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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Ministry of Commerce & Industry Data Shows Singapore as Top Foreign Direct Investment Source in Apr–Dec FY26 with Strong Inflows from Tax Haven Nations

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI) released data on FDI equity inflows for FY 2025–26 (April–December).
• Singapore emerged as the top source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India with USD 17.6 billion, accounting for 37% of total FDI inflows.
• India received a total of USD 47.87 billion in FDI equity inflows during April–December FY26.
• The United States of America was the second-largest investor with USD 7.8 billion (16%)
• Mauritius ranked third, contributing USD 4.8 billion (10%) of total FDI inflows.
• Other major investor countries included Japan and the United Arab Emirates, placing them among the top 5 FDI sources.
• In terms of state-wise distribution, Maharashtra received the highest FDI inflows at USD 15.38 billion.
• Karnataka ranked second, attracting USD 11.15 billion during the same period.

SBI Research Report Forecasts India’s Gross Domestic Product Growth at 6.8% to 7.1% in FY27

• State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), released its latest SBI Research Report on India’s economic outlook.
• The report projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.8% to 7.1% for FY 2026–27 (FY27).
• The growth forecast comes despite global headwinds such as West Asia conflicts and rising crude oil price pressures.
• SBI further estimated India’s GDP growth at 7.6% for FY 2025–26 (FY26).
• The report highlighted India’s economy as relatively resilient amid global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.
• One of the key potential risks identified was El Niño, which could adversely affect economic activity and agricultural output.
• The report estimated average inflation in India at 4.5%.
• India’s fiscal deficit was projected in the range of 4.5% to 4.6%.
• The findings indicate a balanced outlook with strong growth prospects, but caution regarding inflationary pressures, weather risks, and external shocks.

National Stock Exchange Active Client Base Declines 7% to 4.57 Crore in FY26

• The National Stock Exchange (NSE) witnessed a 7% decline in active client base to 4.57 crore in FY26, compared to 4.92 crore in FY25.
• This marks the first annual decline since the pandemic-driven market boom, indicating a slowdown in retail investor participation.
• Nearly 35 lakh active trading accounts exited the market during FY26.
• Zerodha accounted for the largest share of decline, losing 9.95 lakh active investors (29%).
• Angel One lost 8.15 lakh accounts (23%), while Upstox shed 7.6 lakh accounts (22%).
• Together, Zerodha, Angel One, and Upstox contributed over 70% of the total industry-wide contraction.
• Groww emerged as an exception, showing growth despite the overall decline.
• Groww increased its market share from 26.26% to 28.31% and led client additions in Q4 FY26.

Recent News :

• In April 2026, The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to invest in the proposed National Coal Exchange of India Limited.

CheQ and AU Small Finance Bank Introduce India’s First Co-branded LED-Powered Credit Card

• CheQ, a credit management platform, partnered with AU Small Finance Bank to launch the ‘CheQ AU Credit Card’.
• The card is India’s first co-branded Light-Emitting Diode (LED)-powered credit card, designed to enhance digital payment experience and reward management.
• The credit card focuses on simplified payments, maximised rewards, and a unified rewards ecosystem with tap-to-pay features.
• The card lights up during transactions by using energy from the Near Field Communication (NFC) field of the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal.
• It operates without an internal battery, making it a battery-free LED credit card
• The card supports dual payment networks, including Visa for global transactions and RuPay for Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
• The annual fee is ₹499, which is waived on ₹3 lakh annual spends.
• A ₹999 one-time fee applies for the LED variant, but it is waived until 31 May 2026 for CheQ customers.
• The card offers a unified CheQ Points rewards system with multiple earning categories.
• Users can earn up to 12% rewards on select platforms, 5% on everyday spends, 2.5% on UPI (RuPay) transactions, and 1% on other transactions.
• Rewards can be redeemed for gift cards, travel bookings, and bill payments.
• The card also includes a welcome EazyDiner membership worth ₹695, enhancing lifestyle benefits.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Indian Institute of Technology Madras Introduces OmegaBall in India

• The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) introduced OmegaBall, a three-team football format, marking its first-ever entry into India.
• IIT Madras proposed the formation of a national-level OmegaBall Club to promote and expand the sport across the country.
• The institute organized an inter-college OmegaBall tournament at its campus football field to mark the launch.
• Participating institutions included Loyola College, Guru Nanak College, Dr. Ambedkar Law University, The New College, Saveetha University, and YMCA College of Physical Education, along with teams from IIT Madras.
• OmegaBall is played with three teams simultaneously on a circular field with three goals, increasing ball interaction and scoring opportunities.
• The format is gaining popularity in regions such as the United States, Brazil, and Europe, indicating its emergence as a global sport.
• The initiative was launched under the leadership of V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, highlighting the importance of innovation in sports.
• The introduction of OmegaBall aligns with the institute’s vision of encouraging creativity, enhancing student engagement, and strengthening India’s sports ecosystem.

