1) 🇮🇳National General Elections 2026: Single-phase polling commences today across Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. Key highlights include women voters outnumbering men in Kerala and Puducherry, making them the "kingmakers" of this election cycle. Census 2026: India’s first-ever Digital Census is in full swing. This massive exercise, involving over 3 million officials, aims to provide real-time demographic data to streamline government welfare schemes. Nuclear Triad Strength: India has officially commissioned its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridaman. This significantly bolsters the sea-based leg of India's nuclear triad alongside INS Arihant and INS Arighaat. Uttarakhand Environmental Action: The Uttarakhand High Court has issued a stay on the felling of oak treesin Mussoorie, prioritising environmental conservation over urban expansion projects. 2) 🌍International West Asia Ceasefire: A significant two-week ceasefire has been announced between the US and Iran. This offers a critical "breathing space" for global maritime trade, especially for oil tankers navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz. UAE’s Digital Leap: The United Arab Emirates has launched the world’s first commercial upper 6GHz (U6GHz) internet network, setting a new global benchmark for high-speed digital infrastructure. UNIFIL Security: India has strongly condemned recent attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon, urging all parties to respect the safety of UN personnel. 3) 💰Economy RBI Monetary Policy: The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has kept the Repo Rate unchanged at 5.25%. Governor Sanjay Malhotra cited the need to manage supply chain risks and inflation (projected at 4.6% for FY27) amidst geopolitical volatility. GDP Projections: The RBI has set India’s real GDP growth for FY27 at 6.9%, while some private agencies like CareEdge estimate it at 6.7% due to elevated energy prices. Manufacturing Relief: The Government has announced a customs duty exemption on specific petrochemical feedstocks to support sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and automotive components. 4) 🗓️Date’s importance Shaurya Diwas (CRPF Valour Day): Observed on 9 April to commemorate the 1965 battle at Sardar Post, Gujarat, where a small contingent of CRPF personnel successfully repulsed a Pakistani brigade. Winston Churchill Day: Marking the day in 1963 when Sir Winston Churchill became the first person to be proclaimed an honorary citizen of the United States. History (1865): The American Civil War effectively ended as General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. 5) 👱♂️👩🦳Person of the day Pinarayi Vijayan: The Kerala Chief Minister is in the spotlight today as he attempts to lead the LDF to a historic third consecutive term in the state’s assembly elections. Mohsina Kidwai: A veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister who passed away on 8 April 2026 at the age of 94. She was a significant figure in Indian politics for decades. 6) 🏅Sports Laureus Nomination: In a historic first, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team has been nominated for the 2026 Laureus World Team of the Year Award following their maiden World Cup title. IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans clinched a last-ball thriller against Delhi Capitals, winning by just 1 run. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi led RR to a rain-hit victory over Mumbai Indians. The Masters: The prestigious professional golf tournament begins today at the Augusta National Golf Club in the USA. 7) 🏆Awards Chetak Screen Awards 2026: Best Film: Homebound (Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan). Best Director: Aditya Dhar for the blockbuster spy thriller Dhurandhar. Best Actor (Male): Ranveer Singh (Dhurandhar). Best Actor (Female): Yami Gautam (Haq). 8) ⭐️Other important significance Space Science: NASA’s Artemis II mission is drawing comparisons to India's Chandrayaan-3, with experts highlighting different orbital strategies used for lunar transits. Migratory Birds: A tagged Sanderling bird was spotted on Narcondam Island after a remarkable 7,400 km migration from South Australia. 📚Word of the day FRATERNITY (Noun) Meaning: A group of people sharing a common profession or interests; also refers to friendship and mutual support within a group. Usage: Filmmaker Rahul Dholakia recently sparked a debate about whether the film fraternity truly supports its own during major award ceremonies.