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Wednesday, Apr 22

Daily Current Affairs: 22 April 2026

Analysis for 22 April 2026

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projects India's economy to grow at 6.4% in 2026

[United Nations]

Key Updates:

  • The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projected India's economic growth at 6.4% for 2026 and 6.6% for 2027 in its Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026 report.
  • India's growth rate reached 7.4% in 2025, driven by rural economy consumption, goods and services tax rate cuts, and export frontloading.
  • Inflation in India is projected to be 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027.
  • Economies in South and South-West Asia grew by 5.4% in 2025, compared to 5.2% in 2024.
  • India attracted the largest share of greenfield FDI in the first three quarters with USD 50 billion, followed by Australia (USD 30 billion), Republic of Korea (USD 25 billion), and Kazakhstan (USD 21 billion).
  • India was the world's largest remittance recipient in 2024 with USD 137 billion.
  • The United States has levied a 1% tax on all remittances since January 2026.
  • The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated 16.6 million green jobs globally, with 1.3 million (8%) in India, 7.3 million (44%) in China, and 2.5 million (15%) in the rest of Asia.
  • India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme provides incentives for domestic manufacturing of solar photovoltaic, batteries, and green hydrogen.

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Goldman Sachs Cuts India 2026 Growth Forecast to 5.9% (End of March) ▼
  • Goldman Sachs has lowered India’s 2026 growth forecast to 5.9% from its pre-Iran war estimate of 7%.
  • The bank predicts a 50 basis points increase in policy rates by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) due to currency depreciation pressures.
  • India’s inflation is projected to rise to 4.6% in 2026 from an earlier forecast of 3.9%, while remaining within the RBI target range of 2-6%.
  • The Current Account Deficit (CAD) of India is projected to widen to 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2026 from 1.3% in the October-December 2025 period.
  • Retail inflation in India rose to 3.21% year-on-year in February from 2.74% in January.
  • The RBI kept the benchmark repo rate unchanged at 5.25% during its February meeting.
  • Brent crude prices are projected to average $105 per barrel in March and $115 in April before declining to $80 per barrel in the fourth quarter of the year.
  • Growth forecasts for other economies were revised to 4.7% for China, 1.9% for South Korea, and 1.8% for Hong Kong.
  • The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the RBI is scheduled to meet earlier next week.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) lowers India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.1% (End of March) ▼
  • Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reduced India’s FY27 growth forecast to 6.1% from 6.2%.
  • India’s FY28 growth projection remains unchanged at 6.4%.
  • India’s GDP is officially estimated to grow 7.6% in FY26.
  • India will remain the fastest-growing economy ahead of China (4.4%), United States (2%), Japan (0.9%), and United Kingdom (0.7%).
  • Global growth outlook for 2026 stays at 2.9%; 2027 revised down to 3% from 3.1%.
  • OECD expects India’s inflation to rise sharply to 5.1% in FY27 from 2% in FY26.
  • Retail inflation in India rose to 3.21% year-on-year in February from 2.74% in January.
  • OECD projects India to temporarily raise policy rates in Q2 2026.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the repo rate steady at 5.25% in February.
Goldman Sachs (GS) cuts India’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 5.9% (End of March) ▼
  • Goldman Sachs lowered India’s 2026 growth forecast to 5.9% from its pre-Gulf conflict estimate of 7%.
  • The revision follows the Gulf conflict and higher Brent crude price projections of $105 per barrel in March and $115 in April.
  • India’s inflation is forecast to rise to 4.6% in 2026, prompting Goldman Sachs to expect a 50-basis point hike in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) policy rate.
  • Goldman Sachs projects India’s current account deficit to widen to 2% of GDP in 2026 from 1.3% in October-December 2025.
  • Among major economies, India faces the largest growth forecast cut, compared with China (4.7% from 4.8%), South Korea (1.9% from 2%), and Hong Kong (1.8% from 2.6%).
Moody's Projects India Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth at 6.4% for FY27 (Mid of February) ▼
  • Moody's (Moody's) forecasts India's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by 6.4% in Fiscal Year 2026-27 (FY27).
  • India is expected to record the fastest growth pace among the Group of Twenty (G-20) economies according to the ratings agency.
  • The Economic Survey 2026 projects India's real GDP expansion to range between 6.8% and 7.2% for FY27.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised its growth projections for FY27 to 6.9% for the first quarter and 7.0% for the second quarter.
  • Structural reforms including the rationalisation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and income tax reductions are expected to boost domestic consumption.
  • A trade agreement reached between India and the United States (US) in February 2026 is anticipated to improve conditions for export-linked Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

State Bank of India (SBI) targets balance-sheet size of 25% of India's GDP by 2030

[State Bank of India (SBI)]

Key Updates:

  • State Bank of India (SBI) aims to expand its balance-sheet to approximately 25 per cent of India's GDP by 2030, increasing from the current level of about 20 per cent.
  • SBI plans to improve its market share by one per cent in each of the 800 districts in India in FY27.
  • As of December 2025, the balance-sheet of SBI stood at ₹71.62 lakh crore.
  • The total business of SBI as of December 2025 was ₹103.29 lakh crore, comprising deposits of ₹57.01 lakh crore and advances of ₹46.28 lakh crore.
  • SBI's market share in deposits and advances stood at approximately 22 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively, as of December 2025.
  • The bank aims to rank among the top 10 global banks by market capitalisation, compared to its 27th position in November 2025.
  • SBI intends to activate at least 25 per cent of its unclaimed deposits, which amount to ₹19,500 crore.
  • The bank will deploy Seva Sarathis (service guides) in 10,000 high footfall branches.
  • SBI launched the YONO 2.0 mobile banking app in 2025 and targets onboarding over 20 crore users, up from the current 10 crore.
  • SBI serves approximately 53 crore customers through 23,125 domestic and 244 foreign branches or offices.
  • The bank's asset expansion strategy focuses on the corporate segment and RAM (retail, agriculture and MSME) segments.

Similar Coverage

SBI Research projects India GDP growth between 6.8% and 7.1% for FY27 (End of April) ▼
  • SBI Research projects India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth between 6.8% and 7.1% for FY27.
  • India's growth for FY26 is estimated at 7.6%.
  • For FY27, inflation is projected to average 4.5% and the fiscal deficit is estimated between 4.5% and 4.6%.
  • The report identifies the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) GIFT City as a stable global financial destination.
  • Indian airports may emerge as alternative transit hubs due to airspace risks over parts of the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to maintain its current monetary policy status quo.
Economic Survey 2025–26 projects India’s FY27 real GDP growth at 6.8–7.2% and FY26 fiscal deficit at 4.4% of GDP. (End of January) ▼
  • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025–26 in the Lok Sabha on 30 January 2026.
  • The Survey forecasts India’s real GDP growth at 6.8–7.2% for 2026–27, marginally below the current fiscal’s 7.4%.
  • Retail inflation averaged 1.7% during April–December 2025, with anchored core inflation reflecting improved supply conditions.
  • The central government’s fiscal deficit for FY25 stood at 4.8% of GDP, better than budgeted, with a 4.4% target set for FY26.
  • India’s foreign-exchange reserves rose to $701.4 billion as of 16 January 2026, covering 11 months of imports and 94% of external debt.
  • Capital expenditure more than quadrupled from ₹2.63 lakh crore in FY18 to ₹11.21 lakh crore in FY26 Budget Estimates, with effective capex at ₹15.48 lakh crore.
  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across 14 sectors have attracted over ₹2.0 lakh crore actual investment, generating incremental production/sales exceeding ₹18.7 lakh crore and over 12.6 lakh jobs by September 2025.
  • India’s share of global merchandise exports nearly doubled from 1% in 2005 to 1.8% in 2024.
  • Foodgrain production is estimated at 3577.3 lakh metric tonnes for agriculture year 2024–25, up 254.3 lakh metric tonnes over the previous year.
  • India remains the world’s largest recipient of remittances, receiving $135.4 billion in FY25.
  • High-speed railway corridors expanded nearly ten-fold from 550 km in FY14 to 5,364 km by December 2025, with 3,500 km of new railway lines added in FY26.
  • The number of operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 164 in 2025, making India the 3rd largest domestic aviation market.
  • Discoms posted a historic positive PAT of ₹2,701 crore in FY25 for the first time.
  • India ranks 3rd globally in overall renewable energy and installed solar capacity.
  • India became the 4th nation to achieve autonomous satellite docking (SpaDeX) capability.
  • The E-Shram Portal registered over 31 crore unorganised workers by January 2026, with 54% women.
  • NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index shows poverty falling from 55.3% in 2005–06 to 11.28% in 2022–23.
State Bank of India (SBI) notes cash in circulation hit record Rs 40 lakh crore in January 2026. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Currency in circulation reached Rs 40 lakh crore in January 2026, 11% higher than January 2025.
  • UPI transactions touched Rs 28.33 lakh crore in January 2026, up over 20% year-on-year.
  • SBI attributes the cash spike to tax enforcement, lower interest rates boosting consumption, and high precious-metal prices prompting households to sell gold and silver.
  • 18,000 Goods and Services Tax (GST) notices served to small vendors on UPI dealings coincided with higher ATM withdrawals in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala.
  • Rs 2,000 notes share fell to 0.02% by volume after withdrawal of Rs 3.56 lakh crore worth from 19 May 2023; share of Rs 100, 200 and 500 notes increased.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directed banks in April 2025 to raise Rs 100/200 notes in ATMs and ensure 96% of ATMs dispense these denominations by end-March 2026.
  • Cash-to-GDP ratio declined to 11% in FY26 from 14.4% in FY21.

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projects India's economy to grow at 6.4% in 2026

[United Nations (UN)]

Key Updates:

  • The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026.
  • India's economic growth is projected to be 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027.
  • India's growth rate for 2025 was 7.4%, supported by rural consumption, goods and services tax rate cuts, and export frontloading.
  • Inflation in India is projected to be 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027.
  • India attracted the largest share of greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Asia-Pacific region during the first three quarters with USD 50 billion.
  • Other top greenfield FDI recipients in the Asia-Pacific region include Australia (USD 30 billion), Republic of Korea (USD 25 billion), and Kazakhstan (USD 21 billion).
  • India was the world's largest remittance recipient in 2024 with USD 137 billion.
  • The United States has levied a 1% tax on all remittances since January 2026.
  • According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India accounts for 8% of global green jobs with 1.3 million positions, compared to 7.3 million (44%) in China and 2.5 million (15%) in the rest of Asia.
  • The report cited India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for high-efficiency solar modules, batteries, and green hydrogen to foster green industrial development.

Similar Coverage

SBI Research projects India GDP growth between 6.8% and 7.1% for FY27 (End of April) ▼
  • SBI Research projects India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth between 6.8% and 7.1% for FY27.
  • India's growth for FY26 is estimated at 7.6%.
  • For FY27, inflation is projected to average 4.5% and the fiscal deficit is estimated between 4.5% and 4.6%.
  • The report identifies the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) GIFT City as a stable global financial destination.
  • Indian airports may emerge as alternative transit hubs due to airspace risks over parts of the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to maintain its current monetary policy status quo.
World Bank (WB) raises India FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.6% (Start of April) ▼
  • World Bank upgraded India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.6%, 30 basis points higher than its October 2025 projection of 6.3%.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projects FY27 growth at 6.9%.
  • World Bank expects inflation to rise in FY27 on strong demand, normalising food prices and higher energy prices.
  • Government reduced additional excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre and exempted customs duty on critical petrochemical products amid West Asia conflict.
  • India’s new free trade agreements with European Union and United Kingdom will double global market access for domestic firms from one-sixth to one-third of global GDP.
  • South Asia’s 2026 growth forecast revised upwards by 50 basis points to 6.3%, with India driving the region’s outperformance among Emerging Markets and Developing Economies.
Moody's Projects India Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth at 6.4% for FY27 (Mid of February) ▼
  • Moody's (Moody's) forecasts India's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by 6.4% in Fiscal Year 2026-27 (FY27).
  • India is expected to record the fastest growth pace among the Group of Twenty (G-20) economies according to the ratings agency.
  • The Economic Survey 2026 projects India's real GDP expansion to range between 6.8% and 7.2% for FY27.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised its growth projections for FY27 to 6.9% for the first quarter and 7.0% for the second quarter.
  • Structural reforms including the rationalisation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and income tax reductions are expected to boost domestic consumption.
  • A trade agreement reached between India and the United States (US) in February 2026 is anticipated to improve conditions for export-linked Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Samriddh Gram Initiative nominated for WSIS Prizes 2026

[World Summit on the Information Society]

Key Updates:

  • The Samriddh Gram: Integrated Phygital Service Delivery Model is enabled by BharatNet, an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
  • The initiative has been nominated for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026 under the Action Line AL C6: Enabling Environment category.
  • The project establishes Samriddhi Kendras as one-stop community hubs providing integrated services in healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, financial inclusion, and e-commerce.
  • The model utilizes high-speed broadband, Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity, and public Wi-Fi to enable telemedicine, smart classrooms, and digital governance services.
  • Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated India's first Samriddhi Kendra at Umri Village in Guna district, Madhya Pradesh.
  • The WSIS Forum 2026 is scheduled to be held from 6–10 July 2026 in Geneva.

