Indian AI Research Organisation to Be Set Up in GIFT City, Gujarat
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel approved in-principle the establishment of the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) through a tripartite PPP among the Gujarat government, the Government of India, and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance. The state government notes IAIRO will operate as a Special Purpose Vehicle in GIFT City and is expected to commence on January 1, 2026. The initiative positions Gujarat as a hub for AI-driven research in health and industry, potentially boosting innovation ecosystems, attracting talent, and supporting policy development at both state and national levels through a PPP framework.
IAIRO approved in-principle by Gujarat Chief Minister.
Tripartite PPP among Gujarat, Government of India, and IPA.
IAIRO to operate as a Special Purpose Vehicle in GIFT City.
Operational start date planned for 1 January 2026.
Aims to advance AI research in health and industry.
Dec 31, 2025
Jal Seva Aankalan Launched to Strengthen Jal Jeevan Mission
Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil virtually launched Jal Seva Aankalan to strengthen service delivery and community ownership under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The tool is a Gram Panchayat-led digital drinking water service functionality assessment on the Jal Jeevan Mission portal. It is designed as a community-owned self-assessment, enabling villages to reflect on water delivery systems rather than relying on costly third-party surveys. All Har Ghar Jal Gram Panchayats are expected to complete the exercise by 26 January 2026. The initiative aims to enhance accountability and transparency at the local level.
Launch announced by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil.
Tool: Jal Seva Aankalan for Jal Jeevan Mission.
Designed as a community-owned self-assessment by Gram Panchayats.
Deadline for all Har Ghar Jal Gram Panchayats: 26 January 2026.
Aims to improve accountability and local service delivery.
India Imposes Three-Year Safeguard Tariff on Steel Imports to Curb Cheap Shipments
India has imposed a three-year safeguard tariff on a selection of steel products to curb cheap imports, according to a December 2025 finance ministry order published in the official gazette. The duty begins at 12 percent in the first year, followed by 11.5 percent in the second year and 11 percent in the third year. The move targets lower-cost shipments, particularly from China, and aims to protect domestic steel makers while keeping prices stable for downstream users. The measure excludes imports from some developing countries and stainless steel products. China, Vietnam and Nepal will remain subject to the levy, the government said.
Tariff is a safeguard duty for three years on select steel products.
Aims to curb cheap steel imports, especially from China.
Excludes some developing countries and stainless steel products.
China, Vietnam and Nepal will be subjected to the levy.
Dec 30, 2025
India to Host AI Impact Summit in February 2026
India will host the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi from February 15 to 20, 2026. The event, intended to shape a future for inclusive, responsible and resilient AI, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and technology experts. MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan noted that participants from more than 100 countries will attend, with leaders from major economies and tech firms confirming their involvement. The summit emphasises people, planet and progress, aiming to democratize AI resources for healthcare, education and agriculture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the expo, highlighting India’s growing role in global AI governance.
India AI Impact Summit scheduled Feb 15–20, 2026
Over 100 countries to participate; PM Modi to inaugurate
Global leaders and CEOs expected to attend
Focus on inclusive AI and democratic access
Three guiding principles: People, Planet, Progress
Event aims to advance AI in healthcare, education, agriculture
Dec 29, 2025
Rajasthan Launches e-Swasthya Samvad Platform
The Rajasthan government launched the digital platform e-Swasthya Samvad to improve governance, transparency, and coordination within the medical education department. The platform connects stakeholders across health services, enabling quicker decision-making and better implementation of health programmes. Officials say it will streamline communication, reduce delays, and support technology-driven reforms in medical education and health delivery. The initiative, announced under the direction of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Medical Education Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, seeks to enhance accountability and public service delivery through a centralized digital interface.
Rajasthan launches e-Swasthya Samvad platform.
Aims to improve governance and coordination in medical education.
Platform connects stakeholders for faster decisions.
Part of technology-driven health reforms.
Led by Chief Minister and Medical Education Minister.
Dec 28, 2025
Delhi govt. opens Atal Canteens on Vajpayee's birth anniversary
The Delhi government inaugurated the first batch of 45 Atal Canteens on Thursday to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The initiative aims to ensure food security with dignity by providing full meals at ₹5. The canteens were launched at multiple locations across the national capital by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with MPs and Union and Delhi Cabinet Ministers. Speaking at the inauguration of an Atal Canteen in Lajpat Nagar, Ms. Gupta said the programme reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a society where no one goes hungry and every citizen lives with equality and self-respect.
Delhi government inaugurates 45 Atal Canteens on Vajpayee's 101st birth anniversary
Full meals provided at a subsidised price of ₹5
Canteens launched across multiple locations in Delhi
Inaugurated by CM Rekha Gupta along with MPs and Cabinet Ministers
Initiative aligns with PM Narendra Modi's vision of food security with dignity