Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of Noida International Airport, developed with an investment of about Rs 11,200 crore.

1 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of Noida International Airport, developed with an investment of about Rs 11,200 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi  inaugurated  the first phase (Phase 1)  of  the Noida International Airport  on Saturday  . The airport’s opening will improve connectivity and ease travel within Delhi-NCR, boosting the state’s economy.  This major infrastructure project, built at a cost of  approximately ₹11,200 crore, is being developed and operated by  Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL)  ,  a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG . The central and state governments also participate in the project. Located near the Yamuna Expressway, this airport  is  the second civil airport in the National Capital Region (NCR) and is considered  one of India’s largest greenfield airport projects  . The airport received an aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in March 2026, allowing for “all-weather operations.” This means that it boasts modern navigation systems, runway lighting, and air traffic systems, allowing for smooth takeoff and landing operations even in low visibility. The airport’s initial capacity is 12 million passengers annually, which can be expanded to 70 million. The first phase includes a 3,900-meter-long runway, capable of handling large aircraft (wide-body aircraft).

The Department of  Youth Affairs  ,  Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,   organized the first BRICS Youth Coordination Meeting   virtually  on  March 25, 2026. The meeting, which ran from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm (Indian Standard Time), was attended by representatives from all BRICS member countries.  India assumed the BRICS Chairmanship for the year 2026.  , the meeting formally launched activities under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Collaboration, and Sustainability.” This set the tone for youth cooperation programs throughout the year. At the meeting, India presented an overview of the BRICS Youth Track 2026, outlining key initiatives including working group meetings, thematic engagements, BRICS volunteer activities, Youth Development Forum, Youth Council Meeting, Youth Summit, and Youth Ministerial Meeting.

3 Nepal’s former Prime Minister KP Oli and former Home Minister arrested

4 IAF begins work on ‘Vayu Baan’ project, drones to be launched from helicopters

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched   the ” Vayu Baan ” project. This is the IAF’s first such project to drop drones from helicopters . Defense sources said the indigenous project is being led by the IAF’s Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD). Earlier this month, the DAD issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting bids from domestic vendors for the design and development of the system. Essentially, the “Vayu Baan”  will be a small drone that can autonomously launch itself from helicopters toward its target. Once airborne, it will send real-time video to operators and, if necessary, carry out precision strikes using small warheads. The  drone is expected to have a range of over 50 km  and a flight duration of approximately 30 minutes. The drone will have electro-optical and infrared sensors for target identification and will be able to operate even in GPS-jammed environments.

The Government of India  has appointed internationally renowned sand artist  Sudarshan Patnaik as the brand ambassador for  the upcoming  National Census 2027 to promote public awareness and participation  . This appointment was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs as part of preparations for the 16th National Census. As the Census 2027 brand ambassador, Patnaik will use his unique sand art to educate and sensitize citizens across India about the importance of the census, and encourage widespread public participation. The Central Government has approved the proposal to conduct the 2027 Census of India. An amount of ₹11,718.24 crore has been sanctioned for this purpose. Census 2027 :

• The census is conducted under the Census Act 1948.
• It is conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
• Census 2027 will be the first census to be conducted digitally in the country.
• Census 2027 will be the 16th census of India and the 8th after independence.
• The official mascots of Census 2027 are ‘Pragati’ (female) and ‘Vikas’ (male).

Indonesia bans digital platforms for children under 16

A new government rule has come into effect in Indonesia  , restricting children under the age of 16 from digital platforms  that could expose them to obscenity, cyberbullying, and online fraud  . Officials have said that the ban will be implemented gradually to give all platforms time to comply. Announcing the rule, Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Affairs Minister said that it will affect about 70 million children in the country. With this move, Indonesia has become the first country in Southeast Asia to ban children  from creating accounts on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox  . Last year, Australia became the first country in the world to ban social media for children.

7 Delhi Government takes initiative to strengthen media sector by signing an MoU with Prasar Bharati

8 Three ancient statues are returning to India from the US; research confirms illegal removal

Three priceless ancient statues are returning to India  after   extensive research  in the United States  . The research confirmed that these statues were illegally taken out of the country. These statues  include a ninth-century bronze statue of Shiva Nataraja ,  a twelfth-century Somaskanda statue of Shiva and Uma,  and  a sixteenth-century statue of the saints Sundarar and Parvi  . The agreement formalizing the return of the ancient statues was signed by Ambassador Namgya Khampa, Deputy Chief of the Indian Embassy in the United States, and Dr. Chase Robinson, Director of the National Museum of Asian Art. According to the Indian Embassy, ​​the bronze statue of Shiva Nataraja will be given on long-term loan to the Smithsonian Museum, allowing the public to view and appreciate India’s rich artistic and spiritual heritage.

 Rajasthan has launched  the Industrial Park Promotion Policy-2026  to  boost investment, employment, and infrastructure . This policy focuses on the PPP model, green incentives, and ease of doing business  to establish the state as a future-ready industrial hub.  Led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma  , the policy aims to develop world-class industrial parks. This will establish the state as a future-ready industrial destination. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with national goals such as “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” To attract investors, the government has introduced several incentives, including electricity tariff exemptions for the use of renewable energy, concessions on stamp duty and land conversion fees, and a streamlined single-window clearance system through the “Raj Investment Portal.” Furthermore, the state government will ensure essential infrastructure such as water supply, electricity, and road connectivity, with costs shared between the developer and the government.

10 Ramnath Goenka Award 2026 Winners List

The Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards 2026 honoured 24 journalists across 19 categories   for their outstanding contribution to Indian journalism  . The prestigious awards were presented by CP Radhakrishnan  in New Delhi, where he emphasised the crucial role of journalism in safeguarding democracy. The awards are named after renowned media entrepreneur Ramnath Goenka, who was known for his fearless journalism, especially during the Emergency. Full list of major award winners for 2026