Current Affairs – April 20, 2026

{GS2 – MoRD} Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) Extended Till 2028

• Context (PIB): Union Cabinet extended Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) to March 2028 with a revised outlay.

• The extension covers the consolidation of Through Routes and Major Rural Links connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), higher secondary schools, and hospitals.
• PMGSY is a flagship Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the comprehensive expansion of the rural road network, launched in 2000.
• Nodal Ministry: It is overseen by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).
• Objective: Provide all-weather road connectivity to eligible rural habitations and integrate them into the wider economy.
• Implementation: National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) oversees it, while State Rural Roads Development Agencies (SRRDAs) execute state-level works.
• Funding: The Centre-State sharing ratio is 60:40 for plain states and 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
• Digital Monitoring: Progress is tracked through the Online Management, Monitoring and Accounting System (OMMAS) and electronic Maintenance of Rural Roads under PMGSY (eMARG).
• Significance: PMGSY has transitioned from basic connectivity to upgrading rural corridors, bridging the rural-urban divide and advancing Viksit Bharat 2047.

Read More > Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

{GS2 – MoJS} River Basin Management (RBM) Scheme

• Context (PIB): Union Cabinet proposed continuation of the River Basin Management (RBM) Scheme from 2026-27 to 2030-31.

• RBM is a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, focusing on integrated, basin-level planning for sustainable water management.
• Objective: to support irrigation, hydropower, flood management, and groundwater development.
• Implementation: Central Water Commission (CWC), Brahmaputra Board, and National Water Development Agency (NWDA), respectively, handle surveys, basin works, and inter-basin planning.
• Focus Areas: The scheme prioritises the Indus Basin and the Brahmaputra, Barak, and Teesta basins.
• Technology: Employs Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) drones for basin planning and investigation.
• Community Initiatives: Brahmaputra Board promotes springshed management and indigenous water conservation, among tribal communities in hilly areas.
• Key Achievements: Protected Majuli Island from Brahmaputra erosion and advanced the Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) programme, including Bihar’s Kosi-Mechi intra-state link.

{GS2 – IR} India and South Korea Signed Four MoUs **

• Context (NOA): India and South Korea signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to India.

Key MoU Signed between India and South Korea

• Maritime Sector: Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will map workforce gaps and establish a joint training centre for shipbuilding and maritime skill development.
• MSME Growth: A newly formed Industrial Cooperation Committee will strengthen and scale small and medium-sized enterprises in both countries.
• Cultural Ties: Cooperation in sport, culture, and the creative industries will deepen people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
• Economic Resilience: An Economic Security Dialogue will coordinate cooperation on critical technologies and supply chains.

Overview of India-South Korea Bilateral Relations

• Bilateral ties were elevated to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ in 2015, upgrading from “Strategic Partnership” status.
• Trade Volume: South Korea is India’s 13^th largest FDI investor, with total bilateral trade reaching $26.89 billion in FY 2024-25.
• Trade Deficit: India recorded a trade deficit of more than $15 billion in FY 2024-25.
  • Key Exports: Refined petroleum products (naphtha), aluminium, organic chemicals.
  • Key Imports: Semiconductors, automobile parts, and telecommunication equipment.
• Defence Relations: The K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzer is co-manufactured in India through a partnership with South Korea.
  • Joint Exercises: Sahyog-Hyeoblyeog (Coast Guard) and IN-RoKN (Navy).
• Cultural Ties: The annual Sarang festival celebrates Indian culture across various South Korean cities.
• Strategic Convergence: Commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific and diversification of global supply chains.
• Strategic Divergence: South Korea’s cautious diplomatic posture toward China.

{GS2 – IR} US Extends Sanctions Waiver for Russian Oil

• Context (IE): The United States issued General License 134B, extending the sanctions waiver on Russian oil purchases through May 16, 2026.

• Cargo Scope: It covers Russian crude and petroleum products already loaded onto vessels as of April 17, 2026.
• Rationale: The waiver aims to curb surging fuel prices and inflation caused by supply disruptions from the US–Israel–Iran conflict.
• Restrictions: The License prohibits transactions involving Iran, Cuba, North Korea, or occupied regions of Ukraine.
• India Impact: Indian refiners can continue dealing with sanctioned entities such as Rosneft and Lukoil without incurring immediate financial penalties.
• Stranded Tankers: The license allows Indian refiners to unload cargoes from sanctioned tankers previously idling near South Korea or in the Persian Gulf.
• Iran Waiver: The US also ended the sanctions waiver for Iranian oil, which expired on April 19, 2026.

{GS2 – IR} VP’s Landmark Visit Strengthens India-Sri Lanka Ties

• Context (IE | NOA): C. P. Radhakrishnan recently completed a two-day visit to Sri Lanka, the first bilateral visit by an Indian Vice President.

Key Highlights of the Visit

• Housing Support: Completed Phase III handover for the Indian Housing Project, benefiting the Indian-origin Tamil plantation community.
• OCI Expansion: India extended Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) eligibility for Indian-origin Tamils from the fourth to the sixth generation.
• Grant Assistance: Both countries signed MoUs under the Multi-Sectoral Grant Assistance to expand healthcare and women’s empowerment in Sri Lanka.
• Ecological Cooperation: Sri Lanka agreed to join the India-led International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) for regional wildlife conservation.
• Rehabilitation Support: India announced post-disaster initiatives, like the resumption of Northern Railway Line services and the installation of new Bailey bridges.

Read More > India-Sri Lanka Relations | Overseas Citizen of India

{GS3 – IE} India Slipped to 6^th Largest Economy by Nominal GDP *

• Context (IE): India has slipped to the world’s 6^th largest economy by nominal GDP, according to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook, with GDP estimated at $4.15 trillion.

• Top Economies: The US leads at $32.38 trillion, followed by China at $20.85 trillion, then Germany, Japan and the UK.
• Mid-tier Cluster: Germany, Japan, the UK, and India are all clustered within the $4.1-$5.5 trillion range for nominal GDP.
• Growth Rate: India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with projected real GDP growth of 6% to 7.4%.
• PPP Rank: The country ranks 3^rd by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), behind only China and the US.
• Future Projections: It is projected to regain 4^th place by 2027 and advance to 3^rd place by 2031 in nominal GDP rankings.
• Slip Factors: Three factors mainly drove India’s fall from 4^th to 6^th place in nominal GDP rankings:
  1. Rupee Fall: The Indian rupee depreciated by 11% against the dollar in FY 2-25-26, reducing the total nominal GDP value.
  2. Base Revision: 2026 base year revision caused a downward correction of 3.5%-4% in nominal rupee-denominated GDP.
  3. Currency Contrast: The British pound and Japanese yen performed relatively better against the dollar than the Indian rupee.

Read More> Sustainability of India’s Growth Rate

{GS3 – IE} Government Rationalises Bullion Imports via Selected Banks

• Context (IE): Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has authorised 17 banks to import bullion for three years, valid until March 31, 2029.

• Policy Shift: This multi-year authorisation replaces the previous annual practice, providing bullion importers with greater regulatory stability.
• Bank Split: Under Appendix 4B of Handbook of Procedures, 2023, 15 of the 17 banks may import gold and silver, while 2 may import only gold.
• Bank Types: The list covers PSU, private, and foreign banks, including the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Deutsche Bank.
• Backlog Relief: The authorisation resolved a delay that had left over 5 tonnes of gold and 8 tonnes of silver stuck at customs.
• Deficit Control: The government can better monitor capital outflows and manage the trade deficit by centralising imports through the 17 authorised banks.

{GS3 – Infra} Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool *

• Context (PIB): Union Cabinet approved the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool) with a ₹12,980 crore sovereign guarantee to ensure continuous maritime insurance coverage.

• It is a domestic insurance mechanism that provides maritime risk coverage, including Hull and Machinery, Cargo, Protection and Indemnity (P&I), and War Risk.
• Objective: To reduce dependence on foreign maritime insurers and ensure uninterrupted access to insurance for vital trade operations.
• Nodal Agency: It is an initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Ministry of Finance.
• Management: The General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) will administer the pool, overseen by a new Governing Body.
• Coverage: It will apply to Indian-flagged ships, Indian-controlled vessels, and foreign carriers handling cargo moving to or from Indian ports.
• Significance: It will protect maritime trade from supply disruptions arising from geopolitical instability, supporting India’s Maritime India Vision 2030.

{GS3 – Envi} CAG Report on STPs in Uttarakhand **

• Context (DTE | TN): CAG audit reveals nearly a third of sewage treatment plants (STPs) discharge untreated sewage into the Ganga River in Uttarakhand despite ₹1,000 crore spent.

Failures in STPs and Ganga Rejuvenation Efforts

• High Untreated Discharge: Around 32% STPs release untreated sewage into the Ganga River due to capacity and operational failures.
• Non-Compliance of Norms: The majority of plants fail the standards of the NGT and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
• Severe Pollution Levels: Faecal coliform levels far exceed safe limits, with a 32-fold rise between Devprayag and Haridwar.
• Poor Sewer Connectivity: Low household linkage (6–12% in towns) leads to direct sewage discharge.
• Symbolic Infrastructure: Many STPs remain unconnected to sewer networks, rendering them ineffective.
• Capacity mismatch: Some plants are overloaded (e.g., Haridwar), while others are underutilised (e.g., Devprayag).
• Governance failures: Lack of river basin planning and minimal community participation reflect top-down implementation.

Way Forward to Improve Sewage Management in the Ganga River

• Universal Sewer Connectivity: Ensure 100% household linkage (e.g., <30% in Rishikesh), as sewage contributes ~70–80% of pollution load.
• Decentralised Treatment: Use bioremediation and modular STPs (e.g., drain treatment in Haridwar) for small towns to reduce untreated discharge.
• Performance-Based Operation: Adopt Hybrid Annuity/Design–Build–Operate–Transfer (DBOT) model under Namami Gange Programme with long-term maintenance accountability.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Deploy IoT systems with strict enforcement of CPCB norms (e.g., online effluent monitoring in Kanpur tanneries improved compliance).
• Basin-Level Planning: Align STP capacity with sewage under an integrated river basin approach.
• Safe Sludge Management: Treat and regulate sludge reuse to avoid heavy metal contamination.

