The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) implemented the revamped Integrated Ombudsman Scheme on 1 July 2026. The scheme covers banks, eligible Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), prepaid payment instrument (PPI) issuers…
Ministry of Finance Releases Draft Insurance Ombudsman Amendment Rules
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Finance released the Draft Insurance Ombudsman (Amendment) Rules, 2025, on 25 November 2025.
- The draft proposed a two-tier redressal structure with an Appellate Authority constituted by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
- The draft proposed stricter compliance for insurers and brokers that fail to comply with an Ombudsman award within 30 days.
- The draft remained under discussion in 2026.
- The Ministry of Finance had earlier notified amendments to the Insurance Ombudsman Rules, 2017, on 2 March 2021.
- The 2021 amendments expanded the scope of the Ombudsman to deficiencies in service and allowed electronic filing, online tracking, and videoconferencing.
- The Executive Council of Insurers was renamed the Council for Insurance Ombudsmen in March 2021.
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Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) permits 10% CSR allocation for Social Stock Exchange instruments (Start of June)
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) allows companies to deploy up to 10% of their annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure through subscription to zero coupon zero principal (ZCZP) instruments listed…
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) Tightens Approval Rules for Insurer Ownership Changes (Start of August)
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) now requires prior approval for share transfers crossing 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, or 75% holding thresholds. IRDAI approval is also required when an investor…
The draft rules under the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy (SHANTI) Act, 2025 require nuclear plant operators to maintain an insurance policy, financial security, or a combination of both to cover…
Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Indian Army sign MoU to offer PNB LUXURA Metal and PNB Parakram credit cards for Army personnel
Key Updates:
- Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed an exclusive MoU with the Indian Army to offer two dedicated credit cards.
- The PNB LUXURA Metal Credit Card is designed for Army officers, while the PNB Parakram Credit Card is for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (OR) personnel.
- The cards provide 3% cashback on CSD purchases, complimentary domestic and international lounge access, and zero forex markup.
- Additional benefits include movie tickets, complimentary golf lessons, and lifestyle rewards.
- The PNB Parakram Credit Card features a biodegradable design, reflecting the bank's environmental focus.
- The MoU was signed at Indian Army Headquarters in New Delhi by Maj Gen VK Purohit on behalf of the Army and PNB General Manager Deepak Kumar.
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Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Ltd (Zaggle) launch biodegradable co-branded twin credit cards (End of June)
Punjab National Bank (PNB) has partnered with Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Ltd (Zaggle) to launch biodegradable co-branded twin credit cards to target the Gen Z and Millennial segments. The PNB-Zaggle Co-branded Twin…
Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Andhra Pradesh sign MoU to establish India's first bank-led quantum finance hub at Amaravati (End of July)
Punjab National Bank (PNB) and the Government of Andhra Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the PNB Quantum Finance Hub at Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV). The hub is the first bank-led…
The Indian Army and Bharti Airtel Pvt. Ltd. (Airtel) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand communication infrastructure in the Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The project aims to establish mobile…
IndusInd Bank and EazyDiner launch lifetime-free RuPay credit card with UPI payments (Mid of August)
IndusInd Bank and EazyDiner have launched a lifetime-free Platinum RuPay credit card with no joining or annual fees. The card offers benefits worth up to ₹21,495 annually, including dining savings, movie ticket offers…
Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) and Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL) sign MoU to regulate pharmaceutical exports
Key Updates:
- On August 25, 2026, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) and Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at CBN Headquarters in Gwalior.
- The MoU aims to promote legitimate pharmaceutical exports while preventing the diversion of controlled substances.
- The documents were exchanged by Dr. Dinesh Bisen, Narcotics Commissioner, and Raja Bhanu, Director General of PHARMEXCIL.
- CBN administers the facilitation, regulatory, and enforcement provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- Under the MoU, CBN developed a voluntary and non-binding Code of Conduct for pharmaceutical exporters in consultation with PHARMEXCIL.
- The MoU includes provisions for joint workshops, awareness campaigns, streamlined export procedures, and exchange of information for regulatory purposes.
- This is CBN's third MoU with industry bodies, after agreements with the Indian Chemical Council in 2022 and CHEMEXCIL in 2025.
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The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) integrated the Pharma Jan Samadhan portal and the Pharma Sahi Daam portal into a single citizen platform. The unified platform will operate through the Pharma Sahi…
India and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on 21 August 2026. The MoU was signed on the…
The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering innovation, intellectual property management…
The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and ICAR-Indian Sugarcane Research Institute (ICAR-ISRI) signed an MoU to establish an Advanced Centre for Quality Sugarcane Seed Production in Uttar…
Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves 180-Day Maternity Leave Twice for Women Government Employees
Key Updates:
- The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved 180-day maternity leave twice for eligible women government employees during their service.
- The leave duration is 180 days per child and can be availed for a maximum of two living children.
- Eligible women employees will receive full pay and job security during the maternity leave period.
