Current Affairs 27 April 2026

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

International waters are governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which came into force in 1994. It treats oceans as a shared global space where all countries have equal rights for navigation.

On the high seas, ships enjoy freedom of navigation, meaning they can move freely without interference. However, interception is allowed only in special cases such as UN approval, hot pursuit, stateless vessels, or with permission from the ship’s country.

The Strait of Hormuz has a special legal status. It is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, where the rule of transit passage applies. This allows ships to pass freely and continuously, and Iran cannot block or impose tolls on them.

Project DANTAK Celebrates 66th Raising Day in Bhutan

Project DANTAK, a flagship initiative of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), celebrated its 66th Raising Day on April 24, 2026, at Thimphu.

Background

• The Project DANTAK was stablished in April 1961
• Operates in Bhutan.
• Symbol of India–Bhutan cooperation in infrastructure development

Key Contributions of Project DANTAK

• Built Bhutan’s first motorable road
• Constructed over 1,500 km of roads in Bhutan

Ashok Lahiri Appointed Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog

The Government of India has appointed Ashok Kumar Lahiri as the new Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog, replacing Suman K. Bery, who had been serving in the role since May 2022.

Key Highlights

• New Vice-Chairperson: Ashok Kumar Lahiri
• Replaces: Suman K. Bery
• Chairperson of NITI Aayog: Narendra Modi

About Ashok Lahiri

• Former Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the Government of India
• Member of the 15th Finance Commission
• Currently an MLA from West Bengal
• Known for expertise in economic policy and public finance

Other Key Appointments in NITI Aayog

Full-time members include:

• Rajiv Gauba
• K. V. Raju
• M. Srinivas
• Abhay Karandikar
• Gobardhan Das

Role of NITI Aayog

• Apex public policy think tank of the Government of India
• Promotes:
  • Cooperative federalism
  • Policy innovation
  • Economic reforms
• Plays a key role in shaping India’s development strategy

Prime Minister’s Visit to Uttar Pradesh

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, visited Uttar Pradesh on April 28–29, 2026, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around ₹6,350 crore in Varanasi.

During the visit, the Prime Minister participated in a Mahila Sammelan and launched projects across sectors such as railways, roads, water supply, healthcare, tourism, and urban infrastructure. He also flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains, Banaras–Pune and Ayodhya–Mumbai — enhancing long-distance connectivity.

A major highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the 594-km-long Ganga Expressway in Hardoi. Built at a cost of about ₹36,230 crore, this access-controlled greenfield expressway connects Meerut to Prayagraj and is expected to reduce travel time from 10–12 hours to around 6 hours.

Anti Defection Law

Seven out of ten Rajya Sabha MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This has raised questions about whether they can be disqualified under India’s anti-defection law.

The anti-defection law is part of the Constitution’s Tenth Schedule, added by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act. It aims to prevent elected representatives from switching parties after elections. A member can be disqualified if they voluntarily leave their party or vote against party instructions.

However, there is an important exception called the “merger clause.” Under this rule, if at least two-thirds of members of a party in a legislature agree to join another party, they may not face disqualification. This is known as a deemed merger.

There is debate over how this rule should be applied. Some experts say that a valid merger requires the original political party itself to merge, not just its MPs. Others argue that if two-thirds of MPs agree, it is enough to qualify as a merger.

The issue becomes more complex in the Rajya Sabha because MPs are elected by State MLAs. If MPs change parties but the MLAs who elected them remain in the original party, it creates a disconnect in representation.

The final decision on disqualification will be taken by the Rajya Sabha Chairman, and it can be challenged in courts.

India Approves ₹30 Billion Currency Swap for Maldives

India has approved the first withdrawal of ₹30 billion to the Maldives under ongoing financial assistance, reinforcing bilateral economic cooperation. Maldives had earlier availed $400 million under the same framework in October 2024. The new ₹30 billion withdrawl reflects continued financial support from India.

What is SAARC Currency Swap Framework?

• A financial arrangement under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
• This framework was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Key Features

• Provides short-term foreign currency liquidity support
• Available to SAARC member countries (except India)
• This helps countries to tackle currency crises and stabilize exchange rates.
• Functions as a swap arrangement, local currency is exchanged for US dollars or Indian rupees,

RBI Cancels Licence of Paytm Payments Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, effective April 24, 2026.

Regulatory Actions

• RBI will apply to the High Court for winding up of the bank
• Violations cited under Section 22(3)(g) of the Act
• The bank had previously faced ban on onboarding new customers (since March 2022) and restrictions on deposits, wallet top-ups (2024).

Financial Position

• RBI stated that the bank has adequate liquidity
• Capable of repaying all depositors during the winding-up process

What is a Payments Bank?

A Payments Bank is a specialised banking model introduced by Reserve Bank of India. This banks can accept deposits (up to a prescribed limit), can proivde digital payment services, but cannot lend money like regular banks. Airtel Payments Bank is recognized as India’s first payments bank.

Cold Spark Technology

Concerns over noise pollution, public safety, and environmental impact during events like Thrissur Pooram in Thrissur have brought attention to safer alternatives such as cold spark technology.

What is Cold Spark Technology?

• A modern, noiseless alternative to traditional fireworks
• Uses fine metal powders (such as titanium and zirconium)
• Produces spark effects without explosive combustion

How It Works

• Fine alloy powder is heated to increase activation energy
• A fan ejects the powder into the air
• The particles react with oxygen, producing spark-like visual effects
• Generates light without loud sound or explosion