5 million during the board meeting held in New Delhi.
  • The loan will finance Swarna Solar Limited's development of a 100 MW Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant in Serenje District, Central Province, Zambia.
  • IGGEFIL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (Ireda).
United States exits India-headquartered International Solar Alliance following Trump executive order (Start of January) ▼
  • United States President Donald Trump withdrew the country from 66 international organisations — including 31 United Nations Organisations — via an executive order.
  • The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is the only India-headquartered organisation among the 60-plus institutions that the United States has now exited.
  • The ISA was conceptualised on the sidelines of the COP21 in Paris in 2015, when the landmark Paris Agreement was signed to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and limit the rise in average global temperature.
  • The ISA is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana.
  • The ISA’s key theme is the ‘Towards 1000’ strategy, aimed at mobilising "$1,000 billion of investments in solar energy solutions by 2030 while delivering energy access to 1,000 million people using clean energy solutions and resulting in the installation of 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity."
  • According to the official website, more than 100 countries are currently its signatories, with over 90 countries having ratified to become full members.

KG George, 1965 India-Pakistan War Veteran and Vir Chakra Recipient, Dies at 95

[Pakistan]

Key Updates:

  • Retired Lance Havildar K G George, a veteran of the 1965 India-Pakistan War, passed away at the age of 95 in Kottayam, Kerala.
  • He was a recipient of the Vir Chakra, which is the third highest wartime gallantry award in India.
  • George served in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals, a unit that was established on 15 February 1911.
  • He was cited for restoring disrupted communications in the Wagah Sector in Pakistan under persistent enemy shelling between 6 and 10 September 1965.
  • On the night of 8 and 9 September 1965, he established a vital line of communication from Brigade Headquarters to forward battalions during an enemy attack.
  • Born in February 1931 in Kerala, the veteran was recognised for displaying courage and devotion to duty of a high order during his military service.

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K Pajanivel Conferred Padma Shri Award (End of January) ▼
  • K Pajanivel, a 53-year-old Silambattam exponent from Puducherry, has been conferred the Padma Shri award by the Centre.
  • He has been practicing and teaching the ancient stick-based martial art for 40 years.
  • Pajanivel hails from the rural Poornankuppam area of Puducherry.
  • The award recognizes his efforts in preserving and promoting the traditional martial art form.
  • Silambattam is highlighted for its benefits in improving mental agility, concentration, and self-defence.
Tashi Namgyal Receives Ladakh State Award Posthumously (End of January) ▼
  • Tashi Namgyal was a Kargil War hero from Ladakh.
  • He was conferred the State Award posthumously by the Ladakh administration.
  • His vigilance marked the opening chapter of Operation Vijay.
Colonel Prateek Roy received Geddes Gavel Award (Start of December) ▼
  • Colonel Prateek Roy of the Indian Army was awarded the Geddes Gavel Award.
  • He received the award on completion of the Defence Strategic and Studies Course at Australian Defence College.
  • The award is also known as the Commander Australian Defence College Award.
  • The award recognizes the student who displays the greatest understanding of factors influencing regional relationships and decision-making and demonstrates superior knowledge across political, diplomatic, military, cultural, and economic areas.
Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha (Mid of December) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha, a gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan dedicated to the recipients of the Param Vir Chakra.
  • The gallery features portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, commemorating their exceptional acts of valour, courage, and self-sacrifice during war.
  • The Param Vir Dirgha replaces colonial-era displays of British Aides-de-camp (ADCs) that were previously housed in the corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • The inauguration was held on Vijay Diwas, an occasion observed on December 16 to commemorate India’s victory in the 1971 war and the liberation of Bangladesh.
  • President Droupadi Murmu stated that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s strength, discipline, and deterrence to the world.

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) dismantles darknet drug syndicate Team Kalki using cryptocurrency

[Narcotics Control Bureau]

Key Updates:

  • The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) dismantled a nationwide darknet-based drug trafficking network operating under the name Team Kalki.
  • The syndicate utilized the dark web forum Dread and the encrypted messaging application Session to coordinate synthetic drug deliveries across India.
  • Seized narcotics included 2,338 LSD blotters, 160 MDMA pills (77.5 grams), 73.6 grams of charas, 3.6 grams of amphetamine, and 3.6 kg of liquid MDMA.
  • The network employed a cryptocurrency-based payment system involving unhosted wallets and privacy coins such as Monero and USDT (Tether).
  • Funds were routed through intermediary wallets and cold storage accounts, with proceeds laundered through mule Know Your Customer (KYC)-compliant wallets into bank accounts.
  • The NCB traced drug consignments to several states including Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka.
  • The syndicate sourced LSD and MDMA from darknet vendors located in the Netherlands, Poland, and Germany.

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Indian Coast Guard busts international oil smuggling racket through Coordinated Sea-Air Operation (Start of February) ▼
  • Indian Coast Guard (ICG) busted an international oil smuggling racket during a Coordinated Sea-Air Operation.
  • The operation was carried out by the Indian Coast Guard.
  • The smuggling involved oil, but the exact quantity seized is not specified in the article.
Telangana Police launch 'Operation Crackdown' to dismantle cybercrime network (Start of March) ▼
  • Telangana Police launched 'Operation Crackdown' on 25 February 2026 to break cybercrime networks across the state.
  • Conceived by Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), the operation will run over the next few months in collaboration with Districts and Commissionerates.
  • First phase targeted 1,888 suspected mule bank accounts opened in 137 bank branches spread across 16 districts/units of Telangana.
  • Data analysis by TGCSB revealed 4,775 mule accounts operated in the state during 2025.
  • These accounts are linked to 9,431 crime links nationwide, including 782 within Telangana.
  • A total of 137 police teams comprising 512 officers visited the 137 bank branches to collect KYC details of suspicious account holders.
  • One account in Sultan Bazar, Hyderabad, was linked to 496 crime complaints, while four branches in Suryapet District held 298 such accounts.
  • Smaller banks lacking RTGS capability were found using national banks' RTGS for fund transfers without proper verification, a gap exploited by cyber criminals.
  • Verification, financial-trail analysis, profiling, and strict legal action will continue under Operation Crackdown.
Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025 unveils updated NIA Crime Manual, Organised Crime Network Database and Weapon Database (End of December) ▼
  • Union Home Minister released the updated crime manual prepared by NIA for use by State police in investigation and prosecution.
  • An Organised Crime Network Database was launched to help States, under NIA-CBI guidance and IB cooperation, eliminate networks that channel ransom money into terrorism.
  • A national e-database on lost/looted and recovered weapons was inaugurated to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts.
United Nations Convention against Corruption Eleventh Session of the Conference of the States Parties convenes in Doha, Qatar (End of December) ▼
  • The eleventh session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) took place in Doha, Qatar, on 15-19 December 2025.
  • The Conference is the largest global anti-corruption gathering and brought together representatives from governments, regional and intergovernmental organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
  • Under the theme 'Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity', participants discussed emerging threats in the fight against corruption and explored ways to harness AI and new technologies to strengthen international cooperation against complex criminal activities.
  • The UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument and enjoys near universal adherence.
  • The UNODC GlobE Network connects law enforcement and anti-corruption investigators worldwide, enabling fast, direct cooperation and information sharing on cross-border corruption cases.
  • The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award Ceremony recognized individuals and initiatives driving integrity, accountability, and progress against corruption.
  • The 5th Anti-Corruption Academic Symposium focused on how Artificial Intelligence can support the fight against corruption.

Payr secures $2.1 million seed funding to modernise UK rent payments via credit cards.

[United Kingdom]

Key Updates:

  • London-based fintech Payr raised $2.1 million in seed funding led by Ingenii Capital with participation from Haatch, Velocity Capital, British Business Bank and strategic angel investors.
  • Payr enables UK tenants to pay rent using existing credit cards while landlords continue receiving payments through standard bank transfers without registration or software changes.
  • The UK rent payment market targeted by Payr is estimated at $165 billion annually.
  • Fresh capital will be used to strengthen payment infrastructure, expand product integrations and build partnerships across the residential property ecosystem.

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India secures 2nd rank globally in LEED-certified green building space outside United States in 2025. (Start of February) ▼
  • India ranked second outside the United States with 16 million gross square meters of LEED-certified space in 2025.
  • United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) released the annual country rankings.
  • China led the non-US list with 26 million GSM, while Vietnam entered the top 10 for the first time.
  • Over 7,500 commercial projects worldwide achieved LEED certification in 2025, totaling more than 147 million GSM.
  • India recorded the highest growth in LEED Operations and Maintenance (O+M) certification, surpassing new and interior construction projects.
  • LEED certification in India is expanding beyond offices into industrial manufacturing, warehousing, hospitality, retail, and education sectors.
Government of India announces India overtakes Japan to become world’s fourth-largest economy at USD 4.18 trillion (Start of January) ▼
  • India has surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy with a GDP of USD 4.18 trillion.
  • India is poised to overtake Germany to become the third-largest economy by 2030 with a projected GDP of USD 7.3 trillion.
  • India's real GDP grew 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2025-26, up from 7.8 per cent in the first quarter and 7.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal.
  • The World Bank has projected a 6.5 per cent growth in 2026.
  • Moody's expects India to remain the fastest-growing G20 economy with a growth of 6.4 per cent in 2026 and 6.5 per cent in 2027.
  • The IMF has raised its projections to 6.6 per cent for 2025 and 6.2 per cent for 2026.
  • The OECD forecasts 6.7 per cent growth in 2025 and 6.2 per cent in 2026.
  • S&P anticipates a growth of 6.5 per cent in the current fiscal and 6.7 per cent in the next.
  • The Asian Development Bank has lifted its 2025 forecast to 7.2 per cent.
  • Fitch has raised its FY26 projection to 7.4 per cent on stronger consumer demand.
Bank of Baroda (BoB) ranks Andhra Pradesh as top investment destination with 25.3% share of proposed capital in FY26. (Start of January) ▼
  • Andhra Pradesh captured 25.3% of all proposed investments nationwide in the first nine months of FY26.
  • Odisha and Maharashtra followed with 13.1% and 12.8% shares respectively.
  • The combined share of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra reached 51.2% of India’s total proposed capital investment.
  • Nationwide investment announcements totaled Rs 26.6 lakh crore, marking an 11.5% year-on-year increase.
  • Power sector led with 22.6% of investments, with renewables dominating the segment.
  • Metals accounted for 17.3% of proposed investments, supporting capital formation across roads, automobiles, and housing.
  • Construction maintained a steady 4% share, covering both housing and commercial complexes.
  • Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh attributed the performance to consistent reforms, fast decision-making, and investor-friendly policies.
Government projects India to become 3rd-largest economy with $7.3 trillion GDP by 2030 (End of December) ▼
  • India’s real GDP grew 8.2 per cent in Q2 FY2025-26, up from 7.8 per cent in the previous quarter and 7.4 per cent in Q4 of 2024-25.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2025-26 upwards to 7.3 per cent from the earlier estimate of 6.8 per cent.
  • With GDP valued at $4.18 trillion, India has surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy.
  • India is poised to displace Germany from the third rank in the next 2.5 to 3 years with a projected GDP of $7.3 trillion by 2030.

Bank of Baroda (BoB) raises ₹10,000 crore via 7-year green infra bonds at 7.10% coupon.

[Bank of Baroda]

Key Updates:

  • Bank of Baroda (BoB) issued its first 7-year green infra bond, raising ₹10,000 crore at a coupon of 7.10%.
  • The issue received bids totalling ₹16,000 crore, allowing full utilisation of the ₹5,000 crore green-shoe option over the base ₹5,000 crore target.
  • Proceeds will finance renewable energy projects—wind, solar, hydro, bioenergy—and energy-efficient infrastructure projects.
  • The bonds were subscribed by domestic institutional investors including life insurance companies, pension and provident funds.
  • Rating agencies Care and ICRA assigned AAA rating to the bond issue.
  • Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) withdrew its proposed ₹8,000 crore NCD issue (₹2,000 crore base plus ₹6,000 crore green-shoe) due to investor-demand mismatch for the 3-year 4-month tenor.
  • SIDBI’s withdrawal is rare and highlights weaker appetite for short-tenor AAA paper at expected fine pricing versus long-duration bonds.

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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to purchase ₹1 lakh crore bonds via two OMO auctions. (Start of March) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will conduct two open market operation (OMO) purchase auctions of ₹50,000 crore each on March 9 and March 13.
  • The OMO purchases aim to infuse liquidity into the banking system ahead of mid-March advance tax outflows of approximately ₹2 lakh crore.
  • Banking system liquidity averaged a daily surplus of ₹2.63 lakh crore in March, up from ₹2.53 lakh crore in February.
  • The RBI purchased ₹12,715 crore of bonds on-screen in February and likely bought additional bonds in the first week of March.
  • State Bank of India (SBI) saw its liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) fall to 125% in Q3 from 144% in Q2 due to strong credit growth outpacing deposit accretion.
  • Vedanta Ltd plans to raise about ₹3,000 crore through domestic three-year and five-year non-convertible debentures offering coupons around 8.75% and 9% respectively next week.
  • Bank of Baroda raised ₹10,000 crore via green infrastructure bonds.
DFCC Bank lists Sri Lanka’s first Blue Bond worth LKR 3 billion on NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT City. (Start of March) ▼
  • DFCC Bank’s LKR 3 billion Blue Bond is Sri Lanka’s first-ever Blue Bond and is primarily listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).
  • The bond has been dually listed on NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT City, becoming the first blue bond admitted for trading within India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) jurisdiction.
  • The dual listing was facilitated under a Memorandum of Understanding between NSE IX and the Colombo Stock Exchange signed at GIFT City on Friday.
  • DFCC Bank introduced the blue bonds in November 2025 to finance sustainable use of marine resources, supply of clean drinking water, aquatic pollution control, and related sustainable economic activities.
  • Blue bonds are a subset of green bonds that channel proceeds specifically toward marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, ocean-based economic activity, and broader water-related environmental projects.
  • In June 2025, NSE IX hosted DFCC Bank PLC’s leadership at GIFT IFSC to mark the listing of its LKR 2.5 billion foreign-currency green bonds, Sri Lanka’s first renewable energy-focused capital market debt instrument and the first foreign corporate issuance admitted to trading on the exchange.
Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) guarantees $197.67 million to Citibank N.A. for SBI rooftop solar refinancing. (End of February) ▼
  • Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) issued a five-year guarantee of $197.67 million to Citibank N.A. for its loan to State Bank of India (SBI).
  • The guarantee supports refinancing of a $500 million World Bank facility for grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic systems for commercial and industrial users across India.
  • SBI launched the programme in 2016 with World Bank financing and technical assistance and has achieved 1,004 MW of rooftop solar installations.
  • Citibank acted as sole lender and coordinator, building on a 2024 collaboration.
  • The refinancing is expected to reduce borrowing costs and diversify funding sources while shifting loan exposure to commercial lenders.
  • SBI must allocate 7.5% of domestic advances to green financing as India requires $160 billion to $300 billion annually to reach net zero by 2070.
NITI Aayog releases Report on Deepening the Corporate Bond Market in India (Mid of December) ▼
  • NITI Aayog CEO Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam released the report titled “Deepening the Corporate Bond Market in India” on 11th December 2025 in New Delhi.
  • The report outlines a reform-oriented roadmap to build a deeper, more resilient, and inclusive bond market capable of supporting India’s long-term investment requirements.
  • India’s corporate bond market remains constrained by limited market depth, concentrated investor profiles, and modest secondary-market activity.
  • The report recommends strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, enhancing market infrastructure and transparency, and facilitating greater issuance by mid-size firms.
  • It proposes broadening participation of insurance, pension and retail investors and expanding product offerings such as credit-enhanced instruments, long-tenor bonds, and sustainability-linked products.
  • The study advocates improving liquidity in primary and secondary markets through deeper market-making and repo facilities and leveraging digital innovations including tokenised bonds and integrated data systems.

Swiggy and HDFC Bank launch BLCK and Ornge co-branded credit cards with up to ₹48,000 annual savings.

[Swiggy, HDFC Bank]

Key Updates:

  • Swiggy and HDFC Bank introduced Swiggy BLCK HDFC Bank Credit Card and Swiggy Ornge HDFC Bank Credit Card.
  • Both cards target food delivery, quick commerce, travel, and online shopping users.
  • Cardholders can earn up to ₹48,000 in annual savings through cashback and partner discounts.
  • The cards amplify 5% cashback earnings across various partner merchants alongside Swiggy cashback.
  • Rewards ecosystem covers over 30 online platforms including Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Cleartrip, and Nykaa.
  • Existing Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card holders launched in 2023 continue to receive cashback benefits.
  • Applications for the new cards will be accepted via the Swiggy app and HDFC Bank digital channels in a phased rollout.

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Axis Bank partners IndiGo to launch two co-branded travel credit cards on RuPay and Visa networks. (End of February) ▼
  • Axis Bank and IndiGo launched the IndiGo Axis Bank Credit Card priced at ₹799 plus GST targeting mass retail customers.
  • The IndiGo Axis Bank Premium Credit Card is priced at ₹5,000 plus GST and is positioned for affluent customers.
  • Both cards are linked to IndiGo’s loyalty programme IndiGo BluChip and allow users to earn reward points on eligible retail and travel spends.
  • The IndiGo Axis Bank Credit Card offers one BluChip per ₹100 spent on eligible categories, two BluChips per ₹100 on grocery and dining spends, and three BluChips per ₹100 on IndiGo transactions.
  • Cardholders of the IndiGo Axis Bank Credit Card receive a 1,200 BluChips voucher on joining, renewal and on achieving specified spending milestones.
  • The IndiGo Axis Bank Premium Credit Card offers seven BluChips per ₹100 spent on IndiGo bookings, three BluChips per ₹100 on hotel and grocery spends, and two BluChips per ₹100 on other eligible transactions.
  • The premium variant provides vouchers worth 5,000 BluChips on joining, renewal and milestone spends, complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access, and a reduced forex markup of 2.5% on international transactions.
  • The products will be available on both the RuPay and Visa networks.
IDFC First Bank launches secured RuPay credit card with up to 5% cashback and no income proof requirement. (Mid of February) ▼
  • IDFC First Bank has launched the Hello Cashback secured RuPay credit card backed by a minimum fixed deposit of Rs 10,000.
  • The card offers 3% cashback on the first Rs 10,000 of online spends per statement cycle and 5% beyond that, capped at Rs 1,000.
  • A flat 1% cashback applies to UPI payments via the bank’s app, in-store swipes, and essentials including utilities, rent, education, insurance, jewellery, FASTag, Government payments, and wallet loads, raising the monthly cap to Rs 1,500.
  • The credit limit is set at 100% of the fixed deposit, and users continue to earn fixed deposit interest alongside cashback.
  • Joining fee of Rs 1,000 is waived until 31 March 2026; annual fee of Rs 1,000 is waived at Rs 2 lakh spends and halved at Rs 1 lakh spends.
  • The card provides Rs 2 lakh personal accident cover, Rs 25,000 purchase protection, and fuel surcharge waivers.
Google Pay and Axis Bank launch FLEX co-branded RuPay credit card with UPI link support. (Mid of December) ▼
  • Google Pay launched FLEX, a fully digital, UPI-powered co-branded credit card with Axis Bank built on the RuPay network.
  • Users can link the FLEX card to UPI accounts inside Google Pay and scan QR codes for credit-powered merchant payments.
  • The card offers instant cashbacks or rewards instead of monthly billing-cycle credits.
  • Eligible users can apply and receive a virtual card within minutes at zero cost directly inside the Google Pay app.
  • Google Pay introduced Pocket Money on the UPI Circle framework, letting parents set monthly spending limits up to ₹15,000 or approve each child transaction.
  • Google Pay now prompts customers to rate small merchants immediately after transactions to build unified customer ratings.
  • A GenAI-powered Ads tool within Google Pay for Business lets small merchants create, preview, and launch ad campaigns in minutes.
Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) launches first co-branded RuPay Credit Card among Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). (Start of February) ▼
  • Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) launched its first-ever co-branded RuPay Credit Card in collaboration with sponsor bank Punjab National Bank (PNB).
  • TGB becomes the first RRB among the eight RRBs sponsored by PNB and the first in India to roll out a co-branded RuPay Credit Card.
  • The bank operates through 150 full-fledged branches and 12 ultra-small branches across Tripura.
  • The launch event was attended by Rakhi Biswas, Director (Small Savings, Group Insurance & Institutional Finance), TGB Chairman Satyendra Singh, and Deepak Kumar, General Manager, Punjab National Bank (Head Office).
  • TGB is celebrating its Golden Jubilee year of establishment.
  • The initiative aims to enable customers in rural and semi-urban areas to access modern credit facilities within the RuPay ecosystem.

Fino Payments Bank Appoints Ketan Merchant as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Anup Agarwal as Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

[Fino Payments Bank]

Key Updates:

  • The board of Fino Payments Bank has approved the appointment of Ketan Merchant as Interim CEO, subject to approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • Merchant will carry out the duties of the Managing Director (MD) and CEO under the Banking Regulation Act for a period not exceeding four months from the date of RBI approval.
  • Anup Agarwal has been appointed as the Interim CFO for a period of up to four months with effect from 6 March 2026.
  • The appointments follow the arrest of MD and CEO Rishi Gupta by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) in connection with an alleged Goods and Services Tax (GST) evasion probe.
  • Merchant joined the bank in 2018 and has over 27 years of banking experience, including previous roles at HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Barclays.
  • Agarwal is a Chartered Accountant with around 20 years of experience and has been associated with the bank since June 2022, leading Finance – Investor Relations & Analytics.

Similar Coverage

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) overhauls merchant bankers rule; introduces capital adequacy, liquid networth criteria (Start of December) ▼
  • Sebi overhauled merchant bankers rule by introducing a capital adequacy framework, requiring a liquid net worth, and mandating minimum revenue from permitted activities.
  • Sebi allowed merchant bankers to undertake activities falling outside its purview under the same firm, subject to certain conditions.
  • As per a notification dated December 3, a merchant banker can undertake fee-based, non-fund based activities pertaining to the financial services sector that fall under another Financial Sector Regulator (FSR) or do not fall under Sebi or any other FSB.
  • Sebi categorized merchant bankers, requiring Category 1 to have a net worth of at least ₹50 crore and allowing them to undertake all permitted activities.
  • Category 2 merchant bankers must have a net worth of at least ₹10 crore and can undertake all permitted activities except managing equity issues on the main-board.
  • Merchant bankers must maintain a liquid net worth of at least 25% of the minimum net worth requirement at all times.
  • Underwriting obligations of merchant bankers are capped at 20 times their liquid net worth.
  • Category 1 merchant bankers must have cumulative revenues of at least ₹12.5 crore in the three immediately preceding financial years, while Category 2 must have at least ₹2.5 crore.
  • The revenue criteria do not apply to merchant bankers managing only the issuance of non-convertible securities, securitised debt instruments, security receipts, municipal debt securities, commercial papers, REITs, and InvITs.
  • Sebi replaced merchant bankers with independent registered valuers for the valuation of Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOP) and Sweat Equity.
  • Previously, merchant bankers were mandated for valuations related to ESOPs and other share-linked benefits.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves R. Vijay Anandh as MD & CEO of City Union Bank for three years. (Start of February) ▼
  • 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.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves re-appointment of Ratan Kumar Kesh as Bandhan Bank executive director. (End of December) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the re-appointment of Ratan Kumar Kesh as executive director of Bandhan Bank Limited.
  • The re-appointment is effective from March 31, 2026, for an additional three-year term.
  • Kesh also serves as the chief operating officer and a key managerial personnel of the bank.
  • The approval was communicated via an RBI letter dated December 26, 2025.
  • The re-appointment is contingent upon the approval of the bank's shareholders and Kesh will remain subject to retirement by rotation.
  • Bandhan Bank confirmed that Kesh has no relations with other directors of the bank and is not debarred or disqualified from holding a directorship by any order from the Securities and Exchange Board of India or any other relevant authority.
B P Kanungo appointed as non-executive chairman of IIFL Finance Ltd (End of December) ▼
  • B P Kanungo has been appointed as the non-executive chairman of the board of IIFL Finance Ltd.
  • He served as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 2017 to 2021 and was a member of the Monetary Policy Committee.
  • As chairman, Kanungo will lead the board in setting strategic direction, enhancing governance standards, and safeguarding the interests of shareholders, customers, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Kerala Cyber Safety Protocol 2026 to secure students in AI era

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

  • Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) published the 'Cyber Safety Protocol 2026' to create a secure digital learning environment in public schools.
  • The protocol lists 13 core objectives including awareness on sharing confidential data with Generative AI and cultivating critical thinking toward digital content.
  • It defines nine operational areas covering academic AI integration, administrative data management and maintenance of secure online learning spaces.
  • School heads must ensure 17 mandates such as teacher-supervised internet access during school hours and formation of School Cyber Security Committees.
  • Teachers are advised to avoid homework requiring internet and must provide school-based access for programmes like 'Key to Entrance'.
  • Students receive 25 safety guidelines including identifying suspicious links, protecting live locations on social media and managing permissions in online gaming.
  • Parents are given 16 actionable guidelines on screen time management, understanding digital footprints and using monitoring tools like Family Link.
  • The framework integrates protections from IT Act 2000, DPDP Act 2023 and POCSO Act and incorporates 2026 IT rule amendments on Synthetically Generated Information (SGI).
  • It details 20 major cyber threats such as deepfakes, AI grooming and 'digital arrest' along with legal contexts and precautions.

Similar Coverage

CERT-In and SIA-India release Space Cyber Security Guidelines to secure India’s expanding space ecosystem (End of February) ▼
  • The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and SIA-India released comprehensive Space Cyber Security Guidelines at the DefSat Conference & Expo 2026 in New Delhi from February 24–26.
  • The guidelines target government agencies, satellite service providers, ground station operators, equipment manufacturers, private space enterprises and space-related supply chain stakeholders.
  • The advisory framework prescribes core cyber security principles, recommended technical and organisational controls, defined roles and responsibilities, risk management protocols and sector-wide resilience measures.
  • Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, CERT-In, stated the framework reflects India’s commitment to strengthening cyber resilience across strategic sectors.
  • Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA-India, emphasised the document integrates industry perspectives with CERT-In’s cyber security expertise.
  • Mr. Anil Prakash, Director General, SIA-India, noted over 1.5 million cyberattack attempts were recorded during Operation Sindoor and attacks on government networks surged nearly sevenfold.
  • The framework adopts a 'defence in depth, breadth and height' approach and will be periodically refined through structured industry consultations.
Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala as Keralam (End of February) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved the renaming of Kerala as Keralam on 25 February 2026.
  • The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed unanimous resolutions in 2023 and 2024 urging the change.
  • Both resolutions were moved by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
  • The 2024 resolution noted the state is called Keralam in Malayalam while listed as Kerala in the First Schedule of the Constitution.
  • The renaming requires a Constitutional amendment under Article 3.
  • The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) examines such proposals and obtains No Objection Certificates from agencies including the Ministry of Railways, Intelligence Bureau, Department of Posts, Survey of India, and Registrar General of India.
  • The proposal is introduced as a Bill in Parliament and takes effect after passage and notification.
Tripura State Load Dispatch Centre becomes first in Northeast to secure ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification (Start of January) ▼
  • Tripura State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) has achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, making it the first in the northeast to do so.
  • The certification is designed to safeguard critical computerised systems from escalating cyber threats, ensuring the security of the national power grid.
  • Power minister Ratan Lal Nath announced the certification during the 22nd foundation day celebration of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL).
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) releases National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy (PRAHAAR) (End of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has released the National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, named PRAHAAR, to provide a comprehensive framework for preventing and mitigating terrorism.
  • The strategy emphasizes intelligence-led operations, multi-agency coordination, and a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism while upholding human rights and the rule of law.
  • The Multi Agency Centre (MAC) and the Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) under the Intelligence Bureau (IB) serve as nodal platforms for real-time sharing of counter-terror inputs.
  • The National Security Guard (NSG) functions as the nodal national counter-terror force under the MHA to assist state forces and enhance their operational capacities.
  • Legal frameworks supporting the strategy include the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023.
  • The policy identifies critical infrastructure for protection, including power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space, and atomic energy.
  • The Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D), in collaboration with state and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) training institutions, will conduct regular training for personnel.
  • The strategy addresses the use of modern technology by terrorist groups, including encrypted communications, the dark web, cryptocurrency, and drones.

