📰 Daily Briefing Thursday, Feb 19

Daily Current Affairs: 19 February 2026

Analysis for 19 February 2026

Frederick Wiseman Dies at Age 96 as Honorary Academy Award Winning Filmmaker

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • Frederick Wiseman, the celebrated director of Titicut Follies and dozens of other documentaries, died at the age of 96.
  • He was awarded an honorary Academy Award in 2016 and completed more than 35 documentaries during his career.
  • His filmography includes notable works such as High School, Hospital, Public Housing, Basic Training, Boxing Gym, High School II, At Berkeley, Monrovia, Indiana, and Crazy Horse.
  • His documentaries are preserved by the Library of Congress and were produced through his production company, Zipporah Films.
  • He was an alumnus of Williams College and Yale Law School and served in the United States (US) Army in 1955.
  • Beyond filmmaking, he had a career in theatre and appeared as an actor in the 2025 films Jane Austen Wrecked My Life and Eephus.
  • His filmmaking style was unique for avoiding narration, title cards, and prerecorded soundtracks, often serving as his own sound engineer.

Similar Coverage

Robert Duvall passed away at age 95. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Robert Duvall died at his home on Sunday, as announced by his wife Luciana Duvall on Monday.
  • He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1983 film 'Tender Mercies'.
  • Duvall portrayed Tom Hagen in 'The Godfather' and 'The Godfather Part II'.
  • He received a total of seven Oscar nominations throughout his career.
  • His debut film appearance was as Boo Radley in the 1962 adaptation of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
  • He played Lt. Col. Kilgore in 'Apocalypse Now', a role that earned him an Oscar nomination.
  • Duvall starred as Gus McCrae in the 1989 TV miniseries 'Lonesome Dove', which he called his favorite role.
  • He directed and starred in 'The Apostle', which earned him his fifth Oscar nomination.
Critics Choice Awards 2026 held on January 5 (Start of January) ▼
  • The Critics Choice Awards 2026 were held on January 5, inaugurating this year’s awards season in Hollywood.
  • Paul Thomas Anderson’s film 'One Battle After Another' won Best Picture and Best Director.
  • Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor for 'Marty Supreme' and Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for 'Hamnet'.
Béla Tarr Passed Away as Hungarian Director and Producer (Start of January) ▼
  • Hungarian director, screenwriter, and producer Béla Tarr passed away at the age of 70 after a long illness.
  • He was a prominent figure in contemplative cinema, known for directing films such as 'Sátántangó', 'Werckmeister Harmonies', and 'The Turin Horse'.
  • He received the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the 61st Berlin Film Festival in 2011 for his psychological drama 'The Turin Horse'.
  • He was a member of the European Film Academy (EFA) since 1997 and received the Honorary Award of the EFA President and Board in 2023.
  • He established the international film school known as film.factory in Sarajevo following his retirement from filmmaking.
  • Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., known for his roles in 'The Wire' and 'Veep', passed away at the age of 71.
  • Legendary French actress Brigitte Bardot passed away at the age of 91.
  • Singer Chris Rea, famous for the song ‘Driving Home For Christmas’, passed away at the age of 74.
Veteran Kannada filmmaker Joe Simon dies at 80. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Joe Simon died of a heart attack at the age of 80 while attending a meeting at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) in Bengaluru.
  • Simon directed popular Kannada films such as Sahasa Simha, Snehada Kadalalli, Simha Jodi, and Mr Vasu.
  • He had served as the Vice President of the Kannada Film Directors Association.
  • Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka paid tribute to his contributions to the Kannada film industry.

Government raises allocation for women-centric schemes by 11.55% to Rs 5.01 lakh crore in 2026-27

Key Updates:

  • Allocation for women and girls under various schemes increased by 11.55% to Rs 5.01 lakh crore in 2026-27 from Rs 4.49 lakh crore in the previous year.
  • Gender budget share in the Union Budget rose to 9.37% in 2026-27 from 8.86%.
  • 53 ministries/departments and five Union territories reported allocations in the Gender Budget Statement (GBS) for 2026-27.
  • Rs 1,07,688.42 crore (21.50%) reported under Part A by nine ministries and one UT for 100% women-specific schemes.
  • Rs 3,63,412.37 crore (72.54%) reported under Part B by 28 ministries and one UT for schemes with 30-99% allocation for women.
  • Rs 29,777.94 crore (5.95%) reported under Part C by 37 ministries and five UTs for schemes with less than 30% allocation for women.
  • Ministry of Women & Child Development allocated 81.73% of its budget to gender-specific schemes.
  • Department of Rural Development allocated 69.92% of its budget to gender-specific schemes.
  • Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region allocated 48.60% of its budget to gender-specific schemes.

Similar Coverage

Rajasthan Budget 2026–27 allocates ₹6,10,956 crore for infrastructure, social sector and governance reforms. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Total budget outlay for 2026–27 is ₹6,10,956 crore, 41 per cent higher than 2023–24.
  • Capital expenditure on infrastructure set at ₹53,978 crore, more than double the 2023–24 allocation.
  • ₹4,000 crore earmarked for the VBG Ram Ji irrigation scheme.
  • ₹32,000 crore proposed to bring Yamuna water to Shekhawati region.
  • Work orders worth ₹26,000 crore issued under Ramjal Setu Link Project.
  • ₹200 crore allocated for restoration of over 660 Shekhawati havelis and an ultra-luxury tourism zone planned in Khuri, Jaisalmer.
  • Education allocation raised to ₹69,000 crore, up 35 per cent, including upgrade of 400 schools into CM Rise schools.
  • Healthcare allocation stands at ₹32,526 crore, 53 per cent higher than 2023–24, with a 500-bed IPD tower at JK Lon Hospital, Jaipur and a 200-bed paediatric IPD at RUHS.
  • Green Budget outlay is ₹33,476 crore, up 20.81 per cent.
  • Under Kisan Samman Nidhi, ₹10,900 crore transferred via DBT to 76 lakh farmers.
  • Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Udyam Protsahan Yojana loan limit for women SHGs raised from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore and Lakhpati Didi limit from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh.
  • Over one lakh government jobs filled against a five-year target of four lakh; recruitment underway for 1.54 lakh posts and calendar issued for another one lakh.
  • Rajasthan State Testing Agency to be set up for online competitive exams.
State Bank of India (SBI) Forecasts India's Transition to Upper-Middle-Income Status by 2030 (Mid of January) ▼
  • State Bank of India (SBI) projects India to reach a per capita income of $4,000 by 2030, transitioning the nation into the upper-middle-income category alongside China and Indonesia.
  • India moved from a low-income to a lower-middle-income economy in 2007, with per capita gross national income (GNI) rising from $90 in 1962 to $910 in 2007.
  • The Indian economy reached $1 trillion six decades after independence, $2 trillion by 2014, $3 trillion by 2021, and is projected to reach $4 trillion by 2025.
  • The economy is expected to cross the $5 trillion threshold in approximately two years.
  • India’s per capita income reached $1,000 in 2009, doubled to $2,000 in 2019, and is projected to touch $3,000 by 2026.
  • India’s percentile rank in the cross-country distribution of average real GDP growth has risen from the 92nd percentile to the 95th percentile.
  • To reach the current high-income threshold of $13,936 by 2047, India’s per capita GNI must grow at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 7.5%.
  • If the high-income threshold increases to $18,000 by 2047, the required annual growth rate for per capita GNI would rise to 8.9%.
  • Achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 targets would imply a nominal GDP growth in dollar terms of approximately 11.5% over the next two decades.
  • The number of high-income countries globally has more than doubled to 87 in 2024, while low-income countries have decreased to 26.
RBI releases Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2024-25 with 11 new data tables (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India released the 10th edition of 'Handbook of Statistics on Indian States, 2024-25' disseminating wide-ranging data on regional economies.
  • The Handbook provides sub-national statistics on socio-demographics, health, state domestic product, agriculture, environment, prices, wages, industry, infrastructure, banking, fiscal and exports.
  • Eleven new tables added: State-wise Domestic Tourist Visits; Net State Value Added (current and constant prices); State-wise Status of Ground Water Extraction; State-wise Revenue Expenditure; State-wise Capital Receipts; Market Borrowings of State Governments; State-wise Gender-wise Subscribers of NPS All Citizen; State-wise Gender-wise Enrolments under APY; State-wise Exports; State-wise Foreign Tourist Visits.
World Inequality Report 2026 (WIR) Reveals India's Extreme Income and Wealth Concentration (Mid of December) ▼
  • The World Inequality Report 2026 (WIR) situates India as one of the world’s most unequal large economies.
  • In India, the top 10% earners capture 58% of national income.
  • In India, the bottom 50% receives only 15% of national income.
  • The top 10% in India holds about 65% of national wealth.
  • The top 1% in India holds about 40% of national wealth.
  • India's average annual income per capita (PPP) is 6,200 Euros.
  • India's average wealth per capita (PPP) is 28,000 Euros.
  • India's female labour participation rate is 15.7%, showing no improvement over the past decade.
  • In 1980, a larger share of India’s population was in the “middle-40%” globally, but now almost all are in the bottom 50% globally.
  • Globally, the top 10% of the population earn 53% of global income, while the bottom 50% receive only 8%.
  • Globally, the top 10% own 75% of all global wealth, while the bottom 50% own only 2%.
  • The global top 0.001% (fewer than 60,000 people) hold three times more wealth than the poorest 50% of humanity combined.
  • Since the 1990s, the wealth of billionaires has grown at approximately 8% annually, nearly twice the rate of growth experienced by the bottom half of the population.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases draft Directions on Foreign Exchange Dealings of Authorised Persons

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the draft Directions on Foreign Exchange Dealings of Authorised Persons on Tuesday.
  • The draft aims to ease reporting obligations and provide greater flexibility to Authorised Persons for hedging exposures, balance sheet management and market-making.
  • The format for reporting net open position limits has been updated.
  • Comments and feedback on the draft directions are invited by March 10, 2026.

Similar Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recognises Foreign Exchange Dealers’ Association of India (FEDAI) as self-regulatory organisation for authorised dealers. (End of January) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India has recognised the Foreign Exchange Dealers’ Association of India (FEDAI) as a self-regulatory organisation for all authorised dealers under its Omnibus framework for SROs.
  • FEDAI had applied for recognition in March 2024.
  • The central bank has given FEDAI one year to align its governance and operations with the Omnibus SRO framework and to extend its membership to all categories of authorised dealers.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases draft foreign exchange risk capital rules effective April 2027. (Mid of January) ▼
  • Banks must compute foreign exchange risk capital requirements on a continuous basis at both consolidated and standalone levels.
  • Capital for foreign exchange risk must be maintained at the close of each business day.
  • Banks may exclude specific 'structural' foreign exchange positions from the net open position subject to strict conditions.
  • The methodology for structural foreign exchange positions must be documented in the bank's risk management policy.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues operational guidelines for Export Credit Interest Subvention Scheme (End of January) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued operational guidance for the implementation of the Government of India’s Interest Subvention Scheme for pre- and post-shipment export credit.
  • The scheme is introduced on a pilot basis under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) – Niryat Prothsahan.
  • The RBI directed all scheduled commercial banks (excluding regional rural banks), primary urban co-operative banks, state co-operative banks, and all-India financial institutions to extend the interest subvention.
  • Lending institutions must adhere to operational instructions issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) through Trade Notices dated January 2, 2026, and January 16, 2026.
  • The scheme aims to support exporters by reducing the interest burden on eligible export credit.
  • The RBI circular, dated January 19, 2026, emphasizes that claims must be submitted according to prescribed procedures and existing regulatory instructions.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permits residents and non-residents to undertake rupee IRD transactions (Mid of December) ▼
  • Residents and non-residents are permitted to undertake transactions in rupee interest-rate derivatives (IRD), according to master directions released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • Non-residents can enter these trades through their central treasury or group entities if the market maker is authorized to transact on their behalf.
  • Market makers include scheduled banks, standalone primary dealers, upper-layer non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and specified development or specialized banks.
  • Market makers must classify participants as retail or non-retail users.
  • Non-retail users include NBFCs (other than market makers) and other institutional entities.
  • The combined Price Value of a Basis Point (PVBP) of all outstanding IRD trades by non-residents may not exceed ₹1,000 crore.
  • After reaching the ₹1,000 crore PVBP limit, fresh positions for non-residents can only be taken for hedging purposes.
  • The rules apply to IRD transactions in both the over-the-counter market and on recognized stock exchanges.
  • Exchanges are permitted to introduce any IRD product after approval from the RBI.
  • Floating rates or indices used in exchange-traded products must be benchmarks published by an authorized financial benchmark administrator.
  • Market makers must report global IRD transactions by their offshore-related parties to the central trade repository, operated by Clearing Corporation of India.
  • Exchanges offering IRD products must submit reports and documentation to the RBI or designated agencies in specified formats.
  • Exchanges must ensure that users are informed of the risks associated with IRD products before they enter the market.
  • Foreign portfolio investors and other non-resident investors are not allowed to hold net long positions exceeding ₹5,000 crore across all interest-rate futures.
  • Gross short positions for non-residents cannot exceed consolidated long positions in government securities and futures.
  • Non-resident IRD transactions must be routed through rupee accounts in India or through vostro accounts for settlement.
  • Foreign currency-settled IRD payments may be made through standard banking channels.

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) launches Online Death Claim Settlement Portal for claims up to ₹15 Lakh

[Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)]

Key Updates:

  • Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has launched an Online Death Claim Settlement Portal to provide a simplified digital solution for families and legal heirs.
  • The bank has implemented a simplified procedure for death claims up to ₹15 lakh, which requires no third-party surety.
  • IOB has committed to ensuring that these death claims are processed within a strict timeline of 15 days.
  • The portal features a real-time tracking system allowing claimants to monitor the progress of their application at every stage.
  • IOB also unveiled its new corporate website powered by the enterprise-grade Liferay Digital Experience Platform (DXP).

Similar Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants Payment Aggregator (PA) licences to In-Solutions Global Ltd (ISG) (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted final authorisations to In-Solutions Global Ltd (ISG) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA).
  • The authorisations cover three specific categories: Online (PA-O), Physical/Offline (PA-P), and Cross-Border (PA-CB).
  • The combined licences will enable ISG to provide a unified onboarding and settlement environment for online transactions, in-person payments, and cross-border flows.
  • The company also holds an International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) licence and international regulatory permissions to activate global payment corridors.
Canara Bank Integrates NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) UPI Technology (End of January) ▼
  • Canara Bank will integrate NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) bank plugins to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services on its banking app, Canara ai1Pe.
  • Canara Bank is the first financial institution to adopt this technology stack approach from NBSL to host UPI features and upgrades.
  • NBSL was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2024.
  • The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded 21.63 billion transactions worth ₹27.97 trillion at the end of 2025.
  • The Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Bank index grew by 31% in 2025, outperforming the Nifty for the fifth consecutive year.
  • The Indian Rupee (INR) breached the 91 per US Dollar mark as Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) sold ₹29,300 crore in 2026.
  • In 2025, BHIM presented a proof of concept for BHIM Vishwas, a technology stack designed for white-labeling payment capabilities for banks.
NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) rolls out Banking Connect platform (Start of December) ▼
  • NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) introduced Banking Connect, an interoperable platform aimed at simplifying internet and mobile banking.
  • The new system is designed to reduce the complexity of current net banking processes, which often require multiple integrations, varied customer credentials, and non-standard settlement flows.
  • Banking Connect offers interoperable workflows, a uniform interface, mobile-first design, and support for biometric authentication.
  • The platform removes transaction caps and introduces standardised APIs to reduce delays, redirections and timeout errors.
  • It supports low-code or no-code integration for merchants, enabling quicker adoption and improved success rates.
  • Banking Connect is live with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, YES Bank, AU Small Finance Bank and Federal Bank.
  • Payment aggregators such as Infibeam, PayU, Pinelabs, Cashfree, Razorpay, HDFC Bank Smart Gateway, Zoho, Easebuzz, Juspay, OPEN and SBI ePay have integrated with the platform.
  • NBBL, a wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI, operates digital payment and collection systems, including the Bharat BillPay ecosystem and B2B solutions for collections and reconciliation.
  • NBBL also serves as the designated settlement agency for the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and YES Bank forge strategic bancassurance partnership (Start of December) ▼
  • LIC and YES Bank have entered into a strategic bancassurance partnership enabling YES Bank customers to access LIC’s comprehensive range of life insurance products through the Bank’s extensive branch network and digital platforms.
  • YES Bank is recognised as the Preferred Banker to Digital India with best-in-class technology infrastructure, a robust API stack, and a leadership position in digital payments.
  • The partnership was announced in the presence of R. Doraiswamy, CEO & MD, LIC of India, and Prashant Kumar, MD & CEO, YES Bank.
  • Through this collaboration, YES Bank customers will be able to avail LIC’s diverse portfolio products including term plans, endowment policies, pension, and unit-linked insurance plans.

Department of Financial Services (DFS) report shows UPI overtakes cash with 57% share of transactions

Key Updates:

  • Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, released the report titled 'Socio-Economic Impact Analysis of the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of RuPay Debit Card and low-value BHIM-UPI (Person-to-Merchant) transactions' during Chintan Shivir on 13-14 February 2026.
  • Survey covered 10,378 respondents across 15 States: 6,167 users, 2,199 merchants, and 2,012 service providers.
  • UPI accounts for 57% of surveyed user transactions, surpassing cash at 38%.
  • 65% of UPI users report multiple digital transactions per day.
  • Report recommends targeted interventions to boost RuPay debit card usage in rural and semi-urban areas through merchant enablement programmes, UPI Lite for low-value transactions, and investment in connectivity, digital literacy, and fraud risk mitigation.

Similar Coverage

NCDC rolls out Yuva Sahakar and Swayamshakti schemes with 2% interest subvention (Start of February) ▼
  • National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) implements fully-funded Yuva Sahakar and Swayamshakti Sahakar schemes under Ministry of Cooperation.
  • Yuva Sahakar offers start-up cooperatives of young entrepreneurs term credit up to five years with 2% interest subvention.
  • NCDC has approved Rs 4,734.97 lakh under Yuva Sahakar benefitting 18,915 members by end-2024.
  • Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojana provides low-cost bank credit to women-only Self-Help Groups for collective enterprises.
Composite Salary Account for Central Govt Staff Unveiled; Integrates Banking, Card & Insurance Benefits (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, has launched a composite salary account package for central government employees.
  • The scheme integrates banking facilities, insurance coverage, and card services under a single account.
  • Banking features include zero-balance salary accounts, free fund transfers via RTGS, NEFT, and UPI, concessional loan rates, and waivers on locker rentals.
  • Insurance coverage comprises personal accident insurance up to ₹1.50 crore, air accident insurance up to ₹2 crore, and term life insurance up to ₹20 lakh with top-up options.
  • Card-related benefits include airport lounge access, rewards and cashback programmes, unlimited transactions, and no maintenance charges.
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods: Five Firms Selected with ₹863 Crore Investment (End of January) ▼
  • The Ministry of Commerce and Industry provisionally selected five applicants with a committed investment of ₹863 crore under the fourth round of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods.
  • The selected beneficiaries are Kirloskar Pneumatic, Indo Asia Copper, Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company, Kryon Technology, and Pranav Vikas (India).
  • The individual investment commitments include ₹320 crore by Kirloskar Pneumatic, ₹258.97 crore by Indo Asia Copper, ₹175 crore by Kryon Technology, ₹58.69 crore by Godrej & Boyce, and ₹50 crore by Pranav Vikas (India).
  • These five firms are projected to achieve a total production value of ₹8,337.24 crore and generate additional direct employment for 1,799 persons by 2027-28.
  • The PLI Scheme provides incentives ranging from 6 per cent to 4 per cent on a reducing basis on incremental sales for five years following a one-year gestation period.
  • The Union Cabinet approved the scheme in April 2021 with a total outlay of ₹6,238 crore for implementation between 2021-22 and 2028-29.
  • The initiative aims to increase domestic value addition in the air-conditioner and LED light industries from the current 20-25 per cent to 75-80 per cent.
  • The application window for this fourth round of the scheme was open from September 15 to November 10, 2025.
  • The remaining eight applicants from the fourth round are being referred to the Committee of Experts (CoE) for further examination and recommendations.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants Certificate of Registration to Airtel Money as Type II non-deposit taking NBFC

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Airtel Money]

Key Updates:

  • Airtel Money, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, received the Certificate of Registration dated 13/02/2026 from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • The certificate allows Airtel Money to commence business as a Type II non-deposit accepting Non-Banking Financial Company under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934.
  • The RBI does not guarantee the financial soundness of Airtel Money or the repayment of deposits/discharge of liabilities.

Similar Coverage

Airtel Payments Bank (APB) enables EV wallet recharges on Bharat Connect via Airtel Thanks app. (Mid of December) ▼
  • Airtel Payments Bank (APB) has partnered with NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) to launch EV wallet recharges on the Bharat Connect (BBPS) platform through the Airtel Thanks app.
  • Users can top up their EV wallets instantly and interoperably by selecting ‘Recharge EV’ under the Pay Bills section of the Airtel Thanks app.
  • The facility is available to all Airtel Thanks app users and the recharge amount is reflected instantly in the EV wallet.
  • Airtel Payments Bank (APB) operates a nationwide network of over 5 lakh active banking points.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants Payment Aggregator (PA) licences to In-Solutions Global Ltd (ISG) (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted final authorisations to In-Solutions Global Ltd (ISG) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA).
  • The authorisations cover three specific categories: Online (PA-O), Physical/Offline (PA-P), and Cross-Border (PA-CB).
  • The combined licences will enable ISG to provide a unified onboarding and settlement environment for online transactions, in-person payments, and cross-border flows.
  • The company also holds an International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) licence and international regulatory permissions to activate global payment corridors.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) authorizes Aryaman Finance (India) Limited as Type II NBFC-ND-ICC. (End of December) ▼
  • Aryaman Finance (India) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aryaman Financial Services, received the Certificate of Registration from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on December 24, 2025.
  • The certificate authorizes the company to operate as a Type II NBFC-ND-ICC (Non-Deposit taking - Investment and Credit Company).
  • The subsidiary was incorporated on January 31, 2025, and received additional capital infusion on April 01, 2025.
  • The company has complied with SEBI Listing Regulations disclosure requirements under Regulation 30.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves Blackstone’s 9.99% stake acquisition in Federal Bank. (Start of February) ▼
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Blackstone’s acquisition of up to 9.99 per cent stake in Federal Bank.
  • Competition Commission of India (CCI) had cleared the proposal in December 2025.
  • Federal Bank will issue up to 272.97 million warrants convertible into equity shares of face value ₹2 at ₹227 per share.
  • Blackstone will invest ₹6,196.51 crore through its affiliate Asia II Topco XIII Pte Ltd.
  • Post-transaction, Blackstone can nominate a director if its shareholding remains at or above 5 per cent.
  • Upon full conversion, Blackstone will become the single largest shareholder in Federal Bank.
  • Federal Bank reported a 9 per cent YoY rise in Q3 FY26 net profit to ₹1,041 crore.
  • Gross NPAs declined to 1.72 per cent and net NPAs to 0.42 per cent in Q3 FY26.
  • Net interest income rose 9 per cent YoY to ₹2,653 crore; net interest margin improved to 3.18 per cent.