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ITC Ltd Achieves Nation-First Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA 3.0) Certification for Wheat and Paddy (Mid of April) ▼
  • ITC Ltd became the first company in India to receive the globally‑acknowledged Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) 3.0 certification for wheat and paddy.
  • The certification helps build credibility with global customers and supports compliance with sustainability commitments in regions such as the EU.
  • ITC implemented the FSA 3.0 standards across more than 22,000 acres in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, engaging over 3,500 farmers through more than 70 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
  • Around 30 formal policies and guidance documents aligned with FSA standards were developed by ITC, covering agronomy, soil and nutrient management, health, hygiene and safety, use of crop protection inputs, waste handling, water use, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, air quality and emissions, traceability and overall farm management.
  • ITCMAARS (Metamarket for Advanced Agriculture and Rural Services) ecosystem has so far benefited more than 2.2 million farmers and over 2,100 FPOs across 11 states.
  • The Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) standards are developed by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) platform, which has over 190 member organisations.
  • The latest version, FSA 3.0, was introduced in April 2021.
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao Received 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award For Climate-Resilient Agriculture (End of April) ▼
  • Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao received the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award For Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
  • The award was instituted by the Retired Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Employees Association in collaboration with Nuziveedu Seeds Limited.
  • The award honours agricultural scientists for bolstering India's food security.
  • This edition coincides with the birth centenary of Prof. Swaminathan, known as the father of India's Green Revolution.
  • Dr. Rao was recognised for his work in climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management.
  • His contributions include scaling resource conservation technologies across millions of hectares and developing district-level contingency plans.
  • The event was attended by former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Nuziveedu Seeds chairman Mandava Prabhakar Rao, and association president Vidya Sagar Rao.
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao Received 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award For Climate-Resilient Agriculture (End of April) ▼
  • Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao received the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award For Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
  • The award was instituted by the Retired Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Employees Association in collaboration with Nuziveedu Seeds Limited.
  • The award honours agricultural scientists for bolstering India's food security.
  • This edition of the award coincides with the birth centenary of Prof. Swaminathan, the father of India's Green Revolution.
  • Dr. Rao was recognised for his work in climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management.
  • His contributions include scaling resource conservation technologies across millions of hectares and developing district-level contingency plans for nationwide agricultural sustainability.
  • The event was attended by former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Nuziveedu Seeds chairman Mandava Prabhakar Rao, and association president Vidya Sagar Rao.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to organise Him-CONNECT in New Delhi from 25th to 27th February 2026 (End of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is organising 'Him-CONNECT' as part of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) in New Delhi.
  • The event, scheduled from 25th to 27th February 2026, aims to connect researchers in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) with start-ups, investors, and policymakers.
  • More than 24 technologies, prototypes, and patents developed under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) will be showcased to over 100 start-ups and incubators.
  • Participating institutions include Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) at Guwahati, Roorkee, Jodhpur, Jammu, Ropar, and Mandi, and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) institutions CRRI and IHBT.
  • Other innovators represent Central Agricultural University (Imphal), National Institutes of Technology (NITs) at Silchar and Arunachal Pradesh, SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir, TERI-Guwahati, Kumaon University, and G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE).
  • Key innovations on display include eco-friendly road construction, treated wastewater use for hydroponic farming, and conversion of sericulture waste into burn ointments.
  • The showcase also features low-cost mineralised water purifiers, pine needle-based wastewater treatment systems, decentralised wastewater reuse solutions, and yak milk cottage cheese processing technologies.
  • The platform focuses on critical sectors including water security, climate adaptation, waste-to-wealth, sustainable building, renewable energy, and nature-based livelihoods.
  • The NMHS has supported over 250 action-oriented initiatives in the IHR over the last decade to address conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.

Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief Hike: 2% Increase for Central Government Employees and Pensioners

Key Updates:

  • The Union Cabinet approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners, effective from 1 January 2026.
  • The DA rate has been raised from 58% to 60% of basic pay.
  • The hike benefits approximately 50.46 lakh central government employees and 68.27 lakh pensioners.
  • The annual financial implication on the exchequer is estimated at ₹6,791.24 crore.
  • The revision is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
  • DA and DR are revised twice annually, on 1 January and 1 July, based on the All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers published by the Labour Bureau.
  • The December 2025 index data showed a 12-month average of 145.54 points, resulting in a calculated DA rate of 60.33%, rounded down to 60%.
  • The decision was announced by the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

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Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) Extended with Revised Outlay of ₹83,977 Crore (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) until March 2028.
  • The total financial outlay for the scheme has been revised to ₹83,977 crore, marking an increase from the previous allocation of ₹80,250 crore.
  • The extension aims to complete rural road and bridge projects to improve connectivity to agricultural markets, higher secondary schools, and hospitals.
  • Infrastructure works in plain areas and roads in hilly regions are scheduled for completion by March 2028, while bridge construction in hilly areas has been extended until March 2029.
  • The government will sanction and implement 161 long-span bridges along approved road alignments at an estimated cost of ₹961 crore.
  • Projects sanctioned before 31 March 2025 that have not yet been awarded are now eligible for tendering and execution under the extended period.
Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes expansion of Lok Sabha to 850 members (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 aims to increase the Lok Sabha strength to 850 members, comprising 815 representatives from States and 35 from Union Territories.
  • The Bill amends Article 82 to delete the proviso linking delimitation to the post-2026 Census, allowing the use of the 2011 Census data for immediate boundary redrawing.
  • It amends Article 334A to decouple the one-third women’s reservation from the post-2026 Census, enabling implementation once the 2026 Delimitation exercise is complete.
  • A Delimitation Commission 2026 will be established under the chairmanship of a serving or retired Supreme Court Judge, with the Chief Election Commissioner and State Election Commissioners as ex-officio members.
  • NITI Aayog released the Ease of Doing Research & Development (R&D) in India reports, focusing on four pillars: Funding, Governance, Regulatory Frameworks, and Research Translation.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) liberalised branch expansion rules for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), allowing those with Net Owned Funds (NOF) above ₹50 crore and a credit rating of AA or higher to open branches anywhere in India without prior approval.
  • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) increased the latitude for altering Initial Public Offering (IPO) fresh issue size from 20% to 50% without refiling the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) until 30 September 2026.
  • The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E) signed MoUs with Porter and Gigin Technologies to generate job opportunities via the National Career Service (NCS) portal.
  • The Maharashtra government signed a $6.5 billion MoU with Vietnam’s Vingroup for electric mobility and smart township projects.
  • The Department of Posts (DoP) and Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya (PMML) signed an MoU to promote democratic heritage through exhibitions and philatelic initiatives.
  • The Indian Air Force (IAF) and GE Aerospace signed an agreement to establish a domestic depot for F404 engines to enhance maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
Ministry of Finance (MoF) hikes defence Budget 15.3% to Rs 7.84 lakh crore for FY27 (Start of February) ▼
  • Total FY27 defence allocation set at Rs 7.84 lakh crore, up from Rs 6.81 lakh crore in FY26, marking a 15.3% rise.
  • Revenue expenditure for defence services fixed at Rs 3.65 lakh crore.
  • Capital outlay raised 21.8% to Rs 2.19 lakh crore against revised estimate of Rs 1.86 lakh crore.
  • Defence pensions allocated Rs 1.71 lakh crore and civil defence spending Rs 28,554.61 crore.
  • Basic customs duty exempted on components for manufacture of civilian, training and other aircraft.
  • Basic customs duty waived on raw materials imported for maintenance, repair or overhaul by defence units.
  • Indigenous defence production touched record Rs 1.54 lakh crore in FY 2024-25.
  • Defence exports hit all-time high of Rs 23,622 crore in FY 2024-25.
  • Domestic share in defence equipment now 65%, with Defence Public Sector Undertakings contributing 77% of output.
  • Two Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have attracted over Rs 9,145 crore investments.
  • 788 industrial licences issued to 462 companies under liberalised FDI and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) regime.
  • Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 streamline capital acquisition.
Union Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 1,102 crore for ministers' salaries, entertainment of state guests, and ex-governors. (Start of February) ▼
  • Union Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 1,102 crore for expenses of Council of Ministers, Cabinet Secretariat, Prime Minister's Office (PMO), and hospitality and entertainment of state guests.
  • Rs 620 crore allotted for expenses of council of ministers in 2026-27, up from Rs 483.54 crore in 2025-26.
  • Rs 256.19 crore allocated to National Security Council Secretariat for 2026-27, against Rs 279.74 crore in 2025-26.
  • Rs 65 crore allotted to Office of Principal Scientific Advisor for 2026-27, against Rs 61.32 crore in 2025-26.
  • Cabinet Secretariat receives Rs 80 crore in 2026-27, against Rs 78 crore in 2025-26.
  • Prime Minister's Office (PMO) allocated Rs 73.52 crore for 2026-27, against Rs 68 crore in 2025-26.
  • Rs 5.76 crore allotted for hospitality and entertainment expenses in 2026-27, down from Rs 6.20 crore in 2025-26.
  • Rs 1.53 crore allocated for secretariat assistance to former governors in 2026-27, against Rs 1.40 crore in 2025-26.

PM VIKAS Scheme: Skill development for minority youth in Bihar

[Ministry of Minority Affairs (India), Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT Patna)]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT Patna) under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme.
  • The initiative will provide training to 600 minority youth from Bihar in emerging job roles, specifically Artificial Intelligence Technocrat and Business Analytics Executive.
  • The PM VIKAS scheme focuses on bridging the skill gap and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through modern, technology-driven training.
  • The agreement was exchanged in the presence of MoMA Director Neha Giri and IIT Patna Director Professor T. N. Singh.

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Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and DGCA sign MoU to formalise Aircraft Maintenance Engineer education (Start of April) ▼
  • Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya signed an MoU with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the presence of Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Ram Mohan Naidu on Monday.
  • The partnership focuses on formalising the education of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) to meet global standards.
  • The MoU aims to resolve professional bottlenecks faced by maintenance staff who possess high-level skills but lack formal degrees.
  • The university will provide the curriculum and degree certificates to AMEs trained through DGCA-approved organisations.
  • The Cabinet recently approved an additional Rs 28,000 crore for the UDAN scheme to boost regional connectivity and helicopter operations.
  • India has 1,700 aircraft on order, double the current fleet, and will require 10,000 to 12,000 additional pilots over the next decade.
National Chintan Shivir concluded at Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar (End of February) ▼
  • The two-day National Chintan Shivir was organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs at Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar.
  • Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the NIGRANI App, Haj Wrist Band and AI Chatbots during the event.
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PMVIKAS), National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), UMEED Central Portal and Haj modernisation were showcased as key minority welfare initiatives.
  • Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian described PMJVK as a transformative scheme for infrastructure development in minority concentration areas.
  • Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Chandra Shekhar Kumar, acknowledged the support of the Bihar Government and Nalanda University officials for hosting the Shivir.
  • State Ministers Imkong Mar (Nagaland), Kento Jini (Arunachal Pradesh), Samdup Lepcha (Sikkim) and Sukla Charan Noatia (Tripura) shared regional perspectives on minority welfare schemes.
  • The Chintan Shivir focused on five thematic areas: Infrastructure Development (PMJVK), Socio-economic Empowerment (PMVIKAS + NMDFC), Waqf Management, Haj Management and Scholarship Schemes.
Odisha–Meghalaya MoU on Early Childhood Care and Development (End of January) ▼
  • Odisha and Meghalaya signed an MoU to strengthen Early Childhood Care, Education and Development through mutual learning and capacity building.
  • The MoU covers nutrition, health, early learning, responsive caregiving, community engagement, and institutional capacity building.
  • It provides for knowledge exchange, joint research, exposure visits, documentation of best practices, and capacity development of functionaries.

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and ABDM: Digital-First Future charted at NHA Chintan Shivir

[National Health Authority (NHA)]

Key Updates:

  • The National Health Authority (NHA) conducted a two-day Chintan Shivir in Pune to accelerate healthcare transformation for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
  • The National Medical Commission (NMC) announced that the integration of hospital management systems (HMIS) with ABDM platforms is now mandatory.
  • Service delivery in medical colleges will be evaluated based on Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)-linked patient data.
  • The ABDM State Adoption Index, developed with World Bank support, tracks performance across core digital registries, adoption and usage metrics, and budget utilisation.
  • The NHA is working to integrate multiple schemes, including PM RAHAT, onto the PM-JAY platform.
  • Karnataka implemented an online referral system to optimise resource utilisation and strengthen public healthcare institutions.
  • Gujarat introduced clinical governance reforms comprising Online Tumor Board Certification, digital verification mechanisms, and data-driven monitoring systems.
  • PM-JAY incentives were utilised to upgrade infrastructure at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
  • The NHA presented 18 PM-JAY Awards across categories including pre-authorisation efficiency, bio-authentication, training completion, and claims processing.
  • ABDM Awards for digital adoption were granted to Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tripura.
  • The event discussed the System Integrator Model to achieve scalable and standardised digital health integration across India.
  • Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NHA.

Similar Coverage

Association of Indian Universities National Moot Court Competition 2026 held from Apr 9-11 (Mid of April) ▼
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU) won the Association of Indian Universities National Moot Court Competition 2026 hosted by Integral University.
  • BHU received a cash prize of Rs 25,000 along with trophies and medals.
  • Chandigarh University secured the runner-up position with Rs 11,000.
  • Ram Manohar Lohia University won the Best Researcher award.
  • Army Institute of Law secured the Best Memorial award.
  • Mallika Chadha of Lovely Professional University won the Best Speaker award.
  • Aligarh Muslim University was recognised for inspiring excellence.
  • Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University and Lucknow University were recognised as best regional teams.
  • The competition brought together 40 teams from across India.
  • Preliminary and quarter-final rounds took place on Apr 10.
IIT Guwahati and Gifu University sign LoI to create North East Region–Japan International Academic and Research Consortium (Mid of March) ▼
  • IIT Guwahati (IIT-G) and Gifu University, Japan, jointly organised the two-day Japan-NER Academia-Industry Cooperation Symposium 2026 (JNTCS 2026).
  • 22 institutions from Northeast India signed the Letter of Intent (LoI) to join the North East Region–Japan International Academic and Research Consortium.
  • IIT-G will be the nodal institution on the Indian side and Gifu University the coordinating institution on the Japanese side.
  • Japan designated Northeast India a strategic priority under the MEXT Inter-University Exchange Project in 2022.
  • The consortium targets 5,000 students from Northeast Indian institutions visiting Japanese universities and an equal number coming to India within the next five years.
National Chintan Shivir concluded at Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar (End of February) ▼
  • The two-day National Chintan Shivir was organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs at Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar.
  • Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the NIGRANI App, Haj Wrist Band and AI Chatbots during the event.
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PMVIKAS), National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), UMEED Central Portal and Haj modernisation were showcased as key minority welfare initiatives.
  • Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian described PMJVK as a transformative scheme for infrastructure development in minority concentration areas.
  • Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Chandra Shekhar Kumar, acknowledged the support of the Bihar Government and Nalanda University officials for hosting the Shivir.
  • State Ministers Imkong Mar (Nagaland), Kento Jini (Arunachal Pradesh), Samdup Lepcha (Sikkim) and Sukla Charan Noatia (Tripura) shared regional perspectives on minority welfare schemes.
  • The Chintan Shivir focused on five thematic areas: Infrastructure Development (PMJVK), Socio-economic Empowerment (PMVIKAS + NMDFC), Waqf Management, Haj Management and Scholarship Schemes.
Union Budget 2026-27: Health Sector Allocation and New Regional Medical Hubs Scheme (Start of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has been allocated ₹1,06,530.42 crore for the 2026–27 fiscal year, marking a 10 per cent increase over the previous year.
  • The government announced a new scheme to establish five regional medical hubs in partnership with the private sector to function as integrated healthcare, education, and research complexes.
  • A dedicated allocation of ₹1,000 crore has been made for Allied Healthcare Professionals (AHPs) to add 100,000 professionals over the next five years across 10 disciplines, including Optometry, Radiology, Anaesthesia, OT technology, Applied Psychology, and Behavioural Health.
  • The allocation for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has been increased to ₹9,500 crore from the previous ₹8,995 crore.
  • Funding for the National Health Mission (NHM) has been raised to ₹39,390 crore for the 2026–27 period, up from ₹37,100.07 crore.
  • The government plans to train 1.5 lakh caregivers in the coming year for geriatric and allied care services, covering skills such as wellness, yoga, and the operation of medical devices.
  • The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, received an increased allocation of ₹5,500.92 crore.
  • The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been allotted ₹4,821.21 crore, reflecting an increase of approximately 10 per cent.
  • A second National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS 2) is planned for North India to prioritise mental health.
  • The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has been earmarked ₹350 crore, while the National Tele Mental Health Programme allocation rose to ₹51 crore.

