A Strong Policy Signal for Innovation

At the World Intellectual Property Day in New Delhi, Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced a three-year waiver on intellectual property (IP) registration fees for the sports sector.

The move is designed to lower entry barriers for innovators and strengthen India’s position in the global sports economy by encouraging creativity, design, and technological development.

Mission-Mode Reform of Cooperative Banking.

Reserve Bank of India has initiated a country wide capacity building programme, called Mission SAKSHAM, of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). The project will enhance the quality of governance, operational resilience, and professionalise the industry without compromising its community-oriented nature.

A Major Push for High-Value Agriculture

Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority is setting up a basmati and organic training centre and demonstrating farm in Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh.The project has been advanced following the purchase of 7 acres of land in government agriculture farm in Tanda Bijesi village. The project is expected to be developed with a ₹15 crore investment, focusing on enhancing the production of premium basmati, supporting organic production, and improving farmers in terms of their export preparedness.

A Major Shift in Global Energy Politics

The United Arab Emirates has declared its intention to leave OPEC and the OPEC+ in general by May 1, 2026.This action comes amid an increased volatility in the world oil markets, caused by local warfare and disruptions in the major energy delivery corridors. Being a key oil producer, the UAE withdrawal will affect the pricing forces as well as the internal equilibrium within the oil-exporting group.

A Giant Leap off the Court

P. V. Sindhu has stepped up to a key leadership role in world badminton as Chair of the Athletes’ Commission and a voting member of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council.