Current affairs relevant to GS2.
The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE), launched in FY 2023–24, has profiled 90,942 sewer and septic tank workers (89,248 validated) and extended PPE and insurance. Waste pickers were added from June 2024 (3,78,547 profiled). In 2025–26, SUY capital-subsidy ceilings rose to ₹7.50 lakh (individual) and ₹25 lakh (group).
23 Apr 2026
India will host the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) in New Delhi on 31 May 2026 with the African Union Commission. The theme is "IA SPIRIT: India Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience, and Inclusive Transformation". A Foreign Ministers' Meeting is set for 29 May, after Senior Officials on 28 May.
23 Apr 2026
Atal Pension Yojana crossed 9 crore gross enrolments on 21 April 2026. FY 2025–26 saw a record 1.35 crore new gross enrolments. Launched on 9 May 2015 and run by PFRDA, APY pays a guaranteed monthly pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 from age 60 for eligible citizens aged 18–40 who are not income-tax payers.
22 Apr 2026
In Berlin on 22 April 2026, India and Germany signed a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and an Implementing Arrangement on UN peacekeeping training. Talks covered co-development and co-production, including niche technologies, and closer military ties. 2026 marks 25 years of the Strategic Partnership and 75 years of diplomatic relations.
22 Apr 2026
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs expanded the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) pilot so final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18–25 can apply. They need a No Objection Certificate from their college. Interns get at least ₹9,000 a month; more than 300 companies are in the pilot.
22 Apr 2026
The first India-Japan Artificial Intelligence Strategic Dialogue was held in Mumbai on 21 April 2026. It covered cooperation across the AI stack, talent mobility, joint research, and AI governance in multilateral forums. It advances the India-Japan AI Cooperation Initiative announced in August 2025 under the Joint Vision for the Next Decade.
21 Apr 2026
India and the Republic of Korea adopted a Joint Strategic Vision for their Special Strategic Partnership for 2026–2030 during the ROK President's State Visit from 19 to 21 April 2026. Outcomes include a shipbuilding and maritime logistics framework, energy and sustainability joint statements, a CEPA-upgrade joint declaration, and multiple MoUs from ports to Paris Agreement Article 6.2.
20 Apr 2026
MoSPI's Household Social Consumption: Health survey (NSS 80th round, Jan–Dec 2025) finds health insurance covering about 47.4% of rural and 44.3% of urban people, up from about 14% and 19% in 2017–18. Institutional deliveries reached about 96%. Median out-of-pocket medical spend per hospitalisation was about ₹11,285.
20 Apr 2026
Indian Railways clarified that persons with disabilities holding a valid Unique Disability ID (UDID) card can travel in unreserved Divyangjan coaches (SLRD/LSLRD) of Mail/Express trains if they hold valid travel authority. Those with railway concessional-fare facility are similarly treated as bona fide passengers. Unauthorised use will draw action under the Railway Act, 1989.
20 Apr 2026
Outcomes of the Vice President's visit to Sri Lanka (19–20 April 2026) include extending OCI eligibility to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora and simplifying OCI for Indian Origin Tamils. India completed Housing Project Phase III (4,000 houses for plantation families). Sri Lanka agreed to join the International Big Cat Alliance.
19 Apr 2026