Daily Current Affairs: 27 February 2026

Analysis for 27 February 2026

Baroruchi Mishra appointed Managing Director & CEO of Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Ltd (HOEC).

Key Updates:

Baroruchi Mishra will assume charge as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Ltd (HOEC) from 1 April 2026.
The Board approved Mishra’s appointment for a term of three consecutive years from 1 April 2026, subject to shareholder approval.
Current Managing Director Ramasamy Jeevanandam will cease to hold office at the close of business hours on 31 March 2026.
The Board, on 25 February 2026, also approved Mishra’s redesignation as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director effective the same date, subject to shareholders’ nod.
Dr. Jagadip Narayan Singh was appointed Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) and Chairman for a five-year term, subject to shareholder approval through postal ballot.

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Deepak Gupta appointed Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL (Mid of February) ▼

Deepak Gupta, Director Projects, GAIL (India) Ltd, has been appointed as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of GAIL by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
The appointment is effective from the date he assumes charge on or after 1 March 2026.
He will serve as CMD until his superannuation on 28 February 2029 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia assigned additional charge as MD & CEO of Canara Bank (Start of January) ▼

Hardeep Singh Ahluluwalia, executive director of Canara Bank, has been assigned additional charge as managing director and chief executive officer (MD & CEO) of the bank.
The appointment is effective from January 1, 2026, for a period of three months, until March 31, 2026, or until a regular MD & CEO is appointed, whichever is earlier.
He succeeds Shri K. Satyanarayana Raju, who superannuated on December 31, 2025.

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge recognize Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) among Top 100 Corporate Startup Stars (Start of December) ▼

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has been recognised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge as one of the Top 100 Corporate Startup Stars (CSS) globally.
BPCL is the only Indian organisation included in this year’s international ranking.
The Corporate Startup Stars Awards 2025 identified 100 companies from the Forbes Global 2000 and Fortune Global 500 lists.
The awards honor leading corporates for their efforts in promoting open innovation, engaging with startup ecosystems, and supporting new technology development.
Sanjay Khanna serves as BPCL's Chairman and Managing Director (CMD).
BPCL’s startup initiative is named Ankur.
Ankur was launched in 2016.
Ankur has supported 30 startups.
BPCL established the BPCL Ankur Fund to invest in promising early-stage companies.
John W. H. Denton AO is the Secretary General of ICC.
Alberto Onetti is the Chairman of Mind the Bridge.

Vikram Sahu appointed CEO of Bank of America NA India (Start of December) ▼

Vikram Sahu has been approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Bank of America NA (BoFA) in India.
He will assume the charge in addition to his current responsibilities as India country executive.
He will replace Kaku Nakhate, who served as the bank CEO for about 15 years.
Nakhate will take over as the India chair with a focus on deepening relationships with key clients of the India franchise.
Sahu will report to Jin Su, president of Asia Pacific for the US bank.

Jatinder Mehra passed away, former Vice Chairman of Essar Group metals and mining division.

[Essar Group]

Key Updates:

Jatinder Mehra died in New Delhi, he was 86.
He served as vice chairman of the metals and mining division at Essar Group.
He previously held the post of executive director at Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
He later served as chairman-cum-managing director of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL).
During his tenure at RINL he oversaw the commissioning of the Vizag Steel Plant.
He led the development of Essar’s Paradip steel facility in Odisha.
The Indian Steel Association conferred on him a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.

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Jatinder Mehra, Vice Chairman of Essar's Metals & Mining Division and former RINL chief, passes away at 86. (End of February) ▼

Jatinder Mehra died at the age of 86 while serving as Vice Chairman of the metals and mining division at Essar Group.
He had a career spanning more than six decades in India’s steel and metals sector.
Mehra was formerly the chief of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL).
He played a key role in expanding Essar’s steelmaking capacity at Hazira and in developing the Paradip steel facility in Odisha.

Jindal Stainless raises Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) ESG score to 78, ranks among top global steelmakers. (Start of December) ▼

Jindal Stainless improved its DJSI ESG score to 78 from 60 in the previous year.
The score places Jindal Stainless in the top five per cent of global steel companies assessed.
Jindal Stainless ranks fourth within the steel sector and first in the stainless-steel segment.
Environmental, Social and Governance scores stand at 83, 73 and 76, respectively.
The company recorded a 14 per cent year-on-year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in FY25.
Jindal Stainless received the Golden Peacock Award for Sustainability during the year.
The company operates domestic and overseas manufacturing facilities and recorded a turnover of ₹40,182 crore in FY25.

Ministry of Steel targets 300 MT steel capacity by 2030 and 500 MT by 2047. (End of January) ▼

India will host Bharat Steel 2026 in New Delhi to spotlight green and resilient steelmaking.
The two-day summit expects more than 700 international delegates across governments, public sector enterprises, private companies, start-ups and investors.
The Ministry of Steel’s 2024 Green Steel Roadmap envisages greater use of renewable energy, pilot projects for green hydrogen, carbon capture utilisation and storage, and increased scrap use.
The Production Linked Incentive scheme for specialty steel aims to shift output from commodity-grade to higher-grade steels for automotive, aerospace, defence and infrastructure.

Global Mind Health 2025 report ranks Indian youth 60th and elderly 49th in mental well-being.

Key Updates:

Indian adults aged 18–34 scored 33 on the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) and ranked 60th among 84 countries.
Indians aged 55 and above scored 96 on the MHQ and ranked 49th globally.
The study analysed 78,093 internet-enabled, literate Indian respondents, including 29,594 aged 18–34 and 24,088 aged 55+.
India ranks 28th on family closeness for both age groups.
Ultra-processed food consumption is 44% among 18–34-year-olds and 11% among those 55 and above.
India ranks 71st on first-time smartphone exposure, with the average age being 16.5 years.

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International Labour Organisation (ILO) flags India as second globally for share of workers exceeding 49-hour week (Mid of December) ▼

International Labour Organisation (ILO) data shows 51 per cent of Indian employees work more than 49 hours weekly, placing India second globally behind Bhutan.
India’s average worker clocks 46.7 hours per week, down from 63.4 per cent of workers exceeding 49 hours in 2018 to 50.5 per cent in 2023.
Work-related suicides linked to career problems totaled 2,083 cases in 2022, with youth aged 18-30 accounting for 38.5 per cent of such cases.
Maharashtra reported the highest share of work-related suicides at 30.7 per cent, followed by Gujarat at 16.4 per cent and Karnataka at 11.4 per cent.
Share of women working over 49 hours weekly rose from 13.2 per cent in 2018 to 16.1 per cent in 2023, while men’s share dipped from 86.8 per cent to 83.9 per cent.

Union Budget 2026-27 announces second national mental health institute and 50% expansion of trauma care capacity in district hospitals (Start of February) ▼

Union Budget 2026-27 announced establishment of India’s second national mental health institute, NIMHANS-2, to address absence of national mental healthcare institutes in north India.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated existing mental health institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur will be upgraded as regional apex centres.
Emergency and trauma care capacity in district hospitals to be expanded by 50% through new Emergency and Trauma Care Centres.
Economic Survey 2025-26 presented on January 29, 2026, identified mental health as a major public health concern, highlighting high prevalence of social media addiction among 15-24 age group.

National Youth Day observed on January 12 (Mid of January) ▼

National Youth Day 2026 will be observed across India on January 12.
The day is dedicated to the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
The Government of India declared Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary as National Youth Day in 1984.

LSEG–Ipsos PCSI places India second globally in consumer confidence for January 2026 (End of January) ▼

India’s LSEG–Ipsos Primary Consumer Sentiment Index (PCSI) rose 1.4 points to 60.7 in January 2026, ranking it second among 30 countries.
Indonesia led the index at 62.6, with India and Indonesia the only markets above 60 points.
India’s PCSI Economic Expectations Sub-Index increased 6.6 points and the Employment Sub-Index climbed 6.3 points.
The Current Personal Financial Conditions Sub-Index for India slipped 0.6 points and the Investment Climate Sub-Index declined 2.0 points.
The Global Consumer Confidence Index (GCCI) improved 0.5 points to 49.9 in January 2026, up 1.3 points year-on-year.
Survey covered over 21,000 adults under 75 across 30 countries from 24 December 2025 to 9 January 2026.

Park Chan-wook named president of jury for 79th Cannes Film Festival.

[France]

Key Updates:

South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook will preside over the 79th Cannes Film Festival scheduled for 12-23 May 2026.
He becomes the first Korean and the third Asian to serve as Cannes jury president, after Japan’s Tetsurō Furukaki in 1962 and Hong Kong’s Wong Kar-wai in 2006.
Park has premiered four films in Competition at Cannes: Oldboy (2004), Thirst (2009), The Handmaiden (2016), and Decision to Leave (2022).
His Cannes accolades include the Grand Jury Prize for Oldboy, the Jury Prize for Thirst, and Best Director for Decision to Leave.
Festival President Iris Knobloch and Director Thierry Frémaux praised his inventiveness and visual mastery in the announcement.

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Vijender Singh appointed to Asian Boxing Council (Mid of January) ▼

Vijender Singh has been appointed as a member of the Asian Boxing Council.
He thanked the Boxing Federation of India for entrusting him with this responsibility.
Vijender remains one of India’s most recognisable sporting figures, having won a historic bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

PV Sindhu elected chair of BWF Athletes’ Commission to serve as BWF Council Member (End of December) ▼

PV Sindhu was elected chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission for the 2026-29 term.
She will also serve as a BWF Council Member, giving players a voice in governance.
Chan Ho Yuen Daniel of Hong Kong China elected to similar role in Para Badminton wing.

Casting Directors Recognized with New Oscar Category (Mid of December) ▼

A new Oscar category for achievement in casting was added to the Academy Awards.
The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC on March 15, 2026.
Bernard Telsey is a prominent casting director who, with Tiffany Little Canfield, populated both "Wicked" movies.
Destiny Lilly is the president of the Casting Society.
The Emmys have three categories for casting.
The Critics Choice Awards recently added a casting trophy.
The Artios Awards, the casting industry's own prize, were first held in 1985.

Ilaiyaraaja to receive Padmapani Award at Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF) 2026 (End of January) ▼

Ilaiyaraaja will be honored with the Padmapani Award at the 2026 Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF).
The award presentation will take place during the opening ceremony on January 28 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
He will receive a Padmapani Memento, a letter of honor, and a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.
The selection committee was led by film critic Latika Padgaonkar and included filmmakers Ashutosh Gowariker, Sunil Sukthankar, and Chandrakant Kulkarni.
Past recipients of the award include Javed Akhtar and Om Puri.

