The Casebook on AI and Gender Empowerment was officially launched at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on 17th February, marking a significant milestone in India's commitment to inclusive and ethical artificial intelligence advancement.
Developed by the Government of India through the IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY) in partnership with UN Women and supported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), The casebook highlights 23 real-world AI solutions from the Global South that show measurable impact on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The casebook received international recognition when United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres visited the UN Women stall at the JanAI Expo on 20 February 2026.
During his visit, the Secretary-General engaged with young women from rural communities pursuing STEM careers under the WeSTEM project, implemented by UN Women in collaboration with the Governments of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, the European Union, Micron, Nokia, and the Head Held High Foundation.
The casebook features 23 AI solutions selected from 233 submissions across more than 50 countries through a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process. An independent evaluation committee comprising senior officials from MeitY, MoWCD, and UN Women assessed submissions based on real-world deployment, measurable gender impact, and evidence-based outcomes.
Space cyber security, including Satellite Communication systems, is of paramount importance to India’s space architecture.
These systems serve as vital enablers of connectivity across remote and strategic regions, support national security operations, strengthen disaster response mechanisms, facilitate navigation and broadcasting services, and underpin a wide spectrum of economic activities essential to the nation’s growth and resilience.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India in collaboration with SIA-India has developed a comprehensive framework and guidelines for Space Cyber Security for securing space communication assets and contributing towards the resilience of India's space ecosystem.
The guideline document was released during the DefSat Conference & Expo- 2026 held at New Delhi from 24-26 February 2026.
The framework has been thoughtfully designed to support the diverse stakeholders of the space ecosystem, including government agencies, satellite service providers, ground station operators, equipment vendors, and private space enterprises.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and Google have joined hands to enable the display of authorised Aadhaar centres on Google Maps, a move that will enhance ease of access and convenience for residents across the country.
The initiative will help residents identify Aadhaar Centres based on the nature of services offered, like adult enrolment, child enrolment or only address and mobile update.
In addition, information related to centre accessibility, including features such as divyang-friendly infrastructure and availability of parking facilities, operating hours, will also be displayed wherever applicable, further enhancing convenience for residents.
The collaboration is designed to enhance public convenience, combat misinformation, and ensure residents have seamless access to over 60,000 Aadhaar centres including state-of-the-art Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs), nationwide. This will ensure that when users search on Google Maps they are directed to verified Aadhaar centres.
In the subsequent phase of the collaboration, UIDAI will use Google Business Profile to manage centre information and respond directly to people’s feedback, ensuring a transparent and responsive service ecosystem.
Bhuvnesh Kumar is the CEO of UIDAI.
The Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises on Thursday upgraded the National Small Industries Corporation Ltd (NSIC) from a Schedule 'B' to Schedule 'A' category of central public sector enterprise (CPSE).
The recognition of Schedule 'A' will reflect positively on NSIC's management, operation and financial powers, boosting its support to MSMEs.
NSIC, under the administrative control of the ministry, is engaged in the promotion and development of the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector across the country for more than seven decades.
The NSIC supports MSMEs in their entire stages of Life cycle through its various interventions such as Skilling, Capacity Building, enhancing their cost competitiveness, Marketing Support, Credit Facilitation, Growth Capital by way of Equity Investments, etc. NSIC is also the implementation partner for several aspirational programmes of Government of India.
In a significant step towards deepening institutional collaboration, Indian Railways and the Indian Army have introduced a “Framework of Cooperation” aimed at expanding post-retirement employment opportunities for Agniveers and serving Army personnel transitioning to civilian life.
Spearheaded by senior leadership from the Army and the Ministry of Railways, the initiative is designed to ensure a smoother shift from military to civilian careers. It will also increase awareness about job prospects within the Railways and create a dedicated support system to assist retiring personnel.
In a major push towards technology-driven governance and innovation-led transformation, the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the RailTech Policy,
And the complete digitisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) as Reform Number Three and Reform Number Four under Indian Railways’ flagship “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative.
The Rail Tech Policy aims to engage innovators, startups, industry and institutions to promote innovation in Indian Railways.
The new policy simplifies the selection of innovators and introduces a dedicated “Rail Tech Portal” for innovation. Innovation challenges can be initiated by any innovator or departmental user, with a single-stage detailed submission of proposals.
Key innovation areas include AI-based Elephant Intrusion Detection System (EIDS), AI-based fire detection system in coaches, drone-based broken rail detection system, rail stress monitoring system, sensor-based load calculation device on parcel vans (VPUs), solar panels on coaches, AI-based coach cleaning monitoring system, obstruction detection in foggy environments,
and AI-based pension and dispute resolution systems.
AI-based camera systems to detect elephants near railway tracks — the Railways would support up to 50 percent of the development funding required. Once the project proves successful, substantial long-term orders would be placed to enable scaling of the solution.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) has approved the development of a dedicated jetty with allied facilities for handling green hydrogen, ammonia and other liquid cargo at Paradip Port at an estimated cost of ₹797.17 crores. The project will be implemented by Paradip Port Authority on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis.
The proposed facility will have a handling capacity of 4.0 million tonnes per annum and is designed to strengthen Paradip Port’s role as a hub for green energy cargo. The infrastructure will include a dedicated jetty, storage systems, pipelines, handling equipment and associated facilities.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the approval reflects the Centre’s commitment to building future-ready green infrastructure under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The jetty will have a centre-to-centre distance of 279 meters between extreme end dolphins and a dredged depth of 14.3 meters in front of the berth to enable safe handling of liquid cargo vessels.
Paradip Port Authority will provide capital support equivalent to 20% of the project cost, amounting to Rs 159.43 crore, during the construction phase.
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), the largest steelmaking public sector unit and Maharatana company, has supplied the entire quantity of special steel for the INS Anjadip built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE).
INS Anjadip is the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) corvette to be commissioned into the Indian Navy, following the commissioning of INS Arnala and INS Androth in year 2025.
The ASW-SWC corvettes are being built indigenously to replace the Navy’s aging Abhay-class vessels.
Contributing to this strategic effort, SAIL has supplied the full quantity of approximately 3,500 tonnes of special-grade steel for the eight ASW-SWC corvettes being built by (GRSE). The steel was sourced from SAIL’s integrated plants at Bokaro, Bhilai and Rourkela, underscoring the strength of India’s domestic supply chain.
This milestone highlights SAIL’s commitment to advancing India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, reduce import dependence and reinforce the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. .
Over the years, SAIL has consistently met the nation’s requirement for special-grade steel in defence indigenization, supplying to landmark projects such as INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri, INS Nilgiri, INS Surat among others.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), under NITI Aayog, today launched the first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura, marking a significant step towards embedding Innovation and Entrepreneurship into the State’s long-term development framework.
The State Innovation Mission is part of the approved AIM 2.0 programme, under the aegis of NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission (SSM), and is designed as a long-term institutional mechanism to support States and Union Territories in building robust, inclusive, and context-specific innovation ecosystems aligned with national priorities and local strengths.
As part of the launch, the SIM framework for Tripura was outlined, including the institutionalization of SIM under the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT), the inauguration of T-NEST (Tripura – Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Startups) as a dedicated incubation and innovation facility to incubate startups and promote “Make from Tripura” solutions;
along with the creation of Innovation Centres in each of the 8 district linked to T-NEST to promote innovation among women and tribal communities.
Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Ltd on Wednesday said that its Board has approved Baroruchi Mishra appointment as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer from April 1, 2026, following resignation of Managing Director Ramasamy Jeevanandam.
The Board, at its meeting held on February 25, 2026, noted that Jeevanandam will cease to be Managing Director at the close of business hours on March 31, 2026.
Based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Board also approved Mishra’s appointment as Managing Director & CEO for a term of three consecutive years from April 1, 2026.
Jeevanandam had tendered his resignation and would continue until a successor was appointed. He has been associated with HOEC for over a decade, serving as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for more than eight years before taking over as Managing Director for the past two years.
At the January 23 meeting, the Board had also appointed Dr. Jagadip Narayan Singh as Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) and Chairman for a five-year term, subject to shareholder approval through postal ballot.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) will on Thursday launch single-window platform SWIFT 2.0, release the Digital Travellers Guide; and the revamped Atithi app.
