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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Issues New Guidelines to Accelerate Inward Cross-Border Remittances and Reduce Banking Delays

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed banks to speed up cross-border inward payments by eliminating processing delays.
• RBI observed that many banks rely on end-of-day nostro account reconciliation, which leads to delays in crediting beneficiary accounts.
• Banks are now required to perform frequent reconciliation of nostro accounts, preferably on a near real-time basis, with intervals not exceeding one hour.
• Inward remittances received during foreign exchange market hours must be credited to customers on the same business day, and those received after market hours must be credited on the next business day.
• Banks must immediately inform customers upon receiving cross-border payment messages, or at the start of the next working day if received after business hours.
• RBI has also directed banks to provide a digital interface for forex transactions, including document submission and transaction tracking.
• These measures align with Payments Vision 2025 and G20 objectives of ensuring faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border payments.
• The guidelines will come into effect after a 6-month implementation period.

Recent News :

• In April 2026, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed a revamp of the Business Correspondent (BC) model to strengthen last-mile banking delivery and financial inclusion.

PayU and 8B forge strategic alliance to boost India–Central Asia digital payment connectivity

• PayU and 8B signed a strategic partnership to expand digital payment connectivity between India and Central Asia.
• The partnership enables Indian travellers to use UPI, net banking, and debit/credit cards for cross-border payments in Central Asia.
• It integrates PayU’s payment infrastructure (APIs) with 8B’s merchant network, ensuring seamless transaction capability.
• The service is available across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, expanding regional payment acceptance.
• Indian users can make payments abroad using familiar domestic apps, making transactions feel like local payments.
• Central Asian merchants can accept UPI payments without additional hardware, improving ease of adoption.
• The system functions as a one-way payment bridge, where Indian users pay abroad and funds are routed to local merchants.
• Transactions are processed through compliant financial channels, ensuring security and regulatory adherence.
• The partnership supports UPI (Unified Payments Interface), one of the fastest-growing digital payment systems globally.
• This collaboration marks a major milestone in strengthening digital payment infrastructure and financial integration between India and Central Asia.

Recent News :

• In March 2026, PayU entered into a strategic partnership with ai, the creator of BharatGPT, to enable AI-driven agentic payments in India.

State Bank of India Overtakes ICICI Bank in Market Capitalisation Ranking

• The State Bank of India (SBI) has overtaken ICICI Bank to become the 2nd-largest bank by market capitalisation in India.
• SBI’s market capitalisation reached approximately ₹9.60 trillion, surpassing ICICI Bank’s ~₹9.57 trillion, after a gap of over 6 years.
• The rise was supported by a ~7% surge in SBI’s stock price, reaching an all-time high.
• The rally reflects investor re-rating of PSU banks, with perception shifting towards profitability, efficiency, and stability.
• HDFC Bank retained its position as India’s most valuable bank, despite a 26.1% decline in market cap to ₹11,261 billion.
• The decline in HDFC Bank’s valuation was partly due to stock pressure following the resignation of Chairman Atanu Chakraborty.
• According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, SBI’s improved ranking reflects a relatively stable outlook compared to peers.
• During the January–March quarter, 18 out of the top 20 banks witnessed a decline in market capitalisation.
• The decline was driven by a broad-based sell-off amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
• Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) turned net sellers, offloading around $10.8 billion worth of Indian equities in March.
• Market sentiment was impacted by global uncertainties, including tensions involving the United States and Iran.
• The Nifty Bank Index declined by 11.72% year-to-date (as of April 7), reflecting broader weakness in the banking sector.
• The Nifty 50 Index also fell by 11.56%, indicating a wider market downturn.

