Daily filter — 8 April 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of journalist's torture
NHRC has initiated action against the alleged illegal detention and torture of a journalist by Rajkot Crime Branch police.
- NHRC, India took suo motu cognizance on April 8, 2026.
- A journalist was apprehended and tortured by Rajkot Crime Branch police.
- DGP, Gujarat must submit a detailed report within two weeks.
- The incident allegedly occurred on March 22, 2026.
💡 NHRC's suo motu power protects against state actor human rights violations, as seen in the Gujarat journalist case.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2250137
🌱 Economy · UPSC track
Cabinet Approves Nutrient Based Subsidy for Kharif 2026
The Union Cabinet has approved **Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS)** rates for **Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers** for the **Kharif Season, 2026**.
- NBS rates approved for Kharif Season, 2026, from 01.04.2026 to 30.09.2026.
- The subsidy applies to Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including DAP and NPKS grades.
- Budgetary requirement for Kharif 2026 is approximately Rs.41,533.81 crore.
- This is approximately Rs. 4,317 crore more than Kharif 2025 budget.
- The NBS Scheme for P&K fertilizers has been active since 01.04.2010.
💡 NBS for Kharif 2026 covers P&K fertilizers from April 1 to Sept 30, with a Rs.41,533.81 Cr budget.
Source: Cabinet · PIB PRID 2250032
⚡ Economy · UPSC track
Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project Approved in Arunachal Pradesh
The CCEA has approved a significant investment for a new hydro-electric project in Arunachal Pradesh to boost power generation.
- CCEA approved Rs.14105.83 crore for Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project.
- The project has an installed capacity of 1200 MW on the Lohit river.
- Located in Anjaw District of Arunachal Pradesh, it will generate 4852.95 MU annually.
- Project implemented by THDC India Limited and Arunachal Pradesh JV.
- State will receive 12% free power plus 1% for LADF.
💡 Remember: Kalai-II, Arunachal Pradesh, 1200 MW, Lohit river, 12% free power.
Source: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) · PIB PRID 2250043
⚡ Economy · UPSC track
Kamala Hydro Electric Project Approved for Arunachal Pradesh
The CCEA has approved a significant investment for a new hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh, enhancing power supply and regional development.
- The Kamala Hydro Electric Project (HEP) has an approved investment of Rs.26,069.50 crore.
- It will be constructed in Kamle, Kra Daadi & Kurung Kumey Districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
- The project has an installed capacity of 1720 MW and an estimated completion period of 96 months.
- The State of Arunachal Pradesh will receive 12% free power and 1% for the Local Area Development Fund.
- The Government of India will extend Rs.4743.98 crore for flood moderation and Rs.1340 crore for enabling infrastructure.
- It is implemented through a Joint Venture Company between NHPC Limited and the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh.
💡 Remember Kamala HEP for its 1720 MW capacity, Rs.26,069.50 crore investment, and location in Arunachal Pradesh.
Source: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) · PIB PRID 2250042
🌱 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Kharif 2026 Nutrient Based Subsidy Rates Approved for P&K Fertilizers
The Union Cabinet has approved **Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS)** rates for **Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K)** fertilizers for the **Kharif Season, 2026**.
- The NBS rates are applicable from 01.04.2026 to 30.09.2026.
- The tentative budgetary requirement for Kharif 2026 is Rs.41,533.81 crore.
- This budget is Rs. 4,317 crore more than for Kharif 2025.
- The NBS Scheme for P&K fertilizers has been in effect since 01.04.2010.
- It covers 28 grades of P&K fertilizers, including DAP and NPKS grades.
💡 Remember NBS covers P&K fertilizers for Kharif season, with a Rs.41,533.81 crore budget for 2026.
Source: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers · PIB PRID 2250060
🛰️ Science & Tech · LAW track
TRAI Consults on Satellite Communication Network Authorization & Spectrum
**TRAI** has released a consultation paper to establish a framework for **Satellite Communication Network** authorization and spectrum assignment.
- TRAI released a consultation paper on April 8, 2026.
- The paper addresses Satellite Communication Network (SCN) authorization.
- It also covers assignment of spectrum for both feeder and user links.
- DoT requested TRAI on July 3, 2025, for this framework.
- Comments are invited by May 6, 2026, and counter-comments by May 20, 2026.
💡 Remember TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) is consulting on SCN authorization and spectrum under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Source: Ministry of Communications · PIB PRID 2250220
⚡ Economy · UPSC track
Kamala Hydro Electric Project Approved in Arunachal Pradesh
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a significant investment for the construction of the **Kamala Hydro Electric Project** in Arunachal Pradesh.
- The Kamala Hydro Electric Project (HEP) has an installed capacity of 1720 MW.
- The project is located in Kamle, Kra Daadi & Kurung Kumey Districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Total investment approved is Rs.26,069.50 crore.
- The project is expected to be completed within 96 months.
- It will generate 6870 MU of energy and provide 12% free power to the state.
💡 For the exam: Remember Kamala HEP is a 1720 MW project in Arunachal Pradesh, with a Rs.26,069.50 crore outlay, to be completed in 96 months.
Source: Ministry of Power · PIB PRID 2250050
⚡ Economy · UPSC track
Cabinet Approves 1200 MW Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved a significant hydro project in Arunachal Pradesh to boost power supply.
- The Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project is approved for Rs.14105.83 crore.
- It will be built on the Lohit river in Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh.
- The project has an installed capacity of 1200 MW (6 x 190 MW & 1 x 60 MW).
- It is expected to generate 4852.95 MU of energy annually.
- The Government of India will provide ₹599.88 crore as budgetary support.
- The State will receive 12% free power and 1% for LADF.
💡 Remember: Kalai-II in Arunachal Pradesh on Lohit River for 1200 MW power.
Source: Ministry of Power · PIB PRID 2250046
💳 Economy · UPSC track
Women's Credit Market: From Borrowers to Builders Report
A **NITI Aayog** report details the significant growth and evolution of women's participation in India's formal credit market.
- Women's credit portfolio reached ₹76 lakh crore, representing 26% of total system credit.
- Women's credit exposure expanded 4.8 times since 2017.
- Credit penetration among women increased from 19% to 36% between 2017 and 2025.
- Credit to women business borrowers registered a 31% CAGR between 2022 and 2025.
💡 Remember NITI Aayog's 'Borrowers to Builders' report highlights women's 4.8x credit growth to ₹76 lakh crore by 2025, reaching 36% penetration.
Source: NITI Aayog · PIB PRID 2249957
🚆 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Jaipur Metro Phase-2: ₹13,037.66 Cr North-South Corridor Approved
The Union Cabinet has approved **Jaipur Metro Phase-2**, a new 41 km North–South corridor with 36 stations.
- Jaipur Metro Phase-2 will span 41 km from Prahladpura to Todi Mod.
- The project cost is ₹13,037.66 crore, with 36 stations.
- It will be implemented by Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited (RMRCL).
- Completion is targeted for September 2031.
- Funding involves equity from Government of India and Rajasthan, and multilateral financing.
💡 Remember Jaipur Metro Phase-2 for its 41 km North-South corridor, ₹13,037.66 Cr cost, and September 2031 completion.
Source: Cabinet · PIB PRID 2250040
🏭 Economy · UPSC track
HRRL Refinery Project Cost Revised, HPCL Equity Increased
The CCEA approved a significant revision in the cost and equity investment for the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) project.
- The HRRL project cost increased from Rs.43,129 Crore to Rs.79,459 Crore.
- HPCL will make an additional equity investment of Rs.8,962 Crore.
- HRRL is a 9 MMTPA greenfield Refinery-cum-Petrochemical Complex in Rajasthan.
- The project aims for a Scheduled Commercial Operation Date (SCOD) of 1st July, 2026.
💡 For the exam: Remember the HRRL project in Rajasthan has an increased cost and HPCL's additional equity, targeting July 2026 for operation.
Source: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) · PIB PRID 2250035
💨 Environment · UPSC track
CAQM imposes ₹61.85 Cr fine on TPPs for biomass co-firing violations
The **CAQM** imposed environmental compensation on six thermal power plants for failing to meet biomass co-firing norms, aiming to reduce air pollution.
- The CAQM imposed around ₹61.85 crore EC on six TPPs within 300 km of Delhi.
- Fines were for non-compliance with the Environmental (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023.
- Rules mandate a 5% blend of biomass pellets with coal, with 3% minimum for FY 2024-25.
- Six non-compliant TPPs were identified, including Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (₹33.02 crore).
💡 CAQM fined 6 TPPs ₹61.85 crore for not meeting the 2023 Rules' 5% biomass co-firing mandate for FY 2024-25.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2250094