Daily Current Affairs - 7th April 2026
- Kaushal
- 1 day ago
- 11 min read
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | Western Dedicated Freight Corridor Completion, ASISSE Survey Launch, Amendments to Mineral Concession Rules 2026, RBI Regulations on Credit Default Swaps & Business Correspondents, Custodial Deaths and Constitutional Safeguards, CBSE Computational Thinking & AI Curriculum, PFBR Criticality at Kalpakkam, Draft Tar-Balls Management Rules 2026, India’s Record Wind Energy Addition 2025–26 and more.
Table of Content
Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC)
The Ministry of Railways has completed the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), a 1,506-km long freight-only railway line stretching from Dadri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Terminal (JNPT—India’s largest container port), significantly enhancing freight movement efficiency.
About Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC)
The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project was conceived in 2005 with the objective of creating exclusive railway lines for freight trains (separating cargo from passenger traffic to improve efficiency).
In 2008, two major corridors were approved—Eastern DFC (EDFC) and Western DFC (WDFC)—forming the backbone of India’s freight infrastructure.
The EDFC runs from Ludhiana to Sonnagar, covering a distance of 1,337 km, facilitating freight movement across northern and eastern India.
Building on this, the Ministry of Railways is preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs—feasibility and planning documents) for three additional freight corridors, which are currently under examination.
These include the East-Coast Corridor (Kharagpur to Vijayawada), aimed at improving coastal freight connectivity.
The East-West Corridor is proposed along routes such as Palghar–Bhusawal–Nagpur–Kharagpur–Dankuni and Rajkharsawan–Kalipahari–Andal, enhancing east-west freight linkage.
Additionally, the North-South Sub-corridor (Vijayawada–Nagpur–Itarsi) is planned to strengthen vertical freight connectivity across India.
To implement these corridors, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) was established in 2006 as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV—an entity created for a specific project) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Railways.
DFCCIL is responsible for planning and development, mobilising financial resources, and undertaking construction, maintenance, and operation of DFCs, ensuring efficient project execution.
Importance of DFCs
DFCs help ease congestion by separating freight and passenger traffic, thereby improving operational flexibility of railway networks.
They enable higher train speeds and improved freight productivity, as these corridors are designed for high-capacity freight trains operating at speeds up to 100 km/h.
By reducing delays, congestion, and uncertain transit times, DFCs contribute to lower logistics costs, benefiting industries and boosting economic efficiency.
They also promote cleaner and safer transport, as the entire DFC network is fully electrified, encouraging a shift from road to rail, which reduces carbon emissions.
Finally, DFCs align with the National Rail Plan (aimed at developing a future-ready rail network by 2030), making them a critical component of India’s long-term infrastructure strategy.
Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE)
The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has launched the Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) to strengthen data-driven policymaking in the services sector.
ASISSE is the first annual survey specifically designed to cover incorporated service sector enterprises across all States and Union Territories, with FY 2024–25 as the reference period (base year for data collection).
The survey covers enterprises registered under the Companies Act, 1956, Companies Act, 2013, and the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act, 2008 (laws governing formally registered companies and partnerships), ensuring focus on the organised corporate services sector.
Its sectoral coverage includes key service areas such as trade, transport, information technology (IT), healthcare, education, and hospitality, representing major contributors to India’s economy.
The primary aim of ASISSE is to build a reliable and comprehensive database (systematic collection of economic data) to support evidence-based policymaking and detailed economic analysis.
For data collection, the survey utilises the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) database (digital platform managing GST data), and approximately 1.21 lakh enterprises have been surveyed, ensuring wide coverage.
ASISSE complements existing surveys such as the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) (covers manufacturing sector) and the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) (covers informal sector), thereby enabling a holistic understanding of the non-agricultural economy.
Amendments to Mineral Concession Rules
The Ministry of Mines has notified the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydrocarbons Energy Minerals) Concession (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, aimed at improving regulation and efficiency in mineral extraction and leasing.
These amendments introduce a detailed mechanism for inclusion of contiguous areas (adjacent or connected land parcels) within existing Mining Leases (ML—permission granted for extraction of minerals) and Composite Licences (CL—combined licence for prospecting and mining), particularly for deep-seated minerals (minerals located deep beneath the Earth’s surface).
Additionally, the rules allow for the inclusion of associated minerals (minerals found along with primary minerals in the same deposit) within existing mining leases of both major and minor minerals, enabling more efficient resource utilisation.
Major and Minor Minerals (Classification Framework)
The classification of minerals into major and minor categories is defined under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), which governs mineral development in India.
Minor minerals include materials such as building stones, gravel, ordinary clay, and ordinary sand (excluding sand used for specified purposes), along with any other mineral declared as such by the Central Government.
In contrast, major minerals refer to all minerals other than minor minerals, including economically significant resources like coal, iron, zinc, and limestone, which are critical for industrial development.
