📰 Daily Briefing Monday, Mar 30

Daily Current Affairs: 30 March 2026

Analysis for 30 March 2026

Ravichandran Purushothaman elected Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Southern Region Chairman for 2026-27

Key Updates:

  • Ravichandran Purushothaman has been elected as the Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Southern Region for the term 2026-27.
  • His election was announced in the article without specifying the exact date of election or assumption of office.
  • The article does not mention his predecessor or any specific agenda for his tenure.
  • No additional details about his previous roles or organisational affiliations are provided in the article.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launches Development Projects Worth ₹47,800 Crore in Assam (Mid of March) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and launched multiple development projects worth ₹47,800 crore in Assam.
  • Under the Assam Mala 3.0 Road Infrastructure Initiative, approximately 900 km of roads will be constructed at a cost of over ₹3,200 crore.
  • Six infrastructure projects, including four flyovers and two bridges, will be implemented in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) at a cost of over ₹1,100 crore.
  • A Railway Periodic Overhaul (POH) workshop will be established at Basbari in Kokrajhar district to strengthen maintenance capacity.
  • Three new train services were introduced: Kamakhya–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, Guwahati–New Jalpaiguri Express, and Narengi–Agartala Express.
  • The 22nd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) was released, with 18.59 lakh farmers in Assam receiving ₹371 crore.
  • The Kopili Hydroelectric Project, valued at over ₹2,300 crore, will be implemented in Dima Hasao and West Karbi Anglong districts.
  • The capacity of the Numaligarh Refinery (NRL) will be expanded from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA through the Numaligarh–Siliguri Product Pipeline Expansion.
  • The North-East Gas Grid – Phase I will connect Guwahati, Numaligarh, Gohpur, and Itanagar, with a branch extending to Dimapur.
  • A rail-connected Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) terminal will be established at Panchgram in Hailakandi district.
  • Railway electrification projects covering Rangia–Murkongselek, Chaparmukh–Dibrugarh, Badarpur–Silchar, and Badarpur–Churaibari sections were completed at a cost of over ₹2,250 crore.
  • The Furkating–Tinsukia railway line will be doubled over a distance of 194 km at a cost of over ₹3,600 crore.
  • Inland waterway projects include cruise terminals at Biswanath Ghat and Nemati, and a Regional Centre of Excellence for Maritime Training at Bogibeel.
  • A ropeway project will be constructed between Kamakhya Railway Station and Kamakhya Temple to transport approximately 17,000 passengers daily.
  • A PM Ekta Mall will be established in Guwahati to showcase handicrafts, handloom products, and One District One Product (ODOP) items.
  • The Shillong–Silchar High-Speed Corridor, spanning 166 km, will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹22,860 crore.
  • A new Agriculture College will be established at Patharkandi in Karimganj district.
Stuti Pradhan selected to represent India at World Youth Parliament. (End of March) ▼
  • Stuti Pradhan from Sikkim has been chosen to represent India at the World Youth Parliament.
  • She is a state-level winner of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025.
  • She was invited as a special guest to Lok Bhawan Sikkim on Republic Day 2026.
  • The World Youth Parliament includes delegates from South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Chad, Thailand, Yemen and several other countries.
C P Radhakrishnan releases Hindi edition of Palanivelu GUTS (End of January) ▼
  • Vice President C P Radhakrishnan released the Hindi edition of 'Palanivelu GUTS', the autobiography of eminent surgeon C Palanivelu.
  • C Palanivelu introduced laparoscopic surgery in Coimbatore in 1991, establishing the first such centre in southern India.
  • The event was attended by Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh, Chairman of National Medical Commission Abhijat Sheth, and Chairman of Board of Governors of Inter-University Centre for Teacher Education J S Rajput.
CA Prasanna Kumar D elected President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for 2026–27, CA Mangesh Kinare elected Vice-President. (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) elected CA Prasanna Kumar D as its 74th President for the 2026–27 term.
  • CA Mangesh Pandurang Kinare was elected as Vice-President of ICAI for 2026–27.
  • Prasanna Kumar D served as Vice-President of ICAI during 2025–26.
  • He was a member of the ICAI Central Council in its 24th, 25th, and 26th Councils.
  • He chaired the Visakhapatnam Branch of ICAI in 2001–02 and the Southern India Regional Council in 2013–14.
  • As President, he will chair ICAI’s Executive, Finance, Disciplinary, and Examination Committees and serve as Editor in Chief of The Chartered Accountant journal.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) approves Wealth First Portfolio Managers to launch mutual fund business.

[Securities and Exchange Board of India]

Key Updates:

  • Wealth First Portfolio Managers received Sebi approval to start mutual fund operations.
  • Lakshya Asset Management Company, sponsored by Wealth First Portfolio Managers, will be India’s first AMC headquartered in Ahmedabad.
  • Lakshya AMC has onboarded Sanjiv Shah, Rajan Mehta, and Sanjay Gaitonde, former key members of Benchmark Asset Management Company.
  • Benchmark AMC launched India’s first ETF Nifty BeES, India’s first gold ETF Gold BeES, and the world’s first money market ETF Liquid BeES.
  • India’s mutual fund industry AUM grew from about ₹1 lakh crore in 2001 to over ₹82 lakh crore in early 2026.
  • Passive investing represents 19–20% of total mutual fund AUM in India compared with over 50% in the United States.

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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.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) grants final approval to ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group to operate as mutual fund investment manager. (End of February) ▼
  • Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has given final regulatory nod to ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group to commence operations as investment manager for its mutual fund business in India.
  • ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group secured in-principle clearance from SEBI in March 2025 to enter the mutual fund space.
  • The firm will offer active equity, passive strategies, hybrid, and fixed-income products.
  • ASK Mutual Fund will cater to retail investors, long-term savers, HNIs and institutional participants.
  • ASK has over four decades of experience in India’s equity markets through Portfolio Management Services (PMS) and alternative investment platforms.
  • In 2022, Blackstone-managed private equity funds acquired majority stake in ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approves AIF, FPI, InvIT, REIT and governance reforms in 213th board meeting. (End of March) ▼
  • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) held its 213th board meeting in Mumbai on 23 March 2026.
  • SEBI amended AIF Regulations 2012 to allow Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) with no active fund management to retain residual assets for up to 3 years subject to 75% investor approval.
  • SEBI introduced net settlement for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in the cash market to cut funding and forex conversion costs.
  • SEBI expanded retail access to Social Impact Funds (SIFs) by lowering minimum investment and easing disclosure norms.
  • SEBI allowed Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to invest in greenfield projects, hold multiple SPVs, borrow for capex and refinancing, and undertake maintenance expenses.
  • SEBI revised fit-and-proper criteria to bar persons with pending FIRs for economic offences or securities law violations and reduced disqualification period to six months in specified cases.
  • SEBI mandated SEBI staff to liquidate or freeze personal securities holdings, file initial, annual and event-based conflict disclosures, and recuse from decisions when conflicts arise.
  • SEBI approved creation of an Office of Ethics and Compliance (OEC), a digital monitoring system and a whistle-blower framework for stronger conflict-of-interest oversight.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) grants in-principle approval to Ashika Group to sponsor Ashika Mutual Fund. (Start of January) ▼
  • Ashika Group has received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to act as sponsor and set up Ashika Mutual Fund.
  • The approval allows the company to proceed with establishing an Asset Management Company (AMC) and preparing for the launch of mutual fund schemes, subject to fulfilling SEBI’s final registration requirements and conditions.
  • Ashika Group’s financial services portfolio includes retail and institutional broking, investment banking, research advisory, global family office services, alternative asset management and private equity.
  • The Group has a retail broking client base exceeding 125,000 and a presence across more than 20 states.

Vishwas Bill 2.0 to Decriminalise 100+ Provisions and ₹15.48 Lakh Crore Capex Proposed for 2025-26

Key Updates:

  • The Government of India will introduce the Vishwas Bill 2.0 to decriminalise more than 100 provisions across various laws to enhance the Ease of Doing Business (EODB).
  • Since 2014, the government has removed over 42,000 compliance requirements and decriminalised more than 3,700 legal provisions, including 180 under the Jan Vishwas Act 2023.
  • The total effective Capital Expenditure (Capex) for the 2025-26 fiscal year is proposed at ₹15.48 lakh crore, which constitutes 4.3 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
  • The Central Government has allocated ₹11.21 lakh crore as core capital expenditure for 2025-26, amounting to 3.1 per cent of the GDP.
  • The Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) loan limit has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh, with 11 public sector banks extending this to existing customers and seven to new customers.
  • A total of ₹33 lakh crore has been sanctioned under the MUDRA scheme, while the PM SVANidhi scheme has sanctioned ₹14,000 crore across 99 lakh accounts.
  • The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has established 21 new branches in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) clusters during the 2024-25 period.
  • The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has launched a pilot for the PM Internship Scheme to provide 1.25 lakh opportunities in top companies, attracting over 6 lakh registered applicants.
  • Under the Stand-Up India initiative, a total of ₹59,000 crore has been disbursed to 2.62 lakh accounts to support entrepreneurship.

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Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 introduced in Lok Sabha to decriminalise minor offences (End of March) ▼
  • Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 introduced by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in Lok Sabha after incorporating select committee recommendations.
  • Bill proposes to amend 79 central acts administered by 23 ministries, affecting 784 provisions, of which 717 provisions are being decriminalised for ease of doing business and 67 for ease of living.
  • Earlier version Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on 18 March 2024 and referred to a select committee.
  • Bill withdrawn on 17 March 2026 and re-introduced after select committee recommendations.
  • Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, notified on 11 August 2023, decriminalised 183 provisions across 42 Central Acts administered by 19 ministries/departments.
Ministry of Mines notifies Offshore Areas Mineral Prevention of Illegal Mining and Transportation Rules, 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Mines notified the Offshore Areas Mineral Prevention of Illegal Mining and Transportation Rules, 2026, which came into force on February 3, 2026.
  • The rules are framed under the Offshore Areas Mineral Development and Regulation Act, 2002 (OAMDR Act) to regulate all offshore minerals except mineral oils and hydrocarbons.
  • Operating right holders are mandated to deploy real-time electronic monitoring systems for vessel tracking, weight recording, and continuous video capture of offshore operations.
  • A digitally signed transit permit issued via a regulation portal is required for dispatching minerals, with the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) sharing these permits with state governments.
  • Companies exporting minerals directly from offshore areas must obtain clearance from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) at least seven days before export.
  • Mandatory weighment systems must be installed at the first onshore point of discharge to match weight records against dispatch data.
  • Penalties for illegal mining include imprisonment up to five years and fines ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore, plus an additional daily penalty of ₹5 lakh for continuing offences.
  • Proceeds from the public auction of seized minerals and property will be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 withdrawn from Lok Sabha for amendment. (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Union Government withdrew the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 from the Lok Sabha on a Tuesday.
  • Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal moved the withdrawal, which the House approved by voice vote.
  • The withdrawal followed recommendations from a select committee, and the bill is expected to be reintroduced after incorporating those changes.
International Customs Day observed on 26 January 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • International Customs Day (ICD) is observed annually on 26 January to recognise the role of customs administrations in facilitating global trade, protecting borders, and preventing illegal movement of goods.
  • The theme for ICD 2026 is Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment.
  • The theme focuses on innovation, digital transformation, and adaptive strategies to secure global trade against challenges such as e-commerce, cross-border crime, and supply chain risks.
  • The observance traces its origins to 1953, when the first session of the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) was held in Brussels, Belgium.
  • The CCC is now known as the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
  • The WCO represents 183 member countries and works to strengthen customs systems worldwide.
  • Customs authorities are responsible for preventing smuggling and illegal trade, streamlining import and export processes, and collecting duties to support government revenue.
  • Customs administrations also focus on adapting to challenges such as e-commerce and digital trade while strengthening international cooperation through trade agreements.
  • ICD aims to raise awareness among travellers and businesses regarding compliance with customs laws to help reduce violations and improve trade efficiency.

Mission Shakti Scheme strengthens women safety via One Stop Centres, Women Help Desks, Helpline-181

Key Updates:

  • Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) runs Mission Shakti Scheme adopting holistic and victim-centric approach for safety, security and empowerment of women.
  • One Stop Centre Scheme operational since 2015 provides integrated services like medical aid, legal assistance, temporary shelter, police facilitation and psycho-social counselling.
  • 926 One Stop Centres are operational across the country and have assisted over 13.37 lakh women up to 31 December 2025.
  • 15,049 Women Help Desks set up in police stations of which 14,363 are headed by women police officers.
  • Women Helpline-181 and Emergency Response Support System (ERSS)-112 provide emergency and support services; Women Helpline handled over 2.88 crore calls and assisted over 99.09 lakh women.
  • Mission Shakti Portal launched on 22 January 2025 enhances accessibility of government services for women and builds capacity of functionaries under schemes and legislations.
  • SHe-Box Portal offers centralised platform to file and track complaints related to workplace sexual harassment under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013.

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NCW and Truecaller launch TrueCyberSakhi Digital Safety Toolkit to enhance Women's Online Security (End of March) ▼
  • The National Commission for Women (NCW) and Truecaller launched a nationwide Women’s Digital Safety Awareness Initiative on 25 March 2026 at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi.
  • The collaboration introduced an interactive digital safety resource titled TrueCyberSakhi: A Digital Safety Toolkit, Created for Her, to equip women with practical knowledge for navigating online spaces.
  • The toolkit features interactive modules, quizzes, and self-assessment tools covering digital safety concerns such as spam, phishing, impersonation, harassment, and financial fraud.
  • Truecaller has verified the NCW 24x7 helpline number on its Government Directory Service (GDS) to enhance the authenticity and visibility of the official support channel.
  • The NCW is an autonomous statutory body established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, to protect and promote the rights of women.
  • The initiative aims to strengthen pathways to institutional redressal by providing clear guidance on how women can access the NCW 24x7 helpline in cases of digital harm.
  • The partnership includes a coordinated digital and social media awareness campaign to promote responsible digital participation and safer communication habits.
Safeena Husain named among TIME Women of the Year 2026 (Start of March) ▼
  • Safeena Husain, founder of the non-profit Educate Girls, has been selected as one of the TIME Women of the Year 2026.
  • TIME magazine announced the annual list recognising women leaders driving global change.
  • Husain’s organisation works to enrol out-of-school girls and improve learning outcomes in rural India.
  • The TIME Women of the Year list for 2026 highlights 12 women across fields including activism, science and business.
Ministry of Women and Child Development Launches Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) launched the national campaign Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat on 27th November 2024 to make India child-marriage-free.
  • A 100 Days Special Campaign under the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat initiative was launched on 4th December 2025 to intensify outreach to institutions and community leaders.
  • The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal serves as a digital platform for reporting incidents and maintains a repository of over 66,000 Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) up to the Gram Panchayat level.
  • As on 9th March 2026, awareness programmes reached over 11.81 crore citizens and more than 40 lakh pledges against child marriage were registered on the portal.
  • The Child Helpline (1098) provides 24x7 emergency outreach and is integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) for round-the-clock response.
  • The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) component under Mission Shakti, launched on 22nd January 2015, aims to address gender-based discrimination and promote girl child empowerment.
  • The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) provides free legal aid through the dedicated helpline 15100.
  • Under The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA), State Governments are authorised to appoint CMPOs to prevent child marriages and collect evidence for prosecution.
  • The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 confers powers on District Magistrates to implement provisions and designate District Nodal Officers (DNOs).
Krishi Sakhi Initiative Launched to Empower Women Farmers (End of March) ▼
  • The Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC) launched the Krishi Sakhi initiative on 18 March to empower women farmers and promote inclusive growth.
  • The initiative aligns with the United Nations (UN) recognition of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
  • AIC aims to encourage women's participation in agriculture and crop insurance through structured activities at its Head Office and Regional Offices.
  • The programme includes awareness campaigns on sanitation and hygiene in rural areas specifically targeting women farmers and rural households.
  • The state-owned insurer will publish related articles and interviews to recognise and engage women farmers across the country.

