Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (23rd April, 2026)

National News

India’s New Online Gaming Rules Kick In from May 1, 2026 –  What to Expect

• India has introduced new online gaming rules under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, effective May 1, 2026, to regulate the digital gaming sector.
• A key feature is the creation of the Online Gaming Authority of India, which will oversee compliance, safety, and grievance redressal.
• The rules emphasize user protection through safeguards against financial risks, harmful content, and privacy threats, while promoting responsible gaming practices.
• While most games won’t require pre-registration, e-sports and high-risk platforms must register based on user scale, transactions, and operational scope.

India’s Atal Pension Yojana Hits Record 9 Crore Enrolments – Here’s Why It’s Booming

• Atal Pension Yojana has crossed 9 crore enrolments as of April 21, 2026, with a record 1.35 crore new subscribers added in FY 2025–26, reflecting strong growth in social security coverage.
• Launched in 2015, APY targets workers in the unorganized sector, offering a guaranteed monthly pension of ₹1,000–₹5,000 after age 60, along with spouse and nominee benefits.
• The expansion is driven by outreach campaigns, bank and postal network participation, and efforts by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority.
• The scheme plays a crucial role in financial inclusion by providing affordable retirement security and reducing old-age vulnerability in India.

India Launches ‘VM Frames’ Film Contest Celebrate 150 Years of Vande Mataram Through Storytelling

• The Ministry of Culture has launched the ‘VM Frames’ National Filmmaking Competition to celebrate 150 years of Vande Mataram, encouraging creative storytelling on patriotism and cultural identity.
• Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the song remains a powerful symbol of India’s freedom struggle, unity, and national pride, making this milestone culturally significant.
• The competition features categories like reels, AI-based films, and short films, with prizes up to ₹15 lakh to attract both emerging and professional creators.
• Open until May 7, 2026, the initiative aims to connect India’s heritage with modern expression through innovative visual storytelling.

Archaeological Survey of India Restoration Project at Konark Sun Temple Explained

• The Archaeological Survey of India has begun a major conservation project at the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The effort involves carefully removing sand filled inside the Jagamohan by British engineers (1901–03) to stabilize the structure, which later limited internal study.
• Using advanced techniques like diamond drilling and manual extraction, experts aim to restore structural integrity while ensuring safety.
• Built in the 13th century by Narasimhadeva I, the temple remains a masterpiece of architecture and cultural heritage.

International News

UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Explained: Ban for Those Born After 2009

• The UK Parliament has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introducing a generational ban on tobacco sales for those born on or after January 1, 2009.
• The law aims to create a smoke-free generation by gradually raising the legal age and restricting youth access to tobacco and vaping products.
• It also tightens rules on e-cigarettes, including limits on flavours, advertising, and usage in public spaces to protect young people.
• Backed by leaders like Wes Streeting, the measure prioritizes prevention, though critics such as Nigel Farage have raised concerns over personal freedom.

Banking News

RBI Maintains Repo Rate at 5.25% Amid Global Economic Uncertainty

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% after its April 8, 2026 MPC meeting, reflecting a cautious stance amid global uncertainties.
• The decision was unanimous, with all six members opting for stability and maintaining a neutral policy stance to stay flexible for future changes.
• RBI cited risks from West Asia tensions, rising oil prices, supply chain disruptions, and possible pressure on inflation and growth.
• The move aims to balance inflation control with economic growth while closely monitoring evolving global and domestic conditions.

Economy News

India Textile Exports Growth 2025-26: Rise by 2.1% to ₹3.16 Lakh Crore

• India’s textile sector recorded steady growth in FY 2025–26, with exports rising 2.1% to ₹3.16 lakh crore, reflecting resilience and sustained global demand.
• Ready-Made Garments remained the top contributor, growing 2.9%, while man-made textiles (3.6%) and handicrafts (6.1%) showed strong performance alongside marginal cotton growth.
• Exports expanded to over 120 countries, with notable gains in markets like UAE, Japan, Germany, and African nations, reducing dependence on limited regions.
• Government schemes like RoSCTL and RoDTEP, along with new FTAs, continue to boost competitiveness, market access, and long-term growth of India’s textile industry.

Important Days News

World Book Day 2026: Importance, History, and UNESCO Initiative

• World Book and Copyright Day 2026 is observed on April 23 to celebrate books, authors, reading culture, and copyright protection worldwide.
• The date is symbolically linked to literary legends like Shakespeare and Cervantes and was officially declared by UNESCO in 1995.
• Rabat, Morocco, is designated as the World Book Capital 2026, promoting multilingualism, literacy, and access to books.
• The day highlights the importance of reading, cultural exchange, and protecting authors’ rights in a knowledge-driven world.

English Language Day 2026: Importance of English in Global Communication

• English Language Day 2026 is observed on April 23 by the United Nations to celebrate the global importance of the English language.
• The date honors William Shakespeare, whose works significantly shaped modern English vocabulary and literature.
• Established in 2010, the day promotes multilingualism, cultural diversity, and the role of English in global communication and diplomacy.
• With over 1.5 billion speakers, English continues to connect people worldwide across education, business, and international relations.

Obituaries News

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nadendla Bhaskar Rao Passes Away in Hyderabad

• Nadendla Bhaskar Rao passed away at 90 in Hyderabad, marking the end of a long and eventful political career.
• He is best remembered for the 1984 ‘August Coup’, when he briefly replaced N. T. Rama Rao as Chief Minister during a political crisis, triggering widespread unrest and debates on democratic norms.
• His tenure lasted just 31 days, one of the shortest in the state’s history, before NTR was reinstated following public protests and central intervention.
• Over decades, he served in multiple parties including Telugu Desam Party, Indian National Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party, reflecting shifting political dynamics.