📰 Daily Briefing Monday, Apr 13

Daily Current Affairs: 13 April 2026

Analysis for 13 April 2026

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) approves PPFAS Asset Management to sponsor NPS pension fund.

[Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority, PPFAS Asset Management Company]

Key Updates:

  • PPFAS Asset Management has received approval from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) to act as a sponsor for a pension fund under the National Pension System (NPS).
  • The company will set up a separate pension fund entity to manage retirement savings of NPS subscribers.
  • PPFAS Asset Management will complete regulatory and operational formalities, including registration and infrastructure setup, before commencing operations.
  • Neil Parag Parikh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PPFAS Asset Management, stated the firm would approach pension fund management with a long-term focus and an emphasis on investor interest.
  • PPFAS Asset Management is based in Mumbai and was established in 2011.
  • The NPS framework, regulated by PFRDA, allows multiple pension fund managers to operate and enables subscribers to choose and switch between them.

Similar Coverage

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) approves Wealth First Portfolio Managers to launch mutual fund business. (End of March) ▼
  • Wealth First Portfolio Managers received Sebi approval to start mutual fund operations.
  • Lakshya Asset Management Company, sponsored by Wealth First Portfolio Managers, will be India’s first AMC headquartered in Ahmedabad.
  • Lakshya AMC has onboarded Sanjiv Shah, Rajan Mehta, and Sanjay Gaitonde, former key members of Benchmark Asset Management Company.
  • Benchmark AMC launched India’s first ETF Nifty BeES, India’s first gold ETF Gold BeES, and the world’s first money market ETF Liquid BeES.
  • India’s mutual fund industry AUM grew from about ₹1 lakh crore in 2001 to over ₹82 lakh crore in early 2026.
  • Passive investing represents 19–20% of total mutual fund AUM in India compared with over 50% in the United States.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) constitutes high-level committee to enable assured payouts under National Pension System. (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has constituted a high-level committee to formulate guidelines and regulations for establishing a framework for assured payouts under the National Pension System (NPS).
  • The committee will be chaired by Dr. M. S. Sahoo, Founder of Dr. Sahoo Regulatory Chambers and former Chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).
  • The 15-member panel comprises experts from law, actuarial science, finance, insurance, capital markets, and academia.
  • The committee has been established as a standing advisory committee on structured pension payouts.
  • Its core objectives include formulating regulations for assured payout products, designing an end-to-end framework for transition from accumulation to payout phase, and enabling legally enforceable, market-based guarantees for assured payouts.
  • The committee will define operational parameters such as lock-in periods, withdrawal limits, pricing methodologies, and fee and cost structures for service providers.
  • It will establish capital and solvency requirements for providers and examine tax implications for payout options within the NPS architecture.
  • The committee will develop standardized disclosure norms to prevent mis-selling and align subscriber expectations with market-based guarantees.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) approves NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme pilot under regulatory sandbox. (End of January) ▼
  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) issued the circular on Tuesday.
  • The pilot NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme operates under the Regulatory Sandbox Framework as a proof of concept.
  • Subscribers can withdraw up to 25 per cent of their own contributions for medical expenses with no cap on the number of withdrawals.
  • A minimum accumulated corpus of Rs 50,000 is required before the first withdrawal.
  • Full premature exit with 100 per cent lump sum is allowed if inpatient medical expenses exceed 70 per cent of the total corpus in a single instance.
  • Subscribers above 40 years (excluding government sector) may transfer up to 30 per cent of contributions from their existing NPS common account to the Swasthya Pension Scheme account.
  • Pension funds (PFs) must obtain prior PFRDA approval and may partner with fintech firms, health benefit administrators (HBAs), or third-party administrators (TPAs).
  • The pilot runs for a limited period with a restricted subscriber base; unviability will allow corpus transfer back to the common NPS account.
Ministry of Power Constitutes Committees for PFC and REC Merger (End of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Power (MoP) has constituted a high-level committee and a three-member working group to oversee the merger of Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).
  • The working group is headed by the Director (Distribution) of the MoP and includes executive directors from both PFC and REC as members.
  • The working group is tasked with studying and recommending strategies for personnel and technology integration, corporate and functional restructuring, and harmonisation of stakeholder interests.
  • The high-level committee is convened by the Joint Secretary (Distribution) of the MoP, with the Chairman and Managing Directors (MDs) of PFC and REC serving as members.
  • The high-level committee will meet once every week to review progress reports from the working group and ensure the smooth execution of the merger process.

Tracxn reports Indian tech startups raise USD 11.7 billion in FY26, down 18% from FY25

Key Updates:

  • Indian tech startups raised USD 11.7 billion in FY 2025-26, an 18% decline from USD 14.3 billion in FY 2024-25.
  • Early-stage funding surged 33% to USD 4.8 billion in FY26 from USD 3.6 billion in FY25.
  • India ranked fourth-highest funded country globally in FY26, behind the US, UK, and China.
  • FinTech firms secured USD 2.4 billion in FY26, up 14% from USD 2.1 billion in FY25.
  • Enterprise Applications received USD 3.6 billion in FY26, same as FY25.
  • Late-stage startups raised USD 5.6 billion in FY26, down 38% from USD 9.2 billion in FY25.
  • Seed-stage funding declined 15% to USD 1.3 billion in FY26 from USD 1.5 billion in FY25.
  • India witnessed 13 funding rounds above USD 100 million in FY26, compared to 23 in FY25.
  • India Tech recorded 47 IPOs in FY26, up 52% from 31 IPOs in FY25.
  • Six unicorns were created in FY26, a 50% increase from four in FY25.

Similar Coverage

China overtakes US as world’s top R&D spender in 2024; India ranks 7th (Start of February) ▼
  • Global R&D expenditure reached an estimated $2.87 trillion in 2024, up 3% year-on-year, according to World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) data from the Global Innovation Index Database released in December 2024.
  • China led with $785.9 billion R&D spending in 2024, marking a 20-fold rise since 2000 and a 23 percentage point gain in global share.
  • The United States (US) ranked second with $781.8 billion R&D spending in 2024, doubling since 2000 but losing 9.7 percentage points in global share.
  • Japan placed third with $186.0 billion R&D spending in 2024, recording a 7.2 percentage point decline in global share.
  • Germany was fourth at $132.2 billion, Republic of Korea fifth at $126.4 billion, and United Kingdom sixth at $86.5 billion in 2024 R&D spending.
  • India ranked seventh globally, spending $75.7 billion on R&D in 2024, tripling since 2000 and equalling roughly one-tenth of China’s expenditure.
  • France, Türkiye, and Brazil occupied eighth, ninth, and tenth positions with $65.8 billion, $43.2 billion, and $38.4 billion R&D spending respectively in 2024.
  • Asia accounted for about 45% of total global R&D spending in 2024, with China, Japan, and Republic of Korea among the top 10 spenders.
  • Emerging economies Turkey, Egypt, India, Thailand, Poland, and Saudi Arabia increased their global R&D presence during 2024.
  • Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Russia, Brazil, and the United Kingdom recorded declines in their shares of global R&D spending.
Karnataka hosts 39% of India’s 890 GenAI startups as ecosystem triples in H1 2025 (End of January) ▼
  • Karnataka accounts for 39% of India’s Generative AI (GenAI) startups as per Economic Survey 2025-26.
  • India’s GenAI startup count surged threefold to 890 in the first half of 2025 from 240 in the first half of 2024.
  • GenAI startups raised $76.4 million year-to-date across 18 funding rounds as per Tracxn data.
  • Deep tech industry funding rose 78% during calendar year 2024.
  • Karnataka leads the country with 43 State Public Universities supporting the talent pipeline.
  • India’s technology startup ecosystem is ranked third-largest globally.
  • India operates a deep-tech Fund of Funds under the ₹1 lakh crore RDI initiative to finance advanced research.
  • Karnataka’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities are witnessing spill-over growth in deep-tech and advanced manufacturing.
  • India’s space sector is projected to reach $44 billion by 2047 with over 300 startups, with Bengaluru and Belagavi as key hubs.
Portulans Institute Ranks India 45th in Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025 (Mid of February) ▼
  • India climbed four spots to secure the 45th rank globally in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025, released by the Portulans Institute.
  • The country's overall score improved to 54.43 out of 100 in 2025, up from 53.63 recorded in 2024.
  • The NRI 2025 evaluated 127 economies based on 53 indicators grouped under four pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact.
  • India ranked first globally in annual investment in telecommunication services, Artificial Intelligence (AI) scientific publications, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) services exports, and e-commerce legislation.
  • The report placed India second globally in fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) and building internet subscriptions, mobile broadband internet traffic, and international internet bandwidth.
  • India secured the third position globally in domestic market scale and income inequality metrics.
BIRAC–RDI Fund: ₹2,000 crore national call announced to scale high-impact biotechnology innovations (Mid of February) ▼
  • Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced the first national call for the BIRAC–RDI Fund, a ₹2,000 crore financing window under the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) initiative.
  • The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is appointed as the second-level fund manager and will deploy the amount over up to five years.
  • The fund will support technologies from TRL-4 to TRL-9 through equity, convertible instruments and long-term debt.
  • Phase-1 submissions for eligible startups, SMEs and industry partners close on 31 March 2026.
  • India’s biotechnology startups expanded from around 50 in 2014 to more than 11,000 today.
  • The bioeconomy grew from about $8 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024, targeting $300 billion by 2030 and $1 trillion by 2047.
  • Biotechnology experiments using domestically developed kits are being conducted in space for plant and life sciences research.

