Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (27th April, 2026)

State News

Justice Lisa Gill Sworn In as First Woman Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court

• Lisa Gill was sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in a historic ceremony held in Vijayawada.
• The oath was administered by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, marking a significant milestone for women’s representation in India’s judiciary.
• The event included the reading of the President’s warrant and was attended by senior judges, officials, and dignitaries.
• Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also met her and extended congratulations, highlighting the importance of the achievement.

Andhra Pradesh Launches Massive Mushroom Mission Worth ₹13,000 Crore

• N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced the first-ever Mushroom Mission in Andhra Pradesh with an estimated investment of ₹13,000 crore to boost large-scale mushroom production and rural incomes.
• The mission aims to produce about 67,500 tonnes annually and establish over 1.62 lakh mushroom units, positioning the state to surpass current leading producers like Bihar.
• Focused on small farmers, SHGs, and rural women, the initiative includes subsidy support of around ₹5,184 crore to encourage self-employment and reduce financial barriers.
• By promoting varieties like milky, paddy straw, and button mushrooms, the project also targets export growth and development of a strong agri-based value chain.

International News

Emmanuel Macron Announces Exit from Politics After 2027, Ends Speculation of Comeback

• Emmanuel Macron has announced that he will leave politics after completing his second presidential term in 2027, marking the end of his public life.
• Speaking during a visit to Cyprus, he stated that he does not intend to return to politics after stepping down from the Élysée Palace, ending speculation about a possible comeback.
• Macron, who became France’s youngest president in 2017 and was re-elected in 2022, will complete the maximum two-term limit allowed under the French Constitution.
• His presidency has been marked by major reforms, including raising the retirement age, alongside political challenges and protests, and his exit will usher in a new phase in French politics.

Business News

Sun Pharma Pursues $11.75 Billion Acquisition of Organon in Landmark Overseas Deal

• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has announced plans to acquire Organon & Co. for $11.75 billion in an all-cash deal, marking one of the largest overseas acquisitions by an Indian firm.
• The deal, priced at $14 per share and expected to close by 2027 pending approvals, will significantly expand Sun Pharma’s global footprint across over 150 countries.
• It strengthens the company’s presence in high-growth segments like women’s health and biosimilars, positioning it among the top global players in these areas.
• With combined revenues projected at $12.4 billion, the acquisition enhances scale, diversifies offerings, and reinforces India’s growing influence in the global pharmaceutical industry.

Agreements News

India Partners with UNDP and Global Environment Facility for The Biodiversity Project

• India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the National Biodiversity Authority have launched a five-year project (2025–2030) to strengthen grassroots biodiversity governance in Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya, with UNDP and Global Environment Facility support.
• The initiative integrates biodiversity conservation into local planning systems, especially Gram Panchayat Development Plans, empowering communities and institutions like PRIs and BMCs.
• Focusing on key ecological regions such as Sathyamangalam and Garo Hills, it promotes sustainable livelihoods through mechanisms like Access and Benefit Sharing and green enterprises.
• Aligned with India’s NBSAP, NDCs, and global biodiversity targets, it links conservation with inclusive rural development.

Appointments News

DMRC Appoints Sanjay Jamuar as First CEO of Delhi Metro International Limited

• The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has appointed Mr. Sanjay Jamuar as the first CEO of its new subsidiary Delhi Metro International Limited.
• This move marks DMRC’s expansion into global metro projects and urban transport consultancy.
• DMIL is expected to focus on international collaborations, advisory services, and metro system development abroad.
• The appointment signals a strategic push to leverage Delhi Metro’s expertise in overseas infrastructure markets.

Awards News

Botanist N. Alim Yusuf Honoured by World Wide Fund for Nature for AI-Based Conservation App

• Botanist N. Alim Yusuf received a prestigious award from World Wide Fund for Nature for developing an AI-powered mobile app to detect invasive plant species in Kerala.
• The app, created at Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences, identifies nearly 100 harmful species, enabling early detection and action by researchers, officials, and the public.
• Invasive species threaten biodiversity by competing with native plants and disrupting ecosystems, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like the Western Ghats.
• This innovation highlights how AI-driven tools can strengthen conservation efforts, support real-time monitoring, and enhance community participation in environmental protection.

Defense News

DRDO Unveils Two Advanced Armoured Platforms to Boost India’s Defence Modernisation

• Defence Research and Development Organisation has unveiled two advanced armored combat platforms in Ahilyanagar, marking a significant step toward India’s defence self-reliance.
• Developed by Vehicles Research & Development Establishment, the systems include tracked and wheeled variants equipped with an indigenous 30 mm crewless turret, 7.62 mm PKT gun, and anti-tank guided missile capability.
• The platforms feature high mobility, modular design, and strong protection levels, including STANAG Level 4–5 armour, enabling effective performance across diverse terrains and combat roles.
• With around 65% indigenous content—set to rise to 90%—and industry collaboration with firms like Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge, the initiative strengthens India’s defence modernization drive.

Science & Technology News

Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 Signals New Era for India’s Private Space Industry

• Skyroot Aerospace has moved its Vikram-1 orbital rocket from Hyderabad to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, marking a major step toward India’s first private orbital launch.
• Flagged off by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the rocket’s payload fairing has reached the launch site for final integration, while propulsion stages are already in place.
• Developed under regulatory oversight of IN-SPACe with support from Indian Space Research Organisation, Vikram-1 is designed to carry small satellites to low Earth orbit using lightweight composite structures and 3D-printed engines.
• The mission highlights India’s shift toward private participation in space and strengthens the country’s growing small-satellite launch ecosystem.

WHO Approves First-Ever Infant-Specific Malaria Drug on World Malaria Day 2026

• On World Malaria Day 2026, the World Health Organization approved the first malaria treatment specifically formulated for infants under 5 kg, marking a major breakthrough in child healthcare.
• The new drug combines artemether and lumefantrine and is designed to ensure safer, age-appropriate dosing for newborns, addressing risks linked to using medicines meant for older children.
• This decision is expected to speed up access in malaria-endemic regions, especially across Sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease burden remains highest among young children and infants.
• The move strengthens global malaria control efforts alongside vaccines and diagnostics, targeting a major gap in treatment for one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.

Sports News

Punjab Kings Set New IPL Record with Historic 265-Run Chase Against Delhi Capitals

• Punjab Kings scripted history in the IPL by chasing down a record 265-run target against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, marking the highest successful chase in IPL history.
• KL Rahul starred for Delhi Capitals earlier with 152 off 67 balls, but Punjab’s aggressive reply, led by Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, overhauled the massive total with ease.
• Prabhsimran (76) and Arya (73) set the tone with a rapid start, while captain Shreyas Iyer guided the chase, ensuring control throughout the innings.
• With this win, Punjab Kings also surpassed their own previous record chase of 262, strengthening their dominance in high-scoring IPL run chases.

Sabastian Sawe Creates History with Sub-2 Hour Marathon at London Marathon 2026

• Sebastian Sawe made history at the London Marathon 2026 by becoming the first athlete to officially complete a marathon in under two hours, clocking 1:59:30 and setting a new world record.
• He surpassed the previous mark held by Kelvin Kiptum, delivering an extraordinary performance with consistent pacing and a strong negative split.
• The race also saw standout performances from Yomif Kejelcha and Jacob Kiplimo, while Tigst Assefa retained her women’s title.
• Sawe’s achievement is being compared to iconic feats like Roger Bannister’s sub-4-minute mile and Usain Bolt’s 100m world record, redefining human endurance.

ISSF Junior World Cup 2026: India Leads Medal Tally with 16 Medals in Cairo

• India delivered a dominant performance at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2026 in Cairo, topping the medal tally with 16 medals, including five gold, six silver, and five bronze.
• Hemant Burman was a standout performer, winning silver in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event, while Oleg Noskov claimed gold with a junior world record score.
• India also secured bronze in the Trap Mixed Team event through Zuhair Khan and Addya Katyal.
• With consistent performances across events, India now looks ahead to the ISSF Junior World Championship in Suhl to build on this success.

Important Days News

World Design Day 2026: Why Design Matters in Shaping Modern Life

• World Design Day, also known as International Design Day, is celebrated every April 27 to highlight the role of design in shaping everyday life and solving real-world problems.
• It commemorates the founding of the International Council of Design and promotes creativity, innovation, and sustainable solutions across fields like technology, architecture, and communication.
• First observed in 1995 as World Graphics Day, it has evolved into a global event celebrated in over 50 countries, focusing on design’s broader societal impact.
• The day encourages participation through workshops, exhibitions, and creative projects, emphasizing how design improves usability, accessibility, and quality of life.

Obituaries News

India’s Legendary Photographer Raghu Rai Dies, Marking End of an Era

• Renowned Indian photojournalist Raghu Rai passed away at 83 after prolonged illness, leaving behind a powerful visual record of India’s social, political, and cultural life.
• Beginning his career in 1965, he rose to prominence with The Statesman and later gained global recognition through Magnum Photos, supported by Henri Cartier-Bresson.
• He documented major events like the 1971 India-Pakistan War and contributed to leading publications including India Today and National Geographic.
• Honoured with the Padma Shri, his legacy continues to shape modern photojournalism in India.

Current Affairs Today | 26-27th April 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam