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Sunday, May 17

Daily Current Affairs: 17 May 2026

Analysis for 17 May 2026

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) relaxes National Pension System (NPS) annuity surrender rules

Key Updates:

  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) issued a circular on May 14, 2026, relaxing rules for the surrender of annuity policies under the National Pension System (NPS).
  • Surrender is now permitted in cases of critical illness of the annuitant or their family members, and for annuity policies issued before October 24, 2024, that contain an explicit surrender clause.
  • Annuity Service Providers (ASPs) are generally prohibited from accepting surrenders or cancellations except during the free-look cancellation period.
  • The surrender process must align with the original policy contract and guidelines issued by PFRDA and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
  • Approved surrender values are credited to the subscriber's bank account, and the information must be shared with the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) within seven working days.

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Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) approves PPFAS Asset Management to sponsor NPS pension fund. (Mid of April) ▼
  • PPFAS Asset Management has received approval from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) to act as a sponsor for a pension fund under the National Pension System (NPS).
  • The company will set up a separate pension fund entity to manage retirement savings of NPS subscribers.
  • PPFAS Asset Management will complete regulatory and operational formalities, including registration and infrastructure setup, before commencing operations.
  • Neil Parag Parikh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PPFAS Asset Management, stated the firm would approach pension fund management with a long-term focus and an emphasis on investor interest.
  • PPFAS Asset Management is based in Mumbai and was established in 2011.
  • The NPS framework, regulated by PFRDA, allows multiple pension fund managers to operate and enables subscribers to choose and switch between them.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) extends registration validity for NPOs on Social Stock Exchange (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has extended the registration validity for not-for-profit organisations (NPOs) on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) from two years to three years without raising funds.
  • SEBI has lowered the minimum subscription requirement for Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instruments from 75 per cent to 50 per cent for projects where costs and outcomes can be implemented on a clearly identifiable per-unit basis.
  • SSEs must conduct due diligence to ensure that funds raised at the lower 50 per cent subscription threshold can be meaningfully deployed towards stated objectives.
  • Funds will be refunded to investors if the minimum subscription requirement is not met.
  • In March, the SEBI board approved a reduction in the minimum investment required from individual investors in social impact funds from ₹2 lakh to ₹1,000.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Exceeds 9 Crore Subscribers (End of April) ▼
  • The Atal Pension Yojana (APY), a flagship social security scheme of the central government, exceeded 9 crore total gross enrolments on April 21, 2026.
  • The APY is administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and was launched on May 9, 2015.
  • The scheme is primarily focused on the poor, the underprivileged, and workers in the unorganised sector.
  • Eligibility for APY is open to Indian citizens between the age of 18 and 40 years, excluding those who are or have been income taxpayers.
  • The scheme provides a guaranteed monthly pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 after the subscriber attains 60 years of age.
  • Additional benefits include the continuation of the same pension for the spouse after the subscriber's demise and the return of the accumulated corpus to the nominee after the death of both.
  • In Financial Year (FY) 2025-26, gross enrolments crossed 1.35 crore, marking the highest single-year enrolment since the scheme's inception.
  • The scheme is supported by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Posts (DoP), Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), private banks, Small Finance Banks (SFBs), co-operative banks, State Level Bankers' Committees (SLBCs), Union Territory Level Bankers' Committees (UTLBCs), and Lead District Managers (LDMs).
  • Account opening charges and annual maintenance charges under APY are ₹15 each, while transaction charges are NIL.
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to launch E-PRAAPTI portal for inoperative accounts (Start of May) ▼
  • The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is launching the E-PRAAPTI (EPF Aadhaar-Based Access Portal for Tracking Inoperative Accounts) portal to enable members to access inoperative accounts through Aadhaar-based authentication.
  • The E-PRAAPTI portal will facilitate the identification, tracking, Universal Account Number (UAN) linking, and activation of old EPF accounts, specifically for members without a UAN or those with physical accounts.
  • The portal will initially operate on a member ID basis and will later expand to include members who cannot recall or access their old member IDs.
  • As of March 31, 2025, the EPFO has 31.83 lakh inoperative accounts amounting to ₹10,181 crore, excluding international workers.
  • The EPFO’s Central Board of Trustees has approved the auto-settlement of inoperative accounts with an unclaimed balance of ₹1,000 or less to registered bank accounts.
  • An EPF account is treated as inoperative if no contribution is received for a continuous period of three years after the member attains 55 years of age or from the date of retirement, whichever is later.
  • The EPFO has a consolidated corpus of over ₹28.34 lakh crore, with 27.05 lakh establishments under its purview and 34.63 crore members.
  • The EPFO settled a record 8.31 crore claims in 2025-26, compared to 6.01 crore in FY25.
  • In 2025-26, 5.51 crore claims were for advance or partial withdrawals, of which 71.11% were processed in auto mode.
  • For the current financial year starting April 1, 61.03 lakh claims have been settled, with 98.7% of total claims settled in less than 20 days.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issues notices to e-commerce platforms over Cyclosinone Herbicide sale

Key Updates:

  • The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued notices to Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and JioMart regarding the sale of an allegedly unregistered product called Cyclosinone Herbicide.
  • The action followed concerns raised by the Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI) through the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • The CCPA found that the herbicide was not listed under the Schedule to the Insecticides Act, 1968.
  • The regulator noted that product listings lacked mandatory disclosures including chemical composition, valid licence numbers, validity periods, statutory warnings, and Principal Authorisation Certificates.
  • The CCPA cited Rule 10(E) of the Insecticides (Second Amendment) Rules, 2022, which requires e-commerce platforms to verify seller licences before listing insecticides.
  • Failure to perform these checks may constitute violations under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020.

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Government of India bans non-certified Chinese CCTV cameras from 1 April (End of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will enforce a total ban on the sale of non-certified internet-connected CCTV cameras from Chinese manufacturers starting 1 April.
  • The Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) regime is refusing to certify hardware that utilises Chinese-origin chipsets or firmware to prevent unauthorised remote access.
  • Global surveillance leaders Hikvision and Dahua, which collectively held one-third of the Indian market until 2024, are the primary targets of the new certification rules.
  • Smartphone brands including Xiaomi and Realme have exited the smart home camera segment after failing to meet the STQC requirements.
  • Domestic vendors have surged to control 80% of the market share as of February 2026 following the regulatory intervention.
  • The shift to non-Chinese components from Taiwan and the United States (US) has resulted in a 15-20% increase in the Bill of Materials (BoM) for manufacturers.
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) retains India on Special 301 priority watch list (Start of May) ▼
  • USTR retained India on its Special 301 priority watch list, along with China, Russia, Indonesia, Chile, and Venezuela.
  • Vietnam was designated as a Priority Foreign Country, the first such designation in 13 years, and USTR will decide on a Section 301 investigation within 30 days.
  • Argentina was removed from the priority watch list, while the European Union was added to the watch list.
  • USTR criticised India's patent regime, weak enforcement of copyrights and trademarks, and high customs duties on IP-intensive products such as ICT, solar energy equipment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and capital goods.
  • USTR stated that India remains 'one of the world's most challenging major economies' with respect to the protection and enforcement of intellectual property.
India and Oman to implement Free Trade Agreement from June 1, 2026 (Mid of May) ▼
  • The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Oman, signed in December 2025, is expected to come into force from June 1, 2026.
  • The FTA will provide duty-free access to 98 per cent of India's exports to Oman, including textiles, agri, and leather goods.
  • Under the agreement, India will reduce tariffs on Omanese products such as dates, marbles, and petrochemical items.
  • India and Chile are negotiating to widen the scope of their 2006 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
  • The India-Chile CEPA aims to encompass digital services, investment promotion and cooperation, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and critical minerals.
  • Chile is the top producer of copper and holds the world's largest lithium reserves.
  • In 2024-25, India's exports to Chile declined 2.46 per cent to USD 1.15 billion, while imports grew 72 per cent to USD 2.60 billion.
India assumes chairmanship of Common Criteria Development Board from April 2026 to April 2028 (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.

Ministry of Finance (MoF) revises export tax rates on petroleum products

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has introduced a new special additional excise duty (SAED) structure for petroleum product exports.
  • Petrol exports now attract an SAED of ₹3 per litre.
  • The export duty on diesel has been reduced to ₹16.5 per litre, following previous rates of ₹21.50 on March 26, ₹55.5 on April 11, and ₹23 on April 30.
  • The export duty on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) now stands at ₹16 per litre, having previously been set at ₹29.5, ₹42, and ₹33.
  • The MoF has reduced the road and infrastructure cess on both petrol and diesel exports to zero.

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Ethanol-Blended Petrol (E20) Mandate rolls out nationwide with 95 RON default grade (Start of April) ▼
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) mandated oil marketing companies to supply ethanol-blended petrol with up to 20 per cent ethanol content across all states and Union territories from 1 April 2026.
  • The notification issued on 17 February 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act requires the fuel to meet Bureau of Indian Standards specifications with a minimum Research Octane Number of 95.
  • E20 petrol consists of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol, replacing the earlier E10 blend.
  • Ethanol feedstock includes sugarcane, maize and other agricultural inputs.
  • Vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are designed to run on E20 fuel, while older vehicles may require monitoring of fuel system components.
  • Fuel efficiency may decline by around 3 to 7 per cent due to ethanol’s lower energy content compared with petrol.
Government of India raises gold and silver import duty to 15% from 6% to curb imports. (Mid of May) ▼
  • The Government of India has raised the import duty on gold and silver to 15% from 6%, comprising a 10% basic customs duty and a 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to avoid buying gold for a year, a rare public call highlighting government concern over pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
  • The India Bullion and Jewellers Association warned that the duty hike could affect demand as gold and silver prices were already elevated.
  • Inflows into India's gold exchange-traded funds surged 186% year-on-year in the March quarter to a record 20 metric tons, according to the World Gold Council.
  • April gold imports hit a near 30-year low due to a 3% integrated goods and services tax (IGST) levy, which had prompted banks to pause purchases for over a month.
Central Government reduces excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre each and imposes export duties on diesel and ATF. (End of March) ▼
  • Central excise duty on petrol and diesel for domestic consumption reduced by ₹10 per litre each on 26 March 2026.
  • Export duty on diesel set at ₹21.5 per litre and on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) at ₹29.5 per litre.
  • International crude price rose from around $70 per barrel to about $122 per barrel in the past month.
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated the changes were notified to Parliament.
  • Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri noted global fuel price increases of 20-50 per cent across regions.
  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India is engaging global partners to ensure stable energy supplies amid the West Asia crisis.
  • Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal stated the measures prioritise domestic supply and stabilise the economy.
  • Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw indicated the government absorbed fiscal pressure to shield poor and middle-income families.
  • Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah described the duty reduction as consumer-focused relief during global fuel shortages.
Delhi Draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030: Up to ₹1 Lakh Scrappage Incentive and Full Road Tax Waiver (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Delhi government released the draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030 to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption through financial incentives and infrastructure mandates.
  • The policy proposes a 100 per cent exemption on road tax and registration fees for electric cars priced up to ₹30 lakh until 31 March 2030.
  • Strong hybrid vehicles priced up to ₹30 lakh will be eligible for a 50 per cent exemption on road tax and registration fees.
  • A scrappage incentive of up to ₹1 lakh is proposed for the first 1,00,000 applicants who replace Delhi-registered BS-IV or older vehicles with new electric cars priced up to ₹30 lakh.
  • Additional scrappage incentives include ₹50,000 for electric goods carriers, ₹25,000 for electric three-wheelers, and ₹10,000 for electric two-wheelers.
  • From 1 January 2026, no new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) two-wheelers or light goods vehicles will be permitted to join aggregator and delivery fleets.
  • From 1 January 2027, only electric three-wheelers, including auto-rickshaws, will be permitted for new registrations in Delhi.
  • Electric two-wheelers priced up to ₹2.25 lakh will receive phased subsidies starting at ₹10,000 per kWh (capped at ₹30,000) in the first year, reducing to ₹3,300 per kWh by the third year.
  • Electric auto-rickshaws will receive a flat incentive of ₹40,000 in the first two years and ₹30,000 in the third year.
  • Incentives for electric goods carriers in the N1 category are set at ₹1 lakh in the first year, ₹75,000 in the second year, and ₹50,000 in the third year.
  • All new infrastructure projects by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and Delhi Cantonment Board must be EV-charging ready.
  • Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) has been designated as the nodal agency for planning and coordinating public charging and battery swapping stations.

Supreme Court (SC) dismisses Uttar Pradesh government pleas on Value Added Tax (VAT) levy

Key Updates:

  • The Supreme Court (SC) dismissed pleas filed by the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the levy of local Value Added Tax (VAT) on natural gas transported from Andhra Pradesh.
  • The SC upheld a 2012 Allahabad High Court judgment that quashed assessment orders against Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Tata Chemicals, and IFFCO.
  • The court ruled that the transactions of natural gas supplied from the KG-D6 basin constitute interstate sales governed exclusively by the Central Sales Tax (CST) Act.
  • The delivery point where title and risk transferred to buyers was identified as Gadimoga, Andhra Pradesh.
  • The Uttar Pradesh government had claimed the transactions were intra-state sales liable for state VAT at a rate of 21 per cent.

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Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) Reduces Royalty Rates for Domestic Oil and Gas Production (Mid of May) ▼
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) notified revised royalty rates on May 8 to incentivise domestic exploration and reduce import dependence.
  • Under the revised framework, the effective royalty on onshore crude oil production is reduced to 10%, while royalty on offshore crude production is lowered to 8%.
  • Natural gas production will attract an effective royalty rate of 8% based on a new flat deduction formula for calculating the well head price.
  • Fixed deductions for post well-head costs are set at 20% of the sale price for nomination regime blocks and 15% for all other regimes to determine royalty payments.
  • Blocks under the Discovered Small Field (DSF) Policy and Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) will attract zero royalty for the first seven years in deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders restoration of Suav as a river in Uttar Pradesh official records (End of February) ▼
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Uttar Pradesh government to reclassify the Suav from a drain to a river in revenue records and the Official Gazette.
  • The Suav is a significant tributary of the Rapti river, which is a tributary of the Ganges, and flows for approximately 120 kilometres through Balrampur district.
  • The NGT bench, led by Chairman Justice Prakash Srivastava, ordered the Balrampur district magistrate to rectify the classification within three months.
  • The tribunal prohibited new construction in demarcated Flood Plain Zones until the identification and demarcation of the Active Flood Zone is completed.
  • The District Ganga Committees (DGC) of Balrampur and Siddharthnagar were instructed to adopt the Sant Seechewal model to ensure people's participation in river rejuvenation.
  • The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) is mandated to monitor water quality and industrial effluents from entities such as Balrampur Sugar Mill and Bajaj Sugar Mill.
  • The Irrigation and Water Resources Department must identify active floodplains within six months based on guidelines from the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
  • The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) will review proposals related to Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) and Suav river restoration submitted by the state government.
  • Failure to comply with the directives constitutes an offence under Section 26 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
Essential Commodities Act invoked to prioritise domestic LPG and natural gas supply (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Central Government invoked the Essential Commodities Act (EC Act) to ensure uninterrupted supply of domestic cooking gas amid Middle East conflict disrupting oil and gas supply.
  • Priority sectors for 100 per cent of past six-month average natural gas consumption are: Domestic Piped Natural Gas supply, Compressed Natural Gas for transport, LPG production including LPG shrinkage requirements, Pipeline compressor fuel, other essential pipeline operational requirements.
  • Fertilizer plants must receive natural gas supply at 70 per cent of their past six-month average consumption, subject to operational availability.
  • Tea industries, manufacturing and other industrial consumers via the national gas grid, and all City Gas Distribution industrial and commercial consumers must receive 80 per cent of their past six-month average gas consumption, subject to operational availability.
  • Oil refining companies were ordered to absorb LNG supply disruption impact by reducing gas allocation to refineries to approximately 65 per cent of past six-month consumption, subject to operational feasibility.
  • All natural gas producers, importers, transporters, marketers or distributors must furnish information on production, imports, stocks, allocation, supply and consumption to the Central Government or authorised officer.
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas directed oil refineries to maximise LPG production and divert extra output specifically for domestic use.
  • A 25-day inter-booking period for consumers was introduced to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
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.

Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) begins production of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP).

Key Updates:

  • Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) has commenced production of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP).
  • The production of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) has been started by FACT.
  • FACT, the Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited, has initiated DAP production.
  • Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) production has begun at FACT.
  • FACT has started manufacturing di-ammonium phosphate (DAP).

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India’s first green methanol plant to use invasive Prosopis juliflora as feedstock (Start of May) ▼
  • India’s first green methanol production plant is being established at the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat, to produce fuel for ocean-going ships.
  • The plant will use the invasive shrub Prosopis juliflora, known locally as gando baval or vilayati keekar, as the primary biomass feedstock for methanol production.
  • The project is being built by Pune-based Thermax Energy using gasification technology from Vadodara-based Ankur Scientific and will have a production capacity of five tonnes per day.
  • The initiative aligns with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 2023 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy, which aims for net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.
  • The Government of India offers a flat 30% subsidy for vessels propelled by green fuels, including methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen, under its amended shipbuilding financial assistance policy.
Sulphuric Acid Plant–3 (SAP–III) inaugurated at IFFCO Paradeep unit in Odisha (Start of March) ▼
  • Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah dedicated the newly commissioned Sulphuric Acid Plant–3 (SAP–III) at the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) unit in Paradeep, Odisha.
  • The new plant has been established at an estimated cost of around ₹700 crore and has a production capacity of about 2,000 metric tonnes per day.
  • IFFCO bought the Paradeep plant in 2005 for ₹2,577 crore and its production capacity has increased from 7.5 lakh metric tonnes to about 22 lakh metric tonnes.
  • IFFCO benefits nearly five crore farmers across the country and has a turnover of over ₹41,000 crore, profit exceeding ₹3,800 crore, and net worth of more than ₹28,000 crore.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Secures Order for Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Plant in Odisha (Start of May) ▼
  • Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been awarded a large contract by Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Ltd (BCGCL) to construct a coal-to-ammonium nitrate plant in Odisha.
  • Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Ltd (BCGCL) is a joint venture established by Coal India Ltd (CIL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL).
  • The facility is designed with a production capacity of 2,000 tonnes per day (TPD) to convert coal into chemicals for the mining and infrastructure sectors.
  • India aims to achieve 100 million tonnes of coal gasification capacity by 2030 under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to enhance industrial self-reliance.
  • The gasification technology will be used to produce value-added products including ammonium nitrate, methanol, ammonia, Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG), and fertilisers.
BCGCL and MCL sign Odisha land lease for 2,000 TPD coal-to-ammonium nitrate plant using BHEL technology (Start of April) ▼
  • Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Ltd (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) signed a land leasing pact in Odisha for a 2,000 tonnes per day coal to ammonium nitrate project.
  • The facility will be built on about 350 acres of land possessed by MCL.
  • The project uses indigenous BHEL technology and is India’s first coal gasification initiative of this scale.
  • Recent Ministry of Coal policy reforms allow coal-bearing land to be used for coal gasification projects.

Project Saksham: Skill Development and Employment for Rural Women

Key Updates:

  • The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in partnership with Vertis Foundation, is expanding 'Project Saksham' to provide vocational training and employment to rural women and underserved youth.
  • The initiative currently operates through 12 training centres across the country, having trained over 6,000 youth, with more than 4,000 beneficiaries securing employment.
  • According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), participants earn average monthly incomes between ₹13,000 and ₹16,000.
  • Women constitute more than 80 per cent of the programme's beneficiaries.
  • Participants are trained in vocational disciplines including electrical work, plumbing, appliance repair, tailoring, nursing assistance, and multi-skill technician programmes.

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Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) Organises AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav to Expand Women-Led Water Governance to 5000 Cities (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) hosted the AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to celebrate the leadership of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in urban water services.
  • The event was chaired by the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, with participation from over 1000 women and 300 officials from 30 States and Union Territories (UTs).
  • The Government of India announced a vision to expand the AMRUT Mitra model from the current 1900 cities to 5000 cities to ensure deeper penetration of women-led governance.
  • Currently, more than 45,000 SHG members are actively engaged as AMRUT Mitras across 1910 cities in 34 States and UTs under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0).
  • AMRUT Mitras from Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka shared narratives on water quality testing and community mobilisation.
  • The Union Minister launched the AMRUT Mitra Best Practices Compendium to document successful interventions in urban water management.
  • Treated wastewater reuse has been identified as a major priority under AMRUT 2.0 as cities shift towards a circular and sustainable water economy.
  • SHG women are being integrated into emerging services including digital water management systems, smart metering, data-based monitoring, and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns.
  • The AMRUT Mitra model involves women in operational roles such as billing and collection, Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) operations, and the operation and maintenance of water assets.
Mission Shakti Scheme strengthens women safety via One Stop Centres, Women Help Desks, Helpline-181 (End of March) ▼
  • Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) runs Mission Shakti Scheme adopting holistic and victim-centric approach for safety, security and empowerment of women.
  • One Stop Centre Scheme operational since 2015 provides integrated services like medical aid, legal assistance, temporary shelter, police facilitation and psycho-social counselling.
  • 926 One Stop Centres are operational across the country and have assisted over 13.37 lakh women up to 31 December 2025.
  • 15,049 Women Help Desks set up in police stations of which 14,363 are headed by women police officers.
  • Women Helpline-181 and Emergency Response Support System (ERSS)-112 provide emergency and support services; Women Helpline handled over 2.88 crore calls and assisted over 99.09 lakh women.
  • Mission Shakti Portal launched on 22 January 2025 enhances accessibility of government services for women and builds capacity of functionaries under schemes and legislations.
  • SHe-Box Portal offers centralised platform to file and track complaints related to workplace sexual harassment under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013.
Krishi Sakhi Initiative Launched to Empower Women Farmers (End of March) ▼
  • The Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC) launched the Krishi Sakhi initiative on 18 March to empower women farmers and promote inclusive growth.
  • The initiative aligns with the United Nations (UN) recognition of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
  • AIC aims to encourage women's participation in agriculture and crop insurance through structured activities at its Head Office and Regional Offices.
  • The programme includes awareness campaigns on sanitation and hygiene in rural areas specifically targeting women farmers and rural households.
  • The state-owned insurer will publish related articles and interviews to recognise and engage women farmers across the country.
Women and Men in India 2025 report: Highlights progress in education, jobs and health (Start of May) ▼
  • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 27th edition of 'Women and Men in India 2025' at the National Deliberative Summit on “Data for Development” in Bhubaneswar.
  • The sex ratio at birth improved from 904 in 2017-19 to 917 in 2021-23 at the all-India level.
  • Gender parity has been achieved across all levels of school education from primary to higher secondary.
  • Female labour force participation in rural areas increased from 37.5% to 45.9% between 2022 and 2025.
  • Women in managerial roles saw a 102.54% increase between 2017 and 2025, compared to 73.80% for men.

Rajasthan inaugurates first semiconductor cluster in Bhiwadi with ₹1,200 crore investment

Key Updates:

  • Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma inaugurated Rajasthan's first semiconductor cluster in Bhiwadi.
  • The Bhiwadi electronics manufacturing cluster attracted an investment of ₹1,200 crore and is expected to generate employment for nearly 2,500 people.
  • The initiative is part of the state government's vision for "Developed Rajasthan 2047", supported by 35 policies implemented over the last two years to promote industrial growth.
  • Other projects launched include the Elsina Electronics Complex and a 34 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) in the Khairthal-Tijara region.
  • The state government announced plans for a major industrial area near Bandikui in Alwar district and progress on the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) linking Rajasthan to Delhi through Haryana.

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India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 to Retain Pari Passu Model with ₹76,000 Crore Outlay (Start of May) ▼
  • The Government of India will retain the pari passu model for the upcoming phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, where government incentives are released in proportion to a company’s own capital expenditure.
  • The first phase of the mission, ISM 1.0, was launched in 2021 with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore, and cumulative investment commitments reached ₹1.64 lakh crore by May 5, 2026, surpassing the original target of ₹1.60 lakh crore.
  • Under the ISM, the Centre provides 50 per cent fiscal support for project costs, which is disbursed step-by-step as firms invest their own funds rather than being front-loaded.
  • The Union Cabinet has approved two additional projects by Crystal Matrix Limited and Suchi Semicon, bringing the total number of sanctioned projects under the mission to 12.
  • The approved projects include the country’s first commercial mini/micro-LED display facility using gallium nitride (GaN) technology and a semiconductor packaging unit, both to be established in Gujarat.
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): ₹3,936 Crore Investment for Two New Units in Gujarat (Start of May) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved two semiconductor manufacturing projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in Gujarat with a combined investment of ₹3,936 crore.
  • Crystal Matrix Limited (CML) will establish India's first commercial Mini/Micro-LED display manufacturing unit based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in Dholera.
  • The CML facility will produce 72,000 square metres of Mini/Micro-LED display panels and 24,000 sets of RGB GaN epitaxy wafers annually.
  • Suchi Semicon Private Limited (SSPL) will set up an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Surat with an annual capacity of over 1,033 million chips.
  • Total semiconductor projects under ISM have reached 12, with cumulative investments of approximately ₹1.64 lakh crore.
Department of Commerce notifies special economic zone for Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing at Dholera (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Department of Commerce notified a special economic zone for Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Pvt Ltd at Dholera, Gujarat.
  • Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing has proposed an investment of ₹91,000 crore to set up India's first chip fabrication unit.
  • The SEZ will be established on 66.16 hectares of land.
  • The project is expected to generate 21,000 jobs.
  • The government reduced the minimum contiguous land requirement for semiconductor and electronics component sectors from 50 hectares to 10 hectares.
  • Five new SEZs for the sectors have been notified, including CG Semi with a proposed investment of ₹2,150 crore.
  • The notified SEZs also include Kaynes Semicon with a proposed investment of ₹681 crore.
  • Micron Semiconductor Technology India is among the notified SEZs with a proposed investment of ₹13,000 crore.
  • Hubballi Durable Goods Cluster is among the notified SEZs with a proposed investment of ₹100 crore.
Delhi Semiconductor Policy: Aimed at Investment and Employment (End of April) ▼
  • The Delhi government is drafting the Delhi Semiconductor Policy to position the capital as a hub for semiconductor design, advanced research and development, and assembly and allied activities.
  • The policy is aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
  • The policy is structured around five key pillars: semiconductor design and intellectual property development; research, development and innovation; manufacturing-enabling activities including Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) and Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT) along with ancillary industries; talent development and skilling; and strengthening of the startup and industrial ecosystem.
  • The framework envisages financial and non-financial incentives, capital subsidies, and infrastructure development to promote ease of doing business and attract private investment.
  • The policy aims to generate high-quality job opportunities in the fields of chip design, semiconductor research, and advanced packaging.

Jammu and Kashmir Government approves Used Water Management and Infrastructure Projects

Key Updates:

  • The Jammu and Kashmir government approved Used Water Management Projects for Baramulla (₹37.96 crore) and Rajouri (₹34.43 crore).
  • The Cabinet approved the augmentation of the Grid Sub Station at Zainakote from 450 MVA to 780 MVA at a cost of ₹67.66 crore.
  • The 132 KV Pampore-Rawalpora and Rawalpora-Bemina transmission lines will be upgraded at an estimated cost of ₹25.47 crore.
  • An 800 TPD Integrated Solid Waste Management Project will be established at Achan in Srinagar at a cost of ₹361 crore.
  • The Cabinet approved the upgradation and completion of the Sub-District Hospital at Hazratbal under the Srinagar Master Plan, 2035.

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Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approves ₹40,175.33 crore for Kamala and Kalai-II Hydropower Projects in Arunachal Pradesh (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a total investment of ₹40,175.33 crore for the construction of two hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The 1,720 MW Kamala Hydro Electric Project (HEP) will be developed in Kamle, Kra Daadi, and Kurung Kumey districts with an outlay of ₹26,069.50 crore.
  • The Kamala HEP will be implemented through a joint venture between NHPC Ltd (NHPC) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The 1,200 MW Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project will be developed on the Lohit river in Anjaw district with an outlay of ₹14,105.83 crore.
  • The Kalai-II project will be developed through a joint venture between THDC India Ltd (THDC) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The Government of India will provide central financial assistance of ₹750 crore towards the state’s equity share for each of the two projects.
  • Arunachal Pradesh will receive 12 per cent free power from both projects along with an additional 1 per cent for the Local Area Development Fund (LADF).
  • The Kamala HEP is expected to generate 6,870 million units (MU) of energy, while the Kalai-II project is expected to generate 4,852.95 MU annually.
  • Other hydropower projects being developed by NHPC in the region include Subansiri Lower (2,000 MW), Dibang Multipurpose (2,880 MW), and Etalin (3,097 MW).
Small Hydro Power Scheme Approved with ₹2,584.60 Crore Outlay (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved a ₹2,584.60 crore scheme to support small hydro power projects for the period between the financial years 2026–27 and 2030–31.
  • The scheme targets the addition of approximately 1,500 MW of capacity through projects with individual capacities ranging from 1 MW to 25 MW.
  • For North Eastern states and districts along international borders, central financial assistance is set at up to ₹3.6 crore per MW or 30 per cent of the project cost, capped at ₹30 crore per project.
  • In other states, the government will provide financial support of up to ₹2.4 crore per MW or 20 per cent of the project cost, with a maximum cap of ₹20 crore.
  • An allocation of ₹30 crore has been earmarked for state and central agencies to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for approximately 200 projects.
  • The initiative is expected to attract an investment of around ₹15,000 crore and generate 51 lakh person-days of employment during the construction phase.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Roll to purify Odisha's voter list

Key Updates:

  • The Election Commission (EC) will commence the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Odisha from May 30, with the final roll to be published on September 6.
  • July 1 has been fixed as the qualifying date for the roll revision, and the draft electoral roll will be published on July 5.
  • A total of 45,255 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house visits from May 30 to June 28 for the distribution and collection of forms.
  • Voters can download and upload enumeration forms online through the official portal voters.eci.gov.in.
  • During the pre-SIR exercise, 94.61 per cent of the state's electors, totaling approximately 3.16 crore, were mapped, resulting in over 9 lakh deletions.

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Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Phase III for Electoral Roll Update (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
One Nation One Election: JPC tenure extended till Monsoon session (Mid of March) ▼
  • Lok Sabha extended the tenure of the Joint Committee of Parliament (JPC) examining simultaneous polls Bills till the last week of the Monsoon Session.
  • The JPC is chaired by senior BJP MP PP Chaudhary and has 39 members.
  • The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 were introduced on 17 December 2024 and referred to the JPC.
  • The JPC held its first meeting on 8 January 2024 and has met 17 times so far.
  • The JPC received its fourth extension during the Winter Session last year.
  • EAC-PM working paper estimates ONOE could cut polling personnel deployment by 28 % or 26 lakh personnel.
  • Simultaneous polls could save around 1.4 crore personnel-days over a five-year cycle according to the EAC-PM paper.
  • Election Commission estimates nine polling personnel are needed for separate polls but only six for simultaneous polls.
Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office Act, 2023: Challenge to CJI's Exclusion (Start of May) ▼
  • The Supreme Court (SC) is hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioner Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office Act, 2023.
  • The Act, enacted by Parliament in December 2023, removed the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the committee responsible for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners.
  • Under the 2023 Act, the selection committee consists of the Prime Minister, a Union minister nominated by the Prime Minister, and the leader of Opposition or leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha.
  • The petitions challenging the law were filed by multiple petitioners, including the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Congress leader Jaya Thakur.
  • The SC noted that the Constitution bench in the Anoop Baranwal case had previously laid down an interim mechanism for appointments until Parliament enacted a law.
Supreme Court of India (SC) refuses voting rights to 34 lakh West Bengal residents with pending electoral roll appeals. (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Supreme Court of India (SC) bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi declined to permit 34 lakh appellants excluded from West Bengal electoral rolls to vote in the 2026 polls while their appeals remain pending.
  • The Court was hearing petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal and a suo motu case on the gherao of judicial officers in Malda district.
  • Chief Justice Surya Kant stated that allowing excluded persons to vote would undermine the voting rights of those already included in the rolls.
  • Justice Bagchi clarified that appellants whose appeals are allowed by 9 April will be included in the electoral roll even if the decision comes shortly after the 6 April list publication.
  • The bench directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the West Bengal government to continue security for judicial officers until elections conclude and to withdraw protection only by further Court orders.

Uttar Pradesh Small River Rejuvenation Initiative Enhances Rural Sustainability and Ecological Resilience

Key Updates:

  • The Government of Uttar Pradesh is implementing the Small River Rejuvenation initiative through the State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCG) to restore ecological resilience and rural sustainability.
  • The Namami Gange and Rural Drinking Water Supply Department is preparing a District River Rejuvenation Plan for each district, executed by the District Ganga Committee headed by District Magistrates.
  • In Pilibhit, a 47 km stretch of the Gomti River was rejuvenated across 16 gram panchayats, involving the widening of the channel and the revival of 23 ponds.
  • The Neem River in Bulandshahr was revived through a 29 km intervention under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which was recognised in Mann Ki Baat on June 18, 2023.
  • Restoration efforts also covered the Sot River in Sambhal, the Karvan and Kali Rivers, and three seasonal streams in Rampur named Revati, Nahal, and Neeli.

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Namami Gange Programme (NGP): 307 projects completed, Rs 40,000 crore invested (End of March) ▼
  • The Namami Gange Programme (NGP) was launched in June 2014 by the Government of India to conserve and rejuvenate the Ganga River.
  • The initial allocation was Rs 20,000 crore and later extended to Rs 22,500 crore until March 2026.
  • As of January 2025, 492 projects have been initiated valued at Rs 40,121.48 crore, of which 307 projects have been completed and made operational.
  • Out of 206 sewage infrastructure projects, 127 have been completed with a sanctioned cost of Rs 33,003.63 crore.
  • 56 biodiversity and afforestation projects have been launched, with 39 completed at a sanctioned cost of Rs 905.62 crore.
  • The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) approved the Varanasi Sewerage Project costing Rs 274.31 crore, including a 60 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) and a 75 MLD pumping station.
  • A Rs 127.26 crore project in Bhadohi will establish three STPs (17 MLD, 5 MLD, and 3 MLD) and a sewer network to prevent untreated sewage entering the Varuna River.
  • NMCG has developed a National Framework for Safe Reuse of Treated Water to guide states in adopting reuse policies for treated wastewater.
  • NMCG sanctioned seven biodiversity parks in various districts of Uttar Pradesh and afforested approximately 33,024 hectares along the main stem of the Ganga with an expenditure of Rs 398 crore.
  • Since 2017, 143.8 lakh Indian Major Carp (IMC) fingerlings have been released into the Ganga to conserve fish biodiversity and support local fishers.
  • 203 sewage infrastructure projects costing Rs 32,613 crore have been launched to treat 6,255 MLD of wastewater, of which 127 STP projects with 3,446 MLD capacity have been completed.
  • Three Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) have been sanctioned: Jajmau CETP (20 MLD), Banther CETP (4.5 MLD), and Mathura CETP (6.25 MLD); Mathura and Jajmau CETPs have been completed.
Ganga Expressway: ₹36,230 Crore Infrastructure Project in Uttar Pradesh (Start of May) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh on 29 April 2026.
  • The Ganga Expressway is a 594-kilometre-long, six-lane access-controlled greenfield corridor.
  • The project was constructed at an estimated cost of ₹36,230 crore and completed in less than 3.5 years.
  • The route starts from Bijoli village in Meerut district and ends at Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj district.
  • Travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj is reduced from 10–12 hours to approximately 6 hours.
  • The expressway passes through 12 districts of Uttar Pradesh and connects 519 villages.
  • A 3.5 km stretch in Shahjahanpur district has been developed as a dedicated Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
  • The expressway is designed for speeds up to 120 km/h and includes provisions for future expansion to eight lanes.
  • Work has commenced to extend the Ganga Expressway from Meerut to Haridwar.
  • The project is expected to result in fuel savings of approximately 30%.
Uttar Pradesh Development Projects: ₹6,350 Crore Outlay (Start of May) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uttar Pradesh on April 28-29 to launch development projects worth approximately ₹6,350 crore.
  • In Varanasi, the Prime Minister will dedicate 48 completed projects worth over ₹1,050 crore and lay the foundation stone for 112 projects worth around ₹5,300 crore.
  • Key infrastructure projects in Varanasi include the Varanasi-Azamgarh Road widening, rail over bridges at Kazzakpura and Kadipur, and a sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 55 MLD in Bhagwanpur.
  • Two new Amrit Bharat Express trains will be flagged off on April 28: Varanasi to Pune (Hadapsar) and Ayodhya to Mumbai (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus).
  • The 594-km-long Ganga Expressway will be inaugurated in Hardoi on April 29.
  • The Ganga Expressway is a six-lane (expandable to eight lanes), access-controlled greenfield high-speed corridor built at a total cost of around ₹36,230 crore.
  • The Ganga Expressway traverses 12 districts: Meerut, Bulandshahr, Hapur, Amroha, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Raebareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj.
  • The Ganga Expressway includes a 3.5-km-long Emergency Landing Facility (airstrip) in Shahjahanpur district.
  • The expressway serves as a backbone for a network including the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Jewar Link Expressway, Farrukhabad Link Expressway, and a proposed extension from Meerut to Haridwar.
Musi River Rejuvenation Project faces BJP and expert criticism over cost and approach (End of March) ▼
  • The Telangana government’s Musi River Rejuvenation Project is estimated to cost Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
  • BJP state president N. Ramchander-Rao questioned the funding feasibility given the state’s unpaid pension dues.
  • The Gandhi Sarovar Project, a part of the Musi initiative, saw its cost rise from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 7,000 crore within days.
  • Rao emphasised the project’s impact across South Telangana and called for a holistic approach from catchment to Krishna River confluence.
  • Vedire Sriram, water adviser to the Maharashtra government, described the works as superficial beautification rather than true revival and noted rejuvenation takes at least 20 years.
  • Sriram stated the Central Water Commission (CWC) has not been consulted, which jeopardises prospects of international funding.
  • He offered a revised DPR free of cost, claiming the Rs 160-crore DPR is riddled with loopholes and suggests sourcing water from Singur and Manjeera for Rs 100 crore instead of Rs 1,000 crore from Mallanna Sagar.
  • Sriram underlined the need for stakeholder participation, catchment-area percolation structures, massive afforestation and sewage treatment to reduce water pollution to below 3 PPM.

Compliance Reduction and Deregulation Initiative: Tripura completes all Phase I and II priority areas

Key Updates:

  • Tripura is the first state in India to complete all 51 Priority Areas under Phase-I and Phase-II of the national Compliance Reduction and Deregulation initiative led by the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of India.
  • Launched in January 2026, the programme focuses on reducing compliance burdens and digitising approvals across Revenue, Urban Development, Industries, Labour, Environment, Tourism, Health, Education, and Digital Governance sectors.
  • Key administrative reforms include the strengthening of the Single Window Approval Agency (SWAAT), implementation of self-certification-based Change of Land Use, and the removal of dual licensing requirements.
  • Sectoral reforms include inspection exemptions for up to three years for certain industrial categories, a single nodal mechanism for interstate medical professional registration, and simplified homestay regulations for tourism.
  • Digital and institutional measures include a centralised e-Gazette system, an auto-appeal mechanism under the Right to Services framework, and partnerships with National Law University Tripura and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta.

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Cabinet Approves ECLGS 5.0, Railway Projects, and Sugarcane FRP Increase (Start of May) ▼
  • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) issued new guidelines for states to shift the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) base year to 2022-23 to align with national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) revisions.
  • The Union Cabinet approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 (ECLGS 5.0) to provide additional credit to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and airlines facing economic challenges.
  • The government increased the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane by ₹10 to ₹365 per quintal for the 2026-27 season, a move expected to benefit one crore farmers.
  • The Union Cabinet approved three new railway projects with an estimated cost of ₹23,437 crore to enhance infrastructure and connectivity across 19 districts in six states.
  • The timeline for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) was extended with an increased financial outlay of over ₹83,000 crore to support rural road development and connectivity.
Modified UDAN scheme cleared with ₹28,840 crore outlay to expand regional air connectivity (End of March) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore.
  • The scheme will fund development of 100 new airports through a challenge-based mode with budgetary support of ₹12,159 crore.
  • 200 modern helipads will be developed in hilly regions, the North-East, island territories and aspirational districts with funding of ₹3,661 crore.
  • ₹400 crore is allocated to support acquisition of domestically manufactured aircraft.
  • Enhanced viability gap funding (VGF) will provide 80–90 per cent Central support to airlines on regional routes, tapering over five years, with an allocation of ₹10,043 crore.
  • Operational and maintenance (O&M) support for three years is approved for RCS aerodromes with an annual ceiling of ₹3 crore per airport and ₹90 lakh per helipad, totalling ₹2,577 crore.
  • The revised scheme targets connecting 120 new destinations and enabling air travel for around 4 crore additional passengers.
  • Since its launch, UDAN has operationalised 663 routes and 95 aerodromes with 10 airline operators, carrying about 1.62 crore passengers on over 3.41 lakh flights.
Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Election Results 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • Tipra Motha won 24 out of 28 seats in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.
  • The TTAADC governs nearly 70 per cent of the territory of Tripura and covers 20 tribal-reserved seats in the State Assembly.
  • Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma launched a new political entity called One Northeast to foster tribal unity across the region.
  • The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the conduct of ADC village council elections in July after a gap of 10 years.
  • Security deployment for the election counting included 24 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the Tripura State Rifles (TSR).
Union Cabinet clears Rs 1.74 lakh crore proposals including nutrient-based subsidy for Kharif 2026, HPCL Rajasthan refinery expansion, Jaipur Metro Phase 2 and two hydropower projects (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved a nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) scheme worth Rs 41,534 crore for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers for the Kharif 2026 season from 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026.
  • Retail price of DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) kept stable at Rs 1,350 per 50 kg bag.
  • Cabinet approved revised cost of Rs 79,459 crore for HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Ltd project in Pachpadra, Balotra district, Rajasthan with HPCL equity contribution of Rs 19,600 crore.
  • The 9 MMTPA refinery is scheduled to start commercial operations in July 2026 and is expected to generate about 1 lakh construction jobs and 10,000 direct operational jobs.
  • Jaipur Metro Phase 2 covering the 41 km Prahladpura to Todi Mod corridor approved at an estimated cost of Rs 13,038 crore.
  • Cabinet cleared Kamala Hydro Electric Project (1,720 MW) at Rs 26,070 crore and Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project (1,200 MW) at Rs 14,106 crore to boost renewable energy capacity.

Mahey Tokpo-Raldho Canal: Enhancing Water Security in Ladakh

Key Updates:

  • Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the Mahey Tokpo-Raldho canal in the Changthang region of Ladakh.
  • The project aims to boost water security, enhance agricultural productivity, and support the livelihoods of farmers and pastoral communities.
  • The canal draws water from Yaya Lake to provide reliable irrigation for nearly 100 acres.
  • The infrastructure project commenced in 2022-23 and was expedited for completion after the LG assumed office on March 13.
  • A plantation drive of 15,000 trees was initiated in collaboration with local villagers to promote soil conservation, slope stabilisation, and ecological sustainability.

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Route to Lachen, gateway to Gurudongmar Lake, reopens in Sikkim after June 2025 landslide damage (Mid of March) ▼
  • The road from Chungthang to Lachen in North Sikkim reopened after a newly constructed 400-foot bridge was inaugurated last week.
  • North Sikkim District Magistrate Anant Jain stated that only one vehicle is allowed to cross the bridge at a time due to single-lane width.
  • Tourist permits for Gurudongmar Lake, located at about 17,000 feet, are being issued again with nearly 90 per cent processed online from the Third Mile office.
World Heritage Day themed "Ancient Art, Modern Challenges: Safeguarding Petroglyphs and Shaping Tourism Circuits in Ladakh" (End of April) ▼
  • India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park is being established on the banks of the Indus River in Leh, Ladakh.
  • The foundation stone for the park was laid by Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on World Heritage Day.
  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for heritage preservation.
  • Nearly 400 sites across Ladakh contain petroglyphs, with isolated carvings along the Indus River and Zanskar River facing significant risk.
  • Some of the oldest petroglyphs in the region contain inscriptions in Sanskrit, Arabic, Chinese, and other ancient languages.
  • The carvings depict early human life, including hunting scenes, animals such as ibex and snow leopards, and Buddhist symbols like stupas.
  • The petroglyphs represent a continuous record of human history from the Palaeolithic Age to later historic periods.
  • These carvings are found in regions including Domkhar, Dah Hanu, Alchi, Chilling, and Tangtse.
Mahey Tokpo-Raldho Irrigation Canal Project Strengthens Water Security in Ladakh (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
Mangan district administration and Sikkim Tourism Department resume tourist permits for Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Tourist permits for Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim resumed from 9 March 2026.
  • Permits had been suspended after the South Lhonak glacial lake outburst flood in October 2023 damaged roads and bridges across North Sikkim.
  • Applications for permits can be submitted through the district collectorate in Mangan or authorised tour operators as per government guidelines.
  • Mangan District Collector Anant Jain confirmed that permits would be issued from Monday.
  • A newly constructed 400-foot Bailey suspension bridge over the Taram Chu on the Chungthang-Lachen road has a load capacity of 12 tonnes and allows only one light vehicle at a time.
  • Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth opened the bridge for regulated vehicular movement last month.

Compliance Reduction and Deregulation Initiative: Tripura completes all Phase I and II Priority Areas

Key Updates:

  • Tripura is the first state in India to complete all 51 Priority Areas under Phase-I and Phase-II of the Compliance Reduction and Deregulation initiative led by the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of India.
  • Launched in January 2026, the reform programme covers sectors including Revenue, Urban Development, Industries, Labour, Environment, Tourism, Health, Education, and Digital Governance.
  • Key administrative reforms include the strengthening of the Single Window Approval Agency (SWAAT), self-certification for Change of Land Use, and the removal of dual licensing requirements.
  • Digital governance initiatives include the launch of a centralised e-Gazette system, an auto-appeal mechanism under the Right to Services framework, and the SWAGAAT Single Window System.
  • The state collaborated with the National Law University Tripura (NLU Tripura) for law reviews and the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) for a ground-level impact assessment of Phase-I.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launches Development Projects Worth ₹47,800 Crore in Assam (Mid of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and launched multiple development projects worth ₹47,800 crore in Assam.
  • Under the Assam Mala 3.0 Road Infrastructure Initiative, approximately 900 km of roads will be constructed at a cost of over ₹3,200 crore.
  • Six infrastructure projects, including four flyovers and two bridges, will be implemented in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) at a cost of over ₹1,100 crore.
  • A Railway Periodic Overhaul (POH) workshop will be established at Basbari in Kokrajhar district to strengthen maintenance capacity.
  • Three new train services were introduced: Kamakhya–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, Guwahati–New Jalpaiguri Express, and Narengi–Agartala Express.
  • The 22nd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) was released, with 18.59 lakh farmers in Assam receiving ₹371 crore.
  • The Kopili Hydroelectric Project, valued at over ₹2,300 crore, will be implemented in Dima Hasao and West Karbi Anglong districts.
  • The capacity of the Numaligarh Refinery (NRL) will be expanded from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA through the Numaligarh–Siliguri Product Pipeline Expansion.
  • The North-East Gas Grid – Phase I will connect Guwahati, Numaligarh, Gohpur, and Itanagar, with a branch extending to Dimapur.
  • A rail-connected Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) terminal will be established at Panchgram in Hailakandi district.
  • Railway electrification projects covering Rangia–Murkongselek, Chaparmukh–Dibrugarh, Badarpur–Silchar, and Badarpur–Churaibari sections were completed at a cost of over ₹2,250 crore.
  • The Furkating–Tinsukia railway line will be doubled over a distance of 194 km at a cost of over ₹3,600 crore.
  • Inland waterway projects include cruise terminals at Biswanath Ghat and Nemati, and a Regional Centre of Excellence for Maritime Training at Bogibeel.
  • A ropeway project will be constructed between Kamakhya Railway Station and Kamakhya Temple to transport approximately 17,000 passengers daily.
  • A PM Ekta Mall will be established in Guwahati to showcase handicrafts, handloom products, and One District One Product (ODOP) items.
  • The Shillong–Silchar High-Speed Corridor, spanning 166 km, will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹22,860 crore.
  • A new Agriculture College will be established at Patharkandi in Karimganj district.
Kerala Urban Policy: First comprehensive state-level urban roadmap for 2050 (Mid of February) ▼
  • Kerala became the first state in India to frame a comprehensive Urban Policy, approved by the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
  • The Nava Kerala Urban Policy envisions Kerala in 2050 as 'a continuous network of climate-smart cities and towns, ensuring scientific planning and good governance.'
  • The Kerala Urban Policy Commission, constituted in December 2023, submitted its report to the Chief Minister in March 2025.
  • The policy projects Kerala to be nearly 80 per cent urbanised by 2050 with decentralised urban growth between the high ranges and the coastal belt.
  • Key thematic areas of the policy include reforms in laws and institutional systems, capacity building, people-centric services, infrastructure development, and spatial and strategic planning.
Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Election Results April 18, 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • Tipra Motha Party won 24 out of 28 seats in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) local body elections.
  • The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured four seats in the council, including two unreserved seats.
  • Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma launched a new political party named One Northeast.
  • The One Northeast party includes Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and former Nagaland minister Mmhonlümo Kikon.
  • The TTAADC governs approximately 70 per cent of the territory in Tripura and influences 20 tribal-reserved seats in the State Assembly.
  • Security for the counting process involved 24 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the Tripura State Rifles (TSR).
  • Village council elections for the TTAADC are scheduled to be held in July after a 10-year gap following a Supreme Court (SC) order.
Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Election Results 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • Tipra Motha won 24 out of 28 seats in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.
  • The TTAADC governs nearly 70 per cent of the territory of Tripura and covers 20 tribal-reserved seats in the State Assembly.
  • Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma launched a new political entity called One Northeast to foster tribal unity across the region.
  • The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the conduct of ADC village council elections in July after a gap of 10 years.
  • Security deployment for the election counting included 24 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the Tripura State Rifles (TSR).

