29th APRIL CURRENT AFFAIRS

1.UAE Exits OPEC & OPEC+

Key Event: The UAE has officially announced its withdrawal from OPEC and the OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1, 2026.

Reasons: The decision stems from long-standing disagreements over production quotas, a desire for greater flexibility in oil production, and national economic diversification goals.

OPEC

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent, intergovernmental organisation based in Vienna, Austria, that has the objective of coordinating and unifying petroleum policies among member states.

It was originally created at the Baghdad Conference in September 1960 by five oil-producing founding states, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.

At that time, global oil markets were dominated by a group of powerful Western oil companies, known as the “Seven Sisters,” which controlled production and set prices.

OPEC+ (formed 2016) is a wider alliance including all OPEC members plus 10 non-OPEC nations, most notably Russia, which together produce nearly 50% of global oil.

OPEC currently has 12 members, including, aside from the UAE: Algeria, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.

2. The SC declared the "Right to Safe Road Travel" as a fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life).

District magistrates shall enforce demolition/removal of all new or existing unauthorised structures within 60 days, in terms of the CNH (The Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002) Act

In every district wherever the national highway passes through, the concerned district magistrate within 15 days of this order constitute a district highway safety task force in every district across India within seven days of this order

National highways constitute two per cent of India's total road length but account for nearly 30 per cent of all road fatalities,

3. RTE Act -Mandates 25% reservation in private schools

Why in News - RTE Act - Section 12(1)(c): Mandates 25% reservation in private schools for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups.

Judicial Note: The SC reaffirmed that this provision is a "bold constitutional experiment" for social integrationRight to Education Act (RTE) provided free and compulsory education to children in 2009 and enforced it as a fundamental right under Article 21-A.

Originally Part IV of Indian Constitution, Article 45 and Article 39 (f) of DPSP, had a provision for state funded as well as equitable and accessible education.

The first official document on the Right to Education was Ramamurti Committee Report in 1990.

In 1993, the SC landmark judgment in the Unnikrishnan JP vs State of Andhra Pradesh held that Education is a Fundamental rightfrom Article 21

The 86th amendment to the constitution of India in 2002, provided Right to Education as a fundamental right in part-III of the Constitution.

The same amendment inserted Article 21A which made Right to Education a fundamental right for children between 6-14 years.

Sameamendment providedlegislation for Right to Education Act 2009.

The act mandates 25% reservation for disadvantaged sections of the society where disadvantaged groups include:

SCs and STs

Socially Backward Class

Differently abled

Five states—Goa, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Telangana—have not issued notifications for reserving 25% of seats for underprivileged children in private unaided schools

4April 29, 1939, Subhas Chandra Bose resigned as President of the Indian National Congress

On April 29, 1939, Subhas Chandra Bose resigned as President of the Indian National Congress, which directly led to the formation of the All India Forward Bloc

In Jan 1939, Bose was re-elected president (1,580 votes) against Gandhi's candidate, Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramayya (1,377 votes),opposing popular opinion.

Gandhi's Stance: Gandhi viewed Sitaramayya's defeat as his own "personal blow".

Unable to reconcile differences, Bose resigned on April 29, 1939, and was succeeded by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

He formed the All India Forward Bloc on May 3, 1939, as a left-wing faction within the Indian National Congress to unite radical elements and accelerate the struggle for complete independence.

First session held in Nagpur from June 20-22, 1940, defining the new party’s constitution.

Bose served as President and Sardul Singh Kavishar as Vice President.

A dedicated newspaper, Forward Bloc, was launched

5. Prehistoric Rock Art Founded Near Kothagiri

Prehistoric rock art shelter located approximately 1,100 metres above sea level near Kotagiri.

The newly identified site adds to the rich archaeological landscape of the Nilgiris, which includes other famous rock art locations like Eluthuparai and Tholikkiparai.

Location and Access: Situated northwest of Vellarikombai.

Artistic Style: All figures are executed using red ochre.

Identifiable Figures: The site contains 30 clear figures, including human forms, anthropomorphic figures with conical headdresses, and elongated-limbed figures.

Symbolism: Ritual symbols such as dot-filled rectangular patterns and ladder-like body structures suggest strong ties to prehistoric supernatural beliefs

vThe rock art site is considered sacred to the Irula and Kurumba communities, who have inhabited the Nilgiri biospehere for centuries

Irula Tribe

One of the oldest indigenous communities in South India, recognized as a Scheduled Tribe who arereside in the Nilgiri Mountains across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Key Characteristics: Historically known for their expertise in snake and rat catching, as well as their deep knowledge of herbal medicine and forest produce collection.

Kurumba Tribe

An ethnic group traditionally linked to the ancient Pallava empire, now living as a forest-dwelling tribe who lives in the mid-to-lower elevations of the Nilgiri hills, often in proximity to steep cliffs.

Key Characteristics: They are renowned for their traditional honey-gathering skills