Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) celebrated the 164th Income Tax Day across India to recognise the role of direct taxes in national development and public finance. Income Tax Day is associated with the introduction of income tax in India in 1860. Direct taxes are collected directly from individuals, companies and other entities based on income or profits, and they contribute significantly to government revenue. The observance promotes awareness about voluntary tax compliance, taxpayer services, digital filing facilities and the importance of transparent tax administration.

Role of Direct Taxes in Development:

• Income-tax revenue supports government expenditure on infrastructure, education, healthcare, welfare schemes, defence and other public services. A broad and compliant taxpayer base helps strengthen fiscal capacity and improves the government’s ability to fund development priorities.

• CBDT administers direct-tax laws and works to simplify compliance through technology-enabled services, taxpayer assistance and risk-based assessment. The board functions under the Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance.

About CBDT :-
Full Name:, Central Board of Direct Taxes
Parent Department:, Department of Revenue
Ministry:, Ministry of Finance
Role:, Administration of Direct Taxes

EbixCash became India's first non-bank entity to receive a Perpetual Authorised Dealer Category-II Licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The licence permits the entity to undertake specified foreign-exchange transactions under the regulatory framework prescribed by RBI. Authorised Dealer Category-II entities play an important role in providing permitted foreign-exchange services, including remittances and other approved cross-border transactions. The perpetual nature of the licence provides continuity, subject to regulatory compliance, governance standards and ongoing supervision by the central bank.

Significance of the RBI Licence:

• The approval enables EbixCash to expand its permitted foreign-exchange service offerings without operating as a traditional bank. It reflects RBI’s regulated approach towards allowing eligible non-bank entities to participate in authorised foreign-exchange activities.

• Such entities must follow RBI directions relating to customer due diligence, anti-money-laundering norms, reporting requirements and transaction limits. The licence strengthens formal channels for cross-border financial services and supports transparency in foreign-exchange transactions.

About RBI :-
Full Name:, Reserve Bank of India
Established:, 1935
Headquarters:, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Role:, Central Bank and Foreign Exchange Regulator

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and MAHAPREIT joined hands to support financing for green rural infrastructure. The collaboration seeks to promote environmentally sustainable development projects in rural areas, including renewable energy, energy-efficient systems, water conservation and climate-resilient infrastructure. Rural infrastructure is essential for improving livelihoods, agricultural productivity, local enterprise development and access to basic services. Green financing can help ensure that development investments reduce environmental impact while also strengthening long-term resilience against climate-related risks.

Focus on Green Rural Development:

• The partnership can help mobilise financial resources for projects that improve energy access, reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable rural services. Such investments can create employment, reduce operating costs and encourage adoption of cleaner technologies in villages.

• NABARD plays a major role in rural credit, agricultural development and infrastructure financing. Collaboration with specialised institutions can improve project design, funding access and implementation capacity for green-development initiatives in Maharashtra.

About NABARD :-
Full Name:, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
Established:, 1982
Headquarters:, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Role:, Rural Development Finance and Refinance

Viswanathan Anand took charge as the Interim President of FIDE, the global governing body for chess. The appointment brings one of India’s most accomplished chess players into a key leadership role in international chess administration. FIDE is responsible for conducting major world championships, framing rules, maintaining player ratings and promoting chess development across member federations. Anand is widely recognised for his contribution to Indian and global chess, including becoming India’s first Grandmaster and winning multiple World Chess Championship titles.

Leadership in Global Chess:

• As Interim President, Anand will be associated with institutional leadership, coordination with national chess federations and support for initiatives that strengthen the sport’s reach, integrity and competitive structure at international levels.

• His appointment is significant for India’s chess ecosystem, which has produced a growing number of elite players and young grandmasters. It can inspire wider participation, improved training systems and greater engagement with chess administration in India.

About FIDE :-
Full Name:, Fédération Internationale des Échecs
Role:, Global Governing Body for Chess
Established:, 1924
Headquarters:, Lausanne, Switzerland

Naresh Pal Gangwar was appointed as the Higher Education Secretary, taking charge of an important administrative role in India’s higher-education system. The Department of Higher Education works under the Ministry of Education and is responsible for policy implementation, coordination and institutional development related to universities, technical institutes, research bodies and professional education. The Secretary plays a key role in translating government priorities into administrative action, coordinating with regulators and supporting programmes that improve quality, access, research and innovation in higher education.

Role in Higher-Education Administration:

• The Higher Education Secretary helps oversee policy initiatives concerning universities, centrally funded institutions, technical education and research. The office is important for improving governance, strengthening academic standards and expanding educational opportunities across regions.

• The department works with institutions and regulators to promote multidisciplinary learning, research capacity, digital education and skill-oriented programmes. Effective administration supports the objectives of the National Education Policy and helps build a globally competitive higher-education ecosystem.

About Department of Higher Education :-
Ministry:, Ministry of Education
Headquarters:, New Delhi
Role:, Higher Education Policy and Institutional Development
Key Areas:, Universities, Technical Education and Research

Microsoft India and the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi launched UNNATI AI 2.0 to support artificial-intelligence innovation, skill development and technology-led solutions. The initiative is designed to strengthen the innovation ecosystem by connecting students, researchers, start-ups and industry participants with opportunities to develop practical AI applications. Artificial intelligence has growing relevance across education, healthcare, agriculture, governance, manufacturing and financial services. Programmes that combine technical mentoring, access to tools and industry collaboration can help young innovators translate ideas into scalable solutions.

Innovation and AI Skill Development:

• UNNATI AI 2.0 can help participants gain exposure to AI-based problem solving, responsible technology practices and real-world use cases. Such platforms encourage innovation that addresses local and national challenges through data-driven approaches.

• The collaboration brings together industry expertise and academic research capability. It supports the development of an innovation pipeline in which promising ideas can receive mentorship, validation and support for wider adoption.

About FITT IIT Delhi :-
Full Name:, Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer
Institution:, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Role:, Technology Transfer and Innovation Support
Location:, New Delhi

India sent 4.5 tonnes of medical aid to Kenya as part of its humanitarian assistance and development partnership outreach. Medical assistance can include essential medicines, medical supplies, emergency health materials and other items required to support public-health needs. India has regularly provided humanitarian support to partner countries during health emergencies, natural disasters and other situations requiring urgent relief. Such assistance demonstrates India’s commitment to the principle of humanitarian cooperation and strengthens people-centric relations with African countries.

India’s Humanitarian Partnership with Africa:

• The medical aid supports Kenya’s public-health response and reflects India’s readiness to assist partner nations through timely humanitarian supplies. It also demonstrates the importance of health cooperation in India’s broader engagement with African countries.

• India’s development partnerships in Africa include capacity building, healthcare, education, digital connectivity, infrastructure and trade cooperation. Humanitarian assistance complements these long-term partnerships by responding to immediate needs while building goodwill and mutual trust.

About Kenya :-
Capital:, Nairobi
Currency:, Kenyan Shilling
Continent:, Africa
Regional Grouping:, East African Community

India called for development-oriented reforms at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Policy Review. India highlighted the need for a fair, inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system that addresses the concerns of developing countries. The WTO Trade Policy Review mechanism evaluates the trade policies and practices of member countries, promotes transparency and enables discussion on how national measures affect global trade. India’s position emphasised that global trade rules should provide adequate policy space for developing economies to pursue growth, food security, industrial development and livelihood protection.

India’s Trade-Reform Priorities:

• India supports reforms that strengthen the multilateral trading system while protecting the developmental interests of poorer and emerging economies. It has consistently highlighted concerns regarding agricultural subsidies, public stockholding, fisheries support and unequal capacities among WTO members.

• Development-oriented reforms seek to ensure that trade rules do not disproportionately burden developing countries. India advocates transparent negotiations, consensus-based decision-making and solutions that help members benefit more equitably from international trade.

About WTO :-
Full Name:, World Trade Organization
Headquarters:, Geneva, Switzerland
Established:, 1995
Role:, Global Rules-Based Trade System

The National Pledge Against Drug Abuse Campaign was announced to promote public awareness, community participation and preventive action against substance abuse. The campaign encourages citizens, particularly young people, educational institutions, families and community organisations, to pledge against the use and spread of narcotic substances. Drug abuse has serious consequences for physical health, mental well-being, family stability, educational outcomes and public safety. A coordinated prevention campaign can combine awareness activities, counselling, treatment support, law-enforcement action and rehabilitation services to address the issue comprehensively.

Prevention and Community Participation:

• The campaign focuses on building a drug-free society by encouraging people to recognise the risks associated with substance abuse and to support early intervention. Educational institutions and local communities can play an important role in identifying vulnerable individuals and spreading awareness.

• India’s anti-drug efforts involve prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and action against illicit trafficking. Public pledges and awareness drives complement enforcement measures by strengthening social responsibility and encouraging individuals to seek help through appropriate support systems.

About NCB :-
Full Name:, Narcotics Control Bureau
Parent Ministry:, Ministry of Home Affairs
Role:, Combating Drug Trafficking and Illegal Narcotics Activities
Headquarters:, New Delhi

The 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting concluded in New Delhi, bringing together member countries to discuss cooperation in public health, disease prevention, health-system strengthening and access to affordable medical services. BRICS countries represent major emerging economies and their health cooperation focuses on shared challenges such as communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, digital health, medicine availability and emergency preparedness. Health-ministerial meetings provide a platform for exchanging best practices, coordinating priorities and exploring collaborative research among member nations.

Health Cooperation among BRICS Members:

• The meeting emphasised the importance of stronger health systems, equitable access to healthcare and cooperation on common public-health challenges. Collaboration can support knowledge sharing on disease surveillance, affordable medicines, medical research and health workforce development.

• BRICS health cooperation also recognises the need for preparedness against future health emergencies. Joint approaches can help members improve response capacity, strengthen supply chains and promote innovation in healthcare delivery for large and diverse populations.

About BRICS :-
Members:, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with expanded members
Focus:, Economic, Political and Development Cooperation
India’s Role:, Founding Member
Health Cooperation:, Public Health and Medical Collaboration

Infosys appointed Ashiss Kumar Dash as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. The appointment places responsibility for corporate strategy, technology-led business growth, client relationships, operational performance and long-term value creation with the new leadership. Infosys is one of India’s leading information-technology services companies, with operations across digital transformation, consulting, software engineering, cloud services and business-process solutions. Leadership changes in major technology firms are closely watched because they can influence business priorities, investment decisions, talent strategy and global client engagement.

Leadership and Technology Strategy:

• The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director is responsible for guiding the company’s business direction, improving competitiveness and ensuring that strategic plans are aligned with market opportunities. This includes managing innovation, technology capabilities and client-delivery performance.

• India’s information-technology sector contributes substantially to services exports, employment and digital transformation worldwide. Effective corporate leadership helps firms respond to evolving demand in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity and digital engineering.

About Infosys :-
Founded:, 1981
Headquarters:, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Sector:, Information Technology Services and Consulting
Global Presence:, Digital and Business Transformation Services

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile, advancing India’s indigenous air-defence capability. The Kusha programme is designed to develop a long-range system capable of detecting, tracking and intercepting aerial threats. Modern air-defence systems are important for protecting strategic assets, population centres and military formations from aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and other airborne threats. Indigenous development strengthens national security by reducing dependence on imported systems and by building domestic expertise in radar, guidance, propulsion, command-and-control and interceptor technologies.

Importance of Long-Range Air Defence:

• The successful test validates key elements of the missile system and supports further development towards operational deployment. Long-range air-defence capability provides layered protection by engaging threats at greater distances before they approach critical areas.

• The Kusha programme reflects India’s broader emphasis on self-reliance in defence technology. It can strengthen the country’s ability to develop integrated air-defence networks and respond effectively to evolving aerial-security challenges.

About DRDO :-
Full Name:, Defence Research and Development Organisation
Ministry:, Ministry of Defence
Headquarters:, New Delhi
Role:, Defence Research and Indigenous Technology Development

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the BHASHINI Rajyam Initiative in Goa to promote digital-language inclusion and expand access to public services through Indian languages. The initiative is associated with the broader BHASHINI platform, which supports language technologies such as translation, speech recognition, text-to-speech and multilingual digital interfaces. Language technology can help citizens access government services, educational content and digital platforms in languages they understand, reducing barriers created by limited English-language access.

Digital Inclusion through Indian Languages:

• BHASHINI Rajyam aims to encourage the use of Indian languages in digital governance, public communication and service delivery. It can support more accessible digital interfaces for citizens, particularly those who are more comfortable using regional languages.

• The initiative reflects the role of artificial intelligence and language tools in expanding digital participation. It can enable institutions to develop multilingual applications, improve public outreach and make technology services more inclusive across diverse linguistic communities.

About BHASHINI :-
Full Name:, Bharat Languages Interface for India
Parent Ministry:, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Focus:, Indian Language Technology and Digital Inclusion
Key Functions:, Translation, Speech and Multilingual Digital Services

India received its first indigenous 350 kg thrust expendable turbojet engine, marking progress in domestic aerospace and defence propulsion technology. Turbojet engines generate thrust by drawing in air, compressing it, mixing it with fuel and expelling high-speed exhaust gases. An expendable engine is designed for one-time mission use, making it suitable for platforms where recovery and reuse are not required. Indigenous propulsion development is strategically important because it reduces reliance on imported components and supports the development of unmanned systems, target platforms and other aerospace applications.

Significance of Indigenous Propulsion:

• The delivery demonstrates India’s growing capability in designing and manufacturing specialised propulsion systems. Such engines can support future defence and aerospace platforms that require compact, reliable and cost-effective power solutions.

• Domestic engine technology strengthens self-reliance by building expertise in materials, combustion, aerodynamics, testing and precision manufacturing. It can also create opportunities for private-sector suppliers, research institutions and start-ups in the aerospace ecosystem.

About DRDO :-
Full Name:, Defence Research and Development Organisation
Ministry:, Ministry of Defence
Headquarters:, New Delhi
Role:, Defence Research and Indigenous Technology Development