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Current Affairs 5 April 2026

Political Funding 

  • About: Political funding refers to the methods and sources through which political parties and candidates raise financial resources to cover their operational costs, election campaigns, and party activities. 
  • Primary Sources: Political parties in India generally receive funds through the following channels: 
  • Individual Donations: Voluntary contributions from citizens; donations above Rs 2,000 must be made through non-cash modes (cheque/digital). 
  • Corporate Funding: Companies can donate to parties, provided they disclose the total amount in their Profit and Loss account (Section 182 of the Companies Act, 2013). 
  • Electoral Trusts: Electoral Trusts collect corporate and individual donations for political parties (cash transactions prohibited). They must distribute 95% of annual funds to registered parties, retaining only 5% for administrative costs. 
  • Public/State Funding: In some countries (though not fully in India), the government provides funds to parties based on their performance in previous elections. Currently, India has “indirect” state funding, such as free airtime on public broadcasters and subsidized land for party offices. 

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G)?  

  • About: PMAY-G  aims to provide a permanent (pucca) house with basic amenities to all houseless rural households and those living in kutcha or dilapidated dwellings, thereby improving living standards and ensuring dignity and security for the rural poor. 
  • It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and was launched in 2016, restructuring the earlier Indira Awaas Yojana to achieve the goal of “Housing for All.”  
  • Selection: The selection of beneficiaries involves a thorough three-stage validation process, including the Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011, Gram Sabha approvals, and geo-tagging, ensuring that aid reaches the most deserving individuals.  
  • Cost Sharing: The Centre and states share expenses in the 60:40 ratio in the case of plain areas, and 90:10 for Northeastern states, two Himalayan states (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) and the Union Territory(UT) of J&K.   
  • The Centre bears 100% cost in the case of other UTs including Ladakh.  

Petrochemical Products? 

  • About: Petrochemical products are the fundamental chemical “building blocks” derived from petroleum or natural gas. They serve as the starting point for 95% of all manufactured goods, from medical devices to renewable energy components. 
  • Categorizes: They are categorized into 3 main groups based on their chemical structure: 
  • Olefins (Alkanes): Olefins are the most widely produced petrochemicals and are primarily used to create plastics and synthetic rubber. E.g., 
  • Ethylene: Primary raw material for Polyethylene (PE)—the most common plastic used in packaging, bottles, and films. 
  • Propylene: Critical for making Polypropylene (PP), which is used in automotive parts, textiles, and heat-resistant food containers. 
  • Butadiene: The essential ingredient for Synthetic Rubber, used extensively in the manufacturing of vehicle tires and gaskets. 

INS Aridaman 

  • About: INS Aridhaman is India’s 3rd nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) of the Arihant-class after INS Arihant (2016) and INS Arighat (2024). It has been developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project. 
  • INS Arihant: Commissioned in 2016, the 6,000-tonne INS Arihant established the sea leg of India’s nuclear triad and completed its first deterrence patrol in 2018. 
  • INS Arighaat: Building on the success of INS Arihant, the 2nd SSBN, INS Arighaat, was commissioned in 2024, further stabilising India’s continuous presence in deep waters. 
  • Enhanced Missile Capacity: The 7,000-tonne INS Aridaman features 8 vertical launching system tubes, allowing it to carry a larger payload of K-15 (700 km range) and K-4 (3,500 km range) Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs). 
  • Nuclear Triad & 2nd-Strike Capability: The commissioning of INS Aridaman solidifies India’s nuclear triad—the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land (Agni missiles), air (Rafale, Su-30MKI), and sea—ensuring a credible 2nd-strike capability in alignment with the “No First Use” nuclear doctrine. 
  • Operational Milestone: With this commissioning, India solidifies its position among a select group of nations—including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and China—capable of operating an undersea nuclear deterrent. 
  • Future Strategic Roadmap: India is currently constructing a 4th SSBN (codenamed S-4*, likely to enter service in 2027) and pursuing a Nuclear-powered Attack Submarine (SSN) programme, alongside Project-75I for advanced conventional submarines equipped with AIP (Air-Independent Propulsion) technology.