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Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stones for Rs 1,500 Crore Projects at VOC Port, TNIn February 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), located in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu(TN).These initiatives are designed to modernize infrastructure, integrate renewable energy, and enhance digital security, aligning with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.Key Details of Projects:VOC Maritime Heritage Museum:Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum at VOC Port, Tuticorin, as an immersive institution dedicated to India’s maritime history and the contributions of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar.Infrastructure Projects:During the event, he also laid foundation stones for projects covering upgraded rail and road connectivity, enhanced power infrastructure, Renewable Energy(RE) initiatives such as solar, wind, battery storage and green hydrogen, along with advanced safety systems and digital platforms.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stones for Rs 1,500 Crore Projects at VOC Port, TNIn February 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), located in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu(TN).These initiatives are designed to modernize infrastructure, integrate renewable energy, and enhance digital security, aligning with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.Key Details of Projects:VOC Maritime Heritage Museum:Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum at VOC Port, Tuticorin, as an immersive institution dedicated to India’s maritime history and the contributions of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar.Infrastructure Projects:During the event, he also laid foundation stones for projects covering upgraded rail and road connectivity, enhanced power infrastructure, Renewable Energy(RE) initiatives such as solar, wind, battery storage and green hydrogen, along with advanced safety systems and digital platforms.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stones for Rs 1,500 Crore Projects at VOC Port, TNIn February 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), inaugurated and laid foundatio...
PWD, CSIR-CRRI & SPA Sign Four MoUs for Standard Framework & RAMS Implementation in NCROn February 24, 2026, Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Rajasthan along with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Road Research Institute (CSIR‑CRRI) and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi(Delhi), signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to implement a Standard Framework and Road Asset Management System (RAMS) for dust‑free and sustainable urban roads in the National Capital Region (NCR).The MoUs were signed in the presence of Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), at Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.Key Details of MoU:Implementation: The MoUs will remain valid for three years and can be extended. Each state will appoint a Nodal Agency and create a Paving and Greening Cell for coordination.Road Lengths Covered: The initiative will cover approximately 10,099 kilometre (km) in Delhi, 10,133 in Haryana, 6,891 km in UP, and 1,747 km in Rajasthan.
PWD, CSIR-CRRI & SPA Sign Four MoUs for Standard Framework & RAMS Implementation in NCROn February 24, 2026, Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Rajasthan along with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Road Research Institute (CSIR‑CRRI) and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi(Delhi), signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to implement a Standard Framework and Road Asset Management System (RAMS) for dust‑free and sustainable urban roads in the National Capital Region (NCR).The MoUs were signed in the presence of Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), at Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.Key Details of MoU:Implementation: The MoUs will remain valid for three years and can be extended. Each state will appoint a Nodal Agency and create a Paving and Greening Cell for coordination.Road Lengths Covered: The initiative will cover approximately 10,099 kilometre (km) in Delhi, 10,133 in Haryana, 6,891 km in UP, and 1,747 km in Rajasthan.
PWD, CSIR-CRRI & SPA Sign Four MoUs for Standard Framework & RAMS Implementation in NCROn February 24, 2026, Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Rajasthan along with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Resear...
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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Constitutes ‘Parliamentary Friendship Groups’ with 64 CountriesIn February 2026, Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha (the Lower House of Parliament) constituted ‘Parliamentary Friendship Groups(PFGs)’ with 64 countries to bolster inter-parliamentary cooperation and legislative dialogue.About Parliamentary Friendship Groups:Significance: This new initiative will enable the Indian lawmakers to interact directly with their counterparts abroad, share legislative experience.It will also facilitate regular dialogue, exchange of legislative practices, and will boost cooperation on trade, technology, culture, and shared global challenges.Structure: Each Parliamentary Friendship Group typically consisted of 11 members, with a designated Chairperson/Group Leader leading the group.Members: The groups comprise Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha across the political spectrum.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Constitutes ‘Parliamentary Friendship Groups’ with 64 CountriesIn February 2026, Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha (the Lower House of Parliament) constituted ‘Parliamentary Friendship Groups(PFGs)’ with 64 countries to bolster inter-parliamentary cooperation and legislative dialogue.About Parliamentary Friendship Groups:Significance: This new initiative will enable the Indian lawmakers to interact directly with their counterparts abroad, share legislative experience.It will also facilitate regular dialogue, exchange of legislative practices, and will boost cooperation on trade, technology, culture, and shared global challenges.Structure: Each Parliamentary Friendship Group typically consisted of 11 members, with a designated Chairperson/Group Leader leading the group.Members: The groups comprise Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha across the political spectrum.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Constitutes ‘Parliamentary Friendship Groups’ with 64 CountriesIn February 2026, Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha (the Lower House of Parliament) constituted ‘Parliamentary Friendship Groups(PFGs)’ with 64 countries to bolste...
GoI & France Sign Protocol to Amend India-France DTAC In February 2026, Government of India (GoI) and France signed a Protocol to amend the India-France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC), originally signed on 29 September 1992, to modernise tax provisions and align them with global standards.Key Amendment to India-France DTAC:Capital Gains on Sale of Shares: Following the amendment, capital gains from selling shares of a company will be taxed in the country where the company is resident, thereby granting full taxing rights to that jurisdiction.Removal of MFN Clause: The Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clause has been removed, resolving past disputes and bringing greater clarity and certainty to taxation matters between India and France.Dividend Tax Rates Revised: Earlier, dividends were taxed at a single rate of 100%. Under the amended provisions, a 5% tax will apply where the shareholder holds at least 10% of the company’s capital and 15% in all other cases, creating a two-tier system based on the level of investment.PE Expanded: A new concept of Service Permanent Establishment (Service PE) has been introduced, enabling certain service activities to constitute a taxable presence in a country.
GoI & France Sign Protocol to Amend India-France DTAC In February 2026, Government of India (GoI) and France signed a Protocol to amend the India-France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC), originally signed on 29 September 1992, to modernise tax provisions and align them with global standards.Key Amendment to India-France DTAC:Capital Gains on Sale of Shares: Following the amendment, capital gains from selling shares of a company will be taxed in the country where the company is resident, thereby granting full taxing rights to that jurisdiction.Removal of MFN Clause: The Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clause has been removed, resolving past disputes and bringing greater clarity and certainty to taxation matters between India and France.Dividend Tax Rates Revised: Earlier, dividends were taxed at a single rate of 100%. Under the amended provisions, a 5% tax will apply where the shareholder holds at least 10% of the company’s capital and 15% in all other cases, creating a two-tier system based on the level of investment.PE Expanded: A new concept of Service Permanent Establishment (Service PE) has been introduced, enabling certain service activities to constitute a taxable presence in a country.
GoI & France Sign Protocol to Amend India-France DTAC In February 2026, Government of India (GoI) and France signed a Protocol to amend the India-France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC), originally signed on 29 September 1992, to modernise...
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MHA Releases India’s First National Counter-terrorism Policy & Strategy ‘PRAHAAR’In February 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released India’s new national counter-terrorism policy and strategy titled ‘PRAHAAR’, outlining a comprehensive and proactive framework to address evolving terror threats and strengthen measures to curb and counter terrorism.About PRAHAAR:Core Pillars: The term ‘PRAHAAR’ means ‘strike’, which represents 7 key pillars of the country’s counter-terrorism framework:Prevention of terrorist attacks to protect Indian citizens and interests;Response, which are swift and proportionate to the threat posed;Aggregating internal capacities for achieving synergy in a whole-of-government approach;Human Rights and ‘Rule of Law’ based processes for mitigation of threats;Attenuating the conditions enabling terrorism, including radicalization;Aligning and shaping the global efforts to counter terrorism;Recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach.Approach: The framework adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, encouraging coordination between law enforcement agencies, private sector stakeholders and civil society organisations.
MHA Releases India’s First National Counter-terrorism Policy & Strategy ‘PRAHAAR’In February 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released India’s new national counter-terrorism policy and strategy titled ‘PRAHAAR’, outlining a comprehensive and proactive framework to address evolving terror threats and strengthen measures to curb and counter terrorism.About PRAHAAR:Core Pillars: The term ‘PRAHAAR’ means ‘strike’, which represents 7 key pillars of the country’s counter-terrorism framework:Prevention of terrorist attacks to protect Indian citizens and interests;Response, which are swift and proportionate to the threat posed;Aggregating internal capacities for achieving synergy in a whole-of-government approach;Human Rights and ‘Rule of Law’ based processes for mitigation of threats;Attenuating the conditions enabling terrorism, including radicalization;Aligning and shaping the global efforts to counter terrorism;Recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach.Approach: The framework adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, encouraging coordination between law enforcement agencies, private sector stakeholders and civil society organisations.
MHA Releases India’s First National Counter-terrorism Policy & Strategy ‘PRAHAAR’In February 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released India’s new national counter-terrorism policy and strategy titled ‘PRAHAAR’, outlining a comprehensive and ...
Cabinet Approves Proposal to Rename the State of ‘Kerala’ as ‘Keralam’On February 25 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved a proposal to officially change the name of the state of ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’, during its first meeting held at the newly inaugurated Seva Teerth office complex in New Delhi, Delhi.Renaming of Kerala to Keralam:Approval: The approval was followed by unanimous resolutions passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in August 2023 and June 2024.Procedure: Under Article 3 of the Constitution of India, the President refers the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the State Legislature for its views before it is introduced in Parliament, after which it must be passed by a simple majority in both Houses and receive Presidential assent.Amendment: The change requires modification of the First Schedule (listing states) and consequential updates to the Fourth Schedule (allocation of Rajya Sabha seats) of the Constitution.Other Approval: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, fixed the MSP of Raw Jute (TD-3 grade, Fair quality) at Rs 5,925 per quintal (qtl) for the 2026–27 marketing season.
Cabinet Approves Proposal to Rename the State of ‘Kerala’ as ‘Keralam’On February 25 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved a proposal to officially change the name of the state of ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’, during its first meeting held at the newly inaugurated Seva Teerth office complex in New Delhi, Delhi.Renaming of Kerala to Keralam:Approval: The approval was followed by unanimous resolutions passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in August 2023 and June 2024.Procedure: Under Article 3 of the Constitution of India, the President refers the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the State Legislature for its views before it is introduced in Parliament, after which it must be passed by a simple majority in both Houses and receive Presidential assent.Amendment: The change requires modification of the First Schedule (listing states) and consequential updates to the Fourth Schedule (allocation of Rajya Sabha seats) of the Constitution.Other Approval: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, fixed the MSP of Raw Jute (TD-3 grade, Fair quality) at Rs 5,925 per quintal (qtl) for the 2026–27 marketing season.
Cabinet Approves Proposal to Rename the State of ‘Kerala’ as ‘Keralam’On February 25 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved a proposal to officially change the name of the state of ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’, during...
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Kerala Signed MoUs with Central PSUs for Rs 2,000 Crore in Vizhinjam International Seaport ProjectIn February 2026, the Kerala government signed a Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to launch an integrated logistics masterplan worth Rs 2,000 crore, at Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.These MoUs were formalized in the presence of Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister (CM) of Kerala at the state legislative assembly building.Key Details:Key Partners: This strategic partnership includes the state-owned Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) and 3 CPSUs: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL); Container Corporation of India (CONCOR); and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC).Key Investments: IOCL (Rs 700 crore) to establish large-scale bunkering facilities;CONCOR (Rs 600 crore)to develop a robust transport network;CWC(Rs 700 crore) to develop a state-of-the-art Multi-modal Logistics Park.
Kerala Signed MoUs with Central PSUs for Rs 2,000 Crore in Vizhinjam International Seaport ProjectIn February 2026, the Kerala government signed a Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to launch an integrated logistics masterplan worth Rs 2,000 crore, at Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.These MoUs were formalized in the presence of Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister (CM) of Kerala at the state legislative assembly building.Key Details:Key Partners: This strategic partnership includes the state-owned Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) and 3 CPSUs: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL); Container Corporation of India (CONCOR); and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC).Key Investments: IOCL (Rs 700 crore) to establish large-scale bunkering facilities;CONCOR (Rs 600 crore)to develop a robust transport network;CWC(Rs 700 crore) to develop a state-of-the-art Multi-modal Logistics Park.
Kerala Signed MoUs with Central PSUs for Rs 2,000 Crore in Vizhinjam International Seaport ProjectIn February 2026, the Kerala government signed a Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to launch an i...
Central Excise Day 2026 – February 24The Central Excise Day is annually observed across India on 24th February to commemorate the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944, and to honour the contributions of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in tax administration and national development.Central Excise Duty (CED) is an indirect tax levied and collected by the Government of India (GoI) on goods manufactured or produced within India for domestic consumption.About Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944:Enactment: The Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944 was the first comprehensive legislation imposing excise duties on goods manufactured in India and consolidated 11 earlier excise laws into a unified framework.Amendments: In 1966, the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944 was renamed as the Central Excise Act, 1944, and in 1985, the Central Excise Tariff Act was enacted to prescribe detailed schedules outlining duty rates and valuation principles.
Central Excise Day 2026 – February 24The Central Excise Day is annually observed across India on 24th February to commemorate the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944, and to honour the contributions of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in tax administration and national development.Central Excise Duty (CED) is an indirect tax levied and collected by the Government of India (GoI) on goods manufactured or produced within India for domestic consumption.About Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944:Enactment: The Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944 was the first comprehensive legislation imposing excise duties on goods manufactured in India and consolidated 11 earlier excise laws into a unified framework.Amendments: In 1966, the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944 was renamed as the Central Excise Act, 1944, and in 1985, the Central Excise Tariff Act was enacted to prescribe detailed schedules outlining duty rates and valuation principles.
Central Excise Day 2026 – February 24The Central Excise Day is annually observed across India on 24th February to commemorate the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944, and to honour the contributions of the Central Board of Indirect Tax...
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Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Releases ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada’s Biography ‘Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada’ On February 23, 2026, Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, released the Gujarati biography titled “Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada” in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.About Biography:Overview: The book, authored by Dr. Usha Upadhyay, chronicles the inspiring life and spiritual journey of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, the Founder – Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).Insights: The biography underscores Srila Prabhupada’s remarkable struggles and steadfast dedication, emphasizing his pivotal role in propagating Indian culture and Vedic teachings globally.
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Releases ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada’s Biography ‘Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada’ On February 23, 2026, Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, released the Gujarati biography titled “Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada” in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.About Biography:Overview: The book, authored by Dr. Usha Upadhyay, chronicles the inspiring life and spiritual journey of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, the Founder – Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).Insights: The biography underscores Srila Prabhupada’s remarkable struggles and steadfast dedication, emphasizing his pivotal role in propagating Indian culture and Vedic teachings globally.
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Releases ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada’s Biography ‘Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada’ On February 23, 2026, Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, released the Gujarati biography titled “Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada”...
VP C.P. Radhakrishnan Releases Coffee Table Book on former PM Atal Bihari VajpayeeIn February 2026, Chandrapuram Ponnusami (C.P.) Radhakrishnan, Vice President (VP) of India, released the coffee table book titled “Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman”, authored by former Union Minister Vijay Goel, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports(MYAS), at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.The book was published by the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS).Key Details:Significance: The book pays tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a Bharat Ratna awardee and former Prime Minister (PM) of India, through a rich collection of photographs and anecdotes that chronicle his journey as a poet, parliamentarian, and national leader.Key Milestones: The book covers the major milestones achieved during his tenure as PM of India: Pokhran nuclear test (1998) and the visionary infrastructure initiative like Delhi Metro.
VP C.P. Radhakrishnan Releases Coffee Table Book on former PM Atal Bihari VajpayeeIn February 2026, Chandrapuram Ponnusami (C.P.) Radhakrishnan, Vice President (VP) of India, released the coffee table book titled “Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman”, authored by former Union Minister Vijay Goel, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports(MYAS), at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.The book was published by the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS).Key Details:Significance: The book pays tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a Bharat Ratna awardee and former Prime Minister (PM) of India, through a rich collection of photographs and anecdotes that chronicle his journey as a poet, parliamentarian, and national leader.Key Milestones: The book covers the major milestones achieved during his tenure as PM of India: Pokhran nuclear test (1998) and the visionary infrastructure initiative like Delhi Metro.
VP C.P. Radhakrishnan Releases Coffee Table Book on former PM Atal Bihari VajpayeeIn February 2026, Chandrapuram Ponnusami (C.P.) Radhakrishnan, Vice President (VP) of India, released the coffee table book titled “Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal St...
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