Recent Estimates project India's GDP growth at 7.2% for final quarter of FY26
Key Updates:
India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is estimated to reach approximately 7.2% in the final quarter of FY26.
Domestic demand is driven by consumer spending on housing, travel, electronics, food services, vehicles, online shopping, and lifestyle products.
Government infrastructure spending is focused on highways, railways, airports, ports, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
The digital economy expansion includes Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments, online banking, e-commerce platforms, digital education, app-based services, and online financial tools.
The banking system has improved in terms of loan recovery, asset quality, profitability, and capital strength.
Similar Coverage
World Bank (WB) projects India GDP growth at 7.6 per cent for FY26 (Start of April)▼
The World Bank (WB) estimated India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to have accelerated to 7.6 per cent in Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) from 7.1 per cent in FY25.
The WB projected India's growth to slow to 6.6 per cent in FY27, an upward revision from the 6.5 per cent forecast made in the January Global Economic Prospects report.
India remains the fastest-growing large economy in the world in FY26, supported by strong domestic demand and export resilience.
The WB identified high foreign exchange (Forex) reserves, fiscal space, and low inflation as strong policy buffers to weather global energy shocks.
The growth estimates for FY27 are based on an assumed oil price range of USD 90-100 per barrel.
Moody's Investors Service (Moody's) lowered its India GDP growth estimate for FY27 to 6 per cent due to the West Asia conflict.
Domestic consumption was bolstered by income tax cuts and Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate reductions implemented in the previous year.
The WB noted that India's growth momentum is supported by positive policies including the European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and new labour laws.
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.
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projects India's economy to grow at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027 (End of April)▼
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026.
India's economy is projected to grow at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027.
India's growth rate for 2025 was 7.4%, supported by rural economy consumption, goods and services tax rate cuts, and export frontloading.
Inflation in India is projected to be 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027.
Economies in South and South-West Asia grew by 5.4% in 2025 and 5.2% in 2024.
India's exports to the United States declined by 25% in the second half of 2025 following the introduction of 50% tariffs in August 2025.
India attracted the largest share of greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the first three quarters with $50 billion, followed by Australia ($30 billion), Republic of Korea ($25 billion), and Kazakhstan ($21 billion).
India was the world's largest remittance recipient in 2024 with $137 billion.
The United States has levied a 1% tax on all remittances since January 2026.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated that India has 1.3 million green jobs, which is 8% of the global total of 16.6 million.
India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme provides incentives for domestic manufacturing of solar photovoltaic, batteries, and green hydrogen.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) revises GDP base year to 2022-23 and lifts FY26 growth estimate to 7.6% (Start of March)▼
India’s Q3 FY26 GDP growth slowed to 7.8% from the preceding quarter’s 8.4%.
The new GDP series uses 2022-23 as its base year, replacing the earlier 2011-12 series.
MoSPI’s second advance estimate pegs FY26 GDP growth at 7.6%, up from the first advance estimate of 7.4%.
Manufacturing posted double-digit growth in FY2023-24 and FY2025-26.
The ‘Trade, Repair, Hotels, Transport, Communication & Services related to Broadcasting and Storage’ segment grew 10.1% in FY2025-26.
Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) and Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) each rose over 7% in FY2025-26.
The series adopts double deflation for agriculture and manufacturing to improve real value-added measurement.
Proportional Denton Benchmarking replaces the pro-rata method for quarterly national accounts to align quarterly and annual estimates.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi urges fuel conservation and reduction in foreign exchange expenditure
Key Updates:
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi urged the adoption of work-from-home arrangements and virtual meetings to curb petrol and diesel consumption amid global instability in West Asia.
The PM advised postponing foreign travel, overseas vacations, and destination weddings for at least a year to conserve foreign exchange reserves.
The PM requested a temporary reduction in non-essential gold purchases and urged farmers to reduce chemical fertiliser use by 50 percent.
India is investing in alternative energy sources including solar power, ethanol blending, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transport systems, and piped gas infrastructure.
In Telangana, the PM inaugurated or laid foundation stones for the four-laning of National Highway-167 on the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor, railway multi-tracking on the Kazipet-Vijayawada route, development projects in the Zaheerabad Industrial Area, and a Greenfield Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants terminal in Hyderabad.
The PM inaugurated the PM MITRA Park in Warangal, which is the country's first fully operational PM MITRA textile park.
Similar Coverage
S&P Global Ratings (S&P) raises India GDP growth forecast to 7.1% for FY27 (End of March)▼
S&P Global Ratings (S&P) revised India’s GDP growth forecast upward by 40 basis points to 7.1% for FY27.
India recorded 7.8% GDP growth in the October–December quarter.
S&P’s FY26 projection for India stands at 7.6%.
S&P assumes Brent crude at $80 per barrel in 2026, up from about $65 per barrel at end-2025.
In a downside scenario, S&P warns crude could spike to $200 per barrel if Middle East conflict escalates.
A moderate stress scenario of $130 per barrel could shave 50–70 basis points off Asia-Pacific growth.
S&P cites India’s technology services, data centre infrastructure, and AI-linked investments as key growth drivers.
Hermes’ Dialogue 6.0 Debate Competition won by IIM Rohtak (Start of April)▼
Team LeBroom from IIM Rohtak won the Hermes’ Dialogue 6.0 organised by Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida.
The 2026 theme was ‘Should Countries Prioritize Energy Independence to Ensure Global Energy Security Amid Rising Geopolitical Uncertainty?’
The competition recorded 250+ registrations from premier business schools across India and offered a total prize pool of ₹60,000.
12 nations represented were the United Arab Emirates, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Russia, Germany, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, China, Australia, the United States, and Japan.
Finalists included IIM Udaipur, IIM Rohtak, BIMTECH, Shri Ram College of Commerce, IIT Patna, International Management Institute, FORE School of Management, Great Lakes Institute of Management, National Insurance Academy and NIA Pune.
Team Magnus from FORE School of Management secured the second position and Team Strategy from Shri Ram College of Commerce became the second runners-up.
The jury panel comprised Mr. Rajeev Kher, IAS Retd., Former Commerce Secretary, Government of India, and Mr. Sumanta Chaudhuri, IAS Retd., Principal Advisor, International Trade Policy, Confederation of Indian Industry.
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projects India's economy to grow at 6.4% in 2026 (End of April)▼
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026.
India's economic growth is projected to be 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027.
India's growth rate for 2025 was 7.4%, supported by rural consumption, goods and services tax rate cuts, and export frontloading.
Inflation in India is projected to be 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027.
India attracted the largest share of greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Asia-Pacific region during the first three quarters with USD 50 billion.
Other top greenfield FDI recipients in the Asia-Pacific region include Australia (USD 30 billion), Republic of Korea (USD 25 billion), and Kazakhstan (USD 21 billion).
India was the world's largest remittance recipient in 2024 with USD 137 billion.
The United States has levied a 1% tax on all remittances since January 2026.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India accounts for 8% of global green jobs with 1.3 million positions, compared to 7.3 million (44%) in China and 2.5 million (15%) in the rest of Asia.
The report cited India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for high-efficiency solar modules, batteries, and green hydrogen to foster green industrial development.
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projects India's economy to grow at 6.4% in 2026 (End of April)▼
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projected India's economic growth at 6.4% for 2026 and 6.6% for 2027 in its Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026 report.
India's growth rate reached 7.4% in 2025, driven by rural economy consumption, goods and services tax rate cuts, and export frontloading.
Inflation in India is projected to be 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027.
Economies in South and South-West Asia grew by 5.4% in 2025, compared to 5.2% in 2024.
India attracted the largest share of greenfield FDI in the first three quarters with USD 50 billion, followed by Australia (USD 30 billion), Republic of Korea (USD 25 billion), and Kazakhstan (USD 21 billion).
India was the world's largest remittance recipient in 2024 with USD 137 billion.
The United States has levied a 1% tax on all remittances since January 2026.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated 16.6 million green jobs globally, with 1.3 million (8%) in India, 7.3 million (44%) in China, and 2.5 million (15%) in the rest of Asia.
India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme provides incentives for domestic manufacturing of solar photovoltaic, batteries, and green hydrogen.
State Bank of India (SBI) announces Q4 and full-year financial results
Key Updates:
State Bank of India (SBI) reported strong profits and steady business growth in its Q4 and full-year financial results.
A loan is classified as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA) when the borrower fails to repay the interest or principal amount for more than 90 days.
The Current Account Savings Account (CASA) ratio indicates the percentage of deposits held in current and savings accounts.
Net Interest Income (NII) is the difference between the interest earned from loans and the interest paid to depositors.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the institution that regulates banks in India.
Similar Coverage
State Bank of India (SBI) targets balance-sheet size of 25% of India's GDP by 2030 (End of April)▼
State Bank of India (SBI) aims to expand its balance-sheet to approximately 25 per cent of India's GDP by 2030, increasing from the current level of about 20 per cent.
SBI plans to improve its market share by one per cent in each of the 800 districts in India in FY27.
As of December 2025, the balance-sheet of SBI stood at ₹71.62 lakh crore.
The total business of SBI as of December 2025 was ₹103.29 lakh crore, comprising deposits of ₹57.01 lakh crore and advances of ₹46.28 lakh crore.
SBI's market share in deposits and advances stood at approximately 22 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively, as of December 2025.
The bank aims to rank among the top 10 global banks by market capitalisation, compared to its 27th position in November 2025.
SBI intends to activate at least 25 per cent of its unclaimed deposits, which amount to ₹19,500 crore.
The bank will deploy Seva Sarathis (service guides) in 10,000 high footfall branches.
SBI launched the YONO 2.0 mobile banking app in 2025 and targets onboarding over 20 crore users, up from the current 10 crore.
SBI serves approximately 53 crore customers through 23,125 domestic and 244 foreign branches or offices.
The bank's asset expansion strategy focuses on the corporate segment and RAM (retail, agriculture and MSME) segments.
MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary reports Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) Gross NPAs at historic low of 2.15% (Mid of February)▼
The Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) ratio of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) for domestic operations declined to a historic low of 2.15% as of September 2025.
According to provisional data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Gross NPA ratio stood at 2.50% for Public Sector Banks (PSBs), 1.73% for Private Sector Banks (PVBs), and 0.80% for foreign banks.
The slippage ratio for PSBs improved to 0.8% in September 2025, compared with 1.8% for private sector banks, indicating stronger underwriting standards.
The government and RBI implemented the 4R’s strategy involving transparent recognition of NPAs, resolving and recovering value, recapitalising PSBs, and reforms in the financial ecosystem.
As of March 2025, over 30,000 cases involving underlying defaults of ₹13.78 lakh crore were settled at the pre-admission stage under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016.
Recovery measures include amendments to the SARFAESI Act, expansion of Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs), and enhanced oversight of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).
Public sector banks have adopted automated Early Warning Systems (EWS) with nearly 80 triggers and established specialised stressed asset management verticals.
The Asset Quality Review (AQR) initiated by the RBI in 2015 and mandatory registration of security interests with CERSAI were cited as key regulatory contributors to asset quality improvement.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) levies penalties totalling Rs 1.35 crore on three banks and two NBFCs (Mid of February)▼
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed penalties totalling Rs 1.35 crore on CSB Bank (Rs 63.60 lakh), Bank of Maharashtra (Rs 32.50 lakh), DCB Bank (Rs 29.60 lakh), IIFL Finance (Rs 5.30 lakh) and Navi Finserv (Rs 3.80 lakh).
CSB Bank was penalised for non-compliance with directions on ‘Scope of activities to be undertaken of Business Correspondents (BCs)’ and ‘Customer Service in Banks’ and for failure to classify certain accounts as non-performing assets on restructuring.
Bank of Maharashtra was penalised for non-compliance with directions on ‘Credit information reporting in respect of Self Help Group members’ and ‘Know Your Customer’, including not reporting Self Help Group member level data to Credit Information Companies and not identifying Beneficial Owners in certain accounts.
DCB Bank was penalised for non-compliance with directions on loans against pledge of gold ornaments and jewellery for non-agricultural end uses by failing to maintain the prescribed loan-to-value ratio in certain non-agricultural gold loan accounts.
IIFL Finance was penalised for non-compliance with directions on ‘Asset Classification’ by entering into an arrangement with BCs for activities outside the permitted scope and levying charges in savings bank accounts without ensuring prior customer awareness.
Navi Finserv was penalised for non-compliance with directions on ‘Recovery Agents’ by contacting customers after 7:00 p.m. and before 8:00 a.m. for recovery of overdue loans and not following due protocol while sending messages to customers.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposes GARUDA mechanism for Alternative Investment Funds (AIF)
Key Updates:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed the Green-Channel: AIF Rollout Upon Document Acknowledgement (GARUDA) to reduce the scheme launch period from 30 working days to 10 working days after filing Placement Memorandums (PPMs).
For the first scheme of an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), launch is permitted from the date of registration or 10 working days after filing the application, whichever is later.
As of March 31, 2026, the number of registered AIFs rose to 1,849, with cumulative commitments of ₹15.74 lakh crore and net investments of ₹6.45 lakh crore as of December 31, 2025.
For Angel Funds and Accredited Investor-only (AI-only) schemes, SEBI proposed allowing direct PPM filing by fund managers and immediate launch upon filing without a review period.
The number of accredited investors reached 2,773 as of April 30, 2026, holding AIF units with a par value of approximately ₹1.91 lakh crore as of December 31, 2025.
Similar Coverage
SIDBI Venture Capital Limited (SVCL) to deploy ₹1,005 crore Antariksh Venture Capital Fund for Indian space startups from FY2027 (Start of April)▼
The Antariksh Venture Capital Fund, managed by SIDBI Venture Capital Limited (SVCL), will begin investing in Indian space startups from the first quarter of FY2027.
The fund has a committed corpus of ₹1,005 crore aimed at boosting private sector innovation in India’s space economy.
SVCL received Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) registration for the fund on 31 October 2025.
The fund completed its initial closing on 10 November 2025 after appointing a custodian and registering with depositories for issuing alternative investment fund units.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that the first round of funding approvals is expected soon.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approves AIF, FPI, InvIT, REIT and governance reforms in 213th board meeting. (End of March)▼
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) held its 213th board meeting in Mumbai on 23 March 2026.
SEBI amended AIF Regulations 2012 to allow Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) with no active fund management to retain residual assets for up to 3 years subject to 75% investor approval.
SEBI introduced net settlement for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in the cash market to cut funding and forex conversion costs.
SEBI expanded retail access to Social Impact Funds (SIFs) by lowering minimum investment and easing disclosure norms.
SEBI allowed Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to invest in greenfield projects, hold multiple SPVs, borrow for capex and refinancing, and undertake maintenance expenses.
SEBI revised fit-and-proper criteria to bar persons with pending FIRs for economic offences or securities law violations and reduced disqualification period to six months in specified cases.
SEBI mandated SEBI staff to liquidate or freeze personal securities holdings, file initial, annual and event-based conflict disclosures, and recuse from decisions when conflicts arise.
SEBI approved creation of an Office of Ethics and Compliance (OEC), a digital monitoring system and a whistle-blower framework for stronger conflict-of-interest oversight.
Finance Ministry (FinMin) empowers Principal Bench of Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) as National Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling
Key Updates:
The Finance Ministry (FinMin) has notified the Principal Bench of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) as the National Appellate Authority for Advance Rulings.
The notification is deemed to have come into force on April 1, 2026.
The Principal Bench of the GSTAT is located in New Delhi and is constituted under sub-section (3) of Section 109 of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act.
The Principal Bench consists of a President, one judicial member, and two technical members, with one technical member each from the Centre and State.
The Principal Bench is empowered to hear appeals made under section 101B of the CGST Act to resolve conflicting rulings across different States or union territories.
Similar Coverage
NSSTA Celebrates 18th Foundation Day on 13 February 2026 (Mid of February)▼
The National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) celebrated its 18th Foundation Day on 13 February 2026 at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
The theme for the 18th Foundation Day was Reimagining Capacity Building for Official Statistics to achieve vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh inaugurated the Digital Data Lab to strengthen digital capacity building and technology-enabled learning.
Two journals titled AAROHAN and PRATIBIMB, prepared by the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) officer trainees of the 2024 and 2025 batches, were released.
Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), described data as the fifth factor of production alongside land, labour, capital, and technology.
The United Nations Resident Commissioner (UNRC), Mr. Stefan Priesner, described statistics as the grammar of development.
The event highlighted the restructuring of the ISS, which now deploys officers across 60 ministries to ensure data harmonisation and machine-readability.
Ms. S. Radha Chauhan, Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), emphasised the need to scale human capacities to match the evolution of Agentic AI.
A panel discussion on Communicating Statistics to the Policymakers and Public was moderated by the former Chief Statistician of India (CSI), Dr. T. C. A. Anant.
Certificates of Appreciation were presented to top performers of the MoSPI in the iGOT Karmayogi courses.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) asks states to shift GSDP base year to 2022-23 (Start of May)▼
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released guidelines for compiling Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) with the base year 2022-23.
MoSPI revised the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) base year to 2022-23 from the previous base year of 2011-12.
The guidelines prioritise greater data integration by incorporating administrative records, sectoral databases, and survey inputs to improve the reliability of GSDP and Gross State Value Added (GSVA) estimates.
Currently, 34 states and Union Territories compile GSDP estimates using the 2011-12 base year, excluding Lakshadweep and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
A sub-committee on regional accounts, chaired by former Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad professor Ravindra H Dholakia, was constituted under the Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics to facilitate the transition.
Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 to retain IPS dominance in CAPF leadership (End of March)▼
The Union Cabinet cleared the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 on 11 March 2026 to retain IPS officers on deputation in five CAPFs: BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB.
The Bill mandates 50% of Inspector General posts to be filled by IPS deputation, minimum 67% of Additional Director General posts by IPS deputation, and Special DG and DG posts exclusively by IPS deputation.
It empowers the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to override any court judgment and frame recruitment, promotion and deputation rules for CAPF Group A officers.
The Supreme Court on 23 May 2025 had ordered progressive reduction of IPS deputations in DIG and IG ranks within two years, citing stagnation and morale loss among CAPF officers.
Retired CAPF officers oppose the Bill, alleging career stagnation, non-implementation of non-functional upgradation since 2006, and exclusion of Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) oversight.
Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026 notified after President’s assent (Mid of April)▼
The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026 was notified on 9 April 2026 after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent.
The Act is an umbrella law regulating recruitment, deputation, promotion and other service conditions for officers of all five CAPFs: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
It mandates that 50% of inspector general rank posts will be filled through deputation from the Indian Police Service (IPS).
A minimum of 67% of additional director general rank posts will be filled through IPS deputation.
Posts of special director general and director general will be filled through deputation only.
The legislation follows an October 2025 Supreme Court directive that IPS deputation up to Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) in CAPFs be progressively reduced within an outer limit of two years.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Imposes Penalties on YES Bank and Hinduja Housing Finance Ltd
Key Updates:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹31.80 lakh on YES Bank.
The penalty on YES Bank was levied for non-compliance with certain provisions of the Know Your Customer (KYC) norms.
YES Bank failed to implement a system using the KYC Identifier assigned by the Central KYC Records Registry for establishing account-based relationships.
The RBI conducted a statutory inspection for supervisory evaluation of YES Bank with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2025.
A separate penalty of ₹1.8 lakh was imposed on Hinduja Housing Finance Ltd for non-compliance with directions relating to governance.
Similar Coverage
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) penalises HSBC with ₹31.80 lakh fine (End of March)▼
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹31.80 lakh on HSBC for non-compliance with regulatory norms.
The penalty was issued following a statutory inspection for supervisory evaluation of the bank's financial position as on March 31, 2025.
HSBC failed to host a searchable database of unclaimed deposits on its official website.
The bank did not generate and assign Unclaimed Deposits Reference Number (UDRN) to certain unclaimed deposits.
The non-compliance involved unclaimed deposits transferred to the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposes ₹2.70 lakh penalty on Manappuram Finance (Mid of March)▼
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.70 lakh on Manappuram Finance.
The penalty was levied for non-compliance with RBI guidelines regarding the compensation of Key Managerial Personnel (KMP).
The company violated norms by paying the entire variable pay upfront to certain KMPs without deferring a portion of the compensation as required.
The action followed a statutory inspection conducted by the RBI regarding the financial position of the company as of 31 March 2025.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposes ₹2.20 crore penalties on Union Bank, Central Bank, Bank of India, Pine Labs (End of March)▼
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed penalties of ₹95.40 lakh on Union Bank of India, ₹63.60 lakh on Central Bank of India, ₹58.50 lakh on Bank of India, and ₹3.10 lakh on Pine Labs for regulatory non-compliance.
Union Bank of India failed to credit amounts related to unauthorised electronic transactions within 10 working days of notification as of 31 March 2025.
Bank of India violated Priority Sector Lending directions by levying ad hoc charges on loans up to ₹25,000 and not paying interest on some matured Term Deposit Receipts until repayment.
Central Bank of India breached KYC and Financial Inclusion norms concerning Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts.
Pine Labs issued full-KYC Prepaid Payment Instruments without completing proper KYC verification during July 2024–May 2025.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposes ₹11.50 lakh penalty on Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited. (Start of March)▼
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹11.50 lakh on Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited on 27 February 2026.
The penalty was for non-compliance with RBI directions on ‘Fair Practices Code’ and ‘Internal Ombudsman for Regulated Entities’.
The statutory inspection of the company was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on 31 March 2025.
The company levied revised foreclosure charges on certain borrower accounts without incorporating suitable conditions in loan agreements.
The company failed to escalate certain complaints to its Internal Ombudsman within the prescribed time and did not communicate final decisions to complainants within the prescribed time in certain cases.
PM MITRA Scheme: First operational PM MITRA Park inaugurated in Warangal with ₹1,695 crore cost, expected ₹6,000 crore investment and over 24,400 direct jobs.
Key Updates:
The PM MITRA Scheme was approved by the Union Ministry of Textiles in 2023 to create large scale integrated textile parks across India.
Seven states selected under PM MITRA Scheme: Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh.
The first operational PM MITRA Park, established in Warangal, Telangana, spans 1,327 acres and was developed at a cost of over ₹1,695 crore.
The park is expected to attract investments worth more than ₹6,000 crore and create over 24,400 direct jobs across the textile value chain.
Industries setting up units in the park can access dedicated incentive support of ₹300 crore under the scheme.
Similar Coverage
India Prime Minister addresses Lok Sabha on West Asia crisis and national security (End of March)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha (LS) regarding the West Asia conflict, highlighting its impact on India’s energy security and the safety of nearly 1 crore Indian citizens in the region.
The Government of India has facilitated the return of approximately 1,000 Indians from Iran and established 24/7 helplines through Indian missions for on-ground support.
India has diversified its energy imports from 27 to 41 countries over the last 11 years and currently imports Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from 41 nations.
The country maintains Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) of 5.3 million metric tonnes (MMT), with plans to add an additional 6.5 MMT to strengthen fuel security.
Ethanol blending initiatives have resulted in a reduction of 4.5 crore barrels of oil imports annually.
India’s renewable energy capacity has reached approximately 250 GW, including 140 GW of solar power and 40 lakh rooftop solar installations.
Domestic coal production has exceeded 100 crore tonnes, while the agriculture sector has been supported by the deployment of over 22 lakh solar pumps.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled examinations in the Middle East due to the ongoing crisis.
Indian Army EME and IIT-Madras partner for Nodal Indigenisation Centre (End of March)▼
The Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) of the Indian Army has partnered with the IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation to develop indigenous military technologies.
A Nodal Indigenisation Centre has been established at Avadi to strengthen the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor.
The partnership focuses on critical domains including sensing systems, cyber-physical systems, and autonomous technologies.
Major General Lalit Kapoor serves as the Indian Army Commander-Base Workshop Group.
M J Shankar Raman is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation.
The Corps of EME is the technical backbone of the Indian Army responsible for the maintenance and sustenance of equipment.
Annapurna Yojana: ₹3,000 Monthly Assistance for Women in West Bengal
Key Updates:
The West Bengal government approved the rollout of the Annapurna Yojana to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to women in the state.
The scheme increases the financial aid compared to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, where beneficiaries currently receive ₹1,500 per month and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) women receive ₹1,700.
Launched in February 2021, the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme provides monthly aid of ₹1,200 for SC/ST beneficiaries and ₹1,000 for others among women aged 25 to 60 years enrolled under the Swasthya Sathi programme.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pledged 33 per cent reservation for women in all government jobs, including the police force.
The BJP has promised free travel in public transport vehicles for women in West Bengal.
Similar Coverage
Annapurna Devi Honoured with Special Cover by India Post (Mid of March)▼
India Post released a special cover to commemorate the birth centenary of the legendary Surbahar player and Indian classical musician Annapurna Devi.
The special cover was released on 9 March 2026 at the Kolkata General Post Office (GPO) in the presence of Sukriti Gupta, Director Postal Services, Kolkata Region.
Annapurna Devi was an artist of the Maihar Gharana, the daughter of Baba Alauddin Khan, and the sister of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan.
Her name was bestowed upon her by Maharaja Brijnath Singh of the Maihar State.
Her notable students included Pandit Nikhil Banerjee, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ashish Khan, Dakshina Mohan Tagore, Basant Kabra, Sudhir Phadke, and Nityanand Haldipur.
The Annapurna Devi Foundation organised a three-day classical music festival from 6 March to 8 March 2026 at G.D. Birla Sabhagar to mark the centenary celebration.
Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026: West Bengal to provide ₹1,500 monthly allowance to unemployed youth (End of February)▼
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026 during the state interim budget to support unemployed youth.
The scheme provides a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 to educated but unemployed individuals to serve as transitional financial support during job hunting.
The official launch of the programme is scheduled for April 1, 2026, with applications accepted between February 15 and February 26, 2026.
Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of West Bengal, aged between 21 and 40 years, and have passed at least the Class 10 (Secondary) examination.
The Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) will facilitate applications through local camps in every assembly constituency and the official website (wbsportsandyouth.gov.in).
Individuals receiving other state welfare financial assistance are ineligible, but scholarships like Aikyasree, Medhasree, Sikhasree, and the Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Scholarship are compatible.
Required documents include a Class 10 pass certificate, Aadhaar or Voter ID, proof of residence, bank account details, and a recent passport-sized photograph.
Madhya Pradesh to extend Bhavantar scheme to mustard farmers, benefiting 80 lakh farmers (End of February)▼
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the State Government’s plan to extend the Bhavantar Yojana to mustard farmers to cover the gap between market price and procurement price.
The proposal has been sent to the Union Government; the scheme currently benefits soybean farmers in Madhya Pradesh.
Mustard acreage rose 28% this year and estimated production is 15.71 lakh metric tonne.
Market price of mustard is ₹5,500–₹6,000 per quintal while Union Government procurement price is ₹6,200 per quintal.
Ladli Behna scheme, launched in March 2023, gives ₹1,500 monthly to women aged 21–60 years with annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh; 1,25,29,051 women currently receive the allowance.
Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY): ₹5 Lakh Health Coverage (Start of May)▼
Ayushman Bharat Diwas is celebrated annually on April 30 to recognise the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
PM-JAY was launched on September 23, 2018, in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
The scheme provides cashless health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary healthcare.
It targets over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore individuals), focusing on the poorest 40% of the population identified by SECC 2011 data.
The programme is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN) under the umbrella of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The scheme covers pre-existing conditions and provides access to over 1,900 medical procedures at empanelled public and private hospitals.
Beneficiary groups include low-income families, people with chronic illnesses, hospitalised patients, women, the elderly, and interstate migrants.
The coverage includes maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, mental health, and rehabilitation care.
By late 2025, more than 5.38 crore Ayushman cards were issued, with 74.4 lakh beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh receiving free treatment.
Over 1 lakh Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) have been operationalised to expand healthcare access in underserved areas.
The Ask Ayushman chatbot on WhatsApp is utilised to help users find hospitals and check eligibility.
SEHAT Initiative: Linking Agriculture with Public Health
Key Updates:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) jointly launched the Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation (SEHAT) initiative.
The programme was unveiled on May 11, 2026, in the presence of Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
SEHAT aims to integrate agriculture, nutrition, and public health to address malnutrition and rising lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
The initiative focuses on promoting organic and sustainable farming practices and ensuring the scientific validation of agricultural interventions.
The mission contributes to the broader One Health vision, which links human, animal, and environmental health.
Similar Coverage
IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Programme (ISG) selects 10 startups for Paris residency (Mid of April)▼
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the selection of 10 startups for the second cohort of the IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Programme (ISG).
The ISG is developed in collaboration with HEC Paris and Station F, Paris, which is the world's largest startup campus.
The programme is a component of the IndiaAI Mission's Startup Financing Pillar and aligns with the National AI Strategy.
Selected startups will undergo a three-week online preparatory phase followed by a three-month immersive residency at Station F in Paris.
The 10 selected startups are: AI Health Highway India Pvt Ltd (AI-enabled smart stethoscope), Awiros (Vision AI platform), Cognecto (AI-driven infrastructure intelligence), Flaunt (Multimodal AI agents for beauty, fashion, and digital marketing), GreenFi.ai/Climateforce Technologies Pvt Ltd (ESG compliance and risk management), Infiheal Healthtech Pvt Ltd (AI mental health companion 'Healo'), InLustro Learning Pvt Ltd (AI-powered job simulation platform), PredCo (AI compliance for manufacturing), SkyServe/Hyspace Technologies Pvt Ltd (AI infrastructure for Earth and space monitoring), and TestAIng Solutions Pvt Ltd (QA and compliance for responsible AI).
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Launches AI Pathogen Tool and New Clinical Trial Mandates (Start of May)▼
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven pathogen detection tool designed to predict the spread of serious diseases and future pandemics.
A new mandate from the ICMR requires medical clinical trials to prioritise Indian body types and lifestyles to ensure greater accuracy in health data.
The ICMR has commenced human trials for an improved vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), an infectious disease prevalent in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra.
The ICMR announced a syndromic surveillance plan that uses priority-wise categorisation of pathogens to identify and catch potential outbreaks before they spread.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General (DG) of the ICMR and Secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR), advocated for a robust One Health approach to strengthen India's pandemic preparedness.
IndiaAI and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Partner for Responsible AI in Healthcare (Start of May)▼
IndiaAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to advance healthcare outcomes through the responsible and scalable application of artificial intelligence (AI).
The collaboration integrates IndiaAI's technology infrastructure and AI ecosystem with ICMR's biomedical research expertise and its Medical Information Data for AI Solutions (MIDAS) framework.
ICMR will contribute anonymised health research datasets, AI models, and toolkits developed under the MIDAS framework to the AIKosh platform for broader access by researchers and startups.
IndiaAI will provide ICMR with access to GPU-based and high-performance computing infrastructure at subsidised rates to address infrastructure gaps in scaling advanced AI research.
IndiaAI and ICMR's National Institute for Research in Digital Health and Data Sciences (NIRDHDS) are recognised as Pioneer Countries under the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network (GRN).
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) launches first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura to strengthen State-led innovation ecosystem (Start of March)▼
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog launched the first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura at the Hapania International Exhibition Centre in Agartala.
SIM is part of the approved AIM 2.0 programme under NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission (SSM) and will be institutionalised under the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT).
T-NEST (Tripura – Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Startups), a dedicated incubation and innovation facility, was inaugurated to incubate startups and promote Make from Tripura solutions.
Innovation Centres will be created in each of Tripura’s 8 districts and linked to T-NEST to promote innovation among women and tribal communities.
Tripura launched one of India’s first District Innovator Fellowships (DIF) to identify and nurture grassroots innovators with structured lifecycle support.
Tripura will formulate a State AI Policy aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of responsible and inclusive AI and establish an AI City in Agartala with support from global technology enablers.
SIM will support Tripura in strengthening innovation education and entrepreneurial exposure from the school level and enable startups to access infrastructure, mentorship, and funding support.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Revises Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Guidelines to Allow Institutional Investors
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has modified the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) guidelines to allow large institutional investors to bid for highway projects.
The revised norms permit sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, infrastructure funds, private equity, and Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) to participate in BOT projects under the public-private-partnership (PPP) model.
Previously, these large-scale funds were only permitted to bid for Toll, Operate and Transfer (TOT) projects.
The policy change follows the failure of four highway projects worth ₹22,000 crore to attract private bids due to concerns over contract terms.
Under the new framework, institutional investors will be assessed on financial strength, while technical construction qualifications can be fulfilled through engineering partners or concessionaires.
Similar Coverage
Supreme Court declares right to safe road travel part of right to life on April 13 (End of April)▼
The Supreme Court (SC) declared the right to safe road travel as part of the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The order was issued on April 13 by a Bench comprising Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice AS Chandurkar.
The SC directed the constitution of a district highway safety task force in every district across India within seven days.
The district highway safety task force comprises officers from the district administration, police, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Public Works Department (PWD), and local bodies.
The SC prohibited the construction or operation of any new dhaba, eatery, or commercial structure within the Right of Way (ROW) of any national highway.
District magistrates are required to enforce the removal of unauthorised structures within 60 days as per the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002 (CNH Act) and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated August 7, 2025.
Heavy or commercial vehicles are banned from parking or stopping on any national highway carriageway or paved shoulder, except at designated bays, lay-byes, or wayside amenities.
Enforcement of parking rules will be managed through the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) using real-time alerts, GPS timestamped photographic evidence, and integrated eChallan generation.
National highways constitute two per cent of India's total road length but account for nearly 30 per cent of all road fatalities.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) must file a compliance report within 75 days.
The SC initiated a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) following accidents on November 2 near Mathoda in Phalodi district, Rajasthan, and on November 3 on Mirjalguda-Khanapur road near Chevella in Rangareddy district, Telangana.
National Highway Quality Monitoring Portal launched with Mobile Quality Control Vans (End of February)▼
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) rolled out Mobile Quality Control Vans (MQCVs) to monitor National Highway quality.
Pilot runs are underway in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Odisha.
Each MQCV is equipped with non-destructive testing tools such as ultrasonic pulse velocity meters, rebound hammers, asphalt density gauges and reflectometers.
MoRTH is developing a National Highway Quality Monitoring Portal with real-time GPS tracking of the vans.
Test results will be shared with MoRTH field offices for corrective action on quality deficiencies.
National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 amended to reduce toll on partially operational Expressways (Mid of February)▼
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 with effect from 15 February 2026.
On partially operational National Expressways, toll will now be levied only on the completed stretch at the lower rate applicable to regular National Highways instead of the 25 per cent higher Expressway rate.
The amendment will remain valid for up to one year from its enforcement date or until the Expressway becomes fully operational, whichever is earlier.
Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system: reduces travel time and decongests highways (Start of May)▼
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) operationalised India's first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system at the Choryasi toll plaza on the Surat–Bharuch section of NH-48 in Gujarat on May 1, 2026.
The MLFF system uses high-performance Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to read FASTag and Vehicle Registration Number, removing the need for boom barriers and vehicles to stop for toll collection.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued new National Highway Fee rules for unpaid user fees: commuters must pay double the applicable toll amount, but if paid within 72 hours, only the original fee applies; an e-notice with vehicle details is issued, and a grievance redressal mechanism allows challenging the e-notice within 72 hours.
Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) has awarded MLFF contracts for toll plazas at Gharaunda (Haryana), Boariach (Gujarat), Daulatpura, Manoharpura, Shahjahanpur (Rajasthan), Mundaka (Delhi), Nemili, Chenasamudram, Paranur (Tamil Nadu), Kasepalli, Amakathadu, Marur (Andhra Pradesh), Chalakwadi, Hiwargaon Pavsa (Maharashtra), and Badarpur Faridabad (Haryana); bids have been invited for an additional 108 fee plazas.
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, the MLFF is projected to be implemented across all four-lane and above national highways and expressways by March 2029.
Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G Act): Guaranteed wage employment increased to 125 days
Key Updates:
The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G Act), 2025, will come into force across India from July 1, 2026, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Under the VB-G RAM G Act, every rural household whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work is entitled to 125 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year, increased from 100 days under MGNREGA.
The scheme focuses on four broad categories of works: water security projects, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, and extreme weather mitigation works.
Local development is managed through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs) prepared by Gram Panchayats and approved by Gram Sabhas, with attendance captured via a face authentication-based system.
Funding patterns are 90:10 for northeastern and Himalayan states, 60:40 for other states and Union Territories with legislatures, and 100 per cent central funding for Union Territories without legislatures.
Similar Coverage
Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0: Rs 18,100 Crore Outlay (Start of May)▼
The Union Cabinet approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore to address short-term liquidity mismatches caused by the West Asia Crisis.
Eligible borrowers include Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), non-MSMEs with existing working capital limits, and scheduled passenger airlines with outstanding credit facilities as of March 31, 2026.
The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) will provide fee-free guarantee coverage of 100% for MSMEs and 90% for non-MSMEs and the airline sector.
MSMEs and non-MSMEs can avail additional credit up to 20% of peak working capital utilised during the fourth quarter of FY26 (capped at Rs 100 crore), while airlines can avail up to 100% additional credit (capped at Rs 1,500 crore).
The loan tenure is five years with a one-year moratorium for MSMEs and non-MSMEs, and seven years with a two-year moratorium for airlines.
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 withdrawn from Lok Sabha for amendment. (Mid of March)▼
The Union Government withdrew the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 from the Lok Sabha on a Tuesday.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal moved the withdrawal, which the House approved by voice vote.
The withdrawal followed recommendations from a select committee, and the bill is expected to be reintroduced after incorporating those changes.
Maharashtra government launched the ₹65.25 crore 'Majha Gaon, Arogyasampann Gaon' rural healthcare initiative on World Health Day.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the campaign in Mumbai in the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar.
Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar outlined the campaign’s vision to strengthen rural healthcare systems and make villages disease-free.
The initiative emphasises preventive healthcare including sanitation, clean drinking water, wastewater management, nutrition, and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
It prioritises maternal and child health, mental health, and lifestyle-related illnesses.
Administrative committees have been set up from state to village level for implementation.
Villages meeting predefined health indicators will be recognised as 'Arogyasampann Gaon'.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) Extended with Revised Outlay of ₹83,977 Crore (Mid of April)▼
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) until March 2028.
The total financial outlay for the scheme has been revised to ₹83,977 crore, marking an increase from the previous allocation of ₹80,250 crore.