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

Key Updates:

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

Similar Coverage

NAMASTE Scheme distributes PPE kits, Ayushman Cards and sewing machines to sanitation workers in Pilibhit (End of February) ▼
  • The National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme awareness programme will be held on 26 February 2026 at Gandhi Prekshagrih, Gandhi Stadium, Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and Ayushman Cards will be distributed to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and waste pickers during the event.
  • Beneficiaries who completed skill development training will receive sewing machines to support livelihood and economic empowerment.
  • B.L. Verma, Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE), will grace the event.
Akka Pade Scheme State-wide Rollout to Protect Women and Minor Girls (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the statewide implementation of the 'Akka Pade' scheme across all 31 districts and five police commissionerates.
  • The decision is aimed at strengthening efforts to prevent atrocities against minor girls and women, including child marriages, by extending the initiative beyond its pilot phase.
  • Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil said the 'Akka Pade' scheme was initially launched on a trial basis in select districts to curb child marriages and protect minor girls and women from abuse and exploitation.
Swachh Jal Abhiyan launched to ensure clean drinking water and prevent contamination (Mid of January) ▼
  • Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav launched the 'Swachh Jal Abhiyan' to conduct comprehensive testing of drinking water quality in all urban and rural areas.
  • A weekly public hearing named 'Jal Sunwai' will be held every Tuesday at the district level for citizens to raise water-related complaints.
  • A mobile application will be developed for a water pipeline asset survey involving residents to identify leakages and contaminated sources.
  • The campaign will be implemented in two phases: Phase I from January 10 to February 28 and Phase II from March 1 to May 31.
  • All drinking water sources will undergo quality testing, and STPs will be regularly monitored to ensure clean water supply.
NITI Aayog launches Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 to saturate 5 KPIs in Aspirational Districts and 6 KPIs in Aspirational Blocks (End of January) ▼
  • NITI Aayog launched the 3-month Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 campaign running from 28 January to 14 April 2026.
  • The campaign targets saturation of 5 Key Performance Indicators in 112 Aspirational Districts and 6 Key Performance Indicators in 513 Aspirational Blocks.
  • Shri B.V.R Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog, inaugurated the campaign in the presence of Shri Rohit Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme, NITI Aayog.
  • Aspirational Blocks will focus on indicators including percentage of children aged 6 months to 6 years receiving Supplementary Nutrition under ICDS, measurement efficiency of Anganwadi-enrolled children, functional toilets and drinking water in operational Anganwadi Centres, adequate girls' toilet facilities in schools, and percentage of bovine animals vaccinated against Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
  • Aspirational Districts will prioritise indicators such as proportion of live births weighed at birth, Tuberculosis case notification rate, conduct of Village or Urban Health Sanitation & Nutrition Days, functional girls' toilets in schools, and percentage of animals vaccinated.
  • Districts and Blocks will prepare a 3-month Action Plan, track monthly progress, run awareness and behaviour change campaigns, and conduct concurrent monitoring field visits.
  • NITI Aayog will collaborate with relevant Central Ministries, States, and Union Territories to improve planning, implementation, capacity building, and sustainable service delivery.

Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0: Uttarakhand Ranks First Nationally

[Uttarakhand]

Key Updates:

  • Uttarakhand has secured the first position in the national implementation of the ICJS 2.0 with a score of 93.46, as per data up to January 2026.
  • The ranking was published in the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS)/ICJS Progress Dashboard of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
  • The top five performing states are Uttarakhand (93.46), Haryana (93.41), Assam (93.16), Sikkim (91.82), and Madhya Pradesh (90.55).
  • The implementation covers the new criminal laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
  • The ICJS 2.0 framework employs a One Data, One Entry mechanism to integrate data across Police (CCTNS), e-Courts, e-Prisons, e-Prosecution, and e-Forensics.
  • The e-Sakshya mobile application is used for mandatory videography of crime scenes and secure storage of digital evidence.
  • The state has introduced Nyaya Shruti for virtual court hearings and prioritised the use of forensic mobile vans.
  • More than 23,000 police personnel in Uttarakhand have been trained on the provisions of the new legal framework.

Similar Coverage

Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System 2.0 (ICJS 2.0) Integration (Start of January) ▼
  • The Central Home Ministry has set a target of fully implementing ICJS 2.0 by 2026, under which states are required to integrate police, courts, prosecution, prisons, forensic, and fingerprint databases onto a single digital platform.
  • Uttarakhand has received 93.46 points in the ICJS 2.0 ranking released by the National Crime Records Bureau, securing the first position nationwide.
  • Through ICJS 2.0 implementation, key modules have been successfully integrated in all districts of Uttarakhand, enabling case diaries, charge sheets, digital evidence, and judicial processes to be coordinated on a single digital platform.
Uttarakhand Police secures top rank in ICJS 2.0 national rankings (Start of January) ▼
  • Uttarakhand ranked first in the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0 national ranking with a score of 93.46, followed by Haryana at 93.41 and Assam at 93.16.
  • The ranking was released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) as part of its monthly Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and ICJS Progress Dashboard Report.
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs has set a target to fully operationalize ICJS 2.0 by 2026, integrating police, courts, prosecution, prisons, forensics, and fingerprint databases on a single digital platform.
  • A 112-member team of the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) received medals and commendation certificates from the Uttar Pradesh Government for crowd control and rescue operations during Prayagraj Mahakumbh-2025.
  • The Uttarakhand Police is implementing advanced digital modules such as e-Sakshya, e-Summons, and Nyaya Shruti to reinforce the justice delivery system under the 'One Data, One Entry' principle.
Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 introduces procedural, administrative and penal improvements for effective implementation. (End of January) ▼
  • Uttarakhand Government implemented the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, after Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) approved it under Article 213 of the Constitution of India.
  • The ordinance amends the UCC Act, 2024, and came into force immediately.
  • It simplifies marriage registration, enabling fully online application from anywhere without physical presence at Sub-Registrar offices.
  • Within less than a year of UCC implementation, 4,74,447 marriages have been registered, averaging about 1,400 registrations per day compared to 67 per day under the previous Uttarakhand Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2010.
  • Couples and witnesses can now upload documents and record video statements online to complete registration.
RBI releases Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2024-25 with 11 new data tables (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India released the 10th edition of 'Handbook of Statistics on Indian States, 2024-25' disseminating wide-ranging data on regional economies.
  • The Handbook provides sub-national statistics on socio-demographics, health, state domestic product, agriculture, environment, prices, wages, industry, infrastructure, banking, fiscal and exports.
  • Eleven new tables added: State-wise Domestic Tourist Visits; Net State Value Added (current and constant prices); State-wise Status of Ground Water Extraction; State-wise Revenue Expenditure; State-wise Capital Receipts; Market Borrowings of State Governments; State-wise Gender-wise Subscribers of NPS All Citizen; State-wise Gender-wise Enrolments under APY; State-wise Exports; State-wise Foreign Tourist Visits.

Government constitutes 17-member committee for comprehensive SEZ 2.0 reforms

Key Updates:

  • The government has constituted a 17-member committee to recommend broad-based reforms for a new SEZ 2.0 policy.
  • The committee will submit a concept paper with a roadmap for harmonising SEZs with export-oriented units (EoUs), MOOWR, Advance Authorisation, EPCG, and Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA).
  • Members are drawn from the commerce ministry, customs, NITI Aayog, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
  • The committee will review the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act, 2005, to assess its effectiveness in the current global trade and investment environment.
  • It will evaluate recent and proposed reforms covering Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) sales, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, compliance requirements, and operational flexibilities.
  • The panel will assess SEZ performance in attracting domestic and foreign investment, promoting manufacturing and services, technology upgradation, value addition, and employment, including for MSMEs.
  • It will identify operational, procedural, and regulatory challenges faced by SEZ developers and units, covering customs, taxation, compliance burden, infrastructure, and stakeholder coordination.

Similar Coverage

Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Textiles Deadline Extended to March 31 2026 (Start of January) ▼
  • Ministry of Textiles (MoT) extended the last date for filing fresh applications under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for textiles up to March 31, 2026.
  • The scheme has a budgetary outlay of Rs 10,683 crore for a five-year period to boost production of Man-Made Fibre (MMF) apparel, MMF fabrics, and technical textiles.
  • As on September 9, 2025, 91 companies have been selected with investment of Rs 7,731 crore, exports of Rs 733 crore, turnover of Rs 7,290 crore, and around 30,838 jobs created.
Gujarat STI Policy 2026–2031: Rs 1000-crore Swadeshi Anusandhan Fund for indigenous research (Start of March) ▼
  • Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel unveiled the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy 2026–2031 at the Gujarat SemiConnect Conference in Gandhinagar.
  • The policy establishes a Rs 1000-crore Swadeshi Anusandhan Fund to support over 100 high-impact indigenous research projects annually in AI, semiconductors, quantum, biotech, green energy, defence, immersive and space technologies.
  • Gujarat Rajya Research and Innovation Clusters (GRRIC) will create a Science and Technology cluster network starting with Gandhinagar–Ahmedabad and expanding to Vadodara–Surat and Rajkot–Bhavnagar–Junagadh–Jamnagar.
  • The state targets nurturing 1 lakh skilled researchers by 2030 through 250 annual JRF, SRF, PDF fellowships, a Women in Innovation Fellowship, a unified Gujarat R&D portal and large-scale STEM youth initiatives.
  • Over 200 IP Facilitation Centres will help file more than 1000 intellectual properties annually, including at least 500 patents.
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods: Five Firms Selected with ₹863 Crore Investment (End of January) ▼
  • The Ministry of Commerce and Industry provisionally selected five applicants with a committed investment of ₹863 crore under the fourth round of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods.
  • The selected beneficiaries are Kirloskar Pneumatic, Indo Asia Copper, Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company, Kryon Technology, and Pranav Vikas (India).
  • The individual investment commitments include ₹320 crore by Kirloskar Pneumatic, ₹258.97 crore by Indo Asia Copper, ₹175 crore by Kryon Technology, ₹58.69 crore by Godrej & Boyce, and ₹50 crore by Pranav Vikas (India).
  • These five firms are projected to achieve a total production value of ₹8,337.24 crore and generate additional direct employment for 1,799 persons by 2027-28.
  • The PLI Scheme provides incentives ranging from 6 per cent to 4 per cent on a reducing basis on incremental sales for five years following a one-year gestation period.
  • The Union Cabinet approved the scheme in April 2021 with a total outlay of ₹6,238 crore for implementation between 2021-22 and 2028-29.
  • The initiative aims to increase domestic value addition in the air-conditioner and LED light industries from the current 20-25 per cent to 75-80 per cent.
  • The application window for this fourth round of the scheme was open from September 15 to November 10, 2025.
  • The remaining eight applicants from the fourth round are being referred to the Committee of Experts (CoE) for further examination and recommendations.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) overhauls mutual fund regulations and cuts expense ratio limits (Mid of December) ▼
  • Total Expense Ratio shall now be the sum of BER, brokerage, regulatory levies and statutory levies.
  • Base expense ratio limits for equity-oriented schemes and other than equity oriented schemes under various AUM slabs have been cut by up to 15 basis points.
  • Base expense ratio limit for index funds or ETF revised to 0.9 per cent from 1 per cent.
  • Close-ended equity-oriented schemes BER limit now stands at 1 per cent as against 1.25 per cent.
  • Maximum brokerage fee that mutual funds pay on cash market transactions halved to 6 bps from 12 bps.
  • Brokerage cap for derivative transactions revised downwards to 2 bps from 5 bps, excluding applicable levies.
  • SEBI removed the additional 5 bps expense allowance currently permitted to be charged to schemes with exit loads as a transitory measure.

Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) outlay raised to ₹40,000 crore

Key Updates:

  • Union Budget 2026-27 increased the outlay for the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) to ₹40,000 crore to deepen domestic electronics manufacturing capacity.
  • NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery met Tata Electronics MD & CEO Randhir Thakur to discuss scaling electronics production, strengthening resilient supply chains and enhancing India’s participation in global value chains.
  • The policy push aligns with the government’s atmanirbhar Bharat drive in the semiconductor and electronics space.
  • India’s electronics production has risen nearly six-fold in the past eleven years, creating 25 lakh jobs and establishing the country as a major electronics-manufacturing hub.

Similar Coverage

NITI Aayog releases sixth edition of Trade Watch Quarterly in New Delhi (Mid of February) ▼
  • NITI Aayog launched the sixth edition of Trade Watch Quarterly covering Q2 FY 25-26 (July-September 2025) on 13 February 2026 in New Delhi.
  • Services and merchandise exports grew ~8.5%, outpacing import growth in Q2 FY26.
  • Electronics exports rose nearly fivefold to USD 42.1 billion between 2016 and 2024.
  • India’s share in global electronics demand expanded at a CAGR of 17.2% from 2015-2024, against global growth of 4.4%.
  • Electronics is now the second-largest item in India’s export basket.
  • Union Budget allocated ₹40,000 crore under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to strengthen domestic capabilities.
  • E-commerce exports are projected to contribute 20-30% of India’s merchandise exports by 2030.
Japan, South Korea and Malaysia to invest ₹1,600 crore in Gujarat’s semiconductor ecosystem (Start of March) ▼
  • Gujarat Semiconnect conference in Gandhinagar saw investment proposals worth over ₹1,600 crore to strengthen the state’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem covering manufacturing units, chemicals, equipment, R&D centres and advanced technology startups.
  • Japan’s Horiba Group, through Horiba India Pvt Ltd, signed an MoU with the Gujarat government to establish an R&D centre in Ahmedabad focused on semiconductor-grade mass-flow controllers and advanced instrumentation.
  • Malaysia-based Hotayi Electronic signed an agreement with the Gujarat government to set up a ₹250 crore electronics manufacturing facility at Sanand GIDC, expected to employ 1,000 persons and supply high-precision components for semiconductor and allied industries.
  • Hi-Spec Ltd will set up a ₹750 crore facility to manufacture semiconductor-grade hydrofluoric acid, a critical chemical for wafer processing.
  • Kiansh International Technologies, in collaboration with a South Korean firm, will invest ₹25 crore to produce gas abatement systems and scrubbers for semiconductor and solar industries.
  • Japanese chipmaker Rohm Semiconductor partnered with Gujarat-based Suchi Semicon to provide IC packaging and test solutions to the local value chain.
  • Kaynes Semicon, a subsidiary of Kaynes Technology India Ltd, committed ₹500 crore to Ahmedabad-based startup SpectraGaze Systems to advance India’s capabilities in outer-space imaging and semiconductor technologies.
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.
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.

