Daily GK Update-23rd April, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bikaji Foods Founder Shiv Ratan Agarwal Dies at 74 : Shiv Ratan Agarwal, the promoter, chairman and whole-time director of Bikaji Foods International, passed away at the age of 74 following a heart attack. He was widely recognised for transforming Bikaji from a regional snacks business in Bikaner into one of India’s leading ethnic snacks companies and a globally known FMCG brand. Agarwal was the grandson of the founder of Haldiram’s and belonged to one of India’s most well-known traditional snacks business families. In 1986, he separated from the family business and established Shivdeep Products, which was later rebranded as Bikaji in 1993.

His entrepreneurial vision focused on building an independent identity rooted in traditional Indian snacks while expanding into modern organised retail and exports.

 

2. 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.

 

3. 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.

 

4. Shekha Jheel Becomes India’s 99th Ramsar Site: Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, has been designated as India’s 99th Ramsar site, marking another major step in the country’s wetland conservation efforts. With this recognition, Uttar Pradesh now has 12 Ramsar sites, the highest among Indian states, further strengthening its ecological importance. The announcement was made by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who described the designation as a boost for biodiversity, local livelihoods, climate security, and water conservation. The recognition also brings India closer to reaching 100 Ramsar sites, a major environmental milestone. Shekha Jheel is one of the most significant wetlands in western Uttar Pradesh and serves as an important bird habitat. Located in Aligarh district, the wetland is especially known for attracting large numbers of migratory birds during the winter season. It functions as a major stopover on the Central Asian Flyway, one of the world’s most important migratory bird routes. Bird species commonly recorded here include the Bar-headed Goose, Painted Stork, and several species of ducks.

 

5. Govt May Review Bank Voting Rights Cap: The Union government is likely to review the 26 per cent voting rights cap in banks under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, as part of efforts to attract long-term strategic and foreign capital into the banking sector. The proposed move is expected to be examined by a high-level banking committee formed under the broader Viksit Bharat vision, with the aim of making Indian banks more globally competitive and investment-friendly. At present, even if an investor holds a larger equity stake in a private bank, voting rights are capped at 26 per cent under the Banking Regulation Act. This means ownership and decision-making power are not fully aligned. For example, foreign investors can hold up to 74 per cent aggregate stake in Indian private banks, but their voting power cannot exceed 26 per cent. This restriction has long been seen as a limitation for strategic investors.

 

6. Andhra Pradesh Pushes Clean Energy Vision at Global Forum: Andhra Pradesh presented its Integrated Clean Energy Policy at the ongoing World Climate Cities Forum in Yeosu, South Korea, highlighting the state’s ambition to become a global clean energy hub. Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) Chairman C. Divakar Reddy led the delegation and emphasised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047 while ensuring reliable and affordable electricity for all consumers. The state government is actively promoting renewable energy across multiple sectors, including solar power, wind energy, pumped storage, battery energy storage systems, green hydrogen and biofuel technologies. The Integrated Clean Energy Policy offers incentives to investors and includes a single-window clearance mechanism along with Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to accelerate industrial participation and large-scale clean energy development.

 

7. Former Andhra CM Nadendla Bhaskara Rao Dies at 90: Former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) co-founder Nadendla Bhaskara Rao passed away in Hyderabad on April 22, 2026, at the age of 90. He was undergoing treatment for age-related ailments at a private super-speciality hospital. Known for one of the most dramatic political episodes in Andhra Pradesh history, he served as Chief Minister for just 31 days in 1984 during a major political revolt against N.T. Rama Rao (NTR). Nadendla Bhaskara Rao became Chief Minister in 1984 after a political rebellion within the TDP when NTR had travelled to the United States for heart surgery. With the support of a section of TDP legislators and Congress (I), he replaced NTR and took office. However, his government lasted only 31 days as a massive “Save Democracy” movement emerged demanding NTR’s return. Following strong public and political pressure, the Centre recalled Governor Thakur Ram Lal and NTR was reinstated.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Finland Builds World’s First Permanent Nuclear Waste Vault : Finland is preparing to operationalise the world’s first permanent underground repository for highly radioactive nuclear waste. Located beneath Olkiluoto Island, the Onkalo facility is designed to safely store spent nuclear fuel for up to 100,000 years. The project marks a major step in solving one of nuclear energy’s biggest long-term challenges—safe disposal of radioactive waste. Since the 1950s, nuclear reactors worldwide have produced nearly 400,000 tonnes of spent fuel. Although this fuel is no longer usable for power generation, it remains dangerously radioactive for thousands of years. Most countries currently store such waste in temporary cooling pools or dry casks, which are safe only for limited periods. The long-term risk lies in radiation leakage, environmental contamination and human exposure. This has remained one of the strongest criticisms against expanding nuclear power despite its low carbon emissions.

 

2. OGAI to Regulate India’s Online Gaming Sector from May: India’s online gaming sector will come under a new regulatory framework as the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) becomes operational from May 1, 2026. The authority has been established under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, with the aim of creating a structured and transparent system for online gaming in the country. The move comes as India’s digital gaming market continues to expand rapidly, especially in real-money gaming, fantasy sports, esports, and skill-based online platforms. The government aims to ensure better oversight while promoting responsible growth in the sector. The Online Gaming Authority of India will function as a digital office under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It will be chaired by the Additional Secretary of MeitY, ensuring direct administrative oversight by the central government. The authority will also include Joint Secretary-level officials from key ministries such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Department of Legal Affairs.

 

3. EU Approves €90 Billion Ukraine Aid and Russia Sanctions: The European Union has approved a €90 billion financial assistance package for Ukraine along with its 20th round of sanctions against Russia after Hungary withdrew its opposition. The move reflects renewed unity within the bloc as Brussels continues to strengthen support for Kyiv and increase pressure on Moscow during the ongoing war. The decisions were backed by ambassadors from all 27 EU member states and are expected to be formally adopted through a written procedure. The approval ends months of delay caused by Hungary’s objections linked to oil transit and broader political disagreements. Hungary, led by outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, had blocked both the Ukraine aid package and the new sanctions. Budapest raised concerns over disruptions in Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, which is a key energy route for Hungary and Slovakia. The issue emerged after damage caused by Russian attacks affected oil transit through Ukraine. Hungary argued that delays in restoring the route threatened its energy security and criticised Kyiv over the matter.

 

4. L&T Signs Green Ammonia Supply Deal with Japan: Larsen and Toubro (L&T) has signed a long-term agreement with Japan’s ITOCHU Corporation for the annual supply of 300,000 tonnes of green ammonia, marking another major step in India’s clean energy export ambitions. The deal will be executed through L&T Energy GreenTech and supports India’s broader strategy of becoming a global supplier of green hydrogen and its derivatives such as green ammonia. Under the agreement, L&T Energy GreenTech will supply 300,000 tonnes of green ammonia every year from its proposed production facility in Gujarat. Green ammonia is produced using green hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources and is considered an important low-carbon fuel option. It is especially significant for sectors like shipping, where decarbonisation remains a major challenge.

 

5. India Targets Blood Centre in Every District: India has set a national goal of establishing at least one blood centre in every district by December 2026 to ensure timely access to safe blood and reduce transfusion-related risks. The Health Ministry reviewed blood transfusion services across states and Union Territories and found that nearly 10 per cent of districts still do not have a blood centre, highlighting major infrastructure and service delivery gaps. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conducted a national-level review of blood transfusion services through a video conference with states and Union Territories. The assessment covered five key stages: licensing and renewal, donor screening and blood collection, testing for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs), processing and storage, and reporting and record-keeping. Performance was measured using 10 key performance indicators based on data from eRaktKosh, BBMS and CDSCO.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Nireekshak Visits Sri Lanka for Joint Naval Training: Indian Naval Ship INS Nireekshak has arrived at Colombo port in Sri Lanka for an operational turnaround and training visit aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries. The visit highlights the growing defence partnership between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in naval coordination and regional maritime security. The Sri Lankan Navy formally welcomed the vessel following traditional naval customs. The visit includes specialised diving exercises, humanitarian assistance, and defence cooperation activities that reflect the strategic importance of India-Sri Lanka maritime relations.

