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Monday, Apr 27

Daily Current Affairs: 27 April 2026

Analysis for 27 April 2026

US Commerce Department imposes preliminary antidumping duties on solar imports from India, Indonesia and Laos

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • The US Commerce Department announced preliminary antidumping duties on solar cells and panels imported from India, Indonesia and Laos.
  • The preliminary duty rates, known as dumping margins, are 123.04 per cent for India, 35.17 per cent for Indonesia, and 22.46 per cent for Laos.
  • India, Indonesia and Laos accounted for $4.5 billion in US solar imports last year, representing approximately two-thirds of the total.
  • The petition for these duties was filed by the Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade, which includes First Solar, Qcells, Talon PV and Mission Solar.
  • The US Commerce Department will announce final decisions for solar cells from India and Indonesia on or around July 13, and for imports from Laos on or around September 9.
  • Preliminary countervailing duties were announced for India, Indonesia and Laos in February.

Similar Coverage

Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) launches anti-dumping probe into ethyl chloroformate imports from China (End of March) ▼
  • The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) initiated the investigation following an application by Paushak, India’s sole domestic producer of ethyl chloroformate.
  • The probe covers ethyl chloroformate imports from China during the period October 2024 to September 2025.
  • Paushak alleged that rising Chinese imports caused material injury, price suppression, and weakened profitability for domestic producers.
  • DGTR’s preliminary assessment indicated a dumping margin above the de minimis level, signalling significant price undercutting by Chinese exporters.
  • The investigation will examine evidence from exporters, importers, and other interested parties before recommending anti-dumping duties to the government.
  • In a separate case, DGTR also opened an anti-dumping investigation into hexamine imports from China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Dhruva Space Private Limited sign MoU for satellite solar panels (Start of April) ▼
  • NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Dhruva Space Private Limited (DHRUVA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the design, manufacture, testing, and supply of solar panels.
  • The partnership aims to address the solar panel requirements of global Satellite Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
  • NSIL is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Space (DoS) and functions as the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
  • DHRUVA is a Hyderabad-based private aerospace company providing full-stack space engineering solutions across space, launch, and ground segments.
  • The collaboration will utilise the programme management and product assurance expertise of NSIL to scale the production of space-grade solar panels.
  • The timing of the agreement aligns with the solar industry entering a restructuring phase in 2026, amid rising demand for satellite solar panels.
  • DHRUVA has existing engagements with NSIL in Earth observation missions, satellite deployers, and ground segment development.
India-US trade deal locks 18% tariff on $900 billion US global imports, zero duty on $150 billion (Mid of February) ▼
  • India secured 18% tariff on nearly $900 billion worth of US global imports and zero-duty access on $150 billion.
  • Indian exports to the US stood at $86.35 billion in 2024.
  • Tariffs on $30.94 billion of Indian goods slashed from up to 50% to 18%.
  • $10.03 billion of Indian exports now enjoy zero-duty access to the US.
  • Silk products secured zero-duty access to a $113-billion US market.
  • Textiles and apparel tariffs reduced from peaks of 50% to 18%.
  • Machinery and engineering exports tariffs cut to 18% in a $477-billion market.
  • India’s current machinery exports to the US are $2.35 billion.
  • $1.36 billion worth of Indian farm exports enter the US with zero additional duties.
  • Products valued at $1.035 billion assured zero reciprocal tariffs including spices, tea, coffee, fruits, nuts, and processed foods.
  • Dairy, meat, poultry, cereals, millets, and oilseeds remain fully protected under exemption.
  • Gems and jewellery tariffs reduced from 50% to 18% for a $61-billion market.
  • Diamonds and platinum secured 0% duty access covering a $29-billion segment.
  • Home décor tariffs dropped to 18% for a $52-billion market; 0% duty for $13-billion segment including chandeliers and seats.
  • Toy sector tariffs cut from 50% to 18% for an $18-billion market.
  • Leather and footwear industry gains 18% tariff cap in a $42-billion market.
  • India is the 5th largest exporter of digitally delivered services with exports of $0.28 trillion in 2024, up 10.3% year-on-year.
  • Zero additional duty access secured for industrial exports valued at $38 billion covering aircraft parts, generic drugs, and elementary auto parts.
Government promotes domestic recycling and circular economy in solar sector (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) estimate India will generate about 600 kilo-tonnes of solar waste by 2030.
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022 mandating safe recycling of solar power system waste.
  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) operates an online Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) portal for collection, storage and disposal of solar panel waste.
  • MNRE launched the Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies funding research on recycling, second-life applications and sustainable design of solar modules and batteries.
  • The Department of Science and Technology (DST) invited proposals to develop economically viable recycling methods through academia-industry partnerships.
  • The Ministry of Mines set up a Rs. 1,500 crore (US$ 162.3 million) recycling incentive under the National Critical Mineral Mission to recover critical minerals from renewable energy e-waste.

Government forms panel under State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman to assess AI platform Mythos risks

[State Bank of India (SBI)]

Key Updates:

  • The Government of India has formed a panel led by State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman C S Setty to assess risks from the AI platform Mythos and devise mitigation strategies.
  • C S Setty also leads the Indian Banks' Association (IBA).
  • Mythos is an AI model developed by Anthropic that possesses advanced coding capabilities to detect and exploit cybersecurity weaknesses in operating systems.
  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is consulting with various governments and technology companies to understand the issue.
  • The panel will facilitate interaction among banks to identify threats and determine necessary additional investments to counter AI-driven challenges.
  • Regulators across Asia, Europe, and the US have warned banks to review their defences against the potential for Mythos to disrupt banking systems.

Similar Coverage

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launches SUPCOMS, e-adjudication portal, and C-SAC platforms (Mid of April) ▼
  • Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman launched three IT platforms on 24 March.
  • SUPCOMS replaces email-centric interactions and centralises all official communications with external entities.
  • The e-adjudication portal digitally enables quasi-judicial proceedings and allows entities to download Show Cause Notices, submit replies, and attend online hearings.
  • C-SAC is an AI-enabled platform that analyses cyber audit reports submitted on the SI Portal, identifies compliance gaps, and provides risk scores to strengthen cybersecurity supervision.
Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC) for AI Governance Support (End of April) ▼
  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted the Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).
  • The TPEC is an advisory body designed to provide specialised technical, policy, and strategic expertise to the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG).
  • The TPEC is chaired by the Secretary of MeitY.
  • The committee comprises experts from academic research, the technology industry, and digital policy.
  • The TPEC will provide expert inputs on policy design, regulatory measures, and India's engagements in AI governance across global forums.
  • The AIGEG is responsible for setting the strategic direction and coordinating policy across the government.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launches AI-powered chatbot ABHAY for notice verification (End of April) ▼
  • The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will include special QR codes on its notices from May 1 to verify their genuineness.
  • Verification will be conducted through an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot named ABHAY.
  • The ABHAY chatbot is available on the CBI website and checks the agency's database to determine if a document is genuine or forged.
  • The QR codes on the notices will also include the expiry dates of the documents.
  • The initiative was launched by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant at the 22nd D P Kohli Memorial Lecture.
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Jumps Automation LLP Partner to Launch AI-Powered Cybersecurity Platform (End of April) ▼
  • The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the Government of India's premier telecom R&D institution, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jumps Automation LLP to develop a gamification-based cybersecurity awareness platform.
  • The collaboration is formalised under the C-DOT Collaborative Research Programme (CCRP) and is tailored for individuals, enterprises, and institutions.
  • The platform features a dynamic gaming arena, leaderboards, Learning Management System (LMS) modules, interactive discussion forums, and simulation-driven scenarios.
  • The simulation-driven scenarios cover phishing detection, malware response, social engineering tactics, and crisis management.
  • The platform incorporates an AI-powered behavioural analytics engine to monitor user performance and dynamically adjust the complexity of challenges.
  • The solution will be developed, tested, and validated at C-DOT facilities in New Delhi to ensure compliance with national security standards.
  • The platform is expected to be launched as a commercial-grade Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution.
  • The initiative is designed to support the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by building indigenous, scalable cybersecurity solutions.

Census 2027: Launch of Toll-free Helpline and WhatsApp Chatbot

Key Updates:

  • The Registrar General of India (RGI) launched a national toll-free helpline, 1855, and a WhatsApp chatbot for Census 2027.
  • The multi-lingual service is designed to support enumerators, supervisors, and the general public.
  • Census 2027 is the eighth Census since Independence and is the first to be fully digital with self-enumeration options.
  • The first phase, Housing Listing and Housing Enumeration (HLO), is scheduled from April to September 2026.
  • The second phase, population enumeration, is set for February 2027.
  • Specific queries will be forwarded to the respective state Directorate of Census Operations for resolution.

Similar Coverage

Census 2027 (CMMS) approved with ₹11,718 crore outlay for India’s first fully digital headcount (Start of March) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved ₹11,718 crore for Census 2027 which will be India’s first fully digital headcount using the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS).
  • CMMS is a dedicated web-based platform that will handle end-to-end Census operations including user creation, training modules, housing listing blocks, allocation of 3.2 million enumerators and supervisors, and near-real-time field monitoring.
  • For the first time the Census will include caste enumeration and offer citizens an option for self-enumeration.
  • The exercise will run in two phases: house listing and housing census from April to September 2026, followed by population enumeration in February 2027.
  • Villages and urban wards will be divided into houselisting blocks (HLBs) each covering 700–800 residents, with boundaries geo-tagged through the HLBC Web Mapping Application to reduce overlaps and omissions.
Census 2027 Digital-First System With New Training And Coding Framework (Start of February) ▼
  • Census 2027 will operate on a fully digital backbone using mobile applications for data collection, Self-Enumeration, Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) and Housing Listing Block Creation (HLBC) web portals and real-time data transmission.
  • A new nationwide location coding structure assigns structured identifiers from states down to enumeration blocks to ensure uniform digital mapping.
  • Urban wards will be numbered in continuous sequence beginning from '0001', and outgrowth settlements adjoining towns will receive incremental codes linked to their parent units.
  • The training framework introduces a standardised cascade model: national trainers prepare master trainers who train field trainers responsible for enumerators and supervisors.
  • Nationwide training is scheduled between April and September 2026, with all enumerator and supervisor training to be completed at least one week before field operations begin.
  • Training attendance and progress will be tracked digitally through the CMMS portal.
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.
Census 2027 digital platforms and mascots 'Pragati' and 'Vikas' unveiled (Start of March) ▼
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah soft-launched four advanced digital platforms and unveiled mascots 'Pragati' and 'Vikas' for Census 2027.
  • The digital tools developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) integrate satellite imagery, mobile apps, and web portals to streamline enumeration.
  • The mascots are a female enumerator 'Pragati' and a male enumerator 'Vikas', symbolising equal participation of men and women in India's goal to become a developed nation by 2047.