Goa Budget 2026-27: ₹30,195 crore outlay with ₹1,357 crore Central assistance

[Goa]

Key Updates:

  • Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant presented a ₹30,195 crore budget for 2026-27 in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
  • The budget expects ₹1,357 crore assistance from the Central government for various schemes and an additional ₹1,600 crore as special assistance from the Government of India.
  • A dedicated cell for implementing centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) will prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for different central sector schemes.
  • The fiscal deficit is projected at ₹3,895 crore, or 2.9%, keeping borrowings at 33% of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) limit.
  • The state commercial tax department has been given a revenue target of ₹6,945 crore for 2026-27.
  • New excise licence fees raised to ₹20 lakh for Goans and ₹25 lakh for non-Goans to control new liquor outlets, restaurants, and bars.

Similar Coverage

Karnataka Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 4.48 lakh crore with AI Centre of Excellence and flood relief (Start of March) ▼
  • Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the State Budget 2026-27 with a total outlay of Rs 4,48,004 crore.
  • The state will set up two centres in collaboration with the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms and NASSCOM at a total cost of Rs 16 crore to establish a state-of-the-art AI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
  • Karnataka will have a Leopard Rehabilitation Centre in Bannerghatta Biological Park at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore.
  • The state will implement disaster management projects over five years for Rs 5,000 crore to address flooding in Bengaluru under the Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Programme (KWSRP), a World Bank-funded initiative.
  • The government is developing a Karnataka-specific economic framework described as the '11G model' to guide the state's growth.
  • 15,000 vacant posts of teachers in schools and colleges will be filled in the next fiscal year.
  • A grant of Rs 565 crore will be provided for the construction of new rooms and repair works in government primary, high schools, and Pre-University Colleges.
  • Rs 75 crore is allocated for the construction of toilets and Rs 25 crore for the procurement of furniture in schools.
  • A grant of Rs 125 crore will be made for the maintenance of government primary schools, high schools, and Pre-University Colleges.
  • Rs 3,900 crore will be spent for upgradation of 800 schools to Karnataka Public Schools (KPS).
Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Farm Loan Waiver Scheme and ₹7.69 Lakh Crore Maharashtra Budget (Start of March) ▼
  • Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis presented a ₹7.69 lakh crore state budget with a primary focus on farm relief and infrastructure.
  • The Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Farm Loan Waiver Scheme was announced to provide a loan waiver of up to ₹2 lakh for farmers with pending loans as of 30 September 2025.
  • Farmers who have consistently repaid their loans will receive an incentive benefit of up to ₹50,000.
  • Under Phase III of the Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana (MGSY), the state will build 23,000 roads and bridges, including concrete roads in villages with populations exceeding 1,000.
  • The Mumbai Metro Line-11 project will be extended to connect the Dharavi Redevelopment Project with Bandra Suburban Station and Bandra Terminus.
  • A new Chief Minister Entrepreneurship Mega Fund will be established to provide direct financial assistance and government work orders worth up to ₹25 lakh to 50 selected startups without tendering.
  • Administrative approval has been granted for the Wainganga-Nalganga and the Damanganga-Vaitarna-Godavari river link projects.
  • A world-class startup and innovation hub will be developed on 130 acres of land at Wadala, and a New Nagpur project will be set up as a business and financial hub.
  • Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Development Centres will be established to provide vocational training specifically for differently-abled persons.
  • Maharashtra's debt stock is projected to be ₹9,73,989 crore for 2025-26 and is expected to reach ₹11,02,654 crore for 2026-27.
  • The annual interest payment and debt service for the state is estimated at ₹62,030.74 crore for 2025-26.
Davem–Sanvordem Bridge Project: ₹29.9 Crore Infrastructure Development in Goa (End of February) ▼
  • Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant laid the foundation stone for a new two-lane bridge connecting Davem and Sanvordem villages in Sattari.
  • The project, valued at ₹29.9 crore, is being executed by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) for the Public Works Department (PWD).
  • The infrastructure will feature a two-lane bridge with footpaths on both sides and includes the construction of approach roads.
  • The new bridge will replace an existing narrow single-lane bridge, reducing travel distance by 7–8 km for commuters travelling towards Ponda and South Goa.
  • The project is designed to ease traffic congestion by allowing motorists to bypass the Valpoi market, saving time and fuel.
Government data shows India’s April-January fiscal deficit at ₹9.81 lakh crore, 63% of FY26 target (Start of March) ▼
  • India’s fiscal deficit for April-January stood at ₹9.81 lakh crore, 63% of the 2025-26 budget estimate.
  • The deficit narrowed from 74.5% recorded in the same period of the previous year.
  • Total receipts during April-January were ₹27.09 lakh crore, 79.5% of the budget target.
  • Total expenditure for April-January was ₹36.90 lakh crore, 74.3% of the budget target.
  • Tax revenue receipts were ₹20.94 lakh crore, 78.3% of the budget estimate.
  • Non-tax revenue receipts were ₹5.57 lakh crore, 83.5% of the budget estimate.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved a dividend of ₹2.69 lakh crore to the central government, up from ₹2.11 lakh crore last year.
  • Revenue deficit was ₹1.96 lakh crore, 37.3% of the fiscal year’s budget target.
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set the fiscal deficit target for 2025-26 at 4.4% of GDP.
  • The fiscal deficit target for 2026-27 was set at 4.3% of GDP.
  • Expenditure on major subsidies (food, fertilisers, petroleum) was ₹3.55 lakh crore, 83% of the revised annual aim.

India and New Zealand discuss expanding sports cooperation as 2026 marks 100 years of sporting ties

[New Zealand]

Key Updates:

  • Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level ministerial meeting with the New Zealand sports delegation in New Delhi to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in sports.
  • The year 2026 marks 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, dating back to the 1926 Indian Army hockey tour to New Zealand.
  • The Indian delegation included Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Indian Olympic Association, and representatives from national sports federations.
  • Priority sports identified for collaboration include rugby, rowing, canoeing, sailing, athletics, and cycling.
  • The New Zealand delegation was led by Chris Bishop, Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation, and included Patrick John Rata, New Zealand High Commissioner to India, former international cricketer Ross Taylor, Raelene Castle, CEO of Sport New Zealand, and representatives from Hockey New Zealand, Athletics New Zealand, and Paralympics New Zealand.
  • The discussions focused on the India-New Zealand Centenary Sports Cooperation Programme 2026, a year-long initiative to commemorate the centenary of sporting ties and expand collaboration in sports development, high-performance training, innovation, and people-to-people engagement.
  • Both sides discussed organising a proposed 'India-New Zealand Sports and Culture Week' to be hosted across cities in both countries.
  • A key focus was strengthening collaboration in high-performance sports through joint training camps, coaching exchanges, and knowledge sharing in sports science, analytics, and athlete performance systems.
  • The discussions explored integrating New Zealand's coach development framework into the curriculum of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala.
  • Both countries agreed to constitute a Joint Working Group to oversee implementation of the cooperation framework, nominate nodal officers, and establish a monitoring mechanism with periodic reviews.

Similar Coverage

National Sports Governance Act: Establishment of National Sports Board and Tribunal (Start of January) ▼
  • The Sports Ministry (SM) announced that the "Central Government has appointed 1st January, 2026 as the date on which the provisions" of the National Sports Governance Act shall partially come into force.
  • The Act paves the way for the "institution of an all-powerful National Sports Board (NSB) and a Tribunal to handle sporting disputes."
  • Under the new framework, National Sports Federations (NSFs) "will be required to have Executive Committees of no more than 15 members with at least two Sportspersons of Merit in them."
  • The NSB is proposed to be a "three-member body" with the power to "grant affiliation to the National Sports Federations (NSFs)," monitor financial operations, and penalize wrongdoing.
  • The "age cap for all members of the NSB has been fixed at 65," while members of the National Sports Tribunal (NST) will "hold office for four years with an age cap of 67 years."
  • It is mandatory for NSFs "to take NSB affiliation to be eligible for government funding."
India-New Zealand FTA Finalised with Dairy Sector Excluded (End of December) ▼
  • India and New Zealand have concluded negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), likely to be signed within three months and implemented next year.
  • India will not open up its dairy sector under any free trade agreement, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal asserted.
  • India has sectors from duty cuts include dairy products, most animal products, vegetables & pulses, sugar, fats & oils, copper, aluminium, arms & ammunition, and gems & jewellery.
  • India has provided limited market access for select agri-products using Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) and Minimum Import Price (MIP) safeguards.
  • The India-New Zealand FTA offers India duty-free access to New Zealand’s market, while New Zealand will benefit from reduced tariffs on 95% of its exports.
  • Discussions for the long-pending India-US trade deal are in an 'advanced stage,' though access to agriculture remains a point of contention.
  • The FTA reflects calibrated trade liberalisation, balancing trade growth with domestic sector protection.
  • New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters termed the deal a 'low-quality' deal and announced that his New Zealand First party would oppose it in Parliament.
Comprehensive Internship Policy for Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) with Rs 5.30 Crore Annual Outlay (End of December) ▼
  • The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has unveiled a 'Comprehensive Internship Policy for Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) and its Autonomous Bodies' to create a pipeline of young professionals in sports governance.
  • The programme will offer 452 internship positions every year, with selected candidates receiving a monthly stipend of Rs 20,000.
  • The government has earmarked a total annual budget allocation of Rs 5.30 crore to fund the internship initiative.
  • College and university students will be the primary beneficiaries of the scheme, which aligns with the National Sports Policy and Khelo Bharat Niti 2025.
  • The internship programme will follow two recruitment cycles every year, scheduled in January and July.
  • Interns will be deployed across MYAS and its autonomous bodies, including the Sports Authority of India (SAI), National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), and National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL).
  • The policy seeks to build capacity in areas such as sports governance, administration, sports science, anti-doping, event management and athlete support services.
  • Interns will contribute directly to flagship programmes such as Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG).
National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 Establishes Statutory Framework for Sports Bodies (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) notified the 'National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026' on 'January 13, 2026,' under the 'National Sports Governance Act, 2025.'
  • The rules provide a framework for 'National Sports Bodies and Regional Sports Federations' regarding the inclusion of sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs), composition of the general body and executive committee, election procedures, and disqualification criteria.
  • The rules mandate the inclusion of at least four sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs) in the General Bodies of National Sports Bodies, with fifty per cent of women SOMs in the General Body.
  • To ensure the representation of at least four women in the Executive Committee, the rules provide that every National Sports Body may reserve specific posts for women in the Executive Committee, through its bye-laws.
  • Sportspersons applying as SOMs should not be less than twenty-five years of age, must have retired from active sports, and should not have participated in competitive events for at least one year prior to the date of application.
  • A 'tiered criteria' featuring '10 tiers' has been prescribed for SOMs, ranging from medalists in the 'Summer Olympic Games, Paralympic Games or Winter Olympic Games' to those who won a medal in the National Games or a National Championship.
  • The rules specify that the roster of the National Sports Election Panel shall at all times contain at least twenty members who satisfy statutory qualifications.
  • The fee for the electoral officer is subject to a maximum amount of Rs. 5 lakh, with additional fees permitted for a mutually agreed assistant.
  • The rules require that every National Sports Body shall amend its bye-laws in conformity with the provisions of the act, within a period of six months.
  • The Central Government is authorized to relax the provisions of the Rules for a period of twelve months upon receiving an application from a National Sports Body, provided reasons are recorded in writing.

India and Seychelles commence 11th edition of Lamitiye exercise

[Seychelles]

Key Updates:

  • The 11th edition of the biennial Joint Military Exercise 'Lamitiye' is being held in Seychelles from 9 March to 20 March 2026.
  • The exercise is conducted at the Seychelles Defence Academy and involves the tri-service Indian contingent and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).
  • The Indian contingent includes personnel from the Assam Regiment, Indian Navy ship INS Trikand, and an Indian Air Force C-130 aircraft.
  • Exercise Lamitiye, meaning 'friendship' in Creole, has been held in Seychelles since 2001.
  • The 12-day programme features field training exercises, combat discussions, case studies, lectures, and a two-day validation exercise.

