Daily Current Affairs- 11th April 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 11th April 2026

Mundra Port Sets Record as India’s Largest Automobile Export Hub

In the News: Mundra Port, operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), has set a national record by shipping 6,008 cars in a single vessel, cementing its position as India's largest automobile export hub. The milestone reflects the growing alignment between India's manufacturing capabilities and its logistics infrastructure.

Key Points:

• Record Shipment: Mundra Port achieved a historic milestone by loading 6,008 vehicles onto a single vessel — the highest such figure recorded at any Indian port — marking a significant leap for the country's automobile export ecosystem.
• RoRo Terminal: The record was made possible by the port's advanced Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) terminal, a specialised facility where vehicles are driven directly onto ships without the use of cranes. This method ensures faster turnaround times, reduces handling costs, minimises cargo damage, and enables efficient large-scale transportation.
• India's Automobile Export Growth: India's automobile export sector has witnessed steady growth, driven by increasing global demand for Indian-made vehicles, competitive pricing, improved quality standards, and expanding trade networks. Key export destinations include Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe — spanning passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles.
• Role of APSEZ: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone has played a pivotal role in strengthening India's trade infrastructure. The company recently surpassed 500 million tonnes in cargo handling capacity and has set an ambitious target of reaching 1 billion tonnes by 2030.

Former Delhi HC Judge Yashwant Varma Tenders Resignation to The President Murmu

In the News: Former Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma tendered his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu with immediate effect. The resignation comes after prolonged controversy surrounding the alleged recovery of burnt cash from his official residence in New Delhi in March 2025, and subsequent removal proceedings initiated under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.

Key Points:

• Trigger — The Cash Recovery Controversy: On March 14, 2025, a fire broke out in the storeroom of Justice Varma's Delhi residence, following which videos and photographs showing bags of burnt cash were shared with the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court. Justice Varma denied that any cash was recovered or that his family members were involved in removing any material from the storeroom.
• In-House Inquiry and Transfer: A three-member committee constituted by then Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna found Justice Varma guilty of misconduct and recommended his removal on May 3, 2025. He was subsequently transferred to his parent Allahabad High Court and relieved of all judicial work. The Allahabad High Court Bar Association had strongly opposed his transfer, with lawyers going on an indefinite strike.
• Impeachment Proceedings Initiated: After Justice Varma refused to step down, the then CJI wrote to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his impeachment on May 8, 2025. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla formally constituted a three-member inquiry committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act in August 2025, comprising a Supreme Court judge, a High Court Chief Justice, and a senior advocate.
• Supreme Court Rejects Varma's Challenges: Justice Varma's petition seeking to invalidate the in-house inquiry panel's report was dismissed by the Supreme Court on August 7, 2025. Subsequently, on January 16, 2026, the Supreme Court also rejected his challenge to the Lok Sabha Speaker's constitution of the inquiry committee, holding that judicial safeguards cannot paralyse the removal process.
• Resignation: With the inquiry committee reconstituted by the Lok Sabha Speaker on February 26, 2026, and proceedings continuing, Justice Varma resigned on April 10, 2026 — before the parliamentary removal process could reach its conclusion.
• Constitutional and Legal Framework — Removal of Judges: — Constitutional Basis: Under Articles 124 and 218 of the Constitution of India, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts can be removed by the President on grounds of "proven misbehaviour" or "incapacity." Parliamentary Requirement: A resolution for removal must be passed by both Houses of Parliament by a majority of total membership and not less than two-thirds of members present and voting, both in the same session. — Procedure under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968: The process begins with a notice of motion signed by at least 100 Lok Sabha members or 50 Rajya Sabha members. Upon admission by the Speaker or Chairman, a three-member committee — comprising a Supreme Court judge, a High Court Chief Justice, and a distinguished jurist — is formed to investigate the charges. If guilt is established, the report is sent to Parliament for a special majority vote, following which the President issues the removal order.

What Is AAKA Space Studio’s 3D-Printed Mars Radiation Shield? Explained

In the News: Ahmedabad-based AAKA Space Studio has developed and successfully tested Asia's first 3D-printed radiation shield for Mars habitats, demonstrated during one of the world's largest analog space missions. The innovation is built on the principle of In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) and marks a significant milestone in India's contribution to sustainable extraterrestrial construction.

