Current Affairs - April 8, 2026 Current Affairs

INS Sunayna is a Saryu-class offshore patrol vessel of the Indian Navy that arrived at Male as part of its operational deployment under the SAGAR initiative. Commissioned in October 2013 and built by Goa Shipyard Limited, the vessel plays a vital role in maritime security and surveillance. Its deployment reflects India’s commitment to regional cooperation, particularly under the Neighbourhood First policy and MAHASAGAR vision, aimed at ensuring security and growth across the Indian Ocean region through collaborative maritime efforts.

Menaka Guruswamy made history by becoming India’s first openly queer Member of Parliament after taking oath in the Rajya Sabha in April 2026. A distinguished senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India, she played a key role in the landmark 2018 case that led to the decriminalisation of homosexuality by reading down Section 377 of the IPC. Representing West Bengal as a member of the All India Trinamool Congress, her achievement marks a significant step toward inclusivity and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in India’s political landscape.

Kalpakkam is the location of India’s first indigenously developed 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), which recently attained criticality. Developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI), the reactor marks a major milestone in India’s nuclear power programme. It represents the second stage of the three-stage nuclear strategy, aimed at utilising plutonium and eventually thorium for sustainable energy production. The reactor is designed to produce more fuel than it consumes and includes advanced safety features, showcasing India’s progress in nuclear technology and self-reliance.

Payal Nag made history by becoming the world’s first quadruple amputee archer to win an international title at the World Para Archery Series Final in Bangkok in April 2026. She secured a gold medal in her senior international debut, defeating fellow Indian archer Sheetal Devi. Despite severe physical challenges, she uses a custom prosthetic arm and a unique shooting technique involving her shoulder and mouth. Her achievement highlights extraordinary determination and innovation, inspiring athletes worldwide and bringing recognition to India in para sports.

Vinay Muralidhar Tonse took charge as the Managing Director and CEO of Yes Bank on April 6, 2026, succeeding Prashant Kumar, who completed his tenure. With over 35 years of experience in the banking and financial services sector, he has held several key leadership positions at State Bank of India, including Managing Director (Retail Business & Operations) and MD & CEO of SBI Mutual Funds. His appointment ensures experienced leadership and continuity in the functioning and strategic direction of the bank.

Shri Tejveer Singh, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Punjab cadre, assumed charge as the Secretary of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) in April 2026. He has held several key administrative positions, including Additional Chief Secretary in Punjab’s Technical Education and Industrial Training Department, and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. His extensive administrative experience across various roles, including as District Magistrate, equips him to handle responsibilities related to policy formulation and development in the chemical and petrochemical sectors.

Morgan Stanley revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6.2%, lowering it from the earlier estimate of 6.5%. This revision reflects concerns over geopolitical tensions in West Asia and increasing global energy prices, particularly crude oil. Higher oil prices can raise import bills and inflation, affecting economic growth. The report also highlighted a rise in retail inflation and a widening current account deficit. Such projections are important indicators for policymakers and investors to assess economic stability and future growth prospects.

The Biological Diversity Act was enacted in 2002 to conserve India’s rich biodiversity, promote sustainable use of its components, and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources. The Act provides a legal framework for protecting biological diversity and associated knowledge. It led to the establishment of institutions like the National Biodiversity Authority, which plays a key role in regulating access to biological resources and advising the government. The Act also mandates proper documentation and preservation of newly discovered species through designated repositories.

Telangana declared cancer a notifiable disease to strengthen its public health monitoring system. This move mandates all healthcare providers, including hospitals and diagnostic labs, to report cancer cases within a month. The initiative aims to create a centralized cancer registry, helping authorities track incidence and prevalence effectively. The Mehdi Nawaz Jung Institute of Oncology in Hyderabad serves as the nodal agency for data validation and coordination. This step enhances early detection, better resource allocation, and supports national-level cancer control strategies through systematic data collection and reporting.

Divya Singh created history by becoming the first Indian woman to cycle to the Mount Everest Base Camp. A 28-year-old teacher from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, she completed this challenging expedition in 14 days. The journey began in Kathmandu and passed through difficult terrains such as Namche Bazaar and Lobuche before reaching the base camp at an altitude of 17,560 feet. Her determination was evident as she carried her bicycle on her shoulders in impassable regions, showcasing resilience, endurance, and inspiring achievement in adventure sports.

The Yoga Mahotsav–2026 was organized in Maharashtra, specifically at Lonar in the Buldhana district. The event marked the beginning of the 75-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga 2026. It was held at a geologically significant site and witnessed a large gathering performing yoga, even setting a record in the Asia Book of Records. Organised by the Ministry of Ayush through the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, the event also promoted various yoga protocols and campaigns to encourage daily practice and improve public health.