NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Meghalaya Launches CM-INSPIRE Scheme to Support UPSC Aspirants: The Meghalaya Government has launched the CM-INSPIRE Scheme to provide financial support to youth preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The scheme aims to encourage and assist aspirants in pursuing careers in civil services by reducing financial barriers.
2. Scindia Inaugurates Adani Vikas Kendra in MP to Empower Women Through Skill Development: Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated an Adani Vikas Kendra in Shivpuri to empower women through garment production and skill development. The 48,000 sq ft facility at Badarwas is equipped with 600 modern sewing machines and will function as both a training and production centre. Backed by Adani Foundation under the Swabhimaan programme, the initiative aims to provide sustainable livelihoods, with around 1,500 women expected to earn steady income.
3. PM Narendra Modi Releases Commemorative Stamp for Shri Ram College of Commerce: PM Narendra Modi released a commemorative postage stamp for Shri Ram College of Commerce, marking a significant milestone for the institution. Shri Ram College of Commerce is one of India’s premier commerce colleges under University of Delhi.
4. FSSAI Proposes Plastic-Free Packaging for Pan Masala: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a complete ban on plastic packaging for pan masala, gutka and similar products. The draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 aims to replace single-use plastic sachets with eco-friendly alternatives such as paper, paperboard, cellulose and other naturally derived materials. The move is part of a wider effort to reduce plastic waste and strengthen public health regulation. The draft regulation clearly states that pan masala, gutka and related tobacco products must be packed only in non-plastic materials. It bans all forms of plastic packaging, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PVC and multilayer laminates. The proposal also prohibits aluminium foil and metallised layers often used in sachet packaging. These restrictions will apply to both tobacco and non-tobacco variants of pan masala, making the rule broader in scope.
5. APEDA to Set Up Basmati Training Centre in Pilibhit: The Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) will establish a basmati and organic training centre along with a demonstration farm in Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh. The project has moved forward after the transfer of 7 acres of land at the government agriculture farm in Tanda Bijesi village. With an estimated investment of around Rs 15 crore, the centre aims to improve premium basmati cultivation, organic farming practices and export readiness among farmers. The centre will provide specialised training to farmers in premium basmati rice cultivation, seed production, export standards and organic farming methods. It is expected to strengthen the agricultural economy of the region by promoting high-value crops and improving export opportunities. The project will be executed by the Public Works Department and construction is expected to be completed within one year. It is intended to serve not only Pilibhit farmers but also cultivators from nearby districts and neighbouring states.
6. RBI Launches Mission SAKSHAM for Cooperative Banks: The Reserve Bank of India has launched Mission SAKSHAM, a nationwide capacity-building programme for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), aimed at improving governance, resilience and professional standards across the sector. The initiative reflects the RBI’s broader push to modernise cooperative banking while preserving its community-focused structure. It is designed as a mission-mode exercise covering nearly 1.40 lakh participants across India through both physical and digital training modules. Mission SAKSHAM seeks to strengthen managerial and operational capabilities within UCBs. The focus is on improving governance standards, compliance culture and institutional resilience. RBI stated that the programme is intended to build stronger and more professionally managed cooperative banks that can meet modern banking standards. The word “SAKSHAM” means capable, reflecting the objective of making cooperative banks more efficient and future-ready in a changing financial environment.
7. Prashast 2.0 to Screen 21 Disabilities: The Union government is set to launch Prashast 2.0, an upgraded digital platform designed to identify 21 types of disabilities in children and improve support for Children With Special Needs (CWSN). The app aims to strengthen early screening, simplify certification and ensure better inclusion of such children in mainstream education. Prashast 2.0 will help school heads, teachers and special educators identify possible disabilities at the school level. Early screening is considered important for timely intervention, learning support and social inclusion. Teachers will be trained to observe behavioural, academic and social challenges among students. The upgraded app is expected to make the disability certification process easier and faster. Once a possible disability is identified, the student can be connected to the required support system without unnecessary delays. This will help families access benefits and educational assistance more efficiently.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Symbiosis Launches Asia’s First UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development: Symbiosis Skills and Professional University has launched Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development, strengthening India’s role in global gender and skilling initiatives. Jayant Chaudhary inaugurated the Chair during an international conference held in collaboration with UNESCO. The initiative has already trained over 10,000 underprivileged girls in advanced sectors like robotics and semiconductor technology, enhancing employability and income opportunities.
2. India–New Zealand Sign Historic FTA; 100% Duty-Free Access and $20 Billion Investment Boost Ties: India and New Zealand have signed a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant boost to bilateral economic relations. The agreement was signed at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay. Under the deal, India will receive 100% duty-free access for exports, while New Zealand has committed an investment of $20 billion in India.
3. Dinesh Trivedi Appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh: Former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to Bangladesh. A veteran politician and former Railway Minister, Trivedi brings extensive parliamentary and administrative experience.
4. 26 April – International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day : International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is observed on 26 April to honour the victims and survivors of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, one of the worst nuclear accidents in history. The day raises awareness about the long-term environmental, health, and social impacts caused by nuclear radiation and highlights the importance of nuclear safety.
5. 27 April – World Design Day: World Design Day is observed every year on 27 April to celebrate the importance of design in improving the quality of life and solving global challenges. The day highlights the role of designers in innovation, sustainability, and creating user-friendly solutions across industries.
6. 28 April – World Day for Safety and Health at Work : World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed on 28 April every year to promote safe, healthy, and decent working conditions across workplaces globally. The day is supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and focuses on preventing occupational accidents, injuries, and diseases.
7. UAE Exits OPEC Amid Iran War Oil Shock: The United Arab Emirates has announced that it will leave OPEC and OPEC+ from May 1, 2026, marking a major shift in global energy politics. The decision comes during a period of severe instability in oil markets caused by the US-Israel war on Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. As one of the world’s major oil producers, the UAE’s withdrawal is expected to affect both oil prices and the internal balance of the oil-exporting alliance. The UAE government stated that the decision reflects its long-term strategic and economic vision. It said the country now wants to prioritise national interests and adapt to its evolving energy profile. UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei described it as a policy decision based on current and future production goals rather than consultation with other member states. The UAE has often sought greater production flexibility, which was limited under OPEC’s quota-based system. With rising production capacity and ambitions for expansion, remaining under strict output controls was becoming less attractive.
8. China Expands Zero-Tariff Access for Africa: China has announced zero-tariff treatment for all African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing, starting from May 1, 2026. The move is aimed at strengthening China-Africa trade relations and improving market access for African exports. China’s zero-tariff policy will apply to 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing. For 20 African countries that are not classified as Least Developed Countries (LDCs), the policy will be implemented from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2028, through preferential tariff rates. China said it will continue negotiations for the China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development. It also plans to improve the green channel for African agricultural exports and increase trade facilitation measures to strengthen long-term economic cooperation.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Former Army Chief Manoj Naravane Releases New Book ‘The Curious and the Classified’: Manoj Mukund Naravane has released a new non-fiction book titled The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries. The release comes after earlier controversy over his unpublished memoir Four Stars of Destiny.
2. Indian Army Hosts Exercise Pragati in Meghalaya: The Indian Army will host the first edition of the multilateral military exercise ‘Pragati’ at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. Military delegations from 11 friendly countries will participate in the exercise, aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and improving operational coordination among regional armies. The initiative reflects India’s growing focus on regional security, strategic partnerships and collective preparedness in the Indian Ocean Region. Exercise Pragati has been designed to enhance interoperability, mutual trust and defence cooperation among participating nations. It provides a platform for friendly armies to exchange operational experiences, improve coordination and develop joint strategies for emerging security challenges. The Indian Army stated that the exercise highlights a shared commitment to collective security and regional stability. Such engagements are important in addressing common threats such as maritime security risks, humanitarian crises and transnational challenges.
3. DRDO Conducts Maiden NASM-SR Salvo Missile Launch: India achieved a significant milestone in defence capability with the successful maiden salvo launch of the Naval Anti-ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR). The test was jointly conducted by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy from a helicopter platform off the Odisha coast in the Bay of Bengal. The launch marks a major advancement in indigenous missile technology and naval warfare preparedness. The trial involved the firing of two missiles in quick succession from a single naval helicopter, demonstrating a salvo launch capability for the first time. Both missiles successfully met all operational objectives, including precision targeting and coordinated deployment. This achievement highlights India’s growing expertise in advanced air-launched anti-ship systems.
SPORTS
1. Sabastian Sawe Becomes First Athlete to Break 2-Hour Marathon Barrier at London Marathon 2026: Sabastian Sawe created history by becoming the first man to run an official marathon in under two hours. He achieved this milestone at the London Marathon 2026 with a record time of 1 hour 59 minutes 30 seconds. With this feat, he became the first athlete to break the 2-hour barrier in an official marathon race.
2. ISRO Opens Gaganyaan Astronaut Selection to Civilians: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to select a second batch of astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission, expanding eligibility beyond Indian Air Force test pilots. For the first time, civilians from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) backgrounds may be included as India strengthens its long-term human spaceflight programme. The first batch of four astronauts was selected in 2020 only from Indian Air Force test pilots. They later underwent advanced training in Russia under Roscosmos, including survival drills, zero-gravity simulations and spacecraft operations. Now, ISRO plans a second astronaut group to support future missions. Unlike the first round, the new selection is expected to include civilian professionals from STEM backgrounds along with military personnel. ISRO is considering a team of around 10 astronauts, including six military pilots and four civilian specialists, to create a more diverse and skilled astronaut corps.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Bengaluru Police Introduce AI-Powered Multilingual Namma 112: In a first-of-its-kind step in India, Bengaluru City Police have upgraded the Namma 112 emergency response system with a multilingual AI solution. The move aims to remove language barriers during emergencies and ensure faster and more accurate police assistance for all residents and visitors. The new system is called Multilingual Voice AI for Nationwide Key Interventions (VANKI). It has been integrated into the Namma 112 helpline to help callers communicate in the language they are most comfortable with while seeking emergency support. The AI platform currently supports more than 10 languages. These include Indian languages such as Bengali, Gujarati, Odia, Manipuri, Kashmiri, Nepali and Assamese. It also supports international languages like Spanish, French and Arabic, making it useful for foreign nationals living in or visiting Bengaluru.
2. Maharashtra Approves AI Policy 2026: The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026 with a planned investment of ₹10,000 crore to strengthen the state’s AI ecosystem. The policy aims to promote innovation, create jobs, support industries and position Maharashtra as a leading artificial intelligence hub in India. The policy targets the creation of 1.5 lakh employment opportunities across sectors linked to artificial intelligence. Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Minister Ashish Shelar said the main objective is large-scale employment generation and stronger economic growth through technology-driven development.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. PNB Partners with Kiwi to Launch RuPay-Based Credit Card for UPI Payments: Punjab National Bank has partnered with Kiwi to enable credit-based UPI payments for its customers. A new PNB Kiwi Credit Card has been launched under this collaboration, issued on the RuPay network.
2. MobiKwik Gets RBI NBFC License: Indian fintech firm One MobiKwik Systems has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for an NBFC license, enabling it to enter the regulated lending space. The license will allow the company to launch Mobikwik Financial Services, offering secured and unsecured loans to consumers and small businesses, especially in underserved segments.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Guntur Municipal Corporation Wins UNIDO’s GEM Award for Women Empowerment and Green Initiative: Guntur Municipal Corporation won the 4th Gender Equality Mobilisation (GEM) Award by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation at the International Day of Women in Industry 2026 in Vienna. The award recognises GMC’s initiative integrating women empowerment with environmental sustainability by training over 200 women as electric auto drivers for waste collection. The project is implemented under the UNIDO-supported Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Pilot (SCIAP), promoting zero-emission waste management and inclusion of women in the green economy.
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