April 2026 Compilation · Monthly Current Affairs

Banking and RBI

RBI bars banks from offering rupee non-deliverable forward contracts

1 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India notification, as reported by Business Standard

On Wednesday, 1 April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India tightened oversight of the foreign exchange market by prohibiting banks from offering rupee non-deliverable forward (NDF) contracts to resident and non-resident corporate clients. Business Standard reported that the aim was to curb speculative activity and stabilise the currency amid volatility. The RBI notification said Authorised Dealers shall not offer non-deliverable derivative contracts involving INR to resident or non-resident users.

Authorised Dealers may continue to offer deliverable foreign exchange derivative contracts for hedging, provided the user does not undertake offsetting non-deliverable derivative positions, and they may ask for information or documents to check this. Banks must also not let a user rebook any rupee foreign exchange derivative contract, deliverable or not, that is cancelled after the date of the instructions.

The report added that the move followed the RBI's cap on banks' daily net open positions in the onshore deliverable rupee market at USD 100 million, announced on Friday and to be implemented by 10 April. Business Standard said the rupee had breached 95 per dollar intraday on Monday before the RBI intervened to pull it back below 94.

Exam takeaway: An NDF is settled in cash, not by delivering the currency; the RBI's ban targets speculation through this route.

Quick revision: RBI 1 Apr 2026: banks barred from rupee NDFs; no rebooking of cancelled contracts.

Banking and RBI

UPI hits a record Rs 29.53 lakh crore in March 2026

2 April 2026 | NPCI data, as reported by Outlook Money

Outlook Money reported on 2 April 2026, citing NPCI data, that UPI transactions touched a record Rs 29.53 lakh crore in March 2026 in value terms, against Rs 24.77 lakh crore a year earlier, a 19 per cent annual rise. The value was Rs 26.84 lakh crore in February, a 10 per cent monthly rise.

Volume also set a record at 22.64 billion transactions, against 18.3 billion in March 2025 (up 24 per cent) and 20.39 billion in February. The report said festivals and financial year-end payments drove the growth.

The report added that UPI accounts for 85 per cent of all digital transactions in India and is live in seven countries, including the UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France and Mauritius. France was described as UPI's first step in Europe.

Exam takeaway: NPCI runs UPI; it was set up by the RBI and the Indian Banks' Association.

Quick revision: UPI March 2026: Rs 29.53 lakh crore, 22.64 billion transactions.

Banking and RBI

India's forex reserves at US$ 688.058 billion in week to 27 March 2026

3 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India, Weekly Statistical Supplement

The RBI's Weekly Statistical Supplement released on 3 April 2026 showed India's total foreign exchange reserves at US$ 688.058 billion (Rs 6,520,745 crore) as on 27 March 2026. The reserves fell by US$ 10.288 billion over the week.

Foreign currency assets, the largest component, stood at US$ 551.072 billion, down US$ 6.622 billion. Gold reserves were US$ 113.521 billion, down US$ 3.666 billion over the week.

Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) were US$ 18.649 billion and the Reserve Position in the IMF was US$ 4.816 billion.

Exam takeaway: Forex reserves have four parts: foreign currency assets, gold, SDRs and the reserve position in the IMF.

Quick revision: Forex reserves US$ 688.058 bn on 27 Mar 2026; down US$ 10.288 bn in the week.

Banking and RBI

SEBI readies SETU platform for investment advisers

3 April 2026 | Reported by The Hindu BusinessLine

The Hindu BusinessLine reported on 3 April 2026 that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was likely to launch a digital platform, SEBI SETU, in April to simplify registration and compliance for investment advisers (IAs). The launch was described as likely, not final.

The report said SETU is expected to act as a single-window interface for applicants and existing advisers. It noted that India has over 22 crore demat accounts while registered investment advisers number below 1,000.

Exam takeaway: SEBI regulates the securities market and registers investment advisers.

Quick revision: SEBI SETU: single window for investment advisers, likely launch April 2026.

Banking and RBI

RBI's two-factor authentication rule for digital payments takes effect

4 April 2026 (rule effective 1 April 2026) | Reserve Bank of India framework, as reported by Business Today

Business Today reported on 4 April 2026 that, from 1 April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India has rolled out mandatory two-factor authentication for digital payments. Under the framework, every digital payment, whether through UPI, debit or credit cards, or online banking, must be verified with at least two independent authentication factors.

The factors can include OTPs, biometrics such as fingerprint or face recognition, device-based authentication or PINs. The report said earlier many transactions relied mainly on OTPs, a method exposed to SIM-swap fraud and phishing.

The report added that the RBI is promoting risk-based authentication, where banks can apply stricter checks to high-risk transactions such as unusual spending patterns or unfamiliar locations. Banks and fintechs must upgrade systems for real-time authentication, tokenisation and fraud detection.

Exam takeaway: Two-factor authentication means proving identity with two different types of factor, such as a PIN plus biometrics.

Quick revision: RBI 2FA for digital payments from 1 Apr 2026; risk-based checks promoted.

Banking and RBI

Exchanges relax order-to-trade ratio rules from 6 April

4 April 2026 | Reported by News18

News18 reported on 4 April 2026 that exchanges would roll out a revised Order-to-Trade Ratio (OTR) framework effective 6 April, easing penalties for equity options. OTR measures orders placed, including cancellations and modifications, against trades executed. A high ratio is linked to excessive order activity.

The report said the permissible range for exemption in options had been widened, so fewer orders attract penalties. It also said SEBI clarified that algorithmic orders placed by designated market makers are exempt from OTR computation, which is expected to help liquidity providers who place two-sided quotes continuously.

Exam takeaway: OTR norms curb excessive order activity that can strain systems or point to manipulation.

Quick revision: OTR rules eased from 6 Apr 2026; market maker algos exempt.

Banking and RBI

RBI's Benchmark Issuance Strategy for State borrowings: Telangana joins

5 April 2026 | The Hindu and The Hindu BusinessLine

The Reserve Bank of India decided to introduce a Benchmark Issuance Strategy (BIS) for State market borrowings on a pilot basis in nine States from FY 2026-27, based on their concurrence, The Hindu BusinessLine reported on 3 April 2026. The nine States are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.

Under BIS, States issue securities in specific benchmark tenor buckets as per a pre-announced calendar. The aim is larger, more liquid benchmark bonds, better price discovery and clearer visibility of supply in the State bond market.

The Hindu reported on 5 April that Telangana, in line with BIS, had sent an indent to raise Rs 18,900 crore in the first quarter of 2026-27, with tenures from six years to over 25 years. It plans Rs 3,000 crore in three tranches on 22 April.

Exam takeaway: State Development Loans (SDLs) are bonds issued by State governments to raise market borrowings.

Quick revision: RBI BIS pilot for 9 States from FY27; Telangana joins.

Banking and RBI

RBI's Trade Relief Measures Directions, 2026 for exporters

5 April 2026 | Reported by Cooperative Banks India

Cooperative Banks India reported on 5 April 2026 that the RBI has issued the Trade Relief Measures Directions, 2026 to ease debt servicing pressure on exporters caused by geopolitical tensions. The directions offer temporary relief and aim to keep export financing smooth.

The export credit period can be extended to a maximum of 450 days for qualifying entities. Packing credit can be liquidated through domestic sales proceeds or by substituting other export orders.

The directions apply to commercial banks, primary (urban), state and central co-operative banks, NBFC-Factors and All-India Financial Institutions.

Exam takeaway: Packing credit is short-term finance given to an exporter before shipment.

Quick revision: RBI Trade Relief Measures Directions 2026: export credit up to 450 days.

Banking and RBI

RBI keeps FPI debt limits unchanged for FY27, raises absolute ceilings

6 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India decision, as reported by CNBC-TV18

CNBC-TV18 reported on 6 April 2026 that the Reserve Bank of India kept the limits for foreign portfolio investor (FPI) investment in debt unchanged for FY 2026-27, while raising the overall investment ceiling and restructuring the framework to improve participation.

Limits remain at 6 per cent for government securities (G-Secs), 2 per cent for State Development Loans (SDLs) and 15 per cent for corporate bonds. The absolute FPI debt ceiling rises to Rs 15.52 lakh crore for April to September 2026 and Rs 16.33 lakh crore for October 2026 to March 2027.

The report said the RBI removed the long-term sub-categories for incremental G-Sec limits and gave the entire increase in SDL limits to the general category. Citing SBI Research, it said utilisation under the non-Fully Accessible Route stood at about 18 per cent as of March 2026.

Exam takeaway: The Fully Accessible Route lets FPIs buy specified government securities without investment limits.

Quick revision: RBI FY27 FPI debt: caps unchanged; ceiling Rs 15.52 lakh crore then Rs 16.33 lakh crore.

Banking and RBI

SEBI gives one-time relaxation on validity of IPO observation letters

7 April 2026 | Securities and Exchange Board of India circular, as reported by The Hindu

SEBI issued a circular on Tuesday, 7 April 2026 (circular no. HO/49/11/11(123)2026-CFD-RAC-DIL2/I/8760/2026, on sebi.gov.in), granting a one-time relaxation on the validity of SEBI observation letters for public issues. The Hindu reported that it covers letters expiring between 1 April and 30 September 2026.

SEBI cited the representation of an industry body, uncertain market conditions from geopolitical tensions and subdued investor participation. The Hindu said companies faced difficulty in mobilising resources and accessing the capital market.

The extension can be sought subject to an undertaking from the Lead Manager of the public issue confirming compliance.

Exam takeaway: A SEBI observation letter allows a company to go ahead with a public issue within a fixed validity period.

Quick revision: SEBI 7 Apr 2026: one-time relaxation on observation letter validity.

Banking and RBI

MPC keeps repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent

8 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India, Monetary Policy Statement 2026-27

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held its 60th meeting from 6 to 8 April 2026 under Governor Sanjay Malhotra and voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility unchanged at 5.25 per cent. The standing deposit facility (SDF) rate stays at 5.00 per cent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 5.50 per cent. The stance remains neutral.

The other members present were Dr Nagesh Kumar, Shri Saugata Bhattacharya, Prof Ram Singh, Dr Poonam Gupta and Shri Indranil Bhattacharyya. The RBI said the conflict in West Asia has severely disrupted global supply chains, posing a hard trade-off between anchoring inflation expectations and protecting growth.

The RBI said the Indian economy remained resilient in 2025-26, with real GDP estimated to grow 7.6 per cent and real GVA 7.7 per cent per the Second Advance Estimates of the new GDP series (base year 2022-23).

Exam takeaway: The repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends to banks under the LAF.

Quick revision: MPC 8 Apr 2026: repo 5.25% unchanged; SDF 5.00%; MSF 5.50%; neutral stance.

Banking and RBI

RBI's developmental and regulatory policy measures, 8 April 2026

8 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India, Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies

Along with the repo decision, the RBI proposed to dispense with the condition that limits the inclusion of quarterly profits in CRAR for commercial banks (the condition on incremental NPA provisions not deviating over 25 per cent), and to dispense with the Investment Fluctuation Reserve (IFR) requirement for commercial banks that already hold a capital charge for market risk. Draft directions will follow for public comments.

