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NHB Launches ‘Gruh Sugam Portal’ to Facilitate Home Loans for Defence & Government PersonnelIn March 2026, the National Housing Bank (NHB), the apex housing finance regulator under the Government of India(GoI), launched the ‘Gruh Sugam Portal’ to simplify and digitise the process of availing housing loans for defence personnel, paramilitary forces, and government employees across India.About Gruh Sugam Portal:Overview: It is a digital housing loan platform that enables users to compare, apply, and track home loans online through a single interface, ensuring seamless, transparent, and faster access to services.Easy Access: The portal enables defence and government personnel to avail home loans easily from their place of posting.Digital Process: Eligible beneficiaries can apply digitally through administrative units without visiting banks or financial institutions for approval and processing.About NHB: Established in 1988 under the National Housing Bank Act, 1987, NHB is a statutory body that regulates Housing Finance Companies(HFCs) and promotes affordable and efficient housing finance in India. It is headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi.
NHB Launches ‘Gruh Sugam Portal’ to Facilitate Home Loans for Defence & Government PersonnelIn March 2026, the National Housing Bank (NHB), the apex housing finance regulator under the Government of India(GoI), launched the ‘Gruh Sugam Portal’ to simplify and digitise the process of availing housing loans for defence personnel, paramilitary forces, and government employees across India.About Gruh Sugam Portal:Overview: It is a digital housing loan platform that enables users to compare, apply, and track home loans online through a single interface, ensuring seamless, transparent, and faster access to services.Easy Access: The portal enables defence and government personnel to avail home loans easily from their place of posting.Digital Process: Eligible beneficiaries can apply digitally through administrative units without visiting banks or financial institutions for approval and processing.About NHB: Established in 1988 under the National Housing Bank Act, 1987, NHB is a statutory body that regulates Housing Finance Companies(HFCs) and promotes affordable and efficient housing finance in India. It is headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi.
NHB Launches ‘Gruh Sugam Portal’ to Facilitate Home Loans for Defence & Government PersonnelIn March 2026, the National Housing Bank (NHB), the apex housing finance regulator under the Government of India(GoI), launched the ‘Gruh Sugam Portal’ to sim...
Indian Army and IITM Pravartak Sign MoU to Advance Defence IndigenisationIn March 2026, the Indian Army’s (IA) Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) Pravartak Technologies Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN), to accelerate indigenous defence technology development.About EME–IITM Partnership:Scope: The collaboration will identify issues in Army equipment, develop prototypes, test them, and support their final deployment.NIC: As a key outcome of the partnership, a Nodal Indigenisation Centre (NIC) has been set up at Avadi, Chennai, to serve as a strategic hub for defence innovation and manufacturing by leveraging the TN Defence Corridor (TNDC).Framework: Pravartak will collaborate with the NIC to advance projects in sensing, Cyber-Physical Systems(CPS), and Autonomous Technologies(AT).The Corps of EME will provide operational requirements and validation support for real-world application.
Indian Army and IITM Pravartak Sign MoU to Advance Defence IndigenisationIn March 2026, the Indian Army’s (IA) Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) Pravartak Technologies Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN), to accelerate indigenous defence technology development.About EME–IITM Partnership:Scope: The collaboration will identify issues in Army equipment, develop prototypes, test them, and support their final deployment.NIC: As a key outcome of the partnership, a Nodal Indigenisation Centre (NIC) has been set up at Avadi, Chennai, to serve as a strategic hub for defence innovation and manufacturing by leveraging the TN Defence Corridor (TNDC).Framework: Pravartak will collaborate with the NIC to advance projects in sensing, Cyber-Physical Systems(CPS), and Autonomous Technologies(AT).The Corps of EME will provide operational requirements and validation support for real-world application.
Indian Army and IITM Pravartak Sign MoU to Advance Defence IndigenisationIn March 2026, the Indian Army’s (IA) Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madr...
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DoP Partners with TRIFED to Boost e-Commerce of Tribal Products Across IndiaIn March 2026, the Department of Posts (DoP) under the Ministry of Communications, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), to develop a reliable and cost-effective logistics network for delivering products sold through TRIFED’s electronic(e)-commerce platforms, including the Tribes India marketplace.Key Details of MoU:Term: The MoU will be valid for an initial 2 years, with provisions for regular review and extension based on mutual agreement.Key Role : Under the MoU, the DoP will provide end-to-end logistics for TRIFED’s e-commerce orders, leveraging its extensive nationwide network to ensure seamless delivery of tribal products to customers.TRIFED will ensure proper packaging, labelling, and sharing order-related information to enhance logistics operations.BNPL Account: Also, a Book Now Pay Later (BNPL) account will be created for TRIFED under India’s Post Nation Account Facility, streamlining booking and payment processes for shipments through Speed Post.
DoP Partners with TRIFED to Boost e-Commerce of Tribal Products Across IndiaIn March 2026, the Department of Posts (DoP) under the Ministry of Communications, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), to develop a reliable and cost-effective logistics network for delivering products sold through TRIFED’s electronic(e)-commerce platforms, including the Tribes India marketplace.Key Details of MoU:Term: The MoU will be valid for an initial 2 years, with provisions for regular review and extension based on mutual agreement.Key Role : Under the MoU, the DoP will provide end-to-end logistics for TRIFED’s e-commerce orders, leveraging its extensive nationwide network to ensure seamless delivery of tribal products to customers.TRIFED will ensure proper packaging, labelling, and sharing order-related information to enhance logistics operations.BNPL Account: Also, a Book Now Pay Later (BNPL) account will be created for TRIFED under India’s Post Nation Account Facility, streamlining booking and payment processes for shipments through Speed Post.
DoP Partners with TRIFED to Boost e-Commerce of Tribal Products Across IndiaIn March 2026, the Department of Posts (DoP) under the Ministry of Communications, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Developmen...
Ministry of Culture Signs MoU with YouTube to Promote Indian Folk and Tribal Music GloballyIn March 2026, the Ministry of Culture exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with YouTube in New Delhi, Delhi, to globally promote India’s folk and tribal music.The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism(MoT); Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; and Gunjan Soni, Managing Director (MD)- India, YouTube.Key Details of MoU:Aim: The initiative aims to preserve, popularize, and showcase India’s diverse cultural heritage through digital platforms.Key Role: Led by the Ministry of Culture and executed by a Joint Task Force (JTF), in partnership with YouTube as Knowledge Partner, providing training, analytics insights, monetization guidance, and rights awareness.Support: Ensure Infrastructure Support through access to facilities at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Delhi, Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), Delhi, National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi, Kalakshetra Foundation (KF), Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) and Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs).Vision: Align with Prime Minister’s (PM) ‘Vocal for Local, Local for Global’ approach to position indigenous art in international markets and strengthen India as Vishwa Mitra (VM).
Ministry of Culture Signs MoU with YouTube to Promote Indian Folk and Tribal Music GloballyIn March 2026, the Ministry of Culture exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with YouTube in New Delhi, Delhi, to globally promote India’s folk and tribal music.The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism(MoT); Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; and Gunjan Soni, Managing Director (MD)- India, YouTube.Key Details of MoU:Aim: The initiative aims to preserve, popularize, and showcase India’s diverse cultural heritage through digital platforms.Key Role: Led by the Ministry of Culture and executed by a Joint Task Force (JTF), in partnership with YouTube as Knowledge Partner, providing training, analytics insights, monetization guidance, and rights awareness.Support: Ensure Infrastructure Support through access to facilities at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Delhi, Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), Delhi, National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi, Kalakshetra Foundation (KF), Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) and Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs).Vision: Align with Prime Minister’s (PM) ‘Vocal for Local, Local for Global’ approach to position indigenous art in international markets and strengthen India as Vishwa Mitra (VM).
Ministry of Culture Signs MoU with YouTube to Promote Indian Folk and Tribal Music GloballyIn March 2026, the Ministry of Culture exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with YouTube in New Delhi, Delhi, to globally promote India’s folk and tri...
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Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Ashwini Vaishnaw Launched ‘PRISM-SG Portal’ for Road-Rail Bridge ProjectsIn March 2026, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Railways (MoR); Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB); Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY); jointly launched the PRISM-SG (Portal for Rail-Road Inspection & Stages Management – Steel Girders) in New Delhi (Delhi).The portal aims to reduce, digitize and streamline approval and inspection processes for Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and railway infrastructure projects.Overview of PRISM-SG Portal:System: End-to-End Digital Workflow (EEDW) integrates Quality Assurance Plan (QAP), Welding Procedure Specification Sheet (WPSS), Fabrication Stage Inspection (FSI), submissions, approvals, inspection scheduling, and report uploads on a single platform.Monitoring: Real-Time Monitoring System (RTMS) ensures progress tracking, audit trails, accountability, and data-driven insights with Inspection Management System (IMS) support for reports, photos, and test results.Integration: Multi-Stakeholder Integration (MSI) connects Road Owning Departments, Indian Railways (IR), contractors, fabricators, and inspection agencies for seamless coordination.Timeline: Approval and Inspection Timeline (AIT) is reduced from around 12 months to 3–4 months, improving efficiency and lowering project costs.
Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Ashwini Vaishnaw Launched ‘PRISM-SG Portal’ for Road-Rail Bridge ProjectsIn March 2026, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Railways (MoR); Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB); Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY); jointly launched the PRISM-SG (Portal for Rail-Road Inspection & Stages Management – Steel Girders) in New Delhi (Delhi).The portal aims to reduce, digitize and streamline approval and inspection processes for Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and railway infrastructure projects.Overview of PRISM-SG Portal:System: End-to-End Digital Workflow (EEDW) integrates Quality Assurance Plan (QAP), Welding Procedure Specification Sheet (WPSS), Fabrication Stage Inspection (FSI), submissions, approvals, inspection scheduling, and report uploads on a single platform.Monitoring: Real-Time Monitoring System (RTMS) ensures progress tracking, audit trails, accountability, and data-driven insights with Inspection Management System (IMS) support for reports, photos, and test results.Integration: Multi-Stakeholder Integration (MSI) connects Road Owning Departments, Indian Railways (IR), contractors, fabricators, and inspection agencies for seamless coordination.Timeline: Approval and Inspection Timeline (AIT) is reduced from around 12 months to 3–4 months, improving efficiency and lowering project costs.
Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Ashwini Vaishnaw Launched ‘PRISM-SG Portal’ for Road-Rail Bridge ProjectsIn March 2026, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of R...
IAF Launches India’s First Helicopter-Dropped Drone Project ‘Vayu Baan’In March 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) initiated ‘Vayu Baan’, a pioneering project to develop India’s first helicopter-launched Unmanned Aerial System(UAS). With the launch of Vayu Baan, India joins an elite group of countries, including the United States of America(USA) and China, reducing its reliance on foreign air-launched drone technologies.About Project ‘Vayu Baan’:Implementing Agency: The project is being led by the IAF’s Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD), which issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in March 2026 to invite domestic vendors for design and development.Deployment Mechanism: The small, autonomous drone is designed to be dropped from a moving helicopter mid-flight. After release, it unfolds its wings and activates propulsion.Stand-off Distance: It allows helicopters to engage enemy targets from a safe distance of over 50 kilometers (km), keeping the aircrew outside the range of enemy Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS).
IAF Launches India’s First Helicopter-Dropped Drone Project ‘Vayu Baan’In March 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) initiated ‘Vayu Baan’, a pioneering project to develop India’s first helicopter-launched Unmanned Aerial System(UAS). With the launch of Vayu Baan, India joins an elite group of countries, including the United States of America(USA) and China, reducing its reliance on foreign air-launched drone technologies.About Project ‘Vayu Baan’:Implementing Agency: The project is being led by the IAF’s Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD), which issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in March 2026 to invite domestic vendors for design and development.Deployment Mechanism: The small, autonomous drone is designed to be dropped from a moving helicopter mid-flight. After release, it unfolds its wings and activates propulsion.Stand-off Distance: It allows helicopters to engage enemy targets from a safe distance of over 50 kilometers (km), keeping the aircrew outside the range of enemy Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS).
IAF Launches India’s First Helicopter-Dropped Drone Project ‘Vayu Baan’In March 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) initiated ‘Vayu Baan’, a pioneering project to develop India’s first helicopter-launched Unmanned Aerial System(UAS). With the launch of ...
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Indian Navy Launches ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’ to Secure Energy Vessels in Strait of Hormuz In March 2026, the Indian Navy(IN) launched ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’(Energy Protection) to escort, guide and safeguard India-bound energy shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. About Operation Urja Suraksha:Objective: The purpose of the mission is to protect India’s energy security, with 22 India-bound vessels currently identified for escort, including 20 high-priority ships carrying critical supplies of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and crude oil.Naval Deployment: The mission involves the deployment of more than 5 frontline warships around the critical maritime chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz.Escort Success: The operation has already achieved notable success with the Indian LPG carriers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant successfully navigating the Strait of Hormuz under naval escort.This follows the successful escorting of other vital ships, such as the LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, as well as the crude oil tanker Jag Laadki.
Indian Navy Launches ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’ to Secure Energy Vessels in Strait of Hormuz In March 2026, the Indian Navy(IN) launched ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’(Energy Protection) to escort, guide and safeguard India-bound energy shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. About Operation Urja Suraksha:Objective: The purpose of the mission is to protect India’s energy security, with 22 India-bound vessels currently identified for escort, including 20 high-priority ships carrying critical supplies of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and crude oil.Naval Deployment: The mission involves the deployment of more than 5 frontline warships around the critical maritime chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz.Escort Success: The operation has already achieved notable success with the Indian LPG carriers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant successfully navigating the Strait of Hormuz under naval escort.This follows the successful escorting of other vital ships, such as the LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, as well as the crude oil tanker Jag Laadki.
Indian Navy Launches ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’ to Secure Energy Vessels in Strait of Hormuz In March 2026, the Indian Navy(IN) launched ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’(Energy Protection) to escort, guide and safeguard India-bound energy shipments through t...
International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2026 – March 24The United Nations (UN’s) International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, observed annually across the world on March 24, to honour victims of serious human rights abuses and promote justice.The day also commemorates Monsignor Oscar Arnulfo Romero of El Salvador, assassinated on 24 March 1980 for opposing oppression and violence.Background:Adoption: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/65/196 on 21 December 2010, officially designating 24 March as this international day.First Observance: The day was observed for the first time on March 24, 2011.
International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2026 – March 24The United Nations (UN’s) International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, observed annually across the world on March 24, to honour victims of serious human rights abuses and promote justice.The day also commemorates Monsignor Oscar Arnulfo Romero of El Salvador, assassinated on 24 March 1980 for opposing oppression and violence.Background:Adoption: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/65/196 on 21 December 2010, officially designating 24 March as this international day.First Observance: The day was observed for the first time on March 24, 2011.
International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2026 – March 24The United Nations (UN’s) International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and fo...
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World Tuberculosis Day 2026 – March 24World Tuberculosis Day (WTD) is observed annually across the globe on 24 March every year to raise awareness about Tuberculosis (TB), a preventable and curable infectious disease, and to accelerate efforts toward its elimination.2026 Theme: “Yes! We Can End TB! Led by Countries, Powered by People”Background: Proposal: In 1982, on the centenary of Koch’s discovery, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) and the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed designating 24 March as World TB Day under the campaign “Defeat TB: Now and Forever.”Observance: The first official World TB Day was observed on 24 March 1983.2026 Events in India:Event: A national-level WTD 2026 event was presided over by Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP). During the event, Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – 100 Days Campaign,’ the TB Mukt Bharat Application(app), and the TB Mukt Urban Ward Initiative to accelerate case detection, improve treatment adherence, and strengthen TB services in high-burden areas.
World Tuberculosis Day 2026 – March 24World Tuberculosis Day (WTD) is observed annually across the globe on 24 March every year to raise awareness about Tuberculosis (TB), a preventable and curable infectious disease, and to accelerate efforts toward its elimination.2026 Theme: “Yes! We Can End TB! Led by Countries, Powered by People”Background: Proposal: In 1982, on the centenary of Koch’s discovery, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) and the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed designating 24 March as World TB Day under the campaign “Defeat TB: Now and Forever.”Observance: The first official World TB Day was observed on 24 March 1983.2026 Events in India:Event: A national-level WTD 2026 event was presided over by Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP). During the event, Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the ‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – 100 Days Campaign,’ the TB Mukt Bharat Application(app), and the TB Mukt Urban Ward Initiative to accelerate case detection, improve treatment adherence, and strengthen TB services in high-burden areas.
World Tuberculosis Day 2026 – March 24World Tuberculosis Day (WTD) is observed annually across the globe on 24 March every year to raise awareness about Tuberculosis (TB), a preventable and curable infectious disease, and to accelerate efforts toward...
CCI Approves Japan’s MUFG Bank Proposal to Acquire 20% Stake in SFL for Rs 39,618 crore In March 2026, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposal of Japan’s MUFG Bank Limited, wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc, to acquire a 20% stake in Shriram Finance Limited (SFL), a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC) in India, for Rs.39,618 crore (approximately USD 4.4 billion).This marks the largest cross-border investment in the financial sector of India to date.About Acquirer & Target:Acquirer: MUFG Bank Ltd. is a banking institution in Japan, provides financial services. In India, it offers various financial products like: corporate banking loans, deposit accounts, remittances, trade finance, among others.Target: SFL is a public listed NBFC registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It is classified as an Investment and Credit Company (ICC) and categorized under the NBFC-Upper Layer.SFL is mainly engaged in the business of financing commercial goods and passenger vehicles, construction equipment, among others.
CCI Approves Japan’s MUFG Bank Proposal to Acquire 20% Stake in SFL for Rs 39,618 crore In March 2026, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposal of Japan’s MUFG Bank Limited, wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc, to acquire a 20% stake in Shriram Finance Limited (SFL), a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC) in India, for Rs.39,618 crore (approximately USD 4.4 billion).This marks the largest cross-border investment in the financial sector of India to date.About Acquirer & Target:Acquirer: MUFG Bank Ltd. is a banking institution in Japan, provides financial services. In India, it offers various financial products like: corporate banking loans, deposit accounts, remittances, trade finance, among others.Target: SFL is a public listed NBFC registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It is classified as an Investment and Credit Company (ICC) and categorized under the NBFC-Upper Layer.SFL is mainly engaged in the business of financing commercial goods and passenger vehicles, construction equipment, among others.
CCI Approves Japan’s MUFG Bank Proposal to Acquire 20% Stake in SFL for Rs 39,618 crore In March 2026, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposal of Japan’s MUFG Bank Limited, wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial ...
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