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Delhi Draft EV Policy 2026–2030 Released — Accelerating Clean Mobility

The Delhi Government released its draft Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2026–2030, aiming to accelerate the adoption of clean mobility and curb vehicular pollution in the national capital. This policy update follows Delhi's first EV policy (2020–25) and focuses on increasing EV penetration across two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, and passenger vehicles. Aligned with India's PM E-DRIVE scheme and green mobility goals.

UPSC SSC RRB

UPSC NDA 1 Exam 2026 Conducted Across India — April 12

The UPSC NDA 1 (National Defence Academy) Exam 2026 was conducted across India on April 12, 2026. NDA is the premier joint defence training institution for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. The written exam tests candidates in Mathematics and General Ability Test (English + GK). Successful candidates proceed to SSB (Services Selection Board) interview.

DEFENCE SSC

Women's Reservation Bill — Baisakhi Amendment | Constitutional Amendment Approved by Cabinet

The Union Cabinet approved key Constitutional amendments aimed at expediting the implementation of 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. The original Women's Reservation Act (2023) — 128th Constitutional Amendment — was linked to the next Census (post-2026) and subsequent delimitation. New proposal: a Hybrid System — retain existing constituencies + add extra seats reserved for women + proportional party nominations — to enable faster implementation without waiting for delimitation.

UPSC SSC

Operation HimSetu — Indian Army Rescues 1,400+ Stranded in North Sikkim

The Indian Army's Operation HimSetu successfully rescued over 1,400 stranded tourists and locals in North Sikkim after landslides and a bridge collapse near Lachen disrupted connectivity. Despite extreme weather and snowfall, the Army completed a swift evacuation within 48 hours, demonstrating unmatched disaster response capability in high-altitude Himalayan terrain.

DEFENCE SSC

Bhutan Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Project (1,200 MW) Resumes After 7-Year Suspension

Work on Bhutan's 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydropower Project resumed after a 7-year suspension, with India's Power Minister attending the key concrete-pouring ceremony. Located on the left bank of Punatsangchhu River, Bhutan. Funded by India: 40% Grant + 60% Loan at 10% annual interest. All surplus power will be exported to India. India–Bhutan energy cooperation is a flagship example of neighbourhood first policy.

UPSC SSC

NCERT Declared 'Deemed to be University' — Distinct Category | MoE

The Ministry of Education (MoE) declared NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) as a 'Deemed to be University' under a Distinct Category as per Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. This allows NCERT to offer Diploma, UG, PG, PhD and specialised programmes while continuing curriculum development. Covers NCERT along with 6 constituent RIEs across India (Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, Shillong, PSSCIVE-Bhopal).

UPSC SSC

Colonel Sonam Wangchuk — Maha Vir Chakra Awardee Passes Away | Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the passing of Maha Vir Chakra awardee Colonel Sonam Wangchuk. Col. Wangchuk was a decorated Indian Army officer who received the Maha Vir Chakra — India's second-highest wartime gallantry award — for exceptional bravery. (Note: Not to be confused with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk of Ladakh.)

DEFENCE SSC

CPA India Region Zone VII Conference Concludes in Goa — Women's Representation Focus

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone VII Conference concluded in Goa, with a strong focus on strengthening democracy, boosting women's representation, and increasing youth participation in governance. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasised expanding women's role in policymaking from grassroots to Parliament.

UPSC SSC

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9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2026) — Mauritius | April 10–12, 2026

The 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2026) was held in Mauritius from April 10–12, 2026, organised by India Foundation in association with the Government of Mauritius. Theme: "Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance." EAM S. Jaishankar attended and held bilateral meetings with several leaders. The conference brings together leaders, policymakers and experts from across the Indian Ocean Region to deliberate on shared responsibilities, cooperative frameworks and the future of regional governance.

UPSC SSC

US–Iran Tensions Continue — Iran Insists Ceasefire Must Include Lebanon

Iran has insisted that any ceasefire understanding must include an end to Israeli attacks on Hizbullah in Lebanon, while the US and Israel view the arrangement differently. Iran indicated it will not proceed with formal talks unless a ceasefire in Lebanon is implemented — complicating diplomatic efforts. Strait of Hormuz remains a critical flashpoint for global oil supply, with crude oil above $100/barrel impacting India's inflation and CAD.

UPSC SSC

India Sweeps 4 UN Subsidiary Body Elections — ECOSOC Triumph

India swept four unopposed elections to key UN subsidiary bodies: Commission on Science and Technology for Development; Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations; Committee for Programme and Coordination; and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (where Preeti Saran was re-elected). This underscores India's leadership role in the Global South and its 36-year diplomatic legacy within the UN system. Note: ECOSOC membership is based on equitable geographical distribution — NOT restricted to P5 Security Council members.

UPSC SSC

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RBI Launches 'Utkarsh 2029' — Medium-Term Strategy for Future-Ready Financial Ecosystem

The Reserve Bank of India launched its medium-term strategy 'Utkarsh 2029' for the period April 2026 – March 2029, aiming to build a future-ready financial ecosystem. The strategy focuses on strengthening regulation, supervision, and financial stability while embracing digital innovation and ensuring consumer protection in India's evolving financial landscape. (Previous strategy: Utkarsh 2025, which concluded in March 2026.)

BANK UPSC

Deakin University – Telangana MoU — Aikam-DHRITI AI Hub Established | Hyderabad

Deakin University (Australia) and the Government of Telangana signed a strategic MoU in Hyderabad to strengthen India's AI ecosystem. The agreement establishes the Aikam–Deakin Hub for Research in Intelligent Technology & Innovation (Aikam-DHRITI), aimed at converting AI research into real-world applications through joint research, innovation, and skill development.

SSC BANK

India's Forex Reserves Surge — RBI Data

India's foreign exchange reserves witnessed a significant surge as per the latest RBI data. India's forex reserves are among the highest globally, providing a strong buffer against external shocks including the current West Asia geopolitical crisis. The reserves are managed by RBI and include foreign currency assets, gold, SDRs, and reserve position at the IMF.

BANK SSC

🛡️

FUFA — India Prioritises Futuristic Unmanned Fighter Aircraft (UCAV)

India has prioritised the FUFA (Futuristic Unmanned Fighter Aircraft), an agile 7–8 ton class UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) derived from the SWIFT technology demonstrator. Powered by a Kaveri derivative engine and armed with Astra Mk2 missiles. FUFA represents India's push toward next-generation autonomous aerial warfare capabilities, reducing pilot risk while enhancing strike precision. Development led by DRDO/ADA.

DEFENCE UPSC

IAF Evaluates Rafale Jets for Southern Theater — Maritime Strike Enhancement

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is evaluating the deployment of Rafale fighter jets in the Southern Theater to significantly enhance its long-range maritime strike capabilities. The Rafale's Hammer and SCALP missiles give India a powerful standoff maritime strike edge in the Indian Ocean Region, vital given China's growing naval presence.

DEFENCE UPSC

Indian Army — 3D Additive Manufacturing Facility at 515 Army Base Workshop

The Indian Army Chief dedicated a state-of-the-art Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) facility at the 515 Army Base Workshop. The facility features advanced 3D scanning and metal/polymer printing to enable rapid repairs and faster prototyping of military equipment, reducing dependency on imported spare parts and enhancing operational readiness.

DEFENCE SSC

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Murali Sreeshankar Wins Men's Long Jump Title — Indian Athletics Series 2026

Murali Sreeshankar won the Men's Long Jump title at the Indian Athletics Series 2026. Sreeshankar is India's top long jumper and has a personal best of 8.36m. His performances keep India in contention for major international athletics events including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

SSC RRB

Bodhana Sivanandan — England's Top-Rated Woman in FIDE April 2026 List

Bodhana Sivanandan, an Indian-origin chess prodigy, became England's top-rated woman player as per the FIDE April 2026 Rating List. Bodhana is a child prodigy who has been representing England and making India proud with her exceptional chess talent at a very young age. FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) is the world chess governing body.

SSC BANK

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