Credit Default Swaps (CDS)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has notified limits for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs—overseas investors investing in financial assets) regarding investment in debt instruments and sale of Credit Default Swaps (CDS) for FY 2026–27, while keeping limits for Government Securities (G-Secs—central government bonds), State Government Securities (SGSs—state-issued bonds), and corporate bonds unchanged.
About Credit Default Swaps (CDS)
A Credit Default Swap (CDS) is a financial derivative instrument (a contract whose value is derived from an underlying asset like bonds) that allows an investor to transfer or offset credit risk (risk of borrower default) to another party.
It functions similar to insurance on bonds, where the buyer pays periodic premiums (regular payments for protection), and the seller compensates the buyer if a default (failure to repay debt) or restructuring (change in repayment terms) occurs.
CDS instruments are widely used for hedging (reducing risk exposure), speculation (profiting from price movements), arbitrage (exploiting price differences across markets), and overall credit risk management.
However, they carry risks such as counterparty risk (possibility that the seller may fail to pay) and complexity (difficulty in valuation and understanding), which can pose challenges for financial stability.
Business Correspondent
RBI proposed revised Banking Correspondent (BC) classification, based on three types of delivery points — bank branches, Business Correspondent-Banking Outlet (BC-BO) and Business Correspondent-Banking Touchpoint (BC-BT).
BC-BO: It is a fixed-point service delivery unit, operated by a BC / BC sub-agent,
BC-BT: It is a service delivery point working exclusively for one bank, offering limited services, and having flexible hours of operations.
About Business Correspondents
BC means as an entity (juridical person) or individual (other than its own employee) who has been engaged by a bank to provide banking and other financial services, on behalf of the bank.
Role: Assigned in remote areas to perform retail banking operations, expanding the reach of banks and helping in financial inclusion.
Custodial Deaths in India
An Additional District and Sessions Court in Madurai has imposed the death penalty on policemen in a custodial death case involving the death of two persons in 2020, highlighting serious concerns regarding police accountability and human rights violations.
About Custodial Deaths
Custodial death refers to the death of a person while in police or judicial custody, often resulting from torture or inhuman treatment (physical or mental abuse inflicted by authorities).
According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), there were 2,739 custodial deaths reported in 2024, indicating the scale of the issue.
Key Issues with Custodial Deaths
Custodial torture is against constitutional values, as it represents a serious abuse of power due to the vulnerability of detainees and unequal power dynamics between authorities and individuals.
There are challenges to accountability, since investigations are often conducted by the same police department where the incident occurred, limiting impartiality and transparency.
It leads to a breach of human rights and dignity, as torture violates fundamental rights, illustrated by cases like the 1972 Maharashtra custodial rape case involving a tribal woman.
Such practices also cause erosion of trust in police as an institution, as the continued use of torture fosters a culture of violence within law enforcement agencies.
Safeguards Related to Custodial Torture
The Constitution of India provides safeguards, including Article 20 (protection against arbitrary and excessive punishment), Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty—no deprivation except by procedure established by law), and Article 22 (protection against arbitrary arrest and detention).
The NHRC Guidelines on Custodial Deaths (1993) mandate that any custodial death or rape must be reported within 24 hours, ensuring prompt oversight.
The Supreme Court of India has strengthened safeguards through key judgments, including D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1996) (laid down detailed procedures for arrest and detention to prevent abuse).
In Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh (2020), the Supreme Court directed the installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations, improving transparency and accountability.
At the global level, India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT), which aims to prevent torture and cruel treatment, although India has not yet ratified it (formally adopted it into domestic law).
CBSE Curriculum on CT and AI
The Union Education Minister has launched a new CBSE curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) aimed at integrating future-ready skills into school education.
Computational Thinking (CT) refers to a structured problem-solving approach that involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, logical steps that can be executed by humans or machines.
It includes key components such as Decomposition (breaking problems into smaller parts), Pattern Recognition (identifying similarities or trends), Abstraction (filtering essential information while ignoring irrelevant details), and Algorithmic Thinking (developing step-by-step solutions).
About the Curriculum
The curriculum will be implemented from Classes 3 to 8, ensuring early exposure to computational and AI concepts.
It is aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, aiming to position India as a global leader in emerging technologies like AI.
The primary aim is to develop AI-ready learners (students equipped to understand and use AI technologies) by building logical reasoning, digital literacy (ability to use digital tools effectively), and responsible technology usage, while fostering innovation, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making.
The inclusion of CT and AI in education promotes interdisciplinary learning (integration across subjects), helps create a cognitive framework for AI-driven solutions, and ensures early cognitive development among students.
Internationally, countries like Finland, Singapore, and South Korea have already introduced AI education in schools, serving as best practice models.
Challenges in Introducing CT and AI
A major challenge is the literacy barrier, as per the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024, more than half of Class 5 students in government schools cannot read a Class 2-level text, limiting foundational learning.
This gap in LSRW skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) can hinder the development of computational thinking abilities, which rely on basic comprehension and reasoning.
Another issue is teacher preparedness, since shifting to an inquiry-based AI curriculum requires large-scale teacher upskilling, supported by initiatives like NISHTHA (teacher training programme).
There are also infrastructure gaps, as while early stages may use “unplugged learning” (teaching without computers), higher classes require reliable hardware and internet connectivity, which remain inconsistent across many schools.
PFBR and India’s Nuclear Programme
The indigenously developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has attained criticality (the stage at which a nuclear reactor achieves a self-sustaining chain reaction, where each fission releases enough neutrons to continue the process), marking a major milestone in the second stage of India’s nuclear programme.
About Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)
A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is a type of nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons (high-energy neutrons without moderation) to generate more nuclear fuel than it consumes while producing energy, hence termed “breeder.”
India’s PFBR is located at Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu) and is operated by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), a public sector enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy.
The reactor has a power capacity of 500 megawatts, and once fully operational, India will become the second country after Russia to have a commercial fast breeder reactor, highlighting its technological advancement.
The PFBR uses indigenously developed Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel (a blend of uranium and plutonium used as nuclear fuel) and employs liquid sodium as a coolant (a heat transfer medium enabling efficient cooling at high temperatures).
It also contains a Uranium-238 blanket (outer layer surrounding the reactor core), which undergoes nuclear transmutation (conversion of one element into another) to produce more fissile material, thereby generating additional fuel and justifying the term “breeder.”
Significance of Fast Breeder Reactors
FBRs act as a stepping stone to the third stage of India’s nuclear programme, enabling the eventual utilisation of India’s abundant thorium reserves (a key strategic resource for long-term energy security).
They incorporate inherent passive safety features (automatic safety mechanisms that function without human intervention), ensuring safe shutdown during emergencies.
FBRs also contribute to the reduction of nuclear waste, as they utilise spent fuel from earlier stages, improving resource efficiency.
India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Programme
India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Programme was conceptualised in 1954 by Homi Jehangir Bhabha, aiming to maximise utilisation of limited uranium and abundant thorium resources for long-term energy independence.
Tar-balls Management Rules, 2026
The Centre notified the draft Tar-balls Management Rules, 2026, to combat marine pollution caused by toxic oil leak residue.
Key Provisions
Covers Lifecycle: generation, collection, storage, transport, treatment and disposal.
‘Polluter pays’ principle: Fixes responsibility on oil operators, environmental compensation provision.
States Stakeholder Responsibilities: E.g. CPCB, Coast Guard etc.
Mandates monitoring, reporting and declaration of ‘State disaster’ for severe cases.
About Tar balls
Sticky lumps created due to weathering of oil following leaks, spills, and marine accidents.
They form through various physical, chemical, and biological processes when oil mixes with water and other contaminants.
Classified as hazardous waste requiring safe handling and disposal.
India’s Wind Energy Growth
India has achieved its highest-ever annual wind energy addition of 6.05 GW in 2025–26, reflecting a 46% year-on-year growth, thereby strengthening its position as a leading global wind energy market.
This milestone contributes significantly towards India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030 (clean energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, etc.).
Status of Wind Energy in India
Globally, India ranks 4th in wind power capacity, as per International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) RE Statistics 2025, indicating its strong global standing.
India’s installed wind energy capacity has grown from 21.04 GW in 2014 to over 56 GW in 2026, demonstrating sustained expansion in the sector.
Wind energy is the second-largest renewable energy source after solar in India, playing a crucial role in the country’s energy mix.
Key states contributing to wind energy capacity include Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, which have favourable wind conditions and infrastructure.
Government Initiatives
The Centralized Data Collection and Coordination (CCDC) Wind Initiative focuses on improving wind resource assessment (measuring wind availability and potential) through better data and research.
The National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, 2018 promotes grid-connected hybrid systems (combining wind and solar power) for optimal and efficient utilisation of resources.
The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme supports offshore wind energy projects (wind farms located in sea areas) in line with the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, 2015.
Additional measures include the Green Energy Open Access Rules, 2022 (facilitating access to renewable power), Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO—mandating entities to procure renewable energy), concessional customs duty on wind turbine components, and waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges until 2028 (reducing transmission costs).
Issues in Wind Energy Sector
The sector faces infrastructure constraints, including limited grid capacity, weak transmission networks, and approval delays, which hinder effective integration and evacuation of generated power.
There are also economic challenges, such as high capital costs, large project size requirements, and policy uncertainty, which increase financial risks and limit investor participation.
Additional challenges include technical issues (complex logistics and installation processes) and land acquisition problems, which slow down project implementation.
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