Daily Current Affairs: 11 February 2026

Analysis for 11 February 2026

Thanya Nathan C. set to become first visually challenged woman judge in Kerala.

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

Thanya Nathan C. ranked first on the merit list of persons with benchmark disabilities in the Kerala Judicial Service examination for Civil Judges (Junior Division).
Joyson Sajan, who has cerebral palsy, secured the second rank in the same list.
A 2025 Supreme Court Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan ruled that visually impaired candidates are eligible for judicial service posts.
The Kerala High Court has completed selection and forwarded the list to the State government for appointment letter issuance.
Ms. Nathan, 24, had earlier secured first rank in her LLB examination from Kannur University.
She began legal practice as a junior to K.G. Sunilkumar at Taliparamba in Kannur district.

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Kerala's Wayanad becomes India's first fully paperless district court (Start of January) ▼

Kerala's Kalpetta in Wayanad becomes India's first fully paperless district court, using AI tools and digital records to deliver faster, greener and more accessible justice.
Every stage of a case, from institution and pre-trial proceedings to evidence recording, interim applications, and final adjudication, is conducted electronically.
AI-based judicial assistance tools generate structured summaries from electronic case records and enable judges to interact with the system through question-and-answer features.
Court orders and judgments are authenticated using secure digital signatures, granting them full legal validity while ensuring integrity and authenticity.

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

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

Justice Revati Mohite Dere Sworn In as First Woman Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court (Mid of January) ▼

Justice Revati Mohite Dere was sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court.
She succeeded Chief Justice Soumen Sen, who was transferred to the Kerala High Court.
Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar administered the oath of office at the Durbar Hall of Lok Bhavan in Shillong.
Prior to her appointment, Justice Dere served as a judge at the Bombay High Court.
The Supreme Court (SC) collegium recommended her appointment on December 18.

Justice Soumen Sen was sworn-in as the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court (HC) (Mid of January) ▼

Justice Soumen Sen was sworn-in as the 40th Chief Justice of the Kerala HC on January 10, 2026.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office at the Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram.
Justice Soumen Sen succeeded Justice Nitin Jamdar, who retired as the Chief Justice of the Kerala HC on January 9.
He was transferred to the Kerala HC following a Union Government notification issued on January 1.
Justice Soumen Sen previously served as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court (HC) since October last year.
He was born on July 27, 1965, in Kolkata and completed his LL.B. from the University of Calcutta in 1990, standing first in his class.
He practiced as an advocate at the Calcutta High Court (HC) for over 20 years before being elevated as a judge on April 13, 2011.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Speaker A N Shamseer, and Law Minister P Rajeev.

Aditya Pandya became India's youngest male analog astronaut.

Key Updates:

Aditya Pandya, 17, led hardware, IoT, and intelligence systems for AAKA Space Studio's lunar habitat simulation.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)-affiliated AAKA Space Studio conducted the mission from February 1 to 8 in Dholavira, Kutch.
Pandya contributed to designing sensor modules, biometric systems, embedded hardware, and modular components during a six-month development phase.
The four-member crew tested isolation, habitat living, and autonomous operations under Moon-like conditions using a digital twin framework for real-time monitoring.

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Bengaluru startup Akashlabdhi readies July launch of AntarikshHAB, India’s first inflatable space habitat (End of January) ▼

Akashlabdhi, incubated at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), completed key habitat tests in Switzerland with partners including European Space Agency (ESA).
The July mission will launch a 70 cubic metre scaled version of AntarikshHAB aboard a vehicle supplied by Spanish firm PLD Space.
The inflatable module will be deployed in orbit, then de-orbited for atmospheric re-entry and post-flight material inspection.
Underground validation tests at Versuchsstollen Hagerbach (VSH) run by Amberg Group covered pressure, leak-before-burst, thermal cycling, accelerated ageing, and micrometeoroid impact simulations.
Indian academic contributors are IISc, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-Roorkee) and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-Delhi); Swiss partners include ETH Zurich, EMPA and Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI).
The programme is grant-supported by ESA and its partners and aims to advance the habitat to Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6).

Azista Space demonstrates India's first indigenous in-orbit snooping capability (Start of February) ▼

Azista Space has become the first Indian aerospace firm to demonstrate in-orbit snooping by capturing images of the International Space Station (ISS) from another satellite.
The demonstration was conducted using the ABA First Runner (AFR), an 80-kg indigenous earth-observation satellite.
The AFR satellite was launched into space on 13 June 2023, by the Falcon-9 rocket of SpaceX as part of the Transporter-8 mission.
The company successfully tracked the ISS at ranges of approximately 250 km and 300 km, capturing 15 distinct frames with 2.2m sampling.
Azista Space operates a satellite and payload manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat, which is capable of producing 50 satellites annually.
This achievement is a significant step towards strengthening India's Space Situational Awareness (SSA), which involves monitoring and tracking man-made satellites and space debris.
Personnel from the firm have been involved in over 12 missions of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla received Ashoka Chakra; Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A received Shaurya Chakra. (End of January) ▼

President Droupadi Murmu approved Gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel on the eve of Republic Day 2026.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission in June last year.
Lieutenant Commander Dilna K sailed over 25,600 nautical miles through the Indian, Pacific, Atlantic and Southern Oceans during Navika Sagar Parikrama II aboard INSV Tarini between October 2, 2024 and May 29, 2025.
The gallantry decorations include three Kirti Chakras, 13 Shaurya Chakras (one posthumous), one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry) (five posthumous), six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), and two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).

Andhra teen Kunchala Kaivalya Reddy selected for advanced astronaut training by Titans Space Industries (Mid of November) ▼

Discovered two asteroids—2020 CM24 in Class VIII and 2021 CM37 two years later—through the International Astronomical Collaboration’s Asteroid Search Campaign
Represented India at the 2021 Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition in Germany and won a Silver Honour
Underwent 10-day basic astronaut training at the International Air and Space Program, becoming the youngest Indian to do so
Chosen by Titans Space Industries (Florida) for 2026-2029 advanced astronaut training among 150 candidates from 36 countries; programme includes zero-gravity, scuba diving, and hiking modules ahead of a planned 300 km Earth orbit mission
Plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics in Germany

MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary announces Scheduled Commercial Banks' Gross NPAs fall to record 2.15% in September 2025

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)]

Key Updates:

Gross NPAs of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) for domestic operations declined to a historic low of 2.15% as of September 2025.
Public sector banks (PSBs) recorded a gross NPA ratio of 2.50%, private sector banks 1.73%, and foreign banks 0.80% as on 30 September 2025.
The slippage ratio for PSBs fell to 0.8% in September 2025, lower than the 1.8% recorded by private sector banks.
Over 30,000 pre-admission cases involving defaults of ₹13.78 lakh crore were settled under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) as of March 2025.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) initiated the Asset Quality Review in 2015, followed by the government's 4R strategy: recognition, resolution, recapitalisation, and reforms.

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India Ratings projects credit growth at 13% and deposit growth at 11.4% for FY27 (Mid of January) ▼

India Ratings & Research expects advances growth to remain at 13% for FY27, unchanged from FY26.
Deposit growth is forecast at 11.4% in FY27, up from 10.7% in FY26.
The loan-to-deposit ratio is projected to rise to 83.2% in FY27 from 81.9% in FY26 and 80.3% in FY25.
Banks are expected to bridge the funding gap by tapping the certificate of deposit and corporate bond markets.
Gross non-performing assets are projected to fall to 1.9% in FY26 and 1.7% in FY27 from 2.2% in FY25.
Non-bank finance companies are projected to record moderated loan growth of 15%-16% in FY27, down from 18% in FY26.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) records gross NPAs at 10-year low of 2.1% (Start of January) ▼

Gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) have fallen to a decadal low of 2.1%.
The ratio of special mention accounts overdue by 61-90 days (SMA-2) declined to 0.8% as of end-September 2025.
In the MSME sector, the SMA ratio eased to 5.1%.
Stress in unsecured loans moderated sharply, with the SMA-2 ratio falling to 13% from more than 20% a year earlier.
Credit costs for the system are expected to be around 0.6% in the December quarter.
Fresh stress formation among large borrowers improved, with the SMA-2 ratio declining nearly 36% in September 2025.
69% of gold loan disbursements were to prime-and-above borrowers.
Private sector banks disbursed over 70% of consumer loans to prime-and-above borrowers.

Banking system LDR hits 81% all-time high as credit growth outpaces deposit mobilisation. (Start of January) ▼

Banking system loan-to-deposit ratio reached an all-time high of 81%.
HDFC Bank loans grew 12% year-on-year while deposits rose 11.5%.
HDFC Bank gross advances stood at ₹28.44 lakh crore and total deposits at ₹28.59 lakh crore.
Bank of Baroda global advances rose 14.57% year-on-year to ₹13.44 lakh crore and global deposits grew 10.25% to ₹15.47 lakh crore.
Punjab National Bank global deposits increased 8.5% to ₹16.6 lakh crore and global advances expanded 11% to ₹12.32 lakh crore.
Union Bank of India global deposits rose 3.4% to ₹12.22 lakh crore and advances grew 7.13% to ₹10.16 lakh crore.
Axis Bank gross advances increased 14.1% to ₹11.70 lakh crore and deposits grew 15% to ₹12.60 lakh crore.
Kotak Mahindra Bank net advances grew 16% to ₹4.80 lakh crore and deposits rose 14.6% to ₹5.42 lakh crore.
Yes Bank advances rose 5.2% to ₹2.57 lakh crore and deposits grew 5.5% to ₹2.92 lakh crore.
RBL Bank deposits increased 12% to ₹1.19 lakh crore and advances rose 13% to ₹1.04 lakh crore.
IndusInd Bank net advances dropped 13.1% to ₹3.18 lakh crore and deposits fell 3.8% to ₹3.94 lakh crore.
Bajaj Finance assets under management rose 22% year-on-year to around ₹4.85 lakh crore.
Poonawalla Fincorp AUM grew 77.5% year-on-year to ₹55,000 crore.
M&M Finance business assets grew about 12% to nearly ₹1.29 lakh crore.

Indian Banking Sector Achieves 20-Year Non-Performing Assets Low, Strongest Profit Surge (Mid of December) ▼

Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) dropped to 2.31% by March 2025.
Gross NPAs peaked at 11.46% in 2018.
Net NPAs declined to 0.52%.
Public Sector Banks (PSBs) reduced Gross NPAs from 9.11% in 2021 to 2.58% in 2025.
Domestic deposits increased from ₹88.35 lakh crore in 2015 to ₹231.90 lakh crore in 2025.
Credit grew from ₹66.91 lakh crore to ₹181.34 lakh crore between 2015 and 2025.
Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) improved from 12.94% in 2015 to 17.36% in 2025.
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET-1) ratio reached 14.81%.
Public Sector Bank (PSB) profits rose from ₹1.05 lakh crore in FY 2022–23 to ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.
Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) posted their highest ever earnings of ₹4.01 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.
Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) earned ₹1.02 lakh crore in the first quarter of FY26.
Return on Assets (RoA) stood at 1.37%.
Return on Equity (RoE) stood at 14.1%.
Key reforms include the Asset Quality Review (2015) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (2016).
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework in 2025.

Portulans Institute Ranks India 45th in Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025

Key Updates:

India climbed four spots to secure the 45th rank globally in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025, released by the Portulans Institute.
The country's overall score improved to 54.43 out of 100 in 2025, up from 53.63 recorded in 2024.
The NRI 2025 evaluated 127 economies based on 53 indicators grouped under four pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact.
India ranked first globally in annual investment in telecommunication services, Artificial Intelligence (AI) scientific publications, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) services exports, and e-commerce legislation.
The report placed India second globally in fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) and building internet subscriptions, mobile broadband internet traffic, and international internet bandwidth.
India secured the third position globally in domestic market scale and income inequality metrics.

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India becomes world’s 2nd largest 5G user base with 400 million+ subscribers (Mid of January) ▼

India today stands as the world's second-largest 5G subscriber base with over 400 million users.
5G services are now available across the country with a major base of 99.6% and population coverage of 85%.
4.69 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations have been installed by Telecom Service Providers across India.
India crossed 100 crore internet connections, registering a growth of 298.77% since March 2014.
Rural telephone connections grew 42.9%, rising from 377.78 million in March 2014 to 539.83 million in September 2025.
India became the 5th country to have its own 4G stack upgradable to 5G, developed in just 2 years.

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

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

India signs MoUs with 23 countries for Digital Public Infrastructure cooperation (Start of February) ▼

India has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)/agreements with 23 countries for sharing and cooperation on India Stack / Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
The MoUs focus on digital identity, digital payments, data exchange and service delivery platforms under India Stack framework.
The countries are: Republic of Armenia, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Cuba, Republic of Colombia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Gambia, Fiji, Guyana, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Lesotho, Maldives, Mongolia.
UPI is now live in over eight countries: UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius and Qatar.
MoUs for Digilocker have been signed with Cuba, Kenya, United Arab Emirates and Lao People's Democratic Republic.
India Stack Global portal (www.indiastack.global) showcases 18 key digital platforms for global adoption.
Global DPI Repository (www.dpi.global) was launched during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, with India contributing the highest number of DPI solutions.
Key DPI platforms include Aadhaar, UPI, CoWIN, API Setu, DigiLocker, Aarogya Setu, GeM, UMANG, DIKSHA, e-Sanjeevani, e-Hospital, e-Office, eCourts, POSHAN Tracker, National NCD Platform, Skill India Digital Hub, PFMS and PM GatiShakti.
The information was provided by Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Shri Jitin Prasada in Rajya Sabha on 06.02.2026.

India’s Internet Subscribers Reach 1.02 Billion in Q2 FY26, TRAI Reports (Start of December) ▼

India’s total Internet subscriber base climbed to 1,017.81 million by the end of the July–September quarter (Q2 FY26), marking a 1.49 percent increase from 1,002.85 million in the previous quarter.
Of the total 1,070.81 million Internet accounts recorded by TRAI, 44.42 million were wired connections and 973.39 million were wireless.
Broadband subscriptions rose 1.63 percent, increasing from 979.71 million in June to 995.63 million in September.
Narrowband subscriptions slipped from 23.14 million to 22.18 million over the same period.
Wireline subscriptions declined quarter-on-quarter, falling from 47.49 million at the end of Q1 to 46.61 million at the end of Q2, a drop of 1.84 percent.
Monthly average revenue per user for wireless services rose 2.34 percent, moving from Rs 186.62 in Q1 to Rs 190.99 in Q2.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) approves USD 182 million loan for Assam flood management

[Asian Development Bank (ADB), Assam]

Key Updates:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD 182 million in additional financing to strengthen Assam's resilience to chronic flooding and riverbank erosion along the Brahmaputra.
The funding supplements the ongoing USD 200 million Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project approved in October 2023.
The project will extend integrated risk management measures into four additional high-priority reaches of the Brahmaputra river.
The initiative is expected to directly benefit approximately 600,000 rural residents, including poor households, women, and disadvantaged groups.
Under the expanded scope, ADB will support the construction of 63.5 kilometres of riverbank protection and the installation of pro-siltation measures to reclaim eroded land.
Nature-based solutions, including reed propagation and wetland restoration, will be implemented to reduce flooding and improve ecological resilience.
The financing will enhance knowledge-based river management through flood risk maps, asset condition surveys, erosion prediction models, and early warning systems.
The project includes community disaster preparedness programmes and the upgrading of disaster-resilient flood embankments.

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World Bank approves Rs 5,700 crore for Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project (End of January) ▼

The World Bank (WB) has approved Rs 5,700 crore for Haryana under the ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project’ to be released in phases between 2026 and 2032.
The project will restore 115 canals at Rs 2,325 crore with WB support, 284 canals at Rs 2,230 crore from the state budget, and 279 canals at Rs 2,880 crore through NABARD funding.
Of 15,562 minor canals, 400 will be restored at Rs 450 crore with WB assistance, 1,500 at Rs 1,250 crore by the state, and 61 at Rs 402 crore via NABARD.
WB will provide Rs 900 crore for micro-irrigation across nearly 70,000 acres and Rs 600 crore to reuse treated sewage water to irrigate 28,000 acres in Jind, Kaithal and Gurugram.
Around 80 new water bodies will be built in southern Haryana for groundwater recharge and Rs 886 crore will promote crop diversification, direct rice seeding and water-saving practices.

Musi River Development Project gets Rs 4,100 crore ADB in-principle loan (Start of January) ▼

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has in-principle agreed to extend Rs 4,100 crore (USD 500 million) to the Telangana Government for parts of phase-I of Musi River Development Project.
The state government has submitted a preliminary project report to the Ministry of Jal Shakti seeking Rs 3,188 crore under the National River Conservation Plan for the Musi river project.
The entire project is divided into five zones; the Detailed Project Report for Zone I is in progress and 21 km of the total 55 km in Zone-I is being undertaken by Musi Riverfront Development Corporation (MRDCL).

Integrated Ecotourism and Sustainable Agri-Based Livelihood Development in Meghalaya Project: $77 Million Loan to Boost Ecotourism and Resilient Livelihoods (Start of December) ▼

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the Integrated Ecotourism and Sustainable Agri-Based Livelihood Development in Meghalaya Project.
The project involves a $77 million loan and an additional $1 million technical assistance grant from ADB.
It aims to generate economic opportunities for more than 8,000 local people, including women and Indigenous communities, in Meghalaya.
The approval for the project was made on 27 November 2025.

ADB approves $400 million loan to improve road connectivity in Maharashtra (End of November) ▼

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $400 million results-based lending (RBL) program.
The program aims to improve road connectivity in Maharashtra.
The upgrades cover nearly 350 kilometers of state highways and 2,577 kilometers of rural roads.
The loan will improve road connectivity in 34 districts, particularly in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.
Over 1.7 million people, including residents of at least 80 villages and around 410 rural communities, will benefit.

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

[Moody’s]

Key Updates:

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

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Moody's Ratings projects India GDP growth at 7.3% for FY26 (End of January) ▼

Moody's Ratings forecasts India's economy to grow by 7.3% in FY 2025-26, up from 6.5% the previous year.
India's GDP per capita rose 8.2% year-on-year to $11,176 in FY 2024-25 while headline GDP grew 6.5%.
Total insurance premium revenue increased 17% to Rs 10.9 lakh crore in April-November 2025-26, with health premiums up 14% and life new business premiums climbing 20%.
The government has raised the foreign investment limit in Indian insurance companies to 100% of capital from 74%.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) revises India’s FY 2025-26 growth forecast to 7.3% (Mid of January) ▼

International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised India’s 2025 growth projection by 0.7 percentage point to 7.3% from 6.6% in October 2025.
IMF lifted India’s 2026 growth estimate to 6.4% from 6.2%.
World Bank pegs India’s FY2026 growth at 7.2%, an upward revision of 0.9 percentage points.
Government estimates India’s GDP growth at 7.4% for FY 2025-26, up from 6.5% last FY.
IMF projects global growth at 3.3% for 2026 and 3.2% for 2027.
IMF forecasts US growth at 2.4% in 2026, Euro area at 1.3% in 2026 and 1.4% in 2027, China at 4.5% in 2026 and 4.0% in 2027.
Global headline inflation seen easing to 3.8% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027 from 4.1% in 2025.

