INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India’s Aspirational Development Model Attracts German Delegation

• A delegation from Germany visited NITI Aayog in New Delhi to study India’s key development initiatives.

• Focus was on the Aspirational Districts Programme and Aspirational Blocks Programme.

• These programmes aim to accelerate growth at district and block levels with better governance outcomes.

• The session was led by Rohit Kumar, who explained design and implementation strategies.

• Emphasis was placed on measurable impact and improvements in service delivery.

• The initiatives follow the principles of convergence, collaboration, and competition.

• A structured framework of funds, functions, and functionaries ensures coordination across all levels of government.

• Key sectors covered include health, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, and infrastructure, with the delegation led by Stefan Treger appreciating the progress.

AWARDS

BCCI Awards 2026

• Shubman Gill to be honoured as BCCI Cricketer of the Year.

• The award will be presented at the Board of Control for Cricket in India annual ceremony in New Delhi.

• Recognition is for exceptional performance across all formats of international cricket.

• Gill scored 983 runs in Test cricket, showing strong consistency.

• He also made 490 runs in ODIs, including key contributions in the Champions Trophy.

• Overall, he amassed 1,764 runs at an average of ~49 across formats.

• Former coach Rahul Dravid to receive the Col C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.

• The Mumbai Cricket Association will be named the Best Domestic Association.

C-DOT’s FraudPro at MWC 2026

• Centre for Development of Telematics received global recognition for its AI solution FraudPro.

• It was showcased at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona.

• FraudPro became a finalist at the Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards in network security category.

• The platform uses AI & ML to detect telecom identity fraud.

• It performs image deduplication, forged document detection, and identity re-verification.

• Helps identify and prevent fake mobile connections at an early stage.

• Deployed by the Department of Telecommunications via Digital Intelligence Platform & Sanchar Saathi.

• Highlights India’s push for indigenous tech under Atmanirbhar Bharat and strong telecom security innovation.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

ISRO CE20 Engine Test

• Indian Space Research Organisation successfully conducted a major test of the CE20 cryogenic engine.

• The test confirmed the engine’s enhanced thrust capability.

• It was a ‘sea-level hot test’ conducted on 10 March.

• The trial took place at ISRO Propulsion Complex Mahendragiri.

• The engine ran for 165 seconds, producing around 22 tonnes of thrust.

• CE20 powers the upper stage of LVM3, crucial for heavy payload missions.

• The engine has been human-rated for the Gaganyaan Mission.

• The upgrade will increase payload capacity and support future space and satellite missions.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

12th Asian & Pacific Regional Conference

• Arjun Ram Meghwal participated in the conference held in New Delhi.

• The event was organised by the All India Prosecutors Association.

• The conference brought together legal experts, prosecutors, and stakeholders.

• Judicial reforms were a major focus of discussions.

• Emphasis was laid on strengthening the prosecution system.

• The Minister highlighted the use of technology to improve transparency in the justice system.

• Institutional reforms are being implemented to enhance accessibility.

• The overall aim is to ensure efficient, speedy, and citizen-friendly justice delivery.

MISCELLANEOUS

Export of Assam’s GI Joha Rice

• India facilitated export of 25 metric tonnes of Joha Rice from Assam.

• The GI-tagged rice was shipped to the United Kingdom and Italy.

• The export was enabled by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.

• Joha Rice is known for its aroma, nutritional value, and cultural heritage.

• It received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2017.

• The move reflects efforts to boost agricultural exports from India.

• It aims to expand access to global markets for Indian produce.

• The initiative will help enhance farmers’ income and promote Assam’s traditional crops globally.