📅 Important Days
The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda every year on 7 April to honour the more than 1 million victims of the 100-day genocide (7 April – mid-July 1994), while also recognising the suffering of Hutus and others who opposed the killings. 7 April 2026 marked the 32nd anniversary of the genocide.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| UNGA Resolution | A/RES/58/234, adopted 23 December 2003 |
| First Observance | 7 April 2004 (10th anniversary) |
| Title Revision | 26 January 2018 via Resolution A/72/L.31 — explicitly naming Tutsi as primary victims |
| Kigali Genocide Memorial | Houses remains of 250,000+ victims; UNESCO World Heritage Site |
This day is observed on 7 April annually. The UNGA resolution designating it is A/RES/58/234 (adopted 2003). The title was revised in 2018 via A/72/L.31 to explicitly name the Tutsi as primary victims. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing remains of 250,000+ victims.
World Health Day is observed annually on 7 April — the founding anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO), established on 7 April 1948. The 2026 theme is ‘Together for Health. Stand with Science’, emphasising scientific collaboration in addressing global health challenges. The day has been observed annually since 1950 and is proposed and sponsored by WHO.
- 2026 Events: International One Health Summit (5–7 April 2026), hosted by France in Lyon; inaugural Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres (7–9 April 2026).
- WHO HQ: Geneva, Switzerland
- Director-General: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
- First Observance: 1950
World Health Day is on 7 April (WHO founding anniversary, 1948). 2026 theme: ‘Together for Health. Stand with Science’. WHO HQ: Geneva; DG: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The International One Health Summit was hosted by France in Lyon (5–7 April 2026).
🇮🇳 National News
In April 2026, the Ministry of Law & Justice (MoL&J) formally notified Amaravati as the exclusive capital of Andhra Pradesh (AP) after both Houses of Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026 and it received Presidential assent from President Droupadi Murmu. The gazette notification was issued on 6 April 2026, ending over 12 years of political uncertainty since AP’s bifurcation in 2014.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Lok Sabha Passage | 1 April 2026 |
| Rajya Sabha Passage | 2 April 2026 (voice vote; YSRCP staged walkout) |
| Gazette Notification | 6 April 2026 |
| Section Amended | Section 5(2) of AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 — replaces ‘new capital’ with ‘Amaravati‘ |
| Retrospective Effect | Deemed in force from 2 June 2024 (date Hyderabad ceased to be joint capital) |
| Foundation Year | 2015 under CM N. Chandrababu Naidu (TDP) |
- Previous Three-Capital Plan (Nullified): YSRCP (2019–2024) had proposed Visakhapatnam (executive), Amaravati (legislative), Kurnool (judicial).
- Land Pooling: Farmers donated 33,000 acres under the Land Pooling Scheme and had been protesting.
- Current AP CM: N. Chandrababu Naidu (TDP-led NDA)
This is the first instance in independent India where Parliament explicitly declared a state capital through legislation, giving Amaravati statutory backing that cannot be altered without a further parliamentary amendment.
Amaravati notified as sole capital of Andhra Pradesh via AP Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026. Gazette on 6 April 2026; Presidential assent by Droupadi Murmu. Amends Section 5(2) of the 2014 Act. Retrospective effect from 2 June 2024. Foundation laid in 2015 by N. Chandrababu Naidu. First time Parliament has legislatively declared a state capital in independent India.
On 6 April 2026, Union Minister Giriraj Singh of the Ministry of Textiles (MoT) released the report on ‘Domestic Demand of Textiles and Clothing: National Household Survey 2024’ in New Delhi. The survey was conducted by the Textiles Committee in the presence of Neelam Shami Rao (Secretary, MoT).
| Indicator | 2010 | 2024 | CAGR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Market (Domestic Demand) | Rs 4.89 lakh crore | Rs 14.95 lakh crore | 8.3% |
| Household Contribution | Rs 4.18 lakh crore | Rs 8.77 lakh crore | — |
| Per Capita Demand | Rs 2,119 | Rs 6,066 | 7.8% |
- Textiles Committee: Evaluates household demand for Textiles and Apparel (T&A); serves as reference for policymakers and industry.
- India’s Textile Sector: World’s 2nd largest textile exporter; employs 45 million+ directly and 100 million+ indirectly.
Survey released by Giriraj Singh (Ministry of Textiles); conducted by Textiles Committee. Domestic textile market grew from Rs 4.89 lakh crore (2010) to Rs 14.95 lakh crore (2024) at CAGR of 8.3%. Per capita demand: Rs 6,066 (2024) at CAGR 7.8%. India is the world’s 2nd largest textile exporter employing 45 million+ directly.
In April 2026, the National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), officially launched the inaugural Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) — aimed at developing a comprehensive database of India’s incorporated (registered) services sector.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Roll-out | April 2026 across all States and UTs |
| Reference Period | FY 2024-25 (FY25) |
| Coverage | Corporate entities under Companies Act, 1956/2013 or LLP Act, 2008; includes trade, transport, hospitality, IT, education, healthcare |
| Enterprise Count | ~1.21 lakh enterprises using GSTN database |
| NSO Background | Merged from CSO and NSSO in 2019; HQ: New Delhi |
ASISSE launched by NSO (MoSPI) in April 2026. Reference period: FY 2024-25. Covers ~1.21 lakh enterprises from the GSTN database. NSO was formed in 2019 by merging CSO and NSSO. Full form: Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises.
On 6 April 2026 at 8:25 PM IST, India’s indigenously built 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, successfully achieved ‘first criticality’ — the onset of a controlled, self-sustaining nuclear fission chain reaction. This milestone marks the crucial second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme. PM Narendra Modi hailed it as ‘a defining step in our civil nuclear journey.’
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reactor Type | Sodium-cooled, pool-type Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) |
| Fuel | Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel; blanket of U-238 |
| Designed by | IGCAR (Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research), Kalpakkam (under DAE) |
| Built & Operated by | BHAVINI (Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited), CPSE under DAE |
| Construction Start | 2004 (original target 2010) |
| Cost | Doubled from Rs 3,500 crore to Rs 7,700 crore |
| Commercial Operations | Expected by September 2026 |
- Key officials present: Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty (Secretary DAE & Chairman AEC); Sreekumar G. Pillai (Director IGCAR); Allu Ananth (CMD-In-Charge, BHAVINI).
- India’s 3-Stage Nuclear Programme:
- Stage 1 — PHWRs using natural uranium (ongoing)
- Stage 2 — Fast Breeder Reactors using Pu-239 from Stage 1 (PFBR enters this stage)
- Stage 3 — Thorium-based reactors using U-233 bred from Th-232
- Thorium Reserves: India holds the world’s 2nd largest thorium reserves (~25% of global reserves).
India becomes only the second country after Russia to operate a commercial-scale Fast Breeder Reactor. Next step: six 600 MWe FBRs planned, including two at Kalpakkam.
PFBR first criticality: 6 April 2026, at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Capacity: 500 MWe. Designed by IGCAR, built by BHAVINI (both under DAE). Fuel: MOX (U-Pu). Represents Stage 2 of India’s 3-stage nuclear programme. India is only the 2nd country after Russia to operate such a reactor commercially. Commercial ops expected: September 2026.
In April 2026, the Indian Army (IA) unveiled the ‘Technology Roadmap for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Loitering Munitions’ — a 50-page strategic document released by Lt Gen Rahul R Singh (Deputy Chief of the Army Staff — Capability Development & Sustenance) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The roadmap aims to strengthen India’s self-reliant drone ecosystem and enhance modern warfare capabilities.
| Scope | Detail |
|---|---|
| Types Covered | 30 types of UAS and loitering munitions (~80 variants) |
| Five Segments | Surveillance UAS; Loitering Munitions; Air Defence UAS; Special Role UAS; Logistics UAS |
| Key Tech Areas | HALE, MALE, Swarm Drones, FPV Drones, Anti-Drone Systems, MUM-T, ‘Mother-Child Drone’ |
- Purpose: Provides long-term clarity on Indian Army’s UAS requirements; aligns operational needs with technology development; guides industry, academia, and R&D investments.
- Context: Post-Operation Sindoor learnings — drones have emerged as decisive tools in modern asymmetric warfare; part of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push in defence.
Indian Army’s ‘Technology Roadmap for UAS & Loitering Munitions’ released at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi by Lt Gen Rahul R Singh. Covers 30 types / ~80 variants across 5 segments. Key technologies: HALE, MALE, swarm drones, FPV, MUM-T. Context: learnings from Operation Sindoor; part of Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiative.
In April 2026, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced that India achieved its highest-ever annual wind energy capacity addition of 6.05 GW in FY 2025-26 (FY26) — a landmark milestone in India’s Renewable Energy (RE) sector.
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| FY26 Wind Addition (Record) | 6.05 GW |
| Previous Record | 5.5 GW (FY17) |
| FY25 Addition | 4.15 GW |
| YoY Growth | 46% |
| Total Installed Capacity | 56 GW+ |
| 2030 Wind Target | 140 GW |
| Global Rank | 4th largest wind energy country |
- Leading States: Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra — lead wind capacity additions due to favourable policies and hybrid project deployment.
- Broader Target: Strengthens India’s position to meet the 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity target by 2030.
India added 6.05 GW wind power in FY26 — an all-time record, surpassing 5.5 GW (FY17). Growth: 46% over FY25. Total capacity crosses 56 GW. India is the 4th largest wind energy country globally; 2030 target: 140 GW. Leading states: Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra. Broader RE target: 500 GW non-fossil by 2030.
In April 2026, Divya Singh, a 28-year-old teacher from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, created history by becoming the first Indian woman and the second woman globally to reach Mount Everest Base Camp (EBC) on a bicycle — completing the journey in 14 days. The first woman globally to achieve this feat was Tammat Bil Khoar of Bangladesh.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Route | Kathmandu (Nepal) → EBC via Saleri, Surke, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Lobuche, Gorakshep |
| Duration | 14 days (10–12 hours daily cycling) |
| Altitude Reached | 5,364 m (17,560 feet) above sea level |
| Support | Managed by Rustadventure1; flagged off by Gorakhpur district officials |
Divya Singh (28, teacher, Gorakhpur, UP) — first Indian woman & second woman globally to cycle to Everest Base Camp. Completed in 14 days. Altitude: 5,364 m. First woman globally: Tammat Bil Khoar (Bangladesh). Route started from Kathmandu, Nepal.
💼 Business & Economy
In April 2026, Bajaj Alternate Investment Management (Bajaj Alts), an arm of Bajaj Finserv Limited, secured regulatory approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch Portfolio Management Services (PMS).
- PMS: A premium investment service where experts manage investments in stocks and bonds based on investor goals and risk profile; primarily targets HNWIs and UHNWIs.
- Expansion: Bajaj Alts becomes a diversified investment platform offering comprehensive solutions across Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs) and PMS.
- Bajaj Finserv: Annual turnover of Rs 40,182 crore in FY2024-25.
- SEBI: Statutory regulator of the securities market under the SEBI Act, 1992; HQ: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Bajaj Alts (arm of Bajaj Finserv) received SEBI approval to launch PMS (Portfolio Management Services). PMS primarily targets HNWIs/UHNWIs. SEBI is the statutory regulator under SEBI Act, 1992; HQ: Mumbai.
In April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the licence of Maharashtra’s Shirpur Merchants’ Co-operative Bank Limited over inadequate capital and poor earning prospects, under Section 22 read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation (BR) Act, 1949. The bank ceased all banking activities from the close of business on 6 April 2026.
- Reasons: Failed to comply with provisions of the BR Act, 1949, including capital adequacy and operational conditions.
- Liquidation: RBI requested the Commissioner for Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra, to initiate winding-up and appoint a liquidator.
- Depositor Insurance: Every depositor eligible for deposit insurance claim up to Rs 5 lakh from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) under the DICGC Act, 1961.
- Insured Amount at this bank: Rs 48.95 crore (as of 31 January 2026).
RBI cancelled licence of Shirpur Merchants’ Co-operative Bank (Maharashtra) under Section 22 & 56 of BR Act, 1949. Effective: 6 April 2026. Depositors insured up to Rs 5 lakh by DICGC (under DICGC Act, 1961). DICGC insured deposits: Rs 48.95 crore at this bank.
In April 2026, American investment bank Morgan Stanley lowered its real GDP projection for India for FY 2026-27 (FY27) from 6.5% to 6.2% — a cut of 30 basis points (bps) — citing the ongoing conflict in West Asia as the primary reason.
| Indicator | Morgan Stanley Projection |
|---|---|
| India GDP Growth (FY27) | 6.2% (revised down from 6.5%) |
| Q1 FY27 GDP (Apr–Jun) | 5.9% YoY |
| CPI Inflation (FY27) | 5.1% YoY avg |
| Current Account Deficit (CAD) | ~2.5% of GDP (widening by ~150 bps) |
| Fiscal Deficit | ~4.3% of GDP |
Other agencies also cut India’s FY27 growth: Moody’s: 6.0%, OECD: 6.1%, ICRA: 6.5% — all citing West Asia conflict as the key headwind.
Morgan Stanley lowered India FY27 GDP forecast to 6.2% (from 6.5%) by 30 bps. Q1 FY27 growth: 5.9% YoY. CPI inflation: 5.1%; CAD: ~2.5% of GDP. Reason: West Asia conflict. Other agency cuts — Moody’s: 6.0%, OECD: 6.1%, ICRA: 6.5%. Morgan Stanley HQ: New York, USA.
👔 Appointments
In April 2026, Jindal Stainless Limited (JSL), India’s largest stainless steel manufacturer, appointed renowned actor Ranveer Singh as its first-ever brand ambassador. The collaboration aims to enhance brand visibility and expand the consumer base of stainless steel products in everyday life and infrastructure.
- Campaign: Ranveer Singh will feature across TV, digital, and social media platforms.
- JSL: India’s largest stainless steel manufacturer; annual turnover of Rs 40,182 crore (FY2024-25); plans to scale melt capacity to 4.2 MT by FY25.
- Presence: 16 manufacturing and processing units in India and overseas (Spain, Indonesia); network in 12 countries.
Ranveer Singh appointed as first-ever brand ambassador of Jindal Stainless Limited (JSL). JSL is India’s largest stainless steel manufacturer; turnover: Rs 40,182 crore (FY25); operations in 12 countries with 16 manufacturing units.
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