Artisan Beats Passes Away at 47

[South Korea]

Key Updates:

First-generation Korean hip-hop musician Seo Jae-min, known professionally as Artisan Beats, passed away at the age of 47 on 17 February.
He was a foundational contributor to the underground rap movement in South Korea and was a member of the hip-hop collective Bulhandang.
The musician, born in 1979, also performed and produced music under the stage names Saatan and Satan.
He was one half of the hip-hop duo Da Crew and an active participant in the collective Master Plan Allstarz.
His notable musical releases include the 2014 single Jimmy Chu and the 2015 extended play titled Chun.

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Veteran filmmaker MM Baig found dead at his Mumbai home. (End of February) ▼

MM Baig was discovered dead at his residence after neighbours alerted police about a foul smell.
Police broke in around 1:30-2:00 am and sent the body to Cooper Hospital for post-mortem.
Baig directed Chhoti Bahu (1994) and the unreleased Massom Gawah (1990).
He assisted directors J Om Prakash, Vimal Kumar and Rakesh Roshan on films including Aadmi Khilona Hai and Kala Bazaar.
His daughter Shahinda Baig, known as Baby Guddu, acted in 1980s Hindi films such as Aakhir Kyon?, Nagina and Aulad.

Rapper Poorstacy passed away at 26 (Start of December) ▼

Poorstacy was a talented emo rapper known for his genre-bending music and collaborations.
His real name was Carlito Junior Milfort.
He was born on March 15, 1999, in Palm Beach, Florida.
Authorities responded to an incident at a Boca Raton hotel where he was found on November 29.
Palm Beach County Medical Examiner announced his death.
He released his debut EP titled ‘I Don’t Care’ in 2019.
His following release was the 2020 album ‘The Breakfast Club’.

Kirtida Mekani passes away at 66 (End of January) ▼

Kirtida Mekani, originally from Karnataka, died of a massive heart attack at home.
She was the founding executive director of the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) from 1993.
Mekani launched the Plant-A-Tree Programme in 2007 with Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) under the Garden City Fund.
She served as trustee of the United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) Foundation supporting its Rainforest Restoration Project.
In 2016 she co-founded the Biomimicry Singapore Network.
She was on the board of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore and trustee of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).
She served on the board of LASALLE College of the Arts and on the management committee of the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS).
She received the President’s Award for the Environment in 2015 and was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame in 2024.

Mani Shankar Mukherjee (Shankar) passes away at 92. (End of February) ▼

Mani Shankar Mukherjee, popularly known as Shankar, died at the age of 92 on Friday.
He was born in 1933 in Bongaon, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal.
Shankar received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2021.
Notable works include Chowrangi, Kato Ajanare, Simabuddha, Janaaranya, and Kumkum Prabhu.

Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) bans poultry and egg imports from 40 countries including India

[Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), Saudi Arabia]

Key Updates:

Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has imposed a full ban on poultry and table egg imports from 40 countries including India.
Partial restrictions apply to specific provinces and cities in 16 countries: Australia, United States, Italy, Belgium, Bhutan, Poland, Togo, Denmark, Romania, Zimbabwe, France, Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Heat-treated or processed poultry products that eliminate bird flu or Newcastle disease virus are exempted provided they meet approved health requirements, carry a health certificate from the exporting country’s competent authority, confirm adequate processing standards and originate from an approved facility.
The SFDA stated that the list of affected countries is subject to periodic review in line with global health developments and epidemiological updates.

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Kyrgyzstan bans import of animals and animal products from India over Nipah virus risk (End of January) ▼

Kyrgyzstan has halted imports of animals and animal products from India following reports of a Nipah virus outbreak there.
Enhanced screening for passengers arriving on international flights has been introduced at Manas International Airport in Bishkek and Osh airport.
All arriving passengers at Manas International Airport are undergoing temperature checks using specialised screening equipment.
The Kyrgyz Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Food Processing Industry stated the import ban aims to prevent potential entry of the Nipah virus into Kyrgyzstan.

Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying releases Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025 in New Delhi (End of November) ▼

The ‘Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025’ was released by Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, on National Milk Day at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi.
The publication provides comprehensive data on livestock and dairy sector trends based on the Integrated Sample Survey conducted from 1st March 2024 to 29th February 2025.
India ranks 1st globally in milk production with 247.87 million tonnes in 2024-25, and 2nd in egg production with 149.11 billion eggs.
The top five milk-producing states are Uttar Pradesh (15.66%), Rajasthan (14.82%), Madhya Pradesh (9.12%), Gujarat (7.78%), and Maharashtra (6.71%).
Andhra Pradesh leads egg production with 18.37% of national output, followed by Tamil Nadu (15.63%) and Telangana (12.98%).

Odisha Total Ban on Gutka and Tobacco/Nicotine Food Products (End of January) ▼

Odisha government ordered a complete ban on manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and consumption of gutka and all food products containing tobacco and nicotine.
The ban covers gutka, pan masala, zarda, khaini and similar chewable or flavoured/scented food products, packaged or unpackaged.
Cigarettes and bidis are excluded from the prohibition.
Violations will attract strict penal action under food safety law, including product seizure, licence cancellation and prosecution.

India participates as first-ever partner country at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai from January 26 to 30, 2026 (End of January) ▼

Gulfood 2026, the world's largest annual food and beverage event, is being held from January 26 to 30, 2026, in Dubai.
India is participating as the partner country for the first time in the history of the global exhibition.
The event is the first exhibition to operate simultaneously across two venues, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai.
The DEC hosts the World Food Hall, Pulses, Grains and Cereals Hall, and Gulfood Green, while the DWTC hosts the Beverage Hall and the Startup Hall.
India's participation includes 161 exhibitors showcasing the country's agri-food ecosystem, with the Indian pavilion doubling in size compared to the previous year.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) launched the Bharati Pavilion to promote export-ready agri-food and agri-tech startups.
The Bharati Pavilion, located in the Startup Zone at the DWTC, features eight high-potential Indian startups selected from more than 100 applicants.
The exhibition recorded a 100 per cent expansion in a single year, featuring more than 8,500 exhibitors showcasing 1.5 million products from 195 countries.
Major participating markets include India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United States, with 40 per cent being first-time exhibitors.

South Central Railway (SCR) launches Rail Parcel Logistics app and signs MoU with Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) for 2030 freight strategy.

[South Central Railway (SCR), Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)]

Key Updates:

South Central Railway (SCR) launched the Rail Parcel Logistics app on Wednesday during a conclave at Rail Nilayam.
The app offers end-to-end parcel booking, doorstep pickup and delivery, real-time consignment tracking, automated transit updates, and secure multi-mode digital payments.
Pilot rollout covers Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntur, Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
SCR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) to conduct demand forecasting, competitiveness analysis, and infrastructure assessment for a long-term freight logistics strategy targeting national freight loading goals by 2030.

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RailOne app replaces UTS app with 3% digital payment incentive (Start of February) ▼

Ministry of Railways (MoR) will discontinue the UTS mobile app from 1 March 2026.
Passengers must migrate to the RailOne super app launched in 2025.
RailOne supports existing UTS and RailConnect login credentials.
Users booking unreserved tickets via RailOne receive a 3% discount on all digital payment modes from 14 January 2026 to 14 July 2026.
The 3% R-wallet cashback for unreserved tickets continues unchanged.

Bharti Airtel partners with Google to launch RCS messaging in India (Start of December) ▼

Bharti Airtel has signed a pact with Google to offer RCS messaging on its network.
Airtel will charge Rs 0.11 per RCS message under an 80:20 revenue-share with Google.
Airtel will route RCS traffic through its AI-based spam filter before approving messages.
With Airtel on board, all three major Indian telcos—Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea—now support RCS.
Google Messages is the main driver of RCS, handling 1 billion messages daily worldwide.

Department of Posts becomes logistics provider on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) (Mid of January) ▼

The Department of Posts has initiated its services as a logistics provider on the Open Network for Digital Commerce ONDC platform.
It handled its first shipment for an order placed by UdyamWell, marking a new milestone in supporting Indian entrepreneurs through efficient logistics solutions.
Vendors using ONDC-enabled applications can now select the Department of Posts for logistics needs, including parcel pickup, booking, transmission, and delivery across the country.
Services operate under the 'Click & Book' model, allowing sellers to generate digital pickup requests and choose the Department of Posts as their logistics partner.

Indian Railways deploys AI-enabled apps for grievance redressal and crowd management (End of February) ▼

Indian Railways has integrated artificial intelligence into seven mobile applications including RailMadad, Coach Mitra, and RailOne app.
RailOne app uses AI to predict confirmation percentage of waiting tickets.
RailMadad uses AI to classify and prioritise complaints based on urgency and type.
Coach Mitra is operational in 74 trains.
Centre For Railway Information Systems (CRIS) is embedding AI into 15 more applications to improve security, freight loading, and train operations.
CRIS is developing an AI system to predict railway traffic congestion and identify potential bottlenecks at station entry points and foot over bridges.
AI system will merge reserved and unreserved ticketing data with train movement data to predict platform-specific crowd density on an hourly basis.
CRIS has created 300 freight clusters using GST data to identify potential freight movement areas for Indian Railways.
An AI-based incident prediction model is under development to forecast asset failures using historical data.
Bhashini integration in RailMadad converts voice in 12 languages to text and identifies complaint trends and passenger sentiment.

CBDC-Based Food Subsidy Pilot under PMGKAY launched in Puducherry

[Puducherry]

Key Updates:

The Government of India will launch a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Food Subsidy Distribution Pilot under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in Puducherry on 26 February 2026.
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Pralhad Joshi will inaugurate the pilot.
Eligible PMGKAY beneficiaries will receive food subsidy as programmable CBDC tokens credited directly to their CBDC wallets issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The tokens will be redeemable exclusively for entitled foodgrains and usable only at authorised Fair Price Shops (FPS) and designated merchants.
The pilot integrates the RBI-issued Digital Rupee into the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) framework to create a secure, instant, traceable and programmable subsidy distribution mechanism.
Implementing partners include the Government of Puducherry, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Public Financial Management System (PFMS) and Canara Bank as the designated banking partner.
Following the Puducherry rollout, the pilot will be expanded in a phased manner to additional beneficiaries and other Union Territories based on performance and outcomes.

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Amit Shah launches CBDC-enabled PDS in Gujarat to digitise ration distribution. (Mid of February) ▼

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-enabled Public Distribution System (PDS) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Shah stated that India now accounts for half of the world’s digital transactions.
The new system aims to make ration distribution more transparent and efficient.

Punjab launches 'Meri Rasoi' scheme to provide quarterly food kits to 40 lakh families (End of February) ▼

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the 'Meri Rasoi' scheme for 40 lakh families registered under the National Food Security Act.
The scheme will distribute essential food kits quarterly through Markfed and the Department of Food and Civil Supplies.
Each kit will contain pulses, sugar, iodised salt, turmeric, and mustard oil to address nutritional gaps beyond subsidised wheat.
The first distribution round is scheduled for April with quality control measures in place.

