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Reports and indices
RSF Press Freedom Index 2026: India falls to 157th123
Reporters Without Borders' 2026 World Press Freedom Index, released 30 April, ranked India 157th of 180, down six places from 151st, with the score slipping to 31.96. Norway ranked first and the global average hit a 25-year low.
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Disasters
Cruise boat capsizes at Bargi Dam in Madhya Pradesh; toll reaches 134567
A Madhya Pradesh Tourism cruise boat capsized on the Bargi Dam reservoir (Narmada) near Jabalpur on the evening of 30 April 2026; the toll stood at nine on 1 May and rose to 13 by 3 May.
- Boat capsized on the evening of 30 April 2026 at Bargi Dam, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh; operated by the state tourism department
- Toll was 9 on 1 May, 11 on 2 May and 13 on 3 May when the last missing person's body was recovered; 28 people were rescued
- Wind of about 70 km/h was recorded; reports question why the boat sailed despite an orange alert
- More than 40 people were reportedly aboard, against an official count of about 31
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International
UK Tobacco and Vapes Act becomes law, barring anyone born from 2009 from buying cigarettes891011
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill cleared Parliament around 21-22 April and received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026. Anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 can never legally be sold tobacco, with the age-of-sale provisions expected from 1 January 2027.
- Cleared Parliament around 22 April; Royal Assent 29 April 2026 (Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026)
- Applies to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009
- Age-of-sale rules expected from 1 January 2027, so the age limit rises a year each year
- Also tightens vape rules: no sales to under-18s and limits on advertising and displays
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Economy
UAE announces exit from OPEC and OPEC+ from 1 May12131415
The UAE announced on 28 April that it will quit OPEC and OPEC+ with effect from 1 May, citing its long-term energy strategy and wish to use its larger capacity. OPEC is left with 11 members.
- UAE announced its exit on 28 April 2026 through the state news agency WAM
- Effective 1 May 2026
- Covers both OPEC and the wider OPEC+ alliance
- UAE had been pushing for a higher quota than its 3.5 million barrels a day against built capacity
- UAE had been a member since 1967 (as Abu Dhabi); OPEC left with 11 members
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Economy
Indian airlines warn of operational shutdown over jet fuel costs16171819
The Federation of Indian Airlines, representing Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet, wrote to the civil aviation ministry on 26 April warning the industry was on the verge of stopping operations because of soaring ATF prices amid the Hormuz crisis. Domestic hikes were capped while international fuel prices rose sharply.
- Federation of Indian Airlines letter to the civil aviation ministry dated 26 April 2026, reported 28-29 April
- Fuel normally 30-40 percent of operating costs, now 55-60 percent
- Asked for deferral of the 11 percent ATF excise duty, lower state VAT and parity between domestic and international pricing
- Domestic ATF price rise capped at Rs 15 per litre in March, while international routes saw about Rs 73 per litre
- Government reportedly offered relief including a 25 percent cap on monthly ATF hikes and lower airport charges for three months
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Reports and indices
SIPRI: India fifth-largest military spender in 2025 at USD 92.1 billion20212223
SIPRI's military expenditure data released on 27 April ranked India fifth in 2025 at USD 92.1 billion, up 8.9 percent, after overtaking the UK. World spending reached USD 2,887 billion, the eleventh straight annual rise.
- Released 27 April 2026 (SIPRI Military Expenditure Database, 2025 data)
- India fifth at USD 92.1 billion, up 8.9 percent, about 3.2 percent of the world total
- Top five: US (USD 954 bn), China (USD 336 bn), Russia (USD 190 bn), Germany, India
- World spending USD 2,887 billion, the 11th straight annual rise; military burden 2.5 percent of GDP, highest since 2009
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International
India and New Zealand sign free trade agreement in New Delhi24252627
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Trade Minister Todd McClay signed the India-New Zealand FTA in New Delhi on 27 April, after talks of about nine months. All Indian exports get duty-free access, India cuts tariffs covering about 95 percent of NZ exports with dairy and other sensitive items excluded, and NZ pledges about USD 20 billion investment over 15 years.
- Signed 27 April 2026 in New Delhi by Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay
- Talks took about nine months; terms concluded in December 2025
- All Indian exports to New Zealand duty free
- India cuts or removes tariffs covering about 95 percent of New Zealand's exports; dairy and some other sensitive farm goods excluded
- New Zealand to invest about USD 20 billion in India over 15 years
- Expected to come into force around October 2026
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States
Meghalaya makes Khasi and Garo official languages; Ladakh gets five new districts2829303132
Meghalaya's Cabinet approved the Official Languages Ordinance on 16 April and it was promulgated on 27 April, giving Khasi and Garo official status alongside English and replacing the 2005 State Language Act. On 27 April Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved five new districts, taking the UT from two districts to seven.
- Meghalaya Cabinet approved the ordinance on 16 April 2026; Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance 2026 promulgated 27 April
- It repeals the Meghalaya State Language Act 2005; Khasi and Garo get official status alongside English
- Use in the Assembly needs further amendments and rollout will be phased
- Ladakh LG approved the notification on 27 April; new districts inaugurated on 29 April
- New Ladakh districts: Nubra, Sham, Changthang (from Leh) and Zanskar, Drass (from Kargil)
- Ladakh now has seven districts
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Sports
IPL 2026 milestones: Bhuvneshwar Kumar 200 wickets, Kohli 9,000 runs33343536
In IPL 2026 Bhuvneshwar Kumar became the first fast bowler and second bowler overall to reach 200 IPL wickets, on 5 April against CSK in Bengaluru, and on 27 April Virat Kohli became the first batter to reach 9,000 IPL runs during RCB's win over Delhi Capitals.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 200th IPL wicket on 5 April 2026 (RCB v CSK, Bengaluru), first fast bowler and second bowler after Yuzvendra Chahal (224)
- Virat Kohli: first batter to 9,000 IPL runs, on 27 April 2026 in RCB's win over Delhi Capitals in Delhi (one outlet says 26 April)
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Sports
Sabastian Sawe runs first official sub-two-hour marathon at London37383940
Kenya's Sabastian Sawe won the London Marathon on 26 April in 1:59:30, a world record and the first officially recognised sub-two-hour marathon; Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha also finished under two hours.
- London Marathon, 26 April 2026
- Sawe's time 1:59:30, a world record, beating Kelvin Kiptum's 2:00:35 by 65 seconds
- Yomif Kejelcha second in 1:59:41 on his marathon debut, also under two hours
- First sub-2:00 in a record-eligible race
- Tigst Assefa lowered her women-only world record to 2:15:41 on the same day
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Environment
India submits updated NDC for 2031-35 to the UN41424344
India submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031-35 to the UNFCCC on 24 April, after Cabinet approval in March. The headline targets are a 47 percent cut in emissions intensity of GDP from 2005 levels and 60 percent non-fossil installed capacity by 2035.
- Submitted to the UNFCCC on 24 April 2026 (draft said 28 April)
- Cabinet approved the NDC in March 2026 (press release of 25 March)
- Targets: 47 percent cut in emissions intensity of GDP vs 2005 by 2035; 60 percent of installed electricity capacity non-fossil; extra 3.5-4.0 billion tonnes CO2e carbon sink
- It is an intensity target, not an economy-wide emissions cap
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Other
National Panchayati Raj Day marks 73rd Amendment45
National Panchayati Raj Day on 24 April marks the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, in force from 24 April 1993; the 2026 theme was 'Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas' and the national event was at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
- 24 April 2026
- 73rd Amendment Act (1992) came into force on 24 April 1993
- First observed as National Panchayati Raj Day on 24 April 2010
- 2026 theme: Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas; Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0 released
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Appointments
Ashok Lahiri named NITI Aayog vice chairperson46474849
Economist Ashok Kumar Lahiri, a former Chief Economic Adviser, was named Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog in a Cabinet Secretariat notification dated 24 April 2026, replacing Suman Bery, as the body was reconstituted with five full-time members.
- Cabinet Secretariat notification dated 24 April 2026; reported 25 April
- Replaces Suman Bery as Vice Chairperson
- Lahiri is a former Chief Economic Adviser and member of the 15th Finance Commission
- Full-time members named: Rajiv Gauba, K.V. Raju, Gobardhan Das, M. Srinivas and Abhay Karandikar
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Legislation
MeitY notifies Online Gaming Rules 202650515253
MeitY notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules 2026 on 22 April, effective 1 May. They set up the Online Gaming Authority of India under MeitY, a test to decide whether a game is an online money game, and mandatory registration for e-sports, with a digital certificate valid up to ten years.
- Notified 22 April 2026; in force from 1 May 2026
- Creates the Online Gaming Authority of India, an attached office of MeitY steered by a senior MeitY official with representatives from Home, Finance, Law and I&B
- Determination test for online money games, to be completed within 90 days
- Registration mandatory for e-sports (and notified social games); digital certificate valid up to 10 years
- An online money game cannot be recognised or registered as an e-sport
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Environment
India's Ramsar tally reaches 99 with Shekha Jheel in Aligarh545556
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh was designated India's 99th Ramsar site, announced on 22 April 2026 by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The draft's May date was wrong.
- Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary (Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh) was declared India's 99th Ramsar site; announced 22 April 2026
- Uttar Pradesh's Ramsar sites rose to 12
- The wetland formed after the Upper Ganges Canal was built in the 1850s and hosts about 249 bird species
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Obituaries
Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Nadendla Bhaskara Rao dies at 9057585960
Nadendla Bhaskara Rao, who was Andhra Pradesh chief minister for 31 days in 1984 in an episode that led to the Governor's removal, died in Hyderabad on 22 April aged 90.
- Died 22 April 2026 at a private hospital in Hyderabad, aged 90
- Chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh from 16 August to 16 September 1984
- Elected to the Lok Sabha from Khammam in 1998
- Father of Jana Sena minister Nadendla Manohar
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Environment
Two Indian landfills among world's top 25 methane super-emitters of 2025616263
A report released in April 2026 listed two Indian waste sites, a landfill in Secunderabad, Telangana and one in Mumbai, among the world's 25 biggest methane-emitting landfills of 2025, using satellite data processed by Carbon Mapper.
- Reported around 21-22 April 2026
- Report: UCLA STOP Methane Project, 'Spotlight on the Top 25 Methane Plumes in 2025: Landfills'
- Secunderabad (Jawaharnagar) site about 5.9 tonnes of methane an hour, 4th largest; Mumbai site about 4.9 tonnes an hour, 12th
- Satellite data from Carbon Mapper, covering 1 January to 31 December 2025
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Disasters
Thrissur fireworks unit blast kills at least 13 ahead of Pooram64656667
An explosion at a fireworks unit in Mundathikode near Thrissur, Kerala on 21 April killed at least 13 and injured about 40, while the unit was preparing displays for Thrissur Pooram. The government ordered a judicial inquiry led by Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair.
- 21 April 2026
- Mundathikode fireworks unit near Thrissur, Kerala
- At least 13 killed; one later report gives 16; about 40 injured
- Judicial inquiry led by Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair
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Science and tech
Curiosity detects more than 20 organic molecules on Mars686970
Reports from 21 April said NASA's Curiosity rover had detected more than 20 carbon-containing molecules in a Gale Crater sample, seven of them new to Mars, using a wet-chemistry method with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH).
- Reported 21 April 2026
- More than 20 organic molecules detected (one report: 21), seven never seen before on Mars
- Sample from 3.5-billion-year-old clay-bearing sandstone; first to receive TMAH treatment
- Does not prove past life; organics can form geologically or arrive by meteorite
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Awards
Laureus 2026: Alcaraz and Sabalenka win top awards in Madrid71727374
At the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on 20 April Carlos Alcaraz was Sportsman of the Year, Aryna Sabalenka Sportswoman of the Year and Paris Saint-Germain World Team of the Year; Nadia Comaneci got the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- 20 April 2026, Cibeles Palace, Madrid (draft said 21 April)
- Sportsman: Carlos Alcaraz; Sportswoman: Aryna Sabalenka
- World Team: Paris Saint-Germain
- Lifetime Achievement: Nadia Comaneci
- Also: Lando Norris (Breakthrough), Rory McIlroy (Comeback), Lamine Yamal (Young Sportsperson)
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Economy
Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO; John Ternus named successor75767778
Apple announced on 20 April that Tim Cook will step down as CEO on 1 September 2026, becoming executive chairman, and will be succeeded by hardware engineering chief John Ternus.
