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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Cabinet Approves Creation of ‘Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool)’ with ₹12,980 Crore Sovereign Guarantee for Continuous Maritime Insurance Coverage

• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the creation of a domestic insurance pool named the ‘Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool)’.
• The pool will be backed by a sovereign guarantee of ₹12,980 crore to ensure continuous maritime insurance coverage.
• It aims to provide affordable insurance for vessels and cargo moving between international ports and Indian ports, including during transit through volatile maritime corridors.
• The initiative addresses rising risks due to global volatility and geopolitical instability, which have increased marine insurance costs and uncertainty.
• Currently, India relies heavily on the International Group of Protection and Indemnity (IGP&I) Clubs for third-party liability insurance.
• These include coverage for oil pollution liability, wreck removal, cargo damage, crew injury and repatriation, and collision liabilities.
• The BMI Pool will ensure domestic maritime risk coverage to maintain sovereignty and trade continuity, even during sanctions or geopolitical disruptions.
• It will cover Hull & Machinery, Cargo, Protection & Indemnity (P&I), and War risk insurance.
• The pool will be operated by participating insurers using a combined underwriting capacity of around ₹950 crore.
• It will help develop domestic marine insurance expertise, including underwriting, claims management, and legal capabilities in India.
• A Governing Body will oversee the formation and functioning of the BMI Pool.
• The sovereign guarantee supports objectives of self-reliance, sanctions resilience, and sovereign control over maritime insurance systems.

About Ministry of Finance:

• Cabinet Minister: Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
• Minister of State (MoS): Shri Pankaj Chaudhary

Cabinet Approves Additional Instalment of Dearness Allowance for Central Government Employees and Dearness Relief for Pensioners Effective from 01 January 2026

• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners.
• The revised DA/DR will be effective from 01 January 2026 (01.01.2026).
• The increase is 2% over the existing rate of 58% of Basic Pay/Pension, aimed at compensating for price rise (inflation impact).
• The combined financial burden on the exchequer will be approximately ₹6,791.24 crore per annum.
• The decision will benefit around 46 lakh Central Government employees and 68.27 lakh pensioners.
• The revision follows the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC).
• The move aims to provide income support and inflation protection to government employees and pensioners.

Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority to Raise ₹15,000 Crore from World Bank and Asian Development Bank for Amaravati Development

• The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) has secured ₹40,887 crore so far for the development of Amaravati, the greenfield capital city of Andhra Pradesh.
• The state government plans to raise an additional ₹15,000 crore from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• The total estimated requirement for the Amaravati capital city project exceeds ₹43,000 crore, indicating a funding gap that is yet to be addressed.
• Major funding sources include NaBFID (₹7,500 crore), HUDCO (₹11,000 crore), and NABARD (₹7,387 crore), apart from multilateral loans.
• The project includes development of over 1,200 km of last-mile connectivity, along with cycle tracks, footpaths, and underground utility infrastructure.
• The Amaravati master plan integrates existing villages with new urban development, ensuring a balanced urban expansion model.
• All 26 villages in the capital region have been classified as “R1 Zone” and retained wherever feasible in the master plan.
• Land pooled under the scheme is being developed into residential, commercial, and recreational zones to build a world-class capital city.
• Farmers who contributed land under the Land Pooling Scheme have been allotted around 70,000 returnable plots.
• They have received ₹1,800 crore as annuity and ₹618 crore as pensions, along with 5,024 housing units for the poor.
• The project also provides access to healthcare and education facilities, supporting inclusive urban development.

World Bank Group Launches ‘Water Forward’ Initiative to Enhance Water Security for 1 Billion People

• Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, announced the launch of ‘Water Forward’, a global platform to improve water security for 1 billion people by 2030.

Key Highlights :

• The initiative is launched in collaboration with multilateral development banks (MDBs) and development finance institutions (DFIs).
• Water Forward aims to expand reliable water services, enhance resilience against droughts and floods, and support economic growth and job creation.
• The platform adopts country-led water compacts, aligning policy reforms, financing, partnerships, and investment-ready projects.
• These compacts enable governments to define reform priorities, strengthen institutions, and create investment pathways in the water sector.
• The World Bank Group (WBG) aims to provide water security to 400 million people by 2030, while partner institutions will cover an additional 600 million people.
• Overall, the initiative targets 1 billion beneficiaries globally by 2030.
• Currently, around 4 billion people face water scarcity, highlighting the urgency of the initiative.
• The programme addresses challenges such as weak regulations, unclear policies, and financially unsustainable utilities.
• It focuses on building strong, reliable water systems to support health, food security, energy, and livelihoods, impacting nearly 7 billion jobs worldwide.
• About 14 countries have already announced national water compacts, with more expected to join.
• Key participating institutions include the Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, European Investment Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, New Development Bank, and International Fund for Agricultural Development.
• With 2 billion young people entering the workforce in developing countries, reliable water systems are crucial for sustainable development and employment generation.

Recent News :

• In April 2026, The World Bank revised India’s GDP growth forecast upward to 6.6% for FY27, from the earlier 6.3%, citing strong domestic demand and benefits from free trade agreements (FTAs).

About World Bank:

• The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
• The World Bank consists of 5 institutions: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), The International Development Association (IDA), The International Finance Corporation (IFC), The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
• Founded Year: 1944
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• President: Ajay Banga
• Members:189 countries

National Stock Exchange of India Gets Securities and Exchange Board of India Approval to Invest in Proposed National Coal Exchange of India Limited

• The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to invest in the proposed National Coal Exchange of India Limited.
• This approval marks a significant step toward establishing a formalised coal trading platform in India.
• The initiative will enable the creation of a structured electronic spot trading system for coal.
• The proposed exchange will introduce standardised contracts, ensuring uniform trading practices in coal markets.
• It will also support transparent price discovery mechanisms, improving efficiency in coal pricing.
• A clear settlement mechanism will be established for producers, consumers, and traders.
• The approval was granted under Regulation 38(2) of the SECC Regulations, 2018.
• After regulatory clearance, NSE is expected to approach the Coal Controller Organisation for licensing approval.
• The initiative aligns with government reforms promoting commercial coal mining and liberalised coal sales.
• It aims to build a transparent, efficient, and structured coal market ecosystem in India.
• NSE Indices Limited is the largest index service provider in India.
• The National Stock Exchange of India, founded in 1992 in Mumbai, is India’s leading financial exchange.

Recent News :

• In April 2026, The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) received approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to reserve the name “National Coal Exchange of India Limited” for its proposed coal trading platform.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

All India Council for Technical Education Launches VAANI 3.0 Scheme to Promote Indian Languages in Technical Education

• The All-India Council for Technical Education has launched the third edition of the AICTE-VAANI Scheme (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages) to promote the use of Indian languages in technical education and research and improve accessibility for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Key Highlights

• The scheme was launched by Yogesh Singh, highlighting the importance of making technical knowledge accessible in native languages.
• A dedicated online portal has been introduced to simplify participation by institutions.
• The scheme aims to promote research and publication in Indian languages, strengthen academia–industry collaboration, and enable students to understand technical concepts in their mother tongue.
• The initiative addresses the language gap between school education and higher technical education, where many students shift from regional languages to English-medium learning.
• Under VAANI 3.0, the Government will provide ₹4 crore annually to support academic activities.
• More than 200 conferences, seminars, and workshops will be funded each year, with selected institutions receiving ₹2 lakh each.
• Activities will be conducted in 22 regional languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, and Urdu.
• The scheme will support programmes in 16 emerging domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Quantum Technology, Hydrogen Energy, Cybersecurity, Space and Defence, and Agrotechnology.
• Applications from AICTE-approved institutions will be accepted between 18 April and 17 May 2026 through the AICTE Training and Learning (ATAL) Portal.
• The scheme is expected to improve learning outcomes, increase participation in research and innovation, and promote inclusive technical education, especially for students from rural and regional backgrounds.

Women’s Reservation Bill 2026 Defeated in Lok Sabha Despite Majority Support

• The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposed 33% reservation for women in the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, was defeated in the Lok Sabha despite receiving more votes in favour than against, as it failed to secure the required two-thirds special majority needed for a Constitutional Amendment.

Key Highlights

• The Bill proposed 33% reservation for women in the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies to increase women’s representation in law-making bodies.
• Voting results in the Lok Sabha were:
• 298 votes in favour
• 230 votes against
• 360 votes required (two-thirds of the total strength of 543 members).
• Constitutional Amendment Bills require:
• two-thirds majority of members present and voting, and
• at least 50% of the total strength of the House, which the Bill could not achieve.
• It became the first Constitutional Amendment Bill in the last 12 years introduced by the Government led by the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be defeated in the Lok Sabha.
• Opposition parties raised concerns linking the Bill with delimitation, which refers to the redrawing of electoral boundaries based on population changes, arguing it could affect the political balance between regions, especially southern States.
• The Honourable Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the opposition blocked the Bill despite its importance for women’s empowerment.
• The proposal for women’s reservation in legislatures has been under discussion for over four decades, and previous attempts to pass similar Bills also faced political challenges.
• The Bill aimed to improve women’s participation in decision-making institutions, as women’s representation in the Parliament of India remains relatively low compared to several countries that have adopted gender quota systems.

RECENT NEWS

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah soft launched digital tools and unveiled the mascots. This mascots named are ‘Pragati’ and ‘Vikas’ for Census 2027 in New Delhi. The upcoming census will be the world’s largest census exercise and will be conducted in two phases across India.

Over 55,200 Startups Recognised in Financial Year 2025–26 under Startup India Initiative

• The Government of India recognised over 55,200 startups during Financial Year 2025–26, the highest annual addition since the launch of the Startup India Initiative on 16 January 2016, reflecting strong growth in India’s startup ecosystem.

Key Highlights

• Total recognised startups in India crossed 2.23 lakh as of 31 March 2026.
• Recognised startups have generated more than 23.36 lakh direct jobs across the country.
• Startup expansion has been observed across sectors such as financial technology (FinTech), education technology (EdTech), health technology (HealthTech) and deep technology (DeepTech).
• Under the Fund of Funds for Startups, more than ₹7,000 crore has been disbursed to over 135 Alternative Investment Funds, which invested over ₹26,900 crore in 1,420+ startups.
• Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, 219 incubators have been selected with a committed corpus of ₹945 crore to support early-stage startups.
• The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups was expanded during Financial Year 2025–26, increasing guarantee cover from ₹10 crore to ₹20 crore per borrower and reducing annual guarantee fees for lenders.

Punjab Assembly Passes Anti-Sacrilege Bill 2026

• The Honourable Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, announced that the Punjab Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
• The Bill has been sent to the Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, for assent.

Key Highlights

• The Bill proposes life imprisonment and a fine up to ₹25 lakh for serious acts of sacrilege, particularly against the Guru Granth Sahib.
• It seeks to strengthen provisions under the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008.
• The Punjab Government stated that provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita are not stringent enough to deal with sacrilege-related offences.
• The Bill reflects a zero-tolerance policy towards religious disrespect and aims to strengthen law and order in sensitive matters.
• The legislation was passed unanimously by the Punjab Legislative Assembly, indicating political consensus across parties.
• The Bill has been forwarded to the Governor of Punjab for assent and will become law after approval.
• The State Government clarified that Presidential assent is not required for this legislation.
• Sacrilege refers to acts of disrespect or damage to sacred religious texts, places, or symbols, which are punishable under Indian laws to maintain public order and communal harmony.

RECENT NEWS

• The state of Punjab Vidhan Sabha has unanimously passed the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur World-Class University Bill 2026. This new university will be established at Sri Anandpur Sahib. This place is the place of deep historical and spiritual significance. 

Bengaluru Water Board Becomes First in India to Receive ISO 50001 Certification

• The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has become the first water utility in India to receive the ISO 50001:2018 certification for energy management.
• The recognition, announced on April 14, 2026, highlights efforts toward efficient energy use and sustainable urban infrastructure in Bengaluru.

