• 13 Apr 2026

International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations Begins in Bengaluru

Why in News? 

The 2nd edition of the International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations (SMOPS-2026) is being held in April 2026 in Bangalore, India. 

Key Points 

• Theme: The conference is organised under the theme “Innovative Operations for Smart and Sustainable Space Mission Management – Next Generation.” 
• Inauguration: The conference was inaugurated by A. S. Kiran Kumar, former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and former Secretary, Department of Space 
• Organised by: The event is jointly organised by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Astronautical Society of India (ASI) and International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). 
• Objective: The conference aims to discuss advanced spacecraft mission operations, automation, mission design, large satellite constellations, space robotics, cybersecurity, and emerging space technologies to improve the management of space missions. 
• ISRO: 
  • It was established on 15 August 1969. 
  • Its headquarters are located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. 
  • It operates under the Department of Space. 

Read More: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Cybersecurity 

Death of Himalayan Griffon Vultures in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

Why in News? 

More than 25 Himalayan Griffon vultures were found dead in the buffer zone of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.  

Key Points 

• Location: The carcasses were discovered in an agricultural field in the buffer zone of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Lakhimpur Kheri district.  
• Suspected Cause: Officials suspect the deaths occurred due to secondary poisoning, where vultures consumed carcasses of animals that had earlier ingested poisoned substances. 
• Status: Himalayan Griffon vulture (Gyps himalayensis) 
  • IUCN Status: Near Threatened (NT). 
  • WPA Status (India): They are protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972. 
  • Habitat: High-altitude regions of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. 

Read More: Himalayan Griffon, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve 

Mumbai to Host 19th International Film Festival (MIFF)

Why in News? 

The 19^th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) for documentary, short fiction and animation films will be organised in June 2026 at the NFDC Complex in Mumbai.  

Key Points 

• MIFF: Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is one of the most prominent festivals dedicated to documentary, short fiction and animation films, attracting filmmakers, critics, students and cinema enthusiasts from across the world. 
  • It was established in 1990 and is South Asia’s oldest and largest non-feature film festival held biennially. 
• Organising Body: The festival is organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 
  • The MIFF will take place from 15 to 21 June 2026. 
• Awards: The festival offers total cash awards of ₹55 lakh, with the prestigious Golden Conch Award for Best Documentary carrying a cash prize of ₹10 lakh. 
  • The second edition of the WAVES Doc Bazaar will be held alongside the festival from 16–18 June 2026. 

Read More: South Asia 

Bhopal Passport Office Launched Braille and Sign Language Services

Why in News? 

The Regional Passport Office in Bhopal has launched Braille script materials and sign language services to improve accessibility of passport services for differently-abled applicants. 

Key Points 

• Objective: The initiative aims to make passport services more inclusive and accessible for visually impaired, speech-impaired, and hearing-impaired applicants. 
• Inauguration: The initiative was inaugurated by B. S. Mubarak, Joint Secretary of the Passport Seva Programme and Chief Passport Officer. 
• Braille Initiative: Special Braille booklets have been introduced explaining the entire passport application process, including required documents for ECR and Non-ECR categories, types of applications such as Normal and Tatkal, and important guidelines. 
  • The sign language videos are linked with QR codes, enabling applicants to easily access online resources and detailed information regarding passport procedures. 
• Grievance Redressal Cell: It was also established at the Regional Passport Office to address public complaints and provide prompt resolution related to passport services. 

Read More: Braille 

Vice President Released Sindhi Version of Constitution in Two Scripts

Why in News? 

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the updated version of the Constitution of India in the Sindhi language on the occasion of Sindhi Bhasha Diwas. 

Key Points 

• Release: The Vice President released the latest Sindhi translation of the Constitution of India, at an event held at the Vice President’s Enclave in New Delhi. 
• Scripts Used: The Constitution in Sindhi has been published in two scripts—the Devanagari script (first edition) and the Persian script (second edition).  
• Occasion: The release took place on 10th April 2026 on the occasion of Sindhi Bhasha Diwas (Sindhi Language Day), observed to celebrate and promote the Sindhi language and culture. 
• Sindhi Language: 
  • Sindhi is one of the 22 official languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. 
  • The Sindhi language was included through the 21st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1967. 

Read More: Constitution of India, Eighth Schedule 

Bihar to Establish High-Security Prison in Kaimur Hills

Why in News? 

The Bihar Government has planned to establish a high-security jail in the Kaimur Hills region to house hardcore criminals and strengthen prison security management in the state. 

Key Points 

• Purpose: The proposed high-security prison aims to keep hardcore criminals under stricter surveillance and prevent them from operating criminal networks from inside jails. 
• Location: The jail will be constructed in the Sarodag village of Kaimur district, located about 76 km from the district headquarters at Bhabua and is surrounded by dense forests and mountains. 
• Security Features: The prison will have advanced surveillance systems, restricted movement zones, and high-level security arrangements to prevent escapes and curb illegal activities within prisons. 
• Prison Reform: The project forms part of the Bihar government’s broader efforts to modernise prison infrastructure and improve prison administration in the state. 

Read More: Prison Reform 

Indian music legend Asha Bhosle Passes Away at 92

Why in News?

The death of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle on 12 April, 2026, at the age of 92, marks the definitive end of an era in Indian music. Known affectionately as "Asha Tai," she died in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital following complications from cardiac and respiratory issues.

Key Points:

• Birth: 8 September, 1933, in Sangli, Maharashtra. 
• Family: Daughter of classical singer Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar and younger sister of the "Nightingale of India," Lata Mangeshkar. 
• Career Span: Over eight decades (1943–2026), beginning with the Marathi film Majha Bal. 
• Guinness World Record: Formally recognised in 2011 as the most recorded artist in music history, with over 11,000–12,000 songs across 20+ languages. 

Key Awards and Honours: 

Award	Year	Significance
Dadasaheb Phalke Award	2000	India's highest award in cinema
Padma Vibhushan	2008	Second-highest civilian award in India
National Film Awards	Multiple	Including for Umrao Jaan (1981) and Ijaazat (1986)
Grammy Nomination	1997	First Indian singer to be nominated for a Grammy
Maharashtra Bhushan	2021	The highest civilian award of the State of Maharashtra

Final Rites: Her last rites were performed with full state honours at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, the same location where her sister Lata Mangeshkar was laid to rest.

Read More:Padma Vibhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award 

Resignation of Justice Yashwant Varma

Why in News?

Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court has submitted his resignation to the President of India under Article 217(1)(a) of the Constitution. This development follows a high-profile "cash-at-home" controversy and the initiation of a formal impeachment process in Parliament.

Key Points: 

• Background of Controversy: In March 2025, a fire at Justice Varma’s Delhi residence led to the discovery of substantial amounts of unaccounted cash. 
  • Inquiry Initiation: Following a prima facie report by a Supreme Court in-house committee, 146 MPs moved a motion for his removal under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. 
• Constitutional and Legal Framework: Under Article 217(1)(b), a High Court judge can only be removed by the President following an address by both Houses of Parliament on grounds of "proved misbehaviour" or "incapacity." 
  • The Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968: This Act regulates the procedure for the investigation and proof of the misbehaviour of a judge. 
• Implications of the Resignation:By resigning before the parliamentary vote, the formal impeachment process effectively becomes infructuous. 
  • Post-Retirement Benefits: A voluntary resignation, as opposed to a formal removal, generally allows a judge to retain pensionary and other post-retirement benefits. 

Read More: Removal of Judges in India 

Mundra Port: India’s Emerging Hub for Automotive Exports

Why in News? 

Mundra Port in Gujarat, managed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), has officially surpassed traditional hubs like Chennai and Ennore to become India’s largest automobile export gateway. This shift marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime logistics and the "Make in India" initiative. 

Key Points: 

• Key Drivers of Growth: Its proximity to the northern and western automobile clusters (Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat) reduces inland logistics costs. 
  • Infrastructure Excellence: The port features a dedicated Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminal and a massive parking yard capable of handling over 15,000 vehicles at any given time. 
  • Deep Draft Capabilities: Mundra can accommodate the world’s largest Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs), enhancing economies of scale for global manufacturers.  
• Export Surge: Major OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) like Maruti Suzuki, Nissan, and Toyota have increasingly shifted their export volumes to Mundra due to its faster turnaround times. 
  • Global Reach: The port serves as a primary exit point for Indian-made vehicles heading to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.  
• Economic and Policy Impact: Mundra’s integration with the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) has significantly improved the "last-mile" connectivity from manufacturing plants. 

Read More:Dedicated Freight Corridor 

Exercise Brahmastra in Rajasthan

Why in News? 

The Indian Army recently concluded Exercise Brahmastra at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. This large-scale integrated firepower exercise served as a significant demonstration of the Army’s "Atmanirbharta" (self-reliance) and its transition toward becoming a modern, technology-driven force. 

Key Points 

• Apache Attack Helicopters: The display was headlined by the Boeing AH-64E Apache, showcasing its precision-strike capabilities using Hellfire missiles and 30mm chain guns. 
  • Integrated Firepower: The exercise featured a synchronized display of infantry, mechanized forces, and specialized aviation assets. 
  • Night Combat Capabilities: A significant portion of the exercise focused on operations in low-visibility conditions, testing advanced thermal imaging and night-vision systems. 
• Strategic Significance: It demonstrated seamless coordination between the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps and ground-based artillery units. 
  • Technological Shift: The inclusion of loitering munitions and swarm drones highlighted the Army's shift toward Network-Centric Warfare (NCW). 
• "Make in India" and Defense Modernization: Alongside global platforms like the Apache, several indigenously developed systems, including the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and specialized ammunition, were put to the test. 
  • Force Multiplier: The integration of the Apache acts as a "tank killer" and a significant force multiplier for strike corps operating in the plains and desert sectors.