📰 Daily Briefing Sunday, Apr 12

Daily Current Affairs: 12 April 2026

Analysis for 12 April 2026

Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (Retd), Maha Vir Chakra awardee and Kargil War hero, passes away.

[Lad]

Key Updates:

  • Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (Retd) died at age 61 following a heart attack at his residence in Leh, Ladakh.
  • He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award, for his actions during the Kargil War.
  • Then Major Wangchuk led Ladakh Scouts troops across Chorbat La on 30 May 1999 without artillery support and captured enemy positions.
  • Two posts in the sector, ‘Sonam 1’ and ‘Sonam 2’, were named after him in recognition of his bravery.
  • He was commissioned into the Assam Regiment on 4 September 1987 and later served with the Ladakh Scouts.
  • His wife Padma Angmo is a UT cadre civil servant posted in Delhi and their son Riggyal Otvum is an IIM graduate working in Bengaluru.

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Lt General Hitesh Bhalla signed MoU with Ladakh administration for wildlife conservation. (Start of March) ▼
  • Lt General Hitesh Bhalla is the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Fire and Fury Corps.
  • The MoU was signed between the Fire and Fury Corps and the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department of Union territory administration.
  • The agreement was signed in the presence of Lt General Hitesh Bhalla and Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra.
  • The MoU was signed on the occasion of World Wildlife Day under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) programme.
Major General Bipin Bakshi, Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar, Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, and Brigadier Akhelesh Bhargava author Redlines Redrawn on Operation Sindoor. (End of January) ▼
  • Major General Bipin Bakshi, Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar, Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, and Brigadier Akhelesh Bhargava co-author the book Redlines Redrawn: Operation Sindoor and India’s New Normal published by Konark Publishers priced at ₹995.
  • The book analyses the build-up, execution, and ramifications of Operation Sindoor from military, diplomatic, and airpower perspectives.
  • Air Marshal Anil Chopra is quoted in the book as a leading expert on airpower assessing Operation Sindoor’s demonstration of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
William Dalrymple won 2026 Mark Lynton History Prize for The Golden Road. (Mid of March) ▼
  • William Dalrymple received the Mark Lynton History Prize 2026 for his book The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World.
  • The award carries a cash prize of $10,000 and is administered jointly by the Nieman Foundation for Journalism and the Columbia University School of Journalism.
  • The prize citation praised the book for its blend of literary grace, commitment to serious research and social concern.
  • Previous winners of the prize include Adam Hochschild, Jill Lepore and Robert Caro.
  • The 2026 shortlist also featured works by Nicholas Boggs, Sven Beckert, Siddharth Kara and Martha A. Sandweiss.
Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Republic Day 2026 animal contingent debuts Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies and raptors (End of January) ▼
  • The Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) will for the first time present Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, Army dogs and four raptors in the 2026 Republic Day parade.
  • Captain Harshita Raghav, one of the first women inducted into the RVC in 2023, will lead the 2026 contingent.
  • Bactrian camels inducted for Ladakh’s cold deserts can carry up to 250 kg and operate above 15,000 ft along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
  • Indigenous Zanskar ponies from Ladakh carry 40-60 kg loads and patrol high-altitude areas including Siachen.
  • Army dogs inducted under the 2023-2025 indigenous breeds drive include Mudhol, Rampur, Chippipara, Kombai and Rajapalayam.
  • The RVC traces its origin to the 1779 Stud Department in Bengal and received the President’s Flag in 1989.

PM Modi and President Murmu paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his 200th birth anniversary.

Key Updates:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his 200th birth anniversary on Saturday.
  • President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi offered floral tributes at Prerna Sthal on the Parliament premises.
  • Mahatma Jyotiba Phule was born on April 11, 1827, in Satara, Maharashtra.
  • Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj to secure equal rights for peasants and lower castes.
  • Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule were pioneers of women's education in India.

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National Youth Day: January 12 (Mid of January) ▼
  • National Youth Day is celebrated on January 12 to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
  • Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, as Narendranath Dutta in then Calcutta.
  • President Droupadi Murmu stated that Swami Vivekananda "instilled national pride among Indians and inspired the youth to contribute to nation-building.
  • Swami Vivekananda is described as a timeless visionary and spiritual icon who preached that inner strength and service to humanity were foundations of a meaningful life.
Ramakrishna Paramahansa Jayanti celebrated on 19 February 2026 (Mid of February) ▼
  • Ramakrishna Paramahansa Jayanti falls on 19 February 2026.
  • Dwitiya Tithi begins at 04:57 PM on 18 February 2026 and ends at 03:58 PM on 19 February 2026.
  • The day marks the 190th birth anniversary of Ramakrishna Paramahansa.
  • Ramakrishna was born on dwitiya tithi of shukla paksha in the month of Phalguna, Vikram Samvat 1892.
  • He was a 19th-century spiritual leader who practised Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam.
  • His guru was Bhairavi Brahmani, a tantric teacher.
  • He guided Swami Vivekananda and established the Ramakrishna Mission.

Amit Kshatriya appointed as Associate Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

[National Aeronaut and Space Administration]

Key Updates:

  • Amit Kshatriya became NASA’s Associate Administrator, the agency’s highest-ranking civil servant, in September 2025.
  • He serves as senior advisor to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and leads ten centre directors and mission directorate heads at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
  • Kshatriya previously held the role of Deputy Associate Administrator for the Moon-to-Mars Program at NASA.
  • He was awarded the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for his work as lead flight director during the International Space Station’s 50th expedition.
  • He received the Silver Snoopy award for his performance as lead robotics officer during the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Dragon demonstration mission.

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ISRO Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) begins Mission Mitra high-altitude astronaut test in Ladakh (Start of April) ▼
  • Mission Mitra, run by ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), is a high-altitude test in Ladakh that simulates deep-space harshness through freezing temperatures, low oxygen and isolation.
  • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and P Balakrishnan Nair, along with two other Gaganyaan astronauts, arrived in Leh this week for acclimatisation before the exercise.
  • The programme name stands for Mapping of Interoperable Traits & Reliability Assessment and focuses on psychological and behavioural strengths rather than technology drills.
  • Scientists, engineers, doctors and psychologists support the crew during the rugged simulation that tracks stress resilience to cold, hypoxia and isolation in real time.
  • Delayed communications between Ladakh crews and support teams replicate deep-space limits and aim to boost future missions with longer orbits.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Launches Artemis II Mission to the Moon (Start of April) ▼
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the Artemis II mission on 1 April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida.
  • The mission marks the first piloted moonshot in 53 years since the conclusion of the Apollo programme.
  • The crew consists of Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
  • The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, standing 322 feet tall, generated 8.8 million pounds of thrust to propel the Orion crew capsule into space.
  • The mission is designed to travel a record distance of 252,000 miles from Earth, looping around the far side of the moon without landing.
  • The Orion spacecraft features four solar array wings with a 63-foot wingspan to provide electrical power for life-support systems and avionics.
  • The nine-and-a-half-day flight serves as a technical test to prepare for future missions to land astronauts on the moon in 2028.
  • Jeremy Hansen is the first Canadian astronaut to travel beyond near-Earth orbit.
  • The spacecraft successfully transitioned communications to the Deep Space Network (DSN), marking the first such switch for a crewed mission in 50 years.
  • The mission is expected to conclude with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on 10 April 2026.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Schedules Artemis 2 Lunar Mission for April Launch (End of March) ▼
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is planning to launch the Artemis 2 mission in April to send four astronauts around the moon.
  • The mission will be launched from Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
  • The 322-foot Space Launch System (SLS) rocket will carry the Orion crew capsule for a 10-day journey.
  • The crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
  • Artemis 2 will be the first mission to fly the SLS rocket and Orion capsule with humans aboard.
  • The mission aims to travel up to 6,000 miles beyond the far side of the moon, the farthest humans have ever ventured in space.
  • Potential two-hour launch windows have been identified for 1 April, 2 April, 3 April, 4 April, 5 April, 6 April, and 30 April.
  • The Artemis programme aims to establish a permanent lunar base near the south pole of the moon to facilitate future human expeditions to Mars.
  • NASA plans for a moon landing to occur as early as 2028 during the Artemis 4 mission, following the Artemis 3 mission in 2027.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Reschedules Artemis II Moon Mission Launch (End of January) ▼
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) delayed the Artemis II moon mission launch to no earlier than 8 February 2026, following a delay in the fueling test due to a cold snap in Florida.
  • The mission will utilise the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket to transport a four-member crew on a nine-day flight around the moon and back.
  • The Artemis II crew consists of Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
  • NASA is preparing the Crew 12 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to replace the Crew 11 team that returned on 15 January.
  • The Crew 12 mission includes Commander Jessica Meir, pilot Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and cosmonaut Andrey Fedaev.
  • During the wet dress rehearsal at Launch Complex 39B of the Kennedy Space Center, the SLS rocket will be loaded with over 750,000 gallons of supercold hydrogen and liquid oxygen (LOX).
  • The Artemis II flight represents the first crewed lunar mission in 54 years and serves as a precursor to a planned landing near the moon south pole in 2028.
  • Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson confirmed that the Artemis II vehicle incorporates upgrades based on data learned from the unpiloted Artemis I test flight in 2022.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) ships record 6,008 cars from Mundra Port in single vessel

[Mundra Port]

Key Updates:

  • Mundra Port has become India’s largest automobile export hub by shipping 6,008 cars on a single vessel.
  • The port’s Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) terminal exports vehicles to more than 100 countries.
  • APSEZ is targeting a cargo handling capacity of one billion tonnes by 2030 after crossing 500 million tonnes.

