22 April 2026 Daily Current Affairs | Today’s News for UPSC & Exams

Indian Food Processing Sector – PLISFPI Scheme (Summary)

The PLISFPI scheme, launched by the Government of India with the aim of transforming India into a global food processing hub, is achieving results that exceed expectations.

1. Background and Objectives

• Full Name: Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI).
• Launch & Duration: From FY 2021-22 to 2026-27.
• Total Outlay: ₹10,900 Crores.
• Primary Objective: To boost domestic manufacturing capacity, encourage exports, and establish Indian brands globally.

2. Three Main Components of the Scheme

1. Category-I: Manufacturing of four major food product segments: Ready-to-Cook (RTC) / Ready-to-Eat (RTE) foods (including millet-based products), Processed Fruits & Vegetables, Marine Products, and Mozzarella Cheese.
2. Category-II: Incentivizing Innovative and Organic products of MSMEs across all four segments.
3. Category-III: Financial support for Branding and Marketing of Indian food products abroad (reimbursement of up to 50% of expenditure).
4. Special Sub-scheme: A new component, PLISMBP (PLI for Millet-Based Products), was carved out in 2022-23 with an outlay of ₹800 Crores to promote millet production and value addition.

3. Milestones Achieved (as of February 2026)

• Employment: Created approximately 3.39 lakh jobs, significantly outperforming the original target of 2.5 lakh.
• Investments: Beneficiaries have reported investments amounting to nearly ₹9,207 Crores.
• Exports: Exports of agricultural processed food products grew at a CAGR of 13.23%.
• Capacity: Food processing and preservation capacity has increased by 34 lakh MT per annum.
• MSME Support: Out of 165 approved applications, 69 belong to the MSME sector.

4. Key Facts for Exams (High-Yield Points)

• GVA Growth: The Gross Value Added (GVA) of the food processing sector increased from ₹1.34 lakh crore in 2014-15 to ₹2.24 lakh crore in 2023-24.
• Export Share: The share of processed food exports in total agricultural exports grew from 13.7% in 2014-15 to 20.4% in 2024-25.
• Implementing Agency: IFCI (Industrial Finance Corporation of India) has been appointed as the Project Management Agency (PMA) to oversee the scheme.

Conclusion:

Aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, the PLISFPI scheme serves as a bridge between agriculture and industry, strengthening the rural economy and enhancing India’s competitive edge in the global food market.

Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya: Key Highlights

Adi Shankaracharya was a profound visionary and philosopher who rejuvenated Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) in India.

1. Advaita Vedanta Philosophy

• Doctrine: He propounded the ‘Advaita’ (Non-dualism) philosophy. Its essence is that the individual soul (Atman) and the Supreme Reality (Brahman) are not different but one—summarized by the phrase “Aham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman).
• Objective: To remove superstitions from society, enable the realization of Truth, and make the wisdom of the Upanishads accessible to the common people.

2. Chaturdham – Establishment of the Four Peethas (Mathas)

To unify India through a common cultural thread, he established four monasteries (Mathas) in the four cardinal directions:

• North: Jyotir Math (Badrinath, Uttarakhand).
• South: Sringeri Sharada Peetham (Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka).
• East: Govardhana Peetham (Puri, Odisha).
• West: Dwarka Sharada Peetham (Dwarka, Gujarat).

3. Literary Contributions and Commentaries

• Prasthanatrayi: He wrote simple and lucid commentaries (Bhashyas) on the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita.
• Major Works: He authored numerous hymns and texts, including Vivekachudamani, Bhaja Govindam, Saundarya Lahari, and Sivananda Lahari.

4. Historical Significance (Exam Points)

• Period: 8th Century (widely considered as 788–820 CE).
• Birthplace: Kalady, Kerala.
• Legacy: He restored Sanatana Dharma through logic and Vedic knowledge during a time when the influence of Buddhism and Jainism was predominant.
• Bhakti Movement: His intellectual Vedanta provided the philosophical foundation for the subsequent Bhakti movements in India.

7th India–Bhutan Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting

This high-level meeting was held to strengthen border trade and customs cooperation between India and Bhutan.

1. Meeting Context

• Date: April 20–21, 2026.
• Venue: Munnar, Kerala.

2. Bilateral Trade Facts

• Major Partner: India accounts for nearly 80% of Bhutan’s total trade.
• Trade Value: Bilateral trade exceeded $1.9 billion in FY 2024–25, registering a growth of 46% compared to the previous year.
• Land Customs Stations (LCS): There are 10 notified stations along the India–Bhutan border.
  • West Bengal: 6 stations.
  • Assam: 4 stations.

3. Priority Areas of Discussion

• Coordinated Border Management (CBM): Streamlining inspections and procedures at the border.
• Pre-arrival Information Exchange: Discussion on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the advance exchange of customs data.
• Anti-Smuggling Measures: Strengthening mechanisms to curb smuggling through intelligence sharing and enforcement cooperation.
• Digitization: Modernizing customs processes and monitoring cargo movement via the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS).

4. Exam-Oriented Points

• Landlocked Country: Since Bhutan has no coastline, ‘Transit Trade’ through Indian territory is vital for its economy.
• Kochi Port Visit: The Bhutanese delegation visited Kochi Port to gain insights into maritime trade, container handling, and maritime enforcement technologies (e.g., AIS, Satellite phones).
• Legal Framework: All bilateral trade cooperation is governed by the ‘Agreement on Trade, Commerce, and Transit’ between the two nations.

India’s Seafood Exports – Record Growth (2026)

India’s seafood exports have reached an all-time high. The fisheries sector is playing a pivotal role in achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’.

1. Key Statistics (FY 2025–26)

• Total Export Value: ₹72,325.82 Crore ($8.28 Billion).
• Export Volume: 19.32 Lakh Metric Tonnes.
• Primary Product: Frozen Shrimp. It accounts for 2/3rd of the total export earnings (approximately ₹47,973 Crore).

2. Top Export Markets (Importers)

• USA: Remains the largest market for Indian seafood (retains the top spot despite a slight decline in volume).
• China: The second-largest export destination (recorded a 22.7% growth in value).
• European Union (EU): Registered the highest growth rate at 37.9%.
• Other Growth Hubs: Southeast Asia (36.1% growth) and Japan.

3. Policy & Regulatory Framework

The following technical terms are crucial for competitive exams:

• TEDs (Turtle Excluder Devices): Mandatory specialized devices in shrimp trawl nets to protect sea turtles from being trapped.
• MMPA (Marine Mammal Protection Act): Compliance with U.S. standards to ensure the protection of marine mammals during fishing.
• National Traceability Framework (2025): A system to track the origin and production process of exported seafood to ensure quality and safety.
• EEZ Rules, 2025: New regulations for the sustainable utilization of fishery resources within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

4. Logistics & Ports

Approximately 64% of India’s seafood exports are handled by these five major ports:

1. Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
2. JNPT (Navi Mumbai)
3. Kochi
4. Kolkata
5. Chennai

5. Exam-Oriented Points

• MPEDA: The Marine Products Export Development Authority is the nodal agency that releases these statistics and promotes exports.
• Blue Revolution: A government initiative aimed at the rapid growth and management of the fisheries sector.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): The flagship scheme launched to promote sustainable development of the fisheries sector and enhance exports.
• Market Diversification: India has achieved significant success in reducing its over-reliance on the US market by expanding exports to China, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Quick Fact: In competitive exams, you might be asked about the EEZ. India’s Exclusive Economic Zone extends up to 200 nautical miles from its coast, providing vast resources for the “Blue Economy.”

INS Sunayna’s Visit to Jakarta: Key Highlights

This visit is being conducted as part of India’s ‘MAHASAGAR’ and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policies.

1. Key Mission Details

• Vessel: INS Sunayna (an Offshore Patrol Vessel – OPV).
• Initiative: IOS SAGAR.
• Destination: Jakarta, Indonesia (April 21, 2026).
• Unique Feature: The ship carries a multinational crew from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries. It arrived after transiting through the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

2. Primary Vision & Policies

These acronyms are highly important for competitive exams:

• MAHASAGAR: Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. This is India’s comprehensive vision for regional security and growth.
• SAGAR: Security And Growth for All in the Region. Its objective is to enhance peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Neighbourhood First Policy: The priority India gives to strengthening relations with its neighboring countries.

3. Planned Activities

• Harbour Phase: Completed in India in March 2026.
• Sea Phase: Currently progressing through April–May 2026.
• PASSEX (Passage Exercise): A joint naval exercise scheduled with the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) upon the ship’s departure from Jakarta.
• Other Activities: Professional exchanges, joint Yoga sessions, and sporting events.

4. Geographical and Strategic Importance (Exam-Oriented Points)

• Strait of Malacca: One of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The transit of INS Sunayna through this strait is strategically significant.
• Indo-Pacific Region: This mission serves as a testament to India’s efforts toward a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
• Bilateral Relations: India and Indonesia share a maritime boundary. Cooperation in the defense sector further strengthens the Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

Expert Note: In exams, you may be asked about Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). Initiatives like IOS SAGAR are designed to improve collective MDA among friendly navies to counter non-traditional threats like piracy and illegal fishing.

India–Germany Defence Industrial Partnership (2026)

Against the backdrop of current geopolitical uncertainty, India is seeking Germany’s cooperation to achieve the goals of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in the defence sector.

1. The Primary Pitch: Co-creation & Co-innovation

• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: It was clarified that this is not merely a procurement program but an invitation for foreign companies to co-create, co-develop, and co-innovate defence products in collaboration with India.
• Mittelstand (SMEs): The Defence Minister emphasized the need for technological cooperation between Germany’s ‘Mittelstand’ (renowned small and medium-sized enterprises) and Indian startups.

2. Strategic Significance

• Leadership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have placed a special focus on strengthening this strategic partnership.
• EU Relations: These bilateral ties are a critical component of the broader India–European Union (EU) Defence and Strategic Partnership.

3. Response to Global Crises (Crisis Management)

• West Asia Situation: India has established a Group of Ministers (GoM) to continuously assess the evolving tensions in West Asia.
• Energy Security: Concerns were raised regarding the impact on India’s energy supply if disruptions occur in key maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz. A coordinated response is essential for food security and global economic stability.

4. Cultural Ties

• Rabindranath Tagore: Minister Rajnath Singh paid floral tributes to the statue of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore at Humboldt University in Berlin. This gesture highlights the deep intellectual and cultural connection Tagore shared with German thinkers in the early 20th century.

5. Exam-Oriented Points

• Germany’s Position: Germany is India’s most important trading and defence partner in Europe. Its cooperation is vital for submarine manufacturing and advanced military technologies.
• Strait of Hormuz: It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. It is one of the world’s most critical oil transit ‘Choke Points’.
• International Relations: India and Germany are democracies bound by shared values. Their cooperation is essential for promoting a ‘Multipolar World’.

Expert Note: In competitive exams, you may encounter questions about Project 75I. Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is a major contender for this project, which involves building advanced conventional submarines for the Indian Navy.

World Earth Day 2026: Celebrating ‘Our Power, Our Planet’

World Earth Day is observed annually on April 22 to raise awareness about environmental protection and the Earth’s biodiversity.

1. Key Highlights

• Date: April 22, 2026.
• Venue: National Science Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
• 2026 Theme: “Our Power, Our Planet.” This theme emphasizes collective responsibility in preserving and protecting our environment.

2. Key Events

• Popular Science Lecture: “Exploring Antarctica: A Journey to the White Continent.”
• Speaker: Dr. Amitava Sen Gupta, Distinguished Professor, Department of Space (ISRO).
• Open House Quiz: An interactive session designed to spark scientific curiosity and test students’ knowledge of environmental science and biodiversity.

3. Exam-Oriented Points

A. Background of World Earth Day

• Origin: The first Earth Day was observed on April 22, 1970.
• Objective: To mobilize global support for environmental protection and address pressing ecological challenges.

B. Indian Antarctic Programme (Antarctic Exploration)

Research stations in Antarctica are a frequent topic in competitive exams:

• Dakshin Gangotri: India’s first scientific research base station in Antarctica (currently used only as a supply base).
• Maitri: India’s second research station, established in 1989.
• Bharati: India’s third and most modern research station, commissioned in 2012.

C. Environmental Laws & Organizations

• UNEP: United Nations Environment Programme (Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya).
• IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
• Indian Constitution:
  • Article 48A: (Directive Principles of State Policy) Mandates the State to protect and improve the environment.
  • Article 51A(g): (Fundamental Duties) Casts a duty on every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, and wildlife.

Summary Note:

The 2026 theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” calls for redirecting human energy (Power) toward eco-friendly fuels and conservation efforts. The involvement of prestigious organizations like ISRO reinforces the need to protect the Earth through a scientific lens.

Source: PIB