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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING,FINANCE & BUSINESS

Directorate General of Foreign Trade Permits 17 Banks to Import Gold and Silver Valid Till March 2029

• The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Department of Commerce (DoC), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), updated the list of authorised banks for gold and silver imports.
• As per the revised notification, a total of 15 banks are authorised to import both gold and silver, while 2 banks are permitted to import only gold.
• The updated authorisation will be effective from 01 April 2026 and will remain valid till 31 March 2029.
• The amendment has been issued under Appendix 4 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023, in accordance with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.
• The DGFT authorisation strengthens the framework for regulated precious metal imports in India.
• Banks authorised to import both gold and silver (15 banks):

1. State Bank of India (SBI)
2. Punjab National Bank (PNB)
3. Bank of India (BoI)
4. Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)
5. Axis Bank
6. HDFC Bank
7. ICICI Bank
8. Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMBL)
9. IndusInd Bank
10. Yes Bank
11. Federal Bank
12. RBL Bank
13. Karur Vysya Bank (KVB)
14. Deutsche Bank
15. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

• Banks authorised to import only gold (2 banks):

1. Union Bank of India (UBI)
2. Sberbank,a Russian state-publicly listed company

• India is the second-largest importer of gold globally, importing gold worth $72 billion in 2025–26, which is a 24% increase compared to 2024–25.
• The country’s silver imports in the last fiscal year stood at $12 billion, which is more than double the $4.8 billion imported in the previous year.

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Survey Shows 69.5% Rural Households Expect Income Growth in 2026–27

• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) conducted a bi-monthly survey in March 2026 titled “Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments”.

Key Highlights :

• As per the survey, 69.5% of rural households expect their income to increase in the next financial year.
• This is the lowest level of income optimism since the survey began in September 2024.
• A year earlier, 72.2% of households expected income growth, while in November 2025, the figure peaked at 75.9% (highest in the series).
• The proportion of households expecting a decline in income fell to 4.6% in March 2026, which is the lowest recorded level.
• The NABARD survey is conducted every two months across India and captures data on income, consumption, inflation, credit, investment, and expectations.
• The survey noted that rural sentiment has weakened, partly due to perceived impacts of the West Asia conflict (started on 28 February 2026).
• Expectations for income and employment improvement for the next quarter declined to the lowest level across all survey rounds.
• The report highlighted a loss of growth momentum in rural areas.
• According to second advance estimates of GVA (2022–23 base year), real GVA growth in agriculture and allied sectors slowed to 2.4% in 2025–26, down from 4.9% in 2024–25.
• The nominal GVA growth in agriculture sharply decelerated to 0.6% in 2025–26, from 9.0% in 2024–25.
• Average inflation expectations for the next quarter fell to below 3%, the lowest since the survey began.
• The share of households expecting inflation below 5% rose to above 90%, the highest level recorded since September 2024.
• Around 51% of respondents reported relying exclusively on formal credit sources.
• This share declined from 58.3% in November 2025, indicating a reduction in formal credit dependence.

About NABARD:

• It is an All India Development Financial Institution (DFI) and an apex Supervisory Body for overall supervision of Regional Rural Banks, State Cooperative Banks and District Central Cooperative Banks in India.
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Founded: July 12, 1982 by the Government of India
• Chairman: Shaji K V

World Bank Sanctions USD 225 Million Funding for Rajasthan Highway Modernisation Project

• The World Bank (WB) Board of Executive Directors approved a USD 225 million (approx. ₹2,080 crore) loan for the Rajasthan Highway Modernisation Project.
• The loan has been provided through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
• The financing package includes a 35-year maturity period, a 5-year grace period, and India’s first Step-Up Loan (SuL) mechanism.
• The Step-Up Loan (SuL) helps reduce initial fiscal burden during the early high-risk phase and increases repayments later once the project stabilises and becomes suitable for market refinancing.
• The project aims to improve the efficiency, resilience, and safety of state highways in Rajasthan.
• Around 800 kilometres (km) of state highways will be upgraded and maintained under the project.
• The initiative will support the transformation of the Rajasthan State Highway Authority (RSHA) into a modern, service-oriented highway agency.
• The project is expected to benefit more than 3 million people and improve regional connectivity across economic corridors.
• It will strengthen job creation in key sectors including agriculture, industry, mining, and tourism.
• Rajasthan serves as a key gateway connecting about 40% of India’s markets and is one of the country’s largest states.
• Despite strong economic growth of around 11% (2015–16 to 2023–24), the state’s road infrastructure has lagged behind development needs.
• The project places strong emphasis on road safety management to reduce accidents and fatalities.
• It will enhance climate resilience, making highways more safe, reliable, and durable for commuters.
• The project will crowd in nearly USD 295 million in private capital through public-private partnerships (PPP) and market borrowing.
• It will reduce dependency on state budgets while improving mobility, traffic management, and reducing transportation costs.