INS Nireekshak is a diving support and submarine rescue vessel of the Indian Navy. It plays an important role in underwater operations, salvage missions, submarine rescue support, and specialised naval diving tasks.

Commanded by Commander Sailesh Kumar Tyagi, the vessel is currently in Sri Lanka to conduct a training programme with diving professionals of the Sri Lanka Navy. The mission focuses on improving technical coordination and operational preparedness between the two naval forces.

 

2. Pakistan Tests Taimoor Anti-Ship Cruise Missile: Pakistan has announced the successful test of its indigenously developed anti-ship weapon system, the “Taimoor” air-launched cruise missile, just a week after testing an anti-ship ballistic missile. The latest missile trial reflects Islamabad’s continued focus on strengthening naval strike capabilities and maritime defence preparedness in the region. The test took place on April 22, the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, which had triggered major tensions between India and Pakistan and was followed by India’s Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure inside Pakistani territory. According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Taimoor is an air-launched anti-ship cruise missile designed to engage and neutralise enemy sea-based threats at extended ranges. The military described it as a demonstration of precision strike capability and operational readiness.

The missile reportedly completed its mission with high accuracy, strengthening Pakistan Navy’s ability to detect, track, and destroy hostile maritime targets. It is aimed at improving Pakistan’s conventional deterrence posture in the Arabian Sea region.

 

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.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. 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.

 

2. Turkey Tightens Social Media Access for Children: Türkiye’s Parliament has passed a new Bill aimed at restricting access to social media platforms for children under the age of 15. The move reflects a growing global trend where governments are introducing stricter digital safety laws for minors. The legislation comes amid rising concern over harmful online content, cyberbullying, addiction and exposure to unsafe digital spaces. Under the proposed law, major platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram will be required to introduce age-verification systems to prevent children under 15 from opening accounts. Companies must also provide parental control tools so guardians can monitor and manage access. Platforms will be expected to respond quickly to harmful or inappropriate content affecting minors.

 

3. China Selects Pakistani Astronauts for Tiangong Mission: China has selected two Pakistani astronauts as candidates for a future mission to its Tiangong space station, marking a major step in bilateral space cooperation between the two countries. If the mission proceeds successfully, one of them could become the first foreign astronaut to visit China’s space station and the first Pakistani to travel into Earth’s orbit. The China Manned Space Agency announced that Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud cleared multiple rounds of selection and will soon travel to China for advanced astronaut training. The development reflects growing strategic cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad in the space sector. According to the China Manned Space Agency, both selected candidates will undergo specialised astronaut training in China. After completing all required courses and assessments, one astronaut will be chosen as a payload specialist for a future crewed mission to the Tiangong space station. A payload specialist is responsible for managing scientific experiments, technology testing, and mission-specific research tasks aboard the space station. This role is critical for international collaboration missions involving scientific exchange.

 

4. Ancient DNA Reveals Hidden Neanderthal Group: Scientists have uncovered one of the clearest genetic snapshots of a Neanderthal community from around 100,000 years ago in present-day Poland. A new study published in “Current Biology” analysed ancient mitochondrial DNA from eight Neanderthal teeth discovered in Stajnia Cave, offering rare evidence of a small group of Neanderthals living together in Central-Eastern Europe. The discovery helps researchers better understand family ties, migration patterns and population history among Neanderthals across Europe. Researchers extracted mitochondrial DNA from eight teeth found in Stajnia Cave, located north of the Carpathian Mountains in southern Poland. From this, they reconstructed the genetic profile of at least seven Neanderthals who lived at the same place during the same period. This is the first time scientists have rebuilt a multi-individual Neanderthal genetic picture from a single site and era in this region, providing a much clearer view of how small Neanderthal groups may have lived together.

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NSE-Listed Companies’ CSR Spending Jumps 23% to ₹22,212 Crore in FY25 : CSR spending by companies listed on the National Stock Exchange main board increased by 23% to ₹22,212 crore in FY 2024–25, compared to ₹18,011 crore in the previous year, according to a report by PrimeInfobase (PRIME Database Group). The rise in CSR expenditure was driven by a 22% increase in average net profit over the last three years, which determines mandatory CSR spending under the Companies Act requirement of 2% of average net profits. Reliance Industries Ltd topped CSR spending with ₹1,309.5 crore, followed by HDFC Bank at ₹1,068.03 crore and Tata Consultancy Services at ₹960 crore. Among states, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu emerged as the leading recipients of CSR funds.

 

2. India’s Eight Core Industries Contract 0.4% in March After Five Months of Growth: India’s Eight Core Industries recorded a 4% contraction in March, marking the first decline in the last five months, as per data released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The Eight Core Industries include Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement, and Electricity, which are key drivers of industrial growth. These sectors collectively account for 40.27% weight in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), making them a crucial indicator of India’s industrial performance.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Goldman Prize Honours Women Climate Defenders: The 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize has recognised six women environmental defenders from across the world for their grassroots efforts to protect nature and communities. Often called the “Green Nobel”, the award honours individuals from six global regions who take extraordinary action for environmental protection. This year marks a historic first, as all six winners are women, highlighting the growing leadership of women in global climate and conservation movements. Among the winners is 24-year-old Colombian activist Yuvelis Natalia Morales Blanco, who helped stop hydraulic fracturing projects along the Magdalena River, Colombia’s largest river and one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. She co-founded AguaWil, a youth movement opposing fracking in Puerto Wilches after the government approved pilot projects backed by Ecopetrol and ExxonMobil in 2019. Despite death threats and forced exile to France, she continued her campaign and became a national symbol of youth-led environmental resistance.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 22nd April, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet Approves ‘Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool’ with ₹12,980 Crore Sovereign Guarantee : The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the creation of the ‘Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool’ (BMI Pool), backed by a sovereign guarantee of ₹12,980 crore, to ensure continuous and affordable maritime insurance coverage.The BMI Pool will provide insurance for vessels carrying cargo to and from Indian ports, including those transiting volatile maritime corridors, and will cover all major maritime risks such as Hull & Machinery, Cargo, Protection & Indemnity (P&I), and War risks.It aims to reduce India’s heavy dependence on the International Group of Protection and Indemnity (IGP&I) Clubs, ensuring continuity of trade even in situations involving geopolitical tensions, sanctions, or withdrawal of foreign insurance coverage.The Pool will have a combined underwriting capacity of around ₹950 crore, with policies issued by member insurers. It will also help develop specialized domestic expertise in marine underwriting, claims management, and legal matters tailored to Indian shipping needs, while a Governing Body will oversee its functioning.

 

2. NITI Aayog Launches “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India” Anthology for Tourism Promotion: NITI Aayog launched the anthology “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India”, released by Vice Chairman Suman Bery in New Delhi to promote tourism across all States and Union Territories.The book serves as a year-round tourism guide, covering destinations, culture, cuisine, textiles, and handicrafts, along with a monthly travel calendar and state-wise details highlighting both famous and lesser-known places.It complements initiatives like Dekho Apna Desh and Swadesh Darshan, along with the plan to develop 50 global destinations, aimed at boosting tourism and improving infrastructure standards.

 

3. PM Modi to Inaugurate India’s First Greenfield Integrated Refinery-Petrochemical Complex in Rajasthan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India’s first Greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra, Rajasthan.The project has been developed as a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Government of Rajasthan, at a cost of over ₹1,79,450 crore.The refinery has a capacity of 9 MMTPA, along with a petrochemical production capacity of 2.4 MMTPA, making it a major energy infrastructure project.

 

4. India’s Eight Core Industries Contract 0.4% in March After Five Months of Growth: India’s Eight Core Industries recorded a 4% contraction in March, marking the first decline in the last five months, as per data released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.The Eight Core Industries include Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement, and Electricity, which are key drivers of industrial growth.These sectors collectively account for 40.27% weight in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), making them a crucial indicator of India’s industrial performance.

 

5. NSE-Listed Companies’ CSR Spending Jumps 23% to ₹22,212 Crore in FY25: CSR spending by companies listed on the National Stock Exchange main board increased by 23% to ₹22,212 crore in FY 2024–25, compared to ₹18,011 crore in the previous year, according to a report by PrimeInfobase (PRIME Database Group).The rise in CSR expenditure was driven by a 22% increase in average net profit over the last three years, which determines mandatory CSR spending under the Companies Act requirement of 2% of average net profits.Reliance Industries Ltd topped CSR spending with ₹1,309.5 crore, followed by HDFC Bank at ₹1,068.03 crore and Tata Consultancy Services at ₹960 crore.Among states, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu emerged as the leading recipients of CSR funds.

 

6. Indian Landfills Among Top Methane Super-Emitters: Two landfill sites in Telangana and Maharashtra have been listed among the world’s top 25 methane “super-polluters” in 2025, according to the report “Spotlight on the Top 25 Methane Plumes in 2025: Landfills” by UCLA’s STOP Methane Project. The findings highlight the growing climate and public health risks linked to landfill emissions, especially in rapidly urbanising regions where unmanaged waste generates large methane plumes. The report identified 25 landfill sites across 18 countries with the highest methane emission rates detected from space. Satellite data from Carbon Mapper tracked nearly 3,000 methane plumes from over 700 waste sites worldwide. The listed facilities emitted between 3.6 and 7.5 tonnes of methane per hour. A landfill near Buenos Aires, Argentina, was found to be the highest emitter globally, releasing around 7.6 tonnes per hour.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Bank Approves $225 Million Loan for Rajasthan Highway Modernisation Project: The World Bank has approved a USD 225 million loan for the Rajasthan Highway Modernisation Project to enhance road efficiency, resilience, and safety across the state.The project is expected to directly benefit over 3 million people by improving connectivity and stimulating job creation in key economic sectors including agriculture, industry, mining, and tourism.This funding from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a 35-year maturity period and a 5-year grace period.

 

2. India and South Korea to increase bilateral trade to 50 billion dollars by 2030: India and South Korea signed four MoUs covering Sports, Cultural & Creative Industries, MSMEs, and the establishment of an Industrial Cooperation Committee, along with agreements on CEPA upgrade negotiations and the India-Korea Digital Bridge.The agreements were finalized after talks between Narendra Modi and Lee Jae Myung in New Delhi, emphasizing peace, stability, and a shared Indo-Pacific vision.Both nations launched the India-Korea Digital Bridge to deepen cooperation in AI, semiconductors, and IT, while also expanding collaboration across sectors from defence to energy and culture.Bilateral trade has reached $27 billion, with a target of $50 billion by 2030, alongside growing cultural ties (K-Pop, Indian cinema) and South Korea joining initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

3. Ministry of Textiles Launches ‘Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World’ to Globalize Indian Handlooms : The Ministry of Textiles has launched the initiative ‘Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World’, developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology, to promote Indian handlooms in a global design framework.The initiative features 30 distinct handloom weaves from 30 states, creatively reinterpreted with design inspirations from 30 countries and showcased at the 61st Femina Miss India event in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.It aligns with the Government’s vision of “Vocal for Local to Global” and the Prime Minister’s 5F framework (Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign), highlighting cultural heritage, sustainability, and global textile outreach.

 

4. Dinesh Trivedi Appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh: Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh.He is a former Union Minister, having served as Railway Minister and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, and also represented Barrackpore as a Member of Parliament.

 

5. 22 April – Earth Day : Earth Day is observed every year on April 22 to raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainability worldwide.It was first celebrated in 1970, and today involves participation from over 190 countries, making it one of the largest global environmental movements.The day promotes actions like climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and sustainable living practices.

 

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.

 

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

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. CBI Launches AI Chatbot ‘Abhay’ to Verify Notices and Combat Digital Scams: The Central Bureau of Investigation (Central Bureau of Investigation) has launched an AI-powered chatbot named ‘Abhay’ to help citizens verify official notices and protect them from digital scams.The chatbot enables users to check whether a notice is genuine or fake, thereby reducing panic and preventing financial fraud.It was unveiled by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, marking a step towards technology-driven fraud prevention.

 

2. NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Telescope to map space 1,000 times faster than Hubble: NASA Completes Roman Space Telescope Assembly
NASA has completed the final assembly of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, marking a major milestone ahead of its planned 2026 launch. Built at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, the observatory is expected to become one of the most powerful survey telescopes ever developed. Often seen as the next major mission after the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, Roman will study dark energy, galaxy formation and distant planetary systems on an unprecedented scale.The Roman Space Telescope is designed to observe the universe in visible and near-infrared light. Its main mirror is 2.4 metres wide, similar in size to the Hubble Space Telescope. However, its field of view is nearly 100 times larger in a single image. This allows it to scan large regions of space much faster. NASA says Roman can collect survey data nearly 1,000 times faster than Hubble, making it ideal for wide-field cosmic mapping.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Ahana Launches RBI Reporting Solution for Co-operative Banks with Proprietary Data Model: Ahana has launched an RBI reporting solution for co-operative banks, built on its proprietary Data Model to streamline reporting across core banking, treasury, and digital systems.The solution addresses challenges like fragmented data, manual extraction, validation, reconciliation, and heavy reliance on spreadsheet-based workflows in reporting cycles.It provides a governed and standardised reporting framework that consolidates data and supports RBI and MIS reporting through structured pipelines and analytics-driven processes.

 

2. India Post Achieves Record ₹15,296 Crore Revenue in FY26, Registers 16% Growth: India Post recorded a historic revenue of ₹15,296 crore in FY 2025–26, marking a strong 16% growth, as highlighted by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.The growth was driven by key segments like parcels (+69%), mail services (+34%), and citizen-centric services (+70%), along with expansion in savings bank and insurance services.India Post is transitioning into a revenue-driven, citizen-centric organisation, focusing on premium services (24/48 Speed Post), digital transformation, and enhanced logistics to become a future profit centre.

 

3. BHIM App Introduces New Feature to Check CIBIL Score Directly via NPCI Support : The NPCI-backed National Payments Corporation of India (BHIM app) has introduced a new feature that allows users to check their CIBIL score directly within the app.This facility has been launched in partnership with TransUnion CIBIL, enhancing easy and secure access to credit score information for users.

 

4. CheQ and AU Small Finance Bank Launch India’s First LED-Powered Co-Branded Credit Card ‘CheQ AU Credit Card’: CheQ has partnered with AU Small Finance Bank to launch India’s first co-branded LED-powered credit card named “CheQ AU Credit Card”, offering an innovative digital banking experience.The credit card lights up during transactions using energy from the NFC field of POS terminals, eliminating the need for any internal battery.The card supports dual payment networks, enabling Visa for global transactions and RuPay for UPI-based payments in India.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Sadhvi Satish Sail Crowned Miss India 2026; Rajnandini Pawar Secures Runner-Up Title: Sadhvi Satish Sail from Goa was crowned Miss India 2026, while Rajnandini Pawar from Maharashtra secured the 1st runner-up position.The 61st edition of Miss India was held on April 18, 2026, at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in Bhubaneswar, celebrating the theme “Daughters of This Soil.” Sadhvi Satish Sail was crowned by Nikita Porwal and will represent India at the Miss World 2027.

 

Daily GK Update- 21st April, 2026

 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.