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Cabinet Approves Rs.1,800 Crore IVFRT Scheme Extension till March 2031 to Modernise Immigration SystemIn March 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the extension of Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for another five years i.e. from April 01, 2026 to March 31, 2031 (instead of its current term ending on March 31 2026), with total budget outlay of Rs 1,800 crore.The scheme aligns with the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and aims to interlink and streamline functions related to immigration, visa processing, and the registration of foreign nationals in India.About IVFRT Scheme:Background: The scheme was originally approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs(CCEA) in May 2010, with a budget outlay of Rs.1,011 crore for a duration till September, 2014.It has been identified as a Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP).Implementing Agency: The IVFRT Scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through the Bureau of Immigration (BoI).Focus Areas: The next phase of the scheme will focus on three main areas: emerging technology innovations, Transformation of Core infrastructure, and Technology and service optimization.
Cabinet Approves Rs.1,800 Crore IVFRT Scheme Extension till March 2031 to Modernise Immigration SystemIn March 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the extension of Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for another five years i.e. from April 01, 2026 to March 31, 2031 (instead of its current term ending on March 31 2026), with total budget outlay of Rs 1,800 crore.The scheme aligns with the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and aims to interlink and streamline functions related to immigration, visa processing, and the registration of foreign nationals in India.About IVFRT Scheme:Background: The scheme was originally approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs(CCEA) in May 2010, with a budget outlay of Rs.1,011 crore for a duration till September, 2014.It has been identified as a Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP).Implementing Agency: The IVFRT Scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through the Bureau of Immigration (BoI).Focus Areas: The next phase of the scheme will focus on three main areas: emerging technology innovations, Transformation of Core infrastructure, and Technology and service optimization.
Cabinet Approves Rs.1,800 Crore IVFRT Scheme Extension till March 2031 to Modernise Immigration SystemIn March 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the extension of Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registratio...
Union Cabinet Approves Revamped UDAN Scheme to Strengthen Air ConnectivityIn March 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the launch and implementation of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Modified Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAAN), aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity and expanding aviation infrastructure across the country.Key HighlightsObjective: The revamped programme aims to deepen regional air connectivity, especially in underserved and unserved areas.It is also expected to drive economic growth, trade and tourism in Tier-2 and Tier-3 citiesTimeline: The scheme will be implemented over a 10-year period from Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) to FY36.Financial Outlay: The total financial outlay of the scheme is Rs 28,840 crore (Cr).New Destinations: The government expects the revamped Udan programme to connect around 120 new destinations and cater to nearly 40 million (Mn) passengers.
Union Cabinet Approves Revamped UDAN Scheme to Strengthen Air ConnectivityIn March 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the launch and implementation of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Modified Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAAN), aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity and expanding aviation infrastructure across the country.Key HighlightsObjective: The revamped programme aims to deepen regional air connectivity, especially in underserved and unserved areas.It is also expected to drive economic growth, trade and tourism in Tier-2 and Tier-3 citiesTimeline: The scheme will be implemented over a 10-year period from Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) to FY36.Financial Outlay: The total financial outlay of the scheme is Rs 28,840 crore (Cr).New Destinations: The government expects the revamped Udan programme to connect around 120 new destinations and cater to nearly 40 million (Mn) passengers.
Union Cabinet Approves Revamped UDAN Scheme to Strengthen Air ConnectivityIn March 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the launch and implementation of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Modified Ud...
