Daily Current Affairs – 22 April 2026 | UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway Exam Updates

Introduction

Current Affairs 22 April 2026 brings crucial updates across governance, economy, science, and international developments essential for competitive exams. Today’s Latest Current Affairs 2026 highlights include Cabinet DA hike, RELIEF scheme expansion, AI-based Prajna system, and UN economic projections for India. These topics are highly relevant for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and State PSC exams, helping aspirants strengthen conceptual clarity and factual recall for both Prelims and Mains.

Detailed Current Affairs - 22 April 2026

National Affairs

Cabinet Approves 2% DA Hike and Railway Multitracking Projects

Why in News

On 18 April 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for central government employees and pensioners. Alongside this, major railway multitracking projects worth ₹24,815 crore in Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh were also approved.

This decision is significant as DA revisions directly impact millions of employees and pensioners, reflecting inflation trends measured through the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW). Additionally, railway infrastructure expansion aligns with India’s push for improved logistics and economic connectivity.

Key Highlights

• 2% DA/DR Increase - Raised from 58% to 60%, effective from 1 January 2026, benefiting central employees and pensioners by enhancing purchasing power.
• AICPI-IW Linkage - The revision is based on inflation trends measured through AICPI-IW, ensuring compensation aligns with rising living costs.
• 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) - The revision follows recommendations of the 7th CPC, highlighting institutional continuity in salary revisions.
• Railway Project 1 - The Ghaziabad-Sitapur line (UP) spans 403 km route length and 859 km track length, costing ₹14,926 crore.
• Railway Project 2 - The Rajahmundry-Visakhapatnam line (AP) spans 198 km route length and 458 km track length, costing ₹9,889 crore.
• Economic Impact - Railway multitracking reduces congestion, improves freight movement, and supports regional economic development.

Important Details Table

Knowledge Booster

• Dearness Allowance (DA) is revised twice annually based on inflation trends.
• AICPI-IW is compiled by the Labour Bureau under Ministry of Labour & Employment.
• 7th CPC was implemented in 2016.
• Railway Multitracking enhances capacity and reduces travel time.

Analysis

The DA hike reflects inflationary adjustments ensuring income stability for government employees, while railway investments highlight infrastructure-led growth. Together, these decisions demonstrate the government’s dual strategy of welfare support and capital expenditure-driven economic expansion.

Government Expands RELIEF Scheme to Egypt and Jordan

Why in News

In April 2026, the Government of India expanded the Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) Scheme by including Egypt and Jordan. This move addresses logistical disruptions arising from geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Key Highlights

• Expanded Coverage - Inclusion of Egypt and Jordan enhances export market access.
• Export Support - Helps exporters manage rising logistics costs and disruptions.
• ECGC Support - Covers exporters under Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) insurance.
• Policy Clarification - New policyholders after 16 March 2026 are also eligible.
• Strategic Region - Focus on West Asia and North Africa corridor.
• Trade Stability - Ensures continuity of India’s export flows.

Table

Knowledge Booster

• ECGC provides export credit insurance.
• RELIEF is part of Export Promotion Mission (EPM).
• West Asia is crucial for energy and trade routes.

MHA Receives AI-based Satellite Imaging System ‘Prajna’

Why in News

In April 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) received the indigenously developed AI-enabled satellite imaging system ‘Prajna’, developed by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The system was formally handed over by Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Department of Defence R&D, to Govind Mohan at Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi.

This development is significant as it strengthens India’s internal security architecture by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with satellite-based surveillance, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making in border management, counter-terrorism, and disaster response scenarios.

Key Highlights

• Developer - Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), DRDO.
• Purpose - Real-time monitoring of sensitive areas.
• Applications - Counter-terrorism, border security, surveillance.
• Technology - AI-powered data analysis for faster decision-making.

Table

Knowledge Booster

• DRDO established in 1958.
• CAIR focuses on AI and robotics for defence.

India’s First Petroglyph Conservation Park in Ladakh

Why in News

In April 2026, the administration of Ladakh announced the establishment of India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh, marking a significant step toward preserving India’s ancient cultural heritage. The foundation stone was laid by Vinai Kumar Saxena on the occasion of World Heritage Day.

Petroglyphs—ancient rock carvings created by prehistoric communities—are widely found across Ladakh, particularly along the Indus River valley, and are considered valuable sources for understanding early human civilisation, trade routes, and cultural interactions in the Himalayan region. However, these heritage assets are increasingly under threat due to unregulated tourism, rapid infrastructure expansion, and environmental degradation, necessitating structured conservation efforts.

Key Highlights

• Location - Sindhu Ghat, Ladakh.
• Objective - Preserve ancient petroglyphs.
• Collaboration - ASI + Department of Archives.
• Threats - Tourism, infrastructure, lack of awareness.

India Launches First 3D Glass Semiconductor Unit in Odisha

Why in News

In April 2026, India achieved a major milestone in its semiconductor ecosystem by launching its first advanced 3D glass chip packaging unit at Info Valley, Khordha district, Bhubaneswar (Odisha). The project is being implemented by 3D Glass Solutions Inc. through its Indian subsidiary.

The initiative is part of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), aimed at making India a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing and reducing import dependence.

This development is crucial as semiconductor chips are the backbone of modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G communication, defence systems, and data centres, and India has been striving to build domestic capabilities in this strategic sector.

Key Highlights

• Investment - ₹1,943.53 crore.
• Developer - 3D Glass Solutions (USA).
• Production - 70,000 panels annually.
• Sectors - AI, defence, 5G, aerospace.

Economy & Banking

SBI Targets 25% of India’s GDP by 2030

Why in News

In April 2026, the State Bank of India (SBI) announced an ambitious strategic target to expand its balance sheet size to 25% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030, up from the current level of around 20%.

This announcement reflects SBI’s long-term vision to strengthen its dominance in India’s banking sector while supporting the country’s economic growth. As India aims to become a $5 trillion economy, the expansion of banking assets and credit availability will play a crucial role in financing infrastructure, industries, and consumption demand.

Key Highlights

• Current share: 20% of GDP.
• Total business: ₹103.29 lakh crore.
• District strategy for growth.

UN ESCAP Projects India Growth at 6.4% (2026)

Why in News

In April 2026, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released its flagship report titled “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026”, projecting India’s economic growth at 6.4% in Calendar Year (CY) 2026 and 6.6% in CY 2027.

The report highlights India as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by strong domestic demand, infrastructure investment, and digital transformation initiatives. It also underscores the role of India in boosting regional growth, especially within South and South-West Asia, where economic expansion has been largely attributed to India’s performance.

Key Highlights

• Inflation: 4.4% (2026).
• India top in greenfield FDI ($50 billion).
• US imposed 1% remittance tax.

Today's Current Affairs One-Liners - 22 April 2026

National Affairs

● Governance - The Union Cabinet chaired by Narendra Modi approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) from 58% to 60%, benefiting millions of central government employees and pensioners from January 2026.

● Infrastructure - The government approved railway multitracking projects worth ₹24,815 crore in Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, aimed at improving freight efficiency and reducing congestion.

● Railways - The Ghaziabad-Sitapur railway line project spans 403 km route length with 859 km track length, significantly boosting connectivity in northern India.

● Railways - The Rajahmundry-Visakhapatnam railway line project in Andhra Pradesh will enhance logistics infrastructure across 198 km route length.

● Trade Policy - India expanded the RELIEF scheme under Export Promotion Mission by adding Egypt and Jordan to mitigate export disruptions in the West Asia region.

● Export Support - The Government of India clarified ECGC insurance eligibility under RELIEF, allowing exporters with new Whole Turnover Policies after March 16, 2026 to benefit.

● Internal Security - The Ministry of Home Affairs received the AI-enabled satellite imaging system ‘Prajna’, enhancing real-time surveillance and intelligence gathering.

● Defence Technology - The Prajna system, developed by DRDO’s CAIR, will strengthen border management, counter-terrorism operations, and strategic monitoring capabilities.

