UPSC Current Affairs 05 April 2026

 
Contents
1. BRO’s Project Chetak
2. Sādhana Saptah Initiative
3. Yuva Sangam
4. FAO Food Price Index
5. Appemidi Mango
6. Bengal Florican
7. Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme
8. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
 
 

 
Why In News?
Project Chetak of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is recently in the news because it celebrated its 47th Raising Day on April 4, 2026, in Bikaner, Rajasthan. 
 
Key Information

• Establishment: It was raised on April 4, 1980.
• Motto: Operates under the theme "Chetak ka Prayas, Desh ka Vikas".
• Geographical Scope: It is one of the largest BRO projects in terms of area, covering:
  • Rajasthan
  • Punjab
  • Northern parts of Gujarat
• Infrastructure Managed:
  • Maintains a road network exceeding 4,000 km.
  • Manages 214 km of Ditch Cum Bund (DCB), a vital defensive structure.
• Strategic Role:
  • Provides critical support to the Indian Armed Forces by maintaining feeder roads to the International Border.
  • Enhances operational mobility and logistical efficiency in the western sector.
  • Contributes to socio-economic growth by connecting remote border villages.
• Current Focus: Active efforts are underway to upgrade key border routes to National Highway Double Lane (NHDL) standards. 

Recent News

• Highest Ever Expenditure: The BRO as a whole recorded its highest-ever expenditure of ₹16,690 crore in FY 2024–25, with a target of ₹17,900 crore for FY 2025–26.
• Infrastructure Boost: Between 2024 and 2025, BRO dedicated 250 infrastructure projects to the nation, significantly improving border preparedness.
• Specific Developments: Ongoing DPR (Detailed Project Report) preparations for improving roads like the Barmer-Chohtan-Kelnor stretch to NHDL specifications are part of the project's modernisation drive.

 
 
   
Why in News?
The Sādhana Saptah (2–8 April 2026) is recently in the news as India's largest-ever collaborative capacity-building initiative for its civil services ecosystem. Launched by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), it marks the 5th anniversary of Mission Karmayogi and the Foundation Day of the CBC.
 
Key Information

• Significance: Stands for Strengthening Adaptive Development and Humane Aptitude for National Advancement.
• Scale: Involves 100+ Central Ministries, 30+ States/UTs, and 250+ training institutions.
• Three Pillars: The week focuses on Technology (AI/digital tools), Tradition (Indian knowledge systems), and Tangible Outcomes (citizen impact).
• Core Platform: Leverages the iGOT Karmayogi platform for training.
• Key Launches: Introduced tools like the Karmayogi Geet (anthem), Karmayogi Kshamata Connect (for frontline workers), AI-Powered Amrit Gyaan Kosh (case studies), and Trust-Based Learner Assessment. 

Strategic Objectives

• Viksit Bharat 2047: Equipping civil servants for the goal of a developed India by 2047.
• Capacity Building: Promoting inter-departmental collaboration, breaking silos, and shifting focus toward empathetic, problem-solving governance.
• Continuous Learning: Embedding a culture of lifelong learning and upskilling. 

Event Highlights

• Inauguration: National Conclave held at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
• Focus Days: Dedicated days for technology, tradition, and outcomes between April 2–8, 2026. 

 
 
   
Why in News?
Yuva Sangam is recently in the news because the Ministry of Education has launched Phase VI (6th edition) of the program. This phase is a key part of the government's post-budget push to empower "Yuva Shakti" and align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals of experiential learning.
 
Key Features

• Initiative: A flagship youth exchange program under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) campaign.
• Objective: To strengthen people-to-people connections and promote "Unity in Diversity" among Indian youth.
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 18–30 years.
  • Participants: UG/PG students, NSS/NYKS volunteers, and young professionals.
• Structure: Facilitates 5–7-day immersive tours to paired States/UTs (e.g., Delhi paired with Chhattisgarh, Karnataka with Rajasthan).
• The 5 Ps Framework: Every tour is built around five thematic pillars:

1. Paryatan (Tourism)
2. Parampara (Traditions)
3. Pragati (Development)
4. Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect)
5. Prodyogiki (Technology)

• Implementation: Anchored by the Ministry of Education through 22 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) acting as nodal centers.
• Funding: The program is fully government-funded, covering all travel, boarding, and lodging expenses for selected participants. 

Phase VI (2026) Highlights

• Coverage: Expanding to 22 States and Union Territories with a focus on balanced rural and urban representation.
• Mandatory Requirement: For the first time, applicants are encouraged to register using their APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry).
• Budget Alignment: Part of the "Yuva Shakti-driven Budget" (2026-27), linking higher education with real-world exposure and regional integration.
• Participation Milestone: Since its pilot in 2022, over 6,000 youth and coordinators have participated across various phases. 

 
 
   
Why in News?
The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) recently rose for a second consecutive month to 128.5 points, driven by energy-related pressures amid conflict escalation in the Near East.
 
Key Information

• Vegetable Oils (+5.1%): Jumped to its highest level since June 2022. Higher crude oil prices spurred demand for biofuels, raising quotations for palm, soy, sunflower, and rapeseed oils.
• Sugar (+7.2%): Reached a four-month high. Rising crude oil prices prompted Brazil (the top exporter) to divert more sugarcane toward ethanol production.
• Cereals (+1.5%): Driven by a 4.3% rise in wheat prices due to drought in the US and expected planting cuts in Australia. However, Rice prices fell by 3.0% due to new harvests and weak demand.
• Meat (+1.0%): Pushed up by a surge in pig meat prices in the EU and higher bovine meat costs from Brazil due to tight supply.
• Dairy (+1.2%): Marked the first increase since July 2025, led by higher prices for milk powders as seasonal supplies declined in Oceania. 

Key Facts

• Definition: A measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities.
• Composition: It is the average of five commodity group indices: Cereals, Vegetable Oils, Dairy, Meat, and Sugar.
• Base Period: Currently uses 2014–2016 = 100 as the reference period.
• Purpose: Introduced in 1996 as a public good to help monitor global agricultural market developments.
• Released by: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, typically on the first Friday of every month. 

Strategic Concerns & Risks

• Input Cost Crisis: 30% of global fertilizers and 35% of oil move through the Strait of Hormuz. Extended disruptions (30–40+ days) could force farmers to reduce fertilizer use or switch to less intensive crops, threatening future yields.
• Vulnerability: Net food-importing countries, particularly those in Africa and South Asia facing debt stress, are most at risk of reduced food security as import bills rise.
• Supply Outlook: Despite price pressure, the global cereal supply remains "comfortable," with 2025 production forecast at a record 3,036 million tonnes. 

 
 
   
Why in news?
The Appemidi Mango (often written as Appe Midi) is recently in the news because a major three-day Diversity Survey Documentation Walk was recently completed (March 30 – April 1, 2026) to map its genetic diversity.
 
Key Information

• Regional Identity: It is an endemic wild mango variety found exclusively in the Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga districts of Karnataka.
• "King of Pickles": Known as the "King of tender mangoes," it is used almost solely for the pickle industry and is not typically eaten as a ripe fruit.
• Unique Features:
  • Size: Tiny and tender (around 3.6 cm long), weighing only ~10 grams.
  • Aroma: Has an intense, distinctive fragrance; varieties like Jeerige Midi smell like cumin and Karpoor Midi like camphor.
  • Shelf Life: Pickles made from Appemidi can last 5 to 6 years without preservatives.
• GI Tag Status: Received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in September 2009 (valid until 2029).
• Economic Impact: The annual market demand for these pickles is estimated at 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes, valued at roughly ₹100 crore. 

Recent Threats & Conservation

• Climate Variability: Unpredictable rainfall and heat have severely impacted flowering and fruiting cycles in the Aghanashini valley.
• Habitat Loss: Encroachment, riverbank conversion for tourism, and the illegal felling of wild trees are reducing the natural population.
• Genetic Preservation: The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) has successfully conserved over 250 accessions (varieties) in gene banks to prevent extinction.
• Proposed Protections: Activists are pushing to include Appemidi under the purview of Spice Board India to boost its commercial and heritage status.

 
 
   
Why in News?
The Bengal Florican (or Bengal Bustard) is in the news because of a critical April 2026 report by Down To Earth and the Assam Forest Department, which warns that fewer than 1,000 individuals remain worldwide.
 
Key Featutres

• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered since 2007.
  • Wildlife Protection Act (India): Schedule I (highest protection).
  • CMS: Listed in Appendix I of the UN Convention on Migratory Species.
• Population:
  • Global: Estimated between 350–1,500 individuals.
  • India: Holds ~85% of the global population, mainly in Assam (Manas, Kaziranga, Orang) and Uttar Pradesh (Dudhwa).
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Grassland Indicator: Its presence reflects a healthy, functioning grassland ecosystem.
  • "Lekking" Behaviour: Males perform spectacular aerial displays (vertical leaps and wing flaps) to attract females during the breeding season (March–August).
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Males are striking black with white wing patches; females are camouflaged buff-brown.
• Major Threats:
  • Habitat Loss: Conversion of grasslands for intensive agriculture (especially dry-season rice).
  • Infrastructure: Collision with high-tension power lines is a leading cause of mortality.
  • Invasive Species: Woody plants and non-native grasses are choking out the open landscapes they require. 

Recent Developments

• Manas Census (2025): A synchronized survey in Manas National Park recorded 38 displaying males, confirming the park as a global stronghold for the species.

• Poaching Incident (Dec 2025): Outrage was triggered in Assam after social media posts showed a poached Bengal Florican being consumed, leading to calls for stricter surveillance.
• Supreme Court Ruling: In ongoing cases (e.g., M.K. Ranjitsinh v. Union of India), the Court is balancing green energy (solar/wind) with bird safety, pushing for underground power lines in priority habitats.
• Community Conservation: Grassroots efforts in Kokilabari (Assam) and by the Idu Mishmi (Arunachal Pradesh) have been praised for reducing egg collection and hunting. 