Namami Gange Programme (NGP): 307 projects completed, Rs 40,000 crore invested

Key Updates:

  • The Namami Gange Programme (NGP) was launched in June 2014 by the Government of India to conserve and rejuvenate the Ganga River.
  • The initial allocation was Rs 20,000 crore and later extended to Rs 22,500 crore until March 2026.
  • As of January 2025, 492 projects have been initiated valued at Rs 40,121.48 crore, of which 307 projects have been completed and made operational.
  • Out of 206 sewage infrastructure projects, 127 have been completed with a sanctioned cost of Rs 33,003.63 crore.
  • 56 biodiversity and afforestation projects have been launched, with 39 completed at a sanctioned cost of Rs 905.62 crore.
  • The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) approved the Varanasi Sewerage Project costing Rs 274.31 crore, including a 60 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) and a 75 MLD pumping station.
  • A Rs 127.26 crore project in Bhadohi will establish three STPs (17 MLD, 5 MLD, and 3 MLD) and a sewer network to prevent untreated sewage entering the Varuna River.
  • NMCG has developed a National Framework for Safe Reuse of Treated Water to guide states in adopting reuse policies for treated wastewater.
  • NMCG sanctioned seven biodiversity parks in various districts of Uttar Pradesh and afforested approximately 33,024 hectares along the main stem of the Ganga with an expenditure of Rs 398 crore.
  • Since 2017, 143.8 lakh Indian Major Carp (IMC) fingerlings have been released into the Ganga to conserve fish biodiversity and support local fishers.
  • 203 sewage infrastructure projects costing Rs 32,613 crore have been launched to treat 6,255 MLD of wastewater, of which 127 STP projects with 3,446 MLD capacity have been completed.
  • Three Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) have been sanctioned: Jajmau CETP (20 MLD), Banther CETP (4.5 MLD), and Mathura CETP (6.25 MLD); Mathura and Jajmau CETPs have been completed.

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National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders restoration of Suav as a river in Uttar Pradesh official records (End of February) ▼
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Uttar Pradesh government to reclassify the Suav from a drain to a river in revenue records and the Official Gazette.
  • The Suav is a significant tributary of the Rapti river, which is a tributary of the Ganges, and flows for approximately 120 kilometres through Balrampur district.
  • The NGT bench, led by Chairman Justice Prakash Srivastava, ordered the Balrampur district magistrate to rectify the classification within three months.
  • The tribunal prohibited new construction in demarcated Flood Plain Zones until the identification and demarcation of the Active Flood Zone is completed.
  • The District Ganga Committees (DGC) of Balrampur and Siddharthnagar were instructed to adopt the Sant Seechewal model to ensure people's participation in river rejuvenation.
  • The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) is mandated to monitor water quality and industrial effluents from entities such as Balrampur Sugar Mill and Bajaj Sugar Mill.
  • The Irrigation and Water Resources Department must identify active floodplains within six months based on guidelines from the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
  • The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) will review proposals related to Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) and Suav river restoration submitted by the state government.
  • Failure to comply with the directives constitutes an offence under Section 26 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
Musi River Rejuvenation Project faces BJP and expert criticism over cost and approach (End of March) ▼
  • The Telangana government’s Musi River Rejuvenation Project is estimated to cost Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
  • BJP state president N. Ramchander-Rao questioned the funding feasibility given the state’s unpaid pension dues.
  • The Gandhi Sarovar Project, a part of the Musi initiative, saw its cost rise from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 7,000 crore within days.
  • Rao emphasised the project’s impact across South Telangana and called for a holistic approach from catchment to Krishna River confluence.
  • Vedire Sriram, water adviser to the Maharashtra government, described the works as superficial beautification rather than true revival and noted rejuvenation takes at least 20 years.
  • Sriram stated the Central Water Commission (CWC) has not been consulted, which jeopardises prospects of international funding.
  • He offered a revised DPR free of cost, claiming the Rs 160-crore DPR is riddled with loopholes and suggests sourcing water from Singur and Manjeera for Rs 100 crore instead of Rs 1,000 crore from Mallanna Sagar.
  • Sriram underlined the need for stakeholder participation, catchment-area percolation structures, massive afforestation and sewage treatment to reduce water pollution to below 3 PPM.
Gujarat launches 'Lake and Air Watch' initiative with ₹10 crore outlay for real-time air and lake monitoring (Mid of March) ▼
  • Gujarat Urban Development Mission (GUDM) will launch the 'Lake and Air Watch' initiative under the state’s Urban Development and Urban Housing Department.
  • Air quality monitoring stations will be installed in 17 municipal corporations and 152 municipal areas to provide real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) information.
  • The initiative has an estimated provision of Rs 10 crore to strengthen environmental protection and promote sustainable urban development.
  • Satellite technology will analyse lake areas, waste presence and algae growth, and timely alerts will be issued for conservation action.
  • An integrated digital platform will consolidate lake health and air quality data at the state level through a centralised dashboard with maps, trends and alerts.
Lake Victoria turns green and toxic from nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, threatening East Africa's fisheries (Mid of February) ▼
  • Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake, now shows near-permanent green algal blooms loaded with liver-damaging microcystin.
  • Nyando River dumps over 6,000 kg of nitrate daily during peak rains, while Nzoia River adds about 22,000 kg daily, fuelling explosive cyanobacterial growth.
  • Microcystis and Dolichospermum dominate the blooms, producing toxins that create dead zones and crash fish populations.
  • The lake supports a $600 million fish export industry and hundreds of thousands of tons of annual catch now at risk from oxygen depletion and food-web collapse.
  • Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda rely on the lake for drinking water and livelihoods, but seasonal die-offs have become systemic and recovery may be impossible on human timescales.

Kerala Assembly launches MLATrack.com portal to track MLA interventions

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

  • Kerala Legislative Assembly launched MLATrack.com, India’s first database to track interventions made by MLAs.
  • The portal covers interventions from 2021 to 2026 and hosts profiles, biodata, attendance, questions, and visual analytics for all 140 MLAs.
  • Atyeti Research developed the site in collaboration with Sahya Digital Conservation Foundation using publicly available Assembly and LAC ADS Portal documents.
  • More than 68,000 starred and unstarred questions were raised in 16 sessions; 45 MLAs logged over 95% attendance.
  • The website does not rank, rate, or evaluate MLAs and provides hyperlinks to date-wise questions and answers.

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Andhra Pradesh Assembly Launches AI-Facial Recognition System for MLA Attendance (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly has debuted an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based attendance system, becoming the first legislature in India to implement such technology.
  • Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu introduced the AI facial recognition system which records the attendance of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) only when they are seated in their designated places.
  • The digital system is designed to prevent proxy attendance where members would previously sign the register and leave the House without participating in proceedings.
  • Legislature Secretariat officials stated that members who fail to attend for a minimum of 60 days could face disqualification.
  • The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly has scheduled the state budget discussion for 14 March.
  • The Parliament of India is reportedly considering the implementation of a similar digital attendance system.
Gyan Bharatam Mission launches nationwide survey to map India’s manuscript heritage (Mid of March) ▼
  • Ministry of Culture (MoC) will conduct a three-month nationwide survey from Monday to map India’s manuscript heritage.
  • Survey teams will identify manuscripts in institutions, private collections and with individual custodians starting at district level.
  • Discovered manuscripts will be geotagged and uploaded in real time through the Gyan Bharatam mobile application.
  • The mission aims to create a consolidated database and national digital repository on the Gyan Bharatam Mission central portal.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Gyan Bharatam Mission in the Union Budget 2025–26 and described it as the proclamation of India's culture, literature and consciousness.
  • State and district-level committees chaired by chief secretaries and district magistrates have been set up to oversee the survey.
  • Existing digitised collections exceeding one million manuscripts held by institutions and state governments will be integrated into the central platform.
MoRD Launches Real-Time Internal Audit Portal to Boost Transparency and Accountability in Rural Governance (End of March) ▼
  • The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) operationalised an Internal Audit Portal developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
  • The portal (ruralaudit.dord.gov.in) enables Secretary-level access for direct real-time monitoring of audit performance across departments.
  • It provides a real-time dashboard to monitor audit status, Action Taken Reports (ATRs), and pending cases from field units to headquarters.
  • An automated escalation mechanism generates system alerts for delays in compliance, ensuring accountability across administrative levels.
  • Role-based secure access safeguards data integrity while enabling coordination among officials.
  • The platform centralises audit tracking by allowing seamless flow of audit observations from field offices to central authorities.
  • The Ministry expects the portal to reduce the compliance gap and accelerate closure of audit observations through continuous 365-day monitoring.
  • The initiative aligns with the Digital India mission to strengthen governance, transparency, and fiscal discipline in rural development expenditure.
Uttar Pradesh Digital Libraries in Gram Panchayats to Provide Rural Youth Access to Competitive-Exam Resources (Start of January) ▼
  • The Uttar Pradesh government is setting up state-of-the-art digital libraries in every gram panchayat secretariat.
  • Each library will cost approximately ₹4 lakh and include books worth ₹2 lakh and modern furniture worth ₹70,000.
  • Facilities will include Wi-Fi, LED screens, CCTV cameras, computer systems, e-books, video/audio lectures, quizzes, and millions of digital educational materials.
  • The purchase of IT equipment is expected to be completed by January 30 and furniture by January 26, after which the libraries will be ready for operation.
  • The village head and panchayat secretary will manage the libraries, with assistant officers conducting regular monitoring.

Ministry of Culture–YouTube MoU to digitally upskill Indian folk artists

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Culture (MoC) and YouTube signed an MoU on 25 March 2026 to train folk, tribal and traditional artists in digital content creation, intellectual property rights, monetisation and audience engagement.
  • YouTube will act as knowledge partner and host specialised training sessions with IGNCA, Sangeet Natak Akademi, National School of Drama (NSD), zonal cultural centres and Kalakshetra Foundation.
  • The initiative will provide recording equipment where feasible, co-develop localised educational material and identify mentors through MoC’s autonomous institutions.
  • A joint task force under the MoC will guide execution and impact assessment of the programme focused on the folk music creative economy.
  • Last year 15 per cent of content created on YouTube in India was watched by global audiences.

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India and Vietnam elevate tribal cooperation to ministerial level, push for institutional partnership (End of March) ▼
  • India and Vietnam elevated collaboration on tribal and ethnic development to the ministerial level through a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on 18 March 2026.
  • The meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, and Vietnam’s Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, H.E. Dao Ngoc Dung.
  • This is the first ministerial engagement exclusively focused on tribal and ethnic development between the two nations.
  • The dialogue built on prior discussions led by Smt. Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and H.E. Y Thong, Deputy Minister of Vietnam, on 17 March 2026.
  • Key areas explored included rights-based approaches to tribal welfare, community-led development models, institutional mechanisms for cultural preservation, and use of digital platforms for tribal outreach.
  • Shri Jual Oram emphasized Vietnam’s pivotal role in India’s Act East Policy and broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
  • India’s tribal population exceeds 104 million people (over 8.6% of the population), while Vietnam is home to 54 officially recognized ethnic groups.
  • A draft Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at institutionalizing bilateral engagement in tribal and ethnic affairs was reviewed; Vietnam confirmed approval on its side.
  • Vietnam invited Shri Jual Oram for an official visit to formally sign the MoC.
  • The year 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Ashwini Vaishnaw launches National AI Skilling, MyWAV & DD Free Dish EPG initiatives (End of March) ▼
  • Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ashwwa Vaishnaw unveiled three inter-linked measures to boost India’s media and creative economy.
  • National AI Skilling initiative, implemented by Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) with Google and YouTube, will train 15,000 youths at zero fee.
  • Phase-I of the AI programme runs 23 March-30 June 2026, covering Google Career Certificates and Cloud Generative AI paths; completion is mandatory for Phase-II.
  • Phase-II (July-December 2026) offers advanced, project-based specialisation for the creative industry using Gemini 3, Nano Banana, Veo and Vertex AI tools.
  • MyWAVES, a citizen-creator platform on WAVES OTT, enables users to create, upload and share content and is positioned to strengthen the digital ecosystem.
  • Advanced Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and in-built satellite tuners in TV sets expand DD Free Dish access without set-top boxes, improving reach in remote areas.
  • All three initiatives aim to build capabilities, widen opportunities and ensure access to content, supporting the ‘Orange Economy’ as highlighted in the Union Budget.
  • Gunjan Soni, Managing Director, YouTube India, stated the partnership seeks to make India a global hub for digital content and innovation.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces Orange Economy push with AVCG labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges. (Start of February) ▼
  • Union Budget 2026–27 proposes support for Indian Institute of Creative Technologies Mumbai to set up AVCG content creator labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges across India.
  • India’s AVCG sector is projected to require 2 million professionals by 2030.
  • Economic Survey 2025–26 terms creative industries as the Orange Economy, deriving value from ideas and cultural capital rather than physical goods.
  • UNCTAD estimates show creative industries contribute between 0.5% and over 7% of GDP across countries.
  • In 2019, live music in the United States generated over USD 130 billion in economic output and supported more than 900,000 jobs.
  • UK music tourism contributed £6.6 billion, around 0.3% of GDP, in 2022.
  • Concerts act as short-duration tourism multipliers, intensifying spending on accommodation, food, transport and city services.
  • India’s concert economy remains nascent but is expanding due to a young population, rising discretionary spending, digital ticketing platforms and improving urban infrastructure.
  • Event organisers in India currently require between 10 and 15 separate clearances for live entertainment events.
  • Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is working towards a single-window mechanism for live entertainment permissions, including approvals from state governments.
Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to double sector size and generate 15–20 million jobs (Start of January) ▼
  • The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has set up a Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to serve as a single-window facilitation mechanism for India’s live entertainment industry.
  • The LEDC was constituted under the directions of Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
  • The cell aims to double the sector’s size, generate 15–20 million jobs, and position India among the world’s top five live entertainment hubs.

Department of Posts–TRIFED MoU to Establish Nationwide Logistics Backbone for Tribal E-Commerce

Key Updates:

  • The Department of Posts (DoP) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) to create a nationwide logistics backbone for tribal e-commerce.
  • The partnership leverages the DoP network of over 1.5 lakh post offices, with more than 90% located in rural areas, to deliver goods sold via the Tribes India e-marketplace.
  • The DoP will provide end-to-end logistics solutions including order pickup from TRIFED regional hubs, nationwide transmission, and final delivery to urban, rural, and remote areas.
  • Technological features of the collaboration include real-time shipment tracking, API-based integration for automated order processing, and Management Information System (MIS) reporting.
  • A Book Now Pay Later (BNPL) account will be established for TRIFED under the National Account Facility of the DoP to enable deferred payments for bulk shipments and simplified accounting.
  • The initiative aims to benefit over 10 lakh tribal artisans and forest produce gatherers by expanding market access for indigenous handicrafts, handlooms, and natural products.
  • The MoU is initially valid for a period of two years and includes provisions for review and potential expansion to other rural and artisan-based sectors.
  • The collaboration aligns with national visions including Digital India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and the Vocal for Local initiative.

Similar Coverage

RISA: Timeless Tribal launched to globalise tribal crafts (Mid of March) ▼
  • Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) launched 'RISA: Timeless Tribal' brand at Sunder Nursery to position tribal crafts in premium global markets.
  • Brand name 'RISA' is derived from 'Risa', a traditional handwoven textile of Tripura.
  • First phase covers 10 clusters featuring Eri and Muga silk of Assam, Santal cotton of Jharkhand, Changpa Pashmina of Ladakh, Kotpad cotton of Odisha, Dongria and Toda embroidery of Odisha and Tamil Nadu, and handicrafts Dokhra metal art, Longpi pottery, and Turtuk brassware.
  • Designers Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Manish Tripathi, Anju Modi, Gaurav Jai Gupta, and Sameera Dalvi onboarded to reposition tribal products in luxury markets.
  • Initiative includes design intervention, capacity building with skill training, infrastructure development of weaving clusters and finishing units, and eco-friendly premium packaging designed by National Institute of Design (NID) Haryana.
India and Vietnam elevate tribal cooperation to ministerial level, push for institutional partnership (End of March) ▼
  • India and Vietnam elevated collaboration on tribal and ethnic development to the ministerial level through a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on 18 March 2026.
  • The meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, and Vietnam’s Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, H.E. Dao Ngoc Dung.
  • This is the first ministerial engagement exclusively focused on tribal and ethnic development between the two nations.
  • The dialogue built on prior discussions led by Smt. Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and H.E. Y Thong, Deputy Minister of Vietnam, on 17 March 2026.
  • Key areas explored included rights-based approaches to tribal welfare, community-led development models, institutional mechanisms for cultural preservation, and use of digital platforms for tribal outreach.
  • Shri Jual Oram emphasized Vietnam’s pivotal role in India’s Act East Policy and broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
  • India’s tribal population exceeds 104 million people (over 8.6% of the population), while Vietnam is home to 54 officially recognized ethnic groups.
  • A draft Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at institutionalizing bilateral engagement in tribal and ethnic affairs was reviewed; Vietnam confirmed approval on its side.
  • Vietnam invited Shri Jual Oram for an official visit to formally sign the MoC.
  • The year 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
SWAYATT Initiative Completes Seven Years of Promoting Inclusive Public Procurement (Start of March) ▼
  • Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated the seven-year anniversary of its flagship initiative, SWAYATT (Startups, Women and Youth Advantage through e-Transactions).
  • Launched on 19 February 2019, the initiative aims to democratise public procurement for startups, women entrepreneurs, youth, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), and Self Help Groups (SHGs).
  • The initiative focuses on addressing three critical challenges for emerging enterprises: access to markets, access to finance, and access to value addition.
  • Cumulative order values for women entrepreneurs on GeM rose from ₹1,265.62 crore in FY 2018–19 to ₹83,323 crore by FY 2025–26.
  • Order volumes for women-led enterprises increased from 1,01,530 to 44,48,894 over the seven-year period.
  • Startup participation saw cumulative order values increase from ₹497.24 crore in FY 2018–19 to ₹54,005.8 crore by FY 2025–26.
  • Order volumes for startups expanded from 17,434 to 5,30,578 during the same period.
  • GeM has established dedicated storefronts, including Startup Runway and Womaniya, to enhance the discoverability of these sellers among government buyers.
Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 showcases tribal art, culture and cuisine in Delhi. (Mid of March) ▼
  • Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 will be held from 18 to 30 March 2026 at Sunder Nursery in Delhi.
  • Public entry starts on 19 March 2026; 18 March is reserved for special invitees.
  • The festival will feature over 200 stalls and more than 1,000 artisans from tribal communities across India.
  • An International Pavilion will display global indigenous crafts and enable cultural exchanges.
  • A 14-day Tribal Business Conclave will include nine thematic sessions on textiles, tourism, entrepreneurship and innovation.
  • Amitabh Kant will participate in a fireside chat on innovation and tribal enterprise development.

India hosts Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) maritime exercise IMEX TTX 26 in Kochi

[Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)]

Key Updates:

  • Indian Navy hosted the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) maritime exercise at Maritime Warfare Centre of Southern Naval Command in Kochi last Friday.
  • The exercise brought together delegates from IONS member navies to deliberate on evolving non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Participating countries included Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Timor-Leste.
  • India assumed the IONS chairmanship for the 2026–2028 cycle after a gap of 16 years.
  • IMEX TTX 2026 marks a key milestone in strengthening regional maritime leadership.

Similar Coverage

Eastern Naval Command (ENC) inaugurates MILAN Village ahead of International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam (Mid of February) ▼
  • Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC), inaugurated the MILAN Village at the ENC base in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
  • The MILAN Village is set up at the ENC Sailors’ Institute and will serve as the social and cultural hub for Exercise MILAN 2026 and the International Fleet Review.
  • The village features stalls from various Indian States and participating foreign navies, displaying traditional handicrafts, artwork and cultural exhibits.
  • The International City Parade on RK Beach Road, Visakhapatnam, is scheduled for 19 February 2026 evening with over 70 countries participating.
  • Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will attend the parade as chief guest.
  • The parade will begin at 4 p.m. with an aerial display by Indian Naval fighter aircraft and helicopters.
  • Marching contingents and military bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard will participate, along with ceremonial units from foreign navies.
  • Cultural troupes and thematic tableaux highlighting India’s maritime legacy and the traditions of visiting nations will be part of the event.
  • The evening will conclude with synchronised fireworks, a laser light show and a drone display, with illuminated warships anchored off the Visakhapatnam coast.
India to inaugurate MILAN 2026 multilateral naval exercise in Visakhapatnam (End of February) ▼
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will formally inaugurate MILAN 2026 on Thursday at the Samudrika Auditorium inside the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam.
  • Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi will attend the inauguration.
  • Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, inaugurated the MILAN Village on 15 February.
  • The harbour phase of MILAN 2026 began on Wednesday with cultural performances and a formal dinner for delegates.
  • A two-day international maritime seminar starts on Thursday ahead of the official inauguration.
  • The sea phase of MILAN 2026 is scheduled from 21 February to 25 February.
  • The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen maritime domain awareness, and conduct advanced drills in anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search-and-rescue operations.
  • MILAN 2026 has drawn participation from 70 nations, up from 42 nations in the 2022 edition.
  • Initiated by the Indian Navy in 1995, MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval engagement that began with Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
  • The inaugural edition was held at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • The venue was shifted to Visakhapatnam in 2020 due to its more extensive and advanced naval infrastructure.
  • MILAN originally aligned with India’s ‘Look East Policy’ and later became part of the ‘Act East’ policy and the SAGAR vision.
India and Seychelles commence 11th edition of Lamitiye exercise (Start of March) ▼
  • The 11th edition of the biennial Joint Military Exercise 'Lamitiye' is being held in Seychelles from 9 March to 20 March 2026.
  • The exercise is conducted at the Seychelles Defence Academy and involves the tri-service Indian contingent and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).
  • The Indian contingent includes personnel from the Assam Regiment, Indian Navy ship INS Trikand, and an Indian Air Force C-130 aircraft.
  • Exercise Lamitiye, meaning 'friendship' in Creole, has been held in Seychelles since 2001.
  • The 12-day programme features field training exercises, combat discussions, case studies, lectures, and a two-day validation exercise.
Indian Navy commences second edition of IOS SAGAR with 16 IONS nations (Mid of March) ▼
  • The Indian Navy (IN) has commenced the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative to enhance collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Naval personnel from 16 friendly foreign countries belonging to the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) are participating in the event.
  • The IN assumed the chair of the IONS in February 2026.
  • The initiative supports the Government of India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR) framework.
  • The programme includes professional training interactions at naval training establishments in Kochi followed by sea deployment onboard an IN ship.
  • The sea phase involves operational activities, maritime engagement, and port visits to foster professional linkages and exchange best practices.

India and Malta discuss expanding scope of bilateral relations

[Malta]

Key Updates:

  • Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (West) Sibi George met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta Ian Borg in Valletta on Saturday.
  • They discussed ways to strengthen ongoing cooperation and broaden the scope of India-Malta bilateral engagement.
  • George also met Brigadier Clinton J. O'Neill, Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, to explore increased defence and security cooperation.
  • India recognised Malta's independence in 1964 and established diplomatic relations in 1965.
  • India reopened its High Commission in Malta in January 2017; Malta opened its High Commission in New Delhi in 2007 and maintains Honorary Consuls in Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai.
  • High-level visits include President R Venkataraman (1990), External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (2015), and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu (2018).
  • During Naidu's 2018 visit, three MoUs were signed on maritime cooperation, tourism cooperation, and cooperation between India's Foreign Service Institute and Malta's Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies.

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India and Italy agree for urgent implementation of initiative to counter terror financing (End of March) ▼
  • India and Italy agreed on expeditious implementation of the India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism during the 9th India-Italy Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in New Delhi on March 20.
  • The Indian delegation was led by Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
  • The Italian delegation was led by Ambassador Nicoletta Bombardiere, Director General for Globalisation and Global Issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
  • Both sides expressed satisfaction on progress of the Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025-29 in sectors including trade, technology, space, defence, counter-terrorism and renewable energy.
  • First Maritime Security Dialogue is being planned to enhance maritime collaboration.
India and Malaysia Strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership During PM Modi's Visit on 7 February 2026 (Start of February) ▼
  • Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi departed for a two-day visit to Malaysia on 7 February 2026 at the invitation of Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim.
  • This visit is the first since bilateral relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024 and marks the third visit by PM Modi to the country.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) identified defence collaboration opportunities including the sale of Dornier aircraft and the maintenance of Scorpene submarines and SU-30 aircraft.
  • Malaysia is home to a 2.9 million-strong Indian diaspora, the third-largest globally, and a 2.75 million-strong Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) community.
  • Malaysia serves as a key pillar in India’s Act East Policy and is a significant partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Indo-Pacific region.
  • PM Modi previously met PM Ibrahim at the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) Summit in Rio De Janeiro and attended the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit virtually in October 2025.
  • India and the United States (US) announced an interim trade agreement framework to support the Make in India initiative and the goal of building a Viksit Bharat.
  • The trade framework is designed to benefit farmers, entrepreneurs, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), StartUp innovators, and fishermen while generating employment for women and youngsters.
India and Greece sign Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen defence industrial cooperation (Start of February) ▼
  • India and Greece signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen defence industrial cooperation.
  • The agreement was signed after bilateral talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Greek counterpart Nikolaos-Georgios Dendias at the Manekshaw Centre.
  • The declaration will pave the way for developing a five-year roadmap for India-Greece defence partnership.
  • Greece will position an International Liaison Officer at the Information Fusion Center-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), Gurugram, to enhance maritime cooperation.
  • A Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026 was exchanged to chart military engagements between the armed forces of both countries.
  • Both ministers reaffirmed that the India-Greece Strategic Partnership is based on shared values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect.
  • The countries agreed to expand their indigenous defence industries through partnership between India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and Greece’s ‘Agenda 2030’ defence reforms.
India and Israel Upgrade Bilateral Ties to Special Strategic Partnership During Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's Visit (End of February) ▼
  • PM Narendra Modi concluded a historic two-day visit to Israel, marking the first visit by an Indian leader in nine years.
  • India and Israel agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership.
  • A total of 27 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two nations, spanning sectors such as innovation, cultural exchange, manufacturing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • The two countries announced the establishment of a Critical and Emerging Technology Partnership to deepen cooperation in the technology and innovation sectors.
  • PM Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu committed to finalising a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and holding a government-to-government (G2G) meeting in India.
  • Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 group.
  • PM Modi called on President Isaac Herzog and planted a tree in the Presidential Gardens under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative.
  • The PM visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, to pay homage to victims and visited the Book of Names Hall.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the leaders explored enhanced cooperation in education, start-ups, quantum computing, and security.

Indonesia bans children under 16 from YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox

[Indonesia]

Key Updates:

  • Indonesia on Saturday began implementing a government regulation that bans children younger than 16 from access to digital platforms that could expose them to pornography, cyberbullying, online scams and addiction.
  • Indonesia became the first country in Southeast Asia to ban children from having accounts on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.
  • Indonesia’s Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said the government has instructed all digital platforms operating in Indonesia to immediately bring their products, features and services into compliance with applicable regulations.
  • The regulation will apply to around 70 million children in Indonesia — a country with a population of about 280 million.
  • Elon Musk’s X on its Indonesia Online Safety Information page gives 16 as the minimum age required for users in the country.
  • Google-owned YouTube said it supports the Indonesian government’s effort to create an effective, risk-based framework that addresses online harms while preserving access to information and digital opportunity.
  • TikTok said that it will take the necessary steps in line with regulatory expectations and continue to strengthen the safeguards, as well as keep Indonesian community in the platform informed as further guidance becomes available.
  • Restrictions on social media access for children under 16 first began in December in Australia, where social media companies revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children.

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UK government issues first evidence-backed guidance limiting under-fives' screen time to one hour daily (End of March) ▼
  • The UK government released its first evidence-backed guidance recommending that children under five be limited to one hour of screen time per day.
  • Under-twos should not watch screens alone, and parents are advised to avoid fast-paced videos.
  • The guidance was reviewed by Children's Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza and Russell Viner, professor of paediatrics and adolescent health at University College London (UCL).
  • The guidance applies to all screen types including computers, tablets, mobile phones, and televisions.
  • The government states that about 98% of children are watching screens daily by age two.
  • The guidance exempts screen-based assistive technologies used for children with special educational needs and disabilities from the time limits.
  • The guidance discourages the use of artificial intelligence (AI) toys or tools for under-fives.
  • Researchers at the Institute for the Science of Early Years at the University of East London observed that fast-paced content can trigger stress responses in under-fives.
  • Prof Sam Wass noted a link between emotional dysregulation and time spent watching fast-paced, unpredictable content in young children.
Indonesia to ban social media and other online platforms for under 16s from 28 March (Start of March) ▼
  • Indonesia will deactivate accounts for under 16s on high-risk platforms starting 28 March.
  • Initial platforms covered include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
  • Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said Indonesia will be the first non-Western country to delay children's access to digital spaces by age.
  • Unicef reported in 2023 that roughly half of 510 Indonesian children surveyed had been exposed to sexual images on social media.
  • Australia began enforcing a social media ban for under 16s in December, with Spain and the UK considering similar measures.
Brazil restricts social media for under-16s from March 18, 2026 (Mid of March) ▼
  • Brazil began implementing new measures on Tuesday to restrict minors' access to social media and prevent them from viewing violent or illegal content.
  • Adolescents up to 16 must now have their accounts linked to that of a legal guardian.
  • Digital platforms are required to demand reliable age verification to prevent minors under 18 from accessing prohibited content.
  • The National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) is the government body tasked with implementing the law.
  • Companies face fines up to 50 million reais (approximately 9 million dollars) and possible account suspensions or bans for non-compliance.
  • The law bans advertising aimed at children and adolescents and prohibits loot boxes in video games.
Indonesia blocks Elon Musk’s Grok AI over deepfake concerns (Mid of January) ▼
  • Indonesia has become the first country in the world to block Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot over the risk of fake, artificial intelligence (AI) generated pornographic content.
  • The Grok AI technology allowed users to alter online images to remove the subjects’ clothes, which the government termed a serious violation of human rights, dignity, and the security of citizens in the digital space.
  • The social media platform X limited image generation and editing features to paying subscribers as it sought to tamp down mounting criticism over the deepfakes.
  • The Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry of Indonesia summoned X officials to discuss the matter under rules that ban the sharing online of content deemed obscene.

Ukraine signs 10-year defence partnership with Qatar and expands drone warfare cooperation with Saudi Arabia and UAE

[Ukraine, Qatar]

Key Updates:

  • Ukraine and Qatar signed a 10-year mutually beneficial partnership agreement in the defence sector during a meeting in Doha.
  • The agreement between Ukraine and Qatar includes collaboration in technological fields, development of joint projects, defence investments, and the exchange of expertise in countering missiles and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
  • The pact provides for joint defence industry projects, the establishment of co-production facilities, and technological partnerships between companies.
  • Ukraine signed an air defence agreement with Saudi Arabia to support the kingdom in countering drone-related threats.
  • Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) agreed to cooperate in the field of security and defence, specifically regarding drone responses.
  • Ukraine has deployed anti-drone specialists to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to leverage its experience in countering aerial threats.
  • Ukraine proposed swapping its drone interceptors for air-defence missiles used by Gulf nations to counter missile strikes.

Similar Coverage

Somalia signs defence pact with Saudi Arabia amid Gulf rivalries in Horn of Africa (Start of February) ▼
  • Somali defence minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi defence minister Prince Khalid bin Salman signed a military cooperation agreement on 9 February 2026 on the sidelines of the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh.
  • The Somali defence ministry stated the pact focuses on cooperation in training, technical assistance and defence support to strengthen the Somali National Armed Forces and protect Somalia’s airspace and territorial integrity.
  • The agreement was signed around six weeks after Israel recognised Somaliland, the self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 and is still claimed by Mogadishu as part of its sovereign territory.
  • Somalia has terminated defence and security agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while expanding cooperation with other partners including Qatar.
  • The UAE firm DP World is developing the Berbera port in Somaliland, a project Mogadishu says operates with little regard for Somalia’s federal government.
United States Congress approves $200 million Baltic Security Initiative funding amid Russian activity (Start of February) ▼
  • The United States Congress approved $200 million in security assistance for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania under the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI) as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act.
  • President Donald Trump signed the $838.7 billion defense package on 3 February 2026, securing continued US backing for the three Baltic states.
  • An additional $10 million was allocated to Estonia through the Foreign Military Financing program, previously used by Tallinn to acquire HIMARS ammunition, Javelin missiles and large-caliber artillery shells.
  • The House of Representatives passed the Defense Appropriations Act by 217–214 votes and the Senate cleared it with 71–29 votes.
  • Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland in September and remained for approximately 12 minutes, prompting Tallinn to request an extraordinary UN Security Council meeting and activate Article 4 of the Atlantic Treaty.
  • Congressman Don Bacon, Republican-Nebraska and co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus, stated that Congress is committed to a strong NATO alliance and emphasised the need for friends to counter China, Russia and Iran.
India abstains from United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on 4th anniversary of Russia-Ukraine war (End of February) ▼
  • India and 50 other countries abstained from a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) draft resolution calling for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
  • Titled Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine, the resolution was adopted by the 193 members of the UNGA on February 24, 2026, marking four years of the conflict.
  • The resolution received 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions.
  • The draft was introduced by Ukraine along with Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States (US).
  • The resolution reaffirmed support for the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, including territorial waters.
  • It urged the full exchange of prisoners of war and the return of all unlawfully detained persons and deported civilians, including children.
  • The document expressed deep concern over intensified attacks by Russia on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and critical energy facilities in Ukraine.
India and Greece sign Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen defence industrial cooperation (Start of February) ▼
  • India and Greece signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen defence industrial cooperation.
  • The agreement was signed after bilateral talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Greek counterpart Nikolaos-Georgios Dendias at the Manekshaw Centre.
  • The declaration will pave the way for developing a five-year roadmap for India-Greece defence partnership.
  • Greece will position an International Liaison Officer at the Information Fusion Center-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), Gurugram, to enhance maritime cooperation.
  • A Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026 was exchanged to chart military engagements between the armed forces of both countries.
  • Both ministers reaffirmed that the India-Greece Strategic Partnership is based on shared values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect.
  • The countries agreed to expand their indigenous defence industries through partnership between India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and Greece’s ‘Agenda 2030’ defence reforms.

Maldives formally rejects UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands transfer deal

[Maldives, United Kingdom]

Key Updates:

  • Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu conveyed non-recognition of the UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands deal through two written objections (November 2024 and January 2026) and a phone call with UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.
  • The President's Office termed the UK proceeding "in sole consultation with Mauritius" as "deeply concerning" and asserted Maldives' historical claim to the archipelago.
  • The UK pays an average £101 million per year to lease the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, the largest Chagos island.
  • International Court of Justice (ICJ) 2019 advisory opinion and International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) 2023 ruling endorsed Mauritius' claim, calling the 1965 separation unlawful.
  • US President Donald Trump urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer not to cede the territory, placing the UK-Mauritius deal on indefinite hold.
  • Maldives government is evaluating legal options, including a formal submission to ICJ, to assert sovereign rights over the Chagos Archipelago.

Similar Coverage

India gifts Maldives first high-speed ferry under 12-ferry transport link project (Mid of February) ▼
  • India handed over the first of 12 high-speed ferries to the Maldives to launch Raajje Transport Link (RTL) services in Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls.
  • The ferry was built with Indian assistance under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III MoU signed in January 2025.
  • India will provide a total of 12 high-speed ferries to the Maldives as part of the existing agreement.
  • India signed 13 MoUs with the Maldives on 18 May 2024 for enhancing ferry services under HICDP Phase III with an MVR 100 million grant.
  • The total grant for the 13 projects under HICDP Phase III amounts to MVR 100 million (about ₹55.28 crore).
  • Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives G Balasubramaniam stated that India has provided USD 29.5 million to the Maldives over four phases for transport, sports, coastal protection, health, and education projects.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Maldives in July 2024 and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu visited India in October 2024.
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty Enters into Force, Legally Binding 81 Ratifying Nations (Mid of January) ▼
  • The BBNJ Agreement, covering ocean zones beyond national waters, enters into force 120 days after ratification by at least 60 countries.
  • The treaty area represents over two-thirds of the ocean’s surface and over 90 per cent of Earth’s habitat by volume.
  • It is the first legally binding ocean instrument to provide for inclusive ocean governance, with provisions on the engagement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities and on gender balance.
  • The Agreement becomes legally binding for the 81 nations that have ratified it so far.
  • Major economies that have ratified include China, Germany, Japan, France and Brazil.
  • The US signed in 2023 but has not ratified; India adopted in 2024 but ratification is pending; UK legislation introduced in 2025 but not yet ratified; Russia has neither adopted nor ratified.
Iran Kharg Island remains central to United States and Israel strategic calculations (Start of March) ▼
  • Kharg Island is a coral island located 25 km off the Iranian coast in the Persian Gulf, serving as the country's primary crude oil export terminal.
  • The facility handles approximately 90% of Iran’s crude exports and has the capacity to load up to 7 million barrels of oil per day.
  • Developed in the 1960s with assistance from the United States (US) company Amoco, the terminal is connected to southern Iranian oilfields via subsea pipelines.
  • Satellite imagery from the European Union (EU) Copernicus Browser showed a very-large crude carrier at the island on 2 March during the US and Israel military campaign titled Operation Epic Fury.
  • The island is situated near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy chokepoint that facilitates one-fifth of global oil shipments, primarily to Asian markets including China.
  • White House energy adviser Jarrod Agen indicated that US strategic goals could involve seizing the island to restrict Iran's oil revenues.
India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives Conduct 17th Edition of DOSTI Exercise in Male on January 17, 2026 (Mid of January) ▼
  • The 17th edition of the trilateral exercise 'DOSTI' is being held in Male, involving the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Sri Lanka Coast Guard, and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
  • The harbour phase of the exercise includes collaborative Marine Pollution (MARPOL) exercises, joint Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) drills, and pollution response demonstrations.
  • A four-member delegation from the ICG, led by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, is participating in the exercise to foster reciprocal learning and capacity augmentation.
  • The exercise features tabletop exercises and the implementation of cross-boarding Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance interoperability.
  • Originally started as a bilateral exercise between India and the Maldives in 1991, DOSTI transitioned into a trilateral framework in 2012 with the addition of Sri Lanka.
  • The trilateral engagement reflects India's 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' (SAGAR) vision and its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Research Advisory Board (RAB) of Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) holds first meeting

[Biotech Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), Regulatory Authority for Biotechnology (RAB)]

Key Updates:

  • The first meeting of the Research Advisory Board (RAB) of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) took place to deliberate on national initiatives and governance reforms.
  • The reforms are designed to guide the transformation of BRIC into a cohesive, decentralised national biotechnology laboratory.
  • The RAB is responsible for guiding, reviewing, and monitoring the research activities conducted by BRIC Institutes (iBRIC) and fostering deliberations for developing new missions.
  • Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), stated that the RAB should focus on designing mission-focused objectives tailored for a growing bioeconomy.
  • Experts underscored the need to leverage the country’s demographic advantages, biodiversity, and extensive data resources to support the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Similar Coverage

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.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh lays foundation for cGMP facility at BRIC-RGCB (Start of March) ▼
  • Union Minister Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) facility at the Akkulam campus of Biotechnology Research and Innovation Centre--Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) in Thiruvananthapuram.
  • He dedicated the National Facility for Recombinant Cells & Sensors, housing 600-700 types of stable cells covering several cancer targets, positioning it among the leading global resource centres for such innovative tools.
  • Singh inaugurated the annual National Science Day programme at the BRIC-RGCB campus.
  • The minister highlighted India's BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy as a dedicated biotechnology policy aimed at making the economy bio-driven.
  • He noted the Union Budget announcement of the Biopharma SHAKTI Mission, signalling policy recognition that future global economies will increasingly be driven by biotechnology.
  • Singh urged BRIC-RGCB to explore interdisciplinary collaborations with the private sector in the liberalised nuclear medicine domain.
  • Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Director General, BRIC, Dr Rajesh Gokhale, stated that the government launched the HPV vaccination drive based on data generated by BRIC-RGCB.
  • Prof VPN Nampoori of CUSAT, Kochi, authored the National Science Day book 'Quantum Physics: One Hundred Magical Years' released by the minister on the occasion.
Union Minister J P Nadda allocates ₹13,000 crore for Bio-Pharma SHAKTI Mission and three Chemical Parks. (Start of March) ▼
  • Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers Shri J P Nadda announced a Budgetary provision of ₹13,000 crore for the Bio-Pharma SHAKTI Mission and three dedicated Chemical Parks.
  • ₹10,000 crore of the allocation is earmarked for the Bio-Pharma SHAKTI Mission over the next five years.
  • The global pharmaceutical market is expected to have 40% biologics by 2035, with patents worth $300 billion expiring by 2030.
  • Securing a 1% share of the global biosimilars market could create an annual opportunity of ₹2 lakh crore for India.
  • Plans include developing 1,000 clinical trial sites across the country to expand research and innovation capacity.
  • The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) will be strengthened to ensure faster regulatory approvals.
  • India’s chemical industry currently generates output worth ₹19.4 lakh crore and holds a 3% global share.
  • ₹3,300 crore is allocated for developing three world-class chemical parks aimed at reducing costs by 20–40% through industrial symbiosis.
  • The roadmap targets raising India’s global chemical sector share to 5–6% by 2030 and achieving a $1 trillion turnover by 2040.
India urges WTO ministerial for time-bound tech-transfer roadmap to aid developing nations (Start of March) ▼
  • India submitted a draft ministerial declaration asking developed members to facilitate transfer of advanced environmentally sound technologies (ESTs) to developing and least-developed countries (LDCs).
  • The declaration cites export controls on inputs such as semiconductor chips and rare earth minerals and rigid intellectual-property regimes as persistent barriers to technology access.
  • India requested developed countries to share regional and sector-specific technology needs, experiences, challenges and best practices to cut high access costs and domestic capacity constraints.
  • New Delhi proposed a detailed review of technology-transfer provisions in WTO agreements covering TRIPS, agriculture, technical barriers to trade, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
  • The text seeks operationalisation of existing TRIPS flexibilities for technology transfer and a time-bound roadmap to be adopted at the forthcoming WTO ministerial meeting later this month.

Kali Night Frog, 35th Western Ghats endemic night frog, discovered in Karnataka

[Karnataka]

Key Updates:

  • Nyctibatrachus kali (Kali Night Frog) was discovered in the Castlerock region of the Western Ghats by researchers and forest department frontline staff.
  • The species is named after the river Kali and the Kali Tiger Reserve.
  • DNA and call analysis confirmed it as a cryptic species distinct from the Kumbara Night Frog, despite morphological similarity.
  • The discovery was published in PeerJ, an international journal.
  • India hosts 474 of the 9,027 known amphibian species worldwide.
  • Nearly two out of every five amphibian species face extinction threats globally and in India, with habitat loss, climate change, and disease as major drivers.

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Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovers new cockroach species Neoloboptera peninsularis in Deccan plateau (End of March) ▼
  • Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Pune identified the new cockroach species Neoloboptera peninsularis from agricultural landscapes in Nathachi Wadi, Daund near Pune.
  • The species exhibits a yellowish-brown glossy body, fully developed wings, asymmetrical cerci and a whip-like male genital component.
  • Prior to this finding only two species within the genus Neoloboptera had been documented in India, the latest described in 1995.
  • The study employed an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological analysis with DNA sequencing and provided the first DNA barcode for the genus.
  • Distinct genetic lineages from Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka indicate potential for further undescribed species in India.
Scientists discover new frog Oreobates shankusacha in Peru's San Martin cloud forest, flag habitat loss threat. (Start of February) ▼
  • Scientists discovered the new frog species Oreobates shankusacha in Peru's San Martin cloud forest region.
  • The frog measures about an inch long and has golden eyes.
  • The species is nocturnal and inhabits the forest floor among leaves, moss, and ferns.
  • Nature Conservation Action and the Ararancha Association - Ecology and Conservation reported the discovery in the journal Salamandra.
  • The name shankusacha derives from the Kichwa-Lamista phrase meaning "heart of the forest".
  • Cloud forests where the frog lives exceed 4,430 feet above sea level.
  • Approximately 60 percent of the regional forest has been destroyed by coffee cultivation, cattle grazing, and illegal logging.
  • Scientists classify Oreobates shankusacha as endangered due to deforestation and its limited range.
Zoological Society of London-led study blames photo tourism for presumed deaths of seven galaxy frogs in Western Ghats (Start of January) ▼
  • Galaxy frogs (Melanobatrachus indicus) live exclusively under rotten logs in Kerala’s Western Ghats.
  • The species is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
  • Between June 2020 and April 2021 photographers overturned logs and trampled vegetation, causing the disappearance—and presumed deaths—of seven monitored frogs.
  • Photographers handled frogs with bare hands, exposed them to high-powered camera flashes for nearly four hours per session and moved them to different logs for better pictures.
  • Displacing logs altered the moss-covered microhabitat, likely preventing the frogs from returning and disrupting their feeding and breeding.
  • Frogs rely on skin respiration; drying from flash heat or handling hampers breathing and can be lethal.
  • The study recommends banning capture, handling and chasing of animals, minimising high-intensity lights, and training guides to curb unethical wildlife photography.
Indian Scientists Discover Two New Slender-Armed Frog Species in Arunachal Pradesh (Mid of January) ▼
  • Indian scientists discovered two new slender-armed frogs from their secretive habitats in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Delhi University (DU) frog hunter S D Biju and his PhD student Akalabya spotted the new species north of the Brahmaputra river.
  • Soman’s Slender Arm Frog Leptobrachium somani was discovered at Tiwari Gaon and named after late E Somanath, a noted journalist from Kerala.
  • The Mechuka Slender Arm Frog Leptobrachium mechuka is named after Mechuka, a small Arunachal Pradesh town close to the China border.
  • The Brahmaputra river acted as the biogeographical barrier for these frogs, aiding species diversification.
  • The slender-armed frogs Leptobrachium belong to the family Megophryidae, which is one of the most diverse frog families globally with 366 recognised species.
  • The study was published in the US based scientific journal Peer J.

Kerala records 29 shigellosis cases in 2026; health experts urge strict hygiene

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

  • Kerala has reported 29 confirmed shigellosis cases and one death caused by Shigella bacteria in 2026, with 15 cases recorded in March alone.
  • The recent death of a child in Kozhikode prompted health authorities to emphasise preventive measures.
  • District Medical Officer R. Shahirsha advised drinking only boiled water and consuming fresh, hot food to curb water-borne transmission during summer.
  • Dr. Minu Mohan, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Kalamassery, stated that shigellosis spreads via the faecal-oral route through contaminated water or food.
  • Dr. G. Sathyajith Nair, secretary, Indian Academy of Paediatrics (Kochi branch), warned that vacation-season consumption of outside food and water increases infection risk.
  • Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, convenor, Indian Medical Association’s research cell, highlighted that children below five face higher risks of complications such as kidney failure, seizures, or anaemia.

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Deben Mondal passes away at Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital (Mid of March) ▼
  • Deben Mondal, a 48-year-old inmate of the Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home (JCCH), passed away on March 6, 2026, at the Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital.
  • Asim Halder serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) of Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.
  • Biswarup Biswas holds the position of Superintendent at the JCCH.
  • Dr. Subarna Goswami is a public health expert and epidemiologist who provided analysis on the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) outbreak.
Madhya Pradesh Government Ramps Up Detection and Treatment Following Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) Outbreak (End of January) ▼
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a disease in which a patient's immune system mistakenly starts attacking the peripheral nervous system.
  • In GBS patients, parts of the body suddenly become numb, muscle weakness develops, and they may also face difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
  • The disease is sometimes linked to eating undercooked poultry, unpasteurised dairy, or consuming water contaminated with sewage.
  • Samples of patients' blood serum, food items and other materials have been sent to institutes in Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune for testing.
Kerala becomes first Indian state to declare Bacillus subtilis as State Microbe (End of January) ▼
  • Kerala declared Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe, making it the first state in the country to officially designate a state microbe.
  • Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced the designation during the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM) in Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Bacillus subtilis is a probiotic bacterium found in the environment, human gut, and fermented foods.
  • CoEM, established by the Kerala government, aims to study microorganisms' role in health, environment, and sustainability.
  • CoEM functions under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) in collaboration with the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC).
  • CoEM is the first institution in India to integrate microbiome-based translational research across human health, nutrition, immunity, agriculture, fisheries, and environmental conservation.
  • CoEM signed MoUs with Kerala Startup Mission and Amrita School of Biotechnology for future collaborations.
Indore Epidemic Response: Chlorination & Tanker Supply Drive (Start of January) ▼
  • Indore health administration declared the Bhagirathpura waterborne outbreak an epidemic.
  • Specialised teams from ICMR-NIRBI and NCDC were called in to contain the spread and identify contamination sources.
  • Narmada water supply in the affected zone remains suspended until pipelines are certified fully decontaminated.

Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle reintroduced to Ganga after 30 years under Namami Gange Mission

[Ganga]

Key Updates:

  • The endangered Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) was released into the Ganga on 26 April after a 30-year absence.
  • Twenty captive-bred turtles were freed in the Haiderpur Wetland Complex, Uttar Pradesh, by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and the Namami Gange Mission.
  • The turtles were reared at the Garhaita Turtle Conservation Centre under the National Chambal Sanctuary.
  • Sonic tags fitted on each turtle will monitor their movements for two years to assess survival and dispersal.
  • One group was released above the barrage and another downstream in the main river channel to compare soft versus hard release techniques.
  • Haiderpur Wetland connects fully with the Ganga during monsoon, aiding natural dispersal of the species.
  • The goal is to establish a self-sustaining population of Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles in the Ganga.

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Assam government proposes new Reserved Forest adjacent to Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary to boost habitat connectivity. (End of March) ▼
  • The Assam government has proposed the creation of a new Reserved Forest adjacent to Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonitpur district.
  • Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river in Assam.
  • The sanctuary is part of the Laokhowa–Burachapori ecosystem and lies between Kaziranga National Park to the east and Orang National Park to the west.
  • Vegetation includes wet alluvial grasslands, riparian forests, semi-evergreen forests, and supports species such as Hollong, Mekai, Dhuna, Udiyam, Nahar, and Samkothal.
  • Fauna includes the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, wild buffalo, hog deer, wild pig, elephants, Bengal Florican, Black-necked Stork, Mallard, Teal, and Whistling Duck.
  • The proposed Reserved Forest aims to improve habitat continuity, reduce fragmentation, and facilitate wildlife movement across protected areas in the Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem.
Project Dolphin (PD): Second Pan-India Survey Launched to Assess River Dolphin Populations (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Union Environment Ministry (UEM) launched the second pan-India counting exercise for dolphins, which will assess the status of Gangetic dolphin along with Indus river and Irrawaddy dolphins on 17 January 2026.
  • The survey, Under Project Dolphin (PD), commenced at Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh with 26 researchers in three boats, recording ecological and habitat parameters while also using hydrophones for underwater acoustic monitoring.
  • In the first phase, the survey will cover the main stem of the Ganga from Bijnor to Ganga Sagar and the Indus River.
  • In the second phase, it will cover Brahmaputra, the tributaries of the Ganga, the Sundarbans, and Odisha to include the Irrawaddy dolphin found in the Sundarban delta.
  • The survey is Led by Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun... in coordination with state forest departments and in collaboration with other organisations like WWF India, Aaranyak and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).
  • The counting exercise will generate robust scientific data to support conservation planning and policy action for river ecosystems.
Second Pan-India Dolphin Survey Launches from Bijnor under Project Dolphin (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Union Environment Ministry launched the second pan-India counting exercise for dolphins to assess the status of Gangetic, Indus river and Irrawaddy dolphins.
  • The survey commenced at Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh with 26 researchers in three boats, recording ecological and habitat parameters while using hydrophones for underwater acoustic monitoring.
  • In the first phase, the survey will cover the main stem of the Ganga from Bijnor to Ganga Sagar and the Indus River.
  • In the second phase, it will cover Brahmaputra, the tributaries of the Ganga, the Sundarbans, and Odisha.
  • The previous survey recorded an estimated 6,327 dolphins in Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Gandak, Ghaghara, Kosi, Mahanada and Brahmaputra systems, and a small population of Indus river dolphins in the Beas.
  • This survey will include Irrawaddy dolphin, found in the Sundarban delta and Odisha, to update population estimates, assess threats and habitat conditions.
  • Led by Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, the survey is coordinated with state forest departments and organisations like WWF India, Aaranyak and Wildlife Trust of India.
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and NMCG launch project to protect Indian Skimmer and river birds in Ganga Basin (End of January) ▼
  • The project titled 'Safeguarding breeding habitats of Indian Skimmer and sympatric birds through monitoring and community participation in the Ganga Basin' was launched at Dehradun and inaugurated by Union Minister for Jal Shakti C R Patil.
  • The project builds on BNHS’s successful conservation model in the National Chambal Sanctuary, where community participation significantly improved nesting success of riverine birds.
  • Local residents will be trained as Nest Guardians and River Guardians to protect nests, monitor bird populations, reduce local threats and assist in scientific data collection.

Indian Air Force (IAF) to Equip MiG-29 Jets with ASRAAM Missiles

[ASRAAM]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has invited bids to arm the Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-29 fighter aircraft with European Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM).
  • The ASRAAM is a next-generation close combat missile with a range of 25 km.
  • The integration of ASRAAM will replace the legacy Russian R-73 missiles, which are 1980s-era infrared-guided weapons with a range of 10 to 15 km.
  • The IAF currently operates more than 50 MiG-29 combat jets, including eight two-seater trainers.
  • Missile manufacturer MBDA has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to establish an assembly and test facility in Hyderabad to service the IAF jets.

Similar Coverage

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tests Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology (Start of February) ▼
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on February 3, 2026.
  • The SFDR was developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune.
  • The SFDR is an advanced air-breathing propulsion system where a solid fuel gas generator produces fuel-rich gases that mix with incoming air and burn in a ramjet combustor.
  • Unlike conventional rockets, the SFDR does not carry an oxidiser, making the system lighter and more efficient while providing sustained thrust and thrust modulation during flight.
  • The flight test validated several subsystems including a nozzle-less booster, SFDR motor, and fuel flow controller after the system was initially propelled by a ground booster motor to the desired Mach number.
  • The technology is critical for the development of long-range air-to-air missiles capable of intercepting aerial threats at supersonic speeds over very long ranges.
  • The use of solid fuel instead of liquid fuel in the SFDR system makes it simpler, safer, and easier to store and transport.
Indian Army tests new Shaurya drone squadrons for armoured regiments at Babina (End of March) ▼
  • The Indian Army (IA) is equipping its armoured regiments with dedicated drone units known as Shaurya Squadrons to support surveillance, precision strikes, electronic warfare, and logistics.
  • A 13-day drill was conducted at the Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi to demonstrate the integration of drone assets with mechanised forces and attack helicopters.
  • The exercise was led by the White Tiger Division under the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and witnessed by the Southern Army Commander, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth.
  • The Shaurya Squadrons aim to compress the sensor-to-shooter cycle and enhance battlefield awareness by providing real-time surveillance for tank formations.
  • Approximately five to six Shaurya Squadrons have been activated so far, though formal raising will occur after official approval is received.
  • The IA operates 63 armoured regiments with a total fleet of roughly 4,500 tanks, including T-90S Bhishma, upgraded T-72 M1 Ajeya, and Arjun MK1/MK1A variants.
  • The initiative draws lessons from Operation Sindoor and drone-centric global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war to institutionalise Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities.
  • The IA has previously raised Ashni platoons in the infantry for tactical intelligence and Divyastra batteries in the artillery to integrate UAV-based targeting with conventional guns.
India to evaluate Israeli 'Sky Sting' long-range BVRAAM during PM Modi visit to Israel (Start of March) ▼
  • India is likely to advance discussions on procuring the Israeli-origin 'Sky Sting' long-range beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel on Wednesday.
  • The Sky Sting missile, with an engagement envelope of around 250 km, is pitched to plug a critical gap in the Indian Air Force's long-range air combat capability.
  • The proposal is likely to follow a phased route, with an initial off-the-shelf acquisition followed by localised production with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems.
  • The system will undergo trials and integration validation before induction and operationalisation.
  • Israel has been pitching the missile for integration on the Tejas Mk1A, with the initial tranche equipped with the Israeli ELM-2052 AESA radar.
  • HAL's delivery delays of the Tejas Mk1A are partly due to integration challenges of the radar with the indigenous Astra BVRAAM.
  • The Sky Sting, unveiled around three years ago, is under development and has not yet been inducted into operational service.
  • India already operates Rafael-origin systems including the I-Derby ER and Python-5 air-to-air missiles, the SPYDER air defence system, and precision strike weapons such as SPICE and Rampage.
  • India is a key partner in the development of the Barak-8 air defence system deployed across the three services.
  • The IAF's current BVRAAM inventory includes the indigenous Astra Mk1 with a range of around 110 km, produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
  • The Astra Mk2 is under development to extend range beyond 200 km, and the Astra Mk3, based on solid fuel ducted ramjet technology, is projected to reach 350 km.
  • The IAF also operates Russian-origin R-77 missiles on its Su-30MKI fleet, alongside the Meteor with range exceeding 200 km, the MICA with range up to 80 km, and the I-Derby ER.
  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently inked between the Indian and Israeli defence ministries ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit to move towards co-development and co-production of next-generation systems.
Indian Army Konark Corps tests Strela-10 VSHORADS in Pokhran on 19 February 2026 (End of February) ▼
  • The Blazing Skies Brigade of the Indian Army (IA) Konark Corps conducted a high-intensity test firing of the Strela-10 Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).
  • The exercise was carried out at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan to validate combat readiness against low-altitude aerial threats.
  • The Strela-10 is a Soviet-designed surface-to-air missile system launched from a BMP-based mobile platform.
  • The system has an effective engagement range of approximately 6 to 10 kilometres and is designed to neutralise helicopters and drones.
  • Unlike radar-dependent systems, this VSHORADS relies significantly on visual target acquisition for operational success.
  • India is currently developing an indigenous version of the VSHORADS with an approximate engagement range of 6 kilometres.
  • The IA drill in the desert terrain aimed to sharpen crew coordination and test engagement protocols under realistic battlefield conditions.

Wildlife Management Authority conserves 19,858 Olive Ridley turtle eggs on Hope Island, Kakinada Bay

[Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary]

Key Updates:

  • Wildlife Management Authority and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary officials collected 19,858 Olive Ridley turtle eggs from 174 nests on Hope Island in the Kakinada Bay.
  • The eggs are being conserved under the in-situ conservation method on the island.
  • Kakinada District Forest Officer N. Rama Chandra Rao stated that the hatchlings are being released into the sea.
  • On 26 March 2026, Joint Collector Apoorva Bharat and Kakinada Assistant Collector Ms. Manisha released 585 Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings into the sea on the island.
  • Hope Island is identified as one of the safe nesting grounds of Olive Ridley Turtles in Andhra Pradesh.

Similar Coverage

Delhi team uses deep transfer learning to confirm painted stork nest site fidelity (End of March) ▼
  • Researchers tracked a male painted stork named Ringo with a neck scar inside Delhi’s National Zoological Park for four breeding seasons (2022-2025).
  • A total of 2,349 high-resolution images of Ringo and 1,755 images of other storks were collected to build a deep transfer learning (DTL) model.
  • Scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) identified Ringo’s scar and feather pattern, achieving 98% individual identification accuracy.
  • Repeated sightings of Ringo at the same nest site across four years confirmed strong nest site fidelity in the species.
  • The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, was led by University of Delhi, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
150-million-year-old dinosaur eggs discovered in Portugal on March 9, 2026 (Start of March) ▼
  • A nest containing 10 intact dinosaur eggs from the Upper Jurassic era was discovered at Santa Cruz Beach in Torres Vedras, Portugal.
  • The discovery was made by Carlos Natário, a researcher at the Centre for Research in Paleobiology and Paleoecology (Ci2Paleo) under the Torres Vedras Natural History Society (SHN).
  • Preliminary studies suggest the eggs, measuring 5 centimetres in diameter, belong to a carnivorous theropod, which was a two-legged predator of the Jurassic era.
  • Researchers at the SHN laboratory are using Computed Tomography (CT) scans to perform a virtual excavation and create high-resolution 3D models of the egg interiors.
  • The eggs were found in granular sandstone, indicating they were laid on a riverbank and fossilised at the original location without being moved by ancient floods.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Observes Massive Phytoplankton Bloom Near Chatham Islands (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-20 satellite captured images of a phytoplankton bloom encircling the Chatham Islands on January 10, 2026.
  • The Chatham Islands are situated on the Chatham Rise, an underwater plateau that extends eastward from the South Island of New Zealand and separates areas of deeper water.
  • Phytoplankton blooms are common in this region where cold, nutrient-rich currents from the Antarctic and warm, nutrient-poor water from the subtropics converge.
  • The well-mixed water and long daylight hours in the austral summer boost phytoplankton populations, which serve as the base of the local food web.
  • The waters around the islands support productive fisheries for species such as pāua, rock lobster, and blue cod, as well as five seal species and 25 whale and dolphin species.
  • Despite the biological abundance, the Chatham Islands are a known hotspot for whale and dolphin strandings, where hundreds of animals are sometimes beached.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) clears Rs 81,000-crore Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project (Mid of February) ▼
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) special bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, upheld the environmental clearance for the Rs 81,000-crore Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project.
  • The project covers 166 sq km and involves the construction of a transshipment port, an integrated township, a civil and military airport, and a 450-MVA gas and solar power-based plant.
  • The development requires the diversion of 130 sq km of forest land and the felling of nearly one million trees on Great Nicobar Island.
  • A High-Powered Committee (HPC) headed by former environment secretary Leena Nandan was constituted to review the project environmental clearance (EC) and compliance.
  • The NGT confirmed that the project adheres to the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) notification, 2019, and does not fall within prohibited coastal areas.
  • The tribunal mandated specific conservation measures for endemic species, including the leatherback sea turtle, Nicobar megapode, saltwater crocodiles, robber crab, and Nicobar macaque.
  • The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) reported that no coral reefs exist within the immediate project area and recommended the translocation of scattered coral reefs.
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is directed to prevent shoreline erosion and protect sandy beaches used as nesting sites for turtles and birds.

Wildlife Institute of India records two rare keelback snake species in Northeast India

[Northeast India]

Key Updates:

  • Wildlife Institute of India researchers documented Hebius gilhodesi and Herpetoreas davidi in India for the first time.
  • Herpetoreas davidi was recorded in Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Mizoram.
  • Hebius gilhodesi was found in Namdapha National Park and Kamlang Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The study extended the known range of H. gilhodesi by ~107 km and H. davidi by ~577 km.
  • Findings were published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa based on mitochondrial DNA analysis and morphological examination.

