Daily Current Affairs & GK Updates

Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026: USA Topped; India Ranks 6th in Ultra-wealthy PopulationIn April 2026, Knight Frank, global property consultant firm, released the 20th edition of ‘The Wealth Report 2026’. As per the report, India ranked 6th position globally with estimated 19,877 Ultra-High Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) and 207 billionaires in 2026, which accounts for 2.8% of the world’s ultra-wealthy population, up from just over 2% 5 years ago.The number of UHNWIs and billionaires in India is projected to increase by 27% (to 25,217) and 51% (to 313), respectively, by 2031.Key Findings:UHNWIs: Globally, the number of UHNWIs increased from 551,435 (in 2021) and 713,626 (in 2026) indicating to nearly 89 new UHNWIs being created every day over the last 5 years.Top 5 Wealth Market: As per the report, the United States of America (USA) continued to be the world’s dominant wealth market, with 251,352 UHNWIs in 2026, followed by China (121,677 UHNWIs), Germany (38,215), and the United Kingdom (UK) (27,876).India-Specific: The report revealed that the number of billionaires in India increased 58% over the last 5 years to 207 in 2026, which makes it the 3rd-largest globally, after the USA (914), and China (485).

28 Apr, 2026

Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026: USA Topped; India Ranks 6th in Ultra-wealthy PopulationIn April 2026, Knight Frank, global property consultant firm, released the 20th edition of ‘The Wealth Report 2026’. As per the report, India ranked 6th position globally with estimated 19,877 Ultra-High Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) and 207 billionaires in 2026, which accounts for 2.8% of the world’s ultra-wealthy population, up from just over 2% 5 years ago.The number of UHNWIs and billionaires in India is projected to increase by 27% (to 25,217) and 51% (to 313), respectively, by 2031.Key Findings:UHNWIs: Globally, the number of UHNWIs increased from 551,435 (in 2021) and 713,626 (in 2026) indicating to nearly 89 new UHNWIs being created every day over the last 5 years.Top 5 Wealth Market: As per the report, the United States of America (USA) continued to be the world’s dominant wealth market, with 251,352 UHNWIs in 2026, followed by China (121,677 UHNWIs), Germany (38,215), and the United Kingdom (UK) (27,876).India-Specific: The report revealed that the number of billionaires in India increased 58% over the last 5 years to 207 in 2026, which makes it the 3rd-largest globally, after the USA (914), and China (485).

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MSJE Launched SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile App During Chintan Shivir 2026In April 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) launched the SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise)–Beggary Survey Mobile Application (App) during the Chintan Shivir held in Chandigarh (Punjab) from 24–26 April 2026.The SMILE–Beggary initiative under the SMILE Scheme (2021–2026) of MSJE supports rehabilitation through shelter, skills, and reintegration, with a mobile app enabling real-time data collection and monitoring.About SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application:Features: The application enables real-time data capture, geo-tagging, hotspot mapping, analytics dashboards, and end-to-end monitoring from identification to rehabilitation.Coverage: Expanded to 181 cities, the initiative creates a centralised national database for identifying vulnerable populations and improving policy planning.Process: It records demographic and socio-economic details and links beneficiaries to shelter homes, healthcare, counselling, de-addiction, skill training, and reintegration services.Integration: It is supported by model shelter home guidelines and complemented by the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) 2.0 App, which aids drug demand reduction and provides access to Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation System (MANAS).

28 Apr, 2026

MSJE Launched SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile App During Chintan Shivir 2026In April 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) launched the SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise)–Beggary Survey Mobile Application (App) during the Chintan Shivir held in Chandigarh (Punjab) from 24–26 April 2026.The SMILE–Beggary initiative under the SMILE Scheme (2021–2026) of MSJE supports rehabilitation through shelter, skills, and reintegration, with a mobile app enabling real-time data collection and monitoring.About SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application:Features: The application enables real-time data capture, geo-tagging, hotspot mapping, analytics dashboards, and end-to-end monitoring from identification to rehabilitation.Coverage: Expanded to 181 cities, the initiative creates a centralised national database for identifying vulnerable populations and improving policy planning.Process: It records demographic and socio-economic details and links beneficiaries to shelter homes, healthcare, counselling, de-addiction, skill training, and reintegration services.Integration: It is supported by model shelter home guidelines and complemented by the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) 2.0 App, which aids drug demand reduction and provides access to Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation System (MANAS).

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IITM Pune Inaugurates X-Band Doppler Weather Radar at Mahabaleshwar, MaharashtraOn April 2026, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), at Pune, Maharashtra under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), officially commissioned X-Band Dual-Polarization Doppler Weather Radar(DWR) at its High Altitude Cloud Physics Laboratory (HACPL) in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra.This installation comes under Mission Mausam, the government’s multi-year initiative to transform India into a Weather-Ready Nation.About Doppler Weather Radar:Location & Function: Installed at an altitude of around 1,400 metres(m) in the Western Ghats, the radar acts as a ‘weather eye in the sky,’ enabling real-time tracking of rainfall, cloud movement, and storms.Monitoring & Forecasting: The system will monitor rapidly changing weather conditions in Mahabaleshwar, enabling the study of orographic rainfall and monsoon dynamics, while enhancing nowcasting (up to 3 hours) for regions including Satara, Pune, the Konkan region, and Mumbai.Advanced Radar Capabilities:Operating at 9.45 gigahertz (GHz) with solid-state amplifier technology, the system ensures reliable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient performance, while its dual-polarization and high-resolution features enable precise analysis of precipitation, cloud structures, and improved weather forecasting.Collaboration: On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IITM and the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to jointly develop advanced satellite-based meteorological products.

28 Apr, 2026

IITM Pune Inaugurates X-Band Doppler Weather Radar at Mahabaleshwar, MaharashtraOn April 2026, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), at Pune, Maharashtra under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), officially commissioned X-Band Dual-Polarization Doppler Weather Radar(DWR) at its High Altitude Cloud Physics Laboratory (HACPL) in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra.This installation comes under Mission Mausam, the government’s multi-year initiative to transform India into a Weather-Ready Nation.About Doppler Weather Radar:Location & Function: Installed at an altitude of around 1,400 metres(m) in the Western Ghats, the radar acts as a ‘weather eye in the sky,’ enabling real-time tracking of rainfall, cloud movement, and storms.Monitoring & Forecasting: The system will monitor rapidly changing weather conditions in Mahabaleshwar, enabling the study of orographic rainfall and monsoon dynamics, while enhancing nowcasting (up to 3 hours) for regions including Satara, Pune, the Konkan region, and Mumbai.Advanced Radar Capabilities:Operating at 9.45 gigahertz (GHz) with solid-state amplifier technology, the system ensures reliable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient performance, while its dual-polarization and high-resolution features enable precise analysis of precipitation, cloud structures, and improved weather forecasting.Collaboration: On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IITM and the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to jointly develop advanced satellite-based meteorological products.

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DRDO Unveils Advanced Armoured Platforms (Tracked & Wheeled) in MaharashtraOn 25 April 2026, Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), unveiled the Advanced Armoured Platforms (Tracked and Wheeled), at the DRDO laboratory in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, to enhance mobility, firepower, and protection for the evolving needs of the Indian Armed Forces.About Indigenous Advanced Armoured Platforms:Overview: The platforms were unveiled for the Indian Army (IA) as part of the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) programme to replace ageing BMP-2K Sarath Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs).Indigenous Development: These platforms have been designed and developed by the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with 65% indigenous content, which is planned to increase to 90% in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing.Manufacturing: Produced by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) with support from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), strengthening the defence industrial ecosystem.

28 Apr, 2026

DRDO Unveils Advanced Armoured Platforms (Tracked & Wheeled) in MaharashtraOn 25 April 2026, Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), unveiled the Advanced Armoured Platforms (Tracked and Wheeled), at the DRDO laboratory in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, to enhance mobility, firepower, and protection for the evolving needs of the Indian Armed Forces.About Indigenous Advanced Armoured Platforms:Overview: The platforms were unveiled for the Indian Army (IA) as part of the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) programme to replace ageing BMP-2K Sarath Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs).Indigenous Development: These platforms have been designed and developed by the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with 65% indigenous content, which is planned to increase to 90% in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing.Manufacturing: Produced by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) with support from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), strengthening the defence industrial ecosystem.

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Six Border Villages in J-K Included Under Vibrant Village Programme-IIIn April 2026, the Government of India(GoI) announced the inclusion of six strategically located border villages in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K’s) Kathua district under the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP–II), aimed at boosting development and improving living conditions in remote frontier regions.Key Details:Selected Villages: The villages, Bobiya, Kadyala, Gajnal, Karol Krishna, Rathua, and Gujjar Chak, located along the International Border were identified during a meeting chaired by Rajesh Sharma held in Kathua, J&K.Background: The VVP was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA). to develop border villages and reduce out-migration from India’s remote frontier areas.VVP-II: In April 2025, The union cabinet has approved 2nd phase of Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) with total budget outlay of Rs 6,839 crore, for the comprehensive development of the villages located in the blocks along all International Land Borders (ILBs), other than Northern border already covered under VVP-I.

28 Apr, 2026

Six Border Villages in J-K Included Under Vibrant Village Programme-IIIn April 2026, the Government of India(GoI) announced the inclusion of six strategically located border villages in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K’s) Kathua district under the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP–II), aimed at boosting development and improving living conditions in remote frontier regions.Key Details:Selected Villages: The villages, Bobiya, Kadyala, Gajnal, Karol Krishna, Rathua, and Gujjar Chak, located along the International Border were identified during a meeting chaired by Rajesh Sharma held in Kathua, J&K.Background: The VVP was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA). to develop border villages and reduce out-migration from India’s remote frontier areas.VVP-II: In April 2025, The union cabinet has approved 2nd phase of Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) with total budget outlay of Rs 6,839 crore, for the comprehensive development of the villages located in the blocks along all International Land Borders (ILBs), other than Northern border already covered under VVP-I.

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MoEFCC and NBA Launch 5-Year Project on Grassroots Biodiversity Governance in TN and MeghalayaIn April 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), launched a five-year project titled ‘Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Securing Biodiversity Conservation Commitments’ to be implemented in the Sathyamangalam landscape of Tamil Nadu (TN) and the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.About Grassroots Biodiversity Governance Project:Support: The project is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with a grant of USD 4.88 million for 2025–2030.Objective: The project integrates biodiversity into Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), strengthens Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), and promotes community-led conservation with sustainable livelihoods.Financing: The project activates Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and green micro-enterprises to link conservation with livelihoods and economic incentives.

28 Apr, 2026

MoEFCC and NBA Launch 5-Year Project on Grassroots Biodiversity Governance in TN and MeghalayaIn April 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), launched a five-year project titled ‘Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Securing Biodiversity Conservation Commitments’ to be implemented in the Sathyamangalam landscape of Tamil Nadu (TN) and the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.About Grassroots Biodiversity Governance Project:Support: The project is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with a grant of USD 4.88 million for 2025–2030.Objective: The project integrates biodiversity into Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), strengthens Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), and promotes community-led conservation with sustainable livelihoods.Financing: The project activates Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and green micro-enterprises to link conservation with livelihoods and economic incentives.

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World Day for Laboratory Animals 2026 – April 24 The World Day for Laboratory Animals (WDLA), also known as the World Day for Animals in Laboratories (WDAIL) or World Lab Animal Day, is observed annually across the world on April 24 to raise global awareness about the ethical and scientific concerns associated with the use of animals in laboratory testing and research.

27 Apr, 2026

World Day for Laboratory Animals 2026 – April 24 The World Day for Laboratory Animals (WDLA), also known as the World Day for Animals in Laboratories (WDAIL) or World Lab Animal Day, is observed annually across the world on April 24 to raise global awareness about the ethical and scientific concerns associated with the use of animals in laboratory testing and research.

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National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 – April 24 National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD), also known as National Local Self-Government Day, is annually observed across India on April 24 to mark the establishment of the Panchayati Raj system and celebrate its role in strengthening grassroots democracy and decentralized governance.2026 Theme: “Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas(Empowered Panchayat, Comprehensive Development)”Background: Declaration: The Government of India (GoI), in consultation with states, designated 24 April as National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD), which was officially declared in 2010 by Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister (PM) of India.First Observance: The first-ever NPRD was observed on 24 April 2010.Date Significance: The date marks the institutionalisation of Panchayati Raj through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, effective in 1993, which added Part IX “The Panchayats” and granted constitutional status to Panchayats as institutions of self-government under Article 243B.2026 Events: NPRD was observed on April 24, 2026, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi, by the MoPR with participation from PRIs across states, districts, blocks, and Gram Panchayats.Key releases include the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 report and three “Meri Panchayat Meri Dharohar” publications under the Panchayat Dharohar Initiative highlighting rural heritage.

27 Apr, 2026

National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 – April 24 National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD), also known as National Local Self-Government Day, is annually observed across India on April 24 to mark the establishment of the Panchayati Raj system and celebrate its role in strengthening grassroots democracy and decentralized governance.2026 Theme: “Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas(Empowered Panchayat, Comprehensive Development)”Background: Declaration: The Government of India (GoI), in consultation with states, designated 24 April as National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD), which was officially declared in 2010 by Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister (PM) of India.First Observance: The first-ever NPRD was observed on 24 April 2010.Date Significance: The date marks the institutionalisation of Panchayati Raj through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, effective in 1993, which added Part IX “The Panchayats” and granted constitutional status to Panchayats as institutions of self-government under Article 243B.2026 Events: NPRD was observed on April 24, 2026, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi, by the MoPR with participation from PRIs across states, districts, blocks, and Gram Panchayats.Key releases include the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 report and three “Meri Panchayat Meri Dharohar” publications under the Panchayat Dharohar Initiative highlighting rural heritage.

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International Girls in ICT Day 2026- April 23International Girls in ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Day is observed annually across the globe on the 4th Thursday of April to inspire and encourage girls and women to pursue careers in ICT.International Girls in ICT Day 2026 was observed on 23 April 2026 with the theme “AI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future”.Background:Origin: The idea of International Girls in ICT Day was officially announced by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 8 April 2011, following Resolution 70 adopted at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference held in Guadalajara, Mexico, in October 2010.Objective: The resolution aimed to promote gender mainstreaming and advance gender equality within the ICT sector.First Observance: The first International Girls in ICT Day was celebrated on 28 April 2011.Organizer: The ITU, a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), leading the initiative.

27 Apr, 2026

International Girls in ICT Day 2026- April 23International Girls in ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Day is observed annually across the globe on the 4th Thursday of April to inspire and encourage girls and women to pursue careers in ICT.International Girls in ICT Day 2026 was observed on 23 April 2026 with the theme “AI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future”.Background:Origin: The idea of International Girls in ICT Day was officially announced by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 8 April 2011, following Resolution 70 adopted at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference held in Guadalajara, Mexico, in October 2010.Objective: The resolution aimed to promote gender mainstreaming and advance gender equality within the ICT sector.First Observance: The first International Girls in ICT Day was celebrated on 28 April 2011.Organizer: The ITU, a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), leading the initiative.

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Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Appointed ‘Parminder Singh’ as CEOIn April 2026, Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited (REIL), a joint venture(JV) between Reliance Intelligence Limited and Meta’s Facebook Overseas Inc., appointed Parminder Singh as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with immediate effect.About Parminder Singh:Profile: He is a global technology leader with over 30 years of experience across Google, Apple, Twitter, and IBM, specializing in scaling digital businesses, enterprise strategy, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven transformation.Roles: He served as Managing Director (MD) at Google (Asia-Pacific) and Twitter (Southeast Asia, India, and Middle East & North Africa (MENA)) and as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at Mediacorp, leading digital and AI transformation.Ventures: He co-founded ClayboxAI and WeKamp, focusing on AI leadership, advisory, and community platforms.

27 Apr, 2026

Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Appointed ‘Parminder Singh’ as CEOIn April 2026, Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited (REIL), a joint venture(JV) between Reliance Intelligence Limited and Meta’s Facebook Overseas Inc., appointed Parminder Singh as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with immediate effect.About Parminder Singh:Profile: He is a global technology leader with over 30 years of experience across Google, Apple, Twitter, and IBM, specializing in scaling digital businesses, enterprise strategy, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven transformation.Roles: He served as Managing Director (MD) at Google (Asia-Pacific) and Twitter (Southeast Asia, India, and Middle East & North Africa (MENA)) and as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at Mediacorp, leading digital and AI transformation.Ventures: He co-founded ClayboxAI and WeKamp, focusing on AI leadership, advisory, and community platforms.

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