Axis Bank Joins NPCI’s Banking Connect Platform to Boost Interoperable Netbanking Services

• NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) has onboarded Axis Bank onto its Banking Connect platform, joining major banks like State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank.
• The integration will enable 37 million Axis Bank customers to experience faster checkout and smoother netbanking payments across 4,800+ merchants.
• The Banking Connect platform (launched in 2025) simplifies merchant onboarding and payment integration using standardised APIs, reducing complexity for banks and payment aggregators.
• Currently, 8 banks and 11 payment aggregators (PAs) are live on the platform, indicating rapid adoption of digital payment infrastructure.
• The platform enhances interoperability between payment aggregators and banks for seamless netbanking transactions.
• It also enables advanced features like Direct-to-Merchant Settlements, Third-Party Verification (TPV), and mandate & lien capabilities for high-volume transactions.
• The system replaces the traditional model where each payment aggregator had to integrate individually with each bank, reducing operational complexity.
• NPCI is the parent organisation of NBBL, strengthening India’s digital payments ecosystem under a unified framework.

Recent News :

• In April 2026, Axis Bank launched a digital mobile number update facility on its mobile banking app using Aadhaar Face Authentication.

About Axis Bank:

• Founded Year: 1993
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry
• Slogan: "Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi" (A Life of Progress)

Reserve Bank of India Frequently Asked Questions on Digital Rupee (e₹)

• Digital Rupee (e₹) is India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) issued by the Reserve Bank of India and is the digital form of physical currency (₹) with equal value (at par) to cash.

Key Highlights :

• e₹ provides features similar to physical cash, including convenience, safety, and ease of use in digital transactions.
• e₹ can be stored and transacted through e₹ wallets for person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M)
• An e₹ wallet is a digital wallet on mobile devices offered by banks and non-banks under the retail CBDC pilot.
• The RBI issues e₹ electronically to banks and non-banks, which are responsible for customer onboarding and wallet creation.
• e₹ can be loaded, redeemed, and transferred 24×7 between bank accounts and e₹ wallets by users and merchants in the pilot system.
• There is no minimum balance requirement for maintaining an e₹ wallet, and it is currently linked to savings accounts.
• e₹ is available in the same denominations as physical currency ensuring uniformity with cash usage.
• e₹ supports decimal/fractional transactions with payments allowed up to two decimal places.
• There are no charges or fees for using e₹ or e₹ wallets, making it cost-effective.
• As per Section 26 of the RBI Act, 1934, e₹ is a legal tender and is guaranteed by the Central Government.
• e₹ differs from Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as it is a currency and store of value, whereas UPI is only a payment mechanism.
• e₹ can be withdrawn from bank accounts and stored separately in wallets, functioning like digital cash storage.
• Currently, 19 banks are providing CBDC (e₹) wallet services in India.
• Wholesale CBDC (e₹-W) is designed for financial institutions and intermediaries to enable efficient interbank settlements and large-value transactions.
• Wholesale CBDC focuses on reducing settlement risks and improving financial system infrastructure, while retail CBDC enhances accessibility and financial inclusion.
• Retail CBDC (e₹-R) is meant for the general public and is used for day-to-day transactions like physical cash in digital form.
• There are currently 16 participants (banks and non-banks) in the wholesale CBDC pilot.
• The key use cases of e₹-W include settlement of Government Securities (G-Sec) secondary market transactions, interbank lending and borrowing in the call money market, and tokenised issuance and settlement of Certificates of Deposit (CDs).

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Approved Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved ₹14,105.83 crore for the 1,200-megawatt Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh to strengthen renewable energy capacity and infrastructure development in the North-Eastern region.
• The project will be developed on the Lohit River in Anjaw district, marking the first hydropower project in the Lohit Basin.
• The Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project will have an installed capacity of 1,200 megawatts, comprising six units of 190 megawatts each and one unit of 60 megawatts, and is expected to generate 4,852.95 million units of electricity annually.
• The project will be implemented through a joint venture between THDC India Limited and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, ensuring both technical expertise and State participation, and is scheduled for completion within 78 months.
• The Central Government will provide ₹599.88 crore for enabling infrastructure such as roads, bridges, transmission lines, and connectivity facilities, improving regional infrastructure along with renewable energy generation capacity.
• Alongside this project, the Kamala Hydroelectric Project was also approved with an investment of ₹26,069.50 crore and an installed capacity of 1,720 megawatts, expected to generate 6,870 million units of electricity annually, reflecting a combined hydropower investment of over ₹40,000 crore in the North-Eastern region.

RECENT NEWS

• Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day 2026 will be celebrated on 20 February to mark the formation of Arunachal Pradesh as the 24th state of India in 1987.

About Arunachal Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Pema Khandu
• Governor: General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
• Capital: Itanagar
• National Parks: Namdapha National Park, Mouling National Park, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary,
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pakke Tiger Reserve, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Dampa Tiger Reserve, Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary

National Highways Authority of India Launched ‘Arogya Van’ Initiative to Plant Medicinal Trees Along Highways

• The National Highways Authority of India launched the ‘Arogya Van’ initiative to plant medicinal trees along National Highways to promote biodiversity, ecological sustainability, and awareness of traditional medicinal systems such as Ayurveda.
• The initiative aims to transform highways into green ecological corridors by integrating plantation of medicinally significant plant species with environmental conservation objectives.
• In the first phase, plantations will be carried out across 17 land parcels covering 62.8 hectares, with approximately 67,462 medicinal trees to be planted across States including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
• A total of 36 medicinal plant species have been selected under the initiative based on their ecological adaptability and medicinal value, including Neem, Amla, Jamun, Tamarind, Gular, and Maulsari.
• Priority plantation locations include toll plazas, interchanges, cloverleaf junctions, and wayside amenities to maximise visibility and promote awareness among highway users.
• Additionally, around 188 hectares of vacant land has been identified for future plantation during the monsoon season to improve survival rates of medicinal plants.
• The initiative will help support pollinators such as bees and butterflies, provide habitat for birds and small fauna, improve soil quality, and strengthen ecosystem resilience along National Highways.

RECENT NEWS

• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a first-of-its-kind BeeCorridors initiative along National Highways. The decision was shared on 17 February 2026. Under this eco-friendly plan, NHAI will develop pollinator or bee-friendly corridors with flowering trees and plants.

Vantara Announced Vantara University in Jamnagar, Gujarat for Wildlife Conservation and Veterinary Sciences

• Vantara announced the establishment of Vantara University in Jamnagar, Gujarat, under the leadership of Anant Ambani.
• The university is envisioned as a modern Gurukul-style institution and aims to become the world’s first integrated global university dedicated to wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and veterinary sciences.
• The university aims to position India as a global leader in conservation education, animal welfare, and veterinary science training through an integrated multidisciplinary academic ecosystem.
• The institution will focus on training professionals in wildlife medicine, conservation science, and ethical animal care, while combining scientific research with real-world field experience.
• The vision of Vantara University draws inspiration from the legacy of Nalanda University, promoting holistic learning, compassion towards all living beings, integration of traditional knowledge with modern science, and global exchange of ideas.
• Vantara University will offer programmes at multiple academic levels including Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Fellowship, and specialised training programmes in disciplines such as wildlife medicine and surgery, veterinary sciences, animal nutrition and behaviour, genetics, epidemiology, and conservation policy.
• To promote inclusive access to education, the university announced initiatives such as the Vantara University Founding Fellows Programme and the ‘Every Life Matters’ Scholarships, aimed at supporting students from economically weaker sections and aspiring conservation researchers.
• Vantara is already recognised as a major centre for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, advanced veterinary care, conservation breeding, species recovery programmes, rewilding initiatives, and ecosystem restoration efforts, strengthening its foundation for establishing a global conservation-focused university.

RECENT NEWS

• The Gujarat High Court has issued the policy which the banning the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for making the judicial decisions or to drafting judgments. As High court has recognized that AI can improve efficiency but it also emphasized that human reasoning must remain at the center of justice to ensuring fairness, accountability and judicial independence. 

About Gujarat:

• Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Capital: Gandhinagar
• National Parks: Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Vansda National Park, Marine National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association India Region Zone VII Conference Concluded in Goa

• The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone VII Conference concluded in Goa, focusing on strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing women’s representation in policymaking, and increasing youth participation in governance.
• Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, emphasized the need to expand women’s participation in policymaking from Panchayats to Parliament, highlighting that inclusive governance leads to stronger democratic outcomes.
• The two-day conference witnessed participation of 51 legislators from CPA India Region Zone VII, which includes Goa, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
• The conference served as a platform for legislators to exchange ideas on governance, discuss policy challenges, and strengthen parliamentary practices, while reinforcing the role of State Legislatures in achieving national development goals.
• The conference highlighted the importance of youth participation in legislative processes as essential for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, stressing that youth bring innovation, fresh perspectives, and energy to governance.
• Discussions also focused on the Blue Economy, including sustainable use of ocean resources, maritime management, coastal infrastructure development, and trade-led economic growth, with Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa highlighted as examples of coastal development progress.
• The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association was established in 1911 and is headquartered in London. It brings together over 180 Legislatures across nine geographic regions of the Commonwealth to promote parliamentary democracy, gender equality, youth engagement, rule of law, and democratic governance.
• The CPA India Region consists of 32 Legislatures and is administratively divided into nine zones, with the Speaker of Lok Sabha serving as the Chairperson of the CPA India Region and the Secretariat located within the Lok Sabha at the Parliament of India.

About Goa:
• Chief Minister: Dr. Pramod Sawant
• Governor: Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju
• Capital: Panaji
• National Parks: Bhagwan Mahavir National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Gujarat Police Launched NARIT Artificial Intelligence System for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Cases

• Gujarat Police launched NARIT Artificial Intelligence (Narcotics Analysis and Retrieval-Augmented Generation-based Investigation Tool) becoming the first law enforcement agency in India to deploy an Artificial Intelligence-based investigation system for cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
• The system uses Retrieval-Augmented Generation-based analysis, enabling officers to process First Information Reports and generate structured investigation reports using verified legal databases instead of open internet sources, improving accuracy and reliability.
• NARIT Artificial Intelligence was developed by the Western Railway Police in Vadodara, in collaboration with a Mumbai-based Artificial Intelligence startup, marking a major innovation in India’s policing and investigation ecosystem.
• The initiative was conceptualised under K. L. N. Rao and supported by Harsh Sanghvi, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Gujarat, reflecting the State Government’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics crimes.
• After uploading a First Information Report, the system:
• analyses the case details,
• generates structured investigation reports,
• identifies strengths and weaknesses in the case,
• suggests legal remedies and next procedural steps,
• provides investigation guidelines based on High Court and Supreme Court judgments, and
• generates a checklist of required evidence for prosecution.
• The system integrates provisions from major criminal laws including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, along with Government circulars and judicial precedents to strengthen investigation quality.
• The initiative addresses procedural lapses in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances cases, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and helping investigators take corrective action before filing charges, thereby improving conviction outcomes.

Mundra Port Emerged as India’s Largest Automobile Export Hub

• Mundra Port has emerged as India’s largest automobile export hub after setting a national record by exporting 6,008 cars in a single vessel, highlighting the country’s growing strength in automobile exports and logistics efficiency.
• The port is operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited, and the achievement reflects strong alignment between India’s manufacturing expansion and modern port infrastructure capabilities.
• The record shipment was facilitated through the port’s advanced Roll-on/Roll-off terminal, which enables vehicles to be driven directly onto ships, ensuring:
• faster loading and unloading,
• reduced handling costs, and
• efficient large-scale transportation of vehicles.
• The milestone strengthens the role of Mundra Port as a major gateway for India’s automobile exports to global markets, including regions such as Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe.
• India’s automobile export sector has witnessed steady growth due to:
• rising global demand for India-manufactured vehicles,
• competitive pricing and quality manufacturing standards, and
• expanding international trade networks.
• Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited has also crossed 500 million tonnes cargo handling capacity and has set a target of reaching 1 billion tonnes cargo handling capacity by 2030, further strengthening India’s trade logistics infrastructure.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Deakin University and Government of Telangana Signed Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Applied Artificial Intelligence Collaboration

