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MoHFW Hosts First BRICS Health Working Group Meeting in New DelhiOn April 15, 2026, Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoHFW) chaired the First Health Working Group (HWG) Meeting under the BRICS(Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) framework for 2026, in New Delhi, DelhiAbout BRICS Health Working Group Meeting 2026:Participants: The virtual meeting brought together senior health officials, technical experts, and delegates from BRICS member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates(UAE), and Indonesia, to discuss priority areas of cooperation in public health.Key Priority Areas: The meeting discussed nine priority areas, including the Tuberculosis (TB) Research Network; collaboration among medical product regulators; an integrated early warning system for infectious diseases; digital health architecture for continuum of care; the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles; promotion of mental health and wellness; Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM); addressing Diseases Driven by Social Determinants of Health(DDSDH); and strengthening the BRICS Network of National Public Health Institutes.Initiatives: As the BRICS Chair for 2026, India, guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” proposed 2 initiatives including the ‘BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles’ and the ‘promotion of mental health and wellness’.
MoHFW Hosts First BRICS Health Working Group Meeting in New DelhiOn April 15, 2026, Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoHFW) chaired the First Health Working Group (HWG) Meeting under the BRICS(Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) framework for 2026, in New Delhi, DelhiAbout BRICS Health Working Group Meeting 2026:Participants: The virtual meeting brought together senior health officials, technical experts, and delegates from BRICS member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates(UAE), and Indonesia, to discuss priority areas of cooperation in public health.Key Priority Areas: The meeting discussed nine priority areas, including the Tuberculosis (TB) Research Network; collaboration among medical product regulators; an integrated early warning system for infectious diseases; digital health architecture for continuum of care; the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles; promotion of mental health and wellness; Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM); addressing Diseases Driven by Social Determinants of Health(DDSDH); and strengthening the BRICS Network of National Public Health Institutes.Initiatives: As the BRICS Chair for 2026, India, guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” proposed 2 initiatives including the ‘BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles’ and the ‘promotion of mental health and wellness’.
MoHFW Hosts First BRICS Health Working Group Meeting in New DelhiOn April 15, 2026, Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoHFW) chaired the First Health Working Group (HWG) Meeting under the BRICS(Brazil, Russia,...
FIU-India Sign MoUs with SEBI & PFRDA to Strengthen Data Sharing and Curb Financial CrimesOn 16 April 2026, Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) to enhance data sharing, strengthen fraud detection, and curb money laundering and terror financing.About the MoUs:FIU-IND–SEBI: The MoU strengthens coordination, intelligence sharing, and securities market surveillance through regular exchange of financial data, reporting procedures, and cooperation with foreign Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs).FIU-IND–PFRDA: Under the agreement, both organisations will designate dedicated nodal officers, along with alternates, to ensure seamless coordination and communication.It also enables the exchange of financial intelligence with global counterparts in accordance with the Egmont Group principles for information sharing.Framework: The MoUs operate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), Prevention of Money Laundering (PML) Rules 2005, and Egmont Principles of Information Exchange, while ensuring effective supervision.
FIU-India Sign MoUs with SEBI & PFRDA to Strengthen Data Sharing and Curb Financial CrimesOn 16 April 2026, Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) to enhance data sharing, strengthen fraud detection, and curb money laundering and terror financing.About the MoUs:FIU-IND–SEBI: The MoU strengthens coordination, intelligence sharing, and securities market surveillance through regular exchange of financial data, reporting procedures, and cooperation with foreign Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs).FIU-IND–PFRDA: Under the agreement, both organisations will designate dedicated nodal officers, along with alternates, to ensure seamless coordination and communication.It also enables the exchange of financial intelligence with global counterparts in accordance with the Egmont Group principles for information sharing.Framework: The MoUs operate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), Prevention of Money Laundering (PML) Rules 2005, and Egmont Principles of Information Exchange, while ensuring effective supervision.
