According to the Union Minister:

• India ranks third globally in terms of renewable energy capacity.
• India achieved a non-fossil energy capacity of 55.29 GW in 2025-26.
• This includes 44.61 GW of solar energy capacity and 6.05 GW of wind energy capacity.
• Approximately 30 percent of the country's electricity is now generated from renewable sources, including wind, solar, battery storage, and pumped storage.

Panchamrit Goals:

• The Prime Minister announced five 'Amrit' (nectar) elements at COP26 (Glasgow, 2021).
• Non-Fossil Capacity: To increase its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
• Share of Renewable Energy: To meet 50% of its energy requirements through renewable energy by 2030. (India has largely achieved this milestone as early as 2025).
• Reduction in Carbon Emissions: To reduce total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes between now and 2030.
• Carbon Intensity: To reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by more than 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels).
• Net Zero: To achieve the target of 'Net Zero' (net-zero emissions) by the year 2070. According to the Global Renewable Energy Rankings (IRENA 2026), the current status of renewable energy in India is as follows:
• Current Status of Renewable Energy in India:
• As of March 31, 2026, India's total installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources stands at 283.46 GW.
• During the year 2025–26, the country generated 1,845.92 Billion Units (BU) of electricity, with non-fossil sources contributing 29.2% (538.97 BU).
• Contribution of Renewable Energy: 274.68 GW

This includes:

• Solar Energy: 150.26 GW
• Wind Energy: 56.09 GW
• Bio-energy: 11.75 GW
• Small Hydro: 5.17 GW
• Large Hydro: 51.41 GW
• Contribution of Nuclear Energy: 8.78 GW

• Total Claims Settled: 8.31 crore
• Advances/Partial Withdrawals: 5.51 crore claims fell under this category, reflecting members' increasing reliance on their own savings.
• Auto-Mode Processing: Approximately 71.11% of advance claims were settled within 3 days through the auto-mode mechanism, an increase from 59.19% in the previous year.
• Expedited Service: In April 2026, 61.03 lakh claims were settled, with 98.70% of these claims being resolved within 20 days.

Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO):

• Establishment: Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
• Administration: Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.
• Structure: The apex decision-making body is the Central Board of Trustees (CBT).
• Services: EPFO ​​is one of the largest social security organizations in the world.
• Schemes: EPF (Provident Fund), EPS (Pension Scheme – payable at age 58), and EDLI (Life Insurance).
• Contribution: Employee: 12% of Basic Salary; Employer: 12% (8.33% towards EPS, 3.67% towards EPF).

• The state has 68.1 million voters.
• The number of female voters exceeded that of male voters.
• The voter turnout among women was 92.28%, while that among men was 91.07%.
• Until now, the record for the highest voter turnout was held by Tripura, where 93.61% polling was recorded during the 2013 Assembly elections.
• The counting of votes for the Assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry will take place on May 4.
• Vote counting will also be conducted for the by-elections held for certain Assembly seats in Karnataka, Nagaland, Tripura, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

• Target: ₹10,000 crore in investment and 1.5 lakh new jobs by 2031.
• Incentives: Financial assistance, support for patent filing, and subsidies on cloud computing usage will be provided to AI startups and MSMEs.
• Education and Skilling: AI courses and internship programs for students will be promoted across colleges throughout the state to foster a skilled workforce.
• AI Hubs: Plans are in place to establish AI Centers of Excellence and dedicated IT parks in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.

Maharashtra:

• Formation: May 1, 1960 (Following the bifurcation of Bombay State to create a state for Marathi-speaking people)
• Capital: Mumbai (The country's financial capital)
• Winter Capital: Nagpur
• Official Language: Marathi
• Borders: Arabian Sea to the west; Gujarat to the northwest; Madhya Pradesh to the north; Chhattisgarh to the east; Telangana to the southeast; Karnataka to the south; and Goa to the southwest.
• Major Rivers: Godavari (the state's longest river), Krishna, Tapi, and Bhima.
• Highest Peak: Kalsubai (1,646 meters)
• Coastal Region: Konkan Belt (approximately 720 km long)
• State Bird: Hariyal (Yellow-footed Green Pigeon)
• State Animal: Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru)
• State Tree: Mango
• State Flower: Jarul (Tamhan)

