NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Government Notifies New Recruitment Rules for DCGI: The Government of India has notified new recruitment rules for the post of Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). The upper age limit has been increased from 56 to 58 years, with a maximum tenure of 5 years. The DCGI serves as the head of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
2. India Allows Ethanol Blending in Aviation Fuel; Sets SAF Targets for International Flights: Government of India has allowed blending of ethanol and synthetic hydrocarbons in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to promote cleaner aviation fuel. SAF blending targets: 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030; currently applicable only to international flights. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is made from non-petroleum sources like ethanol and helps reduce carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
3. Maharashtra CM Inaugurates Heat Resilience Centre at IIM Nagpur to Combat Climate Change: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Heat Resilience and Sustainable Cooling (COE-HRSC) at IIM Nagpur to tackle climate change and heatwaves. The centre has been developed in collaboration with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to promote sustainable cooling solutions.
4. Government Extends Tenure of Bank of Baroda & Bank of India MDs by 3 Years: The Government of India has approved a 3-year extension for Debadatta Chand as MD & CEO of Bank of Baroda, ensuring leadership continuity. Rajneesh Karnatak, MD of Bank of India, has also received a 3-year tenure extension from the government.
5. Srikanth Velamakanni Appointed as NASSCOM Chairperson: NASSCOM has appointed Srikanth Velamakanni, Co-founder & Group CEO of Fractal, as its new Chairperson. He succeeds Sindhu Gangadharan, whose tenure as NASSCOM Chairperson ended in April. Kishor Patil, Co-founder, CEO & MD of KPIT, appointed as Vice Chairperson.
6. RBI Approves Vivek Tripathi as Whole-time Director of AU Small Finance Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Vivek Tripathi’s appointment as Whole-time Director (Executive Director) of AU Small Finance Bank for a 3-year term. Currently serving as Chief Credit Officer, Tripathi has been associated with the bank since 2014 and will join the board during its next growth phase.
7. Ashok Lahiri Appointed NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman : Economist Ashok Lahiri will become the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, while scientist Gobardhan Das will be appointed as a member.
Ashok Lahiri is a former Chief Economic Advisor and has also served as a member of the 15th Finance Commission.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. France Allows Visa-Free Airport Transit for Indian Nationals: France has granted permission for Indian citizens traveling through French airports to undertake airport transit without a visa, thereby making international travel even easier. This facility applies only to passengers transiting by air through mainland France; it does not apply to other types of entry or travel.
2. China Selects First Foreign Astronauts from Pakistan for Tiangong Mission: China has selected Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud of Pakistan as part of its first batch of foreign astronauts. As per the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), they will undergo training in China as reserve astronauts. One of them will join a mission to the Tiangong space station as a payload specialist, making Pakistan the first country to send a citizen onboard Tiangong.
3. 23 April – International Girls in ICT Day : International Girls in ICT Day is observed every year on 23rd April to promote gender equality in the tech sector. Theme 2026 – Al for Development: Girls shaping the digital future The day encourages girls and young women to pursue careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
4. 24 – 30 April – World Immunisation Week: World Immunisation Week is observed from 24 to 30 April every year to promote vaccination awareness. It aims to highlight the importance of vaccines in protecting people of all ages from diseases. Theme 2026 – For every generation, vaccines work The World Health Organisation (WHO) works with countries to raise awareness and support effective immunisation programmes.
5. 24 April – International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace: International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is observed on 24 April to promote the peaceful resolution of global issues through cooperation. Established by the United Nations in 2018 (Resolution A/RES/73/127), it encourages multilateral decision-making over unilateral actions.
6. India-Japan Data Pact for AI Smart Cities: The partnership will help cities use construction data in AI-based planning systems and digital twins. This can improve decision-making in transport, utilities and urban services. Both organisations also plan to explore joint AI applications and international funding opportunities for wider global adoption. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed during the inaugural Japan-India AI Strategic Dialogue, a bilateral platform created to expand cooperation in AI and digital infrastructure. The event highlighted the growing focus on trusted data systems and technology partnerships between the two countries.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Defence Ministry Signs ₹975 Crore Tank Equipment Deals: The Defence Ministry has signed contracts worth nearly ₹975 crore to strengthen the Indian Army’s minefield breaching capability for its T-72 and T-90 tanks. The procurement focuses on TRAWL assemblies, a specialised system designed to help tanks safely cross minefields laid with anti-tank mines. The move is aimed at improving battlefield mobility and enhancing operational readiness along sensitive frontiers. TRAWL assembly is a critical minefield breaching equipment developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is mounted on T-72 and T-90 tanks and helps create safe lanes for armoured vehicles by neutralising anti-tank mines, including those fitted with proximity magnetic fuses. This significantly improves the Army’s ability to conduct offensive and defensive operations in mined zones.
