Daily Current Affairs — 29 April 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 29 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
Security: 2 · Polity: 2 · Economy: 2 · Environment: 2 · Geography: 1 · Defence: 1
▶ Start Here — UPSC-Standard Quiz
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ — 29 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
Security
Security
Manipur Ethnic Conflict and UAPA Power Expansion
📰 Why in News
The Home Department of Manipur issued a notification implementing Section 43A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
✅ Quick Facts
- The move has faced strong opposition from rights groups
- The Manipur government invoked Section 43A of the UAPA
- The broader Manipur crisis stems from ethnic, geographic, and political divides (Meitei vs Kuki-Zo), ST status demands, land and resource conflicts…
- Empowerment of Lower-Ranked Officers: The notification allows officers not below the rank of Head Constable or Havildar in civil and armed police to…
- This also applies to cases involving the suspected possession of evidence or property linked to unlawful activities.
- It also permits the seizure of any documents or assets considered relevant to the investigation.
- High Risk of Misuse: UAPA is an anti-terror law characterized by stringent bail conditions and extended periods of pre-charge detention (up to 180…
- Under UAPA, it is nearly impossible for an accused to get bail if the court believes the police accusations are prima facie true
- There are grave concerns that the UAPA will be disproportionately used against unarmed civilians such as the women's groups in the Imphal Valley…
- The Scheduled Tribe (ST) Status Demand: The immediate catalyst was an April 2023 Manipur High Court order directing the state government to recommend…
📊 Key Numbers & Data
- Imphal Valley: Accounting for only about 10% of the state's total land area, the valley
- Meitei community, who make up approximately 53% of the state's total population (per the
- Surrounding the valley, the hills make up 90% of the geographical area. These areas are
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtHigh Court
#02
Polity
Polity
Demand of Meities for ST Status
📰 Why in News
Recently, the All-Tribal Students' Union of Manipur (ATSUM) has carried out a solidarity march in order to oppose the demand of Meitei Community be included in the List of State's Scheduled Tribes (ST).
✅ Quick Facts
- The march broke into violent clashes after an order from the Manipur High Court
- The Meitei community, led by the Scheduled Tribes Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM), has been demanding ST status since 2012, asking to provide…
- The Meiteis argue that they were recognised as a tribe before the merger of Manipur with India in 1949 but lost their identity after the merger in…
- As a result of being left out of the ST list, the Meitei community feels marginalized and victimized without any constitutional protections
- Their population, which was 59% of the total population of Manipur in 1951, has now been reduced to 44% as per 2011 Census data.
- The process for including a community in the list of ST follows a set of modalities established in 1999.
- The respective State or Union Territory government must initiate the proposal for inclusion
- If the ORGI approves the inclusion, the proposal is then sent to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, and if they concur, the proposal is…
- In September 2022, the government approved the inclusion of certain communities in the lists of Scheduled Tribes
- Meitei's Already in Majority: One reason for this is that the Meitei community is already dominant in terms of population and political representation
📊 Key Numbers & Data
- ancestral land. Their population, which was 59% of the total population of Manipur in 1951
- of Manipur in 1951, has now been reduced to 44% as per 2011 Census data. They believe that
- the centre of Manipur, accounts for about 10% of its landmass and is home primarily to
- and Meitei Pangals who constitute roughly 64.6% of the state's population. The remaining
- of the state's population. The remaining 90% of the state's geographical area comprises
- the Meiteis are Hindus followed by Muslims (8%), the 33 recognised tribes, broadly
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
High CourtParliament
#03
Polity
Polity
23rd Foundation Day of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
📰 Why in News
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs observed the 23 rd Foundation Day of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
✅ Quick Facts
- About: NCST is a constitutional body established under Article 338-A of the Constitution through the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act
- Composition: Consists of Chairperson , Vice-Chairperson , and 3 other members (including at least one woman Member ) appointed by the President by…
- Tenure and Service Conditions: The Chairperson
- Additional Functions (Specified by President in 2005): Include measures for minor forest produce ownership rights
- About STs: The Constitution of India does not provide a specific definition for Scheduled Tribes (STs) but establishes a process for their…
- Constitutional Provisions: Article 366(25) defines Scheduled Tribes (STs) as tribes or tribal communities
- The Sixth Schedule provides Autonomous District Councils for tribal areas in Assam , Meghalaya , Tripura and Mizoram.
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
ParliamentUnion Cabinet
#04
Security
Security
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967
📰 Why in News
The Supreme Court of India denied bail in the 2020 Delhi riots case, relying on the wide definition of a "terrorist act" under Section 15 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 .
✅ Quick Facts
- The decision has renewed debate on how the anti-terror law has expanded far beyond conventional notions of terrorism.
