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CMS COP15 Concluded Successfully in Brazil with 40 new Species Being Accorded ProtectionThe 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) was held under Brazil Presidency from 23 to 29 March 2026 in Campo Grande, Brazil.During the conference, a total of 40 species, subspecies, and populations were newly included or reclassified under Appendices I and II, of which 16 are found in Brazil.About CMS COP15:Overview: CMS COP15, a major global wildlife conservation meeting, brought together representatives from 132 countries and the European Union (EU) under the theme “Connecting Nature to Sustain Life.”Global Concern on Migratory Species: According to the ‘State of the World’s Migratory Species Report 2026’, nearly 49% of migratory species populations are declining, around 24% face the risk of extinction.Future Developments: Brazil assumed the presidency for the next three years to oversee the implementation of decisions, while Germany was announced as the host of COP16 in 2029 to mark the 50th anniversary of CMS.
CMS COP15 Concluded Successfully in Brazil with 40 new Species Being Accorded ProtectionThe 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) was held under Brazil Presidency from 23 to 29 March 2026 in Campo Grande, Brazil.During the conference, a total of 40 species, subspecies, and populations were newly included or reclassified under Appendices I and II, of which 16 are found in Brazil.About CMS COP15:Overview: CMS COP15, a major global wildlife conservation meeting, brought together representatives from 132 countries and the European Union (EU) under the theme “Connecting Nature to Sustain Life.”Global Concern on Migratory Species: According to the ‘State of the World’s Migratory Species Report 2026’, nearly 49% of migratory species populations are declining, around 24% face the risk of extinction.Future Developments: Brazil assumed the presidency for the next three years to oversee the implementation of decisions, while Germany was announced as the host of COP16 in 2029 to mark the 50th anniversary of CMS.
CMS COP15 Concluded Successfully in Brazil with 40 new Species Being Accorded ProtectionThe 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) was held under Brazil P...
BCGCL and MCL Sign Land Lease Agreement for India’s First Indigenous Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate ProjectOn April 1 2026, Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), signed a landmark land lease agreement for setting up India’s first indigenous coal-to-ammonium nitrate project at Lakhanpur, Odisha.The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Mines(MoM) and Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, in New Delhi (Delhi).About Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project:Agreement: The project, designed as a 2,000 tonnes per day (TPD) ammonium nitrate facility, marks a significant milestone for India’s energy and chemical sectors.Technology: The project will use indigenously developed gasification technology by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).Investment: The project involves an estimated investment of Rs 25,000 crore with financial support of Rs 1,350 crore from the Ministry of Coal.Execution: Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) is being implemented through Lump Sum Turnkey (LSTK) packages, with LSTK-1 and LSTK-2 awarded to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and LSTK-3 and LSTK-4 to Larsen & Toubro (L&T).Coal Gasification: It converts coal into synthesis gas (syngas) for producing chemicals, fuels, and fertilizers.
BCGCL and MCL Sign Land Lease Agreement for India’s First Indigenous Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate ProjectOn April 1 2026, Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), signed a landmark land lease agreement for setting up India’s first indigenous coal-to-ammonium nitrate project at Lakhanpur, Odisha.The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Mines(MoM) and Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, in New Delhi (Delhi).About Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project:Agreement: The project, designed as a 2,000 tonnes per day (TPD) ammonium nitrate facility, marks a significant milestone for India’s energy and chemical sectors.Technology: The project will use indigenously developed gasification technology by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).Investment: The project involves an estimated investment of Rs 25,000 crore with financial support of Rs 1,350 crore from the Ministry of Coal.Execution: Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) is being implemented through Lump Sum Turnkey (LSTK) packages, with LSTK-1 and LSTK-2 awarded to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and LSTK-3 and LSTK-4 to Larsen & Toubro (L&T).Coal Gasification: It converts coal into synthesis gas (syngas) for producing chemicals, fuels, and fertilizers.
BCGCL and MCL Sign Land Lease Agreement for India’s First Indigenous Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate ProjectOn April 1 2026, Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CI...
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DoT Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for OTT Platforms to 31 December 2026In April 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, extended the deadline for Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms to implement Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)-binding by 31st December 2026.The move revised the earlier 90-day compliance timeline issued on 28 November 2025, which came into effect from 1 March 2026.About SIM-Binding Policy Update:Approach: The DoT replaced the earlier six-hour automatic logout rule with a risk-based mechanism where sessions are terminated only in suspected fraud cases, addressing concerns over user inconvenience.Framework: The directive was issued under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, within the Telecommunications Act, 2023 framework that replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.SIM-Binding: SIM-binding requires OTT applications to remain continuously linked to a mobile number, preventing use without an active SIM and aiming to curb cybercrimes like digital arrest scams and financial frauds while enhancing user verification.
DoT Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for OTT Platforms to 31 December 2026In April 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, extended the deadline for Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms to implement Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)-binding by 31st December 2026.The move revised the earlier 90-day compliance timeline issued on 28 November 2025, which came into effect from 1 March 2026.About SIM-Binding Policy Update:Approach: The DoT replaced the earlier six-hour automatic logout rule with a risk-based mechanism where sessions are terminated only in suspected fraud cases, addressing concerns over user inconvenience.Framework: The directive was issued under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, within the Telecommunications Act, 2023 framework that replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.SIM-Binding: SIM-binding requires OTT applications to remain continuously linked to a mobile number, preventing use without an active SIM and aiming to curb cybercrimes like digital arrest scams and financial frauds while enhancing user verification.
DoT Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for OTT Platforms to 31 December 2026In April 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, extended the deadline for Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms to implement Subscriber Iden...
MoE & CBSE Launches AI and Computational Thinking Curriculum for Classes 3–8In March 2026, the Ministry of Education (MoE) in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) launched a new curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Classes 3 to 8, to be implemented from the 2026–27 academic session.The MoE released three key documents, including the curriculum, a teachers’ handbook, and learning materials.Key Features of Curriculum:Focus Areas: The curriculum introduces foundational concepts of AI, coding, data handling, logical reasoning, and algorithmic thinking at the elementary and middle school levels.Grade-wise Approach:Classes 3–5: Activity-based learning with basic computational thinking and logic-building exercisesClasses 6–8: Introduction to AI concepts, coding fundamentals, and real-world applicationsAlignment: The curriculum aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
MoE & CBSE Launches AI and Computational Thinking Curriculum for Classes 3–8In March 2026, the Ministry of Education (MoE) in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) launched a new curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Classes 3 to 8, to be implemented from the 2026–27 academic session.The MoE released three key documents, including the curriculum, a teachers’ handbook, and learning materials.Key Features of Curriculum:Focus Areas: The curriculum introduces foundational concepts of AI, coding, data handling, logical reasoning, and algorithmic thinking at the elementary and middle school levels.Grade-wise Approach:Classes 3–5: Activity-based learning with basic computational thinking and logic-building exercisesClasses 6–8: Introduction to AI concepts, coding fundamentals, and real-world applicationsAlignment: The curriculum aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023.
MoE & CBSE Launches AI and Computational Thinking Curriculum for Classes 3–8In March 2026, the Ministry of Education (MoE) in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) launched a new curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) ...
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MoSPI Develops India SDG Dashboard in Collaboration with UN Resident Coordinator OfficeIn April 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO), developed the India Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Dashboard.The dashboard acts as a centralized data platform, designed to monitor the progress of SDG indicators.Key Details:Aligns with: The development of a unified dashboard aligned with India’s SDGs-National Indicator Framework (NIF).Key Publications: Over the last 5 years, MoSPI has released several publications on social and environmental indicators. These publications provide comprehensive information about social and environment statistics in one place.Also, it acts as an evidence-based source for strategic planning and policymaking.Initiatives: The e-Sankhyiki portal provides time-series data on key macroeconomic indicators, while the Advance Release Calendar (ARC) ensures timely and transparent dissemination of statistical data on the MoSPI website.
MoSPI Develops India SDG Dashboard in Collaboration with UN Resident Coordinator OfficeIn April 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO), developed the India Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Dashboard.The dashboard acts as a centralized data platform, designed to monitor the progress of SDG indicators.Key Details:Aligns with: The development of a unified dashboard aligned with India’s SDGs-National Indicator Framework (NIF).Key Publications: Over the last 5 years, MoSPI has released several publications on social and environmental indicators. These publications provide comprehensive information about social and environment statistics in one place.Also, it acts as an evidence-based source for strategic planning and policymaking.Initiatives: The e-Sankhyiki portal provides time-series data on key macroeconomic indicators, while the Advance Release Calendar (ARC) ensures timely and transparent dissemination of statistical data on the MoSPI website.