SWIFT is a single-window platform to ensure digital clearance for exports and imports. Atithi app is meant for international passengers to get their baggage cleared from customs while arriving in India.
CBIC will host the National Symposium on Customs Reforms and International Customs Day 2026 with the theme of 'Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment'.
The International Customs Day 2026 will witness screening of a short film on Customs Reforms; an audio-visual presentation and launch of Single Window SWIFT 2.0; release of the SWIFT 2.0 Booklet and the Digital Travellers Guide; and release of the revamped Atithi App.
Prior to the International Customs Day 2026 celebrations, CBIC will also organise the National Symposium on Customs Reforms 2026.
It will also highlight the evolution of the digital ecosystem through initiatives such as SWIFT 2.0 and the Customs Integrated System (CIS).
Veteran leader of CPI, R. Nallakannu, breathed his last in Chennai today. The 101-year-old leader suffered a major setback in his health on the 23rd of February and remained in a critical condition on a ventilator before the end came. He suffered from multiple comorbidities, including pneumonia and kidney failure.
A native of Tiruvaikuntam in Thoothukudi district, Nallakannu was associated with the Left movement for several decades. Born in 1925, he joined the Communist Movement at the age of 15 and actively participated in numerous workers’ rights protests. He served as the State General Secretary of the CPI for several years.
He had campaigned for the Cauveri issue, interstate river water disputes, and against sand mining along the Thamirabarani river & sought a judicial ban on sand extraction from the river. During the declaration of emergency, he was imprisoned. He contested the Lok Sabha election from the Coimbatore Constituency but was defeated by the present Vice President C.P.Radhakrishnan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel.
PM Modi is the first leader to receive this medal, which is the highest honour of the Knesset — the Israeli Parliament.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana conferred the award on the Prime Minister after his address at the Israeli Parliament.
The medal was conferred in recognition of the Prime Minister’s exceptional contribution — through his personal leadership — to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel.
PM Modi is a rare world leader who has received top awards from both Israel and Palestine.
In 2018, PM Modi was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, which is the highest Palestinian honour for foreign leaders.
It is PM Modi’s second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during his first visit to that country in July 2017.
The Reserve Bank of India has approved a proposal by SBI Mutual Fund to acquire an aggregate holding of up to 9.99% in Bandhan Bank, according to a regulatory filing.
Bandhan Bank informed stock exchanges that the RBI, through a letter dated February 25, 2026, accorded its approval to the fund house to acquire up to 9.99% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights in the lender.
The approval is subject to compliance with the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks ' Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights) Directions, 2025 dated November 28, 2025, as amended from time to time, the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, and regulations issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India
It has also directed that the aggregate holding of SBI Mutual Fund in Bandhan Bank should not exceed 9.99% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of the bank at any time.
Further, if the fund's aggregate holding falls below 5% at any point, prior approval of the RBI would be required to increase it to 5% or more.
The government has mandated the sale of petrol blended with up to 20 per cent ethanol and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 from April 1, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
The decision comes against the backdrop of the recent controversy over ethanol blending amid claims that blending ethanol — an agricultural by-product derived from sugar processing and feedstocks such as rice and maize — impacts vehicle efficiency and mileage.
Airports Council International (ACI) World has named Mangaluru International Airport the winner of 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) award for the ‘Best Airport at Arrivals – Globally’.
The ASQ awards are regarded as the aviation industry’s most credible measure of customer satisfaction, based entirely on real-time passenger feedback collected through ACI’s independently administered survey programme.
The arrivals category evaluates the complete inbound journey, including immigration processes, baggage delivery, terminal ambience, cleanliness, way finding and overall comfort.
The recognition reflects sustained investments in process optimisation, digital initiatives and service training, alongside close coordination with government agencies and ecosystem partners.
This marks the second consecutive year that Mangaluru International Airport has secured the global arrivals distinction, having also won the award in 2024. In 2025, only six airports worldwide were selected in the ‘Best Airport at Arrivals – Globally’ category.
Mangaluru International Airport is managed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd.
The awards will be formally presented at the ASQ awards ceremony on September 2 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye, as part of ACI World’s Airport Experience Summit scheduled from August 31 to September 4. This year, 100 airports worldwide have been recognised across categories, and 195 awards will be presented in total.
