China is redrawing its energy playbook for 2026, placing security, self‑sufficiency and large‑scale infrastructure at the center of its next five‑year plan. The broader global energy narrative shows a two_speed dynamic: China aggressively pursues new energy capacity and climate targets, while the United States places greater emphasis on oil, gas and coal to secure supply and manage costs. The shift reflects Beijing’s aim to improve energy resilience and decarbonization across sectors, while keeping pace with rapid domestic demand and international competition for critical minerals and technologies.
China’s energy strategy centers on security, self‑sufficiency and large‑scale infrastructure.
New energy and climate targets are pursued alongside traditional fossil fuel use.
There is a perceived global divide in energy policy between China and the US.
The plan signals intensified efforts in decarbonization and energy resilience.
India and Nepal sign MoU to promote biodiversity cooperation
India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote bilateral cooperation in forests, wildlife, environment, biodiversity conservation and climate change. The ceremony occurred in New Delhi in the presence of Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Nepal’s Cabinet Minister for Forests and Environment, Madhav Prasad Chaulagain. The MoU envisages landscape‑level biodiversity strategies with emphasis on elephants, Gangetic dolphins, rhinoceroses, snow leopards, tigers and vultures. It also supports strengthened forest and protected area management, restoration of wildlife corridors and transboundary conservation landscapes. The accord is expected to deepen cooperation and sustainable resource management in the region.
MoU signed in New Delhi by Indian and Nepali officials.
Focus on biodiversity conservation and climate change collaboration.
Priorities include elephants, Gangetic dolphins, rhinos, snow leopards, tigers and vultures.
Measures include forest management and wildlife corridors.
Aims to deepen cross‑border conservation and sustainable resource use.
South Central Railway unveiled a next‑generation Rail Parcel App at Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad, creating a digital e‑marketplace to transform freight logistics. The app offers end‑to‑end services, including doorstep pickup and delivery, real‑time tracking, automated notifications and secure digital payments. Initial pilots run across seven locations, including Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Bengaluru. General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava inaugurated the platform, highlighting its role in eliminating long queues and delivering parcel services to customers’ fingertips. Separately, SCR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IIM Bangalore to study the freight logistics market and to align rail operations with India’s cargo target of 3,000 million tonnes by 2030.
Rail Parcel App introduces end‑to‑end freight services with doorstep pickup and delivery.
Features include real‑time tracking, notifications and digital payments.
Pilot rollout covers seven locations, including Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Bengaluru.
A collaboration with IIM Bangalore will study freight logistics and infrastructure gaps.
The initiative supports India’s target of 3,000 million tonnes of cargo by 2030.
Tomas Martin Etcheverry wins maiden ATP title at Rio Open
Argentine tennis player Tomas Martin Etcheverry won his first ATP Tour title at the Rio Open in Brazil, defeating Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 in the final. The 26‑year‑old achieved his maiden ATP 500 trophy after three prior runner‑ups. Rain delays earlier in the day forced Etcheverry to play both his semi‑final and final on the same day, testing his stamina. During the tournament he also registered his 100th tour‑level win, underscoring his rising trajectory on the professional circuit and signaling potential for continued success on clay in future seasons.
Etcheverry won his first ATP Tour title at the Rio Open, defeating Alejandro Tabilo in the final.
Final score: 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4.
He played both semi‑final and final on the same day due to rain delays.
This win marked his first ATP 500 trophy and 100th tour‑level win.
The victory signals a rising phase in Etcheverry’s clay‑court career.
NBEMS sets Guinness World Record for AI in Healthcare livestream
NBEMS, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, an autonomous body under the Union Health Ministry, has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records for delivering the highest number of viewers for a live YouTube lesson on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. The nationwide training programme targets registered medical practitioners to build familiarity with AI applications in diagnostics, clinical decision‑making, patient monitoring and health‑care management. The session demonstrates India’s push to integrate digital tools in medical education and practice. NBEMS emphasises accessible content for doctors nationwide and adherence to safety and privacy standards, highlighting a broader drive to scale digital health training in India.
NBEMS recognised by Guinness World Records for the largest audience of a live AI in Healthcare session on YouTube.
The event was part of a nationwide online training programme for registered medical practitioners.
NBEMS operates under the Union Health Ministry as an autonomous body.
Training covers AI in diagnostics, clinical decision‑making, patient monitoring and health‑care management.
This development reflects India’s broader push toward digital health education.
Narendra Modi becomes first world leader to reach 100 million Instagram followers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first world leader and politician to surpass 100 million followers on Instagram, highlighting his growing global digital presence. Modi joined Instagram in 2014, and over the last decade has developed one of the world’s most followed political profiles. The milestone emphasizes the role of social media in contemporary diplomacy and public communication, with Modi using the platform to share government initiatives, international visits and policy messages. The achievement reflects India’s emphasis on digital outreach and public engagement with citizens abroad and at home.
Modi becomes the first world leader to exceed 100 million Instagram followers.
He joined Instagram in 2014 and maintains a high‑impact political profile.
The milestone emphasizes social media in modern diplomacy and governance.
India’s focus on digital outreach is reinforced by this achievement.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari launched the upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH web portal to streamline the No Objection Certificate process for access and utility works along National Highways. The portal aims to simplify procedures, enhance transparency and promote ease of doing business. It enables online applications for permissions related to fuel stations, wayside amenities, private properties, rest area complexes and connecting roads along National Highways. The upgraded system promises faster, more transparent and time‑bound approvals. The rollout is planned as a pilot across seven major locations, with possible subsequent expansion to support highway projects and related private investment.
RAJMARG PRAVESH now accepts online applications for highway access permissions.
The upgrade aims to enhance transparency and speed in approvals for NOC‑related works.
Pilot deployment covers seven major locations.
The portal supports permissions for fuel stations, wayside amenities and private properties along highways.
It aligns with ease of doing business and faster project clearances.
Vice President inaugurates USISPF Tourism Leadership Summit 2026
Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Tourism Leadership Summit 2026 on 24 February 2026 in New Delhi, at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum office. The day‑long event, organised by USISPF in collaboration with the Sankala Foundation, gathered Union Ministers, senior government officials, global hospitality executives, multilateral representatives and conservation experts. Delegates discussed strategies to strengthen India's tourism ecosystem and expand U.S.–India travel and investment ties. The summit highlighted policy initiatives to promote sustainable tourism growth, infrastructure, marketing and cross‑border collaboration to boost job creation and regional development.
Summit held in New Delhi on 24 February 2026.
Participants included Union Ministers, officials and global industry leaders.
Focus on strengthening India’s tourism sector and US‑India travel ties.
Discussions covered sustainable tourism, infrastructure and marketing.
Event supported by USISPF and the Sankala Foundation.