Daily Current Affairs: 10th April 2026

NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

Cabinet Approves NBS Rates for Kharif 2026

• Union Cabinet approved Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Kharif 2026 on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, based on a proposal from Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• Budgetary requirement for Kharif 2026 is estimated at ₹41,533.81 cr, about ₹4,317 cr higher than ₹37,216.15 cr for Kharif 2025.
• The subsidy covers 28 grades of P&K fertilizers, including DAP and NPKS, and is provided to manufacturers/importers to ensure affordable prices for farmers.
• Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme: It operational since 1 April 2010, provides per-kg subsidies for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and Sulphur (S), with rates periodically revised based on global fertilizer price trends.

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Cabinet Approves Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project on Lohit River, Arunachal Pradesh

• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM, approved ₹14,105.83 cr for Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project on Lohit River in Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, the first hydro project in Lohit Basin.
• Project Features: It will have 1,200 MW capacity (6×190 MW + 1×60 MW), generate 4,852.95 MU annually, and is expected to be completed in 78 months, improving power supply and grid stability.
• It will be implemented through a joint venture between THDC India Limited and Arunachal Pradesh Government, with ₹599.88 crore for infrastructure support and ₹750 crore as Central assistance for the State’s equity.
• The state will receive 12% free power plus 1% for LADF, along with improved infrastructure, employment and socio-economic benefits.

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Cabinet approves Kamala Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh 

• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved ₹26,069.50 crore for Kamala Hydro Electric Project in Kamle, Kra Daadi and Kurung Kumey districts of Arunachal Pradesh, aimed at strengthening power supply, peak demand management and grid balancing, while providing flood moderation in the Brahmaputra valley.
• The project will have 1,720 MW capacity (8×210 MW + 1×40 MW), generate 6,870 MU annually, and be completed in 96 months.
• It will be implemented through JV between NHPC Limited and Arunachal Pradesh, with ₹4,743.98 cr for flood moderation, ₹1,340 cr for infrastructure, and ₹750 cr as Central assistance for state equity.
• The state will receive 12% free power + 1% for LADF, along with 196 km of roads, social infrastructure and local employment benefits.

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NCERT Granted ‘Deemed University’ Status

• National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT),was granted ‘Deemed to be University’ status by Ministry of Education, following approval by the University Grants Commission.
• The status enables NCERT to offer academic programmes, conduct research and confer degrees with greater academic autonomy.
• The status covers six constituent institutions: (1)Regional Institute of Education Ajmer; (2) RIE Bhopal; (3) RIE Bhubaneswar; (4) REI Mysuru; (5) North East Regional Institute of Education Shillong; and (6) Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (Bhopal).
• Must Do For NCERT: It must comply with UGC norms, obtain National Assessment and Accreditation Council / National Board of Accreditation accreditation, avoid fund diversion and commercial activities, and start doctoral and innovative research programmes.

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BANKING | ECONOMY CURRENT AFFAIRS

Kar Saathi: CBDT Launches AI-Based Tax Assistant

• Income Tax Department of India launched “Kar Saathi”- an AI-powered assistant along with a revamped income tax website to simplify compliance under Income Tax Act, 2025.
• Objective: To simplify tax procedures, reduce disputes, encourage voluntary compliance, and enhance taxpayer experience through technology-driven governance.
• Kar Saathi Functions: as a 24×7 AI-based chatbot providing guidance on ITR filing, notices, deductions, refunds, tax provisions, forms, e-verification and grievance support, consolidating all direct-tax services on a single platform.
• The launch coincides with PRARAMBH 2026 (Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat), a nationwide awareness campaign to help taxpayers understand new tax regime effective from 1 April 2026.

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GOVERNMENT SCHEMES CURRENT AFFAIRS

Career Cards launched for Children with Special Needs

• Department of School Education and Literacy under  Education Ministry launched Career Cards for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) to provide inclusive career guidance for students across India.
• The initiative aligns with National Education Policy 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. It emphasises equal learning and career opportunities for all learners, including CwSN.
• Developed With: Support from UNICEF India, NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training), CIET (Central Institute of Educational Technology), Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education, Pratham Education Foundation, and institutes under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
• Each card outlines career roles, required qualifications and pathways, helping teachers and counsellors guide students in academic and career planning.

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NHAI Launches ‘Arogya Van’

• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched Arogya Van initiative to develop thematic medicinal tree plantations on vacant land along National Highways, promoting biodiversity and ecological sustainability.
• First phase: development of 17 land parcels (8+ hectares) with 67,462 medicinal trees across states including Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
• 36 medicinal species such as Imli, Lemon, Gular, Maulsari, Neem, Amla and Jamun will be planted, selected according to agro-climatic suitability.
• NHAI has also identified 188 hectares of vacant land for plantations during the upcoming monsoon season, with sites near toll plazas, interchanges and wayside amenities to maximise public outreach.

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DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS

Exercise Cyclone-IV: India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise

• The 4th edition of India–Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone-IV is being held 9-17 April 2026 at Anshas, Egypt, with an Indian Army contingent of 25 Special Forces personnel participating alongside Egyptian forces; the previous edition was conducted in India.
• Key objectives: To enhance joint mission planning, improve interoperability by exchange of best practices, and strengthen camaraderie and mutual understanding of military traditions and cultures between the two countries’ special forces.
• Exercise Focus: On special operations training in desert and semi-desert terrain, including tactical drills and operational procedures in realistic environments.

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ENVIRONMENT CURRENT AFFAIRS

India Ranks 3rd Globally in Renewable Energy Capacity: IRENA

• As per International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India ranked 3rd globally in renewable energy installed capacity with 250.52 GW (Dec 2025). India ranked behind China (2,258.02 GW) and United States (467.92 GW), surpassing Brazil and Germany.
• India added a 55.3 GW non-fossil capacity in 2025-26 (vs 29.5 GW in 2024-25) and total electricity generation reached 1,845.92 BU (with 29.2% from non-fossil sources).
• India achieved 50% cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil sources in June 2025, five years ahead of its NDC target (under Paris Agreement).
• As of March 2026, non-fossil capacity reached 283.46 GW, including 274.68 GW renewables and 8.78 GW nuclear, with solar rising to 150.26 GW and wind to 56.09 GW.
• At COP26, India announced its aim to achieve 500 GW non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030.

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E20 Petrol Becomes Standard Fuel in India from April 1, 2025

• Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas mandated nationwide supply of E20 petrol (95 RON) from 1 April 2025 across all states and UTs. This is to promote cleaner mobility, advance India’s ethanol blending roadmap, reduce crude oil dependence.
• E20 petrol: 20% ethanol and 80% petrol; with ethanol derived from agricultural sources like sugarcane, maize and grains.
• The fuel must comply with quality standards set by Bureau of Indian Standards, though limited temporary exemptions may be allowed in special situations.
• Benefit: With a higher octane rating (~95 RON) compared to regular petrol (91–92 RON), E20 improves engine combustion and resistance to knocking; most new vehicles are E20-compatible.

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CURRENT AFFAIRS

SMOPS-2026: 2nd International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations

• The 2nd edition of International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations (SMOPS‑2026) is being held 8–10 April 2026 in Bengaluru.
• SMOPS‑2026 Theme: “Innovative Operations for Smart and Sustainable Space Mission Management – Next Generation.”
• Organised: Jointly by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), Astronautical Society of India, and International Academy of Astronautics (IIA).
• Objective: To connect startups, space agencies, industry and academia, enabling collaboration and sharing of emerging technologies to enhance secure and efficient spacecraft mission operations.
• Key Themes Featured: AI and robotics, mission design and operations, human spaceflight, space domain awareness, interplanetary missions, ground segment and constellations, and opportunities in new space economy.

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STATES CURRENT AFFAIRS

Jaipur Metro Phase-2 Approved

• Union Cabinet has approved Jaipur Metro Phase-2, a 41 km long North–South corridor from Prahladpura to Todi Mod, comprising 36 stations
• Total project cost of ₹13,037.66 crore.
• Implementation: It will implemented by Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited (RMRCL), a 50:50 joint venture of the Government of India and the Government of Rajasthan.
• Connectivity: Phase-2 corridor will provide seamless connectivity to major activity nodes such as Sitapura Industrial Area, VKIA, Jaipur Airport, Tonk Road, SMS Hospital and Stadium, Ambabari and Vidhyadhar Nagar.
• It includes underground stations at the airport area and will integrate with the operational Phase-1 through planned interchanges and feeder systems, ensuring a unified and continuous metro network across the city.

REPORTS AND INDICES CURRENT AFFAIRS

NITI Aayog Releases Report ‘From Borrowers to Builders’

• NITI Aayog released 2nd edition of report “From Borrowers to Builders: Women and India’s Evolving Credit Market”, prepared under Women Entrepreneurship Platform with MicroSave Consulting and TransUnion CIBIL.
• Based On: Credit bureau data of ~16 crore credit-active women and surveys of 161 rural women nano-entrepreneurs. For the first time report also incorporates microfinance data.
• Findings: Women borrowers now hold ₹76 lakh crore credit (26% of total system credit); credit exposure rose 4.8 times since 2017, while credit penetration increased from 19% to 36% (2017–2025).
• Commercial credit to women entrepreneurs grew at 31% CAGR (2022–25). Microfinance borrowers are shifting to retail/business loans, and digitisation is expanding formal credit access, including in states like Bihar and UP.

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