Current Affairs - 20 April 2026

India Plans Cocoa Mission for Self-Sufficiency by 2040

NATIONAL

Why in News:

India is preparing a long-term strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in cocoa production by 2040.
The plan aims to reduce import dependence and strengthen the agricultural economy.

Key Highlights:

A knowledge paper has been developed by Grant Thornton Bharat in collaboration with FICCI outlining a comprehensive roadmap.
India’s cocoa imports have crossed $866 million annually, indicating heavy dependence on imports.

Why India Needs a Cocoa Mission:

India currently produces less than 20% of its cocoa requirement, leading to a significant supply-demand gap.
Cocoa consumption is expected to reach 4.67 lakh tonnes by 2040, widening the gap further.
Rising demand from the chocolate and food processing industry is driving the need for domestic production.

Additional Information:

Cocoa is obtained from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao plant, meaning “food of the gods.”
Cocoa beans are the main raw material used to produce chocolate, cocoa powder, and cocoa butter.
In India, cocoa cultivation expanded significantly during the 1960s–1970s due to crop diversification programmes.
Cocoa is grown in low elevation areas with partial shade, often under coconut or arecanut plantations.
Major cocoa-producing regions in India include West Godavari & East Godavari (Andhra Pradesh), along with Kerala and Karnataka.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

India Slips to 6th Largest Economy as per IMF Outlook 2026

NATIONAL

Why in News:

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) April 2026 outlook, India has slipped to the 6th largest economy globally.

Key Highlights:

India’s GDP is projected at $4.15 trillion (2026–27).
The United Kingdom is estimated at $4.26 trillion, placing it ahead of India.
Top global economies:
- United States – $32.3 trillion
- China – $20.85 trillion
- Germany – $5.45 trillion
- Japan – $4.38 trillion
- United Kingdom – $4.26 trillion
- India – $4.15 trillion

Why Did India Slip to 6th Position?

The decline is not due to weak economic growth, but mainly external factors:

Impact of Strong US Dollar:

A stronger US dollar reduces India’s GDP when converted into dollar terms.
Global rankings are measured in nominal USD terms, directly impacting position.

Rupee Depreciation:

Depreciation of the Indian Rupee lowered GDP value in dollar terms.
Domestic economic growth remains strong in real terms.

GDP Revisions:

Adjustments and revisions in economic data by global agencies also influenced rankings.

Additional Information:

In PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) terms, India continues to rank among the top 3 economies globally.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

India–New Zealand FTA to be Signed on 27 April 2026

NATIONAL

Why in News:

India and New Zealand are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 27 April 2026 to strengthen economic ties.

Key Highlights:

The agreement aims to boost exports, improve market access, and enhance bilateral cooperation.
It is expected to attract nearly $20 billion in investment over 15 years.
The FTA marks a significant step in India’s global trade strategy.

Key Provisions of the FTA:

India will receive duty-free access on 100% of its exports to New Zealand.
Key beneficiary sectors:
- Textiles
- Pharmaceuticals
- Engineering goods
India will reduce or eliminate tariffs on about 95% of New Zealand’s exports, including:
- Wool, coal, wood, wine
- Fruits such as avocados and blueberries

Sensitive Sectors Protected:

India has excluded certain sensitive sectors to protect domestic interests:
- Dairy products
- Edible oils
- Selected agricultural goods

Additional Information:

About New Zealand

New Zealand has recognized natural entities with legal personhood, with Mount Taranaki becoming the third such feature after the Whanganui River and Te Urewera National Park.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Lok Sabha Fails to Pass Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026

NATIONAL

Why in News:

The Lok Sabha failed to pass the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aimed to fast-track 33% reservation for women in legislatures.

Key Highlights:

The Bill sought to enable earlier implementation of women’s reservation under the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023.
It proposed delimitation based on the 2011 Census to advance implementation to 2029.
However, the Bill failed to secure the required special majority.

Failure of Special Majority:

As per Article 368, a constitutional amendment requires:
- Majority of total membership of the House
- At least 2/3rd of members present and voting
Out of 528 members, the Bill received 298 votes, falling short of the required 352 votes.

Withdrawal of Allied Bills:

Following the failure, related bills were withdrawn:
- Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Delimitation Bill, 2026

Delimitation and Census Linkage:

The Bill aimed to end the freeze on delimitation imposed by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 (based on 1971 Census).
The freeze was extended by the 84th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2001 until after the 2026 Census.
The proposal intended to restore “one person, one vote, one value” by aligning constituencies with current population data.

Federalism Debate (North–South Divide):

Opposition raised concerns that population-based delimitation would disadvantage Southern states.
Southern states argued they would be penalised for successful population control policies.
Demand was made to delink women’s reservation from delimitation.

Additional Information:

106th Constitutional Amendment (2023):

Also known as Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
Provides 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Came into force on 16 April 2026.

Implementation Delay:

As per Article 334A, reservation will be implemented only after delimitation post next Census (after 2027).
This makes actual implementation likely around 2034.
The 131st Amendment Bill aimed to advance implementation timeline, which now remains delayed.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Padhai Marg

Turning Aspirants Into Officer's

Current Affairs – 20 April 2026

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