Daily Current Affairs and GK | 9 April 2026

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

1. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the food processing industry has achieved tremendous progress in terms of investment and production.

• Under this scheme, total investment has surpassed ₹9,000 crore.
• This figure significantly exceeds the originally targeted amount of approximately ₹7,000 crore.
• The Ministry of Food Processing Industries reported that companies have invested far more than their initial commitments.
• Sales of PLI-supported products witnessed a growth of 10.58%. Exports of these products also registered an increase of approximately 7.41%.
• This scheme has augmented processing and preservation capacity by approximately 3.4 million metric tonnes annually.
• This has generated employment for over 300,000 people, encompassing both direct and indirect job opportunities.
• Under this scheme, sales of millet-based products have witnessed rapid growth.
• These sales rose from approximately ₹345 crore in 2022–23 to around ₹1,845 crore in 2024–25.
• This scheme was launched in 2021–22 with the objective of boosting the food processing sector.
• It has facilitated the branding and global marketing of Indian food products.
• By enhancing investment and production capacity, this initiative has strengthened the sector.

Topic: National News

2. International Election Visitors’ Program 2026 launched by ECI.

• The International Election Visitors’ Program (IEVP) 2026 has been commenced by the Election Commission of India for the upcoming legislative assembly elections.
• The program has been inaugurated in New Delhi under the leadership of Gyanesh Kumar along with other Election Commissioners.
• A structured initiative has been undertaken to showcase India’s electoral system and best practices to international delegates.
• The elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry have been included in the first phase of the program for observation.
• A total of 43 delegates from 23 countries, along with representatives from five foreign missions in Delhi, are participating in the initiative.
• In the first phase, visits are being scheduled from April 8 to April 9 to observe election processes in selected states.
• In the second phase, the delegates will visit West Bengal and Tamil Nadu starting from April 20 to gain further insights.
• A comprehensive understanding of India’s electoral framework, institutional mechanisms, and operational systems is being provided through the programme.
• Exposure to innovations, transparency measures, and efficient election management practices is being ensured for foreign Election Management Bodies.
• The initiative has been designed to strengthen global cooperation and promote India’s democratic processes as a model of large-scale election management.

Topic: Indian Economy

3. India’s economic growth forecast was raised by the World Bank.

• India’s growth forecast for the current financial year has been raised by the World Bank from 6.3 percent to 6.6 percent, reflecting improved economic outlook.
• Strong domestic demand and the impact of free trade agreements have been identified as the key factors driving this upward revision.
• India has been projected to remain the primary engine of growth in South Asia, highlighting its dominant regional role.
• Economic growth is estimated to have accelerated from 7.1 percent in FY 2025 to 7.6 percent in FY 2026 due to resilient demand and exports.
• Private consumption growth has been observed to be particularly strong, supported by low inflation and rationalisation of GST rates.
• Continued support to consumer demand is expected in the first half of FY 2027 due to GST rate reductions.
• Upward pressure on prices is anticipated due to elevated global energy prices, which may affect household disposable income.
• The regional outlook report has highlighted that tariff cuts and recent trade agreements, including those with the UK and EU, are supporting growth.
• The overall growth outlook of South Asia has been stated to remain strong despite global challenges, as noted by Vice President Johannes Zutt.
• The report underscores India’s central role in sustaining regional economic momentum through demand strength and policy support.

Topic: Defence

4. Indian Army contingent dispatched for Joint Exercise Cyclone-IV in Egypt.

• An Indian Army contingent has been dispatched to Egypt to participate in the fourth edition of the India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone-IV.
• The exercise is scheduled to be conducted at Anshas from April 9 to April 17, 2026, strengthening bilateral military cooperation.
• A team of 25 personnel from Indian Special Forces units has been deployed to train alongside Egyptian counterparts.
• The initiative has been undertaken as a continuation of growing defence collaboration between India and Egypt.
• Joint mission planning capabilities are being enhanced through the exchange of operational practices and training experiences.
• Training activities are being conducted in realistic operational environments, focusing on desert and semi-desert terrains.
• Special operational tactics, techniques, and procedures are being practiced to improve interoperability between both forces.
• Professional expertise is being exchanged, providing an opportunity to understand each other’s military traditions and cultures.
• Stronger bonds of camaraderie are being fostered through close interaction and joint exercises.
• Such bilateral exercises are being recognised as key elements in strengthening defence ties and mutual trust between the two nations.

Topic: Infrastructure and Energy

5. Environmental compensation imposed on Thermal Power Plants for Biomass Norm Violations.

• Environmental compensation amounting to around ₹61.85 crore has been imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management on six thermal power plants.
• The penalty has been levied due to non-compliance with mandatory biomass co-firing norms within a 300 km radius of Delhi.
• A requirement to use a 5 percent blend of biomass pellets or briquettes along with coal has been prescribed under statutory rules.
• A minimum threshold of 3 percent co-firing had been set for FY 2024-25 to avoid imposition of penalties.
• The objective of these provisions has been to promote ex-situ crop residue management and reduce stubble burning.
• A committee comprising representatives from CEA, CPCB, SAMARTH, and CAQM has been constituted to review compliance.
• Six thermal power plants were found non-compliant after detailed evaluation of performance data and submitted responses.
• Individual penalties include ₹33.02 crore on Talwandi Sabo Power Limited and varying amounts on other plants such as Panipat and Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plants.
• The concerned plants have been directed to deposit the compensation amount by April 15, 2026, and submit proof of compliance.

Topic: Indian Economy

6. RBI retained Repo Rate at 5.25% and projected GDP growth at 6.9%.

• The repo rate has been retained at 5.25 percent by the Reserve Bank of India under its latest monetary policy decision.
• The decision has been taken unanimously by the Monetary Policy Committee under the leadership of Sanjay Malhotra.
• A neutral stance has been maintained while keeping policy rates unchanged amid evolving economic conditions.
• The standing deposit facility rate has been kept at 5 percent, while the marginal standing facility rate and bank rate remain at 5.50 percent.
• GDP growth for the current financial year has been projected at 6.9 percent, while the previous year is estimated at 7.6 percent.
• CPI inflation for the current fiscal year has been projected at 4.6 percent, indicating moderate price stability.
• Risks to inflation have been highlighted due to elevated global energy prices and possible El Niño conditions.
• A wait-and-watch approach has been adopted regarding the West Asia conflict due to its uncertain impact on growth and inflation.
• Higher input costs, supply chain disruptions, and increased freight and insurance costs are expected to affect economic activity.
• The exchange rate policy has been reiterated as market-determined, with interventions aimed only at controlling excessive volatility.

Topic: National News

7. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced a temporary reduction in aviation charges.

• Landing and parking fees for domestic airlines will be lowered by 25 percent.
• This reduction will remain in effect for a period of three months.
• Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu said the goal is to make air travel more affordable.
• The decision comes during a time of global disruptions in aviation.
• Airlines are currently facing challenges such as rising fuel costs.
• Flight cancellations have also added to operational difficulties.
• The government wants to prevent these issues from severely affecting domestic carriers.
• The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India has been directed to implement the fee reduction. This applies to major airports under its control.
• The Airports Authority of India has also received similar instructions. It will apply reduced charges at the airports it manages.

Topic: International News

8. India and Turkey held the 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi.

• Officials conducted a detailed assessment of the present status of bilateral ties between the two nations.
• Talks covered key sectors including trade, investment flows, tourism, and technological collaboration.
• Discussions also addressed cooperation in energy, education, and cultural exchanges.
• Both sides emphasized strengthening people-to-people connections.
• Efforts to counter cross-border terrorism were part of the dialogue.
• The two countries shared perspectives on important regional and global developments.
• The Indian delegation was led by Sibi George, Secretary (West).
• The Turkish side was headed by Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Berris Ekinci.
• The previous round of these consultations took place in June 2022 in Ankara.

Topic: Defence

9. The Indian Navy warship INS Trikand arrived at Mombasa in Kenya.

• The deployment is part of its mission in the Southwest Indian Ocean region.
• The visit aims to strengthen maritime cooperation. It also seeks to enhance ties between India and Kenya.
• The visit coincides with a senior naval delegation’s trip to Kenya.
• Krishna Swaminathan is leading this high-level visit. He serves as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.
• Professional interactions will be conducted during the port stay.
• Cultural engagements are also planned. Social activities will take place as well.
• Essential supplies will be handed over to the Kenya Defence Forces.
• After departure, the ship will conduct a Passage Exercise. This exercise will be held with the Kenya Navy.

Topic: Important Days

10. The Ministry of Women and Child Development began Poshan Pakhwada 2026 from 09 April.

• This is the 8th edition of the nationwide campaign.
• The initiative focuses on improving nutrition across the country.
• It highlights the importance of proper nourishment for children.
• PM Narendra Modi described Poshan Abhiyaan as a people-driven movement.
• The theme for Poshan Pakhwada is maximising brain development in the first six years of life.
• Special attention is given to the first 1,000 days. This period is crucial for growth and development.
• Studies show that over 85 percent of brain growth happens by age six.
• This underlines the importance of early nutrition. It also highlights the role of caregiving. Early learning is equally important.
• Programmes will be held across all states and union territories. Anganwadi Centres will host many of these activities.