Category Archives: GENERAL

India emerging as a leading hub for medical and wellness travel [Details]

Posted on by
Reply

India as a Global Healing Destination

India is emerging as a leading hub for Medical Value Travel (MVT) by integrating advanced medical infrastructure with traditional wellness systems such as AYUSH. Strong policy support, digital facilitation, and initiatives like AYUSH Visa and Regional Medical Hubs are strengthening the ecosystem. Rising global healthcare costs and demand for holistic care are driving international patients to India for affordable, high-quality treatment and preventive wellness solutions.

Across the world, rising healthcare costs, long waiting times, and the growing burden of lifestyle diseases are driving patients to seek treatment abroad. This global shift has led to the emergence of a multi-billion-dollar Medical Value Travel (MVT) industry.

The global Medical Value Travel market was valued at about USD 115.6 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach around USD 286.1 billion by 2030. The market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 10.8%.

India has emerged as one of the most significant destinations in this evolving global landscape. Industry estimates place the medical tourism market at about USD 8.7 billion in 2025, with projections of USD 16.2 billion by 2030.

For centuries, India has been regarded as a sanctuary for those seeking healing, balance and recovery. Today, this ancient legacy has evolved into a dynamic Medical Value Travel ecosystem. It combines modern medical science with the timeless wisdom of traditional systems.

Through the flagship “Heal in India” initiative, the Government is positioning the country as a premier destination for integrated and holistic healthcare.

PIB

To understand the scope of this landscape, it is essyogaential to distinguish between its two vibrant pillars:

  • Medical Tourism: It focuses on curative interventions such as complex surgeries, organ transplants, and advanced diagnostic care provided by specialised hospitals and healthcare institutions.
  • Wellness Tourism: It centres on preventive and holistic well-being through traditional systems such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Naturopathy and other AYUSH practices. It offers therapies that promote physical, mental and spiritual health.

Together, these two pillars form the foundation of India’s Medical Value Travel ecosystem. They address both advanced clinical treatment needs and the rising global demand for preventive healthcare.

According to the Medical Tourism Index 2020–21:

  • India ranks 10th among the top 46 medical tourism destinations globally
  • 12th among the world’s top 20 wellness tourism markets
  • 5th among the top 10 wellness destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

PIB

The 2025-26 Statistical Landscape

As per Ministry of Tourism estimates, in FY24, travel and tourism contributed 5.22 per cent to GDP, close to pre-pandemic levels. The sector also supported an estimated 8.46 crore direct and indirect jobs, accounting for about 13.3 per cent of total employment.

The latest data for 2025 highlights the sector’s momentum:

  • Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): In 2025, India recorded 9.15 million FTAs.
  • Medical Purpose Arrivals: In 2025, 507,244 foreign nationals arrived specifically for medical treatment.
  • Sectoral Share: 2025 data shows that medical tourism constitutes approximately 5.5% of total FTAs.
  • Leading Markets: According to 2025 figures, the top source countries for medical tourists include- Bangladesh (3,25,127 arrivals), followed by Iraq (30,989), Uzbekistan (13,699), Somalia (11,506), Turkmenistan (10,231), Oman (9738), and Kenya (9,357).
  • Patients from other countries primarily travel to India for specialised treatments such as:
    1. Cardiac surgery
    2. Orthopaedic procedures
    3. Cancer treatment
    4. Organ transplants
    5. Neurological interventions
    6. Cosmetic surgery
    7. Dental care
    8. Fertility treatment
    9. AYUSH-based wellness therapies

India’s Competitive Edge: Quality, Expertise and Affordability

India holds a unique advantage that places it 10th globally in the Medical Tourism Index (MTI). The government identifies several pillars of this competitive advantage:

Robust Medical Resources

India’s healthcare system is supported by one of the world’s largest pools of trained medical professionals.

India has 69,364 hospitals (43,486 private hospitals, and 25,778 public hospitals) with 1.2 million registered doctors, achieving WHO recommended doctor population ratio.

Furthermore, English serves as the primary language of medical education and clinical practice in India, enabling seamless communication with international patients. Over the past decade, India has significantly expanded its medical education capacity and healthcare infrastructure. This has strengthened the availability of skilled healthcare professionals across specialised disciplines.

Advanced Technology and Accreditation

India’s healthcare system is supported by robust quality assurance mechanisms and internationally recognised accreditation standards. Hospitals and healthcare providers across the country obtain accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH).

NABH establishes rigorous benchmarks for patient safety and quality of care. As of 2026, NABH has accredited over 1,299 hospitals using more than 600 safety parameters. Meanwhile, the Quality Council of India oversees systematic quality improvement.

NABH accreditation is recognised globally through its affiliation with the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua). In addition, several Indian hospitals hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. It places the hospitals among healthcare institutions that meet globally accepted standards of clinical excellence.

Medical Value Travel (MVT) service providers are primarily concentrated in the Southern and Western States of India. As of 2022, the concentration of JCI-accredited hospitals by city is as follows:

City Number of JCI Accredited Hospitals
Delhi 9
Mumbai 6
Bangalore 3
Chennai 2
Hyderabad 2
Ahmedabad 2
Kolkata 1
Nagpur 1
Cochin 1

Other notable cities with a concentration of service providers include Pune and Nashik.

Cost-Effective Medical Treatment

India’s medical tourism appeal is significantly strengthened by its cost competitiveness. High-quality medical treatment in India is often available at substantially lower cost compared to many developed countries, while maintaining comparable clinical standards.

This affordability is supported by advanced medical technology and skilled professionals.
It enables international patients to access specialised treatment without long waiting periods.

Strengthening AYUSH-led Medical Value Travel

India possesses a unique advantage in wellness tourism through its centuries-old traditional systems of medicine collectively known as AYUSH — Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.

As the birthplace of Yoga and Ayurveda, India continues to promote these systems as integral components of holistic health and preventive care.

  • AYUSH Visa Facilitation: To streamline access for international patients, the Government of India introduced a dedicated AYUSH Visa on 27 July 2023. It enables foreign nationals and their attendants to travel to India specifically for treatment under recognised AYUSH systems.
  • Quality Standards: Efforts are underway to strengthen credibility and standardisation in the sector. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has adopted ISO 22525, an international standard related to medical wellness tourism services.
  • Insurance Coverage: Insurance coverage for AYUSH therapies has also expanded significantly. Under the Health Insurance Regulations of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), insurers are permitted to cover treatments under AYUSH. As a result, around 27 insurance companies now offer more than 140 policy products covering AYUSH treatments.
  • Global Engagement and Ecosystem Development: Medical Value Travel remains a key theme across major AYUSH initiatives. This includes the “Global Synergy in AYUSH: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel” Summit, held in Mumbai (2024) and Chennai (May 2025).
  • Capacity building is being strengthened through initiatives such as the AYUSH sub-council under the Health Sector Skill Council.
  • Global outreach is also expanding through platforms like the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit, the Know India Programme, and AYUSH initiatives showcased during Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

PIB

Strategic Initiatives: Union Budget 2026-27 Highlights

The Government of India has unveiled a visionary path to cement the nation’s status as a global medical hub through the Union Budget 2026-27.

Regional Medical Hubs

A key proposal involves the establishment of five Regional Medical Hubs across the country in partnership with State Governments and the private sector. These Hubs are designed as integrated healthcare complexes that will house medical, educational, and research facilities under one umbrella.

To ensure a comprehensive healing experience, these hubs will feature:

  • Specialised Centres: Every hub will include AYUSH Centres and dedicated Medical Value Tourism (MVT) Facilitation Centres.
  • End-to-End Care: Infrastructure will be developed for advanced diagnostics, post-treatment care, and rehabilitation.
  • Employment Generation: These complexes are expected to create diverse job opportunities for doctors and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).

Infrastructure for Wellness

In addition to strengthening modern healthcare infrastructure, the Government is also expanding the country’s capacity in traditional systems of medicine.

  • The establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda has been proposed to enhance education, research, and clinical services in Ayurveda.
  • Simultaneously, the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar is being upgraded to strengthen evidence-based research and global collaboration in traditional medicine systems.

These initiatives reflect the Government’s integrated approach to developing both medical treatment services and wellness-based healing traditions as complementary pillars of India’s healthcare ecosystem.

Roadmap for Quality and Governance

To maintain India’s competitive advantage, the Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism.

The roadmap focuses on three key areas of governance:

  1. Institutional Framework: The National Medical & Wellness Tourism Promotion Board (NMWTB) serves as an umbrella organisation to coordinate between ministries, state governments, and the private sector.
  2. Quality Assurance: The government is strengthening NABH accreditation for hospitals, wellness centres, and dental clinics. It is also encouraging the registration and rating of Medical Value Trave (MVT) facilitators to build international trust.
  3. Skilling and Capacity Building: The Union Budget 2026-27 proposed a pilot scheme to upskill 10,000 guides in 20 iconic tourist sites through a 12-week training course. Additionally, paramedical and non-medical staff are being trained in cross-cultural sensitivities and foreign languages to better serve international patients.

By integrating these governance and quality measures, the government aims to project India as a 365-day destination for holistic healing. This integrated communication strategy, is promoted as a sub-brand of “Incredible India”. Through these initiatives, India is transitioning toward a more formalised, regulated, and trusted global hub for the “holistic health revolution”.

Government Facilitation and Digital Transformation

The government has streamlined the international patient’s journey through robust digital and policy interventions. A cornerstone of this is the liberalised visa regime, where the e-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa facilities have been extended to nationals of 172 countries.

Additionally, new categories like the e-AYUSH Visa and e-AYUSH Attendant Visa have been introduced to support those seeking traditional Indian treatments.

Digital initiatives are further enhancing the “Heal in India” experience:

  • Revamped MVT Portal: The government is upgrading the one-stop Medical Value Travel Portal to provide an “end-to-end” solution. It enables patients to explore, plan, and book services, as well as make payments and access post-operative care.
  • Airport Facilitation: Plans include setting up MVT Concierge and Lounges at important airports. This is to greet travellers at the aerobridge and assist them through immigration, customs, and baggage claims.

