8 April 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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PFBR at Kalpakkam Achieves Criticality: A Milestone in India’s Nuclear Programme

Why in News

• India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has achieved first criticality (self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction).
• Marks India’s entry into Stage II of its nuclear programme.
• India becomes the second country after Russia to operate a commercial-scale Fast Breeder Reactor.

About PFBR

• Built by: Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI)
• Under: Department of Atomic Energy
• Capacity: 500 MWe
• Type: Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)

Key Technical Features

1. Fuel Type (MOX Fuel)

• Uses: Mixed Oxide (MOX) = Plutonium + Uranium
• Derived from Reprocessed spent fuel

2. Breeder Mechanism

• Core surrounded by: Uranium-238 blanket
• Converts: U-238 → Plutonium-239
• Result: Produces more fuel than it consumes

3. Neutron System

• Uses: Fast neutrons
• Unlike conventional reactors: No moderator (to avoid slowing neutrons)

4. Coolant System

• Uses: Liquid sodium
• Advantages High thermal conductivity does not slow neutrons

5. Waste Reduction

• Recycles Spent fuel from Stage I reactors
• Reduces Nuclear waste volume and Long-term radio-toxicity

6. Energy Efficiency

• Extracts ~60 times more energy from natural uranium compared to traditional PHWRs

7. Design & Safety

• Pool-type design: Entire primary sodium circuit in one vessel
• Negative power coefficient: Reactor slows down automatically if overheated → enhances safety

Strategic Significance

1. Energy Security

• Maximises use of Limited uranium reserves
• Unlocks India’s vast thorium reserves (Stage III)

2. Closed Fuel Cycle

• Ensures Recycling of nuclear fuel
• Reduces Waste and import dependence

3. Technological Advancement

• Positions India among Global leaders in advanced nuclear technology

4. Climate Goals

• Supports Clean, low-carbon energy transition

Paediatric Cancer in India: A Growing Public Health Concern

Why in News

• While infectious diseases historically dominated child mortality, childhood cancer is now emerging as a major cause of death in India.

India’s Paediatric Cancer Burden

1. Scale of the Problem

• Annual cases: 50,000–75,000
• India accounts for ~20% of global paediatric cancer cases
• Childhood cancers form only 3–5% of total cancer cases

2. Mortality and Survival

• Cancer is the 10th leading cause of death among children
• Around 17,000 child deaths (2023)
• Survival rate: India: ~40%, High-income countries: >80%

3. Most Common Types

• Leukaemia (especially lymphoid leukaemia) – most prevalent
• Followed by Lymphomas and Central Nervous System (CNS) tumours

4. Regional Distribution

• Highest burden states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh
• Highest incidence rates: Delhi (Boys: 203.1 per million, Girls: 125.4 per million)

Key Factors Behind High Burden

1. Demographic Pressure

• Nearly 25% of India’s population is under 15 years, increasing absolute case numbers

2. Late Diagnosis

• Early symptoms resemble Common infections leads to Advanced-stage detection

3. Treatment Abandonment

• Causes: High out-of-pocket costs and Long travel distances
• Result: Interrupted or discontinued treatment

4. Environmental Factors

• Links observed with Air pollution and Pesticide contamination
• Associated cancers: Leukaemia and Brain tumours

5. Policy Gaps

• Absence of Dedicated national childhood cancer policy
• Current efforts: Fragmented (NGOs, private sector)

Key Initiatives and Interventions

1. Early Detection

• Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram: Provides free Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment for children (0–18 years)

2. Global Collaboration

• World Health Organization – Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer: Target 60% survival rate by 2030

3. Standardised Treatment

• WHO’s CURE-ALL Technical Package ensures Uniform paediatric oncology protocols

4. Network-Based Care

• South-East Asia Childhood Cancer Network enables Virtual tumour boards and Expert consultations

5. Medicine Access

• Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines ensures Affordable, quality-assured drugs

6. National Integration

• Indian Childhood Cancer Initiative aligns Paediatric oncology standards with national health systems

GeM Strengthens India’s Digital Public Procurement Ecosystem

Why in News

• Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved ₹18.4 lakh crore Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) including ₹5 lakh crore procurement in FY 2025–26
• Reflects rapid growth in digital, transparent government procurement

Key Highlights

1. Strong MSME Participation

• MSMEs contribution: 68% of total orders and 47.1% of GMV
• Over: 11 lakh enterprises actively participating

2. Increased State Adoption

• Procurement by States and UTs grew by 38.3%
• Indicates Wider adoption and deeper penetration of GeM

3. Inclusive Growth

• Significant rise in participation of Women-led enterprises, SC/ST entrepreneurs and Startups
• Promotes Equitable economic opportunities

4. Technology Integration

• Uses Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data analytics
• Enables Fraud detection, Price benchmarking and Efficient bidding processes

About Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

1. Launch and Administration

• Launched in 2016
• By Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Operated by: GeM Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)

2. Purpose and Objectives

• Ensure Transparency in procurement, Competitive pricing, Efficiency and timely delivery

3. Institutional Shift

• Replaced Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D)
• Marks Transition to digital procurement ecosystem

4. Legal Backing

• Procurement through GeM is mandated underGeneral Financial Rules (GFRs)

Significance of GeM

1. Enhancing Transparency

• Reduces Human discretion and corruption

2. Economic Impact

• Public procurement accounts for 20–22% of India’s GDP
• Efficient systems improve Fiscal management

3. Digital Governance

• Strengthens India’s e-governance framework

Piprahwa Relics to Arrive in Ladakh: Boost to India’s Buddhist Heritage Diplomacy

Why in News

• The Piprahwa relics will be showcased in Leh as part of the “The Light & the Lotus” exposition
• Marks a significant moment in promoting India’s Buddhist heritage and cultural diplomacy

About Piprahwa Relics

1. Composition of Relics

• Bone fragments of Gautama Buddha, Crystal and steatite caskets, Gold ornaments and gemstones

2. Authentication

• A Brahmi inscription confirmed Relics belonged to Buddha of the Shakya clan

3. Discovery

• Excavated in 1898 by: William Claxton Peppé
• Location: Piprahwa
• Identified with: Ancient Kapilavastu

4. Historical Transfer

• Lord Elgin transferred part of relics to King Rama V (Thailand)
• Remaining portion retained by Peppé family

5. Repatriation

• Ministry of Culture secured relics in 2025 by halting a Hong Kong auction and acquiring the Peppé family collection

Cultural and Strategic Significance

1. Buddhist Diplomacy

• Reinforces India as Birthplace of Buddhism (Dhamma)
• Strengthens: Cultural ties with Buddhist-majority countries

2. Civilisational Identity

• Highlights India’s role as a spiritual and historical centre of Buddhism

Ladakh’s Significance in Buddhism

1. Strategic Location

• Ladakh lies at the crossroads of Ancient Silk Route networks
• Connected Kashmir–Gandhara region with Central Asian centres like Khotan and Tarim Basin

2. Preservation of Buddhist Heritage

• Home to Ancient stupas, Rock carvings, Mulbekh Maitreya Statue

3. Canonical Traditions

• Monasteries preserve Kangyur (teachings of Buddha) and Tengyur (commentaries)
• Serve as Living repositories of ancient Indian knowledge systems

Parkash Purab of Guru Tegh Bahadur

Why in News

• Prime Minister paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur on the occasion of his Parkash Purab.

What is Parkash Purab?

• Parkash Purab (Gurpurab) marks the birth anniversary of a Sikh Guru
• Meaning: “Parkash” signifies divine spiritual light entering the world

About Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675)

1. Early Life

• Born as Tyag Mal in Amritsar
• Parents: Guru Hargobind and Mata Nanki Ji

2. Title and Valor

• Earned the title “Tegh Bahadur” (Brave of the Sword) at age 14 for bravery in the Battle of Kartarpur

3. Contributions

• Founded: Anandpur Sahib (earlier Chak-Nanki)
• Composed: 116 hymns, included in Guru Granth Sahib

4. Defender of Religious Freedom

• Known as “Hind-di-Chadar” (Protector of India)
• Stood against Religious persecution under Aurangzeb
• Protected: Kashmiri Brahmins’ right to practice their faith

5. Philosophy

• Core principle: “Fear none, frighten none”
• Advocated Moral courage, Universal human rights, Religious tolerance

6. Martyrdom

• Executed publicly in Delhi for Defending freedom of religion
• Commemorated as Shaheedi Divas (24 November)

Memorials in Delhi

• Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib marks execution site
• Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib marks cremation site

World Health Day 2026

Why in News

• World Health Day is observed annually on 7 April to highlight global public health priorities.

About World Health Day

• Commemorates the establishment of World Health Organization on 7 April 1948
• First officially observed in 1950
• Objective: Raise awareness on critical health issues & Mobilise Governments, International organisations, Communities

2026 Theme

“Together for health. Stand with science”

• Emphasises Scientific collaboration and Evidence-based policymaking
• Promotes One Health Approach integration of human, animal, and environmental health

Role of WHO

• A specialised agency of United Nations
• Headquarters: Geneva
• Key functions: Global health leadership, Disease surveillance and response, Standard-setting and guidelines

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