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

April 2026 current affairs

Telangana’s Bharat Future City Project: NGT Refuses to Grant Stay:

Why in News:

National Green Tribunal (NGT) has refused to halt Telangana’sBharat Future City project, proposed over nearly 30,000 acres

national green tribunal

The petitioner alleged: Mandatory approvals were not obtained before starting activities and bypassed procedures under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework

What is the Bharat Future City Project?

  • A large-scale urban development project proposed by the Telangana government
  • Spread across ~30,000 acres in 56 revenue villages covering 7 mandals
  • Located between Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar highways
  • Envisioned as a modern urban hub with infrastructure and economic activities

About NGT

  • Established under the NGT Act, 2010
  • A specialized environmental court for speedy justice

Key Features

  • Chairperson: Retired Supreme Court judge or Chief Justice of a High Court
  • Tenure: 5 years (no reappointment)
  • Nature of Proceedings:
    • Follows principles of natural justice
    • Not strictly bound by the Code of Civil Procedure
  • Time Limit:
    • Aims to dispose cases within 6 months
  • Jurisdiction:
    • Covers major environmental laws (Schedule I)
    • Excludes:
      • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
      • Forest Rights Act, 2006
  • Appeal Mechanism:
    • Decisions can be appealed in the Supreme Court within 90 days

To know more about National Green Tribunal from exam point of view, Click here

Telangana’s Bharat Future City Project: NGT Refuses to Grant Stay: Read More Β»

Kali Tiger Reserve ESZ: Draft Notification Issued

The Union Ministry of Environment has issued a draft notification to declare an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Kali Tiger Reserve in Karnataka

eco sensitive zone

What are Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)?

Eco-Sensitive Zones are buffer areas created around protected regions like: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves

Purpose:

  • Act as a shock absorber between protected areas and human activities
  • Reduce environmental pressure
  • Promote sustainable development

Legal & Statutory Basis

  • Declared under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
  • Though the term β€œESZ” is not directly mentioned in the Act, it is notified through rules under it.

Extent of ESZ

  • Generally extends up to 10 km from the boundary of protected areas
  • However, it is flexible depending on: Ecological sensitivity, Population density and local conditions.

Activities in ESZ

Prohibited Activities:
  • Commercial mining
  • Setting up sawmills
  • Large hydroelectric projects
Regulated Activities:
  • Tourism
  • Road expansion
  • Construction activities
Permitted Activities:
  • Eco-friendly practices
  • Organic farming
  • Sustainable livelihood activities

To know more about Eco sensitive zones from exam point of view, Click here

Kali Tiger Reserve ESZ: Draft Notification Issued Read More Β»

RBI Keeps Repo Rate at 5.25% – MPC Maintains Neutral Stance

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its first monetary policy meeting of FY 2026–27, decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%. The decision was taken unanimously by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) under Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The RBI also retained its β€˜neutral’ policy stance, indicating flexibility in future actions

monetary policy meeting

Key Highlights of Monetary Policy (FY27)

  • Repo Rate: 5.25%
  • Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 5.00%
  • Marginal Standing Facility (MSF): 5.50%
  • Bank Rate: 5.50%

These rates are crucial tools used by RBI to regulate liquidity and inflation in the economy.

What is Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)?

  • Established under the RBI Act, 1934 (amended in 2016)
  • Composition: 6 Members
    • 3 from RBI
    • 3 nominated by Government of India
  • Chairperson: RBI Governor
  • Meetings: At least 4 times a year

Objective:

  • Maintain price stability
  • Achieve inflation target of 4% (Β±2%)
  • Support economic growth

What is Neutral Policy Stance?

  • A neutral stance means RBI is not biased toward increasing or decreasing interest rates.

Key Features:

  • Equal focus on inflation control and growth
  • Decisions depend on future economic data
  • Provides policy flexibility

Important Policy Rates

Repo Rate

  • Repo (Repurchase Option) Rate is the rate at which RBI lends money to commercial banks.
Impact:
  • Increase in Repo Rate:
    • Loans become expensive
    • Reduces money supply
    • Controls inflation
  • Decrease in Repo Rate:
    • Loans become cheaper
    • Boosts investment & consumption
    • Promotes economic growth

SDF (Standing Deposit Facility):

  • Rate at which banks deposit surplus funds with RBI (without collateral)

MSF (Marginal Standing Facility):

  • Emergency borrowing window for banks from RBI

Bank Rate:

  • Long-term lending rate of RBI

To know more about Monetary Policy committee from exam point of view, Click here

RBI Keeps Repo Rate at 5.25% – MPC Maintains Neutral Stance Read More Β»

Defence ministry clears β‚Ή39,000 Cr Ghatak Stealth Drone Project

Why in News?

India has taken a major step in strengthening its defence capabilities by approving a β‚Ή39,000 crore project to develop advanced stealth drones. These drones, known as Ghatak, will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strike capabilities using indigenous technology.

ghatak project

What is the Ghatak Project?

  • The Ghatak is an unmanned stealth combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
  • It is also referred to as the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) programme.
  • Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • Designed mainly for deep penetration strike missions in hostile territories.

