📰 Daily Briefing Monday, Mar 23

Daily Current Affairs: 23 March 2026

Analysis for 23 March 2026

Narendra Modi becomes India’s longest-serving head of elected government

Key Updates:

  • Narendra Modi became the longest-serving head of an elected government in India by completing 8,931 days in office.
  • He surpassed the record of 8,930 days previously held by Pawan Kumar Chamling, the former Chief Minister (CM) of Sikkim.
  • His total leadership period includes serving as the CM of Gujarat from 7 October 2001 to May 2014 and as the Prime Minister (PM) of India since 26 May 2014.
  • He is the first Indian PM born after Independence and the first non-Congress PM to complete two full terms and return for a third.
  • He holds the record for being the longest-serving CM of Gujarat and the PM with the most prior experience as a CM.
  • He has secured three consecutive victories in the general elections held in 2014, 2019, and 2024.
  • He became the first serving world leader to reach 100 million followers on Instagram and has over 30 million subscribers on YouTube and 106 million followers on X.

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Siddaramaiah became the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka (Start of January) ▼
  • Siddaramaiah became the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka, surpassing the record previously held by the late Devaraj Urs.
  • He equalled the record of 2,792 days in office on January 6, 2026, during his second term as a leader of the Congress.
  • Late Devaraj Urs served two terms totaling 2,792 days, including 2,113 days from March 20, 1972, to December 31, 1977, and 679 days from February 28, 1978, to January 7, 1980.
  • Siddaramaiah held office for 1,829 days during his first term from May 13, 2013, to May 15, 2018, and has completed 963 days in his ongoing second term since May 20, 2023.
  • He is the only Chief Minister after Devaraj Urs to complete a full five-year term in the history of Karnataka.
  • DK Shivakumar currently serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka alongside Siddaramaiah.
Meghalaya extends Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) tenure by six months (End of March) ▼
  • The Meghalaya Cabinet extended the tenure of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) from 18 April 2026 to 18 October 2026.
  • Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong announced the decision after a virtual Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
  • The extension follows violence in Tura and adjoining areas over a notification barring non-tribals from contesting GHADC elections.
  • Albinush R Marak resigned as chief executive member (CEM) hours before the Cabinet decision, and Dhormonath Ch Sangma was elected the new CEM.
  • The state government will consult stakeholders during the six-month extension to resolve eligibility issues for tribal and non-tribal candidates.
Malaysian PM announces 10-year term limit for Prime Minister (Start of January) ▼
  • Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would introduce legislation to limit the term of Prime Minister to 10 years or two full terms.
  • Anwar stated, 'We will table a bill to limit the term of the prime minister, not exceeding 10 years or two full terms.'
  • There is currently no term limit in Malaysia for Prime Ministers.

Jeff Webb, Founder of Varsity Spirit and Architect of Modern Cheerleading, Dies After Accident.

Key Updates:

  • Jeff Webb (19 January 1950 – 19 March 2026) passed away at age 76 following a fall while playing pickleball two weeks earlier that caused a severe head injury.
  • Webb founded the Universal Cheerleaders Association in 1974 and later built Varsity Spirit into the largest organisation in cheerleading.
  • As president of the International Cheer Union he led efforts that achieved full recognition of cheerleading by the International Olympic Committee in 2021.
  • Charlesbank Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in Varsity Brands in 2014 for roughly $1.5 billion, Bain Capital purchased it in 2018 for about $2.5 billion, and KKR acquired a majority stake in 2024 in a deal valued at about $4.75 billion.

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Valentino Garavani passed away at 93 (End of January) ▼
  • Valentino Garavani died at home in Rome at age 93, according to an announcement by his foundation on social media.
  • His body will lie in repose at the foundation's headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday, with the funeral scheduled for Friday at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
  • Valentino founded the house of Valentino on Rome's Via Condotti in 1959 and retired in 2008.
  • He was succeeded as creative director by Alessandra Facchinetti, who was later replaced by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli; Chiuri left for Dior in 2016, and Piccioli exited in 2024, with Alessandro Michele taking over thereafter.
Sunita Williams retired from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). (End of January) ▼
  • Sunita Williams retired from NASA after 27 years of service, effective December 31, 2025.
  • She completed three missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
  • She ranks second on NASA’s all-time list for cumulative time in space with 608 days.
Martial artist and actor Chuck Norris passes away at age 86 (End of March) ▼
  • Chuck Norris, born Carlos Ray Norris on 10 March 1940, was a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion.
  • He served in the United States Air Force (USAF) during the Korean War, where he began practicing martial arts.
  • He founded a Korean-based American hard style of karate known as Chun Kuk Do and the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF).
  • The UFAF has awarded more than 3,300 Chuck Norris System black belts worldwide.
  • He made his film debut in 1968 and starred alongside Bruce Lee in the 1972 film The Way of the Dragon.
  • He played the title role in the television series Walker, Texas Ranger, which aired on the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) for eight years.
  • In 2010, he was named an honorary Texas Ranger by then-Governor Rick Perry and was later named an honorary Texan by the Texas Senate.
James Van Der Beek dies at 48 after colorectal cancer diagnosis. (Mid of February) ▼
  • James Van Der Beek passed away at the age of 48, as confirmed by his publicist Whitney Tancred and announced by his wife Kimberly on Instagram.
  • He was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2024 and had auctioned career items to help pay for treatment.
  • Van Der Beek rose to fame as Dawson Leery on 'Dawson's Creek' (1998–2003) and starred in the 1999 film 'Varsity Blues'.
  • He married Kimberly Brook in 2010 and they have six children together.
  • An online fundraiser had pledged almost $1.3 million to his family as of Thursday morning.

Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launches PRARAMBH 2026 and Income Tax Website 2.0.

Key Updates:

  • Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, launched PRARAMBH 2026, the Income Tax Department’s nationwide awareness campaign on the Income Tax Act, 2025, in New Delhi on 20 March 2026.
  • She unveiled the upgraded Income Tax Website 2.0 to enhance taxpayer services.
  • Revenue Secretary Shri Arvind Shrivastava and CBDT Chairman Shri Ravi Agrawal attended the launch event.
  • CBDT rolled out an AI-enabled chatbot named Kar Saathi to assist taxpayers on the new Act, Rules and Forms.
  • Brochures explaining the new Act were released in 10 regional languages besides English and Hindi.

Similar Coverage

Census 2027 digital platforms and mascots 'Pragati' and 'Vikas' unveiled (Start of March) ▼
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah soft-launched four advanced digital platforms and unveiled mascots 'Pragati' and 'Vikas' for Census 2027.
  • The digital tools developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) integrate satellite imagery, mobile apps, and web portals to streamline enumeration.
  • The mascots are a female enumerator 'Pragati' and a male enumerator 'Vikas', symbolising equal participation of men and women in India's goal to become a developed nation by 2047.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launches pilot ‘Awareness Program on Digital Payments’ for 10 lakh participants in Maharashtra. (Mid of March) ▼
  • The sixth edition of Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW) is being observed during March 9-13, 2026.
  • RBI Governor Shri Sanjay Malhotra launched the pilot program titled 'Awareness Program on Digital Payments'.
  • The pilot will be conducted in Maharashtra in partnership with CSC e-Governance Services India Limited.
  • The pilot will include in-person awareness programs for 10 lakh participants in rural and semi-urban areas through Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs).
  • RBI also launched a multi-media awareness campaign 'Thoda Dhyan Se' to encourage users to be careful while making payments and transacting online.
  • Governor Shri Sanjay Malhotra interacted with Managing Directors/Chief Executive Officers of select Payment Systems Operators (PSOs) after the launch.
  • Deputy Governors Shri T Rabi Sankar, Dr Poonam Gupta, and Shri S C Murmu attended the launch event.
Tripura NAVCHETNA initiative promotes technology-driven education (Mid of March) ▼
  • Tripura Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy announced NAVCHETNA to set up Innovation and Technology Laboratories in institutions.
  • NAVCHETNA will focus on Artificial Intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things, coding and automation.
  • Tripura budget FY 2026–27 allocated Rs 914.82 crore to Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), a 6.34 per cent increase.
  • ‘Mukhyamantri Antarjatik Kormosangstan Prokolpa’ launched to facilitate overseas employment for nursing, ITI, diploma and graduate students.
  • State to establish a Drone School offering DGCA-approved licences for drone pilots.
  • Foreign Language School to be set up in Agartala in collaboration with Ramakrishna Mission.
Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai Campaign Launched to Promote Skill India Digital Hub (End of February) ▼
  • Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) Jayant Chaudhary launched the nationwide awareness campaign Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai on 23 February 2026.
  • The campaign was introduced on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to accelerate progress toward a Viksit Bharat through digital skilling.
  • Actor Amitabh Bachchan has been brought on board to strengthen awareness and participation in the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), India's integrated platform for skilling and employment.
  • The SIDH platform has already onboarded more than 1.5 crore registered candidates, emerging as one of the largest unified digital skilling platforms in the country.
  • The mobile-first, AI-enabled platform offers industry-aligned courses and is available in more than 21 Indian languages to ensure inclusion and ease of access.
  • Key features of SIDH include Aadhaar-based eKYC registration, OTP-enabled mobile access, QR-code-enabled personalised digital CVs, and digitally verified credentials.
  • The campaign targets a diverse user base including youth, women, professionals, entrepreneurs, and differently-abled citizens to support the vision of Lifelong Learning for Prosperity.

Bank of Baroda (BoB) launches first UPI-based ₹5,000 overdraft facility for women SHG members.

[Bank of Baroda]

Key Updates:

  • Bank of Baroda (BoB) is the first bank in India to offer an Overdraft Facility on Credit Line via UPI for verified women Self-Help Group (SHG) members holding Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts.
  • The facility was unveiled at the 25th Central Level Coordination Committee (CLCC) meeting in Hyderabad.
  • Eligible members receive ₹5,000 overdraft credit accessible through bob इ Pay or any UPI-enabled app.
  • The initiative partners with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
  • Users can link OD accounts for merchant QR payments, balance checks, transaction tracking, and digital repayment without branch visits.

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BOBCARD Limited (BOBCARD) launches Braille-enabled Premier Credit Card (Mid of February) ▼
  • BOBCARD, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda (BoB), introduced the Braille-enabled BOBCARD PREMIER Credit Card.
  • The launch event was held at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) campus to promote accessibility in financial services.
  • The initiative coincided with the felicitation of the Indian Blind Women’s Cricket Team, winners of the inaugural Blind Women’s Cricket T20 World Cup.
  • The card provides accelerated reward points on travel, international, dining, and lifestyle spending, along with select airport lounge access.
  • BOBCARD was established in 1994 and offers a range of credit products including shopping, co-branded, professional, and premium travel cards.
Bank of Baroda (BoB) launches bob Women Sapphire Savings Account with ₹10 lakh cancer cover (Mid of March) ▼
  • Bank of Baroda (BoB) has introduced the bob Women Sapphire Savings Account, a premium savings product designed specifically for women.
  • The account mandates a Monthly Average Balance (MAB) of ₹1 lakh and includes a complimentary cancer care coverage plan worth ₹10 lakh for women aged between 18 and 60 years.
  • It features the bob Bhoomi RuPay Select Debit Card, which provides benefits such as domestic airport lounge access, gym memberships, and Over-the-Top (OTT) subscriptions.
  • Health and wellness benefits include free online doctor consultations for up to six family members, a 15% concession on medicines, and a 20% concession on pathology tests.
  • The account offers a 50% waiver on home loan processing fees and a 20% discount on locker charges up to a maximum of ₹500.
  • Account holders are eligible for the BOBCARD Tiara Credit Card, featuring a 50% first-year fee waiver in the form of reward points and unlimited domestic airport lounge access.
Scapia Launches Scapia Pay for RuPay Credit Card Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Payments (Mid of March) ▼
  • Scapia has launched Scapia Pay, an in-app UPI service for rewards with co-branded RuPay credit cards.
  • The service allows users to link Scapia Federal RuPay and Scapia BOBCARD RuPay credit cards for instant UPI payments and rewards.
  • The platform provides features including a custom UPI ID, first-time payment alerts, high-value transaction notifications, and consolidated spend tracking.
  • The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in India processed approximately 20 billion transactions in February 2026.
  • The 2026 Spring Release includes two-click credit card bill payments via the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS).
  • Scapia partners with Federal Bank and BOBCARD to provide co-branded credit cards for domestic and international use.
  • The platform has expanded to include flights, buses, trains, stays, visas, experiences, international airport privileges, and financial services.
State Bank of India (SBI) launches $500 million syndicated social loan for women empowerment (Start of March) ▼
  • State Bank of India (SBI) announced a $500 million syndicated social term loan facility focused exclusively on women’s economic empowerment.
  • The facility includes a greenshoe option and was launched ahead of International Women’s Day.
  • SBI stated the transaction supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls.
  • SBI Chairman C S Setty said the loan reflects the bank’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and creating opportunities for women.
  • SBI noted the facility is expected to become the largest gender-themed loan globally by an Indian financial institution.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) penalises HSBC with ₹31.80 lakh fine

[Reserve Bank of India, HSBC]

Key Updates:

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹31.80 lakh on HSBC for non-compliance with regulatory norms.
  • The penalty was issued following a statutory inspection for supervisory evaluation of the bank's financial position as on March 31, 2025.
  • HSBC failed to host a searchable database of unclaimed deposits on its official website.
  • The bank did not generate and assign Unclaimed Deposits Reference Number (UDRN) to certain unclaimed deposits.
  • The non-compliance involved unclaimed deposits transferred to the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund.

Similar Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposes ₹2.70 lakh penalty on Manappuram Finance (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.70 lakh on Manappuram Finance.
  • The penalty was levied for non-compliance with RBI guidelines regarding the compensation of Key Managerial Personnel (KMP).
  • The company violated norms by paying the entire variable pay upfront to certain KMPs without deferring a portion of the compensation as required.
  • The action followed a statutory inspection conducted by the RBI regarding the financial position of the company as of 31 March 2025.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposes ₹11.50 lakh penalty on Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited. (Start of March) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹11.50 lakh on Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited on 27 February 2026.
  • The penalty was for non-compliance with RBI directions on ‘Fair Practices Code’ and ‘Internal Ombudsman for Regulated Entities’.
  • The statutory inspection of the company was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on 31 March 2025.
  • The company levied revised foreclosure charges on certain borrower accounts without incorporating suitable conditions in loan agreements.
  • The company failed to escalate certain complaints to its Internal Ombudsman within the prescribed time and did not communicate final decisions to complainants within the prescribed time in certain cases.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) levies penalties totalling Rs 1.35 crore on three banks and two NBFCs (Mid of February) ▼
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed penalties totalling Rs 1.35 crore on CSB Bank (Rs 63.60 lakh), Bank of Maharashtra (Rs 32.50 lakh), DCB Bank (Rs 29.60 lakh), IIFL Finance (Rs 5.30 lakh) and Navi Finserv (Rs 3.80 lakh).
  • CSB Bank was penalised for non-compliance with directions on ‘Scope of activities to be undertaken of Business Correspondents (BCs)’ and ‘Customer Service in Banks’ and for failure to classify certain accounts as non-performing assets on restructuring.
  • Bank of Maharashtra was penalised for non-compliance with directions on ‘Credit information reporting in respect of Self Help Group members’ and ‘Know Your Customer’, including not reporting Self Help Group member level data to Credit Information Companies and not identifying Beneficial Owners in certain accounts.
  • DCB Bank was penalised for non-compliance with directions on loans against pledge of gold ornaments and jewellery for non-agricultural end uses by failing to maintain the prescribed loan-to-value ratio in certain non-agricultural gold loan accounts.
  • IIFL Finance was penalised for non-compliance with directions on ‘Asset Classification’ by entering into an arrangement with BCs for activities outside the permitted scope and levying charges in savings bank accounts without ensuring prior customer awareness.
  • Navi Finserv was penalised for non-compliance with directions on ‘Recovery Agents’ by contacting customers after 7:00 p.m. and before 8:00 a.m. for recovery of overdue loans and not following due protocol while sending messages to customers.

Tamil Nadu launches Project Sezhumai Karuvoolam for eradication of invasive Prosopis juliflora

[Tamil Nadu]

Key Updates:

  • The Madras High Court (HC) ordered the implementation of project Sezhumai Karuvoolam (fertile repository) to eradicate the invasive species Seemai Karuvelam (Prosopis juliflora) from Tamil Nadu.
  • A special committee comprising former judges Justice A Selvam and Justice V Bharathidasan has been appointed to supervise the eradication process.
  • Private landowners must uproot the species within 30 days, failing which the Block Development Officer (BDO) will remove them and recover costs at ₹5,000 per acre for dense vegetation and ₹2,000 per acre for less dense growth.
  • The court mandated that identification and auctioning of the species be completed within four months, with total removal finished within another six months.
  • District Collectors (DC) are designated as the central authorities responsible for mechanical removal of the plants and for planting native species on public lands.
  • The State Environment Secretary will create a dedicated webpage and dashboard to track removal, auctions, and replanting progress.
  • A dedicated mobile phone number will be maintained for the project to allow the public to report sightings of the invasive species via geotagged photographs on social media platforms.
  • In sensitive areas such as Vedanthangal, where the species serves as nesting sites for birds, removal will be carried out in a phased manner with simultaneous alternative planting.

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NeophyteID App launched for invasive plant detection in Kerala (Start of February) ▼
  • Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the NeophyteID app at the Kerala Science Congress.
  • The Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences (MBGIPS) developed the AI-powered mobile application to identify invasive plant species across Kerala.
  • The app uses the YOLOv11 machine learning model for image recognition and geospatial tracking to detect and map invasive neophyte plants from camera or gallery images.
  • NeophyteID operates in English and Malayalam and targets local communities, students, and ecologists for community-based biodiversity management.
  • Each user identification updates a real-time distribution map to support research and conservation efforts.
  • The app currently includes data on 98 invasive plant species.
  • Developer N Aleem Yoosuf conceived the idea during an invasive plant eradication drive with tribal communities at Sughandagiri Tribal Eco Village, Wayanad.
  • Zameel Hassan collaborated on the web application component of NeophyteID.
National Deworming Day observed on February 10 (Mid of February) ▼
  • National Deworming Day is observed in India annually on February 10, with a mop-up round conducted on August 10.
  • The programme was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
  • The initiative targets children and adolescents aged between one and 19 years through schools and Anganwadi centres.
  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends periodic mass deworming as a cost-effective preventive measure compared to individual screening.
  • The programme utilises medicines such as Albendazole and Mebendazole to treat infections caused by roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm.
  • According to the article, nearly 64 per cent of children in India are at risk of intestinal parasitic infections.
  • Preventive deworming is recommended every six months in areas where worm infections are common, particularly for children up to 14 years of age.
World Wildlife Day 2026 highlights medicinal plants amid rising global demand (Start of March) ▼
  • World Wildlife Day is observed annually on 3 March and in 2026 focuses on medicinal and aromatic plants.
  • Danna J. Leaman, outgoing co-chair of the Medicinal Plant Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), stated that plants are critical for ecosystems and economies.
  • Around 30,000 plant species are documented as medicinal or aromatic based on published evidence and trade data.
  • The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) recognises that many species in international trade are plants.
  • Nardostachys jatamansi, a Himalayan herb used in Ayurveda and valued for its aromatic roots, is listed as critically endangered on IUCN’s Red List.
  • The species grows in high-altitude regions of Nepal, India and China, and harvesting its root usually kills the plant.
  • Nepal has imposed trade restrictions on wild Nardostachys jatamansi to promote conservation while affecting rural livelihoods dependent on its harvest.
Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2026 celebrated on 7 March to promote affordable generic medicines (Start of March) ▼
  • Jan Aushadhi Diwas is observed every year on 7 March to raise awareness about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
  • PMBJP was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings.
  • The scheme provides quality generic medicines at affordable prices through dedicated outlets called Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK).
  • Week-long events are organised across the country from 1 to 7 March to support the initiative.

Yoga for Air Travel Protocol Launched for In-Flight Wellness

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Ayush launched a 5-minute in-flight wellness protocol titled Yoga for Air Travel during the Yoga Mahotsav 2026.
  • Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Ayush, introduced the initiative designed for frequent flyers and air travellers.
  • The protocol was developed by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) to be performed while seated without special equipment.
  • The routine includes seated yoga postures such as Tadasana (Palm Tree Pose), seated Cat-Cow, spinal twists, and gentle leg movements.
  • It incorporates Pranayama techniques including Anulom Vilom, Bhramari, and Sheetali to enhance oxygen flow and calm the nervous system.
  • The protocol aims to mitigate travel-related health risks such as muscle stiffness, fatigue, jet lag, and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
  • The 5-minute routine is structured into five segments: Centring, Gentle Joint Movements, Seated Yoga Postures, Pranayama, and Meditation.

Similar Coverage

Yoga Mahotsav 2026 launched on 13 March 2026; 100-day countdown to 12th International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2026 (Mid of March) ▼
  • Yoga Mahotsav 2026 was launched by the Ministry of Ayush in New Delhi on 13 March 2026, marking the 100-day countdown to the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21 June 2026.
  • Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, inaugurated the event and unveiled '10 Yoga Protocols for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Target Groups'.
  • The International Day of Yoga was adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 2014 following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal.
  • Over 26 crore people participated in International Day of Yoga 2025.
  • The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) signed an MoU with Habuild under the Yoga 365 campaign to offer free daily online Yoga sessions, with registrations via toll-free number 1800-315-7008.
  • An AI-based tool under the Ayush Grid helps practitioners correct Yogasana postures, and Advanced Y-Break courses are available on the Karmayogi Bharat platform with over 10 lakh enrolled participants.
  • The Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) demonstration at 7:00 AM at MDNIY was attended by over 1,000 Yoga enthusiasts, and the one-day event saw around 1,500 total participants.
Ministry of Ayush invites applications for Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga-2026 (End of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Ayush has invited applications for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga-2026 to recognise exemplary contributions to the development and promotion of Yoga at national and international levels.
  • Each award comprises a trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹25 lakh.
  • The awards are conferred in two primary categories: Individuals (National and International) and Institutions (National and International).
  • Applications for the awards must be submitted through the National Awards Portal (www.awards.gov.in).
  • The final date for the submission of applications is 21 March 2026.
  • The felicitation ceremony for the award winners will coincide with the International Yoga Conference.
Indian Armed Forces conduct simultaneous military exercises including Vajra Prahar, Dharma Guardian, Kalari Leap, and Vayu Shakti in February 2026 (End of February) ▼
  • The 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar commenced on 24 February at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, involving 45 Indian Special Forces and 12 United States (US) Army Green Berets.
  • The 7th edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026 is being held between the Indian Army and the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, until 9 March.
  • Exercise Kalari Leap, a joint maritime drill involving the Indian Air Force (IAF) Southern Air Command, Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD), and Indian Coast Guard (ICG), was conducted across the Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago.
  • Platforms deployed in Exercise Kalari Leap included An-32 transport aircraft, Mi-17V5 helicopters, Su-30MKI fighter jets, ICG ships, Gemini boats, and Dornier 228 aircraft.
  • The IAF is scheduled to conduct its annual firepower demonstration, Exercise Vayu Shakti, on 27 February at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan.
  • President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to attend Exercise Vayu Shakti and fly in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.
Wings India 2026 held in Hyderabad from 28-31 January 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • Wings India 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad from 28-31 January 2026.
  • The event is formally launched by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu.
  • The theme is 'Indian Aviation: Paving the Future - From Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation and Safety to Sustainability'.
  • The event features 13 thematic sessions, over 150 exhibitors, 7,500 business visitors, one lakh general visitors, more than 200 foreign delegates, over 500 B2B and B2G meetings, and aircraft displays exceeding 31 aircraft.
  • Confirmed participants include Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, HAL, Dassault, Bell Textron, ATR, Pilatus, De Havilland, RTX, Rolls-Royce, United Aircraft Corporation, CSIR-NAL, GMR, Adani, Noida International Airport, Etihad Airways, Thai Airways, Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air.
  • Air shows include performances by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force and the Mark Jefferies Aerobatic Team.

Pondicherry University launches Blue Voice app for coastal fishers

Key Updates:

  • Pondicherry University (PU) launched a mobile application titled Blue Voice to enhance safety and disaster preparedness among coastal fishing communities.
  • The application provides real-time, location-specific weather updates in a user-friendly format to address language barriers and complex interfaces.
  • The platform enables fishers to share experiential knowledge alongside modern weather alerts to create a participatory digital space for decision-making at sea.

Similar Coverage

Punjabi singer Kaka launches Friendo women-safety app with SOS, location tracking and self-defence resources (Mid of January) ▼
  • Friendo offers users the option to use the ‘Emergency’ feature or a dedicated SOS button that will send out a call to fellow app users nearby within a determined radius (in kms), as well as to your trusted contacts.
  • These alerts are supported by real-time location tracking to share the user's position with trusted contacts and/or the authorities.
  • Alternative triggers such as shake detection or voice commands are also available.
  • A ‘stealth mode’ enables discreet monitoring, paired with automatic recording of audio or video to help gather evidence that may assist law enforcement, if the case is escalated.
  • Friendo also offers a resource library which contains self-defence tutorials and information on legal rights that can be availed by users.
National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) successfully tests indigenously developed Floating LiDAR Buoy System off Muttom, Tamil Nadu. (Mid of March) ▼
  • The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) conducted the successful sea trial of an indigenous Floating LiDAR Buoy System off the coast of Muttom in Tamil Nadu.
  • The buoy integrates a buoyant platform with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to measure wind speed and direction profiles up to 300 metres above sea level.
  • The system will enhance Indian Navy operational effectiveness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) by improving weather-ocean situational awareness and maritime-domain awareness.
  • The buoy supports coordination with the Coast Guard and other agencies under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) framework for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
  • The high-resolution offshore wind data will aid cyclone tracking, storm intensity forecasts, marine safety advisories, and offshore wind resource assessment for renewable energy development.
  • Engineering challenges of constant buoy motion and power management were addressed through advanced motion compensation algorithms and energy-efficient battery systems.
  • Real-time data transmission from remote offshore locations is achieved via satellite links and compression techniques.
  • The project aligns with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives to promote domestic innovation and self-reliance in ocean technologies.
PhonePe launches AI-powered natural language search for voice and text payments (End of February) ▼
  • PhonePe unveiled an AI-powered natural language search feature built with Microsoft Foundry at the AI Impact Summit 2026.
  • Users can initiate and complete in-app tasks via voice or text commands such as “Pay Hemanth 20 rupees” or “Recharge FASTag”.
  • The feature interprets user intent for payments, purchases, or support and automates navigation within the app.
  • Processing follows a hybrid on-device and cloud model that keeps all personal and transactional data within the PhonePe environment.
  • Roll-out will occur in phases across India and be accessible through the Global Search Bar, Help Center, and History tab.
  • PhonePe also introduced biometric authentication for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, allowing Android users to approve payments up to ₹5,000 with fingerprint or face ID.
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) bags SKOCH Award 2025 for indigenous Cell Broadcast Solution powering India’s disaster early-warning infrastructure (End of January) ▼
  • C-DOT’s Cell Broadcast Solution is a fully integrated national platform that connects disaster-alert originators, approval authorities, and telecom operators on a single automated system.
  • The platform enables near real-time, geo-targeted delivery of life-saving alerts to millions of mobile users simultaneously without network congestion or dependence on internet connectivity.
  • CBS supports multi-hazard alerting across weather, floods, tsunamis, landslides and forest fires with geo-fenced targeting and multi-lingual messaging in 21 Indian languages.
  • The solution aligns with the United Nations’ “Early Warnings for All (EW4All)” initiative, the ITU Call to Action, and multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals.

National Dental Commission replaces Dental Council of India to reform dental education

[Dental Council of India]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) constituted the National Dental Commission (NDC) through a notification on 19 March 2026.
  • The NDC replaces the dissolved Dental Council of India (DCI) and repeals the Dentists Act.
  • Three autonomous boards are established under the NDC: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board, Dental Assessment and Rating Board, and Ethics and Dental Registration Board.
  • Dr. Sanjay Tewari is appointed Chairperson of the NDC and Dr. Mousumi Goswami as part-time member.
  • Dr. Chandrashekhar Janakiram heads the Education Board and Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nanda Kishore Sahoo heads the Assessment and Rating Board.
  • The NDC will frame regulations, assess and rate dental institutions, promote research, set education and ethics standards, and develop fee regulation guidelines for private dental colleges.

Similar Coverage

Ministry of Power Constitutes Committees for PFC and REC Merger (End of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Power (MoP) has constituted a high-level committee and a three-member working group to oversee the merger of Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).
  • The working group is headed by the Director (Distribution) of the MoP and includes executive directors from both PFC and REC as members.
  • The working group is tasked with studying and recommending strategies for personnel and technology integration, corporate and functional restructuring, and harmonisation of stakeholder interests.
  • The high-level committee is convened by the Joint Secretary (Distribution) of the MoP, with the Chairman and Managing Directors (MDs) of PFC and REC serving as members.
  • The high-level committee will meet once every week to review progress reports from the working group and ensure the smooth execution of the merger process.
Motilal Oswal Home Finance signs USD 100 million debt deal with Asian Development Bank (ADB) for women-focused, affordable, green housing. (Start of March) ▼
  • Motilal Oswal Home Finance will raise USD 100 million in rupee-equivalent non-convertible debentures from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
  • Part of the funds will provide affordable housing loans to women borrowers.
  • Ten per cent of the proceeds will finance residential units that meet recognised green building certification standards.
  • Women currently account for only 13 per cent of homeowners according to ADB.
  • During the first nine months of FY26 Motilal Oswal Home Finance disbursed Rs 1,303 crore.
  • Gross NPA stood at 1.43 per cent as of December 2025.
MoHFW Regulatory Reforms for Food Safety and Ease of Doing Business (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) approved comprehensive regulatory reforms aligned with the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms of NITI Aayog.
  • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) registrations and licences will now have perpetual validity, eliminating the requirement for periodic renewals for Food Business Operators (FBOs).
  • With effect from 1st April 2026, the turnover threshold for registration will be increased from ₹12 lakhs to ₹1.5 crore.
  • The threshold for State licensing has been set up to ₹50 crores, with Central licensing applicable for businesses exceeding this limit.
  • Street food vendors registered under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, will be considered as deemed registered under FSSAI, benefiting over 10 lakh vendors.
  • A technology-enabled, dynamic risk-based inspection framework will be implemented to incentivise compliant businesses and reduce repetitive inspections based on nature of food and past compliance records.
Oil India and NSTFDC MoU: ₹86.27 Lakh Sanctioned for Tribal Healthcare Infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh (Mid of March) ▼
  • Oil India Limited (OIL) signed an MoU with the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) on 12 March 2026 at OIL’s corporate office in Noida.
  • The MoU sanctions ₹86.27 lakh for upgrading healthcare facilities in Rajgarh district, Madhya Pradesh, an Aspirational District under the Government of India’s programme.
  • Funds will strengthen Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) by providing ambulances, life-care and diagnostic equipment, ventilators, CPAP machines, BiPAP machines, and USG machines.

Telangana Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 3.24 lakh crore with focus on infrastructure and poll promises.

[Telangana]

Key Updates:

  • Telangana government presented a budget of Rs 3.24 lakh crore for 2026-27, an increase of nearly Rs 20,000 crore over the previous year.
  • Revenue expenditure is pegged at Rs 2,34,406 crore and capital expenditure at Rs 47,267 crore.
  • Agriculture sector received Rs 23,179 crore, Energy sector Rs 21,285 crore.
  • Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department allocated Rs 17,907 crore.
  • Medical and Health Department set aside Rs 13,679 crore.
  • Flagship programmes include Musi Riverfront beautification and Hyderabad Metrorail Phase 2 and 3.
  • Telangana's GSDP for 2025-26 is Rs 17,82,198 crore with a growth rate of 10.7%.
  • Per capita income for 2025-26 stood at Rs 4,18,931, recording a growth of 10.2%.

Similar Coverage

Uttarakhand FY 2026-27 Budget of Rs 1.11 lakh crore through GYAN Model (Mid of March) ▼
  • Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presented the state budget of Rs 1.11 lakh crore for Financial Year 2026-27.
  • The budget was presented on the first day of the session after the Governor's address, a first in state history.
  • The GYAN model targets poor, youth, farmers (annadata), and women as four key development pillars.
  • Annapurti Scheme allocation is Rs 1,300 crore.
  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) allocation is Rs 298.35 crore and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) is Rs 56.12 crore.
  • Rs 25 crore is allocated for housing for economically weaker sections.
  • Free travel in Transport Corporation buses for designated passengers gets Rs 42 crore.
  • Cooking gas subsidy provision is Rs 43.03 crore.
  • Social security pensions (Divyang Pension, Teelu Rauteli Pension, others) receive Rs 167.05 crore.
  • Disaster-affected family rehabilitation fund is Rs 25 crore.
  • Chief Minister Self-Employment Scheme allocation is Rs 60 crore.
  • Migration Prevention Scheme gets Rs 10 crore.
  • Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Rural Skill Development Scheme allocation is Rs 62.29 crore.
  • Assistance to non-government colleges is Rs 155.38 crore.
  • Shiksha Mitras honorarium provision is Rs 10 crore.
  • Chief Minister Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Scheme receives Rs 10 crore.
  • Trout Promotion Scheme allocation is Rs 39.90 crore.
  • Mission Apple gets Rs 42 crore.
  • Incentive for milk producers is Rs 32 crore.
  • Deendayal Upadhyay Cooperative Farmers Welfare Scheme allocation is Rs 42.50 crore.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana receives Rs 160.13 crore.
  • Millet Mission allocation is Rs 12 crore.
  • Farmers' Pension Scheme gets Rs 12.06 crore.
  • Nanda Gaura Scheme allocation is Rs 220 crore.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana receives Rs 47.78 crore.
  • Chief Minister Mahalakshmi Kit Scheme gets Rs 30 crore.
Tripura NAVCHETNA initiative promotes technology-driven education (Mid of March) ▼
  • Tripura Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy announced NAVCHETNA to set up Innovation and Technology Laboratories in institutions.
  • NAVCHETNA will focus on Artificial Intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things, coding and automation.
  • Tripura budget FY 2026–27 allocated Rs 914.82 crore to Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), a 6.34 per cent increase.
  • ‘Mukhyamantri Antarjatik Kormosangstan Prokolpa’ launched to facilitate overseas employment for nursing, ITI, diploma and graduate students.
  • State to establish a Drone School offering DGCA-approved licences for drone pilots.
  • Foreign Language School to be set up in Agartala in collaboration with Ramakrishna Mission.
Karnataka Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 4.48 lakh crore with AI Centre of Excellence and flood relief (Start of March) ▼
  • Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the State Budget 2026-27 with a total outlay of Rs 4,48,004 crore.
  • The state will set up two centres in collaboration with the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms and NASSCOM at a total cost of Rs 16 crore to establish a state-of-the-art AI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
  • Karnataka will have a Leopard Rehabilitation Centre in Bannerghatta Biological Park at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore.
  • The state will implement disaster management projects over five years for Rs 5,000 crore to address flooding in Bengaluru under the Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Programme (KWSRP), a World Bank-funded initiative.
  • The government is developing a Karnataka-specific economic framework described as the '11G model' to guide the state's growth.
  • 15,000 vacant posts of teachers in schools and colleges will be filled in the next fiscal year.
  • A grant of Rs 565 crore will be provided for the construction of new rooms and repair works in government primary, high schools, and Pre-University Colleges.
  • Rs 75 crore is allocated for the construction of toilets and Rs 25 crore for the procurement of furniture in schools.
  • A grant of Rs 125 crore will be made for the maintenance of government primary schools, high schools, and Pre-University Colleges.
  • Rs 3,900 crore will be spent for upgradation of 800 schools to Karnataka Public Schools (KPS).
Tamil Nadu Interim Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 2.55 lakh crore (End of February) ▼
  • Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu presented a Rs 2,55,391 crore interim budget for 2026-27.
  • Rs 4,000 crore allocated for the DMK’s flagship scheme of free bus travel for women.
  • Education sector received the highest allocation of Rs 57,039 crore.
  • Urban development allocated Rs 35,773 crore and health department Rs 22,090 crore.
  • Transport Department allocated Rs 13,062 crore in the Interim Budget Estimates.

Indian Navy to commission stealth frigate INS Taragiri on 3 April 2026

Key Updates:

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will preside over the commissioning ceremony of INS Taragiri (F41) on 3 April 2026.
  • INS Taragiri is the fourth 6,670-tonne guided-missile frigate of Project 17A built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
  • The warship exceeds 75 per cent indigenous content with components sourced from over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
  • It features a stealth hull design for reduced radar cross-section and uses a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system.
  • Its weapons suite includes supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and an anti-submarine warfare suite integrated through a Combat Management System.
  • The frigate is configured for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
  • Project 17A is an upgraded iteration of the Shivalik-class frigates and involves seven ships being built by MDL and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

Similar Coverage

Indian Navy to commission INS Anjadip at Chennai port on 27 February (Start of March) ▼
  • INS Anjadip is the third of eight vessels built under the anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft project.
  • Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the 77-metre-long ship achieves 25 knots via water-jet propulsion.
  • The vessel carries the indigenous hull-mounted sonar Abhay, Lightweight Torpedoes and ASW Rockets for littoral anti-submarine warfare.
  • Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi will attend the commissioning ceremony on Friday.
  • Named after Anjadip island off Karwar, North Karnataka, the ship will operate in coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry waters.
Indian Navy launches first indigenous cadet training ship Krishna in Chennai (Mid of February) ▼
  • The first of three indigenous cadet training ships, named Krishna, was launched at the L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai.
  • The ship is named after the River Krishna, which is the third longest river in India.
  • The vessel was launched in the presence of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and DWWA president Anupama.
  • The Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed the contract for the three cadet training ships with M/s L&T Shipyard in March 2023.
  • The ship is designed to accommodate a crew strength of 20 officers, 150 sailors, and 200 cadets.
  • The primary role of the ship is to provide basic sea training to Navy cadets, while secondary roles include hospital ship, non-combatant evacuation, HADR, and SAR operations.
Indian Navy joins US-led Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 in Guam (Mid of March) ▼
  • Exercise Sea Dragon 2026, a US-led multinational anti-submarine warfare drill, is under way at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
  • The two-week exercise involves P-8A Poseidon and P-8I aircraft tracking simulated and live submarine targets.
  • Indian Navy has deployed one Boeing P8I maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft to the exercise.
  • Participating forces include Indian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force.
  • Royal Australian Air Force has committed a P-8A Poseidon aircraft and 50 aviators from the recently re-formed 12 Squadron.
Indian Navy First Training Squadron concludes three-day Indonesia visit (End of January) ▼
  • Indian Navy First Training Squadron (1TS) departed Belawan, Indonesia on January 23 after a three-day port call.
  • Ships of 1TS included INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi.
  • Professional interactions, cultural exchanges, training visits and friendly sports meets were held with Indonesian Navy personnel.
  • Capt Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer 1TS, met Laksamana Muda (RAdm) Deny Septiana, Commander of Naval Area Command I (Komando Kodaeral I).
  • An onboard reception co-hosted by 1TS and Consulate General of India, Medan, was attended by senior dignitaries of Kodaeral I with Kolonel Wirawan Aby P, Chief of Operations, as Chief Guest.
  • Indian naval trainees visited Komando Daerah Angkatan Laut I facilities to understand regional command roles.
  • Joint yoga sessions and friendly sports were organised fostering camaraderie between the two navies.
  • Ships were opened to local school children, generating excitement and curiosity through guided tours.
  • The visit advances India's Act East Policy and strengthens maritime cooperation with Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) member Indonesia under the MAHASAGAR vision.

India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after six-year hiatus

[China]

Key Updates:

  • Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district will resume this year after a six-year suspension.
  • District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgai stated that preparations have begun for the trade session that typically runs from June to September following Union government directives.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs issued a No Objection Certificate for the resumption of trade.
  • Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri wrote to Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan requesting restoration of trade through the Himalayan pass.
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry have granted clearances for the trade resumption.
  • The state government has been asked to ensure resumption of trade for the 2026 session.
  • Local officials' contact details will be shared with Chinese counterparts for better coordination.
  • Authorities issuing trade passes, designated banks for currency exchange, the Customs Department and the Dharchula administration have been instructed to prepare a detailed action plan.
  • The action plan includes arrangements for transit camps, communication, banking services, security and medical facilities for traders.
  • Border trade with Tibet via Lipulekh had resumed in 1992 after a long suspension but was halted in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Jeevan Singh Ronkali, president of the Pithoragarh-based Simant Vyapar Sangathan, welcomed the decision and said traders would retrieve goods stored in warehouses in Tibet's Taklakot since 2019.

Similar Coverage

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Government proposes Shipki La Pass as additional pilgrimage route (Start of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is in dialogue with China to explore opening the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh as an additional route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
  • The MEA successfully organised the pilgrimage between June and August 2025 through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.
  • The programme is conducted in coordination with the state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
  • The yatra is managed on a self-financing basis, providing pilgrims with transportation, accommodation, food, medical tests, and guides.
  • Safety protocols for the pilgrimage include provisions for airlifting pilgrims by helicopter on the Indian side in the event of medical emergencies.
  • The pilgrimage is of spiritual significance to followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.
Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong announces India-China bilateral trade hit record USD 155.6 billion in 2025 (Start of February) ▼
  • India-China bilateral trade reached USD 155.6 billion in 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of over 12 per cent.
  • India’s exports to China grew by 9.7 per cent during the same period.
  • The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin last August led to improved ties and increased people-to-people exchanges.
  • China supports India’s BRICS presidency and is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with New Delhi for Global South development.
  • The military stand-off that began after the June 2020 Galwan Valley clashes effectively ended in October 2024.
Chinese customs data records India-China bilateral trade at all-time high of USD 155.62 billion in 2025. (Mid of January) ▼
  • Indian exports to China rose to USD 19.75 billion in 2025, up USD 5.5 billion from the previous year.
  • Chinese exports to India increased 12.8% to USD 135.87 billion in 2025.
  • The India-China trade deficit widened to a record USD 116.12 billion in 2025, crossing the USD 100-billion mark for the second time since 2023.
  • In 2024, the trade deficit stood at USD 99.21 billion with China’s exports at USD 113.45 billion and India’s exports at USD 14.25 billion.
  • China’s global trade surplus reached almost USD 1.2 trillion in 2025, up 20% from 2024, with exports at USD 3.77 trillion and imports at USD 2.58 trillion.
India and Canada commit to boost energy trade and critical mineral supply (End of January) ▼
  • Canada will export more crude oil, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to India.
  • India will ship higher volumes of refined oil to Canada.
  • Canadian Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri discussed higher investment in biofuels, batteries, electricity systems and critical minerals including Uranium.
  • Total India-Canada trade reached $9.7 billion in 2024.
  • India accounted for 1 per cent of Canada’s critical mineral exports in 2024.
  • Under the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), India is likely to sign a 10-year agreement worth 2.8 billion Canadian dollars for Canadian uranium supply.
  • Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit India in the first week of March to advance CEPA negotiations.

