April 30, 2026 - Current Affairs

Government Proposes Approval for E100 Fuel in India to Promote Clean Energy

April 30, 2026

The Indian government has recommended the approval of E100 fuel, a 100% ethanol-blended fuel for petrol, to promote clean energy and fuel diversity. As per the draft notifications released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the decision will help curb the country’s reliance on imported oil and encourage clean transport. The move is in line with India’s Ethanol Blending Programme, which is already making headway with E20 fuel. The introduction of E100 fuel is anticipated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost the agricultural sector by generating demand for biofuel, and enhance India’s energy security by promoting the use of renewable fuels in the transportation sector.

Government Proposal for E100 Fuel in India: Key Points & Objectives

E100 fuel (100% ethanol fuel) has been proposed by the Government of India as part of its move to promote green mobility and energy security.
It is under the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) that seeks to lower fossil fuel imports.
The government’s draft rules for ethanol also cover higher blends such as E85 and E100 fuels.
E100 fuel will reduce crude oil imports and enhance energy security.
The move helps India achieve carbon emission reduction and green transportation.
The move comes after India’s successful implementation of E20 fuel.
Sugarcane, maize and crop residues can be used to create E100 fuel.
It will raise rural incomes and provide opportunities for farmers through the ethanol supply.
The policy promotes the development of flex-fuel vehicles to use high ethanol blends.
Car manufacturers may require engine modifications to operate E100 fuel.
India is highly dependent on oil imports, and E100 seeks to minimise imports.
This move is in line with India’s energy self-sufficiency and net-zero emission targets by 2070.
According to experts, compatibility with vehicles and infrastructure is the critical factor for E100.
The government is also encouraging biofuel manufacturing and the ethanol supply chain.
E100 fuel is thus a significant step towards sustainable and clean transportation in India.

Impact of E100 Fuel on India’s Economy, Environment and Transport Sector

The E100 fuel (100% ethanol) proposal is likely to have a dramatic impact on India’s energy sector by minimising crude oil imports and boosting security. Official documents for government policy discussion on the Ethanol Blending Programme highlight that it can promote local biofuel production and reduce fossil fuel imports. Financially, it can reduce import costs and boost farmer income with increased sugarcane demand and feedstock. In terms of the environment, ethanol fuel contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions than petrol. There are also implications for the transport sector in terms of promoting flex-fuel vehicles and alternative transport for sustainable development.

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Conclusion – E100 Fuel in India to Promote Clean Energy

India’s proposed E100 fuel is a significant step towards green and sustainable energy. The move towards 100% ethanol fuel will help India move away from its reliance on imported oil and lower greenhouse emissions. It will also boost farmers with the growing demand for biofuel crops and help rural livelihoods. While there are issues with vehicle compatibility and infrastructure build-up, E100 fuel can revolutionise the transport sector and bring India closer towards its renewable energy and net-zero targets.

EPFO to Launch New Portal to Track Inoperative Accounts for Better Management

April 30, 2026

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is planning to roll out a new online portal for better monitoring of inoperative provident fund (PF) accounts. The project, called E-PRAAPTI (EPF Aadhaar-Based Access Portal for Tracking Inoperative Accounts), will assist members to find, merge and reactivate their existing PF accounts using Aadhaar-based verification. The initiative aims to enhance transparency, minimise unclaimed amounts, and make it easier to access retirement benefits. This will particularly ease the process for employees who started working before the roll-out of the Universal Account Number (UAN) system to manage long-pending or inoperative PF accounts.

EPFO New Portal for Inoperative Accounts: Key Features & Objectives

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is setting up a special portal – E-PRAAPTI – to handle inoperative provident fund (PF) accounts.
E-PRAAPTI stands for EPF Aadhaar-Based Access Portal for Tracking Inoperative Accounts.
The E-PRAAPTI portal will help the members locate and track inoperative PF accounts not linked with UAN.
It will help them to reactivate and link old accounts with the Universal Account Number (UAN).
It will enable users to access accounts using Aadhaar-based authentication.
It will help minimise manual processes and document requirements for PF accounts.
It will assist in minimising dormant PF accounts in India.
The portal will also help in tracking and settling funds.
This is particularly helpful for those who were employed before UAN (before 2014).
It will help members to update their profiles and consolidate their employment history.
The move will help in recovering unclaimed and dormant PF funds.
EPFO is trying to digitise, centralise and simplify PF management.
It will help in making PF funds more accessible and manageable.
The portal will initially be accessed through the member ID and will then be enhanced.
Overall, it will help in financial inclusion and secure management of the provident fund.

EPFO Static GK MCQs with Answers

When was EPFO established?
A) 1950
B) 1951
C) 1952
D) 1955
Answer: B) 1951 – to provide social security through provident fund benefits for employees in India.

EPFO is governed under which Act?
A) RBI Act, 1934
B) EPF & MP Act, 1952
C) Companies Act, 2013
D) Banking Regulation Act, 1949
Answer: B) EPF & MP Act, 1952 – with legal framework for provident fund, pension, and insurance schemes.

EPFO functions under which ministry?
A) Ministry of Finance
B) Ministry of Labour and Employment
C) Ministry of Home Affairs
D) Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Answer: B) Ministry of Labour and Employment – with responsibility for employee welfare and social security.

Who is the executive head of EPFO?
A) Governor
B) President
C) Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC)
D) Finance Minister
Answer: C) CPFC – with responsibility for administration and execution of EPFO schemes.

Who is the current chairman of EPFO’s CBT?
A) RBI Governor
B) Prime Minister
C) Mansukh Mandaviya
D) Finance Minister
Answer: C) Mansukh Mandaviya – with authority over policy decisions and governance of EPFO.

EPFO headquarters is located in the following:
A) Mumbai
B) Kolkata
C) New Delhi
D) Chennai
Answer: C) New Delhi – with central administrative control over all regional offices.

EPFO primarily deals with:
A) Tax collection
B) Provident fund and social security
C) Stock market regulation
D) Foreign trade
Answer: B) Provident fund and social security – with focus on retirement benefits for employees.

The governing body of EPFO is:
A) SEBI Board
B) Central Board of Trustees (CBT)
C) RBI Committee
D) NITI Aayog
Answer: B) CBT – with responsibility for policy formulation and governance of EPFO.

A Universal Account Number (UAN) is issued by:
A) RBI
B) EPFO
C) SEBI
D) NABARD
Answer: B) EPFO – to link multiple PF accounts of employees.

EPFO was created mainly for:
A) Banking regulation
B) Social security of employees
C) Tax collection
D) Export promotion
Answer: B) Social security of employees, to provide retirement benefits.

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Conclusion – EPFO to Launch New Portal E-PRAAPTI

EPFO’s E-PRAAPTI project is an important initiative to enhance transparency and efficiency in dealing with inoperative provident fund schemes. The portal, which will facilitate Aadhaar-based matching and access to old PF accounts, will enable employees to reclaim their lost PF accounts. This will save time, promote e-governance and improve financial inclusion. In essence, this initiative is an example of how EPFO is moving towards digitisation and offering a simple, secure and efficient system to millions of EPF members in the country.

Bangladesh’s First Nuclear Power Plant Rooppur Starts Fuel Loading

April 30, 2026

Bangladesh has taken a significant step toward a nuclear-powered future with the commencement of fuel loading at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, its first-ever nuclear power plant. This is the last step before power generation, and signals Bangladesh’s move into the world of nuclear energy. This involves inserting uranium fuel into the reactor and conducting testing and step-wise power generation. The project, built with Russia’s assistance, will boost energy security and help diversify away from fossil fuels. The Rooppur project is a significant step on the path to a clean and secure energy supply for Bangladesh.

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant: Key Facts, Features & Significance

On 28 April 2026, the fuel loading process at Unit-1 of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant commenced, signifying a significant milestone for Bangladesh’s energy sector.
It is the last step before nuclear power production, and following this, trial electricity generation will start.
This includes placing uranium fuel assemblies into the reactor core, which will initiate nuclear fission.
Once the fuel is loaded, the reactor will undergo several checks and tests for safe operation, gradually ramping up the power.
It is likely to have a trial power supply of 300 MW by August 2026.
It may take a few months after testing before commercial power generation starts, probably in 2027.
The Rooppur power station will have two 1,200 MW reactors, with a total capacity of 2,400 MW.
It is being undertaken by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission with Russian assistance.
The plant will generate 10-12% of Bangladesh’s total electricity demand when it is operational.
It will diversify the energy mix and enhance energy security.
It will also help reduce the carbon footprint and enable cleaner energy generation.
This will make Bangladesh the 33rd nation to produce nuclear power.

