1 Cabinet approves proposal for Rs 12,980 crore ‘Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool’ for safety of Indian ships
Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia and global uncertainty, the central government has taken a major step to safeguard Indian ships and maritime trade . A Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday approved a proposal to establish a domestic insurance pool with a government guarantee of ₹12,980 crore . This new pool, named the ” Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool) ,” aims to provide consistent and affordable insurance coverage to Indian-flagged or Indian-affiliated ships, whether carrying or transporting cargo via international routes. The pool will cover all major risks associated with maritime trade, including ship and machinery, freight, third-party liability (P&I) (protection and indemnity), and war-related risks. Insurance companies will jointly issue policies through this insurance pool, with a total underwriting capacity of approximately ₹950 crore. This will strengthen domestic insurance and risk management capabilities.
2 Cabinet approves continuation of PMGSY-III till March 2028
The Union Cabinet on Saturday approved the extension of the third phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III) beyond March 2025 to March 2028. The revised budget for this scheme is ₹83,977 crore . Under this scheme, main roads and essential connectivity routes in rural areas will be strengthened. Particular emphasis will be placed on connecting villages to rural agricultural markets (gram), higher secondary schools, and hospitals . The Cabinet also extended the deadline for the construction of roads and bridges under the scheme. The deadline for roads and bridges in plain areas has been extended to March 2028, while the deadline for bridges in hilly areas has been extended to March 2029. Additionally, projects approved before March 31, 2025, but not yet started, can now be pursued through tenders. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched on December 25, 2000 . This is a centrally sponsored scheme. The objective of this program is to build all-weather roads connecting rural areas.
3 River Basin Management Plan
The River Basin Management Plan has been extended for the 16th Finance Commission period (from 2026–27 to 2030–31) , reflecting the emphasis on integrated and sustainable management of India’s water resources (especially at the basin level) . The River Basin Management (RBM) Plan is a central sector initiative, administered by the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation). Its primary objective is to ensure integrated planning, sustainable use, and conservation of surface water and groundwater at the river basin level. Instead of viewing water resources in isolation, the plan views the entire river basin (which includes rivers, their tributaries, lakes, and groundwater) as an integrated and interconnected system. The plan prioritizes major river basins such as the Brahmaputra, Barak, Teesta, and Indus. Modern tools such as GIS, remote sensing, LiDAR, and drone-based surveys are being used to improve planning accuracy and future projects.
Institutional Framework : The River Basin Management (RBM) scheme has two major components— the Brahmaputra Board and the Water Resources Development Research Scheme (IWRDS) , which are implemented through the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the National Water Development Agency (NWDA).
The Brahmaputra Board focuses on river basin planning, flood control, erosion management, drainage development, and sustainable management of water resources in the northeastern region.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) : Conducts surveys and investigations and prepares detailed project reports for water resources projects in remote areas.
The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) : Undertakes water planning at the national level, particularly the preparation of feasibility reports for the Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) Programme.
Geographical Priority : It targets strategically water-rich but underdeveloped areas that are of vital importance for national security, water security, transboundary management, flood control, and ecological sustainability.
The key target areas include the Brahmaputra, Barak, Teesta and Indus basins, with utmost priority given to the North-Eastern States, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Manipur government has decided to develop a bird sanctuary in Kharungpat , Kakching district . A senior forest official said the proposed sanctuary will cover approximately 227 hectares . The area is considered ecologically important. The 2023 bird census recorded approximately 69 species in the area, of which about 40 percent were migratory birds. However, the 2025 census showed a significant decline in the number of migratory birds.
5 World Border Security Congress 2026
India effectively demonstrated its strong leadership in the field of maritime security through its participation in the World Border Security Congress 2026, held in Vienna , Austria , from April 14-16, 2026. It also reiterated its firm commitment to international cooperation. A three-member Indian delegation , led by Additional Director General Anand Prakash Badola, represented the country at this international forum. The delegation effectively presented best practices being adopted to secure India’s maritime borders. These efforts reflect India’s clear commitment to building a robust, coordinated, and resilient maritime governance system. Established in 2012, the World Border Security Congress is a prestigious international platform that provides an opportunity for broad-based discussion on emerging challenges, cutting-edge technological innovations, and best practices related to border management.
6 South Korean President Lee Jae-myong’s first visit to India, focus on enhancing strategic cooperation
South Korean President Lee Jae-myong will be on a state visit to India. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including First Lady Kim Hye-kyung , ministers, senior officials and business leaders. This will be President Lee’s first visit to India. The Ministry of External Affairs said that during this visit, President Lee will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas including shipbuilding, trade, investment, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical and emerging technologies, people-to-people relations and cultural exchanges .
Nepal ‘s Supreme Court has recognised the faction led by Gagan Thapa as the official Nepali Congress and dismissed the challenge by the faction led by former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba . A division bench comprising Justice Saranga Subedi and Justice Nripa Dhwaj Niraula yesterday upheld the Election Commission’s decision validating the party’s Central Working Committee formed under the leadership of Gagan Thapa after the special general convention held in Kathmandu in January. Gagan Thapa was elected President of the Nepali Congress at the special general convention held in Kathmandu from January 11 to 14. His election was challenged by the faction led by Sher Bahadur Deuba.
8 ISSF Junior World Cup 2026: Shiv Narwal and Sabira Haris to lead 71-member Indian contingent
In shooting, Asian Games medallist Shiv Narwal and shotgun shooter Sabira Haris will lead a 71-member Indian contingent at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2026 , beginning in Cairo . A total of 284 athletes from 25 associations will participate in Cairo, with India having the largest contingent . India will participate in 18 medal events, including 15 Olympic events . The Junior World Cup for under-21 shooters includes rifle, pistol and shotgun events and will continue till the 27th of this month . Last year, Indian shooters topped the medal tally at the Junior World Cup held in Suhl and New Delhi, winning 37 medals, including 17 gold medals.
9 World Liver Day
The human body is a unique creation of nature, with each organ fulfilling its specific role to ensure the continuity of life. The liver occupies a central place in this complex system. It is not only the second largest organ, but also, through its multifaceted functions, is the silent driver of the cycle of life. To highlight this importance, World Liver Day is celebrated every year on April 19th . This day inspires us to be aware of this precious organ and pledge to protect it.
The history of human civilization is not merely a dull compilation of dates and events, but a living, magnum opus of emotions, thoughts, and experiences. This cultural and intellectual heritage, preserved in the uninterrupted flow of ages, is a ‘direction beacon’ that dispels the darkness of our present. It not only illuminates our present but also paves the way to the difficult future. World Heritage Day (April 18) is not merely a date, but a celebration of collective consciousness. It gives us an opportunity to pause and introspect, to understand our roots in values and the direction we are moving in. The significance of this day goes beyond mere formality; it is the moment when the past, present, and future are intertwined, reminding us of our identity and responsibility.
11 Basketball legend Oscar Schmidt passes away
Brazilian Oscar Schmidt, one of the highest scoring players in basketball history, has passed away. He was 68 years old. Schmidt breathed his last after a long battle with a brain tumor . Schmidt retired in 2003 after a 30-year professional career in Brazil and Europe. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. Schmidt represented Brazil in five Olympic Games and four World Cups , holding the all-time scoring record in both competitions . He retired from the sport in 2003 at the age of 45 after a professional career spanning three decades. Schmidt’s unofficial world record of 49,737 points for club and country was broken by LeBron James in 2024.