Includes defence and SCOMET products to support strategic exports
Implementation: Pilot rollout by RBI, refinements based on feedback.
Intervention 2: Collateral Support for Export Credit
Objective: Address collateral constraints for MSME exporters and improve access to bank finance.
Mechanism: Introduces credit guarantee support via Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
Guarantee Coverage:
Up to 85% for Micro & Small exporters
Up to 65% for Medium exporters
Maximum exposure: ₹10 crore per exporter per financial year
Complementarity: Supports existing credit guarantee schemes, encourages banks to lend more to export-oriented MSMEs.
Implementation: Pilot phase followed by integration into a comprehensive export promotion framework.
Expected Outcomes
Lower export costs for MSMEs
Expanded access to finance
Strengthened India’s export brand
Diversified export markets
Deeper integration into global value chains
Support for sustained export-led growth
Key Highlights
Interventions are data-driven and pilot-tested for refinement.
Focus on MSME exporters, particularly first-time exporters.
Structured to support long-term competitiveness of Indian exports.
10th Edition of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP 2026)
Key Announcement
Released by Union Minister Shri J. P. Nadda at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
Marks the 10th edition of India’s official book of drug standards.
Serves as a cornerstone of India’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework.
Significance
Reflects scientific advancements, global best practices, and India’s leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulation.
Strengthens quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines in India.
Supports National Health Programmes by standardising critical medicines.
Key Updates in IP 2026
121 new monographs added, bringing the total to 3,340 monographs.
Enhanced coverage across key therapeutic categories:
Anti-tubercular
Anti-diabetic
Anti-cancer medicines
Iron supplements
First-time inclusion of 20 blood component monographs for transfusion medicine, as per Drugs and Cosmetics (Second Amendment) Rules, 2020.
Continuous updating and harmonisation with global standards to ensure patient safety.
Pharmacovigilance Achievements
India’s contribution to WHO pharmacovigilance database rose from 123rd (2009–2014) to 8th (2025).
Strengthened Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) under the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC).
Reflects India’s commitment to patient safety, quality assurance, and robust regulatory vigilance.
Global Recognition
Indian Pharmacopoeia standards now recognised in 19 countries of the Global South.
Supports India’s role in health diplomacy and the global pharmaceutical supply chain.
Regulatory and Legal Importance
IP standards are authoritative and legally enforceable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Helps in licensing, manufacturing inspection, and distribution of medicines.
Enhances India’s regulatory ecosystem and ensures safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines.
About Indian Pharmacopoeia
Published by Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Fulfils requirements of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Prescribes official standards for drugs produced/marketed in India.
Ensures control, assurance, and legal enforcement of medicine quality.
RIIT Received AAA rating from CARE
Major Credit Milestone Achieved
NHAI-sponsored Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) has received a AAA (Stable) rating for its long-term bank facilities from CARE Ratings Limited.
This is the highest possible credit rating, indicating exceptional creditworthiness and financial strength.
Implications of the AAA (Stable) Rating
Reflects an extremely low risk of default on RIIT’s debt obligations.
The ‘Stable’ outlook suggests the rating is expected to remain unchanged in the near to medium term.
Positions RIIT among the safest investment options in the infrastructure investment space.
Role of NHAI as Sponsor
The rating derives significant strength from NHAI’s experience, credibility, and strong execution track record in the roads and highways sector.
NHAI’s backing enhances investor confidence and supports RIIT’s long-term sustainability.
Asset Monetization Program Highlighted
CARE Ratings emphasized the strategic importance of NHAI’s asset monetization programme as a key rating driver.
NHAI has successfully monetized national highway assets worth approximately ₹1.43 lakh crore to date.
SEBI Approval and Public InvIT Status
RIIT has received SEBI approval as a Public Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).
Enables wider participation by retail and domestic investors in India’s highway infrastructure.
Investment and Policy Significance
RIIT aims to unlock long-term value from National Highway assets while ensuring sustainable capital formation.
Strengthens the institutional framework for infrastructure financing in India.
Supports the government’s objective of broadening public participation in infrastructure development and reducing reliance on traditional funding sources.
Overall Significance
The AAA rating reinforces RIIT’s position as a robust, investor-friendly, and low-risk investment vehicle.
Marks an important step in advancing India’s infrastructure growth story through transparent and market-based asset monetization.
Alo Prabhat: Dance of the Dawn
Location & Significance
Dong village, located in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, is recognized as India’s easternmost village.
It is considered the first human habitation in India to receive the sunrise.
Event & Occasion
The village welcomed the first sunrise of 2026 on Thursday.
The occasion was marked as part of the Sunrise Festival, organized by the Arunachal Pradesh State Tourism Department.
Cultural Performance
A featured performance titled “Alo Prabhat: Dance of the Dawn” was staged to mark the sunrise.
The performance drew from the cultural traditions of the indigenous Meyor and Mishmi communities.
Artistic Elements
“Dance of the Dawn” was presented as an artistic narrative.
It incorporated chants, songs, and indigenous rhythms, reflecting local cultural expressions.
Festival Timeline
The Sunrise Festival began on December 29.
It is scheduled to conclude on Friday.
Cultural & Tourism Importance
The festival highlights indigenous heritage and performing arts of Arunachal Pradesh.
It also serves to promote cultural tourism and showcase Dong’s unique geographical and cultural identity.