• Deakin University and the Government of Telangana signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Hyderabad in April 2026 to strengthen collaboration in applied Artificial Intelligence through research, innovation, and skill development under Telangana’s Artificial Intelligence innovation ecosystem.
• The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the Telangana State Secretariat by Iain Martin, Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, and Phani Nagarjuna, representing Aikyam, Telangana’s Artificial Intelligence innovation hub.
• As part of the collaboration, the Aikyam–Deakin Hub for Research in Intelligent Technology and Innovation will be established as a centre of excellence for Artificial Intelligence research and innovation, integrating global academic expertise with Telangana’s digital infrastructure.
• The initiative aims to promote translational research, converting academic findings into practical Artificial Intelligence applications across multiple sectors.
• The partnership will support large-scale skill development programmes to build an Artificial Intelligence-ready workforce, strengthening India’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
• The collaboration will also support Artificial Intelligence-based startup development by providing research access, mentorship support, and innovation infrastructure, strengthening Telangana’s position as a technology and startup hub.
• The initiative will focus on development of ethical and scalable Artificial Intelligence solutions for improving smart governance systems, public service delivery platforms, and data-driven decision-making mechanisms.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy to Hold Inaugural 2026 Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi

• The first edition of the Indian Navy’s biannual Commanders’ Conference 2026 will be held from 14–16 April 2026 at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi.
• The Apex Level Conference provides a platform to review the Indian Navy’s operational posture, maritime security, and strategic alignment with national security objectives.
• The conference gains significance due to swift naval deployments to safeguard India’s Energy Security amid the West Asia conflict and presence of Multi-National Forces (MNFs) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• It also focuses on reaffirming operational doctrine, inter-services coordination, and technology-driven response mechanisms post ‘Operation Sindoor’.
• The event includes addresses by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Home Secretary, along with interactions with senior naval leadership.
• The discussions aim to enhance interoperability, jointness, and provide a broader perspective on national security architecture and stability.
• Key focus areas include blue-water capabilities, combat readiness, training, human resource management, and sustainable maintenance practices.
• The conference will emphasise integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies for Pan-Navy operational efficiency.
• It will also discuss the effective use of uncrewed systems and operational logistics to enhance naval capabilities.
• The leadership will review preparedness in line with the four roles of the Indian Navy as defined in the Indian Maritime Doctrine (IMD).
• The conference supports the Government of India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across Regions).
• It also promotes indigenisation, innovation, and aims to position the Indian Navy as a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the IOR and Indo-Pacific.

About Ministry of Defence:

• Cabinet Minister: Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State (MoS): Sanjay Seth

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh & Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurate advanced Laser, Light & Sound Show at Smritika War Memorial

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath jointly inaugurated a Laser, Light and Sound Show at Smritika War Memorial.
• The show is a state-of-the-art multimedia presentation of about 30 minutes duration, conducted in Hindi, showcasing the history and achievements of the Indian Army.

Key Highlights :

• It uses advanced projection, sound and lighting technologies to depict operational achievements and nation-building contributions of the Indian Army.
• The show will be held daily in the evening and will be open to the public soon.
• It highlights major wars including 1947–48, 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, emphasizing key operational aspects.
• Special focus is given to Operation Meghdoot and Operation Vijay, showcasing strategic military achievements.
• The Central Command plays a pivotal role in various operations, which is prominently featured in the presentation.
• The show honours Param Vir Chakra awardees from the Awadh region, highlighting their bravery and sacrifice.
• It also presents Awadh’s rich martial traditions and its significant contribution to national defence.
• The show showcases Uttar Pradesh as a hub of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) through the Defence Corridor initiative.
• The Smritika War Memorial premises are being upgraded with modern projectors, speakers, murals, and war trophies.
• The project is executed by HQ Central Command in partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.
• The Smritika War Memorial, established in 1994, serves as a tribute to the valour and sacrifice of Indian Defence Forces.

Indian Army Demonstrates Apache Strike Capabilities During Exercise Brahmastra

• The Indian Army conducted Exercise Brahmastra at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, showcasing advanced combat capabilities.
• The exercise highlighted the growing focus on integration of air power with ground operations in modern warfare.
• A key highlight was the deployment of AH-64E Apache helicopters, demonstrating precision strike capabilities in a simulated battlefield.
• The Apache helicopters, known as “tanks in the air”, conducted live firing exercises using AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, rockets, and onboard guns.
• The helicopters operated at low altitudes in desert terrain, executing accurate and lethal target engagements.
• The exercise emphasised close air support (CAS) and air-land integration, reflecting a shift towards network-centric warfare.
• The drill addressed challenges in high-threat environments, including drones, small arms fire, and shoulder-fired missiles.
• The Army also showcased the role of HAL Rudra helicopters in strengthening combat capabilities.
• Extensive simulator training and mission planning contributed to the successful execution of the exercise.
• The exercise validated the Army’s preparedness for future conflicts and evolving warfare scenarios.
• Use of advanced sensors, fire control systems, and real-time data links enabled rapid target detection and engagement.
• Integration of platforms like Apache, Prachand, and Rudra significantly enhances combat effectiveness and operational readiness.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited Names Sanjay Khanna as New Chairman & Managing Director to Lead Company Until 2029

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has appointed Sanjay Khanna as its new Chairman & Managing Director (CMD).
• The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) based on the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• Sanjay Khanna, currently serving as Director (Refineries), will assume charge immediately and will remain in office till May 31, 2029, or until further orders.
• Khanna has over 30+ years of experience in refinery operations, petrochemicals, and technical services, and is expected to drive growth, efficiency, and value-added product expansion.
• His focus areas include petrochemical integration, operational efficiency, and energy transition readiness amid global energy challenges.
• He played a key role in the commissioning of BPCL’s Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP) at Kochi during the pandemic.
• He has also contributed to capacity expansion and modernization of Mumbai and Kochi refineries, improving overall refinery performance.
• He serves on the boards of Bharat Petro Resources Limited, Petronet LNG Limited, and Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited.

About BPCL :

• BPCL is a Maharatna PSU and a Fortune Global 500
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Founded : 24 January 1976.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Central Ayurveda Research Institute Bengaluru Clinical Laboratory Gets ISO 15189:2022 Accreditation in Biochemistry and Haematology

• The Clinical Laboratory at Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bengaluru, has been awarded ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for Biochemistry and Haematology.

Key Highlights :

• It is the first institute under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to achieve this prestigious accreditation.
• The accreditation ensures accurate, reliable, and safe diagnostic results as per global quality standards.
• The laboratory upgraded from entry-level NABL certification to a fully accredited centre of excellence.
• Currently, it holds NABL accreditation for 50 test parameters in Biochemistry and Haematology.
• The lab provides a wide range of diagnostic services including blood glucose, HbA1c, liver & kidney function tests, lipid profile, thyroid profile, electrolytes, and complete blood count (CBC).
• These services enable accurate assessment of metabolic, hormonal, and blood-related conditions.
• During 2025–26, the lab conducted over 52 lakh investigations and served more than 9,300 patients.
• The facility uses advanced automated systems and digital reporting tools, ensuring faster turnaround time and improved accuracy.
• Patients can access reports via SMS, email, and WhatsApp, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
• OPD footfall increased from 18,918 (2021) to over 51,300 (2026), reflecting growing public trust.
• Laboratory investigations surged from 2,770 (2021) to over 55 lakh (2026), indicating enhanced diagnostic capacity.
• Panchakarma and para-surgical procedures expanded nearly 20 times, showing significant service growth.
• The institute maintains consistent research activity with around 20–25 projects annually.
• Since the launch of inpatient services in July 2024, bed occupancy has reached near full capacity, indicating high demand.
• The laboratory evolved from a semi-automated analyser to fully automated systems under the Centre of Excellence Scheme of the Ministry of Ayush.
• It achieved NABL entry-level certification in November 2022 before progressing to ISO 15189:2022 accreditation.
• The lab plays a crucial role in supporting Ayurveda and Ayush treatments through reliable diagnostic data for clinical decisions and research.
• CARI Bengaluru earlier became the first CCRAS institute to secure both NABH and NABL entry-level certifications (2021–22).

