Daily Current Affairs & GK Updates

MoEF&CC declares Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in UP as Ramsar SiteIn April 2026, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) announced the designation of Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh (UP) as a Ramsar site.Key HighlightsTotal Wetlands: With this new addition, the total number of ramsar sites in India has increased to 99, while the number of ramsar sites in UP has risen to 12.Shekha Jheel: The sanctuary located in western UP is a key winter resting site for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway, hosting species like bar-headed geese, painted storks, and ducks.The lake provides a mix of wetland, grassland, and forest habitats, making it ideal for wildlife conservation.States: As of February 2026, TamilNadu (TN) has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India, with 20 designated wetlands. Uttar Pradesh (UP) has the 2nd highest number of ramsar sites with 12 sites.

24 Apr, 2026

MoEF&CC declares Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in UP as Ramsar SiteIn April 2026, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) announced the designation of Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh (UP) as a Ramsar site.Key HighlightsTotal Wetlands: With this new addition, the total number of ramsar sites in India has increased to 99, while the number of ramsar sites in UP has risen to 12.Shekha Jheel: The sanctuary located in western UP is a key winter resting site for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway, hosting species like bar-headed geese, painted storks, and ducks.The lake provides a mix of wetland, grassland, and forest habitats, making it ideal for wildlife conservation.States: As of February 2026, TamilNadu (TN) has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India, with 20 designated wetlands. Uttar Pradesh (UP) has the 2nd highest number of ramsar sites with 12 sites.

838 128 13

Read

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia Releases Revised TDIP Scheme GuidelinesIn April 2026, the Union Minister Jyotiraditya Madhavrao (M.) Scindia, Ministry of Communications and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), released the revised guidelines for the Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) at New Delhi, Delhi.The initiative, with a Rs.203 crore outlay for 2026–31, is designed to reinforce India’s participation in global telecom standards and speed up innovation in Fifth Generation (5G) Advanced and 6G.About TDIP Scheme:Standards: It provides financial support for participation and leadership in global bodies such as International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and one (Machine-to-Machine) M2M, including technical contributions and collaborations.to real-world deployment.Agencies: Implementation is carried out through Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI), Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE), and Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL).

24 Apr, 2026

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia Releases Revised TDIP Scheme GuidelinesIn April 2026, the Union Minister Jyotiraditya Madhavrao (M.) Scindia, Ministry of Communications and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), released the revised guidelines for the Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) at New Delhi, Delhi.The initiative, with a Rs.203 crore outlay for 2026–31, is designed to reinforce India’s participation in global telecom standards and speed up innovation in Fifth Generation (5G) Advanced and 6G.About TDIP Scheme:Standards: It provides financial support for participation and leadership in global bodies such as International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and one (Machine-to-Machine) M2M, including technical contributions and collaborations.to real-world deployment.Agencies: Implementation is carried out through Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI), Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE), and Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL).

585 57 27

Read

Sponsored Advertisement

MCA Expands Eligibility for PMIS to Include Final-Year Graduate & Postgraduate StudentsIn April 2026, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), in consultation with the Department of Higher Education (DoHE), Ministry of Education (MoE), expanded the eligibility criteria for the pilot phase of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) to include final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students.Key Highlights of the PMIS Revision:Eligibility: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) expanded eligibility to include final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18–25, revising the earlier 21–24 age bracket while retaining existing conditions.Approval: Applicants must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by authorized officials such as the Head of Department, Dean, Principal, or Training & Placement Officer, confirming the internship will not affect academic requirements.Benefits: The Government of India (GoI) increased the monthly stipend to Rs. 9,000 (with 90% funding) and provides Rs. 6,000 financial assistance in two installments for the one-year internship duration.

24 Apr, 2026

MCA Expands Eligibility for PMIS to Include Final-Year Graduate & Postgraduate StudentsIn April 2026, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), in consultation with the Department of Higher Education (DoHE), Ministry of Education (MoE), expanded the eligibility criteria for the pilot phase of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) to include final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students.Key Highlights of the PMIS Revision:Eligibility: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) expanded eligibility to include final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18–25, revising the earlier 21–24 age bracket while retaining existing conditions.Approval: Applicants must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by authorized officials such as the Head of Department, Dean, Principal, or Training & Placement Officer, confirming the internship will not affect academic requirements.Benefits: The Government of India (GoI) increased the monthly stipend to Rs. 9,000 (with 90% funding) and provides Rs. 6,000 financial assistance in two installments for the one-year internship duration.

1473 188 33

Read

Overview of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s Visit to India from 19-21 April 2026 Lee Jae Myung, the President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) paid a state visit to India from 19th to 21st April 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, marking the first state visit to India by a South Korean President in eight years.He was accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea Kyung and a high-level delegation including ministers, senior officials, and business leaders.President Lee arrived at the airport in New Delhi, Delhi, where he was received by Union Minister of State (MoS) Harsh Malhotra. Key Highlights of Lee’s Visit:Bilateral Summit: On 20 April 2026, PM Modi and President Lee held a bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House, New Delhi.During the meeting, discussions were focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas like: financial services, shipbuilding, artificial intelligence (AI), energy, semiconductors, and defence, cultural and people-to-people ties, green energy and trade, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership (SSP): Both countries announced the following Joint Strategic Vision for implementing and adding further content to the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership in the next five years (2026-2030).Other Key Outcomes: Some of the key outcomes are: establishment of an Industrial Cooperation Committee (ICC); framework for the India–Korea Digital Bridge focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and Information Technology (IT); resumption of negotiations to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA); cultural exchange Programme for 2026–2030 and cooperation in sports and creative industries, among others.

24 Apr, 2026

Overview of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s Visit to India from 19-21 April 2026 Lee Jae Myung, the President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) paid a state visit to India from 19th to 21st April 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, marking the first state visit to India by a South Korean President in eight years.He was accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea Kyung and a high-level delegation including ministers, senior officials, and business leaders.President Lee arrived at the airport in New Delhi, Delhi, where he was received by Union Minister of State (MoS) Harsh Malhotra. Key Highlights of Lee’s Visit:Bilateral Summit: On 20 April 2026, PM Modi and President Lee held a bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House, New Delhi.During the meeting, discussions were focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of areas like: financial services, shipbuilding, artificial intelligence (AI), energy, semiconductors, and defence, cultural and people-to-people ties, green energy and trade, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership (SSP): Both countries announced the following Joint Strategic Vision for implementing and adding further content to the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership in the next five years (2026-2030).Other Key Outcomes: Some of the key outcomes are: establishment of an Industrial Cooperation Committee (ICC); framework for the India–Korea Digital Bridge focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and Information Technology (IT); resumption of negotiations to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA); cultural exchange Programme for 2026–2030 and cooperation in sports and creative industries, among others.

1075 145 31

Read

Sponsored Advertisement

World Creativity and Innovation Day 2026– April 21The United Nations (UN) annually observes the World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) on 21 April to highlight the role of creativity and innovation in driving human development and sustainable growth.2026 Theme: “Harnessing Creativity for Global Progress”(Not an official theme)

23 Apr, 2026

World Creativity and Innovation Day 2026– April 21The United Nations (UN) annually observes the World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) on 21 April to highlight the role of creativity and innovation in driving human development and sustainable growth.2026 Theme: “Harnessing Creativity for Global Progress”(Not an official theme)

2446 97 36

Read

Ex-Rajya Sabha Member Dr Gopalrao Patil Passed Away In April 2026, former Rajya Sabha member and renowned Paediatrician Dr. Gopalrao Patil, popularly known as ‘Devmanus(Godly man), passed away at the age of 94 in Latur, Maharashtra. He was born in October 3, 1931 atKavtha village in Dharashiv district, Maharashtra.About Dr. Gopalrao Patil:Profile: He was a doctor and social worker known for his contributions to public service, rural healthcare, and education.Education Reformer: He was the visionary behind the ‘Latur Pattern’ of education, a disciplined and result-oriented coaching model.Institutional Leadership: As head of Shiv Chhatrapati Shikshan Sanstha, he transformed Rajarshi Shahu Mahavidyalaya, Latur into a centre of academic excellence.Key Role: He served as the first president of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP’s) local branch, and provided free medical services in the Murud region for 12 years.He worked as a lecturer in medical colleges and served as a medical officer.Political Career: A senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP), he served as a member of the Rajya Sabha (1994–2000), contributing to committees on Commerce, External Affairs, and Railways.

23 Apr, 2026

Ex-Rajya Sabha Member Dr Gopalrao Patil Passed Away In April 2026, former Rajya Sabha member and renowned Paediatrician Dr. Gopalrao Patil, popularly known as ‘Devmanus(Godly man), passed away at the age of 94 in Latur, Maharashtra. He was born in October 3, 1931 atKavtha village in Dharashiv district, Maharashtra.About Dr. Gopalrao Patil:Profile: He was a doctor and social worker known for his contributions to public service, rural healthcare, and education.Education Reformer: He was the visionary behind the ‘Latur Pattern’ of education, a disciplined and result-oriented coaching model.Institutional Leadership: As head of Shiv Chhatrapati Shikshan Sanstha, he transformed Rajarshi Shahu Mahavidyalaya, Latur into a centre of academic excellence.Key Role: He served as the first president of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP’s) local branch, and provided free medical services in the Murud region for 12 years.He worked as a lecturer in medical colleges and served as a medical officer.Political Career: A senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP), he served as a member of the Rajya Sabha (1994–2000), contributing to committees on Commerce, External Affairs, and Railways.

841 124 47

Read

Sponsored Advertisement

WEF’s Young Global Leaders Class of 2026: 10 Indians Featured Including Jay Shah and Isha Ambani In April 2026, the World Economic Forum(WEF) announced the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2026, recognising 118 leaders from 55 countries for their contributions across sectors.From India, the YGL Class of 2026 includes prominent leaders from government, business, and social sectors such as Jay Shah, Isha Ambani, Sumit Gupta, Abhishek Bansal, Ameve Sharma, Suhani Jalota, Aniket Doegar, Supriya Paul, Dr Edmond Clint Fernandes, and Natsuki Sugai.About Young Global Leaders Class of 2026:YGL Initiative: The YGL initiative was established in 2004 by the WEF to identify leaders under 40 years of age for a structured five-year leadership programme.Notable Leaders: These seven leaders represent a glimpse of the 118 individuals in the 2026 cohort, including Kemi Lala Akindoju (Nigeria; Founder, The Make It Happen Production Company Ltd), Nick Frosst (Canada; Co-founder, Cohere), Thea LaFond (Dominica; Track & Field athlete), Isha Ambani (India; Director, Reliance Retail Ventures), Dan Wu (China; Founder & CEO, Hero Games), Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri (Indonesia; Vice Minister of Trade), and Paola Longoria (Mexico; Athlete and member of Congress).Programme: The selected leaders will participate in a five-year leadership programme based in Geneva( Switzerland), aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing global challenges.

23 Apr, 2026

WEF’s Young Global Leaders Class of 2026: 10 Indians Featured Including Jay Shah and Isha Ambani In April 2026, the World Economic Forum(WEF) announced the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2026, recognising 118 leaders from 55 countries for their contributions across sectors.From India, the YGL Class of 2026 includes prominent leaders from government, business, and social sectors such as Jay Shah, Isha Ambani, Sumit Gupta, Abhishek Bansal, Ameve Sharma, Suhani Jalota, Aniket Doegar, Supriya Paul, Dr Edmond Clint Fernandes, and Natsuki Sugai.About Young Global Leaders Class of 2026:YGL Initiative: The YGL initiative was established in 2004 by the WEF to identify leaders under 40 years of age for a structured five-year leadership programme.Notable Leaders: These seven leaders represent a glimpse of the 118 individuals in the 2026 cohort, including Kemi Lala Akindoju (Nigeria; Founder, The Make It Happen Production Company Ltd), Nick Frosst (Canada; Co-founder, Cohere), Thea LaFond (Dominica; Track & Field athlete), Isha Ambani (India; Director, Reliance Retail Ventures), Dan Wu (China; Founder & CEO, Hero Games), Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri (Indonesia; Vice Minister of Trade), and Paola Longoria (Mexico; Athlete and member of Congress).Programme: The selected leaders will participate in a five-year leadership programme based in Geneva( Switzerland), aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing global challenges.

2316 200 33

Read

Laureus World Sports Awards 2026: Carlos Alcaraz & Aryna Sabalenka Win Sportsman & Sportswoman of the YearOn April 20, 2026, the Laureus World Sports Academy presented the 26th annual Laureus World Sports Awards at Cibeles Palace, in Madrid, Spain, recognizing global sporting excellence for outstanding performances during the 2025 season.Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz won the Sportsman of the Year award for their outstanding 2025 performances, while Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka was named Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year.About Laureus World Sports Awards 2026:Hosts: The ceremony was co-hosted for the first time by Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, a five-time Laureus winner and 24-time Grand Slam champion, alongside Chinese-American Olympic freestyle skiing champion Eileen Gu.Categories: The awards recognized winners across 11 major categories.Team: Paris Saint-Germain won World Team of the Year after a historic 2025 season featuring six trophies, including their first Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League title with a 5–0 final win over Inter Milan.Milestones: Notable age-related achievements included 18-year-old Lamine Yamal becoming the youngest athlete to win two Laureus awards.

23 Apr, 2026

Laureus World Sports Awards 2026: Carlos Alcaraz & Aryna Sabalenka Win Sportsman & Sportswoman of the YearOn April 20, 2026, the Laureus World Sports Academy presented the 26th annual Laureus World Sports Awards at Cibeles Palace, in Madrid, Spain, recognizing global sporting excellence for outstanding performances during the 2025 season.Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz won the Sportsman of the Year award for their outstanding 2025 performances, while Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka was named Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year.About Laureus World Sports Awards 2026:Hosts: The ceremony was co-hosted for the first time by Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, a five-time Laureus winner and 24-time Grand Slam champion, alongside Chinese-American Olympic freestyle skiing champion Eileen Gu.Categories: The awards recognized winners across 11 major categories.Team: Paris Saint-Germain won World Team of the Year after a historic 2025 season featuring six trophies, including their first Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League title with a 5–0 final win over Inter Milan.Milestones: Notable age-related achievements included 18-year-old Lamine Yamal becoming the youngest athlete to win two Laureus awards.

1870 156 17

Read

Sponsored Advertisement

Six Women Win 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize, Marking a Historic FirstIn April 2026, the Goldman Environmental Foundation named 6 women as recipients of the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize, often called the ‘Green Nobel’, marking the first time all winners were female, recognised for their efforts in combating climate change and protecting biodiversity.The winners were officially felicitated at a ceremony held in San Francisco, the United States of America (USA).2026 Goldman Environmental Awardees:2026 Winners: This year winners include: Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria); Borim Kim (South Korea); Sarah Finch (the UK); Theonila Roka Matbob (Papua New Guinea); Alannah Acaq Hurley (the USA); Yuvelis Morales Blanco (Colombia).Background: The award was established in 1989 by philanthropists Richard and Rhoda Goldman, to recognise grassroots environmental activists across different regions of the world who take significant actions to protect the environment.Selection: The recipients are selected from each of the world’s 6 main regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands & Island Nations, North America, and South & Central America.

23 Apr, 2026

Six Women Win 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize, Marking a Historic FirstIn April 2026, the Goldman Environmental Foundation named 6 women as recipients of the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize, often called the ‘Green Nobel’, marking the first time all winners were female, recognised for their efforts in combating climate change and protecting biodiversity.The winners were officially felicitated at a ceremony held in San Francisco, the United States of America (USA).2026 Goldman Environmental Awardees:2026 Winners: This year winners include: Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria); Borim Kim (South Korea); Sarah Finch (the UK); Theonila Roka Matbob (Papua New Guinea); Alannah Acaq Hurley (the USA); Yuvelis Morales Blanco (Colombia).Background: The award was established in 1989 by philanthropists Richard and Rhoda Goldman, to recognise grassroots environmental activists across different regions of the world who take significant actions to protect the environment.Selection: The recipients are selected from each of the world’s 6 main regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands & Island Nations, North America, and South & Central America.

1270 59 19

Read

Tata Steel Signs Pact with SMS Group to Deploy World’s First EASyMelt TechnologyIn April 2026, Tata Steel Limited announced a definitive agreement with Paul Wurth S.A.(SMS Group, Germany) to set up the world’s first large-scale EASyMelt(Electrically Assisted Syngas Smelter) technology at its Jamshedpur plant in Jharkhand, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions in steel production.This project follows a successful engineering study carried out after an initial agreement signed in June 2023.About EASyMelt Technology:Technology: EASyMelt is a retrofit solution that can be installed on existing blast furnaces, replacing coal with syngas and using plasma torches to improve efficiency and reduce fossil fuel use, with flexibility to operate on multiple fuels.It enables Tata Steel to decarbonise existing plants without replacing expensive infrastructure.Objective: The collaboration aims to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by over 50% compared to traditional blast furnaces, marking a major step in decarbonising the steel industry.Net-Zero Goal: This initiative marks a major step in Tata Steel’s plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, one of the most ambitious targets in the global steel industry.

23 Apr, 2026

Tata Steel Signs Pact with SMS Group to Deploy World’s First EASyMelt TechnologyIn April 2026, Tata Steel Limited announced a definitive agreement with Paul Wurth S.A.(SMS Group, Germany) to set up the world’s first large-scale EASyMelt(Electrically Assisted Syngas Smelter) technology at its Jamshedpur plant in Jharkhand, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions in steel production.This project follows a successful engineering study carried out after an initial agreement signed in June 2023.About EASyMelt Technology:Technology: EASyMelt is a retrofit solution that can be installed on existing blast furnaces, replacing coal with syngas and using plasma torches to improve efficiency and reduce fossil fuel use, with flexibility to operate on multiple fuels.It enables Tata Steel to decarbonise existing plants without replacing expensive infrastructure.Objective: The collaboration aims to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by over 50% compared to traditional blast furnaces, marking a major step in decarbonising the steel industry.Net-Zero Goal: This initiative marks a major step in Tata Steel’s plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, one of the most ambitious targets in the global steel industry.

691 95 35

Read

Sponsored Advertisement

Daily Current Affairs & GK

Online Test Series