Weekly Current Affairs 2026

20โ€“26 April 2026  |  Read ยท Revise ยท Practice ยท Earn XP

Q.5) When is National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 celebrated?

Ans > April 24

  • National Panchayati Raj Day: National Panchayati Raj Day is observed every year on April 24 to commemorate the enactment of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into force on April 24, 1993. This landmark amendment granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across India, making it one of the most significant democratic decentralisation milestones in independent India’s history.
  • 73rd Constitutional Amendment: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment added Part IX (Articles 243 to 243-O) and the 11th Schedule to the Indian Constitution. It mandated: three-tier Panchayati Raj system (Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad), reservation of seats for SCs, STs, and women (at least 1/3rd), five-year terms, State Finance Commissions, and State Election Commissions for conduct of Panchayat elections.
  • Panchayati Raj in India: India has approximately 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats, 6,600 Intermediate Panchayats, and 700 District Panchayats. Collectively, about 31 lakh elected representatives serve in PRIs โ€” of whom 46% are women, making India’s Panchayati Raj one of the largest grassroots democratic experiments in the world. Panchayats are the primary delivery channel for MGNREGS, PMAY-G, and Swachh Bharat programmes.
  • 2026 Theme & Significance: National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 celebrations include awards to best-performing Gram Panchayats (Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskars), national conventions on gram swaraj, digital governance in PRIs, and direct benefit transfer performance reviews. The day reinforces the vision of self-sufficient, digitally empowered, and financially autonomous village governments as the foundation of India’s democratic structure.
Q.8) In which state is the ‘Chita Andolan’ being carried out to protest against displacement caused by the Ken-Betwa Link Project?

Ans > Madhya Pradesh

  • About Chita Andolan: ‘Chita Andolan’ (Cheetah Movement) is a grassroots protest movement in Madhya Pradesh, led by tribal communities, farmers, and environmental activists opposing the Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project. Protesters fear mass displacement of hundreds of villages โ€” including forest-dwelling tribal families โ€” from the Panna Tiger Reserve’s core and buffer zones, and the submergence of thousands of hectares of prime forest and agricultural land.
  • About Ken-Betwa Link Project: The Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project (KBLP) is India’s first operational river-linking project โ€” transferring surplus water from the Ken River (in Panna district, MP) to the water-scarce Betwa River basin (benefiting Bundelkhand region of MP and UP). The project involves the Daudhan Dam on the Ken River, a 221-km link canal, and several power generation facilities. Total cost exceeds โ‚น44,000 crore.
  • Environmental Controversy: The KBLP will submerge approximately 9,000 hectares of the Panna Tiger Reserve โ€” one of India’s success stories of tiger reintroduction. Critics, including wildlife biologists and the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee, have raised serious concerns about loss of critical tiger habitat, impact on the critically endangered Gharial and Vulture populations, and the ecological integrity of one of India’s most biodiverse forest corridors.
  • River Interlinking in India: The National River Linking Project (NRLP) envisions 30 river interlinking links across India โ€” connecting 37 rivers to transfer water from surplus to deficit basins. Proponents argue it will solve India’s chronic water inequality problem (floods in eastern India vs drought in western India), irrigate 35 million hectares, and generate 34,000 MW of power. Critics warn of irreversible ecological damage, displacement of millions, and uncertain hydrological outcomes.
Q.12) Which district has secured the first position nationwide in the ‘8th National Nutrition Fortnight’ awareness campaign?

Ans > Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra

  • Achievement: Ahilyanagar district (formerly Ahmednagar, renamed in honour of Ahilyabai Holkar) of Maharashtra secured first position nationwide in the 8th National Nutrition Fortnight โ€” a government-led awareness campaign focusing on reducing malnutrition, promoting dietary diversity, encouraging iron and folic acid supplementation, and spreading awareness about anaemia prevention, especially among women and children under five years of age.
  • National Nutrition Fortnight: National Nutrition Fortnight (Rashtriya Poshan Pakhwada) is observed twice a year โ€” in March and September โ€” as part of the Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission), launched by PM Modi in 2018. The fortnight involves community-level activities: growth monitoring of children, identification of severely malnourished children, counselling of pregnant and lactating mothers, distribution of nutritious food supplements (Take Home Rations), and promotion of WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) practices.
  • About Ahilyanagar: Ahilyanagar (earlier Ahmednagar) in Maharashtra was officially renamed to honour Ahilyabai Holkar โ€” the legendary Maratha queen of Malwa and Maharashtra’s greatest female ruler who established social welfare, built infrastructure across India, and governed with remarkable wisdom and compassion. The renaming reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to recognising women leaders in its civic geography.
  • India’s Nutrition Challenge: Despite being the world’s fifth-largest economy, India ranks 105th on the Global Hunger Index 2023. Nearly 35% of Indian children under 5 are stunted and 19% are wasted. Anaemia affects 57% of women of reproductive age (NFHS-5). POSHAN 2.0 โ€” consolidating ICDS, PMMVY, and the National Nutrition Mission โ€” is India’s flagship response, using a technology-driven, convergence approach across health, agriculture, sanitation, and education sectors.
Q.15) Which state’s ‘Dhar’ city has been selected under the Central Government’s ‘Safe Cities’ project in April 2026?

Ans > Madhya Pradesh

  • Safe Cities Project: The Central Government’s ‘Safe Cities’ initiative, funded through the Nirbhaya Fund, aims to create safer public environments for women in Indian cities through surveillance infrastructure (CCTV cameras, AI-based monitoring), dedicated women’s helplines, fast-track crime reporting, and gender-sensitive urban planning. Dhar city in Madhya Pradesh’s Malwa region has been newly selected for inclusion in this programme in April 2026.
  • Nirbhaya Fund & Safe Cities: The Nirbhaya Fund was created by the Government of India in 2013 following the horrific 2012 Delhi gang rape โ€” earmarked exclusively for initiatives enhancing women’s safety. Safe Cities is one of its flagship programmes, initially implemented in 8 cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow) and progressively expanding to additional tier-2 cities like Dhar based on crime data and women’s safety indices.
  • About Dhar: Dhar is a historic city in Madhya Pradesh’s Malwa Plateau, known for its medieval fort (Dhar Fort), the famous Lat Masjid (containing an iron pillar with inscriptions), and its cultural heritage. It is a district headquarters and a significant administrative centre in MP’s tribal-majority western region. Its selection under Safe Cities reflects the government’s focus on extending women’s safety infrastructure beyond major metros to smaller district towns.
  • Women’s Safety in India: India’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows over 4 lakh crimes against women registered annually โ€” with a significant share involving public spaces. Initiatives like Safe Cities, Emergency Response Support System (ERSS โ€” dial 112), SHe-Box (online complaint portal for sexual harassment), and One Stop Centres (Sakhi Centres) form a comprehensive ecosystem to address women’s safety across India’s urban and peri-urban spaces.
Q.6) Which Indian Navy ship participated in the 4th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (DIVEX 2026) in April 2026?

Ans > INS Nireekshak

  • DIVEX 2026: The 4th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Diving Exercise (DIVEX 2026) was conducted in April 2026, with INS Nireekshak representing the Indian Navy. The exercise focuses on advanced diving operations, underwater search and rescue (SAR), submarine escape and rescue procedures, saturation diving techniques, and casualty evacuation from distressed submarines โ€” enhancing interoperability between Indian and Sri Lankan naval diving teams.
  • About INS Nireekshak: INS Nireekshak is a specialized diving support vessel (DSV) of the Indian Navy, purpose-built for deep-sea diving operations, underwater construction, wreck survey, salvage, and submarine rescue. The ship is equipped with saturation diving systems, recompression chambers, and underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Its specialized role makes it the ideal platform for bilateral diving exercises with partner navies.
  • India-Sri Lanka Naval Relations: India and Sri Lanka share a strategic maritime relationship โ€” with close collaboration in anti-piracy, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), search and rescue, and anti-narcotics operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Bilateral exercises like DIVEX, SLINEX (surface warfare), and Mitra Shakti (army) reflect the comprehensive defence partnership under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrines.
  • Indian Navy Diving Capabilities: The Indian Navy maintains one of Asia’s most capable naval diving establishments โ€” with clearance divers, ship diving teams, and special operations-capable Combat Divers trained at INS Satavahana (Visakhapatnam). The Navy’s diving capabilities support submarine rescue (with the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle โ€” DSRV), underwater mine clearance, and covert special operations conducted by the MARCOS (Marine Commandos) โ€” India’s elite amphibious special operations force.
Q.9) Who has developed an advanced AI-based satellite imaging system called ‘Prajna’ to strengthen India’s internal security?

Ans > DRDO

  • Prajna System: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed ‘Prajna’ โ€” an advanced Artificial Intelligence-based satellite imagery analysis system designed to enhance India’s internal security and border surveillance capabilities. Prajna uses machine learning algorithms to analyse high-resolution satellite imagery in near real-time, identifying threats, tracking suspicious movements, monitoring sensitive border zones, and providing actionable intelligence to security agencies.
  • AI in Defence Surveillance: Prajna represents India’s growing capability in AI-powered defence intelligence. The system can automatically detect changes in terrain, identify military vehicles, track construction activities in border areas (particularly along the China and Pakistan borders), and flag anomalies โ€” tasks that would require thousands of human analysts if done manually. AI-based imaging reduces reaction time and improves the quality of actionable intelligence for decision-makers.
  • About DRDO: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence, is India’s primary military research agency โ€” with 52 laboratories employing 30,000+ scientists. DRDO’s landmark achievements include: Agni missile series, Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, Arjun Main Battle Tank, Akash air defence system, ASAT (anti-satellite) weapon tested in Mission Shakti (2019), and now AI-powered systems like Prajna. India aims to make DRDO a global-class defence technology powerhouse under Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
  • India’s Space-Based Intelligence: India’s satellite-based surveillance architecture includes RISAT (Radar Imaging Satellite) for all-weather imaging, Cartosat series for high-resolution cartography, EMISAT for electronic intelligence, and the GSAT communication satellites. With Prajna overlaying AI analysis on this satellite data, India is rapidly closing the intelligence gap with advanced nations โ€” critical for managing multi-front border security challenges along the 15,106-km land border and 7,516-km coastline.
Q.20) In April 2026, with which country has India’s ‘Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS)’ agreement become fully implemented?

Ans > Russia

  • RELOS Agreement: The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement between India and Russia became fully implemented in April 2026 โ€” a milestone in India-Russia defence cooperation. Under RELOS, the military forces of both countries can use each other’s military facilities (ports, airfields, bases) for replenishment of supplies, spare parts, fuel, and temporary maintenance during deployments โ€” significantly expanding both nations’ operational reach in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
  • India’s Network of RELOS/LEMOA Agreements: India has signed logistics support exchange agreements with several strategic partners: LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement) with USA (2016), MLSA (Mutual Logistics Support Agreement) with France, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, and now RELOS with Russia (2024-26 implementation). These agreements collectively give the Indian military access to a global network of partner military facilities โ€” critical for extended naval deployments, anti-piracy operations, and humanitarian missions.
  • India-Russia Defence Ties: Despite geopolitical pressures from the West regarding India’s continued close ties with Russia (particularly after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine), India has maintained its traditionally strong defence relationship with Moscow. India sources approximately 55% of its defence equipment from Russia โ€” including the S-400 Triumf air defence system, Su-30MKI fighters, MiG-29Ks, T-90 tanks, Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles (a joint venture), and Kilo-class submarines. The RELOS operationalization deepens this partnership.
  • India’s Strategic Autonomy: India’s defence logistics agreements across Western nations (USA, France, Australia) and Russia simultaneously reflect its doctrine of Strategic Autonomy โ€” maintaining independent foreign and defence policies, refusing to be locked into any single alliance, and leveraging relationships with all major powers for India’s national interest. This balancing act โ€” captured in India’s membership of QUAD (with USA, Japan, Australia) alongside BRICS and SCO (with Russia and China) โ€” is a defining feature of India’s 21st-century foreign policy.
Q.1) Who has won the title of ‘Femina Miss India 2026’?

Ans > Sadhvi Satish Sail

  • Winner: Sadhvi Satish Sail was crowned Femina Miss India 2026 at the grand pageant finale. She will represent India at international pageants including Miss World and Miss Universe 2026. Sadhvi stood out for her articulate communication, social awareness, and advocacy positions during the competition โ€” particularly on women’s education and environmental sustainability.
  • About Femina Miss India: Femina Miss India is India’s most prestigious national beauty pageant, organised annually by Femina magazine (published by The Times Group). Established in 1952, it selects India’s representatives for Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss Earth, Miss Asia Pacific, and Miss Supranational pageants. India has produced 6 Miss World winners (most recently Manushi Chhillar, 2017) and 2 Miss Universe winners (Sushmita Sen, 1994; Lara Dutta, 2000).
  • India’s Beauty Pageant Legacy: India has an extraordinary pageant legacy โ€” with winners like Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, Sushmita Sen, Diana Hayden, and Manushi Chhillar establishing themselves as global icons beyond the pageant world, into films, philanthropy, and international diplomacy. The Femina Miss India title consistently serves as a launchpad for women’s careers across entertainment, fashion, and social work.
  • Competitive Exam Relevance: Beauty pageant winners of India frequently appear in current affairs questions for competitive exams like WBCS, SSC, and UPSC Prelims. Key facts to remember: Miss India is organised by Femina/Times Group; the winner represents India at Miss World; India has the record for most Miss World titles in the world. Sadhvi Satish Sail’s win is a new addition to India’s pageant history for 2026.
Q.3) Which organization has launched India’s first three-team football format game, ‘OmegaBall’?

Ans > IIT Madras

  • OmegaBall Launch: IIT Madras has launched ‘OmegaBall’ โ€” India’s first three-team football format game, where three teams of players simultaneously compete on a specially designed triangular field instead of the traditional rectangular pitch used in conventional football. The format creates a completely new set of tactical dynamics โ€” no traditional binary opposition, requiring teams to manage threats from two opponents simultaneously while pursuing their own goal.
  • About OmegaBall: OmegaBall is played on a hexagonal or triangular field with three goals (one per team) and three simultaneous teams. Each team defends one goal and attacks the other two. This multi-directional format demands new tactical thinking, enhanced spatial awareness, and collaborative strategies โ€” creating a fundamentally different athletic and cognitive challenge compared to conventional 11-a-side football. The format is designed to make football more inclusive and entertaining.
  • IIT Madras โ€” Sports Innovation Hub: IIT Madras is one of India’s premier technical institutes (ranked #1 in NIRF rankings consistently) and is increasingly recognised for sports innovation and research. The institute houses the Sports Innovation Research Hub, developing technologies for athlete performance analysis, sports equipment design, and game format innovation. OmegaBall reflects IIT Madras’s commitment to applying engineering and design thinking to reimagine traditional sports.
  • Sports Innovation in India: India’s sports innovation ecosystem is growing rapidly โ€” with IISC Bengaluru, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, and NSCI (National Sports Science Congress) contributing to performance analytics, injury prevention, equipment technology, and novel game formats. India’s Vision 2047 for sports aims to establish the country as a global sports powerhouse โ€” with innovation in sport science and technology playing a critical enabling role alongside athlete development and infrastructure creation.
Q.11) Who became India’s ’95th Chess Grandmaster’ in April 2026?

Ans > Aronyak Ghosh

  • Achievement: Aronyak Ghosh became India’s 95th Grandmaster in chess in April 2026 โ€” a remarkable milestone in a country that has witnessed an explosion of chess talent. Aronyak achieved the three required Grandmaster norms and crossed the 2500 Elo rating threshold necessary to earn the Grandmaster (GM) title from FIDE (Fรฉdรฉration Internationale des ร‰checs โ€” World Chess Federation).
  • India’s Chess Revolution: India’s rise to chess superpower status has been extraordinary โ€” from Viswanathan Anand’s first Grandmaster title in 1988 (India’s first-ever GM) to now having 95 GMs by 2026. This explosion of talent (particularly from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and West Bengal) has been fuelled by Anand’s inspirational legacy, a strong coaching ecosystem (Chess Gurukul, AICF academies), and a competitive local tournament circuit producing world-class talent from small cities and towns.
  • About Grandmaster Title: The Grandmaster (GM) title is chess’s highest honour, awarded by FIDE. Requirements: (1) achieve an Elo rating of at least 2500 at any point; (2) score three Grandmaster norms in FIDE-rated tournaments over a period of not more than three years. The GM title, once awarded, is permanent. Aronyak’s achievement adds to India’s growing roster of chess excellence following world champions D Gukesh (World Chess Champion 2024), R Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi.
  • Bengal’s Chess Heritage: West Bengal has a rich chess tradition โ€” from Dibyendu Barua (Bengal’s first GM) to multiple strong players in the state’s competitive circuit. Aronyak Ghosh’s achievement reflects Bengal’s continued contribution to India’s chess excellence, backed by a network of chess clubs, academies, and state-level competitions that identify and nurture talent from childhood. Chess is increasingly recognised as a priority sport for India’s Asian Games and Olympiad medal aspirations.
Q.14) In April 2026, which country has been included among the 12 selected nations for the ‘FIFA Women’s Development Programme’?

Ans > India

  • FIFA Women’s Development Programme: India has been selected among 12 nations for FIFA’s Women’s Development Programme in April 2026 โ€” a prestigious global initiative providing technical expertise, infrastructure funding, coaching education, grassroots development resources, and elite player pathways to federations identified as having significant potential for women’s football growth. India’s inclusion reflects the global recognition of its rising women’s football ambitions.
  • India Women’s Football โ€” Current Status: The Indian women’s national football team is ranked approximately 65th globally by FIFA (2026). India hosted the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2022 โ€” a watershed moment for the game’s visibility in the country. Players like Manisha Kalyan (who signed for a European club), Bala Devi, and Dalima Chhibber have helped elevate the profile of women’s football, while the Indian Women’s League (IWL) provides domestic competition opportunities.
  • About FIFA’s Development Programmes: FIFA (Fรฉdรฉration Internationale de Football Association) uses its FIFA Forward programme to fund football development globally โ€” providing member associations with funding for infrastructure, grassroots, coaching, women’s football, and referee development. The Women’s Development Programme specifically targets nations where women’s football has untapped potential and aims to close the gender gap in football participation, coaching, and governance within those federations.
  • Football in India: Football enjoys massive popularity in India โ€” particularly in West Bengal, Kerala, Goa, Manipur, and Meghalaya. The Indian Super League (ISL) has revitalised professional men’s football, while the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is working to build a sustainable women’s football ecosystem. FIFA’s development programme brings crucial resources and international expertise to accelerate India’s women’s football growth โ€” with the long-term goal of qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Q.16) What is the name of the joint operation being conducted by the CBI and WADA to curb anti-doping activities in India?

