NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. PM Mudra Yojana Completes 11 Years: The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY),
launched in 2015, has completed 11 years on 8 April, and has been
highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a major driver of
self-employment and youth entrepreneurship across the country. The scheme
has sanctioned around 58 crore loans worth over ₹40 lakh crore, with
two-thirds of beneficiaries being women and about one-fifth first-time
entrepreneurs, reflecting strong financial inclusion and empowerment. The
scheme provides collateral-free loans up to ₹20 lakh under
categories Shishu, Kishor, Tarun, and TarunPlus, supporting different
stages of business growth and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat
@2047.
2. Two New Airports to Be Developed in Telangana at
Warangal and Adilabad to Boost Regional Connectivity: The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has
announced the development of two new airports in Telangana, to be
established at Warangal and Adilabad, aimed at strengthening regional air
connectivity and infrastructure. The Adilabad airport will be developed by the
Ministry of Defence, while the Warangal airport project will be executed to
enhance better connectivity and boost regional aviation development in the
state.
3. UB Pravin Rao Appointed Chairperson of NASSCOM
Foundation: NASSCOM Foundation has
appointed U B Pravin Rao as its new Chairperson, succeeding
Rostow Ravanan after completion of his tenure. He has previously served as
Vice-Chairperson and Chairman within NASSCOM (since 2014) and was also the
Chief Operating Officer of Infosys from 2014 to 2021, and will now guide the Foundation’s
strategic vision aligned with Viksit Bharat.
4. Sanjay Khanna Appointed as Chairman & Managing
Director of BPCL: The
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment
of Sanjay Khanna as the new Chairman and Managing Director
(C&MD) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
He will serve in this role until May 31, 2029, leading
one of India’s major public sector oil and gas companies.
5. 13 April – Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Remembrance Day: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Remembrance Day is
observed on 13 April to pay tribute to the victims of the Jallianwala
Bagh Massacre. The massacre took place in 1919 in Amritsar, where British
troops under General Dyer opened fire on a peaceful gathering, killing hundreds
of unarmed civilians. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made
during India’s freedom struggle and highlights the brutality of colonial rule.
6. Coal Ministry Allows Insurance Surety Bonds as
Alternative to Bank Guarantees for Project Security: The Ministry of Coal has recognised
Insurance Surety Bonds (ISBs) as an alternative to bank guarantees (BGs)
for bid and performance security. ISBs act as a risk transfer mechanism,
protecting projects from financial losses if contractors fail to meet contractual
obligations. This move follows amendments to the General Financial Rules 2017
by the Ministry of Finance, promoting flexible and efficient financial
instruments in public procurement.
7. Amul Becomes First FMCG Company to Cross ₹1 Lakh Crore
Turnover; Saraswat Bank Achieves Milestone in Urban Cooperative Banking: Amul became the first FMCG company in
India to cross a turnover of ₹1 lakh crore in FY 2025–26, reaching
₹1,00,000 crore with around 11% growth. Saraswat Cooperative Bank also crossed
₹1 lakh crore in total business, becoming the first urban cooperative bank to
achieve this milestone. Saraswat Cooperative Bank is headquartered in Mumbai,
Maharashtra, marking a significant achievement in the cooperative banking
sector.
8. FIU-IND and I4C Sign MoU to Strengthen Fight Against
Cyber and Financial Crimes: Financial Intelligence Unit-India and Indian Cyber Crime
Coordination Centre have signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in
tackling cyber frauds and financial crimes. Under the agreement, FIU-IND will
share data on suspicious financial transactions, while I4C will provide inputs
on cybercrime trends and digital fraud patterns.
9. VP C. P. Radhakrishnan Releases First-Ever Sindhi
Version of Constitution in Devanagari Script: C. P. Radhakrishnan released the Sindhi
version of the Constitution of India in Devanagari script in New Delhi,
marking its first-ever release since independence. He highlighted that Sindhi
is one of the oldest and most melodious languages and emphasized the importance
of making the Constitution accessible in diverse languages. The release was
made on the occasion of Sindhi Bhasha Diwas.
10. Rajive Kumaraswami Appointed MD Designate of Chola MS: Rajive Kumaraswami has been appointed
as Managing Director Designate of Cholamandalam MS General Insurance
(Chola MS).
He will take over as Managing Director & CEO from
June 1, 2026, succeeding V. Suryanarayanan.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India withdraws proposal to host COP 33 climate summit
in 2028: India has withdrawn
its proposal to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP
33) under the UNFCCC in 2028, and the decision was communicated to
the Asia-Pacific group. Earlier, India had officially proposed hosting COP 33
in 2028, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing the bid during his
special address at the COP 28 High-Level Segment (2023, UAE). The COP
(Conference of the Parties) is the highest decision-making body of the UNFCCC, which
brings together countries to discuss global climate action and environmental
commitments.
