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)

The Southern Railway’s Thiruvananthapuram Division has inaugurated India’s longest special train service, marking a historic milestone in the country’s railway operations.

The maiden journey, Train No. 06015, departed from Thiruvananthapuram Central on April 5 at 4:45 pm, bound for New Tinsukia. Covering a massive distance of 4,028 kilometres, the journey is expected to take approximately 83 hours and 45 minutes, with the train arriving in Assam at 4:30 am on the fifth day.

The return service, Train No. 06016, will leave New Tinsukia at 8:00 pm on April 9 and reach Thiruvananthapuram at 7:45 am on the fifth day. The route traverses major railway hubs including Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Palakkad, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Kharagpur, New Jalpaiguri, and Guwahati, connecting the southern peninsula with the Northeast.

The 22-coach train comprises 2 AC Three-Tier coaches, 18 Sleeper Class coaches, and 2 Second Class coaches designed for accessibility for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan), catering to high long-distance travel demand.

This service significantly enhances connectivity between Kerala and Assam, providing passengers a convenient option for long-haul journeys across the country.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Leh, In a landmark initiative to preserve Ladakh’s ancient heritage, Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday laid the foundation stone for India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park on the banks of the Indus River here on World Heritage Day.

Petroglyphs are prehistoric images, symbols, or carvings etched, pecked, or engraved directly onto rock surfaces.

The park aims to serve as a dedicated conservation space for centuries-old rock carvings that are increasingly under threat due to unregulated tourism, rapid infrastructure development, and a lack of awareness, officials said.

They said the park will house petroglyphs collected from vulnerable and isolated locations across Ladakh, ensuring their preservation for future generations while also making them accessible to visitors in a curated and educational setting.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums and the Archaeological Survey of India for the preservation of heritage for future generations through joint intervention, they said.

Officials informed that nearly 400 sites across Ladakh contain petroglyphs, found either in clusters or in isolation.

While cluster sites are relatively easier to conserve, isolated petroglyphs especially those along the banks of the Indus River and Zanskar River face significant risk of damage due to construction activities and lack of awareness among people.

These endangered artefacts will be carefully relocated to the Petroglyph Conservation Park for protection and display, officials said, adding that some of the oldest petroglyphs have inscriptions in Chinese, Arabic, Sanskrit and other ancient languages.

The Lt Governor emphasised that the park would serve as a vital step towards preserving the region’s ancient art and history for generations to come.

He termed Ladakh as a “repository of ancient heritage” and said the region hosts one of the most extensive collections of prehistoric rock art in South and Central Asia.

“Beyond natural weathering and climate stress, human activities, such as road construction, blasting of rocks, and unregulated tourism, pose serious risks to these petroglyphs.

“Conservation of these heritage sites must be treated as an ethical responsibility and integrated into development planning,” Saxena said, while addressing a workshop on the occasion of World Heritage Day, themed “Ancient Art, Modern Challenges: Safeguarding Petroglyphs and Shaping Tourism Circuits in Ladakh”.

He noted that these rock carvings depicted early human life, including hunting scenes, animals like ibex and snow leopards, and later, symbols of Buddhist faith such as stupas and inscriptions.

This, he said, showcased the cultural transition over the centuries.

The Lt Governor also emphasised the creation of curated heritage circuits, including petroglyph and Buddhist circuits, to manage tourist flow responsibly while promoting lesser-known sites.

He described the petroglyphs as “open-air museums” and “civilisations carved on stone,” representing a continuous record of human history from the Palaeolithic Age to later historic periods.

Found in regions such as Domkhar, Dah Hanu, Alchi, Chilling, and Tangtse, these carvings depict ancient trade routes, migration patterns, belief systems, and ecological histories.

Calling for community participation, the Lt Governor urged local residents, monks, youth, and stakeholders to act as custodians of Ladakh’s heritage. He reiterated that sustainable preservation requires collective effort, awareness, and respect for cultural and ecological sensitivities.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

Vikram Doraiswami described his time in London as a “transformative period” for the bilateral relationship, including the conclusion of the India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Indian High Commissioner to the U.K. Vikram Doraiswami was on Wednesday (April 8, 2026) awarded the Freedom of the City of London for his “outstanding contribution” to strengthening the India-U.K. relationship.

Mr. Doraiswami received the prestigious honour, dating back to the 13th century in celebration of significant achievements in public life, at a ceremony at London’s Guildhall led by the Lady Mayor of the City of London – Dame Susan Langley.

It comes towards the conclusion of his over three-year tenure in the U.K. before he takes up his next post as India’s new ambassador to China.

“It is a singular and profound honour to be accorded the Freedom of the City of London, a distinction that stands as a testament to the heritage of this One Square Mile and its vision for a global future,” said Mr. Doraiswami.

“To be woven into the historic fabric of the city in this way is a gesture I accept with the utmost humility and pride, in the hope that it contributes to realising the extraordinary potential that the Indian economy offers businesses in the City of London for mutually beneficial partnership in an era of great global churn,” he said.

The senior diplomat described his time in London as a “transformative period” for the bilateral relationship, including the conclusion of the India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)