RECENT NEWS

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched ‘PARAM SHAKTI’, a powerful new supercomputing facility at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). The facility was inaugurated on January 3, 2026, by MeitY Secretary Shri S. Krishnan.

India Identified as Origin and Early Diversification Centre of Jamun Genus:

• A recent study by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), identified India as the origin and early diversification centre of the Jamun genus (Syzygium).
• The study indicates that the plant lineage dates back nearly 80 million years, challenging earlier theories that placed its origin in Australia or Southeast Asia.
• Researchers found evidence that the genus Syzygium originated in the East Gondwanan region, with India serving as a major centre of early diversification.
• Earlier scientific estimates suggested the genus evolved around 51 million years ago, but new fossil evidence shows its presence in India nearly 55 million years ago, extending its evolutionary timeline.
• A major breakthrough came from fossil discoveries in the Kasauli Formation of Himachal Pradesh, where 11 fossil leaves of Syzygium paleosalicifolium dating to the Early Miocene period (around 20 million years ago) were identified.
• Researchers used microscopy, morphological comparison, statistical validation, and global herbarium database analysis based on 22 leaf characteristics to confirm the findings.
• The study also re-examined earlier fossils from the Paleogene and Neogene periods (60–20 million years ago) to reconstruct a continuous evolutionary history of the genus in India.
• The findings suggest that Syzygium spread from India to Southeast Asia and Australia, reshaping earlier assumptions about plant evolution patterns, species migration, and historical biodiversity distribution.

India’s First Petroglyph Conservation Park to Be Developed at Sindhu Ghat in Ladakh

• India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park will be developed at Sindhu Ghat, Ladakh, to protect ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) of historical significance.
• The foundation stone for the park was laid, by Vinai Kumar Saxena, coinciding with World Heritage Day.
• The initiative aims to conserve centuries-old petroglyphs that are under threat due to environmental factors and human activities, marking an important step toward preserving India’s cultural heritage.
• The proposed park will serve as a dedicated conservation and exhibition space for prehistoric rock carvings, offering insights into early human life, culture, and beliefs in the Ladakh region.
• The project includes relocation of vulnerable petroglyphs from isolated locations and creation of a curated educational environment for visitors, strengthening heritage awareness and protection.
• Petroglyphs are prehistoric carvings on rock surfaces, representing one of the earliest forms of human expression and communication. In Ladakh, they depict hunting scenes, animals such as ibex and snow leopards, and later Buddhist symbols including stupas and inscriptions.
• Some carvings also include inscriptions in ancient languages such as Chinese, Arabic, and Sanskrit, reflecting historical cultural exchanges and transitions across centuries.
• Nearly 400 petroglyph sites have been identified in Ladakh, many located along the Indus and Zanskar riverbanks, where they face threats from weathering, climate change, unregulated tourism, road construction, and infrastructure development.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Ladakh administration and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to support scientific conservation, documentation, and sustainable heritage management of these artefacts.
• Important petroglyph locations in Ladakh include Domkhar, Dah Hanu, Alchi, Chilling, and Tangtse, which are situated along ancient trade routes and provide insights into migration patterns, trade networks, ecological conditions, and spiritual traditions of early communities.

RECENT NEWS

• The annual Spituk Gustor Festival has begun in Ladakh, bringing vibrant colours, sacred rituals, and spiritual energy to the region. Held at the historic Spituk Monastery, the festival follows a week-long period of prayers for world peace and prosperity.

