Daily Current Affairs: 22 April 2026

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projects India's economy to grow at 6.4% in 2026

[United Nations]

Key Updates:

• The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projected India's economic growth at 6.4% for 2026 and 6.6% for 2027 in its Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026 report.
• India's growth rate reached 7.4% in 2025, driven by rural economy consumption, goods and services tax rate cuts, and export frontloading.
• Inflation in India is projected to be 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027.
• Economies in South and South-West Asia grew by 5.4% in 2025, compared to 5.2% in 2024.
• India attracted the largest share of greenfield FDI in the first three quarters with USD 50 billion, followed by Australia (USD 30 billion), Republic of Korea (USD 25 billion), and Kazakhstan (USD 21 billion).
• India was the world's largest remittance recipient in 2024 with USD 137 billion.
• The United States has levied a 1% tax on all remittances since January 2026.
• The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated 16.6 million green jobs globally, with 1.3 million (8%) in India, 7.3 million (44%) in China, and 2.5 million (15%) in the rest of Asia.
• India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme provides incentives for domestic manufacturing of solar photovoltaic, batteries, and green hydrogen.

State Bank of India (SBI) targets balance-sheet size of 25% of India's GDP by 2030

[State Bank of India (SBI)]

Key Updates:

• State Bank of India (SBI) aims to expand its balance-sheet to approximately 25 per cent of India's GDP by 2030, increasing from the current level of about 20 per cent.
• SBI plans to improve its market share by one per cent in each of the 800 districts in India in FY27.
• As of December 2025, the balance-sheet of SBI stood at ₹71.62 lakh crore.
• The total business of SBI as of December 2025 was ₹103.29 lakh crore, comprising deposits of ₹57.01 lakh crore and advances of ₹46.28 lakh crore.
• SBI's market share in deposits and advances stood at approximately 22 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively, as of December 2025.
• The bank aims to rank among the top 10 global banks by market capitalisation, compared to its 27th position in November 2025.
• SBI intends to activate at least 25 per cent of its unclaimed deposits, which amount to ₹19,500 crore.
• The bank will deploy Seva Sarathis (service guides) in 10,000 high footfall branches.
• SBI launched the YONO 2.0 mobile banking app in 2025 and targets onboarding over 20 crore users, up from the current 10 crore.
• SBI serves approximately 53 crore customers through 23,125 domestic and 244 foreign branches or offices.
• The bank's asset expansion strategy focuses on the corporate segment and RAM (retail, agriculture and MSME) segments.

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) projects India's economy to grow at 6.4% in 2026

[United Nations (UN)]

Key Updates:

• The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026.
• India's economic growth is projected to be 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027.
• India's growth rate for 2025 was 7.4%, supported by rural consumption, goods and services tax rate cuts, and export frontloading.
• Inflation in India is projected to be 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027.
• India attracted the largest share of greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Asia-Pacific region during the first three quarters with USD 50 billion.
• Other top greenfield FDI recipients in the Asia-Pacific region include Australia (USD 30 billion), Republic of Korea (USD 25 billion), and Kazakhstan (USD 21 billion).
• India was the world's largest remittance recipient in 2024 with USD 137 billion.
• The United States has levied a 1% tax on all remittances since January 2026.
• According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India accounts for 8% of global green jobs with 1.3 million positions, compared to 7.3 million (44%) in China and 2.5 million (15%) in the rest of Asia.
• The report cited India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for high-efficiency solar modules, batteries, and green hydrogen to foster green industrial development.

Samriddh Gram Initiative nominated for WSIS Prizes 2026

[World Summit on the Information Society]

Key Updates:

• The Samriddh Gram: Integrated Phygital Service Delivery Model is enabled by BharatNet, an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• The initiative has been nominated for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026 under the Action Line AL C6: Enabling Environment category.
• The project establishes Samriddhi Kendras as one-stop community hubs providing integrated services in healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, financial inclusion, and e-commerce.
• The model utilizes high-speed broadband, Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity, and public Wi-Fi to enable telemedicine, smart classrooms, and digital governance services.
• Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated India's first Samriddhi Kendra at Umri Village in Guna district, Madhya Pradesh.
• The WSIS Forum 2026 is scheduled to be held from 6–10 July 2026 in Geneva.

Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief Hike: 2% Increase for Central Government Employees and Pensioners

Key Updates:

• The Union Cabinet approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners, effective from 1 January 2026.
• The DA rate has been raised from 58% to 60% of basic pay.
• The hike benefits approximately 50.46 lakh central government employees and 68.27 lakh pensioners.
• The annual financial implication on the exchequer is estimated at ₹6,791.24 crore.
• The revision is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
• DA and DR are revised twice annually, on 1 January and 1 July, based on the All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers published by the Labour Bureau.
• The December 2025 index data showed a 12-month average of 145.54 points, resulting in a calculated DA rate of 60.33%, rounded down to 60%.
• The decision was announced by the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

PM VIKAS Scheme: Skill development for minority youth in Bihar

[Ministry of Minority Affairs (India), Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT Patna)]

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT Patna) under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme.
• The initiative will provide training to 600 minority youth from Bihar in emerging job roles, specifically Artificial Intelligence Technocrat and Business Analytics Executive.
• The PM VIKAS scheme focuses on bridging the skill gap and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through modern, technology-driven training.
• The agreement was exchanged in the presence of MoMA Director Neha Giri and IIT Patna Director Professor T. N. Singh.

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and ABDM: Digital-First Future charted at NHA Chintan Shivir

[National Health Authority (NHA)]

Key Updates:

• The National Health Authority (NHA) conducted a two-day Chintan Shivir in Pune to accelerate healthcare transformation for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
• The National Medical Commission (NMC) announced that the integration of hospital management systems (HMIS) with ABDM platforms is now mandatory.
• Service delivery in medical colleges will be evaluated based on Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)-linked patient data.
• The ABDM State Adoption Index, developed with World Bank support, tracks performance across core digital registries, adoption and usage metrics, and budget utilisation.
• The NHA is working to integrate multiple schemes, including PM RAHAT, onto the PM-JAY platform.
• Karnataka implemented an online referral system to optimise resource utilisation and strengthen public healthcare institutions.
• Gujarat introduced clinical governance reforms comprising Online Tumor Board Certification, digital verification mechanisms, and data-driven monitoring systems.
• PM-JAY incentives were utilised to upgrade infrastructure at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
• The NHA presented 18 PM-JAY Awards across categories including pre-authorisation efficiency, bio-authentication, training completion, and claims processing.
• ABDM Awards for digital adoption were granted to Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tripura.
• The event discussed the System Integrator Model to achieve scalable and standardised digital health integration across India.
• Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NHA.

Bulgaria holds Parliamentary Elections on 19 April 2026 with Progressive Bulgaria victory

[Bulgaria]

Key Updates:

• The Progressive Bulgaria (PB) party emerged as the winner of Bulgaria's eighth parliamentary election in five years held on 19 April 2026.
• Rumen Radev, leader of the PB, will be the next prime minister of Bulgaria.
• The PB secured 44.7 per cent of the vote and is likely to secure approximately 130 of the 240 seats in parliament.
• The centre-right GERB party secured 13.4 per cent of the vote, and the reformist PP-DB coalition secured 12.7 per cent.
• Rumen Radev is a former air force commander who served as the president of Bulgaria for nearly a decade.
• Radev opposed a 10-year defence pact concluded between Bulgaria and Ukraine in March.
• European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen commented on Bulgaria's role as a member of the European family following the election.

India and South Korea sign 16 MoUs on 20 April 2026 to enhance trade and technology ties

[South Korea]

Key Updates:

• India and South Korea signed 16 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) on 20 April 2026, focusing on e-mobility, green energy, and advanced manufacturing.
• The two nations aim to double bilateral trade from $27 billion to $54 billion by 2030, targeting an annual growth rate of approximately 18 per cent.
• Priority sectors identified for cooperation include semiconductors, electronics, e-mobility, green energy, shipbuilding, and digital trade.
• An India-Korea Industrial Cooperation Committee has been established with four working groups covering trade, industry, strategic resources, and clean energy.
• Both countries are working to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was originally signed in 2009.
• The partnership envisions the establishment of a Korea-specific industrial township in India with plug-and-play infrastructure to boost investment.
• Cooperation was established under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement to enable carbon market collaboration through the trading of emission reductions.
• India and South Korea reiterated their respective net-zero targets of 2070 and 2050.
• Diplomatic relations between India and South Korea were established in 1973.
• Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States is almost finalised.

Ministry of Home Affairs receives DRDO-developed 'Prajna' satellite imaging system for security support

[Defence Research and Development Organisation, Ministry of Home Affairs (India), Indian Navy]

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) received 'Prajna', an indigenously developed AI-enabled satellite imaging system.
• The system was developed by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Prajna is designed to enhance real-time decision support for security agencies, monitor sensitive regions, and support counter-terrorism operations.
• DRDO and the Indian Navy conducted successful in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container 'ADC-150' from the P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1.
• The ADC-150 is designed to deliver a 150 kg payload to provide quick response to naval vessels requiring critical stores, equipment, or medical assistance at sea.
• The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, served as the nodal laboratory for the ADC-150 activity.
• The parachute system for the ADC-150 was developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra.
• The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Bengaluru, provided the flight clearance and certification for the ADC-150.
• The Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, provided the instrumentation support for the ADC-150 trials.

Japan relaxes arms export rules to sell lethal weapons to 17 countries

[Japan]

Key Updates:

• Japan has relaxed restrictions on arms exports, allowing the sale of lethal weapons to 17 countries with which it has defence agreements, including the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK).
• The previous restrictions limited arms exports to five categories: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping.
• The policy change was announced under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who assumed office in October 2025.
• A ban on arms sales to countries involved in conflict remains in place, except for those that have defence pacts with Japan.
• Japan's Self-Defence Forces (SDF) participated as combatants for the first time in annual war games between the US and the Philippines.
• Japan's post-World War Two constitution, written in 1947, contains Article 9 which renounces war.
• Previous shifts in defence policy include the 2014 relaxation of the blanket ban on military sales by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the 2023 allowance of finished lethal weapon exports by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Pakistan puts $1.5 billion weapons sale to Sudan on hold following Saudi Arabia objection

[Pakistan, Sudan]

Key Updates:

• Pakistan has suspended a $1.5 billion agreement to supply weapons and jets to Sudan.
• The deal was put on hold after Saudi Arabia requested its termination and declined to finance the purchase.
• The conflict in Sudan involves the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
• Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defence pact last year, treating aggression against either nation as an attack on both.
• A separate $4 billion deal between Pakistan and the Libyan National Army is also reportedly in jeopardy.

Bulgaria Parliamentary Elections 2026: Progressive Bulgaria Party Wins

[Bulgaria]

Key Updates:

• The Progressive Bulgaria (PB) party emerged as the winner of Bulgaria's eighth parliamentary election in five years held on 19 April 2026.
• Rumen Radev, leader of PB and former president of Bulgaria, will be the next prime minister.
• PB secured 44.7% of the vote and is likely to secure approximately 130 of the 240 seats in parliament.
• The centre-right GERB party secured 13.4% of the vote, and the reformist PP-DB coalition secured 12.7%.
• Rumen Radev, a former air force commander, has opposed providing military support to Ukraine and a 10-year defence pact concluded between Bulgaria and Ukraine in March.
• The election was called after the cabinet of former Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced its resignation in December.
• Bulgaria is a member state of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Titagarh Naval Systems launches fourth diving support craft A23 for Indian Navy on 20 April 2026

[Titagarh Naval Systems, Indian Navy (India)]

Key Updates:

• Titagarh Naval Systems Ltd (TNSL), a subsidiary of Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd, launched the fourth diving support craft (DSC) A23 (Yard 328) for the Indian Navy.
• The A23 vessel is part of a series of five DSCs being built under the Government of India's Make in India programme.
• The DSCs are catamaran-type vessels designed for underwater inspection, repair, maintenance, and salvage operations in harbour and near-shore areas.
• These vessels will also serve as training platforms for naval diving personnel.
• The vessel was side-launched into the Hooghly River.
• TNSL is developing a shipyard at Falta in West Bengal, spread over about 50 acres, with a capacity to build 12–16 vessels annually.
• The Falta shipyard can handle ships up to 180 metres in length and currently has an order book of over ₹500 crore.

