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Current Affairs – 21 April 2026

River Basin Management (RBM) Scheme Extended till 2030–31

NATIONAL

Why in News:

  • The River Basin Management Scheme has been extended for the 16th Finance Commission period (2026–27 to 2030–31).
  • It reflects India’s renewed focus on integrated and sustainable water resource management.

Key Highlights:

  • The scheme is a central sector initiative led by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
  • It aims to ensure:
    • Integrated planning of water resources
    • Sustainable use of surface and groundwater
    • Protection of river ecosystems
  • It treats an entire river basin (rivers, tributaries, lakes, groundwater) as a single interconnected system.

  Institutional Framework:

  • The scheme has two major components:

  Brahmaputra Board:

  • Focuses on flood control, erosion management, drainage, and basin planning in Northeast India.

  Investigation of Water Resources Development Scheme (IWRDS):

  • Implemented through:
    • Central Water Commission (CWC) – conducts surveys and prepares DPRs (Detailed Project Report)
    • National Water Development Agency (NWDA) – prepares feasibility reports for Interlinking of Rivers (ILR)

  Geographical Focus:

  • Targets strategically important and water-rich regions:
    • Brahmaputra River basin
    • Barak River basin
    • Teesta River basin
    • Indus River basin
  • Priority regions: North-East India, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Harivansh Narayan Singh Re-elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman

NATIONAL

Why in News:

  • Harivansh Narayan Singh has been re-elected as the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha for a third consecutive term, marking a historic milestone.
  • He was elected unopposed.

Key Highlights:

  • He is a nominated Member of Parliament, making this a notable first.
  • The Deputy Chairman plays a crucial role in presiding over Rajya Sabha proceedings in the absence of the Chairman (Vice President of India).

  Constitutional Provisions:

  • As per Article 89(2), the Rajya Sabha shall elect one of its members as the Deputy Chairman.
  • When the office becomes vacant, the House must elect a new Deputy Chairman to ensure continuity of functioning.

  Election Process:

  • Any member of the Rajya Sabha can move a motion proposing a candidate.
  • The candidate must give consent to serve if elected.
  • The motion must be seconded by another member.

  Tenure and Removal:

  • The Deputy Chairman holds office:
    • Until he/she ceases to be a member of Rajya Sabha, or
    • Resigns, or
    • Is removed by a resolution of the House.
Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Supreme Court Warns States Over Illegal Sand Mining in Chambal Sanctuary

NATIONAL

Why in News:

  • The Supreme Court of India warned Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to curb illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, failing which paramilitary forces may be deployed.

Key Highlights:

  • Illegal sand mining is causing severe habitat degradation.
  • It threatens endangered species like the Gharial and disrupts river ecosystems.
  • The Court directed states to implement:
    • CCTV surveillance
    • GPS tracking of mining vehicles
    • Joint patrols
    • Strict enforcement measures

   About National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary:

  • It is one of India’s most important riverine protected areas.
  • It is the first tri-state protected area spanning:
    • Madhya Pradesh
    • Rajasthan
    • Uttar Pradesh
  • Covers about 5,400 sq km along a 600 km stretch of the Chambal River.

   Biodiversity:

  • Hosts nearly 90% of the world’s wild gharial population.
  • Also home to:
    • Ganges River Dolphin
    • Marsh crocodile (mugger)
    • Smooth-coated otter
    • Red-crowned roof turtle
    • Striped hyena
    • Indian skimmer and over 330 bird species

   Conservation Status:

  • Part of Project Crocodile (1975).
  • Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
  • Proposed Ramsar Site and candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Classified as IUCN Category IV protected area.
Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Government Expands RELIEF Scheme Amid West Asia Disruptions

NATIONAL

Why in News:

  • The Government of India expanded the RELIEF Scheme in response to geopolitical tensions and maritime disruptions in West Asia.

Key Highlights:

  • RELIEF is a time-bound initiative under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM).
  • It has a total outlay of ₹497 crore.
  • Launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • It provides a financial and operational safety net for exporters facing rising maritime risks.

  Coverage:

  • Covers exports to West Asia and Gulf countries:
    • United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Yemen
  • Newly added countries: Egypt and Jordan

  Implementation:

  • Implemented through the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC).
  • ECGC handles claims, disbursement, and monitoring.

  Three-Part Framework:

  • Component 1:
    • For exporters already covered by ECGC
    • Maintains pre-disruption premium rates (14 Feb–15 Mar 2026)
    • Provides up to 100% loss coverage for war-related risks
  • Component 2:
    • Covers consignments (16 Mar–15 Jun 2026)
    • Provides up to 95% loss coverage
    • Includes exporters with new ECGC policies
  • Component 3:
    • Targets MSME exporters without prior insurance
    • Provides coverage up to ₹50 lakh per exporter
Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Record Growth in Startups Under Startup India Initiative

NATIONAL

Why in News:

  • The Government of India reported that over 55,200 startups were recognized in FY 2025–26, the highest ever in a single year under the Startup India Initiative.

Key Highlights:

  • Total recognized startups have crossed 2.23 lakh.
  • These startups have generated over 23.36 lakh direct jobs.
  • Startup recognition grew by 51.6%, while employment increased by 36.1% in FY 2025–26.
  • The trend reflects strong growth in innovation, funding, and employment generation.

  About Startup India Initiative:

  • Launched on 16 January 2016.
  • Implemented by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
  • Aims to transform India from a job-seeking to a job-creating economy.

  Major Schemes & Support Pillars:

  • Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS):
    • Managed by Small Industries Development Bank of India
    • Corpus of ₹10,000 crore to support AIFs investing in startups
  • Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS):
    • Provides collateral-free loans
    • Implemented by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company
  • Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS):
    • Corpus of ₹945 crore
    • Supports early-stage startups (prototype, proof of concept, market entry)
  • Startup India Hub:
    • A single-window platform connecting startups with investors, mentors, and institutions
  • States’ Startup Ranking Framework (SRF):
    • Ranks states on startup ecosystem performance, promoting competitive federalism
  • Mentorship & Networking:
    • Platforms like MAARG Portal and Startup India Investor Connect Portal support founders and investors
Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Konyak Tribe Celebrates Aoleang Festival in Nagaland

NATIONAL

Why in News:

  • The Konyak community celebrated the Aoleang Festival in Kohima, showcasing rich tribal culture and traditions.

Key Highlights:

  • Aoleang (Aoleang Monyu) is the main festival of the Konyak tribe.
  • Celebrated annually from 1st to 6th April.
  • Marks the end of the old year and beginning of the New Year, along with the arrival of spring.
  • It is observed after the completion of sowing activities.

  Celebration Areas:

  • Celebrated widely across Nagaland, especially in Mon district (home of the Konyak tribe).
  • Cultural events are also held at Kisama Heritage Village.

  Agrarian & Ritual Significance:

  • It is a pre-harvest festival.
  • The community seeks blessings for:
    • Good health
    • Bountiful harvest
  • Rituals include:
    • Offerings to deities
    • Symbolic practices in jhum (shifting cultivation) fields
  • Reflects a deep connection with nature and agriculture.
Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

BIHAR NEWS

Bihar Government Servants' Conduct (Amendment) Rules, 2026

BIHAR SPECIAL

Why in News:

  • The Government of Bihar introduced stricter rules to regulate social media usage by government employees.

Key Highlights:

  • The rules were approved in January 2026 and came into effect on 10 April 2026 after notification in the Official Gazette.
  • The amendment was issued under Article 309.
  • Objective: To maintain discipline and institutional integrity in the digital age.

  Major Provisions:

  • Government employees are prohibited from expressing personal views on platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram regarding:
    • Government policies and schemes
    • Judicial decisions, especially of the Supreme Court of India and High Courts
  • Violations will be treated as misconduct.
  • Employees cannot:
    • Use official email IDs or mobile numbers for personal social media accounts
    • Create fake, anonymous, or pseudonymous profiles
  • Strict ban on:
    • Sharing photos, videos, or documents from office premises
    • Filming reels or live streaming inside offices
  • Political neutrality enforced:
    • Employees cannot express support or opposition to any political party, media organisation, or public figure
    • Posting inflammatory or sensitive content related to caste, religion, etc., is prohibited

Additional Information:

  • The rules aim to ensure neutrality, accountability, and confidentiality in public service.
  • Reflects the growing need to regulate digital conduct of government employees.
Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

ONE - LINER

FACTUAL

  1. World Hemophilia Day 2026 is observed on April 17 to raise awareness about Hemophilia and inherited bleeding disorders, with the theme “Diagnosis: First Step to Care”, emphasizing early detection for effective treatment 
  2. The Asian Development Bank has raised India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.9% for FY27 and 7.3% for FY28 citing strong domestic demand; ADB (established 1966, HQ: Manila, India is a founding member and key shareholder) 
  3. The Life Insurance Corporation of India launched two mobile apps on April 15, 2026—MyLIC (one-stop platform integrating all policyholder services) and Super Sales Saathi (for agents/intermediaries)—promoting tech-driven inclusive insurance services
  4. Bank of Baroda partnered with Reliance Jio to launch “bob World Lite” on JioPhone, enabling feature phone users to access essential mobile banking services and bridge the digital divide
  5. The Mumbai Cricket Association approved a player contract system from the 2026–27 season, becoming India’s first state association to introduce structured remuneration for domestic cricketers with grades—A (₹12–20 lakh), B (₹8–12 lakh), and C (₹8 lakh per annum)
  6. Sayani Gupta was named Harvard South Asian “Person of the Year” 2026 by the Harvard South Asian Association for her impactful storytelling and representation of South Asian identities

 

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

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