Vibrant Village Programme-II: Six border villages in Kathua identified

Key Updates:

  • Six border villages in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir have been brought under the Vibrant Village Programme-II.
  • The identified villages along the International Border are Bobiya, Kadyala, Gajnal, Karol Krishna, Rathua, and Gujjar Chak.
  • The identification of these villages was finalised at a meeting chaired by the Kathua Deputy Commissioner Sharma on April 25.

Similar Coverage

Kusunpur to become Odisha's first smart village (Mid of March) ▼
  • Kusunpur village under Rajnagar block in Kendrapada district will be Odisha's first smart village.
  • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), ministry of science and technology, launched a mission-mode project on Monday to develop Kusunpur into a smart village.
  • CSIR-Central Building Research Institute (CSIR-CBRI) will strengthen village infrastructure such as climate-resilient schools, anganwadi buildings, community toilets and village planning.
  • CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CEERI) will promote renewable energy, clean cooking fuel and safe drinking water solutions.
  • CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) will introduce solar sharing agrivoltaics.
  • CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI) will provide training in leather products, including products made from fish/chicken feet leather and Odisha’s ethnic textiles.
  • Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC) will support the construction of a multipurpose cyclone shelter.
Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) Phase 2 Launched with ₹6,839 Crore Outlay (End of February) ▼
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) in a border village in the Cachar district of Assam.
  • The second phase of the programme has a total financial outlay of ₹6,839 crore and will be implemented until the financial year 2028-2029.
  • The VVP Phase 2 aims to cover 1,954 villages across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
  • A total of 140 villages located in Assam have been included for development under the second phase of the scheme.
  • The first phase of the VVP was launched in April 2023 at Kibithoo in Arunachal Pradesh, covering 662 villages in 19 districts along the northern border.
  • The programme focuses on comprehensive development through security-related initiatives, scheme saturation, and connectivity programmes to transform border villages into India’s first villages.
University Townships and Girls' Hostels: Five educational zones and district-level accommodation announced (Start of February) ▼
  • Union Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of five university townships along large industrial and logistic corridors in the Union Budget 2026-27.
  • The townships will physically integrate universities, colleges, research centres, skill centres, and residential complexes into a single ecosystem.
  • The government will assist states via an obstacle road to develop these educational zones to minimize fragmentation between academic study and practical employment.
  • The Budget proposes the introduction of girls' hostels in all districts of the country to be financed through the Viability Gap Fund (VGF).
  • The township programme is aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) objectives of multidisciplinary learning, skill development, and gender inclusion.
  • These zones are intended to improve local economies and build innovation clusters by co-locating industries with higher education and research institutions.
  • The government has set the total capital expenditure target for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) at ₹12.2 lakh crore.
Telangana Village Relocation from Amrabad Tiger Reserve Allocates ₹62.55 Crore (End of March) ▼
  • The Telangana government is relocating 417 families from four villages—Sarlapally, Kudichintalabailu, Tatigundala Penta, and Kollampenta—inside Amrabad Tiger Reserve at a cost of ₹62.55 crore.
  • 160 families opting for cash compensation receive ₹15 lakh each, totalling ₹24 crore.
  • 257 families will receive a house in Bacharam colony plus five acres of agricultural land per family, with ₹38.55 crore earmarked for house construction.
  • Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka handed over ₹15 lakh cheques to 14 families on Wednesday in Hyderabad.
  • Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Dr C. Suvarna stated the relocation will restore about 1,500 hectares of forest.

UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development launched to empower women in emerging sectors

Key Updates:

  • Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, launched the UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development.
  • The initiative was unveiled at the International Conference on "Women Leading the Future of Work" held at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU) in Pune.
  • The initiative was launched in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
  • The UNESCO Chair aims to promote gender-inclusive skilling frameworks and support research, training, and policy development focused on equity in workforce participation.
  • The initiative seeks to strengthen women's participation in sunrise sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, semiconductors, and defence technology.
  • Key themes of the conference included Defence technology and advanced manufacturing, Robotics and Industry 4.0, AI and semiconductors, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
  • The event featured international expertise from the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNESCO Global Skills Academy, and UNESCO-UNEVOC.

Similar Coverage

British Council and SPARK – The 100K Collective sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support women entrepreneurs (Mid of March) ▼
  • The British Council and SPARK – The 100K Collective signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on 17 March 2026.
  • The partnership aims to strengthen the support ecosystem for women-led enterprises in India by building skills and expanding professional networks.
  • The British Council will provide expertise in English language training and skills development to enhance the communication and business capabilities of women entrepreneurs.
  • The initiative seeks to enable inclusive economic participation and support women in scaling sustainable enterprises.
  • The event was attended by Smriti Irani, Founder of the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality, and Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council.
Sashakt Panchayat - Netri Abhiyan and Nirbhay Raho Initiative: ₹4,35,236 Crore Allocated for Rural Bodies (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) organised a national conference in Delhi to commemorate the first anniversary of the Sashakt Panchayat - Netri Abhiyan.
  • The Nirbhay Raho initiative was launched under the Nirbhaya Scheme to enhance women's safety and leadership in rural governance.
  • The initiative aims to provide capacity building and legal rights training to 14.5 lakh elected women representatives.
  • A total of 17.5 lakh male representatives will be sensitised on gender equality as part of the programme.
  • The financial allocation for rural bodies has been increased to ₹4,35,236 crore for the 2026-31 period.
  • The conference showcased the Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled SabhaSaar platform designed to improve inclusive local governance.
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.
BRICS CCI WE Summit 2026 held in New Delhi from March 21 to 23 (End of March) ▼
  • The 6th edition of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI) Women Empowerment (WE) Annual Women’s Summit & Felicitations 2026 was held in New Delhi from March 21 to 23.
  • The summit theme was 'Women in Innovation, Science Leadership, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (WISE) – Inspiring Change, Shaping Tomorrow'.
  • Ruby Sinha, President of BRICS CCI WE, launched the commemorative coffee table book 'WISE Collective: Echoes of Excellence' during the summit.
  • A memorandum of understanding was signed with SEBRAE, Brazil’s Micro and Small Business Support Service, to enhance collaboration for women-led enterprises.
  • The convocation ceremony of the third edition of the BRICS CCI WE Global Women Leadership Programme took place at the summit.
  • Mission ShakthiSAT was unveiled by Meenakshi Lekhi, former Minister of State for External Affairs and Global Chair of the initiative.
  • Actor Shabana Azmi received the BRICS CCI WE Trailblazer: Living Legend recognition for her five decades in Indian cinema.
  • Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog and former President of NASSCOM, was conferred the Lifetime Achievement recognition.
  • Kalpana Murmu Soren, MLA from Gandey, Jharkhand, was recognised as the BRICS CCI WE Inspiring Woman of the Year.
  • Actor and climate advocate Bhumi Pednekar was felicitated as a BRICS CCI WE Woman Icon.

Bharat Taxi: Cooperative-based ride-hailing platform with zero commission for drivers

[Bharat Taxi, Maharashtra]

Key Updates:

  • Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi, India's first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, on February 5 in Delhi.
  • Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal launched the Bharat Taxi app in Mumbai to expand the initiative across Mumbai and Maharashtra.
  • The platform offers zero commission and no subscription fees for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to reduce dependence on foreign apps.
  • Drivers registered on the app receive free insurance cover of ₹5 lakh.
  • The app provides drivers access to Mudra loans to modernise or upgrade their vehicles, including shifting to electric vehicles.
  • The initiative aims to provide affordable and authorised fares to the public.

Similar Coverage

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launches India's first Melody Road in Mumbai (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has installed India's first Melody Road on a 500-metre stretch of the Mumbai Coastal Road.
  • The musical track is situated between Priyadarshini Park and Amarsons Garden at the northbound exit of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) tunnels.
  • The technology uses rumble strips to play the song Jai Ho through vehicle wheel friction when motorists exceed a speed of 60 kmph.
  • The project was executed by a team of Hungarian experts, making Mumbai the fifth city in the world to adopt this technology.
  • Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the pilot initiative on 11 February 2026.
  • Signboards have been placed at distances of 500 metres, 100 metres, and 60 metres ahead of the stretch to alert motorists.
  • The technology has previously been implemented in Hungary, Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Delhi govt–Bharat Taxi MoU for last-mile connectivity (Mid of February) ▼
  • Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) signed an MoU with Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL), the cooperative arm of Bharat Taxi, to roll out technology-enabled taxi services across Delhi.
  • The MoU was signed at the Delhi Secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra.
  • Under the MoU, DTTDC will act as the tourism and branding partner and will upskill drivers in soft skills and Delhi’s culture, history, and heritage.
  • Bharat Taxi, through STCL, will provide mobility services using its digital platform and cooperative driver network.
  • The initiative will introduce curated taxi-based travel products for tourists, including two-hour, four-hour, and full-day sightseeing circuits covering major attractions in and around Delhi.
  • The partnership will offer app-based booking, transparent pricing, no surge pricing, and standard safety protocols.
  • Drivers under the cooperative ownership model retain a significantly higher share of their earnings and are stakeholders in the cooperative.
MoU Signed on 4 February 2026 to Modernise Delhi Prepaid Taxi System (Start of April) ▼
  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 4 February 2026 between Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL) and Delhi Traffic Police to modernise Delhi’s prepaid taxi services.
  • The MoU covers 34 prepaid taxi booths located at 21 key points in the national capital.
  • Delhi Traffic Police will manage booth operations, recruit staff, verify drivers, ensure passenger safety, and establish a control room mechanism for monitoring and coordination.
  • STCL will handle digital integration, financial management including staff salaries, maintenance of booths, and branding initiatives.
  • As of 23 March 2026, approximately 130 personnel are engaged in various support and operational roles under the cooperative model.
  • STCL operates on a no-profit, no-loss basis under a self-sustaining cooperative framework.
Bharat Taxi offers zero-commission, surge-free rides with driver-ownership model (Start of February) ▼
  • Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first government-backed ride-hailing cooperative.
  • The platform operates on the ‘Sarathi Hi Malik’ model where drivers are cooperative members and owners.
  • Bharat Taxi charges zero commission and applies no surge pricing, allowing drivers to retain full fare earnings.
  • Fares can be up to 30% cheaper than rival services Ola and Uber according to the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
  • Government provides ₹5 lakh personal accident insurance and ₹5 lakh family health insurance for every driver.
  • Over 3 lakh drivers were onboarded during pilot runs in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat.
  • The service is integrated with Digital Public Infrastructure tools such as DigiLocker and UMANG for verification and operations.
  • Drivers face no exclusivity clauses and can simultaneously operate on other ride-hailing platforms.
  • Nationwide expansion is planned over the next two years.

PM-AASHA and Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission: Expansion of MSP Procurement in Chhattisgarh and Bihar

[ Chhattisgarh, Bihar]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution expanded procurement operations under the PM-AASHA scheme in Chhattisgarh and launched the first structured pulse procurement in Bihar under the Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission.
  • The procurement drive is led by the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).
  • In Bihar, NCCF initiated organised procurement of masoor (lentil) supported by Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA)-approved warehouses in collaboration with the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC).
  • Bihar has a procurement target of 32,000 tonnes of masoor, with 100.4 metric tonnes procured as of 22 April 2026.
  • In Chhattisgarh, PM-AASHA procurement uses the E-Samyukti portal for digitised farmer participation.
  • Chhattisgarh has 85 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) centres operational in Dhamtari, Durg, Balod, Balodabazar, Raipur, Raigarh, and Sarangarh, with planned expansion in Sarguja, Kondagaon, and Koriya.
  • NCCF set procurement targets in Chhattisgarh for 63,325 MT of chana and 5,360 MT of masoor.
  • As of 22 April 2026, NCCF achieved procurement of 9,032 MT of chana and 7.98 MT of masoor in Chhattisgarh.
  • NAFED established 137 procurement centres through State Level Agencies in Chhattisgarh, alongside 7 direct centres for chana and 3 for masoor.
  • As of 22 April 2026, NAFED procured 3,850 MT of chana and 109 MT of masoor in Chhattisgarh.

Similar Coverage

Department of Posts–TRIFED MoU to Establish Nationwide Logistics Backbone for Tribal E-Commerce (End of March) ▼
  • The Department of Posts (DoP) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) to create a nationwide logistics backbone for tribal e-commerce.
  • The partnership leverages the DoP network of over 1.5 lakh post offices, with more than 90% located in rural areas, to deliver goods sold via the Tribes India e-marketplace.
  • The DoP will provide end-to-end logistics solutions including order pickup from TRIFED regional hubs, nationwide transmission, and final delivery to urban, rural, and remote areas.
  • Technological features of the collaboration include real-time shipment tracking, API-based integration for automated order processing, and Management Information System (MIS) reporting.
  • A Book Now Pay Later (BNPL) account will be established for TRIFED under the National Account Facility of the DoP to enable deferred payments for bulk shipments and simplified accounting.
  • The initiative aims to benefit over 10 lakh tribal artisans and forest produce gatherers by expanding market access for indigenous handicrafts, handlooms, and natural products.
  • The MoU is initially valid for a period of two years and includes provisions for review and potential expansion to other rural and artisan-based sectors.
  • The collaboration aligns with national visions including Digital India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and the Vocal for Local initiative.
Himachal Pradesh inks three MoUs with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to expand dairy infrastructure (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Himachal Pradesh government signed three MoUs with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to strengthen the state’s dairy sector and improve milk processing infrastructure.
  • Two milk processing plants of 20,000 litres per day capacity each will be set up at Nahan in Sirmaur district and Nalagarh in Solan district.
  • Two milk chilling centres of 20,000 litres per day capacity each will be established at Jalari in Hamirpur district and Jhalera in Una district.
  • An automated milk processing plant is being developed at Dhagwar in Kangra district at a cost of ₹250 crore; it will initially process 1.5 lakh litres of milk per day with potential to expand to 3 lakh litres.
  • The Dhagwar plant is expected to become operational by October.
  • Himachal Pradesh became the first state to offer the highest support price for milk procurement: cow milk raised from ₹32 to ₹51 per litre and buffalo milk from ₹47 to ₹61 per litre.
  • A third MoU covers implementation of enterprise resource planning software in the state dairy federation to ensure transparency and efficient management.
Union Budget 2026-27: Focus on Manufacturing, MSMEs, and Fiscal Consolidation (Start of February) ▼
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27, targeting an economic growth of approximately 7% with a focus on the goal of Viksit Bharat.
  • The government announced the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 and the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to strengthen domestic high-value manufacturing.
  • New sector-specific initiatives include Biopharma SHAKTI for biotechnology, three dedicated chemical parks, and a scheme for rare earth permanent magnets.
  • The budget proposed the revival of 200 legacy industrial clusters and the establishment of hi-tech tool rooms in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
  • For Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the government announced a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and a ₹2,000 crore top-up to the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund.
  • The Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) will be mandatory for all CPSE purchases from MSMEs and will be linked with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
  • The existing ₹10 lakh per consignment value cap on courier exports for small firms has been removed to encourage international trade.
  • The government will support states to set up five hubs for medical value tourism and establish three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIA).
  • A new National Institute of Design (NID) will be established in eastern India, and AVGC content creator labs will be set up in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges.
  • The Bharat-VISTAAR initiative will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to integrate AgriStack portals with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) practices.
  • Infrastructure projects include 20 new National Waterways and a Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) connecting Dankuni in the east to Surat in the west.
  • The government allocated ₹2 lakh crore to states under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
  • The fiscal deficit for 2026-27 is estimated at 4.3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with a target to bring the debt-to-GDP ratio to 50% by 2030.
  • The budget provided ₹1.4 lakh crore as Finance Commission grants to states.
Indian Army signs first-ever Capital Procurement Contract via GeM Portal (Start of April) ▼
  • Indian Army executed its first capital procurement contract through Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.
  • Contract covers supply of 93 Telescopic Handlers under Buy (Indian) category.
  • Contract signed with M/s JCB India Ltd at total cost of Rs 25.90 Cr.
  • Procurement aims to compress timelines while maintaining procedural integrity.
  • Move reinforces Government’s push towards Aatmanirbharta in defence and promotes Indian industry participation.
  • GeM portal was developed in five months based on recommendations of a Group of Secretaries.

University of Delhi and Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity (CMEC) MoU to strengthen maritime education and research

Key Updates:

  • University of Delhi (DU) and Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity (CMEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen maritime education and research.
  • The MoU was signed at the Delhi School of Economics to enhance capacity building, skill development, and interdisciplinary research aligned with India's Blue Economy vision.
  • The collaboration focuses on developing academic frameworks, joint research projects, training programmes, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
  • The initiative aligns with government programmes including Sagarmala and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
  • The partnership targets opportunities for students and researchers in maritime logistics, green shipping, and supply chain management.
  • India's seafaring workforce currently contributes about 12 per cent to the global maritime workforce, with a target to reach 20 per cent by 2030.
  • India possesses an 11,000-km coastline and 111 national waterways.
  • The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways facilitated the exchange of the MoU.
  • The Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and the Delhi School of Economics signed an additional MoU to promote joint programmes in public policy research and training.

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Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) and Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) forge strategic alliance for ship repair and building (Start of April) ▼
  • Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) and Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) entered into a strategic alliance to strengthen ship repair and shipbuilding capabilities across South Asia.
  • The agreement covers ship repair and dry-docking services, technical knowledge sharing, and joint exploration of shipbuilding projects.
  • The memorandum of understanding was signed in Colombo, marking a significant step in maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and DGCA sign MoU to formalise Aircraft Maintenance Engineer education (Start of April) ▼
  • Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya signed an MoU with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the presence of Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Ram Mohan Naidu on Monday.
  • The partnership focuses on formalising the education of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) to meet global standards.
  • The MoU aims to resolve professional bottlenecks faced by maintenance staff who possess high-level skills but lack formal degrees.
  • The university will provide the curriculum and degree certificates to AMEs trained through DGCA-approved organisations.
  • The Cabinet recently approved an additional Rs 28,000 crore for the UDAN scheme to boost regional connectivity and helicopter operations.
  • India has 1,700 aircraft on order, double the current fleet, and will require 10,000 to 12,000 additional pilots over the next decade.
9th Indian Ocean Conference – 10 to 12 April 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • The 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2026) was inaugurated in Port Louis, Mauritius and will run from 10 to 12 April 2026.
  • The conference is organised by India Foundation in association with the Government of Mauritius under the theme “Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance.”
  • Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam was the Chief Guest at the inaugural session.
  • External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar delivered the keynote address.
  • Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi also addressed the session.
  • On 9 April, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met Mauritius Prime Minister Ramgoolam and President Dharambeer Gokhool, conveying greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • A Letter of Exchange on a Special Economic Package was signed, reaffirming India’s commitment to Mauritius’ infrastructure development, health and security.
  • Eleven India-supported High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) were inaugurated across Mauritius covering sustainable development, energy, sports and infrastructure.
  • The iGOT Karmayogi portal, India’s flagship civil services capacity‑building platform, was launched exclusively for Mauritian civil servants – the first such launch for any partner country.
  • University Grants Commission of India (UGC) and the Higher Education Commission of Mauritius exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding.
  • A royalty cheque of USD 45,000 was handed over to Mauritius for the sale of nautical charts.
  • A Renal Transplant Unit was inaugurated at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Mauritius.
  • An AYUSH Centre of Excellence is slated for completion in Mauritius.
  • The final lot of e‑buses was handed over to support sustainable public transport in Mauritius.
  • An Indian public sector enterprise is developing Mauritius’ first floating solar power project.
  • India will soon appoint a Defence Attaché in Mauritius – the first Defence Attaché for the country.
  • A Government‑to‑Government agreement for the supply of oil and gas to Mauritius is in its final stages.
  • On the sidelines, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Seychelles Foreign Minister Barry Faure, former Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Bhutan’s Foreign Minister D.N. Dhungyel and Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal.
  • The conference aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First policy, Vision MAHASAGAR, and the Global South commitment.
MoPSW and KOICA Sign Implementation Plan to Boost Shipbuilding Skills (Start of April) ▼
  • The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) signed an implementation plan with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on April 2, 2026.
  • The partnership aims to enhance skill development in India’s shipbuilding and marine industries to build a future-ready workforce.
  • The Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training will support the project by identifying skill gaps and creating a talent development roadmap.
  • The agreement proposes the establishment of a Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center in India to provide industry-focused training.
  • The initiative aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which seeks to establish India as a global hub for maritime services.

