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Wednesday, Apr 29

Daily Current Affairs: 29 April 2026

Analysis for 29 April 2026

National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) outlines two-phased Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) roadmap for $30 trillion economy by 2047

Key Updates:

  • The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) has outlined a two-phased strategy for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to facilitate the transition toward a $30 trillion economy by 2047.
  • The strategy is detailed in a report titled 'DPI@2047: The Roadmap to Prosperity' from the NITI Frontier Tech Hub.
  • The roadmap sets an ambitious target for a per capita income of $18,000.
  • DPI 2.0 is scheduled to span from 2025 to 2035 and focuses on building a broad base of capable citizens.
  • DPI 3.0 is scheduled to span from 2035 to 2047 and aims to achieve prosperity through grassroots innovation and high-value local economic growth.
  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) noted that DPI 1.0 established digital identity for over 1.3 billion people through Aadhaar and drove transactions via the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
  • The report identifies eight specific sectoral transformations to drive mass inclusion, targeting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), agriculture, education, health, energy, and credit.
  • For MSMEs, the plan targets market expansion through digital intelligence and low-cost job fulfilment systems to connect them with local talent.
  • The agricultural initiative seeks to raise incomes for smallholder farmers by providing digital access to advisory services and market linkages.
  • The roadmap emphasises equitable access to learner-centric education in local languages and the strengthening of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to expand universal health coverage.
  • Systemic enablers introduced in the plan include decentralised energy markets for renewable power production and democratised credit access for microcredits.

Similar Coverage

Ashok Lahiri Appointed Vice Chairman of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) (End of April) ▼
  • Ashok Lahiri, an economist and former chief economic advisor, appointed as Vice Chairman of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog).
  • Ashok Lahiri replaces Suman Bery, who served as the vice chairman of NITI Aayog for four years.
  • The government appointed five new members to NITI Aayog: Rajiv Gauba, Prof. K. V. Raju, Prof. Gobardhan Das, Dr. M. Srinivas, and Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
  • Rajiv Gauba, a former cabinet secretary, was appointed in March 2025.
  • Prof. Gobardhan Das is the director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal.
  • Prof. K. V. Raju is a part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the PM (EAC-PM).
  • Prof. Abhay Karandikar is the secretary in the Department of Science and Technology.
  • Dr. M. Srinivas is the director at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
  • The new members replace existing members Ramesh Chand, Arvind Virmani, VK Saraswat, and Dr VK Paul.
NITI Aayog–JICA Phase II pact for SDG push in Aspirational Districts and Blocks (Start of March) ▼
  • NITI Aayog and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed the Record of Discussions for Phase II of the Japan–India Cooperative Actions towards Sustainable Development Goals.
  • The agreement was signed in the presence of Rohit Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme at NITI Aayog, and Takeuchi Takuro, Chief Representative, JICA India.
  • Phase II focuses on institutional capacity-building and improving governance systems at district and block levels under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
  • The initiative covers six themes: global partnership, health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion and skill development, and basic infrastructure.
  • Key activities include capacity-building exchanges, Japan–India knowledge forums, identification and dissemination of best practices, and targeted support to selected Aspirational Districts and Blocks.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to launch National Household Income Survey (NHIS) in 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch the National Household Income Survey (NHIS) and the Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) in April 2026.
  • The National Statistics Office (NSO) will conduct the fieldwork for both surveys digitally across India for a duration of one full year.
  • MoSPI is convening an All-India Workshop of Trainers (AIWOT) in Chennai on 28–29 January 2026 to prepare senior officials and field functionaries for the rollout.
  • The NHIS will provide data on household income distribution, living conditions, and sources of income from labour, capital, and land.
  • The ASISSE will build a national database of the corporate services sector, capturing indicators such as Gross Value Added (GVA), fixed capital formation, employment, and emoluments.
  • The ASISSE will use an enterprise-based approach aligned with the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) framework to generate estimates at state and industry levels.
  • The surveys will cover the entire Indian Union, with the exception of villages in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that remain inaccessible year-round due to geographical constraints.
Budget 2026–27 Mega Infra Push: Seven High-Speed Rail Corridors, City Economic Regions and Rs 10,000 Cr SME Growth Fund (Start of February) ▼
  • Capital expenditure for 2026–27 raised to Rs 12.2 lakh crore.
  • Seven new high-speed rail corridors announced: Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Hyderabad-Chennai, Chennai-Bengaluru, Delhi-Varanasi and Varanasi-Siliguri.
  • City Economic Regions to get Rs 5,000 crore per region over five years.
  • New Dedicated Freight Corridor to link Dankuni in the East with Surat in the West.
  • 20 National Waterways to be operationalised in five years, starting with NW-5 in Odisha connecting Talcher, Angul, Kalinga Nagar to Paradeep and Dhamra ports.
  • Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund to provide partial credit guarantees to lenders for private developers.
  • Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund launched to incentivise small and medium enterprises based on select criteria.
  • Self-Reliant India Fund topped up with Rs 2,000 crore to support micro enterprises.
  • Three dedicated Chemical Parks to be established with central support to States.
  • Rare Earth Corridors to be set up in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for mining, processing, research and manufacturing.
  • Mega Textile Parks to be developed in challenge mode, including focus on technical textiles.
  • Ship repair ecosystem for inland waterways to be set up at Varanasi and Patna.
  • Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to raise share of inland waterways and coastal shipping from 6 % to 12 % by 2047.
  • Seaplane Viability Gap Funding Scheme introduced to support seaplane operations.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants NBFC licence to One MobiKwik Systems

Key Updates:

  • One MobiKwik Systems has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) licence to launch its in-house lending business.
  • The company will establish a wholly owned subsidiary named MobiKwik Financial Services Private Limited to expand regulated lending operations and roll out credit products for consumers and merchants.
  • The NBFC licence is intended to help the fintech firm strengthen its full-stack financial services, improve lending margins, and accelerate the launch of new products.
  • MobiKwik plans to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning models to offer personalised financial products and expand credit access in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
  • The company, which has a user base of over 186 million users, will commence operations after receiving a certificate of registration from the RBI.
  • Following the announcement, the share price of One MobiKwik Systems surged by 14.02% to ₹230.26.

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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants Certificate of Registration to Airtel Money as Type II non-deposit taking NBFC (Mid of February) ▼
  • Airtel Money, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, received the Certificate of Registration dated 13/02/2026 from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • The certificate allows Airtel Money to commence business as a Type II non-deposit accepting Non-Banking Financial Company under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934.
  • The RBI does not guarantee the financial soundness of Airtel Money or the repayment of deposits/discharge of liabilities.
Punjab National Bank (PNB) partners with Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to offer collateral-free short-term loans to sellers. (Start of April) ▼
  • Punjab National Bank (PNB) signed an MoU with Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to provide swift, collateral-free short-term loans against GeM purchase orders.
  • The facility targets Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and small businesses facing hurdles in securing timely and affordable credit.
  • Loan processing will be transparent, efficient, digital, and paperless as per PNB.
Kotak Mahindra Bank issues India's first fully digital Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) licence (Start of February) ▼
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank has become the first custodian in India to issue a Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) licence through a fully digital onboarding process.
  • The bank completed the entire account-opening process for overseas investors using electronic signatures.
  • The bank has already issued two FPI licences based entirely on digitally signed documents.
  • The move follows the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) operationalising a unified digital workflow in January 2026.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves Bain Capital's acquisition of up to 41.7% stake in Manappuram Finance (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted final approval on 13 February 2026 for the acquisition of up to 41.66 per cent of the paid-up equity capital of Manappuram Finance by Bain Capital.
  • The acquisition will be executed through Bain Capital affiliates, BC Asia Investments XXV Ltd and BC Asia Investments XIV Ltd.
  • Bain Capital committed to an investment of approximately ₹4,385 crore to acquire an initial 18 per cent stake through preferential allotment of equity shares and warrants at ₹236 per share.
  • The transaction includes a mandatory open offer for an additional 26 per cent stake from public shareholders at ₹236 per share, as per the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011.
  • Upon completion, Bain Capital will be classified as a promoter and will jointly control Manappuram Finance with the existing promoters.
  • The existing promoters will retain a 28.9 per cent stake in the gold loan financier on a fully diluted basis post-investment.
  • V P Nandakumar serves as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Manappuram Finance.

Knight Frank ranks India 6th globally in ultra-high net worth individual population

[Knight Frank, United States]

Key Updates:

  • Knight Frank ranks India as the sixth-largest country globally by ultra-high net worth individual (UHNWI) population.
  • India is home to 19,877 UHNWIs with net worth exceeding $30 million in 2026, accounting for 2.8% of the global UHNWI population.
  • The UHNWI population in India is projected to grow by 27% to 25,217 by 2031.
  • In 2026, the share of UHNWIs in India's top five cities is Mumbai (35.4%), Delhi (22.8%), Bengaluru (10.6%), Hyderabad (6.3%), and Chennai (4.8%).
  • India ranks third globally in billionaire population with 207 billionaires in 2026, following the United States of America (USA) with 914 and Mainland China with 485.
  • India's billionaire population is expected to increase by 51% to 313 by 2031, raising its global share from 6.7% to 8%.
  • The global UHNWI population rose to 713,626 in 2026, compared to 551,435 in 2021.

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Bloomberg Billionaires Index (BBI) 2026 ranks Gautam Adani as Asia's richest individual (Mid of April) ▼
  • Gautam Adani, Founder-Chairman of Adani Group, reclaimed the title of Asia’s richest person with a net worth of $92.6 billion, ranking 19th globally.
  • Mukesh Ambani, head of Reliance Industries, ranked 20th globally with a net worth of $90.8 billion after experiencing a wealth decline of $16.9 billion.
  • Elon Musk retained the top global position with a net worth of $656 billion, followed by Larry Page at $286 billion and Jeff Bezos at $269 billion.
  • The top 10 global rankings include Sergey Brin ($266 billion), Mark Zuckerberg ($239 billion), Larry Ellison ($230 billion), Michael Dell ($170 billion), Jensen Huang ($164 billion), Bernard Arnault ($164 billion), and Jim Walton ($150 billion).
  • Elon Musk recorded the highest wealth gain of $36.7 billion between 2025 and 2026, while Bernard Arnault saw the steepest decline of $44 billion.
  • In the regional rankings, Zhang Yiming and Zhong Shanshan followed Adani and Ambani with net worths of $68.7 billion and $68.2 billion respectively.
  • Gautam Adani ranked 19th among those who added the most to their fortunes, with a net worth increase of $8.10 billion over the year.
Gautam Adani Overtakes Mukesh Ambani as Asia's Richest Person (Mid of April) ▼
  • Gautam Adani emerged as the wealthiest individual in Asia according to the latest data from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
  • Gautam Adani secured the 19th position in the global wealth rankings with a net worth of $92.6 billion.
  • Mukesh Ambani ranked as the 20th richest person in the world with a total net worth of $90.8 billion.
  • Gautam Adani added $8.1 billion to his fortune this year, while Mukesh Ambani recorded a decline of $16.9 billion during the same period.
  • Elon Musk remains the world's richest individual with a net worth of $656 billion, followed by Larry Page at $286 billion.
  • Bernard Arnault recorded the sharpest decline among the top 20 billionaires this year, losing $44 billion.
  • The top 10 global billionaires include Jeff Bezos, Sergey Brin, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, Michael Dell, Jensen Huang, Bernard Arnault, and Jim Walton.
India ranks among world’s most optimistic nations in Ipsos March 2026 survey (Start of April) ▼
  • 65 per cent of Indian respondents believe the country is heading in the right direction, placing India third globally behind Singapore (78 per cent) and Malaysia (73 per cent).
  • The Ipsos “What Worries the World” survey for March 2026 covered 29 markets and found that 25 countries had majority pessimism, while India and select Southeast Asian economies showed net optimism.
  • 74 per cent of Indians describe the current economic situation as good, and the Economic Expectations Sub-Index for India rose 6.6 percentage points earlier in 2026.
  • India’s Real GDP is estimated to grow at approximately 7.4 per cent in FY 2025-26, with the economy valued at over US$ 2.2 trillion.
  • Inflation is the top worry for 47 per cent of Indian respondents, followed by unemployment (40 per cent), education (30 per cent), crime and violence (27 per cent), and financial and political corruption (26 per cent).
  • The survey was conducted between 20 February and 6 March 2026 with approximately 2,200 participants in India, primarily representing urban populations across socio-economic classes A, B, and C in metropolitan and tier 1–3 cities.
Tracxn reports Indian tech startups raise USD 11.7 billion in FY26, down 18% from FY25 (Mid of April) ▼
  • Indian tech startups raised USD 11.7 billion in FY 2025-26, an 18% decline from USD 14.3 billion in FY 2024-25.
  • Early-stage funding surged 33% to USD 4.8 billion in FY26 from USD 3.6 billion in FY25.
  • India ranked fourth-highest funded country globally in FY26, behind the US, UK, and China.
  • FinTech firms secured USD 2.4 billion in FY26, up 14% from USD 2.1 billion in FY25.
  • Enterprise Applications received USD 3.6 billion in FY26, same as FY25.
  • Late-stage startups raised USD 5.6 billion in FY26, down 38% from USD 9.2 billion in FY25.
  • Seed-stage funding declined 15% to USD 1.3 billion in FY26 from USD 1.5 billion in FY25.
  • India witnessed 13 funding rounds above USD 100 million in FY26, compared to 23 in FY25.
  • India Tech recorded 47 IPOs in FY26, up 52% from 31 IPOs in FY25.
  • Six unicorns were created in FY26, a 50% increase from four in FY25.

Bharat-Bhutan Mystic Mountain Tour: IRCTC to operate Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist train

[Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), Bhutan]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) announced the launch of the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist train for the Bharat-Bhutan Mystic Mountain Tour package.
  • The 13 nights and 14 days journey is scheduled to run from May 5 to May 18, 2026, starting from Delhi Safdarjung.
  • Boarding and de-boarding points for the tour are available at Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Tundla, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Varanasi railway stations.
  • The tour covers Indian destinations including Guwahati (Kamakhya temple, Brahmaputra cruise), Cherrapunji (Seven Sisters’ waterfalls, Mawsamai caves, Nohkhalikai Falls, Elephanta Falls), and Shillong (Cathedral Church, Wards Lake, Umium Lake).
  • The itinerary includes Bhutanese destinations: Thimphu (Buddha Point, Motithang Zoo, Painting School, National Library, Thimphu Handicraft market, Tashi Chho Dzong), Punakha (Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong), and Paro (Lamperi Royal Botanical Park, Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge, Paro Dzong, Tiger Nest basecamp Point, National Museum, Hot stone Bath).
  • The train has a total capacity of 162 passengers, featuring Superior AC I Coupe (32 berths), Superior AC I Cabin (38 berths), Deluxe AC II tier (36 berths), and Comfort AC III tier (56 berths).
  • The package fares are ₹1,41,540 for AC I Cabin/Coupe, ₹1,33,210 for AC II, and ₹1,16,545 for AC III.
  • Package inclusions consist of vegetarian onboard and off-board meals, all transfers, sightseeing by coach, and accidental travel insurance.

Similar Coverage

Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India launched to strengthen India’s tourism ecosystem (Mid of April) ▼
  • National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) launched the anthology titled "Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India" on 17 April 2026.
  • The initiative aims to inspire citizens and global travellers to explore India's diverse tourism landscape through a structured and immersive approach.
  • The anthology presents tourism offerings through a seasonal lens, covering iconic landmarks, heritage sites, cultural traditions, festivals, cuisines, and lesser-known destinations across all States and Union Territories.
  • The launch was a collaborative effort involving NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of Culture.
  • Industry and academic partners participating in the launch included Airbnb, Atithi Foundation, Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP), Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), and Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
Indian Army to host Surya Devbhoomi Challenge 2.0 in Uttarakhand from 16 to 20 April 2026 (Mid of April) ▼
  • The Indian Army, in association with IconMetrix, will host the Surya Devbhoomi Challenge 2.0 in the Uttarakhand Himalayas.
  • The high-altitude endurance event will span 113 kilometres in the Badrinath–Kedarnath corridor from 16 to 20 April 2026.
  • The event is organised with the support of the Government of Uttarakhand and Uttarakhand Tourism.
  • Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan will interact with athletes during the Expo on 16 April.
  • The challenge will feature participation from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
  • The event aims to promote sustainable mountain tourism and border region engagement.
  • The closing ceremony on 20 April is expected to feature the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami.
India and Bhutan hold 7th Joint Group of Customs meeting in Munnar, Kerala on 20th-21st April 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • The 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting between India and Bhutan was held on 20th–21st April 2026 in Munnar, Kerala.
  • The meeting was co-chaired by Yogendra Garg, Special Secretary and Member (Customs) of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), and Mr. Sonam Jamtsho, Director General of the Department of Revenue and Customs, Ministry of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan.
  • India is the largest trading partner of Bhutan, accounting for nearly 80% of Bhutan's total trade.
  • Bilateral trade between the two nations exceeded $1.9 billion in FY 2024–25, reflecting a growth of over 46% compared to the previous financial year.
  • There are 10 notified land customs stations along the India–Bhutan border, located in West Bengal (6) and Assam (4).
  • Priority areas discussed included Coordinated Border Management (CBM), digitization of customs processes, and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) for transit cargo movement.
  • The sides discussed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on pre-arrival exchange of customs data and the strengthening of anti-smuggling mechanisms through intelligence sharing.
  • The Bhutanese delegation visited the Kochi Port to review import and export procedures, maritime enforcement, and the Automatic Identification System (AIS).
  • The engagement is conducted under the framework of the Agreement on Trade, Commerce and Transit.
Divya Singh cycles to Everest Base Camp in 14 days (Start of April) ▼
  • Divya Singh from Uttar Pradesh became the first woman of India to reach Everest Base Camp by bicycle after a 14-day journey from Kathmandu.
  • She cycled 10–12 hours daily, carrying her bicycle on shoulders when trails were too steep or unrideable.
  • A viral video shows her holding the Indian flag at Everest Base Camp upon completion of the expedition.

SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application for real-time data collection and monitoring

[Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (India)]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE) launched the SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application.
  • The application was launched during the Chintan Shivir held in Chandigarh from 24th to 26th April 2026.
  • The tool was developed under the SMILE–Beggary Sub-Scheme (Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging).
  • The application aims to strengthen field-level implementation through real-time data collection and improved monitoring.
  • It enables district authorities and implementing agencies to capture survey data digitally to ensure accuracy, transparency, and timely reporting.
  • The initiative aligns with the Government’s vision of achieving a Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat.

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Ministry of Education Launches SATHEE App for Free Competitive Exam Preparation (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Education (MoE) introduced the Self Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Exams (SATHEE) app as a digital learning platform for competitive examinations.
  • The application was developed as an initiative by the MoE in association with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur.
  • The platform offers free preparation resources for various exams, specifically Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), and Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
  • Academic content provided includes video lectures and notes from experts at the IIT and other educational institutions.
  • The app features study materials, including previous year question papers, available in multiple Indian languages including Hindi and English.
  • The platform is designed with a simple interface to facilitate access for students in rural areas and those unable to afford private coaching academies.
Maharashtra launches Divyang Sahayak Portal for paperless disability scheme access (Start of March) ▼
  • Maharashtra government launched the country’s first integrated Divyang Sahayak Portal to streamline welfare schemes for persons with disabilities.
  • The portal enables online applications, real-time tracking and automatic approvals without physical documents.
  • It integrates with Unique Disability ID, Aadhaar through Meri Pehchan and Direct Benefit Transfer platform; integration with PAN, TAN, GST, bank details, e-Sign, UDISE and RBSK is underway.
  • Artificial intelligence tools scan uploaded documents for clarity and allocate grievances to the appropriate desk.
  • The portal is structured into 11 modules; the first four—unified scheme delivery, institution information management, citizen grievance redressal and department dashboard—are ready to go live.
  • A mobile application has been created and submitted to the Government of India for listing on its app store.
National Chintan Shivir concluded at Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar (End of February) ▼
  • The two-day National Chintan Shivir was organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs at Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar.
  • Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the NIGRANI App, Haj Wrist Band and AI Chatbots during the event.
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PMVIKAS), National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), UMEED Central Portal and Haj modernisation were showcased as key minority welfare initiatives.
  • Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian described PMJVK as a transformative scheme for infrastructure development in minority concentration areas.
  • Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Chandra Shekhar Kumar, acknowledged the support of the Bihar Government and Nalanda University officials for hosting the Shivir.
  • State Ministers Imkong Mar (Nagaland), Kento Jini (Arunachal Pradesh), Samdup Lepcha (Sikkim) and Sukla Charan Noatia (Tripura) shared regional perspectives on minority welfare schemes.
  • The Chintan Shivir focused on five thematic areas: Infrastructure Development (PMJVK), Socio-economic Empowerment (PMVIKAS + NMDFC), Waqf Management, Haj Management and Scholarship Schemes.

Mission Jagrook: SEBI's nationwide investor awareness initiative

Key Updates:

  • The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs launched 'Mission Jagrook', a nationwide investor awareness initiative by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
  • SEBI implemented the Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework in April 2025.
  • SEBI introduced "SEBI Check", a tool that allows investors to verify the payment details of registered intermediaries before transferring money.
  • The SEBI Data Analytics and Digital Forensics Laboratory utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models to detect network-based frauds and complex market manipulation patterns.
  • SEBI, in collaboration with the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and market institutions, conducted 'Niveshak Shivir' programmes to reduce unclaimed financial assets.
  • India has over 5,900 listed companies and more than 140 million unique investors.
  • The primary market in India facilitates capital formation of nearly ₹10 trillion annually.

Similar Coverage

Ashok Lahiri Appointed Vice Chairman of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) (End of April) ▼
  • Ashok Lahiri has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog).
  • Lahiri replaces Suman Bery in the role of Vice Chairman.
  • The government has appointed five new members to NITI Aayog: Rajiv Gauba, Prof. K. V. Raju, Prof. Gobardhan Das, Dr. M. Srinivas, and Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
  • Ashok Lahiri is a former Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) and a member of the 15th Finance Commission.
  • Lahiri previously served as CEA under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and is currently a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from West Bengal.
  • Prof. Gobardhan Das, the Director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, has joined as a member.
  • The Prime Minister heads the NITI Aayog.
Sashakt Panchayat - Netri Abhiyan and Nirbhay Raho Initiative: ₹4,35,236 Crore Allocated for Rural Bodies (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) organised a national conference in Delhi to commemorate the first anniversary of the Sashakt Panchayat - Netri Abhiyan.
  • The Nirbhay Raho initiative was launched under the Nirbhaya Scheme to enhance women's safety and leadership in rural governance.
  • The initiative aims to provide capacity building and legal rights training to 14.5 lakh elected women representatives.
  • A total of 17.5 lakh male representatives will be sensitised on gender equality as part of the programme.
  • The financial allocation for rural bodies has been increased to ₹4,35,236 crore for the 2026-31 period.
  • The conference showcased the Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled SabhaSaar platform designed to improve inclusive local governance.
Karmayogi Sadhana Week 2026 launched to enhance civil-service capabilities (Start of April) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Karmayogi Sadhana Week 2026 on 2 April 2026.
  • The initiative promotes the mantra 'Nagrik Devo Bhav' for citizen-centric governance.
  • The week-long programme unites ministries, states, and training institutions for national capacity building.
  • Activities include webinars and workshops themed around Technology, Tradition, and Tangible Outcomes.
BRICS CCI WE Summit 2026 held in New Delhi from March 21 to 23 (End of March) ▼
  • The 6th edition of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI) Women Empowerment (WE) Annual Women’s Summit & Felicitations 2026 was held in New Delhi from March 21 to 23.
  • The summit theme was 'Women in Innovation, Science Leadership, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (WISE) – Inspiring Change, Shaping Tomorrow'.
  • Ruby Sinha, President of BRICS CCI WE, launched the commemorative coffee table book 'WISE Collective: Echoes of Excellence' during the summit.
  • A memorandum of understanding was signed with SEBRAE, Brazil’s Micro and Small Business Support Service, to enhance collaboration for women-led enterprises.
  • The convocation ceremony of the third edition of the BRICS CCI WE Global Women Leadership Programme took place at the summit.
  • Mission ShakthiSAT was unveiled by Meenakshi Lekhi, former Minister of State for External Affairs and Global Chair of the initiative.
  • Actor Shabana Azmi received the BRICS CCI WE Trailblazer: Living Legend recognition for her five decades in Indian cinema.
  • Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog and former President of NASSCOM, was conferred the Lifetime Achievement recognition.
  • Kalpana Murmu Soren, MLA from Gandey, Jharkhand, was recognised as the BRICS CCI WE Inspiring Woman of the Year.
  • Actor and climate advocate Bhumi Pednekar was felicitated as a BRICS CCI WE Woman Icon.

India becomes 5th largest military spender with $92.1 billion expenditure in 2025

Key Updates:

  • India is the world's fifth-largest military spender with an expenditure of $92.1 billion in 2025, following an 8.9 per cent increase.
  • The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released the trends in world military expenditure report.
  • Global military expenditure reached a record $2.89 trillion in 2025, growing by 2.9 per cent for the 11th consecutive year.
  • The five largest military spenders in 2025 were the United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India.
  • The top five nations accounted for 58 per cent of total world military expenditure, totalling $1,686 billion.
  • The global military burden, the percentage of global GDP devoted to defence, reached 2.5 per cent, its highest level since 2009.
  • On average, governments worldwide allocated 6.9 per cent of their total budgets to the military, amounting to $352 per person.
  • China is the world's second-largest spender, increasing its budget by 7.4 per cent to $336 billion, marking its 31st consecutive year of growth.
  • United States military spending fell by 7.5 per cent to $954 billion.
  • European military spending increased by 14 per cent to $864 billion.
  • Total expenditure in Asia and Oceania rose by 8.1 per cent to $681 billion.
  • Pakistan's military spending grew by 11 per cent to $11.9 billion in 2025.
  • Israeli spending fell by 4.9 per cent to $48.3 billion, while Iran's expenditure dropped to $7.4 billion.

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Ministry of Defence (MoD) records India's defence exports at ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26 (Start of April) ▼
  • India's defence exports reached a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, up over 62% from FY 2024-25.
  • Defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) contributed 54.84% of total exports, while private industry contributed 45.16%.
  • Defence exports rose from ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24 to ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25 before the FY 2025-26 jump.
India and Russia sign Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) in February 2025 (End of April) ▼
  • India and Russia signed the Indo-Russian Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) in February 2025.
  • The RELOS pact came into force on January 12 and was ratified by Russia in December 2025.
  • The agreement allows up to 3,000 troops, five warships, and ten aircraft to be simultaneously stationed in the partner country.
  • The pact is valid for a period of five years and can be extended for another five years if both parties agree.
  • The agreement provides reciprocal access to military facilities, including airbases and ports, granting India access to Russian naval and air bases in the Arctic.
  • The scope of the pact includes joint military exercises, training, humanitarian missions, disaster relief operations, and coordinated missions.
  • Logistics support for warships includes port access, repair services, and the supply of water, food, and technical resources.
  • Support for military aircraft includes air traffic control, aeronautical data, processing of flight requests, use of military navigation systems, parking, and security.
  • Aviation fuel, lubricants, special fluids, and restoration of malfunctioning equipment will be provided on a reimbursable basis.
  • The agreement aims to enhance interoperability between the armed forces and boost defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions.
India remains world’s 2nd largest arms importer despite Make-in-India push: SIPRI report (Start of March) ▼
  • India held 8.2% of global major arms imports between 2021 and 2025, ranking second worldwide.
  • Russia’s share of Indian arms imports fell from 70% in 2011-15 to 40% in 2021-25.
  • France and Israel raised their shares to 29% and 15% respectively in 2021-25.
  • India’s arms imports dropped 4% compared with the 2016-2020 period owing to emphasis on indigenous production.
  • Planned purchases include 114 Rafale fighters from France (approx. ₹3.25 lakh crore), six AIP-equipped submarines from Germany, six additional P-8I aircraft from the United States, and missile defence plus drone deals with Israel.
  • The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) cited Operation Sindoor and the dual threat from China and Pakistan as drivers for India’s import volumes.
  • Pakistan sourced about 80% of its arms from China and rose to become the 5th largest global recipient in 2021-25, up from 10th in 2016-20.
  • Top five arms importers for 2021-25 were Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, together accounting for 35% of global imports.
  • Global arms transfers grew 9.2% in 2021-25 versus 2016-20.
  • The United States (US) led exporters with 42% of global exports, followed by France (9.8%) and Russia (6.8%).
  • Europe became the largest importing region (33%) for the first time since the 1960s, followed by Asia and Oceania (31%) and West Asia (26%).
India Ministry of Defence signs Rs 858 crore contracts for Tunguska missile system and P8I aircraft maintenance (End of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts worth a total of Rs 858 crore to enhance the air and maritime defence capabilities of India.
  • A contract valued at Rs 445 crore was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia, for the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System.
  • The Tunguska system is intended to strengthen multi-layered air defence against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
  • A maintenance contract worth Rs 413 crore was executed with Boeing India Defense Pvt Ltd for the P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.
  • The P8I aircraft contract involves 100% indigenous content for depot-level maintenance to ensure in-country upkeep for the Indian Navy.
  • The agreements were signed at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
  • The P8I maintenance initiative aligns with the Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat programmes of the government.

