Updates on 30 April 2026
All of April 2026 →B. Shivadhar Reddy Named Telangana State Security Advisor
On April 29, 2026, the Telangana government appointed B. Shivadhar Reddy, the outgoing Director General of Police (DGP), as State Security Advisor for a tenure of three years with rank equivalent to Chief Secretary. He will advise on police administration, law and order, internal security, crime control, narcotics regulation, and road safety. This reflects Telangana's strategy to enhance governance by retaining experienced officers.
Telangana Appoints V. Hanumantha Rao as Advisor on Backward Classes Welfare
On April 29, 2026, the Telangana government appointed senior Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao as Advisor for Backward Classes Welfare and Development, with rank equivalent to Minister of State. Rao brings extensive political experience, having served as Rajya Sabha MP (2004-2016) and MLA in undivided Andhra Pradesh. His advisory role aims to strengthen welfare policies and socioeconomic development programs for backward classes in the state.
India to Host Vietnam President To Lam on State Visit from May 5-7, 2026
India will host Vietnam’s President To Lam on a state visit scheduled from May 5 to May 7, 2026. This visit marks the first state-level engagement of President To Lam with India since he assumed office in April 2026 and coincides with the 10th anniversary of the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2016. Key areas of cooperation to be discussed include defense collaboration, economic ties, technology exchange, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific. The visit reflects both countries’ commitment to deepen bilateral relations, with engagements planned in cultural hubs such as Bodh Gaya and Mumbai.
DRDO and Indian Navy Successfully Conduct Maiden Salvo Launch of Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Short Range (NASM-SR)
India achieved a significant defence milestone with the successful maiden salvo launch of the Naval Anti-ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR). The test, jointly conducted by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy, took place from a naval helicopter off the Odisha coast in the Bay of Bengal. Two missiles were launched in quick succession—the first-ever salvo launch—demonstrating precise targeting and coordinated deployment. The test was monitored by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur using radar, electro-optical tracking, and telemetry systems. Developed by multiple DRDO laboratories including Research Centre Imarat and supported by Indian industry partners, the missile enhances India's indigenous naval strike capabilities and self-reliance in defence technology.
Chandrayaan-5 Launch Site Assessment Begins in Japan as Part of Indo-Japanese Lunar Mission Collaboration
India's Chandrayaan-5 lunar mission has entered a crucial preparatory phase with ISRO conducting launch site assessments in Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre. This collaboration highlights the growing partnership between ISRO and JAXA in lunar exploration and advanced mission planning, aiming for launch in 2028-2029. The mission focuses on exploring lunar volatiles near the Moon's South Pole using a combination of Indian and Japanese technology, including ISRO's lander and JAXA's H3-24L launch vehicle and lunar rover.
RBI Revises Guidelines to Provide Relief to Borrowers in Disaster-Hit Areas
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued updated guidelines effective from July 1, 2026, allowing banks and financial institutions to offer timely relief measures to borrowers affected by natural calamities without needing individual requests. The framework permits proactive financial assistance in notified disaster areas, with an opt-out window of 135 days for borrowers. The guidelines apply to commercial banks, cooperative banks, small finance banks, NBFCs, and All India Financial Institutions. They include operational flexibilities like temporary branches, mobile banking units, ATM restoration, and loan restructuring eligibility for standard and temporarily NPA accounts. Additionally, banks must maintain a 5% provisioning on restructured loans, balancing relief with financial stability.
India and Sri Lanka Strengthen Maritime Ties through IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 in Colombo
India and Sri Lanka conducted the fourth edition of their bilateral diving exercise, IN-SLN DIVEX 2026, from April 21 to 28 in Colombo to reinforce naval coordination and underwater operational skills. The exercise included advanced deep-sea and mixed gas diving drills, with dives exceeding 55 meters over World War-era wrecks SS Worcester and SS Perseus. The Indian Navy deployed INS Nireekshak, a specialized Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, demonstrating enhanced interoperability. Beyond operational drills, joint humanitarian activities were conducted, highlighting a strengthened maritime partnership focused on Indian Ocean security.
Bengaluru Police Launch India’s First AI-Powered Multilingual Emergency Helpline 'Namma 112'
In a pioneering initiative, Bengaluru City Police have upgraded their emergency response system, Namma 112, with an AI-driven multilingual voice recognition platform called VANKI. This system enables callers to communicate emergencies in over 10 languages, including multiple Indian languages and international ones like Spanish, French, and Arabic, thereby breaking down language barriers and improving response times and accuracy. Bengaluru is the first Indian city to integrate multilingual AI into emergency helpline services, enhancing accessibility and effectiveness for a diverse population of residents, migrants, students, workers, and international visitors.
Maharashtra Approves Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026 with ₹10,000 Crore Investment
The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026 aiming to transform the state into a leading AI hub in India. With planned investments of ₹10,000 crore, the policy envisages creating 1.5 lakh jobs across AI-linked sectors. Key initiatives include establishing six AI Excellence Centres and five AI Innovation Cities to promote research, skill development, and industry collaboration. The policy also supports MSMEs with financial aid and seeks to train 2 lakh youth to build skilled manpower. This move aligns Maharashtra with the national IndiaAI Mission and underlines its ambition in technology-driven growth and digital economy enhancement.
ISRO Conducts Second Integrated Air Drop Test for Gaganyaan Crew Module
On April 10, 2026, ISRO successfully conducted the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This test involved dropping a 5.7-tonne simulated crew module from 3 km altitude by helicopter, followed by deploying a 10-parachute system to decelerate the module safely for splashdown. This test validates the crew module’s recovery system, a critical safety component for upcoming manned missions under the Gaganyaan program targeted for 2027.