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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company Gets Approval to Set Up Reinsurance Branch in GIFT City, Gujarat

• Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), a United Arab Emirates (UAE) -based insurance and reinsurance provider, received approval to set up a reinsurance branch in India at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• The licence became effective from 1 April 2026, granted by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), allowing ADNIC to operate from India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
• The approval enables ADNIC to undertake reinsurance business in India, marking its entry into the country’s offshore financial ecosystem.
• ADNIC is a multiline insurer and reinsurer with operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, providing services in global insurance markets.
• The expansion is part of ADNIC’s international growth strategy, aimed at strengthening its presence in high-growth markets like India.
• It enhances cross-border insurance capabilities, supports revenue diversification, and ensures long-term business expansion.
• The move strengthens India–UAE economic cooperation by boosting trade, investment, and financial sector collaboration.
• It also aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global financial services hub.
• GIFT City serves as a global centre for reinsurance, banking, and offshore financial services, attracting international financial institutions.
• The development comes amid broader reforms in India’s insurance sector, including approval of new insurers such as Allianz Jio Reinsurance and Kiwi General Insurance by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

BSE Index Services Introduces Housing Finance Sectoral Benchmark to Track Performance of Housing Finance Companies

• BSE Index Services announced the launch of the BSE Housing Finance Index, a new sectoral benchmark tracking the performance of companies in the housing finance sector.
• The index has a base value of 1,000 with 22 June 2015 as the base date.
• It will be reconstituted semi-annually (June and December) in line with standard index review practices.
• The index is designed to support investment analysis, benchmarking, and financial product development.
• BSE Index Services Pvt. Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of BSE Ltd, formerly known as Asia Index Pvt. Ltd.
• The index comprises 11 constituents, including LIC Housing Finance, PNB Housing Finance, Sammaan Capital, Home First Finance Company, Bajaj Housing Finance, Aptus Value Housing Finance, Can Fin Homes, Aadhar Housing Finance, AAVAS Financiers, and India Shelter Finance Corporation.
• The highest weight (17.16%) is assigned to LIC Housing Finance, while the lowest weight is 3.89%, reflecting sectoral representation.

NPCI Bharat Bill Pay Limited Adds Postal Life Insurance to Bharat Connect Insurance Biller Network

• NPCI Bharat Bill Pay Limited (NBBL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), onboarded Postal Life Insurance (PLI) as a biller under the insurance category on the Bharat Connect
• With this inclusion, the number of insurance billers on the platform has increased to 65, strengthening India’s digital bill payment ecosystem.
• The move enables policyholders of Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) to pay renewal premiums through Bharat Connect-enabled digital platforms as well as offline agent networks.
• State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), acted as the Biller Operating Unit (BOU) to facilitate the onboarding process.
• The development allows customers to access recurring insurance premium payment services through multiple digital and assisted channels across India.
• Postal Life Insurance (PLI) is operated by India Post, which functions under the Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications.

Recent News :

• In April 2026, NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) has onboarded Axis Bank onto its Banking Connect platform, joining major banks like State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank.

International Financial Services Centres Authority Grants First Registration to Foreign Family Office Structured as Family Investment Fund under 2025 Fund Management Regulations

• The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) granted registration to the first foreign Family Office structured as a Family Investment Fund (FIF) under the IFSCA (Fund Management) Regulations, 2025.
• The licence was issued to Poornam Asset Management (IFSC) Private. Limited., representing a UK-based family office
• This marks a major milestone in GIFT IFSC’s private wealth ecosystem, attracting global capital and international investors.
• The Family Investment Fund (FIF) structure enables cross-border investments and diversified portfolio management across domestic and global markets.
• Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is a central business district under development in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, serving as a global financial services hub.
• In 2025, GIFT City achieved notable global rankings:
• Top rank in reputational advantage
• Rank 40 in fintech
• Overall rank 46 in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 37)
• Uday Kotak serves as the Chairman of GIFT City Company Limited.

Karnataka Bank Ties Up with Pine Labs to Strengthen Digital Payment Infrastructure

• Karnataka Bank Limited, a private sector bank in India, entered into a partnership with Pine Labs Limited, a leading provider of Point-of-Sale (PoS) solutions, to strengthen its digital payment ecosystem.
• The collaboration enables advanced PoS payment services, ensuring seamless, secure, and efficient transactions across India.
• The partnership ensures pan-India availability of PoS services across all bank branches, enhancing digital banking reach.
• It supports Karnataka Bank’s vision of becoming a “Digital Bank of the Future” by strengthening its digital banking infrastructure.
• The initiative will benefit retail customers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing access to advanced PoS terminals.
• It promotes digital payment adoption, financial inclusion, and improved merchant payment solutions.

