26&27 April 2026 Daily Current Affairs | Today’s News for UPSC & Exams
Indian Census 2027
The First Digital Census in National History
Exam Note: This is the 16th Census of India and the 8th after Independence. Originally scheduled for 2021, it was delayed to 2027 due to COVID-19.
1. Historical Foundations
Ancient Origins
Mentioned in Kautilya’s Arthashastra (321–296 BCE) and Ain-i-Akbari by Abul Fazl.
Early Modern
The first census was conducted between 1865-1872 (non-synchronous).
The 1881 Milestone
The first synchronous (simultaneous) census was held in 1881; held every 10 years since.
2. Legal & Administrative Framework
- Legislative Authority: Conducted under the Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990.
- Constitutional Status: Subject of the Union List (Seventh Schedule, Entry 69).
- Confidentiality: Under Section 15, individual data is strictly confidential and cannot be used as evidence in court or accessed via RTI.
- Nodal Body: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner (Ministry of Home Affairs).
3. The Two-Phase Digital Strategy
Phase 1: House-listing & Housing Census (HLO)
Schedule: April – September 2026
Focus: Quality of housing, ownership of assets, and availability of basic amenities.
Schedule: April – September 2026
Focus: Quality of housing, ownership of assets, and availability of basic amenities.
Phase 2: Population Enumeration (PE)
Schedule: February 2027
Census Moment: 00:00 hours of March 1, 2027.
Schedule: February 2027
Census Moment: 00:00 hours of March 1, 2027.
4. Key Technological Innovations
- Digital Platform: Data collection via mobile apps in 16 regional languages.
- Self-Enumeration: Citizens can voluntarily upload their data via an online portal.
- Comprehensive Caste Data: For the first time, caste enumeration beyond SC/ST will be integrated into the process.
- CMMS: A Census Management and Monitoring System to track field progress in real-time.
Quick Revision (Exam Highlights)
1. Which was the first digital census in India?
Ans: 2027
Ans: 2027
2. Census comes under which schedule of the Constitution?
Ans: 7th Schedule (Union List)
Ans: 7th Schedule (Union List)
3. What is the reference date for the 2027 Census?
Ans: March 1, 2027
Ans: March 1, 2027
4. How many regional languages are supported in the Census app?
Ans: 16 Languages
Ans: 16 Languages
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
NITI Aayog Report 2026
Framework for Effective City Governance (Million-Plus Cities)
This roadmap focuses on empowering India’s largest urban centers to drive the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and achieve a $30 Trillion Economy.
1. The Significance of Cities
Economic Engines
Cities are pivotal for economic growth, generating high-scale employment and fostering innovation.
Primary Focus
Special emphasis on “Million-Plus” cities—urban centers with a population over 10 lakhs.
2. Identified Governance Challenges
- Fragmented Structure: Multiple parastatal agencies without a unified command.
- Low Devolution: Urban local bodies lack sufficient delegated powers.
- Fiscal Gaps: Weak own-source revenue and delayed financial transfers.
- Accountability: Diffused responsibility leading to inefficient service delivery.
3. Key Policy Recommendations
| Pillar | Proposed Reform |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Directly elected Mayor with a fixed tenure; backed by a “Mayor-in-Council.” |
| Integration | Bringing Water Supply, Sanitation, and Transport under city govt purview. |
| Finances | Strengthening own revenues and utilizing Municipal Bonds for financing. |
| Restructuring | Merging parastatal agencies (Development Authorities) under city oversight. |
4. Implementation Strategy
State Mandate: States must amend their Municipal Acts to reflect these reforms.
Central Guidance: Ministry of Housing (MoHUA) to provide an updated Model Municipal Law.
Central Guidance: Ministry of Housing (MoHUA) to provide an updated Model Municipal Law.
Quick Revision Bits (Aspirant Special)
1. Which body released the “Effective City Government” framework?
Ans: NITI Aayog
2. What is the key leadership reform suggested for ULBs?
Ans: Directly Elected Mayor with fixed tenure
3. The report targets which specific category of cities?
Ans: Million-Plus Cities (Population > 10 Lakhs)
4. Which Constitutional Amendment does this report aim to strengthen?
Ans: 74th Amendment Act (Urban Local Bodies)
Educational Resource | Based on PIB Release ID: 2255581
NMBA 2.0 App Launch
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
1. About Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)
Timeline
Launched on Aug 15, 2020. Extended to all districts on Aug 15, 2023.
Reach
26+ Crore people sensitized, including 9.5 Cr youth and 6.47 Cr women.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
- Mission: To spread awareness and facilitate drug demand reduction across the country.
2. NMBA 2.0 App: Salient Features
Citizen Engagement: Now open to the public for e-Pledges and access to IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) resources.
- Real-time Reporting: Centralized dashboard for States and Districts to monitor activities as they happen.
