The Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved the Data Centre Policy, 2026, aiming to attract investments of more than ₹2 lakh crore. The policy seeks to create over two gigawatts of additional data centre capacity to support green…
HCLTech to Invest ₹14,257 Crore in Odisha AI Data Centre
Key Updates:
- HCLTech has announced an investment of ₹14,257 crore to set up its first AI data centre at the Odisha Sovereign AI Park.
- The project is in partnership with sovereign AI startup Sarvam and the Odisha government, which will provide financial assistance.
- HCLTech will also establish a Global Technology Centre (GTC) in Bhubaneswar with a capacity of 5,000 people, expected to begin operations in 2028.
- The company had earlier invested $150 million (approx ₹1,447 crore) in Sarvam in June 2026 and plans to invest up to ₹3,500 crore in building AI data centres scaling to 50 MW capacity.
- The initiative will develop sector-specific AI applications for private and public sector clients, strengthening India's sovereign AI ecosystem.
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Meta Platforms partners with Reliance Industries Limited for AI data centre in Jamnagar (Mid of June)
Meta Platforms has partnered with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) to lease a 168 MW AI-ready data centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The Jamnagar facility will be powered by renewable energy, cooled with desalinated…
Government of Odisha signs MoUs with ACME Group and Adani Enterprises for projects worth ₹1.75 lakh crore (Start of July)
The Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with ACME Group and Japan’s IHI Corporation on July 3, 2026, for clean energy and industrial projects worth ₹67,000 crore. Adani Enterprises and UAE’s…
The Gujarat government is set to unveil the 'Gujarat Data Centre Policy 2026-29' to establish the state as a premier destination for data centre infrastructure, digital innovation, and cloud ecosystem development. The…
European Union Fines Google €890 Million Under Antitrust Rules
Key Updates:
- The European Union (EU) imposed a fine of €890 million ($1.015 billion) on Google for violating digital competition rules.
- The EU found that Google gave preferential treatment to its own search engine and Play app store, harming competitors.
- The EU also fined Google €4.3 billion in 2018 for abusing Android's market dominance, a penalty upheld on appeal in February.
- US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the fine creates trade uncertainty for US exports to Europe.
- Google executive Kent Walker criticized the fine, claiming it would degrade search features and safety protections.
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The World Bank (WB) has approved a financing package of $890 million for India’s rooftop solar programme. The package comprises an $820 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)…
Google has entered into a Cloud Service Agreement with SpaceX to pay $920 million per month for computing power from October 2026 through June 2029. According to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, the…
The Tripura state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google India in July 2026 to develop an Artificial Intelligence ecosystem. The MoU is part of the Destination Tripura Business Conclave 2026…
Google and Blackstone Partner for 5 Billion Dollar Artificial Intelligence Cloud Venture (End of May)
Google and Blackstone have announced a new United States-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) cloud venture to provide access to Google’s custom Tensor Processing Units (TPUs). Blackstone will initially invest $5 billion…
Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Andhra Pradesh sign MoU to establish India's first bank-led quantum finance hub at Amaravati
Key Updates:
- Punjab National Bank (PNB) and the Government of Andhra Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the PNB Quantum Finance Hub at Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV).
- The hub is the first bank-led initiative in India where a bank has partnered with a state government for a dedicated banking sector hub.
- The hub will serve as a collaborative platform for industry, academia, startups, and government agencies to develop solutions for cybersecurity, fraud detection, and customer experience.
- PNB Managing Director and CEO Ashok Chandra inaugurated the hub, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu present.
- The initiative aims to harness quantum computing and artificial intelligence to strengthen cybersecurity, operational efficiency, and prepare for future digital banking.
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The Andhra Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to establish a UAE Food Cluster in the state. The MoU was signed between the Andhra Pradesh Economic…
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, and the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 18 to establish a climate…
SBI Life Insurance and IIT Bombay Partner to Establish Bharat Innovation Hub for Cyber Defence (Start of July)
SBI Life Insurance (SBI Life) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) to establish Bharat's AI & Cyber Innovation Hub for Insurance (Bharat Innovation Hub).…
India and Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology in Hanoi. The MoU was exchanged between India’s Military College of Telecommunication Engineering and…
Sona Comstar & DENSO Sign Agreements to Establish Two JVs for Electric and Hybrid Powertrain Systems
Key Updates:
- Sona BLW Precision Forgings Limited (Sona Comstar) and DENSO Corporation have signed definitive agreements to establish two joint ventures (JVs) for electric and hybrid powertrain systems.
- In the first JV, DENSO will hold a 51% equity stake and management control, while Sona Comstar will hold 49% to manufacture high-efficiency liquid-cooled traction inverters, motors, and generators for passenger and commercial vehicles.
- In the second JV, Sona Comstar will transfer its existing electric traction motor business for two and three-wheelers into a subsidiary, and DENSO will acquire a 49% stake at an enterprise value of ₹1,750 crore, with Sona Comstar retaining 51% and management control.
- Both companies will license intellectual property and know-how to their respective majority-owned JVs against payment of royalty.
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President Droupadi Murmu made a historic visit to Romania, the first by an Indian President in three decades, and signed three MoUs in science & technology, sports, and culture. India and Romania set a target to double…
India and Japan sign agreements in quantum technology and health research on May 06, 2026 (Start of May)
India and Japan exchanged agreements in quantum science and medical devices during a high-level bilateral meeting in New Delhi on May 06, 2026. A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in health and medical devices was signed…
The scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet in June 2026 and is administered by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The scheme has an outlay of ₹9,585 crore and aims to replace over 2 lakh BS-IV or…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the 'Bintang Adipurna', the highest civilian honour of Indonesia. India and Indonesia signed agreements for the supply of BrahMos missiles and Air-to-Air Missile ASTRA systems…
PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan Approves ₹1,264 Crore Ballari-Guntakal Rail Expansion Project
Key Updates:
- The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a third and fourth railway line on the Ballari-Guntakal section under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
- The project has an estimated cost of ₹1,264 crore and will add about 46 km to the existing railway network.
- It covers three districts across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, improving connectivity to around 99 villages with a population of nearly seven lakh.
- The capacity expansion will enable additional freight traffic of 16.22 million tonnes per annum.
- The project is expected to reduce logistics costs, cut oil imports by 1.32 crore litres, and lower CO₂ emissions by 6.67 crore kg (equivalent to planting 0.27 crore trees).
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Cabinet approves Ahmedabad-Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Project with Rs 20,667 crore outlay (Mid of May)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera semi high-speed double-line railway project. The estimated cost of the project is Rs…
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the Paradeep-Haridaspur Doubling Project and the Rajkharsawan-Dangoaposi Fourth Rail Line Project on July 15, 2026. The projects cover approximately 145 km across…
The Rs 1,510-crore Kukrail Night Safari and Day Zoo project, spanning 855 acres within the 2,027-hectare Kukrail Reserve Forest in Lucknow, received Supreme Court approval. The project will be India's first night safari…
Union Cabinet approves Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2A corridor (Mid of June)
The Union Cabinet approved Phase 2A of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project at a total cost of ₹2,169.04 crore, including interest during construction (IDC). The approved corridor spans 6.032 kilometres and includes five…
Two Lakh Anganwadi Centres Approved for Saksham Upgradation
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Women and Child Development approved the upgradation of 2 lakh Anganwadi Centres as Saksham Anganwadis under Mission Poshan 2.0.
- The upgraded centres will be equipped with LED screens, water filtration systems, Poshan Vatika, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) material, and Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) paintings.
- Beneficiaries under the mission include children under 6 years, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls (aged 14–18 years in Aspirational Districts and North-Eastern region).
- Supplementary Nutrition is provided as per the revised norms of Schedule-II of the National Food Security Act, 2013, which were updated in January 2023.
- Extra Supplementary Nutrition (Take Home Ration) is given to Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) children.
- The scheme is digitally monitored through the 'Poshan Tracker' application for near real-time tracking of activities and beneficiaries.
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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in partnership with Vertis Foundation, is expanding 'Project Saksham' to provide vocational training and employment to rural women and underserved youth. The initiative…
Kerala Targets 150 Global Capability Centres by 2031 (End of July)
Kerala has set a target of hosting 150 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) by 2031. The state aims to generate two lakh associated jobs through GCCs by 2031.
The National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) is establishing two Centres of Excellence for semiconductor skilling in Ahmedabad and Guwahati. The Centres will provide training in OSAT…
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) approved strategic investment plans worth ₹1,237.58 crore for the upgradation of five Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters. The approved clusters are…
DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight Test of Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
Key Updates:
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight test of the 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
- The test successfully intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test and stated that it will eliminate India's import dependency for such SAM systems.
- Project Kusha is an indigenous long-range SAM system designed to protect strategic assets from fighter jets, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and large enemy aircraft.
- All weapon system elements, including missiles, radars, and command and control centre, were developed by DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
- The test was monitored by Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh.
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India conducts second test of long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile off Odisha coast (Start of May)
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the second flight test of its long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile (LR-AShM) off the Odisha coast. The missile has a strike range…
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Balasore. The flight test…
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the inaugural ceremony of the Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation…
India successfully tests indigenous Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) on 15 June 2026 (Mid of June)
India successfully flight-tested the indigenously developed Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) on 15 June 2026. The missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
India Sends 4.5 Tonnes Medical Aid to Kenya
Key Updates:
- India delivered the first tranche of 4.5 tonnes of medical aid to Kenya to strengthen Ebola preparedness.
- The aid was handed over by Indian High Commissioner Adarsh Swaika to Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
- The shipment includes 279 packages of essential medical supplies such as PPE kits, sample transportation kits, infrared thermometers, face shields, and heavy-duty protective boots.
- This follows India's earlier supply of over 45 tonnes of medical assistance to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in May and June for Ebola preparedness.
- India had previously supplied 1.12 million doses of made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines to Kenya under the Vaccine Maitri initiative.
- India and Kenya have expanded health sector cooperation, including grant assistance for a Bhabhatron radiotherapy machine for Kenyatta National Hospital and diagnostic equipment for the Kenya Navy Hospital in Mombasa.
- Over 10,000 Kenyans travel to India annually for medical treatment, and Indian pharmaceutical products account for more than half of Kenya's pharmaceutical market.
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India dispatched the first tranche of medical supplies and protective kits to the African Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in response to the Ebola public health emergency. The World Health…
Palestinian Embassy appeals to India for $100 million medical aid under Aarogya Maitri project (End of June)
The Embassy of the State of Palestine to the Republic of India has requested the Government of India for life-saving medical supplies valued at 100 million USD. The appeal seeks assistance under the Aarogya Maitri…
India announced its support for Palestine's membership in the United Nations during a donor group meeting in Brussels. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the announcement on July 14, 2026, at the launch of…
India and Kenya hold 10th Joint Trade Committee meeting in Nairobi on April 27-28, 2026 (End of April)
India and Kenya held the 10th session of the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) in Nairobi on April 27-28, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Trade Regina…
Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi Visits India from 17–20 July 2026
Key Updates:
- Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi paid an official visit to India from July 17 to 20, 2026.
- He met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on July 19.
- He paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat during the visit.
- India and Tanzania bilateral trade reached USD 9.02 billion in 2025-26.
- The 5th Session of the India-Tanzania Joint Trade Committee was held in Dar es Salaam on April 29-30, 2026.
- India and Tanzania discussed cooperation in trade settlement in local currencies, long-term business visas, pharmaceuticals, and capacity building in health, AYUSH, education, and shipbuilding.
- Defence cooperation between India and Tanzania is guided by a five-year roadmap.