Similar Coverage

Scientists Identify New Reed Snake Species Calamaria mizoramensis in Mizoram (Start of January) ▼
  • Scientists have identified a new species of reed snake, Calamaria mizoramensis, in Mizoram, India.
  • The breakthrough came with a fresh round of research published in Zootaxa.
  • The snake showed more than a 15 per cent genetic difference from its closest known relatives.
  • This newly identified snake is non-venomous and mostly active at night.
  • It prefers moist, forested hills and has been found at elevations between 670 and 1,295 metres.
Two new freshwater fish species discovered in Nagaland's Mokokchung district. (Start of March) ▼
  • Glyptothorax sentimereni and Oreichthys elianae were identified during ichthyological surveys in Mokokchung district.
  • The discoveries were described in the international scientific journal Zootaxa.
  • The study was led by J. Praveenraj of ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI) and independent researcher Balaji Vijayakrishnan.
  • Glyptothorax sentimereni was found in the rocky stretches of the Dikhu River and belongs to torrent-dwelling catfishes adapted to fast-flowing mountain streams.
  • Oreichthys elianae, measuring just over 2.5 cm, was discovered in a tributary of the Tsurang River and features bright red fins with a prominent black blotch at the tail base.
  • The species were named after the son and daughter of the late Lt. Limaakum, an assistant professor at Fazl Ali College, to honour his final wish.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovers new Diplura hexapod species Lepidocampa sikkimensis in eastern Himalayas (Mid of February) ▼
  • The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) identified the new Diplura species Lepidocampa sikkimensis near Ravangla in Sikkim.
  • Additional specimens of Lepidocampa sikkimensis were later found in Kurseong in Bengal.
  • The findings were published on 7 January 2026 in the international taxonomic journal Zootaxa.
  • The study provides the first DNA barcode data for an Indian Lepidodcampa species.
  • The research team rediscovered the rare sub-species Lepidocampa juradii bengalensis after nearly five decades.

Endangered Steppe Eagles extend Rajasthan stay as Middle-East conflict disrupts traditional flyway

[Rajasthan]

Key Updates:

  • The steppe eagle is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, power-line collisions, human persecution and illegal trafficking.
  • Over 2,000 steppe eagles have been recorded in recent surveys at Jorbeer Conservation Reserve near Bikaner and Desert National Park near Jaisalmer.
  • Jorbeer Conservation Reserve and Desert National Park are included in the Global Action Plan for Conservation of the Steppe Eagle 2026–2035 approved under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species.
  • Ongoing conflict and increased aerial activity in Iran and Iraq are pushing the eagles away from traditional wintering zones toward the Thar Desert in Rajasthan.

Similar Coverage

Sambar deer recorded at high altitudes in Chamba for the first time (Start of March) ▼
  • The Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department recorded the presence of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in high-altitude areas of Chamba district through camera traps.
  • The species was documented in the Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary and Gamgul Wildlife Sanctuary, which are situated at elevations exceeding 2,500 metres and 3,000 metres respectively.
  • The finding has been published in the February quarterly edition of the Records of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
  • The sambar deer is the largest deer species in South Asia and is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
  • The species is protected under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • The Kalatop-Khajjiar landscape now hosts three different deer species: sambar deer, musk deer, and barking deer.
  • Chamba district contains nearly 985 sq km of protected forest area, including the Kugti, Tundah, and Sechu Tuan Nala wildlife sanctuaries.
Elusive dusky eagle owl sighted near Corbett Tiger Reserve after 15 years (Start of March) ▼
  • A pair of dusky eagle owls was documented in the Phato tourism zone of Terai West forest division adjacent to Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand.
  • The species was last officially recorded in the region in 2010.
  • Naturalist Himanshu Tiruva photographed the rare pair, and the images have gone viral among ornithologists and wildlife enthusiasts.
  • Dr. Saket Badola, Chief Conservator of Forests (Kumaon), stated that the reappearance of the species reflects reduced human interference and successful habitat management.
  • Birding expert Pradeep Saxena noted that the presence of apex avian predators like the dusky eagle owl indicates a healthy prey base and undisturbed nesting sites.
  • The dusky eagle owl, 48–58 cm long and partly diurnal, favours old-growth forest near water, matching Phato’s dense canopy and streams.
Eastern Imperial Eagle spotted wintering in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Start of January) ▼
  • Wildlife enthusiasts confirmed the presence of an Eastern Imperial Eagle visiting the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve during the winter migratory season.
  • The bird breeds primarily throughout Western and Central Asia and migrates during winter to parts of Africa, the Middle East as well as South and East Asia.
  • Arockianathan Samson from the Bombay Natural History Society documented 58 species of raptors in MTR between 2011 and 2022.
  • The tiger reserve provides an ideal habitat, food availability and a conducive climate for raptors to flourish.
  • Continuous sightings of the Imperial Eagle have been documented through the global bird-watching platform eBird from 2020 to 2025.
Wild Himalayan griffon vulture sighted in Maharashtra Melghat Tiger Reserve (Mid of February) ▼
  • A wild Himalayan griffon vulture was sighted in the Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, marking a significant milestone in vulture conservation.
  • The vulture population in the region had experienced a sharp decline by 2004 due to the use of harmful Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
  • The sighting follows collaborative conservation and rewilding initiatives between the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Maharashtra Forest Department.
  • Captive-bred long-billed vultures were released into the wild earlier this year as part of the ongoing restoration programme.
  • Technological tracking is being employed to monitor the survival and adaptation of the vultures in their natural habitat.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Unveils Detailed Ocean Floor Map Using SWOT Satellite

[Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite]

Key Updates:

  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES) have developed a new map of the ocean floor using data from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite.
  • Launched in December 2022, the SWOT satellite scans approximately 90 per cent of the planet every 21 days to monitor oceans, lakes, and rivers.
  • The satellite employs gravity mapping to measure subtle bulges in water height caused by the gravitational pull of large underwater features like mountains and hills.
  • The SWOT satellite can identify seafloor features less than half a kilometre in size, a significant improvement over previous satellites that could only detect features taller than one kilometre.
  • Researchers anticipate that the mission will increase the number of known seamounts from approximately 44,000 to as many as 100,000.
  • The project contributes to a broader international effort to achieve a complete map of the global seafloor by the year 2030.
  • Detailed seafloor mapping is essential for improving maritime navigation, laying underwater communication cables, and studying plate tectonics and ocean ecosystems.

Similar Coverage

Hidden ocean found 700 km inside Earth’s mantle (End of March) ▼
  • A water-saturated reservoir located roughly 700 km beneath Earth’s surface has been detected in the mantle transition zone (410–660 km deep).
  • The water is chemically bound within ringwoodite, a high-pressure mineral that can store hydrogen and water in its crystal structure.
  • The trapped water volume is estimated to equal or exceed the combined volume of all surface oceans.
  • Ringwoodite samples recovered in volcanic diamonds and xenoliths confirm the mineral’s water-bearing capacity under mantle conditions.
GalaxEye's Mission Drishti to carry NVIDIA Jetson Orin for AI-driven Earth observation (End of February) ▼
  • GalaxEye, a Bengaluru-based private space technology company, will deploy NVIDIA Jetson Orin on its upcoming satellite mission, Mission Drishti.
  • Mission Drishti will feature the world’s first SyncFused OptoSAR architecture, integrating Electro-Optical (EO) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors on a single satellite platform.
  • The satellite is designed to accelerate processing and interpretation of Earth observation data in space and quickly deliver insights to customers.
  • Insights from Mission Drishti are expected to benefit sectors including agriculture, disaster management, and natural resource management.
  • The mission will explore the feasibility of Orbital Data Centres (ODC), where multiple satellites operate as interconnected compute nodes.
  • GalaxEye plans to scale Mission Drishti to a constellation of 10 satellites by 2030.
National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) successfully tests indigenously developed Floating LiDAR Buoy System off Muttom, Tamil Nadu. (Mid of March) ▼
  • The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) conducted the successful sea trial of an indigenous Floating LiDAR Buoy System off the coast of Muttom in Tamil Nadu.
  • The buoy integrates a buoyant platform with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to measure wind speed and direction profiles up to 300 metres above sea level.
  • The system will enhance Indian Navy operational effectiveness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) by improving weather-ocean situational awareness and maritime-domain awareness.
  • The buoy supports coordination with the Coast Guard and other agencies under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) framework for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
  • The high-resolution offshore wind data will aid cyclone tracking, storm intensity forecasts, marine safety advisories, and offshore wind resource assessment for renewable energy development.
  • Engineering challenges of constant buoy motion and power management were addressed through advanced motion compensation algorithms and energy-efficient battery systems.
  • Real-time data transmission from remote offshore locations is achieved via satellite links and compression techniques.
  • The project aligns with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives to promote domestic innovation and self-reliance in ocean technologies.
Silverpit Crater confirmed as 160-m asteroid strike beneath North Sea (Mid of March) ▼
  • On 11 March 2026 scientists confirmed the Silverpit Crater, 130 km off Yorkshire, is an asteroid impact site formed 43–46 million years ago.
  • Heriot-Watt University (HWU) led the study using high-resolution seismic scans and core samples that revealed shocked quartz and deformed feldspars.
  • Imperial College London (ICL) simulations matched the 3.2-km-wide crater to a 160-m asteroid hitting at >15 km/s and generating a >100-m tsunami.
  • The crater lies 700 m below the modern seafloor within a 20-km ring-fault system and is exceptionally preserved under marine sediments.

New Butterfly Species Basar Duke Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

[Arunachal Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • A rare butterfly species, scientifically named Euthalia (Limbusa) zubeengargi, has been discovered in the Basar region of the Lepa Rada district in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The species has been given the common name Basar Duke and is named after the Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg.
  • The discovery was made by Roshan Upadhaya, a PhD scholar and member of the Arunachal Pradesh Police (APP), and Kalesh Sadasivan.
  • The butterfly is distinguished by its olive-brown wings with white markings and a turquoise-green underside.
  • The species inhabits shaded understories of semi-evergreen forests at altitudes between 600 and 700 metres above sea level.
  • The find is considered exceptionally rare and highly localised, with only two male specimens recorded despite repeated surveys.

Similar Coverage

New ‘Farmer-Friendly’ Wasp Chelonus mahadevi Discovered in Assam (Mid of March) ▼
  • Scientists have discovered a new species of tiny wasp named Chelonus mahadevi in Assam.
  • The wasp is an egg-larval parasitoid that lays its eggs inside the eggs of harmful crop-eating insects, killing the pest from within.
  • It acts as a natural bio-pesticide, helping tea farmers control pests without using chemical pesticides.
  • The discovery supports sustainable agriculture and aligns with SDG 2 (Sustainable Agriculture) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
  • Chelonus mahadevi is currently listed under the Not Evaluated (NE) category of the IUCN Red List.
New earthworm species Drawida vazhania discovered in Kerala’s Western Ghats (Mid of March) ▼
  • Researchers identified the new earthworm species Drawida vazhania from the Vazhani dam area of the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in Thrissur district, Kerala.
  • Drawida vazhania belongs to the genus Drawida and the family Moniligastridae, and the discovery has been published in the journal Zootaxa.
  • The species is a member of the Barwelli species group, raising the group’s total to seven species.
  • India hosts about 71% endemic genera and 89% endemic species of earthworms, with the Western Ghats and west coast plains accounting for 58.4% of all known Indian earthworm species.
  • With Drawida vazhania, India now has 83 reported Drawida species, of which 55 occur in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
  • Kerala holds the highest number of Drawida species among Western Ghats states, recording 31 species including 16 endemic to the state.
New plant species Osbeckia zubeengargiana discovered in Assam named after Zubeen Garg (Mid of March) ▼
  • The new plant species Osbeckia zubeengargiana was discovered in Assam.
  • Researchers Barnali Das and Prof. Namita Nath from the Botany Department of Gauhati University described the species.
  • The species has been named after Assamese singer Zubeen Garg.
Researchers identify new dragonfly species Lyriothemis keralensis in Kerala (Mid of February) ▼
  • Researchers have identified a new dragonfly species named Lyriothemis keralensis, commonly known as the Slender Bombardier, in the coastal regions of Kerala.
  • The study was conducted by a team led by Dr Dattaprasad Sawant, Dr A Vivek Chandran, Renjith Jacob Mathews, and Dr Krushnamegh Kunte, and published in the International Journal of Odonatology.
  • The species was first spotted in 2013 in the Varappetty area of Kothamangalam and was initially mistaken for Lyriothemis acigastra, also known as the Little Bloodtail.
  • Lyriothemis keralensis measures approximately three centimetres in length and features a slimmer abdomen with a unique tail and genital structure.
  • Male dragonflies of this species possess a deep blood-red abdomen with black markings, while females are broader with yellow and black colouring.
  • The species thrives in human-modified irrigation landscapes such as pineapple and rubber plantations rather than protected forest areas.
  • The dragonfly primarily inhabits shaded canals and seasonal pools within agricultural land and is typically active during the monsoon season.

CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) partner to convert waste foundry sand into road-building material.

Key Updates:

  • CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) have announced a collaborative effort to turn waste foundry sand into a beneficial material for road construction.
  • The initiative aims to mitigate environmental issues posed by large quantities of waste foundry sand generated by the metal casting industry.
  • Dr. N Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, stated that the initiative aligns with sustainable development and the circular economy.
  • Sushil Sharma, President of IIF, highlighted that the Coimbatore foundry cluster, India’s largest, produces vast amounts of foundry sand waste which will be scientifically repurposed into infrastructure resources.

Similar Coverage

CSIR-CRRI Steel Slag Technology Transforms Road Construction (End of January) ▼
  • Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh has advocated for the adoption of steel slag-based technology in sustainable road construction, particularly in difficult and hilly terrains.
  • The agreement between the Technology Development Board and Ramuka Global Eco Work for producing pothole repair mix ECOFIX, developed by CSIR-CRRI, marks a significant step in this effort.
  • Singh highlighted that this technology aligns with the circular economy's goals by utilizing industrial waste and reducing costs.
NCR States MoU for Road Dust Control to Cut PM10 Levels (End of February) ▼
  • Four MoUs signed on 24 February 2026 between Public Works/Urban Development Departments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi.
  • The agreements operationalise the Standard Framework for Paving and Greening of Urban Roads issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on 7 January 2025.
  • Total road length identified: Delhi ~10,099 km, Haryana ~10,133 km, Uttar Pradesh ~6,891 km, Rajasthan ~1,747 km.
  • Web-GIS-based Road Asset Management System (RAMS) will enable preventive maintenance and PCI-based evaluation using technologies like NSV, FWD, GPR and AVCC.
  • MoUs valid for three years with each state to designate a nodal agency and create a dedicated Paving and Greening Cell.
United States launches $12 billion civilian critical minerals stockpile under Project Vault (Start of February) ▼
  • The United States is creating a $12 billion strategic critical minerals reserve for non-military civilian purposes.
  • President Trump announced the initiative, named Project Vault, in the Oval Office alongside business executives.
  • The reserve will be funded by a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and $2 billion in private-sector financing.
  • The stockpile targets minerals such as cobalt, graphite, silicon, copper, nickel, titanium and lithium used in electric vehicle batteries, semiconductors and smartphones.
  • In 2024 the U.S. was entirely import-reliant for 12 critical minerals and imported 50% or more of 29 others, according to the White House.
  • The reserve aims to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese rare earths and strengthen American leverage in trade negotiations.
India’s First Tailings Policy for Critical Minerals Recovery (End of January) ▼
  • The Ministry of Mines announced India’s first tailings policy to set guidelines for exploration of critical minerals from primary as well as secondary sources like mine dumps and tailings of existing mines.
  • Indian Bureau of Mines, Central Mine Planning & Design Institute and Atomic Minerals Directorate are to conduct sample analysis of dumps and tailings of all existing mines to identify quantity and likely availability of critical and strategic elements.
  • The policy aims to frame a roadmap for recovery of critical minerals from tailings, ensuring increased domestic production and reduced import dependency.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) solves 2,000-year-old mystery of RCW 86 supernova

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • Ancient Chinese astronomers recorded a bright guest star in 185 AD, which is now recognised as the first recorded supernova in human history.
  • The supernova remnant, known as RCW 86, spans approximately 85 light-years across, a size that previously suggested it was 10,000 years old rather than 2,000.
  • Research using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Chandra X-ray Observatory and the European Space Agency (ESA) XMM-Newton revealed the star exploded inside a low-density cavity.
  • The cavity or hidden bubble was created by the star's own stellar wind before it died, allowing debris to expand rapidly without resistance from surrounding material.
  • A reverse shock or bounce back effect occurred when debris hit denser gas at the cavity's edge, reheating gas to millions of degrees and emitting X-rays detected by NASA.
  • The 185 AD event is classified as a Type Ia supernova, a category of stellar explosions used as standard candles to measure distances across the universe.
  • The study also utilised data from the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRab).
  • Understanding these explosions helps scientists refine measurements regarding the expansion of the universe and the nature of dark energy.

