Two new jumping spider species discovered in India
Researchers have identified two new jumping spider species in India: Mogrus shushka and Mogrus pune. The discoveries span Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra, showing that arid landscapes and urban green spaces can host unique fauna. The taxonomic work, published in the European Journal of Taxonomy, details distinct reproductive structures and morphological traits to differentiate these species. Mogrus shushka was found in dry regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat, while Mogrus pune was located in urban biodiversity parks in Maharashtra. The findings underscore India's rich, but still underexplored, arachnid biodiversity and the importance of continued field research and conservation efforts.
New species: Mogrus shushka and Mogrus pune found in India.
Locations: Rajasthan, Gujarat (shushka); urban parks in Maharashtra (pune).
Study published in European Journal of Taxonomy; highlights biodiversity importance.
Parminder Singh appointed CEO of Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited
Parminder Singh has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited (REIL). The appointment signals India’s push toward enterprise-scale artificial intelligence adoption across sectors. Mr. Singh brings leadership experience from major global tech firms and has previously held senior roles at Google, Apple, Twitter and IBM. He also served as Chief Commercial and Digital Officer at Mediacorp and founded AI ventures such as ClayboxAI and WeKamp. In his new role, he will lead the company’s AI strategy, product development and cross‑industry implementation, aiming to accelerate digital transformation for Indian enterprises while expanding REIL’s global footprint and capabilities.
Parminder Singh named CEO of Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited (REIL).
Background includes senior roles at Google, Apple, Twitter and IBM; founder of ClayboxAI and WeKamp.
Role focuses on accelerating enterprise AI adoption and cross‑industry AI deployments.
Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 signals new era for India’s private space industry
Skyroot Aerospace flagged off Vikram-1, the country’s first privately built orbital rocket, from its Max‑Q campus in Hyderabad and transported to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, for final integration. The event marks a milestone for private players in India’s space sector and aims to provide affordable, on‑demand satellite launch services to a growing market. The launch aligns with a policy and investment climate that supports private participation in space activities, potentially expanding India’s space capabilities and contributing to a more competitive commercial launch landscape.
Vikram-1 launched from Skyroot’s Max‑Q campus in Hyderabad and moved to Sriharikota for integration.
First privately built orbital rocket in India; signals private sector growth.
Aims to offer affordable, on‑demand satellite launch services.
Sabastian Sawe breaks sub-2-hour barrier at London Marathon 2026
Sabastian Sawe of Kenya achieved a historic milestone at the London Marathon 2026, finishing in 1 hour 59 minutes 30 seconds. He became the first athlete to officially run a marathon under two hours. The performance earned him first place ahead of Yomif Kejelcha, who finished 11 seconds behind. In the women’s race, Tigst Assefa successfully defended her title. Sawe’s feat has sparked global debate about human endurance limits and is likened to breakthroughs in other sports. Analysts highlighted the extraordinary pace and consistency required to sustain derivative speeds over the 42.195 kilometres.
Sabastian Sawe finished London Marathon 2026 in 1:59:30; sub-2 hours officially achieved.
Challenged by Yomif Kejelcha, 11 seconds behind in second place.
Ladakh approves five new districts to improve governance
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the creation of five new districts: Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass, bringing the total to seven districts in the union territory. The move aims to decentralise administration and improve governance in remote border areas. Ladakh spans 86,904 square kilometres but had a small population around 2.74 lakh according to the 2011 Census. Officials expect the reorganization to bring public services closer to residents, enhance infrastructure, healthcare and education delivery, and strengthen local administration in difficult terrains where accessibility is a perennial challenge.
Five new districts created: Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, Drass.
Total districts in Ladakh become seven; aims to decentralise governance.
Area: 86,904 sq km; population ~2.74 lakh (2011 Census).
Rajnath Singh to attend SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Bishkek
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh travelled to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting. Held on 27–28 April 2026, the high-level gathering focuses on regional security challenges, terrorism, extremism and the evolving geopolitical environment across Eurasia and Asia. India will lead the delegation, with defence ministers from SCO member states in attendance. The forum serves as a platform for strategic dialogue, with India likely to press for stronger cooperation in intelligence sharing and joint security mechanisms to counter cross-border terrorism. The event underscores New Delhi’s emphasis on regional peace, stability and collective security within the SCO framework.
Rajnath Singh led India's delegation at the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting on 27–28 April 2026.
Venue: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; focus on terrorism, extremism and regional security.
India aims to push for stronger intelligence sharing and joint security mechanisms.
India among top five defence spenders in 2025, says SIPRI
India was the world’s fifth-largest defence spender in 2025, according to a SIPRI report. Military expenditure reached $92.1 billion, accounting for about 3.2% of global defence spending. India ranks behind the United States, China, Russia and Germany. The rise reflects ongoing security concerns, border tensions and a push for modernisation of defence capabilities. SIPRI data indicate higher budgets across regions as nations prioritise air power, space capabilities and advanced technologies. The figure comes amid a broader global trend of elevated military spending and growing emphasis on strategic autonomy in defence planning.
India: 5th-largest defence spender in 2025; $92.1 billion spent.
Global share: about 3.2% of total defence expenditure.
Ranked behind USA, China, Russia, Germany.
Defence expenditure rises 8.9% in 2025; global spend hits $2.887 trillion
Global defence expenditure in 2025 rose by 8.9% year-on-year, reaching about $2.887 trillion. The United States, China and Russia together accounted for more than half of the total. Europe reported the sharpest regional increase, linked to NATO rearmament in response to regional security dynamics. China’s budget rose 7.4% to about $336 billion. The rise reflects emergency procurements and improved readiness, including modernisation of air power. The data highlight sustained demand for advanced defence systems, strategic upgrades and cross-border security collaborations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Global defence spend: approximately $2.887 trillion in 2025; up 8.9%.
US, China, Russia together account for over 50% of spending.
Europe shows the sharpest regional rise; China up 7.4% to $336B.
Kathua border villages added to Vibrant Village Programme-II
The Central Government has included six border villages in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district under Vibrant Village Programme-II to improve infrastructure and ensure full delivery of welfare schemes. The villages are Bobiya, Kadyala, Gajnal, Karol Krishna, Rathua and Gujjar Chak. Located along the International Border, these settlements hold strategic importance for border security and rural development. The plan aims to strengthen connectivity, public services and socio‑economic opportunities. A review meeting chaired by Kathua Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma finalised the selection, with officials instructed to ensure timely implementation of development plans through regular monitoring and better inter‑departmental coordination.
Six border villages in Kathua included under Vibrant Village Programme-II: Bobiya, Kadyala, Gajnal, Karol Krishna, Rathua, Gujjar Chak.
Aims: improve roads, healthcare, electricity, drinking water and education; enhance border security.
Selection finalised at a review chaired by Kathua Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma.
DMRC appoints Sanjay Jamuar as first CEO of Delhi Metro International Limited
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) appointed Sanjay Jamuar as the first Chief Executive Officer of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL). DMIL, a wholly owned DMRC subsidiary, will bid for international metro projects and offer urban transport consultancy. The appointment signals DMRC’s strategic shift toward global footprints in urban mobility. Jamuar brings decades of experience in railway services, including leadership in operations, maintenance and international consultancy. His career spans roles across the UK, USA, France and West Asia, enriching DMIL with a global perspective to secure collaborations and project delivery in international markets.
Sanjay Jamuar named CEO of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL).
DMIL is a DMRC subsidiary focused on international metro projects.
Jamuar brings extensive global experience in railway operations and consultancy.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026 observed on 28 April
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026 was observed on 28 April, led by the International Labour Organization. The focus is on safe and healthy workplaces worldwide, honouring workers who suffered injuries or loss of life due to unsafe conditions. The 2026 theme is 'Good psychosocial working environments: A pathway to thriving workers and strong organizations,' highlighting mental well‑being, stress management and fair treatment. The observance encourages stronger safety standards and policies globally. In India, authorities continue to advance occupational health regulations, workplace safety campaigns and worker welfare programs to support safe employment environments.
Observed on 28 April 2026; led by ILO.
Theme: Good psychosocial working environments for thriving workers.
Emphasizes mental well-being, stress management and fair treatment.
UNESCO Chair initiative trains 10,000 girls in future skills at SSPU
Under the UNESCO Chair initiative, SSPU has trained about 10,000 girls in future-ready sectors such as robotics, automation, semiconductor technology, advanced manufacturing and defence technology. Led by Dr Swati Mujumdar, Pro‑Chancellor of SSPU, the program uses industry-integrated skilling to empower women and expand opportunities in growing industries. The collaboration links education, skilling and gender inclusion at an international level, reinforcing India’s role in global workforce development. The initiative supports national aims to increase women’s participation in STEM fields through targeted training and practical exposure.
UNESCO Chair initiative at SSPU trained ~10,000 girls in future skills.
Sectors include robotics, automation, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and defence tech.
Leadership under Dr Swati Mujumdar; emphasis on industry-integrated skilling.
Symbiosis launches Asia’s first UNESCO Gender Chair
Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune, has launched Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development. The announcement occurred during the international conference 'Women Leading the Future of Work' in collaboration with UNESCO. The Chair aims to advance gender equality through skill development, employment opportunities and research for underprivileged girls and women in emerging industries. The initiative marked Asia’s first UNESCO Chair dedicated to gender inclusion and skill development, underscoring India’s role in the global gender and education agenda. Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Education, inaugurated the Chair.
Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development launched at SSPU, Pune.
Inaugurated during 'Women Leading the Future of Work' conference with UNESCO.
Chair aims to boost gender equality through skill development and employment.
Justice Lisa Gill sworn in as First Woman Chief Justice of AP High Court
Justice Lisa Gill has taken oath as the first woman Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The ceremony took place at Lok Bhavan, Vijayawada, with the oath administered by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer. The proceedings included the reading of the Warrant of Appointment issued by the President of India and a formal swearing-in in the presence of senior officials, judges and dignitaries. Justice Gill’s appointment marks a historic milestone for women in India’s judiciary, highlighting progress toward gender representation and diversity. Her leadership will guide the AP High Court through complex civil and constitutional matters.
Justice Lisa Gill becomes the first woman Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
Oath administered by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer at Lok Bhavan, Vijayawada.
Warrant of Appointment issued by the President of India.