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Current Affairs – 22 April, 2026

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Current Affairs 22 April 2026 – Complete Study Module
Q.1) In April 2026, to which neighboring country did India supply 13 tons of ‘Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine’ as medical assistance?
(a) Nepal   (b) Afghanistan   (c) Myanmar   (d) Sri Lanka

Ans > (b) Afghanistan

  • The Supply: India supplied 13 tons of BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine to Afghanistan in April 2026 as part of its humanitarian and medical assistance programme, reaffirming India’s commitment to supporting the Afghan people despite complex diplomatic relations with the Taliban-administered government.
  • What is BCG Vaccine? BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) is a vaccine primarily used against tuberculosis (TB). Developed by Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin (hence the name) and introduced in 1921, it is one of the oldest and most widely administered vaccines in the world. India is the world’s largest manufacturer of BCG vaccine, produced chiefly by the BCG Vaccine Laboratory in Chennai (Tamil Nadu).
  • Significance for Afghanistan: Afghanistan has one of the highest TB burdens in the world. According to WHO, TB is a major public health crisis in Afghanistan — worsened by decades of conflict, displacement, malnutrition, and a collapsed healthcare system. India’s BCG vaccine supply is a critical lifeline for Afghan children who would otherwise be unprotected.
  • India-Afghanistan Relations: India has historically maintained strong ties with the Afghan people. Post-2021 (Taliban takeover), India provided humanitarian aid including wheat, medicines, and COVID-19 vaccines. The BCG vaccine supply continues this tradition — India sees humanitarian engagement as a strategic and moral obligation irrespective of the political regime in Kabul.
  • India’s Vaccine Diplomacy: India’s vaccine export initiative — formally called ‘Vaccine Maitri’ — has been a key pillar of Indian foreign policy. India supplied over 250 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to 100+ countries. The BCG supply to Afghanistan continues this tradition of using pharmaceutical capabilities as a tool of soft power and humanitarian leadership.
Q.2) In April 2026, with which country has India’s ‘Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS)’ agreement become fully implemented?
A. China   B. Russia   C. America   D. France

Ans > B. Russia

  • RELOS with Russia: India’s Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement with Russia became fully implemented in April 2026, marking a significant milestone in the India-Russia defence partnership. This allows the armed forces of both countries to access each other’s military bases for logistics, refuelling, and replenishment of supplies.
  • What is RELOS? RELOS (Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support) is a bilateral defence logistics agreement modelled on the US-India LSAM (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement). It enables mutual access to military facilities — ports, airfields, land bases — between signatory countries for operational needs during exercises, deployments, and emergencies.
  • India’s Logistics Agreements: India has signed similar logistics support agreements with several countries. The LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement) with the USA was signed in 2016. India has similar agreements with France (MLSA), Australia (MLSA), Japan (ACSA), and the UK. The Russia RELOS adds a crucial Eurasian dimension to India’s strategic logistics network.
  • Strategic Importance: India-Russia defence ties are among the oldest and deepest in Indian military history. Russia supplies approximately 45-50% of India’s defence equipment including S-400 air defence systems, T-90 tanks, MiG/Sukhoi aircraft, and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier. The RELOS deepens interoperability between the two militaries.
  • Geopolitical Context: The full implementation of RELOS with Russia is notable given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions on Russia. India’s “strategic autonomy” approach has allowed it to maintain strong defence ties with Russia while also deepening partnerships with Western nations — balancing its interests across multiple great powers.
Q.3) Who won Bulgaria’s parliamentary election and is set to become the Prime Minister?
a) Boyko Borissov   b) Rumen Radev   c) Nikolai Denkov   d) Rosen Zhelyazkov

Ans > b) Rumen Radev

  • Election Result: Rumen Radev won Bulgaria’s parliamentary election and is set to become the Prime Minister. Bulgaria had been facing prolonged political instability with multiple elections in recent years — this result signals a potential stabilisation of the country’s governance after a period of frequent government changes.
  • About Rumen Radev: Rumen Radev is a Bulgarian politician and former military officer (Air Force Commander). He previously served as President of Bulgaria (2017–2022 and again 2022–2027). His political stance is broadly pro-Russia and Eurosceptic on certain issues, which is significant given Bulgaria’s NATO membership and EU position during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
  • About Bulgaria: Bulgaria is a southeastern European country and a member of both NATO (since 2004) and the European Union (since 2007). Its capital is Sofia. Bulgaria is historically close to Russia culturally and linguistically (both are Slavic nations) — which creates internal tensions over its Western alliance commitments versus its Russian-oriented segments of population and political elite.
  • Political Significance: Bulgaria has held multiple elections since 2021 due to political fragmentation and inability to form stable coalition governments. The election of Radev as PM (transitioning from presidency) is significant — it brings a pro-Slavic, less aggressively anti-Russia voice into the EU’s governing circles, which has implications for European unity on Ukraine policy and Bulgaria’s own Eurozone accession process.
Q.4) Which NASA astronaut recently captured the Lyrid Meteor Shower from space aboard the International Space Station (ISS)?
(a) Sunita Williams   (b) Jessica Meir   (c) Peggy Whitson   (d) Christina Koch

Ans > (b) Jessica Meir

  • The Event: NASA astronaut Jessica Meir captured stunning photographs and footage of the Lyrid Meteor Shower from aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The images provided a rare “top-down” view of meteors streaking through Earth’s atmosphere — a perspective unavailable to ground-based observers.
  • About Jessica Meir: Jessica Meir is an American astronaut, marine biologist, and physiologist with NASA. She is famously known for participating in the first all-female spacewalk in history alongside Christina Koch in October 2019 — a landmark moment for women in space exploration. She has completed one long-duration stay aboard the ISS (2019-2020).
  • What is the Lyrid Meteor Shower? The Lyrid Meteor Shower is one of the oldest known meteor showers, with recorded observations going back over 2,700 years (687 BCE in Chinese chronicles). It occurs annually from April 16–25, peaking around April 22–23. The meteors originate from debris of Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher and appear to radiate from the constellation Lyra (near the bright star Vega).
  • About the ISS: The International Space Station is a multinational collaborative project between NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada). Orbiting at ~408 km altitude at 27,600 km/h, it has been continuously inhabited since November 2000 — making it the longest continuous human presence in space. It serves as a microgravity laboratory and observation platform.
  • Earth Day Connection: The Lyrid Meteor Shower peaking around April 22 coincides with Earth Day — making Jessica Meir’s images particularly poignant: an astronaut viewing both the cosmic spectacle of meteors and the fragile beauty of Earth from space on the very day humanity celebrates environmental awareness.
Q.5) Which specialized laboratory of DRDO developed the AI-enabled satellite imaging system ‘Prajna’?
(a) DRDL   (b) CAIR   (c) IRDE   (d) ANURAG

Ans > (b) Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR)

  • Prajna System: The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a premier DRDO laboratory, developed ‘Prajna’ — an AI-enabled satellite imaging system capable of autonomously analysing satellite imagery for defence and strategic intelligence purposes. ‘Prajna’ (Sanskrit for ‘wisdom/intelligence’) represents a significant leap in India’s AI-driven defence capabilities.
  • About CAIR: The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) is a leading DRDO laboratory based in Bengaluru. It specialises in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems, cyber security, and C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) systems for the Indian Armed Forces. CAIR has developed several critical AI-based defence systems.
  • What Prajna Does: Prajna uses deep learning algorithms and computer vision to automatically identify and classify military assets, terrain features, troop movements, and infrastructure from satellite imagery. This capability dramatically reduces human analysis time from hours to seconds — a critical advantage in modern intelligence operations and battlefield surveillance.
  • Strategic Importance: India operates an extensive satellite constellation including RISAT (Radar Imaging Satellite) and Cartosat series for defence reconnaissance. Prajna multiplies the intelligence value of these assets by automating analysis at scale. It represents India’s growing indigenous AI-defence ecosystem, reducing dependence on foreign intelligence systems and analytical tools.
  • About DRDO: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was established in 1958 and operates 50+ specialised laboratories across India. Key developments include: Agni/Prithvi missiles, Tejas fighter jet, Arjun tank, GSLV upper stage, and BrahMos missile (joint with Russia). DRDO is under the Department of Defence Research and Development, Ministry of Defence.
Q.6) Which aerospace company has successfully landed the reused first-stage booster of its ‘New Glenn’ rocket for the first time?
A. Blue Origin   B. SpaceX   C. Virgin Galactic   D. Northrop Grumman

Ans > A. Blue Origin

  • Historic Landing: Blue Origin successfully landed the reused first-stage booster of its ‘New Glenn’ heavy-lift rocket for the first time, marking a major milestone in reusable rocket technology and competitive commercial space launch. This achievement validates Blue Origin’s approach to rocket reusability, directly challenging SpaceX’s dominance in the reusable launch vehicle market.
  • About New Glenn: New Glenn is Blue Origin’s orbital heavy-lift launch vehicle, named after astronaut John Glenn (first American to orbit Earth). It stands 98 metres tall with a diameter of 7 metres — one of the largest rockets ever built. New Glenn uses BE-4 engines burning liquid oxygen and liquid natural gas and is designed for both commercial satellite launches and NASA missions.
  • About Blue Origin: Blue Origin is an American aerospace manufacturer and suborbital spaceflight services company founded in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and headquartered in Kent, Washington. Its motto is “Gradatim Ferociter” (Step by Step, Ferociously). Blue Origin also operates New Shepard, a suborbital spacecraft for space tourism.
  • Reusability Revolution: Reusable rocket boosters are transformational for spaceflight economics. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 demonstrated that recovering and reusing first-stage boosters could reduce launch costs dramatically. Blue Origin’s New Glenn booster recovery now gives it a pathway to competitive launch pricing. A single new heavy rocket booster costs $50–200 million — reuse can cut per-launch costs by 60–80%.
  • Global Commercial Launch Competition: The success of New Glenn’s reused booster intensifies competition in the global commercial launch market currently dominated by SpaceX (Falcon 9 and Starship). Other competitors include Arianespace (Europe), ISRO’s LVM3 (India), and Rocket Lab (New Zealand/USA). India’s ISRO has also been developing its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology demonstrator for eventual commercial application.
Q.7) What is the historical significance of the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize, often referred to as the “Green Nobel”?
(a) Awarded to teenagers for the first time   (b) First-ever all-women cohort of winners   (c) Held in Asia for the first time   (d) Prize money increased to $1 million

Ans > (b) It featured the first-ever all-women cohort of winners across all six regions.

  • Historic First: The 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize made history by featuring an all-women cohort of winners across all six geographic regions for the first time since its founding in 1990 — a landmark recognition of women’s leadership in environmental activism, conservation, and climate justice globally.
  • About the Goldman Environmental Prize: The Goldman Environmental Prize (often called the “Green Nobel”) is the world’s largest prize for grassroots environmental activists. Established in 1990 by Richard and Rhoda Goldman of San Francisco, it awards six activists annually — one from each of the six inhabited continental regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands & Island Nations, North America, and South & Central America. Each winner receives $200,000.
  • Women in Environmental Activism: Women play disproportionately critical roles in environmental protection globally. Studies show women are more severely affected by environmental degradation (as primary managers of household water, food, and fuel) and are often at the frontlines of grassroots conservation movements. The 2026 all-women cohort reflects this reality and celebrates their often-unrecognised contributions.
  • India Connection: India has produced several Goldman Prize winners historically, including Medha Patkar (2014, Narmada Bachao Andolan), Prafulla Samantara (2017, against POSCO steel plant in Odisha), and Ramesh Agrawal (2014, for fighting coal mining). India’s environmental activism is among the most vibrant and consequential in the world.
  • Global Environmental Context: The 2026 prize comes at a critical juncture — with climate change accelerating, biodiversity loss reaching alarming rates, and grassroots activists facing increasing threats (UNEP estimates 200+ environmental defenders are killed annually). Recognising women leaders sends a powerful message about inclusion and courage in the global environmental movement.
Q.8) Which institute has developed the world’s largest solar tree?
A. IIT Madras   B. CSIR-CMERI, West Bengal   C. ISRO, Bengaluru   D. DRDO, New Delhi

Ans > B. CSIR-CMERI, West Bengal

  • World Record: CSIR-CMERI (Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute), located in Durgapur, West Bengal, developed the world’s largest solar tree — a towering structure combining artistic tree design with solar photovoltaic panels to generate clean electricity, recognised as a landmark innovation in India’s renewable energy sector.
  • About CSIR-CMERI: The Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) is a national laboratory under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India, headquartered in Durgapur, West Bengal. It was established in 1958 and conducts research in mechanical engineering, renewable energy, agricultural machinery, and robotics. It is one of India’s premier engineering research institutes.
  • The Solar Tree Design: A solar tree is a structure resembling a tree with branches bearing solar panels instead of leaves — combining aesthetic design with functional energy generation. The CSIR-CMERI solar tree can generate over 10–12 kW of electricity per day, enough to power multiple households. Its tree shape minimises land use while maximising solar panel surface area — an elegant solution to the land-intensity of traditional solar farms.
  • Significance for India: India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 (of which 280 GW from solar). Innovative solar structures like solar trees help deploy solar energy in urban spaces, parks, educational institutions, and rural areas without requiring large land parcels — making solar energy accessible in land-constrained environments across India’s diverse geography.
  • West Bengal’s Green Legacy: West Bengal is home to several national scientific institutions including CSIR-CMERI (Durgapur), IACS (Kolkata), VECC (Kolkata), and multiple IIT/IIM campuses. The state’s scientific community has made notable contributions to India’s energy, materials science, and agricultural research, and this solar tree innovation adds another feather to Bengal’s scientific heritage.
Q.9) Under the SHANTI Act, 2025, India has set a target to increase its nuclear power capacity to 100 Gigawatts (GW) by which year?
A. 2030   B. 2035   C. 2040   D. 2047

Ans > D. 2047

  • SHANTI Act & Target: Under India’s SHANTI Act (Strategic Harnessing of Atomic Nuclear Technology for India) 2025, India has set an ambitious target to increase its nuclear power generation capacity to 100 Gigawatts (GW) by the year 2047 — aligned with India’s centenary of independence (‘Viksit Bharat 2047’) vision of a developed, energy-secure nation.
  • India’s Current Nuclear Power: As of 2025, India has an installed nuclear power capacity of approximately 7.5 GW from 22 operational nuclear reactors at 7 sites, contributing about 3% of India’s total electricity generation. The jump to 100 GW represents a 13-fold increase — one of the most ambitious nuclear expansion programmes in the world.
  • About the SHANTI Act: The SHANTI Act 2025 is landmark legislation that opens India’s nuclear energy sector to private participation for the first time — a major policy shift from the historically state-monopoly model under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. It is designed to accelerate nuclear capacity addition by enabling domestic private companies and foreign investment to build and operate nuclear power plants under regulatory oversight.
  • India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Programme: India follows a unique three-stage nuclear programme: Stage 1 uses Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with uranium; Stage 2 uses Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) burning plutonium — India’s Prototype FBR at Kalpakkam is operational; Stage 3 will use thorium-based reactors. India holds one of the world’s largest thorium reserves (~30% of global supply), making 100 GW nuclear power a strategically vital long-term energy goal.
  • Climate & Energy Security: Nuclear power is low-carbon, reliable 24/7 baseload electricity — unlike intermittent solar and wind. For India to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 while powering a $30+ trillion economy, a massive scaling of nuclear, renewable, and green hydrogen energy is essential. The 100 GW nuclear target is a cornerstone of India’s clean energy security architecture.
Q.10) Which state has become the first in India to launch the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework?
A. Gujarat   B. Tamil Nadu   C. Odisha   D. Kerala

Ans > C. Odisha

  • Landmark First: Odisha became the first Indian state to launch a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) — a comprehensive integrated framework for managing the state’s coastal and marine territories covering its approximately 480 km coastline along the Bay of Bengal. This is a pioneering step for India’s Blue Economy and coastal sustainability.
  • What is Marine Spatial Planning? Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a public process for analysing and allocating the distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives. It coordinates multiple ocean uses — fisheries, shipping, tourism, aquaculture, offshore energy, and conservation — to prevent conflicts and ensure sustainable use of marine resources.
  • Odisha’s Marine Biodiversity: Odisha’s coastline is extraordinarily rich — hosting Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary (world’s largest Olive Ridley sea turtle nesting beach), Chilika Lake (Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a Ramsar Wetland), Bhitarkanika Mangroves (second largest in India), and highly productive fishing grounds supporting over 1 million fishermen and their families.
  • India’s Blue Economy Vision: India’s Blue Economy policy (launched 2020) aims to harness marine resources for economic growth while preserving marine health. India’s 7,516 km coastline across 9 coastal states and 4 UTs has enormous potential in deep-sea mining, offshore renewables, marine fisheries, and ocean-based tourism. Odisha’s MSP will serve as a national template for other coastal states.
  • Global Context: Marine Spatial Planning is mandated under UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and is a key tool for achieving SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Over 70 countries have implemented MSP frameworks. India joining this global movement through Odisha’s pioneering step signals its commitment to sustainable ocean governance at both national and international levels.
Q.11) Which investigative agency has launched the AI-powered chatbot named ‘Abhay’ to help citizens verify the authenticity of official notices?
(a) ED   (b) NIA   (c) CBI   (d) IB

Ans > (c) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

  • Abhay Chatbot: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched ‘Abhay’ — an AI-powered chatbot designed to help ordinary citizens verify whether notices, summons, arrest warrants, or other official communications they receive are genuine or fraudulent. ‘Abhay’ (Sanskrit for ‘fearless’) empowers citizens to fight fake notices without fear or confusion.
  • The Problem it Solves: A major and growing fraud in India involves criminals sending fake CBI/ED/NIA notices to citizens — threatening arrest, demanding money, or stealing personal data. These scams have caused enormous financial and psychological harm. Abhay enables real-time verification of official communications, instantly exposing fraudulent notices and protecting vulnerable citizens.
  • About the CBI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India’s premier investigative agency, established in 1941 (as the Special Police Establishment) and functioning under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. CBI investigates corruption, economic offences, and serious crimes of national importance. It is India’s nodal agency for Interpol (International Criminal Police Organisation).
  • AI in Law Enforcement: India’s law enforcement agencies are increasingly adopting AI tools. The Telangana Police’s TSCOP app, the NCRB’s Crime and Criminal Tracking Network (CCTNS), and now CBI’s Abhay represent a digital transformation of India’s policing and investigation infrastructure. Abhay represents the intersection of cybersecurity, citizen protection, and institutional transparency.
  • Citizen Empowerment: Abhay reflects a shift towards proactive public communication by investigative agencies. By making notice-verification available 24/7 through a user-friendly chatbot interface (accessible on mobile), the CBI has democratised access to legal protection — particularly benefiting elderly citizens, rural populations, and those with limited legal awareness who are most vulnerable to official-notice scams.
Q.12) Who has launched the third edition of the ‘AICTE-VAANI’ scheme to promote the use of Indian languages?
A. AICTE   B. NITI Aayog   C. UGC   D. CSIR

Ans > A. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)

  • AICTE-VAANI Scheme: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched the third edition of the ‘AICTE-VAANI’ scheme, aimed at promoting technical education in Indian regional languages. VAANI (Vernacular Access to Academic and Notional Information) bridges the language gap in technical education, making engineering, management, and vocational courses accessible to students in their mother tongues.
  • What is AICTE-VAANI? AICTE-VAANI is a scheme to translate technical textbooks, course materials, and curricula into major Indian languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, etc.). It aims to reduce the language barrier that prevents millions of students from pursuing quality technical education — particularly first-generation learners from non-English-medium backgrounds.
  • NEP 2020 Alignment: AICTE-VAANI directly implements National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s recommendation for mother tongue-based education at all levels including higher and technical education. NEP 2020 emphasises that children learn best in their mother tongue and that restricting technical education to English creates an unnecessary social barrier that perpetuates inequality.
  • About AICTE: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) was established in 1945 and became a statutory body in 1987 under the AICTE Act. It is the national-level apex advisory body for technical education in India, overseeing about 10,000+ technical institutions (engineering colleges, polytechnics, management institutes, architecture colleges) across the country.
  • India’s Linguistic Diversity: India has 22 scheduled languages in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution and over 1,600 mother tongues. Approximately 90% of India’s population is more comfortable in a language other than English. Making technical education available in regional languages is essential for India to unlock the full potential of its massive student population and achieve educational equity.
Q.13) Who has been appointed as the Chairman of the ‘AI Governance and Economic Group’ (AIGEG) formed by the Central Government?
A. Amitabh Kant   B. S. Krishnan   C. Ashwini Vaishnaw   D. S. Somanath

Ans > C. Ashwini Vaishnaw

  • Appointment: Ashwini Vaishnaw has been appointed as the Chairman of the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) — a new high-level body constituted by the Central Government to develop India’s national AI governance framework, shape AI policy, and guide the economic deployment of artificial intelligence across sectors of the Indian economy.
  • About Ashwini Vaishnaw: Ashwini Vaishnaw is a senior Indian politician (BJP) and IAS officer (1994 batch, Odisha cadre) currently serving as Union Cabinet Minister for Railways, Electronics & Information Technology, and Information & Broadcasting. Before politics, he worked with global corporations (GE, Siemens) and was a key figure in India’s semiconductor and electronics manufacturing push. His technical background makes him a natural choice for AI governance leadership.
  • About AIGEG: The AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) is tasked with developing India’s comprehensive AI regulatory framework — balancing innovation promotion with responsible AI deployment. It will address issues of AI safety, algorithmic accountability, data governance, AI ethics, deepfake regulation, and the economic impact of AI on India’s workforce and industries.
  • India’s AI Ambition: India’s National AI Strategy (NITI Aayog, 2018) and the IndiaAI Mission (2024, ₹10,372 crore) position India as a global AI hub. India has the world’s second-largest AI talent pool, a massive digital data ecosystem, and growing AI startups. AIGEG’s governance work is critical to ensuring India’s AI growth is safe, inclusive, and economically beneficial.
  • Global AI Governance Context: AI governance is a major global priority — the EU’s AI Act (2024), USA’s AI Executive Orders, UK’s AI Safety Institute, and G7/G20 AI principles all reflect the urgency of governing this transformative technology. India’s AIGEG signals that India is taking a proactive governance approach rather than simply importing foreign AI frameworks, seeking to develop rules that suit India’s unique democratic, social, and economic context.
Q.14) According to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, who has overtaken Mukesh Ambani to become the richest person in Asia?
(a) Shiv Nadar   (b) Gautam Adani   (c) Dilip Shanghvi   (d) Radhakishan Damani

Ans > (b) Gautam Adani

  • Wealth Record: According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Gautam Adani has overtaken Mukesh Ambani to reclaim the title of Asia’s richest person. The Adani Group’s market capitalisation surge — driven by its ports, airports, green energy, and data centre businesses — propelled Adani’s net worth past Ambani’s, which is anchored in Reliance Industries’ telecom, retail, and energy empire.
  • About Gautam Adani: Gautam Adani (born 1962, Ahmedabad, Gujarat) is the founder and chairman of the Adani Group — India’s largest private infrastructure conglomerate. Starting as a commodity trader, he built a diversified empire spanning ports (Mundra — India’s largest), airports (7 airports including Mumbai), coal mining, thermal and renewable power, edible oils (Fortune brand), defence, data centres, and cement. He is among the top 15 richest people globally.
  • Adani Group’s Growth Drivers: The Adani Group’s recent surge is powered by: green energy (Adani Green Energy — world’s largest renewable energy company), airports expansion, data centre buildout (fuelled by India’s AI boom), and port throughput growth. The group’s ambitious plan to invest $100 billion in green energy by 2030 has attracted significant institutional investor interest globally.
  • The Ambani-Adani Rivalry: The competition between Mukesh Ambani (Reliance Industries) and Gautam Adani (Adani Group) represents India’s two dominant industrial visions: Ambani’s consumer-facing digital and retail ecosystem (Jio, JioMart, JioCinema) versus Adani’s infrastructure and energy backbone. Together, they represent the commanding heights of Indian capitalism and shape the national economy’s trajectory.
  • Bloomberg Billionaires Index: The Bloomberg Billionaires Index is a daily ranking of the world’s 500 wealthiest people, calculated by Bloomberg News based on net worth methodology that values business holdings, assets, debts, and publicly available financial information. It is one of the two most widely cited global billionaire rankings alongside the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List.
Q.15) Recently, which Ministry launched the ‘Vishwa Sutra’ initiative to promote Indian handlooms globally?
(a) Ministry of Culture   (b) Ministry of Commerce   (c) Ministry of Rural Development   (d) Ministry of Textiles

Ans > (d) Ministry of Textiles

  • Vishwa Sutra Initiative: The Ministry of Textiles launched ‘Vishwa Sutra’ — a global handloom promotion initiative designed to take India’s rich handloom heritage to international markets. ‘Vishwa Sutra’ (Sanskrit: ‘World Thread’) aims to position Indian handlooms as premium global lifestyle products, increasing exports and creating livelihoods for India’s vast weaver community.
  • India’s Handloom Heritage: India’s handloom sector is the second largest source of livelihood after agriculture, supporting over 35 lakh (3.5 million) weaver households. India’s handloom treasures include: Banarasi silk (Varanasi), Kanjeevaram silk (Tamil Nadu), Pochampally Ikat (Telangana), Paithani (Maharashtra), Chanderi (Madhya Pradesh), Jamdani (West Bengal — UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), Pashmina (Kashmir), and hundreds more.
  • Export Potential: India’s textile and apparel exports were approximately $36 billion in 2024-25. The handloom segment, though artisanal, commands premium pricing globally. Vishwa Sutra aims to tap growing international demand for authentic, sustainable, artisanal textiles — particularly in the US, EU, Japan, and Middle East markets where conscious consumers are willing to pay premium prices for ethically made heritage crafts.
  • Sustainability Angle: Handloom weaving is inherently eco-friendly — it uses no electricity, minimal water, natural fibres, and produces zero carbon emissions. As global consumers increasingly prefer sustainable fashion, Indian handlooms enjoy a significant competitive advantage over mass-produced synthetic textiles. Vishwa Sutra leverages this sustainability story for global marketing.
  • National Handloom Day: India celebrates National Handloom Day every year on August 7 — the date chosen to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement (1905) launched on August 7, 1905, which promoted indigenous Indian handlooms as a symbol of resistance against British colonial textile industry. Vishwa Sutra extends this legacy from national pride to global outreach.
Q.16) In April 2026, which organisation launched the anthology titled “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India” to strengthen India’s tourism ecosystem?
A. ASI   B. Ministry of Tourism   C. NITI Aayog   D. ICCR

Ans > C. NITI Aayog

  • Divya Bharat Anthology: NITI Aayog launched the anthology “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India” — a curated collection of essays, narratives, and visual content celebrating India’s extraordinary diversity of culture, heritage, spirituality, cuisine, art, and natural landscapes. The anthology aims to strengthen India’s tourism narrative and attract global visitors by presenting India’s soul beyond conventional tourist brochures.
  • About NITI Aayog: NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was established on January 1, 2015, replacing the Planning Commission (1950–2014). It is the Government of India’s premier policy think tank and advisory body, chaired by the Prime Minister. Key functions include strategic planning, fostering cooperative federalism, and driving cross-sectoral innovation in governance and public policy.
  • India’s Tourism Potential: India is ranked among the world’s top 10 travel destinations and welcomed over 10 million foreign tourists in 2024. The tourism sector contributes approximately 5.8% of India’s GDP and employs over 76 million people (directly and indirectly). India’s tourism assets span 3,691 protected monuments, 54 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and unmatched spiritual, wildlife, adventure, and cultural tourism circuits.
  • ‘Divya Bharat’ Concept: ‘Divya Bharat’ (Divine/Radiant India) reflects the government’s narrative push to brand India not merely as a land of monuments but as a living civilisation with a continuous 5,000-year cultural heritage. This soft-power narrative aligns with India’s G20 Presidency theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family) and the Amrit Kaal vision of projecting India as a civilisational leader.
  • Tourism Strategy: India’s National Tourism Policy targets $250 billion in tourism receipts by 2030. Key pillars include: Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (thematic tourism circuits), PRASAD Scheme (pilgrimage rejuvenation), Dekho Apna Desh (domestic tourism), and ‘Incredible India 2.0’ digital marketing campaign. Divya Bharat adds a literary and intellectual dimension to this comprehensive tourism promotion strategy.
Q.17) Padma Shri awardee Bhagwandas Raikwar passed away at the age of 83. He was associated with which field?
a) Classical Music   b) Literature   c) Bundeli Martial Arts   d) Sociology

Ans > c) Bundeli Martial Arts

  • Passing Away: Padma Shri awardee Bhagwandas Raikwar passed away at the age of 83. He was a legendary practitioner and promoter of Bundeli Martial Arts — the traditional martial art form of the Bundelkhand region of central India (covering parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh). His death is a great loss to India’s living tradition of indigenous martial arts.
  • Bundeli Martial Arts: Bundeli Martial Arts is a traditional combat art form originating in the Bundelkhand region, historically practised by warriors of the Bundela Rajput clan. It incorporates swordsmanship, stick fighting (lathi), wrestling, and unarmed combat techniques passed down through generations of martial lineages. Bhagwandas Raikwar was instrumental in keeping this near-extinct tradition alive through decades of teaching and performance.
  • About Padma Shri: Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, awarded annually by the Government of India in recognition of distinguished service of a high order to the nation in any field — arts, education, literature, science, sports, social service, medicine, and public affairs. Bhagwandas Raikwar’s Padma Shri recognised his extraordinary contribution to preserving India’s intangible cultural martial heritage.
  • India’s Martial Arts Heritage: India has a rich tradition of indigenous martial arts including Kalaripayattu (Kerala — considered the world’s oldest martial art), Silambam (Tamil Nadu), Gatka (Punjab), Thang-Ta (Manipur), Mardani Khel (Maharashtra), Inbuan wrestling (Mizoram), and Mukna (Manipur). These arts are not just combat systems but repositories of cultural identity, philosophy, and physical wisdom.
  • Bundelkhand Region: Bundelkhand is a historical region spread across southern Uttar Pradesh and northern Madhya Pradesh, known for its magnificent forts (Orchha, Gwalior, Jhansi), the heroism of Rani Lakshmi Bai, the Khajuraho temples (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and a distinct Bundeli cultural identity with its own dialect, folk music (Rai dance, Dhammar), and martial traditions. Bhagwandas Raikwar embodied the best of this heritage.
Q.18) ‘World Creativity and Innovation Day’ is observed every year on which date?
(a) April 15   (b) April 18   (c) April 21   (d) April 26

Ans > (c) April 21

  • The Day: World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) is observed every year on April 21. It was established by the United Nations in 2017 (with resolution A/RES/71/284) to raise awareness about the importance of creativity, innovation, and the role of intellectual property in advancing human progress and sustainable development worldwide.
  • Why April 21? April 21 was chosen to honour Leonardo da Vinci, born on April 15, 1452 — with April 21 symbolically close to his birthday. Leonardo is the archetypal Renaissance genius — artist, scientist, engineer, anatomist, and inventor — embodying the fusion of creativity and innovation across disciplines that the day celebrates.
  • UN & SDGs Connection: WCID supports the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It recognises that creativity and innovation are essential engines of economic growth, problem-solving, and social progress — from climate tech to healthcare to digital inclusion.
  • India’s Innovation Ecosystem: India has dramatically improved its global innovation ranking — from 81st in 2015 to 39th in 2024 on the Global Innovation Index (GII) by WIPO. India is home to the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem (over 1.17 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups), 12 unicorns added in 2024, and a rapidly growing R&D base. World Creativity and Innovation Day provides a timely prompt to celebrate and accelerate India’s innovation culture.
  • India’s Creative Industries: India’s creative economy spans Bollywood, classical arts, handicrafts, design, animation, gaming, and digital content creation — contributing significantly to GDP and soft power. India has also emerged as a global hub for creative tech: gaming (India’s $4 billion gaming market), animation studios, and the world-famous Indian animation series. Celebrating WCID reinforces India’s identity as a creative civilisation adapting to a digital future.
Q.19) Earth Day is celebrated annually on which date?
a) 20 April   b) 21 April   c) 22 April   d) 23 April

Ans > c) 22 April

  • Earth Day — April 22: Earth Day is celebrated globally every year on April 22 — and today, April 22, 2026, marks the 56th Earth Day. It is the world’s largest civic event, observed by over 1 billion people in 193 countries. Earth Day 2026 continues the tradition of mobilising global action for environmental protection and climate justice.
  • History of Earth Day: The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, in the United States, initiated by US Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist Denis Hayes in response to the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and growing environmental degradation. It brought 20 million Americans into the streets in the largest civic environmental demonstration in history — directly leading to the creation of the US EPA and passage of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.
  • Theme 2026: Earth Day 2026’s theme focused on “Our Power, Our Planet” — urging tripling of global renewable energy by 2030 and holding fossil fuel companies accountable for climate damage. The theme builds on the momentum of global climate conferences (COP29, COP30) and the accelerating renewable energy revolution driven by falling solar and wind costs.
  • India’s Earth Day Significance: India faces acute environmental challenges: air pollution (14 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India), water stress (163 million without clean water), deforestation, and climate vulnerability (India among the 10 most climate-vulnerable nations). Earth Day resonates deeply in India as both an environmental awakening and a call to action for sustainable development that lifts people out of poverty without destroying the planet.
  • India’s Environmental Commitments: India has made strong international environmental commitments: Net Zero by 2070, 500 GW renewable energy by 2030, 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030 (NDC), and 30×30 biodiversity target. Key programmes include: International Solar Alliance (India’s global initiative), LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement, MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative), AMRIT Dharohar (wetlands), and Project Tiger/Elephant/Dolphin/Cheetah. On Earth Day, India showcases these as its civilisational commitment to environmental stewardship.
Q.20) Which athlete has won the ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ award at the ‘Laureus World Sports Awards 2026’?
A. Aitana Bonmati   B. Simone Biles   C. Aryna Sabalenka   D. Sydney McLaughlin

Ans > C. Aryna Sabalenka

  • Award Winner: Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus won the ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ award at the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 — the most prestigious individual honour in global sports. Sabalenka’s dominant 2025 tennis season, marked by Grand Slam victories and a year-end World No. 1 ranking, made her the outstanding choice among the world’s top female athletes.
  • About Aryna Sabalenka: Aryna Sabalenka (born May 5, 1998, Minsk, Belarus) is a professional tennis player known for her powerful baseline game, aggressive serve, and exceptional mental resilience. She has won multiple Grand Slams — Australian Open titles (2023, 2024) and a US Open title — and has established herself as the dominant force in women’s tennis, replacing Iga Swiatek at the apex of the WTA rankings.
  • About Laureus World Sports Awards: The Laureus World Sports Awards were founded in 2000 by Johann Rupert and Daimler AG, inspired by Nelson Mandela’s vision that “sport has the power to change the world.” Called the “Sports Oscars,” Laureus awards are decided by the Laureus World Sports Academy — 71 legendary athletes including Michael Jordan, Sir Steve Redgrave, Franz Beckenbauer, and Martina Navratilova. Categories include Sportsman, Sportswoman, Team, Breakthrough, Comeback, and Action Sportsperson of the Year.
  • Previous Winners: The Sportswoman of the Year award has gone to legends including Serena Williams, Simone Biles (multiple times), Iga Swiatek, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Simone Biles. Sabalenka joins this illustrious company, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest female athletes of her generation. Her win also reflects the growing dominance of tennis players in receiving this award.
  • India’s Laureus Connections: Indian sport has been associated with Laureus through the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation — a global charity that uses sport for social change. Indian cricket superstars like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have attended Laureus ceremonies. India has not yet produced a Laureus award winner but the country’s growing sports prowess — in cricket, badminton (PV Sindhu), athletics (Neeraj Chopra), and chess (D. Gukesh) — positions Indian athletes as future Laureus contenders.

📌 Quick Summary — 22 April 2026

🌍 International Relations & Geopolitics
  • BCG Vaccine to Afghanistan: India supplied 13 tons of BCG vaccine to Afghanistan as medical assistance in April 2026 — continuing India’s ‘Vaccine Maitri’ humanitarian tradition.
  • RELOS with Russia: India’s Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement with Russia became fully implemented in April 2026 — enabling mutual access to military bases.
  • Bulgaria PM: Rumen Radev won Bulgaria’s parliamentary election and is set to become Prime Minister — significant for EU-Russia dynamics given his geopolitical stance.
🚀 Space & Defense Technology
  • Lyrid Meteor Shower: NASA astronaut Jessica Meir captured the Lyrid Meteor Shower from space aboard the ISS — peaking around April 22 (Earth Day).
  • DRDO Prajna: CAIR (Centre for AI & Robotics) of DRDO developed ‘Prajna’ — an AI-enabled satellite imaging system for automated defence intelligence analysis.
  • Blue Origin New Glenn: Blue Origin successfully landed the reused first-stage booster of its ‘New Glenn’ rocket for the first time — a milestone in commercial reusable launch vehicles.
🌱 Environment, Energy & Geography
  • Goldman Environmental Prize 2026: Historic first-ever all-women cohort of winners across all six regions — celebrating women’s leadership in environmental activism (“Green Nobel”).
  • World’s Largest Solar Tree: CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur, West Bengal developed the world’s largest solar tree — combining aesthetic design with clean energy generation.
  • SHANTI Act 2025: India targets 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 — enabling private sector participation in nuclear energy for the first time.
  • Marine Spatial Planning: Odisha becomes India’s first state to launch the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework for integrated coastal management.
🔬 Technology, AI & Governance
  • CBI Abhay Chatbot: CBI launched AI-powered chatbot ‘Abhay’ to help citizens verify authenticity of official notices and combat fake-notice fraud.
  • AICTE-VAANI (3rd Edition): AICTE launched the third edition of AICTE-VAANI to promote technical education in Indian regional languages — aligned with NEP 2020.
  • AI Governance Group: Ashwini Vaishnaw appointed Chairman of the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) formed by the Central Government.
📈 Economy, Culture & Art
  • Asia’s Richest Person: Gautam Adani overtook Mukesh Ambani to become Asia’s richest person per Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
  • Vishwa Sutra: Ministry of Textiles launched ‘Vishwa Sutra’ initiative to promote Indian handlooms globally — targeting premium international markets.
  • Divya Bharat Anthology: NITI Aayog launched “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India” to strengthen India’s tourism narrative globally.
  • Bhagwandas Raikwar: Padma Shri awardee Bhagwandas Raikwar (Bundeli Martial Arts practitioner) passed away at age 83 — a loss to India’s indigenous martial arts heritage.
🏆 Sports & Important Days
  • World Creativity & Innovation Day: Observed every year on April 21 — UN designation honouring creativity as a driver of sustainable development.
  • Earth Day 2026: Celebrated globally on April 22 — 56th Earth Day; theme focused on tripling global renewable energy and climate accountability.
  • Laureus 2026 — Sportswoman of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) won the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year 2026 for her dominant tennis season at World No. 1.

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Made for Competitive Exam Preparation · MROY CLASS · 20 Questions · 22 April 2026 · Earth Day

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