Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (8th April, 2026)

International News

Russia and China Block UN Resolution on Strait of Hormuz

• Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz
• The resolution was supported by 11 countries but failed due to veto powers
• The proposal focused on ensuring safe navigation and protecting oil shipments
• The Strait carries nearly one-fifth of global oil supply, making it highly strategic
• Rising tensions may impact global oil prices and economic stability

Pakistan Proposes Islamabad Accord to Ease US–Iran Tensions

• Pakistan proposed the Islamabad Accord to reduce tensions between the US and Iran
• The plan includes immediate ceasefire and long-term negotiations
• It aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize global oil supply
• Iran has shown reluctance, demanding stronger guarantees
• The proposal has strategic implications for India’s energy security

Iran Proposes 10-Point Ceasefire Plan Amid Rising Conflict

• Iran proposed a 10-point ceasefire plan to end hostilities with the US
• Key demands include lifting sanctions and withdrawal of US forces
• Iran seeks control over the Strait of Hormuz and safe navigation
• The proposal includes compensation and long-term peace guarantees
• The US sees it as a basis for negotiation, not a final agreement

States News

Maharashtra Launches “Majha Gaon, Arogyasampann Gaon” Health Campaign

• Maharashtra government launched a ₹65.25 crore rural healthcare campaign on World Health Day
• The initiative aims to improve healthcare access and services in villages
• Focus is on preventive healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, and disease control
• Committees at various levels will monitor implementation and progress
• Villages meeting health standards will be awarded “Arogyasampann Gaon” status

Banking News

Bank of Baroda Launches AI-Based Platform “bob SAMVAD”

• Bank of Baroda launched “bob SAMVAD,” an AI-based multilingual communication platform
• It allows real-time translation between customers and bank staff in 22 languages
• The platform improves customer experience by removing language barriers
• It was launched in Mumbai by DFS Secretary M. Nagaraju
• Initially, it will be rolled out in 250 branches across multiple states

RBI MPC Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25% in April 2026 Meeting

• The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in its 60th meeting held from April 6–8, 2026, showing a cautious policy approach
• The policy stance remains neutral, with SDF at 5.00% and MSF & Bank Rate at 5.50%
• India’s GDP growth is estimated at 7.6% for 2025–26 and projected at 6.9% for 2026–27
• Inflation remains under control with CPI at 3.2% (Feb 2026) and projected at 4.6% for FY27
• Global risks like geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions influenced the “wait and watch” decision

Economics News

Morgan Stanley Cuts India’s FY27 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.2%

• Morgan Stanley reduced India’s GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6.2% from 6.5%
• The downgrade is due to global tensions and weaker industrial activity
• Q1 FY27 growth is expected at 5.9% year-on-year
• Inflation is projected to average 5.1% due to rising costs and food prices
• Current Account Deficit may widen to 2.5% of GDP

Appointments News

Jindal Stainless Appoints Ranveer Singh as Brand Ambassador

• Jindal Stainless appointed Ranveer Singh as its first-ever brand ambassador
• The move aims to boost brand visibility and connect with a wider audience
• Campaigns will run across TV, digital, and social media platforms
• The company reported ₹40,182 crore turnover in FY 2024–25
• It plans to expand production capacity to 4.2 million tonnes annually

Intel Appoints Santhosh Viswanathan as VP & MD for APJ Region

• Intel appointed Santhosh Viswanathan as Vice-President and MD for APJ region
• He will oversee operations, strategy, and partnerships across Asia Pacific and Japan
• The APJ region is a key growth market for semiconductor demand
• Viswanathan previously led Intel India and global operations
• His role focuses on innovation, expansion, and regional integration

Gurgaon Ranked Most Polluted City in India for March 2026

• Gurgaon recorded the highest pollution level in India in March 2026 with PM2.5 at 116 µg/m³
• Haryana had four cities in the top 10 most polluted cities list
• Ghaziabad remained the most polluted city for the full financial year 2025–26
• Many cities failed to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
• Experts called for stricter and science-based measures to control pollution

Sports News

Payal Nag Wins Historic Gold in World Para Archery Series 2026

• Odisha’s 18-year-old Payal Nag won a gold medal at the World Para Archery Series Final 2026 in Bangkok
• She became the first quadruple amputee in the world to win an international gold in archery
• Payal defeated Sheetal Devi in the final with a score of 139–136
• She uses a unique technique involving prosthetic support, shoulder, and mouth to shoot arrows
• Her journey from a life-changing accident to global success is an inspiring story of determination

India Wins Gold in ISSF World Cup Granada 2026

• India won gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at ISSF World Cup Granada 2026
• Palak and Mukesh Nelavalli set a world record score of 487.7
• They defeated China (silver) and Hungary (bronze) in the final
• The duo showed consistency from qualification to final round
• This victory highlights India’s growing strength in shooting sports

Schemes News

India Celebrates 11 Years of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

• India marked 11 years of PMMY, launched on April 8, 2015, to provide collateral-free loans to small businesses
• Over 57.79 crore loans worth ₹40.07 lakh crore have been sanctioned under the scheme
• The scheme supports MSMEs through four categories: Shishu, Kishor, Tarun, and Tarun Plus
• Around 67% of beneficiaries are women, promoting financial inclusion and entrepreneurship
• The initiative follows the vision of “Fund the Unfunded” and boosts self-employment

Defence News

INS Sunayna Reaches Maldives Under IOS SAGAR Mission

• Indian Navy ship INS Sunayna reached Malé, Maldives, as part of the IOS SAGAR initiative
• The mission includes a multinational crew from 16 friendly countries
• The visit aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and regional security
• Joint activities and a PASSEX naval exercise with MNDF are planned
• The mission supports India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and MAHASAGAR vision