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CSL Delivers Second ASW Shallow Water Craft ‘Malwan’ to INIn March 2026, the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), a Schedule A Miniratna company under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways(MoPSW), delivered the second anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC) ‘Malwan’ to the Indian Navy (IN).The handover ceremony included the signing of the protocol by Dr. Harikrishnan S, Director (Operations), CSL, and Commander Pravin Kumar Tiwari, Commanding Officer (Designate), Indian Naval Ship(INS) Malwan, at CSL, Kochi, Kerala.About ASW-SWC Malwan: Design & Construction: The newly delivered vessel has been indigenously designed and built by CSL in accordance with naval specifications and complies with Det Norske Veritas (DNV) classification standards.Key Components: 80-metre (m)-long vessel, with displacement of 1,100 tonnes, is equipped with torpedoes, multifunctional anti-submarine rockets, and state-of-the-art sensors, including advanced radars and Sonar systems.Operational Roles: The vessel is specifically designed for littoral or coastal zones and will act as the first line of defence against submarine threats near Indian coastlines.
CSL Delivers Second ASW Shallow Water Craft ‘Malwan’ to INIn March 2026, the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), a Schedule A Miniratna company under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways(MoPSW), delivered the second anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC) ‘Malwan’ to the Indian Navy (IN).The handover ceremony included the signing of the protocol by Dr. Harikrishnan S, Director (Operations), CSL, and Commander Pravin Kumar Tiwari, Commanding Officer (Designate), Indian Naval Ship(INS) Malwan, at CSL, Kochi, Kerala.About ASW-SWC Malwan: Design & Construction: The newly delivered vessel has been indigenously designed and built by CSL in accordance with naval specifications and complies with Det Norske Veritas (DNV) classification standards.Key Components: 80-metre (m)-long vessel, with displacement of 1,100 tonnes, is equipped with torpedoes, multifunctional anti-submarine rockets, and state-of-the-art sensors, including advanced radars and Sonar systems.Operational Roles: The vessel is specifically designed for littoral or coastal zones and will act as the first line of defence against submarine threats near Indian coastlines.
CSL Delivers Second ASW Shallow Water Craft ‘Malwan’ to INIn March 2026, the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), a Schedule A Miniratna company under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways(MoPSW), delivered the second anti-submarine warfare shallow wa...
RBI Approves Emirates NBD’s 60% Stake Acquisition in RBL BankIn April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved Emirates NBD’s acquisition of a 60% stake in RBL Bank, through a preferential allotment of equity shares, in a deal valued at around Rs 26,853 crore.The approval also covers the merger of existing operations of Emirates NBD in India with RBL, subject to requisite regulatory clearances.Key Details of Acquisition:Acquisition Process: Emirates NBD will launch an open offer to buy a maximum 26% of RBL’s voting share capital at a price of Rs 280 per equity share.In addition, the mandatory offer, related to the planned acquisition will include around 415.58 million shares.Key Change in Role: Upon completion of the transaction, Emirates NBD will be designated as a promoter of RBL Bank, which will become its largest subsidiary outside India.Regulatory Status: While the RBI’s approval has advanced the process, the deal is now pending clearance from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).About RBL Bank: It formerly known as Ratnakar Bank Limited, is a private sector bank in India, established in 1943 and headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
RBI Approves Emirates NBD’s 60% Stake Acquisition in RBL BankIn April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved Emirates NBD’s acquisition of a 60% stake in RBL Bank, through a preferential allotment of equity shares, in a deal valued at around Rs 26,853 crore.The approval also covers the merger of existing operations of Emirates NBD in India with RBL, subject to requisite regulatory clearances.Key Details of Acquisition:Acquisition Process: Emirates NBD will launch an open offer to buy a maximum 26% of RBL’s voting share capital at a price of Rs 280 per equity share.In addition, the mandatory offer, related to the planned acquisition will include around 415.58 million shares.Key Change in Role: Upon completion of the transaction, Emirates NBD will be designated as a promoter of RBL Bank, which will become its largest subsidiary outside India.Regulatory Status: While the RBI’s approval has advanced the process, the deal is now pending clearance from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).About RBL Bank: It formerly known as Ratnakar Bank Limited, is a private sector bank in India, established in 1943 and headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
RBI Approves Emirates NBD’s 60% Stake Acquisition in RBL BankIn April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved Emirates NBD’s acquisition of a 60% stake in RBL Bank, through a preferential allotment of equity shares, in a deal valued at around ...
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Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of the Army StaffOn April 1 2026, Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Dhiraj Seth assumed the office of the 49th Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) of the Indian Army (IA).Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth replaced Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh, who assumed command as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Western Command at Chandimandir near Chandigarh, Haryana.Meanwhile, Lt Gen V.M.B. Krishnan took over as GOC-in-C, Eastern Command at Fort William, Kolkata, West Bengal(WB).Role of VCOAS:Position Hierarchy: The VCOAS is the second-highest-ranking officer in the Indian Army and the senior-most Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).Function: As the deputy professional head, the officer serves as a senior adviser to the Ministry of Defence(MoD) and manages strategic planning and operational logistics.
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of the Army StaffOn April 1 2026, Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Dhiraj Seth assumed the office of the 49th Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) of the Indian Army (IA).Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth replaced Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh, who assumed command as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Western Command at Chandimandir near Chandigarh, Haryana.Meanwhile, Lt Gen V.M.B. Krishnan took over as GOC-in-C, Eastern Command at Fort William, Kolkata, West Bengal(WB).Role of VCOAS:Position Hierarchy: The VCOAS is the second-highest-ranking officer in the Indian Army and the senior-most Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).Function: As the deputy professional head, the officer serves as a senior adviser to the Ministry of Defence(MoD) and manages strategic planning and operational logistics.
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of the Army StaffOn April 1 2026, Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Dhiraj Seth assumed the office of the 49th Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) of the Indian Army (IA).Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth repla...
IRDAI Approves India AS Framework For Insurers From April 1In March 2026, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) approved the IRDAI (Actuarial, Finance and Investment Functions of Insurers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 at its 135th Authority Meeting.Key HighlightsImplementation: The amendments mandate the preparation and presentation of financial statements by insurers in accordance with applicable Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS), with effect from 1st April 2026.Applicable to: The implementation will be applicable to all categories of insurers including Life, General Stand Along Health Insurers and Reinsurers.Parallel Reporting: The regulations provide for parallel reporting for a period of 2 years, that is financial statements prepared in accordance with Ind AS and under existing accounting framework.Expert GroupJoint Export: The IRDAI constituted a joint expert group on IndAS, chaired by the Whole Time Member (WTM) (Finance and Investment), IRDAI currently Mr. Rajay Kumar Sinha. The group shall remain in force for a period of 2 years from the date of constitution.
IRDAI Approves India AS Framework For Insurers From April 1In March 2026, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) approved the IRDAI (Actuarial, Finance and Investment Functions of Insurers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 at its 135th Authority Meeting.Key HighlightsImplementation: The amendments mandate the preparation and presentation of financial statements by insurers in accordance with applicable Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS), with effect from 1st April 2026.Applicable to: The implementation will be applicable to all categories of insurers including Life, General Stand Along Health Insurers and Reinsurers.Parallel Reporting: The regulations provide for parallel reporting for a period of 2 years, that is financial statements prepared in accordance with Ind AS and under existing accounting framework.Expert GroupJoint Export: The IRDAI constituted a joint expert group on IndAS, chaired by the Whole Time Member (WTM) (Finance and Investment), IRDAI currently Mr. Rajay Kumar Sinha. The group shall remain in force for a period of 2 years from the date of constitution.
IRDAI Approves India AS Framework For Insurers From April 1In March 2026, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) approved the IRDAI (Actuarial, Finance and Investment Functions of Insurers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 a...
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CMS COP15 Concluded Successfully in Brazil with 40 new Species Being Accorded ProtectionThe 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) was held under Brazil Presidency from 23 to 29 March 2026 in Campo Grande, Brazil.During the conference, a total of 40 species, subspecies, and populations were newly included or reclassified under Appendices I and II, of which 16 are found in Brazil.About CMS COP15:Overview: CMS COP15, a major global wildlife conservation meeting, brought together representatives from 132 countries and the European Union (EU) under the theme “Connecting Nature to Sustain Life.”Global Concern on Migratory Species: According to the ‘State of the World’s Migratory Species Report 2026’, nearly 49% of migratory species populations are declining, around 24% face the risk of extinction.Future Developments: Brazil assumed the presidency for the next three years to oversee the implementation of decisions, while Germany was announced as the host of COP16 in 2029 to mark the 50th anniversary of CMS.
