Daily Current Affairs: 25 April 2026

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancels licence of Paytm Payments Bank

[Reserve Bank of India, Paytm Payments Bank]

Key Updates:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank on April 24, 2026, under Section 22(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• The RBI cited that the bank's business was conducted in a manner harmful to depositors' interest and failed to comply with the conditions stipulated in its licence.
• Paytm Payments Bank received a limited banking licence in 2015 and commenced operations in May 2017.
• In March 2022, the RBI directed the bank to stop onboarding new customers.
• The RBI barred the bank from accepting fresh deposits and credits after March 15, 2024, except for interest, refunds, cashbacks, and sweep-ins.
• As of March 2025, the bank recorded total deposits of ₹13.95 billion and a loss of ₹946.4 million.
• The RBI announced it would approach the High Court for the winding up of the bank.
• The parent company of the bank is One 97 Communications.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service reports Brazil as largest corn exporter to Bangladesh

[Bangladesh]

Key Updates:

• Brazil has overtaken India as the top supplier of corn to Bangladesh.
• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service reported that Brazil accounted for 78 per cent of Bangladesh's total corn imports till February in the 2025-26 marketing year.
• India and the United States (US) each held 11 per cent of Bangladesh's corn imports during the same period.
• Bangladesh imported nearly 1.5 million tonnes (mt) of corn till February in the 2025-26 marketing year.
• The USDA pegged Bangladesh's total corn imports for the 2025-26 marketing year at 1.8 mt, which is 27.2 per cent higher than the previous year.
• In calendar 2022, India exported 3.55 mt of maize, of which Bangladesh accounted for 1.82 mt.
• India's maize exports to Bangladesh decreased to over 0.55 mt in 2023, 16,266 tonnes in 2024, and 11,991 tonnes in 2025.
• The US exported approximately 160,000 tonnes of corn to Bangladesh in the 2025-26 marketing year, returning to the market after a gap since 2018.
• India's maize exports have recently gained traction in Nepal and Vietnam.

Eveready Industries India Ltd commissions ₹200 crore alkaline battery plant in Jammu

[Eveready]

Key Updates:

• Eveready Industries India Ltd (Eveready) has commissioned an alkaline battery manufacturing facility in Samba, Jammu and Kashmir, with an investment of around ₹200 crore.
• The plant is the only operating alkaline battery manufacturing facility in India.
• The facility has an annual installed capacity of 456 million units and a peak production capacity of approximately 360 million units.
• The plant is expected to generate over 500 direct and indirect jobs at full scale.
• The facility includes a 1 MW rooftop solar installation with an annual generation of around 1.2 million units, a rainwater harvesting capacity of 275 KLD, and a zero-discharge system.
• The alkaline battery portfolio of Eveready is approaching a 20 per cent market share.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) partners with Kiwi to expand credit on UPI for 180 million customers

[Punjab National Bank, Kiwi, RuPay]

Key Updates:

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has partnered with Kiwi to launch the RuPay-based PNB Kiwi Credit Card.
• The collaboration aims to introduce credit-enabled Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments to 180 million customers.
• The PNB Kiwi Credit Card offers fully digital onboarding, UPI integration, and cashback on online transactions ranging from 0.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent.
• PNB operates over 10,000 branches, with 60 per cent of these located in semi-urban and rural regions.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants Centralised Payment System (CPS) membership to Pay Point India Network

[Pay Point India, Reserve Bank of India]

Key Updates:

• Pay Point India Network has become the first private-sector fintech to gain membership in the Centralised Payment System (CPS) operated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Access to CPS was previously limited to banks and institutions including National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL), Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), and stock exchanges.
• Pay Point India now has direct access to Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) without relying on partner banks.
• The company has been assigned its own IFSC code and maintains a current account and a settlement account directly with the RBI.
• RTGS is used for large-value, real-time transactions, while NEFT supports smaller, retail payments processed in batches.
• Both RTGS and NEFT operate 24/7 throughout the year.

Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS): Eligibility expanded to final-year students

[Ministry of Corporate Affairs (India)]

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is piloting the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS).
• Eligibility for the PMIS pilot phase has been expanded to include final-year students in graduate and postgraduate programmes.
• Eligible students must be between 18-25 years of age to apply for paid internships in top companies through the PMIS portal.
• Interns under the PMIS will receive a minimum financial assistance of ₹9,000 per month.
• Applicants are required to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective educational institutions.
• The MCA formalised these changes in consultation with the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
• The scheme supports the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) regarding experiential learning, student employability, and skill development.
• The third round of the PMIS pilot phase is currently underway.

Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme: ₹203 Crore Outlay

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Communications unveiled the revised Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme for 2026–31 with an outlay of ₹203 crore.
• The TDIP aims to strengthen indigenous innovation, fast-track next-generation technologies such as 6G, and elevate India's role in global telecom standard-setting.
• The scheme provides financial assistance for Indian stakeholders to engage with international platforms including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 3GPP, and oneM2M.
• The revised guidelines expand participation to include startups, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), academia, research institutions, telecom operators, and industry players.
• Implementation will be carried out through the Telecommunications Standards Development Society India (TSDS India), Telecom Centres of Excellence India (TCOE India), and Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL).
• The TDIP complements the Telecom Technology Development Fund and the Bharat 6G Mission.