The RBI is publishing drafts of 64 Master Directions that consolidate supervisory instructions across up to nine functional areas. It is also proposing to remove the due diligence requirement for onboarding MSMEs on TReDS platforms.

To deepen the term money market, it expanded participants beyond banks and standalone primary dealers to include AIFIs, NBFCs including housing finance companies, and companies, and raised the borrowing limit for standalone primary dealers.

Exam takeaway: TReDS is the electronic platform on which MSME receivables are discounted by financiers.

Quick revision: RBI 8 Apr 2026: IFR to go, TReDS onboarding eased, term money market widened.

Banking and RBI

RBI issues guidelines for faster cross-border inward payments

9 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India circular RBI/2026-27/08

On 9 April 2026 the RBI issued 'Guidelines to facilitate faster cross-border inward payments' (RBI/2026-27/08) to all scheduled commercial banks. It cites the RBI's Payments Vision 2025 and the G20 roadmap for cheaper, faster, more transparent and more accessible cross-border payments, and targets delay at the beneficiary bank.

Banks must inform customers immediately on receipt of an inward message, or at the start of the next business day if it arrives after operating hours. Banks should reconcile and confirm credit in the nostro account near real time or at intervals that should normally not exceed one hour. They must endeavour to credit payments received during foreign exchange market hours on the same business day.

Banks may set up straight-through processing for crediting individual residents, based on risk assessment and FEMA compliance, and should offer digital interfaces for foreign exchange transactions. The directions take effect six months after the circular. They are issued under Section 10(2) read with Section 18 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

Exam takeaway: A nostro account is a bank's account held with a foreign correspondent bank in foreign currency.

Quick revision: RBI 9 Apr 2026: faster inward cross-border credit; hourly nostro reconciliation.

Banking and RBI

RBI liquidity operations: large daily absorption through the SDF

10 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India, Weekly Statistical Supplement

The RBI's Weekly Statistical Supplement of 10 April 2026 shows daily liquidity operations from 30 March to 5 April 2026. On each day the RBI absorbed liquidity net, mainly through the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF).

For example, SDF absorption was Rs 5,89,115 crore on 31 March and Rs 4,08,893 crore on 3 April. Net absorption on 31 March was Rs 5,85,965 crore and on 3 April Rs 4,01,865 crore. MSF borrowing by banks was small, between Rs 338 crore and Rs 7,028 crore a day.

Exam takeaway: A net absorption means banks parked more funds with the RBI than they borrowed.

Quick revision: Early April 2026: RBI absorbed Rs 4 to 6 lakh crore daily via SDF.

Banking and RBI

RBI discussion paper proposes one-hour cooling-off for digital transfers above Rs 10,000

9 April 2026 (reported 11 April) | Reserve Bank of India discussion paper, as reported by ClearingPost

ClearingPost reported on 11 April 2026 that the RBI released a discussion paper on 9 April titled 'Exploring safeguards in digital payments to curb frauds'. It proposes a one-hour processing delay for all account-to-account digital transfers above Rs 10,000 across UPI, NEFT, RTGS, debit and credit cards and net banking. This is a proposal for comments, not a final rule.

The paper says transactions above Rs 10,000 account for 98.5 per cent of reported fraud value, about 45 per cent of fraud cases by volume, and that users aged 70 and above account for 92 per cent of fraud value. For them it proposes a 24-hour delay on transactions above Rs 50,000 with secondary approval from a trusted person.

Other ideas include an annual Rs 25 lakh credit cap on bank accounts to target mule accounts and a universal kill switch to disable all digital payment modes. Senders could bypass the delay by whitelisting trusted beneficiaries or step-up verification. Comments are due by 8 May 2026.

Exam takeaway: A discussion paper invites public comment; it does not itself change the rules.

Quick revision: RBI discussion paper: 1-hour delay above Rs 10,000; comments by 8 May 2026.

Banking and RBI

RBI holds Rs 2 lakh crore seven-day VRRR auction

10 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release 2026-2027/60

Citing surplus transient liquidity conditions, the RBI conducted a 7-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under the LAF on Friday, 10 April 2026, for a notified amount of Rs 2,00,000 crore. The window was 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, with reversal on 17 April 2026.

The RBI's Money Market Operations for 9 April show the overnight segment at a weighted average rate of 4.77 per cent. The SDF absorbed Rs 5,59,722 crore at 5.00 per cent and MSF borrowing was Rs 97 crore at 5.50 per cent, for net absorption of Rs 5,59,625 crore.

Exam takeaway: A reverse repo auction drains surplus liquidity by taking funds from banks for a fixed period.

Quick revision: RBI 10 Apr 2026: Rs 2 lakh crore 7-day VRRR; reversal 17 Apr.

Banking and RBI

RBI study: surplus liquidity of 0.6 to 1.1 per cent of NDTL keeps WACR just below repo

12 April 2026 | RBI study 'Optimal Level of Liquidity', as reported by The Hindu BusinessLine

The Hindu BusinessLine reported on 12 April 2026 on an RBI study, 'Optimal Level of Liquidity'. It says the weighted average call rate (WACR) aligns with the repo rate at different levels of liquidity in deficit and surplus conditions. Surplus liquidity of 0.6 to 1.1 per cent of NDTL (net demand and time liabilities) is likely to keep WACR 5 to 10 basis points below the repo rate, currently 5.25 per cent.

In absolute terms, using NDTL of all scheduled banks as on 30 March 2026, that surplus is Rs 1,53,242 crore to Rs 2,80,943 crore, keeping WACR at 5.15 to 5.20 per cent. A deficit of 0.4 to 0.7 per cent of NDTL, or Rs 1,02,161 crore to Rs 1,78,782 crore, would keep WACR 5 to 10 bps above the repo rate, at 5.30 to 5.35 per cent.

The report said the guiding principle of RBI liquidity management is to align the WACR, the operating target of monetary policy, with the policy repo rate, because mismatches can hamper policy transmission.

Exam takeaway: The operating target is the short-term rate the central bank steers to pass on its policy rate.

Quick revision: RBI study: surplus 0.6-1.1% of NDTL keeps WACR 5-10 bps below repo.

Banking and RBI

SEBI launches SUPCOMS, e-adjudication portal and C-SAC

10 to 12 April 2026 | Securities and Exchange Board of India, as reported by FinTech BizNews

FinTech BizNews reported on 12 April 2026 that SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey launched three IT solutions to improve efficiency, digitally enable quasi-judicial proceedings and strengthen cybersecurity supervision.

They are the Single Universal Platform for Communications (SUPCOMS), meant to replace email-centric interactions with SEBI and build institutional memory; a next-generation e-adjudication portal for quasi-judicial proceedings; and Cyber-Sec Audit Compliance (C-SAC), an AI-enabled platform for automated analysis of cyber audit reports of SEBI-regulated entities.

Exam takeaway: SEBI is the regulator of the securities market.

Quick revision: SEBI platforms: SUPCOMS, e-adjudication portal, C-SAC.

Banking and RBI

RBI sets redemption price for SGB 2019-20 Series-V at Rs 15,009

13 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release 2026-2027/81

On 13 April 2026 the RBI announced that the redemption price for premature redemption of Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2019-20 Series-V, due on 15 April 2026, is Rs 15,009 per unit. The bond was issued on 15 October 2019.

Under the SGB scheme, premature redemption is permitted after the fifth year from the date of issue, on a date when interest is payable. The price is the simple average of the closing price of gold of 999 purity of the previous three business days, as published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd (IBJA). Here those days were 9 April, 10 April and 13 April 2026.

Exam takeaway: SGB premature redemption is allowed only after five years from issue.

Quick revision: SGB 2019-20 Series-V: redemption price Rs 15,009 on 15 Apr 2026.

Banking and RBI

RBI lets NBFCs open branches without prior approval in most cases

15 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India directions, as reported by PTI in The Hindu BusinessLine

On Wednesday, 15 April 2026, the RBI issued the Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Companies - Branch Authorisation) Amendment Directions, 2026. They let an NBFC open branches without prior RBI approval in most cases, unless specifically restricted, to ease doing business while keeping regulatory compliance.

For deposit-taking NBFCs there are conditions linked to net owned funds (NOF) and credit rating. A deposit-taking NBFC with NOF of up to Rs 50 crore or a rating below AA may open a branch or appoint agents only within the state of its registered office. If NOF is above Rs 50 crore and the rating is AA or above, it may open a branch or appoint agents anywhere in India.

Exam takeaway: NOF is net owned funds, the capital base RBI uses to size NBFC permissions.

Quick revision: NBFC branches: no prior RBI approval in most cases; deposit-takers need NOF above Rs 50 crore and AA rating to go pan-India.

Banking and RBI

Scheduled banks' deposits at Rs 262.3 lakh crore on 31 March 2026

15 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India, Scheduled Banks' Statement of Position

The RBI's Scheduled Banks' Statement of Position in India as on 31 March 2026, released on 15 April 2026, shows deposits (other than from banks) of scheduled commercial banks, including RRBs, SFBs and payments banks, at Rs 26,230,485.73 crore (about Rs 262.3 lakh crore), against Rs 23,115,692.70 crore on 4 April 2025. By our calculation that is about 13.5 per cent higher.

Of the 31 March 2026 total, demand deposits were Rs 3,688,145.43 crore and time deposits were Rs 22,542,340.30 crore. Borrowings of scheduled commercial banks from the RBI stood at Rs 254,442 crore, against Rs 60,031 crore on 4 April 2025.

Exam takeaway: A statement of position shows scheduled banks' balance sheet items on specific reporting dates.

Quick revision: SCB deposits on 31 Mar 2026: Rs 26,230,485.73 crore (about Rs 262.3 lakh crore).

Banking and RBI

RBI to hold Rs 2 lakh crore 7-day VRRR auction on 17 April

16 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release 2026-2027/93; Business Standard

On 16 April 2026 the RBI announced a 7-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) for Friday, 17 April 2026, citing surplus transient liquidity conditions. The notified amount is Rs 2,00,000 crore, the window is 09:30 AM to 10:00 AM and the date of reversal is 24 April 2026.

Business Standard reported that the banking system surplus, measured by funds parked in the RBI's LAF window, was Rs 5.2 trillion on Wednesday, 15 April, and had stayed above Rs 5 trillion for several days. It noted that the RBI held a similar auction of a similar amount on 10 April 2026.

Exam takeaway: A VRRR absorbs surplus liquidity: banks lend money to the RBI for a fixed period at a rate set in the auction.

Quick revision: RBI VRRR of Rs 2 lakh crore, 7 days, on 17 April 2026 to absorb surplus liquidity.

Banking and RBI

RBI underwriting auction for Rs 32,000 crore of government securities

16 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release 2026-2027/90

The RBI issued an underwriting auction notice on 16 April 2026 for the sale (re-issue) of Government of India securities worth Rs 32,000 crore through an auction on Friday, 17 April 2026. The securities are 6.36% GS 2031 (Rs 21,000 crore) and 6.90% GS 2065 (Rs 11,000 crore).

Each Primary Dealer has a Minimum Underwriting Commitment of Rs 500 crore for the 2031 paper and Rs 262 crore for the 2065 paper, with equal minimum bidding commitments under the Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) auction. The ACU bids go through the e-Kuber system between 09:00 AM and 09:30 AM.

Exam takeaway: Primary Dealers underwrite government securities auctions and commit to bid for them.

Quick revision: RBI underwriting auction of Rs 32,000 crore G-secs on 17 April 2026 (2031 and 2065 papers).

Banking and RBI

VRRR auction of 17 April 2026: Rs 2,00,031 crore accepted at 5.24% cut-off

17 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release 2026-2027/96

The RBI published the result of the 7-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction held on 17 April 2026. Against a notified amount of Rs 2,00,000 crore, offers of Rs 2,28,098 crore were received and Rs 2,00,031 crore was accepted.

The cut-off rate was 5.24 per cent and the weighted average rate was 5.23 per cent. Offers at the cut-off rate were partially accepted at 78.43 per cent.

Exam takeaway: Offers received above the notified amount (here Rs 2,28,098 crore against Rs 2,00,000 crore) show the surplus banks wanted to park.

Quick revision: VRRR 17 Apr 2026: Rs 2,00,031 crore accepted; cut-off 5.24%, weighted average 5.23%.

Banking and RBI

RBI announces Rs 24,000 crore Treasury Bill auction on 22 April

17 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release

On 17 April 2026 the RBI announced an auction of Government of India Treasury Bills worth a total of Rs 24,000 crore: Rs 12,000 crore of 91-day, Rs 6,000 crore of 182-day and Rs 6,000 crore of 364-day bills. The auction is on Wednesday, 22 April 2026 and settlement is on Thursday, 23 April 2026.

The auction uses the multiple price method. Competitive bids are accepted from 10:30 am to 11:30 am and non-competitive bids from 10:30 am to 11:00 am on the e-Kuber system. Individuals can bid non-competitively through the Retail Direct portal, with retail allocation limited to a maximum of 5 per cent of the notified amount.

Exam takeaway: Treasury Bills are short-term government securities of 91, 182 and 364 days.

Quick revision: T-bill auction 22 Apr 2026: Rs 24,000 crore; retail share up to 5% via Retail Direct.

Banking and RBI

RBI notifies Rs 16,900 crore State Government Securities auction on 21 April

18 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release

On 18 April 2026 the RBI published a revised notice for auction of State Government Securities. Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan and Telangana have offered to sell stock for an aggregate Rs 16,900 crore (face value).

The auction will be conducted on the RBI's e-Kuber system on Tuesday, 21 April 2026. Government stock up to 10 per cent of the notified amount of each sale will be allotted to eligible individuals and institutions. Rajasthan's offering includes Rs 1,800 crore as a re-issue of 7.99% Rajasthan SGS 2041, issued on 30 March 2026, through a price-based auction.

Exam takeaway: State Government Securities are market borrowings by State governments, also called State Development Loans.

Quick revision: RBI: State G-sec auction of Rs 16,900 crore on 21 April 2026 (5 States).

Banking and RBI

RBI partially rolls back curbs on banks' rupee NDF and related-party trades

20 April 2026 | Business Standard

Business Standard reported on 20 April 2026 that the RBI partially rolled back some measures announced on 1 April that had barred banks from offering rupee-linked non-deliverable forwards (NDFs), after stability returned to the foreign-exchange market. Banks can now undertake certain related-party transactions, including cancellation and rollover of existing contracts and deals through the back-to-back route. The revised instructions take effect immediately.

Banks remain barred from all foreign-exchange derivative transactions with related parties, and the 100 million dollar cap on net open positions in the onshore deliverable market, introduced on 27 March, stays. The curbs were brought in after heightened volatility in forex markets in March following the West Asia conflict. The report said Governor Sanjay Malhotra had said at the 8 April policy press conference that the measures would not 'remain forever'.

Exam takeaway: A non-deliverable forward (NDF) is a derivative settled in cash, typically in dollars, without delivering the underlying currency.

Quick revision: RBI partly eases rupee NDF curbs (20 Apr 2026); $100 million NOP cap stays.

Banking and RBI

RBI conversion/switch auction of G-secs: results published

20 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release

On 20 April 2026 the RBI published the result of a Conversion/Switch Auction of Government of India securities. In the first lot, 5.74% GS 2026 was offered for switching into 6.33% GS 2035: 13 offers were received, 5 accepted, with Rs 2,316 crore of source security accepted and Rs 2,389.764 crore of destination security issued at a cut-off price of Rs 96.92 (yield 6.7910 per cent).

For 6.79% GS 2027 into 6.19% GS 2034, 59 offers were received and 17 accepted, with Rs 3,000 crore accepted. For 8.24% GS 2027 into 6.92% GS 2039, Rs 1,000 crore was accepted. No offers were accepted for 6.64% GS 2027, 7.04% GS 2029 or 7.88% GS 2030.

Exam takeaway: A switch auction swaps near-maturity securities for longer ones, smoothing the redemption profile.

Quick revision: RBI switch auction result, 20 Apr 2026: e.g. 5.74% GS 2026 to 6.33% GS 2035, Rs 2,316 crore accepted.

Banking and RBI

RBI issues Digital Payments E-mandate Framework, 2026

21 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release 2026-2027/116; The Hindu BusinessLine

On 21 April 2026 the RBI issued consolidated directions titled Digital Payments - E-mandate Framework, 2026. The RBI says they consolidate existing instructions with a few minor changes based on stakeholder feedback, and take effect immediately.

As reported by The Hindu BusinessLine: customers must complete a one-time registration with additional factor authentication (AFA), and issuers must send a pre-transaction notification at least 24 hours before a debit and a post-transaction notification. Recurring transactions up to Rs 15,000 can be authorised without AFA; for insurance premiums, mutual fund subscriptions and credit card bill payments the limit is Rs 1,00,000 per transaction. No charges can be levied on customers for the e-mandate facility, and existing card e-mandates can be mapped to re-issued cards.

Exam takeaway: AFA means additional factor authentication, an extra check beyond the normal login.

Quick revision: RBI E-mandate Framework 2026: Rs 15,000 no-AFA limit (Rs 1 lakh for insurance/MF/card bills); 24-hour pre-debit alert.

Banking and RBI

RBI publishes MPC minutes: repo rate kept at 5.25% by unanimous vote

22 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release

On 22 April 2026 the RBI published the minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee's 60th meeting, held 6 to 8 April 2026 under Governor Sanjay Malhotra. Under Section 45ZL of the RBI Act, 1934, minutes are published on the fourteenth day after each meeting.

The MPC voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate under the LAF unchanged at 5.25 per cent, with the standing deposit facility rate at 5.00 per cent. Members listed: Dr Nagesh Kumar, Saugata Bhattacharya, Prof Ram Singh, Dr Poonam Gupta (Deputy Governor) and Indranil Bhattacharyya (Executive Director), besides the Governor.

Exam takeaway: The MPC has six members: three from the RBI and three external members appointed by the Government.

Quick revision: MPC minutes (22 Apr 2026): repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, SDF 5.00%, unanimous.

Banking and RBI

RBI proposes draft Master Direction on Prepaid Payment Instruments

22 April 2026 | Business Standard (PTI)

On Wednesday, 22 April 2026, the RBI proposed measures to build a more conducive framework for the growth of Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs), including better transaction security and clearer rules on refunds and grievance redressal. A draft Master Direction on PPIs was issued with comments invited by 22 May 2026, according to PTI.

PPIs are instruments in which money is loaded and used for later transactions. They are categorised as general purpose PPI, gift PPI, transit PPI and PPI for NRIs, besides other specific purpose PPIs. The draft says a bank permitted to issue debit cards can issue PPIs with prior intimation to the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS), RBI, Mumbai.

Exam takeaway: A draft Master Direction is a proposal released for public comments before it becomes final.

Quick revision: RBI draft PPI Master Direction (22 Apr 2026): comments by 22 May 2026.

Banking and RBI

RBI Bulletin April 2026: State of the Economy and new CPI base

23 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release 2026-2027/128

On 23 April 2026 the RBI released the April 2026 issue of its monthly Bulletin. It includes the bi-monthly monetary policy statement of 8 April 2026, two speeches, one article and current statistics. In current statistics, Table 19 on the Consumer Price Index is revised in line with the new CPI (base 2024=100) and now includes a measure of core inflation, that is CPI excluding food and fuel.

The State of the Economy article says the West Asia conflict intensified pressure on global supply chains in March, with some easing in the first half of April. CPI inflation, driven by fuel and food, marginally edged up in March. Money market and bond yields moderated after the temporary ceasefire. A slowdown in imports and expansion in exports narrowed the trade deficit to a nine-month low, and net FDI turned positive in February. The RBI notes the views are of the authors and not of the RBI.

Exam takeaway: Core inflation strips out volatile food and fuel prices to show underlying price pressure.

Quick revision: RBI Bulletin Apr 2026: CPI base 2024=100 with core inflation; trade deficit at 9-month low.

Banking and RBI

RBI cancels the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited

24 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release

By an order dated 24 April 2026 the RBI cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited under Section 22(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, effective from close of business on 24 April 2026. The bank is prohibited from conducting 'banking' business as defined in Section 5(b) or any additional business under Section 6 with immediate effect. The RBI will apply to the High Court for winding up and says the bank has enough liquidity to repay its entire deposit liability.

The RBI cited that the bank's affairs were conducted in a manner detrimental to the bank and its depositors (Section 22(3)(b)), the general character of management was prejudicial to depositors and public interest (22(3)(c)), no useful purpose would be served by letting the bank continue (22(3)(e)), and it failed to comply with the conditions of its Payments Bank licence (22(3)(g)). The bank had been barred from onboarding new customers from 11 March 2022, and on 31 January and 16 February 2024 further restrictions disallowed deposits, credits and top-ups in existing accounts, prepaid instruments and wallets.

Exam takeaway: A Payments Bank can accept deposits and offer payments services but cannot lend.

Quick revision: RBI cancels Paytm Payments Bank licence (24 Apr 2026); winding-up application to High Court; deposits can be repaid.

Banking and RBI

RBI notifies Rs 14,500 crore State Government Securities auction on 28 April

24 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release

On 24 April 2026 the RBI announced that State Governments - Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand - have offered to sell stock for an aggregate Rs 14,500 crore (face value). The auction is on the e-Kuber system on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.

It includes a re-issue of 7.72% Bihar SGS 2041 (Rs 1,200 crore) and of 7.67% Uttar Pradesh SGS 2041 (Rs 2,500 crore) through price-based auctions. Competitive bids run 10:30 to 11:30 AM and non-competitive bids 10:30 to 11:00 AM, and individuals can bid through the Retail Direct portal.

Exam takeaway: State Government Securities are rupee loans raised by States through RBI auctions.

Quick revision: RBI: State G-sec auction of Rs 14,500 crore on 28 April 2026.

Banking and RBI

Paytm Payments Bank: what the licence cancellation means for users

25 April 2026 | The Economic Times

Following the RBI's cancellation of Paytm Payments Bank's licence on 24 April 2026 (carried forward in the 24 April edition), The Economic Times explained on 25 April that the bank can no longer accept deposits. It reported that the Paytm app and its core services remain unaffected and that users can continue to use UPI and other payment features.

The paper said the move follows over two years of regulatory scrutiny and restrictions, including a ban on fresh deposits in 2024, and cited the RBI's reasons including compliance lapses on customer due diligence and governance. It also pointed to a company statement that Paytm sees no financial or business impact from the action.

Exam takeaway: Paytm app (One97 Communications) and Paytm Payments Bank are separate legal entities.

Quick revision: ET explainer: Paytm app and UPI continue after RBI cancels Paytm Payments Bank licence.

Banking and RBI

RBI issues final Directions on Asset Classification, Provisioning and Income Recognition

27 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release

On 27 April 2026 the RBI issued the final Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks - Asset Classification, Provisioning and Income Recognition) Directions. The draft had been issued on 7 October 2025 for stakeholder feedback, which was examined and incorporated as deemed appropriate, with a statement on the feedback annexed.

Alongside, the RBI issued 13 Amendment Directions and one Repeal Direction as consequential changes. They cover areas such as Resolution of Stressed Assets, Concentration Risk Management, Investment Portfolio, Credit Risk Management, Credit and Debit Cards, Asset Liability Management, Credit Facilities, Financial Statements, Urban Cooperative Banks' stressed assets resolution, Transfer and Distribution of Credit Risk and Treatment of Wilful Defaulters and Large Defaulters.

Exam takeaway: Asset classification groups loans as standard or stressed, which decides provisioning.

Quick revision: RBI final Directions on asset classification, provisioning, income recognition (27 Apr 2026) with 13 amendments, 1 repeal.

Banking and RBI

RBI issues final Basel III credit risk standardised approach Directions, effective 1 April 2027

27 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release 2026-2027/149

The RBI issued the Reserve Bank of India (Scheduled Commercial Banks - Capital Charge for Credit Risk - Standardised Approach) Directions, 2026 on 27 April 2026. They are final Directions on Basel III capital charge for credit risk, and take effect from 1 April 2027.

The draft was issued on 7 October 2025. It proposed amendments to the existing standardised approach framework to enhance robustness, granularity and risk sensitivity, and to converge with international standards. Stakeholder feedback was examined and incorporated, with a feedback statement annexed.

Exam takeaway: The standardised approach assigns risk weights to exposures to compute the capital a bank must hold.

Quick revision: RBI Basel III credit risk (standardised approach) Directions 2026: effective 1 Apr 2027.

Banking and RBI

RBI directs AD Category-I banks to report related parties' INR derivatives to CCIL

27 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release 2026-2027/152

On 27 April 2026 the RBI issued directions on 'Reporting Instructions for Authorised Dealer Category - I Banks'. To improve transparency in the foreign exchange market, they require AD Category-I banks to report forex derivative transactions involving INR undertaken by their related parties globally to the Trade Repository of the Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).

The draft was issued on 16 February 2026. Feedback was examined and incorporated, and certain feedback on reporting formats and operational aspects was shared with CCIL for examination.

Exam takeaway: AD Category-I banks are banks authorised to deal in foreign exchange.

Quick revision: RBI: AD-I banks to report related parties' INR forex derivatives to CCIL Trade Repository.

Banking and RBI

RBI Governor launches Mission SAKSHAM for Urban Co-operative Banks

28 April 2026 | Business Standard

On Tuesday, 28 April 2026, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra launched Mission SAKSHAM (Sahakari Bank Kshamta Nirman), a sector-wide capacity-building and certification framework for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs). It is a mission-mode, all-India training initiative with in-person and e-learning programmes.

The programmes cover about 1.40 lakh participants across board members, senior management, heads of risk, compliance and audit functions, and employees in IT and other critical areas. The RBI said it will try to deliver content in regional languages where feasible. The mission was designed in consultation with the Umbrella Organisation of UCBs and national and State cooperative federations.

Exam takeaway: UCBs are Urban Co-operative Banks, co-operative banks operating in urban and semi-urban areas.

Quick revision: RBI Mission SAKSHAM (28 Apr 2026): training for about 1.40 lakh UCB staff and board members.

Banking and RBI

RBI issues final Directions on calamity relief: lenders may extend relief without request

29 April 2026 | The Economic Times (PTI)

On Wednesday, 29 April 2026 the RBI issued a series of directions on relief measures in calamity-affected areas for commercial banks, small finance banks, local area banks, co-operative banks, NBFCs and All India Financial Institutions, plus two repeal directions. They come into force on 1 July 2026. Lenders may extend relief to all borrowers without waiting for a request, with an opt-out clause for borrowers who wish to opt out until the end of 135 days from the declaration of the natural calamity.

A bank may run calamity-affected branches from temporary premises under advice to the RBI regional office, set up satellite offices, extension counters or mobile banking, and must restore ATM services at the earliest. It may waive or reduce fees for up to one year. Borrowers eligible for resolution are 'Standard' accounts not in default for more than 30 days on the date of the calamity; accounts that slip into NPA before the plan is implemented are upgraded to Standard on implementation. Banks must keep an additional specific provision of 5 per cent of the outstanding debt for borrowers given a resolution plan.

Exam takeaway: A resolution plan restructures a borrower's loan so it can be repaid after a shock.

Quick revision: RBI calamity-relief Directions (29 Apr 2026): relief without request, opt-out within 135 days, effective 1 Jul 2026.

Banking and RBI

RBI exempts small NBFCs with no public funds and no customer interface from registration

29 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release 2026-2027/172

On 29 April 2026 the RBI issued final Amendment Directions to the NBFC Registration, Exemptions and Framework for Scale Based Regulation Directions, 2026. The draft was issued on 10 February 2026 with comments invited until 4 March 2026.

The draft proposed exemption from registration for 'NBFCs not availing public funds and not having customer interface' (including 'Type I NBFCs') with asset size below Rs 1,000 crore, subject to specified conditions, a procedure for deregistration or conversion of existing such NBFCs, and related aspects. The RBI says feedback was examined and changes incorporated in the final Directions, with a statement on the feedback annexed.

Exam takeaway: Scale Based Regulation groups NBFCs into layers with stricter rules for larger ones.

Quick revision: RBI final NBFC Amendment Directions (29 Apr 2026): Type I NBFC registration exemption framework.

Banking and RBI

RBI's 46th Half-Yearly Report: forex reserves fell to USD 691.11 billion by March 2026

30 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India press release 2026-2027/189

On 30 April 2026 the RBI released the 46th Half-Yearly Report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves, with reference to end-March 2026. During October 2025 to March 2026, India's foreign exchange reserves decreased from USD 700.09 billion to USD 691.11 billion.

The RBI began compiling half-yearly reports on management of forex reserves, and making them public, in February 2004 to promote transparency and disclosure. By our calculation, the fall over the six months is about USD 8.98 billion.

Exam takeaway: Forex reserves are foreign currency assets held by the central bank to back the currency and meet external needs.

Quick revision: RBI 46th half-yearly forex reserves report: USD 700.09 bn (Oct 2025) to USD 691.11 bn (Mar 2026).

Banking and RBI

Small NBFC registration exemption and calamity relief norms effective 1 July 2026

30 April 2026 | The Hindu

Clarification to the 29 April edition. The Hindu reported on 30 April 2026 that the RBI exempted non-deposit-taking NBFCs with asset size below Rs 1,000 crore, not availing public funds and with no customer interface, from registration and reserve fund requirements from 1 July 2026. The circular says the asset size is measured on the latest audited balance sheet.

The Hindu also noted that the revised directions on relief measures in natural calamity-affected areas take effect from 1 July 2026, allowing banks to extend relief without waiting for individual requests and to offer fee waivers or reductions for up to one year in notified areas.

Exam takeaway: Reserve fund requirements make NBFCs transfer a portion of profit to a reserve each year.

Quick revision: Hindu: small NBFC exemption (assets under Rs 1,000 crore) and calamity relief norms effective 1 Jul 2026.

Economy and Finance

Income-tax Act, 2025 comes into force

1 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Finance)

The Income-tax Act, 2025 came into force on 1 April 2026. PIB describes it as a landmark reform of India's direct tax framework, replacing the six-decade-old Income-tax Act, 1961. It aims at simpler language, a streamlined structure and a reader-friendly presentation, without changing the underlying tax policy.

Parliament passed the Bill on 12 August 2025 and the President gave assent on 21 August 2025. The Central Board of Direct Taxes notified the Income-tax Rules, 2026 on 20 March 2026 to operationalise the Act, along with simplified and standardised forms.

Exam takeaway: The new Act changes the law's language and structure, not the tax policy itself.

Quick revision: Income-tax Act, 2025 in force 1 Apr 2026; replaces the 1961 Act.

Economy and Finance

CBIC announces one-time relief for SEZ manufacturing units selling in India

1 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Finance)

Following the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) introduced on 1 April 2026 a special one-time relief for eligible manufacturing units in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). It lets them sell to the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional rates of customs duty during ongoing global trade disruptions.

The relief runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 through an exemption notification under section 25 of the Customs Act, 1962 (Notification No. 11/2026-Customs dated 31 March 2026). Units that were operational on 31 March 2025 are eligible. A minimum 20 per cent value addition is required, DTA sales are capped at 30 per cent of past peak export performance in any of the three preceding financial years, and select sensitive sectors are excluded.

Exam takeaway: SEZ units normally export; this relief lets them sell in the domestic market at concessional duty for one year.

Quick revision: CBIC: one-time SEZ-to-DTA relief, 1 Apr 2026 to 31 Mar 2027.

Economy and Finance

RBI keeps Floating Rate Savings Bond structure, upgrades operations

April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India circular, as reported by Business Standard

Business Standard reported on 2 April 2026 that the RBI, in its April 2026 circular on Floating Rate Savings Bonds, left the product structure unchanged while upgrading the operational framework. The changes focus on digital access, investor safeguards and stricter compliance norms.

The report said the RBI introduced structured nomination with amount-wise allocation, aimed at improving clarity and transparency for investors.

Exam takeaway: Savings bonds are government-backed instruments sold through banks; the RBI notifies their operating rules.

Quick revision: RBI Apr 2026 circular: bond structure unchanged; amount-wise nomination added.

Economy and Finance

RBI projects 6.9 per cent GDP growth and 4.6 per cent inflation for 2026-27

8 April 2026 | Reserve Bank of India, Monetary Policy Statement 2026-27

The RBI projected real GDP growth for 2026-27 at 6.9 per cent, with Q1 at 6.8 per cent, Q2 at 6.7 per cent, Q3 at 7.0 per cent and Q4 at 7.2 per cent. It assumed the adverse impact of the conflict would remain contained in the near term. It flagged elevated energy prices and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz as drags on production.

CPI inflation for 2026-27 is projected at 4.6 per cent, with Q1 at 4.0 per cent, Q2 at 4.4 per cent, Q3 at 5.2 per cent and Q4 at 4.7 per cent. Core inflation is projected at 4.4 per cent.

On the new CPI series (2024=100), headline inflation rose to 3.2 per cent in February 2026 from 2.7 per cent in January, mainly on base effects. The RBI named persistently high energy prices and possible El Nino conditions as upside risks to inflation.

Exam takeaway: The RBI projects both growth and inflation for the year in each Monetary Policy Statement.

Quick revision: RBI FY27 projections: GDP 6.9%, CPI 4.6%.

Economy and Finance

Cabinet raises HPCL Rajasthan Refinery cost to Rs 79,459 crore

8 April 2026 (carried forward) | Press Information Bureau (CCEA decision)

Carried forward from 8 April 2026: the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved a revision of the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) project cost from Rs 43,129 crore to Rs 79,459 crore, and an additional equity investment of Rs 8,962 crore by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).

HPCL's total equity investment after the increase will be Rs 19,600 crore. HRRL, at Pachpadra in Balotra district, Rajasthan, is a joint venture of HPCL and the Government of Rajasthan. The Hindu described the cost increase as 84 per cent.

Exam takeaway: HRRL is a joint venture of HPCL and the Government of Rajasthan.

Quick revision: HRRL cost revised to Rs 79,459 crore; HPCL equity Rs 19,600 crore.

Economy and Finance

Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 notified with Rs 10,000 crore corpus

13 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (DPIIT)

The government notified the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (Startup India FoF 2.0) with a total corpus of Rs 10,000 crore to mobilise venture and growth capital for startups, PIB said on 13 April 2026. It builds on the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS 1.0), launched in 2016 under the Startup India Action Plan.

The corpus is for commitments to eligible Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) across the 16th and 17th Finance Commission cycles. Priority segments are deep tech startups, early growth stage startups backed by smaller AIFs, technology-driven and innovative manufacturing startups, and sector or stage agnostic startups.

AIFs will be selected through a Venture Capital Investment Committee (VCIC) of startup ecosystem veterans, and an Empowered Committee will monitor implementation. DPIIT will issue the operational guidelines and the VCIC composition.

Exam takeaway: A Fund of Funds invests in other funds, here AIFs, which in turn invest in startups.

Quick revision: Startup India FoF 2.0: Rs 10,000 crore corpus; AIF route.

Economy and Finance

Cabinet approves Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool with Rs 12,980 crore sovereign guarantee

18 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (Cabinet decision)

On 18 April 2026 the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the creation of a domestic insurance pool, the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool), with a sovereign guarantee of Rs 12,980 crore. It aims to give continuous, affordable insurance for vessels carrying cargo between any international origin and Indian ports, even when transiting volatile maritime corridors.

The pool covers all maritime risks: Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity (P&I) and War risk. Policies will be issued by insurers that are pool members, using combined underwriting capacity of around Rs 950 crore. A Governing Body will oversee its functioning. The PIB says the guarantee is rooted in self-reliance, sanctions resilience and greater sovereign control, and notes high dependence of Indian vessels on the International Group of P&I Clubs.

Exam takeaway: P&I insurance covers third-party liabilities such as oil pollution, wreck removal and cargo damage.

Quick revision: Cabinet: Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool, sovereign guarantee Rs 12,980 crore, all maritime risks covered.

Economy and Finance

NPCI Bharat BillPay adds Postal Life Insurance as a biller

21 April 2026 | CNBC TV18

NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) has onboarded Postal Life Insurance (PLI) as a biller in the insurance category on the Bharat Connect platform, CNBC TV18 reported on 21 April 2026. Policyholders of PLI and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) can pay renewal premiums via Bharat Connect-enabled online platforms and offline agent networks. State Bank of India acted as the Biller Operating Unit (BOU).

PLI, operated by India Post under the Department of Posts, services over 1.25 crore active policies and processes about 2.5 lakh transactions daily. Insurance billers on Bharat Connect have risen to 65. The platform supports more than 22,600 billers across 29 categories. NBBL is a wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI.

Exam takeaway: A Biller Operating Unit (BOU) is the bank that onboards and supports billers on Bharat Connect.

Quick revision: NBBL onboards Postal Life Insurance on Bharat Connect; SBI is BOU; 65 insurance billers.

Economy and Finance

Cabinet approves Rs 2,584.60 crore Small Hydro Power scheme

27 April 2026 | ESG News (citing PIB)

ESG News reported on 27 April 2026 that the Union Cabinet approved a small hydro power development scheme with Rs 2,584.60 crore for FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. It targets small hydro projects of 1 to 25 MW, especially in the North Eastern and hilly States, with higher assistance for North Eastern States and International Border Districts.

The scheme is projected to generate 51 lakh person-days of employment during construction and supports preparation of detailed project reports for at least 200 new sites. It prioritises indigenous plant and machinery. This item is based on a trade-media report that cites PIB; the PIB release itself was not read.

Exam takeaway: Small hydro projects use river or canal flow with limited ecological impact.

Quick revision: Cabinet: Small Hydro scheme Rs 2,584.60 crore, 1-25 MW projects, DPRs for 200 sites (ESG News citing PIB).

Economy and Finance

Income Tax Department holds outreach on the Income Tax Act, 2025

28 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau, Mumbai

PIB Mumbai reported on 28 April 2026 that the Income Tax Department held an outreach programme in Ghatkopar on the Income Tax Act, 2025, which came into effect from 1 April 2026, as part of a nationwide awareness drive. Over 350 taxpayers, chartered accountants and trade representatives took part.

Dr Vikram Sahay, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Mumbai, said the new Act reduces compliance cost through simplification and rationalisation. He said over 30 outreach programmes will be held in Mumbai in April and May, with a Mega Outreach event on 12 May 2026. Participants were also familiarised with digital services such as the AI-enabled 'Kar Saathi' chatbot.

Exam takeaway: Taxpayer outreach explains new laws and digital services to reduce compliance errors.

Quick revision: Income Tax Act 2025 (effective 1 Apr 2026): IT Dept outreach; Mega Outreach on 12 May.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Bureaucratic reshuffle: new I&B secretary, DGCA and DFS secretary

31 March 2026 (order); reported 1 April 2026 | Government of India, as reported by The Times of India

The Times of India reported on 1 April 2026 that the government on Tuesday appointed Chanchal Kumar, an IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, as the new information and broadcasting secretary, swapping places with Sanjay Jaju. Sanjay Lohiya was designated secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and will take over when M Nagaraju retires on 31 May.

Vir Vikram Yadav was appointed Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), replacing Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, who becomes additional secretary in the personnel department. Rohit Kansal, a 1995 batch AGMUT cadre officer, was named rural development secretary. The order covered 12 secretaries and 27 additional secretaries.

Exam takeaway: DFS is the Finance Ministry department that oversees banking and insurance, so its secretary is a frequent banking-exam question.

Quick revision: I&B: Chanchal Kumar; DFS: Sanjay Lohiya; DGCA: Vir Vikram Yadav.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth takes charge as Vice Chief of the Army Staff

1 April 2026 | The Hindu

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, after the Indian Army announced a series of top-level appointments across key operational commands, according to The Hindu.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. He received the Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns in New Delhi.

Exam takeaway: The Vice Chief of the Army Staff is the second-highest post in the Indian Army.

Quick revision: VCOAS: Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth took charge 1 Apr 2026.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

KK Singh takes additional charge as SAIL CMD

2 April 2026 | The Hindu BusinessLine

Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) told stock exchanges on Thursday, 2 April 2026, that Krishna Kumar Singh, Director (Personnel), has taken additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director. He succeeded Amarendu Prakash, whose resignation, submitted on 2 January 2026, was approved with effect from 1 April 2026.

Singh holds the additional charge for three months or until a regular appointee joins, whichever is earlier. SAIL also announced its highest-ever performance in FY 2025-26.

Exam takeaway: SAIL is a public sector steel maker under the Ministry of Steel.

Quick revision: SAIL: KK Singh additional charge as CMD from 2 Apr 2026.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Abhishek Singh appointed Director General of the NTA

3 April 2026 (order dated 31 March 2026) | Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, as reported by The NFA Post

An Appointments Committee of the Cabinet order dated 31 March 2026 appointed Abhishek Singh as Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), according to The NFA Post on 3 April. He moves from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to the exam body under the Ministry of Education.

Singh is a 1995-batch IAS officer of the Nagaland cadre. At MeitY he served as CEO of MyGov, the National e-Governance Division, Digital India Corporation and the IndiaAI Mission, and as Director General of the National Informatics Centre. He takes charge in the rank and pay of Secretary by temporary upgrade of the post.

Exam takeaway: The NTA conducts national entrance exams such as JEE Main, NEET-UG and CUET-UG.

Quick revision: NTA DG: Abhishek Singh (IAS, Nagaland, 1995).

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Election Commission appoints Sandeep Rai Rathore as Tamil Nadu DGP

2 April 2026 (reported 3 April) | Election Commission of India, as reported by The News Minute

On Thursday, 2 April 2026, the Election Commission of India appointed Sandeep Rai Rathore, a 1992-batch IPS officer, as Director General of Police of Tamil Nadu, ahead of the Assembly elections. He replaced G Venkatraman, who was in-charge DGP, according to The News Minute.

The Commission also named Additional DGP Sanjay Kumar, a 1997-batch IPS officer, Commissioner of Police, Tambaram, replacing A Amalraj. The Commission clarified that officers moved in the reshuffle will not get election-related duties until polling is completed.

Exam takeaway: The Election Commission can transfer officers during the election period to ensure a free and fair poll.

Quick revision: TN DGP: Sandeep Rai Rathore, appointed by ECI on 2 Apr 2026.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan becomes POWERGRID CMD

1 April 2026 (reported 2 to 4 April) | Energetica India and Bureaucrats India

Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID) appointed Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan as Chairman and Managing Director with effect from 1 April 2026, Energetica India reported on 4 April. Bureaucrats India reported on 2 April that he had assumed charge.

He was earlier Director (Projects) at POWERGRID and has over 30 years of experience in power transmission and telecom. He has also been COO (Telecom) and CEO of POWERGRID Teleservices.

Exam takeaway: POWERGRID is India's largest power transmission utility.

Quick revision: POWERGRID CMD: Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan from 1 Apr 2026.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

63rd National Maritime Day finale held in Mumbai on 5 April

5 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways)

PIB reported on 6 April 2026 that the Grand Finale of the 63rd National Maritime Day Celebrations 2026, marking the culmination of Merchant Navy Week, was held on 5 April 2026 at the Bharatratnam Auditorium, Andheri, Mumbai. The theme was 'Maritime India, Empowering Progress.'

Merchant Navy Week began with the ceremonial lapel pinning of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Awards and special recognition certificates were presented for excellence in the maritime sector. Shri Deepak Shetty, former Director General of Shipping, was the Guest of Honour.

Exam takeaway: National Maritime Day is observed on 5 April every year.

Quick revision: 63rd National Maritime Day: 5 Apr 2026; theme 'Maritime India, Empowering Progress'.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

International Day of Conscience, 5 April

5 April 2026 | DailyConnects current affairs briefing

DailyConnects lists the International Day of Conscience as observed every year on 5 April. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the day in 2019.