About Ladakh (Union Territory):
• Lieutenant Governor: Vinai Kumar Saxena
• Capital: Leh (summer), Kargil (winter)
• Districts: Leh and Kargil
• National Parks: Hemis National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary

Ministry of Textiles Launches ‘Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World’ Initiative

• The Ministry of Textiles launched the ‘Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World’ initiative to promote Indian handloom heritage at the global level by integrating traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion design.
• The initiative was unveiled during the 61st Femina Miss India event held in Bhubaneswar, where a special designer collection highlighted India’s diverse handloom traditions with global design elements.
• The project has been developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to enhance the global appeal of Indian textiles.
• The initiative features around 30 traditional handloom weaves representing different States across India, with designs inspired by 30 countries and cultures, creating a fusion of Indian textiles and international fashion aesthetics.
• The collection showcased at the Femina Miss India platform provided national and international visibility to Indian handloom products, strengthening their role as a cultural and economic soft power tool.
• The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, aiming to expand global market access for Indian artisans and handloom products.
• It also supports the 5F Vision: Farm → Fibre → Factory → Fashion → Foreign, which promotes a value-chain-based approach to strengthen the textile sector from raw material production to global exports.

RECENT NEWS

• To boost export potential of Indian textile industries Ministry of Textiles has extended the RoSCTL scheme till the September 30 2026. This decision comes at that time when the global demand remains uncertain and to provide the much-needed stability to exporters.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker’s Visit and Talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Mark Milestone in India–Austria Relations

• The visit of Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker to India and his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked an important milestone in India–Austria relations.
• This is the first visit by an Austrian Chancellor to India in over 40 years, with the last visit taking place in 1984.
• Both countries signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on cooperation in military matters, establishing a structured framework for defence policy dialogue, training, and technology partnerships.
• India and Austria agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism to enhance coordination in combating global terrorism and emerging security challenges.
• A Fast-Track Mechanism was introduced to resolve issues faced by businesses and investors, aimed at improving the ease of doing business and strengthening investor confidence.
• Both nations agreed to organise a bilateral space industry seminar in Vienna in Autumn 2026 to integrate their space innovation ecosystems.
• This cooperation builds on earlier collaboration, including Austria’s satellites TUGSAT-1/BRITE and UniBRITE, launched from Sriharikota in 2013.
• An MoU was signed between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety to promote cooperation in food safety standards, risk assessment, and scientific exchange.
• The agreement is expected to facilitate safe trade in agricultural and food products between both countries.
• The India–Austria Working Holiday Programme has been operationalised to promote youth exchange and cultural understanding.
• A partnership between India’s Centre for UN Peacekeeping and Austria’s AUTINT has been established to strengthen peacekeeping training and cooperation.

About Austria :

• Capital : Vienna
• Currency : Euro (€).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Samriddh Gram Initiative Nominated for WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society) Prizes 2026

• India’s Samriddh Gram Initiative, led by the Department of Telecommunications, has been nominated for the WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society) Prizes 2026 under the Enabling Environment category, recognising efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure in rural areas.
• The initiative is built on the BharatNet network, one of the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity projects, aimed at expanding high-speed internet access across villages.
• The programme adopts a ‘phygital’ approach by integrating physical service delivery infrastructure with digital technology to improve accessibility of services and rural livelihoods.
• A key component of the initiative is the establishment of Samriddhi Kendras, which function as one-stop rural service centres providing access to telemedicine, online education, government schemes, banking services, and electronic commerce platforms.
• The initiative uses Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity and public Wi-Fi infrastructure to extend digital services to remote rural locations, reducing the need for long-distance travel and improving service delivery efficiency.
• The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes recognise impactful Information and Communication Technology initiatives globally.
• The nomination highlights India’s role in creating a supportive ecosystem for digital development in rural regions.
• The results of the WSIS Prizes 2026 will be announced during the WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao Conferred with 9th Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Award 2026

• Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director and Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), was honoured with the 9th Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Award in Hyderabad.
• He received the award for his contributions to climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management, supporting sustainable agricultural development in India.
• The Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Award is instituted by the Retired ICAR Employees Association in collaboration with Nuziveedu Seeds Limited, recognising excellence in agricultural research, food security, and sustainability.
• The 2026 edition of the award holds special significance as it coincides with the birth centenary year of M. S. Swaminathan, widely regarded as the architect of India’s Green Revolution.
• Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao has played a key role in promoting resource conservation technologies, development of district-level contingency plans for climate risks, and improving soil health and water management practices across agricultural regions.
• His initiatives supported the adoption of sustainable farming practices across millions of hectares, strengthening India’s capacity to manage climate variability, droughts, and extreme weather conditions.
• The award presentation ceremony was attended by eminent personalities including M. Venkaiah Naidu, Tummala Nageswara Rao, Mandava Prabhakar Rao, and C. Vidyasagar Rao.

