Health
World Hemophilia Day — 17 April
Observed annually on 17 April. 2026 theme: ‘Diagnosis: First step to care’. Initiated by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) in 1989. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder affecting the blood’s clotting ability. WFH 2026 World Congress: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (19–22 April 2026), in collaboration with the Hemophilia Society of Malaysia (HSM). Note: WFH is an NGO — not a WHO initiative.
Governance
PMGSY-III — Revised Outlay & Extended Timeline
Union Cabinet approved revision on 18 April 2026. Revised outlay: Rs 83,977 crore (up from Rs 80,250 crore). Focus: through routes and rural links to GrAMs, schools, and hospitals. Timeline: March 2028 for plain area roads and hilly area roads; March 2029 for hilly area bridges. Under Ministry of Rural Development.
Business & Economy
FDI Equity Inflows — Top Sources FY2025-26
Singapore topped FDI equity inflows at USD 17.6 billion (37% share) — April–December FY26. Total FDI equity inflows: USD 47.87 billion. Next: USA (USD 7.8 bn / 16%) and Mauritius (USD 4.8 bn / 10%). State-wise: Maharashtra led at USD 15.38 bn, followed by Karnataka at USD 11.15 bn. Data released by DPIIT under MoCI.
Appointments
CCI — Rakesh Bhanot as Acting DG
Rakesh Bhanot appointed Acting Director General of Competition Commission of India (CCI) in April 2026. Succeeded Ansuman Pattanaik (who became Additional Secretary, MCA). Bhanot previously served as Advisor (Financial Analysis) at CCI: 2013–2021, rejoined 2024. CCI established under Competition Act, 2002 — under Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
International
Austria–India: Chancellor Stocker’s Visit & Fast-Track Mechanism
Dr. Christian Stocker (Federal Chancellor of Austria) visited India 14–17 April 2026 — first Austrian Chancellor visit in 42 years. Bilateral Fast-Track Mechanism (FTM) signed to facilitate investments. 17th session of India-Austria Joint Economic Commission (IAJEC) held. Agreements on: audiovisual co-production, defence, counter-terrorism, food safety, and skill development.
Science & Technology
India’s Nuclear Power Roadmap — 100 GW by 2047
Current nuclear capacity: 8.8 GW. Target: 100 GW by 2047 — over tenfold increase. Announced by CEA Chairman Ghanshyam Prasad at the 100 GW Nuclear Power Roadmap event, New Delhi. Investment needed: Rs 20 lakh crore (at Rs 22 crore/MW). Approval timeline to be reduced from 13 years to 8-9 years. CEA is under the Ministry of Power.
Sports
Para Elan — PCI & French Institute in India
Para Elan launched by Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) in collaboration with French Institute in India (IFI). Duration: 3 years. Focus: inclusive education and para sports empowerment. Targets 10,000 students through workshops, athlete interactions, and adaptive sports. MoU signed by Satya Prakash Sangwan (PCI VP) and Gregor Trumel (IFI Country Director). PCI is recognised by International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
Monetary Policy
SBI Research Report — India GDP Outlook FY27
SBI projected GDP growth: 6.8%–7.1% for FY27; FY26 estimate: 7.6%. Average inflation: 4.5%. Fiscal deficit projected at 4.5%–4.6%. Risk factor: El Niño. Headwinds: West Asia conflict and oil price pressures. SBI is India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), headquartered in Mumbai.
Digital Governance
BECIL–C-DAC MoU — Digital India Push
MoU signed on 18 April 2026 between BECIL (Mini Ratna Category-I PSE under Ministry of Information & Broadcasting) and C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, under MeitY). Focus: AI, ML, IoT, Cybersecurity, 5G, and Cloud Computing — aligned with Digital India vision. Aims to build a resilient, future-ready digital ecosystem.
Culture & Textiles
Vishwa Sutra — Weaves of India for the World
Launched by Ministry of Textiles (through DCH and NIFT). Showcased at 61st Femina Miss India 2026, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Features 30 traditional weaves from different states, inspired by 30 countries. Aligns with 5F Framework: Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign. Winner Sadhvi Satish Sail wore the ‘Kunbi weave’ design. Vision: ‘Vocal for Local to Global’.