MoSPI Develops India SDG Dashboard in Collaboration with UN Resident Coordinator OfficeIn April 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO), develope...
India Emerges as Global Leader in Issuing IRCCs under Nagoya Protocol on ABSIn March 2026, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), announced that India has emerged as the global leader in issuing Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol. As per the data from the Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Clearing-House, India has issued 3,561 IRCCs out of a global total of 6,311, accounting for more than 56% of all certificates issued worldwide.Key Details:Limited Global Participation: So far, only 34 countries out of 142 countries registered on the ABS Clearing-House, issued IRCC.Leading Nations: After India, countries which have issued maximum IRCCs are: France (964), Spain (320), Argentina (257), Panama (156) and Kenya (144).Key Driver for India’s Success: India’s leading position in the fair and equitable use of genetic resources represents the effective implementation of the country’s Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
India Emerges as Global Leader in Issuing IRCCs under Nagoya Protocol on ABSIn March 2026, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), announced that India has emerged as the global leader in issuing Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol. As per the data from the Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Clearing-House, India has issued 3,561 IRCCs out of a global total of 6,311, accounting for more than 56% of all certificates issued worldwide.Key Details:Limited Global Participation: So far, only 34 countries out of 142 countries registered on the ABS Clearing-House, issued IRCC.Leading Nations: After India, countries which have issued maximum IRCCs are: France (964), Spain (320), Argentina (257), Panama (156) and Kenya (144).Key Driver for India’s Success: India’s leading position in the fair and equitable use of genetic resources represents the effective implementation of the country’s Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
India Emerges as Global Leader in Issuing IRCCs under Nagoya Protocol on ABSIn March 2026, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), announced that India has emerged as the global leade...
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MoEFCC Designates ‘Bhavasagara’ as National Repository for Deep-Sea FaunaIn March 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) officially designated the Bhavasagara Referral Centre at Center for Marine Living Resources & Ecology (CMLRE), Kochi, Kerala as a National Repository for Deep-sea Fauna.This recognition, granted under section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, designates the centre as a key national facility for the conservation, research, and documentation of India’s rich deep-sea biodiversity.Key Functions:Maintain Secure Custody: Preserves representative biological samples as voucher specimens along with essential data, including Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) sequences, for future scientific use.Hold Type Specimens: Serves as the official custodian of newly discovered deep-sea species from Indian waters.Capacity Building: Promotes expertise in deep-sea taxonomy in line with the United Nations (UN) Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).
MoEFCC Designates ‘Bhavasagara’ as National Repository for Deep-Sea FaunaIn March 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) officially designated the Bhavasagara Referral Centre at Center for Marine Living Resources & Ecology (CMLRE), Kochi, Kerala as a National Repository for Deep-sea Fauna.This recognition, granted under section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, designates the centre as a key national facility for the conservation, research, and documentation of India’s rich deep-sea biodiversity.Key Functions:Maintain Secure Custody: Preserves representative biological samples as voucher specimens along with essential data, including Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) sequences, for future scientific use.Hold Type Specimens: Serves as the official custodian of newly discovered deep-sea species from Indian waters.Capacity Building: Promotes expertise in deep-sea taxonomy in line with the United Nations (UN) Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).
MoEFCC Designates ‘Bhavasagara’ as National Repository for Deep-Sea FaunaIn March 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) officially designated the Bhavasagara Referral Centre at Center for Marine Living Resources & Ecol...
GSL Launches INS Shachi for IN; Delivers ICGS Achal to ICGIn March 2026, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), achieved a significant milestone with the ceremonial launch of Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) INS Shachi (Yard 1280) for the Indian Navy (IN)and the delivery of Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Achal (Yard 1274) to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).These vessels were launched in the presence of Shagun Sobti, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, V K Parmar, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of ICG, along with senior naval officials, marking a key step in strengthening indigenous naval capabilities.Launch of INS Shachi (Yard 1280): The 113-metres(m)-long naval ship with a displacement of 2,600 tonnes, can endure 8,500 nautical miles and will be crewed by 19 officers and 130 sailors.Delivery of ICGS Achal (Yard 1274): It is the 5th Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) in a series of eight developed by GSL at a cost of Rs 473 crore.The 52-m-long and 8 m-wide ICGS with a displacement of 320 tons is powered by a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP)-based propulsion system,capable of achieving a maximum speed of 27 knots.