Moody's Ratings pegs India GDP growth at 7% for 2025 (End of November) ▼

Moody's Ratings forecasts India’s GDP to grow 7.0% in 2025 and 6.4% in 2026.
India will lead growth among emerging markets and across APAC excluding Greater China.
APAC GDP growth will stay steady at 3.4% in 2026 versus 3.3% in 2024, with 3.6% expected in 2025.
Emerging markets in the region will average 5.6% GDP growth compared with 1.3% in advanced markets.
Most rated Indian companies have active currency risk management or strong financial buffers against Rupee weakness.
Rated companies in oil and gas, airline, telecom and ride-hailing sectors face dollar exposure due to currency mismatches.
Moody’s identifies trade, weakening macroeconomic conditions and financial markets as the three main channels through which 50% US tariffs will transmit risk to companies.
Geopolitical tensions, especially US-China frictions, inform APAC geopolitical risk and threaten semiconductor supply chains.
Moody’s outlook for APAC is stable; it would turn negative if geopolitical tensions escalate or China slows sharply, and positive if interest rates decline broadly and earnings growth strengthens.

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

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

Uttar Pradesh First Economic Survey: GSDP to touch Rs 36 lakh crore in 2025-26

[Uttar Pradesh]

Key Updates:

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

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Uttar Pradesh North-South Corridor Project to link 20 districts with 2,340 km road network (Mid of January) ▼

The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department has proposed a first-of-its-kind North-South corridor project to improve connectivity for 20 districts.
The chief minister’s office has approved six stretches connecting various cities along the North-South corridor.
The total length of this North-South corridor is 2,340 km.

NITI Aayog Unveils ASSET Blueprint for Andhra Pradesh Clean Energy Hub by 2035 with ₹7.5 Lakh Crore Investment (Start of February) ▼

National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) unveiled a draft blueprint under the Accelerating Sustainable State Energy Transition (ASSET) platform to transform Andhra Pradesh into a top renewable energy hub by 2035.
The plan proposes a total sectoral investment of ₹7.5 lakh crore, comprising ₹3.3 - ₹3.4 lakh crore for the state energy transition and ₹4 - ₹4.2 lakh crore for a renewable energy export hub.
Private players are expected to contribute 90% of the total investment, which is projected to create 5-6 lakh new jobs.
For domestic needs, the state aims to add 35 Gigawatt (GW) of solar, 12 GW of wind, and 55-60 Gigawatt-hour (GWh) of storage capacity by 2035.
The export-oriented capacity targets include 30 GW of solar, 25-30 GW of wind, and 10-12 GW of pumped storage projects for national supply.
Infrastructure investments include ₹65,000-₹70,000 crore for transmission modernisation through green corridors and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) lines, plus ₹40,000 crore for distribution networks.
NITI Aayog estimates power purchase costs will fall to ₹3.90 - ₹4 per unit, while supply costs will be maintained below ₹6 per unit.
The blueprint is scheduled for finalisation by March 2026, with implementation beginning in mid-March 2026 under the monitoring of a dedicated Energy War Room.

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

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

ASSET (Accelerating Sustainable State Energy Transition) platform aims to make Andhra Pradesh a top-three renewable energy hub by 2035. (Start of February) ▼

NITI Aayog unveiled a draft blueprint under the ASSET platform to transform Andhra Pradesh into one of India’s top three renewable energy hubs by 2035.
The plan envisages total sectoral investments of Rs 7.5 lakh crore, with 90% expected from private players and the creation of 5-6 lakh new jobs.
Andhra Pradesh targets adding 35 GW solar, 12 GW wind, and 55-60 GWh storage capacity for domestic needs, plus 30 GW solar, 25-30 GW wind, and 10-12 GW pumped storage for national exports by 2035.
Power purchase costs are estimated to fall to Rs 3.90 - Rs 4 per unit, with supply costs kept below Rs 6 per unit, benefiting households, farmers, and industries.
Infrastructure upgrades include Rs 65,000-Rs 70,000 crore for transmission modernisation and Rs 40,000 crore for strengthening distribution networks.
The blueprint will be finalised by March 2026 and implementation is expected to begin mid-March, monitored by a dedicated ‘Energy War Room’.

SATYA Portal launched to digitise STQC certification services

Key Updates:

Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Jitin Prasada, inaugurated the STQC Lab Automation Portal – SATYA under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The SATYA portal provides a single, integrated, user-friendly digital platform for end-to-end automation of laboratory and certification processes of the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Directorate.
The portal reduces manual intervention, improves turnaround time, and enhances transparency across all stages of testing and certification.
It lowers procedural and compliance burdens for startups and MSMEs, enabling quicker market entry for products meeting quality and security standards.
SATYA aligns with Digital India, Minimum Government – Maximum Governance, and Ease of Doing Business initiatives.

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Digantara partners with Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to build space-debris protection tools (Start of February) ▼

Bengaluru-based Digantara Industries and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) signed an agreement to co-develop Space Situational Awareness (SSA) tools for protecting Singapore’s national satellites from space-debris collisions.
The partnership was announced on the sidelines of the Space Summit 2026 in Singapore.
Digantara will provide DSTA with flight-dynamics services and conjunction-screening alerts for Singapore satellites approaching orbiting debris.
The collaboration includes integrating Digantara’s sensor data with AI-driven analytics to enhance satellite-tracking accuracy.
Singapore’s government will participate in assembly, integration and testing of a space-based sensor on an upcoming Digantara mission as part of Singapore’s broader space strategy.
Digantara views the Singapore deal as a gateway to expand into other Asia-Pacific markets such as South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand.

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

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

Galgotias University Inaugurates IIT Mandi Catalyst Satellite Centre to Boost Deep-Tech Startups (Mid of January) ▼

The centre aims to support early-stage startups, promote deep-tech innovation, and bridge the gap between research and real-world application.
Two strategic MoUs were signed—between Galgotias University and the National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, and between Galgotias University and Jharkhand University of Technology, Ranchi—for joint research, faculty and student exchange, co-creation of deep-tech startups, shared labs, and incubation programmes.
The collaborations are expected to strengthen the innovation pipeline by translating academic research into market-ready solutions, enhancing funding access, and creating nationwide pathways for student entrepreneurs and startups.

Cyber Security Innovation Challenge (CSIC) 1.0 launched to build India’s homegrown cyber resilience (End of November) ▼

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched CSIC 1.0 under the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) project.
CSIC 1.0 invites students and researchers to solve real-world cyber challenges and develop product-oriented solutions.
The initiative adopts a 'whole-of-nation' approach, uniting MeitY, CERT-In, NSCS, AICTE, C-DAC, DSCI, academia and industry.

Delhi govt–Bharat Taxi MoU for last-mile connectivity

[Delhi]

Key Updates:

Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) signed an MoU with Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL), the cooperative arm of Bharat Taxi, to roll out technology-enabled taxi services across Delhi.
The MoU was signed at the Delhi Secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra.
Under the MoU, DTTDC will act as the tourism and branding partner and will upskill drivers in soft skills and Delhi’s culture, history, and heritage.
Bharat Taxi, through STCL, will provide mobility services using its digital platform and cooperative driver network.
The initiative will introduce curated taxi-based travel products for tourists, including two-hour, four-hour, and full-day sightseeing circuits covering major attractions in and around Delhi.
The partnership will offer app-based booking, transparent pricing, no surge pricing, and standard safety protocols.
Drivers under the cooperative ownership model retain a significantly higher share of their earnings and are stakeholders in the cooperative.

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

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

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

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

Govt to roll out vehicle-to-vehicle communication to cut crashes (Start of January) ▼

The government will soon roll out vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology which will allow cars to “talk” to each other and alert drivers during contingencies.
The technology features an On Board Unit (OBU) installed in cars for wireless data exchange between vehicles, enabling sharing of real-time information like speed, location, acceleration, braking etc.
The telecommunications department will provide free spectrum under its national frequency allocation plan for the units.
A joint task force has agreed in-principle for the use of 30 MHz (5.875-5.905 GHz) for V2V purposes.

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

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

Gujarat Government and Starlink Sign Letter of Intent (LoI) for High-Speed Internet Connectivity

[Gujarat]

Key Updates:

The Gujarat Government signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited (Starlink), a subsidiary of SpaceX, to enhance digital connectivity in remote and underserved areas.
The LoI was exchanged in Gandhinagar by Industries Commissioner P. Swaroop and Head of Starlink India Prabhakar Jayakumar in the presence of Chief Minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel.
The initiative aims to provide high-speed satellite-based internet in remote, border, and tribal areas, specifically targeting Aspirational Districts such as Narmada and Dahod.
A pilot project under the agreement plans to connect Common Service Centres (CSCs), e-Governance facilities, government schools, district disaster management control rooms, ports, and wildlife sanctuary areas.
The LoI covers strengthening connectivity in Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) industrial parks, highway safety systems, maritime operations, and coastal police activities.
The partnership will facilitate smart connectivity for education in state schools and tele-medicine services at Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
A joint working group consisting of Starlink and state government officials will be formed to ensure the effective implementation of the LoI.

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Goa Government signs MoU with Starlink to boost digital connectivity and disaster resilience (End of January) ▼

Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, signed an MoU with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited on 21 January 2026 in Panaji.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Rohan Khaunte.
Starlink India was represented by Prabhakar Jayakumar, Head of Starlink India.
The collaboration will explore digital connectivity, disaster resilience and smart governance solutions across Goa.
Starlink will pilot satellite broadband in areas with limited terrestrial networks, including select government schools, healthcare facilities and disaster management centres.
The partnership aims to enhance emergency preparedness, build capacity through training and explore affordable tariff structures for socially beneficial use cases.

Centre proposes shared network access for power distribution (Start of December) ▼

The Centre has proposed shared network access for power distribution.
Raj and the International Solar Alliance will build the country’s first digital power network.
Experts propose solar panels for low-income neighbourhoods.

Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference – Kutch and Saurashtra: 5,492 MoUs Worth Rs 5.78 Lakh Crore Signed (End of January) ▼

Cabinet Minister Shri Jitubhai Vaghani announced that 5,492 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) involving investments worth Rs 5.78 lakh crore were signed during the two-day Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference.
The state government has prepared a clear roadmap to develop Saurashtra and Kutch by 2047.
Initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Startup India, and Make in India are being realized under the Prime Minister's leadership, directly benefiting Gujarat's entrepreneurs and industrial units.
Gujarat will become a hub for the semiconductor sector by 2027.