The site gives the 2026 theme as 'Acting with Conscience for a Peaceful and Sustainable World'. This theme is as reported by DailyConnects; we did not find it on a UN page.

Exam takeaway: Days observed by the UN are common static current affairs questions.

Quick revision: International Day of Conscience: 5 April; UNGA 2019.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Vinay Muralidhar Tonse takes charge as YES Bank MD and CEO

6 April 2026 | YES Bank statement, as reported by Fortune India and The Hindu BusinessLine

YES Bank announced on Monday, 6 April 2026, that Vinay Muralidhar Tonse took charge as Managing Director and CEO with effect from 6 April for three years. He takes over from Prashant Kumar, whose extended tenure ended on 5 April. The terms are as approved by the RBI and subject to shareholder approval, the bank said.

Tonse began his career as a Probationary Officer with SBI in 1988 and was Managing Director (Retail Business and Operations) at SBI from November 2023 to November 2025. Prashant Kumar, earlier a Deputy Managing Director and CFO at SBI, became YES Bank's MD and CEO in March 2020 after its reconstruction.

Exam takeaway: Appointments of bank heads are subject to RBI approval under the Banking Regulation Act.

Quick revision: YES Bank MD and CEO: Vinay Tonse, 3 years from 6 Apr 2026.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, 6 April

6 April 2026 | United Nations

The United Nations observes the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on 6 April. Its page gives the 2026 theme as 'Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers'.

The UN says the 2026 observance will highlight evidence-based approaches showing how sport contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially health, gender equality, reduced inequalities and peaceful, inclusive societies.

Exam takeaway: UN observance days and themes are frequent static questions.

Quick revision: Sport for Development and Peace Day: 6 April; 2026 theme 'Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers'.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh assumes command of Western Command

1 April 2026 (reported 7 April) | The Aviation Times

The Aviation Times reported on 7 April 2026 that Lieutenant General Pushpendra Pal Singh, formerly Vice Chief of the Army Staff, assumed command as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, on 1 April 2026. He succeeds Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, who superannuated on 31 March 2026.

He is an officer of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), commissioned in December 1987, and an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and Lucknow University. Before his time as Vice Chief he was Director General Operational Logistics at Army Headquarters.

Exam takeaway: Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth took over as Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 1 April, as covered in the 1 April edition.

Quick revision: Western Command: Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh from 1 Apr 2026.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

World Health Day, 7 April: 2026 theme

7 April 2026 | World Health Organization

World Health Day is observed on 7 April. The WHO page gives the 2026 theme as 'Together for health. Stand with science.' It celebrates scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants and the planet.

WHO describes a year-long campaign that spotlights scientific achievements and the multilateral cooperation needed to turn evidence into action. It calls on governments, scientists, health workers, partners and the public to stand with science.

Exam takeaway: The WHO runs a year-long campaign around the day's theme.

Quick revision: World Health Day 7 Apr; 2026 theme 'Together for health. Stand with science.'

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

V.T.V. Ramana assumes charge as Director General, NIC

8 April 2026 | National Informatics Centre (MeitY), as reported by Tech Observer

V.T.V. Ramana assumed charge as Director General of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) on 8 April 2026, according to a post by NIC under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and a Tech Observer report headlined 'V.T.V. Ramana Takes Charge as NIC Director General'.

The NIC is the government's technology and e-governance arm. We did not read further biographical details for this appointment, so none are given.

Exam takeaway: Abhishek Singh, moved from MeitY to the NTA on 31 March, was earlier DG of the NIC.

Quick revision: NIC DG: V.T.V. Ramana from 8 Apr 2026.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Sanjay Khanna named Chairman and MD of BPCL

9 April 2026 | Press Trust of India, via NewsDrum

PTI reported on 9 April 2026 that Sanjay Khanna has been named Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), described as India's second-largest state-owned fuel retailer. He was Director (Refineries) and had held additional charge as CMD after G Krishnakumar superannuated on 30 April 2025.

In a stock exchange filing, BPCL said the appointment, conveyed in a letter dated 9 April 2026 from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is effective 9 April 2026 until his superannuation on 31 May 2029 or until further orders. Khanna is a chemical engineering graduate of NIT Tiruchirappalli and holds a postgraduate degree in finance management from the University of Mumbai.

Exam takeaway: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas conveys the appointments of heads of oil PSUs.

Quick revision: BPCL CMD: Sanjay Khanna from 9 Apr 2026.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

International Day of Human Space Flight, 12 April

12 April 2026 | United Nations

The UN General Assembly, in resolution A/RES/65/271 of 7 April 2011, declared 12 April as the International Day of Human Space Flight, to celebrate the beginning of the space era for mankind.

The UN says 12 April 1961 was the date of the first human space flight, carried out by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet citizen.

Exam takeaway: The day marks the first human space flight of 12 April 1961.

Quick revision: Human Space Flight Day: 12 April; UNGA A/RES/65/271; Gagarin 1961.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Pirojsha Godrej named Chairperson Designate of Godrej Industries Group

13 April 2026 | The Hindu

Godrej Industries Group announced on Monday, 13 April 2026, that Nadir Godrej, Chairperson of the Group, will retire on turning 75 in August 2026 and become Chairman Emeritus, The Hindu reported. Pirojsha Godrej, 45, son of Adi Godrej, has been named Chairperson Designate and will succeed his uncle as Chairperson of the Group and of Godrej Industries Ltd from 14 August 2026.

He will continue as Chairperson of Godrej Properties, Godrej Capital and Godrej Ventures. Nadir Godrej will step down from the boards of Godrej Industries, Godrej Agrovet, Godrej Consumer Products and Godrej Properties in August 2026.

Exam takeaway: Chairperson Designate means he takes the post on the stated future date.

Quick revision: Godrej Industries Group: Pirojsha Godrej to be Chairperson from 14 Aug 2026.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Appointments Committee clears 48 Joint Secretary level appointments

13 April 2026 | Reported by IANS

IANS reported on 13 April 2026 that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved 48 officers for Joint Secretary or equivalent posts in ministries including Civil Aviation, Defence, Agriculture, Home, Petrochemicals and Shipping and Ports, with pay at Level 14 of the pay matrix.

Among them, Hardik Satishchandra Shah, IAS (Gujarat 2010), was named Private Secretary to the Prime Minister at Joint Secretary level, and Kapil Meena, IAS (2010 batch), was appointed Managing Director of the National Horticulture Board.

Exam takeaway: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet decides senior civil service postings.

Quick revision: ACC: 48 Joint Secretary appointments; Hardik Shah PS to PM.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Dr B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary, 14 April

14 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (President's message)

On the eve of the birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar on 14 April, President Droupadi Murmu paid homage in a message released on 13 April 2026. She called him the Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution and a great social reformer.

She described him as a jurist, economist, thinker and legal scholar and an advocate of an egalitarian social system who prioritised women's education and rights.

Exam takeaway: Ambedkar Jayanti is observed on 14 April.

Quick revision: Ambedkar Jayanti 14 Apr; President calls him Chief Architect of the Constitution.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

KVR Murty takes charge as SEBI Whole-Time Member

15 April 2026 | The Hindu BusinessLine

KVR Murty assumed charge as Whole-Time Member (WTM) of SEBI on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. With his appointment SEBI has four whole-time members, filling all sanctioned positions on the board, The Hindu BusinessLine reported.

He was earlier Additional Controller General of Defence Accounts in the Ministry of Defence, and holds a Master's degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics. His earlier posts include Principal Integrated Financial Adviser to the Indian Air Force, Financial Adviser to DRDO and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, where he worked on decriminalisation of corporate laws that later formed the framework of the Jan Vishwas Bill.

Exam takeaway: SEBI's board includes a chairperson, whole-time members and nominees of government and RBI.

Quick revision: SEBI: KVR Murty joins as WTM; board at full strength of four WTMs.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Dinesh Trivedi appointed India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh

19 April 2026 | The Economic Times

The Economic Times reported on 19-20 April 2026 that former Union minister Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh. The paper described it as the first time the Modi government has appointed a politician to head a diplomatic mission.

The report said he faces the task of repairing strained ties with Dhaka. Other outlets on 19 April, including The Hindu, described him as 'expected' to take the post, so the official announcement should be checked for the formal date of appointment.

Exam takeaway: A High Commissioner is the head of a diplomatic mission between Commonwealth countries.

Quick revision: Dinesh Trivedi named India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh (ET report, 19-20 Apr 2026).

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Civil Services Day 2026: Minister cites governance reform figures

21 April 2026 | Daily Excelsior

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, in charge of DoPT, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, addressed Civil Services Day in New Delhi on 21 April 2026. He said entries for the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence rose from 1,216 in 2023 to 1,588 in 2024 and 2,035 in 2025 across over 750 districts.

He cited more than 88 lakh officials on the iGOTKarmayogi platform who have accessed over 2,000 courses, and CPGRAMS grievances rising from about 2 lakh a year in 2014 to 25-30 lakh now, with over 95 per cent disposed of and average resolution time down from 60 days to about 12 days. He also mentioned removal of nearly 2,000 obsolete rules.

Exam takeaway: Civil Services Day is observed on 21 April each year.

Quick revision: Civil Services Day 21 Apr 2026: PM Awards entries 2,035 (2025); CPGRAMS resolution about 12 days.

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Justice Lisa Gill becomes first woman Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court

22 April 2026 | The Economic Times (PTI)

Justice Lisa Gill became the first woman to head the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, PTI reported. The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended her name on 26 February.

She was moved from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Andhra Pradesh High Court ahead of the appointment, following a Collegium policy of moving a judge proposed to head a high court there two months before taking charge. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the appointment on X.

Exam takeaway: High Court Chief Justices are appointed by the President after consultation under Article 217 of the Constitution.

Quick revision: Justice Lisa Gill: first woman Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh HC (22 Apr 2026).

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Ashok Lahiri to be next NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman, report says

24 April 2026 | The Economic Times

The Economic Times reported on 24 April 2026, citing government sources, that former Chief Economic Adviser Ashok Lahiri will be the next Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, replacing Suman Bery. The report says Lahiri was a member of the 15th Finance Commission and is currently a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.

It adds that he earlier served as CEA under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and that Gobardhan Das will also join NITI Aayog as a member. The Prime Minister is chairman of NITI Aayog. This item is based on government sources, not an official notification.

Exam takeaway: NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission as the government's policy think tank.

Quick revision: NITI Aayog: Ashok Lahiri reported as next Vice-Chairman (ET, govt sources, 24 Apr 2026).

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

NITI Aayog reconstituted: Ashok Kumar Lahiri Vice Chairman, five full-time members

25 April 2026 | NDTV Profit (PTI), citing the Prime Minister's announcement

On 25 April 2026 the Government reconstituted NITI Aayog. Former Chief Economic Adviser Ashok Kumar Lahiri was appointed Vice Chairman, confirming the 24 April report that he would replace Suman Bery. Five full-time members were named: Rajiv Gauba (former Cabinet Secretary), Prof K V Raju (economist), Prof Gobardhan Das, Prof Abhay Karandikar (Secretary, Department of Science and Technology) and Dr M Srinivas (Director, AIIMS).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the appointments on X, saying NITI Aayog has emerged as a vital pillar of policy-making, fostering cooperative federalism, furthering reforms and boosting 'Ease of Living'. The Prime Minister is the chairman of NITI Aayog. Lahiri has a career of over four decades and is currently a West Bengal MLA.

Exam takeaway: NITI stands for National Institution for Transforming India.

Quick revision: NITI Aayog reconstituted: Lahiri Vice Chairman; 5 full-time members (Gauba, Raju, Das, Karandikar, Srinivas).

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

NITI Aayog reconstitution: who is new and who continues

26 April 2026 | The Hindu; The New Indian Express

Clarification to the 25 April edition. The Hindu reported that Ashok Kumar Lahiri, a former Chief Economic Adviser and West Bengal MLA, replaces Suman K. Bery, who had been Vice-Chairperson since May 2022. The full-time members of the reconstituted panel are K V Raju, M Srinivas (Director, AIIMS Delhi), Abhay Karandikar (Secretary, DST), Gobardhan Das and former Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, who was a member of the outgoing panel as well.

The New Indian Express, which reported four new full-time members, named K V Raju, Gobardhan Das, Abhay Karandikar and M Srinivas, which fits with Gauba continuing. It also reported that Lahiri was CEA from 2002 to 2007, a Fifteenth Finance Commission member, and is MLA from Balurghat, not contesting the ongoing West Bengal election. The Hindu named Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Ramesh Chand, Vinod Kumar Paul and Arvind Virmani as other members of the outgoing panel.

Exam takeaway: Full-time members of NITI Aayog are appointed by the Government and work alongside the Vice-Chairperson.

Quick revision: NITI Aayog: Lahiri VC; four new full-time members plus Gauba continuing (Hindu, NIE).

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

World Intellectual Property Day 2026: IP and Sports

26 April 2026 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

World Intellectual Property Day is marked on 26 April each year. WIPO's 2026 theme is 'IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate'. The page says intellectual property protects and promotes the inventions, designs, brands and stories that drive sports, from equipment and team identities to broadcasts.

WIPO lists patents, designs, trademarks and copyrights as the IP rights involved, and runs a World IP Day 2026 Youth Video Competition on how IP fuels innovation in sport, with a top prize worth CHF 3,000.

Exam takeaway: WIPO is the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Quick revision: World IP Day 26 Apr 2026: theme 'IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate' (WIPO).

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

CV Anand appointed Telangana's next DGP

29 April 2026 | The New Indian Express

The New Indian Express reported on 29 April 2026 that the Telangana Government appointed 1991-batch IPS officer CV Anand as the next Director General of Police. He will take charge on 1 May, a day after incumbent DGP B Shivadhar Reddy superannuates on 30 April.

Anand most recently served as Special Chief Secretary, Home, and headed the Hyderabad City Police twice. He is credited with starting SHE Teams, SHE Shuttles and SHE Apps in Cyberabad, and with e-challan systems and automated traffic signalling as Hyderabad traffic chief.

Exam takeaway: A DGP is the head of a State police force.

Quick revision: Telangana: CV Anand named DGP; takes charge 1 May 2026 (NIE).

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Justice (Retd) Anupinder Singh Grewal appointed NCLT President

30 April 2026 | The New Indian Express

Retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal has been appointed President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), The New Indian Express reported on 30 April 2026. He succeeds Justice (Retd) Ramalingam Sudhakar, who was NCLT President from 1 November 2021 and demitted office earlier this year.

The appointment follows approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, for five years or until he attains the age of 67, whichever is earlier. He began practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1992, became Additional Judge on 25 September 2014, a permanent judge on 20 May 2016 and retired on 10 March 2026.

Exam takeaway: The NCLT hears company law and insolvency matters.

Quick revision: NCLT President: Justice (Retd) A. S. Grewal succeeds Justice R. Sudhakar (NIE, 30 Apr 2026).

Government Schemes

Government: India's rare earth resources and the magnet scheme

2 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (Department of Atomic Energy, Parliament answer)

In a Parliament reply published on 2 April 2026, PIB said the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) has established about 7.23 million tonne of in-situ rare earth oxide equivalent (TREO Eq.) in 13.15 million tonne of monazite found in beach sands and alluvium in states including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, plus 1.29 million tonne in hard rock terrains in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The reply said India does not depend on other countries for rare earth minerals but does for rare earth magnets and related products, because the resource grade is lean (0.056 to 0.058 per cent), is tied with radioactivity, and the midstream industry is limited.

The Union Cabinet approved the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets on 26 November 2025, notified on 15 December 2025. Outlay is Rs 7,280 crore, with Rs 6,450 crore sales-linked incentives over five years and Rs 730 crore capital subsidy, for 6,000 MTPA of manufacturing capacity.

Exam takeaway: Rare earth magnets are used in electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, aerospace and defence.

Quick revision: Rare earth magnet scheme: Rs 7,280 crore, 6,000 MTPA.

Government Schemes

India's NDC for 2031-35 (Cabinet approval of 25 March 2026)

25 March 2026 (carried forward) | Press Information Bureau

Carried forward from 25 March 2026: the Union Cabinet approved India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031 to 2035 under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. It is India's third NDC.

Targets by 2035: cut the emissions intensity of GDP by 47 per cent from the 2005 level; reach 60 per cent cumulative installed electric power capacity from non-fossil sources; and create a carbon sink of 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover.

PIB said emissions intensity fell 36 per cent between 2005 and 2020, and non-fossil capacity reached 52.57 per cent in February 2026. India's 2015 targets (33 to 35 per cent intensity cut and 40 per cent non-fossil capacity) were met 11 and 9 years ahead of time.

Exam takeaway: NDC stands for Nationally Determined Contribution, each country's own climate pledge under the Paris Agreement.

Quick revision: NDC 2031-35: 47% intensity cut, 60% non-fossil capacity, sink 3.5-4.0 bn t.

Government Schemes

Cabinet approves Nutrient Based Subsidy rates for Kharif 2026

8 April 2026 (carried forward) | Press Information Bureau (Department of Fertilizers)

Carried forward from 8 April 2026: the Union Cabinet approved Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Kharif season 2026 (1 April to 30 September 2026) on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS grades.

The tentative budgetary requirement is about Rs 41,533.81 crore, around Rs 4,317 crore more than Rs 37,216.15 crore for Kharif 2025. The government makes 28 grades of P&K fertilisers available at subsidised prices, and the NBS scheme has been in force since 1 April 2010.

Daily Excelsior, reporting the Cabinet briefing, said the nitrogen subsidy was set at Rs 47.32 per kg, phosphate at Rs 52.76 per kg, sulphur at Rs 3.16 per kg and potash held at Rs 2.38 per kg, with DAP's retail price held at Rs 1,350 per 50-kg bag.

Exam takeaway: The NBS scheme fixes per-kilogram subsidy on nutrients, not on a fertiliser product.

Quick revision: Kharif 2026 NBS: about Rs 41,534 crore, up Rs 4,317 crore.

Government Schemes

52 new applications approved under PLI Scheme for Textiles, Round III

10 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Textiles)

The government approved 52 new applications under Round III of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles, PIB said on 10 April 2026. Of these, 5 are for MMF apparel, 19 for MMF fabrics, 18 for technical textiles and 10 for multiple segments.

The 52 applicants have committed an investment of Rs 6,708 crore, with expected turnover of Rs 21,186 crore. PIB said participating companies reported investment of Rs 944.48 crore, turnover of Rs 4,473 crore and exports of Rs 363.55 crore in three quarters of FY 2025-26.

Exam takeaway: MMF stands for man-made fibre.

Quick revision: Textiles PLI Round III: 52 applications, Rs 6,708 crore investment.

Government Schemes

PIB feature: India's digital payments journey from JAM to UPI

11 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (feature)

A PIB feature on 11 April 2026, 'Faster, simpler and more inclusive transactions for every Indian', traces India's payments shift. The RBI introduced RTGS in 2004 and IMPS in 2010. The JAM Trinity of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar and mobile connectivity became the base for digital banking, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) delivered benefits straight to bank accounts.

The National Payments Corporation of India launched the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in 2016. It links any bank account through a Virtual Payment Address, works in real time round the clock and is interoperable across banks and apps. The network grew from 216 banks in 2021 to 691 by January 2026.

Exam takeaway: UPI replaces account numbers and IFSC codes with a Virtual Payment Address or mobile number.

Quick revision: PIB: RTGS 2004, IMPS 2010, UPI 2016; UPI banks 691 by Jan 2026.

Government Schemes

PM inaugurates the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor

14 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor at an event in Dehradun on 14 April 2026, PIB reported. According to PIB's advance release of 13 April, the 213 km six-lane access-controlled corridor, developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore, passes through Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and cuts travel time from over six hours to about two and a half hours.

The project includes 10 interchanges, three Railway Over Bridges, four major bridges and 12 wayside amenities, and has an Advanced Traffic Management System. To reduce man-animal conflict it has a 12 km long wildlife elevated corridor, described by PIB as one of the longest in Asia. The advance release said the Prime Minister would first review the wildlife corridor in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The inauguration is confirmed by PIB's 14 April release; the engineering details come from the 13 April advance release.

Exam takeaway: Wildlife-friendly design is a recurring feature of recent highway projects in ecologically sensitive areas.

Quick revision: Delhi-Dehradun corridor: 213 km, Rs 12,000+ crore, 12 km wildlife corridor.

Government Schemes

MoRTH notifies new overloading fee rules for National Highways

14 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways)

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026, which come into force on 15 April 2026. They set a revised framework under Rule 10 for fees on vehicles carrying loads beyond the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).

Up to 10 per cent excess load attracts no overload fee. Over 10 per cent and up to 40 per cent is charged at 2 times the base rate, and above 40 per cent at 4 times the base rate. Overloading is determined with certified weighing devices at fee plazas, no overload fee is levied where a weighment facility is not available, and the fee is collected through FASTag only.

Exam takeaway: GVW is the maximum permissible weight of a vehicle with its load.

Quick revision: NH overload fee: 0 up to 10%, 2x to 40%, 4x above; from 15 Apr 2026.

Government Schemes

Government update on fuel and LPG supply amid West Asia developments

14 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (inter-ministerial update)

In an update on 14 April 2026, the government said more than 14.3 lakh 5 kg free trade LPG (FTL) cylinders have been sold since 23 March 2026, about 4.40 lakh PNG connections have been gasified since March 2026 and 4.88 lakh additional customers have registered for new connections.

It said States and Union Territories will play the primary role in monitoring supply of essential commodities including petrol, diesel and LPG, that port operations continue normally with no congestion, and that citizens should avoid panic purchase. External Affairs Minister discussed the West Asia situation with counterparts from Kuwait, Israel, Singapore and Australia.

Exam takeaway: PNG stands for piped natural gas.

Quick revision: Govt update 14 Apr 2026: 14.3 lakh 5 kg FTL cylinders sold; ports normal.

Government Schemes

Cabinet extends PMGSY-III to March 2028 with outlay of Rs 83,977 crore

18 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (Cabinet decision)

The Union Cabinet on 18 April 2026 approved continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) beyond March 2025 up to March 2028. It consolidates Through Routes and Major Rural Links connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), higher secondary schools and hospitals.

The revised outlay is Rs 83,977 crore, up from Rs 80,250 crore. Timeline for roads and bridges in plain areas and roads in hilly areas is extended to March 2028, and for bridges in hilly areas to March 2029. Works sanctioned before 31 March 2025 but not yet awarded can be tendered, and 161 Long Span Bridges costing an estimated Rs 961 crore can be sanctioned.

Exam takeaway: PMGSY is the rural roads scheme of the Ministry of Rural Development.

Quick revision: PMGSY-III extended to March 2028; outlay Rs 83,977 crore.

Government Schemes

Textiles Ministry launches 'Vishwa Sutra' to promote Indian handlooms

19 April 2026 | Akashvani (All India Radio) News

The Ministry of Textiles launched 'Vishwa Sutra - Weaves of India for the World', according to Akashvani News on 19 April 2026. A designer collection based on the initiative was presented at the 61st Femina Miss India in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

It was developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) with the National Institute of Fashion Technology. It brings together 30 distinct handloom weaves, each representing a different State, reinterpreted with design inspirations from 30 countries. The Ministry linked it to the 'Vocal for Local to Global' vision and the Prime Minister's 5F framework: Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign.

Exam takeaway: The 5F framework traces the textile value chain from farm to foreign markets.

Quick revision: Vishwa Sutra: Textiles Ministry handloom initiative with NIFT; 30 weaves; 5F framework.

Government Schemes

Railways approves 908 summer special trains with 18,262 trips

20 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Railways)

PIB reported on 20 April 2026 that Indian Railways has approved 908 summer special trains operating 18,262 trips between 15 April and 15 July 2026 to handle the rise in passenger demand. Of these, 660 trains with 11,294 trips have already been notified.

Central Railway (3,082 trips), East Central Railway (2,711 trips) and North Western Railway (2,245 trips) are the top zones by trips. South Central Railway leads in trains approved with 124 trains (1,184 trips).

Exam takeaway: Special trains supplement regular services during peak seasons such as summer vacations and festivals.

Quick revision: Railways: 908 summer specials, 18,262 trips (15 Apr-15 Jul 2026).

Government Schemes

Social Justice Ministry to hold National Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh, 24-26 April

23 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment)

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will hold a three-day National Chintan Shivir with States and UTs in Chandigarh from 24 to 26 April 2026, announced PIB on 23 April. The theme is 'Antyodaya ka Sankalp, Amrit Kaal ka Pratibimb - Viksit Bharat @2047'. Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar will preside over the inaugural session with Ministers of State B. L. Verma and Ramdas Athawale present.

Launches planned include the SAMAVESH portal, NMBA 2.0 App, SETU App and SMILE App, along with a book on Minimum Standards for Dementia Care Homes and Model Guidelines for Beggar Homes. MoUs between the National Institute of Social Defence and several institutions will be signed. Discussion topics include scholarship delivery, the Nasha Mukt Bharat ecosystem, dignity in sanitation work, senior citizen care and early intervention for children with disabilities.

Exam takeaway: A Chintan Shivir is a brainstorming retreat of Centre and State officials to plan scheme delivery.

Quick revision: MoSJE Chintan Shivir, Chandigarh, 24-26 Apr 2026; SAMAVESH, NMBA 2.0, SETU, SMILE launches.

Government Schemes

National Chintan Shivir on social justice concludes in Chandigarh

26 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment)

The three-day National Chintan Shivir of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, announced in the 23 April edition, concluded in Chandigarh on 26 April 2026. States and UTs agreed on time-bound, actionable recommendations to strengthen last-mile delivery of social justice schemes under the theme 'Antyodaya ka Sankalp, Amrit Kaal ka Pratibimb - Viksit Bharat@2047'.

Recommendations covered Antyodaya se Aatmanirbharata, Samaveshan-Pehchan-Ekikaran, economic empowerment, and accessibility and certification for persons with disabilities. PIB says the focus included inclusion of DNTs in Census-2027, strengthening of the SEED Scheme, economic empowerment of SCs and OBCs, comprehensive support for transgender persons, and 'Jagrukta se Sugamyata' (Awareness to Accessibility). Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar gave the concluding remarks.

Exam takeaway: DNTs are Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes.

Quick revision: Chintan Shivir (24-26 Apr 2026) ends with roadmap: DNTs in Census-2027, SEED Scheme, PwD certification.

Government Schemes

Rs 75 crore new building for Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru

28 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau

On 28 April 2026 Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone of a Rs 75 crore, seven-storey additional building at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, with about one lakh sq ft built-up area. The event was held at the IIA campus in Koramangala.

PIB notes that Union Budget 2026 announced four world-class telescopes to be developed by IIA: the National Large Solar Telescope, the National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope, an upgrade of the Himalayan Chandra Telescope and the COSMOS-2 Planetarium. The Minister said IIA's indigenous technologies are used in ISRO and other national and international missions, and traced its history to the Madras Observatory.

Exam takeaway: IIA is a research institute under the Department of Science and Technology.

Quick revision: IIA Bengaluru: Rs 75 crore seven-storey building; Budget 2026 telescopes (NLST, NLOT, HCT upgrade, COSMOS-2).

National and International Affairs

SEBI and FIU-India sign MoU on fraud data sharing

16 April 2026 | CNBC TV18

On 16 April 2026 SEBI said it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-India), Ministry of Finance, to enhance cooperation and data sharing to combat fraud in the securities market. The MoU was signed on 15 April 2026 after incorporating the Egmont principles of information exchange.

It supports effective implementation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and its rules. Amit Mohan Govil, Director, FIU-India, and Sandip Pradhan, Whole Time Member, SEBI, signed it.

Exam takeaway: FIU-India is the national agency for receiving and analysing financial transaction information.

Quick revision: SEBI-FIU-India MoU (signed 15 Apr 2026) for fraud data sharing under the PMLA.

National and International Affairs

SEBI tightens 'fit and proper' norms for intermediaries

17 April 2026 | The Tribune (Tribune News Service)

The Tribune reported on 17 April 2026 that SEBI had notified amendments to the regulations governing market intermediaries such as stockbrokers, depository participants, investment advisers and portfolio managers. The changes were published in the Gazette of India and came into force immediately, aimed at strengthening investor protection.

One change defines 'days' in the intermediary regulations as calendar days unless a regulation states otherwise. Another changes the 'fit and proper' disqualification wording from whether a person has 'incurred' disqualifications to whether the person has been 'subjected to' certain disqualifying events, and removes two items from the relevant schedule.

Exam takeaway: 'Fit and proper' criteria test an entity's integrity, financial soundness and legal compliance for SEBI registration.

Quick revision: SEBI amends intermediary regulations: 'days' = calendar days; fit-and-proper wording tightened; effective immediately.

National and International Affairs

BIS seizes non-ISI deep freezers at a Flipkart warehouse in Tamil Nadu

19 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau, Chennai

PIB Chennai reported on 19 April 2026 that Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) officials from the Chennai Branch Office carried out an enforcement search and seizure on 18 April 2026 at a Flipkart India warehouse in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, under Section 28 of the BIS Act, 2016.

Eight deep freezers without the ISI mark and without a CM/L number were seized. Refrigerating appliances fall under the Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Orders issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, so they cannot be stored, sold or exhibited for sale without a valid BIS licence and Standard Mark.

Exam takeaway: The ISI mark is the BIS Standard Mark; quality control orders make it mandatory for notified products.

Quick revision: BIS Chennai seizes 8 non-ISI deep freezers at a Flipkart warehouse (BIS Act 2016, S.28).

National and International Affairs

100 entities onboard for Aadhaar offline verification

20 April 2026 | Press Information Bureau (UIDAI)

PIB said on 20 April 2026 that at least 100 entities have onboarded as Offline Verification Seeking Entities (OVSEs) with UIDAI within three months of roll-out of Aadhaar offline verification. They include government departments of the Centre and States, fintechs, hospitality and event firms, and education and exam bodies.

Offline verification uses QR codes and digitally signed documents, letting entities 'Show, Share and Verify' identity information without real-time connectivity to UIDAI's central database. Residents can share only the minimum data needed.

Exam takeaway: OVSE stands for Offline Verification Seeking Entity.

Quick revision: UIDAI: 100 OVSEs onboarded for Aadhaar offline verification.

National and International Affairs

Bengaluru Commercial Taxes Department busts Rs 410 crore fake GST invoicing network

23 April 2026 | CNBC TV18

CNBC TV18 reported on 23 April 2026 that the Commercial Taxes Department in Bengaluru unearthed a fake invoicing network involving alleged tax evasion of Rs 410 crore, of which Rs 102.5 crore relates to fraudulent input tax credit (ITC) claims. One accused has been arrested, and the probe covers shell entities spread across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Officials said the racket issued invoices with no underlying supply of goods, set up shell firms using forged rental and lease agreements, and enabled ITC claims. The authorities believe the figures could rise as downstream beneficiaries are traced.

Exam takeaway: Input tax credit lets businesses offset GST paid on purchases against GST on sales.

Quick revision: Bengaluru: Rs 410 crore fake invoicing network busted; ITC part Rs 102.5 crore; 1 arrest.

National and International Affairs

SEBI allows net settlement of funds for FPIs in the cash market

24 April 2026 | The Economic Times (ETMarkets, ANI)

SEBI has introduced a framework allowing net settlement of funds for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in the cash market, ET reported on 24 April 2026. At present FPIs settle trades on a gross basis at the custodian level, although custodians net their obligations with clearing corporations. This has meant higher liquidity requirements and forex-related costs, especially during index rebalancing.

SEBI has permitted netting of funds for 'outright transactions', defined as transactions involving either only purchases or only sales, while keeping safeguards for others. The move is expected to lower liquidity needs and operational costs for foreign investors.

Exam takeaway: Net settlement offsets buys and sells so only the net amount moves.

Quick revision: SEBI framework (24 Apr 2026): net settlement of funds for FPIs in cash market for outright transactions.

National and International Affairs

SEBI marks 38th Foundation Day; FM urges common KYC

25 April 2026 | Moneycontrol; The Economic Times

SEBI celebrated its 38th Foundation Day on 25 April 2026. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asked SEBI to help drive common KYC norms and the simplification and digitisation of KYC across the securities market, saying citizens should have a seamless, secure and portable KYC experience across the financial sector. She also asked other regulators to work 'with a sense of urgency'.

She cited SEBI's litigation success rates of over 90 per cent in the Supreme Court and 73 per cent at the Securities Appellate Tribunal, and said FY25-26 saw 366 IPOs raising around Rs 1.9 lakh crore. SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said, as reported by The Economic Times, that SEBI will accelerate its drive to simplify and rationalise regulations and invest in technology for supervision.

Exam takeaway: KYC (Know Your Customer) is the identity check financial firms do before serving a customer.

Quick revision: SEBI 38th Foundation Day: FM seeks common KYC; FY25-26 had 366 IPOs raising about Rs 1.9 lakh crore.