NPCI Bharat BillPay (NBBL) integrates Axis Bank into Banking Connect platform, expanding interoperable netbanking reach to 37 million customers.

[National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, Axis Bank]

Key Updates:

  • NPCI Bharat BillPay (NBBL) announced that Axis Bank is now live on the Banking Connect platform.
  • Banking Connect platform was launched in 2025 and provides interoperability between payment aggregators and banks for netbanking transactions.
  • Axis Bank joins State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank on the platform.
  • The integration enables Axis Bank’s 37 million customers to experience faster checkout across more than 4,800 merchants in India.
  • Eight banks and 11 payment aggregators are currently live on the Banking Connect platform.
  • NBBL is a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Similar Coverage

Axis Bank partners IndiGo to launch two co-branded travel credit cards on RuPay and Visa networks. (End of February) ▼
  • Axis Bank and IndiGo launched the IndiGo Axis Bank Credit Card priced at ₹799 plus GST targeting mass retail customers.
  • The IndiGo Axis Bank Premium Credit Card is priced at ₹5,000 plus GST and is positioned for affluent customers.
  • Both cards are linked to IndiGo’s loyalty programme IndiGo BluChip and allow users to earn reward points on eligible retail and travel spends.
  • The IndiGo Axis Bank Credit Card offers one BluChip per ₹100 spent on eligible categories, two BluChips per ₹100 on grocery and dining spends, and three BluChips per ₹100 on IndiGo transactions.
  • Cardholders of the IndiGo Axis Bank Credit Card receive a 1,200 BluChips voucher on joining, renewal and on achieving specified spending milestones.
  • The IndiGo Axis Bank Premium Credit Card offers seven BluChips per ₹100 spent on IndiGo bookings, three BluChips per ₹100 on hotel and grocery spends, and two BluChips per ₹100 on other eligible transactions.
  • The premium variant provides vouchers worth 5,000 BluChips on joining, renewal and milestone spends, complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access, and a reduced forex markup of 2.5% on international transactions.
  • The products will be available on both the RuPay and Visa networks.
Canara Bank Integrates NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) UPI Technology (End of January) ▼
  • Canara Bank will integrate NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) bank plugins to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services on its banking app, Canara ai1Pe.
  • Canara Bank is the first financial institution to adopt this technology stack approach from NBSL to host UPI features and upgrades.
  • NBSL was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2024.
  • The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded 21.63 billion transactions worth ₹27.97 trillion at the end of 2025.
  • The Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Bank index grew by 31% in 2025, outperforming the Nifty for the fifth consecutive year.
  • The Indian Rupee (INR) breached the 91 per US Dollar mark as Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) sold ₹29,300 crore in 2026.
  • In 2025, BHIM presented a proof of concept for BHIM Vishwas, a technology stack designed for white-labeling payment capabilities for banks.

CSB Bank launches Smart Save Account with up to 7% interest on sweep-in Fixed Deposits.

[CSB Bank]

Key Updates:

  • CSB Bank launched the Smart Save Account after upgrading its core banking platform.
  • The account offers up to 7% interest on sweep-in Fixed Deposits over a 13-month tenure.
  • It is available in Savings, Current, and NRO variants for salaried individuals, business professionals, and Non-Resident Indians.
  • The auto-sweep facility transfers surplus funds into Fixed Deposits without manual intervention.

Similar Coverage

Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) launches world's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered Sovereign Financial Cloud (Start of March) ▼
  • The CBUAE has launched the Sovereign Financial Cloud Services Infrastructure (SFCSI), the world’s first sovereign financial cloud for the nation’s financial sector.
  • The SFCSI was developed in partnership with Core42, which is a subsidiary of the AI and technology group G42.
  • The SFCSI is built on a fully isolated and centralised system to ensure data sovereignty within the legal and security perimeter of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
  • The platform integrates advanced AI and real-time analytics to automate operational processes and enhance risk management for licensed financial institutions.
  • The SFCSI provides a unified multi-cloud management framework for institutions to manage private and hybrid cloud environments seamlessly.
  • The CBUAE initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign systems and strengthen the resilience of the financial sector against cyber-attacks and fraud.
slice Launches Three Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Banking Solutions Including Repo-linked Savings Account (End of January) ▼
  • slice has introduced India’s first savings account linked to 100% of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) repo rate.
  • The savings account features daily interest calculation and credit, no minimum balance requirements, and instant liquidity.
  • The slice UPI credit card allows customers to scan and pay at any UPI-enabled merchant using an approved credit limit.
  • The UPI credit card offers up to 3% cashback, weekly rewards through slice sparks, and a slice in 3 feature for no-cost Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) conversion on purchases above ₹2,000.
  • The credit card is issued with no joining, renewal, or annual fees.
  • slice provides digital fixed deposits with interest rates of up to 7.25% per annum.
  • The fixed deposits are insured up to ₹5 lakh by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
  • Rajan Bajaj is the Founder and Executive Director of slice, and Dilip Asbe is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
  • slice is a digital-first banking ecosystem based in Bangalore, Karnataka.
Suryoday Small Finance Bank (SSFB) partners with HyperVerge to deploy AI-driven Video KYC system. (End of January) ▼
  • Suryoday Small Finance Bank (SSFB) has partnered with technology firm HyperVerge to implement an AI-driven Video KYC system for digital onboarding.
  • The Video KYC system enables verification agents to complete nearly twice the number of approved calls per day compared with earlier processes.
  • The system has been integrated into the bank’s existing digital channels and is being used across products that require identity verification.
  • Baskar Babu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SSFB, stated that the partnership supports the bank’s effort to make banking simpler and more accessible.
  • Vishal Singh, Chief Information Officer and Head of Digital Banking at SSFB, said the solution improves conversions without compromising customer experience.
  • HyperVerge Chief Executive Officer Kedar Kulkarni said the Video KYC platform supports higher conversions, compliance, and scalable operations for regulated financial institutions.
Bank of Baroda (BoB) launches bob Women Sapphire Savings Account with ₹10 lakh cancer cover (Mid of March) ▼
  • Bank of Baroda (BoB) has introduced the bob Women Sapphire Savings Account, a premium savings product designed specifically for women.
  • The account mandates a Monthly Average Balance (MAB) of ₹1 lakh and includes a complimentary cancer care coverage plan worth ₹10 lakh for women aged between 18 and 60 years.
  • It features the bob Bhoomi RuPay Select Debit Card, which provides benefits such as domestic airport lounge access, gym memberships, and Over-the-Top (OTT) subscriptions.
  • Health and wellness benefits include free online doctor consultations for up to six family members, a 15% concession on medicines, and a 20% concession on pathology tests.
  • The account offers a 50% waiver on home loan processing fees and a 20% discount on locker charges up to a maximum of ₹500.
  • Account holders are eligible for the BOBCARD Tiara Credit Card, featuring a 50% first-year fee waiver in the form of reward points and unlimited domestic airport lounge access.