Key Highlights

• The certification was issued by Bureau Veritas, a global certification agency.
• The certification covers key operations including:
• bulk water pumping stations at TK Halli, Harohalli, and Tataguni,
• operations at Cauvery Bhavan headquarters,
• continuous water supply systems across Greater Bengaluru.
• ISO 50001 focuses on:
• improving energy efficiency,
• reducing operational costs,
• lowering carbon emissions.
• The achievement is significant for rapidly growing urban centres like Bengaluru, where demand for water and energy is increasing.
• Earlier, BWSSB also received certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for its piped drinking water supply management system.
• The milestone reflects BWSSB’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and adoption of global best practices.

RECENT NEWS

• The Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to strictly implement the menstrual leave policy across all the sectors which also includes the unorganized workforce. The court has also recognized the menstrual leave as a the fundamental right which linked to dignity under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. 

About Karnataka:

• Capital: Bengaluru
• Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
• Governor: Thaawarchand Gehlot
• National Parks: Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Anshi (Kali) National Park, Bannerghatta National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

Meghalaya Grants Official Status to Khasi and Garo

• The Meghalaya Government has approved the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, granting official language status to Khasi and Garo along with English.
• The decision was taken by the State Cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and aims to strengthen indigenous identity and improve administrative accessibility.

Key Highlights

• Khasi and Garo, spoken by the two largest tribal communities of Meghalaya, will now be used in government communication and administrative functioning.
• English will continue as the linking language in the State.
• The Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005 will be repealed following the new ordinance.
• Members of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly will be able to speak and debate in Khasi and Garo.
• The languages may also be introduced in government examinations and recruitment processes after implementation frameworks are prepared.
• The move follows long-standing demands from local communities and aims to strengthen cultural identity and governance accessibility.
• The decision is expected to support Meghalaya’s demand for inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which currently recognises 22 languages and provides support for language development, representation in official examinations, and greater national recognition.
• The decision aligns with constitutional provisions such as Article 345, which allows States to adopt one or more languages for official purposes, Article 346 related to communication between States and the Union, and Article 347, which empowers the President of India to direct recognition of a language spoken by a section of the population for official use.

RECENT NEWS

• Meghalaya has partnered with the Starlink to improve connectivity across the state. It was announced on the April 1, 2026 and this agreement is aims to bring the high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas of the state.

About Meghalaya:

• Capital: Shillong
• Chief Minister: Conrad Kongkal Sangma
• Governor: C. H. Vijayashankar
• National Parks: Nokrek National Park, Balphakram National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, Siju Wildlife Sanctuary, Baghmara Pitcher Plant Wildlife Sanctuary, Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary, Balpakram Baghmara Biosphere Reserve

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

World Economic Forum April 2026 Report: Global Gross Domestic Product Projected to Rise by USD 56 Trillion Over Next 5 Years

• The World Economic Forum released its April 2026 report titled ‘Growth in the New Economy: Towards a Blueprint’ highlighting global economic trends.
• The global economy is projected to expand by USD 56 trillion over the next five years, driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and other emerging technologies.
• Growth will be concentrated in sectors where digitisation and automation significantly improve productivity.
• Key growth sectors include Information Technology (IT) services, advanced manufacturing, energy, and other technology-driven industries.
• Middle-income economies are expected to become major contributors to global expansion.
• These economies are projected to contribute around 65% of cumulative global GDP growth (2025–2030).
• In contrast, low-income economies, despite having the fastest growth rates, will account for only about 1% of global growth.
• Regionally, Asia is expected to remain the primary engine of global economic growth.
• Asia alone is projected to contribute more than 50% of total global growth during the period.

About World Economic Forum :

• Formation : 24 January 1971
• Headquarters : Cologny, Switzerland
• Chairman : Larry Fink
• Purpose : Influencing global agendas and decision making, public-private cooperation

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Nishita Yogesh Antarkar Crowned Miss Sake India 2026

• Nishita Yogesh Antarkar was crowned Miss Sake India 2026 at an event held in Mumbai.
• The event was organised by Hirohama India Pvt. Ltd. to promote Japanese sake culture and strengthen India–Japan cultural ties.

Key Highlights

• Nishita Yogesh Antarkar, a business owner and trained Kathak dancer with over 16 years of experience, was crowned Miss Sake India 2026.
• The event was held at Robata Kuuraku and recognised her as a cultural ambassador of Japanese sake in India.
• She was crowned by the outgoing titleholder Akansha Shrivastava.
• The ceremony highlighted growing cultural cooperation between India and Japan through promotion of traditional sake culture.
• Key dignitaries present included Toshihiro Kaneko, Chisato Tateno, Mika Onishii, and Mika Eoka.
• During the event, Toshihiro Kaneko emphasised strong cultural similarities and ongoing cooperation between India and Japan, especially in regional and sustainable development initiatives.
• The initiative has been organised in India for the third consecutive year to promote Japanese sake traditions and people-to-people cultural exchange.
• Priyanka Sarkar from Bengaluru and Sakshi Khari from Delhi were named runners-up among the seven finalists in the competition.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Hon’ble Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan Appoints Dr. K. S. Somashekhar as Secretary in Rajya Sabha Secretariat

• The Hon’ble Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has appointed Dr. K. S. Somashekhar as Secretary in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
• He is a 1993-batch entrant to the Secretariat and has served in multiple key roles including Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary, and Director.
• He has extensive experience in parliamentary interpretation, administration, and committee work.
• He has also served in senior positions in the Government of Karnataka.
• Dr. Somashekhar has represented India in international parliamentary forums, strengthening India’s parliamentary diplomacy.
• He has undergone specialised training in parliamentary practices in the United Kingdom and the European Union.
• He has participated in Inter-Parliamentary Union meetings in Geneva, contributing to global legislative dialogue.

Harivansh Narayan Singh Re-Elected for Third Term as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha; Becomes First Nominated Member of Parliament to Hold Post

• Harivansh Narayan Singh has been elected for a third term as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, becoming the first nominated Member of Parliament (MP) to hold this position.
• He was elected unopposed after the Opposition candidate withdrew, reflecting broad political consensus across parties.
• Harivansh Narayan Singh is a journalist-turned-politician and has been serving as Deputy Chairman since 2018.
• He plays a key role in presiding over proceedings in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament).
• As per Article 89 of the Constitution of India, the Rajya Sabha has provisions for both the Chairman (Vice-President of India) and the Deputy Chairman.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR – INS Sunayna Departs Phuket After Completing Three-Day Operational Turnaround

• The Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR – INS Sunayna departed Phuket, Thailand after completing a three-day Operational Turnaround (OTR).
• This marked the successful completion of its second port call during the ongoing IOS SAGAR deployment.
• During the visit, IOS SAGAR conducted professional, strategic, and cultural engagements with the Royal Thai Navy.
• These engagements significantly strengthened bilateral naval cooperation between India and Thailand.
• The Commanding Officer, Commander Siddharth Chaudhary, held a meeting with Rear Admiral Sathaporn Wajarat, Chief of Staff, Third Naval Area Command (RTN).
• The interaction reaffirmed a shared commitment to maritime cooperation and regional security.
• Crew exchanges included a friendly football match and a joint Yoga session, promoting camaraderie and people-to-people connect.
• A formal deck reception onboard INS Sunayna facilitated discussions on the IOS SAGAR mission and maritime cooperation.
• The ship was also opened to visitors, strengthening public engagement and cultural diplomacy.
• A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) was conducted with HTMS Klongyai, demonstrating operational interoperability.
• The exercise included communication drills and formation manoeuvres, showcasing a “plug-and-play” capability between navies.
• The visit aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
• IOS SAGAR has now proceeded to Jakarta, Indonesia, for its next port of call.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Space Research Organisation’s Space Applications Centre Signs Memorandum of Understanding with ATREE to Promote Sustainable Land Management in India

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) through its Space Applications Centre (SAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE).
• The partnership aims to revolutionize sustainable land management in India.
• The initiative will develop standardized protocols for ecosystem monitoring and generate policy-ready data for land-use planning.
• It combines ISRO’s satellite-based mapping technology with ATREE’s field-based ecological validation.
• The collaboration will support land-use planning, climate action, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihoods.
• The project will map nearly 319,675 square kilometres (sq. km), covering around 10% of India’s total land area.
• The focus will be on Open Natural Ecosystems (ONE) such as shrublands, woodland savannas, and saline landscapes.
• The initiative is strategically important for helping India achieve its target of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by 2030.

