Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (20th April, 2026)

National News

Union Cabinet Clears Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool: Big Push for India’s Maritime Self-Reliance

• India’s Union Cabinet, led by Narendra Modi, approved the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool) on April 18, 2026, backed by a ₹12,980 crore sovereign guarantee.
• The initiative aims to ensure affordable, uninterrupted insurance for Indian shipping and reduce reliance on foreign insurers like International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs.
• With an initial underwriting capacity of about ₹950 crore, it will cover hull, cargo, liability, and war risks. A governing body will oversee operations.
• The pool strengthens maritime resilience, addresses geopolitical risks, and supports India’s push for self-reliance in maritime insurance.

Odisha to Host India’s First 3D Semiconductor Unit at Info Valley, ₹2,000 Crore Project Launched

• India laid the foundation for its first advanced 3D semiconductor packaging unit on April 19, 2026, at Info Valley in Odisha, with an investment of  around ₹2,000 crore.
• Developed by 3D Glass Solutions through its Indian arm HIPSPL, the facility will introduce 3D heterogeneous integration technology.
• The event was attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
• The unit will produce 70,000 panels and 50 million units annually by 2030. Aligned with Narendra Modi’s vision, it boosts self-reliance, strengthens India’s semiconductor ecosystem, and positions Odisha as a major tech hub.

Cabinet Extends Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana III Till 2028 With ₹83,977 Crore Outlay

• The Union Cabinet, led by Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana III till March 2028 with a revised outlay of ₹83,977 crore.
• The scheme focuses on upgrading rural roads to connect villages with markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. Project deadlines are set for March 2028 (roads/bridges) and March 2029 (hilly bridges).
• It also allows retendering of pending works. The initiative aims to boost rural connectivity, improve market access, enhance incomes, and support balanced development under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

India’s New AI Tool ‘Abhay’ Is Here to Protect You From Online Scams

• The Central Bureau of Investigation has introduced an AI-powered chatbot named “Abhay” to help citizens verify official notices and avoid digital scams.
• It will be launched by Surya Kant during the D P Kohli Memorial Lecture.
• The chatbot enables users to check the authenticity of notices, addressing rising “digital arrest” scams where fraudsters impersonate officials.
• With cybercriminals reportedly siphoning large sums, this tool acts as a first line of defense.
• It reflects growing use of AI in policing for fraud detection, public assistance, and strengthening trust in law enforcement.

Textiles Ministry Launches ‘Vishwa Sutra’ to Promote Indian Weaves on World Stage

• The Ministry of Textiles has launched the “Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World” to showcase India’s rich handloom heritage on the global stage.
• Unveiled at Femina Miss India 2026 in Bhubaneswar, the initiative presents a designer collection blending traditional Indian weaves with modern global fashion.
• Developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) with National Institute of Fashion Technology, it features 30 weaves from 30 states inspired by 30 countries.
• Aligned with “Vocal for Local” and the 5F vision (Farm to Foreign), it aims to boost artisans, promote exports, and position Indian textiles as global soft power.

State News

Ladakh to Get India’s First Petroglyph Conservation Park to Safeguard Cultural Heritage

• India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park will be developed at Sindhu Ghat, with the foundation stone laid on April 18, 2026, by Vinai Kumar Saxena on World Heritage Day.
• The park aims to preserve ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) threatened by weathering and human activities.
• Petroglyphs—prehistoric carvings depicting animals, hunting scenes, and later Buddhist symbols—offer insights into early human life, trade, and culture.
• The project will protect and relocate vulnerable artefacts, create awareness, and promote research. Supported by the Archaeological Survey of India, it strengthens conservation efforts and positions Ladakh as a key hub of ancient heritage.

Appointments News

Who Is Dinesh Trivedi? India’s New High Commissioner to Bangladesh

• Dinesh Trivedi, former Union Minister and BJP leader, has been appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, marking a notable shift from the usual practice of appointing Indian Foreign Service officers.
• A former MP from Barrackpore, West Bengal, he brings extensive political and administrative experience, having served as Railway Minister and MoS for Health.
• His appointment signals a more politically driven diplomatic approach to strengthen India-Bangladesh ties.
• His Bengali roots offer a cultural advantage in handling bilateral issues, while the role involves representing India’s interests and managing strategic relations between the two neighboring countries.

Awards News

Sadhvi Satish Sail Crowned Femina Miss India World 2026

• In the grand finale held in Bhubaneswar, Sadhvi Satish Sail from Goa was crowned Femina Miss India 2026 winner, marking a proud moment for India.
• She was crowned by Nikita Porwal, while Rajnandini Pawar from Maharashtra secured first runner-up. Sadhvi, a model and entrepreneur, expressed gratitude and aims to represent India globally at Miss World 2027.
• The pageant continues to highlight talent, confidence, and social awareness, shaping global ambassadors.

Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao Receives Prestigious Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award 2026 in Hyderabad

• Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director and Vice-Chancellor of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, received the 9th Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Award on April 19, 2026, in Hyderabad.
• He was honored for contributions to climate-resilient agriculture and resource management.
• The award, instituted by Retired ICAR Employees Association with Nuziveedu Seeds, coincides with the birth centenary of M. S. Swaminathan.
• Rao’s work includes sustainable farming practices, climate-risk planning, and improved soil and water management, strengthening India’s agricultural resilience.

Defense News

RELOS Pact Comes Into Force: India and Russia Strengthen Military Logistics Cooperation

• India and Russia have operationalized the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement in April 2026, strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.
• Originally signed in February 2025, the pact allows mutual access to military bases, ports, and airfields, with deployment of up to 3,000 personnel, 5 warships, and 10 aircraft each.
• Valid for five years, it enhances interoperability and rapid response.
• Strategically, it expands India’s reach, including access to Arctic ports like Murmansk and Severomorsk.
• The agreement deepens India-Russia defence ties and boosts India’s role in emerging geopolitical regions like the Arctic.

Science & Technology News

Blue Origin Achieves First Successful Landing of Reused New Glenn Booster

• On April 20, 2026, Blue Origin achieved a major milestone when its New Glenn booster successfully landed for the first time after reuse at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
• The booster, named “Never Tell Me the Odds,” completed a safe touchdown about 10 minutes after launch, marking progress in reusable rocket technology similar to SpaceX systems.
• However, the mission had mixed results as the payload, the BlueBird 7 satellite, failed to reach its intended orbit and is expected to de-orbit.
• Built by AST SpaceMobile, the satellite aims to provide direct smartphone-to-satellite connectivity. Despite the setback, the mission highlights both advances in reusable launch systems and ongoing challenges in orbital deployment accuracy.

Obituaries News

Basketball Icon Oscar Schmidt Dies at 68, Leaves Behind Global Legacy

• The basketball world mourns Oscar Schmidt, who passed away at 68. Known as “Mão Santa” (Holy Hand), he was one of the greatest international players ever. His career (1974–2003) spanned nearly three decades, starring for Brazil and clubs, especially in Italy.
• Though drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 1984, he declined to play in the National Basketball Association to represent Brazil.
• A five-time Olympian (1980–1996), he scored over 1,000 Olympic points, including a 55-point game vs Spain.
• His 46-point performance led Brazil’s historic win at the 1987 Pan American Games. Inducted into multiple halls, including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, his legacy remains unmatched.

Current Affairs Today | 19 – 20 April 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam