Current Affairs For Examinations (CAFE) 2026

April 08, 2026

Explore the latest current affairs of 2026 with daily updates covering important developments from India and across the world. This section provides concise and reliable news on national events, international relations, economy, environment, science and technology, security, and government schemes. Carefully curated for UPSC, SSC, Banking, State PCS, and other competitive exam aspirants, these updates highlight key facts, policy changes, reports, and global developments that are frequently asked in exams. Each topic is explained in a clear and easy-to-understand format, helping readers quickly grasp the significance and exam relevance. From major government initiatives and economic reforms to environmental issues and international agreements, our current affairs coverage ensures you stay informed and exam-ready with accurate, timely, and structured information every day.

International Affairs

1. Kingdom of Bahrain

Summary

• Context: In early April 2026, Bahrain moved UN Security Council Resolution 2817, challenging Iran’s maritime restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Diplomatic Role: As the smallest GCC member, Bahrain is acting as a strategic voice for regional stability, backed by its neighbors like the UAE.
• Geography: An island archipelago in the Persian Gulf, connected to mainland Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway.
• Historical Significance: Home to the ancient Dilmun Civilization, sustained by unique freshwater springs found even under the sea.

Geographical Setting & Archipelago Structure

Bahrain is a unique island nation that has significantly expanded its landmass through reclamation.

• The Islands: It consists of 84 islands. The main island (Bahrain Island) is the administrative and economic heart, housing the capital, Manama.
• Strategic Neighbors: It is “tucked” between the Qatar Peninsula (East) and Saudi Arabia (West).
• The Causeway: The King Fahd Causeway is the literal lifeline of the country, transforming it from an isolated island into a hub integrated with the Saudi mainland.

Physical & Geological Features

Despite its arid climate, Bahrain’s geology has defined its history.

• Jabal ad Dukhan (Mountain of Smoke): At only 134 meters, it is the highest point. The “smoke” is actually a heat haze typical of the Persian Gulf’s hyper-arid environment.
• The Central Depression: The interior of the main island is a desert basin where the Dukhan Field is located—the site of the first oil discovery on the Arabian side of the Gulf (1932).
• Sweet Water in Salt Seas: Bahrain is famous for its submarine freshwater springs. This rare geological phenomenon allowed the ancient Dilmun Civilization to become a major trade hub between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.

Regional Security & Global Hub

• Maritime Sentinel: Bahrain’s location in the Persian Gulf makes it a primary observer of the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption there threatens Bahrain’s ability to export refined petroleum and aluminum.
• Security Hosting: It hosts the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, making it a cornerstone of Western-Arab military cooperation in West Asia.
• Financial Center: Manama is a leading global center for Islamic Finance, hosting the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. Bahrain is connected to the mainland of Saudi Arabia through which of the following major engineering projects?

A) Al-Jisr Bridge

B) King Fahd Causeway

C) Sheikh Zayed Bridge

D) Qatar-Bahrain Friendship Bridge

Q2. Which ancient civilization, known for trading with both Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, was centered in present-day Bahrain?

A) Phoenicians

B) Dilmun Civilization

C) Minoan Civilization

D) Nabataean Civilization

Q3. What is the name of the highest point in Bahrain, known for the haze that surrounds it?

A) Al-Qarah Mountain

B) Jabal ad Dukhan

C) Jebel Hafeet

D) Sarawat Mountains

Q4. In the context of the 2026 UN Security Council move, Bahrain has tabled Resolution 2817 to address the crisis in which maritime chokepoint?

A) Bab-el-Mandeb

B) Strait of Malacca

C) Strait of Hormuz

D) Suez Canal

Q5. Bahrain is a member of which regional intergovernmental political and economic union?

A) ASEAN

B) BRICS

C) Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

D) European Union

Answer Key:

1. B) King Fahd Causeway.
2. B) Dilmun Civilization.
3. B) Jabal ad Dukhan.
4. C) Strait of Hormuz.
5. C) Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

National Affairs

1. Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)

Summary

• Context: On April 6, 2026, at 8:25 PM, India’s first indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, successfully attained criticality.
• Significance: This marks the formal entry into Stage 2 of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme. India is now the second country after Russia to operate a commercial-scale fast breeder reactor.
• Mechanism: The PFBR “breeds” more fuel than it consumes by converting fertile Uranium-238 into fissile Plutonium-239.
• Next Steps: The reactor will undergo low-power physics experiments for 8–12 months before being synchronized with the grid, likely by late 2026 or early 2027.

What makes the PFBR “Fast” and a “Breeder”?

Conventional reactors (Stage 1) use “slow” neutrons and water to generate power. The PFBR changes the game:

• Fast Neutrons: It uses high-energy neutrons that aren’t slowed down by a moderator.
• Breeding Fuel: For every atom of Plutonium it burns, it produces more than one new atom of Plutonium in the surrounding Uranium-238 blanket.
• Coolant: It uses Liquid Sodium. Unlike water, sodium doesn’t slow down neutrons, which is essential for the breeding process.

The Three-Stage Roadmap

This achievement is the “bridge” envisioned by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha to unlock India’s vast thorium reserves.

1. Stage 1 (PHWRs): Uses natural Uranium to produce electricity and Plutonium-239.
2. Stage 2 (FBRs): Uses that Plutonium to generate power and breed even more fuel. (Current Milestone reached on April 6, 2026).
3. Stage 3 (Thorium Reactors): Will use the bred fuel to convert Thorium-232 into Uranium-233, providing inexhaustible energy for centuries.

Key Technical & Safety Highlights

• Capacity: 500 MWe (enough to power roughly 5 lakh homes).
• Indigenization: Designed by IGCAR and built by BHAVINI with help from over 200 Indian industries (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
• Passive Safety: Third-generation safety systems can shut down the reactor automatically without human or power intervention in an emergency.

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. On which date did the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam achieve its first criticality?

A) January 26, 2026

B) April 1, 2026

C) April 6, 2026

D) August 15, 2026

Q2. Which of the following is used as a coolant in India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor to ensure neutrons remain ‘fast’?

A) Heavy Water

B) Light Water

C) Liquid Sodium

D) Helium Gas

Q3. The PFBR at Kalpakkam marks the initiation of which stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme?

A) Stage 1

B) Stage 2

C) Stage 3

D) Stage 4

Q4. The ‘Breeder’ nature of the PFBR refers to its ability to convert fertile Uranium-238 into which fissile isotope?

A) Uranium-235

B) Plutonium-239

C) Thorium-232

D) Uranium-233

Q5. Criticality in a nuclear reactor is best defined as the state where:

A) The reactor is about to explode.

B) The number of neutrons produced equals the number of neutrons lost or absorbed.

C) The reactor is producing its maximum possible electricity.

D) The fuel is being loaded into the core for the first time.

Answer Key:

1. C) April 6, 2026.
2. C) Liquid Sodium.
3. B) Stage 2.
4. B) Plutonium-239.
5. B) Neutrons produced = Neutrons lost/absorbed (Self-sustaining reaction).

2. Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE): NSO

Summary

• Context: The National Statistical Office (NSO) launched the first-ever Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) for the reference period 2024-25.
• The Gap: While the manufacturing sector has long been tracked by the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), the formal services sector lacked a similar dedicated annual exercise.
• Methodology: The survey uses the GSTN database as its sampling frame, targeting approximately 21 lakh enterprises including companies and LLPs.
• Objective: To create a granular database of the formal services economy (IT, Health, Education, etc.) to aid in precise GDP estimation and policy drafting.

Why ASISSE Matters (The Three-Pillar Strategy)

The NSO now has a complete “Trident” of surveys to track the non-agricultural economy:

1. ASI (Annual Survey of Industries): For the formal Manufacturing sector.
2. ASUSE (Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises): For the Informal sector (small shops, street vendors).
3. ASISSE (Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises): For the Formal Services sector (IT firms, private hospitals, registered transport).

Key Operational Details

• Reference Period: The inaugural survey covers the fiscal year 2024-25.
• Sampling Frame: Unlike traditional surveys that used old census data, ASISSE leverages the GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network). This ensures that only active, tax-paying formal entities are surveyed.
• Legal Teeth: The survey is conducted under the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008. Notably, it incorporates the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which rationalized penalties to encourage honest data sharing rather than fear of prosecution.
• Digital-First: Data collection is strictly through a web-portal, reducing the “time-lag” typically seen in Indian statistical releases.

Sectors Covered under ASISSE

The survey is exhaustive, covering almost every registered service professional or entity:

• Trade: Wholesale and retail registered businesses.
• Transport: Logistics, aviation, and registered road transport companies.
• IT & Communication: Software giants and telecom providers.
• Social Services: Registered private hospitals and educational institutions.
• Hospitality: Hotels and organized restaurant chains.

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. Which organization is responsible for conducting the newly launched ‘Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises’ (ASISSE)?

A) NITI Aayog

B) National Statistical Office (NSO)

C) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

D) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

Q2. The ASISSE uses which of the following databases as its primary ‘sampling frame’ to identify service enterprises?

A) Census 2011

B) GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network)

C) SECC (Socio-Economic and Caste Census)

D) MGNREGA Job Card Database

Q3. ASISSE is intended to complement which existing annual survey that focuses on the formal manufacturing sector?

A) ASUSE

B) ASI (Annual Survey of Industries)

C) PLFS (Periodic Labour Force Survey)

D) WPI (Wholesale Price Index)

Q4. Under which legislative framework is the ASISSE conducted, ensuring the legal validity of the data collection?

A) Companies Act, 2013

B) Collection of Statistics Act, 2008

C) Finance Act, 2024

D) RBI Act, 1934

Q5. What is the primary focus of ASISSE compared to the ASUSE survey?

A) ASISSE covers only agricultural services.

B) ASISSE covers incorporated (registered) entities, while ASUSE covers unincorporated (informal) ones.

C) ASISSE is conducted every 10 years, whereas ASUSE is annual.

D) ASISSE focuses only on public sector undertakings.

Answer Key:

1. B) National Statistical Office (NSO) (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation).
2. B) GSTN.
3. B) ASI.
4. B) Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 (with Jan Vishwas Act amendments).
5. B) ASISSE covers incorporated entities, while ASUSE covers unincorporated ones.

3. Amaravati

Source: TH

Summary

• Context: On April 6, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, making Amaravati the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.
• Legal Finality: The Act amends Section 5 of the 2014 Reorganisation Act to substitute “a new capital” with “Amaravati shall be the new capital,” providing statutory backing that prevents future administrative reversals.
• Historical Continuity: Named after the ancient Satavahana capital, the city bridges 2,000 years of history—from being a global Buddhist center to a modern “People’s Capital.”
• Economic Scale: With capital works worth over ₹57,000 crore underway, the city is designed as a sustainable, “future-ready” hub on the banks of the Krishna River.

The Legislative Path (2026)

• April 1-2: Passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during the Budget session.
• April 6: President’s Assent and Gazette Notification issued.
• Retrospective Effect: The Act is deemed to have come into force from June 2, 2024, aligning with the current government’s term.
• End of the “Three Capital” Era: This legislation effectively overrides the previous proposal of decentralizing governance across Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Kurnool.

Heritage: The Amaravati School of Art

For your Art & Culture notes, remember that Amaravati isn’t just a new city; it’s a civilizational anchor.

• The Mahachaitya (Stupa): Built between the 2nd Century BCE and 3rd Century CE, it was one of the largest in the world.
• Distinctive Style: The Amaravati School is famous for its use of white marble/limestone and “narrative art,” where entire stories of the Buddha (Jatakas) are carved into medallions and panels.
• Xuanzang’s Records: The traveler noted that the region was a flourishing center where monks from all over Asia gathered to study the Abhidhamma.

Modern Infrastructure & Urban Planning

The modern city is being built on 33,000 acres of land pooled voluntarily by farmers—one of the largest successful land-pooling exercises in history.

• The Blue-Green Concept: Designed to utilize the Krishna River (Blue) and extensive parks/forests (Green) for natural cooling and sustainability.
• Iconic Structures: The Assembly, Secretariat, and High Court are being built with unique architectural designs that blend Telugu tradition with modern technology.
• Connectivity: Positioned as the center of the Vijayawada-Guntur-Tenali (VGT) urban corridor, ensuring it becomes an economic powerhouse.

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. Which specific section of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, was amended in 2026 to designate Amaravati as the permanent capital?

A) Section 3

B) Section 5

C) Section 8

D) Section 10

Q2. The ancient city of Amaravati served as the capital for which prominent South Indian dynasty?

A) Pallava Dynasty

B) Satavahana Dynasty

C) Chola Dynasty

D) Kakatiya Dynasty

Q3. The ‘Amaravati School of Art’ is primarily characterized by the use of which material in its sculptures and stupa panels?

A) Red Sandstone

B) White Marble/Limestone

C) Granite

D) Terracotta

Q4. The modern city of Amaravati is situated on the southern bank of which major Indian river?

A) Godavari

B) Krishna

C) Kaveri

D) Penna

Q5. According to the 2026 Amendment Act, the legal recognition of Amaravati as the capital has been given retrospective effect from which date?

A) October 22, 2015

B) June 2, 2014

C) June 2, 2024

D) April 6, 2026

Answer Key:

1. B) Section 5.
2. B) Satavahana Dynasty.
3. B) White Marble/Limestone.
4. B) Krishna River.
5. C) June 2, 2024.

4. Indian Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica)

Summary

• Context: In April 2026, Greater Noida Police intercepted the smuggling of 16 Indian Softshell Turtles, a species native to the Ganga river system and protected under India’s strictest wildlife laws.
• Legal Status: Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972—granting it the same legal status as the Tiger.
• Threats: Beyond habitat loss, they are heavily poached due to a “20-claw myth” where specimens with 20 claws are considered lucky or medicinal in illegal markets.
• Role in Ecosystem: As omnivorous scavengers, they play a vital role in cleaning river systems like the Ganga and Mahanadi by consuming decaying organic matter.

Distinctive Biological Features

• Leathery Shell: Unlike the common hard-shell turtles, the Indian Softshell belongs to the family Trionychidae. Its shell is flat, oval, and covered in a thick, leathery skin instead of hard bony plates (scutes).
• The “Snorkel” Nose: It possesses a distinct, tube-like proboscis (pointed nose). This allows the turtle to stay buried in the mud at the river bottom while only extending its nose to the surface to breathe, making it a master of camouflage.
• Massive Size: These are among the largest freshwater turtles in India, with a carapace (shell) length that can reach nearly 94 cm.

Habitat and Distribution

• Riverine Systems: They are predominantly found in the Ganga, Indus, and Mahanadi river systems across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
• Substrate Preference: They thrive in deep, turbid (cloudy) waters with muddy or sandy bottoms, which are essential for their burrowing behavior.

Protection Status: A Triple Guard

For your UPSC/Environment notes, keep this “Triple Guard” status in mind, as it is a common area for MCQ questions:

1. IUCN Red List: Endangered.
2. CITES: Appendix I (Strictly prohibits international commercial trade).
3. WPA, 1972: Schedule I (Highest domestic protection).

The “20-Claw” Poaching Crisis

A major driver of smuggling is the superstitious belief surrounding their claws.

• The Myth: Poachers believe that a turtle with 20 claws (5 on each foot) possesses supernatural luck or extreme medicinal potency.
• The Reality: This is a biological variation, but it has led to a massive black market price for these specific individuals, leading to their “Endangered” status.

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. The Indian Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) is native to which of the following major river systems in India?

A) Godavari and Krishna

B) Ganga, Indus, and Mahanadi

C) Narmada and Tapti

D) Kaveri and Periyar

Q2. Under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), the Indian Softshell Turtle is listed under which Schedule, providing it the highest level of protection?

A) Schedule IV

B) Schedule III

C) Schedule II

D) Schedule I

Q3. Which distinctive feature allows the Indian Softshell Turtle to breathe while remaining almost entirely submerged in mud?

A) Gills like a fish

B) A tube-like snout or proboscis

C) Large webbed feet

D) Ability to absorb oxygen through skin

Q4. What is the current status of the Indian Softshell Turtle on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species?

A) Critically Endangered

B) Endangered

C) Vulnerable

D) Near Threatened

Q5. Why is the ’20-claw’ specimen of the Indian Softshell Turtle particularly targeted by smugglers?

A) It is a different, more aggressive species.

B) It can swim faster than other turtles.

C) Due to false superstitious beliefs regarding luck and medicinal value.

D) It is the only type used for research by NASA.

Answer Key:

1. B) Ganga, Indus, and Mahanadi.
2. D) Schedule I.
3. B) A tube-like snout or proboscis.
4. B) Endangered.
5. C) Due to false superstitious beliefs…

Banking and Finance News

1. SEBI’s Strategic Relief: IPO Timelines & MPS Compliance (2026)

Summary

• Context: On April 7, 2026, SEBI announced one-time relaxations for IPO-bound and listed companies to counter market volatility caused by geopolitical tensions (specifically the war in West Asia).
• IPO Extension: The validity of SEBI “observation letters” (approvals) expiring between April and September 30, 2026, has been extended until September 30, 2026.
• MPS Relief: Listed companies failing to meet the 25% Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) requirement between April and September 2026 will not face penal actions.
• Market Data: Despite a record ₹1.78 trillion raised in FY26, heightened volatility has led to several firms withdrawing or allowing their approvals to lapse.
• Mechanism: Companies must provide updated documents and an undertaking from lead managers to avail of the extension.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has intervened to prevent a “regulatory lapse” for companies whose fundraising plans were derailed by external market shocks. This move is reminiscent of the relaxations provided during the 2020 pandemic.

1. Extension of Observation Letters

Usually, once SEBI issues an observation letter (the final approval to launch an IPO), the company must launch the issue within 12 months (or 18 months for confidential filings).

• The Problem: High volatility and weak post-listing performance in early 2026 forced many firms to wait for a better “market window.”
• The Relief: Any approval expiring between now and September 30, 2026, is now valid until the end of that period. This prevents companies from having to refile Draft Red Herring Prospectuses (DRHPs), saving time and duplication of costs.

2. Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) Relaxation

Under SEBI norms, all listed companies must maintain at least 25% public float. Failure to do so typically results in:

• Monetary fines.
• Freezing of promoter shareholding.
• Restrictions on promoters from holding new directorships.
• The Relief: SEBI has halted penal provisions for companies with compliance deadlines falling between April 1 and September 30, 2026. Any penalties already initiated since April 1 will be withdrawn.

3. Current State of the Indian IPO Market (FY26)

The data shows a paradox: record-breaking fundraising alongside high withdrawal rates.

Metric	Status / Value
Total Raised (FY26)	₹1.78 Trillion (Record High)
Mainboard IPOs	112 Issues
Awaiting Launch	144 Companies (Targeting ₹1.75 Trillion)
In Approval Pipeline	63 Companies (Targeting ₹1.37 Trillion)
Lapsed/Withdrawn	33 Companies (Targeting ~₹31,000 Crore)

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. Under standard SEBI regulations (ICDR), what is the normal validity period of an observation letter for a company to launch its IPO?
A) 6 months
B) 12 months
C) 24 months
D) 3 months

Q2. According to SEBI’s ‘Minimum Public Shareholding’ (MPS) norms, what is the minimum percentage of equity that a listed company must offer to the public?
A) 10%
B) 15%
C) 25%
D) 51%

Q3. SEBI has cited which primary reason for granting the one-time relaxation in IPO timelines in April 2026?
A) Lack of qualified lead managers.
B) Geopolitical tensions and market volatility in West Asia.
C) Failure of the GSTN portal.
D) Rapid appreciation of the Indian Rupee.

Q4. Which of the following is NOT a typical penalty for failing to meet Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) norms?
A) Freezing of promoter shares.
B) Monetary fines.
C) Immediate delisting of the company.
D) Restrictions on promoter directorships.

Q5. For companies using ‘Confidential Filing’ for their IPOs, what is the standard window granted by SEBI to launch the issue?
A) 12 months
B) 18 months
C) 24 months
D) 36 months

Answer Key:

1. B) 12 months.
2. C) 25%.
3. B) Geopolitical tensions and market volatility.
4. C) Immediate delisting (This is a last resort, not a standard initial penalty).
5. B) 18 months.

2. IRDAI’s Regulatory Roadmap (2026)

Summary

• Context: IRDAI’s recent regulatory actions, including the formation of the health insurance sub-committee (April 2026), are geared toward the “Insurance for All by 2047” mission.
• Structural Reform: The focus has shifted to the Bima Trinity—Bima Sugam (marketplace), Bima Vistar (affordable product), and Bima Vaahaks (last-mile distribution).
• Industry Integration: By incorporating CII’s analytical studies on medical inflation and hospital classification, IRDAI aims to standardize healthcare costs across the private sector.
• Digital Backbone: The National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) serves as the central platform to facilitate seamless, paperless settlement between hospitals and insurers.

Context:

The recent establishment of the sub-committee under the Insurance Advisory Committee marks a definitive transition in India’s insurance governance. The primary objective is to move from a fragmented ecosystem to a highly integrated, digital-first model.

The Bima Trinity Framework

To achieve universal coverage, the regulator is implementing three interconnected pillars designed to solve the issues of access, affordability, and awareness.

1. Bima Sugam (The Platform): A centralized electronic marketplace that acts as a one-stop shop for customers, intermediaries, and insurers. It simplifies the entire lifecycle of a policy—from purchase and renewals to claim settlements and grievance redressal.
2. Bima Vistar (The Product): A first-of-its-kind “benefit-based” bundled insurance product. It offers a single policy covering life, health, property, and personal accident risks. It is designed specifically for rural and low-income segments to ensure affordability.
3. Bima Vaahaks (The Force): A women-led distribution channel at the Gram Panchayat level. They are trained to build local trust and provide the necessary “last-mile” human interface for selling policies and assisting in claims.

Addressing Medical Inflation and Provider Synergy

One of the most significant challenges identified by the sub-committee is the lack of standardized pricing in private healthcare.

• Joint Code of Conduct: In collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), IRDAI is developing a code that governs how insurers and healthcare providers interact.
• Hospital Classification: The committee is working on a methodology to classify hospitals based on service quality and infrastructure, which will serve as a basis for standardized Hospital Tariffs.
• NHCX Integration: The National Health Claims Exchange is being positioned as the mandatory gateway for all health claims, ensuring transparency in billing and reducing the administrative cost of processing.

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. Which initiative under IRDAI’s ‘Bima Trinity’ serves as a digital one-stop shop for buying and servicing all insurance policies?

A) Bima Vistar

B) Bima Sugam

C) Bima Vaahaks

D) Bima Sahayak

Q2. The proposed ‘Bima Vistar’ product is unique in the Indian market because it is:

A) Only available for urban corporate employees.

B) A bundled product covering life, health, property, and accident risks.

C) A high-premium luxury insurance product.

D) Specifically designed for international travel only.

Q3. The sub-committee formed in April 2026 is specifically tasked with reviewing the interaction between private health insurance and:

A) International stock markets.

B) Public health insurance/assurance schemes (like Ayushman Bharat).

C) Real estate investment trusts.

D) Automobile manufacturing standards.

Q4. What is the primary role of the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) in the new framework?

A) To act as a central bank for insurance companies.

B) To provide a common platform for the seamless exchange of health claim information.

C) To sell medicines at discounted rates.

D) To train doctors for rural service.

Q5. IRDAI’s ‘Insurance for All’ target of 2047 aligns with which significant national milestone?

A) The completion of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

B) The centenary of India’s independence.

C) The launch of the first manned mission to Mars.

D) The 50th anniversary of the IRDAI Act.

Answer Key:

1. B) Bima Sugam.
2. B) A bundled product covering life, health, property, and accident risks.
3. B) Public health insurance/assurance schemes.
4. B) Common platform for health claim information exchange.
5. B) Centenary of India’s independence.

One Liner Current Affairs

April 08, 2026

No.	Title	Key Highlights
1	National Statistics Office Launches ASISSE	Launched Annual Survey of Services Sector Enterprises covering ~1.21 lakh firms. Includes IT, trade, healthcare, education sectors. Supports data-driven policymaking.
2	Reserve Bank of India Cancels Shirpur Merchants Bank Licence	Licence cancelled due to weak capital and poor earnings. Depositors eligible for ₹5 lakh insurance via Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation.
3	World Health Organization Observes World Health Day	Celebrated on April 7 with theme “Together for Health. Stand with Science”. Marks WHO’s founding in 1948.
4	Morgan Stanley Cuts India GDP Forecast	GDP forecast reduced to 6.2% for FY27 due to global uncertainties. Inflation projected at 5.1% and CAD at 2.5%.
5	Giriraj Singh Releases Textile Demand Report	Textile market grew from ₹4.89 lakh crore (2010) to ₹14.95 lakh crore (2024). Rising household demand and per capita spending noted.
6	Indian Army Releases UAS Roadmap	Introduced plan covering 30 drone types and 80 variants. Focus on modern warfare and self-reliance.
7	United Nations Observes Rwanda Genocide Reflection Day	Observed April 7 marking 32nd anniversary of Rwandan Genocide. Promotes remembrance and prevention.
8	Amaravati Declared Sole Capital	Andhra Pradesh notifies Amaravati as exclusive capital. Reverses earlier three-capital proposal with retrospective effect.
9	India Adds Record Wind Energy Capacity	Achieved highest addition of 6.05 GW in FY26. Total capacity crossed 56 GW. Key states: Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra.
10	Bajaj Finserv Arm Gets PMS Approval	Bajaj Alts receives Securities and Exchange Board of India approval. Targets HNIs with customised strategies.
11	Divya Singh Cycles to Everest Base Camp	First Indian woman to achieve feat in 14 days. Reached altitude of 5,364 metres.
12	Jindal Stainless Appoints Ranveer Singh	Named brand ambassador to boost global visibility and marketing outreach.
13	India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Achieves Criticality	500 MWe PFBR at Kalpakkam reaches milestone. Uses MOX fuel and supports second stage of nuclear programme.