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Ashok Kumar has been appointed as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the National Capital Territory of Delhi by the Election Commission of India. He is an IAS officer and has been directed to assume charge immediately. He replaces R Alice Vaz in this important administrative role. His selection followed the submission of a panel of three IAS officers by the Delhi government. The appointment is significant as it aims to strengthen the electoral administration in Delhi, especially in preparation for upcoming electoral processes and to ensure smooth and efficient conduct of elections.

Saleem Ahmad has taken charge as the Chairman and Managing Director of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, a key public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways. With over 30 years of experience in infrastructure development, he brings extensive expertise in construction, metro projects, and large-scale redevelopment works. Prior to this role, he served as Director (Projects) at NBCC (India) and held senior positions at the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Mumbai Port Trust. His appointment comes at a crucial time as India accelerates railway modernization, capacity enhancement, and connectivity expansion across the country.

Nidhi Chhibber has taken additional charge as the Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog following the completion of BVR Subrahmanyam’s three-year term in February 2026. A 1994-batch IAS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, she currently serves as Director General of the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) under NITI Aayog. She has also previously held the position of Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education. Her extensive experience in policy monitoring, evaluation, and education sector reforms positions her to strengthen data-driven governance and performance assessment within India’s premier policy think tank.

The Central Bank of India entered into a partnership with HSBC Asset Management (India) Private Limited to offer mutual fund products to its customers. Through this collaboration, customers of the public sector bank can access professionally managed mutual fund schemes, expanding their investment choices beyond traditional savings products. The initiative is designed to help customers generate better long-term wealth by leveraging expert fund management and diversified portfolios. By associating with HSBC, a globally recognized financial institution, the Central Bank of India aims to strengthen its investment offerings and support customers in achieving improved financial planning and savings outcomes.

Air Marshal S. Shrinivas took over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force Training Command, marking a significant leadership transition in one of the IAF’s most crucial commands. A Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor, Air Marshal S. Shrinivas brings extensive aviation experience with more than 4,200 flying hours across fighter, trainer, and helicopter platforms. An alumnus of prestigious institutions such as NDA, DSSC, and NDC, he has commanded important training and operational establishments. Prior to this appointment, he served as Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters South Western Air Command, strengthening his credentials for this key role.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Missile Integration Facility at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru. The facility strengthens indigenous missile system integration and supports faster deployment of advanced air defence systems like Akash. During the event, the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat Systems were flagged off, and the Mountain Fire Control Radar was unveiled. BEL also launched its AI Policy and inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Pune, enhancing India’s self-reliant defence manufacturing capabilities and promoting advanced technologies such as AI-driven threat detection and network-centric warfare systems.

The RBI Digital Payments Index for September 2025 stood at 516.76, indicating significant growth in digital payment adoption across India. This increase from the previous value of 493.22 in March 2025 reflects improvements in key parameters such as Payment Performance and Payment Enablers. The index measures the extent of digitisation in the country and includes factors like infrastructure, transaction volume, and consumer centricity. A higher index value signifies deeper penetration of digital payment systems, showcasing India’s steady progress toward a less-cash and more transparent economy supported by robust digital infrastructure.

Pondicherry University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The collaboration aims to strengthen accessibility, promote inclusion, and support the rights of persons with disabilities through academic and policy engagement. The agreement focuses on conducting joint research on disability rights, accessibility standards, inclusive education, employment opportunities, and social integration. It also encourages academic exchanges, conferences, workshops, and awareness programs to promote understanding of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and to build capacity for creating a more inclusive society.

The USD 300 million financing agreement was structured to expand affordable housing loans, particularly targeting women borrowers from economically weaker and lower-middle-income groups. Out of the total amount, USD 150 million was provided directly by the Asian Development Bank, while the remaining USD 150 million was raised through parallel loans from institutions such as MUFG, Emirates NBD, Sampath Bank, and Hatton National Bank. The Asian Development Bank also served as the mandated lead arranger and bookrunner for the entire package, highlighting its key role in promoting financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, and sustainable urban development in India.

World Wildlife Day 2026 will be observed on March 3, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. The day is dedicated to celebrating wild animals and plants while promoting global biodiversity conservation efforts. The 2026 theme focuses on “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods,” emphasising the importance of plant species in healthcare, cultural traditions, and sustainable economies. The observance highlights the urgent need to protect ecosystems, regulate wildlife trade, and address threats such as habitat destruction and climate change.

International Men’s Day is observed annually on November 19 to acknowledge the contributions, responsibilities, and challenges faced by men in various roles throughout society. The day highlights issues such as mental health, emotional wellbeing, workplace stress, and societal expectations linked to masculinity. It also emphasises the value of positive male role models and encourages healthier, more compassionate lifestyles. With the 2025 theme “Celebrating men and boys,” the observance aims to appreciate their positive influence in families, communities, and professional spaces. Recognizing this date helps drive conversations about equality, support systems, and nurturing environments for men and boys worldwide.

Indian Navy Day is observed on December 4 to honour the heroic achievements of the Indian Navy, particularly the success of Operation Trident during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. On this day, Indian missile boats launched a decisive attack that neutralised significant Pakistani naval assets, marking a major strategic victory. The 2025 celebrations are being held in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a large maritime demonstration at Shankhumukham, with the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi. The observance also reflects the Navy’s ethos and commitment, symbolised by its motto “Shaṁ No Varunaḥ,” invoking the protection of the sea god Varuna.

Japan achieved a significant medical breakthrough by approving the world’s first commercial therapies derived from induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells. One treatment, called Amchepry and developed by Sumitomo Pharma, focuses on Parkinson’s disease by transplanting stem-cell precursors into the brain to replace dopamine-producing cells that are lost in patients. Another therapy named ReHeart, developed by the startup Cuorips, uses heart muscle sheets to promote the formation of new blood vessels and improve heart function in patients with heart failure. These innovations build on the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of scientist Shinya Yamanaka in 2012, and both therapies are expected to become available to patients by Summer 2026.

The United States and India announced a trade deal in February 2026 that included a significant reduction in tariffs. Under this agreement, the U.S. reciprocal tariff on Indian goods was reduced from 25 percent to 18 percent, with immediate effect. The announcement followed a direct conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The deal also highlighted India’s commitment to increasing purchases of American goods, including energy, agriculture, and technology products. While the tariff reduction was welcomed by both sides, questions remain regarding the legal framework, formal documentation, and long-term implications of the agreement.

The One Station One Product (OSOP) scheme is being implemented by Indian Railways to promote local craftsmanship and regional products at railway stations across the country. Under this initiative, thousands of outlets have been established at major stations, directly benefiting more than 1.32 lakh artisans, weavers, and local producers since 2022. By integrating commerce with cultural representation at railway hubs, Indian Railways supports the “Vocal for Local” initiative, boosts grassroots entrepreneurship, revives traditional crafts, and enhances passenger experience by showcasing India’s rich and diverse heritage.

New Delhi is the city where the ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme will be implemented to encourage citizens to assist seriously injured road accident victims. Under this initiative, individuals who ensure victims receive medical care within the crucial golden hour will be awarded ₹25,000 along with a certificate of appreciation. The scheme also provides legal protection under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, addressing fears of police questioning or legal hassles. By combining financial incentives and legal safeguards, the government aims to promote timely intervention, compassion, and reduce fatalities caused by road accidents.

The 9th meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) was chaired by the Union Home Minister as part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen drug control and inter-agency coordination. NCORD functions as the primary platform for cooperation between central and state agencies in combating drug trafficking and abuse. The meeting took place in New Delhi, highlighting the capital’s role as the administrative and decision-making hub of the country. Such high-level meetings are typically organized there to ensure effective policy discussion, coordination, and implementation under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference was organized in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, from 19 to 21 January. The conference was inaugurated by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel, while the keynote address was delivered by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The event witnessed participation from Presiding Officers representing 28 states, 3 Union Territories, and 6 legislative councils. Key discussions during the conference focused on the use of legislative technology, capacity building of legislators, and enhancing accountability in parliamentary and legislative procedures.

Justice Revati Mohite Dere was sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, marking a historic milestone for the state’s judiciary. The oath-taking ceremony took place in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, highlighting the constitutional importance of the event. Her appointment represents a significant step toward improving gender representation in higher judicial positions, especially in a matrilineal society where women’s leadership in constitutional roles has remained limited. The development strengthens judicial leadership in Northeast India and reflects ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity, diversity, and balanced representation within India’s judicial system.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to inaugurate the dhaRti BioNest Incubation Centre at IIT Dharwad, a significant initiative to promote biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship. The centre has already supported 15 startups, each receiving ₹50 lakh under the Elevate Karnataka scheme. The project received funding support of ₹5.2 crore from the MPLADS fund allocated by Nirmala Sitharaman and ₹5 crore from BIRAC. This collaboration aims to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem, particularly in the biotech sector, and enhance research-driven innovation through academic-industry partnerships at IIT Dharwad.