Institutional Mechanism for Medical and Wellness Tourism

To ensure coordinated development of Medical Value Travel, the Government has established an institutional framework.

National Medical & Wellness Tourism Promotion Board (NMWTB): Constituted by the Ministry of Tourism in 2015, chaired by the Union Minister for Tourism. It promotes and facilitates medical and wellness tourism in India.

Multi-Stakeholder Platform: The Board brings together ministries, state governments, hospitals, wellness centres, accreditation bodies, and industry stakeholders. Together, they strengthen the Medical Value Travel ecosystem.

State-Level Coordination: States are encouraged to establish dedicated Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Boards or cells to support regional development and promotion.

Promoting Wellness and Cultural Integration

Wellness tourism represents an important component of India’s broader health tourism strategy. The country’s rich traditions in yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and spiritual healing offer unique opportunities for integrating wellness with cultural tourism.

Yoga as a Global Brand for Holistic Health

Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ (meaning “to join” or “to unite”). It has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s global soft power. It symbolises the unity of mind, body, thought, and action, and promotes a holistic approach to well-being.

The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 served as the primary vehicle for integrating wellness into the national and global consciousness. Under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the event aligned yoga with sustainability and global well-being.

PIB

India is positioned as a favoured destination for Yoga and traditional therapies, attracting Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs). They travel specifically to maintain their wellness lifestyle or seek preventive healthcare. This journey is now significantly streamlined by the government’s dedicated e-AYUSH Visa facility.

Towards a Global Healing Hub

India’s medical and wellness tourism ecosystem is evolving into a globally trusted model of integrated healthcare. It combines modern medical infrastructure with traditional systems such as AYUSH. This enables both curative and preventive care.

Strong government policy, digital facilitation, and international quality standards support this growth. Expanding global outreach is further strengthening India’s position as a comprehensive destination for Medical Value Travel.

As global demand rises, India is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of global healthcare and wellness travel.

 

Also Read:

Better brain health is linked with the enhancement of your biological age gap

Yoga and meditation improve brain function and energy levels

Renowned Lyricist, Communication strategist Prasoon Joshi Appointed as Chairman, Prasar Bharati

Posted on by
Reply

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has appointed noted lyricist, writer and communications strategist Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati, the country’s public service broadcasting body.

Joshi brings with him a wide creative and professional canvas, spanning literature, advertising, cinema and public messaging. Recognised for writing that blends cultural depth with contemporary relevance, his work across film lyrics, brand campaigns and social narratives has consistently resonated with diverse audiences.

Welcoming the appointment, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw described Joshi as a rare creative voice whose work reflects Indian ethos while earning global recognition. He expressed confidence that Joshi’s leadership would infuse Prasar Bharati with renewed direction and creative vitality.

Prior to this role, Joshi served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification since 2017, where he navigated the balance between artistic freedom and regulatory oversight. His earlier corporate tenure includes leading McCann Worldgroup India as CEO and heading its Asia Pacific operations. He is also associated as a trustee with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.

His appointment comes at a time when public broadcasting is undergoing rapid technological shifts and adapting to changing audience behaviour, placing renewed emphasis on digital engagement and content innovation.

About Prasar Bharati

Formed under the Prasar Bharati Act of 1990 and operational since 1997, Prasar Bharati functions as India’s autonomous public broadcaster. It operates through two key arms: All India Radio, one of the world’s largest radio networks reaching audiences across regions and languages, and Doordarshan, which delivers news, education, entertainment and cultural programming nationwide.

The organisation has also expanded its digital presence with its OTT platform, Waves, aimed at strengthening free-to-air digital broadcasting.

With an extensive terrestrial and digital network, Prasar Bharati continues to play a central role in delivering credible information, promoting cultural continuity and ensuring inclusive access to public service media across India.

Also Read:

Global launch of ‘Padma Doree’

Ashutosh Gowariker Appointed as Festival Director For 57th IFFI In Goa

Global launch of ‘Padma Doree’

Posted on by
Reply

The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), a CPSE under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), today formally unveiled Padma Doree, a unique cross-cultural textile initiative that brings together the Eri (Ahimsa) silk traditions of Northeast India with the rich Chanderi weaving heritage of Madhya Pradesh.

The initiative was officially launched by Secretary, MDoNER, Sanjay Jaju, followed by a captivating fashion show that showcased the fusion of Eri silk—renowned for its ethical and sustainable production—with the intricate motifs and finesse of Chanderi textiles.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Sanjay  Jaju said It is Hon’rable Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s vision of Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat that Padma Doree is come into being. He said  that under the visionary leadership of Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Shri  Jyotiraditya Scindia this new initiative as realised  today .

He stated Padma Doree is distinct because it is coming from two different textile traditions – Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh and Eri Silk from the North East India. Shri Jaju said Padma Doree is not just bringing heritage, but also brining innovation.

The launch event featured curated exhibition walkthroughs, offering insights into the development of the textiles and the collaborative processes behind them. Positioned within the broader discourse on Indian textiles, indigenous knowledge systems, and sustainable luxury, the initiative underscores the relevance of traditional crafts in contemporary markets.

The three-day exhibition, commencing today, has been designed as an interactive and evolving platform, allowing visitors to engage directly with artisans, understand textile processes, and experience the journey from fibre to fabric.

Artisans from Northeast India and Madhya Pradesh are actively participating in the showcase, offering live demonstrations and sharing insights into their craft traditions. The event also integrates regional culinary experiences, reflecting the cultural richness of the participating regions.

Speaking at launching programme NEHHDC Managing DirectoMara Kocho said, “Padma Doree brings together the fibre traditions of the North East and the handloom heritage of Chanderi, creating an integrated and sustainable textile ecosystem.

The unveiling event was graced by film Director Muzaffar Ali, Senior officials of MDoNER,  officials from Madhya Pradesh Handloom along with other dignitaries, designers, and artisans associated with the initiative.

 

Also Read:

India Advances Critical Mineral Security: 58 Companies Eligible for Recycling Scheme

Envoys Of Four Nations Present Credentials To President Of India [Photos]

Ashutosh Gowariker Appointed as Festival Director For 57th IFFI In Goa

Posted on by
Reply

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has appointed noted filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker as Festival Director for the 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India, scheduled to take place in Goa later this year.

Gowariker, known for his expansive body of work in Indian cinema, brings with him decades of association with the festival. His engagement with IFFI reflects a long-standing involvement with both Indian and global film cultures, positioning him as a seasoned choice for the role.

Reacting to the appointment, Gowariker said he was honoured to take on the responsibility. He recalled his journey with the festival, noting that he first attended IFFI in 1984 and has remained connected to it over the years, most recently serving as Jury President for International Cinema in 2024. He described the opportunity as both a privilege and a moment of pride.

He emphasised the legacy of the festival, which has been shaped by numerous contributors since its inception in 1952, and said he looks forward to working closely with the Union Ministry and the Government of Goa to build on that foundation.

Established in 1952, IFFI is among Asia’s most prominent film festivals and serves as a key platform for global cinema. Over the decades, it has evolved into a meeting point for filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences, fostering cultural exchange through cinema.

Organised jointly by the National Film Development Corporation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Entertainment Society of Goa, the festival has grown into a diverse showcase of cinematic expression. Its programming typically includes international competitions, country focus segments, retrospectives, masterclasses, and the Film Bazaar—an industry hub for collaboration and project development.

Set against Goa’s coastal landscape, the upcoming 57th edition, scheduled for November 2026, is expected to expand its scope further, bringing together a wide spectrum of storytelling traditions, languages, and emerging technologies in cinema.

Also Read:

Mukta Arts Invites Writers To Submit Story Ideas For Films, Animation, OTT Projects

President Murmu presents 68th National Film Awards’2022

India Advances Critical Mineral Security: 58 Companies Eligible for Recycling Scheme

Posted on by
Reply

In a significant move to bolster supply security and accelerate a circular economy, the Ministry of Mines has completed eligibility screening for its incentive programme on critical mineral recycling, clearing 58 companies to participate.

The scheme—backed by a ₹1,500 crore outlay under the National Critical Mineral Mission—was notified on October 2, 2025, alongside detailed operational guidelines. It is designed to build domestic recycling capacity for key materials recovered from lithium-ion batteries, electronic waste and industrial scrap, helping curb import dependence while supporting clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

Applications were invited between October 2, 2025 and April 1, 2026, drawing strong industry interest. Submissions were evaluated by the Project Management Agency at the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre, in line with prescribed criteria.

Following the review, the Executive Committee approved 58 entities in two tranches—20 on March 30, 2026, and 38 on April 29, 2026. Together, these firms have committed an estimated 850 KTPA of recycling capacity and investments of around ₹5,000 crore. The selected participants span battery recycling, e-waste processing and recovery from other waste streams, indicating growing momentum in India’s critical minerals ecosystem.

The programme now moves into the implementation phase, where approved projects will be assessed for financial support based on capacity creation and the start of operations.

Also Read:

Deep-sea must not turn into ‘Wild West’ of rare minerals exploitation, agency head says

India Maps Rare Earth Reserves, Pushes Magnet Manufacturing With ₹7,280 Cr Plan

UPI completes 10 glorious years, Becomes World’s Largest Real-Time Payments Platform, Anchoring India’s Digital Economy

Posted on by
Reply
  • Transaction volume surges nearly 12,000-fold in last 10 years, Value exceeds ₹314 lakh crore in FY 2025–26, reflecting deep nationwide adoption.
  • Over 700 banks onboarded as UPI captures nearly 49% of global real-time payments, driving high-frequency retail usage and inclusive digital growth.

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched on 11 April 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) under the regulatory oversight of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has emerged as the backbone of India’s digital payments ecosystem and a critical driver of financial inclusion.

Over a decade of operations, UPI has demonstrated extraordinary scale and momentum. Annual transaction volume expanded from just 2 crore transactions in FY 2016-17 to over 24,162 crore transactions in FY 2025-26, representing an almost 12,000‑fold surge in transaction volume. Parallelly, transaction value rose sharply from ₹0.07 lakh crore in FY 2016-17 to approximately ₹314 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, translating into a more than 4,000‑fold increase in transaction value.

