Weekly Current Affairs (April 2026 – Week 5) – Exam Revision Notes
1) International Current Affairs
UNCLOS – How International Waters Are Governed
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in force since 1994, is the legal framework governing ocean space. It treats the high seas as a shared global commons where all countries have equal navigation rights — no single nation can control international waters.
Interception is only permitted in specific conditions: UN Security Council authorisation, hot pursuit of a vessel that fled territorial waters, stateless vessels flying no flag, or with explicit permission from the ship’s own flag state.
The Strait of Hormuz (between Iran and Oman) has a special legal status — it follows the transit passage rule, which means all ships can pass freely and continuously. Iran cannot block ships or impose tolls. This is different from territorial waters and is why the strait is at the heart of global maritime legal debates during geopolitical tensions.
India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) 2026 – Zero Duty on All Indian Exports
India and New Zealand signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in April 2026 — concluded in a record 9 months, making it one of the fastest FTAs India has ever negotiated.
Zero-duty access for 100% of Indian exports to New Zealand — covering textiles, leather, engineering goods, processed foods, marine products, and pharmaceuticals. India has kept sensitive sectors (dairy, certain agricultural products) in the exclusion list.
USD 20 billion investment commitment from New Zealand over 15 years. Access to 118 service sectors opened, with India’s AYUSH systems (Ayurveda, Yoga) promoted globally.
Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa pathway for 5,000 skilled Indian professionals annually. Working Holiday Visa scheme introduced, with provisions for student mobility and post-study work visas — the first time such provisions appear in an India FTA.
SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting – Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (April 28, 2026)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. India stressed the need for a unified global approach to combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and called for eliminating safe havens for terrorist organisations.
Asia’s First UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion & Skill Development – SSPU, Pune
Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune launched Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development at an international conference titled “Women Leading the Future of Work.” Inaugurated by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.
UAE Exits OPEC – Third-Largest Producer Leaves the Cartel (May 1, 2026)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its withdrawal from OPEC, effective May 1, 2026. As OPEC’s third-largest oil producer, the UAE’s exit weakens the cartel’s ability to influence global oil prices. The move follows long-standing disagreements over production quotas — the UAE wanted to increase output after expanding its capacity. The UAE also plans to exit OPEC+ (which includes Russia).
Established: 1960 | Headquarters: Vienna, Austria | Controls ~40% of global oil production.
Current members after UAE exit: 11 — Algeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela.
OPEC+ is a separate, informal grouping of OPEC nations + 11 additional non-OPEC countries (including Russia) that cooperate on production decisions.
Bangladesh Begins Fuel Loading at Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant
Bangladesh achieved a landmark in its energy sector by starting the loading of uranium fuel at its first nuclear power plant — the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant — a crucial step toward operationalising this 2,400 MW facility developed with Russian financial and technical assistance. Once fully operational, the plant is projected to meet around 10% of Bangladesh’s electricity demand.
USA Returns 657 Trafficked Artefacts to India – Valued at ~$14 Million
The United States returned 657 trafficked antiquities to India, collectively valued at nearly $14 million, recovered through investigations into global smuggling networks linked to traffickers like Subash Kapoor and Nancy Wiener. The restitution happened in three phases: 612 artefacts (November 2024), 26 artefacts (July 2025), and 19 artefacts (April 2026).
2) National Current Affairs
Project DANTAK Celebrates 66th Raising Day – BRO’s Symbol in Bhutan
Project DANTAK of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 66th Raising Day on April 24, 2026, in Thimphu, Bhutan. Established in April 1961, it has been a powerful symbol of India-Bhutan infrastructure cooperation — having built Bhutan’s first motorable road and constructed over 1,500 km of roads across the kingdom over six decades.
PM Modi Visits Varanasi – ₹6,350 Crore Projects and 594 km Ganga Expressway
PM Modi visited Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (April 28–29, 2026), inaugurating projects worth approximately ₹6,350 crore across railways, roads, healthcare, tourism, and urban infrastructure. He flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains: Banaras–Pune and Ayodhya–Mumbai.
Length: 594 km | Route: Meerut to Prayagraj | Cost: ~₹36,230 crore
Type: Access-controlled greenfield expressway | Travel time: 10–12 hours → ~6 hours
AI4WaterPolicy – AI for Community Water Governance in Rajasthan
A pilot project named AI4WaterPolicy demonstrated how AI can strengthen community-led water governance in the water-stressed districts of Sirohi and Pali in Rajasthan. An AI chatbot conducted over 350 interviews via WhatsApp with Pani Mitras (water volunteers), Panchayat leaders, and field staff in Hindi and local dialects. The AI analysed responses to identify key issues — women’s workload, approval delays, gaps in understanding Panchayati Raj — enabling mid-cycle redesign of training programmes and improving community participation.
Singrauli – “Energy Capital of India” Gets AI-Powered Mineral Checkposts
Three AI-powered e-checkposts were installed in Singrauli, northeastern Madhya Pradesh — known as India’s “Energy Capital” for its vast coal reserves and concentration of thermal power plants — to curb illegal mineral transportation, improve real-time surveillance, and enhance revenue collection from mining operations.
Bihar Makes Vande Mataram Mandatory Before National Anthem in All Institutions
The Bihar government directed all educational institutions and government programmes to begin with the National Song (Vande Mataram) followed by the National Anthem, and conclude with the Bihar State Song. The directive was issued by the General Administration Department on April 26, 2026.
India’s First Coal Mine Agreement with Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)
The Ministry of Coal signed Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) under the 14th round of commercial coal mining auctions — marking the first time in India that such agreements include provisions for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG). Mines allocated to Reliance Industries Limited and Axis Energy Ventures India, located in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
UCG converts coal into synthetic gas directly within the coal seam — without traditional surface mining. It allows energy extraction from deep or economically unviable deposits and produces syngas usable for power generation, fertilisers, and hydrogen production.
Prehistoric Rock Painting Site “Oor Pare” Rediscovered in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu
A prehistoric rock painting site called “Oor Pare” was rediscovered near Vellarikombai village, Kotagiri, Nilgiris by the Yaakai Heritage Trust. Around 30 identifiable figures painted in red ochre have been documented — including anthropomorphic figures with conical headgear, elongated limbs, and symbolic patterns. The site holds cultural significance for the Irula and Kurumba tribal communities and is believed to reflect prehistoric ritual practices and spiritual beliefs.
IPPB Launches SHG Savings Account – Banking for Women-Led Rural Groups
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) launched a Self Help Group (SHG) Savings Account to strengthen financial inclusion for women-led SHGs, especially in rural India. IPPB operates under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications. The zero-cost banking solution integrates SHGs into the formal financial system.
India’s First Green Methanol Plant – Kutch, Gujarat (Invasive Plant as Fuel)
India’s first green methanol production plant will be built at Deendayal Port Authority, Kutch, Gujarat, using the invasive plant species Prosopis juliflora as its primary feedstock — turning an ecological problem into a clean energy resource. Prosopis juliflora was introduced during the British era and has spread widely across the Banni grasslands, damaging local biodiversity.
| Developer | Thermax (gasification tech by Ankur Scientific) |
| Production Capacity | 5 tonnes of methanol per day |
| Feedstock | Prosopis juliflora biomass (invasive plant — converts ecological problem to fuel) |
| Use Case | Clean marine fuel to replace heavy bunker oil in shipping |
Great Nicobar Project – India’s Strategic Hub in the Indian Ocean
The Great Nicobar Project aims to transform Great Nicobar Island into a strategic maritime and economic hub, located approximately 40 nautical miles from the East–West international shipping lane — reducing India’s dependence on foreign transshipment ports like Colombo and Singapore.
International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT): 14.2 million TEU capacity
Greenfield International Airport: 4,000 Peak Hour Passengers (PHP)
450 MVA Gas + Solar Power Plant
Strategic Significance: Strengthens India’s maritime security and defence presence in the Indo-Pacific; promotes port-led economic growth and positions India as a global shipping node.
Padma Doree – Northeast Eri Silk Meets Madhya Pradesh’s Chanderi Weaving
The Padma Doree initiative was launched globally on May 1, 2026 by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. It is a cross-regional textile initiative combining the Eri Silk traditions of Northeast India with the Chanderi weaving heritage of Madhya Pradesh — blending ethical Ahimsa silk production with traditional handloom craftsmanship to create a sustainable artisan-centric textile ecosystem.
Operation WHITE STRIKE – NCB Seizes 349 kg Cocaine Worth ₹1,745 Crore
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) busted a major transnational drug trafficking syndicate under Operation WHITE STRIKE, seizing approximately 349 kg of high-grade cocaine valued at ~₹1,745 crore from the Mumbai–Navi Mumbai–Thane logistics corridor — one of the largest cocaine hauls in India’s history.
3) Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs
Google’s $15 Billion AI Data Centre Hub – Foundation Stone Laid in Visakhapatnam
CM N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for a $15 billion AI data centre hub by Google in Visakhapatnam — one of the largest FDI projects in India’s history. Developed across Rambilli, Adavivaram, and Tarluvada, with a planned capacity of 1 gigawatt, executed by Google’s subsidiary Raiden Infotech in partnership with Adani Infra.
Investment: $15 billion | Capacity: 1 Gigawatt | Target Completion: July 2028
Infrastructure: Submarine cable landing stations + dedicated fibre networks for global high-speed connectivity.
Jobs: Thousands of high-value roles in data science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Part of AP’s vision to build a 6.5 GW digital ecosystem and position Visakhapatnam as a global AI and cloud hub.
South Coastal Railway Zone – India’s 18th Railway Zone Headquartered in Visakhapatnam
The Government of India announced the creation of the South Coastal Railway Zone (SCoR), effective June 1, 2026 — India’s 18th railway zone, headquartered in Visakhapatnam. Originally announced in 2019, the zone will be headquartered in the Mudasarlova area.
4 Divisions: Visakhapatnam (reorganised from Waltair), Vijayawada, Guntur, Guntakal
Jurisdiction: Parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu — over 3,000 route km
AP’s Railway Achievements: 100% railway electrification achieved. Record budget allocation of ₹10,134 crore (up from just ₹886 crore earlier for combined AP & Telangana). AP currently served by 16 Vande Bharat and 22 Amrit Bharat trains. A proposed “Diamond” High-Speed Network will significantly reduce travel time between Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Pune.
Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 – AP Performance Highlights
Of AP’s 13,310 gram panchayats participating in PAI 2.0, the best-performing panchayat was Nayanur, Kuppam Block, Chittoor District (PAI Score: 84.67). Grade distribution: A Grade (75–90): 591 | B Grade (60–75): 10,178 (majority) | C Grade (40–60): 2,468.
Poverty & Livelihoods: Chemmullapalli (Y.S.R) | Healthy Panchayat: Pandrapadu (Guntur)
Child Friendly: Kachavaram (Palnadu) | Water Sufficiency: Yepiligunta (SPS Nellore)
Clean & Green: Thoopalli (Sri Sathya Sai) | Infrastructure: Gundamala (Prakasam)
Social Justice: Savaragudem (Krishna) | Governance: C. Reddy Gari Palle (Chittoor)
Women Friendly: Durgi (Palnadu)
Coastal Atmospheric Research Testbed (C-ART) Inaugurated at Andhra University
The Open-Field Observatory of Coastal Atmospheric Research Testbed (C-ART) was inaugurated on May 1, 2026 at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. Established by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology under the Ministry of Earth Sciences as part of the Mission Mausam initiative, C-ART will enhance understanding of coastal weather systems affecting Andhra Pradesh and the Bay of Bengal region.