CMS COP15 Concluded Successfully in Brazil with 40 new Species Being Accorded ProtectionThe 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) was held under Brazil Presidency from 23 to 29 March 2026 in Campo Grande, Brazil.During the conference, a total of 40 species, subspecies, and populations were newly included or reclassified under Appendices I and II, of which 16 are found in Brazil.About CMS COP15:Overview: CMS COP15, a major global wildlife conservation meeting, brought together representatives from 132 countries and the European Union (EU) under the theme “Connecting Nature to Sustain Life.”Global Concern on Migratory Species: According to the ‘State of the World’s Migratory Species Report 2026’, nearly 49% of migratory species populations are declining, around 24% face the risk of extinction.Future Developments: Brazil assumed the presidency for the next three years to oversee the implementation of decisions, while Germany was announced as the host of COP16 in 2029 to mark the 50th anniversary of CMS.
CMS COP15 Concluded Successfully in Brazil with 40 new Species Being Accorded ProtectionThe 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) was held under Brazil P...
BCGCL and MCL Sign Land Lease Agreement for India’s First Indigenous Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate ProjectOn April 1 2026, Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), signed a landmark land lease agreement for setting up India’s first indigenous coal-to-ammonium nitrate project at Lakhanpur, Odisha.The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Mines(MoM) and Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, in New Delhi (Delhi).About Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project:Agreement: The project, designed as a 2,000 tonnes per day (TPD) ammonium nitrate facility, marks a significant milestone for India’s energy and chemical sectors.Technology: The project will use indigenously developed gasification technology by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).Investment: The project involves an estimated investment of Rs 25,000 crore with financial support of Rs 1,350 crore from the Ministry of Coal.Execution: Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) is being implemented through Lump Sum Turnkey (LSTK) packages, with LSTK-1 and LSTK-2 awarded to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and LSTK-3 and LSTK-4 to Larsen & Toubro (L&T).Coal Gasification: It converts coal into synthesis gas (syngas) for producing chemicals, fuels, and fertilizers.
BCGCL and MCL Sign Land Lease Agreement for India’s First Indigenous Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate ProjectOn April 1 2026, Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), signed a landmark land lease agreement for setting up India’s first indigenous coal-to-ammonium nitrate project at Lakhanpur, Odisha.The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Mines(MoM) and Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, in New Delhi (Delhi).About Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project:Agreement: The project, designed as a 2,000 tonnes per day (TPD) ammonium nitrate facility, marks a significant milestone for India’s energy and chemical sectors.Technology: The project will use indigenously developed gasification technology by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).Investment: The project involves an estimated investment of Rs 25,000 crore with financial support of Rs 1,350 crore from the Ministry of Coal.Execution: Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) is being implemented through Lump Sum Turnkey (LSTK) packages, with LSTK-1 and LSTK-2 awarded to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and LSTK-3 and LSTK-4 to Larsen & Toubro (L&T).Coal Gasification: It converts coal into synthesis gas (syngas) for producing chemicals, fuels, and fertilizers.
BCGCL and MCL Sign Land Lease Agreement for India’s First Indigenous Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate ProjectOn April 1 2026, Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CI...
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DoT Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for OTT Platforms to 31 December 2026In April 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, extended the deadline for Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms to implement Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)-binding by 31st December 2026.The move revised the earlier 90-day compliance timeline issued on 28 November 2025, which came into effect from 1 March 2026.About SIM-Binding Policy Update:Approach: The DoT replaced the earlier six-hour automatic logout rule with a risk-based mechanism where sessions are terminated only in suspected fraud cases, addressing concerns over user inconvenience.Framework: The directive was issued under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, within the Telecommunications Act, 2023 framework that replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.SIM-Binding: SIM-binding requires OTT applications to remain continuously linked to a mobile number, preventing use without an active SIM and aiming to curb cybercrimes like digital arrest scams and financial frauds while enhancing user verification.
DoT Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for OTT Platforms to 31 December 2026In April 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, extended the deadline for Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms to implement Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)-binding by 31st December 2026.The move revised the earlier 90-day compliance timeline issued on 28 November 2025, which came into effect from 1 March 2026.About SIM-Binding Policy Update:Approach: The DoT replaced the earlier six-hour automatic logout rule with a risk-based mechanism where sessions are terminated only in suspected fraud cases, addressing concerns over user inconvenience.Framework: The directive was issued under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, within the Telecommunications Act, 2023 framework that replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.SIM-Binding: SIM-binding requires OTT applications to remain continuously linked to a mobile number, preventing use without an active SIM and aiming to curb cybercrimes like digital arrest scams and financial frauds while enhancing user verification.
DoT Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for OTT Platforms to 31 December 2026In April 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, extended the deadline for Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms to implement Subscriber Iden...