About Karnataka Bank:

• Founded: 1924
• Headquarters: Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma
• Tagline: "Your Family Bank, Across India"

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

India Introduces New Rules to Regulate Online Gaming Sector

• India will notify new rules on 1 May 2026 under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to regulate the rapidly growing online gaming sector, focusing on user safety and responsible gaming.
• The rules are part of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 (PROGA) and aim to create a safe, transparent, and accountable gaming ecosystem.
• A new regulatory body, the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), will be established as the central authority for monitoring, compliance, and grievance redressal.
• It will be headed by an Additional Secretary-level officer.
• Members will include representatives from:
• Ministry of Home Affairs
• Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
• Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
• Department of Financial Services
• Department of Legal Affairs
• The rules mandate strong user protection measures, requiring gaming companies to implement safeguards against:
• Financial risks such as excessive spending
• Psychological harm
• Security and privacy threats
• Exposure to inappropriate or harmful content
• Platforms must ensure responsible gaming practices, including transparency in gameplay and transactions and enabling informed user choice.
• The rules remove mandatory pre-registration for all online games, subject to conditions:
• Games must not harm users or children
• Must not involve risky or harmful activities
• Only specific categories of games will require registration
• Electronic sports (e-sports) platforms must undergo mandatory registration with OGAI, based on:
• Scale of users
• Nature and value of financial transactions
• Origin or headquarters of the company
• The framework is expected to enhance consumer protection, improve regulatory oversight, and support the sustainable growth of the online gaming industry in India.

RECENT NEWS

• India is emerging as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), leveraging technology to drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen innovation. According to Stanford University’s 2025 Global AI Vibrancy Ranking, India ranks 3rd globally, behind the United States and China.

Indian Institute of Technology Ropar Launches Artificial Intelligence-Based Agricultural Intelligence Ecosystem

• Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab launched India’s first fully integrated Artificial Intelligence-based Agricultural Intelligence Ecosystem to support smart farming and agricultural decision-making.
• The ecosystem was developed by the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture under ANNAM.AI (Alliance for Next-Generation Nourishment through Agriculture Modernisation).
• The initiative aims to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen risk management, and enhance technology-driven advisory support for farmers using Artificial Intelligence tools.
• The ecosystem includes key components:
• Swan – Advanced weather monitoring stations
• Krishi Intelligence Call Centres – Farmer support and advisory services
• Annam Chat Engine (ACE) – Artificial Intelligence-based conversational advisory platform
• The Artificial Intelligence architecture of the ecosystem operates through three layers:
• Infrastructure Layer – Data collection from field-level sources
• Intelligence Layer – Data processing and analytics
• Engagement Layer – Farmer-focused advisory and decision-support services
• The platform represents a significant step toward digital agriculture transformation in India by integrating weather intelligence, real-time analytics, and farmer advisory systems into a unified ecosystem.

RECENT NEWS

• Honorable CM of Punjab Bhagwant Mann have announced that the Anti-Sacrilege Bill 2026 has been passed by the state assembly and it was sent to the Governor of State Gulab Chand Kataria for assent of the bill.

About Punjab:

• Chief Minister: Bhagwant Mann ​
• Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
• Capital: Chandigarh ​
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary, Aishvan Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Bhadson Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Bunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Dosanjh Wildlife Sanctuary ​

Eco-Sensitive Zone Declared Around Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) covering 408.7 square kilometres around the Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh to strengthen biodiversity conservation and ecological protection.
• The declared Eco-Sensitive Zone spans 307 villages across five districts:
• Muzaffarnagar district – 138.71 square kilometres
• Meerut district – 50.04 square kilometres
• Hapur district – 18.35 square kilometres
• Bijnor district – 155.02 square kilometres
• Amroha district – 46.35 square kilometres
• The Eco-Sensitive Zone declaration will support conservation of rich biodiversity and promote sustainable livelihoods for indigenous communities living in and around the sanctuary.
• The Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary hosts diverse flora and fauna, including:
• 41 mammal species
• 373 bird species
• 36 reptile species
• 10 amphibian species
• 79 fish species
• The sanctuary also supports over 280 plant species, including 81 medicinal plant species, highlighting its ecological importance.

