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.
May 02, 2026
Sikkim Declared the Country’s First Paperless Judiciary State
In a national conclave on technology and judicial education, Sikkim was declared the country’s first fully paperless judiciary state. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant announced the move in Gangtok, with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay describing it as a historic step toward a faster, more transparent justice system. The initiative aligns with broader digital governance goals and is seen as essential for meeting India’s 2047 developmental vision, Viksit Bharat. The paperless shift encompasses e‑filing, digital case management, and streamlined court administration, potentially reducing delays and improving accessibility to justice.
Sikkim named India’s first fully paperless judiciary state.
Announcement by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant in Gangtok (1 May 2026).
Aims to speed up justice delivery and increase transparency.
Includes e‑filing and digital case management as core components.
Supports broader digital governance and Viksit Bharat goals.
India’s Barrier-Free Toll Plaza: MLFF on NH‑48
India launched the first barrier‑free toll plaza on the Delhi–Mumbai NH‑48 (Chorayasi Toll Plaza, Gujarat) using a Multi‑Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system. The system integrates Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag for seamless toll deduction without stopping. Benefits include shorter travel times, reduced fuel use, and lower emissions. Enforcement relies on electronic notices for non‑payment or missing FASTag, with penalties such as FASTag suspension or service restrictions. The move marks a shift toward technology‑driven toll collection and smoother highway traffic, aligning with broader objectives of infrastructure modernization and digital governance.
First barrier‑free toll plaza introduced on NH‑48 (Chorayasi, Gujarat).
MLFF system enables toll collection without stopping via ANPR and FASTag.
Enforcement includes e‑notices and possible penalties for non‑payment.
Represents modernization of toll infrastructure and digital governance.
Karnataka Launches Digital Grievance System for Gig Workers
Karnataka launched India's first dedicated digital grievance redressal mechanism for gig workers, effective 1 May 2026. Developed by the Karnataka Platform‑based Gig Workers’ Board in collaboration with the Department of e‑Governance, the system uses the Integrated Public Grievance Redressal System portal to register complaints about wages, working conditions, and disputes with aggregators. The platform links workers, service platforms, and government authorities, promoting transparency, accountability, and timely resolutions. The initiative aims to formalise rights and improve regulatory oversight of gig‑economy employment, addressing concerns across sectors such as ride‑hailing and food delivery.
Digital grievance system launched on 1 May 2026
First such system for gig workers in India
Portal enables complaints about wages and conditions
Connects workers, platforms, and government authorities
Aims for transparency and timely dispute resolution
Strengthens regulatory oversight of gig work
May 01, 2026
DPIIT signs MoU with Chamber India to boost startups
On 1 May 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chamber India to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem and promote innovation‑led growth. The partnership will enhance engagement among startups, corporates, investors, and global stakeholders, facilitating cross‑border collaboration and alignment with national programmes. Startups recognised by DPIIT will receive concessional Chamber memberships, along with access to export facilitation, IPR advisory, and business matchmaking. The plan includes five incubation and startup centres across India, focusing on Aspirational Districts and Northeastern states to support inclusive growth and regional development.