Similar Coverage

India to inaugurate MILAN 2026 multilateral naval exercise in Visakhapatnam (End of February) ▼
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will formally inaugurate MILAN 2026 on Thursday at the Samudrika Auditorium inside the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam.
  • Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi will attend the inauguration.
  • Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, inaugurated the MILAN Village on 15 February.
  • The harbour phase of MILAN 2026 began on Wednesday with cultural performances and a formal dinner for delegates.
  • A two-day international maritime seminar starts on Thursday ahead of the official inauguration.
  • The sea phase of MILAN 2026 is scheduled from 21 February to 25 February.
  • The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen maritime domain awareness, and conduct advanced drills in anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue operations.
  • MILAN 2026 has drawn participation from 70 nations, up from 42 nations in the 2022 edition.
  • Initiated by the Indian Navy in 1995, MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval engagement that began with Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
  • The inaugural edition was held at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • The venue was shifted to Visakhapatnam in 2020 due to its more extensive and advanced naval infrastructure.
  • MILAN originally aligned with India’s ‘Look East Policy’ and later became part of the ‘Act East’ policy and the SAGAR vision.
Southern Air Command (SAC) conducts joint maritime exercise Kalari Leap in Lakshadweep on 24 February 2026 (Start of March) ▼
  • Southern Air Command (SAC) conducted the joint maritime exercise Kalari Leap in the Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago on 24 February 2026.
  • The exercise involved the participation of the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
  • The operations encompassed airborne and air-landed insertions, special heliborne missions, amphibious assault, anti-ship strike, and maritime search and rescue.
  • Air assets utilised during the exercise included An-32, Mi-17V5, and Su-30MKI aircraft.
  • The ICG deployed ships and Gemini boats, while its Dornier 228 aircraft was used for search and rescue missions and shepherding fighters for maritime strikes.
  • AFSOD special forces were integrated for Combat Free Fall insertions and amphibious assaults to validate joint planning and rapid force projection.
India and Japan Commence 7th Edition of Dharma Guardian Exercise in Uttarakhand (End of February) ▼
  • The 7th edition of the annual India–Japan Joint Military Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, in Uttarakhand.
  • The two-week exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 24 February to 9 March 2026.
  • The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) is represented in the exercise by 120 personnel from the 32nd Infantry Regiment.
  • The Indian Army contingent comprises 120 personnel drawn from the Ladakh Scouts.
  • The exercise is designed to enhance combined operational capabilities in semi-urban terrain and integrate modern military technologies.
  • Tactical activities include establishing a Temporary Operating Base (TOB) and developing an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) grid.
  • Participating forces will conduct Mobile Vehicle Check Posts, Cordon and Search Operations, Heliborne Operations, and House Intervention Drills.
  • The exercise is conducted alternately in India and Japan as a key pillar of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership framework.
India and Seychelles Adopt SESEL Joint Vision and Announce USD 175 Million Economic Package (Mid of February) ▼
  • India and Seychelles adopted a comprehensive Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL) on 9 February 2026.
  • The visit of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie coincides with the 50th anniversary of Seychelles' Independence and 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
  • India announced a USD 175 million Special Economic Package for Seychelles, consisting of a USD 125 million Rupee-denominated Line of Credit and USD 50 million in grant assistance.
  • Seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed covering pharmacopoeial cooperation, meteorological collaboration, a Cultural Exchange Programme (2026-2030), digital transformation, maritime research, civil servant training, and food procurement.
  • India will provide a gratis refit for the patrol ship PS Zoraster and gift 10 ambulances, 10 utility vehicles, and five Laser Radial class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force.
  • The package includes the provision of 1,000 metric tonnes of grains and lentils and the establishment of a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit with Indian assistance.
  • Seychelles has decided to become a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC).
  • President Patrick Herminie reaffirmed Seychelles' support for India's permanent membership in an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
  • The partnership is framed under India's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision for the Indian Ocean Region.
  • India will support Seychelles in building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and digitising governance systems, including digital payments and financial inclusion.

Iran Kharg Island remains central to United States and Israel strategic calculations

[Iran, United States, Israel]

Key Updates:

  • Kharg Island is a coral island located 25 km off the Iranian coast in the Persian Gulf, serving as the country's primary crude oil export terminal.
  • The facility handles approximately 90% of Iran’s crude exports and has the capacity to load up to 7 million barrels of oil per day.
  • Developed in the 1960s with assistance from the United States (US) company Amoco, the terminal is connected to southern Iranian oilfields via subsea pipelines.
  • Satellite imagery from the European Union (EU) Copernicus Browser showed a very-large crude carrier at the island on 2 March during the US and Israel military campaign titled Operation Epic Fury.
  • The island is situated near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy chokepoint that facilitates one-fifth of global oil shipments, primarily to Asian markets including China.
  • White House energy adviser Jarrod Agen indicated that US strategic goals could involve seizing the island to restrict Iran's oil revenues.

Similar Coverage

South Korea protests Japan’s ‘Takeshima Day’ event over disputed islands (End of February) ▼
  • South Korea’s foreign ministry strongly objected to the ‘Takeshima Day’ event organised by Shimane prefecture and attended by a senior Japanese government official.
  • The disputed islets are called Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea and have been a source of tension since Japan’s colonial rule of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945.
  • A South Korean coastguard detachment has been stationed on the territory since 1954.
  • Shimane prefecture established ‘Takeshima Day’ in 2005, repeatedly triggering protests from Seoul.
  • Seoul summoned a senior Japanese diplomat to lodge a formal protest over Tokyo’s territorial claims.
  • South Korea claims the territory lies in fertile fishing grounds and may sit above substantial deposits of natural gas hydrate worth billions of dollars.
United States announces tactical shift to precision gravity bombs in Iran military campaign (Start of March) ▼
  • United States (US) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a tactical pivot from standoff munitions to precision gravity bombs in the ongoing campaign against Iran.
  • The US military will deploy the Mark 80 series of conventional gravity bombs, specifically the 500-pound Mk 82, 1,000-pound Mk 83, and 2,000-pound Mk 84 variants.
  • Gravity bombs are unpowered munitions that are converted into precision weapons using Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) and steerable fins.
  • The shift follows the degradation of Iranian air defences, allowing the use of gravity bombs which cost approximately $25,000 to $30,000 per unit compared to more expensive standoff missiles.
  • Previous operations utilised standoff munitions such as Tomahawk cruise missiles and Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones to dismantle radars and missile batteries.
  • The Mark 80 series can be deployed by various aircraft, including the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-35 stealth jets, and B-52 Stratofortress heavy strategic bombers.
  • While the current campaign uses conventional bombs, the US arsenal also includes nuclear gravity bombs like the B61 and B83 series, which require explicit authorisation from the US President.
  • India link not mentioned in the article.
Iran temporarily closes Strait of Hormuz during live-fire drills amid indirect US-Iran talks in Geneva (Mid of February) ▼
  • Iran announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday for live-fire exercises conducted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
  • The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil passes, was stated to be closed for several hours for safety and maritime concerns.
  • Indirect talks between the United States and Iran over Iran’s nuclear programme took place in Geneva on Tuesday, marking the second round of such negotiations.
  • US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner led the US delegation at the indirect talks held at the residence of the Omani envoy to Geneva.
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed optimism, stating a new window has opened for reaching a negotiated solution.
  • US Vice President JD Vance said the talks went well in some ways but noted Iran had not yet acknowledged US red lines.
  • Iran last closed the strait during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s by mining the waterway.
  • Oil prices fell after the talks, with US oil down 1.3% at $62.06 per barrel and Brent crude down 2.3% at $67.03 per barrel.
  • The US has increased its military presence in the region, with aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford deployed towards the Middle East.
Reliance Industries secures US licence to import Venezuelan crude oil (Mid of February) ▼
  • Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) received a US general licence to purchase Venezuelan crude oil directly without violating sanctions.
  • The licence enables RIL to resume discounted heavy crude imports suited to its Jamnagar refinery configuration and optimise refining margins.
  • RIL operates the world’s largest single-site refining complex at Jamnagar, Gujarat.
  • RIL bought 2 million barrels from trader Vitol when Venezuelan oil flowed through traders this year.
  • State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) jointly bought 2 million barrels: 1.5 million barrels for IOC’s Paradip refinery, Odisha, and 500,000 barrels for HPCL’s Visakhapatnam unit, Andhra Pradesh.
  • Venezuelan crude grades from the Orinoco Belt are predominantly heavy and extra-heavy, trading at deep discounts.
  • US President Donald Trump stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil and purchase more from the US and possibly Venezuela after a US-India trade deal that led the US to drop 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods.

India remains world’s 2nd largest arms importer despite Make-in-India push: SIPRI report

Key Updates:

  • India held 8.2% of global major arms imports between 2021 and 2025, ranking second worldwide.
  • Russia’s share of Indian arms imports fell from 70% in 2011-15 to 40% in 2021-25.
  • France and Israel raised their shares to 29% and 15% respectively in 2021-25.
  • India’s arms imports dropped 4% compared with the 2016-2020 period owing to emphasis on indigenous production.
  • Planned purchases include 114 Rafale fighters from France (approx. ₹3.25 lakh crore), six AIP-equipped submarines from Germany, six additional P-8I aircraft from the United States, and missile defence plus drone deals with Israel.
  • The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) cited Operation Sindoor and the dual threat from China and Pakistan as drivers for India’s import volumes.
  • Pakistan sourced about 80% of its arms from China and rose to become the 5th largest global recipient in 2021-25, up from 10th in 2016-20.
  • Top five arms importers for 2021-25 were Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, together accounting for 35% of global imports.
  • Global arms transfers grew 9.2% in 2021-25 versus 2016-20.
  • The United States (US) led exporters with 42% of global exports, followed by France (9.8%) and Russia (6.8%).
  • Europe became the largest importing region (33%) for the first time since the 1960s, followed by Asia and Oceania (31%) and West Asia (26%).

Similar Coverage

Indian Army hosts inaugural United Nations Fellowship Training Programme on small arms control in Jabalpur (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Indian Army is hosting the inaugural United Nations (UN) Fellowship Training Programme on small arms and light weapons (SALW) control for the Asia-Pacific region.
  • The three-week training programme is being conducted at the Military College of Materials Management (MCMM) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and will culminate on 6 March.
  • The fellowship is organised by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) through its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD).
  • Delegates from 13 countries in the Asia-Pacific region are participating in the programme held under the aegis of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
  • The programme is designed to build technical and operational capacity for implementing the UN Programme of Action (PoA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).
  • The initiative aims to enhance regional cooperation, improve tracing systems, and strengthen responsible stockpile management practices to counter illicit SALW proliferation.
  • Deepayan Basu Ray, Director of UNRCPD, and Lieutenant General Sanjay Sethi addressed the strategic importance of the fellowship in addressing security challenges posed by illicit arms flows.
Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) records India slipping to third rank in Russian fossil fuel imports (Mid of January) ▼
  • India’s Russian hydrocarbon imports fell to €2.3 billion in December from €3.3 billion in November.
  • Turkiye replaced India as the second-largest buyer, importing €2.6 billion of Russian hydrocarbons in December.
  • China retained the top position, accounting for 48% (€6 billion) of Russia’s export revenues from the top five importers.
  • Russian crude constituted 78% of India’s purchases, totalling €1.8 billion in December.
  • Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery halved its Russian crude imports in December.
  • State-owned refiners cut Russian crude imports by 15% month-on-month in December.
  • Russia’s share in India’s total crude imports dropped to 25% in December from 35% in November.
Commerce Ministry highlights Brazil and Nigeria as key drivers of Indian pharmaceutical export growth. (Mid of January) ▼
  • Nigeria added USD 179 million in exports and contributed over 14 per cent to total export growth during the first eight months of this fiscal year.
  • Brazil recorded an increase of nearly USD 100 million in exports during April-November FY26.
  • India's pharmaceutical exports rose by 6.5 per cent to USD 20.48 billion during April-November 2025-26.
  • The US remains the single largest destination, accounting for over 31 per cent of exports in April-November 2025.
  • The Netherlands added over USD 58 million in exports, reflecting India's strengthening integration into European pharmaceutical distribution networks.
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.

Iran appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader on 8 March 2026

[Iran]

Key Updates:

  • The 88-member Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei, aged 56, as the new Supreme Leader of Iran.
  • The appointment follows the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint United States (US) and Israeli strikes.
  • The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian armed forces have pledged their support to the new leader.
  • Key political figures supporting the appointment include President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
  • Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), is currently steering the national security strategy.
  • Sadiq Larijani serves as the head of the Expediency Council, which also backed the appointment.
  • Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described following the new leader as a religious and national duty.
  • Mojtaba Khamenei succeeds his father, who held power since 1989 after the first Supreme Leader, Ruhollah Khomeini.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged unwavering support for the appointment, while China opposed any targeting of the new leader.

Similar Coverage

Mojtaba Khamenei speculated as successor after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death. (Start of March) ▼
  • Mojtaba Khamenei is the second-eldest son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
  • He was born on September 8, 1969 in Mashhad, Iran.
  • He studied at the Qom Seminary and maintains strong ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia.
  • He has never held an official government position but is considered an influential behind-the-scenes political figure.
  • Reports speculate Mojtaba as a potential successor, though no formal appointment is confirmed in the article.
Ayatollah Alireza Arafi appointed as Iran's Interim Supreme Leader. (Start of March) ▼
  • Ayatollah Alireza Arafi was appointed as Iran's Interim Supreme Leader after the death of Ayatollah Khamenei.
  • He was born in 1959 in Yazd province, Iran.
  • Arafi achieved the rank of mujtahid, granting him authority to issue independent legal rulings.
  • He formerly headed Al-Mustafa International University, managing global clerical training.
  • In 2019, he was appointed to the Guardian Council, giving him influence over national legislation and candidate vetting.
  • His ideology promotes a politically active and revolutionary version of Shia Islam.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in Israeli-US strikes on Iran. (Start of March) ▼
  • Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was killed at his office during joint Israeli-US attacks on Iran confirmed on 28 February 2026.
  • Iranian state media announced a 40-day mourning period following his death.
  • Khamenei had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
  • The Supreme Leader held ultimate authority over all branches of government, the military and the judiciary in Iran.
  • US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly confirmed Khamenei’s death on the same day.
  • A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Khamenei’s body had been located.
Iran Protests and Historical Milestones + January 2026 (Mid of January) ▼
  • On January 16, 1979, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi boarded a plane and left Iran, marking the end of the monarchy.
  • Ruhollah Khomeini – the charismatic clerical leader returned from exile in February 1979 – became the symbol of the revolution.
  • After Khomeini’s death in 1989, Iran’s leadership passed to Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, who had served as president from 1981–89.
  • The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiated by President Hassan Rouhani’s administration had Iran curb its uranium enrichment in return for sanctions relief.
  • In September 2025, Britain, France, and Germany formally triggered the JCPOA’s ‘snap-back’ mechanism, restoring United Nations (UN) sanctions on Iran’s nuclear and missile activities.
  • The new round of protests began on December 28, 2025, and by early January 2026 had spread across Iran.
  • Ayatollah Khamenei cultivated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a personal power base, shaping it into an instrument of control and regional influence.
  • Reuters cited December 2025 inflation at 42.5% (year-on-year), and the British Parliament briefing reports food price inflation above 70% in 2025.

Rare marine amphipod Stenothoe lowryi discovered in Odisha

Key Updates:

  • Researchers from Berhampur University (BU) have discovered a rare shrimp-like marine amphipod species, Stenothoe lowryi, for the first time in Indian waters at Arjyapalli in Ganjam district, Odisha.
  • The species was previously recorded only in Malaysia and is distinguished by its large claws, a length of approximately 5.5 mm, and a preference for rocky environments.
  • The study was conducted using funds provided under the Mukhyamantri Research Innovation Extramural Programme (MRIEP) of the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) 2024-25.
  • The research findings, led by Assistant Professor Shesdev Patro, have been published in the latest edition of the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom.
  • The BU research team previously discovered the marine amphipod Grandidierella geetanjalae from Chilika lagoon in January last year and Parhyale odian from Chilika lake in November 2022.

Similar Coverage

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.
National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) discovers 3-mm crab Galathea balasubramaniani in Lakshadweep coral reefs (End of February) ▼
  • National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Kochi, discovered a 3-mm crab species named Galathea balasubramaniani from Agatti coral reefs in Lakshadweep.
  • The species belongs to the genus Galathea, reef-dwelling anomuran crabs known as squat lobsters.
  • The crab was identified through morphological comparison and DNA analysis, and findings published in Zootaxa.
  • The new species honours T Balasubramanian, former director and dean of Faculty of Marine Sciences at Annamalai University.
  • Galathea balasubramaniani differs from its closest relative G mauritiana in leg structure and genetic markers.
  • The specimen has been deposited in the national depository of aquatic organisms maintained by NBFGR at Lucknow.
Two new freshwater fish species discovered in Nagaland's Mokokchung district. (Start of March) ▼
  • Glyptothorax sentimereni and Oreichthys elianae were identified during ichthyological surveys in Mokokchung district.
  • The discoveries were described in the international scientific journal Zootaxa.
  • The study was led by J. Praveenraj of ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI) and independent researcher Balaji Vijayakrishnan.
  • Glyptothorax sentimereni was found in the rocky stretches of the Dikhu River and belongs to torrent-dwelling catfishes adapted to fast-flowing mountain streams.
  • Oreichthys elianae, measuring just over 2.5 cm, was discovered in a tributary of the Tsurang River and features bright red fins with a prominent black blotch at the tail base.
  • The species were named after the son and daughter of the late Lt. Limaakum, an assistant professor at Fazl Ali College, to honour his final wish.
Researchers discover new pistol shrimp species Alpheus madhusoodanai in Kochi backwaters (Mid of February) ▼
  • Researchers from the School of Industrial Fisheries at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) discovered a new species of pistol shrimp, also known as snapping shrimp, in the Kochi backwaters.
  • The newly identified species belongs to the family Alpheidae and has been named Alpheus madhusoodanai.
  • The species is named in honour of Prof B Madhusoodana Kurup, the first vice-chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and a noted fisheries scientist.
  • The discovery was published in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom.
  • This is the first alpheid shrimp species to be recorded from an estuary in the Kochi region.
  • The shrimp contributes to the health of mangrove ecosystems by releasing toxic gases trapped in swampy soil through its burrowing tendency.
  • The research team included scholars KP Vishnu, AbhaiKrishna U, and Nidhin B M, led by Prof M Harikrishnan of Cusat.

Scientists discover 200-million-year-old bipedal reptile species Sonselasuchus cedrus in USA

[USA]

Key Updates:

  • Paleontologists from the University of Washington (UW) and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture have identified a new ancient reptile species named Sonselasuchus cedrus.
  • The species belongs to the shuvosaurid group and existed during the Late Triassic period, approximately 225 to 201 million years ago.
  • Fossils of the reptile were discovered in the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, United States (US), with nearly 950 specimens recovered since 2014.
  • Sonselasuchus cedrus stood approximately 25 inches tall and featured a toothless beak, large eye sockets, and hollow bones.
  • The creature exhibited bipedalism, transitioning from walking on four legs to two legs as its hind legs grew longer and stronger with age.
  • The discovery indicates that traits such as bipedalism and toothless beaks, typically associated with ornithomimid dinosaurs, also evolved independently within the crocodilian lineage.

Similar Coverage

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Discovers New Caecilian Species Gegeneophis valmiki in Maharashtra (End of January) ▼
  • A multi-institutional research team led by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has discovered a rare subterranean amphibian species named Gegeneophis valmiki.
  • The discovery was made in the northern Western Ghats on the Valmiki Plateau in the Satara district of Maharashtra.
  • The species belongs to the genus Gegeneophis, commonly known as blind caecilians, which live underground and have eyes hidden beneath bone.
  • The findings were published in the international journal Phyllomedusa based on specimens first collected in 2017 by K P Dinesh, a senior scientist at the ZSI.
  • The species is named after the Maharshi Valmiki Mandir located near the discovery site.
  • ZSI Director Dhriti Banerjee stated that 41 per cent of amphibians globally are currently threatened with extinction.
Fossil discovery in Gujarat identifies giant snake from Eocene era (End of December) ▼
  • Fossil evidence discovered in Gujarat has attracted scientific notice due to evidence of a snake of extraordinary size that existed during what is loosely defined as the Eocene era, some 47 million years ago.
  • The species was identified as a related member of the extinct madtsoiid species, the clade of species recognised for having evolved the largest species of snake throughout history.
  • The fossils of the collected Gujarat species are dominated by well-preserved vertebrae in sedimentary deposits from the early Eocene period.
  • Described in the study published in Scientific Reports, the species has outstanding vertebral features compared with similar species of the madtsoiid genus.
  • The Eocene was a time when the planet saw hot conditions year-round, and the polar regions were mostly devoid of ice.
  • Analysis of the geological and palaeobotanical data available for Gujarat has revealed a landscape dominated by rivers, deltas, and dense forests.
  • Madtsoiids have been found on various southern continents: Africa, South America, and Australia; these continents all comprised the supercontinent Gondwana.
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) researchers discover 47-million-year-old snake fossil in Gujarat (End of December) ▼
  • Along the Kutch coast, researchers unearthed fossils hinting at an ancient serpent, now estimated to be a mind-blowing 49 feet long and weighing nearly 1,000 kilograms.
  • For almost two decades, dedicated researchers from IIT Roorkee have meticulously studied these remains.
  • At a breathtaking 49 feet, it potentially takes the crown as the largest snake ever unearthed on Earth.
  • Early snakes, dating back over 160 million years, first emerged in the oceans.
  • Given the striking references to Vasuki Naag in Hindu scriptures, the scientific community has aptly named this newly identified serpent 'Vasuki'.
Scientists Identify New Reed Snake Species Calamaria mizoramensis in Mizoram (Start of January) ▼
  • Scientists have identified a new species of reed snake, Calamaria mizoramensis, in Mizoram, India.
  • The breakthrough came with a fresh round of research published in Zootaxa.
  • The snake showed more than a 15 per cent genetic difference from its closest known relatives.
  • This newly identified snake is non-venomous and mostly active at night.
  • It prefers moist, forested hills and has been found at elevations between 670 and 1,295 metres.

Entomologists discover two new fruit-fly species and genus Rhagoletis in Himachal Pradesh using patented Solan Bait

[Himachal Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • Entomologists identified two new fruit-fly species, Acidoxantha paratotoflava and Hemilea suneriae, in the Solan region of Himachal Pradesh.
  • Acidoxantha paratotoflava is a medium-sized greenish-yellow fly with four black thoracic stripes and larger abdominal black spots, plus unique hook-like male structures.
  • Hemilea suneriae is a reddish-brown fly with prominent black dots and a single clear wing window, named in memory of Maneesh Pal Singh’s mother Verma Suneri.
  • The study recorded the genus Rhagoletis in India for the first time, a group globally known for infesting fruit crops.
  • Researchers captured and described the male of Euphranta nigripeda, previously known only from females since 1913.
  • The team used sweep nets and the patented female attractant Solan Bait to lure the elusive flies for examination.
  • Host plants identified include the Silk Cotton tree (Bombax ceiba), aiding ecosystem understanding.

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Two new moniligastrid earthworm species discovered in Silent Valley National Park (Start of March) ▼
  • Researchers discovered two new moniligastrid earthworm species in Silent Valley National Park, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) in the Western Ghats.
  • The species are Moniligaster girishi and Drawida reynoldsi, belonging to the family Moniligastridae.
  • Moniligaster girishi was collected from tropical wet evergreen forest near Chembotti.
  • Drawida reynoldsi was collected from montane grassland between Sispara and Anginda.
  • Moniligaster girishi is named after P. Girish Kumar, scientist at the Zoological Survey of India’s Western Ghats Regional Centre, Kozhikode.
  • Drawida reynoldsi is named after John Warren Reynolds, Canadian earthworm specialist.
  • India’s recognised moniligastrid fauna now totals 95 species, with 70 species reported from the Western Ghats.
  • Kerala hosts the highest moniligastrid species richness among Western Ghats states, with 30 Drawida and 13 Moniligaster species.
  • Nilgiri Hills harbour about 43% (16 species) of Tamil Nadu’s 37 recorded moniligastrid species.
  • The discovery is published in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa.
ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (ICAR-DFR) Pune discovers new blossom midge pest Contarinia icardiflores damaging jasmine crops in India. (End of February) ▼
  • Scientists at ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (ICAR-DFR), Pune, discovered Contarinia icardiflores, a new species of blossom midge.
  • The pest was found causing significant economic losses in jasmine cultivation in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
  • Contarinia icardiflores is about 1.5 to 2 mm in size and completes its life cycle in 16 to 21 days.
  • The species is named in honour of ICAR-DFR to recognise the institute’s contributions to floriculture research.
  • Although C. icardiflores closely resembles C. maculipennis, the only other midge known to attack jasmine, it is genetically distinct.
Researchers identify new dragonfly species Lyriothemis keralensis in Kerala (Mid of February) ▼
  • Researchers have identified a new dragonfly species named Lyriothemis keralensis, commonly known as the Slender Bombardier, in the coastal regions of Kerala.
  • The study was conducted by a team led by Dr Dattaprasad Sawant, Dr A Vivek Chandran, Renjith Jacob Mathews, and Dr Krushnamegh Kunte, and published in the International Journal of Odonatology.
  • The species was first spotted in 2013 in the Varappetty area of Kothamangalam and was initially mistaken for Lyriothemis acigastra, also known as the Little Bloodtail.
  • Lyriothemis keralensis measures approximately three centimetres in length and features a slimmer abdomen with a unique tail and genital structure.
  • Male dragonflies of this species possess a deep blood-red abdomen with black markings, while females are broader with yellow and black colouring.
  • The species thrives in human-modified irrigation landscapes such as pineapple and rubber plantations rather than protected forest areas.
  • The dragonfly primarily inhabits shaded canals and seasonal pools within agricultural land and is typically active during the monsoon season.
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.

Baylor University-led team unearths intact 2,600-year-old Etruscan tomb in central Italy

[Italy]

Key Updates:

  • The San Giuliano Archaeological Research Project (SGARP), led by Baylor University, discovered an undisturbed Etruscan chamber tomb at the San Giuliano necropolis approximately 70 kilometres northwest of Rome.
  • The sealed tomb dates to the 7th century BC and contains the remains of four individuals laid on carved stone beds surrounded by over 100 grave goods including ceramic vases, iron weapons, bronze ornaments, and silver hair spools.
  • The excavation operates under Italy’s Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Virgil Academy in Rome and the town of Barbarano Romano.
  • Since 2016 Baylor University students have participated in the excavation through the ‘Archaeology Research in Italy’ study abroad programme, gaining hands-on experience in stratigraphic excavation and artifact documentation under Italian heritage law frameworks.

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Archaeologists digitally map Alexander-era Mesopotamian city Charax Spasinou in Iraq. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Charax Spasinou, founded in 324 BCE near the Tigris River, was one of Alexander the Great’s final planned settlements.
  • Drones captured thousands of aerial images and magnetometers scanned the soil to build a digital map without excavation.
  • The survey revealed wide streets, oversized housing blocks, temples and kiln-equipped industrial workshops across more than 500 square kilometres.
  • Pottery, bricks and industrial debris scattered across the surface helped archaeologists confirm the city’s extent.
Saint Tirumangai Alvar Idol Returned to India by Ashmolean Museum (Start of March) ▼
  • The University of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology (Ashmolean Museum) returned a stolen 16th-century bronze idol of Saint Tirumangai Alvar to the Indian High Commission in London.
  • The idol was originally stolen in 1952 from the Soundararaja Perumal Koil temple located in a village in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu.
  • The India Pride Project identified the bronze by matching it with 1957 temple photographs preserved at the Institut Français de Pondichéry (IFP).
  • The Ashmolean Museum acquired the idol in 1967 from the collection of private collector Dr J R Belmont, who had purchased it from Sotheby’s.
  • The repatriation process involved coordination between the museum, the Indian High Commission, and the Tamil Nadu Idol Wing Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
  • The article identifies other stolen items from the same temple that are yet to be repatriated, including a Vishnu icon from the Kimbell Museum, a Kaliya Krishna from the Asian Art Museum, and a Devi idol.
  • This handover follows a decision by the US-based Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art to restitute bronzes stolen from the Alathur and Veeracholapuram temples in Tamil Nadu.
Zapotec tomb discovery in Oaxaca: 1,400-year-old archaeological find (Start of February) ▼
  • A 1,400-year-old Zapotec tomb has been discovered in the Central Valleys region of southern Mexico.
  • The discovery was made by a team of researchers from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
  • The tomb complex features an antechamber and a funerary chamber with a depiction of an owl representing night and death in Zapotec iconography.
  • Calendrical information was found on a frieze at the entrance to the funerary chamber.
  • A mural within the funerary chamber, painted on stucco with pigments, shows a funerary procession carrying offerings of copal incense.
  • Researchers from INAH are working to stabilize the microclimate and document the mural and relief sculptures.
Scientists recover 200,000-year-old horse DNA from Schöningen site in Germany (Start of March) ▼
  • Researchers extracted approximately 200,000-year-old DNA from the fossilised remains of horses at the Schöningen archaeological site in Lower Saxony, Germany.
  • The genetic material belongs to an extinct horse species known as Equus mosbachensis, which existed during the Middle Pleistocene epoch.
  • Genomic comparisons indicate that Equus mosbachensis diverged from other equine lineages approximately 800,000 to 900,000 years ago.
  • The study was published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution by a research team from the University of Tübingen and collaborating institutions.
  • The DNA survived in a temperate, non-permafrost environment due to anaerobic and carbonate-rich sediments that slowed microbial decay.
  • The Schöningen site is also famous for the Schöningen spears, which are wooden hunting weapons dating back roughly 300,000 years.
  • India link not mentioned in the article.

