UPSC Current Affairs 12 April 2026

• Birth: 11 April 1827 in Pune, Maharashtra.
• Community: Belonged to the Mali (gardener) caste.
• Honorific: Bestowed with the title 'Mahatma' in 1888 by activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar.
• Ideology: Rooted in Liberty, Equality, and Rationalism; heavily influenced by Thomas Paine’s book, The Rights of Man. 

• India's First Girls' School: Established the first indigenous girls' school in 1848 at Bhidewada, Pune.
• Pioneering Teacher: He educated his wife, Savitribai Phule, who became India's first female teacher.
• Inclusive Education: Opened schools specifically for children from the then "untouchable" castes (Mahar and Mang).
• Night Schools: Started India's first night schools for labourers and farmers in 1855. 

• Satyashodhak Samaj: Founded the "Society of Truth Seekers" in 1873 to fight for the rights of Shudras, Dalits, and women.
• Anti-Caste Crusade: Challenged the caste hierarchy and opened his personal water well to all communities, a revolutionary act at the time.
• Women's Welfare: Championed widow remarriage and established a home for pregnant widows (Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha) to prevent infanticide.
• Barber Strike: Organized a strike where barbers refused to shave the heads of widows, protesting a humiliating social custom. 

• Gulamgiri (Slavery): His most famous book (1873), dedicated to the American movement to end slavery.
• Shetkarayacha Aasud: A critique of the exploitation of farmers.
• Tritiya Ratna: A play exposing the exploitation of lower castes by priests.
• Sarvajanik Satya Dharma Pustak: Published posthumously, promoting a rational and universal religion. 

• Inspiration to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Ambedkar regarded Phule as one of his three "Gurus" or masters.
• Institution Names: The Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (Agricultural University) and various landmarks like Mumbai’s Crawford Market (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai) are named in his honour.
• Public Holiday: Several states, including Rajasthan, have declared his birth anniversary a public holiday.

• Governance: Operates under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.
• Peripheral Network: Multiple institutes are located across India, including major centers in Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jhansi, Patiala, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati.
• Mandate: To conduct high-quality clinical and pharmaceutical research and provide affordable Ayurvedic healthcare to the general public. 

• Clinical Research: Specialized trials on metabolic disorders (Diabetes, Obesity), Geriatrics, and lifestyle-related diseases.
• Diagnostics & Safety: Many CARI centers hold NABH (Hospital) and NABL (Lab) accreditations, ensuring world-class patient safety and testing standards.
• Traditional Therapies: Known for providing advanced Panchakarma, Kshara Sutra (medicated thread therapy for fistula), and Jalukavacharana (leech therapy).
• Drug Standardization: Focused on authenticating medicinal plants and standardizing Ayurvedic formulations for global acceptance. 

• CARI Jhansi: Features the National Raw Drug Repository and a massive herbarium with over 26,000 plant specimens.
• CARI Guwahati: Houses the Northeast's first dedicated Panchakarma Block and focuses on gastrointestinal disorders.
• CARI Bengaluru: A pioneer in Microbiome Research and metabolic health.
• CARI New Delhi: Spearheads community outreach programs like Geriatric Care and health camps for underserved populations. 

• The clinical laboratory of CARI Bengaluru has been awarded ISO 15189:2022 accreditation in Biochemistry & Haematology.
• It has become the first institute under Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to achieve this global standard.

• Ensures accurate, reliable, and safe diagnostic services aligned with international standards.
• Marks transformation from a basic NABL-certified lab to a centre of excellence in diagnostics.
• Strengthens evidence-based Ayurveda and integration with modern medical diagnostics.

• Around 50 NABL-accredited test parameters available.
• Conducted 1.5+ lakh lab tests (2025–26) serving over 9,000 patients.
• Rapid growth in OPD footfall and diagnostic capacity in recent years.

• Boosts credibility of AYUSH systems globally.
• Promotes integration of traditional Ayurveda with modern scientific diagnostics.
• Reflects government push toward quality healthcare infrastructure under Ministry of AYUSH.

• Global Observation: International delegates from Election Management Bodies (EMBs) across the globe are currently stationed in various Indian states to observe the polling process.
• Scale of 2026: With over 1 billion registered voters, the 2026 General Election is the largest in human history, drawing intense international academic and political interest.
• Direct Interaction: For the first time, delegates are visiting "Remote Voting" booths and "All-Women" managed polling stations to understand India's inclusive practices.
• A-WEB Leadership: As a leader in the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB), India is using EVP 2026 to set global standards for election integrity. 

• Transparency: To show the world that Indian elections are free, fair, and inclusive.
• Knowledge Sharing: To demonstrate the use of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) and VVPATs (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) to foreign nations.
• Soft Power: Strengthening India’s image as the "Mother of Democracy." 

• The Model Code of Conduct (MCC): How the ECI maintains a level playing field for all parties.
• Inclusion Initiatives: Specific booths for PwD (Persons with Disabilities), senior citizens (Home Voting), and transgender voters.
• The logistics: The massive deployment of security forces and the "Last Mile" delivery of polling materials to remote areas (Himalayas, forests, and islands).
• Digitization: The use of apps like cVIGIL (for reporting violations) and KYC (Know Your
• Candidate). 

• International Delegates: Heads and members of Election Commissions from nations like Australia, Brazil, South Korea, South Africa, and several African and SE Asian countries.
• International Organizations: Representatives from the International IDEA, A-WEB, and the United Nations.
• Diplomatic Corps: Diplomats based in New Delhi who travel to different constituencies. 

• Eco-Friendly Booths: Visitors are being shown "Green Polling Stations" that use zero plastic and promote environmental sustainability.
• Cultural Integration: Many polling stations are decorated with local art and folk music to celebrate the voting act as a festival.
• Voter Turnout Initiatives: The "Turnout Implementation Plan" (TIP) which has successfully pushed the 2026 turnout toward record highs.

• Global Benchmarking: Many countries, especially in the Global South, look to India’s ECI to help them digitize their own voting systems.
• Countering Narrative: Direct observation by foreign experts helps dismiss misinformation regarding the reliability of India’s voting technology.

• F1 Generation Breeding: This is the first time a "second-generation" cheetah (born in India) has successfully bred in the wild, proving that the species is adapting to Indian ecology.
• Population Surge: With these four new cubs, India's total cheetah population has reached 57, of which 37 were born on Indian soil.
• Recent Translocations: In February 2026, a new batch of nine cheetahs arrived from Botswana, further diversifying the genetic pool of Project Cheetah.
• Expansion to Gandhi Sagar: Some cheetahs have been relocated to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, making Kuno no longer the sole habitat for the species in India. 

• Location: Situated in the Sheopur and Morena districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• Landscape: Part of the Vindhyan Hills; characterized by dry deciduous forests, open grasslands, and savanna-woodlands.
• River: The Kuno River (a tributary of the Chambal) flows through the center of the park, providing a perennial water source. 

• Established: Originally set up as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1981.
• National Park: Officially upgraded to National Park status in 2018.
• Former Mission: It was originally prepared to be a second home for Asiatic Lions from Gir, Gujarat, before becoming the primary site for cheetah reintroduction. 

• Objective: To reintroduce cheetahs to India after they were declared extinct in the country in 1952.
• Global Partners: Cheetahs have been translocated from Namibia (2022), South Africa (2023), and Botswana (2026).
• Nodal Agency: Managed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). 

• Flora: Dominated by Kardhai, Khair, and Salai trees.
• Fauna:
  • Predators: Cheetahs, Indian Leopards, Jungle Cats, Sloth Bears, and Indian Wolves.
  • Prey Base: Chital (Spotted Deer), Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara, and Wild Boar.
  • Avifauna: Over 200 bird species including vultures and eagles.

• Mandatory Digital Payment: All transactions must now be processed via FASTag or Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• Penalty for Non-Digital: Vehicles without a functional FASTag can still pass but must pay 1.25 times the standard fee using UPI.
• Exemptions: The rollout has been temporarily deferred in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and West Bengal due to the Model Code of Conduct during ongoing elections. 

• FASTag (Primary): Uses RFID technology for automatic deduction from a linked prepaid account or bank.
• UPI (Alternative): Introduced at all plazas to allow scanning of QR codes for immediate digital payment.
• Annual Pass: A new ₹3,000 yearly pass allows private cars up to 200 toll crossings per year, significantly reducing costs for frequent travellers. 

• Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF): An AI-driven system that allows vehicles to cross at speeds up to 80 km/h without stopping.
• ANPR-FASTag System: Uses high-performance cameras to read number plates and link them to FASTag accounts for automated deduction.
• Satellite-Based (GNSS): A GPS-based system is being phased in to charge tolls based on the exact distance travelled, offering toll-free travel for the first 20 km daily. 

• Digital Compliance: Unpaid tolls are now tracked via the VAHAN database; failing to clear dues within 15 days can lead to vehicle registration restrictions.
• Exemption Fraud: ID-based physical card exemptions are discontinued; only "Exempted FASTags" are now valid.
• Sale Restrictions: Pending toll dues and e-challans must be cleared before a vehicle can be sold or its registration renewed. 

• Zero Wait Time: Aims to eliminate the average 8-minute wait seen in 2019 to near-zero by end-2026.
• Fuel Savings: Estimated to save fuel worth ₹1,500 crore annually by reducing idling at plazas.
• Transparency: Real-time tracking minimizes human error and revenue leakages.

• This project is a major step in India's strategy to harness the hydropower potential of the Northeast and ensure energy security in the sensitive Lohit river basin. 

• Strategic Push: It is part of a larger plan to develop 13 hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh to counter regional water-security challenges and meet national green energy targets.
• Environmental Controversy: Recent news has also highlighted concerns from environmentalists regarding the White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), a critically endangered species whose habitat in the Lohit basin could be impacted. 

• River: Being built on the Lohit River, which is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra.
• District: Located in the Anjaw District of Arunachal Pradesh, near the India-China border.
• First of its Kind: It will be the first-ever hydroelectric project commissioned in the Lohit Basin. 

• Capacity: Total installed capacity of 1,200 MW.
• Unit Configuration: Comprises 6 units of 190 MW each and 1 unit of 60 MW.
• Annual Generation: Estimated to produce approximately 4,853 million units (MU) of clean energy per year.
• Project Type: A Run-of-the-River (RoR) project with pondage, meaning it uses a concrete gravity dam but has minimal reservoir storage compared to traditional large dams.
• Timeline: The construction is expected to be completed in 78 months (6.5 years). 

• Developer: A Joint Venture between THDC India Limited (formerly Tehri Hydro Development Corporation) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
• History: The project was originally allocated to Reliance Power in 2009 but stalled for years. In December 2023, the development rights were transferred to THDC India Limited for ₹128.39 crore.
• Funding Support: The Central Government is providing ₹599.88 crore for infrastructure (roads/bridges) and ₹750 crore as financial assistance for the state’s equity share. 

• State Revenue: Arunachal Pradesh will receive 12% free power from the project.
• Local Development: An additional 1% power is earmarked for the Local Area Development Fund (LADF).
• Infrastructure: Approximately 29 km of roads and bridges will be built, which will be available for local public use.
• Employment: The project is expected to create significant direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local tribal communities in Anjaw and Namsai.

• Cost Escalation: The project cost has been revised to approximately ₹10,500 crore (Nu 105 billion) due to the technical redesign and decade-long delay.
• Prime Minister's Visit: The project was a key discussion point during PM Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Bhutan, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to completing the "Jewel of Bhutan" by 2028-29.
• Energy Security: The project is seen as vital for Bhutan’s goal to double its GDP and for India’s transition to green energy. 

• River: Located on the Punatsangchhu River in Western Bhutan.
• District: Situated in the Wangdue Phodrang district.
• Partnership: It is a mega project under the Inter-Governmental (IG) Agreement signed between India and Bhutan in 2007. 

