9 April 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

 

Impact of Rising Energy Costs on Migrant Labourers in India

Why in News

• Rising LPG prices and shortages are forcing migrant workers to reconsider urban livelihoods and temporarily return to rural areas.

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Key Impacts on Migrant Labourers

1. Inflationary Pressure

• Increased fuel costs raise Food prices and Daily living expenses
• Leads to Higher cost of living in cities

2. Economic Uncertainty & Stress

• Migrants face Income instability and Fear of future crises
• Result: Reverse migration or temporary return to villages

3. Food Insecurity

• High cooking costs force skipping meals and shifting to low-quality food

4. Unsafe Coping Mechanisms

• Increased reliance on Firewood, waste fuels
• Consequences: Health hazards and Poor living conditions

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Internal Migration Trends in India

1. Scale and Pattern: 4.1 crore interstate migrants (Census 2011)

• Migration rate: 28.9% overall and 26.5% rural migration

2. Employment-driven Migration: Around 10–11% migrate for jobs

• Mostly: Rural → Urban

3. Informal Workforce: Over 28 crore workers registered on e-Shram Portal

• Reflects Large unorganised and migrant workforce

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Structural Issues Faced by Migrant Labourers

1. Job Insecurity: Mostly employed in Informal sector

• Issues: No contracts and No job protection

2. Poor Living Conditions

• Overcrowded housing limited access to Sanitation and Healthcare

3. Wage Exploitation

• Issues Lower wages than local workers, Delayed payments, Contractor exploitation

4. Lack of Social Security

• Interstate mobility leads to Exclusion from welfare schemes

5. Data Deficiency

• Lack of Reliable, real-time migrant data affects Policy effectiveness

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Policy Measures Needed

1. Universal Social Security

• Expand: e-Shram Portal
• Ensure Insurance, pensions, welfare portability

2. Portability of Benefits

• Strengthen One Nation One Ration Card
• Ensure Access to subsidised food anywhere

3. Better Living & Work Conditions

• Enforce Labour laws
• Ensure: Safe housing, Sanitation, Occupational safety

4. Data Systems

• Develop Real-time migrant database
• Improve: Crisis response and targeting

5. Skill Development

• Promote Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
• Outcome: Better wages and job mobility

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Key Government Initiatives

• e-Shram Portal: National database and welfare access
• PM SVANidhi: Collateral-free loans for street vendors
• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana: ₹3,000 monthly pension for unorganised workers
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY: ₹5 lakh health coverage
• One Nation One Ration Card: Nationwide food access
• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana: Free food grains for vulnerable groups

 

India’s Oil Import Dependence: Rising Vulnerability Amid Global Energy Shocks

Why in News

• India entered the ongoing Iran war–induced energy crisis with very high oil import dependence, exposing it to global supply disruptions and price volatility.

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Extent of Oil Import Dependence

1. Rising Import Share

• India imported ~91% of its crude oil requirement (Feb 2026): Highest level recorded
• Indicates Severe reliance on external energy sources

2. Surge in Import Volume

• Total imports: 205.3 lakh tonnes
• Growth: ~33% year-on-year increase
• Reflects Rising domestic demand + inadequate production

3. Refinery Dependence

• ~90.8% of crude processed in refineries is imported
• Suggests Minimal contribution of domestic crude production

4. Regional Concentration Risk

• West Asia accounts for 54.4% of imports
• Key concern: High dependence on a geopolitically volatile region

5. Changing Import Patterns

• Russian share declined: 40.2% (May 2025) → 26.5% (Feb 2026)
• Due to Geopolitical and logistical factors

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Strategic Concerns

1. Supply Disruption Risks

• Heavy reliance on Conflict-prone regions
• Leads to Exposure to wars, sanctions, and chokepoints

2. Chokepoint Vulnerability

• Strait of Hormuz carries ~40% of India’s crude imports and 80% of LPG imports
• Any disruption directly threatens energy supply continuity

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Impact of the Iran War on Energy Security

1. Disruption of Energy Routes

• Conflict affects shipping lanes in West Asia
• Result: Delays, insurance costs, and supply uncertainty

2. LNG Supply Risks

• Qatar supplies nearly 50% of India’s LNG imports
• Conflict escalation threatens gas availability

3. Rising Import Bill

• Higher crude prices Increase fiscal burden and Widen current account deficit (CAD)

4. Energy Insecurity

• High import dependence amplifies vulnerability to external shocks

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Policy Measures for Energy Security

1. Source Diversification

• Expand imports from Russia, United States, Africa & Latin America
• Aim: Reduce dependence on West Asia

2. Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR)

• Strengthen and expand Emergency oil storage
• Benefit: Buffer against short-term disruptions

3. Energy Transition

• Accelerate Renewable energy, Green hydrogen, Ethanol blending, Electric vehicles (EVs)
• Outcome: Reduce long-term oil dependence

4. Boost Domestic Production

• Enhance exploration via: Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) and Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP)
• Objective: Increase self-reliance in energy

5. Energy Diplomacy

• Secure Long-term supply contracts
• Invest in Overseas oil assets
• Goal: Ensure stable and diversified supply chains

 

India’s Internet Censorship Regime: Legal Framework, Mechanisms, and Concerns

Why in News

• Recent studies highlight inconsistent website blocking across ISPs, raising concerns over arbitrary and non-uniform internet censorship in India.

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Key Stakeholders

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

• Telecom companies like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, BSNL
• Role: Provide internet access and Implement government-directed blocking orders

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Legal & Constitutional Framework

1. Statutory Provisions

IT Act, 2000

• Section 69A: Empowers government to block online content for Sovereignty, National security, Public order
• Section 79: Grants safe harbour to intermediaries if they comply with takedown orders

IT Rules, 2021

• Regulates Social media, OTT platforms, digital news
• Provides Three-tier grievance redressal mechanism and Mandatory compliance timelines

Telecommunications Act, 2023

• Replaces Colonial-era Telegraph Act
• Authorises Internet suspension during emergencies

2. Constitutional Provisions

• Article 19(1)(a): Guarantees freedom of speech and expression
• Article 19(2): Allows reasonable restrictions on grounds of Sovereignty, Security, Public order, Morality

3. Judicial Safeguards

• Shreya Singhal v. Union of India: Upheld Section 69A, Mandated Review committees and Hearing opportunities

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Technical Mechanisms of Censorship

1. DNS Poisoning

• Manipulates Domain Name System
• Effect Redirects users to incorrect IP addresses
• Feature: Low-cost and widely used

2. HTTP Interception

• Works on Hypertext Transfer Protocol
• Mechanism: Intercepts unencrypted traffic and Displays block page

3. SNI Filtering

• Operates within Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
• Uses: Server Name Indication
• Function: Identifies and blocks specific domains during connection

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Key Concerns and Issues

1. Lack of Transparency

• Blocking orders under Section 69A confidential in nature
• Consequence: No prior notice to website operators

2. Enforcement Inconsistency

• Study (2025): Only 1,414 of 43,083 domains blocked uniformly across ISPs
• Indicates Fragmented and arbitrary implementation

3. Digital Inequality

• Websites blocked on one ISP accessible on another
• Result: Unequal internet access

4. Overbroad Censorship

• ISPs often Block entire domains instead of specific URLs
• Cause: Vague regulatory guidelines

5. Delayed Unblocking

• Slow compliance with Government orders to restore access
• Leads to Prolonged restrictions

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Policy Imperatives & Reforms

1. Transparency Measures

• Create Public database of blocked websites
• Exception: National security-sensitive cases

2. Uniform Enforcement

• Develop Clear, standardised guidelines
• Ensure Consistent implementation across ISPs

3. Independent Oversight

• Strengthen Statutory review committees
• Role: Regular audit of censorship decisions

4. Strengthening Due Process

• Provide Prior notice to affected parties
• Establish Robust appellate mechanisms

 

Sattankulam Case Verdict Renews Focus on Custodial Deaths in India

Why in News

• A court in Tamil Nadu awarded the death penalty to nine policemen in the 2020 Sattankulam custodial murder case, reigniting debate on police accountability and custodial violence.

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What is Custodial Death?

• Death of a person in Police custody and Judicial custody
• Causes include Physical assault, Psychological pressure, Medical negligence

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Status of Custodial Deaths in India

1. Rising Trend

• Reported by: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
• 2024: 2,739 custodial deaths & 2023: ~2,400 deaths

2. Recent Surge

• FY 2025–26: 170 deaths & FY 2024–25: 140 deaths

3. State-wise Pattern

• Highest in Bihar followed by Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh

4. Accountability Gap

• 1999–2023: 2,253 deaths in police custody, Only 3 convictions
• Indicates Serious impunity and weak enforcement

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Major Causes of Custodial Deaths

1. Colonial Policing Legacy

• Rooted in Indian Police Act, 1861
• Focus: Control rather than citizen protection

2. Police Brutality

• Use of “Third-degree” methods
• Lack of Scientific investigation practices

3. Prison Overcrowding

• Average occupancy: 120.8%
• Leads to Neglect and poor conditions

4. Legal Gaps

• India signed UN Convention Against Torture (1997)
• Status: Not ratified and No standalone anti-torture law

5. Structural Protection

• Under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
• Section 218: Requires government sanction before prosecution

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Constitutional & Legal Safeguards

• Fundamental Rights: Protect against Self-incrimination and Arbitrary detention under Constitution of India Articles 20, 21, 22
• NHRC Guidelines (1993): Mandatory Reporting custodial deaths within 24 hours
• Judicial Safeguards: Independent Probe (2025): Custodial death cases to be transferred if police involved
• Magisterial Inquiry: Under BNSS provisions, inquiry by Executive Magistrate

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Key Supreme Court Judgments

• D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal: Laid down 11 guidelines for arrest and detention includes Medical examination and Informing relatives
• Prakash Singh v. Union of India: Directed Creation of Police Complaints Authorities
• Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh: Mandated CCTV cameras with audio in police stations

 

Poshan Pakhwada 2026: Strengthening Early Childhood Nutrition & Development

Why in News

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development is observing the 8th Poshan Pakhwada (9–23 April 2026) under POSHAN Abhiyaan

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About Poshan Pakhwada

1. Objective

• A 15-day nationwide awareness campaign aimed at promoting behavioural change and improving nutritional outcomes among Children and Women

2. Theme (2026)

• “Maximising Brain Development in the First Six Years of Life”
• Focus: Critical importance of early childhood nutrition and care

3. Key Focus Areas

• Maternal nutrition, Breastfeeding practices, Complementary feeding, Early stimulation, Play-based learning

4. Implementation Mechanism

• Executed through Anganwadi Centres
• Approach: Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation)

5. Major Activities

• Poshan Panchayats, Awareness campaigns, Early childhood learning activities, Promotion of healthy lifestyles

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About POSHAN Abhiyaan

1. Overview

• POSHAN Abhiyaan: Flagship programme to improve Nutritional status of Women, Children, Adolescent girls

2. Launch & Nature

• Launched: 2018
• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• Implemented by: States/UTs

3. Mission POSHAN 2.0

• Launched: 2021
• Aim: Create an integrated nutrition support system

4. Convergence Approach

• Integrates multiple schemes Supplementary Nutrition Programme and POSHAN initiatives
• Objective: Ensure holistic and efficient delivery of nutrition services

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Significance

1. Early Childhood Development

• Focus on first six years crucial for brain development and lifelong health

2. Behavioural Change Strategy

• Moves beyond food provision emphasises awareness and practices

3. Community Participation

• Encourages Grassroots involvement and Local ownership of nutrition outcomes

 

Mohra Power Project: Revival of a Historic Hydropower Asset

Why in News

• The Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated efforts to revive the historic Mohra Power Project to boost hydropower capacity, especially as the Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance.

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About Mohra Power Project

1. Location & Identity

• Also known as Mahura Power Project
• Situated on Jhelum River
• Location: Uri, Baramulla district, Jammu & Kashmir

2. Historical Significance

• Commissioned in 1905
• Distinction: First hydroelectric power plant in the Kashmir Valley
• Played a key role in Early electrification of the region

3. Technical Features

• Run-of-the-river hydropower plant does not require large reservoirs and uses natural river flow

• Original capacity: ~5 MW
• Proposed upgrade: 10.5 MW

4. Unique Engineering Feature

• Utilised an 11-km-long wooden flume made from deodar logs
• Purpose: Channel water across steep mountainous terrain
• Significance: Example of early innovative hydropower engineering in India

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Strategic Importance

1. Energy Security

• Enhances Local hydropower generation
• Reduces Dependence on external power sources

2. Optimal Resource Utilisation

• Aligns with increased focus on river-based hydel projects
• Important amid Uncertainty surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty

3. Sustainable Development

• Run-of-the-river projects lower environmental impact and promote clean energy transition

 

Mission MITRA: Advancing Human Spaceflight Readiness

Why in News

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched Mission MITRA to study astronaut performance under extreme conditions, supporting preparations for Gaganyaan Mission

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About Mission MITRA

1. Full Form

• MITRA: Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Response Assessment

2. Location & Simulation Conditions

• Conducted in Leh (~3,500 m altitude)
• Simulates space-like stressors Hypoxia (low oxygen levels), Extreme cold, Isolation

3. Key Focus Areas

• Studies Physical and cognitive performance under stress

• Evaluates Coordination between astronauts and mission control

• Assesses Behaviour, decision-making, and communication under pressure

4. Use of Analogue Missions

• Relies on Earth-based simulations of space environments
• Purpose: Test astronaut adaptability before actual missions

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Significance of Mission MITRA

1. Enhancing Astronaut Preparedness

• Improves Training protocols and Mission safety

2. Supporting Gaganyaan

• Provides Critical human performance data for India’s first crewed mission

3. Indigenous Capability Building

• Strengthens India’s expertise in human spaceflight systems

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About Gaganyaan Mission

• Gaganyaan Mission: India’s first mission to send humans into Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Objective: Demonstrate capability to send humans to space and ensure safe return
• Launch Vehicle: LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk III)
• Crew (Gaganyatris): 3-member Indian crew trained for Spaceflight, Survival, Emergency handling
• India will become 4th country globally to achieve human spaceflight capability

 

11 Years of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

Why in News

• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has completed 11 years (since April 2015), marking a major milestone in financial inclusion and micro-enterprise development.

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About PMMY

1. Nature of Scheme

• A Central Sector Scheme under Ministry of Finance
• Provides Collateral-free loans to micro and small enterprises

2. Target Beneficiaries

• Focus on Non-corporate, non-farm enterprises
• Sectors: Manufacturing, Trading, Services, Allied agriculture

3. Loan Categories

Category	Loan Limit	Purpose
Shishu	Up to ₹50,000	Start-ups / early stage
Kishore	₹50,001 – ₹5 lakh	Expansion / stabilisation
Tarun	₹5 lakh – ₹10 lakh	Established growth
Tarun Plus	₹10 lakh – ₹20 lakh	Advanced expansion

4. Key Features

• No collateral required (up to ₹20 lakh)
• Interest rates: Determined by banks/NBFCs as per Reserve Bank of India guidelines
• Repayment: 3–7 years, with moratorium (6–12 months)
• Working capital: Mudra Card (RuPay debit card)

5. Institutional Framework

• Nodal agency: Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency Ltd. (MUDRA)
  - Subsidiary of Small Industries Development Bank of India
• Monitoring: State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC)
• Digital portals: JanSamarth and Udyamimitra

 

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