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ADNIC Secures Licence to Establish Reinsurance Branch at GIFT City, GujaratIn April 2026, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based insurance and reinsurance provider, received regulatory approval to establish a reinsurance branch in India’s Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.The license, granted by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), became effective on April 1, 2026.About ADNIC Expansion into GIFT City:Overview: ADNIC is a multiline insurance and reinsurance provider offering global services across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom (UK).Objective: The expansion strengthens ADNIC’s global strategy by establishing its presence in India, boosting cross-border insurance capabilities, diversifying revenue, and supporting long-term growth in high-growth markets.Impact: The move strengthens India–UAE economic ties by boosting trade, investment, and financial cooperation, while supporting India’s goal of becoming a global financial services hub.GIFT: GIFT City in Gujarat functions as a global hub for reinsurance, banking, and offshore financial services, attracting international insurers and financial institutions.
ADNIC Secures Licence to Establish Reinsurance Branch at GIFT City, GujaratIn April 2026, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based insurance and reinsurance provider, received regulatory approval to establish a reinsurance branch in India’s Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.The license, granted by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), became effective on April 1, 2026.About ADNIC Expansion into GIFT City:Overview: ADNIC is a multiline insurance and reinsurance provider offering global services across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom (UK).Objective: The expansion strengthens ADNIC’s global strategy by establishing its presence in India, boosting cross-border insurance capabilities, diversifying revenue, and supporting long-term growth in high-growth markets.Impact: The move strengthens India–UAE economic ties by boosting trade, investment, and financial cooperation, while supporting India’s goal of becoming a global financial services hub.GIFT: GIFT City in Gujarat functions as a global hub for reinsurance, banking, and offshore financial services, attracting international insurers and financial institutions.
ADNIC Secures Licence to Establish Reinsurance Branch at GIFT City, GujaratIn April 2026, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based insurance and reinsurance provider, received regulatory approval to establish a...
NBBL Onboards PLI as Insurance Biller on Bharat Connect PlatformIn April 2026, NPCI Bharat Bill Pay Limited (NBBL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), onboarded Postal Life Insurance (PLI) as a biller under the insurance category on the Bharat Connect platform.With the inclusion of PLI, the number of insurance billers on the platform has increased to 65.Key Details:Significance: This move will enable the policyholders of both PLI and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) to pay renewal premiums via Bharat Connect-enabled platforms as well as offline agent networks.BOU: India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), State Bank of India (SBI) acted as the Biller Operating Unit (BOU) to facilitate the onboarding process on the platform.Customer Access: This development will now enable the customers to access recurring premium payment services via multiple digital and assisted channels across the country.PLI: It is operated by India Post which works under the Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications.
NBBL Onboards PLI as Insurance Biller on Bharat Connect PlatformIn April 2026, NPCI Bharat Bill Pay Limited (NBBL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), onboarded Postal Life Insurance (PLI) as a biller under the insurance category on the Bharat Connect platform.With the inclusion of PLI, the number of insurance billers on the platform has increased to 65.Key Details:Significance: This move will enable the policyholders of both PLI and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) to pay renewal premiums via Bharat Connect-enabled platforms as well as offline agent networks.BOU: India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), State Bank of India (SBI) acted as the Biller Operating Unit (BOU) to facilitate the onboarding process on the platform.Customer Access: This development will now enable the customers to access recurring premium payment services via multiple digital and assisted channels across the country.PLI: It is operated by India Post which works under the Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications.
NBBL Onboards PLI as Insurance Biller on Bharat Connect PlatformIn April 2026, NPCI Bharat Bill Pay Limited (NBBL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), onboarded Postal Life Insurance (PLI) as a biller under th...
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Karnataka Bank Partners with Pine Labs to Enhance Digital Payment SolutionsIn April 2026, Karnataka Bank Limited, an Indian private sector bank, entered into a partnership with Pine Labs Limited, a leading provider of Point-of-Sale (PoS) solutions, to strengthen its digital payment ecosystem across India.Partnership OverviewKey Features: The collaboration enables advanced PoS payment services, seamless and secure transactions, and pan-India availability across all branches.Vision: It supports Karnataka Bank’s goal of becoming a ‘Digital Bank of the Future’ and strengthens its digital banking capabilities.Impact: This collaboration will enable retail and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) customers to easily access advanced PoS terminals, promoting digital adoption and supporting mutual growth.
Karnataka Bank Partners with Pine Labs to Enhance Digital Payment SolutionsIn April 2026, Karnataka Bank Limited, an Indian private sector bank, entered into a partnership with Pine Labs Limited, a leading provider of Point-of-Sale (PoS) solutions, to strengthen its digital payment ecosystem across India.Partnership OverviewKey Features: The collaboration enables advanced PoS payment services, seamless and secure transactions, and pan-India availability across all branches.Vision: It supports Karnataka Bank’s goal of becoming a ‘Digital Bank of the Future’ and strengthens its digital banking capabilities.Impact: This collaboration will enable retail and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) customers to easily access advanced PoS terminals, promoting digital adoption and supporting mutual growth.
Karnataka Bank Partners with Pine Labs to Enhance Digital Payment SolutionsIn April 2026, Karnataka Bank Limited, an Indian private sector bank, entered into a partnership with Pine Labs Limited, a leading provider of Point-of-Sale (PoS) solutions, ...
RBI issues e-mandate framework for digital paymentsIn April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the new ‘Digital Payments – E-mandate Framework, 2026’ consolidating the existing regulations while introducing stricter safeguards, clearer notification and greater flexibility for users.Applicable to: The directions shall be applicable to all payment system providers and payment system participants.Applicable Channels: The new rules apply across:Unified Payment Interface (UPI) auto-payDebit and Credit cardsPrepaid Payment Instruments (PPI)Electronic-Mandate (E-Mandate)Registration: The following guidelines define the rules for e-mandate registration and management:A customer must complete one-time registration with Additional Factor Authorisation (AFA) validation to set up e-mandate.Every e-mandate registered by the issuer shall specify the validity period of the e-mandate.An e-mandate can be for a fixed or variable amount, with a cap and option to set a maximum limit for recurring transactions.
RBI issues e-mandate framework for digital paymentsIn April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the new ‘Digital Payments – E-mandate Framework, 2026’ consolidating the existing regulations while introducing stricter safeguards, clearer notification and greater flexibility for users.Applicable to: The directions shall be applicable to all payment system providers and payment system participants.Applicable Channels: The new rules apply across:Unified Payment Interface (UPI) auto-payDebit and Credit cardsPrepaid Payment Instruments (PPI)Electronic-Mandate (E-Mandate)Registration: The following guidelines define the rules for e-mandate registration and management:A customer must complete one-time registration with Additional Factor Authorisation (AFA) validation to set up e-mandate.Every e-mandate registered by the issuer shall specify the validity period of the e-mandate.An e-mandate can be for a fixed or variable amount, with a cap and option to set a maximum limit for recurring transactions.
RBI issues e-mandate framework for digital paymentsIn April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the new ‘Digital Payments – E-mandate Framework, 2026’ consolidating the existing regulations while introducing stricter safeguards, clearer no...
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Overview of Vice President C P Radhakrishnan Visit to Sri Lanka from April 19-20, 2026The Vice President (VP) of India Chanrapuram Ponnusami (C.P.) Radhakrishnan undertook a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka from April 19, to 20, 2026. This marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Vice President to Sri Lanka.Highlights of the Visit:Bilateral Meeting: During his visit, VP C.P.Radhakrishnan met Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka, at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo(Sri Lanka), where both leaders reviewed bilateral initiatives, including progress on India-supported development projects in Sri Lanka.He also held discussions with Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister (PM) of Sri Lanka along with other senior leaders.MoUs: During the Presidential visit, India and Sri Lanka signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in healthcare and regional development.Announcements: Completion of Phase III of the Indian Housing Project (4,000 houses), restoration of the Northern Railway Line and Bailey bridges under post-Cyclone Ditwah support, expansion of CEWET(Ceylon Estate Workers Education Trust) scholarships (350 to 700 with higher stipends), and Sri Lanka’s agreement to join the International Big Cat Alliance(IBCA).
Overview of Vice President C P Radhakrishnan Visit to Sri Lanka from April 19-20, 2026The Vice President (VP) of India Chanrapuram Ponnusami (C.P.) Radhakrishnan undertook a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka from April 19, to 20, 2026. This marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Vice President to Sri Lanka.Highlights of the Visit:Bilateral Meeting: During his visit, VP C.P.Radhakrishnan met Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka, at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo(Sri Lanka), where both leaders reviewed bilateral initiatives, including progress on India-supported development projects in Sri Lanka.He also held discussions with Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister (PM) of Sri Lanka along with other senior leaders.MoUs: During the Presidential visit, India and Sri Lanka signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in healthcare and regional development.Announcements: Completion of Phase III of the Indian Housing Project (4,000 houses), restoration of the Northern Railway Line and Bailey bridges under post-Cyclone Ditwah support, expansion of CEWET(Ceylon Estate Workers Education Trust) scholarships (350 to 700 with higher stipends), and Sri Lanka’s agreement to join the International Big Cat Alliance(IBCA).
Overview of Vice President C P Radhakrishnan Visit to Sri Lanka from April 19-20, 2026The Vice President (VP) of India Chanrapuram Ponnusami (C.P.) Radhakrishnan undertook a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka from April 19, to 20, 2026. This marks t...
FedEx, IIT-M Completes India’s 1st Intra-City Drone DeliveryIn April 2026, Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN), successfully completed India’s first intra-city drone delivery flight trials in Bengaluru, Karnataka.The initiative is part of FedEx’s international efforts which aimed at developing safe and scalable logistics.Key Details:Research Framework: The flight trials were conducted under the research framework of the FedEx SMART Centre at IIT Madras, representing the centre’s commitment to advancing next-generation, technology-enabled supply chains. The flights were conducted in coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).Implementing Agency: The project was implemented in collaboration with Amber Wings, an IIT-M incubated deep-tech start-up.Key Result: The trials validated a mid-mile aerial logistics link between Electronic City Phase II and site near Bangalore International Airport Limited.Travel Time: The trials also showed a 53 kilometer(km) road journey which generally takes 60 minutes, can be replaced by a 39-42 km flight route, thereby reducing the one-way transit time to approximately 21 minutes.
FedEx, IIT-M Completes India’s 1st Intra-City Drone DeliveryIn April 2026, Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN), successfully completed India’s first intra-city drone delivery flight trials in Bengaluru, Karnataka.The initiative is part of FedEx’s international efforts which aimed at developing safe and scalable logistics.Key Details:Research Framework: The flight trials were conducted under the research framework of the FedEx SMART Centre at IIT Madras, representing the centre’s commitment to advancing next-generation, technology-enabled supply chains. The flights were conducted in coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).Implementing Agency: The project was implemented in collaboration with Amber Wings, an IIT-M incubated deep-tech start-up.Key Result: The trials validated a mid-mile aerial logistics link between Electronic City Phase II and site near Bangalore International Airport Limited.Travel Time: The trials also showed a 53 kilometer(km) road journey which generally takes 60 minutes, can be replaced by a 39-42 km flight route, thereby reducing the one-way transit time to approximately 21 minutes.
FedEx, IIT-M Completes India’s 1st Intra-City Drone DeliveryIn April 2026, Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN), successfully completed India’s first intra-ci...
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IIT Ropar Launches India’s First Integrated Agricultural Intelligence EcosystemIn April 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, Punjab, launched an advanced Agricultural Intelligence Ecosystem, marking India’s first fully integrated Artificial Intelligence(AI)-based system for smart farming and agricultural decision-making.It has been launched by the IIT Ropar’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI for Agriculture, ANNAM.AI(Alliance for Next-Gen Nourishment through Agriculture Modernisation).About Integrated Agricultural Intelligence Ecosystem:Components: It comprises key components, including ‘Swan’, advanced weather stations; Krishi Intelligence Call Centres; and the Annam Chat Engine (ACE).Objective: Improve agricultural productivity and risk management using AI.AI Layers: The AI architecture consists of three layers: Infrastructure Layer (data collection), Intelligence Layer (data analysis), and Engagement Layer (farmer advisory).
IIT Ropar Launches India’s First Integrated Agricultural Intelligence EcosystemIn April 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, Punjab, launched an advanced Agricultural Intelligence Ecosystem, marking India’s first fully integrated Artificial Intelligence(AI)-based system for smart farming and agricultural decision-making.It has been launched by the IIT Ropar’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI for Agriculture, ANNAM.AI(Alliance for Next-Gen Nourishment through Agriculture Modernisation).About Integrated Agricultural Intelligence Ecosystem:Components: It comprises key components, including ‘Swan’, advanced weather stations; Krishi Intelligence Call Centres; and the Annam Chat Engine (ACE).Objective: Improve agricultural productivity and risk management using AI.AI Layers: The AI architecture consists of three layers: Infrastructure Layer (data collection), Intelligence Layer (data analysis), and Engagement Layer (farmer advisory).
IIT Ropar Launches India’s First Integrated Agricultural Intelligence EcosystemIn April 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, Punjab, launched an advanced Agricultural Intelligence Ecosystem, marking India’s first fully integrated Art...
MoD Inks Rs.975 Crore Contract for TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90 TanksOn April 21, 2026, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Private Limited worth approximately Rs.975 crore for the procurement of TRAWL Assemblies for the Indian Army(IA)’s T-72 (Ajeya) and T-90 (Bhishma) main battle tanks.The agreement was signed under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured, IDDM) category in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoD, in New Delhi, Delhi.About TRAWL Assembly:Capability Boost: The TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90 tanks, developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO), is a critical system that strengthens the minefield breaching capability of the IA.Operational Advantage: It enables the creation of vehicle-safe lanes through minefields, including those with anti-tank mines fitted with proximity magnetic fuses, thereby enhancing overall operational effectiveness.Impact:This project involves an extensive network of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) for component manufacturing, which will generate direct and indirect employment.
MoD Inks Rs.975 Crore Contract for TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90 TanksOn April 21, 2026, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Private Limited worth approximately Rs.975 crore for the procurement of TRAWL Assemblies for the Indian Army(IA)’s T-72 (Ajeya) and T-90 (Bhishma) main battle tanks.The agreement was signed under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured, IDDM) category in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoD, in New Delhi, Delhi.About TRAWL Assembly:Capability Boost: The TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90 tanks, developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO), is a critical system that strengthens the minefield breaching capability of the IA.Operational Advantage: It enables the creation of vehicle-safe lanes through minefields, including those with anti-tank mines fitted with proximity magnetic fuses, thereby enhancing overall operational effectiveness.Impact:This project involves an extensive network of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) for component manufacturing, which will generate direct and indirect employment.
MoD Inks Rs.975 Crore Contract for TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90 TanksOn April 21, 2026, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Private Limited worth approx...
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India and Bhutan hold 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting in Munnar, KeralaIn April 2026, the 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting between India and Bhutan was held from April 20-21, 2026 in Munnar, Kerala, serving as a key institutional mechanism for customs cooperation, trade facilitation, and border management.The meeting was co-chaired by Yogendra Garg, Special Secretary and Member (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Government of India, and Sonam Jamtsho, Director General(DG), Department of Revenue and Customs, Ministry of Finance, Government of Bhutan.Highlights of 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meetingKey Discussions: During the meeting, both sides discussed priority areas such as Coordinated Border Management (CBM), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on pre-arrival customs data exchange, strengthening anti-smuggling efforts through intelligence sharing, digitisation of customs processes, and facilitating transit cargo under the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS).Review: They also reviewed issues related to border infrastructure, trade facilitation, and harmonisation of customs procedures.Intelligence Cooperation: The summit facilitates intelligence sharing between customs formations on the ongoing ‘Operation Numkhor’ led by the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive) unit in Kochi.
India and Bhutan hold 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting in Munnar, KeralaIn April 2026, the 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting between India and Bhutan was held from April 20-21, 2026 in Munnar, Kerala, serving as a key institutional mechanism for customs cooperation, trade facilitation, and border management.The meeting was co-chaired by Yogendra Garg, Special Secretary and Member (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Government of India, and Sonam Jamtsho, Director General(DG), Department of Revenue and Customs, Ministry of Finance, Government of Bhutan.Highlights of 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meetingKey Discussions: During the meeting, both sides discussed priority areas such as Coordinated Border Management (CBM), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on pre-arrival customs data exchange, strengthening anti-smuggling efforts through intelligence sharing, digitisation of customs processes, and facilitating transit cargo under the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS).Review: They also reviewed issues related to border infrastructure, trade facilitation, and harmonisation of customs procedures.Intelligence Cooperation: The summit facilitates intelligence sharing between customs formations on the ongoing ‘Operation Numkhor’ led by the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive) unit in Kochi.
India and Bhutan hold 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting in Munnar, KeralaIn April 2026, the 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting between India and Bhutan was held from April 20-21, 2026 in Munnar, Kerala, serving as a key institutional mec...
MoEFCC Declares Area Around UP’s Barasingha WLS as ESZIn April 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) through its official notification declared an area of 408.7 square kilometres (sq. km) around the Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) in Uttar Pradesh (UP), as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).This declaration will help in the conservation of rich biodiversity as well as support indigenous communities living in and around the WLS.About Barasingh WLS:Districts Covered: The newly declared ESZ comprises 307 villages which spans across 5 districts in UP i.e. Muzaffarnagar (138.71 sq. km), Meerut (50.04 sq. km), Hapur (18.35 sq. km), Bijnor (155.02 sq. km), and Amroha (46.35 sq. km).Biodiversity: The WLS is a natural habitat for diverse wildlife fauna which include 41 mammals species, 373 birds species; 36 reptile species, 10 amphibians, and 79 fish species.In addition, the sanctuary hosts over 280 plant species, including 81 medicinal plant species.
MoEFCC Declares Area Around UP’s Barasingha WLS as ESZIn April 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) through its official notification declared an area of 408.7 square kilometres (sq. km) around the Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) in Uttar Pradesh (UP), as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).This declaration will help in the conservation of rich biodiversity as well as support indigenous communities living in and around the WLS.About Barasingh WLS:Districts Covered: The newly declared ESZ comprises 307 villages which spans across 5 districts in UP i.e. Muzaffarnagar (138.71 sq. km), Meerut (50.04 sq. km), Hapur (18.35 sq. km), Bijnor (155.02 sq. km), and Amroha (46.35 sq. km).Biodiversity: The WLS is a natural habitat for diverse wildlife fauna which include 41 mammals species, 373 birds species; 36 reptile species, 10 amphibians, and 79 fish species.In addition, the sanctuary hosts over 280 plant species, including 81 medicinal plant species.
MoEFCC Declares Area Around UP’s Barasingha WLS as ESZIn April 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) through its official notification declared an area of 408.7 square kilometres (sq. km) around the Barasingha Wildlife...
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