Daily Current Affairs – 23 April 2026 | UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway Exam Updates

Introduction

Current Affairs 23 April 2026 brings important updates for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSC exams. Today’s coverage includes RBI’s new e-mandate framework, India-Bhutan customs meeting, FedEx intra-city drone delivery, and Tata Steel’s EASyMelt technology. These Latest Current Affairs 2026 topics are highly relevant for General Awareness, Essay, Interview, and Prelims preparation.

Detailed Current Affairs - 23 April 2026

National Affairs

MoEFCC Declares Area Around Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary as Eco-Sensitive Zone

Why in News

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has declared 408.7 sq km around Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). This step aims to reduce harmful industrial and developmental activities around ecologically important protected areas.

The notification covers 307 villages across five districts—Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Hapur, Bijnor, and Amroha. The sanctuary supports rich biodiversity and local livelihoods.

This is important because ESZs act as “shock absorbers” for wildlife sanctuaries and national parks by regulating land use around protected ecosystems.

Key Highlights

• 408.7 sq km area notified as ESZ around sanctuary.
• Covers 307 villages in 5 districts of Uttar Pradesh.
• Sanctuary has 41 mammal species and 373 bird species.
• Also includes 36 reptiles, 10 amphibians, and 79 fish species.
• Over 280 plant species recorded, including 81 medicinal plants.
• ESZ helps reduce pollution, mining, and harmful construction nearby.
• Supports coexistence of wildlife conservation and local communities.

Knowledge Booster

• Eco-Sensitive Zones are declared under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
• They are usually declared around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• ESZs regulate industries, mining, and construction activities.
• Concept promoted by the Supreme Court of India in multiple rulings.

India and Bhutan Hold 7th Joint Group of Customs Meeting

Why in News

India and Bhutan held the 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting in Munnar, Kerala on 20-21 April 2026. The forum strengthens customs coordination, trade facilitation, and border management.

The meeting was co-chaired by officials from CBIC India and Bhutan’s Department of Revenue and Customs.

This is important as Bhutan is a strategic neighbour and trade partner of India, and efficient customs systems improve border trade.

Key Highlights

• Meeting venue: Munnar, Kerala.
• Discussed Coordinated Border Management.
• Proposed pre-arrival customs data exchange MoU.
• Focus on anti-smuggling intelligence sharing.
• Digitisation of customs processes reviewed.
• Transit cargo via Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) discussed.

Defence & Security

MoD Signs ₹975 Crore Contract for TRAWL Assemblies

Why in News

The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹975 crore with BEML and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics India Pvt Ltd for procurement of TRAWL Assemblies for T-72 and T-90 tanks of the Indian Army.

The systems are developed by DRDO and help breach minefields during military operations.

This strengthens India’s armoured warfare capability and supports indigenous defence manufacturing.

Key Highlights

• Contract value: ₹975 crore.
• Tanks covered: T-72 Ajeya and T-90 Bhishma.
• Procurement under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.
• Developed by DRDO.
• Used for safe lane creation in minefields.
• Supports MSMEs through component manufacturing.

Science & Technology

IIT Ropar Launches AI-Based Agricultural Intelligence Ecosystem

Why in News

IIT Ropar launched India’s first integrated AI-powered Agricultural Intelligence Ecosystem through ANNAM.AI. It aims to improve productivity, weather forecasting, crop decisions, and farmer advisory systems.

This is important because precision agriculture can reduce risks and improve incomes.

Key Highlights

• Launched by IIT Ropar, Punjab.
• Uses Artificial Intelligence for farming decisions.
• Includes Swan weather stations.
• Has Krishi Intelligence Call Centres.
• Uses ACE Chat Engine.
• Three AI layers: Infrastructure, Intelligence, Engagement.

FedEx and IIT Madras Complete India’s First Intra-City Drone Delivery

Why in News

FedEx in partnership with IIT Madras completed India’s first intra-city drone delivery trial in Bengaluru.

The project validated a faster logistics route using drones between industrial and airport zones.

This signals growth of smart logistics and drone-based supply chains in India.

Key Highlights

• Trial city: Bengaluru.
• Route reduced travel time from 60 minutes to 21 minutes.
• Distance covered by flight: 39-42 km.
• Supported by DGCA.
• Implemented with startup Amber Wings.

Banking & Economy

RBI Issues Digital Payments E-Mandate Framework 2026

Why in News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Digital Payments - E-mandate Framework, 2026 to streamline recurring digital payments.

The framework improves security, customer notifications, and flexibility across UPI, cards, PPIs, and e-mandates.

This is important for banking exams and digital economy awareness.

Key Highlights

• Applies to UPI AutoPay, cards, PPIs, and mandates.
• Requires Additional Factor Authentication (AFA).
• Mandates need clear validity period.
• Supports fixed or variable amounts.
• Customers can set maximum transaction cap.

Tata Steel to Deploy World’s First EASyMelt Technology

Why in News

Tata Steel partnered with SMS Group Germany to install the world’s first industrial-scale EASyMelt technology at Jamshedpur.

It aims to reduce emissions in steelmaking by replacing coal with syngas and using plasma torches.

This is significant for India’s green manufacturing transition.

Key Highlights

• Plant location: Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
• Emission reduction target: 50%+.
• Supports Tata Steel’s Net Zero 2045 goal.
• Retrofit solution for existing blast furnaces.

Awards & Recognitions

2026 Goldman Environmental Prize

• First time all 6 winners were women.
• Called the Green Nobel Prize.
• Ceremony held in San Francisco, USA.

Laureus World Sports Awards 2026

• Carlos Alcaraz won Sportsman of the Year.
• Aryna Sabalenka won Sportswoman of the Year.
• Paris Saint-Germain won World Team of the Year.

WEF Young Global Leaders 2026

• 10 Indians featured including Jay Shah and Isha Ambani.

Today’s Current Affairs One-Liners - 23 April 2026

National Affairs

● Environment - The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) declared 408.7 sq km around Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh as an Eco-Sensitive Zone, covering 307 villages across five districts.

● Biodiversity - The Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary supports rich biodiversity with 41 mammal species, 373 bird species, 36 reptiles, 10 amphibians, and 79 fish species, making it ecologically significant.

● Trade & Borders - India and Bhutan held the 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting in Munnar, Kerala, to improve customs cooperation, border management, and bilateral trade facilitation.

● Customs Reform - India and Bhutan discussed pre-arrival customs data exchange, anti-smuggling intelligence sharing, and Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) during the JGC meeting.

● Agriculture & Innovation - IIT Ropar, Punjab, launched India’s first fully integrated AI-based Agricultural Intelligence Ecosystem to improve farming productivity and risk management.

● Smart Farming - The ecosystem launched by IIT Ropar includes Swan weather stations, Krishi Intelligence Call Centres, and ACE Chat Engine for farmer advisory support.

International Affairs

● Diplomacy - Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan visited Sri Lanka on 19-20 April 2026, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Vice President to the island nation.

● India-Sri Lanka Relations - During the visit, India and Sri Lanka signed several MoUs in healthcare and development sectors, strengthening bilateral cooperation.

● Housing Project - India announced completion of Phase III of the Indian Housing Project in Sri Lanka, delivering 4,000 houses for beneficiaries.

● Wildlife Diplomacy - Sri Lanka agreed to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) during the high-level bilateral visit.

Defence & Security

● Defence Procurement - The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹975 crore with BEML and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics India Pvt Ltd for TRAWL Assemblies.

● Indian Army - The newly procured TRAWL systems will be deployed on T-72 Ajeya and T-90 Bhishma tanks of the Indian Army.

● DRDO Innovation - The TRAWL Assembly, developed by DRDO, enhances India’s capability to breach minefields and create safe vehicle lanes during operations.

● Atmanirbhar Bharat - The contract was signed under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, promoting indigenous defence manufacturing.

Science & Technology

● Drone Logistics - FedEx in collaboration with IIT Madras completed India’s first intra-city drone delivery trials in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

● Transport Efficiency - The drone route reduced delivery time from 60 minutes by road to approximately 21 minutes by air, improving logistics efficiency.

● Startup Ecosystem - The project was implemented with Amber Wings, an IIT Madras incubated deep-tech startup.

● Regulatory Support - The drone trials were conducted with the support of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Banking & Finance

● Digital Payments - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the new Digital Payments - E-Mandate Framework, 2026 for recurring online transactions.

● Coverage - The RBI framework applies to UPI AutoPay, debit cards, credit cards, prepaid payment instruments, and e-mandates.

● Security Measure - Customers must complete Additional Factor Authentication (AFA) during one-time mandate registration under the RBI framework.

● Flexible Payments - The new rules allow e-mandates for fixed or variable amounts, with user-defined transaction caps.

● Banking Partnership - Karnataka Bank partnered with Pine Labs to strengthen digital payment solutions and Point-of-Sale services across India.

● Insurance Payments - NPCI Bharat Bill Pay Limited (NBBL) onboarded Postal Life Insurance (PLI) as an insurance biller on the Bharat Connect platform.

● Customer Benefit - PLI and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) customers can now pay premiums through multiple digital and assisted channels nationwide.

● International Finance - UAE-based Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company received approval to establish a reinsurance branch in GIFT City, Gujarat.

Economy & Business

● Green Steel - Tata Steel signed an agreement with SMS Group to deploy the world’s first large-scale EASyMelt technology in Jamshedpur.

● Decarbonisation - The EASyMelt process can reduce CO₂ emissions by over 50% compared to traditional blast furnace steelmaking.

● Net Zero Goal - Tata Steel stated the project supports its ambitious Net Zero emissions target by 2045.

Awards & Recognitions

● Environment Award - The 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize was awarded to six women winners, the first all-female recipient group in the award’s history.

● Sports Awards - Carlos Alcaraz won Laureus Sportsman of the Year 2026 for his outstanding 2025 season.

● Sports Awards - Aryna Sabalenka won Laureus Sportswoman of the Year 2026.

● Football Achievement - Paris Saint-Germain won the Laureus World Team of the Year Award after a historic season.

● Young Leaders - The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced Young Global Leaders Class of 2026, featuring 10 Indians including Jay Shah and Isha Ambani.

Obituary

● Public Life - Former Rajya Sabha MP and renowned paediatrician Dr Gopalrao Patil passed away at the age of 94 in Latur, Maharashtra.

● Education Reform - Dr Gopalrao Patil was widely known as the architect of the Latur Pattern of education.

Important Days

● UN Observance - World Creativity and Innovation Day was observed globally on 21 April 2026 to promote innovation for sustainable growth.

● Environment Day - International Mother Earth Day was observed on 22 April 2026 with the theme “Our Power, Our Planet.”

● Restoration Goal - The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) continues efforts to halt and reverse ecosystem degradation worldwide.