📰 Daily Briefing

Daily Current Affairs: 18 April 2026

Analysis for 18 April 2026

Ministry of Commerce and Industry Recognises 55,200 Startups in FY26

Key Updates:

  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognised more than 55,200 startups in FY26, representing a 51.6% increase over the previous year.
  • Direct job creation by startups grew by 36.1% in FY26, marking the highest single-year growth since the launch of the Startup India initiative in 2016.
  • The total number of recognised startups reached 2.23 lakh as of March 31, 2026, generating more than 23.36 lakh direct jobs.
  • Approximately 48% of these startups, amounting to over 1.07 lakh entities, have at least one woman director or partner.
  • Under the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), more than ₹7,000 crore was disbursed to over 135 Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) in FY26.
  • The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) doubled its guarantee cover per borrower to ₹20 crore, with over 410 loans worth ₹1,250 crore guaranteed by the end of FY26.
  • The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) committed its entire corpus of ₹945 crore to 219 selected incubators, which approved ₹605 crore for over 3,400 startups.
  • Patent applications filed by startups exceeded 19,400, with annual filings rising from 2,850 in FY25 to more than 4,480 in FY26.

Similar Coverage

Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) records 30.2% surge in India patent filings to 1.43 lakh in FY 2025-26 (Mid of April) ▼
  • Patent applications filed in India rose 30.2% to 1,43,729 in 2025-26 from 1,10,375 in 2024-25.
  • Domestic filings accounted for over 69% of total applications, with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra leading.
  • Patent filings have climbed every year since 2016-17, when they stood at 45,444.
  • Government measures include reduced fees for startups, small entities, and educational institutions; expedited examination; and pro bono facilitation for Indian startups.
  • Applications are examined under a two-tier system of the Patents Act, 1970, with pre-grant and post-grant opposition provisions.
Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (FoF 2.0) – Rs 10,000 crore (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) notified the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (FoF 2.0) with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore.
  • The scheme aims to mobilise venture and growth capital for deep‑tech startups, early‑growth‑stage companies and technology‑driven manufacturing enterprises.
  • The corpus will be contributed to SEBI‑registered alternative investment funds (AIFs) for investing in equity and equity‑linked instruments of entities recognised as startups by the central government.
  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) will issue operational guidelines and a committee chaired by the DPIIT secretary will monitor implementation.
Tracxn reports Indian tech startups raise USD 11.7 billion in FY26, down 18% from FY25 (Mid of April) ▼
  • Indian tech startups raised USD 11.7 billion in FY 2025-26, an 18% decline from USD 14.3 billion in FY 2024-25.
  • Early-stage funding surged 33% to USD 4.8 billion in FY26 from USD 3.6 billion in FY25.
  • India ranked fourth-highest funded country globally in FY26, behind the US, UK, and China.
  • FinTech firms secured USD 2.4 billion in FY26, up 14% from USD 2.1 billion in FY25.
  • Enterprise Applications received USD 3.6 billion in FY26, same as FY25.
  • Late-stage startups raised USD 5.6 billion in FY26, down 38% from USD 9.2 billion in FY25.
  • Seed-stage funding declined 15% to USD 1.3 billion in FY26 from USD 1.5 billion in FY25.
  • India witnessed 13 funding rounds above USD 100 million in FY26, compared to 23 in FY25.
  • India Tech recorded 47 IPOs in FY26, up 52% from 31 IPOs in FY25.
  • Six unicorns were created in FY26, a 50% increase from four in FY25.
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognises over 1.02 lakh women-led startups (Mid of March) ▼
  • Among 2.12 lakh entities recognised as startups by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), over 1.02 lakh have at least one woman director or partner.
  • Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) have invested ₹2,995 crore in women-led startups since 2020.
  • The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme has approved ₹294 crore for women-led ventures out of ₹592 crore sanctioned since 2021.
  • Under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups, loans of ₹925 crore have been guaranteed since April 2023, including ₹39 crore for women-led startups.
  • Of the 6,789 recognised startups that are closed, 2,950 had at least one woman director or partner.

Ministry of Finance launches MyLIC and Super Sales Saathi apps of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)

[Ministry of Finance, Life Insurance Corporation of India]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Finance launched two digital platforms of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) on April 15, 2026.
  • The MyLIC app is a customer-focused platform that allows policyholders to manage insurance portfolios, pay premiums instantly, track policy benefits in real time, and avail paperless policy loans.
  • MyLIC enables customers to update policies, revive lapsed policies, and purchase policies online through a paperless e-KYC process.
  • The Super Sales Saathi app is designed for LIC sales intermediaries and field staff to provide digital tools for marketing insights, performance tracking, customer management, and policy servicing.
  • Super Sales Saathi includes features such as real-time policy status tracking, automated follow-up reminders, integrated customer communication, AI-driven nudges, digital sales kits, and performance dashboards.

Similar Coverage

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (Axis Max Life) and Saarathi Finance Partner for MSME Credit Protection (Mid of March) ▼
  • Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (Axis Max Life) has entered into a strategic partnership with Saarathi Finance to bridge the credit gap for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
  • The collaboration integrates the Group Credit Life Secure insurance product into the lending framework of Saarathi Finance to ensure financial continuity for entrepreneurs.
  • The initiative aligns with the national vision of achieving Insurance for All by 2047 and enhancing financial inclusivity for MSMEs.
  • Sumit Madan serves as the Managing Director of Axis Max Life, while Vivek Bansal is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Saarathi Finance.
Bharti AXA Life Insurance partners with Equitas Small Finance Bank to distribute life insurance products across 1,042 outlets. (Start of February) ▼
  • Bharti AXA Life Insurance has entered into a bancassurance partnership with Equitas Small Finance Bank.
  • The partnership will offer protection, savings, and retirement plans to Equitas Small Finance Bank customers.
  • The collaboration targets deeper life insurance penetration in semi-urban and rural markets.
  • Equitas Small Finance Bank operates 1,042 banking outlets across 18 states and Union Territories.
SBI Life Insurance launches SBI Life - Smart Platina Advantage guaranteed savings plan. (Mid of January) ▼
  • SBI Life - Smart Platina Advantage is an individual, non-linked, non-participating life insurance savings product offering long-term guaranteed benefits and life insurance protection throughout the policy term.
  • The product provides assured guaranteed additions every policy year and allows premium payment for a limited period while maintaining life cover for the entire policy term.
  • Tax benefits are available as per applicable provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
  • Policyholders can opt to receive maturity proceeds in instalments, providing post-maturity liquidity and financial flexibility.
Sarvam partners with SBI Life Insurance to deploy Artificial Intelligence tools (Start of March) ▼
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup Sarvam partnered with SBI Life Insurance (SBI Life) to build applications for customer engagement and sales.
  • The AI deployment is expected to reach more than 8 crore customers and support over 3,50,000 distributors nationwide.
  • The system is built on Sarvam’s conversational AI platform Samvaad and its multi-agent orchestration platform Arya.
  • Sarvam launched two flagship language models, Sarvam-30B and Sarvam-105B, during the India AI Impact Summit.
  • AI startup Gnani.ai partnered with Razorpay to launch an agentic AI platform for payment collections during live customer calls.
  • Gnani.ai introduced a voice model that supports 12 Indian languages and is designed to operate under low-bandwidth conditions.

India and New Zealand to sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for USD 5 billion trade target

[New Zealand]

Key Updates:

  • India and New Zealand will sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 27, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
  • The pact aims to attract USD 20 billion in investment over the next 15 years and double bilateral trade to USD 5 billion within five years.
  • India will receive zero-duty market access on 100 per cent of its exports to New Zealand under the agreement.
  • The agreement will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand's exports to India, including wool, coal, wood, wine, avocados, and blueberries.
  • India has excluded dairy products (milk, cream, whey, yoghurt, cheese), onions, sugar, spices, edible oils, and rubber from duty concessions to protect domestic farmers.
  • New Zealand will provide a temporary employment entry visa pathway for Indian professionals in skilled occupations with an annual quota of 5,000 visas and a stay of up to three years.
  • Bilateral merchandise trade between the two nations stood at USD 1.3 billion in 2024-25, while total trade in goods and services reached USD 2.4 billion in 2024.

Similar Coverage

FTA Calendar – India-UK, Oman, New Zealand Agreements Implementation (Mid of April) ▼
  • Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the India-UK free trade agreement is expected to come into force by May 2026.
  • The India-Oman free trade agreement will take effect from 1 June 2026.
  • India is set to sign its free trade agreement with New Zealand on 27 April 2026, with the pact expected to come into force by October 2026.
  • Since 2014, India has concluded eight trade agreements, including Mauritius (April 2021), United Arab Emirates (May 2022), Australia (December 2022), Oman (December 2025), United Kingdom (July 2025), European Free Trade Association (October 2025), New Zealand (negotiations concluded December 2025), and European Union (negotiations concluded 27 January 2026).
Ministry of Commerce signs terms of reference to launch PTA with Philippines and FTA with Maldives (Mid of March) ▼
  • India signed terms of reference with the Philippines for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and with the Maldives for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  • India’s exports to the Philippines rose 3.11 per cent to USD 2.16 billion in 2024-25, while imports dipped 17.8 per cent to USD 1.17 billion.
  • India’s exports to the Maldives dipped 37.11 per cent to USD 56.88 million in 2024-25, while imports rose 37.14 per cent to USD 118.82 million.
  • The AITIGA Joint Committee has met 11 times; the next review meeting is scheduled for 30-31 March 2026.
  • India-Korea CEPA review began in 2016 and has completed 11 negotiation rounds, the latest in Seoul in July 2024.
  • India has ongoing trade negotiations with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka, Peru, Chile, Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and Israel.
  • India signed FTAs with the UK and Oman last year and announced completion of negotiations with the EU and New Zealand.
India and Israel launch first round of FTA talks in New Delhi (End of February) ▼
  • India and Israel began the first round of negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in New Delhi from 23 to 26 February 2026.
  • The talks follow the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) in November 2025 to formalise bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
  • Technical teams are discussing trade in goods and services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, customs procedures, trade facilitation and intellectual property rights.
  • Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated the negotiations coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on 25–26 February 2026.
  • India’s Chief Negotiator is Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce; Israel’s Chief Negotiator is Yifat Alon Perel, Senior Director (Trade Policy and Agreements).
  • Bilateral merchandise trade between India and Israel was USD 3.62 billion in FY 2024–25, traditionally dominated by diamonds, petroleum products and chemicals.
  • The two countries had earlier held eight rounds of talks for a similar agreement, with the last round in October 2021, before negotiations stalled.
India and New Zealand discuss expanding sports cooperation as 2026 marks 100 years of sporting ties (Start of March) ▼
  • Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level ministerial meeting with the New Zealand sports delegation in New Delhi to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in sports.
  • The year 2026 marks 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, dating back to the 1926 Indian Army hockey tour to New Zealand.
  • The Indian delegation included Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Indian Olympic Association, and representatives from national sports federations.
  • Priority sports identified for collaboration include rugby, rowing, canoeing, sailing, athletics, and cycling.
  • The New Zealand delegation was led by Chris Bishop, Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation, and included Patrick John Rata, New Zealand High Commissioner to India, former international cricketer Ross Taylor, Raelene Castle, CEO of Sport New Zealand, and representatives from Hockey New Zealand, Athletics New Zealand, and Paralympics New Zealand.
  • The discussions focused on the India-New Zealand Centenary Sports Cooperation Programme 2026, a year-long initiative to commemorate the centenary of sporting ties and expand collaboration in sports development, high-performance training, innovation, and people-to-people engagement.
  • Both sides discussed organising a proposed 'India-New Zealand Sports and Culture Week' to be hosted across cities in both countries.
  • A key focus was strengthening collaboration in high-performance sports through joint training camps, coaching exchanges, and knowledge sharing in sports science, analytics, and athlete performance systems.
  • The discussions explored integrating New Zealand's coach development framework into the curriculum of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala.
  • Both countries agreed to constitute a Joint Working Group to oversee implementation of the cooperation framework, nominate nodal officers, and establish a monitoring mechanism with periodic reviews.

Bloomberg Billionaires Index (BBI) 2026 ranks Gautam Adani as Asia's richest individual

[Bloomberg]

Key Updates:

  • Gautam Adani, Founder-Chairman of Adani Group, reclaimed the title of Asia’s richest person with a net worth of $92.6 billion, ranking 19th globally.
  • Mukesh Ambani, head of Reliance Industries, ranked 20th globally with a net worth of $90.8 billion after experiencing a wealth decline of $16.9 billion.
  • Elon Musk retained the top global position with a net worth of $656 billion, followed by Larry Page at $286 billion and Jeff Bezos at $269 billion.
  • The top 10 global rankings include Sergey Brin ($266 billion), Mark Zuckerberg ($239 billion), Larry Ellison ($230 billion), Michael Dell ($170 billion), Jensen Huang ($164 billion), Bernard Arnault ($164 billion), and Jim Walton ($150 billion).
  • Elon Musk recorded the highest wealth gain of $36.7 billion between 2025 and 2026, while Bernard Arnault saw the steepest decline of $44 billion.
  • In the regional rankings, Zhang Yiming and Zhong Shanshan followed Adani and Ambani with net worths of $68.7 billion and $68.2 billion respectively.
  • Gautam Adani ranked 19th among those who added the most to their fortunes, with a net worth increase of $8.10 billion over the year.

Similar Coverage

TIME100 Most Influential People list released on April 16, 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • TIME Magazine released its TIME100 Most Influential People list for 2026 on April 16, 2026.
  • The list includes three individuals of Indian origin: Sundar Pichai, Ranbir Kapoor and Vikas Khanna.
  • Sanae Takaichi is Japan’s first woman Prime Minister featured in the list.
  • The list features global leaders such as US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
  • Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, is also named in the 2026 TIME100 list.
Forbes World’s Billionaires List released on March 12, 2026 (End of March) ▼
  • The 40th annual edition of the Forbes World’s Billionaires list was released on March 12, 2026, identifying a record 3,428 billionaires globally.
  • Elon Musk retained the top spot with a fortune of $839 billion, becoming the first individual to cross the $800 billion wealth mark.
  • The total wealth controlled by billionaires worldwide increased to $20.1 trillion in 2026 from $16.1 trillion in 2025.
  • The United States (US) leads the global billionaire count with 989 individuals, followed by China with 539 and India with 229.
  • Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries (RIL) remains the richest person in India and Asia, while Savitri Jindal of the OP Jindal Group is the wealthiest woman in India.
  • The top five richest individuals globally are Elon Musk, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg.
  • A total of 20 individuals now possess fortunes exceeding $100 billion, an increase from 15 individuals recorded in 2025.
  • New additions to the list include Greg Abel, the future Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Berkshire Hathaway, and tennis legend Roger Federer.
  • India’s 10 wealthiest individuals hold a combined fortune of approximately $368 billion, accounting for over one-third of the total wealth of Indian billionaires.
  • The 2026 rankings included 20 Indian women billionaires, with Savitri Jindal leading the group.
Hurun Research Institute ranks India third globally with 308 billionaires in 2026. (Start of March) ▼
  • India’s billionaire count rose to 308, an increase of 24 from the previous year, according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2026.
  • Indian billionaires added 57 new entrants and saw 27 drop out during the year.
  • Total wealth of Indian billionaires grew 10% year-on-year to ₹112.6 trillion.
  • Mukesh Ambani retained his position as India and Asia’s richest person with a net worth of ₹9.8 trillion, up 9%.
  • Gautam Adani remained the second richest Indian despite a 14% decline in wealth to ₹7.5 trillion.
  • Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCL Technologies, was third with wealth of ₹3.2 trillion and the only woman among India’s top 10 richest.
  • Healthcare sector produced 53 new billionaires, industrial products 36, and consumer goods 31.
  • Energy sector, with eight billionaires, accounted for ₹18.3 trillion or about 16% of India’s cumulative billionaire wealth.
  • Cyrus S Poonawalla of Serum Institute of India added nearly ₹0.91 trillion, the largest absolute gain.
  • Mumbai hosts 95 billionaires, adding 15 new entrants, but lost its status as Asia’s billionaire capital to Shenzhen which has 133.
  • India’s youngest billionaire is Ritesh Agarwal, founder of Oyo, aged 32 with net worth of ₹14,440 crore.
  • 23 Indian women billionaires collectively hold wealth of ₹9.8 trillion.
Elon Musk Ranked Wealthiest in Hurun Global Rich List 2026; Mukesh Ambani Named Richest Person in Asia (Start of March) ▼
  • Elon Musk, aged 54, was ranked the wealthiest person in the world with a net worth of US$792 billion, followed by Jeff Bezos of Amazon (US$300 billion) and Larry Page of Alphabet (US$271 billion).
  • Larry Ellison of Oracle (US$267 billion) and Sergey Brin (US$247 billion) were ranked fourth and fifth, followed by Mark Zuckerberg of Meta (US$234 billion), Bernard Arnault of LVMH (US$178 billion), and Warren Buffett (US$173 billion).
  • Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) was named the richest person in Asia with a wealth of US$109 billion, while Gautam Adani ranked second in India with US$83 billion.
  • Cyrus Poonawalla of the Serum Institute of India (SII) recorded a wealth of US$33 billion, followed by Lakshmi N Mittal (US$25 billion), Niraj Bajaj of Bajaj Auto (US$24 billion), and Anil Agarwal (US$18 billion).
  • Uday Kotak was ranked with a wealth of US$16 billion, while new Indian billionaires included Shahid Bilakhia of Meril Life Science (US$6.2 billion) and Basant Bansal of M3M India (US$4.6 billion).
  • Other Indian entrants were Madhusudhan Agarwal (US$4.3 billion) and Rajendrakumar Agrawal (US$3.8 billion) of Haldirams, Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari of Physics Wallah (US$1.7 billion each), Ritesh Agarwal of OYO (US$1.6 billion), and actor Shah Rukh Khan (US$1.3 billion).
  • Jensen Huang of Nvidia entered the global top 10 for the first time with US$172 billion, while Steve Ballmer rounded out the top 10 with US$159 billion.
  • Bill Gates dropped out of the top 10 after donating US$20 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), while the report recorded the deaths of Wang Linpeng (56), Shao Genhuo (60), Henri Beaufour (60), James Irsay (65), David Murdock (102), and S. Daniel Abraham (100).

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) extends registration validity for NPOs on Social Stock Exchange

[Securities and Exchange Board of India]

Key Updates:

  • 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.

Similar Coverage

Department of Posts (DoP) partners with Stock Holding Services Limited (SSL) to extend demat and IPO access through 1.65 lakh post offices. (End of January) ▼
  • Department of Posts (DoP) signed an agreement with Stock Holding Services Limited (SSL) on 27 January 2026 at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.
  • The collaboration enables demat and trading account opening, mutual fund investments, IPO participation, and other SEBI-regulated investment products via India Post’s network of over 1.65 lakh post offices.
  • SSL services will be accessible through digital onboarding links and QR codes hosted on official platforms and deployed at selected post office locations.
  • SSL and DoP will jointly conduct structured investor education programmes targeting first-time investors, rural households, and semi-urban citizens.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) extends IPO validity and relaxes minimum public shareholding norms till September 2026. (Start of April) ▼
  • Sebi extended the validity of observation letters expiring up to 30 September 2026, giving over two dozen IPO-bound firms a six-month one-time relaxation.
  • Issuers using the extension must file updated offer documents and a lead-manager undertaking confirming compliance with ICDR regulations.
  • Sebi also granted a one-time exemption from penal action on minimum public shareholding (MPS) shortfalls for compliance deadlines between 1 April and 30 September 2026.
  • Stock exchanges and depositories were instructed to withdraw any penal measures initiated since 1 April 2026 during this relief window.
  • In FY26, 112 mainboard IPOs raised a record ₹1.78 trillion, surpassing the previous high of ₹1.62 trillion raised via 78 issues.
  • Currently, 144 Sebi-approved companies aiming to raise ₹1.75 trillion await market launch, while 63 firms seeking ₹1.37 trillion are in the approval pipeline.
  • During FY26, 18 companies allowed nearly ₹22,000 crore worth of approvals to lapse and 15 firms withdrew draft papers for offerings worth ₹9,200 crore.
Finance Ministry (DEA) reduces minimum public shareholding for IPOs to 2.5% (Mid of March) ▼
  • Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) notified amendments to Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957 on 13 March.
  • Minimum mandated public shareholding of a listed stock reduced from 5% to 2.5%.
  • Companies with post-issue capital ≤ ₹1,600 crore must offer at least 25% of each class of equity shares or debentures to the public.
  • Companies with post-issue capital > ₹1,600 crore but ≤ ₹4,000 crore must offer at least a percentage equivalent to ₹400 crore.
  • Companies with post-listing valuation > ₹4,000 crore but ≤ ₹50,000 crore must offer at least 10% of each share or debenture, subject to increasing public shareholding to at least 25% within three years.
  • Companies with post-listing valuation > ₹50,000 crore but < ₹1 lakh crore must offer at least ₹1,000 crore and at least 8% of each share or debenture, subject to increasing public shareholding to at least 25% within three years.
  • Companies with post-listing valuation > ₹1 lakh crore but ≤ ₹5 lakh crore must offer at least 2.75% of each share or debenture, subject to achieving specified timelines.
  • Companies with post-listing valuation > ₹5 lakh crore must offer at least 1% of each share or debenture if public shareholding at listing is <15%, increasing to at least 15% within five years and 25% within ten years.
  • Amendment clears the way for Reliance-owned Jio Platform and National Stock Exchange IPOs.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancels 36 NBFCs’ Certificate of Registration and accepts surrender of 9 licences in February 2026. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) of 36 NBFCs in February 2026.
  • Nine NBFCs surrendered their CoR to RBI during the same month.
  • Cancellation dates for the 36 NBFCs range from 16 February 2026 to 24 February 2026.
  • Among the cancelled NBFCs, Excellence Broking & Finance (P) Ltd. had its CoR issued on 1 November 2006 and cancelled on 16 February 2026.
  • Manglam Vanijya Private Limited surrendered its CoR issued on 19 August 2013 and the surrender was accepted on 11 February 2026.
  • KKR India Asset Finance Private Limited surrendered its CoR issued on 29 May 2024 and the surrender was accepted on 23 February 2026.
  • Premier Ferro Alloys & Securities Limited surrendered its CoR issued on 23 October 2003 and the surrender was accepted on 16 February 2026.

Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill-2026 proposes life imprisonment for sacrilege

Key Updates:

  • The Punjab Vidhan Sabha unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill-2026 to impose stringent penalties for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.
  • The bill proposes imprisonment of seven to 20 years and fines ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh for individuals found guilty of sacrilege.
  • For acts of sacrilege carried out as part of a criminal conspiracy to disrupt communal harmony, the punishment is fixed at 10 years to life imprisonment with fines up to ₹25 lakh.
  • The legislation mandates the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to maintain a central register of saroops with unique identification numbers in both physical and electronic formats.
  • Offences under this law are classified as cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable, to be tried by a sessions court.
  • Investigations under the Act must be conducted by a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) or Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
  • Any individual who attempts to commit an offence under the Act faces imprisonment of three to five years along with a fine of up to ₹3 lakh.

Similar Coverage

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 introduced in Lok Sabha to decriminalise minor offences (End of March) ▼
  • Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 introduced by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in Lok Sabha after incorporating select committee recommendations.
  • Bill proposes to amend 79 central acts administered by 23 ministries, affecting 784 provisions, of which 717 provisions are being decriminalised for ease of doing business and 67 for ease of living.
  • Earlier version Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on 18 March 2024 and referred to a select committee.
  • Bill withdrawn on 17 March 2026 and re-introduced after select committee recommendations.
  • Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, notified on 11 August 2023, decriminalised 183 provisions across 42 Central Acts administered by 19 ministries/departments.
Delhi High Court (DHC) reaffirms right to perform last rites as part of dignity under Article 21 (End of February) ▼
  • Delhi High Court (DHC) held that the right to perform last rites of a parent is an essential religious and moral duty protected under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
  • The Court granted four weeks emergency parole to convict Ajmer Singh alias Pinka in W.P.(CRL) 3146/2025 to attend his father’s Tehravi ceremony scheduled for 26.09.2025.
  • Ajmer Singh was convicted under Sections 376/354B/506 IPC and Section 66E of the IT Act, with sentences to run concurrently, and had served about one year nine months fifteen days without prior parole or furlough.
  • Rule 1212 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018 limits a single parole spell to four weeks and a total of eight weeks per conviction year.
  • The Court imposed parole conditions: personal bond of Rs 20,000 with one surety, weekly reporting to SHO PS Kanjhawala, residing at disclosed address, keeping mobile operational, and immediate surrender on expiry.
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 Introduced with Stricter Penalties and Medical Certification (Mid of March) ▼
  • Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) Virendra Kumar introduced the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, in Parliament on 13 March.
  • The Bill proposes to remove the right to gender self-identification established by the Supreme Court (SC) in the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India (2014) case.
  • It mandates the formation of a medical board headed by a Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or a Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) to recommend the issuance of identity certificates to the District Magistrate (DM).
  • The definition of a transgender person is narrowed to include those with socio-cultural identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani, jogta, and eunuch, or persons with specific congenital biological variations.
  • The Bill introduces a new category for individuals or children compelled to assume a transgender identity through force, deceit, mutilation, or surgical procedures.
  • State and Union Territory (UT) representatives on the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) must now hold a minimum rank of Director in their respective departments.
  • Kidnapping an adult to force a transgender identity carries a penalty of 10 years to life imprisonment and a minimum fine of ₹2 lakh, while the same offence against a child attracts life imprisonment and a ₹5 lakh fine.
  • Forcing an adult into begging or bonded labour as a transgender person attracts 5 to 10 years of imprisonment and a ₹1 lakh fine, increasing to 10 to 14 years and a ₹3 lakh fine for offences against children.
  • According to the National Portal for Transgender Persons, a total of 32,424 transgender identity cards have been issued under the existing 2019 Act.
Delhi High Court: Right to perform last rites is part of dignity under Article 21 (End of February) ▼
  • The Delhi High Court (HC) ruled that the right to perform the last rites of a parent is an essential religious and moral duty and a component of the right to dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
  • The ruling was delivered by Justice Ravinder Dudeja in the case of Ajmer Singh alias Pinka v. The State of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
  • The petition for emergency parole was filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India read with Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
  • The HC clarified that Rule 1212 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018, allows a convict to be released on parole for a maximum of eight weeks in a conviction year, with no single spell exceeding four weeks.
  • The petitioner in the case was convicted under Sections 376, 354B, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 66E of the Information Technology (IT) Act.
  • The Court emphasised that parole jurisprudence in India is humanitarian and reformist, aimed at maintaining family ties and social integration even in cases of grave convictions.
  • The HC observed that denying parole despite verified humanitarian grounds amounts to a mechanical application of rules and defeats the objective of correctional jurisprudence.

Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2026 and Delimitation Bill Shelved Following Lok Sabha Vote

Key Updates:

  • The Government of India decided to drop the Delimitation Bill 2026 after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2026 failed to pass in the Lok Sabha.
  • The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which proposed 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, secured 278 votes in favour and 211 against, falling short of the required two-thirds majority.
  • Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the delimitation exercise was interconnected with the women’s reservation amendment and the proposed extension of the quota to Union Territories (UTs).
  • The delimitation exercise, mandated under Articles 82 and 170 of the Constitution of India, involves redrawing parliamentary and assembly constituencies based on census data.
  • Under the shelved proposal, most states were expected to see a 50% increase in seat allocation, while Sikkim, Nagaland, and Mizoram would have seen no increase in parliamentary seats.
  • The legislation also included a proposal for a marginal rise in representation for Scheduled Castes (SC) in the Lok Sabha.

Similar Coverage

Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill – Lok Sabha Strength Raised to 850 Seats (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes to increase the total strength of the Lok Sabha from the current 545 to 850 members.
  • The Delimitation Bill, 2026 provides for a Delimitation Commission headed by a Supreme Court judge, with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and State Election Commissioners (SECs) as members.
  • The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 makes changes to the laws for Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry.
  • The amendment removes the constitutional freeze on readjustment of Lok Sabha seats that was based on the 1971 Census and allows delimitation based on the latest published census figures.
  • One-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, including within SC and ST quotas, will be operationalised, with seats to be rotated after each delimitation cycle for a period of 15 years.
  • The amendment raises the cap on elected members from states to 815 and from Union Territories to 35.
  • The Delimitation Commission will allocate seats, redraw constituency boundaries, and determine reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women, ensuring constituencies are geographically compact and consider physical features, administrative boundaries, communication facilities, and public convenience.
Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes expansion of Lok Sabha to 850 members (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 aims to increase the Lok Sabha strength to 850 members, comprising 815 representatives from States and 35 from Union Territories.
  • The Bill amends Article 82 to delete the proviso linking delimitation to the post-2026 Census, allowing the use of the 2011 Census data for immediate boundary redrawing.
  • It amends Article 334A to decouple the one-third women’s reservation from the post-2026 Census, enabling implementation once the 2026 Delimitation exercise is complete.
  • A Delimitation Commission 2026 will be established under the chairmanship of a serving or retired Supreme Court Judge, with the Chief Election Commissioner and State Election Commissioners as ex-officio members.
  • NITI Aayog released the Ease of Doing Research & Development (R&D) in India reports, focusing on four pillars: Funding, Governance, Regulatory Frameworks, and Research Translation.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) liberalised branch expansion rules for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), allowing those with Net Owned Funds (NOF) above ₹50 crore and a credit rating of AA or higher to open branches anywhere in India without prior approval.
  • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) increased the latitude for altering Initial Public Offering (IPO) fresh issue size from 20% to 50% without refiling the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) until 30 September 2026.
  • The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E) signed MoUs with Porter and Gigin Technologies to generate job opportunities via the National Career Service (NCS) portal.
  • The Maharashtra government signed a $6.5 billion MoU with Vietnam’s Vingroup for electric mobility and smart township projects.
  • The Department of Posts (DoP) and Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya (PMML) signed an MoU to promote democratic heritage through exhibitions and philatelic initiatives.
  • The Indian Air Force (IAF) and GE Aerospace signed an agreement to establish a domestic depot for F404 engines to enhance maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
Centre proposes 850-seat Lok Sabha expansion with 33% women’s quota from 2029 elections. (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Centre circulated three bills on 16 April 2026: Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, Delimitation Bill 2026, and Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill 2026.
  • Article 81 amendment will expand Lok Sabha from 543 to around 816 seats with an upper cap of 850.
  • The women’s reservation will create roughly 273 reserved seats, advancing implementation to the 2029 polls instead of 2034.
  • A three-member delimitation commission led by a current or retired Supreme Court judge and including Election Commission of India (ECI) representation will redraw constituencies.
  • The bills require a two-thirds majority in Parliament and ratification by at least 50% of states for passage.
  • Reserved seats for women will be rotated across constituencies in every election cycle.
  • The quota will apply to Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry, with ECI acting as delimitation authority for 24 vacant assembly segments in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The reservation will initially last 15 years unless extended by a future law.
Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana: Punjab Cabinet clears monthly aid of ₹1,000–₹1,500 for over 97% women (Start of April) ▼
  • The Punjab Cabinet approved the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana to provide ₹1,000 per month to all other women and ₹1,500 per month to Scheduled Caste women.
  • The scheme is expected to benefit more than 97% of women in Punjab.
  • A budgetary provision of ₹9,300 crore has been sanctioned for the scheme in 2026-27.
  • Eligible women must be 18 years or above, registered as voters in Punjab, possess a valid Aadhaar card with Punjab residency, and hold a valid Voter ID issued by the Election Commission of India.
  • Financial assistance will be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts under the Direct Benefit Transfer mode.
  • There is no restriction on the number of eligible women in a family, and existing social security pensioners will continue to receive full benefits under this scheme in addition to their pensions.

Chhattisgarh Cabinet Approves Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Implementation and Property Fee Concession for Women

[Chhattisgarh]

Key Updates:

  • The Chhattisgarh government approved the proposal to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to ensure legal uniformity and empowerment of women.
  • A high-level committee headed by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai has been constituted to prepare the draft framework for the UCC.
  • The UCC seeks to replace religion-based personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family matters with a simplified legal structure.
  • The state cabinet announced a 50 percent concession in property registration fees for assets registered in the name of women.
  • The property registration fee concession is estimated to result in a revenue impact of approximately ₹153 crore to the state exchequer.
  • Uttarakhand was the first state to implement the UCC in 2024-25, while Goa follows the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867.
  • The UCC committee will consult citizens, legal experts, and stakeholders before placing the draft bill before the state Assembly.

Similar Coverage

Uniform Civil Code (UCC) – Uniform Legal Framework for Chhattisgarh (Mid of April) ▼
  • On 16 April 2026, the Chhattisgarh Cabinet approved a high‑level committee to prepare a draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) framework.
  • The committee is headed by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.
  • The committee will consult citizens, legal experts and stakeholders and may invite feedback through a web portal.
  • The draft prepared by the committee will be placed before the state Assembly after Cabinet approval.
  • Article 44 of the Constitution directs states to work towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for all citizens.
  • The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttarakhand implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in January 2025, becoming the first state to do so.
  • The Gujarat Assembly passed a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill last month.
Gujarat UCC report emphasises equal rights, women protection and cultural diversity (Mid of March) ▼
  • The high-level committee on Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for Gujarat submitted its final report to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar.
  • The committee was headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.
  • The report suggested a common legal framework for all religions and communities on marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.
  • The committee prepared the report after detailed study and district visits to collect public opinion.
Gujarat Assembly passes Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill (End of March) ▼
  • The Gujarat Assembly passed the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill by a majority vote, making Gujarat the second state in India after Uttarakhand to adopt such legislation.
  • The Bill seeks to regulate personal civil matters including marriage, divorce, succession, adoption, and live-in relationships for residents of the state.
  • The legislation was drafted based on a report submitted by a committee headed by former Supreme Court (SC) judge Ranjana Desai.
  • The Ranjana Desai committee studied the civil codes of France, Azerbaijan, Nepal, Germany, and Turkey and received over 20 lakh suggestions before drafting the Bill.
  • The Bill excludes members of all tribal communities falling within specific constitutional provisions from its jurisdiction.
  • Specific provisions include legal security for daughters in live-in relationships and the application of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for cases involving minors.
  • The Bill clarifies that customary traditions, such as cousin marriages, will be considered legal if they are an accepted tradition within a community.
  • Penal provisions have been included for individuals who enter into marriages by concealing their identity or through fraud.
Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 introduces procedural, administrative and penal improvements for effective implementation. (End of January) ▼
  • Uttarakhand Government implemented the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, after Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) approved it under Article 213 of the Constitution of India.
  • The ordinance amends the UCC Act, 2024, and came into force immediately.
  • It simplifies marriage registration, enabling fully online application from anywhere without physical presence at Sub-Registrar offices.
  • Within less than a year of UCC implementation, 4,74,447 marriages have been registered, averaging about 1,400 registrations per day compared to 67 per day under the previous Uttarakhand Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2010.
  • Couples and witnesses can now upload documents and record video statements online to complete registration.

AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) formed for national AI strategy

[AI Governance and Economic Group]

Key Updates:

  • The Centre announced the formation of the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) to lead the national AI governance strategy.
  • AIGEG is a high-level inter-ministerial body designed to coordinate the development of AI policy across central ministries and institutions.
  • The body is chaired by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, with Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics & IT and Commerce & Industry, serving as Vice Chairperson.
  • Members of AIGEG include the Principal Scientific Advisor, the Chief Economic Advisor, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog.
  • The body includes secretaries from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Department of Telecommunications, Department of Economic Affairs, Department of Science and Technology, and a representative of the National Security Council Secretariat.
  • The Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC) will support AIGEG by providing expert advisory on global developments, emerging technologies, risks, and regulation.
  • The mandate of AIGEG includes reviewing existing AI mechanisms, studying regulatory gaps, issuing compliance guidelines for firms, and developing a roadmap for AI deployment over the next decade.
  • The AI Safety Institute is designated as the main body responsible for guiding the safe and trusted development and use of AI in India.
  • AI governance guidelines released by MeitY in November last year suggested amending the Information Technology (IT) Act to classify AI systems, create an India-specific risk assessment framework, and establish a national database for AI-related security incidents.

Similar Coverage

India ranks 6th in Global AI Brain Race Report 2026; United States (US) leads (End of February) ▼
  • The Global AI Brain Race Report 2026, published by essayhumaniser.io, evaluated over 100 countries based on their Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities.
  • The United States (US) secured the first rank with a score of 82 out of 100, leading in AI Research and Development (R&D), economic integration, and infrastructure.
  • China ranked second with a score of 59 out of 100, supported by 107 top AI universities and strong R&D performance.
  • Singapore placed third with a score of 37 out of 100, followed by South Korea at fourth and the United Kingdom (UK) at fifth.
  • India ranked sixth globally with a score of 32 out of 100, driven by talent readiness (9.12/16.67) but constrained by infrastructure (0.65/16.67) and governance (0.11/5.56).
  • The evaluation framework combined eight factors: AI R&D, economic integration, infrastructure, talent readiness, governance, responsible AI, public opinion, and academic strength.
India and Sweden launch Sweden–India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC) (End of February) ▼
  • India and Sweden have jointly developed a dedicated programme called the Sweden–India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC).
  • The partnership was formalised through a Statement of Intent to connect the AI and digital technology ecosystems of both nations.
  • Kavita Bhatia, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the IndiaAI Mission, stated that the collaboration positions both countries to shape global technological change based on shared democratic values.
  • Sofia Hogman, Trade and Invest Commissioner of Sweden to India, noted that the corridor initiative aims to create new business opportunities and deliver real-world industrial outcomes.
  • The collaboration focuses on using AI to drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development while managing potential risks.
88 countries sign New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact at India AI Impact Summit (End of February) ▼
  • 88 countries and international organisations, including the United States, China, France, Australia and the UK, signed the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact on Friday.
  • The declaration was the key outcome document of the five-day India AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi.
  • Signatories endorsed a Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI to promote access to foundational AI resources and support locally relevant innovation.
  • The Global AI Impact Commons was noted as a voluntary platform to encourage adoption and scale-up of successful AI use cases across regions.
  • The Trusted AI Commons was endorsed as a collaborative platform consolidating technical resources, tools, benchmarks and best practices.
  • The declaration backed creation of an International Network of AI for Science Institutions to connect scientific communities and pool AI research capabilities.
  • Signatories endorsed voluntary guiding principles for reskilling in the age of AI and a playbook on AI workforce development.
  • Voluntary Guiding Principles on Resilient, Innovative, and Efficient Artificial Intelligence were also noted in the declaration.
Government unveils India’s first AI governance guidelines ahead of AI Impact Summit 2026 (Mid of February) ▼
  • India released its first comprehensive AI governance guidelines on Sunday, opting for a principle-based framework over a new law.
  • The framework is anchored in seven principles: trust as foundation, people first, innovation over restraint, fairness and equity, accountability, understandable by design, and safety, resilience and sustainability.
  • Guidelines apply to AI development and use across healthcare, education, agriculture, finance and governance sectors.
  • Existing laws such as IT rules, data protection laws and criminal statutes will cover AI-related risks instead of a standalone AI law.
  • New proposed institutions include an AI governance group for inter-ministerial coordination, a technology and policy expert committee for expert inputs, and an AI safety institute for testing standards and risk assessment.
  • Developers and deployers must publish transparency reports, disclose AI-generated content, provide grievance redressal, and cooperate with regulators.
  • High-risk AI applications affecting safety, rights or livelihoods must follow stronger safeguards and human oversight.
  • The five-day AI Impact Summit 2026 begins on Monday, positioning India as a global voice for responsible and inclusive AI governance aligned with ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare hosts first BRICS Health Working Group meeting 2026

[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, BRICS]

Key Updates:

  • The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) chaired the First Health Working Group (HWG) Meeting under the BRICS framework for 2026 in New Delhi.
  • India is the BRICS Chair for 2026, guided by the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
  • The meeting included delegates from BRICS member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Indonesia.
  • Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava proposed two new priority areas under India's Chairship: BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles and Promotion of Mental Health and Wellness.
  • The BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles focuses on addressing risk factors including unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful use of alcohol.
  • The HWG deliberated on nine priority areas: BRICS TB Research Network, collaboration among BRICS Medical Products Regulatory Authorities, BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for prevention and response to mass infectious diseases, Digital Health Architecture for continuum of care, BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles, promotion of mental health and wellness, Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM), fight against diseases driven by social determinants of health (DDSDH), and BRICS Network of National Public Health Institutes.

Similar Coverage

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.
France hosts One Health Summit in Lyon on 7 April 2026 (Start of April) ▼
  • The One Health Summit will be held in Lyon (France) on 7 April 2026, marking World Health Day.
  • For the first time, Heads of State and Government from around the world will gather to step up the implementation of the One Health approach.
  • The One Health approach recognises the interlinkage between human, animal and ecosystem health and seeks to strike a balance between them.
  • The Summit is the ninth One Planet Summit and is being held in synergy with France’s 2026 G7 Presidency.
  • A One Health Festival is being held in France and abroad from 16 March to 15 May 2026, involving more than 150 events.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit Delhi on 14-15 May for BRICS foreign ministers meeting (Start of April) ▼
  • Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit New Delhi on 14-15 May to attend the BRICS foreign ministers meeting.
  • The meeting will finalise the general outlines of the documents to be submitted to the BRICS summit under India’s 2026 presidency.
  • Lavrov will hold a separate working visit to meet External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and other Indian officials.
BRICS CCI WE Summit 2026 held in New Delhi from March 21 to 23 (End of March) ▼
  • The 6th edition of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI) Women Empowerment (WE) Annual Women’s Summit & Felicitations 2026 was held in New Delhi from March 21 to 23.
  • The summit theme was 'Women in Innovation, Science Leadership, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (WISE) – Inspiring Change, Shaping Tomorrow'.
  • Ruby Sinha, President of BRICS CCI WE, launched the commemorative coffee table book 'WISE Collective: Echoes of Excellence' during the summit.
  • A memorandum of understanding was signed with SEBRAE, Brazil’s Micro and Small Business Support Service, to enhance collaboration for women-led enterprises.
  • The convocation ceremony of the third edition of the BRICS CCI WE Global Women Leadership Programme took place at the summit.
  • Mission ShakthiSAT was unveiled by Meenakshi Lekhi, former Minister of State for External Affairs and Global Chair of the initiative.
  • Actor Shabana Azmi received the BRICS CCI WE Trailblazer: Living Legend recognition for her five decades in Indian cinema.
  • Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog and former President of NASSCOM, was conferred the Lifetime Achievement recognition.
  • Kalpana Murmu Soren, MLA from Gandey, Jharkhand, was recognised as the BRICS CCI WE Inspiring Woman of the Year.
  • Actor and climate advocate Bhumi Pednekar was felicitated as a BRICS CCI WE Woman Icon.

Odisha becomes first state to implement Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) for integrated coastal management

[Odisha]

Key Updates:

  • Odisha is the first state in India to implement the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) in the second phase.
  • The Odisha government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences to launch the MSP.
  • The MSP is part of the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative under an MoU signed between India and Norway in 2019.
  • The first phase of the MSP was implemented in the Union territories of Puducherry and Lakshadweep.
  • The MSP aims to boost the blue economy and strengthen climate resilience through sustainable and integrated ocean management.
  • The NCCR will conduct benthic mapping (mapping vegetation below water) and study water salinity and temperature to identify areas suitable for fisheries, tourism, seagrass, and seaweeds.
  • Odisha has a coastline of more than 550km featuring lagoons, mangroves, and estuaries.
  • In August 2025, the Odisha government launched the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) to promote biotechnology for marine environmental protection and economic development.

Similar Coverage

Integrated Aqua Park Project: ₹100 Crore Sanctioned for Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced sanction of a ₹100-crore Integrated Aqua Park Project to be established in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The announcement was made during the first national conference on Cold Water Fisheries held in Srinagar.
  • The Integrated Aqua Park will strengthen aquaculture infrastructure, boost cold-water fisheries development, increase fish production and create employment opportunities in the region.
  • Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and other dignitaries jointly released the Model Guidelines for Reservoir Fisheries and Aquaculture Management during the conference.
  • The guidelines cover scientific seed stocking, cage- and pen-based aquaculture, leasing and governance mechanisms, biodiversity conservation, value chain linkages and monitoring systems.
  • Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasised scaling up trout production and strengthening incomes of cold-water fish farmers by enhancing productivity, improving value addition and tapping export markets.
  • The Union Minister urged organising fish farmers through cooperatives and Fish Farmers Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and encouraged states and Union Territories to support farmers in accessing schemes, infrastructure and credit.
  • The ₹100-crore Aqua Park sanctioned for Anantnag and funding under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) will enable local enterprises to scale up operations.
  • Minister of State SP Singh Baghel highlighted the potential of India’s cold-water fisheries sector and stated that sustained government investments, including the ₹100-crore Aqua Park in Jammu and Kashmir, will serve as hubs for innovation, training, processing and aggregation.
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.
Supreme Court (SC) clears removal of 45,675 mangroves for Versova-Bhayandar coastal road (End of March) ▼
  • The Supreme Court (SC) refused to interfere with a Bombay High Court (HC) order allowing the removal of 45,675 mangrove trees for the proposed Versova-Bhayandar coastal road.
  • A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant noted that the project is intended to decongest the western highway and provide significant advantages to Mumbai residents.
  • The project proponent has identified 31 hectares of land for compensatory afforestation, which received permission on 12 December 2025.
  • The SC mandated that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Nagpur, must file annual status and audit reports for the next 10 years on or before 12 January.
  • The environmental NGO Vanasakthi contested the project, stating that mangroves absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) five times more than normal forests and serve as critical flood protection for Mumbai.
  • The court emphasised the need to maintain a balance between environmental protection norms and developmental requirements in the public interest.
National Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0: ₹1.51 Lakh Crore Outlay for 100% Rural Tap Water Coverage (End of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) signed a reform-linked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Meghalaya government under the National Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0.
  • Meghalaya is the 12th state in India to sign the agreement under JJM 2.0, which was approved by the Union Cabinet on 10 March 2026.
  • The Union Cabinet approved an additional outlay of ₹1.51 lakh crore for the Mission, with approximately ₹67,300 crore allocated in the Union Budget for 2025-26.
  • The national deadline for providing 100 per cent tap water coverage and sanitation has been extended from May 2024 to December 2028.
  • Meghalaya has achieved 83.59 per cent rural tap water coverage and aims to reach 100 per cent coverage by December 2028.
  • The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) stated that Gram Panchayats and Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) will be empowered to manage in-village water supply systems.
  • The MoU was signed by Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary of the DDWS, and Praveen Bakshi, Commissioner and Secretary of the Meghalaya Public Health Engineering (PHE) department.
  • Meghalaya adopted a comprehensive Water Policy in 2019 and has constituted a climate council involving multiple departments to address water-related issues.

France and United Kingdom convene international conference to establish Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative on April 17, 2026

[France, United Kingdom]

Key Updates:

  • French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired an international conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris on April 17, 2026.
  • The summit focused on the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative, a defensive mission intended to restore free passage through the waterway.
  • Approximately 30 to 40 countries participated in the meeting, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni.
  • The initiative is a response to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, a chokepoint through which one-fifth of the world's oil usually passes.
  • The United Kingdom (UK) has discussed the deployment of mine-hunting drones from the ship RFA Lyme Bay as part of the military planning.
  • France has dispatched a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, a helicopter carrier, and several frigates to the region for the mission.
  • The mission is designated as strictly defensive and limited to non-belligerent countries, with the United States (US) excluded from the current discussions.

Similar Coverage

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.
9th Indian Ocean Conference – 10 to 12 April 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • The 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2026) was inaugurated in Port Louis, Mauritius and will run from 10 to 12 April 2026.
  • The conference is organised by India Foundation in association with the Government of Mauritius under the theme “Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance.”
  • Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam was the Chief Guest at the inaugural session.
  • External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar delivered the keynote address.
  • Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi also addressed the session.
  • On 9 April, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met Mauritius Prime Minister Ramgoolam and President Dharambeer Gokhool, conveying greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • A Letter of Exchange on a Special Economic Package was signed, reaffirming India’s commitment to Mauritius’ infrastructure development, health and security.
  • Eleven India-supported High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) were inaugurated across Mauritius covering sustainable development, energy, sports and infrastructure.
  • The iGOT Karmayogi portal, India’s flagship civil services capacity‑building platform, was launched exclusively for Mauritian civil servants – the first such launch for any partner country.
  • University Grants Commission of India (UGC) and the Higher Education Commission of Mauritius exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding.
  • A royalty cheque of USD 45,000 was handed over to Mauritius for the sale of nautical charts.
  • A Renal Transplant Unit was inaugurated at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Mauritius.
  • An AYUSH Centre of Excellence is slated for completion in Mauritius.
  • The final lot of e‑buses was handed over to support sustainable public transport in Mauritius.
  • An Indian public sector enterprise is developing Mauritius’ first floating solar power project.
  • India will soon appoint a Defence Attaché in Mauritius – the first Defence Attaché for the country.
  • A Government‑to‑Government agreement for the supply of oil and gas to Mauritius is in its final stages.
  • On the sidelines, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Seychelles Foreign Minister Barry Faure, former Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Bhutan’s Foreign Minister D.N. Dhungyel and Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal.
  • The conference aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First policy, Vision MAHASAGAR, and the Global South commitment.
Russia and China veto UN Security Council resolution on Strait of Hormuz security (Start of April) ▼
  • The UN Security Council (UNSC) failed to adopt a resolution on boosting security in the Strait of Hormuz after Russia and China exercised their veto on 7 April 2026.
  • Eleven countries voted in favour, Colombia and Pakistan abstained, and permanent members China and Russia voted against the draft resolution.
  • The draft was submitted by Bahrain together with Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
  • The draft resolution encouraged States to coordinate defensive efforts to ensure safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and demanded Iran immediately cease all attacks on shipping.
  • Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani stated that the Council’s failure to adopt the resolution sends the wrong signal that threats to international waterways can pass without decisive action.
  • United States Ambassador Mike Waltz declared that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be held hostage and must not be weaponized by any one State.
  • Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticised the draft for presenting Iranian actions as the sole source of tensions while omitting illegal attacks by the United States and Israel.
  • Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong said the draft failed to capture the root causes and the full picture of the conflict comprehensively and in a balanced manner.
  • Iran’s Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani claimed the draft sought to punish Iran for defending its sovereignty while providing cover for further unlawful acts by aggressors.
  • The UNSC comprises 15 members, of which 5 permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States—hold veto power.
United Nations establishes Task Force on Strait of Hormuz disruptions (End of March) ▼
  • United Nations (UN) Secretary-General created a Task Force led by Under-Secretary-General Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
  • The Task Force includes representatives from United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Maritime Organization (IMO), and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
  • The mechanism aims to facilitate fertilizer trade and related raw materials movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The initiative draws on previous UN mechanisms: UN Verification, Inspection and Monitoring Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM), Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), and UN2720 Mechanism for Gaza.

Ahmedabad Kankaria Becomes India’s First Water Neutral Coaching Depot

Key Updates:

  • The Kankaria Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad has become the first water-neutral coaching depot in India.
  • The facility utilizes a natural purification process involving plants to treat wastewater for reuse.
  • The depot saves approximately 1.60 lakh litres of water daily, significantly reducing its dependence on freshwater sources.
  • This initiative by the Ministry of Railways (MoR) aims to promote environmental protection and sustainable water management.

Similar Coverage

Indian Railways approves ₹647.58 crore connectivity projects in Gujarat and Bihar (End of March) ▼
  • Indian Railways sanctioned two projects worth ₹647.58 crore on 24 March 2026 to improve connectivity and reduce congestion.
  • The rail-over-rail flyover at Kosamba, Gujarat, spans 9.20 km and costs ₹344.38 crore to connect the Kosamba–Umrapada gauge conversion section with the Mumbai–Vadodara main line.
  • The 13.38 km bypass line at Bhagalpur, Bihar, costs ₹303.20 crore and will link Gonudham Halt on the Barahat–Bhagalpur section with Sabour on the Bhagalpur–Sahibganj section.
  • The Barahat–Bhagalpur section currently operates at over 125 per cent capacity utilisation, causing congestion and requiring engine reversal at Bhagalpur junction.
Narmada canal-based drinking water project reaches Sundra village after 728 km (Mid of April) ▼
  • Narmada canal water originating from Amarkantak hills in Madhya Pradesh has reached Sundra village in Barmer district after travelling 728 km.
  • Sundra, located along the India–Pakistan border in Rajasthan, has received clean potable drinking water through taps for the first time since Independence.
  • The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) project aims to supply water to more than 200 villages in the region.
  • The project infrastructure includes 16 large water storage reservoirs, several pumping stations, and over 80 elevated service reservoirs.
PM Modi inaugurates Adani Ports’ Haldia Bulk Terminal with 4 MMTPA capacity (Mid of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the Haldia Bulk Terminal (HBT), a fully automated dry bulk handling facility developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) at the Haldia Dock Complex of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port.
  • The terminal has an annual cargo handling capacity of four million metric tonnes (MMTPA) and is located on the Hooghly River.
  • Developed under a 30-year concession through the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model by HDC Bulk Terminal Ltd, construction began on July 14, 2023.
  • The facility includes a 2,000-tonne Railway Wagon Loading System (RWLS), a 1.54-km dedicated rail line for direct ship-to-train cargo evacuation, advanced conveyor systems, two stacker-cum-reclaimers for automated stockyard operations, and two mobile harbour cranes.
  • The terminal is designed to handle imported coal and other dry bulk commodities and will serve industrial consumers in West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand.
Inland Waterways Projects on Brahmaputra (NW-2) with ₹526 crore Investment Launched (Mid of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an elevated road corridor connecting Pandu Port in Guwahati to National Highway-27 built with an investment of ₹180 crore.
  • He laid the foundation stone for the Cruise Terminal at Biswanath Ghat and performed Bhoomi Pujan for the Cruise Terminal at Neamati with a combined investment of ₹158 crore.
  • Bhoomi Pujan was performed for the Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) at Bogibeel, Dibrugarh, being developed with an investment of ₹188 crore to train over 5,000 students annually in vessel operations, inland navigation and maritime logistics.
  • All four projects are being implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) to boost infrastructure on inland waterways on river Brahmaputra (NW-2).

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) launches Vikram Sodhi Centre of Excellence for AI-Enabled Geological and Mining Systems

[Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) has established the Vikram Sodhi Centre of Excellence for AI-Enabled Geological and Mining Systems with a funding commitment of ₹15 crore.
  • The centre is funded by Vikram Sodhi, the Vice Chairman of Mineros SA and Managing Partner at Sun Valley Investments, over a period of five years.
  • The initiative aims to develop artificial intelligence-driven solutions specifically tailored to Indian geological conditions and mining systems.
  • The research scope covers multiple stages including exploration, mine planning, mineral processing, predictive maintenance, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) analytics.
  • The centre will implement an industry-linked Grand Challenges Programme using operational mine datasets provided by industry partners rather than simulated inputs.
  • The facility is established as an independent interdisciplinary unit within IIT Kharagpur under the academic oversight of the Dean of Research and Development.
  • The launch of the centre coincides with the Platinum Jubilee year of IIT Kharagpur.
  • The centre is named after the Sodhi family, including alumnus Col. Manjeet Sodhi who completed his M.Tech. in Radar Systems Engineering at the institute in 1977.

Similar Coverage

Deakin University and Telangana Government sign MoU for Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) collaboration (Mid of April) ▼
  • Deakin University and the Government of Telangana, through Aikam™, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on applied Artificial Intelligence (AI), skilling, research, and innovation.
  • The agreement was signed at the Telangana State Secretariat by Professor Iain Martin, Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, and Shri Phani Nagarjuna, CEO of Aikam™.
  • The partnership focuses on three key pillars: AI skilling and education, research and applied innovation, and ecosystem and industry engagement.
  • A Joint Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Applied AI, named the Aikam-Deakin Hub for Research in Intelligent Technology & Innovation (Aikam-DHRITI), will be established under the agreement.
  • Aikam™ is India's first ecosystem-approach based open innovation entity designed to position Telangana as a global hub for frontier technologies.
  • The collaboration aims to develop public sector use-case applications by leveraging emerging technologies such as Data, Cybersecurity, AI, and Machine Learning.
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) launches Pragya-AIX unifying 26+ AI apps to boost oil and gas output (End of January) ▼
  • Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has gone live with Pragya-AIX, its Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Exchange.
  • Pragya-AIX integrates over 26 intelligent applications into a single unified digital platform.
  • The platform centralises AI solutions for seismic analytics, production optimisation, and smart field monitoring.
  • Pragya-AIX aims to transform data into strategic decisions, improving safety, cost efficiency, and process optimisation across the hydrocarbon value chain.
  • The deployment positions ONGC to support India’s energy security and self-reliance goals through scaled AI-driven upstream operations.
Padhai with AI App Launched to Provide Digital Learning for Competitive Exams (Start of February) ▼
  • Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the Padhai with AI app, an initiative of the Bilaspur district administration.
  • The AI-based digital learning platform is designed for students in Bilaspur district preparing for various competitive examinations.
  • The initiative ensures a fully digital learning system and provides continuous academic counselling to students.
  • The programme is supported by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to provide technology-based and quality educational facilities.
  • The Himachal Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s Geotropy India Pvt. Ltd. for geothermal energy exploration.
  • The MoU aims to harness green energy sources to transition Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy State.
  • The agreement was signed by the Chief Engineer of the Directorate of Energy, D.P. Gupt, and the Chairperson of Iceland-based GEOTROPY ehf, Tomos Otto Hansson.
  • The Ambassador of Iceland to India, Benedikt Hoskuldsson, and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi were present during the signing of the agreement.
Survey of India (SoI) inks five-year MoU with Digital University of Kerala (DUK) for geospatial and AI research (Start of March) ▼
  • Survey of India (SoI), the national nodal agency for geospatial data under the Department of Science and Technology, signed a five-year MoU with Digital University of Kerala (DUK).
  • The MoU focuses on academic and research collaboration in geo-informatics, AI, machine learning for automated feature extraction, geodesy, astronomy and related engineering disciplines.
  • SoI officials can pursue postgraduate and doctoral programmes at DUK with joint supervision of research.
  • The partnership includes customised training programmes, expert lectures, collaborative research projects, co-authored publications and joint participation in national and international initiatives.
  • DUK students will gain internships, capstone projects and dissertation opportunities at SoI under joint mentorship.
  • Both institutions will share research infrastructure, geospatial datasets, laboratories and library resources.

Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) becomes India's first ISO 50001:2018-certified water board

[Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, International Organization for Standardization]

Key Updates:

  • The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has become the first water utility board in India to be awarded the internationally recognised ISO 50001:2018 certification.
  • The certification was officially issued on April 14, 2026, by Bureau Veritas to formally recognise the board's energy management systems.
  • The certificate honours the BWSSB for maintaining its bulk water supply pumping stations at international standards across three critical locations: TK Halli, Harohalli, and Tataguni.
  • In 2025, the BWSSB became the first water board in India to receive the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for its piped drinking water supply management system.

Similar Coverage

HMG Stones becomes India’s first natural stone company to achieve dual ISO 9001:2015 and 5S Gold Grade certifications (Start of February) ▼
  • HMG Stone LLP (HMG Stones) has become the first company in India’s natural stone industry to simultaneously secure ISO 9001:2015 and 5S Gold Grade certifications.
  • The ISO 9001:2015 certification for Quality Management System was awarded by M/s TUV India Private Limited, a subsidiary of TUV NORD Germany.
  • The 5S Gold Grade certification for workplace organisation and operational discipline was conferred by ABK-AOTS DOSOKAI, headquartered in Japan.
  • The certifications cover the primary manufacturing units of HMG Stones in Attibele and Yadavanahalli, the Wilson Garden flagship showroom, and the Sankey Road Experience Centre.
  • The Japanese 5S framework implemented by the firm includes the principles of Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise, and Sustain.
  • Operational improvements reported following the certifications include an 80% reduction in tool search time, a 50% reduction in machine downtime, and a 75% reduction in defect rates.
  • Anand Reddy serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bengaluru-based natural stone company.
Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) obtains Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approval for high-strength steel grades (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) has obtained an extension of its certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
  • The new approval includes four advanced steel grades: ISC 440 LA, ISC 470 LA, ISC 510 LA, and ISC 550 LA.
  • The existing BIS licence for the plant previously covered steel grades only up to ISC 410.
  • The certification standardises High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) cold-rolled steel produced at the plant under the IS 513 (Part 2) framework.
  • These HSLA grades are designed to meet nationally recognised quality benchmarks for use across critical industrial sectors.
Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) Bengaluru attains ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for biochemistry and haematology (Mid of April) ▼
  • The clinical laboratory at Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) Bengaluru received ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for biochemistry and haematology.
  • CARI Bengaluru is the first institute under Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to achieve ISO 15189:2022 accreditation.
  • The laboratory currently holds National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation for 50 test parameters across biochemistry and haematology.
  • During 2025-26 the laboratory conducted over 1.52 lakh investigations serving more than 9,300 patients.
  • Outpatient department footfall at the institute rose from 18,918 in 2021 to over 51,300 in 2026.
  • Laboratory investigations increased from 2,770 tests in 2021 to over 1.55 lakh in 2026.
India hosts International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS 2026) in Bengaluru under DRIP Phase II & III (Mid of February) ▼
  • International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS 2026) held at J.N. Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru on 13-14 February 2026.
  • Organised by Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti and Water Resources Department, Government of Karnataka in collaboration with Central Water Commission (CWC), IISc Bengaluru and World Bank.
  • Inaugurated by Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka; presided over by D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka.
  • Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudary stressed timely implementation of Dam Safety Act, 2021 for India’s 6,500+ specified dams.
  • DAMCHAT AI-powered platform launched by International Center of Excellence for Dams (ICED), IIT Roorkee; Jal Shakti Data Management platform of National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) unveiled.
  • Publications released: ACIWRM Karnataka publications and Central Water Commission’s Guidelines for Design Flood Estimation for Mini and Micro Catchment Areas.
  • 750+ delegates and representatives from 12 countries—India, Austria, Australia, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Canada, Zambia, Zimbabwe, France, Japan, Philippines, United States of America—participated.
  • 25 exhibitors showcased technologies, monitoring systems, rehabilitation materials and digital innovations in dam safety.

Scientists and Indigenous rangers rediscover Night Parrot population in Australia

[Australia]

Key Updates:

  • The night parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis), a small green-and-yellow bird species, was studied in Ngururrpa Country in Australia’s interior.
  • Indigenous rangers and scientists from the University of Queensland (UQ) deployed weatherproof audio recorders and camera traps between 2020 and 2023.
  • The study found that the birds roost in mature, dense clumps of bull spinifex (Triodia longiceps) which provide essential thermal cover and protection.
  • Ecologists identified that dingoes play a vital role in the ecosystem by suppressing feral cat populations, which are primary predators of the night parrot.
  • The research team estimated a population of approximately 50 night parrots in the protected area of the Great Sandy Desert.
  • The study, published in the journal Wildlife Research, suggests that cooler-season controlled burns can prevent high-intensity wildfires from destroying parrot habitats.

Similar Coverage

Tagged Sanderling completes 7,472 km Australia-to-Andamans migration (Start of April) ▼
  • A Sanderling tagged on 13 April 2025 at Brown Bay, South Australia, was photographed on Narcondam Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • The bird covered 7,472 km in just over two months before being spotted in June 2025.
  • Photographer G Thikanna, an Andaman Police officer, recorded the bird during a routine shoreline check.
  • The 40–100 gram wader carried a red flag marked ‘DYM’ and a yellow tag enabling origin confirmation.
  • Mumbai-based ornithologist Dr Raju Kasambe stated this is the first recorded re-sighting of a tagged bird on Narcondam Island.
  • The sighting underscores the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, a migratory route spanning 37 countries from the Arctic to Australia and New Zealand.
  • Narcondam Island, located about 140 nautical miles from Port Blair, is noted for biodiversity including the Narcondam Hornbill.
  • The bird was originally tagged by Maureen Christie as part of South Australian shorebird monitoring efforts.
Koala population rebound in southeastern Australia boosts genetic diversity and curbs inbreeding risks. (Start of March) ▼
  • Koala numbers in Victoria rebounded from ~500 in the early 20th century to nearly 500,000 by 2020.
  • Research published on 5 March in Science analysed genetic data from 418 koalas across 27 populations in eastern Australia.
  • Rapid population growth has increased beneficial genetic combinations and reduced rates of tooth and testicle malformations in Victorian koalas.
  • Northern koalas currently show higher genetic diversity but face a genetic bottleneck due to population decline.
  • Cesar Australia evolutionary biologist Collin Aherns compared the recovery pattern to the Roesel’s bush cricket in Sweden, which regained lost genetic diversity in 15 generations.
  • University of East Anglia evolutionary geneticist Cock van Oosterhout noted that wild-species data supporting evolutionary recovery theories remain limited.
World Sparrow Day observed on March 20 (End of March) ▼
  • World Sparrow Day is observed annually on March 20 to raise awareness and encourage conservation efforts for the house sparrow.
  • The initiative was first introduced in 2010 by Nature Forever, a bird conservation organisation in India, and has expanded to 50 countries.
  • The house sparrow was designated as the official state bird of Delhi in 2012.
  • Environmental conservationist Jagat Kinkhabwala launched the Save The Sparrow campaign, which received support from Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in 2017.
  • A 2025 Press Information Bureau (PIB) statement highlighted the efforts of Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Brij Lal, who established 50 nests for sparrows at his home.
  • The house sparrow plays a vital role in ecological balance by regulating insect populations and assisting in pollination and seed dispersal.
  • The decline in the sparrow population is attributed to habitat loss, excessive pesticide usage, pollution, industrialisation, and modern building designs that lack nesting spaces.
Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) Classified as Critically Endangered (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Philippine eagle, scientifically known as Pithecophaga jefferyi, is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
  • It is one of the largest raptors globally, with adults standing approximately one metre tall and possessing a wingspan of nearly two metres (6.5 feet).
  • Fewer than 500 mature individuals are estimated to remain in the wild, primarily due to habitat loss, hunting, and forest degradation.
  • The bird is an apex predator that feeds on monkeys, flying squirrels, civets, bats, snakes, birds, and reptiles.
  • Its habitat is largely restricted to primary dipterocarp forests in the Philippines, with territories covering more than 100 square kilometres.
  • The species has a slow breeding cycle, typically laying one egg every two years and reaching sexual maturity at age seven.
  • Conservation efforts, including captive breeding programmes and protection laws, have been in place since the 1970s.

World Bank launches 'Water Forward' programme to expand global water access

[World Bank]

Key Updates:

  • The World Bank launched the "Water Forward" programme to improve secure water access for one billion people within the next four years.
  • The programme aims to expand reliable water services and strengthen systems against droughts and floods.
  • The World Bank intends to use its funds and technical advice to improve water supplies for 400 million people by 2030.
  • Participating institutions include regional development banks, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) development fund, and the New Development Bank (NDB).
  • Fourteen countries have voluntarily committed to reform and strengthen their water sectors under the new programme.
  • Approximately four billion people, representing half of the global population, face water scarcity.

Similar Coverage

World Water Day 2026: Water and Gender (End of March) ▼
  • World Water Day 2026 is observed on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
  • The official theme for 2026 is 'Water and Gender' with the campaign slogan 'Where water flows, equality grows'.
  • World Water Day was first observed on Monday, March 22, 1993, following United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/47/193 adopted on December 22, 1992.
  • UN-Water is the coordinating body for World Water Day, with UNICEF and UN Women as the 2026 campaign co-leads.
  • The UN World Water Development Report 2026, titled 'Water for all people: Equal rights and opportunities', was launched on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
  • 2.2 billion people — approximately 27% of the global population — lack access to safely managed drinking water.
  • Women and girls spend an estimated 200 million hours per day collectively collecting water.
  • Women hold fewer than 20% of leadership roles in the water sector across most regions.
  • WASH stands for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.
  • SDG 6 calls for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water and adequate sanitation for all by 2030.
International Day of Action for Rivers 2026 observed on March 14 with theme 'Protect Rivers, Protect People' (Mid of March) ▼
  • International Day of Action for Rivers is celebrated annually on March 14.
  • The 2026 theme is 'Protect Rivers, Protect People'.
  • The day was first observed in 1997 after a global meeting in Curitiba, Brazil, where representatives from 20 countries decided March 14 would be the official day.
  • Saudi Arabia is the only country without a single flowing river due to its desert climate and low rainfall.
  • Saudi Arabia produces around 70 per cent of its drinking water through desalination and underground sources.
Kaveh Madani won 2026 Stockholm Water Prize. (End of March) ▼
  • Kaveh Madani received the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize from the Stockholm Water Foundation and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
  • Madani is the 44-year-old Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health in Ontario.
  • The award citation recognised his groundbreaking research on water resources management with policy, diplomacy and global outreach under personal risk and political complexity.
  • He will be presented the prize by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in August 2026.
  • Madani coined the concept of ‘water bankruptcy’ and co-authored the 2026 UN Report declaring a ‘Global Water Bankruptcy’ era.
  • Earlier Indian recipients include Rajendra Singh of Tarun Bharat Sangh in 2015 and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in 2005.
Amrit Sarovar campaign creates 70,000 water bodies nationwide. (Start of April) ▼
  • The Amrit Sarovar campaign has led to the creation of 70,000 water bodies across the nation.
  • Nearly 5 million artificial water harvesting structures have been built under the eleven-year-old water conservation campaign.
  • Vangmun village in Tripura's Jampui Hills has installed rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in almost every house.
  • Over 1,200 farmers in Koriya district of Chhattisgarh have built small recharge ponds and soak pits in their fields.
  • 400 families in Mudhigunta village of Mancherial district, Telangana, constructed soak pits in their homes improving groundwater levels and reducing waterborne diseases.

Space Applications Centre (SAC) of ISRO and ATREE Partner to Map India's Grasslands

[Indian Space Research Organisation, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment]

Key Updates:

  • The Space Applications Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE).
  • The collaboration aims to map India's grasslands and other open natural ecosystems by combining satellite data with ecological field research.
  • The partnership will assess the impact of restoration efforts on degraded lands and develop improved methods to estimate above- and below-ground carbon.
  • SAC and ATREE will create standardised and scalable approaches to identify and monitor ecosystems such as grasslands, savannas, and deserts.
  • The initiative is intended to support land use planning, climate action strategies, conservation efforts, and rural livelihood programmes.
  • The partnership aligns with India's commitment to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030.

Similar Coverage

Tamil Nadu Forest Department establishes state's first Dark Sky Park in Kolli Hills (Start of March) ▼
  • The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has established the state's first Dark Sky Park at Ariyur Shola Forest in the Kolli Hills of Namakkal district.
  • Developed at a cost of ₹1 crore, the facility is equipped with three advanced telescopes to support structured sky observation sessions.
  • The initiative aims to protect natural night skies from artificial light pollution and promote eco-sensitive astro-tourism and scientific awareness.
  • Solar panels have been installed at the site to ensure an uninterrupted and sustainable power supply for on-site operations.
  • The centre will organise whole-night stargazing camps two to three times a month, specifically during significant astronomical events and the new moon phase.
  • Accommodation for visitors has been arranged at the Agaya Gangai eco-huts with transport services provided by the department.
  • The facility will also operate during the daytime to conduct educational programmes for students, researchers, and visitors.
Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) sign MoU to strengthen geospatial tools for wildlife and forest conservation. (End of March) ▼
  • Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Saturday.
  • The MoU aims to strengthen the use of geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and AI/ML-based tools in forest fire management, wildlife conservation, and decision support systems.
  • The signing took place during the 90th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) chaired by Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav in Dehradun.
  • SC-NBWL is a statutory body constituted under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, and advises the government on conservation and protection of wildlife and forests.
  • The committee considered proposals across sectors such as roads, drinking water supply, transmission lines, defense, irrigation, and other infrastructure.
  • The committee noted the status of key national initiatives relating to species recovery, habitat management, and institutional strengthening.
  • The committee deliberated on the dependence of nomadic and pastoral communities on Protected Areas and emphasized balanced approaches for conservation goals while considering traditional practices and socio-economic dependencies.
Department of Posts releases commemorative stamps honouring ISRO's space milestones (Mid of April) ▼
  • Department of Posts (DoP) released two commemorative postage stamps to mark India's space achievements led by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
  • The stamps depict India's journey from its first satellite Aryabhata to the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
  • ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station, attended the unveiling event in Bengaluru.
  • The stamps and accompanying souvenir sheets highlight India's goal to establish an Indian space station named Bharatiya Antariksha by 2035.
Forest Survey of India (FSI) halts Anavaran-Deforestation Alert System (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has stopped issuing fortnightly alerts through its Anavaran-Deforestation Alert System, with data remaining unupdated since November 2025.
  • The Anavaran portal, operational since January 2024, was designed as a pilot project to monitor deforestation in near-real time using satellite data and machine learning.
  • The system utilizes the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform and integrates Sentinel-2 satellite images with Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data for continuous monitoring.
  • During the 22-month period from January 2024 to October 2025, the FSI issued a total of 12,351 deforestation alerts at a monthly average of 561.
  • The states with the highest number of deforestation alerts recorded include Punjab (637), Andhra Pradesh (617), Arunachal Pradesh (611), Nagaland (579), Manipur (577), Uttarakhand (543), Assam (533), Tripura (516), Maharashtra (504), Mizoram (499), Gujarat (498), and Karnataka (450).
  • The FSI employs high-resolution satellite imagery at 10-20-metre spatial resolution, including Sentinel 2B (optical), Sentinel 1 (SAR 5m), Sentinel 2 (visible and NIR 10m), RedEdge, and SWIR 20m.
  • The FSI also manages the Van Agni portal for forest fire monitoring and the Sachet portal for pre-fire alerts.

New Species of Burrowing Reed Snake Discovered in Meghalaya

[Meghalaya]

Key Updates:

  • A new species of burrowing reed snake, named Calamaria garoensis (Garo Hills reed snake), has been described from the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.
  • The species was previously identified as Calamaria pavimentata before its identification as a distinct species.
  • The reed snake was collected during field surveys in Oragitok, an area characterised by rich forested habitats.
  • The description of the species was published in the international peer-reviewed journal Taprobanica.

Similar Coverage

Clodomiro Picado Institute (ICP) launches free app to identify Costa Rica’s 25 venomous snakes instantly (Start of April) ▼
  • The Clodomiro Picado Institute (ICP) developed a free mobile app that covers 25 venomous snake species found in Costa Rica.
  • The app includes visual and written data enabling users to compare encountered snakes with documented species.
  • Users can access first-aid instructions for snake bites and record the geographical location of an incident to assist medical personnel.
  • The app also profiles about twelve non-venomous snakes that are commonly confused with venomous ones.
  • It is available at no cost on both Android and iOS platforms.
Rare Woolly-necked Stork Spotted in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu (Mid of April) ▼
  • The woolly-necked stork (Ciconia episcopus) was recently sighted in the paddy fields near Vannarapettai village in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
  • The species is currently classified as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
  • The sighting was documented by researchers from the Endangered Wildlife and Environmental Trust (EWET).
  • While the bird is native to India and commonly found in northern states, its presence in southern India after the migration season is considered a rare event.
  • The woolly-necked stork is a medium-sized wading bird that inhabits open grasslands, paddy fields, riverbanks, and other wetland areas.
  • The primary diet of the species consists of fish, frogs, small reptiles, insects, and other aquatic creatures.
  • During the breeding season, these birds build nests on tall trees and typically lay two to four eggs.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovers two new marine nematode species off Tamil Nadu coast. (Start of April) ▼
  • Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) researchers identified two new free-living marine nematode species along the Tamil Nadu coast.
  • The findings were published on March 25, 2026, in the international taxonomy journal Zootaxa.
  • Corononema dhriti becomes only the fourth known species of its genus worldwide and is named after ZSI's first woman director Dhriti Banerjee.
  • Epacanthion indica possesses specialised mandibles and tooth-like structures, making it a microscopic predator within the benthic food chain.
  • Marine nematodes recycle nutrients by breaking down organic matter, maintain sediment health and act as bio-indicators of environmental change.
New Bent-toed Gecko Species Discovered in Assam (Mid of April) ▼
  • A new species of gecko named Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis has been discovered near Raimona National Park in Kokrajhar district, Assam.
  • The species is named after Raimona National Park.
  • Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the discovery on 13 April 2026.
  • The adult Raimona bent-toed Gecko can reach a maximum snout‑vent length of 71.1 mm.
  • Genetic analysis places the species within the Cyrtodactylus septentrionalis group.
  • Raimona National Park lies in the westernmost part of Assam at altitudes between 85 and 1,042 metres above sea level.
  • The park, together with Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan and Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal, forms a transboundary conservation landscape of more than 2,400 square kilometres.
  • The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) government heads the park and the Kachugaon Forest Division administers it.
  • The park’s flagship endangered species is the Golden Langur, and it also hosts Asian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Indian Gaur, Wild Buffalo, Spotted Deer, Hornbill and numerous orchids.
  • The park records over 150 butterfly species, 170 bird species and 380 plant species.

ICC launches inaugural Women's T20I Challenge Trophy in Rwanda

[International Cricket Council, Rwanda]

Key Updates:

  • The International Cricket Council (ICC) launched the inaugural Women's T20I Challenge Trophy in Kigali, Rwanda.
  • The five-team tournament features Rwanda, Italy, Nepal, United States of America (USA), and Vanuatu.
  • The event is scheduled to take place from 18 April to 2 May at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium.
  • The competition is designed as a double round-robin event to provide competitive international exposure to Associate Member nations.
  • Nepal is the highest-ranked side in the competition, currently holding the 21st position in the ICC Women's T20I rankings.
  • Vanuatu is the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, currently holding the 30th position in the rankings.
  • The ICC confirmed that the Women's T20 World Cup will expand to 12 teams in 2026 and further to 16 teams in 2030.

Similar Coverage

Zimbabwe defeats Australia in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 (Mid of February) ▼
  • Zimbabwe secured a 23-run victory over Australia in Match 19 of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
  • The match was held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 13 February 2026.
  • Zimbabwe scored 169/2 in 20 overs, while Australia was dismissed for 146 runs in 19.3 overs.
  • Blessing Muzarabani was named Player of the Match for his bowling performance of 4 wickets for 17 runs in 4 overs.
  • Blessing Muzarabani achieved his 100th T20 International (T20I) wicket and recorded his career-best bowling figures during this match.
  • Matt Renshaw was the top scorer for Australia with 65 runs, sharing a 77-run partnership with Glenn Maxwell.
  • With this win, Zimbabwe moved to the second position in the Group B points table.
  • Zimbabwe now leads Australia 2-0 in the history of Men's T20 World Cups, having previously defeated them in 2007.
India defeats New Zealand to win ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash reward of ₹131 crore for the senior men’s Indian team following their victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
  • India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
  • India became the first team in the history of the tournament to retain the title and the first to win the championship three times.
  • The Indian team posted a record finals score of 253 for five, featuring Sanju Samson’s 89 runs.
  • Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Match in the final for his bowling figures of four for 14.
  • Sanju Samson was adjudged Player of the Series for scoring a total of 321 runs in five innings.
  • The International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded the winners USD 2.34 million (₹21.5 crore) and the runners-up USD 1.17 million (₹10.75 crore).
  • BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the reward, which is an increase from the ₹125 crore reward announced in 2024.
Indian women's cricket team nominated for 2026 Laureus World Team of the Year Award after maiden World Cup triumph. (Start of March) ▼
  • Indian women's cricket team nominated for 2026 Laureus World Team of the Year Award after winning their first ICC Women's World Cup title.
  • Laureus Sport confirmed the nomination on Tuesday.
  • Team recorded highest successful run chase in women's ODI history during semi-final win against Australia.
  • BCCI announced Rs 51 crore cash prize for the squad after the victory.
  • Award winners to be announced at Cibeles Palace in Madrid on April 20, 2026.
  • Other nominees include England Women's Football Team, European Ryder Cup Team, McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Paris Saint-Germain.
India defeats England to win 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup (Start of February) ▼
  • The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash reward of ₹7.5 crore for the Indian Under-19 cricket team following their 2026 Under-19 World Cup victory.
  • India defeated England by 100 runs in the final at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe, to secure their sixth International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup title.
  • India posted a total of 411/9 in the final, featuring an innings of 175 runs off 80 balls by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
  • Captains Ayush Mhatre and Abhigyan Kundu contributed to the total before the bowlers dismissed England for 311 in 40.2 overs.
  • Caleb Falconer scored 115 runs off 67 balls for England in the final match.
  • BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the reward includes the players, coaching staff, support staff, and the Junior Cricket Committee.
  • BCCI President Mithun Manhas noted that India currently holds both the men’s and women’s Under-19 World Cup titles.

Shubhankar Sharma wins inaugural Boulders Classic 2026

Key Updates:

  • Shubhankar Sharma won the inaugural edition of the Boulders Classic golf tournament held in Hyderabad.
  • The victory ended an eight-year title drought for the 29-year-old Indian golfer.
  • The tournament is sanctioned by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).
  • The prize money fund for PGTI events has increased to ₹1 crore, up from the previous ₹30 lakhs.

Similar Coverage

Devika Sihag storms into maiden BWF Super 300 final at Thailand Masters 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • Devika Sihag defeated fifth-seeded Huang Yu-Hsun 22-20, 21-13 in the women’s singles semifinal of the Thailand Masters 2026 in Bangkok.
  • The 20-year-old unseeded Indian will face Malaysia’s Goh Jin Wei in the summit clash.
  • The tournament carries a prize purse of USD 250,000.
Amit Shah to inaugurate Assam’s largest multidisciplinary sports stadium in Dibrugarh (End of January) ▼
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the first phase of Assam’s biggest multidisciplinary sports stadium in Dibrugarh on 30 January 2026.
  • The mega sports complex has been constructed at a cost of ₹233 crore across 104 bighas in Khanikar, Dibrugarh.
  • The facility features a seating capacity of 35,000 and is designed to provide world-class amenities for athletes across multiple disciplines.
  • The Union Home Minister is also scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the second complex of the Assam Legislative Assembly during the visit.
  • The inauguration details were announced by Rituparna Baruah, the Chairman of the Assam Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (ATDCL).
India defeats Kenya to win Roll Ball World Cup 2025 (End of January) ▼
  • India clinched the gold medal at the 7th Roll Ball World Cup 2025 in Dubai.
  • Yash Anil Rashiya scored the match-winning goal in the final against Kenya.
  • The tournament was held in Dubai.

Miss Sake India 2026 Crowned in Mumbai on April 17, 2026

Key Updates:

  • Nishita Yogesh Antarkar from Mumbai was crowned Miss Sake India 2026 at an event hosted by Hirohama India Private Limited (Hirohama India).
  • The competition serves as a platform for cultural exchange and selects a cultural ambassador for Japanese sake in India.
  • Priyanka Sarkar from Bangalore and Sakshi Khari from Delhi were announced as the runners-up of the third consecutive edition of the event.
  • Nishita Yogesh Antarkar, a business owner and Visharad Kathak dancer, will represent India at the Miss Sake Japan Finals in June 2026.
  • The ceremony was attended by the Acting Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, Toshihiro Kaneko, and the Chairperson of the Miss Sake Association, Mika Onishii.
  • The event highlighted Hakutsuru, a prominent sake brand originating from the Kobe region of Japan.

Similar Coverage

R Vaishali wins FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • Indian Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu won the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 held in Cyprus.
  • Vaishali defeated Kateryna Lagno in the final round to secure the title and a spot in the Women’s World Championship match.
  • She will challenge Ju Wenjun for the world title, becoming only the second Indian woman to do so after Koneru Humpy in 2011.
  • Vaishali’s previous major victories include winning the FIDE Grand Swiss tournament twice and the Women’s Olympiad in 2024.
  • Indian player Divya Deshmukh finished in the bottom two of the standings after drawing her final round match against Bibisara Assaubayeva.
  • In the parallel Open Candidates tournament, Vaishali’s brother Praggnanandhaa finished in seventh place.
Stefanos Sakellaridis defeats Oliver Crawford to win Delhi Open (End of February) ▼
  • Greek tennis player Stefanos Sakellaridis secured his first Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Challenger singles title by defeating Oliver Crawford in the Delhi Open final.
  • The final match lasted over three hours and concluded with a score of 7-5, 5-6, 7-66 in favour of Sakellaridis.
  • Sakellaridis earned 75 ATP ranking points and USD 17,000 for the victory, while Crawford received 44 points and USD 9,600.
  • The doubles title was claimed by the pair of Siddhanth Banthia from India and Alexander Donski from Bulgaria.
  • The tournament victory propelled Sakellaridis to a career-high ranking in the ATP standings.
  • The event was held in New Delhi, India.
S G Roshini wins gold at 29th All India National Martial Arts’ Championship 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • S G Roshini, a Class IX student from Vedavalli Vidyalaya, NPS Senior Secondary School in Ranipet (TN), won the gold medal at the 29th All India National Martial Arts’ Championship 2026.
  • The championship was held in Goa on January 25.
  • The event selected promising talent in traditional Indian martial arts including silambam.
BCCI Naman Awards 2026 honour Shubman Gill, Smriti Mandhana and domestic stars (Mid of March) ▼
  • Shubman Gill won the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) 2024-25.
  • Smriti Mandhana won the Best International Cricketer (Women) 2024-25 for the fifth time.
  • Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid and Mithali Raj received the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • Harshit Rana won Best International Debut (Men) 2024-25.
  • N Sree Charani won Best International Debut (Women) 2024-25.
  • Deepti Sharma took the most wickets for India Women in ODIs during 2024-25.
  • Ayush Mhatre (Mumbai) won the Lala Amarnath Award for Best All-rounder in Domestic Limited-Overs Competitions 2024-25.
  • Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha) won the Lala Amarnath Award for Best All-rounder in Ranji Trophy 2024-25.
  • Ira Jadhav (Mumbai) won Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Jr Domestic) 2024-25.
  • Shafali Verma (Haryana) won Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Sr Domestic) 2024-25.
  • Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan (Madhya Pradesh) topped wicket-takers in U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
  • Kishan Sarkar (Tripura) topped wicket-takers in U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
  • Shanthanu Singh (Uttar Pradesh) topped run-scorers in U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
  • Pritam Raj (Bihar) topped run-scorers in U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
  • Hemchudeshan J (Tamil Nadu) topped wicket-takers in U19 Cooch Behar Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
  • Arkajit Roy (Tripura) topped wicket-takers in U19 Cooch Behar Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
  • Nitya J Pandya (Baroda) topped run-scorers in U19 Cooch Behar Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
  • Ragavan Ramamoorthy (Puducherry) topped run-scorers in U19 Cooch Behar Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
  • Vicky Ostwal (Maharashtra) topped wicket-takers in U23 Col. C K Nayudu Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
  • Dipjyoti Saikia (Assam) topped wicket-takers in U23 Col. C K Nayudu Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
  • Macneil H N (Karnataka) topped run-scorers in U23 Col. C K Nayudu Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
  • R Jashwanth Shreeram (Puducherry) topped run-scorers in U23 Col. C K Nayudu Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
  • Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha) topped wicket-takers in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
  • Suchith J (Nagaland) topped wicket-takers in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
  • Y V Rathod (Vidarbha) topped run-scorers in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group.
  • Snehal Kauthankar (Goa) topped run-scorers in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Plate Group.
  • Mumbai Cricket Association won Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments 2024-25.
  • Ulhas Gandhe (Vidarbha C A) won Best Umpire in Domestic Cricket 2024-25.

World Heritage Day observed on April 18

Key Updates:

  • World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is observed every year on April 18.
  • The theme for 2026 is Emergency Response for Living Heritage in Contexts of Conflicts and Disasters.
  • The day was established by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982 and later approved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
  • India is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Taj Mahal and the Ajanta Caves.

Similar Coverage

World Theatre Day 2026 observed on March 27 with theme 'Theatre and a Culture of Peace' (End of March) ▼
  • World Theatre Day 2026 is observed on March 27.
  • The theme for 2026 is 'Theatre and a Culture of Peace'.
  • World Theatre Day was established in 1962 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI).
  • Willem Dafoe delivers the international message for 2026.
Global Tourism Resilience Day observed on February 17 (Mid of February) ▼
  • Global Tourism Resilience Day is observed annually on February 17.
  • The day was established by a United Nations General Assembly resolution led by Jamaica and first celebrated on February 17, 2023.
  • The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General praised Jamaica’s leadership in initiating the day.
  • Over 90 countries have supported the Global Tourism Resilience Day initiative.
National Tourism Day 2026 observed on January 25 (End of January) ▼
  • National Tourism Day 2026 is observed on January 25.
  • The day was established on January 25, 1982, by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
  • National Tourism Day recognises tourism as a driver of economic development, employment generation, cultural preservation, and people-to-people connection.
Theme of the Year 2026: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063 (End of March) ▼
  • The African Union (AU) designated 2026 Theme of the Year as 'Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063'.
  • Agenda 2063 is Africa’s 50-year development blueprint for inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.
  • The Theme of the Year 2026 Concept Note was released on July 11, 2025.

World Hemophilia Day observed on April 17 with the theme Diagnosis: First Step to Care

Key Updates:

  • 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.

Similar Coverage

National Safe Motherhood Day 2026: Focus on maternal health advocacy and safe pregnancies (Mid of April) ▼
  • National Safe Motherhood Day is observed annually on 11 April in India.
  • The day was first established in 2003 by the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI).
  • The date honours Kasturba Gandhi's birth anniversary.
  • The 2026 observance highlights the need for improved maternal care in underserved rural regions.
  • The day advocates collective action to prioritise maternal health and prevent preventable deaths.
Central Leprosy Division IEC Outreach Programme promotes awareness and stigma reduction (End of January) ▼
  • Central Leprosy Division (CLD) under Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), organised an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) outreach programme at Dilli Haat on National Leprosy Day.
  • The programme included a Nukkad Natak on early signs and symptoms of leprosy and a cultural dance by children affected by leprosy supported by Rotary Club.
  • A Self-Examination Mirror activity and an interactive quiz were conducted to encourage recognition of early signs and reinforce key messages, with prizes distributed to participants.
  • A pamphlet titled '100 Questions & Answers on Leprosy' along with other IEC materials was distributed to promote awareness, early reporting, treatment adherence, and stigma reduction.
  • Visitors took a collective pledge not to discriminate against persons affected by leprosy, supporting the goal of a #LeprosyFreeIndia.
World TB Day 2026 spotlights science-driven push to eliminate tuberculosis (End of March) ▼
  • World Health Organization (WHO) reported an estimated 10.6 million people developed TB in 2022, including 1.3 million children.
  • WHO recorded 1.3 million TB deaths among HIV-negative individuals and an additional 300,000 deaths among people living with HIV in 2022.
  • Approximately 410,000 people developed multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB) in 2022.
  • Sustainable Development Goal 3 calls for ending the TB epidemic by 2030.
  • WHO’s End TB Strategy targets a 90% reduction in TB deaths and an 80% reduction in TB incidence by 2030 compared with 2015 levels.
World Health Day 2026: Together for health. Stand with science (Start of April) ▼
  • World Health Day is observed every year on April 7.
  • World Health Day 2026 theme is 'Together for health. Stand with science'.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded on April 7, 1948.
  • The first World Health Day was marked by WHO in 1950.

World Chagas Disease Day observed on April 14

Key Updates:

  • World Chagas Disease Day is observed annually on April 14 to raise awareness about American trypanosomiasis.
  • The date commemorates the diagnosis of the first human case of the disease by Brazilian physician Carlos Ribeiro Justiniano Chagas on April 14, 1909.
  • The first human patient diagnosed with the disease was a young girl named Berenice Soares de Moura.
  • The disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted by insect vectors known as triatomine bugs.
  • Formal global recognition of the day began in 2019 during the 72nd World Health Assembly.
  • The proposal for the official day was led by the International Federation of Associations of People Affected by Chagas Disease.
  • The first official World Chagas Disease Day was observed on April 14, 2020.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners aim to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of the disease, which affects up to 7 million people globally.

Similar Coverage

World Tuberculosis Day observed on 24 March 2026 with the theme Yes! We can end TB (End of March) ▼
  • World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on 24 March to raise global awareness about the infectious disease.
  • The theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2026 is Yes! We can end TB, emphasizing political will, increased funding, and community participation.
  • The date commemorates 24 March 1882, when Dr Robert Koch discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes the disease.
  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 3,500 people die from tuberculosis and approximately 30,000 fall ill every day globally.
  • India carries the highest share of the global tuberculosis burden and implements the National TB Elimination Programme to combat the disease.
  • Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus serves as the Director-General of the WHO.
  • The National TB Elimination Programme in India utilizes nutrition initiatives and digital tracking to improve treatment adherence.
World Civil Defense Day observed on March 1 (Start of March) ▼
  • World Civil Defense Day is observed on March 1 every year.
  • It was created by the International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) General Assembly in 1990.
  • The day commemorates 1972, when the ICDO Constitution came into force as an intergovernmental organization.
  • ICDO was created in 1931 in Paris by French Surgeon-General George Saint-Paul.
  • ICDO was recognized by the French Parliament in June 1935.
  • Today 50 countries are members of ICDO.
World Leprosy Day 2026 observed on 25 January (Start of February) ▼
  • World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January every year.
  • In 2026, World Leprosy Day falls on 25 January.
  • The theme for World Leprosy Day 2026 is 'Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma'.
  • In India, World Leprosy Day is celebrated on 30 January, marking the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
World Autism Awareness Day 2026 theme 'Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value' (Start of April) ▼
  • World Autism Awareness Day is observed on 2 April every year.
  • The 2026 theme is 'Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value'.
  • April is observed as World Autism Acceptance Month by the National Autistic Society.

National Fire Service Day observed on April 14

Key Updates:

  • National Fire Service Day is observed every year on April 14 across India.
  • The day commemorates the Bombay Dock Explosion that occurred on April 14, 1944, at Victoria Dock in Mumbai.
  • The disaster involved a British freighter, SS Fort Stikine, which was carrying ammunition, cotton bales, and gold.
  • A total of 66 firefighters lost their lives while battling the blaze during the 1944 explosion.
  • Fire Service Week is observed annually from April 14 to April 20.
  • The theme for this year's National Fire Service Week is "Safe School, Safe Hospital & Fire Safety Aware Society – Together for Fire Prevention".

Similar Coverage

National Geographic Day observed on January 27 (End of January) ▼
  • National Geographic Day is observed every year on January 27 to commemorate the founding of the National Geographic Society.
  • The National Geographic Society was founded on January 27, 1888, in Washington, D.C., by a group of 33 scientists, scholars, and explorers.
  • The first issue of the National Geographic Magazine was published later in 1888.
  • The National Geographic Society is one of the largest non-profit organisations in the world.
World Social Work Day observed on the third Tuesday in March; observed on March 17 (Mid of March) ▼
  • World Social Work Day is observed annually on the third Tuesday in March to recognise the contributions of social workers and social justice advocates.
  • The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) first established the observance in 1983.
  • The International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) later joined the IFSW to make the event a worldwide observance.
  • The day is currently celebrated in over 140 countries through conferences, public marches, and educational seminars.
  • The themes for the day are often derived from the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development, which is a ten-year plan developed by international social work bodies.
  • In 2026, the event will be observed on 17 March, followed by 16 March in 2027 and 21 March in 2028.
National Safety Day 2026 observed on March 4 with theme 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety' (Start of March) ▼
  • National Safety Day 2026 is observed on 4 March.
  • The 2026 theme is 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'.
  • The day commemorates the founding of the National Safety Council (NSC) of India on 4 March 1966.
  • National Safety Day was first observed in 1972.
  • The campaign has been extended to the entire month as National Safety Month (NSM) in 2026.
National Safety Day 2026 observed on March 4 under theme 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'. (Start of March) ▼
  • National Safety Day 2026 is observed on 4 March 2026 to commemorate the founding of the National Safety Council (NSC).
  • The 2026 theme is 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'.
  • The year 2026 marks the 55th National Safety Week and nearly six decades of NSC efforts in workplace safety, occupational health, and environmental conservation.
  • Celebrations have been extended to the entire month, now recognised as National Safety Day (NSD) / National Safety Month (NSM).
  • National Safety Council of India (NSC) was founded on 4 March 1966.
  • National Safety Day was first officially observed in 1972.

Gautam Adani Overtakes Mukesh Ambani as Asia's Richest Person

Key Updates:

  • Gautam Adani emerged as the wealthiest individual in Asia according to the latest data from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
  • Gautam Adani secured the 19th position in the global wealth rankings with a net worth of $92.6 billion.
  • Mukesh Ambani ranked as the 20th richest person in the world with a total net worth of $90.8 billion.
  • Gautam Adani added $8.1 billion to his fortune this year, while Mukesh Ambani recorded a decline of $16.9 billion during the same period.
  • Elon Musk remains the world's richest individual with a net worth of $656 billion, followed by Larry Page at $286 billion.
  • Bernard Arnault recorded the sharpest decline among the top 20 billionaires this year, losing $44 billion.
  • The top 10 global billionaires include Jeff Bezos, Sergey Brin, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, Michael Dell, Jensen Huang, Bernard Arnault, and Jim Walton.

Similar Coverage

TIME100 Most Influential People list released on April 16, 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • TIME Magazine released its TIME100 Most Influential People list for 2026 on April 16, 2026.
  • The list includes three individuals of Indian origin: Sundar Pichai, Ranbir Kapoor and Vikas Khanna.
  • Sanae Takaichi is Japan’s first woman Prime Minister featured in the list.
  • The list features global leaders such as US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
  • Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, is also named in the 2026 TIME100 list.
Hurun Research Institute ranks India third globally with 308 billionaires in 2026. (Start of March) ▼
  • India’s billionaire count rose to 308, an increase of 24 from the previous year, according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2026.
  • Indian billionaires added 57 new entrants and saw 27 drop out during the year.
  • Total wealth of Indian billionaires grew 10% year-on-year to ₹112.6 trillion.
  • Mukesh Ambani retained his position as India and Asia’s richest person with a net worth of ₹9.8 trillion, up 9%.
  • Gautam Adani remained the second richest Indian despite a 14% decline in wealth to ₹7.5 trillion.
  • Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCL Technologies, was third with wealth of ₹3.2 trillion and the only woman among India’s top 10 richest.
  • Healthcare sector produced 53 new billionaires, industrial products 36, and consumer goods 31.
  • Energy sector, with eight billionaires, accounted for ₹18.3 trillion or about 16% of India’s cumulative billionaire wealth.
  • Cyrus S Poonawalla of Serum Institute of India added nearly ₹0.91 trillion, the largest absolute gain.
  • Mumbai hosts 95 billionaires, adding 15 new entrants, but lost its status as Asia’s billionaire capital to Shenzhen which has 133.
  • India’s youngest billionaire is Ritesh Agarwal, founder of Oyo, aged 32 with net worth of ₹14,440 crore.
  • 23 Indian women billionaires collectively hold wealth of ₹9.8 trillion.
Elon Musk Ranked Wealthiest in Hurun Global Rich List 2026; Mukesh Ambani Named Richest Person in Asia (Start of March) ▼
  • Elon Musk, aged 54, was ranked the wealthiest person in the world with a net worth of US$792 billion, followed by Jeff Bezos of Amazon (US$300 billion) and Larry Page of Alphabet (US$271 billion).
  • Larry Ellison of Oracle (US$267 billion) and Sergey Brin (US$247 billion) were ranked fourth and fifth, followed by Mark Zuckerberg of Meta (US$234 billion), Bernard Arnault of LVMH (US$178 billion), and Warren Buffett (US$173 billion).
  • Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) was named the richest person in Asia with a wealth of US$109 billion, while Gautam Adani ranked second in India with US$83 billion.
  • Cyrus Poonawalla of the Serum Institute of India (SII) recorded a wealth of US$33 billion, followed by Lakshmi N Mittal (US$25 billion), Niraj Bajaj of Bajaj Auto (US$24 billion), and Anil Agarwal (US$18 billion).
  • Uday Kotak was ranked with a wealth of US$16 billion, while new Indian billionaires included Shahid Bilakhia of Meril Life Science (US$6.2 billion) and Basant Bansal of M3M India (US$4.6 billion).
  • Other Indian entrants were Madhusudhan Agarwal (US$4.3 billion) and Rajendrakumar Agrawal (US$3.8 billion) of Haldirams, Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari of Physics Wallah (US$1.7 billion each), Ritesh Agarwal of OYO (US$1.6 billion), and actor Shah Rukh Khan (US$1.3 billion).
  • Jensen Huang of Nvidia entered the global top 10 for the first time with US$172 billion, while Steve Ballmer rounded out the top 10 with US$159 billion.
  • Bill Gates dropped out of the top 10 after donating US$20 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), while the report recorded the deaths of Wang Linpeng (56), Shao Genhuo (60), Henri Beaufour (60), James Irsay (65), David Murdock (102), and S. Daniel Abraham (100).
Karan Adani received Business Leader of the Year award from All India Management Association (AIMA). (End of February) ▼
  • Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Limited, was honoured as Business Leader of the Year at the Foundation Day of All India Management Association (AIMA).
  • He dedicated the award to employees of the Adani Group, stating they work day and night at plants and remote sites across the country.
  • Karan Adani credited his father for teaching him perseverance, hard work and long-term thinking.
  • He thanked his mother for teaching him compassion, humility and the need to be a better human being.
  • He acknowledged the support of his three brothers and his wife Paridhi for their constant encouragement.
  • He expressed gratitude to his three daughters for inspiring him daily to be a better father and person.
  • The award recognised leadership that combines business growth with strong human values.

Sayani Gupta named Harvard South Asian Association (SAA) Person of the Year

[Harvard University]

Key Updates:

  • The SAA has named actor Sayani Gupta as its Person of the Year for her contribution to storytelling and global cultural impact.
  • The honour recognises individuals whose work has significantly influenced South Asian representation and identity on a global stage.
  • Sayani Gupta will be felicitated for this award at Harvard University later this month.
  • Previous recipients of this recognition include Vikas Khanna, who received the award in the preceding year.
  • Sayani Gupta is an alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.
  • She is set to debut as a writer-director with the short film Aasmani, which will premiere at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival on 25 April.
  • Her notable acting credits include projects such as Four More Shots Please, Axone, Article 15, Inside Edge, and Delhi Crime.

Similar Coverage

Jharkhand Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kalpana Soren Receives Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award (End of March) ▼
  • Kalpana Soren was honoured by the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI) at the WE Annual Women Summit and Felicitation 2026.
  • The award ceremony was held in New Delhi and hosted by the women empowerment vertical of the BRICS CCI.
  • The recognition was conferred for her contributions towards advancing women-led initiatives and community development.
  • The summit was attended by several dignitaries, policymakers, and international representatives.
Sundar Pichai, Ranbir Kapoor and Vikas Khanna Named in TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • Sundar Pichai was named to TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2026 for democratising Artificial Intelligence, with Google integrating tools such as Gemini CLI, NotebookLM and Antigravity under his leadership.
  • Ranbir Kapoor was the sole Indian actor on TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2026, praised for blending stardom with nuanced storytelling and elevating Indian cinema for a global audience.
  • Vikas Khanna was included in TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2026, recognised for his Michelin‑starred culinary work, humanitarian efforts and the FeedIndia initiative that provided 30 million meals during the pandemic.
  • The 2026 list marks Sundar Pichai's third appearance on the TIME100.
Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards 2026 presented in New Delhi (End of March) ▼
  • The 20th edition of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards was presented by Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi.
  • The Ramnath Goenka Foundation instituted the awards to recognise 24 journalists across 19 categories for work in print, digital and broadcast platforms.
  • The jury included Justice B N Srikrishna, Prof C Raj Kumar, Prof K G Suresh, Rohini Nilekani and Dr S Y Quraishi.
  • Avadhesh Akodia (Dainik Bhaskar) won in Print (Hindi).
  • Sarvapriya Sangwan (BBC News Hindi) won in Broadcast/Digital (Hindi).
  • Muhammad Sabith & Akhil Sivanand (Mathrubhumi) won in Print/Digital (Regional Languages).
  • Fousiya Musthafa (News Malayalam 24×7) won in Broadcast/Digital (Regional Languages).
  • Jayashree Nandi & Tannu Jain (Hindustan Times) won in Environment, Science & Technology Reporting.
  • Rohini Krishnamurthy & Dhruval Parekh (Down to Earth) won in Environment, Science & Technology Reporting (Broadcast/Digital).
  • Vijay Pal Dudi (Dainik Bhaskar) won in Uncovering India Invisible.
  • Basant Kumar (NewsLaundry) won in Uncovering India Invisible (Broadcast/Digital).
  • Praveen Paramasivam, Munsif Vengattil & Aditya Kalra (Thomson Reuters) won in Business & Economic Journalism.
  • Deeptiman Tiwary (The Indian Express) won in Reporting on Politics and Government.
  • Rishika Kashyap (Deccan Herald) won in Reporting on Politics and Government (Broadcast/Digital).
  • Srikkanth Dhasarathy (DT Next) won in Sports Journalism.
  • Mridulika Jha (Aaj Tak) won in Investigative Reporting (Print/Digital).
  • Sreya Chatterjee (India Today) won in Investigative Reporting (Broadcast).
  • Vidheesha Kuntamalla (The Indian Express) won in Feature Writing.
  • Sandip Dighe (The Times of India) won in Civic Journalism.
  • Sreya Chatterjee & Arvind Ojha (India Today) won in Civic Journalism.
  • Praveen Jain (The Print) won in Photojournalism.
  • Aparajith Ramnath (Penguin Random House) won in Books (Non-Fiction).
Nita Ambani conferred KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 (Mid of March) ▼
  • Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, received the KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) campus in Bhubaneswar.
  • The award was presented by Nobel Laureate Mohan Munasinghe in the presence of Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT, KISS and KIMS.
  • The honour recognises Reliance Foundation’s contributions to social development in education, healthcare, rural transformation, women’s empowerment and sports.
  • The KISS Humanitarian Award, instituted in 2008, is the highest honour of KISS and carries a citation and a gold-plated trophy.

Harivansh Narayan Singh elected Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha

[Rajya Sabha]

Key Updates:

  • Harivansh Narayan Singh, a member of the Janata Dal (United) party, was elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha unopposed.
  • He has been elected to the position for a third consecutive term.
  • He is the first nominated member to be elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
  • The motion for his election was moved by Union minister and Leader of the House J P Nadda.
  • He has served as the Deputy Chairman since 2018.
  • The office of the Deputy Chairman had fallen vacant after his previous term ended on April 9.

Similar Coverage

Rajya Sabha reconstitutes panel of Vice‑Chairpersons (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Rajya Sabha reconstituted its panel of vice‑chairpersons on Thursday, with effect from 15 April.
  • Six members were nominated to the panel: Dinesh Sharma, S Phangnon Konyak and Ghanshyam Tiwari of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); Phulo Devi Netam of the Indian National Congress (Congress); M. Thambidurai of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK); and Sasmit Patra of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
  • Members of the panel preside over the House when both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman are absent.
  • While presiding, panel members exercise the same powers as the Chairperson, including maintaining order, regulating debate and ensuring smooth functioning of the House.
  • Unlike the Deputy Chairman, panel members do not hold a permanent constitutional office and preside on a rotational basis.
Nitish Kumar takes oath as Rajya Sabha member. (Mid of April) ▼
  • Nitish Kumar took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP.
  • He resigned from his membership of the Bihar Legislative Council after his election to the Rajya Sabha.
  • Janata Dal (United) MLC Sanjay Kumar submitted the resignation to council chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh.
  • Kumar had served as Chief Minister of Bihar for two decades.
  • His move to the Rajya Sabha completes his service in every legislative house in India.
Harivansh Nominated for Third Term in Rajya Sabha (Mid of April) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu nominated senior Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) leader Harivansh for a third six-year term in the Rajya Sabha.
  • Harivansh currently serves as the Deputy Chairperson of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), a position he has held since September 14, 2020.
  • He previously served his first term as the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha between August 9, 2018, and April 2020.
  • First elected to the Rajya Sabha in April 2014, he has served on the Standing Committee on Defence and the Joint Committee on the Bill to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955.
  • The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds 141 seats in the 245-member House, including 105 for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), five for the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and four for the JD(U).
  • JD(U) patriarch Nitish Kumar is scheduled to take the oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha and demit office as the Chief Minister of Bihar.
Om Birla Constituted Parliamentary Friendship Groups with 64 Nations (End of February) ▼
  • Lok Sabha (LS) Speaker Om Birla has constituted Parliamentary Friendship Groups with 64 countries to deepen dialogue and exchange best practices with international legislatures.
  • Each friendship group comprises 11 members, including representatives from both the LS and the Rajya Sabha (RS).
  • Indian National Congress (INC) leaders appointed to chair groups include Shashi Tharoor (France), P Chidambaram (Italy), K C Venugopal (Portugal), Manish Tewari (Australia), and Gaurav Gogoi (Philippines).
  • Other Opposition chairpersons include K Kanimozhi (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)) for Greece, Derek O’Brien (Trinamool Congress (TMC)) for Chile, Abhishek Banerjee (TMC) for Algeria, Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena-UBT) for Morocco, and Supriya Sule (Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP)) for Singapore.
  • Additional Opposition leaders heading groups are Asaduddin Owaisi (All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM)) for Oman, Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party (SP)) for Japan, Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) for Egypt, Sanjay Singh (Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)) for Caribbean countries, and N K Premachandran (Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP)) for Madagascar.
  • Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders appointed as chairpersons include Ravi Shankar Prasad (United Kingdom (UK)), Baijayant Panda (United States of America (USA)), Nishikant Dubey (Russia), Anurag Thakur (European Union (EU) Parliament, Brussels), Rajiv Pratap Rudy (Switzerland), Bhartruhari Mahtab (Israel), Hema Malini (South Africa), Ashok Chavan (Argentina), Samik Bhattacharya (New Zealand), and Aparajita Sarangi (Tanzania).
  • Other group leaders include Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena) for Indonesia, Sanjay Jha (Janata Dal (United) (JD(U))) for Germany, M Thambidurai (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)) for Nigeria, and Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (Telugu Desam Party (TDP)).
  • Members appointed to various groups include Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (Japan), Manickam Tagore (Indonesia), Gurjeet Singh Aujla (Italy), Hibi Eden (Singapore), Amrinder Singh Raja Warring (UK), Prashant Padole (Trinidad and Tobago), Dean Kuriakose (Saudi Arabia), C Kiran Kumar Reddy (South Korea), and S Venkatesan (Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))) for Cuba.
  • The groups are intended to facilitate discussions on trade, technology, social policy, culture, and global challenges faced by democracies.

N. Alim Yusuf wins World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) National Award

[World Wide Fund for Nature]

Key Updates:

  • N. Alim Yusuf was awarded the National Award by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
  • The award was given for developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered mobile application to identify invasive plant species in Kerala.
  • The application is capable of identifying nearly 100 invasive plant species recorded in Kerala.
  • N. Alim Yusuf is a researcher at the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences (MBGIPS).
  • MBGIPS is located in Olavanna, Kozhikode.

Similar Coverage

Tamil Nadu launches Project Sezhumai Karuvoolam for eradication of invasive Prosopis juliflora (End of March) ▼
  • The Madras High Court (HC) ordered the implementation of project Sezhumai Karuvoolam (fertile repository) to eradicate the invasive species Seemai Karuvelam (Prosopis juliflora) from Tamil Nadu.
  • A special committee comprising former judges Justice A Selvam and Justice V Bharathidasan has been appointed to supervise the eradication process.
  • Private landowners must uproot the species within 30 days, failing which the Block Development Officer (BDO) will remove them and recover costs at ₹5,000 per acre for dense vegetation and ₹2,000 per acre for less dense growth.
  • The court mandated that identification and auctioning of the species be completed within four months, with total removal finished within another six months.
  • District Collectors (DC) are designated as the central authorities responsible for mechanical removal of the plants and for planting native species on public lands.
  • The State Environment Secretary will create a dedicated webpage and dashboard to track removal, auctions, and replanting progress.
  • A dedicated mobile phone number will be maintained for the project to allow the public to report sightings of the invasive species via geotagged photographs on social media platforms.
  • In sensitive areas such as Vedanthangal, where the species serves as nesting sites for birds, removal will be carried out in a phased manner with simultaneous alternative planting.
NHAI launches ‘Arogya Van’ to plant 67,462 medicinal trees along National Highways (Mid of April) ▼
  • National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will plant 67,462 medicinal trees on 17 vacant land parcels covering 62.8 hectares along National Highways in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
  • 36 medicinal tree species including Neem, Amla, Imli, Jamun, Lemon, Gular and Maulsari have been identified for plantation according to agro-climatic suitability.
  • Priority plantation sites include toll plazas, wayside amenities, interchanges and cloverleaf junctions to maximise public awareness.
  • NHAI has identified approximately 188 hectares of vacant land for plantations during the forthcoming monsoon season to ensure higher survival rates.
Kirtida Mekani passes away at 66 (End of January) ▼
  • Kirtida Mekani, originally from Karnataka, died of a massive heart attack at home.
  • She was the founding executive director of the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) from 1993.
  • Mekani launched the Plant-A-Tree Programme in 2007 with Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) under the Garden City Fund.
  • She served as trustee of the United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) Foundation supporting its Rainforest Restoration Project.
  • In 2016 she co-founded the Biomimicry Singapore Network.
  • She was on the board of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore and trustee of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).
  • She served on the board of LASALLE College of the Arts and on the management committee of the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS).
  • She received the President’s Award for the Environment in 2015 and was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame in 2024.
NeophyteID App launched for invasive plant detection in Kerala (Start of February) ▼
  • Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the NeophyteID app at the Kerala Science Congress.
  • The Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences (MBGIPS) developed the AI-powered mobile application to identify invasive plant species across Kerala.
  • The app uses the YOLOv11 machine learning model for image recognition and geospatial tracking to detect and map invasive neophyte plants from camera or gallery images.
  • NeophyteID operates in English and Malayalam and targets local communities, students, and ecologists for community-based biodiversity management.
  • Each user identification updates a real-time distribution map to support research and conservation efforts.
  • The app currently includes data on 98 invasive plant species.
  • Developer N Aleem Yoosuf conceived the idea during an invasive plant eradication drive with tribal communities at Sughandagiri Tribal Eco Village, Wayanad.
  • Zameel Hassan collaborated on the web application component of NeophyteID.

Narayana Ramachandran passes away as former Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and World Squash Federation (WSF) president

[Indian Olympic Association, World Squash Federation]

Key Updates:

  • Narayana Ramachandran, former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and World Squash Federation (WSF), passed away at the age of 77 in Chennai.
  • He served as the WSF President between 2008 and 2016 and was the first Indian to lead an International Olympic Committee (IOC)-recognised international federation.
  • He held the position of IOA president from 2014 to 2017, leading the organisation to Olympic reinstatement following a 14-month IOC ban.
  • He was the first honorary life member of the WSF.
  • In 2016, he was awarded the Olympic Order (Silver) by the IOC and an Award of Merit by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
  • He ensured the inclusion of squash as a core medal sport in the Asian Games.
  • He invested in the India Squash Academy and hosted ten world championships in India between 2002 and 2025.

Similar Coverage

Anahat Singh wins JSW Indian Open squash title (End of March) ▼
  • Anahat Singh defeated Egyptian World No 29 Hana Moataz 11-5, 11-6, 9-11, 11-6 to clinch her second straight JSW Indian Open title.
  • The 18-year-old Indian won the final played at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) court.
  • Abhay Singh defeated compatriot Veer Chotrani 11-9, 11-8, 11-4 to secure the men’s title.
Anahat and Abhay Singh secure top honours at ASF Awards 2025 (Start of April) ▼
  • Anahat Singh won the Asian Squash Federation (ASF) Girls' Player of the Year award, also known as the Hassan Musa award.
  • Abhay Singh secured the ASF Men's Player of the Year Award, also called the Dato Alex Lee Award.
  • Japan's Satomi Watanabe received the senior ASF Women's Player of the Year award.
  • Anahat is ranked world number 20 in senior women's singles and has claimed 16 PSA level titles.
  • Anahat became the youngest Asian women's squash player to enter the world's top 20, surpassing Malaysia's Nicol David.
  • India last won ASF Awards in 2022 through Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa in men's and women's categories respectively.
  • Squash will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Uttarakhand CM Dhami hails past decade as golden chapter for Indian sports (End of January) ▼
  • CM Pushkar Singh Dhami termed the past decade a 'golden chapter' for Indian sports while inaugurating the National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship virtually.
  • He highlighted India's 29 medals at the Paris Paralympics and the Women's Blind Cricket team's World Cup victory as landmark achievements.
  • Dhami credited Prime Minister Modi's policies and increased sports budget for the transformation and noted Uttarakhand's progress toward becoming a national 'Land of Sports'.
India and New Zealand discuss expanding sports cooperation as 2026 marks 100 years of sporting ties (Start of March) ▼
  • Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level ministerial meeting with the New Zealand sports delegation in New Delhi to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in sports.
  • The year 2026 marks 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, dating back to the 1926 Indian Army hockey tour to New Zealand.
  • The Indian delegation included Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Indian Olympic Association, and representatives from national sports federations.
  • Priority sports identified for collaboration include rugby, rowing, canoeing, sailing, athletics, and cycling.
  • The New Zealand delegation was led by Chris Bishop, Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation, and included Patrick John Rata, New Zealand High Commissioner to India, former international cricketer Ross Taylor, Raelene Castle, CEO of Sport New Zealand, and representatives from Hockey New Zealand, Athletics New Zealand, and Paralympics New Zealand.
  • The discussions focused on the India-New Zealand Centenary Sports Cooperation Programme 2026, a year-long initiative to commemorate the centenary of sporting ties and expand collaboration in sports development, high-performance training, innovation, and people-to-people engagement.
  • Both sides discussed organising a proposed 'India-New Zealand Sports and Culture Week' to be hosted across cities in both countries.
  • A key focus was strengthening collaboration in high-performance sports through joint training camps, coaching exchanges, and knowledge sharing in sports science, analytics, and athlete performance systems.
  • The discussions explored integrating New Zealand's coach development framework into the curriculum of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala.
  • Both countries agreed to constitute a Joint Working Group to oversee implementation of the cooperation framework, nominate nodal officers, and establish a monitoring mechanism with periodic reviews.