The Assam Forest Department has mapped 10 critical elephant migration corridors using satellite imagery and GPS tagging. The corridors stretch from Kaziranga to the Bhutan border. The project aims to reduce human-elephant conflict by protecting habitats and restricting construction near movement paths. Solar-powered early warning fences and mobile alerts for villages have been deployed. The state also plans eco-tourism programs tied to elephant conservation, creating both ecological balance and community income.
India to Host Global AI Ethics Summit in New Delhi
India will host the first Global Summit on AI Ethics in New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and tech companies to draft an international code of conduct for responsible AI. The summit will include working groups on algorithmic bias, AI in warfare, and surveillance transparency. Countries including France, Japan, Brazil, and Nigeria have confirmed participation. India seeks to lead the conversation on AI governance and propose a UN-style global AI standards council headquartered in Bengaluru.
Tamil Nadu Opens Virtual Learning Hubs in Rural Schools
Tamil Nadu’s Education Department has opened virtual learning hubs in 1,000 rural government schools. Each hub includes smartboards, internet connectivity, and subscriptions to e-learning portals. Teachers receive digital pedagogy training, and students can access STEM content, coding tutorials, and live expert sessions. The pilot has shown a 25% improvement in math and science scores. The government plans to expand to 3,000 schools by next academic year, closing the rural-urban education gap.
Bengaluru Metro Expands to Kempegowda Airport
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation has begun construction of a new Blue Line extension connecting the city to Kempegowda International Airport. The 38-km stretch will have 17 stations and is expected to be operational by 2027. The project aims to reduce airport commute times by over 60% and relieve traffic congestion. The route will integrate feeder buses and include solar panels at stations. The ₹15,000 crore project is part of India’s broader urban mass transit expansion under the National Infrastructure Pipeline.
Maharashtra Opens Agro-Logistics Parks for Small Farmers
Maharashtra has launched agro-logistics parks in Nagpur and Nashik to streamline farm-to-market supply chains. Each park includes cold storage, ripening chambers, packaging units, and real-time inventory tracking. Smallholder farmers can store, grade, and dispatch their produce to markets across India. The initiative cuts post-harvest losses, boosts farmers’ incomes, and links directly with e-mandi platforms. The parks are expected to handle over 50,000 tons of produce annually and create over 2,000 jobs in logistics, packaging, and distribution.
Indian Navy Adopts Indigenous Anti-Drone System
The Indian Navy has commissioned its first indigenously developed anti-drone system aboard INS Chennai. Developed by DRDO and BEL, the system uses jamming, microwave interference, and laser targeting to neutralize aerial threats within a 5 km radius. It is capable of identifying, tracking, and disabling drones used for surveillance or attacks. With the growing threat from weaponized UAVs, the Navy plans to equip all frontline warships with these units by 2026. The development supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and boosts indigenous defense capabilities.
Madhya Pradesh Launches Startup Fund for Tribal Youth
Madhya Pradesh has introduced a state-level startup fund dedicated to tribal youth. Each selected applicant receives up to ₹2 lakh in grants to launch businesses related to agriculture, crafts, and local services. District-level incubators offer mentorship and shared office spaces. So far, 100 tribal entrepreneurs have joined, creating innovative tools like solar grain dryers and herbal wellness kits. The program aims to reduce unemployment and promote tribal self-reliance. The state plans to scale the program to include digital entrepreneurship training next year.
Kerala Introduces AI to Predict Landslides
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, in collaboration with IISc Bangalore, has implemented an AI-based landslide prediction model in hilly districts like Idukki and Wayanad. The system uses rainfall data, soil moisture, and terrain topology to generate real-time alerts. Local panchayats receive automated SMS warnings. Since its deployment, multiple evacuations have prevented casualties during heavy monsoon showers. Plans include extending the system to Sikkim, Himachal, and Uttarakhand. This AI deployment is a major step toward proactive disaster resilience in India’s vulnerable regions.
Gujarat Launches Smart Textile Hub in Surat
Gujarat has inaugurated a new smart textile manufacturing cluster in Surat. Designed with sustainability in mind, the hub features solar-powered machinery, water recycling units, and AI-driven fabric inspection systems. Over 200 textile units are expected to relocate to the hub in its first year. The government has offered subsidies for eco-friendly production and export incentives. The initiative supports India’s ambition to become a global textile powerhouse and create 25,000 direct jobs in the region.
Scientists Create Biodegradable Plastic from Sugarcane
CSIR–NCL Pune researchers have developed a biodegradable plastic using bagasse, the byproduct of sugarcane. The new material mimics the strength and durability of PET plastic but breaks down within six months under composting conditions. It has been successfully used in pilot packaging for food and beverages in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Industrial trials are underway to scale the material’s production. The research team is pursuing international patents and licensing partnerships. This breakthrough could help India reduce its dependence on single-use plastics and promote eco-friendly packaging alternatives.