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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Issues Master Direction on Prepaid Payment Instruments, 2026 Under Payment and Settlement Systems Act, Replaces 2021 Framework to Strengthen Digital Payments Security and Growth

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Master Direction on Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs), 2026 under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, replacing the 2021 framework to strengthen digital payment security and ecosystem growth.

Key Highlights :

• PPIs are classified into General Purpose PPIs (Full-KYC and Small) and Special Purpose PPIs such as Gift, Transit, and UPI One World (for foreign visitors), with stricter usage rules and limits.
• These directions apply to all PPI issuers and system participants, and no interest can be paid on PPI balances.
• Non-bank PPI issuers must maintain a ₹5 crore net worth (rising to ₹15 crore in 3 years) and comply with fit-and-proper criteria, with perpetual authorisation subject to compliance.
• A Full-KYC PPI allows a maximum balance of ₹2 lakh, with a similar monthly transaction limit, and permits only one wallet per user.
• Full-KYC PPIs allow P2P transfers up to ₹25,000 per month, cash loading up to ₹10,000 per month, and cash withdrawals as per RBI norms, with a minimum validity of one year.
• A Small PPI can be issued with minimal KYC (OTP-based mobile verification and self-declaration) when full CDD is not completed.
• Small PPIs have a ₹10,000 balance and monthly limit, 2-year validity, allow only merchant payments (no P2P or cash withdrawal), and can be upgraded to Full-KYC PPIs.
• Special Purpose PPIs include Gift, Transit, and UPI One World wallets, each with specific regulatory usage conditions.
• Gift PPIs have a ₹10,000 limit, are non-reloadable, valid for 1 year, and do not allow cash purchase, withdrawal, or P2P transfers.
• Transit PPIs require no KYC, have a ₹3,000 limit, are used only for transport payments, and may have perpetual validity.
• UPI One World PPIs (for foreign nationals/NRIs) require passport and visa verification, allow merchant payments up to ₹5 lakh monthly, and enable refund of balance after visa expiry.
• The framework promotes interoperability with UPI and card networks, mandates reporting and audits, and aims to balance innovation with stronger regulatory oversight in India’s digital payments ecosystem.

Universal Insurance Drive: Enhancing Coverage and Reinforcing Social Protection

• Insurance acts as a critical pillar of financial security and social protection, enabling individuals and businesses to transfer risks and recover from uncertainties without depleting savings, thereby supporting economic stability.

Key Highlights :

• In India, the sector is being strengthened under the vision of “Insurance for All by 2047” led by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), aiming for universal coverage across life, health, and property insurance.
• India ranks as the 10th largest insurance market globally by premium volume, with a market share of 1.8% (as per Swiss Re Report).
• The share of insurance and pension funds in household financial assets increased to 29.6% in FY25 from 28.6% in FY19 (as per Economic Survey 2025–26).
• The FDI limit in insurance has been increased to 100% under the Sabka Bima, Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025, boosting foreign investment and sector growth.
• Insurance penetration stands at 3.7% (Life: 2.7%, Non-life: 1%), while insurance density increased to USD 97, indicating gradual market expansion.
• Insurance penetration refers to gross premiums as a percentage of GDP, while insurance density means per capita premium (premium/population).
• Currently, 74 insurers are operational in India, supported by a vast distribution network of over 83 lakh agents, POS persons, and institutional partners.
• To improve ease of doing business and service continuity, one-time registration for insurance intermediaries has been introduced.
• The IRDAI approval threshold for share transfers has been increased from 1% to 5%, simplifying regulatory compliance.
• The Net Owned Fund (NOF) requirement for foreign reinsurers has been reduced from ₹5,000 crore to ₹1,000 crore, encouraging greater reinsurance participation.
• GST exemption has been granted on individual life and health insurance policies (including family floater) and reinsurance with effect from 22 September 2025, promoting affordability and insurance adoption.

