UPSC Current Affairs 15 April 2026

• Starting Point: Akshardham Temple, Delhi.
• Coverage: Connects Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
• Key Stops: Passes through Baghpat, Shamli, and Saharanpur in UP before ending in Dehradun.
• Spur Road: Includes a 50 km spur to Haridwar, connecting the holy city directly to the expressway. 

• Total Length: Approximately 210–213 km.
• Lanes: Six-lane access-controlled highway.
• Design Speed: Built for a speed limit of 100 kmph.
• Total Cost: Over ₹12,000 crore. 

• Elevated Corridor: A 12 km stretch in the Rajaji National Park is elevated (6-7 metres high) to allow unhindered movement of elephants, tigers, and other animals.
• Daat Kali Tunnel: Features a 340-metre tunnel near the Daat Kali temple to protect the eco-sensitive zone.
• Safety Barriers: Includes 4-metre-high boundary walls and 2-metre sound barriers to minimize traffic noise for wildlife.
• Animal Passes: Equipped with 8 animal passes and 2 dedicated elephant underpasses. 

• Phase 1: Akshardham (Delhi) to Baghpat (32 km); mostly elevated to decongest Northeast Delhi.
• Phase 2: Baghpat to Saharanpur (120 km); a completely new greenfield project.
• Phase 3: Saharanpur to Ganeshpur (40 km); widening of existing roads.
• Phase 4: Ganeshpur to Dehradun (20 km); includes the sensitive forest stretch and the elevated wildlife corridor. 

• Travel Breakthrough: The corridor is now fully operational, cutting travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from 6 hours to just 2.5 hours.

• Economic Growth: Boosts tourism to hill stations like Mussoorie and pilgrimage sites like Haridwar and Rishikesh.
• Logistics Efficiency: Reduced travel time lowers fuel consumption and logistics costs for trade.
• Decongestion: Significant relief for traffic in Northeast Delhi and the old Delhi-Dehradun route. 
• Environmental Landmark: It features Asia’s longest wildlife elevated corridor (12 km) passing through the Rajaji National Park, which has recently been showcased as a model for sustainable infrastructure. 

• Cultural Preservation: Leaders and public figures highlighted the festival as a symbol of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat," emphasising its role in connecting generations to Tamil heritage.
• Auspicious Alignment: The 2026 festival coincided with other regional new years across India, including Vishu (Kerala), Baisakhi (North India), and Pohela Boishakh (West Bengal). 

• Solar Calendar: It follows the solar cycle; the year begins when the Sun enters Mesha Rashi (Aries).
• Creation Myth: It is traditionally believed that Lord Brahma started the creation of the universe on this day.
• Divine Arrival: Legends say Lord Indra visited Earth on his white chariot to bring peace and amity on this auspicious day. 

• Kanni (Auspicious Sight): On the eve of Puthandu, a tray is arranged with fruits (mango, banana, jackfruit), betel leaves, gold/silver, money, a mirror, and flowers. Families view this tray first thing in the morning to invite prosperity.
• Kolam: Intricate geometric patterns are drawn with rice powder at home entrances to welcome positive energy.
• Temple Visits: Devotees visit local temples to perform special pujas and seek blessings for a successful year.
• Respect to Elders: Children seek blessings from elders, who often give them pocket money (known as Kai-vishesham in some regions). 

• Mango Pachadi: This mandatory dish is made of raw mango (sour), jaggery (sweet), neem flowers (bitter), and red chillies (spicy). It represents the six tastes of life, symbolising that one must face all types of experiences (joy, sorrow, etc.) with equanimity.
• Feasts: Elaborate vegetarian meals typically include Vadai, Payasam, Sambhar, and various Poriyals (vegetable stir-fries). 

• Major Hubs: While central to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, it is widely celebrated in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, and among the diaspora in Canada, the UK, and the USA.
• Regional Variations: In parts of Southern Tamil Nadu, the festival is referred to as Chittirai Vishu.

• Post-Pandemic Focus: Researchers are increasingly investigating the "long-term" impacts of COVID-19 on accelerating frailty in the aging population.
• Public Health Alert: With the global population aged over 65 expected to double by 2050, international health bodies are pushing for frailty screening to be a routine part of primary care rather than just a specialist diagnosis.
• Breakthrough Interventions: New 2025 meta-analyses have confirmed that digital health interventions (apps and remote monitoring) combined with physical exercise significantly improve grip strength and cognitive function in frail adults. 

• Unintentional Weight Loss: Losing 4.5 kg (10 lbs) or more in the last year.
• Muscle Weakness: Measured via low handgrip strength.
• Exhaustion: Self-reported persistent fatigue or low energy.
• Slowness: A noticeably slow walking speed.
• Low Physical Activity: Very little daily movement or exercise. 

• Sarcopenia: The age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function is a primary driver.
• Chronic Inflammation: Often called "inflammaging," where the body remains in a low-grade state of immune activation.
• Hormonal Changes: Declines in growth hormone, testosterone, and estrogen levels.
• Malnutrition: Inadequate protein and vitamin intake (especially Vitamin D and B12).
• Comorbidities: Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and depression exacerbate the syndrome. 

• Stress Vulnerability: A minor fall or "simple" flu can lead to permanent disability or hospitalization.
• Surgical Risk: Frailty is now a critical predictor of poor outcomes and longer recovery after surgeries.
• Loss of Independence: It often leads to the inability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing or dressing. 

• Physical Activity: Resistance and balance training are the most effective ways to reverse or slow frailty.
• Nutritional Support: High-protein diets and calorie-dense portions for those losing weight.
• Medication Review: Reducing "polypharmacy" (taking too many medications) to avoid adverse drug interactions.
• Social Connection: Combating isolation helps maintain mental well-being and cognitive health.

• Founded: May 30, 1970, at the Ranji Stadium in Kolkata.
• Affiliation: Politically aligned with the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
• Membership: Estimated at approximately 6.2 million as of 2023–2024.
• Regional Strength: Maintains its strongest presence in Kerala, West Bengal, and Tripura, with significant bases in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. 

• Socialism: Operates on the belief that worker exploitation can only end by socialising the means of production and establishing a Socialist State.
• Anti-Neoliberalism: Opposes imperialist globalisation, privatisation, and the "contractualisation" of regular jobs.
• Worker-Peasant Unity: Actively works with groups like the All-India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) to build a combined front of industrial and agricultural workers. 

• Repeal of Labour Codes: Strongly opposes the subsuming of 29 central labour laws into four new codes (on Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, and Occupational Safety).
• Minimum Wage: Demands a minimum monthly wage of ₹26,000 for all workers.
• Pension Reform: Advocates for the scrapping of the National Pension System (NPS) and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
• Public Assets: Opposes the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) and the privatisation of PSUs like Vizag Steel Plant and BSNL. 

• President: Sudip Dutta
• General Secretary: Elamaram Kareem
• Treasurer: M. Saibabu
• Monthly Journal: The Working Class (English) and Hindi CITU Mazdoor.

• Unprecedented Technology Transfer: The deal includes an 80% Transfer of Technology (ToT), which is significantly higher than the 58% offered in previous years. This includes "hot core" technologies typically never shared with non-NATO allies.
• Commercial Finalisation: With technical talks finished, the project has moved into the final commercial negotiation phase. A formal contract is expected to be signed within the 2026–27 financial year.
• F404 Maintenance Hub: Alongside the F414 news, GE signed a separate contract to establish a domestic depot facility for F404 engines (used in Tejas Mk1A) in India, ensuring faster maintenance for the current fleet.

