Daily Current Affairs – 25 April 2026 | UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway Exam Updates

Introduction

Current Affairs 25 April 2026 brings several high-value updates for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, Insurance, and State PSC exams. Today’s key developments include India’s ₹30 billion currency swap support to Maldives, RBI easing forex rules, NASA’s Roman Space Telescope, Jio Financial-Allianz insurance JV, and India selected for FIFA Women’s Development Programme.

These Latest Current Affairs 2026 topics are highly relevant for Prelims, Mains, interviews, descriptive exams, and General Awareness sections.

Detailed Current Affairs - 25 April 2026

National Affairs

India Approves ₹30 Billion for Maldives under SAARC Currency Swap

Why in News

The Government of India approved a ₹30 billion currency swap facility for the Maldives under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework. This move reinforces India’s role as a dependable economic partner in South Asia.

The assistance comes after Maldives repaid an earlier USD 400 million swap facility extended in 2024. The new support is under the INR Swap Window, which promotes use of Indian Rupee in regional transactions.

This development is strategically important amid India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and growing geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean region.

Key Highlights

• Amount Approved: India approved ₹30 billion support under SAARC framework.
• Beneficiary: Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).
• Administered By: Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Framework Period: 2024-2027.
• Previous Support: RBI extended total USD 1.1 billion to Maldives since 2012.
• Strategic Importance: Strengthens India’s regional diplomacy.
• Currency Role: Encourages Indian Rupee settlement mechanisms.

Knowledge Booster

• SAARC founded in 1985.
• Members: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan.
• RBI launched swap support in 2012.
• Maldives capital: Male.
• Currency of Maldives: Maldivian Rufiyaa.

Analysis

The move enhances India’s economic influence in South Asia while helping stabilize Maldives’ external finances. It also supports India’s rupee internationalisation strategy and strengthens maritime diplomacy.

Ministry of Culture Launches ‘VM Frames’ Competition

Why in News

The Ministry of Culture launched VM Frames, a national filmmaking competition to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram, originally written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875.

The initiative aims to engage youth through cinema, reels, and AI-generated films celebrating India’s cultural heritage and freedom movement.

Key Highlights

• Competition Name: VM Frames
• Occasion: 150 years of Vande Mataram
• Categories: Reels, AI Films, Short Films
• Prize Money: Up to ₹50 lakh
• Last Date: 7 May 2026
• Target Group: Youth creators

Knowledge Booster

• Vande Mataram from novel Anandamath.
• Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
• Adopted as National Song in 1950.

International Affairs

Union MoS Jitin Prasada Visits Czech Republic

Why in News

Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada visited the Czech Republic from 22-23 April 2026 to strengthen trade and industrial ties.

He co-chaired the 13th India-Czech Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) in Prague.

Key Highlights

• Venue: Prague
• Focus: Trade, investment, manufacturing cooperation
• Forum launched: India-Czech Business Forum
• Counterpart: Jan Sechter

Economy & Banking

RBI Eases Forex Rules for Banks

Why in News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) relaxed certain foreign exchange (forex) restrictions that had earlier been imposed to contain excessive volatility in the Indian Rupee within offshore derivatives markets. These restrictions were introduced when speculative positioning in overseas markets created pressure on the rupee exchange rate.

Earlier, banks were capped at USD 100 million net open positions in the offshore Non-Deliverable Forward (NDF) market under measures announced on 27 March 2026. The RBI has now withdrawn some of these curbs to restore normal market functioning.

This development is important because it reflects the RBI’s balanced approach of protecting currency stability while ensuring that genuine business hedging and market liquidity are not disrupted.

Key Highlights

• RBI withdrew some restrictions.
• Earlier restrictions imposed on 27 March 2026.
• Aim: Prevent speculative attacks on rupee.
• Allows more flexibility for genuine hedging needs.

Knowledge Booster

• NDF = Non Deliverable Forward.
• Used for currencies with restricted convertibility.
• RBI HQ: Mumbai.

Analysis

The RBI’s calibrated approach reflects balancing stability with market efficiency. Too many controls reduce liquidity, while too few may increase speculation.

Jio Financial Services & Allianz Sign 50:50 Insurance JV

Why in News

Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) signed a binding agreement with Germany’s Allianz Group to establish a 50:50 joint venture (JV) for insurance operations in India. The partnership marks a major entry by Jio Financial into the insurance sector and combines domestic digital reach with global insurance expertise.

The proposed JV will focus on general insurance and health insurance, sectors witnessing rapid growth due to rising incomes, greater health awareness, and increasing demand for financial protection products. It also reflects growing foreign interest in India’s expanding financial services market.

This development is important because India remains one of the world’s most underinsured markets, and technology-driven distribution models can significantly improve insurance penetration across urban and rural regions.

Key Highlights

• Sector: General & Health Insurance
• Ownership: Equal stake
• Goal: Tap India’s underinsured market
• Strengths: Jio digital reach + Allianz expertise

Science & Technology

NASA Unveils Roman Space Telescope

Why in News

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) unveiled the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, a powerful next-generation space observatory designed to explore some of the universe’s greatest mysteries, including dark matter, dark energy, and planets beyond our solar system known as exoplanets.

The telescope represents one of NASA’s most ambitious astronomy missions after the success of the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It is expected to survey vast areas of space much faster than previous telescopes due to its wide-field imaging capability.

This development is highly significant for science and technology current affairs because it advances humanity’s understanding of cosmic evolution, hidden matter, planetary systems, and the future of deep-space exploration.

Key Highlights

• Cost: USD 4 Billion
• Distance from Earth: 1.5 million km
• Daily Data Transfer: 11 TB
• Named after Nancy Grace Roman

Knowledge Booster

• Dark matter + dark energy = ~95% of universe.
• Roman is successor-class mission after Hubble/JWST.

Blue Origin Rocket Fails to Reach Intended Orbit

Why in News

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket failed to place AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird-7 communications satellite into its planned orbit during the rocket’s third mission in April 2026. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, United States.

The mission was significant because it aimed to expand space-based mobile connectivity, allowing direct cellular communication through satellites in remote and underserved regions. However, a technical issue during the upper-stage flight prevented mission success.

This development is important for exam aspirants because it highlights growing competition in the commercial space sector, where private companies such as Blue Origin, SpaceX, and Rocket Lab are increasingly leading satellite launch services and next-generation communication infrastructure.

Key Highlights

• Launch Site: Florida, USA
• Rocket: New Glenn
• Cause: Upper-stage engine underperformance
• Mission: Satellite mobile connectivity

Sports

India Selected for FIFA Women’s Development Programme

Why in News

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) selected India as one of 12 countries for its Women’s Development Programme - Commercial Strategy 2026 after a successful proposal submitted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The programme is aimed at strengthening the commercial structure and long-term sustainability of women’s football worldwide.

India’s selection reflects growing international recognition of the country’s efforts to develop women’s football through domestic leagues, grassroots programmes, and improved governance systems. It also comes at a time when women’s sports are receiving greater policy and media attention in India.

This development is important because it can help attract sponsorship, improve league management, create better career opportunities for women players, and prepare Indian clubs for international standards.

Key Highlights

• Indian body: AIFF
• Duration: May-October 2026
• Goal: Improve women’s football commercialization
• Helps Indian Women’s League club licensing

Appointments & Resignations

Nasscom Appoints Srikanth Velamakanni as Chairman

• New Chairman of Nasscom for 2026-27.
• He is Co-founder of Fractal.
• Succeeds Sindhu Gangadharan.

ACC Extends PSU Bank Chiefs’ Tenure

• Rajneesh Karnatak (BoI) extended till 2029.
• Debadatta Chand (BoB) extended till 2029.
• Ashutosh Choudhary (Indian Bank ED) extended 3 years.

Awards & Recognition

General Upendra Dwivedi Inducted into US Army War College Hall of Fame

• Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi inducted into USAWC International Hall of Fame.
• Became third Indian Army chief to receive honour.

Obituary

Dean Tavoularis Passed Away

• Oscar-winning production designer Dean Tavoularis died at 93 in Paris.
• Known for The Godfather Part II.

Today’s Current Affairs One-Liners - 25 April 2026

National Affairs

● National Affairs - India approved a ₹30 billion currency swap facility for the Maldives under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework 2024-27, strengthening regional financial cooperation and India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.

● National Affairs - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has so far extended total swap support worth USD 1.1 billion to the Maldives since the framework’s launch in 2012.

● National Affairs - The Ministry of Culture launched VM Frames, a national filmmaking competition to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, encouraging youth participation through creative storytelling.

● National Affairs - VM Frames competition offers prizes worth up to ₹50 lakh across categories including Reels, AI-based Films, and Short Films, with the last date of submission as 7 May 2026.

● National Affairs - DataKaveri Systems, linked with IISc Bengaluru, signed an MoU with Japan’s ONESTRUCTION Inc. to build AI-ready smart city data platforms in India and Japan.

● National Affairs - India’s IUDX platform, already active in 55 smart cities, will integrate construction data such as floor plans and utilities for future AI urban governance solutions.

● National Affairs - BharatGen Technology Foundation signed a five-year pact with L&T Semiconductor Technologies and L&T-Vyoma to build India’s sovereign AI compute platform.

● National Affairs - Under the BharatGen initiative, L&T-Vyoma will provide a 30 MW hyperscale data centre in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, for large-scale AI computing infrastructure.

International Affairs

● International Affairs - Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada visited the Czech Republic from 22-23 April 2026 to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

● International Affairs - India and the Czech Republic held the 13th Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) session in Prague, signing a protocol to deepen commercial ties.

● International Affairs - The India-Czech Business Forum was jointly inaugurated in Prague to boost Business-to-Business (B2B) partnerships between both nations.

Economy & Banking

● Economy & Banking - The RBI eased earlier forex restrictions on banks dealing in the offshore Non-Deliverable Forward (NDF) market to reduce unnecessary market constraints.

● Economy & Banking - Earlier, on 27 March 2026, the RBI capped banks’ offshore derivative open positions at USD 100 million to control rupee volatility.

● Economy & Banking - Jio Financial Services Ltd. (JFSL) signed a binding agreement with Germany’s Allianz Group to establish a 50:50 insurance joint venture in India.

● Economy & Banking - The proposed JFSL-Allianz JV will focus on general insurance and health insurance, combining Jio’s digital reach with Allianz’s underwriting expertise.

● Economy & Banking - Equitas Small Finance Bank received RBI approval to reappoint P. N. Vasudevan as MD & CEO for another three years till 2029.

Appointments & Resignations

● Appointments - The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) extended the tenure of Rajneesh Karnatak, MD & CEO of Bank of India, for three years till 2029.

● Appointments - Debadatta Chand, MD & CEO of Bank of Baroda, received a three-year extension, continuing his leadership till 2029.

● Appointments - Ashutosh Choudhary, Executive Director of Indian Bank, also received a three-year extension till May 2029.

● Appointments - Nasscom appointed Srikanth Velamakanni, Co-founder of Fractal, as its new Chairman for the 2026-27 term.

● Appointments - The Nasscom Executive Council elected Kishor Patil, CEO of KPIT Technologies, as the new Vice Chairperson.

Awards & Recognitions

● Awards - General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, was inducted into the US Army War College International Hall of Fame in Pennsylvania, USA.

● Awards - General Dwivedi became the third Indian Army Chief after V. K. Singh and Bikram Singh to receive this honour.

Science & Technology

● Science & Technology - NASA unveiled the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, a wide-field observatory designed to study dark matter, dark energy, and exoplanets.

● Science & Technology - The Roman Telescope, costing USD 4 billion, will be positioned 1.5 million kilometres from Earth and send around 11 TB data daily.

● Science & Technology - Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket failed to place AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird-7 satellite into the intended orbit during its third mission.

● Science & Technology - The failure occurred due to underperformance of one BE-3U upper-stage engine, forcing the satellite into an unusable orbit.

Sports

● Sports - India was selected among 12 countries for FIFA Women’s Development Programme - Commercial Strategy 2026 after a successful AIFF presentation.

● Sports - The programme will run from May to October 2026, helping improve commercial sustainability of women’s football in India.

● Sports - The initiative will also help Indian clubs prepare for the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) licensing framework.

Books & Authors

● Books & Authors - Former Army Chief General M. M. Naravane launched his book “The Curious and The Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries.”

● Books & Authors - The book explores traditions, legends, and lesser-known stories of India’s armed forces, including the origin of Chak de Phatte.

Obituary

● Obituary - Oscar-winning production designer Dean Tavoularis passed away in Paris at the age of 93.

● Obituary - He won the Academy Award for The Godfather Part II (1974) and worked on films like Apocalypse Now and The Conversation.

Important Days

● Important Days - Administrative Professionals Day 2026 was observed on 22 April, recognising the contribution of secretaries, assistants, and administrative staff worldwide.

● Important Days - Administrative Professionals Week 2026 was observed from 19-25 April 2026 during the last full week of April.

● Important Days - UN Spanish Language Day 2026 was observed on 23 April to promote multilingualism and awareness of Spanish language and culture.

● Important Days - The date 23 April honours celebrated Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote.