Tashkent to host 2027 World Para Athletics Championships
World Para Athletics has announced that Tashkent will host the 13th World Para Athletics Championships in June 2027. The event marks the first time Central Asia hosts the prestigious competition. It will be staged at the Olympic City Main Stadium in Tashkent, a modern facility built to meet international standards for track and field. Organisers expect athletes with disabilities from around the world to compete across several disciplines, including sprints, distance events, and field events. The decision highlights Uzbekistan’s growing sports infrastructure and its commitment to inclusive sport. The championship is expected to boost regional tourism and raise the profile of disability athletics in the region.
13th edition of the World Para Athletics Championships
Tournament scheduled for June 2027 in Tashkent
First host nation in Central Asia
Venue: Olympic City Main Stadium, Tashkent
Focus on inclusivity and global participation
Potential boosts to tourism and infrastructure
China selects Pakistani astronauts for Tiangong mission
China’s Manned Space Agency announced two Pakistani astronauts, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, as candidates for future Tiangong missions. Both cleared multiple selection rounds and will soon travel to China for advanced astronaut training. If missions proceed, one astronaut could become the first foreigner to orbit Earth aboard a Chinese crewed mission. The development reflects growing space cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad and signals wider collaboration in the space sector for the region. The candidates will undergo specialised training programs to prepare for potential payload specialist duties on a future Tiangong crewed flight.
Pakistan’s Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud selected
Candidates head to China for astronaut training
Possible first Pakistani to orbit Earth on Tiangong
Represents deeper China-Pakistan space cooperation
Specialised training for payload specialist roles
Part of broader regional space collaboration
Logo, theme and website of the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit unveiled
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled the logo, theme, and website for the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) in New Delhi on 22 April 2026. He said Africa remains central to India's foreign policy, guided by equality, mutual respect and shared progress. The theme ‘IA SPIRIT – India Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation’ signals a relationship beyond transactions. India has expanded its diplomatic footprint with 17 new missions in Africa, bringing the total to 46. Defence, security and maritime cooperation are important pillars under Vision MAHASAGAR to safeguard sea lanes and support UN peacekeeping. The forum aims to shape a more ambitious partnership.
Jaishankar unveiled IAFS-IV logo, theme and website on 22 April 2026.
Theme: IA SPIRIT focuses on innovation, resilience and inclusive transformation.
Africa central to India's foreign policy; 46 missions in Africa (17 new).
Defence, security and maritime cooperation are key pillars (Vision MAHASAGAR).
Forum aims for a more ambitious and inclusive partnership.
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, has been designated as India’s 99th Ramsar site, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced. With this designation, Uttar Pradesh now hosts 12 Ramsar sites, the most of any Indian state. The site is a vital habitat on the Central Asian Flyway and attracts migratory birds such as Bar-headed Goose and Painted Stork. The Ramsar status is expected to bolster biodiversity conservation, support local livelihoods through ecotourism, and contribute to water management and climate security. The move aligns with India’s goal of reaching 100 Ramsar sites nationwide.
Shekha Jheel designated 99th Ramsar site
Location: Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
UP totals 12 Ramsar sites (highest in India)
Site lies on the Central Asian Flyway
Supports migratory birds like Bar-headed Goose
Aims to boost biodiversity, livelihoods, and water security
HDFC Life reappoints Vibha Padalkar as MD & CEO for five-year term
HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited announced that its board, on 21 April 2026, approved the reappointment of Vibha Padalkar as managing director and chief executive officer for another five-year term. The decision aims to ensure continuity of leadership during a dynamic period for the Indian insurance sector. The term extends to 21 April 2031, subject to approval by shareholders at the upcoming annual general meeting and clearance from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The company emphasized that the reappointment will maintain strategic direction, governance standards, and ongoing initiatives in product development, distribution expansion, and risk management.
Board approval date: 21 April 2026
Reappointment as MD & CEO for five years
Term ends 21 April 2031
Subject to shareholder approval and IRDAI clearance
Aims to ensure leadership continuity
Supports growth in product and distribution strategies
L&T signs green ammonia supply deal with Japan’s Itochu
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has signed a long-term agreement with Japan’s Itochu Corporation for the annual supply of 300,000 tonnes of green ammonia. The deal will be executed through L&T Energy GreenTech and supports India’s clean energy export ambitions. Green ammonia is produced using renewable energy-generated hydrogen and is considered a key low-carbon fuel for shipping and other sectors. The arrangement advances India’s energy export strategy and strengthens bilateral ties in clean energy, aligning with broader government goals to expand renewable capacity, reduce emissions, and develop infrastructure for green hydrogen and its derivatives.
NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope completes assembly
NASA has completed the assembly of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, entering final testing ahead of a 2026 launch. The telescope features a 2.4‑metre mirror and advanced instruments designed for wide-field sky surveys. Compared with prior observatories, Roman can image ten times the area of the sky and collect data up to a thousand times faster during surveys. Engineers report a smooth transition from construction to testing as mission teams prepare environmental and performance evaluations. Roman’s capabilities are expected to expand cosmology, exoplanet studies, and large-scale structure mapping.
Abhishek Sharma sets IPL record with rapid IPL centuries
Abhishek Sharma delivered a historic IPL performance, scoring 135 not out off 47 balls for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Delhi Capitals. The innings included 10 fours and 10 sixes, maintaining a strike rate above 200 and powering SRH to victory. Sharma’s century against Delhi Capitals is the fastest by an Indian to reach a hundred in the IPL against this opponent, and he became one of the few players to record multiple IPL centuries in under 50 balls. He had earlier struck a 40-ball century in IPL 2025. The performance underscored his consistency and high-impact batting in India’s premier T20 league.
135 not out off 47 balls vs Delhi Capitals
10 fours and 10 sixes in the innings
Strike rate above 200
Fastest IPL century against Delhi Capitals by an Indian
First Indian with multiple IPL centuries under 50 balls
Earlier 40-ball century in IPL 2025
Kenya’s John Korir and Sharon Lokedi win Boston Marathon on record-breaking day
John Korir of Kenya won the Boston Marathon in a record pace, finishing in 2 hours 1 minute 52 seconds, the fastest time in the race’s 130-year history. Sharon Lokedi, also from Kenya, captured the women’s title in a competitive field. Korir led from the 40-kilometre mark, finishing with a margin that surpassed Geoffrey Mutai’s 2011 course record by 70 seconds. He later said he did not check the clock until the finish, when Boston Athletic Association president Jack Fleming informed him of the record. Lokedi celebrated with teammates on Boylston Street.
Korir won in 2:01:52, fastest Boston Marathon time.
Lokedi won the women’s title.
Record beat Mutai’s 2011 course mark by 70 seconds.
Korir learned of the record from BAA president Fleming at the finish.
INS Nireekshak visits Sri Lanka for joint naval training
Indian Naval Ship INS Nireekshak arrived at Colombo port, Sri Lanka, for an operational turnaround and joint training with the Sri Lankan Navy. The visit reinforces maritime cooperation, interoperability, and regional security collaboration between the two nations. Nireekshak, a diving support and submarine rescue vessel, will participate in diving exercises, humanitarian assistance, and defence cooperation activities. The 4th India-Sri Lanka Joint Diving Exercise is scheduled from 21 April to 27 April, with teams practicing underwater operations, rescue techniques, and coordinated response plans. The visit underscores ongoing bilateral commitments to strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
INS Nireekshak arrives in Colombo for training
Diving support and submarine rescue vessel
Part of 4th India-Sri Lanka Joint Diving Exercise
Exercise runs 21–27 April with underwater operations
Aims to improve interoperability and regional security
The 4th India-Sri Lanka Joint Diving Exercise is underway, running from 21 April to 27 April. The exercise brings together diving teams from both navies to conduct underwater operations, salvage, search and rescue, and related specialist activities. Participants focus on interoperability, coordinated procedures, and sharing best practices in diving and rescue missions. The program strengthens bilateral security cooperation and demonstrates practical readiness for maritime emergencies in the region. The exercise also supports disaster response planning and enhances the technical capabilities of both naval forces in complex underwater environments.
4th India-Sri Lanka Joint Diving Exercise dates: 21–27 April
Diving teams conduct underwater operations and rescue tasks
Emphasis on interoperability and shared best practices
PM Modi congratulates Indian winners at Brazil Dairy Awards 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian cheesemakers for a strong showing at Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026, noting an impressive debut as Indian artisanal entries won four medals, including a Super Gold. Eleftheria Gulmarg (Brie-style) secured the Super Gold, while Yak Churpi-Soft from Leh’s Nordic Farm and Eleftheria Brunost (Whey Cheese) won Gold. Eleftheria Kaali Miri (Belper Knolle style) earned Silver. Officials Mausam Narang and Thenlay Nurboo were also acknowledged. Modi described the results as a milestone for India’s global dairy reputation and a testament to the growing skill and creativity of Indian cheese makers on the world stage.
Four medals won by Indian cheesemakers
Eleftheria Gulmarg wins Super Gold (Brie-style)
Gold: Yak Churpi-Soft (Nordic Farm) and Eleftheria Brunost
OGAI to regulate India’s online gaming sector from May 2026
India will regulate online gaming through the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), which becomes operational from 1 May 2026. The authority is established under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, to create a structured and transparent framework for online gaming, including real‑money gaming, fantasy sports, esports, and skill‑based platforms. OGAI will function as a digital office under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and involve officials from several ministries for policy enforcement. Its mandate includes game registration, licensing, consumer protection, and fostering responsible growth in the sector while supporting innovation and taxation clarity.
OGAI becomes operational on 1 May 2026
Established under Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025
Oversight of real-money gaming, esports, and skill games
Digital office under MeitY; cross-ministry involvement
Tasks include game registration and licensing
Aims for responsible growth and regulatory clarity
Maharashtra launches Centre of Excellence for Heat Resilience and Sustainable Cooling at IIM Nagpur
As part of its climate resilience drive, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the new Centre of Excellence for Heat Resilience and Sustainable Cooling (CoE-HRSC) at the Indian Institute of Management Nagpur. Conducted via video conference on 21 April 2026, the centre is planned to become a permanent wing of the State Institute of Disaster Management (SIDM). In its initial phase, CoE-HRSC will evaluate and refine Heat Action Plans and Urban Climate Action Plans, and provide implementation support to high-priority cities and districts. It will develop training modules for government officials, healthcare workers, and local communities, and promote eco-friendly construction materials and local cooling solutions to reduce reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning.
Centre named CoE-HRSC inaugurated at IIM Nagpur on 21 April 2026.
Planned as permanent wing of SIDM.
Initial focus: Heat Action Plans and Urban Climate Action Plans.
Will train government officials, healthcare workers, and citizens.
Promotes eco-friendly materials and local cooling to cut energy-heavy AC use.
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