Daily Current Affairs- 8th April 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 8th April 2026

Russia and China Veto UN Resolution to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

In the News: Russia and China vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane effectively blockaded by Iran since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, 2026. The resolution, proposed by Bahrain and supported by the US, received 11 votes in favour but was blocked by the two permanent members who called it biased against Iran.

Key Points:

• The Resolution: The draft resolution was prepared by Bahrain and supported by the United States. It received 11 votes in favour, 2 against (Russia and China), and 2 abstentions  came from Pakistan and Colombia of 15 UNSC members. The text called on states to "coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation" through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Watered-Down Draft: The resolution had been significantly weakened before the vote. An earlier version referenced Chapter 7 of the UN Charter — which authorises measures including military force — and explicitly permitted the use of force to unblock the strait. Following objections from Russia, China, and initially France, all such language was removed, leaving only a call for defensive coordination.
• Iran's Blockade: Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Israel war launched on February 28, 2026. The strait normally carries one-fifth of the world's oil and gas shipments. The blockade has caused global fuel prices to soar and forced several countries, particularly in Asia, to introduce consumption restrictions and ration supplies.
• Russia and China's Position: Both nations argued the resolution was biased against Iran. China's UN envoy Fu Cong stated that adopting the draft while the US was threatening Iran would have sent the wrong message. Russia's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya announced that Russia and China were proposing an alternative resolution on the broader Middle East situation, including maritime security.
• US and Gulf Response: US Ambassador Mike Waltz condemned the vetoes as "a new low," stating that Iran was "holding the global economy at gunpoint." Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, speaking on behalf of Gulf states, said the failure "sends the wrong signal to the world" and that the international body responsible for peace and security had failed to take decisive action. Waltz added that the veto did not prevent the US from acting in self-defence or in defence of its allies.

Disquiet in Delhi: How Pakistan emerged as key mediator between US and Iran

In the News: Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator between the US and Iran, with Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif playing pivotal roles in brokering the two-week ceasefire announced on April 8, 2026. The development has caused distinct disquiet in New Delhi, as Pakistan — which India has long tried to isolate diplomatically — has secured a prominent foothold in international diplomatic power corridors.

Key Points:

• Pakistan's Mediating Role: Pakistan acted as a critical bridge between Washington and Tehran — two adversaries that do not maintain direct diplomatic relations. Pakistan represents Iran's interests in Washington, giving it a rare institutional foothold in both capitals. Both Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi publicly complimented Pakistan's role. Trump attributed the ceasefire pause to "conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir," while Araghchi expressed "gratitude and appreciation" for their "tireless efforts to end the war."
• How Pakistan Built Its Access: Pakistan leveraged its newfound access to the White House — built through crypto deals in April 2025 and Operation Sindoor in May 2025 — to create a space for itself in the highly controlled echelons of the Trump administration. This allowed Islamabad to punch far above its weight in global diplomacy.
• Ceasefire Framework: By early April, Islamabad circulated a "ceasefire framework" proposing an immediate halt to hostilities, including de-escalation around key maritime routes. As deadlines loomed and fears of a broader regional war intensified, Pakistan's proposal gained traction and led to the April 7-8 ceasefire. The next phase of delegation-level talks between the US and Iran is expected to begin in Islamabad on April 10.
• Broad Coalition of Support: PM Sharif thanked China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar for extending "invaluable and all-out support" towards reaching the ceasefire, signalling a broad multilateral coalition behind Pakistan's mediation effort. He also thanked the GCC nations and the US leadership for their "exceptional strategic foresight, sagacity and patience in giving peace a chance."
• India's Response: The Indian establishment is seeking ways to regain diplomatic ground. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has already travelled to the US, and EAM Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to the UAE on April 11-12 as part of India's efforts to engage with Washington and regional partners in the coming weeks.

Iran-US ceasefire: What each side was fighting for, and what they have won or lost

In the News: US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire, halting the 38-day war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Both sides agreed to negotiate on the basis of Iran's 10-point demands (deemed "workable" by Trump) and the US's 15-point demands, marking the first sincere negotiations between Washington and Tehran under their current leaderships.

Key Points:

• The Ceasefire: All US attacks on Iran were "suspended" on April 8, 2026, after 38 days of war. Trump announced the ceasefire hours after threatening to end Iranian "civilisation" if Iran did not accept a deal. On Truth Social, Trump called it the beginning of a "Golden Age of the Middle East," adding that "Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process."
• US's 15-Point Demands: Washington's demands included Iran dismantling nuclear facilities at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz; committing to not build nuclear weapons; handing over enriched uranium to the IAEA with full inspector access; limiting Iran's missile programme; and reopening the Strait of Hormuz — in exchange for removal of US and UN sanctions and US support for nuclear power production at the Bushehr plant.
• Iran's 10-Point Demands: Tehran required the US to commit to non-aggression, recognise Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz, accept Iran's sovereign enrichment rights, lift all primary and secondary sanctions, terminate punitive UN and IAEA resolutions, withdraw US forces, compensate Iran for war damages, and end Israel's war on Lebanon.
• Iran's Strategic Tools: Iran's decisive control of the Strait of Hormuz (blocking all US/Israel-linked shipping) and its widespread retaliatory strikes eventually breached Washington's tolerance threshold. Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi wrote on April 3 — "Bridges can be built but the opportunity to discipline America will not come again" — reflecting Iran's intent to deny the US any easy off-ramp and prevent it from believing it could attack Iran at will.
• Israel's Position: Israel rejected Iran's demand to halt its ongoing fifth invasion of South Lebanon and its fight against Hezbollah, effectively removing itself from the US-Iran ceasefire. Iran has warned it will withdraw from the ceasefire if Israel continues to attack Lebanon, making Israel a key unpredictable variable going forward.

INS Sunayna Reaches Male, Boosting Maritime Cooperation Between India and Maldives

In the News: Indian Navy's INS Sunayna arrived at Male, Maldives, as part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, marking the first port call of its 50-day operational deployment. The ship was ceremonially flagged off from Mumbai on April 2, 2026, by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, and was accorded a warm welcome by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), underscoring the strong and enduring maritime partnership between India and Maldives.

Key Points:

• About INS Sunayna: INS Sunayna is a Saryu-class Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Indian Navy. It is currently manned by a multinational contingent from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), with 39 international crew members on board, including two MNDF personnel, reflecting true multilateral maritime cooperation.
• About IOS SAGAR Initiative: The Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR is a unique operational engagement programme that enables naval personnel from Friendly Foreign Countries to train and sail together onboard an Indian Naval Ship. The second edition of IOS SAGAR commenced on March 16, 2026. It reflects India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and advances the broader framework of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The initiative operates under the guiding vision of "One Ocean, One Mission."
• India's Strategic Vision: The deployment underscores India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its strategic vision in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India aims to be the "Preferred Security Partner" and "First Responder" for neighbouring countries in developmental and security matters. The Indian Navy assumed the chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in February 2026, and this edition includes participation from 16 IONS nations of the IOR.
• Joint Training and Exercises: During transit to Male, the international crew undertook intensive training in seamanship, small arms firing, and damage control and firefighting drills, reflecting a strong emphasis on collective readiness and operational interoperability. A Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the MNDF Coast Guard is also scheduled upon the ship's departure from Male.

India Withdraws Bid to Host COP33 Summit

In the News: India has reportedly withdrawn its bid to host the 33rd Conference of Parties (COP33) scheduled for 2028, marking a significant shift in its recent climate diplomacy stance. The withdrawal was confirmed through an April 2 letter by Rajat Agrawal, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), to the UNFCCC, citing a "review of its commitments for 2028." No formal public statement has been issued by the ministry.

Key Points:

• Background: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced India's interest in hosting COP33 during COP28 in Dubai in 2023. In July 2025, the MoEFCC had set up a dedicated cell for the "professional and logistical requirements" for organising COP33. India's candidature had also received support at the 17th BRICS Summit on July 7, where member countries "welcomed" India's candidacy.
• Reason for Withdrawal: According to the letter sent to the UNFCCC, India withdrew its candidacy following a "review of its commitments for 2028," suggesting a recalibration of priorities amid evolving domestic and international obligations.
• COP Hosting Rotation System: The hosting of COP summits rotates among the UN's five regional groups — African States, Asia-Pacific States, Eastern European States, Latin American and Caribbean States, and Western European and Other States. India belongs to the Asia-Pacific group, which was eligible to host the 2028 summit. COP30 was held in Brazil; COP31 hosted by Turkey and Australia is the president of negotiations ; COP32 is scheduled in Ethiopia. Following India's withdrawal, South Korea remains the only has expressed interest for COP33.
• India's COP History: India has hosted a COP only once — in 2002 (COP8) — when it was a relatively low-key affair.
• About COP: COP stands for Conference of Parties and refers to the annual summit held under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Venues for future COPs are typically decided two years in advance.

Jyotiba Phule

In the News: Recently, the bicentenary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (1827–1890) was observed, highlighting his contributions as a pioneering social reformer and a forerunner of constitutional thought in India. His ideas reimagined society based on equality, dignity, and redistribution of power, underlining the interlinkage of social hierarchy, economic exploitation, and state indifference.

Key Points:

• About: Jyotirao Govindrao Phule was born on 11th April, 1827, in Pune, Maharashtra, into a lower-caste Mali family. He emerged as a pioneering social reformer who challenged Brahmanical orthodoxy, fought for the rights of Dalits and women, and laid the foundation for India's social justice movements. He passed away on 28th November, 1890.
• Early Life & Education: His mother Chimnabai died when he was young. Despite societal barriers, he studied at the Scottish Mission High School in Pune. Exposure to Western thinkers like Thomas Paine (The Rights of Man) and John Stuart Mill deeply fuelled his commitment to social justice. He married Savitribai Phule at age 13, who became his lifelong partner in social reform.
• Educational Reforms: In 1848, Phule and his wife Savitribai opened India's first girls' school in Pune — a groundbreaking step when educating girls was considered taboo, with a curriculum including mathematics, science, and social studies. He also established schools for marginalised communities including Dalits and lower-caste groups who were traditionally denied education.
• Social Reforms: He founded the Satyashodhak Samaj on September 24, 1873 — the "Society of Seekers of Truth" — which fought caste hierarchy, opposed idol worship and priestly mediation, and was open to all castes and religions. Deenbandhu, a Marathi weekly newspaper founded by Krishnarao Pandurang Bhalekar in 1877, served as its media outlet.
• Major Publications: Tritiya Ratna (1855), Powada: Chatrapati Shivajiraje Bhosle Yancha (1869), Gulamgiri (1873), Shetkaryacha Asud (1881), and Sarvajanik Satya Dharma Pustak.