Daily Current Affairs — 20 April 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 20 April 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
📚 10 Topics
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
Polity: 5 · IR: 3 · Defence: 1 · History: 1
▶ Start Here — UPSC-Standard Quiz
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ — 20 April 2026
10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories · 10-sec timer per question
Score yourself as you go. Get a feel for how UPSC-level questions are framed around the day's news.
📰 Today’s Top 5 Current Affairs
#01
IR
IR
New Deportation Policy for Illegal Migrants
📰 Why in News
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formulated a new comprehensive deportation policy to expedite the identification and deportation of illegal migrants, particularly from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
✅ Quick Facts
- The new deportation policy focuses on faster identification and removal of illegal migrants through institutional mechanisms
- The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 consolidates India's immigration laws, strengthens monitoring of foreigners, and introduces stricter…
- District-Level Special Task Force: States must set up a special task force in each district to detect, identify, and deport undocumented migrants
- These centres must not be run from jails . Private buildings can be hired if government land is unavailable.
- Basic amenities like separate enclosures for men and women, open spaces, LPG connections, medical dispensaries, and ambulances must be ensured.
- Crucially, members of the same family should not be separated and must be housed together.
- Deported individuals will be "blacklisted" by the Bureau of Immigration to prevent future entry.
- Inadvertent crossers, if found innocent after interrogation, may be handed over to the border guarding forces of the respective countries rather than…
- Historical Context of Illegal Migration into India: Illegal migration into India has evolved over time
- Since the 1990s, porous borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar, along with economic disparities, environmental stress, and political instability, have…
#02
Polity
Polity
Foreigners Tribunals in Assam
📰 Why in News
Recently, the Assam government has asked the Border wing of the State's police not to forward cases of non-Muslims who entered India illegall y before 2014 to the Foreigners Tribunals (FTs).
✅ Quick Facts
- This was in keeping with the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 which provides a citizenship application window fo r Hindus
- About: The FTs are quasi-judicial bodies formed by the central government through the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order of 1964 under Section 3 of the…
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also empowered district magistrates in all States and Union Territories to set up tribunals.
- All these orders apply to the whole country and are not specific to any state
- Moreover, cases of " illegal immigrants" are dealt with according to the Foreigners' Act in other states.
- Those against whom a "reference" has been made by border police.
- Those whose names are in the electoral rolls have a D (Doubtful) against them
- Each FT is headed by a member drawn from judges, advocates, and civil servants with judicial experience.
- Judges/Advocates have been appointed as members of FT under the Foreigners Tribunal Act
- According to the 1964 order, an FT has the powers of a civil court in certain matters such as summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person…
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtHigh CourtElection CommissionMinistry of Home Affairs
#03
Polity
Polity
Assam Accord Road Map
📰 Why in News
The Assam government plans to develop a road map for implementing the recommendations of the Justice Biplab Kumar Sharma Committee regarding Clause 6 of the Assam Accord by 25 th October, 2024.
✅ Quick Facts
- Clause 6: Clause 6 of the accord promises Constitutional
- The main aim was to protect the indigenous identity of the Assamese people
- The Assam Accord, signed in 1985, was a tripartite agreement between the Central Government, the Assam State Government, and leaders of the Assam…
- It led to the introduction of Section 6A into the Citizenship Act, of 1955 , exclusively for Assam.
- Background: In July 2019 , the Union Home Ministry constituted a 14-member committee to suggest ways to implement Clause 6 of the accord
- The committee completed its report in February 2020 , and recommended that the definition of "Assamese people" should include: Indigenous Tribals
- Indian citizens residing in Assam on or before January 1, 1951, and their descendants,
- The 52 recommendations primarily focus on safeguards related to language, land, and cultural heritage.
- Key Points: Land: Establish Revenue Circles where only "Assamese people" can own and transfer land
- Conduct a special survey of char areas (riverine regions along the Brahmaputra) and prioritize erosion-affected people in land allotment.
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
High CourtParliament
#04
IR
IR
Free Movement Regime
📰 Why in News
India's recent plans to review the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with Myanmar and fence the India-Myanmar border have initiated discussions, especially in the northeastern states.
✅ Quick Facts
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests
- The decision aims to address a complex intersection of historical, cultural, and security considerations.
- Historical Context: Much of India's northeast region was under Burmese occupation until the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826 established the current…
- The FMR was established in 2018 as part of India's Act East policy , promoting cross-border movement up to 16 km without a visa
- Security Concerns: Increased Infiltration: Concerns have arisen about the influx of illegal immigrants
- Drug Trafficking and Arms Smuggling: The porous border facilitates the illegal movement of drugs and weapons
- E.g. Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and Kangleipak Communist Party-Lamphel (KCP-Lamphel) in Manipur.
- Impact on cultural identity: Concerns exist about the preservation of indigenous culture and traditions in border areas
- Environmental Degradation: Deforestation and illegal resource extraction along the border are attributed to unregulated cross-border movement.
- Regional Dynamics: China's growing influence in Myanmar and its potential impact on border security add another layer of complexity to the situation.
#05
IR
IR
Pahalgam Terror Attack and Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
📰 Why in News
The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a 5-point action plan against Pakistan following the deadly…
✅ Quick Facts
- The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.
- TRF's rise followed two key developments: the decapitation of LeT's top leadership in 2018 and the revocation of J&K's special status in 2019.
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border…
- Only individuals who have crossed over with valid documents will be permitted to return by 1 st May 2025 .
- All SVES visas already issued are considered void .
- This marks a clear downgrade in diplomatic engagement , intended to freeze bilateral dialogue at the official level.
- Suspension of Bilateral Agreements: Pakistan declared it would consider placing "all bilateral agreements" with India
- Trade suspension: All forms of trade with India, including transit trade via third countries, have been suspended
- This affects Indian flights to the Gulf, Europe, and the US, increasing travel time, with higher fuel costs, and fare hikes.
- India's Kashmir Policy: Pakistan views India's revocation of Article 370 in 2019 and Kashmir's integration as a challenge to its self-claimed…
📊 Key Numbers & Data
- reaching USD 1.2 billion in 2024, a 127% increase from 2023. Suspension reverses
- effectively giving Pakistan access to about 80% of the total water. India is allowed
- IWT threatens Pakistan's water security, as 80% of its cultivated land relies on these
- due to the Indus system's contribution to 25% of Pakistan's GDP. India's ability to
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Prime MinisterMinistry of Home Affairs
🎯 UPSC Relevance
Analyze the implications of the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India.
📚 ⚖️ Core Subject Drill — Indian Polity
⚖️ Indian Polity MCQ Quiz · भारतीय राजव्यवस्था
10 bilingual MCQs · Indian Polity · Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian Polity. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
📖 More Current Affairs Coverage
#06
Defence
Defence
Operation Sindoor
📰 Why in News
India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack , targeting 9 terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
✅ Quick Facts
- Security Challenges & their Management in Border Areas
- Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi led the Indian government's briefing about the operation.
- About: Operation Sindoor was a coordinated precision strike operation launched by the Indian Armed Forces on 7 th May 2025
- Unlike past operations with aggressive names meant to project strength
- These strikes aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure used for planning attacks against India.
- High-Precision Weapons Involved in Operation Sindoor: Indian Air Force (IAF) used advanced systems like SCALP Cruise Missiles
- Launch Platform: Typically deployed from advanced fighter jets like the Rafale.
- Combat Use : The missile has been used in combat scenarios
- HAMMER Precision-Guided Bomb: The HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missile was used to engage targets requiring medium-range…
- Key Features: HAMMER can be fitted with various guidance systems
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Prime MinisterIndian ArmyIndian NavyIndian Air Force
#07
Polity
Polity
Vice President of India's Visit to Sri Lanka
📰 Why in News
The Vice President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan , embarked on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka , marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Vice President to the island nation.
✅ Quick Facts
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests
- India announced the extension of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) eligibility
- Expansion of OCI Card Eligibility: India has extended the OCI scheme to the fifth and sixth generations of the Indian diaspora in Sri Lanka
- To ease administrative hurdles, the application process will be simplified
- The push follows an April 2025 tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE to develop Trincomalee.
- Background: India based on the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora
- Subsequently, the PIO scheme was merged with OCI in 2015 to streamline diaspora engagement.
- Eligibility also extends to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren , as well as minor children with at least one Indian parent, and…
- They are legally exempt from registering with the Foreign Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) regardless of their length of stay.
- However, they cannot acquire agricultural land, farmhouses, or plantation properties .
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtHigh CourtParliamentPresident of India
#08
Polity
Polity
CP Radhakrishnan Elected as Vice President
📰 Why in News
CP Radhakrishnan has been elected as India's 15th Vice President, defeating former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy in the election following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar .
✅ Quick Facts
- He served as the Governor of Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, and Maharashtra
- He was also a two-term member of the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore.
- About: VP is the second-highest constitutional authority in India, following the President (Article 63).
- Election & Eligibility : Elected by MPs from both Houses of Parliament via proportional representation
- Term & Vacancy : Serves a five-year term , with the possibility of continuing until a successor is elected.
- Primary Role : As the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In the President's absence or vacancy, they act as President (Article 65).
- Only Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (1st & 2nd VP, elected unopposed both times) and Mohammad Hamid Ansari (13th & 14th VP, 20072017) have served two…
- Apart from S. Radhakrishnan , M. Hidayatullah (7th VP) and Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (9th VP) were also elected unopposed.
- Krishan Kant (10th VP, 19972002) was the first and only Vice President to die while in office.
- Justice Mohammad Hidayatullah is the only person in Indian history to have served as Chief Justice of India, Acting President, and Vice President .
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtParliamentLok SabhaRajya SabhaPresident of India
#09
Polity
Polity
Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme
📰 Why in News
The Indian government has cancelled the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration of a British academic
✅ Quick Facts
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests
- The OCI scheme was introduced through an amendment to the Citizenship Act
- As of 31 st January, 2022 , 40.68 lakh OCI cards had been issued.
- Eligibility: Foreign nationals (except Pakistan and Bangladesh ) who: Were citizens of India on or after 26 th January, 1950 .
- Were eligible to become Indian citizens on 26 th January, 1950.
- Belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15 th August, 1947 .
- Are children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of such persons
- Minor children of such individuals or those with one Indian parent.
- Spousal Eligibility: A foreign-origin spouse of an Indian citizen or an existing OCI cardholder is eligible if the marriage has been registered and…
- Ineligible Categories: Individuals who are currently serving or retired from foreign military services are not entitled to receive OCI status .
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtHigh CourtLok SabhaRajya Sabha
#10
History
History
Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees' Struggle for Indian Citizenship
📰 Why in News
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has instructed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to consider the Indian citizenship application of a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee , who has been residing in India since 1984.
✅ Quick Facts
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests
- This directive emphasizes the rights of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees under Indian law.
- Despite residing in India for over 40 years, the person remains without citizenship, hoping for legal recognition.
- The recognition could expedite citizenship for other long-term refugees, especially those who fled during the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
- Historical Background : Indian-origin Tamils were brought to Sri Lanka by the British during colonial times as indentured laborers for plantation…
- Social Isolation : These Tamils were largely excluded from the political and civil life of Sri Lanka
- Post-1948 Struggles : After Sri Lanka's independence (1948)
- Bilateral Agreements : The Sirimavo-Shastri Pact (1964) and Sirimavo-Indira Gandhi Pact (1974) outlined that up to six lakh Indian-origin Tamils and…
- CAA 2003: Indian-origin Tamils who returned to India before 1982 were granted citizenship
- In the Abirami S. vs Union of India (2022) case
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
High CourtMinistry of Home Affairs
🗞️ Wrap Up — Simple CA Quiz
Simple Current Affairs MCQ — 20 April 2026
10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics · great for quick revision
End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.