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Delhi’s CM Rekha Gupta Presents Rs 1.03 Lakh crore budget for FY27In March 2026, Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister (CM) of Delhi, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented the annual budget of Rs 1,03,700 crore for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) in the Union Territory (UT) legislative assembly in New Delhi, Delhi. The budget outlay for FY27 marks an increase of 3.7% compared to the last year’s budget (Rs 1 lakh crore).Highlights of the Budget:Expenditure Structure: As per the Revised Budget Estimate (BE) for FY26, Revenue Expenditure(RE) stood at Rs 66,710 crore while capital expenditure(CapEx) at Rs 32,600 crore.The government estimated the revenue surplus at Rs 9,092 crore for FY27.GSDP: The budget estimated the UT’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at 5.09% in FY27.Also, UT’s GSDP increased to Rs 12.13 lakh crore (in FY25) and is further expected to reach Rs 13.27 lakh crore (in FY26).Sector-wise Allocations: Some of the major allocations to the key departments: health (Rs 12,645 crore); education (Rs 19,148 crore); urban development (Rs 7,887 crore);PWD (Rs 5,921 crore); rural development (Rs 787 crore); fire department (Rs 674 crore); among others
Delhi’s CM Rekha Gupta Presents Rs 1.03 Lakh crore budget for FY27In March 2026, Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister (CM) of Delhi, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented the annual budget of Rs 1,03,700 crore for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) in the Union Territory (UT) legislative assembly in New Delhi, Delhi. The budget outlay for FY27 marks an increase of 3.7% compared to the last year’s budget (Rs 1 lakh crore).Highlights of the Budget:Expenditure Structure: As per the Revised Budget Estimate (BE) for FY26, Revenue Expenditure(RE) stood at Rs 66,710 crore while capital expenditure(CapEx) at Rs 32,600 crore.The government estimated the revenue surplus at Rs 9,092 crore for FY27.GSDP: The budget estimated the UT’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at 5.09% in FY27.Also, UT’s GSDP increased to Rs 12.13 lakh crore (in FY25) and is further expected to reach Rs 13.27 lakh crore (in FY26).Sector-wise Allocations: Some of the major allocations to the key departments: health (Rs 12,645 crore); education (Rs 19,148 crore); urban development (Rs 7,887 crore);PWD (Rs 5,921 crore); rural development (Rs 787 crore); fire department (Rs 674 crore); among others
Delhi’s CM Rekha Gupta Presents Rs 1.03 Lakh crore budget for FY27In March 2026, Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister (CM) of Delhi, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented the annual budget of Rs 1,03,700 crore for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) ...
World Meteorological Day 2026 – March 23The United Nations (UN’s) World Meteorological Day (WMD) is annually observed across the globe on 23 March to raise awareness about the vital role of understanding weather and climate and to commemorate the formal establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950.2026 Theme: “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow”Background: Declaration: WMO, during its 12th Executive Committee session (EC-XII) held from 27 June to 15 July 1960, adopted Resolution 6 (EC-XII) proclaiming 23 March as WMD.1st Observance: WMD was first celebrated on 23 March 1961.2026 Event:Global Event: The official ceremony of WMD 2026 held at the WMO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.Event in India: In India, WMD 2026 was celebrated on 23 March under the theme “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,” led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in New Delhi, Delhi, highlighting Mission Mausam and indigenous technologies.
World Meteorological Day 2026 – March 23The United Nations (UN’s) World Meteorological Day (WMD) is annually observed across the globe on 23 March to raise awareness about the vital role of understanding weather and climate and to commemorate the formal establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950.2026 Theme: “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow”Background: Declaration: WMO, during its 12th Executive Committee session (EC-XII) held from 27 June to 15 July 1960, adopted Resolution 6 (EC-XII) proclaiming 23 March as WMD.1st Observance: WMD was first celebrated on 23 March 1961.2026 Event:Global Event: The official ceremony of WMD 2026 held at the WMO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.Event in India: In India, WMD 2026 was celebrated on 23 March under the theme “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,” led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in New Delhi, Delhi, highlighting Mission Mausam and indigenous technologies.
World Meteorological Day 2026 – March 23The United Nations (UN’s) World Meteorological Day (WMD) is annually observed across the globe on 23 March to raise awareness about the vital role of understanding weather and climate and to commemorate the for...
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Shaheed Diwas 2026 – March 23Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs’ Day is observed annually across India on 23 March to commemorate the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, who were executed by the British.Background:Lahore Conspiracy Case: Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar actively fought for India’s independence.They were arrested for their involvement in the Lahore Conspiracy Case, which included the assassination of British officer John Saunders in 1928.Martyrdom: On 23 March 1931, the three revolutionaries were executed by the British government at Lahore Central Jail (now in Pakistan).Organiser: The Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) annually organises Shaheed Diwas across India to honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
Shaheed Diwas 2026 – March 23Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs’ Day is observed annually across India on 23 March to commemorate the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, who were executed by the British.Background:Lahore Conspiracy Case: Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar actively fought for India’s independence.They were arrested for their involvement in the Lahore Conspiracy Case, which included the assassination of British officer John Saunders in 1928.Martyrdom: On 23 March 1931, the three revolutionaries were executed by the British government at Lahore Central Jail (now in Pakistan).Organiser: The Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) annually organises Shaheed Diwas across India to honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
Shaheed Diwas 2026 – March 23Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs’ Day is observed annually across India on 23 March to commemorate the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, who were executed by the British.Background:Lahore Conspirac...
