1 Indian Navy to induct stealth frigate ‘Taragiri- F41’ on April 3
The Indian Navy will induct its newest stealth frigate, the Taragiri F41, into its fleet on April 3. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will preside over the ceremony in Visakhapatnam . The Defense Ministry stated that the warship is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and built in a more streamlined shape than other warships. The warship can operate with lethal stealth. Ships equipped with stealth systems are easily detected by radar. The ministry said that more than 75 percent of the warship is indigenously constructed. The warship demonstrates the domestic industrial capabilities, which now include more than 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises. The warship can be powered by both diesel and gas.
2. Boost to MSME sector, major changes in mutual credit guarantee scheme
In line with Budget 2025-26, the government has made major changes to the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme to promote micro, small, and medium enterprises ( MSMEs) manufacturers and exporters . Under the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme, 60% guarantee coverage is provided on term loans up to ₹100 crore for machinery/equipment purchases by eligible micro, small, and medium enterprises. Supported by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited , this scheme facilitates easy access to credit from banks through guarantees. The Finance Ministry said in a statement that the amendments will expand the scheme, reduce compliance burden, and encourage exporting MSMEs. Under the revised scheme, the five% advance contribution is repayable in installments after the fourth year. One percent of this contribution will be repaid annually from the fourth year onwards upon satisfactory credit performance. The eligibility criteria have been expanded to include service sector MSMEs. The minimum project cost requirement for machinery and equipment has been reduced from 75% to 60%.
3 Union Power Minister inaugurated Prakriti 2026
The Government of India ‘s flagship event, ‘ Prakriti 2026′ — an international conference on carbon markets — began in New Delhi . Organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency , under the aegis of the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change , the conference is being held under the aegis of the ‘ India Power Summit 2026 ‘. This high-level platform brings together national and international experts, policymakers, industry representatives, and researchers to provide a broad-based discussion on the changing dynamics of carbon markets, their role in climate change, and India’s green growth opportunities. This year’s theme, ” Facilitating Carbon Finance for NDC Implementation through Global Partnerships and Digital Means, ” reflects India’s strong focus on mobilizing financial resources, strengthening collaboration, and leveraging digital innovation to accelerate climate action. During the event, Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of State for Power, Shri Shripad Naik, and other dignitaries launched the Indian Carbon Market Portal (www.indiancarbonmarket.gov.in). This portal will serve as a central digital platform for the implementation and administration of the Indian carbon market.
4. Ministry of Jal Shakti to organise World Water Day Conference 2026 in New Delhi
World Water Day, celebrated globally on March 22nd , commemorates the critical importance of freshwater and the urgent need for sustainable water management. It highlights the growing challenges of climate change and equitable access, uniting governments, industries, and communities around the world to work towards securing water for present and future generations. This year’s global theme, ” Water and Gender ,” underscores the need for inclusive and equitable water governance. Reinforcing this global call, the Ministry of Jal Shakti will organize the World Water Day Conference 2026 on March 23, 2026, under the theme ” Industry for Water, ” at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi . The inaugural session will be held in the presence of Shri C.R. Patil, Minister of Jal Shakti , and senior representatives from the government and industry.
5 Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launches Income Tax Department’s nationwide awareness campaign ‘Prarambh 2026’ on Income Tax Act, 2025
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman , launched ‘ PRARAMBH 2026 ‘, the Income Tax Department’s nationwide awareness campaign on the Income Tax Act, 2025, in New Delhi . This multimedia campaign, spanning print, radio, television, outdoor, digital, and social media, is designed to create awareness about the key features of the new Act. The Act is scheduled to come into effect from 01.04.2026. These rules are part of broader reforms in India’s tax compliance system and will replace outdated provisions under the new Income Tax Act, 2025. These reforms aim to enhance transparency, strengthen reporting standards, and modernize the tax system for digital and international (cross-border) businesses.
A new initiative has been launched to promote digital payments between India and Bhutan . A cross-border money transfer initiative using UPI will soon be launched between the two countries. This facility will be provided through the postal network, linking the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) postal transfer system with India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This initiative will facilitate the people of both countries to send and receive money in a cheap and easy manner, strengthening financial connectivity. In this regard, India and Bhutan have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Postal Cooperation, which will establish a framework for cooperation between India Post and Bhutan Post.
7 The Golden Road’s success: William Dalrymple receives a major honor
Historian William Dalrymple has won the prestigious Mark Lynton History Prize 2026 for his book, ” The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World .” The award recognizes outstanding historical writing that combines rigorous research with engaging and compelling presentation. Dalrymple’s book highlights India’s central role in ancient global exchanges and challenges the conventional view that focuses solely on the Silk Road.
8 India tests indigenous floating lidar buoy system
India has achieved a significant milestone in the field of maritime technology by successfully testing the Floating LiDAR Buoy System . This advanced system has been developed to measure wind speed and direction over the ocean with extreme accuracy . It will help in weather forecasting, cyclone prediction, and planning of offshore wind energy projects. This initiative demonstrates India’s commitment to renewable energy and climate monitoring, while also strengthening the goal of a self-reliant India. The Floating LiDAR Buoy System is a modern marine instrument that measures wind speed and direction over the ocean. It is based on LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. It is installed on a buoy floating in the ocean and collects wind data at different heights above the sea level.
Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, was honoured with the KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in recognition of her contributions to social development, education, health, rural transformation, women’s empowerment, and sports . The award was presented by Sri Lankan Nobel Laureate Mohan Munasinghe , and the event was attended by Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, along with senior officials, students, and dignitaries. The KISS Humanitarian Award is a prestigious honour given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to social development and human welfare. The award was presented by Mohan Munasinghe in the presence of Achyuta Samanta and other dignitaries. The ceremony was attended by KISS students, senior officials, academicians, and distinguished guests from various fields.
10 Major decision of GSI: Kalinjar Fort gets land heritage status
The Geological Survey of India has designated Kalinjar Fort in Uttar Pradesh as a National Geo-Heritage Site . This recognition marks a significant step toward global recognition of one of India’s unique geological formations. This initiative is not limited to science but will also promote history, tourism, and local development. The site presents a record of Earth’s evolution spanning billions of years, making it extremely rare and significant. The Geological Survey of India’s designation aims to highlight the importance of preserving rare geological sites. Located in Banda district , Uttar Pradesh , the fort is now officially recognized for its scientific and natural significance. This initiative strengthens efforts to preserve and promote India’s natural heritage. Kalinjar Fort is renowned for its rare geological formation called the ” Eparchaean Unconformity , ” which represents a significant time span in Earth’s history. Here, the approximately 2.5 billion-year-old Bundelkhand granite rock is overlain by a layer of 1.2 billion-year-old Kaimur sandstone . These distinct layers help scientists understand the Earth’s evolution.
The Punjab Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the ” Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur World-Class University Punjab Bill, 2026. ” The bill aims to establish a state-of-the-art, world-class university named after the ninth Sikh Guru on the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib . A total investment of ₹300 crore is proposed for the project over the next three years, with an initial allocation of ₹20 crore in the current budget . The university will offer North India’s first specialized courses in the fields of defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. The goal is to establish the institution among the world’s leading educational centers. These courses are expected to commence in July this year.