This simultaneous expansion in both volume and value highlights UPI’s deepening role in supporting high‑frequency retail payments. The unprecedented scale, reliability, and interoperability achieved by UPI have received global recognition, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) acknowledging it as the world’s largest real‑time payment system by transaction volume, underscoring India’s leadership in building scalable, inclusive, and innovative digital public infrastructure.

 

INDIA CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF UPI

A Decade of Transforming India’s Digital Payment Landscape

From 21 Banks & 0.01 Crore Transactions in a month in the Year 2016 to 700+ Banks & 2000+ crore Transactions in a month in the Year 2025

 

24,162 Crore

Annual Transactions (FY2026)

 ₹314 Lakh Crore

Annual Value

(FY2026)

 66 Crore

Daily Average Transactions

 ₹0.86 Lakh Crore

Daily Average Value

(FY2026)

 

I.  The Decade in Numbers

UPI AT A GLANCE : KEY STATISTICS (NPCI)
Annual Transaction Volume (FY2025-26) 24,161.69 Crore
Annual Transaction Value (FY2025-26) ₹314 Lakh Crore
YoY Volume Growth (2025-2026) 30.0%
YoY Value Growth (2025-2026) 20.59%
Daily Average Transactions (2025) 66 Crore
Record Monthly Volume (March 2026) 2264 Crore (peak)
Record Monthly Value (March 2026) ₹29.53 Lakh Crore
Banks Live on UPI (As on March 2026) 703 Banks
Banks at Launch (April 2016) 21 Banks
First Month Transactions (April 2016) 373
Share of UPI in India’s Digital Payments 85% (FY2025-26)
Share of Global Real-Time Volume 49% of World (2025)
Countries Accepting UPI 8 Countries

 

 

Annual Transaction Volume Growth (2016-2025)

Fig 1: UPI Annual Transaction Volume in Crore|

Annual Transaction Value Growth (2016-2025)

Fig 2: UPI Annual Transaction Value in ₹ Lakh Crore

 

II.  Monthly Performance, 2025

The Year 2025 marked a significant milestone in the growth trajectory of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Monthly transaction volumes crossed 2,000 crore transactions for the first time in August 2025, reaching 2,001 crore transactions, signalling a new scale of adoption. This momentum continued through the remainder of the year, with December 2025 recording 2,163 crore transactions, the highest monthly transaction volume in UPI’s decade‑long journey.

Over the course of the calendar year 2025, UPI processed approximately 22,000 crore transactions in total, translating into a daily average of about 60 crore transactions. This sustained high‑frequency usage reflects the deep penetration of digital payments across the country and the growing trust of citizens, merchants, and businesses in India’s digital payments ecosystem.

Fig 3: UPI Monthly Transaction Volume (2025)

III.  Ecosystem Strength, Banks, Apps & Geography

Banks Live on UPI, Unprecedented Participation

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has witnessed a steady and broad-based expansion in institutional participation since its launch. The number of banks live on UPI increased from 44 banks in FY 2016-17, the first year of operations, to 703 banks by FY 2025-26. This onboarding covers public sector banks, private banks, small finance banks, payment banks, and cooperative banks, enabling UPI’s deep geographic reach. Each bank functions as a Remitter PSP (processing outgoing transactions) and/or a Beneficiary PSP (receiving funds), with NPCI monitoring performance metrics for all participants.

Fig 4: Number of Banks Live on UPI (FY2017–2026)

 

IV.  Transaction Segmentation, P2P & P2M Analysis

An analysis of UPI transactions highlights a clear divergence between volume and value across payment types. Person‑to‑merchant (P2M) transactions account for 63% of total transaction volume, reflecting UPI’s extensive use for high‑frequency, low‑value retail payments. In contrast, person‑to‑person (P2P) transactions dominate transaction value, contributing 71%, indicating their use for higher‑ticket transfers between individuals. This contrast underscores UPI’s dual role as a mass retail payments platform and a trusted channel for larger‑value fund transfers.

 

Fig 7: UPI P2P vs P2M Split — Volume & Value (H1 2025, 106.36 Billion Transactions)  |  Source: NPCI UPI Product Statistics

 

Transaction Distribution by Ticket Size, Micro-Payments Dominate

Fig 5: UPI P2P vs P2M Split, Volume & Value

In FY2026, UPI transactions totalling 24,162 crore reflected the platform’s deep integration into everyday digital payment usage across the country. with particularly robust momentum in the merchant segment. P2M transactions were largely driven by small-ticket payments, with 86% below ₹500, highlighting UPI’s deep integration into routine retail and day-to-day commerce, even as higher-value transactions continued to expand. P2P transactions also showed widespread usage for low-value transfers (59% below ₹500), while a significant 41% of transactions above ₹500 reflects UPI’s growing versatility in facilitating both regular personal payments and higher-value fund transfers.

 

 

Fig 6: UPI transaction distribution by ticket size

V.  UPI on the World Stage

What began as a domestic payments innovation has today evolved into a global benchmark in digital payments.

As of 2024, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) accounts for nearly 49 % percent of the world’s real-time payment transaction volume, a milestone recognized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its report in June 2025.

With over 66 crores transactions processed daily, UPI has surpassed global payment network, reinforcing India’s position as the world leader in instant, secure, and inclusive digital payments.

Country / Region Status
UAE Operational, accepted at major merchant points; used by Indian diaspora
Singapore Operational, linked with Singapore’s PayNow for cross-border transfers
France Operational, expanding Indian tourist payment acceptance
Bhutan Operational, NPCI-enabled real-time cross-border payments
Nepal Operational, accepted across the nation
Sri Lanka Operational, Indian visitor and diaspora payments
Mauritius Operational, integrated with local payment infrastructure
Qatar  Operational.

 

VI.  The Road Ahead, UPI’s Next Decade

The next decade of UPI is poised to drive even greater transformation in India’s digital payments landscape.  By bringing new users and merchants to the UPI Ecosystem, Government of India remains committed to enabling the next phase of UPI-led innovation and strengthening India’s digital payments ecosystem through continued policy support, technological advancement, and greater financial inclusion.

 

Also Read:

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chairs meeting on “Illegal Loan Apps”; Steps to prevent operations

Almost every Indian village now has a banking outlet within 5 km radius. What changed?

India Rapidly Expands Doppler Weather Radar Network Since 2014 From 14 To 50: Jitendra Singh

Posted on by
Reply
India has significantly expanded its Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network since 2014, increasing from 14 operational units to 50, marking over 250% rise. These additions, covering over 87% of the country, improve forecasting for cyclones, heavy rain, and thunderstorms under the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with 50 more planned under Mission Mausam.

This was stated here today by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh speaking to the media after inaugurating a Selfie Point, depicting Weather Radar, at the entrance gate of India Meteorological Department (IMD) headquarters, at Lodhi Road, here. The event was held in the presence of Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Ravichandran, and Director General of Meteorology, IMD, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, along with senior officials and scientists.

The Minister said, this transformation has been made possible due to the high priority accorded to the sector by the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to greater accuracy, accessibility and public trust in forecasts.

 

Dr Jitendra Singh said that India’s meteorological services have undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade. From a time when weather forecasts were often met with scepticism, the system today provides highly reliable and precise predictions used by a wide spectrum of users, from farmers and homemakers to pilots and event planners. He said that people now routinely check weather updates on their mobile phones before stepping out, reflecting the growing trust and reach of IMD services.

Referring to advancements in forecasting, he highlighted the introduction of ‘Nowcast’ services, which provide highly localised and accurate forecasts for the next three hours. He said that such real-time information is crucial for disaster preparedness, urban planning and day-to-day decision-making. He added that India’s forecasting capability has reached a stage where it can provide detailed inputs on rainfall intensity, type of precipitation, possibility of hailstorms, and even the size of raindrops.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also spoke about the role of Doppler Weather Radar technology in strengthening India’s weather monitoring system. These radars use the Doppler effect to track the movement and velocity of weather systems, enabling accurate and timely forecasts. The modern radars deployed by IMD are equipped with dual-polarization technology, allowing precise identification of precipitation types such as rain, hail and drizzle, improved rainfall estimation, and better detection of severe weather events while minimizing false signals.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the expanding radar network enables continuous monitoring of the atmosphere over large distances and supports early warnings for cyclones, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and other extreme weather events. It also plays a critical role in aviation safety, agricultural planning and disaster risk reduction.

Highlighting the broader impact, the Minister said that India’s forecasting capabilities are also benefiting neighbouring countries, reflecting the country’s commitment to global cooperation and shared resilience.

The Minister also referred to the government’s focused initiatives such as Mission Mausam, aimed at strengthening weather and climate services, and the ongoing expansion of radar infrastructure, including installations in vulnerable regions like Jammu & Kashmir following recent extreme weather events.

The Selfie Point inaugurated today showcases a legacy weather radar system, providing visitors with a tangible connection to the evolution of meteorological technology in India. It has been set up to create greater public awareness about weather science and to encourage citizens to engage with IMD’s services through platforms such as mobile applications, SMS alerts and social media.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that such initiatives will help bridge the gap between scientific advancements and public awareness, enabling citizens to better understand and utilise weather information in their daily lives.

 

Also Read:

Weather forecast to become more accurate as new technique found now

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw To Flag Off Extended Vande Bharat Connecting Jammu With Srinagr

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw To Flag Off Extended Vande Bharat Connecting Jammu With Srinagr

Posted on by
Reply

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the extended Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express up to Jammu Tawi on April 30, marking a significant upgrade to rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

The move comes alongside a major capacity expansion, with the train’s rake increased from 8 to 20 coaches in response to consistently high passenger demand.

The service, which earlier terminated at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now run till Jammu Tawi Railway Station, directly linking the Union Territory’s largest railhead with the Kashmir Valley.

Following the ceremonial run, regular operations will begin from May 2, with two pairs of trains operating six days a week across the 266-km corridor.

The first service will depart Jammu Tawi early morning and reach Srinagar in under five hours, while a second service will offer additional morning and afternoon options from both ends, improving flexibility for travellers.