Ans > Operation Upstream

  • Operation Upstream: ‘Operation Upstream’ is a joint anti-doping intelligence operation conducted by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in collaboration with WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). The operation targets the manufacturing, trafficking, and supply chain of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and prohibited substances in Indian sports โ€” arresting suppliers, dismantling distribution networks, and prosecuting coaches and support staff involved in facilitating doping.
  • About WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency): WADA is an international independent agency founded in 1999, co-funded by the IOC and national governments, headquartered in Montreal, Canada. WADA establishes the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), maintains the Prohibited List of banned substances, accredits anti-doping laboratories worldwide, and funds intelligence and investigation operations (like Operation Upstream) to protect clean sport globally. India’s NADA (National Anti-Doping Agency) operates under WADA’s framework.
  • Doping in Indian Sports: India has faced serious doping challenges โ€” with Indian athletes among the highest globally for anti-doping violations reported to WADA. Multiple world-class athletes (including wrestlers, sprinters, and weightlifters) have been suspended for doping violations in recent years. Contaminated supplements, lack of awareness, and deliberate doping for competitive advantage are identified causes. Operation Upstream directly addresses the supply side of the doping problem.
  • About CBI’s Role in Sports: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) โ€” India’s premier investigation agency โ€” has increasingly been tasked with sports integrity investigations: spot-fixing in cricket (IPL spot-fixing case), match-fixing in kabaddi and football, and now anti-doping supply chain investigations under Operation Upstream. This reflects India’s growing commitment to clean sport governance as it seeks to host the 2036 Olympic Games and position itself as a global sports destination.
Q.18) In April 2026, in which country did the ICC launch the first ‘Women’s T20 International Challenge Trophy 2026’?

Ans > Rwanda

  • ICC Women’s T20 International Challenge Trophy: The International Cricket Council (ICC) launched the inaugural Women’s T20 International Challenge Trophy 2026 in Rwanda โ€” marking a historic step in spreading women’s cricket to Associate (non-Test playing) member nations across Africa. The tournament brings together emerging women’s cricket teams from Africa and other Associate nations, providing competitive international exposure to players who rarely get opportunities at major ICC events.
  • Rwanda as Host: Rwanda hosting an ICC women’s cricket tournament reflects the ICC’s Africa cricket development strategy. Rwanda is one of Africa’s fastest-growing cricket nations โ€” with a vibrant domestic competition and government support for cricket development as part of sport diplomacy. Rwanda Cricket Stadium in Kigali has hosted several ICC regional events. The country’s administrative efficiency, infrastructure development, and positive international image make it an attractive host for global sports events.
  • ICC’s Women’s Cricket Development: ICC’s Women’s Cricket strategy focuses on: expanding the women’s game to 50+ nations, growing the ICC Women’s Championship (qualification pathway for Women’s ODI World Cup), increasing broadcast coverage of women’s cricket globally, equal pay advocacy, and creating developmental pathways for Associate nation women. Major milestones: Women’s T20 World Cup final in Melbourne (2020) attracted 86,174 fans โ€” a women’s cricket world record.
  • Cricket in Africa: Cricket in Africa is a growing force โ€” with Zimbabwe (full ICC member), Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Namibia, and Rwanda all having active cricket programmes. The ICC Global Development strategy earmarks significant funding for African cricket infrastructure, coaching education, and women’s programme development. Rwanda’s hosting of the Women’s T20 Challenge Trophy puts Africa on the map as a cricketing continent โ€” not just a talent market but a competitive and administrative player in global cricket governance.
Q.13) Which institution has launched ‘ANNAM.AI’, India’s first fully integrated agricultural intelligence ecosystem?

Ans > IIT Ropar

  • ANNAM.AI Launch: IIT Ropar (Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab) launched ‘ANNAM.AI’ โ€” India’s first fully integrated agricultural intelligence ecosystem combining AI, IoT sensors, satellite imaging, soil analysis, weather forecasting, and market price data into a single platform. ‘ANNAM’ (meaning food/grain in Sanskrit) aims to provide real-time, hyper-local farming advice to Indian farmers โ€” covering crop selection, sowing timing, irrigation scheduling, pest prediction, and optimal market timing for selling produce.
  • Features of ANNAM.AI: ANNAM.AI integrates multiple technologies: (1) AI-driven crop advisory based on soil health, weather, and crop stage; (2) satellite-based crop health monitoring (NDVI analysis); (3) IoT soil sensors for real-time moisture, pH, and nutrient data; (4) disease prediction using image recognition (farmer uploads photo of plant); (5) market intelligence connecting farmers with APMC mandi prices and direct buyer networks. The system is designed for voice-based access in local Indian languages for low-literacy users.
  • About IIT Ropar: IIT Ropar (established 2008, fully autonomous from 2016) in Rupnagar, Punjab, is one of India’s newer generation IITs with a strong focus on applied research relevant to Punjab’s agricultural economy. IIT Ropar’s Agricultural AI research group works closely with Punjab farmers, ICAR institutions, and state agriculture departments. ANNAM.AI is a direct outcome of this applied research focus โ€” translating cutting-edge AI into practical on-farm tools for the world’s most populous nation.
  • AI in Indian Agriculture: India’s agricultural AI ecosystem is growing rapidly โ€” with ICAR’s AI for Agriculture initiative, Kisan Suvidha app (Government of India), CropIn (private AgriTech), and now ANNAM.AI. India has 146 million farm holdings โ€” of which 85% are small and marginal. AI-powered precision agriculture can help these small farmers optimise inputs, reduce costs, improve yields, and respond to climate variability โ€” potentially adding $70+ billion to India’s agricultural GDP by 2030 according to NASSCOM projections.
Q.19) In which year will ISRO launch the ‘G20 Satellite’ to study air pollution and monitor weather?

Ans > 2027

  • G20 Satellite Mission: ISRO plans to launch the ‘G20 Satellite’ in 2027 โ€” a joint earth observation satellite developed under the G20 framework during India’s G20 Presidency (2023). The satellite is designed to monitor air quality (tracking particulate matter PM2.5, NOโ‚‚, SOโ‚‚, and carbon emissions), study weather patterns, track climate change indicators, and provide environmental data accessible to all G20 member nations for policy-making and disaster response.
  • About ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), established in 1969 under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, is India’s national space agency headquartered in Bengaluru. Key missions include: Chandrayaan-1 (discovered water on Moon, 2008), Mangalyaan/MOM (Mars Orbiter Mission โ€” first Asian nation to reach Mars, 2014), Chandrayaan-3 (first soft landing near Moon’s south pole, 2023), and Aditya-L1 (solar observation mission). ISRO’s cost-efficient missions have made it a model for developing nations’ space programmes.
  • Air Pollution Monitoring from Space: Satellite-based air quality monitoring is transforming environmental governance โ€” providing continuous, wide-area data impossible to collect through ground stations alone. International examples include ESA’s Sentinel-5P (TROPOMI instrument), NASA’s TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution), and JAXA’s GOSAT. India’s G20 Satellite will complement these missions with a focus on South Asian and developing-world air quality challenges โ€” critical for the 1.3 billion people living under WHO air quality guideline violations in India alone.
  • India’s G20 Legacy in Space: India leveraged its G20 Presidency (2023 theme: ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam โ€” One Earth, One Family, One Future’) to champion space cooperation for climate action. The G20 Satellite initiative operationalises this vision โ€” ensuring India’s space capabilities serve the global community’s environmental monitoring needs while positioning ISRO as a partner in multilateral climate science and earth observation infrastructure.
Q.4) In April 2026, which state’s ‘Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary’ was designated as India’s 99th Ramsar site?

Ans > Uttar Pradesh

  • Ramsar Designation: Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has been designated as India’s 99th Ramsar site in April 2026 โ€” bringing India closer to the 100-Ramsar-site milestone. Shekha Jheel is a seasonal wetland in UP’s Pilibhit region, hosting thousands of migratory birds during winter including Bar-headed Geese, Common Teals, Northern Pintail, and various wader species. Its designation provides the wetland with international recognition and enhanced conservation protection.
  • About the Ramsar Convention: The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty signed on February 2, 1971, at Ramsar, Iran โ€” hence the name. It provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. February 2 is observed as World Wetlands Day. Countries that sign the convention commit to designating at least one wetland as a Ramsar site and managing all their wetlands sustainably. Over 175 countries are Contracting Parties to the convention.
  • India’s Ramsar Sites: India has been one of the most active nations in Ramsar designations โ€” with 75 sites designated during India’s G20 Presidency year (2023). India’s Ramsar sites span diverse wetland types: floodplain wetlands (Keoladeo Ghana, Rajasthan), coastal lagoons (Chilika Lake, Odisha โ€” Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon), high altitude wetlands (Tsomoriri, Ladakh), mangroves (Bhitarkanika, Odisha), and seasonal jheel (lake) systems like the newly designated Shekha Jheel. UP alone now has several Ramsar sites.
  • Wetlands and India’s Biodiversity: Wetlands cover approximately 4.6% of India’s geographic area and support extraordinary biodiversity โ€” hosting 10% of the world’s fish species, 25% of India’s reptile species, and millions of migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway. India’s wetlands are under severe threat from encroachment, pollution, groundwater extraction, and invasive species. The Ramsar framework, combined with India’s Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017, provides the legal and diplomatic tools to protect these critical ecosystems.
Q.7) The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has declared ‘Yana Caves’, located in which state, as a Geo-heritage site of national importance?

Ans > Karnataka

  • GSI Declaration: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) declared Yana Caves โ€” located in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district in the Western Ghats โ€” as a Geo-heritage site of national importance. This designation recognises Yana’s extraordinary geological significance and mandates its protection from quarrying, construction, and other destructive activities. Geo-heritage status also promotes Yana as a destination for geo-tourism and scientific research.
  • About Yana Caves: Yana is famous for its two massive black crystalline limestone (karst) rock formations rising dramatically out of dense Western Ghats forest โ€” the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara (90 metres high) and the Mohini Shikhara (60 metres). These unique rock pillars are composed of pure black crystalline dolomite limestone formed approximately 550 million years ago โ€” making them among the oldest geological formations visible at the surface in peninsular India. The caves within the formation have ancient cultural and religious significance.
  • About GSI (Geological Survey of India): The Geological Survey of India (GSI), established in 1851, is one of the world’s oldest geological survey organisations and India’s primary scientific agency for geological mapping, mineral exploration, geo-hazard assessment, and geo-heritage preservation. GSI has designated 34 National Geo-heritage sites across India โ€” from the Lonar Crater (Maharashtra) and Barren Island Volcano (Andaman) to the Deccan Traps and now Yana Caves โ€” building a network of protected geological wonders.
  • Karnataka’s Natural Heritage: Karnataka is one of India’s most biodiverse states โ€” hosting the Western Ghats (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global biodiversity hotspot), Kabini and Nagarhole Tiger Reserves, Kudremukh National Park, and now nationally designated geo-heritage at Yana. The state’s forests are home to 25% of India’s tiger population, Asia’s largest wild elephant population, and thousands of endemic plant and animal species โ€” making Karnataka’s natural heritage conservation one of the most significant environmental responsibilities in South Asia.
Q.2) Who has been appointed as the new CEO of the multinational technology company ‘Apple Inc.’?

Ans > John Ternus

  • CEO Appointment: John Ternus was appointed as the new CEO of Apple Inc. โ€” succeeding Tim Cook, who had led Apple since August 2011 following Steve Jobs’ resignation due to illness. Ternus previously served as Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, overseeing the development of all Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and accessories hardware โ€” making him intimately familiar with Apple’s entire product portfolio and engineering culture.
  • About John Ternus: John Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and rose through product design and engineering roles to become SVP of Hardware Engineering. He was widely credited for Apple’s transition from Intel to Apple Silicon (M-series chips), the MacBook Air redesign, and the iPhone 15 Pro series engineering. His engineering-first background positions him to continue Apple’s hardware differentiation strategy while navigating the company’s expansion into AI, augmented reality (Apple Vision Pro), and services.
  • Tim Cook’s Legacy: Tim Cook’s tenure as Apple CEO (2011-2026) was transformative โ€” taking Apple from a ~$350 billion company to a $3+ trillion market capitalisation (world’s most valuable company at its peak). Cook expanded Apple’s services business (App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud), opened Apple to manufacturing in India (Foxconn and Tata manufacturing iPhones in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka), and pioneered Apple’s supply chain diversification away from China โ€” with India becoming a critical manufacturing hub.
  • Apple in India: Apple’s deepening presence in India is a significant current affairs theme. India is now manufacturing approximately 14% of global iPhone production (2026), with Tata Electronics and Foxconn as key partners. Apple opened its first retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi in 2023. India is also Apple’s fastest-growing major market โ€” with a rapidly expanding premium smartphone segment. Ternus’s appointment signals continued focus on India’s strategic importance for both Apple’s manufacturing and sales strategy.
Q.10) In April 2026, which city hosted the first meeting of the ‘BRICS Academic Forum’ under India’s Chairship?

Ans > New Delhi

  • BRICS Academic Forum: New Delhi hosted the first meeting of the BRICS Academic Forum under India’s Chairship of BRICS 2026 in April 2026. The forum brings together leading academics, researchers, think tanks, and policy experts from BRICS member nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and the new BRICS+ members: Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia) to develop evidence-based policy recommendations on trade, technology, climate, and development finance.
  • India’s BRICS Chairship 2026: India holds the BRICS Chairship in 2026, with the theme expected to focus on multilateral reform, South-South cooperation, digital public infrastructure, and sustainable development. India’s BRICS chairship provides a major platform to shape the agenda of the expanded BRICS+ grouping โ€” which now represents 45% of the world’s population, 35% of global GDP (PPP), and a significant share of global oil and commodities markets.
  • About BRICS: BRICS was originally the acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa โ€” an association of major emerging economies conceptualised by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill in 2001. The group formally came into existence in 2009 and has grown into a significant geopolitical and economic grouping. In 2024, BRICS expanded significantly (BRICS+) to include Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia โ€” becoming a more representative voice for the Global South in world governance.
  • BRICS New Development Bank (NDB): The BRICS New Development Bank, headquartered in Shanghai with a South Africa regional office, provides development financing as an alternative to the IMF and World Bank. India has been a significant NDB borrower โ€” funding infrastructure, clean energy, and urban development projects. Under India’s BRICS Chairship, the NDB’s expansion to more member nations and greater use of local currencies in lending (reducing dollar dependency) is a key agenda item โ€” reflecting BRICS’s aspiration for a multipolar global financial architecture.
Q.17) With which country will India sign a ‘Free Trade Agreement (FTA)’ in April 2026 to strengthen economic ties?

