Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 25–26 April 2026, Daily Roundup
Current Affairs – 25–26 April 2026
During 25–26 April 2026, major developments included diplomatic engagements, technology initiatives, defence preparedness, sports highlights, and global health observances, alongside continuing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
National Affairs
- Mann Ki Baat (133rd Episode): On 26 April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of “Vocal for Local” in technology and praised youth-led sustainable startups.
- Space Labs Initiative: The government announced plans to establish seven Space Laboratories in universities during the first phase to strengthen research in satellite technology.
- India–New Zealand FTA Talks: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with New Zealand Minister Todd McClay, indicating the Free Trade Agreement is nearing completion.
- NASSCOM Leadership: Srikanth Velamakanni, CEO of Fractal, was appointed Chairman of NASSCOM (2026–27).
- Bharat Taxi Launch: India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform was launched in Mumbai to support taxi and auto drivers.
- Passing of Raghu Rai: India mourned the demise of renowned photographer Raghu Rai, known for documenting modern Indian history through photography.
International Current Affairs
- Global Diplomatic Engagements: Pope Francis visited Venice, marking his first major travel after recent health recovery.
- Srinagar Khel Sankalp Initiative: Launched to develop an athlete-focused roadmap to make India a top-five sporting nation by the 2036 Olympics.
Global Geopolitical Developments
- Hormuz Tensions Escalate: The U.S. intensified naval operations, ordering destruction of Iranian boats suspected of laying mines. The continued blockade increased energy costs globally, affecting European economies.
- AccelerateEU Plan: The European Commission introduced the AccelerateEU package to boost gas storage and renewable energy transition amid rising energy disruptions.
Defence
- Exercise Cyclone-IV: Indian Army personnel departed for Anshas, Egypt, to participate in counter-terrorism drills in desert terrain.
- Naval Security Deployment: The Indian Navy increased mission-based patrols in the Arabian Sea to secure Indian vessels following recent maritime seizures.
Science & Technology
- Technology Sovereignty Initiative: India emphasised achieving 100% indigenous manufacturing in emerging sectors like 6G and Quantum Computing to strengthen technological independence.
- NASA Roman Telescope: NASA confirmed the integration of primary mirrors of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, scheduled for launch in late 2026 to study dark energy.
Sports
IPL 2026 Highlights
- April 25:
- Punjab Kings defeated Delhi Capitals by 6 wickets after chasing 264 runs.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Rajasthan Royals by 5 wickets.
- April 26:
- Gujarat Titans defeated Chennai Super Kings by 8 wickets.
- Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Lucknow Super Giants in a Super Over after a tie.
Women’s Cricket
- India Women won the 4th T20I against South Africa by 14 runs, with Deepti Sharma named Player of the Match. South Africa later won the final match to clinch the series.
Global Observances
- World Malaria Day (25 April)
- Theme: “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world.”
- Focus on India’s goal of becoming malaria-free by 2030.
- World Intellectual Property Day (26 April)
- Theme: “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.”
Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs
- Andhra Pradesh: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan visited to review skill development centres.
- Sikkim: Security enhanced ahead of the Prime Minister’s scheduled visit to Gangtok.
- Uttar Pradesh: Power demand reached a record 29,000 MW due to early summer conditions.
- Economy: The Indian Rupee recovered slightly to ₹83.18 per USD.
- Environment: India signalled that the 100th Ramsar site will be announced before World Environment Day 2026.
- Literature: Former Army Chief Gen. Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd.) released his book “The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries.”
