The Samriddh Gram Initiative has been nominated for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026. - Launched by: Department of Telecommunications (DoT), using BharatNet broadband. - Model: One-stop digital services delivered through Samriddhi Kendras in rural areas. - Services: Telemedicine, education, e-governance and smart agriculture.
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has approved revised guidelines under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to improve how Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) funds are used. - Aim: Fair sharing of benefits from biological resources with local communities. - Source known: 60–75% of funds go to local communities and 25–40% to institutions.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 'Household Social Consumption: Health' survey conducted under the 80th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS). - Illness: About 13.1% of people reported being ill, up from 7.5% in 2017–18; the elderly (60+) were most affected. - Hospitalisation: Around 2.9%, highest among the elderly and young children.
The United Nations observes two of its official language days on the same date, 23 April, every year. - UN English Language Day: Celebrates the English language and its worldwide importance. - UN Spanish Language Day: Promotes the Spanish language and cultural diversity.
Dr. Cherukumalli Srinivasa Rao, Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), has been presented the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award. The award was given in Hyderabad. - Recipient: Dr. Cherukumalli Srinivasa Rao, Director, IARI. - Edition: 9th. - Recognition for: His contribution to climate-resilient agriculture. - Venue: Hyderabad.
THE Asia University Rankings 2026: India Leads in Representation The 14th edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2026 was released in April 2026. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru emerged as the top-ranked Indian institution, securing the 43rd rank in Asia with a score of 65.1.
World Book Day 2026: Celebrating Authors and Literacy Observed on April 23, World Book and Copyright Day is a global tribute to books and authors, established by UNESCO in 1995. The date is symbolic in world literature as it marks the death anniversary of legendary writers like William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes.
Ocean Governance: Balancing Growth and Conservation In a major milestone for India's Blue Economy, Odisha has become the first state to launch a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP). Developed in collaboration with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), the plan provides a framework for managing coastal and marine resources.
That’s every story for now. Come back tomorrow for more.
See all current affairs Read daily on the appSwipe up