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Henley Passport Index – February 2026: Singapore Topped; India Climbs to 75thIn February 2026, Henley & Partners, a British consultancy expertized in investment migration, released Henley Passport Index (HPI) Global Ranking – February 2026. India’s passport improved its global position to 75th rank, up from 80th in January 2026 and 85th in 2025, reflecting gradual progress in travel freedom.India, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 56 destinations, shares its ranking with Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Madagascar, and Mauritania.Highlights of Henley Passport Index(HPI) 2026:Topped by: Singapore topped the Henley Passport Index 2026 with visa-free access to 192 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea with 187 destinations each.Other Top Ranked Countries: The 4th rank is shared by Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland with a visa-free score of 185, while the 5th rank is held by Austria, Greece, Malta, and Portugal with a score of 184.Least Country: Afghanistan ranked last (101st) on the February 2026 Index , with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 24 countries.
Henley Passport Index – February 2026: Singapore Topped; India Climbs to 75thIn February 2026, Henley & Partners, a British consultancy expertized in investment migration, released Henley Passport Index (HPI) Global Ranking – February 2026. India’s passport improved its global position to 75th rank, up from 80th in January 2026 and 85th in 2025, reflecting gradual progress in travel freedom.India, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 56 destinations, shares its ranking with Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Madagascar, and Mauritania.Highlights of Henley Passport Index(HPI) 2026:Topped by: Singapore topped the Henley Passport Index 2026 with visa-free access to 192 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea with 187 destinations each.Other Top Ranked Countries: The 4th rank is shared by Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland with a visa-free score of 185, while the 5th rank is held by Austria, Greece, Malta, and Portugal with a score of 184.Least Country: Afghanistan ranked last (101st) on the February 2026 Index , with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 24 countries.
Henley Passport Index – February 2026: Singapore Topped; India Climbs to 75thIn February 2026, Henley & Partners, a British consultancy expertized in investment migration, released Henley Passport Index (HPI) Global Ranking – February 2026. India’s ...
MoD signs Rs 2,312 Crore Deal with HAL for 8 Dornier Aircraft Equipment for ICGIn February 2026, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth Rs 2,312 crore with Kanpur-based Transport Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Indian Defence Public Sector Enterprise (PSE), for the procurement of 08 Dornier 228 Aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment (ORE) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).This deal is part of a mission to boost the Coast Guard’s air fleet from 80 to 100 by 2030 and the MoU was signed under the Buy (Indian) category in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoD in New Delhi, Delhi.About Dornier 228 Aircraft:Type: It is a 19-seater high versatile multi-purpose light transport aircraft.Manufactured by: This German-origin Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) twin turboprop aircraft is manufactured by HAL at its Kanpur facility in Uttar Pradesh (UP).Key Specifications: Dornier 228 Aircraft, powered by Garrett TPE 331 engine, has 16.56 meter (m) length and 4.86 m height.
MoD signs Rs 2,312 Crore Deal with HAL for 8 Dornier Aircraft Equipment for ICGIn February 2026, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth Rs 2,312 crore with Kanpur-based Transport Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Indian Defence Public Sector Enterprise (PSE), for the procurement of 08 Dornier 228 Aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment (ORE) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).This deal is part of a mission to boost the Coast Guard’s air fleet from 80 to 100 by 2030 and the MoU was signed under the Buy (Indian) category in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoD in New Delhi, Delhi.About Dornier 228 Aircraft:Type: It is a 19-seater high versatile multi-purpose light transport aircraft.Manufactured by: This German-origin Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) twin turboprop aircraft is manufactured by HAL at its Kanpur facility in Uttar Pradesh (UP).Key Specifications: Dornier 228 Aircraft, powered by Garrett TPE 331 engine, has 16.56 meter (m) length and 4.86 m height.
MoD signs Rs 2,312 Crore Deal with HAL for 8 Dornier Aircraft Equipment for ICGIn February 2026, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth Rs 2,312 crore with Kanpur-based Transport Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Indian ...
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IIT Bombay Signs MoU with Columbia University to Establish Columbia-IIT Bombay Centre of AI for ManufacturingOn February 12, 2026, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Columbia University (the United States of America, USA) to establish Columbia-IIT Bombay Centre of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Manufacturing.The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE), at an event held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Delhi.About Columbia-IIT Bombay Centre of AI for Manufacturing:Overview: This center will function as a joint research and translation centre focused on developing robust, scalable, and human-centric AI systems tailored for real-world manufacturing applications.Focus Areas: It includes semiconductors, industrial production & robotics, pharmaceuticals and food processing, refining and petrochemicals, and construction, infrastructure & logistics.Customized AI solutions: The center will deliver applied research and customized AI solutions, talent development and ecosystem building, and production of public datasets, AI models, and tools.
IIT Bombay Signs MoU with Columbia University to Establish Columbia-IIT Bombay Centre of AI for ManufacturingOn February 12, 2026, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Columbia University (the United States of America, USA) to establish Columbia-IIT Bombay Centre of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Manufacturing.The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE), at an event held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Delhi.About Columbia-IIT Bombay Centre of AI for Manufacturing:Overview: This center will function as a joint research and translation centre focused on developing robust, scalable, and human-centric AI systems tailored for real-world manufacturing applications.Focus Areas: It includes semiconductors, industrial production & robotics, pharmaceuticals and food processing, refining and petrochemicals, and construction, infrastructure & logistics.Customized AI solutions: The center will deliver applied research and customized AI solutions, talent development and ecosystem building, and production of public datasets, AI models, and tools.
IIT Bombay Signs MoU with Columbia University to Establish Columbia-IIT Bombay Centre of AI for ManufacturingOn February 12, 2026, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Columbia University (the Un...
Indian Navy Assumes Command of Combined Task Force 154 in BahrainIn February 2026, the Indian Navy (IN) assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, a multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), during a change of command ceremony held at the CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, marking the first time the IN has led this task force. At the ceremony,Milind M. Mokashi, Shaurya Chakra, IN, formally took charge as Commander CTF-154 from the outgoing Italian Navy commander.About Combined Task Force (CTF) 154:Overview: CTF 154, established in May 2023 under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), conducts multinational maritime training and capacity-building to strengthen security and tackle piracy, illegal trafficking, and irregular migration across the Middle East and surrounding regions.Training: CTF-154’s activities focus on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Law of the Sea (LOS), Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), Maritime Rescue and Assistance (MRA), and Leadership Development (LD), conducted through Maritime Security Enhancement Training (MSET) and exercises such as Compass Rose (CR), Northern Readiness (NR), and Southern Readiness (SR).
Indian Navy Assumes Command of Combined Task Force 154 in BahrainIn February 2026, the Indian Navy (IN) assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, a multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), during a change of command ceremony held at the CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, marking the first time the IN has led this task force. At the ceremony,Milind M. Mokashi, Shaurya Chakra, IN, formally took charge as Commander CTF-154 from the outgoing Italian Navy commander.About Combined Task Force (CTF) 154:Overview: CTF 154, established in May 2023 under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), conducts multinational maritime training and capacity-building to strengthen security and tackle piracy, illegal trafficking, and irregular migration across the Middle East and surrounding regions.Training: CTF-154’s activities focus on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Law of the Sea (LOS), Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), Maritime Rescue and Assistance (MRA), and Leadership Development (LD), conducted through Maritime Security Enhancement Training (MSET) and exercises such as Compass Rose (CR), Northern Readiness (NR), and Southern Readiness (SR).
Indian Navy Assumes Command of Combined Task Force 154 in BahrainIn February 2026, the Indian Navy (IN) assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, a multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), during a change of...
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NITI Aayog’s Frontier Hub Released 10-Year Roadmap ‘Technology Services- Reimagination Ahead’In February 2026, the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)’s Frontier Hub released a 10-year roadmap titled ‘Technology Services- Reimagination Ahead’.The roadmap was formally released by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), in the presence of S. Krishnan, Secretary of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Nidhi Chhibber, Director General (DG) of Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office(DMEO), among others.Key Details of Report:Key Target: This newly released roadmap outlines a strategy which can help India’s nearly USD 265 billion technology services sector to achieve USD 750-850 billion by 2035.Priority Areas: The roadmap identifies 5 key priority growth levers such as: Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software & Products, Digital Infrastructure, Innovation led Engineering, and India-for-India solutions.Key Suggestions: In order to tap the potential of these 5 growth levers, the roadmap suggests for coordinated action across government and industry; accelerated enterprise AI adoption; enhanced investment in Intellectual Property(IP) and Research & Development (R&D); workforce reskilling at national scale; and regulatory predictability to enable global market access.About NITI Frontier Tech Hub : The NITI Frontier Tech Hub supports the Viksit Bharat vision 2047 by preparing India for emerging technologies through a 10-year roadmap across 20+ sectors, with inputs from 100+ experts.