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Prime Minister Modi visits Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand from July 6 to 11, 2026 (Mid of July)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a six-day visit to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand from July 6 to 11, 2026, to strengthen India's Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision. In Indonesia (July 6-8), the Prime…
Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi assumed office as Prime Minister of Iraq on May 16, 2026. He is a businessman and emerged as a consensus choice from the Coordination Framework alliance after weeks of discussions.
Acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, is on a working visit to India from June 3 to 7, 2026, to hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rodriguez was appointed Acting President following…
India and Indonesia strengthen bilateral ties through visit to Prambanan Temple and defence pacts on 08 July 2026 (Start of July)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited the 1,000-year-old Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta. The Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.
UN SOFI report: Global hunger marginally declines in 2025 but world remains off track for zero hunger goal
Key Updates:
- An estimated 645 million people faced hunger in 2025, down from 2024 but still 61 million higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Africa overtook Asia as the region with the largest number of hungry people, with 309 million affected in 2025 compared to 292 million in Asia.
- The UN report warned that conflict, extreme weather, and cuts to humanitarian funding could reverse recent gains.
- One in four people worldwide (2.1 billion) were food insecure in 2025, lacking regular access to sufficient food.
- Nearly one-third of the world's population could not afford a healthy diet in 2025.
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World Hunger Day observed on May 28 (End of May)
World Hunger Day is observed globally on May 28. The 2026 Global Report on Food Crises found 35.5 million children aged 6–59 months were acutely malnourished across 23 countries and territories.
2026 UN Sustainable Development Goals Index released at Hamburg Sustainability Conference (Start of July)
India achieved its highest-ever position in the global United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, ranking 94th among 167 countries in the 2026 edition. The 2026 Sustainable Development Report was published…
The United Nations (UN) gender equality agency, UN Women, reported that at least one million women and girls have lost access to critical humanitarian support since January 2025. The report, titled Beyond the Breaking…
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports first decline in global refugee numbers in a decade as of 2025 (Mid of June)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported a three percent drop in global refugee figures as of 2025. The decrease in numbers is largely attributed to increased voluntary returns to Afghanistan…
BRICS Summit 2026: India Invites Bangladesh as Special Guest While Hosting Key Ministerial Meetings
Key Updates:
- India will host the BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 17 to 19, 2026.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the summit as a special guest.
- Bangladesh is neither a BRICS member nor an observer but has expressed interest in joining the grouping.
- China and Russia have backed Bangladesh's interest in BRICS membership.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to attend the summit.
- India hosted the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in New Delhi, chaired by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.
- The DRR meeting adopted a Joint Ministerial Statement outlining shared priorities for disaster risk reduction.
- India concluded the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting in Chandigarh, which adopted the 16th BRICS Health Ministerial Declaration.
- India announced that the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) will coordinate the BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Mental Wellness.
- India's BRICS Chairship theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila to discuss bilateral ties.
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India convened the Sixteenth BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting in Chandigarh from 22 to 24 July 2026 as part of its BRICS Chairship 2026. The meeting brought together Health Ministers and senior officials from all eleven…
India is hosting the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ meeting in New Delhi on July 16, 2026. The summit brings together representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting is scheduled for 14th and 15th May 2026 in New Delhi. The meeting is held under India's 2026 chairship and is chaired by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar.
Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12-13 September (End of May)
Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) summit in New Delhi on 12 and 13 September. India, as the chair of the BRICS, will host the annual summit of the…
India's Bhargavastra Counter-Drone System to Complete Internal Trials in 2-3 Months
Key Updates:
- The indigenous Bhargavastra counter-drone system is developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd (SDAL).
- Internal trials of the Bhargavastra system are expected to be completed within two to three months.
- The system's radar can detect aerial threats up to 10 kilometres, and its Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS) has a range of six kilometres.
- Bhargavastra is designed to counter weaponised drones, loitering munitions, and autonomous drone swarms using a layered engagement architecture.
- The system integrates an advanced Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (C4I) architecture with radar, EO/IR sensors, and passive RF detectors.
- SDAL Chairman Satyanarayan Nuwal expressed confidence that Bhargavastra will pave the way for the Sudarshan Chakra air defence system by 2030.