MoE & CBSE Launches AI and Computational Thinking Curriculum for Classes 3–8In March 2026, the Ministry of Education (MoE) in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) launched a new curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Classes 3 to 8, to be implemented from the 2026–27 academic session.The MoE released three key documents, including the curriculum, a teachers’ handbook, and learning materials.Key Features of Curriculum:Focus Areas: The curriculum introduces foundational concepts of AI, coding, data handling, logical reasoning, and algorithmic thinking at the elementary and middle school levels.Grade-wise Approach:Classes 3–5: Activity-based learning with basic computational thinking and logic-building exercisesClasses 6–8: Introduction to AI concepts, coding fundamentals, and real-world applicationsAlignment: The curriculum aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
MoE & CBSE Launches AI and Computational Thinking Curriculum for Classes 3–8In March 2026, the Ministry of Education (MoE) in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) launched a new curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Classes 3 to 8, to be implemented from the 2026–27 academic session.The MoE released three key documents, including the curriculum, a teachers’ handbook, and learning materials.Key Features of Curriculum:Focus Areas: The curriculum introduces foundational concepts of AI, coding, data handling, logical reasoning, and algorithmic thinking at the elementary and middle school levels.Grade-wise Approach:Classes 3–5: Activity-based learning with basic computational thinking and logic-building exercisesClasses 6–8: Introduction to AI concepts, coding fundamentals, and real-world applicationsAlignment: The curriculum aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
MoE & CBSE Launches AI and Computational Thinking Curriculum for Classes 3–8In March 2026, the Ministry of Education (MoE) in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) launched a new curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) ...
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MoSPI Develops India SDG Dashboard in Collaboration with UN Resident Coordinator OfficeIn April 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO), developed the India Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Dashboard.The dashboard acts as a centralized data platform, designed to monitor the progress of SDG indicators.Key Details:Aligns with: The development of a unified dashboard aligned with India’s SDGs-National Indicator Framework (NIF).Key Publications: Over the last 5 years, MoSPI has released several publications on social and environmental indicators. These publications provide comprehensive information about social and environment statistics in one place.Also, it acts as an evidence-based source for strategic planning and policymaking.Initiatives: The e-Sankhyiki portal provides time-series data on key macroeconomic indicators, while the Advance Release Calendar (ARC) ensures timely and transparent dissemination of statistical data on the MoSPI website.
MoSPI Develops India SDG Dashboard in Collaboration with UN Resident Coordinator OfficeIn April 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO), developed the India Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Dashboard.The dashboard acts as a centralized data platform, designed to monitor the progress of SDG indicators.Key Details:Aligns with: The development of a unified dashboard aligned with India’s SDGs-National Indicator Framework (NIF).Key Publications: Over the last 5 years, MoSPI has released several publications on social and environmental indicators. These publications provide comprehensive information about social and environment statistics in one place.Also, it acts as an evidence-based source for strategic planning and policymaking.Initiatives: The e-Sankhyiki portal provides time-series data on key macroeconomic indicators, while the Advance Release Calendar (ARC) ensures timely and transparent dissemination of statistical data on the MoSPI website.
MoSPI Develops India SDG Dashboard in Collaboration with UN Resident Coordinator OfficeIn April 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO), develope...
India Emerges as Global Leader in Issuing IRCCs under Nagoya Protocol on ABSIn March 2026, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), announced that India has emerged as the global leader in issuing Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol. As per the data from the Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Clearing-House, India has issued 3,561 IRCCs out of a global total of 6,311, accounting for more than 56% of all certificates issued worldwide.Key Details:Limited Global Participation: So far, only 34 countries out of 142 countries registered on the ABS Clearing-House, issued IRCC.Leading Nations: After India, countries which have issued maximum IRCCs are: France (964), Spain (320), Argentina (257), Panama (156) and Kenya (144).Key Driver for India’s Success: India’s leading position in the fair and equitable use of genetic resources represents the effective implementation of the country’s Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
India Emerges as Global Leader in Issuing IRCCs under Nagoya Protocol on ABSIn March 2026, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), announced that India has emerged as the global leader in issuing Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol. As per the data from the Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Clearing-House, India has issued 3,561 IRCCs out of a global total of 6,311, accounting for more than 56% of all certificates issued worldwide.Key Details:Limited Global Participation: So far, only 34 countries out of 142 countries registered on the ABS Clearing-House, issued IRCC.Leading Nations: After India, countries which have issued maximum IRCCs are: France (964), Spain (320), Argentina (257), Panama (156) and Kenya (144).Key Driver for India’s Success: India’s leading position in the fair and equitable use of genetic resources represents the effective implementation of the country’s Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
India Emerges as Global Leader in Issuing IRCCs under Nagoya Protocol on ABSIn March 2026, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), announced that India has emerged as the global leade...
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