NATIONAL NEWS

India’s First 3D Semiconductor Packaging Unit to be Set Up in Odisha

The foundation stone for India’s first advanced 3D semiconductor packaging unit was laid in Odisha at Info Valley, marking a major step towards self-reliance in high-end electronics manufacturing.

The project is being developed by 3D Glass Solutions through its Indian arm Heterogeneous Integrated Packaging Systems Private Limited (HIPSPL) and will introduce 3D Heterogeneous Integration (3DHI) packaging technology in India for the first time.

The project involves an investment of around ₹1,943 crore (approximately ₹2,000 crore) with support from both Central and State Governments.

Commercial production is expected to begin by August 2028, with full-scale production targeted by 2030.

The unit will strengthen India’s position in the global semiconductor value chain, reduce import dependence, and support sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Fifth Generation (5G) telecommunications, defence electronics, and high-performance computing.

Odisha is emerging as a semiconductor and Information Technology hub and is the only state in India set to host both a compound semiconductor fabrication unit and a 3D glass substrate packaging facility, positioning it as a key centre for advanced electronics manufacturing.

The project aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aiming to build a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem, enhance strategic autonomy, and support India’s growth as a major electronics manufacturing hub, where it has already become the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer globally.

Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary Declared India’s 99th Ramsar Site

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav announced the inclusion of Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary as India’s 99th Ramsar Site.

The wetland is located in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, taking the state’s total to 12 Ramsar Sites.

The recognition is granted under the Ramsar Convention, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands of international importance.

With this addition, India’s total Ramsar Sites increased to 99, moving closer to the milestone of 100 sites.

Shekha Jheel is an important wetland ecosystem that supports migratory birds and diverse aquatic life.

It lies along the Central Asian Flyway, a key migratory route for birds between northern breeding and southern wintering regions.

Notable species found in the sanctuary include Bar-headed Goose and Painted Stork, along with several species of ducks and waterfowl.

The Ramsar designation supports biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and water security.

It also promotes eco-tourism, local employment generation, and community participation in conservation efforts.

A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognised under the Ramsar Convention (1971) for its ecological significance, including roles in habitat protection, groundwater recharge, flood control, and climate regulation.

India now has 99 Ramsar Sites across 28 States and Union Territories, strengthening its commitment to wetland conservation.

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Ministry of Home Affairs Receives Indigenous Satellite Imaging System ‘Prajna’

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) received the indigenously developed satellite imaging system ‘Prajna’ to strengthen real-time decision support for security agencies.

Prajna is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled system developed by Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The system is expected to play a major role in monitoring sensitive regions, tracking suspicious activities, and improving counter-terrorism and border management operations.

Prajna will enhance India’s internal security architecture through advanced satellite-based surveillance

Separately, DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully conducted four in-flight release trials of the indigenous ADC-150 from the P-8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between 21 February and 1 March.

The ADC-150 is designed to deliver a 150 kg payload such as critical stores, equipment, and medical assistance to naval ships in distress at sea.

The system improves naval operational logistics and quick response support for vessels deployed far from the coast.

Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) was the nodal laboratory for the ADC-150 project.

Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) developed the parachute system, while Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) provided flight clearance.

Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) supported the project with instrumentation assistance.

After successful trials, the ADC-150 is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy

DRDO is India’s premier defence research agency focused on military strength and self-reliance in defence technology.

 

BANKING

SEBI Amends Alternative Investment Fund Regulations

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has amended the Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) regulations to promote social impact investing in India.

The minimum investment requirement for Social Impact Funds has been reduced significantly from ₹2 lakh to ₹1,000, enabling greater retail investor participation.

This reform aligns with improvements in the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) framework, aimed at enhancing accessibility and financial inclusion.

SEBI has allowed Social Impact Funds under AIF regulations to be treated as “non-operative funds” during specified periods, subject to regulatory conditions.

The minimum subscription requirement for Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instruments has been reduced from 75% to 50%, improving fundraising flexibility.

These regulatory changes aim to establish a clear, predictable, and efficient investment framework for both entry and exit of investors.

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company Gets Approval to Set Up Reinsurance Branch in GIFT City, Gujarat

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), a United Arab Emirates (UAE) -based insurance and reinsurance provider, received approval to set up a reinsurance branch in India at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The licence became effective from 1 April 2026, granted by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), allowing ADNIC to operate from India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

The approval enables ADNIC to undertake reinsurance business in India, marking its entry into the country’s offshore financial ecosystem.

ADNIC is a multiline insurer and reinsurer with operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, providing services in global insurance markets.

The expansion is part of ADNIC’s international growth strategy, aimed at strengthening its presence in high-growth markets like India.

It enhances cross-border insurance capabilities, supports revenue diversification, and ensures long-term business expansion.

The move strengthens India–UAE economic cooperation by boosting trade, investment, and financial sector collaboration.

It also aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global financial services hub.

GIFT City serves as a global centre for reinsurance, banking, and offshore financial services, attracting international financial institutions.

The development comes amid broader reforms in India’s insurance sector, including approval of new insurers such as Allianz Jio Reinsurance and Kiwi General Insurance by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Karnataka Bank Ties Up with Pine Labs

Karnataka Bank Limited, a private sector bank in India, entered into a partnership with Pine Labs Limited, a leading provider of Point-of-Sale (PoS) solutions, to strengthen its digital payment ecosystem.

The collaboration enables advanced PoS payment services, ensuring seamless, secure, and efficient transactions across India.

The partnership ensures pan-India availability of PoS services across all bank branches, enhancing digital banking reach.

It supports Karnataka Bank’s vision of becoming a “Digital Bank of the Future” by strengthening its digital banking infrastructure.

The initiative will benefit retail customers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing access to advanced PoS terminals.

It promotes digital payment adoption, financial inclusion, and improved merchant payment solutions.

 

ECONOMY

UN Report Projects India’s Economy to Expand 6.4% in CY 2026 and 6.6% in CY27

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) released its report titled “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and Pacific 2026: Socioeconomic Prosperity Amid the Transition to an Environmentally Sustainable Economy.”

The report projected India’s economy to grow by 6.4% in Calendar Year 2026 (CY26) and 6.6% in CY27.

According to the survey, the South and South-West Asia region recorded 5.4% growth in CY25, compared to 5.2% in CY24.

The higher regional growth was mainly attributed to robust economic performance of India.

The report estimated India’s inflation at 4.4% in CY26 and 4.3% in CY27.

In Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), India attracted USD 50 billion, ranking among the top destinations in the first three quarters of CY26.

Other leading countries for greenfield FDI were Australia (USD 30 billion), Republic of Korea (USD 25 billion), and Kazakhstan (USD 21 billion).

The survey noted that nearly 40% of remittances in India and the Philippines are used for essential household spending, including medical expenses.

India was identified as the world’s largest remittance recipient in 2024.

The report warned that India could face a significant remittance loss due to the United States of America imposing a 1% tax on all remittances from January 2026.

 

DEFENCE

Ministry of Defence Signs ₹975 Crore Deal for TRAWL System

The Ministry of Defence signed contracts with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Private Limited for procurement of TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90 Tanks worth approximately ₹975 crore.

The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on 21 April 2026.

The TRAWL Assembly is a critical system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

It will significantly enhance the minefield breaching capability of the Indian Army.

The system enables creation of Vehicle Safe Lanes through anti-tank minefields with proximity magnetic fuses, improving operational effectiveness.

The procurement is under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)

The project supports the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous defence manufacturing.

It is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment, especially in the MSME sector through component manufacturing.

The initiative contributes to the broader goal of modernising India’s defence infrastructure and strengthening self-reliance in defence production.

Earlier defence procurements under similar categories include contracts for Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH Mk-II) for the Indian Coast Guard and Shtil surface-to-air missiles for the Indian Navy.

Another major contract included the acquisition of Dornier 228 Aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

These initiatives reinforce India’s commitment to Make in India and strengthen maritime security capabilities.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Apple Appoints John Ternus as Incoming Chief Executive Officer

Apple Inc. officially announced that John Ternus will become the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective 1 September 2026.

He will succeed Tim Cook, who will step down as CEO and continue as Executive Chairman.

As Executive Chairman, Tim Cook will oversee policy matters, engage with policymakers, and guide the long-term strategic direction of Apple.

Prior to this appointment, John Ternus served as Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering at Apple.

Before joining Apple, he worked at Virtual Research Systems, contributing to early virtual reality headset

His early VR experience later influenced Apple’s advanced products such as Apple Vision Pro.

John Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and has played a major role in the company’s hardware innovations for 25 years.

He led the design of the first Apple iPad launched in 2010 and was instrumental in the introduction of AirPods.

In 2013, he became Vice President, overseeing several major Apple product lines including iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.

He was instrumental in driving Apple’s transition to Apple Silicon, replacing Intel chips with in-house processors.

In 2021, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, directly reporting to Tim Cook.

 

SPORTS

Tashkent to Host World Para Athletics Championships 2027

World Para Athletics announced that Tashkent, Uzbekistan will host the 13th edition of the World Para Athletics Championships in June 2027.

The championship will be held at the Olympic City Main Stadium, a modern international-standard sports facility in Tashkent.

This will be the first time Central Asia hosts the World Para Athletics Championships, marking a significant milestone for the region.

The event is one of the largest global competitions for athletes with disabilities and is conducted under the International Paralympic Committee.

The championships serve as an important qualification pathway for the Paralympic Games and showcase elite para-athletic talent from across the world.

Asia previously hosted the championships in Doha (2015), Dubai (2019), Kobe (2024), and New Delhi (2025).

Tashkent’s selection reflects Uzbekistan’s investment in sports infrastructure and its commitment to promoting inclusive sports and international sporting events.

Hosting the event is expected to strengthen regional participation in para sports and expand the global reach of the championships.

 

APPS & PORTALS

Central Bureau of Investigation Launches AI Chatbot “Abhay”

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will launch an AI-powered chatbot named “Abhay” to help citizens verify the authenticity of CBI-issued notices, aimed at combating digital arrest frauds.

The chatbot will be launched by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant during the 22nd D P Kohli Memorial Lecture organised by the CBI.

The system will allow the public to verify genuine CBI notices, helping prevent scams where fraudsters impersonate officials to commit cyber fraud and extortion.

The initiative addresses the rising cases of “digital arrest” scams, where victims are falsely detained online and forced to pay money using fake notices.

According to reports, cyber criminals have siphoned off around ₹54,000 crore in various scams, which the Supreme Court has described as “robbery or dacoity”.

The AI chatbot Abhay is designed as a public verification tool to enhance cyber security awareness and trust in law enforcement systems.

The D P Kohli Memorial Lecture honours P. Kohli, the founding director of CBI, established the agency on 1 April 1963 after heading the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE).

The lecture focuses on law enforcement, cybercrime challenges, investigative reforms, and judicial cooperation, bringing together experts from various fields.

The event also includes the conferment of 24 Medals for Meritorious Service.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Book and Copyright Day

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) observes World Book and Copyright Day annually on 23 April to promote the importance of reading, publishing, and copyright protection worldwide.

The day honours authors, books, and the culture of reading, while also recognising the role of copyright laws in protecting the rights of creators.

The date 23 April was selected by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to pay tribute to renowned literary figures including William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.

The observance was officially established in 1995 during the General Conference of UNESCO to celebrate authors and books worldwide.

The idea of celebrating a book-related day originated from Dia del Llibre (Day of the Book) in Catalonia, where the tradition of exchanging books is followed every year on 23 April.

Copyright is a legal concept that provides authors and creators exclusive rights over their original works for a limited period, ensuring protection of intellectual property and encouraging creativity.

 

OBITUTARY

Padma Shri Honouree and Bundeli Martial Arts Pioneer Bhagwandas Raikwar

Bhagwandas Raikwar, famously known as “Dau”, passed away at the age of 83 in Bhopal while undergoing medical treatment.

He was born on 2 January 1944 in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh.

Bhagwandas Raikwar was regarded as a pioneer and guardian of Bundeli Martial Arts, one of India’s oldest weapon-based war art traditions.

He earned recognition for preserving the Akhada tradition, an ancient system of traditional wrestling and martial training.

His expertise included combat skills using traditional weapons such as lathi, talwar, bhala, dhal, and trishul.

In 1964, he established the Chhatrasal Bundelkhand Akhada in Sagar with his own personal resources.

He played a major role in bringing national and international recognition to Bundelkhand’s traditional martial heritage.

The Government of India honoured him for his lifelong dedication to preservation, promotion, and training of indigenous martial arts.

He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2026, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, for contributions in Traditional Martial Arts.