Bulgaria holds Parliamentary Elections on 19 April 2026 with Progressive Bulgaria victory

[Bulgaria]

Key Updates:

  • The Progressive Bulgaria (PB) party emerged as the winner of Bulgaria's eighth parliamentary election in five years held on 19 April 2026.
  • Rumen Radev, leader of the PB, will be the next prime minister of Bulgaria.
  • The PB secured 44.7 per cent of the vote and is likely to secure approximately 130 of the 240 seats in parliament.
  • The centre-right GERB party secured 13.4 per cent of the vote, and the reformist PP-DB coalition secured 12.7 per cent.
  • Rumen Radev is a former air force commander who served as the president of Bulgaria for nearly a decade.
  • Radev opposed a 10-year defence pact concluded between Bulgaria and Ukraine in March.
  • European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen commented on Bulgaria's role as a member of the European family following the election.

Similar Coverage

Andrey Gyurov appointed interim Prime Minister of Bulgaria. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova appointed Andrey Gyurov as interim Prime Minister on Thursday.
  • Gyurov serves as deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB).
  • The caretaker government will organise national elections scheduled for April 19.
  • Gyurov must propose cabinet members within seven days for presidential approval.
  • He previously served as a lawmaker and floor leader of the reformist 'We Continue the Change' group in parliament.
  • Bulgaria joined the eurozone at the beginning of 2026.
Viktor Orbán concedes defeat as Péter Magyar set to become Hungary’s Prime Minister. (Mid of April) ▼
  • Viktor Orbán conceded defeat after the opposition Tisza party was projected to win 135 of 199 parliamentary seats.
  • Orbán’s Fidesz party was projected to secure 57 seats based on results with nearly half of votes counted.
  • Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, is on course to become Hungary’s new Prime Minister after Orbán’s 16-year tenure since 2010.
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted that Hungary has chosen Europe and the Union grows stronger.
  • U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance joined Orbán in Budapest days before the election to boost his campaign.
  • The EU suspended billions of dollars in funding to Hungary in 2022 over rule-of-law standard violations.
Hungarian General Election Results Sunday (Mid of April) ▼
  • Péter Magyar and the Tisza party won the Hungarian general election, ending the 16-year rule of Viktor Orbán.
  • The Tisza party is on course to secure 138 seats out of the 199 seats in the Hungarian parliament.
  • Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party won 55 seats, while the far-right Our Homeland party secured six seats.
  • A record voter turnout of 79.5 per cent was recorded during the election.
  • A constitutional majority in the Hungarian parliament requires a two-thirds majority of 133 seats.
  • The system of patronage in Hungary is known as NER.
  • Péter Magyar pledged that his first official trip abroad as Prime Minister would be to Warsaw, Poland.
  • The European Union (EU) has frozen approximately €17 billion in funds for Hungary due to corruption and judicial independence concerns.
  • The EU had previously agreed to provide a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, which Hungary had reneged on.
  • The election victory was compared to the Hungarian revolution of 1848 and the 1956 uprising against Soviet occupation.
  • The state-run media in Hungary includes the M1 TV channel.
  • Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk was among the first European leaders to congratulate the new leadership.
North Korea holds 2026 Supreme People's Assembly elections (Mid of March) ▼
  • Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) secured 99.93 per cent of votes in the March 15 parliamentary elections.
  • Voter turnout was 99.99 per cent.
  • 0.07 per cent electors voted against the WPK candidates.
  • 0.0037 per cent voters were unable to cast their votes and 0.00003 per cent abstained.
  • The Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) has 687 deputies elected from different regions.
  • For each seat only one candidate selected by the party stands and voters choose 'yes' or 'no'.

India and South Korea sign 16 MoUs on 20 April 2026 to enhance trade and technology ties

[South Korea]

Key Updates:

  • India and South Korea signed 16 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) on 20 April 2026, focusing on e-mobility, green energy, and advanced manufacturing.
  • The two nations aim to double bilateral trade from $27 billion to $54 billion by 2030, targeting an annual growth rate of approximately 18 per cent.
  • Priority sectors identified for cooperation include semiconductors, electronics, e-mobility, green energy, shipbuilding, and digital trade.
  • An India-Korea Industrial Cooperation Committee has been established with four working groups covering trade, industry, strategic resources, and clean energy.
  • Both countries are working to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was originally signed in 2009.
  • The partnership envisions the establishment of a Korea-specific industrial township in India with plug-and-play infrastructure to boost investment.
  • Cooperation was established under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement to enable carbon market collaboration through the trading of emission reductions.
  • India and South Korea reiterated their respective net-zero targets of 2070 and 2050.
  • Diplomatic relations between India and South Korea were established in 1973.
  • Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States is almost finalised.

Similar Coverage

India and Republic of Korea (ROK) target $50 billion bilateral trade by 2030 (End of April) ▼
  • India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) aim to increase bilateral trade from $27 billion to $50 billion by 2030.
  • The two nations decided to upgrade the India-Korea trade agreement by next year.
  • An India-Korea financial forum, an industrial cooperation committee, and an economic security dialogue focused on critical technologies and supply chains will be launched.
  • The India-Korea digital bridge was launched to deepen partnerships in Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and information technology.
  • A Korean industrial township will be established to facilitate the entry of Korean Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into India.
  • The ROK formally joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
  • India signed to join the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
  • A comprehensive framework for partnership in shipbuilding, shipping, and maritime logistics was signed.
  • Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed for cooperation in the field of ports and for technology and trade for steel supply chains.
  • The two leaders agreed to hold leader-level meetings annually.
  • Meetings of joint commissions led by foreign, finance, and science and technology ministers will be held this year.
South Korea and India hold summit in New Delhi to boost economic ties (End of April) ▼
  • South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visited New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • This is the first South Korean presidential state visit to India in eight years.
  • The two countries are seeking to improve their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
  • The bilateral trade target is to nearly double to $50 billion by 2030, up from $25.7 billion last year.
  • Key areas for cooperation include shipbuilding, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, finance, and defence.
  • South Korea requested India to expand naphtha supplies to mitigate potential disruptions caused by Middle East tensions.
  • India accounted for approximately 8% of South Korea's naphtha imports last year.
  • According to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), South Korea had a trade surplus of $12.8 billion last year, with exports worth $19.2 billion and imports of $6.4 billion.
India and China Hold First Bilateral SCO Consultations on 16-17 April (Mid of April) ▼
  • India and China conducted their first Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) bilateral consultations on 16-17 April following the resolution of the eastern Ladakh military standoff in 2024.
  • Both delegations met with the Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, to review cooperation in security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.
  • The two sides discussed the implementation of decisions made by SCO leaders and the future course of the organisation.
  • China has pledged support for the ongoing BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) presidency held by India.
  • The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, is expected to visit India for the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled for 14-15 May.
  • The President of China, Xi Jinping, is anticipated to travel to India in September for the BRICS summit.
  • India reiterated that the original objectives of the SCO are to combat terrorism, radicalisation, and extremism.
  • India emphasised that regional connectivity initiatives must uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the SCO charter.
MoPSW and KOICA Sign Implementation Plan to Boost Shipbuilding Skills (Start of April) ▼
  • The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) signed an implementation plan with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on April 2, 2026.
  • The partnership aims to enhance skill development in India’s shipbuilding and marine industries to build a future-ready workforce.
  • The Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training will support the project by identifying skill gaps and creating a talent development roadmap.
  • The agreement proposes the establishment of a Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center in India to provide industry-focused training.
  • The initiative aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which seeks to establish India as a global hub for maritime services.

Ministry of Home Affairs receives DRDO-developed 'Prajna' satellite imaging system for security support

[Defence Research and Development Organisation, Ministry of Home Affairs (India), Indian Navy]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) received 'Prajna', an indigenously developed AI-enabled satellite imaging system.
  • The system was developed by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • Prajna is designed to enhance real-time decision support for security agencies, monitor sensitive regions, and support counter-terrorism operations.
  • DRDO and the Indian Navy conducted successful in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container 'ADC-150' from the P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1.
  • The ADC-150 is designed to deliver a 150 kg payload to provide quick response to naval vessels requiring critical stores, equipment, or medical assistance at sea.
  • The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, served as the nodal laboratory for the ADC-150 activity.
  • The parachute system for the ADC-150 was developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra.
  • The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Bengaluru, provided the flight clearance and certification for the ADC-150.
  • The Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, provided the instrumentation support for the ADC-150 trials.

Similar Coverage

DRDO successfully completes three VSHORADS flight-trials in Chandipur, Odisha (Start of March) ▼
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted three flight-trials of the indigenously developed VSHORADS (Very Short-Range Air Defence System) from Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.
  • VSHORADS is a man-portable air defence system designed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
  • The missile system is intended to meet the requirements of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • All missiles intercepted and destroyed high-speed aerial targets mimicking enemy aircraft in various threat scenarios.
  • Tests were carried out in final deployment configuration with target acquisition and missile firing by field operators.
  • Flight data collected by Telemetry, Electro-Optical Tracking System, and Radars at ITR, Chandipur, confirmed VSHORADS effectiveness against a broad spectrum of aerial threats.
  • User validation trials were witnessed by Joint Forces representatives and senior DRDO and industry officials.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Armed Forces, and industry, stating the system can soon be inducted.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy conduct in-flight release trials of ADC-150 from P8I aircraft (Mid of March) ▼
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy jointly conducted four successful in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container ADC-150 from the P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1.
  • The ADC-150 is indigenously designed to deliver a 150 kg payload and enhances naval operational logistics capabilities for quick response to naval vessels under distress.
  • Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, is the nodal laboratory for the activity.
  • Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, developed the parachute system.
  • Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Bengaluru, provided the flight clearance and certification.
  • Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, provided the instrumentation support for the trials.
  • The ADC-150 system for the P8I aircraft was developed and qualified in a short timeframe to meet Indian Navy requirements.
  • All developmental flight trials have been completed successfully and the system is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy soon.
India Indian Air Force (IAF) completes indigenous overhaul of Pechora Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system (End of January) ▼
  • The Indian Air Force (IAF) has modernised its Soviet-era Pechora Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system through an indigenous overhaul led by Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies Ltd (ADTL).
  • The Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded a contract worth approximately ₹591.3 crore to ADTL for the digitisation and refurbishment of the system.
  • The upgrade features full digitisation of radar and tracking infrastructure, replacing legacy valve and transistor-based electronics with advanced digital chips and modern radar transmitters.
  • Successful user trials of the enhanced Pechora system were conducted at the Pokhran range from November to December 2025 to validate reliability and accuracy.
  • The upgraded system is integrated into Mission Sudarshan Chakra, which is India’s initiative to develop a multi-layered air defence shield against drones and fighter aircraft.
  • The project forms part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat strategy, aimed at achieving self-reliance in defence production by modernising ageing military platforms.
  • The overhaul includes a redesigned operator station with modern visual displays and health-monitoring tools to reduce crew workload and improve situational awareness.
Indian Navy receives three GRSE-built warships including frigate Dunagiri and ASW craft Agray (Start of April) ▼
  • Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) delivered three frontline platforms to the Indian Navy.
  • The delivered vessels include the guided missile frigate Dunagiri, the survey vessel Sanshodhak, and the anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft Agray.
  • Dunagiri is the second advanced guided missile frigate built by GRSE under Project 17A and measures 149 metres in length with a displacement of 6,670 tonnes.
  • Dunagiri is equipped with BrahMos anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles and an integrated combat management system for multi-dimensional operations.
  • Sanshodhak is the last of four large survey vessels built by GRSE and is equipped for coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys and data collection for defence applications.
  • Agray is one of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft being built by GRSE and is armed with lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine warfare rockets for coastal sub-surface surveillance and attack missions.

Japan relaxes arms export rules to sell lethal weapons to 17 countries

[Japan]

Key Updates:

  • Japan has relaxed restrictions on arms exports, allowing the sale of lethal weapons to 17 countries with which it has defence agreements, including the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK).
  • The previous restrictions limited arms exports to five categories: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping.
  • The policy change was announced under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who assumed office in October 2025.
  • A ban on arms sales to countries involved in conflict remains in place, except for those that have defence pacts with Japan.
  • Japan's Self-Defence Forces (SDF) participated as combatants for the first time in annual war games between the US and the Philippines.
  • Japan's post-World War Two constitution, written in 1947, contains Article 9 which renounces war.
  • Previous shifts in defence policy include the 2014 relaxation of the blanket ban on military sales by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the 2023 allowance of finished lethal weapon exports by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Similar Coverage

Japan debuts world’s first freight-only Shinkansen, repurposed E3 series bullet train running at 275 kmph. (End of March) ▼
  • East Japan Railway Company launched the world’s first dedicated freight-only Shinkansen, repurposed from the E3 series passenger bullet train.
  • The train operates between Morioka and Tokyo along the Tohoku Shinkansen line, covering the distance in just over three hours.
  • It carries up to 1,000 boxes or roughly 17.4 tonnes of goods per trip, with reinforced flooring and securing systems for high-speed stability.
  • Cargo includes fresh scallops from Iwate Prefecture, precision equipment, fresh seafood, premium agricultural produce, dairy, ready-to-eat food, semiconductors, electronic components, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, laboratory samples, optical instruments, and specialised industrial machinery.
  • The concept evolved from COVID-19 pandemic trials when goods were transported inside passenger compartments due to reduced passenger numbers.
Russia to ban gasoline exports from 1 April 2026 (End of March) ▼
  • Russia plans to ban gasoline exports for the nation’s producers from 1 April 2026.
  • Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak ordered the Energy Ministry to prepare draft legislation barring gasoline exports starting next month.
  • The export ban aims to meet domestic demand as global fuel prices surge amid the war in Iran.
China approves limited rare earth exports to Japan under stricter dual-use controls (Start of February) ▼
  • China has approved several rare earth exports to Japan under its new dual-use export control regime.
  • Japanese firms confirmed export licences were granted but volumes remain below previous levels.
  • China requires detailed supply-chain disclosure, including final re-export destinations, from Japanese importers.
  • Heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium face the strictest scrutiny under the controls.
  • Nomura Research Institute warned prolonged delays could cause annual production losses exceeding ¥2.6 trillion ($17 billion), shaving 0.43% off Japan’s GDP.
  • Japan’s deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu retrieved rare-earth-rich mud from 6,000 m near Minamitorishima Island, a world first hailed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Japan to deploy surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni island by March 2031 (End of February) ▼
  • Japan plans to deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles to its remote western island of Yonaguni by March 2031.
  • Yonaguni island is located approximately 110 kilometres from the shores of Taiwan.
  • The Japanese-made missile system features a range of 50 kilometres, 360-degree capability, and the ability to track up to 100 targets simultaneously.
  • An electronic warfare unit designed to disrupt enemy communications and radar is scheduled for establishment on the island in fiscal year 2026.
  • The island currently hosts a coastal surveillance unit staffed by approximately 160 members of the Japan Self-Defence Force (JSDF).
  • Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed the deployment timeline following export curbs imposed by China on 20 Japanese entities.
  • The missile system is capable of engaging up to 12 targets at once and intercepting incoming aircraft and missiles.

