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Veteran Journalist & Former Diplomat H.K. Dua Passes AwayIn March 2026, renowned journalist, former diplomat and parliamentarian, Hari Krishan (HK) Dua passed away at the age of 88 in New Delhi, Delhi. He was born on July 01, 1937.He was honored by the Government of India (GoI) in 1998 with Padma Bhushan, India’s 3rd highest civilian honor in the ‘Literature and Education’(Journalism) category.About HK Dua:Journalism Career: During his illustrious journalistic career which spans more than 40 years, he has held senior editorial positions at some of the famous print media houses in India like: served as the Editor of The Hindustan Times (HTI) (1987-94); Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express (1994-96); and The Tribune (2003-09); and Editorial Advisor, The Times of India (TOI) (1997-98).Diplomat Career: He had also worked as the Media Advisor to two Prime Ministers (PMs): Atal Bihari Vajpayee and H.D. Deve Gowda.In addition, he also served as Ambassador of the GoI to Denmark (2001-2003).Nominated to Rajya Sabha: He was also nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Parliament (from 2009 to 2015). During his term, he actively participated in debates on issues like foreign affairs and national security.
Veteran Journalist & Former Diplomat H.K. Dua Passes AwayIn March 2026, renowned journalist, former diplomat and parliamentarian, Hari Krishan (HK) Dua passed away at the age of 88 in New Delhi, Delhi. He was born on July 01, 1937.He was honored by the Government of India (GoI) in 1998 with Padma Bhushan, India’s 3rd highest civilian honor in the ‘Literature and Education’(Journalism) category.About HK Dua:Journalism Career: During his illustrious journalistic career which spans more than 40 years, he has held senior editorial positions at some of the famous print media houses in India like: served as the Editor of The Hindustan Times (HTI) (1987-94); Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express (1994-96); and The Tribune (2003-09); and Editorial Advisor, The Times of India (TOI) (1997-98).Diplomat Career: He had also worked as the Media Advisor to two Prime Ministers (PMs): Atal Bihari Vajpayee and H.D. Deve Gowda.In addition, he also served as Ambassador of the GoI to Denmark (2001-2003).Nominated to Rajya Sabha: He was also nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Parliament (from 2009 to 2015). During his term, he actively participated in debates on issues like foreign affairs and national security.
Veteran Journalist & Former Diplomat H.K. Dua Passes AwayIn March 2026, renowned journalist, former diplomat and parliamentarian, Hari Krishan (HK) Dua passed away at the age of 88 in New Delhi, Delhi. He was born on July 01, 1937.He was honored by t...
New Genus & Species of Blind Miniature Fish ‘Gitchak nakan’Discovered in AssamIn March 2026, a group of international researchers from Germany, India and Switzerland, discovered a new genus and species of blind, aquifer-dwelling (phreatobitic) fish named ‘Gitchak nakan’, living in a hand-dug well in a village in Assam.The discovery of new fish species was published in the Nature Portfolio journal Scientific Reports, one of the world’s leading scientific journals.Key Details:Significance: This discovery marks the 1st record of an aquifer-dwelling fish species from the North-East (NE) India and the eastern Himalayan region.Name: The newly discovered fish species has been named ‘Gitchak nakan’, derived from Garo language to describe its physical appearance.The word ‘Gitchak’ means red, while ‘na-tok’ and ‘kana’ refer to the absence of eyes.Genus Family: As per the researchers, the new species belongs to a new genus within the Cobitidae family.Physical Features: This miniature fish which grows maximum of 2 centimeters (cm) in size, has a translucent body and lacks any skin pigment which gives it a striking, bright red color in appearance.The most unusual feature of this species is the complete absence of a skull roof , with the brain covered only by skin rather than bone.
New Genus & Species of Blind Miniature Fish ‘Gitchak nakan’Discovered in AssamIn March 2026, a group of international researchers from Germany, India and Switzerland, discovered a new genus and species of blind, aquifer-dwelling (phreatobitic) fish named ‘Gitchak nakan’, living in a hand-dug well in a village in Assam.The discovery of new fish species was published in the Nature Portfolio journal Scientific Reports, one of the world’s leading scientific journals.Key Details:Significance: This discovery marks the 1st record of an aquifer-dwelling fish species from the North-East (NE) India and the eastern Himalayan region.Name: The newly discovered fish species has been named ‘Gitchak nakan’, derived from Garo language to describe its physical appearance.The word ‘Gitchak’ means red, while ‘na-tok’ and ‘kana’ refer to the absence of eyes.Genus Family: As per the researchers, the new species belongs to a new genus within the Cobitidae family.Physical Features: This miniature fish which grows maximum of 2 centimeters (cm) in size, has a translucent body and lacks any skin pigment which gives it a striking, bright red color in appearance.The most unusual feature of this species is the complete absence of a skull roof , with the brain covered only by skin rather than bone.
New Genus & Species of Blind Miniature Fish ‘Gitchak nakan’Discovered in AssamIn March 2026, a group of international researchers from Germany, India and Switzerland, discovered a new genus and species of blind, aquifer-dwelling (phreatobitic) fish n...
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Two New Earthworm Species Discovered in Silent Valley National Park, KeralaIn March 2026, researchers discovered two new species of moniligastrid earthworms named ‘Moniligaster girishi’ and ‘Drawida reynoldsi’ in Silent Valley National Park, located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) of the Western Ghats, Kerala. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Zootaxa.With these discoveries, the total number of recognised moniligastrid earthworm species in India has increased to 95, of which 70 species are found in the Western Ghats.About Two New Earthworm Species:Moniligaster girishi: Collected from the tropical wet evergreen forest near Chembotti. It belongs to the gravelyi species-group and is distinguished by a unique single undivided spermathecal atrial gland and a specific prostatic capsule.It is named in honor of P. Girish Kumar, a scientist at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).Drawida reynoldsi: Collected from the montane grasslands between Sispara and Anginda. It belongs to the robusta species-group and is characterized by a sausage-like prostatic capsule and a large, erect spermathecal atrium.It is named in honour of John Warren Reynolds, a renowned Canadian earthworm specialist.Significance: Kerala has the highest diversity of these earthworms, with 43 species (30 Drawida and 13 Moniligaster).
Two New Earthworm Species Discovered in Silent Valley National Park, KeralaIn March 2026, researchers discovered two new species of moniligastrid earthworms named ‘Moniligaster girishi’ and ‘Drawida reynoldsi’ in Silent Valley National Park, located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) of the Western Ghats, Kerala. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Zootaxa.With these discoveries, the total number of recognised moniligastrid earthworm species in India has increased to 95, of which 70 species are found in the Western Ghats.About Two New Earthworm Species:Moniligaster girishi: Collected from the tropical wet evergreen forest near Chembotti. It belongs to the gravelyi species-group and is distinguished by a unique single undivided spermathecal atrial gland and a specific prostatic capsule.It is named in honor of P. Girish Kumar, a scientist at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).Drawida reynoldsi: Collected from the montane grasslands between Sispara and Anginda. It belongs to the robusta species-group and is characterized by a sausage-like prostatic capsule and a large, erect spermathecal atrium.It is named in honour of John Warren Reynolds, a renowned Canadian earthworm specialist.Significance: Kerala has the highest diversity of these earthworms, with 43 species (30 Drawida and 13 Moniligaster).
Two New Earthworm Species Discovered in Silent Valley National Park, KeralaIn March 2026, researchers discovered two new species of moniligastrid earthworms named ‘Moniligaster girishi’ and ‘Drawida reynoldsi’ in Silent Valley National Park, located ...
Jio Platforms Appoints Dan Bailey as President to Lead International BusinessIn March 2026, Jio Platforms Limited, the digital services arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), appointed Dan Bailey as President to lead its international business operations.In this role, he will be responsible for expanding Jio’s global footprint, driving international partnerships, and scaling digital services across global markets.About Dan Bailey:Experience: He brings over 35 years of experience in consulting and investment banking.Leadership Roles: He has held senior leadership positions at Schroders/Citi, Morgan Stanley, and HSBC.Recent Role: Most recently, he served as Chairman of Deutsche Bank’s Technology, Media and Telecom (TMT) practice, where he advised on several major global telecom transactions.Reporting Structure: He will report to Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, and will also join the Executive Committee of Jio Platforms Limited, contributing broadly to the company’s strategic and business operations.
Jio Platforms Appoints Dan Bailey as President to Lead International BusinessIn March 2026, Jio Platforms Limited, the digital services arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), appointed Dan Bailey as President to lead its international business operations.In this role, he will be responsible for expanding Jio’s global footprint, driving international partnerships, and scaling digital services across global markets.About Dan Bailey:Experience: He brings over 35 years of experience in consulting and investment banking.Leadership Roles: He has held senior leadership positions at Schroders/Citi, Morgan Stanley, and HSBC.Recent Role: Most recently, he served as Chairman of Deutsche Bank’s Technology, Media and Telecom (TMT) practice, where he advised on several major global telecom transactions.Reporting Structure: He will report to Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, and will also join the Executive Committee of Jio Platforms Limited, contributing broadly to the company’s strategic and business operations.
Jio Platforms Appoints Dan Bailey as President to Lead International BusinessIn March 2026, Jio Platforms Limited, the digital services arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), appointed Dan Bailey as President to lead its international business ope...
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IRDAI proposes Ind AS adoption for all insurers wef April 1, 2026In March 2026, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) released an exposure draft of the IRDAI (Actuarial, Finance and Investment Functions of Insurers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, along with a detailed consultation paper proposing to implement Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS).Key HighlightsEffective from: The proposed implementation will be effective from April 1, 2026.Applies to: The proposed implementation shall apply to all categories of insurers, including Life Insurers, General Insurers, Health Insurers, and Reinsurers.Purpose: The transition to Ind AS would enhance global comparability, introduce market-consistent measurement of liabilities, improve performance disclosures, and strengthen governance and risk management practices.Existing Framework: Currently, the insurers prepare financial statements under Insurance Act, 1938 and IRDAI regulations.The existing framework lacks global comparability, market-consistent valuation, and transparency in financial reporting.
IRDAI proposes Ind AS adoption for all insurers wef April 1, 2026In March 2026, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) released an exposure draft of the IRDAI (Actuarial, Finance and Investment Functions of Insurers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, along with a detailed consultation paper proposing to implement Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS).Key HighlightsEffective from: The proposed implementation will be effective from April 1, 2026.Applies to: The proposed implementation shall apply to all categories of insurers, including Life Insurers, General Insurers, Health Insurers, and Reinsurers.Purpose: The transition to Ind AS would enhance global comparability, introduce market-consistent measurement of liabilities, improve performance disclosures, and strengthen governance and risk management practices.Existing Framework: Currently, the insurers prepare financial statements under Insurance Act, 1938 and IRDAI regulations.The existing framework lacks global comparability, market-consistent valuation, and transparency in financial reporting.
IRDAI proposes Ind AS adoption for all insurers wef April 1, 2026In March 2026, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) released an exposure draft of the IRDAI (Actuarial, Finance and Investment Functions of Insurers) (Ame...
Indian Navy Signs Contract with Shoft Shipyard for 4 Self-Propelled Fuel Barges In March 2026, the Indian Navy (IN) signed a contract with M/s Shoft Shipyard Private Limited,Thane, Maharashtra, for the construction of four 500-tonne Self-Propelled Fuel Barges to strengthen naval logistics and fuel supply operations.About Fuel Barges:Design: The fuel barges will be constructed in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules, ensuring high standards of quality and safety.Function: It will primarily support naval logistics operations by supplying fuel to Indian Naval Ships(INS) and submarines in harbours and anchorage areas, ensuring continuous fuel availability for naval assets.Alignment: The project supports the Government of India(GoI)’s initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, aimed at strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing.
Indian Navy Signs Contract with Shoft Shipyard for 4 Self-Propelled Fuel Barges In March 2026, the Indian Navy (IN) signed a contract with M/s Shoft Shipyard Private Limited,Thane, Maharashtra, for the construction of four 500-tonne Self-Propelled Fuel Barges to strengthen naval logistics and fuel supply operations.About Fuel Barges:Design: The fuel barges will be constructed in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules, ensuring high standards of quality and safety.Function: It will primarily support naval logistics operations by supplying fuel to Indian Naval Ships(INS) and submarines in harbours and anchorage areas, ensuring continuous fuel availability for naval assets.Alignment: The project supports the Government of India(GoI)’s initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, aimed at strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing.
Indian Navy Signs Contract with Shoft Shipyard for 4 Self-Propelled Fuel Barges In March 2026, the Indian Navy (IN) signed a contract with M/s Shoft Shipyard Private Limited,Thane, Maharashtra, for the construction of four 500-tonne Self-Propelled Fu...
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MoD Signs Rs 5,083 crore Contracts for ALH Mk-III (MR) and VL-Shtil MissilesIn March 2026, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed defence procurement contracts worth Rs.5,083 crore for the acquisition of Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch(VL) – Shtil missile systems for the Indian Navy (IN).The contracts were signed in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoD at South Block, New Delhi, Delhi.Key Details of Contract:ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) Helicopters: The MoD signed a contract worth Rs.2,901 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role), including operational role equipment, engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, for the ICG.Surface-to-Air VL– Shtil Missiles: The MoD also signed a contract worth Rs.2,182 crore with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation for the procurement of Surface-to-Air VL – Shtil missiles along with associated missile holding frames for the IN.
MoD Signs Rs 5,083 crore Contracts for ALH Mk-III (MR) and VL-Shtil MissilesIn March 2026, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed defence procurement contracts worth Rs.5,083 crore for the acquisition of Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch(VL) – Shtil missile systems for the Indian Navy (IN).The contracts were signed in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoD at South Block, New Delhi, Delhi.Key Details of Contract:ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) Helicopters: The MoD signed a contract worth Rs.2,901 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role), including operational role equipment, engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, for the ICG.Surface-to-Air VL– Shtil Missiles: The MoD also signed a contract worth Rs.2,182 crore with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation for the procurement of Surface-to-Air VL – Shtil missiles along with associated missile holding frames for the IN.
MoD Signs Rs 5,083 crore Contracts for ALH Mk-III (MR) and VL-Shtil MissilesIn March 2026, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed defence procurement contracts worth Rs.5,083 crore for the acquisition of Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritim...
CGA Launches Government Bank Dashboard & Government Bank Manual to Strengthen Government TransactionsIn March 2026, the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) T.C.A. Kalyani launched two major initiatives the Government Bank Dashboard and the Government Bank Manual in New Delhi, Delhi to improve the governance and efficiency of banks handling government transactions.The initiatives aim to strengthen transparency, standardize procedures, and enhance monitoring of government banking operations across India.Government Bank Dashboard:The Government Bank Dashboard serves as a real-time monitoring tool to transition from reactive corrections to proactive oversight.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): It tracks transaction success rates, scroll compliance, and remittance timelines.Government Bank Manual: The Government Bank Manual establishes a standardized operational framework for all banks conducting government business.Standardization: It defines uniform procedures for reporting obligations and reconciliation timelines.Risk Management: The manual aims to mitigate operational risk and reduce ambiguity in transaction processing.
CGA Launches Government Bank Dashboard & Government Bank Manual to Strengthen Government TransactionsIn March 2026, the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) T.C.A. Kalyani launched two major initiatives the Government Bank Dashboard and the Government Bank Manual in New Delhi, Delhi to improve the governance and efficiency of banks handling government transactions.The initiatives aim to strengthen transparency, standardize procedures, and enhance monitoring of government banking operations across India.Government Bank Dashboard:The Government Bank Dashboard serves as a real-time monitoring tool to transition from reactive corrections to proactive oversight.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): It tracks transaction success rates, scroll compliance, and remittance timelines.Government Bank Manual: The Government Bank Manual establishes a standardized operational framework for all banks conducting government business.Standardization: It defines uniform procedures for reporting obligations and reconciliation timelines.Risk Management: The manual aims to mitigate operational risk and reduce ambiguity in transaction processing.
CGA Launches Government Bank Dashboard & Government Bank Manual to Strengthen Government TransactionsIn March 2026, the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) T.C.A. Kalyani launched two major initiatives the Government Bank Dashboard and the Governmen...
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Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs 239th meeting of CBT & EPF in New Delhi In March 2026, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E), chaired the 239th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) in New Delhi, Delhi.The board has recommended to retain the interest rate of Provident Fund (PF) deposits at 8.25% for Financial Year 2025-26(FY26).Highlights of 239th meeting of CBT & EPF:Amnesty Scheme for Exempted Establishments: The Board approved a one-time Amnesty Scheme, designed to address compliance issues related to income tax–recognized trusts.Alignment of existing Schemes: The CBT has also approved the notification of new social security schemes: EPF Scheme, 2026, Employees Pension Scheme (EPS, 2026); and Employees’s Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme, 2026.Others: The Board has also approved a pilot project for auto-initiation of claim settlement in inoperative EPFO accounts with unclaimed balances of Rs 1,000 or less. The Board approved the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to conduct direct recruitment and promotion examinations on behalf of EPFO.
Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs 239th meeting of CBT & EPF in New Delhi In March 2026, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E), chaired the 239th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) in New Delhi, Delhi.The board has recommended to retain the interest rate of Provident Fund (PF) deposits at 8.25% for Financial Year 2025-26(FY26).Highlights of 239th meeting of CBT & EPF:Amnesty Scheme for Exempted Establishments: The Board approved a one-time Amnesty Scheme, designed to address compliance issues related to income tax–recognized trusts.Alignment of existing Schemes: The CBT has also approved the notification of new social security schemes: EPF Scheme, 2026, Employees Pension Scheme (EPS, 2026); and Employees’s Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme, 2026.Others: The Board has also approved a pilot project for auto-initiation of claim settlement in inoperative EPFO accounts with unclaimed balances of Rs 1,000 or less. The Board approved the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to conduct direct recruitment and promotion examinations on behalf of EPFO.
Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs 239th meeting of CBT & EPF in New Delhi In March 2026, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E), chaired the 239th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), Employe...
Overview of Canadian PM Mark Carney’s visit to India from February 27 – March 2, 2026Mark Carney, Prime Minister (PM) of Canada, paid an official visit to India from 27th February to 2nd March 2026, at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi, marking his first official visit to India since his predecessor Justin Trudeau visited India in 2018 to attend the Group of Twenty (G-20) summit.Highlights of the Visit:Visit to Mumbai, New Delhi: On February 27, 2026, Canadian PM Mark Carney arrived in Mumbai(Maharashtra) to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Canada, with a focus on trade, energy, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).PM Narendra Modi and PM Mark Carney held delegation-level talks on 2 March 2026 at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Delhi.The leaders launched negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the release of Terms of Reference (ToR).Target: India set a bilateral trade goal of USD 50 billion by 2030, focusing on sectors such as pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, seafood, cotton garments, electronics, chemicals, pulses, coal, fertilizers, paper, and crude petroleum.MoUs: Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between India and Canada across sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), healthcare, agriculture, innovation, education, and culture.
Overview of Canadian PM Mark Carney’s visit to India from February 27 – March 2, 2026Mark Carney, Prime Minister (PM) of Canada, paid an official visit to India from 27th February to 2nd March 2026, at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi, marking his first official visit to India since his predecessor Justin Trudeau visited India in 2018 to attend the Group of Twenty (G-20) summit.Highlights of the Visit:Visit to Mumbai, New Delhi: On February 27, 2026, Canadian PM Mark Carney arrived in Mumbai(Maharashtra) to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Canada, with a focus on trade, energy, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).PM Narendra Modi and PM Mark Carney held delegation-level talks on 2 March 2026 at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Delhi.The leaders launched negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the release of Terms of Reference (ToR).Target: India set a bilateral trade goal of USD 50 billion by 2030, focusing on sectors such as pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, seafood, cotton garments, electronics, chemicals, pulses, coal, fertilizers, paper, and crude petroleum.MoUs: Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between India and Canada across sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), healthcare, agriculture, innovation, education, and culture.
Overview of Canadian PM Mark Carney’s visit to India from February 27 – March 2, 2026Mark Carney, Prime Minister (PM) of Canada, paid an official visit to India from 27th February to 2nd March 2026, at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi, marking his ...
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