Seamless travel for pilgrims, tourists and commuters

The extension eliminates the need for passengers to change trains at Katra, a long-standing inconvenience for pilgrims heading to the Vaishno Devi shrine and tourists travelling further into the Valley. It also enables a single, uninterrupted rail journey connecting Jammu directly to Srinagar.

For pilgrims, especially those combining visits to Vaishno Devi and the Amarnath Yatra routes via Srinagar, the new service simplifies travel logistics significantly. Tourists arriving in Jammu can now access Kashmir’s key destinations entirely by rail, bypassing weather-prone mountain roads.

Boost for local mobility and business

The expanded service is expected to benefit daily commuters, including students, officials and patients travelling between Jammu and Srinagar, particularly during winter when highway closures disrupt road connectivity.

For traders and artisans, the faster and more reliable rail link is likely to ease movement of goods and reduce travel costs, strengthening economic activity across the region.

Akashwani News

Engineering backbone of the route

As part of the visit, the minister will inspect the Chenab Rail Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge, both critical components of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

The Chenab bridge, standing taller than the Eiffel Tower, and the Anji bridge represent some of the most complex railway engineering efforts undertaken in the Himalayan region.

Part of a broader rail transformation

The extension is the latest milestone in a decade-long push to modernise rail infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The USBRL project, spanning 272 km with extensive tunnelling and bridge construction, has enabled all-weather connectivity to the Valley.

The first Vande Bharat service on the route was flagged off by Narendra Modi in June 2025. The latest extension now brings that high-speed service to a wider population base, linking Jammu more directly with Kashmir’s economic and tourism circuits.

Also Read:

Vacation Time: Indian Railways Plans 18,262 Summer Special Trips To Meet Seasonal Travel Surge [Trains Details]

Indian Railways Clears ₹1,364 Crore for Kavach Signalling across Multiple Zones

PM Modi Kicks Off Football Session With Youngsters In Gangtok, Sikkim

Posted on by
Reply

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in a vibrant football session with youngsters during a pleasant morning in Gangtok, Sikkim.

​The Prime Minister wrote on X:

“Nothing like playing some football with my young friends in Sikkim on a lovely Gangtok morning!”

“Clearly, an energising football session with these youngsters!”

” A football morning in Gangtok! We learnt, we played, we celebrated and above everything else, we enjoyed the game….”

Also Read:

PM Modi Lauds Retiring Rajya Sabha Members, Calls Their Experience ‘Nation’s Asset’

PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat Express from Una in Himachal Pradesh to New Delhi

 

India Post, DTDC Sign MoU To Strengthen Logistics And E-Commerce Ecosystem

Posted on by
Reply

In a significant development to enhance India’s logistics and e-commerce ecosystem, the Department of Posts (DoP) under the Ministry of Communications and DTDC Express Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU was formalized today in New Delhi by Sh. Neeraj Kumar Jha, General Manager of Parcel Directorate, Department of Posts, and Sh. Abhishek Chakraborty, Chief Executive Officer of DTDC Express Limited, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations.

 

(Officials of the Department of Posts and DTDC Express Limited exchange the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi)

This partnership aims to leverage DoP’s vast infrastructure and network, coupled with DTDC’s logistics experience, to significantly improve parcel delivery operations across India. The MoU denotes a continued collaboration between the two parties, which began in 2025.

Key Highlights of the MoU:

  • Objective: To explore and expand opportunities in logistics and business operations, enabling DTDC to utilize DoP’s extensive postal network for nationwide parcel delivery, including Cash on Delivery (COD) services.
  • Increased Collaboration: The MoU focuses on joint logistics operations, capacity-sharing, best practices in parcel industry and synchronization of marketing strategies to optimize operational efficiency and service quality.
  • Regular Review Mechanisms: Both parties will conduct quarterly meetings to assess the progress of the partnership, ensure the integration of their systems and explore new opportunities to enhance the logistics network.

Benefits to DTDC:

DTDC will gain access to DoP’s unparalleled network of 1.64 lakh Post Offices spread across the country. This partnership will allow DTDC to expand its logistics operations, improve delivery speed and meet the growing demands of India’s e-commerce sector, especially in remote areas.

Benefits to the Department of Posts:

For DoP, the collaboration will enhance its parcel business, facilitating faster transmission and delivery services while expanding its network. By joining hands with DTDC, DoP aims to further strengthen its role in India’s logistics sector, contributing to the country’s vision of becoming a global logistics hub.

About the Department of Posts:

The Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, operates the world’s largest postal network with over 1.64 lakh Post Offices across India. It plays a critical role in providing communication, logistics and financial services with a focus on driving e-commerce growth in India.

About DTDC Express Limited:

DTDC is one of the express parcel delivery companies in India, offering innovative logistics solutions for domestic and international e-commerce. The company is committed to delivering reliable, cost-effective and scalable logistics services, supporting businesses across various sectors.

 

Also Read:

Nitin Gadkari Reviews National Highway Projects In Karnataka, Kerala

Mumbai–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat To Run With 20 Coaches From April 28

Nominations Invited For Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar; Deadline July 31

Posted on by
Reply

The Government of India has opened nominations for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP), an annual national award that honours children for exceptional achievements across the country.

The awards recognise outstanding contributions in fields such as bravery, sports, social service, science and technology, environment, and arts and culture. Children aged between 5 and 18 years, as on July 31, 2026, who are Indian citizens residing in the country, are eligible to apply.

Nominations, including self-nominations and recommendations by others, must be submitted online through the National Awards Portal.

The last date for submitting applications is July 31, 2026. Further details and the application format are available on the portal.

For more details, please visit the National Awards Portal (https://awards.gov.in).

Also Read:

Nominations Open For Padma Awards 2027; Deadline July 31

Children’s Day 2017: President Gives Away National Child Awards

Nitin Gadkari Reviews National Highway Projects In Karnataka, Kerala

Posted on by
Reply

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari reviewed the quality and maintenance progress of National Highway projects in Karnataka and Kerala, acting on feedback received through media and social media.

The review meeting was held in New Delhi with Union Ministers of State Shri Harsh Malhotra and Shri Ajay Tamta, along with officials from National Highways Authority of India, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and project contractors.

During the meeting, Shri Nitin Gadkari reviewed the quality and maintenance progress of 7,926 km of National Highways in Karnataka and 1,513 km across 61 National Highway projects in Kerala.

Shri Nitin Gadkari emphasised the importance of timely execution of works, adherence to strict quality standards, and adoption of advanced technologies to ensure sustainable and efficient highway infrastructure. He also stressed the need to accelerate on-ground works, strengthen quality monitoring systems, and adopt modern construction practices to enhance asset longevity, improve riding quality, and ensure seamless connectivity across key highway corridors.

The Union Minister issued strict directions to officials to ensure full preparedness ahead of the monsoon season. He highlighted the importance of preventive measures and robust response systems to maintain road safety, structural durability, and uninterrupted traffic movement across the highway network.

Shri Nitin Gadkari also instructed officials to undertake advance planning for the monsoon season, including comprehensive drainage management, slope protection measures, and establishment of quick-response mechanisms to minimise disruptions and ensure commuter safety.

 

Also Read:

What Is Truck Technology? How It Helps In Protecting Workers and Road Users on Indian Highways

Conversion of State Highways to NH in Telangana

Mumbai–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat To Run With 20 Coaches From April 28

Posted on by
Reply

Indian Railways has made the expansion of Train No. 22961/22962 Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express from 16 to 20 coaches a permanent feature, effective from journeys starting April 28, 2026. The additional four coaches include three AC Chair Car coaches and one Executive Class coach, significantly enhancing seating capacity on one of the country’s busiest inter-city routes.

The move follows sustained high demand for the service since its launch. What was initially introduced as a temporary measure to manage peak travel has now been formalised, reflecting Indian Railways’ effort to align capacity with consistently rising passenger volumes.

So far, 162 Vande Bharat services have been operationalised across the network, cutting travel times by up to 45% on several routes. Of these, 90 services run with 8 coaches, 38 with 20 coaches, and 34 with 16 coaches. This means roughly 23.45% of the services now operate with 20-coach formations, while about 21% continue with 16 coaches, and the rest remain in the 8-coach configuration.

Covering a distance of 491 kilometres in approximately five hours and 30 minutes, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route includes stops at Borivali, Vapi, Surat, and Vadodara. It connects two of western India’s most economically dynamic cities and caters to a wide range of passengers, including business travellers, students, daily commuters, and tourists.

Passenger uptake has been strong. Nearly 4 crore passengers travelled on Vande Bharat services in FY 2025–26, marking a year-on-year growth of around 34%. Since its introduction in 2019, the service has carried over 9.1 crore passengers across more than one lakh trips. Network occupancy has consistently exceeded 100%, underscoring sustained demand.

The growing preference for Vande Bharat trains reflects changing travel expectations, with passengers prioritising speed, comfort, and punctuality. Features such as faster acceleration, cleaner coaches, improved onboard experience, and better timekeeping have contributed to their popularity.

Wikimedia

Indian Railways has been scaling up capacity across high-demand corridors as part of a broader, data-driven strategy. The permanent upgrade of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad service fits into this wider push to meet evolving passenger needs.

In addition to this route, the 20901/20902 Gandhinagar Capital–Mumbai Central Vande Bharat Express provides another key high-speed link between Gujarat and Maharashtra, connecting Gandhinagar and the Ahmedabad region with Mumbai.

Vande Bharat trains, designed as semi-high-speed services, come equipped with modern safety and passenger-friendly features. These include the KAVACH safety system, automatic plug doors, ergonomic reclining seats, and revolving seats in Executive Class. Onboard facilities include a mini pantry, charging points at every seat, CCTV surveillance, and dedicated accessible lavatories for Divyangjan passengers.

The permanent shift to a 20-coach configuration on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route reflects a broader transformation underway in Indian Railways, as it expands capacity to match the growing demand for faster and more comfortable travel.

Also Read:

Vacation Time: Indian Railways Plans 18,262 Summer Special Trips To Meet Seasonal Travel Surge [Trains Details]

Soon Railway Stations, Trains to be Disabled-Friendly

Nominations Open For Padma Awards 2027; Deadline July 31

Posted on by
Reply

Nominations and recommendations for the Padma Awards 2027, to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, have opened from March 15, 2026, with the last date set as July 31, 2026. Submissions will be accepted only through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.

The Padma Awards — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri — rank among the country’s highest civilian honours. Instituted in 1954, the awards are presented annually to recognise “work of distinction” across a wide spectrum of fields, including art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil services, trade and industry.

The awards are open to all individuals regardless of race, profession, position or gender. However, government employees, including those working in public sector undertakings, are not eligible, with the exception of doctors and scientists.

Reinforcing its push to make the honours more inclusive, the government has reiterated its vision of transforming the awards into a “People’s Padma”. Citizens are encouraged to submit nominations, including self-nominations, with a focus on recognising unsung achievers — particularly women, individuals from weaker sections, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and divyang persons — who have made selfless contributions to society.

Each nomination must be submitted in the prescribed format available on the portal, accompanied by detailed supporting information, including a citation of up to 800 words outlining the nominee’s exceptional achievements and service in their respective field.

Details in this regard are also available under the heading ‘Awards and Medals’ on the website of Ministry of Home Affairs (https://mha.gov.in) and on the Padma Awards Portal (https://padmaawards.gov.in ). The statutes and rules relating to these awards are available on the website with the link https://padmaawards.gov.in/AboutAwards.aspx .

Also Read:

Nominations for Padma Awards-2023 open till 15th Sept

President Murmu presents National Service Scheme Awards for the year 2020-21

Insurance For All: Expanding Coverage To Strengthen India’s Social Security System

Posted on by
Reply
  • India ranks as the 10th largest insurance market globally by premium volume (Swiss Re Report).
  • Share of insurance and pension funds in household financial assets rose to 29.6% in FY25 from 28.6% in FY19, as per Economic Survey 2025-26.
  • FDI limit in insurance raised to 100% under the Sabka Bima, Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025.
  • Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana recorded 26.88 crore enrolments and 10.45 lakh claims disbursed (as of Feb 2026).

Introduction

A robust economy requires strong risk-protection systems, and insurance serves as a key pillar of financial security and social protection. It is not just a financial contract; it is a system where individuals and businesses transfer risk to insurers in exchange for premiums. By pooling risks, insurance enables households and enterprises to recover from unforeseen events without exhausting savings or selling productive assets. In this way, insurance ensures financial continuity and supports sound financial planning by protecting income, assets, and long-term economic security.

In India, insurance plays an important role in strengthening social security and promoting financial resilience. Rising healthcare costs, livelihood risks, and economic uncertainties underline the importance of accessible insurance coverage for citizens, families, and businesses. Recognising this, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) committed to the vision of “Insurance for All by 2047”. It aims to ensure that every citizen has adequate life, health, and property insurance, and that every enterprise has access to suitable risk protection.

The Indian insurance sector is undergoing a significant transformation in line with this vision. Regulatory reforms and policy initiatives are expanding coverage, improving affordability, and strengthening consumer protection. The transition towards a principle-based regulatory framework has streamlined compliance requirements and provided insurers with greater flexibility to innovate, thereby supporting inclusive insurance growth. Together, these developments are positioning insurance as a vital component of India’s social security framework and economic strength.

Insurance Sector Performance

Insurance, as a vital component of the financial sector, plays a crucial role in India’s economy. Beyond offering protection against life, property, and casualty risks and serving as a safety net across both urban and rural areas, the sector also promotes savings. Its sustained development is essential to support India’s ongoing economic transformation.

India’s insurance sector continued its growth momentum in 2024–25, consolidating its position as the 10th largest insurance market globally by nominal premium volumes, with a market share of 1.8%, as per the Swiss Re report. Insurance penetration stood at 3.7% with life insurance at 2.7% and non-life at 1% while insurance density increased marginally to USD 97.0. Reflecting the scale and growing activity in the sector, during FY 2024-25, the sector issued 41.84 crore policies, collected premiums of ₹11.93 lakh crore, paid claims of ₹8.36 lakh crore, and reported assets under management of ₹74.44 lakh crore as on 31 March 2025. The increasing role of insurance is also reflected in household financial assets- total value of financial assets held by households, including savings, investments and entitlements. The share of insurance and pension funds in household financial assets also rose from 28.6% in FY 2018-19 to 29.6% in FY 2024-25, reflecting growing financial awareness among households.

Insurance penetration is defined as gross premiums written for direct life and non-life insurance business as a percentage of GDP.

Insurance density is the ratio of premiums to population (per capita premium).

The two main types of Insurance:
  • Life insurance provides financial protection against contingencies related to human life, such as death, disability, accidents, and retirement.
  • Non-life insurance covers property, businesses, and individuals, offering compensation on an indemnity basis for losses or damages. It provides monetary support in case of unforeseen events and includes health, motor, home, fire, marine, travel, portable equipment, crop, liability insurance, among others.
Growth of Insurance Premium

(In ₹lakh crore)
     FY 2020-21   FY 2024-25 Growth
Total Premium Income 8.30 11.90 43.37 %
Life insurance premiums 6.30 8.86 40.63%
Non-Life insurance premiums 2.02 3.10 53.46%

Notably, the life insurance segment continues to anchor the sector. It accounts for 91% of the total assets under management (AUM)- the overall market value of assets that a financial institution oversees on behalf of its clients at a given point in time. In addition to this, it represents approximately 74% of the total premium income. Within the non-life segment, health insurance has emerged as the leading business line, contributing 41% of gross domestic premium and surpassing motor insurance.

An insurance premium is the amount paid by an individual or business to obtain an insurance policy. The premium varies across policyholders, as it is determined by several influencing factors, such as age, area of residence, nature of employment, medical ailment, income and others.

Insurance accessibility has also improved through a combination of physical presence and intermediary expansion. The total number of insurers’ offices stood at 21,338 as of March 2024  which increased to 22,076 in March,2025. Correspondingly, the distribution network grew significantly from approximately 48 lakh in FY2020-21 to nearly 83 lakh in FY2024-25, improving reach across rural areas and socio-economically weaker sections. Presently, 74 insurers are operational, supported by a distribution network of over 83 lakh agents, point-of-sales persons, and institutional partners. This expansion is vital for facilitating delivery of insurance services across various segments, especially in reaching the rural and socio-economically weaker sections of society.

Recent Policy and Regulatory Measures

To strengthen the insurance ecosystem and enhance protection for policyholders, the Government has undertaken a series of legislative and regulatory reforms. These measures aim to improve insurance affordability, expand coverage, promote ease of doing business, and strengthen consumer safeguards across the sector.

Sabka Bima, Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025

The Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025has amended various provisions of the Insurance Act, 1938, the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999. This enhances citizens’ protection, deepen insurance penetration, accelerate growth, further strengthens the insurance sector and improves the ease of doing business. The key provisions of the policy are outlined below:

Increased FDI Limit: The amendment raises the FDI limit in Indian insurance companies from 74% to 100%. The measure is expected to attract stable long-term investment, facilitate technology transfer, support greater insurance penetration and social protection.

Promote Ease of Doing Business: To ensure uninterrupted service, support policyholders and promote ease of doing business, following amendments were made:

  • One-time registration for insurance intermediaries has been introduced to ensure seamless operations and better service continuity.
  • IRDAI approval threshold for share transfers was increased from 1% to 5%, further simplifying compliance.
  • Net Owned Fund requirement for foreign reinsurers has been reduced from ₹5,000 crore to ₹1,000 crore, encouraging greater reinsurance participation and capacity in India.
  • Insurance laws have been aligned with Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 to create a legal anchor for effective use of digital public infrastructure in the insurance sector, ensuring that policyholders’ information is duly secured and protected.
  • The Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Amendment Rules, 2025, notified on 30 December 2025 have rationalised conditions for insurance companies and intermediaries to promote ease of doing business.

Creation of Insurance Awareness: The amendment provides for the creation of a Policyholders’ Education and Protection Fund, to increase citizens’ awareness towards risk protection and promote education for policyholders.

Improved Policyholders’ Protection: To safeguard policyholder, IRDAI has been empowered to order disgorgement of wrongful gains made by insurers or intermediaries. The maximum penalty for non-compliance with the Insurance Act or the IRDA Act has been enhanced from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore. It encourages insurers and intermediaries to adhere more strictly to rules and standards, thereby improving governance, protecting policyholders’ interests, and enhancing overall discipline and transparency in the insurance sector. Insurance intermediaries have also been included under this provision, thereby strengthening regulatory compliance.

GST Exemption

GST exemption is granted on all individual life insurance policies and health insurance policies (including family floater) along with reinsurance w.e.f. 22 September, 2025. This measure enhances affordability for citizens, particularly underserved populations across rural and urban areas. The removal of the 18% GST lowers premium costs and encourages wider adoption.

Key Regulatory Reforms in Health Insurance

To streamline compliance, enhance transparency, and strengthen policyholder rights, IRDAI has introduced several regulatory reforms in the health insurance sector. These reforms seek to simplify the health insurance experience for customers by enforcing clear rules around product design, servicing, and claims.

  • Shortening of Moratorium Period: Moratorium period in health insurance is a fixed timeframe after which insurance companies cannot deny claims on the grounds of non-disclosure and misrepresentation, except on grounds of established fraud.  IRDAI reduced the moratorium period from 8 years to 60 months (5 years) in 2024. This strengthens the policyholder protection and enhances trust in the health insurance system.
  • Standardized 30-day free-look period: IRDAI introduced a standard 30-day free-look-period for policies with a term of one year or more. The free-look-period is the period given to a policyholder to assess and review the policy document. This consumer-friendly provision gives policyholders ample time to understand and assess their policies suitability.
  • Wider choices to policyholders: Recognizing the need for inclusive insurance, IRDAI has mandated the insurers to provide a wider choice to policyholders, considering their affordability. They must offer products, add-ons for all ages, regions, and occupational categories. Additionally, coverage should include medical conditions, disabilities, treatments, and systems of medicine (i.e. Allopathy/AYUSH), including all types of hospitals and healthcare providers.The goal is to increase insurance coverage and make policies flexible and affordable, such that more citizens—especially underserved groups—can access insurance protection.
  • No claim Bonus to policyholders: In order to reward policyholders who do not make any claim during the policy period, the insurer may offer a No Claim Bonus (NCB). Such NCB shall be provided, based on the policyholder’s choice or consent, either in the form of an enhancement in the sum insured and/or a discount on the renewal premium. The aim is to incentivise claim-free behaviour among policyholders by rewarding them with enhanced coverage or reduced renewal premiums.
  • Guaranteed policy renewal: To protect the interest of policyholders, policies must be renewed and cannot be denied on the basis of previous claims, except in cases of fraud or misrepresentation. This ensures continuity of insurance coverage and safeguards policyholders from denial of renewal based on past claims, except in cases of fraud or misrepresentation.
  • Grace Period for delay in premium payment: A grace period of 15 days (where premium is paid on a monthly instalments) and 30 days (where premium is paid in quarterly/half yearly/annual instalments) is available on the premium due date, to pay the premium. During this time, all policy benefits, such as sum insured, no claim bonus, and waiting periods, remain protected.
  • Migration and portability provisions: The policyholders can move between products or insurers while retaining accrued benefits such as waiting period credits and no-claim bonuses. This provides flexibility to the policyholders.
  • Third-Party Administrators (TPA) Performance Monitoring: To increase the accountability of TPAs, performance monitoring is done by insurers to ensure efficient and effective service delivery by them. It includes claw back of remuneration/charges paid to TPA basis customer feedback, which shall be passed on to the policyholders.
  • Premium Refund on Mid-Term Cancellation: In case of mid-term cancellation of the policy, insurers shall refund the premium or proportionate premium for the unexpired policy period. This ensures fairness and prevents misuse of the insurance system. For policies with a term of up to one year, such refund will be applicable only if no claim has been made during the policy period.

Major Insurance Protection Schemes

Reflecting its commitment to public welfare, the Government has introduced a comprehensive set of insurance measures to enhance financial security and social protection. These initiatives aim to improve insurance coverage, enhance affordability, and ensure wider access to risk protection across the country.

 

Life Insurance – Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

Launched in May 2015, the PMJJBY is a one-year term life insurance scheme renewable yearly. It provides life cover of ₹2 lakh to citizens aged 18–50 years, at an annual premium of ₹436, which is auto-debited from the subscriber’s bank account.  It aims to provide financial security and stability to families of the insured in case of untimely death, ensuring that no household faces sudden economic distress due to the loss of a breadwinner. The scheme has recorded 26.88 crore gross enrolments, with 10,45,450 claims disbursed as of February, 2026.

The policy is administered through the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and other life insurance companies. Death due to non-accidental causes during the first 30 days of enrolment is not covered, while accidental death is covered from day one.

Accidental Insurance – Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

PMSBY, launched in May 2015, is a accidental insurance scheme that provides accident and disability cover at an affordable premium, particularly for low-income and informal sector workers.

The scheme is available to all savings bank account holders aged 18 to 70 years. It provides accidental insurance coverage at an annual premium of ₹20, which is auto-debited from the linked bank account. Valid for one year (renewable annually), it offers risk coverage of ₹2 lakh in case of accidental death or full disability and ₹1 lakh for partial disability (as provided in the PMSBY rules).

The scheme has recorded 57.11 crore enrolments, with 1.76 lakh claims disbursed as of February 2026.It provides timely support to families affected by accidental deaths or disabilities, ensuring protection for economically vulnerable citizens.

Health Insurance – Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

Launched in September 2018, the scheme offers free health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary healthcare services. The scheme seeks to strengthen the healthcare system through interventions across prevention, promotion, and treatment at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. It covers all pre-existing diseases from day one, places no restriction on age, gender, or family size, and provides nationwide portability across empanelled hospitals.

In September 2024, the government expanded the health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of income. As of 28 February 2026, a total of 43.52 crore Ayushman cards have been created under the programme, highlighting the recognition of the scheme among people.

Social Security – Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI)

The Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme is a social security programme that provides protection to employees against contingencies such as sickness, maternity, disablement, and death due to employment injury, while also offering medical care to insured persons and their families. The scheme applies to factories and various establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cinemas, newspapers, shops, and educational and medical institutions registered under ESIC. As on 31 March 2025, the scheme covered 3.24 crore employees and 3.84 crore insured persons, including 83.1 lakh insured women, with a total of 14.91 crore beneficiaries receiving benefits under the programme.

Crop Insurance – Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Launched in February 2016, the scheme provides farmers with a simple, affordable, and comprehensive crop insurance. It covers against non-preventable natural risks such as droughts, floods, cyclones, hailstorms, pest attacks, and plant diseases. It also covers the entire crop cycle from pre-sowing to post-harvest, including losses during storage due to notified calamities. The scheme aims to provide timely financial support to farmers helping them manage risks and avoid falling into debt.

The scheme follows the principle of “One Nation, One Crop, One Premium,” ensuring uniform premium rates across the country. Farmers pay a maximum premium of 2% for Kharif food and oilseed crops, 1.5% for Rabi food and oilseed crops, and 5% for annual commercial or horticultural crops, with the remaining actuarial premium shared between the Central and State Governments. As of 13 March 2026, 93.98 crore applications have been received under the scheme, with claims amounting to ₹1,94,505.9 crore paid to farmers.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate the Government’s strong focus on creating an extensive and inclusive social security framework that protects citizens from life, health, and livelihood risks. By expanding coverage, enhancing affordability, and strengthening delivery mechanisms, these schemes are contributing to a more resilient society with improved financial protection across all sections of the population.

 

Also Read:

Envoys Of Four Nations Present Credentials To President Of India [Photos]

Online Gaming Rules, 2026 Focus On Promotion And Regulation

Tiny ‘Keyhole’ Discovery May Transform Treatment Of Pain And Epilepsy

Posted on by
Reply

A new set of studies by scientists at the Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and KU Leuven has uncovered how minute molecular changes can dramatically alter the way the body processes pain and responds to certain epilepsy drugs.

Published in the journal Nature Communications, the research focuses on the TRPM3 ion channel — a protein known to play a key role in sensing pain and linked to rare neurological disorders and epilepsy.

A ‘lock-and-key’ mechanism at molecular level

Researchers identified what they describe as a tiny binding site — a “molecular keyhole” — within the TRPM3 channel. Even slight alterations in this pocket can completely change how the channel behaves.

“If you have the mirror image of your key or you make a very small change to the key or to the keyhole, suddenly the door might open or close,” said Thomas Voets, co-lead of the study.

The team examined isosakuranetin, a plant-derived compound often explored for blocking TRPM3 activity. The molecule exists in two mirror-image forms, known as S and R.

“We discovered that the active form of isosakuranetin is R, not S,” said researcher Bahar Bazeli. “R is a potent inhibitor of the channel, while S is ineffective.”

Why some treatments fail

The study goes further, showing that mutations found in some patients can alter this keyhole — effectively changing how drugs interact with the channel.

“Any small change in this pocket can affect the direction of the effect and also the efficacy,” Bazeli explained. “You can turn an antagonist into an agonist and vice versa.”

This means that in certain patients, drugs designed to block pain signals could become ineffective — or even produce the opposite effect. According to the researchers, patients with specific TRPM3 mutations “shouldn’t use the drug everyone else uses” as it may cause side effects without benefits.

Link to severe facial pain

A parallel study published in Cell Reports Medicine examined the role of TRPM3 in trigeminal neuralgia — a condition widely regarded as one of the most painful disorders.

The research found that nerve injury and inflammation significantly increase TRPM3 activity, making pain-sensing neurons hyperactive.

“Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the worst pain syndromes. People call it the suicide disease because it’s so painful,” Voets said, adding: “We show that inhibiting TRPM3 works surprisingly well in animal models.”

Genetic analysis also revealed that certain TRPM3 variants are more common in patients with the condition, suggesting a biological reason why standard treatments fail in some cases.

Toward personalised medicine

Taken together, the findings point to a shift toward more targeted therapies. By understanding how individual variations in the TRPM3 “keyhole” affect drug response, scientists say treatments could be tailored to each patient.

“Knowing exactly how a molecule fits in this lock helps a lot with developing better and more specific drugs,” Voets said. “We are now working on keys that fit even better.”

The researchers are now focusing on designing mutation-specific inhibitors — a step that could pave the way for personalised therapies for chronic pain, epilepsy and related neurological disorders.

The bigger picture

The discovery underscores how even the smallest molecular differences can have wide-ranging clinical consequences. It also highlights why a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment often fails in complex neurological conditions.

If translated into clinical practice, the “molecular keyhole” concept could mark a significant step toward precision medicine — where treatments are not just disease-specific, but tailored to the genetic profile of each patient.

 

Also Read:

Father’s health key to pregnancy, healthy child’s birth: Study

New Chip Helps Diagnose Heart Attacks Based on Blood Test in Minutes

Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia; Update on Domestic LPG Supply, Fuel, Exports

Posted on by
Reply
  • Milk procurement, processing, and supply across the country have remained uninterrupted amid the ongoing West Asia crisis
  • Dedicated portal with all State Federations and Milk Unions was launched to enable daily monitoring of dairy supply chains and availability of milk, fuel and packaging material.
  • Supply of LPG to domestic households prioritized; No reports of dry outs at LPG distributorships.
  • More than 5.01 Lakh PNG connections gasified with over 5.68 Lakh customers registered for new connections since March 2026.
  • PSU OMCs continues surprise inspections; 274 LPG distributorships, and 67 LPG distributorships suspended till yesterday.
  • 9 LPG vessels and 1 crude oil vessel safely transited the Strait of Hormuz Since 28 February 2026.
  • 12 Indian seafarers stuck in Iraq arrived in Mumbai yesterday,  with the assistance of  Indian Mission in Baghdad

As part of its ongoing outreach to keep the media informed on the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India convened a briefing at the National Media Centre today. Officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs provided updates on fuel availability, maritime operations, assistance to Indian nationals in the region, and measures being undertaken to maintain stability across key sectors. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying also shared updates during the briefing.

Updates On Animal Husbandry & Dairying

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has been closely monitoring the situation and has taken a series of proactive measures in coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) and other concerned ministries to ensure smooth operations of Dairy value chain.

Milk procurement, processing, and supply across the country have remained uninterrupted amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. Price of milk and milk products are stable, no supply disruption has occurred in the market, and payments to dairy farmers have continued throughout the crisis period.

The measures taken by the Department are as under:

  • Regular meetings are being convened under the chairmanship of the Secretary (AHD) with stakeholders to assess the evolving situation.

Fuel Availability

  •  As regards fuel (gas) supplies, MoPNG order dated 8.4.2026 ensured critical industries, including dairy processing plants, will receive 70% of their pre-March 2026 bulk non-domestic LPG supply, averting any disruption to dairy operations.   Subsequently, all dairy plants are advised to transition from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) wherever operationally feasible to reduce dependence on LPG.

Packaging Material

  • As a member of Joint Working Group on Petrochemicals convened by MoPNG, concerns related to packaging material requirements of Dairy sector has been resolved by the JWG.  MoPNG has allocated 0.23 TMT of LDPE, a key input for plastic packaging used by the dairy industry and has assured continued supplies of polypropylene and polystyrene, which are essential for plastic cups used in dairy packaging.
  • Department is closely coordinating with the suppliers of plastic packing material for smooth supply of packaging material across the country.
  • A meeting held on 20.4.2026 with State Milk Federations/ Milk Unions across India to review the milk situation and monitor the impact of West Asia crisis on Dairy Sector.  There are no issues related to supply of fuel(gas) and plastic packaging material to Dairy Sector.
  • A dedicated portal was launched on 30.3.2026 with all State Federations and Milk Unions as members to enable daily monitoring of dairy supply chains and availability of milk, fuel and packaging material.

Exports

  • A simplified animal quarantine clearance procedure was notified w.e.f. 25.03.2026 to facilitate easy return of exported cargo to Indian ports.

Energy Supply and Fuel Availability

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is taking  steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country, in the context of the ongoing situation involving the Strait of Hormuz. As per Ministry:

Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness

  • Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG as the Govt is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG.
  • Beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information.
  • LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors.
  • Citizens are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops.
  • All citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily use during the current situation.

Government Preparedness and Supply Management Measures

  • Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the Government has ensured that 100% supply is being made to Domestic LPG, Domestic PNG and CNG (Transport).
  • For commercial LPG, priority has been given to hospitals, educational institutions. Besides this, priority has also been given to pharma, steel, automobile, seed, agriculture, etc. In addition to this, supply of 5 Kg FTL to migrant labour is also doubled based on avg. daily supply on 2nd and 3rd March 2026.
  • The Government has already implemented several rationalisation measures on both the supply and demand side, including enhancing refinery production, increasing the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritising sectors for supply.
  • Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available to ease pressure on LPG demand.
  • The Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to supply additional coal to States for distribution to small and medium consumers.
  • States have been advised to facilitate new PNG connections for domestic and commercial consumers.

Coordinated Efforts with States/UTs and Institutional Mechanisms

  • State Governments are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000 to monitor supply and act against hoarding and black marketing.
  • Govt. of States/UTs have to play a primary role in monitoring and regulating supply situation of essential commodities including Petrol, Diesel and LPG. Govt. of India has reiterated the same via multiple letters and VCs to all States/UTs.
  • The Government of India vide letters dated 27.03.2026 and 02.04.2026 have stressed the need for proactive public communication to reassure citizens regarding adequate fuel availability. Regular review meetings are being held with States/UTs. In this context, meetings were convened on 02.04.2026 (Chaired by Secretary, MoPNG) and on 06.04.2026 (Chaired bySecretary, MoPNG along with Secretaries of I&B and Consumer Affairs), wherein the following was emphasized:
    • To issue daily press briefings and issue regular public advisories.
    • To actively monitor and counter fake news / misinformation on social media.
    • To intensify daily enforcement drives by District admin and to continue raids and inspections in coordination with OMCs
    • To issue Commercial LPG allocation orders within their States/UTs
    • To issue SKO allocation orders for additional SKO allotted to the States/UTs.
    • To promote PNG adoptions and alternate fuels.
    • To prioritize LPG supply, especially for domestic needs, and adopt targeted distribution of 5 kg FTL cylinders to ensure supply stability.
  • All States/UTs have established control rooms and district monitoring committees to curb hoarding and black marketing.
  • Many states/UTs are issuing/carrying out press briefs.

Enforcement and Monitoring Actions

  • Enforcement actions continue across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG. Yesterday, more than 2200 raids were conducted across the country.
  • PSU OMCs have strengthened and continued surprise inspections and imposed penalties on 274 LPG distributorships, and 67 LPG distributorships have been suspended till yesterday.

LPG Supply

Domestic LPG Supply Status:

  • LPG supply continues to be affected by the prevailing geopolitical situation.
  • Supply of LPG to domestic households has been prioritized.
  • No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships.
  • Online LPG cylinder bookings have increased to 98% on industry basis yesterday.
  • Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to around 92% to prevent diversion. DAC is received on the registered mobile number of the consumer.

Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures:

  • Total commercial LPG allocation has been increased to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, including 10% reform-linked allocation.
  • The Government of India vide letter dated 06.04.2026 has conveyed that daily quantity of 5 Kg FTL cylinders in each State available for disbursal to migrant labourers is being doubled based on the average daily supply (Number of cylinders) to migrant labourers during 2nd-3rd March 2026 beyond the limit of 20% mentioned in letter dated 21.03.2026. These 5 Kg FTL cylinders are at disposal of the State Government for supplying only to migrant labourers in their State with assistance of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
  • Since 3rd April 2026, PSU OMCs have organised more than 7400 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders, wherein more than 1,07,000 – 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold. Yesterday, 5891 – 5 Kg FTLs were sold through more than 410 camps.
  • Recently, at one of the 5 kg FTL awareness camps organised by IOCL at Tarapur (Maharashtra) on 20th April 2026, a good response was observed and about 550 – 5 Kg FTL cylinders were sold during the day.
  • Since 23rd March 2026, more than 19.28 Lakh – 5 Kg FTL cylinders have been sold.
  • A three-member committee of Executive Directors from IOCL, HPCL and BPCL is coordinating with State authorities and industry bodies to plan commercial LPG distribution in the States/UTs.
  • During the month of April-26 (till 20.04.26), a total of 1,23,680 MT (Equivalent to more than 65 Lakh of 19 Kg LPG Cylinders) of Commercial LPG has been sold.
  • On 20.04.2026, 8822 MT of Commercial LPG (Equivalent to more than 4.64 Lakh – 19 Kg cylinders) was sold.

Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives

  • Consumers have been prioritised with 100% supplies to D-PNG and CNG-Transport.
  • The overall gas allocation to fertilizer plants has been enhanced to approximately 95% of their six-month average consumption.
  • Additionally, gas supply to other industrial and commercial sectors, including supplies through CGD networks, is enhanced up to 80%.
  • CGD entities have been advised to prioritize PNG connections for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants and canteens across all their GAs, to address concerns regarding the availability of commercial LPG.
  • CGD companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections.
  • States/UTs and Central Ministries have been requested to expedite approvals required for expansion of CGD networks.
  • The Government of India vide letter dated 18.03.2026 has offered all States/UTs additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG to States provided they can help in long term transition from LPG to PNG.
  • 22 States/UTs are receiving additional commercial LPG allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms.
  • The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways vide letter dated 24.03.26 has adopted an ‘Accelerated Approval Framework for CGD infrastructure with reduced timelines’ as a special for 3 months to process applications pertaining to CGD infrastructure on priority.
  • The Government of India vide Gazette dated 24.03.2026 has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The Order provides a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, addressing delays in approvals and access to land, and enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas. It is expected to accelerate PNG network growth, enhance last-mile connectivity, and support the transition to cleaner fuels, thereby strengthening energy security and advancing India’s gas-based economy.
  • PNGRB has directed CGD entities to expedite D-PNG connections. Also, the National PNG Drive 2.0 has been extended till 30.06.2026 to sustain momentum in PNG expansion.
  • To encourage a cleaner, more secure and self-reliant energy future, the Government of India has developed a model draft State CBG Policy. The model policy is intended to serve as a comprehensive flexible guiding framework to enable States to create their own investor-friendly and implementation-oriented ecosystem for CBG development. Those States which opt for this, will be prioritized for the next tranche of additional allocation of commercial LPG.
  • MoEFCC vide order dated 07.04.2026 has directed CPCB to issue necessary directions to SPCB/PCCs for granting consent to establish or consent to operate within 15 days for CGD network/infrastructure.
  • Since March 2026, more than 5.01 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified. Further, more than 5.68 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections.
  • Till 19.04.2026, about 39,400 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in website

Crude Position and Refinery Operations

  • All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained.
  • Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption.
  • An inter-ministerial Joint Working Group (JWG) has been set up to ensure availability of petrochemical feedstock supply for the domestic market. Subsequently, Govt. of India vide order dated 01.04.2026 has permitted Oil Refinery companies including Petrochemical Complexes to make certain minimum quantities of C3 & C4 streams available for critical sectors as determined by Centre for High Technology (CHT).
  • Based on the requests received from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Chemicals & Petro Chemicals (DCPC), Dept. for Promotion of Industry and internal trade (DPIIT), the provision for 1000 MT/day, from LPG pool, has been made for Pharma and Chemical sector companies.
  • Since 9th April 2026, more than 4400 MT of propylene has been sold.

Retail Fuel Availability and pricing Measures

  • Retail outlets across the country are operating normally.
  • The Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude prices; however, to protect consumers, the Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre.
  • Govt. of India vide Gazette notification dated 11.04.2026 has increased the export levy on diesel to Rs. 55.50 per litre and on ATF to Rs. 42 per litre, to ensure availability of these products in the domestic market.
  • Regular Retail Prices for Petrol and Diesel are unchanged and there is no price increase at PSU OMCs Retail Outlets.

