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The Affairs
India & World Current Affairs
18 June 2026
637 stories · April 2026
The Hindu
World Global
U.S. Vice President JD Vance Scheduled for Diplomatic Mission to Pakistan for Iran Peace Talks
United States Vice President JD Vance is set to travel to Pakistan on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to lead the second round of high-level peace negotiations concerning the Iran conflict. The mission aims to secure a diplomatic resolution before the current ceasefire deadline expires. The talks in Islamabad are viewed as a critical opportunity to de-escalate the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and prevent regional war.
World Japan
Japan Meteorological Agency Issues Major Earthquake Advisory After Seven Point Four Magnitude Tremor
Japan's Meteorological Agency has issued a 'huge' earthquake advisory and tsunami warnings following a 7.4-magnitude tremor off the northeast coast on April 20, 2026. An 80 cm tsunami wave was recorded shortly after the quake. Authorities have warned of waves up to three metres in certain coastal areas, prompting evacuations and a reassessment of the nation's vulnerability to major seismic events.
India National
Delhi High Court Rejects Arvind Kejriwal Recusal Petition in Liquor Policy Investigation Case
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court has dismissed an application filed by Arvind Kejriwal seeking her recusal from the liquor policy case. The petitioner argued potential bias as the judge's children are empanelled as central government counsel. The court ruled that a litigant cannot judge judicial competence or dictate the professional lives of a judge's family, affirming the judge's constitutional oath to impartiality.
India National
Ministry of External Affairs Intensifies Diplomatic Efforts After Indian Vessels Fired Upon in Hormuz
The Union Government has initiated urgent diplomatic contact with Iranian authorities following an incident on April 18, 2026, where Indian-flagged cargo ships were fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, 14 Indian ships are traversing the region. Initial reports suggest a communication lapse between the Iranian government and local Revolutionary Guard units. The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with the Indian envoy to ensure safe passage.
India National
SEBI Notifies Infrastructure Investment Trusts Amendment Regulations 2026 to Regulate Securities Market
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has notified the Infrastructure Investment Trusts (Amendment) Regulations, 2026. Issued on April 17, 2026, the new regulations are designed to protect investor interests and promote the development of the infrastructure financing market. The amendments update the governance and operational guidelines for InvITs to ensure transparent fund management.
India Chhattisgarh
Death Toll Reaches 24 Following High Pressure Steam Blast at Chhattisgarh Vedanta Power Plant
The death toll from an explosion at a Vedanta Ltd power plant in Chhattisgarh's Singhitarai village has climbed to 24. The blast, which occurred on April 20, 2026, was caused by a rupture in a steel tube carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine. Rescue operations and safety audits are currently underway at the facility, which serves the company's industrial operations in the region.
India National
North Korea Conducts Test Launch of Five Upgraded Hwasong-11 Ra Ballistic Missiles
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test launch of five upgraded surface-to-surface Hwasong-11 Ra ballistic missiles on April 20, 2026. The launch, conducted in the presence of his daughter Kim Ju Ae, follows increased regional tensions. Military analysts noted the upgrades to the short-range system, which is designed for precision strikes and potential tactical nuclear deployment.
World Global
United States Launches Massive Tariff Refund System for Importers Following Legal Rulings
The United States government launched a historic tariff refund system on April 20, 2026, to return billions of dollars to businesses. This follows a legal determination that certain previous tariffs were unconstitutional. Large corporations, including Walmart, which is expected to receive $10 billion, are among thousands of importers lining up to file claims for duties paid on foreign goods over several years.
India National
SEBI Notifies Securities and Exchange Board of India Real Estate Investment Trusts Amendment Regulations 2026
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has notified the Real Estate Investment Trusts (Amendment) Regulations, 2026. Published on April 18, 2026, the amendments aim to further regulate the securities market and protect investor interests within the real estate sector. These regulations modify existing frameworks to enhance transparency and promote the organized development of REITs in India.
India National
Reserve Bank of India to conduct 11,500 crore rupee auction for four state government securities
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced an auction of State Government Securities (SGS) totaling 11,500 crore rupees, scheduled for April 21, 2026. The participating states include Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Telangana, with tenors ranging from 8 to 28 years. The auction will be conducted through the E-Kuber system, accommodating both competitive and non-competitive bids from eligible institutions and individuals.
India National
Supreme Court Issues Suo Motu Directions on Highway Safety Following Phalodi Accident
The Supreme Court of India, in the 'In Re Phalodi Accident' case, has issued interim directions regarding highway safety. The court ruled that commuter safety is an integral facet of the Right to Life with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. Directions include a ban on the unauthorized parking of heavy vehicles on highways and the removal of unauthorized dhabas that obstruct traffic flow.
India National
Reserve Bank of India Schedules ₹16,900 Crore Auction of State Government Securities for Five States
The Reserve Bank of India has announced a revised auction of State Government Securities (SGS) for an aggregate amount of ₹16,900 crore. Five states—Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Telangana—will sell stock through the E-Kuber system on April 21, 2026. The auction includes new yields and re-issues, with settlement scheduled for April 22, 2026, intended for banking Statutory Liquidity Ratio compliance.
World United States
USCIS Reports High H-1B Visa Selection Rates Following Overhaul of Salary-Based Selection System
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has completed the FY 2027 H-1B lottery, reporting a high selection rate of approximately 75% for applicants already residing in the U.S. The new system prioritizes higher salary brackets, significantly benefiting employees of major tech companies. However, small businesses face increased costs, with some fees reaching $100,000.
India Maharashtra
Pune Airport Runway Suspended Following Undercarriage Failure and Hard Landing of IAF Fighter Jet
Flight operations at Pune Airport were suspended for approximately five hours after an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jet experienced an undercarriage failure during a 'hard landing.' The incident led to several commercial flight diversions and affected night operations. Runway repairs were completed by IAF engineering teams, allowing civil flight movements to resume.
India National
Bombay High Court Directs Centre to Respond on Inclusion of SSPE in Rare Diseases Policy
The Bombay High Court has sought a detailed clarification from the Union Government regarding the inclusion of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) in the National Policy for Rare Diseases. SSPE is a fatal neurodegenerative condition resulting from a mutated measles virus. The court emphasized the distress of affected families and questioned the government's proposed support mechanisms.
India National
Reserve Bank of India Announces Auction of Treasury Bills Worth 24,000 Crore for April 22
The Reserve Bank of India has scheduled the auction of Government of India Treasury Bills for an aggregate amount of ₹24,000 crore on April 22, 2026. The auction includes 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day instruments. These short-term debt securities will be issued using a multiple price method via the E-Kuber system, facilitating the Union Government's immediate cash flow management.
India Karnataka
Bannerghatta Biological Park Receives Four South African Cheetahs for Regional Conservation Program
Four cheetahs arrived from South Africa at Bengaluru's Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) to bolster India's ongoing cheetah reintroduction and conservation efforts. The translocation is part of a broader national strategy to establish viable cheetah populations in multiple habitats across India. The cheetahs will undergo a mandatory quarantine period before being introduced to their designated enclosures to monitor health and acclimatization.
India National
RBI Sets Redemption Price for Premature Redemption of Sovereign Gold Bond 2020-21 Series VII
The Reserve Bank of India has announced the redemption price for the premature redemption of Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2020-21 Series VII, set at ₹15,254 per unit. This redemption, permissible after the fifth year from the issue date (October 20, 2020), coincides with the interest payment date of April 20, 2026. The price calculation is based on the average closing price of 999 purity gold published by IBJA.
India National
Jammu and Kashmir High Court rules husband's girlfriend is not a relative under Section 498A
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh ruled on April 17, 2026, that a husband's girlfriend or concubine does not fall within the definition of a 'relative' under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Consequently, such individuals cannot be prosecuted for cruelty under this specific provision. The court quashed an FIR against a woman on these grounds, citing established legal definitions.