Koala population rebound in southeastern Australia boosts genetic diversity and curbs inbreeding risks.

[Australia]

Key Updates:

  • Koala numbers in Victoria rebounded from ~500 in the early 20th century to nearly 500,000 by 2020.
  • Research published on 5 March in Science analysed genetic data from 418 koalas across 27 populations in eastern Australia.
  • Rapid population growth has increased beneficial genetic combinations and reduced rates of tooth and testicle malformations in Victorian koalas.
  • Northern koalas currently show higher genetic diversity but face a genetic bottleneck due to population decline.
  • Cesar Australia evolutionary biologist Collin Aherns compared the recovery pattern to the Roesel’s bush cricket in Sweden, which regained lost genetic diversity in 15 generations.
  • University of East Anglia evolutionary geneticist Cock van Oosterhout noted that wild-species data supporting evolutionary recovery theories remain limited.

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Uppsala University (UU) researchers reconstruct woolly rhinoceros genome from tissue found in mummified wolf pup (Mid of January) ▼
  • Researchers found a chunk of meat from a woolly rhinoceros — a creature similar in size to modern white rhinoceros, but with a shaggy coat of hair — preserved inside the stomach of one of the pups.
  • DNA from that flesh and fur survived beneath the Siberian ice for more than 14,000 years, enabling scientists to sequence the entire genome.
  • The woolly rhinoceros in question died some 14,400 years ago, just a few hundred years before the species disappeared from the fossil record.
  • Chacón-Duque and his colleagues at Uppsala University (UU) found no evidence of inbreeding or harmful mutations that would have doomed the population — it seemed to be healthy.
  • The study authors think the newly sequenced DNA provides evidence that climate change was the driving factor behind the extinction of the woolly rhinoceros.
  • The puppies, both females, were likely littermates: They were found within about 6 feet of each another and shared some DNA characteristics.
  • They died at a fairly young age — at about nine weeks, according to researchers at the University of York (UY).
Kuno National Park records ninth cheetah litter as Gamini births three cubs, raising India’s cheetah total to 38. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that South African cheetah Gamini delivered three cubs at Kuno National Park.
  • The births coincide with the third anniversary of the arrival of South African cheetahs in India.
  • Gamini is a second-time mother within the project.
  • The litter is the ninth successful cheetah birth in India, lifting the count of surviving Indian-born cubs to 27.
  • With these cubs, India’s total cheetah population has reached 38.
  • Project Cheetah, launched on 17 September 2022, is the world-first intercontinental translocation initiative to re-establish cheetahs in India after their 1952 extinction.
Darwin Days 2026 celebrated from February 10 to February 14 with theme on mollusk evolution. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Darwin Days 2026 is scheduled from February 10 to February 14.
  • The 2026 edition highlights mollusk evolution linked to the Museum of the Earth exhibition 'Marvellous Mollusks: The Secret World of Shells'.
  • Darwin Day commemorates Charles Darwin, born on February 12, 1809, and author of 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection'.
  • The first organised Darwin Day events were held in 1995 by the Humanist Community of Palo Alto, California.
  • The first official Darwin Days, a five-day series of events, took place in 2006 in Ithaca, New York, organised by the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) and its Museum of the Earth in collaboration with Cornell University and Ithaca College.
DNA analysis confirms Brandt’s hedgehog as first-time Indian species in Jammu & Kashmir (End of January) ▼
  • DNA analysis and morphometric study proved that this a new species not only for J&K but the whole India
  • The animal was found to match with Brandt’s Hedgehog which presently has been reported from the countries of Afghanistan, Iran, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Yemen but has not been reported in India until now
  • The discovery shows that the species has expanded its distribution
  • The confirmation of the presence of Brandt’s Hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas) is a noteworthy addition to the biodiversity of UT of Jammu and Kashmir
  • The study suggests a potential range expansion for the species, which could be attributed to various ecological factors such as climate change, habitat connectivity, and food availability
  • The discovery of Brandt’s Hedgehog highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to be initiated with clear objectives and conservation strategies
  • To ensure the habitat availability and the extent of sites with suitable habitat, a detailed habitat analysis is to be done
  • Further studies are recommended to monitor the population dynamics of hedgehog species in the area

Sambar deer recorded at high altitudes in Chamba for the first time

Key Updates:

  • The Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department recorded the presence of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in high-altitude areas of Chamba district through camera traps.
  • The species was documented in the Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary and Gamgul Wildlife Sanctuary, which are situated at elevations exceeding 2,500 metres and 3,000 metres respectively.
  • The finding has been published in the February quarterly edition of the Records of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
  • The sambar deer is the largest deer species in South Asia and is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
  • The species is protected under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • The Kalatop-Khajjiar landscape now hosts three different deer species: sambar deer, musk deer, and barking deer.
  • Chamba district contains nearly 985 sq km of protected forest area, including the Kugti, Tundah, and Sechu Tuan Nala wildlife sanctuaries.

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Forest Department records first-ever sighting of Sirkeer Malkoha in Uttarkashi hills (Start of January) ▼
  • The Sirkeer Malkoha (Taccocua leschenaultii), a bird species typically found in Uttarakhand's plains, has been recorded for the first time in Uttarkashi district.
  • The species is known to inhabit dry scrub forests and open woodlands below 1,000m.
  • The sighting in the Barkot area is rare and a significant subject for research.
Rare Smew duck sighted for the first time in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR) during 7th Waterbird Count (Start of March) ▼
  • The Smew (Mergellus albellus), a rare diving duck, was recorded for the first time in the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR) during the 7th Waterbird Count.
  • The sighting occurred at the Rowmari-Donduwa beels within the Laokhowa buffer zone of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Assam.
  • A total of 105,540 waterbirds were recorded during the census, which was conducted in phases from 4 January to 11 January.
  • The Smew is a winter migrant to India from the Eurasian taiga breeding grounds and is known to favour fish-rich, sheltered waters.
  • The survey was a collaborative effort between the Kaziranga Park Authority and the Assam Bird Monitoring Network (ABMN).
  • Kaziranga encompasses two Important Bird Areas (IBAs) recognised for their significance to waterbirds: Kaziranga National Park and the Laokhowa and Burhachapori wildlife sanctuaries.
  • Previous sightings of the Smew in India have been recorded in Haiderpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP), in 2021 and earlier around Corbett.
  • The Smew is globally abundant with a population of approximately 1.3 lakh mature individuals but is currently declining due to habitat loss.
Endangered Asiatic Wild Dog sighted for first time in Madhya Pradesh's Ratapani Tiger Reserve (End of January) ▼
  • The Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole), listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has been camera-trapped for the first time in Ratapani Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
  • PCCF (Wildlife) Shubharanjan Sen stated this is the sixth rare wildlife species recorded on camera in the reserve during 2026.
  • Wildlife expert Amey Vikram Singh noted that Dholes were previously believed restricted to Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench protected areas.
Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Approves Nauradehi as Third Cheetah Habitat (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Mohan Yadav cabinet accorded approval to develop the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, Nauradehi, in Sagar district as the third cheetah habitat in the state.
  • Kuno National Park in Sheopur district is the first cheetah habitat and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district is the second.
  • The state currently has a cheetah population of 31, with 28 in Kuno and 3 in Gandhi Sagar.
  • Eight cheetahs from Botswana are expected to arrive at Kuno and the new habitat is being prepared for their translocation.

IIT-Guwahati (IIT-G) partners with Coventry University Group (CUG) for AI in healthcare

[Coventry University Group]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Coventry University Group (CUG), UK, to strengthen global research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and healthcare.
  • The strategic partnership aims to expand research collaboration, support academic mobility, and enable joint degree initiatives between the two institutions.
  • The collaboration is structured around academic and research mobility, including short-term faculty and student exchanges.
  • The agreement includes the establishment of joint doctoral programmes featuring a dual-award PhD under a joint supervision framework.
  • The partnership focuses on AI for One Health, which aligns with the National AI Mission of India.
  • The MoU was formalised during a visit to IIT-G by a delegation from CUG led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Richard Dashwood.

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National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) sets Guinness World Record for most viewers of AI in healthcare live stream (End of February) ▼
  • The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) achieved a Guinness World Record for the most viewers of an AI in healthcare lesson live stream on YouTube.
  • The live stream peaked at 17,999 concurrent viewers, all registered medical practitioners.
  • The six-month national online training programme comprises 20 modules curated by faculty from Harvard and IIM Lucknow.
  • NBEMS offers the module free of charge, aligning with India's digital innovation goals in healthcare.
India and France inaugurate Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS Delhi (Mid of February) ▼
  • Union Minister for Health JP Nadda and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) at AIIMS, New Delhi, on Wednesday.
  • The IF-CAIH has been established under a joint MoU between AIIMS, Sorbonne University, and Paris Brain Institute, with additional collaboration from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and other leading French institutions.
  • The launch coincided with the Rencontres Universitaires et Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (RUSH) 2026, held at AIIMS on February 18 and February 19, coordinated by the French Embassy.
  • President Macron emphasised that India and France are committed to developing computing capacity and talent to build trusted AI systems.
  • The initiative builds on ongoing India-France cooperation in Digital Health, Antimicrobial Resistance, Human Resources for Health, and responsible use of health data.
India launches world’s first doctor-led AI healthcare ecosystem iLive Connect (Start of February) ▼
  • 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.
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.

ISRO and ESA sign new Earth observation cooperation pact

[European Space Agency]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) signed the 'ESA–ISRO Arrangement concerning Joint Calibration and Validation Activities and Scientific Studies for Earth Observation Missions' on 4 March 2026.
  • ISRO Scientific Secretary M. Ganesh Pillai and ESA Director of Earth Observation Programmes Simonetta Cheli signed the agreement virtually.
  • The collaboration covers Earth observation, navigation systems, ground station support and human spaceflight cooperation.
  • The partnership between ISRO and ESA began in 1978 and was renewed in 2002.
  • The upcoming ESA Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) mission will benefit from joint calibration and validation campaigns.
  • ISRO and ESA have previously cooperated on ground station support for Chandrayaan and Aditya missions and on deep-space communications.

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Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bellatrix Aerospace sign MoU to develop Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite technologies. (Start of March) ▼
  • Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bengaluru-based Bellatrix Aerospace signed an MoU on Thursday to collaborate on design, development and manufacturing of satellite systems and payloads for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) operations.
  • VLEO altitude ranges between 100 and 450 kilometres, enabling higher-resolution images, faster communications and better atmospheric science.
  • Bellatrix Aerospace, founded in 2015, specialises in satellite propulsion technologies and satellite subsystems.
Pixxel-led consortium signs MoU with IN-SPACe for India's first commercial earth observation satellite constellation (End of January) ▼
  • Pixxel-led consortium signed MoU with Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) in Bengaluru to build India's first indigenous commercial earth observation satellite constellation.
  • Consortium includes PierSight, SatSure Analytics India and Dhruva Space to build and deploy 12-satellite constellation.
  • First four satellites planned for orbit by first quarter of 2027, with remaining constellation rolling out in phases over following years.
  • 12 satellites will deliver very high-resolution optical, multispectral, SAR and hyperspectral imaging for Indian government users coordinated through IN-SPACe.
  • Consortium won government contract in August last year with zero bid, forgoing Rs 350 crore government support for design, build and operate constellation.
  • Project valued at over Rs 1,200 crore validates India's private space ecosystem ability to deliver infrastructure at global scale.

9,111 Dombivli women set Guinness record with lezim dance

[Maharashtra]

Key Updates:

  • 9,111 women in Dombivli, Thane district, set a new Guinness World Record for the largest lezim dance performance on International Women's Day.
  • The previous record was held by 7,338 participants from Sangli Shikshan Sanstha.
  • The five-and-a-half-minute performance took place at the Shri Sant Savalaram Sports Complex.
  • Swapnil Dangarikar, the official Guinness adjudicator, confirmed the record.
  • The event was organised by Dombivlikar Ek Sanskriti Parivar, led by Maharashtra BJP president and local MLA Ravindra Chavan.

