Current Affairs 05 April 2026

Gaganyaan astronauts launch "Mission Mitra" in Ladakh to push the boundaries of human endurance.

• Gaganyaan astronauts begin Mission Mitra in Ladakh.
• Conducted by Indian Space Research Organisation’s Human Space Flight Centre.
• Aim: Simulate deep-space conditions and test human endurance.
• Location: Tso Kar Valley (extreme cold, low oxygen).
• Goal: Prepare for human spaceflight mission (400 km orbit & safe return).

Reserve Bank of India tightens rules on offshore rupee derivatives market.

• Reserve Bank of India imposes strict rules on offshore rupee derivative (NDF) market.
• Aim: Stabilize rupee and curb speculation in $149B offshore market.
• Target: Offshore hubs like Singapore and London.
• Key Measure: Banks’ daily currency positions capped at $100 million.
• Impact: Rupee rose ~2% (to 92.84/USD); major unwinding of positions (~$30B).
• Objective: Shift price discovery to domestic markets and reduce volatility.

Meghalaya partners with Starlink to expand internet access in remote areas.

• Meghalaya signs LoI with Starlink for satellite internet.
• Aim: Provide high-speed connectivity to remote and hilly regions.
• Technology: Uses Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, avoiding ground towers.
• Focus Areas: Education, healthcare, disaster management, and development.
• Implementation: Pilot project first; possible statewide expansion later.

Ministry of Education grants "deemed-to-be university" status to NCERT.

• Ministry of Education grants deemed-to-be university status to NCERT on University Grants Commission recommendation.
• Mandate: Launch PhD programmes, research, and innovative academic courses.
• Core Role: Research in school education and improve learning outcomes.
• Functions: Develop textbooks, publish resources, and advise governments on education policies.
• About NCERT: Established in 1961; apex body for school curriculum (NCF).

GoI approves ₹132.51 crore funding for Kandla Port development and modernization.

• Project Sanctioned: ₹132.51 Crore approved for port connectivity at Deendayal Port Authority, Gujarat.
• Integration: Part of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for integrated, multi-modal connectivity.
• Objective: Enhance road and rail links to reduce time and cost of cargo movement.
• Deendayal Port: Formerly Kandla Port; a major hub for petroleum, chemicals, iron imports, and food grains, salt exports.
• PM GatiShakti: Launched in October 2021; ₹100 lakh crore plan coordinating 16 ministries for national infrastructure projects.