Daily Current Affairs – 24 April 2026 | UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway Exam Updates

Introduction

Current Affairs 24 April 2026 brings major updates highly relevant for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSC exams. Today’s coverage includes South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s India visit, Shekha Jheel declared Ramsar Site, RBI payment system reforms, and China-Pakistan astronaut cooperation.

These Latest Current Affairs 2026 updates help aspirants understand not only facts but also policy significance, international relations, governance trends, and exam-relevant static GK.

Detailed Current Affairs - 24 April 2026

National Affairs

India Hosts South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for State Visit

Why in News

Lee Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), paid a state visit to India from 19-21 April 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was the first visit by a South Korean President to India in eight years.

The visit focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, defence manufacturing, semiconductors, digital innovation, shipbuilding, green energy, and cultural exchanges.

India and South Korea already share a Special Strategic Partnership, and the visit signals deeper Indo-Pacific cooperation amid changing global geopolitics.

Key Highlights

• Bilateral Summit held at Hyderabad House, New Delhi.
• Discussions covered AI, semiconductors, defence, green energy, trade, finance.
• Talks resumed on upgrading the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
• New Industrial Cooperation Committee proposed.
• Launch of India-Korea Digital Bridge initiative.
• Cultural Exchange Programme announced for 2026-2030.
• Strengthened people-to-people and academic ties.

Knowledge Booster

• CEPA between India and South Korea came into force in 2010.
• South Korea is a major investor in India through Samsung, Hyundai, Kia, LG.
• South Korea is known as the Land of Morning Calm.
• India’s Act East Policy strengthens ties with East Asia.

Analysis

This visit is strategically important because both countries seek resilient supply chains beyond China, especially in semiconductors and electronics. Defence cooperation and Indo-Pacific maritime alignment may also deepen. For UPSC, it connects with India’s East Asia diplomacy.

MCA Expands Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS)

Why in News

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) expanded eligibility under the pilot phase of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) to include final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Earlier age criteria were narrower, but now students aged 18-25 years can apply.

Key Highlights

• Final-year UG and PG students included.
• Age revised to 18-25 years.
• Monthly stipend increased to ₹9,000.
• Additional ₹6,000 assistance in two instalments.
• Internship duration: 1 year.
• Requires NOC from institution.

Analysis

The scheme can improve employability and industry exposure among youth. It also supports India’s skilling agenda and bridges academia-industry gaps.

Science & Technology

Revised TDIP Scheme to Boost 5G Advanced and 6G

Why in News

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, heading the Ministry of Communications, released the revised guidelines of the Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme in New Delhi. The updated scheme has been designed to accelerate India’s progress in emerging telecom technologies and improve the country’s role in global standard-setting institutions.

The revised TDIP Scheme carries a financial outlay of ₹203 crore for the period 2026-2031. It aims to strengthen India’s participation in international telecom forums, support indigenous research and innovation, and help domestic industries prepare for future communication technologies such as 5G Advanced and 6G.

This initiative is significant because telecom standards determine how mobile networks, devices, and digital ecosystems operate globally. Strong participation helps India reduce import dependence, build domestic capability, and become a technology leader.

Key Highlights

• Scheme Name - The programme is called the Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme and is administered by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• Financial Outlay - The revised scheme has an allocation of ₹203 crore for the period 2026-31.
• Future Technology Focus - It gives special priority to 5G Advanced and 6G, the next phases of mobile communication technology after present-day 5G systems.
• Global Standards Participation - The scheme supports Indian representation and leadership in global telecom bodies such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
• Indigenous Innovation - TDIP encourages domestic research, patents, standards contributions, and Indian intellectual property creation in telecom technology.
• R&D Ecosystem Support - It promotes collaboration among startups, academia, industry, and research institutions for telecom innovation.
• Implementation Agencies - The scheme will be implemented through organisations such as TSDSI, Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE), and Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL).
• Strategic Objective - It seeks to reduce India’s rel

Key Highlights

• Focus on 5G Advanced and 6G.
• Supports participation in ITU and 3GPP.
• Implemented through TSDSI, TCoE, TCIL.
• Encourages R&D and indigenous telecom technology.

Knowledge Booster

• ITU Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• 3GPP develops mobile telecom standards globally.
• India launched 5G services in 2022.

Environment & Ecology

Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary Declared Ramsar Site

Why in News

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) announced the designation of Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary, located in Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh, as a Ramsar Site. With this latest addition, the total number of Ramsar wetlands in India has increased to 99, reflecting India’s growing commitment toward wetland conservation and biodiversity protection.

The recognition of Shekha Jheel is significant because wetlands play a vital ecological role in water storage, groundwater recharge, flood control, carbon sequestration, and wildlife conservation. The site is particularly important for migratory birds using the Central Asian Flyway, one of the world’s major migratory bird routes.