World Water Day 2026 – March 22The United Nations (UN’s) World Water Day is observed annually across the globe on 22 March to emphasize the significance of freshwater and raise awareness about the worldwide water crisis.2026 Theme: “Water and Gender.Background:First Observance: The day was first observed on 22 March 1993.Organization: World Water Day is annually organized by United Nations Water (UN-Water) and led by one or more of its Members and Partners with relevant mandates.2026 Event:UNESCO Event: To mark the occasion, the UNESCO Office in Venice(Italy) and the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) are hosting a meeting on 23 March 2026 in Venice, under the theme “Water and Gender – Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”Events in India: The Ministry of Jal Shakti(MoJS) organised the World Water Day Conclave 2026 on 23 March 2026 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi(Delhi) under the theme “Industry for Water.”
World Water Day 2026 – March 22The United Nations (UN’s) World Water Day is observed annually across the globe on 22 March to emphasize the significance of freshwater and raise awareness about the worldwide water crisis.2026 Theme: “Water and Gender.Background:First Observance: The day was first observed on 22 March 1993.Organization: World Water Day is annually organized by United Nations Water (UN-Water) and led by one or more of its Members and Partners with relevant mandates.2026 Event:UNESCO Event: To mark the occasion, the UNESCO Office in Venice(Italy) and the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) are hosting a meeting on 23 March 2026 in Venice, under the theme “Water and Gender – Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”Events in India: The Ministry of Jal Shakti(MoJS) organised the World Water Day Conclave 2026 on 23 March 2026 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi(Delhi) under the theme “Industry for Water.”
World Water Day 2026 – March 22The United Nations (UN’s) World Water Day is observed annually across the globe on 22 March to emphasize the significance of freshwater and raise awareness about the worldwide water crisis.2026 Theme: “Water and Gender....
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World Puppetry Day 2026 – March 21 World Puppetry Day (WPD) is observed annually across the world on 21 March to celebrate puppetry as a global art form and educational tool, and to honour puppeteers worldwide.Background:Launch: WPD was launched in 2003 by UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionnette), to unite puppetry artists worldwide.First Observance: The first WPD was observed on 21 March 2003.Organising Body: The annual observance of WPD is led by UNIMA, the world’s oldest international theatre organisation and an NGO affiliated with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
World Puppetry Day 2026 – March 21 World Puppetry Day (WPD) is observed annually across the world on 21 March to celebrate puppetry as a global art form and educational tool, and to honour puppeteers worldwide.Background:Launch: WPD was launched in 2003 by UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionnette), to unite puppetry artists worldwide.First Observance: The first WPD was observed on 21 March 2003.Organising Body: The annual observance of WPD is led by UNIMA, the world’s oldest international theatre organisation and an NGO affiliated with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
World Puppetry Day 2026 – March 21 World Puppetry Day (WPD) is observed annually across the world on 21 March to celebrate puppetry as a global art form and educational tool, and to honour puppeteers worldwide.Background:Launch: WPD was launched in 2...
Agnikul Cosmos Successfully Test Fires World’s First Fully 3D-Printed Booster Engine ‘Agnite’ in Chennai, TNIn March 2026, Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, an end-to-end space transportation company, successfully conducted a critical booster engine test of its rocket engine ‘Agnite’ at the Agnikul Launchpad (ALP-01) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN).This test marked a major milestone in India’s private space sector, with Agnikul Cosmos successfully testing a full metre-long rocket engine.Key Details of Test:Objective: The test aimed to validate the engine’s performance, structural integrity, and propulsion efficiency for future launch missions.Test Outcome: The successful outcome demonstrated Agnikul’s advanced capability in large-scale three dimension(3D) printing and marked a significant milestone in enhancing launch readiness, cost efficiency, and rapid turnaround time in India’s private space sector.