Ans > New Zealand

  • India-New Zealand FTA: India is set to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand in April 2026 โ€” a landmark deal that will significantly boost bilateral trade in goods and services between the two nations. The FTA will reduce or eliminate tariffs on key exports: Indian textiles, pharmaceuticals, IT services, gems and jewellery (India to NZ) and New Zealand dairy, meat, wine, and horticulture products (NZ to India). Negotiations have been underway since 2010, making this agreement’s finalisation particularly significant.
  • India’s FTA Strategy: India has been aggressively pursuing bilateral FTAs since 2022, after years of cautious trade policy. Recent FTAs: UAE-India CEPA (2022), India-Australia ECTA (2022), India-UK FTA (advanced negotiations), India-Canada FTA (negotiations paused), India-EU FTA (ongoing negotiations), and now India-New Zealand FTA. These agreements reflect India’s shift toward export-led growth as a pillar of the $5 trillion economy target โ€” leveraging India’s competitive advantages in services, pharmaceuticals, and labour-intensive manufacturing.
  • India-New Zealand Trade Relations: Current bilateral trade between India and New Zealand is approximately $1 billion annually โ€” modest relative to the FTA’s potential. New Zealand is a significant partner for India in the education sector (large Indian student diaspora), IT services, and tourism. The FTA’s services chapter is expected to significantly expand opportunities for Indian IT professionals and students in New Zealand, while opening India’s food market to New Zealand’s world-class agricultural exports.
  • Dairy Controversy: The India-New Zealand FTA has faced significant domestic opposition from India’s dairy sector โ€” with cooperatives like Amul and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) opposing any tariff reduction on New Zealand dairy products, which are globally competitive due to pasture-based farming. Balancing the FTA’s broader economic benefits with protection of India’s 8 crore dairy farming households has been the central political challenge in finalising the agreement โ€” a tension characteristic of India’s agricultural trade policy dilemmas.

๐Ÿ“Œ Quick Summary โ€” Weekly Current Affairs | 20โ€“26 April 2026

๐Ÿ›๏ธ National & State Affairs
  • Panchayati Raj Day: National Panchayati Raj Day observed on April 24 โ€” marks 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1993).
  • Chita Andolan (MP): Protest movement against displacement by the Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project.
  • Nutrition Fortnight: Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra secured 1st position nationwide in 8th National Nutrition Fortnight.
  • Safe Cities: Dhar city, Madhya Pradesh selected under Central Government’s ‘Safe Cities’ project (Nirbhaya Fund).
  • Ramsar 99th Site: Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh designated as India’s 99th Ramsar site.
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Defence & Security
  • DIVEX 2026: INS Nireekshak participated in 4th India-Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (DIVEX 2026).
  • Prajna (DRDO): DRDO developed ‘Prajna’ โ€” AI-based satellite imaging system to strengthen India’s internal security.
  • India-Russia RELOS: Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support agreement with Russia became fully implemented.
๐Ÿ† Sports & Awards
  • Miss India 2026: Sadhvi Satish Sail crowned Femina Miss India 2026.
  • OmegaBall: IIT Madras launched India’s first three-team football format game.
  • Chess GM: Aronyak Ghosh became India’s 95th Chess Grandmaster.
  • FIFA Women’s Programme: India selected among 12 nations in FIFA Women’s Development Programme.
  • Operation Upstream: Joint CBI-WADA operation to curb anti-doping activities in India.
  • ICC Women’s T20 Trophy: First ICC Women’s T20 International Challenge Trophy 2026 launched in Rwanda.
๐Ÿ”ฌ Science & Technology
  • ANNAM.AI (IIT Ropar): India’s first fully integrated agricultural intelligence ecosystem launched.
  • G20 Satellite (ISRO): ISRO to launch G20 Satellite in 2027 to monitor air pollution and weather.
๐ŸŒ International & Economy
  • Apple CEO: John Ternus appointed as new CEO of Apple Inc., succeeding Tim Cook.
  • BRICS Academic Forum: New Delhi hosted first meeting of BRICS Academic Forum under India’s Chairship.
  • India-NZ FTA: India to sign Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand.
  • Yana Caves (Karnataka): GSI declared Yana Caves as a Geo-heritage site of national importance.
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