Kerosene Availability and Distribution Measures

  • An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been provided to States/UTs over and above regular allocation.
  • 18 States/UTs have issued SKO allocation orders, while Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have indicated no requirement.

Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations

The current maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, along with measures being undertaken to safeguard Indian vessels and crew, was also briefed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. It was stated that:

  • Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported. In this context, cargo movement has improved significantly, and as informed earlier, nearly 97% of back-to-town containers have been cleared from key western ports.
  • Average yard occupancy has moderated to around 60%, down from nearly 80% during the peak of the conflict, indicating easing pressure on port infrastructure.
  • Since 28 February 2026, a total of 9 LPG vessels and 1 crude oil vessel have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting the gradual stabilization of maritime movement in the region.
  • The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in West Asia in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and the continuity of maritime operations.
  • All Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours.
  • DG Shipping Control Room Update: The Control Room has handled 7,086 calls and more than 14,975 emails since activation. In the past 24 hours, 168 calls and 370 emails have been received.
  • Repatriation Update: The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,590 Indian seafarers so far, including 27 in the last 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region.

Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region

The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with focussed efforts on ensuring safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region. It was informed that:

  • On the directions of the Prime Minister, a focused outreach to countries in the Gulf is being made.
  • National Security Advisor visited Saudi Arabia on 19th April 2026.
  • Earlier External Affairs Minister visited UAE  and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas visited Qatar.
  • The Minister for Commerce and Industry also had interactions with several of his counterparts in the Gulf region.
  • Dedicated special control rooms in the Ministry of External Affairs are operational and are working in coordination with Indian missions.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs is in regular contact with State Governments and Union Territories for sharing of information and better alignment of efforts.
  • Indian Missions and Posts continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and are proactively assisting Indian nationals. They remain in close contact with the local Governments.
  • Updated advisories are being issued regularly, including information on local government guidelines, flight and travel situations and consular services and various welfare measures being undertaken to support our community.
  • Indian Missions are actively engaged with the resident Indian community. Ambassadors are regularly interacting with the Indian community associations, organizations, professional groups, an Indian companies to address their concerns.
  • Government is according high priority to the welfare of Indian seafarers in the region. Indian Missions are extending all assistance to them including coordination with the local authorities and agencies, extending consular assistance, and assisting for requests to return to India.
  • Flights continue to operate from the region to India from countries where airspace is open. Since 28 February, around 11,61,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India.
  • In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 110 flights expected today between UAE and India.
  • Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to various destinations in India.
  • With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is operating flights to various destinations in India.
  • Kuwait airspace remains closed. Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways are operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to India.
  • Bahrain airspace is open. Gulf Air of Bahrain has announced that beginning from today, they are starting flights from Bahrain International airport to various destinations in India.
  • Iraq airspace is open with limited flight operations to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India.
  • Iranian airspace remains partially open for cargo and chartered flights. Indian embassy in Tehran continues to facilitate movement of Indian nationals through Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India.
  • Israel: Israel airspace is open and limited flight operations have resumed to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India. We also continue to facilitate travel of Indian nationals from Israel, through Jordan and Egypt to India.

Update on return of Indian Seafarers from Iraq

  • 12 Indian seafarers who were stuck in Iraq arrived in Mumbai yesterday, following opening of Iraq airspace. Indian Mission in Baghdad rendered all assistance to them and facilitated their return to India.

 

Also Read:

Government Holds Inter-Ministerial Briefing On West Asia Developments

What Is Truck Technology? How It Helps In Protecting Workers and Road Users on Indian Highways

Deadly Blast At Fireworks Unit In Kerala, Several Feared Killed

Posted on by
Reply

A massive explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode, in Kerala’s Thrissur district, on Tuesday has left multiple people dead and several injured, with the toll still being updated.

The unit was preparing fireworks for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram festival when the blast occurred, with around 30–40 workers believed to be present at the site.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to a mishap at a cracker factory in Thrissur, Keralam. Shri Modi also wished speedy recovery for those injured in the mishap.

The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia from PMNRF of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured.

The Prime Minister posted on X:

“Saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Thrissur, Keralam. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest: PM @narendramodi”

 

“The Prime Minister has announced that an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”

 

“തൃശൂരിലെ പടക്ക നിർമാണശാലയിലുണ്ടായ അപകടത്തിൽ നിരവധി ജീവനുകൾ പൊലിഞ്ഞ വാർത്തയറിഞ്ഞതിൽ ദുഃഖമുണ്ട്. പ്രിയപ്പെട്ടവരെ നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടവരുടെ വേദനയിൽ പങ്കുചേരുന്നു. പരിക്കേറ്റവർ എത്രയും വേഗം സുഖം പ്രാപിക്കട്ടെ: പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി

@narendramodi.”

 

“മരിച്ച ഓരോ വ്യക്തിയുടെയും കുടുംബത്തിന് പ്രധാനമന്ത്രിയുടെ ദേശീയ ദുരിതാശ്വാസ നിധിയിൽ (PMNRF) നിന്ന് 2 ലക്ഷം രൂപ ധനസഹായം നൽകുമെന്ന് പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി അറിയിച്ചു. പരിക്കേറ്റവർക്ക് 50,000 രൂപ വീതം നൽകും.”

 

 

Also Read:

Major road accident: 27 killed, 20 injured in China bus accident

Jammu and Kashmir road accident: 12 people killed, 27 injured

 

What Is Truck Technology? How It Helps In Protecting Workers and Road Users on Indian Highways

Posted on by
Reply

As the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) actively expands National Highways, its focus is not just on faster connectivity but equally on bringing safety standards to a global level. Infrastructure development today is not only about building wider roads; it is about protecting every life that travels on them. With this vision, advanced safety systems like Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMAs) have been deployed on many sections of the highways, and these global practices are saving many lives, including those of on-ground workers and highway users.

Protecting Those Who Work on the Roads

Behind every highway upgrade and maintenance activity are hundreds of workers who operate in challenging and high-risk environments. Maintenance and construction zones on busy highways are among the most vulnerable areas, where speeding vehicles and limited visibility can lead to severe accidents.

To reduce these risks, MoRTH has consistently encouraged concessionaires to adopt advanced safety interventions across highway projects. Responding to this vision, one of the concessionaires has started taking a proactive step by deploying Truck Mounted Attenuators with integrated wig-wag warning systems.

This concessionaire operates and manages 9 National Highway projects spanning a cumulative length of 681 kilometres across Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, making this deployment a significant milestone in highway safety management.

What is Truck Mounted Attenuators?

Truck Mounted Attenuators are specially designed impact-absorbing safety devices that play a critical role in protecting both workers and road users.

In the event of a collision, these systems absorb and dissipate kinetic energy, reducing the force of impact. This helps:

  • Protect maintenance crews working ahead of the vehicle
  • Reduce injury risks for occupants of the impacting vehicle
  • Minimize the severity of accidents in highway work zones

In many ways, TMAs act like an invisible shield — standing between danger and human life.

Early Warnings That Prevent Accidents

The deployed TMAs are equipped with high-intensity wig-wag warning lights, designed to flash in alternating patterns that form directional arrows. These signals provide clear and timely warnings to approaching drivers.

This feature is especially valuable:

  • On high-speed highway corridors
  • During night-time operations
  • In foggy or low-visibility conditions

By alerting drivers well in advance, these systems help prevent collisions before they occur.

Figures With a Purpose: Building Safer Highways

Across the 9 highway projects:

  • 33 Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMAs) have been deployed
  • 15 Towable Truck Mounted Attenuators (TTMAs) have been installed
  • All units comply with globally recognized safety standards, including MASH Test Level-3 (TL-3) and NCHRP 350 Test Level-3
  • These systems are designed to withstand impacts at speeds of up to 100 km/h

Turning Vision into Action on the Ground

This initiative reflects how MoRTH’s forward-looking safety vision is being transformed into real, measurable action on the ground. The commitment shown by the ministry and its concessionaire highlights the critical role they play in implementing global best practices and ensuring safer highways.

As India’s highways continue to grow wider and faster, it is equally important that safety grows stronger with every kilometre added. Solutions like Truck Mounted Attenuators represent the evolving identity of modern infrastructure — where development is not defined by speed alone, but by safe journeys, protected workers, and lives saved.

 

 

Also Read:

Income Tax Department’s outreach programme highlights key features of new Income Tax Act, 2025

ECI Rolls Out Phase-II Of International Election Visitors’ Initiative 2026

ECI Rolls Out Phase-II Of International Election Visitors’ Initiative 2026

Posted on by
Reply
  1. The Election Commission of India commenced the second phase of International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP), 2026 for the ongoing General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in New Delhi today.
  2. Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar inaugurated the programme today at India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM).
  3. 34 delegates from 17 countries including representatives from their Foreign Missions in Delhi and a representative of International IDEA will be participating in the second phase of the programme.
  4. The participants will visit Tamil Nadu and West Bengal from April 22 to April 23, 2026. In the first phase, the delegates of the Programme visited Assam, Kerala and Puducherry from April 8 to April 9, 2026.
  5. The delegates were given demonstration of the EVM at IIIDEM today and they took part in the mock poll using the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to get a hands-on experience of the voting process.
  6. The delegates evinced keen interest in the technological interventions and administrative safeguards in the election process in India. The delegates had an interactive session with the experts clarifying their doubts/queries.
  7. The delegates will be travelling to West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on April 22, 2026. They will visit the dispatch and distribution centres and other facilities including the District Control Rooms and the Media Monitoring Centres. They will also witness the actual polling in the morning of April 23, 2026.
  8. The IEVP is a flagship program of the ECI for international cooperation and engagement with the Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of other countries and International Organizations.
  9. The IEVP provides a comprehensive overview of India’s electoral framework, institutional mechanisms, and operational architecture, while familiarising foreign EMB delegates with best practices and innovations in election management.
  10. The IEVP showcases the strengths of India’s electoral system to the international community and sharing the best practices adopted in the world’s largest democracy for conduct of elections.

 

Also Read:

ECI Mandates Enhanced Voter Facilities Ahead of Assembly Polls in Five States

General Elections to Legislative Assemblies and bye-elections 2026; Implementation of Dry-Day