24th April 2026

1. Eveready commissions India’s first alkaline battery unit in Jammu
2. Union Minister C. R. Patil Launches 9th IIWW in New Delhi, Delhi
3. INS Nireekshak participates in ‘IN-SLN DIVEX 2026’ in Colombo
4. PNB Partners with Kiwi to Launch RuPay Credit Card on UPI Platform
5. China Selects Two Pakistani Astronauts for Tiangong Space Station Training
6. Pakistan Successfully Test-Fires Indigenous Taimoor Anti-Ship Cruise Missile
7. Former Andhra Pradesh CM Nadendla Bhaskara Rao Passed Away
8. Meghalaya launches CM-INSPIRE scheme for the UPSC Qualifiers
9. National Panchayati Raj Day: Theme, History, Significance & Celebrations
10. Dhar Selected for Safe Cities Project, ₹10 Crore Allocated for Safety Measures
11. Archaeological Survey of India Restoration Project at Konark Sun Temple Explained
12. UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Explained: Ban for Those Born After 2009
13. India’s current account deficit of around 1.1 per cent of GDP
14. Foreign exchange reserves stood at around $700 billion: RBI Governor
15. Japan Revises Defence Export Rules: India Calls It a Boost to Strategic Partnership
16. NASSCOM Gets New Chairman: AI Expert Srikanth Velamakanni Takes Charge
17. Rajesh Kumar Agarwal Takes Charge as Director at Power Finance Corporation
18. Turkey Passes New Law to Restrict Social Media Access for Children Under 15
19. Vivek Tripathi Named ED & WTD at AU Small Finance Bank, RBI Gives Nod
20. Bikaji Chairman Shiv Ratan Agarwal Dies at 74 in Chennai

National News

India International Water Week 2026 from 22–26 Sept at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

• What: Ministry of Jal Shakti will organise the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW-2026) from 22–26 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Tell me more:
  • Theme: “Climate Resilient Water Management”
  • 11 countries are expected to join as partner countries.
  • The second International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Conference 2026 will be held from 22–24 September.
  • Additionally, the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative (launched in 2024) created over 60 lakh water structures and targeting one crore by May 2026.
  • The government earmarked 65% to 30% expenditure under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and Viksit Bharat Gram G for water conservation.

India Strengthens Heritage Conservation Through Technology and Policy

• What: Government of India strengthened heritage conservation through Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), digital tools, scientific restoration, and policies to safeguard 3,686 monuments and expand global recognition with 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Tell me more:
  • India expanded UNESCO heritage count to 44 sites with addition of Maratha Military Landscapes in July 2024.

State News

Eveready Commissions Alkaline Battery Plant in Jammu

• What: Eveready Industries India Limited commissioned a greenfield alkaline battery manufacturing facility in Jammu with ₹200 crore investment.
• Tell me more:
  • The plant increases domestic battery production, reduces import dependence, expands exports, and promotes self-reliance in manufacturing.
  • An alkaline battery is a type of battery that uses an alkaline electrolyte, usually potassium hydroxide, to produce electricity and power devices like remotes, clocks, and toys for longer duration.
  • Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor – Manoj Sinha

Meghalaya Launches CM INSPIRE Scheme for UPSC Aspirants

• What: Government of Meghalaya launched Chief Minister INSPIRE (CM-INSPIRE) scheme to provide financial assistance to state candidates clearing Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination.
• Why: To support preparation process and strengthen Meghalaya’s presence in national civil services
• Tell me more:
  • The scheme aims to provide Rs 50,000 for preliminary qualifiers and Rs 1 lakh for mains qualifiers.

Dhar Selected under Safe Cities Project 2026

• What: Madhya Pradesh government selected Dhar under Safe Cities project 2026 by Ministry of Women and Child Development to strengthen women’s safety infrastructure through surveillance, amenities, and awareness initiatives with central funding support.
• Tell me more:
  • Ministry of Women and Child Development organises fully centrally funded Safe Cities project to improve women’s safety in public spaces through infrastructure upgrades.
  • The project includes Dhar among 10 cities; with Rs 10 crore allocation for Dhar for five years to improve safety infrastructure and enhance the city’s image as safe destination for women tourists.
  • Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park foundation was laid in Dhar on September 17, 2025.

International News

Pakistan Astronauts Selected for China Tiangong Mission

• What: China Manned Space Agency (CSMA) selected two Pakistani astronauts Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud for its Tiangong space station mission.
• Tell me more:
  • They are still under training and final selection is yet to be made. If selected, they become the first foreign person to travel to China’s Tiangong space station.
  • Currently, Tiangong is the only operational space station after the International Space Station.
  • Separately, Pakistan Navy successfully test-fired indigenously developed Taimoor air-launched cruise missile to enhance precision strike and maritime defence.

UK Parliament Passes Tobacco and Vapes Bill

• United Kingdom Parliament passed Tobacco and Vapes Bill banning cigarette sales to persons born after January 1, 2009 to create smoke-free generation.

Turkiye Passes Bill Restricting Social Media for Children

• Turkish Parliament passed a bill restricting social media access for children under 15 by mandating age verification, parental controls, and strict platform compliance to address online risks and harmful content.

Banking and Economy

PNB Partners Kiwi to Launch Credit UPI Card

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) partnered with Kiwi to launch PNB Kiwi Credit Card on RuPay network to enable credit-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments for 180 million customers with digital onboarding and cashback benefits.

RBI Highlights India Economic Stability at Global Roundtable

• What: RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that short-term fluctuations like foreign direct investment outflows and exchange rate movements are cyclical and outlined reforms to improve business environment and attract foreign investors.
• Tell me more:
  • The round-table was hosted by Consulate General of India in New York (headed by Ambassador. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan).
    • Consulate General of India is a diplomatic office of India in a foreign city that handles consular services, promotes trade and relations, and represents Indian interests in that region.
  • India continues as fastest-growing major economy with trajectory to become third-largest global economy.
  • India maintains low inflation within target range, current account deficit around 1.1% of GDP, and foreign exchange reserves of USD 700 billion.
    • Inflation target range is 4% with an upper tolerance level of 6% and a lower tolerance level of 2%

Defence News

India Sri Lanka Diving Exercise IN SLN DIVEX 2026

• What: Indian Naval Ship Nireekshak participated in India–Sri Lanka bilateral diving exercise IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 in Colombo from 21–27 April 2026.
• Tell me more:
  • Separately, Indian Navy handed over two Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri (BHISM) cubes to Sri Lankan authorities under Aarogya Maitri initiative to support humanitarian assistance with portable medical units.
    • Each BHISM cube can handle up to 200 emergency cases and provides medicines and basic surgical facilities.
  • The engagement aligned with Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security an Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) vision promoting regional security and growth.

India Welcomes Japan Defence Export Framework Review

• What: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed Japan’s review of Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology to expand defence exports and strengthen India–Japan security cooperation under their special strategic partnership.
• Tell me more:
  • The revised framework allows Japan to export more types of defence equipment instead of only a few categories.

Important Days

National Panchayati Raj Day – April 24

• What: Ministry of Panchayati Raj will celebrate National Panchayati Raj Day at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi to mark 33 years of 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Tell me more:
  • Theme of the day: “Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas” (Empowered Panchayats, Holistic Development)
  • The Ministry will release three books under Panchayat Dharohar Initiative on rural heritage of Tripura, Tirupati, and Uttarkashi titled Meri Panchayat Meri Dharohar.
  • The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 added Part IX titled “The Panchayats with Articles 243 to 243(O) and introduced the Eleventh Schedule covering 29 subjects assigned to Panchayats.

Appointments

Srikanth Velamakanni Appointed Nasscom Chairman for AI Growth

• What: National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) appointed Srikanth Velamakanni as Chairperson, to lead industry focus on artificial intelligence-led transformation, product innovation, and global technology positioning.
• Tell me more:
  • Srikanth Velamakanni serves as cofounder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Fractal.
  • Nasscom appointed Kishor Patil as Vice Chairperson, who is the CEO and MD of KPIT.
  • Nasscom President – Rajesh Nambiar

Rajesh Kumar Agarwal Appointed PFC Director Finance

• Power Finance Corporation (PFC) appointed Rajesh Kumar Agarwal as Director (Finance) from April 23, 2026 for five-year tenure.

RBI Approves Vivek Tripathi as AU Executive Director

• What: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved Vivek Tripathi as Executive Director of AU Small Finance Bank for three-year term.
• Tell me more:
  • AU Small Finance Bank received universal banking license from RBI in August last year and is undergoing transition.

Miscellaneous

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nadendla Bhaskara Rao Passes Away

• Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nadendla Bhaskara Rao, founding member of Telugu Desam Party under N. T. Rama Rao in 1982, passed away at age 90 in Hyderabad.

Bikaji Founder Shiv Ratan Agarwal Passes Away

• Chairman and Managing Director of Bikaji Foods International Limited Shiv Ratan Agarwal died at age 74 in Chennai.

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