- Announced 20 April 2026
- Cook steps down as CEO on 1 September 2026 and becomes executive chairman
- Successor: John Ternus, senior vice president of hardware engineering, at Apple since 2001
- Board chair Arthur Levinson becomes lead independent director on 1 September
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Awards
Goldman Environmental Prize 2026 honours six defenders79808182
The 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize, announced on 20 April, honoured six grassroots environmental leaders, the first all-women cohort: Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria), Borim Kim (South Korea), Sarah Finch (England), Theonila Roka Matbob (Papua New Guinea), Alannah Acaq Hurley (United States) and Yuvelis Morales Blanco (Colombia).
- Announced 20 April 2026; ceremony in San Francisco
- Six winners, the first all-women cohort
- Winners: Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria), Borim Kim (South Korea), Sarah Finch (UK), Theonila Roka Matbob (Papua New Guinea), Alannah Acaq Hurley (USA), Yuvelis Morales Blanco (Colombia)
- Sarah Finch's campaign led to the UK Supreme Court 'Finch ruling' on downstream climate impacts of fossil fuels
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Disasters
Bus falls into gorge in Udhampur, killing 2183848586
A bus plunged into a gorge near Kagort village in Ram Nagar, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir on 20 April, killing 21; injury counts ranged from 42 to 61. The 42-seater reportedly carried 63 passengers.
- 20 April 2026
- Near Kagort (Khagote) village, Ram Nagar, Udhampur district
- 21 dead; injured reported as 42 (Tribune) to 61 (Statesman)
- Early reports said 15-16 dead; sharp bend and loss of control cited, with a burst tyre in one report
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Disasters
Virudhunagar firecracker factory blast kills at least 2387888990
An explosion at the Vanaja fireworks unit in Kattanarpatti near Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu on 19 April killed 23 on the day, with later reports putting the toll at 25. A second blast during rescue injured 13 rescuers.
- 19 April 2026
- Vanaja fireworks unit, Kattanarpatti, Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu (reportedly PESO-licensed)
- 23 dead on the day, 25 by 20 April
- A second explosion during rescue injured 13 rescue personnel; suspected cause friction among raw materials
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International
Vice President Radhakrishnan visits Sri Lanka; OCI extended to sixth generation for Malaiyaha Tamils9192939495
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan made the first bilateral Indian Vice-Presidential visit to Sri Lanka on 19-20 April, meeting President Dissanayake. India extended OCI eligibility for Indian-origin (Malaiyaha) Tamils beyond the fourth generation, Sri Lanka acceded to the International Big Cat Alliance, and several MoUs were signed.
- Visit 19-20 April 2026
- First bilateral visit by an Indian Vice President to Sri Lanka
- OCI eligibility for Indian-origin Tamils extended beyond the fourth generation, to the sixth
- Sri Lanka acceded to the International Big Cat Alliance
- Final 145 houses of Phase III of the Indian Housing Project handed over; scholarships for estate workers' families expanded
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International
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung makes state visit to India96979899
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung made a state visit to India on 19-21 April, with talks with Modi on 20 April. The two sides announced a Joint Strategic Vision for 2026-2030, a goal of USD 50 billion trade by 2030 with an upgraded CEPA, and Korea joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the International Solar Alliance.
- Visit 19-21 April 2026; bilateral talks on 20 April
- Joint Strategic Vision for the Special Strategic Partnership, 2026-2030
- Aim to raise trade to USD 50 billion by 2030 with an upgraded CEPA
- South Korea joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- A new ministerial Industrial Cooperation Committee created; several MoUs on shipbuilding, ports, science and technology and more
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Science and tech
Blue Origin reflies New Glenn booster; Chinese humanoid robot wins Beijing half marathon100101102103
On 19 April Blue Origin's New Glenn flew with a reused first-stage booster for the first time and landed it, but the AST SpaceMobile BlueBird 7 payload was left in an off-nominal orbit. The same day an Honor humanoid robot won a Beijing half marathon in 50 minutes 26 seconds.
- 19 April 2026: third New Glenn flight (NG-3)
- First reuse of a New Glenn booster, landed on the ship Jacklyn
- Payload BlueBird 7 placed in an off-nominal orbit
- Honor's humanoid robot won the Beijing half marathon in 50:26, faster than the human world record
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Environment
India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park planned in Ladakh104105106
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena laid the foundation stone on 18 April, World Heritage Day, for India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh, and an MoU was signed between the state archaeology department and the Archaeological Survey of India.
- Foundation stone laid 18 April 2026 (World Heritage Day) at Sindhu Ghat on the Indus, Leh
- Billed as India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park
- MoU signed between Ladakh's Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums and the ASI
- Ladakh has roughly 400 known petroglyph sites; Phase I involves relocating about 155 petroglyphs
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Schemes
Cabinet continues PMGSY-III to March 2028 with Rs 83,977 crore107108109
The Union Cabinet approved continuing PMGSY-III until March 2028 with a revised outlay of Rs 83,977 crore, up Rs 3,727 crore from Rs 80,250 crore, for rural roads and bridges. Coverage is dated 18-20 April 2026.
- Cabinet approval reported 18-20 April 2026 (exact Cabinet date not pinned down)
- PMGSY-III extended beyond March 2025 to March 2028
- Revised outlay Rs 83,977 crore, up Rs 3,727 crore from Rs 80,250 crore
- Works sanctioned before 31 March 2025 but not yet awarded may be taken up; 161 long-span bridges (Rs 961 crore) cleared
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Polity
Budget Session ends on 18 April after 31 sittings, running well past its 2 April schedule110111112113
Parliament's Budget Session, which began on 28 January, was adjourned sine die on 18 April after 31 sittings. It had been scheduled to end on 2 April and was extended to handle the delimitation-related Bills. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs counts nine Bills passed, including the Finance Bill 2026.