Sadhvi Satish Sail Crowned Femina Miss India World 2026 in Bhubaneswar

• Sadhvi Satish Sail from Goa was crowned Femina Miss India World 2026 at the 61st edition of the Femina Miss India pageant held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• She was crowned by the outgoing titleholder Nikita Porwal, marking a significant milestone in her beauty pageant journey.
• Rajnandini Pawar from Maharashtra secured the position of first runner-up in the competition.
• Following her victory, Sadhvi Satish Sail will represent India at the Miss World 2027.
• Sadhvi Satish Sail is a model and entrepreneur, and has participated in multiple fashion shows and promotional campaigns, along with co-founding a company in the construction and development sector.
• Rajnandini Pawar is known for her achievements as a state-level dancer and squash player, highlighting a blend of sports and artistic excellence.
• The Femina Miss India pageant serves as a major platform to promote confident, socially aware, and purpose-driven women, with participants evaluated on personality, communication skills, social awareness, talent, and stage presence.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan Launches ‘Surya Devbhoomi Challenge 2.0’ in Uttarakhand

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan formally flagged off the 2nd edition of Surya Devbhoomi Challenge 2.0 in Badrinath, Uttarakhand.
• The Surya Devbhoomi Challenge 2.0 is a high-altitude endurance event organized in the Himalayan region of Garhwal, Uttarakhand.
• The 5-day expedition continued till 20 April 2026 across the Char Dham corridor of Uttarakhand.
• The event covered a 113-kilometre route connecting three sacred Kedars – Kalpeshwar, Rudranath, and Tungnath.
• The expedition was organized by the Indian Army (IA) in strategic partnership with IconMetrix.
• The event was supported by the Tourism Department of Uttarakhand Government.
• IconMetrix played a key role in ensuring pan-India participation, reaching communities from Ahmedabad (Gujarat) to Kolkata (West Bengal).
• The challenge aimed to promote heritage conservation, tourism, and regional development through adventure sports.
• Under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP), the event is expected to boost tourism and generate employment opportunities in border villages of Uttarakhand.
• The event reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to nation-building and public participation.
• During the visit, General Anil Chauhan offered prayers at Shri Badrinath Dham.
• He also reviewed the travel arrangements for pilgrims visiting the shrine.
• Later, he visited Harsil in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
• In Harsil, he laid the foundation stone of the Harsil Cultural and Heritage Centre.
• The Harsil Cultural and Heritage Centre aims to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Garhwal and showcase its glorious history.
• The centre is also expected to promote tourism in the region.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Competition Commission of India Appoints Rakesh Bhanot as Acting Director General to Head Investigative Arm

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) appointed Rakesh Bhanot as the Acting Director General (DG) to head its investigative arm.
• He succeeded Ansuman Pattanaik, who stepped down in March 2026 to become Additional Secretary in the MCA.
• Rakesh Bhanot is known as a key technical expert in financial and economic analysis of mergers, acquisitions, and anti-competitive conduct.
• He has extensive experience in handling cases related to cartels, abuse of dominant position, and anti-competitive agreements under the Competition Act, 2002.
• He earlier served as Advisor (Financial Analysis) at the CCI from 2013 to 2021.
• In 2021, he joined the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) as Executive Director.
• At NFRA, he gained expertise in financial scrutiny, auditing oversight, and regulatory compliance.
• He rejoined the CCI as Advisor in 2024 before being elevated as Acting DG.
• As Acting Director General, he will lead investigations into anti-trust violations, mergers, market dominance abuse, and cartelisation cases.

About Competition Commission of India :

• Formed : 14 October 2003
• Headquarter : New Delhi, India
• Chairperson : Ravneet Kaur

Asit Tripathy Appointed as President of Odisha Steel Producers’ Association

• The Odisha Steel Producers’ Association (OSPA) unanimously elected Mr Asit Tripathy, former Chief Secretary of Odisha and Advisor to Jindal Steel, as its President.
• The OSPA is a newly formed industry collective platform representing major steel and mining companies in Odisha.
• Key member companies include Tata Steel, Jindal Stainless, JSW Steel, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AMNS), among others.
• The main objective of OSPA is to strengthen industry coordination, enable knowledge sharing, and facilitate structured engagement with stakeholders.
• Odisha is India’s largest steel producer and iron ore producer, making OSPA strategically significant for the state’s industrial ecosystem.
• The association is expected to support sustainable industrial growth, investment promotion, and job creation in Odisha.
• Asit Tripathy brings extensive experience in governance, public policy, and industrial development, strengthening OSPA’s leadership.
• Mr S.K. Popli (IFS Retd.) has been appointed as Secretary General of OSPA.
• The OSPA meeting witnessed participation from representatives of 15 leading steelmakers and miners, reflecting strong industry consensus and support.
• The association aims to act as a bridge between industry and government for long-term industrial development and policy dialogue.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Ola’s AI Assistant Kruti Goes Offline Across App Stores and Web Platforms

• Ola has removed its AI smart assistant “Kruti” from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and web platforms, making it currently inaccessible to users.
• Kruti was launched as a consumer-facing AI assistant to help users with ride bookings, customer queries, bill payments, food orders, and support services within the Ola ecosystem.
• The chatbot was part of Ola’s AI arm Krutrim and was powered by the in-house Krutrim V2 model, a 12-billion parameter AI model.
• The service outage indicates that Kruti is under maintenance, with the website displaying a message stating it will return soon.
• The shutdown comes amid reports of performance issues and limited user adoption, raising concerns over its effectiveness and market acceptance.
• Kruti was positioned as a key part of Ola’s AI-driven strategy, aiming to compete with global AI assistants through conversational technology in mobility services.
• The assistant also appears to be non-functional within Ola’s ecosystem, affecting integrated services.
• As of now, Ola/Krutrim has not issued any official statement regarding the outage or future relaunch plans.

United States of America Launches Space Nuclear Energy Initiative, Aims for Moon Reactor by 2030

• The United States of America (USA)’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) formally launched the National Space Technology Memorandum-3 (NSTM-3).
• NSTM-3 is a national initiative aimed at advancing space nuclear power technology.
• The programme targets deployment of low- to mid-power nuclear reactors in orbit, on the Moon, and on Mars during the 2030s.
• Under the new guidelines, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has been directed to begin a programme within 30 days.
• NASA will develop a mid-power reactor, with the lunar surface version expected to launch by 2030.
• The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has been assigned the responsibility of developing a mission-ready in-space reactor by 2031, subject to funding approval.
• The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has been given a key assessment role under the initiative.
• The DOE must evaluate within 60 days whether the USA nuclear reactor industry can build up to 4 space reactors within 5 years.
• The initiative highlights the USA’s long-term strategy to establish sustainable power systems for future lunar and Martian missions.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Amazon to Acquire Globalstar in USD 11.57 Billion Deal to Expand Satellite Internet Plans

• Amazon announced the acquisition of Globalstar in a deal worth USD 11.57 billion, boosting its satellite internet ambitions.
• The move is aimed at competing with SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently dominates the global satellite internet market.
• The acquisition will strengthen Amazon’s presence in low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services.
• Amazon plans to expand its satellite constellation to around 3,200 LEO satellites by 2029.
• As per regulatory requirements, about half of these satellites must be deployed by July 2026.
• The initiative is part of Project Kuiper (rebranded as Amazon Leo in late 2025), launched by Jeff Bezos in 2019 to provide global satellite internet connectivity.
• Globalstar currently operates approximately 24 satellites providing voice, data, and asset tracking services.
• It also supports Apple’s emergency SOS feature, making it a strategically valuable asset for Amazon’s expansion.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 Held in Madrid, Spain

• The Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 were held in Madrid, Spain, recognising outstanding sporting performances for the year 2025.
• The awards honoured top athletes and teams across categories such as Sportsman, Sportswoman, Team, Breakthrough, Comeback, and Lifetime Achievement.
• Paris Saint-Germain won the World Team of the Year award after securing their first Union of European Football Associations Champions League title.
• Lando Norris received the Breakthrough of the Year award after becoming a Formula One World Champion.
• Rory McIlroy was honoured with the Comeback of the Year award after completing a career Grand Slam.
• Nadia Comăneci received the Lifetime Achievement Award, marking 50 years since her historic perfect score in Olympic gymnastics.
• The Sport for Good Award was presented to Fútbol Más for promoting social development through sport.
• The Indian women’s cricket team was nominated for the Team of the Year category after winning the International Cricket Council Women’s World Cup 2025, but did not win the award.

Winners List – Laureus World Sports Awards 2026

About Laureus World Sports Awards

• The Laureus World Sports Awards are among the most prestigious global sports honours.
• Winners are selected by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, comprising internationally renowned athletes.
• The awards recognise sporting excellence, resilience, and contribution of sports to society.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Veteran Journalist and Ex-Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Balbir Punj Passed away

• Balbir Punj, veteran journalist and former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), passed away at the age of 76 in New Delhi.