{GS3 – Envi} India Targets 100 GW of Nuclear Power Capacity by 2047 **

• Context (ET): Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has set a target of 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, a tenfold increase from the current 8.8 GW.

• Near-term Target: India aims to nearly triple nuclear capacity to 22.4 GW by 2031-32.
• Energy Share: The 100 GW target will contribute roughly 10% of India’s total energy needs by 2047.

Key Pillars of the 100 GW Roadmap

• Private Entry: The SHANTI Act, 2025, allows private companies to build, own, and operate nuclear plants for the first time.
• Small Reactors: Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated ₹20,000 crore to develop Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), with at least five units targeted by 2033.
• Site Repurposing: Old or retiring thermal plants will be converted into nuclear units, with ten preliminary sites already shortlisted.
• Regulatory Reform: Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has been granted statutory status for independent safety oversight and transparent licensing.
• Climate Finance: Nuclear power is to be added to India’s climate finance taxonomy to unlock low-cost green capital and international investment.
• Fleet Mode: The shift to Fleet Mode procurement will reduce reactor construction cycles from 13 years to 8 years.

Bottlenecks for 100 GW Nuclear Power by 2047

• Capital Cost: An estimated ₹20 lakh crore investment requirement necessitates a shift from government funding to private equity and international green bonds.
• NSG Exclusion: India’s exclusion from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) restricts long-term uranium fuel security and technology transfer for advanced reactors.
• Grid Integration: Integrating 100 GW of baseload nuclear into a grid dominated by variable renewables presents significant technical balancing challenges.
• Socio-Political: ‘Not in My Backyard’ (NIMBY) sentiment and prolonged land acquisition disputes consistently push nuclear project timelines into decade-long delays.
• Regulatory Lag: Regulators currently lack the oversight capacity to monitor a decentralised, private nuclear fleet as the market expands.

Read More> India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme

{Prelims – A&C} Tribute to Jagadguru Basaveshwara on Basava Jayanthi

• Context (DDN): PM Modi paid tribute to Jagadguru Basaveshwara on Basava Jayanti.

• Jagadguru Basaveshwara, also called Basavanna, was a 12^th-century Kannada poet, philosopher, statesman, and social reformer.
• Born into a Brahmin family in Karnataka, he served as the Prime Minister in the court of the Kalachuri king Bijjala II.
• He founded the Lingayat movement, rooted in devotion to Lord Shiva and social equality.
• He introduced wearing the Ishtalinga—a small lingam in a necklace—to symbolise a direct link with Lord Shiva, bypassing priestly mediation.
• His philosophy emphasised ‘Kayaka’ and ‘Dasoha’, urging sincere work and equitable sharing of surplus wealth with the underprivileged.
• He opposed caste hierarchy and gender discrimination, spreading equality, justice, and devotion through his poetic compositions called Vachanas.
• Basavanna established Anubhava Mantapa, an egalitarian forum for spiritual and social discussion.
• Literary Source: His life and teachings are recorded in the Basava Purana, a Telugu work by Palkuriki Somanatha from the 13^th century.

Read More > Basaveshwara

{Prelims – Initiatives} National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust *

• Context (BS): Parliamentary Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel presented its 23^rd report on the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust.

• Establishment: NMEDT was set up in 2015 under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
• Autonomous Status: Made a non-profit autonomous body after the 2021 amendment to the MMDR Act, 1957.
• Institutional Structure: Two-tier system—Governing Body (chaired by Mines Minister) and Executive Committee (chaired by Mines Secretary).
• Objective: Promote systematic & scientific exploration to enhance mineral resource availability in India.
• Funding Mechanism: Financed through royalty contributions from mining lease holders and prospecting licence-cum-mining lease holders.
• Capacity Building: Funds training & skill development for personnel in the mineral exploration sector.
• Private Sector Participation: The 2021 amendment allows funding of private exploration agencies.
• Strategic Focus: Prioritises exploration of critical and strategic minerals and upgrading resources from G3 to G1/G2 levels.

{Prelims – PAN} Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary *

• Context (MSN): Gauhati High Court questioned Assam government over unauthorized tree felling in Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) for the Guwahati Ring Road Project.

• It lies on the eastern fringe of Guwahati, Assam, bounded to the north by the Brahmaputra and to the east by the Digaru.
• Topographically, it is an extension of Meghalaya’s Khasi and Jaintia Hills, declared a WLS in 2004.
• Flora: Primarily comprises Eastern Himalayan Moist Deciduous and some Semi-evergreen forests in river valleys. Major species include Teak, Sal, Terminalia, and Arjun.
• Fauna: Includes Asiatic elephants, hoolock gibbons, slow lorises, Chinese pangolins, and the rare indigenous Tree Yellow butterfly.
• Significance: It is recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) hosting threatened species like slender-billed and white-backed vultures.