Current Affairs One - Liner : 29th & 30th April 2026

National:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sikkim on April 27–28, 2026, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for projects worth over ₹4,000 crore across multiple sectors, while also attending the closing ceremony of Sikkim’s 50th year of statehood celebrations.

• On April 27, 2026, NITI Aayog launched the DPI@2047 Roadmap in New Delhi, charting India’s next phase of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) adoption. The immediate focus is DPI 2.0 (2025–2035), aimed at livelihood‑led, productivity‑driven growth, followed by DPI 3.0 (2035–2047) for broad prosperity.
• On April 30, 2026, LG Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the notification of five new districts for Ladakh. This move aims to improve administrative efficiency and governance in the Union Territory. The creation of new districts will help in better delivery of welfare schemes and local development.
• On 28 April 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the Google Cloud India Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub in Visakhapatnam. This is a $15 billion (₹1.35 lakh crore) mega project, far beyond a normal data center.
• On 27 April 2026, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to SkyHop Aviation. This officially authorizes SkyHop as India’s first dedicated commercial seaplane operator. The service will be launched in the Lakshadweep Islands, enhancing connectivity to remote regions.
• On April 30, 2026, India observed Ayushman Bharat Diwas to promote universal healthcare and raise awareness of flagship health schemes. The day commemorates the launch of PM‑JAY in 2018, now the world’s largest government‑funded health assurance program. PM‑JAY provides ₹5 lakh coverage per family per year, benefiting crores of citizens.
• In April 2026, India and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in New Delhi. The pact grants 100% duty‑free access to goods, boosting bilateral trade opportunities. It includes a commitment of USD 20 billion investment, strengthening economic cooperation. The FTA aims to diversify trade baskets, ease market access, and deepen strategic partnership
• The 10th India–Kenya JTC Meeting was held in Nairobi on April 27–28, 2026 to boost trade ties. MoUs were signed between BIS–KEBS and Customs authorities for standards and pre‑arrival data exchange. Talks explored Local Currency Settlement (LCS) and Rupee Vostro Accounts to reduce USD dependence.
• On April 27, 2026, Hyderabad-based Sigma Advanced Systems (SAS) announced a landmark seven‑year agreement with Rolls-Royce. The deal, valued at nearly £300 million (≈₹3,800 crore), covers manufacturing and supply of advanced aerospace components.
• In April 2026, Uttar Pradesh introduced a mandatory 10‑year “warranty” model for all rural water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Construction agencies must now operate and maintain systems for a decade, covering repairs, upkeep, and performance delivery. If a scheme fails, agencies face legal and financial penalties, ensuring accountability.

International:

• On April 30, 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+, effective May 1, 2026, ending nearly six decades of membership since Abu Dhabi joined in 1967. The move reflects the UAE’s push for energy autonomy, frustration with production quotas, and its ambition to raise output to 5 million barrels/day by 2027.
• In April 2026, Jordan officially joined three India‑led global initiatives — International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). This strengthens Jordan’s role in renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable fuels.

Banking:

• On 28 April 2026, RBI launched Mission SAKSHAM (Sahkari Bank Kshamta Nirman) for UCBs. It aims to train 1.40 lakh participants nationwide across governance, risk, compliance, and IT. The program covers Board Members, Senior Management, and operational staff.
• On 1 May 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) proposed the Index of Service Production (ISP). The ISP will serve as a new statistical measure to track growth and performance in India’s services sector. It will use 2024–25 as the base year, aligning with other national indices for consistency.
• RBI’s official approval came on April 27, 2026, granting One MobiKwik Systems Ltd. the NBFC licence. This allows its subsidiary MobiKwik Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. to operate as a regulated lender once the Certificate of Registration (COR) is issued.
• On April 25, 2026, ONGC’s Board approved a major strategic step to strengthen its downstream presence. The company will form an Integrated Petrochemicals Marketing & Trading Joint Venture Company (JVC) with subsidiaries MRPL and OPaL. This move aims to unify petrochemicals marketing operations, reduce duplication, and enhance efficiency.
• On 28 April 2026, Flipkart, Axis Bank & PayU announced a major partnership. They launched biometric authentication for card payments in India. This enables OTP‑free transactions, verified via fingerprint/face recognition. The move boosts digital payment security and user convenience.

MoUs:

• On April 27, 2026, the Department of Posts (DoP) and DTDC Express Limited signed an MoU at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi. The deal gives DTDC access to India Post’s 1.64 lakh post offices, the world’s largest postal network. Focus areas include joint logistics operations, COD services, and capacity sharing.

Science & Technology:

• On April 25, 2026, Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy flagged off “Vikram‑1”, developed by Skyroot Aerospace. It marks India’s first privately built rocket, a milestone in space sector privatization. Vikram‑1 is designed for low‑cost satellite launches, boosting commercial space opportunities.
• On April 27, 2026, India’s Chandrayaan‑5 (LUPEX) programme entered its launch‑site preparation phase. An ISRO team visited Japan’s Tanegashima Space Centre to assess infrastructure and integration workflows. The mission, jointly developed with JAXA, will target the Moon’s South Pole to study water ice deposits.
• On 25 April 2026, China launched Pakistan’s indigenous satellite PRSC‑EO3. The launch at 8:15 p.m. Beijing Time took place from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, Shanxi. It used the Long March‑6 carrier rocket, marking a technological milestone.

Sports:

• On April 25, 2026, at the BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, P. V. Sindhu made her official debut as a voting member of the BWF Council. Her role follows her election as Chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission (2026–2029 term).
• In April 2026, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) signed an agreement to transfer governance of Para Shooting Sport to ISSF. The move ensures uniform rules, better integration, and stronger promotion of para shooting worldwide.
• On April 28, 2026, Rithika Sri from Salem, Tamil Nadu, became India’s first transgender cricket umpire. Supported by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), which introduced an “Other” gender category in umpire exams, she overcame discrimination to achieve this milestone
• On April 28, 2026, Punjab FC successfully defended its AIFF Elite Youth League (2025–26) title. They clinched the championship with a clinical 3‑0 victory over Zinc Football Academy in the final. This marks their second consecutive triumph, showcasing the strength of their youth program.

Defence:

• On April 28, 2026, BHEL signed a Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) with DRDO’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. The deal enables BHEL to manufacture and commission the LM2500 Gas Turbine Infrared Suppression System (GT‑IRSS) for the Indian Navy.

Important Days:

• On April 26, 2026, the world observed International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day. The day marks the 40th anniversary (1986–2026) of the catastrophic nuclear accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. It honors the memory of those who lost their lives and acknowledges the suffering of survivors and affected communities.
• From April 24–30, 2026, the world observed World Immunization Week, organized by the WHO to highlight the life‑saving power of vaccines. The campaign stressed that everyone, regardless of age or geography, must be protected from preventable diseases. The 2026 theme, “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work,” emphasized immunization as a lifelong commitment.
• World Intellectual Property Day 2026 was observed on April 26, established by WIPO in 2000. It highlights the role of IP rights in promoting innovation and creativity. The 2026 theme was “IP and Youth: Innovating for a Better Future”.
• World Penguin Day 2026 was celebrated on Saturday, April 25, marking awareness of penguin conservation. Unlike the usual light‑hearted “tuxedo bird” celebrations, this year carried serious scientific weight. Researchers highlighted threats from climate change, melting ice, and declining food sources.
• World Veterinary Day 2026 was observed on Saturday, April 25, established by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in 2000. It highlights veterinarians’ role in protecting animal health, human well‑being, food safety, and the environment. The 2026 theme was “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health”.

Appointments:

• Justice (Retd.) Anupinder Singh Grewal, former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, was appointed as the new President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) by the Centre on April 29, 2026. He is the first senior puisne judge (not a former Chief Justice) to hold this post, marking a break from tradition.
• On 29 April 2026, the Telangana government appointed V. Hanumantha Rao and B. Shivadhar Reddy as special advisors. This move brings seasoned leadership into the state’s welfare and security planning. Rao will guide welfare initiatives, ensuring stronger social support systems.

Questions:

Q.1 P. V. Sindhu became a voting member of which body?
a) Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council
b) International Olympic Committee (IOC)
c) International Cricket Council (ICC)
d) Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)

Answer: a) On April 25, 2026, at the BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, P. V. Sindhu made her official debut as a voting member of the BWF Council.

Q.2 Chandrayaan-5 (Lunar Polar Exploration Mission – LUPEX) is a joint mission between India and:
a) USA
b) Russia
c) Japan
d) France

Answer: c) Collaboration between ISRO and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).