India, Nepal Ink New Rail Transit Deal to Boost Multimodal Trade (Mid of November) ▼

India and Nepal signed a Letter of Exchange (LoE) amending the Protocol to the Treaty of Transit.
The agreement, exchanged during a bilateral meeting in New Delhi, will facilitate the movement of rail-based freight between Jogbani (India) and Biratnagar (Nepal), including bulk cargo under an expanded definition.
This liberalization extends to key transit corridors: Kolkata-Jogbani, Kolkata–Nautanwa (Sunauli), and Visakhapatnam–Nautanwa (Sunauli).
The Jogbani–Biratnagar rail link, constructed with grant assistance from the Government of India, was jointly inaugurated by the Prime Ministers of India and Nepal on 1 June 2023.

India and Seychelles Adopt SESEL Joint Vision and Announce USD 175 Million Economic Package

[Seychelles]

Key Updates:

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.

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Seychelles President Patrick Herminie Arrives in India for First State Visit (Start of February) ▼

Seychelles President Patrick Herminie arrived in Chennai for his first State visit to India, which is scheduled to continue until 10 February.
The visit commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.
President Herminie will hold discussions with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.
The President is scheduled to visit Chennai and Mumbai to participate in various business events.
Seychelles is designated as a key maritime neighbour under India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
Patrick Herminie was sworn in as the sixth President of Seychelles in October 2025.
Vice President (VP) CP Radhakrishnan represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of President Herminie in Victoria in October 2025.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that the visit follows the previous visit of the Indian VP to Seychelles in October 2025.
Historical records from 1770 indicate that a group of five Indians were among the first recorded inhabitants of the Seychelles islands.

Seychelles admitted as 6th full member of Colombo Security Conclave (End of November) ▼

Seychelles becomes the sixth full member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) after the 7th NSA-level meeting in New Delhi.
The CSC now comprises Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Seychelles; Malaysia attended as a guest for the first time.
NSA Ajit Doval hosted the meeting; Seychelles delegation led by Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces, Republic of Seychelles Defence Forces.

Bharat Climate Forum 2026: India Targets Net-Zero by 2070 through Clean-Tech Manufacturing (Start of January) ▼

Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan delivered the inaugural address at the Bharat Climate Forum 2026, stating that climate action can accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen energy security, and power a future-ready Indian economy.
India is pursuing the Panchamrit commitments announced at COP26, which include a "roadmap toward net-zero emissions by 2070" to balance economic growth with future responsibility.
The government aims to transform "Make in India into Make in India for the World" by developing homegrown technologies in Renewable energy systems, Battery storage, Green hydrogen, and Electric mobility.
India is leading global climate collaboration through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) based on partnerships without dependence.
The transition focuses on building a skilled workforce and resilient manufacturing ecosystems to ensure India does not rely on "imported clean technologies or fragile global supply chains.

India participates in Second Global Summit on Blue Food Security in Eilat, Israel (Mid of January) ▼

Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh arrived in Eilat, Israel, on Monday to partake in a global summit dedicated to blue food security.
The 'Second Global Summit on Blue Food Security: Sea the Future' is set against the backdrop of the southern coastal city from January 13 to 15.
The event focuses on enhancing food production in harsh climates through innovative technologies and highlights the surge in strategic ties between India and Israel.

India and France to finalise ₹3,200 crore deal for SCALP cruise missiles

[France]

Key Updates:

India and France are negotiating a defence deal worth approximately 300 million euros (₹3,200 crore) for the procurement of SCALP long-range cruise missiles for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The SCALP missile, also known as Storm Shadow, is an air-launched cruise missile with a strike range exceeding 250 kilometres, designed for deep-penetration attacks against high-value targets.
The IAF operationally deployed SCALP missiles during Operation Sindoor on 6-7 May to strike terrorist headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) in Pakistan’s Muridke and Bahawalpur districts.
Operation Sindoor involved the use of SCALP missiles alongside BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, HAMMER precision-guided bombs, and loitering munitions to target nine terror-linked sites.
The IAF targeted 12 major air bases and destroyed high-value assets, including fighter jets and surveillance aircraft, during the cross-border precision strike.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is also in the process of ordering Meteor air-to-air missiles for the Rafale fleet, including the 26 Rafale Marine fighters ordered for the Indian Navy.
The IAF is preparing a proposal for the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) to acquire 114 additional Rafale combat aircraft to increase its projected fleet strength to 200 aircraft over the next 15 years.
The SCALP missile system uses a combination of Inertial Navigation, Global Positioning System (GPS), and terrain-reference navigation with an infrared imaging seeker for pinpoint accuracy.

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India and Greece sign Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen defence industrial cooperation (Start of February) ▼

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

Ukraine to acquire French Rafale fighter jets and air defence systems (Mid of November) ▼

Ukraine will get up to 100 of France's Rafale F4 fighter jets as well as advanced air defence systems in a major deal.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the letter of intent with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at an air base near Paris.
Deliveries of the Rafale F4's are planned to be completed by 2035.
The joint production of interceptor drones is starting this year.
This is a strategic agreement which will last for 10 years starting from the next year.
Ukraine would also get 'very strong French radars', eight air defence systems and other advanced weaponry.
Financial details are yet to be worked out, but reports say France plans to attract EU financing and also access frozen Russian assets.

India moves toward $450 million BrahMos export deals with Vietnam and Indonesia (End of December) ▼

India has moved closer to inking deals to export BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Vietnam and Indonesia, which collectively will be worth over Rs 4,000 crore ($450 million).
Russia, the joint developer of BrahMos missiles, has assured India that it has no objection to the precision-strike weapon being sold to Vietnam and Indonesia.
The assurance was given during the delegation-level meeting between defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov on Dec 4.
Once the deals are inked, Vietnam and Indonesia will become the other ASEAN countries after the Philippines to buy the air-breathing missiles.
India had inked a $375 million contract to supply three anti-ship BrahMos coastal batteries to the Philippines in Jan 2022.
India successfully deployed the BrahMos missiles, whose range has been increased to 450 km from the original 290 km, from Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets during Operation Sindoor in May.
India also plans to begin inducting the new 800-km BrahMos from 2028 onwards, with tests currently underway for the extended-range missiles.
India wants to sell the indigenous Akash air defence missile systems and Pinaka multi-launch rocket systems to the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, UAE, and Brazil.

India and France sign JV agreement on November 24, 2025, to locally produce HAMMER precision-guided weapons (End of November) ▼

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defence (SED), France, signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement to locally produce HAMMER precision-guided weapons.
The agreement formalises the manufacture of the Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapon in India.
The HAMMER weapons are already integrated on the Indian Air Force’s Rafale aircraft and are under evaluation for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
The joint venture aims to progressively raise indigenous content to up to 60%, with BEL leading final integration and quality assurance.
This partnership reflects a strategic shift in the India-France defence relationship from buyer-seller to co-development and co-production, supporting India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

India to Chair Kimberley Process (KP) for Global Diamond Governance in 2026

Key Updates:

India has assumed the chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) for the year 2026 to lead reforms in the global diamond trade.
The KP is a multinational mechanism designed to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds used by rebel groups to finance insurgencies against legitimate governments.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was launched in 2003 and now comprises 60 participants representing 86 countries.
The KP participants collectively account for approximately 99.8% of the total global production of rough diamonds.
Six countries, namely Angola, Botswana, Canada, Congo, Namibia, and Russia, produce more than 85% of the world's rough diamonds by quantity and value.
India is a major global hub for diamond cutting and polishing, centred in Surat and Mumbai, and imports 40% of the world's rough diamonds.
India re-exports polished diamonds to key international markets including China, Hong Kong, Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States.
Proposed reforms under the chairmanship include the introduction of blockchain-based digital certificates and the establishment of regional technical hubs in Africa to provide Information Technology (IT) support.
India aims to align the KP framework with Sustainable Development Goals such as decent work, poverty reduction, and responsible consumption.

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India and Namibia hold Foreign Office Consultations and agree to deepen collaboration in defence and critical minerals (End of January) ▼

Both sides agreed to further deepen bilateral ties in key areas such as health, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), agriculture, defence and critical minerals.
Discussions were also held on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including cooperation at the UN.
The FOC was co-chaired by Janesh Kain, Joint Secretary (East & Southern Africa), Ministry of External Affairs and Ambassador Charles Josob, Acting Head of Department for Bilateral Relations and Cooperation, Ministry of International Relations and Trade, Namibia.

India to assume Chairpersonship of Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026 (End of December) ▼

India will take over as Kimberley Process (KP) Vice Chair from 25 December 2025 and assume the chairpersonship on 1 January 2026.
This will be the third time India has been entrusted with the chair of the Kimberley Process.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) came into effect on 1 January 2003 and has 60 participants accounting for over 99 per cent of global rough diamond trade.

India welcomes key outcomes at UNFCCC CoP30; reaffirms commitment to equity, climate justice and global solidarity (End of November) ▼

India expressed 'strong support' to Brazil for the inclusive leadership at CoP30.
India welcomed progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation, noting it reflects recognition of the overwhelming need for adaptation in developing countries.
India emphasized the long-standing obligations of developed countries to provide climate finance and appreciated the Presidency's efforts in supporting India in beginning the journey towards a long-overdue focus on Article 9.1.
India expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the Just Transition Mechanism, calling it a significant milestone.
India thanked the Presidency for providing space to discuss unilateral trade-restrictive climate measures, which it said are increasingly affecting developing countries and violate the principles of equity and CBDR-RC.
India stressed that the burden of climate change mitigation must not be shifted onto those least responsible for causing the problem.
India reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to science-based and equitable climate action and to a rules-based global order that is equitable and respectful of national sovereignty.
India called on all Parties to ensure that the road from Belem leads to a future defined by fairness, solidarity, and shared prosperity for all.