CM-INSPIRE: Financial assistance for UPSC aspirants

[Meghalaya, Union Public Service Commission]

Key Updates:

• The Meghalaya government launched the CM-INSPIRE initiative to provide financial assistance to candidates appearing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination.
• Under the scheme, candidates who qualify for the UPSC Preliminary Examination will receive ₹50,000.
• Candidates who qualify for the UPSC Mains examination will receive ₹1 lakh.
• The Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute will serve as the nodal organisation for handling applications and verifying eligibility.
• The initiative aims to enhance the attendance and pass rates of Meghalaya candidates in the competitive exams offered by the UPSC.

India welcomes Japan's review of Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology

[Japan]

Key Updates:

• India welcomed Japan's review of the Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology to expand bilateral defence cooperation and industrial collaboration.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the move aligns with the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
• The review aims to ease constraints on defence exports, allowing transfers under tighter but more flexible conditions, particularly to trusted partners.
• Both nations committed to deepening practical cooperation in line with their Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation.
• Defence engagement between the two countries includes the 2+2 dialogue, joint exercises, and maritime cooperation.
• The shift is expected to facilitate technology sharing, supply chain integration, and the co-development of defence platforms.

Turkiye passes bill to restrict social media access for children under 15

[Turkey]

Key Updates:

• Turkish MPs passed a bill restricting social media access for children under 15.
• The legislation mandates that social media platforms install age-verification systems and provide parental control tools.
• Digital platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram must block children under 15 from opening accounts.
• Online gaming companies are required to appoint a representative in Turkiye to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
• Penalties for non-compliance include fines and internet bandwidth reductions imposed by Turkiye's communications watchdog.
• Australia implemented social media restrictions for children under 16 in December, resulting in the revocation of approximately 4.7 million accounts.
• Indonesia introduced regulations banning children under 16 from digital platforms that could expose them to pornography, cyberbullying, online scams, and addiction.
• Spain, France, and the United Kingdom are also considering or taking measures to restrict children's access to social media.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung conducts three-day state visit to India on 19 April 2026

[South Korea]

Key Updates:

• South Korean President Lee Jae-myung arrived in India for a three-day state visit, the first by a South Korean leader in over eight years.
• The visit aims to advance the India–South Korea Special Strategic Partnership, a status elevated in 2015.
• President Lee Jae-myung, who took office in June 2025, will hold a bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House.
• The bilateral talks will focus on expanding cooperation in semiconductors, defence production, green energy, trade, and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
• The South Korean President is scheduled to attend a business forum at Bharat Mandapam and meet President Droupadi Murmu.
• The Special Strategic Partnership between New Delhi and Seoul covers cooperation in manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, and defence.

India and Sri Lanka conduct 4th joint diving exercise from April 21-27, 2026

Key Updates:

• The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nireekshak, a diving support and submarine rescue vessel of the Indian Navy (IN), arrived at the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• The vessel is participating in the 4th India-Sri Lanka joint diving exercise scheduled from April 21-27, 2026.
• The ship is commanded by Commander Sailesh Kumar Tyagi.
• Under the Indian government's Aarogya Maitri initiative, the ship will present two BHISM cubes to the Sri Lankan authorities.
• The IN will hand over 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN).
• The maritime engagement is aligned with the vision of MAHASAGAR to foster stability, cooperation, and collective growth in the Indian Ocean Region.

Ministry of Jal Shakti to host 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) in September 2026

[Delhi]

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Jal Shakti will host the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) from September 22-26, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
• The theme for the IIWW is Climate Resilient Water Management.
• Conceptualised in 2012, the IIWW is held biennially to advance innovation, global partnerships, and knowledge-sharing in water governance.
• The event will comprise 49 sessions with participation from 11 country delegations, six Union Ministries, and 16 States and Union Territories.
• The IIWW will feature thematic forums including the Global Water Leaders Forum, Business Forum, Country Forum, Youth Forum, and Startup Forum.
• The event will run alongside the Second International Water Sanitation and Hygiene Conference 2026.

National Panchayati Raj Day observed on April 24

Key Updates:

• National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated annually on April 24.
• The theme for National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 is “Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas" (Empowered Panchayats, Holistic Development).
• The day commemorates the implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, which came into effect on April 24, 1993.
• The Panchayati Raj system operates on a three-tier structure: Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (intermediate level), and Zilla Parishad (district level).
• e-GramSwaraj is an online platform aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in Panchayat administration.
• The observance aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
• Panchayat elections are held every five years, with at least 50% of seats reserved for women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• India currently has 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats, 6,687 Panchayat Samitis, and 666 Zilla Panchayats.
• National Panchayati Raj Day has been an annual event since its establishment in 2010.