IDFC First Bank launches secured RuPay credit card with up to 5% cashback and no income proof requirement.

[IDFC First Bank, RuPay]

Key Updates:

  • 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.

Similar Coverage

IDFC FIRST Bank launches zero-fee USD and EUR Global Savings Account for NRIs. (Mid of December) ▼
  • IDFC FIRST Bank offers the IDFC FIRST Global Savings Account in USD and EUR through GIFT City, Gujarat for Non-Resident Indians.
  • Both the principal and the interest earned are freely and fully transferable to overseas bank account without any limits or restrictions.
  • The account allows holding funds in USD or EUR without conversion risk and with global flexibility.
  • Zero remittance fee is charged on transfers from the account.
  • Interest earned is TDS exempted for NRIs on the FIRST Global Savings Account and fixed deposits.
  • The USD Savings Account currently offers an attractive interest rate of 4.75%.
  • Monthly interest credit results in monthly compounding interest earning for customers.
  • Customers can book USD and Euro fixed deposits at attractive rates.
  • A single mobile banking app manages both NRI and GIFT City Global Savings accounts.
  • Integrated banking experience provides a single Relationship Manager for NRI and GIFT City banking needs.
IDFC FIRST Bank launches Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card for international travelers. (Start of January) ▼
  • IDFC FIRST Bank introduces the Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card with zero foreign exchange markup on international transactions.
  • The card offers reward points on travel and regular spending, with higher earn rates on hotel and flight bookings made through the bank’s platform.
  • Cardholders receive airport lounge access in India and overseas, complimentary golf sessions, selected hotel stay offers, and entertainment-related discounts.
  • Travel-related insurance covers include baggage loss, flight delays, trip cancellation, accident insurance, personal accident, and air accident cover.
  • Reward points carry lifetime validity with no cap on accumulation and flexible redemption across online purchases.
  • Annual fee is ₹3,000 plus GST, with a waiver from the second year for customers meeting a specified annual spending threshold.
  • The card is available through digital channels for eligible customers.
IDFC FIRST Bank launches entry-level credit card with zero forex markup and dual UPI-Mastercard access (Start of December) ▼
  • IDFC FIRST Bank launched the FIRST WOW! Black credit card, the country's first entry-level card with zero forex markup on international spends.
  • Customers receive two cards: a physical Mastercard and a virtual RuPay credit card for UPI use.
  • The card is available to individuals aged 18 or above by opening a fixed deposit of at least ₹20,000 with the bank.
  • Cash withdrawals from ATMs in India or abroad do not attract interest for up to 45 days, but incur a ₹199 withdrawal fee.
  • Users earn 4 reward points per ₹150 on everyday spends and 3 reward points per ₹150 on UPI payments above ₹2,000.
  • Travel bookings on the IDFC FIRST Bank app earn 50 bonus reward points per ₹150 on hotel bookings and 30 bonus reward points per ₹150 on flight bookings.
  • Each reward point is worth ₹0.50 when redeemed for travel on the app.
  • The card includes four domestic airport lounge visits a year and trip-cancellation cover of up to ₹10,000.
  • Other benefits include 25% off on one movie ticket a month (up to ₹100), a 1% fuel surcharge waiver up to ₹200 a month, roadside assistance worth ₹1,399 once a year, ₹2 lakh personal accident insurance, and lost-card liability cover up to ₹25,000.
  • The joining fee is ₹750 plus GST, with the same annual fee from the second year onward.
  • The annual fee is waived if yearly spending reaches ₹1.5 lakh.
  • Welcome benefits worth more than ₹5,000 include travel deals, dining and lifestyle offers, and 5% cashback up to ₹1,000 on the first EMI transaction within 30 days.
IDFC FIRST Bank Launches Gaj: Metal Credit Card for Private Banking Customers (End of December) ▼
  • IDFC FIRST Bank has launched 'Gaj:', an invitation-only premium metal credit card designed for high-net-worth individuals (HNI).
  • The card represents the final installment of the Bank's Ashva- Mayura- Gaj: trilogy of premium metal credit cards.
  • The card carries a joining and annual fee of ₹12,500 plus GST, with the annual fee waived on annual spends of ₹10 lakh.
  • The offering includes 12,500 invitation Reward Points, where 1 Reward Point equals ₹1 for travel bookings.
  • Key features of the card include 0% foreign exchange markup and interest-free global ATM cash access.
  • The card provides a ₹50,000 Trip Cancellation Cover and offers up to 50X rewards on hotels and 25X on flights via the bank's ecosystem.
  • As of September 30, 2025, IDFC FIRST Bank serves 35 million customers with a total business value of ₹5,35,673 crore ($60.4 billion).
  • The bank's customer deposits grew 23.4% year-on-year to ₹2,69,094 crore, while loans and advances grew 19.7% to ₹2,66,579 crore.
  • IDFC FIRST Bank operates 1,041 branches and reaches over 60,000 cities, towns, and villages across India.
  • The bank has impacted over 40 million lives through social initiatives, including financing 3.6 million women entrepreneurs and 300,000+ SMEs.

Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) forms Joint Venture with TGI Group for Nigeria market expansion

[Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), TGI Group, Nigeria]

Key Updates:

  • Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), has signed a definitive agreement to form a majority-owned joint venture with Nigeria-based Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group.
  • The partnership aims to introduce the FMCG portfolio of RCPL to the Nigerian market by leveraging the manufacturing and distribution network of TGI Group.
  • The joint venture is intended to expand the global footprint of RCPL, which already maintains a presence across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
  • TGI Group operates a diversified portfolio including food, agricultural inputs, industrial chemicals, homecare products, and pharmaceuticals.
  • The agreement is subject to customary legal and regulatory clearances before commencement.

Similar Coverage

Reliance Industries secures US licence to import Venezuelan crude oil (Mid of February) ▼
  • Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) received a US general licence to purchase Venezuelan crude oil directly without violating sanctions.
  • The licence enables RIL to resume discounted heavy crude imports suited to its Jamnagar refinery configuration and optimise refining margins.
  • RIL operates the world’s largest single-site refining complex at Jamnagar, Gujarat.
  • RIL bought 2 million barrels from trader Vitol when Venezuelan oil flowed through traders this year.
  • State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) jointly bought 2 million barrels: 1.5 million barrels for IOC’s Paradip refinery, Odisha, and 500,000 barrels for HPCL’s Visakhapatnam unit, Andhra Pradesh.
  • Venezuelan crude grades from the Orinoco Belt are predominantly heavy and extra-heavy, trading at deep discounts.
  • US President Donald Trump stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil and purchase more from the US and possibly Venezuela after a US-India trade deal that led the US to drop 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods.
Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) launches first co-branded RuPay Credit Card among Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). (Start of February) ▼
  • Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) launched its first-ever co-branded RuPay Credit Card in collaboration with sponsor bank Punjab National Bank (PNB).
  • TGB becomes the first RRB among the eight RRBs sponsored by PNB and the first in India to roll out a co-branded RuPay Credit Card.
  • The bank operates through 150 full-fledged branches and 12 ultra-small branches across Tripura.
  • The launch event was attended by Rakhi Biswas, Director (Small Savings, Group Insurance & Institutional Finance), TGB Chairman Satyendra Singh, and Deepak Kumar, General Manager, Punjab National Bank (Head Office).
  • TGB is celebrating its Golden Jubilee year of establishment.
  • The initiative aims to enable customers in rural and semi-urban areas to access modern credit facilities within the RuPay ecosystem.
Jeyandran Venugopal appointed President and CEO of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL) (Start of December) ▼
  • Jeyandran Venugopal has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL).
  • He will work closely with Isha Ambani and the leadership team of Reliance Retail under the guidance of Mukesh Ambani and Manoj Modi.
  • Prior to this, Venugopal served as Chief Product and Technology Officer at Flipkart.
NLC India Renewable Limited (NIRL) and PTC India Limited (PTCIL) form joint venture for renewable energy projects (Mid of December) ▼
  • NLC India Renewable Limited (NIRL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NLC India Limited (NLCIL), signed a joint venture agreement with PTC India Limited (PTCIL).
  • The joint venture company will undertake the establishment, operation and maintenance of renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, hydro, battery energy storage systems, green ammonia and other emerging green technologies.
  • The collaboration envisages the development of green energy capacity up to 2,000MW, to be implemented in phases, with the first phase targeting around 500MW.

Bharat-VISTAAR AI Tool Launched for Farmers with ₹150 Crore Outlay

[Rajasthan]

Key Updates:

  • Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) in Jaipur.
  • The AI-powered multilingual tool was announced by the Finance Minister in the Union Budget 2026-27 with an allocation of ₹150 crore.
  • It is a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative designed to provide farmers with a single digital doorway for information on crop planning, agricultural practices, and weather forecasts.
  • Farmers can access the AI Assistant, named Bharati, by dialling the dedicated telephone number 155261 or through a mobile application.
  • At launch, the tool provides information on 10 major central schemes: PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Soil Health Card (SHC), Modified Interest Subvention Scheme, Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation, Per Drop More Crop, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), PM Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), and Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
  • The platform integrates scientific knowledge from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to offer advice on crops, livestock, and pest alerts.
  • The service is initially available in English and Hindi, with plans to expand to 11 languages, including Tamil, Bengali, Assamese, and Kannada, within six months.
  • Regional access is provided through specific interfaces: Vasudha for Marathi, Sarlaben for Gujarati, and the Bihar Krishi App for Hindi speakers in Bihar.

