GK Update
 
  • Mobile Menu
HOME BUY MAGAZINEnew course icon
LOG IN SIGN UP

Sign-Up IcanDon't Have an Account?


SIGN UP

 

Login Icon

Have an Account?


LOG IN
 

or
By clicking on Register, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions.
 
 
 

or
 
 




GK Update

Sun 12 Apr, 2026

National News

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Immersive Multi-Dimensional Museum

  • India's first Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Immersive Multi-Dimensional Museum (13D) has been opened in Delhi's Qutub Institutional Area.
  • Inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, this museum spans 27,000 square feet and brings the life of Shivaji Maharaj and Maratha history to life through 13D technology. It utilizes 'Dark Ride' technology.

Key Facts:

  • Location: Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi.
  • Inaugurator: Nitin Gadkari (Union Minister of Road Transport).
  • Technology: 13D immersive technology, Dark Ride, and interactive exhibits.
  • Objective: To convey the life, military prowess, and history of the Maratha Empire of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the modern generation.
  • Highlights: The museum features replicas of 17th-century weaponry, a depiction of Shivaji Maharaj's coronation, and an immersive experience of Raigad Fort.
  • Organizer: This museum has been constructed by the 'Veer Yoddha Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial National Committee'.

Successful Trial of DHC-6 Twin Otter Seaplane

  • A successful trial of the DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplane was conducted at the Pashulok Barrage in Rishikesh.
  • Operated by the company Skyhop, this 19-seater aircraft took off from Jolly Grant Airport on April 6, 2026, and landed in the waters of the Ganges.
  • This initiative is part of a plan aimed at boosting tourism and transportation in Uttarakhand, as well as connecting various lakes, including Tehri and Nanakmatta.

Royal Enfield

  • Royal Enfield has made a grand entry into the EV segment by launching its first electric motorcycle, the Flying Flea C6, under its new electric brand, Flying Flea.
  • This marks the first electric brand from the traditional motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield, inspired by the iconic 'Flying Flea' design of the 1940s.

The World's First Global University for Wildlife and Veterinary Sciences

  • Established by Anant Ambani of Reliance Industries in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Vantara is setting up the world's first integrated global university—Vantara University—dedicated to wildlife conservation and veterinary sciences.
  • By combining modern medicine with traditional wisdom, this institution will train experts dedicated to wildlife welfare.
  • This initiative has been spearheaded by Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries.

Key Facts:

  • Concept: Envisioned as a 'modern Gurukul' inspired by the spirit of the ancient Nalanda University, it integrates traditional Indian knowledge systems with modern science.
  • Integrated Approach: The institution unifies the disciplines of veterinary medicine, wildlife conservation, and ecosystem health under a single academic framework.
  • Key Programs: Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), fellowship, and specialized training programs will be available here. The curriculum will focus on subjects such as wildlife medicine, nutrition, behavioral sciences, genetics, and 'One Health.'
  • Global Hub: Its primary objective is to establish India as a global hub for wildlife education and conservation policies.

'Vantara':

  • This is a comprehensive wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, and care initiative launched by Reliance Industries and the Reliance Foundation.
  • It is led by Anant Ambani.
  • It is situated within the 'Green Belt' of Reliance's refinery complex in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
  • The facility features state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pools, Jacuzzis, and specialized dietary centers for elephants.

'NARIT AI'

  • The Gujarat Police has launched a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) system named 'NARIT AI' (Narcotics Analysis and RAG-Based Investigation Tool) to enhance the efficiency of investigations into drug-related cases and to boost the conviction rate.

