28 April 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

Supreme Court Affirms Reproductive Autonomy of Minor as a Fundamental Right

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court of India permitted a 15-year-old minor to terminate a seven-month pregnancy.
• The ruling prioritised the minor’s reproductive choice over statutory gestational limits under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021.
• The Court reiterated that no individual, including a minor, can be compelled to continue an unwanted pregnancy.

Key Observations by the Court

• Right to Personal Liberty: The decision to terminate a pregnancy is intrinsic to dignity, privacy, and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
• Autonomy of Minors: Even minors possess bodily autonomy; courts cannot override their will in reproductive matters.
• Judicial Precedence over Statutory Limits: In exceptional circumstances, constitutional rights may outweigh statutory restrictions.

Understanding Reproductive Autonomy in India

The right to make informed and independent decisions regarding reproductive health without coercion, discrimination, or violence.

Legal and Constitutional Framework

• Statutory Provisions: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021 permits abortion up to 24 weeks for specific categories, including minors, subject to medical approval.
• Judicial Landmarks: Suchita Srivastava v. Chandigarh Administration (2009): Recognised reproductive choice as a facet of personal liberty.
• Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017): Affirmed privacy as a fundamental right encompassing bodily autonomy.
• Equality Dimension: In 2022, the Court removed distinctions based on marital status for abortion access, reinforcing equality under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution.

Global Commitments

• SDG 3.7: Universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare.
• SDG 5.6: Ensuring reproductive rights and gender equality.

Key Challenges

• Medical Gatekeeping: Decision-making is often controlled by Registered Medical Practitioners, limiting women’s agency.
• Social Stigma: Unmarried women frequently face informal barriers such as parental or partner consent, despite legal provisions.
• Patriarchal Constraints: Societal norms restrict independent decision-making; surveys indicate limited autonomy in health choices.
• Legal Gaps: The absence of criminalisation of marital rape weakens bodily autonomy and may lead to forced pregnancies.
• Healthcare Access Issues: Rural areas face severe shortages (70–75%) of specialists, increasing reliance on unsafe abortion methods.

Anti-Defection Law under the Tenth Schedule

Why in News?

• Seven out of ten Rajya Sabha MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party reportedly shifted allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
• The members invoked the merger provision under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to avoid disqualification.

Overview of the Anti-Defection Law

• Constitutional Basis: Enshrined in the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Introduced through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985.
• Objective: To curb political defections and ensure stability in governments. Aimed at addressing the phenomenon of frequent party-switching, often termed “Aaya Ram Gaya Ram.”

Grounds for Disqualification

• Voluntary Resignation: A member may be disqualified if they formally resign or their conduct indicates abandonment of party membership.
• Violation of Party Whip: Voting against or abstaining from voting contrary to party directions without prior permission. Exception: If the party condones the act within 15 days.
• Independent Members: Disqualified if they join any political party after election.
• Nominated Members: Disqualified if they join a political party after six months of assuming office.

Exceptions to Disqualification

• Merger Provision: Disqualification does not apply if
  - The original political party merges with another party, and
  - At least two-thirds of the legislature party members support the merger.
• Presidential & Vice-Presidential Elections: Anti-defection provisions are not applicable as whips cannot be issued for these elections.

Adjudication Mechanism

• Presiding Officer’s Role: The Speaker (Lok Sabha/State Assemblies) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha/Legislative Councils) decides disqualification cases.
• Time-bound Decision: The Supreme Court of India has directed that decisions should ideally be made within three months to prevent delays.

Judicial Oversight

• Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992): Held that the Presiding Officer functions as a quasi-judicial authority: Decisions are subject to judicial review by High Courts and the Supreme Court.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) 2.0 App

Why in News?

• The government has introduced the NMBA 2.0 App to strengthen India’s anti-drug campaign through digital monitoring, awareness, and community participation.
• The initiative is part of the broader Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan aimed at achieving a drug-free society.

About Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)

• Launch & Nodal Ministry: Launched on 15 August 2020 by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Objective: To reduce drug demand through awareness, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Policy Framework: Operates under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).

Key Achievements

• Mass Outreach: Over 26 crore individuals sensitised nationwide, including youth and women.
• Community Participation: More than 8.3 lakh awareness activities conducted: Supported by over 28,000 “Nasha Mukti Mitras” (community volunteers).

NMBA 2.0 App: Key Features

1. Citizen-Centric Services

• Access to e-Pledge for promoting drug-free lifestyles.
• Availability of IEC (Information, Education, Communication) materials.
• Integrated helpline support and directory of de-addiction centres.

2. Institutional Monitoring

• Role-based access for Grant-in-Aid Institutions (GIAs).
• Enables real-time reporting and tracking of de-addiction and outreach activities.

3. Transparency & Accountability

• Grant status tracking for funded institutions.
• Nearest de-addiction centre locator for easy access.
• Feedback mechanism to improve service delivery and governance.

About NAPDDR

National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction is a centrally sponsored scheme focusing on:

• Prevention and awareness generation
• Treatment and rehabilitation
• Capacity building of service providers
• Support for affected individuals and families

RBI Cancels Licence of Paytm Payments Bank

Why in News?

• The Reserve Bank of India revoked the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank citing concerns over depositor safety and public interest.

Key Restrictions Imposed

• No New Transactions: Fresh deposits, credit transactions, and wallet/FASTag top-ups are prohibited.
• Limited Operations: Existing balances can be withdrawn or utilised, but no new funds can be added.
• UPI Services Unaffected: The Paytm app and UPI services continue via partnerships with other commercial banks.

Understanding Payments Banks

• Definition: Payments Banks are a specialised banking model designed to promote financial inclusion, especially for underserved and unbanked populations.
• Origin: Conceptualised based on the recommendations of the Nachiket Mor Committee.
• Legal Status: Registered under the Companies Act, 2013: Licensed under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Key Features of Payments Banks

• Deposit Limit: Can accept demand deposits up to ₹2 lakh per individual.
• Permitted Activities: Remittances and fund transfers, Issuance of ATM/debit cards, Mobile and digital payments, Distribution of third-party products (insurance, mutual funds)
• Prohibited Activities: Cannot lend money or issue credit cards & No loan or credit facilities allowed

Regulatory Framework

1. Governing Laws:

• Banking Regulation Act, 1949
• Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
• Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
• Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999

2. Capital Requirements:

• Minimum paid-up equity capital: ₹100 crore

3. CRAR Norms:

• Must maintain 15% Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR)

4. Reserve Requirements:

• Required to maintain Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) with RBI

5. Investment Mandate:

• At least 75% of deposits must be invested in SLR-eligible government securities or treasury bills with maturity up to one year

India’s Bio-Economy Set to Reach $1 Trillion by 2047

Why in News?

• India’s bio-economy is projected to expand to $1 trillion by 2047, reflecting rapid growth in biotechnology and sustainable industries.
• The projection highlights the increasing role of innovation, policy support, and green development in economic transformation.

What is Bio-Economy?

• Definition: The bio-economy comprises economic activities that utilise biological resources, processes, and research to produce high-value products.
• Core Areas: Sustainable agriculture, Biopharmaceuticals, Biomanufacturing, Bio-energy
• Objective: To reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote environmentally sustainable growth.

India’s Bio-Economy: Current Status

• Market Size: Reached $195.3 billion in 2025, with an impressive 18% annual growth rate.
• Contribution to GDP: Accounts for nearly 5% of national GDP.
• Sectoral Composition: The bio-industrial sector (~47%) dominates, driven by biofuels, bioplastics, and bio-based chemicals.
• Innovation Ecosystem: Over 11,000 biotech startups are active, indicating a strong entrepreneurial base.
• Energy Milestone: India achieved 20% ethanol blending in 2025, ahead of schedule, strengthening bio-energy integration.

Future Targets

• By 2030: Expand bio-economy to $300 billion.
• By 2047: Achieve the ambitious $1 trillion milestone, aligning with India’s long-term development vision.

Key Government Initiatives

• BioE3 Policy (2024): Integrates biotechnology, engineering, and AI. Promotes biomanufacturing hubs and a circular bio-economy.
• Bio-RIDE Scheme (2024): Focuses on biofoundries and lab-to-market transition for deep-tech startups.
• Biopharma SHAKTI (Budget 2026–27): Aims to establish India as a global hub for biologics and biosimilars.
• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): Manages a ₹50,000 crore fund to boost R&D and industry-academia collaboration.
• National Biopharma Mission: Supports development of vaccines, biosimilars, and medical devices, with World Bank co-funding.

Jordan Joins Artemis Accords as 63rd Signatory

Why in News?

• Jordan has officially become the 63rd signatory to the Artemis Accords.
• The development reflects expanding global participation in cooperative and peaceful space exploration initiatives.

About Jordan

• A strategically located Middle Eastern nation bordered by Israel, West Bank, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria

About Artemis Accords

• Definition: A set of non-binding multilateral agreements governing the civil exploration and peaceful use of outer space.
• Origin: Established in 2020 by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) along with founding partners.
• Founding Members: Included countries such as Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom.

India and Artemis Accords

• India joined the Accords in 2023.
• Participation enables data sharing, collaboration, and interoperability in future space missions.

Legal Foundation

• The Accords are grounded in the principles of the Outer Space Treaty.
• Adopted under the aegis of the United Nations General Assembly.

Core Principles of Artemis Accords

• Peaceful Use of Space: Reinforces non-militarisation and responsible conduct.
• Transparency: Encourages open and transparent space activities.
• Interoperability: Promotes compatible systems among participating nations.
• Emergency Assistance: Commitment to assist astronauts in distress.
• Data Sharing: Open access to scientific data for global benefit.

Outer Space Treaty: Key Features

• Prohibits placement of weapons of mass destruction in space.
• Recognised as the foundational framework for international space law.
• Has 118 signatory countries, including India.

Ashok Lahiri Appointed Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog

Why in News?

• Ashok Kumar Lahiri has been appointed as the Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog.
• He succeeds Suman K. Bery in the role.

About Ashok Lahiri

• A noted economist from West Bengal and a serving MLA.
• Previously served as Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the Government of India: Member of the 15th Finance Commission
• Brings extensive experience in fiscal policy, economic reforms, and governance.

About NITI Aayog

• Full Form: National Institution for Transforming India
• Established in 2015, replacing the Planning Commission.
• Nature: Non-constitutional and non-statutory body
• Functions as India’s apex public policy think tank

Key Features

• Approach: Promotes cooperative federalism through a bottom-up, decentralised planning model.
• Composition: Chaired by the Prime Minister of India
• Vice Chairperson (appointed by the Prime Minister)
• Full-time and part-time members
• Ex-officio members (Union Ministers)
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Governing Council (Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors)
• Regional Councils and Special Invitees

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