Daily Current Affairs – April 20, 2026

The Finance Ministry is set to discuss customs warehousing benefits for imported battery storage systems. Industry groups have raised concerns about the MOOWR scheme creating an uneven playing field. Consultations with power and renewable energy ministries are planned. The government is examining potential misuse and policy gaps. A decision will align with India's energy security goals.

The labour ministry of India is charting a new course by investigating a multi-manager framework for its latest social security initiative aimed at gig and platform workers. The EPFO is likely to manage the provident fund components, while various fund managers will look after pension allocations.

What is delimitation, and how does it work in India? What changes were proposed in the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill? Why was an increase in Lok Sabha seats proposed? What concerns did the Opposition raise against the Bills? What is the way forward?

Besides the Gandhis, the High Court had also issued notices to Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise Pvt. Ltd. and Sunil Bhandari on the ED’s plea

Most of these ships are critical to India’s energy needs and are carrying crude oil

Indian smallcap stocks have surged dramatically in April, with some gaining up to 79%. The Nifty Smallcap 250 has outperformed the Nifty50, driven by domestic investor confidence. Experts are split on the sustainability of this rally, with some seeing a structural uptrend and others a sentiment-driven surge. Valuations are a concern for some, while others point to strong earnings.

Silver prices dropped as the dollar gained strength, while tensions in the Middle East raised oil prices and inflation fears. MCX Silver fell 2% to ₹2,52,304 per kg, and spot silver decreased 0.5% to $80.36 per ounce amid escalating geopolitical risks.

The government is considering mandating up to 30% blending of domestic coking coal with imported coal for all new steel capacities expected to be commissioned by 2030, as it looks to reduce import dependence and boost local coal usage, according to two people aware of the development.

Top private lenders in India, HDFC and ICICI, recorded strong growth yet remain cautious about fiscal 2027 amid the West Asia war. Concerns about future lending to SMEs and disruptions in supply chains arise counter weighed by long-term growth indicators. Read what the bank managements had to say.