For more Defence related current affairs, Click here

Defence ministry clears β‚Ή39,000 Cr Ghatak Stealth Drone Project Read More Β»

World Health Day: 2026

World Health Day is celebrated annually on 7 April to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948.

world health day

2026 Theme: “Together for Health. Stand with Science

This year’s campaign focuses on the power of scientific collaboration and evidence-based decision-making to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the entire planet

History & Background

  • WHO was established on April 7, 1948
  • The first World Health Day was celebrated in 1950
  • The day highlights priority health concerns identified by WHO

To know more about World Health Day, Click here

World Health Day: 2026 Read More Β»

Chairs of both Houses reject notice seeking CEC’s removal

Why in News?

Chairpersons of both Houses of Parliament rejected a notice submitted by Opposition Members of Parliament seeking the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). It sought the removal of the current Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar

election commission of india

Constitutional Provision: Article 324(5)

  • Article 324 deals with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
  • Clause (5) ensures security of tenure for the CEC.
  • It states that:
    • The CEC can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court Judge.

Grounds for Removal of CEC:

The CEC can be removed only on:

  • Proven misbehaviour
  • Incapacity

These conditions ensure independence and prevent arbitrary removal.

Procedure for Removal of CEC

The process is similar to the removal of a Supreme Court Judge and follows the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. The procedure is as follows

1. Initiation of Motion
  • Requires:
    • At least 100 Lok Sabha MPs, OR
    • At least 50 Rajya Sabha MPs
Admission & Investigation
  • The motion is submitted to:
    • Lok Sabha Speaker or Rajya Sabha Chairman
  • If admitted, a 3-member inquiry committee is formed:
    • A Supreme Court Judge
    • A Chief Justice of a High Court
    • A Distinguished jurist
3. Parliamentary Approval
  • If charges are proven:
    • Both Houses must pass the motion with a Special Majority:
      • Majority of total membership AND
      • Two-thirds of members present and voting
4. Final Removal
  • After Parliament passes the motion:
    • The President of India issues the final removal order.

To Know more about Election commission of India, Click here

Chairs of both Houses reject notice seeking CEC’s removal Read More Β»

FOURTH SURVEY VESSEL (LARGE) β€˜SANSHODHAK’ DELIVERED TO INDIAN NAVY AT GRSE KOLKATA

Why in News:

The Indian Navy has completed its Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) Project with the induction of INS Sanshodhak, the fourth and final ship in the series

ins sanshodhak

What is INS Sanshodhak?

  • INS Sanshodhak is a Survey Vessel (Large)
  • It is the fourth and final ship under the SVL project
  • Designed for:
    • Hydrographic surveys
    • Mapping sea floors
    • Supporting navigation safety

Survey Vessel (Large) Project

The SVL Project consists of four ships:

  1. INS Sandhayak
  2. INS Nirdeshak
  3. INS Ikshak
  4. INS Sanshodhak (final vessel)

For more Defence related current affairs, Click here

FOURTH SURVEY VESSEL (LARGE) β€˜SANSHODHAK’ DELIVERED TO INDIAN NAVY AT GRSE KOLKATA Read More Β»

YUVIKA: ISRO’s Young Scientist Programme Explained

Why in News?

The Government of India is actively promoting scientific awareness among students through initiatives like Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA). Highlighted by the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, the programme plays a crucial role in inspiring school students to pursue careers in space science and STEM fields.

yuvika

What is YUVIKA?

Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA), also known as the Young Scientist Programme, is an educational initiative launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Key Purpose

  • To provide early exposure to space science and technology
  • To encourage students to take up careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

For more Current affairs on Science and Technology, Click here

YUVIKA: ISRO’s Young Scientist Programme Explained Read More Β»

Antariksh Venture Capital Fund (AVCF): India’s First Spacetech Fund

Why in News?

India has launched the Antariksh Venture Capital Fund (AVCF) to strengthen its growing spacetech ecosystem. This is the country’s first dedicated venture capital fund for the space sector, aimed at supporting startups

antariksh venture capital fund

What is Antariksh Venture Capital Fund (AVCF)?

The Antariksh Venture Capital Fund (AVCF) is a specialized investment fund created to provide:

  • Risk capital to spacetech startups
  • Support for early-stage and growth-stage companies
  • Funding for innovation in space technology and applications

Key Features of AVCF

1. Total Corpus
  • Target fund size: β‚Ή1,600 crore
  • Initial committed amount: β‚Ή1,005 crore (as of November 2025)

2. Anchor Investor
  • Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe)
    • Committed β‚Ή1,000 crore
    • Acts as the primary institutional supporter

3. Fund Management
  • Managed by SIDBI Venture Capital Limited (SVCL)
  • SVCL is a subsidiary of:
    • Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)

Institutional Background

IN-SPACe
  • A regulatory and promotional body under the Department of Space
  • Facilitates private sector participation in space activities
SIDBI
  • Apex financial institution for MSME financing
  • Supports entrepreneurship and innovation

For more current affairs on Science and Technology. Click here

Antariksh Venture Capital Fund (AVCF): India’s First Spacetech Fund Read More Β»

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»