Current Affairs - 08 April 2026

Impeachment Motion Against CEC Rejected

NATIONAL

Why in News:
The impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been rejected by both Houses of Parliament, with the decision taken by Om Birla and C. P. Radhakrishnan.

Key Highlights

• The motion was moved by Opposition members, alleging bias in electoral processes

• It had support of:
– 130 MPs in Lok Sabha
– 63 MPs in Rajya Sabha

• Despite sufficient support, the motion was not admitted by presiding officers

Why the Motion Was Filed

Allegations of partiality and bias in election conduct
Opposition demanded removal of the CEC

Process of Removal of CEC

Governed by Article 324(5) of the Constitution
CEC can be removed only like a Supreme Court judge
Requires:

– Special majority in Parliament
– Same procedure as impeachment of SC judge

Election Commissioners can be removed only on recommendation of the CEC

Legal Framework

Governed by:

– Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023

Section 11 deals with:

– Resignation
– Removal procedure

Grounds for Removal

(Same as Supreme Court judges under Article 124(4))

• Proved misbehaviour

• Incapacity

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Nabil Fahmy Appointed Next Arab League Secretary-General

INTERNATIONAL

Why in News:
The Council of the League of Arab States has approved Egypt’s nomination of Nabil Fahmy as the next Secretary-General for a five-year term starting 1 July 2026, succeeding Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

Key Highlights

• Nabil Fahmy will serve a 5-year term

• He will succeed Ahmed Aboul Gheit

• Appointment reflects Egypt’s continued influence in the Arab League

About Arab League

League of Arab States is a regional organisation of 22 Arab countries
Established in 1945 in Cairo

Origin

Formed after the Alexandria Protocol (1944)
Context: Post-World War II geopolitical changes
Objectives included:

– Promoting Arab unity
– Resisting colonial divisions
– Addressing Palestine issue

Objectives

Promote cooperation in:

– Political
– Economic
– Cultural
– Social fields

Emphasises:

– Peaceful dispute resolution
– Non-use of force among members

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Performance of Major Ports (FY 2025–26)

NATIONAL

Why in News:
India’s major ports under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways handled 915 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2025–26, recording 7.06% growth, aligned with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Key Highlights

Surpassing Targets:

– Total cargo handled: 915.17 million tonnes (MT)
– Exceeded target of 904 MT

Top Performing Ports:

– Deendayal Port Authority – 160.11 MT
– Paradip Port Authority – 156.45 MT
– Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority – 102.01 MT

Highest Growth Rates

- Mormugao Port Authority – 15.91% growth

- Kolkata Dock System – 14.28% growth

- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority – 10.74% growth

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Yuva Sangam Programme

NATIONAL

Why in News:
Since its launch in 2023, Yuva Sangam has expanded across multiple phases, with Phase-VI (2026) covering 22 States and Union Territories, engaging thousands of youths.

About Yuva Sangam

Yuva Sangam is a youth exchange programme under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
It promotes national integration through experiential learning and inter-state exposure

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

Launched on 31 October 2015 (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas)
Aims to strengthen national unity by pairing States and UTs

Participation

Target group: Youth aged 18–30 years
Includes:

– Students
– NSS volunteers
– NYKS members
– Young professionals

Participants travel to paired States/UTs for exposure.

Implementation

Anchored by Ministry of Education
Implemented through Higher Education Institutions

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Easter Sunday 2026

Why in News:
Easter Sunday 2026 will be celebrated on 5 April 2026, one of the most important festivals in Christianity.

Key Highlights

• Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

• It is considered the most important festival in Christianity

• Celebrated after Good Friday, which marks the crucifixion of Jesus.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

BIHAR NEWS

Bihar Police to Receive ‘President’s Colours’

NATIONAL

Why in News:
The Bihar Police will be honoured with the ‘President’s Colours’, the highest honour for any police or military unit in India.

Key Highlights

• The award recognises long-standing excellence and commitment of the police force

• It is awarded only once to a force

• Also known as “Nishan”

• All personnel (from constable to DGP) will be entitled to:
– Wear a special insignia on the left sleeve of their uniform

• Other recipients include:
– Odisha Police
– Sikkim Police

• The honour marks over 100 years of policing service

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

BIHAR NEWS

BiharOne Project

NATIONAL

Why in News:
The Government of Bihar has launched the BiharOne Project to create a unified digital platform for public services.

Key Highlights

• Contract of ₹87 crore awarded to Corporate Infotech Pvt Ltd

• The platform is expected to be operational by July 2026

• Aims to provide single-window access to government services

Key Features

Eliminates need to visit multiple government offices
Reduces paperwork and procedural delays
Enables access to services such as:

– Applying for certificates
– Availing welfare schemes

Ensures faster service delivery and reduced turn around time

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

BIHAR NEWS

Balirajgarh Site

BIHAR SPECIAL

Why in the news

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun excavation at Bihar’s historic Balirajgarh site, which is believed to be the gateway to ancient Mithila.

About Balirajgarh:

Located in the Babubarhi block of Madhubani district, holds great mythological and historical significance, with local folklore identifying it as the capital of the legendary King Bali.
It was declared a protected site by the ASI in 1938.

Balirajgarh Excavations:

The Balirajgarh site, long tied to legends of the Mithila kingdom and Raja Janak, has been explored four times before — beginning with the ASI’s first effort in 1962–63.
Later campaigns in 1972–73, 1974–75 and 2013–14 turned up a massive 10-foot-wide boundary wall estimated to be 2,200 years old.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

ONE LINER

FACTUAL

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is observed on 4 April to highlight the global fight against landmines, promote mine action, assist victims, and build safer, mine-free communities worldwide.
Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the BIRAC-BioNEST Incubation Centre at the Central Food Technological Research Institute.
National Maritime Day is celebrated in India every year on 5 April.
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is observed on 6 April 2026, celebrating sport as a tool for unity and inclusion, with the theme “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers” highlighting community connection and participation of youth and marginalized groups.
Campbell Wilson has resigned as CEO of Air India before completing his five-year term.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Padhai Marg

Turning Aspirants Into Officer's