IDFC FIRST Bank launches Business Multiplier Metal Credit Card
Key Updates:
IDFC FIRST Bank launched the FD-backed Business Multiplier Metal Credit Card for founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners.
The card is available against a Fixed Deposit starting from ₹50,000, providing a credit limit equal to 100% of the Fixed Deposit value.
The card carries a joining fee of ₹1,000 and an annual fee of ₹1,000, which is waived upon annual spends of ₹5 lakhs.
Key financial benefits include 0% Forex Markup, up to 45 days interest-free credit, and a 1% monthly interest rate for balances carried forward.
Additional features include 8 complimentary lounge accesses annually on minimum spends of ₹20,000 in the previous month, a ₹25,000 Trip Cancellation Cover twice a year, and up to 10 reward points for every ₹200 spent on business categories.
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AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) launches four-card credit card portfolio (Mid of May)▼
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) launched a segmented four-card credit card portfolio targeting first-time credit customers, young salaried professionals, Gen Z spenders, and affluent travellers.
The AU Ananta Credit Card offers 8,000 welcome reward points, 16 annual complimentary domestic airport lounge visits, and up to 50,000 bonus points on annual spends of ₹10 lakh.
The AU Ananta Credit Card features an industry-first benefit of complimentary airport lounge access for cardholders and their family members when flight tickets are booked via the AU Rewardz platform.
The AU Vibe Credit Card provides 4,000 reward points or a ₹1,000 voucher, 15% instant discount on grocery and food delivery partners, and 8 annual airport lounge visits.
The AU Value Credit Card offers 2,000 reward points or a ₹500 voucher and up to 10% cashback on cab bookings, bill payments, grocery, movies, and food delivery.
The AU Lite Credit Card is an entry-level product for first-time borrowers featuring reward points on daily spending, milestone incentives, and fuel surcharge waivers.
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) and CheQ launch LED-powered co-branded credit card (Mid of April)▼
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) and CheQ have launched a co-branded credit card featuring an LED-powered tap-to-pay indicator.
The LED feature is powered by the Near Field Communication (NFC) field of the point-of-sale terminal and does not require a battery.
Applications for the card open on the CheQ app from April 28.
The card operates on both Visa and RuPay networks to support global acceptance and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions.
The reward structure includes 12% rewards on e-commerce and bill payments, 5% on everyday spending, 2.5% on UPI transactions via RuPay, and 1% on other spends.
The card has an annual fee of ₹499, which is waived on annual spends of ₹3 lakh.
The LED variant carries a one-time fee of ₹999, which is waived until May 31.
Cardholders receive a complimentary EazyDiner membership as a welcome benefit.
IDFC First Bank launches secured RuPay credit card with up to 5% cashback and no income proof requirement. (Mid of February)▼
IDFC First Bank has launched the Hello Cashback secured RuPay credit card backed by a minimum fixed deposit of Rs 10,000.
The card offers 3% cashback on the first Rs 10,000 of online spends per statement cycle and 5% beyond that, capped at Rs 1,000.
A flat 1% cashback applies to UPI payments via the bank’s app, in-store swipes, and essentials including utilities, rent, education, insurance, jewellery, FASTag, Government payments, and wallet loads, raising the monthly cap to Rs 1,500.
The credit limit is set at 100% of the fixed deposit, and users continue to earn fixed deposit interest alongside cashback.
Joining fee of Rs 1,000 is waived until 31 March 2026; annual fee of Rs 1,000 is waived at Rs 2 lakh spends and halved at Rs 1 lakh spends.
The card provides Rs 2 lakh personal accident cover, Rs 25,000 purchase protection, and fuel surcharge waivers.
ICICI Bank and Visa launch India's first US dollar debit card for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) at GIFT City
Key Updates:
ICICI Bank and Visa have launched India's first US dollar (USD) denominated debit card for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) customers.
The card is offered through the IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) of ICICI Bank at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
The product is linked to the USD Global Savings Account of ICICI Bank and is built on the Visa Infinite platform.
The card eliminates markup fees on USD transactions conducted at point-of-sale (PoS) terminals and online platforms.
The debit card is equipped with EMV chip-enabled technology and allows users to manage transaction preferences through GIFT City NetBanking.
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Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Airtel Payments Bank launch co-branded RuPay National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) (Mid of May)▼
DMRC has partnered with Airtel Payments Bank to launch co-branded RuPay On-The-Go NCMC.
The NCMC is an open-loop card designed to enable seamless payments across metro systems, buses, and other transit networks nationwide.
The cards will be available at all DMRC stations within 10 days and can be recharged digitally through the DMRC and Airtel applications.
This initiative aims to advance the One Nation One Card ambition by allowing commuters to use a single card for travel in multiple cities.
The launch ceremony was attended by DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar and Airtel Payments Bank MD and CEO Anubrata Biswas.
HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Bandhan Bank revise ATM withdrawal limits and fees effective 1 April 2026. (Start of April)▼
HDFC Bank will count UPI-based cash withdrawals at its ATMs towards the monthly free ATM transaction limit from 1 April 2026.
After exceeding the free limit HDFC Bank will charge Rs 23 plus applicable taxes per transaction for UPI cash withdrawals.
Punjab National Bank (PNB) reduced the daily ATM cash withdrawal limit from Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 50,000 for RuPay NCMC Platinum Domestic Debit card, RuPay NCMC Platinum International Debit card, RuPay Women Power Platinum Debit card, RuPay PNB Palaash Debit card-Recycled PVC Debit card, RuPay Business Platinum NCMC Debit card, MasterCard Platinum Debit card, VISA Gold Debit card and PNB MasterCard Platinum Rise effective 1 April 2026.
PNB also reduced the daily ATM cash withdrawal limit from Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 75,000 for RuPay Select Debit card, PNB RuPay Select Neo, PNB RuPay Select Excel, VISA Signature Debit card and MasterCard Business Debit card effective 1 April 2026.
Bandhan Bank will allow up to five free financial transactions and unlimited non-financial transactions per month at its own ATMs from 1 April 2026.
Bandhan Bank caps free transactions at other bank ATMs at three per month in metro cities and five per month in non-metro cities covering both financial and non-financial transactions combined from 1 April 2026.
Metro cities for Bandhan Bank include Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Bandhan Bank will charge Rs 23 per financial transaction and Rs 10 per non-financial transaction once free limits are exceeded from 1 April 2026.
Bandhan Bank will levy Rs 25 for ATM transaction declines due to insufficient funds from 1 April 2026.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) wins Central Banking Initiative of the Year Award for launching .bank.in domain (Mid of March)▼
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received the Initiative of the Year Award from London-based Central Banking for creating the .bank.in domain.
India became the first country globally to mandate a secure and exclusive Internet domain for its banking system.
Only RBI-regulated entities are permitted to use the .bank.in domain to combat phishing and look-alike website frauds.
Banks were mandated to migrate their net banking websites to the .bank.in domain by 31 October 2025.
Major banks including SBI, HDFC, and ICICI have migrated their websites to the new domain format www.bankname.bank.in.
The initiative involved the Indian government, NIXI, IDRBT, and banks according to an official statement.
NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) launches platform for investment in 30 global markets (End of February)▼
NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) has launched the NSE IX Global Access platform from GIFT City to enable Indian retail and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) investors to invest in 30 global markets.
The platform initially provides access to United States (US) listed stocks, with markets in the United Kingdom (UK), Japan, and parts of Europe to be added within three to six months.
Under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), resident Indians can invest up to $2.5 lakh per financial year in overseas markets through this gateway.
Investors will remit funds in Indian Rupees to the NSE IX bank account, which are then converted into US Dollars for global investments.
The platform is regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and allows for fractional trading, enabling the purchase of portions of high-priced global shares.
Investors can trade in stocks, debt instruments, and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) without opening a demat account, though derivatives and cryptocurrency transactions are prohibited.
The Know Your Customer (KYC) process is fully digital, requiring Aadhaar and Permanent Account Number (PAN) for completion via systems such as DigiLocker.
Morgan Stanley raises India FY27 GDP forecast to 6.7%
Key Updates:
Morgan Stanley has raised India's FY27 growth forecast to 6.7% from 6.2%.
The firm projects gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 7% for FY28 and 7.6% for FY26.
Growth for Q1FY27 is expected to be 6.5% year-on-year.
Inflation is projected to average 4.7% in FY27, while oil prices are expected to average $87.5 per barrel.
Higher oil prices could widen the current account deficit to 1.8% of GDP.
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Asian Development Bank (ADB) raises India FY27 growth forecast to 6.9% (Mid of April)▼
Asian Development Bank (ADB) revised India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast upward to 6.9% from 6.5%.
ADB projects India’s FY26 growth at 7.6% and FY28 growth at 7.3%.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also projects FY27 growth at 6.9%.
World Bank raised its FY27 India growth estimate to 6.6% from 6.3%.
ADB expects FY27 inflation at 4.5% and FY28 inflation at 4%.
Consumption is forecast to remain the primary growth driver in FY27.
Manufacturing gains are expected from recent trade agreements with the European Union, the United States, and New Zealand.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) raises India’s FY27 growth forecast to 6.5% (Mid of April)▼
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised India’s growth forecast for FY27 to 6.5% from 6.4% projected in January and 6.2% in October last year.
Growth is expected to remain steady at 6.5% in 2027-28, keeping India the fastest-growing economy in both years.
India’s GDP growth for 2025-26 is estimated at 7.6% based on government projections.
The IMF projects India’s inflation to rise to 4.7% in FY27 from 2.1% last year, then ease to 4% in 2027-28.
India’s current account deficit is estimated at 2% of GDP in 2026-27 and 1.6% in 2027-28.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected 6.9% growth for this fiscal.
The World Bank raised India’s growth outlook for this fiscal to 6.6% from 6.3%.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) revised India’s growth estimate to 6.9% from 6.5%.
S&P Global Market Intelligence (S&P Global) Cuts India FY27 Growth Forecast to 6.6% (Start of May)▼
S&P Global Market Intelligence (S&P Global) has lowered India's economic growth forecast for the financial year 2026-27 (FY27) to 6.6% from an earlier projection of 7.1%.
The revision is driven by risks associated with the Iran war, which may lead to narrowing fiscal space and potential constraints on infrastructure-related capital expenditure.
India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for the financial year 2025-26 (FY26) is estimated at 7.6% according to official figures.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to rise to 57.5% from 56.1% in FY26, which could delay the long-term target of 49-51% by the financial year 2030-31 (FY31).
The services sector is anticipated to expand its share in the national GDP to nearly 55% by 2030, supported by services-focused free trade agreements (FTAs) and medical tourism.
World Bank (WB) raises India FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.6% (Start of April)▼
World Bank upgraded India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.6%, 30 basis points higher than its October 2025 projection of 6.3%.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projects FY27 growth at 6.9%.
World Bank expects inflation to rise in FY27 on strong demand, normalising food prices and higher energy prices.
Government reduced additional excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre and exempted customs duty on critical petrochemical products amid West Asia conflict.
India’s new free trade agreements with European Union and United Kingdom will double global market access for domestic firms from one-sixth to one-third of global GDP.
South Asia’s 2026 growth forecast revised upwards by 50 basis points to 6.3%, with India driving the region’s outperformance among Emerging Markets and Developing Economies.
Karnataka State Excise Department implements Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB) based excise duty
Key Updates:
Karnataka is the first state in India to implement an Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB) based excise duty structure.
The new policy came into effect from May 11, following the Chief Minister's 2026-27 Budget speech.
Under the new structure, Indian Made Liquor (IML) slabs have been rationalised and reduced to 8.
Government-administered price fixation has been completely deregulated, allowing producers to place products within slabs based on alcohol content and market considerations.
The move aims to keep liquor prices lower and relatively equal to neighbouring states, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Kerala.
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Ministry of Finance (MoF) revises export tax rates on petroleum products (Mid of May)▼
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has introduced a new special additional excise duty (SAED) structure for petroleum product exports.
Petrol exports now attract an SAED of ₹3 per litre.
The export duty on diesel has been reduced to ₹16.5 per litre, following previous rates of ₹21.50 on March 26, ₹55.5 on April 11, and ₹23 on April 30.
The export duty on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) now stands at ₹16 per litre, having previously been set at ₹29.5, ₹42, and ₹33.
The MoF has reduced the road and infrastructure cess on both petrol and diesel exports to zero.
Ethanol-Blended Petrol (E20) Mandate rolls out nationwide with 95 RON default grade (Start of April)▼
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) mandated oil marketing companies to supply ethanol-blended petrol with up to 20 per cent ethanol content across all states and Union territories from 1 April 2026.
The notification issued on 17 February 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act requires the fuel to meet Bureau of Indian Standards specifications with a minimum Research Octane Number of 95.
E20 petrol consists of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol, replacing the earlier E10 blend.
Ethanol feedstock includes sugarcane, maize and other agricultural inputs.
Vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are designed to run on E20 fuel, while older vehicles may require monitoring of fuel system components.
Fuel efficiency may decline by around 3 to 7 per cent due to ethanol’s lower energy content compared with petrol.
Karnataka Menstrual Leave Policy – One Day Paid Leave per Month (Mid of April)▼
The Karnataka government issued notifications on 12 November 2025 and 20 November 2025 providing women employees with one day of paid menstrual leave each month.
The Karnataka Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Bill, 2025 proposes monthly paid menstrual leave for women in both government offices and private establishments and a 2 per cent attendance relaxation for girl students in government and private educational institutions.
