Current Affairs - 23 April 2026

Rising Extreme Heat and Thermal Injustice in India

NATIONAL

Why in News:

India is witnessing a sharp rise in extreme heat events, with over 57% of districts classified as heat-prone.
Lack of a strong legal and policy framework is increasing the vulnerability of informal workers, turning heatwaves into a socio-economic and human rights crisis.

Key Highlights:

Around 57% of districts, covering 76% of the population, face high to very high heat risk.
Urban areas experience intensified heat due to the Urban Heat Island Effect.
Heat impacts are unequally distributed, leading to “thermal injustice”.

Thermal Injustice Explained:

Vulnerable groups (poor, informal workers, women) are disproportionately affected.
Causes:
- Poverty and overcrowding
- Poor infrastructure
- Lack of cooling access
Inequality is visible across class, caste, and gender lines.

India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP)

About:

Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
India became the first country with a comprehensive national cooling policy.
Covers a 20-year period (2017–18 to 2037–38).

Need:

Cooling demand in India is expected to increase 8 times by 2037–38.

Objectives:

Reduce cooling demand across sectors
Promote passive cooling (e.g., building design)
Shift to low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants

Key Measures:

Adoption of building codes:
- Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)
- Eco-Niwas Samhita
Alignment with global frameworks:
- Montreal Protocol
- Kigali Amendment

HFC Phase-down Targets (Kigali Amendment):

10% reduction by 2032
20% by 2037
30% by 2042
85% by 2047

Core Targets of ICAP:

Reduce Cooling Demand: 20–25%
Reduce Energy Requirement: 25–40%
Reduce Refrigerant Demand: 25–30%

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Microplastics Disrupt Food Web and Carbon Cycle in Sundarbans

NATIONAL

Why in News:

A study by Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata highlights that microplastics are disrupting the food web and carbon cycle in the Sundarbans, threatening this vital blue-carbon ecosystem.

Key Findings:

Alarming Pollution Levels:

High concentrations of microplastics found in the Mooriganga Estuary.
Levels increased by ~40% during monsoon due to runoff carrying urban waste into the delta.

Sources of Microplastics:

About 50% were fibres (mainly from textiles).
Other forms: plastic fragments.
Common materials:
- Polypropylene (packaging)
- PET (plastic bottles)

Microplastics vs Nano plastics

Microplastics:

Plastic particles < 5 mm
Example: size of sesame seed or smaller

Nanoplastics:

Extremely tiny particles < 1 micrometre (μm)
Formed from breakdown of microplastics

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Meghalaya Drops Lumpongdeng Island from Umiam Lake Resort Project

NATIONAL

Why in News:

The Government of Meghalaya decided to exclude Lumpongdeng Island (Situated at Umiam Lake) from a proposed luxury resort project after protests by environmental groups and local communities.

Key Highlights:

The decision reflects concerns over environmental protection and ecological balance.
Public opposition highlighted risks to biodiversity and natural landscape.

About Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake (also called Barapani or Dam Sait) is a manmade reservoir located about 15 km north of Shillong.
Formed in the early 1960s by damming the Umiam River under the Umiam Umtru Hydroelectric Project.
Developed by the Assam State Electricity Board.
Umiam Stage I powerhouse (4×9 MW) was commissioned in 1965, making it the first reservoir-based hydropower project in Northeast India.

Geographical & Tourism Significance:

Surrounded by East Khasi Hills along the Guwahati–Shillong route.
A major hub for:
- Water sports
- Tourism and recreation

Inland Water Transport (IWT) Development

Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are being prepared to develop IWT infrastructure on:
- Umiam Lake
- Umngot River (Popularly known as Dawki river, the Umngot river in Meghalaya is undisputedly the cleanest river in Asia with its crystal clear water.)
The Umngot River is part of National Waterway-106.
These will become Meghalaya’s first National Waterways.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

FSSAI Advisory on Ashwagandha Use in Nutraceuticals

NATIONAL

Why in News:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India issued an advisory regulating the use of Ashwagandha in nutraceuticals and health supplements.

Key Highlights:

As per Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2016 (Schedule IV), only specified plant parts can be used.
Ashwagandha roots and their extracts are permitted.
Leaves and leaf extracts are prohibited due to safety concerns.

Reason for Restriction:

Leaves contain higher levels of withanolides (e.g., Withaferin-A).
These compounds may pose potential health risks if consumed in excess.

Role of Ministry of AYUSH:

The Ministry of AYUSH has also directed manufacturers to avoid using leaves.
Food businesses must comply with prescribed limits and approved plant parts.

About Ashwagandha

Scientific name: Withania somnifera
A widely used Ayurvedic medicinal herb.
Known as an adaptogen (helps manage stress).

Health Benefits:

Enhances immunity
Improves brain function
Helps regulate blood sugar levels
Reduces anxiety and depression symptoms

About FSSAI

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is an autonomous statutory body.
Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Headquarters: New Delhi.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Privilege Notice Against Prime Minister

NATIONAL

Why in News:

A privilege notice has been moved against the Prime Minister of India alleging breach of parliamentary privilege after remarks on the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026.

What is a Privilege Notice?

About:

A Privilege Notice (or Motion) is a formal notice by an MP alleging a breach of:
- Parliamentary privileges
- Immunities
- Dignity of the House
It can be used against members or outsiders for:
- Misleading the House
- Withholding facts
- Making defamatory remarks

Rules & Procedure

In Lok Sabha: Rule 222
In Rajya Sabha: Rule 187

Role of Presiding Officer:

Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha) examines the notice.
They may accept or reject it at the initial stage.

After Admission:

The member seeks leave of the House ((formal permission of the House to allow a member to raise a particular matter (like a privilege issue).
Leave is granted if:
- No objection is raised, or
- At least 25 members support it
Usually raised after Question Hour, but can be taken up earlier in urgent cases.

Consideration of the Notice

Once admitted, the House may:
- Discuss the matter directly, or
- Refer it to the Committee of Privileges
Final decision rests with the House itself.

Committee of Privileges

Nature:

A Standing Parliamentary Committee with semi-judicial functions

Composition:

Lok Sabha: 15 members (nominated by Speaker)
Rajya Sabha: 10 members (nominated by Chairman)

Functions:

Examines cases of breach of privilege
Determines facts
Recommends action to the House

Fair Hearing:

The accused is given an opportunity to present their explanation.

Additional Information:

Privilege notices are important for maintaining parliamentary accountability, discipline, and institutional dignity.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

World Earth Day 2026 (International Mother Earth Day)

Why in News:

World Earth Day is observed globally on 22 April to raise awareness and promote action on environmental issues like climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

Theme 2026:

“Our Power, Our Planet”

Historical Background

First observed on 22 April 1970.
Initiated by Gaylord Nelson after the Santa Barbara Oil Spill 1969.
Led to creation of key environmental laws and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Declared as International Mother Earth Day by the United Nations General Assembly in 2009.

Global Significance

Celebrated in 190+ countries.

India’s Environmental Commitments

India has pledged under Panchamrit goals:
- Net-zero emissions by 2070
- 50% renewable energy capacity by 2030
- Reduction in carbon intensity

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

ONE - LINER

FACTUAL

Miss Sake India 2026 title was awarded to Nishita Yogesh Antarkar at an event held in Mumbai on April 17, 2026, organized by Hirohama India Pvt. Ltd. to promote Japanese sake culture and India–Japan cultural ties.
World Liver Day is observed every year on April 19 to promote liver health awareness, with the 2026 theme “Solid Habits, Strong Liver.”
Sadhvi Satish Sail from Goa won the Femina Miss India World 2026 title at the grand finale held in Bhubaneswar, while Rajnandini Pawar from Maharashtra secured first runner-up in the 61st edition.
Sadhvi Satish Sail will represent India at the Miss World 2027 competition following her victory.
Kankaria Coaching Depot became a “water neutral” railway depot, saving nearly 1.60 lakh litres of water daily and promoting environmental sustainability in railway operations.
India laid the foundation for its first 3D semiconductor packaging unit at Info Valley with an investment of ₹2,000 crore on April 19, 2026, boosting self-reliance in advanced electronics, AI, 5G, defence technology, and high-performance computing.
Dinesh Trivedi was appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, marking a key diplomatic move to strengthen bilateral relations.
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao received the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award in Hyderabad for contributions to climate-resilient agriculture, coinciding with the birth centenary of M. S. Swaminathan, and he currently serves as Director and Vice-Chancellor of Indian Agricultural Research Institute.
Central Bureau of Investigation launched AI chatbot ‘Abhay’, unveiled by Surya Kant, to help citizens verify official notices, prevent digital scams, and enhance public safety using artificial intelligence.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

BIHAR NEWS

Samrat Choudhary Becomes 24th Chief Minister of Bihar

BIHAR SPECIAL

Why in News:

Samrat Choudhary was sworn in as the 24th Chief Minister of Bihar on 15 April 2026.
The oath was administered by Syed Ata Hasnain at Lok Bhawan, Patna.

Key Highlights:

Senior JD(U) leaders Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Vijay Kumar Chaudhary were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers.
Marks the first time a BJP leader has become CM of Bihar.

About Samrat Choudhary:

Born on 16 November 1968 in Lakhanpur, Munger district.

Political Career:

1999: Became Horticulture Minister in Rabri Devi government (youngest minister then).
2000 & 2010: Elected MLA from Parbatta (RJD ticket).
Joined Janata Dal (United); served as Urban Development Minister in Jitan Ram Manjhi government (2014).
Member of Bihar Legislative Council (2014–16, 2020–25); also Leader of Opposition.
Joined Bharatiya Janata Party in 2017.
Became BJP Bihar President (2023).
Served as Deputy CM (2024–2026).

Important Facts:

One of the few leaders to hold both Deputy CM and CM posts, like Karpoori Thakur.
Second leader from the Koeri community to become CM after Satish Prasad Singh (1968, short tenure).
Elected from Tarapur constituency(Munger district of Bihar) (2025 Assembly Elections).

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Padhai Marg

Turning Aspirants Into Officer's

Current Affairs – 23 April 2026

BIHAR NEWS

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