Similar Coverage

Pulse Self-Reliance Mission launched to make India world’s largest pulse exporter (Start of February) ▼
  • Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the nationwide Pulse Self-Reliance Mission at Sehore, Madhya Pradesh.
  • The mission mandates every state to prepare a customised regional roadmap for expanding pulse cultivation based on local needs.
  • Farmers will receive seed kits and Rs 10,000 per hectare support for model cultivation under a cluster-based approach.
  • Up to Rs 25 lakh subsidy per unit will be given to establish 1,000 dal mills across the country, including 55 in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Seed release ceremonies will now be held in states among farmers instead of Delhi.
Bharat Vistar: Multilingual AI Tool Proposed in Union Budget 2026-27 (Start of February) ▼
  • Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of Bharat Vistar in the Union Budget 2026-27.
  • Bharat Vistar is a multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool designed to integrate AgriStack portals and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) practices with advanced AI systems.
  • The platform aims to boost farm productivity and deliver customised advisory support to reduce risks for farmers.
  • The FM proposed backing high-value crops to raise farm incomes.
  • The government proposed a credit-linked subsidy programme for animal husbandry to spur rural jobs.
  • The budget includes plans for the modernisation of livestock enterprises and the creation of integrated value chains for dairy and poultry sectors.
  • The initiative encourages the formation of livestock Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Andhra Pradesh launches Rythanna Meekosam to promote Panchasutra-based farming practices (End of November) ▼
  • Andhra Pradesh government is set to roll out a new five-day programme titled ‘Rythanna Meekosam’ from November 24 to 29.
  • Public representatives and officials will visit farmers to explain the benefits of implementing Panchasutras in cultivation.
  • Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conducted a teleconference with nearly 10,000 officials and staff from the Agriculture, Allied, and Marketing departments.
  • Workshops are scheduled on December 3 at Rythu Seva Kendras across the state.
Madhya Pradesh declares 2026 as 'Year of Agriculture' with ₹27,000 crore budget (End of January) ▼
  • Madhya Pradesh will observe 2026 as the 'Year of Agriculture' with a sector budget of ₹27,000 crore.
  • The agriculture budget rose from ₹600 crore in 2002-03 to ₹27,000 crore in 2024-25.
  • The 10-point agricultural development model covers technology transfer, income enhancement, natural farming, marketing and export, innovation, and digital transparency.
  • e-Mandi scheme covers 259 markets with 40 lakh farmers registered.
  • Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana targets raising Madhya Pradesh's share in national milk output from 9% to 20%.
  • Cow shelter grant doubled to ₹40 per destitute animal; related budget increased from ₹250 crore to ₹505 crore.
  • Procurement price for milk raised from ₹2.50 to ₹8.50 per litre; 1,200 new milk cooperatives formed.
  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana sanctioned over 11 lakh houses in Madhya Pradesh last year, with 4 lakh completed.
  • Chief Minister's Majra-Tola Yojana approved ₹21,000 crore to connect nearly 20,000 settlements with roads.
  • Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G) extends MNREGA employment from 100 to 125 days.
  • Dropout rate at elementary level in Madhya Pradesh fell from 6% to zero in 2024-25.
  • 94,234 Class 12 students scoring above 75% received laptops worth ₹25,000 each.

Assam Interim Budget 2026-27: Rs 62,294.78 Crore Outlay and ULFA Peace Package

[Assam]

Key Updates:

  • Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog tabled an interim budget of ₹62,294.78 crore for the financial year 2026–27 to seek a Vote on Account.
  • The 16th Finance Commission increased the inter-se share for Assam to 3.258 per cent, which is expected to result in a devolution exceeding ₹50,000 crore.
  • The Government of India (GoI) earmarked ₹500 crore as the first tranche of a ₹5,000 crore special development and rehabilitation package under the 2023 United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) peace accord.
  • The Assam government committed ₹3,000 crore from its own resources for infrastructure and development projects linked to the ULFA peace agreement.
  • A 69-kilometre Kokrajhar–Gelephu new railway line has been sanctioned under the India–Bhutan connectivity initiative.
  • The budget proposes the construction of 40-km underground railway tracks along the Siliguri corridor to fortify the Chicken’s Neck region.
  • A highway project is planned from the semiconductor plant at Jagiroad to the Bhutan border via Udalguri, including a new bridge over the Brahmaputra river.
  • The state government requested a feasibility study for five new airports in Nagaon, Diphu, Umrangso, Majuli, and Manas.
  • The government reported providing over 1.58 lakh transparent appointments, surpassing the initial target of 1 lakh government jobs.
  • The state is finalising discussions with tea associations to announce enhanced wages for tea garden workers within the current year.

Similar Coverage

Government of India Proposes 38% Increase in Ministry of Communications Outlay to Rs 73,990 Crore (Start of February) ▼
  • The Government of India has proposed to increase the budget outlay for the Ministry of Communications to Rs 73,990 crore.
  • Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has been allocated Rs 28,473 crore for capital infusion, spectrum costs, and network rollout.
  • The total telecom allocation grew from a Revised Estimate (RE) of Rs 53,000 crore in the previous year to the current proposed Rs 73,990 crore.
  • The Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) for BSNL increased by approximately 9%, rising from Rs 90 to Rs 99.
  • The government has earmarked Rs 1,39,000 crore for the BharatNet rural broadband project.
  • BSNL plans to utilise the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) injection along with internal cash flows for its resurgence path.
  • The budget for the Development of the North East Region (NER) increased by nearly 50%, from an RE of Rs 4,495 crore to Rs 6,800 crore.
  • Development projects for the NER include the deployment of 4,000 e-buses and the establishment of five Buddhist circuits across six states.
Uttar Pradesh Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 9.13 lakh crore with focus on education, urban growth (Mid of February) ▼
  • Uttar Pradesh finance minister Suresh Khanna presented a Rs 9,12,696.35 crore budget for 2026-27, registering a 12.2% rise over the previous year.
  • Capital expenditure accounts for 19.5% of the total outlay.
  • Fiscal deficit capped at 3% in line with the 16th Finance Commission's recommendations till 2030-31.
  • All primary schools to be upgraded into 'Smart Schools' under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
  • Rs 580 crore earmarked to establish girls' schools in blocks without Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas.
  • Nearly 50 lakh tablets and smartphones distributed under Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana.
  • Rs 3,500 crore allocated under Chief Minister's Urban Expansion and New City Promotion Scheme for planned urbanisation.
Census 2026 boosts Home Ministry budget; Intelligence Bureau allocation jumps 74% (Start of February) ▼
  • The Union government allocated ₹5,762 crore for Census 2026 set to begin on 1 April.
  • The overall internal security budget rose by 9.5% to ₹2.55 lakh crore.
  • Central police forces CRPF, BSF, ITBP and CISF will receive the bulk of the funds.
  • Intelligence Bureau (IB) allocation surged 74% from ₹3,893.35 crore to ₹6,782.43 crore.
Rajasthan Budget 2026–27 allocates ₹6,10,956 crore for infrastructure, social sector and governance reforms. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Total budget outlay for 2026–27 is ₹6,10,956 crore, 41 per cent higher than 2023–24.
  • Capital expenditure on infrastructure set at ₹53,978 crore, more than double the 2023–24 allocation.
  • ₹4,000 crore earmarked for the VBG Ram Ji irrigation scheme.
  • ₹32,000 crore proposed to bring Yamuna water to Shekhawati region.
  • Work orders worth ₹26,000 crore issued under Ramjal Setu Link Project.
  • ₹200 crore allocated for restoration of over 660 Shekhawati havelis and an ultra-luxury tourism zone planned in Khuri, Jaisalmer.
  • Education allocation raised to ₹69,000 crore, up 35 per cent, including upgrade of 400 schools into CM Rise schools.
  • Healthcare allocation stands at ₹32,526 crore, 53 per cent higher than 2023–24, with a 500-bed IPD tower at JK Lon Hospital, Jaipur and a 200-bed paediatric IPD at RUHS.
  • Green Budget outlay is ₹33,476 crore, up 20.81 per cent.
  • Under Kisan Samman Nidhi, ₹10,900 crore transferred via DBT to 76 lakh farmers.
  • Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Udyam Protsahan Yojana loan limit for women SHGs raised from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore and Lakhpati Didi limit from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh.
  • Over one lakh government jobs filled against a five-year target of four lakh; recruitment underway for 1.54 lakh posts and calendar issued for another one lakh.
  • Rajasthan State Testing Agency to be set up for online competitive exams.

India and France upgrade bilateral ties to Special Global Strategic Partnership during Mumbai talks

[France]

Key Updates:

  • India and France elevated their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership after talks in Mumbai between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
  • The meeting produced 21 outcomes covering defence, critical minerals, technology, startups, advanced materials, health and skilling.
  • Modi and Macron virtually inaugurated the H125 light utility helicopter final assembly line of Tata-Airbus in Karnataka.
  • The first 'Made in India' H125 helicopter is scheduled for delivery in early 2027 and will be exported within the South Asian region.
  • The two leaders launched the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics.
  • An annual Foreign Ministers Dialogue was established to review implementation of the elevated partnership and Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
  • India and France renewed their defence cooperation agreement and agreed on a joint venture between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran to produce Hammer missiles in India.
  • Both countries decided on reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments.
  • A Joint Advanced Technology Development Group on Critical and Emerging Technologies including defence was constituted.
  • A Joint Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Metals was issued.
  • The Protocol on the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement between India and France was amended.
  • Letters of Intent were signed between T-Hub and Nord France on startup ecosystems and between Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and ANRS on infectious disease research.
  • An agreement established the Indo-French Centre for Metabolic Health Sciences and a Letter of Intent launched the National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics.
  • The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the French Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty on Renewable Energy Cooperation was renewed.

Similar Coverage

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visits United States for Critical Minerals Ministerial from 2 to 5 February 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar embarked on a three-day visit to the United States (US) from 2 February to 5 February 2026.
  • The EAM will participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
  • The ministerial meeting focuses on supply chain resilience, clean energy transitions, and strategic cooperation in critical minerals.
  • S. Jaishankar is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Marco Rubio to discuss a proposed trade deal and address the downturn in strategic relations.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the visit includes meetings with senior members of the US administration.
  • Earlier on 29 January 2026, the EAM held talks with the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, covering defence, trade, and critical minerals.
India and France elevate ties to Special Global Strategic Partnership and launch H125 helicopter assembly line in Karnataka (Mid of February) ▼
  • India and France upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron’s meeting in Mumbai.
  • The two leaders jointly inaugurated the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line of Tata Airbus in Vemagal, Karnataka.
  • The H125 is claimed to be the world’s only helicopter capable of flying to the height of Mount Everest and will be manufactured in India for domestic use and exports.
  • The first Made-in-India H125 helicopter is scheduled for delivery in early 2027.
  • A total of 21 outcomes were announced covering defence, tech and innovation, startups, critical minerals, advanced materials, health and skilling.
  • The facility will produce helicopters for civil and parapublic roles such as emergency medical services, law enforcement and passenger transport.
  • Modi and Macron virtually launched the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics.
Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong announces India-China bilateral trade hit record USD 155.6 billion in 2025 (Start of February) ▼
  • India-China bilateral trade reached USD 155.6 billion in 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of over 12 per cent.
  • India’s exports to China grew by 9.7 per cent during the same period.
  • The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin last August led to improved ties and increased people-to-people exchanges.
  • China supports India’s BRICS presidency and is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with New Delhi for Global South development.
  • The military stand-off that began after the June 2020 Galwan Valley clashes effectively ended in October 2024.
French President Emmanuel Macron to visit India for AI Impact Summit and bilateral talks (Mid of February) ▼
  • French President Emmanuel Macron will pay an official visit to India from 17 February at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • During the three-day visit Macron will hold wide-ranging talks with PM Modi and attend the AI Impact Summit, the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South, in New Delhi.
  • The leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple areas and exchange views on regional and global issues including Indo-Pacific cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
  • PM Modi and President Macron will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 in Mumbai, aimed at deepening collaboration in innovation, technology, research and people-to-people exchanges throughout the year in both countries.
  • The visit follows PM Modi’s visit to France in February 2025 and reflects the mutual trust and depth of the India-France Strategic Partnership.

