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National Current Affairs of India, Important for competitive Exams.

Indian Air Force Participates in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed four Rafale fighter aircraft, two C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, and over 120 Air Warriors to Australia to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force’s premier multinational air combat exercise.

The exercise will be held from 20 July to 7 August 2026 at RAAF bases in Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley in northern Australia. During the three-week exercise, the IAF will train with air forces from the Indo-Pacific and Europe, participating in complex air combat missions.

The deployment highlights the growing India–Australia defence cooperation and aims to improve interoperability, combat flying skills, operational coordination, and long-term defence partnerships.

Bharat Tex 2026: World’s Largest Global Textile Event Begins in New Delhi

The third edition of Bharat Tex 2026, the world’s largest global textile event, is being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 14 to 17 July 2026. The four-day event was inaugurated by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh on 14 July 2026.

Organised by the Bharat Tex Trade Federation with support from the Ministry of Textiles, the event aims to establish India as a global hub for textiles, fashion, sustainability, innovation, and investment. It is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 5F vision – Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign.

Bharat Tex 2026 is expected to host over 7,000 buyers, 1.3 lakh trade visitors, and 1,600 exhibitors from India and 14 countries, showcasing more than 20,000 products across the entire textile value chain. The event will facilitate 4,000+ B2B meetings, 100+ B2G meetings, and the signing of 30+ MoUs related to trade, investment, technology, and sustainability.

The event features participation from eight partner states, more than 100 knowledge sessions, and 350+ speakers from over 20 countries. It also includes discussions on Industry 5.0, technical textiles, sustainability, MSMEs, PM MITRA textile parks, and international textile partnerships. Bharat Tex 2026 is expected to strengthen India’s position as a trusted global textile sourcing destination through enhanced trade, investment, and international collaboration.

Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) to Strengthen Coastal Security

On 10 July 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making India’s coastal security unbreachable while reviewing the establishment of the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

The Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) is being established as a statutory body under Section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. It will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and will be headed by a Director General. The Bureau will regulate and inspect the security of ships and port facilities, facilitate the collection and sharing of security-related information, and strengthen cybersecurity through a dedicated IT security division.

Amit Shah directed that only CISF-trained personnel from licensed private security agencies should be deployed at ports. He also ordered the early start of training at the Port Security Training Institute, creation of a comprehensive database of security personnel, installation of container-scanning facilities at BoPS-covered ports, and trial security runs at Visakhapatnam Port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, and Mundra Port.

PM Modi’s Indonesia Visit 2026: Key Agreements, Strategic Partnership and Major Outcomes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a state visit to Indonesia from 6–8 July 2026, his first bilateral visit since India and Indonesia elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. During the visit, both countries signed several agreements to strengthen cooperation in trade, digital technology, defence, healthcare, critical minerals, and maritime security.

Major Outcomes

  • Digital Cooperation: Indonesia launched the Indonesia Open Network (ION) based on India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) framework. Integration of India’s UPI with Indonesia’s QRIS payment system is also being finalized.
  • Healthcare: Both countries agreed to establish a government-to-government framework for supplying affordable Indian medicines, inspired by India’s Jan Aushadhi scheme.
  • Critical Minerals: MoUs were signed to strengthen supply chains for nickel, copper, and bauxite, supporting manufacturing in both countries.
  • Defense & Maritime Security: Building on the sale of BrahMos missile systems to Indonesia, the two leaders elevated defense cooperation by signing an Air-to-Air Missile Cooperation Agreement. India will also provide dedicated training slots for Indonesian defense personnel at the National Defence Academy (NDA).
  • Cultural Ties: The leaders inaugurated conservation work at the Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia. They also declared 2027 as the “Tagore–Dewantara Year” to commemorate the centenary of Rabindranath Tagore’s 1927 visit to Indonesia.
  • Geopolitical Cooperation: Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Indonesia also expressed support for India’s BRICS Presidency in 2026.

Economic Significance

Indonesia is India’s second-largest trading partner in ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching USD 24.78 billion in 2025–26.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Accepts Resignations of Champat Rai and Dr. Anil Mishra

On 6 July 2026, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trust member Dr. Anil Mishra. The resignations came after their names surfaced in the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case.

Krishna Mohan was appointed as the Interim General Secretary. Krishna Mohan’s complaint led to the FIR in the alleged donation irregularities case, in which eight people were arrested.

The Trust decided to create the post of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and formed a three-member committee to recommend suitable candidates.

Gopal Nagar Kote was removed from the list of the Trust’s special invitees.

The Trust stated that all donated ornaments and valuables are safe, properly accounted for, and open to public verification. The Trust also said that devotees’ faith remains strong and pilgrim numbers have not declined despite the controversy.

Delhi–Varanasi Bullet Train Project : Key Features, Route & Travel Time

The Delhi–Varanasi Bullet Train Project, announced in the Union Budget 2026–27, will connect Delhi, Jewar, Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Varanasi through a high-speed rail corridor of approximately 813–865 km. The bullet train will operate at speeds of up to 350 kmph (around 320 kmph operational speed) and is targeted for completion by 2031.

The project will significantly reduce travel time, with Delhi–Lucknow taking just 2 hours 10 minutes, Delhi–Varanasi about 3.5–4 hours, and Jewar–Lucknow only 1 hour 40 minutes. The estimated project cost is ₹2.3 lakh crore.

The corridor will pass through major cities including Delhi, Noida, Jewar Airport, Mathura, Agra, Etawah, Kannauj, Lucknow, Raebareli, Prayagraj, Bhadohi, and Varanasi. A 124-km branch line will also connect Lucknow and Ayodhya, reducing travel time to 35–40 minutes.

Key Highlights of the Delhi–Varanasi Bullet Train

  • Length: ~813–865 km
  • Speed: Max 350 kmph; operational speed ~320 kmph
  • Travel Time:
    • Delhi → Lucknow: 2 hr 10 min
    • Jewar → Lucknow: 1 hr 40 min
    • Delhi → Jewar: 21 min
    • Delhi → Varanasi: 3.5–4 hr
  • Cost Estimate: ₹2.3 lakh crore
  • Completion Target: 2031
  • Stops: Delhi (Hazrat Nizamuddin/Sarai Kale Khan), Noida, Jewar Airport, Mathura, Agra, Etawah, Kannauj, Lucknow, Raebareli, Prayagraj, Bhadohi, Varanasi
  • Branch Line: 124 km Lucknow–Ayodhya (35–40 min travel time)

India Launches First Hub-and-Spoke International Flight Service

On 25 June 2026, Air India launched India’s first Hub-and-Spoke international flight service, called Easy Connect, from Varanasi. The service was inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu. It aims to make international travel easier for passengers from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

The first Easy Connect flight (AI1111) departed from Varanasi and connected passengers to international destinations including Dubai, Colombo, Jeddah, Riyadh, Kathmandu, and Phuket through Delhi. The new system is expected to reduce travel time, improve passenger convenience, ease congestion at major airports, and strengthen regional airports. Air India plans to expand the service to several more Indian cities in the coming months.

What is the Hub-and-Spoke Model?

Under the Hub-and-Spoke model, passengers complete check-in, immigration, and customs clearance at their home airport before boarding a domestic flight to a major hub such as Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru. After reaching the hub airport, they can directly board their international flight without repeating immigration or customs formalities.

Tri-Commissioning of Indigenous Naval Warships (21 June 2026)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenous naval vessels in Kolkata on 21 June 2026:

  • INS Agray
  • INS Dunagiri
  • INS Sanshodhak

All three warships were designed and built in India, highlighting the success of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative in the defence sector.

⚓ India’s Naval and Defence Progress

  • More than 40 Made-in-India warships and submarines have joined the Indian Navy in recent years.
  • Around 45 major naval warships are currently under construction.
  • The commissioning follows the earlier induction of India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

🏭 Growth in Defence Manufacturing

  • India’s annual defence production has increased from about ₹40,000 crore (2014) to nearly ₹1.8 lakh crore.
  • Defence exports have risen from around ₹700 crore before 2014 to approximately ₹40,000 crore.
  • Indian defence equipment is now exported to more than 80 countries.

Country Roads Project: Digital Coding of Every Road in India

The Country Roads Project is a proposed Government of India initiative to assign a unique digital code to every road in the country, including highways, district roads, and village roads. It aims to create a national digital road database by integrating geospatial technologies and existing platforms such as PMGSY, Gram Manchitra, DIGIPIN, and SVAMITVA.

Key Highlights

  • Every road will receive a unique alphanumeric identification code.
  • QR-enabled signboards will provide road details, location, and maintenance information.
  • Road names will be displayed in local languages and English.
  • Panchayats and local bodies will conduct regular audits and updates of road data.
  • The system will align with PMGSY standards and the Local Government Directory (LGD).

Benefits

  • Improves emergency response by enabling quick and accurate road identification.
  • Enhances governance, postal services, and public service delivery.
  • Supports better infrastructure planning, monitoring, and accountability.
  • Creates a unified digital road network covering over 6 lakh villages across India.

Indian Coast Guard Inducts First Indigenous Hovercraft (ACV)

On 18 June 2026, the Indian Coast Guard inducted its first indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV), or hovercraft, in Goa. Built by Chowgule & Company Pvt Ltd, it is the first of six planned ACVs and contains about 50% indigenous content.

The hovercraft travels on a cushion of air, enabling operations over shallow waters, mudflats, marshes, sandy beaches, and land, where conventional boats face limitations. It will strengthen coastal security, surveillance, search and rescue missions, anti-smuggling operations, maritime reconnaissance, and environmental protection along India’s 7,500 km coastline.

Six States Agree on Kishau Dam Project for Yamuna Rejuvenation

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting in New Delhi on 16 June 2026, where six states reached a consensus on the long-pending Kishau Multi-Purpose Dam Project. The project is expected to play a major role in the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River by increasing the flow of clean water.

The states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for implementing the project. After the signing of the MoU, the proposal will be sent to the Union Cabinet for approval.

The ₹15,000 crore project will be built on the Tons River, the largest tributary of the Yamuna, at the Himachal Pradesh–Uttarakhand border. It will generate 660 MW of hydroelectric power, irrigate nearly 97,000 hectares of land, and supply over 500 million cubic metres of water annually to Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Under the funding arrangement, the Central Government will bear 90% of the water component cost, while the remaining 10% will be shared by the six participating states.

The Kishau Dam will be a 236-metre-high concrete gravity dam with a live storage capacity of 1324 million cubic metres (MCM). The project had remained stalled for nearly eight years before the states reached an agreement in 2026.

Amit Shah Launches ‘Vinimay’ Land Port Management System (LPMS)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Land Port Management System (LPMS) ‘Vinimay’ on 9 June 2026. The new digital platform aims to modernize and streamline operations at India’s land ports by enabling seamless coordination among customs, immigration, border security forces, and other agencies.

The LPMS introduces end-to-end digital processing for cargo and passenger movement, including slot booking, payments, tracking, and single-window clearances. It is integrated with major national platforms such as ICEGATE, ULIP, and the motor vehicle ecosystem, ensuring efficient and transparent border management.

The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, currently manages 15 land ports across India’s borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

President Murmu Honours Armed Forces and Police Personnel with Gallantry Awards

President Droupadi Murmu conferred India’s prestigious Gallantry Awards at the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-I) held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 8 June 2026. The awards recognized exceptional acts of bravery by personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and other security agencies.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Several personnel were awarded the Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, and Vir Chakra for their courage in counter-terrorism operations, anti-insurgency missions, border security duties, aviation emergencies, maritime expeditions, and humanitarian rescue operations.

Among the notable awardees was Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of India’s selected Gaganyatris, who received the Kirti Chakra. Numerous soldiers and officers were also honoured for their bravery in operations across Jammu & Kashmir, the Northeast, and along India’s borders. Several gallantry awards were conferred posthumously in recognition of supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.

BEL to Supply High Power Microwave Systems to Indian Navy for Neutralizing Drone Threats

The Indian Navy has awarded a major contract under the ADITI 3.0 framework to Bengaluru-based defence technology firm Tonbo Imaging for the integration and commissioning of High Power Microwave (HPM) systems on naval platforms. These directed-energy weapons will help India counter drone swarms and disable adversary electronics, marking a significant step in indigenous defence modernization.

What is ADITI 3.0?

  • ADITI (Advanced Defence Technology Incubation) is a Government of India initiative under the Ministry of Defence.
  • It supports iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) to incubate and validate advanced defence technologies before induction.

About High Power Microwave (HPM) Systems

  • Directed-energy weapons that use concentrated electromagnetic pulses instead of ammunition.
  • Can disable or degrade enemy electronics, sensors, and unmanned systems without kinetic damage.
  • Considered one of the most effective counters to drone swarms and asymmetric threats in maritime warfare.

Role of Tonbo Imaging

  • Selected for its indigenous expertise in vacuum tube technologies, critical for generating high peak power in HPM systems.
  • Will handle system integration, commissioning, and production supply after validation.
  • Already has a portfolio of advanced defence electronics, electro-optics, and missile seeker technologies.

PRAGATI 2026: India Hosts 12-Nation Military Exercise in Meghalaya

PRAGATI 2026 is a major multilateral military exercise hosted by India at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya, from 18–31 May 2026, with participation from 12 friendly nations. It focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain, strengthening defence cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

📌 Key Details

  • Name: PRAGATI (Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region).
  • Year: 2026.
  • Location: Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya, India.
  • Dates: 18–31 May 2026.
  • Participants: 12 nations — Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
  • Objective: Enhance regional cooperation, share best practices, and strengthen military-to-military ties.

India Declared Completely Free from Naxalism

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on 19 May 2026 that India has become completely free from Naxalism (Left-Wing Extremism), achieving the government’s March 31, 2026 target. The declaration was made in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, marking the end of a 55-year Maoist insurgency that began in 1971.

The success was credited to joint anti-Naxal operations such as Operation Black Forest and Operation Prahar conducted by CAPF, CRPF CoBRA commandos, and local security forces.

To promote development in tribal areas, 70 former security camps in Bastar will be converted into “Sewa Deras” for delivery of government welfare schemes, banking, healthcare, and education services. The government has also launched a ₹20 crore rehabilitation plan for surrendered Naxal cadres through education and skill development.

CBSE Makes Three-Language Study Mandatory for Classes 9–10 From July 1

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that from July 1, 2026, students of Classes 9 and 10 will be required to study three languages. Under the revised policy, at least two of these must be Indian languages, while the third may be a foreign language.

The third language (R3) will be assessed internally by schools and will not form part of the Class 10 Board examination. CBSE has directed schools to use Class 6-level textbooks for R3 temporarily, supplemented with regional literary material, until dedicated secondary-level books are introduced.

This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to strengthen multilingual learning while reducing exam pressure. Schools have been advised to adopt flexible measures, including resource sharing and virtual teaching, to address possible teacher shortages.

Possible Combination for a Hindi Speaking States Student:

  • R1: Hindi (Indian language, compulsory)
  • R2: English (global language, compulsory in CBSE schools)
  • R3: Sanskrit or Urdu (Indian language, chosen by student/school)

Cabinet Approves MSP for Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2026-27

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season on 13 May 2026.

Important MSP Rates for 2026-27

  • Paddy (Common): ₹2441 per quintal
  • Bajra: ₹2900 per quintal
  • Maize: ₹2410 per quintal
  • Tur/Arhar: ₹8450 per quintal
  • Moong: ₹8780 per quintal
  • Groundnut: ₹7517 per quintal
  • Sunflower Seed: ₹8343 per quintal
  • Cotton (Medium Staple): ₹8267 per quintal

NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled After Paper Leak; CBI Probe Ordered

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026 after confirmation of a paper leak and malpractice. The decision, announced on 10 May 2026, has affected more than 22 lakh students who appeared for the exam across 5,400 centres in 551 Indian cities and 14 international locations.

The cancellation was approved following inputs from law enforcement and central agencies confirming irregularities in the examination process. The Government of India has ordered a CBI probe into the paper leak case.

Investigations by the Rajasthan SOG found that question papers had been circulated before the exam, and the leaked sets matched the actual NEET paper. Two alleged masterminds, Manish Yadav and Rakesh Mandavriya, were arrested in connection with the case.

The NTA announced that a re-examination will be conducted soon, and students will not need to register again or pay any additional fee. The agency also confirmed that the exam fees will be refunded.

South Coast Railway Becomes India’s 18th Railway Zone with HQ at Visakhapatnam

On 4 May 2026, the Ministry of Railways issued a Gazette notification formally constituting the South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone with headquarters at Visakhapatnam. It will become India’s 18th railway zone and will start operations from 1 June 2026, fulfilling a statutory commitment under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Divisions under South Coast Railway (SCoR):

  • Guntakal Division
  • Guntur Division
  • Vijayawada Division
  • Newly created Visakhapatnam Division (carved out of Waltair Division)

🚆 List of All Railway Zones in India (as of May 2026)

S. No.Railway ZoneHeadquartersYear of Formation
1Northern Railway (NR)New Delhi1952
2North Eastern Railway (NER)Gorakhpur1952
3North Central Railway (NCR)Prayagraj2003
4North Western Railway (NWR)Jaipur2002
5North Frontier Railway (NFR)Guwahati1958
6Eastern Railway (ER)Kolkata1952
7East Central Railway (ECR)Hajipur2002
8East Coast Railway (ECoR)Bhubaneswar2003
9South Eastern Railway (SER)Kolkata1955
10South East Central Railway (SECR)Bilaspur2003
11Southern Railway (SR)Chennai1951
12South Central Railway (SCR)Secunderabad1966
13South Western Railway (SWR)Hubballi2003
14Western Railway (WR)Mumbai1951
15West Central Railway (WCR)Jabalpur2002
16Central Railway (CR)Mumbai1951
17Konkan Railway (KRCL – Corporation)Navi Mumbai1990
18South Coast Railway (SCoR)Visakhapatnam2026

Sikkim Becomes India’s First Paperless Judiciary State (2026)

Sikkim has officially become India’s first state with a fully paperless judiciary, marking a historic milestone in judicial reforms. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant announced this on May 1, 2026, during the National Conclave on Technology and Judicial Education in Gangtok.

📌 Key Highlights of the Declaration

  • Date & Occasion: Declared on May 1, 2026, at the National Conclave on Technology and Judicial Education in Gangtok.
  • By: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
  • Significance: Sikkim becomes the first state judiciary in India to go fully paperless.
  • Context: Announcement coincided with Sikkim’s 50th Statehood anniversary, adding symbolic importance.
⚖️ What “Paperless Judiciary” Means
  • E-filing of cases: All petitions and documents are filed digitally.
  • Virtual hearings: Litigants and lawyers can attend proceedings online.
  • Digital case tracking: Real-time updates on case status.
  • Automated workflows: Court processes streamlined through technology.
  • Digitised archives: Complete migration from physical records to electronic storage.

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 Record 92.47% Voter Turnout – Highest Since Independence

West Bengal recorded a historic voter turnout of 92.47% in the two-phase Assembly elections (April 2026), the highest since Independence.

  • Phase 1 (23 April): 93.19% turnout
  • Phase 2 (30 April): 91.66% turnout

The state has a voter base of 6.81 crore, with women voters (92.28%) slightly outnumbering men (91.07%) in participation.

This surpasses the previous state record of 84.72% in 2011 Assembly elections. At the national level, Tripura holds the highest turnout record (93.61% in 2013).

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar praised the high participation. The Election Commission also noted record turnout in Assam and Puducherry.

🗓️ Vote counting for West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry will be held on 4 May 2026, along with by-elections in several states.

Women and Men in India 2025 Report: Key Highlights

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 27th edition of “Women and Men in India 2025” on 29 April 2026 at the Data for Development Summit in Bhubaneswar.

The report provides gender-based data on key areas such as population, education, health, employment, and decision-making, using data from multiple government sources.

Key Highlights:

  • 👶 Sex Ratio at Birth improved from 904 (2017–19) to 917 (2021–23), showing better female survival.
  • 🏥 Infant Mortality Rate declined for both boys and girls between 2008–2023.
  • 🎓 Education: Gender parity achieved from primary to higher secondary levels.
    • Higher education enrolment increased, especially for females.
  • 👩‍🌾 Employment: Female labour force participation rose significantly, especially in rural areas
    • Rural women: 37.5% → 45.9% (2022–2025)
  • 🧑‍💼 Leadership Roles: Women in managerial positions increased by 102.54% (2017–2025), higher than men’s growth.
  • 📑 The report includes 50 key indicators with metadata to aid policymakers and researchers.
  • 🌍 Provides state-wise and rural-urban analysis to track gender development trends.

Ganga Expressway: PM Modi Inaugurates 594 km Meerut–Prayagraj Highway

The Ganga Expressway is one of India’s largest greenfield expressway projects, developed in Uttar Pradesh to enhance high-speed connectivity and economic growth. Spanning approximately 594 km, it connects Meerut in western UP to Prayagraj in eastern UP, passing through 12 districts and significantly improving regional transport infrastructure.

The expressway was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29 April 2026 in Hardoi district. It has been constructed at an estimated cost of around ₹36,000+ crore and is designed as a 6-lane access-controlled highway (expandable to 8 lanes).

🔑 Key Features:

  • Length: ~594 km (longest expressway in Uttar Pradesh)
  • Route: Meerut → Prayagraj
  • Travel Time: Reduced from 10–12 hours to about 6–7 hours
  • Special Feature: Includes an airstrip for emergency aircraft landing
  • Industrial Corridor: Planned development of manufacturing and logistics hubs along the route

Indian Railways Allows Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to Travel in Divyangjan Coaches

On 20 April 2026, Indian Railways announced that Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) holding a valid UDID (Unique Disability ID) card can now travel in unreserved coaches reserved for Divyangjan in Mail and Express trains. PwDs with a valid UDID or concession eligibility will be treated as bona fide passengers and allowed in designated compartments such as SLRD and LSLRD coaches, provided they have valid travel authority. Strict action under the Railway Act, 1989 will be taken against unauthorized passengers to ensure facilities reaches genuine beneficiaries. All Zonal Railways have been instructed to ensure proper implementation.

The Divyangjan Card (EPICS) enables PwDs to avail travel concessions and can be obtained through official portals based on a valid disability certificate.

India–Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise “Dustlik 2026″

The 7th edition of the India–Uzbekistan joint military exercise “Dustlik” began on 15 April 2026 at Gurumsaray Field Training Area, Namangan in Uzbekistan. The exercise will continue until 25 April 2026.

🔑 Objective:
  • To enhance operational synergy between the Indian Army and the Uzbekistan Army.
  • Focus on joint special operations, especially targeting the neutralisation of unlawful armed groups.
🤝 Significance:
  • Strengthens defence cooperation, mutual trust, and camaraderie between India and Uzbekistan.
  • Reflects a shared commitment to global peace and security.

Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor Inaugurated

The Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor was inaugurated on 14 April 2026 by Narendra Modi. Built at a cost of ₹11,868 crore, the expressway reduces travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from 6 hours to just 2.5 hours.

🔑 Key Features:
  • Length: ~212–213 km
  • Type: Six-lane, access-controlled expressway
  • Wildlife Corridor: Elevated sections to protect biodiversity near forest areas

Census 2027: India’s First Digital Census from 1 April 2026

India will begin its first fully digital population census with Phase I starting on April 1, 2026. Announced by Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, this will be India’s 16th Census and the largest enumeration exercise globally, involving over 3 million officials.

Key Highlights:

  • Digital Census: Data will be collected through mobile apps for the first time.
  • Self-Enumeration: Citizens can fill their details online via a secure portal (in 16 languages) and generate a Self-Enumeration ID (SE ID) for verification.
  • Legal Framework: Conducted under the Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990.

Timeline:

  • Reference Date: March 1, 2027
    (October 1, 2026 for snow-bound regions like Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand)

Two Phases:

  1. Phase I (April–September 2026):
    House listing, housing conditions, amenities, and assets
  2. Phase II (February 2027):
    Population data including demographic, socio-economic, education, and caste enumeration

Scale & Infrastructure:

  • Budget: ₹11,718 crore
  • Coverage: 36 States/UTs, ~6.4 lakh villages, 5,000+ towns
  • Digital tools: Mobile apps, self-enumeration portal, real-time monitoring dashboards
  • Extensive training system for 31 lakh enumerators and supervisors

Noida International Airport Inaugurated

Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport at Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar on 28 March 2026. Built at an estimated cost of ₹11,200 crore under the PPP model, the airport is set to emerge as a major international gateway for the NCR, with an initial capacity of 12 million passengers annually and future expansion up to 70 million.

📊 Key Highlights

  • The inauguration ceremony took place around 11:30 AM at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
  • The Prime Minister conducted a walkthrough of the terminal and addressed a public gathering.
  • The airport has been developed as a modern aviation hub with advanced infrastructure.

🏗️ Project Features

  • Phase I capacity: 12 million passengers per annum, scalable to 70 million.
  • Cargo handling: Initially 2.5 lakh metric tonnes, expandable to 18 lakh metric tonnes.
  • Developed as a multi-modal transport hub integrating road, rail, metro, and regional transit.

PM Modi Announces 7 Empowered Groups to Address West Asia Conflict Impact

On 24 March 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of seven empowered groups to tackle the potential long-term impacts of the West Asia conflict on India. The move aims to address challenges related to fuel, fertilisers, gas supply, supply chains, and inflation.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister emphasized a “Team India” approach, urging both the Centre and states to work together to manage the crisis effectively. He highlighted the serious side effects of the conflict, particularly on the availability of essential commodities such as crude oil, gas, and fertilisers.

Key Focus Areas

  • Ensuring stable supply of energy resources like crude oil and gas
  • Managing fertiliser availability for agriculture
  • Strengthening supply chains
  • Controlling inflation and price rise

Government’s Strategy

PM Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solutions for restoring peace in West Asia. He stated that India is in constant contact with major global players, including Iran, Israel, and the United States, to promote de-escalation.

The government is also working to diversify energy sources and ensure uninterrupted supply to protect citizens from the crisis. At the same time, states have been directed to prevent black marketing and hoarding of essential goods.

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