National News
India Recognises 55,200+ Startups in FY26, Highest Ever Under Startup India Initiative
- India’s startup ecosystem saw record growth in FY 2025–26, with over 55,200 startups recognized under the Startup India Initiative—the highest ever in a single year.
- Total recognized startups have crossed 2.23 lakh, generating over 23.36 lakh jobs and boosting innovation across sectors like fintech, edtech, and healthtech.
- Government support through schemes like Fund of Funds, Seed Fund Scheme, and Credit Guarantee Scheme has strengthened funding and early-stage development.
- This growth reflects strong policy backing, rising entrepreneurship, and India’s emergence as a major global startup hub.
BWSSB Achieves Global ISO 50001 Energy Management Certification, Marking Historic Milestone
- BWSSB became India’s first water utility to get ISO 50001:2018 certification for energy management (April 14, 2026).
- The certification by Bureau Veritas recognizes efficient energy use in pumping stations and city water operations.
- It highlights sustainability, cost reduction, and lower carbon footprint in Bengaluru’s water supply system.
- This marks another milestone after earlier BIS certification for piped drinking water management.
India Expands RELIEF Scheme to Support Exporters Amid West Asia Tensions
- Government expanded the RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) Scheme amid West Asia tensions.
- The scheme, launched under the Export Promotion Mission, is implemented via ECGC and supports exporters facing high logistics and insurance costs.
- Egypt and Jordan have been added to the eligible regions to widen support coverage.
- It offers insurance, freight reimbursement, and export credit support for MSMEs and affected shipments.
Ahmedabad’s Kankaria Coaching Depot Becomes India’s First ‘Water Neutral’ Railway Depot
- Ahmedabad’s Kankaria Coaching Depot has achieved “water-neutral” status by reusing as much water as it consumes.
- It saves nearly 1.60 lakh litres of water daily (about 5.84 crore litres annually).
- The system uses phytoremediation, where plants naturally treat wastewater from coach washing and maintenance.
- Multi-stage treatment (wetlands, filtration, UV) ensures safe reuse, promoting sustainability and cost savings.
Setback for Women’s Representation: Women’s Reservation Bill 2026 Fails to Clear Constitutional Hurdle
- The Women’s Reservation Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha despite receiving more votes in favour than against.
- It failed to meet the required two-thirds majority needed for a constitutional amendment.
- The bill aimed to reserve 33% seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies.
- Political disagreements, especially over delimitation, prevented consensus.
- The outcome highlights challenges in passing major reforms under the Constitution of India.
State News
Punjab Anti-Sacrilege Bill 2026 Passed Unanimously, Awaits Governor Approval
- Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has passed the Anti-Sacrilege Bill 2026 in the state assembly and sent it to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria for assent.
- The bill, titled Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aims to strengthen legal protection against sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib.
- It proposes strict punishment including life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh for serious offenses, replacing earlier provisions under existing laws.
- Passed unanimously, the bill reflects a strong political consensus and focuses on stricter deterrence and protection of religious sentiments in Punjab.
Meghalaya Recognises Khasi and Garo as Official Languages After Long Deman
- The Meghalaya government has granted official status to Khasi and Garo alongside English.
- Approved under the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, replacing the 2005 Act.
- These languages will now be used in administration, governance, and possibly exams and Assembly proceedings.
- The move strengthens tribal identity, improves accessibility, and supports inclusion in the Eighth Schedule.
International News
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron Launch Global Maritime Security Initiative for Strait of Hormuz
- UK PM Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron launched a global initiative to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
- Around 40 countries, including India, participated in the virtual meeting focused on maritime security.
- The plan aims to ensure freedom of navigation and protect global energy and shipping routes.
- The Strait is a vital oil and gas corridor, and disruptions have raised global concerns over energy prices and trade stability.
Philippines Joins US-Led Pax Silica Initiative to Boost Semiconductor Supply Chains
- The Philippines has joined the US-led Pax Silica to strengthen global tech supply chains.
- The initiative focuses on semiconductors, AI, and critical minerals to build secure and resilient ecosystems.
- A 4,000-acre industrial hub will be developed in Luzon for chip manufacturing and mineral processing.
- This move aims to reduce dependence on concentrated supply sources and boost trusted global partnerships.
