CURRENT AFFAIRS 12-13 April, 2026

CURRENT AFFAIRS 12-13 April, 2026

1. PROTOTYPE FAST BREEDER REACTOR –

• India marked a defining milestone in its clean energy journey as the indigenously designed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, successfully attained its first criticality (the initiation of a sustained nuclear chain reaction).
• With this achievement, India has officially entered the vital second stage of its three-stage nuclear power programme, a vision originally conceived by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha.

What is the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)?

• About: The PFBR is a 500 MWe (Megawatt electrical) advanced nuclear reactor. It was technologically developed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) and built by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI).
• Understanding Criticality: Criticality is the point at which a sustained and controlled nuclear fission chain reaction begins.
• Neutrons produced by fission equal those lost, resulting in a stable power output, marking the transition from the construction phase to the operational power-generation phase.
• Global Standing: Once fully commercialized, India will become only the second country in the world (after Russia) to successfully operate a commercial fast breeder reactor, as countries like Japan, France, and the US shut down their programs due to technical complexities.
• Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR): A FBR is a highly efficient nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons to generate more fissile material (fuel) than it consumes.
• Fuel Used: Unlike conventional thermal reactors that use natural uranium, the PFBR uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel. This fissile material is recovered by reprocessing spent fuel from Stage 1 Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
• The “Breeding” Mechanism: The reactor core is surrounded by a “blanket” of depleted Uranium-238. When fast neutrons hit this fertile U-238 blanket, it transmutes into fissile Plutonium-239, allowing the reactor to produce more fuel than it burns.
• Bridge to Thorium: The PFBR is specifically designed to eventually incorporate Thorium-232 into its blanket. Through transmutation, this will breed Uranium-233, the fuel required to power Stage 3.
• Closed Fuel Cycle: The spent fuel generated by the PFBR is reprocessed and recycled back into the reactor, dramatically reducing nuclear waste.

2. INDIA COMMEMORATES JALLIANWALA BAGH MASSACRE DAY, HONORING VICTIMS OF 1919 TRAGEDY –

• Every year on the 13th April India remembers the innocent victims of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. This was was one of the most tragic incident in the India’s history. This massacre was took place in 1919 in Amritsar and it stands as the powerful reminder of the brutality of British colonial rule and the sacrifices made for the India’s independence. Every year this day brings the attention to the incident which transformed the Indian freedom struggle in to the mass movement.

Background of Rowlatt Act and Rising Nationalism

• The massacre did not occur in the isolation. It was the result of the growing unrest against oppressive colonial policies mainly the Rowlatt Act which have allowed detention without trial.
• In response to this act the widespread protests happened across the India and it was led by Mahatma Gandhi through his call for Satyagraha. In the Punjab region the situation became tense as they have gathered to protest against this colonial law.
• The arrest of leaders like Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal further inflamed public anger and set the stage for the tragic events of April 13.

3. ASHA BHOSLE NO MORE: ICONIC VOICE OF INDIAN CINEMA LEAVES BEHIND UNMATCHED MUSICAL HERITAGE –

• Legendary Iconic and Sound of the Nation Mrs. Asha Bhosle Ji passed away on the 12th of April, 2026 in the Mumbai at the age of 92 in the Breach Candy Hospital because of the to multiple organ failure and she was admitted in the hospital a day earlier because of the chest infection. Her passing marks the end of the era for her incredible musical journey with over the 8 decades and left with a great legacy in the Indian cinema and music industry.

Journey From Humble Beginnings to Musical Greatness

• At the young age of the 10 years Asha Bhosle Ji began her singing career and made her debut in the Marathi film in 1943. She entered into the Hindi cinema industry with early songs in the late 1940s but her breakthrough came in the film Naya Daur (1957).
• At that time when legends like Lata Mangeshkar, Shamshad Begum and Geeta Dutt have dominated the industry. Asha Ji carved her own identity with the versatility and the experimentation.
• Her journey also reflects the determination as she rise from the shadows of the some of the established names and to become one of the most recorded voices in music history.

4. WHAT IS VANTARA UNIVERSITY? INDIA’S FIRST GLOBAL WILDLIFE INSTITUTION EXPLAINED –

• Vantara has announced the launch of Vantara University in the Jamnagar, Gujarat. It will be founded under the vision of Anant Ambani and the institution is set to become the world’s first integrated global university which dedicated to the wildlife and veterinary sciences. It will be designed as a modern-day Gurukul and it aims to position India as the global leader in conservation, animal welfare and veterinary education.

World’s First Integrated Wildlife & Veterinary Sciences University

• Vantara University standout as the unique academic initiative which is combining multiple disciplines under one ecosystem isfocused on wildlife and conservation.
• The university aims to,
• Train the future professionals in wildlife medicine and conservation
• Also to integrate the scientific research with real-world field experience
• And to promote ethical and compassionate animal care

5. INDIA HOSTS BRICS TALKS AMID IRAN-UAE TENSIONS –

• India is preparing to host a crucial BRICS engagement that will bring Iran and the United Arab Emirates together for direct discussions amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. The meeting comes at a sensitive time, as regional instability continues to impact global energy markets and geopolitical alignments. With expanded BRICS membership including key Gulf nations, the platform has become central to addressing complex regional disputes.

First Direct Engagement Since Conflict

• The meeting will mark the first face-to-face interaction between Iran and the UAE since the escalation of the West Asia conflict. Differences between the two countries had earlier prevented BRICS from issuing a unified statement on the crisis. Their participation signals a renewed attempt to reopen diplomatic channels within a multilateral framework and reduce friction through dialogue.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.  Shree Chamundeshwari Temple, that was recently seen in news, is located in which state ?

1. a) Karnataka
2. b) Kerala
3. c) Tamil Nadu
4. d) Maharashtra

Q2.  The ALH Mk III is a variant of which indigenous helicopter ?

1. a) Dhruv
2. b) Rudra
3. c) Prachand
4. d) Chetak

Q3.  Indravati Tiger Reserve is located in which state ?

1. a) Karnataka
2. b) Odisha
3. c) Andhra Pradesh
4. d) Chhattisgarh

Q4.  Consider the following statements regarding India’s renewable energy position (2026):

1. India has become the third-largest country in the world in installed renewable energy capacity.
2. India’s total non-fossil fuel capacity exceeds 300 GW when nuclear and large hydro are included.
3. India has overtaken Brazil to reach the second position globally.

         Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 2 only
3. c) 2 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is correct: India is now 3rd globally in installed renewable energy capacity.
• Statement 2 is correct: India’s non-fossil capacity (renewables + nuclear + large hydro) is around 283.46 GW, i.e., close to 300 GW.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: India has overtaken Brazil (not USA or China) and is at third position, not second.

Q5.  With reference to India’s solar energy sector, consider the following statements:

1. India’s solar capacity has increased more than 50 times since 2014.
2. India is fully dependent on imports for solar module manufacturing.
3. PM-Surya Ghar scheme promotes household-level solar adoption.

         Which of the statements are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 1 and 3 only
3. c) 2 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is correct: Solar capacity grew from ~2.6 GW (2014) to 150+ GW, a 50+ times increase.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: India’s domestic manufacturing has increased significantly (now ~172 GW capacity).
• Statement 3 is correct: PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana promotes rooftop solar at household level.

Answer Key