South Sudan conflict escalates amid renewed fighting in Akobo

[South Sudan]

Key Updates:

  • Fresh clashes between government forces and opposition groups intensified in Akobo, South Sudan.
  • South Sudan became independent from Sudan in 2011, making it the youngest country in the world.
  • Juba is the capital and largest city of South Sudan.
  • The Al Sudd, one of the largest swamp regions globally, is located in the central region of South Sudan.
  • The Nile River, the longest river in the world, flows through South Sudan and supports agriculture and livelihoods.
  • South Sudan shares borders with six countries: Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the southeast, Uganda to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and the Central African Republic to the west.

Similar Coverage

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports Israel's unlawful use of white phosphorus in southern Lebanon (Mid of March) ▼
  • Human Rights Watch (HRW) confirmed authenticity of seven photos showing white phosphorus munitions fired over Yohmor in southern Lebanon on March 3.
  • The Israeli military's use of airburst white phosphorus over residential areas violated international humanitarian law.
  • Fires broke out in at least two homes in Yohmor due to the incendiary effects of white phosphorus.
  • HRW verified images posted by the Islamic Health Committee in Yohmor showing civil defence workers extinguishing fires on rooftops and in a car.
  • HRW urged the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany to suspend military sales to Israel and impose targeted sanctions on officials.
  • Israel had previously used white phosphorus between October 2023 and May 2024 across border villages in southern Lebanon.
  • At least 394 people have been killed and more than 1,000 injured in Lebanon in Israeli attacks.
  • More than half a million people have been registered as displaced in Lebanon as Israel issues forced displacement orders.
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.
Thailand and Cambodia sign ceasefire agreement after weeks of deadly border fighting (End of December) ▼
  • Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement that took effect at noon local time, calling for a halt in military movements and airspace violations for military purposes.
  • The agreement was signed by Cambodia's Defense Minister Tea Seiha and Thailand's Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit at a border checkpoint in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand.
  • The deal includes a provision for Thailand to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers held as prisoners since earlier fighting in July, contingent on the ceasefire holding for 72 hours.
  • The agreement reaffirms commitment to an earlier ceasefire brokered by Malaysia and pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump, formalized in October at a regional meeting in Malaysia.
  • Both sides agreed to joint humanitarian demining operations and to refrain from disseminating false information or fake news.
  • The agreement also calls for resumption of previous measures to demarcate the border and cooperation in suppressing transnational crimes, particularly online scams.
Syria declares ceasefire in Aleppo after three days of clashes with Kurdish forces (Mid of January) ▼
  • Syria’s government declared a ceasefire in Aleppo following three days of intense clashes with Kurdish fighters.
  • The truce took effect at 3 am local time (midnight GMT).
  • Under the ceasefire terms, Kurdish militants were to withdraw from Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zaid and be granted safe passage to north-east Syria controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
  • The SDF has not yet confirmed its agreement to the ceasefire.
  • The US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack confirmed the Aleppo ceasefire on X, stating Washington “warmly welcomes the temporary ceasefire”.

India and Italy agree for urgent implementation of initiative to counter terror financing

[Italy]

Key Updates:

  • India and Italy agreed on expeditious implementation of the India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism during the 9th India-Italy Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in New Delhi on March 20.
  • The Indian delegation was led by Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
  • The Italian delegation was led by Ambassador Nicoletta Bombardiere, Director General for Globalisation and Global Issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
  • Both sides expressed satisfaction on progress of the Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025-29 in sectors including trade, technology, space, defence, counter-terrorism and renewable energy.
  • First Maritime Security Dialogue is being planned to enhance maritime collaboration.

Similar Coverage

India and Spain unveil Dual Year logo and Spain joins Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) (End of January) ▼
  • External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares jointly unveiled the logo for the India-Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence on 21 January 2026 in New Delhi.
  • The unveiling marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Spain.
  • Spain formally acceded to the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) by handing over the signed Declaration of Accession to Jaishankar during the visit.
  • India launched the IPOI in November 2019 at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Discussions between the ministers covered trade, investment, defence, technology, education and people-to-people ties.
  • Jaishankar thanked Spain for supporting deeper India-European Union cooperation across multiple domains.
India and South Korea conduct 6th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue in Seoul (Mid of February) ▼
  • The 6th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) between India and South Korea was held in Seoul.
  • The dialogue was co-chaired by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Park Yoon-joo, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea.
  • Both nations reviewed bilateral relations including security and defence cooperation, science and technology collaboration, and economic issues.
  • The two sides agreed to work towards enhancing their Special Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed commitments to global cooperation.
  • The engagement followed parliamentary talks between the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and South Korean legislators to reinforce strategic ties.
Japan and India hold 18th Japan–India Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi (End of January) ▼
  • The 18th Japan–India Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue was held in New Delhi, marking the substantive core of Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu’s official visit to India.
  • Both sides decided to initiate a Private Sector–led Business-to-Business Dialogue on Economic Security in early 2026.
  • A Japan–India AI Strategic Dialogue was formally established to cooperate on artificial intelligence governance, innovation, and competitiveness.
  • Japan will contribute to India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit in February 2026.
  • The next round of Senior Officials’ Talks on Economic Security and the Joint Working Group on Critical Minerals will be convened.
  • The Japan–India Startup Support Initiative (JISSI) was reviewed to promote collaboration between Japanese and Indian startups.
  • The Japan–India Intellectual Conclave (Kizuna Dialogue) is scheduled in Shillong in February 2026.
  • Foreign Minister Motegi called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirming the Japan–India partnership as a 'natural partnership' anchored in shared democratic values and strategic interests.
India and European Union adopt Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda at 16th summit (End of January) ▼
  • India and the European Union (EU) endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda during the 16th India-EU summit held in New Delhi.
  • The agenda covers five pillars: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global challenges, and enabling factors such as skills, mobility, business and people-to-people ties.
  • Both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Comprehensive Framework on Co-operation on Mobility to boost mobility of Indians to Europe.
  • They agreed to conclude an Investment Protection Agreement to provide high, predictable standards of protection for investors and promote investment in high-growth sectors.
  • An Agreement on Geographical Indications will be concluded to ensure effective protection of iconic products and boost trade opportunities.
  • The Trade and Technology Council (TTC) will expand discussions on economic security to include research security and protection of sensitive technologies.
  • The EU-India Semiconductor Memorandum of Understanding will be implemented to strengthen supply chains and promote collaboration in chip design, heterogeneous integration, sustainable semiconductor technologies and manufacturing technology development.
  • An EU-India Business Forum will be established to meet regularly and provide business perspectives to inform policymaking across TTC work strands.
  • India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership cooperation will cover energy technologies, smart grids, storage, electricity sector regulation and energy and climate diplomacy.
  • Collaborative research will focus on artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, advanced semiconductors, clean tech and biotech under the technology and innovation pillar.
  • India-EU Innovation Hubs will be set up to support dialogue, knowledge exchange and joint projects in critical emerging technologies.
  • An India-EU Startup Partnership will be established to deepen cooperation in innovation.
  • Cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy will be promoted under the India-Euratom agreement.
  • Under the security and defence pillar, both sides will consult on respective initiatives, exchange on defence industry-related matters and explore cooperation aligned with mutual security priorities.

Union Power Minister launches Indian Carbon Market Portal at Prakriti 2026 conference in New Delhi.

Key Updates:

  • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) organised Prakriti 2026 under the patronage of the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  • The Indian Carbon Market Portal serves as the central platform for implementing and administering the Indian Carbon Market.
  • India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023 has nine notified methodologies and over 40 registered entities submitting projects in biogas, hydrogen, and forestry.
  • The government has notified Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets for nearly 490 obligated entities across seven energy-intensive sectors.

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Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) to Issue First Credits by October 2026 (End of February) ▼
  • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) announced that India will issue its first carbon credits under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) in October 2026.
  • The scheme consists of two primary components: a mandatory compliance component covering 800 units in nine sectors and a voluntary offset component.
  • The BEE has already issued emission targets for approximately 490 units across seven sectors through notifications in October 2025 and January 2026.
  • The initial phase of the carbon trading operations will exclude the steel and fertiliser sectors, despite them being among the most polluting industries.
  • A dedicated portal for project registration and participation in the scheme is scheduled to be launched on 20 March 2026.
  • The Ministry of Power (MoP) is overseeing the draft scheme, which aligns with global designs such as the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
  • The first cycle of targets for the 2025-26 financial year will conclude on 31 March 2026, followed by a seven-month period for verification, assessment, and issuance.
  • Trading of the issued carbon credits is expected to take place between November 2026 and January 2027.
Union Budget 2026 allocates Rs 20,000 crore for CCUS to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors (Start of February) ▼
  • The Union Budget 2026 earmarks Rs 20,000 crore over five years for carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) targeting power, steel, cement, refinery and chemicals sectors.
  • The scheme will also support emissions reduction in iron, chemicals, coal gasification and green hydrogen applications.
  • India’s annual carbon dioxide emissions are about 2.6 gigatonne per annum (gtpa), making it the third largest emitter after China and the US.
  • The NITI Aayog and MN Dastur & Co 2022 joint report states India needs a sustainable solution for sectors contributing 70 % of emissions.
  • The programme may be implemented in phases with the first phase spanning six years and some sub-schemes eligible for 100 % government funding.
  • Semi-commercial CCUS projects may be fully funded by the government while laboratory-scale projects could receive partial support.
Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) Expanded to Include 208 Additional Industrial Units (End of January) ▼
  • The Government of India notified Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets for 208 additional carbon-intensive industrial units on 13 January.
  • The notification brings petroleum refineries, petrochemicals, textiles, and secondary aluminium under the compliance mechanism of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).
  • The expansion increases the total number of obligated entities covered under the Indian carbon market framework to 490.
  • Previously, in October 2025, the government notified GEI targets for 282 entities in the aluminium, cement, chlor-alkali, and pulp & paper sectors.
  • The CCTS operates through two routes: a compliance mechanism for designated industries and an offset mechanism for voluntary projects by non-obligated entities.
  • Under the compliance mechanism, entities that exceed their prescribed GEI reduction targets are awarded Carbon Credit Certificates, which can be sold to entities that fall short of their goals.
  • The offset mechanism allows non-obligated entities to earn certificates through projects in renewables, energy efficiency, and afforestation.
  • The initiative is designed to support India’s national commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
Carbon Credit Trading Scheme expands coverage to refineries, textiles, petrochemicals and secondary aluminium (End of January) ▼
  • The government has widened the scope of the Indian carbon market by setting greenhouse gas emission intensity (GEI) targets for 208 more carbon-intensive industrial units.
  • A notification issued on 13 January brings petroleum refineries, petrochemicals, textiles and secondary aluminium under the compliance mechanism of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).
  • With this latest inclusion, a total of 490 obligated entities across the country’s most emission-intensive sectors are now covered under the compliance framework of the Indian carbon market.

Desert moss Syntrichia caninervis survives Mars-like extremes, offers terraforming hope

Key Updates:

  • The desert moss Syntrichia caninervis can lose over 98 per cent of its cellular water and resume full photosynthetic activity within two seconds of rehydration.
  • Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) researchers subjected the moss to Mars simulation conditions—95 per cent carbon dioxide atmosphere, very low pressure and high ultraviolet radiation—for seven days, after which it regenerated new green branches.
  • The moss endured -196 degrees Celsius in liquid nitrogen and 5,000 Gy of radiation for 30 days, outperforming tardigrades and repairing its own DNA.
  • CAS classifies Syntrichia caninervis as ‘extremotolerant’ and proposes it as a pioneer species to create fertile soil on Mars by mixing decayed moss organic matter with Martian regolith for future crop cultivation.

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China's Zhurong Rover Discovers Ancient Shoreline Deposits on Mars (Start of March) ▼
  • China's Zhurong Mars rover, a component of the Tianwen-1 mission, has identified subsurface structures resembling sandy beach deposits on the planet.
  • The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), are based on ground-penetrating radar data from the Utopia Planitia region.
  • The Zhurong rover landed in Utopia Planitia in 2021, an area believed to have once contained the Deuteronilus Ocean.
  • The radar penetrated up to 80 metres below the surface, detecting layered sedimentary structures that slope upward, similar to coastal deposits on Earth.
  • The study suggests these formations were created by wave action during the Late Hesperian period, approximately 3.5 to 4 billion years ago.
  • The presence of these shoreline deposits indicates that Mars once possessed a thicker atmosphere and a warmer climate to maintain a stable liquid ocean.
  • India link not mentioned in the article.
Scientists Identify Earth Microbes for Biocementation-Based Mars Habitat Construction (Mid of January) ▼
  • Scientists are exploring an unusual but promising idea to help humans live on Mars.
  • Biocementation uses bacteria to turn Martian soil into strong, concrete-like material.
  • Sporosarcina pasteurii produces calcium carbonate through ureolysis, which solidifies loose soil.
  • Chroococcidiopsis, a cyanobacterium, survives extreme environments and can produce oxygen.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) utilises Devon Island for Mars simulation research (Mid of March) ▼
  • Devon Island, located in Nunavut, Canada, is the world's largest uninhabited island and serves as a primary site for Mars research.
  • The island is classified as a polar desert, characterized by freezing temperatures, extreme dryness, and a lack of vegetation.
  • The Haughton Impact Crater, a 20-kilometre-wide formation on the island, is used to simulate the cratered terrain of Mars.
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uses the island to test next-generation hardware, including analogue pressurised rovers, autonomous drones, and deep-drilling systems.
  • The Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) conducts the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse experiment to study plant growth in sterile, Mars-like soil.
  • Scientists study endolithic colonisation on the island, a process where microorganisms survive extreme ultraviolet (UV) radiation by living inside rocks.
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.

Shaheen falcons spotted nesting in Kochi, Kerala

Key Updates:

  • A pair of Shaheen falcons, a subspecies of the Peregrine falcon, was found nesting in a multi-storey residential complex under construction in Kochi, Kerala.
  • While Shaheen falcons are found across the Indian subcontinent in rocky or hilly regions, they are considered rare in the state of Kerala.
  • The species is known for the stoop, a hunting dive that can exceed speeds of 300 kilometres per hour.
  • Physical characteristics of the Shaheen falcon include a greyish-black upper body, a pale lower body, yellow talons, and a dark vertical stripe from the eye to the side of the face.
  • The birds in Kochi were observed preying on bats from the nearby Mangalavanam area, as well as pigeons, mynahs, and bulbuls.
  • Conservationists indicate that the adaptation of these cliff-dwelling birds to urban landscapes is a sign of environmental degradation and the loss of traditional nesting habitats.

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Rare Blue-and-White Flycatcher Spotted on Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat (Mid of March) ▼
  • A male blue-and-white flycatcher, a rare migratory bird, was sighted on Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat by a team from the Ghoghamba social forestry range.
  • The male bird is identified by its royal blue upperparts, black face and breast, and white belly, whereas the female of the species is brownish in colour.
  • The species has been recorded only approximately 149 times in India, as the country does not fall along its typical migration route.
  • The bird breeds in Japan, Korea, and parts of China and Russia between May and July, returning to these grounds between February and May.
  • During the wintering period from August to January, the species typically migrates to Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
  • Range Forest Officer (RFO) Jayesh Dumadiya noted that the bird resembles native species such as the black-naped monarch and Tickell's blue flycatcher.
  • A female of the same species was also recorded in the Kheda district of Gujarat in November.
India adds Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand as new Ramsar sites, tally reaches 98 (Start of February) ▼
  • Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district, Gujarat, were designated as Ramsar wetlands of international importance on 1 February 2026.
  • India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982 and now has 98 Ramsar sites.
  • Chhari-Dhand is a seasonal saline wetland between the Banni grasslands and Kutch salt flats that supports about 30,000 common cranes and critically endangered sociable lapwings each winter.
  • Patna Bird Sanctuary comprises freshwater marshes, woodlands and grasslands, records 178 bird species and 252 plant species, and is recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by BirdLife International.
  • Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated the sites are also home to chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes besides endangered birds.
Annual survey records 17 active White-bellied Sea Eagle nests in Kannur and Kasaragod districts (Mid of February) ▼
  • The 2026 annual nest monitoring survey recorded 17 active White-bellied Sea Eagle nesting sites in Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
  • The survey was conducted jointly by the Malabar Awareness and Rescue Centre for Wildlife (MARC) and the Social Forestry Divisions of Kannur and Kasaragod.
  • Of the 17 nests, 10 are located in Kasaragod district and 7 in Kannur district.
  • In Kasaragod, all nests were categorised as old, while in Kannur, 4 nests were newly recorded and 3 were old.
  • Around 70% of the nests in Kasaragod were found within temple compounds.
  • For the first time, a nest was found on a telephone tower at Kattampally.
  • The eagles preferred large, mature trees for nesting, including Ficus religiosa (4 nests), Mangifera indica (6), Alstonia scholaris (2), and Casuarina species (3).
  • The White-bellied Sea Eagle breeds between January and March and reuses the same nest each year after renovation.
  • In Kerala, the species is known to nest only in Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
Wild Himalayan griffon vulture sighted in Maharashtra Melghat Tiger Reserve (Mid of February) ▼
  • A wild Himalayan griffon vulture was sighted in the Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, marking a significant milestone in vulture conservation.
  • The vulture population in the region had experienced a sharp decline by 2004 due to the use of harmful Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
  • The sighting follows collaborative conservation and rewilding initiatives between the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Maharashtra Forest Department.
  • Captive-bred long-billed vultures were released into the wild earlier this year as part of the ongoing restoration programme.
  • Technological tracking is being employed to monitor the survival and adaptation of the vultures in their natural habitat.

New wild kiwi species Actinidia indica discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

Key Updates:

  • A new species of wild kiwi, Actinidia indica, has been discovered in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The species was recorded at an elevation of approximately 1,725 metres along forest edges in the Eastern Himalayan region.
  • The plant is a perennial climbing shrub that grows between 2 to 4 metres in height and features densely hairy young branches.
  • It is characterised by large ovate leaves, white to creamy flowers, and globose, olive-green fruits with a distinct reticulate lenticel pattern.
  • The discovery adds to the global diversity of the Actinidia genus, which includes various kiwi fruit species found across the world.

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National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Observes Massive Phytoplankton Bloom Near Chatham Islands (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-20 satellite captured images of a phytoplankton bloom encircling the Chatham Islands on January 10, 2026.
  • The Chatham Islands are situated on the Chatham Rise, an underwater plateau that extends eastward from the South Island of New Zealand and separates areas of deeper water.
  • Phytoplankton blooms are common in this region where cold, nutrient-rich currents from the Antarctic and warm, nutrient-poor water from the subtropics converge.
  • The well-mixed water and long daylight hours in the austral summer boost phytoplankton populations, which serve as the base of the local food web.
  • The waters around the islands support productive fisheries for species such as pāua, rock lobster, and blue cod, as well as five seal species and 25 whale and dolphin species.
  • Despite the biological abundance, the Chatham Islands are a known hotspot for whale and dolphin strandings, where hundreds of animals are sometimes beached.
Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington-led team finds largest black coral off Fiordland, New Zealand (Mid of January) ▼
  • Marine scientists have discovered the largest black coral ever found in the sea off New Zealand.
  • The coral measures more than 13 feet high and about 15 feet wide and is estimated to be around 300 to 400 years old.
  • Large and old corals are important breeding sources for this slow-growing species.
  • Black corals are protected under the Wildlife Act, making it illegal to deliberately collect or damage them.
  • These corals are mostly found in deep waters and are used for medicine and jewelry in many cultures.
Rare Clouded Leopard Sighted in Kakoi Reserve Forest (RF) Highlights Conservation of Smaller Habitats (End of December) ▼
  • The Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a vulnerable and Schedule I–protected species.
  • The species was sighted at the Kakoi Reserve Forest (RF) located in the eastern Himalayan foothills of Assam.
  • The sighting was recorded during a routine camera-trap exercise.
  • The presence of the species highlights the vital role smaller reserve forests play in the conservation of threatened carnivores.
  • A Siberian tigress was spotted with five cubs in China.
  • Forest officials in Panchkula have deployed drones for rescue teams following an alert over a leopard sighting.
  • A rare red fox appeared near Pangong Tso, leading an IFS officer to flag conservation concerns.
  • The Nature Conservancy is restoring habitat for a rare moth and other prairie species.
Fossil discovery in Gujarat identifies giant snake from Eocene era (End of December) ▼
  • Fossil evidence discovered in Gujarat has attracted scientific notice due to evidence of a snake of extraordinary size that existed during what is loosely defined as the Eocene era, some 47 million years ago.
  • The species was identified as a related member of the extinct madtsoiid species, the clade of species recognised for having evolved the largest species of snake throughout history.
  • The fossils of the collected Gujarat species are dominated by well-preserved vertebrae in sedimentary deposits from the early Eocene period.
  • Described in the study published in Scientific Reports, the species has outstanding vertebral features compared with similar species of the madtsoiid genus.
  • The Eocene was a time when the planet saw hot conditions year-round, and the polar regions were mostly devoid of ice.
  • Analysis of the geological and palaeobotanical data available for Gujarat has revealed a landscape dominated by rivers, deltas, and dense forests.
  • Madtsoiids have been found on various southern continents: Africa, South America, and Australia; these continents all comprised the supercontinent Gondwana.

Supreme Court (SC) clears removal of 45,675 mangroves for Versova-Bhayandar coastal road

Key Updates:

  • The Supreme Court (SC) refused to interfere with a Bombay High Court (HC) order allowing the removal of 45,675 mangrove trees for the proposed Versova-Bhayandar coastal road.
  • A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant noted that the project is intended to decongest the western highway and provide significant advantages to Mumbai residents.
  • The project proponent has identified 31 hectares of land for compensatory afforestation, which received permission on 12 December 2025.
  • The SC mandated that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Nagpur, must file annual status and audit reports for the next 10 years on or before 12 January.
  • The environmental NGO Vanasakthi contested the project, stating that mangroves absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) five times more than normal forests and serve as critical flood protection for Mumbai.
  • The court emphasised the need to maintain a balance between environmental protection norms and developmental requirements in the public interest.

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Illegal earth cutting near Deepor Beel wetland persists despite Gauhati High Court and Assam Forest Department bans (Mid of March) ▼
  • Residents of the Seventh Mile area allege that a group of middlemen and miscreants have been illegally excavating soil for over a month from the Kalshila wetland connected to Deepor Beel.
  • The illegal excavation occurs mostly at night from around 8 pm, with dumpers transporting soil excavated using JCB machines to various locations for commercial gain.
  • The Gauhati High Court and the Assam Forest Department have imposed prohibitory orders, yet the activity continues unabated on government land and wetlands.
  • The wetland lies near the training school of the Assam Police Radio Organisation and the Assam Engineering College under the jurisdiction of Jalukbari Police Outpost.
  • Locals warned that repeated excavation since 2021 during the dry season threatens the biodiversity of the Kalshila wetland and the sensitive ecological zone of Deepor Beel.
  • The citizens have urged the Kamrup (Metro) district administration, city police, and forest authorities to conduct an immediate spot inquiry and take strict legal action against those involved.
Rising CO₂ drives hypercapnic hypoxia in mangrove estuaries, endangering global fish nurseries (End of March) ▼
  • Hypercapnic hypoxia—high CO₂ and low oxygen—now occurs mildly 34–43% of the time and severely 6–32% of the time across 23 assessed mangrove sites.
  • Climate change will lower oxygen by 5–35% and raise CO₂ by 8–60% in mangrove waters by 2100, making events 15 times more frequent under extreme scenarios.
  • By 2100, 78% of sites will face mild hypoxia lasting 12–24 consecutive hours during heatwaves, while Amazon mangroves may experience hypercapnia 100% of the time.
  • A 10°C temperature rise (20°C to 30°C) cuts dissolved oxygen by 30% and boosts CO₂ by 50%, shrinking safe nursery windows for fish.
  • Commercially valuable species—common silver-biddy (Gerres oyena), silver grunt (Pomadasys argenteus), pink ear emperor (Lethrinus lentjan), and Indian goatfish (Parupeneus indicus)—are among the low-tolerance fish at risk.
  • Mangroves support ~20,000 extra fish per hectare per year worth $10 million and provide livelihoods for ~4 million fishers, mainly in Brazil, Indonesia, and Tanzania.
Inland Waterways Projects on Brahmaputra (NW-2) with ₹526 crore Investment Launched (Mid of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an elevated road corridor connecting Pandu Port in Guwahati to National Highway-27 built with an investment of ₹180 crore.
  • He laid the foundation stone for the Cruise Terminal at Biswanath Ghat and performed Bhoomi Pujan for the Cruise Terminal at Neamati with a combined investment of ₹158 crore.
  • Bhoomi Pujan was performed for the Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) at Bogibeel, Dibrugarh, being developed with an investment of ₹188 crore to train over 5,000 students annually in vessel operations, inland navigation and maritime logistics.
  • All four projects are being implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) to boost infrastructure on inland waterways on river Brahmaputra (NW-2).
National Green Tribunal (NGT) clears Rs 81,000-crore Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project (Mid of February) ▼
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) special bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, upheld the environmental clearance for the Rs 81,000-crore Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project.
  • The project covers 166 sq km and involves the construction of a transshipment port, an integrated township, a civil and military airport, and a 450-MVA gas and solar power-based plant.
  • The development requires the diversion of 130 sq km of forest land and the felling of nearly one million trees on Great Nicobar Island.
  • A High-Powered Committee (HPC) headed by former environment secretary Leena Nandan was constituted to review the project environmental clearance (EC) and compliance.
  • The NGT confirmed that the project adheres to the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) notification, 2019, and does not fall within prohibited coastal areas.
  • The tribunal mandated specific conservation measures for endemic species, including the leatherback sea turtle, Nicobar megapode, saltwater crocodiles, robber crab, and Nicobar macaque.
  • The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) reported that no coral reefs exist within the immediate project area and recommended the translocation of scattered coral reefs.
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is directed to prevent shoreline erosion and protect sandy beaches used as nesting sites for turtles and birds.

Government establishes Rare Earth Magnet Pilot Plant at ARCI, Hyderabad

Key Updates:

  • India has established a pilot plant for manufacturing neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) rare earth permanent magnets at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) in Hyderabad.
  • The facility operates under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and was inaugurated by DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar.
  • The plant adopts an end-to-end manufacturing process ranging from strip-cast alloy production to the creation of finished sintered magnets.
  • Nd-Fe-B magnets are critical components used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.
  • ARCI is developing a mineral-to-market ecosystem covering the entire value chain from rare earth extraction to magnet manufacturing.
  • The pilot plant is designed to support technology validation, process optimisation, and the scaling of indigenous innovations for commercial production.
  • The initiative aims to address global supply chain vulnerabilities and strengthen indigenous capabilities in critical technologies for Viksit Bharat 2047.

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Union Minister Unveils Solar, Defence, and Foundry Projects at BHEL Haridwar (Mid of March) ▼
  • Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy dedicated a 5-MW ground-mounted solar power plant at the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) facility in Haridwar.
  • The solar installation comprises over 11,000 solar modules and is expected to generate approximately 90 lakh kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually to support India’s Net Zero target by 2070.
  • A 30-ton Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) was inaugurated at the Central Foundry and Forge Plant of BHEL to enhance domestic manufacturing capacity for critical components in power and strategic industries.
  • The Minister flagged off the Upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) for the Indian Navy, an indigenous weapon system capable of firing 120 rounds per minute with a range of 35 kilometres.
  • A large turbo generator manufactured at the Haridwar facility was dispatched for a major power project, highlighting BHEL’s expertise in high-capacity electricity infrastructure.
  • The projects were launched under the national visions of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India to strengthen industrial resilience and reduce import dependence.
Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) approved with over ₹7,000 crore outlay (End of December) ▼
  • The Government has approved over 7 thousand crore rupees for the ‘Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets’ (REPM).
  • REPM aims to build India’s first integrated domestic manufacturing ecosystem for high-value magnets and create 6,000 metric tonnes per annum capacity spanning the entire value chain from rare-earth oxides to finished magnets.
  • The Ministry of Mines has entered into bilateral agreements with mineral-rich countries, including Australia, Argentina and Zambia, to support the initiative.
VoxelGrids Builds India’s First Indigenous MRI Scanner (End of December) ▼
  • VoxelGrids, a Zoho-backed start-up, has developed the country’s first indigenous MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner.
  • The machine, with a Magnetic Field Strength of 1.5 tesla, is not just a locally made version of MRIs from global giants like Siemens or GE HealthCare but comes with its own technological advancements.
  • VoxelGrids’ MRI scanners, due to the absence of liquid helium, are around 40 per cent cheaper to build.
  • The electronics around the magnet are extremely well-packaged while maintaining the same bore-size making it far more power efficient and reducing operating costs exponentially.
  • The scanner has been deployed at Chandrapur Cancer Care Foundation (CCCF) near Nagpur.
  • The company already has the capacity to make 20-25 such scanners per year at its Bengaluru manufacturing facility.
Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) approved with an outlay of ₹7,280 crore (End of December) ▼
  • The Government has approved the ‘Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnet’ (REPM) with a financial outlay of ₹7,280 crore.
  • The scheme aims to establish 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of integrated REPM manufacturing capacity in India, covering the full chain from rare-earth oxides to finished magnets.
  • The total capacity will be distributed among up to five beneficiaries through a global competitive bidding process, with each beneficiary eligible for up to 1,200 MTPA, ensuring diversification along with adequate scale.
  • The scheme includes a strong incentive structure, with ₹6,450 crore earmarked as sales-linked incentives for REPM production over five years.
  • A ₹750 crore capital subsidy will support the establishment of advanced, integrated REPM manufacturing facilities.
  • The scheme will be implemented over seven years, comprising a two-year gestation period for setting up the integrated REPM facilities followed by five years of incentive disbursement linked to REPM sales.
  • This also complements India’s broader focus on strengthening its critical mineral value chain through the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), which aims to improve availability and processing capabilities for key minerals, including rare-earth elements utilised across advanced sectors.
  • The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) has been reformed under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023 to strengthen India’s critical minerals ecosystem by opening private participation in all spheres of mineral exploration.

Surge in Legionnaires’ Disease Cases Highlights Urban Water Safety Risks

Key Updates:

  • Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila.
  • Individuals contract the disease by inhaling contaminated water droplets from sources such as cooling towers, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, fountains, and plumbing networks.
  • The disease is not contagious and does not spread from person to person.
  • Symptoms typically appear within 2 to 14 days and include high fever, cough, breathlessness, muscle pain, and confusion.
  • The disease has a mortality rate of approximately 5–10 per cent, particularly affecting elderly individuals, smokers, and those with weakened immunity.
  • Legionella bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water, making summer months and rising global temperatures critical risk periods.
  • India has reported sporadic cases of the disease, with hospitals, hotels, and large residential complexes identified as being particularly at risk.

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Puri (Odisha) becomes first Indian city to deliver BIS-grade tap water safe for direct drinking (Mid of January) ▼
  • Puri is the only Indian city where residents can drink tap water straight without side effects.
  • Water meets every Bureau of Indian Standards limit, certified by BIS.
  • Multi-stage treatment train: sedimentation, filtration, ozonation, chlorination plus real-time sensor monitoring.
  • Mission name: Drink from Tap (DFT).
  • State plans to extend DFT to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
New York City joins WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network after United States withdrawal (Start of February) ▼
  • New York City Health Department announced it has joined the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).
  • The decision follows President Donald Trump's withdrawal of the United States from WHO.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, both Democrats, have also said their states will join GOARN.
  • GOARN comprises more than 360 technical institutions that respond to public health events such as pandemics and disease outbreaks.
  • By joining GOARN, New York City gains access to a global network of over 360 institutions for deployment of staff and resources to affected countries.
Indore Epidemic Response: Chlorination & Tanker Supply Drive (Start of January) ▼
  • Indore health administration declared the Bhagirathpura waterborne outbreak an epidemic.
  • Specialised teams from ICMR-NIRBI and NCDC were called in to contain the spread and identify contamination sources.
  • Narmada water supply in the affected zone remains suspended until pipelines are certified fully decontaminated.
Meghalaya launches probe into suspected meningococcal cases after two Agniveer trainees die (Start of March) ▼
  • Meghalaya’s State Surveillance Unit (SSU) has launched an epidemiological investigation into suspected meningococcal infections in East Khasi Hills.
  • Two Agniveer trainees at the Assam Regimental Centre (ARC) have died from suspected meningococcal bacterial infection over the past two weeks.
  • The State Health Department has deployed a team at ARC and sent samples for laboratory testing.
  • The District Surveillance Unit (DSU) is coordinating with SSU to conduct contact tracing, laboratory reviews, and strengthen surveillance measures.
  • No new cases have been detected in other areas or at ARC, and contacts of a previous case have been isolated at Military Hospital (MH) Shillong.
  • Army medical officials are conducting intensive monitoring, and masking and restricted movement protocols remain in force at the military facility.
  • The health department has advised people to report to the nearest medical facility if they experience sudden high fever, headache, vomiting, or a rapidly spreading rash.

UCLA Stop Methane Project identifies mega methane leaks from oil, gas and waste sites as major global warming driver

Key Updates:

  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) researchers analysed Carbon Mapper satellite data and detected about 4,400 significant methane plumes in 2025, each releasing more than 100 kilograms per hour.
  • Major leak hotspots are concentrated in Turkmenistan, the United States, Venezuela and Iran, with nine of the 10 largest US leaks found in Texas.
  • One recorded leak released roughly 5.5 tonnes of methane per hour, an emission level comparable to that from about one million vehicles.
  • Methane accounts for approximately a quarter of current global warming, and cutting these leaks could deliver fast climate benefits while providing time for longer-term clean energy transitions.

Similar Coverage

UN issues first carbon credits under Paris Agreement for Myanmar clean-cooking project (Start of March) ▼
  • The United Nations (UN) has approved the first credits under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM).
  • The credited project is a clean cooking initiative in Myanmar that distributes efficient biomass cookstoves, implemented with a South Korean company.
  • Generated credits will count towards the climate targets of South Korea and Myanmar.
  • UN Climate Change states the credited emissions reductions are 40 percent lower than under the previous scheme due to more conservative calculations.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates over two billion people globally use open fires or inefficient stoves fuelled by kerosene, coal, or biomass.
  • Only 78 percent of the global population is expected to have access to clean cooking by 2030 at current rates.
International Energy Agency (IEA) authorises release of 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves (Mid of March) ▼
  • The International Energy Agency (IEA) has agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from its members’ strategic reserves to counter soaring global energy prices.
  • This emergency collective action is significantly larger than the 182 million barrels of oil released by IEA member countries in 2022.
  • IEA member countries currently hold more than 1.2 billion barrels of emergency oil stocks and 600 million barrels of industry stocks held under government obligation.
  • The United Kingdom (UK) will contribute 13.5 million barrels of oil to the collective release.
  • South Korea has announced a contribution of 22.46 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves.
  • Germany, Austria, and Japan have also committed to releasing parts of their oil reserves following the IEA request.
  • International benchmark Brent crude oil prices surged by more than 25 percent since 28 February 2026, reaching a peak of $119 per barrel.
  • The IEA reserves were established in 1974 following the Arab oil embargo to respond to global oil supply disruptions.
Gas Leak at Bhageria Chemicals in Palghar, Maharashtra (Start of March) ▼
  • Oleum (fuming sulphuric acid) gas leaked from Bhageria Industries Ltd unit in Boisar MIDC, Palghar, Maharashtra, around 2 pm.
  • Over 2,600 people, including 1,600 students from Tarapur Vidyamandir and more than 1,000 workers, were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
  • The gas leak affected areas within a five-kilometre radius due to wind velocity.
  • Three persons reported minor eye irritation and are receiving medical treatment.
  • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and Fire Brigade teams used self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and deployed sandbags to suppress fumes.
  • Palghar District Collector Dr Indu Rani Jakhar stated the leakage occurred from a 2,500-litre capacity oleum day tank.
Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards notified under National Green Hydrogen Mission (Start of March) ▼
  • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) notified Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards on 27 February 2026.
  • Green Ammonia must have total non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions not exceeding 0.38 kg CO₂ eq/kg NH₃ averaged over 12 months.
  • Green Methanol must have total non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions not exceeding 0.44 kg CO₂ eq/kg CH₃OH averaged over 12 months.
  • Carbon dioxide for Green Methanol may come from biogenic sources, Direct Air Capture, or existing industrial sources.
  • Renewable electricity used in production may be stored or banked with the grid as per regulations.
  • MNRE will issue separate rules for measurement, reporting, monitoring, verification, and certification.
  • Standards aim to decarbonise fertilisers, shipping, power, and heavy industry while boosting India’s green fuel exports.

National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) constitutes Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species

[National Biodiversity Authority]

Key Updates:

  • National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) constituted an Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species in pursuance of National Green Tribunal directions.
  • The Committee is chaired by Shri Dhananjai Mohan, IFS (Retd.), former PCCF and Head of Forest Force, Uttarakhand, with Prof. (Dr.) A. Biju Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, as Co-Chair.
  • The Committee will prepare a consolidated national list of invasive alien species based on State-wise inputs, identify high-risk species, and recommend science-based management strategies and national-level guidelines for prevention, control, and eradication.
  • The Committee includes representatives from Zoological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, ICAR research bureaus, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Wildlife Institute of India, Forest Survey of India, and State Forest Departments of Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Assam.
  • The Committee will function for a period of two years.

Similar Coverage

India submits first Nagoya Protocol implementation report to Convention on Biological Diversity (Mid of March) ▼
  • India filed its first national report on Nagoya Protocol implementation with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity on 27 February 2026.
  • The report covers implementation from 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025 and fulfills monitoring obligations under Article 29 of the protocol.
  • India’s access and benefit sharing framework operates under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, supported by the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024, and the Access and Benefit Sharing Regulations, 2025.
  • More than 276,653 Biodiversity Management Committees have been established nationwide to support biodiversity governance and benefit sharing with local communities.
  • Between 2017 and 2025, India issued 12,830 approvals under its access and benefit sharing framework, with 5,913 granted by the National Biodiversity Authority and 6,917 by State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils.
  • India published 3,556 Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance on the Access and Benefit Sharing Clearing-House, representing over 60 percent of the global total under the Nagoya Protocol.
  • The National Biodiversity Authority mobilised ₹216.31 crore and distributed ₹139.69 crore to benefit claimers including Biodiversity Management Committees, farmers, local communities, and holders of traditional knowledge.
  • State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils generated ₹51.96 crore through approvals granted to Indian entities.
  • Non-monetary outcomes under 395 approvals included training, technology transfer, collaborative research, and capacity-building initiatives.
  • The National Biodiversity Authority received 41 declarations in Form 10 related to the use of foreign biological resources under Rule 18 of the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024, and Section 36A of the Biological Diversity Act.
  • A total of 256,393 individuals participated in 3,724 workshops and programmes, with over 600 additional initiatives supporting biodiversity governance across the country.
NeophyteID App launched for invasive plant detection in Kerala (Start of February) ▼
  • Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the NeophyteID app at the Kerala Science Congress.
  • The Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences (MBGIPS) developed the AI-powered mobile application to identify invasive plant species across Kerala.
  • The app uses the YOLOv11 machine learning model for image recognition and geospatial tracking to detect and map invasive neophyte plants from camera or gallery images.
  • NeophyteID operates in English and Malayalam and targets local communities, students, and ecologists for community-based biodiversity management.
  • Each user identification updates a real-time distribution map to support research and conservation efforts.
  • The app currently includes data on 98 invasive plant species.
  • Developer N Aleem Yoosuf conceived the idea during an invasive plant eradication drive with tribal communities at Sughandagiri Tribal Eco Village, Wayanad.
  • Zameel Hassan collaborated on the web application component of NeophyteID.
India submits 7th National Biodiversity Report; only 2 of 23 targets on track for 2030 (Start of March) ▼
  • India submitted its 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 05 Mar 2026.
  • Only two of the 23 national biodiversity targets—NBT1 (biodiversity-inclusive land and sea-use planning) and NBT2 (ecosystem restoration)—are clearly on track for 2030.
  • Forest and tree cover totals 827,357 sq km, 25.17% of India’s geographical area, and rose by 1,445.81 sq km between 2021 and 2023.
  • 24.1 million hectares of degraded land have been restored or are under restoration against India’s 2030 Bonn Challenge pledge of 26 million hectares.
  • India’s tiger population stands at 3,167; Asiatic lion and one-horned rhinoceros numbers are also increasing.
  • Formal protected areas cover a little over 5% of India’s geographical area; marine protected areas and OECM sites are being expanded.
  • The report was prepared by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) with inputs from 33 central ministries and technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
  • Forest carbon stock increased to 7,285.5 million tonnes, up by 81.5 million tonnes from the previous assessment.
  • Agroforestry occupies 8.65% of India’s geographical area and trees outside forests form a significant share of total tree cover.
  • Data gaps, differing collection intervals, and limited protocols for newer indicators hinder consistent biodiversity monitoring.
Madhav Gadgil passes away, recipient of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Champions of the Earth award (Start of January) ▼
  • Madhav Gadgil chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), later known as the Gadgil Commission.
  • He was a key architect of India’s Biological Diversity Act and contributed to the implementation of the Forest Rights Act.
  • Gadgil established India’s first biosphere reserve, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in 1986.
  • In 2024, he was named a laureate of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Champions of the Earth award.

National Productivity Council (NPC) designated as Environment Audit Designated Agency under Environment Audit Rules 2025

[National Productivity Council, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]

Key Updates:

  • National Productivity Council (NPC), an autonomous body under Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), signed an agreement with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to function as Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA).
  • Environment Audit Rules 2025 were notified on 29 August 2025.
  • NPC will develop eligibility criteria for environmental auditors, conduct examinations and certification, register auditors, monitor performance, build capacity through training, and manage digital systems for audit processes.
  • Framework ensures compliance with Environment (Protection) Act 1986, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam 1980, and Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972.
  • NPC will certify Certified Environmental Auditors (CEA) and register Registered Environmental Auditors (REA), renew, suspend or cancel certifications, monitor performance, and maintain a publicly accessible online registry.
  • Capacity building efforts include training programmes, workshops, seminars, conferences and online courses for auditors.
  • NPC operates through 13 offices across India.

