NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. FSSAI Bans Use of Ashwagandha Leaves in Supplements
Over Safety Concerns: The Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India has banned the use of ashwagandha leaves
and their extracts in health supplements due to safety concerns, allowing
only root-based usage. The regulator has directed states to act against
violations, amid the rapidly growing nutraceutical market, with ashwagandha
valued at $928.5 million in 2026.
2. BECIL Signs MoU with Centre for Development of
Advanced Computing to Boost Advanced Tech Collaboration: Broadcast Engineering Consultants India
Limited signed an MoU with the Centre for Development of Advanced
Computing to collaborate on advanced technologies, digital transformation,
and capacity building. The partnership will focus on AI, Machine Learning, 5G,
and IoT, along with joint project implementation, consultancy, and development
of innovative, turnkey tech solutions. The initiative aims to boost innovation,
enable technology transfer, and strengthen India’s digital ecosystem in line
with the Digital India vision.
3. Union Cabinet Approves 2% Hike in DA and DR for
Central Government Employees and Pensioners: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, approved a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and
Dearness Relief (DR) for Central government employees and pensioners, effective
from 1 January 2026. With this revision, DA and DR increase from 58% to 60% of
basic pay and pension to offset rising inflation. The decision will benefit
around 50.46 lakh employees and 68.27 lakh pensioners, with an estimated annual
financial impact of ₹6,791.24 crore, as per the 7th Central Pay Commission
formula.
4. Manohar Lal Launches Urban Challenge Fund Guidelines
to Boost ₹4 Lakh Crore Urban Infrastructure Push: Union Minister Manohar Lal launched
the Operational Guidelines for the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) along
with the Credit Repayment Guarantee Sub-Scheme (CRGSS) to strengthen urban
infrastructure financing in In The Urban Challenge Fund, with ₹1 lakh
crore Central Assistance, aims to mobilise nearly ₹4 lakh crore investment,
promoting market-driven and sustainable urban development. The fund will
support key sectors such as urban mobility, redevelopment of old city areas,
water and sanitation, non-motorised transport, and climate-resilient
infrastructure. The CRGSS will help Tier-II, Tier-III and hilly/North-Eastern
cities access market-based financing through credit guarantees, while the
scheme will run from FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31.
5. Cabinet
Extends PMGSY-III Till March 2028: The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) beyond March 2025 till March
2028, reinforcing the government’s focus on rural connectivity and
infrastructure development. Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the
decision aims to ensure the completion of key road and bridge projects that
connect villages with agricultural markets, schools and hospitals. The revised
total outlay of the scheme has been increased to Rs 83,977 crore from the
earlier Rs 80,250 crore. The Cabinet has extended the timeline till March 2028
for completion of roads and bridges in plain areas and roads in hilly regions.
For bridges in hilly areas, the deadline has been further extended till March
2029. Projects sanctioned before 31 March 2025 but not yet awarded can now be
taken up for tendering and execution. This step is expected to remove delays
and improve project implementation.
6. India-Sri
Lanka Ties Deepen During Vice-President Visit: Vice-President of
India C. P. Radhakrishnan
visited Sri
Lanka on April 19, 2026,
marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Vice-President to the island nation.
During his two-day visit to Colombo, he met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara
Dissanayake and discussed key bilateral issues, including housing projects,
Cyclone Ditwah rehabilitation, and the long-pending fishermen dispute between
the two neighbours. Mr. Radhakrishnan highlighted India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’
policy, which places priority on strong relations with neighbouring countries.
He stressed the importance of development-focused cooperation and stronger
people-to-people ties. Officials stated that both leaders held productive
discussions aimed at deepening the multifaceted India–Sri Lanka partnership, built on shared
history, civilisational links, and regional cooperation.
7. Jonnagiri
Gold Mine to Boost India’s Domestic Production: India is set to witness a major
milestone in its mining sector with the launch of the Jonnagiri gold project
in Andhra
Pradesh’s Kurnool district. This
will be the country’s first large-scale private gold mine since Independence.
The project marks an important step towards reducing India’s heavy dependence
on imported gold and strengthening the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the mineral sector. India imports more than 800 tonnes of gold
every year, creating continuous pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Domestic
production has remained very low for decades. The state-run Hutti Gold Mines
in Karnataka remains the only major producer,
yielding around 1.5 tonnes annually. The closure of the historic Kolar Gold
Fields in 2000 created a major gap in large-scale domestic gold mining. This
made India heavily dependent on global markets for its gold demand.
8. Delhi Semiconductor Policy Targets Jobs and Investment: Delhi government has
begun drafting a dedicated semiconductor policy to position the national
capital as a major centre for chip design, research and advanced packaging.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the proposed framework is aimed at attracting
global investment, expanding youth skilling and building an industry-ready
ecosystem in line with the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. The move reflects
the rising importance of semiconductors in the global economy. Chips are now
central to electronics, telecom, automobiles, defence, artificial
intelligence and industrial
manufacturing. Delhi is seeking to carve out a role in the higher-value
segments of the semiconductor chain rather than in capital-intensive wafer
fabrication alone. The focus is expected to remain on design, intellectual
property creation, research and development, and advanced downstream
activities.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Gautam Adani Overtakes Mukesh Ambani to Become Asia’s
Richest: Gautam
Adani has overtaken Mukesh Ambani to become Asia’s richest
person, with a net worth of $92.6 billion. Ambani’s net worth stands at $90.8
billion, placing him behind Adani in the latest global billionaire rankings. Adani,
founder of the Adani Group, is ranked 19th globally on the Bloomberg
Billionaires Index and leads businesses across ports, renewable energy,
airports, and coal trading.
2. 18 April – World Heritage Day: World Heritage Day is observed annually
on 18 April to raise awareness about the importance of protecting cultural
and natural heritage. Theme 2026 – Emergency Response for Living Heritage
in Contexts of Conflicts and Disasters The day was established by UNESCO to
promote preservation of monuments, historic sites, and traditions across the
world. Each year has a specific theme highlighting conservation challenges and
encouraging global participation in safeguarding heritage sites.
3. 19 April – World Liver Day : World Liver Day is observed annually on
19 April to raise awareness about liver health and related diseases. Theme
2026 – Solid Habits, Strong Liver The day highlights prevention and early
detection of liver conditions such as Hepatitis, fatty liver, and cirrhosis.
4. RELIEF
Scheme Expanded to Egypt and Jordan: The Government of India has expanded the scope of the
Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme
by including Egypt and Jordan among the eligible countries. The
move comes as geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt maritime
logistics across the Gulf region and nearby trade corridors. The decision aims
to protect Indian exporters from rising freight costs, higher insurance
premiums, and war-related trade risks. RELIEF was launched on 19 March 2026 as
a targeted support mechanism for exporters affected by disruptions in the Gulf
and wider West Asia maritime corridor. Increased geopolitical instability led
to extraordinary freight escalation, shipping delays, and higher marine
insurance costs. The scheme was designed to provide timely financial and
insurance support to ensure uninterrupted export operations and reduce the
burden on businesses.
5. India-Austria
Fast-Track Mechanism for Trade Growth: India and Austria have strengthened their economic
partnership by launching a bilateral Fast-Track Mechanism (FTM) during the
India-Austria Business Forum held in New Delhi.
The initiative aims to improve investment flows, resolve business-related
challenges, and deepen bilateral trade ties. The development gains significance
as it coincides with the first official visit by an Austrian Chancellor to
India in more than 40 years. The Fast-Track Mechanism has been designed as a
dedicated platform for Austrian and Indian investors to address operational
issues and provide suggestions for improving the ease of doing business. It
seeks to ensure quicker resolution of investment-related concerns, enhance
investor confidence, and create a more predictable business environment. This
reflects both countries’ shared focus on making cross-border investments
smoother and more efficient.
6. Dinesh
Trivedi Named India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh: Former Union Minister
Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed as India’s new High Commissioner to
Bangladesh, signalling New Delhi’s strong diplomatic focus on its eastern
neighbour. The appointment is significant because such posts are usually given
to senior Indian Foreign Service officers, but this time the government has
chosen an experienced political leader with deep administrative and regional
understanding. Dinesh Trivedi’s appointment marks a departure from the
conventional system of assigning only career diplomats to major foreign
postings. Political observers believe this reflects India’s intention to
strengthen direct political engagement with Bangladesh, especially at a time
when regional stability, border management, and security cooperation remain
crucial. It also shows that India considers ties with Dhaka a top strategic
priority.
7. PM
Modi Holds Talks With South Korean President Lee: Prime Minister Narendra
Modi is set to hold extensive bilateral talks with South Korean President Lee
Jae Myung in New Delhi on 20 April 2026, aimed at strengthening strategic,
economic, and technological cooperation between the two nations. President
Lee’s three-day State Visit to India marks his first official trip to the
country and is expected to further deepen the India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership
built on shared democratic values and longstanding civilisational ties. The
discussions between the two leaders will focus on critical sectors such as
shipbuilding, trade, investment, semiconductors, artificial
intelligence, clean energy, and other
emerging technologies. With both nations seeking stronger supply chain
resilience and industrial cooperation, shipbuilding and semiconductor
partnerships are likely to receive special attention. South Korea’s expertise in advanced manufacturing
and India’s growing industrial base make this partnership strategically
significant.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Israel–Lebanon
Ceasefire Tested Amid Ongoing Shelling Reports : Tensions in West Asia remain volatile
despite the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The 10-day truce, declared to begin at
21:00 GMT, follows diplomatic efforts led by the United States. However, developments on the ground
indicate continued hostilities, raising doubts over the durability of the
agreement and the broader prospects for regional de-escalation. US President
Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a short-term
ceasefire after consultations with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The truce is
seen as an attempt to create space for further negotiations, including
potential talks between Washington and Tehran. The United States has indicated that the ceasefire
could be extended if progress is made in ongoing diplomatic engagements.
SPORTS
1. Viktor Axelsen Announces Retirement from Professional
Badminton After Historic Olympic Success: Viktor Axelsen, the Danish badminton star, has announced
his retirement from professional badminton after an illustrious career. He is
regarded as one of the greatest men’s singles players, winning back-to-back
Olympic gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paris 2024 Olympics, along
with a bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Axelsen held the World No. 1 ranking
for 183 weeks, making him the third-longest reigning player after Lee Chong Wei
and Lin Dan.
2. Rubel Hossain Announces Retirement from International
Cricket: Rubel
Hossain, Bangladesh’s fast bowler, has announced his retirement from
international cricket after a decade-long career with 159 matches across
formats. He played 27 Tests, 104 ODIs, and 28 T20Is, with his last
international match in 2021 against New Zealand national cricket team, and
plans to continue in domestic cricket despite injury setbacks.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India Forms High-Level AIGEG to Steer AI Governance
Strategy: The Government of
India has constituted a high-level body named
the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) to
guide the country’s AI governance strategy and policy framework. The group will
be chaired by Ashwini Vaishnaw, with Jitin Prasada appointed as the
Vice-Chairperson to oversee coordination and implementation.
2. Punjab Partners with IIT Ropar to Develop AI-Based
Real-Time Crime Tracking System: The Punjab government has partnered
with IIT Ropar to develop an AI-based system for real-time crime tracking
and analysis to strengthen policing efficiency. The system will use advanced
technologies like data analytics, voice recognition, and dashboard monitoring
to enable faster crime tracking and quicker decision-making by police.
3. Dung
Beetles Use Milky Way for Night Navigation: Dung beetles have shown one of the most surprising
navigation abilities in the animal kingdom—they use the Milky Way to move in
straight lines at night. Scientists found that these tiny insects can orient
themselves using the bright band of stars in the night sky, making them the
first known animals to use the Milky Way for navigation. This discovery has
provided important insights into animal behaviour and celestial orientation.
Dung beetles depend on animal droppings for food
and reproduction. Once they find dung, they quickly shape it into a ball and
roll it away from the dung pile. This behaviour helps them avoid competition
from other beetles, many of which try to steal ready-made dung balls instead of
making their own. Moving in a straight line is critical. If a beetle gets
distracted or loses direction, it risks losing its dung ball and must start
again. This wastes time and energy and reduces its chances of successful
reproduction.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. DoT–SEBI MoU to Curb Telecom-Linked Financial Frauds :
Department of Telecommunications
(DoT) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) signed
an MoU to combat telecom-linked financial frauds and protect investors. The
agreement aims to detect suspicious telecom patterns early and prevent scams in
digital trading, online onboarding, and mobile-based financial services. By
integrating telecom intelligence with market regulation, the initiative will
enable faster action against cyber frauds, impersonation scams, and misuse of
mobile numbers in financial markets.
2. AICTE
VAANI Scheme Third Edition Promotes Indian Languages: The All
India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched the third edition of its flagship AICTE-VAANI
scheme to strengthen the use of Indian languages in technical education. The
initiative aims to create a more inclusive academic ecosystem by enabling
students to access technical knowledge in their native languages. The launch
included the release of the scheme document and an online portal for
applications. The AICTE-VAANI (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing
of Indian Languages) scheme seeks to bridge the language gap in higher
education. It focuses on encouraging research, learning, and dissemination of
technical knowledge in regional languages. The initiative recognises that many
students face difficulties transitioning from mother tongue education to
English-medium technical courses.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Sayani Gupta Named Harvard South Asian Association’s
Person of the Year 2026: Sayani
Gupta has been named Person of the Year 2026 by the Harvard South
Asian Association for her contribution to film, storytelling, and
representation. The award recognises individuals shaping South Asian identity,
and she will be formally honoured at Harvard University later this month.
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