April 2026: Amaravati became Andhra Pradesh's permanent capital in law, the women's reservation fast-track amendment failed in the Lok Sabha, Kalpakkam's fast breeder reactor went critical and the West Asia conflict hit the rupee and oil markets.

In this compilation: 31 major items, grouped by GS theme · 10-question quiz at the end.

Timeline: key events of April 2026

Places in news, April 2026

Polity & Governance

1. Amaravati named Andhra Pradesh's permanent capital

• The Lok Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
• It names Amaravati the sole and permanent capital of the state.
• It ends years of uncertainty after the "three capitals" plan.

Why it matters for UPSC: Parliament's power to amend reorganisation laws (Articles 3–4).

Syllabus: GS2 – Union and states

2. Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill defeated in the Lok Sabha

• The Bill sought to speed up the 33% reservation for women in legislatures.
• That quota came from the 106th Amendment (2023) but starts only after the next census and delimitation.
• The Bill failed to win the special majority needed under Article 368.

Why it matters for UPSC: Rare defeat of an amendment Bill; links to delimitation and women's representation.

Syllabus: GS2 – Women's reservation

3. Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026

• The Lok Sabha passed it to decriminalise minor offences in many laws.
• It moves from jail terms to fines and penalties for small violations.
• It follows the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023.

Why it matters for UPSC: Trust-based governance and ease of doing business.

Syllabus: GS2 – Governance