- Session ran 28 January to 18 April 2026; Speaker Om Birla counted 31 sittings of the Lok Sabha
- Originally scheduled to end on 2 April; extended to take up the delimitation Bills (PRS)
- Twelve government Bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha and nine were passed by both Houses, per the Speaker and the Ministry
- Passed Bills include the Finance Bill 2026, IBC (Amendment) Bill 2025, Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2026, Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill 2026 and CAPF (General Administration) Bill 2026
- Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill was defeated the day before the session ended
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Schemes
RELIEF export-risk cover expanded to Egypt and Jordan114
The government added Egypt and Jordan as eligible destinations under RELIEF, the export war-risk support scheme run through ECGC under the Export Promotion Mission, because of West Asia maritime disruption. Reports are dated 18 April.
- Egypt and Jordan added to RELIEF for shipments for delivery or transhipment; report dated 18 April 2026
- RELIEF launched 19 March 2026; implemented through ECGC under the Export Promotion Mission
- War-related cover up to 100 percent for consignments from 14 February to 15 March, and up to 95 percent for 16 March to 15 June 2026 (per explainers)
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Awards
Femina Miss India World 2026: Sadhvi Satish Sail of Goa crowned115116117118
Sadhvi Satish Sail of Goa was crowned Femina Miss India World 2026 at the 61st edition's grand finale on 18 April at KIIT, Bhubaneswar, the first Goan to win the title. Rajnandini Pawar of Maharashtra was first runner-up.
- Grand finale 18 April 2026 at KIIT, Bhubaneswar
- 61st edition; winner Sadhvi Satish Sail of Goa, the first woman from Goa to win the Miss India World title
- First runner-up Rajnandini Pawar (Maharashtra); second runner-up Dr Sree Advaita (Jammu and Kashmir)
- Will represent India at the next Miss World pageant
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Polity
Lok Sabha defeats Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on delimitation and women's quota119120121122
On 17 April the Lok Sabha rejected the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which sought to raise the House from 543 to up to 850 seats and let one-third women's reservation start right after a fresh delimitation. It got 298 votes for and 230 against, short of the two-thirds majority needed, and the linked Delimitation Bill and UT Laws Bill were then withdrawn.
- Vote on 17 April 2026: 298 in favour, 230 against, with 528 members present and voting
- Needed two-thirds of members present and voting (about 352) plus a majority of total membership
- Proposed Lok Sabha size up to 850 (up to 815 for states, up to 35 for Union Territories), up from 543
- Proposed to amend Article 82 so delimitation need not wait for the first Census after 2026, and Article 334A so women's reservation could start immediately after delimitation
- Delimitation Bill 2026 (based on the 2011 Census) and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill 2026 were withdrawn by Kiren Rijiju after the defeat
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Science and tech
CEA chief says India targets 100 GW nuclear power by 2047123124125
On 17 April Central Electricity Authority chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad said India aims to raise nuclear capacity from about 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, with a detailed roadmap prepared and rules under the SHANTI Act still being drafted.
- Stated on 17 April 2026 by CEA Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad
- Capacity target: from about 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, more than a tenfold rise
- Legislative reform is central: the SHANTI Act has been enacted and its rules and guidelines are being framed
- Planned mix: about 54 GW from NPCIL and 46 GW from other public sector firms, states, private players and joint ventures, per one report
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Awards
TIME 100 2026 includes three Indians126127128
TIME's 2026 list of the 100 most influential people, released in mid-April, named three Indians: actor Ranbir Kapoor, chef Vikas Khanna and Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Other Indian-origin figures also appear, including YouTube CEO Neal Mohan and New York mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- TIME100 2026 released in mid-April 2026 (exact day not confirmed; coverage dated 15-18 April)
- Indians named: Ranbir Kapoor, Vikas Khanna, Sundar Pichai
- Indian-origin honorees include Neal Mohan, Zohran Mamdani and Kiran Musunuru
- Separate event: TIME100 Next India, announced 23 April, with the list due in December 2026
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Sports
Javokhir Sindarov wins Candidates; Vaishali Rameshbabu wins women's Candidates129130131132
Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov won the 2026 Candidates in Cyprus (28 March-16 April), clinching it a round early and finishing unbeaten, and will face world champion D. Gukesh. India's R. Vaishali won the women's Candidates with 8.5/14 by beating Kateryna Lagno in the last round and will play champion Ju Wenjun.
- Candidates held at Cap St Georges, Pegeia, Cyprus, 28 March to 16 April 2026
- Open winner: Javokhir Sindarov (clinched in Round 13, unbeaten); challenger to world champion D. Gukesh
- Women's winner: R. Vaishali, 8.5/14, won in the final round against Kateryna Lagno; challenger to Ju Wenjun, champion since 2018
- Both title matches are set for later in 2026
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International
Austrian Chancellor Stocker visits India133134135136
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker made a four-day visit to India, with talks with Modi on 16 April, the first by an Austrian chancellor in over four decades. Outcomes included an MoU on food safety, a letter of intent on military cooperation, one on a counter-terrorism working group and agreements on audiovisual co-production.
- Four-day visit to India in mid-April 2026; talks with PM Modi on 16 April
- First visit to India by an Austrian chancellor in more than four decades
- MoU on food safety and audiovisual co-production agreement
- Letters of intent on military cooperation and on a joint working group on counter-terrorism
- MEA put the total outcomes at 15
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Economy
India slips to sixth largest economy by nominal GDP in IMF April 2026 outlook137
The IMF's April 2026 World Economic Outlook, released on 14 April, places India sixth by nominal GDP at about USD 3.92 trillion for 2025. Business Standard attributes the slide mainly to a weaker rupee and the February 2026 revision of India's GDP base year, not to weak growth.
- India ranked sixth by nominal GDP in the April 2026 WEO
- India's nominal GDP about USD 3.92 trillion (2025)
- India's GDP base year revised from 2011-12 to 2022-23 in February 2026
- WEO released 14 April 2026
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Polity
Samrat Choudhary becomes Bihar's first BJP chief minister after Nitish Kumar resigns138139140141
Nitish Kumar resigned as Bihar chief minister on 14 April after being elected to the Rajya Sabha, and BJP's Samrat Choudhary took oath on 15 April as the state's first BJP chief minister. His NDA government won a trust vote on 24 April.
- Nitish Kumar resigned on 14 April 2026; he had been elected to the Rajya Sabha on 16 March
- Samrat Choudhary sworn in on 15 April 2026 by Governor Syed Ata Hasnain
- First BJP chief minister of Bihar
- Deputy CMs: Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Vijay Kumar Choudhary (both JD(U))
- Won trust vote on 24 April by voice vote; NDA has 201 of 243 MLAs and 122 votes were needed
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Disasters
Boiler explosion at Vedanta power plant in Sakti, Chhattisgarh kills at least 13142143144145
A boiler explosion at the Vedanta power plant at Singhitarai village in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh on 14 April killed 13 per PTI, with the toll reaching 14 the next day and 19 per police quoted by AFP. A fault in a high-pressure steam pipe joint is suspected.
- 14 April 2026, about 2:30 pm, Vedanta power plant, Singhitarai village, Sakti district
- Toll reported as 13 (PTI, 14 April), 14 (15 April) and 19 (police via AFP, 15 April); company figure was 10
- Preliminary finding: technical fault in a steam pipe joint at Boiler Unit 1
- Rs 5 lakh compensation for each deceased worker announced
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Other
Ambedkar Jayanti marks birth anniversary of the Constitution's architect146147
India observed Ambedkar Jayanti on 14 April, the 135th birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar, chairman of the Constitution's Drafting Committee.
- 14 April 2026 (a Tuesday); 135th birth anniversary
- Ambedkar born 14 April 1891
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International
Pope Leo XIV begins first papal visit to Algeria and tours Africa148149150151
Pope Leo XIV landed in Algiers on 13 April on the first papal visit to Algeria, the opening stop of a four-country African tour of Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea scheduled for 13-23 April.
- Arrived in Algiers on 13 April 2026
- First papal visit to Algeria
- Four-country tour: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, Equatorial Guinea; official programme 13-23 April
- About 18,000 km across 11 cities and towns
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International
Canada's Liberals win majority after by-election victories152153154155
Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals won all three federal by-elections on 13 April 2026, in Scarborough Southwest, University-Rosedale and Terrebonne, lifting them to 174 of 343 seats and a majority; five MPs had also crossed the floor in recent months.
- 13 April 2026 by-elections: Liberals won Scarborough Southwest (Doly Begum), University-Rosedale (Danielle Martin) and Terrebonne (Tatiana Auguste)
- Liberals reach 174 of 343 seats, above the 172 needed for a majority
- Five MPs crossed to the Liberals over five months (four Conservatives, one NDP); Poilievre said the majority came from defections
- Terrebonne was re-run after a Supreme Court ruling overturned its 2025 result
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Appointments
Israel formally appoints Roman Gofman as next Mossad head156157158159
Israel's Senior Appointments Advisory Committee approved Roman Gofman as the next Mossad director on 12 April 2026 and Prime Minister Netanyahu signed the appointment for a five-year term. Gofman, Netanyahu's military secretary, takes over from David Barnea on 2 June 2026.
- Netanyahu announced his pick on 4 December 2025
- Senior Appointments Advisory Committee approved it on 12 April 2026; five-year term
- Takes over from David Barnea on 2 June 2026 (one outlet says 2 July)
- Gofman is Netanyahu's military secretary, an army officer with no prior intelligence background
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Sports
Rory McIlroy wins back-to-back Masters titles160
Rory McIlroy won the Masters at Augusta on 12 April, retaining the title after his 2025 win and taking a second green jacket.
- Final round 12 April 2026 at Augusta National
- McIlroy won his second green jacket, defending the title he won in a playoff over Justin Rose in 2025
- Back-to-back Masters titles
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Obituaries
Playback singer Asha Bhosle dies at 92161162163164
Asha Bhosle, one of India's most celebrated playback singers, died in Mumbai on 12 April aged 92 after being admitted with exhaustion and a chest infection; reports cite multi-organ failure. She recorded more than 12,000 songs over about seven decades and was the younger sister of Lata Mangeshkar.
- Died 12 April 2026 at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, aged 92
- Admitted with extreme exhaustion and a chest infection; hospital cited multi-organ failure
- More than 12,000 songs in many Indian languages over about seven decades
- Younger sister of Lata Mangeshkar; last rites at Shivaji Park on 13 April
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International
Peter Magyar's Tisza wins Hungary election, ending Orban's 16 years165166167168
Hungary's opposition Tisza party led by Peter Magyar won the 12 April election with about 53 percent and a two-thirds majority, ending Viktor Orban's 16-year rule. Orban conceded.
- Election 12 April 2026
- Tisza 53.2 percent of the vote; 138 of 199 seats on preliminary count, 141 in the final count of 18 April
- Fidesz-KDNP about 38.6 percent; 55 seats preliminary, 52 final
- Record turnout: about 77.8 percent preliminary, about 79.6 percent final
- Orban conceded the result as 'painful but unambiguous'
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International
Nizar Amidi elected Iraq's president169170171
Iraq's parliament elected Kurdish politician Nizar Amedi of the PUK as president on 11 April, after missing the 29 January deadline; on 27 April he nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate, with 30 days to form a government.
- Elected 11 April 2026, after the 29 January deadline was missed amid a dispute between Kurdish parties
- Amedi is 58, a former environment minister, from the PUK
- 27 April: nominated Ali al-Zaidi, a businessman with no previous government post, as PM-designate
- Zaidi has 30 days to form a government and needs about 220 votes in parliament
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International
First Indian-flagged tanker crosses Hormuz after ceasefire; India summons Iran's envoy after tanker attack172173174175176
The LPG carrier Jag Vikram became the first Indian-flagged vessel to cross the Strait of Hormuz after the US-Iran ceasefire, on 11 April. On 18 April Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri summoned Iran's ambassador after IRGC gunboats fired on Indian-flagged ships in the strait.
- Jag Vikram (owned by Great Eastern Shipping) crossed Hormuz on 11 April 2026, the first Indian vessel after the ceasefire
- 18 April: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri summoned Iranian ambassador Mohammad Fathali after IRGC gunboats fired on Indian-flagged ships (reports name Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav)
- India urged Iran to resume facilitating India-bound ships through the strait
- Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri visited Qatar on 9-10 April to seek priority for India's LNG supplies
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Science and tech
ISRO conducts second integrated air drop test of Gaganyaan crew module177
ISRO carried out the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) of the Gaganyaan crew module on 10 April at Sriharikota: an IAF Chinook lifted a simulated module of about 5.7 tonnes to roughly 3 km and ten parachutes slowed its descent into the sea, with the Indian Navy recovering it.
- Test on 10 April 2026 at Sriharikota (IADT-02); the first test, IADT-01, was on 24 August 2025
- Simulated crew module of about 5.7 tonnes dropped from about 3 km by an IAF Chinook
- Ten parachutes of four types deployed in sequence; Navy recovered the module
- Validates parachute-based deceleration for Gaganyaan
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Disasters
Boat capsizes in Yamuna near Mathura killing at least 10178179180181
A boat carrying pilgrims, mostly from Punjab, capsized in the Yamuna near Kesi Ghat in Vrindavan, Mathura on 10 April, killing at least 10. It is believed to have hit a pontoon drum left after a pontoon bridge was removed.
- 10 April 2026, Yamuna near Kesi Ghat, Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
- At least 10 dead; several missing; 16-17 rescued
- Pilgrims were from a group of about 150 from Ludhiana and Muktsar in Punjab
- Suspected cause: boat struck a pontoon drum; overloading also cited
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Defence
Exercise Cyclone-IV: India-Egypt special forces drill in Egypt182183
The fourth edition of the India-Egypt special forces exercise Cyclone was held at Anshas, Egypt from 9 to 17 April, with a 25-strong Indian contingent training with Egypt's Special Forces Group and Rangers.
- 9-17 April 2026 at Anshas, Egypt
- Fourth edition; held alternately in India and Egypt
- About 25 Indian special forces personnel with Egyptian Special Forces Group and Rangers
- Focus on desert and semi-desert operations, counter-terrorism and joint mission planning
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Polity
Assam, Kerala, Puducherry vote 9 April; Tamil Nadu, Bengal on 23 April184185186
The Election Commission held polling for Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on 9 April, Tamil Nadu on 23 April and West Bengal in two phases on 23 and 29 April, with all counting set for 4 May.
- Schedule announced 15 March 2026
- Assam (126), Kerala (140) and Puducherry: single-phase polling on 9 April
- Tamil Nadu (234): 23 April
- West Bengal (294): two phases, 23 April (152 seats) and 29 April (142 seats)
- Counting for all five assemblies on 4 May 2026
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Obituaries
C.D. Gopinath, India's oldest Test cricketer, dies187188189190
C.D. Gopinath, India's oldest living Test cricketer, died in Chennai on 9 April 2026 aged 96. He played eight Tests between 1951 and 1960 and was part of India's first Test win, over England at Chepauk in 1952.
- Died 9 April 2026 in Chennai, aged 96 (born 1 March 1930)
- Eight Tests between 1951 and 1960, 242 runs
- Part of the side that won India's first Test victory, over England at Chepauk in 1952
- Later a national selector and chairman of selectors in the 1970s
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Economy
RBI holds repo rate at 5.25 percent, projects FY27 growth at 6.9 percent191192193194
The RBI's MPC unanimously held the repo rate at 5.25 percent on 8 April in its first policy of FY27, keeping a neutral stance. It projected FY27 GDP growth at 6.9 percent and CPI inflation at 4.6 percent, citing oil-price risks from the West Asia war.
- Decision announced on 8 April 2026, unanimous (all six members), neutral stance retained
- Repo 5.25 percent; SDF 5.00 percent; MSF and Bank Rate 5.50 percent
- FY27 GDP growth projection 6.9 percent
- FY27 CPI inflation projection 4.6 percent; core CPI projection 4.4 percent, given for the first time
- Quarterly CPI path: Q1 4.0, Q2 4.4, Q3 5.2, Q4 4.7 percent
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International
Pakistan-brokered two-week US-Iran ceasefire begins; Islamabad talks end without deal195196197198
A two-week US-Iran ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan, was announced by Donald Trump on 7 April and confirmed by Iran on 8 April. US Vice President JD Vance and Iran's parliament speaker Ghalibaf led talks in Islamabad from 11 April that produced no deal, and the US kept up a blockade on Iranian ports. Trump extended the ceasefire on 21 April.
- Ceasefire announced 7 April 2026 (US time) by Trump; Iran confirmed on 8 April; conditional on reopening Hormuz and pausing strikes
- Brokered by Pakistan; dispute over whether Lebanon is covered
- Islamabad talks began 11 April: US team led by JD Vance with Witkoff and Kushner; Iran led by Ghalibaf with Araghchi
- Talks failed to produce a deal; sticking points included frozen assets and energy sanctions
- On 21 April Trump extended the ceasefire at Pakistan's request and kept the blockade of Iranian ports
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Science and tech
ISRO releases Indian Space Situational Awareness Report 2025 at SMOPS-2026199200201
ISRO chairman V. Narayanan released ISSAR-2025 on 8 April 2026 at SMOPS-2026 in Bengaluru, not in January as the draft stated.
- ISRO released the Indian Space Situational Awareness Report (ISSAR-2025) on 8 April 2026 at the second SMOPS-2026 conference, Bengaluru
- Report logged 328 launch attempts in 2025 (315 successful) and 4,651 new space objects
- Collision-avoidance manoeuvres for Indian satellites: 14 in low Earth orbit (including NISAR) and 4 in geostationary orbit
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Other
World Health Day 2026 theme and WHO's 1948 founding202203204
World Health Day on 7 April marks the founding of the WHO in 1948; the 2026 theme was 'Together for health. Stand with science', backing science-led and One Health approaches.
- 7 April 2026
- Theme: Together for health. Stand with science
- Marks the anniversary of WHO's founding on 7 April 1948
- WHO and France hosted the International One Health Summit on 7 April
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International
Russia and China veto UN Security Council resolution on Hormuz shipping205206207208
A Bahrain-drafted UN Security Council resolution encouraging defensive coordination to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz got 11 votes in favour on 7 April but was vetoed by Russia and China, with Pakistan and Colombia abstaining.
