IMPORTANT DAYS
World Autism Awareness Day 2026 (2 April)
• World Autism Awareness Day is observed every year on 2 April to spread awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• The day highlights the need for inclusion, acceptance, and support for people living with autism.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day in 2007.
• The first official observance took place on 2 April 2008.
• The theme for World Autism Awareness Day 2026 is “Autism and Humanity - Every Life Has Value.”
• Autism Spectrum Disorder is a broad term referring to a range of neurodevelopmental disorders.
• According to the India Autism Centre, around 1 in 68 children is affected by autism.
• Autism is reported to be more common in boys than girls.
NATIONAL NEWS
India Post to Become Global Logistics Powerhouse by 2030
• Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that India Post is being transformed into a major logistics powerhouse, aiming to become a global player by 2030.
• The announcement was made in New Delhi on 2 April during the release of a commemorative stamp marking 75 years of the Postal Training Centre, Saharanpur.
• The occasion was termed historic, and the centre was praised for instilling values like service, efficiency, accuracy, and the motto “Nation First, Service First.”
• Over the last 75 years, the Saharanpur training centre has trained nearly 2.5 lakh postal employees.
• Around 30,000 trainees are trained every year at the centre.
• The centre was described as more than a training institute, shaping staff into committed “Karma Yogis” dedicated to national service.
• A commemorative stamp was released to honour the legacy and continuing role of the institution.
• During the same event, an agreement was signed between the Government of Goa and the Cochin Port Authority for onboarding onto the SAMPANN pension platform, which supports online processing and direct pension disbursement into bank accounts.
Indian Railways Achieves Record Freight Loading in FY 2025–26
• Indian Railways recorded its highest-ever freight transportation in 2025–26, showing strong growth in cargo movement.
• Total freight loading reached 1,670 million tonnes, registering a 3.25% increase over the previous year.
• Major growth was driven by key sectors such as fertilisers and pig iron & steel, reflecting rising industrial and agricultural demand.
• Higher freight movement indicated increased requirement of agricultural inputs and expansion in the steel industry.
• Iron ore transportation rose by 6.74%, reaching 190.12 million tonnes.
• Cement loading increased by 4.74%, touching 157.17 million tonnes, showing continued construction activity.
• Core infrastructure commodities remained the backbone of freight growth throughout the year.
• Wagon handling also improved, rising by 4.56% from 2.79 crore to 2.91 crore wagons.
APPOINTMENT
William Walsh Appointed as New CEO of IndiGo
• William Walsh has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IndiGo, marking a major leadership change.
• The appointment comes after the recent exit of the airline’s previous CEO, indicating a management transition.
• Walsh is a well-known aviation leader and is currently serving as the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
• His tenure at IATA is scheduled to end on 31 July, after which he is expected to take charge at IndiGo.
• IndiGo is India’s largest airline, with a market share of nearly 64%.
• The airline operates a fleet of about 440 aircraft, showing strong expansion and capacity.
• IndiGo runs over 2,200 flights daily, covering both domestic and international routes.
• The airline is widely known for its affordable fares and punctual service, making it one of the most preferred carriers in India.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS
“Tides of Time” Book Released Highlighting India’s Parliamentary Heritage
• The book “Tides of Time” was released by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan in New Delhi.
• The book has been authored by Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty.
• It focuses on India’s parliamentary heritage and its rich democratic tradition.
• The release event included discussions on the importance of India’s Parliamentary legacy and cultural identity.
• Special attention was given to the 58 murals in the Samvidan Sadan, highlighting their national significance.
• These murals were described as more than artistic creations, representing India’s civilisational evolution.
• The book reflects the deep symbolism and historical meaning of these murals.
• It captures the timeless artistic beauty and democratic spirit embodied within India’s Parliament.
GOVERNMENT SCHEME
Sadhna Saptah 2026 Launched for Capacity Building of Civil Servants
• Sadhna Saptah 2026 was launched on 2 April by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance capacity building among civil servants.
• The programme is being organised by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) along with the Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat.
• It is a week-long initiative aimed at improving the efficiency, performance, and skill development of government officials.
• Officers and employees from Union ministries, departments, and state governments are participating through both digital and offline modes.
• The iGOT platform is being used as an end-to-end system for delivering structured training.
• The platform offers behavioural, functional, and domain-based learning modules for officials.
• The initiative is aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat and better governance through stronger administrative capacity.
• Under Mission Karmayogi, new courses in technology, artificial intelligence, and indigenous knowledge systems have been introduced to promote transparent and citizen-centric governance.
