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Tuesday, Apr 28

Daily Current Affairs: 28 April 2026

Analysis for 28 April 2026

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (Sun Pharma) to acquire Organon for $11.75 billion

[Sun Pharma, Organon]

Key Updates:

  • Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (Sun Pharma) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of the equity stake of US-based Organon in an all-cash deal valued at $11.75 billion.
  • Sun Pharma will acquire the shares at $14 per share, with the transaction expected to close in early 2027.
  • The acquisition is funded through available cash resources and committed financing from Citigroup Global, JPMorgan Chase, and MUFG Bank.
  • This represents the largest acquisition in the history of Sun Pharma, surpassing its previous purchases of Ranbaxy for $4 billion and Taro.
  • The deal provides Sun Pharma access to a women's health portfolio of more than 70 products commercialised across 140 countries, including the United States, Europe, China, Canada, and Brazil.
  • Combined revenues are expected to be around $12.4 billion, positioning Sun Pharma among the world's top 25 drugmakers and the top 10 biosimilars players globally.
  • In 2025, Organon generated $6.2 billion in revenue with an adjusted EBITDA of $1.9 billion and a cash balance of $574 million.
  • Organon currently carries a debt of $8.6 billion.
  • J.P. Morgan and Jefferies acted as financial advisors to Sun Pharma, while White & Case and AZB provided legal advisory.

Similar Coverage

Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) targets India as global pharma innovation hub by 2026 (Start of April) ▼
  • India Pharma 2026 will be held on 13-14 April at Federation House, New Delhi.
  • The 9th edition is organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA).
  • Theme of the event is 'Discover in India: Leapfrogging Life-Sciences Innovation'.
  • Conference will focus on drug discovery, complex generics and biosimilars.
  • FICCI, established in 1927, represents over 2.5 lakh companies across sectors.
Boehringer Ingelheim India and National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Raebareli sign MoU to advance pharmaceutical education and research (End of February) ▼
  • Boehringer Ingelheim India Private Limited and the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Raebareli signed an MoU on 22 Feb 2026 at the Department of Pharmaceuticals, New Delhi.
  • The MoU covers collaboration in pharmaceutical technologies, novel drug delivery systems, joint research initiatives, academic exchange, and capability-building programmes.
  • Boehringer Ingelheim will provide NIPER Raebareli access to its open science portal opnMe® to accelerate healthcare innovation.
  • The partnership will also explore symposia, conferences, short-term courses, and scholar engagement to strengthen scientific exchange.
Union Minister J P Nadda allocates ₹13,000 crore for Bio-Pharma SHAKTI Mission and three Chemical Parks. (Start of March) ▼
  • Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers Shri J P Nadda announced a Budgetary provision of ₹13,000 crore for the Bio-Pharma SHAKTI Mission and three dedicated Chemical Parks.
  • ₹10,000 crore of the allocation is earmarked for the Bio-Pharma SHAKTI Mission over the next five years.
  • The global pharmaceutical market is expected to have 40% biologics by 2035, with patents worth $300 billion expiring by 2030.
  • Securing a 1% share of the global biosimilars market could create an annual opportunity of ₹2 lakh crore for India.
  • Plans include developing 1,000 clinical trial sites across the country to expand research and innovation capacity.
  • The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) will be strengthened to ensure faster regulatory approvals.
  • India’s chemical industry currently generates output worth ₹19.4 lakh crore and holds a 3% global share.
  • ₹3,300 crore is allocated for developing three world-class chemical parks aimed at reducing costs by 20–40% through industrial symbiosis.
  • The roadmap targets raising India’s global chemical sector share to 5–6% by 2030 and achieving a $1 trillion turnover by 2040.
US President Donald Trump raises tariffs on South Korean imports to 25% (End of January) ▼
  • US President Donald Trump announced an increase in tariffs on South Korean imports from 15% to 25% across automobiles, lumber, pharmaceuticals and other reciprocal tariffs.
  • South Korea exported goods worth about $123 billion to the US last year, with car exports accounting for about $30 billion.
  • South Korea’s Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan will visit Washington to meet US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
  • The October deal included South Korea’s pledge to invest $350 billion in the US, partly in shipbuilding.
  • The agreement was submitted to South Korea’s National Assembly on 26 November and is likely to be passed in February.

India and New Zealand sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

[New Zealand]

Key Updates:

  • India and New Zealand have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to enhance trade in goods and services, investment flows, and labour mobility.
  • The FTA comprises 20 chapters covering goods, services, rules of origin, customs facilitation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, dispute settlement, and legal provisions.
  • Bilateral trade between India and New Zealand is projected to reach USD 5 billion by 2030.
  • Foreign direct investment from New Zealand into India is projected to reach USD 20 billion over the next 15 years.
  • India secured duty-free access for all its exports to New Zealand, including labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, plastics, and engineering goods.
  • The agreement introduces a temporary employment visa pathway allowing up to 5,000 Indian professionals to work in New Zealand for up to three years.
  • India will expand services exports in IT, education, financial services, tourism, construction, engineering, healthcare, and AYUSH, including yoga instructors, Indian chefs, and music teachers.
  • New Zealand receives immediate duty-free access to over 54% of its exports to India, including sheep meat, wool, coal, and forestry products.
  • Tariffs on seafood, iron, steel, and aluminium from New Zealand will be reduced or phased out over time.
  • India has protected apples, kiwifruit, manuka honey, and dairy through tariff-rate quotas, minimum import prices, and safeguard mechanisms.
  • India has excluded dairy, sugar, and certain metals from the agreement to protect domestic producers.
  • Bilateral trade between India and New Zealand was approximately USD 2.4 billion in 2024.

Similar Coverage

India and New Zealand to sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for USD 5 billion trade target (Mid of April) ▼
  • India and New Zealand will sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 27, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
  • The pact aims to attract USD 20 billion in investment over the next 15 years and double bilateral trade to USD 5 billion within five years.
  • India will receive zero-duty market access on 100 per cent of its exports to New Zealand under the agreement.
  • The agreement will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand's exports to India, including wool, coal, wood, wine, avocados, and blueberries.
  • India has excluded dairy products (milk, cream, whey, yoghurt, cheese), onions, sugar, spices, edible oils, and rubber from duty concessions to protect domestic farmers.
  • New Zealand will provide a temporary employment entry visa pathway for Indian professionals in skilled occupations with an annual quota of 5,000 visas and a stay of up to three years.
  • Bilateral merchandise trade between the two nations stood at USD 1.3 billion in 2024-25, while total trade in goods and services reached USD 2.4 billion in 2024.
FTA Calendar – India-UK, Oman, New Zealand Agreements Implementation (Mid of April) ▼
  • Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the India-UK free trade agreement is expected to come into force by May 2026.
  • The India-Oman free trade agreement will take effect from 1 June 2026.
  • India is set to sign its free trade agreement with New Zealand on 27 April 2026, with the pact expected to come into force by October 2026.
  • Since 2014, India has concluded eight trade agreements, including Mauritius (April 2021), United Arab Emirates (May 2022), Australia (December 2022), Oman (December 2025), United Kingdom (July 2025), European Free Trade Association (October 2025), New Zealand (negotiations concluded December 2025), and European Union (negotiations concluded 27 January 2026).
Ministry of Commerce signs terms of reference to launch PTA with Philippines and FTA with Maldives (Mid of March) ▼
  • India signed terms of reference with the Philippines for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and with the Maldives for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  • India’s exports to the Philippines rose 3.11 per cent to USD 2.16 billion in 2024-25, while imports dipped 17.8 per cent to USD 1.17 billion.
  • India’s exports to the Maldives dipped 37.11 per cent to USD 56.88 million in 2024-25, while imports rose 37.14 per cent to USD 118.82 million.
  • The AITIGA Joint Committee has met 11 times; the next review meeting is scheduled for 30-31 March 2026.
  • India-Korea CEPA review began in 2016 and has completed 11 negotiation rounds, the latest in Seoul in July 2024.
  • India has ongoing trade negotiations with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka, Peru, Chile, Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and Israel.
  • India signed FTAs with the UK and Oman last year and announced completion of negotiations with the EU and New Zealand.
India allows European Union (EU) banks to open 15 branches over four years under FTA (End of January) ▼
  • India has agreed to allow European Union (EU) banks to open 15 branches over four years under the free trade agreement.
  • European banks currently operating in India include Deutsche Bank (Germany), BNP Paribas (France), and Societe Generale (France).
  • India has provided 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments in the insurance sector and 74 per cent for banking services.
  • The India-EU free trade agreement is expected to be signed and implemented this year.
  • The trade pact includes a bilateral safeguard mechanism allowing India to raise duty to most favoured nation (MFN) level if imports from the EU surge due to tariff liberalisation.
  • Bilateral safeguard measures under the mechanism cannot exceed four years, with an initial two-year period extendable by another two years upon review.
  • India has taken carve-outs for national security and reserved policy space in sectors like legal services.
  • The agreement includes an insufficient production clause specifying that packaging, labelling, minor assembly, or peeling do not confer origin status.
  • India has no obligation under the Intellectual Property Chapter to change or modify any of its intellectual property laws.
  • The trade deal mandates a general review by the joint committee within five years of entry into force and every five years thereafter.

US Department of Commerce (DOC) imposes 123.04% anti-dumping duty on Indian solar imports

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced a preliminary anti-dumping duty of 123.04% on solar cells and modules from India.
  • The DOC identified critical circumstances for imports from companies including Mundra Solar Energy, Mundra Solar PV, Kowa, and Premier Energies.
  • The suspension of liquidation will apply to shipments entered for consumption up to 90 days prior to the publication of the order.
  • The combined tariff burden on Indian supplies exceeds 200%, which includes existing countervailing duties of over 125%.
  • The National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) and the Indian Solar Manufacturers Association (ISMA) have initiated processes to contest the findings.

Similar Coverage

US Commerce Department imposes preliminary antidumping duties on solar imports from India, Indonesia and Laos (End of April) ▼
  • 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.
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.
India and United States reach framework for first-phase bilateral trade agreement (Start of February) ▼
  • India and the United States announced a framework for the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement on Saturday.
  • The framework will be converted into a legal agreement expected to be signed by mid-March.
  • India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of American food and agricultural products including dried distillers' grains, red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits.
  • India will grant duty concessions on US goods such as walnuts, almonds, pistachios, some lentils, high-end cars and motorcycles.
  • India agreed to address long-standing barriers to trade in US medical devices and eliminate restrictive import licensing procedures for US Information and Communication Technology (ICT) goods.
  • Minimum import prices have been fixed on certain products like apples to protect interests of MSMEs and farmers.
  • India will eliminate import duties on certain US goods on the day the agreement comes into force, while duties on other items may be phased out over time.
  • India will extend duty benefits on certain American medicines for neuro, heart and diabetes, cosmetics, medical devices, X-ray valves, diagnostic reagents, pacemakers, imaging apparatus, hearing aid, and artificial joints.
  • India will allow American aircraft, semiconductor chips, and high quality machinery into its market.
  • India's exports to the US including spices, tea, coffee, copra, coconut oil, areca nut, cashew, Brazil nut, chestnut, avocado, banana, guava, mango, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, shiitake mushroom, vegetable planting material and saplings, roots and tubers such as taro, barley, canary seeds, bakery goods, cocoa and cocoa products, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and fruit jams and pastes will attract zero reciprocal tariffs in the American market.
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.

Mushroom Mission: ₹13,000 Crore Investment to Make Andhra Pradesh India's Largest Producer

[Andhra Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • The Andhra Pradesh government is set to launch the Mushroom Mission with an estimated investment of ₹13,000 crore, supported by the Centre.
  • The initiative is a five-year project aimed at positioning Andhra Pradesh as the largest producer of mushrooms in India.
  • The mission targets the establishment of approximately 1.62 lakh mushroom production units, primarily small and medium-scale operations of about 5,000 sq ft each.
  • The project aims to achieve an annual production of 67,500 tonnes, surpassing the current output of Bihar, which is around 45,000 tonnes.
  • The programme will promote high-value mushroom varieties, specifically button, oyster, and milky mushrooms.
  • The mission is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities for rural youth and women.

Similar Coverage

SKUAST-Kashmir achieves first controlled cultivation of high-value Morchella mushrooms (Mid of April) ▼
  • Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in Srinagar has successfully cultivated Morchella mushrooms in controlled conditions for the first time.
  • Morchella, locally called Kangaech, naturally grows in high-elevation forest ecosystems and commands market prices between Rs 15,000 and Rs 40,000 per kilogram.
  • The breakthrough was achieved independently by Prof Tariq Ahmad Sofi, his student Kamran Muneer from the Faculty of Horticulture, and Prof Vikas Gupta from the Faculty of Agriculture.
  • Researchers collected wild Morchella from over 1,000 locations, shortlisted 10 strains, and have achieved fruiting in three strains under controlled systems.
  • Cultivation trials have been conducted in polyhouse and open conditions across microclimatic zones of Baramulla, Anantnag, and Srinagar districts.
  • The team has applied for a patent for the controlled cultivation technology.
  • Controlled Morchella cultivation is expected to boost farm incomes and support high-value bioeconomy development in Jammu and Kashmir.
PM-AASHA and Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission: Expansion of MSP Procurement in Chhattisgarh and Bihar (End of April) ▼
  • 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.
St. Xavier’s College researchers discover Hemileccinum indicum mushroom in Uttarakhand oak forests (End of January) ▼
  • Researchers at St. Xavier’s College, Jharkhand, identified Hemileccinum indicum, a new mushroom species, in the oak forests of Uttarakhand at 2,600 m altitude.
  • This is the first record of the genus Hemileccinum in India.
  • DNA sequencing and electron microscopy revealed the species’ distinctive pitted spores.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan launches Project HANUMAN to curb human-wildlife conflict (Start of March) ▼
  • Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan launched Project HANUMAN (Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nurturing) to tackle human-wildlife conflict in Chittoor and Parvathipuram Manyam districts.
  • The project deploys 100 GPS-enabled vehicles comprising 93 Rapid Response vehicles and 7 Wildlife Ambulances.
  • Four Wildlife Rescue and Treatment Centres are being established under the initiative.
  • Ex-gratia compensation for wildlife attack victims has been raised to Rs. 10 lakhs for deaths and Rs. 2 lakhs for injuries.
  • AI-based early warning systems will be implemented in vulnerable villages.
  • The Central Government enhanced ex-gratia from Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 10 lakhs in December 2023 under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes 'Development of Wildlife Habitats' and 'Project Tiger and Elephant'.
  • Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh stated in Lok Sabha that elephants caused 21 human deaths in Andhra Pradesh from 2019 to 2023.
  • The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended in 2022 to rationalise listings of wild animals in Schedules I and II.
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued guidelines advising States and Union Territories to utilise provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for managing human-wildlife conflict situations.

Creation of five new districts in Ladakh for decentralised administration

[Ladakh]

Key Updates:

  • Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the notification for the creation of five new districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
  • The five new districts are Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass.
  • The total number of districts in Ladakh has increased from two to seven.
  • The decision was approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in August 2024.
  • Ladakh became a Union Territory on October 31, 2019.

Similar Coverage

Vibrant Village Programme-II: Six border villages in Kathua identified (End of April) ▼
  • 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.
Indian Scientists Trace Ladakh Magmatic Arc Formation to Neo-Tethys Subduction (End of March) ▼
  • Indian scientists traced the Ladakh magmatic arc formation to subduction of the Neo-Tethys Oceanic Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.
  • The magmatic arc developed prior to the Indian-Eurasian plate collision and produced extensive igneous rocks now dominating the Ladakh region.
  • Study indicates the arc’s evolution contributed crucially to early Himalayan orogeny, crustal growth and mountain uplift.
  • Variations in magma composition and timing revealed by the research provide clues on tectonic processes and geodynamic evolution of the northwestern Himalaya.
Delhi replaces Ladli scheme with Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, promises ₹1 lakh support for girls’ education (Mid of February) ▼
  • Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana effective from April 1, replacing the 2008 Ladli Yojana.
  • The scheme will deposit ₹56,000 in stages during a girl’s academic journey, projected to grow to ₹1 lakh with interest.
  • Deposits are ₹11,000 at birth, ₹5,000 on entry to Classes 1, 6, 9, 10 and 12, and ₹20,000 after completing graduation or diploma.
  • Eligibility requires the girl to be born in Delhi, family residence in Delhi for at least three years, annual family income not exceeding ₹1 lakh, and a maximum of two daughters per family.
  • The final payout is available when the girl turns 21 or completes graduation or diploma, whichever is earlier, even if studied outside Delhi.
  • The Ladli Yojana is being discontinued and the government is clearing pending payments under the earlier scheme.
Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana replaces Ladli Yojana with ₹1 lakh support for girls’ education (Mid of February) ▼
  • Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana effective from 1 April 2026, replacing the 2008 Ladli Yojana.
  • The scheme deposits ₹56,000 in stages and with interest the corpus is projected to reach ₹1 lakh when the girl turns 21 or completes graduation/diploma, whichever is earlier.
  • Instalments: ₹11,000 at birth, ₹5,000 on admission to Classes 1, 6, 9, 10 and 12, and ₹20,000 after completing graduation or diploma.
  • Eligibility: girl must be born in Delhi, family must have resided in Delhi for at least three years, annual family income must not exceed ₹1 lakh, and only two daughters per family can receive benefits.
  • Beneficiaries pursuing graduation or diploma outside Delhi remain eligible for the final payout.
  • Pending Ladli Yojana dues are being cleared through a government campaign to identify unclaimed accounts.

Supreme Court Endorses Minimum ICU Standards for Hospitals

[Supreme Court (India)]

Key Updates:

  • The Supreme Court (SC) endorsed minimum standards for intensive care units (ICUs) specifying infrastructure, equipment, and staffing requirements.
  • A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan directed states and Union Territories to submit action plans by May 18.
  • The norms were framed by a three-member committee comprising All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) doctor Nitish Naik, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, and advocate Karan Bharioke.
  • The standards are detailed in a report titled Guidelines for the Organisation and Delivery of Intensive Care Services.
  • ICUs are classified into three levels: Level 1 for basic stabilisation and single organ care, Level 2 for continuous monitoring and multiple organ care, and Level 3 for advanced care and multi organ care.
  • Nurse to patient ratios are mandated between 1:2 and 1:3, and 1:1 for ventilated or critically ill patients.
  • Essential equipment requirements include monitors, ventilators, defibrillators, crash carts, infusion and syringe pumps, glucometers, and ECG machines.
  • For rural and remote areas, the guidelines suggest interim staffing norms and the use of e-ICU or tele-ICU support to link smaller units with larger centres.

Similar Coverage

Arjun Ram Meghwal launched 'The Medicolegal Guidebook'. (Start of February) ▼
  • Union minister of state for law and justice Arjun Ram Meghwal launched 'The Medicolegal Guidebook' in New Delhi.
  • The guidebook is co-authored by Deepak Singla, medical director of Maharaja Agrasen Hospital; Aarushi Singla, pediatric endocrinologist at ESIC Medical College & Hospital; senior advocate Rakesh Malhotra; and advocate Kushal Malhotra.
  • The book aims to bridge the interface between medicine and law to ensure patient safety, ethical practice, and legal compliance in healthcare.
  • The launch event was attended by senior figures from the legal and medical fraternity, including Meena Subash Gupta, Sushil Gupta, Anil Agarwal, former Supreme Court judge Justice Hima Kohli, and high court judge Justice Madhu Jain.
Supreme Court allows passive euthanasia for patient in 13-year vegetative state on March 11, 2026 (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Supreme Court (SC) of India permitted the withdrawal of artificial life support for Harish Rana, marking a historic first for a patient in a permanent vegetative state (PVS).
  • The decision was delivered by a bench comprising Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice K V Viswanathan.
  • The court classified Clinically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration (CANH) as a medical treatment rather than basic sustenance, allowing its withdrawal under specific legal requirements.
  • The SC directed All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, to admit the patient to its palliative care department to implement the end-of-life care plan.
  • The ruling follows the 2018 landmark judgment in the Common Cause vs Union of India case, which recognised the legality of passive euthanasia for terminally ill patients.
  • The SC urged the Central Government to enact comprehensive legislation addressing end-of-life care to prevent decisions influenced by financial distress or socio-economic vulnerability.
  • The court directed Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) of all districts to prepare and maintain a panel of registered medical practitioners for nomination to secondary medical boards.
Gujarat High Court (HC) AI Policy Prohibits Use in Judicial Decision-Making and Judgment Drafting (Start of April) ▼
  • The Gujarat High Court (HC) introduced a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy during a conference of district judiciary judges.
  • The policy prohibits the use of AI for authoring, generating, or substantially composing any judgment, final order, or binding legal ruling.
  • AI is barred from being used in judicial reasoning, bail sentencing considerations, fact-finding, or the evaluation and categorisation of proof.
  • The policy restricts AI to administrative roles, metadata-driven case allocation, and legal research of principles to improve justice delivery speed.
  • Judges and court officers are held personally responsible for the accuracy and appropriateness of any AI-generated content issued under their names.
  • The policy prohibits entering sensitive data into AI tools, including names, addresses, identifying information of parties, and privileged communications.
  • AI tools are permitted for code generation for Information Technology (IT) department tasks and drafting circulars or notices already in the public domain.
Delhi High Court (DHC) reaffirms right to perform last rites as part of dignity under Article 21 (End of February) ▼
  • Delhi High Court (DHC) held that the right to perform last rites of a parent is an essential religious and moral duty protected under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
  • The Court granted four weeks emergency parole to convict Ajmer Singh alias Pinka in W.P.(CRL) 3146/2025 to attend his father’s Tehravi ceremony scheduled for 26.09.2025.
  • Ajmer Singh was convicted under Sections 376/354B/506 IPC and Section 66E of the IT Act, with sentences to run concurrently, and had served about one year nine months fifteen days without prior parole or furlough.
  • Rule 1212 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018 limits a single parole spell to four weeks and a total of eight weeks per conviction year.
  • The Court imposed parole conditions: personal bond of Rs 20,000 with one surety, weekly reporting to SHO PS Kanjhawala, residing at disclosed address, keeping mobile operational, and immediate surrender on expiry.

France President Emmanuel Macron to quit politics after 2027 presidency

Key Updates:

  • French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he does not intend to remain in politics after leaving the presidency in 2027.
  • The announcement was made during a visit to a French-Cypriot school in Nicosia, Cyprus, during a trip linked to a European Council meeting.
  • The Constitution of France prohibits presidents from serving more than two consecutive terms.
  • Macron first won the presidency in 2017 and secured re-election in 2022.
  • He became the youngest president in modern French history, elected at the age of 39.
  • Macron is a member of the Renaissance party.
  • A significant domestic reform during his tenure was the raising of the retirement age from 62 to 64.

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Lionel Jospin, former French Prime Minister, dies at 88. (End of March) ▼
  • Lionel Jospin served as Prime Minister of France from 1997 to 2002.
  • He introduced the 35-hour work week and extended free healthcare through universal health coverage.
  • Jospin was born on 12 July 1937 in Meudon and studied at the Institute of Political Studies in Paris and École Nationale d'Administration.
  • He led a left-wing coalition called the 'gauche plurielle' during cohabitation with President Jacques Chirac.
  • Jospin was eliminated in the first round of the 2002 presidential election after far-right candidate Jean-Marie Le Pen advanced.
  • He announced his retirement from politics on election night in 2002.
  • Jospin later served on France's Constitutional Council from 2015 to 2019.
France and United Kingdom convene international conference to establish Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative on April 17, 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired an international conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris on April 17, 2026.
  • The summit focused on the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative, a defensive mission intended to restore free passage through the waterway.
  • Approximately 30 to 40 countries participated in the meeting, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni.
  • The initiative is a response to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, a chokepoint through which one-fifth of the world's oil usually passes.
  • The United Kingdom (UK) has discussed the deployment of mine-hunting drones from the ship RFA Lyme Bay as part of the military planning.
  • France has dispatched a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, a helicopter carrier, and several frigates to the region for the mission.
  • The mission is designated as strictly defensive and limited to non-belligerent countries, with the United States (US) excluded from the current discussions.
Iran signals potential withdrawal from FIFA World Cup 2026 amid conflict with United States (Mid of March) ▼
  • Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced the national team would not participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to military conflict with the United States (US).
  • The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
  • Iran has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other officials in air strikes.
  • The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) is controlled by the federal government, which will determine the final decision on participation.
  • Under Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) regulations, any withdrawing team must reimburse the $1.5 million preparation grant provided by the organisation.
  • Financial penalties for withdrawal include a minimum of 250,000 Swiss francs ($320,000) if done 30 days before the first match, increasing to 500,000 Swiss francs ($639,000) if done 29 days or less before.
  • FIFA maintains sole discretion to replace a withdrawing team, with potential candidates from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) including Iraq or the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
  • The FIFA Congress is scheduled to take place in Vancouver on April 30, which serves as a potential decision date for the tournament lineup.
French President Emmanuel Macron to visit India for AI Impact Summit and bilateral talks (Mid of February) ▼
  • French President Emmanuel Macron will pay an official visit to India from 17 February at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • During the three-day visit Macron will hold wide-ranging talks with PM Modi and attend the AI Impact Summit, the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South, in New Delhi.
  • The leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple areas and exchange views on regional and global issues including Indo-Pacific cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
  • PM Modi and President Macron will jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 in Mumbai, aimed at deepening collaboration in innovation, technology, research and people-to-people exchanges throughout the year in both countries.
  • The visit follows PM Modi’s visit to France in February 2025 and reflects the mutual trust and depth of the India-France Strategic Partnership.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveils advanced armoured platforms on April 25, 2026

[Defence Research and Development Organisation]

Key Updates:

  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled two indigenous advanced armoured platforms, one tracked and one wheeled, on April 25 at the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) facility in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra.
  • The platforms were unveiled by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO.
  • Both vehicles are integrated with an indigenously developed 30 mm crewless turret and a 7.62 mm PKT gun, and are configured to launch anti-tank guided missiles.
  • The platforms provide STANAG Level 4 and Level 5 protection using modular ballistic and blast protection systems.
  • The vehicles feature amphibious capability incorporating hydro-jet systems for crossing water obstacles.
  • The systems were manufactured through collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge Limited, supported by a network of micro, small and medium enterprises.
  • The indigenous content of the platforms is currently estimated at 65 per cent, with plans to increase it to 90 per cent.
  • The unveiling involved senior scientists from multiple DRDO laboratories, including the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, Armament Research and Development Establishment, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, and Research and Development Establishment (Engineers).

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DRDO successfully completes three VSHORADS flight-trials in Chandipur, Odisha (Start of March) ▼
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted three flight-trials of the indigenously developed VSHORADS (Very Short-Range Air Defence System) from Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.
  • VSHORADS is a man-portable air defence system designed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
  • The missile system is intended to meet the requirements of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • All missiles intercepted and destroyed high-speed aerial targets mimicking enemy aircraft in various threat scenarios.
  • Tests were carried out in final deployment configuration with target acquisition and missile firing by field operators.
  • Flight data collected by Telemetry, Electro-Optical Tracking System, and Radars at ITR, Chandipur, confirmed VSHORADS effectiveness against a broad spectrum of aerial threats.
  • User validation trials were witnessed by Joint Forces representatives and senior DRDO and industry officials.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Armed Forces, and industry, stating the system can soon be inducted.
India hosts third edition of tri-services future warfare course in Delhi (Start of February) ▼
  • The third edition of the tri-services future warfare course runs from 2 to 25 February 2026 in New Delhi.
  • The course is conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) in partnership with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
  • The venue is the Manekshaw Centre at Delhi Cantonment.
  • The curriculum covers specialised subjects, domain-specific warfare developments, critical and rare earth elements, supply chain vulnerabilities and regional and global geopolitics.
  • Participants include officers from the three services ranging from majors to major generals, plus representatives from defence industry start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private industry.
  • The course aims to align operational priorities of the armed forces with the capabilities of the indigenous defence industry.

India raises 16th Bhairav Battalion at Belagavi

[Indian Army (India)]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Army raised the 16th ‘Bhairav’ Battalion at the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Belagavi.
  • The 16th ‘Bhairav’ Battalion is also referred to as the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion.
  • These units are designed as lean, high-mobility tactical units for rapid-response roles, reconnaissance, surprise raids, and high-intensity missions in sensitive border areas.
  • The Indian Army has raised at least 16 Bhairav battalions, with plans to raise a total of 25.
  • Each unit consists of 250-300 specially trained soldiers.
  • The battalions are intended to fill the operational gap between conventional infantry and special forces.
  • Troops for these battalions are drawn from various arms, including infantry, artillery, air defence, and signals.
  • The first Bhairav Battalion was announced in July 2025 and made its public debut during the 77th Republic Day parade on 26 January.

