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April 2026 current affairs

2 Key Biodiversity Repositories Notified under Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Why in News?

In a significant step to strengthen biodiversity conservation and research, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has notified two institutions as designated repositories under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. These repositories will ensure safe storage and proper documentation of biological resources in India

government notified two key institutions as repositories under the biological diversity act, 2002

What are Designated Repositories?

  • Declared under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
  • Serve as official centers for storing biological materials
  • Include:
    • Voucher specimens (reference samples)
    • Microbial cultures
    • Marine organisms
  • Support:
    • Scientific research
    • Commercial use of biological resources
    • Identification of new species

The two notified institutes are:

  1. Referral Centre BhavasagaraΒ at the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), Kochi:Β Specializing in deep-sea biodiversity, maintaining marine voucher specimens.
  2. Agharkar Research Institute (ARI)Β in Pune:Β Specifically for its MACS Collection of Microorganisms and National Fungal Culture Collection

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ISRO to launch G20 Satellite in 2027

India is set to strengthen global climate monitoring efforts with the proposed G20 satellite mission, expected to launch in 2027. This satellite will support environmental monitoring, weather forecasting, and disaster management for G20 nations.

g20 satellite

About the G20 Satellite Mission

  • Proposed by Indian Space Research Organisation
  • Expected Launch Year: 2027
  • Designed for global cooperation among G20 countries
  • Focus on climate, environment, and disaster management

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500 years for First Battle of Panipat (1526)

Why in News?

India marked the 500th anniversary of the First Battle of Panipat on April 21, 2026. Fought in 1526, this battle reshaped Indian history by ending the Delhi Sultanate and laying the foundation of Mughal rule.

first battle of panipat

Background of the Battle

The First Battle of Panipat was fought on April 21, 1526, between:

  • Babur (invader from Central Asia)
  • Ibrahim Lodi (ruler of Delhi Sultanate)

Immediate Cause

  • Internal conflicts weakened the Delhi Sultanate
  • Afghan nobles, including:
    • Daulat Khan Lodi
    • Alam Khan
  • They invited Babur to invade India and overthrow Ibrahim Lodi

Results of the Battle

  • Ibrahim Lodi was defeated and killed
  • Babur captured Delhi and Agra
  • End of the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)

Impact and Significance

1. Foundation of the Mughal Empire
  • Established the rule of the Mughal dynasty
  • Continued for nearly 300 years
2. Military Transformation
  • Introduction of gunpowder warfare in India
  • Decline of traditional warfare methods like war elephants
3. End of Delhi Sultanate
  • Marked the collapse of a 320-year-old regime

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Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti 2026

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Adi Shankaracharya on his Jayanti, highlighting his enduring influence on Indian philosophy and spirituality. His teachings continue to shape India’s cultural and intellectual traditions

adi shankaracharya jayanti

Who was Adi Shankaracharya?

Adi Shankaracharya (788–820 CE) was one of the greatest philosophers of India and is widely known as β€œJagatguru” (World Teacher).

Key Contributions

  • Revived Hindu philosophy during a time of excessive ritualism
  • Systematised the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta
  • Established four major mathas (monasteries) in India:
    • Sringeri (South)
    • Dwaraka (West)
    • Puri (East)
    • Badrinath (North)

Core Philosophy: Advaita Vedanta (Non-Dualism)

The term Advaita means β€œnot two”, implying that reality is one and indivisible.

Three Fundamental Concepts

1. Brahman (Ultimate Reality)
  • The only eternal and unchanging reality
  • Formless, infinite, and beyond human perception
2. Atman (Individual Soul)
  • The inner self or soul of an individual
  • According to Shankaracharya, Atman = Brahman

Famous Mahavakya: β€œAham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman)

3. Maya (Illusion)
  • The material world is an illusion
  • It creates a false perception of diversity and separation

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Shekha Jheel Becomes India’s 99th Ramsar Site

Why in News?

India has added another important wetland to its conservation network. The Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has been designated as the 99th Ramsar Wetland Site, highlighting its ecological importance and role in bird conservation

sheekha jheel
  • Location: Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh Status: Declared India’s 99th Ramsar Site (2026)Biodiversity:
  • 249 bird species recorded
  • 62 species directly dependent on the wetland ecosystem

Migratory Importance:

  • Lies on the Central Asian Flyway (CAF)
  • Hosts species like:
    • Bar-headed goose
    • Painted stork

What is Central Asian Flyway (CAF)?

One of the 9 major global migratory bird flyways Connects:

  • Breeding grounds: Arctic region (Siberia)
  • Wintering grounds: Indian subcontinent & nearby regions

Covers 30 countries from Arctic Ocean to Indian Ocean Operates under:

  • Convention on Migratory Species

Ramsar Wetland Site – Meaning & Significance

  • A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognized as internationally important
  • Declared under the:
    • Ramsar Convention
  • Criteria for designation:
    • Ecological significance
    • Biodiversity richness
    • Hydrological importance

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India launched Designer Rice : High-Protein, Low-GI Innovation

Why in News?

Scientists from the CSIR–National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) have developed a β€œdesigner rice” with enhanced nutritional value. This innovation aims to tackle malnutrition, anaemia, and diabetes through advanced food processing techniques.

designer rice

What is Designer Rice?

Designer rice is a scientifically engineered food product created using food architecture and extrusion technology.
Unlike conventional rice (rich in starch), it is modified to provide better nutrition and controlled glucose release.

Key Features of Designer Rice

High Protein Content
  • Contains 20–22% protein
  • Nearly 3 times higher than regular rice (6–8%)
  • Helps in improving nutritional intake, especially in protein-deficient populations
Low Glycaemic Index (GI)
  • GI value: Below 55 (β‰ˆ54)
  • Ensures slow release of glucose
  • Beneficial for managing Type 2 Diabetes
Micronutrient Fortification

Enriched with essential nutrients:

  • Iron – Prevents anaemia
  • Folic Acid – Important for cell growth
  • Vitamin B12 – Supports nerve function and blood formation
Non-GMO Technology
  • Developed using food processing techniques
  • Does not involve genetic modification (GMO)
  • Uses extrusion technology to reshape nutritional composition

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Recusal Explained 2026

Why in News?

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court rejected a plea filed by Arvind Kejriwal seeking her recusal from the Delhi excise policy case. The issue brings attention to the important judicial concept of recusal.

recusal

What is Recusal?

Recusal refers to the voluntary withdrawal of a judge or judicial authority from a case due to a possible conflict of interest, ensuring fairness and impartiality in the judicial process.

Key Features of Recusal

Purpose

  • Maintain judicial impartiality
  • Ensure fair trial
  • Uphold public confidence in courts

Reasons for Recusal

A judge may step aside when:

  • There is a personal relationship with parties involved
  • Financial interests are connected to the case
  • The judge had prior professional involvement

Process & Nature

  • Voluntary decision by the judge (based on conscience)
  • Can be requested by parties, but final decision rests with the judge
  • Not strictly governed by codified law (guided by judicial ethics)

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Union cabinet approves Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool 2026

In response to disruptions in global shipping due to the West Asia conflict, the Union Cabinet has approved the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool). This initiative ensures uninterrupted insurance coverage for maritime operations involving India.

bharat maritime insurance pool

What is Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool?

The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool is a government-backed insurance mechanism designed to provide coverage for various maritime risks. It aims to reduce dependence on foreign insurers and strengthen India’s shipping resilience.

Key Features of the Scheme

  • Sovereign Guarantee: Backed by a government guarantee of β‚Ή12,980 crore
  • Duration
    • Initial period: 10 years
    • Extendable by 5 more years
  • Management
    • Managed by GIC Re
    • Supervised by a Governing Body

Why Was This Scheme Introduced?

  • Disruptions in global shipping routes due to West Asia geopolitical tensions
  • Rising war risk premiums in maritime insurance
  • Need to ensure continuous insurance availability for Indian shipping
  • Reduce reliance on foreign insurance providers

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PMGSY-III Extended Till 2028:

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase III (PMGSY-III) beyond March 2025 up to March 2028. This extension aims to strengthen rural infrastructure by upgrading existing road networks and improving connectivity to essential services.

pmgsy iii

Objectives of PMGSY-III

  • Upgrade 1,25,000 km of rural roads
  • Improve connectivity to:
    • Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs)
    • Higher Secondary Schools
    • Hospitals
  • Boost rural economy and accessibility

Background of PMGSY

  • Launched in 2000
  • Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development
  • A centrally sponsored scheme

Funding Pattern

  • 60:40 (Centre : State)
  • 90:10 for North-East & Himalayan States
  • Core Objective: Provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations to improve socio-economic conditions.

Target Population Criteria (2011 Census)

  • 500+ population in plain areas
  • 250+ population in NE, Himalayan, tribal & desert areas
  • 100+ population in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts

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Borrowers’ Platform Launched by Developing Countries

Why in News?

In a major step towards reforming the global financial system, developing countries launched the Borrowers’ Platform during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings 2026. This is the first-ever collective initiative aimed at strengthening the voice of borrowing nations in global debt discussions.

borrowers platform psc chronicles

What is the Borrowers’ Platform?

  • A collaborative forum for developing countries.
  • Focuses on sovereign debt issues and financial challenges.
  • Helps countries coordinate strategies and share knowledge.
  • Aims to rebalance global financial governance, which is currently dominated by lenders.
  • Secretariat: TheΒ United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)Β serves as the permanent secretariat, providing technical and administrative support.
  • Member-Led Structure: It is governed by the finance ministers of participating nations.
  • Working Group: A seven-country group currently guides implementation, chaired byΒ EgyptΒ withΒ PakistanΒ as vice-chair. Other founding members include Colombia, Honduras, Maldives, Nepal, and Zambia.

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