India Reaffirms Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam at 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Forum in Riyadh on December 14-15, 2025 (Mid of December) ▼

India reaffirmed its commitment to the ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and religious harmony at the 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) forum.
The Indian delegation was led by P Kumaran, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The forum was hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh from December 14 to 15, 2025.
The Indian representative highlighted the nation's civilizational heritage and the long-standing belief in Sarva Dharma Samabhav, which stresses equal respect for all faiths.
The gathering marked two decades of the UNAOC and brought together political leaders, religious representatives, civil society, youth, and media to address global divisions.

French President Emmanuel Macron to visit India for AI Impact Summit and bilateral talks

[France]

Key Updates:

French President Emmanuel Macron will pay an official visit to India from 17 February at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the three-day visit Macron will hold wide-ranging talks with PM Modi and attend the AI Impact Summit, the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South, in New Delhi.
The leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple areas and exchange views on regional and global issues including Indo-Pacific cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
PM Modi and President Macron will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 in Mumbai, aimed at deepening collaboration in innovation, technology, research and people-to-people exchanges throughout the year in both countries.
The visit follows PM Modi’s visit to France in February 2025 and reflects the mutual trust and depth of the India-France Strategic Partnership.

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European Union leaders attend 77th Republic Day of India as Chief Guests and co-chair 16th EU-India Summit (End of January) ▼

President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen paid a State Visit to India on 25–27 January 2026 as Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day of India.
A contingent of the European Union Military Staff and the European Union Naval Operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES participated in the Republic Day Parade for the first time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chaired the 16th EU-India Summit with President Costa and President von der Leyen in New Delhi on 27 January 2026.
The EU-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations were successfully concluded during the Summit.
The EU-India Security and Defence Partnership, the first overarching defence and security framework between the two sides, was signed.
The leaders condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 and the terror incident near Red Fort, New Delhi on 10 November 2025.
The EU-India Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda 'Towards 2030' was adopted to advance cooperation across five pillars: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global challenges, and enabling factors.

Seychelles President Patrick Herminie Arrives in India for First State Visit (Start of February) ▼

Seychelles President Patrick Herminie arrived in Chennai for his first State visit to India, which is scheduled to continue until 10 February.
The visit commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.
President Herminie will hold discussions with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.
The President is scheduled to visit Chennai and Mumbai to participate in various business events.
Seychelles is designated as a key maritime neighbour under India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
Patrick Herminie was sworn in as the sixth President of Seychelles in October 2025.
Vice President (VP) CP Radhakrishnan represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of President Herminie in Victoria in October 2025.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that the visit follows the previous visit of the Indian VP to Seychelles in October 2025.
Historical records from 1770 indicate that a group of five Indians were among the first recorded inhabitants of the Seychelles islands.

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

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

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to visit India on January 12–13 (Start of January) ▼

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit India from January 12 to 13, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
The Chancellor will be received by PM Modi in Ahmedabad on January 12 for the former's first visit to the country.
During his two-day visit, Chancellor Merz will also be travelling to Bengaluru.
Discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation across trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility.
Leaders are expected to advance collaboration in defence and security, science, innovation and research, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people ties.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) sign MoU to form shipbuilding consortium

[Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)]

Key Updates:

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) signed an MoU in Kolkata on Monday to form a consortium for a national shipbuilding programme.
The consortium will undertake construction of maritime platforms and support India’s maritime infrastructure and operational capability.
The MoU was signed by Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding) at GRSE, and Capt Ganti Venkateswarlu, IN (Retd.), Officiating Chairman and Managing Director at HSL, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.
GRSE and HSL stated the consortium will leverage the strengths of both shipyards to expand indigenous shipbuilding capacity and contribute to technological self-reliance.

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Skills Accelerator MoU to bridge workforce skill gaps (End of January) ▼

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed an MoU with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to launch and implement a Skills Accelerator in India.
The Accelerator is a multistakeholder platform aimed at identifying, scaling, and accelerating innovative solutions and public–private partnerships to address critical skills gaps in the workforce.
It will strengthen India’s technical and vocational education and training ecosystem by aligning skilling initiatives with industry and global economy demands.

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

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

Reliance Industries Ltd and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) sign MoU for sharing offshore resources. (End of January) ▼

Reliance Industries Ltd and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) signed an MoU on the sidelines of India Energy Week (IEW) to share offshore supply vessels and other resources.
The pact targets enhanced operational efficiency, faster execution of offshore projects, and stronger synergies between India's largest oil and gas producer and the nation's most valuable company.
The collaboration aims to allow a vessel approved by authorities to move between adjacent blocks, such as ONGC’s KG-DWN-98/2 and Reliance-BP’s KG-DWN-98/3 in the Krishna Godavari basin, without fresh approvals.
Currently, securing fresh approvals for a foreign-flagged offshore supply vessel from the ministries of defence and home affairs and the director general of shipping takes 45 days and is area- and duration-specific.
The companies will jointly approach the government to permit use of any fully-approved vessel anywhere in the Indian sedimentary basin.
This is the second recent collaboration between ONGC and Reliance after they partnered with BP in 2024 to bid for the 5,454-sq-km Block GS-OSHP-2022/2 in the Saurashtra Basin under Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) bid round IX.

GAIL (India) Ltd to acquire equity stake in Singapore-based LNG ship-owning company. (End of January) ▼

GAIL (India) Ltd will take an equity stake in a Singapore-based LNG ship-owning company through its wholly owned subsidiary GAIL Global IFSC Ltd registered in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
The LNG vessel is under construction in South Korea and is linked to a long-term charter signed by GAIL.
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd (K LINE) and J M Baxi Marine Services will also be equity partners in the ship-owning company.
GAIL already holds a 26 per cent stake in the LNG carrier ‘GAIL Bhuwan’ hired from Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd.

India named Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2026 in Germany

Key Updates:

India has been designated as the Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for organic products, to be held from February 10 to 13 in Nuremberg, Germany.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is organising India’s participation with a 1,074 square metre India Pavilion featuring 67 co-exhibitors.
The pavilion will showcase organic rice, oilseeds, herbs, spices, pulses, cashew, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, cinnamon, mango puree, and essential oils.
Exhibitors from 20 states and Union Territories including Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand are participating.
Five GI-tagged rice varieties—Indrayani, Navara, Gobindbhog, Red, and Chak Hao (Black rice)—will be served to highlight India’s heritage rice varieties.
Live sampling of aromatic biryani prepared using premium organic basmati rice and spices will be organised at the India Pavilion.

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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.

Indian Micro-Fertilisers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) to organise 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit & B2B Expo in Mumbai on 5-6 February 2026 (Start of February) ▼

Indian Micro-Fertilisers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) will hold the 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit & B2B Expo on 5 and 6 February 2026 at National Stock Exchange (NSE), Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.
The summit theme is 'Converge, Collaborate & Co-create' and will focus on crop nutrition, specialty fertilisers, biologicals, micronutrients, and India’s role in global agri-input manufacturing.
Minister of Marketing & Protocol, Government of Maharashtra, Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, will inaugurate the summit.
Agriculture Commissioner, Government of India, Dr P. K. Singh, will attend as Guest of Honour and outline government perspective on agri-input reforms, ease of doing business, export competitiveness and specialty crop nutrition products.
Participants include senior officials from Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), national research institutions, State Agriculture Departments, and Commissioners of Agriculture from several states including Maharashtra.
Day 1 themed 'Converge & Collaborate' will feature inaugural session, policy dialogue on One Nation, One License proposal, farmer recognition program, roundtable on integrating micronutrients and biologicals into fertiliser policy, 'Media Speaks' session, startup pitch platform, and industry networking sessions.
Day 2 themed 'Co-Create' will focus on structured B2B meetings, masterclasses on international trade, institutional and government business, fundraising, and sessions on manufacturing, data analytics and digital technologies.
The summit will conclude with an Industry–Government–Startup Conclave and a closing policymakers’ interaction.
IMMA will highlight policy priorities such as implementation of One Nation, One License, faster approval processes for micronutrients, biologicals and specialty fertilisers, differentiation between subsidised and non-subsidised agri inputs, export-oriented regulations, and stronger enforcement against counterfeit and sub-standard products.

Northeast India Organic Week inaugurated on November 29, 2025 (Start of December) ▼

The first Northeast India Organic Week was inaugurated on November 29, 2025.
The event was organised in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Union Commerce Ministry and IFOAM-Organics Asia.
Delegates and buyers from 13 countries attended Meghalaya’s inaugural Northeast India Organic Week.
Meghalaya Agriculture Commissioner and Secretary is Dr Vijay Kumar D.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) chairman is Abhishek Dev.
IFOAM-Organics Asia executive director is Jennifer Chang.
Meghalaya Chief Minister is Conrad K Sangma.
Meghalaya is the second fastest growing state behind Tamil Nadu.
Lakadong turmeric has up to 13 per cent curcumin content.
A new ginger processing unit worth Rs 25 crore has been set up as the largest organic spice processing facility in the Northeast.
The eighth edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) was highlighted.
The ‘Green Meghalaya’ initiative focuses on ongoing climate action efforts.
GI-tagged Khasi mandarins have made inroads into Gulf markets through the Lulu Group.

India Achieves Historic Record of 357 Million Tonnes Foodgrain Production (Start of December) ▼

India produced 357 million tonnes of foodgrains.
India's foodgrain production increased by 100 million tonnes compared to 10 years ago.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Natural Farming Exhibition in Coimbatore.
The South India Natural Farming Summit promotes sustainable, eco-friendly, and chemical-free agricultural practices.
The Summit focuses on regenerative farming as a climate-smart and economically sustainable model.
The Summit showcases innovations in organic inputs, agro-processing, eco-friendly packaging, and indigenous technologies.