The extension aims to complete rural road and bridge projects to improve connectivity to agricultural markets, higher secondary schools, and hospitals.
Infrastructure works in plain areas and roads in hilly regions are scheduled for completion by March 2028, while bridge construction in hilly areas has been extended until March 2029.
The government will sanction and implement 161 long-span bridges along approved road alignments at an estimated cost of ₹961 crore.
Projects sanctioned before 31 March 2025 that have not yet been awarded are now eligible for tendering and execution under the extended period.
One Case One Data and Su Sahay AI Chatbot for Judicial Data Integration and Access
Key Updates:
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant announced the "One Case One Data" initiative to strengthen judicial data integration and improve public access to court services.
The "One Case One Data" initiative will integrate multi-level information from all high courts, district courts, and taluka courts into a unified system.
The "One Case One Data" initiative aims to create a comprehensive and interconnected digital database to develop an efficient case management system.
The judiciary launched "Su Sahay", an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered assistance chatbot integrated with the Supreme Court website to facilitate easier access to justice and court-related services for litigants.
The "Su Sahay" chatbot was developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in collaboration with the Supreme Court Registry to provide front-end guidelines and guidance for accessing essential services of the Supreme Court.
Similar Coverage
SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application for real-time data collection and monitoring (End of April)▼
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE) launched the SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application.
The application was launched during the Chintan Shivir held in Chandigarh from 24th to 26th April 2026.
The tool was developed under the SMILE–Beggary Sub-Scheme (Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging).
The application aims to strengthen field-level implementation through real-time data collection and improved monitoring.
It enables district authorities and implementing agencies to capture survey data digitally to ensure accuracy, transparency, and timely reporting.
The initiative aligns with the Government’s vision of achieving a Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launches SUPCOMS, e-adjudication portal, and C-SAC platforms (Mid of April)▼
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman launched three IT platforms on 24 March.
SUPCOMS replaces email-centric interactions and centralises all official communications with external entities.
The e-adjudication portal digitally enables quasi-judicial proceedings and allows entities to download Show Cause Notices, submit replies, and attend online hearings.
C-SAC is an AI-enabled platform that analyses cyber audit reports submitted on the SI Portal, identifies compliance gaps, and provides risk scores to strengthen cybersecurity supervision.
Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0: Uttarakhand Ranks First Nationally (Start of March)▼
Uttarakhand has secured the first position in the national implementation of the ICJS 2.0 with a score of 93.46, as per data up to January 2026.
The ranking was published in the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS)/ICJS Progress Dashboard of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
The top five performing states are Uttarakhand (93.46), Haryana (93.41), Assam (93.16), Sikkim (91.82), and Madhya Pradesh (90.55).
The implementation covers the new criminal laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
The ICJS 2.0 framework employs a One Data, One Entry mechanism to integrate data across Police (CCTNS), e-Courts, e-Prisons, e-Prosecution, and e-Forensics.
The e-Sakshya mobile application is used for mandatory videography of crime scenes and secure storage of digital evidence.
The state has introduced Nyaya Shruti for virtual court hearings and prioritised the use of forensic mobile vans.
More than 23,000 police personnel in Uttarakhand have been trained on the provisions of the new legal framework.
Saksham Skill Census Launched to Create Livelihood Intelligence Framework (Start of March)▼
The Saksham Skill Census, India’s first AI-powered skill census, was launched at RD National College, Bandra West, Mumbai Suburban’s H-West Ward.
The initiative employs AI technology and GIS mapping to divide areas into hyperlocal regions for data collection.
Enumerators will conduct door-to-door surveys using an AI tool named Arc, while residents can also participate through virtual self-surveys.
Hon. Minister of IT, Shri Ashish Shelar, and Mumbai Suburban District Collector, Shri Saurabh Katiyar IAS, attended the launch event.
Ashwin Srivastava, Founder of Sapio Analytics, highlighted the importance of equipping youth with essential skills and opportunities.
Uttar Pradesh Government Launches 'Tech Youth-Supported Youth' Scheme for Modern Training of Youth
Key Updates:
On National Technology Day (May 11, 2026), Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the state's aim to become India's 'Deep Tech Capital'.
Missions in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) have been launched by the Uttar Pradesh government.
The data center cluster initiative is underway in the state.
The 'Tech Youth-Supported Youth' scheme is ensuring modern training for youth in Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh is advancing in drones, quantum technology, green hydrogen, and med-tech under the mantra 'Innovate in UP, Scale for the World'.
Similar Coverage
Uttar Pradesh First Economic Survey: GSDP to touch Rs 36 lakh crore in 2025-26 (Mid of February)▼
Uttar Pradesh tabled its first-ever Economic Survey in the Assembly on Monday.
State’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) more than doubled from Rs 13.30 lakh crore in 2016-17 to Rs 30.25 lakh crore in 2024-25, registering a CAGR of 10.8%.
Per capita income doubled from Rs 61,142 in 2016-17 to Rs 1,26,304 in 2024-25.
State budget size rose from Rs 3.47 lakh crore in 2016-17 to Rs 8.33 lakh crore for 2025-26.
Public debt-to-GSDP ratio declined to 28% in 2024-25 from 29.3% in 2016-17, staying within FRBM limits.
Agriculture contributes 25.8%, industry 27.2%, and services 47% to the state’s GSDP.
Over 3.22 lakh jobs generated under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.
State signed MoUs worth over Rs 2.94 lakh crore at the World Economic Forum 2026 in sectors including data centres, renewable energy, defence manufacturing, and food processing.
Exports more than doubled from Rs 0.84 lakh crore in 2016-17 to Rs 1.86 lakh crore in 2024-25.
Ayushman Bharat covers 5.46 crore beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) oversees expansion of 20-plus expressways (Mid of March)▼
Uttar Pradesh has more than 20 expressways operational, under construction, or in the planning stage.
Yamuna Expressway spans 165.5 km with six lanes, completed in 2012 at an estimated cost of ₹13,300 crore.
Agra–Lucknow Expressway stretches 302 km and reduced travel time between Agra and Lucknow to about three and a half hours.
Purvanchal Expressway covers 340 km, connecting Lucknow to Ghazipur and passing through Sultanpur, Azamgarh, and Ambedkar Nagar districts.
Bundelkhand Expressway is 296 km long and supports the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.
Ganga Expressway will connect Meerut to Prayagraj over 594 km and is expected to be completed around 2026.
Proposed expressways include Lucknow–Kanpur, Ghaziabad–Kanpur, Ayodhya–Varanasi, Gorakhpur–Siliguri, and Gorakhpur–Shamli corridors.
Total expressway length in Uttar Pradesh could exceed 3,000 kilometres once upcoming projects are completed.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) launches first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura to strengthen State-led innovation ecosystem (Start of March)▼
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog launched the first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura at the Hapania International Exhibition Centre in Agartala.
SIM is part of the approved AIM 2.0 programme under NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission (SSM) and will be institutionalised under the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT).
T-NEST (Tripura – Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Startups), a dedicated incubation and innovation facility, was inaugurated to incubate startups and promote Make from Tripura solutions.
Innovation Centres will be created in each of Tripura’s 8 districts and linked to T-NEST to promote innovation among women and tribal communities.
Tripura launched one of India’s first District Innovator Fellowships (DIF) to identify and nurture grassroots innovators with structured lifecycle support.
Tripura will formulate a State AI Policy aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of responsible and inclusive AI and establish an AI City in Agartala with support from global technology enablers.
SIM will support Tripura in strengthening innovation education and entrepreneurial exposure from the school level and enable startups to access infrastructure, mentorship, and funding support.
Uttar Pradesh Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 9.13 lakh crore with focus on education, urban growth (Mid of February)▼
Uttar Pradesh finance minister Suresh Khanna presented a Rs 9,12,696.35 crore budget for 2026-27, registering a 12.2% rise over the previous year.
Capital expenditure accounts for 19.5% of the total outlay.
Fiscal deficit capped at 3% in line with the 16th Finance Commission's recommendations till 2030-31.
All primary schools to be upgraded into 'Smart Schools' under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
Rs 580 crore earmarked to establish girls' schools in blocks without Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas.
Nearly 50 lakh tablets and smartphones distributed under Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana.
Rs 3,500 crore allocated under Chief Minister's Urban Expansion and New City Promotion Scheme for planned urbanisation.
Yashoda Programme and Human Milk Banks: Promoting Breast Milk Donation in Rajasthan
Key Updates:
The Yashoda programme has operated under the Norway-India Partnership Initiative since 2008, focusing on immediate and exclusive breastfeeding for maternal and neonatal care.
Jeevan Dhara, Rajasthan's first state-run human milk bank, was inaugurated at Mahila Chikitsalaya on 27 March 2015 in collaboration with the Norwegian government and JK Lon Hospital.
The Mother Milk Bank at Barmer District Hospital, established on 4 March 2018, has collected 29,882 units of milk and supported 3,165 newborn babies.
The Barmer facility stores human milk at minus 19 degrees Celsius for preservation up to six months, following HIV screening and infection testing.
In Bhilwara, the Aanchal Mother Milk Bank received 160.81 litres of milk from Raksha Jain between June 2018 and November 2023, supporting more than 5,000 feeds.
Similar Coverage
Sumitra Juanga featured in UNICEF India April 2024 story for transforming Talabaruda village health and social norms. (Start of April)▼
Sumitra Juanga, a 16-year-old Juang tribal girl from Talabaruda village in Odisha, led behaviour change on early marriage, nutrition and hygiene.
She promoted iron and folic acid tablet use among teenage girls and encouraged pregnant women to attend Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day sessions.
Her efforts achieved full immunisation of adolescent girls in the village, as reported by the UNICEF-supported Jiban Sampark programme.
The initiative was implemented by SEWAK NGO and the Women’s Organisation for Socio-Cultural Awareness in Talabaruda, home to about 5,000 Juang people.
India's first national cow culture museum to open in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura (Mid of February)▼
Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad will establish the national cow culture museum at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University in Mathura.
The museum will display approximately 100 digital and symbolic models of cattle including all major breeds and endangered species.
An exhibition dedicated to cow milk and its products will present scientific, nutritional, and Ayurvedic benefits using modern techniques.
A dairy parlour will offer visitors pure dairy products on the museum premises.
The project follows directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and aims to elevate the identity of the Braj region.
Andhra Pradesh Population Management Strategy: ₹25,000 Incentive for Second Child (Start of March)▼
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a proposed Population Management Strategy to address the state’s declining fertility rate.
The state government is considering a financial incentive of ₹25,000 for families at the time of delivery of a second or third child.
The proposed incentive will be part of a broader support package named Poshan–Shiksha–Suraksha.
The Poshan–Shiksha–Suraksha package aims to provide nutritional support, education assistance, and healthcare services to families and children.
The policy framework is designed to sustain the state's workforce, social stability, and economic growth by stabilising fertility levels.
Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana: ₹61,000 deposited from birth to graduation, maturing to ~₹1.25 lakh. (Start of March)▼
Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana will deposit ₹61,000 in stages from birth until graduation, maturing to around ₹1.25 lakh with interest.
Budget provision of ₹128 crore has been made for the Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana.
Girls living in child care institutions are also covered under the Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana.
Saheli Pink Smart Card issued free to eligible women for travel on DTC buses and other public transport systems.
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) authorised Hindon Mercantile Limited (MufinPay) and Airtel Payments Bank to issue the Saheli Pink Smart Card.
Free LPG cylinders on Holi and Diwali provided through DBT to eligible ration card holders in Delhi.
Around ₹130 crore transferred directly to beneficiaries’ accounts under the free LPG cylinder initiative.
Over ₹100 crore transferred through DBT to 40,642 beneficiaries under the Delhi Ladli scheme on 3 March 2026.
Around ₹90 crore transferred to nearly 30,000 girls in the first phase of the ‘Meri Punji, Mera Adhikar’ special drive.
Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons: Support for youth exiting childcare institutions
Key Updates:
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons at Village Cottage Home in Lajpat Nagar to assist youth leaving childcare institutions and orphanages after turning 18.
Eligible beneficiaries will receive assistance for higher education, skill development, vocational training, mentoring, counselling, career guidance, rehabilitation support, independent living assistance, emergency support, internships, employment opportunities at government institutions, financial support, and a monthly stipend.
The Delhi government approved the scheme under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
The scheme will be overseen by a state aftercare committee, headed by the Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, and district aftercare committees, headed by respective District Magistrates.
Delhi currently has 88 Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and two aftercare homes, one for boys and one for girls, to support the transition of young adults toward independent living.
Similar Coverage
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 Guidelines Released for Comprehensive Child Health Screening (Start of May)▼
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) released the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 Guidelines at the National Summit on Good Practices and Innovations in Public Healthcare Service Delivery.
The updated framework expands the established 4Ds approach—Defects at Birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental Delays—to include mental health conditions, behavioural concerns, and non-communicable diseases.
RBSK 2.0 follows a lifecycle-based approach to provide a comprehensive continuum of care for children from birth to 18 years of age.
Health screening services are delivered through Mobile Health Teams at Anganwadi Centres and schools to identify risk factors for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
The guidelines introduce digital health cards, real-time data systems, and a robust referral tracking system to ensure children identified with health conditions receive facility-based diagnosis and treatment.
100 Days Ayushman Student Coverage Mission to Expand Youth Health Coverage in Nagaland (Start of May)▼
Nagaland launched the ‘100 Days Ayushman Student Coverage Mission’ to expand health coverage for its younger citizens.
The mission is being implemented from May to August, led by the Nagaland Health Protection Society (NHPS) in collaboration with district administrations.
Registration and Ayushman card generation camps will be conducted in selected educational institutions.
Eligible students will be enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS).
The initiative aims to strengthen student health security through universal registration and improved access to healthcare benefits.
Annual Health Check-Up Initiative: Free health screenings for workers aged 40 and above (Start of May)▼
Union Minister of Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya will launch the nationwide free 'Annual Health Check-Up Initiative' for workers aged 40 years and above on May 7, 2026.
The initiative will be formally inaugurated from the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College & Hospital, Basaidarapur, New Delhi, with simultaneous events at 11 other ESIC hospitals across the country.
The initiative is aligned with the 'Shramev Jayate' framework and the four New Labour Codes, which consolidate 29 central labour laws.
The Code on Social Security, 2020, extends coverage to unorganised, gig, and platform workers and establishes a Social Security Fund.
Medical check-ups are mandatory irrespective of age for workers engaged in hazardous or dangerous operations, including those handling chemicals, toxic substances, or heavy machinery.
Delhi replaces Ladli scheme with Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, promises ₹1 lakh support for girls’ education (Mid of February)▼
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana effective from April 1, replacing the 2008 Ladli Yojana.
The scheme will deposit ₹56,000 in stages during a girl’s academic journey, projected to grow to ₹1 lakh with interest.
Deposits are ₹11,000 at birth, ₹5,000 on entry to Classes 1, 6, 9, 10 and 12, and ₹20,000 after completing graduation or diploma.
Eligibility requires the girl to be born in Delhi, family residence in Delhi for at least three years, annual family income not exceeding ₹1 lakh, and a maximum of two daughters per family.
The final payout is available when the girl turns 21 or completes graduation or diploma, whichever is earlier, even if studied outside Delhi.
The Ladli Yojana is being discontinued and the government is clearing pending payments under the earlier scheme.
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif announces May 10 as 'Marka-e-Haq Day' annually to mark 2025 conflict with India
Key Updates:
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that May 10 will be observed annually as 'Marka-e-Haq Day' to mark the first anniversary of the four-day conflict with India in 2025.
The conflict began after the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, prompting India to launch Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025.
India carried out airstrikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating at least 100 terrorists.
The hostilities ended with an understanding to halt military actions on May 10, 2025, following talks between army officials of both sides.
Pakistan PM thanked United States President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Chinese President Xi Jinping for their political support during the conflict.
Similar Coverage
Pakistan launches Operation Ghazab Lil Haq against Afghan Taliban (End of February)▼
Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq on the night of 26-27 February 2026, targeting Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar and Paktika.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed 27 Taliban posts were destroyed, 133 Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters killed and over 200 injured.
Afghan officials rejected Pakistani casualty figures and earlier claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers killed and 19 outposts captured including a headquarters at Anzar Sar in Khost province.
Pakistan reported two of its soldiers killed and three wounded, while 36 Afghan fighters died in the exchanges.
The clashes centre on the disputed Durand Line border with cross-border firing reported across Paktika, Khost, Nangarhar, Khyber, Bajaur and Waziristan.
National Chintan Shivir concluded at Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar (End of February)▼
The two-day National Chintan Shivir was organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs at Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar.
Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the NIGRANI App, Haj Wrist Band and AI Chatbots during the event.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PMVIKAS), National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), UMEED Central Portal and Haj modernisation were showcased as key minority welfare initiatives.
Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian described PMJVK as a transformative scheme for infrastructure development in minority concentration areas.
Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Chandra Shekhar Kumar, acknowledged the support of the Bihar Government and Nalanda University officials for hosting the Shivir.
State Ministers Imkong Mar (Nagaland), Kento Jini (Arunachal Pradesh), Samdup Lepcha (Sikkim) and Sukla Charan Noatia (Tripura) shared regional perspectives on minority welfare schemes.
The Chintan Shivir focused on five thematic areas: Infrastructure Development (PMJVK), Socio-economic Empowerment (PMVIKAS + NMDFC), Waqf Management, Haj Management and Scholarship Schemes.
International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism observed on 12 February 2026 (Mid of February)▼
International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism is observed on 12 February 2026.
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres released a message for the day.
United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy marks its twentieth anniversary in 2026.
United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremement marks its tenth anniversary in 2026.
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducts long duration scramjet combustor test in Hyderabad
Key Updates:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a long duration test of its scramjet combustor in Hyderabad.
The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and achieved a run time of more than 1,200 seconds.
This performance is a major improvement over the earlier 700 second test conducted in January 2026.
Scramjet engines enable missiles to travel at hypersonic speeds above Mach 5 by using oxygen from the atmosphere during flight.
The combustor utilizes indigenous technologies including Indian developed liquid hydrocarbon fuel, advanced thermal barrier coatings, and modern manufacturing techniques.
Similar Coverage
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveils advanced armoured platforms on April 25, 2026 (End of April)▼
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled two indigenous advanced armoured platforms, one tracked and one wheeled, on April 25 at the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) facility in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra.
The platforms were unveiled by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO.
Both vehicles are integrated with an indigenously developed 30 mm crewless turret and a 7.62 mm PKT gun, and are configured to launch anti-tank guided missiles.
The platforms provide STANAG Level 4 and Level 5 protection using modular ballistic and blast protection systems.
The vehicles feature amphibious capability incorporating hydro-jet systems for crossing water obstacles.
The systems were manufactured through collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Limited, supported by a network of micro, small and medium enterprises.
The indigenous content of the platforms is currently estimated at 65 per cent, with plans to increase it to 90 per cent.
The unveiling involved senior scientists from multiple DRDO laboratories, including the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, Armament Research and Development Establishment, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, and Research and Development Establishment (Engineers).
India to host 4th India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi on 31 May 2026
Key Updates:
The 4th India-Africa Forum Summit will be held in New Delhi from 28 to 31 May 2026, with senior officials meetings on 28 May, Foreign Ministers meeting on 29 May, and the leaders summit on 31 May.