GSL Launches INS Shachi for IN; Delivers ICGS Achal to ICGIn March 2026, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), achieved a significant milestone with the ceremonial launch of Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) INS Shachi (Yard 1280) for the Indian Navy (IN)and the delivery of Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Achal (Yard 1274) to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).These vessels were launched in the presence of Shagun Sobti, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, V K Parmar, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of ICG, along with senior naval officials, marking a key step in strengthening indigenous naval capabilities.Launch of INS Shachi (Yard 1280): The 113-metres(m)-long naval ship with a displacement of 2,600 tonnes, can endure 8,500 nautical miles and will be crewed by 19 officers and 130 sailors.Delivery of ICGS Achal (Yard 1274): It is the 5th Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) in a series of eight developed by GSL at a cost of Rs 473 crore.The 52-m-long and 8 m-wide ICGS with a displacement of 320 tons is powered by a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP)-based propulsion system,capable of achieving a maximum speed of 27 knots.
GSL Launches INS Shachi for IN; Delivers ICGS Achal to ICGIn March 2026, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), achieved a significant milestone with the ceremonial launch of Next ...
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IndiGo Appoints William Walsh as New CEOIn March 2026, India’s largest airline, IndiGo,appointed aviation veteran William Walsh as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with his tenure set to begin in August 2026.He will succeed Pieter Elbers, who resigned on 10 March 2026 following a major operational crisis that resulted in over 4,500 flight cancellations in late 2025.About William Walsh:Profile: He is a highly influential aviation leader with over 40 years of experience, having begun his career as a cadet pilot at Aer Lingus in 1979.Leadership: He served as CEO at Aer Lingus (2000–2005), British Airways (2005–2011), International Airlines Group (IAG) (2011–2020).IATA Role: He has been Director General (DG) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) since April 2021 until July 2026.Expertise: His expertise includes large-scale airline operations, mergers and restructuring, crisis management, and global aviation leadership.Recognition: In March 2014, he was named the 2014 Laureate for Commercial Aviation by ‘Aviation Week & Space Technology’.
IndiGo Appoints William Walsh as New CEOIn March 2026, India’s largest airline, IndiGo,appointed aviation veteran William Walsh as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with his tenure set to begin in August 2026.He will succeed Pieter Elbers, who resigned on 10 March 2026 following a major operational crisis that resulted in over 4,500 flight cancellations in late 2025.About William Walsh:Profile: He is a highly influential aviation leader with over 40 years of experience, having begun his career as a cadet pilot at Aer Lingus in 1979.Leadership: He served as CEO at Aer Lingus (2000–2005), British Airways (2005–2011), International Airlines Group (IAG) (2011–2020).IATA Role: He has been Director General (DG) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) since April 2021 until July 2026.Expertise: His expertise includes large-scale airline operations, mergers and restructuring, crisis management, and global aviation leadership.Recognition: In March 2014, he was named the 2014 Laureate for Commercial Aviation by ‘Aviation Week & Space Technology’.
IndiGo Appoints William Walsh as New CEOIn March 2026, India’s largest airline, IndiGo,appointed aviation veteran William Walsh as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with his tenure set to begin in August 2026.He will succeed Pieter Elbers, who r...
ACC Appoints Vir Vikram Yadav as Director General of DGCAOn March 31, 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Vir Vikram Yadav, a 1996-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Odisha cadre, as the Director General (DG) of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), as part of a senior-level bureaucratic reshuffle.He succeeded Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, who has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions(MoPP&P).About Vir Vikram YadavExperience: He has held key administrative positions in both state and central governments, gaining extensive experience in governance, policy implementation, and regulatory administration.Previous Position: Prior to this appointment, he served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
ACC Appoints Vir Vikram Yadav as Director General of DGCAOn March 31, 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Vir Vikram Yadav, a 1996-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Odisha cadre, as the Director General (DG) of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), as part of a senior-level bureaucratic reshuffle.He succeeded Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, who has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions(MoPP&P).About Vir Vikram YadavExperience: He has held key administrative positions in both state and central governments, gaining extensive experience in governance, policy implementation, and regulatory administration.Previous Position: Prior to this appointment, he served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
ACC Appoints Vir Vikram Yadav as Director General of DGCAOn March 31, 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Vir Vikram Yadav, a 1996-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Odisha cadre, as the Director General...
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