BHASHINI Rajyam – A BHASHINI Sahayogi Program to boost Multilingual Digital Healthcare Services

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Ayush (Ayush) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to enhance multilingual access to digital services.
  • The partnership is part of the BHASHINI Rajyam – A BHASHINI Sahayogi Program, aiming to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered language technologies across Ayush Grid portals and applications.
  • The collaboration aims to expand digital outreach in all 22 scheduled Indian languages, covering knowledge systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga and Naturopathy, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
  • The MoU was signed by Dr Subodh Kumar, Director in Ayush, and Amitabh Nag, CEO of DIBD, in the presence of Secretary Rajesh Kotecha and Joint Secretary Kavita Jain.
  • The initiative will integrate BHASHINI tools with the Yoga Portal, MAISP, and the NAMASTE portal to develop standardised terminologies and future AI models in the healthcare sector.

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Anuvadini AI partners with Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to translate Ayurveda research into 13 regional languages (Start of April) ▼
  • Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ayush Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with Anuvadini AI, a platform developed by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under the Ministry of Education.
  • Anuvadini AI will translate CCRAS's research outputs and educational materials into 13 regional languages, including Hindi.
  • CCRAS operates a network of 30 institutes across 25 states in India.
  • The collaboration aims to expand public access to evidence-based Ayurveda knowledge across India and reduce misinformation.
Swasth Bharat Portal: Integration of Digital Health Systems (Start of May) ▼
  • The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, launched the Swasth Bharat Portal on May 7, 2026, during the 10th National Summit on "Innovation and Inclusivity: Best Practices Shaping India's Health Future".
  • The portal was developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to integrate multiple digital applications used in national health programmes for service delivery, monitoring, and reporting.
  • It functions as an aggregator platform using an API-based federated architecture to create a unified digital layer and ensure interoperability across programmes.
  • The portal aims to reduce the administrative burden on frontline health workers, including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Community Health Officers (CHOs), and Medical Officers (MOs).
  • The portal is Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) compliant and supports integration with the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR), and Health Facility Registry (HFR).
BHASHINI–PFRDA MoU integrates multilingual AI and voice technologies into India’s pension ecosystem (End of March) ▼
  • Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) signed a strategic MoU under the initiative 'BHASHINI for Seva / Sanchalan – A BHASHINI Sahayogi Program'.
  • The collaboration enables seamless access to pension services in all 22 scheduled Indian languages.
  • PFRDA platforms will use BHASHINI translation APIs for real-time multilingual content, AI-driven language models for contextual communication, and voice-enabled interfaces to simplify user interaction.
  • The integration aims to bring first-time savers into the pension ecosystem, improve financial literacy, and enhance trust and engagement with digital platforms.
  • BHASHINI, developed under the Digital India programme, provides real-time translation across Indian languages, speech-to-text and text-to-speech systems, and AI models adaptable to sector-specific needs.
  • The MoU includes structured enrichment of linguistic datasets to improve accuracy and contextual understanding of AI models and enable domain-specific customisation for pension-related communication.
  • Voice-based access will allow users to seek pension information through spoken queries, navigate services without complex interfaces, and interact with systems in natural, conversational language.
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and ABDM: Digital-First Future charted at NHA Chintan Shivir (End of April) ▼
  • The National Health Authority (NHA) conducted a two-day Chintan Shivir in Pune to accelerate healthcare transformation for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
  • The National Medical Commission (NMC) announced that the integration of hospital management systems (HMIS) with ABDM platforms is now mandatory.
  • Service delivery in medical colleges will be evaluated based on Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)-linked patient data.
  • The ABDM State Adoption Index, developed with World Bank support, tracks performance across core digital registries, adoption and usage metrics, and budget utilisation.
  • The NHA is working to integrate multiple schemes, including PM RAHAT, onto the PM-JAY platform.
  • Karnataka implemented an online referral system to optimise resource utilisation and strengthen public healthcare institutions.
  • Gujarat introduced clinical governance reforms comprising Online Tumor Board Certification, digital verification mechanisms, and data-driven monitoring systems.
  • PM-JAY incentives were utilised to upgrade infrastructure at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
  • The NHA presented 18 PM-JAY Awards across categories including pre-authorisation efficiency, bio-authentication, training completion, and claims processing.
  • ABDM Awards for digital adoption were granted to Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tripura.
  • The event discussed the System Integrator Model to achieve scalable and standardised digital health integration across India.
  • Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NHA.

Karnataka to Implement Grassroots Climate Action Plans for 5,994 Gram Panchayats

Key Updates:

  • Karnataka is developing individual climate action plans for 5,994 gram panchayats and 340 urban local bodies to institutionalise climate accountability at the grassroots level.
  • The Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) is spearheading the initiative to align local actions with India’s net-zero journey.
  • The state is monitoring 105 climate targets across 15 departments for the 2025–2030 period, which are reviewed monthly by an apex committee headed by the Chief Secretary.
  • Key focus areas for the village-level plans include water-use efficiency, cultivation of drought-resistant crops and millets, agroforestry, and a target to plant five crore saplings.
  • A research report by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) and SDM Institute for Management Development highlighted that Karnataka has crossed the 50 per cent mark in renewable energy generation.

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India Submits Revised Climate Targets for 2031-2035 to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (End of April) ▼
  • India has submitted its revised climate targets for 2031-2035 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • India commits to attaining at least 47 per cent reduction in the emission intensity of its GDP from the 2005 baseline by 2035.
  • The targets are part of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), which are non-binding, voluntary climate action plans under the 2015 Paris Agreement.
  • India aims to achieve about 60 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2035.
  • India promised to create a carbon sink of 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2035 compared to the 2005 baseline.
  • This is India's third NDC, with the first two submitted in 2015 (pertaining to 2025) and 2022 (pertaining to 2030).
  • India achieved 40 per cent cumulative electrical power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy sources in 2021.
  • India reduced the emission intensity of its GDP from 2005 levels by 33 per cent in 2019.
National Panchayat Awards 2025: Financial Incentives up to ₹5 Crore (Mid of May) ▼
  • The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) announced the National Panchayat Awards 2025, selecting 42 Panchayats for honours.
  • Karnataka secured the highest number of awards with six Panchayats, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Odisha with five awards each.
  • Awards are conferred under two categories: the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar and the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar.
  • The Deen Dayal Upadhyay awards selected 34 Gram Panchayats from 17 States and Union Territories for performance in poverty-free livelihoods, health, water sufficiency, sanitation, women-friendly governance and social justice.
  • The Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar selected eight Panchayats, including three district Panchayats, two block Panchayats and three Gram Panchayats.
  • Winning Panchayats will receive financial incentives ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore under the Incentivization of Panchayats scheme of the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
  • The award distribution ceremony will be held in New Delhi on the 3rd of next month.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj releases Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Report (Start of May) ▼
  • The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Report for FY 2023–24 on National Panchayati Raj Day, celebrated on 24th April 2026.
  • PAI 2.0 recorded a national participation of 97.30 per cent, with 2,59,867 Gram Panchayats (GPs) across 33 States and Union Territories submitting validated data.
  • Based on composite scores, 3,635 GPs are categorized as Front Runners and 1,18,824 GPs (approximately 45.72% of participating GPs/Traditional Local Bodies) are placed in the Performer category.
  • Under the theme Poverty Free and Enhanced Livelihoods in Panchayats, 3,313 GPs/Traditional Local Bodies (TLBs) achieved the A+ grade.
  • Under the theme Healthy Panchayats, 1,015 GPs/TLBs attained the A+ grade.
  • PAI 2.0 evaluates GPs against 150 indicators and 230 data points across nine thematic areas under the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
  • The nine LSDG thematic areas include Poverty, Health, Child Welfare, Water, Environment, Infrastructure, Social Justice, Good Governance, and Women’s Empowerment.
  • The index classifies GPs into five performance categories: Achiever (A+: 90 and above), Front Runner (A: 75 to below 90), Performer (B: 60 to below 75), Aspirant (C: 40 to below 60), and Beginner (D: below 40).
  • West Bengal has not on-boarded in the PAI 2.0 exercise.
National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge to Strengthen Rural Climate Resilience (Start of March) ▼
  • The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched the National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge in collaboration with The Gates Foundation and Dalberg Advisors.
  • The initiative aims to build a National Climate Stack to strengthen climate resilience in rural India by integrating fragmented climate datasets and forecasting models.
  • The challenge seeks proposals for credible near-term (10-15 year) climate hazard forecasting frameworks and practical use-case dashboards for agriculture and rural finance.
  • The open call for proposals from research institutions, universities, startups, and private-sector innovators is scheduled for 6th March 2026.
  • The screening and shortlisting of high-potential teams based on eligibility and methodology will take place between March and April 2026.
  • Shortlisted teams will participate in a 6-8 week guided model development sprint between April and May 2026 to refine climate hazard models.
  • Technical validation and jury-led selection of final awardees will be conducted between May and June 2026 based on scientific rigour and scalability.
  • The target beneficiaries include the agriculture, rural finance, and public planning sectors in rural India.
  • The initiative aligns with the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of leveraging technology to democratise climate data for a more resilient rural India.
  • The Ministry and total budget outlay for the initiative are not specified in the article.

Sugar Export Policy: Prohibition of Raw, White and Refined Sugar Exports till September 30

Key Updates:

  • The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has prohibited the export of raw, white, and refined sugar until September 30 to stabilise domestic prices.
  • The export policy for sugar was amended from restricted to prohibited.
  • India exported $1.9 billion of these sugar varieties in FY25, with the top destinations being Sudan, Libya, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
  • Exemptions to the prohibition include exports to the European Union (EU) and United States of America (USA) under Codex Maximum Residue Limit (CXL) and Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) quota.
  • Additional exemptions apply to the Advance Authorization Scheme, Government-to-Government exports, and consignments already in the physical export pipeline.

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India bans sugar exports until September 2026 to control local prices (Mid of May) ▼
  • The Government of India banned the export of raw and white sugar with immediate effect until 30 September 2026, or until further orders.
  • The ban was implemented to rein in local sugar prices.
  • India is the world's second-largest sugar producer and the largest sugar exporter after Brazil.
  • Sugar production is expected to lag consumption for a second consecutive year due to weakening cane yields in major growing regions.
  • Forecasts of El Nino weather conditions could disrupt the monsoon, increasing the risk that next season's output falls below initial estimates.
Duty-free imports of yellow peas and black gram extended until March 2027 to curb pulse prices (Start of May) ▼
  • The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has extended the duty-free import window for yellow peas and black gram until 31 March 2027.
  • For yellow peas, the government has removed the minimum import price and lifted port restrictions, allowing shipments to enter through any port.
  • Traders importing yellow peas are required to register under the Import Monitoring System.
  • The duty-free exemption for yellow peas applies to all shipments with a bill of landing issued on or before 31 March 2027.
  • The free import policy for black gram, which was previously valid until March 2026, has been extended by one year until 31 March 2027.
Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for Sugarcane: ₹365 per quintal for 2026–27 Season (Start of May) ▼
  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of ₹365 per quintal for sugarcane for the 2026–27 sugar season.
  • The FRP is fixed for a basic sugar recovery rate of 10.25 per cent, with a premium of ₹3.56 per quintal for every 0.1 per cent increase in recovery above this level.
  • The government decided that there will be no deduction in FRP for mills where recovery falls below 9.5 per cent, ensuring farmers receive at least ₹338.3 per quintal.
  • The approved price is 2.81 per cent higher than the 2025–26 season and was determined based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
  • This policy is expected to benefit approximately 5 crore sugarcane farmers and their dependents, along with nearly 5 lakh workers employed in sugar mills and related industries.
US Department of Commerce (DOC) imposes 123.04% anti-dumping duty on Indian solar imports (End of April) ▼
  • The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced a preliminary anti-dumping duty of 123.04% on solar cells and modules from India.
  • The DOC identified critical circumstances for imports from companies including Mundra Solar Energy, Mundra Solar PV, Kowa, and Premier Energies.
  • The suspension of liquidation will apply to shipments entered for consumption up to 90 days prior to the publication of the order.
  • The combined tariff burden on Indian supplies exceeds 200%, which includes existing countervailing duties of over 125%.
  • The National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) and the Indian Solar Manufacturers Association (ISMA) have initiated processes to contest the findings.

United States and China hold two-day summit in Beijing on 15 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • United States (US) President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted a two-day summit in Beijing, with the final meeting held at the Zhongnanhai complex.
  • President Trump stated that China agreed to purchase 200 jets from the US aviation manufacturer Boeing, marking China's first purchase of US jets in nearly a decade.
  • The US and China agreed that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon and that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway through which 20 per cent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies were shipped before the war.
  • The US remains committed to supporting the defence of Taiwan under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which enables the supply of weapons and military cooperation.

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U.S.-Iran talks collapse in Pakistan with no deal as ceasefire clock ticks (Mid of April) ▼
  • Vice President JD Vance led the U.S. delegation for 21-hour talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • The two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire remains intact but expires in eight days.
  • Key sticking points were Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Iranian parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the U.S. failed to gain Tehran’s trust.
  • Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both sides to uphold the ceasefire and continue dialogue.
  • HRANA reports almost 3,400 people, including over 1,600 civilians, killed in Iran since the war began.
  • President Donald Trump announced an immediate U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to counter Iranian mining.
Pakistan and China sign three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on 27 April 26 (End of April) ▼
  • Three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between institutions from Pakistan and China during a ceremony held in Changsha.
  • The ceremony was attended by Asif Ali Zardari.
  • The Sindh Local Government Department and Loxin Environmental Technology Group signed an MoU to collaborate on a seawater desalination project to increase urban water supply.
  • An agreement to enhance cooperation in agricultural technology was signed between the Sindh Local Government Department and Longping High-Tech Information Company.
  • An MoU to support the development of the tea industry and strengthen economic, trade, and people-to-people ties was signed between Muske and Femte Trading Company, Hunan Tea Group, and Jialong International Technology Hainan.
India and China Hold First Bilateral SCO Consultations on 16-17 April (Mid of April) ▼
  • India and China conducted their first Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) bilateral consultations on 16-17 April following the resolution of the eastern Ladakh military standoff in 2024.
  • Both delegations met with the Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, to review cooperation in security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.
  • The two sides discussed the implementation of decisions made by SCO leaders and the future course of the organisation.
  • China has pledged support for the ongoing BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) presidency held by India.
  • The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, is expected to visit India for the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled for 14-15 May.
  • The President of China, Xi Jinping, is anticipated to travel to India in September for the BRICS summit.
  • India reiterated that the original objectives of the SCO are to combat terrorism, radicalisation, and extremism.
  • India emphasised that regional connectivity initiatives must uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the SCO charter.

India hosts Kimberley Process Intersessional Conference in Mumbai

Key Updates:

  • The Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional Conference was held in Mumbai under India's presidency.
  • The four-day global meeting focused on transparency, governance, and operational reforms in the natural diamond trade.
  • The conference was conducted under the overarching theme of “Credibility, Compliance & Consumer Confidence” (3C).
  • The KP Certification Scheme was established under United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution 55/56 of 2000.
  • The KP is a global initiative aimed at preventing conflict diamonds from entering legitimate trade and promoting responsible sourcing throughout the natural-diamond supply chain.

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India and Kenya hold 10th Joint Trade Committee meeting in Nairobi on April 27-28, 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • India and Kenya held the 10th session of the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) in Nairobi on April 27-28, 2026.
  • The meeting was co-chaired by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Akotah Ombam.
  • Bilateral trade between India and Kenya reached $4.31 billion in 2025-26, representing a 24.91 per cent increase from $3.45 billion in the previous fiscal.
  • An MoU was signed between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to strengthen standardisation and conformity assessment.
  • The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and Kenya Revenue Authority signed an MoU for the exchange of pre-arrival customs information to streamline customs procedures.
  • The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the India Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an agreement to promote trade, investment, and industrial collaboration.
  • Both nations explored trade settlement in local currencies through Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) and a Local Currency Settlement mechanism.
  • India provided support for Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway through rolling stock supply, project management, and feasibility studies.
  • Kenya indicated its intention to sign the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement.
  • Digital cooperation discussions focused on Bharat Connect and UPI-like payment systems to enhance financial inclusion.
  • India offered training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme in education, earth sciences, healthcare, and mining.
  • Student mobility was discussed under the Study in India initiative.
India assumes chairmanship of Common Criteria Development Board from April 2026 to April 2028 (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
India and South Korea sign 16 MoUs on 20 April 2026 to enhance trade and technology ties (End of April) ▼
  • India and South Korea signed 16 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) on 20 April 2026, focusing on e-mobility, green energy, and advanced manufacturing.
  • The two nations aim to double bilateral trade from $27 billion to $54 billion by 2030, targeting an annual growth rate of approximately 18 per cent.
  • Priority sectors identified for cooperation include semiconductors, electronics, e-mobility, green energy, shipbuilding, and digital trade.
  • An India-Korea Industrial Cooperation Committee has been established with four working groups covering trade, industry, strategic resources, and clean energy.
  • Both countries are working to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was originally signed in 2009.
  • The partnership envisions the establishment of a Korea-specific industrial township in India with plug-and-play infrastructure to boost investment.
  • Cooperation was established under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement to enable carbon market collaboration through the trading of emission reductions.
  • India and South Korea reiterated their respective net-zero targets of 2070 and 2050.
  • Diplomatic relations between India and South Korea were established in 1973.
  • Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States is almost finalised.
India hosts BIMSTEC Young Professionals Exchange Programme in Maharashtra from 9 to 15 March 2026 (Mid of March) ▼
  • India hosted the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Young Professionals Exchange Programme in Maharashtra from 9 to 15 March 2026.
  • The programme brought together 30 young innovators, technology developers, and entrepreneurs from BIMSTEC member countries.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the initiative aimed to promote knowledge exchange and provide exposure to India’s innovation, start-up, and research ecosystems.
  • The exchange programme was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to strengthen engagement among the youth of the Bay of Bengal region.
  • Participants called on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who highlighted the state’s potential as a platform for international partnerships in technology.

India launches ₹15,803 crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) infrastructure project in Andhra Pradesh

Key Updates:

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the ₹15,803-crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) infrastructure project in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh.
  • The AMCA programme is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to build India's indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft.
  • The project is spread across nearly 650 acres in Puttaparthi and will include an aircraft integration and advanced flight-testing centre, with an expected generation of around 7,500 jobs.
  • A dedicated drone city project was also initiated in Kurnool, where eight drone companies are expected to establish operations.
  • The initiative is aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision to strengthen domestic defence capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

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Indian Navy receives delivery of fourth Nilgiri-class stealth frigate Mahendragiri from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) (Start of May) ▼
  • The Indian Navy has received delivery of Mahendragiri, a Project-17A Nilgiri-class frigate from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL).
  • The Nilgiri-class frigates are an improvement over the Project-17 Shivalik-class and are designed in-house by the Naval Design Bureau.
  • The primary offensive weapons are eight Brahmos supersonic anti-ship missiles, and the air defence is provided by the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MR-SAM).
  • The ship is named after a peak in the Eastern Ghats; previous ships include INS Taragiri, and two ships INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri were commissioned together in August last year.
  • The navy has ordered seven Nilgiri-class frigates, with MDL building four and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) building the other three, and is working on the Next Generation Frigates under Project-17B.
Global Nations Develop 6th and 7th Generation Fighter Aircraft (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
India's first privately built military aircraft C-295 set for rollout in Gujarat on 14 May 2026 (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
India-based Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace to manufacture Kaal Bhairava combat aircraft in Portugal (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.

India and United Arab Emirates deepen energy partnership on 16 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to store up to 30 million barrels of crude oil in India's Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
  • Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and ADNOC entered into a separate arrangement for long-term Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies.
  • India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) agreed to establish strategic gas reserves in India and pursue a comprehensive energy partnership covering crude oil, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and LPG.
  • The UAE announced investments totaling USD 5 billion into India across the banking, infrastructure, and finance sectors.
  • New agreements were reached in advanced computing, shipbuilding, defence, and maritime cooperation, with both nations emphasizing unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

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India Adds Record 44 GW Solar Capacity in 2025 to Reach 150 GW Total (Mid of May) ▼
  • India added a record 44 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in 2025, bringing the total installed solar power capacity to 150 GW.
  • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) attributed this growth to the PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
  • India's annual addition of 44 GW surpasses the United States (30-40 GW) and trails only China and the European Union (EU).
  • India's total solar capacity in the pre-2014 era was 2.5 GW.
  • India's crude oil import dependence is 85 per cent.
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) ranks India third-largest renewable energy market in 2025 (Start of April) ▼
  • India added 45 GW of renewable capacity in 2025, raising total installed renewable energy capacity to 250.5 GW from 175.9 GW in 2023.
  • Solar capacity additions in India reached 37 GW in 2025, making it the second-highest contributor globally after China.
  • India’s wind energy capacity increased by 6.3 GW in 2025, marking its highest annual increase.
  • Hydropower installed capacity in India grew from 52 GW in 2024 to 56 GW in 2025, while pumped hydro rose from 4.7 GW to 7.2 GW.
  • Globally, renewable share of total installed power capacity rose to 49.4 per cent in 2025 from 46.3 per cent in 2024.
Central Electricity Authority (CEA) projects 70% non-fossil fuel share in India’s installed capacity by 2035-36 (End of March) ▼
  • Central Electricity Authority (CEA) report released on 19 March 2026 at Bharat Electricity Summit projects India’s installed power generation capacity at 1,121 GW by 2035-36.
  • Non-fossil fuel sources are projected to contribute 786 GW, accounting for 70% of total installed capacity.
  • Solar sector is projected to contribute 509 GW, coal 315 GW, wind 155 GW, large hydro 77 GW, nuclear 22 GW, gas 20 GW, biomass 16 GW, and small hydro 6 GW.
  • As of 31 January 2026, India’s installed capacity stood at 520.5 GW with 52% from non-fossil sources.
  • During FY 2025-26 (till 31 January 2026), 52.5 GW capacity was added, including 43 GW from renewable energy.
  • Peak electricity demand is projected to grow at 5.58% CAGR to reach 459 GW by 2035-36.
  • Total electricity requirement is projected to grow at 6.41% annually to 3,365 billion units by 2035-36.
  • Energy storage capacity of 174 GW / 888 GWh is envisaged, including 80 GW / 321 GWh of battery energy storage systems and 94 GW / 567 GWh of pumped storage projects.

India and United Arab Emirates sign seven key agreements on May 15, 2026

Key Updates:

  • India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed seven key agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.
  • A strategic collaboration agreement was signed between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to strengthen energy security and strategic petroleum reserves.
  • A strategic agreement was signed for the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to boost long-term energy security.
  • A framework agreement on a Strategic Defence Partnership was signed to expand cooperation in defence manufacturing, innovation, military training, maritime security, cyber defence, and secure communications.
  • A ship repair and maritime infrastructure cluster project is proposed at Vadinar in Gujarat to advance the Make In India scheme.
  • An arrangement on skill development in ship repair was established to position India as a hub for skilled shipbuilding and ship repair professionals.
  • The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and UAE's G-42 will set up eight Exaflop Super Computer Clusters.
  • The UAE committed $5 billion in investments across Indian infrastructure and financial institutions.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a five-nation tour visiting the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
  • The visit to Norway is the first official visit by an Indian prime minister to the Nordic nation in 43 years.

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India and Israel Upgrade Bilateral Ties to Special Strategic Partnership During Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's Visit (End of February) ▼
  • PM Narendra Modi concluded a historic two-day visit to Israel, marking the first visit by an Indian leader in nine years.
  • India and Israel agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership.
  • A total of 27 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two nations, spanning sectors such as innovation, cultural exchange, manufacturing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • The two countries announced the establishment of a Critical and Emerging Technology Partnership to deepen cooperation in the technology and innovation sectors.
  • PM Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu committed to finalising a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and holding a government-to-government (G2G) meeting in India.
  • Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 group.
  • PM Modi called on President Isaac Herzog and planted a tree in the Presidential Gardens under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative.
  • The PM visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, to pay homage to victims and visited the Book of Names Hall.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the leaders explored enhanced cooperation in education, start-ups, quantum computing, and security.
India and Israel elevate ties to special strategic partnership and advance mutually beneficial FTA (Start of March) ▼
  • India and Israel elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel.
  • Both sides agreed to soon finalise a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  • India and Israel signed multiple agreements to expand cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy, cyberspace and digital payment.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extremely fruitful and wide-ranging talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to enhance cooperation in education, start-ups, innovation, tech and connectivity.
  • Modi and Herzog planted an oak tree at the President’s residence as a symbol of friendship and shared future.
  • Prime Minister Modi addressed the Knesset, becoming the first Indian to speak in Israel’s Parliament.
  • Modi voiced strong support for the Gaza peace initiative and stated that terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere.
  • The Speaker of the Knesset conferred the Speaker of the Knesset Medal on Prime Minister Modi for his exceptional contribution to strengthening India-Israel strategic relations.
India and Israel sign MoU to deepen defence ties ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit (End of February) ▼
  • An MoU was signed between India and Israel to deepen defence ties and strengthen ongoing joint activities, including future seminars and cooperative initiatives.
  • The International Defence Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) within Israel's Ministry of Defense (IMOD) facilitated meetings between leading Indian and Israeli defence industries leading to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
  • SIBAT in cooperation with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and India's Ministry of Defence led a seminar and B2B meetings this week between leading Indian and Israeli defence companies.
  • The seminar was led by SIBAT Director, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, and brought together small, medium and large Israeli and Indian defence companies for substantive engagements.
  • The event featured representatives from 30 Indian and 26 Israeli defence companies.
  • The Indian delegation was led by Ramesh K, Director General of SIDM, and included J P Singh, Ambassador of India to Israel, and Gp Capt. Vijay Patil, Defence Attache of India to Israel.
  • Prime Minister Modi would arrive on February 25 on a two-day visit to Israel.
India to host BRICS senior officials meeting bringing Iran and UAE together (Mid of April) ▼
  • India is hosting a BRICS senior officials meeting under its BRICS presidency that will see Iran and the UAE face to face for the first time since the West Asian conflict.
  • The meeting agenda covers broader West Asian and North African issues including Palestine, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon.
  • Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are all BRICS members.
  • BRICS could not issue a statement on the war earlier as consensus eluded it due to differences between Iran and UAE.
  • Egypt, a BRICS member and India's strategic partner, is assisting India to hold the meeting and subsequent events including the foreign ministers' meet in May and the summit in September.
  • Russian support has also been extended to India's BRICS Presidency.

BRICS reaffirms support for independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as capital amid internal disagreements

Key Updates:

  • The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Foreign Ministers' meeting on May 15, 2026 in New Delhi reaffirmed support for an independent and viable State of Palestine within pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
  • The meeting failed to produce a joint statement due to disagreements among members, leading to the release of a 'Chair's Statement and Outcome Document'.
  • Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) clashed over the paragraph on the Gaza Strip and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi asserted that the Strait of Hormuz falls within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, not international waters.
  • Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov assured continued energy supplies to India and discussed cooperation on the North-South Transport Corridor, payment settlement in national currencies, and nuclear energy.

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India joins United Nations (UN) statement condemning Israel's West Bank actions (Mid of February) ▼
  • India joined more than 100 countries and international organisations in endorsing a joint statement at the United Nations (UN) condemning Israel's efforts to consolidate control over the West Bank.
  • The joint statement asserts that Israeli actions violate international law and undermine prospects for peace and stability in the region.
  • The declaration calls for the immediate reversal of unilateral Israeli measures aimed at expanding presence in the West Bank.
  • The statement firmly opposes any form of annexation and rejects measures intended to alter the demographic composition, character, and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.
  • Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel next week and is expected to address the Israeli parliament.
India chairs BRICS MENA meeting in New Delhi on 24 April 2026 (Start of May) ▼
  • Dr. Neena Malhotra, Secretary South of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), chaired the meeting of BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys for the Middle East and North Africa (BRICS MENA) in New Delhi.
  • The discussions focused on the Palestine issue, the Gaza situation, the provision of humanitarian aid, and the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
  • The meeting emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon, and addressed the unacceptability of attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
  • The participants discussed post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation in Syria.
  • The meeting covered the political settlement in Yemen, stability and development in Iraq, the political process in Libya, and the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
India attends inaugural meeting of Board of Peace for Gaza reconstruction as observer on 19 February 2026 (End of February) ▼
  • India participated as an observer in the first meeting of the Board of Peace convened by United States (US) President Donald Trump.
  • The meeting was held at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace on 19 February 2026, focusing on the reconstruction of Gaza and the mobilisation of an international stabilisation force.
  • Namgya C Khampa, the Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington DC, represented India at the proceedings.
  • India is one of 12 countries participating as observers, a group that includes Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (UK).
  • More than 40 countries and the European Union (EU) sent officials to the meeting, which the US President referred to as the Gaza peace plan.
  • Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the event as a member of the board alongside other participating world leaders.
India abstains from United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on 4th anniversary of Russia-Ukraine war (End of February) ▼
  • India and 50 other countries abstained from a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) draft resolution calling for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
  • Titled Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine, the resolution was adopted by the 193 members of the UNGA on February 24, 2026, marking four years of the conflict.
  • The resolution received 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions.
  • The draft was introduced by Ukraine along with Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States (US).
  • The resolution reaffirmed support for the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, including territorial waters.
  • It urged the full exchange of prisoners of war and the return of all unlawfully detained persons and deported civilians, including children.
  • The document expressed deep concern over intensified attacks by Russia on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and critical energy facilities in Ukraine.

United States and Nigeria eliminate ISIS second in command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in joint operation

Key Updates:

  • United States (US) and Nigerian forces conducted a joint operation to eliminate Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second in command of the Islamic State (IS) globally.
  • Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was a Sahel-based senior leader and a member of the General Directorate of Provinces, the administrative body of IS that provides operational guidance and funding.
  • The US State Department had designated al-Minuki as a global terrorist and placed him under sanctions in 2023 for his ties to the IS group.
  • The Nigerian government and US authorities previously collaborated on airstrikes in northwestern Sokoto State targeting Islamic State in the Sahel (ISSP) fighters.
  • Washington has deployed hundreds of troops to Nigeria to provide support and training to local forces battling regional offshoots of the IS organisation and Boko Haram.

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South Sudan conflict escalates amid renewed fighting in Akobo (End of March) ▼
  • Fresh clashes between government forces and opposition groups intensified in Akobo, South Sudan.
  • South Sudan became independent from Sudan in 2011, making it the youngest country in the world.
  • Juba is the capital and largest city of South Sudan.
  • The Al Sudd, one of the largest swamp regions globally, is located in the central region of South Sudan.
  • The Nile River, the longest river in the world, flows through South Sudan and supports agriculture and livelihoods.
  • South Sudan shares borders with six countries: Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the southeast, Uganda to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and the Central African Republic to the west.
India condemns attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers (Start of April) ▼
  • India condemned the recent attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers and paid homage to the fallen Blue Helmets.
  • Two UNIFIL peacekeepers were killed on Monday near Bani Hayyan in south Lebanon and two other soldiers were wounded in the incident.
  • An Indonesian soldier was killed in the intervening night of Sunday and Monday when a projectile exploded near one of the group’s positions.
  • India has around 600 Indian troops deployed in UNIFIL.
  • Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged all parties to ensure the inviolability of the UN mission and the safety and security of the peacekeepers.
  • UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the killing of the peacekeepers and said such attacks were grave violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes.
Israel conducts air strikes in Lebanon on 21 February 2026; senior Hezbollah leader killed (End of February) ▼
  • At least 12 people were killed and 24 wounded in Israeli air strikes targeting Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley.
  • Senior Hezbollah leader Hussein Yaghi, the son of former lawmaker Mohamed Yaghi, was killed in the strikes targeting command centres.
  • An Israeli strike on the Ain el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in the port city of Sidon resulted in the deaths of two members of Hamas.
  • The military actions occurred despite a fragile United States (US)-brokered ceasefire established in 2024 to end cross-border hostilities.
  • The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted command centres of Hezbollah and Hamas, while Hamas claimed the targeted building in Sidon belonged to a joint security force.

India and United Arab Emirates sign Strategic Defence Partnership and USD 5 billion investment pacts on 15 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to increase United Arab Emirates (UAE) participation in India's strategic petroleum reserves to 30 million barrels.
  • The UAE pledged USD 5 billion in investments, including USD 1 billion for infrastructure through the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and National Infrastructure & Investment Fund (NIIF).
  • Emirates New Development Bank (ENBD) will invest USD 3 billion in RBL Bank, and the International Holding Company (IHC) will invest USD 1 billion in Sammaan Capital.
  • A Framework for the Strategic Defence Partnership was signed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence industrial collaboration, innovation, maritime security, and cyber defence.
  • The two nations agreed to establish a ship repair cluster in Vadinar, Gujarat, and signed an arrangement between Indian Oil Limited (IOCL) and ADNOC for long-term Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies.

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United Arab Emirates to exit OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1, 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its withdrawal from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and OPEC+ effective May 1, 2026.
  • The UAE is the world's seventh-largest oil producer.
  • The decision allows the UAE to pursue its target of increasing production capacity to 5 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2027.
  • The UAE had been a member of OPEC since 1967.
  • The announcement was made by the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei.
International Energy Agency (IEA) authorises release of 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves (Mid of March) ▼
  • The International Energy Agency (IEA) has agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from its members’ strategic reserves to counter soaring global energy prices.
  • This emergency collective action is significantly larger than the 182 million barrels of oil released by IEA member countries in 2022.
  • IEA member countries currently hold more than 1.2 billion barrels of emergency oil stocks and 600 million barrels of industry stocks held under government obligation.
  • The United Kingdom (UK) will contribute 13.5 million barrels of oil to the collective release.
  • South Korea has announced a contribution of 22.46 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves.
  • Germany, Austria, and Japan have also committed to releasing parts of their oil reserves following the IEA request.
  • International benchmark Brent crude oil prices surged by more than 25 percent since 28 February 2026, reaching a peak of $119 per barrel.
  • The IEA reserves were established in 1974 following the Arab oil embargo to respond to global oil supply disruptions.

Australia bans National Socialist Network under new hate group law on 15 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • Australia banned the National Socialist Network, also known as White Australia, as the second organisation under a new law criminalising hate groups.
  • The law was enacted in January following an antisemitic attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney in December, where 15 people were killed.
  • Under the ban effective from 15 May 2026, supporting, funding, training, recruiting, joining, or directing the group is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
  • The Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir was the first organisation banned under the hate speech law in March.
  • The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) determines if an organisation meets the threshold to be a hate group, subject to approval by a government Minister.

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Russia declares Stanford University undesirable on 12 April 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Justice Ministry of Russia added the United States (US)-based Stanford University to its list of undesirable organisations on 12 April 2026.
  • Stanford University is the 19th Western university to be added to the list over the last five years.
  • The Stanford University Centre for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREEES) has also been included in the undesirable classification.
  • According to Russian law, students affiliated with an undesirable organisation can face up to four years in prison, while organisers may face up to six years.
  • Over 200 foreign organisations, including Yale University, Amnesty International, and the British Council, have been declared undesirable by Russia.
  • Russia introduced the law regarding undesirable organisations in 2015 to regulate foreign-funded entities and opposition groups.
  • The Kremlin has applied the foreign agent tag to more than 1,000 organisations and individuals, requiring them to adhere to strict reporting requirements.
Turkiye passes bill to restrict social media access for children under 15 (End of April) ▼
  • Turkish MPs passed a bill restricting social media access for children under 15.
  • The legislation mandates that social media platforms install age-verification systems and provide parental control tools.
  • Digital platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram must block children under 15 from opening accounts.
  • Online gaming companies are required to appoint a representative in Turkiye to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
  • Penalties for non-compliance include fines and internet bandwidth reductions imposed by Turkiye's communications watchdog.
  • Australia implemented social media restrictions for children under 16 in December, resulting in the revocation of approximately 4.7 million accounts.
  • Indonesia introduced regulations banning children under 16 from digital platforms that could expose them to pornography, cyberbullying, online scams, and addiction.
  • Spain, France, and the United Kingdom are also considering or taking measures to restrict children's access to social media.
Indonesia bans children under 16 from YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox (End of March) ▼
  • Indonesia on Saturday began implementing a government regulation that bans children younger than 16 from access to digital platforms that could expose them to pornography, cyberbullying, online scams and addiction.
  • Indonesia became the first country in Southeast Asia to ban children from having accounts on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.
  • Indonesia’s Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said the government has instructed all digital platforms operating in Indonesia to immediately bring their products, features and services into compliance with applicable regulations.
  • The regulation will apply to around 70 million children in Indonesia — a country with a population of about 280 million.
  • Elon Musk’s X on its Indonesia Online Safety Information page gives 16 as the minimum age required for users in the country.
  • Google-owned YouTube said it supports the Indonesian government’s effort to create an effective, risk-based framework that addresses online harms while preserving access to information and digital opportunity.
  • TikTok said that it will take the necessary steps in line with regulatory expectations and continue to strengthen the safeguards, as well as keep Indonesian community in the platform informed as further guidance becomes available.
  • Restrictions on social media access for children under 16 first began in December in Australia, where social media companies revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children.
China National People's Congress approves Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress law mandating Mandarin education (Mid of March) ▼
  • The National People's Congress (NPC) of China approved the Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress law during its annual parliamentary session in Beijing.
  • The legislation mandates that all children must be taught Mandarin from before kindergarten until the completion of high school.
  • The law aims to promote integration among the 56 officially recognised ethnic groups, dominated by the Han Chinese who constitute over 90% of the 1.4 billion population.
  • The new law provides a legal basis to prosecute parents or guardians who instil views described as detrimental to ethnic harmony in children.
  • The policy is part of a broader sinicisation effort to create a unified national identity by assimilating minority groups into the dominant Han culture.
  • The United Nations (UN) has previously accused the Chinese government of grave human rights violations in the Xinjiang region involving the detention of Uyghur Muslims.
  • The law calls for mutually embedded community environments, which analysts suggest could lead to the restructuring of minority-heavy neighbourhoods.

India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) to sign MoUs on LPG supplies and Strategic Petroleum Reserves

Key Updates:

  • India and the UAE are expected to sign two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to boost Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies and energy security.
  • Bilateral merchandise trade between India and UAE reached US$101.25 billion in FY 2025-26.
  • Both nations have committed to doubling bilateral trade to US$200 billion by 2032.
  • UAE is India's 7th-largest investor, with cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows of US$25.19 billion.
  • A Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system is in place to settle bilateral trade and remittances in Indian Rupee (INR) and UAE Dirham (AED).

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Jordan joins India-led ISA, CDRI and GBA on April 27, 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • Jordan confirmed its membership in three India-led global initiatives: International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).
  • The formal membership documents were handed over by the Ambassador of Jordan to India, Yousef Abdelghani, to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (South), Neena Malhotra, in New Delhi.
  • On April 20, South Korea joined the ISA and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
  • India and South Korea decided to elevate their bilateral relationship to a futuristic partnership.
  • The ISA is a platform to accelerate solar deployment and support the global transition to sustainable energy systems, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Essential Commodities Act invoked to prioritise domestic LPG and natural gas supply (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Central Government invoked the Essential Commodities Act (EC Act) to ensure uninterrupted supply of domestic cooking gas amid Middle East conflict disrupting oil and gas supply.
  • Priority sectors for 100 per cent of past six-month average natural gas consumption are: Domestic Piped Natural Gas supply, Compressed Natural Gas for transport, LPG production including LPG shrinkage requirements, Pipeline compressor fuel, other essential pipeline operational requirements.
  • Fertilizer plants must receive natural gas supply at 70 per cent of their past six-month average consumption, subject to operational availability.
  • Tea industries, manufacturing and other industrial consumers via the national gas grid, and all City Gas Distribution industrial and commercial consumers must receive 80 per cent of their past six-month average gas consumption, subject to operational availability.
  • Oil refining companies were ordered to absorb LNG supply disruption impact by reducing gas allocation to refineries to approximately 65 per cent of past six-month consumption, subject to operational feasibility.
  • All natural gas producers, importers, transporters, marketers or distributors must furnish information on production, imports, stocks, allocation, supply and consumption to the Central Government or authorised officer.
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas directed oil refineries to maximise LPG production and divert extra output specifically for domestic use.
  • A 25-day inter-booking period for consumers was introduced to prevent hoarding and black marketing.

India and Iran hold talks in New Delhi on 15 May 2026 to discuss West Asia tensions and bilateral issues

Key Updates:

  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi on 15 May 2026.
  • The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting being hosted under India’s 2026 chairship.
  • Jaishankar and Araghchi discussed the evolving situation in West Asia, regional security concerns, and bilateral issues of mutual interest.
  • Jaishankar addressed the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Thursday, underlining concerns over the fragile security environment in West Asia, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure.
  • Araghchi urged the international community to condemn violations of international law by the United States and Israel, alleging Iran had been subjected to 'brutal and unlawful aggression'.

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India and Italy strengthen defence ties; Rajnath Singh meets Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto, exchange Military Cooperation Plan (Start of May) ▼
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in New Delhi and exchanged a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan (MCP) for 2026-27.
  • The meeting was held at the Manekshaw Centre and focused on enhancing military engagements and expanding defence industrial cooperation between India and Italy.
  • Both ministers reaffirmed that the India-Italy Strategic Partnership is rooted in shared values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect.
  • The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that the newly exchanged MCP outlines a roadmap for structured military interactions between the armed forces of both nations over the next year.
  • Earlier in the day, Guido Crosetto paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial and was accorded a ceremonial tri-service Guard of Honour at the Manekshaw Centre.
India hosts BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on 14-15 May 2026 (Mid of May) ▼
  • The BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting is scheduled for 14th and 15th May 2026 in New Delhi.
  • The meeting is held under India's 2026 chairship and is chaired by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar.
  • The theme for India's BRICS 2026 chairship is Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
  • The theme reflects a Humanity First and people-centric approach emphasised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
  • This is the fourth occasion on which India is hosting a BRICS summit-level engagement.
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr named successor to Ali Larijani as head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). (End of March) ▼
  • Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander, was appointed to succeed Ali Larijani as head of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
  • The appointment was announced on Tuesday by President Masoud Pezeshkian’s deputy of communications via X.
  • Ali Larijani was killed in a US-Israeli air strike earlier this month.
  • Zolghadr served as head of the IRGC’s joint staff for eight years and as deputy commander-in-chief of the IRGC for another eight years.
  • In 2005, he was named deputy interior minister for security and police under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
  • Since 2023, Zolghadr has been secretary of the Expediency Council.
Russia’s First Deputy PM Denis Manturov arrives in New Delhi for strategic India–Russia talks (Start of April) ▼
  • Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for high-level consultations covering defence, energy, trade, and other critical areas of bilateral cooperation.
  • India’s Ministry of External Affairs noted Manturov’s role as co-chair of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological & Cultural Cooperation.
  • Manturov will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the visit.
  • Key topics include defence and security collaboration, energy supply, and trade relations, with particular attention to the implications of the ongoing West Asia conflict.
  • Russia has recently resumed its position as India’s largest crude oil supplier following a month-long US sanction waiver.
  • Earlier consultations in New Delhi were co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko.

India hosts BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi in May 2026

Key Updates:

  • India assumed the BRICS Chairmanship on January 1, 2026, and hosted the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi.
  • India's trade with BRICS nations surged to $416 billion.
  • India advocated for the reform of the United Nations (UN), specifically calling for an expanded Security Council.
  • Dr. Bhaskar Jyoti Sonowal from Assam was elected president of the BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance (BEA) Global Forum for the 2026-27 term.
  • India is scheduled to host the BEA Global Summit in November 2026.

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India hosts BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on 14-15 May 2026 (Mid of May) ▼
  • The BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting is scheduled for 14th and 15th May 2026 in New Delhi.
  • The meeting is held under India's 2026 chairship and is chaired by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar.
  • The theme for India's BRICS 2026 chairship is Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
  • The theme reflects a Humanity First and people-centric approach emphasised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
  • This is the fourth occasion on which India is hosting a BRICS summit-level engagement.
India to host 4th India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi on 31 May 2026 (Mid of May) ▼
  • The 4th India-Africa Forum Summit will be held in New Delhi from 28 to 31 May 2026, with senior officials meetings on 28 May, Foreign Ministers meeting on 29 May, and the leaders summit on 31 May.
  • Previous summits were held in 2008 (New Delhi), 2011 (Addis Ababa), and 2015 (New Delhi), with the third summit witnessing participation from all 54 African countries.
  • India has opened 17 new diplomatic missions in Africa since 2018, increasing its diplomatic presence to 46 nations across the continent.
  • India contributes nearly 5,000 peacekeepers to United Nations missions in African countries and has signed digital cooperation agreements with seven African nations.
  • 39 African countries have joined the International Solar Alliance, and the summit will focus on cooperation in sectors including defence, trade, energy, space, and climate action.
India to host BRICS Agriculture Ministers' meeting in Indore from June 12 to 13 (Start of May) ▼
  • The meeting of agriculture ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) will be held in Indore from June 12 to 13 under India's presidency.
  • A three-day meeting of officials under the BRICS agriculture working group will be conducted in Indore from June 9 to 11.
  • The gathering will deliberate on food security, farmer welfare, nutrition, climate-resilient smart agriculture, facilitation of international agricultural trade, supply chains, digital agriculture, research, knowledge exchange, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics.
  • BRICS nations account for approximately 42 per cent of the world's agricultural land, 68 per cent of farmers, and 45 per cent of global grain production.
  • The Madhya Pradesh government has declared 2026 as Agriculture Welfare Year.
Observer Research Foundation and Research and Information System for Developing Countries launch inaugural BRICS Academic Forum on April 17-18, 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • The inaugural convening of the BRICS Academic Forum was hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) on April 17 and 18, 2026, in New Delhi.
  • India assumed the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2026, with the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
  • The year 2026 marks two decades since the establishment of BRICS.
  • The BRICS Academic Forum is a Track II platform designed to generate recommendations for leaders ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit.
  • The Forum will host 13 international speakers and multiple convenings across India and abroad in the coming months.
  • Samir Saran serves as the President of ORF and Chair of the BRICS Think Tanks Council, India.
  • Sudhakar Dalela is the Secretary (ER) in the Ministry of External Affairs and India's BRICS Sherpa.

India lays foundation stone for ₹16,000-crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project on 15 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the ₹16,000-crore Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) infrastructure project in Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh.
  • The AMCA is an indigenous 5th-generation, twin-engine stealth multirole fighter programme designed for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy.
  • Led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the aircraft features supercruise, internal weapons bays, and advanced AI, with the first prototype expected by 2028 and squadron induction targeted for 2035.
  • The AMCA is designed to compete with stealth fighter jets such as the United States F-35, Chinese J-20, and Russian Su-57.
  • The project includes an aircraft integration and advanced flight-testing centre, a flight testing centre, naval systems facility, defence energetics units, ammunition plants, and drone city infrastructure projects, with eight drone companies starting a drone city in Kurnool.

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Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Infrastructure Projects worth ₹5,650 Crore (Mid of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth approximately ₹5,650 crore in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, on March 11.
  • The Union Cabinet approved the declaration of Madurai Airport as an International Airport to enhance tourism and trade in southern Tamil Nadu.
  • Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), 89 rural roads spanning 370 km will be inaugurated to improve connectivity to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.
  • The foundation stone will be laid for the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network in Nilgiris and Erode districts at an investment of over ₹3,680 crore.
  • The BPCL project aims to provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to over 8.8 lakh households and establish more than 201 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations.
  • A lubricant plant by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) with a capacity of 672 Thousand Metric Tonnes Per Annum (TMTPA) will be dedicated at Manali, Chennai, at a cost of ₹1,490 crore.
  • The Prime Minister will flag off two Amrit Bharat Express trains and other rail services to strengthen connectivity between Tamil Nadu and states including Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala.
  • A foundation stone will be laid for a greenfield bypass on National Highway 81 (NH-81) near Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
PM Modi inaugurates and flags off projects worth Rs 5,450 crore in Assam (Mid of February) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Assam and launched development projects worth over Rs 5,450 crore aimed at improving connectivity, digital infrastructure, higher education, and urban mobility in the North-East.
  • He landed at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh, the first such dual-use facility in the North-East, developed with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to handle fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes.
  • PM Modi inspected the newly built Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a six-lane extradosed PSC bridge across the Brahmaputra, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 3,030 crore, reducing travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati to seven minutes.
  • He inaugurated the National Data Centre for the North-Eastern Region at Amingaon in Kamrup district, with a sanctioned load of 8.5 MW and average rack capacity of 10 kW, to host mission-critical government applications and serve as a Disaster Recovery centre.
  • PM Modi inaugurated the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati, adding to higher education infrastructure in the North-East.
  • He flagged off 225 electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, with 100 for Guwahati, 50 each for Nagpur and Bhavnagar, and 25 for Chandigarh, expected to benefit over 50 lakh citizens.

India to host 3rd edition of Kalam & Kavach on May 14

Key Updates:

  • Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth will inaugurate the third edition of Kalam & Kavach on May 14 at the Manekshaw Centre.
  • The conference is themed ‘Taking JAI Forward With I²’ and focuses on strengthening defence preparedness through Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation (JAI).
  • Expected participants include Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and officials from the Ministry of Defence, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), HQ IDS, and the National Security Advisory Board.
  • Thematic sessions will cover AI-enabled warfare, autonomous systems, hypersonic technologies, quantum-enabled C4ISR capabilities, low-earth orbit threats, and Tri-service integration.
  • The event aims to support the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 by highlighting MSME participation, iDEX-driven innovation ecosystems, defence industrial corridors, and indigenous production capabilities.

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PM Modi inaugurates India's first operational 'ring metro' in Delhi. (Start of March) ▼
  • PM Modi inaugurated the Majlis Park–Maujpur Babarpur section of the Pink Line and the Deepali Chowk–Majlis Park stretch of the Magenta Line.
  • The Pink Line now totals 71.56 km, forming India's first fully operational ring metro encircling large parts of Delhi.
  • Stations on the newly opened Majlis Park–Maujpur Babarpur corridor are Burari, Jharoda Majra, Jagatpur-Wazirabad, Soorghat, Nanaksar-Sonia Vihar, Khajuri Khas, Bhajanpura, Yamuna Vihar and Maujpur-Babarpur.
  • The Deepali Chowk–Majlis Park Magenta Line extension spans about 49 km and includes the elevated stations Madhuban Chowk, Uttar Pitampura–Prashant Vihar, Haiderpur Village, Haiderpur Badli Mor and Bhalswa.
  • PM Modi laid the foundation stone for three Phase V-A corridors: the underground Central Vista corridor (RK Ashram Marg–Indraprastha), the underground Aerocity–IGI Airport Terminal-1 link, and the elevated Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj stretch totalling 16.10 km.
  • He inaugurated 2,722 newly built flats and laid the foundation stone for 6,632 additional flats under the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) redevelopment plan covering Sarojini Nagar, Netaji Nagar, Nauroji Nagar, Kasturba Nagar, Thyagraj Nagar, Sriniwaspuri and Mohammadpur.
  • The overall infrastructure and housing projects launched are valued at about ₹33,500 crore, with over ₹18,300 crore for the two metro corridors.
Rashtrapati Bhavan colonial-era changes in 2024-26 (End of February) ▼
  • Edward Lutyens statue in Rashtrapati Bhavan central courtyard to be replaced by statue of C Rajagopalachari, India’s only Indian-born governor-general (1948-50).
  • Granth Kutir library inaugurated on 23 January 2026 with 2,300 books and manuscripts in 11 classical Indian languages, replacing works of Lord Curzon and William Hogarth.
  • Param Vir Dirgha gallery created in January 2026 displaying 21 portraits of Param Vir Chakra awardees, replacing portraits of British aides-de-camp.
  • Durbar Hall renamed Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Hall renamed Ashok Mandap in July 2025 to remove colonial and anglicised connotations.
  • Mughal Gardens collectively renamed Amrit Udyan in January 2024, covering 15 acres inspired by Mughal gardens of Jammu and Kashmir and Taj Mahal.
  • Rajpath from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate renamed Kartavya Path in 2022 to symbolise shift from power icon to public ownership.
Uttar Pradesh launches Nivesh Mitra 3.0 to streamline investor approvals (End of March) ▼
  • Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched Nivesh Mitra 3.0, an upgraded single-window investment portal, in Lucknow.
  • The portal consolidates over 530 services from 43 departments into fewer than 200 simplified services.
  • Key features include PAN-based single login, dynamic common application form, AI-powered chatbot, real-time application tracking, automated alerts, and integration with NSWS, IGRS, and GIS-based land bank systems.
  • The state government disbursed ₹2,781.12 crore in incentives to 85 industrial projects across manufacturing, automobiles, electronics, cement, and food processing sectors.
  • ₹73 crore was allocated to IT and electronics projects and ₹20 crore to food processing units.
  • 45 companies received incentives and 62 companies were issued Letters of Comfort (LoCs), together representing nearly ₹50,000 crore in investment potential and an estimated 50,000 job opportunities.
  • The earlier complex land-use approval process under Section 80 has been removed; approval under the master plan now grants automatic land-use clearance.
  • Between 2012 and 2017, only 16 Letters of Comfort were issued, rising to 3,367 in the last nine years, reflecting growing investor confidence.
CM Shri Schools project launched across Delhi (Mid of February) ▼
  • Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the first CM Shri School at Sarojini Nagar on 17 February 2026.
  • Foundation stones for 75 CM Shri School projects across Delhi were laid simultaneously.
  • The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) and aims to provide modern, technology-integrated education and improved learning infrastructure.
  • Education minister Ashish Sood announced that 7,000 classrooms will be converted into AI-enabled smart classrooms before the government completes its first year in office.
  • 175 new ICT labs equipped with 7,000 computers, more than 100 digital libraries and over 175 language labs are being launched.
  • The schools will serve children from economically weaker, lower and middle-income families with facilities comparable to private schools.

India requests United States to extend Russian oil waiver amid Middle East conflict

Key Updates:

  • India has requested the United States (US) to extend the waiver on Russian oil imports due to the ongoing 11-week war in the Persian Gulf.
  • The current US authorisation allowing the import of Russian crude oil is scheduled to expire on 16 May.
  • Indian imports of Russian oil reached a record daily inflow of 2.3 million barrels in May according to data from Kpler.
  • Officials in New Delhi highlighted that energy supply remains a priority for 1.4 billion Indians currently facing a cooking gas shortage.
  • Predictive data suggests that full-month oil flows for May may average approximately 1.9 million barrels per day.

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India Rejects Sanctioned Russian Liquefied Natural Gas Cargoes Amid West Asia Energy Crisis on 12 May 2026 (Mid of May) ▼
  • India has declined an offer from Russia to purchase Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) sourced from sanctioned projects, specifically Portovaya LNG and Arctic LNG 2.
  • The decision was discussed during a meeting on 30 April between Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin and India’s Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
  • An LNG shipment aboard the tanker Kunpeng, originating from the Portovaya plant, was unable to discharge at the Dahej LNG terminal in Gujarat and was later tracked near Singapore.
  • The United States (US) has intensified sanctions on Russian energy exports, which are easier to monitor than crude oil due to advanced satellite tracking systems for LNG vessels.
  • Russia is pursuing long-term supply agreements with India for LNG and fertilisers, including potash, phosphorus, and urea, to address energy security risks in the West Asia region.
Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reports India bought $2.59 billion of Russian fossil fuels in January 2026. (End of February) ▼
  • India remained the second-largest buyer of Russian energy products in January 2026 with purchases worth €2.2 billion ($2.59 billion).
  • Crude oil accounted for 78 percent of India’s Russian energy imports, amounting to €2 billion ($2.36 billion).
  • Coal imports from Russia stood at €442 million ($520.6 million) and oil products at €30 million ($35.3 million).
  • India’s overall spending on Russian hydrocarbons declined from €2.3 billion ($2.71 billion) in December 2025.
  • China’s crude oil imports from Russia rose 29 percent over the last two months to €4 billion ($4.71 billion).
  • India’s purchases of Russian crude dropped 23 percent since November 2025.
  • Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery received no seaborne Russian oil in January 2026 due to Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions on Rosneft.
  • The average price of Russia’s Urals crude increased 4 percent to $54.2 per barrel in January 2026, above the EU and UK price cap of $44.1 per barrel effective from 1 February 2026.
  • India’s Russian oil imports are projected to fall to 800,000 barrels per day in March 2026, the lowest since May 2022.
  • In January 2026, India imported 1.2 million barrels per day of Russian crude and 774,000 barrels per day from Saudi Arabia.
India and Russia sign Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) in February 2025 (End of April) ▼
  • India and Russia signed the Indo-Russian Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) in February 2025.
  • The RELOS pact came into force on January 12 and was ratified by Russia in December 2025.
  • The agreement allows up to 3,000 troops, five warships, and ten aircraft to be simultaneously stationed in the partner country.
  • The pact is valid for a period of five years and can be extended for another five years if both parties agree.
  • The agreement provides reciprocal access to military facilities, including airbases and ports, granting India access to Russian naval and air bases in the Arctic.
  • The scope of the pact includes joint military exercises, training, humanitarian missions, disaster relief operations, and coordinated missions.
  • Logistics support for warships includes port access, repair services, and the supply of water, food, and technical resources.
  • Support for military aircraft includes air traffic control, aeronautical data, processing of flight requests, use of military navigation systems, parking, and security.
  • Aviation fuel, lubricants, special fluids, and restoration of malfunctioning equipment will be provided on a reimbursable basis.
  • The agreement aims to enhance interoperability between the armed forces and boost defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions.

Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune Launches India’s First Dedicated Climate-Tech Incubation Hub

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has launched a dedicated Incubation Center for Startups in Weather and Climate.
  • The incubation facility is a core pillar of the National Enterprise for Atmospheric Technology (NEAT), a flagship vertical under the MoES 'Mission Mausam' programme.
  • The centre was inaugurated by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of MoES, during the 'Weather and Climate Innovation Meet for Startups and Entrepreneurs (WISE-2026)'.
  • The initiative aims to create scalable solutions for sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, aviation, urban planning, healthcare, disaster management, water resources, food security, and logistics and transportation.
  • The MoES defined four strategic pillars for the weather intelligence ecosystem: Advanced Observations, AI-Driven Modeling, User-Specific Applications, and Dissemination and Last-Mile Delivery.
  • The government has provided open-access scientific resources including remote sensing datasets, atmospheric reanalysis data, weather observations, climate modeling resources, and forecast archives.
  • Institutions participating in WISE-2026 included the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), IISER Pune, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Gandhinagar, ICRISAT, and IITM.
  • Key emerging applications identified include precision agriculture advisories, AI-based disease forecasting systems, renewable energy forecasting, urban flood prediction models, heatwave risk analytics, climate insurance products, smart disaster warning systems, and water stress prediction platforms.

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Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) Establishes Deep-Tech Centre in California (Start of May) ▼
  • The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) Global Research Foundation established its first centre in the United States at Menlo Park, California, on April 24.
  • The centre will be developed with a total planned investment of USD 7.5 million, including a greenfield investment of USD 4.5 million from IITM Global.
  • Enabled through a partnership with CA Startups, the centre serves as a launchpad for Indian deep-tech startups to access global capital, markets, mentorship, and partnerships.
  • IITM Global announced plans to establish a second centre on the US East Coast to connect with policy, financial, and academic ecosystems.
  • The IIT-Madras incubated deep-tech startups showcased include Atri AI, Zerowatt, Satori XR, Greenvironment, and ePlaneCompany.
IIT Bombay and Honeywell Partner to Establish Centre of Excellence for Sustainability Skills in Mumbai (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) and Honeywell have partnered to establish the IIT Bombay–Honeywell Centre of Excellence for Future Skills and Innovation at the Powai campus in Mumbai.
  • The initiative is funded by the Honeywell Hometown Solutions India Foundation and aims to train more than 100,000 students in sustainability-related fields by 2030.
  • The centre will offer certificate-based programmes and research grants to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students from across India.
  • The curriculum focuses on five specific learning tracks: sustainability reporting, sustainable finance, energy security, sustainability infrastructure, and policy advocacy.
  • A two-month pilot phase will establish core infrastructure and train an initial cohort of 250 students, with subsequent phases targeting 20,000 students annually.
  • The project aims to address the skilled professional shortage in the renewable energy sector as India targets the creation of 3.4 million green jobs by 2030, according to the Economic Survey 2023-24.
Tripura Government launches T-NEST Innovation Hub in Agartala (Start of March) ▼
  • The Government of Tripura launched T-NEST, the state’s flagship incubation and innovation hub, at the International Trade Centre in Agartala.
  • The hub was inaugurated by Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh, Tripura Chief Minister (CM) Dr. Manik Saha, and Information Technology (IT) Minister Pranajit Singha Roy.
  • T-NEST will serve as the operational backbone for Startup Tripura and the State Innovation Mission, acting as a single-window platform for entrepreneurs.
  • The initiative focuses on priority sectors including agri-technology, bamboo and forest-based enterprises, tourism innovation, health technology, digital public services, and rural enterprise solutions.
  • The hub introduces a Government-as-First-Customer model, allowing startups to pilot and validate solutions by addressing real-world challenges presented by government departments.
  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with T-Hub to facilitate knowledge exchange, mentorship, and market access for the state's entrepreneurial framework.
  • Future developments include the establishment of a Modern Incubation and Innovation Park at Chandmari and the Tripura IT & Data Economic Zone (TIDEZ).
Mission Mausam: IITM Launches ₹60 Crore Urban Climate Observatory in Chennai (Start of May) ▼
  • The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, established an Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory in Chennai under the Mission Mausam initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
  • Inaugurated on May 6, 2026, at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Ramapuram, the facility is India's first integrated urban weather and aerosol observatory.
  • The observatory houses approximately 15 scientific instruments valued at over ₹60 crore and is capable of monitoring nearly 50 categories of atmospheric parameters.
  • The facility's infrastructure includes around 100 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), three X-band radars, and a phased-array radar for continuous monitoring of rain bands and convective systems.
  • Mission Mausam, launched in September 2024, aims to strengthen weather forecasting and disaster preparedness for sectors including agriculture, water resources, aviation, disaster management, and energy planning.

Rajasthan's first semiconductor chip packaging facility inaugurated in Bhiwadi

Key Updates:

  • Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually inaugurated the state's first semiconductor plant and a new Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) at Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.
  • The Semiconductor ATMP/OSAT facility of Sahasra Semiconductors Pvt. Ltd. is India's first Small and Medium Enterprise-led unit to begin commercial production of semiconductor chips, set up with an investment of over ₹150 crore under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) SPECS scheme.
  • Spread across 57,000 square feet, the facility includes Class 10K and 100K cleanrooms and has an annual packaging capacity of 60 million semiconductor units, with plans to scale up to 400–600 million units annually over the next two to three years.
  • More than 60 per cent of its production is already being exported to markets including the United States, Germany, France, Eastern Europe, China and Nepal.
  • The Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) developed by ELCINA over 50.3 acres with a project cost of ₹46.09 crore (₹20.24 crore central support) has attracted planned investments of over ₹1,200 crore from 20 companies; operating companies include Aisan Fiem Industries, E-Pack Durable, Sahasra Electronics and Electronics Sector Skill Council of India.

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India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): ₹3,936 Crore Investment for Two New Units in Gujarat (Start of May) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved two semiconductor manufacturing projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in Gujarat with a combined investment of ₹3,936 crore.
  • Crystal Matrix Limited (CML) will establish India's first commercial Mini/Micro-LED display manufacturing unit based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in Dholera.
  • The CML facility will produce 72,000 square metres of Mini/Micro-LED display panels and 24,000 sets of RGB GaN epitaxy wafers annually.
  • Suchi Semicon Private Limited (SSPL) will set up an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Surat with an annual capacity of over 1,033 million chips.
  • Total semiconductor projects under ISM have reached 12, with cumulative investments of approximately ₹1.64 lakh crore.
Delhi Semiconductor Policy: Aimed at Investment and Employment (End of April) ▼
  • The Delhi government is drafting the Delhi Semiconductor Policy to position the capital as a hub for semiconductor design, advanced research and development, and assembly and allied activities.
  • The policy is aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
  • The policy is structured around five key pillars: semiconductor design and intellectual property development; research, development and innovation; manufacturing-enabling activities including Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) and Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT) along with ancillary industries; talent development and skilling; and strengthening of the startup and industrial ecosystem.
  • The framework envisages financial and non-financial incentives, capital subsidies, and infrastructure development to promote ease of doing business and attract private investment.
  • The policy aims to generate high-quality job opportunities in the fields of chip design, semiconductor research, and advanced packaging.
3D Glass Solutions establishes India's first 3D semiconductor packaging unit in Odisha (End of April) ▼
  • The foundation stone for India's first advanced 3D semiconductor packaging unit was laid at Info Valley in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
  • The project is developed by 3D Glass Solutions with an investment of nearly ₹2,000 crore.
  • The facility is expected to produce 70,000 glass panels annually and millions of advanced semiconductor units.
  • Commercial production is expected to begin by 2028, with full-scale operations targeted by 2030.
  • The initiative is part of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
  • The unit will cater to sectors including data centres, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, telecommunications, automotive technologies, aerospace, and defence systems.
Japan, South Korea and Malaysia to invest ₹1,600 crore in Gujarat’s semiconductor ecosystem (Start of March) ▼
  • Gujarat Semiconnect conference in Gandhinagar saw investment proposals worth over ₹1,600 crore to strengthen the state’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem covering manufacturing units, chemicals, equipment, R&D centres and advanced technology startups.
  • Japan’s Horiba Group, through Horiba India Pvt Ltd, signed an MoU with the Gujarat government to establish an R&D centre in Ahmedabad focused on semiconductor-grade mass-flow controllers and advanced instrumentation.
  • Malaysia-based Hotayi Electronic signed an agreement with the Gujarat government to set up a ₹250 crore electronics manufacturing facility at Sanand GIDC, expected to employ 1,000 persons and supply high-precision components for semiconductor and allied industries.
  • Hi-Spec Ltd will set up a ₹750 crore facility to manufacture semiconductor-grade hydrofluoric acid, a critical chemical for wafer processing.
  • Kiansh International Technologies, in collaboration with a South Korean firm, will invest ₹25 crore to produce gas abatement systems and scrubbers for semiconductor and solar industries.
  • Japanese chipmaker Rohm Semiconductor partnered with Gujarat-based Suchi Semicon to provide IC packaging and test solutions to the local value chain.
  • Kaynes Semicon, a subsidiary of Kaynes Technology India Ltd, committed ₹500 crore to Ahmedabad-based startup SpectraGaze Systems to advance India’s capabilities in outer-space imaging and semiconductor technologies.

India's First Satellite-Tagged Ganges Softshell Turtle Released in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR)

Key Updates:

  • India's first satellite-tagged endangered Ganges softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) was released at the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam.
  • The release of the turtle was announced on the occasion of Endangered Species Day.
  • The Ganges softshell turtle is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
  • Assam is home to 21 species of turtles, and five of the eight softshell turtle species reported in India are found in KNPTR.
  • The satellite-tagging initiative, involving the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), aims to study seasonal movement patterns, home range, and critical habitats in the Brahmaputra river basin.

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16 Indian Softshell Turtles rescued in Greater Noida smuggling bust (Start of April) ▼
  • Police rescued 16 Indian Softshell Turtles during a routine check in Jharcha, Greater Noida.
  • Indian Softshell Turtles are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • The accused, Gagan (22) from Panipat, Haryana, was arrested on the spot.
  • The turtles were being smuggled to Delhi markets for onward sale to international buyers.
  • Each turtle fetches between Rs 40,000 and Rs 1 lakh on the black market.
  • A net used to trap the turtles was recovered from the accused.
  • The forest department was alerted and the turtles were rescued.
  • Demand for these turtles is high in Nepal and China.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovers two new spider species in northeast India (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
Wildlife Management Authority conserves 19,858 Olive Ridley turtle eggs on Hope Island, Kakinada Bay (End of March) ▼
  • Wildlife Management Authority and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary officials collected 19,858 Olive Ridley turtle eggs from 174 nests on Hope Island in the Kakinada Bay.
  • The eggs are being conserved under the in-situ conservation method on the island.
  • Kakinada District Forest Officer N. Rama Chandra Rao stated that the hatchlings are being released into the sea.
  • On 26 March 2026, Joint Collector Apoorva Bharat and Kakinada Assistant Collector Ms. Manisha released 585 Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings into the sea on the island.
  • Hope Island is identified as one of the safe nesting grounds of Olive Ridley Turtles in Andhra Pradesh.
Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle reintroduced to Ganga after 30 years under Namami Gange Mission (End of March) ▼
  • The endangered Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) was released into the Ganga on 26 April after a 30-year absence.
  • Twenty captive-bred turtles were freed in the Haiderpur Wetland Complex, Uttar Pradesh, by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and the Namami Gange Mission.
  • The turtles were reared at the Garhaita Turtle Conservation Centre under the National Chambal Sanctuary.
  • Sonic tags fitted on each turtle will monitor their movements for two years to assess survival and dispersal.
  • One group was released above the barrage and another downstream in the main river channel to compare soft versus hard release techniques.
  • Haiderpur Wetland connects fully with the Ganga during monsoon, aiding natural dispersal of the species.
  • The goal is to establish a self-sustaining population of Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles in the Ganga.

Beyond EPICA Project Recovers Earth's Oldest Continuous Ice-Core Record in Antarctica

Key Updates:

  • The Beyond EPICA project aims to retrieve continuous Antarctic ice cores dating back as early as 1.5 million years ago.
  • The drilling operation is conducted by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) at Little Dome C in East Antarctica.
  • Since starting in 2021, the project has successfully obtained a continuous ice-core record spanning more than 1.2 million years.
  • The mission focuses on studying the Mid-Pleistocene Transition by analysing concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane trapped in ancient air bubbles.
  • This initiative follows the EPICA Dome C ice core project, which previously established a climatic record dating back approximately 800,000 years.

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Discovery of Dark Oxygen 4,000 Metres Below the Pacific Ocean (Start of March) ▼
  • Researchers have detected dark oxygen in the deep sea at depths of approximately 4,000 metres, where sunlight does not penetrate.
  • The discovery was made in the Clarion Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean during research published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
  • The oxygen is produced near polymetallic nodules, which are mineral-rich deposits containing metals such as nickel, manganese, and cobalt.
  • Scientists used specialised benthic chambers to isolate sections of the seafloor and monitor chemical changes, observing unexpected increases in oxygen levels.
  • The study suggests that these nodules may function like batteries, facilitating electrochemical reactions that break down seawater into hydrogen and oxygen.
  • According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), these polymetallic nodules are typically found in the abyssal plains of the Pacific Ocean.
  • This finding challenges the conventional scientific belief that Earth's oxygen is primarily produced through sunlight-dependent photosynthesis.
  • India link not mentioned in the article.
MIT scientists identify 541-million-year-old sea sponges as Earth’s first animals (Start of March) ▼
  • MIT researchers detected chemical fossils (steranes) in rocks over 541 million years old, confirming soft-bodied sea sponges as the earliest animals.
  • The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), analysed Precambrian samples for 30-carbon steranes unique to demosponges.
  • Lab burial simulations of modern sponge sterols matched the ancient rock traces, providing three converging lines of evidence: rock samples, living sponges, and lab results.
  • Demosponges synthesise these sterols via enzymes absent in bacteria, pushing animal origins deeper into the Precambrian and predating the Cambrian explosion.
5000-year-old Psychrobacter SC65A.3 from Scarisoara Ice Cave resists 10 modern antibiotics. (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Institute of Biology Bucharest team extracted a 25-metre ice core from Scarisoara Ice Cave in Romania’s Apuseni mountains.
  • Psychrobacter SC65A.3, dormant for 5000 years, carries over 100 resistance-related genes and withstands 28 tested drugs including rifampicin, vancomycin, trimethoprim and metronidazole.
  • The genome of SC65A.3 encodes 11 antimicrobial compounds and nearly 600 genes of unknown function, offering potential for new antibiotics and cold-active industrial enzymes.
  • Researchers warn that melting ice could release these ancient resistance genes, which may spread to modern pathogens via horizontal gene transfer.

Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) initiates massive seismic survey in Bay of Bengal for hydrocarbon exploration

Key Updates:

  • The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) floated bids on 14 May for a large-scale seismic survey project across multiple basins in the Bay of Bengal.
  • The survey regions include Bengal-Purnea, Mahanadi, Krishna-Godavari, Cauvery, and the Andaman offshore regions along the east coast of India.
  • The project involves 2D Broadband Marine Seismic and Gravity-Magnetic Data Acquisition, Processing and Interpretation using specialised survey vessels towing streamers.
  • The survey coverage includes 45,000 Line Kilometres (LKM) for Bengal-Purnea and Mahanadi, 43,000 LKM for the Andaman Basin, 43,000 LKM for Krishna-Godavari, and 30,000 LKM for Cauvery.
  • The geological assessment indicates that the Bengal Basin holds sedimentary layers exceeding 10 kilometres in thickness, while the Andaman region shares similarities with gas fields in Myanmar and Indonesia.

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India and United Kingdom launch offshore wind task force under Vision 2035 framework (Mid of February) ▼
  • Union minister for new and renewable energy Pralhad Joshi and United Kingdom (UK) deputy prime minister David Lammy launched the task force on Wednesday.
  • The task force is constituted under the India-UK Vision 2035 and the Fourth Energy Dialogue to provide strategic leadership for India’s offshore wind ecosystem.
  • Joshi outlined three cooperation pillars: ecosystem planning and market design, infrastructure and supply chains, and financing and risk mitigation.
  • Lammy stated the UK is the second-largest offshore wind market and recently secured 8.4 GW in Europe’s biggest auction.
  • India has an estimated 70 GW offshore wind potential and initially plans projects off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coasts.
India plans ₹40,000 crore Middle East-India Deep-water Pipeline (MEIDP) from Oman (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
Indian Navy receives INS Sanshodhak, completing four-vessel Large Survey Ship programme (Start of April) ▼
  • Indian Navy took delivery of fourth Survey Vessel (Large) INS Sanshodhak on 30 March from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
  • Contract for four survey vessels was signed in October 2018 and project spanned eight years.
  • Earlier ships INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak and INS Ikshak were commissioned between February 2024 and November 2025.
  • INS Sanshodhak displaces approximately 3,400 tonnes, measures 110 metres in length and can exceed 18 knots speed.
  • Vessel is fitted with autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles and digital side-scan sonar.
  • Indigenous content surpasses 80 per cent by cost.
  • Keel was laid in June 2022, vessel launched in June 2023 and underwent extensive harbour and sea trials.
  • Survey Vessel (Large) class designed by Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built to Indian Register of Shipping classification rules.
  • Vessels conduct coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys and collect oceanographic and geophysical data for defence and civilian use.
  • GRSE also delivered stealth frigate Dunagiri and anti-submarine craft Agray on same day, taking shipyard's total to 118 warships built including 80 for Indian Navy.

CSIR-NGRI identifies 200km-long underground palaeo-channel between Prayagraj and Kanpur

Key Updates:

  • The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) identified a palaeo-channel approximately 200 km long stretching from Prayagraj to Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
  • The underground channel is 4 to 5 kilometres wide and buried 10 to 15 metres below the surface in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab.
  • The discovery was made using heliborne transient electromagnetic technology (H-TEM) and confirmatory drilling.
  • A tripartite agreement between the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), and CSIR-NGRI led to the detailed survey from Kaushambi to Kanpur.
  • The palaeo-channel can act as a massive natural aquifer, with six sites identified between Prayagraj and Kanpur for managed aquifer recharge.

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Mahey Tokpo-Raldho Irrigation Canal Project Strengthens Water Security in Ladakh (Mid of May) ▼
  • 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.
Bhima Mandali caves in Odisha to be developed as Global Heritage site (Mid of May) ▼
  • Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the Bhima Mandali caves in the Rairakhol sub-division of Sambalpur, Odisha, will be developed into a premier global heritage destination.
  • The caves are situated within the Naktideul Forest Range, 92 km from Sambalpur town and 15 km from Naktideul.
  • The site is believed to be over 10,000 years old, with further archaeological verification potentially dating it back 15,000 to 20,000 years.
  • The site contains rock paintings and stone inscriptions over 20,000 years old and served as shelter for early humans from the Old Stone Age to the Neolithic period.
  • The site is associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata and named after Bhima, who is said to have built a dam on the Champali River.
West Bengal signs MoU with GIZ for basin-based masterplans of Ichhamati and Jalangi rivers (Start of March) ▼
  • The Government of West Bengal signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with German federal enterprise GIZ and the State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCG) on 23 February to develop basin-based masterplans for Ichhamati and Jalangi rivers.
  • The project is the first under the state’s 2025-26 budget scheme ‘nodi bandhan’ with a budgetary provision of ₹200 crore.
  • Ichhamati and Jalangi are the first two of West Bengal’s 39 river sub-basins selected for such masterplan development.
  • The masterplan scope includes dredging for increased water flow, pollution control, erosion minimisation, groundwater recharge, flood mitigation and enhanced irrigation supply.
  • Implementation is expected to start after plan approval and finish within one year.
Jammu and Kashmir Government to Revive Tulbul Navigation Project and Chenab Water Lifting Scheme (Mid of February) ▼
  • Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister (CM) Omar Abdullah announced the revival of the Tulbul Navigation Project (TNP) and a project to lift water from the Chenab river near Akhnoor for Jammu city.
  • The TNP, also known as the Wular Barrage, involves a 135-metre long and 12-metre wide lock-and-control structure at the confluence of the Jhelum river and Wular lake in Sopore.
  • The project is designed to store 30,000 acre-feet of water during high-discharge periods to maintain uniform water levels for year-round navigation in the Jhelum river.
  • Construction of the TNP originally commenced in 1984 but was suspended in 1989 following objections from Pakistan regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and the eruption of militancy.
  • The Government of India put the IWT in abeyance in May 2025 following a terror attack in Pahalgam and a subsequent four-day conflict under Operation Sindoor.
  • The J&K government had previously launched the ₹389-crore centrally sponsored Wular Conservation Project in 2010 to increase the lake's water-holding capacity and promote tourism and fisheries.
  • The proposed barrage in the Ningli neighbourhood of Sopore functions as a hydraulic structure combining a river control dam with a navigation lock.

India's First Satellite-Tagged Ganges Softshell Turtle Released in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR)

Key Updates:

  • India's first satellite-tagged endangered Ganges softshell turtle was released at the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam to mark Endangered Species Day.
  • The Ganges softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
  • The species is characterised by distinct arrowhead-shaped markings on the top of its head.
  • Assam is home to 21 species of turtles, and five of the eight softshell turtle species reported in India are found in KNPTR.
  • The satellite-tagging initiative by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) aims to study seasonal movement patterns, home range, and critical nesting and breeding sites in the Brahmaputra river basin.

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16 Indian Softshell Turtles rescued in Greater Noida smuggling bust (Start of April) ▼
  • Police rescued 16 Indian Softshell Turtles during a routine check in Jharcha, Greater Noida.
  • Indian Softshell Turtles are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • The accused, Gagan (22) from Panipat, Haryana, was arrested on the spot.
  • The turtles were being smuggled to Delhi markets for onward sale to international buyers.
  • Each turtle fetches between Rs 40,000 and Rs 1 lakh on the black market.
  • A net used to trap the turtles was recovered from the accused.
  • The forest department was alerted and the turtles were rescued.
  • Demand for these turtles is high in Nepal and China.
Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle reintroduced to Ganga after 30 years under Namami Gange Mission (End of March) ▼
  • The endangered Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) was released into the Ganga on 26 April after a 30-year absence.
  • Twenty captive-bred turtles were freed in the Haiderpur Wetland Complex, Uttar Pradesh, by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and the Namami Gange Mission.
  • The turtles were reared at the Garhaita Turtle Conservation Centre under the National Chambal Sanctuary.
  • Sonic tags fitted on each turtle will monitor their movements for two years to assess survival and dispersal.
  • One group was released above the barrage and another downstream in the main river channel to compare soft versus hard release techniques.
  • Haiderpur Wetland connects fully with the Ganga during monsoon, aiding natural dispersal of the species.
  • The goal is to establish a self-sustaining population of Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles in the Ganga.
Wildlife Management Authority conserves 19,858 Olive Ridley turtle eggs on Hope Island, Kakinada Bay (End of March) ▼
  • Wildlife Management Authority and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary officials collected 19,858 Olive Ridley turtle eggs from 174 nests on Hope Island in the Kakinada Bay.
  • The eggs are being conserved under the in-situ conservation method on the island.
  • Kakinada District Forest Officer N. Rama Chandra Rao stated that the hatchlings are being released into the sea.
  • On 26 March 2026, Joint Collector Apoorva Bharat and Kakinada Assistant Collector Ms. Manisha released 585 Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings into the sea on the island.
  • Hope Island is identified as one of the safe nesting grounds of Olive Ridley Turtles in Andhra Pradesh.
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.

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Confirms Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda

Key Updates:

  • The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) confirmed an Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recording 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases.
  • Cases in the DRC were primarily reported in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with four deaths among laboratory-confirmed cases.
  • Uganda's Health Ministry reported one imported death in Kampala involving a Congolese national.
  • The Africa CDC is convening a meeting with the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and global partners to reinforce cross-border surveillance and response efforts.
  • First detected in 1976, the Ebola virus is endemic to the tropical forests of the DRC and is transmitted through direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids.

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Cassava Brown Streak Disease threatens African food security as virus spreads beyond East Africa (Start of March) ▼
  • Cassava Brown Streak Disease causes root necrosis and can lead to total crop loss in infected cassava plants.
  • About 33.7 per cent of Africa — roughly 10.2 million sq km — is at risk of CBSD spread.
  • The virus is primarily transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, with Sub-Saharan Africa 1 and 2 populations highly efficient vectors.
  • CBSD remained largely endemic for more than 70 years along coastal Tanzania and Mozambique before spreading to Uganda and other East and Central African areas.
  • Scientists fear westward expansion into major cassava producers Nigeria and Ghana if control measures are not strengthened.
  • Weak formal clean-seed systems and farmer reuse of infected cuttings perpetuate disease spread across smallholder farms.
  • Dual-resistant varieties are under evaluation in Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Malawi, Cameroon, Zambia, Brazil and Vietnam.
  • Ethiopia has not reported CBSD or its whitefly vector; local studies show field spread via whiteflies is limited to around 17 metres per season.
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Activates Level 3 Emergency Response for Hantavirus Outbreak (Mid of May) ▼
  • The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified the hantavirus outbreak response as a Level 3 emergency activation.
  • The emergency response was triggered following international concerns linked to an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
  • The outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is the only known variant capable of limited human-to-human transmission.
  • Hantavirus typically spreads through the inhalation of contaminated particles from infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.
  • Severe cases of the infection can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a potentially fatal respiratory illness that can cause respiratory failure and shock.
BA.3.2 COVID-19 variant (Cicada) first identified in November 2024 (End of March) ▼
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorised the BA.3.2 COVID-19 variant as a variant under monitoring.
  • The variant is nicknamed Cicada because it remained undetected for a long period before resurfacing, mirroring the behaviour of the insect.
  • The BA.3.2 variant was first identified in November 2024 in a respiratory sample in South Africa.
  • The variant is a descendant of the older BA.3 branch of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is genetically distinct from the JN.1 lineage.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detected the variant in wastewater samples in at least 25 states in the United States.
  • The variant features approximately 70–75 mutations in its spike protein, which is the component that allows the virus to enter human cells.
World Health Organisation (WHO) reports suspected Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship (Start of May) ▼
  • The World Health Organisation (WHO), led by Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reported three deaths and three illnesses following a suspected Hantavirus infection outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic.
  • Hantavirus is a rare rodent-borne disease transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings or urine that can cause life-threatening respiratory problems.
  • The cruise liner, operated by a Dutch company, departed from Argentina three weeks ago and is currently positioned off the coast of Cabo Verde in West Africa.
  • One case of the infection has been laboratory-confirmed and sequencing of the virus is ongoing, with one patient currently receiving intensive care in South Africa.
  • WHO is managing the situation under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, a treaty that outlines the rights and obligations of countries in managing public health risks.

Anthropic and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Gates Foundation) Launch $200 Million AI Partnership

Key Updates:

  • Anthropic and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Gates Foundation) have pledged $200 million over four years to support artificial intelligence (AI) public goods in health and education.
  • Anthropic will contribute technical staff and usage credits for its Claude AI, while the Gates Foundation will provide grant funding, programme design, and expertise.
  • The initiative focuses on improving AI capabilities in African languages and developing knowledge graphs for teachers in India and sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The partnership will equip research centres to use Claude to predict drug candidates for treating preeclampsia and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
  • The Gates Foundation and OpenAI previously announced a $50 million pact in January to support 1,000 African clinics and communities with AI by 2028.

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India sets Guinness World Record with 250,946 AI responsibility pledges in 24 hours at AI Impact Summit 2026 (Mid of February) ▼
  • Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the Guinness World Records title for 'Most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours' with 250,946 valid pledges during February 16-17.
  • The announcement was made at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
  • The nationwide AI Responsibility Pledge campaign was launched under the IndiaAI Mission in collaboration with Intel India on February 16.
  • Citizens pledged through the portal aipledge.indiaai.gov.in to commit to ethical, inclusive, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.
  • Participants received a digital badge and access to AI learning pathways after completing the pledge.
  • The campaign exceeded its initial target of 5,000 pledges.
India AI Impact Summit 2026 releases AI Impact Startup Book mapping 100 deep-tech innovators (Mid of February) ▼
  • The AI Impact Startup Book was launched on the third day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
  • The compendium maps 100 high-impact AI-driven solutions across sectors, technologies and geographies.
  • AI innovation is expanding beyond healthcare into foundation models, indigenous AI infrastructure, waste-tech, voice- and vision-based Indian applications, and edge AI integrated with hardware.
  • Nearly 47% of early-stage ventures retain strong local presence, while about 68% of growth-stage startups operate internationally.
  • Shri Abhishek Singh, Director General of NIC, Additional Secretary at Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and CEO of IndiaAI, called the book a repository for ministries and states to evaluate and scale AI solutions.
  • Sushant Kumar, Founder and CEO of Kalpa Impact, highlighted eight insights, noting India is building its own foundation models, AI infrastructure and edge innovation.
Google unveils America-India Connect subsea cable and frontier AI partnerships for Indian government bodies (Mid of February) ▼
  • Google will build new subsea cable routes between India, the United States, Singapore, South Africa and Australia under the America-India Connect initiative.
  • The project establishes an international subsea gateway in Visakhapatnam and four strategic fibre-optic routes to boost network connectivity.
  • Google had previously announced a $15 billion investment over five years for an AI data centre in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Google DeepMind will partner with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to provide access to frontier AI for Science models including AlphaGenome, AI Co-scientist and Earth AI.
  • Google DeepMind will also partner with NITI Aayog’s Atal Tinkering Labs to integrate robotics, coding, Gemini into teacher workflows and build a safeguarded AI assistant for students.
  • Google.org launched the $30-million Google.org Impact Challenge: AI for Science, an open call for researchers, nonprofits and social enterprises in India and worldwide using AI for scientific breakthroughs.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam (Mid of February) ▼
  • Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi as a key component of the India AI Impact Summit.
  • The Expo spans over 70,000 square metres across 10 arenas and is designed to scale Artificial Intelligence (AI) from demonstrations to industrial deployment.
  • The event features over 300 curated exhibition pavilions and live demonstrations structured across three thematic chakras: People, Planet, and Progress.
  • A total of 13 country pavilions are featured, including France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom (UK), Africa, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, and Tajikistan.
  • More than 600 high-potential startups are participating to showcase working AI solutions already deployed in real-world settings.
  • The five-day summit includes over 500 sessions with more than 3,250 speakers, including OpenAI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sam Altman.
  • Global leaders attending the summit include French President Emmanuel Macron, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Brazilian President Lula da Silva.
  • The government estimates the event will attract over 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates and technology experts.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) launches hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service in Central Vista

Key Updates:

  • Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), launched a hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service in Central Vista on 15 May 2026.
  • Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) provided two hydrogen-fuelled buses featuring a 35-passenger seating capacity, Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems.
  • The shuttle route includes stops at Kartavya Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Akbar Road, Baroda House, National Stadium, National Gallery of Modern Art, India Gate, and Seva Teerth Metro Station.
  • The service operates every 30 minutes on working days from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM, with stage-wise fares of 10 and 15.
  • Passengers can pay using the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), Unified Payments Interface (UPI), or cash for the zero-emission service that releases only water vapour.

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India completes successful trial run of first hydrogen-powered trainset (End of March) ▼
  • India completed a successful trial run of its first hydrogen-powered trainset.
  • The oscillation trial was conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO).
  • The train is planned to operate between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
  • The 10-coach train was built in Chennai and is the world's most powerful hydrogen train on broad-gauge track.
  • The train only releases water vapour instead of carbon dioxide.
  • Hydrogen fuel for the train is supplied from a special plant in Jind.

India Electric Vehicle Battery Demand Projected to Reach 200 GWh by 2032

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Energy Alliance (IESA) projected that India's electric vehicle (EV) battery demand will grow tenfold from 20 GWh in 2025 to 200 GWh by 2032.
  • The IESA, in association with Customized Energy Solutions (CES), will release the India EV and EV Component Market Outlook 2025-2034 report at the 12th India Energy Storage Week (IESW) in the national capital.
  • Total EV sales in India crossed 2.5 million units in 2025, comprising 1.5 million two-wheelers and 0.7 million three-wheelers.
  • Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery chemistry holds a 70 per cent market share in the electric two-wheeler segment, while Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry is gaining ground in other segments.
  • BLDC motors account for 71 per cent of the two-wheeler market, while PMSM motors have emerged as the preferred technology in electric passenger vehicles with over 90 per cent market share.

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Energy Statistics India 2026 released by National Statistics Office (NSO) (Start of April) ▼
  • The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, released the 33rd edition of 'Energy Statistics India 2026' on 30 March 2026.
  • The publication integrates data on reserve, capacity, production, consumption, and import/export of all energy commodities including Coal, Lignite, Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Renewable Energy.
  • New additions include credit flow to domestic energy sectors, world energy statistics, consumption of domestic coal through e-auction, imported non-coking coal, sub-sectoral electricity consumption under industry from the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), industry-wise HSD distribution through retail/reseller, and international aviation and marine bunker data for the first time.
  • Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) for FY 2024-25 grew by 2.95% to 9,32,816 KToe.
  • India’s renewable energy potential reached 47,04,043 Megawatt as on 31 March 2025, with solar energy at 33,43,378 Megawatt (71% share), wind at 11,63,856 Megawatt, and large hydro at 1,33,410 Megawatt.
  • Rajasthan (23.70%), Maharashtra (14.26%), Gujarat (9.10%), Andhra Pradesh (9.1%), Karnataka (8.59%), and Madhya Pradesh (8.09%) together account for over 70% of the total renewable energy potential.
  • Installed renewable electricity capacity rose from 90,134 Megawatt on 31 March 2016 to 2,29,346 Megawatt on 31 March 2025, recording a CAGR of 10.93%.
  • Gross electricity generation from renewables increased from 1,89,314 GWh in FY 2015-16 to 4,16,823 GWh in FY 2024-25, a CAGR of 9.17%.
  • Per-capita energy consumption grew from 15,296 Mega Joule/person in FY 2015-16 to 18,096 Mega Joule/person in FY 2024-25, a CAGR of 1.89%.
  • Transmission and distribution losses reduced from about 22% in FY 2015-16 to about 17% in FY 2024-25.
  • Coal (including lignite) remained the dominant energy source, with supply rising from 3,87,761 Ktoe in FY 2015-16 to 5,52,315 Ktoe in FY 2024-25.
  • Total Final Consumption (TFC) of energy increased by 30.41% from 4,69,212 Ktoe in FY 2015-16 to 6,08,578 Ktoe in FY 2024-25.
  • Credit flow to the energy sector expanded over six-fold from ₹1,688 crore in 2021 to ₹10,325 crore in 2025.
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) ranks India third-largest renewable energy market in 2025 (Start of April) ▼
  • India added 45 GW of renewable capacity in 2025, raising total installed renewable energy capacity to 250.5 GW from 175.9 GW in 2023.
  • Solar capacity additions in India reached 37 GW in 2025, making it the second-highest contributor globally after China.
  • India’s wind energy capacity increased by 6.3 GW in 2025, marking its highest annual increase.
  • Hydropower installed capacity in India grew from 52 GW in 2024 to 56 GW in 2025, while pumped hydro rose from 4.7 GW to 7.2 GW.
  • Globally, renewable share of total installed power capacity rose to 49.4 per cent in 2025 from 46.3 per cent in 2024.
India adds record 52.5 GW power capacity in first 10 months of FY26 (Mid of February) ▼
  • India added 52,537 MW (52.5 GW) of power generation capacity from all sources in April 2025–January 2026, raising total installed capacity to 520.6 GW as of January 2026.
  • Over 75% of the new capacity came from renewable energy sources, while the remainder was from thermal sources.
  • Renewable capacity additions comprised 39.7 GW, including 35 GW of solar and 4.6 GW of wind power.
  • Large hydro projects contributed 3.4 GW, thermal sources 8.8 GW, and nuclear 700 MW during FY 2025-26.
  • Fossil fuel-based capacity totals 248.5 GW and non-fossil fuel capacity stands at 272 GW.
  • Projects under construction include 158 GW of renewable, 39.6 GW of thermal, 13 GW of hydro-electric, and 6.6 GW of nuclear capacity.
  • Contracts for 22.9 GW of coal- and lignite-based projects have been awarded, with another 24 GW in planning stages; 48.8 GW of renewable, 4.3 GW of hydro-electric, and 7 GW of nuclear projects are also under planning.
Ministry of Power (MoP) records historic 52,537 MW power capacity addition in FY 2025–26 (Start of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Power (MoP) reported a record addition of 52,537 MW in power generation capacity during the financial year 2025–26 up to 31 January 2026.
  • The current addition represents a growth of more than 11 per cent in the total installed capacity and surpasses the previous record of 34,054 MW set in FY 2024–25.
  • Renewable energy sources accounted for 39,657 MW of the total capacity added, including 34,955 MW from solar power and 4,613 MW from wind power.
  • India’s total installed power generation capacity reached 520,510.95 MW as of 31 January 2026.
  • Non-fossil fuel sources now form the larger share of the total capacity base at 271,969.33 MW, while fossil fuel-based plants account for 248,541.62 MW.
  • The non-fossil fuel category comprises 263,189.33 MW from renewable energy sources and 8,780 MW from nuclear power.

US Study Detects 'Forever Chemicals' (PFAS) in 98.8% of Human Blood Samples

Key Updates:

  • A US study found perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as forever chemicals, in 98.8% of tested human blood samples.
  • The research, conducted by NMS Labs in Pennsylvania, analysed 10,566 blood samples and identified over 70 different combinations of PFAS.
  • The PFAS group comprises over 15,000 chemicals used in food packaging, furniture, and clothing that persist in the environment without breaking down easily.
  • PFHxS, a chemical used in glue, furniture, and textiles, was detected in 97.9% of the samples and is linked to liver and immune system concerns.
  • The study, published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, tested for 13 common PFAS and noted that most individuals carry five or more of these chemicals.

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World Hemophilia Day observed on April 17 with the theme Diagnosis: First Step to Care (Mid of April) ▼
  • World Hemophilia Day is observed globally every year on April 17 to raise awareness about inherited bleeding disorders.
  • The theme for World Hemophilia Day 2026 is Diagnosis: First Step to Care.
  • The day was established in 1989 by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) to commemorate the birth anniversary of its founder, Frank Schnabel.
  • Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation in genes responsible for producing clotting factors, specifically Factor VIII for Hemophilia A and Factor IX for Hemophilia B.
  • The condition is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, meaning it primarily affects males while females typically serve as carriers.
  • According to the WFH, over 75% of hemophilia patients globally still lack a formal diagnosis.
  • In India, the Initiative on Haemophilia Care X (IHC X) conference was convened in New Delhi to advance the standard of care in the country.
  • The IHC X conference was held under the theme advancing care, empowering lives, and transforming the future of haemophilia.
  • Medical experts at the conference highlighted the transition from plasma-based treatments to advanced therapeutic options like clotting factor concentrates and preventive prophylaxis.
Structural changes in blood plasma proteins may reflect earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease: Study (End of March) ▼
  • Analysis of blood plasma samples from over 500 individuals showed structural differences in three proteins are strongly linked to Alzheimer's status.
  • The three proteins identified are C1QA involved in immune signalling, clusterin involved in protein folding and amyloid removal, and apolipoprotein B which transports fats in the bloodstream.
  • The study was published in the Nature Aging journal and involved researchers including those at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), US.
  • Structural changes of plasma proteins helped accurately distinguish cognitively normal individuals from those with Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment.
  • Machine learning was used to identify patterns connected to disease stage based on how exposed or buried specific areas were in the three-dimensional amino acid chain.
  • As Alzheimer's disease advanced, specific blood proteins became less structurally open, with structural changes proving more informative than measuring protein concentrations.
EU Parliament tightens water pollution standards to curb PFAS, microplastics and pharmaceuticals (Start of April) ▼
  • The European Union (EU) Parliament approved updated water pollution standards on 26 March 2026.
  • The updated lists add Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals such as painkillers, industrial substances, pesticides, microplastics and antimicrobial resistance indicators.
  • Tighter environmental quality standards now apply to several pollutants already regulated under previous directives.
  • The directive amends Directive 2000/60/EC, Directive 2006/118/EC and Directive 2008/105/EC.
  • EU countries must align national rules by 21 December 2027.
  • The measures support the European Green Deal goal to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050.
  • The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) warns full compliance is not required until 2039, with possible extensions to 2045.
Surge in Legionnaires’ Disease Cases Highlights Urban Water Safety Risks (End of March) ▼
  • Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila.
  • Individuals contract the disease by inhaling contaminated water droplets from sources such as cooling towers, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, fountains, and plumbing networks.
  • The disease is not contagious and does not spread from person to person.
  • Symptoms typically appear within 2 to 14 days and include high fever, cough, breathlessness, muscle pain, and confusion.
  • The disease has a mortality rate of approximately 5–10 per cent, particularly affecting elderly individuals, smokers, and those with weakened immunity.
  • Legionella bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water, making summer months and rising global temperatures critical risk periods.
  • India has reported sporadic cases of the disease, with hospitals, hotels, and large residential complexes identified as being particularly at risk.

India tops U-15 girls medal standings at Asian Boxing U15 Championships 2026

Key Updates:

  • India concluded the Asian Boxing U15 Championships 2026 in Tashkent with a total of 27 medals, comprising 9 gold, 6 silver, and 12 bronze.
  • The Indian U-15 girls team topped their medal standings by securing 7 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze medals.
  • Gold medallists in the girls category include Anzee (37kg), Soniya (40kg), Tanvi (43kg), Hanshika Attri (46kg), Sunaina (58kg), Bhumika (61kg), and Angel (70kg).
  • In the U-15 boys category, Yash Kumar (33kg) and Mohd Yasser (58kg) clinched gold medals with 3:2 victories over Sayat Rakhymberdi and Abdulloh Karimjonov respectively.
  • Silver medals were earned by Akshita (33kg), Tannvi (64kg), Sastha Vasanth Ashok Kumar (37kg), Samir Bohra (43kg), Sudarsan Vasudeva Chandak (52kg), and Ronak Parag Lokhande (67kg).

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Vishvanath Suresh wins gold at Asian Boxing Championships 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Asian Boxing Championships 2026 was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
  • India concluded the tournament with a total of 16 medals, including five gold, three silver, and eight bronze medals.
  • India finished second on the medal table with five gold medals, while Kazakhstan secured the top position with six gold medals.
  • Vishvanath Suresh won the gold medal in the men’s 50kg category by defeating Japan’s Daichi Iwai with a 5-0 scoreline.
  • Sachin Siwach secured a silver medal in the men’s 60kg division after a 2-3 loss to Orazbek Assylkulov of Kazakhstan.
  • Four Indian men, Harsh Choudhary (90kg), Akash (75kg), Lokesh (85kg), and Narender (+90kg), claimed bronze medals.
  • The Indian women’s team topped their medal charts with four gold medals won by Minakshi Hooda (48kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Priya Ghanghas (60kg), and Arundhati Choudhary (70kg).
  • Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) and Alfiya Pathan (+80kg) achieved silver medals in the women’s competition.
  • Bronze medals in the women’s category were awarded to Nikhat Zareen (51kg), Ankushita Boro (65kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg), and Pooja Rani (80kg).
  • Ajay Singh, the President of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), highlighted that all 10 Indian women boxers finished with a medal.
7th National Sub-Junior Under-17 Boxing Championship commences in Nagpur (Start of April) ▼
  • The 7th National Sub-Junior Under-17 Boxing Championship commenced in Nagpur on 4 April 2026.
  • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari formally inaugurated the week-long championship.
  • Nearly 600 young boxers, including around 250 girls and 350 boys, are participating.
  • The contingent is accompanied by nearly 180 coaches and team managers along with 70 officials.
  • Competitions will be held across 13 weight categories.
  • The championship will conclude on 11 April 2026.
  • Outstanding performers will be shortlisted for the Indian Under-17 squad to represent the country at the Asian Boxing Championship in Tashkent later this year.
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.
Chandrika Pujari wins gold at World Boxing Futures Cup (Mid of March) ▼
  • India concluded the World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok with a total of five medals, including one gold, three silver, and one bronze.
  • Chandrika Pujari won the gold medal in the women’s 51 kg category by defeating Uzbekistan’s Mardonova Nazokat with a unanimous decision.
  • Gunjan (48 kg) and Joyshree Devi (54 kg) secured silver medals after losing their respective final matches to boxers from England and the United States.
  • L. Ambekar Meetei earned a silver medal in the men’s 50 kg category after losing the final bout to an opponent from Ukraine.
  • Radhamani Longjam secured a bronze medal for India in the 57 kg weight category.

Sikkim celebrates 51st Statehood Day on 16 May 2026

Key Updates:

  • Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of India in 1975.
  • The 51st Statehood Day on 16 May 2026 marks the culmination of the year-long 50th Statehood or Golden Jubilee celebrations.
  • Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi highlighted the impact of central schemes in the state, including the Jal Jeevan Mission and PM Awas Yojana.
  • The Union Government continues to promote tourism in Sikkim through schemes such as Swadesh Darshan and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).
  • Chief Minister (CM) Prem Singh Tamang noted the state's global recognition for organic farming, biodiversity conservation, and the presence of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

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Maharashtra Day observed on May 1 (Start of May) ▼
  • Maharashtra Day is observed on May 1 to mark the formation of the state in 1960.
  • The state was formed under the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960, which divided the Bombay State into Maharashtra and Gujarat along linguistic lines.
  • The formation of the state followed the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, a political push for a separate Marathi-speaking state.
  • The occasion coincides with International Workers' Day and Buddha Purnima.
  • A parade is organised at Shivaji Park, attended by government officials and dignitaries.
  • The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) remain closed on this day.
  • Banks remain shut in accordance with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.
Indian Army launches Sikkim's first border village community radio station Sikkim Sundari on 12 April 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army launched Sikkim Sundari, the first border village community radio station in the state of Sikkim.
  • The radio station is designed to improve communication and access to information in remote high-altitude areas.
  • The station will broadcast local news, weather updates, and information regarding various government schemes.
  • The initiative serves as a platform to promote local culture and encourage youth participation in community engagement.
  • The Additional Director General (ADG) of Border Roads (East), Jitendra Prasad, visited Taramchu in North Sikkim to assess landslide damage.
  • The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is currently conducting restoration work to maintain connectivity for local communities and border access.
Sikkim Development Package: ₹4,000 Crore Outlay (Start of May) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth more than ₹4,000 crore in Gangtok as part of Sikkim's 50th Year of Statehood celebrations.
  • Transport infrastructure projects include two double-lane steel arch bridges over the Teesta river at Sirwani and Lower Samdong, and the upgraded Birdhang–Namchi road via Kitchudumra.
  • Education projects include the permanent campus of Sikkim University at Yangang, the administrative block of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University of Excellence, Helen Lepcha Medical College in Gangtok, Dentam Professional College in Gyalshing, and IT-enabled learning infrastructure across 160 schools.
  • Healthcare initiatives include a 100-bed Ayurveda hospital at Yangang and a 30-bed Integrated Sowa Rigpa Hospital at Deorali.
  • Urban development works include the Jan Seva Sachivalaya at Lumsey, a Civil Service Officers Institute in Gangtok, housing projects for low-income residents and police personnel, and a public utility centre at MG Marg.
  • Tourism infrastructure includes the redevelopment of Gangtok’s Ridge Precinct, eco-tourism facilities in Soreng, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra support facilities, and an eco-pilgrimage complex in Gyalshing.
  • The power sector will see an upgraded transmission and distribution network in Gangtok to improve electricity reliability.
  • The Sikkim Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) Processing Plant was inaugurated to strengthen agro-processing and farmer incomes.
Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram Statehood Day celebrated on February 20 (End of February) ▼
  • Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram celebrate their Statehood Day on February 20 every year.
  • The article marks 12 years of transformative change in both states since 2015-16.
  • Arunachal Pradesh recorded a 166% increase in GSDP since 2015-16.
  • Mizoram maintained an average annual real GSDP growth of 10.1% between 2012 and 2022.

Netherlands returns Chola-era copper plates to India on May 17, 2026

Key Updates:

  • The Netherlands returned the Chola-era copper plates, also known as the Leiden Plates or Anaimangalam copper plates, to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.
  • The artifacts consist of two sets: 21 copper plates (origin 1687) bearing the seal of King Rajendra Chola I and three copper plates (origin 1688) bearing the seal of King Kulottunga Chola I.
  • The plates were taken from Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, by the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC) between 1687 and 1700 and were donated to Leiden University in 1862.
  • The restitution followed a 2023 request by the Ministry of Culture and a 2025-end advisory report from the Colonial Collections Committee of the Netherlands.
  • The copper plates, which record agreements regarding a Buddhist shrine and monasteries in Nagapattinam, will be handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in New Delhi.

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Netherlands and India Collaborate on Sustainable Spice Value Chains (May 06, 2026) (Start of May) ▼
  • The Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for South India and the World Spice Organisation (WSO) organised a seminar on “Sustainable Spice Value Chains”.
  • India exports over 250 varieties of spices and value-added products to more than 180 countries.
  • The Spices Board promotes Good Agricultural Practices, Scientific Crop-Management Practices, Integrated Pest Management, Hygienic Processing Systems, and Farmer-Capacity Building Programmes.
  • The Netherlands collaborates with India through trade partnerships and sustainability initiatives aligned with United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals.
  • The National Sustainable Spices Program (NSSP), launched in 2019, covers chilli, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and pepper, involving over 35,000 farmers through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Saint Tirumangai Alvar Idol Returned to India by Ashmolean Museum (Start of March) ▼
  • The University of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology (Ashmolean Museum) returned a stolen 16th-century bronze idol of Saint Tirumangai Alvar to the Indian High Commission in London.
  • The idol was originally stolen in 1952 from the Soundararaja Perumal Koil temple located in a village in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu.
  • The India Pride Project identified the bronze by matching it with 1957 temple photographs preserved at the Institut Français de Pondichéry (IFP).
  • The Ashmolean Museum acquired the idol in 1967 from the collection of private collector Dr J R Belmont, who had purchased it from Sotheby’s.
  • The repatriation process involved coordination between the museum, the Indian High Commission, and the Tamil Nadu Idol Wing Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
  • The article identifies other stolen items from the same temple that are yet to be repatriated, including a Vishnu icon from the Kimbell Museum, a Kaliya Krishna from the Asian Art Museum, and a Devi idol.
  • This handover follows a decision by the US-based Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art to restitute bronzes stolen from the Alathur and Veeracholapuram temples in Tamil Nadu.
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Dhruva Space Private Limited sign MoU for satellite solar panels (Start of April) ▼
  • NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Dhruva Space Private Limited (DHRUVA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the design, manufacture, testing, and supply of solar panels.
  • The partnership aims to address the solar panel requirements of global Satellite Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
  • NSIL is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Space (DoS) and functions as the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
  • DHRUVA is a Hyderabad-based private aerospace company providing full-stack space engineering solutions across space, launch, and ground segments.
  • The collaboration will utilise the programme management and product assurance expertise of NSIL to scale the production of space-grade solar panels.
  • The timing of the agreement aligns with the solar industry entering a restructuring phase in 2026, amid rising demand for satellite solar panels.
  • DHRUVA has existing engagements with NSIL in Earth observation missions, satellite deployers, and ground segment development.
Government promotes domestic recycling and circular economy in solar sector (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) estimate India will generate about 600 kilo-tonnes of solar waste by 2030.
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022 mandating safe recycling of solar power system waste.
  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) operates an online Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) portal for collection, storage and disposal of solar panel waste.
  • MNRE launched the Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies funding research on recycling, second-life applications and sustainable design of solar modules and batteries.
  • The Department of Science and Technology (DST) invited proposals to develop economically viable recycling methods through academia-industry partnerships.
  • The Ministry of Mines set up a Rs. 1,500 crore (US$ 162.3 million) recycling incentive under the National Critical Mineral Mission to recover critical minerals from renewable energy e-waste.

First-ever Captagon seizure under Operation Ragepill on May 16, 2026

Key Updates:

  • India achieved its first-ever seizure of Captagon, a banned synthetic stimulant known as the Jihadi Drug, under Operation Ragepill.
  • The value of the Captagon seizure is ₹182 crore.
  • The operation was conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
  • A foreign national was arrested in connection with the consignment, which was intended for the Middle East.
  • The government has prepared a roadmap to make India drug-free by 2047.

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Female sloth bear travels 50 km in 24 hours before capture at Shivamogga airport. (Start of April) ▼
  • An eight-year-old GPS-collared female sloth bear covered approximately 50 km in 24 hours before entering Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport at Sogane village in Shivamogga, Karnataka.
  • The bear had been translocated to Bhadra wildlife division on March 27 after initial capture near JSW factory in Toranagallu, Vijayanagara district.
  • Forest officials tranquilised the animal inside the airport compound in the presence of DCF (Bhadravathi division) BM Ravindra Kumar and Bhadra Tiger Reserve director Pulkit Meena.
  • The captured bear was shifted to an observation cell at Shivamogga Zoo and reported to be stable.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Receives DRDO-Developed Satellite Imaging System 'Prajna' (End of April) ▼
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has received 'Prajna', an indigenously developed AI-enabled satellite imaging system.
  • Prajna was developed by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • The system is intended to enhance real-time decision support for security agencies, monitor sensitive regions, and support counter-terrorism operations.
  • DRDO and the Indian Navy conducted in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container 'ADC-150' from the P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1.
  • The ADC-150 is designed to deliver a 150 kg payload to enhance naval operational logistics for providing quick response to vessels under distress.
  • The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, served as the nodal laboratory for the ADC-150 activity.
  • The parachute system for the ADC-150 was developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra.
  • Flight clearance and certification for the ADC-150 were provided by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Bengaluru.
  • Instrumentation support for the ADC-150 trials was provided by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad.
Operation Demolishment targets over 200 Naxal memorials in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. (End of February) ▼
  • Security forces demolished 203 Naxal memorials and monuments in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh under Operation Demolishment.
  • Chhattisgarh recorded 149 demolitions from 2023 to 2026, with 130 razed in 2026 alone.
  • Maharashtra reported 55 demolitions from 2023 to 2026, including 45 removed in 2026.
  • Officials state the memorials were used by Naxal outfits for ideological outreach and recruitment in remote forested regions.
  • Operation Demolishment is part of a broader counterinsurgency strategy to dismantle the military and ideological backbone of Naxalism.
INS Malwan delivered: Second ASW SWC commissioned on 31 March 2026 (Start of April) ▼
  • INS Malwan, the second of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW SWC), was delivered on 31 March 2026.
  • Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, the vessel has over 80% indigenous content.
  • Length: ~80 metres; Displacement: ~1,100 tonnes; Propulsion: waterjet system.
  • Armed with lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets; fitted with advanced sonar and radar sensors.
  • Designed for littoral operations including anti-submarine warfare, mine-laying, and coastal surveillance.
  • Named after Malwan town in Maharashtra, associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s maritime legacy.
  • Part of an eight-vessel series: Mahe, Malwan, Mangrol, Malpe, Mulki, Munroe, Makkah, Mandavi.
  • Programme approved by Ministry of Defence to replace older Abhay-class corvettes.

Sabarimala temple entry reference case hearing concluded by Supreme Court on May 14

Key Updates:

  • The Supreme Court (SC) concluded a 16-day marathon hearing on the Sabarimala temple entry reference case on May 14.
  • The case was heard by a nine-judge Constitution bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices B V Nagarathna, M M Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, Augustine George Masih, Prasanna B Varale, R Mahadevan, and Joymalya Bagchi.
  • The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, argued that Article 25(1), which guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise, and propagate religion, does not itself provide for gender equality.
  • The bench discussed the scope of Article 26, which recognizes the right of religious denominations to regulate their own affairs.
  • The court examined the limits of the State's power to introduce reforms in religious practices under Article 25(2)(b).

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IOC limits Olympic women's sport to biological females from 2028 (End of March) ▼
  • The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the women's category of Olympic sports will be limited to biological females from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
  • Eligibility will be determined by a once-in-lifetime SRY gene test to detect the sex-determining region Y gene.
  • Athletes who fail the test remain eligible for male categories, open categories, or mixed events that include a designated male slot.
  • The policy will also apply to almost all athletes with a Difference of Sex Development (DSD) who have gone through male puberty.
  • The only exemption is for athletes with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) who have not experienced male puberty.
  • The IOC based its decision on an 18-month review of scientific evidence, an online athlete survey with over 1,100 responses, and interviews with impacted athletes.
  • World Athletics, which already enforces similar rules, welcomed the IOC move as promoting a consistent approach across all sports.
UN Women (UNW) reports women hold 64% of legal rights of men globally. (Start of March) ▼
  • UN Women (UNW) stated women globally hold 64% of the legal rights afforded to men.
  • UN Women (UNW) released the statement ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026.
  • In 54% of countries rape is not legally defined on the basis of consent.
  • Nearly 75% of countries still allow girls to be legally forced into marriage.
  • 44% of countries lack legal requirement for equal remuneration for work of equal value.
  • UN Women (UNW) Executive Director Sima Bahous warned that justice systems failing women weaken rule of law.
  • Reported cases of sexual violence in conflict settings rose by 87% in the past two years.
  • 87% of countries have enacted domestic violence legislation according to the Secretary-General’s report.
Women, Business and the Law 2026 report released by World Bank Group (End of February) ▼
  • World Bank Group released the Women, Business and the Law 2026 report.
  • The report finds women’s economic-opportunity laws are only half-enforced globally.
  • Only 4% of women worldwide live in economies providing nearly full legal equality.
  • The report evaluates women’s economic participation across 10 areas including safety from violence, access to childcare, entrepreneurship, employment protections, asset ownership and retirement security.
  • Globally, only a third of needed safety laws exist and enforcement fails 80% of the time.
  • About half of economies promote equal access to credit for women entrepreneurs.
  • Less than half of 190 economies covered have laws providing financial or tax support for families.
  • Among economies with such laws, only 30% of policies needed to support affordable and high-quality childcare services are in place.
  • In low-income economies, just 1% of childcare support mechanisms exist.
  • Over the past two years, 68 economies enacted 113 positive legal reforms; Sub-Saharan Africa implemented 33 reforms, the largest number of any region.
  • Egypt was identified as the world’s top reformer, increasing its legal equality score by nearly 10 points.
Supreme Court (SC) Proposes Permanent Woman Vice-President Post in Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) (Start of May) ▼
  • The Supreme Court (SC) has proposed the creation of a permanent vice-president post reserved for women in the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) from 2027 onwards.
  • For the 2026-27 SCBA elections, the post of secretary remains reserved for women members.
  • Current reservations in the SCBA include the post of secretary, two posts in the senior executive committee, and three posts in the executive committee for women.
  • The directions were issued by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice K V Viswanathan.
  • The SC has introduced 33% reservation for women in bar associations, including the SCBA, Delhi High Court Bar Association, and district bar associations in Delhi, and 30% reservation in bar councils.

Madhya Pradesh High Court Declares Bhojshala Complex a Temple in July 2024

Key Updates:

  • The Madhya Pradesh High Court (MPHC) declared the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district as a temple and a centre of Sanskrit learning associated with King Bhoj of the Paramara dynasty.
  • The court quashed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) circular dated 7 April 2003, which previously allowed the offering of namaz at the disputed site.
  • A 98-day scientific survey conducted by the ASI recovered 1,710 relics, including 39 broken idols, Nagakarnika inscriptions, and symbols associated with Sanatan Dharma.
  • The Bhojshala complex is dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati) by Hindus, while the Muslim side identifies the location as the Kamal Maula mosque.
  • The MPHC directed the state government to provide alternate land for the mosque and to consider the repatriation of the Vagdevi idol currently located in a London museum.

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75th Anniversary of Somnath Temple Restoration observed on May 11 (Mid of May) ▼
  • Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi will visit Somnath on May 11 to mark 75 years since the restored temple's inauguration in 1951.
  • The restored Somnath Temple was officially inaugurated on May 11, 1951, by the former President of India, Rajendra Prasad.
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel initiated the reconstruction of the temple on November 13, 1947, at the site of the ruins in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat.
  • The Somnath Swabhiman Parv was held in January to commemorate 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple.
  • Special pujas will be conducted at the Somnath Temple for the next 1,000 days as a tribute to its civilisational journey and restoration.
Bhima Mandali caves in Odisha to be developed as Global Heritage site (Mid of May) ▼
  • Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the Bhima Mandali caves in the Rairakhol sub-division of Sambalpur, Odisha, will be developed into a premier global heritage destination.
  • The caves are situated within the Naktideul Forest Range, 92 km from Sambalpur town and 15 km from Naktideul.
  • The site is believed to be over 10,000 years old, with further archaeological verification potentially dating it back 15,000 to 20,000 years.
  • The site contains rock paintings and stone inscriptions over 20,000 years old and served as shelter for early humans from the Old Stone Age to the Neolithic period.
  • The site is associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata and named after Bhima, who is said to have built a dam on the Champali River.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) begins excavation at Balirajgarh in Bihar (End of March) ▼
  • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has commenced a large-scale scientific excavation at the Balirajgarh site in the Madhubani district of Bihar.
  • The site is believed to have served as a major administrative hub of the ancient Videha Kingdom and the legendary capital of King Bali.
  • The ASI Patna Circle aims to reach the virgin soil to determine the exact beginning of human settlement and verify if the site predates the Mauryan era.
  • The excavation will investigate the cultural continuity across five distinct phases: Mauryan (NBPW), Sunga, Kushan, Gupta, and Pala periods.
  • The site features a massive brick fortification spanning approximately 176 acres and was declared a protected site by the ASI in 1938.
  • Modern tools, including satellite imagery and systematic mapping, are being utilised to identify high-interest areas and navigate technical hurdles like high water tables.
  • Previous explorations at the site have yielded historical artefacts such as punch-marked coins, terracotta figurines, copper objects, and bone tools.
Inauguration of Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira – 15 April 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri in Mandya, Karnataka.
  • The inauguration was part of Modi's official visit to Karnataka.
  • The event was attended by large gatherings of devotees and officials in Mandya district.

Etor Gidi and Kongkura:yo Festival 2.0 observed on May 15, 2026

Key Updates:

  • The Adi community celebrated Etor Gidi, a traditional agro-based festival, on May 15, 2026.
  • Etor Gidi marks the start of the farming season and involves rituals for a bountiful harvest.
  • The Delong dance is performed during the Etor Gidi celebrations.
  • The festivities for Etor Gidi were centered around the Musup community hall in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The Kongkura:yo Festival 2.0 concluded in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, with the theme My Roots, My Identity.

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Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) organises month-long tribal cultural heritage events from 2 to 24 March 2026 (Start of March) ▼
  • Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) will host Tribal Art Fest, Tribal Music Fest, Bharat Tribes Fest, and Tribal Business Conclave between 2 and 24 March 2026.
  • Nearly 1,000 participants from all States are expected to join the Tribal Art Fest.
  • Minister Jual Oram launched official logos for Tribal Art Fest, Living Roots: Soundscapes of Tribal India, and Bharat Tribes Fest 2026.
Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 concludes in Delhi on Sunday (Start of April) ▼
  • Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in association with Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), concluded on Sunday at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi.
  • The 19-day festival recorded a footfall of over 1.5 lakh visitors and multi-crore sales.
  • More than 200 stalls were set up with participation from over 300 tribal artisans and representatives from more than 75 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
  • Top-performing tribal artisans and sellers were felicitated across ten categories including pottery, cane and bamboo, jewellery, cuisines, textiles, and forest-based products.
  • The RISA brand was launched on March 18 by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur.
  • The festival featured 17 live craft demonstrations and over 30 tribal food stalls with more than 120 tribal chefs presenting traditional cuisines.
Sarhul festival celebrated in Jharkhand on March 21, 2026 (End of March) ▼
  • The Sarhul festival, a significant nature festival for the tribal community, was celebrated in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on March 21, 2026.
  • Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kalpana Soren participated in the traditional rituals at the Tribal College hostel campus.
  • The festival is dedicated to the worship of nature, reflecting the tribal community’s faith in the natural order as the source of all life.
  • During the celebrations, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) president played the Mandar, which is a traditional drum.
  • The festival serves as an occasion to uphold and pass on ancestral traditions related to the preservation and safety of nature.
Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 showcases tribal art, culture and cuisine in Delhi. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 will be held from 18 to 30 March 2026 at Sunder Nursery in Delhi.
  • Public entry starts on 19 March 2026; 18 March is reserved for special invitees.
  • The festival will feature over 200 stalls and more than 1,000 artisans from tribal communities across India.
  • An International Pavilion will display global indigenous crafts and enable cultural exchanges.
  • A 14-day Tribal Business Conclave will include nine thematic sessions on textiles, tourism, entrepreneurship and innovation.
  • Amitabh Kant will participate in a fireside chat on innovation and tribal enterprise development.

National Endangered Species Day observed on the third Friday of May

Key Updates:

  • National Endangered Species Day is observed every year on the third Friday of May, having been initiated in 2006 by conservation voices in the United States.
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Great Indian Bustard as Critically Endangered, the Royal Bengal tiger, Ganges river dolphin (India's national aquatic animal), and Asian elephant as Endangered, and the snow leopard as Vulnerable.
  • The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides a legal framework to restrict hunting and regulate wildlife trade, while the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA) extends safeguards to domesticated and captive animals.
  • The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 aligns Indian law with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and streamlines enforcement by reducing the number of schedules from six to four.
  • India's flagship conservation initiatives include Project Tiger (launched in 1973), Project Elephant (launched in 1992), and a cheetah reintroduction programme at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
  • The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 originally classified species into six schedules: Schedule I (Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, snow leopard, lion, Great Indian Bustard), Schedule II (Indian cobra, Himalayan black bear, certain deer species), Schedule III (blackbuck, chital, hyena, sambhar), Schedule IV (peacock, hare, falcon, kingfisher), Schedule V (crows, rats, mice, fruit bats), and Schedule VI (pitcher plant, blue vanda, red vanda, kuth, slipper orchids).

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World Tuna Day observed on 2 May 2026 with theme 'Advocating for Tuna Conservation' (Start of May) ▼
  • World Tuna Day is observed globally on 2 May 2026.
  • The theme for World Tuna Day 2026 is 'Advocating for Tuna Conservation'.
  • The United Nations (UN) officially recognised World Tuna Day in 2016.
  • The first global observance of World Tuna Day took place in 2017.
  • Pacific island nations, particularly members of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement, played an important role in pushing global recognition of the day.
World Migratory Bird Day observed in May and October with theme Power of Community Science (Mid of May) ▼
  • World Migratory Bird Day is observed twice annually in May and October to align with migration patterns in both hemispheres.
  • The theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2026 is the power of Community Science.
  • The campaign is coordinated by a network including Environment for the Americas (EFTA), The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership.
  • The 2026 ambassador species selected to represent global flyways are the American Oystercatcher, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Barn Swallow, Cinnamon Teal, and Merlin.
  • The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is currently listed as Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
World Pangolin Day 2026 highlights 500,000+ pangolins seized globally between 2016 and 2024 (End of February) ▼
  • World Pangolin Day 2026 was marked by release of a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) report.
  • The CITES report recorded 2,222 seizures of pangolins and their parts in 49 countries involving an estimated 553,042 pangolins during 2016-2024.
  • China and Viet Nam were the main alleged destinations for illegally traded pangolin parts.
  • India is home to two of the eight recognised pangolin species: Indian pangolin and Chinese pangolin.
  • India did not provide data for the 2025 CITES reporting cycle.
World Earth Day 2026 Observed with Theme 'Our Power, Our Planet' (End of April) ▼
  • World Earth Day is observed annually on 22 April to promote environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability.
  • The theme for World Earth Day 2026 is 'our power, our planet', which emphasises human agency and collective action.
  • Campaigns in 2026 focus on civic mobilisation, environmental literacy, and democratic action through activities such as voter registration drives, teach-ins, and town halls.
  • World Earth Day began on 22 April 1970 in the United States (US) following protests against environmental degradation in cities including New York and Boston.
  • The 1970 movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and key environmental laws.
  • The movement expanded globally in 1990 with participation from 141 countries.

Rathindra Bose elected Speaker of West Bengal assembly

Key Updates:

  • Rathindra Bose was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the West Bengal assembly.
  • He is a first-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Cooch Behar Dakshin constituency representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
  • Bose is the first legislator from North Bengal in post-Independence history to hold the Speaker's chair in the West Bengal assembly.
  • He was elected to the newly constituted 18th West Bengal assembly.
  • The BJP holds a majority of 207 MLAs in the 294-member House.

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Himanta Biswa Sarma Appointed Chief Minister of Assam (Mid of May) ▼
  • Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya appointed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Chief Minister (CM) of Assam.
  • The appointment was formalised under Clause (1) of Article 164 of the Constitution of India following the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) victory.
  • The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at 11:40 am on May 12 at the Veterinary College Field at Khanapara in Guwahati.
  • In the 126-seat assembly, the BJP won 82 seats while its allies, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF), won 10 seats each.
  • Union Minister JP Nadda served as the central observer and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini as the co-observer for the election of the legislature party leader.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 recorded historic 92.47% turnout on April 29, 2026 (Start of May) ▼
  • West Bengal recorded a combined voter turnout of 92.47% across two phases in the 2026 Assembly elections, the highest since Independence.
  • The Election Commission (EC) reported a turnout of 93.19% in Phase 1 and 91.66% in Phase 2 of the polls.
  • A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls resulted in the deletion of over 90 lakh voters, approximately 12% of the total electorate.
  • The total electorate in the state was reduced from 7.66 crore to 6.77 crore following the revision process.
  • Significant voter deletions were recorded in the districts of North 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, Malda, and Kolkata.
  • The Bhabanipur constituency and the city of Kolkata both recorded a voter turnout of approximately 87%.
  • Purba Bardhaman district registered a voter turnout of 92.46% during the electoral process.
Suvendu Adhikari Appointed as West Bengal Chief Minister (Start of May) ▼
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced Suvendu Adhikari as the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Minister of West Bengal.
  • The announcement followed the victory of the BJP in the West Bengal assembly elections.
  • The swearing-in ceremony for the new state government is scheduled to be held on May 9.
  • The Brigade Parade Ground has been selected as the venue for the official swearing-in event.
  • The party is reportedly planning to appoint two Deputy Chief Ministers as part of the new state leadership structure.
Suvendu Adhikari Sworn in as Chief Minister of West Bengal (Start of May) ▼
  • Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the Chief Minister of West Bengal on 9 May 2026.
  • Adhikari is the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hold the Chief Minister's post in West Bengal.
  • The swearing-in ceremony was administered by the Governor at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata.
  • The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly.
  • The ministers sworn in for the cabinet include Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtonia, Kshudiram Tudu, and Nisith Pramanik.
  • Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabanipur constituency by a margin of over 15,000 votes and retained the Nandigram seat.

Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi assumed office as Prime Minister of Iraq.

Key Updates:

  • Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi assumed office as Prime Minister of Iraq on May 16, 2026.
  • He is a businessman and emerged as a consensus choice from the Coordination Framework alliance after weeks of discussions.
  • The Iraqi Parliament voted to approve the official government programme and a significant portion of the Prime Minister's cabinet lineup.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Al-Zaidi via a social media post on May 16, 2026.
  • PM Modi stated that India deeply values its longstanding and friendly ties with Iraq and remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations.

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Narendra Modi Conferred With Speaker of the Knesset Medal by Israel (End of February) ▼
  • Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, which is the highest honour awarded by the Israeli parliament.
  • PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this distinction, which was presented during his address to the Knesset.
  • The medal was awarded in recognition of his leadership in strengthening strategic and bilateral relations between India and Israel.
  • During the two-day visit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed the building of an iron alliance between the two nations to counter extremist Islam.
  • PM Modi is among the few world leaders to hold top honours from both Israel and Palestine, having received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine in 2018.
  • The Prime Minister also held meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to discuss deepening cooperation in key strategic areas.
PM Modi pays tribute to Shyamji Krishna Varma on his death anniversary (End of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma on his death anniversary today.
  • Shyamji Krishna Varma awakened a new consciousness in the freedom movement with his revolutionary ideas.
  • The Prime Minister noted that the life and ideals of Shyamji will continue to inspire every generation of the country towards national service.
India and Israel: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Israel and address Knesset in February 2025 (End of February) ▼
  • Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Israel on 25 February 2025 for a two-day official visit.
  • PM Modi is expected to address the Knesset (Israeli parliament) and hold meetings with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
  • Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana announced that former lawmakers will occupy opposition benches if current members boycott the address.
  • The Leader of Opposition (LOP) Yair Lapid has demanded that Supreme Court (SC) President Yitzhak Amit be invited to the session as per protocol.
  • The political dispute is linked to Israel's judicial overhaul controversy and Justice Minister Yariv Levin's refusal to recognise the authority of SC President Amit.
India and Israel elevate ties to special strategic partnership and advance mutually beneficial FTA (Start of March) ▼
  • India and Israel elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel.
  • Both sides agreed to soon finalise a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  • India and Israel signed multiple agreements to expand cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy, cyberspace and digital payment.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extremely fruitful and wide-ranging talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to enhance cooperation in education, start-ups, innovation, tech and connectivity.
  • Modi and Herzog planted an oak tree at the President’s residence as a symbol of friendship and shared future.
  • Prime Minister Modi addressed the Knesset, becoming the first Indian to speak in Israel’s Parliament.
  • Modi voiced strong support for the Gaza peace initiative and stated that terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere.
  • The Speaker of the Knesset conferred the Speaker of the Knesset Medal on Prime Minister Modi for his exceptional contribution to strengthening India-Israel strategic relations.

Rathindra Bose Elected Speaker of West Bengal Assembly

Key Updates:

  • Rathindra Bose was elected as the Speaker of the 18th West Bengal Assembly.
  • He is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected unanimously.
  • Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari called for a constructive opposition and emphasized the need for transparency in legislative functioning.
  • The government will arrange for the live telecast of Assembly proceedings, including budget discussions and mentions.
  • The Assembly session is scheduled to formally begin with the Governor's address on June 8.

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Himanta Biswa Sarma Appointed Chief Minister of Assam (Mid of May) ▼
  • Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya appointed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Chief Minister (CM) of Assam.
  • The appointment was formalised under Clause (1) of Article 164 of the Constitution of India following the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) victory.
  • The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at 11:40 am on May 12 at the Veterinary College Field at Khanapara in Guwahati.
  • In the 126-seat assembly, the BJP won 82 seats while its allies, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF), won 10 seats each.
  • Union Minister JP Nadda served as the central observer and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini as the co-observer for the election of the legislature party leader.
N Rangasamy sworn-in as Chief Minister of Puducherry (Mid of May) ▼
  • N Rangasamy, leader of the All India NR Congress (AINRC), took oath as the Chief Minister of Puducherry for a fifth term on May 13.
  • Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Rangasamy at Lok Nivas.
  • The AINRC-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 18 seats in the 30-member Puducherry Legislative Assembly, consisting of 12 seats for AINRC, 4 for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), 1 for the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and 1 for the Lakshiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK).
  • A Namassivayam of the BJP took oath as a Cabinet minister in the Puducherry government.
  • Rangasamy won the Thattanchavady constituency and is Puducherry's longest-serving Chief Minister, with previous tenures from 2001 to 2008 and 2011 to 2016.
Samrat Choudhary sworn in as Bihar’s 24th Chief Minister, becomes first BJP leader to hold post. (Mid of April) ▼
  • Samrat Choudhary took oath as Bihar’s 24th Chief Minister on Wednesday at Lok Bhawan.
  • Governor Syed Ata Hasnain administered the oath of office and secrecy.
  • JD(U) leaders Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav were sworn in as members of the Council of Ministers.
  • Choudhary was elected leader of the BJP legislature party after Nitish Kumar’s resignation.
  • He previously served as Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar from January 2024 and held portfolios including Home, Finance, Health, Urban Development, and Panchayati Raj.
  • Born on 16 November 1968 in Lakhanpur village, Munger district, Bihar.
  • Appointed Bihar BJP president in March 2023, succeeding Sanjay Jaiswal.
Balbir Punj passes away as former Rajya Sabha MP and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader (End of April) ▼
  • Balbir Punj, aged 76, passed away on April 18, 2026.
  • He served as a former Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha and as a former vice president of the BJP.
  • He was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from a young age.
  • He began his career as a journalist in 1971 with the newspaper The Motherland.
  • He served at the Financial Express for two decades.
  • He was the executive editor of The Observer of Business and Politics from May 1996 to March 2000.

Periasamy Kumaran assumed charge as India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK)

Key Updates:

  • Periasamy Kumaran formally assumed the role of India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) on May 14, 2026.
  • He presented his credentials to Scott Furssedonn-Wood, the Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps.
  • He previously served as Secretary East in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi.
  • He had also served as the High Commissioner to Singapore prior to his tenure in New Delhi.
  • He succeeds Vikram Doraiswami, who is currently serving as India's Ambassador to China.

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Dinesh Trivedi set to be appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh (Mid of April) ▼
  • Dinesh Trivedi, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is likely to be appointed as India's next High Commissioner to Bangladesh.
  • Trivedi previously served as the Railway Minister and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government as a member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
  • He has served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal and as a Lok Sabha MP from Barrackpore.
  • Trivedi joined the BJP in February 2021 after leaving the TMC.
  • Pranay Verma, the former High Commissioner to Bangladesh, was appointed as the next Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union (EU).
  • Pranay Verma is a 1994-batch diplomat who took charge as High Commissioner in Dhaka in September 2022.
Pravindra Singh Chauhan and nine advocates elevated as judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court (Start of May) ▼
  • The Supreme Court (SC) Collegium approved the elevation of 10 advocates as judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on May 4.
  • The elevated advocates are Pravindra Singh Chauhan, Harmeet Singh Deol, Rajesh Gaur, Minderjeet Yadav, Monica Chhibber Sharma, Puja Chopra, Sunish Bindlish, Navdeep Singh, Divya Sharma, and Ravinder Malik.
  • Pravindra Singh Chauhan served as the Advocate General of Haryana and was a member of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission.
  • Other appointments include Rajesh Gaur (Additional Advocate General of Haryana), Minderjeet Yadav (former Deputy Advocate General and former chairman of the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana), and Monica Chhibber Sharma (Senior Deputy Advocate General for Punjab).
  • Navdeep Singh is a retired Army Major, Divya Sharma served as Senior Panel Counsel for the Union Government, and Sunish Bindlish was the standing counsel for the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
  • These appointments will increase the strength of the Punjab and Haryana High Court from 58 to 68 judges.
  • The sanctioned strength of the Punjab and Haryana High Court is 85 judges, comprising 64 permanent and 21 additional judges.
Vikram Doraiswami appointed India's envoy to China (Mid of May) ▼
  • Vikram Doraiswami presented a copy of his credentials to Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.
  • Doraiswami is a 1992-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer.
  • Prior to his posting to Beijing, he served as India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
  • He is a Mandarin speaker and has previously served at diplomatic missions in Hong Kong and Beijing.
  • The appointment comes amid efforts to normalise relations following a military standoff in eastern Ladakh in April 2020.
Chanchal Kumar appointed Information and Broadcasting Secretary (Start of April) ▼
  • Chanchal Kumar, a 1992-batch Bihar cadre IAS officer, was appointed Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 31 March 2026.
  • Sanjay Jaju moved from Information and Broadcasting Secretary to Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
  • Rohit Kansal, 1995-batch AGMUT cadre, appointed Secretary, Department of Rural Development after Shailesh Kumar Singh’s superannuation.
  • Bhuvnesh Kumar, 1995-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre, appointed Secretary, Ministry of Tourism replacing Srivatsa Krishna.
  • Srivatsa Krishna appointed Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs replacing Chandra Sekhar Kumar.
  • Chandra Sekhar Kumar appointed CEO, National Rainfed Area Authority under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
  • Bharat Harbanslal Khera appointed Officer on Special Duty, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
  • Abhishek Singh shifted from Director-General, National Informatics Centre to Director-General, National Testing Agency under Ministry of Education.

Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023

Key Updates:

  • The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 was passed by Parliament in December 2023 and received the President's assent on December 29, 2023.
  • The Act establishes a selection committee for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.
  • The Supreme Court observed that the selection committee's composition makes the role of the Leader of the Opposition ornamental, as the Cabinet Minister is likely to side with the Prime Minister.
  • The Act excludes the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection panel, unlike the panel for selecting the CBI director which includes the CJI.
  • The Supreme Court asked the Attorney General to keep records ready pertaining to the recent appointment of Election Commissioners, including the selection of Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.

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Justice Ramachandra D Huddar Appointed Chairperson of Admissions Overseeing Committee (Start of May) ▼
  • Retired High Court judge Justice Ramachandra D Huddar has been appointed as the chairperson of the Admissions Overseeing Committee for professional courses in Karnataka.
  • A notification confirming the appointment was issued on April 28.
  • The post of chairperson had been vacant for more than one-and-a-half years after the previous chairperson's term ended in October 2024.
  • The appointment was made in accordance with the provisions of the Karnataka Professional Educational Institutions Regulation of Admissions and Determination of Fee Act, 2006.
  • The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) had been receiving complaints against private medical, engineering, and nursing colleges regarding the charging of excessive fees.
Supreme Court (SC) Proposes Permanent Woman Vice-President Post in Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) (Start of May) ▼
  • The Supreme Court (SC) has proposed the creation of a permanent vice-president post reserved for women in the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) from 2027 onwards.
  • For the 2026-27 SCBA elections, the post of secretary remains reserved for women members.
  • Current reservations in the SCBA include the post of secretary, two posts in the senior executive committee, and three posts in the executive committee for women.
  • The directions were issued by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice K V Viswanathan.
  • The SC has introduced 33% reservation for women in bar associations, including the SCBA, Delhi High Court Bar Association, and district bar associations in Delhi, and 30% reservation in bar councils.
Pravindra Singh Chauhan and nine advocates elevated as judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court (Start of May) ▼
  • The Supreme Court (SC) Collegium approved the elevation of 10 advocates as judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on May 4.
  • The elevated advocates are Pravindra Singh Chauhan, Harmeet Singh Deol, Rajesh Gaur, Minderjeet Yadav, Monica Chhibber Sharma, Puja Chopra, Sunish Bindlish, Navdeep Singh, Divya Sharma, and Ravinder Malik.
  • Pravindra Singh Chauhan served as the Advocate General of Haryana and was a member of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission.
  • Other appointments include Rajesh Gaur (Additional Advocate General of Haryana), Minderjeet Yadav (former Deputy Advocate General and former chairman of the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana), and Monica Chhibber Sharma (Senior Deputy Advocate General for Punjab).
  • Navdeep Singh is a retired Army Major, Divya Sharma served as Senior Panel Counsel for the Union Government, and Sunish Bindlish was the standing counsel for the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
  • These appointments will increase the strength of the Punjab and Haryana High Court from 58 to 68 judges.
  • The sanctioned strength of the Punjab and Haryana High Court is 85 judges, comprising 64 permanent and 21 additional judges.
Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 to increase judge strength to 37 (Start of May) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved a proposal to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
  • The decision facilitates the introduction of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to revise the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
  • Article 124 of the Constitution of India provides for the establishment of the Supreme Court and empowers Parliament to determine the number of judges.
  • The expenditure on salaries, staff, and associated infrastructure for the additional judges will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India.
  • The judicial strength has been revised multiple times since Independence, including increases to 10 judges in 1956, 13 in 1960, 17 in 1977, 25 in 1986, 30 in 2008, and 33 in 2019.