List of Nuclear Power Plants in India

Plant Name	Year	Location	Capacity (MW)
Tarapur Atomic Power Station	1969	Maharashtra	1400
Rajasthan Atomic Power Station	1973	Rawatbhata, Rajasthan	1180
Madras Atomic Power Station	1984	Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu	440
Narora Atomic Power Station	1991	Uttar Pradesh	440
Kakrapar Atomic Power Station	1993	Gujarat	1140
Kaiga Atomic Power Station	2000	Karnataka	880
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant	2013	Tamil Nadu	2000

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Conclusion – Bangladesh Nuclear Plant Rooppur Enters Fuel Loading Stage

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project is a significant milestone for Bangladesh as it moves into the fuel loading phase, paving the way to produce its own nuclear power. It is the last step before the plant starts producing electricity, with extensive testing and safety measures in place. The plant is set to boost energy security, decrease fossil fuel reliance and promote green growth in Bangladesh. In all, the project demonstrates international partnerships and is a significant step towards its strategic energy infrastructure plans.

RBI Launches Mission SAKSHAM for UCBs: Full Details, Objectives & Benefits

April 30, 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched Mission SAKSHAM – a national capacity development initiative for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). This mission seeks to improve governance, efficiency, and compliance among UCBs. It is a mission-mode project that prioritises capacity-building for all levels of bank employees, including the board and senior management. The mission, with its online and offline learning modules, will help RBI to develop a robust and professionally-driven cooperative banking sector. This programme underscores RBI’s commitment to achieving financial stability, improved risk management, and growth in the UCB sector.

RBI Mission SAKSHAM for UCBs: Objectives, Features & Benefits

RBI has launched a pan-India mission-mode capacity-building (MMCB) programme for urban cooperative banks (UCBs) – Mission SAKSHAM.
A key focus is to build management and operational capacities in the cooperative banking space.
It seeks to strengthen regulatory compliance and adherence to norms, resulting in sound governance.
The programme is directed towards enhancing institutional resilience, enabling UCBs to effectively manage financial and operational risks.
As part of the mission, the RBI will organise massive training courses to train 1.40 lakh participants in India.
This will include the board of directors, top management, risk managers, audit chiefs, IT professionals and others.
Training will be based on a blended model, with classroom and e-learning methods.
RBI will make the training material available to training participants in local languages for improved comprehension.
Mission SAKSHAM will be implemented in partnership with the Umbrella Organisation of UCBs and cooperative federations.
The development of a learning and development culture in banking is envisaged.
It will help UCBs embrace best practices, risk mitigation and internal control processes.
In short, Mission SAKSHAM is in line with the RBI’s commitment to creating a resilient, transparent and future-proof cooperative banking sector in India.

RBI Previous Year Questions (PYQs) for SSC, Banking & UPSC Exams

Exam Name	Year	Question	Options	Answer
UPSC Prelims	2020	With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements regarding UPI: UPI is developed by which organization?	A) RBI B) NPCI C) SEBI D) SBI	B) NPCI
SSC CGL	2022	Which institution issues currency notes in India?	A) SBI B) RBI C) SEBI D) NABARD	B) RBI
IBPS PO	2021	What does CRR stand for in banking?	A) Cash Reserve Ratio B) Credit Reserve Ratio C) Capital Reserve Ratio D) Current Reserve Ratio	A) Cash Reserve Ratio
SSC CHSL	2020	Who is known as the banker to the government in India?	A) SBI B) RBI C) NABARD D) SEBI	B) RBI
RBI Grade B	2021	Repo rate is the rate at which RBI lends money to:	A) Public B) Banks C) NBFCs D) Government	B) Banks
IBPS Clerk	2022	Which organization manages UPI in India?	A) RBI B) NPCI C) SEBI D) SIDBI	B) NPCI
UPSC Prelims	2019	Which of the following best describes ‘Repo Rate’?	A) Rate of borrowing by RBI B) Rate at which RBI lends to banks C) Rate of tax D) Rate of inflation	B) Rate at which RBI lends to banks
SSC MTS	2021	Which bank is called the central bank of India?	A) SBI B) RBI C) PNB D) ICICI	B) RBI
SBI PO	2020	Reverse Repo Rate is the rate at which RBI:	A) Borrows from banks B) Lends to banks C) Gives loan to public D) None	A) Borrows from banks
NABARD Grade A	2021	Which institution regulates NBFCs in India?	A) SEBI B) RBI C) NABARD D) SIDBI	B) RBI

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Conclusion – RBI Launches Mission SAKSHAM

The Reserve Bank of India’s mission SAKSHAM is an important move to enhance the capacity and governance of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in India. The mission will improve the capabilities, compliance and risk management processes of UCBs to build a stronger and more efficient banking system. It will also better prepare UCBs to face future financial risks and regulatory changes. In short, Mission SAKSHAM is a testament to RBI’s focus on stability, security and sustainable growth in the cooperative banking system, which benefits both banks and their customers in India.