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Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways records India's major ports handling 915.17 MT cargo in FY 2025-26 (Start of April) ▼
  • India's major ports handled 915.17 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2025-26, exceeding the annual target of 904 MT and registering 7.06% year-on-year growth.
  • Deendayal Port Authority led with 160.11 MT, followed by Paradip Port Authority at 156.45 MT and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) at 102.01 MT.
  • Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Mumbai Port Authority, Chennai Port Authority, and New Mangalore Port Authority also contributed significantly to overall cargo throughput.
  • Mormugao Port Authority recorded the highest growth at 15.91%, followed by Kolkata Dock System at 14.28% and JNPA at 10.74%.
  • The Ministry attributed the performance to infrastructure upgrades, better hinterland connectivity, digital initiatives, and faster turnaround times.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) Mundra Port records highest-ever monthly automobile exports and liquid cargo volumes in January 2026. (Start of February) ▼
  • Mundra Port shipped 25,762 vehicles in January 2026, its highest-ever monthly automobile export figure.
  • The port loaded 5,701 vehicles onto a single vessel, setting a new single-vessel loading record.
  • The liquid terminal processed 1.120 million tonnes of liquid cargo in January 2026, its highest monthly throughput.
  • Automakers including Maruti Suzuki and Toyota routed exports through Mundra during January 2026.
  • Vehicle shipments were destined for Africa, Europe, East Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
  • Mundra Port is operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ).
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) invests Rs 35,000 crore to build 10 lakh cars per year plant in Gujarat. (Mid of January) ▼
  • Maruti Suzuki India Limited will invest Rs 35,000 crore to develop a new plant in Khoraj, Gujarat.
  • The new facility targets an annual production capacity of 10 lakh cars.
  • The plant will provide employment to about 12,000 people.
  • The Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) has provided 1,750 acres of land for the plant.
  • Maruti Suzuki India MD & CEO Hisashi Takeuchi handed over the investment letter to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
  • The project is expected to catalyse growth of ancillary units and MSMEs, creating a robust auto manufacturing cluster.
  • Maruti Suzuki currently manufactures 17 models and over 650 variants across its facilities.
  • In 2025, Maruti Suzuki produced over 22.55 lakh units, its highest-ever production in a calendar year.
Commerce Department data shows China overtakes Netherlands as India’s third-largest export market (End of March) ▼
  • China became India’s third-largest export destination in February, overtaking the Netherlands.
  • Exports to China grew 32.4 per cent to $1.67 billion in February, mainly due to a low base.
  • Exports to the Netherlands fell sharply by 31.3 per cent to $1.29 billion in February.
  • The United States (US) remained India’s largest export destination, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
  • Shipments to the US declined nearly 13 per cent year-on-year to $6.89 billion in February.
  • Exports to the UAE dipped marginally by 0.3 per cent to $3.25 billion in February.
  • Exports to Germany and Hong Kong grew by 4 per cent and 32.1 per cent, respectively, in February.
  • Overall merchandise exports declined 0.81 per cent year-on-year to $36.61 billion in February.
  • Exports to seven of India’s top 10 destinations contracted during February.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) records $9.06 billion rise in India's foreign exchange reserves

Key Updates:

  • India's foreign exchange reserves rose by $9.06 billion to $697.12 billion during the week ended 3 April 2026, ending four consecutive weeks of decline.
  • Gold reserves surged by $7.22 billion during the reported week.
  • Foreign currency assets increased by $1.78 billion to $552.85 billion in the same period.
  • Gold prices climbed 4.06% to $4,676 per ounce during the week.
  • Foreign exchange reserves expanded by $22.72 billion during the previous financial year.
  • Special Drawing Rights grew by $58 million to $18.7 billion.
  • India's reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) remained unchanged at $4.82 billion.

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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) records $30.5 billion fall in forex reserves since late February West Asia conflict (Start of April) ▼
  • India’s foreign exchange reserves dropped $30.5 billion since the West Asia conflict started in late February.
  • Total reserves fell $10.28 billion to $688.05 billion in the week ended 27 March 2026.
  • Foreign currency assets declined $6.62 billion and gold reserves fell $3.66 billion in the same week.
  • Special drawing rights rose $17 million to $18.64 billion and India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) dipped $17 million to $4.81 billion.
  • For FY26 total reserves rose $22.72 billion as gold reserves increased while foreign currency assets fell almost $14 billion.
  • RBI’s outstanding net short dollar position in the rupee forward market reached $77.25 billion by end-February 2026, the highest since March 2025.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) caps banks' net open position at $100 million (End of March) ▼
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has capped banks' net open position in rupee at $100 million effective April 10, 2026.
  • This is the first time in nearly 15 years that RBI has imposed such curbs on currency market bets.
  • Previously, bank boards fixed the net open position limit.
  • Post-2013, banks set their own Net Overnight Open Position Limits (NOOPL) up to 25% of Tier I/II capital.
  • In December 2011, RBI had curbed net open position limits by 75% for some banks and 50% for top banks after the domestic currency weakened by 20%.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reports India’s forex reserves down USD 11.41 billion to USD 698.34 billion (End of March) ▼
  • India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by USD 11.41 billion to USD 698.34 billion in the week ending 20 March.
  • Gold reserves dropped USD 13.49 billion to USD 117.19 billion during the week.
  • Foreign currency assets rose USD 2.13 billion to USD 557.70 billion in the same week.
  • Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) declined USD 65 million to USD 18.63 billion.
  • India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased USD 19 million to USD 4.83 billion.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Forex Reserves Reach Record High of $709.4 Billion (Start of February) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a record high of $709.4 billion for the week ended 23 January 2026.
  • The total reserves increased by $8.05 billion during the reporting week, comprising a $5.6 billion rise in gold reserves and a $2.37 billion increase in foreign currency assets.
  • Gold prices surged by 8.5% to reach $4,987 per ounce during the week, which significantly contributed to the growth in reserves.
  • The previous record for forex reserves was $704.89 billion, which was established in September 2024.
  • The reserves were also supported by the settlement of a matured Non-Deliverable Forward (NDF) position worth approximately $3 billion in the Over-the-Counter (OTC) market on 16 January 2026.
  • The Indian rupee closed at a record low of 91.99 against the US dollar on 30 January 2026 due to trade uncertainties and persistent capital outflows.

CPA India Region Zone VII Conference focuses on transparent and inclusive governance

[Commonwealth Parliamentary Association]

Key Updates:

  • Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the inaugural session of the First CPA India Region Zone VII Conference in Goa.
  • The conference brought together legislators from Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat under the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region.
  • Shri Birla urged lawmakers to rise above personal and political interests to fulfil public aspirations.
  • He described young lawmakers as central to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
  • The CPA Zone VII comprises Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa.

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Skills Outcomes Fund launched to scale outcomes-based financing in India’s skilling ecosystem (Mid of April) ▼
  • Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) Jayant Chaudhary launched the campaign to build the Skills Outcomes Fund on 8 April 2026.
  • The fund will be anchored by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
  • It aims to mobilise public and private capital to scale outcomes-based financing (OBF) and link investments directly to verified employment outcomes for youth from low-income backgrounds.
  • The initiative builds on the success of India’s first OBF initiative, the Skill Impact Bond, launched by NSDC in 2021 with an outlay of approximately ₹130 crore.
  • The Skill Impact Bond has trained over 34,000 youth across 21 states in 16 sectors for more than 30 job roles, with 92% certified, 76% placed, and 62% retained in jobs.
  • The Skills Outcomes Fund will use a blended finance model, supplementing government funding with private sector funding and focusing on employer-led, demand-driven skilling in sectors such as IT-ITeS, BFSI, automotive, healthcare, logistics, green jobs, and electronics.
Administrative Capacity Building Programme for Scientists and Academicians Launched under Mission Karmayogi (Start of April) ▼
  • Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the first-ever Administrative Capacity Building for Scientists and Academicians programme under the Mission Karmayogi framework.
  • The programme aims to equip academic leaders and scientists with governance skills and decision-making capabilities for leadership roles.
  • The initiative was announced during a Special Session of SADHANA Saptah held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
  • The Capacity Building Commission (CBC) will develop structured modules for administrative functions, including a focused course on answering Parliamentary Questions.
  • The Minister launched the revamped UNNATI portal to strengthen institutional capacity-building ecosystems.
  • A roadmap for the national rollout of the Karmayogi Kartavya Karyakram was introduced during the event.
  • The CBC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) to foster global knowledge partnerships.
  • The CBC-RIS collaboration focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) in governance, digital transformation, and public sector innovation.
  • Short-format orientation modules will be designed for early-career civil servants and Assistant Secretaries to familiarise them with governance systems.
National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0 unveiled to widen student and citizen participation. (Start of February) ▼
  • Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) launched upgraded NYPS 2.0 web portal on 02 February 2026.
  • Portal opened for all educational institutions, groups, and individual citizens across India regardless of gender, caste, creed, religion, race, region or place.
  • From 11 September 2024 to 27 January 2026, 44,32 institutions, 586 groups and 19 individuals registered; 95,319 students/citizens participated in 1,536 events organising 52,283 Youth Parliament Sittings (YPS).
  • MoPA wrote to all State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, State/UT Legislatures and boards CBSE and CISCE for awareness; publicity video aired on Sansad TV.
  • Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Dr L. Murugan provided the information in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 02 February 2026.
India hosts BIMSTEC Young Professionals Exchange Programme in Maharashtra from 9 to 15 March 2026 (Mid of March) ▼
  • India hosted the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Young Professionals Exchange Programme in Maharashtra from 9 to 15 March 2026.
  • The programme brought together 30 young innovators, technology developers, and entrepreneurs from BIMSTEC member countries.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the initiative aimed to promote knowledge exchange and provide exposure to India’s innovation, start-up, and research ecosystems.
  • The exchange programme was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to strengthen engagement among the youth of the Bay of Bengal region.
  • Participants called on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who highlighted the state’s potential as a platform for international partnerships in technology.

