International Relations
India-EU Partnership at Republic Day 2026
For the first time, top EU leaders attended India’s Republic Day as joint chief guests: European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This historic moment signifies deepening India-EU strategic partnership.
Cultural Heritage
150 Years of Vande Mataram
The 77th Republic Day 2026 celebrated the sesquicentennial of India’s patriotic song “Vande Mataram”. Oscar-winning composer M.M. Keeravani created a special musical piece to commemorate this milestone.
Defence
India’s Hypersonic Missile Capability
DRDO unveiled its first Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) during the Republic Day parade. This hypersonic glide missile was developed specifically for the Indian Navy’s coastal defence requirements.
International Trade
India-EU FTA Agricultural Exclusions
The India-EU Free Trade Agreement excluded dairy, cereals, meat, and select fruits and vegetables from liberalization. These exclusions protect farmer livelihoods and address food security concerns in sensitive agricultural sectors.
Digital Governance
Rajasthan’s Raj-UNNATI Platform
Rajasthan became the first state to replicate the Centre’s PRAGATI model with its Raj-UNNATI platform. Launched in January 2026, it monitors development projects and resolves administrative delays through digital governance.
Rural Governance
PANCHAM Digital Chatbot
PANCHAM (Panchayat Assistance & Messaging Chatbot), developed with UNICEF support, provides governance assistance to over 30 lakh elected representatives and panchayat functionaries across India.
Tribal Rights
PESA Implementation Rankings
Maharashtra topped the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) State Rankings for 2024-25, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. PESA empowers tribal communities through local self-governance.
Environment
Global Nature Financing Crisis
UNEP’s State of Finances for Nature 2026 report revealed a stark 30:1 ratio – for every USD 1 invested in nature protection, USD 30 is spent on environmentally harmful activities, fueling the triple planetary crisis.
Water Conservation
World Bank Supports Haryana Water Project
The World Bank approved Rs 5,700 crore for the ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project’ (2026-2032). The funding supports canal restoration and micro-irrigation expansion across 70,000 acres.
Agriculture
Madhya Pradesh’s Agricultural Focus
Madhya Pradesh declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Agriculture’ with the theme “Prosperous Farmers, Prosperous State”. The state’s agricultural budget has grown from Rs 600 crore to Rs 27,000 crore over two decades.