Daily Current Affairs & GK Updates

Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana Completes 11 Years of Empowering Small and Micro EntrepreneursOn April 8, 2026, the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), a transformative initiative of the Government of India (GoI) designed to empower grassroots entrepreneurs across India, completed 11 years.Since its inception in 2015, the scheme has disbursed over Rs 40.07 lakh crore through 57.79 crore loans, making it one of the world’s largest financial inclusion initiatives.About Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY):Background: PMMY was launched on 8 April 2015 by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Delhi, to provide easy, collateral-free micro-credit of up to Rs 10 lakh to non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs for income-generating activities.Under the scheme, MUDRA loans have been categorized into four different segments namely, Shishu, Kishore, Tarun, and Tarun Plus, based on loan sizeImplemented by: The scheme is being implemented by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), which works under the Ministry of Finance (MoF).Key Accomplishments: As per the GoI data, two-thirds (approximately 66.66%)of the loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs.The GoI further revealed that women borrowers accounted for nearly 60% of the total loan accounts, with a total share of 37.45% of the total loan amount disbursed.Nearly 1/5th ( i.e. 12.15 crore loans) of all the loans were extended to first-time entrepreneurs, amounting to Rs 12 lakh crore (30.09% share of the total disbursed amount).

13 Apr, 2026

Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana Completes 11 Years of Empowering Small and Micro EntrepreneursOn April 8, 2026, the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), a transformative initiative of the Government of India (GoI) designed to empower grassroots entrepreneurs across India, completed 11 years.Since its inception in 2015, the scheme has disbursed over Rs 40.07 lakh crore through 57.79 crore loans, making it one of the world’s largest financial inclusion initiatives.About Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY):Background: PMMY was launched on 8 April 2015 by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Delhi, to provide easy, collateral-free micro-credit of up to Rs 10 lakh to non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs for income-generating activities.Under the scheme, MUDRA loans have been categorized into four different segments namely, Shishu, Kishore, Tarun, and Tarun Plus, based on loan sizeImplemented by: The scheme is being implemented by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), which works under the Ministry of Finance (MoF).Key Accomplishments: As per the GoI data, two-thirds (approximately 66.66%)of the loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs.The GoI further revealed that women borrowers accounted for nearly 60% of the total loan accounts, with a total share of 37.45% of the total loan amount disbursed.Nearly 1/5th ( i.e. 12.15 crore loans) of all the loans were extended to first-time entrepreneurs, amounting to Rs 12 lakh crore (30.09% share of the total disbursed amount).

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Central Reserve Police Force Valour Day 2026- April 9The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Valour Day, also known as Shaurya Diwas, is observed every year on 9 April across India to honour the bravery of CRPF personnel during the 1965 Battle of Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.

10 Apr, 2026

Central Reserve Police Force Valour Day 2026- April 9The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Valour Day, also known as Shaurya Diwas, is observed every year on 9 April across India to honour the bravery of CRPF personnel during the 1965 Battle of Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.

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First American to Summit Everest Jim Whittaker Passed Away In April 2026, James Warren Whittaker, also known as Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest, passed away at the age of 97 in Port Townsend, Washington, the United States of America (USA). He was born on 10 February 1929 in Seattle, Washington, USA.About Jim Whittaker:Career: He was the first full-time employee and later Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) (1971–1979), expanding it into a major outdoor retail cooperative.Everest: He became the first American to summit Mount Everest on 1 May 1963 with Nawang Gombu under extreme conditions, becoming the 10th climber ever to reach the summit.Expeditions: He led and participated in major climbs, including the successful American ascent of K2 in 1978, the 1965 Mount Kennedy expedition with Robert F. Kennedy, and the 1990 Everest International Peace Climb promoting international cooperation.Honors: He received the Hubbard Medal (the National Geographic Society’s top honour) from former USA President John F. Kennedy and was further recognized with landmarks named after him, including Big Jim Mountain and the Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trail.Memoir: He authored his memoir, A Life on the Edge, published in 1999.

10 Apr, 2026

First American to Summit Everest Jim Whittaker Passed Away In April 2026, James Warren Whittaker, also known as Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest, passed away at the age of 97 in Port Townsend, Washington, the United States of America (USA). He was born on 10 February 1929 in Seattle, Washington, USA.About Jim Whittaker:Career: He was the first full-time employee and later Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) (1971–1979), expanding it into a major outdoor retail cooperative.Everest: He became the first American to summit Mount Everest on 1 May 1963 with Nawang Gombu under extreme conditions, becoming the 10th climber ever to reach the summit.Expeditions: He led and participated in major climbs, including the successful American ascent of K2 in 1978, the 1965 Mount Kennedy expedition with Robert F. Kennedy, and the 1990 Everest International Peace Climb promoting international cooperation.Honors: He received the Hubbard Medal (the National Geographic Society’s top honour) from former USA President John F. Kennedy and was further recognized with landmarks named after him, including Big Jim Mountain and the Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trail.Memoir: He authored his memoir, A Life on the Edge, published in 1999.

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Nasscom Foundation Appoints UB Pravin Rao as New ChairpersonOn April 7, 2026, the Nasscom Foundation announced the appointment of UB Pravin Rao as its new Chairperson, effective immediately. He succeeds Rostow Ravanan, who completed his tenure.About U.B. Pravin Rao:Experience: He brings over 35 years of experience in the technology sector, including global operations, large‑scale transformations, and leadership roles.Key Role: Previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Infosys and has been associated with National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) since 2014.He also served as Vice Chairperson and Chairman of NASSCOM, bringing continuity and strategic depth to the Foundation’s next phase

10 Apr, 2026

Nasscom Foundation Appoints UB Pravin Rao as New ChairpersonOn April 7, 2026, the Nasscom Foundation announced the appointment of UB Pravin Rao as its new Chairperson, effective immediately. He succeeds Rostow Ravanan, who completed his tenure.About U.B. Pravin Rao:Experience: He brings over 35 years of experience in the technology sector, including global operations, large‑scale transformations, and leadership roles.Key Role: Previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Infosys and has been associated with National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) since 2014.He also served as Vice Chairperson and Chairman of NASSCOM, bringing continuity and strategic depth to the Foundation’s next phase

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World Bank Upgrades India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 6.6% for FY27In April 2026, the World Bank (WB) released its latest “South Asia Economic (SAE) Economic Update April, 2026: Working with Industrial Policy” report. The report has slightly raised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) to 6.6% from its previous estimate of 6.3%.However, the report projected that India’s GDP growth is expected to moderate compared to previous years due to headwinds from West-Asia conflict.Key Findings:GDP in FY26: As per the report, India’s GDP growth rate is expected to increase from 7.1% (in FY25) to 7.6% (in FY26), driven by robust domestic demand and export resilience.Fiscal Indicators: The report estimated that rationalisation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates is expected to support consumer demand in the 1st half (H1: April-September, 2026) of FY27. However, high global energy prices could increase inflation and restrict the spending power of households.South Asia Growth Rate: The report has also projected that the growth in South Asia will ease to 6.3% in Calendar Year 2026 (CY26) from 7% (CY25), primarily due to disruptions in the global energy supply chain.

10 Apr, 2026

World Bank Upgrades India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 6.6% for FY27In April 2026, the World Bank (WB) released its latest “South Asia Economic (SAE) Economic Update April, 2026: Working with Industrial Policy” report. The report has slightly raised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) to 6.6% from its previous estimate of 6.3%.However, the report projected that India’s GDP growth is expected to moderate compared to previous years due to headwinds from West-Asia conflict.Key Findings:GDP in FY26: As per the report, India’s GDP growth rate is expected to increase from 7.1% (in FY25) to 7.6% (in FY26), driven by robust domestic demand and export resilience.Fiscal Indicators: The report estimated that rationalisation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates is expected to support consumer demand in the 1st half (H1: April-September, 2026) of FY27. However, high global energy prices could increase inflation and restrict the spending power of households.South Asia Growth Rate: The report has also projected that the growth in South Asia will ease to 6.3% in Calendar Year 2026 (CY26) from 7% (CY25), primarily due to disruptions in the global energy supply chain.

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Highlights of RBI’s 1st Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy of FY27The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted the 60th and 1st Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) from April 06, 2026 to April 08, 2026 under the chairmanship of Dr. Sanjay Malhotra, Governor, RBI.The meeting was attended by the MPC members: Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Saugata Bhattacharya, Prof. Ram Singh, Dr. Poonam Gupta and Indranil Bhattacharyya.Key Outcomes: Policy Rate:The MPC kept the repo rate unchanged under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) to 5.25% and maintained a ‘Neutral ’policy stance, citing heightened uncertainty after West-Asia conflict which drove crude price sharply higher, weakened rupee and disrupted trade supply chain.Consequently, the MPC retained the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate at 5.00% and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate held at 5.50%.GDP Growth Forecast: The committee has revised down India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast by 50 basis points (bps) for FY27 at 6.9% from its previous estimate of 7.4%.Inflation Projection: The MPC projected Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 4.6% for FY27, which is within a band of +/- 2%. It has also estimated core inflation at 4.4% for the current fiscal year.

10 Apr, 2026

Highlights of RBI’s 1st Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy of FY27The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted the 60th and 1st Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) from April 06, 2026 to April 08, 2026 under the chairmanship of Dr. Sanjay Malhotra, Governor, RBI.The meeting was attended by the MPC members: Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Saugata Bhattacharya, Prof. Ram Singh, Dr. Poonam Gupta and Indranil Bhattacharyya.Key Outcomes: Policy Rate:The MPC kept the repo rate unchanged under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) to 5.25% and maintained a ‘Neutral ’policy stance, citing heightened uncertainty after West-Asia conflict which drove crude price sharply higher, weakened rupee and disrupted trade supply chain.Consequently, the MPC retained the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate at 5.00% and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate held at 5.50%.GDP Growth Forecast: The committee has revised down India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast by 50 basis points (bps) for FY27 at 6.9% from its previous estimate of 7.4%.Inflation Projection: The MPC projected Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 4.6% for FY27, which is within a band of +/- 2%. It has also estimated core inflation at 4.4% for the current fiscal year.

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India Elected to UN ECOSOC Bodies; Preeti Saran Re-elected to Key-Rights PanelIn April 2026, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations (UN) announced that India was elected by acclamation to three subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)India Secures Key Positions in UN Bodies:Commissions and Committees: India has been elected to UN bodies, includingCommission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) for the 2027–2030 term,Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO Committee) for 2027–2030, andCommittee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) for 2027–2029.Re-elected: India’s Ambassador Preeti Saran has been re-elected to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) for the 2027–2030 term, reinforcing India’s presence in key human rights bodies.

10 Apr, 2026

India Elected to UN ECOSOC Bodies; Preeti Saran Re-elected to Key-Rights PanelIn April 2026, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations (UN) announced that India was elected by acclamation to three subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)India Secures Key Positions in UN Bodies:Commissions and Committees: India has been elected to UN bodies, includingCommission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) for the 2027–2030 term,Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO Committee) for 2027–2030, andCommittee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) for 2027–2029.Re-elected: India’s Ambassador Preeti Saran has been re-elected to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) for the 2027–2030 term, reinforcing India’s presence in key human rights bodies.

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ICAR Constitutes Special Task Force to Strengthen Agricultural Resilience Amid Geopolitical ShiftsIn April 2026, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) constituted a Special Task Force (STF) to enhance India’s agricultural resilience by addressing global disruptions, ensuring food and input security, and providing data-driven policy inputs to the Government of India (GoI) amid geopolitical and climate challenges.The first meeting, chaired by Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) and Director General (DG) of ICAR.About STF on Agriculture:Background: It was constituted due to geopolitical uncertainties, disruptions in global food and fertiliser supply chains, climate volatility, energy market issues, and rising input costs affecting agriculture.Initiatives: The ICAR is intensifying the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) programme (launched in 2015) in 100 Aspirational Districts using Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), promoting balanced fertilizer use in crops like wheat and rice, mapping millet regions, and encouraging diversification through eco-fisheries in Kharif season.Technology: Focus is on Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) to save 20–30% water and reduce labour costs, along with strengthening the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Agricultural Meteorology for real-time advisories.Governance: Nodal Officers in each Subject Matter Division (SMD) will ensure weekly monitoring and coordinated implementation of an Actionable Plan, with the STF meeting as required using institutional feedback.

10 Apr, 2026

ICAR Constitutes Special Task Force to Strengthen Agricultural Resilience Amid Geopolitical ShiftsIn April 2026, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) constituted a Special Task Force (STF) to enhance India’s agricultural resilience by addressing global disruptions, ensuring food and input security, and providing data-driven policy inputs to the Government of India (GoI) amid geopolitical and climate challenges.The first meeting, chaired by Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) and Director General (DG) of ICAR.About STF on Agriculture:Background: It was constituted due to geopolitical uncertainties, disruptions in global food and fertiliser supply chains, climate volatility, energy market issues, and rising input costs affecting agriculture.Initiatives: The ICAR is intensifying the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) programme (launched in 2015) in 100 Aspirational Districts using Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), promoting balanced fertilizer use in crops like wheat and rice, mapping millet regions, and encouraging diversification through eco-fisheries in Kharif season.Technology: Focus is on Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) to save 20–30% water and reduce labour costs, along with strengthening the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Agricultural Meteorology for real-time advisories.Governance: Nodal Officers in each Subject Matter Division (SMD) will ensure weekly monitoring and coordinated implementation of an Actionable Plan, with the STF meeting as required using institutional feedback.

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NTPC Signs MoU with France’s EDF for Leveraging Nuclear Power ProjectsIn April 2026, India’s largest power utility, NTPC Limited, formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation, signed a strategic non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France’s Électricité de France (EDF) ) to explore collaboration in the development of nuclear power projects in India.This agreement was signed by Arnada Prasad Samal, Chief General Manager(CGM) (Nuclear Cell), NTPC and Vakisasi Ramany, Senior Vice President, International Nuclear Development, EDF.Key Details of Agreement:Feasibility: Under the MoU, both companies will jointly assess the feasibility and modalities of cooperation, including evaluating EDF’s European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) technology for its suitability in India.Implementation: The partnership will explore opportunities for localisation for large-scale deployment, assess economic and tariff aspects, identify potential project sites, and extend technical support as mutually agreed.Training: The collaboration will focus on building human resource capabilities through specialised training programmes to support India’s nuclear energy ambitions.Capacity: NTPC has an installed power generation capacity of over 89 GW (Gigawatts), with an additional 32 GW under construction. The company has set a target of achieving 149 GW of total capacity by 2032, including 60 GW from Renewable Energy (RE) sources.

10 Apr, 2026

NTPC Signs MoU with France’s EDF for Leveraging Nuclear Power ProjectsIn April 2026, India’s largest power utility, NTPC Limited, formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation, signed a strategic non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France’s Électricité de France (EDF) ) to explore collaboration in the development of nuclear power projects in India.This agreement was signed by Arnada Prasad Samal, Chief General Manager(CGM) (Nuclear Cell), NTPC and Vakisasi Ramany, Senior Vice President, International Nuclear Development, EDF.Key Details of Agreement:Feasibility: Under the MoU, both companies will jointly assess the feasibility and modalities of cooperation, including evaluating EDF’s European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) technology for its suitability in India.Implementation: The partnership will explore opportunities for localisation for large-scale deployment, assess economic and tariff aspects, identify potential project sites, and extend technical support as mutually agreed.Training: The collaboration will focus on building human resource capabilities through specialised training programmes to support India’s nuclear energy ambitions.Capacity: NTPC has an installed power generation capacity of over 89 GW (Gigawatts), with an additional 32 GW under construction. The company has set a target of achieving 149 GW of total capacity by 2032, including 60 GW from Renewable Energy (RE) sources.

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ALEMAI Launches ‘Aluminium Bharat’ Initiative to Boost Domestic Manufacturing and Global CompetitivenessIn April 2026, the Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India (ALEMAI) has launched the ‘Aluminium Bharat’ initiative to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, promote sustainable industrial growth, and position India as a global leader in aluminium production and exports.The initiative was unveiled by Union Minister of State(MoS) Jitin Prasada, Ministry of Commerce and Industry(MoC&I) in New Delhi, Delhi.About Aluminium Bharat:Collaboration: ‘Aluminium Bharat’ aims to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders to co-create a strategic roadmap for the sustainable growth of India’s aluminium sector.Exhibition: As part of the initiative, the ALEMAI will host ‘Aluminium Bharat 2026,’ India’s first comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the entire aluminium value chain.The event is scheduled to be held from September 26 to 29, 2026, showcasing innovations, technologies, and opportunities within the industry.Significance: The aluminium value chain supports over 10 lakh jobs in India, and strengthening the downstream sector is vital for advancing the nation’s USD 5 trillion economy and achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

10 Apr, 2026

ALEMAI Launches ‘Aluminium Bharat’ Initiative to Boost Domestic Manufacturing and Global CompetitivenessIn April 2026, the Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India (ALEMAI) has launched the ‘Aluminium Bharat’ initiative to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, promote sustainable industrial growth, and position India as a global leader in aluminium production and exports.The initiative was unveiled by Union Minister of State(MoS) Jitin Prasada, Ministry of Commerce and Industry(MoC&I) in New Delhi, Delhi.About Aluminium Bharat:Collaboration: ‘Aluminium Bharat’ aims to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders to co-create a strategic roadmap for the sustainable growth of India’s aluminium sector.Exhibition: As part of the initiative, the ALEMAI will host ‘Aluminium Bharat 2026,’ India’s first comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the entire aluminium value chain.The event is scheduled to be held from September 26 to 29, 2026, showcasing innovations, technologies, and opportunities within the industry.Significance: The aluminium value chain supports over 10 lakh jobs in India, and strengthening the downstream sector is vital for advancing the nation’s USD 5 trillion economy and achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

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Daily Current Affairs & GK

Central Reserve Police Force Valour Day 2026- April 9The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Valour Day, also known as Shaurya Diwas, is observed every year on 9 April across India to honour the bravery of CRPF personnel during the 1965 Battle of Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.

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