India’s Textile Exports Rise 2.1% to ₹3.16 Trillion in FY26 Despite US Tariff Pressures

• India’s Textile sector demonstrated resilience in FY 2025–26, with total exports (including handicrafts) rising 2.1% to ₹3.16 lakh crore, reflecting steady global demand and competitiveness.
• Ready-Made Garments (RMG) remained the largest export segment, growing 2.9% to ₹1.39 lakh crore, while man-made textiles grew 3.6% and cotton textiles remained largely stable (0.4%).
• Among value-added segments, handicrafts (excluding carpets) recorded the highest growth of 6.1%, highlighting rising demand for artisanal and niche products.
• Strong export growth was seen in key markets including the UAE (22.3%), UK (7.8%), Germany (9.9%), Spain (15.5%), Japan (20.6%), Egypt (38.3%), Nigeria (21.4%), Senegal (54.4%), and Sudan (205.6%), indicating global diversification of exports.
• Textile exports expanded across 120+ destinations (April 2025–Feb 2026), showing broad-based geographical growth.
• India’s expanding Free Trade Agreement network (FTAs) with EFTA, UK, Oman, New Zealand, and EU is expected to improve market access, reduce tariffs, and strengthen global value chain integration.
• Despite facing high US tariffs, including a peak of 50% under the reciprocal tariff regime, the sector maintained positive export growth momentum.
• The performance reflects continued global demand for Indian textile products and strong sectoral competitiveness across product categories.

Recent News :

• In April 2026,The Ministry of Textiles extended the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) Scheme till 30th September 2026 to support the export potential of India’s textile sector, particularly amid global demand uncertainty.

United Nations Projects India’s Economic Growth at 6.4% for the Current Year

• The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for 2026 downward to 6.4%, from the earlier estimate of 6.6%, citing rising global uncertainties.
• India’s growth is projected at 7.4% in 2025 and 6.6% in 2027, indicating a moderation in near-term growth momentum due to external pressures.
• The report estimates India’s inflation at 4.4% in 2026, reflecting rising price pressures and potential monetary tightening.
• Economic activity in India slowed in the second half of 2025 as exports to the United States fell by 25% following 50% tariffs imposed in August 2025.
• Despite global challenges, India remains a key driver of regional growth in South and South-West Asia, which expanded by 5.4% in 2025.
• The report highlights India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme as a major policy tool to boost domestic manufacturing in sectors such as solar modules, batteries, and green hydrogen.
• India remained among the top destinations for greenfield FDI in Asia-Pacific, attracting around USD 50 billion in announced investments.
• However, FDI inflows to developing Asia-Pacific economies declined by 2% in 2025, amid trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty.
• India is also the world’s largest remittance recipient (USD 137 billion in 2024) and may face impact due to the 1% US tax on remittances from January 2026.
• The country accounts for around 1.3 million green jobs globally, highlighting its role in the renewable energy and green employment sector.

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Removes ₹10 Lakh Cap on Courier Exports to Boost E-Commerce Trade and Ease of Doing Business

• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has removed the ₹10 lakh value cap on courier export consignments, effective from April 1, 2026, to boost India’s e-commerce exports and ease of doing business.
• The reform is part of broader government measures to streamline courier-based imports and exports, aimed at improving logistics efficiency and enhancing India’s global trade competitiveness.
• Earlier, exporters using courier mode were restricted to ₹10 lakh per shipment, which limited scalability for MSMEs, start-ups, artisans, and online sellers engaged in e-commerce exports.
• As part of the reforms, CBIC has introduced a Return to Origin (RTO) mechanism, under which uncleared or unclaimed imported goods (after 15 days) can be sent back to the origin country, reducing congestion at courier terminals.
• The RTO facility applies only to goods that are not prohibited, restricted, or under enforcement hold, and is designed to improve clearance efficiency at International Courier Terminals.
• CBIC has also simplified the re-import process for returned or rejected goods by adopting a risk-based assessment approach instead of consignment-wise verification, improving processing speed.
• A dedicated return module has been developed in the Express Cargo Clearance System to facilitate smoother handling of e-commerce-related returns and cross-border courier shipments.
• The reforms are expected to reduce dwell time, lower logistics costs, and significantly benefit exporters, logistics operators, MSMEs, and the wider e-commerce ecosystem.
• These changes align with the Union Budget 2026–27 announcement and reflect the Government of India’s focus on strengthening India’s e-commerce export ecosystem and improving global trade competitiveness.

