1 India’s first passenger train marks 173 years, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav shares old photo
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav shared a photo of the historic Thane Railway Bridge and the inaugural train to mark the 173rd anniversary of the country’s first passenger train . The country’s first passenger train traveled between Bori Bunder in Mumbai and Thane on April 16, 1853. Sharing the photo on social media, Mr. Vaishnav said that the journey continues, reflecting the enduring legacy of Indian Railways. He also released a collage depicting the modern Amrit Bharat Express train alongside a certified archival photo of the historic Thane Railway Bridge. An official release issued by Central Railway stated that the archival photo used is historically accurate. This addresses long-standing concerns about previously circulated inaccurate and misleading images.
2 Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan flagged off ‘Surya Devbhoomi Challenge-2’
Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan , flagged off the ” Surya Devbhoomi Challenge-2″ in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand . Organized by the Indian Army, the event was inaugurated from Badrinath . The 113-kilometer trek covers the three sacred Kedars (Kalpeshwar, Rudranath, and Tungnath ). The initiative aims to promote heritage conservation, tourism, and regional development through adventure sports . Under the Vibrant Villages program, the event is expected to boost tourism and generate employment opportunities in border villages. It also demonstrates the Army’s commitment to nation-building and public participation. During the visit, General Chauhan offered prayers at Shri Badrinath Dham and reviewed travel arrangements for pilgrims. Later, he visited Harsil in Uttarkashi district, where he laid the foundation stone of a cultural and heritage center. The center aims to preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage, showcase Garhwal’s glorious history, and promote tourism.
3 INS Sudarshini arrives at Casablanca Port, Morocco, marking a significant milestone in the Lokayan 26 mission.
The Indian Navy ‘s training ship , INS Sudarshini , arrived at the port of Casablanca, Morocco, as part of its ongoing maritime deployment under Lokayan 26. The Ministry of Defence stated that the ship’s arrival at the port yesterday marks a significant milestone in this deployment and reflects the Indian Navy’s continued efforts to enhance maritime engagement. The Ministry stated that the visit is in line with Morocco’s vision of ‘Ocean – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Development in the Region’ and further strengthens bilateral relations and naval cooperation between India and Morocco. During the three-day visit, the crew of INS Sudarshini will interact with Royal Moroccan Navy personnel, host senior officers and distinguished guests, and participate in professional and cultural exchanges aimed at further strengthening naval cooperation, diplomatic relations, and goodwill.
4 Telangana: Statewide initiative launched to introduce AI to 2 million students in government schools
The Telangana government has launched a statewide initiative to introduce AI, or mechanical intelligence, to approximately 2 million students in government schools . The state government has partnered with Amazon Future Engineers and the Pi Jam Foundation . The state government has launched a dedicated website, telangana.codemitra.org, where students can experiment with data and decision-making systems.
5 Major decision of Meghalaya Cabinet, Khasi and Garo get official language status
The Meghalaya Cabinet has granted official status to Khasi and Garo languages, along with English . The state cabinet approved the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance 2026 and repealed the Meghalaya State Act 2005. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the decision as historic and said the move would have far-reaching implications for governance. He also said the decision would empower youth and promote the use of indigenous languages.
6 Union Minister of AYUSH Shri Prataprao Jadhav inaugurated ‘AYUSH Chintan Shivir 2026’
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of AYUSH and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, inaugurated the ” Chintan Shivir 2026 ” in New Delhi . This two-day strategic brainstorming program will be held until April 17, 2026 , with sessions focused on various areas of AYUSH , including discussions on key policies, strengthening institutions, and charting the future course of the AYUSH sector. The Union Minister of AYUSH launched the Ministry’s official WhatsApp channel, which will promote real-time dialogue and citizen engagement. A document titled ” Revision of Standard Rates of Insurance Coverage for AYUSH Treatments and Settlement of Claims for Various Treatments/Interventions ” was also released, aimed at enhancing transparency, affordability, and standardization. The Ministry also released a toll-free number (1800-11-0008) for AYUSH insurance.
7 Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms collaborates with Femina Miss India for the event “Vishwa Sutra – Weaving India for the World”
In a significant initiative, the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, has collaborated with Femina Miss India for the first time to showcase the rich Indian handloom sector and its diversity on a global platform . Under a special initiative titled ” Vishwa Sutra – India’s Weaves for the World ,” a special handloom collection will be presented at the Grand Finale of the Femina Miss India pageant. This collection will showcase the artistry of Indian weavers, highlighting the sustainability and cultural depth of the handloom sector. The initiative features participating winners from states and union territories, each showcasing handloom garments inspired by their region’s weaving traditions and creatively presenting them to reflect the cultural aesthetics of the selected country. This approach symbolically connects India’s textile heritage with global fashion. Popular weaves of India include Varanasi brocade, Lepcha, Kanchipuram, Kota Doria, Maheshwari, Patola, Ikat, Kasavu, Paithani, Phulkari, Jamdani, Kullu shawl, Uppada, Khunni, Pashmina, Muga silk, Ilkal and other regional traditions.
8 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Temple at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri in Mandya, Karnataka.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Temple at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri in Mandya district, Karnataka . The Guru Bhairavaikya Temple was built in memory of Sri Sri Sri Dr. Bal Gangadharnath Mahaswamiji , the 71st head of the Adichunchanagiri Math . He made significant contributions in the fields of education, health, and social service. This memorial will honor his contributions and serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come. The temple is built in the traditional Dravidian architectural style , reflecting India’s ancient temple building tradition. Its structure displays a beautiful blend of spiritual symbols and artistic craftsmanship. This site will not only be a center of faith for devotees but also has the potential to become a major attraction for researchers and tourists.
9 PM Modi, Austrian Chancellor Dr. Stocker hold talks, several agreements exchanged
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Austrian Chancellor Dr. Christian Stocker in New Delhi . During the meeting, the two countries exchanged several agreements and documents, including a Memorandum of Understanding on Food Security and Letters of Intent on Cooperation in Military Affairs and a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism . At a joint press conference, Mr. Narendra Modi stated that India and Austria have been reliable partners in the fields of infrastructure, innovation, and sustainability. He also expressed his happiness that Mr. Stocker chose India for his first foreign visit outside Europe. Mr. Modi stated that this reflects Mr. Stocker’s vision and commitment to India-Austria relations. He also stated that Mr. Stocker’s visit will boost trade and investment between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi stated that India, with its speed and breadth, will combine with Austria’s expertise to ensure reliable technology for the world. He emphasized that India’s talent is capable of boosting Austria’s innovation and productivity. Mr. Modi also stated that an India-Austria Working Holiday Program is being launched to promote youth exchange between the two countries. He stressed that the two countries will strengthen their partnership in various sectors including defence, semiconductors, quantum and biotechnology.
10 Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology constitutes AI Governance and Economic Group
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has constituted the AI Governance and Economic Group . It is a high-level inter-ministerial body and will serve as the country’s central institutional mechanism for AI governance policy development and coordination. Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnav will chair the body, while Minister of State Jitin Prasada will serve as the vice-chairman. The ministry stated that the group will serve as the highest inter-ministerial body within India’s AI governance institutional framework.
11 India’s first chip plant to be built in Dholera, Centre approves SEZ
The central government has taken a major step toward establishing India’s first chip manufacturing plant in Dholera, Gujarat . The government has notified and approved the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) proposed by Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Limited . The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced this on Thursday. According to the ministry, this SEZ will be developed on an area of approximately 66,166 hectares . The project is expected to generate employment for approximately 21,000 people . The plant will support electronic hardware, software, and IT/ITES services , and will feature modern infrastructure and easy logistics. This project will be the country’s first semiconductor fabrication plant, which could give India a new identity in the global electronics manufacturing sector.
12 Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George represented India at the Independence Day and 50th anniversary of the Constitution of Portugal.
Sibi George, Secretary for Western Countries Affairs in the Ministry of External Affairs, represented India at Portugal’s Independence Day celebrations and the 50th anniversary of the Portuguese Constitution . During the event, Mr. George reiterated the commitment to strengthen cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and the long-term India-Portugal partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a social media post.
13 Naval Commanders’ Conference begins at Nau Sena Bhawan, New Delhi
The 1st Indian Navy Commanders’ Conference 2026 commenced on April 14, 2026, at Nau Sena Bhawan with the inaugural address by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff . He addressed the senior naval leadership, external operational and field commanders, and staff from Command Headquarters and Naval Headquarters. The Chief of the Naval Staff commended the Navy’s achievements in safeguarding India’s maritime interests, including energy security amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, enhancing operational tempo, and strengthening inter-service coordination. The Chief of the Naval Staff emphasized the continued focus on combat readiness and the adoption of emerging technologies to build a future-ready force.
14 LIC launches ‘MyLIC’ and ‘Super Sales Saathi’ mobile apps to enhance customer experience and digital reach
Shri M. Nagaraju , IAS, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, launched LIC ‘s new customer app (MyLIC) and mobile app for sales intermediaries (Super Sales Saathi) in Mumbai in the presence of Shri R. Doraiswamy , CEO & MD, LIC, Shri Dinesh Pant, Managing Directors, Shri Ratnakar Patnaik, Shri R. Chander and senior management of Life Insurance Corporation of India. With over 26 crore policies and the widest insurance network in India, LIC’s apps are now playing a central role in increasing scale, improving service efficiency and maintaining competitive parity in the evolving life insurance market.
15 India-Uzbekistan military exercise Dustlik begins
The 7th India-Uzbekistan military exercise, “Dustlik, ” has begun at the Gurum Saray Field Training Area in Namangan, Uzbekistan . Dustlik, meaning ” friendship ,” aims to strengthen coordination between the two armies. The exercise will focus on joint operations to eliminate illegal armed groups. The exercise will continue until April 25th .