Previous summits were held in 2008 (New Delhi), 2011 (Addis Ababa), and 2015 (New Delhi), with the third summit witnessing participation from all 54 African countries.
India has opened 17 new diplomatic missions in Africa since 2018, increasing its diplomatic presence to 46 nations across the continent.
India contributes nearly 5,000 peacekeepers to United Nations missions in African countries and has signed digital cooperation agreements with seven African nations.
39 African countries have joined the International Solar Alliance, and the summit will focus on cooperation in sectors including defence, trade, energy, space, and climate action.
Similar Coverage
World Bank (WB) projects India to lead South Asia with 7.6% growth in FY26 (Start of April)▼
World Bank (WB) forecasts India’s GDP growth at 7.6% in FY26 and 6.6% in FY27.
WB had earlier pegged India’s growth at 6.3% for FY25 in its October 2025 update.
South Asia’s regional growth is projected to slow to 6.3% in 2026 from 7.0% in 2025.
Regional growth is expected to recover to 6.9% in 2027, keeping South Asia the fastest-growing among emerging market and developing economies.
Bangladesh is projected to expand 3.9% in FY26 as it recovers from political unrest.
Bhutan is expected to grow 7.1% in FY26, driven by hydropower projects.
Sri Lanka’s growth is seen slowing to 3.6% in 2026 from 5.0% in 2025 amid rising energy costs.
Maldives is forecast to decelerate sharply to 0.7% in FY26 due to tourism, fuel prices, and financing pressures.
Nepal is expected to grow 2.3% in FY26, with a recovery anticipated as domestic disruptions ease.
Pakistan and Afghanistan will be covered separately in WB’s Middle East and North Africa update.
India to host 4th India-Africa Forum Summit on May 31 (Start of May)▼
India will host the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit on May 31, marking the first such event in a decade.
The theme of the summit is 'India Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation (IA SPIRIT)'.
The main summit will be followed by the Big Cat Alliance summit, which is expected to see participation from around 10 African countries.
Africa is currently the second-largest recipient of India's overseas development partnership support.
India has extended over 190 lines of credit (LoCs) amounting to over $10 billion to 41 African countries.
India has completed 20 projects worth $4.5 billion in priority sectors: power, water supply, agriculture, transport, rural electrification, and digital connectivity.
India and Brazil sign critical minerals and rare earths cooperation agreement in New Delhi (End of February)▼
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in New Delhi on Saturday.
Both leaders signed an agreement to boost cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths.
The agreement aims to reduce India's dependence on China for these resources.
Brazil is the world's second-largest holder of critical minerals after China.
Nine additional agreements were signed, covering areas such as digital cooperation and health.
Modi stated that bilateral trade will be taken beyond $20 billion within five years.
In 2024, Indian exports to Brazil totalled $7.23 billion, with refined petroleum as the main export.
Brazilian exports to India in 2024 reached $5.38 billion, with raw sugar as the main export.
India participates as partner country in G7 Foreign Ministers meeting in France (End of March)▼
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar represented India at the Group of 7 (G7) foreign ministers' meeting held at Abbaye des-Vaux-de-Cernay, France.
France, the current chair of the G7, invited India, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Brazil to attend the meeting as partner countries.
The EAM addressed the concerns of the Global South regarding energy challenges, fertiliser supplies, food security, and the cascading fallout of the West Asian conflict.
India highlighted the urgent need for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms, streamlining peacekeeping operations, and strengthening humanitarian supply chains.
The EAM emphasised the importance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the utility of India's free trade agreements with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the United Kingdom (UK), and the European Union (EU).
India and France agreed to continue close coordination to jointly work towards ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed his participation in the annual G7 summit scheduled to take place in Evian, France, from 15 June to 17 June.
The EAM held bilateral talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Additional meetings were held with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
The G7 comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the United States (US), and the EU.
The meeting acknowledged India's current role as the holder of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) presidency.
India conducts Samudra Pradakshina all-women tri-service global circumnavigation expedition
Key Updates:
The Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni is completing Samudra Pradakshina, which is India’s first all-women tri-service global circumnavigation expedition.
The crew comprises 10 women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF), led by Expedition Leader Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar.
IASV Triveni is a 50-foot yacht built in Puducherry that is expected to complete the 43,000-kilometre expedition in June 2026.
The voyage commenced from Mumbai on 11 September 2025 and covered over 23,000 nautical miles by 8 May 2026 with stops in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Cape Town.
The crew is scheduled to cross the equator twice and round three major landmarks: Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
Similar Coverage
INS Sunayna arrives in Male under IOS SAGAR to boost India-Maldives maritime cooperation (Start of April)▼
INS Sunayna, a Saryu-class Offshore Patrol Vessel, reached Male on Sunday as part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative.
The deployment is the first international stop of a 50-day overseas mission and carries 39 multinational crew from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
Prior to berthing, INS Sunayna and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard units completed joint seamanship training covering tactical station-keeping, advanced signalling, small-arms firing, damage control and firefighting drills.
During the three-day visit, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) will be held to consolidate maritime domain awareness.
The Indian Navy currently chairs the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) after assuming the role in February 2026.
IOS SAGAR is aligned with India’s SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the broader MAHASAGAR framework.
Indian Navy launches Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR with 16 friendly nations (Start of April)▼
INS Sunayna, an Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Indian Navy, set sail from Mumbai as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR.
Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, flagged off the ship carrying naval personnel from India and sixteen maritime forces of Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
IOS SAGAR harbour phase was completed from March 16-29, and the sea phase runs from April 2 to May 20 across the South-Eastern Indian Ocean Region.
Port calls during deployment include Colombo (Sri Lanka), Phuket (Thailand), Jakarta (Indonesia), Singapore, Chittagong (Bangladesh), Yangon (Myanmar), Male (Maldives), and Kochi (India).
Training modules cover seamanship, navigation, communication procedures, maritime safety, firefighting, damage control, VBSS operations, and advanced bridgemanship.
Indian Navy commences second edition of IOS SAGAR with 16 IONS nations (Mid of March)▼
The Indian Navy (IN) has commenced the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative to enhance collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Naval personnel from 16 friendly foreign countries belonging to the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) are participating in the event.
The IN assumed the chair of the IONS in February 2026.
The initiative supports the Government of India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR) framework.
The programme includes professional training interactions at naval training establishments in Kochi followed by sea deployment onboard an IN ship.
The sea phase involves operational activities, maritime engagement, and port visits to foster professional linkages and exchange best practices.
Rolls-Royce Plc Plans Up to $10 Billion Investment in India's Defence, Aviation, and Nuclear Sectors
Key Updates:
Rolls-Royce Plc (Rolls-Royce) aims to establish India as its fourth home market following the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.
The company has indicated an intention to invest up to $10 billion in India across the defence, civil aviation, and nuclear energy sectors.
Rolls-Royce is competing to provide engines for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and has proposed creating a local design centre with an Indian partner.
The company currently powers the SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft and Arjun tanks, and is collaborating with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) to supply marine engines for the navy and coast guard.
To support Airbus A350 aircraft ordered by Air India and IndiGo, Rolls-Royce plans to establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
The company is targeting the nuclear energy sector via its small modular reactor business under the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025.
Similar Coverage
United States' GE Aerospace to establish F404-IN20 engine depot for Indian Air Force (Mid of April)▼
GE Aerospace announced a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to set up an in-country depot for F404-IN20 engines that power the IAF’s Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fleet.
The depot will be owned, operated and maintained by the IAF, while GE Aerospace will supply technical inputs, training, support staff, spares and specialised equipment.
The facility is expected to remove dependence on overseas repair centres and significantly improve engine turnaround times.
The collaboration marks the next step in a four-decade-long partnership between GE Aerospace and the IAF.
Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Defence and Systems at GE Aerospace, said the company is committed to supporting India’s armed forces.
GE Aerospace also provides engines for the Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, MH-60R helicopters, the IAF’s AH-64 Apache helicopters and LM2500 marine gas turbines for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and P-17 Shivalik-class frigates.
Over the past ten years, GE Aerospace’s skilling initiatives have trained more than 5,000 people with core manufacturing skills at its Pune factory.
The company’s local two-year Edison Engineering Development Program has graduated 150 engineers.
In September 2025, the GE Aerospace Foundation, in partnership with United Way, launched the Next Engineers programme in Bengaluru to support 4,000 engineering aspirants.
GE Aerospace has approximately 1,400 engines in service with major Indian airlines and a Pune manufacturing facility with 13 local Indian partners.
The India Technology Centre in Bengaluru, operating for 25 years, develops aviation technologies for both commercial and military applications.
GE Aerospace’s global installed base comprises about 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines and employs roughly 57,000 people worldwide.
India and United States seal technical pact on fighter jet engine coproduction (Mid of April)▼
GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) have reached an agreement on technical matters for coproduction of fighter jet engines.
The agreement covers transfer of manufacturing technology for the F414 engine, with GE Aerospace owning about 80% of the engine's intellectual property rights.
A contract has been signed for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to set up a depot facility for F404 engines that power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
The sixth F404 engine has arrived in India, and GE Aerospace is focusing on timely deliveries while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Under the deal, 99 engines will be manufactured in India to power the Mk2 variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
The Indian Air Force (IAF) projects a demand for 120‑130 Tejas Mk2 fighters, which could increase the engine order beyond 99 units.
The first two squadrons of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are expected to be powered by the same engine.
GE Aerospace is interested in discussions with India to develop higher thrust engines of the 120 kN class for next‑generation fighter jets.
The final contract signing is expected in the current financial year, with HAL planning to set up a manufacturing facility in India within two years of signing.
The partnership between GE Aerospace and HAL spans 40 years, and the technical agreement is described as a landmark step for economic growth and national security.
India explores sixth-generation fighter partnership, AMCA RFP to be issued soon; DRDO ready for Agni-VI: Defence Secretary and DRDO Chief (Start of May)▼
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that the request for proposal (RFP) for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is likely to be issued soon to shortlisted private sector players.
India has reached out to two international three-country programmes for collaboration on developing sixth-generation fighter aircraft.
Singh said India is working towards developing a multi-layered conventional missile force spanning short, medium and long ranges.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chief Samir V Kamat said India's LR-AShM hypersonic glide missile programme has reached an advanced stage, with initial trials expected soon.
Kamat said the Agni-VI ballistic missile programme depends on a government decision, and the agency is fully prepared to proceed when approval is granted.
DRDO announces readiness for Agni VI ballistic missile and hypersonic glide missile programme on April 30, 2026 (Start of May)▼
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Samir V Kamat confirmed that the Agni VI missile project is ready to begin once the Centre grants approval.
Agni VI is a proposed next-generation, nuclear-capable Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of 6,000–10,000 km and advanced MIRV technology.
DRDO is making strong progress on the hypersonic glide missile (LR AShM) and initial trials are expected soon.
DRDO is working on two hypersonic programmes: the Hypersonic Glide Missile and the Hypersonic Cruise Missile.
The Pralay short-range ballistic missile system is in its final testing stages and could join the armed forces soon.
Pakistan announces May 10 as 'Marka-e-Haq Day' to commemorate conflict with India
Key Updates:
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that May 10 will be observed annually as 'Marka-e-Haq Day'.
'Marka-e-Haq' is the name given by Islamabad to a four-day conflict with India that occurred in 2025.
The conflict was triggered by a terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, conducting airstrikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), eliminating at least 100 terrorists.
Military hostilities ended on May 10, 2025, following an understanding reached through talks between army officials of both nations.
Similar Coverage
Pakistan launches Operation Ghazab Lil Haq against Afghan Taliban (End of February)▼
Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq on the night of 26-27 February 2026, targeting Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar and Paktika.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed 27 Taliban posts were destroyed, 133 Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters killed and over 200 injured.
Afghan officials rejected Pakistani casualty figures and earlier claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers killed and 19 outposts captured including a headquarters at Anzar Sar in Khost province.
Pakistan reported two of its soldiers killed and three wounded, while 36 Afghan fighters died in the exchanges.
The clashes centre on the disputed Durand Line border with cross-border firing reported across Paktika, Khost, Nangarhar, Khyber, Bajaur and Waziristan.
Eid Al-Fitr 2026 expected around March 20 (End of March)▼
Eid Al-Fitr 2026 is expected to be celebrated around March 20, 2026, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
The first Eid Al-Fitr celebration is believed to have taken place in 624 AD and is associated with the Prophet Muhammad after the Battle of Badr.
Saudi Arabia announced a four-day holiday for private and non-profit sectors for Eid Al-Fitr 2026.
International Labour Day observed on May 1 with theme Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment (Start of May)▼
International Labour Day, also known as May Day or Antrarashtriya Shramik Diwas in India, is observed annually on May 1.
The theme for International Labour Day 2026, selected by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment.
The day originated from the Haymarket Affair in Chicago in 1886, where labourers demonstrated for an 8-hour workday.
In India, the day is used to draw attention to issues including child labour, wage disparity, and the absence of social security for unorganised workers.
The article notes Chennai's worker movement in 1923.
The Indian states of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala observe May Day as a public holiday.
National Safe Motherhood Day 2026: Focus on maternal health advocacy and safe pregnancies (Mid of April)▼
National Safe Motherhood Day is observed annually on 11 April in India.
The day was first established in 2003 by the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI).
The date honours Kasturba Gandhi's birth anniversary.
The 2026 observance highlights the need for improved maternal care in underserved rural regions.
The day advocates collective action to prioritise maternal health and prevent preventable deaths.
India and Trinidad and Tobago Sign 8 MoUs During External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's Visit on 8-9 May
Key Updates:
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar visited Trinidad and Tobago on 8-9 May to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister (PM) Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
A total of 8 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in sectors including tourism, healthcare, infrastructure, and Ayurveda.
The agreements include the solarisation of the Ministry of Foreign and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Affairs building and cooperation in vector control.
Provisions were made for the infrastructure upgrade of Nelson Island and the establishment of an Indian Chair on Ayurveda at the University of the West Indies.
India provided machinery worth $1 million for an agro-processing facility and handed over the first batch of 2,000 laptops to selected schoolchildren.
Similar Coverage
India and Israel sign MoU to deepen defence ties ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit (End of February)▼
An MoU was signed between India and Israel to deepen defence ties and strengthen ongoing joint activities, including future seminars and cooperative initiatives.
The International Defence Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) within Israel's Ministry of Defense (IMOD) facilitated meetings between leading Indian and Israeli defence industries leading to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
SIBAT in cooperation with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and India's Ministry of Defence led a seminar and B2B meetings this week between leading Indian and Israeli defence companies.
The seminar was led by SIBAT Director, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, and brought together small, medium and large Israeli and Indian defence companies for substantive engagements.
The event featured representatives from 30 Indian and 26 Israeli defence companies.
The Indian delegation was led by Ramesh K, Director General of SIDM, and included J P Singh, Ambassador of India to Israel, and Gp Capt. Vijay Patil, Defence Attache of India to Israel.
Prime Minister Modi would arrive on February 25 on a two-day visit to Israel.
ASSOCHAM and ICCC sign MoU to strengthen India-Canada business collaboration (Mid of March)▼
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) signed an MoU on Monday during the India-Canada Business Roundtable held in New Delhi.
The MoU provides a framework for collaboration to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation between members of both organisations.
Both organisations will facilitate exchange of information on trade policies, economic laws, and investment opportunities in India and Canada.
Joint initiatives under the MoU include trade missions, business delegations, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, and workshops.
Notable attendees included Anil K Agarwal (Past President & Chairman, ASSOCHAM International Council), Kam Rathee (Chair of the Advisory Board, ICCC), Prashant Srivastava (President, ICCC), Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra (Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council on Education), Ed Jager (Trade Commissioner, High Commission of Canada to India), and Nina Tangri (Associate Minister of Small Business, Government of Ontario).
India hosts India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2.0 in GIFT City on 08 May 2026
Key Updates:
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2.0 on 08 May 2026 at GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
The summit was jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
MoUs for new partnerships and investments in the civil aviation sector were signed among Air India, IndiGo, Star Air, Bank of India, IFSCA, and Akasa Air.
India is projected to become the world's third-largest civil aviation market by 2035 with an estimated fleet of around 2,250 aircraft and leasing opportunities worth nearly 50 billion dollars over the next decade.
The IFSCA has facilitated the leasing of over 370 assets, with more than 40 aircraft lessors currently operating in GIFT City and transactions completed for over 200 aircraft and 84 engines.
Similar Coverage
International Rail Coach Expo (IRCE) 2026 inaugurated at Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai (Mid of March)▼
Integral Coach Factory (ICF) general manager U. Subba Rao inaugurated the International Rail Coach Expo (IRCE) 2026 at ICF ground in Chennai on Thursday.
IRCE 2026 is organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with ICF and is scheduled from March 12 to 14.
The expo, previously held in 2018, serves as a global platform for national and international companies focusing on sustainability, safety, and indigenous development with a quality-first approach.
Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC) secures licence for reinsurance business in GIFT City (End of April)▼
The Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC) has obtained a licence to undertake reinsurance business from the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) at GIFT City.
GIFT City is India's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and is located in Gujarat.
The licence to operate in GIFT City is effective from 1 April 2026.
The entry into India follows the company's recent entry into the Saudi Arabia market.
The India branch is intended to diversify revenue streams, improve service capabilities, enhance India-UAE economic ties, and expand bilateral trade and investment.
Charalampos Mylonas is the Chief Executive Officer of ADNIC.
United States' GE Aerospace to establish F404-IN20 engine depot for Indian Air Force (Mid of April)▼
GE Aerospace announced a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to set up an in-country depot for F404-IN20 engines that power the IAF’s Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fleet.
The depot will be owned, operated and maintained by the IAF, while GE Aerospace will supply technical inputs, training, support staff, spares and specialised equipment.
The facility is expected to remove dependence on overseas repair centres and significantly improve engine turnaround times.
The collaboration marks the next step in a four-decade-long partnership between GE Aerospace and the IAF.
Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Defence and Systems at GE Aerospace, said the company is committed to supporting India’s armed forces.
GE Aerospace also provides engines for the Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, MH-60R helicopters, the IAF’s AH-64 Apache helicopters and LM2500 marine gas turbines for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and P-17 Shivalik-class frigates.
Over the past ten years, GE Aerospace’s skilling initiatives have trained more than 5,000 people with core manufacturing skills at its Pune factory.
The company’s local two-year Edison Engineering Development Program has graduated 150 engineers.
In September 2025, the GE Aerospace Foundation, in partnership with United Way, launched the Next Engineers programme in Bengaluru to support 4,000 engineering aspirants.
GE Aerospace has approximately 1,400 engines in service with major Indian airlines and a Pune manufacturing facility with 13 local Indian partners.
The India Technology Centre in Bengaluru, operating for 25 years, develops aviation technologies for both commercial and military applications.
GE Aerospace’s global installed base comprises about 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines and employs roughly 57,000 people worldwide.
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) and Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management (AJNIFM) sign MoU to build FinTech and international finance talent for IFSC. (End of February)▼
GIFT City and AJNIFM signed an MoU on 18 February 2026 to collaborate on capacity building, academic engagement, and knowledge exchange in international finance, governance, and financial technology under the GIFT International FinTech Institute.
AJNIFM is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
A five-day Industry Immersion Programme for second-year MBA students of AJNIFM commenced at GIFT City as part of the MoU.
The programme offers exposure to regulatory frameworks, cross-border financial services, digital finance innovations, capital market operations, and institutional strategies at GIFT City.
The MoU framework includes joint research, executive education, faculty exchanges, and knowledge platforms.
International Day of Plant Health 2026 focuses on Plant Biosecurity for Food Security
Key Updates:
The International Day of Plant Health is observed on 12 May 2026 at the Sheikh Zayed Centre, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters in Rome.
The theme for the 2026 observance is Plant Biosecurity for Food Security and Nutrition, highlighting biosecurity as a safety net in agrifood systems.
Opening remarks for the high-level event were delivered by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero via video message.
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat guided the dialogue involving the Ambassadors of Brazil, Mexico, and the United States, and the Director General of the Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT.
Plant biosecurity supports the FAO Four Betters by safeguarding production systems, improving nutrition outcomes, conserving ecosystems, and strengthening resilient livelihoods.
Similar Coverage
World Pulses Day observed globally on February 10 (Mid of February)▼
World Pulses Day is celebrated annually on February 10 to highlight the importance of pulses in nutrition, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
The United Nations (UN) first declared the observance of World Pulses Day in 2019.
India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses globally.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), pulses currently feed over 3 billion people worldwide.
Pulses are defined as edible seeds from leguminous plants, including lentils, chickpeas, beans, peas, and pigeon peas.
Pulses are known as the poor man's protein because they provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive animal-based proteins.
These crops support environmental sustainability by naturally fixing nitrogen in the soil and requiring low amounts of water.
Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) appoints Dr Renu Swarup as Conference Chair. (Mid of March)▼
Dr Renu Swarup, former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, has been appointed Conference Chair for GCWAS–2026.
Dr Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has been appointed Co-Chair of GCWAS–2026.
Dr Raj S. Paroda, Chairman of Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), will serve as Chief Patron of GCWAS–2026.
Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary of Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, is one of the Patrons of GCWAS–2026.
Dr T. Mohapatra, Chairperson of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), is also a Patron of GCWAS–2026.
Dr Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), is another Patron of GCWAS–2026.
Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) inaugurated (Mid of March)▼
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the inaugural session of GCWAS-2026 in New Delhi on 12 March 2026.
United Nations has declared 2026 as ‘The International Year of the Woman Farmer’.
GCWAS-2026 is jointly organised by Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV&FRA).
The three-day conference aims to deliberate on strengthening policy frameworks to mainstream gender participation in agri-food systems.
President stated that girls comprise over 50 percent of students in state agricultural universities and over 60 percent in many universities.
President urged greater role for women in agriculture in policy formulation, decision-making and leadership positions.
President highlighted initiatives promoting women-led Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organisations as effective in women empowerment in agriculture.
World Homoeopathy Day 2026 observed on April 10 with theme 'Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health' (Mid of April)▼
World Homoeopathy Day 2026 was observed by the Ministry of Ayush at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on April 10, 2026.
The theme for 2026 was 'Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health'.
The day marks the birth anniversary of Dr Samuel Hahnemann.
Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav highlighted the role of research institutions Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH), and National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH).
Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha mentioned initiatives like the Ayush Grid for digital integration of the Ayush ecosystem.
Saudi Arabia Joins India-led International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as 26th Member
Key Updates:
Saudi Arabia is set to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as its 26th member country.
The IBCA was launched by India to promote coordinated global action for protecting major big cat species and their habitats.
The alliance aims to protect seven major big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
As of May 2026, the alliance includes 25 member countries, including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Russia, Kenya, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, and five observer nations: Kazakhstan, Namibia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Ecuador.
India's conservation efforts include Project Tiger and programmes for Tigers, Asiatic lions, Leopards, Snow leopards, and Cheetah reintroduction.
Similar Coverage
India to host first International Big Cat Alliance Summit in New Delhi on June 1 and 2 (Start of May)▼
India will host the inaugural summit of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in New Delhi on June 1 and 2.
The summit is themed “Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem”.
Launched in 2023 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the IBCA focuses on seven big cat species: lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and pumas.
The summit will result in the adoption of the “Delhi Declaration”, which is expected to be the first global framework dedicated exclusively to big cat conservation.
The event will involve participation from Heads of State, government representatives, more than 400 experts, and officials from 95 big cat range countries.
Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) sign MoU to strengthen geospatial tools for wildlife and forest conservation. (End of March)▼
Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Saturday.
The MoU aims to strengthen the use of geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and AI/ML-based tools in forest fire management, wildlife conservation, and decision support systems.
The signing took place during the 90th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) chaired by Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav in Dehradun.
SC-NBWL is a statutory body constituted under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, and advises the government on conservation and protection of wildlife and forests.
The committee considered proposals across sectors such as roads, drinking water supply, transmission lines, defense, irrigation, and other infrastructure.
The committee noted the status of key national initiatives relating to species recovery, habitat management, and institutional strengthening.
The committee deliberated on the dependence of nomadic and pastoral communities on Protected Areas and emphasized balanced approaches for conservation goals while considering traditional practices and socio-economic dependencies.
Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launches biodiversity conservation project in Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya (End of April)▼
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in partnership with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), launched a five-year project titled Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Securing Biodiversity Conservation Commitments.
The project is a joint initiative of the Government of India, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a grant of $4.88 million for 2025-30.
In Tamil Nadu, the programme covers the Sathyamangalam landscape, including the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
In Meghalaya, the project covers the Garo Hills, including the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park, and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary.
Conservation efforts will be integrated into Village Employment Councils (VECs), which are equivalent to gram panchayats.
Key objectives include strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions and Biodiversity Management Committees by mainstreaming biodiversity in local developmental plans.
The project aims to promote innovative financing through Access and Benefit Sharing (ACS) arrangements, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) co-financing, and green micro-enterprises.
The initiative focuses on advancing the economic and governance roles of women, scheduled caste, and tribal communities through knowledge management and capacity building.
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) launches short-term internship programme to expand Biodiversity Samrakshan Internship Programme (BSIP) (End of March)▼
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) launched a short-term internship programme of up to 3 months for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The programme offers project-based, experiential learning by engaging students with NBA’s ongoing biodiversity governance, conservation strategies, and policy support initiatives.
The Biodiversity Samrakshan Internship Programme (BSIP) is in its sixth cycle with 24 interns selected through an all-India competitive process.
BSIP interns are deployed across State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs) for one year.
Top-performing BSIP candidates can extend their internship for up to two additional years.
BSIP is implemented collaboratively by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The programme was first launched on 22 May 2020, the International Day for Biological Diversity.
NBA invests approximately ₹1 crore annually in these internship programmes.
Project Cheetah: Kuno National Park Becomes Global Model for Wildlife Breeding Success
Key Updates:
Project Cheetah was launched on September 17, 2022, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the world's first intercontinental translocation of large carnivores with eight cheetahs from Namibia.
The cheetah population at Kuno National Park has reached 57, including 37 Indian-born cheetahs.
A scientific breakthrough was achieved with the birth of four cubs to a two-year-old Indian-born female, marking the first second-generation birth and the first birth to occur entirely in the wild.
Key breeding females contributing to the population growth include Gamini, Jwala, and Nirva.
Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is being developed as a second habitat to create a Kuno–Gandhi Sagar landscape capable of supporting 60–70 cheetahs.
Early project setbacks included the death of nine out of the first 20 translocated cheetahs and the loss of ten cubs during infancy.
Similar Coverage
India’s Cheetah Population Reaches 53 as Jwala Delivers Five Cubs at Kuno National Park (Mid of March)▼
A Namibian cheetah named Jwala delivered five cubs at Kuno National Park (KNP) on 9 March 2026.
The birth of the five cubs has increased India’s total cheetah population to 53, crossing the 50-mark for the first time since the reintroduction began.
This is the third litter delivered by Jwala, who was translocated from Namibia to India in 2022 as part of Project Cheetah.
With this new litter, the total number of cheetah cubs born on Indian soil has risen to 33 across ten successful litters recorded since the translocation programme started.
Project Cheetah aims to re-establish the species in India after it was officially declared extinct in the country in 1952.
The KNP landscape provides a suitable habitat for the cheetahs with prey species including chital and chinkara.
Third batch of nine Botswana cheetahs arrives at Kuno National Park, raising India’s total to 48 (Start of March)▼
Nine cheetahs airlifted from Botswana reached Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday in an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft.
All nine cheetahs were reported in good health and received their first meal on Monday morning inside their quarantine enclosures.
With the new arrivals, India’s cheetah population rose to 48, with three relocated to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and the rest housed at Kuno.
Since 2023, 39 cheetah cubs have been born at Kuno, of which 27 have survived, including nine cubs born between 7 and 18 February 2026.
Adult cheetahs weigh 40–65 kg and consume about 15 kg of meat every three to five days.
Kuno National Park records ninth cheetah litter as Gamini births three cubs, raising India’s cheetah total to 38. (Mid of February)▼
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that South African cheetah Gamini delivered three cubs at Kuno National Park.
The births coincide with the third anniversary of the arrival of South African cheetahs in India.
Gamini is a second-time mother within the project.
The litter is the ninth successful cheetah birth in India, lifting the count of surviving Indian-born cubs to 27.
With these cubs, India’s total cheetah population has reached 38.
Project Cheetah, launched on 17 September 2022, is the world-first intercontinental translocation initiative to re-establish cheetahs in India after their 1952 extinction.
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan propose inclusion of Striped Hyena in CMS Appendices I and II (Start of March)▼
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have submitted a proposal to include the Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Appendix I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
The proposal will be considered during the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CMS COP15) scheduled for March 23-29 in Campo Grande, Brazil.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the Striped Hyena is classified as Near Threatened globally and Vulnerable within the Mediterranean region.
The global population of mature Striped Hyenas is estimated to be between 5,000 and 9,999 individuals.
The Striped Hyena is one of four species belonging to the family Hyaenidae, which also includes the Spotted Hyena, the Brown Hyena, and the Aardwolf.
The species is found across North and Sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia (Middle East), and Central and South Asia, including India.
Listing under both Appendices would obligate member states to implement measures to safeguard the species and its habitats through coordinated transboundary conservation actions.
Major threats to the species include habitat loss, fragmentation due to urbanisation and agricultural expansion, illegal hunting, and human-wildlife conflict.
Chinese Researchers Develop AI-Powered Technology to Convert Wastewater into Fertiliser
Key Updates:
Chinese researchers have developed a technology to convert nitrate-laden wastewater into ammonia for fertilisers.
The process utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify a super-effective dual-atom catalyst.
This development represents a significant advancement in circular resource recovery.
The AI-powered process is designed to tackle two major global issues.
The technology was reported as a development on 11 May 2026.
Similar Coverage
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar launches India's first fully integrated agricultural intelligence system (End of April)▼
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has launched India’s first fully integrated agricultural intelligence system.
The system was developed by the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI for Agriculture, ANNAM.AI.
The intelligence ecosystem comprises advanced weather stations called Swan, Krishi intelligence call centres, and the Annam chat engine (ACE).
The platform integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), climate science, and multilingual advisory systems.
The AI architecture consists of three layers: the infrastructure layer (micro-climate intelligence units), the intelligence layer (Krishi AI), and the engagement layer (ACE).
The CoE at IIT Ropar was established under a ₹990-crore national initiative to create three AI Centres of Excellence.
The system is currently operating in Punjab and is designed to reduce water usage by 20–30 per cent and prevent 9–12 per cent of crop losses caused by sudden weather events.
The ecosystem includes an offline AI capability that allows farmers to access insights without internet connectivity.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to organise Him-CONNECT in New Delhi from 25th to 27th February 2026 (End of February)▼
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is organising 'Him-CONNECT' as part of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) in New Delhi.
The event, scheduled from 25th to 27th February 2026, aims to connect researchers in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) with start-ups, investors, and policymakers.
More than 24 technologies, prototypes, and patents developed under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) will be showcased to over 100 start-ups and incubators.
Participating institutions include Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) at Guwahati, Roorkee, Jodhpur, Jammu, Ropar, and Mandi, and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) institutions CRRI and IHBT.
Other innovators represent Central Agricultural University (Imphal), National Institutes of Technology (NITs) at Silchar and Arunachal Pradesh, SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir, TERI-Guwahati, Kumaon University, and G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE).
Key innovations on display include eco-friendly road construction, treated wastewater use for hydroponic farming, and conversion of sericulture waste into burn ointments.
The showcase also features low-cost mineralised water purifiers, pine needle-based wastewater treatment systems, decentralised wastewater reuse solutions, and yak milk cottage cheese processing technologies.
The platform focuses on critical sectors including water security, climate adaptation, waste-to-wealth, sustainable building, renewable energy, and nature-based livelihoods.
The NMHS has supported over 250 action-oriented initiatives in the IHR over the last decade to address conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
Saudi Researchers Develop Electricity-Free Cooling System Nescod
Key Updates:
Researchers in Saudi Arabia have developed an electricity-free cooling system called Nescod.
The technology is designed to reduce the reliance on air conditioners.
Nescod utilizes ammonium nitrate, water, and solar energy to generate cooling.
The system operates without the use of compressors or constant electricity.
The low-cost system is intended to provide affordable cooling as temperatures and power demand rise.
Similar Coverage
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.
DPIIT and Voltas sign MoU to boost startup innovation in cooling and smart-appliance technologies (Mid of March)▼
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with Voltas Limited to strengthen industry-startup collaboration in cooling and smart-appliance technologies.
The collaboration will engage startups working on HVAC technologies, advanced control systems and power electronics, AI/ML-based diagnostics, IoT-enabled smart appliances, and digitalisation in manufacturing and service operations.
Startup India and Voltas will explore organising innovation challenges and hackathons through platforms such as the Bharat Start-up Grand Challenge focused on industry-driven problem statements.
Selected startups may receive mentorship, technical guidance, access to testing infrastructure, market linkage opportunities, industry validation, product development support, and participate in structured Proof-of-Concept programmes with Voltas engineering teams.
Startups can conduct field trials through Voltas’s service network to test, improve and potentially achieve commercial integration of new technologies.
Key innovation areas include energy-efficient cooling systems, air-quality monitoring and filtration technologies, advanced inverter control systems, predictive maintenance solutions, refrigerant safety technologies, and digital tools for installation and servicing.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, Director, DPIIT, and Mr. Mukundan Menon, Managing Director of Voltas Limited, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) signs $3 billion green ammonia supply deal with Samsung C&T Corporation (Mid of March)▼
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has signed a binding 15-year Supply and Purchase Agreement to supply green ammonia to Samsung C&T Corporation starting second half FY2029.
The contract is valued at more than $3 billion and is among the largest binding long-term green ammonia offtake agreements globally.
The deal supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and positions India as a major exporter of green fuels through a domestic clean-energy value chain.
RIL is developing an integrated new energy platform covering renewable power generation, energy storage, green hydrogen production, and downstream green fuels and chemicals.
RIL’s initiative includes domestic manufacturing of solar modules, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and electrolyser systems.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) marks 25 years; Power Minister launches RCO Portal and BEE Star Label mobile app (Start of March)▼
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) celebrated its 25th Foundation Day at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar presided as Chief Guest.
India has reduced emissions intensity of GDP by 36 per cent from 2005 levels and achieved 52 per cent non-fossil fuel-based installed power capacity ahead of 2030 target.
Policy measures reviewed include Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO), Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms, ADEETIE initiative for MSMEs, Standards & Labelling programme, and Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC).
Secretary (Power) Pankaj Agarwal described energy efficiency as India’s “first fuel”.
BEE@25 commemorative logo was unveiled for use in official communications during the anniversary year.
RCO Portal launched to strengthen monitoring and compliance under renewable and efficiency programmes.
BEE Star Label mobile application, developed with CLASP, enables consumers to scan QR codes on star-rated appliances for verified energy performance data.
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) approves restart of Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) Unit 2
Key Updates:
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) approved the restart and continued operation of Unit 2 at Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) in the Palghar district of Maharashtra.
The approval, granted on May 7, follows a major overhaul by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and authorises operation for a further period of 10 years.
TAPS is Asia's first commercial nuclear power plant, with Units 1 and 2 based on the Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) design and in commercial operation since 1969.
Refurbishment of Unit 2 included replacing reactor coolant recirculation piping with forged stainless steel and commissioning the Reactor Containment Filtered Venting System (CFVS) and Alternate Cooling Water System (ACWS).
TAPS Unit 1 was permitted to restart in late December 2025 and is currently operating at a rated power of 160 MWe.
Similar Coverage
Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) Bengaluru attains ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for biochemistry and haematology (Mid of April)▼
The clinical laboratory at Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) Bengaluru received ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for biochemistry and haematology.
CARI Bengaluru is the first institute under Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to achieve ISO 15189:2022 accreditation.
The laboratory currently holds National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation for 50 test parameters across biochemistry and haematology.
During 2025-26 the laboratory conducted over 1.52 lakh investigations serving more than 9,300 patients.
Outpatient department footfall at the institute rose from 18,918 in 2021 to over 51,300 in 2026.
Laboratory investigations increased from 2,770 tests in 2021 to over 1.55 lakh in 2026.
Indian Navy frigate INS Nilgiri joins Exercise Kakadu 2026 sea phase in Australia (End of March)▼
INS Nilgiri is participating in the sea phase of Exercise Kakadu 2026 in Australia during its deployment to the Western Pacific.
Exercise Kakadu is a multilateral maritime exercise hosted by Australia that brings together navies from across the Indo-Pacific region.
The exercise aims at strengthening interoperability, cooperation and maritime understanding among participating navies.
The Indian Navy will commission its latest stealth frigate Taragiri (F41) on 3 April 2026.
Taragiri, built under Project 17A by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, has over 75 per cent indigenous content.
The 6,670-tonne Taragiri is equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
India Pushes Ethical Scientific Research as Government Hosts National Conference on Laboratory Animal Welfare
Key Updates:
The Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA), under the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), organised the National Conference on 'Laboratory Animal Welfare: Policies and Best Practices' in New Delhi.
The conference emphasised the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs) in laboratory animal research to minimise animal suffering.
Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the role of effective vaccination programmes such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) control in strengthening India's dairy sector growth and export potential.
India remains the world's largest milk producer, and improved veterinary research and disease management are essential for sustaining dairy sector expansion.
The conference included technical sessions on 'Policies and Best Practices of Research on Animals and their Welfare', deliberating on national regulatory frameworks and international welfare standards.
Similar Coverage
World Veterinary Day observed on April 25, 2026 with theme Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health (End of April)▼
World Veterinary Day 2026 was observed on April 25, 2026.
The theme for the event was Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health.
The programme was organised by the Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (RAJUVAS) at the Postgraduate Institute of Veterinary Education and Research in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Animal Husbandry Minister Joraram Kumawat highlighted the expansion of veterinary infrastructure through new animal hospitals and mobile veterinary vans.
Key welfare initiatives mentioned include the Gopalak Card and the Mangla Livestock Insurance Scheme.
The state is implementing sex-sorted semen technology to improve breeding outcomes and reduce financial risk for livestock owners.
A newsletter was released by RAJUVAS during the programme.
Retired academicians G.C. Gehlot and Sunanda Sharma were recognised for their distinguished service.
Vantara launches world’s first global university for wildlife and veterinary sciences in Jamnagar, Gujarat. (Mid of April)▼
Vantara University, the world’s first integrated global university dedicated to wildlife conservation and veterinary sciences, was launched in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Anant Ambani, Reliance Industries Executive Director and founder of Vantara, stated that the university is shaped by witnessing animals in distress and recognising the need for greater capability in their care.
The university will offer undergraduate, postgraduate, fellowship, and specialised programmes across disciplines including wildlife medicine and surgery, nutrition, behavioural sciences, genetics, epidemiology, One Health, conservation policy, and naturalistic animal care environment design.
The foundation ceremony, conducted in accordance with Hindu traditions, brought together representatives from academia, science, conservation, and public life.
India to host first International Big Cat Alliance Summit in New Delhi on June 1 and 2 (Start of May)▼
India will host the inaugural summit of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in New Delhi on June 1 and 2.
The summit is themed “Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem”.
Launched in 2023 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the IBCA focuses on seven big cat species: lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and pumas.
The summit will result in the adoption of the “Delhi Declaration”, which is expected to be the first global framework dedicated exclusively to big cat conservation.
The event will involve participation from Heads of State, government representatives, more than 400 experts, and officials from 95 big cat range countries.
World Day for Laboratory Animals observed on April 24 (End of April)▼
World Day for Laboratory Animals, also known as World Day for Animals in Laboratories or World Lab Animal Day, is observed annually on April 24.
The day was established in 1979 by the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) based in the United Kingdom.
The date April 24 was chosen to mark the birthday of Hugh Dowding, a British Air Chief Marshal and anti-vivisectionist who served as president of NAVS.
The observance focuses on raising awareness about cruel animal tests and promoting advanced non-animal alternatives.
The week surrounding the day is referred to as World Week for Animals in Laboratories, Lab Animal Week, or World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week.
Pune to Implement India's First Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
Key Updates:
Pune will institutionalise India's first Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the Shivajinagar area of its central business district.
The initiative is supported by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) India under Maharashtra’s 2021 Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy and aligns with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
The proposed LEZ in Pune covers a 14.5 sq km zone from Shivajinagar in the north to Swargate in the south, and from SB Road in the west to East Street in the east, restricting BS-III and older vehicles.
Pimpri-Chinchwad is planning a city-wide initiative under its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Mathura-Vrindavan aims to restrict an 11-km stretch of Parikrama Marg to only electric vehicles and pedestrians by Diwali.
Varanasi will allow only e-golf carts and pedestrians on the 4-km temple corridor stretch between Maidagin and the main temple.
Andhra Pradesh is developing Clean Air Zones (CAZs) around hospitals, educational institutions, and marketplaces in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated ₹50 crore to five cities under its new EV policy to establish zero-emission zones and transition city bus fleets to electric vehicles.
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) India research indicates that LEZs can reduce emission loads by 85% for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 50% for carbon monoxide.
Similar Coverage
Envirocatalysts Launches Air Quality Dashboard Highlighting Ozone Rise in Delhi and NCR (Start of May)▼
Envirocatalysts, a Delhi-based research and public policy think tank, launched a public air quality dashboard based on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data since 2015.
Delhi's annual average ozone levels rose from 52 µg/m³ in 2021 to 66 µg/m³ in 2025, with peaks occurring in May due to photochemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.
Regional ozone increases were recorded in Meerut (53 to 76 µg/m³), Noida (54 to 74 µg/m³), and Muzaffarnagar (55 to 73 µg/m³), while Bharatpur recorded annual averages of 84 µg/m³ in both 2024 and 2025.
Between 2015 and 2025, Delhi's PM2.5 levels declined from 117.5 µg/m³ to 96.4 µg/m³, and PM10 levels fell from 244 µg/m³ to 197 µg/m³.
In April 2026, the highest PM2.5 levels were recorded in Ghaziabad (99 µg/m³), Gurgaon (92 µg/m³), and Faridabad (82 µg/m³).
PM2.5 levels rose sharply in April 2026 across Hapur (36 to 67 µg/m³), Meerut (55 to 84 µg/m³), Gurgaon (73 to 92 µg/m³), Ghaziabad (81 to 99 µg/m³), and Noida (53 to 66 µg/m³).
Reliance MET City’s Metropolis earns India’s first LEED Platinum pre-certification under LEED for Cities: Plan and Design. (End of March)▼
Metropolis by Reliance MET City, Haryana, received India’s first LEED Platinum Pre-Certification under the LEED for Cities: Plan and Design rating system, as confirmed by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The LEED for Cities and Communities: Plan and Design program evaluates large-scale developments at the planning stage across infrastructure, energy, water, mobility, ecology, and livability.
Metropolis is part of a 140-acre master plan within the 8,250-acre Reliance MET City in Jhajjar district, Haryana.
Reliance MET City hosts over 650 companies from 11 countries and supports more than 40,000 jobs.
Metropolis is located in Village Daryapur on MDR 123, 0 km from Delhi and 5 minutes from the KMP Expressway.
Nearby assets include AIIMS Badsa, the upcoming Haryana Orbital Corridor, and the proposed BCCI international cricket stadium.
Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy: Target Net-Zero by 2047 (End of April)▼
A delegation led by Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) Chairman C. Divakar Reddy presented the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy at the World Climate Cities Forum in Yeosu, South Korea.
The World Climate Cities Forum was organised as part of the Korea Green Transition Week.
The policy envisions transforming Andhra Pradesh into a global clean energy hub.
The state government aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2047.
Department of Commerce notifies special economic zone for Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing at Dholera (Mid of April)▼
The Department of Commerce notified a special economic zone for Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Pvt Ltd at Dholera, Gujarat.
Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing has proposed an investment of ₹91,000 crore to set up India's first chip fabrication unit.
The SEZ will be established on 66.16 hectares of land.
The project is expected to generate 21,000 jobs.
The government reduced the minimum contiguous land requirement for semiconductor and electronics component sectors from 50 hectares to 10 hectares.
Five new SEZs for the sectors have been notified, including CG Semi with a proposed investment of ₹2,150 crore.
The notified SEZs also include Kaynes Semicon with a proposed investment of ₹681 crore.
Micron Semiconductor Technology India is among the notified SEZs with a proposed investment of ₹13,000 crore.
Hubballi Durable Goods Cluster is among the notified SEZs with a proposed investment of ₹100 crore.
India Adds Record 44 GW Solar Capacity in 2025 to Reach 150 GW Total
Key Updates:
India added a record 44 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in 2025, bringing the total installed solar power capacity to 150 GW.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) attributed this growth to the PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
India's annual addition of 44 GW surpasses the United States (30-40 GW) and trails only China and the European Union (EU).
India's total solar capacity in the pre-2014 era was 2.5 GW.
India's crude oil import dependence is 85 per cent.
Similar Coverage
India records highest-ever annual wind capacity addition of 6.05 GW in FY26 (Start of April)▼
India added 6.05 GW of wind capacity in FY26, a 46% increase year-on-year.
The previous record annual wind capacity addition was 5.5 GW in FY17.
Total installed wind power capacity in India has crossed 56 GW.
Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra led the capacity additions in FY26.
The expansion included standalone wind projects and hybrid wind-solar installations.
Green energy open access supported demand from commercial and industrial consumers.
Government measures include concessional customs duty on key components and waiver of inter-state transmission system (ISTS) charges until June 2028.
The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) provided technical support for project development.
The record capacity addition supports India’s target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) ranks India third-largest renewable energy market in 2025 (Start of April)▼
India added 45 GW of renewable capacity in 2025, raising total installed renewable energy capacity to 250.5 GW from 175.9 GW in 2023.
Solar capacity additions in India reached 37 GW in 2025, making it the second-highest contributor globally after China.
India’s wind energy capacity increased by 6.3 GW in 2025, marking its highest annual increase.
Hydropower installed capacity in India grew from 52 GW in 2024 to 56 GW in 2025, while pumped hydro rose from 4.7 GW to 7.2 GW.
Globally, renewable share of total installed power capacity rose to 49.4 per cent in 2025 from 46.3 per cent in 2024.
Central Electricity Authority (CEA) projects 70% non-fossil fuel share in India’s installed capacity by 2035-36 (End of March)▼
Central Electricity Authority (CEA) report released on 19 March 2026 at Bharat Electricity Summit projects India’s installed power generation capacity at 1,121 GW by 2035-36.
Non-fossil fuel sources are projected to contribute 786 GW, accounting for 70% of total installed capacity.
Solar sector is projected to contribute 509 GW, coal 315 GW, wind 155 GW, large hydro 77 GW, nuclear 22 GW, gas 20 GW, biomass 16 GW, and small hydro 6 GW.
As of 31 January 2026, India’s installed capacity stood at 520.5 GW with 52% from non-fossil sources.
During FY 2025-26 (till 31 January 2026), 52.5 GW capacity was added, including 43 GW from renewable energy.
Peak electricity demand is projected to grow at 5.58% CAGR to reach 459 GW by 2035-36.
Total electricity requirement is projected to grow at 6.41% annually to 3,365 billion units by 2035-36.
Energy storage capacity of 174 GW / 888 GWh is envisaged, including 80 GW / 321 GWh of battery energy storage systems and 94 GW / 567 GWh of pumped storage projects.
Ministry of Power (MoP) records historic 52,537 MW power capacity addition in FY 2025–26 (Start of March)▼
The Ministry of Power (MoP) reported a record addition of 52,537 MW in power generation capacity during the financial year 2025–26 up to 31 January 2026.
The current addition represents a growth of more than 11 per cent in the total installed capacity and surpasses the previous record of 34,054 MW set in FY 2024–25.
Renewable energy sources accounted for 39,657 MW of the total capacity added, including 34,955 MW from solar power and 4,613 MW from wind power.
India’s total installed power generation capacity reached 520,510.95 MW as of 31 January 2026.
Non-fossil fuel sources now form the larger share of the total capacity base at 271,969.33 MW, while fossil fuel-based plants account for 248,541.62 MW.
The non-fossil fuel category comprises 263,189.33 MW from renewable energy sources and 8,780 MW from nuclear power.
National Technology Day observed on May 11 commemorates 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests (Operation Shakti) and technological milestones like Hansa-3 aircraft and Trishul missile.
Key Updates:
National Technology Day is observed annually on May 11 to commemorate India's successful nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998, collectively known as Operation Shakti, which made India the sixth member of the global nuclear club.
India conducted three underground nuclear tests on May 11, 1998, followed by two more on May 13, demonstrating thermonuclear and fission weapons capability.
The operation was led by aerospace scientist and former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
The day also marks the successful test flight of the indigenous Hansa-3 aircraft in Bengaluru and the successful test-firing of the Trishul surface-to-air missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared May 11 as National Technology Day in 1999 to honour India's scientific community.
Similar Coverage
Central Excise Day and Historical Significance of February 24 (End of February)▼
Central Excise Day is observed in India on 24 February to mark the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act of 1944.
The day honours the officers of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for their role in revenue collection and economic development.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) hosted a National Round Table Conference with State Election Commissioners in New Delhi on 24 February 2026 to discuss electoral reforms and the ECINET digital system.
A major tariff policy linked to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in the United States (US) was paused following a Supreme Court ruling on 24 February 2026.
On 24 February 1739, Nader Shah of Persia defeated Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah in the Battle of Karnal, leading to the seizure of the Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
Sachin Tendulkar recorded the first double century in men’s One Day International (ODI) cricket on 24 February 2010, scoring 200 not out against South Africa in Gwalior.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, causing significant shifts in global energy prices and alliances.
Pope Gregory XIII issued the reform that established the Gregorian calendar on 24 February 1582.
The US House of Representatives impeached President Andrew Johnson on 24 February 1868, marking the first presidential impeachment in US history.
Adolf Hitler announced the 25-Point Programme in Munich on 24 February 1920, marking the formal foundation of the Nazi Party.
Estonia celebrates its Independence Day on 24 February to commemorate the declaration of freedom in 1918.
Notable births on 24 February include Apple co-founder Steve Jobs (1955), former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa (1948), and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali (1963).
Historical figures born on this date include the traveller Ibn Battuta (1304) and the folklorist Wilhelm Grimm (1786).
The first Swaminarayan temple was inaugurated in Ahmedabad on 24 February 1822.
Global observances on 24 February include Flag Day in Mexico and the traditional spring festival Dragobete in Romania.
Indian actress Sridevi passed away in Dubai on 24 February 2018.
India to host North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj from May 4 to May 6 (Start of May)▼
The North Tech Symposium 2026, themed 'Defence Triveni Sangam', is scheduled to be held in Prayagraj from May 4 to May 6.
The event is organised by the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to showcase India’s military and technological capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the symposium, with Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh attending as special guests.
The symposium will feature live demonstrations of AI-based surveillance systems, heavy-lift logistics drones, and indigenous artillery systems to promote self-reliance.
The platform aims to connect the armed forces, academia, and defence manufacturers to strengthen the strategic ecosystem and support the Make in India campaign.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) completes second integrated air drop test for Gaganyaan crew module (Mid of April)▼
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully carried out the second integrated air drop test (IADT-02) for its Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
The test focused on validating the recovery mechanism of the crew module, ensuring safe astronaut return during re-entry and landing.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh congratulated ISRO on the achievement, noting Gaganyaan is scheduled for next year.
The first integrated air drop test was conducted on 24 August 2025 at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
During the first test, a 4.8-tonne dummy crew module was dropped from a Chinook helicopter at an altitude of three kilometres and descended safely via a parachute system of 10 parachutes.
Indian Air Force to demonstrate firepower in Exercise Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran on 27 February 2026 (Mid of February)▼
Exercise Vayushakti-26 will be held at Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on 27 February 2026.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy 77 fighter aircraft, 43 helicopters and eight transport aircraft.
A total of 277 weapons and 12,000 kg of explosives will be used during day, dusk and night missions.
Platforms participating include Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Chetak, ALH MK-IV, Mi-17 IV, LCH, Apache, Chinook and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
Advanced weapon systems such as Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM), Akash, SpyDer and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) will be showcased.
The exercise reaffirms the IAF’s role in long-range precision targeting and multi-domain operations using indigenous platforms in line with ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Activates 'Viral Shield' to Monitor Andes Hantavirus
Key Updates:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has activated the Viral Shield protocol, utilising a network of 165 specialised Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) facilities to monitor the Andes strain of hantavirus.
The measure follows the identification of two Indian nationals aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, who were evacuated to the Netherlands for quarantine as of 10th May 2026.
The Andes strain is distinguished by its ability for rare human-to-human transmission and typically spreads via the inhalation of aerosolised droppings from the long-tailed pygmy rice rat.
The ICMR uses the Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) protocol to detect the genetic signature of the virus before it develops into Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
The monitoring of the nationals is a precautionary measure under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), involving a 45-day observation window managed by the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.
Similar Coverage
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Activates Level 3 Emergency Response for Hantavirus Outbreak (Mid of May)▼
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified the hantavirus outbreak response as a Level 3 emergency activation.
The emergency response was triggered following international concerns linked to an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
The outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is the only known variant capable of limited human-to-human transmission.
Hantavirus typically spreads through the inhalation of contaminated particles from infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.
Severe cases of the infection can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a potentially fatal respiratory illness that can cause respiratory failure and shock.
World Health Organisation (WHO) reports suspected Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship (Start of May)▼
The World Health Organisation (WHO), led by Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reported three deaths and three illnesses following a suspected Hantavirus infection outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic.
Hantavirus is a rare rodent-borne disease transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings or urine that can cause life-threatening respiratory problems.
The cruise liner, operated by a Dutch company, departed from Argentina three weeks ago and is currently positioned off the coast of Cabo Verde in West Africa.
One case of the infection has been laboratory-confirmed and sequencing of the virus is ongoing, with one patient currently receiving intensive care in South Africa.
WHO is managing the situation under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, a treaty that outlines the rights and obligations of countries in managing public health risks.
National HPV Vaccination Drive for Cervical Cancer Prevention (End of February)▼
The Union Health Ministry will launch a special HPV vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls later this month.
During the first 90 days girls aged 14 years as per their date of birth can receive the single-dose MSD Gardasil vaccine free at government health centres.
After the initial 90-day campaign girls aged 14 years can book vaccination slots through the U-win portal at their nearest health and wellness centre.
The drive will cover 1.15 crore girls who turn 14 each year.
GAVI vaccine alliance is supplying 2.6 crore doses of Gardasil to India of which 1 crore doses have already arrived.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is continuing studies on a one-dose regimen using the indigenous Serum Institute of India (SII) Cervavac vaccine.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Launches AI Pathogen Tool and New Clinical Trial Mandates (Start of May)▼
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven pathogen detection tool designed to predict the spread of serious diseases and future pandemics.
A new mandate from the ICMR requires medical clinical trials to prioritise Indian body types and lifestyles to ensure greater accuracy in health data.
The ICMR has commenced human trials for an improved vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), an infectious disease prevalent in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra.
The ICMR announced a syndromic surveillance plan that uses priority-wise categorisation of pathogens to identify and catch potential outbreaks before they spread.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General (DG) of the ICMR and Secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR), advocated for a robust One Health approach to strengthen India's pandemic preparedness.
CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) and Research and Information System for the Developing Countries (RIS) sign MoU
Key Updates:
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Research and Information System for the Developing Countries (RIS) on 6 May 2026.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in science, technology, innovation policy, and diplomacy through joint research, policy analysis, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.
RIS initiatives include ITEC courses, iGOT Karmayogi training, Forum for Indian Science Diplomacy publications, and global partnerships through DAKSHIN and IBSA Fellowships.
CSIR-NIScPR focuses on science communication, policy research, affordable HIV drug innovations, traditional knowledge validation, rural innovations, and the management of 15 open-access journals.
Three documents were released: “India-Republic of Korea S&T Cooperation: Co-Creating the Future”, “Proceeding of Workshop on Strengthening India's Semiconductor Ecosystem: Policies, Challenges and Opportunities”, and a policy bulletin titled “The key drivers of particulate pollution from road transportation in Indian states”.
Similar Coverage
India hosts inaugural Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative on 5 March 2026 (Start of March)▼
The first edition of the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) was held on 5 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The initiative was jointly launched by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
Around 80 scientists, policymakers, diplomats, innovators and scholars from across the world participated in the closed-door event.
Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood chaired the initiative; co-chairs were Sir Peter Gluckman (International Science Council), Prof. Marilyne Andersen (GESDA) and Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale (BJP Foreign Affairs Department).
The first roundtable 'Science Diplomacy in the Era of Strategic Autonomy' was chaired by Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary in the PSA Office.
The second roundtable 'Science Diplomacy and Governance of Disruptive Technologies' was chaired by Prof. Marilyne Andersen.
ORF President Dr. Samir Saran stated that Raisina SDI aims to become a global platform for developing contemporary frameworks for science diplomacy.
The initiative is planned as an annual platform to explore science and technology roles in international policy and governance.
RRU and SSB Academy sign MoU to enhance national security training (End of March)▼
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Academy signed an MoU in New Delhi to enhance National Security Training and Accreditation.
RRU, an Institution of National Importance, will provide academic accreditation for training programmes conducted at the SSB Academy.
Both institutions will exchange faculty expertise, pedagogical tools, and specialised training facilities.