Pakistan puts $1.5 billion weapons sale to Sudan on hold following Saudi Arabia objection

[Pakistan, Sudan]

Key Updates:

  • Pakistan has suspended a $1.5 billion agreement to supply weapons and jets to Sudan.
  • The deal was put on hold after Saudi Arabia requested its termination and declined to finance the purchase.
  • The conflict in Sudan involves the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
  • Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defence pact last year, treating aggression against either nation as an attack on both.
  • A separate $4 billion deal between Pakistan and the Libyan National Army is also reportedly in jeopardy.

Similar Coverage

United Arab Emirates and United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) sign US$20 million agreement for Sudan (Start of February) ▼
  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Aid Agency signed a US$20 million cooperation agreement with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to provide urgent food assistance to Sudan.
  • The grant is directed towards emergency response efforts for conflict-affected communities and displaced populations within Sudan and neighbouring host countries, including Chad, South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
  • The agreement was signed by Rashid Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Logistics Support at the UAE Aid Agency, and Bashar Al Hammami, Head of the WFP Partnership Office in the UAE.
  • The UAE provided a total of US$4.24 billion in assistance to Sudan between 2015 and 2025.
  • Between 2023 and 2025, following the outbreak of the civil war, the UAE delivered US$784 million in humanitarian aid to the region.
India remains world’s 2nd largest arms importer despite Make-in-India push: SIPRI report (Start of March) ▼
  • India held 8.2% of global major arms imports between 2021 and 2025, ranking second worldwide.
  • Russia’s share of Indian arms imports fell from 70% in 2011-15 to 40% in 2021-25.
  • France and Israel raised their shares to 29% and 15% respectively in 2021-25.
  • India’s arms imports dropped 4% compared with the 2016-2020 period owing to emphasis on indigenous production.
  • Planned purchases include 114 Rafale fighters from France (approx. ₹3.25 lakh crore), six AIP-equipped submarines from Germany, six additional P-8I aircraft from the United States, and missile defence plus drone deals with Israel.
  • The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) cited Operation Sindoor and the dual threat from China and Pakistan as drivers for India’s import volumes.
  • Pakistan sourced about 80% of its arms from China and rose to become the 5th largest global recipient in 2021-25, up from 10th in 2016-20.
  • Top five arms importers for 2021-25 were Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, together accounting for 35% of global imports.
  • Global arms transfers grew 9.2% in 2021-25 versus 2016-20.
  • The United States (US) led exporters with 42% of global exports, followed by France (9.8%) and Russia (6.8%).
  • Europe became the largest importing region (33%) for the first time since the 1960s, followed by Asia and Oceania (31%) and West Asia (26%).
U.S.-Iran talks collapse in Pakistan with no deal as ceasefire clock ticks (Mid of April) ▼
  • Vice President JD Vance led the U.S. delegation for 21-hour talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • The two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire remains intact but expires in eight days.
  • Key sticking points were Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Iranian parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the U.S. failed to gain Tehran’s trust.
  • Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both sides to uphold the ceasefire and continue dialogue.
  • HRANA reports almost 3,400 people, including over 1,600 civilians, killed in Iran since the war began.
  • President Donald Trump announced an immediate U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to counter Iranian mining.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) cancels plan to operate Islamabad International Airport after President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to India (End of January) ▼
  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) scrapped plans to operate Islamabad International Airport days after President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s surprise visit to India.
  • The airport project was under discussion since August 2025 but collapsed after Abu Dhabi failed to find a local partner and reportedly lost interest.
  • The Express Tribune confirmed the cancellation was not officially linked to politics.
  • Saudi Arabia and the UAE are publicly at odds, particularly over Yemen, with Riyadh opposing UAE-backed separatist factions.
  • Pakistan deepened defence ties with Saudi Arabia, aiming to form an 'Islamic NATO' alongside Turkey.
  • During the India visit, the UAE President approved release of 900 Indian prisoners and signed a Letter of Intent for a Framework Agreement on Defence Cooperation with India.
  • Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025 treating any aggression against one as aggression against both.

Bulgaria Parliamentary Elections 2026: Progressive Bulgaria Party Wins

[Bulgaria]

Key Updates:

  • The Progressive Bulgaria (PB) party emerged as the winner of Bulgaria's eighth parliamentary election in five years held on 19 April 2026.
  • Rumen Radev, leader of PB and former president of Bulgaria, will be the next prime minister.
  • PB secured 44.7% of the vote and is likely to secure approximately 130 of the 240 seats in parliament.
  • The centre-right GERB party secured 13.4% of the vote, and the reformist PP-DB coalition secured 12.7%.
  • Rumen Radev, a former air force commander, has opposed providing military support to Ukraine and a 10-year defence pact concluded between Bulgaria and Ukraine in March.
  • The election was called after the cabinet of former Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced its resignation in December.
  • Bulgaria is a member state of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Similar Coverage

Andrey Gyurov appointed interim Prime Minister of Bulgaria. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova appointed Andrey Gyurov as interim Prime Minister on Thursday.
  • Gyurov serves as deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB).
  • The caretaker government will organise national elections scheduled for April 19.
  • Gyurov must propose cabinet members within seven days for presidential approval.
  • He previously served as a lawmaker and floor leader of the reformist 'We Continue the Change' group in parliament.
  • Bulgaria joined the eurozone at the beginning of 2026.
Hungarian General Election Results Sunday (Mid of April) ▼
  • Péter Magyar and the Tisza party won the Hungarian general election, ending the 16-year rule of Viktor Orbán.
  • The Tisza party is on course to secure 138 seats out of the 199 seats in the Hungarian parliament.
  • Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party won 55 seats, while the far-right Our Homeland party secured six seats.
  • A record voter turnout of 79.5 per cent was recorded during the election.
  • A constitutional majority in the Hungarian parliament requires a two-thirds majority of 133 seats.
  • The system of patronage in Hungary is known as NER.
  • Péter Magyar pledged that his first official trip abroad as Prime Minister would be to Warsaw, Poland.
  • The European Union (EU) has frozen approximately €17 billion in funds for Hungary due to corruption and judicial independence concerns.
  • The EU had previously agreed to provide a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, which Hungary had reneged on.
  • The election victory was compared to the Hungarian revolution of 1848 and the 1956 uprising against Soviet occupation.
  • The state-run media in Hungary includes the M1 TV channel.
  • Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk was among the first European leaders to congratulate the new leadership.
Viktor Orbán concedes defeat as Péter Magyar set to become Hungary’s Prime Minister. (Mid of April) ▼
  • Viktor Orbán conceded defeat after the opposition Tisza party was projected to win 135 of 199 parliamentary seats.
  • Orbán’s Fidesz party was projected to secure 57 seats based on results with nearly half of votes counted.
  • Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, is on course to become Hungary’s new Prime Minister after Orbán’s 16-year tenure since 2010.
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted that Hungary has chosen Europe and the Union grows stronger.
  • U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance joined Orbán in Budapest days before the election to boost his campaign.
  • The EU suspended billions of dollars in funding to Hungary in 2022 over rule-of-law standard violations.
Uchral Nyam-Osor elected Prime Minister of Mongolia (Start of April) ▼
  • Uchral Nyam-Osor secured 88 of 107 parliamentary votes in Ulaanbaatar to become Prime Minister.
  • He is the third person to hold the post in Mongolia within a year.
  • His stated agenda centres on ensuring citizens gain greater benefits from mining projects.

Titagarh Naval Systems launches fourth diving support craft A23 for Indian Navy on 20 April 2026

[Titagarh Naval Systems, Indian Navy (India)]

Key Updates:

  • Titagarh Naval Systems Ltd (TNSL), a subsidiary of Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd, launched the fourth diving support craft (DSC) A23 (Yard 328) for the Indian Navy.
  • The A23 vessel is part of a series of five DSCs being built under the Government of India's Make in India programme.
  • The DSCs are catamaran-type vessels designed for underwater inspection, repair, maintenance, and salvage operations in harbour and near-shore areas.
  • These vessels will also serve as training platforms for naval diving personnel.
  • The vessel was side-launched into the Hooghly River.
  • TNSL is developing a shipyard at Falta in West Bengal, spread over about 50 acres, with a capacity to build 12–16 vessels annually.
  • The Falta shipyard can handle ships up to 180 metres in length and currently has an order book of over ₹500 crore.

Similar Coverage

India commissions stealth frigate INS Taragiri under Project 17A (Start of April) ▼
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the stealth frigate INS Taragiri into the Indian Navy in New Delhi.
  • INS Taragiri is the fourth stealth frigate built under the Navy’s Project 17A by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
  • The 6,670-tonne warship has over 75 per cent indigenous content.
  • The frigate replaces a Leander-class Taragiri that served from 1980 to 2013.
  • It is equipped with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles and an advanced anti-submarine warfare system.
  • The vessel uses a combined diesel or gas propulsion system and carries advanced indigenous sonar systems.
  • INS Taragiri is designed for multi-domain warfare and missions including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers delivers three warships to Indian Navy (Start of April) ▼
  • Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) delivered three frontline platforms to the Indian Navy.
  • The delivered vessels include the guided missile frigate INS Dunagiri, the survey vessel INS Sanshodhak, and the anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft INS Agray.
  • INS Dunagiri is the second advanced guided missile frigate built by GRSE under Project 17A and measures 149 metres in length with a displacement of 6,670 tonnes.
  • INS Dunagiri is equipped with BrahMos anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles and an integrated combat management system for multi-dimensional operations.
  • INS Sanshodhak is the last of four large survey vessels built by GRSE and is equipped for coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys.
  • INS Agray is one of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft being built by GRSE and is armed with lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine warfare rockets.
Indian Navy inducts three indigenous warships from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) (Start of April) ▼
  • The Indian Navy inducted three indigenously built vessels — Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray — from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
  • Dunagiri is the fifth Nilgiri-class stealth frigate under Project 17A and is equipped with BrahMos missiles, rockets and torpedoes.
  • Sanshodhak is a Survey Vessel (Large) designed for coastal and deep-water hydrographic operations and is the fourth ship in its class after INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak and INS Ikshak.
  • Agray is the fourth of eight Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts (ASW SWC) built to enhance underwater threat detection and coastal surveillance.
India inducts fourth ASW SWC 'Agray' built by GRSE on 30 March 2026 (Start of April) ▼
  • The Indian Navy inducted 'Agray', the fourth Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) on 30 March 2026.
  • 'Agray' is designed for shallow coastal waters and carries over 80% indigenous content under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
  • The vessel uses waterjet propulsion, making it the largest Indian naval warship with this technology.
  • It is equipped with Lightweight Torpedoes, Indigenous Rocket Launchers, and advanced shallow water SONAR systems.
  • The ASW SWCs are built in compliance with classification standards of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
  • 'Agray' is the fourth of eight ASW SWCs planned under the programme to enhance coastal defence in the Indian Ocean Region.

Goldman Environmental Foundation honours first all-women cohort for 2026 Prize

Key Updates:

  • The Goldman Environmental Foundation announced an all-female cohort of six winners for the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize.
  • Sasha Finch, a UK-based campaigner, is among the winners for her work opposing fossil fuel expansion and new oil drilling projects.
  • Other winners from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe were recognised for initiatives in forest conservation, water protection, anti-mining campaigns, and defending Indigenous land rights.
  • The Goldman Environmental Foundation has honoured a total of 239 winners from 98 countries, including 112 women.
  • John Goldman is the vice-president of the foundation.

Similar Coverage

WWF India and MoEFCC mark Earth Hour 20th anniversary with nationwide awareness drive (Start of April) ▼
  • WWF India and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organised Earth Hour outreach in Gwalior on 28 March.
  • Activities were held under WWF-India’s Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP).
  • Nameeta Prasad, Joint Secretary, MoEFCC, and Lipika Roy, Joint Director, attended the programme.
  • Trainees of the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) on “Nature Conservator cum Eco-Tourism Guide” participated.
  • An awareness campaign and exhibition took place at The Scindia School, Gwalior.
  • The initiative continued at Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Gwalior, with Dr. Chandra Shekhar Barua present.
  • Lights were symbolically switched off from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to promote energy conservation.
  • Earth Hour began in 2007 and now spans over 190 countries.
  • In India, activities include clean-up drives, tree plantation, biodiversity walks, cycling campaigns and sustainability workshops.
  • Dr. G. Areendran, Director – Tech for Conservation, WWF-India, stressed youth engagement and capacity building.
  • Students from more than 15 States and Union Territories conveyed Earth Hour messages and pledged sustainable lifestyles.
  • GSDP students nationwide joined the unified switch-off to support Mission LiFE and the Save Energy theme.
  • Iconic monuments, heritage sites and government buildings across India switched off lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) Organises AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav to Expand Women-Led Water Governance to 5000 Cities (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) hosted the AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to celebrate the leadership of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in urban water services.
  • The event was chaired by the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, with participation from over 1000 women and 300 officials from 30 States and Union Territories (UTs).
  • The Government of India announced a vision to expand the AMRUT Mitra model from the current 1900 cities to 5000 cities to ensure deeper penetration of women-led governance.
  • Currently, more than 45,000 SHG members are actively engaged as AMRUT Mitras across 1910 cities in 34 States and UTs under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0).
  • AMRUT Mitras from Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka shared narratives on water quality testing and community mobilisation.
  • The Union Minister launched the AMRUT Mitra Best Practices Compendium to document successful interventions in urban water management.
  • Treated wastewater reuse has been identified as a major priority under AMRUT 2.0 as cities shift towards a circular and sustainable water economy.
  • SHG women are being integrated into emerging services including digital water management systems, smart metering, data-based monitoring, and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns.
  • The AMRUT Mitra model involves women in operational roles such as billing and collection, Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) operations, and the operation and maintenance of water assets.
Mumbai to host Prince William-founded Earthshot Prize 2026 in November (Mid of February) ▼
  • Mumbai has been selected as the host city for the Earthshot Prize 2026, a global environmental award founded by Britain's Prince William.
  • The event is scheduled for November 2026, where five winners will each receive 1 million pounds to accelerate their innovative climate solutions.
  • The prize focuses on five categories: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean our Air, Revive our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix our Climate.
  • The Earthshot Prize was inspired by former United States (US) President John F. Kennedy's 1962 'Moonshot' mission to land a man on the moon.
  • India has produced multiple winners including S4S Technologies and Boomitra in 2023, Kheyti in 2022, and Takachar in 2021.
  • Mumbai joins the global list of Earthshot host cities which includes London, Boston, Singapore, Cape Town, and Rio de Janeiro.
  • The announcement was made during the inaugural Mumbai Climate Week in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis.
  • The prize aims to discover 50 winners over 10 years with the mission to repair and restore the planet by 2030.
Kirtida Mekani passes away at 66 (End of January) ▼
  • Kirtida Mekani, originally from Karnataka, died of a massive heart attack at home.
  • She was the founding executive director of the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) from 1993.
  • Mekani launched the Plant-A-Tree Programme in 2007 with Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) under the Garden City Fund.
  • She served as trustee of the United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) Foundation supporting its Rainforest Restoration Project.
  • In 2016 she co-founded the Biomimicry Singapore Network.
  • She was on the board of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore and trustee of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).
  • She served on the board of LASALLE College of the Arts and on the management committee of the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS).
  • She received the President’s Award for the Environment in 2015 and was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame in 2024.

India Identified as Cradle of Jamun Evolution

[Australia]

Key Updates:

  • A new study indicates that the genus Syzygium (Jamun) has an East Gondwanan origin dating back to approximately 80 million years ago, with India serving as a major centre of early diversification.
  • The research was led by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), along with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) and Tribhuvan University.
  • Fossil specimens were collected from the Kasauli Formation in Himachal Pradesh, dating back approximately 20 million years.
  • Researchers identified 11 well-preserved fossil leaves from the Early Miocene deposits as Syzygium paleosalicifolium Sadanand, Bhatia et Srivastav.
  • Evidence suggests the genus was present in the Indian region since the early Eocene (55 million years ago) and subsequently dispersed to Australia and Southeast Asia.
  • The study was published in the Journal of Palaeogeography.

Similar Coverage

First-ever export of GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger to London (Start of March) ▼
  • Assam exported 1.2 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger to London for the first time.
  • Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged the shipment as taking 'Brand Assam to the world'.
  • Agriculture Minister Atul Bora flagged off the consignment from Krishi Bhawan, Guwahati.
  • The export was facilitated by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with NextOn Foods Pvt. Ltd.
  • Karbi Anglong Ginger holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its distinctive aroma, fibre content and pungency.
Indian Coast Guard busts international oil smuggling racket through Coordinated Sea-Air Operation (Start of February) ▼
  • Indian Coast Guard (ICG) busted an international oil smuggling racket during a Coordinated Sea-Air Operation.
  • The operation was carried out by the Indian Coast Guard.
  • The smuggling involved oil, but the exact quantity seized is not specified in the article.
World’s Oldest Rock Art Discovered in Sulawesi, Indonesia (Start of March) ▼
  • Scientists have identified a 67,800-year-old hand stencil in Sulawesi, Indonesia, as the world’s oldest known example of rock art.
  • The discovery was made by an international team co-led by Griffith University, Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Southern Cross University.
  • The artwork was located in the Liang Metanduno cave on the island of Muna and was dated using advanced uranium-series dating of mineral layers.
  • The stencil represents a rare variation of the hand motif where the finger outlines were intentionally narrowed to create a claw-like appearance.
  • The find supports the long chronology model of human migration, suggesting that ancestors of the First Australians reached the Sahul supercontinent at least 65,000 years ago.
  • Evidence indicates that painting activity in the Muna cave was a longstanding tradition that continued for at least 35,000 years, lasting until around 20,000 years ago.
  • The research provides direct evidence for the presence of modern humans along the northern migration route through Sulawesi and the Spice Islands into Sahul.
67,800-year-old hand stencil in Indonesian cave becomes oldest known rock art (End of January) ▼
  • A red hand stencil in Liang Metanduno cave on Muna Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia, is dated to at least 67,800 years ago, making it the oldest rock art discovered.
  • Indonesian and Australian archaeologists used uranium-thorium laser analysis of cave popcorn calcite to determine the minimum age.
  • The stencil is over 1,000 years older than Neanderthal-attributed hand stencils in a Spanish cave and more than 15,000 years older than previous Sulawesi art found by the same team.
  • The cave shows repeated use for rock art, with some works painted over up to 35,000 years later.
  • The discovery supports the northern migration route for Homo sapiens from Asia through Sulawesi to Papua New Guinea and into the ancient supercontinent Sahul that included Australia.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Astronaut Captures Lyrid Meteor Shower from International Space Station (ISS)

[National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)]

Key Updates:

  • A National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut captured photographs of the Lyrid meteor shower from the International Space Station (ISS).
  • The images were recorded by astronaut Jessica Meir from the ISS cupola, a module with windows specifically used for photography and observing Earth.
  • The Lyrid meteor shower reaches its maximum activity annually on April 21 and 22.
  • The phenomenon occurs when Earth encounters dust particles from a comet, which heat up due to friction upon entering the atmosphere.
  • The shower is named the Lyrids because the meteors appear to originate from the Lyra constellation, known as the radiant.
  • Observers in the Northern Hemisphere are advised to look towards the East to view the shower.
  • The photographs were captured using a three-second exposure.
  • The ISS is visible from Earth as a bright, steadily moving object without the need for telescopic equipment.

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Turkey earthquake lights: USGS and NASA study rare luminous EQL phenomenon (Start of April) ▼
  • A 4.2-magnitude earthquake jolted Turkey on April 2.
  • Glowing lights appeared in the sky shortly after the quake and are being studied as earthquake lights (EQL).
  • The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) classifies EQL as luminous events resembling sheet lightning, glowing spheres, or flickering streams.
  • Research presented at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) shows intense crustal pressure releases electrically charged particles called p-holes that ionize air to produce visible light.
  • NASA and other space agencies now track EQL using satellite sensors.
  • Studies from the International Union of Radio Science (URSI) indicate earthquakes generate strong electrical fields extending into the ionosphere via energetic coupling.
  • Nearly 97% of recorded EQL cases occur near rift zones where tectonic plates separate.
NASA’s SPHEREx Mission Tracks Brightening of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS (Start of February) ▼
  • NASA’s SPHEREx mission observed comet 3I/ATLAS in December 2025, detecting infrared light from dust, water, organic molecules, and carbon dioxide in its coma.
  • Comet 3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar object discovered passing through our solar system.
  • SPHEREx detected organic molecules including methanol, cyanide, and methane within the comet’s coma.
  • The comet showed a dramatic brightness increase two months after its closest approach to the Sun, due to sublimation of water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
  • The mission is managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and launched on March 11, 2025.
  • SPHEREx completed the first of four planned all-sky infrared maps of the cosmos in late 2025.
  • Comet 3I/ATLAS was discovered by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, on July 1, 2025.
Carl Grillmair, NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal awardee, fatally shot at 67. (End of February) ▼
  • Carl Grillmair, 67, was found shot dead on his porch in Llano, Antelope Valley on 16 February 2026.
  • He was a research scientist at Caltech's Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC).
  • Grillmair received NASA's Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 2011 for his 2007 paper detecting water on an exoplanet.
  • His research focused on dark matter, Milky Way structure, stellar populations and exoplanets.
  • Freddy Snyder, 29, was arrested and charged with Grillmair’s murder, carjacking and first-degree burglary.
  • On 20 December 2025 Grillmair had called deputies to remove Snyder from his property.
X-class solar flare triggers severe G4 geomagnetic storm and red aurora over Hanle, Ladakh (End of January) ▼
  • An X-class solar flare erupted on 18 January 2026, launching a Coronal Mass Ejection that hit Earth in about 25 hours and produced a G4-level severe geomagnetic storm.
  • The storm generated an S4-level solar radiation event, the most intense since 2003, and forced astronauts on the International Space Station to shelter in shielded areas.
  • Indian Astronomical Observatory’s all-sky camera at Hanle, Ladakh, inside the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, recorded the resulting red aurora on 19 and 20 January 2026.
  • ISRO’s Aditya-L1 spacecraft, stationed at the L1 Lagrange point 1.5 million km from Earth, provided early warning of the Coronal Mass Ejection.
  • During the storm, Earth’s magnetosphere was compressed so much that geostationary satellites were briefly exposed to direct solar wind, risking communication, GPS and banking services.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Receives DRDO-Developed Satellite Imaging System 'Prajna'

[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has received 'Prajna', an indigenously developed AI-enabled satellite imaging system.
  • Prajna was developed by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • The system is intended to enhance real-time decision support for security agencies, monitor sensitive regions, and support counter-terrorism operations.
  • DRDO and the Indian Navy conducted in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container 'ADC-150' from the P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1.
  • The ADC-150 is designed to deliver a 150 kg payload to enhance naval operational logistics for providing quick response to vessels under distress.
  • The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, served as the nodal laboratory for the ADC-150 activity.
  • The parachute system for the ADC-150 was developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra.
  • Flight clearance and certification for the ADC-150 were provided by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Bengaluru.
  • Instrumentation support for the ADC-150 trials was provided by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad.

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Indian Army releases Technology Roadmap for Unmanned Aerial Systems and Loitering Munitions (Start of April) ▼
  • Lt Gen Rahul R Singh, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), released the Indian Army’s Technology Roadmap for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Loitering Munitions (LM).
  • The roadmap aims to increase long-term visibility of army requirements in UAS and channelise domestic industry, R&D bodies and academia.
  • Combat roles sought include counter-UAS, loitering munitions, helicopter-launched littoral systems, bomb-delivery drones and mine-laying drones.
  • Support roles sought include reconnaissance, land survey, electromagnetic jamming, radio relay and long-range logistics.
  • The mission covers operational needs across Himalayas, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and all intermediate terrains.
  • Emphasis is placed on boosting MSME and start-up participation in the indigenous drone ecosystem.
India to launch over 50 spy satellites under Space-Based Surveillance-3 after border conflict surveillance gaps (End of January) ▼
  • India plans to launch over 50 spy satellites and add night-time imaging to enhance national security capabilities, people familiar with the matter said.
  • India encountered surveillance blind spots during a border conflict last year with neighbour Pakistan.
  • The Narendra Modi-led administration is looking to build ground stations overseas to relay information more quickly and comprehensively, said the people.
  • These ground stations could be in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Scandinavia, they said.
  • Plans are underway to enhance satellites with synthetic aperture radar capable of capturing images in dark, cloudy conditions.
  • Upgrades are being worked on to help transfer data from one satellite to another without relying on a ground station.
  • The launch of the first 52 satellites under Space-Based Surveillance-3 is being fast-tracked.
  • India plans to deploy as many as 150 new satellites to boost border security, Mint reported citing Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V Narayanan.
  • The estimated cost of placing 150 satellites is about Rs 26,000 crore ($2.8 billion).
  • India has more than 100 satellites in orbit compared to just eight for Pakistan, according to spacecraft data tracker N2YO.com.
  • India’s satellites are blind at night or in cloudy conditions, a lacuna highlighted during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan last year.
  • China provided Pakistan with support during the fighting, helping Islamabad adjust its satellite coverage, a research group under India’s Ministry of Defence said last year.
Azista Space demonstrates India's first indigenous in-orbit snooping capability (Start of February) ▼
  • Azista Space has become the first Indian aerospace firm to demonstrate in-orbit snooping by capturing images of the International Space Station (ISS) from another satellite.
  • The demonstration was conducted using the ABA First Runner (AFR), an 80-kg indigenous earth-observation satellite.
  • The AFR satellite was launched into space on 13 June 2023, by the Falcon-9 rocket of SpaceX as part of the Transporter-8 mission.
  • The company successfully tracked the ISS at ranges of approximately 250 km and 300 km, capturing 15 distinct frames with 2.2m sampling.
  • Azista Space operates a satellite and payload manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat, which is capable of producing 50 satellites annually.
  • This achievement is a significant step towards strengthening India's Space Situational Awareness (SSA), which involves monitoring and tracking man-made satellites and space debris.
  • Personnel from the firm have been involved in over 12 missions of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
India Indian Air Force (IAF) completes indigenous overhaul of Pechora Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system (End of January) ▼
  • The Indian Air Force (IAF) has modernised its Soviet-era Pechora Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system through an indigenous overhaul led by Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies Ltd (ADTL).
  • The Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded a contract worth approximately ₹591.3 crore to ADTL for the digitisation and refurbishment of the system.
  • The upgrade features full digitisation of radar and tracking infrastructure, replacing legacy valve and transistor-based electronics with advanced digital chips and modern radar transmitters.
  • Successful user trials of the enhanced Pechora system were conducted at the Pokhran range from November to December 2025 to validate reliability and accuracy.
  • The upgraded system is integrated into Mission Sudarshan Chakra, which is India’s initiative to develop a multi-layered air defence shield against drones and fighter aircraft.
  • The project forms part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat strategy, aimed at achieving self-reliance in defence production by modernising ageing military platforms.
  • The overhaul includes a redesigned operator station with modern visual displays and health-monitoring tools to reduce crew workload and improve situational awareness.

Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Jumps Automation LLP Partner to Launch AI-Powered Cybersecurity Platform

[Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Jumps Automation]

Key Updates:

  • The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the Government of India's premier telecom R&D institution, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jumps Automation LLP to develop a gamification-based cybersecurity awareness platform.
  • The collaboration is formalised under the C-DOT Collaborative Research Programme (CCRP) and is tailored for individuals, enterprises, and institutions.
  • The platform features a dynamic gaming arena, leaderboards, Learning Management System (LMS) modules, interactive discussion forums, and simulation-driven scenarios.
  • The simulation-driven scenarios cover phishing detection, malware response, social engineering tactics, and crisis management.
  • The platform incorporates an AI-powered behavioural analytics engine to monitor user performance and dynamically adjust the complexity of challenges.
  • The solution will be developed, tested, and validated at C-DOT facilities in New Delhi to ensure compliance with national security standards.
  • The platform is expected to be launched as a commercial-grade Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution.
  • The initiative is designed to support the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by building indigenous, scalable cybersecurity solutions.

Similar Coverage

Deloitte opens ConnectSafe cybersecurity facility in Bengaluru (Mid of March) ▼
  • Deloitte opened ConnectSafe, a 4,500 sq ft cybersecurity facility in Bengaluru.
  • The facility is claimed to be India’s first to focus on safeguarding human lives and critical infrastructure rather than only data protection.
  • It simulates real-world cyber-threat scenarios across automotive, MedTech, industrial and consumer ecosystems.
  • Organisations can test and validate security controls without disrupting live operations.
  • The facility will also be accessible to researchers, cyber experts, academic institutions, students and governments.
OpenAI launches GPT-5.4-Cyber for defensive cybersecurity (Mid of April) ▼
  • OpenAI announced a new AI model called GPT-5.4-Cyber, a cyber‑permissive variant of GPT-5.4 designed for defensive cybersecurity.
  • Access to GPT-5.4-Cyber is limited to the highest‑tier users who authenticate themselves as cybersecurity defenders.
  • Trusted Access for Cyber (TAC) is required to use GPT-5.4-Cyber, and it can be obtained by individual identity verification at chatgpt.com/cyber or enterprise requests through an OpenAI representative.
  • GPT-5.4-Cyber is fine‑tuned with fewer capability restrictions and includes binary reverse‑engineering capabilities to analyse compiled software for malware, vulnerabilities and security robustness without source code.
  • The model is being deployed iteratively to vetted security vendors, organisations and researchers as part of the expanded TAC initiative launched earlier this year.
CERT-In and SIA-India release Space Cyber Security Guidelines to secure India’s expanding space ecosystem (End of February) ▼
  • The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and SIA-India released comprehensive Space Cyber Security Guidelines at the DefSat Conference & Expo 2026 in New Delhi from February 24–26.
  • The guidelines target government agencies, satellite service providers, ground station operators, equipment manufacturers, private space enterprises and space-related supply chain stakeholders.
  • The advisory framework prescribes core cyber security principles, recommended technical and organisational controls, defined roles and responsibilities, risk management protocols and sector-wide resilience measures.
  • Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, CERT-In, stated the framework reflects India’s commitment to strengthening cyber resilience across strategic sectors.
  • Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA-India, emphasised the document integrates industry perspectives with CERT-In’s cyber security expertise.
  • Mr. Anil Prakash, Director General, SIA-India, noted over 1.5 million cyberattack attempts were recorded during Operation Sindoor and attacks on government networks surged nearly sevenfold.
  • The framework adopts a 'defence in depth, breadth and height' approach and will be periodically refined through structured industry consultations.
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for telecom and cybersecurity collaboration (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar, signed the MoU on February 13, 2026, for collaboration in the telecom and cybersecurity domains.
  • The Ministry of Communication informed that C-DOT will establish an Innovation-cum-Experience Centre at the RRU campus to spearhead research and technology development.
  • The collaboration focuses on critical domains including Cybersecurity, Quantum Technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) solutions, 5G networks, and Mission Critical Services.
  • The initiative includes training, capacity-building, and skilling programmes to create an industry-ready workforce.
  • Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of C-DOT, highlighted that the MoU aims for self-reliant innovation in telecom and cybersecurity.

Indian Shooters Participate in ISSF Junior World Cup in Egypt

[International Shooting Sport Federation]

Key Updates:

  • The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup is being held in Cairo, Egypt.
  • The competitions are taking place at the Egypt International Olympic City.
  • India is represented by a contingent of 71 athletes.
  • Athletes from 25 countries, including Egypt and Russia, are participating in the event.
  • Indian athletes participating in the event include Shambhavi Kshirsagar and Shiva Narwal.
  • The competition features events such as 10m Air Rifle Women, 10m Air Pistol Men, and 25m Pistol Precision.
  • The ISSF Junior World Cup serves as a prelude to the Junior World Championships in Germany.

Similar Coverage

Indian Army to host 1st International Military Adventure Challenge Cup 2026 in Eastern Himalayas (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Indian Army will host the inaugural International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 from 18 to 23 February 2026 in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
  • Military teams from India and seven friendly nations—Bhutan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia—will participate.
  • Indian contingents will include teams from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
  • The competition will test physical fitness, mental resilience, leadership, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure in mountainous terrain.
  • The event is conducted under the banner of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) whose motto is 'Friendship through Sport'.
ASMITA initiative to hold athletics events in 250 districts for 2 lakh girls (Start of March) ▼
  • Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) announced ASMITA League athletics events on 8 March 2026 in 250 districts.
  • Over 2 lakh girls will compete in 100m, 200m, 400m races across Under-13, 13–18 and 18+ age groups.
  • ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women), launched in 2021 under Khelo India Scheme, organises the league.
  • Each venue will have five Technical Officials, 10 Volunteers, one Competition Manager, one Past Champion Athlete and one District Youth Officer.
  • A Women Technical Officials Development Workshop will run parallel to train referees and timekeepers per Athletics Federation of India standards.
  • The initiative targets talent identification for 2030 Commonwealth Games Ahmedabad and India’s 2036 Olympics bid.
India to host India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16 to 20 (Mid of February) ▼
  • India is scheduled to host the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, 2026.
  • The Summit is organised under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is built around three foundational Sutras: People, Planet, and Progress.
  • The event will see participation from ministerial-level delegations representing over 45 countries and the United Nations (UN) Secretary General.
  • Confirmed attendees from Europe include President Emmanuel Macron (France), President Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon (Spain), Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (Finland), Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (Greece), Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic (Croatia), President Alar Karis (Estonia), President Peter Pellegrini (Slovakia), President Aleksandar Vucic (Serbia), President Guy Parmelin (Switzerland), Prime Minister Dick Schoof (Netherlands), and Hereditary Prince Alois (Liechtenstein).
  • Leaders from the Americas and Asia-Pacific attending include President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Brazil), Vice President Edmand Lara Montano (Bolivia), Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo (Guyana), Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay (Bhutan), President Anura Kumara Disanayaka (Sri Lanka), and Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov (Kazakhstan).
  • Participants from Africa, the Indian Ocean, and the Middle East include Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam (Mauritius), Vice President Sebastien Pillay (Seychelles), and Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (United Arab Emirates).

IIT Madras introduces OmegaBall in India

Key Updates:

  • Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) introduced OmegaBall in India.
  • The inter-college OmegaBall tournament was organised by the Institute Gymkhana and the Office of the Dean (Students) on April 17, 2026.
  • The tournament was held at the IIT Madras campus football field.
  • OmegaBall is a football variation played by three teams on a circular field with three goalposts, where each team attacks two goals and defends one.
  • Participating institutions included Loyola College of Engineering and Technology, Guru Nanak College of Arts and Science, Dr Ambedkar Law University, The New College, Nazareth College of Arts and Science, Saveetha University, YMCA College of Physical Education, and IIT Madras student teams.
  • IIT Madras plans to establish an IIT Madras OmegaBall Club at the national level to promote the sport.
  • The sport is played in the United States, Brazil, and parts of Europe.

Similar Coverage

Ahmedabad to host first-ever Cycling League of India (Start of March) ▼
  • The first-ever franchise-based Cycling League of India will be held in Ahmedabad during the second week of November.
  • The league will feature eight franchises, with each team comprising 10 cyclists, including two international riders and two junior Indian cyclists.
  • The competition will be conducted in three phases, featuring race formats such as criterium races, team time trials, and mass start events.
  • The league is being organised in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and promoter New Horizon Alliance Private Limited.
  • Ahmedabad is hosting the league as it prepares for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and bids for the 2036 Olympic Games.
  • The 'Sundays on Cycle' initiative, launched in 2024, has recorded participation from over 25 lakh citizens across more than 2.5 lakh locations in India.
  • India's notable achievements in the sport include track cyclist Esow Alben winning two individual silver medals at the 2018 junior world championships.
Association of Indian Universities National Moot Court Competition 2026 held from Apr 9-11 (Mid of April) ▼
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU) won the Association of Indian Universities National Moot Court Competition 2026 hosted by Integral University.
  • BHU received a cash prize of Rs 25,000 along with trophies and medals.
  • Chandigarh University secured the runner-up position with Rs 11,000.
  • Ram Manohar Lohia University won the Best Researcher award.
  • Army Institute of Law secured the Best Memorial award.
  • Mallika Chadha of Lovely Professional University won the Best Speaker award.
  • Aligarh Muslim University was recognised for inspiring excellence.
  • Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University and Lucknow University were recognised as best regional teams.
  • The competition brought together 40 teams from across India.
  • Preliminary and quarter-final rounds took place on Apr 10.
Gorakhpur International Cricket Stadium: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to contribute Rs 60 crore (End of February) ▼
  • Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) signed an MoU with the Uttar Pradesh government to provide Rs 60 crore for constructing an international cricket stadium in Gorakhpur.
  • The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
  • The proposed stadium will have a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators and will be developed fully in line with international standards.
  • The project is targeted for completion by December 2027.
ASMITA initiative to hold athletics events in 250 districts for 2 lakh girls (Start of March) ▼
  • Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) announced ASMITA League athletics events on 8 March 2026 in 250 districts.
  • Over 2 lakh girls will compete in 100m, 200m, 400m races across Under-13, 13–18 and 18+ age groups.
  • ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women), launched in 2021 under Khelo India Scheme, organises the league.
  • Each venue will have five Technical Officials, 10 Volunteers, one Competition Manager, one Past Champion Athlete and one District Youth Officer.
  • A Women Technical Officials Development Workshop will run parallel to train referees and timekeepers per Athletics Federation of India standards.
  • The initiative targets talent identification for 2030 Commonwealth Games Ahmedabad and India’s 2036 Olympics bid.

Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka win Laureus World Sports Awards 2026

Key Updates:

  • Carlos Alcaraz was named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.
  • Aryna Sabalenka was named the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year.
  • Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was named Team of the Year.
  • Lando Norris received the Breakthrough of the Year award.
  • Rory McIlroy won the Comeback of the Year award.
  • Gabriel Araújo of Brazil was named the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.
  • Chloe Kim of the United States won the Action Sportsperson of the Year award.
  • Lamine Yamal was crowned the Young Sportsperson of the Year.
  • Toni Kroos of Germany received the Sporting Inspiration Award.
  • Fútbol Más won the Sport for Good Award.
  • Nadia Comăneci of Romania received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • The 2026 award ceremony was hosted by Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu.

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Infosys appoints Carlos Alcaraz as global brand ambassador in multi-year AI partnership (Mid of April) ▼
  • Infosys has named tennis star Carlos Alcaraz as its global brand ambassador in a multi-year partnership.
  • The partnership will use Infosys Topaz, an AI-first platform, for advanced match analytics and a personalised performance application.
  • The collaboration will also involve joint social impact initiatives between Infosys and the Carlos Alcaraz Foundation.
  • Carlos Alcaraz is a former World No. 1 in men’s tennis and a multiple Grand Slam winner.
  • Sumit Virmani, Chief Marketing Officer at Infosys, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to digital innovation.
New Delhi to host 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix from 11–13 March (Mid of March) ▼
  • The second edition of the New Delhi World Para Athletics Grand Prix will be held from 11 to 13 March 2026.
  • Around 257 athletes from eight nations—India, Russia, Nepal, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Serbia, Bosnia, and Egypt—will compete.
  • Team India will field the largest contingent with approximately 219 athletes.
  • Top Indian para-athletes including Mariyappan Thangavelu, Sumit Antil, Praveen Kumar, Ajeet Singh, Devendra Singh Gurjar, Ankur Dhama, Simran, and Preeti Pal are expected to compete.
  • A total of 74 international classification slots will be available: 39 for athletes with physical impairments, 29 for vision impairments, and 6 for intellectual impairments.
  • The previous 2025 edition saw India top the medal tally with 134 medals (45 gold, 40 silver, 49 bronze).
Indian women's cricket team nominated for 2026 Laureus World Team of the Year Award after maiden World Cup triumph. (Start of March) ▼
  • Indian women's cricket team nominated for 2026 Laureus World Team of the Year Award after winning their first ICC Women's World Cup title.
  • Laureus Sport confirmed the nomination on Tuesday.
  • Team recorded highest successful run chase in women's ODI history during semi-final win against Australia.
  • BCCI announced Rs 51 crore cash prize for the squad after the victory.
  • Award winners to be announced at Cibeles Palace in Madrid on April 20, 2026.
  • Other nominees include England Women's Football Team, European Ryder Cup Team, McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Raksha Khadse announces ASMITA athletics events in 250 districts to mark International Women’s Day (Start of March) ▼
  • ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women) League athletics events will be held on 8 March 2026 in 250 districts.
  • Over two lakh girls will compete in 100m, 200m, and 400m races in Under-13, 13–18, and 18+ age groups.
  • Each venue will have five Technical Officials, ten Volunteers, one Competition Manager, one Past Champion Athlete, and one District Youth Officer.
  • A Women Technical Officials Development Workshop will run alongside referee and timekeeper training aligned with Athletics Federation of India standards.

Aronyak Ghosh becomes India's 95th Grandmaster

Key Updates:

  • Aronyak Ghosh from Kolkata became the 95th Grandmaster (GM) of India.
  • He achieved his final GM norm at the Bangkok Chess Club Open, finishing tied for first place with a score of 7/9.
  • Ghosh won the rapid section of the Nationals at Ranchi with a score of 9.5/11.
  • He secured his first GM norm in August 2022 at the 23rd Sants International Open in Spain.
  • He achieved his second GM norm at the Annemasse Masters.
  • He won bronze medals at the U16s, World Youth, and Pune Nationals.
  • Ghosh is an employee of the Eastern Railway.
  • His career-high Elo rating is 2555.
  • He crossed the 2500 rating mark at the Athens of East meet in Madurai.

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Mayank Chakraborty becomes India’s 94th Chess Grandmaster (Mid of March) ▼
  • Mayank Chakraborty secured his final GM norm by defeating Philip Lindgren in the eighth round of the Hotel Stockholm North by First Hotels Young Talents tournament in Sweden.
  • He won the tournament with a score of 7.0/9 and a rating performance of 2670, finishing one point ahead of the field.
  • The 16-year-old from Assam became the first player from the NorthEast region to achieve Grandmaster status.
  • His live rating rose to 2508 after the event.
  • England’s Jonah Willow B and Norway’s Aksel Bu Kvaloy finished second and third respectively.
Esha Singh claims India’s maiden gold at Asian rifle and pistol championship (Mid of February) ▼
  • Esha Singh won the 10m air pistol women’s final at the Asian rifle and pistol championship held in New Delhi.
  • India secured gold in the women’s 10m air pistol team event.
  • Samrat Rana won individual bronze in the men’s 10m air pistol event.
  • Indian men’s air pistol team of Samrat Rana, Sharvan Kumar and Varun Tomar secured team silver.
  • Vladimir Svechnikov of Uzbekistan won the men’s individual gold and Valeriy Rakimzhan took silver.
  • Uzbekistan won the men’s team gold in 10m air pistol.
  • Vietnam took silver and Chinese Taipei bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol team event.

World Creativity and Innovation Day observed on April 21

Key Updates:

  • World Creativity and Innovation Day is observed on April 21.
  • The initiative was promoted by Marci Segal from Toronto, Canada, and officially started in 2001.
  • April 21 was chosen as the date because it comes just before Earth Day to highlight the role of creativity in sustainability.
  • The United Nations (UN) officially recognised the day in 2017.

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World Art Day observed on April 15 (Mid of April) ▼
  • World Art Day is observed on April 15.
  • The global observation celebrates culture, creativity, and artistic expression worldwide.
  • Science Central museum in Fort Wayne, Indiana, hosted a celebration to explore the intersection of art and science.
  • Local artists featured during the Science Central celebration included Eduar Paz, Ally Peck, Angelina Dolores Possemato, Bonnie “BonJo” Andrews, Megan Wiegand, and Kyla Covington.
UNESCO establishes World Poetry Day on 21 March. (End of March) ▼
  • UNESCO officially established World Poetry Day in 1999 during its 30th General Conference in Paris.
  • World Poetry Day is observed every year on 21 March.
  • The day aims to promote poetry as a meaningful cultural practice and to support linguistic diversity worldwide.
  • Some countries previously celebrated poetry on 15 October, the birthday of Roman poet Virgil.
World Thinking Day observed on February 22 (End of February) ▼
  • World Thinking Day is observed annually on February 22 to promote unity, friendship, and empowerment among girls and young women.
  • The day is celebrated by members of the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in more than 150 countries.
  • The origins of the observance date back to 1926, following an international conference of Girl Guide and Girl Scout organisations held in the United States (US).
  • The date February 22 marks the birthdays of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement, and Olave Baden-Powell, the World Chief Guide.
  • The day encourages participants to address global challenges such as leadership, equality, environmental protection, and mental well-being.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science observed on February 11 (Mid of February) ▼
  • The United Nations (UN) designated 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
  • The 2026 theme is 'Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls'.
  • Women currently make up less than one third of the world’s researchers.

UN Chinese Language Day observed on 20 April with theme 'Fluent Futures Forum: Chinese Learning and Youth Engagement for a Multilingual UN 2.0 World'

[United Nations, China]

Key Updates:

  • The United Nations (UN) Chinese Language Day virtual forum is scheduled for 20 April.
  • The theme for the event is “Fluent Futures Forum: Chinese Learning and Youth Engagement for a Multilingual UN 2.0 World”.
  • The forum is organised by the Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) in the Capacity Development and Operational Training Services (CDOTS) within the Office of Support Operations (OSO) of the Department of Operational Support (DOS).
  • The programme includes a keynote address by the UN Youth Office.

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China National People's Congress approves Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress law mandating Mandarin education (Mid of March) ▼
  • The National People's Congress (NPC) of China approved the Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress law during its annual parliamentary session in Beijing.
  • The legislation mandates that all children must be taught Mandarin from before kindergarten until the completion of high school.
  • The law aims to promote integration among the 56 officially recognised ethnic groups, dominated by the Han Chinese who constitute over 90% of the 1.4 billion population.
  • The new law provides a legal basis to prosecute parents or guardians who instil views described as detrimental to ethnic harmony in children.
  • The policy is part of a broader sinicisation effort to create a unified national identity by assimilating minority groups into the dominant Han culture.
  • The United Nations (UN) has previously accused the Chinese government of grave human rights violations in the Xinjiang region involving the detention of Uyghur Muslims.
  • The law calls for mutually embedded community environments, which analysts suggest could lead to the restructuring of minority-heavy neighbourhoods.
World Voice Day 2026 – 16 April, Theme Caring for Our Voices! (Mid of April) ▼
  • World Voice Day is observed annually on 16 April.
  • The theme for World Voice Day 2026 is Caring for Our Voices! as chosen by the World Voice Day Committee.
  • World Voice Day was first observed in 1999 and was initiated by the World Voice Day Committee.
  • The article was published from Mumbai, India.
Third Edition of AICTE-VAANI Scheme Launched with ₹4 Crore Annual Outlay (Mid of April) ▼
  • The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched the third edition of the AICTE-VAANI (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages) scheme.
  • The scheme provides an annual financial assistance of ₹4 crore to support 200 conferences, seminars, and workshops, with each selected institution receiving ₹2 lakh.
  • Events under the AICTE-VAANI will be conducted over two to three days in 22 regional languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, and Urdu.
  • The initiative covers 16 thrust areas in emerging domains such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science, Quantum Technology, Hydrogen Energy, Cybersecurity, Space and Defence, and Agrotech.
  • Applications from AICTE-approved institutions are invited through the AICTE-ATAL portal from 18 April to 17 May 2026.
  • The AICTE-VAANI aims to facilitate the publication of research papers in Indian languages and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.
International Day of La Francophonie and French Language Day observed on 20 March (End of March) ▼
  • International Day of La Francophonie and French Language Day is observed on 20 March.
  • French brings together hundreds of millions of people around the world.
  • At the United Nations (UN), French is part of everyday life, shaping debates and work on the ground.

Arthur Law Named Young Global Leader 2026 by World Economic Forum (WEF)

[World Economic Forum]

Key Updates:

  • Arthur Law, Co-founder and Managing Principal of Storefriendly Asia, was named a Young Global Leader 2026 by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
  • He was recognised for redefining urban living by enabling households and businesses to reclaim space in densely populated cities.
  • The WEF Young Global Leaders community identifies exceptional leaders under the age of 40.
  • The 2026 cohort comprises 118 individuals from 55 countries.
  • The network includes more than 1,400 members and alumni across over 120 countries.
  • Arthur Law serves as Steward of The KALE Foundation.
  • Law is an Oxford-graduated mathematician who previously worked at Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and ACE & Company.

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Thailand to host 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok (Start of April) ▼
  • Thailand will host the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings in October 2026, its second time after 1991.
  • The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok is the official venue.
  • Over 15,000 participants from 191 countries are expected to attend.
  • Thailand’s official theme is 'Thailand's New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience'.
  • The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand form the 'Thailand Planning Team' organising the event.
  • Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, visited Thailand in early March 2026.
  • The Ministry of Finance will recruit 200 student volunteers to support the meetings.
Turkey and Australia unveil new partnership model for COP31 in Antalya (Mid of April) ▼
  • The President‑Designate of COP31, appointed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, issued a letter dated 13 April outlining the vision for the summit.
  • Turkey will hold the presidency of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and host the summit in Antalya.
  • Australia, represented by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, will serve as COP31 President of Negotiations with exclusive authority to lead negotiations.
  • The new Turkey‑Australia partnership model is described as a departure from previous COP structures, combining Turkey’s presidency and host duties with Australia’s lead in negotiations.
  • The Action Agenda prioritises zero‑waste and circular‑economy approaches, acceleration of the clean‑energy transition, green and low‑carbon industrialisation, resilience of vulnerable regions and oceans, food security, sustainable agriculture, climate‑resilient cities, and strengthening of financial and institutional mechanisms.
  • The presidency appointed Samed Ağırbaş as Climate High‑Level Champion and Sally Higgins as Youth Climate Champion.
  • Fatma Varank will act as Chief Executive Officer of the COP31 presidency, overseeing strategy, negotiations preparation and coordination.
  • The Troika approach linking the past, current and future presidencies involves Brazil, Azerbaijan and Turkey to ensure stability and predictability.
  • A Pre‑COP meeting is scheduled in Fiji from 5 to 8 October 2026, including a leaders’ event in Tuvalu.
  • The guiding principles for the presidency are Dialogue, Consensus and Action, aimed at strengthening participation, ownership of outcomes and concrete implementation.
Observer Research Foundation and Research and Information System for Developing Countries launch inaugural BRICS Academic Forum on April 17-18, 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • The inaugural convening of the BRICS Academic Forum was hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) on April 17 and 18, 2026, in New Delhi.
  • India assumed the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2026, with the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
  • The year 2026 marks two decades since the establishment of BRICS.
  • The BRICS Academic Forum is a Track II platform designed to generate recommendations for leaders ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit.
  • The Forum will host 13 international speakers and multiple convenings across India and abroad in the coming months.
  • Samir Saran serves as the President of ORF and Chair of the BRICS Think Tanks Council, India.
  • Sudhakar Dalela is the Secretary (ER) in the Ministry of External Affairs and India's BRICS Sherpa.
World Economic Forum (WEF) President Børge Brende steps down after Epstein links review (Start of March) ▼
  • Børge Brende announced his resignation as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF) after an internal review into his contacts with Jeffrey Epstein.
  • The WEF review, conducted by outside counsel, found no additional concerns beyond previously disclosed interactions.
  • Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim President and CEO of the WEF.

John Ternus Appointed CEO of Apple

[Apple]

Key Updates:

  • John Ternus will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Apple on September 1.
  • Ternus, a 25-year veteran of Apple, previously served as the senior vice president of hardware engineering.
  • Tim Cook, who succeeded co-founder Steve Jobs as CEO in 2011, will step down from the position.
  • Tim Cook will become the executive chairman of Apple's board of directors, replacing Arthur Levinson.
  • Under Cook's tenure, Apple's market value increased by approximately $3.6 trillion.
  • Cook oversaw the launch of the Apple Watch and AirPods, as well as services including Apple Pay, Apple TV, and Apple Music.

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Shantanu Narayen to step down as CEO of Adobe after successor appointed. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Shantanu Narayen has served as CEO of Adobe since 1 December 2007 and will remain chair of the board after stepping down.
  • Adobe announced on 12 March 2026 that Narayen will continue as CEO until a successor is named by the board.
  • The board has formed a special committee chaired by lead independent director Frank Calderoni to conduct the CEO search.
  • Narayen joined Adobe in 1998, became president and COO in 2005, and led the company’s shift from software licences to Creative Cloud subscriptions.
  • Adobe shares fell about 6% in extended trading after the leadership transition announcement despite Q1 FY2026 earnings of $6.06 per share and revenue of $6.40 billion.
  • Narayen was born in Hyderabad, India on 27 May 1963 and holds a master’s in computer science from Bowling Green State University and an MBA from UC Berkeley.
  • His total compensation for fiscal 2025 was about $51 million and he also serves as lead independent director at Pfizer.
Campbell Wilson Resigns as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Air India (Start of April) ▼
  • Campbell Wilson has announced his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Air India.
  • He was appointed to the position in 2022 on a five-year contract that was originally scheduled to conclude in July 2027.
  • Wilson will continue to serve in his current role until a successor is announced and positioned by the Tata Group-owned carrier.
  • N. Chandrasekaran serves as the Chairman of both Air India and the Tata Group.
  • Singapore Airlines (SIA) maintains a 25% stake in the airline alongside the Tata Group.
  • The carrier's projected losses for the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26 are estimated to reach ₹20,000 crore.
  • Prior to his tenure at Air India, Wilson served as the founding CEO of Scoot, a subsidiary of SIA.
  • The airline has faced significant challenges including the closure of Pakistan's airspace and a Boeing plane crash in Ahmedabad that resulted in 260 fatalities.
Sunil Mittal to retire as Chair of Airtel Africa in July 2026; Gopal Vittal appointed Non-Executive Chair (End of March) ▼
  • Sunil Bharti Mittal will retire as Chair of Airtel Africa Board at the conclusion of the July 2026 AGM after serving since the company’s 2019 listing.
  • Gopal Vittal will become Non-Executive Chair of Airtel Africa from the same date, nominated by the controlling shareholder under the 17 June 2019 relationship agreement.
  • Shravin Bharti Mittal will assume the role of Deputy Chair of Airtel Africa from July 2026 and will liaise with the Airtel Money Board and the Dubai headquarters.
  • Annika Poutiainen will also retire as a Non-Executive Director at the July 2026 AGM, having served over seven years.
  • Gopal Vittal is currently Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel and Board Chair of the GSMA, and was appointed a non-executive director of Airtel Africa in October 2024.
Deepinder Goyal resigned as Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eternal (End of January) ▼
  • Deepinder Goyal resigned from his position as the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eternal, the company that operates Zomato and Blinkit.
  • Albinder Dhindsa was appointed as the new Group CEO of Eternal, succeeding Deepinder Goyal.
  • Deepinder Goyal will transition to the role of Vice Chairman of the board of directors at Eternal, subject to shareholder approval.
  • Albinder Dhindsa previously served as the leader of Blinkit and oversaw its journey from acquisition to breakeven.
  • Deepinder Goyal’s unvested Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) will be returned to the company's ESOP pool as part of the leadership transition.
  • Deepinder Goyal stated that his decision to step down was driven by a desire to pursue high-risk exploration and experimentation outside of a public company framework.