- An Indian Army team visited SDAL's Nagpur facility for a status review under the Make-II programme.
- During the demonstration, a swarm of drones was successfully detected by the radar, EO/IR, and RF sensors, and the C4I system generated a real-time air situation picture.
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The Indian Army will raise specialised Baaz Battalions to strengthen intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. These battalions will be built upon existing Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Flights to…
India showcases next-generation indigenous defence arsenal at Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Hazira facility (Start of June)
The Zorawar light tank, developed with the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), is a 25-tonne tank armed with a 105 mm gun designed for plains, deserts, and high-altitude regions. The K9…
India's SMPP delivers 106 Peacekeeper (Agniveg) kamikaze drones to Indian Army on 12 June 2026 (Mid of June)
SMPP, an Indian defence manufacturer, completed the delivery of 100 operational Peacekeeper (Agniveg) jet-based drones and six training drones to the Indian Army. The Peacekeeper (Agniveg) is a turbojet-powered kamikaze…
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and a domestic startup, has developed an indigenous low-cost tactical aerostat. The tactical…
India Develops First Indigenous Expendable Turbojet Engine
Key Updates:
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) designed India's first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in the 350 kg thrust class.
- The engine was manufactured and assembled by Hyderabad-based Azad Engineering, selected as the production partner.
- The engine is expected to support future indigenous missile systems and unmanned aerial platforms.
- The development marks a milestone in India's self-reliance in advanced aerospace propulsion technologies, a domain mastered by only a few nations.
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CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) develops indigenous green refrigerants (Mid of July)
The CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) has developed India's first indigenous process technology for manufacturing hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). CSIR-IICT developed a technology platform for the…
Bengaluru-based Paninian India Pvt. Ltd. has announced the Yantur 4.5 kN Turbofan Engine Programme. The engine is designed to power the proposed Svayatt L1 autonomous cruise missile platform.
Skyroot Aerospace Successfully Launches India’s First Private Orbital Rocket ‘Vikram-1’ Under Mission Aagaman (End of July)
Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace launched India’s first privately-built orbital rocket, Vikram-1, under Mission Aagaman from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The multi-stage Vikram-1 rocket…
The ePlane Company, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, unveiled India's first full-scale electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft prototype, designated PT-01. The prototype has a carbon-fibre composite…
CMFRI Launches DeepDATA App for Deep-Sea Fish Documentation
Key Updates:
- The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) launched the DeepDATA mobile application for digital documentation of deep-sea marine biodiversity.
- The app was developed under the Deep Ocean Mission with funding from the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- DeepDATA is available on the Google Play Store and allows users to browse scientifically verified information on deep-sea fish species, including taxonomy, distinguishing characteristics, distribution, and conservation status.
- Users can upload photographs and observations of deep-sea fishes encountered during fishing, research cruises, or coastal visits, with every record verified by CMFRI experts before being added to the national digital repository.
- The platform aims to strengthen biodiversity mapping, support conservation planning, and promote public awareness of India's deep-sea ecosystems.
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ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) discovers new deep-sea fish species Cyttopsis indica (Start of July)
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) discovered a new deep-sea fish species in the Arabian Sea off southern Kerala. The species is named Cyttopsis indica (Indian dory) and belongs to the genus…
CMFRI annual marine fish landing estimates for 2025 released (Start of May)
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is an institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The Fishery Resources Assessment, Economics and Extension Division of CMFRI prepares the…
Letter of Authorisation (LoA) and Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission for sustainable fisheries and marine exports (Start of July)
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan launched the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) for sustainable harnessing of fisheries in the high seas and the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission document in Bhubaneswar. The LoA is a…
Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission: Rs 2,295.45 Crore Outlay (Start of July)
The Odisha government approved a deep sea fishing mission with an estimated outlay of Rs 2,295.45 crore to be implemented between 2026 and 2036. The mission is a flagship initiative of the Fisheries and Animal Resources…
SpaceX Starship Deploys 20 Starlink Satellites
Key Updates:
- SpaceX launched its 13th Starship test flight from Starbase, Texas, deploying 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites.
