1. NASA & ESA to Launch Rosalind Franklin Rover in 2028

NASA has officially awarded a $175 million contract to SpaceX to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Rosalind Franklin Rover to Mars in late 2028.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• The Launcher: The rover will be delivered to the Red Planet aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
• Mission Purpose: Part of the ExoMars program, the rover is designed to drill up to 2 meters below the Martian surface to search for past signs of life.
• New Partnership: Following the termination of cooperation with Russia (Roscosmos) in 2022, NASA stepped in to provide the landing platform, heating units, and the launch vehicle.
• Significance: This marks the first time SpaceX will deliver a payload to Mars.

2. CBI Launches AI Chatbot ‘Abhay’

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an AI-powered chatbot named “Abhay” to protect citizens from escalating cybercrimes, particularly "digital arrest" scams.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Inauguration: The chatbot was launched by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant during the 22nd D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture on April 20, 2026.
• Primary Function: It allows the public to instantly verify the authenticity of summons or notices purportedly issued by the CBI.
• The Crisis: The initiative responds to a surge in fraudsters impersonating CBI officials to extort money. According to the Supreme Court, cybercriminals have siphoned off nearly ₹54,000 crore through such scams recently.

3. India’s First Advanced 3D Semiconductor Packaging Unit

The foundation stone for India’s first advanced 3D semiconductor chip packaging unit was laid at Info Valley in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on April 21, 2026.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Project Details: Promoted by Heterogeneous Integration Packaging Solutions (HIPS), a subsidiary of 3D Glass Solutions, with an investment of nearly ₹2,000 crore.
• Technology: The facility will focus on embedded glass substrate ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging), critical for AI and high-performance computing.
• Production Goal: Targeted to produce 70,000 glass panels and 50 million assembled units annually. Commercial production is expected by August 2028.

4. Smriti Mandhana: India's Highest T20I Run-Scorer

Star opener Smriti Mandhana has become the highest run-scorer for India in T20 Internationals across both men’s and women’s cricket, surpassing the record previously held by Rohit Sharma.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• The Milestone: Mandhana reached 4,244 runs during the first T20I against South Africa in Durban on April 18, 2026.
• Surpassing Legend: She moved past Rohit Sharma’s tally of 4,231 runs.
• Global Standing: She now trails only New Zealand's Suzie Bates (4,717) in the all-time women's T20I list and is closing in on Babar Azam’s overall world record (4,596).

5. Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao Wins Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award

Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director of the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), has been conferred the prestigious 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award for the year 2024–25.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Recognition: Honored for his pioneering research in climate-resilient farming and natural resource management.
• Significance: The award coincides with the birth centenary of Prof. Swaminathan, the father of India’s Green Revolution.
• Presenter: The award was presented by former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu in Hyderabad.

6. NITI Aayog Launches ‘Divya Bharat’ Tourism Compilation

NITI Aayog has released a comprehensive anthology titled “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India” to promote tourism through a structured, seasonal lens.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Objective: Conceived as a year-round companion, it aligns domestic destinations with the rhythm of the months to encourage longer tourist stays.
• Focus: It highlights experiential journeys, local cuisines, and lesser-known heritage sites across all States and Union Territories.
• Policy Goal: Aimed at boosting Centre-State collaboration and data-driven policymaking in the tourism sector.

7. India’s First Plant Cell Fermentation Centre of Excellence

IIT Madras and Herbalife India have signed an agreement to establish India's first dedicated Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Location: The facility will be housed at the IIT Madras Research Park.
• The Technology: Unlike microbial fermentation, this process grows living plant cells in bioreactors to produce bioactive extracts (phytochemicals) sustainably without harvesting whole plants.
• Impact: It aims to reduce import dependency for high-value plant-based ingredients used in nutraceuticals and the Ayush sector. Operations are expected to begin in June 2026.