This weekly current affairs compilation for 26th April to 2nd May 2026 provides essential news and updates crucial for competitive exam preparation. Covering national, international, economy, and science & tech, this resource is designed to help aspirants stay informed and excel.
Review key events and developments from the past week to strengthen your general knowledge. This concise summary is perfect for quick revision and understanding important topics for upcoming government exams.

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National

• Shekha Jheel: 99th Ramsar Site — Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, has been declared India's 99th Ramsar Site by the Union Environment Ministry. This 25-hectare freshwater wetland is a critical habitat on the Central Asian Flyway.
• Bihar's First Pulse Procurement — Bihar launched its first structured pulse procurement for masoor under the Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission, led by NCCF. This initiative aims to strengthen MSP-based procurement and enhance India's self-reliance in pulse production.
• Andhra Pradesh Mushroom Mission — Andhra Pradesh announced a ₹13,000 crore Mushroom Mission to become India's top mushroom producer, targeting 67,500 tonnes annually. The mission focuses on small and medium units, with 40% subsidy support.
• Justice Lisa Gill: AP Chief Justice — Justice Lisa Gill took oath as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, administered by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer. She is the first woman to hold this position in the state.
• Ladakh Gets Five New Districts — Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the creation of five new districts: Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass. This expands Ladakh's total districts from two to seven, aiming to decentralize administration.
• India's 1st Green Methanol Plant — India's first green methanol production plant is set to be commissioned at Deendayal Port, Kandla, Gujarat. It will produce five tonnes of methanol daily using Prosopis juliflora biomass, reducing carbon emissions significantly.

International

• India-Egypt Defence Cooperation — The 11th India-Egypt Joint Defence Committee meeting in Cairo finalized a defence cooperation plan for 2026-27. It focuses on military exchanges, maritime security, joint exercises, and defence production collaboration, elevating their strategic partnership.
• UK Bans Cigarettes for Post-2009 Born — The UK's Tobacco and Vapes Bill, banning cigarette sales to anyone born after January 1, 2009, has passed Parliament. This landmark legislation aims to create a smoke-free generation in Britain.

Economy

• PAI 2.0 Report Released — The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Report for FY 2023-24. It evaluated over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats, with 3,635 classified as 'Front Runners' based on composite scores.

Science & Tech

• Asia's 1st UNESCO Chair — Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary inaugurated Asia's first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune. The chair focuses on training underprivileged girls in future-ready skills.

Appointments

• NITI Aayog Reconstituted — NITI Aayog has been reconstituted with Ashok Kumar Lahiri as Vice Chairperson. Rajiv Gauba, Prof. K. V. Raju, Prof. Gobardhan Das, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, and Dr. M. Srinivas were appointed as full-time members.
• Justice Grewal: NCLT President — The Centre appointed Justice (Retd.) Anupinder Singh Grewal as President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). He will serve for five years or until he reaches 67 years of age.
• Ashutosh Gowariker: IFFI Director — Acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has been appointed Festival Director for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. He succeeds Shekhar Kapur, who directed the previous two editions.

Important Days

• National Panchayati Raj Day — National Panchayati Raj Day was observed on April 24, 2026. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj marked the occasion by releasing the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Report for FY 2023-24.

Sports

• West Bengal Poll Turnout Record — West Bengal recorded a historic 92.47% voter turnout in its two-phase Assembly elections, the highest since Independence. Female voters slightly outnumbered male voters in participation.

Quick One-Liners — Memorise These

• Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary: India's 99th Ramsar Site (Aligarh, UP).
• Bihar's 1st structured pulse procurement launched under PM-AASHA.
• 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs quit party to merge with BJP.
• Meta automatically blocks flagged content in India at scale.
• Opposition moves fresh notice in RS seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's removal.
• Andhra Pradesh launches ₹13,000 crore Mushroom Mission.
• Justice Lisa Gill sworn in as 1st woman Chief Justice of AP High Court.
• Ladakh gets 5 new districts: Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, Drass.
• SC: Ending live-in relationship is not a crime.
• PAI 2.0 Report: 3,635 Gram Panchayats are 'Front Runners'.
• PM Modi launched Ganga Expressway Project in Hardoi, UP (594 km, 6-lane).
• West Bengal records highest-ever poll participation (92.47%) since Independence.
• Justice (Retd.) Anupinder Singh Grewal appointed NCLT President.
• Indian Navy inducts 4th stealth frigate Mahendragiri (Project 17A).
• India's 1st green methanol plant at Deendayal Port, Kandla.
• New Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026 notified by MHA.
• Om Birla reconstitutes 4 Parliamentary Committees for 2026–27.
• Ashutosh Gowariker named Festival Director for 57th IFFI, Goa.

Key Full-Forms & Terms

• NCCF: National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Limited
• MSP: Minimum Support Price
• PM-AASHA: Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan
• PAI: Panchayat Advancement Index
• LSDGs: Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals
• UPEIDA: Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority
• NCLT: National Company Law Tribunal
• MDL: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
• CODOG: Combined Diesel or Gas
• IMO: International Maritime Organization
• OCI: Overseas Citizen of India
• FRRO: Foreigners Regional Registration Officer
• IFFI: International Film Festival of India
• JDC: Joint Defence Committee
• SSPU: Symbiosis Skills and Professional University

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