The Karnataka High Court directed the state government to ensure effective operationalisation of the menstrual leave policy through suitable guidelines, circulars and administrative instructions across organised and unorganised sectors.
The petition prompting the court's direction was filed by Chandravva Hanamant Gokavi, a hotel worker from Belgavi.
The court observed that the policy is intrinsically linked to the realisation of a fundamental right and the constitutional promise of equality.
Ethanol Blending Programme Mandates 20% Ethanol-Blended Petrol with Minimum RON 95 from April 2026 (End of February)▼
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has mandated the sale of petrol with up to 20 per cent ethanol and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 across all states and Union Territories from April 1, 2026.
The mandate requires oil companies to sell ethanol-blended motor spirit as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications.
The central government may allow exceptions to this mandate for specific regions, limited timeframes, or special situations.
Ethanol for the programme is produced domestically from renewable sources such as sugarcane, maize, and agricultural grain surplus.
The policy aims to reduce national oil imports, lower carbon emissions, and support farmers by boosting demand for agricultural produce.
A minimum RON of 95 is required to prevent engine knocking, which is the uneven burning of fuel that causes power loss and potential engine damage.
Ethanol naturally possesses a high octane value of approximately 108 RON, which increases the knock resistance of the fuel blend.
The target for 20 per cent ethanol blending was advanced to 2025-26 from the original 2030 deadline after India achieved 10 per cent blending in June 2022.
India has saved more than ₹1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange through petrol substitution since the 2014-15 period.
NSQ Drugs Portal: Tracking and Controlling Substandard Drugs in Karnataka
Key Updates:
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao launched a portal to track and control Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs.
The portal was developed by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA).
The FSDA portal provides real-time tracking of NSQ drug batches available with stockists and retailers.
The system automatically blocks the sale of identified substandard drugs to prevent further distribution.
Plans are underway to extend the portal's integration to 45,000 retailers and pharmacists.
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IPC signs MoUs with State Pharmacy Councils to strengthen medicine safety framework (Mid of May)▼
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the State Pharmacy Councils of Bihar, Maharashtra, and Mizoram.
The agreements were signed at the IPC headquarters in Ghaziabad by IPC Secretary-cum-Scientific Director Dr. V. Kalaiselvan and representatives from the participating state councils.
The collaboration aims to promote the adoption of the National Formulary of India (NFI) and establish it as a mandatory reference document in hospital pharmacies across the participating states.
The partnership seeks to strengthen the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) by promoting adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting and facilitating the establishment of ADR Monitoring Centres (AMCs).
The MoUs include provisions for joint training programmes, workshops, and awareness campaigns to enhance professional competencies in rational medicine use and pharmacopoeial standards.
Swasth Bharat Portal: Integration of Digital Health Systems (Start of May)▼
The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, launched the Swasth Bharat Portal on May 7, 2026, during the 10th National Summit on "Innovation and Inclusivity: Best Practices Shaping India's Health Future".
The portal was developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to integrate multiple digital applications used in national health programmes for service delivery, monitoring, and reporting.
It functions as an aggregator platform using an API-based federated architecture to create a unified digital layer and ensure interoperability across programmes.
The portal aims to reduce the administrative burden on frontline health workers, including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Community Health Officers (CHOs), and Medical Officers (MOs).
The portal is Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) compliant and supports integration with the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR), and Health Facility Registry (HFR).
JANANI: Digital Maternal and Child Healthcare Platform for Unified Health Services (Start of May)▼
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) launched JANANI (Journey of Antenatal, Natal and Neonatal Integrated Care) to unify pregnancy tracking and newborn care under a digital system.
Developed as an upgraded version of the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portal, the platform was unveiled at the National Summit on Innovation and Inclusivity: Best Practices Shaping India’s Health Future.
The platform has recorded 1.34 crore beneficiary registrations, over 30 lakh registrations of pregnant women, over 30 lakh Mother and Child Health (MCH) cards, and over 1 lakh biometric verifications.
JANANI features QR-enabled digital MCH cards and interoperability with other platforms including U-WIN and POSHAN for seamless data exchange.
Registration is available through Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), Aadhaar-linked OTP or biometric verification, and mobile numbers.
MeHEALTH app launched by Kerala Health Department to provide nearby public health-care facility information (Start of March)▼
Kerala Health Department launched the MeHEALTH mobile application to help users access information about nearby public health-care facilities and services.
Users can view details of nearby hospitals, specialty departments, laboratory tests, test rates, blood banks, paywards, radiology services, and pharmacies.
The app allows advance booking of appointments in hospitals where the e-Health project is implemented.
Information on Janakeeya Aarogya Kendrams (formerly subcentres), government homoeopathy hospitals, and Karunya pharmacies is available through the app.
Users must install the app and log in using their phone number and OTP; linking Aadhaar enables online OP ticket and doctor appointment booking.
The app shows the exact distance and route to health-care facilities using integrated Google Maps navigation.
The 'Nearby Services' option displays hospitals within a 10-km radius and allows filtering by specialty, services, ambulances, blood banks, laboratories, paywards, radiology, JAK centres, pharmacies, and homoeopathy clinics.
Delhi Government Collateral-Free Loans for Women Startups and SHGs
Key Updates:
The Delhi Government will provide collateral-free loans of up to ₹10 crore to women's self-help groups (SHGs) and startups.
The Delhi Government will act as the guarantor for these loans to facilitate financial access for women.
The administration will provide platforms for indigenous products in malls and large shopping complexes to ensure local goods reach a wider market.
Around 24 SHGs participated in the Mega Self Help Group (SHG) Mela-2026, exhibiting handicrafts, crochet work, khadi, household products, and food items.
Handicrafts were showcased under the One District, One Product initiative of the North-West District.
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NITI Aayog releases report on women’s credit market in New Delhi (Mid of April)▼
NITI Aayog released the second edition of its report “From Borrowers to Builders: Women and India’s Evolving Credit Market” on 7 April 2026 in New Delhi.
The report was prepared by TransUnion CIBIL and MicroSave Consulting (MSC) under the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP).
Women borrowers hold ₹76 lakh crore credit portfolio, accounting for 26% of total system credit.
Credit exposure of women expanded 4.8 times since 2017.
Number of credit-active women borrowers grew at a CAGR of 9% between December 2017 and December 2025.
Credit penetration among women increased from 19% to 36% during the same period.
Total credit outstanding to women rose from ₹16 lakh crore in 2017 to ₹76 lakh crore in 2025.
Credit to women business borrowers registered a CAGR of 31% between 2022 and 2025.
19% of active Microfinance Institution (MFI) borrowers now hold individual retail or commercial loans.
Northern states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh show increased growth in women’s credit access alongside southern and western states.
