1 New Delhi: ‘Festival of Letters’ becomes a vibrant celebration of literature and language
The Sahityotsav – Festival of Letters , held at the Ravindra Bhavan complex on Ferozeshah Road in New Delhi , has emerged as a vibrant celebration of literature, language, and expression. Organized by the Sahitya Akademi , the six-day festival aims to showcase the rich tradition of Indian languages , foster literary dialogue , and engage a new generation with writing and creativity . The festival features Hindi, Urdu, English, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi, and other Indian languages . The program includes poetry readings, literary discussions, book launches, drama performances, interactive sessions, and cultural programs showcasing diverse facets of literature and art.
The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a free electricity scheme for handloom and powerloom weavers, aimed at providing economic relief and strengthening the struggling weaving sector. This initiative has become effective. Under the scheme, eligible handloom weavers will receive up to 200 units of free electricity per month , while powerloom operators will receive 500 units of free electricity per month. This policy is expected to benefit approximately 93,000 handloom families and 11,488 powerloom families across the state. Approximately ₹150 crore has been allocated annually for the implementation of this scheme.
3 In Mongolia, Ucharal Nyam-Osor elected new Prime Minister
In Mongolia , Ucharal Nyam-Osor has been elected as the new Prime Minister . He becomes the country’s third Prime Minister in nine months, amid growing political instability and economic pressures. Parliament elected him with a landslide victory, handing the victory to a reformist candidate. The previous Prime Minister was forced to resign after weeks of deadlock. Ucharal has previously served as Speaker of Parliament and leader of the ruling party . A former hip-hop artist turned politician, Ucharal later took over the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications, where he promoted transparency and digital governance reforms.
4 India leads the world in issuing IRCC under the Nagoya Protocol
Under the Nagoya Protocol (ABS)India has become a global leader in issuing internationally recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) . The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated that IRCCs are official proof that prior informed consent has been obtained between the users and providers of genetic resources and that mutually agreed terms have been established. The Ministry stated that these certificates play a vital role in ensuring transparency and fair sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources. According to the latest data available on the ABS Clearinghouse , India has issued 3,561 IRCCs out of a total of 6,311 issued globally , representing over 56 percent of all certificates . Of the 142 countries registered on this platform, only 34 have issued IRCCs so far. France is second only to India with 964 certificates, followed by Spain, Argentina, Panama, and Kenya. India’s strong performance reflects the effective implementation of the access and benefit-sharing framework under the Biological Diversity Act 2002.
5 Indigenous stealth frigate ‘Dunagiri’ handed over to Indian Navy – a major boost to self-reliance in warship construction
Dunagiri (Yard 3023) , the fifth of the Nilgiri-class ( Project 17A ) and the second of this class , was laid down on 30 March 2026 in Kolkata was commissioned into the Indian Navy at GRSE , . It was built at Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineers Limited (GRSE) . Project 17A frigates are versatile multi-mission platforms designed to meet current and future challenges in the maritime domain. Dunagiri is the latest variant of the Leander-class frigate INS Dunagiri, formerly part of the Indian Navy fleet, which served the nation for 33 years, from 5 May 1977 to 10 October 2010. Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and supervised by the Warship Inspection Team (Kolkata), the P17A frigates represent a generational achievement in indigenous ship design, stealth, survivability, and combat capability. The P17A frigates feature advanced weapons and sensors compared to the P17 (Shivalik) class frigates. These frigates are equipped with combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion plants, consisting of a diesel engine and a gas turbine driving one controllable pitch thruster (CPP) on each shaft, and are equipped with a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
Kochi- based Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) The second of eight shallow water anti-submarine warfare vessels (ASW) built by , ‘ Malvan ‘, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 31 March 2026. The ship was indigenously designed and built by Kochi-based CSL to Indian Navy specifications, under DNV classification rules. The name ‘Malvan’ is derived from the historic coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra ; the region is deeply associated with the glorious maritime heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj . The ship also carries forward the legacy of its predecessor, INS Malvan, which was a minesweeper of the Indian Navy and was in service until 2003 .
7 Fourth Survey Vessel (Vishal) ‘Sanshodhanak’ handed over to Indian Navy at GRSE Kolkata
The last Survey Vessel (Vishal) Modifier (Yard 3028) commissioned by the Indian Navy ‘s Warship Design Bureau was delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 March 2026. It is being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata. The contract for four Large Survey Vessels was signed on 30 October 2018. The previous ships of the same class, INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak and INS Ikshak, were commissioned on 3 February 2024, 18 December 2024 and 6 November 2025 respectively.
MS Dhoni invests in AI-powered storytelling platform Kooku
March 31 On , former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni invested in the AI-powered storytelling platform Kooku . Dhoni also became the brand ambassador of the short-form video and drama app Kooku TV. Founded in 2018 by Lal Chand Bisu, Vikas Goyal, and Vinod Kumar Meena, Kooku TV is a platform for a variety of storytelling genres, including short dramas and audio podcasts. The company recently released its first Hindi feature film, “Indian Institute of Zombies” (IIZ). The platform features over 20,000 stories in over seven languages and across a variety of genres, with several shows surpassing 100 million views. In February, Kooku launched its first series of AI-based microdramas. According to the company, Kooku has now amassed over 350 million app installs. Dhoni stated, “The Kooku TV platform will provide a unique entertainment experience for both Indian and global audiences.”
9 Former Suriname President Chandrika Prasad Santokhi passes away
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the demise of former Suriname President Chandrika Prasad Santokhi and recalled his personal ties and his role in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Suriname. Former Suriname President Chandrika Prasad Santokhi has passed away at the age of 67. Santokhi served as President from 2020 to 2025. He was also the leader of the Progressive Reform Party and previously served as the country’s Minister of Justice. Born in Lelydorp, Wanica District, Suriname, Santokhi came from an Indo-Surinamese Hindu family and was the youngest of nine siblings. His grandparents came as bonded laborers from Bihar in the 19th century . His father worked at the port in Paramaribo, while his mother worked as a shop assistant.