Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (10th April, 2026)

National News

What Is NHAI’s ‘Arogya Van’ Initiative? Medicinal Trees to Line India’s Highways

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched the ‘Arogya Van’ initiative to promote biodiversity by planting medicinal trees along national highways.
• In the first phase, over 67,000 trees across 62.8 hectares will be planted in multiple states, featuring 36 medicinal species like neem, amla, and jamun.
• The project focuses on creating green corridors at key locations such as toll plazas and interchanges to raise awareness about traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda.
• It also aims to strengthen ecosystems, support wildlife, and improve environmental sustainability along highways.

State News

What Is Kalai-II Hydro Project? Cabinet Approves ₹14,105 Crore Clean Energy Plan

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved ₹14,105.83 crore for the Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Located on the Lohit River, the 1200 MW project will generate around 4,852.95 million units of clean electricity annually and be completed in about 78 months.
• Developed jointly by THDC India Limited and the state government, it will also boost regional infrastructure and connectivity.
• Alongside the Kamala project, this initiative reflects a major push to strengthen renewable energy, power supply, and sustainable development in Northeast India.

International News

Global Trade Hits New High in 2025: Key Winners, Losers, and India’s Position

• Global trade surged in 2025, with exports reaching $26.3 trillion, marking a 7% rise driven by strong demand in technology and services.
• China led global exports, followed by the United States and Germany, with the top 10 countries contributing nearly 49.6% of total trade.
• Asia emerged as the fastest-growing region, supported by AI demand, manufacturing expansion, and strong supply chains, while Europe saw slight declines.
• India ranked 19th with $445 billion in exports, showing steady progress but still facing challenges in scaling its global trade presence.

Preeti Saran Re-Elected as UN Committee Head in India’s ECOSOC Sweep

• India achieved unopposed victories in four key United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) bodies in April 2026, reflecting its growing global credibility.
• The seats secured include the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, and the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC).
• Veteran diplomat Preeti Saran was re-elected to CESCR in an individual expert capacity, highlighting India’s diplomatic and intellectual standing.
• These positions enable India to influence global development policies, human rights frameworks, and technology discussions, strengthening its role as a responsible and constructive partner in multilateral governance.

Banking News

Why RBI Wants a 1-Hour Delay on UPI Payments Above ₹10,000 – Explained

• The Reserve Bank of India has proposed a one-hour delay on UPI and bank transfers above ₹10,000 to curb rising fraud losses, which reached ₹22,930 crore in 2025.
• This “lagged credit mechanism” allows users to pause, verify, or cancel suspicious transactions, targeting scams like Authorized Push Payment fraud. Exemptions include merchant payments and whitelisted beneficiaries for seamless transfers.
• Additional measures include trusted person approval for high-value transfers, annual credit caps, and a “kill switch” to block transactions instantly.
• The proposal aims to balance digital payment convenience with stronger security safeguards.

Appointments News

Who Is Sajja Praveen Chowdary? New Policybazaar CEO Takes Charge

• Sajja Praveen Chowdary has been appointed as the new CEO and Principal Officer of Policybazaar Insurance Brokers, following the resignation of Tarun Mathur.
• He will also serve as a Whole-Time Director, with regulatory approval ensuring compliance with India’s insurance governance.
• Chowdary, a PB Fintech veteran since 2011, brings over 15 years of experience in fintech and insurance, handling operations, strategy, and product development.
• He currently leads Policybazaar for Business and the corporate and SME insurance divisions, marking a significant leadership transition within the company.

ACC Appoints Sanjay Khanna as BPCL Chairman and Managing Director

• Sanjay Khanna has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), with tenure until May 31, 2029, following approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
• A chemical engineering graduate from NIT Tiruchirappalli with a finance postgraduate from the University of Mumbai, Khanna brings over 30 years of experience in refinery operations and technical services.
• Previously Director (Refineries) and interim CMD, he led modernization projects and the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project.
• Under his leadership, BPCL plans ₹75,000 crore in investments over five years, focusing on refining expansion, petrochemical integration, and value-added product growth, including the ₹50,000 crore Bina Petrochemical and Refinery Expansion Project.

Vibhor Jain Appointed CEO of ONDC, Set to Drive Digital Commerce Growth

• Open Network for Digital Commerce has appointed Vibhor Jain as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer after serving as acting CEO for the past year.
• His elevation follows his earlier role as COO, where he shaped ONDC’s strategy and operations, ensuring leadership continuity after Thampy Koshy’s exit.
• Jain aims to expand an open, interoperable digital commerce ecosystem that empowers small retailers, farmers, artisans, gig workers, and new digital users.
• With over 18 years of experience, he has worked across technology, consulting, and public projects like Aadhaar. His leadership is expected to accelerate ONDC’s mission to democratize e-commerce in India.

Awards News

BIMTECH Hosts Hermes Dialogue 6.0 on Energy Security, IIM Rohtak Wins Top Prize

• The Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) recently hosted Hermes Dialogue 6.0, focusing on global energy security amid rising geopolitical tensions.
• Organized by the PGDM-International Business program, the event simulated international discussions with participants representing 12 countries, exploring energy independence versus global cooperation.
• Over 250 participants from top Indian institutions competed in three rounds: Knowledge Assessment, Case Submission, and the Final “Battle of Perspectives.” Team LeBroom from Indian Institute of Management Rohtak won, followed by Team Magnus (FORE School of Management) and Team Strategy (Shri Ram College of Commerce).
• Experts like Rajeev Kher and Sumanta Chaudhuri judged the event, emphasizing policy relevance and diplomatic reasoning.

Defense News

India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise 2026 Kicks Off in Anshas

• The Indian Army has deployed a contingent to Egypt for the fourth edition of the India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise, Cyclone-IV, scheduled from April 9–17, 2026, at Anshas.
• Twenty-five Indian Special Forces personnel will train alongside Egyptian troops in desert and semi-desert conditions, focusing on counter-terrorism, joint mission planning, and advanced special operations tactics.
• The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, adaptability, and operational coordination between the two nations.
• Cyclone-IV reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Egypt, strengthening defense collaboration, mutual trust, and regional security cooperation beyond traditional diplomacy.

President Droupadi Murmu Notifies Central Armed Police Forces Act, 2026

• The Central Armed Police Forces (General) Administration Act, 2026 has been notified after receiving assent from President Droupadi Murmu, aiming to create a uniform administrative framework for CAPFs.
• The law standardizes recruitment, service conditions, and operational coordination across forces like CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
• It also formalizes leadership structures, ensuring continued roles for IPS officers in senior positions despite earlier Supreme Court recommendations.
• The Act seeks to improve efficiency, coordination, and career management while strengthening the overall functioning of forces responsible for India’s internal security, border protection, and counter-insurgency operations.

Operation HimSetu: Army Completes High Risk Rescue in 48 Hours Near India-China Border

• The Indian Army launched Operation HimSetu to rescue over 1,400 stranded tourists and locals in North Sikkim after landslides and a bridge collapse near Lachen disrupted connectivity.
• Led by the Trishakti Corps, the mission evacuated 1,321 tourists and 84 residents within 48 hours despite harsh weather and difficult terrain.
• The Army built temporary footbridges, used vehicles for evacuation, and set up relief camps providing food, shelter, and medical aid. Conducted with support from the Border Roads Organisation and civil authorities, the operation ensured swift, safe rescue and restoration efforts in the affected region.

Science & Technology News

India’s First Indigenous Quantum Computing Facility to Launch in Amaravati on April 14, 2026

• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will launch India’s first indigenous quantum computing testing facility in Amaravati on April 14, 2026, coinciding with World Quantum Day.
• Hosted at SRM University Amaravati, the facility is part of the Amaravati Quantum Valley project, aiming to make the region a global quantum hub with collaborations across 80+ industry and academic partners and hosting an IBM 133-qubit quantum computer.
• The center will demonstrate cutting-edge technologies like cryogenics, precision electronics, and quantum-grade fabrication, with live demonstrations of the Amaravati 1Q and 1S systems.
• The initiative supports India’s National Quantum Mission, strengthening indigenous hardware capabilities in advanced computing.

Important Days News

World Homoeopathy Day 2026: Advancing Holistic Health in India and Beyond

• World Homoeopathy Day is observed every year on April 10, commemorating the birth anniversary of Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homoeopathy.
• The 2026 theme, “Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health,” highlights the system’s role in creating affordable, accessible, and environment-friendly healthcare through holistic and preventive approaches.
• India, home to the largest homoeopathic workforce, has over 3.45 lakh registered doctors, 277 educational institutions, and 34 research centers.
• Led by the National Commission for Homoeopathy and supported by the Ministry of AYUSH, the day promotes awareness, health camps, and academic discussions, emphasizing homoeopathy’s contributions to public health, epidemic response, and long-term wellness.

Obituaries News

C D Gopinath, India’s Oldest Test Cricketer, Passes Away at 96

• CD Gopinath, India’s oldest Test cricketer and the last surviving member of the team that secured India’s first-ever Test victory against England in 1952, passed away at 96 in Chennai.
• Born on March 1, 1930, he played 8 Test matches, scoring 242 runs, including an unbeaten 50 on debut, and 4,259 runs in 83 first-class matches with an average of 42.16.
• Beyond his playing career, Gopinath served as national selector, chairman of the selection committee, and team manager, contributing significantly to Indian cricket administration.
• His legacy remains tied to India’s historic Test win and the foundation of the nation’s cricketing journey.

Current Affairs Today | 10th April 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam