7 April 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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Gujarat Passes Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026

Why in News

• The Gujarat Legislative Assembly has passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026
• Gujarat becomes the second state after Uttarakhand to enact a UCC

Key Features of Gujarat UCC

1. Uniform Civil Framework

• Replaces Diverse religious personal laws
• Covers: Marriage, Divorce, Inheritance

2. Gender Equality

• Ensures Equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters
• Promotes Substantive gender justice

3. Mandatory Registration

• Marriage registration: Within 60 days
• Live-in relationships: Within 30 days

4. Monogamy Rule

• Prohibits Polygamy and bigamy
• Enforces One-spouse norm across all communities

5. Judicial Exclusivity in Divorce

• All separations must be processed through civil courts
• Ends Customary or extra-judicial divorce practices

6. Tribal Exemption

• Scheduled Tribes excluded to preserve customary practices and cultural identity

About Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

1. Constitutional Basis

• Article 44 of Indian Constitution directs the State to secure a Uniform Civil Code
  - Nature: Non-justiciable directive

2. Rights Debate

• UCC attempts to balance Article 25 of Indian Constitution and Article 14 of Indian Constitution

3. Judicial Endorsement

• Courts have supported UCC in cases like Shah Bano Case 1985
• Seen as essential for Secularism and legal uniformity

Significance of the Gujarat UCC

1. Step Toward Legal Uniformity

• Reduces Fragmentation of personal laws

2. Gender Justice

• Strengthens Women’s rights in inheritance and marriage

3. Administrative Clarity

• Ensures Standardised legal procedures
• Improves Record-keeping and enforcement

4. Precedent for Other States

• May encourage Wider adoption of UCC across India

Concerns & Challenges

• Cultural Sensitivity: Resistance from communities fearing erosion of traditions
• Federal Issues: Variation across states may persist
• Implementation Complexity: Administrative and legal transition challenges

India and Azerbaijan Initiate Diplomatic Reset Amid Strategic Divergences

Why in News

• India and Azerbaijan have initiated efforts to reset bilateral relations
• Ties had deteriorated following tensions linked to Operation Sindoor and competing regional alignments

Reasons for Strained Relations

1. Azerbaijan’s Condemnation

• Azerbaijan criticised India’s actions during Operation Sindoor
• Position aligned with its “Three Brothers” alliance with Turkey and Pakistan

2. Armenia Factor

• India has strengthened Defence ties with Armenia
• This created friction as Armenia is a strategic rival of Azerbaijan

Overview of India–Azerbaijan Relations

1. Trade Relations

• Azerbaijan is India’s 7th largest trading partner
• Bilateral trade: Peaked at $1.88 billion (2022)
• India’s Exports: Basmati rice, Pharmaceuticals, Machinery, Electronics
• India’s Imports: Crude oil (~98% of imports)
• Heavily skewed in favour of Azerbaijan due to energy imports

2. Strategic Importance

• Azerbaijan acts as A gateway to the South Caucasus region
• Key role in International North-South Transport Corridor enhancing India’s connectivity with Central Asia and Europe

3. Energy Investments

• ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) holds ~2.9% stake in ACG oil fields and~3.1% stake in Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline

4. Strategic Divergence

• Azerbaijan’s alignment: Turkey–Pakistan axis (“Three Brothers”)
• India’s approach: Strengthening ties with Armenia
• Reflects Competing geopolitical priorities

5. Historical and Cultural Links

• Ateshgah Fire Temple features inscriptions in Devanagari and Gurmukhi
• Indicates Historical Indian presence in the region

Significance of the Diplomatic Reset

1. Strategic Balancing

• Helps India Navigate complex regional geopolitics

2. Energy Security

• Maintains Access to critical crude oil supplies

3. Connectivity Goals

• Strengthens India’s role in INSTC and Eurasian trade routes

U.S. Imposes Tariffs on Imported Patented Drugs and Active Ingredients

Why in News

• The United States Administration has imposed 100% ad valorem tariffs on imported patented drugs and active ingredients
• Action taken under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act
• Move aims to address national security concerns linked to pharmaceutical supply dependence

Key Features of the Tariff Measure

1. National Security Justification

• U.S. dependence on imports: Patented drugs: ~53% & Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs): ~85%
• Concern: Vulnerability of domestic supply chains

2. Tariff Structure

• Imposes 100% ad valorem duty
• Meaning: Tax calculated as a percentage of product value, not quantity

3. Compliance Timeline

• Large pharmaceutical firms: 120 days (until July 31, 2026)
• Smaller firms: 180 days
• Objective: Encourage domestic manufacturing commitments

4. Pricing Safe-Harbour Provision

• Companies can secure: 0% tariff until 2029 if they Adopt Most Favoured Nation (MFN) pricing and commit to onshoring production in the U.S.

Exemptions

a. Generic Medicines

• Non-patented generics and biosimilars: Currently exempt
• Review: Status to be reassessed within one year

b. Medical Carve-Outs

• Excludes: Orphan drugs, Cell and gene therapies
• Rationale: Prevent shortages of critical treatments

Implications for India

1. Limited Immediate Impact

• India exports: ~90% low-cost generics to the U.S.
• Since generics are exempt Direct impact remains minimal

2. Future Uncertainty

• Potential risks if Generic exemptions are withdrawn after review

3. Strategic Opportunity

• Indian firms may expand role in cost-effective drug supply chains
• Opportunity to strengthen presence in global generics market

Broader Implications

1. Protectionism in Pharma Sector

• Reflects Shift toward economic nationalism and supply chain security

2. Global Trade Impact

• May Disrupt pharmaceutical trade flows and Trigger retaliatory measures

3. Supply Chain Realignment

• Encourages Reshoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing in the U.S.

Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026 Strengthen Circular Economy Framework

Why in News

• The Government of India has notified amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016
• The changes aim to enhance recycling, improve compliance, and reduce plastic pollution

Key Provisions of the 2026 Amendment

1. Progressive Recycling Targets

• Mandates: Increasing recycled plastic content in packaging
• Example: Rigid plastics: 30% → 60% by 2028–29

2. Mandatory Use of Recycled Plastic

• Makes it legally binding for producers to use recycled material
• Promotes: Circular economy practices

3. Carry-Forward Mechanism

• Allows: Companies to carry forward unmet recycling targets
• Time limit: Up to 3 years
• Benefit: Flexibility in compliance

4. Tradable Plastic Certificates

• Introduces Market-based mechanism
• Companies can Buy credits from those exceeding targets
• Encourages Efficiency and innovation in recycling

5. End-of-Life Disposal Options

• Permits Waste-to-energy, Co-processing, Waste-to-oil conversion
• Also allows controlled burning under regulated conditions

6. Category-Based Classification

• Plastics classified into Rigid plastics (easier to recycle), Flexible plastics, Multi-layered plastics (hardest to recycle)
• Each category has separate compliance targets

Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016: Overview

1. Legal Basis

• Notified under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• Provides: Statutory framework for plastic regulation

2. Core Objectives

• Reduce Plastic waste generation
• Promote Recycling and reuse
• Ensure Environmentally sound disposal

3. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

• Holds responsible Producers, Importers, Brand owners for Collection and management of plastic waste

4. Waste Segregation

• Mandates Segregation at source
• Requires Establishment of collection systems

5. Single-Use Plastic Ban

• 2022 amendment: Prohibited identified single-use plastics

6. Role of Local Bodies

• Urban & rural local bodies responsible for Segregation, Collection, Processing, Disposal of plastic waste

India Commissions Nuclear-Powered Submarine INS Aridaman

Why in News

• The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Aridaman (SSBN) and INS Taragiri, commissioning took place at Visakhapatnam

INS Taragiri: Key Highlights

• Fourth stealth guided-missile frigate under: Project 17A (Nilgiri-class)
• Indigenous content: Over 75%
• Enhances Surface warfare and naval stealth capabilities

About INS Aridaman

• Type: Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN)
• India’s 3rd indigenous SSBN
• Successor to INS Arihant and INS Arighaat
• Built at Ship Building Centre (SBC), Visakhapatnam
• Under Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Programme
• Key agencies: Defence Research and Development Organisation, Department of Atomic Energy, Indian Navy includes Technical assistance from Russia
• Displacement: ~7,000 tonnes (larger than predecessors)
• Advantage: Higher payload and Longer underwater endurance
• Powered by: 83 MW pressurised compact light-water reactor (CLWR)
• Benefits: Stealth (low noise), Extended submerged operations, Improved survivability
• Equipped with: 8 Vertical Launch System (VLS) (double earlier capacity)
• Missile options: 24 × K-15 missiles (~750 km range) & 8 × K-4 missiles (~3,500 km range)

Strategic Significance for India

• Completion of Nuclear Triad: Enables nuclear delivery via Land, Air, and Sea, Strengthens Nuclear Triad
• Second Strike Capability: Provides Assured retaliation capability, Supports No First Use Doctrine
• Enhanced Deterrence: Improves Strategic reach in the Indian Ocean Region & Indo-Pacific boosts Credible minimum deterrence
• Global Strategic Status: Places India among Countries with operational nuclear triads: United States, Russia, China

India’s SSBN Fleet Overview

About Nuclear Submarines

1. Key Feature

• Powered by: Nuclear reactors
• Advantage: Can remain submerged for extended durations

2. Types of Nuclear Submarines

• SSBN (Ballistic Missile Submarines): Carry nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles and Core of nuclear deterrence
• SSN (Attack Submarines): Equipped with torpedoes & cruise missiles and Used for offensive and escort roles
• SSGN (Guided Missile Submarines): Carry large cruise missiles and Used for precision land strikes

Right to be Considered for Promotion Reaffirmed by Judiciary

Why in News

• The Punjab and Haryana High Court has reaffirmed that government employees possess a fundamental right to be considered for promotion
• The ruling reinforces constitutional guarantees of fairness and equality in public employment

Constitutional Basis

• Derived from Article 14 of Indian Constitution and Article 16(1) of Indian Constitution
• Key Principle: Right exists for consideration, not for automatic promotion