- ‘Anudan’ Tracking: Real-time status of grants for GIA (Grant-in-Aid) institutions to ensure transparency.
- Treatment Access: “Nearest De-addiction Centre” locator for quick referrals.
- Integrated Helplines: Direct access to MANAS and National De-addiction helplines.
3. Institutional & Terminology Changes
Volunteer Identity
Formerly known as “Master Volunteers,” these field-level workers are now officially called Nasha Mukti Mitr.
Quick Revision Bits (Exam Essentials)
1. Which plan does the NMBA 2.0 App help monitor?
Ans: NAPDDR (National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction)
2. When did the NMBA extend to all districts of India?
Ans: August 15, 2023
3. What is the new name for “Master Volunteers”?
Ans: Nasha Mukti Mitr
4. Which helpline integrated into the app provides mental health support?
Ans: MANAS Helpline
Educational Resource for Aspirants | Data Source: PIB Delhi (Release ID: 2255464)
Small Hydro Power (SHP) Scheme
Period: 2026-27 to 2030-31
Scheme Snapshot
Total Budget
₹2,584.60 Cr
Addl. Capacity
1,500 MW
Employment
51 Lakh Days
Expected Investment
₹15,000 Cr
Key Classification
| Type | Capacity | Nodal Ministry |
|---|---|---|
| Small Hydro (SHP) | Up to 25 MW | MNRE |
| Large Hydro | Above 25 MW | Ministry of Power |
Regional Potential (Top Performers)
- Northern India (38%): Dominant in HP, Uttarakhand, and J&K.
- Southern India (26%): Karnataka (3,726 MW) leads the nation.
- North Eastern India (15%): Arunachal Pradesh is the growth engine.
Financial Aid Highlights
- North East & Borders: ₹3.6 Cr/MW (Max ₹30 Cr per project).
- Other Locations: ₹2.4 Cr/MW (Max ₹20 Cr per project).
- Support for preparing DPRs (Detailed Project Reports) for 200+ projects.
Exam Significance
- Supports SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy).
- Promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous machinery.
- Ensures Round-the-Clock (RTC) power stability.
IEVP 2026: Festival of Democracy
International Election Visitors’ Programme
The International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026 witnessed the participation of global delegates observing the unparalleled scale and transparency of India’s electoral machinery.
1. Core Objectives
International Cooperation
Building bridges between India’s ECI and Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of other nations.
Showcasing Best Practices
Familiarizing the world with India’s indigenous technology (EVM/VVPAT) and institutional framework.
2. Key Features of IEVP 2026
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Participants | 70 Delegates from 38 countries + International IDEA. |
| States Visited | Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. |
| Transparency | 100% Webcasting and systematic EVM/VVPAT distribution. |
3. Inclusive & Innovative Practices
- Inclusive Elections: Introduction of Home Voting for elderly and PwDs; polling stations entirely managed by women.
- Voter Comfort: Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) including ramps, crèches, and health check-ups.
- Security & Order: Systematic mock polls and color-coded booths for easier navigation in urban centers like Chennai.
4. Global Significance
Delegates described India as a “School for the World” due to its ability to handle millions of voters with surgical precision. The program highlighted the spirit of Cooperative Federalism, showing the seamless bond between Central and State election authorities.
Quick Recall for Exams
- Initiative: Election Commission of India
- Countries: 38 (70 Delegates)
- IDEA HQ: Stockholm, Sweden
- AMF: Assured Minimum Facilities
- Key Tech: EVM, VVPAT, Webcasting
- Theme: Festival of Democracy
Cancer Care Initiatives 2026
Public Health & Governance | National Policy Highlights
Key Event: Vice-President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan addressed the 23rd Cancer Survivors’ Day in Jaipur on April 25, 2026, highlighting major shifts in India’s cancer treatment policy.
1. India’s Cancer Burden (ICMR Data)
15+ Lakh
Annual New Cases
Lifestyle
Primary Prevention Focus
The ICMR National Cancer Registry emphasizes that early detection and lifestyle changes (tobacco prevention) remain the strongest tools against mortality.
2. Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) Impact
- Treatments Provided: Over 68 Lakh cancer treatments funded.
- Total Investment: Over ₹13,000 Crore spent on critical care.
- Rural Reach: 75% of beneficiaries are from rural India, reducing the urban-rural healthcare divide.
3. Major Government Initiatives
HPV Vaccination
Aiming to cover 1 Crore girls to prevent Cervical Cancer.
Day Care Centers
450+ Centers now operational in district hospitals.
- Essential Drugs: Anti-cancer drugs now included in the Essential Drugs List (EDL) at the sub-divisional level.
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: Grassroots hubs utilized for mass cancer screening.
4. Future Strategic Priorities
- Early Detection: Strengthening the screening infrastructure to catch cases at Stage 1 or 2.
- Public-Private Collaboration: Sharing high-end technology between sectors to ensure equitable access.
Quick Revision Bits (Exam Essentials)
1. Who is the current Vice-President of India?
Ans: Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan
2. What percentage of cancer treatments under PM-JAY benefit rural populations?
Ans: 75%
3. The nationwide HPV vaccination drive is targeted at which cancer?
Ans: Cervical Cancer (Garbhashaya Mukhadwara Cancer)
4. Which institution maintains the National Cancer Registry in India?
Ans: ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research)
Educational Resource for Aspirants | Data: PIB Delhi (Release ID: 2255478)
NITI Aayog Appointment
New Member Induction: Prof. Gobardhan Das
1. About Prof. Gobardhan Das
Expertise: Renowned for his work in Public Health, Science, and Innovation.
Background: Formerly the Director of the Special Centre for Molecular Medicine at JNU. Globally recognized for research in Immunology and Infectious Diseases.
2. NITI Aayog Structure (Exam Focus)
Chairperson
The Prime Minister of India.
Vice-Chairperson
Appointed by the PM.
Full-time Members
Experts in various fields (Prof. Das).
Ex-officio Members
Max 4 Union Ministers.
3. Core Functions
- Think-Tank: Providing strategic and technical advice to Central and State governments.
- Cooperative Federalism: Promoting active participation of states in national development.
- Bottom-Up Approach: Shifting away from centralized planning to regional empowerment.
Quick Revision Bits
1. Who is the newly appointed member of NITI Aayog (2026)?
Ans: Prof. Gobardhan Das
2. NITI Aayog replaced which previous body?
Ans: The Planning Commission
3. What is the full form of NITI?
Ans: National Institution for Transforming India
4. When was NITI Aayog established?
Ans: January 1, 2015
Aspirant Resource | Data Source: PIB Delhi (Release ID: 2255595)
Grassroots Biodiversity Governance
Strengthening Institutional Capacities (2025–2030)
Launched by MoEFCC and NBA, this landmark 5-year project empowers local communities to secure biodiversity conservation through innovative governance and finance.
1. Project Overview
Global Collaboration
Joint initiative of the Government of India, Global Environment Facility (GEF), and UNDP.
Funding & Timeline
USD 4.88 Million Grant for the period 2025 – 2030.
2. Target Landscapes
Tamil Nadu
Sathyamangalam landscape (Western/Eastern Ghats confluence), Mudumalai, and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserves.
Meghalaya
Garo Hills region, including Nokrek Biosphere Reserve and Balpakram National Park.
3. Key Objectives
Mainstreaming Biodiversity
Greening the Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) to put conservation at the heart of local planning.
Capacity Building
Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
Innovative Finance
Utilizing Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), CSR co-financing, and green micro-enterprises.
Social Inclusion
Dedicated focus on the roles of women, Scheduled Castes, and tribal communities in governance.
4. Strategic Significance
- 30×30 Target: Vital for achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework’s goal to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030.
- NBSAP 2024–2030: Directly supports India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy.
- Whole-of-Society Approach: Moving from top-down to a community-owned, bottom-up managerial role.
Quick Recall for Exams
- Nodal Agencies: MoEFCC & NBA
- International Aid: GEF & UNDP
- States: Tamil Nadu & Meghalaya
- Key Target: 30×30 Global Goal
- Mechanism: ABS & GPDP Greening
- Approach: Bottom-Up (Grassroots)
Srinagar Khel Sankalp – 2026
Released by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya at Chintan Shivir, Srinagar (J&K)
1. Primary Objectives
Athlete-Centric Vision
Shifting the focus of the sports ecosystem to prioritize the development and well-being of athletes.
Cooperative Federalism
A unified commitment where the Center, States, and UTs collaborate seamlessly toward a common sporting future.
2. Key Focus Areas
Talent Identification: Robust scouting at rural and regional levels to ensure no talent goes unnoticed.
Regional Sports Clusters: Building infrastructure rooted in local geographical and cultural strengths.
Sports for Economy: Using sports to drive tourism, generate local employment, and promote health.
Global Ambitions: Strengthening India’s resolve to host the Olympics and World Cups.
3. Governance & Manufacturing
| Domain | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Governance | Enhancing transparency, professionalizing administration, and institutional reforms. |
| Manufacturing | Making India a Global Hub for sports goods through domestic industry support. |
| Youth Engagement | Using the MY Bharat platform for leadership and nation-building. |
Quick Recall for Exams
- Location: The ‘Chintan Shivir’ took place in Srinagar, J&K (April 2026).
- Minister: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (Union Sports Minister).
- Fit India: The ‘Sundays on Cycle’ cyclothon was a highlight of the event.
- Key Theme: Unified resolve for an Atmanirbhar Bharat in sports equipment manufacturing.
Study Material for UPSC | SSC | State PSC Exams
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