 
 
   
Why in news?
The Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme (formally the "Scheme for Promotion of Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects") is recently in the news because the Ministry of Coal recently signed the Coal Gasification Plant Development and Production Agreement (CGPDPA) with selected private and public sector companies in April 2026.
 
Key Information

• Financial Outlay: The current scheme has a total budget of ₹8,500 crore approved by the Union Cabinet on January 24, 2024.

• Target: Aims to achieve 100 million tonnes of coal gasification capacity by 2030.
• Mechanism: Provides financial assistance in the form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) or lump-sum grants to make capital-intensive projects economically viable.
• Three Project Categories:
  • Category I (₹4,050 Cr): Reserved for Government PSUs. Supports up to 3 projects with a grant of ₹1,350 Cr each or 15% of Capex.
  • Category II (₹3,850 Cr): Open to both Private Sector and PSUs. Offers a maximum grant of ₹1,000 Cr per project or 15% of Capex.
  • Category III (₹600 Cr): For Demonstration Projects using indigenous technology or small-scale plants. Offers up to ₹100 Cr per project.
• Incentives Beyond Cash:
  • 50% Revenue Rebate: A 50% rebate in revenue share for coal used in gasification for commercial coal blocks, provided at least 10% of production is gasified.
  • NRS Linkage: Created a separate "Syngas" sub-sector under the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) linkage auctions with favourable floor pricing. 

• Selected Projects: Key winners include Jindal Steel and Power Limited, New Era Cleantech, and Greta Energy under Category II.

• Major Joint Ventures: Coal India Limited (CIL) has established JVs with BHEL (BCGCL) and GAIL for large-scale coal-to-chemical projects in Odisha and West Bengal.
• Latest Funding Round: A second round for the remaining ₹2,366 crore of the initial outlay was opened with a bid deadline of January 28, 2026. 

Strategic Importance & Utility

• Import Substitution: Converts domestic coal into Syngas, which can be used to produce high-value chemicals like Methanol, Ammonia, Urea, and Ammonium Nitrate, reducing reliance on expensive imports.
• Energy Security: Provides a "bridge" for India’s energy transition by utilizing massive domestic coal reserves (nearly 400 billion tonnes) in a cleaner, non-combustive way.
• Environmental Impact: Gasification is considered cleaner than direct combustion because it allows for easier Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) before emissions occur.
• Self-Reliance: Vital for the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" mission, aiming to build a domestic chemical and fertilizer economy worth up to ₹90,000 crore annually. 

 
 
   
Why in News?
Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary has gained attention recently for its successful blackbuck revival program, where the population recovered from zero in the 1970s to around 190 individuals through dedicated conservation efforts.
 
Key Information

• Location: Situated in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, approximately 100 km from the state capital, Raipur.

• Establishment: Notified as a sanctuary in 1976 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Naming: Derived from two forest villages, Bar and Nawapara, which form the heart of the sanctuary.
• Terrain: Characterized by flat and hilly terrain with altitudes ranging between 265m to 400m. The Balamdehi River flows along the western boundary and the Jonk River flows along the northeast.
• Flora: Primarily Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest.
  • Dominant trees include Teak, Sal, Bamboo, and Saj.
  • Known for its lush green cover even during the summer months.
• Fauna (Wildlife):
  • Major Attraction: Famous for the Indian Bison (Gaur).
  • Predators: Tigers (recently reintroduced), Leopards, Sloth Bears, and Wild Dogs (Dholes).
  • Herbivores: Cheetal (Spotted Deer), Sambhar, Barking Deer, and Four-horned Antelope (Chousingha).
  • Birds: Home to over 150 species, including the Bulbul, Parrot, and Peafowl. 

Conservation & News Highlights

• Tiger Reintroduction: After being tiger-less for years, the sanctuary is being developed as a satellite habitat for the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve.
• Eco-Tourism Hub: The state government has recently upgraded the Hareli Eco Resort and other jungle camps to promote sustainable tourism following the return of the big cats.
• Forest Fire Management: In early 2026, the sanctuary successfully implemented a new AI-based Fire Alert System that reduced fire-related habitat loss by 40% compared to the previous year.
• Elephant Movement: The sanctuary frequently serves as a transit corridor for wild elephant herds migrating from Odisha towards northern Chhattisgarh. 

 
 
 
 
Question & Answer
 
Q1. Project Chetak of the BRO primarily operates in which of the following regions?
A. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir
B. Rajasthan, Punjab, Northern Gujarat
C. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland
D. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
 
Answer: B
 
 
Q2. The Sādhana Saptah initiative is associated with which of the following missions?
A. Mission Shakti
B. Mission Indradhanush
C. Mission Karmayogi
D. Mission Digital India
 
Answer: C
 
 
Q3. Yuva Sangam program is implemented under which campaign?
A. Skill India Mission
B. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
C. Atmanirbhar Bharat
D. Startup India
 
Answer: B
 
 
Q4. The FAO Food Price Index is composed of how many commodity group indices?
A. Three
B. Four
C. Five
D. Six
 
Answer: C
 
 
Q5. The Appemidi Mango, known as the “King of Pickles,” is endemic to which state?
A. Kerala
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Karnataka
D. Andhra Pradesh
 
Answer: C
 

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