Key Points:

• The Innovation: AAKA Space Studio created a monolithic radiation shield using regolith-based materials and advanced robotic 3D printing. The shield is capable of protecting astronauts from harmful cosmic radiation while also providing thermal stability — two critical requirements for long-duration habitation on Mars or the Moon.
• Why Radiation Shielding Matters for Mars: Unlike Earth, Mars lacks a strong magnetic field and thick atmosphere, leaving its surface exposed to dangerous levels of cosmic and solar radiation. Without adequate shielding, astronauts face serious health risks including radiation sickness and long-term cellular damage. This makes radiation shielding one of the most critical components of any crewed Mars habitat.
• ISRU — The Core Concept: In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) refers to the use of materials already available on a celestial body for construction, rather than transporting supplies from Earth. Since carrying construction materials from Earth is prohibitively expensive for large-scale missions, ISRU enables on-site manufacturing using local planetary resources — drastically reducing mission costs and payload requirements. Mars is rich in construction-grade materials such as olivine-rich basalt (for structural strength) and carbonate deposits (for binding material).
• Recreating Martian Conditions on Earth: AAKA developed high-fidelity Martian soil analogues using Indian geological resources to simulate the composition of Martian soil. Key materials used included olivine-rich rocks from ultramafic complexes in Salem, Tamil Nadu, marly limestone analogues from the Ariyalur basin, and specially engineered lime-based binders designed to mimic the behaviour of cement on Mars.
• 3D Printing Technology: Working in collaboration with MiCoB and its MiCO-V 3D concrete printing systems, along with Government Arts College, AAKA integrated these materials into robotic and gantry-based 3D printing processes. The technology enables autonomous, layer-by-layer construction of regolith-based structures — ensuring precision, scalability, and minimal human intervention, all critical factors for space construction.

NASA Marks Historic Milestone With Successful Artemis II Crew Return

In the News: NASA successfully completed the Artemis II mission with the safe splashdown of the Orion spacecraft in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, at 00:07 GMT. The four-member crew returned after a 10-day journey around the Moon — the first crewed lunar mission in more than half a century — marking what NASA described as "the start of a new era of human space exploration."

Key Points:

• The Crew: The Artemis II mission was crewed by Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. Victor Glover became the first Black astronaut to fly on a Moon mission; Christina Koch became the first woman to travel around the Moon; and Jeremy Hansen became the first Canadian to go to the Moon.
• Record-Breaking Distance: On April 6, 2026, the Orion spacecraft reached its maximum distance of 406,771 km (252,756 miles) from Earth during the lunar flyby — surpassing the previous record for the farthest humans have ever travelled into space. The total journey covered approximately 694,481 miles (around 1.12 million km).
• Mission Profile: Artemis II did not include a Moon landing. Instead, it followed a carefully designed free-return trajectory around the Moon, allowing astronauts to test spacecraft systems under real deep-space conditions and prepare for future lunar landings. The crew orbited the far side of the Moon, losing contact with Earth for 40 minutes, during which they photographed craters and ancient lava flows. They also witnessed a total solar eclipse from behind the Moon for nearly 54 minutes.
• Re-Entry and Splashdown: The Orion capsule re-entered Earth's atmosphere at approximately 35 times the speed of sound. After a scheduled six-minute communications blackout caused by plasma build-up, parachutes deployed in stages to slow the spacecraft. It splashed down within a mile of NASA's target site and the crew was subsequently recovered aboard the USS John P Murtha.
• Key Hardware: — Space Launch System (SLS): NASA's most powerful rocket, which launched the mission from Florida on April 1, 2026. — Orion Spacecraft: Designed to carry astronauts safely beyond Earth orbit; the service module steered the crew around the Moon and burned up in the atmosphere upon re-entry.
• Artemis Programme Context: Artemis II follows the successful uncrewed Artemis I flight. It is the first crewed mission of the Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon's surface by 2028 — a target aligned with US President Trump's renewed space policy. NASA also aims to eventually establish a dedicated Moon base. The next mission — Artemis III — aims to achieve an actual lunar landing.

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor

In the News: India's 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, successfully achieved its first criticality — the initiation of a sustained and controlled nuclear fission chain reaction — at 8:25 PM. The milestone officially marks India's entry into the second stage of its three-stage nuclear power programme, a vision originally conceived by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha.

Key Points:

• What is the PFBR? The PFBR is a 500 MWe advanced nuclear reactor indigenously designed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) and built and commissioned by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), both under the Department of Atomic Energy. The reactor achieved criticality after receiving clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) following a rigorous safety review.
• What is Criticality? Criticality is the point at which a sustained, controlled nuclear fission chain reaction begins — where neutrons produced by fission equal those lost, resulting in stable power output. It marks the transition from the construction phase to the operational power-generation phase.
• Fuel and Breeding Mechanism: Unlike conventional thermal reactors, the PFBR uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel, sourced by reprocessing spent fuel from Stage 1 Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). The reactor core is surrounded by a blanket of Uranium-238; fast neutrons convert this fertile U-238 into fissile Plutonium-239, enabling the reactor to produce more fuel than it consumes — the defining characteristic of a Fast Breeder Reactor.
• Bridge to Thorium (Stage 3): The PFBR is designed to eventually incorporate Thorium-232 into its blanket. Through transmutation, Thorium-232 will be converted into Uranium-233, which will serve as the primary fuel for Stage 3 thorium-based reactors — critical given that India holds over 25% of the world's thorium reserves.
• India's Three-Stage Nuclear Programme: — Stage 1 — PHWRs: Use natural uranium to generate power; spent fuel produces plutonium as a by-product. — Stage 2 — FBRs: Use plutonium from Stage 1; breed more plutonium and irradiate Thorium-232 to produce Uranium-233. — Stage 3 — Thorium-Based Reactors: Run on Uranium-233 bred in Stage 2 alongside India's vast thorium reserves to generate electricity at a massive scale.
• Broader Nuclear Vision: The SHANTI Act, 2025 (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act) modernises the legal framework and opens avenues for limited private sector participation. — Rs 20,000 crore has been allocated for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with at least five indigenously designed SMRs targeted to be operational by 2033. — BARC is developing next-generation reactors including the BSMR-200, SMR-55, and a High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor for hydrogen generation.

End of an Era: ‘Lion of Ladakh’ Col Sonam Wangchuk No More

In the News: Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (Retd), celebrated as the 'Lion of Ladakh,' passed away following a heart attack at his residence in Leh at the age of 61. A recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra — India's second-highest wartime gallantry award — his death marks the passing of one of India's most decorated Kargil War heroes.

Key Points:

• Passing and Cause of Death: Colonel Wangchuk had been complaining of chest pain for several days prior to his death. He had visited Leh around March 25, 2026, following the death of his father in January, and was under considerable stress due to a stream of condolence visitors. He was found unresponsive early on the morning of April 10, 2026.
• Kargil War Heroism: Then serving as a Major, Wangchuk led Ladakh Scouts troops across the glaciated heights of Chorbat La in the Batalik sub-sector on May 30, 1999 — at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet — without artillery support. His mission resulted in one of the earliest Indian victories of the Kargil War, killing two enemy soldiers and forcing others to retreat.
• Further Combat Actions: He subsequently reinforced an observation post under heavy artillery fire and led an assault on an enemy-held position, successfully capturing it and eliminating six enemy soldiers — demonstrating exceptional tactical leadership under extreme conditions.
• Named Posts — 'Sonam 1' and 'Sonam 2': In a rare military tribute, two posts in the Chorbat La sector were named 'Sonam 1' and 'Sonam 2' in his honour, reflecting the significance of his contributions during Operation Vijay.
• Maha Vir Chakra: Wangchuk was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy — recognising his courage, leadership, and decisive role in securing strategic positions during the conflict.
• Early Life and Military Career: Born on January 27, 1964, Wangchuk completed his schooling at Modern School, New Delhi. He was commissioned into the Assam Regiment on September 4, 1987, and was later deputed to the Ladakh Scouts, known as the 'Snow Warriors.' The Ladakh Scouts received a Unit Citation from then Army Chief V P Malik for their performance in the Kargil War.

Jyotirao Phule Jayanti 2026: India Begins 200th Birth Anniversary Year

In the News: The Government of India formally launched a two-year nationwide commemoration of the 200th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, spanning from April 11, 2026 to April 11, 2028. The inaugural programme, titled "Phule Across India," was held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

Key Points:

• Announcement Origin: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the upcoming commemoration in his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2025, calling Phule's mantra of "priority to the backward" an inspiration for transformative governance.
• Inaugural Programme: The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment organised the launch under the Inter-State Cultural Diversity Programme titled "Phule Across India," featuring region-wise thematic presentations inspired by Phule's life, philosophy, and social reform legacy.
• National Implementation Committee: The commemoration was approved by the National Implementation Committee (NIC) chaired by the Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, vide approval dated April 6, 2026.
• High-Level Committee: A High-Level Committee of 126 members has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, comprising former Presidents, a former Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament, academicians, jurists, spiritual leaders, and social activists.
• Mahatma Jyotirao Phule (1827–1890): A pioneering social reformer from Maharashtra, Phule dedicated his life to the upliftment of marginalised communities. Along with Savitribai Phule, he opened India's first school for girls in 1848. In 1873, he founded the Satyashodhak Samaj, a movement promoting truth, equality, and social justice and working to eliminate caste discrimination.