The report analysed longitudinal credit bureau data of approximately 16 crore credit-active women and primary research with 161 rural women nano-entrepreneurs.
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana crosses ₹40 lakh crore in collateral-free loans in 11 years (Start of April)▼
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) completed 11 years on 8 April 2026.
Over 58 crore collateral-free loans worth more than ₹40 lakh crore have been disbursed since 2015.
PMMY provides loans up to ₹20 lakh for non-corporate, non-farm income-generating activities.
Loans are classified as Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishor (₹50,000–₹5 lakh), Tarun (₹5–10 lakh), and Tarun Plus (₹10–20 lakh).
Two out of every three Mudra loans are sanctioned to women beneficiaries.
The scheme covers manufacturing, trading, services, and allied agriculture activities like dairy, poultry, and beekeeping.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry Recognises 55,200 Startups in FY26 (Mid of April)▼
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.
L&T Finance Ltd (LTF) launches Spoorthi to extend specialised Home Loan and Loan Against Property to women entrepreneurs. (Start of March)▼
L&T Finance Ltd (LTF) announced Spoorthi on Women’s Day to provide Home Loans and Loan Against Property (LAP) for business expansion and working capital to women entrepreneurs.
Spoorthi offers extended tenors up to 25 years for Home Loans and LAP, and up to 12 years for Industrial LAP.
The programme provides enhanced eligibility norms, higher debt-to-income ratios, lower interest rates, and relaxed business vintage requirements.
Woman borrower must hold at least 50% stake in the business and contribute minimum 50% of total appraised income when clubbed with other borrowers.
Business must show annual cash profit of at least Rs. 5 Lakhs as per latest Income Tax Return (ITR) and no net loss in the last two years.
For loans up to Rs. 75 Lakhs, the minimum business vintage requirement is reduced to two years.
Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) III Norms to Regulate Vehicle Fuel Efficiency
Key Updates:
The government is expected to notify the final Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) III norms by the end of May 2026.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is updating the compliance formula to shift the reference fuel from E20 to E25/E27 to align with India's ethanol roadmap.
The CAFE III norms are scheduled for implementation starting from April 1, 2027.
The framework aims to reduce dependence on imported crude, expand ethanol usage, and accelerate the adoption of cleaner technologies.
The norms will determine compliance credits for battery electric vehicles, strong hybrids, and flex-fuel technologies.
Indian automakers are preparing distinct strategies: Maruti Suzuki plans ethanol-compatible technology for high-volume models, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is combining flex-fuel engines with strong hybrids, and Tata Motors intends to launch flex-fuel technology around late 2026 or early 2027.
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Nigeria Introduces Green Tax Surcharge on High-Emission Vehicles (End of April)▼
Nigeria's Finance Minister Wale Edun signed a circular on April 1, 2026, to introduce a green tax surcharge on vehicles, effective from July 1.
The tax is imposed on vehicles with engine capacities of 2,000 cc and above, with a 2 per cent tax for 2,000 cc to 3,999 cc and 4 per cent for 4,000 cc and above.
Exemptions from the green tax are provided for vehicles with engine sizes below 2,000 cc, mass transit buses, electric vehicles (EVs), and locally manufactured vehicles.
Import tariffs on fully built passenger vehicles have been reduced from 70 per cent to 40 per cent within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) common external tariff (CET) structure.
A 90-day grace period has been granted to manufacturers, importers, and service providers for the transition to the new fiscal measures.
Nigeria has imposed a 5 per cent fuel surcharge on petrol and diesel since January 1.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria's passenger car imports increased to Naira 1.58 trillion.
Under its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), Nigeria commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29 per cent by 2030 and 32 per cent by 2035 compared to 2018 levels.
Nigeria has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2060.
The transport sector is identified as having a mitigation potential of 44.3 Mt CO2e through the adoption of clean vehicles.
Other national initiatives include a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) programme, removal of fuel subsidies, and a ban on the import of polluting two-stroke engines.
France Unveils Roadmap to Phase Out Fossil Fuels by 2050 (End of April)▼
France announced a roadmap to phase out coal by 2030, oil by 2045, and gas by 2050 for energy purposes.
The plan was unveiled during a global conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, which was co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands.
France aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5% per year over the 2024-2028 period.
The roadmap includes commitments to phase out fossil fuel production and electrify sectors such as heating and transport.
The Santa Marta conference was established after a proposal for a global fossil fuel roadmap was blocked at the COP30 climate summit in November.
Nearly 60 nations attended the conference, including the European Union (EU), Canada, Norway, Angola, Nigeria, and Tuvalu.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) relaxes CAFE-3 emission slopes, steering automakers toward EVs and hybrids (Mid of April)▼
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) circulated an updated CAFE-3 draft on 8 April, covering 2027-32 and relaxing the permissible emission slope to 0.00158 for 2027-28 and 0.00131 for 2031-32.
The relaxed slope grants small cars an 11-13 g per km emission benefit while tightening the target by 10-12 g per km for larger cars.
Automakers selling higher-emission vehicles will face financial penalties, whereas credits from EVs and strong hybrids can offset these penalties.
Manufacturers must comply within a three-plus-two year block period—three years (2027-28 to 2029-30) and two years (2030-31 and 2031-32)—with credits or debits carried forward within each block.
Penalties for non-compliance will be assessed at the end of each block and paid into the Central Energy Conservation Fund, of which 90% will be redistributed to states proportional to vehicle sales and 10% retained by the Centre.
E20 Petrol Mandate: Nationwide 20% Ethanol-Blended Fuel Roll-Out from 1 April 2025 (Start of April)▼
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) directed that from 1 April 2025 all petrol pumps nationwide must supply E20 petrol containing up to 20% ethanol.
E20 petrol has an octane rating of about 95 RON compared to regular petrol’s 91–92 RON, allowing smoother combustion.
Ethanol for E20 is domestically produced from crops such as sugarcane, maize, and grains, helping cut fuel import costs and support farmers.
Most newer vehicles are E20-compatible, while older vehicles may experience slight drops in fuel efficiency and potential long-term wear on engine components.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) quality standards apply to E20 fuel across all regions.
India's Army and Navy sign Memorandum of Association on Affiliation on 14 May 2026
Key Updates:
The Indian Army and the Indian Navy (IN) signed a Memorandum of Association (MoA) on Affiliation to formalise structured cooperation between Army formations and naval ships and commands.
The MoA was signed by Lt Gen VPS Kaushik, Adjutant General of the Indian Army, and Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Chief of Personnel of the IN.
The framework aims to institutionalise long-term linkages through structured professional exchanges, joint activities, and operational familiarisation, drawing lessons from Operation Sindoor.
The pact supports the military's broader push towards integrated warfighting and the creation of integrated theatre commands under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
The proposed integrated theatre commands include a maritime command led by the IN, a northern command led by the Indian Army, and a western command led by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
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Indian Navy Commanders’ Conference 2026 to focus on AI, unmanned systems, jointness amid West Asia tensions (Mid of April)▼
Indian Navy’s bianxial Commanders’ Conference 2026 will be held in New Delhi from 14 to 16 April.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan will address senior naval leadership on jointness and interoperability.
Conference will review implementation of Indian Navy’s artificial intelligence roadmap and data-driven technologies.
Deliberations will emphasise lessons from US-I conflict, including AI-enabled targeting and uncrewed systems.
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence recently commended Navy’s push on indigenisation and innovation initiatives.
India and Italy strengthen defence ties; Rajnath Singh meets Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto, exchange Military Cooperation Plan (Start of May)▼
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in New Delhi and exchanged a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan (MCP) for 2026-27.
The meeting was held at the Manekshaw Centre and focused on enhancing military engagements and expanding defence industrial cooperation between India and Italy.
Both ministers reaffirmed that the India-Italy Strategic Partnership is rooted in shared values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that the newly exchanged MCP outlines a roadmap for structured military interactions between the armed forces of both nations over the next year.
Earlier in the day, Guido Crosetto paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial and was accorded a ceremonial tri-service Guard of Honour at the Manekshaw Centre.
India and Israel sign MoU to deepen defence ties ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit (End of February)▼
An MoU was signed between India and Israel to deepen defence ties and strengthen ongoing joint activities, including future seminars and cooperative initiatives.
The International Defence Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) within Israel's Ministry of Defense (IMOD) facilitated meetings between leading Indian and Israeli defence industries leading to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
SIBAT in cooperation with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and India's Ministry of Defence led a seminar and B2B meetings this week between leading Indian and Israeli defence companies.
The seminar was led by SIBAT Director, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, and brought together small, medium and large Israeli and Indian defence companies for substantive engagements.
The event featured representatives from 30 Indian and 26 Israeli defence companies.
The Indian delegation was led by Ramesh K, Director General of SIDM, and included J P Singh, Ambassador of India to Israel, and Gp Capt. Vijay Patil, Defence Attache of India to Israel.
Prime Minister Modi would arrive on February 25 on a two-day visit to Israel.
Indian Army EME and IIT-Madras partner for Nodal Indigenisation Centre (End of March)▼
The Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) of the Indian Army has partnered with the IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation to develop indigenous military technologies.
A Nodal Indigenisation Centre has been established at Avadi to strengthen the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor.
The partnership focuses on critical domains including sensing systems, cyber-physical systems, and autonomous technologies.
Major General Lalit Kapoor serves as the Indian Army Commander-Base Workshop Group.
M J Shankar Raman is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation.
The Corps of EME is the technical backbone of the Indian Army responsible for the maintenance and sustenance of equipment.
L&T and France's Exail partner for Indian Navy's mine countermeasure systems
Key Updates:
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and France-based Exail have partnered to deliver an advanced Unmanned Mine Counter-Measure (MCM) Suite for the Indian Navy's Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMVs) programme.
The unmanned MCM suite incorporates autonomous and remotely operated systems designed to detect, classify, identify, and neutralise naval mines in a safe stand-off manner.
Exail's MCM technologies are already operational with several navies worldwide and have been validated through extensive real-world deployments.
The collaboration aims to strengthen India's mine countermeasure capabilities, enhance maritime security, and reinforce Indo-French defence cooperation.
L&T will serve as the prime contractor, offering the unmanned MCM suite to shipyards participating in the Indian Navy's programme for 12 MCM Vessels, with Exail as the technology partner.
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United Nations marks International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on 4 April 2026 (Start of April)▼
The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is observed globally on 4 April 2026.
The 2026 theme is 'Invest in Peace, Invest in Mine Action'.
The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), Fondation Suisse de Déminage (FSD), Handicap International Switzerland, and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, Cluster Munition Coalition (ICBL-CMC) jointly issued the call to action.
The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention prohibits weapons that cause indiscriminate and irreversible harm.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions bans munitions whose unexploded remnants continue to claim lives long after conflict ends.
The Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA) focuses on the impact of explosive weapons in urban settings.
More than 30 States have declared themselves mine-free as a result of sustained mine action efforts.
IIT Ropar and Dhash Defense sign MoU on 5 May 2026 to develop next-generation all-terrain vehicles (Mid of May)▼
Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar) Defence Research and Innovation Foundation (DRIF) and Dhash Defense Systems Private Limited (DDS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 5 May 2026.
The partnership focuses on Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) solutions, including unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), robotic combat vehicles (RCVs), and advanced all-terrain platforms.
The mobility platforms are engineered for operation in extreme environments, including mountainous terrains, forests, desert conditions, coastal regions, and high-altitude conflict zones.
The collaboration aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and the Make in India framework to reduce dependence on foreign military hardware.
DRIF will provide domain expertise, operational insights, and applied research support to DDS to identify critical technology gaps and operational requirements of the armed forces.
India signs Rs 975 crore contracts for T-72 and T-90 tank equipment on 22 April 2026 (End of April)▼
The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth nearly Rs 975 crore for the procurement of TRAWL assembly for T-72 and T-90 tanks.
The contracts were signed with Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Private Ltd.
The TRAWL assembly is a critical equipment developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The equipment is designed to create vehicle safe lanes through minefields containing anti-tank mines with proximity magnetic fuses.
The procurement is classified as a 'Buy (Indian-indigenously designed, developed and manufactured)' case.
The agreements were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited signs tech transfer pact with DRDO lab for naval systems on April 28, 2026 (Start of May)▼
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) entered into a licensing agreement for transfer of technology (LAToT) with the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam.
NSTL is a constituent laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The agreement pertains to the gas turbine–infrared suppression system (GT-IRSS) for naval vessels.
BHEL will undertake the fabrication, installation, and commissioning of the LM2500 gas turbine infrared suppression system developed by NSTL-DRDO.
The pact aligns with the government's 'Make in India' initiative to strengthen indigenous capabilities in naval systems.
BHEL reported a provisional and unaudited turnover of approximately ₹32,350 crore for FY26.
The total outstanding order book of BHEL was about ₹2.4 lakh crore at the end of FY26.
India and Italy Strengthen Space Cooperation at Space Meetings Veneto 2026
Key Updates:
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) led a delegation of nine space-tech companies to the Space Meetings Veneto 2026 held in Venice, Italy.
The participating Indian companies included Astrogate Labs, Astrobase Space Technologies, VyomIC, Suhora, Kepler Aerospace, Hyspace Technologies, TakeMe2Space, Jarbits Pvt Ltd, and Dhruva Space.
Karnataka-based Astrobase Space Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italy’s Impulso Space to explore launch opportunities and integrated mission management.
Kepler Aerospace signed a framework agreement with Apogeo Space to expand Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) infrastructure and collaborate on CubeSat systems and payload technologies.
The engagement is part of the 2025–2029 India–Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan announced during the G20 Summit in 2024 to deepen commercial space cooperation.
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National Technology Day observed on May 11 (Mid of May)▼
National Technology Day is observed every year on May 11 to commemorate the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests of May 11, 1998.
The 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, developed by BHAVINI under the Department of Atomic Energy, reached first criticality in April 2026, making India the second country after Russia to have a commercial-scale fast breeder reactor.
India became the fourth nation to achieve a soft landing on the Moon and the first to do so near the lunar south pole through the Chandrayaan-3 mission in July 2023.
Aditya-L1, India's first dedicated solar observatory, was launched in September 2023 and reached its halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point in January 2024.
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, launched in July 2025, employs dual L-band and S-band radar to monitor Earth's surface changes.
The Gaganyaan mission, expected in the first quarter of 2027, aims to send three astronauts (vyomnauts) into low Earth orbit at approximately 400 km for up to three days.
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is an indigenous fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter with a prototype rollout targeted for late 2026–2027 and a first flight scheduled for 2028.
Skyroot Aerospace Becomes India's First Space-Tech Unicorn (Start of May)▼
Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has achieved a valuation of $1.1 billion, making it the first space-technology startup in India to reach unicorn status.
The company raised nearly $60 million in a funding round co-led by Sherpalo Ventures and GIC, with participation from BlackRock and the Shanghvi Family Office.
Skyroot Aerospace is preparing for the upcoming launch of Vikram-1, which aims to be the first privately developed Indian rocket to place satellites into orbit.
Founded by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, the firm previously launched India's first private suborbital rocket, Vikram-S, in 2022.
The Vikram-1 rocket utilises 3D-printed components and is designed to carry payloads of up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
India Hosts 35th ISO Technical Committee Meeting on Space Systems in New Delhi (Start of May)▼
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is hosting the 35th Plenary and Working Groups meetings of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 20/Subcommittee 14 in New Delhi.
The subcommittee is responsible for developing global standards for Space Systems and Operations, including design, manufacturing, launch, and orbital management.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare highlighted that policy reforms and the creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) have advanced private sector participation.
The meeting focuses on critical industry challenges such as space debris mitigation, orbital congestion, and the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) Chairman Pawan Goenka stated that robust international standards are essential for driving innovation and integrating India into the global space economy.
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.
United Nations (UN) Global Forest Goals Report 2026 identifies fuelwood demand as major driver of forest loss
Key Updates:
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat released the Global Forest Goals Report 2026.
The report was launched during the 21st session of the UNFF and revealed that the world lost over 40 million hectares of forests and 16 million hectares of primary forests between 2015 and 2025.
Global forest cover decreased to 4.14 billion hectares by 2025, representing an annual net loss of 4.12 million hectares with the steepest declines recorded in South America and Africa.
Agricultural expansion and rising demand for woodfuel, including fuelwood and charcoal, were identified as the primary drivers of global forest loss and degradation.
Although 91 countries pledged to restore 190 million hectares of forests, only 44 million hectares were restored by 2025, with Asia accounting for 31 million hectares of the progress.
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Uttarakhand High Court stays felling of oak trees in Mussoorie for construction (Start of April)▼
The Uttarakhand High Court stayed the felling of oak trees in Mussoorie on April 1 after a PIL revealed no NOC was sought from the forest department.
Oak belongs to the genus Quercus in the Fagaceae family and 35 species are reported in Indian Himalayan regions between 800 and 3,000 metres above sea level.
In Uttarakhand the oak species are Banj oak, Moru oak, Kharsu oak, Rianj oak, and Phaliath oak.
Oak forests support 440 bird species in Tehri Garhwal, 391 in Rudraprayag, 491 in Almora, 311 in Bageshwar, 383 in Chamoli, and 366 in Champawat according to eBird data.
A 2022 Ranichauri study recorded 24 butterfly species in Banj oak forests alone.
Degradation of oak forests in the Indian Himalaya occurs at 0.36 sq km per year due to natural calamities and anthropogenic disturbances including developmental activities.
Average fuel wood collection by locals in the study area ranged between 25 and 30 kg per household per day and fodder collection between 15 and 22 kg per household per day.
International Day of Forests 2026 observed with theme Forests and Economies (End of March)▼
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared March 21 as the International Day of Forests in 2012 to raise awareness about the importance of forest ecosystems.
The theme for the International Day of Forests 2026 is Forests and Economies, focusing on the role of forests in supporting livelihoods and driving economic prosperity.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), more than 1.6 billion people globally depend on forests for subsistence, income, or employment.
The forest sector provides at least 13 million formal jobs and approximately 45 to 50 million jobs in informal and small-scale forest-based enterprises.
Mukurthi National Park, which comprises grasslands and the Shola ecosystem, is considered the heart of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in India.
Forests contribute to a sustainable bioeconomy by offering nature-based alternatives to carbon-intensive materials and protecting watersheds.
The 2026 observance aims to place forests at the centre of resilient and long-term economic planning across sectors.
UN issues first carbon credits under Paris Agreement for Myanmar clean-cooking project (Start of March)▼
The United Nations (UN) has approved the first credits under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM).
The credited project is a clean cooking initiative in Myanmar that distributes efficient biomass cookstoves, implemented with a South Korean company.
Generated credits will count towards the climate targets of South Korea and Myanmar.
UN Climate Change states the credited emissions reductions are 40 percent lower than under the previous scheme due to more conservative calculations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates over two billion people globally use open fires or inefficient stoves fuelled by kerosene, coal, or biomass.
Only 78 percent of the global population is expected to have access to clean cooking by 2030 at current rates.
India submits 7th National Biodiversity Report; only 2 of 23 targets on track for 2030 (Start of March)▼
India submitted its 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 05 Mar 2026.
Only two of the 23 national biodiversity targets—NBT1 (biodiversity-inclusive land and sea-use planning) and NBT2 (ecosystem restoration)—are clearly on track for 2030.
Forest and tree cover totals 827,357 sq km, 25.17% of India’s geographical area, and rose by 1,445.81 sq km between 2021 and 2023.
24.1 million hectares of degraded land have been restored or are under restoration against India’s 2030 Bonn Challenge pledge of 26 million hectares.
India’s tiger population stands at 3,167; Asiatic lion and one-horned rhinoceros numbers are also increasing.
Formal protected areas cover a little over 5% of India’s geographical area; marine protected areas and OECM sites are being expanded.
The report was prepared by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) with inputs from 33 central ministries and technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Forest carbon stock increased to 7,285.5 million tonnes, up by 81.5 million tonnes from the previous assessment.
Agroforestry occupies 8.65% of India’s geographical area and trees outside forests form a significant share of total tree cover.
Data gaps, differing collection intervals, and limited protocols for newer indicators hinder consistent biodiversity monitoring.
World Health Organization (WHO) declares Ebola outbreak in Central Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
Key Updates:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no approved vaccines or specific treatments currently exist.
As of 16 May, Ituri Province in eastern DRC recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths.
Confirmed cases have been reported in the DRC capital, Kinshasa, and in Uganda, where two infected individuals were admitted to intensive care.
At least four deaths among healthcare workers have been recorded, raising concerns regarding infection prevention measures in health facilities.
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Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Confirms Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda (Mid of May)▼
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) confirmed an Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recording 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases.
Cases in the DRC were primarily reported in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with four deaths among laboratory-confirmed cases.
Uganda's Health Ministry reported one imported death in Kampala involving a Congolese national.
The Africa CDC is convening a meeting with the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and global partners to reinforce cross-border surveillance and response efforts.
First detected in 1976, the Ebola virus is endemic to the tropical forests of the DRC and is transmitted through direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids.
Cassava Brown Streak Disease threatens African food security as virus spreads beyond East Africa (Start of March)▼
Cassava Brown Streak Disease causes root necrosis and can lead to total crop loss in infected cassava plants.
About 33.7 per cent of Africa — roughly 10.2 million sq km — is at risk of CBSD spread.
The virus is primarily transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, with Sub-Saharan Africa 1 and 2 populations highly efficient vectors.
CBSD remained largely endemic for more than 70 years along coastal Tanzania and Mozambique before spreading to Uganda and other East and Central African areas.
Scientists fear westward expansion into major cassava producers Nigeria and Ghana if control measures are not strengthened.
Weak formal clean-seed systems and farmer reuse of infected cuttings perpetuate disease spread across smallholder farms.
Dual-resistant varieties are under evaluation in Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Malawi, Cameroon, Zambia, Brazil and Vietnam.
Ethiopia has not reported CBSD or its whitefly vector; local studies show field spread via whiteflies is limited to around 17 metres per season.
World Health Organisation (WHO) Approves First Malaria Treatment for Newborns (End of April)▼
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved artemether-lumefantrine, the first antimalarial formulation designed specifically for newborns and young infants weighing between two and five kilograms.
World Malaria Day is observed on April 25.
According to the WHO world malaria report 2025, there were an estimated 282 million cases and 6,10,000 deaths in 2024.
In 2024, 47 countries were certified malaria-free and 37 countries reported fewer than 1,000 cases.
India exited the WHO High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, following an 80.5% decline in malaria cases and a 78.38% decline in malaria deaths between 2015 and 2023.
India has set targets to achieve zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027 and full elimination by 2030.
On April 14, the WHO prequalified three new rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that target the pf-LDH protein to replace HRP2-based tests that fail to detect certain parasite strains.
The WHO recommends that countries switch to alternative RDTs when more than 5% of cases are missed due to pf-hrp2 deletions.
The 2026 World Malaria Day campaign is titled Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.
Since 2000, an estimated 2.3 billion malaria infections have been prevented and 14 million lives saved worldwide.
Twenty-five countries are currently rolling out malaria vaccines, and next-generation mosquito nets account for 84% of all new nets distributed.
International Malaria Conference 2026 concludes in New Delhi (Mid of March)▼
International Malaria Conference (IMC) 6 organised by ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) concluded in New Delhi on 9 March 2026 after three days of scientific discussions.
Conference theme was 'Discovery, Development and Delivery: Driving Malaria Elimination and Beyond'.
Dr Anup Anvikar, Director of ICMR–NIMR, delivered the welcome address.
Dr Tanu Jain, Director of National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), attended as a dignitary.
Discovery sessions covered parasite biology, malaria transmission dynamics, and molecular mechanisms linked to drug resistance.
Development sessions highlighted next-generation malaria diagnostics, advanced surveillance technologies, and research tools for early detection.
Delivery sessions focused on translating research into public health solutions, addressing residual transmission, advancing vaccine research, and strengthening community-based control programmes.
Turbo talks and poster sessions provided a platform for early-career researchers to present work and interact with global experts.
International Day of Living Together in Peace observed on May 16 with theme Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion, and Solidarity
Key Updates:
The International Day of Living Together in Peace is observed every year on May 16.
The theme for the 2026 observance is Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion, and Solidarity.
The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria partnered with Bethel Candle of Hope for the Vulnerable (BCHV) to form the Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee in 2024.
The Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee is located in Kaduna, Nigeria.
The GPF operates the Baltimore Cross-Community Reconciliation Project (BCCRP) in Baltimore, USA, to bridge divisions shaped by race, history, and economic inequality.
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International Day of Families observed on May 15 with theme "Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing" (Mid of May)▼
The International Day of Families 2026 will be observed on May 15, 2026.
The theme for the 2026 observance is "Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing".
The event will be held at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York.
The observance aims to promote investments in integrated family-oriented policies and highlight practices including universal child benefits, parental leave systems, affordable early childhood education, and community-based family support services.
The event will examine issues relating to the Doha Political Declaration of the Second World Summit for Social Development.
International Day of Happiness observed on 20 March 2026 with theme Social Media & Happiness (Mid of March)▼
The International Day of Happiness 2026 is observed on Friday, 20 March 2026, with the theme Social Media & Happiness.
The United Nations (UN) organises the day in partnership with Action for Happiness and the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.
The observance was proclaimed through UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 66/281 on 12 July 2012 and was first observed on 20 March 2013.
The philosophical origin of the day traces to Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework, introduced by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1972.
Jayme Illien, a UN advisor and founder of the happytalism economic philosophy, led the advocacy campaign that resulted in the adoption of the UN resolution.
Finland retained its position as the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in 2026 with a Cantril Ladder score of 7.741.
The top five happiest countries in the 2026 rankings are Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
The World Happiness Report (WHR) 2026 is published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
The report uses the Cantril Ladder, a self-anchoring scale from 0 to 10, to rank countries based on a three-year average of Gallup World Poll responses.
Six variables used to explain happiness scores include GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
The 2026 report incorporates WELLBYs (Well-Being-Adjusted Life Years), a metric developed at the London School of Economics (LSE), as a policy evaluation unit.
The 2026 theme framework includes the Choose, Connect, Curate model and the secondary pillars of Keep Calm, Stay Wise, Be Kind.
International Day of Conscience 2026: April 5 (Start of April)▼
International Day of Conscience observed annually on 5 April.
United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed day in 2019.
2026 theme: 'Acting with Conscience for a Peaceful and Sustainable World'.
World Understanding and Peace Day observed on February 23 (End of February)▼
World Understanding and Peace Day is observed annually on February 23 to commemorate the founding of Rotary International (RI).
The first Rotary Club meeting was held on February 23, 1905, in Chicago by Paul Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey.
The 59th World Day of Peace, celebrated by the Vatican on January 1, 2026, features the theme Peace be with you all: Towards an unarmed and disarming peace.
RI selects 75 scholars annually for the Rotary Peace and Conflict Resolution Program to study peacebuilding and diplomacy at Rotary Peace Centers.
The six major humanitarian focus areas of RI include disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and peace and conflict prevention/resolution.
Sudhanshu Sil passes away as former Member of Parliament
Key Updates:
Sudhanshu Sil, a veteran leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) and former Member of Parliament, passed away at a private hospital in Kolkata.
He was 81 years old and was born on March 27, 1945.
He served as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Jorabagan constituency from 2001 to 2004.
He was a five-time Councillor and Member of the Mayor-in-Council of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) between 1990 and 2015.
Left Front Chairman Biman Bose and CPIM State Secretary Mohammed Selim expressed grief over his demise.
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Dr Gopalrao Patil passes away as former Rajya Sabha member (End of April)▼
Dr Gopalrao Patil, a former Rajya Sabha member and paediatrician, passed away at the age of 94 in Latur, Maharashtra.
He served as a member of the Rajya Sabha representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) between 1994 and 2000.
He contributed to parliamentary committees on commerce, external affairs, and railways.
He founded the Shiv Chhatrapati Shikshan Sanstha, which runs Rajarshi Shahu College in Latur.
He served as the first president of a branch of the Indian Pediatric Association.
He pursued his medical education from Osmania University in Hyderabad.
Mukul Roy, Former Railway Minister, Passes Away at 71 (End of February)▼
Veteran politician and former Railway Minister Mukul Roy passed away at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest in Kolkata.
He was widely referred to as the Chanakya of Bengal politics and represented the Krishnanagar Uttar seat in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
Roy served as the 32nd Railway Minister of India and was a two-time member of the Rajya Sabha representing West Bengal.
He was one of the founding members of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) at the time of its formation in 1998.
He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2017 and successfully contested the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections under the party banner.
He held the portfolio of Railway Minister in 2011 under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)-2 government.
Ricky Andrew J Syngkon laid to rest; Meghalaya government declares holiday in Khasi-Jaintia Hills. (End of February)▼
Ricky Andrew J Syngkon, 54, Shillong Lok Sabha MP and founding member of Voice of the People Party (VPP), died on Thursday evening at a hospital in Shillong after a sudden cardiac arrest while playing futsal in Mawlai Mawiong.
His mortal remains were laid to rest at Sumer Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Ri-Bhoi district on Saturday.
The Meghalaya government observed a holiday in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region on Saturday as a mark of respect.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma visited Syngkon’s residence at Pohkseh locality in Shillong on Friday to pay homage.
The Meghalaya legislative assembly adjourned its ongoing budget session on Friday after paying tributes to the late MP.
Syngkon had served as assistant professor in the department of economics at North-Eastern Hill University before entering politics.
In the 2024 general elections he won the Shillong parliamentary seat as a VPP candidate, defeating three-time Congress MP Vincent H Pala by 3,71,910 votes.
Datta Meghe, four-time Lok Sabha MP and veteran BJP leader, passed away at 89. (End of March)▼
Datta Meghe died on Sunday evening at the age of 89.
He was elected to the Lok Sabha four times from Nagpur, Ramtek and Wardha constituencies.
He served as a Rajya Sabha member from 2002 to 2008.
Meghe began his political career with the Congress, later joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999, and switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters and grandchildren; his son Sandeep Meghe is the Hingna MLA and another son Sagar Meghe is a former MLC.
Kami Rita Sherpa Set World Record for Mt. Everest Ascents
Key Updates:
Kami Rita Sherpa scaled Mount Everest for the 32nd time on Sunday at 10:12 am, breaking his own world record.
The ascent of the 8,849-metre peak was confirmed by the Department of Tourism of Nepal.
Kami Rita Sherpa led an expedition operated by 14 Peaks Expedition.
Kami Rita Sherpa, born in January 1970 in Solukhumbu district of Koshi Province, started his professional mountaineering career in 1992.
Lhakpa Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest, completed her 11th successful ascent of the peak on Sunday at 9:30 am.
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Jim Whittaker, First American to Summit Mount Everest, Dies Aged 97 (Mid of April)▼
Jim Whittaker, the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest, died at the age of 97 at his home in Port Townsend, Washington.
He achieved the historic ascent of the 29,032-foot peak on 1 May 1963, accompanied by Sherpa climbing partner Nawang Gombu.
He was awarded the Hubbard Medal by former United States (US) President John F Kennedy for his mountaineering achievement.
Whittaker was the first full-time employee of the outdoor company Recreational Equipment Inc (REI) and served as its second President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from 1971 to 1979.
He served as the state chairman for Senator Robert F Kennedy’s presidential campaign and climbed a 14,000-foot peak in Canada with him, which was later named Mount Kennedy.
His environmental advocacy contributed to the establishment of North Cascades National Park and Pasayten Wilderness in Washington, and Redwood National Park in California.
He documented his mountaineering experiences and life in his memoir titled A Life on the Edge.
Arpita Patra summits world’s highest volcanic peak Ojos Del Salado (Mid of March)▼
Arpita Patra, a faculty member of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, became the first Bengali woman to scale Ojos Del Salado.
Ojos Del Salado is the highest volcanic peak in the world, standing at an altitude of 22,615 feet on the Chile-Argentina border.
The climber reached the summit on 7 March 2026, after starting the final ascent from the base camp in the Atacama Desert.
As part of the acclimatisation process, she completed climbs of Laguna Verde (over 14,000 feet) and Nevado San Francisco (over 19,700 feet).
Patra has previously scaled four other volcanic peaks prior to this successful expedition.
The final stretch of the climb involved a steep 50-metre slope at an altitude of nearly 7,000 metres amid cold and strong winds.
Bhupatiraju Anmish Varma Sets Guinness World Record (GWR) for Seven Volcanic Summits Challenge (End of March)▼
Bhupatiraju Anmish Varma from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, established a new Guinness World Record (GWR) by completing the Seven Volcanic Summits challenge.
Varma achieved the mountaineering feat in a record time of 92 days, 4 hours, and 45 minutes.
GWR officially announced the achievement in March 2026, marking a new global benchmark in adventure sports.
The Seven Volcanic Summits challenge is recognised as one of the most demanding pursuits in mountaineering, requiring immense endurance and skill.
Divya Singh cycles to Everest Base Camp in 14 days (Start of April)▼
Divya Singh from Uttar Pradesh became the first woman of India to reach Everest Base Camp by bicycle after a 14-day journey from Kathmandu.
She cycled 10–12 hours daily, carrying her bicycle on shoulders when trails were too steep or unrideable.
A viral video shows her holding the Indian flag at Everest Base Camp upon completion of the expedition.