Daily Current Affairs & GK Updates

Union Cabinet Approves Rs 12,980 crore Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool to Cut CostsIn April 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the proposal for creation of a domestic insurance pool, named Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI pool) with a sovereign guarantee of Rs.12,980 crore in New Delhi, Delhi.The pool ensures continuous, affordable maritime insurance for Indian trade, reducing reliance on foreign insurers and covering vessels even on volatile routes.About Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool:Coverage: Covers Indian-flagged, Indian-controlled, and India-linked vessels transporting cargo to and from Indian ports, including those in high-risk maritime corridors across global routes.Risks: Includes Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity (P&I), war risks, and third-party liabilities such as oil pollution, collision, crew injury, and wreck removal.Capacity: Provides a combined underwriting capacity of approximately Rs.950 crore through pool member insurers under a pooled mechanism with policies issued collectively.Tenure: Ensures continuous insurance coverage for 10 years, extendable up to 15 years, maintaining long-term reliability of coverage.

21 Apr, 2026

Union Cabinet Approves Rs 12,980 crore Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool to Cut CostsIn April 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the proposal for creation of a domestic insurance pool, named Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI pool) with a sovereign guarantee of Rs.12,980 crore in New Delhi, Delhi.The pool ensures continuous, affordable maritime insurance for Indian trade, reducing reliance on foreign insurers and covering vessels even on volatile routes.About Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool:Coverage: Covers Indian-flagged, Indian-controlled, and India-linked vessels transporting cargo to and from Indian ports, including those in high-risk maritime corridors across global routes.Risks: Includes Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity (P&I), war risks, and third-party liabilities such as oil pollution, collision, crew injury, and wreck removal.Capacity: Provides a combined underwriting capacity of approximately Rs.950 crore through pool member insurers under a pooled mechanism with policies issued collectively.Tenure: Ensures continuous insurance coverage for 10 years, extendable up to 15 years, maintaining long-term reliability of coverage.

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Union Cabinet approves the extension of PMGSY-III till March 2028On 18 April 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – III (PMGSY – III) beyond its original March 2025 deadline, extending it up to March 2028.Key HighlightsPurpose: The programme focuses on consolidation of through routes and major rural links connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), higher secondary schools and hospitals.Budget: The revised outlay of the scheme will be Rs 83,977 Crore (Cr), up from the earlier Rs 80,250 Cr.Timeline Extension: Along with the continuation and revision of the budget of the scheme, the cabinet also approved the following:Extension of timeline till March 2028 for completion of roads and bridges in plain areas and roads in hilly areas.Extension of timeline till March 2029 for completion of bridges in hilly areas.Works sanctioned before 31.03.2025 but un-awarded till now may be taken up for tender/award.

21 Apr, 2026

Union Cabinet approves the extension of PMGSY-III till March 2028On 18 April 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – III (PMGSY – III) beyond its original March 2025 deadline, extending it up to March 2028.Key HighlightsPurpose: The programme focuses on consolidation of through routes and major rural links connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), higher secondary schools and hospitals.Budget: The revised outlay of the scheme will be Rs 83,977 Crore (Cr), up from the earlier Rs 80,250 Cr.Timeline Extension: Along with the continuation and revision of the budget of the scheme, the cabinet also approved the following:Extension of timeline till March 2028 for completion of roads and bridges in plain areas and roads in hilly areas.Extension of timeline till March 2029 for completion of bridges in hilly areas.Works sanctioned before 31.03.2025 but un-awarded till now may be taken up for tender/award.

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Overview of Austria Chancellor Christian Stocker’s Visit To India from April 14-17, 2026The Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Dr. Christian Stocker visited India from 14–17 April 2026 on an official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, marking the first visit by an Austrian Chancellor to India in 42 years and the first official visit of Chancellor Stocker to India.Highlights of the Visit:Bilateral Meetings: During his visit to India, Christian Stocker and PM Narendra Modi held talks in New Delhi (Delhi) to strengthen bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional, global, and multilateral issues.He also met President Droupadi Murmu and Union Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).IAJEC: As part of the Visit, the 17th session of the India–Austria Joint Economic Commission (IAJEC) was held in New Delhi as a key platform to review and advance bilateral economic relations.India–Austria Business Forum: The forum was held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, during the visit of Christian Stocker with participation from senior government officials and industry leaders.A bilateral Fast-Track Mechanism (FTM) was signed and operationalised to facilitate investments.Outcomes:India and Austria signed multiple agreements across audiovisual co-production, Foreign Trade Mechanisms (FTM), defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, food safety, and skill development to strengthen bilateral ties.

21 Apr, 2026

Overview of Austria Chancellor Christian Stocker’s Visit To India from April 14-17, 2026The Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Dr. Christian Stocker visited India from 14–17 April 2026 on an official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, marking the first visit by an Austrian Chancellor to India in 42 years and the first official visit of Chancellor Stocker to India.Highlights of the Visit:Bilateral Meetings: During his visit to India, Christian Stocker and PM Narendra Modi held talks in New Delhi (Delhi) to strengthen bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional, global, and multilateral issues.He also met President Droupadi Murmu and Union Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).IAJEC: As part of the Visit, the 17th session of the India–Austria Joint Economic Commission (IAJEC) was held in New Delhi as a key platform to review and advance bilateral economic relations.India–Austria Business Forum: The forum was held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, during the visit of Christian Stocker with participation from senior government officials and industry leaders.A bilateral Fast-Track Mechanism (FTM) was signed and operationalised to facilitate investments.Outcomes:India and Austria signed multiple agreements across audiovisual co-production, Foreign Trade Mechanisms (FTM), defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, food safety, and skill development to strengthen bilateral ties.

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World Voice Day 2026 – April 16World Voice Day (WVD) is observed annually across the globe on April 16 to celebrate the significance of the human voice in communication, identity, and culture.2026 Theme: “Caring for Our Voices!”Background:Origin : WVD began in Brazil on April 16, 1999, as Brazilian Voice Day, initiated by the Brazilian Society of Laryngology and Voice (SBLV) under Dr. Nedio Steffen.Global Adoption: The initiative later inspired countries such as Argentina and Portugal to introduce similar observances.International Recognition: The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) officially recognised and renamed it WVD, promoting it globally and selecting the annual theme through its Voice Committee.Meghalaya Govt Approves Khasi, Garo as Official State Languages On April 16, 2026, the Meghalaya Cabinet, led by Chief Minister(CM) Conrad Kongkal Sangma, approved the ‘Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026’, declaring Khasi and Garo as official languages alongside English.The move also repeals the Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005, enabling their use in official communications, notifications, and orders.Key Implications

20 Apr, 2026

World Voice Day 2026 – April 16World Voice Day (WVD) is observed annually across the globe on April 16 to celebrate the significance of the human voice in communication, identity, and culture.2026 Theme: “Caring for Our Voices!”Background:Origin : WVD began in Brazil on April 16, 1999, as Brazilian Voice Day, initiated by the Brazilian Society of Laryngology and Voice (SBLV) under Dr. Nedio Steffen.Global Adoption: The initiative later inspired countries such as Argentina and Portugal to introduce similar observances.International Recognition: The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) officially recognised and renamed it WVD, promoting it globally and selecting the annual theme through its Voice Committee.Meghalaya Govt Approves Khasi, Garo as Official State Languages On April 16, 2026, the Meghalaya Cabinet, led by Chief Minister(CM) Conrad Kongkal Sangma, approved the ‘Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026’, declaring Khasi and Garo as official languages alongside English.The move also repeals the Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005, enabling their use in official communications, notifications, and orders.Key Implications

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World Art Day 2026 – April 15World Art Day (WAD) is observed annually across the globe on April 15 to promote the link between art and society, raise awareness of diverse artistic expressions, and recognise artists’ contributions to sustainable development.2026 Theme: “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community through Art”Background:Declaration: In April 2011, during the 17th General Assembly of the International Association of Art(IAA) in Guadalajara(Mexico), a proposal by the Turkish National Committee was adopted to declare April 15 as World Art Day.First Celebration: The inaugural World Art Day was celebrated on April 15, 2012.Organising Body: The IAA(France) affiliated with UNESCO, leads the global celebrations of WAD.UNESCO Recognition: In 2019, during its 40th General Conference, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially proclaimed World Art Day as an international observance.Significance of Date: The observance marks the birth anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci (15 April 1452), symbolising ideals of freedom of expression, tolerance, and brotherhood.

20 Apr, 2026

World Art Day 2026 – April 15World Art Day (WAD) is observed annually across the globe on April 15 to promote the link between art and society, raise awareness of diverse artistic expressions, and recognise artists’ contributions to sustainable development.2026 Theme: “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community through Art”Background:Declaration: In April 2011, during the 17th General Assembly of the International Association of Art(IAA) in Guadalajara(Mexico), a proposal by the Turkish National Committee was adopted to declare April 15 as World Art Day.First Celebration: The inaugural World Art Day was celebrated on April 15, 2012.Organising Body: The IAA(France) affiliated with UNESCO, leads the global celebrations of WAD.UNESCO Recognition: In 2019, during its 40th General Conference, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially proclaimed World Art Day as an international observance.Significance of Date: The observance marks the birth anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci (15 April 1452), symbolising ideals of freedom of expression, tolerance, and brotherhood.

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World Quantum Day 2026 – April 14The World Quantum Day is observed annually on 14 April across the globe to promote awareness about quantum science and technology, highlighting its role in understanding nature and enabling innovations like computing, communication, and secure systems.2026 Theme: “Shaping the Quantum Workforce”Background:Establishment: World Quantum Day was launched on 14 April 2021 by quantum scientists from over 65 countries to promote awareness of quantum science.Observance: The first official global celebration of World Quantum Day took place on 14 April 2022.Recognition: On 2 May 2023, the Senate of the United States of America (USA) passed a bipartisan resolution supporting World Quantum Day and its objectives.Date Significance: 14 April (4/14) represents the rounded value 4.14, reflecting the leading digits of Planck’s constant.

20 Apr, 2026

World Quantum Day 2026 – April 14The World Quantum Day is observed annually on 14 April across the globe to promote awareness about quantum science and technology, highlighting its role in understanding nature and enabling innovations like computing, communication, and secure systems.2026 Theme: “Shaping the Quantum Workforce”Background:Establishment: World Quantum Day was launched on 14 April 2021 by quantum scientists from over 65 countries to promote awareness of quantum science.Observance: The first official global celebration of World Quantum Day took place on 14 April 2022.Recognition: On 2 May 2023, the Senate of the United States of America (USA) passed a bipartisan resolution supporting World Quantum Day and its objectives.Date Significance: 14 April (4/14) represents the rounded value 4.14, reflecting the leading digits of Planck’s constant.

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NITI Aayog Launches “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India” Anthology for Tourism PromotionIn April 2026, Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, launched the anthology titled “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India”, to promote India’s tourism potential by showcasing its rich cultural heritage, traditions, and diverse destinations, in New Delhi, Delhi.About the Anthology:Highlights: The anthology showcases curated travel routes, cuisines, local festivals, handicrafts, and lesser-known destinations across every state and Union Territory (UT) of India.Framework: Follows a month-wise seasonal approach with a travel calendar, promoting experiential tourism through local communities, traditions, and lifestyles.Content: It includes around 3,000 curated entries comprising 2,100 tourism destinations and 1,200 cultural listings covering landmarks, heritage, festivals, cuisine, textiles, handicrafts, and lesser-known sites.Alignment: Supports national initiatives like Dekho Apna Desh and Swadesh Darshan, and the plan to develop 50 global tourist destinations.

20 Apr, 2026

NITI Aayog Launches “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India” Anthology for Tourism PromotionIn April 2026, Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, launched the anthology titled “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India”, to promote India’s tourism potential by showcasing its rich cultural heritage, traditions, and diverse destinations, in New Delhi, Delhi.About the Anthology:Highlights: The anthology showcases curated travel routes, cuisines, local festivals, handicrafts, and lesser-known destinations across every state and Union Territory (UT) of India.Framework: Follows a month-wise seasonal approach with a travel calendar, promoting experiential tourism through local communities, traditions, and lifestyles.Content: It includes around 3,000 curated entries comprising 2,100 tourism destinations and 1,200 cultural listings covering landmarks, heritage, festivals, cuisine, textiles, handicrafts, and lesser-known sites.Alignment: Supports national initiatives like Dekho Apna Desh and Swadesh Darshan, and the plan to develop 50 global tourist destinations.