Business News
Gautam Adani Overtakes Mukesh Ambani to Become Asia’s Richest Person
- Gautam Adani has overtaken Mukesh Ambani to become Asia’s richest, with a net worth of $92.6 billion.
- Mukesh Ambani’s wealth stands at $90.8 billion, according to the latest billionaire rankings.
- Adani’s rise is driven by strong gains in Adani Group stocks across infrastructure, ports, and renewable energy.
- The shift reflects growing investor interest in India’s infrastructure and energy transition sectors.
Awards News
Mumbai Hosts Miss Sake India 2026: Nishita Antarkar Wins Prestigious Title
- Nishita Yogesh Antarkar was crowned Miss Sake India 2026 at an event in Mumbai on April 17, organized by Hirohama India Pvt Ltd.
- The event celebrates cultural exchange, promoting Japanese sake traditions and strengthening India–Japan ties beyond a typical beauty pageant.
- Nishita, a business owner and trained Kathak dancer, represents a blend of tradition and modern global outlook as a cultural ambassador.
- The ceremony, attended by dignitaries like Toshihiro Kaneko, highlighted growing cultural diplomacy between India and Japan.
Schemes News
AICTE-VAANI 3.0 Scheme Launched to Strengthen Use of Indian Languages in Higher Education
- AICTE introduced the 3rd edition of the VAANI scheme to promote Indian languages in technical education and research.
- It aims to bridge language barriers by enabling students to learn complex concepts in their mother tongue.
- The scheme provides ₹4 crore annually, supporting 200+ conferences in 22 regional languages across emerging tech fields.
- VAANI 3.0 is expected to improve learning outcomes, boost research participation, and create an inclusive education ecosystem.
Science & Technology News
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Launches Vikram Sodhi Centre for AI-Driven Mining Systems
- IIT Kharagpur established the Vikram Sodhi Centre of Excellence for AI-enabled geological and mining systems.
- The centre is backed by ₹15 crore funding over five years from industry supporter Vikram Sodhi.
- It aims to integrate AI with mining, geology, and engineering for smarter and more efficient operations.
- The hub will improve mineral exploration, planning, ESG compliance, and sustainability in India’s mining sector.
Rare Night Parrot Sighting Confirmed in Australia, Scientists Call It Major Breakthrough
- The “lost bird” story is real—but it’s not quite a century-long mystery solved overnight. The Night Parrot has been rediscovered in Australia, though a few confirmed sightings had already occurred in recent decades.
- What’s new is much stronger scientific evidence about its habitat and survival.
- Researchers, working with Indigenous communities in Ngururrpa Country, used audio recorders, camera traps, and satellite data to confirm populations and behavior.
- The bird depends heavily on dense spinifex grass for shelter and protection.
- Key threats include wildfires and feral cats, while dingoes may indirectly help by controlling predators. With only about 50 individuals in some areas, the species remains critically vulnerable despite this encouraging breakthrough.
Sports News
Shubhankar Sharma Returns to Domestic Golf with Victory at Inaugural Boulders Classic 2026
- Shubhankar Sharma made a strong comeback to domestic golf by winning the inaugural Boulders Classic 2026 held in Hyderabad.
- He dominated the tournament from start to finish with consistent rounds of 66, 66, and 64, including a near course-record performance in Round 3.
- This marks his return to the Professional Golf Tour of India after more than four years, with his last domestic win coming in 2017.
- The victory reinforces his status as one of India’s top golfers, showcasing precision, control, and elite consistency.
ICC Launches Inaugural Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 in Rwanda
- ICC launched the inaugural Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, starting April 18.
- Five teams—Rwanda, Italy, Nepal, USA, and Vanuatu—will compete in a double round-robin format.
- Matches will be held at Gahanga Cricket Stadium, running till May 2, 2026.
- The tournament aims to boost associate nations and provide stronger international exposure for women’s cricket.
Important Days News
World Heritage Day 2026: Date, Theme, Significance and Values
- World Heritage Day (April 18), led by UNESCO and ICOMOS, celebrates and protects global cultural and natural heritage.
- The 2026 theme is “Emergency Response for Living Heritage in Contexts of Conflicts and Disasters.”
- It focuses on safeguarding living heritage like traditions, rituals, and art forms during crises and displacement.
- The day highlights urgent global action to protect heritage threatened by conflicts, disasters, and climate change.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz 18th April 20...
Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (17...
Daily Current Affairs Quiz 17th April 20...
