SBI Life Insurance has partnered with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) as the Principal Partner of the Indian Contingent for the 2026 para sports season. The company will serve as the Official Life Insurance…
SBI Life Insurance and Jammu & Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank) enter corporate agency tie-up to offer insurance solutions across India
Key Updates:
- SBI Life Insurance and Jammu & Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank) have entered into a strategic corporate agency tie-up to offer life insurance solutions across India.
- Under the tie-up, over 1,000 branches of J&K Bank will offer SBI Life's entire suite of protection, savings, retirement, and child plans.
- The partnership aims to strengthen financial security and expand insurance coverage in regions including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
- The corporate agency agreement was signed by Budhaditya Banerjee, Regional Manager – Institutional Alliances (Chandigarh Region), and Masood Ahmad Lankar, DGM Cross Selling at J&K Bank.
- The initiative aligns with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India's (IRDAI) goal of achieving 'Insurance for All by 2047'.
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Bajaj General Insurance Partners with Swiss Re Arm to Expand Commercial Insurance Offerings (Start of August)
Bajaj General Insurance and Swiss Re Corporate Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore a partnership in India's commercial insurance segment. The proposed partnership will focus on developing…
Canara HSBC Life Insurance partners with West Bengal Gramin Bank (WBGB) to deepen rural insurance coverage (End of May)
Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited (Canara HSBC Life Insurance) has entered into a strategic bancassurance partnership with West Bengal Gramin Bank (WBGB). Canara HSBC Life Insurance will offer its life insurance…
SBI Life Insurance and IIT Bombay Partner to Establish Bharat Innovation Hub for Cyber Defence (Start of July)
SBI Life Insurance (SBI Life) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) to establish Bharat's AI & Cyber Innovation Hub for Insurance (Bharat Innovation Hub).…
Parliament Passes Bankers' Books Evidence Bill 2026 to Recognise Digital Banking Records
Key Updates:
- The Rajya Sabha passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, on August 10, 2026, with the Lok Sabha having passed it on August 5, 2026.
- The Bill repeals and replaces the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891, and explicitly recognises electronic and digital banking records as admissible evidence in legal proceedings.
- The Bill provides a technology-neutral legal framework for bankers' books and strengthens statutory protection for bank officers.
- The Bill empowers the central government to extend its application to other financial-sector entities through notification.
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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduces Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026 in Lok Sabha (Start of August)
The Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026 seeks to repeal and replace the British-era Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891. The Bill recognises digital, cloud-based and virtual bank records as admissible evidence in courts.
Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 passed to make delayed registration more stringent (Start of August)
The Rajya Sabha passed the Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by a voice vote. The Bill requires an order from a first-class judicial magistrate for registrations of births or deaths delayed beyond two years.
Rajya Sabha Passes Anti-Paper Leak Amendment Bill 2026 (Start of August)
The Rajya Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 on July 30, 2026. The bill prescribes imprisonment of five to ten years and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh for individuals…
Union Cabinet approves Anti-Paper Leak Bill with up to 10-year jail and Rs 10 crore fine (End of July)
The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Prevention of Paper Leak law, proposing a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. The proposed amendments also seek to increase the minimum imprisonment…
Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary Announces Debt-to-GDP Ratio at 58.2% for FY26, Missing Target by 210 Basis Points
Key Updates:
- India's debt-to-GDP ratio reached 58.2 per cent in the financial year 2025-26, missing the government's budgeted target of 56.1 per cent by 210 basis points.
- The central government's fiscal deficit declined from 9.2 per cent of GDP in 2020-21 to 4.4 per cent in 2025-26.
- The union government's total outstanding liabilities moderated from 61.5 per cent during the pandemic to 58.2 per cent as of 31 March 2026.
- The total debt of the Centre stood at Rs 201.17 lakh crore as of 31 March 2026 on a provisional basis.
- The debt-to-GDP ratio slippage followed a downward revision in nominal GDP after the introduction of the new series with FY23 as the base year.
- The ratio of debt service to revenue receipts declined from 41.6 per cent in 2020-21 to 37.6 per cent in 2025-26.
- The union government's debt burden is projected at Rs 228.27 lakh crore in FY27, compared to Rs 211.06 lakh crore in FY26.
- The government aims to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 50 per cent by FY31, with a permitted deviation of one percentage point on either side.
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India's external debt reached $762.8 billion by March 2026, with the debt-to-GDP ratio increasing to 20.8%. Long-term debt was placed at $613.5 billion, while the share of short-term debt in total external debt rose to…
India's economic growth for the financial year 2025-26 (FY26) reached 7.7%, compared to 7.1% in the previous year. The economy expanded by 7.8% in the January-March quarter of FY26, adopting 2022–23 as the new base year…
The National Statistical Office (NSO) reported India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 7.7% for the full financial year 2025-26 and 7.8% for the January-March quarter (Q4 FY26). Gross Value Added (GVA) is…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) records $7.1 billion current account surplus for Q4 FY26 (Start of June)
India logged a current account surplus of $7.1 billion (0.7% of GDP) in the fourth quarter of FY26, compared to a deficit of $13.2 billion in the third quarter. Personal transfer receipts, primarily remittances, rose to…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Releases 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF), Projects 6.6% GDP Growth for FY27
Key Updates:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF) conducted in July 2026.
- The SPF projected FY27 real GDP growth at 6.6 per cent, up from 6.5 per cent in the 100th SPF.
- The SPF raised the FY27 retail inflation forecast by 10 basis points to 5 per cent from 4.9 per cent.
- The SPF projected FY28 real GDP growth at 7 per cent, up from 6.9 per cent, and retained FY28 retail inflation at 4.5 per cent.
- The SPF revised FY27 merchandise export growth upwards to 7 per cent from 5 per cent, and merchandise import growth downwards to 9.9 per cent from 10.5 per cent.
- The SPF projected FY27 current account deficit at 1.4 per cent of GDP, down from 2.1 per cent, and FY28 current account deficit at 1.1 per cent of GDP, down from 1.2 per cent.
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ICRA Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.4–6.6% in Q1 FY27 (End of July)
ICRA has projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.4–6.6 per cent for the April-June quarter (Q1 FY27). The projected GDP growth in Q1 FY27 is lower than the 7.8 per cent growth recorded in the…
S&P Global Ratings (S&P) has projected India's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to slow to 6.6 per cent for the fiscal year ending March 2027, compared to 7.7 per cent in 2025-26. The growth projection for the…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projected India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.9 per cent and Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 4.6 per cent for the financial year 2026–27. The Gross Fiscal Deficit…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects India's economy to grow by 6.4% in FY26-27 and 6.7% in FY27-28 in its July 2026 World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update. The IMF expects global growth to moderate to 3.0% in…
IndusInd Bank and EazyDiner launch lifetime-free RuPay credit card with UPI payments
Key Updates:
- IndusInd Bank and EazyDiner have launched a lifetime-free Platinum RuPay credit card with no joining or annual fees.
- The card offers benefits worth up to ₹21,495 annually, including dining savings, movie ticket offers, and a complimentary EazyDiner Prime membership.
- Cardholders receive ₹500 off on dining through the EazyDiner app up to three times a month, with potential annual savings of ₹18,000.
- The card provides one complimentary Buy One Get One movie ticket every month via BookMyShow, valued at ₹2,400 annually.
- It includes a three-month EazyDiner Prime membership worth ₹1,095.
- The card is issued on the RuPay network and can be linked to UPI apps for payments at UPI QR codes while earning rewards.
