European Union (EU) restores India on seafood export list to support $1.593 billion trade
Key Updates:
The European Union (EU) has included India in the revised draft list for the continued export of aquaculture products from September 2026.
The inclusion follows compliance with the European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905, which mandates that animal products be free from antimicrobial medicinal products used for growth promotion and those reserved for human treatment.
In 2025-26, the EU was the third-largest destination for Indian seafood exports, accounting for 18.94 per cent of the total export value at $1.593 billion.
Indian seafood exports to the EU in the previous fiscal recorded a value increase of 41.45 per cent and a shipment volume increase of 38.29 per cent, with farmed shrimp dominating the exports.
Regulatory compliance was strengthened by the Department of Commerce, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), and Export Inspection Council (EIC) through the National Residue Control Programme, post-harvest testing protocols, and surveillance systems for banned antibiotics and pharmacologically active substances.
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Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) reports record seafood exports of ₹72,325.82 crore in FY 2025-26 (End of April)▼
India's seafood exports reached an all-time high of ₹72,325.82 crore ($8.28 billion) with volumes of 19.32 lakh metric tonnes in Financial Year (FY) 2025-26, according to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
Frozen shrimp was the primary growth driver, contributing ₹47,973.13 crore ($5.51 billion) and accounting for over two-thirds of total export earnings.
Shrimp exports grew by 4.6 per cent in volume and 6.35 per cent in value.
The United States remained the largest export destination with imports totalling $2.32 billion, although shipments declined by 19.8 per cent in volume and 14.5 per cent in value.
Total taxes on Indian shrimp in the United States market rose to 58 per cent since August last year, including a 50 per cent levy, countervailing duty, and anti-dumping duty, before being reduced to 18 per cent.
China, the second-largest destination, recorded an increase in exports of 22.7 per cent in value and 20.1 per cent in volume.
Exports to the European Union (EU) increased by 37.9 per cent in value and 35.2 per cent in volume.
Under a finalized free trade agreement with the EU, the existing tariff of 26 per cent on seafood is set to be reduced to zero.
Exports to Southeast Asia rose by 36.1 per cent in value and 28.2 per cent in volume.
Exports to Japan grew by 6.55 per cent in value, while shipments to West Asia declined by 0.55 per cent.
The top five ports—Vizag, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Kochi, Kolkata, and Chennai—accounted for nearly 64 per cent of the total export value.
National Maritime Day observed on April 5 (Start of April)▼
National Maritime Day is observed in India on April 5 to commemorate the historic voyage of the country's first modern merchant ship.
India possesses a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometres and handles approximately 95 per cent of its trade by volume through maritime routes.
The Indian Navy (IN) operates Operation Sankalp to maintain a constant vigil and provide security escorts for merchant vessels in the Gulf region.
The Sagarmala Programme is a government initiative designed to modernise ports, improve connectivity, and reduce logistics costs across India.
The India-Middle-East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) is a strategic project aimed at linking India to Europe through maritime and overland routes via the Middle East.
India imports more than 85 per cent of its crude oil, with nearly 80 per cent of its energy imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Historical maritime milestones include the Harappan port of Lothal and the naval dominance of the Chola Empire in the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia.
The Indian government has implemented strategic visions such as Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and MAHASAGAR to enhance cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
Major Indian ports mentioned as gateways to trade include Mumbai, Kandla, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Kochi, Paradip, and Tuticorin.
Advanced naval assets deployed for maritime security and deterrence include the warship INS Surat and the submarine INS Aridhaman.
India and European Union to grant each other Most Favoured Nation status for five years under trade deal (Start of March)▼
India and the European Union (EU) will grant each other Most Favoured Nation status for five years after their trade deal takes effect.
The deal aims to eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96.6% of traded goods by value and is expected to double EU exports to India by 2032.
European companies are projected to save 4 billion euros in duties once the agreement is implemented.
Agriculture-related items such as soya, beef, sugar, rice and dairy have been excluded from the trade deal.
Both sides agreed not to impose new import or export restrictions beyond World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
India and the EU will align food safety and plant health measures with WTO standards and streamline certification and audit procedures.
The pact includes commitments to enhanced customs cooperation and faster clearance of goods.
Annual import data will be exchanged one year after the pact takes effect to monitor implementation and tariff preference usage.
The agreement promotes paperless trade and legal recognition of electronic contracts, signatures and authentication.
The EU will mobilise finance and investment to support India’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions under the pact.
Export Promotion Mission (EPM) ₹25,060-crore seven-point plan to boost exports (End of February)▼
Export Promotion Mission (EPM) launched by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal with ₹25,060-crore outlay over six years.
Live Events Direct E-Commerce Credit Facility offers up to ₹50-lakh credit with 90% guarantee for digital exporters.
Overseas Inventory Credit Facility provides up to ₹5-crore credit, 75% guarantee and 2.75% interest subvention capped at ₹15-lakh per year.
Interest subvention of 2.75% on export factoring through RBI- or IFSCA-recognised entities, capped at ₹50-lakh per MSME annually.
Trade Regulations, Accreditation and Compliance Enablement (TRACE) reimburses 60% of certification costs under Positive List and 75% under Priority Positive List with annual ceiling of ₹25-lakh per entity.
Facilitating Logistics, Overseas Warehousing and Fulfilment (FLOW) gives up to 30% support for approved overseas warehousing costs over three years.
Logistics Interventions for Freight and Transport (LIFT) reimburses up to 30% of eligible freight expenses, capped at ₹20-lakh per year for exporters in northeastern and hilly regions.
INSIGHT programme covers 50% of project costs for trade intelligence, up to 100% for government or Indian mission proposals.
TCRC and Afghan National Standards Authority (ANSA) sign $46.3 million modernisation deal
Key Updates:
India and Afghanistan have entered into a strategic partnership through a $46.3 million agreement for modernisation.
The five-year contract was signed between the Indian company TCRC and the Afghan National Standards Authority (ANSA).
The agreement involves establishing advanced laboratory complexes in Kabul to test construction materials, electrical equipment, and textiles.
The project includes the enhancement of nine border crossings in Afghanistan to improve regional trade dynamics and quality control.
The initiative aims to curb low-quality imports and includes a programme for training Afghan staff in modern testing techniques.
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Indian Army signs first-ever Capital Procurement Contract via GeM Portal (Start of April)▼
Indian Army executed its first capital procurement contract through Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.
Contract covers supply of 93 Telescopic Handlers under Buy (Indian) category.
Contract signed with M/s JCB India Ltd at total cost of Rs 25.90 Cr.
Procurement aims to compress timelines while maintaining procedural integrity.
Move reinforces Government’s push towards Aatmanirbharta in defence and promotes Indian industry participation.
GeM portal was developed in five months based on recommendations of a Group of Secretaries.
Defence Ministry signs Rs 5,083 crore contracts for ALH Mk-III helicopters and Shtil missiles (Start of March)▼
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles.
The ALH Mk-III contract valued at Rs 2,901 crore was signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The helicopters include operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support for the Indian Coast Guard.
The Shtil missile contract valued at Rs 2,182 crore was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russian Federation.
The acquisition aims to enhance the Indian Navy's layered air defence and the Indian Coast Guard's maritime security capabilities.
India Ministry of Defence signs Rs 858 crore contracts for Tunguska missile system and P8I aircraft maintenance (End of March)▼
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts worth a total of Rs 858 crore to enhance the air and maritime defence capabilities of India.
A contract valued at Rs 445 crore was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia, for the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System.
The Tunguska system is intended to strengthen multi-layered air defence against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
A maintenance contract worth Rs 413 crore was executed with Boeing India Defense Pvt Ltd for the P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.
The P8I aircraft contract involves 100% indigenous content for depot-level maintenance to ensure in-country upkeep for the Indian Navy.
The agreements were signed at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The P8I maintenance initiative aligns with the Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat programmes of the government.
Government of India records wholesale inflation at 8.3% for April
Key Updates:
India's wholesale inflation reached 8.3% in April, marking the fastest pace in three-and-a-half years.
Fuel and power inflation jumped to 24.71% in April from 1.05% in March, driven by a 67.18% rise in crude petroleum and natural gas inflation.
Manufactured products inflation accelerated to 4.62% in April from 3.39% in March, with basic metals inflation at 7% and chemicals at 5.09%.
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) food index rose 2.31% year-on-year in April, while onion prices fell 26.45% and pulses inflation stood at -4.03%.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projected Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 4.6% for FY27, with a core inflation projection of 4.4%.
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Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) reports CPI inflation at 3.2% for February 2026 (Mid of March)▼
India’s retail inflation quickened to 3.2% in February 2026, a 10-month high, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on 12 March 2026.
CPI inflation was last higher in April 2025 at 3.3%.
Food and beverages inflation rose to 3.35% in February 2026 from 2.1% in January 2026.
Inflation in ‘paan, tobacco and intoxicants’ increased to 3.5% in February 2026 from 2.9% in January 2026.
Core inflation, excluding food & beverages and electricity, gas & other fuels, remained unchanged at 3.4% between January and February 2026.
Inflation in ‘personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods & services’ stood at 19.6% in February 2026, up from 19.02% in January 2026, driven by higher prices of precious metals.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation releases March CPI inflation at 3.4% (Mid of April)▼
India’s retail inflation quickened to 3.4% year-on-year in March from 3.21% in February under the revised CPI series with 2024 base year.
Rural inflation stood at 3.63% and urban inflation at 3.11%.
Food inflation rose to 3.87% in March from 3.47% in February.
Inflation in electricity, gas and other fuels category was 1.65%.
Garlic inflation was -10.18%, onion -27.76%, and potato -18.98%.
Silver jewellery inflation was 148.61% and gold, diamond and platinum jewellery inflation was 45.92%.
Housing inflation was 2.11%, clothing and footwear 2.75%, restaurants and accommodation services 2.88%, health 1.75%, and information and communication services 0.82%.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected CPI inflation at 4.6% for FY27 with quarterly estimates of 4.0% in Q1, 4.4% in Q2, 5.2% in Q3, and 4.7% in Q4.
Under the revised CPI basket, food and beverages weight declined to 36.75% and housing, utilities, and fuel-related categories weight rose to 17.7%.
Government of India (GoI) reports Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation at 2.13% for February (Mid of March)▼
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation rose to an 11-month high of 2.13% in February, compared to 1.81% in January and 0.96% in December.
Manufactured products, which carry the largest weight in the WPI basket, saw inflation rise to 2.92% in February from 2.86% in January.
Inflation in primary articles, including agricultural commodities and minerals, increased to 3.27% in February from 2.21% in January.
Food inflation grew to 1.85% in February as compared to a 1.41% gain recorded in January.
