Current Affairs 8 April 2026

Science & TechHighquizQuiz

Indian Scientists Explore Pulsars for Deep Space Distance Measurement

•Pulsars are dense, rapidly spinning remnants of massive stars that emit highly regular beams of radio waves.
•Their extraordinarily fixed spinning rate makes them precise cosmic clocks.
•Indian scientists are exploring novel methods to utilize these precise timings for measuring distances in deep space.

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DefenceHighquizQuiz

US-Iran Ceasefire: Hormuz Reopening & Prolonged Global Jet Fuel Market Instability

•A temporary US-Iran ceasefire has led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route.
•Despite crude oil flow resumption, global jet fuel markets are expected to remain unstable for months due to disrupted refining capacity in the Middle East.
•The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warns of continued high airfares and slow recovery for the aviation sector.

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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

India's Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor achieves criticality, advancing nuclear energy program

•India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Chennai, has successfully achieved 'criticality'.
•Criticality signifies that the nuclear chain reaction within the reactor has become safely self-sustaining.
•This milestone marks a crucial advancement in the second stage of India's indigenous three-stage nuclear power program.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

India Re-evaluates Energy Security Amidst Surging Data Centre Electricity Demand

•The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is undertaking a significant re-evaluation of India's national electricity demand projections.
•This revision is primarily driven by the rapid and concentrated development of data centres across various states.
•Concerns exist that the high power consumption of these data centres could distort regional consumption patterns and strain the national power supply.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Oil Prices Drop as US, Iran Agree to Ceasefire and Hormuz Reopening

•Global oil benchmarks, Brent and WTI crude, plunged below $100 per barrel following recent geopolitical developments.
•The price drop was triggered by a two-week ceasefire agreement involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
•The agreement also includes a limited reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

RBI MPC maintains key policy rate at 5.25% amidst inflation and growth concerns

•The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the key policy rate (Repo Rate) unchanged.
•The Repo Rate was maintained at 5.25% in its latest review.
•This decision aligns with market expectations, driven by prevailing inflation risks and a cautious outlook on economic growth.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

RBI Governor: India's Economic Fundamentals Strong, Vigilance on External Developments Crucial

•The RBI Governor stated that India's economic fundamentals are currently stronger than during previous crisis periods.
•India's economy demonstrates greater resilience to withstand various external shocks compared to many other nations.
•Despite robust domestic conditions, continuous vigilance on global economic developments is essential.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

RBI Unveils First Core Inflation Projection at 4.4% for FY27

•The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced its first-ever core inflation projection.
•The initial projection for core inflation is set at 4.4% for the fiscal year 2026-27 (FY27).
•This new measure aims to provide deeper insights into underlying price pressures in the economy.

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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

IATA Warns of Sustained High Jet Fuel Prices, Impacting Global Aviation Recovery

•Global jet fuel prices are projected to remain elevated for several months, according to IATA.
•The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned of rising airfares and a slow recovery for the global aviation sector.
•This situation persists despite a reported ceasefire between Iran and the US and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, indicating lingering market impacts.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

World Bank Lowers India's FY27 Growth Forecast to 6.6% Amid West Asia Conflict

•The World Bank has revised India's economic growth projection for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) downwards to 6.6%.
•This revised forecast is lower than the 6.9% projected by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian government's earlier estimate of 6.8-7.2%.
•The primary reason cited for this downward revision is the escalating geopolitical conflict in the West Asia region.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

RBI maintains repo rate at 5.25%, projects higher FY26 growth amid global uncertainties

•The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to keep the benchmark repo rate unchanged at 5.25%.
•The MPC retained its 'neutral' monetary policy stance, indicating a balanced approach to inflation and growth.
•India's economic growth projection for Financial Year 2026 (FY26) was upgraded to 7.6%, despite acknowledging downside risks.

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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

India Prioritizes Fast Breeder Reactors for Enhanced Nuclear Fuel Efficiency

•India is strategically focusing on Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) to significantly improve nuclear fuel utilization.
•The majority of India's current nuclear fleet, Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), are inefficient, utilizing only about 1% of their fuel.
•FBRs are designed to produce more fissile material than they consume, which is vital for India's long-term energy security.

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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

ISRO to Announce Launch Date for First Uncrewed Gaganyaan Mission Soon

•ISRO is set to announce the launch date for the first uncrewed test flight of its Gaganyaan mission.
•This mission aims to demonstrate critical end-to-end capabilities, including the aerodynamics of the human-rated launch vehicle.
•Key aspects to be tested include orbital module operations, as well as the re-entry and recovery procedures for the crew module.