Similar Coverage

World Bank (WB) signs $300 million loan for Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program. (Mid of March) ▼
  • The World Bank (WB) signed a $300 million loan agreement with Uttar Pradesh for the UP Clean Air Management Program.
  • The program targets transport, agriculture, and industry to adopt cleaner technologies.
  • Around 200 new air quality monitors will be deployed under the initiative.
  • The project anticipates leveraging an additional $150 million in private investment.
  • Over 700 brick kilns will shift to eco-friendly technology.
  • 3.9 million households will gain access to clean cooking solutions.
  • Juhi Mukherjee from the Ministry of Finance, B Chandrakala from Uttar Pradesh Government, and Paul Procee from the World Bank attended the signing.
CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) opens National Environmental Standard Laboratory to certify air-pollution gear (Start of January) ▼
  • Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated the National Environmental Standard Laboratory at the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) premises.
  • The facility will test and calibrate equipment that monitors air pollution, including Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Equipment (OCEMS) and Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS).
  • The Environment Ministry has designated CSIR-NPL as the verification and certification agency for emission and ambient air pollution monitoring equipment in India.
Ministry of Power Constitutes Committees for PFC and REC Merger (End of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Power (MoP) has constituted a high-level committee and a three-member working group to oversee the merger of Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).
  • The working group is headed by the Director (Distribution) of the MoP and includes executive directors from both PFC and REC as members.
  • The working group is tasked with studying and recommending strategies for personnel and technology integration, corporate and functional restructuring, and harmonisation of stakeholder interests.
  • The high-level committee is convened by the Joint Secretary (Distribution) of the MoP, with the Chairman and Managing Directors (MDs) of PFC and REC serving as members.
  • The high-level committee will meet once every week to review progress reports from the working group and ensure the smooth execution of the merger process.
Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) Expanded to Include 208 Additional Industrial Units (End of January) ▼
  • The Government of India notified Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets for 208 additional carbon-intensive industrial units on 13 January.
  • The notification brings petroleum refineries, petrochemicals, textiles, and secondary aluminium under the compliance mechanism of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).
  • The expansion increases the total number of obligated entities covered under the Indian carbon market framework to 490.
  • Previously, in October 2025, the government notified GEI targets for 282 entities in the aluminium, cement, chlor-alkali, and pulp & paper sectors.
  • The CCTS operates through two routes: a compliance mechanism for designated industries and an offset mechanism for voluntary projects by non-obligated entities.
  • Under the compliance mechanism, entities that exceed their prescribed GEI reduction targets are awarded Carbon Credit Certificates, which can be sold to entities that fall short of their goals.
  • The offset mechanism allows non-obligated entities to earn certificates through projects in renewables, energy efficiency, and afforestation.
  • The initiative is designed to support India’s national commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Launches 5G Innovation Hackathon 2026

Key Updates:

  • The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications has launched the second edition of the 5G Innovation Hackathon 2026.
  • The initiative is organised under the 100 5G Use Case Labs Initiative to develop scalable solutions using 5G and allied technologies.
  • The hackathon is open to students, start-ups, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and independent innovators across India.
  • Submissions are accepted from 20 March 2026 until 17 April 2026 through designated nodal centres at academic institutions.
  • A seed funding pool of ₹50 lakh has been allocated for prototype development, while the total prize pool exceeds ₹10 lakh.
  • Prize rewards are structured as ₹5,00,000 for the first prize, ₹3,00,000 for the runner-up, ₹1,50,000 for the second runner-up, and ₹50,000 for the Best Idea Award.
  • Up to 25 teams will receive assistance for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) filing to protect and commercialise their solutions.
  • Final results will be announced on 1 October 2026, and winners will showcase their innovations at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026.
  • Focus areas include 5G Advanced, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability), Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN).

Similar Coverage

Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) hosts Demo Day for Cohort-II of Samarth Incubation Program (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an autonomous R&D institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), hosted the Demo Day for Cohort-II of the Samarth Incubation Program in New Delhi.
  • Launched in March 2025, the Samarth program supports up to 36 startups across two cohorts in areas such as 5G/6G technologies, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and quantum technologies.
  • Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) serve as the implementation partners for this telecom and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector incubation initiative.
  • Selected startups are provided with a financial grant of ₹5 lakh, fully furnished office space, and access to C-DOT lab facilities at its Delhi and Bengaluru campuses.
  • The five startups selected for the Stage-II grant under Cohort-II are Huebits Tech Private Limited, Khageshvara Aviation Technology Private Limited, Xpectro Solutions (OPC) Private Limited, Zepto Logic Technologies Private Limited, and Vocbot.Ai Technology Private Limited.
  • Startups progressing through the program qualify for additional financial support and potential partnerships through the C-DOT Collaborative Research Program (CCRP).
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia leads India’s engagements at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona (Start of March) ▼
  • Mobile World Congress 2026 is being held from March 2–5, 2026 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain.
  • Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia delivered the Closing Keynote at the GSMA Ministerial Programme session themed 'Breaking the Cost Barrier'.
  • He addressed the MWC Main Stage keynote session titled 'Built for What’s Next'.
  • The Bharat Pavilion was inaugurated by the Minister, with 40 Indian companies showcasing telecom solutions.
  • India Mobile Congress 2026 was announced to be held from 7th–10th October 2026 in New Delhi.
  • Tejas Networks launched the TJ1600-D3 Hyper-scalable DCI Platform engineered in India.
  • Shri Scindia met ITU Secretary General Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin during the visit.
  • Bilateral meetings were held with Eutelsat and Viasat to advance connectivity frameworks for India.
  • Interactions took place with Bharti Group led by Sunil Bharti Mittal.
  • Demonstrations were witnessed at booths of Meta, Rakuten, VVDN Technologies, Ericsson, Nokia, Intel, Cisco and Qualcomm.
  • MWC 2026 is organised by GSMA and themed 'The IQ Era'.
  • India’s participation is organised by Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC), supported by Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
TRAI Day 2026 observed on 20 February (End of February) ▼
  • TRAI Day 2026 was observed on 20 February, marking the 29th Foundation Day of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
  • TRAI was established in 1997 during India’s telecom liberalisation.
  • Anil Kumar Lahoti is the Chairperson of TRAI.
  • The theme for technical deliberation included network slicing and net neutrality.
National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 enhances mid-band spectrum for 5G/6G and satellite services (End of December) ▼
  • Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, released the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025).
  • NFAP-2025 allocates radio-frequency spectrum in the range 8.3 kHz to 3000 GHz.
  • Identifies the 6425-7125 MHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) to boost 5G, 5G Advanced and future 6G networks.
  • Allocates Ka, Q and V bands for satellite-based services for high-throughput GSO and large non-GSO satellite constellations.
  • Provides additional spectrum for In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) and emerging technologies like Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication and LEO/MEO satellite services.

Mulgao Kelbai Peth festival to be held on March 23

[Goa]

Key Updates:

  • The Peth festival of goddess Kelbai from Mulgao village, Bicholim, will be held at midnight on March 23.
  • Goddess Kelbai travels once a year on Chaitra Shuddha Panchami to Gaonkarwada Mayem to meet her sister from the Maya Kelbai Panchayatan Devasthan.
  • The goddess is carried in a peth, a wooden rectangular box made of cane, decorated with aboli flowers.
  • The peth is carried on the head by a man called Mode who remains in a trance until reaching Mayem.
  • Hundreds of Dhond devotees and the Chowgule community accompany the goddess during the journey.
  • After a three-day stay in Mayem village, the goddess returns to her temple in Mulgao via the forest route.
  • The traditional route for Peth runs from the forests of Mulgao to Mayem via Vhalshim, Bordem, Bhailipeth, Sonar Peth, and Pazwada.
  • Devotees offer aboli flowers to the goddess on a coconut and seek her blessings in the form of kaul during the journey.

Similar Coverage

Hatti Risala procession in Jalna, Maharashtra completed its 138th year during Dhulivandan. (Start of March) ▼
  • The Hatti Risala procession in Jalna, Maharashtra, completed its 138th year.
  • The procession is held annually on Dhulivandan, the day following Holi.
  • A decorated elephant carries symbolic representations of a king and his prime minister.
  • Sweets called revdis are distributed from atop the elephant during the procession.
  • Revdi is a traditional sweet made primarily from sesame seeds and jaggery.
  • Dhulivandan is also known as Rangwali Holi in many parts of India.
  • Jalna district is located in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra.
  • Residents refrain from playing colours while the procession passes as a mark of respect.
Holi celebrated across India under different regional names (Start of March) ▼
  • Lathmar Holi is celebrated in Barsana and Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Phoolon Ki Holi is celebrated in Vrindavan by showering flowers instead of coloured powder.
  • Dol Jatra is celebrated in West Bengal and Odisha with idols of Krishna and Radha placed on decorated swings.
  • Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival celebrated in Punjab emphasising martial traditions and community discipline.
  • Shigmo is celebrated in Goa marking the arrival of spring and the harvest season.
  • Yaoshang is a multi-day celebration in Manipur blending Holi traditions with local cultural practices.
Masi Magam observed by Irular community on Mamallapuram seashores (End of March) ▼
  • Masi Magam is celebrated on the full moon day (Pournami) in the Tamil month of Masi.
  • The Irular community gathers in thousands on the Mamallapuram seashore to perform marriages, naming ceremonies, ear piercing and tonsuring.
  • They worship their patron deity Kanniammal, believed to have left the community in anger during the Tamil month of Margazhi.
  • Seven sand steps representing the seven Kannis (virgins) are created and offerings of flowers, betel leaves, lemons, puffed rice, neem leaves, broken coconuts and bananas are placed at dawn.
  • Edgar Thurston documented in Castes and Tribes of Southern India that Irulas periodically worship Kanniammal and Mari, the goddess of epidemic diseases.
  • Romulus Whitaker, a noted herpetologist, worked closely with the Irulars while studying snakes and venoms.
  • K.V. Kanniappan from Villupuram served as district coordinator for the International Justice Mission (IJM) in rehabilitating rescued bonded Irula labourers.
Spituk Gustor Festival begins in Ladakh (Mid of January) ▼
  • Spituk Gustor is the first monastic festival of Ladakh of the year.
  • It is a two-day-long annual monastic festival of Spituk Monastery.
  • The festival is observed after a week-long period of prayers and rituals in honour of God and Goddess for world peace, prosperity and triumph over evil.
  • It is marked as the end of the first phase of the coldest and harsh climatic weather of Ladakh.
  • Ladakh is popularly known as the land of Gonpa or Buddhist Monasteries.
  • Spituk Gustor is the first among the 16 monastic festivals observed in Ladakh.

Sarhul festival celebrated in Jharkhand on March 21, 2026

Key Updates:

  • The Sarhul festival, a significant nature festival for the tribal community, was celebrated in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on March 21, 2026.
  • Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kalpana Soren participated in the traditional rituals at the Tribal College hostel campus.
  • The festival is dedicated to the worship of nature, reflecting the tribal community’s faith in the natural order as the source of all life.
  • During the celebrations, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) president played the Mandar, which is a traditional drum.
  • The festival serves as an occasion to uphold and pass on ancestral traditions related to the preservation and safety of nature.

Similar Coverage

Masi Magam observed by Irular community on Mamallapuram seashores (End of March) ▼
  • Masi Magam is celebrated on the full moon day (Pournami) in the Tamil month of Masi.
  • The Irular community gathers in thousands on the Mamallapuram seashore to perform marriages, naming ceremonies, ear piercing and tonsuring.
  • They worship their patron deity Kanniammal, believed to have left the community in anger during the Tamil month of Margazhi.
  • Seven sand steps representing the seven Kannis (virgins) are created and offerings of flowers, betel leaves, lemons, puffed rice, neem leaves, broken coconuts and bananas are placed at dawn.
  • Edgar Thurston documented in Castes and Tribes of Southern India that Irulas periodically worship Kanniammal and Mari, the goddess of epidemic diseases.
  • Romulus Whitaker, a noted herpetologist, worked closely with the Irulars while studying snakes and venoms.
  • K.V. Kanniappan from Villupuram served as district coordinator for the International Justice Mission (IJM) in rehabilitating rescued bonded Irula labourers.
Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 showcases tribal art, culture and cuisine in Delhi. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 will be held from 18 to 30 March 2026 at Sunder Nursery in Delhi.
  • Public entry starts on 19 March 2026; 18 March is reserved for special invitees.
  • The festival will feature over 200 stalls and more than 1,000 artisans from tribal communities across India.
  • An International Pavilion will display global indigenous crafts and enable cultural exchanges.
  • A 14-day Tribal Business Conclave will include nine thematic sessions on textiles, tourism, entrepreneurship and innovation.
  • Amitabh Kant will participate in a fireside chat on innovation and tribal enterprise development.
Gudi Padwa 2026 celebrated on March 19 (Mid of March) ▼
  • Gudi Padwa 2026 is celebrated on March 19, 2026.
  • Pratipada Tithi begins at 06:52 AM on March 19, 2026 and ends at 04:52 AM on March 20, 2026.
  • Gudi Padwa is mainly celebrated in Maharashtra and Goa by the Marathi and Konkani communities.
  • The festival falls on the pratipada tithi of shukla paksha in the month of Chaitra.
  • Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated as Marathi New Year.
  • According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma created the universe on this day.
  • Primary rituals include early holy bath, oil bath, rangoli, neem-jaggery dish, worship of Lord Brahma, yajna, hawan, bamboo stick flags, raising a Gudi, and distributing prasadam, cumin seeds, and gram lentils.
Boda Tyohar festival of Hati tribe commenced on January 9 (Mid of January) ▼
  • Boda Tyohar, the biggest annual festival of the Hati tribe, commenced on the eve of Posh Dwadashi which was on January 9 this year.
  • The festival is also called Magho ko Tyohar and is celebrated by over three lakh community members living in 154 panchayats of Trans-Giri area of Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh.
  • The Government of India declared the Hati community as Scheduled Tribe after a constitutional amendment on August 4, 2023.

Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 released by Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)

[Pakistan]

Key Updates:

  • Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 published by Sydney-based Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
  • Pakistan ranked 1st with score 8.57, recording 1,139 deaths and 1,045 incidents in 2025.
  • Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Somalia, and Democratic Republic of the Congo placed among top 10.
  • Syria ranked 6th, Cambodia 9th, Israel 10th; Afghanistan 11th, India 13th, Myanmar 14th.
  • India scored 6.43, reporting 142+ incidents, 100+ fatalities, and 118 injuries in 2025.
  • Iran ranked 18th, United States (US) 28th in GTI 2026.

Similar Coverage

Pakistan launches Operation Ghazab Lil Haq against Afghan Taliban (End of February) ▼
  • Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq on the night of 26-27 February 2026, targeting Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar and Paktika.
  • Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed 27 Taliban posts were destroyed, 133 Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters killed and over 200 injured.
  • Afghan officials rejected Pakistani casualty figures and earlier claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers killed and 19 outposts captured including a headquarters at Anzar Sar in Khost province.
  • Pakistan reported two of its soldiers killed and three wounded, while 36 Afghan fighters died in the exchanges.
  • The clashes centre on the disputed Durand Line border with cross-border firing reported across Paktika, Khost, Nangarhar, Khyber, Bajaur and Waziristan.
World Economic Forum releases 2026 Global Risks Report highlighting geoeconomic confrontation as top business worry (Mid of January) ▼
  • Geoeconomic confrontation leaps to the top spot on the list of business worries over the next two years.
  • The potential for adverse outcomes of artificial intelligence moved from 30th place among short-term risks as of last year to fifth place among long-term risks.
  • Global power rivalries and strategic standoffs top the list of most severe near-term risks heading into 2026.
  • Misinformation and disinformation rank second on the WEF's list of short-term risks, followed by societal polarization.
  • Extreme weather remains the top concern among surveyed leaders for the next decade.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) releases National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy (PRAHAAR) (End of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has released the National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, named PRAHAAR, to provide a comprehensive framework for preventing and mitigating terrorism.
  • The strategy emphasizes intelligence-led operations, multi-agency coordination, and a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism while upholding human rights and the rule of law.
  • The Multi Agency Centre (MAC) and the Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) under the Intelligence Bureau (IB) serve as nodal platforms for real-time sharing of counter-terror inputs.
  • The National Security Guard (NSG) functions as the nodal national counter-terror force under the MHA to assist state forces and enhance their operational capacities.
  • Legal frameworks supporting the strategy include the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023.
  • The policy identifies critical infrastructure for protection, including power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space, and atomic energy.
  • The Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D), in collaboration with state and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) training institutions, will conduct regular training for personnel.
  • The strategy addresses the use of modern technology by terrorist groups, including encrypted communications, the dark web, cryptocurrency, and drones.
Responsible Nations' Index (RNI) launched on January 19, 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • Singapore ranked first and India 16th in the Responsible Nations' Index (RNI) launched by former president Ram Nath Kovind.
  • The RNI is a global evaluative framework developed by the think tank World Intellectual Foundation (WIF) in academic collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and methodological validation by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Mumbai.
  • The index is anchored in three core dimensions -- internal responsibility, environmental responsibility and external responsibility.
  • The RNI has been operationalised through seven dimensions, 15 aspects and 58 indicators.
  • Switzerland was second, Denmark third and the Central African Republic stood last on the 154-nation index.
  • Sudhanshu Mittal, Founder and Secretary, WIF, said the RNI represents a shift from power-centric assessments to responsibility-centric evaluation of nations.
  • India's neighbour Pakistan was in the 90th place, while China was ranked 68th and the US 66th, according to the RNI.

Bihar Diwas 2026 three-day cultural festival from March 22-24

[Bihar]

Key Updates:

  • Bihar Diwas 2026 celebrations will be held from March 22 to March 24 at Gandhi Maidan, Patna.
  • Sona Mohapatra will perform on March 22, Shaan on March 23, and Angaraag Mahanta (Papon) on March 24 at Gandhi Maidan.
  • Pandit Jagat Narayan Pathak will present Dhrupad singing at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall on March 22.
  • Raminder Khurana will perform Odissi dance and Prachi Pallavi Sahu will present contemporary dance at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall on March 22.
  • Kamlesh Kumar Singh will sing folk songs and Bhikhari Thakur’s play 'Gabarghichor' will be staged at Rabindra Bhawan on March 22.
  • Sudipa Ghosh will present a dance-drama based on 'Buddhacharita' at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall on March 23.
  • Surendra Sharma will lead a poetry session and the play 'Vaijayanti' will be staged at Rabindra Bhawan on March 23.
  • Additional chief secretary N Vijaya Lakshmi will perform Bharatnatyam at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall on March 24.
  • Chandan Tiwari will sing folk songs and 'Miracle on Wheels' will be presented by Pasha at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall on March 24.
  • Alok Raj will host a ghazal and mushaira event at Rabindra Bhawan on March 24.
  • Local artists and street theatre groups will perform at the cultural pavilion from 10am to 5pm daily during the festival.
  • An education pavilion, book fair, food court, and heritage stalls by tourism and other government departments will be set up at the venue.

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Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026 held on January 29 (End of January) ▼
  • The Beating Retreat ceremony was held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi on January 29, 2026.
  • The ceremony marks the formal conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations.
  • The event featured performances by the bands of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that the ceremony commenced at 5:00 pm.
  • Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi stated that the event showcases the discipline, traditions, and valour of the armed forces.
Purple Fest held at Rashtrapati Bhavan to celebrate Divyangjan (Mid of March) ▼
  • Purple Fest was organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India.
  • Over 8,000 Divyangjan visited Amrit Udyan which was opened exclusively for them during the day-long celebration.
  • President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu witnessed cultural performances by Divyangjan at the Open Air Theatre in the President’s Estate.
  • The President stated that the Constitution of India’s Preamble establishes ideals of social justice, equality of status and dignity of the individual, and Directive Principles grant Divyangjan the right to education, work and public assistance.
World Hindi Day 2026 observed on January 10 (Start of January) ▼
  • World Hindi Day 2026 will be observed on January 10.
  • The date marks the anniversary of the first World Hindi Conference, held in Nagpur in 1975.
  • World Hindi Day is officially observed by the Government of India, mainly through Indian embassies and missions overseas.
  • Hindi Diwas is observed on September 14 and marks the adoption of Hindi in the Devanagari script as an official language of India in 1949.
Amit Shah inaugurates third International Kite Festival at Baansera Park in Delhi (Mid of January) ▼
  • Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, inaugurated the 3rd International Kite Festival at Baansera Park in Delhi.
  • Shah urged the Delhi government and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to form a committee to make Delhi the national hub for kite festivities.
  • He recalled that during the protest against the Simon Commission, kites with 'Simon Go Back' were flown across the country.
  • Shah also announced that the Indian government and several state governments will observe Somnath Swabhiman Varsh to mark the 1000th anniversary of the first attack on the Somnath temple.

Navroz (Parsi New Year) observed on March 21

Key Updates:

  • Navroz, the Parsi New Year, is observed on March 21.
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended official greetings on Navroz and incorporated the Faravahar symbol, a significant emblem of the Zoroastrian faith.
  • India’s Parsi community numbers nearly 60,000 individuals and maintains deep historical roots in Gujarat.
  • Amit Shah represents the Gandhinagar constituency in Gujarat.

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Ugadi 2026 celebrated on March 19 (Mid of March) ▼
  • Ugadi 2026 was celebrated on March 19.
  • The festival falls on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Chaitra.
  • Ugadi marks the traditional New Year for Telugu and Kannada communities and is widely observed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
  • The word 'Ugadi' combines the Sanskrit words 'Yuga' (age or era) and 'Adi' (beginning).
  • The main puja is performed in the morning after sunrise.
  • Abhyanga Snanam, the ritual oil bath, is taken before sunrise.
  • Ugadi Pachadi, a dish mixing six tastes, symbolises life’s varied experiences: neem flowers (bitterness), jaggery (sweetness), raw mango (tanginess), tamarind (sourness), green chilli or pepper (heat), and salt (balance).
  • Panchanga Sravanam is the ritual reading of the new year’s almanac predictions covering rainfall, agriculture, economy, and prosperity.
World Hindi Day 2026 observed on January 10 (Start of January) ▼
  • World Hindi Day 2026 will be observed on January 10.
  • The date marks the anniversary of the first World Hindi Conference, held in Nagpur in 1975.
  • World Hindi Day is officially observed by the Government of India, mainly through Indian embassies and missions overseas.
  • Hindi Diwas is observed on September 14 and marks the adoption of Hindi in the Devanagari script as an official language of India in 1949.
Gudi Padwa 2026 celebrated on March 19 (Mid of March) ▼
  • Gudi Padwa 2026 is celebrated on March 19, 2026.
  • Pratipada Tithi begins at 06:52 AM on March 19, 2026 and ends at 04:52 AM on March 20, 2026.
  • Gudi Padwa is mainly celebrated in Maharashtra and Goa by the Marathi and Konkani communities.
  • The festival falls on the pratipada tithi of shukla paksha in the month of Chaitra.
  • Gudi Padwa marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated as Marathi New Year.
  • According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma created the universe on this day.
  • Primary rituals include early holy bath, oil bath, rangoli, neem-jaggery dish, worship of Lord Brahma, yajna, hawan, bamboo stick flags, raising a Gudi, and distributing prasadam, cumin seeds, and gram lentils.
Veer Bal Diwas observed on December 26 (End of December) ▼
  • Veer Bal Diwas is observed every year on December 26 to remember and honour the extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in 2022 that December 26 would be observed annually as Veer Bal Diwas.
  • The Ministry of Women and Child Development observes Veer Bal Diwas at the national level and confers the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on the same day.

Chapchar Kut spring festival celebrated in Mizoram on March 13 with theme 'Zo Nun Ze Mawi: Inremna'.

[Mizoram]

Key Updates:

  • Chapchar Kut is celebrated in March after the completion of the most arduous stage of the jhum cultivation cycle.
  • The festival’s origin is traced by historians to between 1450 and 1700 AD in the village of Suaipui near present-day Myanmar.
  • The festival declined after the arrival of Christian missionaries in the late 19th century and was revived on a large scale in 1973 without animistic practices or alcohol.
  • The 2026 grand finale was held at the Lammual ground in Aizawl on March 13.
  • The week-long festivities began on March 9 across Mizoram.
  • Chief Minister Lalduhoma attended as the 'Kut Pa' and urged self-accountability and reconciliation as core Mizo values.
  • Governor V K Singh and Art and Culture Minister C Lamsawivunga joined the gathering.

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Ancient rock carvings discovered in Manchirevula rock shelter by Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam (KTCB) and Climate Front Telangana researchers. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Two petroglyphs carved on a flat rock slab located about 50 feet high inside a rock shelter behind Beerappa Temple in Manchirevula.
  • One carving shows prongs with sharpened tips above a circle and a handle-like shape, interpreted as a trident-circle motif.
  • Researchers state the trident-circle petroglyph resembles the ‘Paanch’ (hand/palm) of the ‘Peeri’ carried during Muharram processions.
  • A second carving depicts the traditional indoor strategy game Daadi Aata, played with 9 pieces (kaayalu), similar to Nine Men's Morris.
  • A comparable Daadi Aata carving exists on Golankonda hill in Alair mandal.
Musi River Rejuvenation Plan: 55-km corridor restoration and heritage tourism integration. (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Musi rejuvenation plan targets restoration and development of around 55 km of the river corridor.
  • The plan focuses on river cleaning, ecological restoration, riverfront development and public access.
  • Key historic structures mapped include Golconda fort, Qutb Shahi tombs, Taramati Baradari, Shri Veerabhadra Swami Devalayam, Purana Pul, Government City College, Macca Masjid, Charminar, the Telangana High Court building, Osmania General Hospital and the British Residency at Koti.
  • E.V. Narasimha Reddy, MD of the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation (MRDCL), unveiled the heritage concept map.
  • Authorities aim to integrate these historic structures into a heritage tourism network while preserving Hyderabad’s historic character.
Maharashtra grassland labyrinth hints at Indo-Roman trade links (End of December) ▼
  • Archaeologists have discovered a remarkable circular stone labyrinth in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur, Maharashtra, identified as the largest of its kind ever recorded in India.
  • The labyrinth consists of 15 concentric stone circuits, each carved with meticulous precision.
  • The structure's patterns are reminiscent of those found on ancient Roman coins, suggesting possible connections to trade routes.
  • The site’s location along historic Indo-Roman trade routes points to potential cultural exchanges between ancient India and distant empires.
  • The discovery emerged when a wildlife NGO, monitoring Great Indian Bustards and local wolf populations, noticed the stone arrangement in the tall grass.
International Spice Routes Heritage Network launched to position heritage as global tourism asset (Start of January) ▼
  • Kerala has launched the International Spice Routes Heritage Network, a global platform to boost cultural tourism and research by leveraging its historic maritime trade.
  • The initiative signals a strategic push to reposition heritage as a contemporary economic and tourism resource rather than a static historical narrative.
  • The Spice Routes Network would function as a platform for collaborative research, joint projects and shared resources in heritage conservation, archaeology, documentation, and museum development.
  • Organised by the Kerala Tourism Department in collaboration with the Muziris Heritage Project, the January 6-8 event brings together historians, policymakers and cultural practitioners from India and abroad.
  • Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas announced the initiative while inaugurating the three-day International Spice Routes Conference, themed 'Ancient Trails. New Journeys', at Bolgatty Palace.

World Sparrow Day observed on March 20

Key Updates:

  • World Sparrow Day is observed annually on March 20 to raise awareness and encourage conservation efforts for the house sparrow.
  • The initiative was first introduced in 2010 by Nature Forever, a bird conservation organisation in India, and has expanded to 50 countries.
  • The house sparrow was designated as the official state bird of Delhi in 2012.
  • Environmental conservationist Jagat Kinkhabwala launched the Save The Sparrow campaign, which received support from Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in 2017.
  • A 2025 Press Information Bureau (PIB) statement highlighted the efforts of Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Brij Lal, who established 50 nests for sparrows at his home.
  • The house sparrow plays a vital role in ecological balance by regulating insect populations and assisting in pollination and seed dispersal.
  • The decline in the sparrow population is attributed to habitat loss, excessive pesticide usage, pollution, industrialisation, and modern building designs that lack nesting spaces.

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International Zebra Day observed on January 31, 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • International Zebra Day is celebrated annually on January 31.
  • The day aims to raise awareness about zebras and how we can contribute to their conservation.
  • Zebras primarily inhabit semi-desert regions in Kenya and Ethiopia, as well as hilly areas in Namibia, Angola, and South Africa.
National Bird Day observed on January 5 (Start of January) ▼
  • National Bird Day was first established in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition to promote the welfare of birds both in the wild and in captivity.
  • National Bird Day is celebrated annually on January 5 to raise awareness about the importance of birds in our ecosystems.
  • The day honours the efforts of conservationists and environmental organisations working to safeguard endangered bird species, including the bald eagle and the California condor.
World Pangolin Day 2026 highlights 500,000+ pangolins seized globally between 2016 and 2024 (End of February) ▼
  • World Pangolin Day 2026 was marked by release of a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) report.
  • The CITES report recorded 2,222 seizures of pangolins and their parts in 49 countries involving an estimated 553,042 pangolins during 2016-2024.
  • China and Viet Nam were the main alleged destinations for illegally traded pangolin parts.
  • India is home to two of the eight recognised pangolin species: Indian pangolin and Chinese pangolin.
  • India did not provide data for the 2025 CITES reporting cycle.
Darwin Days 2026 celebrated from February 10 to February 14 with theme on mollusk evolution. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Darwin Days 2026 is scheduled from February 10 to February 14.
  • The 2026 edition highlights mollusk evolution linked to the Museum of the Earth exhibition 'Marvellous Mollusks: The Secret World of Shells'.
  • Darwin Day commemorates Charles Darwin, born on February 12, 1809, and author of 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection'.
  • The first organised Darwin Day events were held in 1995 by the Humanist Community of Palo Alto, California.
  • The first official Darwin Days, a five-day series of events, took place in 2006 in Ithaca, New York, organised by the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) and its Museum of the Earth in collaboration with Cornell University and Ithaca College.