Daily Current Affairs – 8 April 2026 | UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway Exam Updates

Introduction

The Current Affairs 8 April 2026 brings crucial updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and State PSC aspirants, covering major developments like India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor achieving criticality, Amaravati declared sole capital, PHC Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases, and RBI cancelling a co-operative bank licence.

These Latest Current Affairs 2026 also highlight India’s wind energy milestone, quantum cryptography roadmap, and ICAR’s agricultural resilience strategy, helping aspirants strengthen both Prelims facts and Mains analytical understanding.

Detailed Current Affairs - 8 April 2026

National Affairs

Amaravati Declared Sole Capital of Andhra Pradesh

Why in News

The Ministry of Law & Justice notified Amaravati as the exclusive capital of Andhra Pradesh after the passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026 by Parliament. This marks a significant shift from the earlier proposal of having three capitals (Amaravati, Visakhapatnam, and Kurnool).

The amendment modifies Section 5 of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, removing the provision of Hyderabad as a common capital. The decision provides clarity on administrative governance and long-term infrastructure planning for the state.

Key Highlights

• Amaravati as sole capital ends the earlier three-capital model, ensuring administrative stability and clarity in governance.
• Effective date June 2, 2024 ensures retrospective implementation aligned with Andhra Pradesh formation.
• Hyderabad’s role removed as a joint capital, ending transitional arrangements between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• Parliamentary approval reflects strong legislative backing and constitutional legitimacy.
• Infrastructure planning boost expected in Amaravati for governance institutions and urban development.
• Political significance as it reverses earlier state-level policy decisions.

Quick Facts Table

Knowledge Booster

• Article 3 of Constitution allows reorganisation of states.
• Hyderabad served as joint capital for 10 years post-2014 bifurcation.
• Amaravati project planned along Krishna River.
• State capitals often influence regional economic growth.

Analysis

The move ensures administrative centralisation, which can improve governance efficiency. However, it may create regional imbalance concerns, especially in Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra regions.

NSO Launches Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE)

Why in News

The National Statistics Office (NSO) launched the first-ever Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) in April 2026. The survey aims to build a comprehensive database of registered service sector enterprises, covering FY 2024-25.

This initiative addresses the data gap in India’s services sector, which contributes significantly to GDP but lacks detailed enterprise-level statistics.

Key Highlights

• Covers 1.21 lakh enterprises, ensuring broad representation of the services sector.
• Uses GSTN database, improving accuracy and reliability of data collection.
• Includes sectors like IT, transport, healthcare, offering comprehensive coverage.
• Enhances policymaking, especially for service-driven economic growth.
• Supports GDP estimation improvements, aligning with modern economic structures.
• Helps track formalisation trends in the Indian economy.

Quick Facts Table

Knowledge Booster

• NSO formed in 2019 by merging NSSO and CSO.
• Services sector contributes ~55% to GDP.
• GSTN database widely used for economic analytics.
• Formalisation key policy focus post-GST.

Indian Army Releases UAS & Loitering Munitions Roadmap

Why in News

The Indian Army released a Technology Roadmap for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Loitering Munitions to enhance India’s self-reliant defence capabilities.

The roadmap aligns military requirements with domestic R&D and industry capabilities, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Key Highlights

• Covers 30 UAS types and 80 variants, ensuring comprehensive capability planning.
• Focus on HALE, MALE, swarm drones, reflecting modern warfare trends.
• Encourages industry participation, boosting defence manufacturing ecosystem.
• Includes anti-drone systems, addressing emerging security threats.
• Supports logistics and surveillance roles, beyond combat applications.
• Enhances joint operations through manned-unmanned teaming.

Analysis

The roadmap strengthens India’s position in next-generation warfare technologies, reducing dependence on imports while enhancing strategic autonomy.

Science & Technology

India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) Achieves Criticality

Why in News

India’s 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu achieved criticality, marking the beginning of a sustained nuclear fission chain reaction.

This milestone represents a major advancement in the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme, aimed at utilising thorium reserves.

Key Highlights

• First indigenous PFBR, showcasing India’s nuclear technological capability.
• Uses MOX fuel, combining uranium and plutonium.
• Produces more fuel than it consumes, enhancing sustainability.
• Designed by IGCAR, developed by BHAVINI.
• Second country after Russia with commercial-scale FBR.
• Supports long-term energy security.

Quick Facts Table

Knowledge Booster

• Three-stage nuclear programme by Homi Bhabha.
• Stage 3 uses Thorium-232.
• Fast Breeder Reactors multiply fuel.
• India has large thorium reserves.

Analysis

PFBR strengthens India’s energy independence and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with climate goals.

DST Releases Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Roadmap

Why in News

The Department of Science & Technology (DST) released a roadmap for Post-Quantum Cryptography to safeguard digital systems against quantum computing threats.

Quantum computers can break traditional encryption methods like RSA and ECC, posing risks to cybersecurity.

Key Highlights

• Focus on quantum-safe encryption, ensuring long-term data security.
• Addresses risks like “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” attacks.
• Protects banking, telecom, defence sectors.
• Supports National Quantum Mission.
• Encourages indigenous cryptography development.
• Enhances digital sovereignty.

Analysis

The roadmap is crucial for future-proof cybersecurity, especially as quantum computing advances rapidly.

Environment & Ecology

PHC Summit 2026 Focuses on Non-Communicable Diseases

Why in News

The Partnership for Healthy Cities (PHC) Summit 2026 held in Rio de Janeiro brought together experts from 55 cities to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

India’s cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru are part of this global network.

Key Highlights

• 74 cities globally working on NCD prevention.
• 80% global deaths linked to NCDs and injuries.
• Major diseases include cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases.
• Focus on behavioural and environmental risk factors.
• India promotes Eat Right India and Fit India Movement.
• Urban health planning integration emphasised.

Knowledge Booster

• NCDs are non-infectious chronic diseases.
• SDG 3 targets reduction of NCD mortality.
• WHO plays key role in global health governance.
• Lifestyle diseases rising in urban India.

Ecological Decline of Jammu & Kashmir Lakes

Why in News

he Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), in a recent performance audit, has highlighted the alarming ecological degradation of lakes in Jammu & Kashmir, revealing that 315 out of 697 lakes have disappeared over the past decade, while many others have significantly shrunk or degraded. This report underscores serious concerns regarding environmental mismanagement, inadequate conservation measures, and weak institutional coordination in protecting these vital water bodies.

The findings come at a time when Himalayan ecosystems are increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and glacial retreat, which directly affect lake hydrology. Additionally, urbanisation, encroachment, pollution from untreated sewage, and siltation have accelerated the deterioration of major lakes like Dal Lake and Wular Lake.

Key Highlights

• 518 lakes degraded, indicating ecological crisis.
• Dal Lake urban pollution concerns.
• Wular Lake shrinking, affecting biodiversity.
• Hokersar wetland crucial for migratory birds.
• Climate change and encroachment major causes.
• Impacts tourism and livelihoods.

Sundarbans Facing ‘Critical Slowing Down’

Why in News

A recent scientific study has revealed that the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem is undergoing a phenomenon known as “critical slowing down”, which indicates a loss of ecological resilience and increasing vulnerability to environmental stress. This concept refers to a state where ecosystems take longer to recover from disturbances, signaling a possible tipping point or irreversible ecological collapse.

The findings are particularly concerning as the Sundarbans, located in the delta of the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system, is already under severe pressure from climate change, rising sea levels, cyclones, salinity intrusion, and human activities such as deforestation and land-use changes.

Key Highlights

• Largest mangrove forest globally.
• Shared by India and Bangladesh.
• Cyclones and climate change major threats.
• Supports largest tiger population.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Important for coastal protection.

Economy & Banking

RBI Cancels Shirpur Merchants’ Co-op Bank Licence

Why in News

The global investment bank Morgan Stanley has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY2026-27 (FY27) downward to 6.2%, from its earlier estimate of 6.5%, reflecting rising global economic uncertainties. This revision comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have significantly impacted global crude oil prices, thereby increasing India’s import bill and macroeconomic vulnerabilities.

Key Highlights

• Non-compliance with Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• Deposit insurance up to ₹5 lakh via DICGC.
• 99.7% depositors protected.
• Liquidation process initiated.
• Ensures depositor safety.
• Strengthens banking regulation.

Morgan Stanley Cuts India Growth Forecast

Why in News

Morgan Stanley reduced India’s GDP forecast to 6.2% for FY27 due to geopolitical risks.

Key Highlights

• Inflation projected at 5.1%.
• CAD expected to widen to 2.5%.
• Oil prices key risk factor.
• Growth slowdown concerns.
• Global uncertainty impacts economy.
• Comparative forecasts vary across agencies.

Science & Technology (Additional)

Deep Sea Repositories Notified under Biological Diversity Act

Why in News

The Government of India, in consultation with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has officially notified two institutions—Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), Kochi and Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune—as designated repositories under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Key Highlights

• Supports Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• Preserves marine and microbial samples.
• Enhances research capabilities.
• Aligned with UN Ocean Decade.
• Prevents biopiracy.
• Improves species documentation.

Today’s Current Affairs One-Liners - 8 April 2026

National Affairs

● The Government of India, through the Ministry of Law & Justice, officially notified Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh under the AP Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, replacing the earlier three-capital proposal and ensuring administrative clarity and governance stability.

● The National Statistics Office (NSO) launched the Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) in April 2026, covering 1.21 lakh registered enterprises across India using GSTN data to improve service sector statistics and policy formulation.

● The Ministry of Textiles, led by Union Minister Giriraj Singh, released the report “Market for Textiles & Clothing: National Household Survey 2024”, showing domestic textile demand rising to ₹14.95 lakh crore in 2024 with 8.3% CAGR, reflecting growing consumer spending.

● The Indian Army unveiled a comprehensive Technology Roadmap for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Loitering Munitions in New Delhi, outlining 30 UAS categories and 80 variants to strengthen indigenous defence capabilities and modern warfare preparedness.

● India achieved a record addition of 6.05 GW wind energy capacity in FY26, crossing a total installed capacity of 56 GW, as announced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), supporting India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030.

Economy & Banking

● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the licence of Shirpur Merchants’ Co-operative Bank under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, citing inadequate capital and compliance failures, while ensuring deposit insurance up to ₹5 lakh through DICGC.

●  Bajaj Alternate Investment Management (Bajaj Alts) received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch Portfolio Management Services (PMS) targeting High Net-worth Individuals (HNIs) with research-driven investment strategies.

●  Morgan Stanley revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6.2%, citing West Asia geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices, and widening current account deficit to 2.5% of GDP, indicating macroeconomic challenges.

●  The Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) reported a 10.58% increase in sales, highlighting strong performance of the ₹10,900 crore scheme aimed at boosting food processing and farmer incomes.

●  India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded 228.5 billion transactions worth ₹299.74 trillion in 2025, reflecting rapid digital payment growth and increased adoption of micro-transactions across the country.

Science & Technology

● India’s 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, achieved criticality, marking a breakthrough in the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme using MOX fuel and breeder technology.

● The Department of Science & Technology (DST) released a Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) roadmap to protect India’s digital infrastructure from quantum threats, addressing vulnerabilities in RSA and ECC encryption systems.

●  Scientists discovered pair-instability supernova evidence, revealing rare stellar explosions that leave no remnant such as neutron stars or black holes, enhancing understanding of high-energy astrophysical phenomena.

Environment & Ecology

●  The Partnership for Healthy Cities (PHC) Summit 2026 held in Rio de Janeiro brought together 55 cities to tackle Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which account for over 80% of global deaths, with Indian cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru participating.

●  The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reported severe ecological degradation in Jammu & Kashmir lakes, with 315 lakes disappearing and 518 degraded, highlighting urgent conservation challenges.

●  A new study revealed that the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem is undergoing “critical slowing down”, indicating reduced resilience due to climate change, cyclones, and human activities.

●  The government notified “Bhavasagara” (CMLRE Kochi) and Agharkar Research Institute Pune as national repositories under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, enhancing conservation of deep-sea biodiversity and microbial resources.

Defence & Security

●  The Indian Army’s UAS roadmap includes advanced technologies such as HALE, MALE drones, swarm drones, FPV systems, and anti-drone technologies, aligning with modern battlefield requirements and indigenous defence innovation.

●  The US-Iran ceasefire agreement includes reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route through which 20% of global oil supply and significant Indian energy imports pass, impacting global energy security.

International Affairs

●  The International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda was observed on 7 April 2026, marking the 32nd anniversary and honoring over 1 million victims of the genocide.

●  World Health Day 2026 was observed on 7 April with the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science”, promoting global collaboration in healthcare and marking the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948.

●  Qeshm Island in Iran, located near the Strait of Hormuz, gained attention after disruptions to its desalination plant, highlighting its strategic importance in global energy and maritime trade routes.

Appointments & Recognition

●  Divya Singh, a 28-year-old teacher from Gorakhpur, became the first Indian woman and second globally to cycle to Mount Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres, completing the expedition in 14 days.

●  indal Stainless Limited (JSL) appointed actor Ranveer Singh as its first brand ambassador, aiming to enhance brand visibility and expand consumer outreach in domestic and global markets.

Polity & Governance

●  The Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker rejected an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), reaffirming constitutional safeguards under Article 324, which ensures removal only through a special majority process.

●  The Delhi High Court ruled that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has no jurisdiction over animal feed, as it does not fall under the definition of food in the FSSAI Act, 2006.

Agriculture & Rural Development

●  The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) constituted a Special Task Force to enhance agricultural resilience amid lobal geopolitical challenges, focusing on climate adaptation, diversification, and technology adoption.

Geography & Discoveries

●  Scientists discovered 5 million-year-old gourami fish fossils in the Shivalik Hills (Uttar Pradesh), marking the first such discovery in India and indicating the presence of ancient freshwater ecosystems.