About Ministry of Finance:

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

About Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs :

• Formed : 26 January 1944
• Headquarters : New Delhi
• Chairperson : Vivek Chaturvedi
• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), is a statutory body under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Andhra Pradesh Launches ₹13,000 Crore Mushroom Mission

• The Government of Andhra Pradesh has launched its first Mushroom Mission with an investment of ₹13,000 crore, announced by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
• The mission aims to make the state India’s largest mushroom producer with a target of 67,500 tonnes annually, surpassing Bihar.
• Around 1.62 lakh mushroom units will be established, each covering 5,000 square feet, focusing on small farmers, Self-Help Groups, and rural women.
• The government will provide a ₹5,184 crore subsidy (about 40% of project cost) through Central and State support.
• Key varieties promoted include milky mushroom, paddy straw mushroom, and button mushroom for better climate suitability and market demand.
• The initiative will boost rural employment, exports (especially to Gulf countries), and agri-value chain development.
• The mission is expected to strengthen agricultural diversification and income generation in the state.

RECENT NEWS

• Honorable Chief Minister of the Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu has launched the Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility (AQRF) on the 14th April, 2026 which is the country’s first indigenously built open access quantum computing platform. This initiative is aims to build the sovereign quantum hardware ecosystem and to accelerate the domestic innovation.

About Andhra Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu 
• Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
• Capital: Amaravati
• National Parks: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Papikonda National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and National Biodiversity Authority Launch Five-Year Biodiversity Project (2025–2030)

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) have launched a five-year biodiversity project (2025–2030).
• The project, titled “Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Securing Biodiversity Conservation Commitments”, is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a funding of USD 4.88 million.
• The initiative aims to integrate biodiversity conservation into Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), making it part of local governance and rural planning.
• It focuses on strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) to ensure community participation and benefit sharing.
• Key regions covered:
• Tamil Nadu: Sathyamangalam landscape including Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
• Meghalaya: Garo Hills region including Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park, and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The project promotes sustainable financing mechanisms such as:
• Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) co-financing
• Green micro-enterprises
• Special emphasis is given to women, Scheduled Castes, and tribal communities for inclusive participation.
• The initiative aligns with:
• India’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030)
• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (30×30 target)
• India’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement

Government Expands Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan Procurement In Chhattisgarh, Launches Pulse Procurement In Bihar

• The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has expanded procurement under Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan in Chhattisgarh and launched the first structured pulse procurement under Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission in Bihar.
• The initiative aims to enhance farmer income support and ensure price stability.
• Procurement operations are led by National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited.
• In Chhattisgarh, procurement has been strengthened through digitised farmer registration via Electronic Samyukti portal and awareness campaigns.
• Around 85 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies centres are operational across districts such as Dhamtari, Durg, Raipur, and Raigarh, with further expansion planned.
• In Bihar, National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited has started organised procurement of masoor (lentil) using scientific storage in Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority-approved warehouses, in collaboration with Central Warehousing Corporation.
• National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited is also expanding procurement under the Price Support Scheme through its cooperative network.
• The move will strengthen pulse procurement systems, improve market access for farmers, and stabilise prices.

RECENT NEWS

• Samrat Choudhary sworn in as the New Chief minister of the Bihar and created the history by becoming the first CM from BJP. He taken the oath after the Nitish Kumar has resigned from the post.

About Bihar:

• Capital: Patna
  • Chief Minister: Samrat Choudhary
  • Governor: Lt. Gen. (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain
• National Parks: Valmiki National Park
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary, Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary

Himadri Speciality Chemical Limited Commissions India’s First Anode Material Facility In West Bengal

• Himadri Speciality Chemical Limited has commissioned India’s first anode material production facility at Mahistikry, Hooghly in West Bengal.
• The facility has an initial capacity of 200 Metric Tonnes Per Annum and marks India’s entry into the lithium-ion battery value chain.
• The company produces both anode and cathode materials, which together account for around 65% of lithium-ion battery cost, essential for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and electronics.
• The Mahistikry unit is being developed as an integrated manufacturing hub with a total carbon black capacity of 250,000 Metric Tonnes Per Annum, including 130,000 Metric Tonnes Per Annum speciality carbon black and a new 70,000 Metric Tonnes Per Annum line.
• As part of its clean energy strategy, the company is focusing on silicon-carbon anode technology partnerships, battery investments, and a 2,000 Metric Tonnes Per Annum lithium iron phosphate cathode project, expected by third quarter of Financial Year 2027.
• The initiative strengthens India’s domestic battery manufacturing ecosystem and supports the electric mobility transition.

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. The agreement, signed on February 23, 2026 which marks the first structured basin level river planning initiative in the state.

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

UK Parliament Approves Tobacco and Vapes Bill Prohibiting Cigarette Sales to Those Aged 17 and Under

• The UK Parliament passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introducing one of the strictest anti-smoking laws
• The law bans the sale of cigarettes to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, creating a “smoke-free generation” with a lifetime prohibition.
• This means children aged 17 or younger will never be legally allowed to purchase tobacco products.
• The bill has been approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and will come into force after royal assent by King Charles III.
• The legislation grants the government powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products, including flavours, packaging, and marketing practices.
• It also introduces restrictions on vaping in public spaces, such as cars carrying children, playgrounds, and areas near schools and hospitals.
• The bill is part of broader efforts to tackle smoking-related health issues, which are a leading cause of preventable death, disability, and illness in the UK.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

AU Small Finance Bank Appoints Vivek Tripathi as Whole-Time Director & Executive Director for Three-Year Term with Reserve Bank of India Nod

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Vivek Tripathi as Executive Director (ED) of AU Small Finance Bank.
• He will serve a three-year term and assume charge as Whole-Time Director (WTD) effective April 24, 2026.

About Vivek Tripathi :

• Vivek Tripathi is currently the Chief Credit Officer (CCO) and has been associated with the bank since 2014, bringing extensive experience in credit and banking operations.
• He oversees enterprise-wide credit policy, underwriting, portfolio management, collections, and legal recovery under an integrated governance framework.
• His leadership has strengthened risk management, process standardisation, and early-warning systems, improving portfolio quality and balance-sheet resilience.
• He previously led commercial banking growth, focusing on disciplined credit expansion and liability mobilisation.
• He has also driven innovation-led initiatives such as digital trade and remittance solutions, enhancing engagement with MSMEs and emerging businesses.
• Vivek Tripathi has over two decades of experience and has worked with ICICI Bank, Reliance Capital, and Aditya Birla Group.
• The move comes as AU Small Finance Bank has received in-principle approval to transition into a Universal Bank, preparing for its next phase of sustainable growth and expansion.

About AU Small Finance Bank :

• Founded : 1996
• Founder, MD & CEO : Sanjay Agarwal
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Government appoints sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik as Brand Ambassador for Census 2027 to boost public awareness and participation

• The Government of India (GoI) appointed renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik as the Brand Ambassador for Census 2027 to promote public awareness and participation in the nationwide census exercise.
• The appointment has been made by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as part of preparations for the 16th National Census of India.
• As Brand Ambassador, Sudarsan Pattnaik will use his sand art creations to spread awareness and encourage citizens’ participation in the Census 2027
• Census 2027 will be the 16th Census of India and the 8th after Independence, conducted under the Census Act, 1948 by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
• The official mascots of Census 2027 are “Pragati” (female) and “Vikas” (male), symbolising progress and development.
• Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases: House Listing (2026) and Population Enumeration (2027), making it the first digital census of India.
• The reference date for population enumeration will be 1 March 2027, while for snow-bound regions (Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) it will be 1 October 2026.
• The census will be implemented under the supervision of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGI) and is based on the Seventh Schedule (Union List, Article 246) of the Constitution.
• Sudarsan Pattnaik is a Padma Shri awardee (2014) and a Guinness World Record holder (2017) for creating the world’s tallest sandcastle (48 ft 8 in).
• He is widely known for using sand art for social awareness campaigns including issues like climate change, COVID-19, and children’s rights.
• The Government has sanctioned an amount of ₹11,718.24 crore for conducting the Census 2027

Abhishek Singh appointed as Director General of National Testing Agency

• Abhishek Singh, a 1995-batch IAS officer (Nagaland cadre), has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
• He was earlier serving as CEO of the IndiaAI Mission and also held the position of Director General of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), where he worked on key digital governance and e-governance platforms.
• Singh has been leading India’s ₹10,000 crore IndiaAI Mission, aimed at promoting large-scale adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across sectors in India.
• His appointment comes amid controversies in NTA, including issues related to exam irregularities, logistical challenges, and security concerns in national-level examinations like NEET.
• The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), reflecting a significant administrative reshuffle at the top level.
• He will now head the NTA under the Ministry of Education, at a time when the agency is under close scrutiny for the conduct and integrity of competitive examinations in India.

About National Testing Agency :

• Formed : November 2017
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh to Head Indian Delegation at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Defence Ministers’ Meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will lead a high-level Indian delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting scheduled on April 28, 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
• The SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting will focus on regional defence and security issues, including international peace, counter-terrorism, and defence cooperation among member states.
• The meeting is being held amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia, with discussions likely on measures to mitigate the impact of ongoing conflicts.
• India will emphasise its commitment to global peace and reiterate its policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and extremism.
• On the sidelines, Rajnath Singh is expected to hold bilateral meetings with defence ministers of participating countries.

About SCO :

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is an intergovernmental organisation established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, China.
• SCO Member Countries include India, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus.
• India became a full member in 2017 and held the rotating chairmanship in 2023, marking its growing role in regional cooperation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

GalaxEye to Deploy World’s First OptoSAR Satellite in 3 Months for All-Weather Imaging

• GalaxEye is set to launch its first satellite Mission Drishti within three months, marking a major milestone in India’s private space ecosystem.
• The satellite introduces the world’s first “OptoSAR platform”, combining optical sensors with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for high-resolution Earth imaging.
• This hybrid OptoSAR system enables all-weather, day-and-night imaging, overcoming limitations of optical (cloud/light dependent) and SAR (complex interpretation) technologies individually.
• The satellite has a weight of approximately 180–190 kg and offers 1–1.5 metre resolution, creating a new category in Earth observation capabilities.
• GalaxEye has partnered with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for data distribution to government users.
• The company plans to build a constellation of 10–20 satellites by 2029, enabling near-daily global coverage.
• The initiative also aims to expand into AI-driven analytics and global space data markets, strengthening India’s space-tech innovation ecosystem.
• CEO and Co-Founder of GalaxEye : Suyash Singh

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Launches ‘Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’ to Study Dark Matter and Universe Mysteries

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States of America unveiled the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, a powerful wide-field observatory designed to study the universe and detect exoplanets (planets beyond the solar system).
• The telescope will also study dark matter and dark energy, which together account for about 95% of the universe.
• It is named after Nancy Grace Roman, NASA’s first Chief Astronomer, known as the “Mother of the Hubble Space Telescope” for her pioneering contribution to space astronomy.
• The telescope was developed at a cost of approximately USD 4 billion over more than a decade-long mission development period.
• It will be placed at a distance of 5 million kilometres from Earth, enabling deep-space observation of vast cosmic regions.
• The telescope is expected to transmit around 11 terabytes (TB) of scientific data daily to Earth for analysis.

About NASA :

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

SkyHop Aviation Nears Air Operator Permit to Become India’s First Dedicated Seaplane Operator After Regulatory Clearance

• SkyHop Aviation is set to receive its Air Operator Permit (AoP), becoming India’s first dedicated seaplane operator after clearing regulatory trials.
• The venture is led by Avani Singh, and has already secured security clearance (June 2025) along with completed float testing for water landings.
• The airline has acquired a Twin Otter DHC-6-400 seaplane and developed jetty infrastructure across five islands in Lakshadweep for mainland–island connectivity.
• The project aligns with the government’s UDAN Scheme (UDAN 5.5), which promotes seaplane operations across 80 identified water bodies.
• India currently has no active seaplane operations, with earlier services (such as the Gujarat Sabarmati–Statue of Unity route) discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The initiative aims to improve regional connectivity and tourism, especially in remote and island regions with limited aviation access.
• SkyHop Aviation plans to strengthen mainland–Lakshadweep connectivity and expand operations with additional aircraft induction in the future.
• Industry estimates suggest development of 20–25 water aerodromes and 50+ seaplane routes, requiring around 50–100 aircraft in the coming years.

Melania Trump introduces humanoid robot at White House during historic global AI summit

• Melania Trump unveiled an AI-powered humanoid robot at the White House during a global education and technology summit.
• The robot, named Figure 3, has been developed by Figure AI, a California-based robotics startup, and is described as the first American-made humanoid robot to appear at the White House as a guest.
• The event was part of the “Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit”, focusing on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education systems.
• The summit was attended by first spouses from 45 countries, highlighting global cooperation in technology and learning innovation.
• The humanoid robot was actively involved in the event, accompanying Melania Trump and demonstrating walking and conversational capabilities, showcasing advances in robotics and AI integration.
• Officials from countries including the United States, France, Poland, UAE, and Morocco presented national strategies on AI-driven education transformation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Sebastian Sawe Breaks Two-Hour Marathon Barrier At London Marathon 2026

• Kenyan athlete Sebastian Sawe created history by completing a marathon in 1 hour 59 minutes 30 seconds, becoming the first runner to officially break the two-hour barrier.
• He surpassed the previous world record of 2:00:35, set by Kelvin Kiptum.
• Maintained an extraordinary pace, equivalent to running 100 metres in under 17 seconds consistently.
• Completed the second half in just over 59 minutes, showcasing exceptional endurance and strategy.
• The race witnessed multiple record-level performances:
• Yomif Kejelcha finished second, just 11 seconds behind.
• Jacob Kiplimo also clocked a time faster than the previous world record.
• In the women’s category, Tigst Assefa successfully defended her title.
• Race Strategy:
• Halfway mark reached at 60:29.
• Covered 30–35 km in 13:54 and 35–40 km in 13:42.
• Accelerated in the final stretch while others slowed down.
• This achievement is being compared to iconic sporting milestones like:
• Breaking of the four-minute mile
• 100 metre world record feats
• The performance redefines human endurance limits and marks a historic moment in marathon history

India Tops Medal Tally at International Shooting Sport Federation Junior World Cup 2026 with 16 Medals in Cairo

• India emerged as the top-performing nation at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2026 held in Cairo.
• The Indian contingent secured a total of 16 medals (5 Gold, 6 Silver, 5 Bronze), highlighting its growing dominance in global shooting sports.
• Hemant Burman won a silver medal in the 50 metre Rifle 3 Positions event, scoring 351.7 in the final.
• Oleg Noskov clinched gold with a junior world record of 355.6, while Nikita Solokov took bronze.
• Other Indian shooters Vedant Waghmare and Rohit Kanyan also reached the finals, finishing sixth and seventh respectively.
• In the Trap Mixed Team event, the Indian pair of Zuhair Khan and Addya Katyal secured a bronze medal.
• Indian shooters could not secure medals in the 50 metre Rifle Prone Women event, despite strong participation.
• The focus now shifts to the ISSF Junior World Championship in Suhl, Germany (June 2026), which will be crucial for future international preparations including the Olympics.

Punjab Kings Register Highest Successful Run Chase in Indian Premier League History with 265 vs Delhi Capitals

• Punjab Kings achieved the highest successful run chase in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, chasing 265 runs against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
• This surpasses their own previous record of 262 runs (2024) against Kolkata Knight Riders.
• KL Rahul scored a brilliant 152 off 67 balls, becoming the third player in IPL history to cross 150 after Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum.
• He shared a 220-run partnership with Nitish Rana (91 runs), helping Delhi Capitals post 264 runs.
• In the chase, Prabhsimran Singh (76) and Priyansh Arya (73) gave a flying start with 126 runs in just 42 balls.
• Shreyas Iyer, captain of Punjab Kings, played a key role in guiding the team to a historic victory.
• Top Highest Successful Chases in IPL History:
• 265/4 – Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals (2026)
• 262/2 – Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2024)
• 247/2 – Sunrisers Hyderabad (2024)
• 230/4 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans (2024)

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Day for Safety and Health at Work – April 28

• World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed every year on April 28 to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.
• The day aims to raise awareness about workplace safety, ensuring healthy and secure working conditions for all workers.
• It focuses on building a strong safety culture to reduce work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths.
• The observance was initiated in 2003 by the International Labour Organization as part of its global strategy on occupational safety and health.
• The initiative emphasizes prevention, social dialogue, and policy support to improve workplace conditions worldwide.
• April 28 is also marked as the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers, observed by the trade union movement.
• The day highlights the need to strengthen occupational health policies and ensure safe and dignified working environments across all sectors.

Daily CA One- Liner: April 28

• The Government of Andhra Pradesh has launched its first Mushroom Mission with an investment of ₹13,000 crore, announced by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) have launched a five-year biodiversity project (2025–2030).

• The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has expanded procurement under Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan in Chhattisgarh and launched the first structured pulse procurement under Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission in Bihar
• Himadri Speciality Chemical Limited has commissioned India’s first anode material production facility at Mahistikry, Hooghly in West Bengal         
• Kenyan athlete Sebastian Sawe created history by completing a marathon in 1 hour 59 minutes 30 seconds, becoming the first runner to officially break the two-hour barrier
• India emerged as the top-performing nation at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2026 held in Cairo
• Punjab Kings achieved the highest successful run chase in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, chasing 265 runs against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Master Direction on Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs), 2026 under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, replacing the 2021 framework to strengthen digital payment security and ecosystem growth.
• Insurance acts as a critical pillar of financial security and social protection, enabling individuals and businesses to transfer risks and recover from uncertainties without depleting savings, thereby supporting economic stability.
• India’s Textile sector demonstrated resilience in FY 2025–26, with total exports (including handicrafts) rising 2.1% to ₹3.16 lakh crore, reflecting steady global demand and competitiveness.
• The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for 2026 downward to 6.4%, from the earlier estimate of 6.6%, citing rising global uncertainties.
• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has removed the ₹10 lakh value cap on courier export consignments, effective from April 1, 2026, to boost India’s e-commerce exports and ease of doing business.
• The UK Parliament passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introducing one of the strictest anti-smoking laws globally.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Vivek Tripathi as Executive Director (ED) of AU Small Finance Bank.
• The Government of India (GoI) appointed renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik as the Brand Ambassador for Census 2027 to promote public awareness and participation in the nationwide census exercise.
• Abhishek Singh, a 1995-batch IAS officer (Nagaland cadre), has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will lead a high-level Indian delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting scheduled on April 28, 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
• GalaxEye is set to launch its first satellite Mission Drishti within three months, marking a major milestone in India’s private space ecosystem.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States of America unveiled the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, a powerful wide-field observatory designed to study the universe and detect exoplanets (planets beyond the solar system).
• SkyHop Aviation is set to receive its Air Operator Permit (AoP), becoming India’s first dedicated seaplane operator after clearing regulatory trials.
• Melania Trump unveiled an AI-powered humanoid robot at the White House during a global education and technology summit.
• World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed every year on April 28 to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.