Herjit S. Bhalla Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Dabur India

[Dabur]

Key Updates:

• Herjit S. Bhalla has joined Dabur India as the chief executive officer (CEO) for its India business, effective April 23, 2026.
• Mohit Malhotra has been elevated to the role of whole-time director and global CEO of Dabur India.
• Prior to this appointment, Bhalla served as the vice-president, Canada and global customers at the Hershey Company.
• Bhalla has an over eight-year tenure at the Hershey Company across roles in Canada, Asia-Pacific, West Asia, and Africa.
• Bhalla has spent more than two decades in roles at Metro Cash & Carry and Hindustan Unilever (HUL).

Rajneesh Karnatak, Debadatta Chand and Ashutosh Choudhury granted tenure extensions as Bank CEOs and Executive Director

[Bank of India, Bank of Baroda]

Key Updates:

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the tenure extensions via an official order dated April 22.
• Rajneesh Karnatak received a three-year extension as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bank of India (BoI) beyond August 28, 2026.
• Debadatta Chand received a three-year extension as MD and CEO of Bank of Baroda (BoB) beyond June 30, 2026.
• Ashutosh Choudhury received a three-year extension as Executive Director at Indian Bank beyond May 2, 2026.
• The approvals were cleared following proposals from the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance.

Parminder Singh appointed CEO of Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Ltd

[Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited]

Key Updates:

• Parminder Singh has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Ltd (REIL).
• REIL is a joint venture between Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Meta Platforms.
• REIL was incorporated in India on October 24, 2025.
• The company focuses on developing, marketing, and distributing sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for Indian enterprises.
• RIL holds a 70% stake in REIL, while Meta Platforms holds the remaining 30% equity.

General Upendra Dwivedi inducted into International Hall of Fame of US Army War College

[United States, US Army War College]

Key Updates:

• General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), was inducted into the International Hall of Fame of the US Army War College (AWC) in Pennsylvania.
• General Dwivedi is the third Indian head of the army to receive this honour, following General V K Singh and General Bikram Singh.
• During his visit to the AWC at Carlisle Barracks, General Dwivedi addressed faculty and international student officers on leadership, professional military education, and security dynamics.
• General Dwivedi was accorded a Guard of Honour at Fort Shafter, the headquarters of the United States Army Pacific, in Hawaii.
• He held discussions with General Ronald P. Clark, the Commanding General of the US Army Pacific, to strengthen India-US defence cooperation.
• The visit follows recent trips to the US by Air Chief Amar Preet Singh and Navy chief Dinesh Tripathi.

Srikanth Velamakanni Appointed Chairperson of National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom)

[National Association of Software and Service Companies]

Key Updates:

• Srikanth Velamakanni, cofounder and group CEO of Fractal, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom).
• He succeeds Sindhu Gangadharan, Managing Director of SAP Labs India, who completes her term as Chairperson in April 2026.
• Kishor Patil, CEO and Managing Director at KPIT, has been elected as the Vice Chairperson of Nasscom.
• Srikanth Velamakanni previously served as the Vice Chairperson of Nasscom and as an Executive Council member for over six years.
• Velamakanni will work with Nasscom President Rajesh Nambiar and the Executive Council to steer the industry's agenda.

Rajesh Kumar Agarwal assumed charge as Director (Finance) of Power Finance Corporation (PFC)

[Power Finance Corporation]

Key Updates:

• Rajesh Kumar Agarwal assumed charge as Director (Finance) at the state-owned Power Finance Corporation (PFC) on April 23, 2026.
• His tenure is for a period of five years from the date of assumption of charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• Prior to this appointment, he held the post of Executive Director (Finance) at PFC.
• He has over three decades of experience in the power and financial sectors and has been with PFC since 2009.
• He holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce (Honours) and is a Member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.
• His experience at PFC includes Corporate Accounts, Taxation, Fund Management & Banking, Lending Policy Compliance, Restructured Assets Management, Fund Raisings, and Loan Disbursement.

Vivek Tripathi appointed Executive Director of AU Small Finance Bank

[AU Small Finance Bank, Reserve Bank of India]

Key Updates:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Vivek Tripathi as Whole-time Director and Executive Director of AU Small Finance Bank.
• The appointment is for a period of three years, effective from April 24, 2026.
• Tripathi has been associated with AU Small Finance Bank since 2014 and currently serves as the Chief Credit Officer.
• He has over two decades of experience in the financial services sector, having previously worked with ICICI Bank, Reliance Capital, and the Aditya Birla Group.

Shiv Ratan Agarwal passes away as founder of Bikaji Foods International

[Bikaji]

Key Updates:

• Shiv Ratan Agarwal was the founder and promoter of Bikaji Foods International.
• He passed away at the age of 75.
• He transformed the traditional Bikaneri snacks business into the internationally recognised Bikaji brand.

Lisa Gill appointed Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court

[Andhra Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh High Court (India)]

Key Updates:

• President of India Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice Lisa Gill as the Chief Justice (CJ) of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
• Justice Lisa Gill will assume office on April 25, 2026.
• The appointment was made in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
• She succeeds Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur, who retires on April 24, 2026.
• Justice Lisa Gill was appointed as a puisne judge of the High Court last month.