Gujarat:

  • Formation: May 1, 1960 (Separated from Bombay State)
  • Capital: Gandhinagar
  • Largest City: Ahmedabad
  • Total Districts: 33
  • Official Language: Gujarati
  • Coastline: 1,600 kilometers (India's longest coastline)
  • Borders: Pakistan to the northwest, Rajasthan to the north, Madhya Pradesh to the northeast, and Maharashtra to the south
  • State Animal: Asiatic Lion (Found in Gir National Park)
  • State Bird: Greater Flamingo
  • State Tree: Banyan Tree
  • State Flower: Marigold
  • Statue of Unity: A statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel located in Kevadia (the tallest statue in the world)
  • Gir National Park: The sole natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion
  • Rann of Kutch: The world's largest salt desert, where the famous 'Rann Utsav' is held
  • Historical Sites: Somnath Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Rani ki Vav (Patan), and Lothal (an Indus Valley Civilization site)
  • Major Festivals: Navratri (famous for Garba and Dandiya), Uttarayan (Kite Festival), and Diwali
  • Folk Dances: Garba, Dandiya Raas, and Bhavai

India Ranks as the World's Sixth-Largest Country for Patent Filings

  • According to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, India filed over 143,000 patents in the year 2025.
  • This represents a 30 percent increase compared to 2024.
  • Innovators from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra contributed the most to these filings.
  • He stated that India ranks as the sixth-largest country in the world in terms of patent filings.
  • This serves as an indication that the foundation of 'Made in India' is, in fact, 'Invented in India.'

International News

‘Memorial’ Declared an "Extremist" Group

  • Russia’s Supreme Court has declared the human rights organization ‘Memorial’ an "extremist organization" and has banned it.
  • This organization was a co-recipient of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.

Key Facts:

  • Memorial is Russia’s oldest and most respected human rights organization.
  • Founding: It was established in 1987, during the decline of the Soviet Union.
  • Key Founders: Nobel Peace Prize laureate Andrei Sakharov and human rights activist Svetlana Gannushkina were among its principal founders.

The Organization’s Core Work:

  • Historical Memory: Documenting political repression, atrocities, and human rights violations that occurred during the Soviet era (particularly under the rule of Joseph Stalin). It has compiled the world's largest database of 'Gulag' victims.
  • Human Rights Defense: Monitoring human rights violations in contemporary Russia. It notably exposed crimes committed during the Chechen Wars and currently maintains a list of political prisoners in Russia.
  • Memorial was awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize for its unwavering commitment to human rights and democracy. It shared this award jointly with Ales Bialiatski of Belarus and the 'Center for Civil Liberties' of Ukraine.
  • Foreign Agent (2016): The Russian government designated it a 'foreign agent.'
  • Dissolution Order (2021): In December 2021, a court ordered the formal closure (liquidation) of the organization.

12th Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) between India and Türkiye

  • The 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) between India and Türkiye (Turkey) was held in New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

  • Representation: The Indian delegation was led by Mr. Sevala Naik Siby George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Turkish delegation was led by Mr. Burak Akçapar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
  • Topics of Discussion: Both countries undertook a comprehensive review of their bilateral relations. The discussions focused on cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, tourism, technology and innovation, energy, education, and culture.
  • Security Cooperation: The discussions also emphasized the fight against cross-border terrorism.
  • Regional Issues: Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
  • Background: This meeting was held following the 11th round of consultations held in Ankara in 2022, as part of an ongoing effort to revitalize relations between the two countries.

Türkiye:

  • Türkiye—formerly known as 'Turkey'—is one of the world's most significant nations due to its unique geographical location.
  • Official Name: Republic of Türkiye
  • Capital: Ankara
  • Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
  • President: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
  • Türkiye is one of the few countries in the world that spans two continents. 97% of its territory lies in Asia (Anatolia), while 3% is situated in Europe (Thrace).
  • It is bordered by Bulgaria to the northwest, Greece to the west, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, Georgia to the northeast, and Syria and Iraq to the south.
  • It is surrounded by seas on three sides—the Black Sea to the north, the Aegean Sea to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Highest Peak: Mount Ararat, with a height of 5,137 meters.

Appointments

Sanjay Khanna

  • Sanjay Khanna has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
  • Approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), he will hold this position until May 2029; prior to this, he served in the role of Director (Refineries) within the company.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL):

  • It is a leading 'Maharatna' Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, engaged in oil refining and marketing.
  • Establishment: Its roots trace back to 'Burmah Shell,' established in 1928. It was nationalized on January 24, 1976, becoming 'Bharat Refineries Limited,' which was subsequently renamed Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited in 1977.
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Pranay Verma

  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed Pranay Verma (IFS 1994)—India's current High Commissioner to Bangladesh—as India's next Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union (EU).

Belgium:

  • Capital: Brussels, also known as the "Capital of Europe," as it houses the headquarters of the European Union (EU) and NATO.
  • Currency: Euro (€).
  • It shares borders with four countries: North: Netherlands; East: Germany; Southeast: Luxembourg; South and West: France.
  • Diamond Hub: The Belgian city of Antwerp is the world's largest diamond trading center.

Person In News

C.D. Gopinath

  • C.D. Gopinath—a member of the squad that secured India's historic first Test victory and the country's oldest former Test cricketer—passed away in Chennai at the age of 96.
  • He played 8 Test matches between 1951 and 1960 and made significant contributions to Indian cricket. He was also a stalwart of domestic cricket.

Key Facts:

  • Historic Victory: He was a pivotal member of the team that achieved India's first-ever Test victory against England in 1952 in Madras (now Chennai).
  • Test Career: Played 8 Test matches between 1951 and 1960.
  • Positions Held: He served as a former National Selector and also as the Manager of the Indian team.
  • Legacy: Following his passing, 95-year-old Chandrakant Patankar has now become India's oldest living Test cricketer.
  • Following his passing, Chandrakant Patankar (95 years old) has now become India's oldest living Test cricketer.

Colonel Sonam Wangchuk

  • Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (61)—a hero of the Kargil War and a recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)—passed away in Leh following a cardiac arrest.
  • Renowned as the 'Lion of Ladakh,' he achieved a pivotal victory at an altitude of 18,500 feet in the Batalik Sector during the 1999 Kargil War.

Key Facts:

  • Maha Vir Chakra: For his indomitable courage, gallantry, and leadership during the 1999 Kargil War, he was honored with the 'Maha Vir Chakra'—the country's second-highest wartime gallantry award.
  • 'Lion of Ladakh': He was known as the 'Lion of Ladakh.'
  • Historic Victory: Along with 30 soldiers of the Ladakh Scouts, he scaled a vertical cliff in the Batalik Sector to secure the first major victory against the Pakistan Army.
  • Service: He was a veteran of the Indian Army's Assam Regiment and the Ladakh Scouts.

Asha Bhosle

  • Renowned singer and Padma Vibhushan recipient, Asha Bhosle, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 92.
  • The primary cause of her death has been cited as multi-organ failure.

Key Awards and Honors:

  • Padma Vibhushan: Conferred in 2008, India's second-highest civilian honor.
  • Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Bestowed in 2000; the highest honor in Indian cinema.
  • Padma Bhushan: 1999.
  • National Film Awards: Received the award for Best Playback Singer twice (in 1981 for *Umrao Jaan* and in 1986 for *Ijaazat*).
  • Guinness World Record: Her name was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011 for recording the highest number of songs (studio recordings) in music history.
  • Grammy Nomination: She was the first Indian female singer to be nominated for a Grammy Award.

Sports News

Asian Boxing Championships 2026

  • Vishwanath Suresh won a gold medal in the men's 50kg category with a stellar performance at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Key Facts:

  • Venue: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (Organizer: Asian Boxing Confederation - ASBC).
  • India's Performance: A total of 16 medals (5 Gold, 3 Silver, 8 Bronze).
  • Gold Medalists (Women): Meenakshi (48kg), Preeti Panwar (54kg), Priya (60kg), Arundhati Choudhary (70kg).
  • Gold Medalist (Men): Vishwanath Suresh (50kg).
  • Rank in Medal Tally: India – 2nd (Kazakhstan secured the 1st position).
  • Historic Achievement: The Indian women's boxing team topped the medal tally by winning 10 medals.

 

Latest Courses