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BharatPe has partnered with YES BANK to launch BharatPe Flex, a Credit-on-UPI solution designed for everyday digital transactions. The service integrates a credit line into the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem…
SBI Card and Google Pay launch co-branded credit card with UPI-linked RuPay option (Start of August)
SBI Card and Google Pay have launched a co-branded credit card named Google Pay Flex SBI Card. The card is available on both RuPay and Visa payment networks, with the RuPay variant supporting UPI linkage.
IDFC FIRST Bank launched the FD-backed Business Multiplier Metal Credit Card for founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners. The card is available against a Fixed Deposit starting from ₹50,000, providing a credit limit…
SBM Bank India and Paisabazaar Launch Paisa+ Credit Card (End of June)
Paisabazaar, a part of PB Fintech, and SBM Bank India have launched the SBM Paisabazaar Paisa+ Credit Card, a Fixed Deposit (FD)-backed credit card. The credit card requires a minimum FD starting from ₹2,000 and provides…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Grants Perpetual Trade Remittance License to Indel Money Arm Indel Remit
Key Updates:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted a perpetual license to Indel Remit, an arm of Indel Money, to offer trade remittance services.
- Indel Remit, headquartered in Mumbai, currently holds an RBI Authorized Dealer Category-II license for foreign exchange business.
- The new license authorizes Indel Remit to undertake any non-trade current account transaction, except gift and donation, and foreign trade transactions up to ₹25 lakh per transaction.
- Traders can now make payments of up to ₹25 lakh per transaction for foreign trade through Indel Remit.
- The perpetual license expands Indel Remit's foreign exchange capabilities and strengthens its role in India's cross-border payments ecosystem.
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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants expanded Authorised Dealer Category II licence to GlobalPay (Start of August)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted GlobalPay an expanded Authorised Dealer Category II (AD II) licence under FEMA 2026. The licence enables GlobalPay to offer a broader suite of regulated foreign exchange and…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants EbixCash perpetual AD-II licence with trade remittance permission (End of July)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted EbixCash World Money Ltd a perpetual Authorised Dealer Category-II (AD-II) licence with permission to handle trade remittances and family maintenance remittances. EbixCash became…
Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) operationalize Favara-UPI cross-border payment corridor (Start of August)
The Favara-UPI cross-border payment corridor was operationalized on July 30, 2026, enabling real-time transfers from Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) to Indian Rupees (INR). The service is initially available through Bank of…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) removes approval requirement for banks' outward remittance tie-ups with fintechs (Mid of May)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed Authorised Dealer (AD) banks to facilitate outward remittance services through third-party online platforms without seeking prior approval from the central bank. The revised…
Karnataka Moves Supreme Court Against Bike Taxi Ruling, Cites Safety and Insurance Concerns
Key Updates:
- Karnataka has approached the Supreme Court against the Karnataka High Court Division Bench judgment that directed authorities to consider registering motorcycles as transport vehicles and issuing permits for bike taxis.
- Karnataka argued that the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, does not create an unconditional right to use a particular category of vehicle as a taxi.
- The state cited passenger safety, higher fatality risk associated with two-wheelers, road congestion, and pollution as grounds for restricting bike taxis.
- Karnataka disputed the High Court's interpretation that motorcycles could qualify as 'motor cabs' and 'contract carriages' under the Motor Vehicles Act.
- The state said its On-Demand Transportation Technology Aggregator Rules, 2016, were framed for four-wheeled motor cabs and do not provide for motorcycles.
- The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) informed the Rajya Sabha on March 18, 2026, that 'bike taxi' is not defined under the Motor Vehicles Act or its rules.
- Karnataka said motorcycle owners can continue using vehicles for delivery and logistics services through platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, and Flipkart, and gig workers are covered under the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025.
- Karnataka claimed that restricting bike taxis could potentially prevent about 1.39 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year and help ease congestion.
- The High Court had held that operating taxis is a legitimate business protected under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution and that the unwritten prohibition on bike taxis was an unreasonable restriction.
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Supreme Court of India extends mandatory third-party insurance cover for new cars to four years and new two-wheelers to six years (Start of August)
The Supreme Court of India, on August 4, 2026, extended mandatory third-party insurance cover for new cars to four years and for new two-wheelers to six years. The court directed the Insurance Regulatory and Development…
Supreme Court Seeks Amendment to National Highways Act for Judicial Compensation Adjudication (End of July)
The Supreme Court observed that compensation disputes under the National Highways Act, 1956 should be adjudicated by judicially trained authorities instead of bureaucrats. A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya…
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol launched the 'Bharat Taxi' service in Maharashtra on July 23, 2026. Bharat Taxi is a cooperative mobility model…
The Supreme Court (SC) declared the right to walk on secured footpaths a fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution, integral to Article 19(1)(d) and Article 21. A bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Atul S…
India Expands E-Visa Scheme: 11 New Ports Added, Total Entry Points Rise to 88
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Home Affairs notified 11 additional international ports for e-visa entry, including 9 land ports and 2 airports.
- The two newly added airports are Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.
- The new land ports include Attari (Punjab), Gede, Ghojanga, Jaigaon (West Bengal), Darranga (Assam), Agartala (Tripura), Moreh (Manipur), and Haridaspur (Odisha).
- The total number of e-visa entry points in India has risen to 88, comprising 37 airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land ports.
- E-visas currently constitute 78% of the total visas issued in India.
- The e-visa facility, introduced in 2014 with 43 eligible countries, is now available to nationals of 172 countries.
- E-visa is issued under 17 sub-categories, including tourist, business, medical, student, transit, and mountaineering visas.
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The Union Health Ministry has authorised the Navi Mumbai Airport as a new entry point for pharmaceutical imports into India. The inclusion of the airport was notified by amending Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) added Haldia seaport in West Bengal to the list of designated immigration checkpoints. Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), commonly known as Haldia Port, is a major deep-water port on the…
A.P. Moller–Maersk (Maersk) unveiled the first export-import (EXIM) shipping container manufactured in India, becoming the first international shipping line to procure an India-made container. The inaugural container was…
Land Port Management System (VINIMAY) launched to digitise cargo and passenger processing at land borders (Mid of June)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Land Port Management System (VINIMAY) in New Delhi on 9th June 2026. VINIMAY is a digital platform under the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), a statutory body under the…
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) 2026 offers crop insurance with premium rates of 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi and 5% for commercial crops
Key Updates:
- The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on 18 February 2016.
- PMFBY provides financial assistance to farmers when their crops suffer damage due to natural calamities, adverse weather conditions, pest attacks, or diseases.
- PMFBY aims to stabilise farmers' incomes and encourage them to adopt modern farming methods.
- Under PMFBY, farmers pay premium rates of only 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops.
- PMFBY covers yield loss, prevented sowing, post-harvest damage, and local calamities.
- Under PMFBY, the government pays the remaining premium amount even if the premium subsidy exceeds 90%.
- PMFBY uses drone and satellite mapping for fast and transparent damage assessment.
- A 12% penalty is automatically applied if PMFBY claim clearance is delayed.
- Claim amounts under PMFBY are transferred directly to farmers' Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through DBT.
- Farmers growing approved crops, khatedari farmers, tenant farmers with valid agreement papers, and families sharing agricultural land are eligible under PMFBY.
