Fresh SSB batches start around 1st and 15th of every month
- Environment & Biodiversity Conservation
India has expanded its Ramsar wetland network to 98 sites by adding Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat) on World Wetlands Day 2026. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention signed in 1971 in Iran. Chhari-Dhand is a seasonal saline wetland in Kutch and an important habitat for migratory birds like flamingos and cranes. Patna Bird Sanctuary is one of Uttar Pradesh’s smallest sanctuaries but supports diverse ecosystems including freshwater marshes and grasslands. This step highlights India’s strong commitment to wetland conservation and biodiversity protection.
- Space Technology & Scientific Innovation
NASA has released ExoMiner++, an open-source deep-learning AI model designed to detect exoplanets beyond our solar system. It analyses changes in stellar brightness to identify planets passing in front of stars and helps differentiate real planetary signals from false ones like binary stars. The model is trained using data from the Kepler Space Telescope and TESS mission, enabling large-scale analysis of stars. ExoMiner++ has already identified around 7,000 potential exoplanet candidates. Its open-source nature allows global scientists to improve research and support future missions like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
- International Trade & India–US Relations
The US has reduced tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from nearly 50%, easing trade tensions and strengthening strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific. The removal of punitive tariffs was linked to India reducing Russian oil purchases and shifting energy imports towards the US and other nations. India is expected to lower tariffs on US goods and may import large amounts of American energy, technology, and agricultural products. The deal boosts Indian exports like textiles and pharmaceuticals while improving economic stability and foreign investment. However, it may challenge India’s strategic autonomy and its traditional relations with Russia.
- International Relations & West Asia Diplomacy
India hosted the India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting while preparing for the Prime Minister’s visit to Israel, highlighting its diplomatic balancing in West Asia. India and Saudi Arabia strengthened security cooperation through the 3rd India-Saudi Security Working Group, focusing on terror financing, cyber-terrorism, and crime-terror links under their Strategic Partnership Council. India also conducted the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Delhi and supported global efforts for peace in Gaza through international cooperation. However, India has not yet responded to the US proposal to join the Board of Peace for Gaza. The discussions also addressed regional instability and maritime security concerns in West Asia.
- Social Justice & Healthcare Policy
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formed an expert panel to provide policy and technical guidance on healthcare issues faced by transgender persons. The initiative recognises their unique hormonal, physiological, and psychological healthcare needs and promotes dignity, equality, and non-discrimination under constitutional provisions. The move follows a Supreme Court directive in the Jane Kaushik vs Union of India (2025) case regarding workplace discrimination. India’s transgender population is about 4.88 lakh as per the 2011 Census. The step builds on earlier reforms like the 2014 NALSA judgment recognising the third gender and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
- Maritime Security & Defence Forces
The Prime Minister greeted the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on its Raising Day, recognising its vital role in maritime security, disaster response, and marine ecosystem protection. The ICG was established on 1 February 1977 based on the Nag and Rustamji Committee recommendations and became an independent armed force under the Coast Guard Act, 1978. It was formed to combat sea-borne smuggling, protect offshore assets like Mumbai High, and safeguard India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under UNCLOS. The force is headed by the Director General and divided into five regional commands across Eastern and Western seaboards. The ICG also assists distressed mariners, enforces maritime laws, protects offshore resources, and supports the Navy during wartime.
- Culture, Tourism & National Heritage
Bharat Parv 2026 was a six-day cultural and tourism festival organised by the Ministry of Tourism at the Red Fort, New Delhi, during Republic Day celebrations. Held annually since 2016, it showcases India’s cultural, artistic, culinary, and spiritual heritage, promoting unity in diversity. The 2026 event marked 150 years of “Vande Mataram” and promoted initiatives like Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and Dekho Apna Desh. The festival displayed 41 Republic Day tableaux, hosted 48 cultural performances along with Armed Forces bands, and featured a pan-India food court highlighting regional and sustainable cuisines.
- Great Nicobar Island Mega Infrastructure Project
The ₹92,000 crore Great Nicobar Island Project, launched in 2021, aims to develop major infrastructure including a transshipment terminal, airport, township, tourism facilities, and power plant. The project is strategically located near the Malacca Strait, strengthening India’s maritime security and Indo-Pacific presence. It also aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign ports and supports long-term economic visions like Maritime India Vision 2030. The project is led by NITI Aayog and executed by ANIIDCO. However, concerns have been raised by the Nicobar Tribal Council regarding ancestral land rights and implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
- DRDO Tests Advanced SFDR Missile Technology
DRDO successfully tested Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology, placing India among nations with advanced missile propulsion systems. It uses atmospheric oxygen, enabling longer range and sustained supersonic speed. The technology will power missiles like Astra Mk-3, strengthening India’s air defence capability. It improves target accuracy, manoeuvrability, and operational flexibility. Overall, it provides a major strategic and tactical boost to the Indian Air Force.
- India–Kyrgyzstan Exercise KHANJAR
The 13th edition of Exercise KHANJAR is being held in Missamari, Assam, to strengthen Special Forces cooperation. Conducted annually since 2011, it enhances counter-terrorism skills and interoperability. The exercise involves India’s Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Kyrgyzstan’s ILBRIS Brigade. Training includes urban combat, mountain warfare, and special operations. It strengthens defence ties and regional security cooperation.
- Union Budget 2026–27: Boost to Defence Modernisation
The Union Budget 2026–27 allocated a record ₹7.85 lakh crore to the defence sector, highlighting India’s focus on modernisation, self-reliance, and national security after Operation Sindoor. Around ₹2.19 lakh crore has been earmarked for capital expenditure to acquire advanced weapons, aircraft, submarines, and defence infrastructure. The budget promotes Aatmanirbhar Bharat by reserving major procurement funds for domestic defence industries and supporting indigenous manufacturing. Increased funding for DRDO strengthens research, innovation, and collaboration with private industry and academia. It also enhances welfare measures, including higher allocations for veterans’ healthcare and pensions.
- India–GCC Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to begin negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. The FTA aims to enhance trade, investment, job creation, and ensure food and energy security. India–GCC bilateral trade reached USD 178.56 billion in 2024–25, accounting for over 15% of India’s global trade. The GCC is also a major source of FDI and hosts nearly 10 million Indians. The GCC, comprising six Gulf nations, is strategically important for global energy supply and trade connectivity.
