National Affairs
- Union Cabinet Approves Renaming of Kerala to “Keralam”
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval to rename the Indian state of Kerala as Keralam. This decision follows resolutions passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in August 2023 and June 2024. As per Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, the name change will now be taken up in Parliament, and on passage, will require Presidential assent and amendments to both the First and Fourth Schedules of the Constitution. The proposed renaming aligns with cultural specificity, reflecting the Malayalam nomenclature of the state.
- India Launches National Counter-Terrorism Policy ‘PRAHAAR’
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released India’s first comprehensive national counter-terrorism policy and strategy named PRAHAAR, an acronym symbolizing swift and decisive action. The policy outlines a multi-pillar approach focusing on prevention, rapid response, synergy across agencies, respect for human rights and rule of law, mitigation of radicalisation, international cooperation, and capacity building. This framework aims to address evolving terrorism threats through proactive measures and integrated governance.
- Government of India and France Sign Protocol to Amend DTAC
India and France signed an amendment protocol to the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTAC), enhancing defence cooperation. The revised protocol facilitates deeper collaboration in technology sharing, co-development, and joint research in defence sectors, strengthening strategic ties between the two nations in the context of regional security and defence industrial cooperation.
- India–GCC Joint Statement on Free Trade Agreement
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members issued a joint statement affirming progress towards a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The planned FTA aims to reduce tariff barriers, boost bilateral trade, deepen investment ties, and enhance economic collaboration across sectors such as energy, services, and manufacturing.
- Parliamentary Friendship Groups Constituted
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla constituted Parliamentary Friendship Groups with 64 countries. These groups are designed to strengthen inter-parliamentary dialogue, enhance bilateral cooperation, and foster diplomatic goodwill. Parliamentarians in these forums are expected to engage in policy discussions, cultural exchanges, and collaborative initiatives with counterpart legislatures.
Economic & Development News
- Union Cabinet Fixes MSP for Raw Jute
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute (Fair Quality, TD-3) at Rs 5,925 per quintal for the 2026–27 marketing season. The MSP mechanism aims to protect farmers’ interests and ensure remunerative prices in the face of market volatility.
- Infrastructure and Port Investments in Tamil Nadu
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth around Rs 1,500 crore at the VOC Port in Tamil Nadu, targeting port infrastructure upgrade, logistics efficiency, and regional economic development.
Security and Defence
- India-USA Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘Vajra Prahar’ Begins
The 16th edition of the joint India–USA Special Forces exercise Vajra Prahar commenced in Himachal Pradesh. This bilateral military exercise focuses on counter-terrorism, joint tactical operations, and interoperability between the two forces, enhancing readiness in complex terrains.
- Indian Army Conducts Exercise Agni Varsha
The Indian Army undertook Exercise Agni Varsha at Pokhran, Rajasthan, a large-scale exercise demonstrating integrated warfare capabilities, mechanised formations, and operational preparedness amidst diverse combat scenarios.
Science, Environment, and Innovation
- Botanists Discover New Plant Species ‘Impatiens nagorum’
Researchers from Northeast India described a new species of flowering plant named Impatiens nagorum, discovered in Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagaland. The species, notable for its distinctive purple flowers, adds to India’s botanical diversity and highlights the ecological richness of the Eastern Himalayas.
- International AI Summit Series Continues
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi concluded recently, reinforcing India’s role as a global hub for artificial intelligence discourse and innovation. Hosted under the IndiaAI Mission, the summit brought policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to discuss ethical AI, regulatory frameworks, and global AI governance.
-Citizenmitra
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