India to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek on April 28

[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)]

Key Updates:

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will lead the Indian delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek on April 28.
  • The meeting will focus on regional and global security issues, including international peace, counter-terrorism, and defence cooperation.
  • The SCO was established in 2001 in Shanghai.
  • The members of the SCO include India, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus.
  • India became a full member of the SCO in 2017.
  • India held the rotating chairmanship of the SCO in 2023.

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India to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Defence Ministers' meeting in Bishkek on April 27-28, 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will lead the Indian delegation at the Defence Ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
  • The high-level meeting is scheduled to be held in Bishkek on April 27–28, 2026.
  • The agenda for the meeting includes discussions on terrorism, extremism, and regional security concerns.
Finland President Alexander Stubb arrives in New Delhi; to be Chief Guest at Raisina Dialogue 2026 (Start of March) ▼
  • President Alexander Stubb of Finland arrived in New Delhi on 4 March 2026 on a State Visit to India and received a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour.
  • Minister of State for External Affairs V. K. Singh received President Stubb at the airport.
  • President Stubb will be the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the 11th edition of Raisina Dialogue 2026 scheduled from 5-7 March in New Delhi.
  • During the visit, President Stubb will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attend a luncheon hosted by him.
  • President Stubb will also meet President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
  • After Delhi, President Stubb will travel to Mumbai and meet Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
  • This is President Stubb's first visit to India in his current role as President.
India and Israel: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Israel and address Knesset in February 2025 (End of February) ▼
  • Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Israel on 25 February 2025 for a two-day official visit.
  • PM Modi is expected to address the Knesset (Israeli parliament) and hold meetings with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
  • Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana announced that former lawmakers will occupy opposition benches if current members boycott the address.
  • The Leader of Opposition (LOP) Yair Lapid has demanded that Supreme Court (SC) President Yitzhak Amit be invited to the session as per protocol.
  • The political dispute is linked to Israel's judicial overhaul controversy and Justice Minister Yariv Levin's refusal to recognise the authority of SC President Amit.
PM Narendra Modi visits Dera Sach Khand Ballan on 1 February (Start of February) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dera Sach Khand Ballan, the spiritual headquarters of the Ravidassia community, in Jalandhar on 1 February 2026.
  • The Ravidassia community and other backward classes comprise approximately one-third of the total population of Punjab.
  • The visit is highlighted as a symbol of the fulfilment of the vision of Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar for a society providing equal opportunities for backward classes.
  • Satnam Singh Sandhu, a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha, described the outreach as a boost to social inclusion and investment sentiment in the border state.

17th Annual Traditional Seed Festival held in Araku region

Key Updates:

  • The 17th Annual Traditional Seed Festival was organised by the Sanjeevini organisation at Killoguda village in the Araku region of Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district.
  • The event aimed to promote natural farming and the conservation of indigenous seeds.
  • Traditional seeds were showcased by farmers from the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, Koraput in Odisha, and the Araku and Rampachodavaram regions of ASR district.
  • Villagers from Gondivalasa in Dumbriguda mandal displayed 80 different varieties of tuber seeds.
  • The winners of the traditional seed exhibition competition were Sukri from Gondivalasa village, Manikanta from Tamil Nadu, and Pratik Mori from Maharashtra.
  • The event involved representatives from the Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), and the Beej Swaraj Manch.

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Chapchar Kut spring festival celebrated in Mizoram on March 13 with theme 'Zo Nun Ze Mawi: Inremna'. (End of March) ▼
  • Chapchar Kut is celebrated in March after the completion of the most arduous stage of the jhum cultivation cycle.
  • The festival’s origin is traced by historians to between 1450 and 1700 AD in the village of Suaipui near present-day Myanmar.
  • The festival declined after the arrival of Christian missionaries in the late 19th century and was revived on a large scale in 1973 without animistic practices or alcohol.
  • The 2026 grand finale was held at the Lammual ground in Aizawl on March 13.
  • The week-long festivities began on March 9 across Mizoram.
  • Chief Minister Lalduhoma attended as the 'Kut Pa' and urged self-accountability and reconciliation as core Mizo values.
  • Governor V K Singh and Art and Culture Minister C Lamsawivunga joined the gathering.
Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launches biodiversity conservation project in Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya (End of April) ▼
  • 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.
Andhra Pradesh CM launches ‘Araku Kouni’ tribal millet menu to mainstream indigenous cuisine (Mid of March) ▼
  • Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched ‘Araku Kouni’, the state’s first tribal millet-based food menu, during the Collectors’ Conference at the Secretariat.
  • The menu features traditional recipes sourced from indigenous communities in Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district.
  • Dishes include Korra Payasam, Ragi Chapati, Samala Pulihora, Kantla Ambali, Corn Vada and Toor Dal Curry.
  • The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) will introduce the menu in all Haritha restaurants across ASR district and later extend it to other tourism outlets in the state.
  • The ASR district administration led the initiative with support from tribal anganwadi workers, the Indian Culinary Institute, Tirupati, and the Department of Tourism.
  • Ingredients are cultivated without chemical fertilisers or pesticides.
  • The district tourism team and the Indian Culinary Institute documented recipes along with nutritional values, calorific indices and health benefits.
Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 concludes in Delhi on Sunday (Start of April) ▼
  • Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in association with Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), concluded on Sunday at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi.
  • The 19-day festival recorded a footfall of over 1.5 lakh visitors and multi-crore sales.
  • More than 200 stalls were set up with participation from over 300 tribal artisans and representatives from more than 75 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
  • Top-performing tribal artisans and sellers were felicitated across ten categories including pottery, cane and bamboo, jewellery, cuisines, textiles, and forest-based products.
  • The RISA brand was launched on March 18 by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur.
  • The festival featured 17 live craft demonstrations and over 30 tribal food stalls with more than 120 tribal chefs presenting traditional cuisines.

Chinese Researchers Develop Zero-Carbon-Emission Direct Coal Fuel Cell (ZC-DCFC)

[China]

Key Updates:

  • Researchers at Shenzhen University, led by Xie Heping, have developed the Zero-Carbon-Emission Direct Coal Fuel Cell (ZC-DCFC).
  • The ZC-DCFC utilises electrochemical oxidation to convert the chemical energy of coal directly into electricity without the need for combustion.
  • The technology captures carbon dioxide in situ and converts it into chemical feedstocks such as synthesis gas or sodium bicarbonate.
  • The ZC-DCFC is expected to have a theoretical efficiency twice that of conventional coal-fired power plants.
  • The research findings were published in the Energy Reviews journal.
  • Large-scale commercial viability of the technology may take several decades due to high manufacturing costs and challenges regarding material longevity.

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Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) develops high-efficiency all-iron flow battery (End of April) ▼
  • 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.
Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy: Target Net-Zero by 2047 (End of April) ▼
  • A delegation led by Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) Chairman C. Divakar Reddy presented the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy at the World Climate Cities Forum in Yeosu, South Korea.
  • The World Climate Cities Forum was organised as part of the Korea Green Transition Week.
  • The policy envisions transforming Andhra Pradesh into a global clean energy hub.
  • The state government aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2047.
Ministry of Coal (MoC) achieves 1 billion tonne coal production for second consecutive year (End of March) ▼
  • India achieved the landmark of 1 billion tonne (BT) coal production on 20 March 2026.
  • This achievement marks the second consecutive year that the country has reached the 1 BT coal production milestone.
  • The Ministry of Coal (MoC) reported that the sustained output has supported the power sector in maintaining record coal inventories at thermal plants.
  • The production milestone aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 to enhance domestic production capabilities and drive sustainable economic development.
  • The landmark was achieved despite heightened uncertainties in global energy markets resulting from the West Asia crisis.
Tata Steel signs MoU with University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) to develop low-carbon steelmaking technologies. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Tata Steel signed the MoU with University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) in Beijing on Monday.
  • Research teams from Tata Steel, Tata Steel Research and Innovation Limited and USTB will jointly work on scrap-based steelmaking, steel waste valorisation, end-product performance, and carbon capture and utilisation technologies.
  • The collaboration will use USTB's academic expertise and its experimental and pilot-scale facilities to test and scale up technologies for industrial application.
  • Subodh Pandey, Vice President - Technology, R&D, NMB and Graphene, Tata Steel, stated that the partnership aims to co-create technologies advancing Tata Steel’s sustainability goals.
  • Prof Shuqiang Jiao, Vice President of USTB, noted that USTB and Tata Steel share a long-standing partnership and will combine USTB's metallurgy and materials science expertise with Tata Steel's industrial strengths.

India Submits Revised Climate Targets for 2031-2035 to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

[United Nations (UN)]

Key Updates:

  • India has submitted its revised climate targets for 2031-2035 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • India commits to attaining at least 47 per cent reduction in the emission intensity of its GDP from the 2005 baseline by 2035.
  • The targets are part of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), which are non-binding, voluntary climate action plans under the 2015 Paris Agreement.
  • India aims to achieve about 60 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2035.
  • India promised to create a carbon sink of 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2035 compared to the 2005 baseline.
  • This is India's third NDC, with the first two submitted in 2015 (pertaining to 2025) and 2022 (pertaining to 2030).
  • India achieved 40 per cent cumulative electrical power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy sources in 2021.
  • India reduced the emission intensity of its GDP from 2005 levels by 33 per cent in 2019.