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Lt Gen VMB Krishnan assumed command of Eastern Command. (Start of April) ▼
  • Lt Gen VMB Krishnan took over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command on Wednesday.
  • He succeeded Lt Gen R C Tiwari, who retired at the end of March.
  • Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh now leads the Western Command after serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
  • Lt Gen Sandeep Jain assumed command of the Southern Command, succeeding Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth.
  • Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar was the predecessor of Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh in the Western Command.
Indian Army conducts 'Brahmastra' live firing exercise with Boeing AH-64 Apache in Rajasthan (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Indian Army conducted a live firing exercise named 'Brahmastra' at the Pokhran Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on 09 April 2026.
  • The exercise demonstrated the combat capabilities of the Boeing AH-64 Apache, a multi-role attack helicopter equipped with a 30 mm chain gun.
  • The Boeing AH-64 Apache utilised AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Hydra rockets to strike designated targets during the drill.
  • The helicopter features advanced targeting systems including the Longbow radar and night-vision sensors for all-weather and night operations.
  • The drill was carried out by the Apache 451 Squadron to test operational readiness and coordination between aircrew and ground maintenance teams.
  • The Indian Army highlighted the induction of the Boeing AH-64 Apache alongside indigenous platforms such as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Rudra.
  • The LCH and ALH, together with the Boeing AH-64 Apache, are designed to provide immediate fire support to land force commanders in network-centric warfare.
  • The exercise involved precision strikes using gun ammunition, rockets, and missiles during both day and night simulated battlefield conditions.
India: COAS General Upendra Dwivedi flags off culmination ceremony of Bharat RannBhoomi Darshan D2D Expedition at National War Memorial, New Delhi (End of February) ▼
  • Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi flagged off the culmination ceremony of Bharat RannBhoomi Darshan D2D Expedition at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
  • The 22-day expedition covered approximately 3,400 kilometres, starting from Dwarka on 3 February 2026.
  • Led jointly by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Border Security Force (BSF), the expedition traversed key locations across Gujarat and Rajasthan to honour war heroes and showcase India’s military heritage.
Indian Army tests new Shaurya drone squadrons for armoured regiments at Babina (End of March) ▼
  • The Indian Army (IA) is equipping its armoured regiments with dedicated drone units known as Shaurya Squadrons to support surveillance, precision strikes, electronic warfare, and logistics.
  • A 13-day drill was conducted at the Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi to demonstrate the integration of drone assets with mechanised forces and attack helicopters.
  • The exercise was led by the White Tiger Division under the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and witnessed by the Southern Army Commander, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth.
  • The Shaurya Squadrons aim to compress the sensor-to-shooter cycle and enhance battlefield awareness by providing real-time surveillance for tank formations.
  • Approximately five to six Shaurya Squadrons have been activated so far, though formal raising will occur after official approval is received.
  • The IA operates 63 armoured regiments with a total fleet of roughly 4,500 tanks, including T-90S Bhishma, upgraded T-72 M1 Ajeya, and Arjun MK1/MK1A variants.
  • The initiative draws lessons from Operation Sindoor and drone-centric global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war to institutionalise Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities.
  • The IA has previously raised Ashni platoons in the infantry for tactical intelligence and Divyastra batteries in the artillery to integrate UAV-based targeting with conventional guns.

Pakistan and China sign three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on 27 April 26

[Pakistan, China]

Key Updates:

  • Three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between institutions from Pakistan and China during a ceremony held in Changsha.
  • The ceremony was attended by Asif Ali Zardari.
  • The Sindh Local Government Department and Loxin Environmental Technology Group signed an MoU to collaborate on a seawater desalination project to increase urban water supply.
  • An agreement to enhance cooperation in agricultural technology was signed between the Sindh Local Government Department and Longping High-Tech Information Company.
  • An MoU to support the development of the tea industry and strengthen economic, trade, and people-to-people ties was signed between Muske and Femte Trading Company, Hunan Tea Group, and Jialong International Technology Hainan.

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China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) Selects Pakistani Astronauts for Tiangong Space Station (End of April) ▼
  • The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) selected Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud as the first foreign reserve astronauts for space mission training.
  • One of the selected candidates will participate in a space mission as a payload specialist on board the Tiangong space station.
  • The Tiangong space station currently orbits approximately 400 km above the Earth and has been in orbit for nearly five years.
  • The agreement for the mission was signed between the CMSA and Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) in February last year.
  • The Tiangong space station was developed by China after its reported exclusion from the International Space Station (ISS).
India and South Korea sign 16 MoUs on 20 April 2026 to enhance trade and technology ties (End of April) ▼
  • India and South Korea signed 16 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) on 20 April 2026, focusing on e-mobility, green energy, and advanced manufacturing.
  • The two nations aim to double bilateral trade from $27 billion to $54 billion by 2030, targeting an annual growth rate of approximately 18 per cent.
  • Priority sectors identified for cooperation include semiconductors, electronics, e-mobility, green energy, shipbuilding, and digital trade.
  • An India-Korea Industrial Cooperation Committee has been established with four working groups covering trade, industry, strategic resources, and clean energy.
  • Both countries are working to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was originally signed in 2009.
  • The partnership envisions the establishment of a Korea-specific industrial township in India with plug-and-play infrastructure to boost investment.
  • Cooperation was established under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement to enable carbon market collaboration through the trading of emission reductions.
  • India and South Korea reiterated their respective net-zero targets of 2070 and 2050.
  • Diplomatic relations between India and South Korea were established in 1973.
  • Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States is almost finalised.
India and China Hold First Bilateral SCO Consultations on 16-17 April (Mid of April) ▼
  • India and China conducted their first Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) bilateral consultations on 16-17 April following the resolution of the eastern Ladakh military standoff in 2024.
  • Both delegations met with the Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, to review cooperation in security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.
  • The two sides discussed the implementation of decisions made by SCO leaders and the future course of the organisation.
  • China has pledged support for the ongoing BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) presidency held by India.
  • The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, is expected to visit India for the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled for 14-15 May.
  • The President of China, Xi Jinping, is anticipated to travel to India in September for the BRICS summit.
  • India reiterated that the original objectives of the SCO are to combat terrorism, radicalisation, and extremism.
  • India emphasised that regional connectivity initiatives must uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the SCO charter.
India and Canada establish India-Canada Defence Dialogue and set $50 billion bilateral trade target by 2030 (Start of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the launch of the India-Canada Defence Dialogue after talks in New Delhi.
  • Both countries set a bilateral trade target of $50 billion to be achieved by 2030.
  • A long-term uranium supply agreement was announced between India and Canada.
  • Three Memorandums of Understanding on Critical Mineral Cooperation, Promoting the use of Renewable Energy, and Cultural Cooperation were exchanged by Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
  • India and Canada agreed to create the India-Canada Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence in India.
  • Canadian Space Agency and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) agreed to cooperate on Earth observation and explore joint initiatives on space exploration and quantum technologies.
  • Both nations will advance cooperation on security and law enforcement, focusing on illegal flow of drugs including fentanyl precursors and transnational organised criminal networks.
  • Canada and India will conclude a new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) this year following finalisation of Terms of Reference.

Skyroot Aerospace Completes Pre-Launch Milestones for Vikram-1 Rocket

[Skyroot Aerospace]

Key Updates:

  • Skyroot Aerospace has completed the Integrated Electrical Test (IET) Campaign-Phase 3 for its Vikram-1 rocket.
  • The Vikram-1 rocket is named after Indian space pioneer Vikram Sarabhai and is designed to place small satellite payloads into low Earth orbit.
  • Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy flagged off the launch vehicle from Skyroot's Max-Q Campus in Hyderabad to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
  • The development is part of space sector reforms led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

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Skyroot Aerospace to Launch Vikram-1 Orbital Rocket in April 2026 (Start of March) ▼
  • Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian space startup founded in 2018, is scheduled to debut its Vikram-1 orbital launch vehicle in April 2026.
  • The Vikram-1 rocket is designed to deliver a payload of approximately 350 kg to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • The company is developing a second vehicle, Vikram-2, which will utilise a cryogenic upper stage to increase payload capacity to 1,100 kg.
  • Skyroot Aerospace employs advanced technologies including solid propellant boosters, carbon composites, and 3D printed engines.
  • The firm has invested in capital expenditure to establish an in-house production capacity of 12 rockets per year.
  • For the 2026 financial year, the company aims to conduct between four and six launches, depending on launch port availability.
  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is transitioning operational activities in satellite manufacturing and launching to the private sector under India’s new space policy.
  • The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (InSPACe) acts as the regulatory and promotional body for the domestic space sector.
  • The Indian government expects to require launches for approximately 100 small satellites over the next five to six years.
IN-SPACe selects Astrome, Azista, Dhruva Space to build satellite bus platforms under SBaaS initiative (Mid of February) ▼
  • Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), announced selection of Astrome Technologies, Azista Industries, and Dhruva Space to build indigenous small satellite platforms under its “Satellite Bus as a Service” (SBaaS) initiative.
  • Selection followed multi-stage evaluation of 15 proposals after initiative announcement in April 2025.
  • SBaaS model aims to provide cost-effective, standardised flight-ready satellite platforms for domestic and global demand.
  • Grant disbursement will be milestone-linked and IN-SPACe will facilitate access to ISRO and Department of Space infrastructure, testing facilities, and technical expertise.
  • IN-SPACe plans later phases to enable hosted payload missions on these platforms, expanding public-private partnership programmes from platform development to operational missions.

Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launches biodiversity conservation project in Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya

[United Nations Development Programme, Global Environment Facility]

Key Updates:

  • The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in partnership with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), launched a five-year project titled Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Securing Biodiversity Conservation Commitments.
  • The project is a joint initiative of the Government of India, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a grant of $4.88 million for 2025-30.
  • In Tamil Nadu, the programme covers the Sathyamangalam landscape, including the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
  • In Meghalaya, the project covers the Garo Hills, including the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park, and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Conservation efforts will be integrated into Village Employment Councils (VECs), which are equivalent to gram panchayats.
  • Key objectives include strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions and Biodiversity Management Committees by mainstreaming biodiversity in local developmental plans.
  • The project aims to promote innovative financing through Access and Benefit Sharing (ACS) arrangements, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) co-financing, and green micro-enterprises.
  • The initiative focuses on advancing the economic and governance roles of women, scheduled caste, and tribal communities through knowledge management and capacity building.

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India and Germany strengthen climate resilience cooperation through EUR 20 million grant (End of February) ▼
  • India and Germany held a high-level climate talk titled From Risk to Resilience: Advancing Adaptation Policy Pathways at the German Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday evening.
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is currently finalising India's National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
  • Germany and India are deepening cooperation to support the implementation of the NAP, specifically for strengthening climate resilience in forests, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
  • Under the International Climate Initiative (IKI), Germany launched a new Large Grant project for India with a funding volume of up to EUR 20 million.
  • The IKI project aims to enhance resilience in high-risk ecosystems across the Himalayas, island regions, the Western Ghats, the North-East, and the Lower Gangetic floodplains.
  • The initiative supports ecosystem-based approaches (EbA) including forest restoration, biodiversity corridor connectivity, flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge, and community-led natural resource management.
  • The project will explore innovative financing mechanisms such as blended finance, biodiversity credits, and insurance schemes to support the NAP.
  • Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), participated in the dialogue with World Resources Institute (WRI) India.
  • In 2024, Germany's total international climate finance contribution amounted to EUR 11.8 billion, with nearly half of public budget resources supporting adaptation measures.
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.
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) launches short-term internship programme to expand Biodiversity Samrakshan Internship Programme (BSIP) (End of March) ▼
  • National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) launched a short-term internship programme of up to 3 months for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
  • The programme offers project-based, experiential learning by engaging students with NBA’s ongoing biodiversity governance, conservation strategies, and policy support initiatives.
  • The Biodiversity Samrakshan Internship Programme (BSIP) is in its sixth cycle with 24 interns selected through an all-India competitive process.
  • BSIP interns are deployed across State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs) for one year.
  • Top-performing BSIP candidates can extend their internship for up to two additional years.
  • BSIP is implemented collaboratively by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
  • The programme was first launched on 22 May 2020, the International Day for Biological Diversity.
  • NBA invests approximately ₹1 crore annually in these internship programmes.
India submits 7th National Biodiversity Report; only 2 of 23 targets on track for 2030 (Start of March) ▼
  • India submitted its 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 05 Mar 2026.
  • Only two of the 23 national biodiversity targets—NBT1 (biodiversity-inclusive land and sea-use planning) and NBT2 (ecosystem restoration)—are clearly on track for 2030.
  • Forest and tree cover totals 827,357 sq km, 25.17% of India’s geographical area, and rose by 1,445.81 sq km between 2021 and 2023.
  • 24.1 million hectares of degraded land have been restored or are under restoration against India’s 2030 Bonn Challenge pledge of 26 million hectares.
  • India’s tiger population stands at 3,167; Asiatic lion and one-horned rhinoceros numbers are also increasing.
  • Formal protected areas cover a little over 5% of India’s geographical area; marine protected areas and OECM sites are being expanded.
  • The report was prepared by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) with inputs from 33 central ministries and technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
  • Forest carbon stock increased to 7,285.5 million tonnes, up by 81.5 million tonnes from the previous assessment.
  • Agroforestry occupies 8.65% of India’s geographical area and trees outside forests form a significant share of total tree cover.
  • Data gaps, differing collection intervals, and limited protocols for newer indicators hinder consistent biodiversity monitoring.

Two New Jumping Spider Species Discovered in India

Key Updates:

  • Two new species of jumping spiders belonging to the genus Mogrus have been discovered in India.
  • The newly identified species are named Mogrus shushka and Mogrus pune.
  • Mogrus shushka was collected from the dry and barren regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
  • Mogrus pune was discovered in the urban green spaces biodiversity park in Maharashtra.
  • The discovery was published in the European Journal of Taxonomy.
  • The two species are distinguished by their male reproductive organs, with one being triangle-shaped and the other being curved or heart-shaped.

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Rare Jumping Spider Colyttus bilineatus Recorded for the First Time in India (End of January) ▼
  • Researchers from Assam University, Silchar, have recorded the rare jumping spider species Colyttus bilineatus for the first time in India.
  • The species was documented at Loharbond, located within the Inner Line Reserved Forest in the Cachar district of Assam.
  • The Inner Line Reserved Forest, where the discovery occurred, shares borders with the states of Mizoram and Manipur.
  • This discovery adds to the biodiversity list of India and highlights the scientific significance of the forests in southern Assam.
Kali Night Frog, 35th Western Ghats endemic night frog, discovered in Karnataka (End of March) ▼
  • Nyctibatrachus kali (Kali Night Frog) was discovered in the Castlerock region of the Western Ghats by researchers and forest department frontline staff.
  • The species is named after the river Kali and the Kali Tiger Reserve.
  • DNA and call analysis confirmed it as a cryptic species distinct from the Kumbara Night Frog, despite morphological similarity.
  • The discovery was published in PeerJ, an international journal.
  • India hosts 474 of the 9,027 known amphibian species worldwide.
  • Nearly two out of every five amphibian species face extinction threats globally and in India, with habitat loss, climate change, and disease as major drivers.
New Butterfly Species Basar Duke Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh (End of March) ▼
  • A rare butterfly species, scientifically named Euthalia (Limbusa) zubeengargi, has been discovered in the Basar region of the Lepa Rada district in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The species has been given the common name Basar Duke and is named after the Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg.
  • The discovery was made by Roshan Upadhaya, a PhD scholar and member of the Arunachal Pradesh Police (APP), and Kalesh Sadasivan.
  • The butterfly is distinguished by its olive-brown wings with white markings and a turquoise-green underside.
  • The species inhabits shaded understories of semi-evergreen forests at altitudes between 600 and 700 metres above sea level.
  • The find is considered exceptionally rare and highly localised, with only two male specimens recorded despite repeated surveys.
New trapdoor spider species Titanidiops kolhapurensis discovered in Maharashtra (Start of February) ▼
  • A new species of trapdoor spider, named Titanidiops kolhapurensis, has been discovered in the grasslands of Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.
  • The discovery was made by a joint research team from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation and Shivaji University, Kolhapur (SUK).
  • The findings were published in the Journal of Natural History, an international research publication based in the United Kingdom (UK).
  • The spider is nicknamed darkari koli in Marathi because of its unique ability to craft hinged doors for its burrows.
  • The species was classified under the Titanidiops genus based on its specific tooth structure and the arrangement of its eight eyes.
  • The spider has been recorded in specific locations including the SUK campus, Shenda Park, Kolhapur Chitranagari area, and Puikhadi hill.
  • Researchers found the species is absent in areas overtaken by exotic tree plantations such as Gliricidia sepium, commonly known as Undirmari.
  • The research team included Satpal Gangalmale, Sunil Gaikwad, Tejas Thackeray, and Akshay Khandekar.

Nigeria Introduces Green Tax Surcharge on High-Emission Vehicles

[Nigeria]

Key Updates:

  • Nigeria's Finance Minister Wale Edun signed a circular on April 1, 2026, to introduce a green tax surcharge on vehicles, effective from July 1.
  • The tax is imposed on vehicles with engine capacities of 2,000 cc and above, with a 2 per cent tax for 2,000 cc to 3,999 cc and 4 per cent for 4,000 cc and above.
  • Exemptions from the green tax are provided for vehicles with engine sizes below 2,000 cc, mass transit buses, electric vehicles (EVs), and locally manufactured vehicles.
  • Import tariffs on fully built passenger vehicles have been reduced from 70 per cent to 40 per cent within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) common external tariff (CET) structure.
  • A 90-day grace period has been granted to manufacturers, importers, and service providers for the transition to the new fiscal measures.
  • Nigeria has imposed a 5 per cent fuel surcharge on petrol and diesel since January 1.
  • According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria's passenger car imports increased to Naira 1.58 trillion.
  • Under its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), Nigeria commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29 per cent by 2030 and 32 per cent by 2035 compared to 2018 levels.
  • Nigeria has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2060.
  • The transport sector is identified as having a mitigation potential of 44.3 Mt CO2e through the adoption of clean vehicles.
  • Other national initiatives include a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) programme, removal of fuel subsidies, and a ban on the import of polluting two-stroke engines.

Similar Coverage

Delhi Draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030: Up to ₹1 Lakh Scrappage Incentive and Full Road Tax Waiver (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Delhi government released the draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030 to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption through financial incentives and infrastructure mandates.
  • The policy proposes a 100 per cent exemption on road tax and registration fees for electric cars priced up to ₹30 lakh until 31 March 2030.
  • Strong hybrid vehicles priced up to ₹30 lakh will be eligible for a 50 per cent exemption on road tax and registration fees.
  • A scrappage incentive of up to ₹1 lakh is proposed for the first 1,00,000 applicants who replace Delhi-registered BS-IV or older vehicles with new electric cars priced up to ₹30 lakh.
  • Additional scrappage incentives include ₹50,000 for electric goods carriers, ₹25,000 for electric three-wheelers, and ₹10,000 for electric two-wheelers.
  • From 1 January 2026, no new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) two-wheelers or light goods vehicles will be permitted to join aggregator and delivery fleets.
  • From 1 January 2027, only electric three-wheelers, including auto-rickshaws, will be permitted for new registrations in Delhi.
  • Electric two-wheelers priced up to ₹2.25 lakh will receive phased subsidies starting at ₹10,000 per kWh (capped at ₹30,000) in the first year, reducing to ₹3,300 per kWh by the third year.
  • Electric auto-rickshaws will receive a flat incentive of ₹40,000 in the first two years and ₹30,000 in the third year.
  • Incentives for electric goods carriers in the N1 category are set at ₹1 lakh in the first year, ₹75,000 in the second year, and ₹50,000 in the third year.
  • All new infrastructure projects by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and Delhi Cantonment Board must be EV-charging ready.
  • Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) has been designated as the nodal agency for planning and coordinating public charging and battery swapping stations.
E20 Petrol Mandate: Nationwide 20% Ethanol-Blended Fuel Roll-Out from 1 April 2025 (Start of April) ▼
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) directed that from 1 April 2025 all petrol pumps nationwide must supply E20 petrol containing up to 20% ethanol.
  • E20 petrol has an octane rating of about 95 RON compared to regular petrol’s 91–92 RON, allowing smoother combustion.
  • Ethanol for E20 is domestically produced from crops such as sugarcane, maize, and grains, helping cut fuel import costs and support farmers.
  • Most newer vehicles are E20-compatible, while older vehicles may experience slight drops in fuel efficiency and potential long-term wear on engine components.
  • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) quality standards apply to E20 fuel across all regions.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) relaxes CAFE-3 emission slopes, steering automakers toward EVs and hybrids (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) circulated an updated CAFE-3 draft on 8 April, covering 2027-32 and relaxing the permissible emission slope to 0.00158 for 2027-28 and 0.00131 for 2031-32.
  • The relaxed slope grants small cars an 11-13 g per km emission benefit while tightening the target by 10-12 g per km for larger cars.
  • Automakers selling higher-emission vehicles will face financial penalties, whereas credits from EVs and strong hybrids can offset these penalties.
  • Manufacturers must comply within a three-plus-two year block period—three years (2027-28 to 2029-30) and two years (2030-31 and 2031-32)—with credits or debits carried forward within each block.
  • Penalties for non-compliance will be assessed at the end of each block and paid into the Central Energy Conservation Fund, of which 90% will be redistributed to states proportional to vehicle sales and 10% retained by the Centre.
Central Government reduces excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre each and imposes export duties on diesel and ATF. (End of March) ▼
  • Central excise duty on petrol and diesel for domestic consumption reduced by ₹10 per litre each on 26 March 2026.
  • Export duty on diesel set at ₹21.5 per litre and on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) at ₹29.5 per litre.
  • International crude price rose from around $70 per barrel to about $122 per barrel in the past month.
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated the changes were notified to Parliament.
  • Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri noted global fuel price increases of 20-50 per cent across regions.
  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India is engaging global partners to ensure stable energy supplies amid the West Asia crisis.
  • Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal stated the measures prioritise domestic supply and stabilise the economy.
  • Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw indicated the government absorbed fiscal pressure to shield poor and middle-income families.
  • Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah described the duty reduction as consumer-focused relief during global fuel shortages.

Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) develops high-efficiency all-iron flow battery

[China]

Key Updates:

  • A research team at the Institute of Metal Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has advanced all-iron flow battery technology.
  • The battery prototype demonstrated a 99.4 per cent leak-proof efficiency over 6,000 cycles, which is equivalent to more than 16 years of daily operation.
  • The system retained 78.5 per cent of its energy efficiency even at high power outputs.
  • The technology employs an alkaline-based chemistry and a synergistic molecular design to prevent active material degradation and leakage.
  • The research notes that lithium currently trades at over 80 times the cost of iron, positioning iron-based batteries as a budget-friendly alternative for grid-scale renewable energy storage.
  • The findings of this development were published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials.

Similar Coverage

Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) Researchers Develop Sunlight-Powered Supercapacitor (Start of February) ▼
  • Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a photo-rechargeable supercapacitor that captures and stores solar energy in a single integrated system.
  • The technology utilises binder-free nickel–cobalt oxide (NiCo₂O₄) nanowires grown directly on nickel foam through an in situ hydrothermal process to act simultaneously as a solar harvester and an electrode.
  • Under illumination, the electrode demonstrated a 54 per cent increase in capacitance, rising from 570 to 880 millifarads per square centimetre at a current density of 15 milliamperes per square centimetre.
  • The electrode exhibited high durability by retaining 85 per cent of its original capacity after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles.
  • An asymmetric photo-supercapacitor using activated carbon as the negative electrode delivered a stable output voltage of 1.2 volts and maintained 88 per cent capacitance retention after 1,000 photo-charging cycles.
  • The study, published in the journal Sustainable Energy & Fuels, revealed that nickel substitution narrows the band gap to approximately 1.67 eV and induces half metallic behaviour for faster charge transport.
  • The device is designed to function in remote regions without electrical grid access, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and conventional batteries.
Rocklink India Establishes Integrated Recycling Facility in Uttar Pradesh (End of April) ▼
  • 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.
World’s largest compressed-air power storage plant starts operation in Jiangsu, China (End of January) ▼
  • The plant has 2,400 megawatt hours of capacity and can generate 600 megawatts of power.
  • It can meet the annual electricity demand of 600,000 households.
  • Harbin Electric Corp. participated in the construction of the project.
Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) develops sunlight-powered photo-supercapacitor integrating energy capture and storage. (Start of February) ▼
  • Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, created a photo-rechargeable supercapacitor using binder-free nickel–cobalt oxide (NiCo₂O₄) nanowires on nickel foam.
  • Under illumination the electrode capacitance rose by 54% from 570 to 880 millifarads per square centimetre at 15 milliamperes per square centimetre current density.
  • The electrode retained 85% of its original capacity after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles.
  • An asymmetric device with activated carbon negative and NiCo₂O₄ nanowire positive electrodes delivered a stable 1.2 volt output and 88% capacitance retention after 1,000 photo-charging cycles.
  • Nickel substitution narrows the band gap to about 1.67 eV and induces half-metallic behaviour, enabling faster charge transport for photo-assisted storage.
  • The integrated system can function without an electrical grid, supporting India’s clean-energy goals.

India tops medal tally at ISSF Junior World Cup

[International Shooting Sport Federation]

Key Updates:

  • India finished on top of the table at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun held in Cairo, Egypt.
  • India won a total of 16 medals, including five gold, six silver, and five bronze.
  • Hemant Burman won the silver medal in the men's 50m rifle 3-positions with a score of 351.7.
  • The pair of Zuhair Khan and Addya Katyal secured the bronze medal in the trap mixed team event with a final score of 19.
  • Oleg Noskov of Kazakhstan won the gold medal in the men's 50m rifle 3-positions with a new world junior record score of 355.6.
  • Nikita Solokov of Uzbekistan won the bronze medal in the men's 50m rifle 3-positions with a score of 341.2.
  • Bence Doeboerhegyi and Anna Nyitrai of Hungary won the gold medal in the trap mixed team event with a new world junior record score of 32.
  • Neutral athletes Ramir Nikolaev and Kseniia Tatarinova won the silver medal in the trap mixed team event with a score of 25.
  • The ISSF Junior World Championship is scheduled to be held in Suhl, Germany in June.

Similar Coverage

Indian Shooters Participate in ISSF Junior World Cup in Egypt (End of April) ▼
  • The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup is being held in Cairo, Egypt.
  • The competitions are taking place at the Egypt International Olympic City.
  • India is represented by a contingent of 71 athletes.
  • Athletes from 25 countries, including Egypt and Russia, are participating in the event.
  • Indian athletes participating in the event include Shambhavi Kshirsagar and Shiva Narwal.
  • The competition features events such as 10m Air Rifle Women, 10m Air Pistol Men, and 25m Pistol Precision.
  • The ISSF Junior World Cup serves as a prelude to the Junior World Championships in Germany.
India tops Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026 with 94 medals (Mid of February) ▼
  • India finished the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship, New Delhi 2026, at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range with 94 medals: 51 gold, 23 silver, 20 bronze.
  • On the final day India added six gold, three silver, four bronze medals.
  • Amanpreet Singh won 25m centre fire pistol gold with 589-24x; Gurpreet Singh took silver with 584-20x; Ankur Goel claimed bronze with 570-11x; the trio secured team gold.
  • Suraj Sharma won 25m Pistol Junior gold with 585-25x; Mukesh Nelavalli secured silver with 582-21x; Abhinav Deshwal took bronze with 573-17x; the trio also won team gold.
  • Sift Kaur Samra won 50m Rifle Prone women senior silver with 623.2; Tejaswani Sawant claimed bronze; Yelizaveta Bezrukova of Kazakhstan won gold; Sift, Tejaswani and Manini Kaushik combined for team gold.
  • Dhavalika Devi Nyamurus secured 50m Rifle Prone women junior bronze with 614.1; Prachi Gaikwad, Anuskha Thokur and Devi combined for team gold.
India defeats England to win 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup (Start of February) ▼
  • The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash reward of ₹7.5 crore for the Indian Under-19 cricket team following their 2026 Under-19 World Cup victory.
  • India defeated England by 100 runs in the final at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe, to secure their sixth International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup title.
  • India posted a total of 411/9 in the final, featuring an innings of 175 runs off 80 balls by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
  • Captains Ayush Mhatre and Abhigyan Kundu contributed to the total before the bowlers dismissed England for 311 in 40.2 overs.
  • Caleb Falconer scored 115 runs off 67 balls for England in the final match.
  • BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the reward includes the players, coaching staff, support staff, and the Junior Cricket Committee.
  • BCCI President Mithun Manhas noted that India currently holds both the men’s and women’s Under-19 World Cup titles.

Sabastian Sawe wins London Marathon with sub-two-hour record

Key Updates:

  • Sabastian Sawe of Kenya became the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race, winning the London Marathon in 1 hour 59 minutes 30 seconds.
  • Yomif Kejelcha finished as runner-up in 1:59:41, becoming the second man to run under two hours in race conditions.
  • Jacob Kiplimo completed the men's podium with a time of 2:00:28.
  • Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia won the women's race in 2:15:41, setting a new world record for a women-only field.
  • Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya finished as runner-up and third place respectively in the women's race.
  • Marcel Hug of Switzerland won the elite men's wheelchair race in 1:24:13, marking his eighth victory and sixth successive win.
  • Luo Xingchuan of China and David Weir of Great Britain finished second and third in the men's wheelchair race.
  • Catherine Debrunner of Switzerland won the elite women's wheelchair title with a time of 1:38:29, defeating Tatyana McFadden of the United States.

Similar Coverage

Sawan Barwal breaks Shivnath Singh's 48-year-old marathon national record (Mid of April) ▼
  • Sawan Barwal clocked 2:11:58 at the Rotterdam Marathon to break Shivnath Singh's 1978 national record of 2:12:00.
  • Barwal finished 20th in the elite race; fellow Indian Gopi Thonakal finished 23rd in 2:13:16.
  • The 28-year-old from Joginder Nagar, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, achieved the feat in his marathon debut.
  • Barwal won gold in 5,000m and 10,000m at the 2025 National Games in Uttarakhand and 10,000m gold at the 2025 Federation Cup.
Punjab National Bank (PNB) launches PNB Soldierathon 2026 marathon to honour Indian Armed Forces. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Punjab National Bank (PNB) announced PNB Soldierathon 2026 on its 132nd Foundation Day at its corporate headquarters in Dwarka.
  • The marathon is scheduled for 5 April 2026 under the theme 'Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers'.
  • Major Surendra Poonia, VSM and Limca Book Record Holder, was the Chief Guest of the pre-launch ceremony.
  • PNB Managing Director and CEO Ashok Chandra and Executive Director Bibhu P. Mahapatra participated in the event alongside Armed Forces representatives and veterans.
  • The initiative aims to unite citizens, veterans, and fitness enthusiasts to foster national consciousness and fitness.
Blanka Vlasic appointed International Event Ambassador for TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026 (Start of April) ▼
  • Blanka Vlasic, double Olympic medallist and two-time World Champion, has been named the International Event Ambassador for the 2026 TCS World 10K Bengaluru.
  • The 18th edition of the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) World 10K Bengaluru is scheduled for Sunday, 26 April 2026.
  • The race is a World Athletics Gold Label Race promoted by Procam International.
  • Vlasic won Olympic silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016, and set a Croatian national record of 2.08 m in 2009.
Johannes Dale-Skjevdal wins 15km mass-start biathlon gold for record-setting Norway (End of February) ▼
  • Johannes Dale-Skjevdal of Norway shot 20/20 and finished in 39 minutes 17.1 seconds to claim gold in the men’s 15km mass-start biathlon at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games.
  • Sturla Holm Laegreid, also of Norway, missed one target and took silver, 10.5 seconds behind Dale-Skjevdal.
  • Quentin Fillon Maillet of France overtook Philipp Horn of Germany on the final hill to secure bronze, 25.6 seconds behind the winner.
  • Norway’s 17th gold medal of the Games broke its own Winter Olympics record of 16 golds set at Beijing 2022.
  • Norway now leads the overall medal table with 37 medals (17 gold), followed by Team USA with 27 medals (9 gold) and host Italy with 27 medals.
  • Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo of Norway has won five golds at Milano Cortina, taking his career Olympic gold tally to ten.

Punjab Kings defeat Delhi Capitals to script highest IPL run chase

[Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals]

Key Updates:

  • Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets to record the highest successful run chase in T20 and Indian Premier League (IPL) history.
  • PBKS chased down a target of 265, surpassing their own previous record of 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) set in 2024.
  • Delhi Capitals scored 264/2, which is the highest total of the IPL 2026 season.
  • KL Rahul scored 152
  • off 67 balls, becoming the third player to cross the 150-mark in IPL history and the highest-scoring Indian batter in the tournament.
  • KL Rahul and Nitish Rana shared a 220-run partnership for the second wicket, the second-highest in IPL history.
  • For PBKS, Prabhsimran Singh scored 76, Priyansh Arya scored 73, and captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 71.
  • The match was held at Kotla in Delhi.
  • PBKS remains the only unbeaten side in the IPL 2026 season with 13 points from seven games.

Similar Coverage

Jammu and Kashmir beat Karnataka to clinch maiden Ranji Trophy title (Start of March) ▼
  • Jammu and Kashmir secured their first Ranji Trophy title by taking a 291-run first innings lead and ending the final in a draw against Karnataka at KSCA Stadium, Hubballi.
  • Qamran Iqbal scored 160 not out and Sahil Lotra hit 101 not out in Jammu and Kashmir's second innings total of 342/4 on day five.
  • Auqib Nabi took five wickets in the final, his seventh five-wicket haul of the season.
  • Jammu and Kashmir had previously reached the quarterfinals in 2013-14, 2019-20 and 2024-25 seasons but never won the title until now.
  • Skipper Paras Dogra became the second batter to surpass 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs during the season.
Virat Kohli becomes first batter to score 800 boundaries in IPL (End of April) ▼
  • 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.
Jammu and Kashmir defeats Bengal to reach first Ranji Trophy final (Mid of February) ▼
  • Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) secured a six-wicket victory over Bengal to qualify for their first-ever Ranji Trophy final in 66 years.
  • The semifinal match was contested at the Kalyani ground, located near Kolkata.
  • J&K captain Paras Dogra completed 10,000 career first-class runs during the course of the match.
  • Auqib Nabi was named Player of the Match for taking nine wickets in the game and scoring 42 runs in the first innings.
  • Abdul Samad contributed scores of 82 off 85 balls in the first innings and 30 off 27 balls in the second innings to guide the chase.
  • Bengal was dismissed for 99 runs in their second innings, setting up the final target for J&K.
  • The J&K team is coached by Ajay Sharma, with P Krishna Kumar serving as the bowling coach.
Sunil Narine overtakes Kieron Pollard as IPL's most-capped overseas player (End of March) ▼
  • Sunil Narine made his 190th IPL appearance for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Mumbai Indians, breaking Kieron Pollard's record of 189 matches as the most-capped overseas player.
  • Narine has played all 190 matches for KKR since his debut in 2012, mirroring Pollard's single-franchise loyalty with Mumbai Indians.
  • KKR has won three IPL titles with Narine (2012, 2014, 2024).
  • Mumbai Indians became the first franchise to play 300 T20 matches on the same night.

International Design Day observed on 27 April with theme "The Spaces In Between"

Key Updates:

  • International Design Day is observed annually on 27 April to reflect on the role design plays in shaping society.
  • The theme for International Design Day 2026 is "The Spaces In Between".
  • The Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) is serving as the global host for the 2026 celebrations.
  • The International Council of Design (ICoD) provides leadership regarding the origins and purpose of International Design Day.
  • The SEGD was founded in 1973 and represents more than 2,000 members across 30 chapters in seven international regions.

Similar Coverage

World Creativity and Innovation Day observed on April 21 (End of April) ▼
  • World Creativity and Innovation Day is observed on April 21.
  • The initiative was promoted by Marci Segal from Toronto, Canada, and officially started in 2001.
  • April 21 was chosen as the date because it comes just before Earth Day to highlight the role of creativity in sustainability.
  • The United Nations (UN) officially recognised the day in 2017.
Girls in ICT Day observed on April 23 with theme AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future (End of April) ▼
  • 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.
Vishwa Sutra launched to promote Indian handlooms globally (End of April) ▼
  • The Ministry of Textiles launched the ‘Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World’ initiative.
  • The initiative was developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner Handlooms in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
  • A designer collection based on the initiative was presented at the 61st Femina Miss India held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
  • The initiative aims to present Indian handlooms in a contemporary global design framework.
  • It brings together 30 distinct handloom weaves from across the country, each representing a different state, reinterpreted with design inspirations from 30 countries.
  • The initiative highlights the vision of Vocal for Local to Global and the Prime Minister’s 5F framework: Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign.
World Art Day observed on April 15 (Mid of April) ▼
  • World Art Day is observed on April 15.
  • The global observation celebrates culture, creativity, and artistic expression worldwide.
  • Science Central museum in Fort Wayne, Indiana, hosted a celebration to explore the intersection of art and science.
  • Local artists featured during the Science Central celebration included Eduar Paz, Ally Peck, Angelina Dolores Possemato, Bonnie “BonJo” Andrews, Megan Wiegand, and Kyla Covington.

Sanjay Jamuar appointed first CEO of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL)

[Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Delhi Metro International Limited]

Key Updates:

  • Sanjay Jamuar has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL).
  • DMIL is a newly set-up arm of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) created to undertake metro projects and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) assignments in India outside Delhi and abroad.
  • DMIL is mandated to provide advisory services to authorities and lenders for the development and long-term planning of metro and transit systems.
  • Sanjay Jamuar is a former Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer with experience in the UK, USA, France, Middle East, and Europe.
  • Sanjay Jamuar previously joined DMRC in 1998 as its first O&M employee.
  • DMRC is currently involved as a consultant for the Dhaka Metro project in Bangladesh.
  • DMRC handles O&M contracts for the Chennai, Mumbai, and Patna Metro projects.

Similar Coverage

India becomes world’s third-largest metro network (Mid of March) ▼
  • Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu stated that India now has the third-largest metro network in the world.
  • Over 1,143 kilometres of metro network are operational and around 936 kilometres are under construction across 29 cities.
  • Metro services were available in only five cities in 2014, while today nearly 11.5 million passengers use metro systems daily.
  • Anil Marwah has ridden the first train on the opening day of every newly inaugurated Delhi Metro corridor since 24 December 2002.
  • Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Managing Director Dr Vikas Kumar was present at the felicitation ceremony held in New Delhi.
Herjit S. Bhalla Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Dabur India (End of April) ▼
  • Herjit S. Bhalla has joined Dabur India as the chief executive officer (CEO) for its India business, effective April 23, 2026.
  • Mohit Malhotra has been elevated to the role of whole-time director and global CEO of Dabur India.
  • Prior to this appointment, Bhalla served as the vice-president, Canada and global customers at the Hershey Company.
  • Bhalla has an over eight-year tenure at the Hershey Company across roles in Canada, Asia-Pacific, West Asia, and Africa.
  • Bhalla has spent more than two decades in roles at Metro Cash & Carry and Hindustan Unilever (HUL).
Krishna Kumar Thakur takes charge as Director (Personnel) of NMDC Limited (NMDC) (End of March) ▼
  • Krishna Kumar Thakur, a 1998 batch Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officer, assumed the role of Director (Personnel) at NMDC Limited (NMDC) on Thursday.
  • He previously served as the Director (Human Resources) at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), where he implemented organisational restructuring and multi-skilling initiatives.
  • During his career in Indian Railways, he managed human resource functions in the Solapur, Bhopal, and Mumbai divisions.
  • As the Chairman of the Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) of Western Railway, he led the recruitment of approximately 12,000 employees.
  • He has served as the Head of Human Resources at Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) and worked on an international train operations project in Saudi Arabia with RITES Limited (RITES).
  • He is an alumnus of Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) in Human Resources from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).
Dan Bailey appointed President of Jio Platforms to lead international expansion. (Start of March) ▼
  • Dan Bailey has been appointed as President of Jio Platforms to spearhead its global business initiatives.
  • Bailey will be based in London and will join the company’s Executive Committee.
  • He will report to Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm.
  • Bailey has over 35 years of experience and previously served as Chairman of Deutsche Bank’s technology, media and telecom (TMT) practice.
  • Jio Platforms is backed by Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and aims to export its 5G and digital ecosystem capabilities to international markets.

Raghu Rai, Renowned Photographer, Dies at 83

Key Updates:

  • Raghu Rai, a renowned photographer and photojournalist, passed away in Delhi at the age of 83 after suffering from cancer.
  • He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972.
  • In 1977, he became the first Indian photographer to be invited to join Magnum Photos upon nomination by Henri Cartier-Bresson.
  • He authored over 40 books, including A Day in the Life of India, Picturing Time: The Greatest Photographs of Raghu Rai, My Land and Its People, The Album: Friends and Family, Tibet in Exile, His People: His Finest Portraits, and The Sikhs.
  • His work documented significant historical events including the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the Emergency years, and the period before Operation Blue Star in 1984.
  • He captured portraits of prominent figures including Indira Gandhi, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, and Satyajit Ray.
  • He was born in Jhang, Pakistan, and was a civil engineer by training.

Similar Coverage

Hari Krishan Dua passed away at 88. (Start of March) ▼
  • Hari Krishan Dua died at a private hospital in New Delhi on Wednesday afternoon at the age of 88.
  • He had served as editor of The Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, The Tribune, and briefly as Editorial Advisor at The Times of India.
  • He was a Padma Bhushan awardee and a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha.
  • Dua served as Media Adviser to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and as India’s Ambassador to Denmark.
  • He was part of the National Security Council under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime.
  • His cremation will take place at Lodhi Road crematorium on Thursday.
Rahul Arunoday Banerjee Passed Away Bengali Actor (End of March) ▼
  • Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee passed away at the age of 43 due to accidental drowning at Talsari Beach in Digha.
  • The incident occurred on Sunday, 29 March, near the Odisha-West Bengal border during the filming of a television serial titled Bhole Baba Par Karega.
  • He was pronounced dead at 6:10 pm at the Digha Sub-divisional Hospital located approximately 10 to 12 kilometres from the site of the incident.
  • Banerjee rose to prominence in the Bengali entertainment industry with his role in the 2008 romantic drama film Chirodini Tumi Je Amar.
  • His film career included performances in notable titles such as Zulfiqar, Byomkesh Gotro, and Biday Byomkesh.
  • He was a well-known face on television, appearing in shows such as Hargouri Pice Hotel and Mohonna.
  • He hosted a podcast show titled Sohoj Katha, which featured discussions on theatre and cinema with various personalities.
Veteran filmmaker MM Baig found dead at his Mumbai home. (End of February) ▼
  • MM Baig was discovered dead at his residence after neighbours alerted police about a foul smell.
  • Police broke in around 1:30-2:00 am and sent the body to Cooper Hospital for post-mortem.
  • Baig directed Chhoti Bahu (1994) and the unreleased Massom Gawah (1990).
  • He assisted directors J Om Prakash, Vimal Kumar and Rakesh Roshan on films including Aadmi Khilona Hai and Kala Bazaar.
  • His daughter Shahinda Baig, known as Baby Guddu, acted in 1980s Hindi films such as Aakhir Kyon?, Nagina and Aulad.
Veteran Kannada filmmaker Joe Simon dies at 80. (Mid of February) ▼
  • Joe Simon died of a heart attack at the age of 80 while attending a meeting at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) in Bengaluru.
  • Simon directed popular Kannada films such as Sahasa Simha, Snehada Kadalalli, Simha Jodi, and Mr Vasu.
  • He had served as the Vice President of the Kannada Film Directors Association.
  • Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka paid tribute to his contributions to the Kannada film industry.

Sumitra Guha and Laxman Pandit Honoured with Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards

Key Updates:

  • Veteran Hindustani vocalists Sumitra Guha and Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit were honoured at the 13th edition of the Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards for their contribution to Indian classical music.
  • The awards were instituted in memory of Jyotsna Darda, the founder of Lokmat Sakhi Manch.
  • The awards ceremony took place at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi and the honours were presented by Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta.
  • The awards recognise excellence in Indian music and encourage emerging talent through selections from vocal and instrumental categories.
  • The awards were held across nine cities: Nagpur, Yavatmal, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi.

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Hariharan Unveils Book and Album at 50 Glorious Years of Ghazal Singing Celebration (End of February) ▼
  • Padma Shri Hariharan marked 50 years of ghazal singing at Mavlankar Auditorium in Delhi.
  • The book Ustad-e-Ghazal Hariharan, authored by Anand Kakkar, was launched during the event.
  • Hariharan released a new ghazal album at the celebration.
  • Doordarshan announced the ghazal-based reality show Sartaj-e-Ghazal to discover new talent.
Tamil poet Vairamuthu named 2025 Jnanpith Award winner (Mid of March) ▼
  • Vairamuthu has been conferred the 60th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, announced by Bharatiya Jnanpith on Saturday.
  • He becomes the third Tamil writer to receive the Jnanpith Award after Akilan and Jayakanthan.
  • The Jnanpith Selection Committee chaired by Pratibha Ray selected Vairamuthu for his originality, creative depth and distinct poetic voice.
  • Vairamuthu has authored over 37 books including poetry collections, novels and travel writings such as Kallikattu Ithikasam, Karuvachi Kaviyam, Thanni Desam and Moondraam Ulaga Por.
  • He has won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics seven times.
  • Vairamuthu received the Padma Shri in 2003 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014.
  • He won the Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel Kallikattu Ithikasam.
  • The Jnanpith Award carries a cash prize of ₹11 lakh, a bronze statuette of Goddess Saraswati and a citation.
Amol Palekar to be Honoured with Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 (Mid of March) ▼
  • Veteran actor and filmmaker Amol Palekar will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 21st edition of META in New Delhi.
  • The 21st edition of the festival, instituted by the Mahindra Group and produced by Teamwork Arts, will be held from 19 March to 25 March 2026.
  • The jury panel for the 2026 awards includes Amal Allana, Anuradha Kapur, Rajit Kapur, Satish Alekar, and Ila Arun.
  • The festival received a record 422 submissions from over 20 states and 100 cities, featuring productions in nearly 60 languages and dialects.
  • Ten productions have been shortlisted to compete in 13 categories at venues including Kamani Auditorium and Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts.
  • The competitive categories include Best Production, Best Director, Best Stage Design, Best Light Design, Best Sound & Music Design, Best Costume Design, Best Actor in a Lead Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Original Script, Best Ensemble, and Best Choreographer.
  • Amol Palekar is recognised for his work in Hindi cinema during the 1970s, including films such as Chhoti Si Baat, Chitchor, Bhumika, Baaton Baaton Mein, and Gol Maal.
  • He is also noted for expanding the reach of theatre by performing in alternative spaces such as parks, terraces, canteens, and garages.
Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 announced on 16 March (Mid of March) ▼
  • Sahitya Akademi announced its 2025 awards on 16 March 2026 for 24 Indian languages.
  • The award ceremony will be held in New Delhi on 31 March 2026.
  • Each awardee receives an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and ₹1,00,000.
  • Navtej Sarna won the English award for his novel ‘Crimson Spring’ set around the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
  • Mamta Kalia won the Hindi award for her memoir ‘Jeete Jee Allahabad’.
  • Nandini Sidha Reddy won the Telugu award for poetry collection ‘Animesha’.

Raghu Rai Passes Away as Legendary Photojournalist

Key Updates:

  • Raghu Rai, a legendary photojournalist, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83.
  • He was born on December 18, 1942, in Jhang, which is now in Pakistan.
  • He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972.
  • The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
  • He joined Magnum Photos in 1977 after being nominated by Henri Cartier-Bresson.
  • His notable work includes the coverage of the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
  • He documented eminent personalities including Indira Gandhi and Mother Teresa.

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Bhagwandas Raikwar, Padma Shri Awardee and Bundelkhand Martial Art Pioneer, Passes Away (End of April) ▼
  • Padma Shri awardee Bhagwandas Raikwar, a pioneer of the Bundelkhand martial art form Akhada, passed away at the age of 82 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal.
  • Raikwar was honoured with the Padma Shri in the Bundeli Martial Arts category under the Unsung Heroes segment during the 2026 Republic Day celebrations.
  • Born on January 2, 1944, he dedicated his life to the preservation of Bundeli martial arts and served as the Ustad (master) of the Chhatrasal Vyayamshala.
  • He is credited with transforming the traditional Akhada and Bundeli martial arts into a format suitable for stage performances.
  • His demonstrations featured combat techniques involving traditional weapons such as the lathi (staff), bhala (spear), dhal (shield), talwar (sword), and trishul (trident).
Hari Krishan Dua passed away at 88. (Start of March) ▼
  • Hari Krishan Dua died at a private hospital in New Delhi on Wednesday afternoon at the age of 88.
  • He had served as editor of The Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, The Tribune, and briefly as Editorial Advisor at The Times of India.
  • He was a Padma Bhushan awardee and a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha.
  • Dua served as Media Adviser to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and as India’s Ambassador to Denmark.
  • He was part of the National Security Council under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime.
  • His cremation will take place at Lodhi Road crematorium on Thursday.
Rahul Arunoday Banerjee Passed Away Bengali Actor (End of March) ▼
  • Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee passed away at the age of 43 due to accidental drowning at Talsari Beach in Digha.
  • The incident occurred on Sunday, 29 March, near the Odisha-West Bengal border during the filming of a television serial titled Bhole Baba Par Karega.
  • He was pronounced dead at 6:10 pm at the Digha Sub-divisional Hospital located approximately 10 to 12 kilometres from the site of the incident.
  • Banerjee rose to prominence in the Bengali entertainment industry with his role in the 2008 romantic drama film Chirodini Tumi Je Amar.
  • His film career included performances in notable titles such as Zulfiqar, Byomkesh Gotro, and Biday Byomkesh.
  • He was a well-known face on television, appearing in shows such as Hargouri Pice Hotel and Mohonna.
  • He hosted a podcast show titled Sohoj Katha, which featured discussions on theatre and cinema with various personalities.
Madhu Malhotra passes away at 71. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Madhu Malhotra died in Mumbai on Friday at the age of 71.
  • She acted in over 100 Hindi films, mostly in minor roles, during the 1970s and 1980s.
  • She featured in Subhash Ghai's films 'Vishwanath' (1978), 'Karz' (1980), 'Vidhaata' (1982), and 'Hero' (1983).
  • She lip-synced the song 'Lambi judaai' in 'Hero' (1983).
  • She was one of the leading ladies in the 1982 multi-starrer 'Satte Pe Satta' and was paired with comic actor Paintal in that film.
  • She appeared in horror films 'Khooni Murda' (1989) and 'Roohani Taqat' (1991) directed by Mohan Bhakri.