• Thrust Class: 22,000 lbs (approx. 98 kN) with afterburner.
• Engine Type: Two-spool afterburning turbofan with a three-stage fan and seven-stage high-pressure compressor.
• Control System: Equipped with FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) for optimised performance and safety.
• Combat Proven: It currently powers world-class fighters like the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Saab Gripen E/F. 

• Primary Powerplant: The F414-INS6 variant will power India's LCA Tejas Mk2, the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), and the first two squadrons of the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).
• Indigenous Boost: Local manufacturing will increase the indigenous content of the Tejas Mk2 to approximately 75%.
• Production Goal: The current plan involves the domestic production of 99 engines in the initial phase, with a total requirement of over 200 engines projected for the next decade.
• New Ecosystem: HAL will establish a dedicated engine manufacturing complex in India. The first locally produced engine is expected to roll out by mid-2029. 

• Special coatings for thermal barriers and corrosion resistance.
• Laser drilling for combustor components.
• Single-crystal turbine blade machining.
• Friction welding and bottle boring of shafts.

• Directly Elected Mayors: A core proposal is the mandatory direct election of Mayors with a fixed 5-year tenure in cities with populations exceeding 10 lakhs (1 million).
• Executive Powers: It seeks to transfer executive powers from state-appointed Municipal Commissioners to the elected Mayor to ensure "political accountability."
• Unified Metropolitan Authorities: Provisions for creating statutory bodies to manage transport, water, and waste across sprawling metropolitan areas that cross municipal boundaries.

• Direct Funding: Proposes a mechanism for the Union Finance Commission to directly devolve a specific percentage of the divisible pool of taxes to ULBs, bypassing state delays.
• Revenue Generation: Mandates states to empower municipalities to levy specific local taxes (like professional tax and property tax) without frequent state government interference.

• Urban Weightage: As India becomes more urbanised, the Bill provides a framework for the Delimitation Commission to ensure that urban constituencies are not under-represented compared to rural ones.
• Reservation Policy: It seeks to standardise the 33% reservation for women in urban local bodies across all states, aligning with the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. 

• Structural Upgrade: The 131st Amendment acts as an "upgrade" to the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992), which many experts feel has failed to truly empower cities over the last three decades.
• Constitutional Status: By including these provisions in the Constitution, the Union government aims to make it mandatory for states to follow, as urban governance is currently a State Subject under the 7th Schedule. 

• Federal Concerns: Several states have raised objections, claiming the Bill encroaches upon the "State List" and undermines federalism.
• Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC): The Bill has been referred to a JPC for detailed scrutiny and to build consensus among various political parties.

• Supreme Court Experience: A Senior Advocate and an Advocate-on-Record (AoR) with extensive practice in the Supreme Court of India.
• Notable Mentors: Previously worked as a junior to former SC judge Justice Indu Malhotra and former Attorney General K.K. Venugopal.
• Government Service: Served as the Standing Counsel for the State of Kerala in the Supreme Court from 2011 to 2016.
• Education: Graduate of the prestigious National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. 

• Extensive HC Practice: Has nearly 30 years of experience practising before the Kerala High Court, Labour Courts, and Industrial Tribunals.
• Landmark Cases: Known for arguing the case where the Kerala HC ruled that medical records are a fundamental right of the patient.
• Public Interest Litigation: Involved in high-profile matters including the Pink Police case and representing organisations in the Sabarimala temple entry case.
• Legal Expertise: Specialises in Constitutional, Labour, and Service laws. 

• First Judges Case (1981): Gave executive primacy; CJI's "consultation" did not mean concurrence.
• Second Judges Case (1993): Overturned prior ruling, introduced collegium with CJI consulting two senior judges; redefined consultation as concurrence.
• Third Judges Case (1998): Expanded to five-member body (CJI + four senior-most SC judges) via President's reference under Article 143.

• Supreme Court Collegium: Headed by CJI + four senior-most SC judges.
• High Court Collegium: Chief Justice of High Court + two senior-most judges of that court.
• Recommendations move to government for formal appointment under Articles 124(2) and 217; government role limited post-collegium decision.

• Collegium form’s institutional opinion on appointments/transfers based on merit, integrity, and judicial acumen.
• Decisions require majority; names sent to President via executive, who can return for reconsideration but cannot reject outright.
• Evolved informally through SC judgments, not statute; recent steps include candidate interviews and anti-nepotism measures.

• Ensures judicial independence from executive/legislative interference (Article 50 separation).
• Peer expertise promotes meritocracy and insulates from populism, as seen in cases like privacy (Puttaswamy) or environmental rulings.
• Flexible, responsive structure adapts to needs while preserving institutional autonomy.

• Lacks transparency, fixed criteria, leading to nepotism and favoritism allegations.
• Opacity in deliberations; no public accountability or diversity focus.
• Executive delays in processing; failed National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) struck down in 2015 reinforced collegium.

• Enact formal criteria via legislation for transparency and inclusivity.
• Balance with limited executive input without compromising independence.
• Address vacancies and regional representation through structured processes.

• Body Structure: Unlike insects, arachnids have two body segments: the cephalothorax (head and thorax fused) and the abdomen.
• Leg Count: All adult arachnids have eight legs, whereas insects have six.
• Lack of Appendages: They do not have wings or antennae.
• External Digestion: Most arachnids inject digestive fluids into their prey to liquefy it before sucking it in, as they lack traditional jaws. 

• Jumping Spiders: New species like Langelurillus sahyadri (Maharashtra) and Langelurillus udaipurensis (Rajasthan) were recorded in early 2026.
• "Maldhok" Spider: The species Palpimanus maldhok was recently described, named after the Marathi word for the Great Indian Bustard because it shares the same grassland habitat.
• Rare Blue Spider: The Peacock Tarantula, an endemic blue spider from the Eastern Ghats, has become a focus for UPSC aspirants and conservationists due to its illegal trade value. 

• Pest Control: Spiders consume hundreds of millions of tons of insects annually, acting as the primary regulators of terrestrial insect populations.
• Bioindicators: Semi-aquatic species like the new Indian Fishing Spider are highly sensitive to pollution, meaning their presence indicates a healthy, pristine water ecosystem.
• Food Web: They serve as a vital food source for birds, lizards, and small mammals. 

• Illegal Trade: Approximately 25% of tarantula species described since 2000 have entered the international pet trade, often smuggled as they are difficult to detect via X-ray.
• Habitat Loss: Urbanisation and deforestation in the Western Ghats and Aarey are the primary threats to endemic species.

• 327th Khalsa Panth Anniversary: This year marked the 327th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
• Cultural Diplomacy: The Indian government and global leaders extended greetings, highlighting Baisakhi as a symbol of India's agrarian strength and communal harmony.
• Pilgrimage to Pakistan: A special "Jatha" (group) of nearly 3,000 Indian pilgrims traveled to Pakistan in April 2026 to celebrate the festival at Gurdwara Panja Sahib under a bilateral protocol.

• Birth of the Khalsa: In 1699, at Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh (the 10th Sikh Guru) abolished the caste system and established the Khalsa Panth, giving Sikhs a distinct identity.
• Solar New Year: It marks the first day of the month of Vaisakh, signifying the beginning of the Hindu solar calendar.
• Harvest Festival: For farmers in Punjab and Haryana, it marks the time to harvest Rabi (winter) crops, particularly wheat. It is a day of thanksgiving for a bountiful season.
• Buddhism: It is also significant for Buddhists, as it is believed that Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment on this day. 

• Nagar Kirtan: Large colourful processions led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones) featuring devotional singing and martial arts (Gatka) displays.
• Amrit Sanchar: Many Sikhs choose this auspicious day to undergo initiation into the Khalsa Panth.
• Bhangra and Gidda: Vibrant folk dances performed by men and women in traditional attire to celebrate the harvest.
• Kar Sewa: Devotees perform voluntary service, such as cleaning the Gurudwara premises and participating in Langar (community kitchen). 

• Kada Prasad: A sacred sweet flour-based offering served to all visitors.
• Wheat Delicacies: Since it's a wheat harvest festival, various breads and Meethe Chawal (sweet yellow rice) are common. 

• Historical Remembrance: Baisakhi is also a day to remember the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of April 13, 1919.
• On Baisakhi day, thousands of people had gathered peacefully at the park in Amritsar for the festival and to protest the Rowlatt Act before General Dyer ordered troops to fire upon them. 

• Location: Situated at the foot of the Jura Mountains, it is the largest lake entirely within Switzerland.
• Dimensions: It is approximately 38.3 km long and covers an area of roughly 218 sq. km.
• Water Bodies: The Thièle (Thielle) River enters at its southwestern end and exits at the northeastern end, connecting it to Lake Biel.
• Vineyards: The northwestern shore is famous for its intensive settlement and steep vineyard-covered slopes. 

• La Tène Culture: The northern shore of the lake is home to the site of La Tène, which gave its name to the Late Iron Age culture across Europe.
• Prehistoric Pile Dwellings: The lake contains numerous Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements built on wooden piles, now part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Roman Logistics: The recent shipwreck cargo included gladiator swords (gladii), daggers, and enough kitchen utensils to supply a legion of 6,000 men, suggesting military escorts for trade vessels. 

• Detection Method: The site was first spotted in 2024 via high-definition drone photography that identified a dark spot in unusually clear water.
• Cargo Contents:
  • Hundreds of intact terracotta plates and bowls.
  • Amphorae containing Spanish olive oil.
  • Military gear: Two complete swords, a dagger, and a belt buckle.
  • A rare wicker basket packed with ceramic objects.
• Current Status: All 1,200+ artefacts are undergoing cleaning and restoration. A major exhibition is planned at the Laténium (Switzerland's largest archaeological museum). 

• Free Shares: Shareholders do not pay any money to receive these shares.
• Ratio Based: Issued in a fixed ratio (e.g., 1:1 means you get 1 free share for every 1 you own; 2:1 means 2 free shares for every 1 owned).
• Capitalisation of Reserves: The company uses its accumulated profits (free reserves) to issue these shares. It does not bring in new cash; it simply moves money from the "Reserves" account to the "Share Capital" account. 

• Price Adjustment: On the Ex-Date, the share price drops in proportion to the bonus ratio. If a ₹1,000 stock issues a 1:1 bonus, the price will approximately become ₹500.
• Market Cap: The total market value of the company remains the same immediately after the issue.
• Individual Wealth: Your total investment value stays the same, but the number of shares you own increases. 

• Improved Liquidity: By lowering the price per share, the stock becomes more affordable for retail investors, increasing trading volume.
• Conservation of Cash: Unlike a dividend, a bonus issue allows the company to reward shareholders without paying out cash, keeping funds available for business expansion.
• Positive Signaling: It sends a message to the market that the company is profitable and expects future growth. 

• Tax Efficiency: Bonus shares are not taxed at the time of receipt (unlike dividends). They are only taxed under Capital Gains when you sell them.
• Future Dividends: Since dividends are paid "per share," having more shares after a bonus issue leads to higher total dividend payouts in the future, provided the company maintains its dividend rate. 

• Announcement Date: When the Board of Directors proposes the bonus.
• Record Date: The cut-off date. You must be in the company’s records as a shareholder by this date to qualify.
• Ex-Bonus Date: The day the stock price adjusts. To get the bonus, you must buy the stock at least one day before this date. 

Feature	Bonus Issue	Stock Split
Source	From Company Reserves	Splitting the Face Value
Face Value	Remains the same	Decreases (e.g., ₹10 becomes ₹5)
Purpose	Rewards shareholders using profit	Increases liquidity & affordability
Share Capital	Increases	Remains the same

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