NATIONAL NEWS

Government of Andhra Pradesh Launched Free Electricity Scheme

The Government of Andhra Pradesh led by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu launched a free electricity scheme for handloom and powerloom weavers across the state from 1 April 2026 with an annual outlay of Rs 150 crore to reduce power costs, a major component in weaving operations.

Under the scheme, handloom weavers will receive free electricity up to 200 units per month and powerloom operators will receive free electricity up to 500 units per month.

The scheme is expected to enable annual savings of approximately Rs 8,640 for handloom weavers and Rs 21,600 for powerloom operators.

Additional support measures under the initiative include Rs 4,000 monthly pension, Rs 5 crore thrift fund for cooperatives, up to 90% subsidy on modern machinery, and 15% yarn rebate.

The initiative also supports cluster development in Dharmavaram, Pithapuram, and Mangalagiri, along with marketing assistance through Amazon, Flipkart, exhibitions, and digital platforms of Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society to improve market access for weavers.

Government of India Extended National Piped Natural Gas Drive 2.0 till 30 June 2026

The Government of India extended the National Piped Natural Gas Drive 2.0 by three months till 30 June 2026 to sustain momentum in nationwide expansion of Piped Natural Gas connectivity and increase the share of natural gas to 15 percent in India’s energy basket.

The initiative was earlier scheduled to conclude, and the extension aims to accelerate household and commercial natural gas connectivity and support the transition towards a gas based economy in India.

The National Piped Natural Gas Drive 2.0 was launched by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board from 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2026, bringing together City Gas Distribution companies across India under the theme “Har Ghar Piped Natural Gas Har Gaadi Compressed Natural Gas.”

Under the initiative, the Government of India aims to extend natural gas pipeline connectivity to 37 additional Geographical Areas that are currently not connected to the national gas pipeline network.

The programme also targets expansion of Piped Natural Gas network coverage to 44 districts that presently do not have access to Piped Natural Gas infrastructure.

As part of the implementation progress, during March 2026 alone, India added more than 310,000 new Piped Natural Gas connections and issued approximately 270,000 additional connections for domestic and commercial users.

The National Piped Natural Gas Drive 2.0 is expected to strengthen clean energy adoption, urban energy infrastructure development, and accessibility of natural gas across households and commercial establishments, contributing to India’s long term transition towards a cleaner and sustainable energy mix.

Delhi Government Introduced Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana

The Government of Delhi introduced the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana to support girl child education and long term financial security from birth to higher education, through a gazette notification issued.

The scheme has been implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and it replaces the earlier Ladli Scheme of the Delhi Government.

The scheme provides phase wise financial assistance linked to educational milestones, with total assistance reaching Rupees 61,000, which can grow up to approximately Rupees 1.20 lakh with interest at maturity.

The scheme aims to promote education of girl children from school level to higher education, prevent early marriage of girls, ensure financial independence and empowerment of girls and support families belonging to economically weaker sections

The total assistance amount of Rupees 61,000 is deposited in phases, and it will mature to approximately Rupees 1.20 lakh with interest, which can be accessed after completion of Class 12 or after attaining the age of 18 or 21 years as per scheme provisions.

 

BANKING

RBI Defers Implementation of Revised Capital Market Exposure Framework

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the implementation of its revised Capital Market Exposure (CME) framework by 3 months, now effective from 1 July 2026 instead of 1 April 2026.

The revised framework was originally issued in February 2026 through RBI Amendment Directions on CME.

The framework aims to create an enabling system for banks to finance acquisitions by Indian corporates.

It also seeks to rationalize lending limits against shares, REITs, InvITs, and other securities.

A principle-based framework for lending to Capital Market Intermediaries (CMIs) has also been introduced.

RBI has revised the definition of “acquisition finance”, which now includes mergers and amalgamations.

Acquisition finance can now be extended only for acquiring control over non-financial target companies.

Under new rules, limits have been introduced on loans against securities across the banking system.

The borrowing limits are set at ₹1 crore per individual for general loans against securities.

For capital market-linked purposes, limits include ₹25 lakh for IPO loans, FPOs, and ESOP subscriptions.

The changes aim to strengthen risk management, financial discipline, and capital market lending regulation in the banking system.

IRDAI Directs Insurers to Implement Ind Accounting Standards-Based Financial Reporting

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has mandated adoption of Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) for insurers from 1 April 2026.

The decision was taken during the 135th meeting of IRDAI, approving the IRDAI (Actuarial, Finance and Investment Functions of Insurers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026.

All insurers are required to prepare and present financial statements in accordance with Ind AS, marking a shift to a new financial reporting framework.

The implementation is applicable to all categories of insurers, including life insurers, general insurers, standalone health insurers, and reinsurers.

IRDAI has introduced a parallel reporting system for a transition period of 2 years (or as specified).

During this period, insurers must prepare financial statements under Ind AS alongside the existing accounting framework.

The move aims to enhance transparency, comparability, and global alignment of India’s insurance sector financial reporting.

 

RANKS, INDICES & REPORTS

World’s Best Airport at Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026

Singapore Changi Airport was named the World’s Best Airport 2026 at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026 held during the Passenger Terminal Expo and Conference World in London.

Singapore Changi Airport received the World’s Best Airport title for the 14th time since 2000, reaffirming its global leadership in airport services and infrastructure.

In addition to the top global ranking, Singapore Changi Airport also won awards for: World’s Best Airport Dining, Best Airport in the 60 to 70 Million Passenger Category, Best Airport Immigration Service and Best Airport in Asia

Seoul Incheon International Airport ranked second globally and received the award for World’s Most Family Friendly Airport.

Tokyo Haneda Airport ranked third globally and received awards for: World’s Cleanest Airport Major Airport Category, World’s Best Domestic Airport and World’s Best Airport for Persons with Reduced Mobility and Accessible Facilities

Hong Kong International Airport ranked fourth globally and received key service related awards at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026.

Narita International Airport ranked fifth globally and received the World’s Best Airport Staff award.

Five Indian airports were featured among the world’s top 100 airports in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026 rankings.

Indira Gandhi International Airport ranked 28th globally, improving from 32nd position earlier, and received the award for Best Airport in India and South Asia.

Kempegowda International Airport ranked 41st globally and received the Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia award for the third consecutive year.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport received the Best Airport Staff in India and South Asia 2026 award, continuing its recognition for service excellence.

Manohar International Airport ranked 64th globally, showing improvement in its global ranking position.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport ranked 66th globally, also improving its position in the rankings.

 

DEFENCE

Ministry of Defence Signs ₹1,950 Crore Deal with Bharat Electronics Limited

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a capital acquisition contract worth ₹1,950 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of two Mountain Radar systems for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The contract was signed in New Delhi under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured – IDDM) category, promoting Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India

The Mountain Radar system has been indigenously designed and developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) of DRDO and will be manufactured by BEL.

The system is designed for high-altitude terrain operations, overcoming line-of-sight limitations and harsh weather conditions.

It is capable of detecting fighter aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.

The radars will enhance border surveillance, early warning capability, situational awareness, and response time within the Integrated Air Defence Network.

The system will be integrated into the Integrated Air Command, Control and Communication System (IACCCS).

The procurement will strengthen India’s air defence capabilities and improve national security.

The project will reduce dependence on foreign defence equipment and support indigenous manufacturing.

It will also benefit MSMEs, promote employment generation, and encourage technological advancement in the defence sector.

GSL Achieves Key Naval Milestones with INS Shachi Launch

Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) achieved a major milestone with the ceremonial launch of INS Shachi (Yard 1280) for the Indian Navy and the delivery of ICGS Achal (Yard 1274) to the Indian Coast Guard.

INS Shachi is part of the Navy’s Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) programme, launched in the presence of Shagun Sobti, Vice Admiral Tarun, V K Parmar, and senior naval officials.

The launch of INS Shachi and delivery of ICGS Achal marks a key step in strengthening indigenous naval capabilities and enhancing coastal surveillance and maritime security.

Chairman and Managing Director Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay highlighted that GSL has launched 14 vessels in the last 600 days, demonstrating strong execution capability and growing production capacity.

Both vessels showcase high indigenous content: over 65% in ICGS Achal and around 76% in INS Shachi, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India

This achievement reinforces GSL’s role as a key contributor to India’s defence shipbuilding and maritime strength.

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar 2025

Tripura achieved a major milestone as three Panchayats secured top honours at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar 2025 and Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar 2025, presented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

Sepahijala District Panchayat secured 1st rank in the Best District Panchayat category under the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar 2025.

Kanchanbari Gram Panchayat of Unakoti district secured 1st rank under the Healthy Panchayat category of the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar 2025.

Baikunthapur Gram Panchayat of West Tripura district secured 3rd rank under the Women Friendly Panchayat category of the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar 2025.

Financial incentives announced:

Sepahijala District Panchayat will receive Rs 5 crore

Kanchanbari Gram Panchayat will receive Rs 1 crore

Baikunthapur Gram Panchayat will receive Rs 50 lakh

These awards recognise excellence in Panchayat level governance, sustainable development practices, health initiatives, and women friendly local administration under the Panchayat Sustainable Development Goals framework.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth Takes Charge as Vice Chief of the Army Staff

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM has assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS).

He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.

He has nearly four decades of distinguished military service with extensive operational and counter-insurgency experience.

He has commanded key formations including an Armoured Regiment (Desert Sector), an Armoured Brigade (Developed Sector), and a Counter Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir.

As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and later served as GOC, Delhi Area, managing major national and international engagements.

He served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), South Western Command and Southern Command, achieving the rare distinction of commanding two operational commands along the Western Front.

 

APPS & PORTALS

Costa Rica Launches ICP App for Identification of Venomous Snakes and Public Safety

Costa Rica has launched a free mobile application (ICP App) to help users identify venomous snakes and reduce risks of misidentification.

The app has been developed by the Clodomiro Picado Institute, Universidad de Costa Rica.

The main objective is to provide scientific and verified information for residents and tourists to ensure safer human–wildlife interaction.

The app addresses frequent public queries regarding snake identification, which previously led to confusion, panic, or harm to non-venomous species.

It replaces reliance on informal or inaccurate sources by centralising authentic scientific data.

The ICP App identifies 25 venomous snake species found in Costa Rica using visual comparison and descriptive details.

It also provides information on non-venomous species that are commonly confused with venomous snakes.

The app includes first aid guidelines for snake bites and information on antivenom production and research.

Users can also record geographic locations of snake sightings, which supports medical response and ecological tracking.

The initiative reflects the growing use of digital tools in biodiversity conservation and public health safety.

It enhances real-time decision-making by combining scientific research with user-friendly technology.

The app promotes environmental awareness, safety, and community engagement through digital innovation.

 

SPORTS

Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh Named Asian Squash Federation Player of the Year 2025

Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh were named Asian Squash Federation Player of the Year 2025 by the Asian Squash Federation in the girls’ Under 19 category and men’s category Dato Alex Lee Award respectively.

The awards recognise their outstanding performances during the 2024 to 2025 squash season at the continental level.

The official award ceremony is scheduled to be held during the Asian Junior Individual Championships in Panzhihua in May 2026.

The ASF Awards 2025 are presented to recognise excellence in squash across Asia, based on recommendations by the ASF Selection Panel and approval by the ASF Management Committee.

Satomi Watanabe of Japan won the Senior Women’s Player of the Year award at the ASF Awards 2025.

The India men's national junior squash team received the Team of the Year award after securing a **bronze medal at the World Junior Team Championships 2025 held in Egypt.

The Hong Kong China women's national junior squash team received the Women’s Team of the Year award for their performance at the same championship.