Daily GK Update- 10th April, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Divya Singh Completes Everest Base Camp Cycling Expedition in 14 Days: Divya Singh from Uttar Pradesh completed the Everest Base Camp expedition in just 14 days, showcasing remarkable endurance. She began her journey from Kathmandu and cycled through challenging mountainous terrain, riding 10–12 hours daily. Everest Base Camp is situated at an altitude of about 5,364 metres, making the expedition physically demanding.

 

2. NCERT Reconstitutes NSTC with 20-Member Panel After Supreme Court Observations: The National Council of Educational Research and Training has reconstituted its National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC) following observations by the Supreme Court of India on a Class 8 social science textbook. 0NCERT has formed a new 20-member committee to review and strengthen syllabus and learning materials. The committee is chaired by M.C. Pant, with Manjul Bhargava as co-chairperson.

 

3. India to Set Up Indigenous Aviation Security Equipment Testing Centre via BCAS–Rashtriya Raksha University MoU: The Government of India announced a collaboration between the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and Rashtriya Raksha University through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU aims to set up an indigenous aviation security equipment testing centre to strengthen India’s aviation security ecosystem. The proposed testing centre will be developed at Rashtriya Raksha University, promoting domestic capability in aviation security technologies.

 

4. Former CBI Director R.K. Raghavan Launches Autobiography ‘A Road Well Travelled’: Former R.K. Raghavan launched his autobiography “A Road Well Travelled”, which is an upgraded edition highlighting his journey from state police cadre to the Intelligence Bureau and later becoming the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The book also covers key moments of his career, including his association with leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, M.G. Ramachandran, and Jayalalithaa, and begins with the tragic assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi (1991, Sriperumbudur), where Raghavan was part of the security detail.

 

5. National Quantum Mission Achieves 1,000 km Secure Communication Breakthrough: India has achieved a significant milestone in quantum technology by successfully demonstrating a 1,000-kilometre quantum communication network under the National Quantum Mission. The breakthrough marks a major step towards developing ultra-secure communication systems, positioning India among leading nations in advanced quantum research. The National Quantum Mission was launched by the Department of Science and Technology with a total outlay of ₹6003 crore for the period 2023–24 to 2030–31. The mission aims to build a robust ecosystem for quantum technologies by promoting research, innovation, and industrial development. It is one of the nine key initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council.

6. ICAR Forms Task Force to Strengthen Agricultural Resilience: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has set up a high-level Special Task Force (STF) to develop mitigation strategies for the agricultural sector. The move comes amid growing concerns over climate variability, resource constraints, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices in India. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organisation functioning under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Established on 16 July 1929 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, it was created following the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Agriculture.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. To Lam Elected Vietnam’s President: To Lam, Secretary General of the Communist Party of Vietnam, was unanimously elected as Vietnam’s President for a five-year term by the National Assembly. His election marks a significant shift in Vietnam’s power structure, as the roles of party chief and state president are now combined, which were traditionally held by separate individuals.

 

2. 7 April – World Health Day: World Health Day is observed every year on 7 April to raise awareness about global health issues. Theme 2026 – Together for health. Stand with science. The day marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. Each year, it is celebrated with a specific theme focusing on key public health priorities and challenges worldwide.

 

3. India to Lead South Asia Growth Momentum: India is set to remain the primary driver of economic growth in South Asia, according to the World Bank’s latest regional update released in April 2026. While global uncertainties continue to weigh on emerging markets, India’s strong domestic fundamentals are expected to sustain regional expansion. The report highlights that despite a broader slowdown across South Asia, India’s performance will anchor overall growth. The World Bank estimates that India’s economy expanded from 7.1 per cent in FY25 to 7.6 per cent in FY26. Growth is projected at 6.6 per cent in FY27, an upward revision from the earlier estimate of 6.3 per cent. This positions India as the most stable and fastest-growing major economy in the region, contributing significantly to South Asia’s aggregate output.

 

4. Global Agencies Warn of Rising Hunger Risks: Leading global institutions have raised concerns over a potential surge in food insecurity due to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia. In a joint statement released on April 9, 2026, the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and the United Nations World Food Programme highlighted the growing risks posed by disruptions in global energy markets. The warning comes amid continued conflict in the Middle East, which has already triggered significant volatility in oil and commodity prices. Low-income and import-dependent countries are expected to bear the brunt of the crisis. These economies often rely heavily on imported fuel and fertilisers, making them particularly sensitive to price shocks. Additionally, many of these nations are already grappling with high debt levels and limited fiscal capacity, reducing their ability to shield vulnerable populations from rising costs.

 

5. UAE and Bahrain Sign ₹20 Billion Currency Swap Pact: The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have entered into a major currency swap agreement valued at AED 20 billion (BHD 2 billion), reinforcing financial cooperation and regional economic ties. The agreement, signed on 8 April 2026 by the respective central banks, is set for a duration of five years and aims to enhance monetary coordination between the two Gulf nations. The currency swap arrangement enables both countries to exchange their domestic currencies—the UAE Dirham and the Bahraini Dinar—up to a fixed limit. This mechanism facilitates smoother settlement of cross-border transactions, improves liquidity access, and supports financial institutions engaged in bilateral trade. The five-year tenure reflects a medium-term commitment to sustained cooperation.

 

6. Green Asha LPG Vessel Reaches Mumbai Amid Gulf Tensions: An India-flagged LPG carrier, “Green Asha”, successfully arrived at Mumbai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), marking a significant maritime development amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. The vessel carried 15,400 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and safely navigated through the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz before berthing at the port’s liquid terminal. The arrival of “Green Asha” is notable as it is the first India-flagged LPG vessel to reach JNPA since the escalation of tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor, has been under heightened scrutiny due to geopolitical uncertainties, raising concerns over maritime security and energy supply chains.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Sunayna Arrives in Maldives Under IOS SAGAR Initiative with 16 Friendly Foreign Countries Personnel: INS Sunayna, an Indian Navy ship, reached Malé (Maldives) as part of its operational deployment under the IOS SAGAR (Indian Ocean Ship – Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, marking its first port call under this mission. The deployment is significant for regional maritime cooperation as it includes personnel from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), promoting joint training, coordination, and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

 

2. North Korea Tests Cluster-Warhead Missile Systems: North Korea has claimed that its latest series of missile launches involved advanced weapons, including ballistic missiles equipped with cluster-bomb warheads. The announcement, made through state media on April 9, 2026, follows multiple missile tests detected by South Korea over two consecutive days. The development signals Pyongyang’s continued push to enhance its nuclear-capable arsenal amid rising regional tensions. According to official reports, the tests were conducted over three days and included a range of weapons systems. These reportedly featured short-range ballistic missiles, anti-aircraft weapons, electromagnetic systems, and carbon-fibre-based munitions. The launches are part of North Korea’s broader strategy to modernise its military capabilities and strengthen deterrence against perceived adversaries.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Murali Sreeshankar Shines at Indian Athletics Series 2026 with 8.15m Jump: Murali Sreeshankar won the men’s long jump at the Indian Athletics Series 2026 in Bengaluru with a jump of 8.15m, crossing the Asian Games qualifying mark. Abdulla Aboobacker (16.82m) won the men’s triple jump, while Sarvesh Kushare (2.23m) clinched the men’s high jump title. Other highlights included wins by Ancy Sojan (women’s long jump), Baranica Elangovan (pole vault), and Bibin Antony (77.53m) in men’s javelin throw, with the series set to continue in Udaipur, Sangrur, and Ranchi.

 

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar Becomes First Fast Bowler to Reach 200 IPL Wickets: Bhuvneshwar Kumar became the first fast bowler to take 200 wickets in the Indian Premier League, achieving the milestone by dismissing Ayush Mhatre. He is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, behind Yuzvendra Chahal (223 wickets).

 

3. Palak Gulia and Mukesh Nelavalli Win Gold with Junior World Record in ISSF 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Event: Indian shooters Palak Gulia and Mukesh Nelavalli won gold medal in 10m air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup, Granada (Spain) with a junior world record score of 487.7 points. The duo broke the previous junior world record of 481.3 points, while finishing the final ahead of China (silver) and Hungary (bronze); Mukesh also made his senior ISSF World Cup debut, scoring 244.7. Palak had earlier won medals at the 2023 Asian Games, while Mukesh is a junior world champion, marking both as rising stars in Indian pistol shooting.

 

4. Hyderabad to Host Rugby Premier League 2026: Rugby India has announced that the second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) will be hosted in Hyderabad, marking an important step in expanding rugby in India. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 16 to June 28, 2026 at the Gachibowli Stadium, which will serve as the main venue for the league matches.

The league will feature six teams: Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and Mumbai Dreamers.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Artemis II Astronauts Set New Record, Travel Farthest from Earth at 4.07 Lakh Km: Astronauts of the Artemis II Mission created history by travelling farther from Earth than any humans before, reaching about 4.07 lakh km (252,756 miles). The mission is part of NASA’s Artemis programme, aimed at deep space and future lunar exploration. The crew included Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen aboard the Orion spacecraft. They surpassed the previous record set by Apollo 13 (1970), which had reached a distance of 248,655 miles (400,171 km) from Earth. The Orion spacecraft flew as close as 4,070 miles to the Moon and spent nearly six hours observing its far side, a region that is usually not visible from Earth.

 

2. Meta Launches Muse Spark AI Model: Meta Platforms has introduced Muse Spark, a new artificial intelligence model aimed at strengthening its position in the global AI race. Announced on April 9, 2026, the model is part of the company’s broader push into advanced AI systems, including long-term ambitions around superintelligence. The launch reflects growing pressure on major technology firms to demonstrate returns on substantial AI investments. Muse Spark is the first product from a specialised AI team formed by Meta to accelerate innovation in advanced machine intelligence. The initiative follows high-value investments, including the acquisition of talent and strategic deals to build a competitive edge. The model belongs to a broader internal series of AI systems, signalling Meta’s intent to push towards machines capable of surpassing human-level reasoning.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Baroda Launches Al-Based ‘bob SAMVAD’ Platform to Enhance Customer Experience: Bank of Baroda launched “bob SAMVAD”, an AI-powered multilingual conversational platform to enhance customer interaction at bank branches. The platform enables real-time, two-way communication in 22 languages, eliminating language barriers using AI-based speech and translation technology. In the first phase, bob SAMVAD will be rolled out across 250 branches in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. This will be followed by a phased, large-scale deployment across the bank’s branch network.

 

2. PhonePe–SBI Launch Co-Branded Credit Card with Zero Joining Fee: Digital payments company PhonePe has launched a co-branded credit card in partnership with State Bank of India. The PhonePe SBI Card is being offered with a limited-period promotional benefit of zero joining fee for the first year. The card will be available on both RuPay and Visa payment networks, providing wider usability across platforms.

 

3. Morgan Stanley Lowers India FY26–27 Growth Forecast to 6.2% Citing Gulf Conflict Pressures: Global investment bank Morgan Stanley has cut India’s FY 2026–27 GDP growth forecast to 6.2%, reducing it by 30 basis points from its earlier estimate. The downgrade is driven by concerns over supply-side disruptions and rising cost pressures, mainly due to the ongoing Gulf conflict impact on global economic conditions.