Mumbai Port's Jawahar Dweep declared India's first plastic-free oil terminal
On 2 October 2026, the Mumbai Port Authority declared its Jawahar Dweep Marine Oil Terminal plastic-free, making it India's first oil terminal to fully eliminate single-use plastics. Union Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal marked the milestone and dedicated new oil-spill response facilities. Jawahar Dweep, earlier called Butcher Island, is an island terminal off Mumbai that handles crude oil and petroleum products.
Exam angleFirst plastic-free oil terminal; old name Butcher Island
UPSC completes 100 years: PM releases commemorative coin, stamp and book at Bharat Mandapam
On 1 October 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the UPSC centenary celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and released a commemorative coin, a stamp and the book '100 Landmark Judgements: Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India'. The Public Service Commission was set up on 1 October 1926 on the recommendation of the Lee Commission, with Sir Ross Barker as its first chairman. Articles 315 to 323 of the Constitution deal with Public Service Commissions.
Exam angleUPSC founding date and Lee Commission; first chairman; Articles 315-323
Five entries added to India's UNESCO Tentative List, taking it to 78; four are from Madhya Pradesh
On 29 September 2026, five new entries were added to India's UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage, raising it to 78: Bagh Cave Paintings, the Group of Temples of the Chambal Valley (Bateshwar, Padavali, Kakanmath), Udaigiri Caves and Ginnorgarh, all in Madhya Pradesh. The fifth is 'Sites of Satyagraha', a serial transnational proposal with South Africa with nine components, two in South Africa and seven in India (including Sabarmati Ashram and Sevagram). A site must be on the Tentative List before it can be nominated for World Heritage status.
Exam angleTotal on Tentative List (78); 'Sites of Satyagraha' with South Africa
UIDAI launches five initiatives, including face authentication for ePDS, at Aadhaar Samvaad in Kolkata
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) unveiled five initiatives at Aadhaar Samvaad in Kolkata on 29 September 2026, the 17th Aadhaar Day and attended by Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada. They are Face Authentication for the electronic Public Distribution System (ePDS), SWIK Portal 2.0, a Sub-AUA/Sub-KUA (LITE) framework for low-volume users, a new token management system and a revamped UIDAI website. Face authentication gives ration beneficiaries a contactless option where fingerprints fail.
Exam angleVenue of Aadhaar Samvaad (Kolkata); face authentication for ePDS
Mann Ki Baat (138th episode): over 32 crore families covered in first phase of Census 2027
In the 138th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 27 September 2026, the Prime Minister said data of over 32 crore families had been recorded in the first phase of Census 2027. More than 2.6 crore people registered themselves through the self-enumeration mobile portal, available in Hindi and 16 other languages. Census work continued in remote, snow-bound areas of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand.
Exam angleCensus 2027 first phase coverage; self-enumeration portal
Kavach 4.0 commissioned on South Central Railway's 108-km Malkajgiri–Kamareddi section
On 23 September 2026, Indian Railways commissioned version 4.0 of its indigenous automatic train protection system Kavach on the 108-route-km Malkajgiri–Kamareddi section of South Central Railway's Hyderabad division. It is the first Kavach 4.0 deployment on this zone, which earlier had version 3.2 on 1,465 route km. Version 4.0 gives better location accuracy and station-to-station Kavach links through optical fibre cable.
Exam angleKavach = indigenous automatic train protection system
Six states including Rajasthan sign agreement for Kishau multipurpose dam on the Tons river
On 15 September 2026 in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the Kishau multipurpose project. It plans a 232.6-metre-high concrete gravity dam on the Tons river, a tributary of the Yamuna, along the Uttarakhand–Himachal Pradesh border, storing 1,562 million cubic metres. It will irrigate about 97,000 hectares and produce 1,476 million units of hydropower; the Centre will bear 90% of the cost of the water component.
Exam angleKishau dam river (Tons, Yamuna basin); six partner states
Dryland Congress 2026 ends in New Delhi with ‘Delhi Declaration on Drylands’
The three-day Dryland Congress 2026, organised by ICRISAT and ICAR, concluded in New Delhi on 12 September 2026, the UN Day for South-South Cooperation. Its theme was ‘Transforming Dryland Agriculture with South–South Cooperation’. It adopted the Delhi Declaration on Drylands (3D) for more collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation in dryland farming across the Global South.
Exam angleOrganisers (ICAR, ICRISAT) and the declaration adopted
India crosses 80 lakh HPV vaccinations under campaign launched from Ajmer in February 2026
The Union Health Ministry said on 11 September 2026 that India had crossed 80 lakh HPV vaccinations given to protect girls against cervical cancer. The nationwide campaign for girls of 14 years was launched by the Prime Minister from Ajmer, Rajasthan, in February 2026. About 200 women die of cervical cancer in India every day, the report noted.
Exam angleHPV vaccine targets cervical cancer; launch city Ajmer
NSO releases first-ever district-level estimates of unincorporated non-farm enterprises from ASUSE 2025
On 10 September 2026, the National Statistical Office released the first district-level estimates of India's unincorporated non-agricultural sector, based on the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2025. They cover 757 of 770 districts; the top 50 districts account for about one-third of the sector's activity. The national average gross value added (GVA) per worker is ₹1,56,539, and Jaipur district alone has 11.70% of Rajasthan's unincorporated establishments.
Exam angleSurvey name (ASUSE); first district-level estimates by NSO
80th Independence Day: PM lays out 'Shakti Ki Saptadhara', seven pillars for Viksit Bharat 2047
In his address from the Red Fort on 15 August 2026, India's 80th Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi outlined 'Shakti Ki Saptadhara' (Sapta Dhara), seven pillars for a developed India by 2047: manufacturing; agriculture and food processing; technology and innovation; Gati Shakti connectivity; defence production; green energy and the blue economy; and soft power. He also recalled the 'Panch Pran' he had earlier set out from the Red Fort.
Exam angleSaptadhara: seven pillars; 80th Independence Day
I-Day announcements: AI skills for 1 crore youth in a year, 6 crore Lakhpati Didis, 100 GW nuclear by 2047
In the same address, the PM announced that 1 crore youth would be trained in AI skills within one year and that a nationwide free online coaching network for competitive exams would be launched. The Lakhpati Didi target was doubled from 3 crore to 6 crore, and targets were set of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 and 5 to 8 more semiconductor plants. A national sports talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 was also announced.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament, which began on 20 July 2026, ended on 13 August 2026 after 19 sittings, with 12 Bills passed by both Houses. Productivity was about 19% in the Lok Sabha and 39.17% in the Rajya Sabha because of disruptions. Bills passed included those on the Supreme Court's strength, births and deaths registration, tribunals, the Keralam name change and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment).
Parliament passes Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 renaming the State 'Keralam'
Parliament passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, which renames the State of Kerala as 'Keralam'; the Lok Sabha passed it on 11 August and the Rajya Sabha cleared it by voice vote on 12 August 2026. The change is made under Article 3 of the Constitution by amending the First Schedule. The Kerala Assembly had passed a unanimous resolution for the change in 2024.
Exam angleArticle 3; First Schedule; new name Keralam
Parliament passes Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026; National Tribunals Commission to handle appointments
Parliament passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 when the Rajya Sabha cleared it on 11 August 2026, a day after the Lok Sabha; it repeals the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021. It creates a National Tribunals Commission, headed by a former Supreme Court judge or former High Court Chief Justice, with two judicial and two technical members, to make appointments to tribunals in a transparent, merit-based way. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the Bill does not change the jurisdiction of tribunals.
Exam angleNew body: National Tribunals Commission; repeals 2021 Act
Vice-President launches Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan from Sri Vijaya Puram on August Kranti Diwas
On 9 August 2026, August Kranti Diwas (anniversary of the 1942 Quit India Movement), Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan launched the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan by hoisting the national flag at Flag Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He recalled that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Tricolour there on 30 December 1943.
Exam angleLaunch place: Sri Vijaya Puram; Netaji's flag hoisting 30 Dec 1943
Parliament raises Supreme Court strength from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice
The Rajya Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 on 5 August 2026, after the Lok Sabha passed it on 3 August. It raises the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 33 to 37 judges besides the Chief Justice of India, that is, from 34 to 38 in all. The Bill replaces an ordinance of May 2026; Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal piloted it.
Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill passed; registrations over 2 years late need a Judicial Magistrate
The Rajya Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by voice vote on 4 August 2026, after the Lok Sabha passed it on 31 July. Registration delayed by one to two years will need approval of the District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate or an authorised Executive Magistrate, while registration delayed beyond two years will need a Judicial Magistrate (First Class). The aim is to curb fraudulent records.
Exam angleDelay over 2 years: Judicial Magistrate (First Class)
Parliament passes Bill extending legal protection of the 1971 National Honour Act to 'Vande Mataram'
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed by the Rajya Sabha on 29 July and the Lok Sabha on 30 July 2026. It amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 so that deliberately insulting or obstructing the singing of the national song 'Vande Mataram' becomes punishable, as already applies to the national anthem.
Exam angleAct amended (1971) and what it now protects
Parliament passes Public Examinations Amendment Bill: up to 10 years' jail, ₹10 crore fine
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by the Lok Sabha on 29 July and the Rajya Sabha on 30 July 2026. It amends the 2024 Act and provides imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to ₹10 crore for paper leaks and malpractice. Investigation must finish within two months and trial within three months of the chargesheet, and every State/UT must set up Special Fast Track Courts.
Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath becomes India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site
On 25 July 2026, the 48th session of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee at Busan, South Korea, inscribed the 'Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath' (Uttar Pradesh) on the World Heritage List. It is India's 45th World Heritage property. Sarnath is where the Buddha gave his first sermon.
Exam angleIndia's World Heritage count; venue of 48th WHC session
Samudra Pradakshina: first tri-service all-women circumnavigation completed on IASV Triveni
On 22 July 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged in 'Samudra Pradakshina' at Mumbai, India's first tri-service all-women sailing circumnavigation. Nine women officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force sailed the Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni for 314 days, covering nearly 25,500 nautical miles. The voyage had been flagged off on 11 September 2025.
Exam angleExpedition name, vessel and number of officers
India's first hydrogen passenger train 'Namo Green Rail' launched on Jind–Sonipat route
On 17 July 2026, the Prime Minister inaugurated India's first hydrogen fuel-cell passenger train, Namo Green Rail, at Jind in Haryana. It runs on the Jind–Sonipat section of about 89–90 km. The train has two power cars and eight passenger cars.
VB-G RAM G Act comes into force, raising rural job guarantee from 100 to 125 days
The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 came into force on 1 July 2026, replacing the MGNREGA framework. It guarantees 125 days of wage employment a year to every eligible rural household, up from 100 days. The Centre made an interim allocation of ₹95,692.31 crore to states and UTs for the rollout.
Exam angleDays of guaranteed work; Act it replaced
Home Ministry launches FCRA 2.0 portal and fully digital e-OCI card
On 30 June 2026 Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the FCRA 2.0 portal for registration, renewal and annual returns under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act; it runs on the National Government Cloud with Aadhaar authentication and e-Sign. He also launched the e-OCI card, which lets Overseas Citizens of India apply and download the card fully online.
Exam angleFCRA = Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act; ministry: Home
Amit Shah launches cooperative ride service 'Bharat Taxi' in Gujarat; Jaipur among next 7 cities
On 27 June 2026 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched 'Bharat Taxi', a cooperative-based ride service in which drivers, called 'Sarathis', are shareholders. It runs two-wheelers, autos and cars and is active in Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot. It plans to reach Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Jaipur and Kolkata by 31 July and over 500 cities in two years.
Exam angleCooperative model; Ministry of Cooperation; drivers as shareholders
Rakhigarhi human remains sent to Anthropological Survey of India lab in Kolkata for DNA study
On 22 June 2026, under a new MoU, the Archaeological Survey of India handed human skeletal remains from Rakhigarhi (Haryana) to the Anthropological Survey of India's laboratory in Kolkata. They include three complete skeletons from Mound No. 7, an ancient cemetery dug in 2025-26. Ancient DNA and isotope studies are planned to learn about the Harappan population of about 5,000 years ago.
Exam angleRakhigarhi (Haryana), Mound 7; ASI to AnSI Kolkata
First batch of women cadets from NDA commissioned: 9 into Army at IMA, 5 into IAF
On 13 June 2026 the first batch of women cadets who joined the National Defence Academy were commissioned as officers. Nine were commissioned into the Army at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, where President Droupadi Murmu reviewed the passing out parade, and five into the Indian Air Force at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal. Women were allowed into the NDA after a Supreme Court ruling.
Exam angleFirst NDA women officers: 9 Army (IMA) + 5 IAF = 14
Centre, Assam and Nagaland sign tripartite MoU for oil and gas exploration along their border
On 11 June 2026 the Government of India and the governments of Assam and Nagaland signed a tripartite MoU on exploring and producing crude oil and natural gas in the Assam–Nagaland border belt of over 1,000 sq km. The two states will share the revenue 50:50. The agreement sets aside a decades-old dispute that had held up oil extraction in the area.
Narendra Modi becomes India's longest continuously serving elected PM, passing Nehru's 4,398 days
On 10 June 2026 Narendra Modi completed 4,399 consecutive days in office as an elected Prime Minister, passing Jawaharlal Nehru's 4,398 continuous days (1952–1964). The Union Cabinet passed a resolution congratulating him the same day. Modi has been Prime Minister since 2014.
Exam angleRecord passed: Nehru's 4,398 continuous days
Supreme Court: High Courts to pronounce judgments within 3 months of reserving them
On 29 May 2026 a Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed High Courts to ordinarily pronounce judgments within three months of reserving them. Bail orders should be given the same day, or uploaded the next day if reserved.
Exam angleTime limit for reserved judgments in High Courts
V.D. Satheesan sworn in as Kerala Chief Minister as UDF returns after 10 years
On 18 May 2026 Congress leader V.D. Satheesan took oath as Chief Minister of Kerala at the Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, along with 20 ministers. The Congress-led UDF returned to power after a decade of LDF rule.
NTA cancels NEET-UG 2026 held on 3 May over paper leak inputs; CBI to probe
On 12 May 2026 the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on 3 May, after inputs from central agencies about irregularities including a possible paper leak. The Centre handed the case to the CBI. About 22.8 lakh candidates had taken the exam; the re-exam needs no fresh registration or fee.
PM attends Somnath Amrit Parv marking 75 years of the rebuilt temple's consecration
On 11 May 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the Somnath Amrit Parv at Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, marking 75 years since the rebuilt Somnath temple was consecrated on 11 May 1951 by President Dr Rajendra Prasad. The event also recalled the attack on the temple in 1026, about 1,000 years ago. The PM performed the Kumbhabhishek and Dhvaj Puja; the Surya Kiran team gave an air show.
Exam angleSomnath consecration 1951 by Rajendra Prasad; attack of 1026
TVK founder C. Joseph Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
On 10 May 2026 C. Joseph Vijay, founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai, along with nine ministers. He is the first Chief Minister since 1967 from outside the DMK and AIADMK. He had the support of 120 MLAs in the 234-member House, including Congress and Left parties.
PM makes seven appeals in Hyderabad, including restrained fuel use, amid West Asia crisis
On 10 May 2026 in Hyderabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked citizens to save foreign exchange during the West Asia crisis by cutting the use of imported fuel. His seven appeals were: use public transport and carpooling, avoid foreign travel for a year, avoid destination weddings abroad, not buy gold for a year, work from home, use less edible oil, and cut farmers' dependence on imported chemical fertilisers.
Exam anglePM's seven appeals; reason: foreign exchange and fuel imports
Suvendu Adhikari sworn in as West Bengal's first BJP Chief Minister
On 9 May 2026 Suvendu Adhikari took oath as Chief Minister of West Bengal at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath. He is the first BJP Chief Minister of the state; five Cabinet Ministers were sworn in with him.
Assembly election results declared on 4 May 2026 for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry
Results of the Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry were declared on 4 May 2026. The BJP won a majority in West Bengal for the first time, the NDA retained Assam and Puducherry, and the Congress-led UDF won Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won 108 of 234 seats, the most of any party, and formed the government with the support of other parties.
Ladakh gets five new districts: Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass; total rises to seven
On 27 April 2026 Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved five new districts: Nubra, Sham and Changthang in the Leh region, and Zanskar and Drass in the Kargil region. Ladakh now has seven districts instead of two (Leh and Kargil). The Union Home Ministry had given in-principle approval in August 2024.
Meghalaya ordinance makes Khasi and Garo official languages alongside English
On 27 April 2026 the Governor of Meghalaya promulgated the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026 under Article 213(1), making Khasi and Garo official languages of the State along with English. The ordinance repealed the Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005.
Exam angleMeghalaya official languages: English, Khasi, Garo (Ordinance 2026)
Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on women's reservation defeated in Lok Sabha: 298 for, 230 against
On 17 April 2026 the Lok Sabha defeated the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to speed up 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Of 528 members voting, 298 were in favour and 230 against, short of the 352 votes needed for a two-thirds majority. After the defeat the government withdrew the linked Delimitation Bill and Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill.
Parliament passes Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026: 784 provisions in 79 Central Acts
The Rajya Sabha passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 on 2 April 2026, completing its passage through Parliament. It amends 784 provisions in 79 Central Acts handled by 23 ministries: 717 are decriminalised for ease of doing business and 67 are changed for ease of living. The same day Parliament also cleared the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026.
Parliament gives statutory status to Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh
On 2 April 2026 Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which gives statutory status to Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. The same day Parliament also passed the Jan Vishwas Bill and the CAPF (General Administration) Bill.
Exam angleAmaravati: sole capital of AP via AP Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2026
Census 2027 begins: first phase opens on 1 April with online self-enumeration, India's first digital census
The first phase of Census 2027, the House Listing and Housing Census, began on 1 April 2026 with an online self-enumeration window, offered for the first time, in eight States/UTs. It is India's 16th census and the 8th since Independence, and the first to be done digitally; self-enumeration is available in 16 languages. Each State/UT holds a 30-day house-listing operation, preceded by 15 days of self-enumeration, between April and September 2026.
Exam angle16th census, 8th after Independence; first digital; self-enumeration
Parliament passes Finance Bill, 2026; new Income-tax Act, 2025 in force from 1 April 2026
The Finance Bill, 2026, which gives effect to the Union Budget for 2026-27, was passed by the Lok Sabha with 32 amendments on 25 March and returned by the Rajya Sabha on 27 March 2026, completing the budget process. The new Income-tax Act, 2025, which replaces the Income-tax Act, 1961, came into force on 1 April 2026; the Income-tax Rules, 2026 were notified on 20 March.
Exam angleIncome-tax Act, 2025 (replaces 1961 Act) in force from 1 April 2026
Parliament passes Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced on 13 March, was passed by the Lok Sabha on 24 March and by the Rajya Sabha by voice vote on 25 March 2026. It amends the 2019 Act: it replaces the self-identification-based definition with listed categories (such as kinner, hijra, aravani, jogta and persons with intersex variations) and brings in certification by a medical board. It also adds heavier punishments for forcing people into transgender identity or exploiting them.
Exam angleAmends the Transgender Persons Act, 2019; medical board certification
Biennial Rajya Sabha elections for 37 seats in 10 states; polling on 16 March
The Election Commission held biennial elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats in 10 states, with polling on 16 March 2026 and counting the same evening. Maharashtra had the most seats (7), followed by Tamil Nadu (6), Bihar and West Bengal (5 each), Odisha (4), Assam (3), Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Telangana (2 each) and Himachal Pradesh (1).
Exam angle37 seats, 10 states; Maharashtra had the most (7)
Supreme Court allows passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, first use of its 2018 guidelines in a live case
On 11 March 2026 a Supreme Court bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan allowed withdrawal of life support for Harish Rana, 32, who had been in a permanent vegetative state since a fall in 2013. The court directed AIIMS, New Delhi, to admit him to its palliative care unit for a planned and dignified withdrawal. It was the first time the court applied its 2018 passive euthanasia guidelines to an individual.
Exam angleFirst application of 2018 passive euthanasia guidelines to a person
Cabinet extends Jal Jeevan Mission to December 2028; total outlay raised to Rs 8.69 lakh crore
On 10 March 2026 the Union Cabinet extended the Jal Jeevan Mission up to December 2028 and restructured it. The total outlay was raised to Rs 8.69 lakh crore, with central assistance of Rs 3.59 lakh crore (up from Rs 2.08 lakh crore approved in 2019-20). JJM 2.0 shifts the focus from building pipelines to reliable service delivery, aiming at tap water for all 19.36 crore rural households.
Exam angleJJM extended to December 2028; outlay Rs 8.69 lakh crore
Union Cabinet approves declaring Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu an international airport
On 10 March 2026 the Union Cabinet approved the declaration of Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport. The airport serves the southern districts of the state and already had customs facilities with some flights to Colombo, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The move is meant to boost tourism and trade around the temple city.
Exam angleMadurai (Tamil Nadu) declared international airport
11th Raisina Dialogue held in New Delhi, 5–7 March; Finland's President Alexander Stubb chief guest
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 11th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on 5 March 2026; it ran till 7 March. Finland's President Alexander Stubb was the chief guest, and the theme was 'Saṁskāra – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement'. The Raisina Dialogue is India's flagship conference on geopolitics, organised by the Observer Research Foundation with the Ministry of External Affairs.
Exam angleChief guest: Alexander Stubb (Finland); organiser: ORF with MEA
Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala as 'Keralam'; Bill to go to the State Assembly for views
On 24 February 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal to change the name of the State of Kerala to 'Keralam'. The President will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views before it is introduced in Parliament. The Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution for the change on 24 June 2024. Under Article 3, Parliament can change a state's name by law.
India AI Impact Summit ends with New Delhi Declaration, endorsed by 88 countries and organisations
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi concluded on 21 February 2026 with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, endorsed by 88 countries and international organisations. Guided by 'Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya', it is built on three Sutras (People, Planet, Progress) and seven Chakras (pillars).
PM opens Seva Teerth; first decisions: PM RAHAT cashless care and 6 crore Lakhpati Didi target
On 13 February 2026, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Seva Teerth, which houses the PMO, the National Security Council Secretariat and the Cabinet Secretariat, along with Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2. His first decisions there were the PM RAHAT scheme (cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for accident victims), a new target of 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by March 2029, expanding the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to ₹2 lakh crore, and a ₹10,000 crore Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0.
President's Rule revoked in Manipur; Yumnam Khemchand Singh sworn in as Chief Minister
On 4 February 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs revoked President's Rule in Manipur, imposed on 13 February 2025 after N. Biren Singh resigned. BJP MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh (Singjamei constituency) was sworn in as Chief Minister by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan, Imphal. Nemcha Kipgen (BJP) and Losii Dikho (NPF) became Deputy Chief Ministers.
Sitharaman presents 9th straight Budget: fiscal deficit 4.3% of GDP, public capex ₹12.2 lakh crore
On 1 February 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha, her 9th in a row. It was called a 'Yuva Shakti-driven' Budget built on three 'Kartavya': accelerate and sustain economic growth, fulfil people's aspirations, and Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. The fiscal deficit is estimated at 4.3% of GDP (4.4% in RE 2025-26), public capex at ₹12.2 lakh crore, and debt at 55.6% of GDP, with a target of 50±1% by 2030.
Budget 2026-27: seven high-speed rail corridors, Dankuni–Surat freight corridor and 20 new waterways
The Union Budget 2026-27 proposed seven high-speed rail 'growth connectors': Mumbai–Pune, Pune–Hyderabad, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Hyderabad–Chennai, Chennai–Bengaluru, Delhi–Varanasi and Varanasi–Siliguri. It also announced a new Dedicated Freight Corridor from Dankuni in the east to Surat in the west, 20 new National Waterways, and a Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to raise the share of inland waterways and coastal shipping from 6% to 12% by 2047.
Defence gets ₹7.85 lakh crore in Budget 2026-27, up 15.19% over 2025-26
In the Union Budget 2026-27, the Ministry of Defence received ₹7.85 lakh crore, the highest among ministries. This is about 2% of estimated GDP, 15.19% more than the 2025-26 Budget Estimate, and 14.67% of total Central Government expenditure. Capital expenditure makes up 27.95% of the defence allocation and defence pensions 21.84%.
Centre accepts 16th Finance Commission advice to keep states' share of central taxes at 41%
With the Union Budget 2026-27, the government accepted the 16th Finance Commission's recommendation to keep the vertical share of devolution (states' share in the divisible pool of central taxes) at 41%. It provided ₹1.4 lakh crore to states for 2026-27 as Finance Commission grants, including rural and urban local body and disaster management grants.
Exam angleVertical devolution 41%; FC grants ₹1.4 lakh crore
Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled: GDP growth for 2025-26 estimated at 7.4%
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025-26 in Parliament on 29 January 2026. It estimates real GDP growth of 7.4% in 2025-26 (6.5% in 2024-25) and projects 6.8–7.2% for 2026-27. Retail inflation fell to 1.7% in April–December 2025, and forex reserves covered about 11 months of imports; the Survey also discussed the effect of AI on jobs.
Exam angleSurvey's growth estimate for 2025-26; inflation figure
Maharashtra's 'Ganeshotsav' tableau judged best at Republic Day 2026; Navy best marching contingent
Results for the Republic Day Parade 2026, reported on 29 January, named Maharashtra's 'Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta' the best State/UT tableau, followed by Jammu & Kashmir and Kerala. The Ministry of Culture's 'Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation' was the best central tableau. The Indian Navy was the best marching contingent among the Services, and Delhi Police among CAPFs and auxiliary forces.
Exam angleBest tableau (Maharashtra) and best marching contingents
Parliament's Budget Session opens with President Murmu's address to a joint sitting
The Budget Session of Parliament began on 28 January 2026 with President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of both Houses. The first phase ran from 28 January to 13 February and the second from 9 March to 2 April. The Economic Survey and the Union Budget 2026-27 were presented in this session.
Exam angleStart date of Budget Session; President's address
77th Republic Day: EU leaders Costa and von der Leyen chief guests; theme 150 years of Vande Mataram
India's 77th Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026 had two chief guests: European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The parade was themed on '150 years of Vande Mataram', with tableaux under 'Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram' and 'Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Thirty tableaux (17 States/UTs, 13 Ministries/Services) took part and an EU contingent marched.
Exam angleR-Day 2026 chief guests (EU leaders) and parade theme
Jaishankar launches logo, theme and website of India's BRICS chairship 2026
On 13 January 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched the logo, theme and website (brics2026.gov.in) for India's BRICS chairship in 2026. The theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'. India holds the chair as BRICS completes 20 years, with a 'humanity first' and 'people-centric' approach.
Somnath Swabhiman Parv marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on Somnath (1026)
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv was held at Somnath, Gujarat, from 8 to 11 January 2026 to mark 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the temple in January 1026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited on 10–11 January and led the 'Shaurya Yatra' on 11 January. The year also marks 75 years since the restored temple was reopened in 1951; a 72-hour Omkar chant was part of the Parv.
Exam angleInvader and year commemorated; 1951 reopening
MHA notifies Census 2027 house-listing phase, with a self-enumeration option
On 7 January 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs notified that the House-listing Operations of Census 2027 will be held between 1 April and 30 September 2026, in a 30-day window chosen by each State/UT. A 15-day self-enumeration option will precede house-to-house listing. It will be India's first digital Census, using mobile apps, with about 30 lakh field functionaries.
Exam angleFirst digital Census; 15-day self-enumeration window
Supreme Court stays its 20 November order on the Aravalli definition; new expert committee ordered
On 29 December 2025, a vacation bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih stayed the Supreme Court's 20 November 2025 order on defining the Aravalli hills, which was based on a 100-metre height criterion. The Court ordered a new expert committee and sought replies from the Centre and the four Aravalli states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Haryana. The Centre said the ban on new mining leases remains.
Exam angleAravalli states (4); 100-metre height criterion stayed
PM inaugurates Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 101st birth anniversary
On 25 December 2025, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on the 101st birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The 65-acre memorial has 65-foot bronze statues of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and a lotus-shaped museum. It was built at a cost of about ₹230 crore.
Exam angleMemorial city and the three leaders whose statues stand there
VB-G RAM G Act replaces MGNREGA; rural job guarantee raised from 100 to 125 days
The President gave assent on 21 December 2025 to the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, passed by Parliament on 18 December. It replaces MGNREGA, 2005 and guarantees at least 125 days of wage work a year to rural households. Centre–state funding is 60:40 (90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states), with a 60-day no-work window in peak sowing and harvest seasons.
Exam angleGuaranteed days (125); law replaced (MGNREGA); funding ratio 60:40
Winter Session ends: 15 sittings, 8 Bills passed; special debate on 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'
The Winter Session of Parliament, which began on 1 December 2025, was adjourned sine die on 19 December after 15 sittings; 8 Bills were passed by both Houses. A special discussion on the 150th anniversary of the National Song 'Vande Mataram' was held in Lok Sabha on 8 December (initiated by the Prime Minister) and in Rajya Sabha on 9–11 December. The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 was sent to a Joint Committee.
Exam angleVande Mataram 150 years; Bills of the Winter Session 2025
Parliament passes SHANTI Bill opening civil nuclear power to private companies
On 18 December 2025, Rajya Sabha passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, after Lok Sabha. It lets licensed private companies and joint ventures build and operate nuclear plants, gives the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board statutory status and repeals the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. The President later gave assent, making it an Act.
Exam angleSHANTI full form; statutory status for AERB; 100 GW by 2047 goal
Union Cabinet approves ₹11,718.24 crore for Census 2027, India's first digital census
On 12 December 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the scheme for conducting Census of India 2027 at a cost of ₹11,718.24 crore. About 30 lakh field functionaries will collect data on mobile apps, making it the first digital census, and caste enumeration will be included. It will be the 16th census in the series and the 8th since Independence.
Exam angleCensus 2027: cost, 16th census, 8th since Independence