Current Affairs 26 April 2026

IIT Ropar introduces India’s 1st Agricultural Intelligence System.

• Indian Institute of Technology Ropar launched ANNAM.AI agricultural intelligence system.
• Provides real-time advisories and predictive climate insights to farmers.
• Built on 3 layers: data collection, AI analysis, and advisory delivery.
• Reduces water use by 20–30% and crop losses by 9–12%.
• Pilots ongoing in Punjab with offline AI support.
• Funded under ₹990-crore national AI Centres of Excellence initiative.

FedEx and IIT Madras successfully conclude drone trials in Bengaluru.

• FedEx and Indian Institute of Technology Madras conducted India’s first intra-city drone delivery trial.
• Covered ~40 km in 21 minutes (faster than road transport).
• Operated with advanced safety systems at 120 m altitude.
• Approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company receives approval to establish a reinsurance branch in GIFT City.

• Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company approved to set up a reinsurance branch in GIFT City.
• License effective from April 1, 2026.
• Branch will focus exclusively on reinsurance business.
• Expands ADNIC’s global presence beyond UAE, Saudi Arabia, and UK.
• Operates under IFSC regulatory framework in GIFT City.

Uttar Pradesh inaugurates a lithium battery recycling facility.

• Rocklink India launched India’s first integrated lithium-ion battery and rare-earth recycling facility in Uttar Pradesh.
• Located in Sikandrabad (UPSIDC Industrial Area).
• Processes 10,000 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries annually and 60 tonnes of rare-earth magnets monthly.
• Uses advanced R2 technology with over 98% metal recovery.
• Operates under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules.

Eveready Industries India commissions its first alkaline battery manufacturing unit in Jammu.

• Eveready Industries India set up India’s first alkaline battery manufacturing facility in Jammu.
• Investment: ~₹200 crore greenfield plant.
• Capacity: ~360 million alkaline batteries per year.
• Ends import of finished alkaline batteries in India.
• Aims to increase market share to ~25% in 3 years (from 16%).
• Expected to improve profit margins by ~10%.