4) Polity & Governance
AAP MPs Join BJP – The Anti-Defection Merger Clause Explained
Seven of ten Rajya Sabha MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raising critical questions about India’s Anti-Defection Law — part of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, added by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1985).
A member is disqualified if they voluntarily leave their party or vote against party instructions.
The Merger Clause Exception: If at least two-thirds of a legislative party’s members agree to join another party, it is treated as a “deemed merger” — and disqualification may not apply.
The Debate: Some experts argue a valid merger requires the original political party itself to merge, not just its MPs in Parliament. Others say if two-thirds of MPs agree, it qualifies. In the Rajya Sabha, an additional complexity arises: MPs are elected by State MLAs — if MPs switch but the MLAs who elected them remain in the original party, it creates a disconnect in representation.
The Rajya Sabha Chairman makes the final decision on disqualification, which can be challenged in courts.
Delhi High Court on ‘Digital Vigilantism’ – Social Media Justice vs. Institutional Failure
The Delhi High Court made significant observations on “digital vigilantism” — the use of social media to publicly expose, shame, or punish individuals for alleged wrongdoing instead of relying on formal legal systems. The Court noted that while victims increasingly turn to social media to amplify harassment cases due to delays in formal justice, it carries serious risks: spread of misinformation, lack of fact-verification, and reputational damage to individuals. The core issue is weak institutional grievance redressal mechanisms — strengthening formal legal processes is the real solution, not accepting social media as a substitute for justice.
Online Gaming Rules 2026 – Complete Ban on Money Games, New National Regulator
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 were notified and came into effect from May 1, 2026, operationalising the Online Gaming Act, 2025.
Online Gaming Authority of India established as the central regulator.
Three-way classification: E-sports (skill-based, competitive), Online social games (recreational), Online money games (completely prohibited — including advertising and financial transactions).
User safety features: age verification, time limits, parental controls. Two-tier grievance redressal system. Time-bound decisions within 90 days.
Penalties: Up to 3 years imprisonment or ₹1 crore fine. Repeat offences: 5 years and ₹2 crore fine.
5) Economy
India Approves ₹30 Billion Currency Swap for Maldives – SAARC Framework
India approved the first withdrawal of ₹30 billion to the Maldives under ongoing financial assistance, reinforcing bilateral economic cooperation. The Maldives had earlier availed $400 million under the same framework in October 2024. This is done through the SAARC Currency Swap Framework — a financial arrangement introduced by the Reserve Bank of India to provide short-term foreign exchange liquidity support to SAARC member countries.
RBI Cancels Paytm Payments Bank Licence – Effective April 24, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, effective April 24, 2026. Violations were cited under Section 22(3)(g). The bank had earlier faced a ban on onboarding new customers (since March 2022) and restrictions on deposits and wallet top-ups (2024). RBI confirmed the bank has adequate liquidity to repay all depositors and will apply to the High Court for winding up.
A specialised banking model introduced by RBI — can accept deposits (up to a prescribed limit) and provide digital payment services, but cannot lend money like a regular bank. Airtel Payments Bank is recognised as India’s first payments bank.
UPI Completes 10 Years – From 2 Crore to 24,162 Crore Transactions
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) completed 10 years since its launch on April 11, 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) under the regulation of the Reserve Bank of India. Over the decade, UPI has become the world’s largest real-time payment system.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Transaction Volume | 2 crore (FY17) → 24,162 crore (FY26) — ~12,000-fold growth |
| Transaction Value | ₹0.07 lakh crore → ₹314 lakh crore — ~4,000-fold growth |
| Banks on UPI | 21 at launch → 703 now |
| Share of India’s Digital Payments | 85% |
| Share of Global Real-Time Transactions | ~49% |
| Daily Average | ~66 crore transactions per day |
| Global Reach | UAE, Singapore, France, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Qatar |
6) Science & Technology
Cold Spark Technology – Noiseless Alternative to Traditional Fireworks
Concerns about noise pollution and public safety during events like Thrissur Pooram in Kerala have highlighted the need for safer alternatives — one of which is Cold Spark Technology, a modern, noiseless substitute for traditional fireworks.
Uses fine metal powders (such as titanium and zirconium) — no explosive combustion involved. The powder is heated to increase activation energy, then a fan ejects it into the air. The particles react with oxygen, producing spark-like visual effects — light without loud sound, explosion, ash, or toxic residue. Unlike conventional fireworks, cold spark technology is safe to use in crowds, near animals, and in enclosed venues.
7) Defence
DRDO Conducts Maiden Salvo Launch of NASM-SR Anti-Ship Missile
DRDO, in collaboration with the Indian Navy, successfully conducted the maiden salvo launch of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile – Short Range (NASM-SR) — firing two missiles in quick succession from the same helicopter over the Bay of Bengal, off the Odisha coast. This was the first-ever salvo launch of this advanced air-launched anti-ship missile system, demonstrating India’s growing indigenous multi-strike naval capability.
INS Mahendragiri Delivered – 6th Ship of Project 17A Stealth Frigate Programme
The Indian Navy received INS Mahendragiri, the 6th ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A), on April 30, 2026 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). Built under India’s advanced stealth frigate programme and designed by the Warship Design Bureau, the ship uses a CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) propulsion system and is equipped with anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare systems — a significant milestone in Aatmanirbhar Bharat for defence.
8) Ranks & Reports
Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Report – Released on National Panchayati Raj Day
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the PAI 2.0 Report on National Panchayati Raj Day (April 24, 2026). PAI 2.0 is a data-driven governance tool evaluating panchayats on 150 indicators across 9 themes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of the total panchayats assessed, 3,635 are classified as Front Runners and 1,18,824 (~45.72%) as Performers. Top-performing themes nationally include Poverty-Free Livelihoods and Healthy Panchayats.
“Women and Men in India 2025” – 27th Edition Released by MoSPI
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 27th edition of “Women and Men in India 2025” on April 29, 2026, in Bhubaneswar. The report uses 50 key indicators to analyse gender data across population, education, health, economic participation, and violence against women.
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Sex Ratio at Birth | 904 (2017–19) → 917 (2021–23) — improving |
| Gender Parity in Education | Achieved at all school levels (Primary to Higher Secondary) |
| Higher Education GER (Female) | 28.5 → 30.2 | Male: 28.3 → 28.9 |
| Rural Women LFPR | 37.5% → 45.9% — significant increase |
| Women in Managerial Roles | Grew by 102.54% (2017–2025) vs. 73.80% for men |
9) Appointments
Ashok Kumar Lahiri Appointed Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog
Ashok Kumar Lahiri has been appointed as the new Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog, replacing Suman K. Bery who served since May 2022. NITI Aayog is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Full-time members include Rajiv Gauba, K.V. Raju, M. Srinivas, Abhay Karandikar, and Gobardhan Das.
Parliamentary Committee Chairpersons 2026–27
| Committee | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| Public Accounts Committee (PAC) | K.C. Venugopal (reappointed) — examines government expenditure, ensures accountability of public funds |
| Committee on Public Undertakings | Baijayant Panda |
| SC/ST Welfare Committee | Faggan Singh Kulaste |
| Committee on Estimates | Sanjay Jaiswal |
Appointments made by Om Birla (Lok Sabha Speaker) | Term: May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027.
Anugraha Narayana Das – Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA)
Anugraha Narayana Das (1991 batch, Indian Defence Accounts Service) assumed charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) on May 1, 2026, bringing over three decades of experience in defence financial management, audit, budgeting, and expenditure monitoring.
10) Miscellaneous
Thrissur Pooram – The “Mother of All Poorams”, Kerala
Thrissur Pooram, celebrated at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, Kerala, is often called the “Mother of all Poorams.” Instituted in the late 18th century by Maharaja Sakthan Thampuran of the Kingdom of Cochin, the festival is a rare celebration of cultural unity where multiple temples come together. Its centrepiece is the Kudamattom — a vibrant ceremonial exchange of decorated parasols atop caparisoned elephants, accompanied by Panchavadyam and Melam traditional percussion ensembles.
Raghu Rai (1942–2026) – India’s Legendary Photojournalist
Renowned Indian photojournalist Raghu Rai passed away in 2026 at the age of 83 after battling cancer. A Padma Shri awardee, he documented some of the most important events in 20th-century India — including the Bhopal Gas Tragedy — and iconic personalities such as Indira Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, and Mother Teresa, leaving behind one of the most important visual archives of the nation.
Sourav Kothari Defends IBSF World Billiards Championship – Defeats Pankaj Advani
Sourav Kothari successfully defended his IBSF World Billiards Championship title by defeating Pankaj Advani in the final held at Carlow, Ireland. Kothari won a prize of $5,000 while Advani received $2,500 as runner-up — continuing India’s near-total dominance in global billiards.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | One-Line Summary |
|---|---|
| UNCLOS & Strait of Hormuz | UNCLOS (in force 1994) governs high seas as a shared global commons. |
| India–NZ FTA 2026 | India–New Zealand FTA signed in April 2026 in a record 9 months, giving 100% zero-duty access to Indian exports, a USD 20 billion NZ investment commitment over 15 years, 5,000 TEE visas annually, and access to 118 service sectors. |
| SCO Defence Meeting – Bishkek | Rajnath Singh attended SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek (April 28, 2026). |
| UNESCO Chair – SSPU Pune | Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune launched Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development. |
| UAE Exits OPEC (May 1, 2026) | UAE, OPEC’s third-largest producer, withdrew from OPEC effective May 1, 2026 over production quota disputes; OPEC now has 11 members, headquartered in Vienna (est. 1960). |
| Bangladesh – Rooppur NPP | Bangladesh began fuel loading at its first nuclear power plant, the 2,400 MW Rooppur NPP developed with Russian assistance. |
| USA Returns 657 Artefacts | USA returned 657 trafficked Indian antiquities (~$14 million) in three phases, recovered from smuggling networks linked to Subash Kapoor and Nancy Wiener. |
| Project DANTAK – 66th Raising Day | BRO’s Project DANTAK celebrated its 66th Raising Day in Thimphu on April 24, 2026; established April 1961, it built Bhutan’s first motorable road. |
| Ganga Expressway | PM Modi inaugurated the 594 km access-controlled Ganga Expressway (Meerut to Prayagraj) at a cost of ₹36,230 crore. |
| AI4WaterPolicy – Rajasthan | AI chatbot conducted 350+ WhatsApp interviews with Pani Mitras and Panchayat leaders in Sirohi and Pali, identifying water governance gaps and enabling mid-cycle redesign of community training programmes. |
| Singrauli – Energy Capital of India | Three AI-powered e-checkposts installed in Singrauli, MP (“Energy Capital of India” for its coal reserves and thermal plants), to curb illegal mineral transport and improve mining revenue collection. |
| Bihar – Vande Mataram Mandate | Bihar government directed all educational institutions (from April 26, 2026) to begin with Vande Mataram then National Anthem, and conclude government programmes with the Bihar State Song. |
| UCG Coal Mining – India First | Ministry of Coal signed India’s first coal mine agreements with UCG provisions in the 14th commercial mining round, allocated to Reliance Industries and Axis Energy Ventures for mines in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. |
| Oor Pare – Nilgiris Rock Art | Prehistoric rock painting site “Oor Pare” rediscovered near Vellarikombai, Kotagiri (Nilgiris, TN) with ~30 red ochre figures, culturally significant to the Irula and Kurumba tribal communities. |
| IPPB – SHG Savings Account | India Post Payments Bank (under Dept of Posts) launched a zero-cost SHG Savings Account to integrate women-led Self-Help Groups into the formal banking system and promote rural financial inclusion. |
| Green Methanol Plant – Kutch | India’s first green methanol plant at Deendayal Port, Kutch (by Thermax) will use invasive Prosopis juliflora as biomass, producing 5 tonnes/day of methanol as clean marine fuel to replace bunker oil in shipping. |
| Great Nicobar Project | Great Nicobar Island is being developed as India’s strategic maritime hub with an ICTT (14.2 million TEU), greenfield airport (4,000 PHP), and 450 MVA power plant. |
| Padma Doree | Padma Doree, launched May 1, 2026 by NEHHDC (Ministry of DoNER), combines Eri Silk from Northeast India with Chanderi weaving from Madhya Pradesh. |
| South Coastal Railway Zone (SCoR) | India’s 18th railway zone SCoR, headquartered in Visakhapatnam, becomes operational June 1, 2026 with 4 divisions (Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Guntakal) covering 3,000+ route km in AP, Telangana, and TN. |
| PAI 2.0 – AP Performance | Best AP panchayat in PAI 2.0: Nayanur, Kuppam (Chittoor, score 84.67); 591 A-grade panchayats; top performers include Chemmullapalli (Poverty), Pandrapadu (Health), Gundamala (Infrastructure), and Yepiligunta (Water). |
| C-ART – Visakhapatnam | Coastal Atmospheric Research Testbed (C-ART) inaugurated May 1, 2026 at Andhra University by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (Ministry of Earth Sciences) under Mission Mausam. |
| Anti-Defection Merger Clause | 7 of 10 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs joined BJP, triggering the merger clause debate: two-thirds of a legislative party can join another party as a “deemed merger” under the Tenth Schedule (52nd Amendment, 1985). |
| Digital Vigilantism | Digital Vigilantism refers to the use of the internet and social media platforms by individuals or groups to publicly expose, shame, or punish someone for alleged wrongdoing, instead of relying on formal legal systems. |
| Online Gaming Rules 2026 | Online Gaming Rules notified from May 1, 2026 — Online Gaming Authority of India established; online money games completely banned; e-sports and social games allowed; violations attract up to 3 years and ₹1 crore fine. |
| Paytm Payments Bank Cancelled | RBI cancelled Paytm Payments Bank licence under Section 22(3)(g) of the Banking Regulation Act 1949 (effective April 24, 2026). |
| UPI – 10 Years (2016–2026) | UPI (launched April 11, 2016 by NPCI) grew from 2 crore to 24,162 crore transactions in a decade; UPI operational in UAE, Singapore, France, Bhutan, and more. |
| Cold Spark Technology | Cold spark technology uses titanium/zirconium powder ejected by a fan to produce spark effects through oxygen reaction — generating light without sound, explosion, ash, or toxic residue, as a safer alternative to traditional fireworks. |
| Women and Men in India 2025 | MoSPI’s 27th edition shows sex ratio at birth improved from 904 to 917; rural women LFPR rose from 37.5% to 45.9%; women in managerial roles grew 102.54% — stronger than men’s 73.80% growth (2017–2025). |
| Ashok Lahiri – NITI Aayog VC | Ashok Kumar Lahiri appointed Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog, replacing Suman K. Bery; NITI Aayog is chaired by PM Narendra Modi with full-time members including Rajiv Gauba, K.V. Raju, M. Srinivas, and Abhay Karandikar. |
| PAC – K.C. Venugopal | K.C. Venugopal reappointed Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (2026–27) by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla; PAC examines government expenditure and ensures accountability of public funds. |
| CGDA – Anugraha Narayana Das | Anugraha Narayana Das (1991 batch, Indian Defence Accounts Service) assumed charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) on May 1, 2026, with 30+ years in defence financial management and audit. |
| Raghu Rai – Passes Away | Legendary photojournalist Raghu Rai (1942–2026), Padma Shri awardee, passed away at 83; documented the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and iconic figures including Indira Gandhi, Dalai Lama, and Mother Teresa. |
| Sourav Kothari – IBSF 2026 | Sourav Kothari defended his IBSF World Billiards Championship title by defeating Pankaj Advani in the final at Carlow, Ireland. |
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