Daily Current Affairs – 7 April 2026 | UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway Exam Updates

Introduction

Current Affairs 7 April 2026 brings a comprehensive set of developments vital for competitive exam aspirants. Key highlights include the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) achieving criticality, the declaration of Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh’s capital, and Moody’s GDP forecast revision. Additionally, updates like India’s record wind energy addition, AI policy in judiciary, and new statistical surveys make this edition highly relevant. This Latest Current Affairs 2026 compilation is designed to enhance conceptual clarity and boost exam performance across UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and State PSC exams.

Detailed Current Affairs - 7 April 2026

National Affairs

PFBR at Kalpakkam Achieves Criticality - A Milestone in India’s Nuclear Programme

Why in News

India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, achieved criticality in April 2026, marking a major milestone in the country’s nuclear energy roadmap. Criticality indicates the stage where a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction begins, signifying readiness for power generation. The project is operated by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) and is central to India’s three-stage nuclear programme envisioned by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha.

This achievement is significant because it positions India among a select group of nations with advanced nuclear capabilities and supports long-term energy security through thorium utilisation.

Key Highlights

• PFBR Capacity - The reactor has a 500 MW capacity, making it one of the most advanced nuclear reactors in India. It represents a shift toward sustainable nuclear fuel cycles.
• Fast Neutron Technology - Unlike conventional reactors, PFBR uses fast neutrons, enabling it to generate more fuel than it consumes. This improves fuel efficiency significantly.
• MOX Fuel Usage - The reactor uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel, which is produced indigenously, enhancing self-reliance in nuclear technology.
• Liquid Sodium Coolant - It uses liquid sodium as coolant, which ensures efficient heat transfer and high thermal conductivity, improving reactor efficiency.
• Breeding Mechanism - The Uranium-238 blanket converts into plutonium through nuclear transmutation, generating additional fuel.
• Strategic Importance - PFBR is a stepping stone toward thorium-based reactors, leveraging India’s vast thorium reserves.
• Waste Reduction - It reduces nuclear waste by reusing spent fuel from earlier stages.
• Global Positioning - India will become the second country after Russia to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor.

Important Details

Knowledge Booster

• Three-Stage Nuclear Programme aims to utilise Uranium → Plutonium → Thorium cycle.
• Thorium Reserves - India has one of the largest thorium reserves globally.
• BHAVINI operates under Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• Fast Breeder Reactors are key for sustainable nuclear energy.

Analysis

The achievement of criticality in PFBR is a strategic breakthrough for India’s energy independence. It reduces reliance on imported uranium while enabling long-term sustainability through thorium utilisation. This aligns with India’s climate commitments and energy transition goals.

Amaravati Declared Capital of Andhra Pradesh

Why in News

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, granted assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act 2026, officially declaring Amaravati as the sole capital. This resolves long-standing political and administrative uncertainty after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014.

Key Highlights

• Legal Recognition - Amaravati now has full constitutional backing as the capital.
• Location - Situated in Guntur district along the Krishna River.
• Transition Period Ended - Hyderabad’s role as joint capital ended after 10 years.
• Land Pooling Model - Farmers voluntarily contributed land for development.
• Strategic Planning - Designed as a greenfield smart capital city.
• Political Consensus - Passed with bipartisan support in Parliament.
• Historical Significance - Region linked to Satavahana Empire.

Table

Knowledge Booster

• AP Reorganisation Act 2014 created Telangana.
• Krishna River is India’s 4th largest river.
• Amaravati hosts a famous Buddhist Stupa.

Western Dedicated Freight Corridor Fully Completed

Why in News

The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) has been fully completed, marking a major infrastructure milestone.

Key Highlights

• Length - 1,506 km from Dadri to JNPT.
• Objective - Dedicated freight movement to reduce congestion.
• Speed - Trains can run up to 100 km/h.
• Environmental Benefit - Fully electrified, reducing emissions.
• Economic Impact - Reduces logistics cost significantly.
• DFCCIL Role - Implementation by DFCCIL.

Economy & Banking

Moody’s Cuts India’s FY27 GDP Growth Forecast

Why in News

Moody’s Ratings reduced India’s GDP growth forecast to 6% for FY27 due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Key Highlights

• Previous Estimate - 6.8%, now revised to 6%.
• Inflation Rise - Projected at 4.8%.
• Energy Dependence - 55% crude imports from West Asia.
• CAD - Expected between 1-1.5% of GDP.
• Growth Trend - India recorded 7.5% growth in 2025.
• Global Factors - Rising oil prices and conflicts impacted outlook.

Table

Analysis

The downgrade reflects external vulnerabilities, especially energy dependence. However, India remains one of the fastest-growing economies globally.

India Achieves Record Wind Energy Addition

Why in News

India achieved 6.05 GW wind energy addition in FY26, the highest ever.

Key Highlights

• Growth - 46% increase YoY.
• Total Capacity - Crossed 56 GW.
• Top States - Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra.
• Target - 500 GW non-fossil energy by 2030.
• Policy Support - ISTS waiver, hybrid policy.

Science & Technology

CBSE Introduces AI & Computational Thinking Curriculum

Why in News

The CBSE launched a curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Classes 3-8.

Key Highlights

• Aligned with NEP 2020.
• Focus Areas - Decomposition, abstraction, algorithms.
• Objective - Create AI-ready students.
• Challenges - Infrastructure gaps, teacher training.

NASA Artemis II Breaks Distance Record

Why in News

NASA’s Artemis II mission set a new record by traveling 252,752 miles from Earth.

Key Highlights

• Exceeded Apollo 13 record.
• Mission Objective - Future human missions to Moon and Mars.
• Spacecraft - Orion.

Defence & Security

Indian Army Releases UAS Roadmap

Why in News

The Indian Army released a roadmap for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

Key Highlights

• Focus on indigenous drone ecosystem.
• Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Covers loitering munitions.

Reports & Surveys

ASISSE Survey Launched

Why in News

The National Statistical Office (NSO) launched the Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE).

Key Highlights

• Covers 1.21 lakh enterprises.
• Uses GSTN database.
• Completes three-tier survey system.

Sports

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Reaches 200 IPL Wickets

Why in News

Bhuvneshwar Kumar became the first fast bowler to take 200 IPL wickets.

One-Liners - Current Affairs 7 April 2026

National Affairs

● The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, achieved criticality in April 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s three-stage nuclear programme and future thorium utilisation strategy.

● The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, granted assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act 2026, officially declaring Amaravati as the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh after the end of Hyderabad’s transitional role.

● The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), spanning 1,506 km from Dadri (UP) to JNPT (Maharashtra), has been fully completed to enhance freight efficiency and reduce logistics costs in India.

● The Uttar Pradesh Government launched a statewide Farmer Registry Campaign on 7 April 2026 to build a comprehensive digital database ensuring transparent delivery of agricultural benefits under schemes like PM-KISAN.

● The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) installed an Early Warning System along the Beas River in Punjab to provide real-time flood alerts and improve disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.

● The Shree Jagannath International Airport project in Puri, Odisha, received Stage-I forest clearance, allowing diversion of 27.886 hectares of forest land for development of the ₹5,631 crore greenfield airport.

● The Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan administered oath to 19 newly elected members on 6 April 2026, reflecting diverse political representation across multiple Indian states.

Economy & Banking

●Moody’s Ratings lowered India’s GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6% from 6.8%, citing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and rising global energy prices impacting economic outlook.

● The National Statistical Office (NSO) launched the first-ever Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) to create a robust database covering 1.21 lakh enterprises contributing significantly to India’s GDP.

● The FAO Food Price Index rose to 128.5 points in March 2026, marking a 2.4% monthly increase, driven by rising prices of sugar, vegetable oil, and cereals due to global energy disruptions.

● The Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) successfully concluded DLC Campaign 4.0, generating 1.91 crore Digital Life Certificates, with over 60% using face authentication technology.

Science & Technology

● The CBSE launched a curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Classes 3 to 8, aligned with NEP 2020 to develop future-ready digital and problem-solving skills among students.

● Scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) developed a new pollen analysis method to distinguish cultivated crops from wild grasses, aiding research on the origins of agriculture in India.

● The NASA Artemis II mission set a new human spaceflight record by reaching 252,752 miles from Earth, surpassing the Apollo 13 record of 1970, during its lunar flyby mission.

Defence & Security

● The Indian Army released a Technology Roadmap for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Loitering Munitions, aiming to boost indigenous defence capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

● The Indian Coast Guard commenced construction of Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV-4 and FPV-7) at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, enhancing maritime security and search-and-rescue operations.

● Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh laid the foundation for new medical facilities at Army Hospital (R&R), Delhi, including specialized centres for oncology, ophthalmology, and joint replacement.

● The Tri-Service seminar ‘Ran Samwad’, scheduled for 9-10 April 2026, aims to enhance jointness among Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force for modern warfare strategies.

Environment & Ecology

● India achieved its highest-ever annual wind energy addition of 6.05 GW in FY26, marking a 46% increase and strengthening its commitment to 500 GW non-fossil energy target by 2030.

● The wind energy sector in India crossed 56 GW installed capacity, with leading contributions from Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, reinforcing India’s position as a global renewable energy leader.

International Affairs

● International Affairs - Bangladesh launched a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign targeting children aged 6 months to 5 years after an outbreak caused over 100 deaths and 900 confirmed cases.

Reports & Surveys

● Reports & Surveys - The Ministry of Textiles released the “Market for Textiles and Clothing: National Household Survey 2024”, highlighting growth from ₹4.89 lakh crore in 2010 to ₹14.95 lakh crore in 2024.

Appointments & Resignations

● Appointments - Shri Narendra Bhooshan, a 1992-batch IAS officer, assumed charge as the Secretary of the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development on 6 April 2026.

● Appointments - Croatian athlete Blanka Vlašić was appointed as the International Event Ambassador for the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026, scheduled on 26 April 2026.

Sports

● Sports - Indian cricketer Bhuvneshwar Kumar became the first fast bowler in IPL history to take 200 wickets, achieving the milestone during a match in April 2026.