πŸ“° Today's Current AffairsRead Now →
📷 Follow on Instagram

Daily Current Affairs

E20 Petrol with RON 95 Made Mandatory Across India

Why in News?

From April 1, 2026, the Government of India has implemented a major fuel reform by mandating the nationwide sale of E20 petrol (20% ethanol-blended fuel) with a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95.

e20 petrol

What is E20 Petrol?

E20 petrol is a blended fuel consisting of:

  • 80% conventional petrol
  • 20% ethanol (biofuel)

Key Features

  • Ethanol Source:
    • Derived from agricultural products like:
      • Sugarcane
      • Maize (corn)
      • Other food grains
  • Renewable Fuel:
    • Ethanol is a renewable and eco-friendly energy source
  • Nationwide Implementation:
    • Applicable across all States and Union Territories from April 2026
What is Research Octane Number (RON 95)?
  • Definition:
    • RON measures a fuel’s ability to resist engine knocking (premature combustion)
  • RON 95 Explained:
    • Indicates higher fuel stability
    • Performs better under high pressure and temperature
  • Previous Standard:
    • Earlier petrol standard was RON 91

For more Science and Technology current affairs. Clickhere

E20 Petrol with RON 95 Made Mandatory Across India Read More Β»

Mission MITRA: Preparing Gaganyatris for Space

Why in News?

India has launched Mission MITRA to evaluate astronaut-designates (Gaganyatris) for India’s first human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan. The mission focuses on testing physical, psychological, and teamwork capabilities in extreme high-altitude conditions.

mission mitra 1

What is Mission MITRA?

  • Full Form: Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Response Assessment (MITRA)
  • Conducted by: ISRO
  • Purpose: To assess astronauts’ ability to function effectively under extreme conditions

Key Features

  • Four astronaut-designates involved:
    • Shubhanshu Shukla
    • Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair
    • Ajit Krishnan
    • Angad Pratap
  • Testing Location: High-altitude regions of Ladakh

For more Science and technology current affairs. Click here

Mission MITRA: Preparing Gaganyatris for Space Read More Β»

INS Aridhaman: India’s 3rd Nuclear Submarine

Why in News?

India has achieved another milestone in its strategic defence capability with the commissioning of INS Aridhaman, its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).

ins aridhaman

INS Aridhaman:

  • INS Aridhaman (S4) is India’s third indigenously developed SSBN.
  • It is part of the Arihant-class submarines.
  • Developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project.
  • Represents a major advancement in indigenous defence technology.

What is India’s SSBN Programme?

India’s SSBN Programme is a highly classified, indigenous project aimed at constructing nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to establish a credible, sea-based second-strike capability. Β 

  • SSBN stands for ship submersible ballistic nuclear or nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

Current Status of India’s SSBN Fleet (as of April 2026):

  • INS Arihant (S2):Β Commissioned in 2016.
  • INS Arighaat (S3):Β Commissioned in August 2024.
  • INS Aridhaman (S4):Β Commissioned in April 2026.
  • S4Β (likely INS Arisudan):* Currently undergoing sea trials, expected commissioning in 2027
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indias-new-nuclear-powered-submarine-ins-aridhaman-commissioned/article70819744.ece: INS Aridhaman: India’s 3rd Nuclear Submarine

INS Aridhaman: India’s 3rd Nuclear Submarine Read More Β»

INS Taragiri Commissioned: Boost to India’s Naval Power

Why in News?

The INS Taragiri (F41) is the newest stealth guided-missile frigate of the Indian Navy, commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam

ins taragiri

INS Taragiri – Key Highlights

  • INS Taragiri (F41) is the fourth ship under the Project 17A (Nilgiri-class).
  • It is a stealth guided-missile frigate designed for advanced naval warfare.
  • Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
  • Commissioned at the Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam.

What is Project 17A?

Project 17A (P17A) involves the construction of seven advanced Nilgiri-class stealth guided-missile frigates for the Indian Navy, designed for improved stealth, survivability, and combat capability. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE),

Project 17A Vessels:

  • INS Nilgiri:Β First of class.
  • INS Himgiri:Β Built by GRSE.
  • INS Udaygiri:Β Built by MDL.
  • INS Taragiri:Β Commissioned April 2026.
  • INS Dunagiri:Β Delivered to the Indian Navy.
  • INS Vindhyagiri:Β Launched by GRSE.
  • Mahendragiri:Β Seventh frigate
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2248799&reg=3&lang=1: INS Taragiri Commissioned: Boost to India’s Naval Power

INS Taragiri Commissioned: Boost to India’s Naval Power Read More Β»

Governor Must Follow Cabinet Advice on Remission: Madras HC

Why in News?

In a significant constitutional ruling, the Madras High Court clarified that the Governor cannot act independently in matters of remission and must follow the advice of the Council of Ministers under Article 161.

article 161 pardoning power of governor

Article 161:

Article 161Β of the Constitution of India defines theΒ pardoning power of the Governor, enabling them to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment.

Article 161 of the Constitution empowers the Governor to:

  • Grant Pardon – Complete removal of punishment
  • Grant Reprieve – Temporary suspension of punishment
  • Grant Respite – Reduced punishment due to special circumstances
  • Grant Remission – Reduction in the duration of sentence
  • Commute sentences – Change to a lesser form of punishment

Scope of Power

  • Applies only to offences against State laws
  • Similar to the President’s powers under Article 72, but limited to state jurisdiction

To read more on Pardoning Power of governor Click here

Governor Must Follow Cabinet Advice on Remission: Madras HC Read More Β»

Free Power Scheme for Weavers in Andhra Pradesh

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh government has introduced a Free Power Scheme for Weavers to support the handloom and powerloom sectors

ap free power scheme for weavers

Key features of the scheme:

The scheme provides free electricity to weavers in Andhra Pradesh.

  • Handloom weavers: Up to 200 units/month.
  • Powerloom units: Up to 500 units/month

Beneficiaries:

  • Total: 1,04,488 weaver families
    • Handloom households: 93,000
    • Powerloom units: 11,488

For other Andhra Pradesh current affairs Click here

Free Power Scheme for Weavers in Andhra Pradesh Read More Β»

India to feature in World Bank B-READY Report 2026

Why in News?

India will be included in the World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) Report 2026.

business ready

B-READY (Business Ready)

  • B-READY (Business Ready) is the new flagship report of the World Bank.
  • Launched in 2024, replacing the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Index

A comprehensive framework to assess:

  • Business environment
  • Investment climate
  • Regulatory quality
https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/india-may-face-challenges-on-a-few-parameters-in-wb-s-b-ready-report-gtri-124123100579_1.html: India to feature in World Bank B-READY Report 2026

India to feature in World Bank B-READY Report 2026 Read More Β»

National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0 Launched: β‚Ή16.72 Lakh Crore Asset Monetisation Plan

Why in News?

Union Finance Minister has launched National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0. It outlines a five-year roadmap (FY 2026–2030) to monetise public infrastructure and attract private investment.

national monetisation pipeline

Key Highlights:

  • Total Monetisation Target: β‚Ή16.72 lakh crore
  • Time Period: FY 2026–FY 2030
  • Private Investment Target: β‚Ή5.8 lakh crore
  • Developed by NITI Aayog
  • Focus on brownfield infrastructure assets

What is National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP)?

TheΒ National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP)Β isΒ a central government initiative to unlock value from existing public infrastructure by leasing them to the private sector. It serves as a medium-term roadmap for “asset recycling,” where funds generated from mature, operational assets are reinvested into building new infrastructure projects

  • Leasing, Not Selling: The government retains 100% ownership of the assets. Private players are granted rights to operate and maintain them for a fixed period (typically 30–60 years) in exchange for upfront or periodic payments.
  • Brownfield Focus: It exclusively targets “brownfield” assetsβ€”those that are already built and generating revenueβ€”to minimize execution risks for investors.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2231900&reg=3&lang=1: National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0 Launched: β‚Ή16.72 Lakh Crore Asset Monetisation Plan

National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0 Launched: β‚Ή16.72 Lakh Crore Asset Monetisation Plan Read More Β»

Centre Issues New Guidelines on β€˜Vande Mataram’: Key Facts, History & Exam Notes

Why in News?

Union Government has issued new guidelines for the rendition of β€˜Vande Mataram’, India’s National Song. It mandates that all six stanzas of the official version be rendered first when performed along with the National Anthem.

Vande Mataram

Composition

  • Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875
  • First published in Bangadarshan journal
  • Later included in his novel Anandamath (1882)

Political & Historical Significance

  • First sung publicly by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 INC Session (Calcutta)
  • Became a symbol of India’s freedom struggle
  • Used as a rallying cry against British rule

Global Recognition

  • Madam Bhikaji Cama unfurled India’s early flag with Vande Mataram” inscribed in Stuttgart (1907)

Constitutional Status

  • On 24 January 1950, the Constituent Assembly:
    • Declared β€˜Vande Mataram’ as National Song
    • Granted it status β€œequal in honour” to National Anthem (β€˜Jana Gana Mana’)
  • Initially, only the first two stanzas were officially adopted
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/all-6-stanzas-of-vande-mataram-now-must-for-all-govt-events-schools-what-centres-new-guidelines-say/articleshow/128187027.cms: Centre Issues New Guidelines on β€˜Vande Mataram’: Key Facts, History & Exam Notes

Centre Issues New Guidelines on β€˜Vande Mataram’: Key Facts, History & Exam Notes Read More Β»

80th Anniversary of Royal Indian Navy Revolt (1946): Key Facts, Causes & Significance for exams:

Why in News?

February 18, 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Revolt, 1946.

royal indian navy (rin) revolt

Key Highlights:

  • Also known as the 1946 Naval Uprising.
  • Began on February 18, 1946, and lasted for 5 days.
  • Originated at HMIS Talwar (Bombay) and spread to other naval establishments.
  • Involved around 20,000 naval ratings across ships and shore establishments.
  • Received mass public support including strikes by workers and students.

Causes of the RIN Revolt

  • Poor Quality of Food served to Indian sailors
  • Racial Discrimination and ill-treatment by British officers
  • Low Pay and Harsh Working Conditions
  • Influence of nationalist movements and INA trials

Course of Events

Immediate Trigger

  • Began as a hunger strike by ~1,100 ratings at HMIS Talwar
  • Protest against Commander Arthur Frederick King’s racial behaviour

Organisation

  • Formation of Naval Central Strike Committee (NCSC)
  • Leadership by M.S. Khan

Demands

  • Better food and service conditions
  • Equal treatment with British personnel
  • Release of Indian National Army (INA) prisoners

Outcome

  • Revolt ended on February 23, 1946, after surrender
  • Suppressed by British authorities with negotiations and force

Significance
  • Demonstrated declining loyalty of Indian armed forces to British rule
  • Seen as the β€œfinal nail in the coffin” of British colonialism in India
  • Accelerated British decision to transfer power in 1947
  • Highlighted unity among soldiers, workers, and civilians
https://www.thehindu.com/education/the-1946-royal-navy-revolt-solidarity-amid-sharpening-polarisation/article70642960.ece: 80th Anniversary of Royal Indian Navy Revolt (1946): Key Facts, Causes & Significance for exams:

80th Anniversary of Royal Indian Navy Revolt (1946): Key Facts, Causes & Significance for exams: Read More Β»