NITI Aayog’s Frontier Hub Released 10-Year Roadmap ‘Technology Services- Reimagination Ahead’In February 2026, the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)’s Frontier Hub released a 10-year roadmap titled ‘Technology Services- Reimagination Ahead’.The roadmap was formally released by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), in the presence of S. Krishnan, Secretary of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Nidhi Chhibber, Director General (DG) of Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office(DMEO), among others.Key Details of Report:Key Target: This newly released roadmap outlines a strategy which can help India’s nearly USD 265 billion technology services sector to achieve USD 750-850 billion by 2035.Priority Areas: The roadmap identifies 5 key priority growth levers such as: Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software & Products, Digital Infrastructure, Innovation led Engineering, and India-for-India solutions.Key Suggestions: In order to tap the potential of these 5 growth levers, the roadmap suggests for coordinated action across government and industry; accelerated enterprise AI adoption; enhanced investment in Intellectual Property(IP) and Research & Development (R&D); workforce reskilling at national scale; and regulatory predictability to enable global market access.About NITI Frontier Tech Hub : The NITI Frontier Tech Hub supports the Viksit Bharat vision 2047 by preparing India for emerging technologies through a 10-year roadmap across 20+ sectors, with inputs from 100+ experts.
NITI Aayog’s Frontier Hub Released 10-Year Roadmap ‘Technology Services- Reimagination Ahead’In February 2026, the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)’s Frontier Hub released a 10-year roadmap titled ‘Technology Services- Reimagina...
PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Seva Teerth complex in New DelhiOn February 13 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the new integrated facility named ‘Seva Teerth Complex’ in New Delhi, Delhi.This new complex will house the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) (Seva Teerth-1), the National Security Council Secretariat((NSCS) (Seva Teerth-2) and the Cabinet Secretariat (Seva Teerth-3), which were previously located separately.Key Details of Complex:Unveiled Plaque: PM Narendra Modi unveiled the plaque of Seva Teerth, inscribed in Devanagari script on the wall of the complex, and below the plaque the motto ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava (citizen is akin to God)’.New Names: After the inauguration, PMO will now be called Seva Teerth, while the Central Secretariat buildings have been named Kartavya Bhawan, and Rajpath has been renamed as Kartavya Path.Ministry Hub: Several key Ministries such as: Ministry of Finance (MoF); Ministry of Defence (MoD); Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW); Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA); Ministry of Education (MoE); Ministry of Culture (MoC); Ministry of Law and Justice (MoLJ); Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB); Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW), will now be housed at Kartavya Bhawan 1 and 2.
PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Seva Teerth complex in New DelhiOn February 13 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the new integrated facility named ‘Seva Teerth Complex’ in New Delhi, Delhi.This new complex will house the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) (Seva Teerth-1), the National Security Council Secretariat((NSCS) (Seva Teerth-2) and the Cabinet Secretariat (Seva Teerth-3), which were previously located separately.Key Details of Complex:Unveiled Plaque: PM Narendra Modi unveiled the plaque of Seva Teerth, inscribed in Devanagari script on the wall of the complex, and below the plaque the motto ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava (citizen is akin to God)’.New Names: After the inauguration, PMO will now be called Seva Teerth, while the Central Secretariat buildings have been named Kartavya Bhawan, and Rajpath has been renamed as Kartavya Path.Ministry Hub: Several key Ministries such as: Ministry of Finance (MoF); Ministry of Defence (MoD); Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW); Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA); Ministry of Education (MoE); Ministry of Culture (MoC); Ministry of Law and Justice (MoLJ); Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB); Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW), will now be housed at Kartavya Bhawan 1 and 2.
PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Seva Teerth complex in New DelhiOn February 13 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the new integrated facility named ‘Seva Teerth Complex’ in New Delhi, Delhi.This new complex will house the Prime Ministe...
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MoES Signs MoU with Puducherry Government to Strengthen Marine Cooperation in PuducherryOn February 12, 2026, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Puducherry, to strengthen marine research, coastal development, and blue economy activities in Puducherry.Key Details of the MoU:Signatories: The agreement was signed by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, and Dr. Sharat Chauhan, Chief Secretary(CS) of Puducherry, in New Delhi, Delhi.Tenure: The MoU will remain valid for five years, extendable by mutual agreement.Implementation Framework: Each side will appoint a Nodal Officer, Joint Working Groups (JWGs) will oversee project execution, annual reviews and monitor progress.Areas of Collaboration: The MoU focuses on six pillars such as Sustainable Marine Fisheries, Offshore Wind Energy Development, Desalination and Water Security, Ocean Climate Services & Real-Time Monitoring, Coastal Erosion Management, and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP).
MoES Signs MoU with Puducherry Government to Strengthen Marine Cooperation in PuducherryOn February 12, 2026, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Puducherry, to strengthen marine research, coastal development, and blue economy activities in Puducherry.Key Details of the MoU:Signatories: The agreement was signed by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, and Dr. Sharat Chauhan, Chief Secretary(CS) of Puducherry, in New Delhi, Delhi.Tenure: The MoU will remain valid for five years, extendable by mutual agreement.Implementation Framework: Each side will appoint a Nodal Officer, Joint Working Groups (JWGs) will oversee project execution, annual reviews and monitor progress.Areas of Collaboration: The MoU focuses on six pillars such as Sustainable Marine Fisheries, Offshore Wind Energy Development, Desalination and Water Security, Ocean Climate Services & Real-Time Monitoring, Coastal Erosion Management, and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP).
MoES Signs MoU with Puducherry Government to Strengthen Marine Cooperation in PuducherryOn February 12, 2026, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Science, Technology and Environment,...
DAC Approved Rs. 3.25 Lakh Cr Deal for 114 Rafale Fighter JetsIn February 2026, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), approved a proposal worth Rs.3.25 lakh crores (approximately USD 40 billion) to acquire additional 114 Rafale fighter jets from France.DAC also approved other defence purchases such as six additional Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy (IN).Significance: The approval grants the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), a key step in India’s procurement process, enabling the government to proceed with detailed contract negotiations and pricing.About the Proposal for Procurement of 114 Rafale Fighter Jet:Delivery: Under the deal, 18 Rafale jets will be delivered in fly-away condition by Dassault Aviation, France, the remaining 96 aircraft will be manufactured in India under the Make in India initiative.India’s Rafale Fleet: With this move, India’s total Rafale fleet to 176 jets, including the 36 already inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and 26 Rafale-M jets for the IN.About Dassault Aviation: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Eric TrappierHeadquarters – Saint-Cloud, FranceEstablished – 1929
DAC Approved Rs. 3.25 Lakh Cr Deal for 114 Rafale Fighter JetsIn February 2026, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), approved a proposal worth Rs.3.25 lakh crores (approximately USD 40 billion) to acquire additional 114 Rafale fighter jets from France.DAC also approved other defence purchases such as six additional Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy (IN).Significance: The approval grants the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), a key step in India’s procurement process, enabling the government to proceed with detailed contract negotiations and pricing.About the Proposal for Procurement of 114 Rafale Fighter Jet:Delivery: Under the deal, 18 Rafale jets will be delivered in fly-away condition by Dassault Aviation, France, the remaining 96 aircraft will be manufactured in India under the Make in India initiative.India’s Rafale Fleet: With this move, India’s total Rafale fleet to 176 jets, including the 36 already inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and 26 Rafale-M jets for the IN.About Dassault Aviation: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Eric TrappierHeadquarters – Saint-Cloud, FranceEstablished – 1929
DAC Approved Rs. 3.25 Lakh Cr Deal for 114 Rafale Fighter JetsIn February 2026, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), approved a proposal worth Rs.3.25 lakh crores (approximately USD 40...
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UP FM Suresh Khanna Presents Rs 9.12 trillion Budget for FY27In February 2026, Suresh Kumar Khanna, Finance Minister (FM) of Uttar Pradesh (UP), presented a Rs 9,12,696.35 crore (Rs 9.12 trillion) budget for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27), in the state legislative assembly in Lucknow, UP.
UP FM Suresh Khanna Presents Rs 9.12 trillion Budget for FY27In February 2026, Suresh Kumar Khanna, Finance Minister (FM) of Uttar Pradesh (UP), presented a Rs 9,12,696.35 crore (Rs 9.12 trillion) budget for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27), in the state legislative assembly in Lucknow, UP.
UP FM Suresh Khanna Presents Rs 9.12 trillion Budget for FY27In February 2026, Suresh Kumar Khanna, Finance Minister (FM) of Uttar Pradesh (UP), presented a Rs 9,12,696.35 crore (Rs 9.12 trillion) budget for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27), in the ...
International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism 2026 – February 12The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) as and when conducive to terrorism on 12 February each year to raise awareness about violent extremism and strengthen global cooperation against terrorism-related threats.2026 Theme: “Preventing Violent Extremism in the Age of New and Emerging Technologies.”Background:Adoption: On 20 December 2022, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/77/243, officially designating 12 February as the International Day for PVE.The day was first observed on February 12, 2023.Coordination: The UNGA mandated the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), in collaboration with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, to facilitate and support the annual observance.2026 Event: On 12 February 2026, the UNOCT, through the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), in partnership with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the UN, held a Special Dialogue titled: “From Principles to Practice: Special Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE)” in New York, the United States of America(USA).
International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism 2026 – February 12The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) as and when conducive to terrorism on 12 February each year to raise awareness about violent extremism and strengthen global cooperation against terrorism-related threats.2026 Theme: “Preventing Violent Extremism in the Age of New and Emerging Technologies.”Background:Adoption: On 20 December 2022, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/77/243, officially designating 12 February as the International Day for PVE.The day was first observed on February 12, 2023.Coordination: The UNGA mandated the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), in collaboration with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, to facilitate and support the annual observance.2026 Event: On 12 February 2026, the UNOCT, through the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), in partnership with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the UN, held a Special Dialogue titled: “From Principles to Practice: Special Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE)” in New York, the United States of America(USA).
International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism 2026 – February 12The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) as and when conducive to terrorism on ...
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