Indian Gems and Jewellery Sector records 9.07% decline in exports for April 2026
Key Updates:
Gross exports of gems and jewellery decreased by 9.07% to US$ 2,448.53 million (₹20,952.26 crores) in April 2026, while gross imports declined by 9.54% to US$ 2,032.56 million.
Exports of cut and polished diamonds fell by 19.65% to US$ 890.91 million (₹8,338.8 crores), while imports grew by 260.20% to US$ 222.02 million (₹2,072.99 crores) due to increased procurement from Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Rough diamond imports decreased by 29.36% to US$ 847.67 million (₹7,908.72 crores), and polished lab grown diamond exports declined by 15.53% to US$ 93.28 million (₹872.16 crores).
Plain gold jewellery exports witnessed a decline of 47.06% to US$ 341.08 million (₹3,187.76 crores).
Studded gold jewellery exports grew by 16.02% to US$ 500.46 million (₹4,677.41 crores), silver jewellery exports rose by 444.040% to US$ 268.38 million (₹2,511.17 crores), and platinum jewellery exports increased by 90.29% to US$ 22.10 million (₹206.57 crores).
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National Statistics Office (NSO) records India industrial output growth of 4.1% in March 2026 (End of April)▼
India's industrial output growth, measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), slowed to 4.1% in March 2026.
The National Statistics Office (NSO) revised the industrial growth for February 2026 to 5.1% from the earlier estimate of 5.2%.
The March 2026 growth rate is the weakest since October 2025, when industrial growth was 0.5%.
Manufacturing growth for March 2026 stood at 4.3%, compared to 4% in the previous year.
Power generation expanded by 0.8% in March 2026, compared to 7.5% in March 2025.
Mining output rose by 5.5% in March 2026, compared to 1.2% in the corresponding period last year.
For the full financial year 2025–26, industrial growth was 4.1%, compared with 4% in the previous year.
Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S) Revises Merchandise Trade Indices Base Year to FY 2022–23 (End of February)▼
The Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has revised the base year of India’s Merchandise Trade Indices from FY 2012–13 to FY 2022–23 (2022–23 = 100).
The revision was based on the recommendations of a committee chaired by Prof. Nachiketa Chattopadhyay, Professor at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata.
The updated series includes Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Indices for Export Unit Value and Import Unit Value.
The revised indices cover Principal Commodity (PC) classification, Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), and Broad Economic Categories (BEC).
The DGCI&S will now compile Bilateral and Region-wise Trade Indices for the top 20 export and import partner nations of India.
The indices track three types of Terms of Trade: Gross terms of trade, Net terms of trade, and Income terms of trade.
The National Accounts Division (NAD) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) uses these indices as deflators for estimating real exports and imports in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compilation.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) utilises these indices for external sector assessment, balance of payments analysis, and evaluation of price competitiveness.
The compilation methodology uses the Laspeyres Formula for weighted averaging of items and commodity groups.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) records $30.5 billion fall in forex reserves since late February West Asia conflict (Start of April)▼
India’s foreign exchange reserves dropped $30.5 billion since the West Asia conflict started in late February.
Total reserves fell $10.28 billion to $688.05 billion in the week ended 27 March 2026.
Foreign currency assets declined $6.62 billion and gold reserves fell $3.66 billion in the same week.
Special drawing rights rose $17 million to $18.64 billion and India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) dipped $17 million to $4.81 billion.
For FY26 total reserves rose $22.72 billion as gold reserves increased while foreign currency assets fell almost $14 billion.
RBI’s outstanding net short dollar position in the rupee forward market reached $77.25 billion by end-February 2026, the highest since March 2025.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reports India’s forex reserves down USD 11.41 billion to USD 698.34 billion (End of March)▼
India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by USD 11.41 billion to USD 698.34 billion in the week ending 20 March.
Gold reserves dropped USD 13.49 billion to USD 117.19 billion during the week.
Foreign currency assets rose USD 2.13 billion to USD 557.70 billion in the same week.
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) declined USD 65 million to USD 18.63 billion.
India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased USD 19 million to USD 4.83 billion.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) discontinues Investment Fluctuation Reserve (IFR) requirement for commercial banks
Key Updates:
The RBI has issued final amendment directions to dispense with the IFR requirement for commercial banks effective from May 18, 2026.
The IFR serves as a financial buffer maintained by banks to absorb valuation losses in investment portfolios resulting from interest rate movements and market volatility.
The balance in the IFR as of May 17 will be transferred to the statutory reserve, general reserve, or profit and loss account, effectively treating the balance as Tier 1 capital.
The amendments cover a broad set of regulated entities including Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Payments Banks (PBs), Local Area Banks (LABs), Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs), Rural Co-operative Banks, and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
For remaining regulated entities, the RBI has relaxed compliance by allowing the maintenance of the prescribed IFR level only on balance sheet dates instead of on a continuous basis.
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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) keeps repo rate at 5.25% and projects FY26 GDP at 7.6% (Start of April)▼
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously voted to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and retained a neutral stance.
RBI maintained FY26 real GDP growth forecast at 7.6% and set FY27 growth at 6.9% with quarterly paths of 6.8% in Q1, 6.7% in Q2, 7% in Q3 and 7.2% in Q4.
Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for 2027 is projected at 4.6% average, expected at 4% in Q1, 4.4% in Q2, 5.2% in Q3 and 4.7% in Q4.
India’s foreign exchange reserves rose to $697.1 billion as of 3 April after falling to $688.058 billion on 27 March.
Under a higher crude oil price scenario, RBI models real GDP growth at 6.7% for 2026-27 and 6.4% for 2027-28.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) injects ₹48,014 crore via 7-day VRR auction (Mid of March)▼
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) infused ₹48,014 crore into the banking system through a seven-day variable rate repo (VRR) auction.
The funds were injected at a cut-off and weighted average rate of 5.26 per cent.
The auction amount was significantly lower than the notified ₹1.50 lakh crore.
Surplus liquidity in the banking system dropped to around ₹75,483.63 crore as of March 16 from ₹2.08 lakh crore on March 15 due to advance tax outflows.
Since January 2026, the RBI has infused ₹3.50 lakh crore of durable liquidity through open market purchases (OMO) of government securities.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) records $30.5 billion fall in forex reserves since late February West Asia conflict (Start of April)▼
India’s foreign exchange reserves dropped $30.5 billion since the West Asia conflict started in late February.
Total reserves fell $10.28 billion to $688.05 billion in the week ended 27 March 2026.
Foreign currency assets declined $6.62 billion and gold reserves fell $3.66 billion in the same week.
Special drawing rights rose $17 million to $18.64 billion and India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) dipped $17 million to $4.81 billion.
For FY26 total reserves rose $22.72 billion as gold reserves increased while foreign currency assets fell almost $14 billion.
RBI’s outstanding net short dollar position in the rupee forward market reached $77.25 billion by end-February 2026, the highest since March 2025.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reports India’s forex reserves down USD 11.41 billion to USD 698.34 billion (End of March)▼
India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by USD 11.41 billion to USD 698.34 billion in the week ending 20 March.
Gold reserves dropped USD 13.49 billion to USD 117.19 billion during the week.
Foreign currency assets rose USD 2.13 billion to USD 557.70 billion in the same week.
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) declined USD 65 million to USD 18.63 billion.
India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased USD 19 million to USD 4.83 billion.
Chief Minister of Assam inaugurates India's first AI-powered phygital branch of Slice Small Finance Bank
Key Updates:
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated India’s first AI-powered “phygital” banking branch of Slice Small Finance Bank in Guwahati, Assam.
The branch is located at GS Road and features AI-enabled self-service kiosks, paperless cash deposits and withdrawals, and streamlined digital onboarding.
The facility allows customers to access credit directly through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) interface without a separate application.
The digital banking model is designed to provide working capital to woman entrepreneurs and small store owners via their mobile phones.
The bank aims to extend access to responsible credit, savings, and payment solutions to individuals and small businesses with limited access to modern banking services.
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Bank of Baroda (BoB) launches AI platform bob SAMVAD across 250 branches (Start of April)▼
Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched its artificial intelligence-powered conversational platform bob SAMVAD on March 28 in Mumbai.
The platform enables real-time two-way communication in 22 languages to reduce language barriers at branches.
Initial rollout covers 250 branches across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The system was developed in-house and uses AI-based speech and language technologies for low-latency communication.
Reliance Jio and Bank of Baroda (BoB) launch bob World Lite for JioPhone Prima 4G (Mid of April)▼
Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (Jio) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) have partnered to launch 'bob World Lite', a mobile banking application for feature phone users.
The application is specifically designed for the JioPhone Prima 4G device to expand digital banking access in semi-urban and rural areas.
The app features a lightweight, low-bandwidth architecture that supports keypad navigation and secure access.
Services offered include Unified Payments Interface (UPI) enabled Scan & Pay, money transfers, bill payments, and recharges.
The platform allows self-onboarding for both BoB customers and customers of other banks.
The app comes pre-loaded on new JioPhone Prima 4G devices and is available for download via the JioStore for existing users.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) wins Central Banking Initiative of the Year Award for launching .bank.in domain (Mid of March)▼
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received the Initiative of the Year Award from London-based Central Banking for creating the .bank.in domain.
India became the first country globally to mandate a secure and exclusive Internet domain for its banking system.
Only RBI-regulated entities are permitted to use the .bank.in domain to combat phishing and look-alike website frauds.
Banks were mandated to migrate their net banking websites to the .bank.in domain by 31 October 2025.
Major banks including SBI, HDFC, and ICICI have migrated their websites to the new domain format www.bankname.bank.in.
The initiative involved the Indian government, NIXI, IDRBT, and banks according to an official statement.
Razorpay and Sarvam AI partner to launch voice-led conversational commerce in India (End of March)▼
Razorpay has partnered with the Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup Sarvam AI to introduce voice-led conversational commerce for India's multilingual population.
The technology allows users to search for products, place orders, and complete transactions using natural language and Indian languages.
The initiative will first go live on the food delivery platform Swiggy via the Indus App.
The partnership integrates Sarvam AI's models and agentic stack with Razorpay's agentic payments infrastructure.
Razorpay is also developing AI-powered agents for payments using Anthropic's Claude chatbot to manage tasks like recovering abandoned purchases and resolving disputes.
Sarvam AI has partnered with EkStep Foundation and AI4Bharat to roll out multilingual voice AI agents under the Listen at Scale initiative.
A pilot of the voice assistant has been introduced on The Derma Co's website, allowing users to buy products using voice commands.
Prudential plc to Acquire 75% Stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited for ₹3,500 Crore
Key Updates:
UK-based insurer Prudential plc will acquire a 75 percent stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited for an initial value of ₹3,500 crore (approximately USD 389 million).
The transaction involves Prudential plc acquiring the controlling stake from Bharti Life Ventures Pvt Ltd and funds managed by 360 ONE Asset Management.
This strategic investment provides Prudential plc with majority ownership and operational control of the life insurance business in the Indian market.
Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited operates through various channels including proprietary sales, direct distribution, bancassurance partnerships, brokers, corporate agents, and group business operations.
The deal may lead to future strategic distribution partnerships with Bharti Airtel and 360 ONE Asset Management to expand market reach and customer access.
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Department of Financial Services (DFS) launches USD 1.5 billion Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) (Mid of May)▼
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) with a total capacity of USD 1.5 billion.
The BMIP is supported by a sovereign guarantee of USD 1.4 billion, equivalent to ₹12,980 crore, to provide maritime insurance amid global geopolitical tensions.
The General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) will function as the pool administrator, overseen by a newly constituted governing body and underwriting committee.
The pool provides coverage for hull and machinery, cargo, protection and indemnity (P&I), and war risks for Indian-flagged or India-linked vessels.
Under the pool structure, claims up to USD 100 million will be met through pooled capacity, while higher claims will be backed by the sovereign guarantee.
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP).
The BMIP has a total capacity of USD 1.5 billion and a sovereign guarantee of USD 1.4 billion (₹12,980 crore).
The General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) will act as the pool administrator.
The pool covers hull and machinery, cargo, protection and indemnity (P&I), and war risks for Indian-flagged or India-linked vessels.
Claims up to USD 100 million will be met through pooled capacity, while higher claims will be backed by the sovereign guarantee after exhausting reserves and reinsurance arrangements.
IEPFA and Prasar Bharati MoU for investor awareness campaign (Mid of May)▼
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), functioning under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati.
The partnership aims to strengthen investor awareness initiatives through informative scroll messages on Doordarshan’s national and regional channels.
The campaign will disseminate information on investor protection, safe investing practices, and reclaiming unclaimed dividends and shares transferred to the IEPFA.
The initiative encourages investors to utilise the Search Facility and submit claims through Form IEPF-5.
The agreement was signed by Lt. Col. Aditya Sinha, General Manager of IEPFA, and Sanjay Prasad, Deputy Director General of Prasar Bharati (Sales).
NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) onboards Postal Life Insurance (PLI) on Bharat Connect (End of April)▼
NBBL has integrated PLI as a biller under the insurance category to enable premium payments via digital and offline channels.
State Bank of India (SBI) is acting as the Biller Operating Unit for this integration.
PLI is operated by the Department of Posts and services over 1.25 crore active policies.
PLI processes approximately 2.5 lakh transactions daily.
The insurance category on Bharat Connect now includes 65 billers following this addition.
Bharat Connect hosts more than 22,640 billers across over 29 categories and is accessible through over 700 apps and 5 lakh offline agents.
Noopur Chaturvedi serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NBBL.
Finance Ministry approves Emirates NBD Bank's proposal to acquire up to 74% stake in RBL Bank
Key Updates:
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) approved the proposal of Dubai-based Emirates NBD Bank to acquire up to 74 per cent stake in RBL Bank on May 14, 2026.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had previously approved the plan, requiring Emirates NBD to acquire and maintain at least 51 per cent shareholding in RBL Bank.
In October 2025, Emirates NBD, the second-largest bank in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expressed interest in acquiring a 60 per cent stake in RBL Bank for ₹26,853 crore.
Following the transaction, RBL Bank will be classified as a foreign bank in subsidiary mode, with Emirates NBD as the parent foreign bank.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) cleared the proposal for Emirates NBD to acquire a majority stake in RBL Bank in January.
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Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves Advent International’s 14.3% stake acquisition in Aditya Birla Housing Finance. (Start of April)▼
Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Advent International’s proposal to acquire 14.3% equity in Aditya Birla Housing Finance (ABHFL) through a preferential private placement to Indriya Ltd.
Aditya Birla Capital and ABHFL boards had earlier cleared a ₹2,750 crore primary capital infusion from Indriya, an Advent International entity.
ABHFL provides home loans, loans against property, construction finance loans, and lease rental discounting loans.
CCI separately cleared Citrus Investment LLC’s acquisition of an additional 0.4% shareholding in Hitachi Construction Machinery Co and sole control of its 50:50 joint venture HCJI Holdings K K.
CCI also approved Indus Infra Trust’s acquisition of 100% stake in KNR SPVs from KNR Constructions.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Approves Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd (KMBL) to Acquire 9.99% Stake in AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) and Federal Bank (Start of May)▼
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval to Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd (KMBL) to acquire an aggregate holding of up to 9.99 per cent in AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB).
KMBL also received the RBI nod to acquire up to 9.99 per cent of the paid-up share capital or voting rights in Federal Bank.
The approval letters from the RBI regarding these acquisitions were received by both AU SFB and Federal Bank on 6 May 2026.
The Kotak Mahindra Group, comprising KMBL and its subsidiaries, is authorised to hold these stakes through their managed funds and schemes.
Following the announcement, shares of AU SFB traded at ₹1,034.60, Federal Bank at ₹297.40, and KMBL at ₹380.40 on the BSE.
Central Bank of India partners with Canara Robeco AMC to distribute mutual fund products. (Start of March)▼
Central Bank of India signed a distribution agreement with Canara Robeco Asset Management Company Ltd (CRAMC) on 27 February 2026.
CRAMC is a joint venture between Canara Bank and ORIX Corporation Europe and was established in 1987.
CRAMC reported total assets under management of ₹1.22 lakh crore as of December 2025.
CRAMC serves over 50 lakh investors across India.
The partnership will enable Central Bank of India customers to access CRAMC’s mutual fund products through the bank’s network.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves Emirates NBD's 60% stake acquisition in RBL Bank (Start of April)▼
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Emirates NBD Bank's proposed acquisition of a 60% stake in RBL Bank.
Emirates NBD Bank will acquire the stake for approximately Rs 26,853 crore, marking the largest takeover of an Indian lender by a foreign financial institution.
The transaction includes amalgamation of Emirates NBD's India operations with RBL Bank, subject to regulatory clearances.
Emirates NBD will launch a mandatory open offer to acquire up to 26% of RBL Bank's expanded voting share capital at Rs 280 per share, covering around 415.58 million shares.
The open offer is expected to commence as early as next week, pending approval from Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).
Anand Marriage Act: Registration of Sikh Marriages in Sikkim
Key Updates:
The Anand Marriage Act will become effective in Sikkim from June 1, 2026.
The act enables the registration of Sikh marriages solemnised through the 'Anand Karaj' ceremony under a specific legal framework.
Sikh marriages in Sikkim will no longer need to be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955.
The legislation follows a Supreme Court ruling in the 2025 case of Amanjot Singh Chadha Vs Union of India.
The Supreme Court urged states to establish localised registration systems to remove administrative obstacles.
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Sikkim celebrates 51st Statehood Day on 16 May 2026 (Mid of May)▼
Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of India in 1975.
The 51st Statehood Day on 16 May 2026 marks the culmination of the year-long 50th Statehood or Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi highlighted the impact of central schemes in the state, including the Jal Jeevan Mission and PM Awas Yojana.
The Union Government continues to promote tourism in Sikkim through schemes such as Swadesh Darshan and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).
Chief Minister (CM) Prem Singh Tamang noted the state's global recognition for organic farming, biodiversity conservation, and the presence of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Assam Cabinet approves Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Draft Bill covering marriage, divorce, live-in relationships (Mid of May)▼
The Assam Cabinet approved the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill on May 13, 2026.
The Bill will be tabled in the Assam Assembly on May 26, 2026.
The UCC Bill focuses on civil matters including registration of marriages, divorce procedures, regulation of live-in relationships, and mandatory marriage registration.
Tribal communities and their traditional customs and rituals are completely exempted from the scope of the law.
The Bill has been designed along the lines of UCC models introduced in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Goa.
Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill-2026 proposes life imprisonment for sacrilege (Mid of April)▼
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill-2026 to impose stringent penalties for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.
The bill proposes imprisonment of seven to 20 years and fines ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh for individuals found guilty of sacrilege.
For acts of sacrilege carried out as part of a criminal conspiracy to disrupt communal harmony, the punishment is fixed at 10 years to life imprisonment with fines up to ₹25 lakh.
The legislation mandates the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to maintain a central register of saroops with unique identification numbers in both physical and electronic formats.
Offences under this law are classified as cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable, to be tried by a sessions court.
Investigations under the Act must be conducted by a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) or Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
Any individual who attempts to commit an offence under the Act faces imprisonment of three to five years along with a fine of up to ₹3 lakh.
Ministry of Women and Child Development Launches Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign (Mid of March)▼
The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) launched the national campaign Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat on 27th November 2024 to make India child-marriage-free.
A 100 Days Special Campaign under the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat initiative was launched on 4th December 2025 to intensify outreach to institutions and community leaders.
The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal serves as a digital platform for reporting incidents and maintains a repository of over 66,000 Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) up to the Gram Panchayat level.
As on 9th March 2026, awareness programmes reached over 11.81 crore citizens and more than 40 lakh pledges against child marriage were registered on the portal.
The Child Helpline (1098) provides 24x7 emergency outreach and is integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) for round-the-clock response.
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) component under Mission Shakti, launched on 22nd January 2015, aims to address gender-based discrimination and promote girl child empowerment.
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) provides free legal aid through the dedicated helpline 15100.
Under The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA), State Governments are authorised to appoint CMPOs to prevent child marriages and collect evidence for prosecution.
The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 confers powers on District Magistrates to implement provisions and designate District Nodal Officers (DNOs).
Andhra Pradesh Government Announces Financial Incentives for Third and Fourth Children
Key Updates:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Nara Chandrababu Naidu announced one-time cash grants of ₹30,000 for the birth of a third child and ₹40,000 for a fourth child.
The policy initiative aims to reverse the declining population growth rate and maintain a replacement-level Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1.
The government proposed additional welfare measures for the third child, including monthly nutritional support and free education.
The state currently provides ₹15,000 per school-going child per annum under the Talliki Vandanam welfare scheme.
Infrastructure completion targets were set for the Madduvalasa Stage–II project by January 2027 and the Hiramandalam Lift Irrigation Project by April 2027.
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Andhra Pradesh Population Management Strategy: ₹25,000 Incentive for Second Child (Start of March)▼
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a proposed Population Management Strategy to address the state’s declining fertility rate.
The state government is considering a financial incentive of ₹25,000 for families at the time of delivery of a second or third child.
The proposed incentive will be part of a broader support package named Poshan–Shiksha–Suraksha.
The Poshan–Shiksha–Suraksha package aims to provide nutritional support, education assistance, and healthcare services to families and children.
The policy framework is designed to sustain the state's workforce, social stability, and economic growth by stabilising fertility levels.
Madhya Pradesh to extend Bhavantar scheme to mustard farmers, benefiting 80 lakh farmers (End of February)▼
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the State Government’s plan to extend the Bhavantar Yojana to mustard farmers to cover the gap between market price and procurement price.
The proposal has been sent to the Union Government; the scheme currently benefits soybean farmers in Madhya Pradesh.
Mustard acreage rose 28% this year and estimated production is 15.71 lakh metric tonne.
Market price of mustard is ₹5,500–₹6,000 per quintal while Union Government procurement price is ₹6,200 per quintal.
Ladli Behna scheme, launched in March 2023, gives ₹1,500 monthly to women aged 21–60 years with annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh; 1,25,29,051 women currently receive the allowance.
Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Bill, 2026 passed to ensure financial security for senior citizens (End of March)▼
The Telangana Assembly passed the Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Bill, 2026, to ensure financial security for senior citizens.
The legislation mandates that public representatives, government employees, and private employees must provide care for their elderly parents.
Failure to comply with the Bill will result in a deduction of 15 per cent of the salary or ₹10,000, whichever is lower, payable to the parents.
Chief Minister (CM) A Revanth Reddy stated that the Bill aims to go beyond the existing national law, the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
The Bill was supported by various political entities including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI).
Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme to Provide ₹5 Lakh Cover (End of March)▼
The Telangana government announced the Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme to provide a life insurance cover of ₹5 lakh to every family in the state.
The scheme is scheduled to come into force from 2 June 2026 and will cover 1 crore 15 lakh families regardless of their economic background.
The state government will introduce digital health cards for the citizens of Telangana to provide quality healthcare services.
The health department budget has been increased by 10.3 per cent to ₹13,679 crore for the 2026-27 financial year from ₹12,393 crore in 2025-26.
The Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad (TVVP) will be transformed from a grant-in-aid institution into a full-fledged government secondary healthcare department.
The government sanctioned retirement benefits of ₹2 lakh for Anganwadi teachers and ₹1 lakh for helpers upon voluntary retirement at the age of 60 years.
An amount of ₹3,662.81 crore has been allocated to the Director of Medical Education, while ₹1,844.04 crore is earmarked for the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare.
The budget for public health services under the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare is set at ₹1,183.56 crore to cover primary healthcare and disease control programmes.
'Metro Monday' launched to promote fuel conservation and public transport
Key Updates:
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the 'Metro Monday' initiative following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for fuel conservation amid the West Asia crisis.
The initiative is part of the 'Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan' campaign designed to promote the use of public transport and reduce pollution levels in Delhi.
The Delhi government implemented two days of work-from-home per week for government employees and issued a similar advisory to private companies and institutions.
The Labour Department is tasked with monitoring the implementation of the work-from-home advisory within the private sector.
Additional measures announced include a one-year freeze on official foreign visits and an appeal for citizens to observe a weekly 'No Vehicle Day'.
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Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) launches hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service in Central Vista (Mid of May)▼
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), launched a hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service in Central Vista on 15 May 2026.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) provided two hydrogen-fuelled buses featuring a 35-passenger seating capacity, Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems.
The shuttle route includes stops at Kartavya Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Akbar Road, Baroda House, National Stadium, National Gallery of Modern Art, India Gate, and Seva Teerth Metro Station.
The service operates every 30 minutes on working days from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM, with stage-wise fares of 10 and 15.
Passengers can pay using the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), Unified Payments Interface (UPI), or cash for the zero-emission service that releases only water vapour.
Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor fully operationalised on 22 February 2026 (End of February)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the full 82.15 km Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor on 22 February 2026 at Rally Ground, Mohiuddinpur, Meerut.
The corridor runs from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut and covers the distance in approximately 55 minutes.
The project was built at an estimated cost of over ₹30,000 crore and comprises about 70 km of elevated track and 12 km underground.
Meerut Metro, also flagged off on the same day, runs 23 km between Meerut South and Modipuram with 13 stations and a top speed of 120 km per hour.
Meerut Metro has an integrated ticketing system allowing passengers to use the same ticket for both Namo Bharat and metro services within the city.
India becomes world’s third-largest metro network (Mid of March)▼
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu stated that India now has the third-largest metro network in the world.
Over 1,143 kilometres of metro network are operational and around 936 kilometres are under construction across 29 cities.
Metro services were available in only five cities in 2014, while today nearly 11.5 million passengers use metro systems daily.
Anil Marwah has ridden the first train on the opening day of every newly inaugurated Delhi Metro corridor since 24 December 2002.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Managing Director Dr Vikas Kumar was present at the felicitation ceremony held in New Delhi.
Sanjay Jamuar appointed first CEO of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL) (End of April)▼
Sanjay Jamuar has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL).
DMIL is a newly set-up arm of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) created to undertake metro projects and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) assignments in India outside Delhi and abroad.
DMIL is mandated to provide advisory services to authorities and lenders for the development and long-term planning of metro and transit systems.
Sanjay Jamuar is a former Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer with experience in the UK, USA, France, Middle East, and Europe.
Sanjay Jamuar previously joined DMRC in 1998 as its first O&M employee.
DMRC is currently involved as a consultant for the Dhaka Metro project in Bangladesh.
DMRC handles O&M contracts for the Chennai, Mumbai, and Patna Metro projects.
Annapurna Bhandar and Free Bus Travel for Women in West Bengal
Key Updates:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal will implement Annapurna Bhandar, a Direct-Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for women, from June 1.
Eligible women under Annapurna Bhandar are expected to receive ₹3,000 per month directly into their bank accounts.
Women in West Bengal will be able to travel free in state-run buses from June 1, with the transport department considering a pink ticket or zero-fare ticketing model.
The state will implement Ayushman Bharat, a central health insurance programme providing up to ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family with national portability.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the full implementation of Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, PM Jan Arogya Yojana, and PM Krishak Bima Yojana in the state.
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Annapurna Yojana: ₹3,000 Monthly Assistance for Women in West Bengal (Mid of May)▼
The West Bengal government approved the rollout of the Annapurna Yojana to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to women in the state.
The scheme increases the financial aid compared to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, where beneficiaries currently receive ₹1,500 per month and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) women receive ₹1,700.
Launched in February 2021, the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme provides monthly aid of ₹1,200 for SC/ST beneficiaries and ₹1,000 for others among women aged 25 to 60 years enrolled under the Swasthya Sathi programme.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pledged 33 per cent reservation for women in all government jobs, including the police force.
The BJP has promised free travel in public transport vehicles for women in West Bengal.
President Murmu launches Pink National Common Mobility Card and three women-centric schemes in Delhi (Start of March)▼
President Droupadi Murmu launched four women-centric welfare schemes of the Delhi government at the Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi programme.
The event was held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
The Pink National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) was launched to provide integrated transport access and strengthen women's independence and safety.
A scheme providing two free Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders annually to ration card-holding families on Holi and Diwali was introduced.
The LPG scheme involves a ₹129-crore benefit to be transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
The Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana and the Meri Poonji, Mera Adhikar initiative were also launched during the event.
Bank of Baroda (BoB) launches bob Women Sapphire Savings Account with ₹10 lakh cancer cover (Mid of March)▼
Bank of Baroda (BoB) has introduced the bob Women Sapphire Savings Account, a premium savings product designed specifically for women.
The account mandates a Monthly Average Balance (MAB) of ₹1 lakh and includes a complimentary cancer care coverage plan worth ₹10 lakh for women aged between 18 and 60 years.
It features the bob Bhoomi RuPay Select Debit Card, which provides benefits such as domestic airport lounge access, gym memberships, and Over-the-Top (OTT) subscriptions.
Health and wellness benefits include free online doctor consultations for up to six family members, a 15% concession on medicines, and a 20% concession on pathology tests.
The account offers a 50% waiver on home loan processing fees and a 20% discount on locker charges up to a maximum of ₹500.
Account holders are eligible for the BOBCARD Tiara Credit Card, featuring a 50% first-year fee waiver in the form of reward points and unlimited domestic airport lounge access.
Bank of Baroda (BoB) launches first UPI-based ₹5,000 overdraft facility for women SHG members. (End of March)▼
Bank of Baroda (BoB) is the first bank in India to offer an Overdraft Facility on Credit Line via UPI for verified women Self-Help Group (SHG) members holding Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts.
The facility was unveiled at the 25th Central Level Coordination Committee (CLCC) meeting in Hyderabad.
Eligible members receive ₹5,000 overdraft credit accessible through bob इ Pay or any UPI-enabled app.
The initiative partners with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
Users can link OD accounts for merchant QR payments, balance checks, transaction tracking, and digital repayment without branch visits.
National AI Doctors Mission launched to promote AI literacy among healthcare professionals
Key Updates:
The National AI Doctors Mission was launched during the HealthAIcon 2026 summit held on May 17 in New Delhi.
The initiative aims to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy and future-ready skills among healthcare professionals.