Iran temporarily closes Strait of Hormuz during live-fire drills amid indirect US-Iran talks in Geneva

[Iran, United States]

Key Updates:

  • Iran announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday for live-fire exercises conducted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
  • The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil passes, was stated to be closed for several hours for safety and maritime concerns.
  • Indirect talks between the United States and Iran over Iran’s nuclear programme took place in Geneva on Tuesday, marking the second round of such negotiations.
  • US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner led the US delegation at the indirect talks held at the residence of the Omani envoy to Geneva.
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed optimism, stating a new window has opened for reaching a negotiated solution.
  • US Vice President JD Vance said the talks went well in some ways but noted Iran had not yet acknowledged US red lines.
  • Iran last closed the strait during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s by mining the waterway.
  • Oil prices fell after the talks, with US oil down 1.3% at $62.06 per barrel and Brent crude down 2.3% at $67.03 per barrel.
  • The US has increased its military presence in the region, with aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford deployed towards the Middle East.

Similar Coverage

Iran unveils Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile with 2,000 km range (Mid of February) ▼
  • Iran deployed the Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile, also called Kheibar, inside underground missile cities.
  • The missile was publicly shown for the first time during the unveiling of a new missile city belonging to the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
  • Khorramshahr-4 has a range of approximately 2,000 kilometres and can carry a 1,500-kilogram warhead.
  • The missile uses an Arvand engine with self-igniting fuel, enabling launch from mobile platforms in under 15 minutes.
  • It reaches speeds of about Mach 16 outside the atmosphere and Mach 8 inside it, with total flight time of 10 to 12 minutes.
  • The missile features mid-flight guidance and a manoeuvring warhead with tactical engines to improve terminal accuracy and counter electronic warfare.
United States indefinitely pauses immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Trump administration announced it will stop giving out visas to nationals of dozens of countries who are seeking to move to the U.S. permanently.
  • The State Department said it would indefinitely pause the issuance of immigrant visas requested by citizens of 75 countries.
  • Officials said the pause would apply to immigrant visas, meaning those requested by people abroad who have been sponsored by American relatives or employers to move to the U.S. permanently.
  • The suspension does not affect temporary visas requested by would-be tourists and travelers seeking to come to the U.S. on a short-term basis.
  • The State Department said the 75 countries were chosen as part of an effort to bar the entry of immigrants who were likely to rely on public assistance once in the U.S.
  • The State Department did not formally publish a full list of the 75 affected nations, but said Somalia, Haiti, Iran and Eritrea are among them.
  • A list first reported by Fox News, and confirmed by the State Department to CBS News, includes countries like Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Guatemala, Pakistan and Senegal.
  • The pause on immigrant visas is set to take effect next week, on Jan. 21.
Iran Reaffirms Support for Chabahar Port and Expansion of Bilateral Ties with India (Start of February) ▼
  • Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, stated that Chabahar Port is vital for providing access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
  • The Government of India has transferred the entire committed amount of $120 million to Iran for the development of the port terminal.
  • India remains committed to a 10-year contract signed in 2024, which includes a $250 million line of credit for the further development of the port.
  • The United States (US) administration has extended the sanctions waiver for the Chabahar project until 26 April.
  • The Union Budget for the current year saw zero allocation for the port as the committed financial obligations were already met.
Iran Protests and Historical Milestones + January 2026 (Mid of January) ▼
  • On January 16, 1979, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi boarded a plane and left Iran, marking the end of the monarchy.
  • Ruhollah Khomeini – the charismatic clerical leader returned from exile in February 1979 – became the symbol of the revolution.
  • After Khomeini’s death in 1989, Iran’s leadership passed to Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, who had served as president from 1981–89.
  • The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiated by President Hassan Rouhani’s administration had Iran curb its uranium enrichment in return for sanctions relief.
  • In September 2025, Britain, France, and Germany formally triggered the JCPOA’s ‘snap-back’ mechanism, restoring United Nations (UN) sanctions on Iran’s nuclear and missile activities.
  • The new round of protests began on December 28, 2025, and by early January 2026 had spread across Iran.
  • Ayatollah Khamenei cultivated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a personal power base, shaping it into an instrument of control and regional influence.
  • Reuters cited December 2025 inflation at 42.5% (year-on-year), and the British Parliament briefing reports food price inflation above 70% in 2025.

BioAsia 2026 begins in Hyderabad with record 4,000 delegates

Key Updates:

  • BioAsia 2026, Asia's premier life sciences and health-tech forum, commenced in Hyderabad on 17 February 2026.
  • The two-day event drew over 4,000 delegates and more than 500 companies, marking its largest edition to date.
  • Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy inaugurated the forum at 9:30 am on 17 February at HITEX Hall 4.
  • The 2026 edition theme is 'TechBio Unleashed: AI, Automation & the Biology Revolution'.
  • The exhibition footprint expanded to 9,000 square metres, up from 7,000 square metres in 2025.
  • 175+ exhibitors span pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medtech, digital health and advanced manufacturing.
  • Startup Pavilion hosted 40 emerging startups, Innovation Pavilion featured 16 exhibitors, and 22 MSME exhibitors participated.
  • Keynote speakers included Prof. Bruce Levine (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Howard Y. Chang (Amgen) and Pushmeet Kohli (Google DeepMind).
  • Global firms Novartis, Eli Lilly, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Sanofi, MSD and Miltenyi Biotec, alongside Indian leaders Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and Biocon Biologics, featured prominently.

Similar Coverage

India to host first-ever International Big Cat Summit in 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • India will organise the first-ever international summit on big cats in 2026, announced Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 1 February 2026 while presenting the Union Budget 2026.
  • The summit will be organised by the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and will see participation from Heads of States and ministers from 95 range countries.
  • IBCA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 April 2023 and officially came into force on 23 January 2025.
  • IBCA is now a treaty-based inter-governmental international organisation and international legal entity.
BIRAC–RDI Fund: ₹2,000 crore national call announced to scale high-impact biotechnology innovations (Mid of February) ▼
  • Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced the first national call for the BIRAC–RDI Fund, a ₹2,000 crore financing window under the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) initiative.
  • The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is appointed as the second-level fund manager and will deploy the amount over up to five years.
  • The fund will support technologies from TRL-4 to TRL-9 through equity, convertible instruments and long-term debt.
  • Phase-1 submissions for eligible startups, SMEs and industry partners close on 31 March 2026.
  • India’s biotechnology startups expanded from around 50 in 2014 to more than 11,000 today.
  • The bioeconomy grew from about $8 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024, targeting $300 billion by 2030 and $1 trillion by 2047.
  • Biotechnology experiments using domestically developed kits are being conducted in space for plant and life sciences research.
India to host India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16 to 20 (Mid of February) ▼
  • India is scheduled to host the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, 2026.
  • The Summit is organised under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is built around three foundational Sutras: People, Planet, and Progress.
  • The event will see participation from ministerial-level delegations representing over 45 countries and the United Nations (UN) Secretary General.
  • Confirmed attendees from Europe include President Emmanuel Macron (France), President Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon (Spain), Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (Finland), Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (Greece), Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic (Croatia), President Alar Karis (Estonia), President Peter Pellegrini (Slovakia), President Aleksandar Vucic (Serbia), President Guy Parmelin (Switzerland), Prime Minister Dick Schoof (Netherlands), and Hereditary Prince Alois (Liechtenstein).
  • Leaders from the Americas and Asia-Pacific attending include President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Brazil), Vice President Edmand Lara Montano (Bolivia), Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo (Guyana), Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay (Bhutan), President Anura Kumara Disanayaka (Sri Lanka), and Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov (Kazakhstan).
  • Participants from Africa, the Indian Ocean, and the Middle East include Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam (Mauritius), Vice President Sebastien Pillay (Seychelles), and Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (United Arab Emirates).
NABARD and IAMAI launch Earth Summit 2025-26 to foster rural innovation (End of November) ▼
  • The summit is themed 'Empowering Rural Innovation for Global Change'.
  • It will be held across three cities: Hyderabad (20-21 Nov 2025), Gandhinagar (5-6 Dec 2025), and New Delhi (Feb 2026).
  • The initiative aims to bridge gaps between technology, finance, agriculture, and climate action for rural transformation.
  • Activities include hackathons, startup-investor connects, exhibitions, and product showcases.
  • The summit will demonstrate how India’s Digital Public Infrastructure can scale inclusive innovation across the Global South.

India and South Korea conduct 6th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue in Seoul

[South Korea]

Key Updates:

  • The 6th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) between India and South Korea was held in Seoul.
  • The dialogue was co-chaired by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Park Yoon-joo, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea.
  • Both nations reviewed bilateral relations including security and defence cooperation, science and technology collaboration, and economic issues.
  • The two sides agreed to work towards enhancing their Special Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed commitments to global cooperation.
  • The engagement followed parliamentary talks between the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and South Korean legislators to reinforce strategic ties.

Similar Coverage

Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA) sign commercial cooperation framework to deepen ties (End of January) ▼
  • Singapore Airlines holds a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India.
  • The carriers will explore ways to improve connectivity between Singapore and India.
  • Subject to regulatory approvals, the airlines aim to allow customers to book flights across both airlines under a single unified journey.
  • The pact could expand to include greater cross-participation in the airlines' corporate travel programmes.
  • The airlines will explore plans to progressively enhance privileges beyond the current Star Alliance benefits for members of Air India's Maharaja Club and SIA's KrisFlyer frequent flyer programmes.
  • The two airlines currently codeshare on 61 points in 20 countries and territories.
India and European Union sign new security and defence partnership (End of January) ▼
  • India and the European Union (EU) have signed a security and defence partnership pact focusing on maritime domain cooperation and Indo-Pacific engagements.
  • The partnership will facilitate stronger participation of the Indian defence industry in the European market.
  • An industry-led India-EU Defence Industry Forum will be established with official participation as observers and associating EU member states.
  • A dedicated annual EU-India Security and Defence Dialogue has been announced.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the Indian defence industry can contribute meaningfully to the EU's 'ReArm initiative' aimed at diversifying suppliers and de-risking dependencies.
India and European Union adopt Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda at 16th summit (End of January) ▼
  • India and the European Union (EU) endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda during the 16th India-EU summit held in New Delhi.
  • The agenda covers five pillars: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global challenges, and enabling factors such as skills, mobility, business and people-to-people ties.
  • Both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Comprehensive Framework on Co-operation on Mobility to boost mobility of Indians to Europe.
  • They agreed to conclude an Investment Protection Agreement to provide high, predictable standards of protection for investors and promote investment in high-growth sectors.
  • An Agreement on Geographical Indications will be concluded to ensure effective protection of iconic products and boost trade opportunities.
  • The Trade and Technology Council (TTC) will expand discussions on economic security to include research security and protection of sensitive technologies.
  • The EU-India Semiconductor Memorandum of Understanding will be implemented to strengthen supply chains and promote collaboration in chip design, heterogeneous integration, sustainable semiconductor technologies and manufacturing technology development.
  • An EU-India Business Forum will be established to meet regularly and provide business perspectives to inform policymaking across TTC work strands.
  • India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership cooperation will cover energy technologies, smart grids, storage, electricity sector regulation and energy and climate diplomacy.
  • Collaborative research will focus on artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, advanced semiconductors, clean tech and biotech under the technology and innovation pillar.
  • India-EU Innovation Hubs will be set up to support dialogue, knowledge exchange and joint projects in critical emerging technologies.
  • An India-EU Startup Partnership will be established to deepen cooperation in innovation.
  • Cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy will be promoted under the India-Euratom agreement.
  • Under the security and defence pillar, both sides will consult on respective initiatives, exchange on defence industry-related matters and explore cooperation aligned with mutual security priorities.
India-France sign overarching R&D pact for future defence challenges (End of November) ▼
  • Agreement signed by DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat and France’s National Armaments Director Lt Gen Gael Diaz de Tuesta at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi
  • Enables joint R&D, sharing of know-how, joint training, and co-held intellectual property rights
  • Key cooperation areas: aeronautical platforms, unmanned vehicles, advanced materials, cybersecurity, AI, space, navigation, advanced propulsion, sensors, quantum tech, underwater tech

Indian Army hosts inaugural United Nations Fellowship Training Programme on small arms control in Jabalpur

[United Nations]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Army is hosting the inaugural United Nations (UN) Fellowship Training Programme on small arms and light weapons (SALW) control for the Asia-Pacific region.
  • The three-week training programme is being conducted at the Military College of Materials Management (MCMM) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and will culminate on 6 March.
  • The fellowship is organised by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) through its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD).
  • Delegates from 13 countries in the Asia-Pacific region are participating in the programme held under the aegis of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
  • The programme is designed to build technical and operational capacity for implementing the UN Programme of Action (PoA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).
  • The initiative aims to enhance regional cooperation, improve tracing systems, and strengthen responsible stockpile management practices to counter illicit SALW proliferation.
  • Deepayan Basu Ray, Director of UNRCPD, and Lieutenant General Sanjay Sethi addressed the strategic importance of the fellowship in addressing security challenges posed by illicit arms flows.