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78th Zomi National Day celebrated in Manipur (End of February) ▼
  • The 78th edition of Zomi National Day was celebrated at the Centenary Hall of the Evangelical Baptist Convention (EBC) in Churachandpur, Manipur.
  • Manipur deputy chief minister Losi Dikho attended as chief guest, accompanied by Karong MLA K Kumo Sha, Autonomous District Council (ADC) members of Senapati, deputy commissioner Dharun Kumar S, and representatives from the 27 Sector Assam Rifles.
  • The programme included cultural exchanges, special dance performances, choirs from different communities, choreography, mass prayers and a one-minute silence in honour of departed leaders.
  • Dikho announced that the turf ground funded under Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has been granted, with construction works set to begin soon.
Darjeeling Hill Festival showcasing tribal heritage inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu. (Start of March) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the Darjeeling Hill Festival at the Durbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan in Darjeeling, now renamed Lok Bhavan.
  • The festival is curated by experts from the Indian Museum and involves Indian Museum, Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Victoria Memorial Hall, Maulana Abul Kalam Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS), Asiatic Society, universities, public institutions, and non-governmental organisations.
  • Governor C V Ananda Bose, chairman of the board of trustees at the Indian Museum, conceived the festival.
  • The exhibition titled ‘Roots and Rhythm’ will display rare artefacts from Indian Museum’s ethnographic collections representing tribal communities across North-East hills, Central India forests, Eastern India, southern highlands, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • Indian Museum director Sayan Bhattacharya stated that objects include Adi cane helmets, Naga warrior sculptures, Santhal jewellery, Kondh Dokra effigies, Toda embroidered textiles, and Onge wooden vessels.
  • A Tribal Art Camp for Darjeeling school students will be organised by Indian Museum, Kolkata to engage youth with indigenous art traditions.
Upgraded Indian Culture Portal launched with AI chatbot 'Bharti' (Start of March) ▼
  • Ministry of Culture (MoC) Secretary Vivek Aggarwal launched the upgraded Indian Culture portal in New Delhi on 06-03-2026.
  • The portal features an AI-powered chatbot named 'Bharti' integrated with the Government of India's Bhashini platform to respond in 22 Indian languages.
  • It offers 46 curated cultural categories and new sections such as Iconic Battles of India, Folktales of India, Healing Through the Ages, Legendary Figures of India, and Classical Dances of India.
  • The upgraded portal functions as a Progressive Web App (PWA) enabling app-like access across devices without app store downloads.
  • It includes 3D walkthroughs and 360-degree virtual tours of heritage monuments and interactive cultural games, quizzes, puzzles, and crosswords for all age groups.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas observed on January 9 (Start of January) ▼
  • Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated on January 9.
  • It was first celebrated on January 9, 2003.
  • January 9 commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa in 1915.

George Russell wins 2026 Australian Grand Prix for Mercedes

[Australia]

Key Updates:

  • George Russell (No. 63 Mercedes) won the season-opening 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
  • Russell secured pole position and led a Mercedes 1-2 finish with teammate Kimi Antonelli (No. 12) in second place.
  • Charles Leclerc (No. 16 Ferrari) finished third after Ferrari’s strategy error.
  • Oscar Piastri (No. 81 McLaren) crashed 40 minutes before the start after hitting a curb and did not start the race.
  • The Mercedes power-unit, under scrutiny from rival teams, remains legal and powered Russell to victory.

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Carlos Alcaraz conquers Australian Open 2026 to complete career Grand Slam (Start of February) ▼
  • Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to win the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles title.
  • The final was played at Melbourne Park on 1 February 2026.
  • At 22 years and 272 days, Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s 2004 record of 24 years and 101 days.
  • This victory gave Alcaraz his seventh Grand Slam title: two each at the French Open, Wimbledon, US Open, and now the Australian Open.
  • Djokovic, aged 38, remained on 24 Grand Slam titles after his first-ever runner-up finish at the Australian Open.
  • Alcaraz extended his ATP rankings lead to 3,350 points following the win.
Australia wins Sydney test to seal Ashes 2025-26 series (Start of January) ▼
  • Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket, stating the upcoming New Year’s Ashes Test in Sydney will be his final one.
  • In his career of 87 Tests, Khawaja scored 6206 runs at an average of 43.39 with 16 tons and 28 half-centuries to his name.
  • In the Ashes 2025-26 tournament, Australia wins Sydney test by 5 wickets, seal series by 4-1.
  • In the Hockey India League (HIL), Ranchi Royals come alive in a dead rubber to beat final-bound SG Pipers 5-2.
  • PV Sindhu progressed at the Malaysia Open after defeating World No 9 Tomoka Miyazaki.

India dispatches 1,000 metric tonnes of rice to drought-hit Malawi on March 9

Key Updates:

  • India dispatched 1,000 metric tonnes of rice to Malawi from Nhava Sheva Port on March 9.
  • The humanitarian aid responds to drought caused by the El Niño effect.
  • Over 4 million people, roughly 20 per cent of Malawi’s population, face acute food shortages.
  • Lake Chilwa and other major water bodies have dried up, prompting Malawi to declare a state of disaster.
  • Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced the dispatch on X.
  • President Droupadi Murmu undertook a State visit to Malawi in 2024 and signed MoUs on arts and culture, youth matters, sports and pharmaceutical cooperation.

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Food Corporation of India (FCI) and World Food Programme (WFP) sign MoU for rice supply to combat global hunger (Mid of February) ▼
  • Food Corporation of India (FCI) and World Food Programme (WFP) signed a five-year MoU for supply of rice to support global humanitarian operations.
  • FCI will supply 2 lakh tonnes of rice (up to 25% broken) to WFP under the agreement.
  • The price is fixed at Rs 2,800 per quintal up to 31 March 2026 and will be mutually agreed annually thereafter.
  • The MoU was signed by Rabindra Kumar Agarwal, CMD, FCI and Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director, WFP in presence of Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces India surpasses China as world's largest rice producer (Start of January) ▼
  • India's rice production reached 150.18 million tonnes, exceeding China's 145.28 million tonnes.
  • 184 new high-yielding varieties of 25 crops released to boost production and farmers' income.
  • Since 1969, a total of 7,205 crop varieties have been notified, including 3,236 approved under the Narendra Modi-led government.
  • India transformed from food-deficient to global food provider with abundant foodgrain stocks ensuring food security.
  • Newly released varieties include 122 cereals, 6 pulses, 13 oilseeds, 11 fodder crops, 6 sugarcane, 24 cotton, and one each of jute and tobacco.
  • Varieties developed by ICAR institutes, state/central agricultural universities, and private seed companies are climate-resilient and pest-disease resistant.
India Proposes $450 Million Relief Package to Rebuild Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka on December 24, 2025 (End of December) ▼
  • India has proposed an assistance package worth $450 million for rebuilding Sri Lanka, consisting of $350 million in concessional lines of credit and $100 million in grants.
  • External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar visited Sri Lanka as a special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah with President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
  • India launched a relief and assistance mission named 'Operation Sagar Bandhu', which commenced on the day Cyclone Ditwah made landfall.
  • Operation Sagar Bandhu delivered over 1,100 tonnes of relief material, including dry rations, tents, water purification kits, and 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment.
  • The proposed assistance targets the restoration of road, railway, and bridge connectivity, as well as support for housing, health, education systems, and agriculture.

150-million-year-old dinosaur eggs discovered in Portugal on March 9, 2026

[Portugal]

Key Updates:

  • A nest containing 10 intact dinosaur eggs from the Upper Jurassic era was discovered at Santa Cruz Beach in Torres Vedras, Portugal.
  • The discovery was made by Carlos Natário, a researcher at the Centre for Research in Paleobiology and Paleoecology (Ci2Paleo) under the Torres Vedras Natural History Society (SHN).
  • Preliminary studies suggest the eggs, measuring 5 centimetres in diameter, belong to a carnivorous theropod, which was a two-legged predator of the Jurassic era.
  • Researchers at the SHN laboratory are using Computed Tomography (CT) scans to perform a virtual excavation and create high-resolution 3D models of the egg interiors.
  • The eggs were found in granular sandstone, indicating they were laid on a riverbank and fossilised at the original location without being moved by ancient floods.

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Palaeontologists discover new dinosaur species Spinosaurus mirabilis in Niger’s Sahara (End of February) ▼
  • Spinosaurus mirabilis, a massive fish-hunting dinosaur, lived 95 million years ago in present-day Niger.
  • The species features a rare curved, scimitar-shaped crest on its skull.
  • University of Chicago palaeontologist Paul Sereno led the excavation that began with first bones found in 2019 and resumed in 2022.
  • The findings were published in the journal Science.
  • Unlike coastal relatives, this spinosaur was discovered hundreds of kilometres inland, indicating freshwater river hunting in a once forested landscape.
Scientists recover 200,000-year-old horse DNA from Schöningen site in Germany (Start of March) ▼
  • Researchers extracted approximately 200,000-year-old DNA from the fossilised remains of horses at the Schöningen archaeological site in Lower Saxony, Germany.
  • The genetic material belongs to an extinct horse species known as Equus mosbachensis, which existed during the Middle Pleistocene epoch.
  • Genomic comparisons indicate that Equus mosbachensis diverged from other equine lineages approximately 800,000 to 900,000 years ago.
  • The study was published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution by a research team from the University of Tübingen and collaborating institutions.
  • The DNA survived in a temperate, non-permafrost environment due to anaerobic and carbonate-rich sediments that slowed microbial decay.
  • The Schöningen site is also famous for the Schöningen spears, which are wooden hunting weapons dating back roughly 300,000 years.
  • India link not mentioned in the article.
Thousands of dinosaur footprints discovered in Stelvio National Park (SNP) (Mid of December) ▼
  • Thousands of dinosaur footprints dating back 210 million years have been found in a national park in northern Italy.
  • The footprints - some of which are up to 40cm (15in) in diameter - are aligned in parallel rows, and many show clear traces of toes and claws.
  • It is thought the dinosaurs were prosauropods - herbivores with long necks, small heads and sharp claws.
  • In the Triassic period - between about 250 and 201 million years ago - the wall was a tidal flat, which later became part of the Alpine chain.
  • The prosauropods, which could be up to 10m (33ft) long, walked on two legs but in some cases handprints were found in front of footprints.
  • The area is remote and not accessible by paths, so drones and remote sensing technology will be employed instead.
  • The Stelvio National Park (SNP) is located in the Fraele valley by Italy's border with Switzerland, near where the Winter Olympics will take place next year.
World’s Oldest Rock Art Discovered in Sulawesi, Indonesia (Start of March) ▼
  • Scientists have identified a 67,800-year-old hand stencil in Sulawesi, Indonesia, as the world’s oldest known example of rock art.
  • The discovery was made by an international team co-led by Griffith University, Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Southern Cross University.
  • The artwork was located in the Liang Metanduno cave on the island of Muna and was dated using advanced uranium-series dating of mineral layers.
  • The stencil represents a rare variation of the hand motif where the finger outlines were intentionally narrowed to create a claw-like appearance.
  • The find supports the long chronology model of human migration, suggesting that ancestors of the First Australians reached the Sahul supercontinent at least 65,000 years ago.
  • Evidence indicates that painting activity in the Muna cave was a longstanding tradition that continued for at least 35,000 years, lasting until around 20,000 years ago.
  • The research provides direct evidence for the presence of modern humans along the northern migration route through Sulawesi and the Spice Islands into Sahul.

Global Mumps Resurgence reported with 100,000 cases in 2025

Key Updates:

  • Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the parotid salivary glands, causing painful swelling near the jaw or cheeks.
  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 100,000 cases worldwide in 2025, primarily in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
  • The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the primary tool for prevention, with two doses providing approximately 88 per cent effectiveness and one dose offering 78 per cent protection.
  • According to WHO and CDC guidance, children should receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12–15 months and the second dose at 4–6 years.
  • Potential complications of the disease include orchitis (inflammation of testes), oophoritis (inflammation of ovaries), meningitis, encephalitis, pancreatitis, and hearing loss.
  • There is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps, and infected individuals should isolate for at least five days after symptoms appear to prevent transmission.

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Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive for 14-year-old girls launched (Start of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls from Ajmer, Rajasthan.
  • The campaign uses a single-dose 'Gardasil 4' quadrivalent HPV vaccine.
  • The vaccine protects against HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11.
  • The Union Health Ministry directed all states on 25 February to administer the vaccine at government health facilities including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres, sub-district and district hospitals, and government medical colleges and hospitals.
Meghalaya launches probe into suspected meningococcal cases after two Agniveer trainees die (Start of March) ▼
  • Meghalaya’s State Surveillance Unit (SSU) has launched an epidemiological investigation into suspected meningococcal infections in East Khasi Hills.
  • Two Agniveer trainees at the Assam Regimental Centre (ARC) have died from suspected meningococcal bacterial infection over the past two weeks.
  • The State Health Department has deployed a team at ARC and sent samples for laboratory testing.
  • The District Surveillance Unit (DSU) is coordinating with SSU to conduct contact tracing, laboratory reviews, and strengthen surveillance measures.
  • No new cases have been detected in other areas or at ARC, and contacts of a previous case have been isolated at Military Hospital (MH) Shillong.
  • Army medical officials are conducting intensive monitoring, and masking and restricted movement protocols remain in force at the military facility.
  • The health department has advised people to report to the nearest medical facility if they experience sudden high fever, headache, vomiting, or a rapidly spreading rash.
WHO prequalifies Biological E. Limited’s novel oral polio vaccine type 2 to boost outbreak response (Mid of February) ▼
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified an additional novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) on 13 February 2026.
  • Biological E. Limited manufactures the vaccine using bulk material transferred from PT Bio Farma.
  • UNICEF and other UN agencies can now procure the vaccine for outbreak response programmes.
  • nOPV2 is more genetically stable than traditional oral polio vaccine, lowering the risk of seeding new outbreaks.
  • WHO noted that expanding nOPV2 manufacturers improves supply reliability for countries facing circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2, especially in under-immunised communities.
  • WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported a significant decline in wild polio cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda launches India-made tetanus and adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) (End of February) ▼
  • Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda launched the indigenously manufactured tetanus and adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.
  • The Td vaccine has been introduced for supply under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and CRI will supply 55 lakh doses to UIP by April.
  • India achieved Maturity Level 3 in the World Health Organization (WHO) global benchmarking of regulatory systems, reflecting robust vaccine regulatory standards.
  • Under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, India supplied vaccines to nearly 100 countries, with 48 countries receiving vaccines free of cost.
  • CRI is the first government institute to manufacture vaccines under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.
  • Universal Immunization Programme is the world’s largest immunisation programme, providing 11 vaccines against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
  • The annual immunisation cohort under UIP comprises nearly 5 crore beneficiaries, including around 2.5 crore pregnant women and 2.5 crore children.
  • Vaccine coverage in India has reached nearly 99 per cent due to systematic tracking and sustained immunisation efforts.