Retail inflation rises to 2-year high of 5.5% on costlier food and fuel

Retail inflation rose to a nearly two-year high of 5.5% in September, driven up by a continued acceleration in food and fuel inflation, official data released on Monday showed. Inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in September was the highest since October 2024. The rate in September also marked a substantial increase over the 4.8% rate seen in the previous month. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s upper comfort limit for retail inflation is 6%. 

U.S. Professors win Nobel Prize in economics

American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford were on Monday announced recipients of the 2026 economics Nobel for providing an empirical formula to help government frame policies that are aimed at stabilising the economy while incorporating household demand behaviour and supply behaviour of companies.

Lakshadweep turns 100% literate

Lakshadweep was declared a 100% literate Union Territory on Sunday. The declaration was made by Administrator Praful Patel, marking the achievement of full literacy status under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. 

Warming Himalayas demand a rethink on development

Reports released on March 21, 2026, by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) found that ice-loss rates across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) have doubled since 2000. "We are trying to navigate a rapidly changing future with an incomplete map," said one of the authors of the report. Warming is not uniform across this 3,500-kilometre range. According to the Journal of Earth System Science, the western Himalaya is warming consistently faster than the central and eastern stretches, with night-time minimum and winter temperatures rising at the most extreme rates. 

Contextualising WWF's report on wildlife population decline

There has been a 73% decline in wildlife populations since 1970, according to the 2026 Living Planet Index report. As with previous editions, it makes for a concerning read, despite this year's title being about the "Science of Hope".

Healthcare centres must display costs of services: Centre

The Union Health Ministry has asked all States and Un-ion Territories to ensure the prominent display of rates charged for services and facilities offered by clinical establishments. 

Navy commissions its third Mahe-class anti-submarine ship

The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Mangrol (P82), the third Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, strengthening its capabilities to detect and counter underwater threats. 

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company open to long-term deals with India for LPG

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is open to further long-term liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply agreements with India and sees significant potential to deepen cooperation across crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), naphtha, trading, shipping and strategic storage, Nasser Omair Al Muhairi, its Acting CEO (downstream industry, marketing and trading business). 

Climate body faces deadlock over timeline of new reports

IPCC nations remain divided over the timeline for key climate reports, raising fears they may miss the 2028 UN climate summit and weaken science-based climate decisions.