Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 24 April 2026, Daily Roundup
Current Affairs: 24 April 2026
On 24 April 2026, India observed National Panchayati Raj Day, marked progress in semiconductor technology, and addressed internal security achievements, while global tensions continued around the Strait of Hormuz.
National Affairs
- National Panchayati Raj Day: India marked the 33rd anniversary of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)-2.0 and three books titled “Meri Panchayat Meri Dharohar” highlighting rural heritage.
- Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission: A structured pulse procurement initiative was launched in Bihar to stabilise prices and enhance farmer income.
- CBSE Exam Update: The second phase of Class 10 examinations will begin on 15 May 2026.
- Judicial Appointment: Justice Lisa Gill was appointed Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court (effective 25 April 2026), becoming its first woman Chief Justice.
International Affairs
- India–South Korea Trade Talks: Both countries set a target to finalise FTA renegotiations by mid-2027, focusing on supply chains for electronics and critical minerals.
- India–Egypt Defence Cooperation: A 2026–27 defence cooperation plan was adopted, covering joint training and industrial collaboration.
- Chabahar Port Update: India is preparing to transfer operational control of certain terminals to Iranian authorities under a long-term agreement.
Global Geopolitical Developments
- Hormuz Crisis Escalation: The U.S. deadline for de-escalation passed, increasing concerns about fuel and LPG shortages due to disrupted Gulf supply routes.
- Israel–Lebanon Ceasefire Extended: The United States announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire following mediation efforts.
Defence & Security
- Information Warfare Doctrine: India formally recognised Information Warfare as the fourth dimension of warfare, alongside land, air, and sea.
- Naxal-Free Milestone: The government reported that no districts remain officially classified as Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected.
- International Recognition: General Upendra Dwivedi was inducted into the US Army War College International Hall of Fame.
- Regional Security: Pakistan successfully tested the Taimoor Anti-Ship Cruise Missile.
Science & Technology
- Silicon Photonics Breakthrough: India launched its first Silicon Photonics Process Design Kit (PDK) at IIT Madras, supporting high-speed computing and AI infrastructure.
- Gene Therapy Advancement: The US FDA approved Otarmeni, a gene therapy for genetic hearing loss, expected to influence future medical research.
- China–Pakistan Space Cooperation: China selected two Pakistani candidates for astronaut training under its human spaceflight programme.
Sports
- IPL 2026 Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets; Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match.
- ISSF Junior World Cup: India’s 10m Air Pistol team won Gold, maintaining leadership in the medal tally in Cairo.
Global Observance
- International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace (24 April): Observed to promote collective global action and adherence to the UN Charter.
Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs
- West Bengal: Recent polling phases recorded record voter turnout.
- Tamil Nadu: Climate Resilient Villages (CRV) pilot launched in five coastal districts.
- Finance: Government reviewed cybersecurity risks linked to advanced AI models.
- Environment: The NGT directed urgent mitigation of arsenic and fluoride contamination across 10 states.
- Meghalaya: Launched CM-INSPIRE scheme to support UPSC aspirants.