RECENT NEWS

• The Uttar Pradesh government has presented its first-ever Economic Survey 2025-26 in the state legislature, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to transform the state into a $1 trillion economy over the medium term. 

About Uttar Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• Governor: Anandiben Patel
• Capital: Lucknow
• National Parks: Dudhwa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary (Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary), Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranipur Wildlife

Atal Pension Yojana Crosses 9 Crore Enrolments Milestone

• Atal Pension Yojana achieved a historic milestone of 9 crore total gross enrolments, reflecting its growing popularity, especially among workers in the unorganised sector in India.
• During Financial Year 2025–26, the scheme recorded over 1.35 crore new subscribers, marking the highest-ever annual enrolment since its launch.
• The strong enrolment growth was supported by:
• Extensive outreach campaigns in rural and semi-urban areas
• Active participation of public sector banks, private sector banks, and Regional Rural Banks
• Support from the Department of Posts in reaching remote populations
• Continuous awareness drives and multilingual communication initiatives
• Monitoring and capacity-building efforts by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
• Launched on 9 May 2015, Atal Pension Yojana aims to create a universal social security system, particularly for workers in the informal sector.
• The scheme guarantees a fixed monthly pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 after the age of 60 years, depending on the subscriber’s contribution.
• Under the scheme:
• The spouse continues to receive the pension after the subscriber’s death
• After the death of both subscriber and spouse, the corpus is returned to the nominee, ensuring extended financial protection to the family
• The scheme is open to Indian citizens aged 18 to 40 years who are not income taxpayers, and subscribers contribute regularly until attaining 60 years of age.
• Atal Pension Yojana plays an important role in strengthening old-age income security, providing affordable pension coverage, and reducing dependency risks among workers in the unorganised sector, thereby supporting financial inclusion and social security expansion in India.

Ministry of Culture Launches ‘VM Frames’ National Filmmaking Competition to Mark 150 Years of Vande Mataram

• The Ministry of Culture launched the ‘VM Frames’ National Filmmaking Competition to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram, encouraging citizens, especially young creators, to express the spirit of the nation through visual storytelling.
• Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, played a significant role during India’s freedom struggle, symbolising devotion to the motherland, patriotism, national pride, and cultural unity.
• The 150-year milestone celebrations are being organised across States, Union Territories, and Indian Missions abroad as part of a year-long nationwide commemoration of India’s cultural heritage.
• ‘VM Frames’ provides a platform for participants to creatively interpret the values of Vande Mataram through modern storytelling formats, linking India’s past, present, and future vision.
• The competition includes three categories:
• Reels – Short visual storytelling format
• Artificial Intelligence-based films – Innovative storytelling using emerging technology
• Short Films – Detailed cinematic narratives
• Themes encouraged under the competition include patriotism, unity, cultural identity, and the vision of New India.
• The prize structure includes:
• Reels Category: First Prize ₹1,50,000; Second Prize ₹1,00,000; Third Prize ₹50,000
• Artificial Intelligence Films Category: First Prize ₹5,00,000; Second Prize ₹3,00,000; Third Prize ₹1,50,000
• Short Films Category: First Prize ₹15,00,000; Second Prize ₹12,00,000; Third Prize ₹10,00,000
• The competition is open to Indian citizens in India and abroad, with emphasis on originality, creativity, and emotional connection with the theme of Vande Mataram.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan’s Two-Day Official Visit to Sri Lanka (19–20 April 2026) – Key Highlights

• Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan undertook a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka from 19–20 April 2026, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Vice President to Sri Lanka.
• During the visit, he met Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, reviewing India-supported development projects in Sri Lanka.
• He also held discussions with Harini Amarasuriya along with other senior Sri Lankan leaders, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
• India and Sri Lanka signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in healthcare and regional development.
• Key announcements included completion of Phase III of the Indian Housing Project (4,000 houses) in Sri Lanka.
• India supported post-cyclone reconstruction efforts, including restoration of the Northern Railway Line and Bailey bridges after Cyclone Ditwah.
• Expansion of CEWET (Ceylon Estate Workers Education Trust) scholarships from 350 to 700, along with increased stipends, was announced.
• Sri Lanka agreed to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), strengthening global wildlife conservation cooperation.
• The visit reinforced India–Sri Lanka strategic partnership, focusing on development cooperation, connectivity, and capacity building.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Centre Appoints Justice Lisa Gill as Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court

• The Central Government of India appointed Justice Lisa Gill as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
• The appointment was made by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, under the provisions of the Constitution of India.
• Justice Lisa Gill was earlier a Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, transferred from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
• Her appointment comes into effect from 25 April 2026, following the retirement of Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur on 24 April 2026.
• The Supreme Court Collegium recommended her early transfer under a new policy to shift prospective Chief Justices at least two months before retirement of the incumbent.
• This policy aims to ensure the incoming Chief Justice gets adequate time to familiarise with the High Court’s functioning.

About Ministry of Law and Justice :

• Cabinet Minister : Arjun Ram Meghwal

World Economic Forum Names 10 Indians, Including Jay Shah and Isha Ambani, in Young Global Leaders Class of 2026

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2026, recognising 118 leaders from 55 countries for contributions across government, business, and social sectors.
• From India, key leaders include Jay Shah, Isha Ambani, Sumit Gupta, Abhishek Bansal, Ameve Sharma, Suhani Jalota, Aniket Doegar, Supriya Paul, Edmond Clint Fernandes, and Natsuki Sugai.
• The YGL initiative, launched in 2004, aims to identify leaders under 40 years of age for a structured leadership development programme.
• Selected leaders undergo a five-year programme based in Geneva,Switzerland focusing on leadership, collaboration, and solving global challenges.
• A select group from the 118 members of the 2026 cohort includes global leaders such as Kemi Lala Akindoju (Nigeria; Founder of The Make It Happen Production Company Ltd), Nick Frosst (Canada; Co-founder of Cohere), Thea LaFond (Dominica; Track & Field athlete), Isha Ambani (India; Director, Reliance Retail Ventures), Dan Wu (China; Founder & CEO of Hero Games), Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri (Indonesia; Vice Minister of Trade), and Paola Longoria (Mexico; Athlete and Member of Congress), showcasing the diverse leadership represented in the 2026 Young Global Leaders

About World Economic Forum :

• Formation : 24 January 1971
• Headquarters : Cologny, Switzerland
• Chairman : Larry Fink

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Central Bureau of Investigation Launches AI Chatbot “Abhay” to Combat Digital Arrest Frauds by Verifying Authentic Notices

• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will launch an AI-powered chatbot named “Abhay” to help citizens verify the authenticity of CBI-issued notices, aimed at combating digital arrest frauds.
• The chatbot will be launched by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant during the 22nd D P Kohli Memorial Lecture organised by the CBI.
• The system will allow the public to verify genuine CBI notices, helping prevent scams where fraudsters impersonate officials to commit cyber fraud and extortion.
• The initiative addresses the rising cases of “digital arrest” scams, where victims are falsely detained online and forced to pay money using fake notices.
• According to reports, cyber criminals have siphoned off around ₹54,000 crore in various scams, which the Supreme Court has described as “robbery or dacoity”.
• The AI chatbot Abhay is designed as a public verification tool to enhance cyber security awareness and trust in law enforcement systems.
• The D P Kohli Memorial Lecture honours P. Kohli, the founding director of CBI, established the agency on 1 April 1963 after heading the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE).
• The lecture focuses on law enforcement, cybercrime challenges, investigative reforms, and judicial cooperation, bringing together experts from various fields.
• The event also includes the conferment of 24 Medals for Meritorious Service.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Air Force Activates Emergency Landing Facility on Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) activated an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur District, demonstrating day and night operational capability.
• The event was witnessed by Om Prakash Rajbhar (UP Minister) and Air Marshal B. Manikantan (AOC-in-C, Central Air Command) along with other officials.
• The exercise showcased operations by a diverse fleet of aircraft, including Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, C-295, AN-32, along with Mi-17 V5 helicopter and the Garud Commando Force.
• The IAF, in coordination with Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) and local civil administration, validated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for rapid activation of ELFs.
• The operation demonstrated the IAF’s ability to conduct uninterrupted missions even without conventional runways, enhancing operational resilience.
• It highlighted the professional flying skills of aircrew and the efficiency of ground crew in activating highway airstrips at short notice.
• Highway-based airstrips act as a force multiplier, improving operational flexibility during emergencies.
• The ELF strengthens national security preparedness and enhances disaster response (HADR – Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) capabilities.
• The collaboration between IAF, UPEIDA, and civil administration reflects strong civil-military synergy in infrastructure utilisation.

