India to host International Big Cat Alliance Summit in New Delhi on 1-2 June 2026
India will host the first International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit in New Delhi on 1-2 June 2026. The inter-governmental body, headquartered in India, focuses on conservation of seven big cat species. As of 28 April 2026, IBCA has 24 member countries with Kazakhstan, Namibia and Thailand as observers. The Delhi summit will feature Heads of State or Government, policymakers, scientists and conservationists, and will adopt the Delhi Declaration on big cat conservation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the event, with awards at the Global Big Cats Photography Competition announced on 2 June 2026.
Summit dates: 1-2 June 2026; venue: New Delhi.
IBCA focuses on seven big cat species; governance and collaboration.
As of 28 April 2026: 24 member countries; observers include Kazakhstan, Namibia, Thailand.
Delhi Declaration to set shared conservation priorities.
Prime Minister Modi expected to inaugurate the summit.
Netherlands partners with Indian spice industry on sustainability
The Netherlands has partnered with India's spice sector to advance sustainability across the spice supply chain. India remains a major global producer and exporter of spices such as pepper, cardamom, turmeric and chilli, while Rotterdam serves as a key European trade hub for these products. The collaboration focuses on soil health, water use, traceability, residue control and fair sourcing, alongside compliance with food safety and phytosanitary standards. The partnership aims to strengthen sustainable farming practices, certification processes and value chains that connect Indian growers with European markets, supporting long-term growth for both sides while promoting responsible trade practices.
Partnership focuses on sustainable spice supply chains.
India is a major global producer and exporter of spices.
Rotterdam Port acts as a European trade hub for spices.
Key focus areas: soil health, water use, traceability, residue control.
Emphasis on fair sourcing and compliance with safety standards.
Kumar Mangalam Birla named Non-Executive Chairman of Vodafone Idea
Kumar Mangalam Birla, chair of the Aditya Birla Group, has been appointed as the Non-Executive Chairman of Vodafone Idea Limited, with the role effective from 5 May 2026. Ravinder Takkar steps down as Non-Executive Chairman and will serve as Non-Executive Vice Chairman. The leadership change signals a renewed strategic push to strengthen VI’s operations in a highly competitive Indian telecom market. Birla’s long-standing business experience across multiple sectors is expected to influence long-term revival plans and investor confidence for the flagship telecom operator, which has faced market and financial pressures in recent years.
Birla appointed as Non-Executive Chairman; effective 5 May 2026.
Ravinder Takkar moves to Non-Executive Vice Chairman role.
Prompts a renewed strategic focus for Vodafone Idea.
Birla’s Aditya Birla Group leadership connections highlighted.
Industry analysts expect potential improvements in investor sentiment.
Solex Energy to invest Rs 4,000 crore in Gujarat for solar and BESS
Solex Energy announced a Rs 4,000 crore investment to establish an integrated solar cell manufacturing facility and a 10-GW battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Gujarat. The MoU with the Gujarat government envisions a large-scale renewable energy manufacturing ecosystem, including a 5-GW solar cell facility (phased as 2 GW in phase one and 3 GW in phase two) and a 10-GW BESS project. The project aims to position Gujarat as a global clean-tech hub, create substantial employment opportunities and accelerate India’s renewable energy ambitions. Solex Energy executive chair Chetan Shah described the agreement as a commitment to India’s sustainable energy future.
Total planned investment: Rs 4,000 crore.
Projects: 5-GW solar cell facility and 10-GW BESS in Gujarat.
First phase: 2 GW solar cells; second phase: 3 GW.
Aims to establish Gujarat as a clean-tech manufacturing hub.
Expected employment and industrial growth benefits.
India and Japan sign quantum technology and health research pacts
India and Japan signed agreements in quantum technology and health research, deepening bilateral collaboration in science and technology. Quantum cooperation covers computing, communication, sensing and cryptography, while health research encompasses biomedical studies, clinical trials and disease prevention. The framework supports joint research, data sharing and capacity building, with field collaborations spanning information technology, materials science and clean energy. The alliances align with ongoing science diplomacy between the two nations and aim to accelerate innovation, accelerate translational research, and strengthen joint capabilities in critical sectors for national development and public health.
Agreements cover quantum technology and health research.
Focus areas: quantum computing, sensing, communication and cryptography.
