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GK Update

Mon 13 Apr, 2026

National News

Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan in New Delhi.
  • The event focused on reinforcing women's participation in India's development and ensuring the timely implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women Reservation Act) by 2029.

Whip to MPs in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

  • The Indian National Congress, Janata Dal (United), and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) have issued a three-line whip on 13 April 2026, mandating all their Members of Parliament (MPs) to be present in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha from 16 April to 18 April 2026.
  • The session will focus on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act), with the government planning to introduce amendments aimed at streamlining its implementation before the 2029 general elections.

Whip

  • In Indian polity, a whip refers to both a designated official of a political party and the written directive they issue to ensure party discipline and attendance among Members of Parliament (MPs) or state legislators. This concept is a legacy of the British parliamentary system.
  • Constitutional Status: The office of 'whip' is not mentioned in the Constitution of India, the Rules of the House, or any Parliamentary statute. It is based entirely on parliamentary convention.
  • Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule): While the office is conventional, its authority is bolstered by the 52nd Amendment Act (1985). Defying a party whip can lead to disqualification from the House under the Tenth Schedule.
  • Authority to Issue: Every political party, whether in power or opposition, can appoint its own whip.
  • Government Chief Whip: In the Lok Sabha, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs typically serves as the government’s chief whip.

Types of Whips:

  • One-Line Whip: Informs members about a vote but permits them to abstain, giving flexibility.
  • Two-Line Whip: Directs members to be present in the House during voting but does not instruct how to vote.
  • Three-Line Whip: The strictest, directing members to be present and vote strictly as per the party line.

Functions of a Whip:

  • Ensuring Attendance: Maintains a quorum and ensures party strength during crucial votes.
  • Enforcing Discipline: Ensures members vote in accordance with the party's policy.
  • Identifying Discontent: Monitors dissatisfaction among MPs and reports it to party leaders.

STATE SPECIAL NEWS

Convocation ceremony of AIIMS Rajkot in Gujarat

  • President Droupadi Murmu graced the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Rajkot in Gujarat.
  • The ceremony highlighted AIIMS Rajkot's role in advancing medical education and healthcare delivery, established as an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Set of measures to strengthen labour welfare in Uttar Pradesh

  • Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath introduced a series of labour reforms aimed at improving worker welfare and industrial transparency. These measures, initially focused on Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) as a model, were mandated in response to recent worker unrest in industrial areas.

Uttar Pradesh

  • First Chief Minister of the state: Govind Ballabh Pant
  • First woman Chief Minister of the state and country: Sucheta Kripalani
  • Present CM: Yogi Adityanath
  • Highest Peak: Amsot Peak
  • Total Districts: 76
  • Present Governor: Anandiben Patel
  • Uttar Pradesh Day: 24 January
  • First woman governor of the state and country: Sarojini Naidu
  • Largest District: Lakhimpur Kheri
  • Most Populous District: Prayagraj
  • Least Populous District: Mahoba

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United States and Iran Peace Talks Failed

  • After 21 hours of direct marathon talks in Islamabad, the United States and Iran failed to reach a permanent peace agreement to end their six-week-long conflict.
  • While no diplomatic breakthrough was achieved, the session marked the highest-level face-to-face engagement between the two nations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Key Sticking Points

The negotiations, which concluded early on April 12, 2026, stalled primarily over three core issues:

  • Nuclear Program: The U.S. delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, demanded an "affirmative commitment" that Iran would permanently abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons and hand over its near-bomb-grade enriched uranium stockpile. Iran refused, maintaining its program is for peaceful civilian purposes.
  • Strait of Hormuz: Washington insisted on the immediate and unconditional reopening of the strait to all global maritime traffic without tolls. Iran refused to relinquish control, seeking to use its influence over the waterway as leverage for a final peace deal.
  • Conflict in Lebanon: Iranian negotiators demanded that any durable agreement must include guarantees to protect Hezbollah against Israeli strikes. The U.S. and Israel maintained that the current ceasefire does not apply to operations in Lebanon.

40th day mourning ceremony for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

  • The 40th-day mourning ceremony, or Chehelum, for the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was observed.
  • This event marked the end of the official 40-day mourning period following his death in late February.
  • The Embassy of Iran in New Delhi hosted a memorial attended by Pabitra Margherita, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, who offered respects on behalf of the Indian government.

SUMMITS AND CONFERNCES

India Pharma 2026, organised by FICCI in New Delhi

  • The 9th Edition of India Pharma 2026 was Jointly organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, FICCI, and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA).
  • The event focused on the theme "Discover in India: Leapfrogging Life-Sciences Innovation"at the FICCI Federation House in New Delhi.

Advanced Agriculture Festival 2026

  • The Advanced Agriculture Festival 2026 (also known as Unnat Krishi Mahotsav or Krishi Mahakumbh) was a three-day national-level event held in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, from April 11 to April 13, 2026.
  • Organized at the Dussehra Maidan (Dussehra Ground), the festival served as a comprehensive platform for farmers to access modern technology, training, and market opportunities under the theme of "Seed to Market".

First convocation ceremony of AIIMS Rajkot

  • President Droupadi Murmu graced the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Rajkot in Gujarat.

APPOINTMENTS

Major General Roman Gofman

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed his military secretary, Major General Roman Gofman, as the next Director of the Israeli Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations, Mossad.

IMPORTANT DAYS

Tribute to Jallianwala Bagh massacre martyrs

  • The nation paid homage to hundreds of those innocents who were brutally killed by the British Officer Reginald Dyer on 13 April in the year 1919 at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

  • Date: 13 April 1919 (Day of Baisakhi festival).
  • Location: Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab.
  • The Cause: Peaceful protest against the Rowlatt Act (1919) and the arrest of popular leaders Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal.
  • The Perpetrator: Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer.
  • The Incident: Dyer blocked the only narrow exit, ordered troops to open fire without warning on an unarmed crowd of thousands (including women and children), firing 1,650 rounds until ammunition was exhausted.
  • Casualties: Official records (Hunter Commission) stated 379 deaths, but Indian estimates, including the Madan Mohan Malviya committee, reported over 1,000 deaths and thousands injured.
  • Aftermath: Martial Law was imposed in Punjab; widespread nationwide protests followed.

Siachen Day

  • On Siachen Day, the Indian Air Force and Indian Army today paid tribute to bravehearts who have sacrificed their lives in defending the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen in Ladakh.

About Siachen Day

  • Significance: It honours the "Siachen Warriors" who serve in extreme conditions at altitudes of around 20,000 feet, where temperatures can drop below.
  • Operation Meghdoot: Launched on April 13, 1984, this was a preemptive strike by the Indian Army and Indian Air Force to secure the strategically vital Saltoro Ridge and Siachen Glacier.
  • Strategic Importance: The glacier is crucial for monitoring the Shaksgam Valley and controlling routes from Gilgit-Baltistan to Leh, acting as a wedge between Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and China.
  • Observance: The day is marked by wreath-laying ceremonies at the Siachen War Memorial and tributes to the more than 1,100 soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice in this inhospitable terrain

ECONOMY & BANKING

Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank

  • The 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) took place in Washington, D.C.
  • Primary Objective of this meeting was Bringing together finance ministers, central bank governors, and development experts from 191 member countries to discuss global economic stability, growth outlooks, and poverty reduction.

International Monetary Fund and the World Bank

  • Establishment: Conceived at the Bretton Woods Conference (1944) alongside the World Bank.
  • Core Functions: Monitors economic policies (surveillance), provides financial assistance (loans) for BoP issues, and offers technical assistance.
  • Reports Released: World Economic Outlook (WEO), Global Financial Stability Report.
  • India and IMF: India is a founder member. The IMF conducts Article IV consultations and Financial Sector Assessment Programmes (FSAP) for India.
  • Structure: Governed by a Board of Governors; managed by an Executive Board (24 directors).
  • Voting Power: Quota-based, proportional to GDP/wealth, leading to higher influence for developed nations.
  • Members: 190.
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C..
  • Focus: Short-term and medium-term Balance of Payments issues.
  • Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI): Provides quick financial help for urgent needs.

World Bank

  • Establishment: Formed in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference.
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA.
  • Current President: Ajay Banga (since June 2023).
  • Membership: 189 member countries; a country must first join the IMF to be eligible.
  • India’s First Loan: Received in 1949 for the Indian Railways.
  • Common Name: Often refers only to the IBRD and IDA combined

The World Bank Group (WBG) – 5 Institutions

  1. IBRD (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development): Lends to middle-income and creditworthy low-income governments.
  2. IDA (International Development Association): Known as the "Soft Loan Window"; provides interest-free "credits" and grants to the poorest nations.
  3. IFC (International Finance Corporation): Focuses on the private sector in developing countries by providing investment and advice.
  4. MIGA (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency): Provides political risk insurance (guarantees) to investors and lenders.
  5. ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes): Settles investment-related disputes. India is NOT a member of ICSID.

HAL Inaugurates LCH Production Line at Tumakuru Helicopter Factory

Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), Ministry of Defence, inaugurated the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) structure assembly line and an Automated Storage & Retrieval System (ASRS) at the New Helicopter Factory of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Tumakuru, Karnataka.

HAL’s New Helicopter Factory is a cutting-edge greenfield facility designed to manufacture next-generation indigenous helicopters. The facility will primarily support production of:

  • Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)
  • Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)

Additionally, the factory is being positioned to support upcoming strategic programmes such as:

  • Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH)
  • Deck-based Multi Role Helicopter (DBMRH)

The launch of the LCH structure assembly line and ASRS system marks a significant milestone in improving production efficiency, automation, and logistics management within HAL’s helicopter manufacturing ecosystem.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

  • Establishment: Founded on December 23, 1940, as 'Hindustan Aircraft Limited' in Bangalore by Walchand Hirachand.
  • Merger & Renaming: In 1964, it was renamed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited after merging with Aeronautics India Limited and IAF Aircraft Manufacturing Depot.
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  • Structure: Operates under the Ministry of Defence (Department of Defence Production).
  • Status: Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).

KFin Technologies Limited new Registrar of PNB

  • Punjab National Bank (PNB) has approved the appointment of KFin Technologies Limited as its new Registrar to an Issue and Share Transfer Agent (RTA) for its listed equity shares.

Punjab National Bank

  • Establishment: Founded on 19 May 1894; Operations began on 12 April 1895 in Lahore (pre-partition).
  • Significance: It was the first bank in India managed entirely by Indians with Indian capital, making it a key element of the freedom struggle and Swadeshi movement.
  • Key Founders: Lala Lajpat Rai, Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, Lala Harkishen Lal.
  • Headquarters: Dwarka, New Delhi (shifted from Lahore in 1947).
  • Nationalization: Nationalized in 1969 along with 13 other major commercial banks.
  • Merger (Post-2020): Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India merged into PNB on 1 April 2020, making it the second-largest PSB in India.

ART & CULTURE

Life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda

  • City of Seattle became the first city government in the United States to host a life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda at Westlake Square Park.
  • The statue was revealed by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and the Consul General of India in Seattle, Prakash Gupta.
  • The monument was gifted to the City of Seattle by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) as a gesture of cultural diplomacy and to recognize the city's multicultural spirit.

DEFENCE NEWS

Exercise DUSTLIK

  • The 7th edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, Exercise DUSTLIK was held at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan, Uzbekistan.
  • Exercise DUSTLIK is an annual bilateral event that began in 2019 and is conducted alternately in India and Uzbekistan. The previous (6th) edition took place in April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune, India

SPORTS

Badminton Asia Championships

  • India's Ayush Shetty secured silver medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China.

Monte-Carlo Masters 2026

  • In Tennis, Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the finals of the 2026 Monte-Carlo Masters at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin in France.

‘Sansad Khel MahaKumbh’ in Lucknow

  • The Sansad Khel MahaKumbh 2026 was inaugurated on April 13, 2026, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in his parliamentary constituency, Lucknow. This marks the third edition of the multi-sport event, aimed at nurturing local athletic talent and promoting sports culture at the grassroots level.

Indian Athletics Series 4

  • The Indian Athletics Series 4 concluded at Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi, with participation from over 200 athletes across the country.

Today News

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