The objectives of the mission include building awareness, creating structured learning pathways, and ensuring the responsible and ethical clinical use of AI in healthcare.
HealthAIcon 2026 was hosted by Medical Dialogues in association with the National Medical Forum.
Dr Abhijat Sheth, Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and President of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (MBEMS), addressed the summit.
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Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh (CUUP) launches Centre of Excellence in Smart Healthcare (End of March)▼
Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh (CUUP) inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Smart Healthcare at its Unnao campus.
The centre is powered by 168 GB GPU memory using NVIDIA Blackwell Architecture.
CUUP will train 1.5 lakh Uttar Pradesh youth in responsible AI use within five years through its AI Ethics Training Program launched with upGrad.
The CoE will assist five AI startups in the next two years.
Short-term goals include research collaboration with hospitals, validation of models, research projects and publications.
Focus areas include medical imaging and diagnostics for X-rays, MRIs and CT scans, predictive analytics, precision medicine and large healthcare datasets.
CUUP hosted a national symposium on 'AI in Governance: Policy, Practice and People-Centric Transformation' with panel discussions on AI use cases in government and roadmap for AI-enabled governance.
IndiaAI and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Partner for Responsible AI in Healthcare (Start of May)▼
IndiaAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to advance healthcare outcomes through the responsible and scalable application of artificial intelligence (AI).
The collaboration integrates IndiaAI's technology infrastructure and AI ecosystem with ICMR's biomedical research expertise and its Medical Information Data for AI Solutions (MIDAS) framework.
ICMR will contribute anonymised health research datasets, AI models, and toolkits developed under the MIDAS framework to the AIKosh platform for broader access by researchers and startups.
IndiaAI will provide ICMR with access to GPU-based and high-performance computing infrastructure at subsidised rates to address infrastructure gaps in scaling advanced AI research.
IndiaAI and ICMR's National Institute for Research in Digital Health and Data Sciences (NIRDHDS) are recognised as Pioneer Countries under the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network (GRN).
IIT-Guwahati (IIT-G) partners with Coventry University Group (CUG) for AI in healthcare (Start of March)▼
The Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Coventry University Group (CUG), UK, to strengthen global research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and healthcare.
The strategic partnership aims to expand research collaboration, support academic mobility, and enable joint degree initiatives between the two institutions.
The collaboration is structured around academic and research mobility, including short-term faculty and student exchanges.
The agreement includes the establishment of joint doctoral programmes featuring a dual-award PhD under a joint supervision framework.
The partnership focuses on AI for One Health, which aligns with the National AI Mission of India.
The MoU was formalised during a visit to IIT-G by a delegation from CUG led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Richard Dashwood.
SAHI and BODH initiatives launched to integrate ethical AI into India’s health system (Mid of February)▼
Union Health Minister JP Nadda launched the Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India (SAHI) and the Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI (BODH) at Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 Day 2.
SAHI serves as a national guideline for responsible AI adoption in healthcare, covering governance, data management, validation and monitoring of AI tools.
BODH was developed by IIT Kanpur in collaboration with the National Health Authority (NHA) and operates under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to evaluate and benchmark AI models using privacy-preserving techniques.
The summit features over 20 Heads of State, 60 ministers and hundreds of global AI experts, with an AI Expo hosting 300+ exhibition pavilions and 600+ startups across 70,000 square metres at Bharat Mandapam.
Organisers expect more than 2.5 lakh visitors during the five-day event.
West Bengal Government raises upper age limit for state government recruitment
Key Updates:
The Government of West Bengal has revised the upper age limits for recruitment to state government posts across Group A, B, C, and D categories.
The revised upper age limits are 41 years for Group A posts, 44 years for Group B posts, and 45 years for Group C and Group D posts.
The changes were incorporated through an amendment to the West Bengal Services (Raising of Age-limit) Rules, 1981, under Article 309 of the Constitution of India.
The revised age limits are deemed effective from May 11, 2026.
For recruitments conducted through bodies other than the Public Service Commission (PSC), West Bengal, the upper age limit is uniformly set at 45 years.
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Annapurna Yojana: ₹3,000 Monthly Assistance for Women in West Bengal (Mid of May)▼
The West Bengal government approved the rollout of the Annapurna Yojana to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 to women in the state.
The scheme increases the financial aid compared to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, where beneficiaries currently receive ₹1,500 per month and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) women receive ₹1,700.
Launched in February 2021, the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme provides monthly aid of ₹1,200 for SC/ST beneficiaries and ₹1,000 for others among women aged 25 to 60 years enrolled under the Swasthya Sathi programme.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pledged 33 per cent reservation for women in all government jobs, including the police force.
The BJP has promised free travel in public transport vehicles for women in West Bengal.
Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026: West Bengal to provide ₹1,500 monthly allowance to unemployed youth (End of February)▼
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026 during the state interim budget to support unemployed youth.
The scheme provides a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 to educated but unemployed individuals to serve as transitional financial support during job hunting.
The official launch of the programme is scheduled for April 1, 2026, with applications accepted between February 15 and February 26, 2026.
Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of West Bengal, aged between 21 and 40 years, and have passed at least the Class 10 (Secondary) examination.
The Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) will facilitate applications through local camps in every assembly constituency and the official website (wbsportsandyouth.gov.in).
Individuals receiving other state welfare financial assistance are ineligible, but scholarships like Aikyasree, Medhasree, Sikhasree, and the Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Scholarship are compatible.
Required documents include a Class 10 pass certificate, Aadhaar or Voter ID, proof of residence, bank account details, and a recent passport-sized photograph.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 recorded historic 92.47% turnout on April 29, 2026 (Start of May)▼
West Bengal recorded a combined voter turnout of 92.47% across two phases in the 2026 Assembly elections, the highest since Independence.
The Election Commission (EC) reported a turnout of 93.19% in Phase 1 and 91.66% in Phase 2 of the polls.
A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls resulted in the deletion of over 90 lakh voters, approximately 12% of the total electorate.
The total electorate in the state was reduced from 7.66 crore to 6.77 crore following the revision process.
Significant voter deletions were recorded in the districts of North 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, Malda, and Kolkata.
The Bhabanipur constituency and the city of Kolkata both recorded a voter turnout of approximately 87%.
Purba Bardhaman district registered a voter turnout of 92.46% during the electoral process.
Assam Government Approves 3% Reservation for Tea Tribes and Adivasis in Grade I and II Jobs (Mid of February)▼
The Assam government has approved a 3 per cent reservation for tea tribes and Adivasi people in Grade I and Grade II government jobs.
The reservation policy will extend to recruitment for the Assam Civil Service (ACS) and the Assam Police Service (APS).
The state government has already implemented a 3 per cent reservation for tea and Adivasi communities under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota in Grade III and IV jobs.
The Assam Cabinet approved ₹335 crore for the establishment of the state's second Sainik School at Langvoku in the Karbi Anglong district.
Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision during the 19th biennial general conference of the Assam Tea Tribe Students’ Association (ATTSA).
The initiative aims to integrate approximately 40 lakh people from the tea community into the mainstream of society.
Next Gen Chhattisgarh Dial-112 and Mobile Forensic Vans Launched to Cover 33 Districts
Key Updates:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off 400 next-generation Dial-112 vehicles and 32 mobile forensic science laboratory vans on May 18, 2026, in Raipur, Chhattisgarh (CG).
The upgraded Next Gen CG Dial-112 service, themed Ekke Number, Sabbo Bar, has been expanded from 16 districts to cover all 33 districts of the state.
The integrated platform consolidates police, fire services, ambulance support, women and child helplines, disaster response, and highway emergency assistance under a single command structure.
The 400 newly inducted vehicles are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS), wireless radio systems, cameras, mobile Network Video Recorder (NVR) units, and solar backup systems.
Each mobile forensic van, costing approximately ₹65 lakh, is equipped with evidence collection kits, fingerprint detection systems, and narcotics testing kits to speed up investigations.
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Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrates 47th Raising Day of Project Chetak at Bikaner in Rajasthan (Start of April)▼
Project Chetak of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 47th Raising Day at Bikaner in Rajasthan on 4 April 2026.
Project Chetak was raised on this day in 1980 and has since developed and maintained infrastructure in Rajasthan, Punjab and northern Gujarat.
The project has constructed over 4,000 km of roads and 214 km of Ditch Cum Bund in the western sector.
Its motto is 'Chetak ka Prayas, Desh ka Vikas' and it maintains key feeder roads towards the International Border.
Uttar Pradesh Development Projects: ₹6,350 Crore Outlay (Start of May)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uttar Pradesh on April 28-29 to launch development projects worth approximately ₹6,350 crore.
In Varanasi, the Prime Minister will dedicate 48 completed projects worth over ₹1,050 crore and lay the foundation stone for 112 projects worth around ₹5,300 crore.
Key infrastructure projects in Varanasi include the Varanasi-Azamgarh Road widening, rail over bridges at Kazzakpura and Kadipur, and a sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 55 MLD in Bhagwanpur.
Two new Amrit Bharat Express trains will be flagged off on April 28: Varanasi to Pune (Hadapsar) and Ayodhya to Mumbai (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus).
The 594-km-long Ganga Expressway will be inaugurated in Hardoi on April 29.
The Ganga Expressway is a six-lane (expandable to eight lanes), access-controlled greenfield high-speed corridor built at a total cost of around ₹36,230 crore.
The Ganga Expressway traverses 12 districts: Meerut, Bulandshahr, Hapur, Amroha, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Raebareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj.
The Ganga Expressway includes a 3.5-km-long Emergency Landing Facility (airstrip) in Shahjahanpur district.
The expressway serves as a backbone for a network including the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Jewar Link Expressway, Farrukhabad Link Expressway, and a proposed extension from Meerut to Haridwar.
Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system launched for barrier-less collection on NH-48 (Start of May)▼
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari launched India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system on 1 May 2026.
The system is implemented at the Chorayasi toll plaza on the Surat–Bharuch stretch of National Highway 48 (NH-48) in Gujarat.
The MLFF technology utilises Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and FASTag-based radio frequency identification to collect tolls without requiring vehicles to stop.
High-performance sensors read FASTag data and vehicle registration numbers to allow uninterrupted traffic flow and reduce travel time at toll points.
The initiative aims to modernise national highway infrastructure, improve fuel efficiency, and lower vehicle emissions by removing physical barriers at toll plazas.
Ganga Expressway: ₹36,230 Crore Infrastructure Project in Uttar Pradesh (Start of May)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh on 29 April 2026.
The Ganga Expressway is a 594-kilometre-long, six-lane access-controlled greenfield corridor.
The project was constructed at an estimated cost of ₹36,230 crore and completed in less than 3.5 years.
The route starts from Bijoli village in Meerut district and ends at Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj district.
Travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj is reduced from 10–12 hours to approximately 6 hours.
The expressway passes through 12 districts of Uttar Pradesh and connects 519 villages.
A 3.5 km stretch in Shahjahanpur district has been developed as a dedicated Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The expressway is designed for speeds up to 120 km/h and includes provisions for future expansion to eight lanes.
Work has commenced to extend the Ganga Expressway from Meerut to Haridwar.
The project is expected to result in fuel savings of approximately 30%.
Mission Sikkim Organics Launched with ₹360 Crore Outlay
Key Updates:
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched Mission Sikkim Organics with a total programme outlay of ₹360 crore during the 51st Statehood Day of Sikkim.
The mission aims to benefit over 66,000 farmer families by transforming the state into a globally integrated premium organic economy with a focus on value chains for large cardamom and ginger.
MDoNER will contribute ₹85 crore towards core infrastructure and aggregation systems in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Union Minister Scindia inaugurated 21 development projects worth ₹223 crore, including road connectivity works under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS).
Specific projects include the Namthang Bazar water supply, a Bamboo Industrial Park, the Rimbi Khola–Yuksam road, academic blocks at Burtuk and Kamrang colleges, and the remodeling of Burtuk Heliport.
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Sikkim celebrates 51st Statehood Day on 16 May 2026 (Mid of May)▼
Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of India in 1975.
The 51st Statehood Day on 16 May 2026 marks the culmination of the year-long 50th Statehood or Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi highlighted the impact of central schemes in the state, including the Jal Jeevan Mission and PM Awas Yojana.
The Union Government continues to promote tourism in Sikkim through schemes such as Swadesh Darshan and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).
Chief Minister (CM) Prem Singh Tamang noted the state's global recognition for organic farming, biodiversity conservation, and the presence of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
India and Suriname Review Bilateral Ties During 9th Joint Commission Meeting in Paramaribo on 7 May 2026 (Mid of May)▼
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Suriname Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva co-chaired the 9th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Paramaribo during a three-nation tour including Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
A six-point roadmap was proposed focusing on people-to-people ties, development projects, defence cooperation, trade, tourism, and sharing India’s digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) expertise.
India offered new lines of credit for priority projects and highlighted development cooperation such as a passion fruit processing unit under the India Caribbean Community (CARICOM) initiative.
EAM Jaishankar paid tribute at the Monument for the Fallen Heroes in Mariënburg, honouring those who lost their lives in the 1902 uprising against colonialism.
Suriname’s engagement with India includes participation in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), and the India United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Army launches Sikkim’s first border village community radio station (Mid of April)▼
Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps launched Sikkim’s first border village community radio station named Radio ‘Sikkim Sundari’.
The station aims to boost communication and information access in remote high-altitude border areas of Sikkim.
It broadcasts local news, weather updates, government schemes, and promotes local culture and youth participation.
The inauguration was attended by senior officers of Trishakti Corps, civil administration representatives, and local community members.
Indian Army launches Sikkim's first border village community radio station Sikkim Sundari on 12 April 2026 (Mid of April)▼
The Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army launched Sikkim Sundari, the first border village community radio station in the state of Sikkim.
The radio station is designed to improve communication and access to information in remote high-altitude areas.
The station will broadcast local news, weather updates, and information regarding various government schemes.
The initiative serves as a platform to promote local culture and encourage youth participation in community engagement.
The Additional Director General (ADG) of Border Roads (East), Jitendra Prasad, visited Taramchu in North Sikkim to assess landslide damage.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is currently conducting restoration work to maintain connectivity for local communities and border access.
India and Norway elevate ties to Green Strategic Partnership, sign pacts on space, health, and digital development on May 18, 2026
Key Updates:
India and Norway elevated bilateral ties to a 'Green Strategic Partnership' after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo on May 18, 2026, focusing on clean energy, climate resilience, Blue Economy, and Green Shipping.
An MoU was signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Norwegian Space Agency to enhance cooperation in the space sector.
The two nations concluded a Triangular Development Cooperation Agreement to use India's Digital Public Infrastructure projects for human development in countries of the Global South.
Prime Minister Modi was conferred the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit by King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway.
This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in over 40 years; the last such visit was by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1983.
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India and United Arab Emirates sign seven key agreements on May 15, 2026 (Mid of May)▼
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed seven key agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.
A strategic collaboration agreement was signed between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to strengthen energy security and strategic petroleum reserves.
A strategic agreement was signed for the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to boost long-term energy security.
A framework agreement on a Strategic Defence Partnership was signed to expand cooperation in defence manufacturing, innovation, military training, maritime security, cyber defence, and secure communications.