2. India Elected to Key ECOSOC Bodies; Preeti Saran
Re-elected to UN Committee: India has been elected by acclamation to
several subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC), one of the six main organs of the UN. India secured
membership in key ECOSOC bodies including the Commission on Science and
Technology for Development (2027–2030), Committee on NGOs (2027–2030), and Committee
for Programme and Coordination (2027–2029). Preeti Saran has been
re-elected to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for
the term 2027–2030. These bodies play important roles in global governance,
including policy discussions on science & technology, NGO accreditation,
and UN programme planning and coordination.
3. 10 April – World Homoeopathy Day: World Homoeopathy Day is observed
on April 10 every year to mark the birth anniversary of Samuel
Hahnemann, the founder of Homoeopathy. Theme 2026 – Homoeopathy for
Sustainable Health The day aims to promote awareness about homoeopathy and
highlight its contribution to global healthcare.
4. 11 April – National Safe Motherhood Day: National Safe Motherhood Day is
observed every year on 11 April in India to raise awareness about
maternal health and safe pregnancy practices. The day marks the birth
anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi and highlights the importance of proper
healthcare for mothers before, during, and after childbirth. It aims to reduce
maternal mortality by promoting institutional deliveries, skilled care, and
access to quality healthcare services.
5. April
14 Unites Ambedkar Jayanti and Baisakhi in Anti-Caste Reflection: April 14, 2026, marks
both Ambedkar Jayanti and the Sikh festival of Baisakhi, bringing renewed focus
on the shared anti-caste ideals of B. R. Ambedkar and Guru Nanak. While both traditions emphasise
equality and dignity, the historical and social realities surrounding caste
remain complex and layered. Guru Nanak, born in 1469, laid the foundation
of Sikhism on principles of equality,
fraternity, and devotion to one God. Emerging in a period marked by social
divisions and caste oppression, his teachings challenged entrenched
hierarchies. Influenced by the Bhakti tradition and saints like Kabir, Guru
Nanak emphasised the unity of humanity and rejected caste-based discrimination
in both thought and practice.
6. India
Expands Critical Mineral Auctions to Boost Resource Security: India has intensified its
push towards securing critical mineral resources, with Union Minister G Kishan
Reddy announcing the successful auction of 46 mineral blocks and the launch of
the seventh round offering 19 additional blocks. The move reflects the
country’s strategic focus on reducing import dependency and strengthening
economic resilience. Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, vanadium, and titanium have become central to global
geopolitics and industrial development. The minister emphasised that nations
are increasingly defined by their access to such resources, especially
amid climate
change and evolving economic
priorities. These minerals are essential for clean energy technologies,
electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Indian Army Participates in India–Egypt Joint Special
Forces Exercise ‘Cyclone-IV’ at Anshas: An Indian Army contingent of 25 Special Forces
personnel has departed for Egypt to participate in the 4th
edition of India–Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise “Cyclone-IV”,
scheduled at Anshas, Egypt. The exercise aims to enhance joint mission
planning, interoperability, and special operations capabilities through
training in a realistic operational environment with Egyptian Special Forces.
2. Indian Army Launches ‘Operation Him Setu’ to Rescue
Stranded Tourists in North Sikkim: Indian Army’s Trishakti
Corps launched Operation Him Setu to evacuate stranded tourists
in Lachen, North Sikkim after landslides disrupted road connectivity. Despite
heavy snowfall and harsh weather, troops opened critical passes and alternate
routes, enabling phased evacuation of tourists from the affected region. In
coordination with the Border Roads Organisation, rescue efforts have cleared
roads and restored connectivity, with 135 tourists evacuated so far.
3. Australia
Names First Female Army Chief in Historic Move: Australia has announced a landmark shift in
its military leadership by appointing Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as the
first woman to head the Australian Army in its 125-year history. The decision
forms part of a broader leadership reshuffle within the country’s defence
forces and reflects ongoing efforts to modernise and diversify the military.
The appointment, effective from July 2026, has been widely described as a
defining moment for gender representation in Australia’s armed forces. Lieutenant General
Susan Coyle will replace Lieutenant General Simon Stuart as Chief of Army.
Currently serving as Chief of Joint Capabilities, Coyle brings decades of
operational and strategic experience. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described
the move as “historic,” emphasising its symbolic and institutional importance.
Defence Minister Richard Marles highlighted that her appointment would inspire
future generations of women to pursue military careers.
4. North
Korea Tests Cruise Missiles from Naval Destroyer: North
Korea has conducted a fresh
round of missile tests involving strategic cruise and anti-ship weapons,
signalling continued efforts to strengthen its naval combat capabilities. The
launches were carried out from a naval destroyer as part of operational trials,
according to state media reports released on 14 April 2026. The tests were conducted from the Choe Hyon, a 5,000-ton-class
naval destroyer. Two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-warship missiles
were launched over waters off North Korea’s western
coast. The trials aimed to evaluate the ship’s integrated weapons command
system and enhance crew readiness for combat scenarios. The cruise missiles reportedly remained airborne for
extended durations, while the anti-ship missiles completed shorter but precise
trajectories. State media claimed that all missiles successfully struck their
intended targets with high accuracy.
SPORTS
1. Sarun
Payasingh Wins Long Jump at Athletics Series:
India’s domestic athletics circuit witnessed strong performances at the fourth
leg of the Indian Athletics Series held in Ranchi, with Odisha’s Sarun Payasingh
clinching the men’s long jump title and Maharashtra’s Sarvesh
Anil Kushare securing victory in the high jump event.Sarun Payasingh, the national indoor champion, maintained his consistent
run by winning the men’s long jump competition with a best effort of 7.46
metres. Representing Odisha, Payasingh has emerged as a promising
talent in Indian athletics, showing steady improvement across national-level
events. His latest victory further strengthens his position among the country’s
top long jumpers.
2. Sawan
Barwal Breaks India’s Oldest Marathon Record: India’s long-distance runner Sawan Barwal scripted
history by breaking the country’s longest-standing national record at the
Rotterdam Marathon 2026. Battling extreme conditions and physical exhaustion,
the 28-year-old Army havildar overcame a dramatic collapse near the finish line
to clock 2:11:58, surpassing a 47-year-old milestone. Competing at the
prestigious Rotterdam Marathon, Barwal eclipsed Shivnath Singh’s record of
2:12:00 set in 1978. This achievement marked the end of India’s oldest
athletics record. Notably, Barwal accomplished this feat in his debut marathon,
finishing 20th in a highly competitive field. The race was won by Ethiopia’s Guye Adola.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Meta Launches ‘Muse Spark’ AI Model to Boost Superintelligence
Ambitions: Meta Platforms has
launched Muse Spark, a new AI model to strengthen its position in the
global artificial intelligence race.Muse Spark is part of Meta’s broader
superintelligence strategy, developed by a specialised AI team to advance
machine intelligence capabilities. The launch reflects Meta’s increasing focus
on high-end AI investments, aiming to build systems with the potential to
surpass human-level reasoning in the future.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. CCEA Approves ₹14,105 Crore Kalai-II Hydropower
Project of 1,200 MW in Arunachal Pradesh: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA),
chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a ₹14,105.83 crore
hydropower project named Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Arunachal
Pradesh. The project will be built on the Lohit River in Anjaw
district and will have an installed capacity of 1,200 MW, consisting
of six units of 190 MW and one unit of 60 MW. It will be developed through
a joint venture between THDC India Limited and the Government of Arunachal
Pradesh, aiming to boost clean energy generation in the region.
2. CCEA Approves ₹26,069 Crore Kamala Hydropower Project
of 1,720 MW in Arunachal Pradesh: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
(CCEA) has approved a ₹26,069.50 crore Kamala Hydro Electric
Project with an installed capacity of 1,720 MW in Arunachal Pradesh. The
project will be developed across Kamle, Kra Daadi, and Kurung Kumey districts
and will be implemented by NHPC Limited in partnership with the Government
of Arunachal Pradesh. The project will comprise nine generating units,
including eight units of 210 MW each and one unit of 40 MW, contributing to the
region’s clean energy development.
3. World Bank Raises India FY27 Growth Forecast to 6.6%,
Cites Strong Demand and Export Strength: The World Bank has raised India’s
FY27 growth forecast to 6.6% from 6.3%, citing strong domestic demand and
export performance, but noted that growth may moderate due to global headwinds,
including Middle East conflict. For FY26, India’s economy is projected to grow
at 7.6% (up from 7.1% in FY25), driven by resilient domestic demand and robust
exports, according to the World Bank’s South Asia Economic Update. While
the RBI projects slightly higher FY27 growth at 6.9%.
4. DBS Bank India Launches ‘DBS Aspire’ Programme: DBS Bank India has launched the ‘DBS
Aspire’ banking programme along with the Aspire debit card. The programme
is targeted at emerging affluent and well-travelled customers, offering premium
banking benefits and services.
5. PNB Partners with GeM to Provide Collateral-Free Loans to Sellers via GeM Sahay Portal: Punjab National Bank has signed an MoU with the Government e-Marketplace to enhance financial access for sellers. Under this partnership, sellers—especially MSMEs—can avail quick, collateral-free short-term loans via the GeM Sahay Portal, improving liquidity and enabling seamless, paperless credit access.
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