Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (24th April, 2026)

National News

Japan Revises Defense Export Rules: India Calls It a Boost to Strategic Partnership

• India has welcomed Japan’s revised defence export framework, calling it a boost to their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
• The move relaxes Japan’s earlier restrictions under its defence export principles, allowing broader transfer of equipment and technology with strict oversight.
• According to Ministry of External Affairs, this will enhance defence cooperation, innovation, and joint capabilities between the two nations.
• Leaders like Sanae Takaichi stress that such collaboration supports regional security and a free, open Indo-Pacific.

International News

Turkey Passes New Law to Restrict Social Media Access for Children Under 15

• Turkey has passed a new bill to restrict social media access for children under 15 to strengthen online safety and protect minors from harmful digital exposure.
• The law mandates strict age-verification systems, parental control tools, and rapid removal of inappropriate content, applying to platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
• It also requires online gaming companies to appoint local representatives for compliance.
• The move follows growing concerns about cyberbullying, addiction, and mental health risks, especially after a tragic school incident in Kahramanmaras. Several countries, including Australia and Indonesia, are adopting similar child-focused digital safety regulations.

India Loses Top Spot in Bangladesh Corn Market Amid Rising Ethanol Demand

• Brazil has overtaken India as the leading exporter of corn to Bangladesh, marking a notable shift in regional agricultural trade dynamics.
• India had long dominated this market due to lower prices, geographic proximity, and faster delivery, but rising domestic demand has altered the equation.
• A key reason behind India’s decline is its ethanol blending push, which has increased internal maize consumption and driven up domestic prices.
• This has reduced export availability and competitiveness, especially as more maize is diverted toward fuel production rather than global trade.
• Meanwhile, Brazil has leveraged its large-scale production and efficient supply chains to offer competitive pricing and consistent volumes despite longer shipping distances.
• This has allowed it to capture Bangladesh’s growing demand for feed grains, particularly for the poultry and livestock sectors.
• The shift highlights how biofuel policies, domestic demand, and global supply chains are reshaping the international corn trade, where major exporters like Brazil, the United States, and Argentina continue to play a dominant role.

Banking News

Vivek Tripathi Named ED & WTD at AU Small Finance Bank, RBI Gives Nod

• The Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Vivek Tripathi as Executive Director of AU Small Finance Bank for three years, effective April 24, 2026, subject to shareholder approval.
• Currently serving as Chief Credit Officer since 2014, he brings strong expertise in credit management and risk assessment to the leadership role.
• As ED and Whole-time Director, he will oversee strategic decisions, strengthen risk frameworks, and drive operational growth.
• The appointment reflects RBI’s role in ensuring qualified leadership and stability in India’s banking system.

ACC Extends Tenure of Bank of India, Bank of Baroda CEOs by Three Years

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved three-year extensions for top executives of major public sector banks, ensuring leadership continuity under Narendra Modi.
• At Bank of India, Rajneesh Karnatak will continue as MD & CEO from April 29, 2026 to 2029, reflecting confidence in his performance since his 2023 appointment. Similarly, Debadatta Chand has been granted a fresh three-year term as MD & CEO of Bank of Baroda starting July 1, 2026.
• Meanwhile, a decision on Ashwani Kumar of UCO Bank is pending, while Ashutosh Choudhary at Indian Bank has also received a three-year extension.

Appointments News

Rajesh Kumar Agarwal Takes Charge as Director at Power Finance Corporation

• Rajesh Kumar Agarwal has assumed charge as Director of Power Finance Corporation, bringing over 30 years of experience in power and financial services.
• He has spent much of his career at PFC, working in project financing, credit appraisal, risk assessment, and loan portfolio management across the power sector.
• In his new role, he will oversee financing strategies, risk evaluation, and execution of major infrastructure and energy projects.
• PFC, a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Power, finances generation, transmission, and renewable energy projects across India.

NASSCOM Gets New Chairman: AI Expert Srikanth Velamakanni Takes Charge

• Srikanth Velamakanni has been appointed as the new Chairman of NASSCOM, bringing strong expertise in artificial intelligence and analytics at a time when India’s digital economy is expanding rapidly.
• He is the Co-founder of Fractal Analytics and has over two decades of experience in data science, AI, and business strategy, with global recognition for his work in analytics-driven decision-making.
• His leadership is expected to strengthen India’s IT sector focus on innovation, AI adoption, and global competitiveness.
• As NASSCOM leads India’s tech industry, his role will be crucial in driving digital transformation and emerging technology growth.

Dabur Names Herjit S Bhalla as India Business CEO, Effective April 23, 2026

• Dabur has appointed Herjit S Bhalla as CEO of its India Business, effective April 23, 2026. He will report to Mohit Malhotra and lead domestic strategy, brand expansion, and operations amid a rapidly evolving FMCG landscape driven by digital growth and shifting consumer demand.
• Bhalla brings over 25 years of global experience, having worked with Unilever, Metro Cash & Carry, and The Hershey Company in senior leadership roles across India and international markets. His expertise in sales, marketing, and retail is expected to strengthen Dabur’s competitive position.
• Founded in 1884, Dabur is a leading Indian FMCG brand known for its Ayurvedic and natural product portfolio, with a strong presence across urban and rural markets.

Parminder Singh Appointed CEO of Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited

• Parminder Singh has been appointed CEO of Reliance Enterprise Intelligence Limited (REIL), marking a significant step in India’s push toward enterprise-level AI adoption. His leadership is expected to accelerate AI-driven transformation across industries and strengthen the country’s digital innovation ecosystem.
• Singh brings extensive global experience, having held senior roles at Google, Apple, Twitter, and IBM, along with serving as Chief Commercial and Digital Officer at Mediacorp. He has also founded AI ventures like ClayboxAI and WeKamp.
• REIL, a collaboration between Reliance Industries and Meta Platforms, aims to deliver AI-powered enterprise solutions, supported by Jio’s infrastructure and future-ready green data centres.

Defense News

Upendra Dwivedi Inducted into US Army War College International Hall of Fame

• Upendra Dwivedi has been inducted into the prestigious US Army War College International Hall of Fame in Pennsylvania, becoming the third Indian Army Chief to receive this recognition.
• The ceremony took place at Carlisle Barracks, where he was honoured as an alumnus for his distinguished leadership and contributions to military strategy.
• He joins former Indian Army Chiefs V K Singh and Bikram Singh in this elite group, highlighting India’s growing global military stature. The recognition reflects strengthening India–US defence cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, and underscores India’s increasing role in global security frameworks.

Ranks & Reports News

Satellite Study Places Mumbai and Secunderabad Landfills in Global Methane Top 25

• A satellite-based global study in 2025 has found that landfill sites in Secunderabad and Mumbai are among the top 25 methane-emitting waste sites worldwide, highlighting serious concerns over India’s waste management and climate impact.
• The analysis, based on 2,994 methane plumes from 707 global sites using Carbon Mapper satellite data and reviewed by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, shows India alongside countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey in high-emission rankings.
• Methane, a potent greenhouse gas far stronger than CO₂ in the short term, is released from decomposing organic waste in unmanaged landfills.
• The findings stress urgent mitigation and better landfill governance.

Important Days News

National Panchayati Raj Day 2026: Theme, History, Significance & Celebrations

• National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 is observed on April 24 to mark the 73rd Constitutional Amendment that strengthened rural local self-governance in India.
• The theme “Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas” focuses on empowering Panchayats to achieve inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
• The system operates through Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zilla Parishad, ensuring decentralized and participatory governance across rural India.
• With strong representation for women and marginalized groups, Panchayati Raj plays a key role in implementing SDGs and driving rural development toward Viksit Bharat 2047.

Obituaries News

Bikaji Chairman Shiv Ratan Agarwal Dies at 74 in Chennai

• Shiv Ratan Agarwal, Chairman and MD of Bikaji Foods International Ltd, passed away at 74 in Chennai, marking a significant loss for India’s packaged food industry.
• He founded Bikaji in 1993 in Bikaner and transformed it from a small venture into a globally recognized brand known for bhujia, namkeen, and traditional snacks.
• His efforts helped popularize Indian snacks worldwide, generate employment, and establish Bikaner as a key hub for ethnic foods.
• Leaders like Ashok Gehlot paid tribute, highlighting his lasting legacy as an entrepreneur and industry pioneer.

Current Affairs Today | 24th April 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam