NATIONAL NEWS

India Launches Toll-Free Helpline 1855 for Census 2027

India launched a nationwide toll-free helpline (1855) to simplify the Census 2027 process and enhance citizen participation.

The helpline has been introduced by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India and is operational across all States and Union Territories with multilingual support.

It will provide guidance on House Listing and Housing Census, assist citizens in understanding procedures, and help ensure accurate data submission.

The initiative promotes inclusive and citizen-centric governance by reducing confusion, especially in rural areas, and improving transparency in the census process.

Census 2027 will mark a digital transformation, with enumerators using smartphone-based applications, enabling real-time monitoring, faster processing, and improved accuracy.

A self-enumeration portal has been introduced for the first time, allowing citizens to submit their data independently.

The census will be conducted in two phases:

Phase I (April–September 2026): House Listing and Housing Census covering housing conditions, amenities, and assets, along with a 15-day self-enumeration window.

Phase II (February 2027): Population Enumeration covering demographics, education, migration, and fertility details.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India Releases ₹30 Billion First Drawdown for Maldives Under South Asian Association

The Government of India approved a ₹30 billion currency swap facility for the Maldives under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Currency Swap Framework, reinforcing India’s role as a key financial partner.

This marks the first withdrawal (drawdown) of funds under the framework agreed between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives.

The facility is provided under the INR Swap Window of the ‘Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC Countries (2024–2027)’.

The agreement was signed between RBI and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) during the state visit of Mohamed Muizzu to New Delhi in October 2024.

Earlier, the Maldives repaid a USD 400 million swap facility (October 2024) under the USD/Euro Swap Window, highlighting its commitment to financial obligations.

Since the launch of the SAARC Swap Framework in 2012, RBI has extended aggregate support of over USD 1.1 billion to the Maldives.

The currency swap facility plays a crucial role in maintaining financial stability and supporting the Maldives’ balance of payments

The initiative aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, strengthening regional cooperation and economic resilience.

Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada Undertakes Official Visit to Czech Republic

Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State (MoS) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, undertook a two-day official visit to the Czech Republic from April 22–23, 2026.

The visit was undertaken at the invitation of the Government of the Czech Republic to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

Jitin Prasada co-chaired the 13th India–Czech Republic Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) with Czech counterpart Jan Sechter in Prague.

During the meeting, both sides signed the protocol of the 13th India–Czechia JCEC, marking progress in economic collaboration.

The leaders also jointly inaugurated the India–Czech Business Forum in Prague to promote trade and investment opportunities.

The forum aimed to strengthen Business-to-Business (B2B) linkages between Indian and Czech companies.

 

BANKING

RBI Revokes Banking Licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) with effect from April 24, 2026, citing serious regulatory violations.

The action was taken under Section 22(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, effectively prohibiting PPBL from conducting any banking business under Sections 5(b) and 6.

RBI stated that PPBL’s operations were detrimental to depositors’ interests and public interest, and the bank failed to comply with Section 22(3)(b), 22(3)(c), and 22(3)(g) of the Act.

Key reasons for cancellation included non-compliance with KYC norms, weak internal compliance systems, and repeated regulatory violations.

RBI also noted that the general management conduct of the bank was prejudicial to depositors and public interest, and continuation of operations would not serve any useful public purpose.

The central bank confirmed that PPBL has sufficient liquidity to repay all deposits during winding up.

RBI will initiate an application for winding up of the bank before the High Court.

This marks the first-ever shutdown of a Payments Bank since the framework was introduced in 2015–16.

Following the cancellation, the number of operational payments banks in India has reduced to five: Airtel Payments Bank, India Post Payments Bank, Fino Payments Bank, Jio Payments Bank, and NSDL Payments Bank.

Reserve Bank of India Imposes ₹80,000 Penalty on Ebix Payment Services

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a ₹80,000 penalty on Ebix Payment Services for failing to ensure proper risk categorisation of customers, a key compliance requirement.

The penalty was imposed on April 17, 2026 under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, highlighting RBI’s strict enforcement of payment system regulations.

RBI also imposed a ₹80,000 fine on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagari Sahakari Bank for violations under the Supervisory Action Framework (SAF).

The bank was found to have breached lending limits on advances and offered higher deposit interest rates than State Bank of India, violating regulatory directives.

Jio Financial Services and Allianz Form 50:50 Joint Venture for Insurance Business

Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) signed a binding agreement to form a 50:50 Joint Venture (JV) with Allianz Europe B.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Allianz, for general insurance and health insurance business in India.

The collaboration was initially announced in July 2025, when both firms signed a non-binding term sheet to explore equal joint ventures in general and life insurance

The partnership aims to combine JFSL’s digital distribution network and customer reach with Allianz’s global underwriting and risk management expertise.

The objective is to tap into India’s underpenetrated insurance market, enhancing insurance penetration and financial inclusion.

As part of the broader collaboration, JFSL and Allianz have also established Allianz Jio Reinsurance Limited, a 50:50 JV for reinsurance services in India.

RBI Relaxes Forex Norms, Permits Related-Party Hedging Within USD 100 Million Exposure Cap

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) withdrew some restrictions on forex dealers in offshore Non-Deliverable Forward (NDF) markets to manage rupee volatility.

On 27 March 2026, RBI imposed an initial restriction by capping banks’ net open positions in offshore derivatives at USD 100 million.

On 1 April 2026, RBI further tightened norms by banning arbitrage trades and prohibiting banks from offering NDFs to corporate clients.

These measures were aimed at curbing one-sided positioning in the Indian Rupee and reducing speculative flows in the foreign exchange market.

The overall objective was to ensure currency stability, prevent excessive volatility, and maintain orderly functioning of forex markets.

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

Gender Equality Mobilization Award 2026 in Vienna

Guntur Municipal Corporation won the Gender Equality Mobilization Award 2026 in Vienna, Austria for deploying over 200 women as electric auto drivers for door-to-door waste collection.

The award was conferred by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization during the International Day of Women in Industry 2026 celebrations.

The initiative promotes: Use of clean energy through electric vehicles, Efficient waste management systems and Women empowerment through sustainable livelihood opportunities

Under the initiative more than 200 women were trained and employed and electric autos are used for door-to-door garbage collection

The recognition highlights: Innovative and inclusive urban governance, Integration of gender equality with environmental sustainability and A replicable model for other cities

The award was received by officials of Guntur Municipal Corporation in the presence of dignitaries including Tarja Halonen.

The Gender Equality Mobilization Award recognises institutions promoting women’s participation in industrial and urban sectors, supporting broader Sustainable Development Goals.

The initiative strengthens India’s commitment to gender equality, clean energy adoption, and sustainable urban development.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

NASSCOM Names Srikanth Velamakanni as Chairman

NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies) appointed Srikanth Velamakanni as its new Chairman for the 2026–2027 term.

He is the Co-Founder and Group Chief Executive of Fractal Analytics, an indigenous AI firm.

He succeeds Sindhu Gangadharan, Managing Director of SAP Labs India, who completed her term in April 2026.

The Vice Chairperson of NASSCOM Executive Council is Kishor Patil, who is the Co-founder, CEO & MD of KPIT Technologies.

Velamakanni previously served as Vice Chairperson of NASSCOM and was an Executive Council member for over six years.

 

MoUs & AGREEMENTS

DataKaveri Systems and ONESTRUCTION Inc. Sign MoU

DataKaveri Systems, the commercial arm of Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ONESTRUCTION Inc..

The MoU aims to integrate construction data into Artificial Intelligence (AI)-ready urban data exchange systems across India and Japan.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Japan-India Artificial Intelligence Strategic Dialogue held in Mumbai.

Under the MoU, both organisations will connect ONESTRUCTION’s openIBM platform with Intelligent Universal Data Exchange (IUDX) developed by DataKaveri.

The Intelligent Universal Data Exchange (IUDX) platform is already operational across 55 smart cities in India, enabling large-scale urban data sharing.

The collaboration aims to ensure secure integration of construction data such as floor plans, utility layouts, and asset histories into city-level Artificial Intelligence applications.

Future plans include joint exploration of Artificial Intelligence use cases using integrated construction and urban datasets, along with pursuing bilateral funding opportunities.

 

APPS & PORTALS

SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile App Unveiled at Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India, launched the SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application during the Chintan Shivir held in Chandigarh (24–26 April 2026).

The application has been developed under the SMILE–Beggary Sub-Scheme (Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging).

It aims to strengthen field-level implementation through real-time digital data collection, improved monitoring, and accurate reporting.

The app enables implementing agencies and district authorities to capture survey data digitally, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and timely updates.

The initiative addresses challenges such as delayed and inconsistent data reporting, enhancing real-time monitoring, data analytics, and performance tracking across cities.

The launch aligns with the Government’s vision of achieving “Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat” (Beggar-free India).

It strengthens the overall monitoring framework of the scheme and promotes technology-driven governance solutions.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to rehabilitating and reintegrating identified individuals into mainstream society, enabling them to live with dignity and self-confidence.

 

BOOKS & AUTHORS

General Manoj Mukund Naravane Launches A New Book

Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd), former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, has launched his new book titled The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries.

The book is published by Rupa Publications.

He served as the 28th Chief of Army Staff from December 2019 to April 2022.

He is also the author of The Cantonment Conspiracy (2025).

The book is a non-fiction work that explores military myths, traditions, and lesser-known stories of India’s armed forces.

It highlights themes such as history, courage, culture, and the lived experiences of soldiers.

The book traces the origins of the popular military cheer “Chak de Phatte” to the 17th–18th century Sikh Army traditions.

It also explores the legend of Baba Harbhajan Singh, a revered figure in Indian military folklore.

The work provides insight into the cultural and historical narratives that shape the ethos of the Indian Armed Forces.

 

SPORTS

Fédération Internationale de Football Association Selects India for Women’s Development Programme 2026

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has selected India as one of 12 countries for its Women’s Development Programme (Commercial Strategy 2026).

The selection follows a successful application and presentation by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The programme aims to enhance commercial viability, sustainability, and professional structure of women’s football globally.

Participating countries include: Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Canada, Mexico, Finland, Ghana, Jordan, Lithuania, Paraguay, and India.

The programme will be conducted from May to October 2026 in online mode, involving stakeholders from India’s women’s football ecosystem.

It will help prepare clubs, including those in the Indian Women’s League, for the upcoming club licensing system by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The initiative is expected to strengthen governance, improve financial models, and promote professionalism in women’s football in India.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Intellectual Property Day

World Intellectual Property Day is observed annually on April 26 to promote awareness about the role of intellectual property rights in innovation and creativity.

Theme for 2026: “Intellectual Property and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate”, highlighting the connection between sports, innovation, and intellectual property.

The day recognises the role of youth in developing innovative solutions that support a sustainable future.

It was launched in 2000 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to promote and protect creative works including music, art, trademarks, inventions, and writings.

April 26 marks the establishment of the World Intellectual Property Organization Convention.

Celebrated globally through panels, exhibitions, outreach programmes, and educational initiatives.

Highlights the importance of intellectual property rights in economic growth, technological progress, and cultural development.