Current Affairs 11 April 2026

India’s First Quantum Reference Facility to be Launched in Andhra Pradesh

India’s first quantum computing testing beds, known as Quantum Reference Facility, are set to be dedicated to the nation on April 14, 2026 (World Quantum Day).

Key Highlights

• The facility is being developed under the Amaravati Quantum Valley Programme of the Andhra Pradesh government.
• It is located at SRM University, Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati region).
• It will be developed in collaboration with Amaravati Quantum Research Facility and Qubit Force.
• Around 50 researchers, scientists, and students are involved in the project.

Constitution of India Released in Sindhi Language

On the occasion of Sindhi Bhasha Diwas (April 10, 2026), the updated version of the Constitution of India was released in the Sindhi language. The release was done by C. P. Radhakrishnan at the Vice-President’s Enclave.

Key Highlights

• Improve accessibility of constitutional knowledge
• The Constitution was released in Devanagari Script (First Edition) and Persian Script (Second Edition).
• Now the Indian Constitution is available in 22 languages that are listed in Eight Schedule of the Constitution.

World Bank Revises India’s Growth Outlook to 6.6% for FY27

The World Bank has revised India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.6% for FY 2026–27, down from the earlier projection of 7.2%.

Key Highlights

• The downgrade is mainly due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia (Middle East) affecting:
  • Energy supply (oil & gas)
  • Industrial production
  • Consumption
• The projection assumes continued disruption in global energy markets till the end of 2026.

Sector-wise Impact

• Industrial growth is expected to slow from 8.8% to 7.5%.
• Key affected sectors:
  • Manufacturing (electronics, automobiles)
  • Business services
  • Food and accommodation services
• Reasons:
  • Higher input costs (especially LPG)
  • Reduced export demand from Gulf countries

Regional Outlook

South Asia’s growth is projected to decline from 7% (2025) to 6.3% (2026).

Womaniya Initiative

The Government’s Womaniya Initiative is enhancing market access for women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform. This initiative was launched in 2019, Womaniya enables women-led enterprises to sell directly to government buyers and participate in public procurement. These initiatives covers product categories such as Handicrafts, Handloom, Jute, Home decor and other items.

Major Achievements (2025–26)

• Over 2.1 lakh women MSEs registered on GeM
• Achieved 13.7 lakh order volume
• Total contract value exceeded ₹28,000 crore
• Women-led procurement reached 5.6%, surpassing the 3% target

About Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM), launched in 2016, is an online platform that facilitates the procurement of goods and services by various government entities. It enables a paperless, cashless, and contactless procurement process, ensuring transparency and efficiency. The platform is used by Central and State Ministries, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and Panchayats to purchase products and services directly from sellers across India.

Former India Cricketer C.D. Gopinath Passes Away

Former Indian cricketer C. D. Gopinath, India’s oldest living Test cricketer, passed away at the age of 96 in Chennai. He was part of India’s first-ever Test victory against England in 1952.