Daily Current Affairs – 26 & 27 April 2026 | UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway Exam Updates

Introduction

Current Affairs 26 & 27 April 2026 brings major updates useful for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, Insurance, and State PSC exams. Today’s coverage includes India’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion, Bharat Taxi cooperative platform, RBI revoking Paytm Payments Bank licence, India-Africa Forum Summit, and new NITI Aayog appointments. These Latest Current Affairs 2026 updates are highly relevant for Prelims, Mains, interviews, and General Awareness sections.

Detailed Current Affairs - 26 & 27 April 2026

National Affairs

India’s First UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development Launched

Why in News

Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary launched India’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune. This initiative aims to increase women’s participation in future industries. It is also the first such UNESCO Chair in Asia focused on gender and employability.

Key Highlights

• Location: Pune, Maharashtra.
• Institution: Symbiosis Skills and Professional University.
• Focus Areas: AI, robotics, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, defence.
• Objective: Improve women’s access to high-growth sectors.
• Leadership: Headed by Swati Mujumdar.
• Global Relevance: Aligns with UNESCO inclusion priorities.

Knowledge Booster

• UNESCO HQ: Paris, France
• UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
• India has several UNESCO Chairs in education and heritage sectors.
• Skill development is linked with SDG Goal 5 (Gender Equality).

PM-AASHA Procurement Expanded in Chhattisgarh and Bihar

Why in News

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution expanded procurement under PM-AASHA in Chhattisgarh and launched organised pulse procurement in Bihar under the Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission. The step is aimed at ensuring remunerative prices for farmers and stabilising food markets.

Key Highlights

• Implemented through NAFED and NCCF.
• Bihar procurement includes masoor (lentil).
• Chhattisgarh using digitised E-Samyukti portal.
• 85 PACS centres operational.
• Supports MSP-based procurement.
• Strengthens pulse self-reliance.

Knowledge Booster

• PM-AASHA launched in 2018.
• Ensures better returns to farmers.
• NAFED HQ: New Delhi.
• Pulses are key for protein security.

Akashvani & MyGov Launch Signature Tune and Jingle Contest

Why in News

Akashvani (All India Radio) and MyGov launched nationwide contests to celebrate Akashvani @90. Citizens can submit signature tunes and jingles for radio channels and programmes.

Key Highlights

• Themes include The New Rhythm of Bharat.
• Cash prizes up to ₹30,000.
• Submission via MyGov portal.
• For FM Gold, Rainbow, Vividh Bharati.
• Celebrates AIR’s 90-year legacy.

Knowledge Booster

• Akashvani renamed from All India Radio officially in 2023.
• Operated by Prasar Bharati.
• AIR started in 1936.

CMEC Signs MoU with Delhi University for Maritime Education

Why in News

The Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity (CMEC) and University of Delhi signed an MoU to strengthen maritime education, logistics studies, and policy research. The agreement was signed in presence of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Key Highlights

• Focus on maritime logistics and green shipping.
• Supports Sagarmala Programme.
• Linked with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• Bridges academia and industry.

Government Forms Panel under SBI Chief to Assess Risks from AI Platform Mythos

Why in News

The Government of India constituted a high-level committee under C.S. Setty, Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI), to evaluate risks arising from advanced Artificial Intelligence platform Mythos developed by Anthropic. The move reflects increasing concerns over cybersecurity, misinformation, fraud automation, and financial misuse of AI tools. The meeting was jointly chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Key Highlights

• Committee chaired by C.S. Setty, SBI Chairman.
• Focus on AI-related cyber threats to banks and institutions.
• Banks directed to report incidents quickly to CERT-In.
• Indian Banks’ Association asked to prepare coordinated framework.
• Emphasis on early warning and response system.
• Important for banking cybersecurity exams.

Analysis

As AI tools become more powerful, fraud detection, data privacy, and banking resilience become crucial. India’s banking sector digitisation requires proactive regulation.

 

Bharat Taxi App Launched in Mumbai

Why in News

Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform in Mumbai. The app aims to improve earnings of taxi and auto drivers through a commission-free model. It supports cooperative digital platforms in India.

Key Highlights

• Zero commission charged from drivers.
• ₹5 lakh free insurance cover.
• Access to MUDRA loans.
• Started under MSCS Act, 2002.
• More than 25,000 rides/day.
• Over 5.17 lakh customers onboarded.

Analysis

This reflects India’s attempt to create alternatives to commission-heavy private aggregator models. It also supports cooperative economics and digital inclusion.

4th India-Africa Forum Summit Logo, Theme and Website Launched

Why in News

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar launched the logo, theme and website of the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV). The summit will be held in New Delhi on 31 May 2026. It marks renewed India-Africa engagement after the 2015 summit.

Key Highlights

• Theme: IA SPIRIT
• Full Form: India-Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation
• Venue: New Delhi
• Preparatory meetings begin 28 May 2026.
• Symbol: Lion with maps of India & Africa

Economy & Banking

RBI Revokes Licence of Paytm Payments Bank

Why in News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revoked the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) under Section 22(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 due to regulatory non-compliance. Operations cease from 24 April 2026.

Key Highlights

• RBI is India’s central bank.
• Action taken under Banking Regulation Act.
• PPBL failed to meet licence conditions.
• RBI also fined Bandhan Bank and others.
• Shows strict regulatory oversight.

Knowledge Booster

• RBI established: 1935
• Nationalised: 1949
• RBI headquarters: Mumbai
• Current monetary policy controlled by MPC.

Rocklink India Opens Battery & Rare Earth Recycling Plant in UP

Why in News

Rocklink India opened India’s first integrated Lithium-ion Battery and Rare Earth Magnet Recycling Plant in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. It supports India’s critical minerals strategy.

Key Highlights

• Capacity: 10,000 TPA batteries
• Black mass output: 5,000-6,000 tonnes
• Recovers lithium, cobalt, nickel
• Rare earths: neodymium, terbium, dysprosium
• Supports EV and defence sectors.

Analysis

Battery recycling reduces import dependence and supports the circular economy. It is strategically vital for EV expansion.

Science & Technology

Himadri Speciality Chemical Commissions India’s First Anode Material Plant

Why in News

Himadri Speciality Chemical Limited commissioned India’s first anode material production facility in Hooghly, West Bengal. This is important for the lithium-ion battery ecosystem and EV manufacturing.

Key Highlights

• Initial capacity: 200 MTPA.
• Used in EV batteries.
• Developing LFP cathode project by FY27.
• Supports battery localisation.

Analysis

Battery component localisation reduces dependence on imports from East Asia and strengthens India’s EV value chain.

State News

Coca-Cola India Signs 3-Year MoU with Uttar Pradesh

Why in News

Coca-Cola India signed a three-year MoU with Invest UP in Lucknow for water access, recycling, livelihood creation, and tourism-linked development.

Key Highlights

• Supports environmental sustainability.
• Improves waste collection systems.
• Skill development for communities.
• Tourism infrastructure enhancement.
• CSR-led public-private model.

Important Days

International Girls in ICT Day - 23 April 2026

• Observed on 4th Thursday of April.
• Theme: AI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future.

National Panchayati Raj Day - 24 April 2026

• Celebrates 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
• Theme: Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas.

World Day for Laboratory Animals - 24 April

• Raises awareness on animal testing ethics.
• Started in 1979.

Today’s Current Affairs One-Liners - 26 & 27 April 2026

National Affairs

● National Affairs - Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary launched India’s first and Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune, to improve women’s participation in future sectors like AI, semiconductors, robotics, advanced manufacturing and defence.

● National Affairs - The Government of India formed a high-level committee under C.S. Setty, Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI), to assess risks arising from advanced AI platform Mythos, focusing on cyber fraud, misinformation and financial security threats.

● National Affairs - Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched Bharat Taxi in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform offering zero commission, ₹5 lakh insurance cover, and MUDRA loan access for drivers.

● National Affairs - External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar launched the logo, theme and website for the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV), scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 31 May 2026.

● National Affairs - The theme of the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit is IA SPIRIT, meaning India-Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation, highlighting stronger diplomatic and economic ties.

● National Affairs - The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution expanded procurement under PM-AASHA in Chhattisgarh and launched organised pulse procurement in Bihar to ensure better prices for farmers.

● National Affairs - Akashvani in collaboration with MyGov launched nationwide Signature Tune and Jingle-Making Contests under Akashvani @90, inviting citizen participation in radio branding.

● National Affairs - The Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity (CMEC) signed an MoU with University of Delhi to promote maritime education, logistics research, green shipping studies and policy collaboration.

Economy & Banking

● Banking & Finance - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revoked the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) under Section 22(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, due to non-compliance with regulatory norms.

● Banking & Finance - RBI imposed a penalty of ₹41.8 lakh on Bandhan Bank for violating regulatory provisions including Know Your Customer (KYC) norms.

● Banking & Finance - RBI also imposed a penalty of ₹80,000 on Muthoot Housing Finance Company for non-compliance with directions related to the Fair Practices Code.

● Economy & Business - Rocklink India Private Limited inaugurated India’s first integrated Lithium-ion Battery and Rare Earth Magnet Recycling Plant in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, strengthening India’s critical mineral security.

● Economy & Business - The Rocklink India facility can process 10,000 tonnes per annum of batteries and recover minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, neodymium and terbium for EV and defence use.

Science & Technology

● Science & Technology - Himadri Speciality Chemical Limited (HSCL) commissioned India’s first anode material production plant in Hooghly, West Bengal, entering the lithium-ion battery manufacturing value chain.

● Science & Technology - The Himadri facility has an initial capacity of 200 Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) and supports battery manufacturing for electric vehicles, electronics and energy storage systems.

Awards & Recognitions

● Awards - Guntur Municipal Corporation (Andhra Pradesh) won the UNIDO Gender Equality Mobilisation (GEM) Award 2026 in Vienna, Austria, for promoting sustainable urban development and women’s empowerment.

● Awards - The GEM Award, established in 2018 by UNIDO, recognises institutions and local bodies making significant contributions to gender equality and inclusive growth.

Appointments & Resignations

● Appointments - Veteran economist Dr. Ashok Lahiri, former Chief Economic Advisor, was appointed as the new Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, succeeding Suman Bery.

● Appointments - Eminent scientist Dr. Gobardhan Das, Director of IISER Bhopal, was appointed as a full-time Member of NITI Aayog by the Government of India.

● Appointments - Parminder Singh, former executive at Google, Apple, Twitter and IBM, was appointed as CEO of Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited.

Important Days

● Important Days - International Girls in ICT Day 2026 was observed on 23 April 2026 with the theme AI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future to promote women in technology careers.

● Important Days - National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 was celebrated across India on 24 April with the theme Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas.

● Important Days - National Panchayati Raj Day marks the implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which granted constitutional status to Panchayats under Part IX of the Constitution.

● Important Days - World Day for Laboratory Animals 2026 was observed on 24 April to raise awareness regarding ethical concerns and alternatives to animal testing.

State News

● State News - Coca-Cola India signed a 3-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Invest UP in Lucknow for water access, recycling, employment generation and tourism-linked development in Uttar Pradesh.

● State News - The Uttar Pradesh MoU aims to strengthen waste collection systems, improve hydration infrastructure and create sustainable livelihood opportunities through CSR-led public-private partnerships.