Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 13 April 2026, Daily Roundup

Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 13 April 2026, Daily Roundup

Current Affairs- 13 April 2026

On 13 April 2026, national headlines focused on the passing of a cultural icon and major financial milestones, while globally tensions escalated following the collapse of diplomatic efforts in West Asia.

National Affairs

Important Events

• Demise of Asha Bhosle: Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away in Mumbai at age 92. She recorded over 12,000 songs across an eight-decade career, marking the end of a major era in Indian music.
• UPI Completes 10 Years: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched in 2016, completed a decade. It now handles over 90% of retail digital payments, recording 21.70 billion transactions worth ₹28 lakh crore in early 2026.
• Export Duty Increase: To safeguard domestic fuel supply amid the global energy crisis, the government increased export duties to ₹55.5/litre on diesel and ₹42/litre on jet fuel.
• Women’s Reservation Timeline: The Prime Minister urged completion of delimitation to enable 33% women’s reservation implementation by the 2029 General Elections.

International Affairs

• US–Iran Talks Collapse: High-level negotiations in Islamabad failed due to disagreements over uranium enrichment and control of the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in diplomatic deadlock.
• Swami Vivekananda Statue Unveiled: A life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda was inaugurated in Seattle, USA, recognizing his global influence and Indian diaspora contributions.
• Iraq Leadership Change: Iraq elected Nizar, a Kurdish leader, as President after securing 227 parliamentary votes.
• Hungary Political Shift: The Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, secured over 50% votes, ending Viktor Orbán’s long leadership.
• UK–Mauritius Dispute: The UK postponed legislation to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius due to strategic concerns.

Global Geopolitical Crisis

• Hormuz Blockade: The US Navy imposed a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz following failed peace talks. Iran termed it an “act of piracy” and threatened retaliation.
• Energy Market Volatility: Global oil prices remained above $120 per barrel, reflecting continued instability despite a fragile ceasefire.

Defence & Security

• Exercise DUSTLIK 2026: The 7th India–Uzbekistan joint military exercise began in Uzbekistan, with participation from the Indian Army’s MAHAR Regiment.
• Tribute to Col Sonam Wangchuk: Final respects were paid to the Maha Vir Chakra awardee, known as the “Lion of Ladakh” and hero of the 1999 Kargil War.
• Border Surveillance Proposal: The Ministry of Home Affairs directed the BSF to assess the feasibility of using reptiles such as crocodiles to monitor riverine borders.

Science & Technology

• Kalai-II Hydro Project: The Cabinet approved investment for the Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Cancer Treatment Advancement: The immunotherapy drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab) gained attention as an effective treatment for several advanced cancers.
• NASA PACE Satellite: Data from the PACE satellite helped assess the environmental impact of emissions linked to Gulf conflicts.
• Wildlife Conservation: The Emperor Penguin was reclassified as Endangered by IUCN due to climate change threats.

Sports

• Badminton Asia Championships: India’s Ayush Shetty won a Silver medal in men’s singles after losing to China’s Shi Yuqi in the final.
• IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings defeated Delhi Capitals; DC player Nitish Rana was penalised for misconduct.
• Football Achievement: Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Al-Nassr recorded its 14th consecutive league victory.

Global Observances

• International Day of Pink: Observed worldwide to oppose bullying and discrimination.
• Siachen Day: Marked the anniversary of Operation Meghdoot (1984).
• Jallianwala Bagh Anniversary: India observed the 107th anniversary of the 1919 massacre.
• Scrabble Day: Celebrated on the birth anniversary of Alfred Mosher Butts.

Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs

• Bihar: Shivraj Singh Chouhan appointed BJP observer for state leadership selection.
• Manipur: Security forces demolished 21 illegal bunkers in Ukhrul district.
• Telangana: Declared Naxal-free after the surrender of the final active committees.
• Infrastructure Safety: Redesign ordered for a controversial 90-degree bridge following safety concerns.