Current Affairs 11 April 2026

EconomyHighquizQuiz

Untimely Rains Impact Wheat Procurement Amidst Bumper Harvest Projections

•Unseasonal rainfall in North India has caused delays in wheat harvesting and slowed down procurement activities.
•Despite localized crop damage, the overall wheat output is still anticipated to be strong, with hopes for a bumper harvest.
•Market prices for wheat are expected to remain stable due to the projected high production volumes.

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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

Govt hikes export duty on diesel, ATF; implements windfall tax

•The Indian government has increased the export duty (windfall tax) on diesel to ₹55.5/litre and on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to ₹42/litre.
•These revised duties came into effect from April 11.
•The measure is aimed at taxing the extraordinary profits earned by oil companies due to high global crude oil prices and refining margins.

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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

Artemis II Mission Highlights Human Spaceflight Engineering and ISRO's Progress

•Artemis II is NASA's second mission in the Artemis program, focusing on a crewed test flight around the Moon.
•The mission aims to validate critical systems and procedures for human deep-space travel, reducing risks for future lunar landings.
•India's ISRO, with its Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, is making significant progress, opening avenues for potential joint missions with NASA.

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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

NASA's Artemis I Mission Successfully Concludes Uncrewed Lunar Test Flight

•NASA's Artemis I mission, an uncrewed test flight around the Moon, successfully concluded with the Orion spacecraft splashing down off the California coast.
•This mission was the first crew-capable lunar flyby in over 50 years, marking a critical step towards returning humans to the Moon.
•Artemis I tested the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft's performance in deep space and its re-entry capabilities.

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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

NASA Taps SpaceX, Blue Origin for Moon Landings Amidst Renewed Space Race

•NASA is increasingly relying on private sector companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin for developing lunar landers for its Artemis program.
•The Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon, including the first woman and person of color, and establish a sustainable lunar presence.
•This move comes as China intensifies its own lunar ambitions, targeting a human Moon landing by 2030, fueling a new global space race.

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Science & TechMediumquizQuiz

Indian-American Amit Kshatriya Leads NASA's Artemis II Moon Mission

•Indian-American Amit Kshatriya, a senior NASA official, is leading the agency's Artemis II moon mission.
•Kshatriya serves as NASA's Associate Administrator, overseeing various agency operations and mission directorates.
•Artemis II is a crucial crewed test flight around the Moon, preceding human landings.

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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

Artemis II Astronauts Set New Distance Record, Paving Way for Lunar Return

•The Artemis II mission successfully concluded, with its four-member crew returning to Earth after a 25-day journey.
•The mission set a new record for human travel, reaching a maximum distance of 406,771 kilometers (252,756 miles) from Earth.
•This crewed test flight was a critical step in validating the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS) for future lunar missions.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

India to Formulate Scheme for Critical Mineral Processing Value Chains

•India is in advanced stages of formulating a scheme to develop processing value chains for critical minerals.
•The initiative aims to enhance domestic capabilities and reduce import dependence for these strategic resources.
•The Ministry of Mines, through its Secretary Piyush Goyal, confirmed this development.

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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

Jio-bp Holds Fuel Prices Amidst Surging Sales Driven by Additive-Laced Fuel

•Jio-bp has decided to maintain its current petrol and diesel prices, opting against any hike.
•The company reported a significant increase in fuel sales in March, with petrol sales up 30% and diesel sales up 25%.
•This growth is attributed by Jio-bp to the superior mileage offered by its specialized additive-laced fuel.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

UN Report: Widening Economic Gap Between Rich and Poor Nations Due to Geopolitical Tensions

•A recent U.N. assessment highlights a growing economic disparity between developed and developing nations.
•The report attributes this widening gap primarily to escalating geopolitical tensions globally.
•These tensions are making it increasingly difficult for developing countries to attract essential financing for their growth.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

Indian Tanker 'Jag Vikram' Crosses Strategic Strait of Hormuz Post Iran-U.S. Ceasefire

•The Indian-flagged LPG tanker 'Jag Vikram' successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz.
•This marks the first such transit by an Indian vessel following a reported Iran-U.S. ceasefire.
•Owned by Mumbai's Great Eastern Shipping Company, the tanker was carrying approximately 20,000 tonnes of LPG.

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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

IGL Reports Triple Demand Surge for Domestic Piped Natural Gas

•Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has observed a three-fold increase in demand for domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG).
•This surge highlights a growing consumer preference for natural gas in households, indicating a shift towards cleaner energy.
•IGL plans to significantly boost its daily new connections, targeting 3,000 to meet the rising demand.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Hormuz Deal Critical for India's Qatari LNG/LPG Imports Resumption

•The Strait of Hormuz's control dynamics are crucial for India to resume Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) imports from Qatar.
•India is a major importer of energy, with Qatar being a significant supplier of LNG and LPG.
•The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global maritime choke point for oil and gas shipments.

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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

India-U.S. Deepen Nuclear Ties, Explore LPG Exports for Enhanced Energy Security

•India and the United States have committed to deepening their cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.
•Discussions also focused on exploring the potential for U.S. liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exports to India.
•The talks were held between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

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InternationalMediumquizQuiz

Ismail Omar Guelleh Re-elected as Djibouti President for Sixth Term

•Ismail Omar Guelleh has been re-elected as the President of Djibouti for his sixth term.
•The election featured a single challenger, Mohamed Farah Samatar, with analysts noting a lack of genuine competition.
•Djibouti holds significant geopolitical importance due to its strategic location at the Horn of Africa.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

Hezbollah Opposes Lebanon-Israel Talks Amidst Border Tensions and Internal Divisions

•Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese political and militant group, has strongly condemned any proposed talks between Lebanon and Israel.
•The group argues that such discussions would exacerbate internal divisions within Lebanon, especially during ongoing cross-border hostilities with Israel.
•Hezbollah emphasizes the need for national unity to confront Israeli aggression and maintain civil peace in Lebanon.

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DefenceHighquizQuiz

Gaza Conflict Continues: Israeli Strikes Kill Seven Amidst Ceasefire Breaches

•Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip reportedly killed seven people amidst ongoing violence.
•The incident occurred despite a ceasefire declared on October 10, which both sides accuse each other of breaching.
•The conflict involves the Israeli military and Hamas, the de facto governing authority in Gaza.

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Polity & GovernanceMediumquizQuiz

Nepal PM's Governance Style Raises Concerns Over Institutional Balance

•Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah's recent actions, characterized by swift arrests and rapid policy moves, are under scrutiny.
•Concerns have emerged regarding his governance style and its potential impact on institutional balance within the country.
•Critics suggest that the approach might be bypassing established democratic processes and norms.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

Hezbollah's Resilience Amidst Israeli Offensive and Leadership Loss in Lebanon

•Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shi'a Islamist group, has demonstrated significant resistance against an Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon.
•This resilience comes despite the recent killing of its long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah, by Israel in September 2024.
•The group has retaliated with hundreds of rockets and drones, challenging Israel's objective of an easy victory.

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History & CultureMediumquizQuiz

Iran Meme Recalls Persia's Historic Capture of Roman Emperor Valerian

•A viral meme referencing Donald Trump has drawn attention to the historical event of Persian King Shapur I capturing Roman Emperor Valerian.
•This significant event occurred in 260 CE following the Battle of Edessa, marking a major defeat for the Roman Empire.
•Valerian holds the unique distinction of being the only Roman emperor ever captured alive by an enemy force.

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History & CultureHighquizQuiz

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's 200th Birth Anniversary Celebrations Underway

•Celebrations have commenced to mark the 200th birth anniversary of the eminent social reformer, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule.
•Phule was a pivotal figure in 19th-century India, championing women's education and the upliftment of marginalized communities.
•He founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873, an organization dedicated to promoting social equality and rational thought.

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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

Sir C.V. Raman: Pioneer of Light Scattering and India's First Physics Nobel Laureate

•Sir C.V. Raman, an eminent Indian physicist, discovered the 'Raman Effect' on February 28, 1928.
•This groundbreaking work on the inelastic scattering of light earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
•He holds the distinction of being the first Indian to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics.

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Polity & GovernanceMediumquizQuiz

IPS Ranks: Hierarchy, Insignia, and Role in Indian Law Enforcement

•The Indian Police Service (IPS) is a premier civil service responsible for maintaining law and order in India.
•It operates on a structured hierarchy, defining an officer's authority, responsibilities, and chain of command.
•IPS officers are recruited through the UPSC Civil Services Examination and serve both the Union and State governments.

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Polity & GovernanceHighquizQuiz

Central Government to Amend Waqf Act: Understanding the Board and its Implications

•The Central government is reportedly planning to introduce a bill to amend the existing Waqf Act.
•Waqf refers to the permanent dedication of movable or immovable property for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law.
•The Waqf Board is a statutory body responsible for the management and administration of these dedicated properties across India.

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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

British Airways Boosts India-UK Flights Amid Surging Direct Travel Demand

•British Airways has significantly increased its flight capacity on India-U.K. routes.
•This expansion is a direct response to a 196% surge in demand for direct travel between the two countries.
•The airline plans to add over 7,000 seats weekly, aiming for up to 70 weekly flights between India and London Heathrow at peak.

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History & CultureHighquizQuiz

Aurangzeb's Reign: Peak and Decline of Mughal Empire

•Aurangzeb, also known as Alamgir I, was the sixth Mughal emperor.
•He ruled India from 1658 to 1707, a period of nearly five decades.
•Under his reign, the Mughal Empire expanded to its greatest territorial extent, covering almost the entire Indian subcontinent.

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History & CultureHighquizQuiz

Maratha Empire: Key Rulers, Administration, and Expansion in Indian History

•The Maratha Empire, founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, emerged as a dominant force in 17th-18th century India.
•Key rulers included the Chhatrapatis (monarchs) and later the Peshwas (prime ministers), who became de facto rulers.
•Known for their military strategies, administrative reforms (like Ashtapradhan Mandal), and unique revenue systems (Chauth, Sardeshmukhi).

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

NABARD: India's Apex Development Financial Institution for Agriculture and Rural Development

•NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) is India's apex development financial institution.
•It is dedicated to promoting sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural development across the nation.
•Established on July 12, 1982, through an Act of Parliament, it marked a significant step in rural prosperity.

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MiscellaneousHighquizQuiz

Major Global Straits: Geopolitical Significance and Critical Maritime Chokepoints

•Straits are narrow natural waterways connecting two larger bodies of water, serving as vital arteries for global maritime transport.
•These passages function as critical choke points, significantly shortening shipping routes and facilitating international trade.
•Major straits hold immense geopolitical importance, influencing energy security, global supply chains, and international relations.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

India-Bhutan Strengthen Hydropower Ties with Punatsangchhu-II Tariff Protocol

•India and Bhutan have signed a tariff protocol for the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (PHEP-II).
•PHEP-II is a run-of-the-river project located in Bhutan, developed under an Inter-Government Agreement.
•The project is expected to significantly boost Bhutan's hydropower capacity, contributing to its economic development.

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MiscellaneousHighquizQuiz

Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill 2025: Overhauling Higher Education Regulation

•The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, aims to create a single apex body for higher education regulation in India.
•It proposes to replace existing regulatory bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
•The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the winter session and is currently under examination by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

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Polity & GovernanceHighquizQuiz

Constitutional Morality: Upholding Core Values in Indian Governance

•Constitutional morality refers to the adherence to the core values and principles enshrined in the Constitution, such as liberty, equality, and fraternity.
•It acts as an ethical compass for all state organs and citizens, guiding their actions to uphold the spirit of the Constitution.
•The concept emphasizes institutional restraint, pluralism, and the protection of minority rights against majoritarian impulses.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

India Rebuilds Strategic Ties with Turkiye and Azerbaijan in West Asia and Eurasia

•India is actively re-engaging with Turkiye and Azerbaijan, signaling a strategic shift in its foreign policy towards West Asia and Eurasia.
•This engagement aims to strengthen bilateral relations, potentially overcoming past diplomatic challenges and leveraging new geopolitical realities.
•The move is crucial for India's energy security, connectivity initiatives, and broader influence in the strategically vital Eurasian corridor.

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DefenceHighquizQuiz

India Bolsters Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrence with Third SSBN 'Aridhaman'

•Speculation arises regarding the imminent commissioning of 'Aridhaman', India's third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).
•This development follows the operationalization of INS Arihant (2016) and INS Arighat (2024), strengthening India's sea-based nuclear capabilities.
•SSBNs are crucial for India's credible minimum deterrence policy and its 'No First Use' nuclear doctrine, ensuring a robust second-strike capability.

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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

Union Budget 2026-27 to Elevate Tourism as Key Economic Growth Engine

•Union Budget 2026-27 is set to introduce a structured, multi-dimensional tourism policy framework.
•The new approach redefines tourism as a civilisational asset and a significant growth engine, moving away from sporadic interventions.
•This policy shift aims to leverage tourism for substantial employment generation and increased foreign exchange earnings.

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Polity & GovernanceHighquizQuiz

Justice Surya Kant Emphasizes Arbitration's Pivotal Role in Global Economy, Calls for Rethink of 'ADR'

•Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant highlighted arbitration's critical role in fostering global economic growth.
•He suggested that the term 'Alternative Dispute Resolution' (ADR) might need re-evaluation, as arbitration is no longer merely an alternative to traditional litigation.
•The remarks underscore the increasing importance and mainstream acceptance of arbitration as a primary mechanism for resolving commercial disputes.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

Jaishankar Condemns Civilian Targeting in West Asia at IOR Meet in Mauritius

•India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly condemned the targeting of civilians and infrastructure in the ongoing West Asia conflict.
•The statement was delivered during a meeting of Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) Ministers hosted in Mauritius.
•The conference took place amidst heightened geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran, alongside ongoing regional peace efforts.

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EnvironmentHighquizQuiz

Wildlife Institute warns against Puri airport due to migratory bird strike risk near Chilika Lake

•The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has advised against a proposed greenfield international airport in Puri, Odisha.
•WII cited a high risk of bird strikes due to the airport's proximity to Chilika Lake, a major habitat for migratory birds.
•The assessment highlights significant aviation safety concerns and potential ecological impact on the internationally recognized wetland.

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MiscellaneousMediumquizQuiz

Overcrowded Boat Capsizes in Yamuna Near Vrindavan, Highlighting Waterway Safety Concerns

•An overcrowded boat capsized in the Yamuna River near Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in multiple fatalities.
•The incident reportedly occurred after the boat, carrying approximately 30 passengers, collided with an iron pontoon bridge.
•This accident underscores critical safety concerns regarding inland water transport and regulatory oversight in pilgrimage areas.

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EnvironmentHighquizQuiz

Great Nicobar Master Plan: Tourism-led Development Raises Environmental and Tribal Concerns

•A draft master plan for Great Nicobar Island proposes tourism as the primary driver for economic growth.
•The plan targets a significant increase in population to 3.36 lakh and one million annual visitors by 2055.
•The proposal has been notified for public suggestions, drawing attention to potential environmental and tribal impacts.

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Polity & GovernanceHighquizQuiz

Bombay HC Questions State Scheme Funding Amid Pension Diversion Concerns

•The Bombay High Court has questioned the Maharashtra government's funding strategy for its flagship 'Ladki Bahin' scheme.
•The court expressed concern over potential diversion of funds from existing pension schemes to finance the new initiative.
•Ministers have reportedly complained about budget reallocations impacting other essential services and financial commitments.

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Polity & GovernanceHighquizQuiz

Supreme Court Reminded to Protect Voters from Mass Exclusion from Electoral Rolls

•A petitioner approached the Supreme Court regarding the deletion of her name from Tamil Nadu's electoral roll.
•The case reminded the Supreme Court of its previous assurance to protect voters from 'mass exclusion' from electoral rolls.
•The petitioner intended to contest the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as an independent candidate.

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MiscellaneousHighquizQuiz

Jhargram: Welfare for SC/STs, UCC, and Maoist Shadow in Bengal's Poll Focus

•Jhargram district in West Bengal, with nearly half its population comprising Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, is a focal point for welfare measures.
•Political parties are actively engaging with these marginalized communities, discussing development plans and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
•The region is undergoing recovery from a history of Maoist extremism, highlighting the link between development and internal security.

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DefenceMediumquizQuiz

BSF Jawan Killed in Manipur: Highlighting Internal Security Challenges

•A Border Security Force (BSF) constable, Mithun Mandal, was killed in unprovoked firing in Manipur's Ukhrul district.
•The jawan succumbed to his injuries at RIMS Hospital, Imphal.
•The incident highlights ongoing security challenges and the role of paramilitary forces in maintaining peace in sensitive regions.

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