National Safe Motherhood Day 2026: Focus on maternal health advocacy and safe pregnancies

Key Updates:

  • National Safe Motherhood Day is observed annually on 11 April in India.
  • The day was first established in 2003 by the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI).
  • The date honours Kasturba Gandhi's birth anniversary.
  • The 2026 observance highlights the need for improved maternal care in underserved rural regions.
  • The day advocates collective action to prioritise maternal health and prevent preventable deaths.

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India's maternal mortality drops nearly 80% since 1990: Global study (End of March) ▼
  • India's maternal mortality ratio fell from 508 per one lakh livebirths in 1990 to 116 per one lakh livebirths in 2023.
  • India recorded 24,700 maternal deaths in 2023.
  • The Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021-23 places India's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) at 88 per lakh live births.
  • India has achieved an 86% reduction in MMR since 1990, surpassing the global average reduction of 48%.
  • The global maternal mortality ratio declined from 321 per one lakh livebirths in 1990 to 190.5 in 2023.
  • The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target is an MMR below 70 per one lakh livebirths by 2030.
  • 104 of 204 countries and territories have not yet met the SDG maternal mortality target.
National Girl Child Day observed on January 24 (End of January) ▼
  • National Girl Child Day is observed across India on January 24 to promote awareness about the rights, education, health, safety, and overall welfare of girls.
  • The day was first observed in 2008 after being initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Government of India.
  • The primary objective of the observance is to address social challenges such as gender bias, child marriage, and unequal access to opportunities.
  • Government programmes such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) are highlighted for their role in increasing awareness about the importance of educating and empowering girls.
  • The initiative focuses on promoting gender equality and social inclusion while highlighting government welfare schemes for the girl child.
  • The observance serves to encourage families and communities to support the aspirations of girls and challenge discriminatory practices.
International Women's Day 2026 observed on March 8 with theme 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls' (Start of March) ▼
  • International Women's Day 2026 is observed globally on March 8.
  • The United Nations (UN) announced the 2026 theme as 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls'.
  • The UN officially recognised International Women's Day in 1975.

International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026 showcases Assembly Polls in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry

[Electoral Voter Engagement Programme]

Key Updates:

  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) organised the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026 during the Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry.
  • A total of 38 delegates representing 22 nations participated in the programme to witness the electoral process firsthand on 8 and 9 April 2026.
  • The delegates observed the systematic movement of polling parties and visited CCTV control rooms monitoring 100 per cent webcasting of polling stations.
  • The visit included the observation of mock polls and the inspection of inclusive facilities such as ramps, wheelchairs, and creches at polling stations.
  • Specialised polling stations managed entirely by women and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) were showcased to the international participants.
  • The IEVP is a flagship initiative designed to foster engagement between the ECI and international Election Management Bodies (EMBs).

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India ranks among world’s most optimistic nations in Ipsos March 2026 survey (Start of April) ▼
  • 65 per cent of Indian respondents believe the country is heading in the right direction, placing India third globally behind Singapore (78 per cent) and Malaysia (73 per cent).
  • The Ipsos “What Worries the World” survey for March 2026 covered 29 markets and found that 25 countries had majority pessimism, while India and select Southeast Asian economies showed net optimism.
  • 74 per cent of Indians describe the current economic situation as good, and the Economic Expectations Sub-Index for India rose 6.6 percentage points earlier in 2026.
  • India’s Real GDP is estimated to grow at approximately 7.4 per cent in FY 2025-26, with the economy valued at over US$ 2.2 trillion.
  • Inflation is the top worry for 47 per cent of Indian respondents, followed by unemployment (40 per cent), education (30 per cent), crime and violence (27 per cent), and financial and political corruption (26 per cent).
  • The survey was conducted between 20 February and 6 March 2026 with approximately 2,200 participants in India, primarily representing urban populations across socio-economic classes A, B, and C in metropolitan and tier 1–3 cities.
Election Commission of India (ECI) to host inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 from January 21 to 23, 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) will host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 from January 21 to 23, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
  • The theme for the conference is ‘Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient, and sustainable world’.
  • The 3-day international conference is being organised by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the aegis of the ECI.
  • Almost three dozen member states of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) will participate, including the United States (US), Mauritius, Brazil, and South Africa.
  • The event will feature 42 Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the world and more than 90 international delegates.
  • The summit will include 36 thematic groups covering 11 modern international electoral standards and 25 best practices, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in elections.
  • Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, will hold over 40 bilateral meetings with international delegates.
National Conference of State Election Commissioners (SECs) to build synergy in electoral processes (Start of February) ▼
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) will host a National Conference of the State Election Commissioners (SECs) on February 24, 2026.
  • The conference is being organised after a gap of over 25 years, with the previous meeting held in 1999.
  • Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar will chair the event, joined by Election Commissioners (ECs) Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi.
  • The conference will be attended by all SECs and the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all States and Union Territories (UTs).
  • The primary objective is to build synergy between the ECI and SECs regarding electoral processes and logistics within their respective legal frameworks.
  • State Election Commissions (SECs) are created under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments for elections to Panchayats and Municipal Bodies.
  • Discussion topics include the recently launched ECINET digital platform, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and electoral laws on elector eligibility.
India unveils first AI governance guidelines ahead of AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Government of India unveiled the nation's first comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance guidelines to manage risks while promoting innovation.
  • The framework is anchored in seven broad principles or sutras: trust, people first, innovation over restraint, fairness and equity, accountability, understandable by design, and safety, resilience, and sustainability.
  • The guidelines outline the development and usage of AI across key sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, finance, and governance.
  • The government proposed the establishment of three new national institutions: an AI governance group, a technology and policy expert committee, and an AI safety institute.
  • The five-day AI Impact Summit 2026 is scheduled to commence in New Delhi on 16 February 2026.
  • The framework emphasises reliance on existing legal structures such as Information Technology (IT) rules, data protection laws, and criminal statutes instead of a standalone AI law.
  • The Delhi declaration is expected to be considered for adoption during the summit to position India as a global voice in responsible AI governance aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.
  • High-risk AI applications affecting safety, rights, or livelihoods are required to follow stronger safeguards and maintain human oversight under the new guidelines.

Narmada canal-based drinking water project reaches Sundra village after 728 km

Key Updates:

  • Narmada canal water originating from Amarkantak hills in Madhya Pradesh has reached Sundra village in Barmer district after travelling 728 km.
  • Sundra, located along the India–Pakistan border in Rajasthan, has received clean potable drinking water through taps for the first time since Independence.
  • The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) project aims to supply water to more than 200 villages in the region.
  • The project infrastructure includes 16 large water storage reservoirs, several pumping stations, and over 80 elevated service reservoirs.

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Dr Jitendra Singh reviewed Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion project in Lakshadweep. (Start of March) ▼
  • Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Earth Sciences and Science & Technology, visited Kavaratti in Lakshadweep to review the OTEC-based desalination facility.
  • The project harnesses the temperature gradient between warm surface seawater and cold deep-sea water to generate electricity for seawater desalination.
  • The facility aims to provide sustainable freshwater supply and reduce reliance on diesel-powered desalination plants in Lakshadweep.
  • The reviewed components included the seawater intake system, deep-sea cold-water pipeline, turbine-generator unit, and desalination modules.
  • An offshore OTEC demonstration project is planned under India’s Deep Ocean Mission to advance ocean-based energy technologies.
Chadar Trek Postponed as Zanskar River Fails to Freeze (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar river in Ladakh has been deferred due to inadequate ice formation.
  • The trek, scheduled to begin on January 10, is now expected to commence around January 15.
  • Additional Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Ghulam Mohammad said a team visited the trek route on Saturday and will submit its report by Monday.
  • The district administration will deploy additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel this year to enhance rescue preparedness.
  • Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, President of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association (ALHGHA), said the delay was due to incomplete ice formation on the Zanskar River.
  • In 2024, the route was truncated due to the construction of the Nimu–Padum–Darcha Road (NPDR) by the Border Roads Organisation under Project Yojak.
  • Concerns have been raised over lack of complete ice formation reportedly due to global warming and changing climatic conditions.
  • Last year, the trek commenced on January 13.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders restoration of Suav as a river in Uttar Pradesh official records (End of February) ▼
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Uttar Pradesh government to reclassify the Suav from a drain to a river in revenue records and the Official Gazette.
  • The Suav is a significant tributary of the Rapti river, which is a tributary of the Ganges, and flows for approximately 120 kilometres through Balrampur district.
  • The NGT bench, led by Chairman Justice Prakash Srivastava, ordered the Balrampur district magistrate to rectify the classification within three months.
  • The tribunal prohibited new construction in demarcated Flood Plain Zones until the identification and demarcation of the Active Flood Zone is completed.
  • The District Ganga Committees (DGC) of Balrampur and Siddharthnagar were instructed to adopt the Sant Seechewal model to ensure people's participation in river rejuvenation.
  • The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) is mandated to monitor water quality and industrial effluents from entities such as Balrampur Sugar Mill and Bajaj Sugar Mill.
  • The Irrigation and Water Resources Department must identify active floodplains within six months based on guidelines from the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
  • The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) will review proposals related to Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) and Suav river restoration submitted by the state government.
  • Failure to comply with the directives constitutes an offence under Section 26 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
Inland River Lighthouses on Brahmaputra: ₹84 Crore Navigation & Tourism Infrastructure (Start of March) ▼
  • Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) laid foundation stones for India’s first inland river lighthouses on Brahmaputra River.
  • Four lighthouses will come up at Bogibeel (Dibrugarh), Pandu (Kamrup Metro), Silghat (Nagaon) on the south bank and Biswanath Ghat (Biswanath) on the north bank along National Waterway-2.
  • Combined project outlay is approximately ₹84 crore; each 20-metre solar-powered lighthouse will give 14 nautical miles geographical range and 8–10 nautical miles luminous range.
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) signed on 8 April 2025 for all four sites.
  • Every lighthouse complex will house a museum, amphitheatre, cafeteria, children’s play area, souvenir shop and landscaped public spaces to boost tourism.
  • Completion target is 24 months from contract award after geotechnical investigation, topographic survey and detailed design.
  • Cargo movement on NW-2 rose 53 percent in FY 2024–25, making 24×7 safe navigation critical for Assam’s tea, coal and fertiliser supply chains.

Delhi Draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030: Up to ₹1 Lakh Scrappage Incentive and Full Road Tax Waiver

[Delhi]

Key Updates:

  • The Delhi government released the draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030 to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption through financial incentives and infrastructure mandates.
  • The policy proposes a 100 per cent exemption on road tax and registration fees for electric cars priced up to ₹30 lakh until 31 March 2030.
  • Strong hybrid vehicles priced up to ₹30 lakh will be eligible for a 50 per cent exemption on road tax and registration fees.
  • A scrappage incentive of up to ₹1 lakh is proposed for the first 1,00,000 applicants who replace Delhi-registered BS-IV or older vehicles with new electric cars priced up to ₹30 lakh.
  • Additional scrappage incentives include ₹50,000 for electric goods carriers, ₹25,000 for electric three-wheelers, and ₹10,000 for electric two-wheelers.
  • From 1 January 2026, no new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) two-wheelers or light goods vehicles will be permitted to join aggregator and delivery fleets.
  • From 1 January 2027, only electric three-wheelers, including auto-rickshaws, will be permitted for new registrations in Delhi.
  • Electric two-wheelers priced up to ₹2.25 lakh will receive phased subsidies starting at ₹10,000 per kWh (capped at ₹30,000) in the first year, reducing to ₹3,300 per kWh by the third year.
  • Electric auto-rickshaws will receive a flat incentive of ₹40,000 in the first two years and ₹30,000 in the third year.
  • Incentives for electric goods carriers in the N1 category are set at ₹1 lakh in the first year, ₹75,000 in the second year, and ₹50,000 in the third year.
  • All new infrastructure projects by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and Delhi Cantonment Board must be EV-charging ready.
  • Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) has been designated as the nodal agency for planning and coordinating public charging and battery swapping stations.

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Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) Scheme: Deferred Customs Duty Payment Facility (Start of March) ▼
  • Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) introduced the trust-based Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) scheme effective 1 April 2026.
  • Online applications for the EMI scheme open from 1 March 2026 and the facility runs through 31 March 2028.
  • Approved EMIs can clear imported goods without paying customs duty at clearance and pay the duty monthly under the Deferred Payment of Import Duty Rules, 2016.
  • Applicant must be a manufacturer-importer with valid IEC, active GST registration, minimum 25 export-import documents filed in previous FY, and annual turnover above ₹5 crore.
  • Entity must have conducted business for at least two financial years, filed all pending GST return-3B forms, and show positive net worth for last two years certified by a chartered accountant.
  • Customs commissioners will monitor usage through ICES dashboards and can suspend or revoke approval if eligibility conditions are breached.
Delhi Green Budget 2026-27: Rs 260 cr for Free LPG Cylinders on Holi & Diwali (End of March) ▼
  • Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the Delhi Budget 2026-27 with a total outlay of Rs 1,03,700 crore.
  • Government earmarked Rs 260 crore to provide one free LPG cylinder per household on Holi and on Diwali.
  • 21% of the entire budget is allocated as a 'green budget' for environment protection.
  • Revenue expenditure accounts for 70.3% and capital expenditure for 29.7% of the budget.
  • Delhi's revenue surplus is projected at Rs 9,092 crore for 2026-27.
  • Rs 7,887 crore is allocated to the Urban Development Department and Rs 5,921 crore to the Public Works Department (PWD).
  • Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will receive Rs 1,000 crore for road improvements and Rs 1,352 crore for dust-free roads.
  • Rs 350 crore is allocated for the MLA Local Area Development Scheme.
  • Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has been allocated Rs 9,000 crore and Rs 200 crore is provided for underground shifting of overhead electricity wires.
  • Rs 12,645 crore is allocated to the health sector and Rs 19,148 crore to the education sector.
  • Rs 90 crore is allocated to provide free cycles to 1.30 lakh Class-IX girl students in Delhi government schools.
  • Rs 5,110 crore is allocated for paying Rs 2,500 per month to eligible women beneficiaries.
  • Rs 300 crore is earmarked for the development of the trans-Yamuna area.
Income Tax Act 2025 and Budget 2026 revise tax slabs and rebate for individuals and HUFs. (End of March) ▼
  • Income Tax Act 2025 sets new regime tax slabs: up to ₹3,00,000 nil, ₹3,00,001–₹6,00,000 5%, ₹6,00,001–₹9,00,000 10%, ₹9,00,001–₹12,00,000 15%, ₹12,00,001–₹15,00,000 20%, above ₹15,00,000 30%.
  • Budget 2026 enhances rebate under Section 87A so taxpayers with income up to ₹7,00,000 have zero tax liability.
  • New regime now allows salaried individuals a standard deduction of ₹50,000.
  • Allowed deductions in new regime include standard deduction, employer’s contribution to NPS, and family pension deduction.
  • Disallowed deductions in new regime cover Section 80C instruments, HRA, LTA, and home-loan interest for self-occupied property.
PM E-DRIVE scheme revised with tighter deadlines and capped incentives (End of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Heavy Industries issued revised guidelines for the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme with a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore.
  • Electric two-wheelers registered till 31 July 2026 and electric three-wheelers (including e-rickshaws and e-carts) registered till 31 March 2028 are eligible for incentives.
  • Ex-factory price caps for eligibility are ₹1.5 lakh for electric two-wheelers and ₹2.5 lakh for electric three-wheelers.
  • Support is capped at 24,79,120 electric two-wheelers and 39,034 electric three-wheelers.
  • The electric three-wheeler (L5) sub-component closed on 26 December 2025 after its target was met.
  • If funds are exhausted before 31 March 2028, the scheme or its relevant sub-components will close early and no further claims will be entertained.

Justice Yashwant Varma resigns from Allahabad High Court amid impeachment proceedings

[Delhi High Court]

Key Updates:

  • Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court resigned via a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu.
  • His resignation ends the Lok Sabha committee investigation under the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968.
  • Justice Varma was due to retire in 2031 and is now entitled to the same pension benefits as a superannuating judge.
  • He also sent a copy of his resignation letter to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
  • The controversy involved alleged discovery of burnt cash at his Delhi residence last year.

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Harivansh Nominated for Third Term in Rajya Sabha (Mid of April) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu nominated senior Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) leader Harivansh for a third six-year term in the Rajya Sabha.
  • Harivansh currently serves as the Deputy Chairperson of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), a position he has held since September 14, 2020.
  • He previously served his first term as the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha between August 9, 2018, and April 2020.
  • First elected to the Rajya Sabha in April 2014, he has served on the Standing Committee on Defence and the Joint Committee on the Bill to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955.
  • The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds 141 seats in the 245-member House, including 105 for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), five for the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and four for the JD(U).
  • JD(U) patriarch Nitish Kumar is scheduled to take the oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha and demit office as the Chief Minister of Bihar.
Gyanesh Kumar retains post as Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker reject Opposition impeachment motions. (Start of April) ▼
  • Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla rejected Opposition impeachment notices against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on 6 April 2026.
  • The Lok Sabha motion carried 130 MP signatures and the Rajya Sabha motion 63 MP signatures, meeting the minimum 100 and 50 MP thresholds respectively.
  • The presiding officers cited Section 3 of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 in their Parliamentary Bulletin notifications giving no detailed reasons for refusal.
  • The removal process for a Chief Election Commissioner mirrors that for a Supreme Court judge under Article 124(4) requiring a special Parliamentary majority and Presidential order.
Shaya Mohsen Zindani appointed as Prime Minister of Yemen (Mid of January) ▼
  • Shaya Mohsen Zindani, the foreign minister, has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Yemen.
  • He replaces Salem bin Breik, who tendered his resignation accepted by the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council.
  • Zindani has been tasked to form a new cabinet.
India nominated to chair United Nations Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters for 2026–27 term (Mid of January) ▼
  • Senior Indian diplomat DB Venkatesh Varma has been nominated by the UN Secretary General to chair the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters for the 2026–27 term.
  • This marks the first time an Indian will hold the position of chair of the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters.
  • The Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters was established in 1978 pursuant to paragraph 124 of the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly.
  • The Board advises the Secretary-General on issues related to arms limitation and disarmament, including studies and research carried out under the auspices of the United Nations or institutions within the UN system.
  • The Board also serves as the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research.
  • Members of the Advisory Board are chosen by the Secretary General from all regions of the world based on their knowledge and experience in disarmament and international security.

India-flagged Tanker Jag Vikram Transits Strait of Hormuz Following United States-Iran Ceasefire

[Strait of Hormuz]

Key Updates:

  • The India-flagged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker Jag Vikram crossed the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transit by an Indian vessel since the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran.
  • Jag Vikram is owned by the Mumbai-based Great Eastern Shipping Company and is a mid-sized gas carrier with a deadweight capacity of over 26,000 tonnes.
  • India imports approximately 88 per cent of its crude oil, around 50 per cent of its natural gas needs, and nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirement.
  • More than half of India's crude imports, about 40 per cent of gas, and up to 85-90 per cent of LPG shipments originate from Gulf countries and pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • According to MarineTraffic data, 426 tankers, 34 LPG carriers, and 19 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vessels were effectively stranded in the region during the disruption.
  • The Government of India prioritised Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport and piped cooking gas for households while partially restoring supplies to fertiliser plants.

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LPG carrier Green Asha delivers 15,400 tonnes of LPG to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) (Start of April) ▼
  • The India-flagged LPG carrier Green Asha berthed at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) on Tuesday.
  • The vessel carried 15,400 tonnes of LPG and transited through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • JNPA’s liquid terminal is operated by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
  • The arrival is expected to stabilise LPG supplies in Mumbai and Maharashtra where dependence on imported fuel is high.
Russia and China veto UN Security Council resolution on Strait of Hormuz security (Start of April) ▼
  • The UN Security Council (UNSC) failed to adopt a resolution on boosting security in the Strait of Hormuz after Russia and China exercised their veto on 7 April 2026.
  • Eleven countries voted in favour, Colombia and Pakistan abstained, and permanent members China and Russia voted against the draft resolution.
  • The draft was submitted by Bahrain together with Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
  • The draft resolution encouraged States to coordinate defensive efforts to ensure safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and demanded Iran immediately cease all attacks on shipping.
  • Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani stated that the Council’s failure to adopt the resolution sends the wrong signal that threats to international waterways can pass without decisive action.
  • United States Ambassador Mike Waltz declared that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be held hostage and must not be weaponized by any one State.
  • Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticised the draft for presenting Iranian actions as the sole source of tensions while omitting illegal attacks by the United States and Israel.
  • Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong said the draft failed to capture the root causes and the full picture of the conflict comprehensively and in a balanced manner.
  • Iran’s Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani claimed the draft sought to punish Iran for defending its sovereignty while providing cover for further unlawful acts by aggressors.
  • The UNSC comprises 15 members, of which 5 permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States—hold veto power.
PM Modi inaugurates Adani Ports’ Haldia Bulk Terminal with 4 MMTPA capacity (Mid of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the Haldia Bulk Terminal (HBT), a fully automated dry bulk handling facility developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) at the Haldia Dock Complex of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port.
  • The terminal has an annual cargo handling capacity of four million metric tonnes (MMTPA) and is located on the Hooghly River.
  • Developed under a 30-year concession through the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model by HDC Bulk Terminal Ltd, construction began on July 14, 2023.
  • The facility includes a 2,000-tonne Railway Wagon Loading System (RWLS), a 1.54-km dedicated rail line for direct ship-to-train cargo evacuation, advanced conveyor systems, two stacker-cum-reclaimers for automated stockyard operations, and two mobile harbour cranes.
  • The terminal is designed to handle imported coal and other dry bulk commodities and will serve industrial consumers in West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand.
UN Security Council postpones vote on Strait of Hormuz defensive force resolution (Start of April) ▼
  • The UN Security Council (UNSC) postponed a scheduled Friday vote on a draft resolution brought by Bahrain to authorise defensive force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks.
  • The postponement was due to the United Nations observing Good Friday as a public holiday.
  • No new date for the vote has been announced, though it is now expected on Saturday.
  • Bahrain, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the UNSC, submitted the draft resolution.
  • The final draft authorises countries to use all defensive means necessary in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters for at least six months to secure passage and deter interference with international navigation.
  • Russia, China and France, all veto-wielding members of the 15-member UNSC, had expressed opposition to approving the use of force.

United Kingdom shelves Chagos Islands transfer to Mauritius after United States withholds support

[United Kingdom, United States]

Key Updates:

  • The United Kingdom has set aside a bill to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius due to lack of support from United States President Donald Trump.
  • The UK government stated it would only proceed with the deal if it had US support.
  • A bill outlining plans to cede sovereignty of the 60-plus Indian Ocean islands was dropped from the next UK parliamentary agenda starting 13 May.
  • In May last year the UK and Mauritius jointly announced a deal to return full sovereignty of Chagos to Mauritius, with Britain leasing Diego Garcia on a 99-year lease to preserve US military operations.
  • Trump opposed the move in January, calling it an 'act of great stupidity'.
  • Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago and hosts a major United States military base leased from Britain since 1966.
  • Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful pledged to 'spare no effort to seize any diplomatic or legal avenue to complete the decolonisation process'.
  • Britain has controlled the Chagos since 1814, including after Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s.
  • The Diego Garcia base has supported US military operations in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
  • Chagossians forcibly evicted to make way for the base have brought compensation claims to British courts.
  • In 2019 the International Court of Justice recommended that the archipelago be returned to Mauritius.

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Maldives formally rejects UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands transfer deal (End of March) ▼
  • Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu conveyed non-recognition of the UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands deal through two written objections (November 2024 and January 2026) and a phone call with UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.
  • The President's Office termed the UK proceeding "in sole consultation with Mauritius" as "deeply concerning" and asserted Maldives' historical claim to the archipelago.
  • The UK pays an average £101 million per year to lease the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, the largest Chagos island.
  • International Court of Justice (ICJ) 2019 advisory opinion and International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) 2023 ruling endorsed Mauritius' claim, calling the 1965 separation unlawful.
  • US President Donald Trump urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer not to cede the territory, placing the UK-Mauritius deal on indefinite hold.
  • Maldives government is evaluating legal options, including a formal submission to ICJ, to assert sovereign rights over the Chagos Archipelago.
World Trade Organization (WTO) Members Negotiate Extension of E-commerce Tariff Moratorium in Cameroon (End of March) ▼
  • The World Trade Organization (WTO) is holding a ministerial meeting in Yaounde, Cameroon, to discuss the extension of the global moratorium on e-commerce tariffs.
  • The moratorium, which prohibits customs duties on electronic transmissions such as digital downloads and streaming, is due to expire this month.
  • India signalled a potential shift in its position by suggesting a two-year prolongation of the e-commerce moratorium.
  • The United States (US) Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that Washington seeks a permanent extension of the ban rather than a temporary one.
  • The e-commerce moratorium has been maintained through temporary extensions for nearly 30 years to provide regulatory predictability for global businesses.
  • India reiterated its opposition to incorporating plurilateral agreements into the WTO rulebook, citing concerns over the erosion of the organisation's foundational principles.
  • A group of 66 WTO members agreed to implement a separate baseline on digital trade rules among consenting participants, bypassing traditional adoption hurdles.
  • The European Union (EU) Commissioner for Trade and US officials highlighted that bilateral and plurilateral deals are essential for reforming the WTO system.
United States (US) President waives Merchant Marine Act of 1920 for 60 days (Mid of March) ▼
  • United States (US) President Donald Trump has issued a 60-day waiver of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act, to ease domestic shipping costs.
  • The waiver allows foreign-flagged vessels to transport essential commodities including oil, natural gas, fertiliser, and coal between US ports.
  • The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 requires that ships transporting goods between US ports must be built in the US, owned by US citizens, and crewed primarily by Americans.
  • The International Energy Agency (IEA) has pledged to release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves, with the US contributing 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
  • The US Treasury Department has eased sanctions on the state oil firm of Venezuela and temporarily allowed Russian oil to re-enter global markets to boost supply.
  • Global benchmark Brent crude reached approximately $109 per barrel and US crude climbed to $98 per barrel following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The US national average for regular gasoline reached $3.84 per gallon according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), marking a 25 percent increase over pre-war levels.
Spain bars US warplanes involved in Iran war from its airspace and bases (Start of April) ▼
  • Spain has closed its airspace to United States (US) aircraft participating in attacks on Iran.
  • Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles stated that Madrid will not authorise the use of Morón and Rota military bases for any acts related to the war in Iran.
  • Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares said the decision aims to avoid encouraging escalation in the war.
  • Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described US and Israeli attacks on Iran as reckless and illegal.
  • Spain denied every US flight plan related to operations in Iran, including those of refuelling aircraft.
  • US bombers involved in Iran operations are stationed at RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK).
  • Aircraft must bypass Spanish airspace by flying over the eastern Atlantic or France.
  • Spanish newspaper El País reported that US aircraft may transit or land in Spain only in emergencies.
  • The Iranian embassy in Spain indicated Tehran would consider Spanish transit requests through the Strait of Hormuz due to Spain’s commitment to international law.
  • Around 20% of global oil supply normally transits the Strait of Hormuz.

Israel announces readiness for direct talks with Lebanon amid strikes

[Israel, Lebanon]

Key Updates:

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 9 April 2026 instructed his cabinet to start direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible.
  • Netanyahu stated the talks will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful Israel-Lebanon relations.
  • Israeli strikes across Lebanon on 8 April 2026 killed more than 300 people and wounded over 1,000, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
  • Lebanon’s cabinet ordered security forces to restrict weapons in Beirut to state institutions alone.
  • Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad rejected direct negotiations with Israel and demanded an Israeli troop withdrawal and ceasefire first.
  • Since 2 March 2026, Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,888 people and displaced over 1.2 million inside Lebanon, the United Nations reported.
  • US and Iranian delegations are scheduled to meet in Islamabad, Pakistan on 11 April 2026 to discuss ending the five-week US-Israel war on Iran.

Similar Coverage

Iran proposes 10-point peace plan amid United States and Israel attacks and 7 April 2026 deadline (Start of April) ▼
  • Iran has proposed a 10-point peace plan to end the conflict as the United States (US) and Israel intensify military attacks on Iranian territory.
  • US President Donald Trump set a deadline of 8:00 PM Washington time on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor through which 20 percent of the world's oil and gas supplies pass.
  • Pakistan is mediating talks in Islamabad and has put forward a 45-day ceasefire proposal to both US and Iranian negotiators.
  • The Iranian 10-point plan includes clauses for ending regional conflicts, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction.
  • A previous 15-point US proposal delivered via Pakistan included a 30-day ceasefire, dismantling of nuclear facilities, and missile limits in exchange for sanctions removal.
  • The US proposal also offered support for electricity generation at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Recent military strikes on 6 April 2026 targeted Iran’s top university, a major petrochemical plant, and a synagogue in Tehran.
  • The ongoing conflict has resulted in the displacement of 1.2 million people in Lebanon due to Israeli attacks.
  • Iran has increased its uranium enrichment levels to nearly 60 percent purity following the 2021 attack on the Natanz nuclear facility.
  • The United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog stated that Iran was not currently in a position to manufacture a nuclear weapon.
Israel announces plan to occupy southern Lebanon up to Litani River as security buffer against Hezbollah (End of March) ▼
  • Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz stated Israel will occupy territory up to the Litani River in Lebanon to create a security buffer against Hezbollah attacks.
  • Israel ordered all residents south of Lebanon’s Litani River to leave the area on March 4.
  • The Litani River lies about 30 kilometres north of Israel’s border and covers around eight per cent of Lebanese territory.
  • Israel has destroyed five bridges on the Litani that were used by Hezbollah to move terrorists and weapons.
  • Israeli ground troops have set up new fortifications south of the Litani and destroyed homes in emptied villages.
  • Hezbollah called any Israeli occupation south of the Litani an existential threat to the Lebanese state.
  • UN Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Lebanon war, required Hezbollah to disarm and withdraw north of the Litani and Israel to exit Lebanon.
  • Israel retained troops on five hilltops in southern Lebanon after the 2024 ceasefire and attacks continued sporadically.
  • Former Indian Ambassador to Lebanon Sanjiv Arora urged India to send humanitarian aid and for the UN to hold an urgent session on Lebanon.
Israel Destroys Litani River Bridges and Targets Infrastructure in Lebanon (End of March) ▼
  • Israeli air strikes destroyed two bridges over the Litani River in southern Lebanon to obstruct the Hezbollah armed group from transporting weapons and fighters.
  • The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed the strikes were a direct action against the use of Lebanese state infrastructure for militant activities.
  • United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 conflict, mandates that armed groups are barred from operating south of the Litani River.
  • The Zrarieh Bridge was specifically identified as one of the river crossings damaged during the aerial bombardment.
  • Israeli forces targeted the Al Qard Al Hassan organisation, alleging it serves as a financial wing for Hezbollah military operations.
  • Recent strikes in central Beirut resulted in 12 fatalities and 27 injuries, with total casualties in Lebanon reaching 968 since 2 March.
  • The military escalation has led to the displacement of over one million people from southern Lebanon, eastern regions, and the Dahieh suburb of Beirut.
India and Israel launch first round of FTA talks in New Delhi (End of February) ▼
  • India and Israel began the first round of negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in New Delhi from 23 to 26 February 2026.
  • The talks follow the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) in November 2025 to formalise bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
  • Technical teams are discussing trade in goods and services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, customs procedures, trade facilitation and intellectual property rights.
  • Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated the negotiations coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on 25–26 February 2026.
  • India’s Chief Negotiator is Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce; Israel’s Chief Negotiator is Yifat Alon Perel, Senior Director (Trade Policy and Agreements).
  • Bilateral merchandise trade between India and Israel was USD 3.62 billion in FY 2024–25, traditionally dominated by diamonds, petroleum products and chemicals.
  • The two countries had earlier held eight rounds of talks for a similar agreement, with the last round in October 2021, before negotiations stalled.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Completes Artemis II Moon Mission

[National Aeronaut and Space Administration]

Key Updates:

  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) successfully concluded the Artemis II mission with the Orion spacecraft splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego.
  • The mission crew consisted of commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
  • Artemis II set a new record for the farthest distance humans have traveled from Earth, reaching a maximum distance of 252,756 miles during the lunar flyby.
  • The Orion capsule, named Integrity, traveled a total estimated distance of 694,481 miles over a mission duration of 9 days, 1 hour, and 31 minutes.
  • During atmospheric reentry, the spacecraft reached a maximum speed of 24,661.21 mph and its heat shield endured temperatures of approximately 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • A system of 11 parachutes was deployed to slow the capsule from 300 mph to a splashdown velocity of approximately 17-20 mph.
  • The United States Navy recovery ship USS John P. Murtha was utilised to recover the crew and the spacecraft from the Pacific Ocean.
  • The mission involved a lunar flyby where the spacecraft reached its closest approach of 4,067 miles above the surface of the moon.
  • The crew carried a plush mission mascot named Rise, designed by an eight-year-old, which served as the zero-gravity indicator for the mission.

Similar Coverage

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Launches Artemis II Mission to the Moon (Start of April) ▼
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the Artemis II mission on 1 April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida.
  • The mission marks the first piloted moonshot in 53 years since the conclusion of the Apollo programme.
  • The crew consists of Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
  • The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, standing 322 feet tall, generated 8.8 million pounds of thrust to propel the Orion crew capsule into space.
  • The mission is designed to travel a record distance of 252,000 miles from Earth, looping around the far side of the moon without landing.
  • The Orion spacecraft features four solar array wings with a 63-foot wingspan to provide electrical power for life-support systems and avionics.
  • The nine-and-a-half-day flight serves as a technical test to prepare for future missions to land astronauts on the moon in 2028.
  • Jeremy Hansen is the first Canadian astronaut to travel beyond near-Earth orbit.
  • The spacecraft successfully transitioned communications to the Deep Space Network (DSN), marking the first such switch for a crewed mission in 50 years.
  • The mission is expected to conclude with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on 10 April 2026.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Schedules Artemis 2 Lunar Mission for April Launch (End of March) ▼
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is planning to launch the Artemis 2 mission in April to send four astronauts around the moon.
  • The mission will be launched from Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
  • The 322-foot Space Launch System (SLS) rocket will carry the Orion crew capsule for a 10-day journey.
  • The crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
  • Artemis 2 will be the first mission to fly the SLS rocket and Orion capsule with humans aboard.
  • The mission aims to travel up to 6,000 miles beyond the far side of the moon, the farthest humans have ever ventured in space.
  • Potential two-hour launch windows have been identified for 1 April, 2 April, 3 April, 4 April, 5 April, 6 April, and 30 April.
  • The Artemis programme aims to establish a permanent lunar base near the south pole of the moon to facilitate future human expeditions to Mars.
  • NASA plans for a moon landing to occur as early as 2028 during the Artemis 4 mission, following the Artemis 3 mission in 2027.
NASA targets early April for Artemis II crewed lunar fly-by mission (Mid of March) ▼
  • NASA plans to launch Artemis II in early April, with the earliest possible launch date of 1 April.
  • The mission was delayed from March after a helium leak forced the rocket’s return to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
  • The four-member crew comprises NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
  • During the 10-day mission the crew will fly around the far side of the Moon and return to Earth aboard the Orion spacecraft atop the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.
  • NASA will not conduct another wet dress rehearsal; the next time the rocket is fuelled will be for launch.
  • Artemis II has already been delayed by two years following heat-shield issues uncovered after the uncrewed Artemis I mission.
NASA validates first Mars rover drives planned entirely by generative AI (Start of February) ▼
  • NASA confirmed that the Perseverance rover completed drives on 8 and 10 December 2025 planned entirely by generative AI.
  • The AI analysed high-resolution orbital imagery to autonomously map a 246-metre path through Jezero Crater.
  • Engineers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) validated the AI’s logic using a digital twin before transmitting commands across 225 million kilometres of space.
  • The success provides a blueprint for NASA’s Artemis programme to use AI for split-second decisions on the Moon and Mars when Earth is out of reach.

NASA’s PACE satellite pinpoints air-pollution sources with kilometre-scale precision

[PACE, NASA]

Key Updates:

  • NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite was launched on 8 February 2024.
  • PACE’s Ocean Colour Instrument (OCI) detects nitrogen dioxide emissions from individual highways, power plants and shipping facilities at ~1 km spatial resolution.
  • OCI senses 340 nm–2260 nm wavelengths to deliver vertical column density of nitrogen dioxide at nadir.
  • Nitrogen dioxide’s short atmospheric lifetime allows daily tracking of emission signatures back to specific sources.
  • PACE data complement NASA’s TEMPO mission that monitors pollution movement over North America every hour.

Similar Coverage

Superb Realty and Praan deploy AI-powered air purification in Mumbai (Start of April) ▼
  • Superb Realty has partnered with the deep-tech firm Praan to deploy an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based air purification system across developments spanning over 1 million sq ft in Mumbai.
  • The deployment will initially serve as a pilot at the commercial project Superb Altura before being scaled across residential and mixed-use developments.
  • The proprietary technology combines real-time environmental sensing with AI-led optimisation and adaptive purification to remove ultrafine particles and harmful gases.
  • The initiative addresses findings by the World Health Organization (WHO) that indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air due to particulate matter and volatile organic compounds.
Forest Survey of India (FSI) halts Anavaran-Deforestation Alert System (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has stopped issuing fortnightly alerts through its Anavaran-Deforestation Alert System, with data remaining unupdated since November 2025.
  • The Anavaran portal, operational since January 2024, was designed as a pilot project to monitor deforestation in near-real time using satellite data and machine learning.
  • The system utilizes the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform and integrates Sentinel-2 satellite images with Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data for continuous monitoring.
  • During the 22-month period from January 2024 to October 2025, the FSI issued a total of 12,351 deforestation alerts at a monthly average of 561.
  • The states with the highest number of deforestation alerts recorded include Punjab (637), Andhra Pradesh (617), Arunachal Pradesh (611), Nagaland (579), Manipur (577), Uttarakhand (543), Assam (533), Tripura (516), Maharashtra (504), Mizoram (499), Gujarat (498), and Karnataka (450).
  • The FSI employs high-resolution satellite imagery at 10-20-metre spatial resolution, including Sentinel 2B (optical), Sentinel 1 (SAR 5m), Sentinel 2 (visible and NIR 10m), RedEdge, and SWIR 20m.
  • The FSI also manages the Van Agni portal for forest fire monitoring and the Sachet portal for pre-fire alerts.
IQAir World Air Quality Report 2025 ranks India 6th most polluted globally (End of March) ▼
  • India is the sixth most polluted country for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) according to the World Air Quality Report 2025 published by IQAir.
  • Uttar Pradesh’s Loni is the world’s most polluted city with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 112.5 µg/m³, a 23% rise from 2024.
  • Delhi is the fourth most polluted city globally; other Indian cities in the global top-10 are Byrnihat, Ghaziabad and Ula.
  • Only 14% of global cities met the World Health Organization (WHO) annual PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³, down from 17% the previous year.
  • Wildfires intensified by climate change contributed about 1,380 megatons of carbon, degrading air quality in Europe, Canada and the United States.
  • The end of the US State Department’s global air quality monitoring programme in March 2025 weakened monitoring in 44 countries and left six without any monitoring.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviews 175 inspections for air pollution abatement in National Capital Region (NCR) (Start of April) ▼
  • The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Enforcement Task Force (ETF) reviewed 175 inspections and enforcement actions conducted in the National Capital Region (NCR) between 14 March and 26 March.
  • The 128th meeting of the ETF resulted in proposed closures for 10 units and the sealing of diesel generator sets for 27 units.
  • Show Cause Notices (SCNs) were issued to eight units, and Environmental Compensation (EC) was proposed for one unit for violating environmental norms.
  • The inspections included 114 diesel generator set violations, 37 industrial sector units, and 23 construction and demolition sites.
  • Sectoral enforcement in 16 zones across Meerut and Faridabad revealed 140 violations, leading to directions for corrective actions by municipal bodies.

SKUAST-Kashmir achieves first controlled cultivation of high-value Morchella mushrooms

[Jammu and Kashmir]

Key Updates:

  • Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in Srinagar has successfully cultivated Morchella mushrooms in controlled conditions for the first time.
  • Morchella, locally called Kangaech, naturally grows in high-elevation forest ecosystems and commands market prices between Rs 15,000 and Rs 40,000 per kilogram.
  • The breakthrough was achieved independently by Prof Tariq Ahmad Sofi, his student Kamran Muneer from the Faculty of Horticulture, and Prof Vikas Gupta from the Faculty of Agriculture.
  • Researchers collected wild Morchella from over 1,000 locations, shortlisted 10 strains, and have achieved fruiting in three strains under controlled systems.
  • Cultivation trials have been conducted in polyhouse and open conditions across microclimatic zones of Baramulla, Anantnag, and Srinagar districts.
  • The team has applied for a patent for the controlled cultivation technology.
  • Controlled Morchella cultivation is expected to boost farm incomes and support high-value bioeconomy development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Similar Coverage

Botanists discover new sedge species Fimbristylis wayanadensis in Kerala's Wayanad (Mid of April) ▼
  • Fimbristylis wayanadensis, a grass-like sedge, was discovered in the high mountains of the Western Ghats in Wayanad district, Kerala.
  • The plant was found during fieldwork in the Thollayiram forest and Chembra peak areas in late 2022.
  • It grows at elevations up to 1,900 meters in transitional zones between rocky landscapes and high-altitude grasslands.
  • The species has long leaves taller than or equal to its hairy stems, fewer chestnut-brown spikelets, and larger, smoother nuts with microscopic rectangular patterns.
  • It is currently known only from a few scattered high-altitude locations and is classified as "Data Deficient" due to unknown population size.
St. Xavier’s College researchers discover Hemileccinum indicum mushroom in Uttarakhand oak forests (End of January) ▼
  • Researchers at St. Xavier’s College, Jharkhand, identified Hemileccinum indicum, a new mushroom species, in the oak forests of Uttarakhand at 2,600 m altitude.
  • This is the first record of the genus Hemileccinum in India.
  • DNA sequencing and electron microscopy revealed the species’ distinctive pitted spores.
Nagauri Pan Methi granted Patent under PPVFRA as Community Farmers' Variety (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPVFRA) formally granted a patent to Nagauri Pan Methi (Trigonella corniculata L.) under the community farmers' variety category.
  • The patent registration was published in the February 2026 issue of the Plant Variety Journal, conferring statutory ownership and legal rights to the farming community of Nagaur district, Rajasthan.
  • The community of farmers, represented by women farmer Geeta Devi, Pradhan of Panchayat Samiti Mundwa, is now the legally recognised custodian and rights holder of the variety.
  • Nagauri Methi is cultivated exclusively on more than 7,000 hectares in the Rajasthan regions of Mundwa, Nagaur, Merta City, Jayal, Degana, and Khinvsar.
  • During the 2024–25 season, farmers produced approximately 30,000 metric tonnes of dried leaves, generating a total income of around ₹450 crore.
  • The South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Biotech Kisan Hub provided scientific and field-level evidence for the registration.
  • The registration aims to protect farmers against biopiracy and is a primary step towards securing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and food safety standards from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
  • Technical support for the initiative was provided by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices and the NABARD-supported Agri Export Facilitation Centre (AEFC).
Botanical Survey of India (BSI) rediscovers Henckelia monophylla in Arunachal Pradesh after 189 years (Mid of March) ▼
  • Botanical Survey of India (BSI) scientists rediscovered Henckelia monophylla during a field survey in Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Henckelia monophylla, a Gesneriaceae family perennial herb, had not been documented since the early 19th century.
  • Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated the BSI team and highlighted the state's extraordinary biodiversity.

Rare Woolly-necked Stork Spotted in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu

[Tamil Nadu]

Key Updates:

  • The woolly-necked stork (Ciconia episcopus) was recently sighted in the paddy fields near Vannarapettai village in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
  • The species is currently classified as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
  • The sighting was documented by researchers from the Endangered Wildlife and Environmental Trust (EWET).
  • While the bird is native to India and commonly found in northern states, its presence in southern India after the migration season is considered a rare event.
  • The woolly-necked stork is a medium-sized wading bird that inhabits open grasslands, paddy fields, riverbanks, and other wetland areas.
  • The primary diet of the species consists of fish, frogs, small reptiles, insects, and other aquatic creatures.
  • During the breeding season, these birds build nests on tall trees and typically lay two to four eggs.

Similar Coverage

16 Indian Softshell Turtles rescued in Greater Noida smuggling bust (Start of April) ▼
  • Police rescued 16 Indian Softshell Turtles during a routine check in Jharcha, Greater Noida.
  • Indian Softshell Turtles are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • The accused, Gagan (22) from Panipat, Haryana, was arrested on the spot.
  • The turtles were being smuggled to Delhi markets for onward sale to international buyers.
  • Each turtle fetches between Rs 40,000 and Rs 1 lakh on the black market.
  • A net used to trap the turtles was recovered from the accused.
  • The forest department was alerted and the turtles were rescued.
  • Demand for these turtles is high in Nepal and China.
Porcupines invade Kashmir saffron fields, devouring corms and slashing production (Start of April) ▼
  • Porcupines are damaging saffron fields in Pampore, Lethpora and adjoining areas in south Kashmir.
  • Porcupines eat corms, the bulb-like structures essential for saffron growth.
  • Saffron production has fallen from about 27,000 kg a decade-and-a-half ago to nearly 1,000 kg now.
  • Pampore MLA Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi estimates constituency loss at Rs 500 crores.
  • Farmers cannot harm porcupines as they are a protected species.
  • The government has deployed a dedicated wildlife team to inspect affected saffron fields.
  • Authorities advise farmers to clear caves, crevices, bushes and undergrowth to remove porcupine shelters.
  • Farmers are recommended to install 1.5-metre-deep mesh barriers around saffron karewas to block burrowing.
  • Reflective white paint on tree trunks or white gunny bags are suggested as low-cost nocturnal deterrents.
  • Motion-activated lighting and sound sensors along field perimeters are advised to startle porcupines at night.
  • Capturing cages are being placed for live-trapping and subsequent translocation of porcupines to forest habitats.
  • Wildlife Protection staff have been directed to patrol around saffron fields in Lethpora and adjacent villages during night hours.
Delhi team uses deep transfer learning to confirm painted stork nest site fidelity (End of March) ▼
  • Researchers tracked a male painted stork named Ringo with a neck scar inside Delhi’s National Zoological Park for four breeding seasons (2022-2025).
  • A total of 2,349 high-resolution images of Ringo and 1,755 images of other storks were collected to build a deep transfer learning (DTL) model.
  • Scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) identified Ringo’s scar and feather pattern, achieving 98% individual identification accuracy.
  • Repeated sightings of Ringo at the same nest site across four years confirmed strong nest site fidelity in the species.
  • The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, was led by University of Delhi, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
Wildlife Institute of India records two rare keelback snake species in Northeast India (End of March) ▼
  • Wildlife Institute of India researchers documented Hebius gilhodesi and Herpetoreas davidi in India for the first time.
  • Herpetoreas davidi was recorded in Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Mizoram.
  • Hebius gilhodesi was found in Namdapha National Park and Kamlang Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The study extended the known range of H. gilhodesi by ~107 km and H. davidi by ~577 km.
  • Findings were published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa based on mitochondrial DNA analysis and morphological examination.

Caribou winter survival hinges on lichen abundance and snow depth: SUNY study

[Arctic]

Key Updates:

  • State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) researchers found caribou in high-lichen areas up to nine times more likely to survive winter than those in low-lichen zones.
  • The study analysed GPS telemetry data from 1,067 caribou winters spanning 2009–2024 to link lichen cover and snow depth to survival.
  • Caribou access lichen by digging through snow in a behaviour termed ‘cratering’, but snow depths exceeding about 50 centimetres block access and erase the survival advantage.
  • Collaborators included the National Park Service, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and University of Maryland.

Similar Coverage

March 2026 Arctic ice and global heat hit record lows amid rising El Niño odds (Mid of April) ▼
  • Arctic sea ice extent in March 2026 fell 5.7% below normal, the lowest March level ever recorded.
  • Global surface temperatures for January-March 2026 ranked as the fourth-highest on record.
  • March 2026 became the fourth-warmest globally at 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels.
  • Sea surface temperatures (SST) reached 20.97°C, the second-highest ever observed behind the 2024 El Niño peak.
  • Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported daily SST levels approaching 2024 record highs.
  • US NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information stated March 2026 temperatures were 1.31°C above the 20th-century average, tying 2024 as the second-warmest March.
  • All ten warmest March records since 1850 have occurred after 2015.
  • Europe recorded its second-warmest March with notably drier conditions.
  • Significant heat anomalies occurred across the western United States, much of the Arctic, northeast Russia, and parts of Antarctica.
  • Cooler-than-average conditions persisted in Alaska, most of Canada, southern Greenland, and northwest Siberia.
  • NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts an 80% chance of ENSO-neutral conditions through April-June 2026.
  • The likelihood of El Niño rises to 61% between May-July 2026 and 85% into September 2026.
Hudsonian godwit population declines by 95 percent over four decades (End of March) ▼
  • The Hudsonian godwit, a migratory shorebird, has experienced a 95 percent population decline over the past 40 years.
  • The species is among 42 proposed for international protection at the upcoming meeting of the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) in Brazil.
  • The bird performs a 30,000-kilometre annual journey from the Arctic to South America and is capable of flying 11,000 kilometres in a single stretch without stopping.
  • Environmental pressures include climate change in the Arctic, expanded salmon and oyster farming in Chile, and agricultural changes in the United States.
  • A recent report indicates that 49 percent of species listed under the CMS are now experiencing population declines, up from 44 percent two years ago.
International Polar Bear Day observed on 27 February (End of February) ▼
  • International Polar Bear Day is observed every year on 27 February.
  • The day was launched by Polar Bears International (PBI) and is now in its 21st year.
  • The overall objective is to bring attention to polar bears and the importance of conserving their Arctic sea ice home.
  • The public can join a live scientist chat on PBI’s Facebook page at 12 p.m. ET on the day.
  • The Polar Bear Tracker allows users to follow specific bears moving along Hudson Bay, including female X33991 who adopted a cub this winter.
  • PBI’s Northern Lights Cam, in collaboration with explore.org and the Churchill Northern Studies Center in Churchill, Canada, streams year-round and offers optimal aurora viewing in February and March.
U.N. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) adds 40 species to global protection list at COP15 in Brazil (Start of April) ▼
  • The U.N. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) approved listing 40 new species for international protection at the COP15 summit in Campo Verde, Brazil.
  • The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica), great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) are among the newly protected species.
  • Representatives from 132 countries and the European Union attended the COP15 summit on migratory species.
  • CMS Parties are legally obliged to protect listed species, conserve and restore their habitats, prevent migration obstacles and cooperate with other range states.
  • A pre-summit report indicated that 49 percent of CMS-catalogued species show declining numbers and nearly one in four are threatened with global extinction.
  • A separate U.N. assessment released during the summit warned that migratory freshwater fish populations face collapse due to habitat destruction, overfishing and water pollution.

New Dark Matter Theory Challenges Existence of Sagittarius A* Black Hole

[Milky Way]

Key Updates:

  • Astronomers have proposed a theoretical model suggesting that Sagittarius A*, the object at the centre of the Milky Way, may be a dense concentration of dark matter rather than a supermassive black hole.
  • The traditional interpretation of the galactic core is based on the presence of a black hole with a mass equivalent to approximately four million Suns.
  • The new hypothesis suggests that dark matter consisting of fermions could create an extremely dense core at the centre of the galaxy surrounded by a large dark matter halo.
  • This dark matter configuration aims to explain the high-velocity orbits of S-stars near the galactic core and the overall rotation curve of the Milky Way.
  • The model proposes that the dark central region observed by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) could be caused by gravitational lensing effects produced by concentrated dark matter rather than an event horizon.
  • If supported, the theory would imply a continuous mass distribution from the galactic centre to the halo instead of a single central singularity.

Similar Coverage

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) solves 2,000-year-old mystery of RCW 86 supernova (End of March) ▼
  • Ancient Chinese astronomers recorded a bright guest star in 185 AD, which is now recognised as the first recorded supernova in human history.
  • The supernova remnant, known as RCW 86, spans approximately 85 light-years across, a size that previously suggested it was 10,000 years old rather than 2,000.
  • Research using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Chandra X-ray Observatory and the European Space Agency (ESA) XMM-Newton revealed the star exploded inside a low-density cavity.
  • The cavity or hidden bubble was created by the star's own stellar wind before it died, allowing debris to expand rapidly without resistance from surrounding material.
  • A reverse shock or bounce back effect occurred when debris hit denser gas at the cavity's edge, reheating gas to millions of degrees and emitting X-rays detected by NASA.
  • The 185 AD event is classified as a Type Ia supernova, a category of stellar explosions used as standard candles to measure distances across the universe.
  • The study also utilised data from the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRab).
  • Understanding these explosions helps scientists refine measurements regarding the expansion of the universe and the nature of dark energy.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope produces highest-resolution dark-matter map covering 800,000 galaxies. (End of January) ▼
  • NASA's James Webb Space Telescope identified nearly 800,000 galaxies to create the most detailed dark-matter map over such a large sky area.
  • The map has twice the resolution of previous attempts using the Hubble Space Telescope and captures galaxies spanning the past 10 billion years.
  • The study, led by Diana Scognamiglio of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), was published in Nature Astronomy.
  • Dark matter comprises just over 25% of the universe, while ordinary matter makes up only 5% and dark energy fills the remainder.
  • Scientists infer dark-matter distribution by measuring how its gravity warps light from distant galaxies, a technique called gravitational lensing.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) captures galaxy cluster MACS J1149.5+2223 (End of January) ▼
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured a detailed image of the massive galaxy cluster MACS J1149.5+2223.
  • The galaxy cluster is located approximately 5 billion light-years away from Earth in the constellation Leo.
  • The image demonstrates gravitational lensing, a phenomenon where the immense gravity of the cluster distorts light from background galaxies into arcs and elongated streaks.
  • MACS J1149.5+2223 contains over 300 verified galaxies and is identified as one of the largest gravitationally bound objects in the universe.
  • A lensed spiral galaxy within the cluster, resembling a pink jellyfish, previously hosted the most distant single star ever discovered and a supernova seen four times due to lensing.
  • The observations were conducted using the Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam), Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec), and Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS) instruments.
  • The study is part of the Canadian NIRISS Unbiased Cluster Survey (CANUCS) programme, which aims to investigate the first generations of galaxies and the era of reionisation.
MeerKAT telescope detects most distant hydroxyl megamaser 8 billion light-years away (Start of March) ▼
  • Astronomers using the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa detected the most distant hydroxyl megamaser ever observed, located in a galaxy more than 8 billion light-years away.
  • The discovery paper was accepted for publication in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters and a pre-print is available on arXiv.
  • The megamaser’s intensity qualifies it as a gigamaser, the brightest class of space lasers produced when hydroxyl molecules in merging galaxies collide and amplify radio emissions.
  • A foreground galaxy, perfectly aligned with the distant megamaser, acts as a gravitational lens, further amplifying the radio signal during its journey to Earth.
  • Dr. Thato Manamela, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pretoria, is the lead author of the study.
  • Prof. Roger Deane, Director of the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA) and professor at the Universities of Cape Town and Pretoria, is a co-author.
  • MeerKAT’s centimeter-wavelength sensitivity and advanced computational pipelines processed terabytes of data to enable the discovery.
  • Systematic surveys led by the University of Pretoria aim to find hundreds to thousands of similar systems ahead of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) era.