15 April 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS Paper-2: Governance & Environmental Initiatives

⭐ Arogya Van

⭐ Why in News

NHAI has launched a new initiative called Arogya Van.

⭐ Nature & Concept

• Focuses on developing thematic plantations of medicinal trees on unused land along National Highways.

⭐ Objectives

• Enhance biodiversity along highway corridors.

• Promote medicinal plant species that support:

• Pollinators

• Birds

• Microfauna

• Strengthen overall ecosystem resilience.

⭐ Phase I Implementation

• Covers 17 identified land parcels.

• Located across multiple National Highway stretches in various states.

• States include:

• Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi-NCR

• Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka

• Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan

• Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh

GS Paper-3: Science & Technology (Space)

⭐ International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations

(SMOPS-2026)

⭐ Why in News

The second edition of SMOPS-2026 was held in Bengaluru, India, from 8–10 April

2026.

⭐ Nature of the Conference

• An international platform focused on:

• Spacecraft mission operations

• Management of future space missions

⭐ Organising Bodies

• Jointly organised by:

• ISRO

• Astronautical Society of India

• International Academy of Astronautics

⭐ Edition

• Represents the second edition of the SMOPS conference series.

⭐ Theme

• “Innovative Operations for Smart and Sustainable Space Mission Management –

Next Generation”

GS Paper-3: Infrastructure & Energy

⭐ Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project

⭐ Why in News

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved an investment

of ₹14,105.83 crore for the Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh.

⭐ Location & River System

• Planned on the Lohit River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra.

• Situated in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh.

⭐ Type of Project

• Designed as a run-of-the-river project with pondage.

⭐ Components & Infrastructure

• Construction of a concrete gravity dam.

• Includes upstream and downstream coffer dams.

• Key structures:

• Diversion tunnel

• Intake tunnel

• Pressure shafts

• Features an underground powerhouse and a surge chamber.

• A tailrace tunnel will facilitate water discharge.