About Balbir Punj :

• He was born in 1949 in New Delhi.
• He was widely respected for his contributions to journalism, public discourse, and writings on political, social, and national issues.
• He began his journalism career with The Motherland in 1971.
• He worked with Financial Express from 1974 to 1996.
• Later, he served as Executive Editor of The Observer of Business and Politics.
• He also held important positions in various journalists’ associations, including serving as President of the Delhi Journalists Association.
• In public life, he served as Chairman of the National Commission for Youth (with Minister of State status).
• He was also a member of the Delhi Finance Commission (1996–97).
• Balbir Punj served two terms in the Rajya Sabha as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
• He represented Uttar Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha from 2000 to 2006.
• Later, he represented Odisha from 2008 until retirement in 2014.
• He authored notable books including Tryst with Ayodhya, Decolonisation of India, and Narrative ka Mayajaal.
• He regularly wrote columns in both Hindi and English publications.
• In May 2022, he was honoured with the Lifelong Devrishi Narad Samman Award for his distinguished contribution to journalism.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Earth Day 2026 Observed on 22 April with Theme “Our Power, Our Planet”

• World Earth Day is observed every year on 22 April to promote awareness about environmental protection and sustainability across the globe.
• The theme for World Earth Day 2026 is “Our Power, Our Planet”.
• The first Earth Day was initiated in 1969 by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson after witnessing the environmental damage caused by a major oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.
• In 1970, thousands of colleges and universities across the United Nations member countries organized environmental protests supporting a healthy and sustainable planet.
• In 1968, the United States Public Health Service organized the Human Ecology Symposium to discuss the impact of environmental degradation on human health.
• In 1972, the United States Government established the Environmental Protection Agency and enacted the Clean Air Act to control air pollution and protect natural habitats.
• In 1990, Earth Day became a global movement, with participation from more than 140 countries.
• In 1995, Gaylord Nelson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contribution to the environmental movement through the Earth Day initiative.

Daily CA One- Liner: April 22

• The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) introduced OmegaBall, a three-team football format, marking its first-ever entry into India.
• A recent study by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), identified India as the origin and early diversification centre of the Jamun genus
• India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park will be developed at Sindhu Ghat, Ladakh, to protect ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) of historical significance.
• The Ministry of Textiles launched the ‘Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World’ initiative to promote Indian handloom heritage at the global level by integrating traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion design
• India’s Samriddh Gram Initiative, led by the Department of Telecommunications, has been nominated for the WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society) Prizes 2026 under the Enabling Environment category, recognising efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure in rural areas
• Srinivasa Rao, Director and Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), was honoured with the 9th Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Award in Hyderabad
• Sadhvi Satish Sail from Goa was crowned Femina Miss India World 2026 at the 61st edition of the Femina Miss India pageant held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha
• The Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 were held in Madrid, Spain, recognising outstanding sporting performances for the year 2025.
• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI) released data on FDI equity inflows for FY 2025–26 (April–December).
• State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), released its latest SBI Research Report on India’s economic outlook.
• The National Stock Exchange (NSE) witnessed a 7% decline in active client base to 57 crore in FY26, compared to 4.92 crore in FY25.
• CheQ, a credit management platform, partnered with AU Small Finance Bank to launch the ‘CheQ AU Credit Card’.
• The visit of Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker to India and his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked an important milestone in India–Austria relations.
• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan formally flagged off the 2nd edition of Surya Devbhoomi Challenge 2.0 in Badrinath, Uttarakhand.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) appointed Rakesh Bhanot as the Acting Director General (DG) to head its investigative arm.
• The Odisha Steel Producers’ Association (OSPA) unanimously elected Mr Asit Tripathy, former Chief Secretary of Odisha and Advisor to Jindal Steel, as its President.
• Ola has removed its AI smart assistant “Kruti” from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and web platforms, making it currently inaccessible to users.
• The United States of America (USA)’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) formally launched the National Space Technology Memorandum-3 (NSTM-3).
• Amazon announced the acquisition of Globalstar in a deal worth USD 11.57 billion, boosting its satellite internet ambitions.
• Balbir Punj, veteran journalist and former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), passed away at the age of 76 in New Delhi
• World Earth Day is observed every year on 22 April to promote awareness about environmental protection and sustainability across the globe