Daily Current Affairs 7 April 2026: Amravati Capital Confirmation, CSAR Missions & GSC-7 Mustard

Daily Current Affairs 7 April 2026 offers an academic overview of recent developments and their foundational concepts relevant for competitive exams. It delves into the systemic issue of custodial torture in India, exploring its types, statistics, and legal protections. 

Furthermore, it details the political and historical journey of Amravati as Andhra Pradesh's capital, discusses specialized Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions, celebrates National Maritime Day, and commemorates the significant contributions of Babu Jagjivan Ram to social justice and national defense. It also highlights agricultural innovation with the new GSC-7 mustard variety.

Custodial Torture

Custodial torture refers to the ill-treatment of individuals while they are in custody. This can manifest in various forms:

• Physical Torture: Involves acts such as beating, electric shocks, and sexual assault.

• Psychological Torture: Includes threats, sleep deprivation, and forced confessions.

Case Example: P. Jayaraj and Fenix (2020)

In 2020, P. Jayaraj and his son Fenix were arrested in Tamil Nadu for allegedly violating COVID-19 lockdown rules. Both suffered brutal beatings in police custody, which tragically led to their deaths. This incident garnered widespread media attention, resulting in nine policemen being found responsible and sentenced to death, significantly highlighting the issue of deaths in police custody.

Custodial Deaths Statistics (India)

Over the past six years, India has reported more than 11,000 custodial deaths. Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu record particularly high incidents. Tamil Nadu alone accounts for approximately 100 custodial deaths per year (around 500 over five years). A significant social dimension reveals that many victims in Tamil Nadu belong to Scheduled Castes, indicating a potential link to caste discrimination.

Legal Safeguards Against Custodial Torture in India

Several legal provisions exist to protect individuals from custodial torture:

Constitutional Provisions:

• Article 14: Ensures Equality Before Law.

• Article 20(3) (earlier Article 23 in some older references, but more accurately 20(3)): Provides Protection Against Self-Incrimination, prohibiting compelling individuals to confess against themselves.

• Article 21: Guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty.

• Article 22: Offers Protection against Arbitrary Detention, requiring due process during arrests.

• Statutory Laws: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam all contain provisions aimed at preventing custodial torture.

Landmark Indian Judicial Cases

• D.K. Basu vs. State of West Bengal: This landmark Supreme Court case issued 11 mandatory guidelines for arrest procedures. Key guidelines include the preparation of an arrest memo, medical examination of the arrested person, and provision of proper legal representation.

• State of U.P. vs. Ram Sagar Yadav: Another relevant case contributing to the jurisprudence against custodial torture.

International Safeguards

• United Nations Charter: Upholds general human dignity.

• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): India is a signatory to this covenant.

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): A foundational document for human rights.

• UN Convention Against Torture: India has signed this treaty but has not yet ratified it.

Amravati as the Capital of Andhra Pradesh

The quest for a permanent capital has been a defining feature of Andhra Pradesh's political and geographical identity since the state's inception. Following decades of shifting administrative centers and recent legislative debates, the focus has now returned to Amravati as the cornerstone of the state's future. To understand the significance of this confirmation, it is essential to trace the historical journey of the Telugu-speaking regions.

Historical Context of Andhra Pradesh

Before 1953, Telugu-speaking regions were part of the Madras Presidency, with Chennai as its capital. Following the significant protest and death of Potti Sriramulu for a separate Telugu-speaking state, Andhra Pradesh was formed in 1953, with Kurnool as its initial capital. Subsequently, under the State Reorganisation Act, Andhra State and the Telangana region merged, making Hyderabad the capital.

Bifurcation and New Capital Decisions (Post-2014)

In 2014, the Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, exercising its power under Article 3 of the Constitution to form new states. This Act created the new state of Telangana. Hyderabad was designated as the joint capital for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for a period of 10 years (2014-2024). After this period, Andhra Pradesh was tasked with developing its own new capital, with Amravati initially decided as the choice.

Three-Capital Proposal and Its Reversal

After the 2019 state elections, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy proposed a three-capital model: Visakhapatnam (Executive), Amravati (Legislative), and Kurnool (Judicial). This proposal met with significant discontent from farmers in Amravati who had contributed land under the Land Pooling Scheme. 

This scheme involved farmers voluntarily providing approximately 33,000 acres of land to the government in return for developed plots and an annual annuity, distinct from land acquisition.

The issue eventually went to the High Court, which ruled against the three-capital formula. The subsequent new Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, reaffirmed Amravati as the sole capital. The Parliament then passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill 2026, confirming Amravati as the sole, permanent Capital of Andhra Pradesh, aiming to resolve confusion and facilitate development. 

Amravati is envisioned as a planned Greenfield city near the Krishna River, aspiring to "Singapore-like" infrastructure, though concerns about ecological impact, agricultural land loss, and flood risk persist.

CSAR Mission (Combat Search and Rescue Mission)

A Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Mission is designed to locate, aid, and recover injured soldiers during wartime, ensuring they do not die due to lack of timely assistance. Originating with the US military, these missions emphasize the responsibility to recover their personnel. Historically deployed since World War I, notably in 1943 (Burma), 1944, World War II, and the Vietnam War, they remain relevant in modern conflicts. CSAR missions involve specialist personnel who are trained as both combatants and paramedics. 

Their rigorous training, lasting approximately two years, includes parachuting, diving, and survival techniques. The motto, "These Things We Do, That Others May Live," embodies the principle of "Living No One Behind." Operations often utilize helicopters like the Black Hawk.

National Maritime Day

National Maritime Day is celebrated annually on 5th April. This day highlights the critical role of India's maritime heritage in boosting trade, connectivity, and economic growth. The date commemorates the historic voyage of SS Loyalty, the first Indian-owned ship, which sailed from Mumbai to London on 5th April 1919, marking India's entry into global shipping. The current year's theme is "Maritime India Empowering the Progress."

India's maritime heritage dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization, with evidence of trade with Mesopotamia, Rome, and Southeast Asia, facilitated by monsoon winds. This heritage expanded through shipbuilding, ports, and vast shipping networks. Currently, approximately 90% of India's trade by volume is conducted via maritime transport. Government initiatives like SagarMala (focused on port-led development) and the Blue Economy are integral to India's contemporary maritime strategy.

Babu Jagjivan Ram

Babu Jagjivan Ram, born in Bihar, was a prominent Dalit leader who studied at Banaras Hindu University and the University of Calcutta. He faced significant caste-based oppression and discrimination throughout his life.

He played an important role in the Indian freedom struggle as part of the Indian National Congress, actively participating in the Quit India Movement. He championed social justice, fighting against caste discrimination and untouchability, and advocating for the protection of Scheduled Castes and minorities. 

His contributions influenced concepts of social justice reflected in the Constitution, such as Article 17 (abolition of untouchability). He founded organizations like the Akhil Bharatiya Ravidas Mahasabha, Khetihar Mazdoor Sabha (for farmers), and the All India Depressed Classes League.

In his distinguished political career, he was a member of the Constituent Assembly, served as Labor Minister, and notably as Defense Minister during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, which led to India's victory and the formation of Bangladesh. For his efforts during the war, he was awarded the "Friends of Liberation War" honor by Bangladesh. 

He also served as Deputy Prime Minister. His birth anniversary on 5th April is celebrated as "Samta Diwas" (Equality Day), commemorating his dedication to equality. The Samta Sthal Memorial in New Delhi and the Babu Jagjivan Ram National Foundation perpetuate his ideals.

Double Zero Mustard Variety GSC-7

The Double Zero Mustard Variety GSC-7 was developed by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. The "GSC" in its name stands for Gobhi Sarson Canola-7.

Key Characteristics:

• Erucic Acid Content: Significantly reduced to less than 2%, making it suitable as an edible oil and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• Glucosinolate Content: Reduced to less than 30 micromoles per gram, enhancing its nutritional quality.

• Canola Quality Standards: Meets international canola quality standards, facilitating its acceptance in global markets.

• Non-Genetically Modified (Non-GM): GSC-7 is a non-GM crop.

Benefits of GSC-7:

• For Farmers: Offers a higher oil yield of approximately 40%, compared to 32% in normal mustard, leading to increased profitability. This may encourage a shift from traditional wheat and paddy cultivation to mustard.

• For Consumers: Provides improved heart health benefits due to low erucic acid and better cholesterol management. It also possesses a high smoke point, allowing for repeated frying without oil degradation, making it versatile for various cooking applications.