A ship repair and maritime infrastructure cluster project is proposed at Vadinar in Gujarat to advance the Make In India scheme.
An arrangement on skill development in ship repair was established to position India as a hub for skilled shipbuilding and ship repair professionals.
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and UAE's G-42 will set up eight Exaflop Super Computer Clusters.
The UAE committed $5 billion in investments across Indian infrastructure and financial institutions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a five-nation tour visiting the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
The visit to Norway is the first official visit by an Indian prime minister to the Nordic nation in 43 years.
India and Vietnam Review Defence Ties and Sign 13 Agreements in New Delhi on 6 May 2026 (Start of May)▼
Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, in New Delhi on 6 May 2026.
The two nations signed 13 agreements to provide for deeper two-way engagement and reviewed the growing strategic trust under the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key areas including maritime security, defence industry collaboration, and joint research, co-development, and co-production.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to working with Vietnam under the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for All in the Region (MAHASAGAR) vision.
Vietnam President To Lam was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on his maiden visit to India during the high-level exchanges.
India and Canada establish India-Canada Defence Dialogue and set $50 billion bilateral trade target by 2030 (Start of March)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the launch of the India-Canada Defence Dialogue after talks in New Delhi.
Both countries set a bilateral trade target of $50 billion to be achieved by 2030.
A long-term uranium supply agreement was announced between India and Canada.
Three Memorandums of Understanding on Critical Mineral Cooperation, Promoting the use of Renewable Energy, and Cultural Cooperation were exchanged by Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
India and Canada agreed to create the India-Canada Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence in India.
Canadian Space Agency and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) agreed to cooperate on Earth observation and explore joint initiatives on space exploration and quantum technologies.
Both nations will advance cooperation on security and law enforcement, focusing on illegal flow of drugs including fentanyl precursors and transnational organised criminal networks.
Canada and India will conclude a new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) this year following finalisation of Terms of Reference.
Rockefeller Foundation Secures $350 Million Grant to Support 731 Million People
Key Updates:
The Rockefeller Foundation has secured a $350 million grant to reach approximately 731 million vulnerable individuals worldwide.
The funding is intended to counter a projected historic decline in global aid disbursements slated for 2025.
The grant comprises a combination of philanthropic donations and multilateral contributions.
The initiatives will focus on health (vaccination drives), climate resilience (drought-resistant crops), and inclusive economic development (seed capital for women and youth-led micro-enterprises).
The World Bank and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) forecast that total development assistance could fall by up to 15% by the end of the decade.
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World Bank launches 'Water Forward' programme to expand global water access (Mid of April)▼
The World Bank launched the "Water Forward" programme to improve secure water access for one billion people within the next four years.
The programme aims to expand reliable water services and strengthen systems against droughts and floods.
The World Bank intends to use its funds and technical advice to improve water supplies for 400 million people by 2030.
Participating institutions include regional development banks, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) development fund, and the New Development Bank (NDB).
Fourteen countries have voluntarily committed to reform and strengthen their water sectors under the new programme.
Approximately four billion people, representing half of the global population, face water scarcity.
World Bank (WB) releases USD 340 million for Amaravati Capital Phase-I development (Mid of April)▼
The World Bank (WB) has released USD 340 million for the Amaravati Capital Phase-I development in Andhra Pradesh as of April 2026.
The WB and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have committed a total of USD 1,600 million for the project, with each entity contributing USD 800 million.
The Central Government will fund ₹1,400 crore out of the ₹15,000 crore committed for the capital development.
The loan has a 29-year final maturity and a six-year grace period, with repayment scheduled to begin on June 15, 2031.
The interest rate for the funding is approximately 8% to 8.5% and will fluctuate based on international rates.
The Amaravati Integrated Urban Development Programme (AIUDP) is being implemented under the Program for Results framework, linking disbursements to milestones.
Flood management works have achieved over 35% completion across six locations in the capital region.
World Bank (WB) signs $300 million loan for Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program. (Mid of March)▼
The World Bank (WB) signed a $300 million loan agreement with Uttar Pradesh for the UP Clean Air Management Program.
The program targets transport, agriculture, and industry to adopt cleaner technologies.
Around 200 new air quality monitors will be deployed under the initiative.
The project anticipates leveraging an additional $150 million in private investment.
Over 700 brick kilns will shift to eco-friendly technology.
3.9 million households will gain access to clean cooking solutions.
Juhi Mukherjee from the Ministry of Finance, B Chandrakala from Uttar Pradesh Government, and Paul Procee from the World Bank attended the signing.
Nita Ambani conferred KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 (Mid of March)▼
Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, received the KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) campus in Bhubaneswar.
The award was presented by Nobel Laureate Mohan Munasinghe in the presence of Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT, KISS and KIMS.
The honour recognises Reliance Foundation’s contributions to social development in education, healthcare, rural transformation, women’s empowerment and sports.
The KISS Humanitarian Award, instituted in 2008, is the highest honour of KISS and carries a citation and a gold-plated trophy.
India and Netherlands sign Kalpasar pact and PM Modi visits Afsluitdijk project on May 18, 2026
Key Updates:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Afsluitdijk, a 32-kilometre-long dam and causeway in the Netherlands used for flood control and land reclamation.
India and the Netherlands signed a Letter of Intent for technical cooperation on the Kalpasar project in Gujarat.
The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Jal Shakti of India and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands.
The Kalpasar project aims to create a freshwater reservoir across the Gulf of Khambhat, integrating irrigation, transportation infrastructure, and tidal power generation.
The visit reaffirmed the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership on Water, focusing on sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience, and innovative water management solutions.
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Jordan joins India-led ISA, CDRI and GBA on April 27, 2026 (End of April)▼
Jordan confirmed its membership in three India-led global initiatives: International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).
The formal membership documents were handed over by the Ambassador of Jordan to India, Yousef Abdelghani, to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (South), Neena Malhotra, in New Delhi.
On April 20, South Korea joined the ISA and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
India and South Korea decided to elevate their bilateral relationship to a futuristic partnership.
The ISA is a platform to accelerate solar deployment and support the global transition to sustainable energy systems, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
World Engineering Day 2026 themed 'Smart engineering for a sustainable future through innovation and digitalisation' (Start of March)▼
World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (WED) 2026 is recognised by UNESCO and delivered by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO).
Adani Group has been named the official partner for WED 2026, the first time an Indian organisation has been selected by WFEO for this global platform.
The Khavda renewable energy project in Gujarat, developed by Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) in collaboration with Adani Energy Solutions and Adani New Industries, is highlighted by WFEO as a defining example of India's energy transition.
The Khavda plant is being constructed on 538 square kilometres of barren land in the Kutch region, an area five times the size of Paris.
The project is planned to reach 30 GW capacity by 2029 and is currently the world's largest renewable energy plant under construction.
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Dhruva Space Private Limited sign MoU for satellite solar panels (Start of April)▼
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Dhruva Space Private Limited (DHRUVA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the design, manufacture, testing, and supply of solar panels.
The partnership aims to address the solar panel requirements of global Satellite Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
NSIL is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Space (DoS) and functions as the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
DHRUVA is a Hyderabad-based private aerospace company providing full-stack space engineering solutions across space, launch, and ground segments.
The collaboration will utilise the programme management and product assurance expertise of NSIL to scale the production of space-grade solar panels.
The timing of the agreement aligns with the solar industry entering a restructuring phase in 2026, amid rising demand for satellite solar panels.
DHRUVA has existing engagements with NSIL in Earth observation missions, satellite deployers, and ground segment development.
India and Austria seal 15 deals across defence, counter-terrorism, technology and trade (Mid of April)▼
India and Austria concluded 15 arrangements covering defence, technology, innovation and trade.
A Joint Working Group on counter‑terrorism was agreed to be set up between the two countries.
A Letter of Intent (LoI) on defence will provide an institutional framework for cooperation in military matters, defence industrial and technology partnership.
The defence LoI builds on the India‑European Union (EU) Defence and Security Partnership signed on 27 January 2026.
The LoI on counter‑terrorism will advance cooperation and establish a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Austria’s tunnelling expertise in projects such as the Delhi Metro and the Atal Tunnel.
Modi mentioned collaboration in defence, semiconductors, quantum technology and biotechnology.
Sweden confers Royal Order of Polar Star on Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Key Updates:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Royal Order of Polar Star by Sweden.
The Royal Order of Polar Star is the highest honour awarded to a Head of Government by the Scandinavian nation.
This award marks the 31st international honour received by Prime Minister Modi.
The Royal Order of the Polar Star was instituted in 1748 to recognise personal endeavours for Sweden or Swedish interests.
Prime Minister Modi was received by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at the Gothenburg Airport during a two-day visit.
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Narendra Modi Conferred With Speaker of the Knesset Medal by Israel (End of February)▼
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, which is the highest honour awarded by the Israeli parliament.
PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this distinction, which was presented during his address to the Knesset.
The medal was awarded in recognition of his leadership in strengthening strategic and bilateral relations between India and Israel.
During the two-day visit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed the building of an iron alliance between the two nations to counter extremist Islam.
PM Modi is among the few world leaders to hold top honours from both Israel and Palestine, having received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine in 2018.
The Prime Minister also held meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to discuss deepening cooperation in key strategic areas.
India and Sweden Upgrade Bilateral Ties to Strategic Partnership on 17 May 2026
Key Updates:
India and Sweden agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Prime Minister Modi was awarded the 'Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross' in recognition of his contribution to the India-Sweden relationship.
Bilateral trade between India and Sweden reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025.
The two leaders discussed cooperation in trade and investment, technology and innovation, green transition, space, emerging technologies, defence and security, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), research, and people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Modi met Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of Maersk, to discuss investments in port infrastructure, logistics, green shipping, and skilled mobility.
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India and Vietnam set $25 billion bilateral trade target by 2030 (Start of May)▼
India and Vietnam agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The two nations established a bilateral trade target of 25 billion USD to be achieved by 2030.
Investment flows will be expanded across high-technology manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, electric vehicles, and digital services.
Market access was approved for Indian grapes and Vietnamese durians, with commitments to fast-track access for pomegranates and pomelos.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) entered an agreement to facilitate cross-border digital payments using QR-based systems.
Vietnam will host a liaison officer at the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) located in Gurugram.
India has implemented 66 quick impact projects across most provinces in Vietnam as part of its development partnership.
India and United Arab Emirates sign seven key agreements on May 15, 2026 (Mid of May)▼
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed seven key agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.
A strategic collaboration agreement was signed between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to strengthen energy security and strategic petroleum reserves.
A strategic agreement was signed for the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to boost long-term energy security.
A framework agreement on a Strategic Defence Partnership was signed to expand cooperation in defence manufacturing, innovation, military training, maritime security, cyber defence, and secure communications.
A ship repair and maritime infrastructure cluster project is proposed at Vadinar in Gujarat to advance the Make In India scheme.
An arrangement on skill development in ship repair was established to position India as a hub for skilled shipbuilding and ship repair professionals.
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and UAE's G-42 will set up eight Exaflop Super Computer Clusters.
The UAE committed $5 billion in investments across Indian infrastructure and financial institutions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a five-nation tour visiting the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
The visit to Norway is the first official visit by an Indian prime minister to the Nordic nation in 43 years.
State Bank of India (SBI) and MUFG Bank Ltd. (MUFG) sign partnership to strengthen India-Japan economic corridor (Mid of March)▼
State Bank of India (SBI) and Japan-based MUFG Bank Ltd. (MUFG) have signed a strategic partnership agreement to advance bilateral financial collaboration.
The alliance aims to strengthen the India-Japan economic corridor by leveraging the domestic reach of SBI and the global network of MUFG.
The partnership focuses on facilitating cross-border capital flows and supporting sustainable economic growth for businesses in both nations.
Collaboration will target specific sectors including Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) advisory, Aviation finance, and Real Estate finance.
The agreement includes cooperation on trade finance, retail banking solutions, and identifying financing opportunities for Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The initiative aims to support Japanese corporates expanding in India and Indian enterprises pursuing growth in Japan and other global markets.
India and Sweden launch Sweden–India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC) (End of February)▼
India and Sweden have jointly developed a dedicated programme called the Sweden–India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC).
The partnership was formalised through a Statement of Intent to connect the AI and digital technology ecosystems of both nations.
Kavita Bhatia, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the IndiaAI Mission, stated that the collaboration positions both countries to shape global technological change based on shared democratic values.
Sofia Hogman, Trade and Invest Commissioner of Sweden to India, noted that the corridor initiative aims to create new business opportunities and deliver real-world industrial outcomes.
The collaboration focuses on using AI to drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development while managing potential risks.
India and Jamaica sign three MoUs to expand bilateral cooperation during EAM S. Jaishankar’s visit from May 2 to 4, 2026
Key Updates:
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar conducted the first-ever visit by an Indian foreign minister to Jamaica during a three-nation tour, signing three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in health, broadcasting, and solarisation.
India handed over 10 BHISHM emergency medical units and announced the provision of 30 dialysis units, 40 fishing boats with engines, 200 GPS devices, and JMD 2 million for the celebration of India Arrival Day.
The number of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training slots for Jamaica, specifically for defence training, was increased from six to 34 to enhance capacity building.
Both nations acknowledged the completion of the Improving Rural Livelihoods project by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and discussed an Artisan Empowerment Hub under the India–Caribbean Community (CARICOM) framework.
Jamaica reaffirmed its support for India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2028–29 and the finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
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India and Suriname Review Bilateral Ties During 9th Joint Commission Meeting in Paramaribo on 7 May 2026 (Mid of May)▼
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Suriname Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva co-chaired the 9th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Paramaribo during a three-nation tour including Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
A six-point roadmap was proposed focusing on people-to-people ties, development projects, defence cooperation, trade, tourism, and sharing India’s digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) expertise.
India offered new lines of credit for priority projects and highlighted development cooperation such as a passion fruit processing unit under the India Caribbean Community (CARICOM) initiative.
EAM Jaishankar paid tribute at the Monument for the Fallen Heroes in Mariënburg, honouring those who lost their lives in the 1902 uprising against colonialism.
Suriname’s engagement with India includes participation in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), and the India United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
India and Jamaica Strengthen Strategic Ties as MEA S. Jaishankar Hands Over BHISHM Cubes in Kingston (Start of May)▼
Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S. Jaishankar met Jamaican Prime Minister (PM) Andrew Holness in Kingston to explore ways to deepen political, economic, and people-to-people cooperation.
India handed over 10 Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) Cubes, which are mobile hospital units designed for rapid deployment during disasters and emergencies.
The handover of the BHISHM Cube system occurred in the presence of Jamaica’s Health Minister Christopher Tufton and Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith.
As part of the shared cricketing heritage, India gifted a new scoreboard to the Sabina Park stadium in Kingston to symbolise the enduring friendship between the two nations.
The visit to Jamaica is part of a nine-day tour of the Caribbean by the MEA, which includes official stops in Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
India deploys 'Aarogya Maitri' health cube in Jamaica for humanitarian emergency response (Start of May)▼
India has deployed the Aarogya Maitri portable healthcare infrastructure in Jamaica for humanitarian emergency response.
The deployment was coordinated under the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) framework, guided by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and executed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The initiative utilizes an indigenously developed modular medical system, such as the BHISHM Cube, designed for rapid deployment in disaster and emergency scenarios.
RailTel Corporation of India Limited, a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking, and Green Genome India Pvt Ltd are the partners responsible for implementation and portable diagnostics.
The deployment is part of India's broader outreach to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries to enhance healthcare, disaster resilience, and capacity building.
India and Trinidad and Tobago Sign 8 MoUs During External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's Visit on 8-9 May (Mid of May)▼
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar visited Trinidad and Tobago on 8-9 May to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister (PM) Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
A total of 8 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in sectors including tourism, healthcare, infrastructure, and Ayurveda.
The agreements include the solarisation of the Ministry of Foreign and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Affairs building and cooperation in vector control.
Provisions were made for the infrastructure upgrade of Nelson Island and the establishment of an Indian Chair on Ayurveda at the University of the West Indies.
India provided machinery worth $1 million for an agro-processing facility and handed over the first batch of 2,000 laptops to selected schoolchildren.
India: Actor Ishaan Khatter conferred honorary membership of 45 Cavalry of the Indian Armoured Corps
Key Updates:
Actor Ishaan Khatter was conferred with an honorary membership of the 45 Cavalry of the Indian Armoured Corps.
The honour was awarded for his portrayal of a 45 Cavalry officer in the film Pippa and his respect for the regiment's ethos.
The film Pippa is based on the book The Burning Chaffees written by Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta.
The title Pippa is a tribute to the PT-76 (Palavushi Tanka), which is an amphibious war tank.
Ishaan Khatter is the only Indian male actor to be featured on the Gold House Gold 100 list this year.
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N Chandrasekaran conferred honorary knighthood by UK (End of March)▼
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Group, was awarded the honorary knighthood of Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by the British government.
The honour was conferred at a ceremony held at the residence of British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, who presented it on behalf of King Charles III.
Tata Group operates 19 subsidiaries in the UK across automotive, steel, technology, and consumer goods sectors and employs over 70,000 people there.
Chandrasekaran credited the honour to his colleagues and highlighted Tata Group’s investments in JLR’s all-electric transition, advanced manufacturing, green steel, and innovation initiatives.
Jawed Ashraf received Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur (End of March)▼
France conferred the Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur on former Indian ambassador to France Jawed Ashraf for strengthening bilateral relations.
Ashraf served as Indian envoy to France during 2020-2024 and joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1991.
He was presented the award by French ambassador Thierry Mathou at the French embassy on a Wednesday.
After retirement in 2024 Ashraf was appointed chairman of the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation.
During his tenure India purchased 36 Rafale combat jets and advanced joint defence manufacturing with France.
Ashraf is the first Indian diplomat and the eighth Indian overall to receive the Commander rank of the Legion of Honour.
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev launches Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award (Mid of February)▼
Spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev launched the Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award to recognise individuals for their contributions to the growth and well-being of the nation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the launch event as the chief guest and felicitated the award recipients during the Mahashivaratri celebrations.
The award recognises contributions across seven categories: national security, business, arts and entertainment, sports, community welfare, science and technology, and literature and academia.
Noted violinist N Rajam was among the individuals honoured with the Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award.
Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Kiran Kumar received the award as a representative of the organisation for its decades of work in space technology.
The Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award is a national honour established by the Isha Foundation.
Tata Electronics and ASML sign MoU for Semiconductor Manufacturing in India
Key Updates:
Tata Electronics Ltd and ASML signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 16, 2026, to advance the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India.
ASML will support the establishment and ramp-up of Tata Electronics' upcoming 300 mm (12-inch) semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat.
The Dholera facility involves a planned total investment of $11 billion to manufacture semiconductors for automotive, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
The collaboration focuses on the deployment of ASML's lithography tools, local talent development, supply chain resilience, and research infrastructure.
Tata Electronics has partnered with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) to access a technology portfolio comprising 28nm, 40nm, 55nm, 90nm, and 110nm.
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Rajasthan's first semiconductor chip packaging facility inaugurated in Bhiwadi (Mid of May)▼
Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually inaugurated the state's first semiconductor plant and a new Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) at Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.
The Semiconductor ATMP/OSAT facility of Sahasra Semiconductors Pvt. Ltd. is India's first Small and Medium Enterprise-led unit to begin commercial production of semiconductor chips, set up with an investment of over ₹150 crore under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) SPECS scheme.
Spread across 57,000 square feet, the facility includes Class 10K and 100K cleanrooms and has an annual packaging capacity of 60 million semiconductor units, with plans to scale up to 400–600 million units annually over the next two to three years.
More than 60 per cent of its production is already being exported to markets including the United States, Germany, France, Eastern Europe, China and Nepal.
The Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) developed by ELCINA over 50.3 acres with a project cost of ₹46.09 crore (₹20.24 crore central support) has attracted planned investments of over ₹1,200 crore from 20 companies; operating companies include Aisan Fiem Industries, E-Pack Durable, Sahasra Electronics and Electronics Sector Skill Council of India.
Rajasthan inaugurates first semiconductor cluster in Bhiwadi with ₹1,200 crore investment (Mid of May)▼
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma inaugurated Rajasthan's first semiconductor cluster in Bhiwadi.
The Bhiwadi electronics manufacturing cluster attracted an investment of ₹1,200 crore and is expected to generate employment for nearly 2,500 people.
The initiative is part of the state government's vision for "Developed Rajasthan 2047", supported by 35 policies implemented over the last two years to promote industrial growth.
Other projects launched include the Elsina Electronics Complex and a 34 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) in the Khairthal-Tijara region.
The state government announced plans for a major industrial area near Bandikui in Alwar district and progress on the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) linking Rajasthan to Delhi through Haryana.
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): ₹3,936 Crore Investment for Two New Units in Gujarat (Start of May)▼
The Union Cabinet approved two semiconductor manufacturing projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in Gujarat with a combined investment of ₹3,936 crore.
Crystal Matrix Limited (CML) will establish India's first commercial Mini/Micro-LED display manufacturing unit based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in Dholera.
The CML facility will produce 72,000 square metres of Mini/Micro-LED display panels and 24,000 sets of RGB GaN epitaxy wafers annually.
Suchi Semicon Private Limited (SSPL) will set up an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Surat with an annual capacity of over 1,033 million chips.
Total semiconductor projects under ISM have reached 12, with cumulative investments of approximately ₹1.64 lakh crore.
Gujarat Government signs MoU with Allegiance International for Indo-Taiwan Industrial Park with ₹1,000 Crore FDI (Mid of April)▼
The Gujarat government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwan-based Allegiance International Co Ltd to develop an Indo-Taiwan Industrial Park in the Sanand-Dholera region.
The project aims to attract over ₹1,000 crore in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Taiwanese industries, specifically in the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sectors.
The initiative is expected to generate approximately 12,000 direct jobs over the next five years.
The MoU was signed between the state's Department of Science and Technology and Allegiance International in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
The industrial park is aligned with the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) to strengthen the production ecosystem for semiconductors, electronics, electric vehicles, robotics, and supply chains.
The agreement was signed by Simon Lee, Chairman of Allegiance Group and Vice President of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in India, and P Bharathi, Secretary of the Science and Technology Department.
Gujarat is currently developing semiconductor manufacturing projects worth over ₹1.24 lakh crore.
Central Water Commission (CWC) reports water storage in 166 reservoirs falls below 40 per cent
Key Updates:
The Central Water Commission (CWC) monitors the live storage of 166 reservoirs in India with a total live storage capacity of 183.565 billion cubic meters (BCM).
According to the CWC bulletin dated April 30, 2026, the available live storage in these reservoirs is 71.082 BCM, which is 38.72 per cent of their total capacity.
Reservoir levels have decreased compared to last year in eight states: Assam, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and West Bengal.
The Barak basin in the northeastern region is the most vulnerable river basin, recording a deficit of approximately 24 per cent from normal storage levels.
Nine major reservoirs have fallen below 50 per cent of normal levels, including Khandong in Assam, Chandan Dam in Jharkhand, Tattahalla in Karnataka, Periyar in Kerala, and Vaigai in Tamil Nadu.
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India hosts International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS 2026) in Bengaluru under DRIP Phase II & III (Mid of February)▼
International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS 2026) held at J.N. Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru on 13-14 February 2026.
Organised by Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti and Water Resources Department, Government of Karnataka in collaboration with Central Water Commission (CWC), IISc Bengaluru and World Bank.
Inaugurated by Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka; presided over by D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudary stressed timely implementation of Dam Safety Act, 2021 for India’s 6,500+ specified dams.
DAMCHAT AI-powered platform launched by International Center of Excellence for Dams (ICED), IIT Roorkee; Jal Shakti Data Management platform of National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) unveiled.
Publications released: ACIWRM Karnataka publications and Central Water Commission’s Guidelines for Design Flood Estimation for Mini and Micro Catchment Areas.
750+ delegates and representatives from 12 countries—India, Austria, Australia, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Canada, Zambia, Zimbabwe, France, Japan, Philippines, United States of America—participated.
25 exhibitors showcased technologies, monitoring systems, rehabilitation materials and digital innovations in dam safety.
Bhopal installs first 'Algae Tree' under Smart City initiative to combat pollution
Key Updates:
Bhopal became the first city in India to install an 'Algae Tree' at Swami Vivekananda Park under the Smart City initiative.
The microalgae-based unit claims to absorb as much carbon dioxide as 25 full-grown trees and release oxygen.
Developed by Mushroom World Group, the project took nearly two years and involved over 50 researchers, engineers and specialists.
A single unit can absorb nearly 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, equivalent to the absorption capacity of around 25 mature trees.
Solar panels installed on top of the structure allow it to partially operate using renewable energy.
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India’s first green methanol plant to use invasive Prosopis juliflora as feedstock (Start of May)▼
India’s first green methanol production plant is being established at the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat, to produce fuel for ocean-going ships.
The plant will use the invasive shrub Prosopis juliflora, known locally as gando baval or vilayati keekar, as the primary biomass feedstock for methanol production.
The project is being built by Pune-based Thermax Energy using gasification technology from Vadodara-based Ankur Scientific and will have a production capacity of five tonnes per day.
The initiative aligns with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 2023 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy, which aims for net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.
The Government of India offers a flat 30% subsidy for vessels propelled by green fuels, including methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen, under its amended shipbuilding financial assistance policy.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) marks 25th Foundation Day with new logo, mobile app and RCO portal launch (Start of March)▼
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) celebrated its 25th Foundation Day at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on 1 March 2026.
Shri Manohar Lal, Cabinet Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, attended as Chief Guest and unveiled the BEE@25 logo.
India has reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP by 36% from 2005 levels and achieved 52% non-fossil fuel installed capacity ahead of the 2030 target.
The Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) Portal (http://www.rco.beeindia.gov.in) was launched to strengthen monitoring and compliance under energy efficiency programmes.
The BEE Star Label Mobile Application, developed with CLASP, allows consumers to scan QR codes on star-labelled appliances to access energy performance and compliance details.
Key BEE initiatives include the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme, Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE), ADEETIE scheme for MSMEs, Standards & Labelling (S&L) Programme, and Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC).
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) marks 25 years; Power Minister launches RCO Portal and BEE Star Label mobile app (Start of March)▼
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) celebrated its 25th Foundation Day at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar presided as Chief Guest.
India has reduced emissions intensity of GDP by 36 per cent from 2005 levels and achieved 52 per cent non-fossil fuel-based installed power capacity ahead of 2030 target.
Policy measures reviewed include Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO), Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms, ADEETIE initiative for MSMEs, Standards & Labelling programme, and Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC).
Secretary (Power) Pankaj Agarwal described energy efficiency as India’s “first fuel”.
BEE@25 commemorative logo was unveiled for use in official communications during the anniversary year.
RCO Portal launched to strengthen monitoring and compliance under renewable and efficiency programmes.
BEE Star Label mobile application, developed with CLASP, enables consumers to scan QR codes on star-rated appliances for verified energy performance data.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi breaks record for most sixes by an Indian in IPL
Key Updates:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals (RR) broke the record for the most sixes hit by an Indian batter in a single Indian Premier League (IPL) season during the 2026 edition.
The 15-year-old reached a total of 43 sixes, surpassing the previous record of 42 sixes set by Abhishek Sharma during the 2024 season.
The milestone was achieved during a match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where RR recorded a Powerplay score of 75/1.
Sooryavanshi joined Shahrukh Khan of Punjab Kings (PBKS), Sunil Narine of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Devdutt Padikkal of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as players to hit their first ball for a six three times in a single season.
The list of Indian players with the most sixes in a single season includes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (43), Abhishek Sharma (42), Shreyas Iyer (39), Virat Kohli (38), and Suryakumar Yadav (38).
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Virat Kohli reaches 9,000 runs in Indian Premier League (IPL) history (End of April)▼
Virat Kohli became the first player to reach the 9,000-run milestone in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The record was achieved during a match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli has recorded eight centuries and 66 fifties in 274 matches.
His career statistics in the league include 266 innings with an average of 39.95 and a strike rate of 133.76.
Kohli has delivered three consecutive seasons with over 600 runs in the IPL since 2023.
His highest individual score in the tournament is 113 not out.
Urvil Patel equals Yashasvi Jaiswal's fastest IPL fifty record (Mid of May)▼
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Urvil Patel jointly hold the record for the fastest half century in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, both achieving the feat in 13 balls.
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored the 13-ball fifty for Rajasthan Royals against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023, and Urvil Patel achieved it for Chennai Super Kings against Lucknow Super Giants in 2026.
Players who recorded 14-ball fifties include KL Rahul (2018), Pat Cummins (2022), and Romario Shepherd (2025).
Players who recorded 15-ball fifties include Yusuf Pathan (2014), Sunil Narine (2017), Nicholas Pooran (2023), Jake Fraser-McGurk (2024), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (2026), and Abhishek Sharma (2026).
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who won the U-19 world cup for India, became the youngest player to score an IPL fifty at 14 years of age against Gujarat Titans in 2025.
Sahibzada Farhan tops T20 World Cup 2026 run-scorers list (Start of March)▼
Sahibzada Farhan (PAK) scored 383 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 160.25.
Tim Seifert (NZ) amassed 326 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 166.32.
Sanju Samson (IND) aggregated 321 runs in 5 matches at a strike rate of 199.37.
Ishan Kishan (IND) totalled 317 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 193.29.
Finn Allen (NZ) accumulated 298 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 200.00.
Sanju Samson’s 46-ball 89 in the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad was the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final.
India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 final held in Ahmedabad.
Virat Kohli becomes first batter to score 800 boundaries in IPL (End of April)▼
Virat Kohli became the first batter to score 800 boundaries in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The milestone was achieved during a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) in Bengaluru.
Kohli became only the third player in IPL history to hit 300 sixes.
India finish Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026 with 10 medals
Key Updates:
India finished the Asian Weightlifting Championships 2026 with a tally of 10 medals, including one silver and nine bronze medals.
The championships were held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking only the second time India hosted the event after 1982.
Lovepreet Singh produced the best Indian performance on the final day, finishing fifth in men's 110kg+ with a personal-best total of 386kg (174kg snatch, 212kg clean and jerk).
Gyaneshwari Yadav secured India's only silver medal in the women's 53kg snatch event and also won an overall bronze.
Other Indian medal winners included Komal Kohar (bronze in women's 48kg overall and clean and jerk), Ajith Narayana (bronze in men's 71kg overall and clean and jerk), Harjinder Kaur (bronze in women's 69kg snatch), and Sanjana (bronze in women's 77kg overall, snatch, and clean and jerk).
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India tops U-15 girls medal standings at Asian Boxing U15 Championships 2026 (Mid of May)▼
India concluded the Asian Boxing U15 Championships 2026 in Tashkent with a total of 27 medals, comprising 9 gold, 6 silver, and 12 bronze.
The Indian U-15 girls team topped their medal standings by securing 7 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze medals.
Gold medallists in the girls category include Anzee (37kg), Soniya (40kg), Tanvi (43kg), Hanshika Attri (46kg), Sunaina (58kg), Bhumika (61kg), and Angel (70kg).
In the U-15 boys category, Yash Kumar (33kg) and Mohd Yasser (58kg) clinched gold medals with 3:2 victories over Sayat Rakhymberdi and Abdulloh Karimjonov respectively.
Silver medals were earned by Akshita (33kg), Tannvi (64kg), Sastha Vasanth Ashok Kumar (37kg), Samir Bohra (43kg), Sudarsan Vasudeva Chandak (52kg), and Ronak Parag Lokhande (67kg).
Vishvanath Suresh wins gold at Asian Boxing Championships 2026 (Mid of April)▼
The Asian Boxing Championships 2026 was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
India concluded the tournament with a total of 16 medals, including five gold, three silver, and eight bronze medals.
India finished second on the medal table with five gold medals, while Kazakhstan secured the top position with six gold medals.
Vishvanath Suresh won the gold medal in the men’s 50kg category by defeating Japan’s Daichi Iwai with a 5-0 scoreline.
Sachin Siwach secured a silver medal in the men’s 60kg division after a 2-3 loss to Orazbek Assylkulov of Kazakhstan.
Four Indian men, Harsh Choudhary (90kg), Akash (75kg), Lokesh (85kg), and Narender (+90kg), claimed bronze medals.
The Indian women’s team topped their medal charts with four gold medals won by Minakshi Hooda (48kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Priya Ghanghas (60kg), and Arundhati Choudhary (70kg).
Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) and Alfiya Pathan (+80kg) achieved silver medals in the women’s competition.
Bronze medals in the women’s category were awarded to Nikhat Zareen (51kg), Ankushita Boro (65kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg), and Pooja Rani (80kg).
Ajay Singh, the President of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), highlighted that all 10 Indian women boxers finished with a medal.
India wins four gold medals at Commonwealth Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships (End of April)▼
India secured four gold medals at the Commonwealth Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships and the Universal Cup (Senior) held in Apia, Samoa.
Sunil Singh won gold in the 65kg men's category with a total lift of 271kg (126kg snatch and 145kg clean and jerk).
Aisangfa Gogoi won gold in the 58kg women's category with a total lift of 185kg (79kg snatch and 106kg clean and jerk).
Abhinob Gogoi won gold in the 71kg men's division with a total lift of 284kg (129kg snatch and 155kg clean and jerk).
Charu Pesi from Arunachal Pradesh won gold in the men's 6kg category at the Universal Cup with a total lift of 289kg (127kg snatch and 162kg clean and jerk).
Sahdev Yadav is the president of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF).
Shi Yuqi defeats Ayush Shetty to win Badminton Asia Championships 2026 (Mid of April)▼
Shi Yuqi won the men’s singles title at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 by defeating Ayush Shetty in the final.
The final score was 21-8, 21-10 in favour of Shi Yuqi.
The final was held in Ningbo, the People’s Republic of China.
Ayush Shetty’s silver is India’s first men’s singles medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in eight years.
Dinesh Khanna remains the only Indian to have won gold in the men’s singles at the event, achieving it in 1965.
India has secured six bronze medals in men’s singles at the championships, the latest by HS Prannoy in 2018.
The country’s most recent medal across all events was the men’s doubles gold won by Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in 2023.
Earlier in the tournament, Ayush Shetty defeated world No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in the semi‑finals.
He also beat world No. 7 Li Shi Feng of China in the opening round and world No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the quarter‑finals.
Nimapara Patha Utsav 2026 inaugurated in Puri to showcase Odia identity
Key Updates:
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Pravati Parida inaugurated the Nimapara Patha Utsav 2026 in Puri.
The event featured traditional Odia folk arts such as Pala, Dasakathia, tribal dances, horse dances, and Sankirtan to represent regional identity.
The mascot Utkarsha Ghoda, along with the official jersey, cap, and medal for the Utkarsha Nimapara 2.0 initiative, was unveiled during the festival.
The programme includes upcoming marathons in Nimapara and Gop, as well as various sports, music, and dance competitions.
A university-level Debate on Development was announced to encourage youth participation in the developmental efforts of the Nimapara constituency.
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PM Modi visits Karnataka and Telangana on May 10, 2026 (Mid of May)▼
The Art of Living, founded in 1981 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, celebrated its 45th anniversary and the 70th birthday of its founder at the Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru.
The PM MITRA Park at Warangal, also known as the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park, is India's first fully functional PM MITRA Park operationalising the 5F vision of Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign.
The Zaheerabad Industrial Area in Sangareddy district is being developed under the Hyderabad-Nagpur Industrial Corridor (HNIC) as part of the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of National Highway-167 (NH-167) from Gudebellur to Mahabubnagar on the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor.
Sindhu Hospital in Hyderabad was dedicated to the nation as a 1,500-bed, cancer-focused, multi-super speciality quaternary care not-for-profit institution.
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs launches National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 (NMP 2.0) with ₹16.72 lakh crore target (End of February)▼
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 (NMP 2.0), projecting proceeds of ₹16.72 lakh crore over five years starting April 2025.
Developed by Niti Aayog, the second phase is based on the Asset Monetisation Plan 2025-30 mandate announced in the Union Budget 2025-26.
The first phase, NMP 1.0, achieved 89% of its ₹6 lakh crore target during the four-year period from 2021-22 to 2024-25.
The total monetisation potential of ₹16.72 lakh crore includes private investments estimated at ₹5.8 lakh crore.
The transport sector is expected to raise ₹4.42 lakh crore through the monetisation of 21,300 kilometres of highways, 15 Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), and six ropeways.
Estimated sectoral values include Power (₹2.77 lakh crore), Ports (₹2.64 lakh crore), Railways (₹2.62 lakh crore), Coal (₹2.16 lakh crore), and Mines (₹1 lakh crore).
Other sector targets include Urban Infrastructure (₹52,000 crore), Civil Aviation (₹27,500 crore), Petroleum and Natural Gas (₹16,300 crore), Warehousing and Storage (₹10,000 crore), Telecom (₹4,800 crore), and Tourism (₹1,200 crore).
Specific projects include listing a minority stake in GAIL Gas and the divestment of Airports Authority of India (AAI) holdings in one subsidiary and four joint-venture airports.
The pipeline involves auctioning approximately 94 coal mines and leasing 38 land parcels of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on a long-term basis.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) will serve as a key mode of monetisation to attract private investment and reduce public debt through capital recycling.
The largest portion of proceeds under NMP 2.0 is expected to accrue to the Consolidated Fund of India.
Tripura NAVCHETNA initiative promotes technology-driven education (Mid of March)▼
Tripura Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy announced NAVCHETNA to set up Innovation and Technology Laboratories in institutions.
NAVCHETNA will focus on Artificial Intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things, coding and automation.
Tripura budget FY 2026–27 allocated Rs 914.82 crore to Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), a 6.34 per cent increase.
‘Mukhyamantri Antarjatik Kormosangstan Prokolpa’ launched to facilitate overseas employment for nursing, ITI, diploma and graduate students.
State to establish a Drone School offering DGCA-approved licences for drone pilots.
Foreign Language School to be set up in Agartala in collaboration with Ramakrishna Mission.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launches PRARAMBH 2026 and Income Tax Website 2.0. (End of March)▼
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, launched PRARAMBH 2026, the Income Tax Department’s nationwide awareness campaign on the Income Tax Act, 2025, in New Delhi on 20 March 2026.
She unveiled the upgraded Income Tax Website 2.0 to enhance taxpayer services.
Revenue Secretary Shri Arvind Shrivastava and CBDT Chairman Shri Ravi Agrawal attended the launch event.
CBDT rolled out an AI-enabled chatbot named Kar Saathi to assist taxpayers on the new Act, Rules and Forms.
Brochures explaining the new Act were released in 10 regional languages besides English and Hindi.
President Draupadi Murmu approves increase in Supreme Court judge strength from 34 to 38
Key Updates:
President Draupadi Murmu approved the Union Cabinet's decision to increase the strength of the Supreme Court of India (SC) from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
The increase was effected by promulgating The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had approved the proposal on May 5, 2026.
The amendment modifies The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the approval via a post on X.
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Justice Anupinder Grewal Appointed President of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) (Start of May)▼
Justice (retired) Anupinder Singh Grewal has been appointed President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet cleared his appointment on April 29.
He will hold office for five years from the date he assumes charge or until he attains the age of 67, whichever is earlier.
He succeeds Justice (retired) Ramalingam Sudhakar, former Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court.
Justice Grewal is the first senior puisne judge of a high court to be appointed as the NCLT president.
The NCLT was established under the Companies Act, 2013, to adjudicate company law disputes, insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, mergers, and amalgamations.
Justice Grewal previously served as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Rajasthan High Court.
Judicial Infrastructure Advisory Committee formed to redesign India’s judicial infrastructure for the 21st century (Mid of May)▼
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant announced the formation of the Judicial Infrastructure Advisory Committee to modernise courts across India.
The high-powered panel is led by Supreme Court Justice Aravind Kumar and includes Justice Debangsu Basak (Calcutta High Court), Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra (Punjab and Haryana High Court), Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan (Bombay High Court), Director General of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), and Secretary General of the Supreme Court.
The committee’s mandate focuses on seven priority areas, including the e-courts initiative to eliminate the digital divide and the construction of modern court complexes for 21st-century requirements.
The committee’s findings will form the basis for the CJI to secure substantial financial allocations from the Government of India and state governments.
The panel will identify systemic constraints and propose improvements for facilities used by lawyers and the public, and submit a formal report to the CJI.
Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (Mid of May)▼
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 was passed by Parliament in December 2023 and received the President's assent on December 29, 2023.
The Act establishes a selection committee for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.
The Supreme Court observed that the selection committee's composition makes the role of the Leader of the Opposition ornamental, as the Cabinet Minister is likely to side with the Prime Minister.
The Act excludes the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection panel, unlike the panel for selecting the CBI director which includes the CJI.
The Supreme Court asked the Attorney General to keep records ready pertaining to the recent appointment of Election Commissioners, including the selection of Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.
Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 to increase judge strength to 37 (Start of May)▼
The Union Cabinet approved a proposal to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
The decision facilitates the introduction of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to revise the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
Article 124 of the Constitution of India provides for the establishment of the Supreme Court and empowers Parliament to determine the number of judges.
The expenditure on salaries, staff, and associated infrastructure for the additional judges will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India.
The judicial strength has been revised multiple times since Independence, including increases to 10 judges in 1956, 13 in 1960, 17 in 1977, 25 in 1986, 30 in 2008, and 33 in 2019.
World AIDS Vaccine Day observed on May 18
Key Updates:
World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed annually on 18 May.
More than 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV, with approximately 1.3 million people newly acquiring the virus each year.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has established global public health benchmarks known as the 95-95-95 targets.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting capsid inhibitor that has demonstrated efficacy as a twice-yearly pre-exposure prophylaxis in clinical trials.
The World Health Organization (WHO) monitors HIV statistics globally and by region.
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University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India (SII) Partner to Develop R78C Malaria Vaccine (End of April)▼
The University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India (SII) have signed a licence agreement to develop and manufacture a multi-stage malaria vaccine candidate called R78C.
The R78C vaccine candidate is based on two Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage antigens, RIPR and CyPRA.
SII, a Cyrus Poonawalla group company, will support the continued development, large-scale manufacture, and potential future commercialisation of the vaccine.
The collaboration aims to provide affordable and equitable access to the vaccine for endemic regions and low and middle-income countries.
SII has entered into a related agreement with ExpreS2ion to access its proprietary ExpreS2 expression platform for the clinical-stage production of R78C and RH5.1 vaccine components.
World Immunization Week observed from April 24 to April 30 with theme "For Every Generation, Vaccines Work" (Start of May)▼
World Immunization Week is observed every year from April 24 to April 30.
The theme for World Immunization Week 2026 is "For Every Generation, Vaccines Work".
The 2026 campaign focuses on lifelong immunisation, spanning infancy, adolescence, adulthood, and old age.
Vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives globally.
National HPV Vaccination Drive for Cervical Cancer Prevention (End of February)▼
The Union Health Ministry will launch a special HPV vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls later this month.
During the first 90 days girls aged 14 years as per their date of birth can receive the single-dose MSD Gardasil vaccine free at government health centres.
After the initial 90-day campaign girls aged 14 years can book vaccination slots through the U-win portal at their nearest health and wellness centre.
The drive will cover 1.15 crore girls who turn 14 each year.
GAVI vaccine alliance is supplying 2.6 crore doses of Gardasil to India of which 1 crore doses have already arrived.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is continuing studies on a one-dose regimen using the indigenous Serum Institute of India (SII) Cervavac vaccine.
National Vaccination Day observed on 16 March with theme 'Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible' (Mid of March)▼
National Vaccination Day is observed every year on 16 March in India.
The theme for 2026 is 'Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible'.
The day commemorates 16 March 1995 when the first dose of oral polio vaccine was given under the Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme.
India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) is one of the world’s largest public health initiatives providing free vaccines to children and pregnant women.
International Museum Day observed on 18 May 2026 with the theme Museums Uniting a Divided World
Key Updates:
International Museum Day (IMD) is observed globally on 18 May every year to raise awareness about museums as a means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures, and development of mutual understanding.
The theme for the year 2026 is Museums Uniting a Divided World, which will also guide the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
The event was first observed in 1977 in Moscow following a resolution adopted by the ICOM General Assembly to integrate creative objectives and museum efforts.
Since its inception in 1977, the day has seen participation from more than 37,000 museums across approximately 158 countries and territories.
The Indian Museum in Kolkata, established in 1814, is the oldest museum in Asia and one of the largest, while the term museum is derived from the Greek word mouseion.
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African World Heritage Day observed on May 5 (Start of May)▼
African World Heritage Day is observed annually on May 5.
The day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 2015.
The date commemorates the founding anniversary of the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), an intergovernmental organisation launched in 2006.
African sites constitute 12% of all World Heritage Sites.
As of 2022, 23 out of 52 properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger are located in Africa.
International Day for Monuments and Sites observed on April 18 (End of April)▼
The International Day for Monuments and Sites, also referred to as World Heritage Day, is observed on April 18.
The observance was first proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) during a symposium in Tunisia on April 18, 1982.
The General Assembly of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved the proposal in 1983 during its 22nd session.
The date April 18 marks the anniversary of the Second International Congress of Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments held in Venice in 1964.
The Venice Charter, which established fundamental international principles for the conservation and restoration of monuments and sites, was adopted during the 1964 Venice congress.
The event is supported by national committees in over 100 countries.
International Design Day observed on 27 April with theme "The Spaces In Between" (End of April)▼
International Design Day is observed annually on 27 April to reflect on the role design plays in shaping society.
The theme for International Design Day 2026 is "The Spaces In Between".
The Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) is serving as the global host for the 2026 celebrations.
The International Council of Design (ICoD) provides leadership regarding the origins and purpose of International Design Day.
The SEGD was founded in 1973 and represents more than 2,000 members across 30 chapters in seven international regions.
Global Recycling Day 2026 marked by SOMANY Ceramics waste tile reuse initiative (End of March)▼
Global Recycling Day 2026 was marked by SOMANY Ceramics expanding its waste tile reuse initiative.
The initiative repurposed 8,100 sq. ft. of waste tile, diverting 12 tons from landfills and cutting an estimated 4.8 tons of CO₂ emissions.
Over 3,000 students across 40 institutes—including Manipal University Rajasthan, Amity University Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, KIIT School of Architecture and Planning Odisha, Sushant University Haryana, Indian Institute of Art and Design Delhi, and the Institute of Indian Interior Designers Hyderabad—participated in the campaign.
First look of India's proposed bullet train unveiled on 18 May 2026
Key Updates:
The proposed bullet train corridor connects Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
The total length of the corridor is 508 km.
Once fully operational, the corridor will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to around two hours.
The first phase of the project is scheduled to launch on August 15, 2027.
A picture of the proposed bullet train was displayed at Gate Number 4 of the Ministry of Railways.
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Cabinet approves Ahmedabad-Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Project with Rs 20,667 crore outlay (Mid of May)▼
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera semi high-speed double-line railway project.
The estimated cost of the project is Rs 20,667 crore.
The 134-km corridor is planned with indigenously developed technology and is scheduled for completion by 2030-31.
The rail line will connect Ahmedabad with the Dholera Special Investment Region, the upcoming Dholera Airport, and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex.
The project is planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and is expected to reduce oil imports by nearly 0.48 crore litres and cut carbon emissions by about 2 crore kilograms.
PM Modi inaugurates India's first operational 'ring metro' in Delhi. (Start of March)▼
PM Modi inaugurated the Majlis Park–Maujpur Babarpur section of the Pink Line and the Deepali Chowk–Majlis Park stretch of the Magenta Line.
The Pink Line now totals 71.56 km, forming India's first fully operational ring metro encircling large parts of Delhi.
Stations on the newly opened Majlis Park–Maujpur Babarpur corridor are Burari, Jharoda Majra, Jagatpur-Wazirabad, Soorghat, Nanaksar-Sonia Vihar, Khajuri Khas, Bhajanpura, Yamuna Vihar and Maujpur-Babarpur.
The Deepali Chowk–Majlis Park Magenta Line extension spans about 49 km and includes the elevated stations Madhuban Chowk, Uttar Pitampura–Prashant Vihar, Haiderpur Village, Haiderpur Badli Mor and Bhalswa.
PM Modi laid the foundation stone for three Phase V-A corridors: the underground Central Vista corridor (RK Ashram Marg–Indraprastha), the underground Aerocity–IGI Airport Terminal-1 link, and the elevated Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj stretch totalling 16.10 km.
He inaugurated 2,722 newly built flats and laid the foundation stone for 6,632 additional flats under the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) redevelopment plan covering Sarojini Nagar, Netaji Nagar, Nauroji Nagar, Kasturba Nagar, Thyagraj Nagar, Sriniwaspuri and Mohammadpur.
The overall infrastructure and housing projects launched are valued at about ₹33,500 crore, with over ₹18,300 crore for the two metro corridors.
Indian Railways approves ₹647.58 crore connectivity projects in Gujarat and Bihar (End of March)▼
Indian Railways sanctioned two projects worth ₹647.58 crore on 24 March 2026 to improve connectivity and reduce congestion.
The rail-over-rail flyover at Kosamba, Gujarat, spans 9.20 km and costs ₹344.38 crore to connect the Kosamba–Umrapada gauge conversion section with the Mumbai–Vadodara main line.
The 13.38 km bypass line at Bhagalpur, Bihar, costs ₹303.20 crore and will link Gonudham Halt on the Barahat–Bhagalpur section with Sabour on the Bhagalpur–Sahibganj section.
The Barahat–Bhagalpur section currently operates at over 125 per cent capacity utilisation, causing congestion and requiring engine reversal at Bhagalpur junction.
Union Cabinet approves infrastructure projects worth Rs 12,236 crore across railways, aviation, urban transport, power and agriculture (End of February)▼
The Union Cabinet approved infrastructure and policy proposals worth Rs 12,236 crore, covering railways, aviation, urban transport, power sector reforms and agriculture.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) cleared three railway projects—Gondia-Jabalpur doubling, Punarakh-Kiul third and fourth line, and Gamharia-Chandil third and fourth line—costing Rs 9,072 crore.
These railway projects span Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, adding 307 km to the network and enhancing connectivity to 5,407 villages with a population of nearly 98 lakh.
The railway capacity augmentation is expected to handle 52 million tonnes of additional freight traffic per annum, save 6 crore litres of oil and cut CO2 emissions by 30 crore kg.
CCEA approved a new civil enclave at Srinagar International Airport at a cost of Rs 1,677 crore, featuring a 71,500 square metre terminal with peak-hour capacity of 2,900 passengers and annual capacity of 10 million passengers.
The Srinagar airport project includes a 1,000-car multi-level car park, apron for 15 aircraft and targets a 5-star GRIHA rating.
The Cabinet cleared a 3.33-km Ahmedabad Metro extension from GIFT City to Shahpur at Rs 1,067.35 crore with three elevated stations to be implemented by Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited.
The Ahmedabad Metro extension is projected to serve over 23,700 passengers daily by 2029 and nearly 58,000 by 2041.
Power sector reforms enhanced delegation to Powergrid, raising per-project equity investment limit for subsidiaries from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 7,500 crore to boost participation in high-value tariff-based competitive bidding projects.
The Cabinet approved renaming Kerala to 'Keralam' through the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to be referred by the President to the Kerala Legislative Assembly under Article 3 of the Constitution.
The Cabinet fixed the minimum support price (MSP) for raw jute (TD-3 grade) at Rs 5,925 per quintal for 2026-27, an increase of Rs 275 per quintal over the previous year.
Operation Smiling Buddha conducted on May 18, 1974
Key Updates:
India detonated a nuclear device codenamed Smiling Buddha at the Pokhran test range in the Thar desert of Rajasthan on May 18, 1974.
The nuclear programme and test involved key figures including Homi Jehangir Bhabha, Raja Ramanna (chief architect), Homi Sethna, P. K. Iyengar, R Chidambaram, PR Roy, and Pranab Dastidar.
The operation was carried out by scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with assistance from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army.
Officially termed a Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE), the device was an implosion-type plutonium bomb using material from the CIRUS reactor at Trombay.
India became the first country outside the five permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council to conduct a confirmed nuclear test, which subsequently led to the formation of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
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Global Buddhist Peace Meet held on 25 March 2026 (Start of April)▼
The Global Buddhist Peace Meet commenced on 25 March 2026 at Buddhavanam in Telangana.
The conference was organised by Buddhavanam, a unit of the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation, in association with the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
Telangana Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao inaugurated the international event.
The primary objective of the meet is to showcase Buddhavanam as a Buddhist Heritage Theme Park to the global community.
The event aims to encourage Buddhist nations to establish monasteries and educational institutions at the site to attract pilgrims from India and South-East Asia.
Delegates from leading Buddhist nations participated in the sessions to present scholarly papers.
National Technology Day observed on May 11 commemorates 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests (Operation Shakti) and technological milestones like Hansa-3 aircraft and Trishul missile. (Mid of May)▼
National Technology Day is observed annually on May 11 to commemorate India's successful nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998, collectively known as Operation Shakti, which made India the sixth member of the global nuclear club.
India conducted three underground nuclear tests on May 11, 1998, followed by two more on May 13, demonstrating thermonuclear and fission weapons capability.
The operation was led by aerospace scientist and former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
The day also marks the successful test flight of the indigenous Hansa-3 aircraft in Bengaluru and the successful test-firing of the Trishul surface-to-air missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared May 11 as National Technology Day in 1999 to honour India's scientific community.
New book The Curious and the Classified launched by Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane (End of April)▼
Former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd) released a non-fiction book titled The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries.
The book is published by Rupa Publications and explores lesser-known aspects, myths, and memories of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The book covers various topics including the 1944 Battle of Kohima, the fate of INS Khukri, the story of Captain Baba Harbhajan Singh, the origins of the phrase Chak de Phatte, the story of Badluram, and a military mule named Pedongi.
General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd) authored a fiction work titled The Cantonment Conspiracy released in 2025.
The unpublished memoir of General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd) is titled Four Stars of Destiny.
General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd) served as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff from December 2019 to April 2022.
He was commissioned into the 7th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry in 1980.
He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
India commemorates first anniversary of Operation Sindoor against terror infrastructure in PoK and Pakistan (Start of May)▼
India observed the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, a military countermeasure initiated following the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025.
The operation involved decisive military action by the Indian Armed Forces against terror infrastructure and terrorists located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) released footage of the 88-hour military response, which included precision strikes that commenced at 1:05 AM.
The Headquarters of the Indian Defence Staff (HQ IDS) designated the operation as a symbol of national resolve to safeguard the sovereignty of the country.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi stated that India would identify and punish terrorists and their backers, asserting that terror and trade cannot coexist.
International Day of Light observed on May 16
Key Updates:
International Day of Light is observed on May 16 to recognise the role of light and light-based technologies across science, medicine, education, communications, arts, and sustainable development.
The day is administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through its International Basic Science Programme and is formally backed by the United Nations (UN).
The occasion marks the anniversary of the first successful laser operation conducted by Theodore Maiman in 1960.
The term laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
Hiroshi Amano, Shuji Nakamura, and Isamu Akasaki were awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics for developing the blue LED.
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International Day of Living Together in Peace observed on May 16 with theme Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion, and Solidarity (Mid of May)▼
The International Day of Living Together in Peace is observed every year on May 16.
The theme for the 2026 observance is Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion, and Solidarity.
The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria partnered with Bethel Candle of Hope for the Vulnerable (BCHV) to form the Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee in 2024.
The Hayin Banki Peace and Reconciliation Committee is located in Kaduna, Nigeria.
The GPF operates the Baltimore Cross-Community Reconciliation Project (BCCRP) in Baltimore, USA, to bridge divisions shaped by race, history, and economic inequality.
World Quantum Day observed on April 14 (Mid of April)▼
World Quantum Day is an annual event observed on April 14 to promote awareness and understanding of quantum science.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) hosted a STEM Open House for local high school students to mark the occasion.
Dr. Rick Mukherjee is the inaugural director of the UTC Quantum Center.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has introduced a Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) certificate.
A study by McKinsey & Company forecasted the quantum sector to be a trillion-dollar industry.
National Technology Day observed on May 11 (Mid of May)▼
National Technology Day is observed every year on May 11 to commemorate the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests of May 11, 1998.
The 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, developed by BHAVINI under the Department of Atomic Energy, reached first criticality in April 2026, making India the second country after Russia to have a commercial-scale fast breeder reactor.
India became the fourth nation to achieve a soft landing on the Moon and the first to do so near the lunar south pole through the Chandrayaan-3 mission in July 2023.
Aditya-L1, India's first dedicated solar observatory, was launched in September 2023 and reached its halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point in January 2024.
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, launched in July 2025, employs dual L-band and S-band radar to monitor Earth's surface changes.
The Gaganyaan mission, expected in the first quarter of 2027, aims to send three astronauts (vyomnauts) into low Earth orbit at approximately 400 km for up to three days.
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is an indigenous fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter with a prototype rollout targeted for late 2026–2027 and a first flight scheduled for 2028.
Earth Hour 2026 observed on March 28 (End of March)▼
Earth Hour 2026 was observed on 28 March 2026 from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
India marked 20 years of Earth Hour participation in 2026.
Mysore Palace in Karnataka and Monsoon Palace in Rajasthan switched off their lights for the event.
WWF-India stated that India witnessed one of its largest-ever participations with iconic monuments, heritage sites, and government buildings switching off lights.
Participating Delhi landmarks included Akshardham, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Jantar Mantar, and Safdarjung Tomb.
Mumbai landmarks included Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters.
Shanti Stupa in Ladakh, Kerala Legislative Assembly and Kanakakunnu Palace in Kerala, and Dr B. R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat, State Museum, Golconda Fort, Raj Bhavan, Charminar, and Buddha Statue on Tank Bund in Telangana also participated.
Kolkata dimmed Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge), Vidyasagar Setu, Victoria Memorial, Tata Centre, Lok Bhawan, and Victoria House.
Chennai's Ripon Building, Victoria Public Hall, and Napier Bridge joined the switch-off.
National Dengue Day observed on May 16 with the theme Community Participation for Dengue Control: Check, Clean and Cover
Key Updates:
National Dengue Day is observed annually on May 16 in India to raise awareness and strengthen preventive pre-monsoon measures against the disease.
The day is officially declared and observed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
The theme for National Dengue Day 2026 is Community Participation for Dengue Control: Check, Clean and Cover.
The month of May is designated for pre-monsoon awareness activities, while the MoHFW observes July as Anti-Dengue Month.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda emphasized control strategies such as eliminating stagnant water and maintaining water storage tanks to prevent mosquito breeding.
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World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 observed on May 5 with theme 'Hand Hygiene: one action that saves lives'. (Start of May)▼
World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 was observed on May 5, 2026.
The theme for World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 is 'Hand Hygiene: one action that saves lives'.
Dr Jarbas Barbosa stated that hand hygiene is an action that saves lives.
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) contribute to the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
A webinar for World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 was held on May 5, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. EST.
World Malaria Day observed on April 24, 2026 with theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now we can. Now we Must” (End of April)▼
World Malaria Day 2026 is observed on April 24.
The theme for World Malaria Day 2026 is “Driven to End Malaria: Now we can. Now we Must”.
Dr. Regina Rabinovich is the Director of the Malaria Elimination Initiative at ISGLOBAL at the University of Barcelona.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has launched the Defeating Malaria: From the Genes to the Globe Initiative.
World Water Day 2026: Water and Gender (End of March)▼
World Water Day 2026 is observed on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
The official theme for 2026 is 'Water and Gender' with the campaign slogan 'Where water flows, equality grows'.
World Water Day was first observed on Monday, March 22, 1993, following United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/47/193 adopted on December 22, 1992.
UN-Water is the coordinating body for World Water Day, with UNICEF and UN Women as the 2026 campaign co-leads.
The UN World Water Development Report 2026, titled 'Water for all people: Equal rights and opportunities', was launched on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
2.2 billion people — approximately 27% of the global population — lack access to safely managed drinking water.
Women and girls spend an estimated 200 million hours per day collectively collecting water.
Women hold fewer than 20% of leadership roles in the water sector across most regions.
WASH stands for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.
SDG 6 calls for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water and adequate sanitation for all by 2030.
World Health Day 2026: Together for health. Stand with science (Start of April)▼
World Health Day is observed every year on April 7.
World Health Day 2026 theme is 'Together for health. Stand with science'.
The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded on April 7, 1948.
The first World Health Day was marked by WHO in 1950.
Narendra Modi received Royal Order of the Polar Star
Key Updates:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross, by Sweden.
The award is the highest honour granted to a Head of Government by the Scandinavian nation and is the 31st international honour received by Narendra Modi.
The honour was conferred by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden in recognition of his visionary leadership and exceptional contribution to the India-Sweden relationship.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the honour marks a reaffirmation of friendship between the two countries.
Bilateral trade between India and Sweden reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025.
The two nations focused on boosting bilateral ties in areas of green transition, artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, startups, resilient supply chains, defence, space, climate action, and people-to-people ties.
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Prime Minister Modi to undertake week-long Europe visit from around May 18, likely to meet Pope (Start of May)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a week-long visit to Europe from around May 18, with a possible stop at the Vatican for a meeting with the Pope.
Modi will first visit Norway to participate in the third India-Nordic summit in Oslo alongside leaders from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.
The India-Nordic summit is expected to focus on green energy, climate change, blue economy, innovation, digitalisation, and Arctic cooperation.
Modi is also likely to visit the Netherlands (key partner in water management, agriculture, technology, semiconductor industry) and Italy for his first bilateral visit (discussions on defence, energy, investment, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor).
In mid-June, Modi will visit France for the G7 Outreach summit.
Finland President Alexander Stubb arrives in India for State Visit and Raisina Dialogue 2026 (Start of March)▼
Finland President Alexander Stubb arrived in New Delhi for a state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and trade.
The President was received at the airport by the Minister of State for External Affairs K V Singh.
President Stubb will serve as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the Raisina Dialogue 2026.
The visiting dignitary is scheduled to meet with the President of India and Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.
Discussions between PM Modi and President Stubb will focus on bilateral ties, regional issues, and global matters of mutual interest.
The Finland President was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour upon his arrival.
Narendra Modi Conferred With Speaker of the Knesset Medal by Israel (End of February)▼
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, which is the highest honour awarded by the Israeli parliament.
PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this distinction, which was presented during his address to the Knesset.
The medal was awarded in recognition of his leadership in strengthening strategic and bilateral relations between India and Israel.
During the two-day visit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed the building of an iron alliance between the two nations to counter extremist Islam.
PM Modi is among the few world leaders to hold top honours from both Israel and Palestine, having received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine in 2018.
The Prime Minister also held meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to discuss deepening cooperation in key strategic areas.
Narendra Modi Conferred Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
Key Updates:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit by King Harald V in Oslo.
The award is Norway's highest honour for foreign Heads of Government and is the 32nd international honour received by the Indian Prime Minister.
The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit was established by King Olav V in 1985 and features the Cross of St. Olav with the monogram of King Olav V.
Sweden conferred the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross, the nation's highest honour for foreign heads of government, upon the Indian Prime Minister.
India and Norway agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Green Strategic Partnership to strengthen cooperation in clean energy, blue economy, green transition, renewable energy, trade and investment, artificial intelligence, science and technology, education, space, and Arctic cooperation.
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Narendra Modi Conferred With Speaker of the Knesset Medal by Israel (End of February)▼
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, which is the highest honour awarded by the Israeli parliament.
PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this distinction, which was presented during his address to the Knesset.
The medal was awarded in recognition of his leadership in strengthening strategic and bilateral relations between India and Israel.
During the two-day visit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed the building of an iron alliance between the two nations to counter extremist Islam.
PM Modi is among the few world leaders to hold top honours from both Israel and Palestine, having received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine in 2018.
The Prime Minister also held meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to discuss deepening cooperation in key strategic areas.
Prime Minister Modi to undertake week-long Europe visit from around May 18, likely to meet Pope (Start of May)▼
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a week-long visit to Europe from around May 18, with a possible stop at the Vatican for a meeting with the Pope.
Modi will first visit Norway to participate in the third India-Nordic summit in Oslo alongside leaders from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.
The India-Nordic summit is expected to focus on green energy, climate change, blue economy, innovation, digitalisation, and Arctic cooperation.
Modi is also likely to visit the Netherlands (key partner in water management, agriculture, technology, semiconductor industry) and Italy for his first bilateral visit (discussions on defence, energy, investment, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor).
In mid-June, Modi will visit France for the G7 Outreach summit.
Sibash Kabiraj Appointed Commissioner of Police, Gurgaon
Key Updates:
Sibash Kabiraj, a 1999-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has been appointed as the Commissioner of Police, Gurgaon.
Kabiraj replaces Vikas Arora, a 1998-batch IPS officer, who has been posted as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)/Administration at the police headquarters in Panchkula.
Charu Bali, a 1995-batch IPS officer, has been posted as ADGP, Bhondsi Police Complex, Gurgaon.
Dr Matta Ravi Kiran has been appointed as ADGP, State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV & ACB) (H).
Naazneen Bhasin has been given dual charge as Inspector General of Police (IGP)/Haryana Police Academy (HAP), Madhuban, Karnal, and IGP/Regional Training Centre (RTC), Bhondsi.
Aditi Singh, a 2021-batch IPS officer, has been appointed as Superintendent of Police (SP), SV & ACB (H), GGM, replacing Poonam, Haryana Police Service (HPS).
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R.K. Raghavan launched autobiography 'A road well travelled'. (Start of April)▼
R.K. Raghavan served as Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
His autobiography 'A road well travelled' was launched in Chennai on Sunday.
The book is described as an upgraded version of the first edition.
Raghavan recounted his career from State police training to heading the Intelligence Bureau and the CBI.
He worked with leaders including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, M.G. Ramachandran, and Jayalalithaa.
Bihar Police Reform: Abolition and Merger of Vigilance Investigation Cadre (Mid of May)▼
The Bihar Government has abolished the separate Vigilance Investigation Cadre and absorbed its personnel into the Bihar Police under the control of the Home Department.
The reform was implemented under the provisions of the Bihar Police Act 2007 to ensure uniformity in the state policing system and streamline administrative efficiency.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank officers from the vigilance wing will be inducted into the Bihar Police Service, with seniority counted from their initial appointment.
Police inspectors and sub-inspectors from the 2014 and 2023 batches will be absorbed into equivalent posts within the Bihar Police structure.
Absorbed officers will be placed after the last-ranked officers of their respective batches in the recommendation lists of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) and Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission (BPSSC).
Odisha Police awarded President's Police Colour on 90th police foundation day (Start of April)▼
Odisha Police received the President’s Police Colour, the highest honour for a police force, on 1 April 2026.
The award was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and coincided with Odisha’s 90th police foundation day celebrated on Utkal Divas.
Director-general of police Y B Khurania stated the honour recognises the force’s exceptional service, professionalism and achievements.
Additional director-general (headquarters) Prateek Mohanty noted the award is given for maintaining law and order, crime prevention, bravery, discipline and milestones including anti-Maoist operations.
Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 mandates IPS dominance in senior CAPF leadership (End of March)▼
The Centre will introduce the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on 23 March 2026.
The Bill replaces fragmented rules of CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB with a single unified administrative framework.
At least 50 per cent of Inspector General posts will be reserved for IPS officers on deputation.
A minimum 67 per cent of Additional Director General posts will be reserved for IPS officers on deputation.
The posts of Special Director General and Director General will be filled exclusively by IPS deputationists.
All current recruitment rules in the Second Schedule stay valid until amended, preventing administrative vacuum.
The Bill explicitly states it involves no expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India.
Empowerment of Women Committee Constituted for 2026-27; D Purandeswari Appointed Chairperson
Key Updates:
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla constituted the Empowerment of Women Committee for the year 2026-27 with effect from April 21, 2026.
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Member of Parliament (MP) D Purandeswari has been appointed as the Chairperson of the committee.
The committee consists of 30 members, with 20 nominated by the Speaker from the Lok Sabha and 10 nominated by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Members from the Lok Sabha include Hema Malini, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Mahima Kumari Mewar, and Smita Uday Wagh, while Rajya Sabha members include Sagarika Ghose, Swati Maliwal, Sudha Murty, and PT Usha.
The Committee on Empowerment of Women was first constituted on April 29, 1997, during the 11th Lok Sabha to focus on women's welfare, empowerment, and development.
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Om Birla rejigs 4 House panels for 2026-27; most chiefs stay on (Start of May)▼
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reconstituted four parliamentary committees for the 2026-27 financial year.
The committees were officially reconstituted on May 1, 2026, and will serve till April 30, 2027.
BJP MP Faggan Singh Kulaste was reappointed chairperson of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Congress leader KC Venugopal was reappointed chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee.
The Public Accounts Committee consists of not more than 22 members, comprising 15 elected by the Lok Sabha and not more than seven from the Rajya Sabha.
UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development launched to empower women in emerging sectors (End of April)▼
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, launched the UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development.
The initiative was unveiled at the International Conference on "Women Leading the Future of Work" held at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU) in Pune.
The initiative was launched in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The UNESCO Chair aims to promote gender-inclusive skilling frameworks and support research, training, and policy development focused on equity in workforce participation.
The initiative seeks to strengthen women's participation in sunrise sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, semiconductors, and defence technology.
Key themes of the conference included Defence technology and advanced manufacturing, Robotics and Industry 4.0, AI and semiconductors, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
The event featured international expertise from the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNESCO Global Skills Academy, and UNESCO-UNEVOC.
No-trust motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla defeated during Budget Session 2026 (Mid of March)▼
A no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was defeated on Wednesday during the Budget Session of Parliament.
The motion was introduced by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and backed by more than 50 MPs, enabling its formal discussion.
118 Opposition MPs signed the motion, alleging that Om Birla displayed partisan behaviour and failed to maintain impartiality.
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, presiding, allowed the motion and allotted 10 hours for debate.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Speaker, stating that even the Supreme Court could not judge the ruling of the Speaker.
Amit Shah also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying, "When sessions come, he plans foreign trips. So, how will he speak here from abroad?"
Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill – Lok Sabha Strength Raised to 850 Seats (Mid of April)▼
The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes to increase the total strength of the Lok Sabha from the current 545 to 850 members.
The Delimitation Bill, 2026 provides for a Delimitation Commission headed by a Supreme Court judge, with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and State Election Commissioners (SECs) as members.
The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 makes changes to the laws for Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry.
The amendment removes the constitutional freeze on readjustment of Lok Sabha seats that was based on the 1971 Census and allows delimitation based on the latest published census figures.
One-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, including within SC and ST quotas, will be operationalised, with seats to be rotated after each delimitation cycle for a period of 15 years.
The amendment raises the cap on elected members from states to 815 and from Union Territories to 35.
The Delimitation Commission will allocate seats, redraw constituency boundaries, and determine reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women, ensuring constituencies are geographically compact and consider physical features, administrative boundaries, communication facilities, and public convenience.
Supreme Court notice to Delhi Government on DERC appointments on May 18, 2026
Key Updates:
The Supreme Court (SC) issued a notice to the Delhi government and the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) on May 18, 2026.
The notice follows a plea by the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Energy Watchdog seeking the constitution of a selection committee for regular appointments of the DERC chairperson and members.
The Bench was headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.
The petition states that the current composition of the DERC consists of only two pro tem members and lacks a chairperson and a person of law as a member.
The plea argues that the current status violates the Electricity Act, which requires State Electricity Regulatory Commissions to be autonomous and independent from governmental interference.
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Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (Mid of May)▼
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 was passed by Parliament in December 2023 and received the President's assent on December 29, 2023.
The Act establishes a selection committee for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.
The Supreme Court observed that the selection committee's composition makes the role of the Leader of the Opposition ornamental, as the Cabinet Minister is likely to side with the Prime Minister.
The Act excludes the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection panel, unlike the panel for selecting the CBI director which includes the CJI.
The Supreme Court asked the Attorney General to keep records ready pertaining to the recent appointment of Election Commissioners, including the selection of Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.
Pravindra Singh Chauhan and nine advocates elevated as judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court (Start of May)▼
The Supreme Court (SC) Collegium approved the elevation of 10 advocates as judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on May 4.
The elevated advocates are Pravindra Singh Chauhan, Harmeet Singh Deol, Rajesh Gaur, Minderjeet Yadav, Monica Chhibber Sharma, Puja Chopra, Sunish Bindlish, Navdeep Singh, Divya Sharma, and Ravinder Malik.
Pravindra Singh Chauhan served as the Advocate General of Haryana and was a member of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Other appointments include Rajesh Gaur (Additional Advocate General of Haryana), Minderjeet Yadav (former Deputy Advocate General and former chairman of the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana), and Monica Chhibber Sharma (Senior Deputy Advocate General for Punjab).
Navdeep Singh is a retired Army Major, Divya Sharma served as Senior Panel Counsel for the Union Government, and Sunish Bindlish was the standing counsel for the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
These appointments will increase the strength of the Punjab and Haryana High Court from 58 to 68 judges.
The sanctioned strength of the Punjab and Haryana High Court is 85 judges, comprising 64 permanent and 21 additional judges.
Supreme Court clarifies DGP appointment rules: Follow state law or Prakash Singh guidelines (Mid of March)▼
The Supreme Court of India (SC) clarified that states with a specific law for appointing Directors General of Police (DGPs) must follow that legislation.
States without such a law must adhere to the guidelines laid down in the Prakash Singh vs Union of India case on police reforms.
A bench headed by Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, closed contempt proceedings against Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana after noting the states had sent proposals to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for DGP appointments.
Under the Prakash Singh judgment (2006), states send a list of eligible senior IPS officers to the UPSC, which evaluates their service records and prepares a panel of three suitable candidates, from whom the state government appoints one as DGP.
The court directed that the selected DGP should normally be given a minimum fixed tenure of two years.
Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh have enacted their own laws governing the appointment of DGPs.
Jharkhand’s law provides that the selection of the police chief is carried out by a committee headed by a retired High Court judge.
The court sought responses from the governments of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand within two weeks regarding the status of their DGP appointments.
Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office Act, 2023: Challenge to CJI's Exclusion (Start of May)▼
The Supreme Court (SC) is hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioner Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office Act, 2023.
The Act, enacted by Parliament in December 2023, removed the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the committee responsible for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners.
Under the 2023 Act, the selection committee consists of the Prime Minister, a Union minister nominated by the Prime Minister, and the leader of Opposition or leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha.
The petitions challenging the law were filed by multiple petitioners, including the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Congress leader Jaya Thakur.
The SC noted that the Constitution bench in the Anoop Baranwal case had previously laid down an interim mechanism for appointments until Parliament enacted a law.