Category: News

New Delhi: On National Maritime Day, India reflects on its rich maritime heritage and the vital role played by the country’s maritime sector in driving economic growth, trade, and connectivity. From ports and shipping to logistics and marine industries, the dedication of countless professionals has been instrumental in strengthening India’s position on the global maritime map.

On National Maritime Day, we recall India’s maritime heritage and the invaluable contribution of all those associated with this sector. Their dedication strengthens our economy, trade and connectivity.

We will continue to harness the immense potential of our maritime sector for… pic.twitter.com/b9Uae4alCs

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2026

Officials emphasized that the maritime sector is not only central to trade and commerce but also crucial for strategic and infrastructural development. By leveraging India’s extensive coastline, modern ports, and shipping capabilities, the nation continues to unlock opportunities for sustainable growth and enhanced connectivity.

As India celebrates this day, authorities reaffirm their commitment to further developing the maritime ecosystem, promoting innovation, and harnessing the sector’s immense potential to secure a prosperous future for the country.

New Delhi: In a move aimed at bridging the gap between science and policymaking, the Government of India has introduced a new programme to train scientists in governance under its flagship Mission Karmayogi initiative.

The programme is designed to equip scientists and technical experts with a better understanding of how government systems function, enabling them to contribute more effectively to policy design and implementation. By bringing scientific expertise closer to the decision-making process, the government hopes to strengthen evidence-based policymaking.

Mission Karmayogi, which focuses on capacity building among civil servants, is now being expanded to include professionals from scientific fields. The initiative will provide structured training on governance practices, public administration, and policy frameworks.

Officials say the programme will help scientists align their research and innovations with national priorities while also improving coordination between technical institutions and government departments.

The move is expected to enhance the role of science in governance, ensuring that policies are more informed, practical, and responsive to emerging challenges.

New Delhi: India is stepping up efforts to expand the production of biosimilar insulin and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, aiming to improve access to affordable diabetes care across developing nations.

With the burden of diabetes rising sharply in many low- and middle-income countries, often referred to as the Global South, there is growing demand for cost-effective treatment options. India, known for its strong pharmaceutical manufacturing base, is positioning itself to meet this need.

Government-backed initiatives and industry participation are expected to drive the scale-up of biosimilar insulin production, making life-saving treatment more accessible and affordable. At the same time, efforts are underway to boost domestic manufacturing of CGM devices, which help patients track blood sugar levels in real time and manage their condition more effectively.

Experts believe that strengthening local manufacturing will not only reduce dependency on imports but also enable India to emerge as a key supplier of diabetes care solutions to other developing countries.

The move aligns with India’s broader push to enhance healthcare accessibility and support partner nations facing similar public health challenges. As global demand continues to grow, India’s role in supplying affordable insulin and advanced monitoring technologies is likely to become increasingly important.

Apr 6: With ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East raising concerns over global fuel supplies, India is taking decisive steps to safeguard its energy needs. One of the biggest challenges currently facing the country is ensuring a stable supply of oil and natural gas.

In a significant move, the Government of India is pushing ahead with a major coal gasification project in Lakhanpur, located in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district. The project recently crossed an important milestone with the signing of a land lease agreement between Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL).

The project, which involves an investment of around ₹25,000 crore, is expected to be completed within the next two years. Once operational, it will produce ammonium nitrate, a key chemical used in various industries.

Coal gasification is emerging as a critical strategy for India to reduce its dependence on imported fuels and make better use of its abundant coal resources. The initiative also aligns with the government’s broader push for energy self-reliance.

Back in 2020, the Centre had launched the National Coal Gasification Mission to promote cleaner and more efficient utilization of coal. The Lakhanpur project is expected to play an important role in advancing this vision.

As global uncertainties continue, such initiatives could help India build a more resilient and self-sufficient energy ecosystem.

Apr 6: Payal Nag has made the state and the nation proud by securing a gold medal at the World Para Archery Series held in Bangkok. Her remarkable achievement stands as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and hard work.

This victory is not just a personal milestone for Payal, but also an inspiring moment for countless aspiring athletes across the state. Her journey reflects determination and the spirit to overcome challenges, motivating others to pursue excellence in sports.

With this success, Payal Nag has further elevated Odisha’s presence on the global sporting stage. It is hoped that she will continue her winning momentum and achieve even greater heights in the future. Wishing her continued success and a bright sporting career ahead.

New Delhi is taking a significant step toward cleaner, greener transportation with the launch of a new electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at Anand Vihar Namo Bharat Station. Designed to accommodate up to 10 vehicles charging simultaneously, the hub addresses one of the growing concerns of EV owners – accessibility and convenience.

The initiative is part of the city’s broader push toward sustainable mobility. Officials highlighted that the hub not only supports the rising number of electric vehicles but also contributes to reducing urban pollution, offering commuters a practical, eco-friendly alternative for daily travel.

With India’s EV market expanding rapidly, infrastructure like the Anand Vihar charging hub is expected to play a crucial role in encouraging more people to switch to electric vehicles. For residents and commuters, this hub provides a glimpse into a future where electric mobility is both efficient and widely accessible.

Washington, D.C. – Rini Sampath, originally from Theni, Tamil Nadu, has become the first South Asian candidate to appear on the Democratic primary ballot for Mayor of Washington, D.C.

The 31-year-old government contractor moved to the United States at the age of seven and has been a resident of Washington, D.C. for over a decade. Sampath’s campaign focuses on improving city services under the theme “Fix the Basics”.

“I’m not a politician. I don’t owe any special interest groups,” Sampath said. “It’s time for an outsider focused on making our city work better for everyone.”

Washington, D.C. is largely dominated by the Democratic Party and has never elected a Republican mayor since the position became an elected office in 1975. The city is currently administered by an elected mayor and a 13-member District Council.

Sampath’s historic candidacy marks a milestone for South Asian representation in local politics and highlights the growing participation of diverse communities in Washington, D.C.’s governance.

Late Friday night, a moderate earthquake shook Delhi-NCR and several parts of North India, sending residents rushing out of their homes and offices in alarm. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported so far.

The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar confirmed that the quake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale. It struck at 9:42 pm IST, with its epicenter in Afghanistan at a depth of 150 km.

Tremors were felt across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and surrounding regions of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Many residents reported sudden jolts while sitting, along with swaying furniture and hanging objects. Although the shaking lasted only a few seconds, it was strong enough to be clearly felt indoors.

In residential neighborhoods, people stepped out as a safety precaution, while office workers temporarily evacuated buildings. Crowds gathered in open spaces, awaiting updates from authorities.

Delhi-NCR falls under Seismic Zone IV, a high-risk area for earthquakes. Even moderate tremors from distant epicenters can be strongly felt, often triggering swift public response.

Social media quickly filled with accounts of the tremors, with residents describing the experience as sudden and unsettling. Many noted shaking of ceiling fans, furniture, and other household items, while some felt vibrations even while lying down.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have advised residents to stay calm, follow safety guidelines, and remain alert for potential aftershocks.

April 4: Renovation work at Puri Railway Station is expected to be completed ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatraath festiva, ensuring improved facilities for thousands of pilgrims visiting the temple town.

East Coast Railway (ECoR) General Manager Parameswar Funkwal confirmed that the main station building is complete, with platform upgrades and boundary works underway. These improvements aim to offer a comfortable and efficient experience for visitors during the busy festival season.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Infrastructure development across Odisha is progressing rapidly. The Khurda Road–Bolangir railway line is expected to be operational by December 2026, with all seven tunnels completed and major bridge work in its final stage. Other key projects, including the redevelopment of Bhubaneswar Railway Station, are also advancing steadily.

ECoR continues to excel in freight operations. In the 2025–26 financial year, it handled 544.82 million tonnes of cargo, generating over ₹32,700 crore in revenue, with ₹29,456 crore from freight alone. For the seventh consecutive year, the zone crossed 200 million tonnes of freight loading, achieving a record 286.26 million tonnes this year, while freight unloading also increased to 258.56 million tonnes.

With these upgrades and strong operational performance, East Coast Railway is well-prepared to manage the rising demand for both passenger and freight services efficiently.

New Delhi: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a special “Bharat–Nepal Faith Tour” aimed at strengthening cultural and religious connections between India and Nepal.

The tour will run for 10 days and 9 nights, starting from April 21, 2026. It will be operated through the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train, offering यात्रियों a comfortable and organised pilgrimage experience.

Pic Credit: Pexel

The journey begins in Delhi and will cover major destinations including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Janakpur, Kathmandu, and Pokhara before returning to Delhi. Passengers can also board or deboard at several stations along the route such as Ghaziabad, Kanpur, and Lucknow.

The itinerary includes visits to prominent religious sites such as Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, the Ram–Janaki Temple in Janakpur, and Pashupatinath Temple, along with Boudhanath Stupa. Key attractions in Pokhara are also part of the tour.

The package includes AC train travel, hotel accommodation (3-star or similar), meals, local transport, guides, and travel insurance. Around 150 seats are available across different AC classes.

Ticket prices range from ₹73,000 to ₹1,03,000 depending on the class. The cost already includes a subsidy under the Bharat Gaurav scheme.

This initiative is expected to make pilgrimage travel easier and more accessible while promoting shared cultural heritage between the two neighbouring countries.