India and Egypt Hold 11th Joint Defence Committee Meeting in Cairo

• The 11th India–Egypt Joint Defence Committee (JDC) Meeting was held in Cairo from 20–22 April 2026, focusing on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

Key Highlights :

• The Indian delegation was led by Shri Amitabh Prasad (Joint Secretary, International Cooperation) from the Ministry of Defence, along with senior officials from the Armed Forces.
• The Egyptian delegation was led by Staff Major General Ahmed Mohamed Omar and included senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and Defence Forces of Egypt.
• Both sides reviewed progress since the last JDC meeting and agreed on a Defence Cooperation Plan 2026–27.
• Key focus areas include structured military engagement, joint training exercises, and enhanced maritime security cooperation.
• They also agreed to expand the scope and complexity of military exercises and promote defence production and technology collaboration.
• India highlighted its defence manufacturing capabilities, with production crossing USD 20 billion and exports worth around USD 4 billion to over 100 countries.
• Both countries agreed to develop a defence industry cooperation plan focusing on co-development and co-production.
• The first-ever Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks were held on the sidelines, strengthening maritime cooperation.
• India highlighted the role of the Indian Navy in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• The importance of the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in enhancing maritime security was also emphasized.
• The Indian delegation called on Lieutenant General Amr Abdel Rahman Saqr, Commander of the Egyptian Air Force (EAF), appreciating bilateral air force cooperation.
• The delegation paid homage at the Heliopolis War Memorial, honouring Indian soldiers who sacrificed during World War I and World War II.
• A key milestone in bilateral relations was the MoU on Defence Cooperation (2022) and the upgrade of ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2023.
• The meeting reaffirmed strong India–Egypt defence ties and commitment to regional security and stability.

About Egypt :

• President : Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
• Prime Minister : Mostafa Madbouly
• Capital : Cairo
• Currency : Egyptian pound

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Tata Steel Partners with SMS Group to Install World’s First EASyMelt Technology

• Tata Steel Limited signed a definitive agreement with Paul Wurth S.A. (part of SMS Group, Germany) to install the world’s first large-scale EASyMelt (Electrically Assisted Syngas Smelter) technology.
• The project will be implemented at Tata Steel’s Jamshedpur plant in Jharkhand, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions in steel production.
• The initiative follows a successful engineering study after an initial agreement signed in June 2023.
• EASyMelt technology is a retrofit solution that can be installed on existing blast furnaces, enabling modernization without replacing infrastructure.
• It replaces coal with syngas and uses plasma torches to improve efficiency and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• The system provides fuel flexibility, allowing operation on multiple energy sources while improving energy efficiency.
• The technology enables decarbonisation of existing steel plants without requiring costly infrastructure replacement.
• The collaboration aims to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by over 50% compared to traditional blast furnace operations.
• This marks a major step in the global push for green steel production and industrial decarbonisation.
• The initiative supports Tata Steel’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.
• It represents one of the most ambitious sustainability targets in the global steel industry and strengthens India’s position in low-carbon industrial transformation.

Recent News :

• In March 2026, Tata Steel Limited inaugurated India’s first scrap-based Electric Arc Furnace facility in Ludhiana, Punjab, marking a major step towards sustainable steel production in India

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Federal Express Corporation and Indian Institute of Technology Madras Conduct India’s First Intra-City Drone Delivery Trials in Bengaluru

• Federal Express Corporation, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, successfully completed India’s first intra-city drone delivery flight trials in Bengaluru, Karnataka to develop safe and scalable drone-based logistics systems.
• The trials were conducted under the research framework of the FedEx Sustainable and Multimodal Advanced Research and Technology Centre (SMART Centre) at Indian Institute of Technology Madras, focusing on next-generation technology-enabled supply chains.
• The flight trials were carried out in coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• The project was implemented in collaboration with Amber Wings, a deep-technology start-up incubated at Indian Institute of Technology Madras.
• The trials successfully validated a mid-mile aerial logistics corridor between Electronic City Phase II and a site near Kempegowda International Airport.
• The study demonstrated that a 53 kilometre road journey, which usually takes about 60 minutes, can be replaced by a 39–42 kilometre drone flight route, reducing the one-way transit time to approximately 21 minutes, highlighting the potential of drone logistics to improve urban supply chain efficiency in India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Former Rajya Sabha Member and Eminent Paediatrician Dr. Gopalrao Patil ‘Devmanus’ Passes Away at 94 in Latur

• Gopalrao Patil, former Rajya Sabha member and renowned paediatrician, passed away at the age of 94 in Latur.
• A paediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the comprehensive medical care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, usually up to age 18-21.

About Dr. Gopalrao Patil :

• He was born on 3 October 1931 in Kavtha village, Dharashiv district, Maharashtra.
• Popularly known as “Devmanus (Godly Man)”, he was widely respected for his humanitarian service and medical contributions.
• He was a doctor and social worker, known for his work in rural healthcare, public service, and education.
• He was the visionary behind the “Latur Pattern” of education, a disciplined and result-oriented coaching model.
• As head of Shiv Chhatrapati Shikshan Sanstha, he transformed Rajarshi Shahu Mahavidyalaya, Latur into a centre of academic excellence.
• He served as the first President of the local branch of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP).
• He provided free medical services for 12 years in the Murud region, highlighting his commitment to public healthcare.
• He also worked as a lecturer in medical colleges and served as a medical officer.
• A senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, he served as a Member of Rajya Sabha from 1994 to 2000.
• During his parliamentary tenure, he contributed to key committees on Commerce, External Affairs, and Railways.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

National Panchayati Raj Day Observed on 24 April

• India observes National Panchayati Raj Day on 24 April every year to mark the implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into force on 24 April 1993, granting constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act strengthened democratic decentralisation by transferring governance powers to local self-government institutions at the grassroots level.
• The first National Panchayati Raj Day was observed on 24 April 2010, as declared by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
• The amendment institutionalised the three-tier Panchayati Raj system:
• Gram Panchayat at the village level
• Panchayat Samiti at the block level
• Zila Parishad at the district level
• The foundation for Panchayati Raj reforms was laid by the Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957), which recommended democratic decentralisation through local self-government institutions.
• The 73rd Amendment marked a major milestone in empowering rural local bodies, strengthening grassroots democracy, enhancing people’s participation in governance, and promoting inclusive rural development in India.

Daily CA One Liner: April 24

• India will notify new rules on 1 May 2026 under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to regulate the rapidly growing online gaming sector, focusing on user safety and responsible gaming
• Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab launched India’s first fully integrated Artificial Intelligence-based Agricultural Intelligence Ecosystem to support smart farming and agricultural decision-making
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) covering 7 square kilometres around the Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh to strengthen biodiversity conservation and ecological protection
• Atal Pension Yojana achieved a historic milestone of 9 crore total gross enrolments, reflecting its growing popularity, especially among workers in the unorganised sector in India
• The Ministry of Culture launched the ‘VM Frames’ National Filmmaking Competition to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram, encouraging citizens, especially young creators, to express the spirit of the nation through visual storytelling
• Federal Express Corporation, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, successfully completed India’s first intra-city drone delivery flight trials in Bengaluru, Karnataka to develop safe and scalable drone-based logistics systems
• India observes National Panchayati Raj Day on 24 April every year to mark the implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into force on 24 April 1993, granting constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), a United Arab Emirates (UAE) -based insurance and reinsurance provider, received approval to set up a reinsurance branch in India at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• BSE Index Services announced the launch of the BSE Housing Finance Index, a new sectoral benchmark tracking the performance of companies in the housing finance sector.
• NPCI Bharat Bill Pay Limited (NBBL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), onboarded Postal Life Insurance (PLI) as a biller under the insurance category on the Bharat Connect
• The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) granted registration to the first foreign Family Office structured as a Family Investment Fund (FIF) under the IFSCA (Fund Management) Regulations, 2025.
• Karnataka Bank Limited, a private sector bank in India, entered into a partnership with Pine Labs Limited, a leading provider of Point-of-Sale (PoS) solutions, to strengthen its digital payment ecosystem.
• Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan undertook a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka from 19–20 April 2026, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Vice President to Sri Lanka.
• The Central Government of India appointed Justice Lisa Gill as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
• The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2026, recognising 118 leaders from 55 countries for contributions across government, business, and social sectors.
• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will launch an AI-powered chatbot named “Abhay” to help citizens verify the authenticity of CBI-issued notices, aimed at combating digital arrest frauds.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) activated an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur District, demonstrating day and night operational capability.
• The 11th India–Egypt Joint Defence Committee (JDC) Meeting was held in Cairo from 20–22 April 2026, focusing on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.
• Tata Steel Limited signed a definitive agreement with Paul Wurth S.A. (part of SMS Group, Germany) to install the world’s first large-scale EASyMelt (Electrically Assisted Syngas Smelter) technology.
• Gopalrao Patil, former Rajya Sabha member and renowned paediatrician, passed away at the age of 94 in Latur.