- Women holding regular positions with the Uttar Pradesh Government, state-run organisations, or autonomous institutions are eligible.
- Applications must be submitted through the state HR portal or the head of the department with medical proof of delivery.
- The policy aims to support maternal recovery, infant care, breastfeeding, financial security, and work-life balance.
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Tamil Nadu Extends Maternity Leave to 365 Days for Third Child (Mid of August)
The Tamil Nadu government enhanced maternity leave for women government employees' third child from 12 weeks to 365 days. The 365-day benefit applies to regular female employees with fewer than two surviving children.
Kerala Government proposes menstrual leave for schoolgirls and maternity leave for unorganised sector women (Start of June)
The Congress United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala has proposed providing up to three days of menstrual leave for school students. The Kerala government plans to provide six months of maternity leave for…
The Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved the Startup Policy 2026 and Data Centre Policy 2026 to strengthen the state's innovation ecosystem and digital infrastructure. The Startup Policy 2026 introduces a ₹1,000 crore Startup…
Jalalabad in Uttar Pradesh renamed as Parshurampuri (Start of July)
The Uttar Pradesh cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved the renaming of Jalalabad town in Shahjahanpur district as Parshurampuri. The existing Jalalabad Nagar Palika Parishad has been renamed as…
Centre Launches Kanda Express for Onion Transport
Key Updates:
- The Centre is launching the 'Kanda Express' rail service to transport onions from Nashik to Delhi, Chennai, Kochi, and Guwahati.
- The rail movement aims to increase onion supplies in high-price markets and prevent further price escalation.
- The Department of Consumer Affairs is overseeing the initiative, with NAFED and NCCF having procured around 0.12 million tonnes of onions for the buffer stock.
- The procurement price for onions has been revised from Rs 1,270 per quintal in May to Rs 2,645 per quintal last week.
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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) to establish a research centre focused on transportation, mobility, and…
Indian Railways launches Reform Express freight reforms (Mid of July)
Indian Railways unveiled eight new structural reforms under the Reform Express initiative to modernise freight operations. Containerised transportation of fly ash using ISO-standard containers was introduced to enable…
Centre Proposes Rules for Two-Wheeled Ambulances to Boost Emergency Medical Access (Start of August)
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) proposed a regulatory framework for two-wheeled road ambulances to improve emergency response times and last-mile healthcare access in rural, remote and hilly areas.…
Annapoorani Super Six Scheme: Three Free LPG Cylinders Annually for 1.3 Crore Families (End of August)
The Annapoorani Super Six scheme will provide the cash value equivalent to three free LPG cylinders per year to eligible families. The scheme is expected to cover about 1.3 crore families at an annual cost of…
Rajasthan Announces ₹12,500 Crore School Overhaul Plan
Key Updates:
- The Rajasthan Government has unveiled a three-year ₹12,500 crore roadmap for strengthening school infrastructure.
- The plan includes construction of 3,587 new school buildings at a cost of ₹2,487.7 crore.
- A total of 83,783 classrooms will be built with an expenditure of ₹8,378.3 crore.
- Major repairs in 22,589 schools will be carried out at a cost of ₹1,129.5 crore.
- The roadmap provides for 13,616 toilet complexes with an estimated cost of ₹340.4 crore.
- Under digital education, the plan includes 9,000 smart classrooms, 7,000 ICT labs and 80,000 tablets, with ₹1,087 crore earmarked by December 2026.
- School development works worth over ₹3,006 crore have already been sanctioned or are at various stages of completion.
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Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth ₹6,453 crore across 17 Rajasthan districts at Alwar. The total package includes 954 development works…
Central Government Approves ₹605.71 Crore for Rajasthan and Telangana Under Agriculture Schemes (Mid of August)
The Central Government has approved a total of ₹605.71 crore for agriculture in Rajasthan and Telangana. Rajasthan will receive ₹340.59 crore and Telangana will receive ₹265.12 crore.
Rajasthan received approval for 2,89,355 additional rural houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) with a total outlay of ₹3,473 crore. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural…
NITI Aayog School Education Quality Index 2026: Punjab Overtakes Kerala (Start of August)
Punjab has overtaken Kerala to rank first in the NITI Aayog School Education Quality Index 2026. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains presented a four-year report on changes to Punjab's school system since 2022 in the…
Government Approves PPP Lease for 11 Airports
Key Updates:
- The government has granted in-principle approval to lease 11 Airports Authority of India (AAI) airports under the PPP model.
- The move is part of the second phase of the National Monetisation Pipeline, under which 25 AAI-operated airports are earmarked for private sector participation and long-term development.
- Amritsar, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Raipur and Tiruchirappalli are the five major airports anchoring this tranche, each bundled with a smaller airport.
- Smaller airports reportedly paired in the proposal include Kushinagar, Gaya, Hubballi, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jabalpur and Tirupati.
- The proposal has been forwarded to the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee for detailed financial, legal and technical scrutiny before formal competitive bidding.
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Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) incorporates AACL Global IFSC Limited for global treasury operations (Mid of August)
Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) has incorporated a new company named AACL Global IFSC Limited. AACL Global IFSC Limited will function as a wholly-owned step-down subsidiary of Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL).
Government Plans 44 Airports Under Hub-and-Spoke Model (End of July)
The central government plans to develop 44 airports under the Hub and Spoke model, comprising 4 hub airports and 40 spoke airports. The model aims to provide seamless international connectivity by linking Tier-II and…
India Navy to Lease Two MQ-9B Sea Guardian Drones (Mid of August)
The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 1,943-crore contract with American defence major General Atomics to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the…
The Union government has included Srikakulam district (Andhra Pradesh) in the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik (UDAN) scheme. Under UDAN, 100 new airports are to be developed between 2026 and 2036.
NSG Launches First-Ever Mahila Commando Conversion Course in Haryana
Key Updates:
- The National Security Guard (NSG) Training Academy in Manesar, Haryana, launched the first-ever Mahila Commando Conversion Course (MCCC) for women personnel from State Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
- The 12-week specialised programme began on August 24, 2026, and aims to train women in counter-terrorism and internal security operations.
- The course includes rigorous physical conditioning, advanced weapons handling, marksmanship, tactical intervention, and hostage rescue training.
- On completion, trained personnel will return to their parent forces with enhanced operational skills, expanding the pool of trained women commandos and improving interoperability between central and state agencies.
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India commissions first batch of 17 National Defence Academy-trained women officers on 13 June 2026 (Mid of June)
A total of 17 women cadets from the 148th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) were commissioned as officers, marking the first time women have joined the forces with a permanent commission. The Indian Army…
Samudra Pradakshina: India’s First Tri-Service All-Women Sailing Expedition Creates History (End of July)
Samudra Pradakshina, India's first Tri-Service all-women sailing expedition, completed a 314-day circumnavigation covering 25,500 nautical miles. The expedition was conducted by nine women officers from the Indian Army…
Sirsa Kinnow receives GI tag on March 28, 2026 (Start of July)
Sirsa Kinnow has become the first fruit from Haryana to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI tag was granted by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai to the Kharisureran Farmer Producer Company…
Auto Mutation System and Paperless Registration 2.0 launched in Haryana to digitise land mutation process (End of June)
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched the Auto Mutation System and Paperless Registration 2.0 on Tuesday. Under the new system, residents are no longer required to submit separate applications for mutation of…
US Launches Operation Economic Outcast Against Iran
Key Updates:
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced 'Operation Economic Outcast' against Iran.
- The operation aims to sever all economic lifelines of Iran, forcing it to choose between global isolation and an agreement with the Trump administration.
- Starting August 24, the Treasury and other federal agencies will impose additional sanctions on Tehran.
- Countries financially connected to Iran will face secondary sanctions, potentially disrupting the global financial system.
- The US is sanctioning 60 entities, individuals, and vessels for enabling Iran's nuclear and missile technology, cyber operations, and oil revenue.
- The US warned nations that facilitate trade with Iran, including Turkey and China, of consequences.
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Iran and Oman Reach Agreement on Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route (Mid of August)
Iran and Oman have agreed on a specific route for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The two countries are finalising joint management arrangements for the waterway.
United States launches self-defence strikes on Iran following downing of Apache helicopter (Mid of June)
An AH-64 Apache helicopter of the United States (US) Army was shot down by an Iranian Shahed drone while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) launched self-defence strikes on…
The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran signed the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding' (MoU), a 14-point interim agreement to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The interim deal declares…
United States House of Representatives passes resolution to limit President Donald Trump's Iran war powers on June 04, 2026 (Start of June)
The United States (US) House of Representatives passed a resolution on June 04, 2026, directing the withdrawal of American troops from the Iran war. The resolution was approved with a vote of 215-208.
NSG Launches First Mahila Commando Conversion Course for Women Personnel
Key Updates:
- The National Security Guard (NSG) has launched its first Mahila Commando Conversion Course (MCCC) for women personnel from State Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
- The 12-week course began on August 24, 2026, at the NSG Training Academy in Manesar.
- The course aims to train women in counter-terrorism and internal security operations, including physical conditioning, weapons handling, tactical intervention, and hostage rescue.
- The initiative seeks to expand women's participation in specialised security roles and improve interoperability between central and state agencies.
- Trained personnel will return to their parent forces with enhanced skills for counter-terrorism and security responsibilities.
