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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

PhonePe Becomes First Unified Payments Interface App to Cross 10 Billion Monthly Transactions in March 2026, Setting Milestone in India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem

• PhonePe became the first Unified Payments Interface (UPI) app to cross 10 billion monthly transactions, recording 10.50 billion transactions in March 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s digital payments ecosystem.
• It held a dominant 46.4% share by volume and 49.1% share by value, processing transactions worth ₹14.48 lakh crore, as per data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Key Highlights :

• Overall, UPI recorded a historic 22.64 billion transactions worth ₹29.53 lakh crore in March 2026, highlighting strong growth in India’s real-time digital payment system.
• Google Pay remained the second-largest UPI player, processing 7.53 billion transactions (~33% share), while nearing ₹10 lakh crore monthly transaction value.
• Paytm ranked third with 1.77 billion transactions (~7.8% share), significantly behind the top two dominant platforms.
• NPCI has set a policy objective to ensure that no single UPI app exceeds 30% market share, but this cap has not yet been enforced due to operational challenges.
• PhonePe had earlier processed 8 billion transactions in December and 9.9 billion in January, showing consistent growth momentum.
• The total UPI transaction value crossed ₹29.6 lakh crore in March, reflecting the continued expansion of India’s cashless economy and fintech adoption.
• PhonePe and Google Pay together dominate the market with approximately 45% and 33% share respectively, reinforcing a duopoly structure in UPI ecosystem.
• Paytm remained a distant third, processing 7 billion transactions worth nearly ₹1.9 lakh crore, indicating a wide gap with leading competitors.
• Among emerging players, Navi (backed by Sachin Bansal) crossed 800 million monthly transactions, while BHIM processed over 200 million transactions.
• money recorded 340 million transactions, boosted by IPL-linked promotional campaigns, showing growth among new-age fintech entrants.

Recent News :

• In April 2026, PhonePe, in partnership with SBI Card, launched a co-branded credit card with a limited-time first-year fee waiver to improve accessibility and adoption of digital credit services.

About PhonePe:

• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• Founded: 2015
• CEO: Sameer Nigam

Government Sets Up Panel Led by State Bank of India Chairman to Evaluate Risks from AI Platform Mythos

• The Government of India (GoI) has constituted a high-level panel under the chairmanship of C. S. Setty, to assess risks arising from advanced AI platform “Anthropic’s Mythos” and recommend cybersecurity mitigation measures.
• The decision was taken in a high-level meeting co-chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighting inter-ministerial coordination on AI risk governance.
• The panel will evaluate potential threats from AI systems to the banking and financial sector and recommend policy, regulatory, and technological safeguards.
• The Indian Banks Association (IBA) has been directed to develop a coordinated response mechanism to address AI-driven cybersecurity threats across banks.
• Banks have been mandated to report cyber incidents immediately to Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) for early detection, rapid response, and threat mitigation.
• The initiative aims to strengthen cyber resilience, real-time threat intelligence sharing, and overall financial system security in India.
• Mythos AI, part of the Anthropic Claude family, represents an advanced AI model with strong capabilities in cybersecurity and autonomous vulnerability detection.
• It can identify software vulnerabilities and convert them into working cyber exploits at unprecedented speed, raising global cybersecurity concerns.
• The model has a dual-use nature, meaning it can be used for both strengthening cyber defence and enabling large-scale cyberattacks if misused.
• Its agentic behaviour allows it to perform multi-step autonomous cyber operations, marking a shift from AI as a tool to AI as an independent actor, increasing systemic risk in digital infrastructure.
• The government will engage with banks and technology experts to assess risks and explore defensive applications of AI for cybersecurity strengthening.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Unveils Logo, Theme and Website for 4th India-Africa Forum Summit

• External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar officially launched the logo, theme, and website for the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• The IAFS-IV marks a renewal phase in India-Africa relations, following the last summit held in 2015, highlighting continued diplomatic engagement.
• The 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) is scheduled to be held on 31 May 2026 in New Delhi, in collaboration with the African Union Commission.
• Preparatory meetings of senior officials will take place on 28 May 2026, followed by the India–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 29 May 2026, leading up to the main summit.
• The logo of IAFS-IV features a Lion superimposed on interlocked maps of India and Africa, symbolizing pride, courage, unity, and shared identity between the two regions.
• The theme of the summit is “IA SPIRIT: India-Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience, and Inclusive Transformation.”
• The term ‘SPIRIT’ reflects the core values of India-Africa relations, emphasizing shared values, mutual respect, solidarity, and long-term collaboration beyond transactional ties.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

NITI Aayog Launches ‘Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) @2047’ Roadmap to Achieve $30 Trillion Economy

• NITI Aayog launched a two-phase roadmap ‘Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) @2047: The Roadmap to Prosperity’.
• The roadmap targets $30 trillion economy and $18,000 per capita income by 2047.
• It aims to leverage Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to drive inclusive growth, innovation, and productivity.
• Phase I – DPI 2.0 (2025–2035):
• Focus on digital empowerment and access.
• Creation of skilled and capable citizens.
• Expansion of digital services and inclusion, especially for lower and middle-income groups.
• Phase II – DPI 3.0 (2035–2047):
• Focus on innovation-driven growth and economic prosperity.
• Promotion of grassroots innovation and productivity-led development.
• Integration of businesses into global value chains.
• Foundation – DPI 1.0:
• Based on platforms like Aadhaar (digital identity system) and Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• Enabled digital identity for over 1.3 billion people, instant payments, and financial inclusion.
• Sectoral Focus:
• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Digital market access and job linkages.
• Agriculture: Digital advisory, better market access, and income enhancement for farmers.
• Employment: Low-cost digital job fulfilment systems.
• Human Development Focus:
• Education: Learner-centric, multilingual digital learning systems.
• Healthcare: Expansion of universal healthcare coverage through digital platforms.
• The roadmap aligns with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ (Developed India at 100 years of Independence).
• Emphasizes data security, trust, interoperability, and innovation as key pillars.

RECENT NEWS

• NITI Aayog has released the second annual edition of the Fiscal Health Index 2026. This is the report designed to assess the fiscal performance and financial stability of Indian states. This report was launched in New Delhi by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery and CEO Nidhi Chhibber.
• The veteran economist Mr. Ashok Lahiri set to become the Vice-Chairman of the NITI Aayog and he will return to the role of the policy maker.. As he holds the decades of experience in the economic policy, academia and in the global institutions. 

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Annalena Baerbock Visits India

• Annalena Baerbock, President of the United Nations General Assembly, is visiting India, marking her first visit after assuming office.
• The visit highlights India’s growing importance in global diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
• Key focus areas include:
• Strengthening multilateralism and adherence to the United Nations Charter
• Addressing global challenges such as conflicts, economic instability, and climate change
• Promoting cooperation across peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights
• She will hold high-level meetings with S. Jaishankar and officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), along with the United Nations country team in India.
• Discussions will cover digital governance, global policy coordination, and India’s role in shaping international frameworks.
• The visit underscores India’s role as a key supporter of the United Nations, contributing to peacekeeping, sustainable development, and digital innovation.
• After concluding her India visit, she will travel to China on April 29–30, where she is scheduled to meet Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, along with the United Nations country team, reflecting the United Nations’ focus on engaging major global powers.

About UNGA

• President: Annalena Baerbock
• Headquarters: New York, United States
• Founder: United Nations
• Founded: 1945

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Launches 14-Day Bharat–Bhutan Mystic Mountain Tour

• Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation launched a 14-day ‘Bharat–Bhutan Mystic Mountain Tour’ from New Delhi.
• The tour will be conducted on the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe Air-Conditioned (AC) Tourist Train, offering a rail-cum-road international travel experience.
• The itinerary covers Guwahati, Shillong, Cherrapunji and Hasimara, with entry into Bhutan via Phuentsholing.
• Key Bhutan destinations include Thimphu (Capital of Bhutan), Punakha and Paro.
• The package is all-inclusive, covering train travel, hotel accommodation (3-star category), vegetarian meals, local transport, sightseeing, travel insurance and tour escort services.
• Accommodation categories available: AC First Class, AC 2-Tier and AC 3-Tier, equipped with modern amenities and onboard dining facilities.
• Cost of the package ranges from approximately ₹1.16 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh per person depending on the class selected.
• The initiative aims to promote tourism in Northeast India and Bhutan, enhance cross-border cultural exchange, and strengthen India–Bhutan connectivity.

RECENT NEWS

• Indian Railways has imposed a ₹10 lakh fine on IRCTC following the food quality complaint on the Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express. The incident was reported on March 15 and it has triggered strict action. Also the action is not only against the catering agency but also against the service provider. 

Supreme Court Declares Safe Highway Travel A Fundamental Right Under Article 21

• The Supreme Court of India has ruled that safe travel on National Highways is part of the Fundamental Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• The judgment places a duty on the State to ensure road safety and prevent accidents, expanding the scope of the right to life to include safe and secure movement.
• The Court highlighted that National Highways account for only about 2% of road network but nearly 30% of road fatalities, stressing urgent safety measures.
• It ordered a ban on dhabas and commercial establishments within the highway right of way, directing removal of unauthorised structures within 60 days.
• Strict parking rules mandated:
• No stopping or parking of heavy vehicles on highways.
• Parking allowed only in designated bays or wayside amenities.
• The Court directed the creation of District Highway Safety Task Forces and mandated coordination with agencies like National Highways Authority of India.
• The case was triggered by fatal accidents in Rajasthan and Telangana, highlighting gaps in highway safety.
• The ruling reinforces that preventable deaths due to negligence violate fundamental rights, making road safety a constitutional obligation.

CURRENT AFAFIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards 2026 Honour Sumitra Guha and Laxman Krishnarao Pandit

• The 13th edition of the Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards was held in New Delhi, where veteran Hindustani vocalists Sumitra Guha and Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit were honoured for their contribution to Indian classical music.
• The awards aim to promote, preserve, and encourage Indian musical heritage, while supporting both veteran and emerging artists.
• The ceremony was held at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in the presence of dignitaries including Ramdas Athawale, Shripad Naik, S. P. Singh Baghel, and Ghulam Nabi Azad.
• The event featured performances by Kailash Kher and his band Kailasa, showcasing a blend of classical, folk, and contemporary music.
• Instituted in memory of Jyotsna Darda, the awards highlight efforts to preserve India’s intangible cultural heritage.
• In 2026, the awards expanded to multiple cities including Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi, increasing outreach and accessibility.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Dilip Kumar Assumes Role as Chief Vigilance Officer at Steel Authority of India Limited

• Dilip Kumar, a senior officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), assumed charge as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
• He brings over two decades of experience in train operations, rolling stock maintenance, and human resource management within Indian Railways.
• Prior to this role, he served as Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) in East Central Railway and Chief Workshop Manager at Harnaut, Nalanda (Bihar).
• He is credited with key innovations, including the first ISO 9001-certified train in ECR, in-situ wheel replacement techniques for wagons, and the Madhubani railway station beautification project.
• Awards & Recognition: Recipient of the National Award for Outstanding Services (2016) and the Railway Board’s Certificate of Excellence for Best Innovation (2018–19).
• International Exposure: Completed advanced management programmes at INSEAD (Singapore) and ICLIF (Kuala Lumpur), and specialised training in wagon bogie design at American Railway Institute, USA.