SPORTS
1. ICC Confirms Trial Against Rodrigo Duterte: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will stand trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) after judges confirmed charges of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial “war on drugs.” The case is considered one of the most significant international criminal proceedings involving a former Asian head of state in recent years. Duterte is accused of extrajudicial killings carried out between 2011 and 2019, during his tenure as mayor and later as president of the Philippines. Prosecutors allege that thousands of people were killed as part of his anti-drug campaign, which human rights groups describe as systematic and unlawful. The ICC’s pre-trial judges stated that there were “substantial grounds” to believe Duterte committed crimes against humanity. More than 500 victims have been authorised to participate in the proceedings.
2. Pakistan Exit SAFF Women’s Championship 2026: The 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship, scheduled to be hosted by India in Goa, will now be played with six teams after Pakistan officially withdrew from the tournament. The Pakistan Football Federation confirmed the decision on April 23, reducing the expected participation from seven member nations. The event remains one of South Asia’s key women’s football competitions and will run from May 25 to June 6 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao. The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) had earlier announced that all seven member associations would participate, strengthening the tournament’s regional importance. However, Pakistan’s withdrawal has changed the competition structure. The Pakistan women’s team had been seeking more international exposure after facing administrative disruptions and limited match opportunities in recent years.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Rajasthan Recalls Seven Substandard Medicines Immediately: The Rajasthan health department has ordered the immediate withdrawal of seven medicines after laboratory testing found them to be substandard. The action was taken by the Commissionerate of Food Safety and Drugs Control to protect public health and prevent the use of poor-quality medicines that could lead to treatment failure and serious health risks. The recalled medicines include Cefixime Oral Suspension IP sold as Loraxim dry syrup, commonly used for bacterial infections such as throat, ear, bronchitis and urinary tract infections. Albendazole tablets, used to treat worm infestations and parasitic diseases, were also flagged. Other medicines include Istocuf-LS drops containing Ambroxol Hydrochloride, Levosalbutamol and Guaifenesin for cough treatment; Methylprednisolone tablets sold as Methyloactive-4 for inflammation control; Okuff-DX syrup used for cough relief; Cefuroxime Axetil tablets for bacterial infections; and Ciprofloxacin tablets used as a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
2. China Finds Rare Moon Mineral for Advanced LED Technology: Chinese researchers have discovered a new lunar mineral named Cerium–Magnesium Changesite, marking the 11th known mineral identified from the Moon. The finding was announced by the China Geological Survey and is considered a major development in extraterrestrial geology. Scientists believe the mineral could help improve high-efficiency LED technology and deepen understanding of lunar formation. The mineral was identified from a 44-gram solid spherical Moon meteorite recovered in China. The meteorite had a dark molten shell, indicating its intense journey through Earth’s atmosphere. Researchers found that the mineral is colourless, transparent and brittle, with crystal grains smaller than 10 micrometres. Its unusual structure and composition suggest that it formed under geological conditions very different from those found on Earth, making it valuable for studying lunar and planetary processes.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Jio Financial Services Partners with Allianz for Insurance JV; Reinsurance Arm Begins Operations : Jio Financial Services has partnered with Germany-based Allianz to form a 50:50 joint venture for expanding insurance business in India, covering general and health insurance. A separate reinsurance joint venture, Allianz Jio Reinsurance Ltd, has already begun operations after receiving approval from IRDAI.
2. RBI Cancels Paytm Payments Bank Licence; Assures Full Repayment to Depositors: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited, prohibiting it from conducting any business with immediate effect. The action follows earlier restrictions imposed in March 2022 and 2024, including a ban on onboarding new customers and accepting deposits or credits. RBI has assured that the bank has sufficient liquidity to repay all depositors during the winding-up process.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Padma Shri Awardee Bhagwandas Raikwar Dies: Renowned martial arts expert and Padma Shri awardee Bhagwandas Raikwar, popularly known as ‘Dau’, passed away. He was known for preserving Bundeli Martial Arts, specifically the ‘Akhada’ style.
2. Bagalkot University to Honour Nambi Narayanan with Doctorate: Bagalkot University in Karnataka will confer honorary doctorates on noted space scientist S. Nambi Narayanan, religious leader Sri Gurumahanth Swami of Chittaragi Shri Vijaya Mahantesha Samsthana Math, and tech entrepreneur-philanthropist Mahesh Bellad. The honours will be awarded during the university’s first convocation ceremony, marking an important milestone for the young institution established in 2023. The university’s maiden convocation will be held at Darbar Hall on the BLDE Association campus in Jamkhandi, Bagalkot district. The event is scheduled for Friday at 11:30 a.m. and symbolises the formal academic beginning of the university’s journey after its first batch of students graduated in 2025. The institution currently has 72 affiliated colleges and offers postgraduate programmes along with professional courses such as B.Ed and BP.Ed.
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