Forest ServicesDaily Current Affairs — 20 April 2026
5 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Gene Drives Transforming Malaria Control
Context Gene drive technology is emerging as a novel approach to genetically modify mosquitoes to prevent the transmission of Malaria. Global burden of Malaria According to the World malaria report, there were 282 million cases of malaria in 2024, with an estimated number of malaria deaths standing at 610 000. The WHO African Region is home to about 95% of all malaria cases and deaths.
River Basin Management Scheme
In News The Government of India has approved the continuation of the River Basin Management (RBM) Scheme for the 16th Finance Commission period spanning 2026–27 to 2030–31 with financial outlay of ₹2,183 crore. What Is the River Basin Management Scheme? The RBM Scheme is a Central Sector initiative under the Ministry of Jal Shakti designed to shift Indias water governance from fragmented, project-level interventions to a holistic, basin-level approach.
India–Sri Lanka Relations: India’s VP’s Visit
Context India’s Vice-President announced a policy shift regarding the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, alongside discussions on bilateral cooperation, economic assistance, and the fishermen issue during his visit to Sri Lanka. Key Highlights of Vice-President’s Visit to Sri Lanka OCI Extension Diaspora Engagement: Eligibility extended up to the 6th generation of Indian-origin Tamils. Diaspora as a ‘Bridge’: It boosts diaspora diplomacy and cultural ties, enhances access to education, employ
Leadership Gap Amid Rising Female Labour Force Participation
Context Women’s participation in India’s economy has improved in recent years, but their representation in leadership roles remains severely limited. Status of Female Labour Force Participation India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) increased from 33.9% in 2022 to about 40% in 2025, indicating gradual improvement. However, this level remains below the global average of 49% and significantly behind emerging economies such as Brazil (53%) and Vietnam (69%).
High-Value Crop Diversification in India
In Context Union Budget 2026-27 introduced a crop-specific, regionally differentiated strategy to accelerate diversification into high-value crops across Indias coastal, North Eastern, and Himalayan regions. What Are High-Value Crops (HVCs)? HVCs refer to horticultural produce like fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and medicinal and aromatic plants that generate significantly higher net returns per unit of land compared to traditional staples like wheat and rice.