About Steel Authority of India Limited :

• Founded : 19 January 1954
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• Chairman & Managing Director : KK Singh

About Ministry of Steel :

• Cabinet Minister : H.D. Kumaraswamy

National Institution for Transforming India  Aayog Appoints Dr. Ashok Lahiri as Vice-Chairman and Dr. Gobardhan Das as Member

• The Government of India (GoI) has reconstituted the NITI Aayog, appointing Ashok Kumar Lahiri as the new Vice-Chairman, replacing Suman K. Bery after the completion of his tenure on 1 May 2026.
• Dr. Ashok Kumar Lahiri is a former Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) and a member of the 15th Finance Commission, with extensive experience in macroeconomic policy, public finance, and governance.
• He has served in key international roles including Senior Economist at the International Monetary Fund, Consultant at the World Bank, and Executive Director at the Asian Development Bank, before retiring in 2013.
• He also served as the Non-Executive Chairman of Bandhan Bank and is currently a BJP MLA from Balurghat in West Bengal, reflecting his active role in public policy and administration.
• Along with him, the government appointed Gobardhan Das as a full-time Member of NITI Aayog, strengthening the institution’s scientific and research expertise.
• Other newly appointed members include Rajiv Gauba, Prof. K. V. Raju, Dr. M. Srinivas, and Prof. Abhay Karandikar, expanding the full-time membership structure of NITI Aayog.
• Dr. Gobardhan Das is a distinguished molecular science professor specialising in immunology, infectious diseases, and cell biology, with nearly 30 years of research experience.
• He is globally recognised for his research on the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB), contributing significantly to global health and biomedical science research.
• In his book “India in Search of Glory”, Ashok Kumar Lahiri highlights that democracy has played a crucial role in nation-building in India.

About NITI Aayog:

• The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) is a government agency that advises the central and state governments of India. 
• It was established on January 1, 2015, replaced the Planning Commission
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• Functions of NITI Aayog – The organization focuses on national development planning, innovation, policy evaluation, and addressing inter-sectoral issues, while also ensuring national security interests in economic policies.
• The NITI Aayog Governing Council is the apex body comprising the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of all States, and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories (UTs).
• The Prime Minister of India serves as the Chairperson, while the Vice-Chairperson is appointed by the PM, reflecting its top-down policy structure.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

INS Sunayna (IOS SAGAR) Reaches Changi Naval Base in Singapore

• INS Sunayna (Indian Ocean Ship – IOS SAGAR) arrived at Changi Naval Base, marking its fourth port call under the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.
• The ship is deployed in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with a multinational crew from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), promoting international maritime cooperation.
• Prior to Singapore, INS Sunayna completed port calls at Malé, Phuket, and Jakarta, reflecting regional outreach and engagement.
• At Singapore, the ship received a warm welcome, reaffirming strong India–Singapore maritime ties and cooperation.
• Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, interacted with the crew, appreciating their role in strengthening maritime partnerships and interoperability under SAGAR vision.
• Commander Siddharth Chaudhary, Commanding Officer of INS Sunayna, laid a wreath at Kranji War Memorial and met Col Chuah Meng Soon, Commander of 9th Flotilla, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) to discuss enhanced maritime cooperation.
• The ship was open to visitors, including schoolchildren and social media influencers, providing a first-hand experience of naval life and maritime awareness.
• On 27 April 2026, IOS SAGAR crew and the Indian diaspora participated in a run themed “One Ocean, One Mission”, promoting unity and maritime awareness.
• The ship is engaging with the RSN through professional and community interactions, including planned visits to Navigation and Damage Control simulators, Information Fusion Centre, and Navy Museum in Singapore.
• Additional activities include interaction with think tank personnel onboard, joint Yoga session, and formal deck reception, enhancing stakeholder engagement and exchange of best practices.
• INS Sunayna is scheduled to depart Singapore on 29 April 2026, continuing its mission of strengthening maritime cooperation and promoting collective security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Recent News :

• In April 2026, The Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR – INS Sunayna departed Phuket, Thailand after completing a three-day Operational Turnaround (OTR).

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Union Minister Piyush Goyal Unveils Bharat Taxi Ride-Hailing App in Mumbai,Maharashtra

• Union Minister of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry,Piyush Goyal launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, in Mumbai, Maharashtra to support auto-rickshaw and cab drivers.
• The initiative aims to enhance earnings and welfare outcomes of drivers through a cooperative-based ride-hailing ecosystem.
• The Bharat Taxi app provides zero commission, no subscription charges, free insurance cover of ₹5 lakh, and access to MUDRA Loan facilities for drivers.
• Bharat Taxi was established in June 2025 by eight national-level cooperative institutions under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002, and was officially launched on 05 February 2026.
• The platform has achieved over 25,000 rides per day, reflecting rapid operational growth since launch.
• It has onboarded 17 lakh customers, while more than 50 lakh users have availed the service, indicating strong adoption and outreach.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Rocklink India Private Limited Inaugurates India’s First Lithium-Ion Battery and Rare Earth Recycling Facility in Uttar Pradesh

• Rocklink India Private Limited inaugurated India’s first integrated lithium-ion battery and rare earth magnet recycling facility at Sikandrabad, marking a major step in critical mineral recovery and circular economy development.

Key Highlights :

• The facility focuses on recovering critical minerals to support key sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, electronics, and defence applications.
• The plant has a processing capacity of 10,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of lithium-ion batteries, producing 5,000–6,000 tonnes of black mass.
• It also processes rare earth magnets at 60 tonnes per month (TPM) and includes a planned rare earth chloride unit of 1,500 TPA by 2026.
• The facility recovers key materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and rare earth elements such as neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, which are essential for advanced technologies.
• It uses proprietary R2 recycling technology and processes around 95 types of battery scrap, ensuring safe handling of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and achieving over 98% recovery efficiency for aluminium, copper, and iron.
• Key features include battery refurbishment, recycling of rare earth magnets like Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB), Samarium Cobalt (SmCo), Aluminium Nickel Cobalt (AlNiCo), and semi-automated dismantling systems.
• The facility also integrates reverse logistics through Magcycle™ and ensures compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms under a Know Your Material approach, promoting sustainable recycling practices.

Akashvani and MyGov Launch Nationwide Signature Tune and Jingle-Making Contests

• Akashvani (formerly All India Radio – AIR) under Prasar Bharati, in collaboration with MyGov, launched two nationwide contests – ‘Signature Tune-Making Contest’ and ‘Jingle-Making Contest’ to celebrate 90 years of Akashvani.
• The contests are based on themes “Akashvani @90 – The New Rhythm of Bharat” and “Akashvani @90 – The Vibrant Voice of India”, highlighting India’s cultural and broadcasting legacy.
• The Signature Tune-Making Contest aims to create 20–40 seconds instrumental-only tunes for Akashvani programmes, adhering to standard audio quality norms and submitted via MyGov portal from 23 April to 25 May 2026.
• Programmes covered include Yuva-vani/Sports Scan (high-energy, rhythmic), Market Mantra (professional, tech-forward), Family Welfare/Women’s Programme (warm, melodious), and National Magazine (Sahitya, Sanskriti, Vigyan) (culturally rooted and inspiring).
• Evaluation criteria for the Signature Tune Contest include atmospheric suitability, instrumental excellence, and versatility.
• Prizes for the Signature Tune Contest are ₹30,000 (1st Prize), ₹20,000 (2nd Prize), ₹10,000 (3rd Prize), and ₹5,000 each for 10 consolation prizes.
• The Jingle-Making Contest requires entries of 20–50 seconds with vocals and background music in Hindi or English, targeting channels like FM Gold, FM Rainbow, and Vividh Bharati.
• Participants can submit one entry per channel (maximum three entries) along with a concept note of up to 150 words.
• Prizes for the Jingle-Making Contest include ₹20,000 (1st Prize), ₹15,000 (2nd Prize), ₹10,000 (3rd Prize), and ₹2,500 each for 10 consolation prizes.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENVIRONMENT

Discovery of Two New Jumping Spider Species in India Highlights Rich and Underexplored Biodiversity

• Researchers have discovered two new species of jumping spiders in India, highlighting the country’s rich and still underexplored biodiversity.
• The newly identified species are named “Mogrus shushka” and “Mogrus pune”, belonging to the genus Mogrus (family Salticidae – jumping spiders).
• The findings were published in the European Journal of Taxonomy under the study titled “Discoveries of two new Mogrus species (Araneae: Salticidae) and notable records from India”, confirming their scientific taxonomic identification.
• The species were identified through detailed microscopic taxonomic research, especially by studying reproductive structures, which are key for distinguishing closely related spider species.
• “Mogrus shushka” was discovered in the arid and desert regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat, showing that dry ecosystems also support unique biodiversity.
• “Mogrus pune” was found in urban biodiversity parks in Maharashtra, indicating that urban green spaces act as important micro-habitats for lesser-known species.
• Both species show similar external morphology, but differ in internal reproductive structures, where one has a triangular-shaped male organ and the other has a curved or heart-shaped structure, making these traits critical for species identification.
• The discovery highlights that many species remain undocumented even in familiar ecosystems such as deserts and city parks, emphasizing the importance of continuous biodiversity surveys and field research.
• It also underlines that conservation of small ecosystems, including urban parks, is essential for maintaining biodiversity balance and ecological stability.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

India And New Zealand Sign Free Trade Agreement To Boost Trade And Investment

• India and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement at Bharat Mandapam, led by Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay.
• The agreement aims to reduce trade barriers, enhance market access, and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
• 100% duty-free access has been granted for Indian exports to New Zealand, benefiting sectors like textiles, leather, footwear, engineering goods, and processed food, especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• India will open around 70% of its tariff lines, while protecting sensitive sectors like dairy, agriculture, and metals through safeguards such as tariff rate quotas.
• The agreement provides market access in 118 services sectors, including Information Technology, education, finance, and tourism, along with visa pathways for 5,000 skilled Indian professionals.
• New Zealand has committed to investment support of around 20 billion United States Dollars in sectors like infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital services.
• The pact will simplify pharmaceutical approvals, enable faster customs clearance, and promote paperless trade systems.
• It also supports agriculture, startups, and cultural cooperation, including promotion of AYUSH systems and organic products.
• The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade, exports, employment, and long-term economic partnership between both countries.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Virat Kohli Becomes First Player to Reach 9000 Runs in Indian Premier League (IPL)

• Virat Kohli became the first cricketer to score 9000 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
• He achieved this milestone during a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi.
• He reached the landmark in his 275th IPL match, completing it with a single in the sixth over.
• He took 6732 balls to achieve this feat, highlighting his long-term consistency in T20 cricket.
• Significance:
• First player in IPL history to cross 9000 runs
• Continues to be the highest run-scorer in IPL history
• Sets a benchmark for consistency in franchise cricket
• Top IPL Run-Scorers (Approx.):
• Virat Kohli – 9000+ runs
• Rohit Sharma – 7183 runs
• Shikhar Dhawan – 6769 runs
• David Warner – 6565 runs
• KL Rahul – 5580 runs
• He is also nearing additional milestones, including:
• Becoming the first player to score 1200 T20 runs against a single team (Delhi Capitals)
• Approaching 8000 IPL runs in India
• The achievement reinforces his status as one of the most consistent and dominant batters in T20 cricket history.

P. V. Sindhu Elected Chair of Athletes’ Commission, Joins Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council with Voting Rights

• P. V. Sindhu, Olympic medallist, has been elected Chair of the Athletes’ Commission of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
• She has also secured a voting position in the BWF Council, the top decision-making body of global badminton.
• She became an official Council member after completing the formal vetting process in late 2025.
• She attended her first BWF Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Horsens, Denmark, representing athletes at the highest level.
• As a voting Council member, she will:
• Participate in policy-making and strategic decisions
• Represent the interests of players globally
• Contribute to development and governance of badminton
• The appointment is significant as an active international athlete rarely holds a voting role in global sports governance.
• It strengthens athlete representation and inclusion in decision-making bodies.
• BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul welcomed the move, highlighting that athletes’ voices are central to shaping the future of the sport.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Dance Day (World Dance Day) – April 29

• International Dance Day (World Dance Day) is celebrated every year on April 29 across the world to highlight the value, importance, and cultural significance of dance.
• The day serves as a wake-up call for governments, institutions, and policymakers to recognize dance as an important art form and its potential for economic growth and social development.
• The celebration is promoted globally by the International Dance Council.
• It was first introduced in 1982 by the International Dance Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
• The date April 29 was chosen to mark the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre (born in 1727), who was a renowned French ballet master and reformer of modern dance.
• The day is observed worldwide through performances, cultural programmes, workshops, and awareness initiatives, encouraging people to appreciate dance and its role in art, culture, and society.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

India’s Legendary Photographer Raghu Rai Passed Away at 83

• Veteran photographer Raghu Rai, popularly known as the “Father of Indian Photojournalism”, passed away at the age of 83 in New Delhi, marking the end of an iconic era in visual storytelling.
• He was born on 18 December 1942 in Jhang, representing his origins in pre-Partition India.
• He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1972, which is India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his outstanding contribution to the field of art and photography.
• Originally trained as a civil engineer, he began his professional career with The Statesman in 1966, where he documented major national events through photojournalism.
• In 1977, he became the first Indian photographer nominated to Magnum Photos by legendary photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, gaining global recognition.
• He created iconic portraits of prominent personalities such as Mother Teresa, Dalai Lama, Indira Gandhi, and Satyajit Ray.
• His work captured defining historical events including the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971) and the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984), making him a key visual historian of modern India.
• He received several prestigious honours such as Photographer of the Year (USA, 1992), Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters (France, 2009), Lifetime Achievement Award (2017) from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Académie des Beaux-Arts Photography Award (2019).

 Daily CA One- Liner: April 29

• NITI Aayog launched a two-phase roadmap ‘Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) @2047: The Roadmap to Prosperity’
• Annalena Baerbock, President of the United Nations General Assembly, is visiting India, marking her first visit after assuming office
• Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation launched a 14-day ‘Bharat–Bhutan Mystic Mountain Tour’ from New Delhi.
• PhonePe became the first Unified Payments Interface (UPI) app to cross 10 billion monthly transactions, recording 10.50 billion transactions in March 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s digital payments ecosystem.
• The Government of India (GoI) has constituted a high-level panel under the chairmanship of C. S. Setty, to assess risks arising from advanced AI platform “Anthropic’s Mythos” and recommend cybersecurity mitigation measures.
• External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar officially launched the logo, theme, and website for the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• Dilip Kumar, a senior officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), assumed charge as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
• The Government of India (GoI) has reconstituted the NITI Aayog, appointing Ashok Kumar Lahiri as the new Vice-Chairman, replacing Suman K. Bery after the completion of his tenure on 1 May 2026.
• INS Sunayna (Indian Ocean Ship – IOS SAGAR) arrived at Changi Naval Base, marking its fourth port call under the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.
• Union Minister of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry,Piyush Goyal launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, in Mumbai, Maharashtra to support auto-rickshaw and cab drivers.
• Rocklink India Private Limited inaugurated India’s first integrated lithium-ion battery and rare earth magnet recycling facility at Sikandrabad, marking a major step in critical mineral recovery and circular economy development.
• Akashvani (formerly All India Radio – AIR) under Prasar Bharati, in collaboration with MyGov, launched two nationwide contests – ‘Signature Tune-Making Contest’ and ‘Jingle-Making Contest’ to celebrate 90 years of Akashvani.
• Researchers have discovered two new species of jumping spiders in India, highlighting the country’s rich and still underexplored biodiversity.
• Veteran photographer Raghu Rai, popularly known as the “Father of Indian Photojournalism”, passed away at the age of 83 in New Delhi, marking the end of an iconic era in visual storytelling.
• The Supreme Court of India has ruled that safe travel on National Highways is part of the Fundamental Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution
• The 13th edition of the Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards was held in New Delhi, where veteran Hindustani vocalists Sumitra Guha and Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit were honoured for their contribution to Indian classical music
• India and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement at Bharat Mandapam, led by Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay
• Virat Kohli became the first cricketer to score 9000 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
• P. V. Sindhu, Olympic medallist, has been elected Chair of the Athletes’ Commission of the Badminton World Federation.
• International Dance Day (World Dance Day) is celebrated every year on April 29 across the world to highlight the value, importance, and cultural significance of dance