Current Affairs - April 25, 2026 Current Affairs

Lisa Gill was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, with effect from April 25, 2026. The appointment was made under constitutional provisions and after consultation with the Chief Justice of India. She succeeded Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur, who retired a day earlier. Prior to this elevation, Lisa Gill served as a puisne judge in the same High Court, gaining judicial experience within the institution. Her appointment reflects the established procedure under Article 217, ensuring continuity and leadership in the judiciary at the state level.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched Silicon Photonics Technology Solutions at IIT Madras on April 24, 2026. These solutions were developed at the Centre of Excellence for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems within the institute. The launch included advanced tools like the Process Design Kit and Universal PPIC Test Engine, aimed at enhancing photonics chip design and testing capabilities. The initiative reflects India’s growing focus on semiconductor and photonics innovation, supported by collaborations with international and domestic partners, and aligns with the broader objectives of the India Semiconductor Mission.

Tata Steel entered into a definitive agreement with SMS Group (through Paul Wurth S.A.) to implement the innovative EASyMelt technology at its Jamshedpur plant. This project represents the first industrial-scale deployment of this electrically-assisted syngas smelter technology, designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions in ironmaking. The initiative is expected to cut CO2 emissions by over 50% compared to conventional blast furnace operations. It also aligns with Tata Steel’s long-term sustainability goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, marking a major advancement in green steel production and environmentally responsible industrial practices.

India approved a ₹30 billion currency swap facility to the Maldives under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework for 2024–2027. This financial support, provided through the INR Swap Window, aims to help the Maldives manage its balance-of-payment pressures and maintain economic stability. The arrangement is implemented between the Reserve Bank of India and the Maldives Monetary Authority. It also reflects India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, emphasising regional cooperation. Over the years, India has extended significant financial assistance to the Maldives, including previous swap facilities, reinforcing strong bilateral economic and strategic ties.

Herjit S Bhalla was appointed as the CEO of Dabur India’s India business in April 2026, marking a significant leadership development in one of India’s leading FMCG companies. In this role, he reports directly to Global CEO Mohit Malhotra and is responsible for driving growth across domestic operations. The company anticipates improved financial performance, supported by rising demand in key segments such as home and personal care. Bhalla’s appointment comes at a time when Dabur is focusing on strengthening its market presence, enhancing product categories, and navigating global challenges affecting supply chains and international markets.

INS Sudarshini, a sail training ship of the Indian Navy, reached Las Palmas in Spain on April 23, 2026, marking a historic first visit to the Canary Islands by an Indian naval vessel. The voyage is part of the transoceanic deployment mission Lokayan 26, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and global presence. The ship began its journey from Kochi and has visited multiple international ports, promoting India’s cultural and diplomatic outreach under the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. It is also scheduled to participate in Sail 250 events in the United States, commemorating 250 years of American independence.

Project DANTAK, a key initiative of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), marked its 66th Raising Day in Bhutan on April 24, 2026. Since its establishment in 1961, the project has played a vital role in developing infrastructure in Bhutan, including constructing over 1,500 km of roads and major highways like the East–West Highway. It has also contributed to building critical aviation infrastructure such as Paro International Airport. The project continues to enhance connectivity through road modernization and strategic construction, strengthening bilateral ties between India and Bhutan while supporting regional development and security.

Brazil emerged as the leading exporter of corn to Bangladesh in April 2026, surpassing India due to shifting global trade dynamics and rising domestic ethanol demand in India. Brazil secured a dominant 78% share of Bangladesh’s corn imports for the 2025–26 marketing year. Meanwhile, India’s exports declined significantly over recent years due to increased domestic consumption and higher grain prices. The surge in Bangladesh’s imports, driven by growing demand from poultry, dairy, and aquaculture sectors, further strengthened Brazil’s position. This transition also facilitated the re-entry of US corn into Bangladesh’s market after several years.

Turkey introduced a significant legal reform in April 2026 by banning social media access for children below 15 years of age. The legislation amends existing social services laws to impose strict age-based restrictions on digital platform usage. It requires companies to implement robust age verification systems and appoint local representatives for compliance. The regulation also extends to gaming platforms, mandating age classification for video games. This move reflects growing global concerns about online safety for minors, digital well-being, and responsible platform governance in an increasingly connected technological environment.

Karnataka Bank entered into a strategic partnership with Pine Labs on April 21, 2026, to strengthen its digital payment ecosystem. The agreement focuses on deploying advanced PoS infrastructure across all its branches nationwide, improving accessibility and efficiency for retail and MSME customers. This initiative aligns with the bank’s vision of becoming a ‘Digital Bank of the Future.’ By integrating advanced payment technologies and responding to merchant needs, the collaboration ensures faster, reliable, and user-friendly transactions, enhancing overall service delivery in the modern financial ecosystem.

Pakistan successfully carried out a flight test of the Taimoor, an indigenously developed air-launched anti-ship cruise missile, on April 21, 2026. The test was conducted by the Pakistan Navy, showcasing its operational capabilities in maritime defence. The missile is designed to detect, track, and neutralise sea-based threats with precision at extended ranges. It strengthens the country’s conventional strike capability and reflects advancements in domestic defence technology. This successful test highlights Pakistan’s focus on enhancing naval preparedness and maintaining a coordinated, multi-dimensional defence strategy in regional waters.