Q.1) ‘Yana Caves’ has been declared a ‘Geo-heritage Site of National Importance’. In which state are these caves located?
Ans > Karnataka
- Location: Yana Caves are located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, nestled within the Western Ghats — a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot.
- Geo-heritage Declaration: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has declared Yana Caves a ‘Geo-heritage Site of National Importance’, recognising their exceptional geological and ecological significance.
- Geological Features: Yana Caves are famous for their unique black crystalline limestone (karst) rock formations, including two massive towering rock outcrops called Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara, formed over millions of years.
- Religious Significance: Beyond geology, Yana is also a major pilgrimage site associated with Lord Bhairaveshwara and Goddess Mohini, drawing thousands of devotees alongside trekkers and nature enthusiasts every year.
Q.3) Which two languages were recently granted official language status by Meghalaya alongside English?
Ans > Khasi and Garo
- Official Languages: The Meghalaya government officially granted official language status to Khasi and Garo alongside English, recognising the two most widely spoken indigenous languages of the state.
- About Khasi: Khasi is spoken primarily by the Khasi and Jaintia communities in the eastern and central parts of Meghalaya and has a rich oral and literary tradition, as well as its own script.
- About Garo: Garo is spoken by the Garo people, primarily in the western districts of Meghalaya (Garo Hills). It belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family of languages and has a distinct writing system.
- Significance: This decision is a major step in preserving the linguistic and cultural identity of Meghalaya’s indigenous communities and will enable greater use of these languages in government administration, education, and public services.
Q.6) Which state government approved the formation of a committee to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) framework in April 2026?
Ans > Chhattisgarh
- Key Decision: The Chhattisgarh state cabinet approved the constitution of a high-level committee to draft a framework for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within the state.
- About UCC: The Uniform Civil Code proposes a single set of civil laws governing matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens regardless of their religious affiliation, replacing religion-based personal laws.
- National Context: Uttarakhand was the first state to enact a UCC (January 2024). Chhattisgarh joining the initiative signals growing momentum for UCC adoption across BJP-governed states.
- Constitutional Provision: UCC is a Directive Principle of State Policy under Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which states that the State shall endeavour to secure a UCC for all citizens throughout the territory of India.
Q.12) Who has been elected as the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha for a historic third consecutive term in April 2026?
Ans > Harivansh Narayan Singh
- Historic Achievement: Harivansh Narayan Singh was elected as the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha for a historic third consecutive term in April 2026, making him the longest-serving Deputy Chairman in the history of the upper house of India’s Parliament.
- Political Background: He is a Janata Dal (United) politician and a member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He is also known for his background as a senior journalist, having edited the prominent Hindi newspaper Prabhat Khabar for many years.
- About the Post: The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides over the sessions of the upper house in the absence of the Chairman (Vice President of India) and plays a key role in managing parliamentary proceedings.
- Significance: His unprecedented third consecutive election to this constitutional post reflects his broad acceptability across political parties and his distinguished conduct of parliamentary proceedings during his previous tenures.
Q.16) In April 2026, where did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurate the third edition of ‘Saansad Khel Mahakumbh’?
Ans > Lucknow
- Inauguration: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the third edition of ‘Saansad Khel Mahakumbh’ in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in April 2026.
- About Saansad Khel Mahakumbh: The Saansad Khel Mahakumbh is a sports initiative launched by Members of Parliament to promote grassroots sports talent at the constituency level, encouraging youth participation in a wide range of sports disciplines.
- Significance: The event serves as a platform to identify and nurture local sporting talent, providing young athletes from rural and semi-urban areas a stage to showcase their abilities and potentially get connected to national sports programmes.
- Lucknow Connection: Rajnath Singh represents the Lucknow Lok Sabha constituency, making the third edition a particularly significant event for his constituency’s youth and sports development agenda.
Q.9) Which state’s team has won the title of the 16th Hockey India Sub-Junior Men’s National Championship 2026?
Ans > Uttar Pradesh
- Champions: The Uttar Pradesh team won the title of the 16th Hockey India Sub-Junior Men’s National Championship 2026, clinching the top honour in this prestigious junior hockey tournament.
- Tournament Significance: The Hockey India Sub-Junior Men’s National Championship is a key breeding ground for identifying India’s future hockey talent. Players who excel at this level are considered for the Junior India national team selection process.
- Hockey India’s Role: Hockey India, the national governing body for field hockey, organises this championship annually to nurture the sport at the grassroots level across all states and union territories of India.
- UP Hockey: Uttar Pradesh’s victory reflects growing investment in hockey development in the state. UP has historically produced talented players for both national and international competitions in the sport.
Q.17) Who has launched the ‘Sports Genomics Program’ to map the DNA of talented athletes?
Ans > Gujarat
- Launching State: The Gujarat state government launched the pioneering ‘Sports Genomics Program’ to systematically map and analyse the DNA of talented young athletes within the state.
- Purpose: The programme aims to use genetic profiling to identify athletes’ natural predispositions towards specific sports disciplines, enabling coaches and sports scientists to tailor training programmes and select sportspersons for disciplines that best match their genetic strengths.
- Scientific Basis: Sports genomics analyses specific genetic markers associated with muscle composition, oxygen utilisation efficiency, injury susceptibility, endurance, and explosive strength — all of which significantly influence an athlete’s performance in different sports.
- Global Trend: Several countries including Australia, the USA, and China already use genomic data in elite sports programmes. Gujarat’s initiative makes it one of the first Indian states to formally integrate sports genomics into its talent identification framework.
Q.11) Which company has been selected to launch the Rosalind Franklin Rover to Mars in 2028?
Ans > SpaceX
- Selection: SpaceX — the American private space exploration company founded by Elon Musk — has been selected as the launch provider for the Rosalind Franklin Rover mission to Mars, scheduled for launch in 2028.
- About the Rosalind Franklin Rover: The Rosalind Franklin Rover is a joint scientific mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency. It is named after the pioneering British chemist Dr. Rosalind Franklin, known for her crucial contributions to understanding the molecular structure of DNA.
- Mission Objective: The primary objective of the Rosalind Franklin mission is to drill up to 2 metres below the Martian surface to search for signs of past or present life (biosignatures), as the sub-surface is better shielded from harmful radiation than the Martian surface.
- Background: The mission was originally a joint ESA-Roscosmos (Russia) project called ExoMars, but Russia’s participation was suspended following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The mission was subsequently redesigned with a new launch vehicle, and SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket was chosen.
Q.14) In April 2026, where did the Indian Army launch its first ‘Blue Water Sailing Expedition – Samudra Sahas’ to commemorate the 200th year of its ‘Regiment of Artillery’?
Ans > Mumbai
- Launch Location: The Indian Army launched its first-ever ‘Blue Water Sailing Expedition — Samudra Sahas’ from Mumbai in April 2026.
- Occasion: The expedition was launched to commemorate the bicentennial (200th anniversary) of the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army, one of the oldest and most decorated regiments in the Indian Army’s history.
- About Blue Water Sailing: Blue Water Sailing refers to offshore or ocean sailing — sailing on the open sea far from the coast — as opposed to coastal or inland sailing. It represents a test of seamanship, navigation, endurance, and teamwork in challenging open ocean conditions.
- Significance: The Samudra Sahas expedition showcases the Indian Army’s spirit of adventure, its expanding maritime awareness, and its commitment to promoting adventure sports and physical excellence among its personnel.
Q.4) Punjab government has partnered with which institute to develop an AI-based system for real-time crime tracking?
Ans > IIT Ropar
- Partnership: The Punjab government has partnered with IIT Ropar (Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar) to jointly develop a cutting-edge AI-based system for real-time crime tracking and predictive policing across the state.
- System Capabilities: The AI system is designed to analyse data from multiple sources — including CCTV feeds, police records, FIR data, and social media — to detect crime patterns, predict high-risk zones, and enable faster police response to emerging threats.
- About IIT Ropar: IIT Ropar is a premier technical institute located in Rupnagar, Punjab. It has emerged as a leading research institution with strong capabilities in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics applications.
- Significance: This AI-driven initiative represents a transformative shift in Punjab’s law enforcement approach, moving from reactive policing to proactive, data-driven crime prevention that can help reduce response times and improve public safety outcomes.
Q.7) C-DAC, Hyderabad has launched a cybersecurity awareness training program named ‘e-SafeHER’ for rural India in collaboration with which organization?
Ans > Reliance Foundation
- Collaboration: C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing), Hyderabad launched the ‘e-SafeHER’ cybersecurity awareness training programme in collaboration with Reliance Foundation to reach 1 million Cyber Sakhis across rural India.
- Programme Objective: e-SafeHER aims to empower rural women with digital safety knowledge and cybersecurity skills, enabling them to protect themselves from online fraud, cyber harassment, identity theft, and digital financial scams.
- Cyber Sakhis: The programme trains community-level women ‘Cyber Sakhis’ (cyber friends) who then become local cybersecurity ambassadors in their villages, spreading digital safety awareness in their communities in regional languages.
- Significance: As rural India rapidly digitalises with increasing smartphone and UPI adoption, cybersecurity literacy becomes essential. e-SafeHER addresses a critical gender and geographic gap in digital safety awareness, particularly among first-generation internet users.
Q.18) Who won the gold medal for India at the 15th European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad 2026?
Ans > Shreya Shantanu Mundhada
- Gold Medallist: Shreya Shantanu Mundhada won the gold medal for India at the 15th European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) 2026, bringing recognition to Indian mathematical talent on the global stage.
- About EGMO: The European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) is an annual international mathematics competition exclusively for female students. Despite its name, it is open to participants from all over the world, not just Europe.
- India at EGMO: India has been participating in EGMO and has consistently fielded strong teams. The performance at EGMO also serves as a key metric for identifying India’s top female mathematical talent for training towards the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
- Significance: Shreya’s gold medal performance is an inspiration for young girls in India pursuing mathematics and STEM fields, demonstrating that Indian female students can compete and excel at the highest levels of international mathematical competition.
Q.19) Researchers have discovered anti-cancer potential in the traditional herbal formulation used by which tribe of Nagaland?
Ans > Konyak
- Discovery: Researchers discovered significant anti-cancer potential in a traditional herbal formulation that has been used for generations by the Konyak tribe of Nagaland, one of the most prominent indigenous communities of Northeast India.
- About the Konyak Tribe: The Konyak tribe is one of the largest tribes in Nagaland, primarily inhabiting the Mon district. They are known for their distinctive cultural traditions, warrior history, intricate tattoo art, and deep knowledge of medicinal plants from the region’s biodiversity-rich forests.
- Scientific Importance: Identifying anti-cancer bioactive compounds in traditional ethnobotanical sources validates centuries of indigenous knowledge and can lead to the development of novel, natural cancer therapeutics with potentially fewer side effects than current synthetic drugs.
- Broader Impact: This discovery underscores the urgent need to document and legally protect the traditional knowledge of India’s tribal communities, ensuring that any commercialisation of discoveries derived from their heritage provides equitable benefits back to the originating communities.
Q.10) Which scheme’s second phase, with an initial corpus of ₹10,000 crore, did the Central Government approve in April 2026 to support the startup ecosystem?
Ans > Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0
- Approval: The Central Government approved the second phase of the Startup India Fund of Funds (FoF) 2.0 in April 2026 with an initial corpus of ₹10,000 crore, significantly scaling up its commitment to India’s startup ecosystem.
- Fund of Funds Model: Unlike direct investment, the Fund of Funds model works by investing in SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which in turn invest in startups. This multiplier approach ensures wider capital distribution across the ecosystem.
- Phase 1 Success: The first phase of Startup India FoF catalysed significant private capital investment into Indian startups, making India the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem with over 1 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups.
- Phase 2 Focus: Startup India FoF 2.0 is designed to prioritise deep-tech, climate-tech, agri-tech, and social impact startups, sectors that are critical for India’s long-term sustainable growth but often struggle to attract early-stage venture capital.
Q.20) According to the IMF’s ‘World Economic Outlook’ report released in April 2026, India has become which largest economy in the world?
Ans > 6th
- 6th Largest Economy: India is currently ranked as the 6th largest economy in the world based on nominal GDP.
- Overtaken by Peers: In this latest report, India’s ranking slipped, placing it behind the United Kingdom and Japan, which are clustered in the $4 to $4.5 trillion GDP range.
- Currency Depreciation Impact: The drop in ranking is primarily attributed to the depreciation of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar over the past year. Because global GDP rankings are measured in current US dollars, a weaker rupee compresses the dollar value of India’s economic output.
- Unchanged Domestic Growth: The IMF emphasizes that this drop in rank does not indicate a structural slowdown. India fundamentally retains its status as the fastest-growing major economy in the world, with strong real GDP growth driven by domestic demand.
Q.2) India and New Zealand are set to sign the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on which date?
Ans > April 27, 2026
- FTA Date: India and New Zealand are set to sign the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 27, 2026, marking a landmark development in bilateral trade relations between the two countries.
- Trade Relationship: India and New Zealand share strong trade ties, with New Zealand being a significant source of dairy products, wool, horticulture, and education services for India. The FTA aims to significantly expand bilateral trade in both goods and services.
- Key Sectors: For India, the FTA is expected to enhance market access for IT services, pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, and food processing products in the New Zealand market. For New Zealand, it provides improved access for dairy, meat, and agricultural products.
- India’s FTA Strategy: India has been actively negotiating FTAs with multiple countries, including the UK, EU, and Gulf nations, as part of its broader strategy to integrate deeper into global value chains and boost exports under the Viksit Bharat vision.
Q.5) Which country recently joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative to strengthen semiconductor and technology supply chains?
Ans > Philippines
- New Member: The Philippines recently joined the US-led ‘Pax Silica’ initiative, a strategic partnership focused on strengthening semiconductor and advanced technology supply chains among like-minded democracies.
- About Pax Silica: Pax Silica (meaning ‘Silicon Peace’) is a US-led multilateral initiative designed to build resilient and secure supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals, and related technologies, reducing dependence on any single dominant supplier nation.
- Philippines’ Role: The Philippines has been building its electronics and semiconductor assembly sector for decades and is already an important node in the global semiconductor supply chain, particularly in back-end manufacturing (chip packaging and testing).
- Strategic Context: The Pax Silica initiative gains significance amid ongoing global semiconductor shortages and growing concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities. It complements other US-led frameworks like the Chip 4 Alliance and IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework).
Q.8) Which Indian-origin personality has been honored as the ‘Global Cultural Ambassador’ at the Asian Excellence Awards 2026?
Ans > Vikas Khanna
- Honour: Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna was honored as the ‘Global Cultural Ambassador’ at the Asian Excellence Awards 2026, recognising his extraordinary contributions to elevating Indian cuisine and culture on the global stage.
- About Vikas Khanna: Vikas Khanna is a Michelin-starred chef, filmmaker, humanitarian, and author born in Amritsar, Punjab. He rose to international fame through his role as a judge on MasterChef India and his acclaimed New York City restaurant Junoon.
- Humanitarian Work: Beyond cooking, Khanna is celebrated for his humanitarian initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he distributed over 50 million meals to underprivileged communities across India and coordinated the delivery of essential medical equipment.
- Asian Excellence Awards: The Asian Excellence Awards recognise individuals of Asian descent who have made outstanding contributions to their fields globally, celebrating Asian diversity, achievement, and cultural influence in the international arena.
Q.13) Which Indian actor has been included in the recently released ‘TIME 100 Most Influential People 2026’ list?
Ans > Ranbir Kapoor
- Inclusion: Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor was included in TIME Magazine’s prestigious TIME100 Most Influential People 2026 list, recognising his exceptional impact on Indian cinema and his growing global cultural influence.
- Ranbir Kapoor’s Career: Ranbir Kapoor is one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful actors in Indian cinema, known for his transformative performances in films spanning diverse genres — from rom-coms to biopics and psychological thrillers.
- Global Recognition: His inclusion in the TIME100 list highlights the growing global recognition of Indian cinema and its stars, as Bollywood films and actors increasingly reach international audiences through digital streaming platforms.
- About TIME100: The TIME100 Most Influential People is an annual list compiled by TIME Magazine recognising 100 individuals who have had the most influence on the world that year, spanning leaders, pioneers, titans, artists, and icons from across the globe.
Q.15) China’s proposed 120 km undersea bullet train tunnel will connect which two cities ?
Ans > Dalian and Yantai
- Cities Connected: The tunnel will directly link the port city of Dalian (located in Liaoning Province) with the coastal city of Yantai (in Shandong Province).
- Geographic Location: The infrastructure will be constructed beneath the Bohai Strait, seamlessly connecting the Liaodong and Shandong peninsulas across the sea.
- Drastic Time Reduction: Currently, transit between Dalian and Yantai requires either an 8-hour ferry ride, which is often subject to weather delays, or a 1,400-kilometer overland detour around the Bohai Sea. The tunnel is projected to reduce this journey to just 40 to 60 minutes.
- Train Speeds: The corridor is designed as a dedicated rail link to support high-speed trains operating at speeds exceeding 250 km/h. It is planned to carry both passenger and freight/vehicle carriages.
📌 Quick Summary — 19 April 2026
🏛️ National & States
- Heritage: Yana Caves declared a ‘Geo-heritage Site of National Importance’ — located in Karnataka.
- Language: Meghalaya granted official language status to Khasi and Garo alongside English.
- Law: Chhattisgarh government approved formation of a committee to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) framework.
- Parliament: Harivansh Narayan Singh elected Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha for a historic 3rd consecutive term.
- Sports Event: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 3rd edition of ‘Saansad Khel Mahakumbh’ in Lucknow.
🏆 Sports
- Hockey: Uttar Pradesh won the 16th Hockey India Sub-Junior Men’s National Championship 2026.
- Science in Sports: Gujarat launched the ‘Sports Genomics Program’ to map the DNA of talented athletes.
🛡️ Defense & Space
- Space: SpaceX selected to launch the Rosalind Franklin Rover to Mars in 2028.
- Army: Indian Army launched its first ‘Blue Water Sailing Expedition — Samudra Sahas’ from Mumbai to mark 200 years of the Regiment of Artillery.
🔬 Science & Technology
- AI: Punjab government partnered with IIT Ropar to develop an AI-based real-time crime tracking system.
- Cybersecurity: C-DAC Hyderabad and Reliance Foundation launched ‘e-SafeHER’ — cybersecurity awareness for rural India.
- Mathematics: Shreya Shantanu Mundhada won gold for India at the 15th European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad 2026.
- Research: Anti-cancer potential discovered in traditional herbal formulation used by the Konyak tribe of Nagaland.
📈 Economy & Startups
- Startups: Central Government approved Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 — second phase with initial corpus of ₹10,000 crore.
- IMF Report: According to the IMF’s April 2026 ‘World Economic Outlook’ report, India has become the sixth-largest economy in the world.
🌍 International & Days
- Trade: India and New Zealand set to sign FTA on April 27, 2026.
- Technology: Philippines joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative for semiconductor supply chain security.
- Awards: Vikas Khanna honored as ‘Global Cultural Ambassador’ at Asian Excellence Awards 2026.
- TIME100: Ranbir Kapoor included in TIME100 Most Influential People 2026 list.
- China Bullet Train: China’s proposed 120 km undersea bullet train tunnel, known as the Bohai Strait Cross-Sea Channel, will connect the port cities of Dalian (in Liaoning Province) and Yantai (in Shandong Province).
Current Affairs Quiz
19 April 2026
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Apr 2026
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