28 April 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology

⭐ Artemis Accords

⭐ Why in News

• Jordan has recently signed the

Artemis Accords at NASA headquarters.

⭐ Launch & Nature

• Introduced in 2020.

• A non-binding international

framework that lays down guiding principles for civil space exploration.

⭐ Purpose

• To create a shared set of norms for the peaceful exploration and use of outer

space.

⭐ Founding & Leadership

• Jointly led by NASA and the U.S. Department of State.

• Initially signed by seven partner countries: Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan,

Luxembourg, UAE, and the UK.

⭐ India’s Role

• India is also a signatory to the Artemis Accords.

⭐ Core Principles

• Space activities must be conducted strictly for peaceful purposes.

• Promotes transparency and sharing of scientific data.

• Encourages compatibility of space systems to enhance safety and

sustainability.

• Includes provisions for assisting astronauts in distress.

• Emphasises protection of heritage sites and artefacts in space.

GS Paper 2 – Polity & Governance

⭐ NITI Aayog

⭐ Why in News

• The Government of India has reconstituted NITI Aayog and appointed Ashok

Kumar Lahiri (former Chief Economic Advisor) as its new Vice Chairperson.

⭐ Nature and Role

• NITI Aayog serves as the premier policy think tank of the Government of India.

• It acts as a nodal body for economic development and promotes cooperative

federalism.

⭐ Establishment & Background

• Established on 1 January 2015 through a Cabinet resolution.

• Replaced the Planning Commission, which existed for about 65 years.

• The earlier centralized planning model was considered unsuitable for a modern,

diversified economy.

• NITI Aayog marks a shift from a top-down approach to a bottom-up, flexible

framework.

⭐ Aim

• To actively involve State Governments in policy formulation.

• To provide a platform for long-term strategic planning and innovation.

• To integrate national security concerns into economic planning and decision-

making.

⭐ Key Functions

• Formulates long-term strategies and policy frameworks for national

development.

• Acts as a repository of best practices and offers technical expertise to Centre

and States.

• Monitors and evaluates the implementation of government schemes.

• Promotes cross-sectoral reforms and improves the ease of living.

GS Paper 3 – Environment & Biodiversity

⭐ Olive Ridley Turtle

⭐ Why in News

• Olive Ridley turtles from Tamil Nadu have begun migrating towards the Sri Lanka

Dome, a highly productive marine region.

⭐ Classification & Description

• It is the smallest and one of the most abundant sea turtle species in the world.

• The name comes from the olive-green colour of its shell.

⭐ Unique Behaviour

• Famous for “arribada”, a mass nesting behaviour.

• During this event, thousands of females gather on the same beach to lay eggs

at the same time.

⭐ Distribution

• Found in tropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.

• Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary (Odisha) is the world’s largest nesting site for this

species.

⭐ Key Features

• Omnivorous, feeding on both plants and animals.

• Mostly solitary and prefer open ocean habitats.

• Spend the majority of their life in marine environments.

⭐ Migration

• Undertake long-distance migrations between feeding and breeding areas each

year.