16 March 2026

The Office of Economic Adviser released data showing the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation fell to 1.2% in February 2026, a 28-month low, primarily driven by deflation in fuel & power (-2.8%) and manufactured goods (0.9%). Food articles inflation remained elevated at 4.3%. WPI measures price changes at the producer level and is released monthly by DPIIT.

The Union Cabinet approved Phase II of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) with ₹19,744 crore budgetary support, targeting production of 5 MMT of green hydrogen per annum by 2030. Phase II focuses on green hydrogen hubs in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, electrolyser manufacturing PLI, and hydrogen-blended natural gas pilot in five cities.

The Central Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIR)-National Physical Laboratory achieved a certified power conversion efficiency of 26.4% in a tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell — a national record. The cell was developed under the CSIR-Solar Energy Mission with manufacturing cost potential of ₹8/watt, compared to ₹22/watt for monocrystalline silicon.

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2026, amending the Waqf Act, 1995, to require mandatory registration of all waqf properties on a Central Portal, time-bound resolution of encroachment disputes by Waqf Tribunals within 180 days, and inclusion of two non-Muslim members on Central Waqf Council. The Bill impacts approximately 8.7 lakh registered waqf properties.

The Indian Air Force deployed Phase I of the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system — comprising Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) and Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptors — in operational mode around New Delhi and Mumbai. The BMD system, developed by DRDO over 22 years, provides a two-tier defence against ballistic missile threats up to 2,000 km range.

UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2026 ranked India as the third largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) globally in 2025, attracting USD 98 billion — a 14.3% increase over 2024. Services, electronics manufacturing, and renewable energy were the leading sectors. The US and China ranked first and second with USD 320 billion and USD 175 billion respectively.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) released its Extended Range Forecast predicting Southwest Monsoon onset at Kerala on 26 May 2026 — five days ahead of the normal onset date of 1 June. Above-normal rainfall is predicted for the North-East, Western Ghats, and Central India. La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean are cited as the primary driver.

NITI Aayog released the SDG India Index 2026 covering 115 indicators across 16 Goals. India's composite score improved to 72 from 66 in 2023-24. Kerala topped with a score of 82, followed by Tamil Nadu (79) and Himachal Pradesh (77). Goals related to Clean Water (SDG6) and Climate Action (SDG13) showed the slowest progress.

The Archaeological Survey of India released a Heritage Conservation Impact Assessment covering 50 towns under the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY). The report documents a 23% reduction in footprint damage at monuments where heritage bylaws were enforced, and identifies 12 sites at critical risk requiring emergency structural intervention.

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet approved the re-appointment of Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul as Member (Health) in NITI Aayog for a second term. Dr. Paul chairs the Empowered Group on vaccine administration and COVID-related responses. NITI Aayog, established in 2015 by replacing the Planning Commission, functions as a policy think-tank under the PM's chairmanship.