Kulwant Singh Case

1. Background

• A Junior Engineer was Excluded from the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC)
• Reason: Misinterpretation of eligibility criteria

2. Court’s Observation

• Held as Violation of fundamental rights
• Emphasised Fair and equal opportunity in promotion processes

3. Directions Issued

• Notional retrospective promotion granted
• Mandated Regular DPC meetings to prevent recurrence

Key Supreme Court Principles

1. Recognition of Right

• In Ajit Singh vs State of Punjab 1999, established Right to be considered for promotion

2. Clarification of Scope

• In Bihar State Electricity Board vs Dharamdeo Das 2024 reaffirmed Consideration ≠ Guaranteed promotion

Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs)

• Official bodies that assess eligible employees
• Criteria include Merit, Seniority, Service rules compliance

Challenges in Implementation

• Administrative Delays: Irregular DPC meetings delay Promotion consideration
• Procedural Lapses: Errors in Eligibility interpretation and Record maintenance
• Bureaucratic Inefficiency: Weak coordination leads to Decision-making delays
• Arbitrary Decisions: Discretionary actions may Undermine fairness
• Lack of Monitoring: Absence of oversight Allows violations to persist

Measures to Strengthen the Right

• Regular DPC Meetings: Ensure Time-bound and periodic reviews
• Transparent Systems: Adopt Digital tracking and Clear eligibility norms
• Strong Monitoring Mechanisms: Fix Accountability for lapses
• Effective Grievance Redressal: Provide Timely remedies for affected employees

Parliament Passes Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Why in News

• The Parliament of India has passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026
• The law designates Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh

Key Provisions of the Amendment

1. Statutory Recognition of Capital

• Amends Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014
• Change Replaces placeholder in Section 5(2) with “Amaravati shall be the capital”

2. First-of-its-Kind Legislation

• Marks First instance where Parliament has explicitly named a specific city as a state capital through legislation

3. Retrospective Effect

• Effective from 2 June 2024
• Purpose: Ensures legal continuity after the end of joint capital arrangement

4. End of Joint Capital Status

• Hyderabad served as Common capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
• Duration: June 2, 2014 – June 2, 2024

5. Override of Three-Capital Model

• Nullifies earlier proposal of Executive Capital: Visakhapatnam, Judicial Capital: Kurnool, Legislative Capital: Amaravati
• Establishes Single unified capital framework

Significance of the Amendment

• Legal Clarity: Removes Ambiguity regarding capital location
• Administrative Stability: Ensures Centralised governance and coordination
• Policy Continuity: Aligns Legislative framework with post-2024 realities
• Federal Implications: Highlights Parliament’s role in State reorganisation and structural decisions

UNIFIL in Focus After Killing of Peacekeepers in Lebanon

Why in News

• India has condemned the killing of three Indonesian peacekeepers serving under United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
• The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in southern Lebanon

About UNIFIL

1. Establishment

• Created by: United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 1978
• Objective: Oversee withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon & Restore international peace and security

2. Core Mandate

• Strengthened under: UNSC Resolution 1701
• Monitor: Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon
• Patrol: Blue Line
• Ensure Humanitarian access to civilians & assist Lebanese armed forces in maintaining stability

3. The Blue Line

• A UN-demarcated boundary between Lebanon and Israel
• Established in 2000
• Purpose: Verify Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon

FAO Food Price Index Rises Amid Global Energy-Driven Inflation Pressures

Why in News

The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) rose by 2.4% in March increase attributed to Rising energy costs linked to escalating Middle East tensions

About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

• Established: 1945
• Headquarters: Rome
• Objective: Combat Hunger and malnutrition & Promote Sustainable agriculture and food security

FAO Food Price Index (FFPI)

1. What it Measures

• Tracks Monthly changes in international export prices
• Reflects Global food inflation trends and Food security conditions

2. Methodology

• Based on Trade-weighted Laspeyres price index
• Features: Uses export prices of 24 key food commodities
• Base Period: 2014–2016

3. Composition of the Index

• Cereals, Vegetable Oils, Dairy, Meat, Sugar
• Each component is weighted according to its share in global export trade

Project Chetak: BRO Strengthens Border Infrastructure Along Western Frontier

Why in News

• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated the 47th Raising Day of Project Chetak in Bikaner

About Project Chetak

• One of the largest projects under BRO
• Responsible for Development and maintenance of border infrastructure
• Spans across Rajasthan, Punjab, Northern Gujarat
• Focus: Areas along India’s western border
• Maintains 4,000+ km of roads and 214 km of Ditch-cum-Bund (DCB)
• Purpose: Strengthen defence logistics and border management

Key Infrastructure Developments

1. Kasowal Bridge

• Located over Ravi River in Punjab
• Length: 484 metres
• Significance: Provides all-weather connectivity

2. Strategic Road Upgradation

• Over: 300 km of desert roads being upgraded
• Features: Double-laning built to National Highway standards
• Enables Movement of heavy military and civilian traffic

About BRO

• Founded in 1960
• Functions under Ministry of Defence
• India’s premier agency for: Construction and maintenance of strategic infrastructure in border areas

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