FIU-India Sign MoUs with SEBI & PFRDA to Strengthen Data Sharing and Curb Financial CrimesOn 16 April 2026, Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) ...
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Rajya Sabha Reconstitutes Panel of Vice-Chairpersons; Six Members NominatedIn April 2026, P. C. Mody , Secretary General of Rajya Sabha, announced that the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) reconstituted its Panel of Vice-Chairpersons, effective from April 15, 2026, to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.The panel comprises six Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties, nominated by C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.About Rajya Sabha Panel of Vice-Chairpersons:Composition: The panel includes Dinesh Sharma, S. Phangnon Konyak, and Ghanshyam Tiwari from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Phulo Devi Netam from Indian National Congress (INC), M. Thambidurai from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and Sasmit Patra from Biju Janata Dal (BJD), reflecting multi-party representation.Role: Members preside over the Rajya Sabha in the absence of both Chairman and Deputy Chairman, exercising similar powers to maintain order and regulate debates.
Rajya Sabha Reconstitutes Panel of Vice-Chairpersons; Six Members NominatedIn April 2026, P. C. Mody , Secretary General of Rajya Sabha, announced that the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) reconstituted its Panel of Vice-Chairpersons, effective from April 15, 2026, to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.The panel comprises six Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties, nominated by C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.About Rajya Sabha Panel of Vice-Chairpersons:Composition: The panel includes Dinesh Sharma, S. Phangnon Konyak, and Ghanshyam Tiwari from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Phulo Devi Netam from Indian National Congress (INC), M. Thambidurai from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and Sasmit Patra from Biju Janata Dal (BJD), reflecting multi-party representation.Role: Members preside over the Rajya Sabha in the absence of both Chairman and Deputy Chairman, exercising similar powers to maintain order and regulate debates.
Rajya Sabha Reconstitutes Panel of Vice-Chairpersons; Six Members NominatedIn April 2026, P. C. Mody , Secretary General of Rajya Sabha, announced that the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) reconstituted its Panel of Vice-Chairpersons, effecti...
MeitY Constituted AIGEG To Drive AI Governance Strategy of IndiaIn April 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), constituted the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG).This newly formed high-level inter-ministerial body will serve as India’s central institutional mechanism for AI governance policy development and coordination.Key Details of AIGEG:Recommended by: This new high-level interministerial group was one of the 3 institutions proposed in India’s AI Governance Guidelines and the Economic Survey.The guidelines had recommended setting up an inter-ministerial body to steer a whole-of-government approach to AI governance, with a view to align the actions of ministries, departments, regulators and advisory bodies around a coherent national strategy.Technical Support: As per MeitY official notification, AIGEG will be supported by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).Composition: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, MeitY will serve as the chairperson of AIGEG.Apart from Chairperson, Union Minister of State (MoS) Jitin Prasada, MeitY will serve as Vice Chairperson of the group, while S. Krishnan Secretary, MeitY has been appointed as the Member Convener.
MeitY Constituted AIGEG To Drive AI Governance Strategy of IndiaIn April 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), constituted the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG).This newly formed high-level inter-ministerial body will serve as India’s central institutional mechanism for AI governance policy development and coordination.Key Details of AIGEG:Recommended by: This new high-level interministerial group was one of the 3 institutions proposed in India’s AI Governance Guidelines and the Economic Survey.The guidelines had recommended setting up an inter-ministerial body to steer a whole-of-government approach to AI governance, with a view to align the actions of ministries, departments, regulators and advisory bodies around a coherent national strategy.Technical Support: As per MeitY official notification, AIGEG will be supported by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).Composition: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, MeitY will serve as the chairperson of AIGEG.Apart from Chairperson, Union Minister of State (MoS) Jitin Prasada, MeitY will serve as Vice Chairperson of the group, while S. Krishnan Secretary, MeitY has been appointed as the Member Convener.
MeitY Constituted AIGEG To Drive AI Governance Strategy of IndiaIn April 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), constituted the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG).This newly formed high-...
