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Major Abhilasha Barak was named the recipient of the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her outstanding service in Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Serving as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team, she contributed significantly to community outreach programs for women and adolescent girls and promoted gender sensitisation training among peacekeepers. The award recognises exceptional efforts to advance gender equality in peacekeeping operations. Major Abhilasha Barak is also notable for being the first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army and the third Indian peacekeeper to receive this prestigious international honour.

Kotak Mahindra Bank appointed Anup Kumar Saha as its Whole-Time Director as part of a strategic move to strengthen senior leadership amid rapid digital transformation in the banking sector. Effective from January 12, 2026, his role includes oversight of consumer banking, marketing, and data analytics—key growth drivers for modern private banks. Saha brings prior experience from Bajaj Finance, where he worked extensively in consumer finance and data-driven operations. His appointment reflects the growing emphasis on analytics-led decision-making, customer-centric services, and digital innovation in India’s evolving financial ecosystem.

Raymond Lifestyle appointed Satyaki Ghosh as its Chief Executive Officer in January 2026, marking an important leadership transition for the company. Satyaki Ghosh brings over 25 years of professional experience across FMCG, textiles, and retail sectors. Prior to joining Raymond Lifestyle, he served as CEO at Grasim Industries under the Aditya Birla Group and held senior leadership positions at L’Oréal India. His appointment reflects Raymond’s strategic focus on operational excellence, sustainability-driven growth, and strengthening brand leadership as the company accelerates its expansion plans.

The Reserve Bank of India approved Ketan Merchant as the interim Chief Executive Officer of Fino Payments Bank for a temporary period of three months. The decision was taken after the arrest of the bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Rishi Gupta, in connection with an alleged GST-related case. Ketan Merchant was serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the bank at the time of his appointment. His role as interim CEO ensures leadership continuity and smooth functioning of the bank’s operations during the transition period. The appointment allows the bank’s board and regulatory authorities to review the situation and decide on the long-term leadership arrangement.

Exercise Kalari Leap was conducted as a high-impact joint maritime operation led by the Southern Air Command in coordination with the Armed Forces Special Operations Division and the Indian Coast Guard. The exercise took place in the Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands, focusing on rapid force projection, precision strikes, and multi-domain coordination in a challenging maritime environment. It aimed to validate operational readiness, enhance interoperability among forces, and strengthen India’s maritime security posture. The operation highlighted the importance of jointness, technological integration, and swift response capabilities in strategically significant island territories.

Sri Lanka participated with India in the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise IN-SLN DIVEX 2026, conducted in Colombo. The exercise involved coordinated operations between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy, focusing on advanced underwater diving techniques, rescue missions, and salvage operations. Activities included deep-sea dives beyond 55 metres and exploration of historical shipwrecks. The collaboration also highlighted strong defence ties, with India providing medical assistance under the Aarogya Maitri initiative. Such exercises strengthen regional maritime cooperation and enhance operational capabilities between the two neighbouring countries.

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Navy, successfully carried out four in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container (ADC-150). The trials were conducted from a P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 01, 2026, under various extreme release conditions. The ADC-150 is designed to carry and deliver a payload of 150 kg to naval ships operating in distant waters. This system enables rapid delivery of essential supplies such as equipment, critical stores, and medical aid to vessels in distress. The Naval Science & Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam served as the nodal laboratory, with support from other DRDO units for parachute systems, certification, and instrumentation.

S&P Global revised India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.6% due to a major energy supply disruption originating in West Asia. The downgrade reflected concerns over rising crude oil prices, increased freight costs, and global economic uncertainty. Earlier projections estimated growth at 7.1%, while the economy had previously expanded by 7.6%. The report also highlighted rising inflation, weakening of the Indian rupee, and widening current account deficits caused by increased import dependence on crude oil and gas. To address the economic challenges, the government introduced stabilisation measures such as a ₹1 lakh crore oil hedging fund and maintenance of strategic petroleum reserves.

The Reserve Bank of India has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Delhi Government to support major developmental initiatives. Under this arrangement, RBI will function as the banker, debt manager, and financial agent for the Delhi Government. It will enable market borrowings through State Development Loans (SDLs), assist in efficient cash management, and provide access to low-cost liquidity. The funds raised will be strictly used for capital expenditure, with priority given to Yamuna rejuvenation, water supply, health, transport infrastructure, roads, and flyovers, ensuring long-term developmental impact.

World Kidney Day 2026 will be observed on March 12, highlighting the importance of kidney health and raising awareness about chronic kidney disease (CKD). This global awareness event is observed every year on the second Thursday of March and encourages people to focus on prevention, early detection, and proper management of kidney-related diseases. The theme for 2026 is “Kidney Health for All – Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” which emphasises both human health and environmental sustainability. Various organizations, hospitals, and health institutions around the world conduct screening programs, awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce the growing burden of kidney diseases globally.

Germany partnered with India by signing 19 strategic agreements aimed at expanding cooperation across defence manufacturing, advanced technology, semiconductors, critical minerals, and trade. These agreements were finalized following high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The partnership focuses on co-development and co-production in defence, strengthening supply chains, and boosting innovation-led economic growth. Additional areas include digitalisation, telecommunications, health, and the bio-economy. The collaboration also reflects deepening trust between the two nations, supported by strong trade ties, growing industrial presence, and enhanced people-to-people mobility.

India conducted the bilateral military exercise CINBAX-II 2026 with Cambodia. The exercise was held from May 4 to May 17, 2026, at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Prov Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre in Kampong Speu Province. Conducted under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate, the exercise focused on joint company-level operations in a sub-conventional environment. The Indian Army contingent mainly consisted of personnel from the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, while the Royal Cambodian Army also participated actively. Key operational areas included counter-terrorism drills, drone operations, mortar deployment, sniper tactics, and joint defence coordination in semi-urban warfare scenarios.

India is set to take over the Chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process beginning January 1, 2026, marking a significant step in its global economic and diplomatic engagement. This will be the third time India has been entrusted with leading this international mechanism aimed at preventing the trade of conflict diamonds. Prior to assuming the chair, India will serve as Vice Chair from December 25, 2025, ensuring continuity in leadership. The Kimberley Process plays a crucial role in regulating the global rough diamond trade, covering over 99% of it, and India’s leadership will focus on transparency, digital certification, traceability, and stronger governance mechanisms.

The Union Home Ministry introduced a significant policy change by increasing the reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group C (constable-level) posts of Central Armed Police Forces to 50%. This marks a major shift from the earlier 10% quota announced in 2022 and aims to address post-service employment concerns of Agniveers completing their four-year tenure. The enhanced 50% reservation is being implemented first in the Border Security Force and will be extended to other CAPFs through amended recruitment rules. The decision reflects adaptive policymaking in response to social, political, and employment-related feedback.

The International Malaria Conference 2026 was organized by the ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research in New Delhi. The three-day conference took place from March 7 to 9, 2026, and brought together scientists, researchers, and public health experts from around the world. The theme of the event was “Discovery, Development and Delivery: Driving Malaria Elimination and Beyond.” Discussions focused on parasite biology, transmission patterns, diagnostic innovations, surveillance technologies, and strategies to translate research findings into public health interventions. The conference also encouraged participation from early-career researchers through turbo talks and poster presentations, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing in the global fight against malaria.

The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) involved in the grant agreement with Novartis, is located in Mohali, Punjab. Established in 1991, it is the first national-level institute in pharmaceutical sciences in India and was later designated as an Institute of National Importance in 1998. The institute plays a significant role in advancing pharmaceutical research and education. The collaboration with Novartis under the Development Pioneer Grant aims to support innovative research aligned with industry needs, strengthening the link between academic research and practical healthcare solutions.

Ahmedabad hosted the First World Yogasana Championship 2026, a landmark event inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The championship brought together athletes from various countries and marked a significant step toward establishing Yogasana as a globally recognised competitive sport. Ahmedabad was chosen as the host city due to its cultural and historical importance as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City. The event was organised ahead of International Yoga Day 2026 and aimed to promote yoga beyond wellness by showcasing its potential as a competitive discipline. It also highlighted India’s efforts to popularise yoga on the international stage and encourage global participation in Yogasana.

Seven-year-old Ishank Singh from Ranchi, Jharkhand, created a world record by swimming across the 29-km Palk Strait from Sri Lanka to India on April 30, 2026. He completed the challenging open sea route from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu in 9 hours and 50 minutes. The achievement was officially recognised by the Universal Records Forum (URF), which awarded him the title of the Youngest and Fastest Palk Strait Swimmer. During the swim, he received security support from the Sri Lankan Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. His training for the endurance challenge was conducted at Dhurwa Dam in Ranchi under the guidance of coaches Aman Kumar Jaiswal and Bajrang Kumar.

The 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship 2026 is scheduled to be held in New Delhi from July 27 to August 2, 2026, at the Thyagraj Stadium. The event is being jointly organised by the Government of Delhi and the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). Players from more than 35 Commonwealth nations, including England, Australia, Canada, South Africa, and Singapore, are expected to participate. The championship aims to strengthen India’s sports infrastructure and aligns with the Vision 2036 Olympics mission. India has previously hosted major Commonwealth sporting events, including the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Razorpay introduced an artificial intelligence platform known as Agent Studio to transform how businesses manage payment infrastructure. The platform is built on Anthropic’s Claude Agent SDK and enables companies to automate several payment-related operations using AI agents. These agents can intervene when customers abandon purchases, initiate conversations to encourage payment completion, and integrate with platforms like Shopify, Shiprocket, and WhatsApp to access customer and transaction data. The system also supports a no-code tool that allows businesses to create custom AI agents by defining tasks in plain language. Additionally, Razorpay launched an Agentic Experience Platform that allows payment operations to be handled using natural-language commands.