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India withdraws offer to host COP33 climate summit in 2028 (Start of April) ▼
  • India is no longer inclined to host the COP33 climate meeting in 2028, according to official sources.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi had offered to host COP33 during the COP28 meeting in Dubai in December 2023.
  • A COP33 cell was set up under the Climate Change division in the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) last year to prepare for hosting the event.
  • COP33 is scheduled to carry out the second Global Stocktake (GST) to assess progress on the Paris Agreement target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 or 2 degree Celsius.
  • The first GST was held at COP28 in Dubai in 2023.
  • As host and President, India would be expected to champion the global climate cause, potentially conflicting with its national positions on climate issues.
Union Cabinet approves India’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) with 60% clean energy share and 47% emissions intensity cut (End of March) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved India’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • The NDC targets raising the share of non-fossil fuel sources to 60% of total electricity generation capacity by 2035.
  • It aims to reduce the emissions intensity of India’s economy by 47% from 2005 levels by 2035.
  • It seeks to increase India’s nature-based carbon sink to 3.5–4.0 billion tons by 2035.
  • The Cabinet considered the first Global Stocktake (GST), the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC), and equity while finalising the targets.
  • Non-fossil fuels already account for 52% of India’s electricity generation capacity and emissions intensity is 36% below 2005 levels.
  • The NDC lists eight goals including climate-resilient infrastructure, clean economic development, Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), green finance, and capacity building & innovation.
  • The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and Carbon Brief reported India’s CO₂ emissions grew only 0.7% in 2025, the lowest in two decades.
  • Clean energy subsidies have driven a fivefold rise in renewable energy capacity since 2014.
  • The Central Electricity Authority has set a domestic target of 70% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035.

Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) installs X-band Doppler Weather Radar in Mahabaleshwar

[Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Maharashtra]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) commissioned an X-band dual-polarisation Doppler Weather Radar in Mahabaleshwar under the Mission Mausam initiative.
  • The radar is installed at the High Altitude Cloud Physics Laboratory (HACPL) at an altitude of approximately 1,400 metres above sea level.
  • The system provides hyperlocal nowcasting forecasts up to three hours ahead for Pune, Satara, Mumbai, and parts of Konkan.
  • The radar operates at 9.45 GHz using solid-state power amplifier technology with a spatial resolution of 75 metres and updates every 6–10 minutes.
  • Real-time data from the radar is shared with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF).
  • The dual-polarisation capability of the radar enables the detection of microphysical parameters such as ice, graupel, hail, and snow.
  • The radar will support the defence sector for nowcasting severe weather events as Pune is an Air Force station.

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Nagaland signs MoU with India Meteorological Department (IMD) to boost weather forecasting (Start of March) ▼
  • Nagaland higher education department signed an MoU with India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences, at the directorate of higher education in Kohima.
  • The MoU was signed in the presence of higher education minister Temjen Imna Along, secretary of higher and technical education Sarita Yadav, ex-officio director of higher education V Lovitoly Sema, and IMD representatives.
  • The collaboration will install one X-Band Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) at Dimapur Government College under the ‘Mission Mausam Scheme’ initiative of the Government of India.
  • The initiative focuses on urban meteorology, disaster preparedness, and agricultural advisories to enhance public safety and protect lives and property.
  • The institutional cooperation will promote academic engagement, research collaboration, and capacity building in meteorological and atmospheric sciences.
World Meteorological Day 2026 observed with theme Observing today, protecting tomorrow (End of March) ▼
  • World Meteorological Day is observed annually on March 23 to commemorate the formal establishment of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
  • The theme for World Meteorological Day 2026 is Observing today, protecting tomorrow.
  • The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) that coordinates global weather and climate activities.
  • The first-ever World Meteorological Day was celebrated in 1961, eleven years after the establishment of the WMO in 1950.
  • The WMO facilitates international collaboration for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and the sharing of crucial weather data between countries.
  • The organisation supports research on climate change, water resources, and environmental monitoring while promoting technological innovations like satellite technology and supercomputers.
  • The WMO provides data that assists governments in disaster preparedness, helps farmers with crop strategies, and enables safer operations for airlines and fishermen.
NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite captures Mount St. Helens radar image through clouds (End of March) ▼
  • NASA and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) joint mission NISAR obtained a radar image of Mount St. Helens on 10 November 2025.
  • NISAR's radar penetrates clouds, enabling year-round monitoring of Earth's surface changes.
  • Colour-coded radar maps highlight roads and buildings in magenta, landforms or moisture in yellow, forests and wetlands in yellow-green, water or bare mountaintops in dark blue, and human impact areas like deforestation in purple.
Jitendra Singh announces Doppler weather radar and seismological observatory for Jammu and Kashmir (Mid of April) ▼
  • Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of a Doppler weather radar in Doda and a permanent seismological observatory in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The Doppler weather radar will strengthen weather forecasting capabilities in the region.
  • The permanent seismological observatory will improve earthquake monitoring and enhance disaster preparedness.
  • Site selection for automated weather stations in Paddar and Machail (Kishtwar) has been completed and installation will begin soon.
  • Development of an airstrip in Kishtwar under the UDAN scheme was discussed, focusing on acquiring additional land.
  • The proposal for developing a Saffron Park in Kishtwar, pending for 12 years, was reviewed and authorities were directed to finalise land suitability.
  • Promotion of cumin seeds under the One District One Product initiative was emphasised to boost local produce.

PV Sindhu joins BWF Council as voting member

[Badminton World Federation (BWF)]

Key Updates:

  • PV Sindhu has assumed a full voting position on the Council of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
  • Sindhu was elected as the Chair of the BWF Athletes' Commission.
  • She officially entered the BWF Council at the end of 2025.
  • Her first appearance before the global badminton membership took place during the BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens.
  • Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul is the President of the BWF.

Similar Coverage

Jay Shah Named to World Economic Forum (WEF) Young Global Leaders Class of 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • Jay Shah, the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has been selected for the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2026 by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
  • He was recognised for his role in shaping the future of global cricket and his instrumental efforts in including the sport in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
  • Jay Shah previously served as the youngest secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and managed Indian Premier League (IPL) operations and media rights deals.
  • The YGL Class of 2026 comprises 118 leaders under the age of 40 from 55 countries, spanning sectors such as public service, science, business, and civil society.
  • Other notable figures in the 2026 cohort include Tomas Okmanas of Nord Security, Jennifer Zhang of WIZ.AI, Thea LaFond, and Professor Sally Nuamah.
Anahat and Abhay Singh secure top honours at ASF Awards 2025 (Start of April) ▼
  • Anahat Singh won the Asian Squash Federation (ASF) Girls' Player of the Year award, also known as the Hassan Musa award.
  • Abhay Singh secured the ASF Men's Player of the Year Award, also called the Dato Alex Lee Award.
  • Japan's Satomi Watanabe received the senior ASF Women's Player of the Year award.
  • Anahat is ranked world number 20 in senior women's singles and has claimed 16 PSA level titles.
  • Anahat became the youngest Asian women's squash player to enter the world's top 20, surpassing Malaysia's Nicol David.
  • India last won ASF Awards in 2022 through Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa in men's and women's categories respectively.
  • Squash will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
India announces squads for 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships (Start of February) ▼
  • The 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) will be held in Qingdao, China, from 4 February to 8 February 2026.
  • Lakshya Sen, the World number 13, will lead the Indian men's team which includes HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, Ayush Shetty, and Tharun Mannepalli.
  • The Indian men's doubles contingent features Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy, Sai Pratheek K, and Hariharan Amsakarunan.
  • The Indian women's team will defend their title without PV Sindhu, who withdrew due to medical concerns as confirmed by the Badminton Association of India (BAI).
  • The women's singles squad consists of Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj, Malvika Bansod, and Surya Charisma Tamiri.
  • The women's doubles team includes Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand, Priya Konjengbam, Shruti Mishra, and Tanisha Crasto.
  • The Indian men's team is placed in Group C alongside Singapore and Japan, while the women's team is in Group Y with Myanmar and Thailand.
  • The tournament format allows the top two teams from each group to progress to the quarterfinals of the biennial continental event.
  • The event will be live-streamed on the Sony Sports Network and the official YouTube channel of Badminton Asia.
India participates in 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships (Start of February) ▼
  • The 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) is a biennial continental event scheduled to be held in Qingdao, China.
  • The Badminton Association of India (BAI) confirmed that PV Sindhu withdrew from the women's team due to medical concerns.
  • The Indian women's team is the defending champion, having won the gold medal in the previous edition of the BATC held in Malaysia.
  • India's women's team is placed in Group Y alongside Myanmar and Thailand, while the men's team is in Group C with Singapore and Japan.
  • The men's squad includes Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, Tharun Mannepalli, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy, Sai Pratheek K, and Hariharan Amsakarunan.
  • The women's squad features Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj, Malvika Bansod, Surya Charisma Tamiri, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand, Priya Konjengbam, Shruti Mishra, and Tanisha Crasto.
  • The tournament matches will be live-streamed on the Sony Sports Network and the official YouTube channel of Badminton Asia.

Virat Kohli reaches 9,000 runs in Indian Premier League (IPL) history

Key Updates:

  • Virat Kohli became the first player to reach the 9,000-run milestone in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
  • The record was achieved during a match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
  • Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli has recorded eight centuries and 66 fifties in 274 matches.
  • His career statistics in the league include 266 innings with an average of 39.95 and a strike rate of 133.76.
  • Kohli has delivered three consecutive seasons with over 600 runs in the IPL since 2023.
  • His highest individual score in the tournament is 113 not out.

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Punjab Kings defeat Delhi Capitals to script highest IPL run chase (End of April) ▼
  • 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.
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.
Sunrisers Hyderabad defeats Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by 47 runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match held in Hyderabad.
  • SRH scored 242 for 2 in 20 overs, while DC scored 195 for 9 in 20 overs.
  • Abhishek Sharma scored 135 not out off 68 balls, including 10 sixes and 10 fours, reaching his century in 47 balls.
  • Abhishek Sharma became the first Indian cricketer to score two IPL centuries in under 50 balls, with his first coming off 40 balls against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.
  • Abhishek Sharma equalled Virat Kohli's record for the most centuries by an Indian in T20 cricket with 9 hundreds, surpassing Rohit Sharma's record of eight.
  • The score of 135
  • by Abhishek Sharma is the fifth-highest individual score in IPL history.
  • Abhishek Sharma is the second batter to hit 10 or more sixes in an IPL innings multiple times, following Chris Gayle.
  • Travis Head (37) and Heinrich Klaasen (37 not out) provided support for SRH, while Axar Patel was the lone wicket-taker for DC.
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.

Formula 1 and Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited launch F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026

Key Updates:

  • Formula 1 partnered with Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited (MFRL) to launch India's first official sanctioned sim racing competition, titled the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026.
  • The championship will be conducted on the official F1 25 game across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox platforms.
  • Registrations for the event open on April 30 via the MFRL app.
  • The competition consists of online qualifiers and city-based simulator rounds, culminating in a national final in Mumbai in November.
  • The initiative follows the formal recognition of e-sports under India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
  • MFRL was established in 2019 and is the first Indian outfit to win a Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) accredited single-seater championship.
  • MFRL has supported the early careers of racers Jehan Daruvala, Kush Maini, and Oliver Bearman.

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Ahmedabad to host first-ever Cycling League of India (Start of March) ▼
  • The first-ever franchise-based Cycling League of India will be held in Ahmedabad during the second week of November.
  • The league will feature eight franchises, with each team comprising 10 cyclists, including two international riders and two junior Indian cyclists.
  • The competition will be conducted in three phases, featuring race formats such as criterium races, team time trials, and mass start events.
  • The league is being organised in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and promoter New Horizon Alliance Private Limited.
  • Ahmedabad is hosting the league as it prepares for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and bids for the 2036 Olympic Games.
  • The 'Sundays on Cycle' initiative, launched in 2024, has recorded participation from over 25 lakh citizens across more than 2.5 lakh locations in India.
  • India's notable achievements in the sport include track cyclist Esow Alben winning two individual silver medals at the 2018 junior world championships.
Flexible Memorandum of Understanding (Flexi-MoU) Scheme: DGT and Bajaj Auto to Train 1,000 Youth (Start of March) ▼
  • The Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed a Flexible Memorandum of Understanding (Flexi-MoU) with Bajaj Auto Ltd. to provide industry-integrated training in advanced automotive manufacturing.
  • Bajaj Auto will conduct the training at its manufacturing facilities located in Maharashtra and Uttarakhand.
  • The programme aims to enrol 1,000 trainees in the first year, with structured training durations lasting up to 24 months.
  • The initiative is aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), and successful candidates will be awarded a National Trade Certificate (NTC).
  • The Flexi-MoU Scheme requires industry partners to ensure the placement of at least 50 per cent of the trained candidates.
  • The agreement between DGT and Bajaj Auto is valid for 10 years and includes industry-led practical assessments and DGT-conducted computer-based theory exams.
Chhattisgarh to host first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games from March 25 to April 6. (Start of March) ▼
  • The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games will be held from 25 March to 6 April 2026 in Raipur, Jagdalpur and Sarguja, Chhattisgarh.
  • Seven medal sports are athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming and wrestling; demonstration sports are mallakhamb and kabaddi.
  • Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya stated the Games expand opportunity under PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat vision.
  • Logo, theme song and mascot 'Morveer' were unveiled on 23 December at Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium, Bilaspur, by CM Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy CM Arun Sao.
  • The event is jointly managed by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations and Chhattisgarh state committee with international-level technical standards.
  • Khelo India Games were declared an 'Event of National Importance' in 2020 under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007.
Indian Army to host 1st International Military Adventure Challenge Cup 2026 in Eastern Himalayas (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Indian Army will host the inaugural International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 from 18 to 23 February 2026 in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
  • Military teams from India and seven friendly nations—Bhutan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia—will participate.
  • Indian contingents will include teams from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
  • The competition will test physical fitness, mental resilience, leadership, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure in mountainous terrain.
  • The event is conducted under the banner of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) whose motto is 'Friendship through Sport'.

International Chess Federation joins International World Games Association

Key Updates:

  • The International Chess Federation (FIDE) joined the International World Games Association (IWGA) at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
  • The AGM was held at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
  • The inclusion of FIDE has increased the IWGA membership to 40 federations.
  • Arkady Dvorkovich is the President of FIDE.

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Narayana Ramachandran passes away as former Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and World Squash Federation (WSF) president (Mid of April) ▼
  • Narayana Ramachandran, former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and World Squash Federation (WSF), passed away at the age of 77 in Chennai.
  • He served as the WSF President between 2008 and 2016 and was the first Indian to lead an International Olympic Committee (IOC)-recognised international federation.
  • He held the position of IOA president from 2014 to 2017, leading the organisation to Olympic reinstatement following a 14-month IOC ban.
  • He was the first honorary life member of the WSF.
  • In 2016, he was awarded the Olympic Order (Silver) by the IOC and an Award of Merit by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
  • He ensured the inclusion of squash as a core medal sport in the Asian Games.
  • He invested in the India Squash Academy and hosted ten world championships in India between 2002 and 2025.
Abhinav Bindra ends eight-year tenure as IOC Athletes Commission Vice Chair (End of February) ▼
  • Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra completed an eight-year term as vice chair of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission.
  • Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold-medallist (2008 Beijing), described the role as one of the most meaningful chapters of his sporting journey.
  • Kenyan rugby player Humphrey Kayange replaces Bindra in the 19-member commission that was reshuffled during the ongoing Winter Olympics in Italy.
  • The IOC Athletes' Commission evaluates Olympic candidate cities, monitors Games organisation, leads anti-doping efforts, and develops training and education projects for women.
WADA delays decision on potential ban of Trump from major sporting events until after World Cup (Mid of March) ▼
  • The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) executive committee postponed a decision on barring government officials from major sporting events if their countries withhold dues, pushing the potential conflict with President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials until after the 2026 World Cup.
  • The U.S. has not paid its WADA dues since 2023, withholding a total of $7.3 million over 2024 and 2025 in protest of WADA’s handling of a case involving Chinese swimmers.
  • If adopted later this year, the new rule could place Trump and U.S. lawmakers on a banned list for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
  • WADA spokesman James Fitzgerald previously told The Associated Press the proposed rule would not be applied retroactively so the World Cup, LA and SLC Games would not be covered.
  • The U.S. lost its seat on the WADA executive committee after Rahul Gupta, the U.S. representative during the Biden administration, led the effort to reject the proposal in 2024.
Chess joins Esports Nations Cup 2026 line-up (Start of February) ▼
  • Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) announced Chess as an official competitive title of Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026.
  • Chess joins Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, and Trackmania in the ENC 2026 line-up.
  • The Chess tournament runs from Nov. 2 to Nov. 8, featuring 128 players in a round-robin group stage of 16 groups of eight players.
  • Top four players from each group advance to a 64-player single-elimination playoff bracket.
  • All group stage and round-of-64/32 matches are best-of-two; quarterfinals onward are best-of-four.
  • Armageddon games serve as tie-breakers and the event uses Rapid 10+0 time control.
  • Direct invites use official CCT rankings with one player per nation; Titled Tuesday Spring Split acts as additional tie-breaker.
  • Cut-off date for direct invites to ENC 2026 is May 26.
  • Two regional qualifiers per region on June 6-7 and June 13-14; four players per qualifier advance, totalling eight players per region.
  • Regions hosting qualifiers are North America, South America, Africa, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East + India + Central Asia, and East Asia + Southeast Asia + Oceania, each receiving 8 slots.
  • Each nation can field up to two representatives; if one player is directly invited, only one more can qualify through regional qualifiers.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work observed on 28 April

Key Updates:

  • World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed annually on 28 April to promote safe, healthy and decent work.
  • The day has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.
  • Occupational accidents or work-related diseases cause 6,300 deaths daily, totaling more than 2.3 million deaths per year.
  • There are 317 million accidents on the job annually.
  • The economic burden of poor occupational safety and health practices is estimated at 4 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year.

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National Administrative Professional Day observed on April 22, 2026 (End of April) ▼
  • National Administrative Professional Day was observed on April 22, 2026.
  • The Blood Tribe Administration (BTA) recognised the contributions of support staff, including Administrative Assistants, Office Managers, and Receptionists.
  • The event took place at the Shot Both Sides Building in Standoff, Alberta.
National Conference on Safety of Women at Workplace and SHe-Box Portal Implementation (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) will organise the National Conference on Safety of Women at Workplace, SHe-Box at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
  • The conference aims to strengthen the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
  • Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi and Minister of State Savitri Thakur will attend the event to administer a National Workplace Safety Pledge.
  • The MWCD launched the SHe-Box portal in August 2024 as a multilingual single-window platform for online complaint filing and real-time tracking.
  • The portal serves as a resource hub for workplaces to upload compliance-related information, including Internal Committee details and annual reports under the POSH Act.
  • The platform ensures strict confidentiality and automatic forwarding of complaints to the concerned Internal or Local Committee to enhance accountability.
National Safety Day 2026 observed on March 4 under theme 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'. (Start of March) ▼
  • National Safety Day 2026 is observed on 4 March 2026 to commemorate the founding of the National Safety Council (NSC).
  • The 2026 theme is 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'.
  • The year 2026 marks the 55th National Safety Week and nearly six decades of NSC efforts in workplace safety, occupational health, and environmental conservation.
  • Celebrations have been extended to the entire month, now recognised as National Safety Day (NSD) / National Safety Month (NSM).
  • National Safety Council of India (NSC) was founded on 4 March 1966.
  • National Safety Day was first officially observed in 1972.
National Safety Day 2026 observed on March 4 with theme 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety' (Start of March) ▼
  • National Safety Day 2026 is observed on 4 March.
  • The 2026 theme is 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'.
  • The day commemorates the founding of the National Safety Council (NSC) of India on 4 March 1966.
  • National Safety Day was first observed in 1972.
  • The campaign has been extended to the entire month as National Safety Month (NSM) in 2026.

International Day of Women in Industry observed on 21 April 2026

Key Updates:

  • The first global celebration of the International Day of Women in Industry was observed on 21 April 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia.
  • The event was led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) at the UN House.
  • The celebration marked the first UNIDO-led inter-agency initiative in Armenia, involving the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
  • The event saw the participation of 92 representatives from the government, private sector, civil society, and development partners.

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UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development launched to empower women in emerging sectors (End of April) ▼
  • Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, launched the UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development.
  • The initiative was unveiled at the International Conference on "Women Leading the Future of Work" held at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU) in Pune.
  • The initiative was launched in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
  • The UNESCO Chair aims to promote gender-inclusive skilling frameworks and support research, training, and policy development focused on equity in workforce participation.
  • The initiative seeks to strengthen women's participation in sunrise sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, semiconductors, and defence technology.
  • Key themes of the conference included Defence technology and advanced manufacturing, Robotics and Industry 4.0, AI and semiconductors, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
  • The event featured international expertise from the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNESCO Global Skills Academy, and UNESCO-UNEVOC.
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.
British Council and SPARK – The 100K Collective sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support women entrepreneurs (Mid of March) ▼
  • The British Council and SPARK – The 100K Collective signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on 17 March 2026.
  • The partnership aims to strengthen the support ecosystem for women-led enterprises in India by building skills and expanding professional networks.
  • The British Council will provide expertise in English language training and skills development to enhance the communication and business capabilities of women entrepreneurs.
  • The initiative seeks to enable inclusive economic participation and support women in scaling sustainable enterprises.
  • The event was attended by Smriti Irani, Founder of the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality, and Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council.
GCWAS-2026: President Highlights SHE Marts and 6 Crore Lakhpati Didi Target (Mid of March) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the three-day Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) in New Delhi on 12 March 2026.
  • The United Nations (UN) has declared 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers to promote leadership roles for women across the agri-food value chain.
  • The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced SHE Marts (Self-Help Entrepreneur Marts), which are community-owned retail outlets to be established in every district for Self-Help Group (SHG) products.
  • The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) has set a target of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis earning over ₹1 lakh annually, with over 3 crore women already achieving this status.
  • Under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana—National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), over 10 crore rural households and 90 lakh SHGs have been mobilised.
  • The Jan Dhan Yojana has reached 570 million bank accounts, of which 56% are held by women, while women constitute 68% of all Mudra loan beneficiaries.
  • The Namo Drone Didi scheme provides drones to women SHGs to facilitate precision agriculture and reduce drudgery in the farm sector.
  • The President highlighted 'Sarlaben', an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered initiative inspired by the government livestock care vision, as a tool for women farmers.
  • The government has conferred Padma Shri awards on women farmers from the states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Bihar.
  • Key attendees included Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General M L Jat, and Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority (PPVFRA) chairperson Trilochana Mohapatra.

International Delegate’s Day observed on April 25

Key Updates:

  • International Delegate’s Day is a United Nations (UN) observance held on April 25.
  • The day was officially established by the UN General Assembly in 2019, and the first celebration took place in 2020.
  • The date marks the anniversary of the opening day of the UN Conference of International Organization, commonly known as the San Francisco Conference.
  • Delegates from 50 countries, representing over 80% of the world's population, participated in the San Francisco Conference.
  • The UN Charter was developed using the Dumbarton Oaks proposals adopted at the Washington Conversations on International Peace and Security Organization in 1944.
  • The UN Charter was signed on June 26, 1945, and came into force on October 24, 1945.
  • International Delegate’s Day is celebrated the day after the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.

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International Day of Conscience 2026: April 5 (Start of April) ▼
  • International Day of Conscience observed annually on 5 April.
  • United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed day in 2019.
  • 2026 theme: 'Acting with Conscience for a Peaceful and Sustainable World'.
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.
United Nations marks International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness on 5 March 2026 (Start of March) ▼
  • The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is observed every year on 5 March to promote better awareness and understanding of disarmament issues among the public, especially young people.
  • Global military expenditures reached a record $2.7 trillion in 2024.
  • An interactive ballot-box installation at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) Rotunda from 2 to 6 March 2026 invites visitors to vote on global spending priorities and reflect on redirecting resources toward education, health, and climate action.
  • The UN General Assembly has held three Special Sessions on Disarmament (SSOD) that shaped the disarmament architecture, yet a fourth session remains elusive since 1995.
  • The United Nations Secretary-General’s report titled 'The Security We Need: Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future' will be discussed in a virtual briefing on 5 March at 10:15 am Nepal Time.
  • UNODA Occasional Paper No. 47, 'Revisiting Consensus in Multilateral Disarmament Discussions: Trends, Challenges and the Way Forward', authored by Adedeji Ebo and Katherine Prizeman, will be launched on 5 March at 3 PM EST at the Dag Hammarskjöld Library.
  • A second interactive ballot-box installation will be held at Schwedenplatz, Vienna, on 5 March afternoon to engage the public on global spending priorities.
  • On 5 March, the UN Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) will meet high-school students from the Sacré-Coeur Avépozo Institute in Togo to discuss small arms, light weapons, and autonomous weapons systems.
  • On 6 March, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) will meet high-school students from Hiroshima, Japan, to discuss its work on disarmament and peacebuilding.
  • Suzuka Nakamura, a Japanese peace activist and third-generation hibakusha from Nagasaki, was selected as one of the UN Youth Office's 17 Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2025-2027.
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.

Suresh Sethi appointed Group Country Manager for India and South Asia at Visa

Key Updates:

  • Suresh Sethi has been appointed as the Group Country Manager for India and South Asia at Visa.
  • Sethi will lead Visa's strategy and operations across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Bhutan.
  • He succeeds Sandeep Ghosh in this position.
  • Based in Mumbai, Sethi will report to Stephen Karpin, the Regional President, Asia Pacific, Visa.
  • Sethi previously served as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Protean e-Gov Technologies Ltd.
  • At Protean e-Gov Technologies Ltd, he led the transformation into a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) institution.

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Anant Swarup appointed Secretary General of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) (Mid of April) ▼
  • Anant Swarup assumed office as Secretary General of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on 15 April 2026.
  • He is a 1992-batch Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officer with over 30 years of experience in public policy, trade remedies, logistics, regulatory reform and international negotiations.
  • His previous roles include Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Director General of Trade Remedies, Executive Director to the Union Minister of Railways, and First Secretary representing India at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva.
  • He contributed to the National Rail Plan, helped build a large-scale investment pipeline, and launched a real-time passenger grievance redressal platform.
  • He holds an MBA from Amity University and a law degree from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, and has completed specialised courses in international trade law and sustainable infrastructure finance.
  • FICCI stated that Jyoti Vij continues as Director General after this appointment.
Santhosh Viswanathan appointed Vice-President and Managing Director for Asia Pacific and Japan at Intel. (Start of April) ▼
  • Santhosh Viswanathan previously served as Vice-President and Managing Director of Intel India.
  • He will now oversee business operations, brand, and customer engagements across the Asia Pacific and Japan region.
  • Earlier, Viswanathan led Intel operations in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • He also served as Global Director of Operations in the United States, overseeing sales operations strategy and planning for Intel's global sales organisation.
  • Intel stated that Viswanathan helped position India as a key growth market during his tenure as India head.
MSDE-GATI MoU to deepen coordination in India's global skills mobility ecosystem (Mid of March) ▼
  • Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed an MoU with GATI Foundation on 13 March 2026 to strengthen overseas workforce mobility.
  • The MoU was signed in the presence of Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, and Shri Niranjan Kumar Sudhansu, Additional Secretary, MSDE.
  • This is the first Central government partnership for the GATI Foundation.
  • The partnership aims to align national skilling priorities with state-level implementation for overseas employment pathways.
  • Arnab Bhattacharya, CEO, GATI Foundation, stated the goal is to accelerate India’s journey toward becoming the global skills capital by 2047.
Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi reappointed as Drugs Controller (India) at Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) (Start of March) ▼
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved his reappointment on a contractual basis for one year from 1 March 2026.
  • The proposal for re-employment was moved by the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
  • He heads the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) which regulates drug quality, approves new drugs and oversees clinical trials.
  • Dr Raghuvanshi earlier served as secretary-cum-scientific director of the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) from 16 February 2021.

Dilip Kumar Appointed Chief Vigilance Officer of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)

Key Updates:

  • Dilip Kumar assumed charge as the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) with effect from April 27, 2026.
  • He is a senior officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME).
  • He previously served as the Additional Divisional Railway Manager in East Central Railway and Chief Workshop Manager at Harnaut in Nalanda, Bihar.
  • He is an engineering graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) BHU Varanasi.
  • He received the National Award for Outstanding Services in 2016 and the Railway Board’s Certificate of Excellence for Best Innovation for 2018–19.

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Vir Vikram Yadav appointed Director General of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). (Start of April) ▼
  • Vir Vikram Yadav, a 1996-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Odisha cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved his appointment as part of a broader bureaucratic reshuffle.
  • Yadav will assume the role in the rank and pay of an additional secretary to the Government of India.
  • He succeeds Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, a 1996-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, who has been appointed as additional secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
  • Yadav currently serves as additional secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and has been based in New Delhi since April 2025.
  • He holds an M.Tech in Building Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, and has experience in infrastructure and environmental governance across state and central governments.
Asit Tripathy Elected President of Odisha Steel Producers' Association (OSPA) (End of April) ▼
  • Asit Tripathy, former Chief Secretary of Odisha and Advisor to Jindal Steel, was unanimously elected as the President of the Odisha Steel Producers' Association (OSPA).
  • OSPA is a newly formed collective platform of leading steel and mining companies in Odisha, including Jindal Steel, Tata Steel, Jindal Stainless, JSW Steel, and AMNS.
  • S.K. Popli (IFS, Retd.) has been appointed as the Secretary General of OSPA.
  • The election meeting saw participation from representatives of 15 leading steelmakers and miners.
  • Odisha is India's largest producer of steel and iron ore.
Anant Swarup appointed Secretary General of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) (Mid of April) ▼
  • Anant Swarup assumed office as Secretary General of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on 15 April 2026.
  • He is a 1992-batch Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officer with over 30 years of experience in public policy, trade remedies, logistics, regulatory reform and international negotiations.
  • His previous roles include Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Director General of Trade Remedies, Executive Director to the Union Minister of Railways, and First Secretary representing India at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva.
  • He contributed to the National Rail Plan, helped build a large-scale investment pipeline, and launched a real-time passenger grievance redressal platform.
  • He holds an MBA from Amity University and a law degree from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, and has completed specialised courses in international trade law and sustainable infrastructure finance.
  • FICCI stated that Jyoti Vij continues as Director General after this appointment.
Amarendu Prakash resigns as Chairman and Managing Director of Steel Authority of India (SAIL). (Start of April) ▼
  • Amarendu Prakash submitted his resignation on 2 January 2026 and ceased to be a member of the SAIL board from 1 April 2026.
  • The Ministry of Steel approved his resignation effective 1 April 2026.
  • Krishna Kumar Singh, Director (Personnel) of SAIL, has been given additional charge as CMD for three months from 2 April 2026 to 1 July 2026 or until a regular appointment is made, whichever is earlier.
  • SAIL reported a consolidated net profit of ₹374.03 crore for the third quarter of the previous financial year.

B Ramesh Babu reappointed as MD & CEO of Karur Vysya Bank

[Reserve Bank of India, Karur Vysya Bank]

Key Updates:

  • B Ramesh Babu has been reappointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Karur Vysya Bank.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the reappointment.
  • The appointment is for his third term.

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Rajneesh Karnatak, Debadatta Chand and Ashutosh Choudhary extended as Bank Executives (End of April) ▼
  • Rajneesh Karnatak, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bank of India (BoI), has had his tenure extended for three years effective April 29, 2026.
  • Karnatak was appointed as MD and CEO of BoI in 2023 for a term of three years.
  • Debadatta Chand, MD and CEO of Bank of Baroda (BoB), has had his tenure extended for three years effective July 1, 2026.
  • The extension for Chand was approved by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Ashutosh Choudhary has had his term as Executive Director of Indian Bank extended for another three years.
  • The term of Ashwani Kumar, MD and CEO of UCO Bank, ends on June 1, 2026.
Rajneesh Karnatak, Debadatta Chand and Ashutosh Choudhury granted tenure extensions as Bank CEOs and Executive Director (End of April) ▼
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the tenure extensions via an official order dated April 22.
  • Rajneesh Karnatak received a three-year extension as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bank of India (BoI) beyond August 28, 2026.
  • Debadatta Chand received a three-year extension as MD and CEO of Bank of Baroda (BoB) beyond June 30, 2026.
  • Ashutosh Choudhury received a three-year extension as Executive Director at Indian Bank beyond May 2, 2026.
  • The approvals were cleared following proposals from the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves Jose Joseph Kattoor as South Indian Bank Chairman (End of March) ▼
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sanctioned the appointment of former RBI Executive Director Jose Joseph Kattoor as non-executive part-time chairman of South Indian Bank on 3 February 2026.
  • Kattoor’s chairmanship is effective 23 March 2026 for a three-year term.
  • He served at RBI from 1991 to 2023 and led departments including enforcement, corporate strategy, currency, and human resources.
  • Kattoor has been an independent director on South Indian Bank’s board since 18 July 2024.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves R. Vijay Anandh as MD & CEO of City Union Bank for three years. (Start of February) ▼
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conveyed approval through a letter dated 9 February 2026.
  • Appointment effective 1 May 2026 for a period of three years.
  • R. Vijay Anandh is currently Executive Director of City Union Bank.
  • Appointment subject to approval by City Union Bank shareholders.
  • City Union Bank Q3 net profit rose 16% year-on-year to ₹332 crore.
  • Net interest income increased 28% to ₹752 crore in Q3 from ₹587.7 crore a year ago.
  • Gross non-performing assets declined to 2.17% from 2.42% quarter-on-quarter.
  • Net NPAs eased to 0.78% from 0.90% sequentially.
  • City Union Bank shares closed 1.25% lower at ₹288.80 on NSE.

Guru Muni Narayana Prasad, Padma Shri Recipient, Dies at 87

Key Updates:

  • Guru Muni Narayana Prasad, the head of Narayana Gurukula in Varkala and a renowned philosopher, passed away at the age of 87 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
  • He was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2024 for his significant contributions to the fields of education and literature.
  • He authored over 100 books in Malayalam and English, including interpretations of Upanishads such as Aitareya, Isavasya, Kena, Prasna, Mandukya, and Chandogya.
  • He won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award twice, receiving it in 2015 for his translation of Soundarya Lahari and in 2018 for his autobiography titled Atmayanam.
  • He served as the head of the Narayana Gurukula movement since 1999 and was a direct disciple of Nataraja Guru and Nitya Chaitanya Yati.
  • Known as M N Prasad in his purvashramam, he worked as a junior civil engineer with the state Public Works Department (PWD) before joining the Gurukula full-time in 1968.
  • He served as the editor of the Malayalam magazine Gurukulam from 1973 to 1989 and previously led the Gita Ashram in Fiji.

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Father Thomas V Kunnunkal, Former CBSE Chairman and Padma Shri Awardee, Passes Away at 99 (Start of February) ▼
  • Father Thomas V Kunnunkal, a Jesuit priest and former chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), passed away in Delhi at the age of 99.
  • He served as the chairman of the CBSE from 1980 to 1987 and is credited with transforming the board into a national academic benchmark.
  • He was conferred with the Padma Shri in 1974 for his significant contributions to the field of education.
  • Father Kunnunkal played a key role in conceptualising and establishing the National Open School under the National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986.
  • He served two terms as the principal of St. Xavier’s School in Delhi, where he banned corporal punishment in 1970 and introduced full-time student counsellors.
  • Born in Alappuzha, Kerala, in 1926, he held master’s degrees in English, Educational Administration, and Educational Measurement from the United States (US).
  • His other leadership roles included serving as the director of the Indian Social Institute (ISI) in New Delhi and the president of the Islamic Studies Association.
T K Oommen Passes Away as Renowned Sociologist and Padma Bhushan Awardee (Start of March) ▼
  • Renowned sociologist, writer, and former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor T K Oommen passed away in Gurugram, Haryana, at the age of 88 on 27 February 2026.
  • He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 2008.
  • He served as a member of the Sachar Committee, which was appointed to study the social, economic, and educational status of Muslim communities.
  • Oommen was the chairman of the advisory committee of the Gujarat Harmony Project, aimed at rebuilding Hindu-Muslim harmony after the 2002 riots.
  • He served as the 12th President of the International Sociological Association (ISA).
  • In 2007, he was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus at JNU.
  • He served as a University Grants Commission (UGC) National Sociology Lecturer and worked as a visiting professor at the University of California and Berkeley in the USA.
  • He completed his BA in Economics from the University of Kerala in 1957 and his MA in Sociology from the University of Pune in 1960, followed by a PhD in 1965.
CP Radhakrishnan Releases Shashi Tharoor’s Biography of Sree Narayana Guru (End of February) ▼
  • Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan released the book titled The Sage Who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons, and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi on 19 February 2026.
  • The biography is authored by Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor and published by Aleph Book Company.
  • The book documents the life and social reforms of Sree Narayana Guru, a 19th-century spiritual leader from Kerala who campaigned against caste discrimination and promoted social equality.
  • The publication highlights the reformer’s central philosophy of one caste, one religion, one God for humankind and his initiatives in promoting education and temple entry for all.
  • The author noted that the work aims to preserve the civilisational memory and legacy of the reformer, which remains largely unknown outside Kerala despite its universal relevance.
Vijaypat Singhania, former Raymond chairman and Padma Bhushan awardee, passed away at 87 in Mumbai. (Start of April) ▼
  • Vijaypat Singhania died in Mumbai at the age of 87.
  • He was the former chairman of Raymond Group and led the company for around two decades until 2000.
  • He transferred his entire 37 per cent stake in Raymond to his son Gautam Singhania.
  • Singhania held the world record for the highest altitude reached in a hot air balloon.
  • He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan award.
  • His last rites will be performed on Sunday as announced by a company spokesperson.