Lancet Study Flags Inaccuracies in HbA1c Tests for Diabetes Diagnosis in India

Key Updates:

A study published in The Lancet Regional Health found that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) tests may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels, potentially misrepresenting India’s diabetes burden.
The study indicates that conditions affecting hemoglobin quantity, structure, or lifespan, such as anemia, hemoglobinopathies, and red blood cell enzyme (G6PD) deficiency, can distort HbA1c values.
Exclusive reliance on HbA1c could delay the diagnosis of Type-2 diabetes by up to four years in men with undetected G6PD deficiency.
According to data from 2025 cited in the study, more than 50% of the population in some Indian regions are nutritionally challenged with widespread iron deficiency anemia.
For low-resource settings, the researchers recommend the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) for diagnosis, involving two glucose values taken fasting and two hours after ingesting 75 gm of glucose.
The study suggests Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) using glucose metres two to three times weekly, combined with basic hematologic screening, for monitoring in low-resource areas.
In tertiary care settings, the framework suggests combining HbA1c with OGTT for diagnosis and using Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) with alternative markers like fructosamine for monitoring.

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Tamil Nadu Public Distribution System (PDS) and Diabetes Prevention Initiatives (End of January) ▼

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)–INDIAB study, the prevalence of diabetes in Tamil Nadu increased from 11.1% in 2008–2010 to 22.7% in 2022–2023.
The study published in Nature Medicine indicates that the diet in Tamil Nadu is high in carbohydrates at 65% of total calories, while protein intake is 10% compared to the recommended 15%–20%.
Under the current Public Distribution System (PDS) in Tamil Nadu, a family of five receives 25kg of rice, 1kg of dal, 1 litre of palm oil, and 5kg of sugar every month.
The article highlights the Karnataka PDS model, which has increased dal allocation and replaced a portion of rice with millets to improve nutritional balance.
The Horticultural Producers’ Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society (HOPCOMS) in Karnataka is cited as a model for ensuring market access for farmers and distributing fresh produce through PDS outlets.
Tamil Nadu currently implements the noon-meal scheme and the school breakfast scheme to support public health and nutrition.
The ICMR–INDIAB study suggests that a 5% reduction in carbohydrate intake, replaced by plant proteins, can significantly help in preventing diabetes.

India Launches Multi-Panel Exercise To Develop First Obesity Guidelines (Start of December) ▼

India’s apex medical research body, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), constituted multiple panels to draft and design scientific guidelines for obesity.
Work on the project began in September.
The plan will focus on creating evidence-based prevention and treatment guidelines for Indians across different phases of life, from childhood and adolescence to young adulthood, midlife, and old age.
The objective is to release at least one set of guidelines by mid-2026.
A policy group, consisting of five joint secretaries from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, will be set up to convert the guideline draft into simple, easy-to-understand language for the Indian population.

Odisha to Launch Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Registry to Track Prevalence and Enable Early Treatment (Mid of January) ▼

Odisha is planning to launch a chronic kidney disease (CKD) registry by March 31.
It will help govt know about the prevalence of CKD and prepare action plans and programmes to tackle kidney disease.
A state task force of 12 members was formed under the chairmanship of the chief secretary to carry out the CKD registry work.
Starting from the primary health centre (PHC) to medical college level, each healthcare institution will report CKD cases in the registry.
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) is developing the software for the registry.
Provision for funds has been made to speed up the work.
We are carrying out the CKD registry programme to detect and treat patients early.

Armed Forces Medical Services, AIIMS-RPC and MoHFW launch India’s first AI-driven community screening programme for Diabetic Retinopathy (Mid of December) ▼

MadhuNetrAI, a web-based AI tool developed by Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, enables screening, accurate grading and triaging of retinal images captured through handheld fundus cameras.
The initiative will generate real-time data on prevalence, case numbers, and geographic distribution of Diabetic Retinopathy to guide manpower planning and resource allocation.
Seven pilot sites—Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Dharamshala, Gaya, Jorhat, and Kochi—represent urban, rural, hilly and coastal geographies for inclusive AI-driven eye health delivery.
Trained Medical Officers and Nursing staff will conduct large-scale community screening in resource-limited settings using handheld fundus cameras integrated with MadhuNetrAI.
Patients detected with vision-threatening Diabetic Retinopathy will be referred to vitreoretina specialists at designated District Hospitals, coordinated by District Health Administration.

Wild Himalayan griffon vulture sighted in Maharashtra Melghat Tiger Reserve

[Maharashtra]

Key Updates:

A wild Himalayan griffon vulture was sighted in the Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, marking a significant milestone in vulture conservation.
The vulture population in the region had experienced a sharp decline by 2004 due to the use of harmful Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
The sighting follows collaborative conservation and rewilding initiatives between the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Maharashtra Forest Department.
Captive-bred long-billed vultures were released into the wild earlier this year as part of the ongoing restoration programme.
Technological tracking is being employed to monitor the survival and adaptation of the vultures in their natural habitat.

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Goa becomes second Indian state to publish comprehensive Bird Atlas (Start of February) ▼

Goa has become the second state in India, after Kerala, to publish a comprehensive state-level bird atlas.
The Bird Atlas of Goa was released during the ninth Bird Festival of Goa, which was formally inaugurated at Valpoi.
The ninth edition of the bird festival was organised under the theme Majestic Mhadei.
A publication titled Birds of Goa: Konkani Nomenclature – Olakh Suknayanchi was released to popularise avifauna documentation in the local language.
The Goa Forest Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ResQ Charitable Trust to enhance wildlife rescue and rehabilitation coordination across the state.
Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of Forests, C Candavelou, served as the chief guest for the festival inauguration.

Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) releases 15 Indian vultures at Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR) (Start of January) ▼

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) released 15 critically endangered Indian vultures at Somthana Range of Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR) as part of its ongoing vulture conservation programme.
The birds were translocated from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC), Pinjore (Haryana), to Melghat on April 23.
All 15 birds were fitted with GSM/satellite tags to enable scientists to monitor their movement & survival in the wild.
The soft release process began on Jan 2 when the aviary gates were opened from a distance & food was placed outside to encourage the birds to come out naturally.
Conservation challenges were addressed by establishing feeding stations and sourcing safe cattle carcasses through active partnerships with gaushalas.

Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and NMCG launch project to protect Indian Skimmer and river birds in Ganga Basin (End of January) ▼

The project titled 'Safeguarding breeding habitats of Indian Skimmer and sympatric birds through monitoring and community participation in the Ganga Basin' was launched at Dehradun and inaugurated by Union Minister for Jal Shakti C R Patil.
The project builds on BNHS’s successful conservation model in the National Chambal Sanctuary, where community participation significantly improved nesting success of riverine birds.
Local residents will be trained as Nest Guardians and River Guardians to protect nests, monitor bird populations, reduce local threats and assist in scientific data collection.

Eastern Imperial Eagle spotted wintering in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Start of January) ▼

Wildlife enthusiasts confirmed the presence of an Eastern Imperial Eagle visiting the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve during the winter migratory season.
The bird breeds primarily throughout Western and Central Asia and migrates during winter to parts of Africa, the Middle East as well as South and East Asia.
Arockianathan Samson from the Bombay Natural History Society documented 58 species of raptors in MTR between 2011 and 2022.
The tiger reserve provides an ideal habitat, food availability and a conducive climate for raptors to flourish.
Continuous sightings of the Imperial Eagle have been documented through the global bird-watching platform eBird from 2020 to 2025.

India ranks 2nd globally in enterprise AI usage; security risks loom

Key Updates:

India ranks second only to the United States in enterprise AI/ML transactions according to Zscaler's ThreatLabz 2026 AI Security Report.
Indian enterprises logged 82.3 billion AI/ML transactions between June and December 2025, accounting for 46.2 per cent of all AI activity in the Asia-Pacific region.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi from 16–20 February and will host global tech leaders including NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon.
AI activity in India was led by the Technology & Communication sector with 31.3 billion transactions, followed by Manufacturing (15.7 billion), Services (12.6 billion), and Finance & Insurance (12.2 billion).
Zscaler warns that enterprise AI systems tested under adversarial conditions show a median time to first critical failure of 16 minutes, with 90 per cent compromised in under 90 minutes.
Globally, over 18,000 terabytes of data were funnelled into AI applications in 2025, with ChatGPT alone linked to 410 million Data Loss Prevention policy violations.

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India Becomes World’s Largest Market for Large Language Model (LLM) Adoption (Mid of December) ▼

India has emerged as the world’s largest and most active market for large language model (LLM) adoption, according to an analysis by Bank of America (BofA).
The country now leads globally in the number of users for popular AI apps such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity, both in terms of monthly active users (MAUs) and daily active users (DAUs).
India has the second-largest online population in the world, with more than 700-750 million mobile internet users who consume 20-30 GB of data a month at around $2.
Telcos such as Jio and Bharti Airtel are offering complimentary subscriptions to paid versions of AI apps like Gemini and Perplexity.
India could emerge as a testing ground for the next phase of AI, known as agentic AI, which are applications that can reason, plan and execute tasks independently.

Microsoft Boosts AI Deployment and Renewable Energy Infrastructure in India (Mid of December) ▼

Tata Consultancy Services, Cognizant, Infosys and Wipro have emerged as “frontier firms”, with each deploying more than 50,000 Microsoft Copilot licences and building “AI factories” that create industry-specific digital agents and experiences.
Companies are already integrating Fabric, Foundry and Copilot Studio to reimagine software development, data intelligence and customer operations.
Microsoft views GitHub as the “agent HQ” where developers issue daily tasks to AI agents as part of their coding workflow.
The company will open a new Azure data centre region in South Central India in 2026, its most sustainable facility in Asia, powered entirely by renewable energy.
Microsoft’s new Agent 365 runtime enables organisations to choose between public, sovereign and private cloud configurations while maintaining cybersecurity and compliance, ensuring observability and governance in a world of autonomous agents.
Microsoft’s AI stack now extends from Copilot to Copilot Studio, which lets enterprise developers create their own AI agents using natural language prompts, down to Microsoft Foundry, a toolchain for building multi-agent, multi-model solutions using over 11,000 available AI models.
This investment of $17.5 billion is part of what Nadella described as Microsoft’s largest in Asia, following its previous $3 billion commitment to India.
Microsoft will train 20 million people across India in AI and digital technologies.

Microsoft commits $17.5 billion for India’s AI-first future (Start of December) ▼

Microsoft will invest USD 17.5 billion in India over the next four years (2026-2029) to drive AI diffusion at a population scale.
The investment comes on top of Microsoft’s earlier commitment of USD 3 billion announced in January 2025.
Google will invest $15 billion in India over the next five years to establish its first AI hub in Visakhapatnam.
OpenAI will open an India office after ChatGPT usage in the country grew fourfold over the past year.
AI firm Perplexity partnered with Indian telecom giant Airtel to offer 360 million customers a free one-year Perplexity Pro subscription.

Stanford University AI Index ranks India third in Global AI Vibrancy (Mid of December) ▼

India climbed four steps to rank third in the 2024 Global AI Vibrancy Index with a score of 21.59.
The United States leads with 78.6 and China follows with 36.95, while India surpasses South Korea, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Canada, Germany, and France.
India’s improvement is measured across seven pillars: R&D, responsible AI, economy, talent, policy and governance, public opinion, and infrastructure.
India pledged USD 1.25 billion toward AI initiatives, part of global government investments including China’s USD 47.5 billion semiconductor fund and France’s 109 billion euro commitment.
The country slipped five positions on the policy and governance pillar according to the report.

Researchers identify new dragonfly species Lyriothemis keralensis in Kerala

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

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.

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Kerala and Tamil Nadu researchers discover two new ant-fly species in Delhi ridge and Western Ghats (End of January) ▼

Researchers from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetam and Kerala Agricultural University discovered Metadon ghorpadei in Delhi’s northern ridge forest and Metadon reemeri in the Siruvani hills of Western Ghats.
Both species belong to the sub family Microdontinae (Syrphidae) and exhibit myrmecophily, with larvae living inside ant nests and feeding on ant brood.
The findings, based on detailed morphological studies and DNA analysis, were published in the international journal Zootaxa.
The study reviewed Indian fauna of the genus Metadon and redescribed six previously known species.
Only 27 of the 454 globally reported Microdontinae species are known from the Indian subcontinent.

Botanical Survey of India (BSI) discovers new flowering plant species Dicliptera pakhalica in Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, Telangana (Start of February) ▼

Botanical Survey of India (BSI) scientists identified the new species Dicliptera pakhalica in Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahbubabad district, Telangana.
The species belongs to the Acanthaceae family and was formally described in the journal Brittonia on 29 January.
The plant was found along stream banks and rocky areas near waterfalls within the sanctuary.
Dicliptera pakhalica differs from related Eastern Ghats species by adpressed deflexed stem hairiness, unkeeled bracts, absence of glandular hairs on floral parts and fruit, obovoid capsule, and echinate seeds.
The genus Dicliptera contains over 220 species worldwide; 29 taxa are recorded in India.
Flowering occurs from November to January and fruiting from December to March.
The species is currently known only from its type locality and is classified as Data Deficient under IUCN guidelines.

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) signs three MoUs to strengthen drug safety

[Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC), Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC), Quality Council of India (QCI), HLL Infra Tech Services (HITES)]

Key Updates:

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with the Goa State Pharmacy Council (GSPC), Quality Council of India (QCI), and HLL Infra Tech Services Limited.
The agreements aim to strengthen pharmacovigilance systems, enhance professional competencies, and promote uniform standards for medicine quality and patient safety across India.
The MoU with the GSPC focuses on the professional development of pharmacists, promotion of the National Formulary of India, and strengthening adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting mechanisms.
The collaboration with the GSPC supports the establishment of ADR Monitoring Centres and enhances systematic reporting and documentation practices across healthcare facilities.
The IPC and the QCI will collaborate on quality promotion, public health awareness, and capacity building through joint training and awareness programmes in pharmacovigilance.
Harsh Mangla, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, emphasised that the MoUs must translate into the achievement of objectives to improve primary and secondary healthcare.

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India and Liberia sign MoU to boost cooperation on medicine quality standards (Mid of December) ▼

India and Liberia signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in the field of pharmacopoeia.
The agreement was signed by India's Ambassador to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma, and Liberia's Health Minister, Louise M. Kpoto.
The MoU enables Liberia to adopt the Indian Pharmacopoeia as a reference for medicine quality standards.
The agreement aims to promote shared quality standards and regulatory alignment between the two countries.

India Withdraws Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on Key Raw Materials (Mid of November) ▼

India has removed mandatory quality checks (Quality Control Orders - QCOs) on numerous raw materials, including textiles, plastics, and metals.
This move aims to reduce delays and costs for businesses, especially MSMEs.
The withdrawal, notified on November 13, eliminates mandatory BIS certification for 14 products under the Chemicals & Petrochemicals Ministry and six under the Mines Ministry.
The list of affected inputs includes PTA, MEG, polyester fibres, polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC resin, ABS, polycarbonate, and metals such as aluminium, lead, nickel, tin and zinc.
The reforms flow from the Gauba Committee’s findings, which noted that QCOs grew significantly, many covering raw materials without direct safety implications.
The rollback is expected to immediately ease sourcing pressures in textile hubs like Surat, Ludhiana, Tiruppur and Bhilwara, and among plastics processors, nearly 90% of whom are MSMEs.
The withdrawal of QCOs for metals restores supply flexibility for downstream sectors including auto components, electronics, batteries, construction and defence.

Union Minister J P Nadda announces India ranks 8th globally in World Health Organization (WHO) Pharmacovigilance Contributions (Start of January) ▼

India now stands at the 8th position globally in World Health Organization (WHO) Pharmacovigilance Contributions, rising from the 123rd position held ten years ago.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the 10th edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2026, which serves as the official book of drug standards for India.
The Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2026 has incorporated 121 new monographs, increasing the total count to 3,340 monographs.
India has become the first country to include 20 blood component monographs to expand research in blood transfusion, thalassemia, hemophilia, and anaemia.
The new monographs are designed to benefit the National TB Elimination Programme, Anaemia Mukt Bharat, and the Universal Immunisation Programme.
The Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) is currently recognized as a standard in 19 Global South countries.

Union Budget 2026–27: Basic Customs Duty Removed on 17 Cancer Drugs and Rare Disease Medicines (Start of February) ▼

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the complete removal of basic customs duty on 17 cancer-related drugs and medicines in the Union Budget 2026–27.
Customs duty relief was extended to seven additional rare diseases, exempting personal imports of drugs, medicines, and foods for special medical needs.
The exemption aims to reduce the financial burden on patients relying on imported oncology medicines for complex and advanced treatments.
The measure is intended to lower out-of-pocket expenditure for patients, particularly those lacking comprehensive health insurance coverage.
The Union Budget 2026–27 also provided a 69% increase in funding for the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to strengthen internal security.

Shikhar Dhawan appointed brand ambassador of Delhi Khel Mahakumbh by Delhi Government

[Delhi]

Key Updates:

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

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Shikhar Dhawan Unveiled Autobiography 'The One: Cricket, My Life and More' (Mid of December) ▼

Shikhar Dhawan, a celebrated cricketer and entrepreneur, unveiled his autobiography 'The One: Cricket, My Life and More'.
The autobiography was unveiled at a special event in New Delhi.
The unveiling was held in association with BMW Deutsche Motoren, HarperCollins, and the Trends Literature Series.
The principles documented in 'The One' align with the mission of Dhawan's venture, Da One Group, which focuses on structured athlete development, accessible grassroots pathways, and long-term capacity building for Indian sport.
Shikhar Dhawan Foundation operates across education and community impact.

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

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

Abhishek Sharma achieves No. 1 spot in International Cricket Council Men’s T20I Batter Rankings (Start of December) ▼

Abhishek Sharma had a record-breaking performance at the 2025 DP World Asia Cup.
Abhishek Sharma was propelled to the No. 1 spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20I Batter Rankings.
Abhishek Sharma achieved the highest rating ever recorded in the ICC Men’s T20I Batter Rankings.

Harmanpreet Kaur appointed as International Brand Ambassador of Vedanta Pink City Half Marathon (VPCHM) 2025 (Start of December) ▼

Harmanpreet Kaur is Captain of the World Cup-winning Indian Women's Cricket Team.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar is Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Ltd and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd.
Bablu Sisodiya won the 21 km Male Category of VPCHM.
Ujaala won the 21 km Female Category of VPCHM.
Pawan Kumar won the 10 km Male Category of VPCHM.
Saloni won the 10 km Female Category of VPCHM.
VPCHM is organised by AnyBody Can Run (ABCR).

Services beats Kerala in extra-time to lift eighth Santosh Trophy title

[Kerala, Assam]

Key Updates:

Services defeated Kerala 1-0 in extra-time to win the Santosh Trophy 2025-26 final at Dhakuakhana Football Stadium in Assam.
Abhishek Pawar scored the winning goal in the 109th minute of the match.
Services received the winner’s trophy and a cheque of Rs 5 lakh, while Kerala received the runner-up trophy and Rs 3 lakh.
This was Services’ eighth Santosh Trophy title and Kerala’s second consecutive final loss.

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PM Modi flagged off four new trains including three Amrit Bharat Express in Kerala on 23 January 2026. (End of January) ▼

PM Modi visited Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on 23 January 2026 and flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train from Putharikandam Grounds.
The three new Amrit Bharat Express services were Thiruvananthapuram Central–Tambaram, Thiruvananthapuram North–Charlapalli, and Nagercoil Jn–Mangaluru Jn.
A passenger train was introduced between Thrissur and Guruvayur.
All four trains were operated and maintained by the Southern Railway (SR) zone.
Amrit Bharat Express trains aimed to provide affordable, safe, and reliable long-distance travel for lower and lower-middle income passengers and to strengthen inter-state connectivity across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

GS Delhi Aces ousts Yash Mumbai Eagles to lift maiden Tennis Premier League title (Mid of December) ▼

GS Delhi Aces clinched its maiden Tennis Premier League title, beating Yash Mumbai Eagles in the final.
GS Delhi Aces sealed a dominant 51–36 overall victory.
The final was held at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium.

