Weekly Current Affairs 19–27 April 2026 for UPSC, SSC & Banking Exams
This week covered major developments in governance, economy, international relations, defence, science & technology, environment, and banking reforms. Key highlights included India-Austria and India-South Korea diplomatic engagements, RBI regulatory actions, UNESCO Chair launch, Ramsar Site additions, semiconductor growth, AI governance reforms, and India-Africa Summit preparations. For aspirants of UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSC exams, this weekly compilation helps in quick revision, factual recall, and answer-writing preparation by combining all important events of the week in one place.
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Introduction
The week of 19-27 April 2026 witnessed several important national and global developments relevant for competitive examinations. India strengthened diplomatic ties with nations like Austria, South Korea, Bhutan, Maldives, and African countries. Economic reforms were visible through RBI directives, forex policy changes, GDP forecasts, and fintech expansion.
In the field of Science & Technology, India advanced in AI governance, semiconductor manufacturing, drone logistics, battery recycling, and space collaboration. Environmental news included new Ramsar sites and eco-sensitive zone declarations.
These topics are highly relevant for UPSC Prelims & Mains, SSC General Awareness, Banking Awareness, Railways GK, Defence Exams, and State PSC exams.
📅 20 April 2026
🔗 Read Full Article: Daily Current Affairs - 19 & 20 April 2026
Explanation
India took a major step in strengthening its Artificial Intelligence ecosystem as the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) selected 10 startups under the IndiaAI Startups Global Programme. This initiative supports Indian startups with global exposure through partnerships with Station F (France) and HEC Paris.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also issued new rules mandating free exchange of notes and coins across bank branches, improving financial inclusion. Internationally, the World Bank approved a USD 225 million loan for Rajasthan highway modernization, while NASA announced plans related to Mars rover missions.
Key Points
- IndiaAI Mission selected 10 startups for global acceleration.
- Partners: Station F (France) and HEC Paris.
- RBI mandated free exchange of notes and coins.
- World Bank approved USD 225 million loan for Rajasthan highways.
- Meghalaya declared Khasi and Garo as official languages.
📅 21 April 2026
🔗 Read Full Article: Daily Current Affairs - 21 April 2026
Explanation
India-Austria relations gained momentum with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker’s India visit, the first such visit in 42 years. Both countries signed agreements in defence, trade, and technology.
The Union Cabinet extended PMGSY-III till March 2028 to improve rural road connectivity. Meanwhile, SBI projected India’s GDP growth at 6.8%-7.1% for FY27, indicating economic resilience.
Key Points
- Austrian Chancellor visited India after 42 years.
- PMGSY-III extended till March 2028.
- SBI GDP projection: 6.8%-7.1%.
- Cabinet approved Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool.
- MeitY formed AI Governance Expert Committee.
📅 22 April 2026
🔗 Read Full Article: Daily Current Affairs - 22 April 2026
Explanation
The Union Cabinet approved a 2% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike for central employees and pensioners. Large railway multitracking projects worth ₹24,815 crore were also approved.
India also launched its first 3D Glass Semiconductor Unit in Odisha, boosting the domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
Key Points
- DA increased from 58% to 60%.
- Railway projects worth ₹24,815 crore approved.
- RELIEF Scheme expanded to Egypt and Jordan.
- India’s first 3D Glass Semiconductor Unit launched in Odisha.
- UN ESCAP projected India growth at 6.4% in 2026.
📅 23 April 2026
🔗 Read Full Article: Daily Current Affairs - 23 April 2026
Explanation
The Ministry of Environment declared the area around Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
India and Bhutan held the 7th Joint Group of Customs Meeting in Kerala, strengthening customs cooperation. RBI also introduced a new Digital Payments E-Mandate Framework 2026 for recurring digital transactions.
Key Points
- 408.7 sq km around Barasingha Sanctuary declared ESZ.
- India-Bhutan customs meeting held in Munnar, Kerala.
- RBI launched E-Mandate Framework 2026.
- Tata Steel announced EASyMelt green steel technology.
- FedEx completed India’s first intra-city drone delivery trial.
📅 24 April 2026
🔗 Read Full Article: Daily Current Affairs - 24 April 2026
Explanation
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visited India, focusing on semiconductors, trade, and defence ties.
India’s wetland conservation improved as Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (UP) was declared the country’s 99th Ramsar Site.
Key Points
- South Korean President visited India after 8 years.
- Shekha Jheel became India’s 99th Ramsar Site.
- Revised TDIP Scheme to support 5G Advanced & 6G.
- RBI payment system opened to fintech player Pay Point India.
- INS Nireekshak participated in India-Sri Lanka naval exercise.
📅 25 April 2026
🔗 Read Full Article: Daily Current Affairs - 25 April 2026
Explanation
India approved a ₹30 billion currency swap facility for Maldives under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework, reinforcing neighbourhood diplomacy.
RBI eased forex restrictions for banks, while Jio Financial Services and Allianz announced a 50:50 insurance joint venture.
Key Points
- India approved ₹30 billion swap for Maldives.
- RBI relaxed some forex restrictions.
- Jio-Allianz insurance JV announced.
- NASA unveiled Roman Space Telescope.
- India selected for FIFA Women’s Development Programme.
📅 26 April 2026
🔗 Read Full Article: Daily Current Affairs - 26 & 27 April 2026
Explanation
India launched its first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development in Pune.
RBI revoked the licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) due to regulatory non-compliance. India also launched Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-led ride-hailing platform in Mumbai.
Key Points
- First UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion launched in Pune.
- RBI revoked Paytm Payments Bank licence.
- Bharat Taxi App launched in Mumbai.
- India-Africa Forum Summit logo/theme launched.
- First integrated battery & rare earth recycling plant opened in UP.
Weekly Consolidated Sections
National Affairs
This week focused on rural connectivity, employee welfare, skill development, and digital innovation.
- PMGSY-III extended till 2028.
- DA hike approved.
- UNESCO Chair launched in Pune.
- Bharat Taxi cooperative platform launched.
Economy & Banking
Banking reforms and economic confidence dominated headlines.
- RBI note exchange rules issued.
- RBI revoked PPBL licence.
- SBI GDP projection: 6.8-7.1%.
- Jio-Allianz insurance JV formed.
Science & Technology
India moved ahead in strategic technology sectors.
- Semiconductor unit launched in Odisha.
- AI Governance Committee formed.
- Drone delivery trial completed.
- Battery recycling and anode plant launched.
Environment
Wetlands and wildlife protection gained importance.
- Shekha Jheel became Ramsar Site.
- Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary ESZ notified.
International Relations
India deepened global ties.
- Austria Chancellor visited India.
- South Korea President state visit.
- India-Maldives swap support.
- India-Africa Summit preparations launched.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Key Facts | Exam Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Ramsar Site | Shekha Jheel became 99th site | Environment |
| GDP Forecast | SBI 6.8%-7.1% FY27 | Economy |
| Currency Swap | ₹30 billion to Maldives | IR + Economy |
| UNESCO Chair | Pune | Education |
| RBI Action | PPBL licence revoked | Banking |
Weekly Key Highlights
- Austria Chancellor visited India after 42 years.
- PMGSY-III extended till 2028.
- DA increased to 60%.
- Odisha got first 3D glass chip unit.
- Shekha Jheel became 99th Ramsar Site.
- India approved ₹30 billion for Maldives.
- RBI eased forex norms.
- RBI revoked PPBL licence.
- UNESCO Chair launched in Pune.
- Bharat Taxi launched in Mumbai.
One-Liner Revision
- India’s 99th Ramsar Site - Shekha Jheel.
- DA revised to 60%.
- PMGSY under Rural Development Ministry.
- RBI revoked licence of PPBL.
- Maldives received ₹30 billion swap.
- UNESCO Chair launched in Pune.
- India-Africa Summit in New Delhi.
- SBI GDP forecast - 6.8%-7.1%.
- Jio partnered with Allianz.
- South Korea capital - Seoul.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which wetland became India’s 99th Ramsar Site?
2. What was India’s support to Maldives this week?
3. Why was PPBL in news?
4. Which scheme was extended till 2028?
5. Where was India’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion launched?
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