Meta Launches Muse Spark AI Model from Superintelligence Team to Compete with Google, OpenAI and Anthropic

• Meta Platforms has launched Muse Spark, its first AI model from a new superintelligence team, aimed at competing with Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic.
• Muse Spark is part of a new internal model series called “Avocado”, designed to be a small, fast, and efficient AI model.
• The model is capable of cross-domain reasoning, including science, mathematics, and healthcare
• Initially, Muse Spark is available on the Meta AI app and website.
• The model will soon replace Llama-based chatbots across platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Meta smart glasses.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Observed on 13 April

• India observes 13 April every year in remembrance of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, which took place on 13 April 1919 at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab, when British troops opened fire on a large gathering of unarmed Indians.
• People had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh to protest against the arrest of nationalist leaders Satya Pal and Saifuddin Kitchlew.
• During the gathering, British military officer Reginald Dyer entered the area with armed troops and ordered firing on the unarmed crowd without issuing any warning, and the firing reportedly continued for about ten minutes until ammunition was exhausted.
• According to estimates by the Indian National Congress, around 1,000 people were killed and nearly 2,000 people were injured in the massacre.
• The bullet marks from the firing are still preserved on the walls at Jallianwala Bagh, which has now been developed as a National Memorial commemorating the victims of the tragedy.
• The incident shocked people across India and internationally. General Reginald Dyer later travelled to United Kingdom, where some individuals collected funds to honour him, while many others strongly condemned the act and demanded an official inquiry into the brutality.
• A British newspaper described the incident as one of the most shocking events in modern history, and the massacre became a major turning point in India’s freedom struggle against British rule.

Daily CA One- Liner: April 12 & 13

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved ₹14,105.83 crore for the 1,200-megawatt Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh to strengthen renewable energy capacity and infrastructure development in the North-Eastern region
• The National Highways Authority of India launched the ‘Arogya Van’ initiative to plant medicinal trees along National Highways to promote biodiversity, ecological sustainability, and awareness of traditional medicinal systems such as Ayurveda.
• Vantara announced the establishment of Vantara University in Jamnagar, Gujarat, under the leadership of Anant Ambani
• The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone VII Conference concluded in Goa, focusing on strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing women’s representation in policymaking, and increasing youth participation in governance
• Gujarat Police launched NARIT Artificial Intelligence (Narcotics Analysis and Retrieval-Augmented Generation-based Investigation Tool), becoming the first law enforcement agency in India to deploy an Artificial Intelligence-based investigation system for cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
• Mundra Port has emerged as India’s largest automobile export hub after setting a national record by exporting 6,008 cars in a single vessel, highlighting the country’s growing strength in automobile exports and logistics efficiency
• Deakin University and the Government of Telangana signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Hyderabad in April 2026 to strengthen collaboration in applied Artificial Intelligence through research, innovation, and skill development under Telangana’s Artificial Intelligence innovation ecosystem
• India observes 13 April every year in remembrance of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, which took place on 13 April 1919 at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab, when British troops opened fire on a large gathering of unarmed Indians.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed banks to speed up cross-border inward payments by eliminating processing delays.
• PayU and 8B signed a strategic partnership to expand digital payment connectivity between India and Central Asia.
• The State Bank of India (SBI) has overtaken ICICI Bank to become the 2nd-largest bank by market capitalisation in India.
• NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) has onboarded Axis Bank onto its Banking Connect platform, joining major banks like State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank.
• Digital Rupee (e₹) is India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) issued by the Reserve Bank of India and is the digital form of physical currency (₹) with equal value (at par) to cash.
• The first edition of the Indian Navy’s biannual Commanders’ Conference 2026 will be held from 14–16 April 2026 at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath jointly inaugurated a Laser, Light and Sound Show at Smritika War Memorial.
• The Indian Army conducted Exercise Brahmastra at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, showcasing advanced combat capabilities.
• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has appointed Sanjay Khanna as its new Chairman & Managing Director (CMD).
• The Clinical Laboratory at Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bengaluru, has been awarded ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for Biochemistry and Haematology.
• Meta Platforms has launched Muse Spark, its first AI model from a new superintelligence team, aimed at competing with Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic.