1) 🇮🇳National Civil Services Excellence Awards: On the occasion of National Civil Services Day (celebrated yesterday), the Prime Minister conferred the Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2026 to districts showing exemplary progress in the 'Viksit Bharat' mission. National Quantum Mission (NQM): The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has fast-tracked the setup of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in India to boost research in Quantum Computing and Quantum Communication. Census 2026 Update: The Home Ministry has announced that the Digital Census 2026 will include a self-enumeration portal, allowing citizens to fill in their details online for the first time in Indian history. 2) 🌍International World Book Capital 2026: UNESCO has officially designated Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the World Book Capital for the year 2026. The city will host a series of events starting today to promote literacy. Indo-Pacific Security: The 2026 edition of the 'Sagar Maitri' naval exercise involving India and several ASEAN nations has commenced in the Andaman Sea to enhance maritime security and disaster response. UN Environment Assembly: Global leaders are meeting in Nairobi to finalize the Global Plastics Treaty, aiming for a legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution by 2040. 3) 💰Economy Logistics Performance Index (LPI): According to the latest World Bank report, India has climbed to the 34th position out of 139 countries, a result of the 'PM Gati Shakti' and National Logistics Policy. Direct Tax Milestone: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) reported that net direct tax collections for FY 2025-26 reached a record high of ₹19.58 lakh crore, a 17.7% growth over the previous year. Green Bonds: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) successfully auctioned the first tranche of Sovereign Green Bonds for the current fiscal, aimed at funding solar power and wind energy projects. 4) 🗓️Date’s importance World Book and Copyright Day (23 April): Organized by UNESCO to promote reading and publishing. The date marks the death anniversary of literary giants William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. English Language Day: Observed by the United Nations on 23 April, coinciding with the birthday and death anniversary of William Shakespeare. Khongjom Day: Observed in Manipur to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. 5) 👱♂️👩🦳Person of the day William Shakespeare: Born and died on this day (1564–1616), he is arguably the greatest writer in the English language. His works, including 39 plays and 154 sonnets, remain a core part of world literature and competitive exam humanities sections. 6) 🏅Sports Asian Wrestling Championships 2026: India’s wrestling contingent has secured 7 medals (1 Gold, 2 Silver, 4 Bronze) at the conclusion of the event in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. IPL 2026: In a record-breaking match yesterday, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted the highest-ever powerplay score in T20 history, crossing 120 runs in the first 6 overs against Delhi Capitals. Candidates Tournament: 19-year-old D. Gukesh has become the youngest-ever challenger for the World Chess Championship after winning the FIDE Candidates 2026. 7) 🏆Awards Saraswati Samman 2025: Renowned poet Prabha Varma has been selected for the prestigious award for his verse novel 'Roudra Sathwikam'. Goldman Environmental Prize 2026: Indian environmental activist Alok Shukla has been recognized for his campaign to save the Hasdeo Arand forests in Chhattisgarh from coal mining. 8) ⭐️Other important significance Operation Himshakti: The Indian Army has successfully completed integrated electronic warfare exercises in the Eastern Sector, testing the resilience of communication networks against high-altitude interference. Vishu & Baisakhi Recap: Following the recent harvest festivals, agricultural departments have reported a 5% increase in Kharif sowing estimates for the upcoming season due to favorable monsoon predictions. 📚Word of the day BIBLIOPHILE Meaning: (Noun) A person who collects or has a great love of books. Usage: On World Book Day, every bibliophile in the city flocked to the national library for the annual book fair.