Similar Coverage

India hosts third edition of tri-services future warfare course in Delhi (Start of February) ▼
  • The third edition of the tri-services future warfare course runs from 2 to 25 February 2026 in New Delhi.
  • The course is conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) in partnership with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
  • The venue is the Manekshaw Centre at Delhi Cantonment.
  • The curriculum covers specialised subjects, domain-specific warfare developments, critical and rare earth elements, supply chain vulnerabilities and regional and global geopolitics.
  • Participants include officers from the three services ranging from majors to major generals, plus representatives from defence industry start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private industry.
  • The course aims to align operational priorities of the armed forces with the capabilities of the indigenous defence industry.
Major Swathi Shanthakumar won the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General's Award 2025 (Mid of January) ▼
  • Major Swathi Shanthakumar, an Indian Army officer serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), won the UN Secretary-General's Award 2025 in the Gender Category.
  • She was recognized for her project titled ‘Equal Partners, Lasting Peace’, which focused on strengthening gender-responsive peacekeeping and improving grassroots outreach in Malakal.
  • She leads India's first all-woman military engagement team deployed to the UNMISS, conducting foot, river, and air patrols to reach remote and conflict-affected communities.
  • The initiative was selected through a UN-wide voting process involving personnel globally and helped create a safer environment for over 5,000 women.
  • Major Swathi Shanthakumar is an officer of the Indian Army's Corps of Electronics & Mechanical Engineers and is currently serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (3 JAK Rif).
  • She is a resident of Bengaluru and completed her engineering in electrical and electronics from New Horizon before joining the Indian Army.
10th Swachh Survekshan: MoHUA enables year-round citizen feedback and expands assessment to river and coastal towns (End of December) ▼
  • Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) Manohar Lal released the toolkit for the 10th edition of Swachh Survekshan in Bhopal.
  • Starting this year, citizens will be able to share feedback round the year through multiple platforms, including the Vote For My City App and Portal, MyGov App, Swachhata App, and through QR codes.
  • The field assessments are expected to begin from mid-February to March 2026, and the Garbage Free Cities (GFC) and Open Defecation Free (ODF) certification assessment will also commence from mid-February.
  • Over 3,000 trained field assessors from across the country will conduct a 45-day, on-ground survey covering all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), supported by real-time, GPS-enabled monitoring.
  • Expanding its scope, the assessment will now include river towns across the country and a separate matrix has been introduced for coastal areas to bring it under the Swachh Survekshan ambit.
  • MoHUA launched the Swachh Shehar Jodi (SSJ) mentorship programme in September, where 72 mentors and 200 mentee cities signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) to foster knowledge transfer.
India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise 'Garuda Shakti' Begins in Himachal (Start of December) ▼
  • The 10th edition of the India-Indonesia joint special forces exercise 'Garuda Shakti' is being conducted from December 3-12 at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, in Himachal Pradesh.
  • The Indian contingent is represented by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Indonesian contingent comprises personnel from the Indonesian Special Forces.
  • The exercise aims to strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the special forces of the two nations.
  • Its scope includes troop-level tactics, techniques and procedures in a counter-terrorism environment, covering unarmed combat techniques, combat shooting, sniping, heliborne operations and planning for drone, counter-UAS and loiter-munition strikes in semi-mountainous terrain.

Air India and Lufthansa Group sign MoU to expand India–Europe connectivity

[Air India, Lufthansa Group]

Key Updates:

  • Air India and Lufthansa Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 17 February 2026 to establish a framework for a joint business agreement.
  • The agreement covers Air India, Air India Express, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines.
  • The MoU targets passenger traffic between India and the Lufthansa Group’s core European markets of Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland.
  • The partners currently codeshare on 145 routes across 15 Indian and 29 European cities in 20 countries.
  • Lufthansa Group carried over 131 million passengers in 2024 and operates five national airlines in Europe.
  • Bilateral trade in goods between the European Union (EU) and India exceeded €120 billion in 2024, with the EU being India’s largest trading partner for goods.
  • Since its privatisation in 2022, Air India has expanded to 24 codeshare partnerships and nearly 100 interline agreements, providing access to more than 800 destinations globally.

Similar Coverage

Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA) sign commercial cooperation framework to deepen ties (End of January) ▼
  • Singapore Airlines holds a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India.
  • The carriers will explore ways to improve connectivity between Singapore and India.
  • Subject to regulatory approvals, the airlines aim to allow customers to book flights across both airlines under a single unified journey.
  • The pact could expand to include greater cross-participation in the airlines' corporate travel programmes.
  • The airlines will explore plans to progressively enhance privileges beyond the current Star Alliance benefits for members of Air India's Maharaja Club and SIA's KrisFlyer frequent flyer programmes.
  • The two airlines currently codeshare on 61 points in 20 countries and territories.
Air India and airBaltic sign codeshare agreement (Start of January) ▼
  • Air India has signed a codeshare agreement with Latvia’s national carrier airBaltic to improve travel connectivity between India and the Baltic region.
  • The airline announced the partnership on December 30, 2025.
  • Under the unilateral codeshare, Air India has started placing its ‘AI’ flight code on airBaltic-operated services between Riga and several major European cities.
Union Civil Aviation Ministry (MoCA) clears Al Hind Air, FlyExpress, Shankh Air to break IndiGo-Air India duopoly. (End of December) ▼
  • Al Hind Air and FlyExpress received no-objection certificates from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry this week.
  • Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air already holds an NOC and targets commercial launch in 2026.
  • IndiGo and the Air India Group together control more than 90% of India’s domestic market, with IndiGo alone exceeding 65%.
Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) grants NOCs to three new airlines to increase competition and lower flight costs (End of December) ▼
  • The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has given no objection certificates (NOCs) to three airlines – Al Hind Air, FlyExpress and Shankh Air – to provide more choice for consumers and bring down the cost of flights.
  • Shankh Air, which aims to be the leading full-service airline of Uttar Pradesh, plans to launch its flight services around the first quarter of 2026.
  • Al Hind Air, owned by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, has an initial investment between Rs 200 and Rs 500 crore and will focus on domestic and regional travel using ATR 72-600 model aircraft.
  • FlyExpress, which received its NOC from the MoCA, is reportedly backed by a courier and cargo services company from Hyderabad.
  • To begin operations, these carriers must next get an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) by proving they have financial backing, aircraft, and trained crew.

Mumbai Climate Week 2026 inaugurated; Maharashtra targets over 50% green energy by 2030

[Maharashtra]

Key Updates:

  • Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the three-day Mumbai Climate Week (MCW) 2026.
  • MCW 2026 is India’s first platform dedicated to accelerating transformative, citizen-driven climate action in the Global South.
  • Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on ‘Urban Heat Mitigation, Passive Cooling and Nature-based Resilience systems, Climate adaptation frameworks’ with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Resources Institute (WRI), C40, and Urban Land Institute (ULI).
  • Fadnavis stated Maharashtra aims for more than 50% of its energy from green sources by 2030, up from 21% renewable share in its current 48 GW installed capacity.
  • Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi announced 1 lakh additional solar pumps for Maharashtra under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM Kusum) scheme.
  • Under PM Kusum in Maharashtra, energy production cost is Rs 3 with Rs 5 savings, and excess power is fed into the grid.

Similar Coverage

Mumbai Climate Week 2026: City-Led Initiative to Showcase Climate Action as Fundamental Child Right (End of January) ▼
  • Mumbai is slated to host the ‘Mumbai Climate Week 2026’ from February 17 to 19, marking India’s first city-led initiative dedicated to fostering local action through citizen-driven solutions.
  • UNICEF India and YuWaah have been named the official youth engagement partners for the event.
  • The initiative is curated by Project Mumbai in collaboration with UNICEF and YuWaah to empower the next generation to become active agents of change within their communities.
Mumbai hosts India’s first city-led climate initiative framing climate action as a child right (End of January) ▼
  • Mumbai is slated to host the ‘Mumbai Climate Week 2026’ from February 17 to 19, marking India’s first city-led initiative dedicated to fostering local action through citizen-driven solutions.
  • UNICEF India and YuWaah have been named the official youth engagement partners for the event.
  • Campus Climate Roadshows will be organised across select Mumbai colleges from February 9 to 16, featuring a signature electronic waste installation under the education ministry’s ‘Mission LiFE’.
Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash near Baramati Airport. (End of January) ▼
  • Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, was killed in a plane crash near Baramati Airport.
  • The crash occurred during landing at Baramati airport and also claimed the lives of four others.
  • The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will investigate the crash with coordination from Pune rural police.
  • Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared a state holiday and three days of mourning following Pawar’s death.
  • The Pune Traders Federation announced that all shops in Pune city will remain closed for the entire day on Thursday.
India’s first Jain Chadar Mahotsav to be held in Jaisalmer from 6 to 8 March 2026 (Mid of February) ▼
  • India’s first Jain Chadar Mahotsav will be organised from 6 to 8 March 2026 in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
  • The 872-year-old garments of Dada Shri Jindatt Suri Maharaj will be displayed during the festival.
  • Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat will attend on 6 March.
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister for Art, Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal are expected on 7 March.
  • Punjab Governor Gulab Chandra Kataria will join on 8 March.
  • Over 150 Jain saints and more than 30,000 devotees are expected to attend.
  • The garments have been preserved in Jaisalmer’s Gyan Bhandar since VS 1945 after being brought from Patan, Gujarat.

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) extends Demwe Lower hydel project clearance till 2037

[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has extended the environmental clearance (EC) for the 1,750 MW Demwe Lower Project in Arunachal Pradesh until 2037.
  • The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on river valley and hydroelectric projects granted the 11-year extension by treating time lost to litigation as a zero period.
  • The project is located on the Lohit River across the Anjaw and Lohit districts and involves the construction of a 162.12-metre-tall concrete gravity dam.
  • Greenko Demwe Power Limited (GDPL), part of the Greenko Group, is the current developer after the original developer, Athena Demwe Power Ltd, entered insolvency proceedings.
  • The project requires the diversion of 1,416 hectares of forest land and will result in the submergence of 1,589.97 hectares.
  • The Lohit basin and Kamlang Tiger Reserve, situated upstream of the project, are identified as crucial habitats for the critically endangered White-Bellied Heron.
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had previously ordered the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) to reconsider the project due to its potential impact on the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam.
  • The project is situated upstream of Parshuram Kund, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site located within the Lohit riverine ecosystem.

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India adds record 52.5 GW power capacity in first 10 months of FY26 (Mid of February) ▼
  • India added 52,537 MW (52.5 GW) of power generation capacity from all sources in April 2025–January 2026, raising total installed capacity to 520.6 GW as of January 2026.
  • Over 75% of the new capacity came from renewable energy sources, while the remainder was from thermal sources.
  • Renewable capacity additions comprised 39.7 GW, including 35 GW of solar and 4.6 GW of wind power.
  • Large hydro projects contributed 3.4 GW, thermal sources 8.8 GW, and nuclear 700 MW during FY 2025-26.
  • Fossil fuel-based capacity totals 248.5 GW and non-fossil fuel capacity stands at 272 GW.
  • Projects under construction include 158 GW of renewable, 39.6 GW of thermal, 13 GW of hydro-electric, and 6.6 GW of nuclear capacity.
  • Contracts for 22.9 GW of coal- and lignite-based projects have been awarded, with another 24 GW in planning stages; 48.8 GW of renewable, 4.3 GW of hydro-electric, and 7 GW of nuclear projects are also under planning.
World Bank approves Rs 5,700 crore for Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project (End of January) ▼
  • The World Bank (WB) has approved Rs 5,700 crore for Haryana under the ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project’ to be released in phases between 2026 and 2032.
  • The project will restore 115 canals at Rs 2,325 crore with WB support, 284 canals at Rs 2,230 crore from the state budget, and 279 canals at Rs 2,880 crore through NABARD funding.
  • Of 15,562 minor canals, 400 will be restored at Rs 450 crore with WB assistance, 1,500 at Rs 1,250 crore by the state, and 61 at Rs 402 crore via NABARD.
  • WB will provide Rs 900 crore for micro-irrigation across nearly 70,000 acres and Rs 600 crore to reuse treated sewage water to irrigate 28,000 acres in Jind, Kaithal and Gurugram.
  • Around 80 new water bodies will be built in southern Haryana for groundwater recharge and Rs 886 crore will promote crop diversification, direct rice seeding and water-saving practices.
NITI Aayog Unveils ASSET Blueprint for Andhra Pradesh Clean Energy Hub by 2035 with ₹7.5 Lakh Crore Investment (Start of February) ▼
  • National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) unveiled a draft blueprint under the Accelerating Sustainable State Energy Transition (ASSET) platform to transform Andhra Pradesh into a top renewable energy hub by 2035.
  • The plan proposes a total sectoral investment of ₹7.5 lakh crore, comprising ₹3.3 - ₹3.4 lakh crore for the state energy transition and ₹4 - ₹4.2 lakh crore for a renewable energy export hub.
  • Private players are expected to contribute 90% of the total investment, which is projected to create 5-6 lakh new jobs.
  • For domestic needs, the state aims to add 35 Gigawatt (GW) of solar, 12 GW of wind, and 55-60 Gigawatt-hour (GWh) of storage capacity by 2035.
  • The export-oriented capacity targets include 30 GW of solar, 25-30 GW of wind, and 10-12 GW of pumped storage projects for national supply.
  • Infrastructure investments include ₹65,000-₹70,000 crore for transmission modernisation through green corridors and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) lines, plus ₹40,000 crore for distribution networks.
  • NITI Aayog estimates power purchase costs will fall to ₹3.90 - ₹4 per unit, while supply costs will be maintained below ₹6 per unit.
  • The blueprint is scheduled for finalisation by March 2026, with implementation beginning in mid-March 2026 under the monitoring of a dedicated Energy War Room.
ASSET (Accelerating Sustainable State Energy Transition) platform aims to make Andhra Pradesh a top-three renewable energy hub by 2035. (Start of February) ▼
  • NITI Aayog unveiled a draft blueprint under the ASSET platform to transform Andhra Pradesh into one of India’s top three renewable energy hubs by 2035.
  • The plan envisages total sectoral investments of Rs 7.5 lakh crore, with 90% expected from private players and the creation of 5-6 lakh new jobs.
  • Andhra Pradesh targets adding 35 GW solar, 12 GW wind, and 55-60 GWh storage capacity for domestic needs, plus 30 GW solar, 25-30 GW wind, and 10-12 GW pumped storage for national exports by 2035.
  • Power purchase costs are estimated to fall to Rs 3.90 - Rs 4 per unit, with supply costs kept below Rs 6 per unit, benefiting households, farmers, and industries.
  • Infrastructure upgrades include Rs 65,000-Rs 70,000 crore for transmission modernisation and Rs 40,000 crore for strengthening distribution networks.
  • The blueprint will be finalised by March 2026 and implementation is expected to begin mid-March, monitored by a dedicated ‘Energy War Room’.

Kuno National Park records ninth cheetah litter as Gamini births three cubs, raising India’s cheetah total to 38.

[Kuno National Park]

Key Updates:

  • Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that South African cheetah Gamini delivered three cubs at Kuno National Park.
  • The births coincide with the third anniversary of the arrival of South African cheetahs in India.
  • Gamini is a second-time mother within the project.
  • The litter is the ninth successful cheetah birth in India, lifting the count of surviving Indian-born cubs to 27.
  • With these cubs, India’s total cheetah population has reached 38.
  • Project Cheetah, launched on 17 September 2022, is the world-first intercontinental translocation initiative to re-establish cheetahs in India after their 1952 extinction.

Similar Coverage

3 Cheetahas released at Kuno National Park to observe International Cheetah Day observed on December 4 (Start of December) ▼
  • International Cheetah Day is observed on December 4 every year.
  • Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released three cheetahs — female Veera and her two 10-month-old cubs — into the wild at Kuno National Park to mark the day.
  • India began its cheetah reintroduction project on September 17, 2022, when eight cheetahs from Namibia were released at Kuno by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
First India-born cheetah Mukhi gives birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park (End of November) ▼
  • India-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park.
  • Mukhi is the sole surviving cheetah cub born in India at Kuno, a landmark for the country’s cheetah reintroduction project.
  • Mukhi was born on March 29, 2023, to Namibian cheetah Jwala.
  • The father of the cubs is also said to be of Indian origin, believed to be one of the males born to Asha.
  • Mukhi survived maternal abandonment, dehydration from extreme summer heat, and a serious injury, requiring hand-rearing and rehabilitation.
  • Uttam Kumar Sharma is the Director of Kuno National Park and Project Cheetah.
  • At present, India has 34 cheetahs, including 10 adults and 24 cubs, following the reintroduction of 20 individuals from southern Africa in 2022 and 2023.
Endangered Asiatic Wild Dog sighted for first time in Madhya Pradesh's Ratapani Tiger Reserve (End of January) ▼
  • The Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole), listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has been camera-trapped for the first time in Ratapani Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
  • PCCF (Wildlife) Shubharanjan Sen stated this is the sixth rare wildlife species recorded on camera in the reserve during 2026.
  • Wildlife expert Amey Vikram Singh noted that Dholes were previously believed restricted to Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench protected areas.
Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Approves Nauradehi as Third Cheetah Habitat (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Mohan Yadav cabinet accorded approval to develop the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, Nauradehi, in Sagar district as the third cheetah habitat in the state.
  • Kuno National Park in Sheopur district is the first cheetah habitat and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district is the second.
  • The state currently has a cheetah population of 31, with 28 in Kuno and 3 in Gandhi Sagar.
  • Eight cheetahs from Botswana are expected to arrive at Kuno and the new habitat is being prepared for their translocation.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to create bee corridors along national highways in 2026–27

[National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)]

Key Updates:

  • The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will develop pollinator corridors along selected highway stretches during 2026–27.
  • Native species to be planted include Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun and Siris.
  • Each NHAI field office will develop at least three pollinator corridors in 2026–27.
  • NHAI targets planting about 60 per cent of its 4 million trees under the bee corridor initiative.

Similar Coverage

Odisha to develop National UAV Test and Innovation Corridor (End of January) ▼
  • Odisha government will establish a National UAV Test and Innovation Corridor.
  • The corridor is intended to create a dedicated airspace for testing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
  • It aims to foster innovation and attract drone manufacturers to the state.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) clears Rs 11,000 crore highway projects in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved highway projects worth over Rs 11,000 crore in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Telangana.
  • In Maharashtra, the Ghoti–Trimbak (Mokhada)–Jawhar–Manor–Palghar stretch of National Highway-160A will be rehabilitated and upgraded at a cost of Rs 3,320.38 crore.
  • The 154.635-km NH-160A project in Maharashtra will be executed under Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
  • In Gujarat, the CCEA approved four-laning of the 107.67-km Dhamasiya-Bitada/Movi and Nasarpore-Malotha sections of National Highway-56 at a cost of Rs 4,583.64 crore.
  • The NH-56 four-laning project in Gujarat is designed for 100 km per hour speed and is expected to cut travel time by 40 per cent.
  • In Telangana, the CCEA cleared widening of the 80.01-km Gudebellur to Mahabubnagar stretch of National Highway-167 at a cost of Rs 3,175.08 crore.
  • The NH-167 widening project in Telangana will be executed under Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) through the National Highways (Original) [NH(O)] scheme.
NHAI introduces India’s first wildlife-safe road with table-top red marking in Madhya Pradesh (Mid of December) ▼
  • The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced India's first wildlife-safe road on National Highway 45 (NH-45) in Madhya Pradesh, featuring innovative table-top red markings.
  • The table-top red marking is a 5 mm thick, red-coloured surface with a slightly raised texture to alert drivers and slow down vehicles naturally.
  • NHAI has also constructed 25 dedicated underpasses to enable safe animal movement beneath the highway and installed an eight-foot-high fence along the highway to guide animals towards underpasses.
Alwar to Host NCR’s First Biological Park with 400 Wild Animals, 81 Species (End of January) ▼
  • The biological park will cover the region from Kati Ghati to Jaisamand and be built on 100 hectares, with 30% developed as a zoo and 70% as green space.
  • A high-tech animal rescue centre modelled on Gir National Park and a modern veterinary hospital will be established within the park.
  • The park will display over 400 wild animals of 81 species, including giraffes from Africa, seven tiger species, lions and cheetahs, alongside lion, tiger and herbivore safaris.
  • A butterfly park showcasing various butterfly species will also be created inside the biological park.

Indian Navy launches first indigenous cadet training ship Krishna in Chennai

Key Updates:

  • The first of three indigenous cadet training ships, named Krishna, was launched at the L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai.
  • The ship is named after the River Krishna, which is the third longest river in India.
  • The vessel was launched in the presence of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and DWWA president Anupama.
  • The Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed the contract for the three cadet training ships with M/s L&T Shipyard in March 2023.
  • The ship is designed to accommodate a crew strength of 20 officers, 150 sailors, and 200 cadets.
  • The primary role of the ship is to provide basic sea training to Navy cadets, while secondary roles include hospital ship, non-combatant evacuation, HADR, and SAR operations.

