Current Affairs Today — April 8, 2026

Today’s Top Stories

1. Amaravati Notified as Sole Capital of Andhra Pradesh

The Ministry of Law and Justice formally notified Amaravati as the single, exclusive capital of Andhra Pradesh through the AP Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, amending Section 5 of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014. The notification legally nullifies the previous YSR Congress government’s three-capital formula (Amaravati as legislative, Visakhapatnam as executive, Kurnool as judicial capital). The amendment inserts an effective date of June 2, 2024 — aligning it with the TDP-led NDA government’s assumption of power.

2. GeM Crosses ₹18.4 Lakh Crore Cumulative GMV

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has surpassed a cumulative Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹18.4 lakh crore since its 2016 launch. FY 2025–26 alone contributed ₹5 lakh crore+ — the highest single-year figure ever — with MSEs capturing 68% of orders by volume and women-led MSEs crossing ₹28,000 crore in orders (28% YoY growth). State government procurement on GeM grew 38.3% YoY in FY26.

3. India Records Highest-Ever Wind Power Addition — 6.05 GW in FY26

India added 6.05 GW of wind energy capacity in FY 2025–26, surpassing the previous record of 5.5 GW set in FY17 and posting 46% growth over FY25’s 4.15 GW. Total installed wind capacity has crossed 56 GW, with Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra leading. India’s wind target is 140 GW by 2030 as part of the 500 GW non-fossil fuel goal.

4. Indian Army Releases UAS and Loitering Munitions Technology Roadmap

The Indian Army published a 50-page technology roadmap for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Loitering Munitions, covering 30 UAS types across ~80 variants in five operational categories: surveillance, loitering munitions, air-defence UAS, special-role UAS, and logistics UAS. Released by Lt Gen Rahul R Singh at Bharat Mandapam, the roadmap emphasises indigenous development under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and signals future procurement priorities.

5. ZSI Discovers Two New Marine Nematode Species off Tamil Nadu

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered two new free-living marine nematode species — Corononema dhriti and Epacanthion indica — from the Tamil Nadu coastline. Corononema dhriti is only the 4th known species of its genus globally; Epacanthion indica is named after India and functions as a microscopic benthic predator. The discovery adds to India’s poorly documented marine biodiversity.

6. MoEFCC Releases Draft Rules for Coastal Tar Ball Management

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released draft rules for managing tar balls — hydrocarbon residue lumps that wash ashore from oil spills and ship discharges. The rules propose identification protocols, cleanup responsibilities, and reporting mechanisms linked to India’s obligations under MARPOL (International Convention for Prevention of Pollution from Ships). India’s 7,516 km coastline is regularly affected, especially in Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

Also in News

• Morgan Stanley revised India’s GDP forecast for FY27 down 30 basis points to 6.2%, citing West Asia conflict spillover and a widening current account deficit (~2.5% of GDP). Q1 FY27 estimate: 5.9%.
• RBI cancelled the licence of Shirpur Merchants’ Co-operative Bank, Maharashtra (effective April 6) due to capital inadequacy. Depositors covered up to ₹5 lakh under DICGC.
• NSO-MoSPI launched India’s first Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) covering ~1.21 lakh enterprises for FY 2024–25 reference period using the GSTN database.
• World Health Day 2026 (April 7) theme: “Together for Health. Stand with Science” — marking WHO’s founding on April 7, 1948.

Facts Corner