US to place sitting president's signature on currency for first time
The United States Treasury plans to redesign currency notes to carry the signature of the sitting president, starting in June 2026. This marks the first time a sitting president’s signature will appear on U.S. paper money. The change accompanies preparations for the 250th anniversary of American independence. The redesigned notes will retain their current layout and security features, with the key modification being the replacement of the Treasurer’s signature by the president’s. The move is described as a historic shift in the country’s monetary tradition and signals a higher emphasis on presidential leadership in currency design.
New U.S. notes will include the sitting president's signature from June 2026.
Treasurer’s signature will be replaced by the president’s signature.
Overall design and security features remain unchanged.
Timing aligns with the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
This is the first instance of a sitting president on U.S. currency.
Amrabad Tiger Reserve relocation plan balances conservation with tribal welfare
Telangana government announces rehabilitation and relocation of tribal families residing inside the Amrabad Tiger Reserve. The plan seeks to balance wildlife conservation with socio-economic development for indigenous communities. Officials emphasise reducing human-wildlife conflicts while improving living standards and livelihoods. Amrabad Tiger Reserve lies in the Nallamala hills of Telangana and forms a key part of the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve landscape. The relocation is part of a broader ecosystem management strategy that incorporates tribal welfare alongside biodiversity protection, aiming to maintain ecological integrity of the reserve while supporting sustainable community life.
Telangana begins rehabilitation of tribal families in Amrabad Tiger Reserve.
Plan links biodiversity conservation with tribal welfare and livelihoods.
Amrabad is in the Nallamala hills within the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam corridor.
Efforts focus on reducing human-wildlife conflict.
Relocation is part of integrated protected-area management.
Periasamy Kumaran appointed India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom
Indian Foreign Service officer Periasamy Kumaran has been appointed the next High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom. Kumaran, a 1992 batch officer, currently serves as Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. He holds a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication from IIT Madras and has held postings in Cairo, Brussels, Colombo, Doha, and Singapore. The appointment signals India’s diplomatic priorities with the UK, and Kumaran is expected to assume duties shortly. His broad experience across regional and multilateral platforms is seen as valuable for strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
Periasamy Kumaran named High Commissioner to the UK (26 March 2026).
1992-batch IFS officer; currently MEA Secretary (East).
Academic background: IIT Madras, B.Tech in ECE.
Previous postings include Cairo, Brussels, Colombo, Doha, and Singapore.
Appointment aims to strengthen India-UK diplomatic engagement.
Nandamuri Balakrishna receives Lifetime Achievement at IFFD 2026
Veteran Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026. The accolade recognises his five-decade-long contribution to Indian cinema and his versatility across genres. The ceremony took place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the presence of cinema professionals and dignitaries. Balakrishna, celebrated for his sustained impact on Telugu cinema, was praised for his prolific body of work and influence on regional film industries. The event underscored IFFD 2026’s aim to celebrate cinematic excellence and long-standing industry leaders.
Balakrishna received IFFD 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award.
IFFD 2026 ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi.
Award commemorates 50 years in Balakrishna’s film career.
Festival highlighted contributions to Indian regional cinema.
Presence of notable cinema personalities at the event.
‘People’s Padma’ on Akashvani features Padma Shri awardee Mishra
As part of the series ‘People’s Padma’ on Akashvani, Odisha-born writer and educator Mahendra Kumar Mishra will be honoured with the Padma Shri for literature and education. The upcoming episode will air at 9:10 AM on 100.1 Akashvani Gold, with availability on the NEWSONAIR App and the NEWSONAIROFFICIAL YouTube channel. The feature recognises Mishra’s contributions to regional literature and educational initiatives, highlighting his role in promoting literacy and cultural heritage. Akashvani’s program underscores the ongoing celebration of Padma awardees and their societal impact.
Mahendra Kumar Mishra to be conferred Padma Shri for literature and education.
Akashvani series ‘People’s Padma’ features Mishra at 9:10 AM on 100.1 FM.
Streaming available via NEWSONAIR App and YouTube channel.
Mishra recognised for contributions to Odisha’s literature and education.
Padma Shri honors lifelong public service in arts and education.
PRISM-SG Portal launched to streamline bridge construction
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways launched the PRISM-SG Portal in New Delhi to streamline processes for building Road Over Bridges and railway bridges. PRISM-SG stands for Portal for Rail-Road Inspection and Stages Management – Steel Girders. The online platform integrates documentation, inspections, and approvals, enabling submission of Quality Assurance Plans, Welding Procedure Specifications, and fabrication stage inspections. Stakeholders can track queries, schedule inspections, and upload reports, with real-time monitoring and a complete audit trail. The portal aims to reduce delays, improve coordination among agencies, and enhance transparency in bridge construction projects.
PRISM-SG Portal introduced by MoRTH in New Delhi.
Aims to streamline ROB and railway bridge projects.
Digitizes QA plans, welding specs, and fabrication inspections.
Online submission, tracking, and real-time monitoring features.
Designed to cut delays and improve inter-agency coordination.