Recent News :

• In March 2026, The World Bank approved a loan of USD 300 million to support Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to improve air quality through a Clean Air Transition Programme.

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

Reserve Bank of India Releases Guidelines on Exchange Facility for Currency Notes and Coins

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued Master Directions on Facility for Exchange of Notes and Coins to ensure smooth currency exchange services across India.
• As per the guidelines, all bank branches across the country are mandated to provide free and non-discriminatory exchange services of currency notes and coins to the public.
• Banks are required to provide key customer services including:
• Issuing fresh and good-quality notes and coins of all denominations
• Exchanging soiled, mutilated, or imperfect currency notes
• Accepting coins and notes for transactions or exchange purposes
• A “soiled note” is defined as a currency note that has become dirty due to normal wear and tear.
• It also includes a two-piece note pasted together, provided both pieces belong to the same note and no essential security feature is missing.
• Such soiled or damaged notes must be accepted by banks either for exchange over counters or for credit into customer bank accounts.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Bannerghatta Biological Park Receives Four Cheetahs from South Africa Under Wildlife Exchange Programme

• Bannerghatta Biological Park, located in Bengaluru, announced the successful arrival of four cheetahs, including two females from South Africa.
• The cheetahs were sourced from Induna Primate and Parrot Park and arrived in India via Kempegowda International Airport.
• The animals were received as part of an exchange programme involving four Asiatic elephants, strengthening international wildlife conservation cooperation.
• The zoo is also set to receive other species including Capuchins, Jaguars, Pumas, and Chimpanzees, enhancing its biodiversity collection.
• The import process involved extensive health screening and an initial quarantine period in South Africa to ensure animal safety.
• The transfer was completed after receiving necessary regulatory approvals under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Establishes Vikram Sodhi Centre for Artificial Intelligence-Driven Mining Systems

• The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal announced the establishment of the Vikram Sodhi Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence-enabled geological and mining systems, with a funding support of ₹15 crore over five years.
• The centre aims to transform India’s mining sector through Artificial Intelligence and data-driven technologies, enhancing efficiency and decision-making.
• The initiative is supported by Vikram Sodhi, associated with Mineros SA and Sun Valley Investments, highlighting industry-academia collaboration for solving real-world challenges.
• The centre integrates geological sciences, mining engineering, and Artificial Intelligence into a unified research framework, strengthening India’s research ecosystem.
• It seeks to address the issue of fragmented adoption of digital technologies in mining by developing integrated Artificial Intelligence-based systems across the mining lifecycle.
• The centre will focus on ensuring coordination between mineral exploration, mine planning, and operations, leading to optimal resource utilisation.
• Research activities will cover the entire mining value chain, including mineral exploration, mine planning, mineral processing, predictive maintenance, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) analytics.
• The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency, promote sustainable mining practices, and ensure environmental responsibility in the sector.

RECENT NEWS

• The Government of West Bengal has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with German development agency GIZ and the State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCG) to prepare basin-based masterplans for the Ichhamati and Jalangi rivers.

About West Bengal:

• Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee
• Governor: R. N. Ravi
• Capital: Kolkata
• National Parks: Sundarbans National Park, Jaldapara National Park, Buxa National Park, Gorumara National Park, Neora Valley National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary, Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary, Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Kankaria Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad Becomes Water-Neutral Railway Depot

• The Kankaria Coaching Depot, located in Ahmedabad, achieved water-neutral status, demonstrating how railway operations can align with environmental sustainability goals through efficient water management practices.
• The depot saves nearly 1.60 lakh litres of water daily by treating and reusing wastewater generated during coach washing and maintenance activities.
• Water neutrality means the depot treats and reuses nearly the same quantity of water as it consumes, reducing dependence on freshwater sources.
• The initiative results in annual water savings of about 5.84 crore litres, contributing significantly to urban water conservation.
• The transformation has been achieved through advanced wastewater management systems, ensuring efficient reuse of water within railway operations.
• A key component of the system is phytoremediation, a nature-based wastewater treatment technique that uses plants to remove pollutants and improve water quality.
• The treatment process follows a multi-stage purification system, beginning with wetland-based natural filtration, followed by sand and carbon filtration, and finally ultraviolet disinfection to ensure water is safe for reuse.

