. India has dispatched a major diesel consignment to Bangladesh as the neighbouring country grapples with a severe fuel shortage triggered by disruptions in global oil supplies following the war in Iran.

New Delhi sent 5,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh as part of the ongoing energy trade arrangement between the two nations, highlighting growing cooperation in the energy sector.

Bangladesh has been facing shortages of petrol and diesel after oil supplies were disrupted in the wake of the conflict involving Iran. Authorities in Dhaka confirmed receiving the latest shipment and have sought additional supplies from India to stabilise domestic fuel availability.

“We have an agreement with India, and under that agreement India will supply 180,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh each year through the pipeline,” Muhammad Rezanur Rahman told ANI on Tuesday.

He said the 5,000 tonnes arriving now are part of that existing arrangement.

Rahman explained that the bilateral deal requires Bangladesh to import at least 90,000 tonnes of diesel from India within six months.

“The consignment arriving today is 5,000 tonnes, and we hope that within the next two months we will bring in the total diesel amount for the entire six months,” he added.

India supplies diesel to Bangladesh through the India–Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, which became operational in 2017. The fuel is transported on a commercial basis by Numaligarh Refinery Limited.

Officials in New Delhi said Bangladesh’s request for additional diesel supplies would be considered depending on fuel availability and prevailing market conditions.

The clarification came amid India’s assurance that it is not facing any fuel shortage despite rising uncertainty in global energy markets caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has crossed 30 million subscribers on his official YouTube channel, further strengthening his position as the most-followed world leader on the video-sharing platform.

With this milestone, Modi continues to outpace other global political figures in terms of digital outreach. The second-highest among world leaders, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, has a subscriber base that is roughly one-fourth of the Indian Prime Minister’s.

The Prime Minister’s channel also has more than seven times the number of subscribers compared to US President Donald Trump, reflecting the scale of his online engagement across audiences worldwide.

Within India too, Modi’s digital footprint remains unmatched among political leaders. His YouTube subscriber count is nearly three times higher than that of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Additionally, the Prime Minister’s channel has more than four times the subscriber base of the Aam Aadmi Party and the Indian National Congress individually.

The milestone underscores the growing importance of digital platforms in political communication, with leaders increasingly leveraging social media to connect directly with citizens and global audience.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

India has sent a humanitarian shipment of 1,000 metric tons of rice to Malawi to help the country cope with a severe food shortage triggered by drought linked to the El Niño phenomenon. The move reflects New Delhi’s continued commitment to supporting nations in the Global South and strengthening South–South cooperation.

The consignment was dispatched from Nhava Sheva Port and is aimed at assisting Malawian communities affected by the ongoing food crisis. Sharing the development on X, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said the initiative highlights the India–Malawi partnership in promoting food security.

Malawi is currently grappling with a serious humanitarian situation, with more than four million people — nearly 20 percent of the population — facing acute food shortages. The situation has led to rising malnutrition and forced many families to skip meals.

The crisis has largely been attributed to the El Niño weather pattern, which has caused irregular rainfall and prolonged dry spells across the country. The drought has also resulted in the shrinking of key water bodies, including Lake Chilwa, worsening agricultural losses and water scarcity. In response, the Malawian government has declared a national state of disaster.

India and Malawi maintain friendly bilateral relations, supported by regular high-level engagements and development cooperation. In October last year, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar congratulated George Chaponda on his appointment as Malawi’s Foreign Minister and expressed optimism about expanding ties between the two nations.

Chaponda was appointed by Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika following the formation of the new government. Jaishankar noted that Chaponda’s close association with India could further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Relations between the two countries also received a boost during the 2024 state visit of Droupadi Murmu to Malawi. During the visit, President Murmu met her Malawian counterpart Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and held discussions aimed at deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.

The visit also saw the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding covering areas such as arts and culture, youth affairs, sports, and pharmaceutical collaboration.

While in Malawi, President Murmu paid tribute at the National War Memorial, honouring soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts. She also laid a wreath at the Kamuzu Mausoleum, the resting place of the country’s first president, Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The Indian Navy is preparing to induct its newest stealth frigate, INS Taragiri, into active service on April 3, marking another milestone in India’s push toward complete self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The commissioning ceremony will be led by defence minister Rajnath Singh and is expected to underscore India’s expanding capabilities in indigenous naval technology.

INS Taragiri is the fourth warship under the advanced Project 17A stealth frigate programme, showcasing significant upgrades over its predecessors. Equipped with a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, the vessel is engineered for both high-speed manoeuvrability and long-endurance missions, enabling it to operate effectively across a wide range of maritime scenarios.

Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, the 6,670-tonne frigate boasts more than 75% indigenous components. The project stands as a strong example of the success of initiatives like Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with over 200 MSMEs contributing to its development and supporting employment nationwide.

Beyond combat operations, INS Taragiri is designed to handle a wide spectrum of roles, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. Its adaptability makes it equally capable in both high-intensity warfare and emergency response situations.

The warship is outfitted with a comprehensive array of modern weaponry and sensors, such as supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air systems, and specialised anti-submarine warfare capabilities. These systems are seamlessly integrated through an advanced combat management framework, ensuring swift and coordinated threat responses in complex environments.

As the Indian Navy continues to evolve into a technologically advanced and self-reliant maritime force, INS Taragiri symbolizes the nation’s growing strength at sea—designed, built, and operated in India, and ready to safeguard its maritime interests for years to come.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi created history on Sunday by becoming the longest-serving head of government in India, surpassing former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.

With 8,931 days in office, counting his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister, Modi overtook Chamling’s record of 8,930 days.

The milestone marks a significant achievement in Indian politics, reflecting Modi’s long-standing leadership at both state and national levels.

Born in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi rose through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and later the Bharatiya Janata Party. He became Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and served for over a decade before assuming office as Prime Minister in 2014.

He continues to hold the distinction of being Gujarat’s longest-serving Chief Minister and is the first Prime Minister born after Independence.

Since 2014, Modi has led his party to three consecutive Lok Sabha victories in 2014, 2019 and 2024, reinforcing his position as one of India’s most enduring political leaders.

In July 2025, Modi surpassed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to become the second-longest-serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms. However, the record for the longest uninterrupted tenure remains with Jawaharlal Nehru.

Modi is also the first non-Congress leader to complete two full terms and return to power twice with a clear majority, underlining his sustained public mandate.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised India’s fishing community, describing them as a vital pillar of a self-reliant nation and a key force behind economic progress. Addressing the 132nd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, he underscored the growing importance of the fisheries sector and the government’s efforts to support it.

In his address, the Prime Minister lauded fishermen as resilient contributors who venture into the sea before sunrise, working tirelessly to support their families and strengthen the national economy. He emphasized that their role goes far beyond traditional livelihoods, positioning them as central to the vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

Highlighting policy measures, he noted that initiatives such as port infrastructure development, insurance coverage, and other welfare schemes are significantly improving the lives of fishing communities. He also pointed out that advancements in technology are helping them tackle unpredictable weather conditions, ensuring safer and more efficient operations at sea.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the sector’s rapid transformation, driven by innovation in areas like fish farming and seaweed cultivation. These developments, he said, are encouraging greater self-reliance among those involved in fisheries.

Sharing real-life success stories, he spoke about Sujata Bhuyan from Sambalpur in Odisha, who transitioned from being a homemaker to a successful fish farmer in the Hirakud reservoir. Despite initial challenges such as fluctuating weather, arranging fish feed, and managing household duties, her determination led to the creation of a thriving enterprise within a few years, inspiring many women in her community.

He also highlighted the journey of Havva Gulzar from Minicoy in Lakshadweep. Previously running a fish processing unit, she expanded her business by setting up a cold storage facility, enabling better planning and improved operations.

Another example cited was Shivling Satappa Huddar from Belagavi in Karnataka, who chose fish farming over conventional agriculture. After receiving proper training, he established a pond-based fish farming business and now earns a steady income. The Prime Minister also noted the rising interest in seaweed cultivation due to growing market demand.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister commended everyone associated with the fisheries sector for their dedication and contribution, stating that their efforts are playing a crucial role in strengthening India’s economy.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The Government of India is set to begin the nationwide census exercise from April 1, marking a major administrative step aimed at collecting updated demographic data across the country.

According to official sources, the census will be conducted in phases, covering urban and rural regions, and will gather details on population, housing, and socio-economic indicators.

The exercise is expected to play a crucial role in policy planning, allocation of resources, and implementation of welfare schemes at both central and state levels.

Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with enumerators and provide accurate information to ensure the success of the process.

Further guidelines and schedules are expected to be released as the enumeration begins across different regions.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

The famed Tirumala Laddu has once again demonstrated its enduring popularity among devotees, with sales touching a record high this year despite recent social media controversies over alleged adulteration in ghee.

According to officials of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, devotees purchased a massive 13,95,43,231 laddus, while production stood at 13,94,75,055 — the highest ever recorded figures.

This surpasses last year’s numbers, when 12,18,53,535 laddus were sold and 12,19,89,405 were produced.

Officials pointed out that even during peak days in earlier years, daily sales never exceeded 3.75 lakh laddus, highlighting the significant surge in demand now being witnessed.

The growth has been attributed to improved quality control measures, including constant monitoring, establishment of new laboratories for sampling, procurement of high-quality ingredients, and recruitment of additional workforce. The Trust Board has also sanctioned incentives to workers.

Currently, around 700 workers are engaged in the temple kitchen (Potu), including 489 Sri Vaishnavite staff and 211 non-Vaishnavite helpers.

Monthly data further reflects the rising demand. In January 2026, sales stood at 1,26,77,250 laddus against production of 1,26,88,800. February recorded production of 1,06,79,400 and sales of 1,07,23,459, while in March, production reached 1,13,78,100 with sales touching 1,13,94,475.

Additional Executive Officer Venkaiah Choudary said preparations are in place to handle the expected summer rush and ensure uninterrupted supply of laddus to devotees.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

 Union home minister Amit Shah announced that India has effectively achieved a Naxal-free status, meeting the government’s self-imposed March 31 deadline—a landmark in the country’s fight against a decades-long insurgency.

Addressing the Lok Sabha on March 30, Shah highlighted the multi-pronged strategy that dismantled the Maoist threat, combining sustained security operations, cutting-edge technology, massive infrastructure development, and a comprehensive rehabilitation policy.

At its peak, the so-called Red Corridor spanned 12 states and directly affected over 20 crore citizens. Since the 1967 Naxalbari uprising, the movement had claimed more than 20,000 lives, including over 5,000 security personnel, and extorted approximately Rs 240 crore annually. Most of their weapons were looted from police stations rather than imported.

Shah rejected the notion that poverty was the root cause, citing historical data that the Naxalbari region had a higher per capita income than many unaffected areas. He described Naxalism as an imported ideological movement aimed at capturing power through armed struggle.

The government’s approach included both high-intensity security operations—like Operation Octopus in Bihar, Operation Double Bull in Gumla-Latehar, Operation Thunderstorm in Jharkhand, and the 21-day Operation Black Forest—and a lucrative surrender-and-rehabilitation policy offering immediate financial aid, housing, education for children, and incentives for communities achieving Naxal-free status.

By 2026, the number of Naxal-affected districts fell from 126 in 2014 to just two, with zero districts classified as “most affected.” The entire CPI (Maoist) top leadership has either been neutralised or surrendered, and urban support networks have been dismantled.

Security forces were strengthened with bullet- and blast-proof vehicles, night-landing helipads, fortified police stations, and technology such as UAVs, drones, satellite imagery, and AI analytics. Parallel development initiatives included 12,000 km of new roads, over 5,000 mobile towers, expanded banking and post office networks, skill and education centres, and healthcare infrastructure, such as the 240-bed super-speciality hospital in Jagdalpur.

Cultural initiatives like the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum fostered tribal engagement and social integration, while targeted financial schemes supported women and men in self-employment.

Shah summed up the strategy as a dual approach of “bullet for bullet” coupled with “development for all,” emphasizing that restoring law and order and addressing the aspirations of tribal communities went hand in hand.

This milestone marks the end of a 56-year-old insurgency that once threatened India’s internal security. While challenges remain in sustaining development and preventing ideological resurgence, the dismantling of the Red Corridor underscores the effectiveness of coordinated governance, political will, and sacrifices by security personnel and civilians alike. Roads, schools, hospitals, and opportunities are replacing fear and violence, demonstrating that democracy and development, supported by resolute security measures, can defeat even the most entrenched insurgencies.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

n a notable initiative aimed at strengthening communication in high-altitude border regions, the Indian Army has launched Sikkim’s first border village community radio station, 88.4 FM Radio Sikkim Sundari, in eastern Sikkim.

The station has been set up under the Trishakti Corps and is designed to address the long-standing information gap in remote villages that often face harsh weather conditions and limited access to mobile and internet connectivity. The initiative aims to ensure that residents in isolated border areas receive timely and reliable information.

The community radio will broadcast local news, weather updates, government welfare schemes, and public service messages, helping residents stay informed and better connected with administrative services.

Beyond information delivery, the station will also focus on preserving and promoting the region’s cultural identity. Programs featuring local traditions, folk music, and community discussions will be aired, giving indigenous voices a dedicated platform and encouraging cultural engagement.

A key aspect of the initiative is youth participation. Local young people will be involved in content creation and broadcasting, an effort expected to build communication skills and create new learning opportunities within the community.

The radio station was inaugurated in the presence of senior military officials, civil administration representatives, and local residents, highlighting collaboration between defence forces and civilian institutions.

Officials stated that the station will also host programs related to agriculture, health, education, and community development tailored to local needs.

According to Army officials, the initiative is expected to enhance last-mile connectivity, empower remote communities, and strengthen socio-economic development in strategically important border regions of Sikkim.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)