- The UAPA has evolved from a limited post-Independence law into a wide-ranging anti-terror framework
- While the UAPA remains crucial for national security and global counterterror commitments
- About: The UAPA,1967 is India's principal anti-terror and national security law to curb activities threatening sovereignty
- 2004 Amendment: Introduced terrorism into the UAPA by adding Chapter IV (Sections 1523) on terrorist acts and punishments
- The amendment tightened bail norms by barring anticipatory bail
- They also classified counterfeit currency offences as terrorist acts and extended liability to companies
- The law covers acts committed using explosives, firearms, poisons, chemicals, hazardous substances, or "any other means"
- Under the UAPA, terrorist acts are punishable with imprisonment for a minimum term of five years, which may extend to life imprisonment, and where…
- The broad wording allows acts likely to cause fear or disruption to be prosecuted as terrorism.
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtParliamentNIA
#05
Geography
Geography
Drug Trafficking and Threat to Security
📰 Why in News
The global drug trade is a major problem that has put security and law enforcement agencies on high alert worldwide , including in India.
✅ Quick Facts
- Traditionally India has been seen as sandwiched between the Death (Golden) Crescent and Death (Golden) Triangle and is being flooded with drugs
- It is a social problem that harms youth and families and the money it generates is diverted for disruptive activities that have bearings on national…
- Criminal networks traffic a range of drugs including cannabis, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine
- Recently, USA has witnessed a new zombie drug (fentanyl) gripping its population
- It starts with ulcers, hardens to dead skin called eschar, and if left untreated can result in amputation.
- In 2018, The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has conducted a "National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India" in…
- According to World Drug Report 2022 , India has the fourth largest quantity of opium seized in 2020 at 5.2 tons and the third-highest amount of…
- Threats from Death (Golden) Crescent: Comprises Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan
- The Shan and Kachin provinces of Myanmar bordering China also pose challenges.
- Illicit arms are manufactured here and supplied to underground groups active in India.
📊 Key Numbers & Data
- of use (Age Group 10-75 years) Alcohol 14.6% Cannabis 2.83% Opiates/ Opioids 2.1%
- Group 10-75 years) Alcohol 14.6% Cannabis 2.83% Opiates/ Opioids 2.1% According to World
- 14.6% Cannabis 2.83% Opiates/ Opioids 2.1% According to World Drug Report 2022 , India
- of Bengal, estimated to account for around 70% of the total illegal drugs smuggled into
- drug markets. Studies reveal that 62% of the darknet is being used for illicit
- Certain crop drugs which have more than 50% alcohol and opioids need to be contained.
📚 📜 Core Subject Drill — Indian History
📜 Indian History MCQ Quiz · भारतीय इतिहास
10 bilingual MCQs · Indian History · Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian History. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
📖 More Current Affairs Coverage
#06
Defence
Defence
Indo-Myanmar Border
📰 Why in News
The arrest of seven foreign nationals crossing into Myanmar via Mizoram has highlighted the porous Indo-Myanmar border and renewed concerns over border security and delayed fencing .
✅ Quick Facts
- Indo-Myanmar Border : India's 1,643-km border with Myanmar runs through Arunachal Pradesh (520 km)
- In December 2024, this was regulated to restrict visa-free movement to 10 km (down from 16 km) across the four bordering states.
- However, out of the 1,643 km of approved fencing, only 390.39 km has been sanctioned , and a mere 43.75 km has been completed .
- The progress on border roads is equally alarming. Out of 3,194.8 km of approved road infrastructure, only 11.5 km has been completed .
- Additionally, efforts to regulate movement through biometric-enabled entry/exit gates have faced strong local resistance, leading to a decline from…
- India must deploy a Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) with advanced surveillance systems
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Ministry of Home AffairsIndian Army
#07
Economy
Economy
India’s Ethanol Blending Programme and the Path to E100
📰 Why in News
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways advocated for India to move towards 100% ethanol blending (E100) in the near future to achieve…
✅ Quick Facts
- Ethanol: Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is a biofuel naturally produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical processes
- Ethanol is classified into 1G, 2G, and 3G based on the type of feedstock used and the production technology.
- E10 and E20 petrol blended with 10%, 20% ethanol respectively , with higher blends reducing crude oil use and emissions
- These vehicles use corrosion-resistant components
- EBP Programme: The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme aimed at mixing ethanol with standard motor petrol
- The program achieved a monumental milestone when India successfully hit its 20% ethanol blending target (E20) in 2025
- As of April 2026, all petrol sold across India must contain 20% ethanol (E20) and meet a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95
- Ethanol Interest Subvention Schemes (EISS): Financial support (20182022) to set up molasses- and grain-based ethanol plants.
- Long-Term Offtake Agreements (LTOAs): The LTOAs signed by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) ensured steady demand
- Administered Pricing Mechanism: Assured pricing for ethanol under the EBP Programme, encouraging private participation.
📊 Key Numbers & Data
- advocated for India to move towards 100% ethanol blending (E100) in the near future
- emissions. E10 and E20 petrol blended with 10%, 20% ethanol respectively , with higher
- E10 and E20 petrol blended with 10%, 20% ethanol respectively , with higher blends
- milestone when India successfully hit its 20% ethanol blending target (E20) in 2025, a
- all petrol sold across India must contain 20% ethanol (E20) and meet a minimum Research
- and Services Tax (GST) on ethanol from 18% to 5% helped lower production costs and
🎯 UPSC Relevance
Discuss the significance of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in achieving India's energy security and environmental goals.
#08
Environment
Environment
India Achieves 20% Ethanol Blending in Petrol
📰 Why in News
India has reached a significant milestone in clean energy by achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol in 2025 under the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP).
✅ Quick Facts
- This rapid progress underlines the country's commitment to energy security, rural income enhancement, and environmental sustainability.
- Policy and Regulatory Framework: The National Policy on Biofuels (2018
- Ethanol Interest Subvention Schemes (EISS) : Financial support (20182022) to set up molasses- and grain-based ethanol plants.
- Long-Term Offtake Agreements (LTOAs) : The LTOAs signed by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) ensured steady demand
- Administered Pricing Mechanism : Assured pricing for ethanol under the EBP Programme, encouraging private participation.
- GST Reduction : Reduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on ethanol from 18% to 5% helped lower production costs and encouraged higher ethanol…
- Amendments to Industries (Development & Regulation) Act,1953 : Facilitated smooth interstate and intrastate movement of ethanol.
- Enhanced Farmer Income and Rural Prosperity: Ethanol procurement till 2025 earned farmers Rs 1.18 lakh crore and distilleries Rs 1.96 lakh crore
- Ethanol Blending reduced India's oil import dependency, which is important for managing trade deficits and geopolitical risk.
- Facilitates crop diversification through incentives for non-food feedstocks like sweet sorghum, corn, and biomass.
📊 Key Numbers & Data
- milestone in clean energy by achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol in 2025 under
- 2018, amended in 2022) advanced the 20% ethanol blending target from 2030 to
- 20% ethanol blending target from 2030 to 2025-26 . The policy promotes use of diverse
- and Services Tax (GST) on ethanol from 18% to 5% helped lower production costs and
- Services Tax (GST) on ethanol from 18% to 5% helped lower production costs and
- and Energy Independence: India saved Rs 1.36 lakh crore in forex by cutting crude oil
#09
Environment
Environment
Hybrid Electric Vehicles
📰 Why in News
Delhi's upcoming Electric Vehicle (HEV) policy plans to extend road tax and registration fee exemptions, currently available for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) , to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) as well.
✅ Quick Facts
- About: A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is an automobile that combines a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric propulsion…
- During braking , the electric motor acts as a generator, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy (which would otherwise be lost as heat ) into…
- Parallel Hybrid: Both the engine and the electric motor are mechanically connected to the wheels
- Series-Parallel (Power-Split) Hybrid: It can intelligently switch between modes running on electric power alone
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): Its defining characteristic is the ability to be recharged externally via a plug
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): These vehicles are powered solely by large rechargeable batteries and electric motors
- Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs): These vehicles use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity on board
- Hydraulic Hybrids: These systems capture braking energy in hydraulic accumulators using fluid pressure
- Conventional Vehicles with Alternative Fuels: This category includes vehicles that retain internal combustion engines but run on non-petroleum fuels
- It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
#10
Economy
Economy
India’s Automobile Sector
📰 Why in News
India's automobile sector under 'Make in India' initiative has witnessed record growth in 2023-24
✅ Quick Facts
- Early Liberalization (Post-1991): The automobile industry was de-licensed in 1991
- In FY24, the industry's turnover reached Rs. 6.14 lakh crore (USD 74.1 billion), with 54% of supplies catering to domestic original equipment…
- Growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.63% (FY16-FY24)
- Export Expansion: Exports touched 4.5 million units in FY24. India's auto component exports are highest to Europe, North America and Asia.
- Imports: The auto component industry exported USD 21.2 billion and imported USD 20.9 billion worth of components during 2023-24
- Schemes: FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles) supports EV adoption with 16.15 lakh EVs incentivized and 10,985…
- PLI-Auto (Production Linked Incentive for Auto & Components) promotes Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT)
- PLI-ACC (Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Manufacturing) aims for a 50 Gigawatt hours (GWh) battery manufacturing ecosystem (40 GWh allocated to four…
- PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (2024-2026) supports EVs, e-trucks, e-buses, and charging infrastructure .
- The PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme (FY 2024-29) targets deployment of over 38,000 e-buses.
📊 Key Numbers & Data
- in 1991 , and subsequent opening up for 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) via the
- 2 million units (1991-92) to 28 million (2023-24). Contribution to Economy: India's
- the sector contributes approximately 6% to India's GDP and supports about 30
- auto components industry contributes 2.3% to GDP and directly employs 1.5 million
- 6.14 lakh crore (USD 74.1 billion), with 54% of supplies catering to domestic original
- original equipment manufacturers and 18% to exports. Growing at a Compound Annual
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
NITI AayogMinistry of Finance
🗞️ Wrap Up — Simple CA Quiz
Simple Current Affairs MCQ — 29 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.
