Centre Proposes Major Changes in Indian Citizenship Rules

The Ministry of Home Affairs has released the draft notification for the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026 , introducing stricter documentation norms for applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

The proposed amendments aim to improve transparency, verification, and security in India's citizenship process.

Key Highlights

• Applicants must disclose details of current or expired passports from Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan.
• Passport number, issue date, expiry date, and issuing authority details must be provided.
• After obtaining Indian citizenship, foreign passports must be surrendered within 15 days.
• Passport surrender must be completed through designated postal authorities.

Additional Reforms

• Introduction of electronic OCI (e-OCI) cards.
• Fully online citizenship application system.
• Stricter rules for minors holding dual passports.

Why It Matters

The rules mainly affect non-Muslim migrants applying for Indian citizenship under the CAA framework. The amendments strengthen documentation and verification mechanisms under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Delhi IGI Airport to Get India's First Air Train Project

Indira Gandhi International Airport is set to introduce India's first automated airport "Air Train" system to improve passenger connectivity between terminals.

Major Features of the Project

• Estimated project cost: ₹3,000-₹4,000 crore.
• Total route length: 7.7 km.
• Connectivity between:
  • Terminal 1
  • Terminal 2
  • Terminal 3
  • Aerocity
  • Cargo City

Passenger Benefits

• Free travel for transit passengers with boarding passes.
• Faster inter-terminal movement without traffic congestion.
• Express mode services during peak hours.

Completion Target

The project is expected to be completed by 2029 and will significantly modernize airport transportation infrastructure in India.

DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous ULPGM-V3 Missile

Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully completed final developmental trials of the indigenous ULPGM-V3 precision-guided missile.

Key Features

• Designed for UAVs and drones.
• Supports both:
  • Air-to-Ground attacks
  • Air-to-Air operations
• Effective against enemy tanks, drones, and helicopters.

Development Partners

• Developed under Research Centre Imarat (RCI).
• Supported by DRDL, TBRL, and HEMRL laboratories.
• Integrated with UAVs from NewSpace Research and Technologies.

Importance

The successful trial strengthens India's indigenous drone warfare and precision weapon capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Vladimir Putin to Attend BRICS Summit 2026 in India

Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the BRICS Summit 2026 scheduled in New Delhi.

Importance of the Summit

The summit is expected to focus on:

• Global trade reforms
• Energy security
• Climate change
• AI regulation
• Digital infrastructure
• Geopolitical cooperation

About BRICS

BRICS originally included:

• Brazil
• Russia
• India
• China
• South Africa

The grouping has expanded in recent years and continues to play a major role in global economic and geopolitical discussions.

Andhra Pradesh Approves 14 Major Green Energy Projects

Andhra Pradesh government approved 14 new green energy projects across the state to boost sustainable energy production.

Key Projects Approved

Solar & Pumped Storage Projects

• Reliance Industries to establish a 6600 MW AC / 9000 MW DC solar project in Sri Sathya Sai district.
• Adani Hydro Energy Eleven Limited to set up a 2250 MW pumped storage project at Gandikota.

Green Hydrogen Project

• Yamnaco India Pvt Ltd to establish an 89 KTPA green hydrogen project in Tirupati district.

Biogas & Bio-CNG Plants

Several compressed biogas plants were approved across Eluru, Palnadu, Nellore, Tirupati, Vizianagaram, and East Godavari districts.

Significance

The projects are expected to strengthen renewable energy production, reduce carbon emissions, and attract large-scale investments into Andhra Pradesh.

Youngest Indian-Origin Mayor Elected in the UK

Tushar Kumar became the youngest Indian-origin mayor in UK history after taking charge as Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council at the age of 23.