Coca-Cola India and Invest UP sign MoU for community and environmental initiatives

[Coca-Cola India (India), Uttar Pradesh (India)]

Key Updates:

  • Coca-Cola India Pvt Ltd has entered into a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Invest UP, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
  • The partnership aims to support environmental stewardship, community well-being, and enhance access to safe hydration solutions across Uttar Pradesh.
  • The collaboration focuses on developing water access infrastructure, strengthening waste collection and recycling systems, and enabling skill-building and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
  • The initiative specifically targets high-footfall tourism destinations to enhance environmental infrastructure and visitor experience.

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Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) and NBCC (India) Limited sign two MoUs for Delhi redevelopment and asset monetisation. (Mid of April) ▼
  • HUDCO and NBCC (India) Limited (NBCC) signed two MoUs on 11 April 2026.
  • First MoU covers redevelopment of leasehold plot of approx. 18,830 sq mt at Block No. 25, August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi.
  • First MoU includes techno-economic feasibility study, construction, project management, and monetisation of built-up space.
  • Second MoU focuses on asset monetisation for NBCC's self-sustainable model projects.
  • HUDCO will provide funds for ongoing and upcoming NBCC projects with permission of Government of India.
  • NBCC will provide project management and consultancy services under the agreements.
  • Each MoU is valid for 2 years from execution date and is subject to annual review.
  • Either party can exit the MoUs by giving one month's written notice.
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF) achieves ₹1 trillion brand turnover milestone (Start of April) ▼
  • The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF), which markets the Amul brand, recorded a brand turnover of ₹1 lakh crore in the financial year 2025-26.
  • The brand turnover represents an 11% increase over the previous year's base of ₹90,000 crore.
  • The sales turnover of GCMMF reached ₹73,450 crore in 2025-26, marking an 11.4% rise compared to ₹65,911 crore in 2024-25.
  • Amul was ranked as the world's No 1 cooperative by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).
  • The federation represents 3.6 million farmers and manages a daily milk procurement of approximately 31 million litres.
  • Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the Sardar Patel Cooperative Dairy Federation Limited (SPCDF) on July 6, 2025.
  • The SPCDF is registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act and aims to integrate dairy cooperatives into a unified network to usher in a Second White Revolution.
  • GCMMF distributes over 24 billion packs of dairy products annually, including milk, butter, cheese, ghee, and ice cream, across more than 50 countries.
  • The brand expanded its global presence during the year by launching fresh milk in markets including Europe and the United States.
Tata Consumer Products Limited (TCPL) formalises technology transfer from Council of Scientific & Industrial Research - National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) to advance science-backed food and beverage innovations. (End of February) ▼
  • Tata Consumer Products Limited (TCPL) formalised the transfer of indigenously developed food and nutrition-focused technologies from Council of Scientific & Industrial Research - National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) on 19 February 2026 in Bangalore, Karnataka.
  • CSIR-NIIST's advanced formulation technology for nutritionally enhanced 'Smarter Rice' delivers higher protein content, lower glycaemic index, and improved micronutrient availability.
  • CSIR-NIIST's indigenous coffee crema technology enhances crema stability and improves the sensory experience of brewed coffee.
  • Tata Consumer Products and CSIR-NIIST will jointly undertake sponsored research to develop low-sodium salt formulations that enable sodium reduction without compromising flavour.
  • Tata Consumer Products has a consolidated annual turnover of Rs. 17,618 Crs and reaches over 275 million households in India.
ASSOCHAM and ICCC sign MoU to strengthen India-Canada business collaboration (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) signed an MoU on Monday during the India-Canada Business Roundtable held in New Delhi.
  • The MoU provides a framework for collaboration to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation between members of both organisations.
  • Both organisations will facilitate exchange of information on trade policies, economic laws, and investment opportunities in India and Canada.
  • Joint initiatives under the MoU include trade missions, business delegations, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, and workshops.
  • Notable attendees included Anil K Agarwal (Past President & Chairman, ASSOCHAM International Council), Kam Rathee (Chair of the Advisory Board, ICCC), Prashant Srivastava (President, ICCC), Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra (Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council on Education), Ed Jager (Trade Commissioner, High Commission of Canada to India), and Nina Tangri (Associate Minister of Small Business, Government of Ontario).

India launches logo, theme, and website for 4th India-Africa Forum Summit 2026

Key Updates:

  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched the logo, theme, and website of the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi.
  • The summit is scheduled to take place from May 28 to May 31.
  • The event will focus on expanding cooperation in digital technology, fintech, innovation, sustainability, and global governance.
  • India is expanding its diplomatic missions in Africa.
  • The inclusion of the African Union (AU) in the Group of Twenty (G20) was highlighted.

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Ministry of Culture (MoC) & Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) sign MoU to develop comprehensive strategy for India’s Cultural & Creative Economy (Start of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Culture (MoC) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) signed an MoU on 25 February 2026 to craft a comprehensive strategy for India’s Cultural and Creative Economy.
  • Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated the agreement positions culture as the foundation of economic prosperity.
  • The MoU aims to secure a brighter future for India’s artists and artisans.
  • The Minister highlighted that the MoU can help gain global recognition for Indian cultural products and services.
India to host India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16 to 20 (Mid of February) ▼
  • India is scheduled to host the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, 2026.
  • The Summit is organised under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is built around three foundational Sutras: People, Planet, and Progress.
  • The event will see participation from ministerial-level delegations representing over 45 countries and the United Nations (UN) Secretary General.
  • Confirmed attendees from Europe include President Emmanuel Macron (France), President Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon (Spain), Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (Finland), Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (Greece), Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic (Croatia), President Alar Karis (Estonia), President Peter Pellegrini (Slovakia), President Aleksandar Vucic (Serbia), President Guy Parmelin (Switzerland), Prime Minister Dick Schoof (Netherlands), and Hereditary Prince Alois (Liechtenstein).
  • Leaders from the Americas and Asia-Pacific attending include President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Brazil), Vice President Edmand Lara Montano (Bolivia), Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo (Guyana), Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay (Bhutan), President Anura Kumara Disanayaka (Sri Lanka), and Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov (Kazakhstan).
  • Participants from Africa, the Indian Ocean, and the Middle East include Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam (Mauritius), Vice President Sebastien Pillay (Seychelles), and Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (United Arab Emirates).
India hosts first BRICS Sherpas’ meet of its chairship in New Delhi (Mid of February) ▼
  • The first meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas under India’s Chairship was held from 9-10 February 2026 in New Delhi.
  • Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela, India’s BRICS Sherpa, chaired the meeting, supported by Joint Secretary (Multilateral Economic Relations) Shambhu L Hakki, India’s BRICS Sous Sherpa.
  • BRICS Sherpas and senior officials from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and UAE participated in the meeting.
  • India presented its 2026 Chairship priorities under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
  • Ministries outlined proposed activities in health, agriculture, labour and employment, disaster risk reduction, environment, climate change, energy, innovation, ICT, security and counter-terrorism, economic and financial domains.
  • Presentations on people-centric initiatives included sports, youth connect, cultural engagements, BRICS Academic Forum, BRICS Think Tank Council, BRICS Civil Forum, BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women’s Business Alliance.
  • BRICS Members and Partner countries appreciated India’s theme and priorities and shared perspectives on advancing resilience, innovation, cooperation, sustainability and a people-centric approach.
  • Delegates visited the National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy and Akshardham Temple during the meeting.
Karmayogi Sadhana Week 2026 launched to enhance civil-service capabilities (Start of April) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Karmayogi Sadhana Week 2026 on 2 April 2026.
  • The initiative promotes the mantra 'Nagrik Devo Bhav' for citizen-centric governance.
  • The week-long programme unites ministries, states, and training institutions for national capacity building.
  • Activities include webinars and workshops themed around Technology, Tradition, and Tangible Outcomes.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Maps Every Village in India Using Satellite Data

[Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed high-resolution land use and land cover mapping for every village in India.
  • The mapping was conducted at a scale of 1:10000, where 1cm on the map represents 100 metres on the ground.
  • The satellite data is integrated as an information layer on the Grammanchitra web portal of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
  • The dataset is designed to support gram panchayat development plans, decentralised planning, monitoring of assets, and the identification of land resources and usage patterns.
  • The initiative incorporates satellite imagery from ISRO's Bhuvan geoportal for agricultural planning, disaster management, and infrastructure development in rural and remote areas.
  • ISRO announced the completion of this mapping on National Panchayati Raj Day.

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Narendra Bhooshan appointed Secretary, Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development. (Start of April) ▼
  • Narendra Bhooshan is a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
  • He has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development.
  • His prior experience spans infrastructure development, public service delivery, and governance reforms.
  • He is expected to accelerate land record modernisation and promote transparency through technology integration.
Space Applications Centre (SAC) of ISRO and ATREE Partner to Map India's Grasslands (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Space Applications Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE).
  • The collaboration aims to map India's grasslands and other open natural ecosystems by combining satellite data with ecological field research.
  • The partnership will assess the impact of restoration efforts on degraded lands and develop improved methods to estimate above- and below-ground carbon.
  • SAC and ATREE will create standardised and scalable approaches to identify and monitor ecosystems such as grasslands, savannas, and deserts.
  • The initiative is intended to support land use planning, climate action strategies, conservation efforts, and rural livelihood programmes.
  • The partnership aligns with India's commitment to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030.
Odisha Government to Introduce QR Codes on Land Ownership Documents for Instant Verification (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Revenue and Disaster Management in Odisha will introduce Quick Response (QR) codes on land ownership documents, known as Record of Rights (RoR) or pattas.
  • The QR codes will allow users to instantly verify a property’s full profile, including its location, parcel map, and transaction history beyond the standard 30-year window of an Encumbrance Certificate (EC).
  • This initiative is part of the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP), a 100% centrally funded scheme launched by the Union Government in 2016.
  • The digitally generated records will be tamper-proof, and any unauthorised modifications to the RoR will trigger automatic alerts to revenue inspectors and tehsildars.
  • The state will conduct a comprehensive land survey integrating spatial data from satellite imagery with maps from the Survey of India (SoI) and Forest Survey of India (FSI) onto a unified Geographic Information System (GIS) platform.
  • The GIS platform will represent each plot as a closed polygon identified by a unique plot number linked to the RoR database to synchronise map data with textual records.
Delhi Government launches Bhu-Aadhaar to assign 14-digit Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Delhi government has launched the Bhu-Aadhaar initiative to assign a unique 14-digit identification number to every land parcel in the city to resolve boundary disputes.
  • The Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), dubbed Bhu-Aadhaar, is part of the central government's Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) launched in 2021.
  • The implementation of the project is being handled by the IT branch of the revenue department with support from the Survey of India (SoI).
  • A new digital land map of Delhi will be prepared using drone surveys and high-resolution imaging to generate accurate ULPINs.
  • Approximately 2 terabytes (TB) of geospatial data and drone-based Ortho Rectified Images (ORI) are being obtained from the SoI for the project.
  • The initiative covers all areas of Delhi, including 48 villages already integrated under the Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) scheme.
  • A pilot project was successfully completed in Tilangpur Kotla village in West Delhi district, resulting in the generation of 274 ULPIN records.
  • The government has allocated ₹1.32 crore for the project to ensure transparency, curb fraudulent transactions, and facilitate coordination among departments.

Himadri Speciality Chemical Commissions Anode Material Facility in Bengal

[West Bengal]

Key Updates:

  • Himadri Speciality Chemical has commissioned its first anode material production facility at Mahistikry in Bengal to enter the lithium-ion battery value chain.
  • The facility produces raw materials for lithium-ion cells and was developed through 14 years of in-house research.
  • The company commissioned a 70,000-MTPA speciality carbon black line at Mahistikry, making it the world's largest single-location speciality carbon black facility.
  • The total carbon black capacity of the company has reached 250,000 MTPA, which includes 130,000 MTPA of speciality carbon black.
  • For the year ended March 31, the company reported a net profit of ₹755 crore, marking a 36% increase.

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BCGCL and MCL sign Odisha land lease for 2,000 TPD coal-to-ammonium nitrate plant using BHEL technology (Start of April) ▼
  • Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Ltd (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) signed a land leasing pact in Odisha for a 2,000 tonnes per day coal to ammonium nitrate project.
  • The facility will be built on about 350 acres of land possessed by MCL.
  • The project uses indigenous BHEL technology and is India’s first coal gasification initiative of this scale.
  • Recent Ministry of Coal policy reforms allow coal-bearing land to be used for coal gasification projects.
Eveready Industries India Ltd commissions ₹200 crore alkaline battery plant in Jammu (End of April) ▼
  • Eveready Industries India Ltd (Eveready) has commissioned an alkaline battery manufacturing facility in Samba, Jammu and Kashmir, with an investment of around ₹200 crore.
  • The plant is the only operating alkaline battery manufacturing facility in India.
  • The facility has an annual installed capacity of 456 million units and a peak production capacity of approximately 360 million units.
  • The plant is expected to generate over 500 direct and indirect jobs at full scale.
  • The facility includes a 1 MW rooftop solar installation with an annual generation of around 1.2 million units, a rainwater harvesting capacity of 275 KLD, and a zero-discharge system.
  • The alkaline battery portfolio of Eveready is approaching a 20 per cent market share.
Nagaland University conferred Lifetime Achievement Awards on five chemists. (End of February) ▼
  • Nagaland University presented the awards to prof AK Mallik, prof VS Raja, prof MA Quraishi, prof M Indira Devi, and prof Nitin Chattopadhyay during ICCMR–2026 held from Feb 18-20 at I Ihoshe Kinimi Hall, Lumami.
  • Prof AK Mallik of Punjabi University, Patiala, is noted for advances in materials chemistry, nanotechnology, and surface science.
  • Prof VS Raja of IIT Bombay is acclaimed for corrosion science and engineering research.
  • Prof MA Quraishi, formerly of IIT-BHU Varanasi, is credited with over 380 publications and over 15,000 citations in corrosion science and green chemistry.
  • Prof M Indira Devi of Nagaland University specialises in lanthanide complexation and nanomaterials and has served as dean of the school of sciences.
  • Prof Nitin Chattopadhyay, former professor and dean at Jadavpur University, Kolkata, is renowned for photophysics, photochemistry, and fluorescence sensing and is a CSIR emeritus scientist.
NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and Assago Industries sign MoU for India’s first large-scale green urea ecosystem at Pudimadaka hub (Start of February) ▼
  • NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and Assago Industries Pvt. Ltd. signed an MoU to develop India’s first large-scale green urea production ecosystem at the upcoming Green Hydrogen Hub in Pudimadaka.
  • NGEL will supply green ammonia, captured CO₂, renewable power and utilities to Assago for producing green urea using clean feedstock.
  • The Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub is planned with a capacity of 2.5 million tonnes per annum of green chemicals, including green methanol, green ammonia, sustainable aviation fuel and green urea.
  • India consumes about 35–40 million tonnes of urea annually and imports 8–10 million tonnes each year.
  • The collaboration targets import substitution and low-carbon fertiliser production to support the Atmanirbhar Bharat objective.

Rocklink India Establishes Integrated Recycling Facility in Uttar Pradesh

[Uttar Pradesh (India)]

Key Updates:

  • Rocklink India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Germany-based Rocklink Group, has set up its first integrated recycling facility in the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) Industrial Area in Sikandrabad, Uttar Pradesh.
  • The facility is designed to process lithium-ion batteries, rare earth magnets, and metal-bearing industrial waste.
  • The plant has an initial lithium-ion battery recycling capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year and rare earth magnet dismantling and processing operations of 60 tonnes per month.
  • A rare earth chloride processing line with a production capacity of 1,500 tonnes per year is planned for completion in Q1 2026.
  • The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) registered plant is capable of processing 95 types of pre- and post-consumer battery scrap materials.
  • The facility employs a self-developed recycling technology called R2, which achieves over 98 per cent recovery efficiency for metals such as aluminium, copper, and iron.
  • The facility handles permanent magnet alloys including NdFeB, SmCo, and AlNiCo.
  • Rocklink India will expand the Magcycle reverse logistics model, implemented in Europe since 2018, into the Indian market.
  • The upcoming processing unit will utilise a 22-metre direct-heated rotary kiln for the safe calcination of industrial waste.

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Rocklink India Establishes Lithium-ion Battery and Rare Earth Recycling Facility in Uttar Pradesh (End of April) ▼
  • Rocklink India Pvt. Ltd. has established an integrated recycling facility for lithium-ion batteries and rare earth magnets at the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) Industrial Area in Sikandrabad, Uttar Pradesh.
  • The facility has an initial lithium-ion battery recycling capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year and rare earth magnet processing operations of 60 tonnes per month.
  • A rare-earth chloride processing unit with an annual capacity of 1,500 tonnes is scheduled for commissioning in the first quarter of 2026.
  • The plant is registered under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms and is equipped to handle 95 types of battery scrap.
  • The facility utilises an in-house recycling process termed R2 to convert battery waste into reusable components.
  • Recovery rates for metals such as aluminium, copper, and iron are over 98 per cent, producing black mass for further refinement.
  • The facility includes infrastructure for recycling rare earth magnets containing materials such as NdFeB, SmCo, and AlNiCo.
  • Rocklink India is expanding its Magcycle reverse logistics model to India to streamline the collection and movement of magnet scrap.
  • Materials unsuitable for direct recycling are processed into rare earth chlorides using a rotary kiln-based system.
Eveready Industries India Ltd commissions ₹200 crore alkaline battery plant in Jammu (End of April) ▼
  • Eveready Industries India Ltd (Eveready) has commissioned an alkaline battery manufacturing facility in Samba, Jammu and Kashmir, with an investment of around ₹200 crore.
  • The plant is the only operating alkaline battery manufacturing facility in India.
  • The facility has an annual installed capacity of 456 million units and a peak production capacity of approximately 360 million units.
  • The plant is expected to generate over 500 direct and indirect jobs at full scale.
  • The facility includes a 1 MW rooftop solar installation with an annual generation of around 1.2 million units, a rainwater harvesting capacity of 275 KLD, and a zero-discharge system.
  • The alkaline battery portfolio of Eveready is approaching a 20 per cent market share.
TEXMiN and Russia's GIREDMET sign MoU for rare earth and critical mineral technologies (End of February) ▼
  • TEXMiN Foundation (TEXMiN), the Technology Translation Research Park under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad (IIT (ISM) Dhanbad), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russia's GIREDMET.
  • GIREDMET, formally the State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry, is a research institute under the Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation.
  • The agreement was signed during the Industry-Institute Interaction 2026 (III-2026) conclave and exhibition held at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
  • The partnership aims to establish a framework for cooperation across the mining value chain, including exploration, mineral beneficiation, extraction, separation, refining, and advanced materials development.
  • A key focus area is the development of high-coercivity permanent magnet blocks based on neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B), supported by a complete rare earth metallurgical cycle.
  • The collaboration will explore hydrometallurgical recycling technologies for lithium-ion batteries to recover lithium, nickel, and cobalt.
  • The institutions will develop recovery solutions for critical minerals from legacy mine dumps, tailings, and low-grade or complex ores.
  • The planned work includes digital twin-enabled smart processing plants integrating artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and sensor systems.
  • The initiative aligns with India's National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and Russia's Federal Project for the Development of Rare Metal Industry.
  • Representatives from TEXMiN and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad will participate in the International Congress on Rare Metals, Materials and Related Technologies (RAREMET-2026) in Moscow from 20 to 22 May 2026.
Waaree Energies to Establish ₹8,175 Crore Lithium-ion Battery Gigafactory in Andhra Pradesh (End of February) ▼
  • Waaree Energies will set up an integrated lithium-ion battery gigafactory at Rambilli in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh.
  • The project involves a total investment of ₹8,175 crore and is expected to generate approximately 3,000 direct jobs.
  • The greenfield facility will have a production capacity of 16 GWh, covering cell manufacturing, battery packs, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
  • The Andhra Pradesh State Investment Promotion Board, chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has granted in-principle approval for the project.
  • The facility is designed to support renewable energy expansion, electric mobility, and grid stability while enhancing strategic manufacturing independence.

Virat Kohli becomes first batter to score 800 boundaries in IPL

Key Updates:

  • Virat Kohli became the first batter to score 800 boundaries in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
  • The milestone was achieved during a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) in Bengaluru.
  • Kohli became only the third player in IPL history to hit 300 sixes.

Similar Coverage

Sunrisers Hyderabad defeats Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by 47 runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match held in Hyderabad.
  • SRH scored 242 for 2 in 20 overs, while DC scored 195 for 9 in 20 overs.
  • Abhishek Sharma scored 135 not out off 68 balls, including 10 sixes and 10 fours, reaching his century in 47 balls.
  • Abhishek Sharma became the first Indian cricketer to score two IPL centuries in under 50 balls, with his first coming off 40 balls against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.
  • Abhishek Sharma equalled Virat Kohli's record for the most centuries by an Indian in T20 cricket with 9 hundreds, surpassing Rohit Sharma's record of eight.
  • The score of 135
  • by Abhishek Sharma is the fifth-highest individual score in IPL history.
  • Abhishek Sharma is the second batter to hit 10 or more sixes in an IPL innings multiple times, following Chris Gayle.
  • Travis Head (37) and Heinrich Klaasen (37 not out) provided support for SRH, while Axar Patel was the lone wicket-taker for DC.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar becomes first fast bowler to claim 200 IPL wickets. (Start of April) ▼
  • Bhuvneshwar Kumar reached 200 IPL wickets by dismissing Ayush Mhatre during RCB vs CSK on Sunday.
  • He is the second bowler overall and the first fast bowler to reach the 200-wicket mark in IPL history.
  • Bhuvneshwar now has 202 wickets in 192 IPL matches at an average of 27.25.
  • Yuzvendra Chahal leads the all-time list with 224 wickets in 176 IPL matches.
  • Sunil Narine is third with 193 wickets in 191 IPL matches.
Rashid Khan becomes first bowler to reach 700 T20 wickets (Mid of February) ▼
  • Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan became the first player in cricket history to reach the milestone of 700 wickets in T20 cricket.
  • He achieved the landmark during an International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Delhi.
  • Rashid Khan is the highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals (T20Is) with 191 victims, followed by Tim Southee (164) and Ish Sodhi (162).
  • In the overall T20 wicket-takers list, Dwayne Bravo holds the second position with 631 wickets, while Sunil Narine is third with 613 wickets.
  • He was the first Afghan player to join the Indian Premier League (IPL), winning the title with Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2022.
  • Rashid Khan holds the records for being the youngest player to top the ICC One Day International (ODI) bowling rankings and the fastest to reach 100 ODI wickets.
  • His domestic career includes winning the Big Bash League (BBL) title with Adelaide Strikers in 2018.
India defeats England to reach 2026 T20 World Cup final (Start of March) ▼
  • India secured a seven-run victory over England in the second semi-final of the 2026 T20 World Cup held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
  • Jasprit Bumrah became the 44th bowler in history to reach 500 international wickets, achieving the feat by dismissing England captain Harry Brook.
  • Bumrah established a new world record for the best bowling average among players with 500 international wickets at 20.62, surpassing Glenn McGrath's average of 21.76.
  • The Indian pacer's career wicket tally includes 234 wickets in 52 Test matches, 149 in One Day Internationals (ODI), and 117 in Twenty20 Internationals (T20I).
  • Bumrah recorded a career strike rate of 33.2, the second-best among bowlers with 500 wickets, trailing only Lasith Malinga who holds a strike rate of 32.8.
  • The list of bowlers with the best averages at 500 wickets includes Allan Donald (22.04), Richard Hadlee (22.1), and Curtly Ambrose (22.11).
  • India will face New Zealand in the tournament final on 8 March at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

World Malaria Day observed on April 24, 2026 with theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now we can. Now we Must”

Key Updates:

  • World Malaria Day 2026 is observed on April 24.
  • The theme for World Malaria Day 2026 is “Driven to End Malaria: Now we can. Now we Must”.
  • Dr. Regina Rabinovich is the Director of the Malaria Elimination Initiative at ISGLOBAL at the University of Barcelona.
  • The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has launched the Defeating Malaria: From the Genes to the Globe Initiative.

Similar Coverage

World Health Organisation (WHO) Approves First Malaria Treatment for Newborns (End of April) ▼
  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved artemether-lumefantrine, the first antimalarial formulation designed specifically for newborns and young infants weighing between two and five kilograms.
  • World Malaria Day is observed on April 25.
  • According to the WHO world malaria report 2025, there were an estimated 282 million cases and 6,10,000 deaths in 2024.
  • In 2024, 47 countries were certified malaria-free and 37 countries reported fewer than 1,000 cases.
  • India exited the WHO High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, following an 80.5% decline in malaria cases and a 78.38% decline in malaria deaths between 2015 and 2023.
  • India has set targets to achieve zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027 and full elimination by 2030.
  • On April 14, the WHO prequalified three new rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that target the pf-LDH protein to replace HRP2-based tests that fail to detect certain parasite strains.
  • The WHO recommends that countries switch to alternative RDTs when more than 5% of cases are missed due to pf-hrp2 deletions.
  • The 2026 World Malaria Day campaign is titled Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.
  • Since 2000, an estimated 2.3 billion malaria infections have been prevented and 14 million lives saved worldwide.
  • Twenty-five countries are currently rolling out malaria vaccines, and next-generation mosquito nets account for 84% of all new nets distributed.
International Malaria Conference 2026 concludes in New Delhi (Mid of March) ▼
  • International Malaria Conference (IMC) 6 organised by ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) concluded in New Delhi on 9 March 2026 after three days of scientific discussions.
  • Conference theme was 'Discovery, Development and Delivery: Driving Malaria Elimination and Beyond'.
  • Dr Anup Anvikar, Director of ICMR–NIMR, delivered the welcome address.
  • Dr Tanu Jain, Director of National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), attended as a dignitary.
  • Discovery sessions covered parasite biology, malaria transmission dynamics, and molecular mechanisms linked to drug resistance.
  • Development sessions highlighted next-generation malaria diagnostics, advanced surveillance technologies, and research tools for early detection.
  • Delivery sessions focused on translating research into public health solutions, addressing residual transmission, advancing vaccine research, and strengthening community-based control programmes.
  • Turbo talks and poster sessions provided a platform for early-career researchers to present work and interact with global experts.
World Tuberculosis Day observed on 24 March 2026 with the theme Yes! We can end TB (End of March) ▼
  • World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on 24 March to raise global awareness about the infectious disease.
  • The theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2026 is Yes! We can end TB, emphasizing political will, increased funding, and community participation.
  • The date commemorates 24 March 1882, when Dr Robert Koch discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes the disease.
  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 3,500 people die from tuberculosis and approximately 30,000 fall ill every day globally.
  • India carries the highest share of the global tuberculosis burden and implements the National TB Elimination Programme to combat the disease.
  • Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus serves as the Director-General of the WHO.
  • The National TB Elimination Programme in India utilizes nutrition initiatives and digital tracking to improve treatment adherence.
World TB Day 2026 spotlights science-driven push to eliminate tuberculosis (End of March) ▼
  • World Health Organization (WHO) reported an estimated 10.6 million people developed TB in 2022, including 1.3 million children.
  • WHO recorded 1.3 million TB deaths among HIV-negative individuals and an additional 300,000 deaths among people living with HIV in 2022.
  • Approximately 410,000 people developed multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB) in 2022.
  • Sustainable Development Goal 3 calls for ending the TB epidemic by 2030.
  • WHO’s End TB Strategy targets a 90% reduction in TB deaths and an 80% reduction in TB incidence by 2030 compared with 2015 levels.

Supreme Court declares right to safe road travel part of right to life on April 13

Key Updates:

  • The Supreme Court (SC) declared the right to safe road travel as part of the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
  • The order was issued on April 13 by a Bench comprising Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice AS Chandurkar.
  • The SC directed the constitution of a district highway safety task force in every district across India within seven days.
  • The district highway safety task force comprises officers from the district administration, police, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Public Works Department (PWD), and local bodies.
  • The SC prohibited the construction or operation of any new dhaba, eatery, or commercial structure within the Right of Way (ROW) of any national highway.
  • District magistrates are required to enforce the removal of unauthorised structures within 60 days as per the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002 (CNH Act) and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated August 7, 2025.
  • Heavy or commercial vehicles are banned from parking or stopping on any national highway carriageway or paved shoulder, except at designated bays, lay-byes, or wayside amenities.
  • Enforcement of parking rules will be managed through the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) using real-time alerts, GPS timestamped photographic evidence, and integrated eChallan generation.
  • National highways constitute two per cent of India's total road length but account for nearly 30 per cent of all road fatalities.
  • The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) must file a compliance report within 75 days.
  • The SC initiated a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) following accidents on November 2 near Mathoda in Phalodi district, Rajasthan, and on November 3 on Mirjalguda-Khanapur road near Chevella in Rangareddy district, Telangana.

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UN Road Safety Fund project launched in Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam (Start of March) ▼
  • United Nations (UN) launched a road safety financing project in partnership with Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam on 24 February 2026.
  • The project is funded by the UN Road Safety Fund and coordinated by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office.
  • It aims to build national and sub-national capacities for implementing road safety action plans and reducing road fatalities and serious injuries leading to disabilities.
  • The initiative targets a 50% reduction in road traffic deaths by 2030 under the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030.
  • Jean Todt, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, stated that India records 600 daily deaths from road crashes, costing an estimated 7% of GDP according to the World Bank.
Maharashtra makes Marathi compulsory for taxi/auto driver licences (Mid of April) ▼
  • Maharashtra government will enforce Marathi language proficiency for all licenced auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers from 1 May 2026.
  • Drivers unable to read, write or speak Marathi may face cancellation of permits under the statewide verification drive.
  • Verification will cover all 59 regional transport offices (RTO) and deputy RTOs through tests and on-ground inspections.
  • Rule 24 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 already mandates working knowledge of Marathi for public service vehicle licences.
Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Partner for Highway Cybersecurity (Start of February) ▼
  • Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) to strengthen cybersecurity and digital forensics for national highway infrastructure.
  • The collaboration provides technical guidance for establishing advanced laboratories dedicated to CCTV analysis, multimedia examination, and cyber forensics.
  • The partnership covers key highway technologies including Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS), and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).
  • The agreement also focuses on Traffic Management Systems (TMS), Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) solutions, and the establishment of Security Operations Centre (SOC) services.
  • The MoU is valid for three years and involves joint research, development, and consultancy projects to improve institutional capacity and adopt global best practices.
  • The signing ceremony was attended by Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and Vishal Chauhan, Chairman and Managing Director of IHMCL.
  • The MoU was signed by A R Chitranshi, Chief Operating Officer of IHMCL, and Dr S O Junare, Campus Director of NFSU Gandhinagar.
  • The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to build a secure digital ecosystem for India’s expanding national highway network.
National Safety Day 2026 observed on March 4 under theme 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'. (Start of March) ▼
  • National Safety Day 2026 is observed on 4 March 2026 to commemorate the founding of the National Safety Council (NSC).
  • The 2026 theme is 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'.
  • The year 2026 marks the 55th National Safety Week and nearly six decades of NSC efforts in workplace safety, occupational health, and environmental conservation.
  • Celebrations have been extended to the entire month, now recognised as National Safety Day (NSD) / National Safety Month (NSM).
  • National Safety Council of India (NSC) was founded on 4 March 1966.
  • National Safety Day was first officially observed in 1972.

Akashvani Signature Tune and Jingle-Making Contests launched with theme Akashvani @90

[Akashvani (India), MyGov (India)]

Key Updates:

  • Akashvani, Prasar Bharati in collaboration with MyGov launched a Signature Tune-Making Contest themed “Akashvani @90- The New rhythm of Bharat”.
  • The Signature Tune-Making Contest seeks instrumental themes for the programmes Yuva-vani, Sports Scan, Market Mantra, Family Welfare and Women’s Programme, National Magazine, Sahitya, Sanskriti, Chitra, Vigyan, and Yuva Bharati.
  • The prize money for the Signature Tune-Making Contest is ₹30,000 for 1st prize, ₹20,000 for 2nd prize, ₹10,000 for 3rd prize, and ₹5,000 each for 10 consolation prizes.
  • Akashvani, Prasar Bharati in collaboration with MyGov also launched a Jingle-Making Contest themed “Akashvani @90- The Vibrant Voice of India”.
  • The Jingle-Making Contest targets the channels FM Gold, FM Rainbow, and Vividh Bharati.
  • The prize money for the Jingle-Making Contest is ₹20,000 for 1st prize, ₹15,000 for 2nd prize, ₹10,000 for 3rd prize, and ₹2,500 each for 10 consolation prizes.

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Vande Mataram Frames National Filmmaking Competition launched by Ministry of Culture (End of April) ▼
  • The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has launched the Vande Mataram Frames National Filmmaking Competition to celebrate 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram.
  • The competition features a total prize pool of up to ₹50 lakh.
  • Participants must be aged 15 years and above and can enter individually or in teams of up to three members.
  • The competition consists of three categories: Reel Category (up to 60 seconds), AI Film Category (3–5 minutes), and Short Film Category (up to 15 minutes).
  • Prizes for the Reel Category are ₹1,50,000 for 1st, ₹1,00,000 for 2nd, and ₹50,000 for 3rd place.
  • Prizes for the AI Film Category are ₹5,00,000 for 1st, ₹3,00,000 for 2nd, and ₹1,50,000 for 3rd place.
  • Prizes for the Short Film Category are ₹15,00,000 for 1st, ₹12,00,000 for 2nd, and ₹10,00,000 for 3rd place.
  • The competition themes include stories from India’s freedom struggle, unsung heroes and historical narratives, cultural diversity and heritage, and modern expressions of patriotism.
  • The deadline for submissions through the official portal vandemataram150.in is April 23, 2026.
₹12.66 crore Challenge Fund launched to boost women and youth-led rural enterprises. (Start of March) ▼
  • The Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) partnered with TBIS BITS Pilani Hyderabad, T-Hub and Telangana government’s WE Hub to launch the fund.
  • The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) backs the fund that will focus on women and youth-led enterprises at the grassroots level.
  • The initiative will enable 300 women and young entrepreneurs through institutional support, enterprise formalisation, capability enhancement and scalable growth.
Pune marks World Radio Day 2026 with UNESCO theme Radio and Artificial Intelligence (Mid of February) ▼
  • World Radio Day 2026 was observed in Pune with an evening of talks and a documentary screening at Firodia Hall, Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute.
  • The event aligned with UNESCO’s theme for the year — Radio and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • Marathi author and Akashvani content creator Mangala Godbole spoke on radio’s role in shaping daily routines and nurturing local talent.
  • Filmmaker Makarand Waikar presented the 68-minute documentary My Radio My Life, which has been screened in 36 countries and recognised at over 80 international film festivals.
SBI General Insurance appoints Pankaj Tripathi as brand ambassador to promote financial fitness. (Start of March) ▼
  • SBI General Insurance has appointed actor Pankaj Tripathi as its brand ambassador.
  • The company launched the campaign ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’ to build trust through consistent care.
  • A new health insurance film features Tripathi as a quiet, dependable family presence.
  • The campaign aims to make healthcare in India more accessible through product innovation and transparent claim settlements.
  • The integrated campaign will be amplified across Print, TV, OOH, OTT and social media platforms.

Girls in ICT Day observed on April 23 with theme AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future

[International Telecommunication Union (ITU)]

Key Updates:

  • Girls in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Day is observed on 23 April.
  • The 15th anniversary of the day was marked on 23 April 2026.
  • The theme for the Geneva celebration was AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.
  • The event was marked by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC), International Gender Champions (IGC), and the Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the United Nations in Geneva.
  • Doreen Bogdan-Martin is the Secretary-General of the ITU.
  • Sameer Chauhan is the Director of the UNICC.

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NCW and Truecaller launch TrueCyberSakhi Digital Safety Toolkit to enhance Women's Online Security (End of March) ▼
  • The National Commission for Women (NCW) and Truecaller launched a nationwide Women’s Digital Safety Awareness Initiative on 25 March 2026 at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi.
  • The collaboration introduced an interactive digital safety resource titled TrueCyberSakhi: A Digital Safety Toolkit, Created for Her, to equip women with practical knowledge for navigating online spaces.
  • The toolkit features interactive modules, quizzes, and self-assessment tools covering digital safety concerns such as spam, phishing, impersonation, harassment, and financial fraud.
  • Truecaller has verified the NCW 24x7 helpline number on its Government Directory Service (GDS) to enhance the authenticity and visibility of the official support channel.
  • The NCW is an autonomous statutory body established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, to protect and promote the rights of women.
  • The initiative aims to strengthen pathways to institutional redressal by providing clear guidance on how women can access the NCW 24x7 helpline in cases of digital harm.
  • The partnership includes a coordinated digital and social media awareness campaign to promote responsible digital participation and safer communication habits.
Safeena Husain named among TIME Women of the Year 2026 (Start of March) ▼
  • Safeena Husain, founder of the non-profit Educate Girls, has been selected as one of the TIME Women of the Year 2026.
  • TIME magazine announced the annual list recognising women leaders driving global change.
  • Husain’s organisation works to enrol out-of-school girls and improve learning outcomes in rural India.
  • The TIME Women of the Year list for 2026 highlights 12 women across fields including activism, science and business.
Safer Internet Day observed on 10 February 2026 with theme Smart Tech, Safe Choices (Mid of February) ▼
  • Safer Internet Day is observed globally on the second Tuesday of February, which falls on 10 February in 2026.
  • The theme for Safer Internet Day 2026 is Smart Tech, Safe Choices: Exploring the Safe and Responsible Use of AI.
  • The initiative began in 2004 under the European Union (EU) SafeBorders project and was later adopted by the Insafe network in 2005.
  • Safer Internet Day is currently observed in more than 160 countries and territories across the world.
  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will organise the India AI Impact Summit 2026 from 15 to 20 February in New Delhi.
  • The Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) project will conduct a large-scale awareness campaign involving workshops and public awareness drives.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science observed on February 11 (Mid of February) ▼
  • The United Nations (UN) designated 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
  • The 2026 theme is 'Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls'.
  • Women currently make up less than one third of the world’s researchers.

World Day for Laboratory Animals observed on April 24

Key Updates:

  • World Day for Laboratory Animals, also known as World Day for Animals in Laboratories or World Lab Animal Day, is observed annually on April 24.
  • The day was established in 1979 by the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) based in the United Kingdom.
  • The date April 24 was chosen to mark the birthday of Hugh Dowding, a British Air Chief Marshal and anti-vivisectionist who served as president of NAVS.
  • The observance focuses on raising awareness about cruel animal tests and promoting advanced non-animal alternatives.
  • The week surrounding the day is referred to as World Week for Animals in Laboratories, Lab Animal Week, or World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week.

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Darwin Days 2026 celebrated from February 10 to February 14 with theme on mollusk evolution. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Darwin Days 2026 is scheduled from February 10 to February 14.
  • The 2026 edition highlights mollusk evolution linked to the Museum of the Earth exhibition 'Marvellous Mollusks: The Secret World of Shells'.
  • Darwin Day commemorates Charles Darwin, born on February 12, 1809, and author of 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection'.
  • The first organised Darwin Day events were held in 1995 by the Humanist Community of Palo Alto, California.
  • The first official Darwin Days, a five-day series of events, took place in 2006 in Ithaca, New York, organised by the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) and its Museum of the Earth in collaboration with Cornell University and Ithaca College.
World Pangolin Day 2026 highlights 500,000+ pangolins seized globally between 2016 and 2024 (End of February) ▼
  • World Pangolin Day 2026 was marked by release of a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) report.
  • The CITES report recorded 2,222 seizures of pangolins and their parts in 49 countries involving an estimated 553,042 pangolins during 2016-2024.
  • China and Viet Nam were the main alleged destinations for illegally traded pangolin parts.
  • India is home to two of the eight recognised pangolin species: Indian pangolin and Chinese pangolin.
  • India did not provide data for the 2025 CITES reporting cycle.
World Kidney Day 2026 observed on March 12 with theme 'Kidney Health for All — Caring for People, Protecting the Planet' (Mid of March) ▼
  • World Kidney Day 2026 is observed globally on March 12.
  • The 2026 theme is 'Kidney Health for All — Caring for People, Protecting the Planet'.
  • World Kidney Day is organised annually by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Society of Nephrology.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science observed on February 11 (Mid of February) ▼
  • The United Nations (UN) designated 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
  • The 2026 theme is 'Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls'.
  • Women currently make up less than one third of the world’s researchers.

Gurbax Singh Grewal Passes Away, Olympic Bronze Medallist

Key Updates:

  • Former Indian hockey player and Olympic bronze medallist Gurbax Singh Grewal passed away at the age of 84 following a heart attack in Zirakpur.
  • He was a member of the Indian team that secured a bronze medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
  • He and his brother, Balbir Singh Grewal, were the first two real brothers to represent India together at the same Olympic Games.
  • He was born on April 1, 1942, in Lyallpur, Punjab Province of British India.
  • He represented Western Railways and retired as its Sports Officer.
  • He served as the Honorary Secretary of the Mumbai Hockey Association.
  • His demise was announced by Hockey India (HI).

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C.D. Gopinath, India’s oldest Test cricketer and member of first-ever Test-winning team, dies at 96. (Mid of April) ▼
  • C.D. Gopinath passed away at the age of 96, ending his status as India’s oldest living Test cricketer.
  • He was part of India’s first-ever Test victory, an innings and eight-run win over England in Chennai.
  • Gopinath played eight Tests between 1951 and 1960, scoring 242 runs at an average of 22.
  • Born on March 1, 1930, in Chennai, he scored 4,259 runs in 83 first-class matches at an average of 42.16.
  • After retirement, he served as chairman of selectors and managed India’s 1979 England tour.
C.D. Gopinath, India’s oldest Test cricketer and member of first-ever Test-winning team, dies at 96. (Mid of April) ▼
  • C.D. Gopinath passed away at the age of 96 on Thursday, ending his status as India’s oldest living Test cricketer.
  • He was part of India’s maiden Test victory, an innings and eight-run win over England in Chennai, contributing 35 runs in that match.
  • Gopinath made his Test debut against England at Brabourne Stadium in 1951 and played his final Test against Australia at Eden Gardens in 1960.
  • In eight Tests, he scored 242 runs at an average of 22, with his highest Test score being an unbeaten 50 on debut.
  • In 83 first-class matches, he amassed 4,259 runs at an average of 42.16, including nine centuries and 23 fifties.
  • After retirement, he served as chairman of selectors and managed the Indian team during the 1979 England tour.
  • With his passing, 95-year-old Chandrakant Patankar has become India’s oldest surviving Test cricketer.
Padma Shri Awardee Utsav Charan Das Dies at 80 (Start of March) ▼
  • Renowned Odia folk dancer Utsav Charan Das passed away at the age of 80 in Choudwar, Cuttack.
  • He was a celebrated exponent of Odisha's traditional folk dance form known as Ghoda Nacha (horse dance).
  • The Government of India conferred the Padma Shri upon him in 2020 for his six-decade-long dedication to preserving and popularising the dance form.
  • He was also honoured by the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi for his outstanding contribution to traditional performing arts.
  • Born in Tangimania village and raised in Choudwar, he began his journey in Ghoda Nacha while studying in Class 8.
  • He is credited with training generations of artistes and elevating the rural cultural tradition of Ghoda Nacha to national platforms.
Vijaypat Singhania, former Raymond chairman and Padma Bhushan awardee, passed away at 87 in Mumbai. (Start of April) ▼
  • Vijaypat Singhania died in Mumbai at the age of 87.
  • He was the former chairman of Raymond Group and led the company for around two decades until 2000.
  • He transferred his entire 37 per cent stake in Raymond to his son Gautam Singhania.
  • Singhania held the world record for the highest altitude reached in a hot air balloon.
  • He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan award.
  • His last rites will be performed on Sunday as announced by a company spokesperson.

Ashok Lahiri to be Vice-Chairman of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)

Key Updates:

  • Former Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) Ashok Lahiri will be the next Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog.
  • He will replace Suman Bery in the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India.
  • Ashok Lahiri is a member of the 15th Finance Commission and a current member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
  • He previously served as the CEA in December 2002 during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
  • Gobardhan Das, the Director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, will become a member of NITI Aayog.
  • The Prime Minister of India serves as the Chairman of NITI Aayog.

Similar Coverage

Ashok Lahiri Appointed Vice Chairman of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) (End of April) ▼
  • Ashok Lahiri has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog).
  • Lahiri replaces Suman Bery in the role of Vice Chairman.
  • The government has appointed five new members to NITI Aayog: Rajiv Gauba, Prof. K. V. Raju, Prof. Gobardhan Das, Dr. M. Srinivas, and Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
  • Ashok Lahiri is a former Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) and a member of the 15th Finance Commission.
  • Lahiri previously served as CEA under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and is currently a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from West Bengal.
  • Prof. Gobardhan Das, the Director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, has joined as a member.
  • The Prime Minister heads the NITI Aayog.
Rajya Sabha reconstitutes panel of Vice‑Chairpersons (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Rajya Sabha reconstituted its panel of vice‑chairpersons on Thursday, with effect from 15 April.
  • Six members were nominated to the panel: Dinesh Sharma, S Phangnon Konyak and Ghanshyam Tiwari of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); Phulo Devi Netam of the Indian National Congress (Congress); M. Thambidurai of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK); and Sasmit Patra of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
  • Members of the panel preside over the House when both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman are absent.
  • While presiding, panel members exercise the same powers as the Chairperson, including maintaining order, regulating debate and ensuring smooth functioning of the House.
  • Unlike the Deputy Chairman, panel members do not hold a permanent constitutional office and preside on a rotational basis.
NITI Aayog and UNICEF India sign SOI to improve maternal and child nutrition in aspirational districts and blocks (Start of March) ▼
  • NITI Aayog and UNICEF India signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) to support strategic interventions in aspirational districts and aspirational blocks.
  • The SOI was signed by Rohit Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme at NITI Aayog, and Arjan de Wagt, Deputy Representative at UNICEF India.
  • UNICEF India will provide technical expertise and channel CSR funds into nutrition-focused initiatives through its platform IMPAct4Nutrition (I4N).
  • The partnership will focus on strengthening Anganwadi infrastructure, enhancing nutrition literacy, improving uptake of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and building capacity of frontline workers.
  • The agreement aims to promote multi-stakeholder engagement and strengthen implementation systems for nutrition and health interventions at the block level.
Nidhi Chhibber takes additional charge as NITI Aayog CEO as BVR Subrahmanyam tenure ends (End of February) ▼
  • Nidhi Chhibber, Director General of the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), has been given additional charge as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog.
  • She is a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre and previously served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
  • At NITI Aayog’s DMEO, she has been responsible for monitoring and evaluating flagship government schemes.
  • Chhibber holds a Master’s degree in History and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), and is proficient in both English and Hindi.
  • BVR Subrahmanyam, a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, completed his three-year term as CEO of NITI Aayog.
  • Subrahmanyam has served as Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir, Principal Secretary in the Chhattisgarh government, and has also worked in the Prime Minister’s Office.