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NASA Announces SpaceX to Launch Rosalind Franklin Rover to Mars 2028In April 2026, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket will launch the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars, in 2028.It will be launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States of America (USA).About Rosalind Franklin rover:Project: NASA has approved the implementation of Rosalind Franklin Support and Augmentation (ROSA) project. It is part of the ExoMars mission.Objective: Under the mission, the Rosalind Franklin rover will drill up to 2 meters(m) beneath Mars’ surface to search for signs of past or present microbial life, becoming the first Mars rover to explore subsurface life on the Red Planet.Role of NASA: Under ROSA project, NASA will facilitate critical support systems and technologies to ensure the success of the mission: include launch services, braking engines for the landing platform, and radioisotope heater units to maintain internal temperature of the rover in extreme martian conditions.Background: In 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NASA and ESA, formalizing the agreement to expand NASA’s role in the ExoMars programme.

20 Apr, 2026

NASA Announces SpaceX to Launch Rosalind Franklin Rover to Mars 2028In April 2026, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket will launch the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars, in 2028.It will be launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States of America (USA).About Rosalind Franklin rover:Project: NASA has approved the implementation of Rosalind Franklin Support and Augmentation (ROSA) project. It is part of the ExoMars mission.Objective: Under the mission, the Rosalind Franklin rover will drill up to 2 meters(m) beneath Mars’ surface to search for signs of past or present microbial life, becoming the first Mars rover to explore subsurface life on the Red Planet.Role of NASA: Under ROSA project, NASA will facilitate critical support systems and technologies to ensure the success of the mission: include launch services, braking engines for the landing platform, and radioisotope heater units to maintain internal temperature of the rover in extreme martian conditions.Background: In 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NASA and ESA, formalizing the agreement to expand NASA’s role in the ExoMars programme.

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USA Unveils Space Nuclear Power Plan, Targets Moon Reactor by 2030 In April 2026, the United States of America (USA)’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) formally launched the National Space Technology Memorandum-3 (NSTM-3), a national initiative to advance space nuclear power, targeting deployment of low- to mid-power reactors in orbit, on the Moon and Mars in the 2030s.Key Details of Guidelines:Moon Reactor: As per the newly launched nuclear space programme, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been tasked to start a programme within 30 days to develop a mid-power reactor with lunar surface version expected to launch by 2030.Orbital Reactor : The USA’s Department of Defense has been tasked with developing a mission-ready in-space reactor by 2031, subject to funding.Key Role of DOE: The USA’s Department of Energy (DOE) is required to assess within 60 days whether the USA reactor industry can build up to 4 space reactors within 5 years.

20 Apr, 2026

USA Unveils Space Nuclear Power Plan, Targets Moon Reactor by 2030 In April 2026, the United States of America (USA)’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) formally launched the National Space Technology Memorandum-3 (NSTM-3), a national initiative to advance space nuclear power, targeting deployment of low- to mid-power reactors in orbit, on the Moon and Mars in the 2030s.Key Details of Guidelines:Moon Reactor: As per the newly launched nuclear space programme, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been tasked to start a programme within 30 days to develop a mid-power reactor with lunar surface version expected to launch by 2030.Orbital Reactor : The USA’s Department of Defense has been tasked with developing a mission-ready in-space reactor by 2031, subject to funding.Key Role of DOE: The USA’s Department of Energy (DOE) is required to assess within 60 days whether the USA reactor industry can build up to 4 space reactors within 5 years.

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Bollywood Actress Sayani Gupta Named Person of the Year by Harvard SAAIn April 2026, Bollywood actress Sayani Gupta was named the South Asian ‘Person of the Year’ by the Harvard University South Asian Association (SAA), recognising her exceptional contribution to film, story telling, and representation.She will formally receive the award at Harvard University later in April 2026.Key Details:Person of the Year Award: It is an annual award, presented by Harvard University to individuals whose work has significantly influenced global perceptions of South Asian talent and identity.It celebrates contributions across arts, leadership, activism, and public service.Last Year Indian Winner: In 2025, Michelin-star Chef Vikas Khanna was honored by Harvard University SAA.

20 Apr, 2026

Bollywood Actress Sayani Gupta Named Person of the Year by Harvard SAAIn April 2026, Bollywood actress Sayani Gupta was named the South Asian ‘Person of the Year’ by the Harvard University South Asian Association (SAA), recognising her exceptional contribution to film, story telling, and representation.She will formally receive the award at Harvard University later in April 2026.Key Details:Person of the Year Award: It is an annual award, presented by Harvard University to individuals whose work has significantly influenced global perceptions of South Asian talent and identity.It celebrates contributions across arts, leadership, activism, and public service.Last Year Indian Winner: In 2025, Michelin-star Chef Vikas Khanna was honored by Harvard University SAA.

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