• 04 Apr 2026

President Approves Police Colour Award for Odisha Police

Why in News? 

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of the President’s Police Colour award on the Odisha Police, recognising its exceptional service, bravery, professionalism and dedication over many years. 

Key Points 

• Approval: The President’s Police Colour award, also known as ‘Nishaan’, has been approved for the Odisha Police by President Droupadi Murmu. 
  • The approval was communicated to the Chief Secretary of Odisha by the Ministry of Home Affairs through an official letter. 
  • It is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a police force in India in recognition of long‑term excellence in service, discipline and professionalism. 
• Eligibility Criteria: A police force must demonstrate 25 years of exceptional service to be eligible for this prestigious award.  
• Special Emblem: Officers of the awarded force will be entitled to wear a special emblem on the left sleeve of their uniform as a mark of distinction.  
• Institutional Pride: The award is a major milestone and moment of pride for the Odisha Police, reinforcing public trust and morale within the force.

Platinum Jubilee of Postal Training Centre, Saharanpur

Why in News? 

The Department of Posts celebrated the Platinum Jubilee (75 years) of the Postal Training Centre (PTC), Saharanpur. 

Key Points 

• Occasion: The 75th anniversary of the Postal Training Centre (PTC), Saharanpur was commemorated with the launch of a special postage stamp.  
  • The commemorative stamp was released by Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia at Akashwani Bhawan, New Delhi. 
• Role: PTC Saharanpur was created to provide structured, professional training to postal personnel. 
  • It was established on 2nd April 1951. 
  • The centre has become a premier training institution serving postal personnel across eight States and Union Territories in Northern India. 
• Remarks: He described the occasion as a historic milestone, highlighting PTC’s role in nation‑building and India’s journey to becoming a global logistics powerhouse by 2030. 

Read More:  Logistics powerhouse 

India Ranks Second Globally in Internet Shutdowns 2025

Why in News? 

According to a recent report by Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition, India recorded 65 internet shutdowns in 2025, making it one of the top countries globally to enforce connectivity blackouts despite being a democratic nation. 

Key Points 

• Source: The data from the annual internet governance report titled “Rising Repression Meets Global Resistance: Internet Shutdowns in 2025” published by Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition.  
• Global Shutdown Trend: In 2025, there were 313 deliberate internet shutdowns recorded across 52 countries, marking the highest number ever documented in a calendar year. 
  • Myanmar topped the world with 95 internet shutdowns. 
• India’s Rank: India ranked second globally with 65 instances of internet crackdowns in 2025 — its lowest since 2017 — deployed mainly during religious events, protests, and communal violence across 12 states and territories. 
• Reason: The disruptions were imposed mainly during protests, conflict situations, communal violence, and religious holidays, reflecting the use of shutdowns as a tool to manage unrest and public order issues. 

Read More: Internet shutdowns 

India, World Bank Collaborate on Haryana Clean Air Project

Why in News? 

The Government of India, the Haryana government, and the World Bank signed a $300 million deal to implement the Haryana Clean Air Project aimed at improving air quality across the state.  

Key Points 

• Objective: The Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development Operation is designed to tackle air pollution by combining policy interventions, targeted investments, and the enhancement of institutional capabilities. 
  • The programme will expand the air‑quality monitoring network and build a decision‑support system to use high‑quality data in designing effective pollution mitigation strategies. 
• Private Investment: Approximately $127 million in private capital is expected to be mobilised for investments in key areas such as transport, energy, and industry to help implement pollution‑reduction measures. 
  • The initiative is expected to support jobs by expanding clean public transport services. 
• Regional Impact: The initiative aims to improve air quality in Haryana and the wider National Capital Region. 

Read More: Clean Air Strategy, National Capital Region, World Bank 

Khelo India Tribal Games 2026

Why in News? 

Karnataka emerged as the overall champion at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026, while host state Chhattisgarh finished ninth in the final medal tally. 

Key Points 

• KITG Edition: The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 concluded in Chhattisgarh, marking India’s first national multi-sport event dedicated specifically to tribal athletes. 
  • The Games were held from 25th March to 3rd April 2026 across venues in Raipur, Jagdalpur and Surguja in Chhattisgarh.  
• Organised by: The Games are jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association (IOA), various National Sports Federations, and the Government of Chhattisgarh. 
• Mascot: “Morveer” is the official mascot of the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026. 
  • The name is rooted in the local cultural ethos, where “Mor” means “our own” and “Veer” represents bravery and strength. 
• Champion: Karnataka secured the top position in the medal tally with 23 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze medals (Total: 38). 
  • Odisha – Rank 2: 21 Gold, 15 Silver, 21 Bronze (Total: 57) 
  • Jharkhand – Rank 3: 16 Gold, 8 Silver, 11 Bronze (Total: 35) 
  • Maharashtra – Rank 4: 6 Gold, 10 Silver, 4 Bronze (Total: 20) 
  • Assam – Rank 6: 5 Gold, 14 Silver, 12 Bronze (Total: 31) 
  • Chhattisgarh – Rank 9: 3 Gold, 10 Silver, 6 Bronze (Total: 19) 
  • Madhya Pradesh – Rank 11: 2 Gold, 3 Silver, 6 Bronze (Total: 11) 
  • West Bengal – Rank 14: 2 Gold, 0 Silver, 0 Bronze (Total: 2) 
  • Jammu & Kashmir – Rank 15: 1 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze (Total: 8) 
  • Bihar – Rank 19: 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 0 Bronze (Total: 2) 
  • Rajasthan – Rank 22: 0 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Bronze (Total: 5) 
• Demonstration Sports: Traditional sports such as Mallakhamb and Kabaddi were included as demonstration events to highlight indigenous sporting traditions. 
• Outstanding Athlete: Karnataka swimmer Manikanta L emerged as the most successful athlete, winning eight gold and one silver medal. 
  • Women: Anjali Munda from Odisha bagged five gold medals in swimming. 
• Objective: The Games aim to identify, nurture and promote sporting talent among tribal youth and strengthen grassroots sports under the Khelo India programme.  

Read More: Khelo India Tribal Games 

IOS SAGAR Flagged Off from Mumbai

Why in News? 

The Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR mission was flagged off from Mumbai on 2nd April 2026 by Sanjay Seth, marking a major step toward strengthening India’s maritime cooperation and regional security in the Indian Ocean region. 

Key Points 

• Flag-off: The mission was flagged off by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.  
• Ship Deployed: INS Sunayna, an Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Indian Navy, sailed from Mumbai designated as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR for the mission 
• Strategic Framework: The mission aligns with Narendra Modi’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and supports India’s Neighbourhood First policy in the Indo-Pacific region.  
• Objective: IOS SAGAR aims to enhance regional maritime security, interoperability, and international cooperation among partner countries in the Indian Ocean region. 
  • The initiative supports India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 
• Final Port: The deployment will conclude at Kochi, Kerala, after completing the training and diplomatic engagements. 

Read More: MAHASAGAR, Neighbourhood First policy, IOS SAGAR 

Bihar Police Conferred President’s Police Colour Award

Why in News? 

The Bihar Police has been honoured with the President of India’s Police Colour Award, one of the highest recognitions for a police force in India.  

Key Points 

• Prestigious Honour: The President’s Police Colour Award is considered the highest honour given to a police organisation in India for exceptional service, bravery, and commitment to duty. 
  • This award is also known as the Nishan. 
  • This year, the police forces of Odisha and Sikkim also received this honour 
  • The Bihar Police will also be awarded a special badge (flag), which will be worn on the left sleeve of the uniform by all personnel—from constables to the DGP rank. 
• Recognition: The award has been conferred on the Bihar Police in recognition of its overall policing performance and dedication to maintaining law and order in the state. 
  • It included several parameters such as the strength of the police force, gender ratio, Dial-112 service, cyber policing, training, police recruitment, and presence on internet and social media platforms.