NATIONAL UPDATES:
PNGRB Approves IOCL’s 425 km Kochi–Thoothukudi Gas Pipeline to Boost Southern India Energy Network: The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has authorised Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to develop the Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline (KTPL) to enhance gas infrastructure in southern India. The 425 km long pipeline will originate from the Kochi LNG Terminal in Kerala and extend to Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, with a capacity of 6.84 MMSCMD.
MEITY Forms TPEC to Strengthen AI Governance, Includes Experts B. Ravindran & Rajat Moona: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has constituted a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC) to support the functioning of the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG). The TPEC will be chaired by the MeitY Secretary and includes experts like B. Ravindran and Rajat Moona as members.
PM Modi to Inaugurate 594-km Ganga Expressway Linking Meerut to Prayagraj: PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Ganga Expressway on April 29 in Hardoi. The 594-km-long expressway will run from Meerut (Bijoli village) to Prayagraj (Judapur Dandu village), connecting the western and eastern parts of the state. The project will pass through 12 districts—including Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Unnao, Raebareli and Pratapgarh—linking around 519 villages.
Cabinet Led by Narendra Modi Extends Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana–III Till 2028: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana–III till March 2028 beyond its earlier deadline of March 2025. The total outlay of PMGSY-III has been increased from ₹80,250 crore to ₹83,977 crore to support continued rural road development. The Cabinet extended timelines: roads and bridges in plain areas and roads in hilly areas till March 2028, and bridges in hilly areas till March 2029; also allowed pending works (sanctioned before March 31, 2025) to be tendered/awarded. PMGSY was launched in phases—Phase I in 2000, Phase II in 2013, and Phase III in 2019—to enhance rural connectivity across India.
AICTE Launches 3rd Edition of VAANI Scheme to Promote Indian Languages in Technical Education: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched the 3rd edition of AICTE-VAANI (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages) to promote Indian languages in technical education and bridge the language gap. The scheme focuses on research, learning, and knowledge dissemination in regional languages, with annual funding of ₹24 crore to support around 200 conferences, seminars, and workshops. Institutions can receive up to ₹2 lakh per event in 22 Indian languages, covering 16 emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technology, Cybersecurity, Hydrogen Energy, Space & Defence, and Agrotech.
Meghalaya Grants Full Official Status to Khasi and Garo, Replaces 2005 Language Act: The Government of Meghalaya approved the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, granting Khasi and Garo full official language status alongside English. The ordinance repeals the Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005, under which Khasi and Garo earlier had only associate official language status.
Kankaria Coaching Depot Becomes India’s First Water-Neutral Railway Depot : Kankaria Coaching Depot has become India’s first “water-neutral” railway depot, aligning railway operations with sustainability goals. The depot achieves water neutrality by treating and reusing water equal to its consumption, saving about 1.60 lakh litres daily and reducing dependence on fresh water.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 20 April – UN Chinese Language Day: UN Chinese Language Day is observed annually on 20 April by the United Nations to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity. The day honours the Chinese language and its historical significance as one of the six official languages of the UN.
The United Nations has six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
2. 21 April – World Creativity and Innovation Day: World Creativity and Innovation Day is observed every year on 21 April to promote the role of creativity and innovation in all aspects of human development. Theme 2026 – Harnessing Creativity for Global Progress The day highlights the importance of creative thinking in solving global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and sustainable development.
3. Moody’s Cuts India FY27 Growth Forecast to 6%: Moody’s Ratings has lowered India’s GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6 per cent from its earlier estimate of 6.8 per cent, citing weaker consumer demand, slower industrial output and rising energy costs linked to the West Asia conflict. The agency said that higher oil and gas prices, along with disruptions in supply chains, could increase India’s import bill and create inflationary pressure. However, India’s strong foreign exchange reserves and services exports are expected to provide some stability. The downgrade is mainly linked to India’s heavy dependence on Middle Eastern oil and gas imports. Rising tensions in West Asia have pushed up energy prices, increasing the cost of imports and creating risks for industrial production. Higher fuel prices also raise transportation and manufacturing costs, reducing consumer spending power and slowing economic activity. Moody’s expects India’s FY26 growth to remain at 7.6 per cent, based on official estimates, but sees moderation in FY27.
4. Arthur Law Named 2026 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader: Arthur Law, Co-founder and Managing Principal of Storefriendly Asia, has been selected as a 2026 Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The recognition honours leaders under the age of 40 who are making significant contributions across business, public policy, science and social impact. Law has been recognised for transforming urban living solutions through technology-driven self-storage services and for his wider work in sustainable development and philanthropy. Arthur Law is known for leading the growth of Storefriendly Asia, one of Asia’s major tech-enabled self-storage platforms. Under his leadership, the company has served more than 40,000 households and businesses in densely populated cities where space management is a major urban challenge. His vision, described as “Make Space for the Future,” focuses on improving urban living by combining entrepreneurship, technology and institutional investment. Partnerships with firms such as Blackstone and Partners Group have supported this expansion.
5. India, South Korea Sign 16 MoUs to Boost Trade: India and South Korea have signed 16 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across sectors such as semiconductors, green energy, e-mobility and advanced manufacturing, aiming to double bilateral trade to 54 billion US dollars by 2030. The agreements were signed during South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to India and his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The partnership comes at a time of rising inflation risks, energy insecurity and global supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions. Both countries currently have bilateral trade of around 27 billion US dollars and are targeting nearly 18 per cent annual growth to reach 54 billion US dollars by 2030. To achieve this, India and South Korea are working to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), originally signed in 2009. The focus is on removing non-tariff barriers, simplifying rules of origin, improving market access and making business operations easier for companies on both sides.
6. Tim Cook to Step Down as Apple CEO After 15 Years: Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook will step down from his leadership role on 1 September 2026, ending a 15-year tenure that transformed the company into one of the world’s most valuable technology giants. Cook, who succeeded Steve Jobs in 2011, will move into the position of Executive Chairman. Apple has named senior executive John Ternus as the next CEO, marking a major leadership transition for the company as it enters a new era shaped by artificial intelligence and next-generation hardware innovation. Tim Cook took over as CEO in 2011 following the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Under his leadership, Apple expanded far beyond the iPhone, strengthening its ecosystem with products such as Apple Watch, AirPods, services like Apple Music and Apple TV+, and major growth in subscriptions. He also led Apple through major supply chain shifts, privacy debates and increasing global regulatory challenges, while making it the world’s most valuable listed company for several years.
7. UN Projects India’s Economy to Grow 6.4% in 2026: The United Nations has projected India’s economy to grow by 6.4 per cent in 2026 and 6.6 per cent in 2027, reinforcing India’s position as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. The forecast was released in the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026 by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The report highlights strong domestic demand, services growth and policy support as key drivers of India’s economic performance. According to the report, India recorded 7.4 per cent growth in 2025, supported by strong rural consumption, GST rate cuts and export frontloading before the United States imposed higher tariffs. The services sector remained the main engine of growth, while rural demand played an important role in sustaining consumption. However, exports to the United States declined by 25 per cent in the second half of 2025 after Washington introduced 50 per cent tariffs in August.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Indian Navy Releases INMSS-2026 at Naval Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi: The first edition of the biannual Naval Commanders’ Conference 2026 was held at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi, bringing together senior leadership of the Indian Navy. During the conference, the Indian Navy Maritime Security Strategy (INMSS-2026) was officially released to strengthen maritime security framework and operational preparedness.
2. Indian Army Flags Off “Samudra Sahas” Blue-Water Sailing Expedition from Mumbai to Mark Artillery Bicentenary: The Indian Army flagged off its first blue-water sailing expedition “Samudra Sahas” from Marve, Mumbai, as part of the bicentenary celebrations of the Regiment of Artillery. The 520 nautical mile expedition along the Konkan coast will be conducted in four legs from Mumbai to Vijaydurg, Goa and back, using 21-foot Seabird class sailing boats, sailing about 7 nautical miles offshore.
3. DRDO Gives Prajna System to MHA, Navy Tests ADC-150: India has strengthened its internal security and naval logistics with two major indigenous defence developments led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Ministry of Home Affairs has received the AI-enabled satellite imaging system Prajna, while the Indian Navy has successfully completed trials of the Air Droppable Container ADC-150. These systems are designed to improve surveillance, emergency response and operational efficiency across land and sea. The Ministry of Home Affairs received the satellite imaging system Prajna from DRDO to improve real-time decision-making for security agencies. The system was handed over by DRDO Chairman and Defence R&D Secretary Samir V. Kamat to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan in New Delhi. Developed by DRDO’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Prajna uses artificial intelligence to monitor sensitive regions, support internal security operations and strengthen counter-terrorism efforts across the country.