Recent News :

• In April 2026, The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marking a key milestone in the Gaganyaan Mission.

About ISRO:

• Established: 15 August 1969
• Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
• Chairman: V. Narayanan

Indian Space Research Organisation’s G20 Satellite Mission for Studying Climate Change, Air Pollution and Weather Patterns Set for 2027 Launch

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a G20 satellite to study climate change, air pollution, and weather patterns, with a planned launch in 2027.
• India is playing a lead role in this G20 collaborative space initiative, highlighting its growing status in global space leadership.
• ISRO has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first country to launch 104 satellites in a single mission without collision.
• The organisation has conducted several commercial space missions, launching 433 satellites from 34 countries into orbit, strengthening its presence in the global space launch market.
• ISRO aims to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040, positioning India among leading spacefaring nations.
• Under the Deep Ocean Mission, ISRO is developing a titanium crew module (Samudrayaan) for deep-sea exploration.
• ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed that the G20 satellite is expected to be launched in 2027.
• The 104-satellite mission remains a landmark achievement, demonstrating collision-free multi-satellite deployment using a single rocket.
• ISRO has also completed major commercial satellite launches, including payloads from 34 countries, including its heaviest commercial satellite mission.
• The Samudrayaan project involves the development of a 2-meter diameter titanium vessel with 100 mm thickness for deep ocean exploration.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENVIRONMENT

New Burrowing Reed Snake Species ‘Calamaria garoensis’ Discovered in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills

• A team of scientists from India and Indonesia discovered a new species of burrowing reed snake named Calamaria garoensis.
• The species was discovered in Oragitok, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
• The new snake is commonly known as the Garo Hills reed snake.
• The discovery was published in the international peer-reviewed journal Taprobanica.
• Calamaria garoensis belongs to the genus Calamaria, commonly called reed snakes.
• Reed snakes are known to be small, secretive, and burrowing in nature.
• These snakes were often misidentified earlier as Calamaria pavimentata, which is now recognised as a species complex.
• The newly discovered species is a small, non-venomous snake.
• Key identifying features include a subtle neck (nuchal) ring, a short blunt tail with a black stripe underneath, and smooth scales arranged in 13 rows.
• Its body is dark brown with faint stripes, helping distinguish it from related species.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND REPORTS

Gautam Adani Becomes Asia’s Richest Person, Surpasses Mukesh Ambani

• Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, has overtaken Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, to become the richest person in Asia.
• According to the latest estimates, Gautam Adani’s net worth reached USD 92.6 billion, surpassing Mukesh Ambani’s USD 90.8 billion, following a strong rise in Adani Group stocks.

Key Highlights

• The increase in Gautam Adani’s wealth is mainly driven by the rise in market value of 10 listed companies of the Adani Group.
• The Adani Group operates across sectors such as ports and logistics, renewable energy, airports and infrastructure, coal and natural resources.
• The recent growth reflects strong investor interest in India’s infrastructure expansion and energy transition sectors.
• For more than a decade, Mukesh Ambani had held the position of India’s richest person, but rankings have seen changes in recent years due to stock market fluctuations.
• Mukesh Ambani’s wealth is largely driven by businesses of Reliance Industries in telecommunications, retail and energy sectors.
• According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Gautam Adani is currently ranked 19th globally.
• Elon Musk remains the richest person in the world.
• Other global top billionaires include Jeff Bezos, Sergey Brin, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, Michael Dell, Jensen Huang, Bernard Arnault, and Jim Walton.
• Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani are the only Indians featured among the world’s top 50 billionaires.
• Gautam Adani’s rise reflects broader trends in India’s economy, including rapid infrastructure development, growing focus on renewable energy and increasing global investor interest.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Former Indian Olympic Association and World Squash Federation President N. Ramachandran Passed Away

