National Affairs
India’s Inland Waterways Authority reported record-breaking cargo movement of 145.5 million tonnes in Financial Year 2024-25, marking significant growth from 18.1 MMT in FY 2013-14.
The Centre defended the constitutionality of Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 before the Supreme Court, urging dismissal of petitions challenging the law as a valid exercise of legislative power.
India provided medicines and vaccines worth $2 million to Nepal for Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease patients, reflecting commitment to the Neighbourhood First Policy.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India revoked visas of Pakistani nationals. Home Minister Amit Shah instructed Chief Ministers to identify Pakistani nationals in their states and ensure their prompt return.
Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar stated that the cooperative sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s (Prime Minister of India) leadership will boost rural economy, highlighting inclusive growth since 2021 reforms.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Long Term Visas for Hindu Pakistani nationals remain valid despite India’s suspension of new visas amid Pahalgam attack tensions.
Indian Army retaliated to Pakistan’s Line of Control firing in Jammu and Kashmir, following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and rising border tensions.
International Affairs
The Pahalgam terror attack exposed an active terror module linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, with India blaming Pakistan-backed militants led by Hafiz Saeed, mastermind of the 26/11 attacks.
Global leaders expressed condolences to Prime Minister Modi after the Pahalgam attack, reaffirming support against terrorism and discussing the India-Europe corridor project.
French President Emmanuel Macron (President of France) strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack in a call to PM Modi, reaffirming France’s (Capital: Paris) solidarity with India in the global fight against terrorism.
Nepal observed the tenth memorial day of the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake, which claimed 9,079 lives and caused widespread damage to cultural heritage sites.
Cambodia is nearing malaria-free status by 2025, with cases dropping by 75% in 2024. Prime Minister Hun Manet (Prime Minister of Cambodia) highlighted the nation’s progress in malaria elimination.
Sports News
Athlete Neeraj Chopra defended Pakistan athlete invitations amid backlash, clarifying that invites were made before the Pahalgam attack and condemning social media hate.
Vancouver Whitecaps set a new MLS-era attendance record with 53,837 fans during the Concacaf semifinal clash against Inter Miami at BC Place.
Business Updates
The US Treasury Secretary expects an early India trade deal to avoid potential tariffs under the Trump administration, noting that talks are nearing conclusion due to reduced Indian tariffs.
Maharashtra Authority for Advance Ruling ruled that early cancer detection blood tests are not GST-exempt, classifying them under research rather than healthcare services.
Important Days and Observances
World Intellectual Property Day: Observed globally to raise awareness about the importance of intellectual property rights in encouraging innovation and creativity.
International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day: Commemorates the 1986 nuclear accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, considered the worst nuclear disaster in history.
World Veterinary Day: Celebrates the contributions of veterinarians to animal health and welfare, and their role in public health.
Day of Remembrance of the Chernobyl Tragedy (Belarus): National observance to honor victims of the Chernobyl disaster, which particularly affected Belarus.
Memorial Day of Radiation Accidents and Catastrophes (Russia): Observed in Russia to remember victims of nuclear and radiation accidents.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day: Initiative to encourage the proper disposal of unused or expired prescription medications.
Historical Events on This Day
On April 26, 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster occurred in Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union), releasing radioactive material across much of Europe.
The United Nations General Assembly declared April 26 as International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day in 2016 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the tragedy.
