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JSW Steel Board Approves Proposal to Sign Pact with POSCO for JVIn April 2026, JSW Steel Limited’s Board approved a proposal to form a Joint Venture (JV) with South Korea’s POSCO Group to set up a 6 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) integrated steel plant in Odisha.The proposed JV is expected to strengthen strategic relations between the two steel makers.Key Details:50:50 JV: Both entities will sign a share subscription and JV agreement under which Saffron Resources Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSW Steel, will become a 50:50 JV between JSW Steel and POSCO Group through subscription arrangement.Equity Shares Subscription: As part of the arrangement, POSCO Group will acquire equity shares of Saffron Resources for a consideration value of nearly Rs 508.8 crore, subject to closing adjustments.Timeline: The transaction is expected to be completed by December 31, 2026, which may be extended by mutual agreement.
JSW Steel Board Approves Proposal to Sign Pact with POSCO for JVIn April 2026, JSW Steel Limited’s Board approved a proposal to form a Joint Venture (JV) with South Korea’s POSCO Group to set up a 6 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) integrated steel plant in Odisha.The proposed JV is expected to strengthen strategic relations between the two steel makers.Key Details:50:50 JV: Both entities will sign a share subscription and JV agreement under which Saffron Resources Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSW Steel, will become a 50:50 JV between JSW Steel and POSCO Group through subscription arrangement.Equity Shares Subscription: As part of the arrangement, POSCO Group will acquire equity shares of Saffron Resources for a consideration value of nearly Rs 508.8 crore, subject to closing adjustments.Timeline: The transaction is expected to be completed by December 31, 2026, which may be extended by mutual agreement.
JSW Steel Board Approves Proposal to Sign Pact with POSCO for JVIn April 2026, JSW Steel Limited’s Board approved a proposal to form a Joint Venture (JV) with South Korea’s POSCO Group to set up a 6 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) integrated steel pl...
CheQ and AU SFB Launch India’s First Co-branded LED Credit CardIn April 2026, CheQ, a credit management platform, partnered with AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) to launch the ‘CheQ AU Credit Card’, India’s first co-branded Light-Emitting Diode (LED)-powered credit card, designed to simplify payments, maximise rewards, and enhance digital payment experiences through a unified rewards ecosystem and innovative tap-to-pay features.The card lights up during transactions by drawing power from the Near Field Communication (NFC) field of the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal, eliminating the need for an internal battery.About CheQ LED Credit Card:Network: The card supports dual networks, Visa for global transactions and RuPay for Unified Payments Interface (UPI).Fee: Annual fee of Rs.499 (waived on Rs 3 lakh spends), additionally, a Rs.999 one-time fee for the LED variant is waived until 31 May 2026 for CheQ customers.Rewards: Offers a unified CheQ Points system with up to 12% rewards on select platforms, 5% on everyday spends, 2.5% on UPI (RuPay), and 1% on other transactions, redeemable for gift cards, travel, and bill payments, along with a welcome EazyDiner membership worth Rs.695.
CheQ and AU SFB Launch India’s First Co-branded LED Credit CardIn April 2026, CheQ, a credit management platform, partnered with AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) to launch the ‘CheQ AU Credit Card’, India’s first co-branded Light-Emitting Diode (LED)-powered credit card, designed to simplify payments, maximise rewards, and enhance digital payment experiences through a unified rewards ecosystem and innovative tap-to-pay features.The card lights up during transactions by drawing power from the Near Field Communication (NFC) field of the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal, eliminating the need for an internal battery.About CheQ LED Credit Card:Network: The card supports dual networks, Visa for global transactions and RuPay for Unified Payments Interface (UPI).Fee: Annual fee of Rs.499 (waived on Rs 3 lakh spends), additionally, a Rs.999 one-time fee for the LED variant is waived until 31 May 2026 for CheQ customers.Rewards: Offers a unified CheQ Points system with up to 12% rewards on select platforms, 5% on everyday spends, 2.5% on UPI (RuPay), and 1% on other transactions, redeemable for gift cards, travel, and bill payments, along with a welcome EazyDiner membership worth Rs.695.
CheQ and AU SFB Launch India’s First Co-branded LED Credit CardIn April 2026, CheQ, a credit management platform, partnered with AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) to launch the ‘CheQ AU Credit Card’, India’s first co-branded Light-Emitting Diode (LED)-p...
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World Bank Approves USD 225 Million Loan for Rajasthan Highway Modernization ProjectOn April 13, 2026, the World Bank(WB’s) Board of Executive Directors approved a USD 225 million (approximately Rs. 2,080 crore) loan for the Rajasthan Highway Modernisation Project to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and safety of state highways.About Rajasthan Highway Modernisation Project:Loan Terms: The USD 225 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a 35-year maturity, includes India’s first Step-Up Loan (SuL), and offers a 5-year grace period.SuL Mechanism: The SuL eases fiscal pressure during the early high-risk phase, with higher repayments later once the project stabilises and becomes ready for market refinancing.Scope: The Rajasthan Highway Modernization Project will upgrade and maintain about 800 kilometer(km) of state highways while transforming the Rajasthan State Highway Authority(RSHA) into a modern, service-oriented agency, enhancing safety, reliability, and climate resilience.
World Bank Approves USD 225 Million Loan for Rajasthan Highway Modernization ProjectOn April 13, 2026, the World Bank(WB’s) Board of Executive Directors approved a USD 225 million (approximately Rs. 2,080 crore) loan for the Rajasthan Highway Modernisation Project to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and safety of state highways.About Rajasthan Highway Modernisation Project:Loan Terms: The USD 225 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a 35-year maturity, includes India’s first Step-Up Loan (SuL), and offers a 5-year grace period.SuL Mechanism: The SuL eases fiscal pressure during the early high-risk phase, with higher repayments later once the project stabilises and becomes ready for market refinancing.Scope: The Rajasthan Highway Modernization Project will upgrade and maintain about 800 kilometer(km) of state highways while transforming the Rajasthan State Highway Authority(RSHA) into a modern, service-oriented agency, enhancing safety, reliability, and climate resilience.
World Bank Approves USD 225 Million Loan for Rajasthan Highway Modernization ProjectOn April 13, 2026, the World Bank(WB’s) Board of Executive Directors approved a USD 225 million (approximately Rs. 2,080 crore) loan for the Rajasthan Highway Moderni...
DGFT Authorizes 17 Banks to Import Gold & Silver Until March 2029In April 2026, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Department of Commerce(DoC), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), updated the list of authorised banks, permitting 15 banks to import both gold and silver and 2 banks to import only gold. As per DGFT, the authorisation will come into effect from April 01, 2026 and will remain valid till March 31, 2029.Key Details:Key Amendment: As per DGFT official notification, this authorisation was granted through amendments made in Appendix 4 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023 under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023.List of Banks: Imports Both: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB); Bank of India(BoI); Punjab National Bank (PNB); RBL Bank Limited; State Bank of India (SBI); Axis Bank Limited; Federal Bank Limited; HDFC Bank Limited; ICICI Bank Limited; IndusInd Bank Limited; Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL); Karur Vysya Bank Limited (KVB); Yes Bank Limited;Deutsche Bank; Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited.Import Only: Union Bank of India (UBI) and SBER Bank, a Russian state-publicly listed company.
DGFT Authorizes 17 Banks to Import Gold & Silver Until March 2029In April 2026, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Department of Commerce(DoC), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), updated the list of authorised banks, permitting 15 banks to import both gold and silver and 2 banks to import only gold. As per DGFT, the authorisation will come into effect from April 01, 2026 and will remain valid till March 31, 2029.Key Details:Key Amendment: As per DGFT official notification, this authorisation was granted through amendments made in Appendix 4 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023 under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023.List of Banks: Imports Both: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB); Bank of India(BoI); Punjab National Bank (PNB); RBL Bank Limited; State Bank of India (SBI); Axis Bank Limited; Federal Bank Limited; HDFC Bank Limited; ICICI Bank Limited; IndusInd Bank Limited; Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL); Karur Vysya Bank Limited (KVB); Yes Bank Limited;Deutsche Bank; Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited.Import Only: Union Bank of India (UBI) and SBER Bank, a Russian state-publicly listed company.
DGFT Authorizes 17 Banks to Import Gold & Silver Until March 2029In April 2026, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Department of Commerce(DoC), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), updated the list of authorised banks, per...
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RBI issues Master Directions on Notes and Coins Exchange FacilityIn April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released Master Directions on Facility for Exchange of Notes and Coins, mandating all bank branches to provide free and non-discriminatory exchange services of currency notes and coins to the public.Key HighlightsExchange Facility: RBI has instructed that all bank branches in all parts of the country are mandated to provide following customer services:Issuing fresh/ good quality notes and coins of all denominations,Exchanging soiled/ mutilated/ imperfect notes, andAccepting coins and notes either for transactions or exchange.Soiled Note: A ‘soiled note’ means a note which has become dirty due to normal wear and tear and also includes a two-piece note pasted together wherein both the pieces presented belong to the same note and form the entire note with no essential feature missing.These notes shall be accepted over bank counters for exchange or credit to accounts of the public maintained with banks.
RBI issues Master Directions on Notes and Coins Exchange FacilityIn April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released Master Directions on Facility for Exchange of Notes and Coins, mandating all bank branches to provide free and non-discriminatory exchange services of currency notes and coins to the public.Key HighlightsExchange Facility: RBI has instructed that all bank branches in all parts of the country are mandated to provide following customer services:Issuing fresh/ good quality notes and coins of all denominations,Exchanging soiled/ mutilated/ imperfect notes, andAccepting coins and notes either for transactions or exchange.Soiled Note: A ‘soiled note’ means a note which has become dirty due to normal wear and tear and also includes a two-piece note pasted together wherein both the pieces presented belong to the same note and form the entire note with no essential feature missing.These notes shall be accepted over bank counters for exchange or credit to accounts of the public maintained with banks.
RBI issues Master Directions on Notes and Coins Exchange FacilityIn April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released Master Directions on Facility for Exchange of Notes and Coins, mandating all bank branches to provide free and non-discriminatory...
MoMSME Signs MoU with NLDSL to Strengthen Data-Driven Logistics Ecosystem On April 17, 2026, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NICDC Logistics Data Services Limited (NLDSL), a digital and data arm of the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), to enhance logistics efficiency and promote data-driven policymaking for the MSME sector.The MoU was signed by Anuja Bapat, Deputy Director General(DDG), Office of the Development Commissioner, MoMSME; and Arvind Devaraj, Chief Operating Officer(COO), NLDSL, in New Delhi, Delhi.Key Details of MoU:Integration: The collaboration establishes an Application Programming Interface (API)-based digital framework for seamless data exchange between the Ministry of MSME and NLDS, enabling real-time logistics insights, informed decision-making, and improved supply chain efficiency for MSMEs.Empowerment: The partnership will provide MSMEs with comprehensive logistics insights, helping reduce inefficiencies, optimise costs, and enhance competitiveness in domestic and global markets.NLDSL: It is a Joint Venture(JV) between the Government of India(GoI’s) NICDIT (National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust) and the Japanese tech giant NEC Corporation.It operates the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) to digitise and streamline the logistics supply chain.
MoMSME Signs MoU with NLDSL to Strengthen Data-Driven Logistics Ecosystem On April 17, 2026, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NICDC Logistics Data Services Limited (NLDSL), a digital and data arm of the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), to enhance logistics efficiency and promote data-driven policymaking for the MSME sector.The MoU was signed by Anuja Bapat, Deputy Director General(DDG), Office of the Development Commissioner, MoMSME; and Arvind Devaraj, Chief Operating Officer(COO), NLDSL, in New Delhi, Delhi.Key Details of MoU:Integration: The collaboration establishes an Application Programming Interface (API)-based digital framework for seamless data exchange between the Ministry of MSME and NLDS, enabling real-time logistics insights, informed decision-making, and improved supply chain efficiency for MSMEs.Empowerment: The partnership will provide MSMEs with comprehensive logistics insights, helping reduce inefficiencies, optimise costs, and enhance competitiveness in domestic and global markets.NLDSL: It is a Joint Venture(JV) between the Government of India(GoI’s) NICDIT (National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust) and the Japanese tech giant NEC Corporation.It operates the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) to digitise and streamline the logistics supply chain.
MoMSME Signs MoU with NLDSL to Strengthen Data-Driven Logistics Ecosystem On April 17, 2026, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NICDC Logistics Data Services Limited (NLDSL), ...
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Herbalife India and IIT Madras Sign MoU to Establish India’s First COE on Plant Cell Fermentation On April 17, 2026, Herbalife India, a subsidiary of Herbalife Limited(HLF) and the Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Madras, Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish India’s first Centre of Excellence(CoE) on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology at IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai.About CoE on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology: Objective : To establish a world-class CoE for Research & Development (R&D), innovation, and entrepreneurship in the sustainable production of herbal biomass, enriched extracts, and high-value phytochemicals.Focus Area: The CoE will advance plant cell fermentation for sustainable, scalable production of herbal biomass enriched with high-value phytochemicals for human health and wellness.Technology Integration: The CoE will combine advanced upstream cultivation systems with state-of-the-art downstream processing and metabolomics platforms to drive innovation in plant cell fermentation.Capacity Building & Infrastructure: It will support capacity building, industry technology transfer, and entrepreneurship, backed by specialised, state-of-the-art equipment dedicated to plant cell fermentation.
Herbalife India and IIT Madras Sign MoU to Establish India’s First COE on Plant Cell Fermentation On April 17, 2026, Herbalife India, a subsidiary of Herbalife Limited(HLF) and the Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Madras, Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish India’s first Centre of Excellence(CoE) on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology at IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai.About CoE on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology: Objective : To establish a world-class CoE for Research & Development (R&D), innovation, and entrepreneurship in the sustainable production of herbal biomass, enriched extracts, and high-value phytochemicals.Focus Area: The CoE will advance plant cell fermentation for sustainable, scalable production of herbal biomass enriched with high-value phytochemicals for human health and wellness.Technology Integration: The CoE will combine advanced upstream cultivation systems with state-of-the-art downstream processing and metabolomics platforms to drive innovation in plant cell fermentation.Capacity Building & Infrastructure: It will support capacity building, industry technology transfer, and entrepreneurship, backed by specialised, state-of-the-art equipment dedicated to plant cell fermentation.
Herbalife India and IIT Madras Sign MoU to Establish India’s First COE on Plant Cell Fermentation On April 17, 2026, Herbalife India, a subsidiary of Herbalife Limited(HLF) and the Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Madras, Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN), ...
AICTE Launches 3rd Edition of VAANI Scheme to Promote Indian Languages in Technical EducationIn April 2026, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under the Ministry of Education (MoE), led by Chairman Yogesh Singh, launched the third edition of the AICTE-VAANI (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages) scheme, in New Delhi, Delhi.The scheme was inaugurated by Yogesh Singh, Chairman of AICTE, along with the release of the scheme document and a dedicated online application portal.About VAANI Third Edition (2026-27):Funding: The scheme allocates an annual outlay of Rs.4 crore to support 200 conferences, seminars, and workshops across India, with each eligible institution receiving Rs.2 lakh per event to conduct 2–3 day academic activities.Languages: Events are conducted in 22 Indian languages listed under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.Domains: It covers 16 emerging technology areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technology (QT), Cybersecurity, Hydrogen Energy, Space and Defence, and Agrotech.
AICTE Launches 3rd Edition of VAANI Scheme to Promote Indian Languages in Technical EducationIn April 2026, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under the Ministry of Education (MoE), led by Chairman Yogesh Singh, launched the third edition of the AICTE-VAANI (Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages) scheme, in New Delhi, Delhi.The scheme was inaugurated by Yogesh Singh, Chairman of AICTE, along with the release of the scheme document and a dedicated online application portal.About VAANI Third Edition (2026-27):Funding: The scheme allocates an annual outlay of Rs.4 crore to support 200 conferences, seminars, and workshops across India, with each eligible institution receiving Rs.2 lakh per event to conduct 2–3 day academic activities.Languages: Events are conducted in 22 Indian languages listed under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.Domains: It covers 16 emerging technology areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technology (QT), Cybersecurity, Hydrogen Energy, Space and Defence, and Agrotech.
AICTE Launches 3rd Edition of VAANI Scheme to Promote Indian Languages in Technical EducationIn April 2026, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under the Ministry of Education (MoE), led by Chairman Yogesh Singh, launched the third...
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MeitY Selects 10 Startups for Cohort II of ISG Under IndiaAI MissionIn April 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), announced the selection of 10 Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups for the second cohort of the IndiaAI Startups Global(ISG) Acceleration Programme under the IndiaAI Mission.The program aligns with India’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy which focuses on cross-border knowledge exchange, exposure to advanced entrepreneurial ecosystems and global market integration.Key Details:IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration: The programme was initiated by the IndiaAI Mission, MeitY, under its Startup Financing Pillar. It was developed in collaboration with Station F(France), the world’s largest startup campus and HEC Paris(France), one of Europe’s premier business schools.Key Sectors: The second cohort of the program covers sectors like: healthtech, climate tech, edtech, satellite intelligence, and cognitive AI, as well as other categories.Selected Startups: AI Health Highway India; Awiros; Cognecto; Flaunt; GreenFi.ai Climateforce Technologies ; Infiheal Healthtech ; InLustro Learning ; PredCo, SkyServe and TestAIng Solutions.
MeitY Selects 10 Startups for Cohort II of ISG Under IndiaAI MissionIn April 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), announced the selection of 10 Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups for the second cohort of the IndiaAI Startups Global(ISG) Acceleration Programme under the IndiaAI Mission.The program aligns with India’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy which focuses on cross-border knowledge exchange, exposure to advanced entrepreneurial ecosystems and global market integration.Key Details:IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration: The programme was initiated by the IndiaAI Mission, MeitY, under its Startup Financing Pillar. It was developed in collaboration with Station F(France), the world’s largest startup campus and HEC Paris(France), one of Europe’s premier business schools.Key Sectors: The second cohort of the program covers sectors like: healthtech, climate tech, edtech, satellite intelligence, and cognitive AI, as well as other categories.Selected Startups: AI Health Highway India; Awiros; Cognecto; Flaunt; GreenFi.ai Climateforce Technologies ; Infiheal Healthtech ; InLustro Learning ; PredCo, SkyServe and TestAIng Solutions.
MeitY Selects 10 Startups for Cohort II of ISG Under IndiaAI MissionIn April 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), announced the selection of 10 Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups for the second cohort of the...
National Fire Service Day 2026 – April 14National Fire Service Day is observed every year on April 14 across India to honour the courageous firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, especially during the 1944 Bombay Dock Explosion. The day also marks the start of Fire Service Week (April 14–20), aimed at spreading awareness about fire safety among the public, employees, and students.2026 Theme: “Safe School, Safe Hospital & Fire Safety Aware Society – Together for Fire Prevention”Background:Bombay Dock Explosion: On 14 April 1944, the British cargo ship SS Fort Stikine, carrying explosives, cotton, and gold, caught fire and exploded at Victoria Dock, Bombay Port (now Mumbai, Maharashtra).Impact: The explosion devastated the dock and nearby areas, killing 231 people and injuring 476, including civilians and firefighters.Declaration of NFSD: In 1965, during the 11th meeting of the Standing Fire Advisory Council (SFAC), April 14 was officially declared NFSD, with the following week observed as Fire Service Week to commemorate the 1944 tragedy.
National Fire Service Day 2026 – April 14National Fire Service Day is observed every year on April 14 across India to honour the courageous firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, especially during the 1944 Bombay Dock Explosion. The day also marks the start of Fire Service Week (April 14–20), aimed at spreading awareness about fire safety among the public, employees, and students.2026 Theme: “Safe School, Safe Hospital & Fire Safety Aware Society – Together for Fire Prevention”Background:Bombay Dock Explosion: On 14 April 1944, the British cargo ship SS Fort Stikine, carrying explosives, cotton, and gold, caught fire and exploded at Victoria Dock, Bombay Port (now Mumbai, Maharashtra).Impact: The explosion devastated the dock and nearby areas, killing 231 people and injuring 476, including civilians and firefighters.Declaration of NFSD: In 1965, during the 11th meeting of the Standing Fire Advisory Council (SFAC), April 14 was officially declared NFSD, with the following week observed as Fire Service Week to commemorate the 1944 tragedy.
National Fire Service Day 2026 – April 14National Fire Service Day is observed every year on April 14 across India to honour the courageous firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, especially during the 1944 Bombay Dock Explosion....
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