• Narayana Ramachandran (N. Ramachandran), popularly known as ‘Rami’, passed away at the age of 77 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• He was born in 1948 in Chennai and was one of India’s most influential sports administrators.
• He served as President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 2014 to 2017.
• Earlier, he held key roles in IOA as Associate Vice-President (2001) and Vice-President (2005).
• He also served as President of the World Squash Federation (WSF) from 2008 to 2016.
• Additionally, he was the President of the Asian Squash Federation (ASF) from 2001 to 2009.
• He played a major role in promoting squash globally and strengthening India’s presence in international sports administration.
• In 2000, he established the Indian Squash Academy (ISA) in Chennai to develop squash talent with world-class training facilities.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Liver Day 2026 Observed on 19 April

• World Liver Day is observed every year on 19 April to raise awareness about liver health and encourage preventive care against liver-related diseases.
• The theme for 2026 is “Solid Habits, Strong Liver”, highlighting the role of healthy daily lifestyle choices in protecting liver function.

• The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body, located in the upper right part of the abdomen.
• It performs over 500 essential functions, including metabolism, digestion, detoxification, and nutrient processing.
• The liver converts carbohydrates into glucose, metabolises fats, and synthesises proteins required for body repair and growth.
• It removes toxins from the blood, produces bile for digestion, and supports blood clotting and immunity.
• The day raises awareness about liver diseases such as Hepatitis, Fatty Liver Disease, and Liver Cancer.
• Health organisations worldwide promote early diagnosis, screening, and preventive lifestyle practices through this observance.
• The initiative aims to reduce the global burden of liver diseases by encouraging healthy habits and awareness about liver care.

Daily CA One- Liner: April 19 & 20

• The All-India Council for Technical Education has launched the third edition of the AICTE-VAANI Scheme (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages) to promote the use of Indian languages in technical education and research and improve accessibility for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds
• The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposed 33% reservation for women in the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, was defeated in the Lok Sabha despite receiving more votes in favour than against, as it failed to secure the required two-thirds special majority needed for a Constitutional Amendment.
• The Government of India recognised over 55,200 startups during Financial Year 2025–26, the highest annual addition since the launch of the Startup India Initiative on 16 January 2016, reflecting strong growth in India’s startup ecosystem
• The Honourable Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, announced that the Punjab Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026
• The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has become the first water utility in India to receive the ISO 50001:2018 certification for energy management
• The Meghalaya Government has approved the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, granting official language status to Khasi and Garo along with English
• Nishita Yogesh Antarkar was crowned Miss Sake India 2026 at an event held in Mumbai.
• Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, has overtaken Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, to become the richest person in Asia
• World Liver Day is observed every year on 19 April to raise awareness about liver health and encourage preventive care against liver-related diseases
• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the creation of a domestic insurance pool named the ‘Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool)’.
• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners.
• The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) has secured ₹40,887 crore so far for the development of Amaravati, the greenfield capital city of Andhra Pradesh.
• Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, announced the launch of ‘Water Forward’, a global platform to improve water security for 1 billion people by 2030.
• The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to invest in the proposed National Coal Exchange of India Limited.
• The World Economic Forum released its April 2026 report titled ‘Growth in the New Economy: Towards a Blueprint’ highlighting global economic trends.
• The Hon’ble Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has appointed Dr. K.S. Somashekhar as Secretary in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
• Harivansh Narayan Singh has been elected for a third term as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, becoming the first nominated Member of Parliament (MP) to hold this position.
• The Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR – INS Sunayna departed Phuket, Thailand after completing a three-day Operational Turnaround (OTR).
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) through its Space Applications Centre (SAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE).
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a G20 satellite to study climate change, air pollution, and weather patterns, with a planned launch in 2027.
• A team of scientists from India and Indonesia discovered a new species of burrowing reed snake named Calamaria garoensis.
• Narayana Ramachandran (N. Ramachandran), popularly known as ‘Rami’, passed away at the age of 77 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.