● Culture & Heritage - India will establish its first Petroglyph Conservation Park in Leh, Ladakh, to preserve ancient rock carvings threatened by tourism and development.

● Archaeology - The conservation park will involve collaboration between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums.

● Electronics & Manufacturing - India launched its first advanced 3D glass semiconductor packaging unit in Odisha under the India Semiconductor Mission.

● Semiconductor Industry - The project by 3D Glass Solutions (USA) involves an investment of ₹1,943.53 crore and aims to boost India’s chip manufacturing ecosystem.

● Digital Security - The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) partnered with Jumps Automation LLP to develop a gamified cybersecurity awareness platform.

● Skill Development - The Ministry of Minority Affairs signed an MoU with IIT Patna under PM VIKAS scheme to train 600 minority youth in AI and analytics roles.

Economy & Banking

● Banking Growth - The State Bank of India (SBI) aims to increase its balance sheet size to 25% of India’s GDP by 2030, reflecting aggressive expansion strategy.

● Financial Inclusion - SBI plans to increase its market share by 1% in each of India’s 800 districts during FY27, focusing on localized banking strategies.

● Banking Data - As of December 2025, SBI’s total business stood at ₹103.29 lakh crore, including deposits of ₹57.01 lakh crore and advances of ₹46.28 lakh crore.

● Economic Forecast - The United Nations ESCAP Report 2026 projected India’s GDP growth at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027, highlighting economic resilience.

● Inflation Outlook - India’s inflation is projected at 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027, indicating stable price levels under macroeconomic management.

● FDI Trends - India attracted $50 billion in greenfield FDI, ranking among the top destinations in the Asia-Pacific region in 2026.

● Remittance Policy - The United States imposed a 1% tax on remittances from January 2026, potentially impacting India as the world’s largest remittance recipient.

Science & Technology

● Naval Technology - Titagarh Naval Systems Limited launched the fourth Diving Support Craft (DSC A23) for the Indian Navy on the Hooghly River in Kolkata.

● Defence Manufacturing - The DSC vessels are developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative and support Command Clearance Diving Teams (CCDTs).

● Ship Design - The 30-meter-long catamaran-type vessels are equipped with advanced indigenous systems for underwater operations.

Awards & Recognitions

● Health Governance - The National Health Authority (NHA) awarded 18 states under AB PM-JAY and 5 under ABDM during the Chintan Shivir 2026 in Pune.

● Digital Health - The ABDM State Adoption Index, developed by the World Bank, evaluates states based on digital health infrastructure performance.

● Environment Award - Joginapally Santosh Kumar received the Global Green Icon Award at the World Climate Leaders Conclave 2026 in London.

● Sustainability Initiative - The award recognized the success of the Green India Challenge, a large-scale citizen-led afforestation movement.

Appointments & Resignations

● Corporate Leadership - Apple Inc. appointed John Ternus as its next CEO, succeeding Tim Cook, effective from 1 September 2026.

● Technology Leadership - John Ternus previously served as Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering and played a key role in Apple’s silicon transition.

Sports

● Chess Achievement - Aronyak Ghosh became India’s 95th Grandmaster after achieving his final norm at the Bangkok Chess Club Open 2026.

● Chess Rankings - He recorded a performance rating of 2584 and remained unbeaten with 7/9 score in the tournament.

● National Achievement - Aronyak Ghosh also won the National Rapid Chess Championship 2026, strengthening India’s presence in global chess.

Important Days

● Health Awareness - World Liver Day is observed on 19 April with the theme “Solid Habits, Strong Liver”, promoting liver health awareness globally.

● UN Observance - The UN Chinese Language Day is celebrated on 20 April to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity within the United Nations.

● Governance - National Civil Services Day is observed on 21 April to recognize the contributions of civil servants in governance and public service delivery.

● Theme 2026 - The theme for Civil Services Day 2026 is “Viksit Bharat: Citizen-Centric Governance and Development at the Last Mile”.