Current Affairs - 10 April 2026

Gujarat High Court Restricts Use of AI in Judicial Work

NATIONAL

Why in News:
Gujarat High Court has issued a policy limiting the use of Artificial Intelligence in core judicial functions.

Key Highlights:

AI tools cannot be used for decision-making or drafting judgments.
Courts acknowledged AI’s role in improving efficiency and research support.
Emphasis placed on human judgment and legal reasoning in justice delivery.
Concerns include risks related to bias, lack of accountability, and transparency.
Policy aims to safeguard judicial independence and fairness in the legal system.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

INS Sunayna Reaches Maldives under IOS SAGAR Mission

Why in News:
INS Sunayna reached Malé as part of the IOS SAGAR maritime cooperation mission, strengthening regional naval ties.

Key Highlights:

Mission conducted in collaboration with Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard.
After departure, INS Sunayna will participate in a PASSEX (Passage Exercise).
Enhances operational coordination and interoperability between navies.
Focus on maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

IOS SAGAR Initiative

IOS SAGAR stands for Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar initiative.
It is a maritime security cooperation programme in the Southwest Indian Ocean.
Designed to allow naval personnel from friendly foreign countries to train onboard Indian naval ships.
Involves participation from 16 nations of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026

NATIONAL

Why in News:
TCS World 10K Bengaluru will be held on 26 April 2026, with Blanka Vlašić announced as the International Event Ambassador.

Key Highlights:

One of India’s leading international road races attracting global athletes.
Appointment of Blanka Vlašić adds international recognition and visibility.
Event promotes fitness culture and mass participation in India.

About Blanka Vlašić

Blanka Vlašić is a former high jump champion from Croatia.
Won Silver Medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Won Bronze Medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Known as one of the greatest high jump athletes globally.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

UAE Launches World’s First Commercial U6GHz Internet

INTERNATIONAL

Why in News:
United Arab Emirates has launched the world’s first commercial upper 6GHz (U6GHz) internet, marking a major advancement in high-speed digital connectivity.

Key Highlights:

U6GHz operates in the 6425–7125 MHz frequency range.
Known as a “golden band” due to balance of wide coverage and high speed.
Enables multiple users to access internet simultaneously without congestion.
Offers speeds up to 10 Gbps download and 1 Gbps upload.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

India Withdraws Bid to Host COP33 (UNFCCC) in 2028

NATIONAL

Why in News:
India has withdrawn its bid to host COP33 (2028) under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change citing a review of commitments for 2028.

Key Highlights:

Decision linked to logistical challenges and competing global events.
Concerns over pressure to raise climate commitments(like a potential 2030 Commonwealth Games).
Move may impact India’s leadership role in Global South climate negotiations.
After Australia (COP31, 2026), Turkey (co-host COP31), and Ethiopia (COP32, 2027), South Korea remains the only contender for COP33 (2028).

UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is the main global treaty on climate change.
Aim: Stabilize greenhouse gas (GHG) levels and prevent dangerous climate impacts.
Adopted at Rio Earth Summit 1992, enforced in 1994.
Secretariat located in Bonn, Germany.
COP hosting rotates among 5 UN regional groups.(UN’s 5 regional groups — African States, Asia-Pacific States, Eastern European States, Latin American and Caribbean States and Western European and other States. India is part of the Asia Pacific group)
India belongs to Asia-Pacific group.
India hosted COP only once in 2002 (COP8).

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Mass Death of Himalayan Griffon Vultures in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

NATIONAL

Why in News:
Around 25 Himalayan Griffon Vulture died in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve due to suspected secondary poisoning.

Key Highlights:

Cause: Vultures fed on stray dog carcasses contaminated with pesticide-laced rice.
Indicates toxic bioaccumulation in food chain affecting scavenger species.
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve located in Terai belt along Indo-Nepal border (Lakhimpur Kheri & Bahraich).
Comprises Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur WLS, Katarniaghat WLS.
Drained by Mohana and Suheli rivers.

Himalayan Griffon Vulture

Himalayan Griffon Vulture is an Old World vulture, second largest after cinereous vulture.
Major threat: Poisoning from diclofenac and veterinary drugs present in carcasses.
Other threats: habitat disturbance and declining food availability.
IUCN Status: Near Threatened.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest protection).
CITES: Appendix II (regulated trade).

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25%

NATIONAL

Why in News:
Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, reflecting a cautious approach amid global uncertainty and inflation risks.

Key Highlights:

Repo Rate (LAF): Remains at 5.25%.
SDF Rate: 5% and MSF + Bank Rate: 5.50%.
Decision indicates status quo in policy rates.
Policy Stance: Neutral, focusing on a wait-and-watch strategy.
Aim is to balance inflation control with economic growth.
GDP Growth (2025-26): Estimated at 7.6% based on new GDP series (base year 2022-23).

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

India–Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone-IV

NATIONAL

Why in News:
Indian Army is participating in the 4th edition of Exercise Cyclone-IV with Egypt, strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

Key Highlights:

Exercise Cyclone is a joint special forces exercise between India and Egypt, started in 2023.
Conducted at Anshas, Egypt from 9–17 April 2026.
Alternates between both countries.

Objectives:

Counter-Terrorism: Operations in urban and semi-urban areas.
Special Operations: Sniper drills, reconnaissance, tactical casualty care.
Desert Warfare: Focus on combat and survival in arid terrain.

Strategic Context:

Linked to India–Egypt Strategic Partnership (January 2023).
Enhances cooperation in counter-terrorism and regional security.

Other Exercises:

Exercise Desert Warrior (Air Force).
Exercise Bright Star (multinational exercise).

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

ASI Discovers 1,500-Year-Old Stepped Reservoir at Elephanta Island

NATIONAL

Why in News:
Archaeological Survey of India has discovered a 1,500-year-old stepped reservoir at Elephanta Island, revealing advanced ancient water management and maritime trade links.

Key Highlights:

Stepped Reservoir:
- T-shaped structure with 20 well-aligned stone steps.
- Built using stones transported from the mainland.
- Designed for efficient storage of monsoon water on rocky terrain.
Numismatic Evidence:
- Around 60 coins (copper, lead, silver) discovered.
- Includes coins of Krishnaraja (Kalachuri dynasty, 6th century CE).
- Features: Bull motif on front and temple symbol with “Sri Krishnaraja” on reverse.
Maritime Trade Evidence:
- Discovery of ~3,000 amphorae sherds (storage jars) (Mediterranean origin).
- Presence of torpedo jars linked to West Asia (Mesopotamia).
- Confirms long-distance trade with Rome and West Asia during Early Historic period.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

BIHAR NEWS

Bihar Horticulture Directorate Wins Golden Peacock Award 2026

BIHAR SPECIAL

Why in News:

Bihar Directorate of Horticulture has received the Golden Peacock Innovative Product/Service Award 2026 for its work on the Makhana value chain.

Key Highlights:

Award given by Institute of Directors.
Jury chaired by former CJI Uday U Lalit.
Recognises efforts in production, processing, branding, packaging and export of Makhana.
Highlights Bihar’s role in agri-value chain development and innovation.

Mithila Makhana

- GI Tag: Awarded in August 2022.
- Local name: Makhan in Mithila region.
- Botanical name: Euryale ferox Salisb.
- Cultivated in Bihar (Mithila region) and nearby Nepal areas.
- Rich in protein, fiber, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron.
- Bihar contributes around 85% of India’s Makhana production.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

ONE LINER

FACTUAL

The continent known as the White Continent is Antarctica.
Vinay Tonse has taken charge as MD & CEO of YES Bank, bringing over 30 years of banking experience.
Bank of Baroda launched AI-powered ‘bob SAMVAD’ in Mumbai to improve multilingual customer communication at branches.
Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister Mohsina Kidwai passed away at the age of 94 in Noida.
Meta Platforms has introduced its new AI model ‘Muse Spark’ to power its AI assistant, making it more intelligent, faster, and useful.
Deep Jariwala has been selected for the UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Quantum Devices and will assume the role in January 2027.
World Bank has raised India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.6%.
KreditBee has entered the unicorn club after raising $280 million in funding, taking its valuation to $1.5 billion.
Uniform Civil Code: Gujarat became the second Indian state to pass the UCC Bill 2026, establishing a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, and inheritance across all religions except for Scheduled Tribes.
Space Exploration: Ahmedabad-based startup Omspace Rocket and Exploration successfully launched Gujarat’s first sounding rocket from Dholera on March 15, 2026, marking a major milestone in private space tech.
Education Support: Under the Namo Laxmi Scheme, the government allocated ₹1,250 crore for the 2025–26 cycle to provide financial assistance to over 12 lakh girls in Classes 9–12.
Labor Reform: The Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed, legally permitting women to work night shifts (9 PM to 6 AM) provided that employers ensure specific safety and transport facilities.
Environmental Monitoring: Gujarat introduced the "Lake and Air Watch" initiative, utilizing satellite technology and IoT sensors to provide real-time data on Air Quality Index (AQI) and the ecological health of lakes.
Khelo India Tribal Games: Karnataka emerged as the overall champion of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026, winning 38 medals (23 gold) in the event hosted by Chhattisgarh.
Winter Olympics: The 25th Winter Olympic Games (Milano Cortina 2026) officially began in Italy on February 6, 2026, featuring "Tina and Milo" as mascots and representing India with athletes like alpine skier Arif Mohammad Khan.
Khelo India Winter Games: The 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026 was inaugurated in Leh, Ladakh, introducing figure skating to the competition program for the first time.
Para Archer of the Year: India's 19-year-old Sheetal Devi was named the Para Archer of the Year 2025 by World Archery for her exceptional international performances.
Athletics Series: Murali Sreeshankar secured the men's long jump title at the Indian Athletics Series 2026 with a leap of 8.15 meters at the Kanteerava Stadium.
Women's Cricket: The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 kicked off at the DY Patil Sports Academy, with Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz) being the most expensive player at ₹3.20 crore.
Massive Trade Target: India and the UAE have officially set a target to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, building on the $100 billion milestone achieved in FY 2024–25.
Investment in Gujarat: The UAE has committed to developing the Dholera Special Investment Region, including an international airport, smart township, and greenfield port projects.
Financial Integration: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and DP World announced plans to set up operations in GIFT City, Gujarat, to promote global trade and ship leasing.
IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi Expansion: The newly opened IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus is set to double its student strength to 400 by late 2026, introducing specialized Master’s programs in Artificial Intelligence.
"House of India" in Abu Dhabi: A new cultural space called the "House of India" will be built in Abu Dhabi, featuring a museum dedicated to Indian art, heritage, and archaeology.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Padhai Marg

Turning Aspirants Into Officer's

Current Affairs – 10 April 2026

BIHAR NEWS

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