• With this significant trial, India has now joined the ranks of select nations—such as Germany, Sweden, Japan, and China—that possess this advanced technology.
• Successful Trial (Oscillation Trial): In March 2026, the 'Oscillation Trial' of the train was successfully conducted by the RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation).
• Route and Distance: This trial was conducted over an approximately 20-kilometer stretch between Jind Railway Station and Lalit Khera. The primary route for the entire project has been designated as Jind to Sonipat (approximately 89–90 km).
• Speed: During the trial, the train attained speeds ranging from 70 to 85 km per hour. However, its maximum operational speed is expected to reach between 110 and 140 km per hour.
• Green Technology: This train is based on 'Hydrogen Fuel Cell' technology, which is completely pollution-free. Its only emission is water vapor.
• Manufacturing: This indigenously developed train was built by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF).

• Co-Chairs: Dinesh Kumar, Joint Secretary in India's Ministry of Defence, and Sergey Yashin, Deputy Head of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC).
• Objective: Both sides held detailed discussions on key aspects of military supplies to the Indian Armed Forces, including after-sales support and pricing mechanisms.
• Outcome: A protocol was signed at the conclusion of the meeting, reiterating the commitment to robust defense cooperation between the two nations.
• This meeting is conducted within the framework of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC).
• IRIGC-M&MTC: This is the apex body overseeing defense cooperation between India and Russia, co-chaired by the Defense Ministers of both countries.
• The 10-year program for Military-Technical Cooperation (MTC) between India and Russia for the period 2021–2031 (often referred to as the '2030 Roadmap') serves as the bedrock of the defense relationship between the two nations.
• The recent entry into force of the RELOS agreement in April 2026 marks a new strategic turning point in this partnership.
• Military Deployment: Both countries are permitted to undertake limited deployments—comprising up to 3,000 military personnel, 10 military aircraft, and 5 warships—within each other's territories at any given time.
• Facilities: India will gain access to Russian bases, including those in the Arctic region, while Russia will be able to utilize Indian ports and airfields.

Major Joint Projects and Manufacturing:

• AK-203 Rifles: Production of over 600,000 rifles is currently underway by Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) in Amethi (Korwa), Uttar Pradesh.
• BrahMos Missile: This stands as a premier global brand of this collaboration. An agreement has now also been reached to export it to third countries (such as the Philippines).
• T-90 Tanks and Su-30 MKI: Production of these platforms is ongoing in India under license.
• INS Tushil and Tamal: These stealth frigates, built in Russia, were recently commissioned (in December 2024 and July 2025).
• INDRA: This tri-service exercise (Army, Navy, and Air Force) is conducted on a regular basis. INDRA-2025 was held in October 2025 in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

• Objective: To implement administrative reforms following allegations of financial irregularities and mismanagement within the Board, and to temporarily oversee the governance of the sport's governing body.
• Key Members of the Committee: In addition to Arun Wikramanayake, this 9-member panel includes legendary former cricketers: Roshan Mahanama (former captain), Kumar Sangakkara (former captain), and Sidath Wettimuny (former opening batsman).

Sri Lanka:

• Capital: Sri Lanka has two capitals: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Legislative Capital) and Colombo (Commercial Capital and Largest City).
• Location: It is situated just 31 km off the southern coast of India, separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.
• Highest Point: Pidurutalagala (2,524 meters).
• Longest River: Mahaweli River.
• Major Languages: Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages; English is widely used.
• Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
• Independence: Gained independence from Britain on February 4, 1948 (at which time it was named Ceylon).
• Name Change: Its name was changed to 'Lanka' in 1972 and to 'Sri Lanka' in 1978.
• Main Exports: Tea (Ceylon Tea), rubber, coconuts, gemstones, and textiles.

Key Highlights:

• Co-chairmanship of the Meeting: Co-chaired by India's Commerce Secretary, Rajesh Agarwal, and Kenya's Principal Secretary for Trade, Regina Akota Ombam.
• Growth in Trade: In the financial year 2025-26, bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$ 4.31 billion, marking an increase of 24.91% compared to the previous year (US$ 3.45 billion).
• Customs: An agreement was reached between India's Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) regarding the exchange of pre-arrival information for goods.
• Standardization: A consensus was reached to enhance cooperation between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
• Trade Cooperation: An agreement was signed between the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the India-Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry to boost investment.
• Trade in Local Currency: Both sides discussed the possibilities of promoting trade settlements in their respective local currencies (the Rupee and the Kenyan Shilling). Kenyan banks have opened Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) with Indian banks.

