April 6, 2026 - Current Affairs

Challenges to Trade Multilateralism amid WTO Crisis

Context

The World Trade Organization’s Fourteenth Ministerial Conference (MC14), held in Yaoundé, highlighted growing divisions and institutional weaknesses within the WTO.

Breakdown of Key Moratoriums

End of E-Commerce Moratorium: Since 1998, WTO members had agreed not to impose customs duties on digital trade.

MC14 failed to extend this moratorium, which lapsed on March 31, 2026.

Countries are now free to impose tariffs on electronic transmissions.

The Executive Office without a Limit

Context

India has developed a convention limiting a third presidential term, but the Constitution places no such restriction on the Prime Minister’s tenure.

Restricting Executive Tenure

Restricting executive tenure means placing a constitutional or legal limit on the duration or number of terms an executive can hold office.

It ensures that no individual can remain in power indefinitely, promoting periodic leadership change.

Such restrictions are commonly found in presidential systems, like the United States, where the President is limited to two terms.

BSF’s Proposal to Use Reptiles Along Bangladesh Border

Context

The Border Security Force (BSF) is exploring the use of natural deterrents like snakes and crocodiles in riverine stretches of the India–Bangladesh Border, where fencing is not feasible.

India–Bangladesh Border: Key Facts

The India–Bangladesh border, stretching approximately 4,096.7 km, is India’s longest international boundary.

Out of this, around 3,232 km has been fenced, while about 864 km remains unfenced, including nearly 174 km of non-feasible gaps.

These gaps exist due to rivers (such as the Ichhamati, Raimangal, and Haribhanga), frequent flooding, and difficult terrain, especially in the Sundarbans region.

Indian Ports have to transform using AI

Context

The major ports in India have, over the last few years, transformed into smart ports, with IT and automation bringing about major gains in efficiencies.

About

Platforms such as National Logistics Portal (Marine), Sagar Setu, and e-Samudra have digitised port operations.

However, the next phase requires “intelligent ports” powered by AI, moving from digitisation to data-driven decision-making.

News In Short 06-04-2026

Context

The major ports of India handled 915.17 million tonnes (MT) of cargo in FY 2025–26, exceeding the target of 904 MT and recording a 7.06% year-on-year growth.

About

There are 14 major ports out of which 12 Major Ports are in Operation and 200 non-major ports (minor ports) in the country.

New ports: Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra and Galathea Bay Port in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, have been notified as Major Ports.

While the Major Ports are under the administrative control of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the non-major ports are under the jurisdiction of respective State Maritime Boards/ State Government.