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MeerKAT telescope detects most distant hydroxyl megamaser 8 billion light-years away (Start of March) ▼
  • Astronomers using the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa detected the most distant hydroxyl megamaser ever observed, located in a galaxy more than 8 billion light-years away.
  • The discovery paper was accepted for publication in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters and a pre-print is available on arXiv.
  • The megamaser’s intensity qualifies it as a gigamaser, the brightest class of space lasers produced when hydroxyl molecules in merging galaxies collide and amplify radio emissions.
  • A foreground galaxy, perfectly aligned with the distant megamaser, acts as a gravitational lens, further amplifying the radio signal during its journey to Earth.
  • Dr. Thato Manamela, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pretoria, is the lead author of the study.
  • Prof. Roger Deane, Director of the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA) and professor at the Universities of Cape Town and Pretoria, is a co-author.
  • MeerKAT’s centimeter-wavelength sensitivity and advanced computational pipelines processed terabytes of data to enable the discovery.
  • Systematic surveys led by the University of Pretoria aim to find hundreds to thousands of similar systems ahead of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) era.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) observes white dwarf system EX Hydrae using IXPE (Start of January) ▼
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) used the Imaging X-ray Polarisation Explorer (IXPE) to study the white dwarf system EX Hydrae as a structured system with shape and depth.
  • EX Hydrae is a binary system located approximately 200 light years away in the constellation Hydra, consisting of a compact white dwarf and a companion star.
  • The system is classified as an intermediate polar, where the magnetic field is strong enough to redirect gas along magnetic field lines toward the star’s surface but not strong enough to fully dominate the accretion disc.
  • IXPE measures the polarisation of X-ray light, which provides data on the direction and structure of light movement and scattering.
  • Observations revealed a column of hot gas rising almost 2,000 miles above the surface of the white dwarf.
  • The data suggested that X-rays bounce off the white dwarf’s surface before reaching Earth, a detail made visible through polarisation.
  • The study was led by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and published in the Astrophysical Journal.
  • IXPE is a joint mission between NASA and the Italian Space Agency, designed to collect data on objects ranging from neutron stars to black holes.
Durham University-led team detects impossible bow shock from discless white dwarf RXJ0528+2838 (Mid of January) ▼
  • A powerful outflow generating a persistent bow shock has been discovered around the white dwarf RXJ0528+2838, 730 light-years away.
  • The star is described as a ‘supposedly quiet, discless system’ yet drives a spectacular nebula.
  • The shock wave indicates the dead star has been ejecting material for at least 1,000 years, contradicting current understanding.
  • Researchers state the finding challenges the standard picture of how matter moves and interacts in extreme binary systems.
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detects organic molecules in planet-forming disk of star T Chamaeleontis (T Cha) (End of December) ▼
  • Astronomers studied the young, Sun-like star T Chamaeleontis (T Cha), which is located approximately 350 light-years from Earth.
  • The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) revealed the presence of complex organic molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the star's circumstellar disk.
  • A sudden burst of accretion in 2022 caused the partial collapse of the disk’s inner wall, allowing ultraviolet (UV) radiation to illuminate previously hidden regions.
  • The detection was made using the JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), which captured the PAH glow in the 5–15 microns wavelength range.
  • Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), led the analysis of the spectroscopic data.
  • The study found that the PAHs in the T Cha disk are relatively small, containing fewer than 30 carbon atoms.
  • Comparison with archival data from the Spitzer Space Telescope from 2002 showed that the intrinsic properties of the molecules remained stable over nearly two decades.
  • The T Cha system contains a wide gap in its disk believed to have been carved out by an emerging protoplanet.

Indian Air Force (IAF) initiates Vayu Baan indigenous air-launched drone project

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Air Force (IAF) has started work on Vayu Baan, the first indigenous air-launched effects (ALE) programme in India.
  • The project is being led by the Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD), Gandhinagar, which has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to domestic vendors for design and development.
  • Vayu Baan is a small, autonomous drone designed to be dropped from a moving helicopter mid-flight to operate as a surveillance asset or a precision-guided munition.
  • The drone is expected to have an operational range of over 50 km and an endurance of approximately 30 minutes.
  • The system will feature electro-optical and infrared sensors for target identification and the capability to operate in GPS-jammed environments.
  • The IAF requires 10 drone units, two airborne control stations, and two ground control stations, with a target for delivery within one year.

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President Droupadi Murmu undertakes sortie in indigenous Light Combat Helicopter Prachand on 27 February 2026 (End of February) ▼
  • President Droupadi Murmu undertook a flight in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand from the Indian Air Force (IAF) station in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
  • The LCH Prachand is the first combat helicopter to be indigenously designed and developed in India, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • The LCH is designed for operations in diverse terrains including deserts and high-altitude regions, with the capability to operate at altitudes exceeding 5,000 metres.
  • The helicopter is equipped with advanced avionics, stealth characteristics, night-attack capability, and a weapon suite comprising air-to-ground missiles, air-to-air missiles, rockets, and a 20 mm gun.
  • The President is scheduled to attend the IAF firepower demonstration exercise Vayu Shakti at the Pokhran Field Firing Range near the India–Pakistan border.
  • President Murmu previously flew in a Rafale fighter aircraft at Ambala in October 2025 and a Sukhoi-30 MKI at Tezpur in April 2023, becoming the first Indian President to fly in two different IAF fighter aircraft.
India inaugurates first private sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Karnataka (Mid of February) ▼
  • India’s first private sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) was inaugurated at Vemagal in the Kolar district of Karnataka.
  • The facility is a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and the European aerospace major Airbus to manufacture H125 helicopters.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the facility, which was originally announced during the 2024 Republic Day celebrations.
  • The plant will produce the civilian H125 helicopter and the military H125M version, which is intended to succeed the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters used by the Indian armed forces.
  • The facility has an initial annual production capacity of 10 helicopters, with the first made-in-India delivery expected in early 2027.
  • Helicopters manufactured at the Vemagal site will be compliant with standards set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
  • Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Airbus also operate a separate FAL for the C295 military transport aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat.
  • The project aims to serve the Indian market and the broader South Asia region, including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
  • The H125M variant is designed for high-altitude logistics, tactical reconnaissance, surveillance, and medical evacuation operations.
  • The collaboration builds on a 60-year industrial relationship between Airbus and the government undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL).
Indian Army tests new Shaurya drone squadrons for armoured regiments at Babina (End of March) ▼
  • The Indian Army (IA) is equipping its armoured regiments with dedicated drone units known as Shaurya Squadrons to support surveillance, precision strikes, electronic warfare, and logistics.
  • A 13-day drill was conducted at the Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi to demonstrate the integration of drone assets with mechanised forces and attack helicopters.
  • The exercise was led by the White Tiger Division under the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and witnessed by the Southern Army Commander, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth.
  • The Shaurya Squadrons aim to compress the sensor-to-shooter cycle and enhance battlefield awareness by providing real-time surveillance for tank formations.
  • Approximately five to six Shaurya Squadrons have been activated so far, though formal raising will occur after official approval is received.
  • The IA operates 63 armoured regiments with a total fleet of roughly 4,500 tanks, including T-90S Bhishma, upgraded T-72 M1 Ajeya, and Arjun MK1/MK1A variants.
  • The initiative draws lessons from Operation Sindoor and drone-centric global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war to institutionalise Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities.
  • The IA has previously raised Ashni platoons in the infantry for tactical intelligence and Divyastra batteries in the artillery to integrate UAV-based targeting with conventional guns.
Bangladesh and China sign G2G deal to establish advanced drone manufacturing plant in Bogra (End of January) ▼
  • The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) signed a government-to-government (G2G) agreement to establish a drone manufacturing facility.
  • The plant will be located near the New Bogra Airbase in the Bogra region and is expected to be operational by late 2026.
  • The facility will initially focus on producing Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAVs.
  • The partnership involves a full technology transfer from CETC to the BAF to enable Bangladesh to eventually design and assemble its own indigenous UAVs.
  • The BAF is also finalising a USD 2.2 billion deal with China to procure 20 Chengdu J-10C Vigorous Dragon multirole fighter jets to replace its ageing fleet.
  • The manufacturing site's proximity to India’s Siliguri Corridor, known as the Chicken’s Neck, has raised security concerns regarding intelligence risks and signals data collection.
  • The signing ceremony at the BAF headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment was attended by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen.

Carolina Marin announces retirement from professional badminton

Key Updates:

  • Carolina Marin, the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medallist, has announced her retirement from professional badminton at the age of 32.
  • She became the first Olympic badminton champion from Spain by defeating India's P.V. Sindhu in the Rio 2016 final.
  • Marin's career achievements include winning three World Championship titles and multiple European crowns.
  • Her final competitive appearance took place at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she was forced to retire mid-match due to a knee injury.
  • The Spanish athlete confirmed she will skip the upcoming European Championships in her hometown of Huelva despite receiving a wild card entry.
  • The decision to retire was primarily attributed to recurring injuries that made continued competition a physical risk.

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Saina Nehwal retired from competitive badminton (End of January) ▼
  • Saina Nehwal confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton on a podcast.
  • She won the bronze medal in women’s singles at the 2012 London Olympic Games, becoming the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal.
  • She won the gold medal at the 2008 World Junior Championships.
  • She secured a silver medal at the 2015 World Championships and a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships.
  • She won the bronze medal in women’s singles at the 2018 Asian Games.
  • She won the gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
  • Her last competitive match was at the Singapore Open in 2023.
  • She cited severe knee degeneration, arthritis, and complete cartilage loss as the reasons for her retirement.
Hanne Vandewinkel defeats Vaishnavi Adkar to win ITF Women’s Open Bengaluru W100 singles title (End of February) ▼
  • Hanne Vandewinkel defeated Vaishnavi Adkar 6-0, 6-1 in the ITF Women’s Open W100 singles final in Bengaluru.
  • Vaishnavi Adkar became the first Indian woman to reach a W100 singles final since Sania Mirza in 2009.
  • Vandewinkel earned 100 WTA ranking points and $15,239, while Adkar received 65 points and $8,147.
Sunita Williams retired from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). (End of January) ▼
  • Sunita Williams retired from NASA after 27 years of service, effective December 31, 2025.
  • She completed three missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
  • She ranks second on NASA’s all-time list for cumulative time in space with 608 days.
Lakshya Sen defeats Victor Lai to reach All England Open Badminton final (Start of March) ▼
  • India's Lakshya Sen, ranked world number 12, defeated Canada's Victor Lai (world number 16) in the men's singles semifinal of the All England Open Badminton Championships 2026.
  • The match lasted one hour and 37 minutes (97 minutes) with a final score of 21-16, 18-21, 21-15.
  • This victory marks Lakshya Sen's second final appearance at the tournament, having previously finished as runner-up in 2022.
  • The tournament is held in Birmingham, England, and is sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
  • Lakshya Sen will face Lin Chun-Yi of Chinese Taipei in the final, who advanced after defeating world number two Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand.
  • During the event, Lakshya Sen also secured victories against world number one Shi Yuqi, Hong Kong’s NG Ka Long Angus, and China’s Li Shifeng.

IOC limits Olympic women's sport to biological females from 2028

[International Olympic Committee]

Key Updates:

  • The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the women's category of Olympic sports will be limited to biological females from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
  • Eligibility will be determined by a once-in-lifetime SRY gene test to detect the sex-determining region Y gene.
  • Athletes who fail the test remain eligible for male categories, open categories, or mixed events that include a designated male slot.
  • The policy will also apply to almost all athletes with a Difference of Sex Development (DSD) who have gone through male puberty.
  • The only exemption is for athletes with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) who have not experienced male puberty.
  • The IOC based its decision on an 18-month review of scientific evidence, an online athlete survey with over 1,100 responses, and interviews with impacted athletes.
  • World Athletics, which already enforces similar rules, welcomed the IOC move as promoting a consistent approach across all sports.

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IOC bans transgender women from Olympic women’s events starting 2028 Los Angeles Games (End of March) ▼
  • International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the ban on 27 March 2026.
  • Eligibility for women’s category will be decided by SRY gene screening; athletes testing negative for the SRY gene can compete.
  • Exceptions may apply for athletes with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) or certain DSD conditions.
  • Policy replaces all previous IOC frameworks and applies only to Olympic-level competitions, not grassroots sport.
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.
Soraya Aghaei elected as first female IOC member from Iran. (Start of February) ▼
  • Soraya Aghaei became the first Iranian female member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
  • She was elected by a decisive 95-2 vote.
  • Aghaei competed in badminton for Iran at the Tokyo Olympics.
  • She is now the youngest representative in the IOC's 132-year history.
  • The IOC currently has 45% female members and is led by President Kirsty Coventry.
National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 Establishes Statutory Framework for Sports Bodies (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) notified the 'National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026' on 'January 13, 2026,' under the 'National Sports Governance Act, 2025.'
  • The rules provide a framework for 'National Sports Bodies and Regional Sports Federations' regarding the inclusion of sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs), composition of the general body and executive committee, election procedures, and disqualification criteria.
  • The rules mandate the inclusion of at least four sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs) in the General Bodies of National Sports Bodies, with fifty per cent of women SOMs in the General Body.
  • To ensure the representation of at least four women in the Executive Committee, the rules provide that every National Sports Body may reserve specific posts for women in the Executive Committee, through its bye-laws.
  • Sportspersons applying as SOMs should not be less than twenty-five years of age, must have retired from active sports, and should not have participated in competitive events for at least one year prior to the date of application.
  • A 'tiered criteria' featuring '10 tiers' has been prescribed for SOMs, ranging from medalists in the 'Summer Olympic Games, Paralympic Games or Winter Olympic Games' to those who won a medal in the National Games or a National Championship.
  • The rules specify that the roster of the National Sports Election Panel shall at all times contain at least twenty members who satisfy statutory qualifications.
  • The fee for the electoral officer is subject to a maximum amount of Rs. 5 lakh, with additional fees permitted for a mutually agreed assistant.
  • The rules require that every National Sports Body shall amend its bye-laws in conformity with the provisions of the act, within a period of six months.
  • The Central Government is authorized to relax the provisions of the Rules for a period of twelve months upon receiving an application from a National Sports Body, provided reasons are recorded in writing.

Cyclone Narelle turns Australia’s skies red on March 28

[Australia]

Key Updates:

  • Cyclone Narelle triggered a powerful dust storm that turned skies blood red over Shark Bay and Denham in Western Australia on March 28.
  • The cyclone reached Category 4 intensity with wind gusts surpassing 200 km/h.
  • Cyclone Narelle first made landfall on Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula on March 20, tracked across the Northern Territory, then regained strength over the Indian Ocean before hitting Western Australia.
  • By March 29, Cyclone Narelle weakened to Category 3 and transitioned into a subtropical low.

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Severe S4 Solar Radiation Storm Triggers Global Aurora and Tech Alerts (End of January) ▼
  • Earth experienced its strongest solar radiation storm in over 20 years, rated S4 (“severe”) on the official space weather scale.
  • The storm was driven by a vast eruption of charged particles from the solar atmosphere that slammed into Earth’s magnetosphere.
  • Brilliant aurorae appeared far from polar regions, with skywatchers in far-southern U.S. states witnessing curtains of coloured light.
  • Airliners flying near the poles were re-routed to lower latitudes to protect passengers and crew from increased radiation.
  • Satellite operators placed spacecraft in safe modes to avoid damaging electronics from the storm’s energetic particles.
  • India’s Aditya-L1 spacecraft, positioned at the L1 Lagrange point, continuously monitors the Sun’s magnetic fields and particle emissions.
  • ISRO states that space weather caused by solar activity can affect satellites, communication, navigation services, and power grid infrastructure on Earth.
X-class solar flare triggers severe G4 geomagnetic storm and red aurora over Hanle, Ladakh (End of January) ▼
  • An X-class solar flare erupted on 18 January 2026, launching a Coronal Mass Ejection that hit Earth in about 25 hours and produced a G4-level severe geomagnetic storm.
  • The storm generated an S4-level solar radiation event, the most intense since 2003, and forced astronauts on the International Space Station to shelter in shielded areas.
  • Indian Astronomical Observatory’s all-sky camera at Hanle, Ladakh, inside the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, recorded the resulting red aurora on 19 and 20 January 2026.
  • ISRO’s Aditya-L1 spacecraft, stationed at the L1 Lagrange point 1.5 million km from Earth, provided early warning of the Coronal Mass Ejection.
  • During the storm, Earth’s magnetosphere was compressed so much that geostationary satellites were briefly exposed to direct solar wind, risking communication, GPS and banking services.
Sun unleashes strongest 2026 flare—X8.3 blast from sunspot 4366 triggers R3 radio blackout (Start of February) ▼
  • An X8.3-class solar flare erupted from sunspot region 4366, the most powerful flare recorded in 2026.
  • The flare peaked at 6:57 pm EST on 1 February 2026.
  • At least 18 M-class and three X-class flares occurred in the past 24-hour period.
  • X-class flares are the most intense explosions the Sun can produce; each letter step (A, B, C, M, X) represents a tenfold energy increase.
  • The blast released strong ultraviolet and X-ray radiation that disturbed Earth’s upper atmosphere and caused R3-level radio blackouts across parts of the South Pacific.
  • Shortwave radio signals were disrupted in eastern Australia and New Zealand, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center.
  • Early assessments suggest most ejected solar material from the X8.3 flare is likely to miss Earth, with only a slight chance of geomagnetic impact around 5 February 2026 that could enhance high-latitude auroras.
  • Sunspot 4366 continues to grow rapidly and is rotating more directly toward Earth, with further solar activity expected.

Zojila Pass Avalanche occurs on March 27, 2026

Key Updates:

  • Zojila Pass is a critical high mountain pass that connects the Kashmir and Ladakh regions.
  • The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is a key agency involved in disaster relief and rescue operations at the pass.
  • Zojila Pass is considered the lifeline of the Ladakh region.
  • The deceased individuals were identified as Mohd Ali, Mohd Yousef, Toiba Banoo, Shahar Banoo, and Assadullah.

Similar Coverage

Chadar Trek Postponed as Zanskar River Fails to Freeze (Mid of January) ▼
  • The Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar river in Ladakh has been deferred due to inadequate ice formation.
  • The trek, scheduled to begin on January 10, is now expected to commence around January 15.
  • Additional Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Ghulam Mohammad said a team visited the trek route on Saturday and will submit its report by Monday.
  • The district administration will deploy additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel this year to enhance rescue preparedness.
  • Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, President of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association (ALHGHA), said the delay was due to incomplete ice formation on the Zanskar River.
  • In 2024, the route was truncated due to the construction of the Nimu–Padum–Darcha Road (NPDR) by the Border Roads Organisation under Project Yojak.
  • Concerns have been raised over lack of complete ice formation reportedly due to global warming and changing climatic conditions.
  • Last year, the trek commenced on January 13.
India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after six-year hiatus (End of March) ▼
  • Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district will resume this year after a six-year suspension.
  • District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgai stated that preparations have begun for the trade session that typically runs from June to September following Union government directives.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs issued a No Objection Certificate for the resumption of trade.
  • Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri wrote to Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan requesting restoration of trade through the Himalayan pass.
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry have granted clearances for the trade resumption.
  • The state government has been asked to ensure resumption of trade for the 2026 session.
  • Local officials' contact details will be shared with Chinese counterparts for better coordination.
  • Authorities issuing trade passes, designated banks for currency exchange, the Customs Department and the Dharchula administration have been instructed to prepare a detailed action plan.
  • The action plan includes arrangements for transit camps, communication, banking services, security and medical facilities for traders.
  • Border trade with Tibet via Lipulekh had resumed in 1992 after a long suspension but was halted in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Jeevan Singh Ronkali, president of the Pithoragarh-based Simant Vyapar Sangathan, welcomed the decision and said traders would retrieve goods stored in warehouses in Tibet's Taklakot since 2019.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Government proposes Shipki La Pass as additional pilgrimage route (Start of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is in dialogue with China to explore opening the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh as an additional route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
  • The MEA successfully organised the pilgrimage between June and August 2025 through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.
  • The programme is conducted in coordination with the state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
  • The yatra is managed on a self-financing basis, providing pilgrims with transportation, accommodation, food, medical tests, and guides.
  • Safety protocols for the pilgrimage include provisions for airlifting pilgrims by helicopter on the Indian side in the event of medical emergencies.
  • The pilgrimage is of spiritual significance to followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.
Indian Scientists Trace Ladakh Magmatic Arc Formation to Neo-Tethys Subduction (End of March) ▼
  • Indian scientists traced the Ladakh magmatic arc formation to subduction of the Neo-Tethys Oceanic Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.
  • The magmatic arc developed prior to the Indian-Eurasian plate collision and produced extensive igneous rocks now dominating the Ladakh region.
  • Study indicates the arc’s evolution contributed crucially to early Himalayan orogeny, crustal growth and mountain uplift.
  • Variations in magma composition and timing revealed by the research provide clues on tectonic processes and geodynamic evolution of the northwestern Himalaya.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2026 nominations open from 28 March to 11 May 2026

[Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar]

Key Updates:

  • Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2026 nominations opened on 28 March 2026 and will close on 11 May 2026.
  • Nominations, including self-nominations, are submitted online through the Ministry of Home Affairs Awards Portal (https://awards.gov.in).
  • RVP is administered by the RVP Secretariat, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India (GOI).
  • The awards cover 14 domains: Agricultural Science, Atomic Energy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Defence Technology, Earth Science, Engineering Sciences, Environmental Science, Mathematics & Computer Science, Medicine, Physics, Space Science and Technology, Technology & Innovation, and Others.
  • Four award categories are Vigyan Ratna (VR) for lifetime achievements, Vigyan Shri (VS) for distinguished contributions, Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) for scientists up to 45 years, and Vigyan Team (VT) for collaborative teams of three or more researchers.
  • Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, urged institutions and individuals to nominate deserving candidates.

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Stuti Pradhan selected to represent India at World Youth Parliament. (End of March) ▼
  • Stuti Pradhan from Sikkim has been chosen to represent India at the World Youth Parliament.
  • She is a state-level winner of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025.
  • She was invited as a special guest to Lok Bhawan Sikkim on Republic Day 2026.
  • The World Youth Parliament includes delegates from South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Chad, Thailand, Yemen and several other countries.
Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 announced on 16 March (Mid of March) ▼
  • Sahitya Akademi announced its 2025 awards on 16 March 2026 for 24 Indian languages.
  • The award ceremony will be held in New Delhi on 31 March 2026.
  • Each awardee receives an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and ₹1,00,000.
  • Navtej Sarna won the English award for his novel ‘Crimson Spring’ set around the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
  • Mamta Kalia won the Hindi award for her memoir ‘Jeete Jee Allahabad’.
  • Nandini Sidha Reddy won the Telugu award for poetry collection ‘Animesha’.
Ministry of Ayush invites applications for Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga-2026 (End of February) ▼
  • The Ministry of Ayush has invited applications for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga-2026 to recognise exemplary contributions to the development and promotion of Yoga at national and international levels.
  • Each award comprises a trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹25 lakh.
  • The awards are conferred in two primary categories: Individuals (National and International) and Institutions (National and International).
  • Applications for the awards must be submitted through the National Awards Portal (www.awards.gov.in).
  • The final date for the submission of applications is 21 March 2026.
  • The felicitation ceremony for the award winners will coincide with the International Yoga Conference.
Election Commission of India (ECI) to host inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 from January 21 to 23, 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) will host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 from January 21 to 23, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
  • The theme for the conference is ‘Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient, and sustainable world’.
  • The 3-day international conference is being organised by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the aegis of the ECI.
  • Almost three dozen member states of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) will participate, including the United States (US), Mauritius, Brazil, and South Africa.
  • The event will feature 42 Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the world and more than 90 international delegates.
  • The summit will include 36 thematic groups covering 11 modern international electoral standards and 25 best practices, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in elections.
  • Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, will hold over 40 bilateral meetings with international delegates.

Indian Army EME and IIT-Madras partner for Nodal Indigenisation Centre

Key Updates:

  • The Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) of the Indian Army has partnered with the IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation to develop indigenous military technologies.
  • A Nodal Indigenisation Centre has been established at Avadi to strengthen the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor.
  • The partnership focuses on critical domains including sensing systems, cyber-physical systems, and autonomous technologies.
  • Major General Lalit Kapoor serves as the Indian Army Commander-Base Workshop Group.
  • M J Shankar Raman is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation.
  • The Corps of EME is the technical backbone of the Indian Army responsible for the maintenance and sustenance of equipment.

Similar Coverage

India Unveils Defence Forces Vision 2047 Roadmap for Future-Ready Military (Mid of March) ▼
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the document titled Defence Forces Vision 2047: A Roadmap for a Future-Ready Indian Military in New Delhi on Tuesday.
  • The roadmap envisages the transformation of the military into an integrated, multi-domain, and agile force capable of deterring adversaries and responding to conflicts.
  • The vision document was released eight months after a military conflict between India and Pakistan that occurred from May 7 to 10.
  • A central pillar of the vision is the emphasis on jointness and synergy among the services to promote coordination in planning, operations, and capability development.
  • The plan prioritises Aatmanirbharta in defence by promoting the development of indigenous technologies and strengthening domestic defence manufacturing.
  • The roadmap outlines prioritised capability goals across short-, medium-, and long-term timelines to build a world-class defence force by India’s independence centenary.
  • The document advocates for a whole-of-nation approach that integrates military strength with diplomatic, technological, and economic power to safeguard national interests.
  • The vision aims to contribute to the goal of a strong and resilient Viksit Bharat by establishing a technologically advanced and combat-ready military.
Indian Air Force Software Development Institute and IIT Madras sign MoU for indigenous airborne communication system (End of December) ▼
  • The IAF's Software Development Institute (SDI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT-Madras for the joint design and development of an indigenous digital communication system for airborne applications.
  • The MoU was signed by Air Vice Marshal R Guruhari, Commandant, SDI; Prof V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras and Dr M J Shankar Raman, CEO, Pravartak Technologies Foundation.
  • The collaboration aims to develop advanced algorithms for networking and encryption critical for secure, reliable, and high-performance data exchange in dynamic airborne environments.
  • Key focus areas include advanced encryption protocols, secure data transmission, resilience against threats, scalability for airborne networks, and integration with existing defence systems.
India hosts third edition of tri-services future warfare course in Delhi (Start of February) ▼
  • The third edition of the tri-services future warfare course runs from 2 to 25 February 2026 in New Delhi.
  • The course is conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) in partnership with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
  • The venue is the Manekshaw Centre at Delhi Cantonment.
  • The curriculum covers specialised subjects, domain-specific warfare developments, critical and rare earth elements, supply chain vulnerabilities and regional and global geopolitics.
  • Participants include officers from the three services ranging from majors to major generals, plus representatives from defence industry start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private industry.
  • The course aims to align operational priorities of the armed forces with the capabilities of the indigenous defence industry.
India and Israel sign MoU to deepen defence ties ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit (End of February) ▼
  • An MoU was signed between India and Israel to deepen defence ties and strengthen ongoing joint activities, including future seminars and cooperative initiatives.
  • The International Defence Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) within Israel's Ministry of Defense (IMOD) facilitated meetings between leading Indian and Israeli defence industries leading to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
  • SIBAT in cooperation with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and India's Ministry of Defence led a seminar and B2B meetings this week between leading Indian and Israeli defence companies.
  • The seminar was led by SIBAT Director, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, and brought together small, medium and large Israeli and Indian defence companies for substantive engagements.
  • The event featured representatives from 30 Indian and 26 Israeli defence companies.
  • The Indian delegation was led by Ramesh K, Director General of SIDM, and included J P Singh, Ambassador of India to Israel, and Gp Capt. Vijay Patil, Defence Attache of India to Israel.
  • Prime Minister Modi would arrive on February 25 on a two-day visit to Israel.

World Theatre Day 2026 observed on March 27 with theme 'Theatre and a Culture of Peace'

Key Updates:

  • World Theatre Day 2026 is observed on March 27.
  • The theme for 2026 is 'Theatre and a Culture of Peace'.
  • World Theatre Day was established in 1962 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI).
  • Willem Dafoe delivers the international message for 2026.

Similar Coverage

World Theatre Day observed on March 27 (End of March) ▼
  • World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27 to honour the art of theatre and its impact on society.
  • The International Theatre Institute (ITI) established World Theatre Day in 1961.
  • The first celebration of World Theatre Day took place in 1962.
  • A key tradition of the day is the World Theatre Day Message, delivered by a renowned theatre personality to reflect on the role of theatre in society.
  • The day aims to promote cultural exchange, diversity, and creative expression while raising awareness about performing arts in education.
World Puppetry Day observed on March 21 (End of March) ▼
  • World Puppetry Day is celebrated annually on March 21.
  • Cirque Du Soleil marked the occasion at the Disney Springs venue by showcasing intricate puppets from the production Drawn to Life.
  • Drawn to Life is a collaborative show between Cirque Du Soleil and Disney that originally opened in 2021.
  • The production features specialised puppetry including a moving pillow, moving trash cans, a living desk, and a giant hand.
Theme of the Year 2026: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063 (End of March) ▼
  • The African Union (AU) designated 2026 Theme of the Year as 'Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063'.
  • Agenda 2063 is Africa’s 50-year development blueprint for inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.
  • The Theme of the Year 2026 Concept Note was released on July 11, 2025.
National School of Drama (NSD) to organise 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026 across 40 locations (Start of February) ▼
  • The National School of Drama (NSD) will organise the 25th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026 from 27 January to 20 February.
  • The festival will be held across 40 locations in India and will feature at least one production from a country in each of the seven continents.
  • BRM 2026 will showcase 277 Indian productions and 12 international productions across 228 Indian and foreign languages and dialects.
  • New festival centres include Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, Aizawl in Mizoram, Tura in Meghalaya, Nagaon in Assam, Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, and Rohtak in Haryana.
  • The event will feature curated segments including Adirang Mahotsav for tribal theatre, Jashne Bachpan for children’s theatre, and Poorvottar Natya Samaroh for North-Eastern theatre.
  • For the first time, the festival will include productions by transgender communities, sex workers, and senior citizens.
  • Under the Shruti initiative, 17 books will be launched during the festival, which will also showcase 33 productions directed by women.
  • International collaborators for the event include the National Polish Theatre Academy, the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts in Madrid, and the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts – GITIS (Moscow).

Earth Hour 2026 observed on March 28

Key Updates:

  • Earth Hour 2026 was observed on 28 March 2026 from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
  • India marked 20 years of Earth Hour participation in 2026.
  • Mysore Palace in Karnataka and Monsoon Palace in Rajasthan switched off their lights for the event.
  • WWF-India stated that India witnessed one of its largest-ever participations with iconic monuments, heritage sites, and government buildings switching off lights.
  • Participating Delhi landmarks included Akshardham, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Jantar Mantar, and Safdarjung Tomb.
  • Mumbai landmarks included Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters.
  • Shanti Stupa in Ladakh, Kerala Legislative Assembly and Kanakakunnu Palace in Kerala, and Dr B. R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat, State Museum, Golconda Fort, Raj Bhavan, Charminar, and Buddha Statue on Tank Bund in Telangana also participated.
  • Kolkata dimmed Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge), Vidyasagar Setu, Victoria Memorial, Tata Centre, Lok Bhawan, and Victoria House.
  • Chennai's Ripon Building, Victoria Public Hall, and Napier Bridge joined the switch-off.

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