Kenya:

• Official Name: Republic of Kenya
• Capital: Nairobi – A major commercial and diplomatic hub in East Africa.
• Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
• Languages: Swahili (National and Official) and English (Official)
• Government: Unitary Presidential Republic The current President is William Ruto.
• Neighboring Countries: Ethiopia and South Sudan lie to its north; Somalia to the east; Tanzania to the south; and Uganda to the west.
• Coastline: Its southeastern border adjoins the Indian Ocean.
• Major Mountains: Mount Kenya is the country's highest peak and the second-highest in Africa.
• Water Bodies: A portion of Lake Victoria lies within Kenya, and Lake Turkana is the world's largest permanent desert lake.
• Kenya gained independence from the United Kingdom on December 12, 1963.

• Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days (May 5, 2026 – May 18, 2026).
• Package Inclusions: Accommodation in 3-star hotels, vegetarian meals, sightseeing, and travel insurance.
• Boarding/De-boarding Points: Delhi Safdarjung, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Tundla, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Varanasi.
• Sightseeing (India): Kamakhya Temple, Shillong, Cherrapunji (Seven Sisters Waterfall, Mawsmai Caves).
• Sightseeing (Bhutan): Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro.
• Estimated Price: Approximately ₹1.16 Lakhs to ₹1.5 Lakhs per person (depending on the train class).

Top Institutions (Asia):

• Rank 1: Tsinghua University, China
• Rank 2: Peking University, China
• Rank 3: National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
• Rank 4 (Joint): Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, and the University of Tokyo, Japan

India's Performance:

• The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru emerged as India's best-performing institution, securing the 43rd rank.
• India had the highest representation in these rankings, with a total of 128 institutions featured.
• However, no Indian university managed to secure a spot within the top 40.

Global Trends:

• Rapidly Growing Population: The number of Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs—those with assets exceeding $30 million) worldwide has risen from 551,435 in 2021 to 713,626 in 2026.
• Daily Growth: Over the past five years, an average of 89 new ultra-wealthy individuals have been added globally every day.
• Regional Dominance: The United States (41%) continues to dominate global wealth creation, while the Asia-Pacific region is rapidly emerging as the second-largest engine of growth.
• Luxury Real Estate: In 2025, luxury residential property prices saw an average increase of 3.2%, with Tokyo (58.5%) and Dubai (25.1%) leading the charts.

India's Position:

• Global Ranking: India now ranks as the country with the sixth-largest population of Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) in the world.
• Number of Billionaires: The number of billionaires in India reached 207 in 2026, placing the country in third position globally, following the United States and China.

Category-wise Classification and Scoring Model:

• Achiever (Grade A+): Score above 90% (Blue)
• Front Runner (Grade A): Score between 75% - 90% (Green) — This category comprises 3,635 Panchayats.
• Performer (Grade B): Score between 60% - 75% (Amber) — This constitutes the largest group, encompassing 45.72% of the Panchayats.
• Aspirant (Grade C): Score between 40% - 60% (Orange)
• Beginner (Grade D): Score below 40% (Red)
• Top-Performing Panchayat: The Jugal Kishore Nagar Gram Panchayat in the Sepahijala district of Tripura secured the first position at the national level with a score of 88.44.
• Performance of States: Tripura, Kerala, and Odisha have demonstrated exceptional performance at the state level.
• Notable Achievement: Under the theme ‘Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihoods’ (Theme 1), 3,313 Panchayats attained the ‘Achiever’ (A+) grade.

• Key Participation: The Indian Navy's Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, INS Nireekshak, participated in this exercise.
• Focus of the Exercise: The drills encompassed deep-sea diving, mixed-gas diving, and extensive exercises conducted both within the harbor and in the open sea.
• Historic Dive: Divers from both navies successfully conducted dives to depths exceeding 55 meters over World War II-era shipwrecks—the SS Worcester and SS Perseus.
• Humanitarian Assistance (Aarogya Maitri): During this mission, India provided Sri Lanka with two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri) cubes, in line with its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. These portable medical units are capable of handling 200 emergency cases.
• Security Cooperation: The Indian Navy also handed over 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition to the Sri Lankan Navy to bolster defense cooperation.
• Strategic Perspective: This exercise aligns with the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, which promotes security and growth within the Indian Ocean Region.

• Launch: 2018
• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• Objective: To achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
• Components: Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)