Current Affairs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.