Daily filter — 20 April 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India-ROK Unveil Joint Strategic Vision for Partnership (2026-2030)
India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) announced a Joint Strategic Vision to deepen their Special Strategic Partnership for the next five years.
- President Lee Jae Myung of ROK visited India from April 19 – 21, 2026.
- The Joint Strategic Vision will guide the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership from 2026-2030.
- India views ROK as indispensable to its “Act East” Policy; ROK sees India as a central pillar of its pragmatic diplomacy.
- India-ROK Economic Security Dialogue launched to enhance supply chain resilience and cooperation in cutting-edge technologies.
- Prime Minister Modi welcomed ROK joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
💡 For the exam: Remember the 2026-2030 Vision, ROK's role in 'Act East,' IPOI membership, and the new Economic Security Dialogue.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2253977
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NCB Achieves Record Convictions, Increased Rate Against Drug Offenders
The **Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)** has secured 73 convictions for drug offenders in Q1 2026, marking a significant rise in conviction rates.
- NCB convicted 73 drug offenders in first three months of 2026.
- Conviction rate rose to 68.6% in Q1 2026, from 60.5% in 2024.
- Four offenders received max sentence of 20 years; 54 received 10 years or more.
- Total fine of Rs. 1.22 crore imposed on convicts in 2026.
💡 For the exam: Remember NCB's increased conviction rate (from 60.5% to 68.6%) and 73 convictions in Q1 2026.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2253927
🏢 Economy · LAW track
CCI approves Vishakha Renewables' business restructuring, merger
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposed restructuring and merger of Vishakha Renewables Pvt. Ltd. (VRPL) with Vishakha Glass Pvt. Ltd. (VGPL).
- VRPL's renewables business will merge into VGPL.
- VRPL will transfer its pipes and mouldings divisions to PPPL.
- VR1PL, VMPL, and VM1PL will amalgamate with VRPL.
- VRPL manufactures solar components, irrigation systems, and plastic products.
💡 The CCI approved Vishakha Renewables' merger with Vishakha Glass, involving multiple subsidiary amalgamations.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2253910
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India and ROK Strengthen Energy Resource Security Partnership
India and the **Republic of Korea** issued a joint statement to enhance cooperation in energy resource security and trade.
- Both nations are Special Strategic Partners sharing vision for Indo-Pacific.
- They aim to advance energy trade via India-ROK CEPA and bilateral frameworks.
- India supplies naphtha to ROK, while ROK supplies petroleum products to India.
- They will explore closer collaboration among LNG-consuming countries.
- Cooperation in the shipbuilding sector will be strengthened, including shipyard modernization in India.
💡 India and ROK are boosting energy trade, shipbuilding, and LNG collaboration under their Special Strategic Partnership.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2253979
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India-Republic of Korea Joint Statement on Sustainability Cooperation
India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sustainability challenges.
- India and ROK support the Paris Agreement and climate action.
- An MOC under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement was concluded.
- India welcomed ROK as an International Solar Alliance member.
- ROK welcomed India as a Global Green Growth Institute member.
- Cooperation includes marine sustainability and Arctic research.
💡 India & ROK collaborate on climate (Paris Article 6.2), renewable energy (ISA, GGGI), oceans, and Arctic research.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2253978
🚢 International Relations · UPSC track
India-ROK Comprehensive Framework for Partnership in Maritime Sector
India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) established a framework to boost collaboration in shipbuilding, shipping, and maritime logistics.
- India and ROK agreed to enhance cooperation in shipbuilding, port development, and maritime logistics.
- HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd. (HD KSOE) is involved in a greenfield shipyard project in southern India.
- India announced a 400+ vessels acquisition plan worth Rs. 2.2 lakh crore (~USD 25 bn) by public agencies.
- Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will implement a skill training project in India with MoPSW.
- An MOU was signed between MoPSW and ROK's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries for port development.
- Bharat Earth Movers Limited, HD KSOE, and HD Hyundai Samho Co., Ltd will jointly design cranes in India.
