Bilateral Relations
PM’s Bhutan Visit β Hydropower Cooperation
India and Bhutan jointly inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project. Also: resumed 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I work, extended βΉ4,000 crore Line of Credit, land for Bhutanese temple in Varanasi, and MoUs with NIMHANS.
Energy
India’s First MWh-Scale VRFB at NTPC NETRA
India’s first Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) installed at NTPC NETRA is a 3 MWh long-duration energy storage system. Key features: non-flammable, long life, scalableβideal for renewable integration and reducing lithium import dependence.
Digital Governance
UIDAI-BIL Partnership for Child Aadhaar Updates
UIDAI partnered with Behavioural Insights Limited (BIL) to promote Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for children at ages 5 and 15. A one-year fee waiver encourages compliance for accurate Aadhaar credentials.
Culture
BharatβSri Lanka Sanskrit Mahotsav
Held at University of Colombo, this cultural initiative celebrates shared civilisational heritage between India and Sri Lanka. Features workshops, performances, and academic interactions promoting Sanskrit as a living cultural bridge.
Cooperatives
Sahakar Digi Pay & Sahakar Digi Loan Apps
Launched to digitally modernize Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). Goal: onboard 1,500 UCBs in 2 years, ensure at least one UCB in every town with 2 lakh+ population within 5 years, promoting digital adoption and financial inclusion.
Technology
B by Lenskart Smartglasses
AI-powered smart glasses marking Lenskart’s shift to a technology-led lifestyle brand. Features: AI interactions, health insights, UPI payment integration, powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chipset.
Energy
Tata Power’s 10 GW Solar Wafers & Ingots Plant
Proposed 10 GW solar wafers and ingots plant will strengthen domestic upstream solar manufacturing and reduce import reliance (especially from China). Supports Make in India and renewable energy self-reliance.
Appointments
Shailesh Chandra β First Indian OICA President
Shailesh Chandra (MD & CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles) became first Indian president of OICA (Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles). Highlights India’s growing influence in global automotive regulations and EV adoption.
Awards
6th National Water Awards 2024
Maharashtra adjudged Best State for water conservation, followed by Gujarat and Haryana. Total 46 winners across 10 categories recognising innovative water management practices supporting SDG 6.
Defence
INS Savitri Visit to Mozambique β SAGAR Vision
INS Savitri (Offshore Patrol Vessel) visited Port Beira, Mozambique under SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Activities: EEZ surveillance, VBSS drills, community outreachβreinforcing India as Preferred Security Partner in IOR.