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17 April 2026

Important Days

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s 200th Birth Anniversary

National leaders paid floral tributes to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on his 200th birth anniversary at Prerna Sthal, Parliament House Complex. Born 11 April 1827 in Pune, he founded Satya Shodhak Samaj (1873) and served Pune Municipality (1876–82). Titled “Mahatma” in 1888, he pioneered education for Shudras, Ati-Shudras and women with Savitribai, wrote Shetkaryacha Asud, Gulamgiri and others; Deenbandhu voiced the movement. A 12-foot bronze statue by Ram V Sutar was unveiled in 2003.

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s 200th Birth Anniversary
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International

9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius

At the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), India highlighted vulnerabilities at maritime chokepoints and the need for trusted partnerships to build resilience in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The IOC, a consultative forum started in 2016 by India Foundation with regional think tanks, has over 40 participating countries and discusses cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region. The IOR spans >70 million sq km, links 35+ littorals, carries major global trade (including oil via Strait of Hormuz). India has a 11,098.81 km coastline, 1,300+ islands and ~2.4 million sq km EEZ; it is a net security provider/first responder amid piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing, trafficking, extra-regional competition and infrastructure-finance gaps.

9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius
Economic TimesEconomic Times

16 April 2026

Environment

Uttarakhand High Court Stays Oak Tree Felling in Mussoorie Municipal Works

Uttarakhand High Court stayed felling of oak trees in Mussoorie proposed for Municipal Council construction works. Himalayan oaks (Quercus; family Fagaceae) occur across the Himalayas at 1,000–3,500 m, including Western Himalayas and Arunachal Pradesh; ~20 species in Western and 15 in Eastern Himalayas. Slow-growing (10–35 m), they dominate moist temperate forests as climax species, aiding soil-water conservation and spring recharge. Threats include 0.36 sq km/year degradation, grazing/lopping/litter removal, invasives (Eupatorium adenophorum, Lantana camara), chir pine replacement, and forest fires.

Uttarakhand High Court Stays Oak Tree Felling in Mussoorie Municipal Works
Indian ExpressIndian Express
Science & Technology

JNCASR Bengaluru Develops Frog-Inspired Humidity-Responsive Neuromorphic Sensor

Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, developed a frog-inspired neuromorphic sensor mimicking brain-like processing. Inspired by cricket frogs’ moisture- and light-sensitive synaptic behaviour, it uses one-dimensional supramolecular nanofibers (self-assembled molecules/polymers). Humidity is the primary stimulus, with light modulating sensitivity. It integrates sensing, memory and signal processing, demonstrating synaptic functions (facilitation, depression, meta-plasticity, logic), enabling low-energy, event-driven edge computing for environmental monitoring, healthcare wearables, and AI/IoT; claimed as the first humidity-primary neuromorphic device.

JNCASR Bengaluru Develops Frog-Inspired Humidity-Responsive Neuromorphic Sensor
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Miscellaneous

Induction vs Infrared Cooktops

Amid LPG shortages linked to the West Asia conflict, Indian households are shifting to electric induction and infrared cooktops. Induction uses electromagnetic fields for direct heating, needs ferromagnetic cookware, offers ~85–95% efficiency, faster cooking, precise electronic control, cooler surfaces, but can cause demand spikes. Infrared uses heated coils emitting radiation, works with all cookware, ~70–80% efficient, slower, phase-angle control, hotter surfaces, and localised grid stress via waveform distortion.

Induction vs Infrared Cooktops
Indian ExpressIndian Express
Reports

India Adds 45 GW Solar Capacity in 2025-26

India plans 45 GW solar capacity addition in 2025–26; cumulative 150.26 GW by 31 March 2026 (2.82 GW in 2014). India ranks 3rd globally (IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics 2025); top states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu. Solar potential: 300–330 sunny days, 4–7 kWh/m²/day. Schemes: PM Surya Ghar (1 crore households; 23.9 lakh rooftop installs, Dec 2025), PM-KUSUM, National Solar Mission, Solar Parks/Ultra-Mega projects. PLI to attract ₹52,900 crore for solar PV manufacturing. Global initiatives: ISA HQ Gurugram; One Sun One World One Grid. Solar PV uses semiconductors; CSP uses mirrors.

India Adds 45 GW Solar Capacity in 2025-26
News On AirNews On Air
Environment

Antarctic Species Status Change

IUCN updated its Red List for Antarctic species amid rising threats from climate change and disease. Emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) was uplisted to Endangered from Near Threatened; it is the largest penguin, insulated by scale-like feathers and high body fat. Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) moved to Endangered from Least Concern. Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) is now Vulnerable from Least Concern due to avian influenza.

Antarctic Species Status Change
Down to EarthDown to Earth
Governance

Centre Notifies Central Armed Police Forces Act, 2026

The Centre notified the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026, creating a unified legal framework for recruitment, deputation, promotion and service conditions of officers in CRPF, CISF, BSF, ITBP and SSB. CAPFs comprise seven armed police organisations under MHA: Assam Rifles, BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, NSG and SSB. Assam Rifles has administrative control under MHA and operational control under MoD. Forces are headed by Director General-rank officers.

Centre Notifies Central Armed Police Forces Act, 2026
Hindustan TimesHindustan Times

15 April 2026

Schemes

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana Turns 11

On PM Mudra Yojana’s 11th anniversary, the PM highlighted its role in credit support to micro enterprises. MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency Ltd) is an NBFC under the Ministry of Finance (launched April 2015), implemented via banks, MFIs and NBFCs. It provides collateral-free loans: Shishu (≤₹50,000), Kishore (₹50,000–₹5 lakh), Tarun (₹5–10 lakh), Tarun Plus (₹10–20 lakh), with CGFMU guarantee (NCGTC) and Mudra Card; micro-credit up to ₹1 lakh.

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana Turns 11
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Governance

Mission Karmayogi (NPCSCB)

Department of Higher Education held a session on Indian Knowledge Systems during Sadhana Saptah 2026, highlighting capacity building under Mission Karmayogi. Mission Karmayogi (launched September 2020) is a Central Sector Programme implemented by DoPT, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, with PM’s Public Human Resources Council and Capacity Building Commission. iGOT Karmayogi (2022) hosts 4,400+ courses. Sadhana Saptah (April 2026) theme: “Technology to Tradition to Tangible Outcomes”, with Karmayogi Geet, Kshamata Connect, Kartavya Karyakram, trust-based peer assessment and AI case-study suite.

Mission Karmayogi (NPCSCB)
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Science & Technology

National Quantum Mission

Under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), India has deployed a 1000-km secure quantum communication network. NQM, launched in April 2023 for 2023–2031, is governed by the Ministry of Science and Technology and implemented by the Department of Science and Technology through a Quantum Technology Cell. Thematic hubs: IISc Bengaluru (computing), IIT Madras+C-DOT (communication), IIT Bombay (sensing/metrology), IIT Delhi (materials/devices). Targets include 50–1000-qubit computers, satellite secure links up to 2000 km, quantum diamond microscope, magnetometers, atomic clocks, and quantum simulation.

National Quantum Mission
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Reports

IRENA Ranks India 3rd Globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, ahead of Brazil

IRENA ranks India 3rd globally in renewable-energy installed capacity (surpassing Brazil). Non-fossil capacity: 283.46 GW—solar 150.26, wind 56.09, hydro 51.41 (large)+5.17 (small), bio 11.75, nuclear 8.78. India achieved 50% installed capacity from non-fossil sources (June 2025) and targets 500 GW non-fossil by 2030 (Paris NDC). Support: PM-KUSUM, Rooftop Solar, PLI, Solar QCO 2025; Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, Vayumitra; SHP Development Scheme, Green Energy Corridor; National Bio-Energy, Jaiv-Urja Mitra; National Geothermal Policy 2025 (5 pilots); National Green Hydrogen Mission (5 MMT by 2030; hubs Kandla, Paradip, Tuticorin).

IRENA Ranks India 3rd Globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, ahead of Brazil
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Places in News

Elephanta Island Excavation

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered an ~1500-year-old stepped reservoir on Elephanta Island (Gharapuri) in Mumbai Harbour, Maharashtra, a UNESCO site with 5th-century Shiva caves. The T-shaped tank (14.7 m long; 6.7 m and 10.8 m wide), built from mainland stone blocks, was excavated 5 m deep, exposing 20 steps for water storage. Finds include anchors, Roman-style amphorae, West Asian torpedo jars, and silver/lead/copper coins of Kalachuri Krishnaraja (bull obverse; “Sri Krishnaraja” reverse), indicating 2nd-century CE trade links and 6th-century CE Kalachuri presence.

Elephanta Island Excavation
The HinduThe Hindu
Reports

World Inequality Lab Report Maps Land Inequality

Report “Land inequality in India: Nature, history, and markets” analyses rural land distribution in 10 major states covering ~75% of rural population. Top 10% rural households own 44% land; ~46% households are landless. Village land Gini ~71.1; largest landholder controls ~12.4%. Kerala Gini 90; Karnataka/Rajasthan <65; Punjab landlessness 73%. Drivers: productivity, zamindari legacy, SC landlessness, market access. Responses: land reforms, Bhoodan-Gramdan (Vinoba Bhave, 1951), DILRMP/Bhoomi, FRA 2006, LARR Act 2013.

World Inequality Lab Report Maps Land Inequality
Indian ExpressIndian Express
Schemes

Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme

Union Cabinet approved a 12% increase in Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers for Kharif season 2026 to support balanced fertilizer use. Launched in 2010 by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, NBS promotes balanced fertiliser application and reduces subsidy burden by linking subsidy to nutrient content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur. It covers 28 grades including DAP and SSP.

Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme
Indian ExpressIndian Express

14 April 2026

Economy

Strait of Hormuz Blockade Disrupts Propane-LPG Imports for Morbi Tile Units

Morbi ceramic factories (Saurashtra, Gujarat), producing ~90% of India’s ceramic tiles, suspended operations amid gas shortages linked to the West Asia conflict and a Strait of Hormuz blockade. The episode underscores reliance on imported propane-LPG from the Persian Gulf and critical minerals (alumina, silica, zirconium, rare earths). India is the second-largest tile producer; exports go to USA, Europe and the Middle East. CSIR-CGCRI, Kolkata (est. 1950) supports ceramics research.

Strait of Hormuz Blockade Disrupts Propane-LPG Imports for Morbi Tile Units
Indian ExpressIndian Express
Defence

INS Sunayna to Conduct PASSEX, HADR and Anti-Piracy Cooperation During IOR Port Calls

INS Sunayna, India’s 2nd Saryu-class offshore patrol vessel, arrived at Male (Maldives) as the first port call under IOS SAGAR. Indigenously built by Goa Shipyard Ltd, commissioned in 2013, it displaces 2,200 tonnes, with 25 knots speed and 6,000 nautical miles range at 16 knots. IOS SAGAR involves 16 IOR nations, with 16-country personnel onboard, to boost interoperability, maritime security, HADR and anti-piracy; port calls include Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Singapore. MAHASAGAR (March 2025) supports multilateral maritime cooperation on collective security, blue economy, disaster relief and connectivity.

INS Sunayna to Conduct PASSEX, HADR and Anti-Piracy Cooperation During IOR Port Calls
PIBPIB
International

2026 Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Rio de Janeiro

PHC Summit in Rio de Janeiro brought experts from 55 cities under the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network of 74 cities to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries; Indian members: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru. Each city selects 1 of 15 interventions. NCDs are long-term, non-transmissible; risks: tobacco, unhealthy diet, hypertension/diabetes, air/chemical exposure; cause >80% global deaths and >80% premature deaths in LMICs; major NCDs: CVDs, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes. India: National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs; CBSE sugar boards in schools; Eat Right India, Fit India, Yoga; cancer assistance up to ₹120 crore (State Cancer Institutes) and ₹45 crore (Tertiary Centres).

2026 Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Rio de Janeiro
Indian ExpressIndian Express
Important Days

World Health Day 2026

World Health Day 2026 is observed on 7 April, marking the founding of WHO (1948) and coordinated by WHO. It promotes awareness and collective action aligned with SDG 3. Theme: “Together for health” and “Stand with science”; slogan: “Evidence-led action for a healthier world”. Focus includes evidence, global collaboration, combating misinformation, and One Health. India highlighted Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (₹5 lakh; Ayushman Vay Vandana Card for 70+), Ayushman Arogya Mandir, ABDM (ABHA ID), and PMBJP generics (50–90% lower).

World Health Day 2026
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Miscellaneous

First Indian fossil record of gourami

Scientists found fish otolith (calcium carbonate) fossils in the Shivalik Himalayan foothills in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, dated to ~5 million years (Pliocene). Species include gourami, snakeheads and gobies. It is India’s first fossil record of gourami and the second globally after Sumatra. The assemblage indicates a lentic freshwater ecosystem and predator–prey coexistence, marking the region’s first aquatic fossil evidence.

First Indian fossil record of gourami
Indian ExpressIndian Express
Places in News

Qeshm Island near Bandar Abbas

Iran’s Qeshm Island desalination plant has been out of service due to a strike since early March, underlining the island’s strategic importance near key global shipping routes. Qeshm lies near Bandar Abbas, separated by the Khuran Strait, and is the largest island in the Persian Gulf. Its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz offers Iran leverage over maritime traffic. Terrain includes rocky coastline, sandy bays and mudflats.

Qeshm Island near Bandar Abbas
Indian ExpressIndian Express

13 April 2026

Governance

Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026

Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026, under MoEFCC, amend PWM Rules, 2016 (ban carry bags <50 microns; local bodies’ responsibility; Extended Producer Responsibility). EPR recycling targets: 35% (2021–22), 70% (2022–23), 100% by 2024–25. Recycled content mandate in packaging: Category I 30% (2026–27) to 60% (2028–29); Categories II–III stress reuse/collection; Category IV compostable needs CPCB certification. Reuse target for large drinking-water containers: 70% (2025–26) to 85%. Allows 3-year carry-forward of shortfalls (clear 33% yearly); audits by registered environment auditors; QR/barcode traceability; exemptions where other laws restrict; enforcement by ULBs/Gram and district panchayats.

Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026
The HinduThe Hindu
Defence

INS Aridaman

India inducted INS Aridaman (2026), completing three operational nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and strengthening the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad for assured second-strike. It displaces ~7,000 tonnes, has 8 vertical launch tubes, and can fire K-15 (750 km) and K-4 (3,500 km) SLBMs. Built ~90% indigenously with DRDO support and Russian collaboration; Arihant (2016) and Arighaat (2024). A fourth SSBN is under construction; Project-75I targets six AIP conventional submarines.

INS Aridaman
Indian ExpressIndian Express
Governance

Rajya Sabha Elections

Rajya Sabha Chairman (Vice-President, ex-officio, Article 89) administered oath/affirmation to 19 newly elected/re-elected members. Members are indirectly elected by elected State Legislative Assembly members under Article 80, through proportional representation by single transferable vote. Eligibility: Indian citizen, minimum 30 years, elector. Oath under Article 99 and Third Schedule; in English or any Eighth Schedule language. Before oath, Article 104 bars sitting/voting; penalty ₹500/day.

Rajya Sabha Elections
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Science & Technology

ESA–CAS SMILE Mission

SMILE (Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) is an ESA mission with the Chinese Academy of Sciences under ESA’s Cosmic Vision 2015–2025. Planned launch from Europe’s Spaceport, French Guiana, on Vega‑C (to polar orbit), scheduled April 9, 2026 (postponement possible). It will study solar wind–magnetosphere interaction via global X‑ray imaging; uses soft X‑ray/UV imagers, magnetometer and ion analyser; 3‑year mission in highly elliptical orbit (apogee ~121,000 km; perigee ~5,000 km).

ESA–CAS SMILE Mission
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Science & Technology

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor

India achieved criticality in its 500 MW Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, operated by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited, marking progress in the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme (proposed in 1954 by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha). Criticality is a self-sustaining chain reaction. The FBR uses uranium-plutonium mixed oxide fuel, liquid sodium coolant, and a U-238 blanket for transmutation to breed more fuel, aiding thorium use, passive safety and waste reduction.

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor
News On AirNews On Air
Places in News

India-Angola Talks on Natural Gas Supplies as Alternative to West Asia

India is negotiating with Angola as an alternative gas supplier, supporting energy diversification. Angola’s capital is Luanda; it lies on Africa’s southwestern Atlantic coast and is the continent’s seventh-largest by area. It borders DR Congo, Republic of the Congo, Zambia and Namibia; major rivers include Cuanza, Cunene, Cubango and Zambezi. Resources: crude oil, gas, diamonds and minerals. India is ~10% of Angola’s external trade.

India-Angola Talks on Natural Gas Supplies as Alternative to West Asia
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11 April 2026

Places in News

Appemidi Mango of Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga

Conservationists conducted a 30-km march in Karnataka’s Aghanashini valley to assess declining fruiting and habitat conditions of Appemidi, a raw, aromatic “king of pickling mangoes” with GI tag (2009). Native to Aghanashini, Bedthi and Sharavati river valleys (Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga), it grows naturally in moist riverbank forest microclimates (24–30°C). Small parrot-beak fruits (~10 g); varieties include Ananta, Bhattana, Kanchappa and Karnakundala. In-situ conservation is preferred.

Appemidi Mango of Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga
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Environment

Chhattisgarh Blackbuck Reintroduction

Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra; family Bovidae), extinct in Chhattisgarh since 1927, is being restored through a 2018 reintroduction programme under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; 77 individuals were first released. Population is about 190 in 2026 (wild plus enclosures), monitored using pan-tilt-zoom infra-red cameras and daily forest-guard patrols. Further introduction is planned in Gomardha Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district. IUCN: Least Concern; CITES Appendix III (India). WPA Schedule I protection; threats include habitat loss, poaching and conflict.

Chhattisgarh Blackbuck Reintroduction
Times of IndiaTimes of India
Judiciary

Supreme Court Judge Flags Election Commission Independence as Key to Neutral Elections

A Supreme Court judge stressed that independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is vital for neutral elections and institutional credibility. The ECI is an autonomous constitutional authority established on 25 January 1950 (Articles 324–329), comprising the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners, appointed by the President. Tenure is six years or up to 65 years; removal safeguards exist. It conducts elections for President, Vice President, Parliament and State Legislatures.

Supreme Court Judge Flags Election Commission Independence as Key to Neutral Elections
Indian ExpressIndian Express