NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
India–South Korea Sign MoU on MSME Cooperation
- Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Ministry of SMEs and Startups signed MoU to boost MSME cooperation during visit of Lee Jae Myung.
- Objective: To promote better understanding of MSME ecosystems and enhance stakeholder engagement and cooperation
- Key Features:-
- Framework for structured bilateral collaboration and sustained dialogue
- Exchange of information, experts, and best practices
- Business matchmaking and joint initiatives
- Technical and economic cooperation to strengthen MSME linkages
- Significance: Deepens India–South Korea economic ties. Also, supports MSMEs as engines of inclusive growth, innovation, and employment generation.
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India-Bhutan: 7th Joint Group of Customs Meeting
- The 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting between India and Bhutan was held on 20–21 April 2026 in Munnar, Kerala.
- Trade Relations:-
- India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner (~80% share). Bilateral trade crossed US$ 1.9 billion (FY 2024–25), up 46% YoY. 10 land customs stations (6 in West Bengal, 4 in Assam) are crucial due to Bhutan’s landlocked nature.
- Meetings Discussion Areas:
- Coordinated Border Management (CBM), Anti-smuggling cooperation and intelligence sharing, Pre-arrival customs data exchange MoU, Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) for transit, Digitisation of customs processes
- Focus: Improving border infrastructure, trade facilitation, and streamlined customs procedures.
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India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park in Ladakh
- India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park was established in Ladakh, with the foundation stone laid on World Heritage Day (April 18) at Sindhu Ghat, along the Indus River in Leh.
- Objective: The park aims to conserve prehistoric rock carvings (petroglyphs) depicting early human life, belief systems, ecological patterns, and ancient trade routes, which are increasingly threatened by environmental degradation, tourism, and infrastructure expansion.
- Scale: ~400 petroglyph sites found across Ladakh, most of which are concentrated along Indus and Zanskar river valleys. This makes Ladakh a key rock art region in South and Central Asia. The park will serve as a dedicated hub for protection, research, and display of these invaluable cultural artefacts.
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C-DOT & Jumps Automation to Develop Gamified Cybersecurity Platform
- Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) partnered with Jumps Automation LLP under C-DOT Collaborative Research Programme (CCRP) to develop a gamified cybersecurity platform.
- Objective: To enhance cybersecurity awareness, preparedness, and resilience through interactive learning.
- The platform will feature leaderboards, rewards, LMS integration, and discussion forums, along with realistic simulations (e.g. phishing, social engineering, malware response, and crisis management).
- Features: It will incorporate AI-driven behavioural analytics, adaptive difficulty, continuous performance evaluation, and real-time threat updates.
- Implementation: The platform will be validated in New Delhi and deployed as a commercial SaaS solution with scope for enterprise integration.
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BANKING | ECONOMY CURRENT AFFAIRS
India’s Seafood Exports Hit Record ₹72,325.82 Crore in FY 2025-26
- India’s seafood exports reached an all-time high of ₹72,325.82 crore (US$ 8.28 billion) in FY 2025–26, with export volume at 19.32 lakh metric tonnes (as per MPEDA).
- Key Driver – Frozen Shrimp: It Contributed ₹47,973.13 crore (US$ 5.51 billion) (almost ~66% of total exports). Growth: +6% (volume), +6.35% (value)
- Destination Trends: USA: Largest export market (US$ 2.32 bn) but shipments declined due to tariffs (8% in volume, 14.5% in value). China was second largest destination with strong growth (+22.7% value, +20.1% volume). The EU saw significant rise (+37.9% value, +35.2% volume). Southeast Asia: Growth (+36.1% value). Japan: Moderate rise (+6.55%). West Asia: Slight decline (–0.55%)
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GOVERNMENT SCHEMES CURRENT AFFAIRS
PLI Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) — Performance & Impact
- India’s food processing sector GVA rose from ₹1.34 lakh crore (2014–15) to ₹2.24 lakh crore (2023–24). Share of processed food in agri-exports increased from 7% to 20.4% (2024–25). India is the 2nd largest producer of fruits & vegetables.
- About PLISFPI: A Central Sector Scheme (2021–2027) under Ministry of Food Processing Industries, part of broader PLI programme (₹1.97 lakh crore across 14 sectors).
- Objectives: To Create global food manufacturing champions, Boost international branding of Indian food, Generate 2.5 lakh jobs by 2026–27, Ensure better farmer income
- Coverage: Focus on RTE/RTC foods, fruits & vegetables, marine products, mozzarella cheese; also supports SMEs and innovation.
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DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
MoD Signs ₹975 Crore Contract for TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90 Tanks
- Ministry of Defence inked ₹975 crore deals with Bharat Earth Movers Limited and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Private Limited for TRAWL assemblies for T-72/T-90 tanks.
- What is TRAWL Assembly?:
- It is a critical equipment developed by DRDO. It enables minefield breaching by creating vehicle-safe lanes and is effective against anti-tank mines with magnetic fuses.
- Operational Importance: It enhances mobility and combat effectiveness of the Indian Army in mine-infested battle zones.
- Significance: It was procured under Buy (Indian–IDDM) category. It boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous defence manufacturing. It promotes MSME participation and employment generation.
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MHA receives DRDO-developed satellite imaging system ‘Prajna’
- Ministry of Home Affairs received ‘Prajna satellite imaging system’, an AI-enabled satellite imaging and analytics platform marking a major boost to India’s internal security capabilities. It will strengthen technology-driven surveillance and rapid response capabilities in critical operations.
