Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and UK’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth, held a meeting in New Delhi yesterday, focusing on progress in training exchanges, intelligence collaboration, and integrated military engagement between the two nations. In a social media post, the High Commission of India in London stated, Advancing future-ready India-UK defence engagement, General Anil Chauhan, CDS, interacted with Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth, Chief of Air Staff, Royal Air Force. The discussions centred on progress in training exchanges, intelligence collaboration, and integrated military engagement.” During the meeting, General Anil Chauhan commended the successful conduct of the 17th Military SubGroup Meeting and expressed confidence in advancing a deeper, more integrated, and future-ready defence engagement between India and the UK. UK’s High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, and other officials were also present during the meeting. Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth, who is on an official visit to India, had met Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Monday. The discussions during that meeting focused on enhancing operational cooperation, interoperability, and strengthening air power ties.

The Gujarat Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill with a majority voice vote after a marathon debate lasting over seven hours yesterday. The bill proposes a common legal framework to govern marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion. Earlier in the day, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel tabled the bill, a week after a state-appointed panel submitted its final report on the implementation of the UCC. With the passage of the bill, Gujarat becomes the second state in the country, after Uttarakhand, to adopt the UCC. Uttarakhand was the first state to pass a UCC Bill in February 2024. Titled the ‘Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026,’ the proposed law will apply throughout the state and to residents of Gujarat living outside its territorial limits. However, the bill specifies that the code will not apply to members of Scheduled Tribes (ST) and certain groups whose customary rights are protected under the Constitution. The “Objects and Reasons” of the bill state that the code aims to create a uniform legal framework. Among its provisions, the bill includes registration of live-in relationships and formal processes for their termination. Additionally, it prohibits bigamy, stating that an individual cannot enter into a second marriage while their spouse is still alive. A marriage will be considered valid under the code only if neither party has a living spouse at the time of marriage. While tabling the bill, CM Patel described it as a step toward a unified legal framework grounded in constitutional principles.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met US Under Secretary of War Elbridge Colby in New Delhi this afternoon. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said they exchanged views on the current geopolitical scenario.

In Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena launched the Indus River Green Corridor eco-restoration project near Leh yesterday, marking World Forest Day. The initiative aims to boost green cover and restore ecology through community participation. Around one thousand saplings of indigenous species were planted, with parallel plantation drives underway across Leh. The Lieutenant Governor said the project is a unique cold desert riverbank restoration effort and reaffirmed India’s commitment to combating land degradation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A military transport plane with 125 people on board crashed shortly after taking off in southwestern Colombia, causing an undetermined number of casualties. At least 77 people were rescued alive. Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said in a social media post that the plane was carrying troops when the tragic incident occurred in Puerto Leguizamo, a remote municipality in the Amazonian province of Putumayo, on the Peru and Ecuador borders. The commander of Colombia’s Air Force, Carlos Fernando Silva, issued a video saying that 125 people were on board the Hercules C-130 plane, including 114 passengers and 11 crew members.

In Lok Sabha today, the discussion on The Finance Bill, 2026, will resume. The bill seeks to give effect to the financial proposals of the Central Government for the financial year 2026-2027. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had moved the bill in the House yesterday. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar to move the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 bill. The bill seeks to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. In the Rajya Sabha today, the house will take up The Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2026 for further discussion. It seeks to authorise payment and appropriation of certain sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of the financial year 2026-27. After the discussion, the legislation will be returned to the Lok Sabha. The Lower House passed the legislation last week.

Keralam-based Kids India International has been awarded the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 by the Veyil Foundation, recognizing its significant contributions to early childhood education and institutional development across the region. The award highlights the organization’s achievement in successfully managing and empowering more than 100 preschools and primary schools, setting a notable benchmark in the education sector. With a strong emphasis on quality learning and structured development, Kids India International has built a reputation for fostering supportive and engaging academic environments for young learners. Under the leadership of Dr. T. A. Majeed, CEO and Director of Kids India International Primary School Education, the institution has implemented a comprehensive curriculum designed to address the diverse needs of early education. The academic framework integrates both scholastic and co-scholastic elements, ensuring a balanced approach that promotes intellectual growth alongside emotional and social development. Teacher training remains a core focus area, with the organization conducting regular professional development programs for educators and administrative staff. These initiatives aim to enhance teaching standards and equip faculty members with modern pedagogical skills. In addition, Kids India International organizes talent search examinations to identify and nurture the abilities of students at an early stage. These programs contribute to building confidence and encouraging academic excellence among children. The institution also maintains active collaboration with parents, recognizing their role in a child’s educational journey. Through continuous engagement and support systems, it ensures a cohesive learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 serves as a recognition of Kids India International’s sustained efforts in delivering quality education and its commitment to shaping future generations through structured and inclusive learning practices.

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to introduce the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha today. The Bill seeks to amend the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 and the Companies Act, 2013. Besides, the Finance Bill 2026 is also listed in today’s business of the House for consideration and passing. The Bill proposes to give effect to the financial proposals of the Central Government for the financial year 2026-2027. In the Rajya Sabha today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to introduce the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026. The Bill seeks to regulate the general rules governing the recruitment and conditions of service of Group A General Duty Officers and other officers in the Central Armed Police Forces and other rules regarding these Forces. In addition to it, the Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2026 is also listed in today’s business of the House for consideration and return. The Bill seeks to authorise payment and appropriation of certain sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of the financial year 2026-27. The Lok Sabha has already passed this legislation.

United Arab Emirates’ Defence Ministry says its air defences intercepted four ballistic missiles and 25 drones launched from Iran yesterday, with explosions heard over several urban areas. In a separate incident, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported a projectile had detonated close to a bulk carrier about 15 nautical miles off the coast of Sharjah. In Lebanon, Israeli forces have stepped up both air and ground operations, with the military confirming strikes on bridges over the Litani River aimed at disrupting Hezbollah’s supply routes. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has warned that pressure on Iranian-aligned groups will increase further in the coming days. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced the 74th wave of its Operation True Promise 4, saying it involved the use of heavy missiles targeting military and security sites in Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, Holon and Ramat Gan. Akashvani correspondent reports, in Tehran, the tone is defiant and the threats are escalating. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the 74th wave of its Operation True Promise 4, describing it as involving super-heavy missiles and claiming strikes on military and security targets in Israel. Iran’s parliament speaker went further on social media, warning that if Iranian power plants are attacked, the critical infrastructure, energy infrastructure and oil facilities throughout the region will be considered legitimate targets and will be destroyed in an irreversible manner, and the price of oil will remain high for a long time. Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and permanent representative to the International Maritime Organisation said the strait will remain open to all nations – except for Iran’s enemies and that safe passage is possible once necessary security arrangements with Tehran are made.

Iran has threatened to completely close Strait of Hormuz if US attacks Iranian power plants. In a statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that the Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed and will not be opened until the destroyed Iranian power plants are rebuilt. The IRGC’s statement comes after US President Donald Trump warned that if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, America will hit and obliterate various Iranian power plants, starting with the biggest one first. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also warned that if Tehran’s infrastructure is targeted, then key facilities across the region could be “irreversibly destroyed”. Iranian military officials also said they could target US-linked energy, technology and water infrastructure in the Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, carrying a large share of global oil and gas supplies. Iran shut the vital energy supply route on February 28. Disruptions in this narrow waterway have already choked tanker movement, pushed up fuel prices and shaken global markets.

South Korea has said that they are ready to join efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which is responsible for 20 per cent of global oil and gas supply. The South Korean foreign ministry stated that it will join 7 countries, including European nations and Japan, in their joint statement condemning Iran’s attacks in the Gulf and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The joint statement, issued by Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and Canada, calls on Iran to cease its attacks and attempts to block the strategic waterway and comply with the principle of freedom of navigation.

In United States, Trump administration unveiled a national framework on artificial intelligence. The new AI policy push signals shift to boost innovation, protect citizens, and strengthen US leadership. The framework, among others, covers child safety, economic growth, intellectual property, free speech, innovation, and workforce development. These areas are closely linked to India’s role in the US technology ecosystem and could shape Indian talent, IT firms, and policy debates. The White House said it will work with Congress to pass the law.