Daily Current Affairs – 20-04-2026

Tamil Nadu News

TN Intelligence IG Transfer

Ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on 23rd, Senthil Velan, who was serving as Inspector General (IG) of the Tamil Nadu Police Intelligence Department, has been transferred, and Avinash Kumar, previously serving as IG of Police Technical Services, has been appointed as the new Intelligence IG. The Election Commission of India initiated key administrative changes to ensure free and fair elections, leading to the transfer of several IAS and IPS officers. Notable changes include the transfer of Chief Secretary Muruganandam, Home Secretary Dheeraj Kumar, DGP (Law and Order – In-charge) Venkataraman, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption DGP Davidson Devasirvatham, and Chennai Police Commissioner Arun, along with various Police Commissioners, Zonal IGs, and District SPs. The transfer order appointing Avinash Kumar was issued by Home Secretary Manivasan following the directions of the Election Commission of India, and the Intelligence Department plays a key role in monitoring Model Code of Conduct compliance, voter safety, and illegal activities during elections.

National News

Centre Plans 20% DME Blending in LPG

The Central Government of India has proposed blending 20% Dimethyl Ether (DME) with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to address cooking gas shortages and reduce import dependence. India imports about 85% of its crude oil and nearly 60% of LPG requirements, making energy security a key concern. To manage shortages, domestic LPG production has been increased and imports are being sourced from countries such as the United States and Angola. The policy follows the existing mandate of 20% ethanol blending in petrol, which has helped reduce crude oil imports. DME (Dimethyl Ether) is a synthetic fuel produced from natural gas and coal gasification, and it emits lower levels of smoke, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides compared to LPG. New Era Cleantech Solutions Private Limited, based in Mumbai, is producing DME through coal gasification, while the CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, has developed technology to produce DME from methanol.

CBI Launches ‘Abhaya’ Chatbot to Tackle Digital Arrest Fraud

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has introduced a chatbot facility named ‘Abhaya’ to prevent digital arrest and cyber frauds, in which the public across India lost about ₹54,000 crore between April 2021 and November 2025. The chatbot is being launched in New Delhi by Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant following the directions of the Supreme Court of India. The Abhaya chatbot will provide clear responses to public queries related to cyber threats such as digital arrest scams, where fraudsters threaten individuals over phone calls. The initiative aims to assist citizens in verifying suspicious claims and improving awareness against cyber frauds.

Finance Ministry Directs PSBs to Adopt Quantum-Resistant Encryption

The Ministry of Finance, Government of India has directed Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to explore quantum-resistant encryption to enhance security of customer data, payment systems, ATM networks, and mobile applications. Experts have warned of a quantum computing threat, where advanced systems could break existing encryption methods in seconds in the coming years. Under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), the Government has allocated ₹6,000 crore to build a 2,000 km quantum communication network by 2030–31. Industry estimates indicate that the banking and telecom sectors may each invest up to ₹2,000 crore over 5–7 years to strengthen cybersecurity and computing infrastructure. Among banks, Punjab National Bank (PNB) is developing quantum-proof systems, UCO Bank is working on AI-based voice fraud detection, and State Bank of India (SBI) is focusing on preventing fake mobile applications via WhatsApp and SMS. According to a survey by FICCI–IBA, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven credit and collection systems are expected to be a major disruptor in the banking sector by 2026.

International News

France–Greece Defence Pact Renewed for Five Years

France and Greece have decided to renew their defence pact for another five years amid the backdrop of the Iran war situation. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Greece on April 24–25 to formalize the renewal of the agreement. As per the decision, the pact will be extended for five years and will include a provision for automatic renewal thereafter, strengthening bilateral security cooperation between the two countries.

Indian Vice-President Meets Sri Lankan President

Vice-President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and held discussions on bilateral cooperation across sectors including economy, education, health, tourism, investment, and trade, with emphasis on energy security and port development. India highlighted the early implementation of the proposed energy hub project in Trincomalee district. Discussions were also held on India-funded housing projects and programmes under the $450 million cyclone recovery package, and several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. The two sides addressed fishermen issues with a focus on livelihoods and noted the release of 47 Indian fishermen from Sri Lankan custody. The Vice-President was accompanied by Union Minister of State S.P. Singh Baghel, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and Members of Parliament. During the visit, it was announced that the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card would be extended to sixth-generation Indian-origin Sri Lankans, and he also met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Dinesh Trivedi Appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh

Dinesh Trivedi, former Union Minister, has been appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, marking the first time the Modi Government has appointed a politician to head an overseas diplomatic mission. He replaces Pranay Verma, an IFS officer, who has been posted to Brussels. Dinesh Trivedi, who earlier served in the UPA Government and later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2021 after being part of the Trinamool Congress, will handle diplomatic relations with Bangladesh. The appointment comes amid strained relations following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after nationwide protests and the formation of an interim government led by Mohammed Yunus, which led to a decline in bilateral cooperation. He is expected to engage with the new government in Dhaka, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under Tarique Rahman, and address issues including the situation of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India, and concerns related to Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Earlier, the Modi Government had mainly appointed career diplomats, with General Dalbir Singh’s appointment as envoy to Seychelles in 2019 being a notable exception.

Sports News

Bayern Munich Wins 35th Bundesliga Title

Bayern Munich secured a record 35th Bundesliga title after defeating Stuttgart 4–2, with Harry Kane scoring his 32nd goal of the season, along with goals from Raphael Guerreiro, Nicolas Jackson, and Alphonso Davies. The team clinched the title with four matches remaining in the season. In the English Premier League, Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2–1, with Erling Haaland scoring his 34th goal, strengthening their position in the title race. Liverpool beat Everton 2–1 with a late goal from Virgil van Dijk, while Manchester United defeated Chelsea 1–0. In Serie A (Italy), Napoli lost 2–0 to Lazio, increasing the chances of Inter Milan winning the title.