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MiscellaneousHighquizQuiz

Semaglutide Guidelines: Indian Experts Warn Global BMI Thresholds May Exclude High-Risk Patients

•Generic Semaglutide is becoming available in India, prompting discussions on its appropriate use.
•Medical experts are concerned that global Body Mass Index (BMI) thresholds for prescribing Semaglutide may not be suitable for the Indian population.
•Indians often develop obesity-related health complications, such as metabolic syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes, at lower BMI values compared to Western populations.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

RBI MPC Maintains Policy Rate, Prioritizes Inflation Control Amid Global Risks

•The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25%.
•RBI Governor emphasized that headline inflation remains the primary target and managing it is the central bank's main goal.
•Concerns were raised regarding potential widening of India's Current Account Deficit (CAD) due to developments in West Asia.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Rupee strengthens as RBI pauses rates amid West Asia de-escalation

•The Indian Rupee appreciated by 47 paise against the US Dollar, closing at 92.59 per USD.
•The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to keep the benchmark repurchase (repo) rate unchanged at 5.25%.
•Factors contributing to the Rupee's strength included a de-escalation of geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the RBI's decision to pause policy rates.

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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

Rupee Expected to Stabilize at 92-93 Amidst India's Economic Resilience: EAC-PM

•The Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has projected the Indian Rupee to stabilize in the range of ₹92-93 against the US Dollar.
•This forecast is attributed to India's robust economic resilience and strong macroeconomic fundamentals.
•The ability to absorb external shocks is highlighted as a key factor contributing to this stability outlook.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

RBI MPC Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25%, Cites Geopolitical Risks for Outlook

•The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25%.
•The MPC maintained its 'withdrawal of accommodation' stance, signaling a continued focus on curbing inflation.
•The growth forecast for the current fiscal year was revised downwards to 6.9% from an earlier 7%.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Cabinet Approves Two Major Hydro-Electric Projects in Arunachal Pradesh

•The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of two significant hydro-electric projects in Arunachal Pradesh.
•The approved projects are the Kamala Hydro Electric Project and the Kalai-II Hydro-electric Project.
•The total financial outlay for these projects is estimated to exceed ₹40,000 crore.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Indian Stock Market Rallies 4% on Ceasefire Hopes and Falling Crude Prices

•Indian stock markets recorded their best single-day gains in five years, with Sensex and Nifty surging.
•The rally was primarily driven by emerging hopes for a ceasefire in ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
•A significant decline in global crude oil prices also contributed positively to investor sentiment.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Air India's Leadership Transition: Charting Future Growth Post-Privatization

•Air India is poised for a leadership transition following a period of significant restructuring and investment under its current CEO.
•The airline, now under Tata Group ownership, has undertaken massive fleet modernization and network expansion initiatives.
•The incoming CEO will be tasked with consolidating these foundational efforts and steering the airline towards sustained profitability and market leadership.

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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

Indian Tech Sector Forecasts Diverging FY27 Recovery Amidst Geopolitical Headwinds

•Indian tech firms are projected to experience a diverging recovery by fiscal year 2027.
•Managed services are expected to drive growth, while the tech consulting segment may see inconsistent performance.
•Geopolitical factors, including US-China tensions and European economic slowdowns, are identified as key challenges.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

Taiwan Opposition Leader Visits China Amidst Cross-Strait Tensions

•Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun is the first KMT leader to visit mainland China in a decade.
•The visit aims to foster dialogue and sow 'seeds of peace' amidst escalating cross-strait tensions.
•A key objective of the trip is a potential meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

Iran-Kuwait-UAE Tensions Escalate Over Oil Facilities in Persian Gulf

•Iran reportedly attacked Kuwait and the UAE following strikes on its own oil facilities, signaling escalating regional tensions.
•The Lavan refinery, located on a small Gulf island, is crucial for processing Iran's high-quality crude oil destined for export.
•This development highlights the volatile geopolitical landscape of the Persian Gulf, a critical region for global energy supply.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

US VP Vance Criticizes European Leadership on Ukraine Conflict Resolution

•U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated that the Ukraine conflict has been the most challenging international issue to resolve.
•Vance expressed disappointment with European political leadership, suggesting a lack of interest in finding a resolution to the conflict.
•These comments highlight potential divergences in strategic approaches between the United States and some European nations regarding the ongoing war.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

China Brokers Trilateral Talks Between Afghanistan and Pakistan to De-escalate Tensions

•China hosted informal trilateral meetings between representatives from Afghanistan and Pakistan in Urumqi, Xinjiang.
•The week-long discussions, held from April 1 to 7, aimed at addressing bilateral tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
•Participants agreed to work towards avoiding further escalation in their bilateral relations, signaling a diplomatic push for regional stability.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

U.S., Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire; Talks in Islamabad, Strait of Hormuz Safe Passage

•The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with talks scheduled to begin in Islamabad on April 10.
•The agreement is based on Iran's 10-point proposal and includes provisions for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
•Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be coordinated with Iranian armed forces during the truce period.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

European Leaders Advocate Ceasefire Extension to Lebanon Amidst Geopolitical Tensions

•European leaders, specifically Britain and France, have welcomed a recent ceasefire agreement.
•They are actively advocating for the inclusion of Lebanon in this ceasefire to ensure broader regional stability.
•The move comes after former US President Trump criticized European nations for not supporting a specific 'war'.