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States
Bomb blast kills two children in Manipur's Bishnupur; violence follows209210211212
A bomb thrown at a house in Moirang Tronglaobi, Bishnupur, Manipur around 1 am on 7 April killed a five-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl. Protests followed, a mob stormed a CRPF camp near Gelmol and two to three protesters died in firing; internet was suspended and the NIA took over the probe.
- 7 April 2026, about 1 am, Moirang Tronglaobi, Bishnupur district: a boy aged five and a girl aged six months killed, their mother critically hurt
- Protests followed; two to three protesters shot dead during an attack on a CRPF camp near Gelmol, about 30 injured
- Curfew in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Kakching; internet suspended in five valley districts for three days
- Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh handed the probe to the NIA
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States
Telangana makes cancer a notifiable disease213214215216
Telangana's Health Department issued an order in early April 2026 (G.O. dated 6 April per one report, reported 7 April) making cancer a notifiable disease. All healthcare facilities, labs and others must report every diagnosed case to a state cancer registry within one month.
- Order from the Telangana Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department; reported 7 April 2026 (one report gives G.O. Ms. No. 17 dated 6 April)
- Covers all cancers, in situ and invasive, diagnosed at government and private hospitals, clinics, labs and other facilities
- Cases must be reported within one month of diagnosis or registration to a central portal
- A uniform state Cancer Registry; MNJ Institute of Oncology to validate data; District Medical and Health Officers ensure compliance
- Reported as joining 16 other states that already notify cancer
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Supreme Court
Madurai court sentences nine policemen to death in Sathankulam custodial deaths217218219220
The First Additional Sessions Court in Madurai on 6 April sentenced all nine policemen convicted in the June 2020 Sathankulam custodial deaths of P. Jayaraj and his son J. Bennix to death, calling it a rarest of rare case.
- Sentenced 6 April 2026 by Judge G. Muthukumaran; the nine were convicted on 23 March
- Nine policemen, led by Inspector S. Sridhar; a tenth accused died of COVID-19 in August 2020
- Victims: P. Jayaraj and his son J. Bennix, arrested in June 2020 for keeping their Sathankulam mobile shop open past lockdown hours
- Death sentence is subject to confirmation by the Madras High Court
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International
Min Aung Hlaing elected Myanmar president by parliament221222223224
Myanmar's military ruler Min Aung Hlaing was elected president on 3 April by a combined sitting of the pro-military parliament, with 429 of 584 votes, after the junta-run elections of December and January. He gave up the army commander-in-chief post before the vote.
- 3 April 2026
- 429 of 584 votes in the combined parliament, ahead of Nyo Saw (126); both runners-up became vice presidents
- Gave up the commander-in-chief post (constitution bars holding both); Ye Win Oo named to lead the military
- Vote followed the army-backed election in December and January, widely called a sham
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Sports
Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Raipur: Karnataka top medal tally225226227
The first Khelo India Tribal Games ended in Raipur on 3 April with Karnataka leading with 23 golds among about 3,800 athletes from 30 states and UTs.
- First Khelo India Tribal Games concluded 3 April 2026 in Raipur (held from 25 March, with venues also in Jagdalpur and Surguja or Ambikapur)
- Karnataka topped with 23 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze (38 medals); Odisha second with 21 gold and 57 medals; Jharkhand third
- About 3,800 athletes from 30 states and UTs in nine disciplines
- Mascot: Morveer; swimmer Manikanta L won eight golds
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Defence
India commissions INS Aridhaman, its third nuclear ballistic missile submarine228229230231
India commissioned INS Aridhaman, the third SSBN after Arihant and Arighaat, on 3 April with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Reports put it at about 7,000 tonnes with eight missile tubes, though the Navy issued no formal statement.
- Commissioned 3 April 2026 at Visakhapatnam by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- Third SSBN after INS Arihant (2016) and INS Arighaat (2024)
- About 7,000 tonnes and 130 m long, with eight vertical launch tubes (four on each earlier boat)
- Reportedly can carry up to 24 K-15 or 8 K-4 missiles (loadouts differ across reports)
- No formal government announcement; Singh posted about it on social media
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Defence
INS Taragiri commissioned; INS Malwan delivered to Navy232233234235236
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned INS Taragiri, the fourth Project 17A stealth frigate and third built by Mazagon Dock, at Visakhapatnam on 3 April. Cochin Shipyard handed over INS Malwan, the second of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft, to the Navy on 31 March.
- INS Taragiri commissioned 3 April 2026 at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam
- Fourth Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) frigate overall, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders; design by the Warship Design Bureau
- INS Malwan: second of eight ASW shallow water craft from Cochin Shipyard, handed over 31 March 2026, announced 1 April
- Malwan is 78 m long, water-jet propelled, top speed 25 knots
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International
Moldova votes to leave the Commonwealth of Independent States237238239240
Moldova's parliament voted 60 to 41 on 2 April to withdraw from the Commonwealth of Independent States, saying the bloc no longer honours its founding principles; the exit takes effect 12 months after the CIS is notified.
- 2 April 2026
- Parliament vote 60 of 101
- Moldova had already left about 70 CIS agreements
- Withdrawal takes effect 12 months after notification to the CIS Executive Committee
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Books and culture
Sudha Murty's book on Parliament murals unveiled241242243244
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan released Sudha Murty's book Tides of Time: Bharat's History Through Murals in Parliament on 1 April 2026, published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat and covering the murals of Samvidhan Sadan.
- Released 1 April 2026 by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, with Speaker Om Birla
- Author: Sudha Murty, Rajya Sabha MP; published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat
- Covers the history shown in the murals of Samvidhan Sadan (the old Parliament building); about 58 murals per the publisher and the VP
- Sudha Murty spent over 20 months documenting them
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Appointments
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth named Vice Chief of Army Staff245246247248
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth took over as Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 1 April 2026, succeeding Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh. On 13 June he was named the next Army chief and took charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff on 30 June.