RRU will offer SSB personnel hands-on training through its laboratories and field-based workshops.
The collaboration aims to modernise SSB’s training curriculum with technology-driven solutions for border surveillance and internal security.
Science City of Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) inks MoU with CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) (Start of April)▼
The Science City of Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) signed an MoU with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) on 30 March 2026.
The collaboration aims to strengthen science popularisation and promote joint research in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy.
SCAP CEO Venkateswarlu Kesineni and CSIR-NIScPR director Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam signed the agreement.
NTPC signs MoU with Électricité de France (EDF) to explore nuclear power projects in India (Mid of April)▼
NTPC and Électricité de France (EDF) signed a non-binding MoU on 8 April 2026 to explore cooperation in developing nuclear power projects in India.
The agreement sets a framework for jointly assessing the feasibility of deploying EDF’s European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) technology in India.
The collaboration covers evaluation of technology suitability for Indian requirements, localisation opportunities, economic and tariff aspects, training programmes, site identification, and technical support.
NTPC has an installed capacity of more than 89 GW, with 32 GW under construction, and targets 149 GW total capacity by 2032 including 60 GW from renewable energy sources.
The MoU was signed by Arnada Prasad Samal, CGM (Nuclear Cell), NTPC, and Vakisasi Ramany, Senior Vice President, International Nuclear Development, EDF.
Urvil Patel equals Yashasvi Jaiswal's fastest IPL fifty record
Key Updates:
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Urvil Patel jointly hold the record for the fastest half century in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, both achieving the feat in 13 balls.
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored the 13-ball fifty for Rajasthan Royals against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023, and Urvil Patel achieved it for Chennai Super Kings against Lucknow Super Giants in 2026.
Players who recorded 14-ball fifties include KL Rahul (2018), Pat Cummins (2022), and Romario Shepherd (2025).
Players who recorded 15-ball fifties include Yusuf Pathan (2014), Sunil Narine (2017), Nicholas Pooran (2023), Jake Fraser-McGurk (2024), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (2026), and Abhishek Sharma (2026).
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who won the U-19 world cup for India, became the youngest player to score an IPL fifty at 14 years of age against Gujarat Titans in 2025.
Similar Coverage
ICC and CWI suspend Javon Searles, Chitranjan Rathod, and Trevon Griffith for anti-corruption breaches (Mid of March)▼
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have provisionally suspended Javon Searles, Chitranjan Rathod, and Trevon Griffith from all forms of cricket.
The charges involve alleged breaches of anti-corruption codes during the 2023-24 Bim10 tournament held in Barbados.
Chitranjan Rathod, owner of the Titans team, faces three charges, while player Javon Searles and official Trevon Griffith face four charges each under the CWI code.
Trevon Griffith faces an additional allegation under the ICC code relating to international fixtures.
Javon Searles previously represented the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2018 and played in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) from 2014 to 2019.
The ICC confirmed these charges are part of a wider investigation that previously led to USA batter Aaron Jones being charged with five breaches.
The individuals have been given 14 days from 11 March 2026 to respond to the allegations.
Rajasthan Royals becomes first IPL team sold for over 1 billion USD (End of March)▼
Rajasthan Royals (RR) became the first Indian Premier League (IPL) team to be sold for over 1 billion USD.
The acquisition deal is valued at 1.63 billion USD (Rs 13,500 crore), marking the largest ownership transaction in the history of the IPL.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) originally sold the franchise to Emerging Media Ventures for 67 million USD before the inaugural 2008 season.
The acquiring consortium is led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani and includes Rob Walton, the owner of the Denver Broncos.
Kal Somani is the founder of technology firms including IntraEdge and Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms Truyo and Truyo.AI.
Punjab Kings defeat Delhi Capitals to script highest IPL run chase (End of April)▼
Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets to record the highest successful run chase in T20 and Indian Premier League (IPL) history.
PBKS chased down a target of 265, surpassing their own previous record of 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) set in 2024.
Delhi Capitals scored 264/2, which is the highest total of the IPL 2026 season.
KL Rahul scored 152
off 67 balls, becoming the third player to cross the 150-mark in IPL history and the highest-scoring Indian batter in the tournament.
KL Rahul and Nitish Rana shared a 220-run partnership for the second wicket, the second-highest in IPL history.
For PBKS, Prabhsimran Singh scored 76, Priyansh Arya scored 73, and captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 71.
The match was held at Kotla in Delhi.
PBKS remains the only unbeaten side in the IPL 2026 season with 13 points from seven games.
Sunrisers Hyderabad defeats Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 (End of April)▼
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by 47 runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match held in Hyderabad.
SRH scored 242 for 2 in 20 overs, while DC scored 195 for 9 in 20 overs.
Abhishek Sharma scored 135 not out off 68 balls, including 10 sixes and 10 fours, reaching his century in 47 balls.
Abhishek Sharma became the first Indian cricketer to score two IPL centuries in under 50 balls, with his first coming off 40 balls against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.
Abhishek Sharma equalled Virat Kohli's record for the most centuries by an Indian in T20 cricket with 9 hundreds, surpassing Rohit Sharma's record of eight.
The score of 135
by Abhishek Sharma is the fifth-highest individual score in IPL history.
Abhishek Sharma is the second batter to hit 10 or more sixes in an IPL innings multiple times, following Chris Gayle.
Travis Head (37) and Heinrich Klaasen (37 not out) provided support for SRH, while Axar Patel was the lone wicket-taker for DC.
75th Anniversary of Somnath Temple Restoration observed on May 11
Key Updates:
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi will visit Somnath on May 11 to mark 75 years since the restored temple's inauguration in 1951.
The restored Somnath Temple was officially inaugurated on May 11, 1951, by the former President of India, Rajendra Prasad.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel initiated the reconstruction of the temple on November 13, 1947, at the site of the ruins in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat.
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv was held in January to commemorate 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple.
Special pujas will be conducted at the Somnath Temple for the next 1,000 days as a tribute to its civilisational journey and restoration.
Similar Coverage
PM Modi makes nine appeals in Karnataka (Mid of April)▼
PM Modi inaugurated the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandir at Mandya, a memorial dedicated to Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt.
He urged people to save water and manage natural resources efficiently for long-term sustainability.
He encouraged tree plantation under initiatives like ‘One Tree in the Name of Mother’ and stressed protecting Mother Earth.
He highlighted cleanliness as a shared responsibility across religious places, public spaces, villages and cities.
He promoted swadeshi and self‑reliance, urging citizens to adopt Indian‑made products and support domestic industries.
He encouraged domestic tourism, urging people to travel within the country to explore India’s cultural and natural diversity.
He urged farmers to adopt natural farming and promoted healthy eating with an emphasis on traditional foods.
He focused on yoga, sports and fitness.
He emphasised the spirit of service as essential for the nation’s development.
Bhupendra Patel released Gujarati biography of ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada. (End of February)▼
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel released the Gujarati biography 'Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada' in Gandhinagar.
The book chronicles the life, struggles, and global spiritual journey of ISKCON Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured Srila Prabhupada on his 150th birth anniversary by releasing a commemorative coin and postal stamp.
Dr Usha Upadhyay is the author of the biography 'Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada'.
Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa is the Co-Mentor and Vice Chairman of the Global Hare Krishna Movement.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation serves 5 lakh children daily in Gujarat and 23.5 lakh children nationwide.
Coffee Table Book on Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train launched on 23 February 2026 (End of February)▼
Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, launched the coffee table book 'Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train: Journey of a Thousand Shrines' at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, on 23 February 2026.
The book documents the Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train initiative under Indian Railways’ Bharat Gaurav Policy.
The initiative was conceptualised and driven by Dr. Anup Dayanand, IRTS (Retd.).
46 trips have been operated, carrying 28,786 pilgrims and generating ₹25.57 crore in earnings for Indian Railways.
CP Radhakrishnan Releases Shashi Tharoor’s Biography of Sree Narayana Guru (End of February)▼
Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan released the book titled The Sage Who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons, and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi on 19 February 2026.
The biography is authored by Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor and published by Aleph Book Company.
The book documents the life and social reforms of Sree Narayana Guru, a 19th-century spiritual leader from Kerala who campaigned against caste discrimination and promoted social equality.
The publication highlights the reformer’s central philosophy of one caste, one religion, one God for humankind and his initiatives in promoting education and temple entry for all.
The author noted that the work aims to preserve the civilisational memory and legacy of the reformer, which remains largely unknown outside Kerala despite its universal relevance.
Supreme Court Ruling on Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code
Key Updates:
Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was introduced in 1983 to protect married women from cruelty, harassment, and dowry-related abuse by husbands or their relatives.
Under Section 498A, cruelty by a husband or his relatives is a criminal offence, enabling the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and the initiation of legal proceedings.
The Supreme Court (SC) recently allowed criminal proceedings against a husband to continue in a dowry harassment case while quashing the FIR against his family members.
The SC quashed the FIR against the in-laws on the grounds that the allegations were too general and lacked specific evidence.
The judiciary has stated that criminal law should not automatically involve every relative unless there is clear evidence of direct involvement to prevent the misuse of criminal provisions.
Similar Coverage
MTP Act: SC suggests amendment to remove gestational limits for minor rape survivors (Start of May)▼
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, last amended in 2021, prescribes a general upper limit of 20 weeks for termination.
Termination may extend up to 24 weeks for categories including survivors of rape or sexual assault, minors, women facing change in marital status, women with disabilities or mental illness, and cases of substantial foetal abnormalities.
Beyond 24 weeks, termination is allowed only to save the life of the woman or for significant foetal abnormalities diagnosed by a state-level Medical Board.
The Supreme Court suggested amending the MTP Act to remove time limits for unwanted pregnancy due to rape of a minor girl, citing delays in reporting and trauma.
The Court clarified that statutory gestational limits do not constrain constitutional courts under Article 142, and that a medical institution cannot override the minor's autonomy.
Supreme Court (SC) Rules on Reproductive Autonomy under Article 21 (End of April)▼
The Supreme Court (SC) allowed a 15-year-old minor to terminate a seven-month pregnancy, citing reproductive autonomy under Article 21 of the Constitution.
A bench comprising Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated that a woman's choice outweighs the interest of the unborn foetus in such cases.
The plea was filed as the pregnancy had exceeded the statutory limit prescribed by the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.
The SC ruled that the right to make decisions concerning one's body is an integral facet of personal liberty and privacy under Article 21.
The court noted that compelling a minor to carry a pregnancy to full term against her will could inflict grave mental, emotional, and physical trauma.
The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) was identified as the official body for child adoption processes in India.
Gujarat High Court (HC) AI Policy Prohibits Use in Judicial Decision-Making and Judgment Drafting (Start of April)▼
The Gujarat High Court (HC) introduced a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy during a conference of district judiciary judges.
The policy prohibits the use of AI for authoring, generating, or substantially composing any judgment, final order, or binding legal ruling.
AI is barred from being used in judicial reasoning, bail sentencing considerations, fact-finding, or the evaluation and categorisation of proof.
The policy restricts AI to administrative roles, metadata-driven case allocation, and legal research of principles to improve justice delivery speed.
Judges and court officers are held personally responsible for the accuracy and appropriateness of any AI-generated content issued under their names.
The policy prohibits entering sensitive data into AI tools, including names, addresses, identifying information of parties, and privileged communications.
AI tools are permitted for code generation for Information Technology (IT) department tasks and drafting circulars or notices already in the public domain.
Supreme Court (SC) ruling on maternity leave for adoptive mothers on March 17, 2026 (Mid of March)▼
The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that all adoptive mothers are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, regardless of the age of the adopted child.
A bench comprising Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan read down Section 60(4) of The Code on Social Security-2020.
The SC held that the previous provision limiting maternity leave to children adopted below the age of three months violated Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India.
The court urged the Central Government to introduce provisions recognising paternity leave as a social security benefit.
The ruling established that maternity protection is a basic human right associated with the process of motherhood rather than just childbirth.
The judgment stated that adoption is an exercise of reproductive and decisional autonomy under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
Supreme Court ruling on Section 18 of SC/ST Act on May 11, 2026
Key Updates:
A Supreme Court (SC) bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan ruled that the statutory bar on anticipatory bail under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (SC/ST Act) must not be applied mechanically.
The SC clarified that Section 18 of the SC/ST Act, which restricts pre-arrest bail, depends on the specific facts of each case and the nature of allegations levelled in the First Information Report (FIR).
The ruling originated from an appeal against a Gujarat High Court order passed in March 2026 involving charges under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the SC/ST Act.
The SC bench noted that judicial scrutiny is required to assess whether the ingredients of caste-based offences are prima facie established before denying liberty to the accused.
The court reinforced that the embargo under Section 18 does not prevent courts from examining if a genuine case under the statute is made out based on the material on record.
Similar Coverage
Bihar Civil Nyayalay (Court) Bill, 2026 replaces colonial-era civil court law (End of February)▼
The Bihar Civil Nyayalay (Court) Bill, 2026 was passed unanimously by the Bihar assembly.
The Bill replaces the Bengal, Agra and Assam Civil Courts Act, 1887.
The new law seeks to modernise the civil courts framework in Bihar.
Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office Act, 2023: Challenge to CJI's Exclusion (Start of May)▼
The Supreme Court (SC) is hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioner Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office Act, 2023.
The Act, enacted by Parliament in December 2023, removed the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the committee responsible for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners.
Under the 2023 Act, the selection committee consists of the Prime Minister, a Union minister nominated by the Prime Minister, and the leader of Opposition or leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha.
The petitions challenging the law were filed by multiple petitioners, including the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Congress leader Jaya Thakur.
The SC noted that the Constitution bench in the Anoop Baranwal case had previously laid down an interim mechanism for appointments until Parliament enacted a law.
Supreme Court upholds full arrears of disability pension for ex-servicemen without three-year limitation (Mid of February)▼
The Supreme Court ruled that eligible ex-servicemen are entitled to full arrears of disability pension from the cut-off dates of 1 January 1996 or 1 January 2006.
The Court dismissed the central government's appeal and confirmed that disability pension is a recognition of sacrifice, not charity or executive largesse.
The Court held that pension is a deferred portion of compensation and a vested property right protected under Article 300A of the Constitution.
The central government had argued that arrears should be limited to three years under the Limitation Act, 1963, but the Court rejected this contention.
Supreme Court of India (SC) refuses voting rights to 34 lakh West Bengal residents with pending electoral roll appeals. (Mid of April)▼
The Supreme Court of India (SC) bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi declined to permit 34 lakh appellants excluded from West Bengal electoral rolls to vote in the 2026 polls while their appeals remain pending.
The Court was hearing petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal and a suo motu case on the gherao of judicial officers in Malda district.
Chief Justice Surya Kant stated that allowing excluded persons to vote would undermine the voting rights of those already included in the rolls.
Justice Bagchi clarified that appellants whose appeals are allowed by 9 April will be included in the electoral roll even if the decision comes shortly after the 6 April list publication.
The bench directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the West Bengal government to continue security for judicial officers until elections conclude and to withdraw protection only by further Court orders.
Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for those who Lost their Lives during WWII observed on May 8 and 9
Key Updates:
The Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for those who Lost their Lives during WWII is observed annually on May 8 and 9.
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly established this observance through Resolution 59/26 on November 22, 2004.
The dates of May 8 and 9 were selected to mark the anniversary of the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany.
The observance commemorates the victims of the Second World War, which resulted in the estimated deaths of approximately 40 million civilians and 20 million soldiers.
In 2010, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 64/257 to mark the 65th anniversary of the conclusion of the war.
Similar Coverage
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026 observed on May 8 (Start of May)▼
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026 is observed on Friday, May 8, 2026, commemorating the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The theme for World Red Cross Day 2026 is 'On the Side of Humanity'.
The first World Red Cross Day was celebrated in 1948, and it was officially renamed World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in 1984.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was established in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement operates in more than 190 countries and is guided by seven core principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day observed on April 26 (End of April)▼
International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed annually on April 26.
The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2016 to mark the anniversary of the 1986 nuclear accident.
The nuclear accident occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.
The disaster was caused by a routine safety test that led to a power surge and explosions destroying the No. 4 reactor.
The radiation from the accident spread across Europe and the Soviet Union, affecting Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.
The UNGA adopted resolution 71/125 on December 8, 2016, to officially designate April 26 as the remembrance day.
The first official observance of the day took place in 2017.
The term liquidators refers to the firefighters, soldiers, and volunteers who worked to contain the radiation and build the initial sarcophagus over the damaged reactor.
World Understanding and Peace Day observed on February 23 (End of February)▼
World Understanding and Peace Day is observed annually on February 23 to commemorate the founding of Rotary International (RI).
The first Rotary Club meeting was held on February 23, 1905, in Chicago by Paul Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey.
The 59th World Day of Peace, celebrated by the Vatican on January 1, 2026, features the theme Peace be with you all: Towards an unarmed and disarming peace.
RI selects 75 scholars annually for the Rotary Peace and Conflict Resolution Program to study peacebuilding and diplomacy at Rotary Peace Centers.
The six major humanitarian focus areas of RI include disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and peace and conflict prevention/resolution.
Theme of the Year 2026: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063 (End of March)▼
The African Union (AU) designated 2026 Theme of the Year as 'Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063'.
Agenda 2063 is Africa’s 50-year development blueprint for inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.
The Theme of the Year 2026 Concept Note was released on July 11, 2025.
C Joseph Vijay Sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Key Updates:
C Joseph Vijay, founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.
TVK is the first non-Dravidian party to form the government in Tamil Nadu.
The new cabinet comprises nine ministers: 'Bussy' N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, K A Sengottaiyan, K G Arunraaj, P Venkataramanan, C T R Nirmal Kumar, A Rajmohan, S Keerthana, and K T Prabhu.
S Keerthana is the only woman minister in the cabinet.
Chief Minister Vijay is expected to prove his majority through a vote of confidence on or before May 13.
Similar Coverage
Sunil Bajpai assumed charge as Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry. (Mid of April)▼
Sunil Bajpai belongs to the 1990 batch of IRS.
He holds a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Kanpur and an M.Tech in Structural Engineering from IIT Delhi.
He completed his PGDM from IIM Lucknow and holds an LLB degree.
He previously served as Chief Commissioner of Income Tax-5, Mumbai.
He has served as Additional Director of Income Tax in the Directorate of Systems.
He has served as Principal Additional Director General at NADT Regional Campus, Lucknow.
During deputation, he served as Joint Assessor & Collector at Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
He also served as Director at National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), Government of India.
PM Narendra Modi to visit Tamil Nadu on March 1; visit to Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple scheduled (Start of March)▼
PM Narendra Modi will arrive in Chennai on the night of 28 February and stay overnight at the Governor's residence.
On 1 March, he will travel to Puducherry to participate in a public programme and address a large gathering.
After Puducherry, he will proceed to Madurai and offer prayers at the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan.
Following the temple visit, he will address a grand public meeting in Madurai expected to draw supporters from southern districts.
The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to polls in the first half of 2026.
Assembly Election Results 2026 (Start of May)▼
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) crossed the magic number of 148 seats in West Bengal, where Suvendu Adhikari defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur constituency by 15,105 votes.
In Assam, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a third term by winning 81 seats in the 126-member Assembly, while the Indian National Congress (INC) secured 15 seats.
The TVK party emerged as the single largest party in Tamil Nadu with 76 seats, and its chief Vijay won the Perambur seat by a margin of over 49,000 votes.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) won the Kerala Assembly elections by crossing the 71-seat halfway mark, with the INC alone securing 63 of the 140 available seats.
The NDA is set to form the government in Puducherry after the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) secured 10 seats and the BJP won four seats.
PM Modi launches development projects worth ₹16,450 crore in Kerala and Tamil Nadu (Mid of March)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched multiple development projects worth approximately ₹16,450 crore across Kerala and Tamil Nadu on 11 March.
In Kerala, projects worth about ₹10,800 crore were launched, including the foundation stone for a Polypropylene Unit at the Kochi Refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) costing over ₹5,500 crore.
The Polypropylene Unit at the BPCL Kochi Refinery will have a production capacity of 400 kilo tonnes per annum to boost domestic polymer manufacturing.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the six-laning of the Thalapady-Chengala section of National Highway (NH) 66 (₹2,650 crore) and the Kozhikode Bypass from Vengalam to Ramanattukara (₹2,140 crore).
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), three redeveloped railway stations were inaugurated in Kerala: Shoranur Junction, Kuttippuram Railway Station, and Changanassery Railway Station.
The Prime Minister dedicated the Shoranur-Nilambur Road railway line electrification and flagged off a new train service between Palakkad and Pollachi.
A 50 MW floating solar project foundation stone was laid at West Kallada in Kollam district, Kerala, to enhance renewable energy capacity.
In Tamil Nadu, projects worth ₹5,650 crore were launched, including a City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network by BPCL in The Nilgiris and Erode districts with an investment of over ₹3,680 crore.
A Lube Blending Plant with a capacity of 672 thousand metric tonnes per annum, developed by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) at Manali for ₹1,490 crore, was dedicated to the nation.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), 23 rural roads in Kerala and 89 rural roads covering 370 kilometres in Tamil Nadu were inaugurated.
The Prime Minister flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains, two express trains, and a passenger train service to improve connectivity between Tamil Nadu and states like Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala.
The foundation stone was laid for a greenfield bypass near Gangaikonda Cholapuram on National Highway 81 in Tamil Nadu.
Himanta Biswa Sarma Appointed Chief Minister of Assam
Key Updates:
Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya appointed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Chief Minister (CM) of Assam.
The appointment was formalised under Clause (1) of Article 164 of the Constitution of India following the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) victory.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at 11:40 am on May 12 at the Veterinary College Field at Khanapara in Guwahati.
In the 126-seat assembly, the BJP won 82 seats while its allies, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF), won 10 seats each.
Union Minister JP Nadda served as the central observer and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini as the co-observer for the election of the legislature party leader.
Similar Coverage
Suvendu Adhikari Sworn in as Chief Minister of West Bengal (Start of May)▼
Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the Chief Minister of West Bengal on 9 May 2026.
Adhikari is the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hold the Chief Minister's post in West Bengal.
The swearing-in ceremony was administered by the Governor at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata.
The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly.
The ministers sworn in for the cabinet include Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtonia, Kshudiram Tudu, and Nisith Pramanik.
Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur constituency by a margin of over 15,000 votes and retained the Nandigram seat.
Depali Das receives Indian citizenship certificate under Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) (Start of March)▼
Depali Das, a 60-year-old resident of Cachar district in Assam, received a certificate of naturalisation under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
The citizenship was granted on the grounds that she entered India from Bangladesh in February 1988 due to religious persecution.
She had previously been declared a foreigner by a Foreigner’s Tribunal (FT) in February 2019 and spent over two years in a detention camp at Silchar Central Jail.
The naturalisation certificate was issued through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) CAA citizenship portal.
The proof of her Bangladeshi nationality was established using an official inquiry report prepared by a sub-inspector of the Assam Police.
The police report identified her original address as Parani Baniachung, Sylhet, in Bangladesh.
Himanta Biswa Sarma Resigns as Chief Minister (CM) of Assam (Start of May)▼
Himanta Biswa Sarma submitted his resignation as the CM to Governor Laxman Acharya at Lok Bhawan following the formal notification of the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 results.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a third consecutive term in the state by winning 102 out of 126 assembly seats.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the largest party with 82 seats, while its allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) won 10 seats each.
The BJP appointed J. P. Nadda as the central observer and Nayab Singh Saini as the co-observer to oversee the selection of the legislative party leader.
The Indian National Congress (INC) secured 19 seats, falling short of the 22 seats required to claim the post of the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly.
Suvendu Adhikari Appointed as West Bengal Chief Minister (Start of May)▼
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced Suvendu Adhikari as the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Minister of West Bengal.
The announcement followed the victory of the BJP in the West Bengal assembly elections.
The swearing-in ceremony for the new state government is scheduled to be held on May 9.
The Brigade Parade Ground has been selected as the venue for the official swearing-in event.
The party is reportedly planning to appoint two Deputy Chief Ministers as part of the new state leadership structure.
C. Joseph Vijay took oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Key Updates:
C. Joseph Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at Nehru Stadium in Chennai.
TVK emerged as the single largest party in the 2026 Assembly election with 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly.
The government was formed through a coalition of TVK, Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), and the Indian Union Muslim League Legislature Party (IUML).
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy.
The approved cabinet ministers are N. Anand, Aadhav, Arjuna, Dr. K.G. Arunraj, K.A. Sengottaiyan, P. Venkataramanan, R. Nirmalkumar, Rajmohan, Dr. TK. Prabhu, and S. Keerthana.
Similar Coverage
Inauguration of Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira – 15 April 2026 (Mid of April)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri in Mandya, Karnataka.
The inauguration was part of Modi's official visit to Karnataka.
The event was attended by large gatherings of devotees and officials in Mandya district.
Tamil Nadu Interim Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 2.55 lakh crore (End of February)▼
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu presented a Rs 2,55,391 crore interim budget for 2026-27.
Rs 4,000 crore allocated for the DMK’s flagship scheme of free bus travel for women.
Education sector received the highest allocation of Rs 57,039 crore.
Urban development allocated Rs 35,773 crore and health department Rs 22,090 crore.
Transport Department allocated Rs 13,062 crore in the Interim Budget Estimates.
Nitish Kumar to take oath as Rajya Sabha member on April 10. (Start of April)▼
Nitish Kumar is set to take oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10.
Senior National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders are expected to attend the oath-taking ceremony.
Kumar will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah during his Delhi visit.
After the oath, Kumar will return to Patna and hold a meeting with Janata Dal (United) (JDU) leaders.
Kumar is likely to resign as Bihar chief minister on April 13.
He is expected to attend Parliament's three-day special session beginning April 16.
Deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary is among the frontrunners to succeed Kumar as chief minister.
JDU may get the deputy chief minister's post and could also demand the Speaker's post.
PM Narendra Modi to visit Tamil Nadu on March 1; visit to Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple scheduled (Start of March)▼
PM Narendra Modi will arrive in Chennai on the night of 28 February and stay overnight at the Governor's residence.
On 1 March, he will travel to Puducherry to participate in a public programme and address a large gathering.
After Puducherry, he will proceed to Madurai and offer prayers at the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan.
Following the temple visit, he will address a grand public meeting in Madurai expected to draw supporters from southern districts.
The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to polls in the first half of 2026.
Rumen Radev named Bulgarian Prime Minister
Key Updates:
Rumen Radev was named the Prime Minister of Bulgaria on 7 May 2026.
He received the mandate to govern from President Iliana Iotova.
Radev secured the first outright parliamentary majority in Bulgarian elections since 1997.
The 62-year-old Prime Minister is a former fighter pilot and former President of Bulgaria.
He must implement anti-corruption reforms to unlock nearly €400 million in funds from the European Union (EU).
Similar Coverage
Bulgaria Parliamentary Elections 2026: Progressive Bulgaria Party Wins (End of April)▼
The Progressive Bulgaria (PB) party emerged as the winner of Bulgaria's eighth parliamentary election in five years held on 19 April 2026.
Rumen Radev, leader of PB and former president of Bulgaria, will be the next prime minister.
PB secured 44.7% of the vote and is likely to secure approximately 130 of the 240 seats in parliament.
The centre-right GERB party secured 13.4% of the vote, and the reformist PP-DB coalition secured 12.7%.
Rumen Radev, a former air force commander, has opposed providing military support to Ukraine and a 10-year defence pact concluded between Bulgaria and Ukraine in March.
The election was called after the cabinet of former Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced its resignation in December.
Bulgaria is a member state of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
Bulgaria holds Parliamentary Elections on 19 April 2026 with Progressive Bulgaria victory (End of April)▼
The Progressive Bulgaria (PB) party emerged as the winner of Bulgaria's eighth parliamentary election in five years held on 19 April 2026.
Rumen Radev, leader of the PB, will be the next prime minister of Bulgaria.
The PB secured 44.7 per cent of the vote and is likely to secure approximately 130 of the 240 seats in parliament.
The centre-right GERB party secured 13.4 per cent of the vote, and the reformist PP-DB coalition secured 12.7 per cent.
Rumen Radev is a former air force commander who served as the president of Bulgaria for nearly a decade.
Radev opposed a 10-year defence pact concluded between Bulgaria and Ukraine in March.
European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen commented on Bulgaria's role as a member of the European family following the election.
Rob Jetten became Netherlands' youngest ever Prime Minister. (End of February)▼
Rob Jetten, 38, was sworn in as the youngest and first openly gay Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
Jetten leads a minority coalition of Democrats 66 (D66), People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA).
The coalition agreement includes an extra €19 billion for defence and cuts in healthcare and benefits.
D66 will provide seven ministers, VVD six, and CDA five, with three state secretaries each.
Jetten succeeded Dick Schoof, who had overseen one of the shortest-lived Dutch governments.
He was formally sworn in by King Willem-Alexander at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague.
Nizar Amedi elected President of Iraq (Mid of April)▼
Iraq's parliament elected Nizar Amedi as the country's new president.
Amedi was nominated by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
He secured 227 votes in a second round of voting, while independent candidate Muthanna Amin Nader received 15 votes.
Amedi becomes the sixth Iraqi head of state since the removal of Saddam Hussein in 2003.
He is 58 years old and previously served as a senior aide to two former presidents and as environment minister from 2022 to 2024.
Under the constitution, Amedi has 15 days to task the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc with forming a cabinet, which must be assembled within 30 days.
Laura Fernández sworn in as President of Costa Rica
Key Updates:
Laura Fernández was sworn in as the president of Costa Rica.
Fernández is the second woman to lead the Central American country.
Outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves was appointed as the minister of the presidency and minister of finance.
Second Vice President Douglas Soto was appointed as the ambassador to Washington.
Kristi Noem, the United States (US) special envoy to a coalition of countries to combat regional crime, represented the US administration at the inauguration.
Similar Coverage
José Antonio Kast sworn in as President of Chile. (Mid of March)▼
José Antonio Kast assumed office as President of Chile on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
He defeated communist candidate Jeannette Jara in the December 2025 election and secured about 60% of the vote.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the National Congress in Valparaíso and was attended by heads of state including Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, Spain’s King Felipe VI, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado.
Kast pledged to implement an “emergency government” focused on combating crime and irregular migration.
He praised the U.S. operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and signalled closer alignment with the Trump administration.
Kast abruptly ended the transition process after a clash with outgoing President Gabriel Boric over a submarine cable project to connect Chile and China that had drawn U.S. criticism.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley secures third consecutive term after Barbados Labor Party wins all 30 parliamentary seats (Mid of February)▼
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley won a third consecutive term after her Barbados Labor Party captured all 30 seats in Parliament.
The general election was held on Wednesday, with results announced by state-owned media.
This marks the third occasion that the Barbados Labor Party alone secured every parliamentary seat.
Mottley was challenged by Ralph Thorne of the Democratic Labor Party.
Mottley expects Cabinet swearing-in on Monday and Parliament to reopen by the end of next week.
Under Mottley, Barbados became a republic by cutting ties with Queen Elizabeth II in November 2021.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Mottley and pledged deeper cooperation against transnational crime.
Jose Maria Balcazar Appointed Interim President of Peru (End of February)▼
Peru’s Congress elected Jose Maria Balcazar as the interim president of the country, succeeding Jose Jeri following his removal from office.
Balcazar is an 83-year-old former judge and professor who represents the left-wing Peru Libre (Free Peru) party.
He secured the presidency by obtaining 60 votes out of 113 cast in the second round of voting in the Congress.
His interim tenure is scheduled to last for 53 days until the national elections are held on 12 April 2026.
Balcazar has been a member of the Congress since 2021 and previously served as a provisional member of the Supreme Court of Peru.
He becomes the ninth president of Peru in the last decade, a period marked by the impeachment of four presidents and the resignation of two others.
The National Board of Justice (CNM) had previously conducted disciplinary hearings regarding Balcazar’s judicial term on the high court’s bench.
The outgoing president, Jose Jeri, was impeached following allegations of influence-peddling and misconduct in a scandal known as Chifagate.
Clodomiro Picado Institute (ICP) launches free app to identify Costa Rica’s 25 venomous snakes instantly (Start of April)▼
The Clodomiro Picado Institute (ICP) developed a free mobile app that covers 25 venomous snake species found in Costa Rica.
The app includes visual and written data enabling users to compare encountered snakes with documented species.
Users can access first-aid instructions for snake bites and record the geographical location of an incident to assist medical personnel.
The app also profiles about twelve non-venomous snakes that are commonly confused with venomous ones.
It is available at no cost on both Android and iOS platforms.
Singappen Special Task Force for Women's Safety in Tamil Nadu
Key Updates:
The Tamil Nadu government ordered the formation of the Singappen Special Task Force to strengthen women's safety and preventive protection measures.
The special unit will function under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
The task force was created following a proposal submitted by the Director General of Police (DGP).
Sanctioned posts for the first phase include one Inspector General of Police, one Superintendent of Police, two Deputy Superintendents of Police, four Inspectors, eight Sub-Inspectors, and 20 personnel from other ranks.
P Senthilkumar was appointed as Additional Chief Secretary/Secretary I and G Laxmi Priya as Secretary II to the Chief Minister.
Similar Coverage
Tamil Nadu Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Scheme (TWEES) targets one lakh women entrepreneurs in five years. (Start of March)▼
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the Tamil Nadu Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Scheme (TWEES) designed by the MSME Department.
TWEES aims to encourage one lakh women to take up entrepreneurship within five years.
The scheme was launched during an event at the Secretariat on Wednesday.
India and Sri Lanka conduct 4th joint diving exercise from April 21-27, 2026 (End of April)▼
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nireekshak, a diving support and submarine rescue vessel of the Indian Navy (IN), arrived at the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The vessel is participating in the 4th India-Sri Lanka joint diving exercise scheduled from April 21-27, 2026.
The ship is commanded by Commander Sailesh Kumar Tyagi.
Under the Indian government's Aarogya Maitri initiative, the ship will present two BHISM cubes to the Sri Lankan authorities.
The IN will hand over 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN).
The maritime engagement is aligned with the vision of MAHASAGAR to foster stability, cooperation, and collective growth in the Indian Ocean Region.
₹12.66 crore Challenge Fund launched to boost women and youth-led rural enterprises. (Start of March)▼
The Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) partnered with TBIS BITS Pilani Hyderabad, T-Hub and Telangana government’s WE Hub to launch the fund.
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) backs the fund that will focus on women and youth-led enterprises at the grassroots level.
The initiative will enable 300 women and young entrepreneurs through institutional support, enterprise formalisation, capability enhancement and scalable growth.
National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI) formed on May 11, 2026
Key Updates:
Forty-five senior Church leaders announced the formation of the National Federation of Churches in India (NFCI) during the 4th Ecumenical meeting of the Catholic Bishops Council of India (CBCI) held in Bengaluru.
Cardinal Anthony Poola, the chairman of the CBCI office for Dialogue, has been named as the chairperson of the new national body.
Archbishop Joseph D’Souza, Archbishop Joseph Kallarangatt, and Rt. Rev. Vincent Vinod Kumar will serve as the convenors of the NFCI.
Father Anthonyraj Thumma, the national secretary of the CBCI, has been appointed as the secretary of the federation.
The NFCI brings together Catholics, major Protestant mainline denominations, evangelical groups, independent churches, and the Pentecostal community to protect constitutional rights.
Similar Coverage
National Dental Commission replaces Dental Council of India to reform dental education (End of March)▼
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) constituted the National Dental Commission (NDC) through a notification on 19 March 2026.
The NDC replaces the dissolved Dental Council of India (DCI) and repeals the Dentists Act.
Three autonomous boards are established under the NDC: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board, Dental Assessment and Rating Board, and Ethics and Dental Registration Board.
Dr. Sanjay Tewari is appointed Chairperson of the NDC and Dr. Mousumi Goswami as part-time member.
Dr. Chandrashekhar Janakiram heads the Education Board and Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nanda Kishore Sahoo heads the Assessment and Rating Board.
The NDC will frame regulations, assess and rate dental institutions, promote research, set education and ethics standards, and develop fee regulation guidelines for private dental colleges.
National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) 25th Foundation Day celebrations (Mid of April)▼
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram will lead the 25th Foundation Day celebrations of the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) on Friday.
The main event will be held at the World Youth Center in New Delhi.
NSTFDC was established in 2001 as an apex organisation for the economic development of Scheduled Tribes across the country.
The corporation provides concessional financial assistance for income-generating activities through state channeling agencies.
Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durga Das Uike and Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs Ranjana Chopra will also attend the event.
Second Regional Conference on Cooperative Reforms to expand cooperative movement in North-East (Start of May)▼
The Ministry of Cooperation organised the Second Regional Conference on Cooperative Reforms in Aizawl, Mizoram, to advance the "Sahkar se Samriddhi" vision.
The conference included representatives from all North-Eastern states: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim.
Participating national institutions included the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF), National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), and North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi).
The Ministry is working to standardise technology platforms across nearly 1,500 urban cooperative banks nationwide to improve efficiency and lower operational costs.
Under the World's Largest Grain Storage Plan, the Ministry is collaborating with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to streamline storage and improve Public Distribution System efficiency.
The "Bharat Organics" initiative was highlighted to support branding, packaging, and export facilitation for farmers and cooperatives.
The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) has been sanctioned a project to conduct a detailed study on cooperative sector revival in three North-Eastern states.
Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 passed to prevent coercive conversions (Mid of March)▼
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, introduced by the Mahayuti government to curb religious conversions involving coercion, inducement, fraud, or deception.
The legislation mandates that individuals intending to convert to another religion must provide a formal notice 60 days in advance.
Under the provisions of the bill, the burden of proof to demonstrate that a religious conversion is lawful rests entirely on the accused.
Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis stated that the bill provides specific legal provisions currently lacking in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) regarding unlawful conversions.
The CM noted that similar laws have already been enacted in 12 other states, including Odisha, Karnataka, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The bill was supported by the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) (Sena (UBT)) but faced opposition from the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) (NCP (SP)), Samajwadi Party (SP), and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI (M)).
Opposition parties demanded that the bill be referred to a joint select committee for public review and suggestions, alleging it violates the right to privacy and Article 25 of the Constitution.
The motion to pass the bill in the assembly was moved by the Minister of State (MoS), Pankaj Bhoyar.