Current Affairs 23 April 2026

An OpenAI report places India among advanced AI users.

• OpenAI report identifies India as a leading global AI usage market in coding, data analysis, and reasoning.
• India ranks among the Top 5 countries in AI thinking capability usage per user.
• Codex AI tool usage grew 4x within two weeks of launch.
• Top 10 Indian cities contribute 50% of AI usage, with Delhi NCR leading adoption.
• AI usage in India is 3x more concentrated than in countries like the US, UK, Brazil, and Germany.
• Significant urban gap: data analysis usage 30x higher in leading cities; coding 4x higher, Codex usage 9x higher in tech hubs.
• Sector trends:
• Education: Assam leads in AI learning usage.
• Health: Jammu & Kashmir shows high wellness-related usage.

India’s exports rise to $860.09 billion in FY26.

• India’s total exports reached $860.09 billion in FY26, up 4.22% from FY25.
• Imports grew faster at 6.47%, reaching $970 billion.
• Trade deficit widened to $119.30 billion (from $94.66 billion in FY25).
• Merchandise exports: $441.78 billion; Services exports: $418.31 billion.
• Merchandise imports rose to $774.98 billion; services imports to $204.42 billion.
• Core exports (excluding petroleum, gems, jewellery): $777.98 billion; surplus narrowed to $75 billion.
• Precious metals imports increased in value:
• Gold: $71.98 billion
• Silver: $12.05 billion.

India’s trade surplus with the United States declined in FY26.

• India’s trade surplus with the US fell to $34.41 billion in FY26.
• US exports to India: $87.31 billion (slight rise).
• US imports from India: $52.90 billion (sharp increase).
• Surplus narrowed from $40.88 billion to $34.41 billion.
• India’s exports to China rose 36.7%, reaching $19.48 billion.
• Imports from China surged to $131.63 billion, maintaining dependence.
• US remains India’s top export destination; China is the largest import source.
• Middle East conflict led to sharp trade decline in March 2026 (exports −58%, imports −51%).
• Overall trade balance tightened due to rising imports from major partners.

NITRD becomes India’s 1st healthcare facility to achieve zero waste to landfill status.

• NITRD became India’s first healthcare institution with Zero Waste to Landfill status.
• Recognised under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0.
• Waste management handled through 100% segregation and processing of daily 1–1.2 tons of waste.
• Includes wet waste composting and dry waste recycling systems.
• Installed dedicated composting units and waste processing infrastructure.
• Achieved full compliance under Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 (Bulk Waste Generator category).
• Implemented by Why Waste Wednesdays Foundation (Swachh Sankalp program).

Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary has been declared a Ramsar Site.

• Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh designated as a Ramsar Site.
• Becomes India’s 99th Ramsar site and 12th in Uttar Pradesh.
• Located in Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh.
• Important stopover on the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds.
• Supports species like Bar-headed Goose and Painted Stork.
• Part of global wetland protection under the Ramsar Convention (1971).