Fuel and power inflation remained in negative territory at -3.78% in February, though the index for this category rose 1.17% on a month-on-month basis.
Crude petroleum and natural gas prices rose by 4.17% during the month, while non-food articles increased by 0.83%.
India’s retail inflation for February was recorded at 3.21% prior to the impact of the West Asia conflict.
Government extends Reserve Bank of India (RBI) 4% retail inflation target framework till March 2031 (End of March)▼
Government extended the mandate for Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to maintain retail inflation at 4% with a tolerance band of 2 percentage points on either side for another five years ending March 31, 2031.
The flexible inflation-targeting framework was first introduced in 2016 and retained earlier in March 2021.
The inflation target remains at 4% with an upper tolerance level of 6% and a lower tolerance level of 2%.
Retail inflation rose to 3.21% in February from 2.74% in the previous month according to latest official data.
India formally adopted the inflation-targeting regime in 2016 when the six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) headed by the RBI governor was tasked with keeping annual retail inflation aligned to the 4% target until March 31, 2021.
Average inflation in India has moderated to around 4.9% since adoption of flexible inflation targeting compared with 6.8% in the pre-framework period under the current data series.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) removes approval requirement for banks' outward remittance tie-ups with fintechs
Key Updates:
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 framework applies to cross-border outward remittance of funds for non-trade current account transactions facilitated through websites, online platforms, software applications, and mobile applications.
The responsibility for regulatory compliance, Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) adherence remains solely with the AD banks.
The RBI directed that remitter funds must not flow into the account of the third-party entity in India and banks must ringfence customer funds from insolvency risks.
Banks and their third-party partners must ensure customer data collection is consent-based and compliant with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.
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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) exempts small non-deposit taking NBFCs from registration (Start of May)▼
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will exempt non-deposit-taking Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) with an asset size of less than ₹1,000 crore from registration and reserve fund requirements effective from July 1, 2026.
To qualify for the exemption, NBFCs must not avail public funds and must not have any customer interface.
The exemption applies to the provisions of sections 45IA and 45IC of the RBI Act, 1934.
Section 45IA concerns registration requirements, while Section 45IC requires NBFCs to transfer 20 per cent of their annual net profit into a reserve fund.
Existing eligible NBFCs, including those holding Certificate of Registration as Type I NBFC, can apply for deregistration by December 31, 2026.
These changes are introduced via the Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Companies - Registration, Exemptions and Framework for Scale Based Regulation) Amendment Directions, 2026.
The RBI has set the asset size of ₹1,000 crore as the threshold level for systemic significance requiring oversight.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues Digital Payments: E-mandate Framework, 2026 (End of April)▼
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Digital Payments: E-mandate Framework, 2026, consolidating all existing guidelines on recurring digital payments into a single master framework.
The framework applies to recurring domestic and cross-border transactions processed through cards, prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), and Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Customers opting for recurring payment facilities must complete a one-time registration process requiring validation through an Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA).
Issuers must send pre-transaction notifications at least 24 hours before the debit, including merchant name, transaction amount, date and time of debit, reference number of the e-mandate, and reason for the debit.
Pre-transaction notifications are not required for auto-replenishment of FASTag balances and National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) balances.
The RBI retained a threshold allowing recurring transactions of up to ₹15,000 per transaction without additional authentication.
Recurring payments of up to ₹1 lakh per transaction without additional authentication are permitted for insurance premium payments, mutual fund subscriptions, and credit card bill payments.
No charges may be levied on customers for availing e-mandate services for recurring transactions.
The RBI repealed multiple earlier circulars issued between 2019 and 2024 relating to recurring payment processing through cards, UPI, and other digital channels.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants Payment Aggregator (PA) licences to In-Solutions Global Ltd (ISG) (Mid of February)▼
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted final authorisations to In-Solutions Global Ltd (ISG) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA).
The authorisations cover three specific categories: Online (PA-O), Physical/Offline (PA-P), and Cross-Border (PA-CB).
The combined licences will enable ISG to provide a unified onboarding and settlement environment for online transactions, in-person payments, and cross-border flows.
The company also holds an International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) licence and international regulatory permissions to activate global payment corridors.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases Payments Vision 2028 themed 'Shaping India’s Payment Frontier'. (End of March)▼
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released Payments Vision 2028 on 27 March 2026.
Vision 2028 targets full interoperability across Trade Receivables Discounting Systems (TReDS) and expands receivables financing to export MSMEs.
Payments Switching Service (PaSS) is proposed to let customers migrate payment instructions when switching bank accounts.
RBI plans an enable/disable facility for all digital payment modes and a shared liability framework covering issuer and beneficiary banks for unauthorised transactions.
Cyber Key Risk Indicators (KRI) framework will be introduced for non-bank Payment System Operators.
Cheque design and security standards will be reviewed and electronic cheques will be explored.
Single-window authorisation under Payment and Settlement Systems Act and FEMA is being examined for cross-border payments.
Small Payment System Providers (SPSPs) will be recognised under a perpetual regulatory sandbox.
CTBC Bank of Taiwan opens branch at GIFT City
Key Updates:
CTBC Bank of Taiwan (CTBC Bank) has opened a branch at GIFT City in Gujarat to support cross-border financing and enhance financial connectivity.
CTBC Bank is the first Taiwanese lender to establish a presence at GIFT City and the only Taiwanese bank with a branch presence in India.
The branch aims to serve clients in the Indian subcontinent and Taiwan by leveraging GIFT City's position as an international financial services hub.
Established in 1966, CTBC Bank has operated in India for 30 years through branches in New Delhi and Kattupakkam, Chennai.
The new branch will facilitate treasury solutions, trade, and investment flows between India, Taiwan, Asia, and global markets.
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Ravindra Jadeja appointed as brand ambassador of City Union Bank. (End of March)▼
City Union Bank appointed Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja as its primary brand ambassador on 16 March 2026.
The two-year agreement was executed in association with Baseline Ventures India Private Limited.
The announcement was made under Regulation 30 read with Schedule III of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
The disclosure was submitted to National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) under scrip code CUB and to Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) under scrip code 532210.
City Union Bank is a private sector bank headquartered in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) and CheQ launch LED-powered co-branded credit card (Mid of April)▼
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) and CheQ have launched a co-branded credit card featuring an LED-powered tap-to-pay indicator.
The LED feature is powered by the Near Field Communication (NFC) field of the point-of-sale terminal and does not require a battery.
Applications for the card open on the CheQ app from April 28.
The card operates on both Visa and RuPay networks to support global acceptance and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions.
The reward structure includes 12% rewards on e-commerce and bill payments, 5% on everyday spending, 2.5% on UPI transactions via RuPay, and 1% on other spends.
The card has an annual fee of ₹499, which is waived on annual spends of ₹3 lakh.
The LED variant carries a one-time fee of ₹999, which is waived until May 31.
Cardholders receive a complimentary EazyDiner membership as a welcome benefit.
India defeats Chinese Taipei to reach Thomas Cup semifinals (Start of May)▼
India assured its second Thomas Cup medal by defeating Chinese Taipei 3-0 in the quarterfinals.
The quarterfinal match was held in Horsens.
Lakshya Sen defeated Chou Tien Chen 18-21, 22-20, 21-17 in the first singles.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated Wang Chi Lin and Chiu Hsiang Cheh 23-21, 19-21, 21-12 in the doubles.
Ayush Shetty defeated Lin Chun-Yi 21-16, 21-17 in the second singles to seal the win.
Mahey Tokpo-Raldho Irrigation Canal Project Strengthens Water Security in Ladakh
Key Updates:
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the 2.10 km Mahey Tokpo-Raldho irrigation canal at an altitude of over 14,000 feet in the Changthang region.
The canal draws water from Yaya Lake to provide a reliable irrigation facility for nearly 100 acres of agricultural land in the Mahey area.
The project was executed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department using PCC lining and breast wall works to ensure durability 200 feet above the road in mountainous terrain.
Originally initiated in 2022-23, the project saw the completion of its final 850-metre stretch in two months following a review by the L-G on 13 March 2026.
A plantation drive of 15,000 trees was launched alongside the canal to support soil conservation, slope stabilisation, and ecological sustainability in the region.
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Narmada canal-based drinking water project reaches Sundra village after 728 km (Mid of April)▼
Narmada canal water originating from Amarkantak hills in Madhya Pradesh has reached Sundra village in Barmer district after travelling 728 km.
Sundra, located along the India–Pakistan border in Rajasthan, has received clean potable drinking water through taps for the first time since Independence.
The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) project aims to supply water to more than 200 villages in the region.
The project infrastructure includes 16 large water storage reservoirs, several pumping stations, and over 80 elevated service reservoirs.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) extends Demwe Lower hydel project clearance till 2037 (Mid of February)▼
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has extended the environmental clearance (EC) for the 1,750 MW Demwe Lower Project in Arunachal Pradesh until 2037.
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on river valley and hydroelectric projects granted the 11-year extension by treating time lost to litigation as a zero period.
The project is located on the Lohit River across the Anjaw and Lohit districts and involves the construction of a 162.12-metre-tall concrete gravity dam.
Greenko Demwe Power Limited (GDPL), part of the Greenko Group, is the current developer after the original developer, Athena Demwe Power Ltd, entered insolvency proceedings.
The project requires the diversion of 1,416 hectares of forest land and will result in the submergence of 1,589.97 hectares.
The Lohit basin and Kamlang Tiger Reserve, situated upstream of the project, are identified as crucial habitats for the critically endangered White-Bellied Heron.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had previously ordered the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) to reconsider the project due to its potential impact on the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam.
The project is situated upstream of Parshuram Kund, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site located within the Lohit riverine ecosystem.
Amrit Sarovar campaign creates 70,000 water bodies nationwide. (Start of April)▼
The Amrit Sarovar campaign has led to the creation of 70,000 water bodies across the nation.
Nearly 5 million artificial water harvesting structures have been built under the eleven-year-old water conservation campaign.
Vangmun village in Tripura's Jampui Hills has installed rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in almost every house.
Over 1,200 farmers in Koriya district of Chhattisgarh have built small recharge ponds and soak pits in their fields.
400 families in Mudhigunta village of Mancherial district, Telangana, constructed soak pits in their homes improving groundwater levels and reducing waterborne diseases.
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Phase III for Electoral Roll Update
Key Updates:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rolled out Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise across 16 states and three Union Territories to update and verify electoral rolls.
The exercise will be conducted nationwide except in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh.
Approximately 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will perform door-to-door verification of around 36.73 crore registered voters, supported by 3.42 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs).
The SIR Phase III schedule is aligned with the Census house-listing exercise and aims to remove duplicate, shifted, and deceased voters.
Earlier phases of the revision process covered nearly 60 crore voters and were completed in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, and Kerala.
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ECINet KYC module launched for Assembly elections 2026 (Start of April)▼
Election Commission of India (ECI) activated the Know Your Candidates (KYC) module on ECINet for 2026 Assembly elections.
Voters can view criminal antecedents, assets, liabilities, education and verified social media handles of candidates.
Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are among states set for Assembly polls.
Users access the module under the Conduct of Elections section on ECINet and can download candidate affidavits (Form 26).
ECINet integrates over 40 applications and portals into a single electoral service ecosystem.
International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026 showcases Assembly Polls in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry (Mid of April)▼
The Election Commission of India (ECI) organised the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026 during the Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry.
A total of 38 delegates representing 22 nations participated in the programme to witness the electoral process firsthand on 8 and 9 April 2026.
The delegates observed the systematic movement of polling parties and visited CCTV control rooms monitoring 100 per cent webcasting of polling stations.
The visit included the observation of mock polls and the inspection of inclusive facilities such as ramps, wheelchairs, and creches at polling stations.
Specialised polling stations managed entirely by women and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) were showcased to the international participants.
The IEVP is a flagship initiative designed to foster engagement between the ECI and international Election Management Bodies (EMBs).
Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 Kharif Crops (2026-27) Approved
Key Updates:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season.
The highest absolute increase in MSP was announced for sunflower seed at ₹622 per quintal, followed by cotton at ₹557, nigerseed at ₹515, and sesamum at ₹500 per quintal.
The MSP for common paddy has been increased to ₹2,441 per quintal, Grade A paddy to ₹2,461, maize to ₹2,410, bajra to ₹2,900, and ragi to ₹5,205 per quintal.
For pulses, oilseeds, and cotton, the MSP for moong is ₹8,780, tur/arhar is ₹8,450, urad is ₹8,200, sesamum is ₹10,346, nigerseed is ₹10,052, sunflower seed is ₹8,343, groundnut is ₹7,517, soybean is ₹5,708, medium staple cotton is ₹8,267, and long staple cotton is ₹8,667 per quintal.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare stated that the revised MSPs align with the Union Budget 2018-19 commitment of fixing rates at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.
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PM KUSUM deadline extended to March 2027 for eligible projects (Start of April)▼
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) extended the commissioning deadline for PM KUSUM projects with power purchase agreements or letters of intent signed or issued on or before 31 December 2025 to 31 March 2027.
PM KUSUM targets adding 34,800 MW of decentralised solar capacity in the agricultural sector by March 2026 with central financial support of ₹34,422 crore.
Department of Expenditure informed that committed liabilities of PM KUSUM will be subsumed under the proposed PM KUSUM 2.0 scheme now under discussion.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approves raw jute Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹5,925 for 2026-27 (End of February)▼
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of raw jute by ₹275 to ₹5,925 per quintal for the 2026-27 marketing season.
The new MSP ensures a return of 61.8 per cent over the all-India weighted average cost of production.
The decision follows the Budget 2018-19 principle of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.
The Jute Corporation of India (JCI) will remain the central government nodal agency to undertake price support operations.
The MSP for raw jute has risen from ₹2,400 per quintal in 2014-15 to ₹5,925 per quintal in 2026-27, representing a 2.5-fold increase.
Total MSP payments to jute farmers reached ₹1,342 crore between 2014-15 and 2025-26, compared to ₹441 crore during the 2004-05 to 2013-14 period.
The CCEA meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was held at the new Prime Minister's Office (PMO) named Seva Teerth.
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare releases Second Advance Estimates of Production of major agricultural crops Kharif & Rabi for 2025-26 (Mid of March)▼
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the second advance estimate of crop production for 2025-26.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) released the estimates covering both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
India’s combined kharif and rabi foodgrain output is projected 3% higher at 349 million tonnes in 2025-26.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approves Rs 1,718.56 crore MSP funding to Cotton Corporation of India (CCI). (End of March)▼
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved Rs 1,718.56 crore to the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for cotton procurement operations during the cotton season 2023-24.
CCI is designated as the central nodal agency for undertaking Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations in cotton.
The funding enables direct price support to cotton farmers across India whenever market prices fall below MSP levels.
Cotton sustains the livelihoods of approximately 60 lakh farmers and supports 400-500 lakh people engaged in allied activities including processing, trade, and textiles.
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: India Signs MoU for First Mega Greenfield Shipyard in Tamil Nadu
Key Updates:
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on April 20 between HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park, Tamil Nadu Limited (NSHIP-TN), and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
The agreement facilitates the development of India's first mega greenfield shipyard at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, which is expected to have an annual shipbuilding capacity of 2.5 million Gross Tonnage (GT).
The project is launched under the India-Republic of Korea maritime cooperation framework VOYAGES (Shared Vision for Operation of Yard Assisted Growth with Efficiency and Scale) following talks between the two nations.
The initiative aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to place India among the world's top five shipbuilding nations with a targeted annual output of 4.5 million GT by 2047.
The MoPSW noted that the project follows a comprehensive ₹70,000 crore shipbuilding policy package announced by the Centre in September 2025 to strengthen maritime manufacturing capabilities.
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National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB) and UltraTech Cement Limited sign MoU to boost capacity building in construction sector. (End of March)▼
The National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UltraTech Cement Limited to strengthen skill development and capacity building in the construction sector.
The partnership will enhance skills of civil engineers, ready-mix concrete professionals, contractors, construction workers, and masons through structured training and certification programs across the country.
Training areas include material quality testing, concrete mix proportioning, durability, and sustainable construction practices.
The initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce for the country’s growing infrastructure and housing sectors.
Dr. L. P. Singh, Director General of NCB, and Er. Rahul Goel, Head Technical Services of UltraTech Cement Limited, attended the signing at NCB, Ballabgarh.
Dr. Singh expects a large number of professionals and workers to be trained over the next three to five years under this initiative.
Maritime India Foundation signs MoUs with IITs and IMU to establish Maritime Innovation Hubs (Start of May)▼
The Maritime India Foundation, acting as the implementing agency for the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to establish Maritime Innovation Hubs (MIHs).
The MoUs were formalised with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), and the Indian Maritime University (IMU Chennai) at the Chennai Port Authority.
A subsequent agreement is scheduled to be signed with the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) to complete the establishment of the fourth innovation hub.
The initiative enters an execution phase to onboard and mentor 36 startups selected to work on 40 innovation projects addressing critical operational challenges in the Indian maritime sector.
The programme aims to drive the modernisation of the sector through indigenous technology solutions in alignment with the national mandates of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
Maritime Vision 2047: Rs 1,500 crore projects launched at VOC Port for green and digital modernisation. (End of February)▼
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth more than Rs 1,500 crore at V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) in Tuticorin.
Projects span rail and road connectivity upgrades, power infrastructure enhancement, renewable energy integration including solar, wind, battery storage and green hydrogen production, advanced safety systems and digital platforms.
VOC Port became the first Indian port to produce and use green hydrogen on-site through a pilot project operational since late 2025, with commercial-scale development planned by 2029.
India’s first comprehensive Digital Twin platform for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and data-driven optimisation has been deployed at VOC Port.
From April 2025 to January 2026 cargo handling rose 6 per cent to 35.97 million tonnes and container volumes increased 9.4 per cent to more than 716,000 TEUs.
Tamil Nadu signs ₹5,980 Crore MoUs for Electronics and Aerospace Investments (Mid of February)▼
On 16 February 2026, the Government of Tamil Nadu signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) totalling ₹5,980 crore to strengthen advanced manufacturing in electronics and aerospace.
MinebeaMitsumi signed an MoU with Guidance Tamil Nadu (Guidance TN) to invest ₹1,980 crore in the Tiruvallur district for manufacturing precision mechanical and electronic components.
The MinebeaMitsumi project is expected to generate approximately 1,400 high-end jobs in sectors including automotive, industrial, and electronics.
Aequs Group signed an MoU worth ₹4,000 crore to establish India’s first fully vertically integrated aircraft engine manufacturing project.
The Aequs Group project will be situated on a 250-acre site at the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) in Shoolagiri, Krishnagiri district.
The aerospace initiative is projected to create 7,000 high-quality jobs and will feature an Aerospace and Defence Park for manufacturing aircraft engine and gearbox components.
The investments aim to benefit local youth and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) while positioning Krishnagiri as a high-technology manufacturing centre.
IP Catalyst to transform Electronics and IT patents into global products
Key Updates:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the "IP Catalyst" initiative and digital platform on 12 May 2026 at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.
The initiative is implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) Pune with support from MeitY to connect publicly funded R&D institutions, startups, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), academia, industry partners, technology innovators, and investors.
A unified online gateway, cipie.in, has been launched to serve as a national repository of technologies and provide IP and commercialisation support services.
India filed 1,10,375 patent applications in FY 2024–25 and 1,43,729 in FY 2025–26, with the Electronics and IT sector accounting for 44% and 52% of filings respectively.
The initiative provides support services including financial support for IP filing for MeitY organisations and grantee institutions, international patent filing support for startups and MSMEs, prior-art search, IP advisory services, technology readiness and maturity assessment, IP valuation, technology transfer and licensing facilitation, industry–academia–startup collaboration, access to indigenous technologies, prototype-to-product development support, and market deployment assistance.
The programme aims to strengthen domestic capabilities in strategic technology areas including Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Electronics manufacturing, Strategic technologies, and Advanced digital systems.
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World Intellectual Property Day observed on April 26 (End of April)▼
World Intellectual Property Day is observed annually on April 26.
The event was established to increase general understanding of intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and copyrights.
The idea for the day was first proposed by the National Algerian Institute for Industrial Property in 1999.
The State Intellectual Property Office of the People’s Republic of China suggested the institutionalisation of the event during the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) General Assembly.
WIPO member states approved the proposal in October 1999.
The date April 26 coincides with the anniversary of the date the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization first entered into force in 1970.
The first official World Intellectual Property Day was held in 2000.
IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Programme (ISG) selects 10 startups for Paris residency (Mid of April)▼
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the selection of 10 startups for the second cohort of the IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Programme (ISG).
The ISG is developed in collaboration with HEC Paris and Station F, Paris, which is the world's largest startup campus.
The programme is a component of the IndiaAI Mission's Startup Financing Pillar and aligns with the National AI Strategy.
Selected startups will undergo a three-week online preparatory phase followed by a three-month immersive residency at Station F in Paris.
The 10 selected startups are: AI Health Highway India Pvt Ltd (AI-enabled smart stethoscope), Awiros (Vision AI platform), Cognecto (AI-driven infrastructure intelligence), Flaunt (Multimodal AI agents for beauty, fashion, and digital marketing), GreenFi.ai/Climateforce Technologies Pvt Ltd (ESG compliance and risk management), Infiheal Healthtech Pvt Ltd (AI mental health companion 'Healo'), InLustro Learning Pvt Ltd (AI-powered job simulation platform), PredCo (AI compliance for manufacturing), SkyServe/Hyspace Technologies Pvt Ltd (AI infrastructure for Earth and space monitoring), and TestAIng Solutions Pvt Ltd (QA and compliance for responsible AI).
Maritime India Foundation signs MoUs with IITs and IMU to establish Maritime Innovation Hubs (Start of May)▼
The Maritime India Foundation, acting as the implementing agency for the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to establish Maritime Innovation Hubs (MIHs).
The MoUs were formalised with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), and the Indian Maritime University (IMU Chennai) at the Chennai Port Authority.
A subsequent agreement is scheduled to be signed with the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) to complete the establishment of the fourth innovation hub.
The initiative enters an execution phase to onboard and mentor 36 startups selected to work on 40 innovation projects addressing critical operational challenges in the Indian maritime sector.
The programme aims to drive the modernisation of the sector through indigenous technology solutions in alignment with the national mandates of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
DPIIT and KRAFTON India sign MoU to support gaming and digital entertainment startups. (End of March)▼
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with KRAFTON India Pvt Ltd on 26 March 2026 in New Delhi.
The collaboration will organise innovation challenges under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge and targeted hackathons, workshops, and masterclasses in game design, animation, immersive technologies, esports management, and AI applications.
Selected startups may gain pilot collaboration opportunities and further engagement based on outcomes.
Startups will receive mentorship, industry insights, knowledge exchange platforms, and curated engagement opportunities.
The partnership will facilitate Proof-of-Concept development, market access, and integration into industry ecosystems.
The MoU was signed by Deputy Secretary, DPIIT, T L K Singh and Head of Government Relations, KRAFTON India Pvt Ltd, Vibhor Kukreti.
PM E-DRIVE Scheme: ₹123 Crore for EV Chargers in Karnataka
Key Updates:
The Union Government approved Karnataka's proposal for the installation of 1,243 electric vehicle (EV) chargers with an outlay of ₹123 crore under the PM E-DRIVE initiative.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) is developing the 'Unified Bharat e-Charge' platform to enable EV users to discover charging stations, access multiple charging networks, and make payments through a single interface.
The PM E-DRIVE scheme has a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore, with ₹2,000 crore specifically earmarked for EV public charging infrastructure.
Proposals worth ₹503 crore for 4,874 EV chargers have been cleared for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) including Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and states including Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Other key initiatives include the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Scheme for battery manufacturing (₹18,100 crore), the PLI Auto Scheme for cleaner vehicles (₹25,938 crore), and the Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) Scheme for rare earth magnet manufacturing (₹7,280 crore).
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PM E-DRIVE scheme revised with tighter deadlines and capped incentives (End of March)▼
The Ministry of Heavy Industries issued revised guidelines for the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme with a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore.
Electric two-wheelers registered till 31 July 2026 and electric three-wheelers (including e-rickshaws and e-carts) registered till 31 March 2028 are eligible for incentives.
Ex-factory price caps for eligibility are ₹1.5 lakh for electric two-wheelers and ₹2.5 lakh for electric three-wheelers.
Support is capped at 24,79,120 electric two-wheelers and 39,034 electric three-wheelers.
The electric three-wheeler (L5) sub-component closed on 26 December 2025 after its target was met.
If funds are exhausted before 31 March 2028, the scheme or its relevant sub-components will close early and no further claims will be entertained.
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) introduced the trust-based Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) scheme effective 1 April 2026.
Online applications for the EMI scheme open from 1 March 2026 and the facility runs through 31 March 2028.
Approved EMIs can clear imported goods without paying customs duty at clearance and pay the duty monthly under the Deferred Payment of Import Duty Rules, 2016.
Applicant must be a manufacturer-importer with valid IEC, active GST registration, minimum 25 export-import documents filed in previous FY, and annual turnover above ₹5 crore.
Entity must have conducted business for at least two financial years, filed all pending GST return-3B forms, and show positive net worth for last two years certified by a chartered accountant.
Customs commissioners will monitor usage through ICES dashboards and can suspend or revoke approval if eligibility conditions are breached.
Indian States’ Electricity Transition (SET) report highlights best performers in electricity transition (End of February)▼
Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan emerged as the strongest performers in the market enablers dimension of the Indian States’ Electricity Transition (SET) report.
The report was released by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and Ember.
The SET report assessed 21 states that account for 95% of India’s power demand.
Karnataka remained the top performer in the decarbonisation dimension.
Chhattisgarh recorded a negligible power supply shortage of 0.07% in FY25.
Bihar recorded the best improvement in smart meter deployment with 78% of its sanctioned meters installed under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) as of March 2025.
Mizoram Ginger Mission: ₹189.79-crore Outlay for Global Exports
Key Updates:
The Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) launched the Mizoram Ginger Mission with a total outlay of ₹189.79 crore.
The mission aims to transform the state's GI-certified pharma-grade ginger into a premium global product through value addition, processing, and export-led market integration.
The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
The programme targets nearly 20,000 farming households and is based on four pillars: convergence, value addition, branding, and market integration.
The project will establish one integrated processing hub, three spoke centres, and more than 30 strategic interventions to reduce post-harvest losses.
The initiative is linked to the Brand North East vision, which includes products such as Sikkim’s organic produce, Arunachal Pradesh kiwi, Tripura’s Queen Pineapple, Nagaland coffee, and Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric.
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Mushroom Mission: ₹13,000 Crore Investment to Make Andhra Pradesh India's Largest Producer (End of April)▼
The Andhra Pradesh government is set to launch the Mushroom Mission with an estimated investment of ₹13,000 crore, supported by the Centre.
The initiative is a five-year project aimed at positioning Andhra Pradesh as the largest producer of mushrooms in India.
The mission targets the establishment of approximately 1.62 lakh mushroom production units, primarily small and medium-scale operations of about 5,000 sq ft each.
The project aims to achieve an annual production of 67,500 tonnes, surpassing the current output of Bihar, which is around 45,000 tonnes.
The programme will promote high-value mushroom varieties, specifically button, oyster, and milky mushrooms.
The mission is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities for rural youth and women.
Indian Air Force and MBDA ink agreement to localise MICA missile sustainment on 06 May 2026 (Start of May)▼
The Indian Air Force (IAF) signed an agreement with European defence major MBDA to establish a domestic Maintenance, Repair and Mid-Life Overhaul (MRO) facility for MICA air-to-air missiles.
The MRO facility will be set up, operated, and maintained by the IAF, with MBDA supplying industrial machinery, tools, data packages, training, and technical support.
The MICA is a short-to-medium range air-to-air missile used on Rafale fighter aircraft for both beyond-visual-range and close-combat engagements, with a strike range of 60-80 km.
The MICA missile system includes both active radar-guided and infrared-guided variants to engage multiple aerial threats in diverse combat environments.
MBDA also supplies the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) for the Rafale, which features a ramjet propulsion system and a strike range exceeding 150 km.
Mizoram Assembly resolution seeks inclusion of Mizo language in 8th Schedule of Constitution (Mid of March)▼
The Mizoram Assembly will deliberate an official resolution on Monday to include the Mizo language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
School Education Minister Vanlalthlana will move the resolution after the question hour.
Mizo is the official language of Mizoram since 1974 and serves as the lingua franca of various Mizo tribes.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma held consultations in January with the Eighth Schedule Study Group of the Mizo Language Development Board (MLDB).
The study group reported overwhelming consensus among organisations and ethnic Mizo communities for inclusion of Mizo in the 8th Schedule.
A previous proposal for inclusion was submitted to the Centre but was not vigorously pursued.
First-ever export of GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger to London (Start of March)▼
Assam exported 1.2 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger to London for the first time.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged the shipment as taking 'Brand Assam to the world'.
Agriculture Minister Atul Bora flagged off the consignment from Krishi Bhawan, Guwahati.
The export was facilitated by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with NextOn Foods Pvt. Ltd.
Karbi Anglong Ginger holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its distinctive aroma, fibre content and pungency.
IndiaAI Mission signs MoU with Karya to build inclusive AI ecosystem
Key Updates:
The IndiaAI Mission, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with nonprofit organisation Karya.
The partnership aims to strengthen India’s inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem through collaboration in data, technology, and capacity building.
The collaboration focuses on developing, curating, and sharing high-quality language and multimodal datasets to build inclusive and representative AI systems.
Both organisations will work on strengthening AIKosh data infrastructure, model evaluation frameworks, and standards for dataset quality, validation, and interoperability.
The partnership will support capacity building through training programmes, workshops, technical consultations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives across government bodies and partner institutions.
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Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and NUS-ISS sign MoU for AI Governance and Digital Leadership (Mid of May)▼
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and NUS-ISS of the National University of Singapore (NUS-ISS) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance digital leadership and responsible AI governance for Indian enterprises.
The partnership will jointly deliver the Leadership Programme on Artificial Intelligence and Governance, an executive certification for board members, CXOs, and senior decision-makers.
The MoU was exchanged during the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 held in New Delhi.
The initiative targets training over 100 executives by the end of 2026, with half-yearly programme runs scheduled for 2026, 2027, and 2028.
The CII Global Leadership Centre in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, will anchor the joint programmes, which align with the Digitalisation and Skilling pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore.
PM Modi Unveils MANAV Vision for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Delhi Summit (Mid of February)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the MANAV vision for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi on 19 February 2026.
The MANAV vision stands for Moral and ethical systems, Accountable governance, National sovereignty, Accessible and inclusive, and Valid and legitimate.
Moral and ethical systems (M) signify that AI development should be based on ethical guidance.
Accountable governance (A) refers to the implementation of transparent rules and robust oversight.
National sovereignty (N) emphasizes data rights, specifically whose data, his right.
Accessible and inclusive (A) aims to ensure AI acts as a multiplier rather than a monopoly.
Valid and legitimate (V) ensures that AI systems are lawful and verifiable.
88 countries sign New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact at India AI Impact Summit (End of February)▼
88 countries and international organisations, including the United States, China, France, Australia and the UK, signed the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact on Friday.
The declaration was the key outcome document of the five-day India AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi.
Signatories endorsed a Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI to promote access to foundational AI resources and support locally relevant innovation.
The Global AI Impact Commons was noted as a voluntary platform to encourage adoption and scale-up of successful AI use cases across regions.
The Trusted AI Commons was endorsed as a collaborative platform consolidating technical resources, tools, benchmarks and best practices.
The declaration backed creation of an International Network of AI for Science Institutions to connect scientific communities and pool AI research capabilities.
Signatories endorsed voluntary guiding principles for reskilling in the age of AI and a playbook on AI workforce development.
Voluntary Guiding Principles on Resilient, Innovative, and Efficient Artificial Intelligence were also noted in the declaration.
Ashwini Vaishnaw unveils New Delhi Frontier AI Impact Commitments at India AI Impact Summit (End of February)▼
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the New Delhi Frontier AI Impact Commitments, a voluntary framework adopted by global frontier AI companies and Indian innovators.
The framework aims to promote inclusive and responsible AI development with a Global South perspective.
The first pledge focuses on advancing understanding of real-world AI usage through anonymised and aggregated insights to support evidence-based policymaking on jobs, skills and economic transformation.
The second pledge aims to strengthen multilingual and contextual evaluations of AI systems to ensure effective functioning across languages, cultures and practical use cases.
The India AI Impact Summit was held in New Delhi and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and global technology leaders.
IEPFA and Prasar Bharati MoU for investor awareness campaign
Key Updates:
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), functioning under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati.
The partnership aims to strengthen investor awareness initiatives through informative scroll messages on Doordarshan’s national and regional channels.
The campaign will disseminate information on investor protection, safe investing practices, and reclaiming unclaimed dividends and shares transferred to the IEPFA.
The initiative encourages investors to utilise the Search Facility and submit claims through Form IEPF-5.
The agreement was signed by Lt. Col. Aditya Sinha, General Manager of IEPFA, and Sanjay Prasad, Deputy Director General of Prasar Bharati (Sales).
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Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode (IIM-K) and Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) sign MoU for customised executive training programmes. (Mid of February)▼
Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode (IIM-K) and Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) signed an MoU to design, deliver, and certify customised training programmes and workshops for IOB’s senior leadership and executives.
The MoU was signed during IOB’s 90th Foundation Day celebrations.
IOB announced the establishment of a dedicated centre of excellence (CoE) for training and capacity building.
IIM-K will operate through its Kochi campus (IIMK-Kochi) and IOB through its staff college and the newly inaugurated CoE to jointly develop high-impact learning interventions.
The programmes will target IOB’s top executives, senior management, and selected officers, aligned with the bank’s strategic priorities and vision of becoming a leading institution anchored in sound and prudent banking principles.
IICA Forms Advisory Group on Ease of Doing Business to Modernise Corporate Regulations (End of February)▼
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), operating under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), has constituted a high-level Advisory Group on Ease of Doing Business (EoDB).
The panel is chaired by Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the IICA.
The group was established following an MCA order dated 31 December 2025 and is aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The primary objective of the initiative is to modernise India’s corporate regulatory framework and simplify compliance procedures under the Companies Act, 2013.
The Advisory Group will focus on rationalising e-forms, reducing procedural duplication, and exploring event-based compliance systems.
The panel includes representatives from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), and Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI).
Industry bodies represented in the group include the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
The School of Business Environment at the IICA will serve as the Secretariat for the Advisory Group.
The IICA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the MCA for a research study titled Re-envisioning Ease of Doing Business for Viksit Bharat 2047.
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.
India-based Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace to manufacture Kaal Bhairava combat aircraft in Portugal
Key Updates:
Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA), an Indian artificial intelligence warfare company, announced the establishment of its first international manufacturing node in Portugal for the Kaal Bhairava autonomous combat aircraft.
The facility is being set up in partnership with SKETCHPIXEL LDA, a European technology firm known for developing advanced fighter jet simulation systems for aircraft including the F-16.
The Portugal facility serves as the first international node under Operation 777, a strategic initiative aimed at establishing manufacturing and deployment partnerships across seven continents and 77 countries.
Kaal Bhairava is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) autonomous combat aircraft featuring a range of 3,000 km, endurance exceeding 30 hours, and AI-driven target recognition.
Under the agreement, FWDA will retain intellectual property rights over the aircraft core autonomous systems and airframe design while SKETCHPIXEL LDA provides simulation technologies and AI integration.
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Indian Army receives indigenous kamikaze drones and precision munitions on May 12, 2026 (Mid of May)▼
The Indian Army received the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM) and AGNIKAA VTOL-1 First-Person View (FPV) Kamikaze Drone under emergency procurement (EP-6).
Both combat systems were designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Adani Defence & Aerospace.
The ULPGM is a loitering munition featuring a 2-kg warhead and a 1-metre circular error probable (CEP) accuracy for destroying soft and hard targets.
The AGNIKAA VTOL-1 drone has an endurance of 30 minutes, a speed of 60 km/h, and the capability to operate in GPS-denied and electronic warfare environments.
Adani Defence & Aerospace handed over these indigenous systems to the Western Command of the Indian Army after successful high-altitude and electronic warfare trials.
Indian Air Force (IAF) initiates Vayu Baan indigenous air-launched drone project (End of March)▼
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has started work on Vayu Baan, the first indigenous air-launched effects (ALE) programme in India.
The project is being led by the Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD), Gandhinagar, which has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to domestic vendors for design and development.
Vayu Baan is a small, autonomous drone designed to be dropped from a moving helicopter mid-flight to operate as a surveillance asset or a precision-guided munition.
The drone is expected to have an operational range of over 50 km and an endurance of approximately 30 minutes.
The system will feature electro-optical and infrared sensors for target identification and the capability to operate in GPS-jammed environments.
The IAF requires 10 drone units, two airborne control stations, and two ground control stations, with a target for delivery within one year.
India inaugurates first private sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Karnataka (Mid of February)▼
India’s first private sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) was inaugurated at Vemagal in the Kolar district of Karnataka.
The facility is a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and the European aerospace major Airbus to manufacture H125 helicopters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the facility, which was originally announced during the 2024 Republic Day celebrations.
The plant will produce the civilian H125 helicopter and the military H125M version, which is intended to succeed the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters used by the Indian armed forces.
The facility has an initial annual production capacity of 10 helicopters, with the first made-in-India delivery expected in early 2027.
Helicopters manufactured at the Vemagal site will be compliant with standards set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Airbus also operate a separate FAL for the C295 military transport aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The project aims to serve the Indian market and the broader South Asia region, including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
The H125M variant is designed for high-altitude logistics, tactical reconnaissance, surveillance, and medical evacuation operations.
The collaboration builds on a 60-year industrial relationship between Airbus and the government undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL).
India approves Rs 39,000 crore Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft programme (Start of April)▼
The Defence Ministry approved the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) programme, formerly called Ghatak, valued at Rs 39,000 crore.
DRDO will adopt a development-cum-production partner model and invite industry bids to build six prototypes at an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore.
Following prototype development, over 60 unmanned stealth fighters will be ordered, sufficient to form four squadrons.
The aircraft are targeted for induction in eight years and will have more than 80% indigenous content.
The stealth drones will be capable of deploying locally developed weapons including future versions of Astra long-range air-to-air missiles and next-generation air-to-ground systems.
The programme is being developed alongside the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft under Vision 2047 to enable manned-unmanned teaming.
Formal tenders to select industry partners for the RPSA project are expected shortly.
India assumes chairmanship of Common Criteria Development Board from April 2026 to April 2028
Key Updates:
India has been nominated as the Chair of the Common Criteria Development Board (CCDB) for the period from April 2026 to April 2028.
The leadership position was confirmed during the first quarter meeting of the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA) held in Tokyo, Japan, from April 14 to 16, 2026.
The CCRA enables mutual recognition of IT security certificates, while the CCDB manages the international work programme for the Common Criteria (CC) and the Common Methodology for Information Technology Security Evaluation (CEM).
India has been a Certificate Authorising Nation of the CCRA since September 16, 2013, participating through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the STQC Directorate.
The CCRA currently comprises 20 certificate-authorising nations and 18 certificate-consuming nations that collectively maintain the Common Criteria Portal.
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CA P. V. Narayana Rao appointed as Co-opted Member of ICAI's Sustainability Reporting Standards Board (SRSB) for 2026-27. (End of March)▼
CA P. V. Narayana Rao has been appointed as a Co-opted Member of the Sustainability Reporting Standards Board (SRSB) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for the term 2026-27.
He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1987 and secured a Gold Medal as University Topper in Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) from Kakatiya University.
He served as Chairman of the ICAI Warangal Branch in 2015 and as Co-opted Member of the Public Relations Committee of ICAI (Central Council) in 2016.
He is currently the Vice President of the Telangana & Andhra Pradesh Tax Bar Association.
The Sustainability Reporting Standards Board (SRSB) was established by ICAI in February 2020 to develop sustainability reporting standards aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
CPA India Region Zone VII Conference focuses on transparent and inclusive governance (Mid of April)▼
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the inaugural session of the First CPA India Region Zone VII Conference in Goa.
The conference brought together legislators from Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat under the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region.
Shri Birla urged lawmakers to rise above personal and political interests to fulfil public aspirations.
He described young lawmakers as central to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The CPA Zone VII comprises Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa.
India elected to four subsidiary bodies of United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) (Mid of April)▼
India was elected by acclamation to the Commission on Science and Technology for Development for the term 2027-2030.
India was elected by acclamation to the Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations for the term 2027-2030.
India was elected by acclamation to the Committee for Programme and Coordination for the term 2027-2029.
Ambassador Preeti Saran was re-elected to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for the term 2027-2030.
India elected to three UN Economic and Social Council subsidiary bodies for 2027-2030 (Mid of April)▼
India was elected by acclamation to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) subsidiary bodies: Commission on Science and Technology for Development 2027-2030, Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations 2027-2030, and Committee for Programme and Coordination 2027-2029.
Indian Ambassador Preeti Saran was re-elected to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for the term 2027-2030.
The UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) holds an annual intergovernmental forum for discussion on issues affecting science, technology and development.
The Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations considers applications for consultative status and requests for reclassification submitted by NGOs.
The Committee for Programme and Coordination reviews the programmes of the United Nations and assists ECOSOC in its coordination functions.
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
India's first privately built military aircraft C-295 set for rollout in Gujarat on 14 May 2026
Key Updates:
Tata-Airbus has advanced the first Made-in-India C-295 military transport aircraft at Vadodara, Gujarat.
The C-295 is the first military aircraft in India to be built privately.
The aircraft is part of a ₹21,935-crore programme to replace the ageing Avro fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The project aims to expand domestic aerospace production and increase the participation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The programme supports the Make in India initiative to enhance strategic self-reliance in military aviation.
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India hosts India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2.0 in GIFT City on 08 May 2026 (Mid of May)▼
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2.0 on 08 May 2026 at GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
The summit was jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
MoUs for new partnerships and investments in the civil aviation sector were signed among Air India, IndiGo, Star Air, Bank of India, IFSCA, and Akasa Air.
India is projected to become the world's third-largest civil aviation market by 2035 with an estimated fleet of around 2,250 aircraft and leasing opportunities worth nearly 50 billion dollars over the next decade.
The IFSCA has facilitated the leasing of over 370 assets, with more than 40 aircraft lessors currently operating in GIFT City and transactions completed for over 200 aircraft and 84 engines.
Rolls-Royce Plc Plans Up to $10 Billion Investment in India's Defence, Aviation, and Nuclear Sectors (Mid of May)▼
Rolls-Royce Plc (Rolls-Royce) aims to establish India as its fourth home market following the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.
The company has indicated an intention to invest up to $10 billion in India across the defence, civil aviation, and nuclear energy sectors.
Rolls-Royce is competing to provide engines for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and has proposed creating a local design centre with an Indian partner.
The company currently powers the SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft and Arjun tanks, and is collaborating with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) to supply marine engines for the navy and coast guard.
To support Airbus A350 aircraft ordered by Air India and IndiGo, Rolls-Royce plans to establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
The company is targeting the nuclear energy sector via its small modular reactor business under the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025.
India inaugurates first private sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Karnataka (Mid of February)▼
India’s first private sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) was inaugurated at Vemagal in the Kolar district of Karnataka.
The facility is a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and the European aerospace major Airbus to manufacture H125 helicopters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the facility, which was originally announced during the 2024 Republic Day celebrations.
The plant will produce the civilian H125 helicopter and the military H125M version, which is intended to succeed the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters used by the Indian armed forces.
The facility has an initial annual production capacity of 10 helicopters, with the first made-in-India delivery expected in early 2027.
Helicopters manufactured at the Vemagal site will be compliant with standards set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Airbus also operate a separate FAL for the C295 military transport aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The project aims to serve the Indian market and the broader South Asia region, including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
The H125M variant is designed for high-altitude logistics, tactical reconnaissance, surveillance, and medical evacuation operations.
The collaboration builds on a 60-year industrial relationship between Airbus and the government undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL).
India explores sixth-generation fighter partnership, AMCA RFP to be issued soon; DRDO ready for Agni-VI: Defence Secretary and DRDO Chief (Start of May)▼
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that the request for proposal (RFP) for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is likely to be issued soon to shortlisted private sector players.
India has reached out to two international three-country programmes for collaboration on developing sixth-generation fighter aircraft.
Singh said India is working towards developing a multi-layered conventional missile force spanning short, medium and long ranges.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chief Samir V Kamat said India's LR-AShM hypersonic glide missile programme has reached an advanced stage, with initial trials expected soon.
Kamat said the Agni-VI ballistic missile programme depends on a government decision, and the agency is fully prepared to proceed when approval is granted.
United States, China, Russia, and India invest in hypersonic and ballistic missile technologies
Key Updates:
Ballistic missiles follow a predetermined trajectory and are primarily controlled by gravity after reaching high altitudes.
Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 and possess the capability to manoeuvre during flight.
Ballistic missiles are typically launched from land or sea platforms and travel in a high arc.
Hypersonic missiles fly at lower altitudes compared to ballistic missiles, increasing their ability to evade detection.
The United States, China, Russia, and India are heavily investing in hypersonic missile technology to enhance military capabilities and strategic positioning.
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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieves 1,200-second scramjet runtime (Mid of May)▼
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a 1,200-second runtime of its actively cooled scramjet full-scale combustor.
The test was conducted at the Scramjet Connect Pipe Test (SCPT) facility of the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad.
The hypersonic cruise missile is capable of exceeding five times the speed of sound, which is over 6,100 km per hour.
The engine utilises an indigenously developed liquid hydrocarbon endothermic fuel jointly developed by DRDL and industry partners.
An advanced ceramic Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) capable of operating beyond the melting point of steel was jointly developed by DRDL and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Russia tests RS-28 Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile on 13 May 2026 (Mid of May)▼
Russia successfully tested the RS-28 Sarmat, a heavy Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) designed to replace the Soviet-era R-36M2 Voyevoda.
The RS-28 Sarmat, dubbed 'Satan II' by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), is a silo-based missile with a launch weight exceeding 208 tonnes and a length of approximately 35 metres.
The missile can carry Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs), including up to 10 heavy or 16 smaller nuclear warheads, and is capable of carrying the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle.
It reaches speeds of up to Mach 20 (approximately 24,000 kmph) during its terminal phase and has a reported range exceeding 18,000 km.
The system utilises inertial navigation supported by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) and began development in 2011.
India conducts second test of long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile off Odisha coast (Start of May)▼
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the second flight test of its long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile (LR-AShM) off the Odisha coast.
The missile has a strike range exceeding 1,500 km and attains speeds up to Mach 10, with an average speed of Mach 5 during its glide phase.
The second trial focused on validating the LR-AShM's two-stage hypersonic glide vehicle configuration.
The LR-AShM can carry multiple payloads and strike both stationary and moving targets using indigenously developed sensors for precision targeting.
The missile programme was developed by laboratories under the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad in collaboration with multiple DRDO labs and industry partners.
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducts long duration scramjet combustor test in Hyderabad (Mid of May)▼
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a long duration test of its scramjet combustor in Hyderabad.
The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and achieved a run time of more than 1,200 seconds.
This performance is a major improvement over the earlier 700 second test conducted in January 2026.
Scramjet engines enable missiles to travel at hypersonic speeds above Mach 5 by using oxygen from the atmosphere during flight.
The combustor utilizes indigenous technologies including Indian developed liquid hydrocarbon fuel, advanced thermal barrier coatings, and modern manufacturing techniques.
India plans ₹40,000 crore Middle East-India Deep-water Pipeline (MEIDP) from Oman
Key Updates:
India is planning the Middle East-India Deep-water Pipeline (MEIDP) to connect Oman directly to the Gujarat coast.
The MEIDP will stretch 2,000 km under the Arabian Sea at depths of up to 3,450 metres and deliver approximately 31 million standard cubic metres per day (mmscmd) of natural gas.
The project has an estimated cost of ₹40,000 crore ($4.7-4.8 billion) and is expected to take five to seven years to build.
The Ministry of Petroleum will direct Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), Engineers India Limited, and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to prepare a detailed feasibility report based on a study by the South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE).
The pipeline route will allow India to access gas from Oman, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Qatar.
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Indian-flagged tanker Jag Laadki carrying 80,886 MT crude oil reaches Mundra Port in Gujarat (Mid of March)▼
Indian-flagged tanker Jag Laadki carrying 80,886 metric tonnes of crude oil arrived at Mundra Port in Gujarat on 18 March 2026.
The crude oil was sourced from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and loaded at Fujairah Port.
Jag Laadki measures 274.19 metres in length and 50.04 metres in beam, with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 164,716 tonnes.
Adani Ports, which operates Mundra Port, stated the delivery supports major refinery operations and India’s energy security during regional supply disruptions.
LPG carrier Nanda Devi carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of LPG arrived at Vadinar port in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district on 17 March 2026 after navigating through the Strait of Hormuz.
Another LPG carrier, Shivalik, docked at Mundra Port on 16 March 2026.
India imports about 88% of its crude oil, 50% of natural gas, and 60% of LPG needs.
Before recent West Asia conflict escalations, over half of India’s crude imports, about 30% of gas, and 85-90% of LPG imports came from Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order 2026 streamlines pipeline expansion (Start of April)▼
The Government of India notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 on 24.03.2026.
The Order provides a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, addressing delays in approvals and access to land.
It enables faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas, and is expected to accelerate PNG network growth and last-mile connectivity.
India-flagged Tanker Jag Vikram Transits Strait of Hormuz Following United States-Iran Ceasefire (Mid of April)▼
The India-flagged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker Jag Vikram crossed the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transit by an Indian vessel since the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran.
Jag Vikram is owned by the Mumbai-based Great Eastern Shipping Company and is a mid-sized gas carrier with a deadweight capacity of over 26,000 tonnes.
India imports approximately 88 per cent of its crude oil, around 50 per cent of its natural gas needs, and nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirement.
More than half of India's crude imports, about 40 per cent of gas, and up to 85-90 per cent of LPG shipments originate from Gulf countries and pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to MarineTraffic data, 426 tankers, 34 LPG carriers, and 19 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vessels were effectively stranded in the region during the disruption.
The Government of India prioritised Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport and piped cooking gas for households while partially restoring supplies to fertiliser plants.
LPG carrier Green Asha delivers 15,400 tonnes of LPG to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) (Start of April)▼
The India-flagged LPG carrier Green Asha berthed at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) on Tuesday.
The vessel carried 15,400 tonnes of LPG and transited through the Strait of Hormuz.
JNPA’s liquid terminal is operated by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
The arrival is expected to stabilise LPG supplies in Mumbai and Maharashtra where dependence on imported fuel is high.
Global Nations Develop 6th and 7th Generation Fighter Aircraft
Key Updates:
India is developing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) stealth fighter and expanding indigenous drone warfare capabilities.
Major 6th-generation projects include the F-47 and Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) in the United States, Tempest (United Kingdom, Italy, Japan), and Future Combat Air System (FCAS) (France, Germany, Spain).
Key features of 6th-generation fighters include advanced stealth, Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted combat systems, drone wingman integration, and directed-energy weapons.
Theoretical 7th-generation fighters, expected after 2040, may feature fully autonomous AI, quantum radar, and hypersonic speeds beyond Mach 6.
Other global developments include China's focus on stealth and autonomous drone warfare, and Russia's investment in hypersonic missile integration.
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Indian Air Force (IAF) to Equip MiG-29 Jets with ASRAAM Missiles (End of March)▼
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has invited bids to arm the Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-29 fighter aircraft with European Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM).
The ASRAAM is a next-generation close combat missile with a range of 25 km.
The integration of ASRAAM will replace the legacy Russian R-73 missiles, which are 1980s-era infrared-guided weapons with a range of 10 to 15 km.
The IAF currently operates more than 50 MiG-29 combat jets, including eight two-seater trainers.
Missile manufacturer MBDA has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to establish an assembly and test facility in Hyderabad to service the IAF jets.
India and United States seal technical pact on fighter jet engine coproduction (Mid of April)▼
GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) have reached an agreement on technical matters for coproduction of fighter jet engines.
The agreement covers transfer of manufacturing technology for the F414 engine, with GE Aerospace owning about 80% of the engine's intellectual property rights.
A contract has been signed for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to set up a depot facility for F404 engines that power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
The sixth F404 engine has arrived in India, and GE Aerospace is focusing on timely deliveries while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Under the deal, 99 engines will be manufactured in India to power the Mk2 variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
The Indian Air Force (IAF) projects a demand for 120‑130 Tejas Mk2 fighters, which could increase the engine order beyond 99 units.
The first two squadrons of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are expected to be powered by the same engine.
GE Aerospace is interested in discussions with India to develop higher thrust engines of the 120 kN class for next‑generation fighter jets.
The final contract signing is expected in the current financial year, with HAL planning to set up a manufacturing facility in India within two years of signing.
The partnership between GE Aerospace and HAL spans 40 years, and the technical agreement is described as a landmark step for economic growth and national security.
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducts long duration scramjet combustor test in Hyderabad (Mid of May)▼
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a long duration test of its scramjet combustor in Hyderabad.
The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and achieved a run time of more than 1,200 seconds.
This performance is a major improvement over the earlier 700 second test conducted in January 2026.
Scramjet engines enable missiles to travel at hypersonic speeds above Mach 5 by using oxygen from the atmosphere during flight.
The combustor utilizes indigenous technologies including Indian developed liquid hydrocarbon fuel, advanced thermal barrier coatings, and modern manufacturing techniques.
India explores sixth-generation fighter partnership, AMCA RFP to be issued soon; DRDO ready for Agni-VI: Defence Secretary and DRDO Chief (Start of May)▼
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that the request for proposal (RFP) for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is likely to be issued soon to shortlisted private sector players.
India has reached out to two international three-country programmes for collaboration on developing sixth-generation fighter aircraft.
Singh said India is working towards developing a multi-layered conventional missile force spanning short, medium and long ranges.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chief Samir V Kamat said India's LR-AShM hypersonic glide missile programme has reached an advanced stage, with initial trials expected soon.
Kamat said the Agni-VI ballistic missile programme depends on a government decision, and the agency is fully prepared to proceed when approval is granted.
Union Environment Minister inaugurates Lion Species Spotlight Programme at Gir National Park
Key Updates:
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the Lion Species Spotlight Programme at Gir National Park in Gujarat as a pre-summit event for the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026.
India is scheduled to host the first-ever IBCA Summit in New Delhi on June 1 and 2, 2026, under the theme Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem.
The IBCA serves as a global coalition for the conservation of seven iconic big cat species: lion, tiger, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.
The Asiatic lion population in the Greater Gir Landscape has reached an estimated 891 individuals in 2025, representing a 32 per cent increase compared to 2020.
Asiatic lions receive the highest legal protection under Appendix-I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
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Saudi Arabia Joins India-led International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as 26th Member (Mid of May)▼
Saudi Arabia is set to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as its 26th member country.
The IBCA was launched by India to promote coordinated global action for protecting major big cat species and their habitats.
The alliance aims to protect seven major big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
As of May 2026, the alliance includes 25 member countries, including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Russia, Kenya, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, and five observer nations: Kazakhstan, Namibia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Ecuador.
India's conservation efforts include Project Tiger and programmes for Tigers, Asiatic lions, Leopards, Snow leopards, and Cheetah reintroduction.
Project Cheetah: Kuno National Park Becomes Global Model for Wildlife Breeding Success (Mid of May)▼
Project Cheetah was launched on September 17, 2022, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the world's first intercontinental translocation of large carnivores with eight cheetahs from Namibia.
The cheetah population at Kuno National Park has reached 57, including 37 Indian-born cheetahs.
A scientific breakthrough was achieved with the birth of four cubs to a two-year-old Indian-born female, marking the first second-generation birth and the first birth to occur entirely in the wild.
Key breeding females contributing to the population growth include Gamini, Jwala, and Nirva.
Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is being developed as a second habitat to create a Kuno–Gandhi Sagar landscape capable of supporting 60–70 cheetahs.
Early project setbacks included the death of nine out of the first 20 translocated cheetahs and the loss of ten cubs during infancy.
India to host first International Big Cat Alliance Summit in New Delhi on June 1 and 2 (Start of May)▼
India will host the inaugural summit of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in New Delhi on June 1 and 2.
The summit is themed “Save Big Cats, Save Humanity, Save Ecosystem”.
Launched in 2023 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the IBCA focuses on seven big cat species: lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and pumas.
The summit will result in the adoption of the “Delhi Declaration”, which is expected to be the first global framework dedicated exclusively to big cat conservation.
The event will involve participation from Heads of State, government representatives, more than 400 experts, and officials from 95 big cat range countries.
Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) MoU signed for Ladakh wildlife conservation (Start of March)▼
The Indian Army's Fire and Fury Corps and the Ladakh administration signed an MoU under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) programme.
The MoU was signed on World Wildlife Day in the presence of Lt General Hitesh Bhalla, GOC Fire and Fury Corps, and Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra.
The agreement aims to conserve flagship species including the snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, ibex, marmot, black-necked crane and bharal (blue sheep).
A joint Snow Leopard Conservation Cell will be established to monitor conservation efforts in the region.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovers two new spider species in northeast India
Key Updates:
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered two new spider species in northeast India.
ZSI carried out a comprehensive taxonomic revision of Indian whip scorpions.
The taxonomic revision of Indian whip scorpions is the first of its kind in over a century.
The research findings were published in the international journal Zootaxa.
The study highlights northeast India as a hotspot for rare and lesser-known species.
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Two New Jumping Spider Species Discovered in India (End of April)▼
Two new species of jumping spiders belonging to the genus Mogrus have been discovered in India.
The newly identified species are named Mogrus shushka and Mogrus pune.
Mogrus shushka was collected from the dry and barren regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Mogrus pune was discovered in the urban green spaces biodiversity park in Maharashtra.
The discovery was published in the European Journal of Taxonomy.
The two species are distinguished by their male reproductive organs, with one being triangle-shaped and the other being curved or heart-shaped.
Thread-legged assassin bug Myiophanes kempi rediscovered in Andaman limestone caves after 100 years (Mid of March)▼
The thread-legged assassin bug Myiophanes kempi was rediscovered in limestone caves in the Andaman Islands by scientists in 2019.
The species was first described by British entomologist William Edward China in 1924 from Siju Cave in Meghalaya.
The rediscovery was published in the journal Subterranean Biology.
The specimens were matched with a syntype female preserved in the Natural History Museum, London.
The bug belongs to the subfamily Reduviidae and is a specialised predator of the subterranean ecosystem.
The study was led by Manchi Shirish S., Principal Scientist at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON).
Co-authors included Dhanusha Kawalkar and Pooja Patil from SACON, and Hemant V. Ghate from Modern College, Pune.
The research was funded by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and The Habitats Trust.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) records nine new species in Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary (Mid of March)▼
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) scientists discovered nine new species during faunal surveys at Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern Western Ghats.
The surveys conducted between 2018 and 2022 documented 977 species across 21 faunal groups.
New species include the jumping spider Stenaelurillus megamalai, two mayflies Edmundsula meghamalaiensis, and the damselfly Protosticta sholai endemic to the Megamalai–Periyar landscape.
The sanctuary forms part of the 1,016 sq km Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve notified in 2021.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovers new cockroach species Neoloboptera peninsularis in Deccan plateau (End of March)▼
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Prof. Ramkrishna More College have identified a new cockroach species named Neoloboptera peninsularis in the Deccan plateau.
The species was recorded from agricultural landscapes in Nathachi Wadi, Daund, near Pune, where it lives in decomposing leaf litter and beneath palm shrubs.
Neoloboptera peninsularis is characterised by a yellowish-brown glossy body, fully developed wings, asymmetrical cerci, and a whip-like male genital component.
Prior to this finding, only two species within the genus Neoloboptera had been documented in India, with the last one described in 1995.
The research team, led by Shabnam Ansari and Dr K P Dinesh, employed an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological analysis with modern DNA sequencing.
The study provides the first DNA barcode for the genus, addressing the Darwinian shortfall regarding evolutionary relationships.
The discovery addresses the Linnaean shortfall concerning species diversity and the Wallacean shortfall regarding species distribution in the Deccan peninsula.
Genetic analysis conducted during the study indicated several distinct undocumented lineages in Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Indian passport ranks 78th in Henley Passport Index (May 2026)
Key Updates:
India’s passport has secured the 78th position in the latest Henley Passport Index released in May 2026, marking a drop of three positions from its 75th rank in February 2026.
Indian passport holders currently have access to 56 destinations, including visa-free entry to Bhutan, Nepal, Fiji, and Malaysia, and visa-on-arrival facilities in Maldives, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia.
Singapore holds the world’s most powerful passport with visa-free access to 192 destinations, followed closely by Japan and South Korea as of May 2026.
The Henley Passport Index is published by the consultancy firm Henley & Partners and uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to assess 199 passports worldwide.
India recorded its best passport ranking of 71 in 2006 and its lowest ranking of 90 in 2021, while passports from Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan remain among the weakest globally.
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Henley Passport Index (HPI) Ranks India 75th with Visa-Free Access to 56 Countries (Mid of February)▼
India has secured the 75th position in the latest Henley Passport Index (HPI), improving from the 85th rank recorded last year.
Indian passport holders can now access 56 countries without a prior visa, through either visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements.
Singapore leads the global ranking in the first position, providing visa-free access to 192 destinations.
Japan and South Korea share the second rank with access to 187 countries, while Sweden and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are placed third with 186 destinations.
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland hold the fourth position with access to 185 countries.
Austria, Greece, Malta, and Portugal are ranked fifth, allowing entry to 184 destinations without a prior visa.
India previously held the 80th position in 2024 before slipping to 85th, with its historical best rank being 71st in 2006.
Other nations featuring in the top 10 include Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and New Zealand.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) places India at sixth in global GDP rankings (Mid of April)▼
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates India's GDP at $3.92 trillion for 2025, ranking it sixth globally.
The IMF estimates the United Kingdom's GDP at $4 trillion and Japan's GDP at $4.44 trillion for 2025.
India's nominal GDP grew around 9 per cent in rupee terms, reaching Rs 318 trillion in 2024 and Rs 346.5 trillion in 2025.
The rupee depreciated from 84.6 per US dollar in 2024 to 88.5 per dollar in 2025, affecting the dollar‑denominated ranking.
The base year for India's GDP was revised from 2011–12 to 2022–23, lowering nominal GDP from Rs 357 trillion to Rs 345.5 trillion in the new series.
The IMF cut its 2027 India GDP projection to $4.58 trillion from $4.96 trillion in the earlier October update.
The IMF projects India to remain sixth in 2026 with GDP about $4.15 trillion, rise to fourth in 2027 with $4.58 trillion, surpass Japan in 2028 with $5.06 trillion, and reach third by 2031 with $6.79 trillion.
By 2030, the IMF projects India's GDP to reach $6.17 trillion, narrowing the gap with Germany.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intervened in the foreign exchange market as the rupee traded in the Rs 94–95 per dollar range before stabilising at Rs 93.39.
UIDAI expands Aadhaar into offline private verification with new app amid privacy concerns (Mid of February)▼
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched a new Aadhaar app and offline verification framework in late January.
The app allows selective data sharing, such as confirming age without revealing full date of birth, to services like hotels, housing societies, workplaces, and payment devices.
Ahmedabad City Crime Branch became the first police unit in India to integrate Aadhaar-based offline verification with its guest-monitoring platform PATHIK for hotels and guest accommodations.
UIDAI is integrating Aadhaar with Google Wallet and discussing similar integration with Apple Wallet, in addition to existing support on Samsung Wallet.
The new Aadhaar app overtook the older mAadhaar app in monthly downloads, with combined installs rising from nearly 2 million in October to nearly 9 million in December.
Aadhaar has issued over 1.4 billion identity numbers and handles about 2.5 billion authentication transactions monthly.
Civil liberties groups warn the expansion risks reintroducing private-sector Aadhaar use barred by a 2018 Supreme Court judgment and raises concerns over data protection and consent.
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launches UPI One World wallet for foreign delegates at India AI Impact Summit 2026 (End of February)▼
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) extended UPI One World wallet service to international delegates attending India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 16-20 February.
The wallet enables inbound foreign travellers from over 40 countries to perform real-time Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions across India without a local bank account or Indian mobile number.
Maximum loading limit is Rs 25,000 per transaction and Rs 50,000 per month; remaining balance can be transferred back to the original payment source per foreign exchange regulations.
Wallet accessible at New Delhi International Airport and NPCI Pavilion; loading done via international debit or credit cards and payments made by scanning standard UPI QR codes.
UPI processed 21.70 billion transactions in January 2026.
Book 'Apnapan' to be released on May 26
Key Updates:
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the release of his new book titled Apnapan.
The book chronicles the 35-year-long association and experiences of Shivraj Singh Chouhan with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Apnapan is scheduled to be formally launched on May 26 at the NASC Complex in Pusa, New Delhi.
The launch will occur in the presence of former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda.
The association between the author and the Prime Minister began during the 1991 Ekta Yatra.
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Somnath Amrit Mahotsav and Sardar Dham Inauguration on May 11 (Mid of May)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Gujarat on May 10 and 11 to attend the Somnath Amrit Mahotsav.
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Sardar Dham in Vadodara, Gujarat, on the evening of May 11.
The Somnath Amrit Mahotsav marks 75 years since the inauguration of the restored Somnath Temple by India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad.
Earlier this year, the Somnath Swabhiman Parv was held to mark 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath temple.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated that the Prime Minister has led the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to electoral victories in various states.
Bhupendra Patel released Gujarati biography of ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada. (End of February)▼
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel released the Gujarati biography 'Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada' in Gandhinagar.
The book chronicles the life, struggles, and global spiritual journey of ISKCON Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured Srila Prabhupada on his 150th birth anniversary by releasing a commemorative coin and postal stamp.
Dr Usha Upadhyay is the author of the biography 'Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada'.
Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa is the Co-Mentor and Vice Chairman of the Global Hare Krishna Movement.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation serves 5 lakh children daily in Gujarat and 23.5 lakh children nationwide.
Karmayogi Sadhana Week 2026 launched to enhance civil-service capabilities (Start of April)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Karmayogi Sadhana Week 2026 on 2 April 2026.
The initiative promotes the mantra 'Nagrik Devo Bhav' for citizen-centric governance.
The week-long programme unites ministries, states, and training institutions for national capacity building.
Activities include webinars and workshops themed around Technology, Tradition, and Tangible Outcomes.
Sahdev Yadav Elected President of South Asian Weightlifting Federation (SAWF)
Key Updates:
Sahdev Yadav was elected unanimously as the president of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation (SAWF) during a meeting held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on May 12.
Yadav currently serves as the president of the Indian Weightlifting Federation.
Yadav holds additional positions as the treasurer of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), vice-president of the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation, and assistant to the president of the Asian Weightlifting Federation.
Sabina Yadav, the joint secretary of the Indian Weightlifting Federation and member of the Innovation Committee of the International Weightlifting Federation, was appointed as the chief executive officer of the SAWF.
The newly elected office-bearers of the SAWF include general secretary Ram Krishna Sreshtha, vice-presidents Ibrahim Hameed and Sanka Ratnayake, and executive board member Shahria Sultana.
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India wins four gold medals at Commonwealth Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships (End of April)▼
India secured four gold medals at the Commonwealth Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships and the Universal Cup (Senior) held in Apia, Samoa.
Sunil Singh won gold in the 65kg men's category with a total lift of 271kg (126kg snatch and 145kg clean and jerk).
Aisangfa Gogoi won gold in the 58kg women's category with a total lift of 185kg (79kg snatch and 106kg clean and jerk).
Abhinob Gogoi won gold in the 71kg men's division with a total lift of 284kg (129kg snatch and 155kg clean and jerk).
Charu Pesi from Arunachal Pradesh won gold in the men's 6kg category at the Universal Cup with a total lift of 289kg (127kg snatch and 162kg clean and jerk).
Sahdev Yadav is the president of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF).
India wins 17 medals at Asian Wrestling Championships (Mid of April)▼
India concluded its campaign at the Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with a total of 17 medals.
The final medal tally for India consisted of two gold, seven silver, and eight bronze medals.
Aman Sehrawat won a silver medal in the Men’s 61 kg freestyle category after a 13-10 loss to Kwang Myong Kim of South Korea.
Mukul Dahiya secured a silver medal in the Men’s 86 kg freestyle category, losing 7-0 to two-time Asian champion Kamran Ghasempour of Iran.
Dinesh won a bronze medal in the 125 kg division with a 7-1 victory over Shamil Sharipov of Bahrain.
The Men’s freestyle team contributed seven medals, while the Greco-Roman wrestlers and the women’s team secured five medals each.
Narayana Ramachandran passes away as former Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and World Squash Federation (WSF) president (Mid of April)▼
Narayana Ramachandran, former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and World Squash Federation (WSF), passed away at the age of 77 in Chennai.
He served as the WSF President between 2008 and 2016 and was the first Indian to lead an International Olympic Committee (IOC)-recognised international federation.
He held the position of IOA president from 2014 to 2017, leading the organisation to Olympic reinstatement following a 14-month IOC ban.
He was the first honorary life member of the WSF.
In 2016, he was awarded the Olympic Order (Silver) by the IOC and an Award of Merit by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
He ensured the inclusion of squash as a core medal sport in the Asian Games.
He invested in the India Squash Academy and hosted ten world championships in India between 2002 and 2025.
Meenakshi Goyat bags silver; Sujeet, Abhimanyou, Sandeep enter gold medal bouts (Mid of April)▼
Meenakshi Goyat added a third silver to India’s tally in the women’s 53kg category at the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships.
Meenakshi lost 0-10 against China’s Jin Zhang in the 53-kg final, an Olympic Games weight classification.
Monika defeated Hanbit Lee of South Korea 9-0 to win bronze in the women’s 65kg category.
Harshita defeated Sevinchoy Polvonova 5-0 to win bronze in the women’s 72kg category.
India’s overall medals tally stands at three silver and seven bronze medals.
Sujeet (65kg) defeated Abdulmazhid Kudiev of Tajikistan 7-2 in the semi-final and will face Umidjon Jalolov of Uzbekistan in the final.
Abhimanyou (70kg) defeated defending champion Ernazar Akmataliev of Kyrgyzstan 6-3 and will face Tumur Ochir of Mongolia in the final.
Sandeep Mann (79kg) defeated Somonjon Ikromov of Tajikistan 10-0 in the semi-final and will face Japan’s Keyvan Gharehdaghi in the gold medal bout.
Vicky will contest for bronze in the 97kg category after losing 0-2 to Amirali Azarpira of Iran in the semi-final.
Ankush will challenge Fuga Sasaki of Japan for bronze in the men’s 57kg freestyle.
Akash Ambani Appointed Managing Director of Jio Platforms
Key Updates:
Akash Ambani has been appointed as the managing director of Jio Platforms.
The appointment is for a period of 5 years with effect from April 9, 2026.
Jio Platforms is expected to file draft papers for its Initial Public Offering (IPO) by the end of May or in June.
Ambani has been on the board of Reliance Jio Infocomm (RJIL) since October 2014.
Ambani was elevated to the position of Chairman of RJIL in June 2022.
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Rajneesh Karnatak, Debadatta Chand and Ashutosh Choudhary extended as Bank Executives (End of April)▼
Rajneesh Karnatak, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bank of India (BoI), has had his tenure extended for three years effective April 29, 2026.
Karnatak was appointed as MD and CEO of BoI in 2023 for a term of three years.
Debadatta Chand, MD and CEO of Bank of Baroda (BoB), has had his tenure extended for three years effective July 1, 2026.
The extension for Chand was approved by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ashutosh Choudhary has had his term as Executive Director of Indian Bank extended for another three years.
The term of Ashwani Kumar, MD and CEO of UCO Bank, ends on June 1, 2026.
Jio Financial Services Limited and Allianz Group form 50:50 Insurance Joint Venture (End of April)▼
Jio Financial Services Limited and Allianz Group (Allianz) have signed a binding agreement to form a 50:50 primary insurance joint venture (JV).
The JV will operate in the general and health insurance segments of the Indian market.
The partnership aligns with the national goal of Insurance for All by 2047 and the Viksit Bharat vision.
The companies are working towards a separate agreement for a life insurance venture in India.
Allianz has been present in India since 2000.
Dan Bailey appointed President of Jio Platforms to lead international expansion. (Start of March)▼
Dan Bailey has been appointed as President of Jio Platforms to spearhead its global business initiatives.
Bailey will be based in London and will join the company’s Executive Committee.
He will report to Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm.
Bailey has over 35 years of experience and previously served as Chairman of Deutsche Bank’s technology, media and telecom (TMT) practice.
Jio Platforms is backed by Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and aims to export its 5G and digital ecosystem capabilities to international markets.
Santhosh Viswanathan appointed Vice-President and Managing Director for Asia Pacific and Japan at Intel. (Start of April)▼
Santhosh Viswanathan previously served as Vice-President and Managing Director of Intel India.
He will now oversee business operations, brand, and customer engagements across the Asia Pacific and Japan region.
Earlier, Viswanathan led Intel operations in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
He also served as Global Director of Operations in the United States, overseeing sales operations strategy and planning for Intel's global sales organisation.
Intel stated that Viswanathan helped position India as a key growth market during his tenure as India head.