NEWS 23-04-2026. News For 24th-Apr (Friday) National News 1. The Ministry of Minority Affairs signed an MoU with IIT Patna under the PM VIKAS scheme to promote skill development and employment opportunities among minority youth. 2. Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala is emerging as a key global transshipment hub, as shipping companies divert routes from ports like Dubai, Colombo and Singapore due to security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. Defence News 1. To strengthen internal security, an advanced satellite imaging system called Prajna has been developed by DRDO and handed over to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The system will improve surveillance and intelligence gathering. 2. Indian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna arrived at Jakarta, Indonesia, marking the third port call of its deployment under the IOS SAGAR initiative in the Indian Ocean Region. International News 1. India and South Korea signed 16 Memorandums of Understanding in sectors such as semiconductors, green energy, e-mobility and advanced manufacturing, with the aim of doubling bilateral trade to 54 billion US dollars by 2030. 2. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held high-level meetings with senior Saudi leadership to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen energy cooperation amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia. 3. The United States has confirmed it will host the second round of talks between Lebanon and Israel as both countries continue negotiations amid rising regional tensions. Sports News 1. Indian shooters Shiva Narwal and Chirag Sharma won gold and bronze in the 10m air pistol event at the Junior ISSF World Cup, continuing India’s strong performance in international shooting. 2. Indian chess player R Vaishali won the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 and will now challenge the reigning world champion for the Women’s World Chess Championship. < < Back