India Tripura
Tipra Motha Party secures landslide victory in Tripura Tribal Council elections with 24 seats
The Tipra Motha Party, led by Pradyot Deb Barma, achieved a landslide victory in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections on April 17, 2026. Winning 24 out of 28 elected seats, the party effectively marginalized its competitors. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), despite being a state government ally, was reduced to 4 seats, while the Left Front and Congress failed to secure any representation.
India National
Supreme Court nine-judge bench examines judicial scrutiny limits of religious practices under Article 25
A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court continued hearings on the Sabarimala reference case on April 17, 2026. The court is deliberating whether judges should rise above religious perceptions when examining 'matters of conscience' and to what extent denominational practices are subject to judicial scrutiny under Article 25. The bench is clarifying the interplay between individual religious freedom and the rights of religious denominations.
India National
India foreign exchange reserves decline to 700.946 billion dollars for week ending April 10
The Reserve Bank of India reported a decrease in India's total foreign exchange reserves to $700.946 billion for the week ending April 10, 2026. This represents a weekly variation of approximately $3.825 billion. Foreign Currency Assets, the largest component of the reserves, stood at $555.983 billion, while gold reserves were valued at $121.343 billion as per the latest Weekly Statistical Supplement.
India National
Reserve Bank of India Launches 49th Round of Services and Infrastructure Outlook Survey
The Reserve Bank of India announced the launch of the 49th round of the quarterly Services and Infrastructure Outlook Survey (SIOS) for the April-June 2026 reference period. The survey collects qualitative data from selected companies to assess current business situations and future expectations. Indicators include demand, financial conditions, employment, and the price situation within the Indian manufacturing and services sectors.
India National
DGCA initiates probe into SpiceJet and Akasa Air aircraft collision at Delhi airport
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a probe into a collision involving a SpiceJet aircraft and a parked Akasa Air flight at Delhi airport on April 16, 2026. This incident, occurring during taxiing, has prompted the regulatory body to take action, including 'derostering' an air traffic controller and SpiceJet pilots, highlighting concerns about aviation safety protocols.
India Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh police file FIR against Vedanta Group Chairman after power plant blast kills 20
Chhattisgarh police, on April 15, 2026, registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal and others, following a boiler blast at the firm's power plant in Sakti district that claimed 20 lives. The FIR indicates a formal police investigation into potential negligence and accountability for the industrial accident.
India Maharashtra
Bombay High Court reiterates Child Care Leave policy protects motherhood, child's rights
The Bombay High Court, on April 16, 2026, affirmed that the Child Care Leave (CCL) policy protects motherhood and the rights of both the mother and her child. The court emphasized that the policy acknowledges a woman's contribution to familial stability and nurturing children, and thus, the government must ensure its proper implementation to secure its objectives.
India National
US President Trump praises Taranjit Sandhu on Delhi Lieutenant Governor appointment
US President Donald Trump extended congratulations and praised Taranjit Singh Sandhu, former Indian Ambassador to the US, on his appointment as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. This acknowledgement, made public on April 17, 2026, highlights the significance of diplomatic experience in high administrative roles and underscores the strong bilateral relationship between India and the United States.
World Global
White House escalates diplomatic tensions with Vatican over geopolitical stances
The White House has initiated a 'second front' in its diplomatic strategy, escalating tensions with the Vatican as of April 16, 2026. This move, reportedly linked to disagreements over broader geopolitical issues including the Hormuz situation, signifies a rare public friction between the US administration and the Holy See, which often plays a moral and diplomatic role in global affairs.
India National
United States delays weapons supply to European allies due to Iran war demands
The United States is reportedly delaying weapons supplies to some European allies, a consequence of the ongoing Iran War stretching US stocks of critical weaponry and ammunition. This development indicates the significant strain the conflict has placed on US defence manufacturing and supply chains, affecting its commitment to allies and highlighting the global repercussions of regional conflicts.
World Global
US tightens Hormuz blockade, Trump shares US Navy video to reinforce message
The US has intensified its blockade operations in the Strait of Hormuz, with President Donald Trump sharing a US Navy video on April 15, 2026, to publicly reinforce the message. This move signals a significant escalation in US pressure tactics against Iran, aimed at disrupting its maritime trade and potentially impacting global oil supplies flowing through the critical waterway.
India National
Supreme Court receives plea to declare forced religious conversion a 'terrorist act'
The Supreme Court of India received a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on April 17, 2026, seeking directions to declare forced religious conversion a 'terrorist act'. This plea highlights ongoing concerns about religious freedom and national security, prompting the highest court to consider the gravity and implications of such conversions within the existing legal framework.
World Global
US ends sanctions waivers on Russia, Iran oil impacting Indian buyers from April 16, 2026
The United States has ended sanctions waivers that allowed certain countries, including India, to buy oil from Russia and Iran, effective April 16, 2026. This policy change by the US government will significantly affect India, one of the major buyers, as it necessitates diversification of oil imports and has implications for energy security and foreign policy.
World Global
US President announces 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon effective April 16, 2026
US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, effective April 16, 2026. This diplomatic breakthrough aims to de-escalate tensions and halt ongoing hostilities in the region. The announcement was made amidst international efforts to stabilize the volatile Middle East situation. This summary captures the core event, principal actors, and immediate significance for exam-oriented readers.
India National
Supreme Court permits specific West Bengal SIR excluded voters to participate in elections
The Supreme Court of India ruled on April 16, 2026, that individuals excluded from the West Bengal Special Integrated Revision (SIR) electoral rolls can vote if their appeals are allowed by tribunals before April 21 or April 27. This decision provides a critical window for eligible voters to be re-included, impacting the upcoming Assembly polls in West Bengal.
India National
Reserve Bank of India amends Non-Banking Financial Companies branch authorisation directions, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Companies – Branch Authorisation) Amendment Directions, 2026, on April 15, 2026. These directions modify existing guidelines for branch opening by various categories of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), including Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), aiming to provide operational flexibility and enhance ease of doing business.
India National
Centre operationalizes Women's Reservation Law, reserves one-third seats in Lok Sabha, State Assemblies
The Union government has brought the Women's Reservation Law, 2023, into force from April 16, 2026. This legislation mandates a 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, marking a significant step towards enhanced female representation in India's political landscape. The implementation comes amidst parliamentary discussions on related amendment bills.
World Israel
Netanyahu's security cabinet convenes to discuss potential Lebanon ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet has convened to discuss the possibility of a ceasefire with Lebanon. This high-stakes meeting indicates a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, exploring pathways to de-escalation and potential diplomatic resolutions with Hezbollah, following intense cross-border hostilities. This summary captures the core event, principal actors, and immediate significance for exam-oriented readers.
World Global
Indian Envoy to US Vinay Mohan Kwatra meets US Trade Representative amid trade deal talks
India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held a meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The discussions took place amid ongoing trade deal talks between the two nations, indicating continued high-level engagement to resolve trade issues and strengthen economic ties. This summary captures the core event, principal actors, and immediate significance for exam-oriented readers.
India National
Prime Minister Modi inaugurates Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, reducing travel time to 2.5 hours
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, a significant infrastructure project designed to drastically cut travel time between the two cities to just 2.5 hours. This corridor is expected to boost economic activity, tourism, and connectivity in the region, falling under the government's broader push for enhanced national infrastructure.
India Karnataka
Karnataka High Court rules Article 21 invoked only by citizens or resident foreigners
The Karnataka High Court, responding to arguments by Google in a case involving a Sri Lankan judge, has stated that Article 21 of the Constitution can only be invoked by citizens or foreigners residing in India. This ruling clarifies the applicability of the fundamental right to life and personal liberty to non-citizens, emphasizing a geographical nexus for its invocation.
India Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh High Court: Withholding pension due to pending trial endangers fundamental right to life
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has ruled that withholding pension for decades due to a pending trial endangers an individual's fundamental right to life, as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution. The court emphasized that pension is not a bounty but a right, reinforcing the state's obligation to ensure the livelihood and dignity of its citizens, even amidst legal proceedings.