💡 Remember VOYAGES (Yard Asssisted Growth with Efficiency and Scale) for India-ROK maritime partnership across shipbuilding, ports, and logistics with skill development.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2253976
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India-ROK Strengthen Strategic Partnership Post President's Visit
Outcomes and MOUs were signed following the State Visit of the President of Republic of Korea to India on 20 APR 2026.
- A Joint Strategic Vision was adopted for the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership.
- ROK is joining the Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative and International Solar Alliance.
- Negotiations will resume to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
- The Year 2028-29 will be commemorated as the Year of India-ROK Friendship.
- India is joining the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
💡 Remember: ROK joined IPOI & ISA, India joined GGGI, and 2028-29 is the India-ROK Friendship Year.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2253753
🚫 Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Election Commission Mandates Dry Days for Assembly Polls
The **ECI** announced dry days around polling and counting for upcoming Legislative Assembly elections and bye-elections.
- Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 mandates dry days.
- No liquor can be sold or distributed for 48 hours before poll conclusion.
- Counting day, May 4, 2026, is also declared a 'Dry Day' by ECI.
- Restrictions apply to hotels, restaurants, clubs, and unlicensed premises.
- General Elections for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal are impacted.
💡 Remember Section 135C of RP Act, 1951 enforces 48-hour dry periods before polls and on counting day for elections.
Source: Election Commission · PIB PRID 2253728
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
GST Refund Fraud Mastermind Arrested: ₹1,825 Crore Scam
**Kapil Chugh**, mastermind of a massive GST refund fraud, was arrested at IGI Airport on April 19, 2026, after evading summons.
- Kapil Chugh was arrested on April 19, 2026, for a ₹1,825 crore GST refund fraud.
- He created dummy firms and generated fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) with fake invoices.
- Chugh exported misdeclared low-value goods as high-value products from KASEZ.
- Chugh also siphoned ₹11 crore from Yes Bank by inflating export turnover.
- SEBI took action against Vipin Sharma, an associate, on March 30, 2026.
💡 For the exam: Remember Kapil Chugh and the ₹1,825 crore GST refund fraud involving fake ITC and misdeclared exports.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2253888
🤝 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
PM VIKAS partners IIT Patna for minority youth skilling
The Ministry of Minority Affairs signed an MoU with **IIT Patna** to provide technology-driven skilling for minority youth under **PM VIKAS**.
- The Ministry of Minority Affairs signed an MoU with IIT Patna on 20 APR 2026.
- The collaboration is under the PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan) Scheme.
- It will train 600 minority youth in Bihar in roles like AI Technocrat.
- This aims to enhance employability and facilitate placement opportunities.
💡 Remember PM VIKAS (Virasat Ka Samvardhan) for minority skilling, partnering with institutions like IIT Patna.
Source: Ministry of Minority Affairs · PIB PRID 2253823
📊 Economy · UPSC track
Eight Core Industries Index Dips in March 2026
The combined **Index of Eight Core Industries** (ICI) provisionally declined by 0.4% in March 2026 compared to March 2025.
- The ICI measures production of 8 core industries and forms 40.27% of the IIP.
- Fertilizers saw the sharpest decline, down 24.6% in March 2026.
- Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Steel, and Cement recorded positive growth.
- The cumulative growth for ICI from April to March 2025-26 was 2.6%.
💡 For the exam: Remember ICI decline (0.4%), fertilizers drop (24.6%), and its weight in IIP (40.27%) for March 2026.
Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry · PIB PRID 2253812
🌾 Economy · UPSC track
Additional Wheat Exports Approved to Support Farmers
Government approves additional wheat exports to ensure farmer returns and market stability amid comfortable production outlook.
- Government approved export of additional 25 LMT of wheat.
- Total wheat exports approved now stand at 50 LMT.
- Total wheat products exports permitted total 10 LMT.
- Wheat production for 2025–26 estimated at 1202 LMT.
- The Rabi 2026 wheat acreage increased to 334.17 lakh hectares.
💡 Remember: 50 LMT wheat and 10 LMT wheat products are approved exports, based on 1202 LMT estimated production.
Source: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution · PIB PRID 2253906