- The 407-foot (124-metre) Starship V3 rocket lifted off after replacing six engines that failed to ignite in an earlier launch attempt.
- The booster splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico, while the spacecraft completed re-entry and splashdown in the Indian Ocean after traveling over 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
- The deployed Starlink satellites extended their solar arrays and antennas and attempted laser communications with existing Starlink satellites before burning up during re-entry as planned.
- Six of the satellites carried cameras to photograph Starship's heat shield, which also had sensors and painted white tiles to simulate damage for durability testing.
- The test flight was delayed twice—first by a last-second launch abort on July 16, 2026, and then by poor weather from Tropical Storm Bertha.
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HEX20, a Thiruvananthapuram-based satellite manufacturing firm, successfully launched its second spacecraft KOYO aboard SpaceX's Transporter-17 mission. The spacecraft KOYO (Kinetic Optical Yaw Observer) was developed…
SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches CAS500-2 and 45 Rideshare Payloads (Start of May)
SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 3. The primary payload was CAS500-2, a 500-kilogram imaging satellite developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI).
China Launches Gravity-1 Rocket with Nine Satellites (End of July)
Chinese private company Orienspace successfully launched its Gravity-1 rocket from a sea-based platform in the East China Sea. The rocket placed nine satellites into their intended orbits.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) granted technical clearance to Reliance Jio's proposed 1,600-satellite Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation. The technical evaluation was carried out…
Electric Passenger Boats Launched on the Ganga
Key Updates:
- The Varanasi Development Authority (VDA), in collaboration with GAIL (India) Limited, launched electric passenger boats under the Electric Boat Conversion Pilot Project.
- The first five converted electric boats were handed over to local boatmen at Namo Ghat on July 24, 2026.
- Each boat is equipped with a 15-kW electric outboard motor, a 20-kWh lithium battery pack, an EV charger, digital display, GPS tracking, and a remote monitoring system.
- The boats can complete at least three round trips between Assi Ghat and Namo Ghat on a single charge.
- The initiative is expected to reduce air, noise, and water pollution, lower carbon emissions, and cut operating costs for boatmen by 80%.
- Charging infrastructure has been installed at selected ghats to support the electric boats.
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India has crossed 2 million annual electric vehicle (EV) sales, with electric two-wheelers accounting for over 1.28 million units. The passenger vehicle EV segment recorded 89% growth over the past year, while electric…
India has notified the procedure for importers to claim quota-based tariff concessions on vehicle imports from the United Kingdom (UK) under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The Directorate…
The Uttar Pradesh government launched Project Ganga to ensure last-mile digital connectivity in rural areas for digital education, telemedicine, e-governance, skill development, and technology-based employment. The…
The ePlane Company, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, unveiled India's first full-scale electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft prototype, designated PT-01. The prototype has a carbon-fibre composite…
NRDC and NCISM Sign MoU to Commercialise Traditional Medicine Research
Key Updates:
- The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering innovation, intellectual property management, technology transfer and commercialisation of research.
- The partnership aims to help researchers and practitioners turn promising work in traditional medicine into protected, validated and commercially useful healthcare solutions.
- NCISM will connect NRDC with its regulated institutions, Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Cells and registered medical practitioners across India.
- NRDC will assist innovators with patents, trademarks, technology assessment, valuation, licensing and technology transfer, and connect institutions with industry.
- The MoU supports the development of evidence-based healthcare technologies rooted in India's traditional medical knowledge systems including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa.
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Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Research and Information System for the…
ISRO’s VSSC and CSIR-IICT Sign MoU to Develop Indigenous Eco-Friendly Blowing Agent Technology (End of July)
CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed an MoU to jointly develop indigenous next-generation…
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) to bolster the national…
Saushrutam 2026 inaugurated on July 15, 2026 (Mid of July)
Saushrutam 2026, a three-day international seminar on Ayurvedic surgery, was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu on July 15, 2026. The seminar was organised by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) under the…
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026 observed on July 26
Key Updates:
- Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed annually on July 26 to honour the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers of Operation Vijay.
