28th April 2026

1. MoEFCC and NBA Launch 5-Year Project on Grassroots Biodiversity Governance in TN and Meghalaya
2. DRDO Unveils Advanced Armoured Platforms (Tracked & Wheeled) in Maharashtra
3. IITM Pune Inaugurates X-Band Doppler Weather Radar at Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
4. Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026: USA Topped; India Ranks 6th in Ultra-wealthy Population
5. RBI Approves Reappointment of B Ramesh Babu as MD & CEO of KVB
6. India Tops Medal Tally with 16 Medals Including 5 Gold at ISSF Junior World Cup 2026 held in Cairo, Egypt
7. India to host SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 in Goa
8. Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe Becomes First Athlete to Run Sub-Two-Hour Competitive Marathon at London Marathon 2026
9. FIDE Joins International World Games Association
10. Padma Shri Awardee and Photojournalist Raghu Rai Passed Away
11. Spiritual Leader & Padma Shri Awardee Guru Muni Narayana Prasad Passed Away
12. International Delegate’s Day 2026 – April 25
13. Virat Kohli Becomes First Player to Reach 9000 IPL Runs in Historic Milestone
14. Steel Authority of India Names Dilip Kumar as Chief Vigilance Officer
15. Safe Highway Travel is Fundamental Right Under Article 21, Rules Supreme Court
16. World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026: Focus on Safer Work Environments
17. Andhra Pradesh Launches Massive Mushroom Mission Worth ₹13,000 Crore
18. DMRC Appoints Sanjay Jamuar as First CEO of Delhi Metro International Limited
19. WHO Approves First-Ever Infant-Specific Malaria Drug on World Malaria Day 2026
20. Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 Signals New Era for India’s Private Space Industry
21. Sun Pharma Pursues $11.75 Billion Acquisition of Organon in Landmark Overseas Deal
22. Justice Lisa Gill Sworn In as First Woman Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court
23. Which Indian City is known as the Chemical Hub of India?
24. Punjab Kings Set New IPL Record with Historic 265-Run Chase Against Delhi Capitals

National News

Supreme Court Declares Right to Safe Passage Fundamental under Article 21

• What: The Supreme Court (SC) declared the right to safe passage on highways a part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 and issued pan-India directions to prevent road accidents caused by illegal parking and unauthorized structures.
• Tell me more:
  • National Highways (NH) constitute 2% of India’s total road length but account for nearly 30% of all road fatalities.
  • The Bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar issued this order following a suo motu case involving tragic accidents in Rajasthan and Telangana.
  • The court banned new roadside eateries and unauthorized structures on highways, restricted parking, ordered demolition within 60 days, required NHAI clearance, and set the next hearing for June 2026.
  • The court also directed that a ‘District Highway Safety Task Force’ should be constituted in every district across the country.

State News

MoEFCC Launches Biodiversity Project for Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu

• What: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) initiated a five-year project to improve grassroots biodiversity governance in Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya.
• Tell me more:
  • This initiative runs from 2025 to 2030 with a grant exceeding 4.88 million United States Dollars (USD).
  • This is a joint initiative of the Government of India, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
  • Implementation will focus on two ecologically significant landscapes: the Sathyamangalam landscape in Tamil Nadu, covering Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserves (STR), and the Garo Hills region in Meghalaya, covering Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park, and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • The initiative aligns with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the global 30×30 biodiversity target.
    • The 30×30 target is a global initiative aiming to protect 30% of the Earth’s land and ocean by 2030.
  • The project title is “Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Securing Biodiversity Conservation Commitments”.

New Doppler Weather Radar Commissioned in Maharashtra under Mission Mausam

• What: The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune commissioned a new X-band Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) at Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra to monitor atmospheric conditions and improve short-term weather forecasts for regions including Satara, Pune, Konkan, and Mumbai.
• Tell me more:
  • IITM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Andhra Pradesh Plans ₹13,000 Crore Mushroom Mission

• What: The N Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government plans to launch a first-of-its-kind Mushroom Mission with an investment of ₹13,000 crore to become the largest producer of mushrooms in India.
• Tell me more:
  • The mission aims to scale up annual mushroom production to 67,500 tonnes, positioning Andhra Pradesh as the top producer ahead of Bihar, which currently leads the country with around 45,000 tonnes annually.

Bharuch District Emerges as India’s Chemical Capital Hub

• What: Bharuch district has become the “Chemical Capital of India,” with the state government highlighting it ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for South Gujarat 2026.
• Tell me more:
  • The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for South Gujarat 2026 will be held in Surat to drive industrial growth.

International News

WHO Prequalifies First Malaria Treatment for Young Infants

• What: The World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified the first antimalarial treatment, artemether-lumefantrine, specifically developed for newborns and young infants weighing between two and five kilograms to ensure quality-assured treatment for underserved patient groups.
• Tell me more:
  • WHO also prequalified three new Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) on 14 April 2026.
  • These tests detect a different protein called pf-LDH to find malaria parasites that lack the HRP2 protein.
  • Switzerland-based Novartis developed this Coartem® (artemether-lumefantrine) Baby treatment. Coartem Baby is also known as Riamet® Baby in some countries and was developed in collaboration with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV).

Banking and Economy

Sun Pharma Acquires Organon in Giant Pharmaceutical Deal

• What: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd entered a definitive agreement to acquire Organon & Co. for $11.75 billion in an all-cash deal to double its annual revenue and become one of the top 25 global pharmaceutical companies.
• Tell me more:
  • Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited HQ: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Organon & Co. Headquartered: New Jersey, USA

Reports and Indices

Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026: USA Topped; India Ranks 6th in Ultra-wealthy Population

• What: London-based real estate consultant Knight Frank released the 20th edition of The Wealth Report 2026 stating that India’s population of ultra-wealthy individuals and billionaires will increase significantly by 2031 due to growth in technology and capital markets.
• Tell me more:
  • India currently holds the sixth-largest Ultra-High Net Worth Individual (UHNWI) population globally.
  • Mumbai improved its global ranking to 10th while Delhi moved up to 17th place. Mumbai dominates with 35.4% of the total ultra-rich population in India.
  • India’s billionaire population rose 58% in five years to 207 in 2026, making India the world’s 3rd-largest home to billionaires after the United States (914) and China (485).

Defence News

DRDO Launches Vikram VT 21 Advanced Armoured Platforms

• What: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) launched its Vikram VT 21 project featuring two Advanced Armoured Platforms (AAP) to serve as a potential solution for the Indian Army’s Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) requirements.
• Tell me more:
  • The project aims to replace the ageing BMP-2 fleet of Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICV) used since the 1980s.
  • The Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) co-developed these platforms with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
  • The platforms can fire third generation Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) to destroy heavily armoured targets.
  • This technology helps the Indian Army move soldiers safely, fight enemy tanks, cross rough land and rivers, and improve battlefield awareness with stronger protection, better weapons, faster mobility, and real-time combat coordination.

Science and Technology

Skyroot Aerospace Prepares for Historic Vikram-1 Orbital Launch

• What: Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace is set to become the first private Indian company to launch an orbital space rocket, Vikram-1, at the Sriharikota spaceport next week.
• Tell me more:
  • Vikram-1 is a multi-stage launch vehicle designed to carry satellites weighing up to 350 kilograms (kg) into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Its solid propulsion system is named Kalam (after APJ Abdul Kalam), the liquid system is Raman (after CV Raman), and the cryogenic system is Dhawan (after Satish Dhawan).
  • The launch vehicle honours Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who is considered the father of the Indian space programme.
• Knowledge Nuggets:
  • LEO refers to the space region located between 160 kilometers (km) and 2,000 km above the Earth’s surface.
  • Skyroot Aerospace previously conducted India’s first private single-stage sub-orbital flight in 2022.
  • Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka have their own space policies.
  • India also expects the launch of the first privately manufactured Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) later this year.

Important Days

International Delegate’s Day 2026 – April 25

• UN Focus: Entrusted by the peoples of the world

World Day for Safety and Health at Work – April 28

• International Labour Organization’s Theme: “Let’s ensure a healthy psychosocial working environment”

Sports

Indian Shooters Top ISSF Junior World Cup Standings in Cairo, Egypt

• What: Indian shooters secured the top position at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, by winning a total of 16 medals, including five gold, six silver, and five bronze.
• Tell me more:
  • India fielded 71 shooters, which was the largest contingent among the 25 federations and 284 total participants.
  • Indian shooters previously won 37 medals, including 17 golds, during the ISSF Junior World Cup legs held last year.

India to Host SAFF Women’s Championship in Goa

• What: India will host the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship from May 24 to June 7 in Goa, featuring six competing teams drawn into two groups at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
• Tell me more:
  • The tournament returns to India for the first time in a decade with matches scheduled in Fatorda.
  • This event marks India’s first competitive tournament since the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup 2026.
  • India last won the title in 2019 by defeating host Nepal in the final.

Sabastian Sawe Made History at the London Marathon

• What: Kenyan athlete Sabastian Sawe made history at the London Marathon by becoming the first person to complete a competitive marathon in under two hours with a finishing time of 1:59:30.
• Tell me more:
  • Yomif Kejelcha finished runner-up in 1:59:49 and became the second man to run under two hours in his marathon debut.

International Chess Federation Joins International World Games Association

• What: The International World Games Association (IWGA) granted membership status to the International Chess Federation (FIDE) during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.
• Tell me more:
  • The inclusion of FIDE increases the total number of Member Federations within the organisation to 40.
  • The International World Games Association (IWGA) is a non-profit-making international sports organisation recognised and supported by the International Olympic Committee.
  • The World Games 2029, a multi-sport event, will take place in Karlsruhe, Germany, from 19-29 July 2029, 40 years after it hosted TWG in 1989.

Virat Kohli Becomes first Player to Reach 9,000 IPL Runs

• What: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli became the first player to achieve 9,000 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) during a match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
• Tell me more:
  • He currently ranks sixth in the Orange Cap race with 328 runs in seven matches this season.
  • There are two types (caps) of awards.
    • Purple Cap – It is for the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. The bowler with the most wickets leads this table. At present, Bhuvneshwar Kumar leads the wicket-takers list.
    • Orange Cap – It is for the leading run-scorer in the tournament. The batter with the most runs leads this table. The Orange Cap race is led by Abhishek Sharma.

Punjab Kings Script Record Chase against Delhi Capitals

• What: Punjab Kings (PBKS) created Indian Premier League (IPL) history by successfully chasing a record total of 265 runs against Delhi Capitals (DC) in 18.5 overs.
• Tell me more:
  • KL Rahul became the third player in IPL history to score over 150 runs in an innings.

Appointments

RBI Approves Leadership Extension for Karur Vysya Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the re-appointment of B Ramesh Babu as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) for a third term of two years.

Dilip Kumar Appointed Chief Vigilance Officer of SAIL

• Shri Dilip Kumar, a senior officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), assumed the charge of Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) in Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).

Sanjay Jamuar Appointed First CEO of Delhi Metro International

• What: Sanjay Jamuar has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL), a dedicated global arm established to expand the international footprint and consultancy services of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
• Tell me more:
  • DMRC rebranded its subsidiary, Delhi Metro Last Mile Services Limited, as DMIL last year.
  • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) designated DMIL as the nodal agency for international and domestic consultancy and construction projects.

Justice Lisa Gill Sworn in as First Woman Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court

Miscellaneous

Renowned Photographer Raghu Rai Passes Away at 83

• What: Veteran photographer Raghu Rai passed away at the age of 83 after a two-year battle with cancer.
• Tell me more:
  • The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 1972 for his photography during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
  • The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
  • He received the “Photographer of the Year” title in the United States (US) in 1992.
  • In 2019, he won the Académie des Beaux-Arts (French Academy of Fine Arts) Photography Award.
  • He captured world-famous images following the Bhopal Gas Tragedy industrial disaster.

Spiritual Leader Guru Muni Narayana Prasad Passes Away

• What: Guru Muni Narayana Prasad, the renowned spiritual leader from Kerala and Head of Narayana Gurukulam, passed away.
• Tell me more:
  • A prolific writer and philosopher, Muni Narayana Prasad authored over 100 books on Indian philosophy.
  • He was conferred the Padma Shri in 2024 for his contributions to education and literature.

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