France visa-free transit for Indian travellers becomes operational from 10 April 2026
India welcomed France’s decision to operationalise visa-free transit for Indian nationals transiting through French airports by air. The agreement was finalised after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai in February 2026 and announced by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The policy, effective 10 April 2026, allows Indian travellers to transit through mainland France without a transit visa, easing travel and strengthening people-to-people ties. It underscores the deepening India-France partnership and is part of the Special Global Strategic Partnership. The arrangement covers air transit and does not confer entry into France for stay for travellers.
Visa-free transit for Indian travellers via France announced
Effective from 10 April 2026
Linked to Modi-M Macron talks in Mumbai
Part of India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership
Covers air transit only; not for entry or stay
Aims to ease travel and boost people-to-people ties
Maharashtra approves CBG Policy 2026; ₹500 crore for 2026-27
Maharashtra approved the State Compressed Biogas (CBG) Policy 2026 to promote clean energy and waste management. The cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, allocated ₹500 crore for 2026-27 to support CBG projects through PPP and the Hybrid Annuity Model. The policy emphasizes waste-to-energy conversion with source segregation, aiming to reduce landfill waste and generate biogas in urban areas. Urban local bodies generate large quantities of municipal solid waste daily; much is organic and can be processed into clean fuel. The policy aligns with India’s climate goals and circular economy, inviting private partners to invest in large-scale CBG plants across the state.
State Compressed Biogas Policy 2026 approved
₹500 crore allocated for 2026-27
Funding through PPP and Hybrid Annuity Model
Emphasis on waste-to-energy and source segregation
Vivek Tripathi named ED & WTD at AU Small Finance Bank; RBI gives nod
The Reserve Bank of India has approved the appointment of Vivek Tripathi as Executive Director of AU Small Finance Bank for a three-year term. He will also take charge as Whole-time Director after shareholders approve the appointment, with effect from 24 April 2026. Tripathi is an experienced banker, currently Chief Credit Officer at AU Small Finance Bank, and has been with the bank since 2014. He played a key role in building the bank’s credit framework and risk management. His leadership is expected to strengthen governance and growth in the bank’s lending activities.
RBI approves Vivek Tripathi as ED of AU Small Finance Bank
Three-year term; WTD on shareholder approval
Tenure starts 24 April 2026
Tripathi previously Chief Credit Officer
Joined AU SFB in 2014; helped build credit framework
Pakistan withdraws from SAFF Women’s Championship 2026; six teams compete in Goa
Pakistan has withdrawn from the 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship to be staged in Goa, India, leaving six teams in the competition. The Pakistan Football Federation confirmed the decision on 23 April 2026, reducing the field from seven to six countries. The tournament runs from 25 May to 6 June at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa. Group allocations were reshuffled: Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan form Group A; India, Bangladesh and Maldives form Group B. Pakistan’s withdrawal reduces the number of competing teams but SAFF remains a key regional event for women’s football in South Asia.
Pakistan withdraws from SAFF Women’s Championship 2026
Event to be held in Goa, 25 May–6 June 2026
Six teams remain; Group A: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan
Group B: India, Bangladesh, Maldives
Pakistan’s withdrawal noted the event’s regional importance
Competition remains a platform for growth in South Asian women’s football
Prime Minister Modi shares Sanskrit Shloka emphasising selfless giving
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a Sanskrit verse on social media on 23 April 2026, highlighting the virtue of selfless giving. The post quoted a traditional shloka praising generosity and public service. The message drew wide attention in political and cultural circles and reinforced the government’s emphasis on service and moral values. The post appeared on official channels and was part of broader efforts to connect with citizens through language and heritage. The Prime Minister’s message was lauded by supporters and criticised by some critics, reflecting ongoing debates over publicity and authenticity in public messaging. The discussion highlighted cultural diplomacy.
PM Modi shared a Sanskrit shloka on 23 April 2026
Shloka praises generosity and public service
Appeared on official channels; cultural diplomacy angle
National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 Observed on 24 April; Theme Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas
National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 was observed across India on 24 April 2026. The day marks the 1992 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which came into force in 1993, formalizing rural local self-government. This year’s theme, Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas, emphasizes empowering panchayats to drive inclusive and balanced development. Panchayats now play key roles in implementing Sustainable Development Goals at the grassroots level and in digital governance through e-GramSwaraj, a platform to improve transparency and accountability. The event highlights central and state efforts to strengthen local bodies, encourage citizen participation, and monitor development schemes at the village level. Officials organised programmes with debates, trainings, and rural development displays. The government stressed inclusive governance and empowerment of women and marginalised groups.
National Panchayati Raj Day observed on 24 April 2026
73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992; came into force in 1993
Theme: Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas
SDGs at the grassroots; e-GramSwaraj to boost transparency
Strengthening local bodies; citizen participation
Focus on inclusive governance and empowerment of women
Bihar launches first structured pulse procurement under Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission
Under the Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission, Bihar launched its first-ever structured pulse procurement. The NCCF and NAFED are central players in procurement across the state and in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Bihar has set a target to procure 32,000 metric tons of masoor (lentil). By 22 April 2026, 100.4 metric tons had been purchased, and 59 farmers were onboarded. The move supports India's push for self-reliant pulse production and improved farmer incomes. This structured approach aims to reduce price volatility and promote transparent procurement through a government-led system. NCCF and NAFED spearhead procurement, with linkages to public distribution systems and farmers' welfare schemes.
First structured pulse procurement under Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission in Bihar
NCCF and NAFED central to procurement
Target: 32,000 metric tons of masoor
By 22 Apr 2026, 100.4 MT procured; 59 farmers onboarded
Aims to reduce price volatility and improve farmer incomes
Linkages to PDS and welfare schemes
Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh: MoSJE convenes three-day policy reflection (24–26 April 2026)
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) will organise a three-day Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh from 24 to 26 April 2026. The event, under the theme Antyodaya ka Sankalp, Amrit Kaal ka Pratibimb – Viksit Bharat @2047, brings senior ministers and state functionaries to discuss inclusive policies for vulnerable groups. The programme will feature launches of digital initiatives such as SAMAVESH Portal, NMBA 2.0, SETU and SMILE Apps, aiming to improve governance and service delivery. Union Ministers Virendra Kumar will chair sessions, and the Shivir will focus on policy reforms and interdepartmental coordination. Officials expect enhanced welfare scheme delivery nationwide.