Goldman Environmental Foundation honours first all-women cohort for 2026 Prize

Key Updates:

• The Goldman Environmental Foundation announced an all-female cohort of six winners for the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize.
• Sasha Finch, a UK-based campaigner, is among the winners for her work opposing fossil fuel expansion and new oil drilling projects.
• Other winners from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe were recognised for initiatives in forest conservation, water protection, anti-mining campaigns, and defending Indigenous land rights.
• The Goldman Environmental Foundation has honoured a total of 239 winners from 98 countries, including 112 women.
• John Goldman is the vice-president of the foundation.

India Identified as Cradle of Jamun Evolution

[Australia]

Key Updates:

• A new study indicates that the genus Syzygium (Jamun) has an East Gondwanan origin dating back to approximately 80 million years ago, with India serving as a major centre of early diversification.
• The research was led by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), along with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) and Tribhuvan University.
• Fossil specimens were collected from the Kasauli Formation in Himachal Pradesh, dating back approximately 20 million years.
• Researchers identified 11 well-preserved fossil leaves from the Early Miocene deposits as Syzygium paleosalicifolium Sadanand, Bhatia et Srivastav.
• Evidence suggests the genus was present in the Indian region since the early Eocene (55 million years ago) and subsequently dispersed to Australia and Southeast Asia.
• The study was published in the Journal of Palaeogeography.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Astronaut Captures Lyrid Meteor Shower from International Space Station (ISS)

[National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)]

Key Updates:

• A National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut captured photographs of the Lyrid meteor shower from the International Space Station (ISS).
• The images were recorded by astronaut Jessica Meir from the ISS cupola, a module with windows specifically used for photography and observing Earth.
• The Lyrid meteor shower reaches its maximum activity annually on April 21 and 22.
• The phenomenon occurs when Earth encounters dust particles from a comet, which heat up due to friction upon entering the atmosphere.
• The shower is named the Lyrids because the meteors appear to originate from the Lyra constellation, known as the radiant.
• Observers in the Northern Hemisphere are advised to look towards the East to view the shower.
• The photographs were captured using a three-second exposure.
• The ISS is visible from Earth as a bright, steadily moving object without the need for telescopic equipment.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Receives DRDO-Developed Satellite Imaging System 'Prajna'

[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)]

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has received 'Prajna', an indigenously developed AI-enabled satellite imaging system.
• Prajna was developed by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The system is intended to enhance real-time decision support for security agencies, monitor sensitive regions, and support counter-terrorism operations.
• DRDO and the Indian Navy conducted in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container 'ADC-150' from the P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1.
• The ADC-150 is designed to deliver a 150 kg payload to enhance naval operational logistics for providing quick response to vessels under distress.
• The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, served as the nodal laboratory for the ADC-150 activity.
• The parachute system for the ADC-150 was developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra.
• Flight clearance and certification for the ADC-150 were provided by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Bengaluru.
• Instrumentation support for the ADC-150 trials was provided by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad.

Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Jumps Automation LLP Partner to Launch AI-Powered Cybersecurity Platform

[Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Jumps Automation]

Key Updates:

• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the Government of India's premier telecom R&D institution, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jumps Automation LLP to develop a gamification-based cybersecurity awareness platform.
• The collaboration is formalised under the C-DOT Collaborative Research Programme (CCRP) and is tailored for individuals, enterprises, and institutions.
• The platform features a dynamic gaming arena, leaderboards, Learning Management System (LMS) modules, interactive discussion forums, and simulation-driven scenarios.
• The simulation-driven scenarios cover phishing detection, malware response, social engineering tactics, and crisis management.
• The platform incorporates an AI-powered behavioural analytics engine to monitor user performance and dynamically adjust the complexity of challenges.
• The solution will be developed, tested, and validated at C-DOT facilities in New Delhi to ensure compliance with national security standards.
• The platform is expected to be launched as a commercial-grade Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution.
• The initiative is designed to support the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by building indigenous, scalable cybersecurity solutions.

Indian Shooters Participate in ISSF Junior World Cup in Egypt

[International Shooting Sport Federation]

Key Updates:

• The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup is being held in Cairo, Egypt.
• The competitions are taking place at the Egypt International Olympic City.
• India is represented by a contingent of 71 athletes.
• Athletes from 25 countries, including Egypt and Russia, are participating in the event.
• Indian athletes participating in the event include Shambhavi Kshirsagar and Shiva Narwal.
• The competition features events such as 10m Air Rifle Women, 10m Air Pistol Men, and 25m Pistol Precision.
• The ISSF Junior World Cup serves as a prelude to the Junior World Championships in Germany.

IIT Madras introduces OmegaBall in India

Key Updates:

• Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) introduced OmegaBall in India.
• The inter-college OmegaBall tournament was organised by the Institute Gymkhana and the Office of the Dean (Students) on April 17, 2026.
• The tournament was held at the IIT Madras campus football field.
• OmegaBall is a football variation played by three teams on a circular field with three goalposts, where each team attacks two goals and defends one.
• Participating institutions included Loyola College of Engineering and Technology, Guru Nanak College of Arts and Science, Dr Ambedkar Law University, The New College, Nazareth College of Arts and Science, Saveetha University, YMCA College of Physical Education, and IIT Madras student teams.
• IIT Madras plans to establish an IIT Madras OmegaBall Club at the national level to promote the sport.
• The sport is played in the United States, Brazil, and parts of Europe.

Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka win Laureus World Sports Awards 2026

Key Updates:

• Carlos Alcaraz was named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.
• Aryna Sabalenka was named the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year.
• Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was named Team of the Year.
• Lando Norris received the Breakthrough of the Year award.
• Rory McIlroy won the Comeback of the Year award.
• Gabriel Araújo of Brazil was named the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.
• Chloe Kim of the United States won the Action Sportsperson of the Year award.
• Lamine Yamal was crowned the Young Sportsperson of the Year.
• Toni Kroos of Germany received the Sporting Inspiration Award.
• Fútbol Más won the Sport for Good Award.
• Nadia Comăneci of Romania received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award.
• The 2026 award ceremony was hosted by Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu.

Aronyak Ghosh becomes India's 95th Grandmaster

Key Updates:

• Aronyak Ghosh from Kolkata became the 95th Grandmaster (GM) of India.
• He achieved his final GM norm at the Bangkok Chess Club Open, finishing tied for first place with a score of 7/9.
• Ghosh won the rapid section of the Nationals at Ranchi with a score of 9.5/11.
• He secured his first GM norm in August 2022 at the 23rd Sants International Open in Spain.
• He achieved his second GM norm at the Annemasse Masters.
• He won bronze medals at the U16s, World Youth, and Pune Nationals.
• Ghosh is an employee of the Eastern Railway.
• His career-high Elo rating is 2555.
• He crossed the 2500 rating mark at the Athens of East meet in Madurai.

World Creativity and Innovation Day observed on April 21

Key Updates:

• World Creativity and Innovation Day is observed on April 21.
• The initiative was promoted by Marci Segal from Toronto, Canada, and officially started in 2001.
• April 21 was chosen as the date because it comes just before Earth Day to highlight the role of creativity in sustainability.
• The United Nations (UN) officially recognised the day in 2017.

UN Chinese Language Day observed on 20 April with theme 'Fluent Futures Forum: Chinese Learning and Youth Engagement for a Multilingual UN 2.0 World'

[United Nations, China]

Key Updates:

• The United Nations (UN) Chinese Language Day virtual forum is scheduled for 20 April.
• The theme for the event is “Fluent Futures Forum: Chinese Learning and Youth Engagement for a Multilingual UN 2.0 World”.
• The forum is organised by the Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) in the Capacity Development and Operational Training Services (CDOTS) within the Office of Support Operations (OSO) of the Department of Operational Support (DOS).
• The programme includes a keynote address by the UN Youth Office.

Arthur Law Named Young Global Leader 2026 by World Economic Forum (WEF)

[World Economic Forum]

Key Updates:

• Arthur Law, Co-founder and Managing Principal of Storefriendly Asia, was named a Young Global Leader 2026 by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
• He was recognised for redefining urban living by enabling households and businesses to reclaim space in densely populated cities.
• The WEF Young Global Leaders community identifies exceptional leaders under the age of 40.
• The 2026 cohort comprises 118 individuals from 55 countries.
• The network includes more than 1,400 members and alumni across over 120 countries.
• Arthur Law serves as Steward of The KALE Foundation.
• Law is an Oxford-graduated mathematician who previously worked at Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and ACE & Company.

John Ternus Appointed CEO of Apple

[Apple]

Key Updates:

• John Ternus will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Apple on September 1.
• Ternus, a 25-year veteran of Apple, previously served as the senior vice president of hardware engineering.
• Tim Cook, who succeeded co-founder Steve Jobs as CEO in 2011, will step down from the position.
• Tim Cook will become the executive chairman of Apple's board of directors, replacing Arthur Levinson.
• Under Cook's tenure, Apple's market value increased by approximately $3.6 trillion.
• Cook oversaw the launch of the Apple Watch and AirPods, as well as services including Apple Pay, Apple TV, and Apple Music.

Six Women Leaders Win 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize

Key Updates:

• The Goldman Environmental Foundation announced the recipients of the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize.
• For the first time in its history, the prize has been awarded to an all-female cohort consisting of six environmental activists.
• Sasha Finch, a United Kingdom-based campaigner, was recognised for her work against fossil fuel expansion and oil drilling projects.
• The other winners represent regions across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
• The recipients were honoured for initiatives including forest conservation, water protection, anti-mining campaigns, and defending Indigenous land rights.
• The Goldman Environmental Foundation has honoured a total of 239 winners from 98 countries, including 112 women.
• John Goldman serves as the vice-president of the foundation.

Desmond Morris Dies Veteran Zoologist and Author

Key Updates:

• Desmond Morris was a British zoologist, broadcaster, and author who died at the age of 98.
• He authored the 1967 international bestseller 'The Naked Ape: A Zoologist’s Study of the Human Animal', which sold over 10 million copies across more than 36 countries.
• His notable works include 'The Human Zoo', which examined the impact of urban life on human behaviour, and 'Manwatching', a guide to body language and social conduct.
• Throughout his career, he published more than 90 titles covering human behaviour, animals, art, and popular culture.
• He appeared on the Zootime TV Programme at London Zoo in 1956.

Joginipally Santosh Kumar Honoured as Global Green Icon

[United Kingdom]

Key Updates:

• Joginipally Santosh Kumar, a former Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha, was conferred the title of "Global Green Icon" at the World Climate Leaders Conclave held at the House of Lords in London, United Kingdom (UK).
• The award recognised his contributions to ecological restoration, large-scale afforestation, and citizen-led climate action initiatives from the Global South.
• He is the founder of the Green India Challenge, a citizen-led afforestation movement that mobilises students and farmers across India for tree planting and ecological rewilding.
• The recognition highlighted the Telanganaku Haritha Haram programme in Telangana, which aimed to increase the state's green cover from 21 per cent to 33 per cent by planting 2.8 billion trees.
• The Telanganaku Haritha Haram programme resulted in a nearly 8 per cent increase in green cover and an increase in the tiger population in the Nallamala forest region from 12 to 44.
• Joginipally Santosh Kumar serves as the Chairman of the Igniting Minds Organisation, a section-8 non-profit.
• His environmental work has received recognition at international forums, including the Conference of the Parties (COP29) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16.

National Civil Services Day observed on April 21

Key Updates:

• National Civil Services Day is observed annually on April 21.
• The Government of India began celebrating National Civil Services Day in 2006 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
• The day commemorates the address by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the newly appointed officers of the Indian Civil Services on April 21, 1947, where he termed them the Steel Frame of India.
• The Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration is presented on this day, which includes a medal, scroll, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.
• India's civil services include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and various All-India and Central Services.
• Charles Cornwallis is referred to as the Father of Indian Civil Services for reforming and structuring the services and introducing the division between covenanted and uncovenanted services.
• Warren Hastings laid the foundations of the Indian Civil Services.