Health cooperation includes epidemiology, biotechnology and clinical trials.
Emphasis on data sharing and capacity building.
Bolsters India-Japan science diplomacy and collaboration.
Mission Mausam Urban Testbed launched to improve urban monsoon forecasts
Mission Mausam Urban Testbed was launched to enhance monsoon prediction through urban-scale weather observation and modelling. The initiative links with the Indian Meteorological Department and the Ministry of Earth Sciences to improve forecasting of monsoon rainfall, extreme weather events and local atmospheric conditions. The urban testbed employs automatic weather stations, radar inputs and high-resolution data to refine numerical weather prediction for city environments. This effort supports better planning for agriculture, water management and disaster preparedness, aligning with broader goals to strengthen climate services and resilience in Indian cities.
Purpose: improve urban monsoon forecasts.
Part of Mission Mausam, led by IMD and MoES.
Uses urban weather stations, radar data and high-resolution modelling.
Aims to inform city-level planning and resilience.
Supports improved climate services for India.
IIT Madras Global Research Foundation opens Menlo Park centre for deep-tech startups
IIT Madras Global Research Foundation announced the establishment of its first United States centre in Menlo Park, California, on 6 May 2026. The centre will focus on startup incubation, deep-tech research and global market access for Indian innovations. With an investment of USD 7.5 million, including USD 4.5 million from IITM Global for greenfield activities, the hub is designed to connect Indian deep-tech ventures with US investors and ecosystems. The centre, developed in partnership with CA Startups, became operational earlier in 24 April 2026 and is planned to host additional campuses on the US East Coast as part of a broader expansion plan.
US centre located in Menlo Park, California.
Opened 6 May 2026; operational since 24 April 2026.
Total planned investment: USD 7.5 million (USD 4.5 million from IITM Global).
Focus on startup incubation, deep-tech research and global access.
Partnership with CA Startups; expansion to East Coast planned.
NCERT rolls out PRASHAST 2.0 for early disability screening in schools
New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) introduced PRASHAST 2.0, a digital Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool for early identification of disabilities in schoolchildren. Upgraded from PRASHAST 1.0, the platform is available on mobile and web and screens for 21 disability types defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The tool supports teachers, principals and special educators by enabling timely interventions, educational adjustments and access to government support schemes. Through integration with the Samagra Shiksha program, PRASHAST 2.0 aims to ensure inclusive education by addressing learning and developmental challenges early. Education officials will train educators to use the tool and monitor progress via dashboards.
Screens for 21 disability types as defined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Accessible on mobile and web for use across Indian schools.
Enables early identification and timely educational interventions.
Links to government schemes under Samagra Shiksha for student support.
Includes educator training and dashboards to monitor student progress.
Nagaland signs MoA with Tata Motors to procure 43 buses
The Nagaland government signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Tata Motors to procure 43 buses for the Nagaland State Transport (NST). Delivery is expected within three months, boosting fleet capacity and extending service coverage in urban and rural areas. Officials anticipate improved passenger safety, comfort and reliability, along with strengthened last-mile connectivity. A structured deferred payment mechanism will ease capital outlay for the state, with the total project cost pegged at Rs 13 crore paid over three years. The deal signals a step toward modernizing public transport and enhancing transport infrastructure in Nagaland.
MoA signed with Tata Motors for 43 buses.
Delivery within three months; NST fleet expansion.
Improved safety, comfort and last-mile connectivity.
Structured deferred payment to reduce immediate capital outlay.
16th Century Telugu inscription found in Tadipatri
A 16th century Telugu inscription has been discovered in Tadipatri, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. Epigraphy studies of such inscriptions help researchers understand regional history, language development, religion, administration and temple patronage in peninsular India. The Tadipatri inscription adds to the corpus of evidence from the late Vijayanagara period, a time marked by shifting power dynamics and temple endowments. Researchers study the script, local rulers and donors to reconstruct chronology and governance patterns in the Deccan region. The find underscores ongoing efforts to preserve and interpret ancient Telugu inscriptions for historical scholarship.
Date: 16th century Telugu inscription found in Tadipatri.
Context relates to Vijayanagara era and regional governance.
Epigraphy helps trace language, script and temple patronage.
Site adds to historical records of Anantapur district.
Local temples often appear in inscriptions as donors and endowments.
+91-85588-96644