RECENT NEWS

• Indian Railways has achieved an important milestone by launching the country’s first LNG–Diesel dual-fuel DEMU train. The train has been operationalised at Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, marking a big move towards sustainable and environment-friendly rail operations.

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

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Constitutes Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) constituted the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) as a high-level inter-ministerial body to serve as India’s central institutional mechanism for Artificial Intelligence governance policy development and coordination.
• The Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) was proposed as one of three institutions under India’s Artificial Intelligence Governance Guidelines and the Economic Survey to strengthen the country’s Artificial Intelligence governance framework.
• The group aims to support a whole-of-government approach by aligning the work of ministries, departments, regulators, and advisory bodies under a coordinated national Artificial Intelligence strategy.
• As per the notification issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) will receive technical support from the Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).
• Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, will serve as the Chairperson of the group.
• Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, will serve as the Vice-Chairperson, while S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has been appointed as the Member-Convener of the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG).

Rajya Sabha Reconstitutes Panel of Vice-Chairpersons Effective April 15, 2026

• Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha P. C. Mody announced the reconstitution of the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons, effective from April 15, 2026, to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.
• The panel consists of six Members of Parliament (MPs) from different political parties, nominated by C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• The composition of the panel includes:
• Dinesh Sharma, S. Phangnon Konyak, and Ghanshyam Tiwari from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
• Phulo Devi Netam from the Indian National Congress (INC)
• M.Thambidurai from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)
• Sasmit Patra from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
• The panel reflects multi-party representation in the functioning of the Upper House.
• Members of the panel preside over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha in the absence of both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, and they exercise similar powers to maintain order and conduct debates.

India Hosts First BRICS Health Working Group Meeting 2026 in New Delhi

• Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), chaired the first Health Working Group (HWG) Meeting under the BRICS framework for 2026 in New Delhi.
• The virtual meeting was attended by senior health officials, technical experts, and delegates from BRICS member countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, along with Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, to deliberate on priority areas of cooperation in public health.
• The meeting discussed nine priority areas, including:
• strengthening the Tuberculosis Research Network
• cooperation among medical product regulatory authorities
• development of an integrated early warning system for infectious diseases
• promotion of digital health architecture for continuum of care
• implementation of the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles
• advancement of mental health and wellness initiatives
• promotion of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM)
• addressing Diseases Driven by Social Determinants of Health (DDSDH)
• strengthening the BRICS Network of National Public Health Institutes
• As the BRICS Chair for 2026, India proposed two key initiatives under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, namely the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles and the promotion of mental health and wellness.

RECENT NEWS

• India has officially joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC),marking a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to advancing industrial capabilities and supporting its manufacturing and MSME sectors. The formal joining was announced at an event organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Kerala Botanist N. Alim Yusuf Receives World Wide Fund for Nature National Award at ECHO Youth Innovation Summit 2026

• N. Alim Yusuf, a botanist from Kerala, was honoured with the World-Wide Fund for Nature National Award at the National ECHO Youth Innovation Summit 2026, organised as part of the International Youth Biodiversity Conference in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• He received the award for developing an Artificial Intelligence-powered mobile application “NeophyteID” designed to identify invasive plant species in Kerala.
• During the summit, he was granted Rs 1.5 lakh as a seed fund by the World Wide Fund for Nature to support the further development and expansion of the application.
• The NeophyteID application was developed by researchers at the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences (MGBIPS) located at Olavanna, Kozhikode, Kerala, and is capable of identifying around 100 invasive plant species in the State.
• The application uses the Machine Learning-based YOLOv11 model and currently supports two languages: Malayalam and English.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Fourth Diving Support Craft Ship DSC A 23 (Yard 328) Launched Under DSC Project

• DSC A 23, the fourth ship of the five Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project, was launched at Titagarh, Kolkata, West Bengal.
• The ship was launched by Mrs Deepa Sivakumar in the presence of Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, Chief of Materiel.
• The launch ceremony was conducted with full naval traditions and ceremonial splendour.
• The construction of the Diving Support Craft (DSC) is being undertaken by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.
• The vessels feature a 30-metre long catamaran-hull design with an approximate displacement of 380 tons.
• The catamaran-hull form provides superior stability, enhanced deck area, and improved sea-keeping characteristics.
• These ships are specially designed for diving operations in coastal waters and harbours.
• The project was designed and built according to the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
• Extensive Model Testing and Hydrodynamic Analysis were carried out at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam.
• With the induction of these ships, the Indian Navy’s capabilities in Diving Support, Underwater Inspection, Salvage Assistance, and Coastal Operational Deployment will be significantly enhanced.
• Around 70% of the main and auxiliary equipment used in the ships has been sourced from indigenous manufacturers.
• The Diving Support Craft Project is a major symbol of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives of the Government of India (GoI) and Ministry of Defence (MoD).

About Ministry of Defence:

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

Australia and Japan Ink USD 7 Billion Deal for Advanced Stealth Warships for Royal Australian Navy

• Australia and Japan signed a USD 7 billion defence agreement for the supply of advanced stealth warships to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
• The deal marks one of Japan’s largest military export agreements in recent decades and strengthens Indo-Pacific defence cooperation.

Key Highlights :

• Under the agreement, Japan will deliver 3 upgraded Mogami-class frigates from 2029, while 8 additional frigates will be built in Australia.
• The project supports Australia’s naval modernisation plan to expand its fleet from 11 to 26 major warships over the next decade.
• The contract was awarded to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which will build the first ships in Japan, defeating Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
• The upgraded Mogami-class frigates are multi-role stealth warships designed for anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and surface strike operations.
• Each frigate will have a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles and will be equipped with a 32-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS).
• The warships will carry surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and operate MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.
• Each vessel will have a crew of around 92 personnel and advanced stealth and firepower
• Future ships will be constructed at the Henderson Defence Precinct, Western Australia, boosting domestic defence manufacturing.
• The project is expected to create around 10,000 skilled jobs and strengthen Australia’s shipbuilding industry.
• The agreement was signed in Tokyo in the presence of Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles and Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
• The deal reflects Japan’s shift towards a more active defence export policy, moving beyond its post-war constraints.
• Both countries are members of the Quad grouping (India, USA, Japan, Australia), strengthening Indo-Pacific strategic alignment.
• The agreement highlights growing concerns over regional security challenges and maritime tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

About Japan:

• Capital: Tokyo
• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Prime Minister: Sanae Takaichi

About Australia :

• Prime Minister : Anthony Albanese
• Capital : Canberra
• Currency : Australian dollar ($)

India and China Hold Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Bilateral Talks in Delhi Amid Gradual Improvement in Relations

• India and China held their first bilateral consultations under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), marking a key step in the gradual normalisation of bilateral relations.
• The talks come after easing of the eastern Ladakh military standoff (resolved in 2024), reflecting renewed efforts toward diplomatic engagement and stability.
• The consultations were the first formal SCO-level bilateral talks after the border thaw, indicating improving India–China relations after years of tension.
• Both sides discussed implementation of decisions taken by SCO leaders and exchanged views on the future direction of the SCO framework.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that both countries agreed to continue and deepen cooperation and consultations on SCO-related matters.
• India and China reviewed cooperation in security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges under the SCO platform.
• The discussions were held with Sibi George, focusing on strengthening multilateral cooperation.
• India reiterated that the SCO should focus on combating terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation, along with promoting balanced regional cooperation and economic engagement.
• The improvement in ties has also led to increased engagement in multilateral forums such as SCO and BRICS, where both countries are key members.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously visited China for the SCO Summit, marking early steps in political outreach after tensions.

About China:

• Capital: Beijing
• Currency: Renminbi (CNY)

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi Appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh

• The Government of India appointed former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi as the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh in April 2026, succeeding Pranay Verma.

About Dinesh Trivedi :

• Dinesh Trivedi is a rare political appointee to a high diplomatic post, marking a departure from the conventional practice of appointing only Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers.
• He is a former leader of both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
• He is tasked with promoting regional stability, security cooperation, and diplomatic engagement in the India–Bangladesh region.
• He has a long political career, having started with the Congress Party in the 1980s, later joining Janata Dal (1990) and TMC (1998) as its first General Secretary.
• He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, representing Gujarat and West Bengal at different times.
• He was the Railway Minister (2012) and also served as Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare (2009) in the UPA government.
• He resigned as Railway Minister after proposing a fare hike, which was opposed by the then TMC leadership.
• He left TMC in 2021 and joined the BJP
• Trivedi was awarded the title of Outstanding Parliamentarian (2016–17) and chaired the Indo-European Union Parliamentary Forum.
• He is also known for his petition to the Supreme Court seeking the release of the Vohra Committee Report, which contributed to debates on political criminalisation and transparency.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Confirms SpaceX Launch of Rosalind Franklin Rover Mission to Mars in 2028

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket will launch the Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars in 2028.
• The launch will take place from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, located in the United States of America.
• The Rosalind Franklin rover is part of the ExoMars mission led by the European Space Agency (ESA).
• NASA has approved the Rosalind Franklin Support and Augmentation (ROSA) project to enhance mission success.
• The primary objective of the mission is to drill up to 2 meters beneath Mars’ surface to search for signs of past or present microbial life.
• The rover will become the first Mars rover to explore subsurface life on the Red Planet (Mars).
• Under the ROSA project, NASA will provide critical support systems and technologies.
• NASA’s role includes launch services, braking engines for the landing platform, and radioisotope heater units to maintain the rover’s internal temperature in extreme Martian conditions.
• In 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).
• The MoU formalized the expansion of NASA’s role in the ExoMars programme, strengthening international space cooperation.

About NASA :

• Formed : July 29, 1958
• Headquarters : Washington, D.C.

 JSW Steel Board Clears Joint Venture Agreement with POSCO Group for Steel Plant Project

• JSW Steel Limited’s Board approved the formation of a Joint Venture (JV) with POSCO Group to establish a 6 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) integrated steel plant in Odisha.
• The proposed JV is aimed at strengthening strategic relations between the two major steel companies, JSW Steel Limited and POSCO Group.
• The venture will operate as a 50:50 Joint Venture, ensuring equal partnership between both entities.
• Under the arrangement, Saffron Resources Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSW Steel, will be converted into a 50:50 JV entity through a share subscription agreement.
• As part of the deal, POSCO Group will acquire equity shares of Saffron Resources Private Limited.
• The equity acquisition is valued at approximately ₹508.8 crore, subject to closing adjustments.
• The transaction will be executed through a share subscription arrangement between both parties.
• The expected completion timeline for the deal is 31 December 2026.
• The deadline may be extended by mutual agreement between JSW Steel and POSCO Group.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Odisha Signs MoU with National Centre for Coastal Research to Implement Marine Spatial Plan

• The Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to implement the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) under the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Management Initiative.
• With this development, Odisha became the first State in India to adopt the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) during the second phase of the initiative.
• The MoU was signed between Pooja Mishra, Additional Secretary, Science and Technology Department, Government of Odisha, and R. S. Kankara, Director of the National Centre for Coastal Research, in the presence of Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, at Lok Seva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar.
• The initiative is part of the India–Norway partnership on sustainable ocean management, which was launched in 2019. The first phase of the programme covered Puducherry and Lakshadweep.
• The Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) aims to support coastal economic development while ensuring the conservation of marine ecosystems along the 574-kilometre coastline of Odisha.
• The plan also focuses on strengthening climate resilience of coastal communities through data-based planning measures to address climate change impacts and sea-level rise.

CURRENT AFAFIRS: SPORTS NEWS

International Cricket Council Launches Inaugural Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 in Rwanda

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) launched the inaugural Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, starting to promote women’s cricket among emerging cricket nations.
• The five-nation tournament features Rwanda, Italy, Nepal, the United States of America, and Vanuatu, representing different International Cricket Council regions.
• All matches are being conducted at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium.
• The tournament follows a double round-robin format, under which each team plays against every other team twice, and it will continue until May 2, 2026.
• The opening fixtures included Rwanda vs Italy and Nepal vs the United States of America, while Vanuatu began its campaign on April 19, 2026, against the host nation Rwanda.
• The Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 aims to strengthen associate member participation in women’s cricket, provide international exposure to emerging teams, and create a structured pathway toward higher-level global tournaments.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

National Civil Services Day 2026 Observed on April 21

• National Civil Services Day is observed every year on April 21 in India to recognise and motivate civil servants for their contribution to public administration and nation-building.
• The civil services in India include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Central Group A and Group B services.
• The day commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Home Minister of independent India, who addressed probationary officers at the All-India Administrative Service Training School, Metcalfe House, New Delhi, on April 21, 1947.
• During his address, he described civil servants as the “Steel Frame of India”, emphasising their critical role in strengthening the administrative structure of the country.
• The first National Civil Services Day function was organised at Vigyan Bhawan on April 21, 2006, after which the day began to be observed annually.
• On this occasion, the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration are presented to recognise outstanding performance by civil servants and government organisations.

National Fire Service Day 2026 Observed on April 14

• National Fire Service Day is observed every year on April 14 across India to honour firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, particularly during the Bombay Dock Explosion.
• The day also marks the beginning of Fire Service Week, observed from April 14 to April 20, to promote fire safety awareness among the general public, employees, and students.
• The theme for 2026 is “Safe School, Safe Hospital and Fire Safety Aware Society – Together for Fire Prevention”, focusing on strengthening fire safety preparedness in critical public institutions and society.
• The observance commemorates the Bombay Dock Explosion that occurred on April 14, 1944, when the British cargo ship SS Fort Stikine, carrying explosives, cotton, and gold, caught fire and exploded at Victoria Dock, Bombay Port (now Mumbai).
• The explosion caused severe destruction in the dock area and nearby regions, resulting in the death of 231 people and injuries to 476 persons, including civilians and firefighters.
• In 1965, during the 11th meeting of the Standing Fire Advisory Council (SFAC), April 14 was officially declared as National Fire Service Day, and the following week was designated as Fire Service Week to commemorate the firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the 1944 incident.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Brazil Basketball Icon Oscar Schmidt Passed away at 68 After Illness Battle

• Oscar Schmidt, one of the greatest scorers in basketball history, passed away at the age of 68 after battling a brain tumor.
• He had an extraordinary 30-year professional career, playing for clubs in Brazil and Europe, and retired in 2003 at the age of 45.
• Oscar Schmidt represented Brazil in five Olympic Games and four FIBA World Cups, setting all-time scoring records in both tournaments.
• He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, recognising his outstanding contribution to the sport.
• Known for his exceptional scoring ability, he held an unofficial world record of 49,737 career points (club + national team combined).
• His scoring record was later surpassed by LeBron James in 2024.

Daily CA One- Liner : April 21

• The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal announced the establishment of the Vikram Sodhi Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence-enabled geological and mining systems, with a funding support of ₹15 crore over five years
• The Kankaria Coaching Depot, located in Ahmedabad, achieved water-neutral status, demonstrating how railway operations can align with environmental sustainability goals through efficient water management practices
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) constituted the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) as a high-level inter-ministerial body to serve as India’s central institutional mechanism for Artificial Intelligence governance policy development and coordination
• Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha P. C. Mody announced the reconstitution of the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons, effective from April 15, 2026, to ensure the smooth functioning of the House
• Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), chaired the first Health Working Group (HWG) Meeting under the BRICS framework for 2026 in New Delhi
• Alim Yusuf, a botanist from Kerala, was honoured with the World-Wide Fund for Nature National Award at the National ECHO Youth Innovation Summit 2026, organised as part of the International Youth Biodiversity Conference in Hyderabad, Telangana
• The Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to implement the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) under the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Management Initiative
• The International Cricket Council (ICC) launched the inaugural Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, starting to promote women’s cricket among emerging cricket nations
• National Civil Services Day is observed every year on April 21 in India to recognise and motivate civil servants for their contribution to public administration and nation-building
• National Fire Service Day is observed every year on April 14 across India to honour firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, particularly during the Bombay Dock Explosion.
• The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Department of Commerce (DoC), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), updated the list of authorised banks for gold and silver imports.
• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) conducted a bi-monthly survey in March 2026 titled “Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments”.
• The World Bank (WB) Board of Executive Directors approved a USD 225 million (approx. ₹2,080 crore) loan for the Rajasthan Highway Modernisation Project.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued Master Directions on Facility for Exchange of Notes and Coins to ensure smooth currency exchange services across India.
• Bannerghatta Biological Park, located in Bengaluru, announced the successful arrival of four cheetahs, including two females from South Africa.
• DSC A 23, the fourth ship of the five Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project, was launched at Titagarh, Kolkata, West Bengal.
• Australia and Japan signed a USD 7 billion defence agreement for the supply of advanced stealth warships to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
• India and China held their first bilateral consultations under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), marking a key step in the gradual normalisation of bilateral relations.
• The Government of India appointed former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi as the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh in April 2026, succeeding Pranay Verma.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket will launch the Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars in 2028.
• JSW Steel Limited’s Board approved the formation of a Joint Venture (JV) with POSCO Group to establish a 6 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) integrated steel plant in Odisha.
• Oscar Schmidt, one of the greatest scorers in basketball history, passed away at the age of 68 after battling a brain tumor.