Current Affairs 28 April 2026 | 28th April 2026 Current Affairs | Daily GK Updates

PM Modi participates in Sikkim’s 50th Statehood celebrations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the closing ceremony of Sikkim’s 50th Year of Statehood celebrations in Gangtok. During the event, he launched and inaugurated more than 30 development projects worth thousands of crores of rupees. These projects covered sectors such as roads, power, tourism, health and education.

The Prime Minister also highlighted Sikkim’s cleanliness, organic farming model, tourism potential, sports talent and importance in India’s Northeast development vision. He said Sikkim’s organic and natural farming model is an inspiration for the entire country.

NITI Aayog launches DPI@2047 roadmap

NITI Aayog launched DPI@2047 for Viksit Bharat, a roadmap for the next phase of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure journey. The roadmap was launched on 27 April 2026 and officially reported on 28 April 2026.

The roadmap focuses on using digital infrastructure for inclusive and productivity-led growth. It identifies key areas such as MSMEs, agriculture, education, health, credit, decentralised energy and benefit delivery. It also highlights the role of AI, better data use and digital transactions in India’s long-term development journey.

PM Modi addresses Mahila Sammelan in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large gathering of women at the Mahila Sammelan in Varanasi. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around ₹6,350 crore.

The event focused on women-led development, women’s participation in policy-making and the role of Nari Shakti in building a developed India. The Prime Minister also spoke about women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

DAY-NRLM receives ₹4,568.23 crore mother sanction

The Ministry of Rural Development released a mother sanction of over ₹4,568.23 crore under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission, or DAY-NRLM, for 24 States and Union Territories.

The release is aimed at strengthening women Self-Help Groups and supporting rural livelihoods. The announcement was made during a programme in Srinagar, where women beneficiaries and Lakhpati Didis were also felicitated.

India’s IIP grows 4.1% in March 2026

India’s Index of Industrial Production, or IIP, recorded 4.1% year-on-year growth in March 2026. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the mining sector grew by 5.5%, the manufacturing sector by 4.3%, and the electricity sector by 0.8%.

The Quick Estimate of IIP for March 2026 stood at 173.2, compared with 166.3 in March 2025. Manufacturing groups such as basic metals, motor vehicles and machinery contributed positively to the industrial growth numbers.

CBDT conducts outreach on new Income-tax framework

The Central Board of Direct Taxes conducted a mega outreach programme titled “Bridging Borders, Building Trust” in New Delhi. The programme focused on the Income-tax Act, 2025, the Income-tax Rules, 2026, and new tax forms.

The outreach placed special emphasis on international taxation, transfer pricing and advance pricing agreements. The Income Tax Department also demonstrated its AI-powered chatbot Kar Sathi and launched nine brochures on key aspects of international taxation.

Export ecosystem reviewed after India–New Zealand FTA signing

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal chaired a meeting with Export Promotion Councils and industry associations in New Delhi to strengthen India’s export ecosystem after the India–New Zealand FTA signing.

India’s merchandise and services exports reached USD 860.09 billion in FY 2025–26, registering 4.22% year-on-year growth. The Minister called for leveraging Free Trade Agreements to achieve the target of USD 2 trillion exports by 2030 under the Viksit Bharat vision.

Google Cloud India AI Hub project begins in Visakhapatnam

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Google Cloud India AI Hub in Visakhapatnam. The project involves an estimated investment of USD 15 billion and will include a 1 GW hyperscale AI data centre.

The project is being developed in partnership with Adani ConneX and Airtel Nxtra. The Andhra Pradesh Government has allocated around 600 acres of land for the project in Turluvada, Rambilli and Adavivaram areas. Visakhapatnam was described as emerging as “AI Patnam”, supporting India’s AI and data economy.

Education Minister reviews NCERT textbook availability

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed the availability, printing and distribution of NCERT textbooks for the ongoing academic session.

The review covered stock positions across States and Union Territories, coordination with state authorities and last-mile delivery, especially for students in rural areas. The Minister directed officials to strengthen supply chains, increase printing capacity where needed and use e-Pathshala digital textbooks as an interim support until physical copies reach all students.

South Coastal Railway Zone to become effective from 1 June 2026

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Gazette notification for the creation of the South Coastal Railway Zone would be issued, with 1 June 2026 notified as the effective date.

He also said Andhra Pradesh has achieved 100% railway electrification and that railway projects worth about ₹1,06,000 crore are underway in the state. These projects aim to improve connectivity with ports, tourism centres and major cities.

₹3,566 crore road projects approved for Jammu & Kashmir

The Ministry of Rural Development approved road projects worth ₹3,566 crore for Jammu & Kashmir under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV, or PMGSY-IV Batch-II.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over the approval letter to Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at a programme in Srinagar. The projects aim to strengthen rural connectivity and link remote habitations with schools, hospitals, markets and other development opportunities.

Labour Ministry issues nationwide heatwave advisory

The Ministry of Labour and Employment issued a nationwide advisory to protect workers and labourers from heatwave conditions. The advisory was sent to all States, Union Territories and attached organisations.

States and UTs were advised to ask employers, industries and construction companies to reschedule working hours, ensure drinking water, provide rest areas, arrange cooling facilities and conduct regular health check-ups. Special attention was recommended for construction workers, brick kiln workers, daily wage earners and casual labourers.

Coal mine agreements signed with Underground Coal Gasification provisions

The Ministry of Coal signed Coal Mine/Block Production and Development Agreements with successful bidders for four coal mines under the 14th round of commercial coal mine auctions.

This was the first tranche of commercial coal mines in India to include embedded provisions for Underground Coal Gasification, or UCG. UCG converts coal into synthetic gas inside the coal seam without conventional mining. The Ministry said this can help produce domestic feedstock for urea, ammonia, methanol, dimethyl ether and synthetic fuels.

Scientists develop smart oxide that stores energy and shows charge level

Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru, developed a new smart oxide material that can store energy and change colour to show its charge level.

The oxygen-deficient bimetallic oxide is based on molybdenum and tungsten. A device made with this material changes from blue in the charged state to transparent in the discharged state. This innovation may support future energy-storage and electrochromic devices.

Ayush Ministry reviews preparations for International Day of Yoga 2026

The Ministry of Ayush held a high-level Core Committee meeting to review preparations for International Day of Yoga 2026. The meeting was chaired by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.

Representatives from several ministries and departments participated in the meeting. Discussions focused on public participation, digital engagement, global outreach, iconic-location yoga demonstrations, inclusivity, sustainability and youth participation.

NHRC takes cognizance of Bharuch chemical factory blast

The National Human Rights Commission took suo motu cognizance of a reported explosion and fire at a chemical factory in the Jhagadia GIDC industrial estate of Bharuch district, Gujarat.

The incident occurred on 23 April 2026 and reportedly injured at least 16 workers. NHRC issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Gujarat and the Superintendent of Police, Bharuch, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The report is expected to include the health status of the injured workers, investigation details and compensation, if any.

The 28 April 2026 current affairs of India covered major developments across governance, digital infrastructure, economy, education, rural connectivity, worker safety, science and energy. Key highlights included Sikkim’s 50th Statehood celebrations, the DPI@2047 roadmap, India’s 4.1% IIP growth, Google Cloud’s AI Hub project in Visakhapatnam, PMGSY-IV road projects for Jammu & Kashmir and nationwide heatwave safety measures for workers.

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