India rejects China’s renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh

[China, Arunachal Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed China’s assignment of new names to locations within Indian territory as mischievous attempts that carry no legitimacy.
  • Official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India categorically rejects any fictitious names assigned by China to places in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The MEA emphasised that Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.

Similar Coverage

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.
Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram Statehood Day celebrated on February 20 (End of February) ▼
  • Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram celebrate their Statehood Day on February 20 every year.
  • The article marks 12 years of transformative change in both states since 2015-16.
  • Arunachal Pradesh recorded a 166% increase in GSDP since 2015-16.
  • Mizoram maintained an average annual real GSDP growth of 10.1% between 2012 and 2022.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy: Union Cabinet eases norms for bordering countries (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the easing of FDI norms for all countries sharing land borders with India.
  • The decision involves the amendment of Press Note 3 of 2020, which previously mandated prior government approval for investments from bordering nations in any sector.
  • The target countries sharing land borders with India include China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Afghanistan.
  • China currently ranks 23rd in India's FDI equity inflow with a 0.32 per cent share, totalling 2.51 billion United States Dollar (USD) from April 2000 to December 2025.
  • In the 2024-25 fiscal year, India's exports to China were 14.25 billion USD and imports were 113.45 billion USD, resulting in a trade deficit of 99.2 billion USD.
  • During the April-January 2025-26 period, India's exports to China rose to 15.88 billion USD, while imports reached 108.18 billion USD.
  • Following military tensions in June 2020, India banned over 200 Chinese mobile apps, including TikTok, WeChat, and Alibaba's UC browser.

Warangal and Adilabad airports approved for Telangana

[Telangana]

Key Updates:

  • The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) approved development of two new airports in Telangana at Warangal and Adilabad.
  • The foundation stone for the Adilabad airport will be laid within the next three months.
  • The Warangal airport development will be taken up by the MoCA while the Adilabad airport will be developed by the Defence Ministry.
  • The announcement was made by Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu and Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy at a press conference in New Delhi.

Similar Coverage

Shree Jagannath International Airport receives Stage-I forest clearance (Start of April) ▼
  • The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) granted Stage-I forest clearance for the Shree Jagannath International Airport at Puri on 1 April 2026.
  • MoEFCC allowed diversion of 27.886 hectares of forest land for the greenfield airport project.
  • The project was proposed by the Odisha government in 2023 and recommended by the advisory committee on 27 February 2023.
  • The airport is estimated to cost ₹5,631 crore and will span 471.34 hectares, including the diverted forest land.
  • The Union civil aviation ministry gave in-principle approval on 5 May 2025 based on Odisha’s commerce and transport department proposal.
  • The airport is designed to handle over 4 million passengers annually and aims to boost global pilgrim connectivity to Puri.
SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2026 announced (Start of April) ▼
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) was named the World’s Best Airport for the 13th consecutive year in the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2026.
  • Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) rose to 2nd place in 2026 from 4th in 2025.
  • Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) retained 3rd place and Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) retained 5th place in 2026.
  • Doha Hamad International Airport dropped out of the top 10 in 2026.
  • Istanbul Airport (IST) climbed to 8th place in 2026 from 14th in 2025.
  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR) entered the top 10 at 10th place in 2026 from 13th in 2025.
  • Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) rose four places to rank 28th globally in 2026 and was named best airport in India & South Asia.
  • Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport ranked 43rd globally in 2026 and received the Best Airport Staff Service in India & South Asia award.
  • Goa Manohar International Airport ranked 64th and Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport ranked 66th in 2026.
  • Bangalore Kempegowda International Airport won Best Regional Airport in India & South Asia despite missing the global top 100.
Noida International Airport Phase I inaugurated by PM Modi (End of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase I of Noida International Airport at Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh on 28 March 2026.
  • Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted the Aerodrome License to Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) under the Public Use category for all-weather operations.
  • Phase 1 developed at an investment of around ₹11,200 crore by YIAPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Government of India.
  • Concession period commenced on 1 October 2021 for 40 years.
  • Airport designed for initial passenger handling capacity of 12 million passengers per annum, scalable up to 70 million passengers per annum.
  • Airport features a 3,900-metre runway, Instrument Landing System (ILS), and advanced airfield lighting for all-weather, round-the-clock operations.
  • Airport aims to operate as a net-zero emissions facility with energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices.
Madurai Airport Granted International Status by Union Cabinet (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to declare Madurai airport as an international airport to boost global connectivity.
  • Madurai will become the third international airport in Tamil Nadu once the status change is implemented.
  • Union Information and Broadcasting Minister (MIB) Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision to support the region's industrial clusters and its role as an educational and healthcare hub.
  • The upgrade is expected to enhance connectivity to pilgrimage sites including Meenakshi Amman temple, Koodal Azhagar temple, Thirupparankundram Murugan temple, Palamudhircholai Murugan temple, and Rameswaram.
  • The policy aims to attract international pilgrims and businesses while supporting trade and economic activity in the surrounding areas.
  • The MIB stated that several airlines have shown interest in expanding international operations from the airport.
  • Madurai airport is among the oldest airports in Tamil Nadu and currently handles domestic flights.

Indian Navy Commanders’ Conference 2026 to focus on AI, unmanned systems, jointness amid West Asia tensions

Key Updates:

  • Indian Navy’s bianxial Commanders’ Conference 2026 will be held in New Delhi from 14 to 16 April.
  • Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan will address senior naval leadership on jointness and interoperability.
  • Conference will review implementation of Indian Navy’s artificial intelligence roadmap and data-driven technologies.
  • Deliberations will emphasise lessons from US-I conflict, including AI-enabled targeting and uncrewed systems.
  • Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence recently commended Navy’s push on indigenisation and innovation initiatives.

Similar Coverage

Indian Navy assumes command of Combined Task Force 154 under Combined Maritime Forces (Mid of February) ▼
  • Indian Navy assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), a multinational training task force under Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), on 11 February at CMF headquarters in Manama, Bahrain.
  • Commodore Milind M Mokashi of the Indian Navy, a Shaurya Chakra awardee, took over as Commander of CTF 154 from the outgoing Italian Navy commander.
  • CTF 154, established in May 2023, focuses on training and capacity-building across five pillars: maritime domain awareness, law of the sea, maritime interdiction operations, maritime rescue and assistance, and leadership development.
  • The task force conducts maritime security enhancement training events, exercises such as Compass Rose and Northern/Southern Readiness, and outreach to counter threats like illegal trafficking, piracy, and irregular migration.
  • CTF 154 operates alongside CMF task forces CTF 150 (maritime security), CTF 151 (counter-piracy), CTF 152 (Arabian Gulf maritime security), and CTF 153 (Red Sea maritime security).
Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard hold 22nd high-level meeting in New Delhi (Mid of January) ▼
  • This was 22nd such high-level meeting between the two forces.
  • Deliberations focused on enhancing collaboration in Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) and capacity building.
  • Discussions also covered cooperation in emerging areas, including the use of technology, information sharing, training initiatives, and personnel exchanges.
  • A Japan Coast Guard National Strike Team (NST) is also visiting Mumbai and will conduct a joint exercise with the ICG pollution response team, focusing on Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) spill response.
India hosts Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) maritime exercise IMEX TTX 26 in Kochi (End of March) ▼
  • Indian Navy hosted the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) maritime exercise at Maritime Warfare Centre of Southern Naval Command in Kochi last Friday.
  • The exercise brought together delegates from IONS member navies to deliberate on evolving non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Participating countries included Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Timor-Leste.
  • India assumed the IONS chairmanship for the 2026–2028 cycle after a gap of 16 years.
  • IMEX TTX 2026 marks a key milestone in strengthening regional maritime leadership.
Eastern Naval Command (ENC) inaugurates MILAN Village ahead of International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam (Mid of February) ▼
  • Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC), inaugurated the MILAN Village at the ENC base in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
  • The MILAN Village is set up at the ENC Sailors’ Institute and will serve as the social and cultural hub for Exercise MILAN 2026 and the International Fleet Review.
  • The village features stalls from various Indian States and participating foreign navies, displaying traditional handicrafts, artwork and cultural exhibits.
  • The International City Parade on RK Beach Road, Visakhapatnam, is scheduled for 19 February 2026 evening with over 70 countries participating.
  • Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will attend the parade as chief guest.
  • The parade will begin at 4 p.m. with an aerial display by Indian Naval fighter aircraft and helicopters.
  • Marching contingents and military bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard will participate, along with ceremonial units from foreign navies.
  • Cultural troupes and thematic tableaux highlighting India’s maritime legacy and the traditions of visiting nations will be part of the event.
  • The evening will conclude with synchronised fireworks, a laser light show and a drone display, with illuminated warships anchored off the Visakhapatnam coast.

India and Uzbekistan begin 7th edition of joint exercise DUSTLIK at Gurumsaray, Namangan

[Uzbekistan]

Key Updates:

  • The 7th edition of India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise DUSTLIK runs from 12 to 25 April 2026 at Gurumsaray Field Training Area, Namangan, Uzbekistan.
  • The Indian contingent totals 60 personnel: 45 from the Army (Mahar Regiment battalion) and 15 from the Indian Air Force.
  • Uzbekistan fields around 60 personnel from its Army and Air Force.
  • The exercise focuses on physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and basic special arms skills in semi-mountainous terrain.
  • Key operational aspects include land navigation, strike missions on enemy bases, and seizure of enemy-held areas.
  • A 48-hour validation phase will test joint tactical drills for neutralising unlawful armed groups.
  • The previous edition was held in April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune.

Similar Coverage

Air India and Uzbekistan Airways sign codeshare pact to expand India–Central Asia connectivity (Start of April) ▼
  • Air India placed its ‘AI’ designator code on Uzbekistan Airways-operated flights effective 20 March 2026.
  • Covered routes under the codeshare are Delhi–Tashkent, Mumbai–Tashkent, and the seasonal Goa–Tashkent service.
  • The agreement allows single-ticket booking with baggage checked through to the final destination.
  • Both carriers maintain an interline partnership enabling onward connections from Tashkent to Bukhara, Qarshi, Nukus, Urgench, Termez, Samarkand, Fergana, and Namangan.
India and Kyrgyzstan to hold 13th edition of Exercise Khanjar in Assam (Start of February) ▼
  • The 13th edition of the India–Kyrgyzstan joint military exercise Khanjar will be conducted in Misamari, Assam from 4 to 17 February.
  • Exercise Khanjar, initiated in 2011, is an annual training event with venues alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan.
  • The previous edition of Exercise Khanjar was held in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025.
  • The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the special forces of India and Kyrgyzstan with focus on urban warfare and counter-terrorism under United Nations mandate.
Indian Army contingent departs for Egypt for fourth edition of India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone-IV (Start of April) ▼
  • An Indian Army contingent has departed for Egypt to participate in the fourth edition of the India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone-IV scheduled at Anshas from April 9-17.
  • The Indian contingent comprises 25 personnel from special forces units.
  • The exercise aims to enhance joint mission planning capabilities and improve interoperability through exchange of best practices in special operations.
  • Troops will undertake training activities focused on special operational tactics, techniques and procedures in desert and semi-desert terrain.
Indian Army to host 1st International Military Adventure Challenge Cup 2026 in Eastern Himalayas (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Indian Army will host the inaugural International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 from 18 to 23 February 2026 in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
  • Military teams from India and seven friendly nations—Bhutan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia—will participate.
  • Indian contingents will include teams from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
  • The competition will test physical fitness, mental resilience, leadership, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure in mountainous terrain.
  • The event is conducted under the banner of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) whose motto is 'Friendship through Sport'.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) relaxes CAFE-3 emission slopes, steering automakers toward EVs and hybrids

Key Updates:

  • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) circulated an updated CAFE-3 draft on 8 April, covering 2027-32 and relaxing the permissible emission slope to 0.00158 for 2027-28 and 0.00131 for 2031-32.
  • The relaxed slope grants small cars an 11-13 g per km emission benefit while tightening the target by 10-12 g per km for larger cars.
  • Automakers selling higher-emission vehicles will face financial penalties, whereas credits from EVs and strong hybrids can offset these penalties.
  • Manufacturers must comply within a three-plus-two year block period—three years (2027-28 to 2029-30) and two years (2030-31 and 2031-32)—with credits or debits carried forward within each block.
  • Penalties for non-compliance will be assessed at the end of each block and paid into the Central Energy Conservation Fund, of which 90% will be redistributed to states proportional to vehicle sales and 10% retained by the Centre.

Similar Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revises counterparty credit risk rules to align with Basel norms (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its counterparty credit risk (CCR) framework to align with Basel Committee on Banking Supervision norms.
  • The revisions lower capital add-ons for interest rate and foreign exchange contracts.
  • The revisions increase capital add-ons for some long-dated equity and commodity swaps.
  • The framework clarifies capital treatment for banks acting as clearing members on exchanges recognised by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) in equity and commodity derivatives segments.
  • Regulated entities must include CCR exposures of all entities consolidated under the Basel III framework when computing capital on a consolidated basis.
UN issues first carbon credits under Paris Agreement for Myanmar clean-cooking project (Start of March) ▼
  • The United Nations (UN) has approved the first credits under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM).
  • The credited project is a clean cooking initiative in Myanmar that distributes efficient biomass cookstoves, implemented with a South Korean company.
  • Generated credits will count towards the climate targets of South Korea and Myanmar.
  • UN Climate Change states the credited emissions reductions are 40 percent lower than under the previous scheme due to more conservative calculations.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates over two billion people globally use open fires or inefficient stoves fuelled by kerosene, coal, or biomass.
  • Only 78 percent of the global population is expected to have access to clean cooking by 2030 at current rates.
Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) to Issue First Credits by October 2026 (End of February) ▼
  • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) announced that India will issue its first carbon credits under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) in October 2026.
  • The scheme consists of two primary components: a mandatory compliance component covering 800 units in nine sectors and a voluntary offset component.
  • The BEE has already issued emission targets for approximately 490 units across seven sectors through notifications in October 2025 and January 2026.
  • The initial phase of the carbon trading operations will exclude the steel and fertiliser sectors, despite them being among the most polluting industries.
  • A dedicated portal for project registration and participation in the scheme is scheduled to be launched on 20 March 2026.
  • The Ministry of Power (MoP) is overseeing the draft scheme, which aligns with global designs such as the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
  • The first cycle of targets for the 2025-26 financial year will conclude on 31 March 2026, followed by a seven-month period for verification, assessment, and issuance.
  • Trading of the issued carbon credits is expected to take place between November 2026 and January 2027.
Union Cabinet approves India’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) with 60% clean energy share and 47% emissions intensity cut (End of March) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved India’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • The NDC targets raising the share of non-fossil fuel sources to 60% of total electricity generation capacity by 2035.
  • It aims to reduce the emissions intensity of India’s economy by 47% from 2005 levels by 2035.
  • It seeks to increase India’s nature-based carbon sink to 3.5–4.0 billion tons by 2035.
  • The Cabinet considered the first Global Stocktake (GST), the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC), and equity while finalising the targets.
  • Non-fossil fuels already account for 52% of India’s electricity generation capacity and emissions intensity is 36% below 2005 levels.
  • The NDC lists eight goals including climate-resilient infrastructure, clean economic development, Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), green finance, and capacity building & innovation.
  • The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and Carbon Brief reported India’s CO₂ emissions grew only 0.7% in 2025, the lowest in two decades.
  • Clean energy subsidies have driven a fivefold rise in renewable energy capacity since 2014.
  • The Central Electricity Authority has set a domestic target of 70% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035.

NHAI launches ‘Arogya Van’ to plant 67,462 medicinal trees along National Highways

Key Updates:

  • National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will plant 67,462 medicinal trees on 17 vacant land parcels covering 62.8 hectares along National Highways in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
  • 36 medicinal tree species including Neem, Amla, Imli, Jamun, Lemon, Gular and Maulsari have been identified for plantation according to agro-climatic suitability.
  • Priority plantation sites include toll plazas, wayside amenities, interchanges and cloverleaf junctions to maximise public awareness.
  • NHAI has identified approximately 188 hectares of vacant land for plantations during the forthcoming monsoon season to ensure higher survival rates.

Similar Coverage

Study documents 39 medicinal plants used by Sonowal Kachari tribe in Assam. (End of March) ▼
  • Researchers from Nagaland University and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dibrugarh, identified 39 plants used by the Sonowal Kachari community in Lakhimpur district, Assam, for treating ailments like fever, dysentery, cough, skin diseases, stomach disorders and arthritis.
  • The study was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 180 tribal elders aged 50 years and above between April 2022 and November 2023.
  • Commonly used plants include Acorus calamus for cough and fever, Aegle marmelos (bael) for dysentery, Aloe vera for burns and skin diseases, Azadirachta indica (neem) for infections, and Bryophyllum pinnatum for kidney stones.
  • Leaves were the most frequently used plant part, followed by roots, fruits and flowers; most plants were herbs, with others being trees, climbers and shrubs.
  • The findings were published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to create bee corridors along national highways in 2026–27 (Mid of February) ▼
  • The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will develop pollinator corridors along selected highway stretches during 2026–27.
  • Native species to be planted include Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun and Siris.
  • Each NHAI field office will develop at least three pollinator corridors in 2026–27.
  • NHAI targets planting about 60 per cent of its 4 million trees under the bee corridor initiative.
World Wildlife Day 2026 highlights medicinal plants amid rising global demand (Start of March) ▼
  • World Wildlife Day is observed annually on 3 March and in 2026 focuses on medicinal and aromatic plants.
  • Danna J. Leaman, outgoing co-chair of the Medicinal Plant Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), stated that plants are critical for ecosystems and economies.
  • Around 30,000 plant species are documented as medicinal or aromatic based on published evidence and trade data.
  • The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) recognises that many species in international trade are plants.
  • Nardostachys jatamansi, a Himalayan herb used in Ayurveda and valued for its aromatic roots, is listed as critically endangered on IUCN’s Red List.
  • The species grows in high-altitude regions of Nepal, India and China, and harvesting its root usually kills the plant.
  • Nepal has imposed trade restrictions on wild Nardostachys jatamansi to promote conservation while affecting rural livelihoods dependent on its harvest.
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) launches online portal for digital issuance of origin certificates for cultivated medicinal plants. (Start of February) ▼
  • The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has operationalised a web-based portal enabling fully digital submission, review, and issuance of certificates of origin for cultivated medicinal plants.
  • The portal replaces paper-based workflows with automated online verification and real-time data validation, cutting administrative effort for AYUSH practitioners, seed producers, and research institutions.
  • Built under the Biological Diversity Act amendments approved by Parliament in 2023 and the Biological Diversity Rules notified in 2024 and amended in 2025, the system supports Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) compliance without physical document handling.
  • Applications are processed through secure agency-managed logins, with instant cross-department updates and digital storage to strengthen traceability and regulatory oversight.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) completes second integrated air drop test for Gaganyaan crew module

[Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Andhra Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • 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.

Similar Coverage

DRDO conducts successful qualification test for Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute (End of February) ▼
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the qualification level load test of the Drogue Parachute for the Gaganyaan programme on 18 February 2026 at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh.
  • The test was jointly carried out by teams from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), DRDO and TBRL.
  • The RTRS dynamic test simulated qualification level loads higher than maximum flight loads, demonstrating additional design safety margin of the parachute.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, ISRO and Industry on the achievement, stating it advances the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the teams involved in the successful test.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy conduct in-flight release trials of ADC-150 from P8I aircraft (Mid of March) ▼
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy jointly conducted four successful in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container ADC-150 from the P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1.
  • The ADC-150 is indigenously designed to deliver a 150 kg payload and enhances naval operational logistics capabilities for quick response to naval vessels under distress.
  • Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, is the nodal laboratory for the activity.
  • Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, developed the parachute system.
  • Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Bengaluru, provided the flight clearance and certification.
  • Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, provided the instrumentation support for the trials.
  • The ADC-150 system for the P8I aircraft was developed and qualified in a short timeframe to meet Indian Navy requirements.
  • All developmental flight trials have been completed successfully and the system is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy soon.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tests CE20 cryogenic engine at 22-tonne thrust (Mid of March) ▼
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a sea-level hot test of its CE20 cryogenic engine at 22-tonne thrust at the ISRO Propulsion Complex on March 10.
  • The CE20 engine powers the upper cryogenic stage of the LVM-3 launch vehicle.
  • The test lasted 165 seconds and used a nozzle protection system and a multi-element igniter.
  • ISRO plans to operate future LVM-3 missions with an uprated C32 cryogenic stage delivering 22-tonne thrust to enhance payload capability.
  • The cryogenic engine has undergone a record 20 successful hot tests demonstrating technologies including ignition using a multi-element igniter and engine qualification for Gaganyaan at 20-tonne thrust level.
Southern Air Command (SAC) conducts joint maritime exercise Kalari Leap in Lakshadweep on 24 February 2026 (Start of March) ▼
  • Southern Air Command (SAC) conducted the joint maritime exercise Kalari Leap in the Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago on 24 February 2026.
  • The exercise involved the participation of the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
  • The operations encompassed airborne and air-landed insertions, special heliborne missions, amphibious assault, anti-ship strike, and maritime search and rescue.
  • Air assets utilised during the exercise included An-32, Mi-17V5, and Su-30MKI aircraft.
  • The ICG deployed ships and Gemini boats, while its Dornier 228 aircraft was used for search and rescue missions and shepherding fighters for maritime strikes.
  • AFSOD special forces were integrated for Combat Free Fall insertions and amphibious assaults to validate joint planning and rapid force projection.

Deakin University and Telangana Government sign MoU for Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) collaboration

[Telangana, Deakin University]

Key Updates:

  • Deakin University and the Government of Telangana, through Aikam™, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on applied Artificial Intelligence (AI), skilling, research, and innovation.
  • The agreement was signed at the Telangana State Secretariat by Professor Iain Martin, Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, and Shri Phani Nagarjuna, CEO of Aikam™.
  • The partnership focuses on three key pillars: AI skilling and education, research and applied innovation, and ecosystem and industry engagement.
  • A Joint Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Applied AI, named the Aikam-Deakin Hub for Research in Intelligent Technology & Innovation (Aikam-DHRITI), will be established under the agreement.
  • Aikam™ is India's first ecosystem-approach based open innovation entity designed to position Telangana as a global hub for frontier technologies.
  • The collaboration aims to develop public sector use-case applications by leveraging emerging technologies such as Data, Cybersecurity, AI, and Machine Learning.

Similar Coverage

IIT Madras Global launches Applied AI Innovation Centre in Dubai CommerCity (End of February) ▼
  • IIT Madras Global Research Foundation will establish its inaugural Applied Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre at Dubai CommerCity.
  • MCA Gulf is the partner for the centre.
  • The centre will initially onboard six early-stage applied AI startups backed by IIT Madras Global.
  • The combined valuation of the six startups is estimated near USD 118 million.
  • Projections indicate nearly USD 281 million in revenue over five years.
  • Details of the centre’s formation were announced during WORLDEF Dubai 2026.
  • Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, dean of Global Engagement at IIT Madras, stated the facility will scale academic research into industry adoption and advance responsible, people-oriented AI design.
  • The centre will focus on local product development, solution deployment, intellectual property creation, and collaboration with government entities, industry stakeholders, and innovation ecosystem partners.
  • Amna Lootah, Director-General of Dubai CommerCity and Dubai Airport Freezone, said the partnership reinforces Dubai’s role as a digital trade and advanced technologies hub.
Indian Institute of Management, Udaipur (IIMU) Hosts Third Edition of D'Future India Digital Conclave 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • The Indian Institute of Management, Udaipur (IIMU) successfully hosted the third edition of the D'Future: India Digital Conclave at the T-Hub in Hyderabad.
  • The conclave focused on technology-led growth, resilient systems, and building an inclusive nation through digital technologies.
  • Shri Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary of the Government of Telangana, highlighted the state's commitment to digitising governance, including providing optical fibre connectivity to households.
  • Prof. Ramayya Krishnan from Carnegie Mellon University discussed the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare applications and the importance of AI governance.
  • Kamlesh Gosai, Executive Director at the Ministry of Railways, shared insights into the GatiShakti programme and the Tech Vision 2035 roadmap for integrated infrastructure planning.
  • The event featured student-led innovations from the IIMU 1-Year MBA (GSCM) programme, including AI-powered inventory management and demand forecasting tools.
  • Start-up companies presented pitches in advanced fields such as quantum computing, high-speed devices, low-cost sustained energy systems, and rocket launching.
  • Viren Rasquinha, CEO of Olympic Gold Quest, discussed the increasing role of data analytics and wearable devices in enhancing sports performance.
HCLTech and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur sign MoU to advance deep tech innovation for Global Capability Centres. (Start of March) ▼
  • HCL Technologies (HCLTech) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur signed an MoU to convert research into real-world pilots and scalable solutions for Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
  • The collaboration focuses on advanced engineering and deep tech including AI, robotics and next-generation technologies.
  • The partnership enables GCCs to accelerate complex research, access niche skills without building internal labs and reduce time-to-market.
  • IIT Kanpur brings translational R&D expertise in AI, intelligent systems, robotics, cybersecurity and other next-generation technologies.
  • The MoU bridges academic research and enterprises to co-develop innovative technologies with measurable impact.
India launches Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave-2026 (Mid of February) ▼
  • Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched the two-day Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave-2026 in New Delhi.
  • The conclave focuses on four verticals: AI for school education, AI for higher education, AI for skilling and workforce readiness, and AI research and deep technology.
  • It aims to integrate AI in education at scale and develop the ‘Bharat EduAI Stack’ by bringing together academia, industry, policymakers, start-ups, innovators, scientific leadership and the skilling ecosystem.
  • Pradhan stated that India’s AI will be inclusive by design, interoperable by architecture and sovereign by capability.
  • Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow introduced a series of new Artificial Intelligence programmes during the event.
  • An MoU was exchanged between Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and Columbia University to establish a Centre of AI for manufacturing at IIT Bombay.
  • On 11 February, Pradhan chaired a roundtable with founders of 10 new-age Indian start-ups using AI in education at IIT Delhi to discuss alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Army launches Sikkim’s first border village community radio station

[Sikkim]

Key Updates:

  • Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps launched Sikkim’s first border village community radio station named Radio ‘Sikkim Sundari’.
  • The station aims to boost communication and information access in remote high-altitude border areas of Sikkim.
  • It broadcasts local news, weather updates, government schemes, and promotes local culture and youth participation.
  • The inauguration was attended by senior officers of Trishakti Corps, civil administration representatives, and local community members.

Similar Coverage

Meghalaya government signs Letter of Intent with Starlink India for satellite-based internet pilot in remote hill regions. (Start of April) ▼
  • The Meghalaya government and Starlink India signed a Letter of Intent on Wednesday to pilot satellite-based internet in remote hill regions.
  • The pilot will cover education, healthcare, disaster management, and economic development sectors affected by poor connectivity.
  • Starlink cannot start commercial services in India as it has not been allocated satellite spectrum and must complete security compliance and set up ground infrastructure like earth stations.
  • Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stated that Meghalaya’s rugged terrain makes conventional telecom infrastructure expensive and impractical, leaving large population pockets offline.
  • SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell attended the signing and described Meghalaya’s technology adoption efforts as encouraging.
  • The agreement was signed by Additional Chief Secretary Sampath Kumar; no financial terms were disclosed.
Centre delicensed 5925-6425 MHz of 6 GHz band for indoor Wi-Fi (End of January) ▼
  • The Centre delicensed the lower portion (5925-6425 MHz) of 6 GHz spectrum band for enabling indoor Wi-Fi use.
  • The government notified the “Low Power and Very Low Power Wireless Access Rules, 2026.”
  • The framework exempts license if users follow the mandatory technical rules and mandates users to share the frequency.
  • The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had proposed delicensing 500 MHz in the 6 GHz band (5925-6425 MHz) for unlicensed indoor Wi-Fi usage in May 2025.
  • The development will enable original equipment makers (OEMs) to unveil a new range of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 compatible routers and devices.
Pune marks World Radio Day 2026 with UNESCO theme Radio and Artificial Intelligence (Mid of February) ▼
  • World Radio Day 2026 was observed in Pune with an evening of talks and a documentary screening at Firodia Hall, Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute.
  • The event aligned with UNESCO’s theme for the year — Radio and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • Marathi author and Akashvani content creator Mangala Godbole spoke on radio’s role in shaping daily routines and nurturing local talent.
  • Filmmaker Makarand Waikar presented the 68-minute documentary My Radio My Life, which has been screened in 36 countries and recognised at over 80 international film festivals.
Gujarat Government and Starlink Sign Letter of Intent (LoI) for High-Speed Internet Connectivity (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Gujarat Government signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited (Starlink), a subsidiary of SpaceX, to enhance digital connectivity in remote and underserved areas.
  • The LoI was exchanged in Gandhinagar by Industries Commissioner P. Swaroop and Head of Starlink India Prabhakar Jayakumar in the presence of Chief Minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel.
  • The initiative aims to provide high-speed satellite-based internet in remote, border, and tribal areas, specifically targeting Aspirational Districts such as Narmada and Dahod.
  • A pilot project under the agreement plans to connect Common Service Centres (CSCs), e-Governance facilities, government schools, district disaster management control rooms, ports, and wildlife sanctuary areas.
  • The LoI covers strengthening connectivity in Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) industrial parks, highway safety systems, maritime operations, and coastal police activities.
  • The partnership will facilitate smart connectivity for education in state schools and tele-medicine services at Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
  • A joint working group consisting of Starlink and state government officials will be formed to ensure the effective implementation of the LoI.

First-ever life-size Swami Vivekananda statue unveiled in Seattle

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • The first-ever life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda in the United States was unveiled at Westlake Square in downtown Seattle.
  • The bronze statue was sculpted by Indian artist Naresh Kumar Kumawat and gifted by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) to the City of Seattle.
  • Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta jointly unveiled the statue.
  • The unveiling ceremony was held on the occasion of ICCR Day and is part of India's cultural diplomacy initiatives to strengthen India-US people-to-people ties.
  • Westlake Square, where the statue is installed, sees over 400,000 visitors daily and is located near the Amazon headquarters 'Spheres', the Seattle Convention Centre, and the Seattle Centre Monorail.

Similar Coverage

First Mahatma Gandhi bust unveiled in Montana, USA (Start of March) ▼
  • Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta jointly unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Mike Mansfield Centre of the University of Montana in Missoula.
  • The bust is a gift from the Government of India to the state of Montana.
  • The Mike Mansfield Centre was founded by an act of US Congress in 1983 to foster globally minded leaders.
  • The event was attended by leading Montana state officials, University of Montana faculty and students, and members of the Montana World Affairs Council.
  • Students at the University of Montana celebrated Holi later the same evening, marking the first Holi festivities in Montana.
  • Bilateral ties between India and Montana have deepened since the establishment of the Indian Consulate in Seattle in November 2023.
  • In June 2025, a 10-member delegation of young high-school students from Montana visited India on a two-week cultural immersion programme.
  • In January 2025, a 50-member Montana delegation participated in the second Invest India Business Forum in Seattle.
  • The Gandhi bust in Montana is the fourth Gandhi statue installed by the Consulate General of India in Seattle in the US Pacific Northwest; others are in Seattle (October 2024), Lincoln, Nebraska (December 2024), and Bellevue Public Library (October 2009).
Our Lady of Grace Cathedral wins UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit on 21 February 2026 (End of February) ▼
  • The 475-year-old Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai, Maharashtra, received the Award of Merit at the 2025 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
  • The conservation project was executed by architect Ainsley Lewis between 2023 and 2024 at an approximate cost of ₹4.5 crore, funded entirely by the local parish community.
  • The year 2025 marked the silver jubilee of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, which were announced in Bangkok.
  • The highest Award of Distinction was shared by the Iwami Ginzan Library Conservation Project in Oda, Japan, and the Sihang Warehouse Conservation Project in Shanghai, China.
  • A seven-member international jury selected the winners from a record 90 entries across 16 countries based on technical achievement and sustainability.
Gandhi statue theft in Rowville, Melbourne on Feb 3, 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • India condemned the vandalism and removal of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne, Victoria.
  • The bronze statue, weighing around 420 kg, was unveiled on 12 November 2021 by then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to mark 75 years of Indian independence.
  • The statue was gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
  • Victoria Police are investigating the theft for possible motives including scrap metal value, deliberate vandalism, or intimidation.
  • This was the second attack on the statue; it was previously vandalised less than 24 hours after its inauguration in November 2021.
  • Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India has strongly raised the matter with Australian authorities and urged immediate action to recover the statue and hold culprits accountable.
Rituparna Sengupta receives Women Empowerment Award for Art and Culture at UK House of Commons. (End of March) ▼
  • Rituparna Sengupta was honoured with the Women Empowerment Award for Art and Culture at the House of Commons, Westminster Parliament, UK.
  • The award was presented by Seema Malhotra and Virendra Sharma at an event organised by GloWomen CiC to mark International Women's Day.
  • Her husband, Sanjay Chakrabarty, attended the ceremony.

Russia declares Stanford University undesirable on 12 April 2026

[Russia, Stanford University]

Key Updates:

  • The Justice Ministry of Russia added the United States (US)-based Stanford University to its list of undesirable organisations on 12 April 2026.
  • Stanford University is the 19th Western university to be added to the list over the last five years.
  • The Stanford University Centre for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREEES) has also been included in the undesirable classification.
  • According to Russian law, students affiliated with an undesirable organisation can face up to four years in prison, while organisers may face up to six years.
  • Over 200 foreign organisations, including Yale University, Amnesty International, and the British Council, have been declared undesirable by Russia.
  • Russia introduced the law regarding undesirable organisations in 2015 to regulate foreign-funded entities and opposition groups.
  • The Kremlin has applied the foreign agent tag to more than 1,000 organisations and individuals, requiring them to adhere to strict reporting requirements.

Similar Coverage

UGC releases 2026 state-wise list of fake universities (End of February) ▼
  • The University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified 32 fake universities operating across 12 states in India.
  • Delhi has the highest number of such universities with 12, followed by Uttar Pradesh with four.
  • The UGC, a statutory body under the Ministry of Education, has clarified that these institutions are not recognized by the Central or State Governments and lack the authority to award valid degrees under the UGC Act.
UNESCO reports 273 million children out of school; UNEP flags 50% decline in protected migratory species (Start of April) ▼
  • UNESCO's 2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report states 273 million children and young people are out of school worldwide.
  • One in six school-age children are excluded from education and only two in three complete secondary school.
  • Progress in school participation has slowed across most regions since 2015, with conflict and population growth as key drivers.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly affected by the slowdown in educational participation.
  • The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) reported Russia launched nearly 1,000 drones and dozens of missiles at Ukrainian cities during 23-24 March.
  • The 23-24 March attacks killed at least six people, injured almost 100, and damaged residential areas, medical facilities, and energy infrastructure.
  • Targets included a monastery in Lviv and a maternity hospital in Ivano-Frankivsk region.
  • More than 15,000 civilian killings have been confirmed since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine over four years ago.
  • 3.7 million people are internally displaced in areas controlled by the Kyiv government.
  • The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre report nearly half of migratory species requiring protection are declining.
  • Species threatened by extinction have risen to 24% from 22% two years earlier.
  • UNEP's Elizabeth Maruma Mrema stated protecting migratory species depends on coordinated international action.
  • Environmental multilateralism works and is essential for protecting migratory species that cross borders and oceans.
QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026 released on 28 January 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026 was released on 28 January 2026.
  • University of Oxford (UK) tops the ranking, overtaking ETH Zurich (Switzerland) and Imperial College London (UK).
  • Seven of the top 10 universities are UK institutions.
  • Over 950 institutions from 42 countries and territories are ranked using 12 performance indicators.
  • City St George’s, University of London is the highest-ranked new entrant at 127th place.
  • Denmark records the highest average score in seven of the twelve indicators among locations with five or more ranked institutions.
  • Ireland is the most improved location, with 87.5% of its ranked universities moving up.
  • Western Europe is the most represented sub-region with 227 ranked institutions.
  • Istanbul is the most represented metropolitan area with 29 ranked universities.
  • Baku Engineering University improved the most, rising 96 places to =395.
  • University of Oxford leads the Employer Reputation indicator, followed by University of Cambridge and Imperial College London.
  • University of Oxford also tops the Employment Outcomes indicator, followed by University of Cambridge and London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Russia blocks WhatsApp, promotes state-backed MAX messenger amid wider digital clampdown (Mid of February) ▼
  • Russia has blocked WhatsApp for alleged legal breaches, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
  • Peskov attributed the ban to WhatsApp’s reluctance to comply with Russian law.
  • Users are urged to switch to MAX, a state-backed platform offering messaging, e-government services and payments.
  • MAX openly declares it will share user data with authorities and lacks end-to-end encryption, unlike WhatsApp.
  • Since December, many Russians access WhatsApp only via VPN, Reuters reported.
  • Russia had already limited WhatsApp and Telegram calls last year, accusing them of withholding information from fraud and terrorism probes.
  • State regulator Roskomnadzor announced fresh restrictions on Telegram this week for similar legal non-compliance.
  • Russia has also blocked Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and imposed curbs on Apple’s FaceTime and YouTube services.

FIU-IND and I4C sign MoU to combat cyber fraud and financial crimes

Key Updates:

  • Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance information sharing and coordination.
  • The MoU was signed by Shri Amit Mohan Govil, Director, FIU-IND, and Shri Rajesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, I4C.
  • The collaboration aims to develop operational information and support investigative agencies to prevent financial crimes, protect digital transactions and undertake asset recovery.
  • The MoU will enable both agencies to establish robust feedback mechanisms for enhancing fraud detection protocols at the national level.
  • FIU-IND is the central national agency responsible for receiving, processing, analysing, and disseminating information relating to suspect financial transactions and coordinating efforts against money laundering and financing of terrorism.
  • I4C is an attached office of MHA responsible for providing a framework and ecosystem for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) for dealing with Cyber Crime in coordinated and comprehensive manner.

Similar Coverage

Sagarika Chakraborty and Prof. Dr. Harpreet Kaur Establish IIRIS Chair of Infosec and Forensic Society (End of February) ▼
  • Ms. Sagarika Chakraborty, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IIRIS, and Prof. Dr. Harpreet Kaur, Vice Chancellor of National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the IIRIS Chair of Infosec and Forensic Society.
  • The IIRIS Chair is the first of its kind in India, aimed at creating a centre of excellence for research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration in information security and forensic science.
  • The partnership includes the launch of a joint Certificate Programme on Cyber-Led Forensic Investigation and Diligence to build skills at the intersection of law, technology, and investigations.
  • The certificate programme is designed under the theme Bridging Legal Theory & Investigative Practice in the Digital Age to equip participants with competencies for professional practice.
  • IIRIS is a global risk, security, and intelligence firm with over a decade of operational experience in more than ten countries.
  • The collaboration focuses on skilling students at NLU Jodhpur in cyber-led forensic investigations to prepare them for future litigation and legal work.
  • The MoU was signed on February 24, 2026, in New Delhi, aligning with the university's focus on the interface between law and technology.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) wins Central Banking's Initiative of the Year Award for launching .bank.in domain. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received the Initiative of the Year Award from London-based Central Banking for introducing the .bank.in domain.
  • India became the first country globally to mandate a secure and exclusive Internet domain for its banking system through .bank.in.
  • Only RBI-regulated entities are permitted to use the .bank.in domain to combat phishing and look-alike website frauds.
  • Banks were mandated to migrate their net banking websites to the new domain by 31 October 2025.
  • Major banks including SBI, HDFC, and ICICI have migrated their websites to URLs such as www.bankname.bank.in.
  • The initiative involved the Indian government, NIXI, IDRBT, and banks as stakeholders.
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.
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) recognised at Mobile World Congress 2026 for indigenous AI-driven fraud detection solution. (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) received global recognition at the Mobile World Congress 2026 held in Barcelona, Spain.
  • C-DOT’s indigenous AI-driven fraud detection solution, Fraud Pro, made it a top finalist at the Global Mobile Awards in the category of Best Network Security and Fraud Prevention.
  • The Ministry of Communications stated that the recognition marks India’s growing role in shaping next-generation telecom technologies.
  • The Ministry added that the global acknowledgement highlights India’s capability to develop advanced cybersecurity and fraud prevention solutions for large-scale digital networks.

Asha Bhosle Passes Away at 92

Key Updates:

  • Legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 92 on 12 April.
  • She was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai due to extreme exhaustion and a chest infection prior to her demise.
  • Her last rites are scheduled to be held at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
  • Her career spanned several decades, during which she recorded thousands of songs across genres including classical, ghazals, pop, and cabaret.
  • Her son, Anand Bhosle, confirmed the news of her passing.

Similar Coverage

E.A. Rajendran passes away at 71. (End of March) ▼
  • E.A. Rajendran, veteran Malayalam actor-director, died at age 71 at his residence in Pattathanam, Kollam.
  • He was a graduate of the National School of Drama and appeared in around sixty Malayalam films.
  • Rajendran served as Chairman of the State Horticulture Corporation.
  • His funeral rites will be held at his residence in Thrithallur, Thrissur district.
Abhijit Majumdar dies at 54 (End of January) ▼
  • Abhijit Majumdar, Odia composer-singer, died at the age of 54 while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
  • He was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on September 4 last year with hypertension, hypothyroidism and chronic liver disease.
  • He suffered a cardiac arrest at 7.43 am and was declared dead at 9.02 am.
  • His mortal remains will be taken to his home in Cuttack for last rites.
André Béteille, pioneering Indian sociologist, died at 91. (Start of February) ▼
  • André Béteille died in New Delhi on Tuesday night after a prolonged age-related illness at the age of 91.
  • He was born in West Bengal to a French father and an Indian mother and completed his MA at Calcutta University before joining the Delhi School of Economics (DSE) in 1959.
  • Béteille taught at DSE from 1959 until his retirement in 1999 and was known for never missing classes except for a few visiting fellowships abroad.
  • His major books include Caste, Class and Power (1965), Society and Politics in India (1991), and Equality and Universality: Essays in Social and Political Theory (2002).
  • He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2005 for his contribution to literature and education.
  • After retirement, he was associated with the Indian Council of Social Science Research and served as Chancellor of Ashoka University from 2014 to 2017.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti 2026 was observed as Parakram Diwas on January 23 (End of January) ▼
  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti 2026 was observed on January 23, marking his 129th birth anniversary.
  • The day was celebrated as Parakram Diwas to honour Netaji’s courage, leadership and role in India’s freedom struggle.
  • Parakram Diwas commemorated Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the iconic leader of the Indian National Army (INA).
  • The term Parakram, meaning valour, reflected Netaji’s fearless and revolutionary spirit.
  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha.
  • He had resigned from the Indian Civil Service to dedicate himself fully to the independence movement.
  • Netaji led the INA and founded the Forward Bloc to strengthen resistance against British rule.
  • The Government of India had designated January 23 as Parakram Diwas to honour his sacrifices.
  • Schools and colleges organised debates, essay writing and cultural programmes across the country.
  • Tributes were paid at Netaji’s statues and memorials, especially in Cuttack, Kolkata and Delhi.

Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury dies at 89.

Key Updates:

  • Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury, former Union Minister, died on 8 April 2026 in Kolkata.
  • He was 89 years old and had been suffering from multiple age-related complications.
  • He was popularly known as Dalu in political circles.
  • He is survived by his wife and son Isha Khan Choudhury, Congress MP from Malda Dakshin.
  • His death marks the end of an era in Malda district politics where he remained a key figure for decades.

Similar Coverage

T K Oommen Passes Away as Renowned Sociologist and Padma Bhushan Awardee (Start of March) ▼
  • Renowned sociologist, writer, and former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor T K Oommen passed away in Gurugram, Haryana, at the age of 88 on 27 February 2026.
  • He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 2008.
  • He served as a member of the Sachar Committee, which was appointed to study the social, economic, and educational status of Muslim communities.
  • Oommen was the chairman of the advisory committee of the Gujarat Harmony Project, aimed at rebuilding Hindu-Muslim harmony after the 2002 riots.
  • He served as the 12th President of the International Sociological Association (ISA).
  • In 2007, he was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus at JNU.
  • He served as a University Grants Commission (UGC) National Sociology Lecturer and worked as a visiting professor at the University of California and Berkeley in the USA.
  • He completed his BA in Economics from the University of Kerala in 1957 and his MA in Sociology from the University of Pune in 1960, followed by a PhD in 1965.
Mohsina Kidwai, Congress veteran and former Union minister, passes away at 94. (Start of April) ▼
  • Mohsina Kidwai died at the age of 94, as confirmed by her family.
  • She won her first election from Barabanki at the age of 28.
  • Kidwai held Union ministerial portfolios of railways, civil aviation and urban development.
  • She remained actively involved in Congress organisational work in Punjab, Assam and Chandigarh alongside Sonia Gandhi.
  • She secured a major electoral victory in the post-Emergency period despite nationwide Congress setbacks.
Ricky Andrew J Syngkon laid to rest; Meghalaya government declares holiday in Khasi-Jaintia Hills. (End of February) ▼
  • Ricky Andrew J Syngkon, 54, Shillong Lok Sabha MP and founding member of Voice of the People Party (VPP), died on Thursday evening at a hospital in Shillong after a sudden cardiac arrest while playing futsal in Mawlai Mawiong.
  • His mortal remains were laid to rest at Sumer Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Ri-Bhoi district on Saturday.
  • The Meghalaya government observed a holiday in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region on Saturday as a mark of respect.
  • Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma visited Syngkon’s residence at Pohkseh locality in Shillong on Friday to pay homage.
  • The Meghalaya legislative assembly adjourned its ongoing budget session on Friday after paying tributes to the late MP.
  • Syngkon had served as assistant professor in the department of economics at North-Eastern Hill University before entering politics.
  • In the 2024 general elections he won the Shillong parliamentary seat as a VPP candidate, defeating three-time Congress MP Vincent H Pala by 3,71,910 votes.
Biren Singh Engti passed away at 81, former Union Minister and five-time Lok Sabha MP. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Biren Singh Engti, veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister, died at the age of 81 in a private hospital in Guwahati.
  • He represented the Diphu constituency in Lok Sabha five times.
  • Engti served as chief executive member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.
  • He served under the Rajiv Gandhi government.
  • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and State Congress president Gaurav Gogoi condoled his death.