Visakhapatnam to host India’s AI ambitions with Google Cloud hub
Visakhapatnam will host a major Google Cloud-powered AI hub as part of India’s push into advanced technology. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a project with an estimated investment of $15 billion, featuring a 1 gigawatt hyperscale AI data centre. The Andhra Pradesh government will allocate nearly 600 acres across Turluvada, Rambilli, and Adavivaram for the facility, which is being developed with Google Cloud, Adani ConneX, and Airtel Nxtra. The project underscores India’s rapid progress in electronics manufacturing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and space technology, while reinforcing the Semiconductor Mission’s role in building a robust domestic tech ecosystem.
Google Cloud AI Hub announced for Visakhapatnam; $15 billion investment.
1 GW hyperscale AI data centre planned; 600 acres allocated.
Partnerships with Google Cloud, Adani ConneX, Airtel Nxtra.
Supports India’s AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, and space tech goals.
India reaches Thomas Cup 2026 semifinals with 3-0 over Chinese Taipei
India created history by reaching the Thomas Cup 2026 semifinals after a 3-0 victory over Chinese Taipei in Horsens, Denmark. The win places the Indian men's badminton team among the last four, reaffirming India's rising status in global badminton since their 2022 title. Lakshya Sen anchored the tie with a comeback win over world No. 6 Chou Tien-chen, recovering after a first-set loss to seal the encounter. The victory demonstrates India’s depth and resilience, strengthening confidence for the upcoming knockout rounds as the team aims for another deep run on the world stage.
India defeated Chinese Taipei 3-0 to reach Thomas Cup semifinals.
Lakshya Sen beat world No. 6 Chou Tien-chen in a comeback win.
India advances to the semifinals for the second time since 2022 title run.
Win highlights rising Indian badminton stature on the world stage.
AMCA momentum and sixth-generation fighter partnerships under discussion
India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme is gaining momentum with a move toward greater private-sector participation. A Request for Proposal (RFP) for the AMCA is expected to be issued soon to shortlisted private companies, signaling a shift toward indigenous fighter production. The initiative aims to deliver stealthy, high-performance air combat capabilities and reduce imports through domestic manufacturing. Concurrently, India is exploring collaboration opportunities for sixth-generation fighters with international programmes, reflecting a long-term strategy to stay at the forefront of aerial technology. The AMCA is part of broader efforts to strengthen national security and build a robust aerospace ecosystem.
AMCA development progressing; RFP expected soon for shortlisted private firms.
Goal: greater Indigenous fighter production and reduced imports.
Focus on stealth, performance, and networked warfare capabilities.
India exploring sixth-generation fighter partnerships internationally.
AMCA aligns with defence-industrial growth and strategic autonomy.
Indian Navy inducts fourth stealth frigate Mahendragiri under Project 17A
The Indian Navy inducted the fourth stealth frigate Mahendragiri under Project 17A, part of the Nilgiri-class. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mahendragiri is named after a mountain peak in Odisha. The ship features advanced stealth technology to reduce radar visibility, a suite of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine warfare systems, and modern surveillance radars. It supports helicopter operations to broaden maritime reach. The induction strengthens India’s naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, aligning with a policy of blue-water capability and enhanced deterrence against evolving security challenges.
Mahendragiri is the fourth stealth frigate in Project 17A (Nilgiri-class).
Built by MDL; named after Odisha’s Mahendragiri mountain.
Equipped with stealth features, missiles, ASW systems, radars.
Mahua Flower Festival celebrated in Adilabad, Telangana
Mahua Flower Festival, locally called Ippa Puvvu Panduga, was celebrated with traditional fervour in Jamidi village, Adilabad district, Telangana. The annual event underscores the cultural and economic importance of the mahua tree for tribal communities, notably the Gond, who have preserved the custom for generations. Mahua (Madhuca indica) provides flowers used as food, in traditional beverages, and as medicine, while also supporting livelihoods through forest-based activities. The celebrations feature worship of the mahua tree, age-old rituals, songs, and community participation, drawing Adivasi families from across the district. The festival reinforces ecological stewardship and the deep forest-life bond that sustains tribal identities. Local leaders emphasised conservation and sustainable harvesting to protect these forest-based livelihoods.
Festival name is Ippa Puvvu Panduga; location Jamidi, Adilabad, Telangana.
Mahua tree holds cultural and economic value for Adivasi communities.
Flowers used for food, beverages, and traditional medicine.
Rituals, songs, and community participation mark celebrations.
Gond and other tribal groups participate; emphasis on conservation.
Gujarat Gaurav Diwas celebrated in Surat with parade and tableaux
Surat hosted the 66th Gujarat Gaurav Diwas with a police parade, tableaux, and cultural performances led by Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The event drew participation from senior ministers and top officials, including 750 police personnel across 18 platoons. The parade featured police performances and themed tableaux highlighting Gujarat’s development journey. The celebrations showcased state pride, governance achievements, and cultural heritage, emphasizing civic participation and the public display of state achievements. Such events reflect government efforts to strengthen identity and community engagement through public ceremonies.
66th Gujarat Gaurav Diwas held in Surat with parade and tableaux.
Attended by Governor Devvrat and Chief Minister Patel; senior officials also present.
parade involved 750 police personnel across 18 platoons.
Themed tableaux highlighted Gujarat’s development and heritage.
Anugraha Narayana Das assumed charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA). He is a 1991-batch officer of the Indian Defense Accounts Service (IDAS) with over three decades of experience in defense finance management and public administration. His appointment aims to strengthen financial transparency, accountability, and efficiency in defense spending. Das holds a degree from Utkal University and studied at the University of Ljubljana (ICPE), with advanced training from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and Duke University. In his career, he served as Director in the Ministry of Water Resources, Additional Financial Adviser & Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, and Principal Integrated Financial Adviser at Army Headquarters.
Anugraha Narayana Das appointed CGDA; 1991 IDAS batch.
Over three decades in defense finance and administration.
Educational background: Utkal University; University of Ljubljana; IIM Bengaluru; Duke University.
Former roles include Director, water resources; Additional Financial Adviser & Joint Secretary; PIFA at Army HQ.
Ashutosh Gowariker appointed Festival Director for 57th IFFI
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has appointed Ashutosh Gowariker as Festival Director for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The festival is scheduled to be held in Goa in November 2026. Gowariker is a celebrated filmmaker known for his distinctive storytelling and has a long association with IFFI, including attendance since 1984 and serving as Jury President for International Cinema in 2024. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh vision and enhanced international engagement to one of Asia’s largest film festivals, aligning with India's cultural diplomacy goals.
Ashutosh Gowariker named Festival Director for IFFI 57.
IFFI 57 to be held in Goa, November 2026.
Gowariker known for iconic films and storytelling.
He has attended IFFI since 1984; Jury President for International Cinema in 2024.
Texas is observing National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) 2026 with a series of events coordinated by Travel Texas, spanning May 3 to May 9, 2026. Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed the week to recognise travel’s vital role in supporting jobs, businesses, and communities across the state. Themed as Postmarked: Essential, the celebration highlights the industry’s contributions to local economies and culture. Since the program’s inception in 1983, NTTW has emphasised how travel connects people and drives growth. The 2026 events aim to showcase Texas destinations and the broader economic impact of tourism on the state.
NTTW 2026 runs May 3–9, organized by Travel Texas.
Governor Abbott proclaimed the week, emphasising travel’s economic role.
Theme: Postmarked: Essential.
NTTW highlights travel’s impact on jobs, businesses, and communities.
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