The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew 6.4% year-on-year in February 2026, up from 5.1% in January, driven by strong manufacturing (+7.1%) and capital goods (+9.8%) output. Mining expanded 3.9% and electricity generation rose 4.2%. The cumulative April-February FY26 growth stood at 5.9%, indicating broad-based industrial momentum.
The Election Commission of India announced a five-phase schedule for the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections to be held between May 12 and June 9, 2026, with counting on June 12. The 243-member House elections will use 100% VVPAT coverage and for the first time in Bihar, geotagged polling stations with remote webcasting under Model Code of Conduct.
India and Australia signed a bilateral Critical Minerals Partnership in Melbourne covering lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) will co-invest AUD 1.6 billion in five Australian mining projects to secure a 30-year offtake supply of battery-grade lithium for India's EV and energy-storage sectors.
On World Homoeopathy Day (April 10 — birth anniversary of Dr Samuel Hahnemann), the Prime Minister launched reforms of the National Commission for Homoeopathy including a National Exit Test for UG students, digital licensing, and integration of homoeopathy teleconsultation in Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. AYUSH outlay was raised to Rs 4,200 crore.
ISRO successfully completed the second uncrewed Gaganyaan test mission (G2), validating the Crew Escape System under max-Q aerodynamic pressure and parachute deployment over the Bay of Bengal. The Vyommitra humanoid robot recorded biometric telemetry during re-entry. The first crewed mission (H1) is now scheduled for Q4 2026.
The National Green Tribunal directed Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to submit a time-bound action plan to bring PM2.5 levels in the Taj Trapezium Zone below 40 µg/m³. The tribunal ordered closure of 112 non-compliant industries within 180 days and mandated CNG conversion for all public transport in Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, and Hathras districts.
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Vagsheer, the sixth and final Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarine built under Project-75 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. Equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) module and Exocet SM-39 missiles, the boat joins the Western Fleet. Project-75I with six larger AIP-enabled submarines is scheduled from 2028.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed 1990-batch IPS officer Sadanand Vasant Date as Director of the National Investigation Agency for a two-year term. A recipient of the President's Police Medal for Gallantry for his role in 26/11 Mumbai attacks response, Date earlier served as DG of Maharashtra ATS and NIA Special DG.
The Union Cabinet approved the Detailed Project Report for the Kosi-Mechi river interlinking project in Bihar at Rs 72,000 crore. The 117-km link canal will transfer 2,050 million cubic metres of Kosi surplus waters to the Mechi basin, irrigating 2.15 lakh hectares across Araria, Purnia, Kishanganj, and Katihar and mitigating Kosi flood risks.
The Archaeological Survey of India completed Phase II conservation of the UNESCO-listed Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple at Palampet, Telangana, including restoration of the western mandapa using traditional sandbox foundation techniques. The 13th-century temple, built by Recharla Rudra under Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva, was inscribed in UNESCO list in 2021.