Agnikul Cosmos Successfully Test Fires World’s First Fully 3D-Printed Booster Engine ‘Agnite’ in Chennai, TNIn March 2026, Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, an end-to-end space transportation company, successfully conducted a critical booster engine test of its rocket engine ‘Agnite’ at the Agnikul Launchpad (ALP-01) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN).This test marked a major milestone in India’s private space sector, with Agnikul Cosmos successfully testing a full metre-long rocket engine.Key Details of Test:Objective: The test aimed to validate the engine’s performance, structural integrity, and propulsion efficiency for future launch missions.Test Outcome: The successful outcome demonstrated Agnikul’s advanced capability in large-scale three dimension(3D) printing and marked a significant milestone in enhancing launch readiness, cost efficiency, and rapid turnaround time in India’s private space sector.
Agnikul Cosmos Successfully Test Fires World’s First Fully 3D-Printed Booster Engine ‘Agnite’ in Chennai, TNIn March 2026, Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, an end-to-end space transportation company, successfully conducted a critical booster engine te...
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KV Ramana Murty Appointed Whole-Time Member of SEBIIn March 2026, the Government of India(GoI) appointed Kompella Venkata(K.V.) Ramana Murty as a Whole-Time Member (WTM) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a tenure of three years from the date of assuming charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier.With this appointment, SEBI now has its full complement of four WTMs. The other members include Amarjeet Singh, Kamlesh Chandra Varshney, and Sandip Pradhan.About K.V.Ramana Murty:Profile: He is a retired 1991-batch Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) officer.Experience: He brings extensive experience in public financial administration, having served as Additional Controller General of Defence Accounts under the Ministry of Defence(MoD).About SEBI: Established in 1988 and granted statutory powers in 1992, SEBI regulates India’s securities markets, protects investors, and ensures market transparency, with whole-time members playing key roles in policy and supervision.
KV Ramana Murty Appointed Whole-Time Member of SEBIIn March 2026, the Government of India(GoI) appointed Kompella Venkata(K.V.) Ramana Murty as a Whole-Time Member (WTM) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a tenure of three years from the date of assuming charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier.With this appointment, SEBI now has its full complement of four WTMs. The other members include Amarjeet Singh, Kamlesh Chandra Varshney, and Sandip Pradhan.About K.V.Ramana Murty:Profile: He is a retired 1991-batch Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) officer.Experience: He brings extensive experience in public financial administration, having served as Additional Controller General of Defence Accounts under the Ministry of Defence(MoD).About SEBI: Established in 1988 and granted statutory powers in 1992, SEBI regulates India’s securities markets, protects investors, and ensures market transparency, with whole-time members playing key roles in policy and supervision.
KV Ramana Murty Appointed Whole-Time Member of SEBIIn March 2026, the Government of India(GoI) appointed Kompella Venkata(K.V.) Ramana Murty as a Whole-Time Member (WTM) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a tenure of three years...
S&P Global Lifts India FY27 GDP Forecast to 7.1%, Raises Growth OutlookIn March 2026, the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global raised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 40 basis points (bps) to 7.1% for financial year 2026-27 (FY27), reflecting confidence in the country’s economic momentum despite global uncertainties.Key HighlightsGrowth Forecasts: The rating agency also upgraded its projections for the following years:FY28: For FY28 it has increased its projection by 20 bps to 7.2%FY29: Similarly, for FY29 it has projected 7.0%, increasing it by 20 bpsInflation: The S&P has now projected Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation to rise to 4.3% in FY27 from 2.5% in FY26.
S&P Global Lifts India FY27 GDP Forecast to 7.1%, Raises Growth OutlookIn March 2026, the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global raised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 40 basis points (bps) to 7.1% for financial year 2026-27 (FY27), reflecting confidence in the country’s economic momentum despite global uncertainties.Key HighlightsGrowth Forecasts: The rating agency also upgraded its projections for the following years:FY28: For FY28 it has increased its projection by 20 bps to 7.2%FY29: Similarly, for FY29 it has projected 7.0%, increasing it by 20 bpsInflation: The S&P has now projected Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation to rise to 4.3% in FY27 from 2.5% in FY26.
S&P Global Lifts India FY27 GDP Forecast to 7.1%, Raises Growth OutlookIn March 2026, the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global raised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 40 basis points (bps) to 7.1% for financial year 2026-27 (FY27), reflecting confid...
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