Current Affairs 13 April 2026

Barabanki–Bahraich Highway to Boost India–Nepal Trade Connectivity

The Government of India has approved the construction of a 4-lane access-controlled Barabanki–Bahraich section of National Highway-927 (NH-927) to enhance India–Nepal trade relations. India is Nepal’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 60% of Nepal’s total trade volume. The highway will improve connectivity to Rupaidiha Land Port and Nepalgunj (Nepal).

Anthropic Launches ‘Claude Mythos’ AI Model for Cybersecurity

Anthropic has announced “Claude Mythos”, its most advanced Large Language Model (LLM), designed to detect software vulnerabilities and bugs in complex systems. This model will not be publicly released and is restricted to a consortium of 40 companies. Mythos can identify hidden bugs in decades-old software.

Aluminium Emerges as Potential Alternative to Costly Catalysts in Pharma Industry

A recent study has shown that aluminium can act as an alternative to expensive transition metal catalysts, which are widely used in pharmaceutical and industrial chemical processes.

Traditionally, transition metals like Palladium, Platinum and Rhodium are used as catalysts due to their ability to easily change oxidation states. These metals are rare and expensive and mostly imported by India.

New Scientific Breakthrough

• Researchers modified aluminium using a ligand (carbazolyl compound) to enable Redox catalysts (electron transfer reactions).
• The aluminium catalysts was successfully used in Alkyne cyclotrimerisation (a reaction important in drug synthesis).

WII Opposes Proposed Greenfield Airport Near Chilika Lake

The Wildlife Institute of India has recommended against the construction of a greenfield international airport at Puri, Odisha due to ecological concerns. The proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport was planned near Sipasurubali village in Puri district. The site is located close to Chilika Lake, a Ramsar site and wetland of international importance.

Environmental Concerns

• The area is part of a sensitive coastal ecosystem, requiring conservation.
• This area have the presence of migratory birds, Olive Ridley turtles and Irrawaddy dolphins.

India–Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise ‘DUSTLIK-VII’ Begins

The Indian Armed Forces contingent departed for the 7th edition of Exercise DUSTLIK, a joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan. Duration of this exercise is from 12 April 2026 to 25 April 2026. The previous edition (2025) was held in Aundh, pune (India). Exercise DUSTILK is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted alternately in India and Uzbekistan.

200th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Observed

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on his birth anniversary, marking the beginning of his 200th birth anniversary celebrations. Mahatma Phule was a visionary social reformer who worked for Equality, Social justice, Education for All.

The Government of India has launched a two-year nationwide commemoration (April 11, 2026 – April 11, 2028) marking the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule.

About Mahatma Jyotirao Phule

• He was born on April 11, 1827 (Maharashtra) and died on November 28, 1980.
• He founded Satyashodhak Samaj (1873).
• He opened first school for girls in India along with Savitribai Phule.
• His notable works are Gulamgiri, Shetkaryacha Asud (Cultivator’s Whipcord).
• He was conferred the title “Mahatma” for his social reform efforts.
• He was called as the “Father of Indian Social Revolution”

Legendary Playback Singer Asha Bhosle Passes Away

Renowned Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away on April 12, 2026, in Mumbai at the age of 92. Born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli (Maharashtra). One of the most versatile and celebrated playback singers in Indian music history.

Awards & Honours

• Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2000)
• Padma Vibhushan (2008)
• Banga Bibhushan (2018)
• Maharashtra Bhushan (2021)

World Parkinson’s Day – 11 April

• World Parkinson’s Day was observed on April 11, 2026 to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
• The day also marks the birth anniversary of James Parkinson, who first described the disease.
• World Parkinson’s Day theme 2026: “Bridge the Care Gap”.