NEWS 15-04-2026. News For 17th-Apr (Friday) *National News* 1. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor passing through Delhi, UP and Uttarakhand. It will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours to about two and a half hours. 2. The Union Government has proposed expanding the Lok Sabha from 543 to about 850 seats. The move is linked to the women’s reservation law and a future delimitation exercise based on population changes. 3. Under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, Indian Railways plans to invest over ?1.53 lakh crore in 2025–26 to expand and modernise more than 6,000 km of railway network. *Defence News* 1. Production of Prachand Light Combat Helicopter production line at HAL’s new helicopter factory in Tumakuru was inaugurated. The facility will also produce Light Utility Helicopters and support future projects like the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter. 2. Chennai-based company Zuppa Navigation has delivered over 500 Ajeet drones to the Indian Army to strengthen its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. 3. The Defence Acquisition Council has approved a ?4,445 crore upgrade of the Indian Army’s Tunguska M1 air defence systems, including integration of advanced missiles to counter drones and low-flying threats. 4. India’s military reform plan proposes three integrated theatre commands: Western Theatre Command led by the Air Force, Northern Theatre Command led by the Army, and Maritime Theatre Command led by the Navy, along with a proposed Vice Chief of Defence Staff to improve coordination among the armed forces. *International News* 1. The Indian LPG tanker Vikram successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the first India-flagged vessel to pass through the route after the temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran. 2. Mundra Port has become India’s largest automobile export hub after shipping 6,008 cars in a single vessel, highlighting India’s growing automobile exports and logistics capacity. *Sports News* 1. At the Bangkok 2026 World Archery Para series India finished first in the medal tally at an international tournament with 13 medals, including 7 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze. 2. Indian badminton player Ayush Shetty won a silver medal at the Badminton Asia Championships held in Ningbo, China. < < Back