- Developed By: DRDO’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR). The system provides real-time actionable intelligence by integrating satellite imagery with advanced AI analytics.
- Key Features:-
- AI-driven processing of large satellite datasets to detect patterns, anomalies, and suspicious activities
- Real-time analytics for faster, data-driven decision-making
- Enhanced situational awareness in remote and sensitive regions
- It will act as a force multiplier, improving coordination and operational efficiency among security agencies
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DSC A 23 (YARD 328): Fourth Ship Of DSC Project Delivered
- Titagarh Naval Systems Ltd (TNSL) launched DSC A23 (Yard 328), the fourth vessel of the five-ship Diving Support Craft (DSC) project for Indian Navy, at the Hooghly River, Kolkata.
- DSC A23 Specifications: It is ~30 m length, ~380 tonnes displacement, catamaran hull for enhanced stability and deck space; designed as per Indian Register of Shipping standards and tested at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL).
- Role: Supports diving teams in underwater inspection, repair, salvage operations, and serves as a training platform in coastal/harbour zones.
- Significance: ~70% indigenous content; strengthens self-reliance, naval capabilities, and India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
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REPORTS AND INDICES CURRENT AFFAIRS
NSS 80th Round: Household Social Consumption: Health Survey 2025
- Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released findings of National Sample Survey (NSS) 80th Round (Jan–Dec 2025), covering morbidity, hospitalization, childbirth, and healthcare spending.
- Morbidity Trends: 13.1% persons reported illness (Increase from 7.5% in 2017–18). Illness Higher in urban (14.9%) vs rural (12.2%). It was highest among age 60+ (43.9%), followed by age 45–59 (22.5%), 0–4 (9.9%). Shift of Disease observed from infectious diseases to NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, thyroid).
- Hospitalization: Rate: 2.9% per 100 persons- with Higher in urban (3.2%) and rural areas (2.7%). Highest in age 60+ (8.1%); children (0–4): 4%
- Maternal Care: Institutional deliveries: ~96.2% of all births. With ANC (ante-natal care): ~98%; Post-natal care: 92% (rural), 95% (urban).
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NITI Aayog Releases 7th Edition of ‘Trade Watch Quarterly’
- NITI Aayog launched the 7th edition of Trade Watch Quarterly, focusing on gems & jewellery, including lab-grown diamonds and global value chains.
- Trade Performance (April–Dec FY26): Total trade Grew: 5.3% to ~US$ 1.37 trillion. Exports: increase to 5.4%, Imports increase to +5.2%. Services surplus: up 12.8%, offsetting merchandise deficit.
- Key Sectors: Exports led by electrical machinery, fuels, nuclear reactors, gems & jewellery, iron & steel; imports dominated by fuels, gold, electronics, capital goods.
- Diversification Trends: Northeast Asia showed exports growth of 5%; West Africa imports grew 59.8%. Asia’s share in export declined (~49% to 40%) while Europe& America gained share.
- Indices: Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) trend Analysis and Trade Complementarity Index (TCI):
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AWARDS & EVENTS CURRENT AFFAIRS
World Heritage Day 2026
- World Heritage Day 2026 (also known as International Day for Monuments and Sites) is observed annually on 18 April to promote awareness on conservation of cultural and natural heritage. The 2026 theme “Emergency Response for Living Heritage in Contexts of Conflicts and Disasters”, focuses on resilience, protection during crises, and rapid response mechanisms.
- History: It was proposed byInternational Council on Monuments and Sites (1982) and approved by UNESCO (1983).
- World Heritage Sites (WHS): Recognised for outstanding universal value and listed by UNESCO World Heritage Committee; include cultural, natural, and mixed sites. India ratified the convention in 1977.
- Global WHS Status (April 2026): 1,248 sites in 170 countries (972 cultural, 235 natural, 41 mixed).
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PERSONS IN NEWS CURRENT AFFAIRS
Santosh Kumar Won ‘Global Green Icon’ at World Climate Leaders Conclave
- Indian environmentalist and former MP, J Santosh Kumar, was conferred “Global Green Icon” award at the World Climate Leaders Conclave held at the House of Lords, United Kingdom.
- Recognition: For his contributions to large-scale afforestation, itizen-driven environmental action and ecological restoration, highlighting the global relevance of grassroots movements from the Global South.
- His flagship initiative, Green India Challenge, has mobilised millions of citizens– including students, farmers, and institutions- for plantation drives and sustainability practices.
- He was also recognised for promoting campaigns like “Hara Hai Toh Bhara Hai”, encouraging eco-friendly behaviour and strengthening community participation in climate action.
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SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS
Aronyak Ghosh: India’s 95th Grandmaster
- Kolkata-based Aronyak Ghosh became India’s 95th Grandmaster, achieving his final GM norm at the Bangkok Chess Club Open 2026. He scored 7/9 points, finished joint first, and completed his GM journey over four years.
- ELO rating: He reached a career-high ELO rating of 2555 and crossed the 2500 benchmark at the Athens of the East meet in Madurai.
- About Grandmaster (GM) title: Awarded by FIDE, it is the highest lifetime title in chess. It requires a minimum 2500 rating and three GM norms in international events.
- With less than 1,800 Grandmasters worldwide, the title represents elite global chess mastery, first introduced in 1950.
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