Daily Current Affairs April 19, 2026

Current Affairs and GK updates 19/04/2026

Here is the Daily current affairs and GK updates of the day for UPSC,SSC,IBPS,RRB,NTPC and other competitive exams preparations.This updates particularly focus on news updates from 19th April 2026.

National

• The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has trained over 2,500 beneficiaries in the use of artificial intelligence tools under the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana. The initiative aims to empower traditional artisans and craftspeople by enhancing their livelihoods and business potential through technology.
• Vishwa Sutra -The Ministry of Textiles has launched an initiative called ‘Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World’. A designer collection based on the initiative was presented at the 61st Femina Miss India held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The initiative has been developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology. It aims to present Indian handlooms in a contemporary global design framework.
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III): The Union Cabinet approved continuation of PMGSY-III till March 2028, extending rural road connectivity projects. This scheme aims to provide all-weather roads to unconnected habitations, especially in remote and hilly regions.

Intrernational

• External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar met the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, in New Delhi today: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will pay a state visit to India today. He will be accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea Kyung and a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, and business leaders. This will be President Lee’s first visit to India.
• Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita will be on a four-day visit to the South Pacific island nations of Vanuatu and Tuvalu from April 22. During his visit to Vanuatu, the Minister is expected to have bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of the country.
• G20 satellite is expected to be launched in 2027: ISRO Chairman-He said India is taking the lead role in the launch of the G20 satellite for the G-20 countries.

Economy and banking

• China has officially overtaken the United States to become India's largest trading partner in the 2025–26 fiscal year, with total bilateral trade reaching USD 151.1 billion. The United States, which held the top spot for the previous four years, has slipped to second place.
• India’s total exports reached an all-time high of $863.11 billion in the financial year 2025–26, registering a 4.59% growth over the previous year. This growth was driven primarily by the services sector, which surged to $421.32 billion, alongside merchandise exports hitting $441.78 billion

Sports and culture

• Goa’s Sadhvi Sail has been crowned Femina Miss India World 2026 at the grand finale held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, yesterday.Representing Goa, Sadhvi Sail impressed the judges with her poise and authenticity, earning the top honour and the opportunity to represent India at the Miss World competition.
• Indian Grandmaster R. Vaishali won the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament 2026, which was held from March 28 to April 16, 2026, in Cyprus. By finishing first with 8.5/14 points, she earned the right to challenge reigning World Champion Ju Wenjun of China for the Women's World Chess Championship.
• Ajit Agarkar will continue as chairman of the senior selection committee, with the BCCI extending his contract by one year. The decision comes with a focus on preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Days Observed

• World Liver Day: Observed to spread awareness about liver-related diseases and the importance of this vital organ.
• Akshaya Tritiya in 2026 was celebrated on Sunday, April 19, 2026

Static GK for exam preparations

• The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana is a fully government-funded Central Sector Scheme launched to provide end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople. Operating with a total financial outlay of ₹13,000 crore, the program is active through FY 2027–28 to systematically scale and formalize the unorganized handicraft sector.
• Tuvalu and Vanuatu are two distinct island nations in Oceania, situated about 1,483 kilometers apart in the Pacific Ocean. While both are Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing critical climate challenges.
• Tuvalu is an isolated, archipelagic country in the Polynesian sub-region of Oceania in the Pacific Ocean, situated midway between Hawaii and Australia. Consisting of nine tiny coral islands and atolls with a total land area of just 26 square kilometers, it is the second least-populated country in the world.
• Capital: Funafuti
• Population: Approximately  11,000  residents
• Official Languages: Tuvaluan and English
• Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy (King Charles III as monarch)
• Independence: Gained from the United Kingdom on October 1, 1978
• Vanuatu is an archipelagic nation in the South Pacific Ocean comprising about 80 islands. Located roughly 1,750 kilometers east of Australia, it is renowned for its tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, rich Melanesian culture, and pristine diving spots.
• Capital: Port Vila (located on the island of Efate)
• Population: ~328,000
• Official Languages: Bislama, English, and French
• Currency: Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
• Independence:Vanuatu gained independence from a unique joint British and French colonial rule on July 30, 1980, to become the Republic of Vanuatu. Prior to independence, the archipelago was known as the "New Hebrides" and was governed as an Anglo-French Condominium.