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India commissions first indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft INS Arnala (Start of February) ▼
  • INS Arnala, the Indian Navy’s first indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam on 18 June 2025.
  • The 77-metre, 1,490-tonne vessel was designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) under a Ministry of Defence programme and incorporates over 80 per cent indigenous content.
  • Powered by a diesel engine–waterjet propulsion system, INS Arnala is the largest Indian naval warship using this technology, enabling high manoeuvrability and shallow-draught operations.
  • The warship is equipped with advanced underwater sensors, mine-laying capability, modern command-and-control systems and stealth features to reduce radar, acoustic and infrared signatures.
  • Named after Arnala Fort off Vasai, Maharashtra, the vessel is optimised for coastal anti-submarine warfare, underwater surveillance, search and rescue, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations.
Eastern Naval Command (ENC) inaugurates MILAN Village ahead of International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam (Mid of February) ▼
  • Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC), inaugurated the MILAN Village at the ENC base in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
  • The MILAN Village is set up at the ENC Sailors’ Institute and will serve as the social and cultural hub for Exercise MILAN 2026 and the International Fleet Review.
  • The village features stalls from various Indian States and participating foreign navies, displaying traditional handicrafts, artwork and cultural exhibits.
  • The International City Parade on RK Beach Road, Visakhapatnam, is scheduled for 19 February 2026 evening with over 70 countries participating.
  • Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will attend the parade as chief guest.
  • The parade will begin at 4 p.m. with an aerial display by Indian Naval fighter aircraft and helicopters.
  • Marching contingents and military bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard will participate, along with ceremonial units from foreign navies.
  • Cultural troupes and thematic tableaux highlighting India’s maritime legacy and the traditions of visiting nations will be part of the event.
  • The evening will conclude with synchronised fireworks, a laser light show and a drone display, with illuminated warships anchored off the Visakhapatnam coast.
Indian Navy to Commission DSC A20, First Indigenous Diving Support Craft in Kochi (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Indian Navy will commission DSC A20, the first vessel in a new class of indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft (DSC), on 16 December 2025 at Kochi under the Southern Naval Command.
  • DSC A20 is the lead vessel in a series of five Diving Support Craft being constructed by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.
  • These vessels have been purpose-built for a broad range of underwater missions in coastal waters, including diving operations, underwater inspection and repair, salvage and recovery support, training of naval diving teams, and search-and-rescue tasks in littoral zones.
  • DSC A20 features a catamaran hull form, offering superior stability, larger deck area for equipment and personnel, enhanced seakeeping in rough coastal conditions, and improved operational efficiency during diving deployments.
  • The commissioning of DSC A20 is a major achievement under the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
Indian Navy to Commission INAS 335 (Ospreys) on December 17 (Mid of December) ▼
  • The Indian Navy will commission its second MH 60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 (Ospreys), on December 17 at INS Hansa, Goa, in the presence of Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff.
  • The Indian Navy is set to commission DSC A20, the first vessel of the indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft (DSC), at Kochi on December 16 under the aegis of Southern Naval Command.
  • DSC A20 is the lead ship in a series of five Diving Support Craft being built by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.

Tejaswin Shankar wins heptathlon gold at Asian Indoor Athletics Championships (AIAC) 2026

Key Updates:

  • Tejaswin Shankar won the gold medal in the heptathlon at the AIAC 2026 with a championship record total of 5993 points.
  • Tejaswin Shankar broke his own national record of 5650 points, set in 2021 in the United States of America (USA), and recorded the second-best score ever by an Asian athlete.
  • Tejaswin Shankar’s victory ended a 16-year wait for an Indian heptathlon medal at the AIAC, the last being PJ Vinod’s bronze in 2010.
  • India finished sixth in the overall medal standings with five medals, comprising one gold, two silver, and two bronze.
  • Tajinderpal Singh Toor secured the silver medal in the men’s shot put with a season’s best throw of 20.05m, finishing behind Chen Chengyu of China who recorded 20.07m.
  • Pooja won the silver medal in the women’s high jump with an indoor national record of 1.87m, sharing the rank with Nadezhda Dubovitskaya of Kazakhstan.
  • Ancy Sojan, who won silver at the Asian Athletics Championships (AAC) last year, claimed the bronze medal in the women’s long jump with a 6.21m leap.
  • J Aadarsh Ram opened India’s medal account at the AIAC 2026 by winning a bronze medal in the men’s high jump event.
  • Tejaswin Shankar also holds the outdoor national records in the decathlon and men’s high jump.

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Jinson Johnson announces retirement from competitive athletics (Start of January) ▼
  • Jinson Johnson set the current 1500m Indian National Record (3:35.24) in 2019 at the ISTAF Berlin meet.
  • The 34-year-old is a three-time Asian Games medallist – gold (1500m) in 2018, silver (800m) in 2018 and bronze (1500m) in 2023.
  • In 2018, Jinson had broken Sriram Singh’s 42-year-old National Record in men’s 800m by clocking 1:45.65.
  • He represented India in the 2016 Olympics, making him the first Indian man to take part in the 800m race in 36 years, after Sriram in 1980.
  • Jinson has also won two medals in the 800m event at the Asian Athletics Championships – a silver in 2015 and a bronze in 2017.
  • His 800m mark was later eclipsed by Mohammed Afsal in 2025.
Esha Singh claims India’s maiden gold at Asian rifle and pistol championship (Mid of February) ▼
  • Esha Singh won the 10m air pistol women’s final at the Asian rifle and pistol championship held in New Delhi.
  • India secured gold in the women’s 10m air pistol team event.
  • Samrat Rana won individual bronze in the men’s 10m air pistol event.
  • Indian men’s air pistol team of Samrat Rana, Sharvan Kumar and Varun Tomar secured team silver.
  • Vladimir Svechnikov of Uzbekistan won the men’s individual gold and Valeriy Rakimzhan took silver.
  • Uzbekistan won the men’s team gold in 10m air pistol.
  • Vietnam took silver and Chinese Taipei bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol team event.
Manu Bhaker wins senior women’s 25m sports pistol gold at 68th NSCC (Mid of December) ▼
  • Manu Bhaker claimed gold in the senior women’s 25m sports pistol final with a score of 36 at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi.
  • Divya T.S. took silver with 32 hits and Anjali Choudhary secured bronze with 28 hits in the same event.
  • Simranpreet Kaur Brar won the junior women’s 25m sports pistol gold, scoring 39 in the final.
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'.

Gyalpo Losar 2026: Tibetan New Year celebrated on February 17

[McLeod Ganj]

Key Updates:

  • Gyalpo Losar 2026 falls on February 17 and marks the Year of the Fire Horse.
  • Known as the "King's New Year," Gyalpo Losar is the most significant New Year for Tibetan, Sherpa, and other Himalayan communities.
  • The term "Losar" means "New Year" in the Tibetan language and follows a lunisolar calendar.
  • On the eve, families share guthuk, a nine-ingredient stew with dough balls that symbolically predict fortune for the coming year.
  • The first day begins with monastery visits, hoisting new prayer flags (lung ta), and exchanging the greeting "Tashi Delek."
  • Essential festive foods include khapse (deep-fried pastries) and dresi (sweet buttered rice with raisins and nuts).

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Spituk Gustor Festival begins in Ladakh (Mid of January) ▼
  • Spituk Gustor is the first monastic festival of Ladakh of the year.
  • It is a two-day-long annual monastic festival of Spituk Monastery.
  • The festival is observed after a week-long period of prayers and rituals in honour of God and Goddess for world peace, prosperity and triumph over evil.
  • It is marked as the end of the first phase of the coldest and harsh climatic weather of Ladakh.
  • Ladakh is popularly known as the land of Gonpa or Buddhist Monasteries.
  • Spituk Gustor is the first among the 16 monastic festivals observed in Ladakh.
India’s first Jain Chadar Mahotsav to be held in Jaisalmer from 6 to 8 March 2026 (Mid of February) ▼
  • India’s first Jain Chadar Mahotsav will be organised from 6 to 8 March 2026 in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
  • The 872-year-old garments of Dada Shri Jindatt Suri Maharaj will be displayed during the festival.
  • Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat will attend on 6 March.
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister for Art, Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal are expected on 7 March.
  • Punjab Governor Gulab Chandra Kataria will join on 8 March.
  • Over 150 Jain saints and more than 30,000 devotees are expected to attend.
  • The garments have been preserved in Jaisalmer’s Gyan Bhandar since VS 1945 after being brought from Patan, Gujarat.
Boda Tyohar festival of Hati tribe commenced on January 9 (Mid of January) ▼
  • Boda Tyohar, the biggest annual festival of the Hati tribe, commenced on the eve of Posh Dwadashi which was on January 9 this year.
  • The festival is also called Magho ko Tyohar and is celebrated by over three lakh community members living in 154 panchayats of Trans-Giri area of Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh.
  • The Government of India declared the Hati community as Scheduled Tribe after a constitutional amendment on August 4, 2023.
Bharat Parv 2026 closing ceremony on 31 January at Red Fort (Start of February) ▼
  • Bharat Parv 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and runs from 26 to 31 January at the Lawns and Gyan Path in front of the Red Fort.
  • The closing ceremony on 31 January at 5:30 p.m. will have Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan as the chief guest.
  • Punjabi Folk Orchestra and Qalandri Dhamal will perform on 31 January, showcasing traditional instruments like Dhol, Dholki, Taal-Koze, Tansari, Flute, Nagara, Chimta, Sap, Kara, and Vanjli.
  • Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated Bharat Parv 2026 and described it as a vibrant expression of India’s soul and a reminder of constitutional values.

Ramakrishna Paramahansa Jayanti celebrated on 19 February 2026

Key Updates:

  • Ramakrishna Paramahansa Jayanti falls on 19 February 2026.
  • Dwitiya Tithi begins at 04:57 PM on 18 February 2026 and ends at 03:58 PM on 19 February 2026.
  • The day marks the 190th birth anniversary of Ramakrishna Paramahansa.
  • Ramakrishna was born on dwitiya tithi of shukla paksha in the month of Phalguna, Vikram Samvat 1892.
  • He was a 19th-century spiritual leader who practised Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam.
  • His guru was Bhairavi Brahmani, a tantric teacher.
  • He guided Swami Vivekananda and established the Ramakrishna Mission.

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National Youth Day: January 12 (Mid of January) ▼
  • National Youth Day is celebrated on January 12 to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
  • Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, as Narendranath Dutta in then Calcutta.
  • President Droupadi Murmu stated that Swami Vivekananda "instilled national pride among Indians and inspired the youth to contribute to nation-building.
  • Swami Vivekananda is described as a timeless visionary and spiritual icon who preached that inner strength and service to humanity were foundations of a meaningful life.
C P Radhakrishnan says Ram Mandir restored self-respect of Indians worldwide (End of January) ▼
  • C P Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India, stated that the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya restored the self-respect of Indians worldwide.
  • He made the remark while speaking at the launch of a book on the Ram Janmabhoomi movement authored by retired bureaucrat Surendra Kumar Pachauri.
  • Radhakrishnan described the temple construction as a defining moment in India’s civilisational journey.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released book 'Chalice of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi – Challenge and Response' authored by Shri Surendra Kumar Pachauri. (End of January) ▼
  • Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book at the Vice President’s Enclave.
  • The book is authored by former Secretary to the Government of India Shri Surendra Kumar Pachauri.
  • The Supreme Court verdict of 2019 on Ram Janmabhoomi was described as a historic turning point by the Vice President.
  • The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust mobilised over ₹3,000 crore through a crowd-funded campaign.
  • The Dhwaja-rohan ceremony of 25 November 2025 was recalled as a deeply emotional national moment.