- Farmers can apply through the official PMFBY portal's Farmer Corner, loanee farmers can apply at their bank branch, and farmers can also enrol through Common Service Centres or authorised insurance company agents.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), transferring Rs 18,880 crore to over 9.44 crore farmers across the country. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima…
The Government of Uttar Pradesh launched the UP Kisan Karj Mafi Scheme (UPKMS), also known as Uttar Pradesh Kisan Rin Mochan Yojana, in 2017 to waive agricultural loans for small and marginal farmers. The UPKMS provides…
UP Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana was launched by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 2019. The scheme provides a total benefit of ₹25,000 to girl children in six instalments from birth to graduation or Class 12.
The Uttar Pradesh government provides loans ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹10 lakh to women entrepreneurs through the UP Mahila Nidhi under the UP Mahila Udyam Nidhi Yojana. Launched in 2016, the scheme offers credit at an…
MSME Ministry, DPIIT Sign MoU for GI Product Market Access
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU on August 5, 2026, to accelerate commercialisation and market access for Geographical Indication (GI) products.
- The MoU aims to enhance livelihoods of indigenous artisans, weavers, and producers and strengthen the One District One Product (ODOP) ecosystem.
- Under the MoU, GI collectives and authorised users will be onboarded onto the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under a dedicated 'Bharat GI' banner.
- The partnership will co-sponsor dedicated GI pavilions at national and international trade expos, buyer-seller meets, and exhibitions for domestic and global marketing of GI products.
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The Quality Council of India (QCI) and the National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative ecosystem for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises…
MoRD and PCI India Sign Non-Financial MoU to Strengthen Women-Led Enterprises through Public Procurement (Start of August)
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) signed a non-financial MoU with PCI India to strengthen women-led enterprises (WLEs) and SHG-led enterprises. The MoU was signed under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National…
Centre Launches Global Trade Guidebook for MSMEs (Mid of July)
The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), launched the guidebook titled 'Going Global: A Practical…
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Common Service Centre e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC-SPV) in New Delhi. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated the…
Gujarat Launches ₹2.94 Crore Plastic Waste Management Project at Nalsarovar
Key Updates:
- The Gujarat Forest Department rolled out a plastic waste management project around Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary with an outlay of ₹2.94 crore.
- The project is approved under the Project for Eco-Restoration in Gujarat (PERG) with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
- The department will purchase plastic waste collected by villagers and process it at a dedicated collection centre.
- A Plastic Waste Collection Centre has been established at Kayla village in Viramgam taluka, Ahmedabad district.
- The programme covers villages including Vekariya, Kayla, Shahpur, Dharji and Meni in Ahmedabad district, and Nani Kathechi and Ranagadh in Surendranagar district.
- The Forest Department will install waste collection bins and appoint local volunteers called 'Swachhta Praharis' to encourage waste segregation.
- The initiative aims to reduce plastic entering Nalsarovar and generate employment for local residents.
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Bisleri International and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Sign Agreement for Coastal Plastic Waste Management (Start of July)
Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., through its sustainability initiative Bottles for Change (BFC), signed a Letter of Association (LoA) with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Kerala & Mahe. The partnership aims to advance…
The Centre is establishing mega leather, footwear and accessories clusters in Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Sitapur (Madhya Pradesh), Raigad district (Maharashtra), and Ranipet (Tamil Nadu). The cumulative investment for these…
Namo Swachhata Abhiyan and Amritpan Abhiyan Launched to Clean 11,935 Healthcare Institutions in Gujarat (Start of July)
Gujarat Chief Minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel launched the state-wide Namo Swachhata Abhiyan and Amritpan Abhiyan from the Civil Hospital campus in Gandhinagar on 1 July 2026. The week-long campaign involves a massive…
The Delhi government announced the "Clean Air, Healthy Delhi" project with a total outlay of ₹8,300 crore to combat air pollution. The funding for the project will be shared between the World Bank, providing 65 per cent…
J&K Government Approves ₹10 Crore for Restoration of Rattan Garh Fort
Key Updates:
- The Jammu and Kashmir Government approved ₹10 crore for the repair and renovation of the historic Rattan Garh Fort in Bhaderwah, Doda.
- The project aims to conserve the fort's architectural and historical character while developing it as a heritage and tourism attraction in the Chenab Valley.
- The restoration is expected to add a heritage dimension to Bhaderwah's tourism circuit and contribute to increased visitor footfall and local economic activity.
- The initiative is part of the Government's broader focus on preserving Jammu and Kashmir's cultural and architectural heritage.
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Jammu and Kashmir Government approves Used Water Management and Infrastructure Projects (Mid of May)
The Jammu and Kashmir government approved Used Water Management Projects for Baramulla (₹37.96 crore) and Rajouri (₹34.43 crore). The Cabinet approved the augmentation of the Grid Sub Station at Zainakote from 450 MVA to…
The National Conference (NC) held a protest in Delhi on July 20, 2026, demanding restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The protest was led by NC president Farooq Abdullah and included Jammu and Kashmir Chief…
Indian Railways (IR) has sanctioned ₹238 crore for safety upgrade works on the Jammu-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra section of Northern Railway (NR). The project includes slope stabilisation measures, tunnel seepage…
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the declaration of 23 heritage sites as protected monuments in Ladakh. The declaration was made under the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act.
NSP-DBT Agriculture Scholarship System Launched; ₹21.35 Crore Disbursed to 6,000+ Students
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare launched the National Scholarship Portal-Direct Benefit Transfer (NSP-DBT) system for agriculture students.
- Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the initiative at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), Pusa.
- Over 6,000 agriculture students received a combined ₹21.35 crore through the NSP-DBT mechanism.
- The system provides scholarship and fellowship assistance directly to students' bank accounts on a monthly basis through Direct Benefit Transfer.
- The initiative aims to make scholarship distribution faster, more transparent, and seamless, reducing delays.
- Chouhan also appealed to agriculture students to undertake plantation drives at ICAR institutions on Hariyali Amavasya.
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Punjab Government Launches Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste Students for 2026-27 (Start of July)
The Punjab government has opened the application process for the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students for the 2026-27 academic session. Applications are being accepted through the National…
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the launch of a digital portal on June 4, 2026, to provide structured training in patent filing and research paper writing. The platform is supported by the Anusandhan National…
The Agriculture Leadership Award was instituted in 2008 by the Agriculture Today Group on the advice of agricultural scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan. The selection committee for the award is headed by former Chief…
Ayush Anudan Portal launched to strengthen digital governance and transparency in grant management (End of May)
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Prataprao Jadhav launched the Ayush Anudan Portal in New Delhi on 19 May 2026. The portal, developed under…
PM Vishwakarma scheme: Kodagu artisans trained in AI and e-commerce
Key Updates:
- The Branch MSME Development and Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Mangaluru, under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, organised a one-day awareness programme on branding and marketing for PM Vishwakarma scheme beneficiaries in Kushalnagar, Kodagu district.
- Around 150 tailor beneficiaries registered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme participated in the event.
- Participants received practical guidance on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for business promotion, digital marketing techniques, onboarding on e-commerce platforms, QR code generation, and registration on the Udyam Portal.
- Sundar Sherigar, Assistant Director and Head of Office, Branch MSME-DFO, Mangaluru, stressed the importance of adopting AI-based marketing tools and digital technologies to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of small enterprises.
- Suman S. Raju, Assistant Director and programme coordinator, explained the stages and benefits of the PM Vishwakarma scheme and highlighted the significance of Udyam Registration for accessing government schemes.
- Hanumatharaya, Joint Director of the District Industries Centre, Madikeri, delivered a session on the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) explaining its key features, eligibility criteria, and application process.
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UP Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana: Free Training and Loans for Traditional Artisans (Start of July)
The Uttar Pradesh government launched the Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana in 2018 to support traditional artisans through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) department. The scheme provides selected artisans…
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) launched the E-Commerce Council of India (ECCI), a first-of-its-kind national platform, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The ECCI aims to unify India's $120 billion digital…
Chhattisgarh Cabinet Approves ₹500 Crore AI Mission (Start of August)
The Chhattisgarh Cabinet approved a ₹500 crore Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission for the state. The AI Mission will be implemented over a five-year period.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) reported that Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) increased from 9,776 in 2014 to over 13,888. Access to skill development was widened through ITIs…
TRAI Begins Phase-Wise Rollout of 1601-Series for Service and Transactional Calls
Key Updates:
- The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated the phase-wise implementation of the 1601-series numbers for service and transactional calls by non-BFSI and non-government entities.
- Phase I of the 1601-series rollout covers utilities, courier and logistics sectors.
- Eligible entities in the utilities sector include electricity distribution companies, water utilities, city gas distribution companies, LPG distribution entities and other utility service providers.
- The logistics and courier category includes courier companies, express logistics companies, parcel delivery service providers, and freight and logistics service providers engaged in delivery of consignments.
- Telecom service providers (TSPs) must complete migration and onboarding of eligible Phase-I entities within 90 days of the order's issuance.
- 1601-series numbers will be allocated directly to eligible entities, not to intermediaries or aggregators, and cannot be used for promotional voice calls.
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TRAI launched the revamped MyCall mobile application to enable consumers to assess and report voice-calling experience and quality. The app allows consumers to rate voice calls on a 1-to-5-star scale and report issues…
OpenAI has received approval from the US Department of Commerce for a broader rollout of its advanced GPT-5.6 model. The review was conducted by the Center for AI Standards and Innovation under the US Department of…
The Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications, and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on July 11, 2026. The survey will assess the mobile…
The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta to provide a detailed explanation regarding the introduction of usernames on WhatsApp within three days. The government has directed Meta to pause the rollout of the…
Lok Sabha Passes Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill 2026 to Rename Kerala as Keralam
Key Updates:
- The Lok Sabha passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, by voice vote.
- The Bill proposes to change the name of the state of Kerala to Keralam.
- Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai introduced the Bill in the Lok Sabha.
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal to alter the name of Kerala to Keralam in February 2026.
- The Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution on June 24, 2024, appealing to the Central government to modify the name of the state to Keralam.
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Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 Introduced in Lok Sabha (Mid of August)
The Government introduced the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha. The bill seeks to rename the state of Kerala as Keralam.
The Lok Sabha passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, without a debate amid Opposition protests. The bill proposes the creation of a National Tribunals Commission headquartered in New Delhi.
Lok Sabha passes Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (Start of August)
The Lok Sabha passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to attract foreign investment, promote domestic manufacturing, and provide greater tax certainty. The Bill replaces the Income-tax (Amendment)…
Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 passed to make delayed registration more stringent (Start of August)
The Rajya Sabha passed the Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by a voice vote. The Bill requires an order from a first-class judicial magistrate for registrations of births or deaths delayed beyond two years.
Har Ghar Tiranga Initiative: Encouraging Citizens to Hoist National Flag at Homes
Key Updates:
- The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was launched in 2022 during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
- The campaign encourages Indians to hoist the national flag at their homes to foster national pride.
- The 2026 edition pays special tribute to 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' with nationwide activities planned.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in the Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra at Murugaa Theatre Signal in Puducherry.
- The campaign honors the nation's freedom fighters and promotes patriotism.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the President's Colour to Puducherry Police on August 9, 2026. The President's Colour is the highest honour given to a military unit or police of a state or union territory.
The 'Har Ghar Tiranga 2026' campaign marks the fifth consecutive year of the movement, which originated in 2022 under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav banner. The campaign coincides with the 150th anniversary of India's…
Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off 400 next-generation Dial-112 vehicles and 32 mobile forensic science laboratory vans on May 18, 2026, in Raipur, Chhattisgarh (CG). The upgraded Next Gen CG Dial-112 service…
India declares Bastar Naxal-free during 26th Central Zonal Council meeting on 19 May 2026 (Mid of May)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared Bastar Naxal-free during the 26th Central Zonal Council meeting held in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. The Indian government set a target to completely eradicate Naxalism from India by 31…
DPIIT Signs MoUs with Industry Leaders to Strengthen Startup Ecosystem
Key Updates:
- The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed five MoUs with industry leaders to expand support for startups.
- The MoUs were signed with Cashfree Payments, Darwin Dynamics, Vultr India, Cars24 Services, and the Council for Startup India (CSI).
- The partnership with Cashfree Payments will provide startups with payment solutions, identity verification, and risk management services.
- The MoU with Vultr India will offer cloud credits, preferential pricing, and technical support for cloud computing.
- The collaboration with Darwin Dynamics aims to expand entrepreneurship opportunities in Tier II, Tier III, and rural regions.
- The MoU with Cars24 Services will support mobility and automotive technology startups through mentorship and innovation challenges.
- The partnership with CSI focuses on investment readiness, corporate engagement, and global market access.
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Delhi Approves ₹400 Crore Startup Policy (Mid of July)
The Delhi Cabinet approved the Delhi Startup and Incubation Policy with a financial outlay of more than ₹400 crore over five years. The policy aims to provide incubation facilities, mentorship, and milestone-based…
DPIIT and Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) sign MoU to expand multilingual access in investment ecosystem (Start of June)
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) have signed an MoU to strengthen multilingual digital access across India's investment and business…
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the State Pharmacy Councils of Bihar, Maharashtra, and Mizoram. The agreements were signed at the IPC headquarters in Ghaziabad by…
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) signed two MoUs with Business France and the India & Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (IACCIA) on August 3, 2026. The MoU…
Lebanon Abolishes Death Penalty, Becomes First West Asian Country to End Capital Punishment
Key Updates:
- Lebanon's parliament approved a draft law abolishing the death penalty on August 11, 2026.
- Lebanon became the first country in West Asia to formally end capital punishment.
- Lebanon had not carried out an execution since 2004.
- Justice Minister Adel Nassar called the abolition 'historic'.
- Human Rights Watch researcher Ramzi Kaiss described the move as 'a monumental step for human rights'.
- The abolition was part of a series of bills discussed in the current legislative session, including a general amnesty law.
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Saudi Arabia has ended a five-year ban on imports from Lebanon to rebuild relations between Lebanon and Gulf countries. The ban was initially imposed in 2021 on Lebanese fruits and vegetables due to the smuggling of the…
United States, Israel, and Lebanon sign Trilateral Framework agreement on June 26, 2026 (End of June)
The United States (US), Israel, and Lebanon signed the Trilateral Framework agreement in Washington, DC, on June 26, 2026, to establish peace following conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The agreement mandates the…
Venezuela Formally Withdraws from the International Criminal Court (ICC); What It Means (End of July)
On July 24, 2026, the Government of Venezuela announced its decision to denounce the Rome Statute and initiate the formal process to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The notification was sent to the…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹41.80 lakh on Canara Bank. The penalty was levied for non-compliance with directions regarding Know Your Customer (KYC) and Unclaimed Deposits and…
Syrian Court Sentences Ex-President Assad to Death in Absentia
Key Updates:
- A Syrian court sentenced ousted President Bashar Assad and his brother Maher to death in absentia for crimes against humanity and war crimes.
- The verdict was delivered by the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus and aired live on state TV.
- Assad's cousin Atef Najib, a former security chief, was also sentenced to death for his role in the Daraa crackdown that sparked the civil war.
- Najib, who was present in court, has the right to appeal the sentence.
- Assad and his brother fled to Russia after their government collapsed in December 2024.
- The sentences are the first against Assad or members of his inner circle since the Assad family's five-decade rule ended.
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Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day 2026 observed on July 31 (Start of August)
Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day is observed every year on 31 July in India. Udham Singh was born on 26 December 1899 in Sunam, Punjab, and his birth name was Sher Singh.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports first decline in global refugee numbers in a decade as of 2025 (Mid of June)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported a three percent drop in global refugee figures as of 2025. The decrease in numbers is largely attributed to increased voluntary returns to Afghanistan…
United States and Nigeria eliminate ISIS second in command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in joint operation (Mid of May)
United States (US) and Nigerian forces conducted a joint operation to eliminate Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second in command of the Islamic State (IS) globally. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was a Sahel-based senior leader and a…
Saudi Arabia has ended a five-year ban on imports from Lebanon to rebuild relations between Lebanon and Gulf countries. The ban was initially imposed in 2021 on Lebanese fruits and vegetables due to the smuggling of the…
Skyroot Aerospace seeks $2 billion valuation after Vikram-1 success
Key Updates:
- Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based space technology startup, successfully launched Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle.
- The Vikram-1 launch took place on July 18 and marked a major milestone for India's private space industry.
- Skyroot Aerospace is seeking a valuation of around $2 billion, nearly 80% higher than its previous valuation of $1.1 billion.
- The company is looking to raise about $200 million through an investor bidding process managed by investment bank Kotak.
- In May, Skyroot Aerospace raised $60 million from investors including Sherpalo, GIC, BlackRock and Arkam Ventures at a valuation of $1.1 billion.
- Skyroot Aerospace had earlier launched Vikram-S in 2022, becoming the first private Indian startup to launch a rocket into space.
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Made-in-Bharat chips for space rockets announced after Skyroot's successful orbital launch (End of July)
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that domestically produced semiconductors will soon be integrated into India's space launch vehicles. Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 successfully reached orbit…
Skyroot Aerospace Announces Launch Window for Vikram-1 Rocket (Start of July)
Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace announced a launch window between July 12 and August 4 for the maiden test flight of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket. The mission, named Agaman, will be…
Skyroot Aerospace Successfully Launches India’s First Private Orbital Rocket ‘Vikram-1’ Under Mission Aagaman (End of July)
Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace launched India’s first privately-built orbital rocket, Vikram-1, under Mission Aagaman from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The multi-stage Vikram-1 rocket…
IN-SPACe Invites Expressions of Interest for Transfer of Technology of LVM-3 to Private Sector (Mid of June)
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has invited expressions of interest (EoI) for the transfer of technology (ToT) of the LVM-3 launch vehicle to the private sector. LVM-3, previously…
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) invites Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to join Moon Base programme under Artemis framework
Key Updates:
- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) invited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to join its Moon Base programme under the Artemis framework.
- The invitation was extended during the 9th meeting of the India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group held at ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru on August 5 and 6.
- The Moon Base programme is being developed near the lunar South Pole.
- The programme aims to strengthen US leadership in space, unlock scientific discovery, drive innovation with industry and international collaborators, and prepare for missions to Mars.
- India and the US agreed to advance discussions on cooperation in sharing open scientific data under the Artemis Accords.
- India joined the Artemis Accords on June 21, 2023, becoming the 27th signatory.
- The discussions built on the NASA-ISRO partnership on the NISAR Earth observation mission, which was launched in July 2025.
- ISRO's Space Vision 2047 includes an Indian Moon landing by 2040 and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, with the first module targeted for 2028 and the full station planned by 2035.
- The Chandrayaan-3 soft landing in 2023 demonstrated India's ability to land a spacecraft and operate a rover on the lunar surface.
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Awards Contracts for Lunar Base Development (End of May)
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded contracts worth $220 million each to Lunar Outpost and Astrolab for building autonomous lunar rovers. Blue Origin was selected to deliver these rovers to…
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) unveiled a three-phase plan to establish a permanent moon base with a budget of USD 20 billion. NASA aims to land astronauts on the moon in 2028 as part of the…
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to Develop 200-Day Lunar Lander (Mid of June)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is collaborating with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to develop an advanced artificial heating system for future lunar landers. The new lander is designed to survive…
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Detects Possible Subsurface Ice in Moon's Faustini Crater (End of May)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) found signs of possible subsurface water-ice beneath four permanently shadowed craters near the Moon's south pole. The findings were based on radar data obtained from the…
New Fern Species Pteris madhusoodananii Discovered in Tamil Nadu's Kolli Hills
Key Updates:
- A team of botanists from Government Victoria College and Sri Vyasa NSS College discovered the new fern species Pteris madhusoodananii in the Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu.
- The species has been classified as 'Critically Endangered' because it is known from only two small sites covering eight square kilometres.
- The fern belongs to the family Pteridaceae and was identified during a taxonomic revision of ferns in southern India.
- Pteris madhusoodananii has stiff, leathery leaves with a lustrous, deep green colour and a prominent lobe at the base of its lower segments.
- Its pinna-pinnule architecture, with smaller leaflets arranged along the stem, distinguishes it from closely related ferns.
- Scanning electron microscopy revealed that its spores have a narrow, wavy-edged belt called a cingulum, unlike the smooth, wider belts of similar species.
- The researchers confirmed the new species using physical measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and DNA sequencing.
- The species is named in honour of Professor Dr P. V. Madhusoodanan, former Head of the Department of Botany at the University of Calicut.
- The known habitats of Pteris madhusoodananii are unprotected and threatened by road construction, logging, and conversion of forest to farmland.
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Russula griseopurpurata: New Mushroom Species Found in Meghalaya (Mid of August)
A mushroom collected in Meghalaya's Ri Bhoi district in 2022 has been identified as a new species named Russula griseopurpurata. The species belongs to the Russula genus and has been recorded from Meghalaya and West…
New Worm-Eating Snake Species Trachischium lalremsangai Discovered in Mizoram and Myanmar (End of May)
A new species of worm-eating snake, Trachischium lalremsangai, has been discovered in the jungles of Mizoram and Myanmar. The species was described in the Herpetozoa journal of the Austrian Herpetological Society by…
A new catfish species, Pseudolaguvia khairii, has been discovered in the Budhabalanga river in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. The species is named after the legendary tigress Khairi, who was rescued as an orphaned cub…
New Fungus Species Named After Kolhapur (End of July)
A new polypore fungus species, Microporellus kolhapurensis, was discovered in Bhudargad taluka, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. The species was found on rotting wood in the Bediv area on the Ajra border by Dr Anjali…
China's Long March 7A rocket explodes after launch
Key Updates:
- China's Long March 7A rocket exploded seconds after liftoff from the Wenchang space launch site in Hainan.
- The rocket was carrying the ChinaSat-4B (Zhongxing-4B) satellite on the mission.
- The rocket lifted off at 8:02 pm Beijing time (1202 GMT) on Monday.
- Eye witnesses observed a bright flash high in the night sky followed by multiple glowing fragments after launch.
- State news agency Xinhua said the cause of the failure is being ascertained.
- This was the first known Long March 7A failure since the rocket's maiden flight in March 2020.
- The Long March 7A rocket returned to service in 2021 and subsequently completed a series of successful missions.
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China achieved its first-ever controlled recovery of an orbital-class rocket booster using the Long March 10B rocket. The Long March 10B lifted off from the Hainan commercial space launch site (Wenchang Spacecraft Launch…
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded on the launchpad during a hot-fire test at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, US. A hot-fire test is a procedure where a rocket engine is fired while it remains…
China Launches Gravity-1 Rocket with Nine Satellites (End of July)
Chinese private company Orienspace successfully launched its Gravity-1 rocket from a sea-based platform in the East China Sea. The rocket placed nine satellites into their intended orbits.
China launches Haiyang-2E (HY-2E) marine satellite (Start of July)
China launched the Haiyang-2E (HY-2E) marine satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The satellite was deployed using a Long March-4B rocket, marking the 654th launch of the Long March…
Scientists Discover New Horned Dragon Lizard Species Acanthosaura syrax in Thailand
Key Updates:
- A new species of mountain horned dragon lizard, Acanthosaura syrax, has been discovered in Mae Wong National Park in western Thailand.
- The species inhabits cool mountain forests at elevations above 1,000 metres, with most sightings above 1,300 metres.
- Acanthosaura syrax is characterized by its small nuchal and dorsal scales, yellowish colouring, and relatively small body size compared to other Acanthosaura species.
- Mitochondrial DNA analysis of the ND2 and COI genes confirmed it as a distinct species, separate from the previously known Acanthosaura lepidogaster.
- The species name is inspired by Syrax, the dragon from the television series House of the Dragon, due to its yellowish colouring and relatively large clutch sizes of 6 to 16 eggs.
- The discovery brings the total number of recognised Acanthosaura species to 23.
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New Lizard Species Mesalina bishnoi Discovered in Rajasthan (Start of June)
A new species of lizard, Mesalina bishnoi, has been discovered near Gajner in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan. The discovery, formally described by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), represents the first confirmed…
New Worm-Eating Snake Species Trachischium lalremsangai Discovered in Mizoram and Myanmar (End of May)
A new species of worm-eating snake, Trachischium lalremsangai, has been discovered in the jungles of Mizoram and Myanmar. The species was described in the Herpetozoa journal of the Austrian Herpetological Society by…
Rare Laudankia Vine Snake Documented in Udaipur (Mid of July)
The rare Laudankia Vine Snake (Ahaetulla laudankia) was photographed in Udaipur's Ubeshwar Wildlife Area on July 12, 2026, by wildlife photographer Rohit Dwivedi. The species was last recorded in Udaipur nearly three…
Russula griseopurpurata: New Mushroom Species Found in Meghalaya (Mid of August)
A mushroom collected in Meghalaya's Ri Bhoi district in 2022 has been identified as a new species named Russula griseopurpurata. The species belongs to the Russula genus and has been recorded from Meghalaya and West…
VinSpace signs SpaceX launch deal for 2027
Key Updates:
- Vietnamese aerospace company VinSpace has signed a contract with SpaceX to launch its first satellites on a Transporter rideshare mission in 2027.
- The satellites will test VinSpace's technology in orbit and support future commercial applications.
- VinSpace is part of Vietnam's Vingroup conglomerate and was established in November 2025.
- Vietnam aims to become a mid-level space power in Southeast Asia by 2030.
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Google has entered into a Cloud Service Agreement with SpaceX to pay $920 million per month for computing power from October 2026 through June 2029. According to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, the…
Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) becomes world's 5th largest company by market value (Mid of June)
Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) has become the 5th largest company globally by market value, surpassing Amazon. As of 16 June 2026, the top five companies by market capitalisation are Nvidia ($5.09…
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that India has signed a deal with Vietnam for the supply of BrahMos missiles. The deal with Indonesia for BrahMos missiles is in the final stages.
IN-SPACe Invites Expressions of Interest for Transfer of Technology of LVM-3 to Private Sector (Mid of June)
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has invited expressions of interest (EoI) for the transfer of technology (ToT) of the LVM-3 launch vehicle to the private sector. LVM-3, previously…
Department of Health Research-Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR-ICMR) Hosts S.H.I.N.E. 2026 School Outreach Programme
Key Updates:
- The Department of Health Research-Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR-ICMR) launched the second edition of S.H.I.N.E. 2026, a nationwide school outreach initiative.
- S.H.I.N.E. stands for Science, Health and Innovation for NextGen Explorers.
- The event is being held on August 11–12, 2026 across 83 ICMR institutes, Model Rural Health Research Units (MRHRUs), and affiliated field centres.
- About 30,000 students from Grades 9 to 12 are participating from metro, Tier-2, and rural regions.
- The programme includes guided laboratory visits, live scientific demonstrations, interactive poster walks, video exhibits, and scientist mentorship sessions.
- Laboratory visits cover research areas such as epidemiology, vector-borne diseases, virology, nutrition, and non-communicable diseases.
- The initiative is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision encouraging youth to spend one day as a scientist.
- S.H.I.N.E. 2026 is aligned with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of self-reliance in science, medicine, and healthcare technology.
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Indian Bank Approves ₹500 Crore MSME Loans During 120th Foundation Day Credit Outreach Programme (Mid of August)
Indian Bank approved around ₹500 crore in MSME loans during a credit outreach programme held in New Delhi as part of its 120th Foundation Day fortnight celebrations. Sanction tickets were handed over to 128 beneficiaries…
Seven Indian schools have been named in the top 10 shortlist for the World’s Best School Prizes 2026, setting a record for the highest number of schools from a single country in one year. The prizes were founded by…
The Delhi government launched Mission Kayakalp to modernise government school infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, toilets, and drinking water facilities. The initiative is being implemented with support…
School Chalo Abhiyan: Boosting School Enrolment in Uttar Pradesh (Start of July)
The Uttar Pradesh government announced the second phase of the School Chalo Abhiyan, scheduled from July 1 to July 15. The campaign aims to achieve universal school enrolment, re-enrol children who have dropped out, and…
Technology Development Board (TDB) Supports AI-Enabled Cervical Cancer Screening Technology
Key Updates:
- The Technology Development Board (TDB) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, signed an agreement with Griva Healthcare to support the manufacture and commercialisation of the AI-enabled portable digital colposcope GrivaVision.
- GrivaVision integrates a high-definition camera, an in-built display, a user-friendly interface, advanced optics, and indigenous AI-enabled software.
- The portable diagnostic platform supports gynaecologists in visualising the vaginal canal and examining cervical lesions during routine clinical examinations.
- TDB will support Griva Healthcare in establishing manufacturing capacity in Kollam, Kerala, for commercial-scale production and wider deployment.
- GrivaVision has been developed according to the Automated Visual Assessment (AVE) standards approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- The software of GrivaVision is ABDM compliant, enabling integration with India's digital health ecosystem.
- The device is a category B non-invasive medical device licensed to manufacture by the CDSCO and is being developed to ISO 13485 quality standards.
- The hardware architecture of GrivaVision is patented by Griva Healthcare in India.
- Griva Healthcare is currently engaged in R&D work at AIC-AMTZ Medivalley, Visakhapatnam.
- More than 50% of GrivaVision's product components are currently indigenously sourced.
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SHetA2 is an investigational oral therapy designed to treat precancerous cervical lesions caused by HPV, not prevent the initial infection. The drug was developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and…
India validates first indigenous Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test for cervical cancer screening (Mid of June)
Researchers from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) institutes, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have validated India's first…
The Andhra Pradesh government signed an MoU with AstraZeneca India to establish an Integrated Genomic Solutions Centre in Amaravati. The centre will be India's first integrated precision oncology research and treatment…
Technology Development Board (TDB) supports indigenous contactless load sensor technology (Start of July)
The Technology Development Board (TDB), functioning under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has provided financial assistance to Mumbai-based Puretronics India Private Limited for the commercialisation of…
Scientists Discover Unusual Ozone Layer Above North Bay of Bengal
Key Updates:
- An unusually thick ozone layer was detected at an altitude of 21-23 km in the lower stratosphere over the North Bay of Bengal.
- The discovery was made during the Phase-I NetRAD-ASMA campaign, a coordinated effort involving atmospheric research institutions across India.
- The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) played a key role using its indigenously developed 206.5 MHz Stratosphere-Troposphere (ST) Radar at Nainital.
- The enhanced ozone layer persisted for more than a day and was observed during both day and night, ruling out sunlight-driven chemical reactions as the primary cause.
- Analysis showed that downward air motion and compression of ozone-rich air in the lower stratosphere were responsible for the unusual ozone enhancement.
- The findings were published in the journal Earth and Space Science by the American Geophysical Union.
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The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) floated bids on 14 May for a large-scale seismic survey project across multiple basins in the Bay of Bengal. The survey regions include Bengal-Purnea, Mahanadi…
Egyptian Scientists Discover Bacteria Capable of Degrading Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Microplastics (End of June)
Egyptian scientists have identified bacterial strains capable of breaking down Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics, which are traditionally difficult to recycle. The research, published in the National Library of…
International researchers discover fuel-efficient lunar trajectory via far-side approach (End of May)
A group of international scientists has identified a new shortcut to the Moon that reduces fuel consumption and maintains stable communication with Earth throughout the journey. The research, published in the journal…
General Francis Donovan, Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), met with senior Cuban military officials on 29 May 2026. The meeting was held at the perimeter of the US Naval Station in Guantanamo…
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) launches India's first accreditation scheme for mobile food testing laboratories
Key Updates:
- The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) launched India's first accreditation scheme for mobile food testing laboratories.
- The scheme was introduced under the Integrated Assessment Programme at the 'Gunvatta Samanvaya' ceremony in New Delhi.
- It aims to provide reliable, quality-assured, and internationally benchmarked food testing services closer to communities.
- The initiative is expected to strengthen food safety surveillance and enhance consumer confidence.
- A multilateral memorandum of understanding was exchanged to improve coordination and reduce duplication in assessment processes among regulatory bodies.
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EnKash Launches India’s First UPI-Enabled Meal Card (End of July)
EnKash has launched India’s first UPI-enabled meal card, enabling employees to make payments by scanning UPI QR codes at food and grocery merchants. Under revised income-tax reforms, employees can receive up to ₹1,05,600…
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Strengthens Enforcement and Licensing Norms for FY 2025-26 (End of May)
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) intensified enforcement in FY 2025-26, with state authorities managing nearly 98% of Food Business Operators (FBOs) under their licensing regimes. Regulatory…
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao launched a portal to track and control Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs. The portal was developed by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA).
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Launches Theme ‘Scale Without Boundaries’ for India Mobile Congress 2026 (Start of August)
The India Mobile Congress 2026 will be held from October 7 to October 10 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi. Mobile data tariffs in India have decreased from ₹287 per GB to approximately ₹8 per GB over the…
Union Minister Jitendra Singh Dedicates First-of-Its-Kind 'Eco-Educational Hub' to Nation in Lucknow, UP
Key Updates:
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh dedicated the first-of-its-kind CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI) 'Eco-Educational Hub' 'Prakriti Gyan Dham' to the nation at the Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Centre (MPBC), Banthra, Lucknow.
- The Eco-Educational Hub is a living repository of India's botanical and cultural legacy, integrating scientific research, environmental education, biodiversity conservation, botanical heritage and cultural interpretation.
- The central experiential feature of the Hub is the PAaVan Path (Plants and Associated Vegetations for Appreciating Nature), an interpretive heritage trail through curated plant collections from diverse ecological regions.
- The Indian Heritage Garden includes heritage trees propagated from historically significant locations, such as the Bawan Imli Tamarind Tree from Fatehpur, the Mother Dussehri Mango Tree from Lucknow, the Patalpuri Banyan of Prayagraj, and a mango tree planted by Mahatma Gandhi at Bhitiharwa, Champaran.
- The Indian Heritage Garden uses QR-enabled audio systems to provide visitors with historical, cultural and botanical information about heritage trees through their smartphones.
- The Vibhav Enclave - Threatened Plants of India Garden is dedicated to rare, endangered and threatened plant species and raises awareness about biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, climate change and the need to conserve plant genetic resources.
- The Bhairav Enclave - State Plants of India Garden brings together officially designated State Plants of States and Union Territories, presenting their ecological, cultural and symbolic significance.
- The Bamboosteum houses 43 indigenous and exotic bamboo species and demonstrates bamboo's role in ecological restoration, carbon sequestration, soil conservation, sustainable livelihoods, traditional craftsmanship and green infrastructure.
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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the launch of a digital portal on June 4, 2026, to provide structured training in patent filing and research paper writing. The platform is supported by the Anusandhan National…
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh dedicated the UMMID (Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders) programme to the nation on 21 May 2026. The programme is designed to improve early diagnosis, screening…
Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched two AI-enabled weather forecast products under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES): a monsoon advance forecasting system and a high spatial resolution rainfall forecast for Uttar…
The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), founded in 1876 by Mahendralal Sircar in Kolkata, is regarded as India’s first research institution established by Indians for modern scientific research.…
National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI) launch digital platform ‘AAERI Verify’
Key Updates:
- The National e-Governance Division (NeGD), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), partnered with the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI) to launch the digital platform ‘AAERI Verify’.
- The platform is integrated directly with DigiLocker and enables secure, paperless, and consent-based verification of academic, identity, and financial documents for Indian students applying to Australian universities.
- AAERI Verify was officially unveiled during the AAERI Annual Convention in New Delhi on August 7.
- The digital workflow follows a two-stage framework: a student check before university application and a sponsor check after an admission offer to verify financial authenticity.
- With student consent, DigiLocker provides Australian universities direct access to digitally signed records from original issuing authorities, reducing fraud risk and processing times.
- DigiLocker, a flagship Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative under MeitY’s NeGD, serves over 72 crore registered users.
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MoPR Launches DAANVEER Initiative for Village Digital Infrastructure (Start of August)
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) launched the DAANVEER initiative on 29 July 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen digital infrastructure in gram panchayats through voluntary public contributions.
Axis Finance Launches 'Drishti' Digital Platform to Strengthen Retail and MSME Lending (End of July)
Axis Finance Limited (AFL) has launched a configurable digital platform named Axis Finance Drishti to enhance credit-decisioning and risk oversight in retail and MSME lending. The platform is an in-house Business Rules…
National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) Launches Four Digital Platforms on 23rd Foundation Day (End of June)
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) celebrated its 23rd Foundation Day in New Delhi. NIXI launched four new digital initiatives: the IX Portal, myIRINN Portal, .IN Auction Portal, and an AI-powered WHOIS…
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) extends digital accessibility audit deadline to October 31, 2026 (Start of August)
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) extended the deadline for regulated entities to complete digital accessibility audits and resolve platform issues to October 31, 2026. Earlier deadlines were April 30 for…
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India wins 17 medals at U-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship
Key Updates:
- India won 17 medals, including four gold, four silver, and nine bronze, at the U-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship in Lagos, Nigeria.
- The championship began on August 10 and will run until August 14.
- India had at least one fencer on the podium in all six individual events across sabre, foil, and epee categories.
- In men's sabre, Nikhil Wagh won gold, Lakshay Badser silver, and Ashwini Arya and Laishram Moramba bronze.
- In men's foil, Tejas Patil won silver and Hemash Sanasam bronze.
- In men's epee, Lokesh Vemani won silver, with Shaurya Ashwini and Godwin Anbkess earning bronze.
- In women's foil, Joys Ashita won gold and Kanaglakshmi silver.
- In women's epee, Prachi Lohan won gold, with Nivedhya Nair and Anupriya taking bronze.
- In women's sabre, Jeferlin won gold, Aakhari silver, and Shreya Gupta bronze.
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India Finishes Fourth at Commonwealth Games 2026 with 39 Medals (Start of August)
India finished fourth at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow with 39 medals, comprising 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze. India matched Scotland's total of 39 medals but finished above them because of a superior…
Ankur Bhattacharjee defeated Payas Jain in the men's singles final at the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. Yashaswini Ghorpade defeated Sreeja Akula in the women's singles final.
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) wins 11th All India Police Judo Cluster Championship 2026 (Start of August)
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) emerged as Overall Champions of the 11th All India Police Judo Cluster Championship 2026 with 24 gold, 20 silver and 23 bronze medals, scoring 203 points. Central Industrial Security Force…
India concluded the Asian Boxing U15 Championships 2026 in Tashkent with a total of 27 medals, comprising 9 gold, 6 silver, and 12 bronze. The Indian U-15 girls team topped their medal standings by securing 7 gold, 2…
India Gifts Five Peacocks to UN Geneva on August 10, 2026
Key Updates:
- India donated five Indian peacocks, including a rare white-feathered male, to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG).
- The birds were formally handed over by India's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Arindam Bagchi, to UNOG Director-General Tatiana Valovaya.
- This is the second time India has presented peacocks to UNOG; in 1981, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had sent a breeding pair from Delhi Zoo to UNOG.
- The care of the peacocks will be overseen by Geneva Bioparc zoo along with UN staff.
- The peacocks will first stay in an enclosed habitat for around three months before being allowed to roam freely in Ariana Park.
- Ariana Park, where the UN's European headquarters is located, is a 46-hectare park in Geneva.
- Peacocks have been part of Ariana Park for more than a century, with the tradition going back to Gustave Revilliod, who bequeathed the estate to the city of Geneva in 1890.
- Most of the birds currently in Ariana Park were donated to UNOG in 1997 by a zoo in Japan.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a traditional Gond painting from Madhya Pradesh to Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni received a Muga Silk stole from Assam, which possesses a…
India to Chair 9th UN Intergovernmental Group of Experts Session on Consumer Protection in Geneva (Start of July)
India will chair the ninth session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy at the Palais des Nations in Geneva from July 6 to 8. The session is organised by the United…
Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje led the Indian delegation at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland. She held a bilateral meeting with Gilbert F.…
The 79th World Health Assembly concluded in Geneva after a six-day session. The assembly was held under the theme “Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility”.
India wins four medals at International Linguistics Olympiad 2026
Key Updates:
- India won one gold and three bronze medals at the International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) 2026 held in Romania.
- Shrilakshmi Venkatraman won the gold medal, while Aarav Anil Rao, Nishanth Shankar Lakshmanan, and Advay Misra secured bronze medals.
- Soham Amit Pednekar received an honourable mention at the IOL 2026.
- India has participated in the International Linguistics Olympiad since 2009.
- India has won a total of 37 medals at the IOL so far, including six gold, nine silver, and 22 bronze medals.
- The Indian contingent was selected through the Panini Linguistics Olympiad (PLO) at IIIT Hyderabad.
- The IOL is a competition for pre-university students from more than 40 countries.
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India's team won four gold medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2026 held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from July 10 to 19. India shared the joint world No. 1 ranking with China, Vietnam, and an…
The 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026 was held in Vilnius, Lithuania, bringing together 307 students from 78 countries. The Indian contingent won one gold and three silver medals at the Olympiad.
India won five gold medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 held in Bucaramanga, Colombia. India shared the World No. 1 rank with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, and Taiwan.
India wins 20 medals at U-20 Asian Wrestling Championships (Start of July)
India secured a total of 20 medals, comprising four gold, seven silver, and nine bronze, at the Under-20 Asian Wrestling Championships. In Women's Wrestling, India finished second overall with 184 points, behind…
World Biofuel Day 2026 observed on August 10
Key Updates:
- World Biofuel Day is observed annually on August 10.
- The theme for World Biofuel Day 2026 is 'make a world filled with sustainable energy and innovations'.
- The day commemorates the first diesel engine powered by peanut oil by Sir Rudolf Diesel on August 10, 1893.
- The National Biofuels Policy has been revised to expand approved raw materials and set blending targets.
- The Ethanol Blending Program achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol ahead of schedule.
- The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana provides funding support for 2G bio-ethanol plants from cellulosic biomass.
- The SATAT Initiative aims to set up Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plants using biodegradable waste.
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The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) launched the Global Biofuel Champion Fellowship (GBCF) to induct 15 early-career researchers as biofuel ambassadors. Each fellow will receive a research grant of up to USD 15,000 and…
World FinTech Day observed annually on August 1 (Start of August)
World FinTech Day is celebrated annually on August 1. The day commemorates the passing of Cosimo de Medici in 1464, regarded as one of the architects of modern banking.
World Breastfeeding Week 2026 observed from August 1 to 7 (Start of August)
World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7. The week is organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2026 observed on August 9 with theme 'Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being' (Start of August)
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed annually on August 9. The theme for 2026 is 'Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being'.
Deepti Gaur Mukerjee Appointed Higher Education Secretary
Key Updates:
- Deepti Gaur Mukerjee, a 1993-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed Secretary of the Department of Higher Education.
- She was serving as Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, before this appointment.
- She succeeds Vineet Joshi, who was appointed Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
- She holds a master's degree in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and an MSc in Public Management and Governance from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
- She served as Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Authority, overseeing the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
- She also served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- She held senior positions in the Madhya Pradesh government, including Principal Secretary in Personnel, General Administration, and Sports and Youth Welfare departments.
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Naresh Pal Gangwar, a 1994-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education. He replaced Vineet Joshi, who has been transferred to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj as Secretary.
Union Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan Get One-Year Extension (Start of August)
The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet approved a one-year extension for Union Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. T.V. Somanathan, a 1987-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS)…
Lokhande Prashant Sitaram Appointed Chairperson of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) (Start of June)
Lokhande Prashant Sitaram, a 2001-batch AGMUT cadre IAS officer, was appointed as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). He replaces Rahul Singh, a 1996-batch Bihar cadre IAS officer, who has…
Lokhande Prashant Sitaram appointed Chairperson of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) (Start of July)
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) assigned Lokhande Prashant Sitaram the additional charge of Chairperson of the CBSE. Lokhande concurrently serves as Additional Secretary in the Department of Home under…