President approves gallantry and service medals for Indian Coast Guard personnel on 77th Republic Day (End of January) ▼

President of India approved Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for ADG Donny Michael, PTM, TM.
DIG KS Sitaram received the Vishisht Seva Medal.
P/Nvk ME Saumyaranjan Behera was awarded the Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak.
IG Iqbal Singh Chauhan and IG Datwinder Singh Saini received the President's Tatrakshak Medal for Distinguished Service.
Late Comdt Rakesh Kumar Rana, Late Comdt JG Vipin Babu and Late P/Nvk RP Karan Singh were posthumously conferred the Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry).
Comdt JG Shailendra Singh Bisht, P/Nvk RP Gautam Yadav and P/Nvk RP Banti Kumar received the Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry).
Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service) was awarded to DIG Vinod Kumar Parmar, DIG Arun Kumar Bhardwaj, DIG Sudhakar Patil, Comdt Indu P and Adh RO Tapas Kumar Banerjee.

Manu Bhaker and Ojas Deotale win National Shooting and Archery titles (Mid of December) ▼

Manu Bhaker won the gold medal in the senior women’s 25m sports pistol event at the 68th National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC) with a score of 36.
Simranpreet Kaur Brar secured the gold medal in the junior women’s 25m sports pistol event at the 68th NSCC by shooting a score of 39.
Maharashtra clinched the gold medal in the women’s team 25m sports pistol event with a combined score of 1726-40x.
Ojas Pravin Deotale defeated Abhishek Verma in a shootout (30-28) to win the gold medal in the men’s individual compound event at the Senior National Archery Championship.
Aditi Swami won the gold medal in the women’s individual compound archery event by defeating Sakshi Chaudhary with a score of 146-145.
The All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB) won the gold medal in the women’s team compound event at the Senior National Archery Championship.
Delhi won the gold medal in the men’s team compound event, while Punjab secured the gold in the mixed team event at the Senior National Archery Championship.
Andhra Pradesh will host the Blind Premier League in 2026, with plans to establish 26 teams across the state's districts.
Manchester City and JAIN Sports launched a new Manchester City Football School at the JAIN Global Campus in Bengaluru.
The 80th edition of the Cricket Club of India (CCI) Western India Squash Tournament will be held in Mumbai under the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI).

Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025 released by Transparency International

[Transparency International]

Key Updates:

Transparency International released the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025 covering 182 countries and territories.
India improved its rank to 91st from 96th in the previous year.
India’s CPI score rose by one point to 39 in 2025.
The CPI scale ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
Denmark topped the index with 89 points, followed by Finland and Singapore.
South Sudan and Somalia shared the lowest score of 9 points.
The United States (US) was ranked 29th and the United Kingdom (UK) 20th.
The report listed India among countries dangerous for journalists reporting on corruption.

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Global Soft Power Index 2026 released on 27 January 2026 (Start of February) ▼

Brand Finance released the Global Soft Power Index 2026, which ranks 193 United Nations (UN) member states across 55 metrics.
The United States (US) retained the top position with a score of 74.9 out of 100, despite recording the sharpest decline of 4.6 points compared to the previous year.
China secured the second rank with a score of 73.5 and was the only country in the index to record an increase in its soft power score.
India ranked 32nd globally with a score of 48.0, slipping two positions and declining by 1.8 points from the previous year.
India achieved high rankings in specific indicators including familiarity (13th), influence (17th), and culture and heritage (19th).
India recorded weaker scores in reputation (73rd), governance (100th), and net positive impact (123rd).
The top 10 countries in the 2026 index are the US, China, Japan, United Kingdom (UK), Germany, France, Switzerland, Canada, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The UK fell to the fourth position with a score of 69.2, marking its lowest rank since the inception of the index.
Switzerland was identified as the most resilient country, ranking 1st in reputation, trust, effective governance, and economic stability.
Soft power is defined in the report as a nation’s ability to shape preferences and behaviours through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion.

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.

International Anti-Corruption Day observed globally on December 9 (Start of December) ▼

International Anti-Corruption Day is observed globally on December 9 every year.
The theme for International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 is “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”
The origins of International Anti-Corruption Day trace back to October 31, 2003, when the United Nations General Assembly approved the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) became the first globally recognized legal instrument dedicated to combating corruption.
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) officially came into force in December 2005.

Responsible Nations' Index (RNI) launched on January 19, 2026 (End of January) ▼

Singapore ranked first and India 16th in the Responsible Nations' Index (RNI) launched by former president Ram Nath Kovind.
The RNI is a global evaluative framework developed by the think tank World Intellectual Foundation (WIF) in academic collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and methodological validation by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Mumbai.
The index is anchored in three core dimensions -- internal responsibility, environmental responsibility and external responsibility.
The RNI has been operationalised through seven dimensions, 15 aspects and 58 indicators.
Switzerland was second, Denmark third and the Central African Republic stood last on the 154-nation index.
Sudhanshu Mittal, Founder and Secretary, WIF, said the RNI represents a shift from power-centric assessments to responsibility-centric evaluation of nations.
India's neighbour Pakistan was in the 90th place, while China was ranked 68th and the US 66th, according to the RNI.

National Deworming Day observed on February 10

Key Updates:

National Deworming Day is observed in India annually on February 10, with a mop-up round conducted on August 10.
The programme was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
The initiative targets children and adolescents aged between one and 19 years through schools and Anganwadi centres.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends periodic mass deworming as a cost-effective preventive measure compared to individual screening.
The programme utilises medicines such as Albendazole and Mebendazole to treat infections caused by roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm.
According to the article, nearly 64 per cent of children in India are at risk of intestinal parasitic infections.
Preventive deworming is recommended every six months in areas where worm infections are common, particularly for children up to 14 years of age.

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National Pollution Control Day on December 2 (Start of December) ▼

National Pollution Control Day is annually celebrated on December 2.
National Pollution Control Day is marked on December 2nd each year in India to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy claimed the lives of at least 4,000 people when a pesticide facility owned by the American chemical corporation Union Carbide began to leak toxic methyl isocyanate gas into a populated area in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

NDRF Raising Day observed on January 19 (End of January) ▼

NDRF Raising Day is observed every year on January 19.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was formed on January 19, 2006 under the Disaster Management Act.
The NDRF comprises 16 Battalions based at 68 locations across the nation.

National Energy Conservation Day observed on December 14 (Mid of December) ▼

The National Energy Conservation Day is celebrated every year on December 14 since 1991.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, spearheads the celebrations every year.
The objective of the day is to drive mass awareness about the importance of energy efficiency and conservation.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) recognizes industries with National Energy Conservation Awards and awards prizes to national winners of the annual National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation.
The National Energy Conservation Awards were given away for the first time on December 14, 1991.
Beginning 2021, the Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards (NEEIA) were added under two categories: Buildings, Transport and Industries; and Students and Research Scholars.
The Ministry of Power launched the National Painting Competition in 2005 to promote energy conservation among students.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred National Handicrafts Awards 2023-2024 (Mid of December) ▼

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024 at a ceremonial event in New Delhi.
The awards celebrate master artisans preserving centuries-old traditions while shaping the handicrafts sector's future.
President Murmu noted the handicraft sector employs over 3.2 million people, mostly in rural and remote regions.
Women constitute 68% of the handicraft workforce, making the sector a significant avenue for women’s empowerment.
She highlighted that the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative promotes regional crafts on global platforms.

World Pulses Day observed globally on February 10

Key Updates:

World Pulses Day is celebrated annually on February 10 to highlight the importance of pulses in nutrition, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
The United Nations (UN) first declared the observance of World Pulses Day in 2019.
India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses globally.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), pulses currently feed over 3 billion people worldwide.
Pulses are defined as edible seeds from leguminous plants, including lentils, chickpeas, beans, peas, and pigeon peas.
Pulses are known as the poor man's protein because they provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive animal-based proteins.
These crops support environmental sustainability by naturally fixing nitrogen in the soil and requiring low amounts of water.

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World Soil Day observed globally on 5 December with theme 'Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities' (Start of December) ▼

World Soil Day is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.
World Soil Day 2025 focuses on urban landscapes with the theme 'Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.'
The first official World Soil Day was designated by the UN General Assembly for 5 December 2014.

Pulse Self-Reliance Mission launched to make India world’s largest pulse exporter (Start of February) ▼

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

World Wetlands Day 2026 observed on February 2 (Start of February) ▼

World Wetlands Day is observed every year on February 2.
The first World Wetlands Day was celebrated in 1997.
It has been a United Nations (UN) International Day since 2022.
The Convention on Wetlands was signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
The official theme for World Wetlands Day 2026 is 'Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage'.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Proclaims 2026 as International Year for Rangelands, Volunteers, and Women Farmers (Start of January) ▼

The United Nations (UN) declared 2026 as the 'International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP)' to highlight ecosystems that cover about half the world’s land.
Through Resolution 78/127, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 2026 as the 'International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY)'.
The United Nations (UN) declared 2026 the 'International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026)' to spotlight roles in agrifood systems.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared the first-ever 'United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport' to run from 2026 to 2035.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported a 'historic 10% decline in freedom of expression globally between 2012 and 2024'.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the 'Global Environment Outlook, Seventh Edition: A Future We Choose (GEO-7)' on 9 December 2025, involving 287 scientists from 82 countries.
Slovenia, acting as President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for December 2025, held an open debate on 'Leadership for peace' on 15 December 2025.
The Republic of Sierra Leone, as President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for November 2025, held a briefing on 18 November 2025 regarding 'Enhancing regional counter-terrorism cooperation in West Africa and the Sahel'.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a new safety guide titled 'Monitoring for Protection of the Public and the Environment' to help countries design radiation monitoring programmes.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/79/137 proclaiming 'World Meditation Day'.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) launched a database compiling national laws and decrees governing meteorology and hydrology across all member nations.
The World Bank released the 'World Development Report 2025: Standards for Development' to assess how standards accelerate economic development.