This development is highly relevant for UPSC Prelims, Environment & Ecology, Geography, and State PSC exams, where Ramsar sites and protected wetlands are frequently asked.

Key Highlights

• Located in Western Uttar Pradesh.
• Important stopover on Central Asian Flyway.
• Hosts bar-headed geese, painted storks, ducks.
• UP now has 12 Ramsar Sites.
• Tamil Nadu has highest number with 20.

Knowledge Booster

• Ramsar Convention signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.
• India joined Ramsar Convention in 1982.
• Largest Ramsar Site in India: Sundarbans.

Analysis

Wetland recognition improves conservation funding, biodiversity management, and ecotourism. Ramsar sites are frequently asked in UPSC prelims.

Economy & Banking

Pay Point India Becomes First Fintech in RBI Centralised Payment System

Why in News

Pay Point India Network, a leading Indian fintech company, became the first private-sector fintech firm to receive membership in the Centralised Payment System (CPS) operated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This marks a major milestone in India’s evolving digital payments ecosystem, as access to core RBI payment infrastructure was traditionally limited to banks and a few large regulated institutions.

With this approval, Pay Point India gains direct access to key payment rails such as RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) and NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) without relying on sponsor banks. The development reflects the RBI’s gradual move toward broader participation in regulated payment systems while encouraging innovation and efficiency.

This decision is significant for India’s fintech sector because it recognizes the growing role of non-bank technology firms in payments, financial inclusion, and last-mile service delivery.

Key Highlights

• Direct access to RTGS and NEFT.
• Reduces dependence on partner banks.
• Assigned own IFSC code.
• Improves payment efficiency and cost reduction.

Knowledge Booster

• RTGS = Real Time Gross Settlement
• NEFT = National Electronic Funds Transfer
• RBI HQ = Mumbai

PNB Launches Kiwi RuPay Credit Card on UPI

Key Highlights

• Punjab National Bank partnered with Kiwi fintech.
• Launched co-branded RuPay Credit Card.
• Works through UPI QR scan-and-pay.
• Cashback 0.5% to 1.5%.
• Zero joining and annual fees.

Defence & Security

INS Nireekshak Participates in IN-SLN DIVEX 2026

Why in News

The Indian Navy’s Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel (DSSRV) INS Nireekshak arrived at Colombo, Sri Lanka, to participate in the 4th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (IN-SLN DIVEX 2026). The bilateral exercise commenced on 21 April 2026 and will continue until 27 April 2026.

This joint naval exercise reflects the growing maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka and highlights their shared commitment to enhancing operational coordination, regional security, and maritime safety in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The exercise is also aligned with India’s strategic maritime vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which focuses on inclusive growth, regional stability, and stronger partnerships with neighbouring countries.

Key Highlights

• Dates: 21-27 April 2026
• Focus on interoperability and diving operations.
• Supports India’s MAHASAGAR vision.

International Affairs

China Selects Two Pakistani Astronauts

Key Highlights

• China selected Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud.
• They will train for Tiangong Space Station missions.
• Reflects China-Pakistan strategic cooperation.

Pakistan Tests Taimoor Anti-Ship Missile

Key Highlights

• Pakistan tested indigenous Taimoor ALCM.
• Range approx 600 km.
• Anti-ship and secondary land attack capability.

Appointments & Resignations

Vibha Padalkar Reappointed MD & CEO of HDFC Life

• Reappointed for 5 years from 12 Sept 2026.
• Led company since 2018.
• Oversaw Exide Life acquisition.

Justice Lisa Gill Appointed Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court

• Becomes first woman Chief Justice of AP High Court.
• Effective 25 April 2026.

State News

Meghalaya Launches CM-INSPIRE Scheme for UPSC Aspirants

• ₹50,000 for clearing prelims.
• ₹1 lakh for clearing mains/interview stage.
• Targets state civil services representation.

Today’s Current Affairs One-Liners - 24 April 2026

National Affairs

● National Affairs - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung paid a state visit to India from 19-21 April 2026, marking the first presidential visit from South Korea in eight years and strengthening bilateral strategic ties.

● National Affairs - During talks in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Lee Jae Myung discussed cooperation in semiconductors, AI, defence production, green energy, shipbuilding, and trade.

● National Affairs - India and South Korea announced a new roadmap to deepen their Special Strategic Partnership for the period 2026-2030.

● National Affairs - Both countries agreed to resume negotiations for upgrading the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to improve bilateral trade and investment flows.

● National Affairs - The Ministry of Corporate Affairs expanded the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) eligibility to include final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students.

● National Affairs - Under the revised PMIS, the eligible age group has been widened to 18-25 years, replacing the earlier age limit of 21-24 years.

● National Affairs - The Government increased the monthly stipend under PMIS to ₹9,000, along with additional assistance of ₹6,000 in two instalments.

● National Affairs - Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia released revised guidelines for the Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme in New Delhi.

● National Affairs - The revised TDIP Scheme has an outlay of ₹203 crore for 2026-31 to promote India’s participation in telecom standards and accelerate 5G Advanced and 6G innovation.

● National Affairs - The TDIP Scheme will support Indian participation in global telecom bodies such as the ITU, 3GPP, and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) platforms.

● National Affairs - Union Minister C. R. Patil launched the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW-2026) in New Delhi to promote sustainable water management practices.

● National Affairs - More than 60 lakh artificial recharge and water conservation structures have already been created under India’s water initiatives, with a target of 1 crore by May 2026.

Environment & Ecology

● Environment - Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, was declared a Ramsar Site, increasing India’s total Ramsar wetlands to 99.

● Environment - With Shekha Jheel’s addition, Uttar Pradesh now has 12 Ramsar Sites, the second highest in India after Tamil Nadu.

● Environment - Tamil Nadu continues to have the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India with 20 designated wetlands.

● Environment - Shekha Jheel is an important stopover for migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway, hosting species such as bar-headed geese and painted storks.

Economy & Banking

● Economy & Banking - Punjab National Bank (PNB) partnered with fintech company Kiwi to launch the co-branded PNB Kiwi RuPay Credit Card integrated with the UPI platform.

● Economy & Banking - The PNB Kiwi Credit Card allows users to make scan-and-pay transactions through UPI QR codes without needing a physical card.

● Economy & Banking - Customers using the PNB Kiwi RuPay Credit Card will receive cashback between 0.5% and 1.5%, with zero joining and annual fees.

● Economy & Banking - Pay Point India Network became the first private fintech company to gain membership in the Reserve Bank of India’s Centralised Payment System (CPS).

● Economy & Banking - With CPS membership, Pay Point India now gets direct access to RTGS and NEFT, reducing dependence on partner banks.

● Economy & Banking - Pay Point India was also assigned its own IFSC code, enabling direct settlement accounts with the RBI.

Defence & Security

● Defence - INS Nireekshak, a Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of the Indian Navy, reached Colombo, Sri Lanka, for IN-SLN DIVEX 2026.

● Defence - The 4th India-Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (IN-SLN DIVEX 2026) is being held from 21 to 27 April 2026 to improve naval interoperability and diving operations.

● Defence - The India-Sri Lanka joint exercise supports India’s maritime vision of MAHASAGAR for security and growth in the Indian Ocean Region.

Science & Technology

● Science & Technology - China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) selected two Pakistani candidates, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, for astronaut training.

● Science & Technology - One of the selected Pakistani candidates is expected to become the first Pakistani astronaut to visit the Tiangong Space Station.

● Science & Technology - China’s selection of Pakistani astronauts marks the first inclusion of foreign astronauts in China’s human spaceflight programme.

● Science & Technology - Pakistan Navy successfully test-fired the indigenous Taimoor air-launched anti-ship cruise missile to strengthen maritime strike capability.

● Science & Technology - The Taimoor missile has an estimated strike range of 600 kilometres and can engage both sea-based and land-based targets.

Appointments & Resignations

● Appointments - The Board of HDFC Life Insurance Company reappointed Vibha Padalkar as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for another five-year term from 12 September 2026.

● Appointments - Vibha Padalkar joined HDFC Life in 2008 and became MD & CEO in 2018, leading major growth initiatives.

● Appointments - Justice Lisa Gill was appointed as the Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court, becoming its first woman Chief Justice.

● Appointments - President Droupadi Murmu notified the appointment of Justice Lisa Gill under Article 217(1) of the Constitution.

State Affairs

● State Affairs - Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma launched the CM-INSPIRE Scheme to financially support UPSC aspirants from the state.

● State Affairs - Under the CM-INSPIRE Scheme, candidates clearing UPSC Prelims will receive ₹50,000, while those clearing Mains will get ₹1 lakh.

● State Affairs - The Meghalaya government plans to expand support through free online test series and public libraries in Shillong and Tura.

Important Days

● Important Days - World Book and Copyright Day 2026 was observed globally on 23 April to promote reading culture, authorship, and copyright awareness.

● Important Days - UNESCO established World Book and Copyright Day in 1995, and the first celebration took place in 1996.

● Important Days - Rabat, Morocco, was designated the 2026 World Book Capital by UNESCO.

● Important Days - UN English Language Day 2026 was observed on 23 April to celebrate the importance of English as a global language.

● Important Days - 23 April was chosen for UN English Language Day to honour William Shakespeare, whose birth and death anniversary falls on the same date.

Obituary

● Obituary - Former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh Nadendla Bhaskara Rao passed away on 22 April 2026 at the age of 90 in Hyderabad.

● Obituary - Nadendla Bhaskara Rao served as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister from 16 August to 16 September 1984, one of the shortest tenures in the state’s history.