- Took over as Vice Chief of Army Staff on 1 April 2026; earlier headed Southern Command
- Succeeded Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, who moved to Western Command
- Named next Army chief on 13 June 2026, tenure up to 31 August 2028; took charge 30 June as the 31st chief
- Succeeded General Upendra Dwivedi, who was chief from 30 June 2024
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Schemes
Census 2027 houselisting and self-enumeration begin; mascots Pragati and Vikas249250251
India's first digital census began its houselisting phase on 1 April 2026, with an optional web-based self-enumeration facility opening in the first rollout areas in 16 languages. The mascots Pragati and Vikas were unveiled by Home Minister Amit Shah on 5 March.
- Phase I (Houselisting and Housing Census) runs 1 April to 30 September 2026, with 30 days of field work in each state or UT
- An optional 15-day self-enumeration window precedes each state's house-to-house survey
- Self-enumeration began in the first rollout areas including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha, Sikkim and parts of Delhi
- Portal available in 16 languages
- Mascots Pragati (female enumerator) and Vikas (male enumerator) unveiled by Amit Shah on 5 March 2026
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Schemes
Textiles ministry extends RoSCTL for garment exports to 30 September 2026252253254255
The Textiles Ministry's notification of 31 March extended the RoSCTL rebate scheme for garment and made-up exports to 30 September 2026, or until a scheme under the 16th Finance Commission cycle is approved, with no change in guidelines. It was later extended again to 31 December 2026.
- Ministry of Textiles notification dated 31 March 2026, effective 1 April
- Extended to 30 September 2026 (or earlier approval of a 16th Finance Commission cycle scheme)
- Covers apparel, garments and made-ups, with existing rates and conditions
- A further three-month extension to 31 December 2026 was reported from 1 October 2026
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Economy
RBI two-factor payment authentication and gold-silver lending rules take effect 1 April256257258259260
From 1 April 2026 the RBI's Authentication Mechanisms for Digital Payment Transactions Directions 2025 apply: domestic digital payments need at least two factors, one of them dynamic, with SMS OTP no longer the only option. Lenders also had to adopt the Lending Against Gold and Silver Collateral Directions 2025, which allow silver jewellery, ornaments and coins. The ban on prepayment charges for floating-rate loans to individuals took effect on 1 January 2026, not 1 April.
- Authentication Directions 2025 (issued 25 September 2025) effective 1 April 2026
- Domestic digital payments need at least two distinct factors, at least one dynamic and unique to each transaction; biometrics and device tokens allowed beyond SMS OTP
- Lending Against Gold and Silver Collateral Directions 2025 (issued 6 June 2025) to be adopted by 1 April 2026; collateral limited to jewellery, ornaments and coins, not bullion
- Prepayment charge ban on floating-rate loans to individuals applies from 1 January 2026
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Economy
RBI approves Emirates NBD's stake of up to 74 percent in RBL Bank261262263
RBI approved Emirates NBD acquiring up to 74 percent of RBL Bank. The approval is dated 1 April 2026 and was disclosed by RBL Bank on 2 April; the draft's May date was wrong.
- RBI approval dated 1 April 2026, valid for one year, disclosed by RBL Bank in a filing
- Emirates NBD may acquire up to 74 percent but must hold at least 51 percent; voting rights capped at 26 percent
- Emirates NBD's original proposal was a 60 percent stake worth about Rs 26,853 crore
- RBL Bank said the deal was completed with a 60 percent stake on 18 June 2026 (later report)
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Science and tech
NASA launches Artemis II; crew sets distance record and splashes down264265266267268
NASA launched Artemis II on 1 April, sending Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada's Jeremy Hansen on a lunar flyby. On 6 April the crew passed the Apollo 13 distance record and Orion splashed down in the Pacific on 10 April.
- Launch 1 April 2026 from Kennedy Space Center on the SLS
- Crew: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch (NASA) and Jeremy Hansen (Canada)
- 6 April: crew passed the Apollo 13 distance record of 248,655 miles; peak distance about 252,756 miles (406,771 km), more than 4,100 miles beyond Apollo 13
- Splashdown 10 April 2026 in the Pacific off San Diego (evening US time, so 11 April in some time zones)
- First crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 (1972)
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Legislation
Income-tax Act 2025 replaces the 1961 Act from 1 April 2026269270271
The Income-tax Act 2025 came into force on 1 April 2026, replacing the Income-tax Act 1961 with a leaner text built around a single 'tax year' concept; rates and slabs are unchanged and the Income-tax Rules 2026 were notified on 20 March.
- In force 1 April 2026, replacing the Income-tax Act 1961
- Passed by Parliament 12 August 2025; Presidential assent 21 August 2025
- Replaces the 'previous year' and 'assessment year' split with a single 'tax year'
- Income-tax Rules 2026 notified by the CBDT on 20 March 2026, effective 1 April
- New forms notified alongside the Rules
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Economy
RBI's digital payment authentication directions take effect on 1 April 2026272273274
The RBI's Authentication Mechanisms for Digital Payment Transactions Directions, issued on 25 September 2025, had to be complied with from 1 April 2026. They keep two-factor authentication as the base and permit extra risk-based checks.
- Directions issued 25 September 2025; compliance date 1 April 2026 (some cross-border provisions by 1 October 2026)
- Two-factor authentication remains the baseline for domestic digital payments
- Issuers may add risk-based checks (location, device, behaviour, history) for risky transactions; SMS OTP is not discontinued
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Economy
Net GST for March 2026 at Rs 1.78 lakh crore; FY26 net Rs 19.34 lakh crore275276277
Net GST collections for March 2026, released on 1 April, were about Rs 1.78 lakh crore, up 8.2 percent, and FY26 net GST reached about Rs 19.34 lakh crore, up 7.1 percent.
- March 2026 gross GST Rs 2.00 lakh crore (+8.8 percent); net after refunds Rs 1.78 lakh crore (Rs 1,77,990 crore), up 8.2 percent
- FY26 net GST Rs 19.34 lakh crore, up 7.1 percent from Rs 18.07 lakh crore
- FY26 gross GST Rs 22.27 lakh crore, up 8.3 percent
- Data released on 1 April 2026
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