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MoC&I Notified India’s First Chip Fabrication Plant at Dholera SEZ, GujaratIn April 2026, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) notified India’s first chip fabrication plant, a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to be established by Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Limited (TSMPL), a subsidiary of Tata Group, at Dholera SEZ, Gujarat, with a proposed investment of Rs 91,000 crore.About Chip Fabrication Plant:Objective: The SEZ is designed to support electronic hardware, software, and Information Technology (IT)-enabled services with enabling infrastructure and a dedicated approval mechanism to streamline operations and logistics.Size: The SEZ covers 66.166 hectares (ha) of land and is designed to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem and import substitution strategy.Policy: The approval follows amendments to SEZ Rules 2006 in 2025 to promote semiconductor and electronics investments.
MoC&I Notified India’s First Chip Fabrication Plant at Dholera SEZ, GujaratIn April 2026, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) notified India’s first chip fabrication plant, a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to be established by Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Limited (TSMPL), a subsidiary of Tata Group, at Dholera SEZ, Gujarat, with a proposed investment of Rs 91,000 crore.About Chip Fabrication Plant:Objective: The SEZ is designed to support electronic hardware, software, and Information Technology (IT)-enabled services with enabling infrastructure and a dedicated approval mechanism to streamline operations and logistics.Size: The SEZ covers 66.166 hectares (ha) of land and is designed to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem and import substitution strategy.Policy: The approval follows amendments to SEZ Rules 2006 in 2025 to promote semiconductor and electronics investments.
MoC&I Notified India’s First Chip Fabrication Plant at Dholera SEZ, GujaratIn April 2026, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) notified India’s first chip fabrication plant, a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to be established by Tata Semiconduc...
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Karnataka on April 15, 2026On April 15,2026, Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi visited Karnataka, where he inaugurated the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri in Mandya district(Karnataka) and addressed the gathering.Highlights of the Visit:Inauguration of Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira: During his visit to Karnataka, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri Mutt, a prominent spiritual and educational centre in Mandya, Karnataka.Felicitation: PM Narendra Modi was felicitated with a Mysuru Peta crafted from Mysuru and Benaras silk, adorned with a string of pearls and small pendants. This design of the peta was traditionally worn by the erstwhile King Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar of Mysuru.Unveils Nine-Point Agenda : PM Modi presented a nine-point, citizen-driven development agenda for achieving “Viksit Karnataka” and “Viksit Bharat,” highlighting the importance of sustainability, cultural values, and collective responsibility while addressing a gathering at Sri Adichunchanagiri Mutt in Karnataka.Book Release: During the event, PM Narendra Modi jointly released the book titled ‘Saundarya Lahari and Shiva Mahimna Stotram’ along with former PM H. D. Deve Gowda in Mandya(“Sugar City”).
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Karnataka on April 15, 2026On April 15,2026, Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi visited Karnataka, where he inaugurated the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri in Mandya district(Karnataka) and addressed the gathering.Highlights of the Visit:Inauguration of Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira: During his visit to Karnataka, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri Mutt, a prominent spiritual and educational centre in Mandya, Karnataka.Felicitation: PM Narendra Modi was felicitated with a Mysuru Peta crafted from Mysuru and Benaras silk, adorned with a string of pearls and small pendants. This design of the peta was traditionally worn by the erstwhile King Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar of Mysuru.Unveils Nine-Point Agenda : PM Modi presented a nine-point, citizen-driven development agenda for achieving “Viksit Karnataka” and “Viksit Bharat,” highlighting the importance of sustainability, cultural values, and collective responsibility while addressing a gathering at Sri Adichunchanagiri Mutt in Karnataka.Book Release: During the event, PM Narendra Modi jointly released the book titled ‘Saundarya Lahari and Shiva Mahimna Stotram’ along with former PM H. D. Deve Gowda in Mandya(“Sugar City”).
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Karnataka on April 15, 2026On April 15,2026, Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi visited Karnataka, where he inaugurated the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri in Mandya district(Karnata...
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Anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre 2026 – April 13The anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also known as the Amritsar Massacre, is observed annually across India on 13 April to commemorate the tragic incident that took place in 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab (then under British India, now in India).13 April 2026 commemorates the 107th anniversary of the massacre.About Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: Massacre: Hundreds of unarmed people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, during Baisakhi.Reginald Dyer ordered troops to fire on the peaceful crowd protesting the Rowlatt Act. The firing continued until bullets ran low, killing at least 379 people (official count), though the real number was much higher.Hunter Commission: After the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, the British government set up the Hunter Commission in 1919, headed by William Hunter, to investigate the incident.
Anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre 2026 – April 13The anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also known as the Amritsar Massacre, is observed annually across India on 13 April to commemorate the tragic incident that took place in 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab (then under British India, now in India).13 April 2026 commemorates the 107th anniversary of the massacre.About Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: Massacre: Hundreds of unarmed people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, during Baisakhi.Reginald Dyer ordered troops to fire on the peaceful crowd protesting the Rowlatt Act. The firing continued until bullets ran low, killing at least 379 people (official count), though the real number was much higher.Hunter Commission: After the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, the British government set up the Hunter Commission in 1919, headed by William Hunter, to investigate the incident.
Anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre 2026 – April 13The anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also known as the Amritsar Massacre, is observed annually across India on 13 April to commemorate the tragic incident that took place in 1919 in...
Siachen Day 2026– April 13 Siachen Day is observed annually by the Indian Army (IA) on 13 April to commemorate Operation Meghdoot (1984), when Indian troops secured key positions at Bilafond La Pass on the Siachen Glacier, gaining a strategic advantage in the Kashmir region.13th April 2026 marks the 42nd year of IA’s presence at Siachen Glacier.About Operation Meghdoot:Launch: Operation Meghdoot was launched by the IA on 13 April 1984 to secure the Siachen Glacier, marking the world’s longest ongoing military operation.Reason : The operation was initiated after intelligence inputs indicated that Pakistan was planning military action in the Siachen region.Leadership: The operation was led by Manohar Lal Chibber, Prem Nath Hoon, and Shiv Sharma.
Siachen Day 2026– April 13 Siachen Day is observed annually by the Indian Army (IA) on 13 April to commemorate Operation Meghdoot (1984), when Indian troops secured key positions at Bilafond La Pass on the Siachen Glacier, gaining a strategic advantage in the Kashmir region.13th April 2026 marks the 42nd year of IA’s presence at Siachen Glacier.About Operation Meghdoot:Launch: Operation Meghdoot was launched by the IA on 13 April 1984 to secure the Siachen Glacier, marking the world’s longest ongoing military operation.Reason : The operation was initiated after intelligence inputs indicated that Pakistan was planning military action in the Siachen region.Leadership: The operation was led by Manohar Lal Chibber, Prem Nath Hoon, and Shiv Sharma.
Siachen Day 2026– April 13 Siachen Day is observed annually by the Indian Army (IA) on 13 April to commemorate Operation Meghdoot (1984), when Indian troops secured key positions at Bilafond La Pass on the Siachen Glacier, gaining a strategic advanta...
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India’s R. Vaishali Wins FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026, Qualifies for World Championship 2026On April 15, 2026, Indian Chess Grandmaster (GM) R. Vaishali became the first Indian woman to win the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, held in Pegeia, Cyprus from 28 March to 16 April 2026, after defeating Kateryna Lagno (Russia) in the final round to finish with 8.5 points from 14 rounds.With this victory, R. Vaishali will challenge reigning five-time Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun of China in the upcoming Women’s World Chess Championship 2026.About FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026: Event: The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 is divided into two sections: Open (Men’s) and Women’s, which determine the challengers for the World Chess Championship titles in their respective categories.Format: It followed a double round-robin format involving 8 players.Organiser: The event was organised by International Chess Federation (FIDE).Open Section: Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan won the Open Candidates Tournament 2026 and, after securing the title with one round remaining, drew his final game against Wei Yi to finish with a record score of 10/14.
India’s R. Vaishali Wins FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026, Qualifies for World Championship 2026On April 15, 2026, Indian Chess Grandmaster (GM) R. Vaishali became the first Indian woman to win the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, held in Pegeia, Cyprus from 28 March to 16 April 2026, after defeating Kateryna Lagno (Russia) in the final round to finish with 8.5 points from 14 rounds.With this victory, R. Vaishali will challenge reigning five-time Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun of China in the upcoming Women’s World Chess Championship 2026.About FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026: Event: The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 is divided into two sections: Open (Men’s) and Women’s, which determine the challengers for the World Chess Championship titles in their respective categories.Format: It followed a double round-robin format involving 8 players.Organiser: The event was organised by International Chess Federation (FIDE).Open Section: Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan won the Open Candidates Tournament 2026 and, after securing the title with one round remaining, drew his final game against Wei Yi to finish with a record score of 10/14.
India’s R. Vaishali Wins FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026, Qualifies for World Championship 2026On April 15, 2026, Indian Chess Grandmaster (GM) R. Vaishali became the first Indian woman to win the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Women’s Candidates...
India’s Sonam Maskar Finishes Fifth in 10m Air Rifle at ISSF World Cup in GranadaIn April 2026, India’s Sonam Uttam Maskar finished 5th in the women’s 10meter (m) air rifle final at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup (Rifle/Pistol) 2026 held in Granada, Spain, scoring 188.5, bowing out after the 18th shot of the 24-shot final.In the same event, Wang Zifei of China won gold with 252.9, followed by Jeanette Hegg Duestad of Norway with silver at 252.4, and Han Jiayu of China securing bronze with 231.5.About ISSF World Cup (Rifle/Pistol) 2026:Gold: Mukesh Nelavalli and Palak won India’s only gold in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event.Other Indian Performers: Mehuli Ghosh finished 44th (627.3), while Akhil Sheoran ranked 22nd and Niraj Kumar 15th in Men’s 50m rifle 3 Positions (3P).Performance: India reached seven finals, with one gold, while China topped the medal tally with 13 medals including eight golds. Achievements of Sonam Maskar:Won 2 Silver Medals at ISSF World Cup Cairo 2024(Individual Event,Mixed Team (with Arjun Babuta)Secured Silver at New Delhi(Delhi) World Cup Final 2024 (Score: 252.9)
India’s Sonam Maskar Finishes Fifth in 10m Air Rifle at ISSF World Cup in GranadaIn April 2026, India’s Sonam Uttam Maskar finished 5th in the women’s 10meter (m) air rifle final at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup (Rifle/Pistol) 2026 held in Granada, Spain, scoring 188.5, bowing out after the 18th shot of the 24-shot final.In the same event, Wang Zifei of China won gold with 252.9, followed by Jeanette Hegg Duestad of Norway with silver at 252.4, and Han Jiayu of China securing bronze with 231.5.About ISSF World Cup (Rifle/Pistol) 2026:Gold: Mukesh Nelavalli and Palak won India’s only gold in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event.Other Indian Performers: Mehuli Ghosh finished 44th (627.3), while Akhil Sheoran ranked 22nd and Niraj Kumar 15th in Men’s 50m rifle 3 Positions (3P).Performance: India reached seven finals, with one gold, while China topped the medal tally with 13 medals including eight golds. Achievements of Sonam Maskar:Won 2 Silver Medals at ISSF World Cup Cairo 2024(Individual Event,Mixed Team (with Arjun Babuta)Secured Silver at New Delhi(Delhi) World Cup Final 2024 (Score: 252.9)
India’s Sonam Maskar Finishes Fifth in 10m Air Rifle at ISSF World Cup in GranadaIn April 2026, India’s Sonam Uttam Maskar finished 5th in the women’s 10meter (m) air rifle final at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup (Rifle/...
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