NATIONAL NEWS

Regional Passport Office Bhopal Becomes First in India to Introduce Braille Script

The Regional Passport Office Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh became the first Regional Passport Office in India to introduce Braille script and Sign Language services to improve accessibility for differently-abled passport applicants.

The initiative was inaugurated by B.S. Mubarak, Joint Secretary (Passport Seva Programme) and Chief Passport Officer, in the presence of Shitanshu Chaurasiya, Regional Passport Officer, at the Regional Passport Office Bhopal.

Under the Braille script services initiative: Braille booklets explaining the complete passport application process,Inclusion of essential do’s and don’ts and Installation of Braille signage plates within the office premises to facilitate easy navigation for visually impaired applicants

Under the Sign Language services initiative:

Instructional videos in Sign Language introduced for speech and hearing-impaired applicants

Videos provide guidance on types of passport applications, document requirements, and application procedures

Quick Response codes placed near queues and service counters to enable easy digital access to the instructional content

The initiative aims to strengthen inclusive citizen services under the Passport Seva Programme by improving accessibility and service delivery for persons with disabilities.

Telangana Declares Cancer as Notifiable Disease

The Government of Telangana has declared cancer as a notifiable disease across the state to strengthen monitoring of the rising burden of Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

The objective of this initiative is to establish a centralised cancer registry to enable:

Accurate estimation of cancer incidence and prevalence

Support evidence-based policymaking

Improve resource allocation for treatment, palliative care, and rehabilitative services

The Mehdi Nawaz Jung Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre, Hyderabad has been designated as the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for data validation and coordination with the National Cancer Registry.

For implementation, the state government will launch a dedicated digital portal to facilitate mandatory reporting of cancer cases through secure login credentials while ensuring strict confidentiality of patient data.

Additionally, AstraZeneca signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana to implement Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled lung cancer screening in the state to support early detection and improved cancer management outcomes.

 

BANKING

SEBI Extends IPO Approval Validity and Minimum Public Shareholding Compliance Deadline to September 30, 2026

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced a two-pronged one-time relief measure to ease Initial Public Offering (IPO) timelines and Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) compliance norms.

SEBI extended the validity of Initial Public Offering (IPO) approvals (SEBI Observation Letters) for companies whose approvals were expiring between April 1 and September 30, 2026, now valid till September 30, 2026.

Under existing rules, companies must launch IPOs within 12 months of SEBI approval, but the extension provides additional time and flexibility due to market conditions.

SEBI also granted a one-time relaxation for MPS compliance, allowing listed companies to meet the 25% public shareholding requirement if deadlines fall between April 1 and September 30, 2026.

During this relaxation period, no penal action will be initiated for non-compliance with MPS norms, and any ongoing enforcement actions will be withdrawn.

Companies are also allowed to update offer documents with fresh compliance certification at the time of IPO launch.

The relaxations aim to support companies amid market volatility, weak investor sentiment, and geopolitical uncertainties, especially due to the West Asia conflict.

IRDAI Forms Sub-Panel of Insurance Advisory Committee

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has constituted a sub-committee under the Insurance Advisory Committee (IAC) to review the current scenario of private health insurance in India.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve policyholder experience, increase health insurance penetration, and strengthen consumer trust and satisfaction.

The sub-committee will focus on improving overall consumer experience and enhancing confidence in the health insurance ecosystem.

The scope of review includes key parameters such as coverage, penetration, claims experience, product design, grievance redressal, and consumer experience.

The committee will act in an advisory role, recommending regulatory, policy, and operational reforms to promote innovation, wider coverage, better risk pooling, and improved financial protection.

It will also evaluate digital transformation aspects including healthcare provider networks, hospital tariffs, fraud control mechanisms, and digital systems to improve policyholder value and reduce administrative inefficiencies.

PNB Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Government e-Marketplace

State-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government e Marketplace (GeM) to strengthen financial access for sellers on the platform.

The partnership aims to enhance access to formal credit for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and small businesses through timely, affordable, and digital lending solutions.

PNB has been onboarded as a lending partner on the GeM Sahay Portal, enabling sellers to access collateral-free short-term loans against GeM purchase orders, improving liquidity and cash flow management.

The initiative ensures transparent and paperless loan processing, promoting efficiency and faster credit delivery through digital banking systems.

This integration of procurement and financing strengthens Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and encourages greater vendor participation in the government procurement ecosystem.

The partnership supports the Digital India mission by building a seamless, inclusive, and technology-driven procurement and credit ecosystem.

The MoU was signed by Ajit B. Chavan,Additional Chief Executive Officer(CEO), GeM and Atish Kumar Rout,General Manager (GM) – Digital Business Transformation Division (DBTD), PNB, in New Delhi, Delhi.

Overall, the initiative is designed to empower MSMEs, strengthen working capital access, and boost financial inclusion in the government procurement space.

DBS Bank India Launches DBS Aspire Relationship-Led Banking for Emerging Affluent Segment

DBS Bank India launched its new DBS Aspire Banking proposition along with the Aspire debit card, targeting India’s emerging affluent segment.

The offering is designed for fast-growing, well-travelled, digitally savvy customers, including High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and Ultra-HNWIs.

Customers are eligible for DBS Aspire with a relationship value of ₹10 lakh or a minimum monthly savings account balance of ₹2 lakh.

The program focuses on providing premium banking services to India’s emerging affluent segment with a focus on wealth accumulation and lifestyle banking needs.

Key benefits include zero forex markup on international transactions, 0% charges on banking services, and high savings interest rates up to 5% per annum on balances between ₹2 lakh and ₹50 lakh.

The initiative supports customers with global mobility needs, including overseas education, travel, and international work opportunities.

DBS Aspire offers seamless digital banking access, including the digiportfolio investment platform for wealth management and investments.

The proposition strengthens DBS Bank India’s role as a long-term banking partner for upwardly mobile customers transitioning from mass banking to premium banking services.

 

FINANCE

World Bank Raises India’s Growth Forecast to 6.6% from 6.3%

The World Bank has revised India’s GDP growth forecast upward to 6.6% for FY27, from the earlier 6.3%, citing strong domestic demand and benefits from free trade agreements (FTAs).

India is expected to remain the primary engine of growth in South Asia and continue as the fastest-growing major economy globally.

India’s economic growth accelerated from 7.1% in FY25 to 7.6% in FY26, driven by robust domestic demand and resilient exports.

Private consumption emerged as a key growth driver, supported by low inflation and rationalisation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The growth outlook for FY27 is projected at 6.6%, with moderation due to global headwinds, especially geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

The report highlights that free trade agreements with the UK and European Union, along with tariff reductions, are supporting export growth and market access.

However, elevated global energy prices are expected to increase inflationary pressures and reduce household disposable income.

Government consumption may soften due to higher subsidy outlays on fuel and fertilisers, while investment growth could slow amid rising input costs and global uncertainty.

Although improved market access to the United States and European Union may support exports, slow growth in major trading partners could limit gains.

In India, inflation is expected to rise slightly in FY26 and FY27, driven by strong demand, stabilising food prices, and global energy trends.

 

BUSINESS

KreditBee Enters Unicorn Club with USD 280 Million Pre-IPO Funding Round

KreditBee has entered the unicorn club after raising USD 280 million in a Series E funding round, achieving a post-money valuation of USD 1.5 billion ahead of its planned Initial Public Offering (IPO).

With this milestone, KreditBee becomes the 3rd unicorn of 2026, after Juspay (January 2026) and Neysa (February 2026).

The funding round was backed by key investors including Motilal Oswal Alternates, Hornbill Capital, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG)-backed Dragon Fund, along with participation from Advent International and Premji Invest.

The funds will be used to diversify lending portfolio, strengthen technology infrastructure, and scale Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven risk assessment systems, enabling personalised financial product offerings.

The capital will also help strengthen the lending book and balance sheet as the company prepares for its IPO, expected either by end of 2026 or early 2027, depending on market conditions.

Since inception, KreditBee has disbursed over USD 6 billion in loans, covering personal loans, business credit, real estate, and auto lending segments.

The company also offers credit score services, gold investment options, and financial calculators, expanding its presence in the digital financial services ecosystem.

This makes KreditBee the second Indian fintech unicorn of 2026, following Juspay, which reached a USD 1.2 billion valuation after a USD 50 million funding round.

 

DEFENCE

Indian Army Team Leaves for India–Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘Cyclone’

The Indian Army contingent has departed for Egypt to participate in the 4th edition of the India–Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘Cyclone–IV’.

The exercise is scheduled to be conducted at Anshas from 09 to 17 April 2026, marking an important step in bilateral defence cooperation.

The Indian contingent comprises 25 personnel from Special Forces units, who will train alongside Egyptian counterparts in a realistic operational environment.

Exercise Cyclone-IV is a continuation of the growing military cooperation between India and Egypt, following the successful previous edition held in India.

The objective of the exercise is to enhance joint mission planning capabilities and improve interoperability through the exchange of best practices in special operations.

The training includes special operational tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) in desert and semi-desert terrain, reflecting real-world combat scenarios.

The exercise will also promote mutual exchange of professional expertise, strengthen camaraderie, and deepen understanding of military traditions and cultures of both nations.

Bilateral military exercises like Cyclone-IV are a key component of India–Egypt defence ties, helping to build mutual trust and strengthen armed forces cooperation.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

President of Vietnam

To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), has been unanimously re-elected as President of Vietnam by the National Assembly during its 16th session.

He has secured a new five-year term (2026–2031), having already served as President since May 2024, strengthening his continued leadership role in Vietnam’s political system.

The election was held in the 500-seat National Assembly, where he received 100% support (495/495 deputies present), reflecting complete parliamentary backing for the CPV nomination.

This development marks a significant shift in Vietnam’s governance structure, as the roles of Party General Secretary and State President are traditionally held by separate individuals.

During the same session, Le Minh Hung, former Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), was elected as the Prime Minister (PM) of Vietnam.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Romani Day

International Romani Day is observed annually on 8 April across the world to celebrate Romani culture, heritage, and identity and to raise awareness about the social, political, and economic challenges faced by the Roma community.

The day was officially recognized on 8 April 1990 during the 4th World Romani Congress, held in Serock.

The observance commemorates the 1st World Romani Congress, held on 8 April 1971 in Orpington, United Kingdom, which marked the first global effort toward Romani unity and identity recognition.

The 1st World Romani Congress was organised by the Gypsy Council (United Kingdom) and Comité International Rom (CIR), Rome.

In 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) declared 5 November as the World Day of Romani Language, following a proposal by Croatia, to promote the preservation and development of the Romani language.

World Homeopathy Day

World Homeopathy Day is observed annually on 10 April across the world to promote awareness about the Homeopathy system of medicine and its role in public health care.

The theme for World Homeopathy Day 2026 is “Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health.”

The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Samuel Hahnemann, the father and founder of the Homeopathy system of medicine, who was born on 10 April 1755.

The observance aims to:

Spread knowledge about Homeopathy

Promote its role as an alternative system of medicine

Highlight its contribution to patient-centred healing approaches

Homeopathy is an alternative medical system based on the principle that natural substances in small doses stimulate the body’s self-healing response.

The day also recognizes the contribution of Homeopathy practitioners and highlights the importance of integrative and sustainable healthcare practices in improving global health outcomes.

OBITUTARY

Mohsina Kidwai, Veteran Indian National Congress Leader and Former Union Minister

Mohsina Kidwai, a veteran leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) and former Union Minister, passed away at the age of 94 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

She served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha (6th, 7th, and 8th) representing the Meerut constituency from 1978 to 1989, marking her strong presence in national politics.

She was also a Rajya Sabha member from Chhattisgarh for two consecutive terms (2004–2016), continuing her active parliamentary role into her later years.

Mohsina Kidwai held key Union Cabinet portfolios under Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, including Rural Development, Health and Family Welfare, Transport, Urban Development, and Labour.

She had the unique distinction of being a member of four legislative bodies—MLC, MLA, Lok Sabha MP, and Rajya Sabha MP, reflecting her extensive political career.

Her political journey began in 1960 when she became an MLC in Uttar Pradesh at the age of 28, later serving as a state minister before entering Parliament in 1978.

Her 1978 by-election victory from Azamgarh marked her rise to national prominence, especially in the post-Emergency political phase, strengthening the Congress party.

She was also a member of the Congress Working Committee and Central Election Committee, playing a key role in party decision-making.

In 2022, she was among the proposers for Shashi Tharoor’s candidature in the Congress presidential election, highlighting her continued political relevance.

Her memoir, ‘My Life in Indian Politics (2024)’, captures her decades-long experience and contributions to Indian public life.