Current Affairs 08 April 2026

PM-UDAY Scheme (2019)

• The Government of India has decided to regularise 1511 unauthorised colonies in Delhi on an “as-is where-is” basis, marking a major step towards inclusive urban development.
• This move is expected to benefit around 45 lakh residents, providing them with legal ownership and housing rights.

Key Highlights

• The decision builds upon the PM-UDAY Scheme (2019), which was launched to grant property ownership rights to residents of unauthorised colonies.
• Out of 1,731 unauthorised colonies, around 1511 colonies are eligible for regularisation, while some are excluded due to legal or environmental restrictions.

Major Features

• Colonies will be regularised without requiring approved layout plans, removing a major obstacle.
• All plots in these colonies will be treated as residential land use.
• Residents will be allowed to undertake construction, redevelop houses and get building plans approved.

India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) Achieves First Criticality

India has achieved a major milestone in nuclear energy as the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu attained first criticality on April 6, 2026. First criticality marks the start of a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction, a crucial stage before full power generation.

Key Highlights

• The PFBR has been designed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research.
• It is a 500 MWe nuclear reactor, representing advanced indigenous technology.

Technology & Features

• Uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel
• Surrounded by Uranium-238 blanket, which converts into Plutonium-239
• Produces more fuel than it consumes (Breeder Reactor concept)

Role in Country’s Nuclear Programme

• PFBR is a key component of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme
• It acts as a bridge between Stage 1 (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors) and Stage 3 (Thorium-based reactors)

Tô Lâm has been elected as the President of the Vietnam

Tô Lâm was elected as the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on April 7, 2026. His election marks an important development in Vietnam’s political leadership.

About Vietnam

• Major River – Mekong River
• Capital of Vietnam – Hanoi
• Currency – Vietnamese Dong
• Official Name – Socialist Republic of Vietnam

World Health Day – 07 April

• World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7 to mark the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948.
• The World Health Day theme 2026 is “Together for Health: Stand with Science”, emphasizing the importance of scientific collaboration in improving global health.