Six Women Leaders Win 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize

Key Updates:

  • The Goldman Environmental Foundation announced the recipients of the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize.
  • For the first time in its history, the prize has been awarded to an all-female cohort consisting of six environmental activists.
  • Sasha Finch, a United Kingdom-based campaigner, was recognised for her work against fossil fuel expansion and oil drilling projects.
  • The other winners represent regions across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
  • The recipients were honoured for initiatives including forest conservation, water protection, anti-mining campaigns, and defending Indigenous land rights.
  • The Goldman Environmental Foundation has honoured a total of 239 winners from 98 countries, including 112 women.
  • John Goldman serves as the vice-president of the foundation.

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Safeena Husain named among TIME Women of the Year 2026 (Start of March) ▼
  • Safeena Husain, founder of the non-profit Educate Girls, has been selected as one of the TIME Women of the Year 2026.
  • TIME magazine announced the annual list recognising women leaders driving global change.
  • Husain’s organisation works to enrol out-of-school girls and improve learning outcomes in rural India.
  • The TIME Women of the Year list for 2026 highlights 12 women across fields including activism, science and business.
Zero Prize launched as India’s first ₹5 crore results-based environmental award (End of February) ▼
  • Zero Prize is India’s first national results-based environmental award linking financial reward to independently verified reductions in air, water, and land pollution.
  • Convened by the School of Policy and Governance (SPG), the initiative is supported through philanthropic contributions, corporate CSR partnerships, and institutional stakeholders.
  • Total corpus of ₹5 crore will award ₹1 crore each across three categories — Air, Water, and Land — to solutions demonstrating scientifically validated pollution reduction within defined geographies.
  • Announcement event held at India Habitat Centre with award-winning actor and environmental advocate Dia Mirza as Chief Guest.
  • Prize open to startups, NGOs, corporates, municipal bodies, research institutions, and individual innovators across India.
  • Eligible applicants must implement a real-world pilot within defined urban or peri-urban contexts and undergo independent third-party monitoring and validation.
  • Each shortlisted solution will establish a documented baseline and demonstrate quantifiable reduction over a 12-month challenge period.
  • Applications open in March 2026 and close in August 2026, with winners announced in February 2027 after technical evaluation, pilot implementation, and independent validation.
  • Prize follows milestone-based disbursement aligned with successful pilot execution and verification.
Mumbai to host Prince William-founded Earthshot Prize 2026 in November (Mid of February) ▼
  • Mumbai has been selected as the host city for the Earthshot Prize 2026, a global environmental award founded by Britain's Prince William.
  • The event is scheduled for November 2026, where five winners will each receive 1 million pounds to accelerate their innovative climate solutions.
  • The prize focuses on five categories: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean our Air, Revive our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix our Climate.
  • The Earthshot Prize was inspired by former United States (US) President John F. Kennedy's 1962 'Moonshot' mission to land a man on the moon.
  • India has produced multiple winners including S4S Technologies and Boomitra in 2023, Kheyti in 2022, and Takachar in 2021.
  • Mumbai joins the global list of Earthshot host cities which includes London, Boston, Singapore, Cape Town, and Rio de Janeiro.
  • The announcement was made during the inaugural Mumbai Climate Week in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis.
  • The prize aims to discover 50 winners over 10 years with the mission to repair and restore the planet by 2030.
United Nations (UN) releases State of Finance for Nature 2026 report (End of January) ▼
  • The United Nations (UN) released the State of Finance for Nature 2026 report on 22 January 2026.
  • The report finds that for every $1 invested in protecting nature, $30 is spent on activities that destroy it.
  • Global nature-negative finance flows are estimated at $7 trillion, while nature-positive finance flows amount to $200 billion.
  • Environmentally harmful subsidies are concentrated in sectors including fossil fuels, agriculture, water, transport, and construction.
  • The data identifies utilities, industrials, energy, and basic materials as sectors where environmental damage is particularly significant.
  • The report advocates for scaling up nature-positive investments such as regenerative agriculture, sustainable forestry, and nature-based infrastructure.

Desmond Morris Dies Veteran Zoologist and Author

Key Updates:

  • Desmond Morris was a British zoologist, broadcaster, and author who died at the age of 98.
  • He authored the 1967 international bestseller 'The Naked Ape: A Zoologist’s Study of the Human Animal', which sold over 10 million copies across more than 36 countries.
  • His notable works include 'The Human Zoo', which examined the impact of urban life on human behaviour, and 'Manwatching', a guide to body language and social conduct.
  • Throughout his career, he published more than 90 titles covering human behaviour, animals, art, and popular culture.
  • He appeared on the Zootime TV Programme at London Zoo in 1956.

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Biruté Marija Filomena Galdikas Passes Away at 79 (End of March) ▼
  • Biruté Marija Filomena Galdikas, a pioneering Lithuanian-Canadian primatologist and conservationist, passed away on 24 March 2026 in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 79.
  • She was a leading authority on orangutans and established Camp Leakey in the Tanjung Puting Reserve, Indonesian Borneo, in 1971.
  • Dr. Galdikas earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
  • She was mentored by the paleoanthropologist Dr. Louis Leakey, who also mentored Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey.
  • In 1986, she co-founded the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI), an organisation dedicated to protecting wild orangutans and their habitat.
  • She was the first person of non-Indonesian birth to receive the Kalpataru award, Indonesia's highest honour for environmental leadership, in June 1997.
  • Her autobiography, titled Reflections of Eden: My Years with the Orangutans of Borneo, was published in 1995.
Neanderthal 'fat factory' at Neumark-Nord reveals 125,000-year-old organised bone-grease production. (Mid of March) ▼
  • A study in Science Advances reports Neanderthals operated a lakeside 'fat factory' at Neumark-Nord near Leipzig, Germany, 125,000 years ago.
  • Leiden University researchers identified processing of at least 172 mammals including deer, horses, and aurochs at the site.
  • Inhabitants broke bones, crushed them into thousands of fragments, and heated the fragments in water to extract calorie-rich bone grease.
Scientists discover 289-million-year-old reptile skin fossil in Oklahoma (Mid of March) ▼
  • Palaeontologists discovered a 289-million-year-old fossilised reptile skin fragment in the Richards Spur cave system in Oklahoma, United States.
  • The specimen is identified as the oldest known preserved epidermis, extending the record of preserved skin by more than 130 million years.
  • The skin is believed to belong to Captorhinus aguti, an early Permian reptile featuring pebbled, non-overlapping scales similar to those of a crocodile.
  • The research, led by Ethan Mooney from the University of Toronto, was published in the journal Current Biology in January 2024.
  • The fossil was preserved in remarkable three-dimensional detail due to a unique environment involving fine clay, low oxygen, and Permian oil that mummified the skin.
  • Scientists used uranium-lead dating on associated stalagmites to confirm the age of the fossil as being between 286 and 289 million years old.
  • The discovery provides critical insights into the evolution of amniotes, including reptiles, birds, and mammals, and their adaptation to terrestrial life.
Christopher North, founding keyboardist of Grammy-nominated rock band Ambrosia, dies at 75. (Start of April) ▼
  • Christopher North died at age 75 from complications related to pneumonia several months after a 'freak accident'.
  • He co-founded Ambrosia in 1970 with David Pack, Joe Puerta and Burleigh Drummond.
  • The band is known for hits 'How Much I Feel' and 'Biggest Part of Me' and received a Grammy nomination.
  • North was acclaimed for his mastery of the Hammond B3 organ and intense live performances.
  • He briefly left the group during the 1978 Life Beyond L.A. sessions but rejoined and toured into the 2020s.
  • He also contributed to The Alan Parsons Project’s 1976 album Tales of Mystery and Imagination and to a 2014 Doors tribute album.

Joginipally Santosh Kumar Honoured as Global Green Icon

[United Kingdom]

Key Updates:

  • Joginipally Santosh Kumar, a former Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha, was conferred the title of "Global Green Icon" at the World Climate Leaders Conclave held at the House of Lords in London, United Kingdom (UK).
  • The award recognised his contributions to ecological restoration, large-scale afforestation, and citizen-led climate action initiatives from the Global South.
  • He is the founder of the Green India Challenge, a citizen-led afforestation movement that mobilises students and farmers across India for tree planting and ecological rewilding.
  • The recognition highlighted the Telanganaku Haritha Haram programme in Telangana, which aimed to increase the state's green cover from 21 per cent to 33 per cent by planting 2.8 billion trees.
  • The Telanganaku Haritha Haram programme resulted in a nearly 8 per cent increase in green cover and an increase in the tiger population in the Nallamala forest region from 12 to 44.
  • Joginipally Santosh Kumar serves as the Chairman of the Igniting Minds Organisation, a section-8 non-profit.
  • His environmental work has received recognition at international forums, including the Conference of the Parties (COP29) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16.

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Indian-origin Scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan Awarded Crafoord Prize for Climate Research (Start of February) ▼
  • The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Crafoord Prize to Veerabhadran Ramanathan, a distinguished research professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego).
  • The prize, worth 8 million Swedish krona (approximately $900,000), recognises his work in expanding the understanding of how humankind affects the atmosphere, climate, and air quality.
  • Ramanathan discovered in 1975 that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are potent greenhouse gases, with one molecule having the same warming effect as up to 10,000 molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2).
  • His research in 1985 concluded that trace gases such as methane and nitrous oxide are potentially as important as CO2 for long-term global warming.
  • The scientist's findings on the greenhouse effect of CFCs provided the scientific basis for the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which banned the use of these chemicals.
  • He identified and measured atmospheric brown clouds, a 3-kilometre thick layer of air pollution covering much of the Indian subcontinent, which masks some effects of global warming.
  • Ramanathan served as a council member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) from 2012, advising three consecutive popes on climate change policy.
  • Before moving to the United States (US), Ramanathan studied engineering in Bengaluru, India, and worked at a refrigeration company.
  • His research also demonstrated for the first time that clouds have a cooling effect on the planet and that water vapour can amplify the warming effects of CO2.
WWF India and MoEFCC mark Earth Hour 20th anniversary with nationwide awareness drive (Start of April) ▼
  • WWF India and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organised Earth Hour outreach in Gwalior on 28 March.
  • Activities were held under WWF-India’s Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP).
  • Nameeta Prasad, Joint Secretary, MoEFCC, and Lipika Roy, Joint Director, attended the programme.
  • Trainees of the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) on “Nature Conservator cum Eco-Tourism Guide” participated.
  • An awareness campaign and exhibition took place at The Scindia School, Gwalior.
  • The initiative continued at Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Gwalior, with Dr. Chandra Shekhar Barua present.
  • Lights were symbolically switched off from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to promote energy conservation.
  • Earth Hour began in 2007 and now spans over 190 countries.
  • In India, activities include clean-up drives, tree plantation, biodiversity walks, cycling campaigns and sustainability workshops.
  • Dr. G. Areendran, Director – Tech for Conservation, WWF-India, stressed youth engagement and capacity building.
  • Students from more than 15 States and Union Territories conveyed Earth Hour messages and pledged sustainable lifestyles.
  • GSDP students nationwide joined the unified switch-off to support Mission LiFE and the Save Energy theme.
  • Iconic monuments, heritage sites and government buildings across India switched off lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao Received 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award For Climate-Resilient Agriculture (End of April) ▼
  • Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao received the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award For Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
  • The award was instituted by the Retired Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Employees Association in collaboration with Nuziveedu Seeds Limited.
  • The award honours agricultural scientists for bolstering India's food security.
  • This edition coincides with the birth centenary of Prof. Swaminathan, known as the father of India's Green Revolution.
  • Dr. Rao was recognised for his work in climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management.
  • His contributions include scaling resource conservation technologies across millions of hectares and developing district-level contingency plans.
  • The event was attended by former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Nuziveedu Seeds chairman Mandava Prabhakar Rao, and association president Vidya Sagar Rao.
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao Received 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award For Climate-Resilient Agriculture (End of April) ▼
  • Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao received the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award For Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
  • The award was instituted by the Retired Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Employees Association in collaboration with Nuziveedu Seeds Limited.
  • The award honours agricultural scientists for bolstering India's food security.
  • This edition of the award coincides with the birth centenary of Prof. Swaminathan, the father of India's Green Revolution.
  • Dr. Rao was recognised for his work in climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management.
  • His contributions include scaling resource conservation technologies across millions of hectares and developing district-level contingency plans for nationwide agricultural sustainability.
  • The event was attended by former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Nuziveedu Seeds chairman Mandava Prabhakar Rao, and association president Vidya Sagar Rao.

National Civil Services Day observed on April 21

Key Updates:

  • National Civil Services Day is observed annually on April 21.
  • The Government of India began celebrating National Civil Services Day in 2006 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
  • The day commemorates the address by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the newly appointed officers of the Indian Civil Services on April 21, 1947, where he termed them the Steel Frame of India.
  • The Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration is presented on this day, which includes a medal, scroll, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.
  • India's civil services include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and various All-India and Central Services.
  • Charles Cornwallis is referred to as the Father of Indian Civil Services for reforming and structuring the services and introducing the division between covenanted and uncovenanted services.
  • Warren Hastings laid the foundations of the Indian Civil Services.

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International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members observed on 25 March 2026 (End of March) ▼
  • The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members on 25 March 2026.
  • In 2025, 179 UN personnel were arrested or detained.
  • As of the observance date, 118 UN colleagues remain in detention.
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed the call for the immediate release and safe return of unlawfully detained staff.
World Voice Day 2026 – 16 April, Theme Caring for Our Voices! (Mid of April) ▼
  • World Voice Day is observed annually on 16 April.
  • The theme for World Voice Day 2026 is Caring for Our Voices! as chosen by the World Voice Day Committee.
  • World Voice Day was first observed in 1999 and was initiated by the World Voice Day Committee.
  • The article was published from Mumbai, India.
Karmayogi Sadhana Week 2026 launched to enhance civil-service capabilities (Start of April) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Karmayogi Sadhana Week 2026 on 2 April 2026.
  • The initiative promotes the mantra 'Nagrik Devo Bhav' for citizen-centric governance.
  • The week-long programme unites ministries, states, and training institutions for national capacity building.
  • Activities include webinars and workshops themed around Technology, Tradition, and Tangible Outcomes.
World Civil Defense Day observed on March 1 (Start of March) ▼
  • World Civil Defense Day is observed on March 1 every year.
  • It was created by the International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) General Assembly in 1990.
  • The day commemorates 1972, when the ICDO Constitution came into force as an intergovernmental organization.
  • ICDO was created in 1931 in Paris by French Surgeon-General George Saint-Paul.
  • ICDO was recognized by the French Parliament in June 1935.
  • Today 50 countries are members of ICDO.