The second edition of the International Conference on “Spacecraft Mission Operations: SMOPS- 2026” with the theme of “Innovative Operations for Smart and Sustainable Space Mission Management – Next Generation” is being held during 8-10 April, 2026 in Bangalore, India. The conference, jointly organized by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Astronautical Society of India (ASI) and International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), is aimed to cover a wide range of topics related to mission operations management, advanced mission design, automation, large constellations management, human spaceflight mission, space robotics, space policy, lunar and interplanetary exploration, cybersecurity in space system, Artificial Intelligence, present and future trends in ground station operations etc.
For 11 years, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has acted as an ‘Anjali Mudra’, a dedicated offering to the country’s entrepreneurial energy. By bridging the gap between ambition and credit, it has transformed over 52 crore job.
INS Sudarshini, the Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship, departed the port city of Sète on 07 Apr 2026, marking successful culmination of her participation in the renowned Escale à Sète. This biennial festival is amongst the largest maritime gatherings in the Mediterranean, celebrating global seafaring heritage. A major highlight was the participation of the Indian Naval marching contingent in the Heritage City Parade, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the French Navy. The Sudarshini rowing team secured a bronze medal at the Jeux Maritimes.
The Indian Army contingent has departed for Egypt to participate in the fourth edition of the India – Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise, Cyclone – IV, scheduled to be conducted at Anshas from 09 to 17 April 2026. The exercise is a continuation of the growing military cooperation between India and Egypt and follows the successful conduct of the previous edition in India.
The Indian steel industry delivered a robust performance in the financial year 2025–26, consolidating its position as the world’s second-largest producer while navigating global uncertainties and price pressures.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, Shri Jayant Chaudhary initiated the campaign to build a Skills Outcomes Fund, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at unlocking aspirational livelihoods for youth from low-income backgrounds. The fund envisages to mobilise public and private capital to scale outcomes-based financing (OBF) in India’s skilling ecosystem, linking investments directly to verified employment outcomes. The proposed Skills Outcomes Fund will be anchored by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in partnership with not-for-profit and philanthropic organizations /stakeholders. It creates a unique opportunity for government and industry to work together in advancing innovative financing approaches and strengthen the skilling ecosystem with a clear and measurable focus on outcomes.