Daily Current Affairs: 21 April 2026

3D Glass Solutions establishes India's first 3D semiconductor packaging unit in Odisha

[Odisha]

Key Updates:

• The foundation stone for India's first advanced 3D semiconductor packaging unit was laid at Info Valley in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• The project is developed by 3D Glass Solutions with an investment of nearly ₹2,000 crore.
• The facility is expected to produce 70,000 glass panels annually and millions of advanced semiconductor units.
• Commercial production is expected to begin by 2028, with full-scale operations targeted by 2030.
• The initiative is part of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
• The unit will cater to sectors including data centres, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, telecommunications, automotive technologies, aerospace, and defence systems.

India and Republic of Korea (ROK) target $50 billion bilateral trade by 2030

[South Korea]

Key Updates:

• India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) aim to increase bilateral trade from $27 billion to $50 billion by 2030.
• The two nations decided to upgrade the India-Korea trade agreement by next year.
• An India-Korea financial forum, an industrial cooperation committee, and an economic security dialogue focused on critical technologies and supply chains will be launched.
• The India-Korea digital bridge was launched to deepen partnerships in Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and information technology.
• A Korean industrial township will be established to facilitate the entry of Korean Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into India.
• The ROK formally joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
• India signed to join the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
• A comprehensive framework for partnership in shipbuilding, shipping, and maritime logistics was signed.
• Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed for cooperation in the field of ports and for technology and trade for steel supply chains.
• The two leaders agreed to hold leader-level meetings annually.
• Meetings of joint commissions led by foreign, finance, and science and technology ministers will be held this year.

Geomysore Services India Pvt Ltd develops Jonnagiri gold mine in Andhra Pradesh

Key Updates:

• The Jonnagiri project in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, is India’s first large-scale private gold mine since Independence.
• Developed by Geomysore Services India Pvt Ltd, the project is scheduled to begin operations in early May.
• The mine spans nearly 598 hectares across Jonnagiri, Erragudi, and Pagidirayi villages with investments exceeding ₹400 crore.
• The project has certified gold resources of 13.1 tonnes, with exploration indicating a potential increase to 42.5 tonnes.
• At peak capacity, the mine is expected to produce up to 1,000 kg of refined gold annually over the next 15 years.
• India currently imports over 800 tonnes of gold annually, while Hutti Gold Mines produces approximately 1.5 tonnes per year.
• The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) Ltd has focused on overseas gold assets following the closure of Kolar Gold Fields in 2000.
• The World Gold Council (WGC) reported that gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) recorded net inflows of ₹22.7 billion in March and record inflows of ₹316 billion in the first quarter.
• Total gold ETF holdings rose to 115 tonnes.

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) releases FDI equity inflow data for April-December FY26

[Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), Singapore]

Key Updates:

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) reported total foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflows of $47.87 billion for April-December FY26.
• Singapore was the top source of FDI equity inflows at $17.6 billion, accounting for a 37% share of the total.
• The United States (US) and Mauritius were the second and third largest sources, contributing $7.8 billion (16%) and $4.8 billion (10%) respectively.
• Japan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were also among the top five investor countries.
• FDI from the Cayman Islands rose to $2 billion from $422 million in 2024.
• Cyprus invested $1.4 billion compared to $1.2 billion in 2024, while inflows from Luxembourg rose to $545 million from $352.67 million.
• Investments from China were $6.49 million in 2025, up from $3.73 million in 2024, whereas inflows from Hong Kong fell to $61.4 million from $87.7 million.
• Computer Software & Hardware was the most attractive sector with $10.7 billion (22% share), followed by the Services Sector (Financial, Banking, and R&D) at 18%.
• Maharashtra received the highest state-wise inflows at $15.38 billion, followed by Karnataka at $11.15 billion.

SBI Research projects India GDP growth between 6.8% and 7.1% for FY27

[State Bank of India (SBI)]

Key Updates:

• SBI Research projects India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth between 6.8% and 7.1% for FY27.
• India's growth for FY26 is estimated at 7.6%.
• For FY27, inflation is projected to average 4.5% and the fiscal deficit is estimated between 4.5% and 4.6%.
• The report identifies the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) GIFT City as a stable global financial destination.
• Indian airports may emerge as alternative transit hubs due to airspace risks over parts of the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to maintain its current monetary policy status quo.

Vishwa Sutra launched to promote Indian handlooms globally

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Textiles launched the ‘Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World’ initiative.
• The initiative was developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner Handlooms in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
• A designer collection based on the initiative was presented at the 61st Femina Miss India held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• The initiative aims to present Indian handlooms in a contemporary global design framework.
• It brings together 30 distinct handloom weaves from across the country, each representing a different state, reinterpreted with design inspirations from 30 countries.
• The initiative highlights the vision of Vocal for Local to Global and the Prime Minister’s 5F framework: Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign.

Delhi Semiconductor Policy: Aimed at Investment and Employment

[Delhi]

Key Updates:

• The Delhi government is drafting the Delhi Semiconductor Policy to position the capital as a hub for semiconductor design, advanced research and development, and assembly and allied activities.
• The policy is aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
• The policy is structured around five key pillars: semiconductor design and intellectual property development; research, development and innovation; manufacturing-enabling activities including Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) and Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT) along with ancillary industries; talent development and skilling; and strengthening of the startup and industrial ecosystem.
• The framework envisages financial and non-financial incentives, capital subsidies, and infrastructure development to promote ease of doing business and attract private investment.
• The policy aims to generate high-quality job opportunities in the fields of chip design, semiconductor research, and advanced packaging.

Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC) for AI Governance Support

[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)]

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted the Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).
• The TPEC is an advisory body designed to provide specialised technical, policy, and strategic expertise to the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG).
• The TPEC is chaired by the Secretary of MeitY.
• The committee comprises experts from academic research, the technology industry, and digital policy.
• The TPEC will provide expert inputs on policy design, regulatory measures, and India's engagements in AI governance across global forums.
• The AIGEG is responsible for setting the strategic direction and coordinating policy across the government.

Vishwa Sutra launched to promote Indian handlooms globally

[Ministry of Tourism (MoT)]

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Textiles (MoT) launched the ‘Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World’ initiative to promote Indian handlooms globally.
• The initiative was developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner Handlooms in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
• A designer collection based on the initiative was presented at the 61st Femina Miss India held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• The initiative features 30 distinct handloom weaves representing different states, reinterpreted with design inspirations from 30 countries.
• The project aligns with the Government's vision of Vocal for Local to Global and the Prime Minister’s 5F framework: Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign.

South Korea and India hold summit in New Delhi to boost economic ties

[South Korea]

Key Updates:

• South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visited New Delhi for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• This is the first South Korean presidential state visit to India in eight years.
• The two countries are seeking to improve their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
• The bilateral trade target is to nearly double to $50 billion by 2030, up from $25.7 billion last year.
• Key areas for cooperation include shipbuilding, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, finance, and defence.
• South Korea requested India to expand naphtha supplies to mitigate potential disruptions caused by Middle East tensions.
• India accounted for approximately 8% of South Korea's naphtha imports last year.
• According to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), South Korea had a trade surplus of $12.8 billion last year, with exports worth $19.2 billion and imports of $6.4 billion.

India and Russia sign Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) in February 2025

[Russia]

Key Updates:

• India and Russia signed the Indo-Russian Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) in February 2025.
• The RELOS pact came into force on January 12 and was ratified by Russia in December 2025.
• The agreement allows up to 3,000 troops, five warships, and ten aircraft to be simultaneously stationed in the partner country.
• The pact is valid for a period of five years and can be extended for another five years if both parties agree.
• The agreement provides reciprocal access to military facilities, including airbases and ports, granting India access to Russian naval and air bases in the Arctic.
• The scope of the pact includes joint military exercises, training, humanitarian missions, disaster relief operations, and coordinated missions.
• Logistics support for warships includes port access, repair services, and the supply of water, food, and technical resources.
• Support for military aircraft includes air traffic control, aeronautical data, processing of flight requests, use of military navigation systems, parking, and security.
• Aviation fuel, lubricants, special fluids, and restoration of malfunctioning equipment will be provided on a reimbursable basis.
• The agreement aims to enhance interoperability between the armed forces and boost defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions.

India and Austria enhance bilateral ties during Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker's visit from 14 to 18 April 2026

[Austria]

Key Updates:

• Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker visited India from 14 to 18 April 2026, marking the first visit by an Austrian Chancellor in 40 years.
• The visit represents the first visit to Asia for Chancellor Stocker.
• India and Austria expanded cooperation in the nursing sector and academic research through a partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi).
• Bilateral trade between India and Austria is valued at $3 billion.
• The visit follows the India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement of 2026.
• Chancellor Stocker was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Economy and Energy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer.

Observer Research Foundation and Research and Information System for Developing Countries launch inaugural BRICS Academic Forum on April 17-18, 2026

[Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), BRICS]

Key Updates:

• The inaugural convening of the BRICS Academic Forum was hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) on April 17 and 18, 2026, in New Delhi.
• India assumed the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2026, with the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
• The year 2026 marks two decades since the establishment of BRICS.
• The BRICS Academic Forum is a Track II platform designed to generate recommendations for leaders ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit.
• The Forum will host 13 international speakers and multiple convenings across India and abroad in the coming months.
• Samir Saran serves as the President of ORF and Chair of the BRICS Think Tanks Council, India.
• Sudhakar Dalela is the Secretary (ER) in the Ministry of External Affairs and India's BRICS Sherpa.

Blue Origin achieves first landing of reused New Glenn rocket booster

[Blue Origin]

Key Updates:

• Blue Origin successfully landed the reusable booster of the New Glenn rocket at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
• The mission was the third for New Glenn and utilised a booster named Never Tell Me the Odds, which had previously flown in November.
• The rocket carried the BlueBird 7 satellite, owned by AST SpaceMobile, designed for a space-based cellular broadband network.
• BlueBird 7 is the second satellite in the next-generation Block 2 constellation and features the largest commercial communications array deployed in low-Earth orbit.
• The BlueBird 7 satellite was placed into a lower than planned orbit and will be de-orbited.
• Blue Origin announced plans to build a larger and more powerful variant of its rocket called New Glenn 9x4.
• Blue Origin is developing the Blue Moon lander for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and aims to achieve an uncrewed soft lunar landing, Mark 1, this summer.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently conducted the successful Artemis II lunar flyby.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launches AI-powered chatbot ABHAY for notice verification

Key Updates:

• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will include special QR codes on its notices from May 1 to verify their genuineness.
• Verification will be conducted through an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot named ABHAY.
• The ABHAY chatbot is available on the CBI website and checks the agency's database to determine if a document is genuine or forged.
• The QR codes on the notices will also include the expiry dates of the documents.
• The initiative was launched by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant at the 22nd D P Kohli Memorial Lecture.

Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Sign MoU for Digital Transformation

[Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL), Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)]

Key Updates:

• Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance digital transformation.
• The partnership focuses on developing solutions in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, 5G, and Cloud Computing.
• The collaboration was announced by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
• The agreement aims to facilitate the creation of turnkey solutions, technology transfer, and the commercialisation of pioneering products.
• This alliance is part of the broader Digital India initiative to foster innovation and strengthen digital infrastructure.

Rathi Steel and Power Limited (RSPL) awarded GreenPro ecolabel certification

[Rathi Steel, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)]

Key Updates:

• Rathi Steel and Power Limited (RSPL) has been awarded the GreenPro ecolabel certification by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
• The certification was granted for the Rathi Powertech brand of TMT rebars manufactured at the RSPL unit in Ghaziabad.
• The GreenPro certification is a Type-1 Ecolabel that specifically covers the Fe 550 Grade of TMT rebars.
• The certified products provide credits for national and international green building certifications, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

French Institute in India and Paralympic Committee of India launch Para Élan

[Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFI)]

Key Updates:

• The French Institute in India (IFI) and the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) launched Para Élan, a three-year initiative for inclusive education through para sports.
• The programme aims to engage 10,000 students from Indian partner schools to promote inclusion, resilience, equality, and excellence.
• The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by PCI Vice-President Satya Prakash Sangwan and IFI Country Director Gregor Trumel.
• The launch event was hosted by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou.

World Heritage Day themed "Ancient Art, Modern Challenges: Safeguarding Petroglyphs and Shaping Tourism Circuits in Ladakh"

[Ladakh]

Key Updates:

• India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park is being established on the banks of the Indus River in Leh, Ladakh.
• The foundation stone for the park was laid by Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on World Heritage Day.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for heritage preservation.
• Nearly 400 sites across Ladakh contain petroglyphs, with isolated carvings along the Indus River and Zanskar River facing significant risk.
• Some of the oldest petroglyphs in the region contain inscriptions in Sanskrit, Arabic, Chinese, and other ancient languages.
• The carvings depict early human life, including hunting scenes, animals such as ibex and snow leopards, and Buddhist symbols like stupas.
• The petroglyphs represent a continuous record of human history from the Palaeolithic Age to later historic periods.
• These carvings are found in regions including Domkhar, Dah Hanu, Alchi, Chilling, and Tangtse.

International Day for Monuments and Sites observed on April 18

Key Updates:

• The International Day for Monuments and Sites, also referred to as World Heritage Day, is observed on April 18.
• The observance was first proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) during a symposium in Tunisia on April 18, 1982.
• The General Assembly of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved the proposal in 1983 during its 22nd session.
• The date April 18 marks the anniversary of the Second International Congress of Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments held in Venice in 1964.
• The Venice Charter, which established fundamental international principles for the conservation and restoration of monuments and sites, was adopted during the 1964 Venice congress.
• The event is supported by national committees in over 100 countries.

Oscar Schmidt Dies, Brazilian Basketball Legend

Key Updates:

• Oscar Schmidt, a Brazilian basketball icon, passed away on 17 April 2026 at the age of 68 in Santana de Parnaíba, Brazil.
• He is the all-time leading scorer at the Olympic Games, tallying 1,093 points.
• He competed in five Olympic editions: Moscow 1980, Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992, and Atlanta 1996.
• He finished as the top scorer in three of the five Olympic editions he participated in.
• He is a member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) Halls of Fame.
• He holds a single-game points record of 55 points and a career total of 49,737 points.

Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao Received 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award For Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Key Updates:

• Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao received the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award For Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
• The award was instituted by the Retired Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Employees Association in collaboration with Nuziveedu Seeds Limited.
• The award honours agricultural scientists for bolstering India's food security.
• This edition of the award coincides with the birth centenary of Prof. Swaminathan, the father of India's Green Revolution.
• Dr. Rao was recognised for his work in climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management.
• His contributions include scaling resource conservation technologies across millions of hectares and developing district-level contingency plans for nationwide agricultural sustainability.
• The event was attended by former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Nuziveedu Seeds chairman Mandava Prabhakar Rao, and association president Vidya Sagar Rao.

Sadhvi Satish Sail Crowned Femina Miss India World 2026

Key Updates:

• Sadhvi Satish Sail was crowned Femina Miss India World 2026.
• The finale of the competition was held in Bhubaneswar.
• Rajnandini Pawar from Maharashtra was named the 1st Runner-Up.
• KIIT University provided support to the contestants during the competition.

Asit Tripathy Elected President of Odisha Steel Producers' Association (OSPA)

[Odisha Steel Producers’ Association]

Key Updates:

• Asit Tripathy, former Chief Secretary of Odisha and Advisor to Jindal Steel, was unanimously elected as the President of the Odisha Steel Producers' Association (OSPA).
• OSPA is a newly formed collective platform of leading steel and mining companies in Odisha, including Jindal Steel, Tata Steel, Jindal Stainless, JSW Steel, and AMNS.
• S.K. Popli (IFS, Retd.) has been appointed as the Secretary General of OSPA.
• The election meeting saw participation from representatives of 15 leading steelmakers and miners.
• Odisha is India's largest producer of steel and iron ore.

Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao Received 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award For Climate-Resilient Agriculture

[Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)]

Key Updates:

• Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao received the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award For Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
• The award was instituted by the Retired Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Employees Association in collaboration with Nuziveedu Seeds Limited.
• The award honours agricultural scientists for bolstering India's food security.
• This edition coincides with the birth centenary of Prof. Swaminathan, known as the father of India's Green Revolution.
• Dr. Rao was recognised for his work in climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management.
• His contributions include scaling resource conservation technologies across millions of hectares and developing district-level contingency plans.
• The event was attended by former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Nuziveedu Seeds chairman Mandava Prabhakar Rao, and association president Vidya Sagar Rao.

Rakesh Bhanot appointed acting Director General of Competition Commission of India (CCI)

[Competition Commission of India (CCI)]

Key Updates:

• Rakesh Bhanot, an advisor at the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has been appointed as the acting Director General (DG).
• He succeeds Ansuman Pattanaik, who was appointed as the additional secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) on March 31, 2026.
• The CCI has extended the deadline for applying for the full-time DG post until May 5, 2026.
• The DG's office is responsible for investigating all contraventions against the Competition Act.
• The DG's office is currently investigating cases involving Indigo Airlines for abuse of dominant position and Google for its practices in digital advertising.
• Amendments made to the Competition Act in 2023 empower the commission to appoint the DG with prior approval from the Centre.
• Section 16 of the Competition Act stipulates that the DG and other director generals be appointed from persons of integrity and outstanding ability with experience in investigation and knowledge of accountancy, management, business, public administration, international trade, law, or economics.

Bhagwandas Raikwar, Padma Shri Awardee and Bundelkhand Martial Art Pioneer, Passes Away

Key Updates:

• Padma Shri awardee Bhagwandas Raikwar, a pioneer of the Bundelkhand martial art form Akhada, passed away at the age of 82 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal.
• Raikwar was honoured with the Padma Shri in the Bundeli Martial Arts category under the Unsung Heroes segment during the 2026 Republic Day celebrations.
• Born on January 2, 1944, he dedicated his life to the preservation of Bundeli martial arts and served as the Ustad (master) of the Chhatrasal Vyayamshala.
• He is credited with transforming the traditional Akhada and Bundeli martial arts into a format suitable for stage performances.
• His demonstrations featured combat techniques involving traditional weapons such as the lathi (staff), bhala (spear), dhal (shield), talwar (sword), and trishul (trident).

Balbir Punj passes away as former Rajya Sabha MP and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader

Key Updates:

• Balbir Punj, aged 76, passed away on April 18, 2026.
• He served as a former Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha and as a former vice president of the BJP.
• He was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from a young age.
• He began his career as a journalist in 1971 with the newspaper The Motherland.
• He served at the Financial Express for two decades.
• He was the executive editor of The Observer of Business and Politics from May 1996 to March 2000.