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Polity & GovernanceHighquizQuiz

PM Modi and 71 Ministers Sworn In for Third Term; NDA Allies Get 11 Portfolios

•Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his third consecutive term in office.
•71 other members were sworn in as part of the Union Council of Ministers.
•The oath-taking ceremony took place on June 9 at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

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Polity & GovernanceHighquizQuiz

India's Union Territories: Governance, Structure, and Constitutional Framework

•India's administrative structure includes 28 states and 8 Union Territories, reflecting its quasi-federal nature.
•States possess elected governments and significant autonomy in their administration.
•Union Territories are directly governed by the Central Government, ensuring closer integration and central control.

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EnvironmentHighquizQuiz

India Projected to Have 58 Tiger Reserves by 2026; Madhya Pradesh Leads

•India is projected to have 58 tiger reserves by April 2026, according to the article.
•These reserves are expected to collectively cover approximately 2.3% of the country's total land area.
•Madhya Pradesh is anticipated to lead all states with nine tiger reserves.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

RBI Sets CDS Sale Limit; Understanding Credit Default Swaps and FPI Regulations

•The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has maintained the existing limits for Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) in India.
•RBI has fixed the Credit Default Swap (CDS) sale limit at 5% of the outstanding corporate bonds for the financial year 2026-27.
•Credit Default Swaps (CDS) are financial derivatives designed to transfer or offset the credit risk associated with a debt instrument.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

RBI Proposes Revised Framework for Business Correspondents to Boost Financial Inclusion

•The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a comprehensive restructuring of the Business Correspondent (BC) framework.
•The new framework introduces updated classification, governance norms, and remuneration standards for BCs.
•The primary objective of these revisions is to enhance the efficiency and oversight of BC operations across the country.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Electoral Freebies: The Fiscal and Ethical Dilemma in Indian Politics

•Electoral freebies, such as free electricity or consumer goods, are common promises by political parties in India during elections.
•This practice sparks a significant debate regarding its impact on state finances, potentially leading to increased fiscal deficits and public debt.
•Concerns are also raised about the fairness of the electoral process and the distortion of voter behavior due to such promises.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

US-Iran Ceasefire Announced; India's Gulf Strategy Gains Prominence

•US President Donald Trump declared a two-week ceasefire with Iran, following earlier threats of military action.
•Iran agreed to honor the ceasefire and ensure safe passage for vessels through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
•The article highlights India's increasing focus on the Persian Gulf as a top strategic priority, recognizing it as an immediate neighborhood.

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Polity & GovernanceHighquizQuiz

Sattankulam Custodial Death Verdict Highlights Police Accountability and Judicial Oversight

•The Sattankulam custodial deaths of P. Jayaraj and J. Bennix exposed severe failures in policing and judicial processes.
•The victims were subjected to brutal torture in police custody, leading to their demise.
•A recent verdict in the murder case underscores the critical need for police accountability and robust safeguards.

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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

Government doubles 5-kg LPG cylinder quota amidst Hormuz Strait tensions

•The Indian government has doubled the quota for 5-kg LPG cylinders to address potential supply concerns.
•This proactive measure is a response to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit choke point.
•These smaller cylinders are now available for over-the-counter purchase at LPG distributorships upon presenting a simple identity card.

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Polity & GovernanceMediumquizQuiz

Assam Police visit Congress leader's Delhi home over alleged forged document case

•Assam Police visited the Delhi residence of Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with a complaint.
•The complaint was filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of the Assam Chief Minister, alleging Khera used a forged document.
•Khera is accused of attempting to malign Ms. Sharma's reputation through the alleged forged document.

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Polity & GovernanceMediumquizQuiz

Actor Vijay's TVK Party Makes Electoral Debut in Tamil Nadu, Sparks Political Speculation

•Actor Vijay's political party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), is set to make its electoral debut in Tamil Nadu.
•Founded two years ago, the party's entry is expected to add a new dimension to the state's political landscape.
•Political observers anticipate TVK could secure a significant vote share, potentially mirroring the early performance of Vijayakanth's DMDK.

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Polity & GovernanceHighquizQuiz

West Bengal Minister Raises Concerns Over Voter Disenfranchisement During Electoral Roll Revision

•West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja alleged that numerous genuine voters were excluded from electoral rolls during the Special Summary Revision (SIR) process.
•The minister questioned the fairness of upcoming elections if a significant number of eligible citizens are disenfranchised.
•Concerns were specifically raised about the 'adjudication' process following SIR, which reportedly led to the exclusion of many voters.

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Polity & GovernanceMediumquizQuiz

Assam Elections: Delimitation Reshapes CM's Constituency, ECI's Role in Electoral Integrity

•Assam's Jalukbari Assembly constituency, represented by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has undergone significant boundary changes following the 2023 delimitation exercise.
•This redrawing of electoral maps has altered the voter demographic, incorporating new areas like Garigaon and ceding others, impacting the ongoing state assembly election campaign.
•The Election Commission of India (ECI) is actively involved, addressing a complaint filed against the Chief Minister regarding alleged non-disclosure of assets.

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