The Indian Army contingent departed for the second edition of India - Cambodia Bilateral Military Exercise CINBAX-II 2026. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted at Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Prov Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre (Camp Basil), Kampong Speu Province, Kingdom of Cambodia from 04 to 17 May 2026.
As part of India's ongoing Defence Cooperation with friendly foreign countries, the bilateral exercise CINBAX-II with Cambodia holds significance in the backdrop of evolving global security challenges.
The exercise will be conducted under the framework of Chapter VII of UN Mandate, showcasing Company level joint training for conduct of operations in sub-conventional environment.
The Indian Army contingent comprises of 120 personnel, majorly from a Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment.
The joint military exercise CINBAX-II 2026 reflects the growing Defence Co-operation between India - Cambodia and will further enhance the bilateral relations between the two nations, while contributing towards mutual understanding in handling regional security challenges.
Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in collaboration with all States/UTs and relevant Central Ministries/Departments, will observe a pan-India ‘Fire Safety Week’ from 4th to 10th May 2026 to raise awareness on the importance of prevention and mitigation of fire hazards across healthcare facilities in the country.
The observance will be formally inaugurated tomorrow at Kartavya Bhawan-1, New Delhi, under the Chairpersonship of the Union Health Secretary, Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava. The inaugural function will mark the commencement of a series of awareness and preparedness activities to be conducted nationwide during the week.
As part of the inaugural event, a pledge on ‘Fire Safety in Health Facilities’ will be administered by the Secretary (Health), reaffirming the commitment of all stakeholders towards ensuring strict adherence to fire safety norms, strengthening preparedness, and fostering a culture of safety within healthcare institutions.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, released the 27th edition of its publication titled “Women and Men in India 2025: Selected Indicators and Data” at the National Deliberative Summit on “Data for Development”, on 29th April 2026 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
In a major step towards strengthening India’s critical mineral security and promoting a circular economy, the Ministry of Mines has completed the eligibility assessment under the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Critical Mineral Recycling, with 58 companies approved as eligible for participation.
The Scheme, with a total outlay of ₹1,500 crore under the National Critical Mineral Mission, was notified on 2nd October 2025, along with the issuance of detailed operational guidelines.
The application window, open from 2nd October 2025 to 1st April 2026, saw robust response from industry stakeholders. Proposals were subsequently evaluated by the Project Management Agency (PMA), Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre, in accordance with the Scheme guidelines.
Based on these evaluations, the Executive Committee (EC) has approved 58 entities as eligible for participation, 20 entities cleared on 30.03.2026 and 38 entities cleared during its meeting held on 29.04.2026.
With a pledged capacity of about 850 KTPA and pledged investment of about Rs. 5,000 crore, the selected companies represent key segments such as battery recycling, e-waste processing, and recovery from other waste — reflecting strong industry interest and momentum in building India’s critical mineral recycling ecosystem.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the launch of India's first Multi-Lane Free Flow barrier-less tolling system at the Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat-Bharuch section of NH-48 in Gujarat, marking a big shift in highway tolling.
The highways minister noted that the introduction of Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) marks a major milestone in the digitisation of India's tolling ecosystem and the modernisation of National Highway infrastructure in line with global standards.
The system is expected to significantly reduce travel time, decongest highways, improve fuel efficiency, lower vehicular emissions, and minimise human intervention in toll operations, he added.
Gadkari stated that barrier-less tolling will enhance 'ease of living' for citizens and promote 'ease of doing business' by enabling faster, more efficient movement of goods and logistics across the country.
Recently, Gadkari had said barrier-free tolling would be implemented on several NHs across the country from December.
The new system facilitates barrier-free tolling using integrated technologies, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) with AI analytics and RFID-based Electronic Toll Collection (FASTag).
India is among six countries, including China and Russia, on the priority watch list in a special report released by the US Trade Representative on Thursday (April 29, 2026) that deals with adequacy and effectiveness of trading partners’ protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights.
NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India, has partnered with Juspay to introduce a switch and software development kit (SDK) aimed at simplifying bank integrations on its Banking Connect platform.
The companies said the switch, along with the SDK, is designed to streamline how banks and partners connect to the platform, with a focus on improving app-based net banking journeys. The development includes features such as a single integration layer, routing to the Banking Connect central switch, and structured data delivery for risk and fraud systems.
According to NBBL, the unified integration framework is expected to reduce onboarding timelines and standardise processes for banks and ecosystem participants. The platform seeks to address longstanding issues in net banking, including fragmented integrations, non-uniform reconciliation processes, and reliance on legacy web-based flows.
Banking Connect is positioned as an interoperable layer that allows banks and payment partners to offer standardised net banking workflows. The platform also aims to support broader ecosystem participation by enabling partners to develop scalable solutions on top of its infrastructure.
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) announced the launch of its Self Help Group (SHG) Savings Account, a dedicated offering aimed at advancing financial inclusion and empowering women-led SHGs across rural India.
The Ministry of Communications said that the account will provide a simple, accessible, and zero-cost banking solution that aligns with national priorities of inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods. Its features include no minimum initial deposit requirement, no monthly average balance requirement, a maximum balance limit of two lakh rupees,
no account closure charges and no QR card issuance charges.
Speaking about the launch, MD and CEO of IPPB, R Viswesvaran, said that the SHG Savings Account is a step forward in empowering women-led SHGs by providing them with a reliable and cost-effective banking solution.
Vishvajit Sahay, a 1990 batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), assumed the charge as Secretary (Defence Finance) in the Ministry of Defence on 1st May 2026. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA).
Over the course of his distinguished career, he has held several key positions in the Government of India, including Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser in the Department of Science and Technology; Joint Secretary in the Department of Heavy Industries; Finance Manager (Acquisition Wing) in the Ministry of Defence; and
Director in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Within the Defence Accounts Department, he has served in various capacities such as Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), Prayagraj, Joint CGDA and Special CGDA.
Mizoram has launched the “Khuarel” mobile application, a real-time disaster incident reporting and management system designed to enhance coordination and information flow during emergencies. The app was formally unveiled by Disaster Management and Rehabilitation (DM&R) Minister Lalnilawma in Aizawl.
Mr Lalnilawma said, the app would allow citizens to quickly report disaster incidents while enabling authorities, including the State and District Disaster Management Authorities (SDMA & DDMA), to respond more efficiently. He claimed that Mizoram is among the first in the Northeast to adopt such an advanced digital solution for disaster management.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has appointed noted lyricist, writer and communications expert Shri Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster.
Before this appointment, Shri Joshi has served as Chairperson, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Mumbai since August 2017 where he contributed to strengthening film certification processes while engaging with stakeholders across the film industry. His tenure at CBFC reflected a balanced approach towards creative expression and regulatory responsibility.
Earlier, he had also served as CEO, McCann World Group India and Chairman, McCann World Group Asia Pacific (a subsidiary of McCann Erickson). He is also one of the Trustees of Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts since 2016.
The Union government released Rs. 17,744.19 crore as the first instalment towards the wage component under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for 2026–27 to provide work on demand and ensure timely wage payment for scheme that is set to be replaced with the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (GRAMIN) or VB-GRAMIN.
In addition to the wage outlay, a mother sanction of Rs. 3,478 crore has been issued so far under the material and administrative components to various states and UTs, they added.
On the almost 35.3 per cent dip in monthly MGNREGA employment, officials clarified that MGNREGA, being a demand-driven programme, typically witnesses fluctuations in employment demand across months, influenced by seasonal factors and local livelihood opportunities. The government has ensured that fund flow and labour budgets are aligned with these evolving demand patterns.
The Centre has also reiterated through review meetings and official communications that MGNREGA will continue to operate until the rollout of the proposed VB-GRAMIN initiative.
The central government, in its FY27 Union Budget, has allocated Rs. 95,692 crore for the VB-GRAMIN scheme and another Rs. 30,000 crore for MGNREGA to clear pending dues and pay for work during the transition period.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued final guidelines on revised lending norms for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) streamlining credit rules, and strengthening risk-management practices across the sector.
The Ministry of Finance notified 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector under the automatic route, which allows complete foreign ownership. Foreign investment in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is capped at 20 per cent, and for insurance intermediaries it stands at 100 per cent.
The move comes after Parliament gave its nod to Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha Bill, 2025, in December 2025, which increased the limit on foreign investment to 100 per cent from the existing 74 per cent under the automatic route. Later, the Bill also received the President’s assent.
“The aggregate holdings by way of total foreign investment in the equity shares of an Indian insurance company by foreign investors, including portfolio investors, is permitted up to one hundred per cent of the paid-up equity capital of such Indian insurance company,” the notification said.
However, the notification also adds that an Indian insurance company having foreign investment must have at least one among the Chairperson of its board, its Managing Director, and its Chief Executive Officer, who shall be resident Indian citizens.
The government had allowed 100 per cent FDI for insurance intermediaries and 20 per cent FDI in LIC in 2020.
The foreign inflows into LIC shall be subject to compliance with the provisions of the Life Insurance Corporation Act.
The move to allow 100 per cent FDI in the insurance sector is expected to boost foreign interest in the sector.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved Rohit Jain’s appointment as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India for three years, effective on or after May 3, a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said.
Jain will succeed T Rabi Sankar, whose term ends today. Jain was appointed as an executive director of the RBI in December 2020.
Jain has, over a span of about three decades, served in supervisory, human resource management, banking, and other areas in the Reserve Bank.
As Executive Director, Jain looked after the Department of Supervision (Risk, Analytics and Vulnerability Assessment).
Jain holds a Master’s degree in Commerce and a Master’s in Business Administration, besides having earned professional qualifications, including International Certificate in Banking Risk and Regulation (ICBRR), CAIIB, Certified Bank Trainer.
Vesak, the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago,in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.
Vesak Day (or Buddha Purnima) is the most sacred holiday in Buddhism, often celebrated on the full moon in May to commemorate the birth, enlightenment (Buddha Day), and passing (Parinirvana) of Siddhartha Gautama. Observed on May 1 in certain regions, it focuses on peace, compassion, and charity.
The UN General Assembly designated May 2 as World Tuna Day 9 years ago to highlight the importance of responsible tuna fishing, significant progress has been made: In 2017, only 75% of the tuna catch came from healthy stocks free of overfishing;
Today, it is estimated that 99% of commercial tuna catches come from stocks that are scientifically assessed to be biologically sustainable. For instance, Atlantic Bluefin tuna, once absent, are now common again in southern England and Ireland.
Canned tuna has been a great ally in our pantries around the world. Tuna is rich in Omega-3 and it also contains minerals, proteins
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2026 offers a critical moment to reaffirm freedom of expression and to align journalism, technology (including AI), and human rights actors around practical ways to strengthen information ecosystems for the future.
