1 Unique Identification Authority of India signs MoU with MapmyIndia
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has signed an agreement with MapmyIndia to display authorized Aadhaar centers on the Maples app . The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology stated that this feature will be available in the coming months. This will help people locate their nearest authorized Aadhaar center and get information about available services. The ministry further stated that once this feature is launched, users’ searches on the Maples app will lead them to authorized Aadhaar centers. Additionally, MapmyIndia will integrate Aadhaar center information provided by UIDAI into the Maples platform to ensure accurate representation, digital mapping, and separate listing of Aadhaar centers.
2 Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth flagged off INS Sunayna.
The Indian Navy ‘s Offshore Patrol Vessel (INS Sunayna) has now embarked on a special international mission known as ” IOS Sagar. ” Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, flagged off the INS Sunayna in Mumbai . The Indian Ocean Ship (IOS Sagar) is carrying naval personnel from India and sixteen friendly countries . The IOS Sagar mission was launched to enhance cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. The mission will last approximately 50 days, during which the ship will visit several countries in the Southeastern Indian Ocean region. The ship will carry naval personnel from various countries, training together and conducting exercises at sea. Joint exercises, training, and interactions will enhance coordination between the countries and provide an opportunity to understand each other’s working styles. During its mission, IOS Sagar will visit ports in several important countries. The ship will visit locations such as Colombo in Sri Lanka, Phuket in Thailand, Jakarta in Indonesia, Singapore, Chittagong in Bangladesh, Yangon in Myanmar, and Male in the Maldives. After this the mission will end in Kochi.
3 Parliament passes Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill
The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 has been passed by Parliament after receiving approval from the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has already passed the bill. The bill provides for filling 50 percent of the posts of Inspector General in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) by deputation . A minimum of 67 percent of the posts of Additional Director Generals will be filled by deputation . All posts of Special Director Generals and Director Generals will be filled by deputation only.
4 Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the official franchise launch of Indian Golf Premier League in New Delhi
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat , Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, attended the official franchise launch of the Indian Golf Premier League in New Delhi . The launch of the Indian Golf Premier League holds special significance in its historic commitment to mobilize USD 2 billion in investment for the development of world-class golf tourism infrastructure across the country . The initiative aims to promote India as a premium golf tourism destination , integrate sports, tourism, and infrastructure development, and attract high-value international tourists and investments. Additionally, the initiative will expand tourism opportunities in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and create a sustainable ecosystem integrating sporting excellence, hospitality, and economic development.
5 Income Tax Department launches new website, making tax filing easier with AI assistant ‘Tax Sathi’
The Income Tax Department launched a new website on Thursday . The website, which comes with an AI assistant called “Tax Sathi ,” will make filing taxes easier than ever. A post by the Income Tax Department on the social media platform “X” stated that the new Income Tax website has been launched. It is easy to navigate and quick to use. It provides all income tax-related information in one place.
6 Britain has called a meeting of 35 countries regarding the Strait of Hormuz, including India: Foreign Ministry
As part of the effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and make it safe for the world, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper . India also participated in the meeting, represented by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri . British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the important meeting on Hormuz on Wednesday . He stated that the meeting would take place soon. It was held online on Thursday. The purpose of this meeting is to find ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
7 Raja Ravi Varma paintings sold for a record Rs 167 crore
On April 1 , Raja Ravi Varma ‘s famous painting ” Yashoda and Krishna ” sold for a record ₹167 crore (approximately $1.67 billion) at an auction in Mumbai . The painting was purchased by Cyrus S. Poonawalla, founder of the Cyrus Serum Institute of India, through SaffronArt Spring Live and Online Auctions . Ravi Varma’s “Yashoda and Krishna” is an oil painting from the 1890s . It sold for more than double its base price, which was ₹80-120 crore (approximately $1.2 billion). The “Yashoda and Krishna” oil painting has become the most expensive painting in modern Indian art ever sold at auction. Previously, the most expensive painting sold was M.F. Husain’s “Untitled (Village Journey),” which was purchased by Kiran Nadar for ₹118 crore (approximately $1.18 billion). Kiran Nadar is an Indian art collector and chairperson of the Kiran Nadar Art Museum. Born in 1848, Ravi Varma was a renowned Indian painter and is considered the father of modern Indian art.
8 CBSE launches computational thinking and AI-based courses for students
On April 1 , Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched a new course on computational thinking and AI for students in grades 3 to 8. This course will be implemented in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools from the 2026-27 batch . Under this program, students in the early grades will focus on developing a better understanding of computational thinking and AI. Computational thinking is a problem-solving technique that emphasizes systematically approaching a problem and finding solutions. Its aim is to enhance students’ logical thinking, problem-solving, and technical understanding. The course incorporates methods such as games, puzzles, projects, and group discussions. This course is designed under the “AI for Education, AI in Education” vision. Teachers will help students develop their understanding through visual tools such as charts and diagrams. The course will include teacher observation journals, group activities, and interactive tasks for assessment.
9 Shri Anurag Kapil assumes charge as Director (Finance) in NMDC
Mr. Anurag Kapil, a 1998 batch officer of the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), assumed charge as Director (Finance) at NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer, on Tuesday . With a career spanning over 26 years in Indian Railways and CPSUs, Mr. Kapil brings operational expertise and strategic vision in financial management and public sector governance.
10 India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement completes four years
The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years . Effective April 2, 2022, the agreement has played a significant role in increasing trade flows between the two countries, strengthening industry ties, and creating new opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and employment. Trade between the two countries is projected to reach $24.1 billion in 2024-25 . Exports to Australia have increased by 8 percent compared to the previous year. In 2025-26, till February, India’s total trade with Australia stood at $19.3 billion.
11 The US passed a resolution recognizing the Diwali celebration in the state of Nebraska.
The United States has formally passed a state legislative resolution recognizing the Indian festival of Diwali in the state of Nebraska . Introduced by State Senator John Frederickson, the resolution acknowledges Diwali as one of the largest and most widely celebrated festivals of the Indian tradition. The festival plays an important role in uniting communities and highlights the contributions of Nebraska’s Indian community to the state’s cultural and social landscape.
12 Union Communications Minister released a commemorative postage stamp on the completion of 75 years of Postal Training Centre, Saharanpur
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 75th anniversary of the Postal Training Centre (PTC) in Saharanpur . The event was held at the Rang Bhavan auditorium of All India Radio. The Postal Training Centre, Saharanpur, was established on April 2, 1951, with the aim of strengthening the administrative structure of independent India. Its objective was to develop a systematic and professional training system for postal personnel . Spread over 56.71 acres, the centre is now equipped with 11 advanced computer labs and a dedicated e-studio. It trains approximately 3,000 employees annually in areas such as e-commerce logistics, digital operations, and financial inclusion.
13 Due to West Asia conflict, the government exempted customs duty on 40 important petrochemical products till June 30.
The government has exempted customs duty on important petrochemical products till June 30 amid the West Asia conflict and the resulting disruption in crude oil supplies across the world . The Finance Ministry has said that this measure has been taken temporarily to ensure availability of essential petrochemicals to domestic industries. The ministry said that this will reduce cost pressure on the related sectors and will bring stability in supply and provide relief to the consumers. The ministry said that customs duty has been exempted on a total of forty items. These include methanol, ammonia, toluene, styrene, dichloromethane and vinyl chloride monomer .
14 Adani Ports launches India’s first ‘Port of Refuge’ mechanism
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) has operationalized India’s first Port of Refuge (PoR) mechanism to strengthen maritime security . APSEZ has launched the country’s first Port of Refuge (PoR), establishing a systematic framework for managing maritime emergencies and assisting ships in distress. According to the International Maritime Organization , a Port of Refuge (PoR) is a designated place where ships in distress can seek shelter , stabilize their position, ensure safety of human life , and minimize environmental damage. This PoR framework will initially operate through Dighi Port on the west coast and Gopalpur Port on the east coast , ensuring strategic coverage along India’s coast. This initiative is supported through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SMIT Salvage and the Marine Emergency Response Centre (MERC) , which will provide international expertise in maritime rescue and emergency response. This mechanism will enable coordinated services during maritime incidents such as rescue operations, firefighting, debris removal, pollution control and cargo stability. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited is India’s largest private port operator and part of the Adani Group, which operates several ports and logistics infrastructure across the country.