Pulse Self-Reliance Mission launched to make India world’s largest pulse exporter (Start of February) ▼

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the nationwide Pulse Self-Reliance Mission at Sehore, Madhya Pradesh.
The mission mandates every state to prepare a customised regional roadmap for expanding pulse cultivation based on local needs.
Farmers will receive seed kits and Rs 10,000 per hectare support for model cultivation under a cluster-based approach.
Up to Rs 25 lakh subsidy per unit will be given to establish 1,000 dal mills across the country, including 55 in Madhya Pradesh.
Seed release ceremonies will now be held in states among farmers instead of Delhi.

CBIC launches SWIFT 2.0 single-window platform and revamped Atithi app

[Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)]

Key Updates:

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) will launch SWIFT 2.0, a single-window platform for digital clearance of exports and imports.
Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary will preside over the launch on International Customs Day 2026.
The revamped Atithi app will be released to help international passengers clear baggage from customs on arrival in India.
CBIC will also release the Digital Travellers Guide and the SWIFT 2.0 Booklet during the event.
The theme for International Customs Day 2026 is 'Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment'.

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National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launches UPI One World wallet for foreign delegates at India AI Impact Summit 2026 (End of February) ▼

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) extended UPI One World wallet service to international delegates attending India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 16-20 February.
The wallet enables inbound foreign travellers from over 40 countries to perform real-time Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions across India without a local bank account or Indian mobile number.
Maximum loading limit is Rs 25,000 per transaction and Rs 50,000 per month; remaining balance can be transferred back to the original payment source per foreign exchange regulations.
Wallet accessible at New Delhi International Airport and NPCI Pavilion; loading done via international debit or credit cards and payments made by scanning standard UPI QR codes.
UPI processed 21.70 billion transactions in January 2026.

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.

NITI Aayog–NIIT Foundation MoU for 100% Aspirational Blocks coverage (End of January) ▼

NITI Aayog has partnered with NIIT Foundation to achieve 100% coverage in digital literacy, financial inclusion and employability across select Aspirational Blocks.
The collaboration targets approximately 1.2 lakh beneficiaries with at least 40% women participation.
NIIT Foundation will lead on-ground implementation through trained mobilisers, trainers, and by building capacity of community facilitators, self-help group leaders and peer educators.

CBIC wins Gold Prize in Public Outreach & Communication Category at IITF 2025 in New Delhi (Start of December) ▼

GST & Customs Pavilion bagged the Gold Prize in the Public Outreach and Communication Category at IITF 2025.
Pavilion showcased at India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 in New Delhi from 14th-27th November 2025.
Built around the theme Next-Gen GST: सरल कर, खुशहाल राष्ट्र.
Eight helpdesks from GST, Customs, GSTN, ICEGATE and CPGRAMS provided instant support.
Educational videos and tutorials available in 10 regional languages plus Hindi and English.
Interactive digital exhibits showcased CBIC’s key reforms and achievements.
Engaging activities included magic shows, puppet shows, quizzes, caricature artists, VR games and selfie corners.
Dedicated sessions introduced students to career opportunities in CBIC.

National Arogya Fair 2026 inaugurated in Shegaon to promote AYUSH systems

Key Updates:

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 on 26 February 2026 at Shegaon in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra.
The President felicitated six senior Vaidyas during the event in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the field of traditional Indian medicine.
The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) has aligned research and drug development guidelines with international standards to enhance global credibility.
The fair highlighted the role of AYUSH systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, and Siddha, in supporting public health and complementing modern medicine.
The President emphasised that the cultivation of medicinal plants boosts the incomes of farmers and supports soil conservation while ensuring sustainable raw materials for medicines.

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Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026 themed with Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya (Start of February) ▼

The Surajkund International Crafts Mela is organized annually in February near the Delhi–Haryana border.
Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya are the designated partner states for the 2026 edition of the fair.
The event features the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative of Uttar Pradesh, showcasing regional specialities.
Specific products highlighted under the ODOP showcase include glass bangles from Firozabad, perfumes from Kannauj, and Black Pottery from Azamgarh.
The fair also displays Bhadohi carpets and traditional textiles such as Chikankari and Zardozi from Uttar Pradesh.
The mela serves as a platform for master artisans, weavers, and folk artists from across India and several international partner countries.

SARAS–2026 Exhibition Inauguration on January 8 (Start of January) ▼

SARAS–2026, a 13-day national-level exhibition for women’s economic empowerment, will be inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on January 8 at 4 p.m. in Guntur.
The Ministry of Rural Development is organising the festival as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The exhibition will run till January 18 and will feature around 300 women artisans and entrepreneurs from 21 states and union territories.

Delhi World Book Fair 2024: Free Entry, Indian Military History Theme (Start of January) ▼

The 53rd Delhi World Book Fair is being organised by National Book Trust (NBT) and co-organised by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).
The fair is being inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Entry to the event is free for the first time in history.
The theme pavilion is titled 'Indian Military History: Valour & Wisdom @75'.
Spain is the focus country and Qatar the guest of honour.
Qatar’s ambassador is His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Jabir Al Jaber.

National Arogya Fair 2026 to promote Ayush medicine systems and farmer livelihoods (End of February) ▼

President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the National Arogya Fair 2026 at Visava Maidan of Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan in Shegaon, Buldhana, Maharashtra on February 25.
The fair is organised by the Ministry of Ayush (MoA) in collaboration with All India Ayurvedic Congress from February 25 to 28.
Free health check-ups, consultations and medicines will be provided across Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy systems.
Farmers from Buldhana district will be encouraged to adopt agroforestry and medicinal plant cultivation for sustainable income.
A special programme on 'Ayurvedic Farming, Production and Marketing' is scheduled on February 27 at 3 pm at Visava premises.

Haryana to launch CM Shri Schools for quality education under CBSE framework

[Haryana, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)]

Key Updates:

The Haryana government is set to introduce CM Shri Schools modeled after the central government's PM Shri Schools.
These institutions will operate under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) framework and aim to embody the National Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020).
The schools will focus on providing quality education, holistic development, and building 21st-century skills to serve as benchmark institutions.
The Education Department of Haryana has reserved 25% of entry-level class seats in private schools for students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
According to Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, 11,803 students were admitted to private institutions under the EWS reservation scheme last year.

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Mahila Khushhali Yojana launched for women engaged in agricultural activities with Rs 25 crore allocation in Jharkhand FY27 budget. (End of February) ▼

The Jharkhand government tabled a Rs 1,58,560 crore budget for FY 2026-27 in the assembly.
Finance Minister Radhishna Kishore announced the launch of the Mahila Khushhali Yojna for women farmers with an allocation of Rs 25 crore.
The budget for FY27 is higher than the previous year's Rs 1.45 lakh crore budget presented in 2025-26.
The state government plans to open 100 new CM schools of excellence in the next fiscal.

Assam rolls out Provincialisation Management System (PMS 1.0) portal and Guru Dakshina scheme (End of February) ▼

The Assam government launched the Provincialisation Management System (PMS 1.0) portal to streamline provincialisation of venture educational institutions under the Assam Education (Provincialisation of Services of Teachers and Re-Organisation of Educational Institutions) Act, 2017, as amended in 2025.
Institutions established before 2006 will be considered for provincialisation and must submit documentary proof through the portal.
The government will open around 75,000 teacher and lecturer vacancies this year, with UGC-qualified candidates assured fair opportunities.
The Guru Dakshina scheme provides one-time financial assistance to teachers who missed earlier provincialisation due to lack of certificates or eligibility issues, and they will receive preference marks in future recruitment.

Mahila Khushhali Yojna launched for women farmers in Jharkhand with ₹25 crore allocation. (End of February) ▼

Jharkhand Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore tabled a ₹1,58,560 crore budget for FY 2026-27.
The budget introduced the Mahila Khushhali Yojna for women engaged in agricultural activities with an allocation of ₹25 crore.
100 new CM schools of excellence will be opened in the next fiscal.

CM Shri Schools project launched across Delhi (Mid of February) ▼

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the first CM Shri School at Sarojini Nagar on 17 February 2026.
Foundation stones for 75 CM Shri School projects across Delhi were laid simultaneously.
The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) and aims to provide modern, technology-integrated education and improved learning infrastructure.
Education minister Ashish Sood announced that 7,000 classrooms will be converted into AI-enabled smart classrooms before the government completes its first year in office.
175 new ICT labs equipped with 7,000 computers, more than 100 digital libraries and over 175 language labs are being launched.
The schools will serve children from economically weaker, lower and middle-income families with facilities comparable to private schools.

National HPV Vaccination Drive for Cervical Cancer Prevention

Key Updates:

The Union Health Ministry will launch a special HPV vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls later this month.
During the first 90 days girls aged 14 years as per their date of birth can receive the single-dose MSD Gardasil vaccine free at government health centres.
After the initial 90-day campaign girls aged 14 years can book vaccination slots through the U-win portal at their nearest health and wellness centre.
The drive will cover 1.15 crore girls who turn 14 each year.
GAVI vaccine alliance is supplying 2.6 crore doses of Gardasil to India of which 1 crore doses have already arrived.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is continuing studies on a one-dose regimen using the indigenous Serum Institute of India (SII) Cervavac vaccine.

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Union Health Minister J P Nadda launches India-made tetanus and adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) (End of February) ▼

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda launched the indigenously manufactured tetanus and adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.
The Td vaccine has been introduced for supply under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and CRI will supply 55 lakh doses to UIP by April.
India achieved Maturity Level 3 in the World Health Organization (WHO) global benchmarking of regulatory systems, reflecting robust vaccine regulatory standards.
Under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, India supplied vaccines to nearly 100 countries, with 48 countries receiving vaccines free of cost.
CRI is the first government institute to manufacture vaccines under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.
Universal Immunization Programme is the world’s largest immunisation programme, providing 11 vaccines against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
The annual immunisation cohort under UIP comprises nearly 5 crore beneficiaries, including around 2.5 crore pregnant women and 2.5 crore children.
Vaccine coverage in India has reached nearly 99 per cent due to systematic tracking and sustained immunisation efforts.

Supreme Court Recognises Menstrual Health as a Fundamental Right under Article 21 (Mid of February) ▼

The Supreme Court (SC) of India recognised access to menstrual health as a fundamental right under Article 21, expanding the constitutional meaning of life and dignity.
A Bench led by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan reframed menstrual health and hygiene as an enforceable constitutional entitlement rather than a matter of welfare or budgetary discretion.
The ruling mandates all government and private schools to provide free oxo-biodegradable sanitary products to girls in classes 6 to 12.
Schools are required to ensure access to functional girls’ toilets equipped with covered disposal bins, soap, clean water, and menstrual hygiene management corners.
The judgement aligns sanitation and dignity with the Right to Education (RTE) under Article 21A and the principle of substantive equality under Article 14.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) are directed to integrate gender-responsive curricula.
District Education Officers are tasked with conducting annual inspections and collecting anonymous student feedback to monitor ground-level compliance.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is designated to provide nationwide oversight for the implementation of these directives.
Private institutions are subject to the ruling, and non-compliance may result in penalties such as derecognition.

Gujarat CM inaugurates Asha Van for early cancer detection (Start of January) ▼

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Cancer Screening Van - Asha Van to support the early detection of cancer.
The Asha Van was donated to the Bhavnagar branch of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) by Jenburkt Pharmaceutical.
The van is equipped with EVA-Pro diagnostics, a mammography unit, and expert tele-consultation facilities.
The initiative aims to advance the goal of "Health and Wellness for All" in rural areas.
The van enables on-site screening for various diseases including lung, oral, blood, cervical, pancreatic, liver, breast, and prostate cancer using ultra-modern instrumentation.

Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana replaces Ladli Yojana with ₹1 lakh support for girls’ education (Mid of February) ▼

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana effective from 1 April 2026, replacing the 2008 Ladli Yojana.
The scheme deposits ₹56,000 in stages and with interest the corpus is projected to reach ₹1 lakh when the girl turns 21 or completes graduation/diploma, whichever is earlier.
Instalments: ₹11,000 at birth, ₹5,000 on admission to Classes 1, 6, 9, 10 and 12, and ₹20,000 after completing graduation or diploma.
Eligibility: girl must be born in Delhi, family must have resided in Delhi for at least three years, annual family income must not exceed ₹1 lakh, and only two daughters per family can receive benefits.
Beneficiaries pursuing graduation or diploma outside Delhi remain eligible for the final payout.
Pending Ladli Yojana dues are being cleared through a government campaign to identify unclaimed accounts.

Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela unveils roadmap for Viksit Krishi–Atmanirbhar Bharat reforms

Key Updates:

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the three-day Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) campus in Pusa, Delhi.
He announced that agencies or state governments withholding farmers’ money will pay 12% interest on the withheld amount.
The Centre is exploring direct transfer of its share to farmers if states delay payments under schemes.
Over ₹2 lakh crore annual fertiliser subsidy is under review for possible Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to farmers’ accounts.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans charge 4% effective interest for about 75% of small farmers; banks must ensure zero-delay disbursement.
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) will be developed as district-level agricultural reform command centres to bridge research and extension.
Pesticide licensing will be simplified through reduced layers, fixed timelines and full transparency to speed quality product availability.
Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement window to be compressed from three months to a maximum of one month in coordination with states.
The ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ will resume in April with scientist teams visiting villages ahead of the kharif season to transfer latest technologies.
Seven farmers received the IARI Krishi Adhyeta Award during the inaugural session.

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Bharat-VISTAAR AI Tool Launched for Farmers with ₹150 Crore Outlay (Mid of February) ▼

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

High-Level Committee Formed to Strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Tamil Nadu (End of January) ▼

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) has constituted a high-level committee to review Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and recommend strategies for enhancing their scale and reach in Tamil Nadu.
The panel is mandated to submit its comprehensive report within two months.
The committee includes representatives from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), and Small Farmers' Agri-Business Consortium-Tamil Nadu (SFAC-Tamil Nadu).
Other members of the panel include officials from the ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), FPOs, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
The committee will investigate institutional governance, management practices, business operations, sustainability, technical support, and value addition.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan initiated the formation of the panel following a visit to Erode.
Target beneficiaries: Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Tamil Nadu.

Bharat Vistar: Multilingual AI Tool Proposed in Union Budget 2026-27 (Start of February) ▼

Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of Bharat Vistar in the Union Budget 2026-27.
Bharat Vistar is a multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool designed to integrate AgriStack portals and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) practices with advanced AI systems.
The platform aims to boost farm productivity and deliver customised advisory support to reduce risks for farmers.
The FM proposed backing high-value crops to raise farm incomes.
The government proposed a credit-linked subsidy programme for animal husbandry to spur rural jobs.
The budget includes plans for the modernisation of livestock enterprises and the creation of integrated value chains for dairy and poultry sectors.
The initiative encourages the formation of livestock Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

Madhya Pradesh declares 2026 as 'Year of Agriculture' with ₹27,000 crore budget (End of January) ▼

Madhya Pradesh will observe 2026 as the 'Year of Agriculture' with a sector budget of ₹27,000 crore.
The agriculture budget rose from ₹600 crore in 2002-03 to ₹27,000 crore in 2024-25.
The 10-point agricultural development model covers technology transfer, income enhancement, natural farming, marketing and export, innovation, and digital transparency.
e-Mandi scheme covers 259 markets with 40 lakh farmers registered.
Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana targets raising Madhya Pradesh's share in national milk output from 9% to 20%.
Cow shelter grant doubled to ₹40 per destitute animal; related budget increased from ₹250 crore to ₹505 crore.
Procurement price for milk raised from ₹2.50 to ₹8.50 per litre; 1,200 new milk cooperatives formed.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana sanctioned over 11 lakh houses in Madhya Pradesh last year, with 4 lakh completed.
Chief Minister's Majra-Tola Yojana approved ₹21,000 crore to connect nearly 20,000 settlements with roads.
Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G) extends MNREGA employment from 100 to 125 days.
Dropout rate at elementary level in Madhya Pradesh fell from 6% to zero in 2024-25.
94,234 Class 12 students scoring above 75% received laptops worth ₹25,000 each.

Ministry of Ayush invites applications for Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga-2026

Key Updates:

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.

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University of Patanjali designated Gyan Bharatam Mission cluster centre (Mid of December) ▼

University of Patanjali has been designated a cluster centre under the Gyan Bharatam Mission of the Ministry of Culture.
It is the country’s first yoga- and Ayurveda-focused university to receive cluster centre status.
As a cluster centre, it will mentor and connect 20 other institutions to the mission.

National Arogya Fair 2026 to promote Ayush medicine systems and farmer livelihoods (End of February) ▼

President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the National Arogya Fair 2026 at Visava Maidan of Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan in Shegaon, Buldhana, Maharashtra on February 25.
The fair is organised by the Ministry of Ayush (MoA) in collaboration with All India Ayurvedic Congress from February 25 to 28.
Free health check-ups, consultations and medicines will be provided across Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy systems.
Farmers from Buldhana district will be encouraged to adopt agroforestry and medicinal plant cultivation for sustainable income.
A special programme on 'Ayurvedic Farming, Production and Marketing' is scheduled on February 27 at 3 pm at Visava premises.

Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2025 rewards exemplary civil-servant initiatives (Start of December) ▼

The Government of India has approved the Scheme for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, 2025.
The scheme will confer 5 awards under Category 1: Holistic Development of Districts under 11 priority sector programmes.
The scheme will confer 5 awards under Category 2: Aspirational Blocks Program.
The scheme will confer 6 awards under Category 3: Innovations for Central Ministries/Departments States, Districts.
Each awarded District/organization will receive a Trophy, Scroll and an incentive of Rs. 20 lakhs to be utilized for implementation of project/programme or bridging resources gaps in any area of public welfare.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2025 on 30 individuals. (End of January) ▼

President Droupadi Murmu approved the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak for six persons.
Six persons received the Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak.
Eighteen persons were awarded the Jeevan Raksha Padak.
Six of the 30 awardees are being honoured posthumously.
The awards recognise meritorious acts of human nature in saving a life.

India: COAS General Upendra Dwivedi flags off culmination ceremony of Bharat RannBhoomi Darshan D2D Expedition at National War Memorial, New Delhi

[National War Memorial, New Delhi]

Key Updates:

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi flagged off the culmination ceremony of Bharat RannBhoomi Darshan D2D Expedition at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
The 22-day expedition covered approximately 3,400 kilometres, starting from Dwarka on 3 February 2026.
Led jointly by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Border Security Force (BSF), the expedition traversed key locations across Gujarat and Rajasthan to honour war heroes and showcase India’s military heritage.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Adwa Victory Memorial and Museum in Ethiopia (Mid of December) ▼

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays a wreath at the Adwa Victory Memorial and Museum in Addis Ababa.
The memorial commemorates Ethiopia’s victory in the 1896 Battle of Adwa against Italian forces.
The museum houses artefacts, weapons, historical dioramas, conference halls, an amphitheatre, and a library.
PM Modi’s visit highlights India’s recognition of Ethiopia’s legacy of independence and anti-colonial resistance.

Indian Air Force celebrates 1971 victory legacy with aerial power display (Mid of December) ▼

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday staged a breathtaking aerial display at Air Force Station Mohanbari to commemorate Vijay Diwas, marking the anniversary of India’s decisive victory in the 1971 war leading Pakistan’s surrender and subsequent birth of Bangladesh.
The event was attended by Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who warmly recalled the IAF’s pivotal role in the conflict and underscored the enduring lesson of jointmanship.
Organised by Shillong-based Eastern Air Command headquarters, the celebration showcased frontline assets including Sukhoi Su-30 fighters, Dornier Do-228 surveillance aircraft, Antonov An-32 transport planes, and heavy-lift platforms such as the Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters.
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh highlighted the indispensable coordination between the services, noting that river crossings, air drops, and operations in the Western Sector were possible only through close cooperation between the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti 2026 was observed as Parakram Diwas on January 23 (End of January) ▼

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti 2026 was observed on January 23, marking his 129th birth anniversary.
The day was celebrated as Parakram Diwas to honour Netaji’s courage, leadership and role in India’s freedom struggle.
Parakram Diwas commemorated Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the iconic leader of the Indian National Army (INA).
The term Parakram, meaning valour, reflected Netaji’s fearless and revolutionary spirit.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha.
He had resigned from the Indian Civil Service to dedicate himself fully to the independence movement.
Netaji led the INA and founded the Forward Bloc to strengthen resistance against British rule.
The Government of India had designated January 23 as Parakram Diwas to honour his sacrifices.
Schools and colleges organised debates, essay writing and cultural programmes across the country.
Tributes were paid at Netaji’s statues and memorials, especially in Cuttack, Kolkata and Delhi.

Indian Armed Forces Flag Day observed on December 7 (Start of December) ▼

Indian Armed Forces Flag Day is observed annually on December 7.
The day was established on December 7, 1949, to pay nationwide tribute to the armed forces.
Citizens contribute voluntary donations to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) for war widows, disabled soldiers, and ex-servicemen.
Small flags in red, deep blue, and light blue signify support for the Army, Navy, and Air Force respectively.

India and Nepal sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in Environment and Biodiversity Conservation on 26 February 2026

[Nepal]

Key Updates:

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Forests and Environment of Nepal in New Delhi.
The agreement was signed in the presence of India’s Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Nepal’s Cabinet Minister Madhav Prasad Chaulagain.
The MoU aims to promote bilateral cooperation in forests, wildlife, environment, biodiversity conservation, and climate change.
The partnership focuses on the restoration of wildlife corridors and interlinking areas to create transboundary conservation landscapes.
The cooperation includes formulating biodiversity conservation strategies for key species such as elephant, Gangetic dolphin, rhinoceros, snow leopard, tiger, and vultures.
The agreement provides for combating forest and wildlife crime and strengthening the capacity of frontline staff in enforcement agencies.
Both nations will collaborate on promoting smart green infrastructure in biodiversity hotspots and exchanging technical expertise.

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Nepal and India sign Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (End of February) ▼

The Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was signed on Tuesday at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs in Kathmandu.
The agreement enables Nepal and India to cooperate in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
It aims to strengthen cooperation in investigation, prosecution and judicial processes related to criminal cases.
The agreement facilitates exchange of legal assistance including evidence collection, information sharing and coordination between competent authorities.
It is expected to help minimise financial crime in Nepal and make criminal investigation, accusation and judicial procedure more effective.
The agreement will also help combat money laundering and financial investment in terrorist activities.
Joint Secretary Binod Kumar Bhattarai signed on behalf of the Nepal government.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava signed on behalf of the Indian government.

Indian Armed Forces conduct simultaneous military exercises including Vajra Prahar, Dharma Guardian, Kalari Leap, and Vayu Shakti in February 2026

Key Updates:

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.

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Indian Army conducts Exercise Agni Varsha in Pokhran (End of February) ▼

Exercise Agni Varsha was conducted by the Southern Command of the Indian Army in Pokhran deserts, Rajasthan.
The exercise featured unmanned aerial vehicles, counter-drone systems, precision strike rockets, modern artillery platforms and surveillance assets.
Foreign defence journalists from 25 countries witnessed the exercise.
The Integrated Manoeuvre Force comprised T-90 Main Battle Tanks, infantry combat vehicles, K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, Sharang and Bofors artillery systems, rocket platforms, indigenous weapon systems, Apache attack helicopters and a range of surveillance and strike drones.

India and United States commence 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026 in Himachal Pradesh (End of February) ▼

The 16th edition of the bilateral Special Forces exercise, Vajra Prahar 2026, is being conducted between the Indian Army and the United States (U.S.) Army.
The exercise is hosted at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS) in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
The exercise is conducted annually to enhance interoperability, operational coordination, and the exchange of advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
The 2026 edition focuses on counter-terrorism operations, precision strikes, intelligence-driven missions, and joint planning under simulated battlefield conditions.
The drill aims to strengthen the strategic partnership and enhance the capability of Special Forces to operate in diverse environments.

India and Japan Commence 7th Edition of Dharma Guardian Exercise in Uttarakhand (End of February) ▼

The 7th edition of the annual India–Japan Joint Military Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, in Uttarakhand.
The two-week exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 24 February to 9 March 2026.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) is represented in the exercise by 120 personnel from the 32nd Infantry Regiment.
The Indian Army contingent comprises 120 personnel drawn from the Ladakh Scouts.
The exercise is designed to enhance combined operational capabilities in semi-urban terrain and integrate modern military technologies.
Tactical activities include establishing a Temporary Operating Base (TOB) and developing an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) grid.
Participating forces will conduct Mobile Vehicle Check Posts, Cordon and Search Operations, Heliborne Operations, and House Intervention Drills.
The exercise is conducted alternately in India and Japan as a key pillar of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership framework.

Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police conduct joint exercise Agni Pariksha in Arunachal Pradesh (Start of February) ▼

The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) conducted a six-day joint training exercise named Agni Pariksha from 19 to 24 January.
The exercise was held at Sigar in the East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh to enhance inter-force combat synergy and operational integration.
Spearhead gunners under the Spear Corps led the training for personnel from infantry regiments and the ITBP.
The primary objective of the exercise was to familiarise non-artillery personnel with artillery procedures, coordination mechanisms, and the execution of firing missions.
Infantry and ITBP personnel were trained to independently conduct multiple artillery firing drills under the supervision of experienced gunners.
The initiative represents the first phase of a collaborative firepower training programme aimed at developing integrated combat capabilities for future battlefields.

Zero Prize launched as India’s first ₹5 crore results-based environmental award

Key Updates:

Zero Prize is India’s first national results-based environmental award linking financial reward to independently verified reductions in air, water, and land pollution.
Convened by the School of Policy and Governance (SPG), the initiative is supported through philanthropic contributions, corporate CSR partnerships, and institutional stakeholders.
Total corpus of ₹5 crore will award ₹1 crore each across three categories — Air, Water, and Land — to solutions demonstrating scientifically validated pollution reduction within defined geographies.
Announcement event held at India Habitat Centre with award-winning actor and environmental advocate Dia Mirza as Chief Guest.
Prize open to startups, NGOs, corporates, municipal bodies, research institutions, and individual innovators across India.
Eligible applicants must implement a real-world pilot within defined urban or peri-urban contexts and undergo independent third-party monitoring and validation.
Each shortlisted solution will establish a documented baseline and demonstrate quantifiable reduction over a 12-month challenge period.
Applications open in March 2026 and close in August 2026, with winners announced in February 2027 after technical evaluation, pilot implementation, and independent validation.
Prize follows milestone-based disbursement aligned with successful pilot execution and verification.

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Kyrgyzstan bans import of animals and animal products from India over Nipah virus risk (End of January) ▼

Kyrgyzstan has halted imports of animals and animal products from India following reports of a Nipah virus outbreak there.
Enhanced screening for passengers arriving on international flights has been introduced at Manas International Airport in Bishkek and Osh airport.
All arriving passengers at Manas International Airport are undergoing temperature checks using specialised screening equipment.
The Kyrgyz Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Food Processing Industry stated the import ban aims to prevent potential entry of the Nipah virus into Kyrgyzstan.

Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying releases Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025 in New Delhi (End of November) ▼

The ‘Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025’ was released by Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, on National Milk Day at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi.
The publication provides comprehensive data on livestock and dairy sector trends based on the Integrated Sample Survey conducted from 1st March 2024 to 29th February 2025.
India ranks 1st globally in milk production with 247.87 million tonnes in 2024-25, and 2nd in egg production with 149.11 billion eggs.
The top five milk-producing states are Uttar Pradesh (15.66%), Rajasthan (14.82%), Madhya Pradesh (9.12%), Gujarat (7.78%), and Maharashtra (6.71%).
Andhra Pradesh leads egg production with 18.37% of national output, followed by Tamil Nadu (15.63%) and Telangana (12.98%).

Odisha Total Ban on Gutka and Tobacco/Nicotine Food Products (End of January) ▼

Odisha government ordered a complete ban on manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and consumption of gutka and all food products containing tobacco and nicotine.
The ban covers gutka, pan masala, zarda, khaini and similar chewable or flavoured/scented food products, packaged or unpackaged.
Cigarettes and bidis are excluded from the prohibition.
Violations will attract strict penal action under food safety law, including product seizure, licence cancellation and prosecution.

India participates as first-ever partner country at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai from January 26 to 30, 2026 (End of January) ▼

Gulfood 2026, the world's largest annual food and beverage event, is being held from January 26 to 30, 2026, in Dubai.
India is participating as the partner country for the first time in the history of the global exhibition.
The event is the first exhibition to operate simultaneously across two venues, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai.
The DEC hosts the World Food Hall, Pulses, Grains and Cereals Hall, and Gulfood Green, while the DWTC hosts the Beverage Hall and the Startup Hall.
India's participation includes 161 exhibitors showcasing the country's agri-food ecosystem, with the Indian pavilion doubling in size compared to the previous year.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) launched the Bharati Pavilion to promote export-ready agri-food and agri-tech startups.
The Bharati Pavilion, located in the Startup Zone at the DWTC, features eight high-potential Indian startups selected from more than 100 applicants.
The exhibition recorded a 100 per cent expansion in a single year, featuring more than 8,500 exhibitors showcasing 1.5 million products from 195 countries.
Major participating markets include India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United States, with 40 per cent being first-time exhibitors.

India and Sweden launch Sweden–India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC)

[Sweden]

Key Updates:

India and Sweden have jointly developed a dedicated programme called the Sweden–India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC).
The partnership was formalised through a Statement of Intent to connect the AI and digital technology ecosystems of both nations.
Kavita Bhatia, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the IndiaAI Mission, stated that the collaboration positions both countries to shape global technological change based on shared democratic values.
Sofia Hogman, Trade and Invest Commissioner of Sweden to India, noted that the corridor initiative aims to create new business opportunities and deliver real-world industrial outcomes.
The collaboration focuses on using AI to drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development while managing potential risks.

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88 countries sign New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact at India AI Impact Summit (End of February) ▼

88 countries and international organisations, including the United States, China, France, Australia and the UK, signed the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact on Friday.
The declaration was the key outcome document of the five-day India AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi.
Signatories endorsed a Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI to promote access to foundational AI resources and support locally relevant innovation.
The Global AI Impact Commons was noted as a voluntary platform to encourage adoption and scale-up of successful AI use cases across regions.
The Trusted AI Commons was endorsed as a collaborative platform consolidating technical resources, tools, benchmarks and best practices.
The declaration backed creation of an International Network of AI for Science Institutions to connect scientific communities and pool AI research capabilities.
Signatories endorsed voluntary guiding principles for reskilling in the age of AI and a playbook on AI workforce development.
Voluntary Guiding Principles on Resilient, Innovative, and Efficient Artificial Intelligence were also noted in the declaration.

Ashwini Vaishnaw unveils New Delhi Frontier AI Impact Commitments at India AI Impact Summit (End of February) ▼

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the New Delhi Frontier AI Impact Commitments, a voluntary framework adopted by global frontier AI companies and Indian innovators.
The framework aims to promote inclusive and responsible AI development with a Global South perspective.
The first pledge focuses on advancing understanding of real-world AI usage through anonymised and aggregated insights to support evidence-based policymaking on jobs, skills and economic transformation.
The second pledge aims to strengthen multilingual and contextual evaluations of AI systems to ensure effective functioning across languages, cultures and practical use cases.
The India AI Impact Summit was held in New Delhi and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and global technology leaders.

India Ranks 3rd in Stanford University Global AI Vibrancy Ranking 2025 (Mid of February) ▼

India secured the 3rd position in the Global AI Vibrancy Ranking 2025 published by Stanford University.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) market in India expanded from USD 2.97 billion in 2020 to USD 7.63 billion in 2024, with a projected growth to USD 131.31 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 42.2%.
According to the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) AI Adoption Index, 87% of Indian enterprises were actively using AI solutions as of December 2025.
India recorded 100.29 crore internet connections in June 2025 and possesses the world’s second-largest 5G subscriber base with over 400 million users.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognised more than 2,00,000 startups across the country.
India leads the world in AI talent acquisition with an annual hiring rate of approximately 33% and was the second-largest contributor to GitHub AI projects globally in 2024, accounting for 19.9% of projects.
The relative penetration of AI skills in India is 2.5 times greater than the global average across the same set of occupations.
Major AI job hubs in India include Bangalore (11% share), Hyderabad (9.57%), Pune (6.95%), and Chennai (6.62%).
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) oversees the National Program on Artificial Intelligence, which rests on four pillars: National Center on AI, Data Management Office, Skilling in AI, and Responsible AI.
The Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) initiative, delivered in partnership with Microsoft, HCL Technologies, and NASSCOM, enrolled 1.34 lakh students and teachers as of December 2025.
India improved its position by four slots to reach the 45th rank in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025 report prepared by the Portulans Institute.
The BHASHINI initiative, leveraging AI for over 36 languages, has recorded more than 1.2 million mobile app downloads to break communication barriers in the digital economy.

India AI Impact Summit 2026 releases AI Impact Startup Book mapping 100 deep-tech innovators (Mid of February) ▼

The AI Impact Startup Book was launched on the third day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
The compendium maps 100 high-impact AI-driven solutions across sectors, technologies and geographies.
AI innovation is expanding beyond healthcare into foundation models, indigenous AI infrastructure, waste-tech, voice- and vision-based Indian applications, and edge AI integrated with hardware.
Nearly 47% of early-stage ventures retain strong local presence, while about 68% of growth-stage startups operate internationally.
Shri Abhishek Singh, Director General of NIC, Additional Secretary at Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and CEO of IndiaAI, called the book a repository for ministries and states to evaluate and scale AI solutions.
Sushant Kumar, Founder and CEO of Kalpa Impact, highlighted eight insights, noting India is building its own foundation models, AI infrastructure and edge innovation.

New Flowering Plant Species Impatiens nagorum Discovered in Nagaland

[Nagaland]

Key Updates:

Botanists discovered a new flowering plant species named Impatiens nagorum in the Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Kiphire district of Nagaland.
The research was conducted by experts from Kohima Science College, Nagaland University, University of Warsaw, and the Botanical Survey of India (BSI).
The new species was formally described in the international journal Phytotaxa.
Impatiens nagorum belongs to the genus Impatiens, commonly referred to as balsams or touch-me-nots, known for seed pods that burst open when touched.
The plant was found at an elevation of 2,336 metres within moist temperate broadleaf forests and is currently known only from its type locality.
The species grows up to 35 cm tall, features purple flowers, serrated leaves, and a lower sepal that tapers into a hooked spur.
The specific epithet nagorum honours the indigenous Naga tribes of Nagaland.
A population of approximately 20 individuals was recorded, suggesting the species is rare and potentially vulnerable.

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Nagaland Statehood Day on December 1 (Start of December) ▼

Nagaland Statehood Day is observed every year on 1 December.
Nagaland was formally declared India’s 16th state on 1 December 1963.
Kohima was chosen as the capital of Nagaland.
Nagaland was carved out of the Naga Hills district within Assam.
The Naga People’s Convention (NPC) was formed in 1957.
A 16-point agreement was reached in 1960 between the NPC and the central government.
The State of Nagaland Act, 1962 received the President’s assent on 4 September 1962.

New Ant Species Polyrhachis garbhangaensis Discovered in Assam (Start of February) ▼

Scientists have identified a new ant species named Polyrhachis garbhangaensis in the Garbhanga Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam.
The species belongs to the rare mucronata group of spiny ants and represents only the third species of this group ever recorded in India.
The discovery was led by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, and the formal description was published in the journal Asian Myrmecology on 30 January.
The ant measures approximately 5.6 millimetres in length and is distinguished by a bright yellow-orange abdomen and curved spines on its body.
Assam is a major centre of diversity for this genus, accounting for 21 of the more than 70 known Polyrhachis species recorded in India.
The research team also recorded an ant-mimicking spider in the same area, suggesting complex predator-prey relationships within the urban-adjacent forest ecosystem.

Botanists Discover Parakaempferia alba, New Ginger Species in Arunachal Pradesh (End of January) ▼

Parakaempferia alba belongs to the Zingiberaceae (Ginger) family.
The species was discovered in Siang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
It grows at 150–400 meters altitude on shaded, humid stream banks with sandy soil.
The discovery was announced by Indian researchers and published in a peer-reviewed botanical journal.

Nagaland University Researchers Discover New Plant Species Hoya nagaensis in Phek District (End of January) ▼

Researchers from Nagaland University (NU) have discovered a new plant species named Hoya nagaensis in the Phek district of Nagaland.
The species was identified in the Kavünhou Community Reserved Forest, a high-altitude community-protected area in the Eastern Himalaya.
The research team was led by Principal Investigator Gyati Yam from the Department of Forestry at NU, alongside researchers Vieneite-o Koza and Joynath Pegu.
The findings regarding the new species were published in the Kew Bulletin, a peer-reviewed international journal for plant and fungal taxonomy.
Hoya nagaensis has been provisionally assessed as critically endangered due to its restricted distribution and threats from shifting cultivation and forest disturbance.
The discovery highlights the effectiveness of traditional forest stewardship practiced by local Naga communities in conserving biodiversity.

India and Germany strengthen climate resilience cooperation through EUR 20 million grant

[Germany]

Key Updates:

India and Germany held a high-level climate talk titled From Risk to Resilience: Advancing Adaptation Policy Pathways at the German Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday evening.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is currently finalising India's National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
Germany and India are deepening cooperation to support the implementation of the NAP, specifically for strengthening climate resilience in forests, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
Under the International Climate Initiative (IKI), Germany launched a new Large Grant project for India with a funding volume of up to EUR 20 million.
The IKI project aims to enhance resilience in high-risk ecosystems across the Himalayas, island regions, the Western Ghats, the North-East, and the Lower Gangetic floodplains.
The initiative supports ecosystem-based approaches (EbA) including forest restoration, biodiversity corridor connectivity, flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge, and community-led natural resource management.
The project will explore innovative financing mechanisms such as blended finance, biodiversity credits, and insurance schemes to support the NAP.
Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), participated in the dialogue with World Resources Institute (WRI) India.
In 2024, Germany's total international climate finance contribution amounted to EUR 11.8 billion, with nearly half of public budget resources supporting adaptation measures.

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India and Germany to unveil defence and security roadmap during Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first bilateral visit to India (Mid of January) ▼

India and Germany will unveil a defence and security roadmap that will strengthen the defence manufacturing network base in India.
German technology for India’s defence preparedness will be part of the bilateral conversation.
Chancellor Merz is accompanied by a 25-member delegation of CEOs, including top executives of a leading submarine manufacturer, signalling strong defence ties on the agenda.

India and Germany Strengthen Bilateral Economic Cooperation During Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Official Visit on 12-13 January 2026 (Mid of January) ▼

Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, paid an official visit to India from 12-13 January 2026, marking his first visit to Asia as Chancellor.
The visit follows the completion of 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership in 2025 and the commemoration of 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
The 7th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) were previously held in New Delhi on 25 October 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Merz addressed the India-Germany CEOs Forum and held delegation-level talks in Ahmedabad on 12 January 2026.
India-Germany bilateral trade in goods and services surpassed USD 50 billion in 2024, accounting for over 25% of India's trade with the European Union (EU).
The Ministry of Finance (FinMin) is in discussions with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regarding cryptocurrency exchange regulations for the Budget 2026-27.
Bloomberg has decided not to include Indian bonds in its Global Aggregate Index for the current period.
The Bharat Coking Coal Initial Public Offering (IPO) was booked 147 times, drawing bids worth ₹1.2 trillion.

India and Germany sign bilateral logistics cooperation agreement (Mid of January) ▼

India and Germany have signed a bilateral agreement to enhance cooperation in postal, express, and logistics services focusing on cross-border e-commerce and time-definite deliveries.
The collaboration aims to boost Indian export volumes, improve service quality, and integrate Indian businesses into global value chains.
During a key ceremony in Ahmedabad on January 12, 2026, attended by Germany's Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, two important instruments were exchanged, detailing joint international express products and expanding last-mile reach through cooperation between India Post and Deutsche Post–DHL Group.

Panchamrit Commitments: National Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions by 2070 (Mid of January) ▼

India has committed to a pathway towards net-zero emissions by 2070 as part of the Panchamrit commitments announced at COP-26. "Referring to the Panchamrit commitments announced at COP-26, he observed that India’s pathway towards net-zero emissions by 2070 is both ambitious and realistic."
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a global leadership initiative by India to mobilise countries of the Global South for affordable solar solutions. "He highlighted India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance, which has mobilised countries of the Global South around affordable and scalable solar solutions."
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) focuses on strengthening global infrastructure systems against climate-induced shocks. "the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which focuses on strengthening infrastructure systems against climate-induced shocks."
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) integrates civilisational ethics of environmental stewardship into India's urbanisation and infrastructure strategies. "Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs... situating contemporary climate policy within a broader civilisational ethic... values that continue to inform India’s urbanisation and infrastructure strategies."
India is transitioning towards domestic clean-technology manufacturing to ensure energy security and a future-ready economy. "It must rest on homegrown clean technologies, resilient manufacturing and a future-ready workforce."

IIT (ISM) Dhanbad hosts three-day national conference on Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology.

Key Updates:

The three-day national conference on “Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology” commenced on Wednesday at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
The conference is sponsored by the Indian Council of Philosophical Research and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
It is jointly organised by the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
The inaugural session was held at the Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre on campus.
CD Sebastian of IIT Bombay delivered the chief guest lecture on “Sānkhya Thought and Modern Science.”
Swami Kripamayanand Avadhut was the guest of honour and spoke on the complementary relationship between spirituality and science in Indian traditions.
The conference will continue till February 27 with parallel sessions and a cultural programme.

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Bargarh Dhanu Yatra Inaugurated at Bargarh in Odisha (End of December) ▼

Recognised as the largest open-air theatre in the world, the festival recreates episodes from the Dwapar Yuga, centring on the reign of King Kansa.
Over an 8 km radius, the spectacle unfolds across three royal courts—Raj Darbar, Rang Mahal, and Nanda Raja’s Darbar—and 18 open-air stages, where artists bring mythology to life.
The festivities will feature cultural processions, temple rituals, and dramatic performances, including a grand procession from Gandhi Chowk to Samaleswari Temple.
The inaugural ceremony will be graced by MP Pradeep Purohit and MLA Ashwini Sarangi.

Indian Institute of Technology, Indore (IIT-I) promotes Hindi as functional language for science and technology (Start of January) ▼

The Indian Institute of Technology, Indore (IIT-I) is positioning Hindi as a functional language for scientific and technological learning to improve comprehension and widen access to knowledge.
The initiative is being driven through Abhyuday-3, a two-day National Technical Hindi Seminar organized by IIT-I in collaboration with IIT Jodhpur and the CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research.
At the institute, select first-year lectures are being delivered in Hindi and research abstracts are being compiled in accordance with prescribed official language standards.
The seminar resulted in the release of Smarika, a compilation of 26 peer-reviewed research papers written in Hindi covering science, engineering, digital technology, and innovation.
The program aims to strengthen technical Hindi to ensure wider dissemination of knowledge and reinforce the linguistic diversity of India.

WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine 2025: India to host Ashwagandha-focused side event (Start of December) ▼

The Ministry of Ayush (MoA) will host a dedicated side event on Ashwagandha titled 'Ashwagandha: From Traditional Wisdom to Global Impact – Perspectives from Leading Global Experts' during the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.
The side event is organised by WHO-GTMC in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush.
The 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine will be held in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

India to Host UNESCO Global Heritage Committee Session at Red Fort (Start of December) ▼

India will host the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from 8 to 13 December 2025 at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.
The announcement was made by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
The session will examine new nominations for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists and review safeguarding status of inscribed elements.

PM Modi becomes first world leader to cross 100 million Instagram followers

Key Updates:

PM Modi became the first world leader and politician to cross 100 million followers on Instagram.
PM Modi joined the Meta-owned platform in 2014.
US President Donald Trump stands second with 43.2 million followers.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has 15 million followers.
Brazil’s president has 14.4 million followers.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has 11.6 million followers.
Argentine President Javier Milei has 6.4 million followers.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has 16.1 million followers.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has around 12.6 million followers.
As of December 2025, PM Modi held a 70 per cent approval rating according to Statista.
Morning Consult survey conducted between February 2 and February 8, 2026, placed Modi first with a 67 per cent approval rating.

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State Bank of India (SBI) projects India GDP growth at 8.1% for Q3FY26 (End of February) ▼

State Bank of India (SBI) forecasts 8.1% GDP growth for Q3FY26 despite global headwinds.
High-frequency indicators show strong growth momentum in Q3FY26.
Rural consumption remained firm on positive farm and non-farm signals.
Urban consumption rose consistently, helped by fiscal stimulus and higher post-festive spending.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation will release second advance GDP estimates for FY26 on 27 February.
Base year for GDP calculation is being updated from 2011-12 to 2022-23.
First advance estimates pegged FY26 GDP growth at 7.4%.
Economic Survey projects FY26 growth around 7% and FY27 growth in the 6.8-7.2% range.

India becomes world’s 2nd largest 5G user base with 400 million+ subscribers (Mid of January) ▼

India today stands as the world's second-largest 5G subscriber base with over 400 million users.
5G services are now available across the country with a major base of 99.6% and population coverage of 85%.
4.69 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations have been installed by Telecom Service Providers across India.
India crossed 100 crore internet connections, registering a growth of 298.77% since March 2014.
Rural telephone connections grew 42.9%, rising from 377.78 million in March 2014 to 539.83 million in September 2025.
India became the 5th country to have its own 4G stack upgradable to 5G, developed in just 2 years.

India’s Internet Subscribers Reach 1.02 Billion in Q2 FY26, TRAI Reports (Start of December) ▼

India’s total Internet subscriber base climbed to 1,017.81 million by the end of the July–September quarter (Q2 FY26), marking a 1.49 percent increase from 1,002.85 million in the previous quarter.
Of the total 1,070.81 million Internet accounts recorded by TRAI, 44.42 million were wired connections and 973.39 million were wireless.
Broadband subscriptions rose 1.63 percent, increasing from 979.71 million in June to 995.63 million in September.
Narrowband subscriptions slipped from 23.14 million to 22.18 million over the same period.
Wireline subscriptions declined quarter-on-quarter, falling from 47.49 million at the end of Q1 to 46.61 million at the end of Q2, a drop of 1.84 percent.
Monthly average revenue per user for wireless services rose 2.34 percent, moving from Rs 186.62 in Q1 to Rs 190.99 in Q2.

PM Modi hosts 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026. (Start of February) ▼

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, the 9th edition, was livestreamed on 6 February 2026 at 10 am.
PM Modi interacted with students, parents, and teachers across Devmogra, Coimbatore, Raipur, Guwahati, and his residence.
Over 4.5 crore students, 28 lakh teachers, and 6.15 lakh parents registered for PPC 2026.
The programme is part of the government’s Exam Warriors initiative to reduce exam anxiety.
The next telecast of PPC 2026 is scheduled for 9 February at 10 am on DD National, DD News, DD India, All India Radio, and online platforms.

TRAI Day 2026 observed on 20 February

[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)]

Key Updates:

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.

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World Understanding and Peace Day observed on February 23 (End of February) ▼

World Understanding and Peace Day is observed annually on February 23 to commemorate the founding of Rotary International (RI).
The first Rotary Club meeting was held on February 23, 1905, in Chicago by Paul Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey.
The 59th World Day of Peace, celebrated by the Vatican on January 1, 2026, features the theme Peace be with you all: Towards an unarmed and disarming peace.
RI selects 75 scholars annually for the Rotary Peace and Conflict Resolution Program to study peacebuilding and diplomacy at Rotary Peace Centers.
The six major humanitarian focus areas of RI include disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and peace and conflict prevention/resolution.

National Tourism Day 2026 observed on January 25 (End of January) ▼

National Tourism Day 2026 is observed on January 25.
The day was established on January 25, 1982, by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
National Tourism Day recognises tourism as a driver of economic development, employment generation, cultural preservation, and people-to-people connection.

NDRF Raising Day observed on January 19 (End of January) ▼

NDRF Raising Day is observed every year on January 19.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was formed on January 19, 2006 under the Disaster Management Act.
The NDRF comprises 16 Battalions based at 68 locations across the nation.

Samir V Kamat addressed scientists as Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (Start of January) ▼

Samir V Kamat delivered the main address at DRDO Bhawan on the organisation’s 68th Foundation Day.
He highlighted that 22 Acceptances of Necessity were approved by the Defence Acquisition Council and the Services Procurement Board during 2025.
He urged DRDO scientists to intensify research in cyber security, space technologies, artificial intelligence, and electronic warfare.

Global Residence Program Index 2026 released on 26 February 2026

Key Updates:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) debuted in the top three of the Global Residence Program Index 2026, rising from fifth to joint second place.
Greece secured the first position in the index, while the second rank is shared by the UAE, Italy, and Switzerland.
The index was released by Henley and Partners and assessed 40 residence programmes based on reputation, quality of life, tax, and visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.
Uruguay debuted at fifth place, Saudi Arabia at ninth, and Maldives at eleventh in the 2026 rankings.
The UAE, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Switzerland achieved perfect reputation scores for top quality of life.
Tax efficiency leaders in the index include the UAE, Monaco, and Saudi Arabia.
Countries showing upward momentum or steady gains include Costa Rica, New Zealand, Panama, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Thailand.
Dr Christian H Kaelin serves as the chairman of Henley and Partners.

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Henley Passport Index (HPI) Ranks India 75th with Visa-Free Access to 56 Countries (Mid of February) ▼

India has secured the 75th position in the latest Henley Passport Index (HPI), improving from the 85th rank recorded last year.
Indian passport holders can now access 56 countries without a prior visa, through either visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements.
Singapore leads the global ranking in the first position, providing visa-free access to 192 destinations.
Japan and South Korea share the second rank with access to 187 countries, while Sweden and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are placed third with 186 destinations.
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland hold the fourth position with access to 185 countries.
Austria, Greece, Malta, and Portugal are ranked fifth, allowing entry to 184 destinations without a prior visa.
India previously held the 80th position in 2024 before slipping to 85th, with its historical best rank being 71st in 2006.
Other nations featuring in the top 10 include Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and New Zealand.

Abu Dhabi named World’s Safest City for 10th consecutive year on January 20, 2026 (End of January) ▼

Abu Dhabi has once again been named the world’s safest city in the latest Numbeo Global Safety Index, marking the tenth consecutive year the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital has topped the global rankings.
The city’s unbroken reign as the world's safest city began in 2017, when it first captured the world’s No. 1 safety ranking.
The 2026 safety report evaluated 400 cities across more than 150 countries and placed Abu Dhabi at number one for overall safety.
Major General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi serves as the Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police.
According to the broader Numbeo Safety Index, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently secured the title of the safest country globally, ahead of other high-ranking nations.
Other cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that ranked among the world’s safest include Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Sharjah, and Dubai.

Strongest Passports List for 2025 Released (Mid of December) ▼

Arton Capital, a global citizenship financial advisory service, released the list of the strongest passports in 2025.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) secured the first position on the list of strongest passports in 2025.
Singapore and Spain share the second position on the list of strongest passports in 2025.
The United States secured the ninth position on the list of strongest passports in 2025.
India secured the 67th position on the list of strongest passports in 2025.

Global Soft Power Index 2026 released on 27 January 2026 (Start of February) ▼

Brand Finance released the Global Soft Power Index 2026, which ranks 193 United Nations (UN) member states across 55 metrics.
The United States (US) retained the top position with a score of 74.9 out of 100, despite recording the sharpest decline of 4.6 points compared to the previous year.
China secured the second rank with a score of 73.5 and was the only country in the index to record an increase in its soft power score.
India ranked 32nd globally with a score of 48.0, slipping two positions and declining by 1.8 points from the previous year.
India achieved high rankings in specific indicators including familiarity (13th), influence (17th), and culture and heritage (19th).
India recorded weaker scores in reputation (73rd), governance (100th), and net positive impact (123rd).
The top 10 countries in the 2026 index are the US, China, Japan, United Kingdom (UK), Germany, France, Switzerland, Canada, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The UK fell to the fourth position with a score of 69.2, marking its lowest rank since the inception of the index.
Switzerland was identified as the most resilient country, ranking 1st in reputation, trust, effective governance, and economic stability.
Soft power is defined in the report as a nation’s ability to shape preferences and behaviours through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion.

Women, Business and the Law 2026 report released by World Bank Group

[World Bank Group]

Key Updates:

World Bank Group released the Women, Business and the Law 2026 report.
The report finds women’s economic-opportunity laws are only half-enforced globally.
Only 4% of women worldwide live in economies providing nearly full legal equality.
The report evaluates women’s economic participation across 10 areas including safety from violence, access to childcare, entrepreneurship, employment protections, asset ownership and retirement security.
Globally, only a third of needed safety laws exist and enforcement fails 80% of the time.
About half of economies promote equal access to credit for women entrepreneurs.
Less than half of 190 economies covered have laws providing financial or tax support for families.
Among economies with such laws, only 30% of policies needed to support affordable and high-quality childcare services are in place.
In low-income economies, just 1% of childcare support mechanisms exist.
Over the past two years, 68 economies enacted 113 positive legal reforms; Sub-Saharan Africa implemented 33 reforms, the largest number of any region.
Egypt was identified as the world’s top reformer, increasing its legal equality score by nearly 10 points.

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Women, Peace and Security Index 2025/26: Denmark Ranks First, India 131st, US 31st (Start of December) ▼

The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Index 2025-26 by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, and the Peace Research Institute Oslo ranks 181 countries globally.
Retaining its top position since 2023, Denmark ranks No. 1, leading as the best country for a woman, while Afghanistan sits at the bottom of the WPS Index.
India ranks at the 131st position with a 0.607 score in the WPS Index, which shows that the country is making steady gains but uneven progress.
The United States rose up six spots—from 37th to 31st this year, largely driven by the country’s first-ever improvement recorded in maternal mortality rate in almost two decades, based on data up until the end of 2024.
The WPS Index measures women’s status across three key dimensions: inclusion, justice, and security.
About 676 million women around the world have been exposed to conflict in the past year, a 74 per cent rise since 2010, according to a recent report.

Government raises allocation for women-centric schemes by 11.55% to Rs 5.01 lakh crore in 2026-27 (Mid of February) ▼

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

Womaniya Initiative: Empowering Over 2 Lakh Women-Led MSEs in Public Procurement (Mid of January) ▼

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated seven years of its Womaniya initiative, a program aimed at bolstering the participation of women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in public procurement.
According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI), over two lakh women-led MSEs are registered on the GeM portal.
Since its launch on January 14, 2019, these enterprises have secured public procurement orders over Rs 80,000 crore, accounting for 4.7% of the total order value on GeM.
The initiative provides a transparent, digital interface, reducing entry hurdles and eliminating intermediaries to foster gender-inclusive economic growth.
A new partnership with the Women's Collective Forum aims to enhance support for women entrepreneurs and improve market access.

Coffee Table Book on Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train launched on 23 February 2026

[Karnataka]

Key Updates:

Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, launched the coffee table book 'Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train: Journey of a Thousand Shrines' at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, on 23 February 2026.
The book documents the Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train initiative under Indian Railways’ Bharat Gaurav Policy.
The initiative was conceptualised and driven by Dr. Anup Dayanand, IRTS (Retd.).
46 trips have been operated, carrying 28,786 pilgrims and generating ₹25.57 crore in earnings for Indian Railways.

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Swabhiman Parv: January 5, 2026 - 1,000 Years of Somnath Temple's Invasion (Start of January) ▼

Swabhiman Parv is marked on January 5, 2026, to reflect on 1,000 years since the first invasion of the revered temple of Somnath.
The Somnath Temple is located in Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, situated on the western coast by the Arabian Sea.
In January 1026, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked the temple in a violent and barbaric assault aimed at dismantling a symbol of faith and civilisation.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel announced the rebuilding of the temple at the same place after a visit during Diwali in 1947.
On May 11, 1951, the restored temple opened its doors to devotees in the presence of then President Rajendra Prasad.
KM Munshi authored the book "Somanatha: The Shrine Eternal," which played a crucial role in preserving the temple's legacy.
Ahilyabai Holkar is remembered for her historical "efforts to restore worship and dignity to Somnath."
Swami Vivekananda visited Somnath in the 1890s and delivered a lecture in Chennai in 1897 regarding the temple's resilience.

CP Radhakrishnan Releases Shashi Tharoor’s Biography of Sree Narayana Guru (End of February) ▼

Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan released the book titled The Sage Who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons, and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi on 19 February 2026.
The biography is authored by Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor and published by Aleph Book Company.
The book documents the life and social reforms of Sree Narayana Guru, a 19th-century spiritual leader from Kerala who campaigned against caste discrimination and promoted social equality.
The publication highlights the reformer’s central philosophy of one caste, one religion, one God for humankind and his initiatives in promoting education and temple entry for all.
The author noted that the work aims to preserve the civilisational memory and legacy of the reformer, which remains largely unknown outside Kerala despite its universal relevance.

Biswabhusan Harichandan releases two books in Odisha (Start of February) ▼

Biswabhusan Harichandan, former Odisha Cabinet Minister and former Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, authored the Odia book 'E Mati Katha Kahe' and the English book 'Buxi Jagabandhu: The Great Commander'.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati released both books at a function in Bhubaneswar.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the book release event.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Sambad Group founder Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, and Professor Bhagaban Jayasingh (translator of the English book) also addressed the gathering.

Anke Gowda received Padma Shri 2026 in Unsung Heroes category. (End of January) ▼

Anke Gowda, 75, was awarded Padma Shri 2026 for lifelong service to librarianship.
He runs Pustaka Mane in Haralahalli village, Pandavapura taluk, Mandya district, housing over 20 lakh books.
His collection includes 5,000 dictionaries, five lakh rare foreign books, 35,000 international magazines, 2,500 Kannada magazines, 2,500 titles on Mahatma Gandhi, 2,500 books on the Bhagavad Gita, and over 100 religious texts.
He received Limca Book of Records in 2016, Rajyotsava Award in 2014, Alva’s Nudi-Siri Award in 2011, and G.P. Rajaratnam Sahitya Paricharika Award in 2009.

North East Spring Festival 2026 to begin on February 26

Key Updates:

The three-day North East Spring Festival 2026, also known as the Festival of the North East, begins on February 26, 2026, at the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) Complex in Dimapur, Nagaland.
The festival is organised by the NEZCC in collaboration with the South-Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture.
The event is celebrated alongside the Madhya Dakshini Festival 2026 to foster cultural exchange between the Northeastern and South-Central regions of India.
A total of 130 folk artists from the eight Northeastern states and 83 artists from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh will showcase traditional art forms.
The Madhya Dakshini Festival 2026 is coordinated with initiatives under Bharat Ko Jano and the Border Area Programme.
Extended festival programmes will be held in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, from March 2nd to 3rd and in Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, from March 5th to 6th.
Featured musical groups include Blue Temptation from Shillong, Coronation Choir from Dimapur, Bhramos from Kohima, and 6 Strings from Guwahati.
Dr Prasanna Gogoi serves as the Director of the NEZCC, Dimapur.

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Hornbill Festival celebrated in Nagaland from December 1 to 10 (Start of December) ▼

The Hornbill Festival 2025 will run from December 1 to 10 in Nagaland.
The 26th Hornbill Festival is being held at Kisama Heritage Village, just outside Kohima.
Every winter, Nagaland springs to life with the Hornbill Festival.

Raipur to host national transgender sports meet (Mid of December) ▼

Raipur is set to host the national transgender sports meet 2025 themed 'Samta Ka Mahotsav' on Dec 19–20.
The event will be held at Swami Vivekanand athletic stadium in Raipur.
Chhattisgarh Mitwa Sankalp Samiti, a community for transgenders and LGBTQ, is organising the meet with support from the department of social welfare.

National Tourism Day 2026 observed on January 25 (End of January) ▼

National Tourism Day 2026 is observed on January 25.
The day was established on January 25, 1982, by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
National Tourism Day recognises tourism as a driver of economic development, employment generation, cultural preservation, and people-to-people connection.

Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam 2025 observed on December 6-7 (Start of December) ▼

Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam 2025 is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Academy and supported by Andhra Pradesh Tourism and the Department of Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The festival is held at Tummalapallivari Kshetrayya Kalakshetram in Vijayawada.
The theme for this edition is 'Celebrating the Richness of Telugu Music Traditions'.
A special dawn rendition of the Pancharatna Kritis will be presented at Durga Ghat on 7th December at 7 am.

Delhi High Court (DHC) reaffirms right to perform last rites as part of dignity under Article 21

Key Updates:

Delhi High Court (DHC) held that the right to perform last rites of a parent is an essential religious and moral duty protected under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The Court granted four weeks emergency parole to convict Ajmer Singh alias Pinka in W.P.(CRL) 3146/2025 to attend his father’s Tehravi ceremony scheduled for 26.09.2025.
Ajmer Singh was convicted under Sections 376/354B/506 IPC and Section 66E of the IT Act, with sentences to run concurrently, and had served about one year nine months fifteen days without prior parole or furlough.
Rule 1212 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018 limits a single parole spell to four weeks and a total of eight weeks per conviction year.
The Court imposed parole conditions: personal bond of Rs 20,000 with one surety, weekly reporting to SHO PS Kanjhawala, residing at disclosed address, keeping mobile operational, and immediate surrender on expiry.

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Delhi High Court: Right to perform last rites is part of dignity under Article 21 (End of February) ▼

The Delhi High Court (HC) ruled that the right to perform the last rites of a parent is an essential religious and moral duty and a component of the right to dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Ravinder Dudeja in the case of Ajmer Singh alias Pinka v. The State of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
The petition for emergency parole was filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India read with Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
The HC clarified that Rule 1212 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018, allows a convict to be released on parole for a maximum of eight weeks in a conviction year, with no single spell exceeding four weeks.
The petitioner in the case was convicted under Sections 376, 354B, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 66E of the Information Technology (IT) Act.
The Court emphasised that parole jurisprudence in India is humanitarian and reformist, aimed at maintaining family ties and social integration even in cases of grave convictions.
The HC observed that denying parole despite verified humanitarian grounds amounts to a mechanical application of rules and defeats the objective of correctional jurisprudence.

Supreme Court ruling on Right to Passport and Personal Liberty on December 19, 2025 (End of December) ▼

The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that the right to travel abroad and the right to hold a passport are facets of personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The judgment was delivered on December 19, 2025, by a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Augustine George Masih.
The court held that any restriction on the right to travel must be fair, just, and reasonable, and must bear a rational nexus with a legitimate purpose.
The ruling clarified the application of Section 62f of the Passports Act and the notification GSR 570E regarding the renewal of passports for individuals with pending criminal cases.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was the agency involved in a 2018 case in Jharkhand mentioned during the proceedings.
The court emphasized that a passport is a civil document and distinguished between the possession of a valid passport and the actual act of travelling abroad.

Supreme Court declines to entertain appeal against Madhya Pradesh HC order on VIP darshan at Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple (End of January) ▼

The Supreme Court (SC) declined to entertain an appeal challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s dismissal of a petition against VIP entry into the garbhagriha of Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
The three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and comprising Justices R Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi stated that in the presence of Mahakal, nobody is VIP.
The SC advised the petitioner to approach the relevant authority instead of the courts for decisions on temple entry rules.

Supreme Court upholds full arrears of disability pension for ex-servicemen without three-year limitation (Mid of February) ▼

The Supreme Court ruled that eligible ex-servicemen are entitled to full arrears of disability pension from the cut-off dates of 1 January 1996 or 1 January 2006.
The Court dismissed the central government's appeal and confirmed that disability pension is a recognition of sacrifice, not charity or executive largesse.
The Court held that pension is a deferred portion of compensation and a vested property right protected under Article 300A of the Constitution.
The central government had argued that arrears should be limited to three years under the Limitation Act, 1963, but the Court rejected this contention.