This weekly current affairs compilation for 19th April to 25th April 2026 covers all significant national and international events. Aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PSC will find this material invaluable for their revision.

Focus on key facts, dates, and figures presented concisely to aid quick memorization. This week's highlights include legislative developments, international relations, and environmental concerns, all crucial for your general knowledge preparation.

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National

• 131st Amendment Bill Defeated — The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, introduced on April 16, 2026, aimed to advance women's reservation implementation to the 2029 general elections. It failed to secure the required special majority of 352 votes in the Lok Sabha, receiving only 298.
• SC on Chambal Sand Mining — The Supreme Court, in a suo motu case, criticized Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh for inaction against illegal sand mining. It ordered strict enforcement measures, including CCTV cameras and GPS tracking, to protect the tri-state sanctuary.
• Ladakh Petroglyph Park — Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena laid the foundation stone for India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat. This initiative aims to protect nearly 400 ancient rock art sites in Ladakh from environmental and human threats.
• OGAI Operational from May 1 — The Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) will become operational from May 1, 2026, under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. This six-member digital office will classify and register online games, ensuring user safety.
• Dhar Selected for Safe Cities — Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, has been selected under the central government's Safe Cities Project 2026, led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. A ₹10 crore allocation will fund CCTV cameras, street lighting, and women-friendly facilities over five years.
• SC on Highway Safety — The Supreme Court recognized commuter safety on National Highways as a fundamental right under Article 21, following two fatal accidents in November 2025. It issued nationwide interim directions, including banning new dhabas within ROW and deploying emergency response infrastructure.

International

• India-Austria FTM Launched — India and Austria launched a bilateral Fast-Track Mechanism (FTM) during the India–Austria Business Forum in New Delhi. This platform will facilitate investments and resolve operational issues for companies in both countries, strengthening investor confidence.
• Iran Closes Hormuz Strait — Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) re-closed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, 2026, citing the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports. India summoned the Iranian ambassador after two Indian-flagged merchant vessels were fired upon.
• US Waives Russian Oil Sanctions — The US Treasury's OFAC issued a month-long sanctions waiver, permitting countries to purchase Russian oil loaded by April 17, 2026, until May 16, 2026. This reversal aims to ease global oil supply disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict, benefiting major importers like India.
• RELOS Pact India-Russia — The RELOS pact between India and Russia, signed in February 2025 and operationalized in April 2026, deepens bilateral defence cooperation. It allows mutual access to military facilities, enhancing India's strategic reach, particularly into the Arctic region.
• Bulgaria 2026 Elections — Bulgaria's eighth parliamentary election in five years saw Progressive Bulgaria, led by former President Rumen Radev, win a landslide with 44.7% of the vote. This result grants an absolute majority, raising hopes for an end to political instability.
• India-South Korea Futuristic Pact — During President Lee Jae-myung's visit, India and South Korea elevated their relationship to a 'Futuristic Partnership', aiming to double bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. Key outcomes include resuming CEPA negotiations and establishing an India-Korea Digital Bridge.
• UNESCO Report on Heritage Sites — The UNESCO People and Nature Report (April 2026) revealed that nearly 90% of UNESCO-designated sites are under high environmental stress, with climate change impacting 98% of them. Extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and rising sea levels are primary hazards.
• China Selects Pakistani Astronauts — China's Manned Space Agency selected Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud as candidates for a future crewed mission to the Tiangong space station. One will serve as a payload specialist, marking a historic moment for Pakistan's space program.
• EU Approves Ukraine Aid — The European Union approved a €90 billion financial assistance package for Ukraine and its 20th round of sanctions against Russia. This decision, backed by all 27 member states, ended months of deadlock after Hungary withdrew its objections.

Economy

• Online Gaming Rules Notified — The Government of India notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, operationalizing the 2025 Act. These rules establish a unified national regulatory framework, empowering OGAI to classify games and bring financial institutions into the regulatory net.

Science & Tech

• China Selects Pakistani Astronauts — China's Manned Space Agency selected Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud as candidates for a future crewed mission to the Tiangong space station. One will serve as a payload specialist, marking a historic moment for Pakistan's space program.

Important Days

• World Heritage Day — India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park was inaugurated in Ladakh on World Heritage Day. This initiative aims to preserve ancient rock art, reflecting the global importance of cultural heritage protection.

Sports

• OGAI for Esports — The Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), operational from May 1, 2026, will regulate India's online gaming sector. Registration is mandatory for esports platforms, ensuring compliance with national standards and user safety.

Quick One-Liners — Memorise These

• Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 defeated in Lok Sabha.
• Supreme Court warned states over illegal sand mining in Chambal Sanctuary.
• India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park established in Ladakh.
• Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) operational from May 1, 2026.
• Dhar (MP) selected for Safe Cities Project 2026 with ₹10 crore allocation.
• SC recognized commuter safety on National Highways under Article 21.
• India and Austria launched Fast-Track Mechanism (FTM) for trade growth.
• Iran re-closed Strait of Hormuz, citing US blockade.
• US issued month-long sanctions waiver for Russian oil purchases.
• India-Russia RELOS pact operational, grants mutual military logistics access.
• Progressive Bulgaria won landslide in 2026 elections, Rumen Radev's party.
• India-South Korea elevated ties to 'Futuristic Partnership', target $50B trade.
• UNESCO report: 90% of World Heritage Sites face environmental stress.
• China selected two Pakistani astronauts for Tiangong space station mission.
• EU approved €90 billion Ukraine aid and 20th round of Russia sanctions.
• UK Parliament passed Tobacco and Vapes Bill, banning sales to those born after 2009.

Key Full-Forms & Terms

• OGAI: Online Gaming Authority of India
• MeitY: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
• SRB: Sentencing Review Board
• BNSS: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
• MTP: Medical Termination of Pregnancy
• VVP: Vibrant Village Programme
• ROW: Right of Way
• NHAI: National Highways Authority of India
• MoRTH: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
• PWD: Public Works Department
• FTM: Fast-Track Mechanism
• FTA: Free Trade Agreement
• MSMEs: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
• IRGC: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
• UKMTO: UK Maritime Trade Operations

Compiled and rewritten by Rozgar Update for study reference. Facts are summarised from publicly available weekly current-affairs material; always verify from official sources.