- The Kargil War of 1999 claimed the lives of 527 Indian soldiers, while more than 1,300 personnel were wounded.
- India's response to the Pakistani intrusion included Operation Vijay (Army), Operation Safed Sagar (Air Force), and Operation Talwar (Navy).
- The war led to the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2020 and the establishment of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA).
- India's defence production reached a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, and defence exports rose to ₹38,424 crore, with equipment exported to over 80 countries.
- Key military platforms inducted after Kargil include Rafale fighter aircraft, Apache attack helicopters, Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, Arjun Mk IA battle tanks, and INS Vikrant.
- The conflict spurred initiatives such as Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat to boost indigenous defence manufacturing.
- India's surveillance network now includes drones, satellite-based monitoring, advanced radar systems, and integrated intelligence sharing.
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General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on June 30. General Seth introduced the 'VIJAY' vision to define key priorities for the future transformation of the Indian Army.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released a commemorative volume on Operation Sindoor in New Delhi on May 29, 2026. The publication documents the personal experiences and testimonies of 100 officers, sailors, airmen, and…
India commemorates first anniversary of Operation Sindoor against terror infrastructure in PoK and Pakistan (Start of May)
India observed the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, a military countermeasure initiated following the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025. The operation involved decisive military action by the Indian Armed…
Saurabh Vijay has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the UIDAI. He is a 1998-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Maharashtra cadre.
Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Education Minister Over NEET-UG Row
Key Updates:
- Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister on 25 July 2026, taking moral responsibility for the NEET-UG paper leak.
- The resignation was a core demand of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which led student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
- Pradhan was first appointed as Education Minister in 2021 and was re-appointed after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
- The NEET-UG examination held on 3 May 2026 was cancelled due to a paper leak, and a re-examination was conducted on 21 June 2026.
- The government handed over the investigation of the NEET-UG paper leak to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts for strict punishment in paper leak cases and an amendment to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act.
- The protests at Jantar Mantar led to the closure of 18 metro stations in central Delhi.
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Ravneet Singh Bittu Resigns as Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries (End of July)
Ravneet Singh Bittu resigned as Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries on July 25, 2026. President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurates India’s First Integrated CCUS Field Laboratory at IIT Bombay (Mid of May)
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first Integrated Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Field Laboratory Facility under Bharat Innovates 2026 at the Indian Institute of…
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the Bhima Mandali caves in the Rairakhol sub-division of Sambalpur, Odisha, will be developed into a premier global heritage destination. The caves are situated…
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Approval for Three Global Universities to Open India Campuses (Mid of June)
The Ministry of Education issued Letters of Approval (LoAs) to the University of Bristol, the University of York, and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to establish campuses in India. The approvals align with the…
Pralhad Joshi Takes Charge as Education Minister After Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns
Key Updates:
- Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister on July 26, 2026.
- The President of India accepted his resignation under Article 75(2) of the Constitution.
- Pralhad Joshi, Cabinet Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, was assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of Education.
- Pralhad Joshi is a Lok Sabha member from Dharwad, Karnataka.
- The resignation followed a month-long student protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak.
- The government also accepted demands including no legal proceedings against protesters and compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide.
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Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches White Rabbit Technology-Based IST Distribution Demonstration Network (End of July)
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Distribution Demonstration Network. The demonstration network was…
Naresh Pal Gangwar, a 1994-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education. He replaced Vineet Joshi, who has been transferred to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj as Secretary.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurates India’s First Integrated CCUS Field Laboratory at IIT Bombay (Mid of May)
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first Integrated Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Field Laboratory Facility under Bharat Innovates 2026 at the Indian Institute of…
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the Bhima Mandali caves in the Rairakhol sub-division of Sambalpur, Odisha, will be developed into a premier global heritage destination. The caves are situated…