3. Japan Ends Ban on Lethal Weapons Exports: Japan has approved a major shift in its postwar security policy by removing restrictions on the export of lethal weapons. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet cleared the final hurdles for arms sales involving fighter jets, missiles and warships, marking a significant departure from Japan’s long-standing pacifist approach after World War II. The decision reflects Tokyo’s response to growing regional security concerns and its effort to strengthen defence partnerships. For decades, Japan largely banned the export of military equipment under its pacifist constitution, allowing only limited transfers for rescue, transport, surveillance and minesweeping purposes. The new guideline removes these limits and permits the export of lethal defence equipment such as fighter aircraft, missiles and destroyers. This goes far beyond previous exports like flak jackets, gas masks and civilian-use vehicles sent to Ukraine.
SPORTS
1. Ajit Agarkar Reappointed as Selection Committee Chairman: Ajit Agarkar will continue as Chairman of the Senior Selection Committee, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India has extended his contract for one more year. The extension decision is aimed at ensuring continuity in team selection with a focus on preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. P. Radhakrishnan has appointed K. S. Somashekhar as Secretary in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. The Rajya Sabha Secretariat is the administrative body that assists in the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of India’s Parliament.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. ISRO SAC and ATREE Sign MoU to Advance Sustainable Land Management and Grassland Mapping in India: The Space Applications Centre and the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration in research, data sharing, and knowledge exchange for sustainable land management. The partnership will focus on mapping India’s grasslands and open natural ecosystems, assessing restoration impacts on degraded lands, and improving methods for estimating above- and below-ground carbon. The initiative aligns with India’s goal of achieving Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030 and supports progress toward multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2. New Snake Species Discovered in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills: A new species of snake, named Calamaria garoensis, has been discovered in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, adding to the rich biodiversity of northeastern India. The finding has drawn significant attention after Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma publicly praised the scientists involved in the discovery. The identification of this species highlights the ecological importance of the region and the need for continued biodiversity research. Calamaria garoensis belongs to the genus Calamaria, a group of small, secretive snakes often called reed snakes. These snakes usually live underground or within leaf litter, making them difficult to detect. Their hidden lifestyle means that many species remain undocumented. The newly identified snake was found during field surveys in the dense forests of the Garo Hills and was confirmed through detailed taxonomic research.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. India-South Korea Trade Target Set at $50 Billion: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 20 April 2026 announced major initiatives to strengthen India–South Korea economic ties, including the establishment of Korean industrial townships in India and a target to raise bilateral trade to 50 billion US dollars by 2030. The announcement came during a joint press conference with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung after bilateral talks in New Delhi. Both leaders described the partnership as a move from a trusted relationship towards a futuristic strategic alliance. Prime Minister Modi said dedicated Korean industrial townships will be developed in India to facilitate easier entry for South Korean companies, especially small and medium enterprises. These townships are expected to improve manufacturing cooperation and provide better infrastructure support for Korean investors. South Korean firms such as Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and Kia already have a strong presence in India, and the new initiative aims to attract further investments in advanced manufacturing and industrial production.
2. India Plans 100 GW Nuclear Power Capacity by 2047: India has outlined an ambitious plan to expand its nuclear power capacity more than tenfold, from the current 8.8 gigawatt (GW) to 100 GW by 2047. The announcement was made by Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), highlighting the country’s long-term strategy to strengthen clean and stable energy sources as part of its development vision. The proposed expansion represents a significant acceleration in India’s nuclear energy programme. According to the CEA, achieving 100 GW capacity will require rapid infrastructure development and sustained investment over the next two decades. The roadmap focuses primarily on building new nuclear power plants, while existing facilities will continue operating at current capacity levels.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Kerala’s N. Alim Yusuf Wins WWF National Award for AI App ‘NeophyteID’ at ECHO Summit 2026: Alim Yusuf from Kerala won the WWF National Award at the National ECHO Youth Innovation Summit 2026 for developing the AI-based mobile app “NeophyteID” to detect invasive plant species. The award was presented by World Wide Fund for Nature, and he received a ₹1.5 lakh seed grant to further develop and scale the project. The app can identify around 100 invasive plant species in Kerala and was developed at Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences.
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