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India commissions first batch of 17 National Defence Academy-trained women officers on 13 June 2026 (Mid of June)
A total of 17 women cadets from the 148th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) were commissioned as officers, marking the first time women have joined the forces with a permanent commission. The Indian Army…
Samudra Pradakshina: India’s First Tri-Service All-Women Sailing Expedition Creates History (End of July)
Samudra Pradakshina, India's first Tri-Service all-women sailing expedition, completed a 314-day circumnavigation covering 25,500 nautical miles. The expedition was conducted by nine women officers from the Indian Army…
The fourth edition of the Tri-Services Future Warfare Course commenced at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on 3 August 2026. The four-week course is conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ…
Union Minister Rajnath Singh Flags In First-Ever Tri-Service All-Women ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ Expedition (End of July)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged in the first-ever tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition 'Samudra Pradakshina' on July 22, 2026. The expedition was conducted aboard the Indian Army Sailing…
D-Propulse demonstrates India's first indigenous 5 kN air-breathing rotating detonation engine
Key Updates:
- D-Propulse successfully demonstrated India's first indigenous 5 kN air-breathing rotating detonation engine (RDE) integrated with an aerospike nozzle.
- The hot-fire demonstration was conducted at a DRDO test facility and achieved stable 5 kN thrust, validating the technology at Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-5.
- The engine uses pressure-gain combustion, offering 15–25% higher thermodynamic efficiency than conventional air-breathing propulsion and can be manufactured via precision machining.
- D-Propulse, incubated at IIT Madras, aims to make the engine flight-ready by December 2027, with applications in cruise missiles, target drones, and high-speed UAVs.
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Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA) unveils FWD Supreme Lite, India’s first AI-piloted fighter demonstrator (End of August)
Indian defence startup Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA) has unveiled FWD Supreme Lite, a flight technology demonstrator for its AI-piloted fighter aircraft programme. FWD Supreme Lite is a approximately…
India Produces First 100% Indigenous AK-203 ‘Sher’ Rifle (End of August)
India has manufactured and test-fired the first prototype of the 100% indigenised AK-203 ‘Sher’ rifle. The rifle is produced by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture of Indian defence PSUs with…
Kawa UAV conducts maiden flight test of Divyastra Mk3 loitering munition on August 11, 2026 (Mid of August)
Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd., a defence start-up based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, conducted the maiden flight test of the Divyastra Mk3 loitering munition on August 11, 2026. The Divyastra Mk3 is India's first indigenous…
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the inaugural ceremony of the Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation…
China Postpones Chang'e-7 Lunar Mission
Key Updates:
- China postponed the launch of its Chang'e-7 lunar mission, which was aimed at exploring the Moon's south pole and searching for water ice.
- The spacecraft was scheduled to lift off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan Island.
- The China Manned Space Agency said the mission did not meet the required launch conditions and cannot take place during the planned window this year.
- The decision was made following a comprehensive assessment based on principles of prudence, reliability and absolute mission success.
- The Chang'e-7 mission is the seventh in the Chang'e moon exploration program and was expected to study the Moon's water resources, particularly water ice in permanently shadowed regions.
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The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) announced the name of Pakistan's first lunar rover as Jinnah-1. Jinnah-1 is scheduled to travel to the Moon in 2029 aboard China's Chang'e-8 mission.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Awards Contracts for Lunar Base Development (End of May)
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded contracts worth $220 million each to Lunar Outpost and Astrolab for building autonomous lunar rovers. Blue Origin was selected to deliver these rovers to…
China launches 24th batch of low-orbit internet satellites from Hainan aboard Long March-12 (Mid of August)
China launched the 24th batch of low-orbit internet satellites from a commercial spacecraft launch site in Hainan province. The batch was carried aboard a Long March-12 rocket that lifted off at 12:10 pm Beijing time.
The Shenzhou 21 crew, consisting of Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang, set a record for the longest on-orbit stay by a Chinese crew after spending nearly seven months in space. The spacecraft landed at the Dongfeng…
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Confirms No New H1N1 Strain in India
Key Updates:
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has clarified that no new strain of Influenza A (H1N1) has been identified in India.
- The currently circulating influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 viruses are similar to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus strain.
- These viruses belong to clade 6B.1A.5a2a and subclade D.3.1.1 and have been in circulation since 2025.
- The influenza strains currently circulating in India are well matched with the vaccine strains recommended for the Northern Hemisphere.
- Seasonal influenza, including H1N1, is mostly self-limiting, with common symptoms including fever, cough, headache, and body aches.
- Young children, elderly people, and those with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk of developing complications.
- The situation is being closely monitored through regular surveillance, with necessary public health measures being undertaken.
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Australia Confirms First Case of H5N1 Bird Flu (End of June)
The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been confirmed for the first time in Australia, meaning the highly contagious variant has now reached every continent. The virus was detected in a migratory seabird, a brown skua, at the…
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) secures six ICMR research grants for high-impact biomedical innovation (End of August)
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) secured funding approval for six high-impact biomedical research projects under the NIRF specialised grant initiative of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The six approved…
Centre Deploys National Joint Outbreak Response Team to Gujarat and Rajasthan for Chandipura Virus Outbreak (Start of August)
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) deployed the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan to strengthen the response to the Chandipura Virus Disease (CHPV) outbreak. The…
Union Minister J P Nadda Lays Foundation Stone for India’s First High-Altitude Medicine Centre in Himachal Pradesh (Mid of July)
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is establishing the ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research at Keylong in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Union Health Minister J…
India's Rocket Launch Costs Four Times Higher Than US, Study Finds
Key Updates:
- A study by University of Cambridge economist Alessio Terzi and Francesco Nicoli of Politecnico di Torino analyzed 6,740 rocket launches between 1960 and 2025.
- The study estimated India's cost of delivering one kilogram of payload to Low Earth Orbit at $13,302 in 2025, over four times the US figure of $3,225.
- Other per-kilogram launch costs were estimated at $9,897 for Europe, $6,682 for Russia, $5,809 for China, $5,287 for Japan, and a global average of $3,868.
- India's Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) cost about $74 million and Chandrayaan-3 about $75 million, reflecting frugal mission design.
- The study found only the US and Europe showed statistically significant 'experience curves' since 2010, where launch costs fell with accumulated launch experience.
- India's launch vehicles carry smaller payloads, which increases the cost per kilogram due to fixed costs being spread over less mass.
- ISRO Chairman V Narayanan disputed the study, saying it used 'wrong data', while former ISRO chairman S Somanath argued that cost per kilogram alone is not a sufficient measure of competitiveness.
- Somanath also noted that SpaceX's low cost per kilogram is aided by its internal scale and frequent launches, with advantages not necessarily passed on to external customers.
- SpaceX is posting supply-chain positions in Bengaluru, India, to develop a high-volume manufacturing and supplier ecosystem.
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Made-in-Bharat chips for space rockets announced after Skyroot's successful orbital launch (End of July)
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that domestically produced semiconductors will soon be integrated into India's space launch vehicles. Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 successfully reached orbit…
Skyroot Aerospace Successfully Launches India’s First Private Orbital Rocket ‘Vikram-1’ Under Mission Aagaman (End of July)
Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace launched India’s first privately-built orbital rocket, Vikram-1, under Mission Aagaman from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The multi-stage Vikram-1 rocket…
Astrobase Unveils India's First Private 800 kN Rocket Engine (Start of August)
Astrobase Space Technologies unveiled EVEREST, India's first privately built 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) LOX-Methane rocket engine. The EVEREST engine is designed for reusable medium-lift launch vehicles…
Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based space technology startup, successfully launched Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle. The Vikram-1 launch took place on July 18 and marked a major…
ICAR Registers 16 New Indigenous Livestock and Dog Breeds, Total Count Reaches 262
Key Updates:
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) registered 16 new indigenous livestock and dog breeds, bringing India's total registered breed count to 262.
- The new registrations span nine species: cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, donkey, horse, pig, yak, and dog.
- The breeds were recognized from 13 states and one Union Territory, including Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tamil Nadu.
- The registrations were recommended at the 14th meeting of the Breed Registration Committee held in New Delhi on August 7, chaired by Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR.
- The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR), based in Karnal, will maintain official records of the newly recognized breeds.
- The recognition aims to reduce the number of non-descript animal genetic resources and support conservation and sustainable utilization of indigenous breeds.
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Uttar Pradesh Government to supply indigenous cow milk products to Indian Army on 13 June 2026 (Mid of June)
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has initiated a programme to supply high-protein dairy products derived from indigenous cow breeds to the Indian Army. A premium dairy supplement known as Skyr, produced using Danish and…
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) develops indigenous African swine fever vaccine (Start of August)
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed India's first indigenous African swine fever (ASF) vaccine for pigs. The vaccine was developed by scientists at ICAR-National Institute of High Security…
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2026 observed on August 9 with theme 'Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being' (Start of August)
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed annually on August 9. The theme for 2026 is 'Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being'.
The Malvi camel, one of India's critically endangered camel breeds, faces extinction. The National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC) in Bikaner has launched a conservation programme focusing on scientific breeding and…
Iran discovers over 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves in Fars province
Key Updates:
- Iran discovered more than 7.5 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas in its southern Fars province.
- Around 5.7 tcf of the newly discovered gas is recoverable.
- The recoverable reserves are equivalent to around 15 years of production from one phase of South Pars, the world's largest gas field.
- The discovery also includes gas condensates worth tens of billions of dollars.
- Iran plans to develop the resources as soon as possible, but actual production is likely to take years.
- Iran lost around a quarter of its daily gas production capacity after attacks on energy infrastructure began in late February, including strikes on South Pars.
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Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Approves 1.75 Million Tonne Strategic Crude Reserve in Karnataka (Mid of July)
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has approved the construction of a new strategic crude oil storage facility with a capacity of 1.75 million tonnes at Mangaluru, Karnataka. This project marks the first instance of…
Government directs Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) to build ₹15,000 crore Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) (End of June)
Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) will develop a 1.75 million metric tonne (MMT) underground cavern at Mangaluru, Karnataka, to strengthen India's energy security. The project involves a total investment of approximately…
Kpler reports United States (US) and Iran as top Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) suppliers to India in May (Start of June)
The United States (US) was India's largest supplier of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in May, accounting for 55% of imports with 666,000 tonnes. Iran served as the second-largest supplier in May, providing 145,000 tonnes…
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stated that inspections at Iranian atomic sites were 'going to happen' but did not offer a specific timeline. The statement followed a preliminary…
Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center's Tiangong Ultra beats Usain Bolt's 100m record
Key Updates:
- The Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center's humanoid robot Tiangong Ultra completed the 100m sprint in 9.39 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing.
- Tiangong Ultra's time beat Usain Bolt's human world record of 9.58 seconds set at the 2009 World Athletics Championships.
- The robot improved from its 21.50-second run at the inaugural games last year, a reduction of over 12 seconds.
- Tiangong Ultra also won the world's first humanoid robot half-marathon in Beijing last year.
- Another robot, Lightning, clocked 9.32 seconds in a preparatory test with a peak speed of 14.5 metres per second.
- Lightning's legs were lengthened by 10 cm ahead of the games, according to Chinese broadcaster CCTV.
- The World Humanoid Robot Games this year featured 2,056 robots from 666 teams across 16 countries.
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The Shenzhou 21 crew, consisting of Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang, set a record for the longest on-orbit stay by a Chinese crew after spending nearly seven months in space. The spacecraft landed at the Dongfeng…
Inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships 2026: China Tops; India Finishes Fourth with 3 Gold Medals (Mid of July)
The inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships were held in Ordos from 9-12 July 2026. China topped the medal tally with 23 gold, 17 silver, and 12 bronze medals.
Commonwealth Games 2026: Dilip Gavit Wins Gold, Mohammed Basil & Murali Sreeshankar Clinch Silver (Start of August)
Dilip Mahadu Gavit won gold in the men's 100m T47 final with a time of 10.71 seconds. Mohammed Basil Morssinganakath won silver in the men's 100m T47 final with a time of 10.83 seconds.
Mansi Lather won the silver medal in the 68 kg category after losing to China's Chenling Song 1-2. Tanvi Magdum won the bronze medal in the 57 kg category by defeating Canada's Agnia Krakowska 10-4.
Tiger Camera-Trapped in Kishkindha Hills After Nearly Five Decades
Key Updates:
- A tiger was camera-trapped in the Kishkindha hills of Koppal district, Karnataka, nearly five decades after the big cat was last reported in the forest area.
- The Forest Department stepped up vigilance and alerted local communities following the sighting.
- Wildlife experts said the tiger may have been frequenting the hill forests for several months and could have entered through a wildlife corridor connecting to the Srisailam landscape in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
- The Forest Department began monitoring the area after receiving repeated reports from residents over the past three months.
- A camera trap placed at Temba captured the tiger on August 23, 2026, confirming its presence.
- An alert was sounded in Hampi and surrounding areas, with sirens in Sanapur, Basapur, Jabbalagudda, Benakal, Agoli, Venkatagi, Hanumanahalli and Junglirangapur.
- Residents, shepherds and cattle grazers were advised not to enter the Yelugudda forest area alone or sleep outdoors at night.
- Additional forest personnel were deployed and more camera traps were being installed to track the animal's movements.
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Himalayan Serow Sighted in Himachal Pradesh After Two Decades (Start of August)
The Himalayan serow (Capricornis thar) was recorded on camera in the Dalhousie catchment forests adjoining the Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary for the first time in two decades. The species is classified as Near…
Rajasthan's tiger population across five tiger reserves increased to 149 in 2026 from 135 in the previous year. The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve houses 72 of the 149 tigers in the state.
India's Tiger Population Rises to 3,682 in 2022 Census (Start of August)
India's tiger population rose from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,682 in 2022, surpassing the international target of doubling tiger numbers by that year. Project Tiger was launched in India in 1973, and the article notes that if it…
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) identifies 25 tiger reserves for priority intervention (Start of July)
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) reported that 25 out of 58 tiger reserves in India are potential recipient sites requiring priority intervention due to low or absent tiger populations and…
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Task Force calls for National Coach Accreditation Board to standardise coaching in India
Key Updates:
- A Task Force led by Indian badminton national head coach Pullela Gopichand submitted a report on a unified framework for India's coaching ecosystem.
- The report calls for establishing a National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) as the apex body for coach education, accreditation and governance.
- It proposes a Tiered National Coaching Pathway with Grassroots, Intermediate, Elite and National Team Coach levels, with Level 0 as the universal entry stage.
- The proposed Practice-First Coach Education Model includes 1,800 hours of coach education, with nearly 78 percent devoted to hands-on field experience, mentored internships and supervised coaching practice.
- The recommendations also include a 'TOPS for Coaches' model and a 24/7 National Sports Science Helpline staffed by multidisciplinary experts.
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The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) granted conditional recognition to the interim body of the Judo Federation of India (JFI). The JFI has been under a court-appointed administrator since 2022 following a…
Union Cabinet Approves Rs 36,441 Crore for Khelo India Scheme and National Sports Federations (Start of August)
The Union Cabinet approved a revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced assistance to National Sports Federations with a combined outlay of Rs 36,441 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31. The Khelo India Scheme receives Rs 29,054…
The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) launched India's first accreditation scheme for mobile food testing laboratories. The scheme was introduced under the Integrated Assessment…
PMS Bazaar, NDML Accreditation Agency Partner to Expand Access to SEBI Accredited Investor Certification (Mid of August)
PMS Bazaar has partnered with NSDL Database Management Limited (NDML) to facilitate the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Accredited Investor certification process. The collaboration aims to make Accredited…
Lando Norris wins 2026 Dutch Grand Prix
Key Updates:
- Lando Norris won the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.
- The race was held at Circuit Zandvoort, which hosted its final Formula 1 race before being removed from the calendar.
- Norris secured his second consecutive win in the race.
- Max Verstappen crashed out on the opening lap, while Gabriel Bortoleto spun but continued.
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George Russell wins Austrian Grand Prix 2026 (Start of July)
George Russell of Mercedes won the Austrian Grand Prix in June 2026. Max Verstappen of Red Bull finished in second place, while Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes secured third place.
Charles Leclerc wins British Grand Prix (Mid of July)
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari won the British Grand Prix held at the Silverstone circuit, marking his first race victory since the 2024 United States Grand Prix. George Russell of Mercedes finished the race in second place…
Kimi Antonelli wins Canadian Grand Prix (End of May)
Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes won the Canadian Grand Prix, marking his fourth successive victory. Following the win, Antonelli holds a 43-point lead at the top of the drivers' championship.
Kimi Antonelli wins Monaco Grand Prix (Start of June)
Kimi Antonelli won the Monaco Grand Prix, becoming the youngest-ever winner of the race. The 19-year-old Italian driver competes for Mercedes in the Formula One (F1) championship and has achieved five victories this…
France’s Alex Lanier & South Korea’s An Se-young Win Men’s & Women’s Singles Champions
Key Updates:
- Alex Lanier defeated Kodai Naraoka 21-11, 21-11 to win the men's singles title at the 2026 BWF World Championships.
- An Se-young defeated Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-14 to win the women's singles title.
- Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang defeated Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik 21-17, 21-16 to win the men's doubles title.
- Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee defeated Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning 21-15, 21-15 to win the women's doubles title.
- Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue defeated Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping 22-20, 19-21, 21-15 to win the mixed doubles title.
- Alex Lanier became the first French men's singles world champion in badminton.
- An Se-young regained the women's singles title, extending her winning streak against Akane Yamaguchi to six matches.
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Treesa-Gayatri Secure Medal at BWF World Championships (End of August)
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand defeated China's Jia Yifan and Zhang Shuxian 16-21, 21-15, 21-13 in the quarterfinals of the BWF World Championships 2026. The match was played at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in…
Ashmita Chaliha defeats Han Qian Xi to win Korea Masters title (Mid of August)
Ashmita Chaliha defeated China's Han Qian Xi in the women's singles final of the BWF Korea Masters. Chaliha won the match 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 in 53 minutes, coming from a game down.
Su Li Yang defeats Kidambi Srikanth to win US Open Badminton (Start of July)
Su Li Yang of Chinese Taipei won the men's summit clash of the US Open Badminton tournament. Former world number one Kidambi Srikanth finished as the runner-up in the tournament.
Mirra Andreeva secured the 2026 French Open women's singles title by defeating Poland's Maja Chwalinska with a score of 6-3, 6-2. The final match took place at Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris, where Andreeva was…
East Bengal defeats Mohun Bagan to win Durand Cup 2026
Key Updates:
- East Bengal defeated Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the final of the Durand Cup 2026.
- The final was played in Kolkata.
- Edmund Lalrindika scored a hat-trick for East Bengal, while Bipin Singh added another goal.
- Manvir Singh scored the only goal for Mohun Bagan.
- East Bengal lifted its 17th Durand Cup title, equaling Mohun Bagan's record as the joint-most successful teams in the tournament.
- East Bengal won the Durand Cup after a 22-year gap, last winning in 2004.
- Edmund Lalrindika's hat-trick was the second by an East Bengal player in a Kolkata derby after Bhaichung Bhutia.
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135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour Reaches Guwahati (Mid of July)
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour arrived in Guwahati on July 16, 2026. The event at Hotel Vivanta was attended by Assam Sports Minister Biswajit Daimary and other dignitaries.
Meghalaya defeats Chandigarh in opening match of 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament (End of August)
Meghalaya defeated Chandigarh in the opening Junior Girls under-17 match of the 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament. The match was played at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi on 18 August 2026.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured its second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the final. The final match was held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in…
India defeats Bangladesh to win SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 (Start of June)
India defeated Bangladesh 3-1 in the final to win the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2026 title for a record sixth time. The final match of the tournament was held in Madgaon, Goa, where…
Mumbai Debuts in IWG 2026 Work From Anywhere Index on August 24, 2026
Key Updates:
- Mumbai is the only Indian city to debut in the IWG 2026 Work From Anywhere Index with a score of 77.
- Bangkok topped the IWG 2026 Work From Anywhere Index with a score of 106.5, followed by Tokyo (96.5) and Barcelona (95.5).
- India scored 100 on the flexible workspace maturity index, the highest globally, and is the largest flexible office market in the Asia-Pacific region with 79.7 million sq ft of stock.
- The index evaluates cities on factors including climate, broadband connectivity, accommodation, transport, culture, food, and availability of flexible workspaces.
- A survey of 2,000 hybrid office workers found that 51% said their employers offer a work-from-anywhere policy, and 90% reported improved work-life balance.
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The Global Liveability Index 2026 was released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The index assessed and ranked a total of 173 cities based on liveability parameters.
NSE Indices, a subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), has launched the Nifty500 Ahimsa Index, India's first stock market index based on non-violence towards animals. The index was developed in collaboration…
India ranks 13th in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Future Skills Index 2027 released in June 2026 (End of June)
India is ranked 13th globally in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027 with an overall score of 89.4 out of 100, improving from 25th position in the 2025 pilot edition. The United States of America (USA) topped the…
The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is a biennial festival for non-feature films scheduled from June 15 to 21, 2026. MIFF 2026 received 1,459 film entries from across the world, with the Competition…
International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief 2026 – August 22
Key Updates:
- The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is observed on August 22 every year.
- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a message on the day.
- The Secretary-General urged governments to bring perpetrators to justice and counter all forms of discrimination and hate speech.
- He appealed to religious leaders to speak out against violence and to digital technology companies to protect users from stigma and scapegoating.
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International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2026: August 21, Theme 'Healing through Memory' (End of August)
The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is observed on August 21 every year. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 August as the International Day through resolution…
International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict observed on 19 June (End of June)
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed on 19 June annually. In 2026, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres issued a message focusing on children…
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed annually on 26 June to honour survivors and advocate for justice, rehabilitation, and prevention. The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or…
Day of International Criminal Justice 2026 – 17 July (End of July)
The Day of International Criminal Justice, also known as World Day for International Justice, is observed on July 17 every year. The day commemorates the adoption of the Rome Statute on July 17, 1998, which established…
Onam 2026: Thiruvonam falls on August 26
Key Updates:
- Onam is a 10-day harvest festival celebrated in Kerala during the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September).
- The main day of Onam, Thiruvonam, falls on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
- The festival commemorates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali.
- According to mythology, Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana to subdue King Mahabali, who was granted a boon to visit his people once a year.
- The 10-day celebrations include Pookalam (floral carpets), Vallamkali (snake boat race) on Anizham, and the Onam Sadhya (a traditional vegetarian feast of 11-13 dishes served on a banana leaf).
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Independence Day 2026: 80th Anniversary on August 15, Theme 'Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047' (Mid of August)
India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026. The theme for Independence Day 2026 is 'Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047'.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold a meeting in New Delhi on August 22 to finalise the roadmap for the 'Modi@25' celebrations. The 'Modi@25' celebrations mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public…
Olympic Day commemorates the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by Pierre de Coubertin at the Sorbonne in Paris on 23 June 1894. The first Olympic Day was celebrated on 23 June 1948, following a…
Telangana Formation Day observed on June 2 (Start of June)
Telangana Formation Day is observed on June 2 to commemorate its creation as India's 29th state in 2014. The state was established following the passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, also known as the…
Supreme Court Refines Industry Test on August 21, 2026
Key Updates:
- The Supreme Court delivered a 5:4 verdict on August 21, 2026, refining the 'industry' test under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
- The verdict was given by a nine-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
- All pending disputes under the 1947 Act will be adjudicated based on the 'triple test' from the 1978 Bangalore Water Supply judgment.
- The ruling does not affect the interpretation of 'industry' under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
- The 1978 Bangalore Water Supply case laid down a three-fold test for determining what constitutes an 'industry'.
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Supreme Court Revises Industry Definition Under Labour Law (End of August)
The Supreme Court, by a 5:4 majority, modified the test for determining what constitutes an 'industry' under the Industrial Disputes Act. A nine-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant held that the…
Supreme Court Seeks Amendment to National Highways Act for Judicial Compensation Adjudication (End of July)
The Supreme Court observed that compensation disputes under the National Highways Act, 1956 should be adjudicated by judicially trained authorities instead of bureaucrats. A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya…
Supreme Court reduces mandatory legal practice to one year for entry-level judicial service (End of August)
The Supreme Court reduced the mandatory legal practice requirement for entry into judicial service from three years to one year. The majority judgment by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice A.G. Masih upheld the May…
The Lok Sabha passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, without a debate amid Opposition protests. The bill proposes the creation of a National Tribunals Commission headquartered in New Delhi.