• Capacity: Total installed capacity of 1,200 MW.
• Unit Configuration: Features 6 units of 200 MW each.
• Design Change: Originally designed as a 130-meter-high concrete gravity dam; it is now being adapted into a run-of-the-river project utilizing a barrage for water diversion.
• Underground Power House: One of the largest underground power stations in the region, which is already nearly 98% complete. 

• Financing: Funded by the Government of India through a mix of grants (40%) and soft loans (60%).
• Nodal Agency: Executed by the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project Authority (PHPA-I), comprising officials from both nations.
• Surplus Power: Most of the electricity generated will be exported to India, providing Bhutan with significant revenue in Indian Rupees.
• Regional Integration: A crucial link in the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) energy cooperation framework. 

• Geological Instability: In July 2013, a massive landslide occurred on the right bank of the dam site. Despite multiple "remedial measures" over 12 years, the area remained unstable for a large dam.
• The "Barrage" Decision: Experts from the Central Water Commission (CWC) and WAPCOS (India) recommended the barrage as it is lighter and safer for the fragile Himalayan terrain. 

• Carbon Offset: Will reduce millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
• Economic Boom: Expected to significantly increase Bhutan's internal revenue once commissioned.
• Skill Transfer: Thousands of Bhutanese engineers and technicians have gained specialized experience in Himalayan tunnelling and hydro-technology.

• The Pathogen: It is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b.
• Not the Flu: Despite the name, Hib does not cause influenza (the flu), which is caused by a virus.
• High-Risk Groups: Primarily affects children under 5 years old and adults over 65 or those with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV, sickle cell, or cancer). 

• Meningitis: Infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (can cause brain damage or deafness).
• Pneumonia: A severe lung infection.
• Epiglottitis: Swelling in the throat that can block the airway, causing a medical emergency.
• Bacteraemia/Sepsis: A life-threatening bloodstream infection.
• Septic Arthritis: Infection of the joints. 

• Spread: Through respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing) and lengthy close contact. Carriers can spread it even if they have no symptoms.
• Early Signs: High fever, stiff neck, headache, lethargy, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. 

• Effectiveness: The Hib vaccine is roughly 93% effective in preventing the disease.
• Schedule: Typically given in a 3 or 4-dose series at 2, 4, and 6 months, with a booster at 12–15 months.
• Combination Shots: Often given as part of a "Pentavalent" vaccine (alongside DPT, Hepatitis B, and others). 

• Antibiotics: Requires immediate treatment with antibiotics.
• Resistance: Doctors are concerned about rising antibiotic-resistant strains globally, making vaccination even more critical. 

• New Rates:
  • Diesel: Increased to ₹55.5 per litre (from ₹21.5).
  • Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF): Increased to ₹42 per litre (from ₹29.5).
  • Petrol: Remains at Nil (exempt).
• Global Oil Turmoil: The hike follows crude oil prices surging past $100 a barrel due to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran and supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Fiscal Strategy: The tax was recently reinstated in March 2026 after being scrapped in December 2024, signalling its use as a "fiscal stabilizer" during geopolitical crises. 

• Definition: A surtax imposed on specific industries (mainly oil, gas, and mining) when they earn "supernormal" profits due to external events beyond their control.
• External Factors: These profits aren't from business innovation but from events like wars, supply chain shocks, or sudden global price spikes.
• The "Windfall": The term refers to an unearned, unanticipated gain in income. 

• Legal Mechanism: Levied as a Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on domestic crude production and fuel exports.
• Fortnightly Review: The government reassesses and adjusts tax rates every 14 days based on the previous fortnight's international crude and product prices.
• Implementation Threshold: The tax usually "kicks in" when global crude prices exceed a certain benchmark (e.g., $70–$75 per barrel) or when refining margins (cracks) become excessive. 

• Ensuring Domestic Supply: By taxing exports, the government makes selling abroad less lucrative, forcing private refiners (like Reliance and Nayara) to supply the Indian domestic market first.
• Redistribution: Captures a portion of extraordinary profits to fund social welfare schemes and fuel subsidies.
• Curbing Inflation: Helps prevent rising global prices from being fully passed on to Indian consumers at the pump.
• Revenue Generation: Acts as a supplementary income stream for the government to offset losses from excise duty cuts. 

Advantages	Disadvantages
Helps stabilize the economy during global crises.	Creates market uncertainty for investors.
Prevents local fuel shortages.	May discourage long-term FDI (Foreign Direct Investment).
Funds critical energy subsidies for the public.	Can lead to double taxation concerns for firms.
Reduces excessive profiteering during war.	May reduce funds available for green energy innovation.

• Status: A statutory body established under Section 3 of the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963.
• Nodal Ministry: Functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Headquarters: Located in New Delhi.
• Agencies (EIAs): Operates through five field agencies (EIAs) in Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Delhi, and Chennai, supported by 30 sub-offices. 

• Quality Control: Notifies commodities that require mandatory pre-shipment inspection to meet international quality and safety standards.
• Mandatory Certification: Provides compulsory certification for high-risk food items, including Fish & Fishery products, Dairy, Honey, Egg products, Meat, and Poultry.
• Issuance of Certificates:
  • Certificate of Origin (COO): Helps exporters avail preferential tariffs under trade agreements.
  • Health Certificate: Essential for food products to verify compliance with importing country health norms.
  • Non-GMO Certificate: Verifies that products are free from genetically modified organisms.
• Laboratory Services: Manages a network of NABL-accredited labs for testing chemical, microbiological, and physical parameters. 

• LIMS (LIFE): Recently launched the beta version of a Laboratory Information Management System to digitize sampling, testing, and certificate issuance.
• Traceability Modules: Integrating digital traceability for agricultural products like peanuts and rice to prevent "rejection at port" issues.
• Global Recognition: EIC is the only organization in India with global acceptance from major regulatory bodies including those of the USA, EU, Japan, and Korea. 

• Reduced Risk: EIC certification acts as a third-party guarantee, significantly reducing the chances of consignments being rejected by foreign customs.
• Tariff Benefits: Authorized to issue certificates that allow Indian products to enter foreign markets at lower or zero duty.
• Capacity Building: Regularly conducts training programs for industry stakeholders on Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS).

• PVTG Status: They are one of the 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha.
• Sub-group: They are a sub-branch of the broader Saora (Sora) tribe, one of the oldest mentioned in Hindu epics like the Ramayana (associated with Savari).
• Etymology: The name 'Lanjia' comes from the unique 10-12-foot-long loincloth (langoti) worn by the men, which hangs behind like a tail. 

• Location: Primarily inhabit the Rayagada, Gajapati, and Ganjam districts of Odisha.
• Habitat: They live in hilly, forested terrains and are known for their expertise in mountain living. 

• Idital Paintings: Their most famous cultural contribution. These are ritualistic wall murals dedicated to their deities and ancestors.
• Technique: Traditionally painted using white rice paste on walls plastered with red oxide (red clay).
• Themes: The paintings feature geometric patterns, people, horses, elephants, the sun, and the moon, representing the "oneness" of nature and spirits. 

• Terrace Farming: They are world-renowned for their stone-packed terrace cultivation. They build intricate terraces on hill slopes to grow paddy and millets.
• Shifting Cultivation: They also practice Podu (slash-and-burn) agriculture.
• Social Structure: They have a highly organized society with a village headman (Gomango) and a shaman (Kuran). 

• Animism: They practice a form of animism, believing that spirits reside in every element of nature.
• Ancestor Worship: A central part of their life is the "Guar" ceremony, performed to honour deceased ancestors. 

• Economic Empowerment: Prevents the commercial exploitation of their art by outsiders.
• Global Export: Allows tribal artisans to sell "Idital" branded merchandise (like sarees and home decor) in international markets.
• Authentication: Ensures that every piece of art sold under this name is genuinely produced by the Lanjia Saora community.

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