Q.7) Which state launched India’s first integrated highway trauma care system ‘Project Sanjeevani’?
Ans > Telangana
- Project Name: India’s first integrated highway trauma care system has been named ‘Project Sanjeevani’.
- Launching State: Telangana became the first state in India to launch this dedicated highway trauma care initiative.
- Objective: The project aims to provide immediate, coordinated emergency medical care to road accident victims on national highways, drastically reducing the golden-hour mortality rate.
- Key Features: It integrates trauma care centers, ambulance networks, trained paramedics, and real-time data coordination along major highway corridors to ensure swift response to accident sites.
Q.8) Which ministry is organizing the 8th ‘Poshan Pakhwada’ 2026 and what is its primary objective?
Ans > Ministry of Women and Child Development; Nutritional Awareness
- Organizing Ministry: The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) organizes the Poshan Pakhwada annually as part of the Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission).
- Primary Objective: The core aim is to raise nutritional awareness among communities, particularly focusing on the health of pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and children under 6 years of age.
- Duration: The Poshan Pakhwada is observed as a fortnight-long (two-week) campaign with activities conducted across all states and union territories through Anganwadi centres.
- Broader Goal: It supports India’s mission to achieve malnutrition-free status by promoting balanced diets, hygiene, and early childhood nutrition practices.
Q.17) The Union Cabinet has approved the 1200 MW ‘Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project’ in Arunachal Pradesh. On which river is this project proposed?
Ans > Lohit River
- Project Location: The Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project is proposed on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Capacity: The project has an installed capacity of 1,200 MW (megawatts), making it a significant addition to India’s hydropower portfolio.
- Approval: The Union Cabinet approved this project, reflecting the government’s commitment to harnessing the vast hydropower potential of the northeastern states.
- Significance: The Lohit River basin in Arunachal Pradesh holds immense hydropower potential. The project will contribute to India’s renewable energy targets and provide power supply to the northeastern region.
Q.19) Who has been awarded the ‘WWF Machchli National Award 2026’?
Ans > Anita Chaudhary
- Award Name: The WWF Machchli (Fish) National Award recognizes outstanding contributions to freshwater conservation and sustainable fisheries management in India.
- Recipient: Anita Chaudhary was honoured with the 2026 edition of this prestigious award for her exceptional work in promoting sustainable aquatic ecosystems.
- Organiser: The award is given by WWF-India (World Wide Fund for Nature – India) as part of its initiative to recognise grassroots-level champions working to protect freshwater biodiversity.
- Significance: Freshwater biodiversity in India faces severe threats from pollution, over-fishing, and habitat loss; such awards encourage community-led conservation efforts across river basins.
Q.1) Who became the first Indian female to win the Candidates Chess Tournament, thereby making history?
Ans > R. Vaishali
- Historic Achievement: R. Vaishali (Vaishali Rameshbabu) became the first Indian female chess player to win the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, etching her name in Indian chess history.
- Significance: By winning the Candidates Tournament, she earned the right to challenge the reigning Women’s World Chess Champion, placing her at the pinnacle of women’s chess.
- Family Connection: Vaishali is the sister of five-time World Chess Champion D. Gukesh, making them one of the most celebrated sibling duos in international chess.
- Previous Records: She had already become one of India’s youngest-ever Women Grandmasters and had consistently ranked among the top women players globally before this landmark victory.
Q.5) C. D. Gopinath passed away at the age of 96 in April 2026. He was associated with which sport?
Ans > Cricket
- Full Name: Coimbatore Doraiswamy Gopinath, widely known as C. D. Gopinath, was a veteran Indian cricketer and cricket administrator.
- Playing Career: He represented India in both Test and First-Class cricket during the 1950s, playing an important role in the early era of Indian cricket.
- Administrative Role: After his playing career, he made significant contributions to the development and administration of cricket, particularly in South India.
- Legacy: He passed away in April 2026 at the age of 96, leaving behind a rich legacy that bridged the formative years of Indian cricket from its earliest international contests.
Q.14) Which two major sports, dropped from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, are set to make a comeback at the 2030 Commonwealth Games to be held in India?
Ans > Cricket and Hockey
- 2030 Host: India has been confirmed as the host nation for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, a major sporting milestone for the country.
- Sports Returning: Both Cricket (T20 format) and Hockey — two sports with a massive following in India — will return to the Commonwealth Games after being dropped from the 2022 Birmingham edition.
- Why Dropped in 2022: Cricket and Hockey were excluded from the Birmingham 2022 programme primarily due to logistical, financial, and scheduling constraints faced by the organising committee.
- Significance for India: The inclusion of these sports is particularly significant for India, as the country has a strong tradition and fan base in both cricket and hockey, including India’s status as the birthplace of modern field hockey dominance in the Commonwealth era.
Q.12) What is the name of India’s first dedicated nuclear missile tracking and ocean surveillance ship?
Ans > INS Dhruv
- Ship Name: INS Dhruv is India’s first dedicated nuclear missile tracking and ocean surveillance vessel, a significant addition to the Indian Navy’s strategic capabilities.
- Mission: The ship is equipped with advanced radar and sensor systems to monitor ballistic missile trajectories, track submarine movements, and conduct wide-area ocean surveillance.
- Strategic Role: INS Dhruv plays a critical role in India’s nuclear command and control infrastructure by providing real-time data on missile launches and tracking underwater threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Significance: India joins a very small group of nations — including the United States, China, and Russia — that possess such a specialised strategic missile-tracking vessel, underlining India’s growing naval prowess.
Q.3) India’s first Semiconductor Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has been approved at which place?
Ans > Dholera, Gujarat
- Location: India’s first dedicated Semiconductor Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has been approved at Dholera in Gujarat, part of the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR).
- Strategic Importance: The Dholera SEZ is expected to be a cornerstone of India’s semiconductor ecosystem, attracting major chip manufacturers and allied industries under the India Semiconductor Mission.
- India Semiconductor Mission: The Government of India launched this mission to make India a global hub for semiconductor design and manufacturing, reducing dependence on imports from East Asia.
- Dholera DSIR: Dholera is a greenfield smart city being developed as a world-class industrial township near Ahmedabad, offering plug-and-play infrastructure ideal for high-tech manufacturing clusters.
Q.11) In the financial year 2025-26, which state topped in filing the highest number of patent applications in India?
Ans > Tamil Nadu
- Top State: Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of patent applications filed in India during the financial year 2025-26, reflecting its strong innovation and industrial ecosystem.
- Why Tamil Nadu: The state’s leadership in this area is driven by its robust concentration of engineering colleges, research institutions (like IIT Madras), automobile industries, and a rapidly growing startup ecosystem in Chennai.
- National Context: India’s total patent filings have been growing significantly year-on-year, driven by government initiatives like “Make in India” and increased R&D spending by both public and private sectors.
- IP Policy Push: The growth aligns with India’s National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, which aims to foster an innovation-driven economy and increase India’s global ranking in intellectual property filings.
Q.2) Which country has resumed imports of broken rice from India in April 2026?
Ans > China
- Development: China officially resumed imports of broken rice from India in April 2026 after a period during which trade in this commodity had been restricted or paused.
- India’s Role: India is one of the world’s largest exporters of rice, including broken rice varieties, which are widely used in animal feed, brewing, and food processing industries globally.
- Trade Significance: The resumption is seen as a positive signal for India-China agricultural trade relations and is expected to boost India’s rice export revenues, benefiting farmers in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Background: India had restricted broken rice exports in 2022 to protect domestic supplies; the gradual easing of such restrictions has reopened global trade channels, including to China, a large consumer of broken rice.
Q.4) To what record level has India’s total exports (Goods & Services) reached in the financial year 2025-26?
Ans > USD 860 Billion
- Record Achievement: India’s combined goods and services exports reached an all-time record of approximately USD 860 billion in the financial year 2025-26, surpassing all previous export milestones.
- Breakdown: This figure encompasses merchandise (goods) exports as well as services exports — with services, led by IT, software, and business process outsourcing, contributing a major share.
- Policy Context: The milestone is aligned with India’s ambition to become a USD 1 trillion export economy in the near term, driven by schemes like PLI (Production Linked Incentive) and the push for diversified export baskets.
- Key Export Sectors: Engineering goods, petroleum products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT/BPO services were among the leading contributors to this record export performance.
Q.6) Which country became India’s top trading partner in FY 2025-26, overtaking the United States?
Ans > China
- Trade Leader: China surpassed the United States to become India’s single largest trading partner (by total bilateral trade volume) in the financial year 2025-26.
- Trade Volume: Bilateral India-China trade crossed USD 125 billion in FY26, driven primarily by India’s significant imports of electronics, machinery, chemicals, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from China.
- Trade Imbalance: While total trade is high, India runs a substantial trade deficit with China, meaning India imports far more from China than it exports there — a concern for India’s economic strategists.
- Policy Implications: The development has intensified India’s efforts to diversify supply chains, reduce import dependence on China in critical sectors, and boost domestic manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Q.9) Which has become the first Indian FMCG company to cross the ₹1 trillion (₹1 lakh crore) turnover mark in FY 2025-26?
Ans > Amul (GCMMF)
- Historic Milestone: Amul, operated by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), became the first Indian FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) company to cross the ₹1 trillion (₹1 lakh crore) annual turnover mark in FY 2025-26.
- About Amul: Amul is a cooperative brand born out of the “White Revolution” (Operation Flood), founded on the cooperative model championed by Dr. Verghese Kurien. It is one of India’s most trusted and iconic consumer brands.
- Product Range: Amul’s vast product portfolio includes milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, chocolates, paneer, and ghee — making it the market leader in several dairy categories across India.
- Cooperative Power: This achievement reflects the enormous strength of India’s cooperative dairy sector, with millions of rural milk producers directly benefiting from Amul’s commercial success.
Q.10) In which city has US President Donald Trump unveiled plans for a proposed massive gold-clad triumphal arch, “Arc de Trump”?
Ans > Washington D.C.
- Proposed Location: US President Donald Trump unveiled plans for the “Arc de Trump” — a grand, gold-clad triumphal arch — to be constructed in Washington D.C., the capital of the United States.
- Design Concept: Inspired by the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the proposed structure is described as a massive, gold-covered triumphal arch intended as a monument to American greatness and military victories.
- Context: The announcement is part of a broader plan by the Trump administration to beautify and monumentalise Washington D.C. with grand neoclassical architecture reflecting American power.
- Reactions: The proposal generated significant debate among architects, historians, and lawmakers, with discussions around its cost, aesthetics, and symbolic implications for American public spaces.
Q.13) Where was the first BRICS Health Working Group Meeting 2026 held?
Ans > New Delhi
- Venue: The first BRICS Health Working Group Meeting of 2026 was held in New Delhi (virtually) on April 15, 2026, under India’s BRICS Chairship for the year.
- BRICS Chairship: India holds the BRICS Chairship for 2026, making it responsible for hosting and convening various working group meetings across different sectors throughout the year.
- Key Agenda: The meeting focused on strengthening health cooperation among BRICS nations, including collaborative research on infectious diseases, pandemic preparedness, affordable healthcare solutions, and traditional medicine systems.
- BRICS Members: BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and several new members admitted in 2024, representing a major portion of the world’s population and economic output.
Q.15) When is World Voice Day observed every year?
Ans > April 16
- Date: World Voice Day is observed globally every year on April 16.
- Purpose: The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of the human voice, promoting vocal health, and celebrating the extraordinary role of the voice in communication, art, and expression.
- Origin: The observance began in Brazil in 1999 as “Dia Nacional da Voz” (National Voice Day) and was adopted internationally by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, eventually becoming a global event.
- Key Focus Areas: Activities on this day highlight vocal hygiene for singers, teachers, actors, and public speakers, as well as education about voice disorders, treatments, and the importance of seeking medical help for persistent voice problems.
Q.16) Who has been appointed as India’s new Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union (EU)?
Ans > Pranay Verma
- New Appointment: Pranay Verma, a senior Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as India’s new Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union (EU).
- Strategic Importance: The posting to Belgium and the EU is of high diplomatic significance as Brussels hosts the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO, making it a key hub for India’s engagement with multilateral Western institutions.
- Previous Role: Prior to this assignment, Pranay Verma served as India’s Ambassador to Vietnam, where he played a key role in deepening India-Vietnam bilateral relations under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.
- India-EU Relations: This appointment comes at a time when India and the EU are actively working to conclude a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and strengthen ties in areas including trade, technology, climate, and security.
Q.18) World Chagas Disease Day is observed every year on which date?
Ans > April 14
- Date: World Chagas Disease Day is observed on April 14 every year, as established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Significance of April 14: This date commemorates April 14, 1909, when Brazilian physician Dr. Carlos Chagas diagnosed the first human case of the disease — a young girl named Berenice — thereby discovering Chagas disease.
- About the Disease: Chagas disease is a potentially life-threatening tropical parasitic illness caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted mainly through the bite of blood-sucking insects called triatomine bugs (also known as “kissing bugs”).
- Global Burden: An estimated 6–7 million people worldwide are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, primarily in Latin America, though the disease has spread globally due to migration. It is classified as one of the WHO’s Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
Q.20) The Iranian government is set to execute an anti-regime woman activist. What is her name?
Ans > Bita Hemmati
- Identity: Bita Hemmati is an Iranian woman activist who was sentenced to death by Iranian authorities on charges related to her anti-regime activities and protests.
- Context: Her case has drawn significant international attention and condemnation from human rights organisations, who call for the immediate halt of her execution and the release of all political prisoners in Iran.
- Background: Iran has faced widespread protests since the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement following the death of Mahsa Amini. Hundreds of protesters have been sentenced to prison, flogging, or death sentences by Iranian courts.
- International Response: The United Nations, Amnesty International, and several governments have demanded Iran refrain from executing activists and uphold international human rights obligations.
📌 Quick Summary — 17 April 2026
🏛️ National & States
- Healthcare: Telangana launched ‘Project Sanjeevani’ — India’s first integrated highway trauma care system.
- Nutrition: Ministry of Women & Child Development organising the 8th ‘Poshan Pakhwada’ 2026 with focus on Nutritional Awareness.
- Hydropower: Union Cabinet approved the 1200 MW Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh, on the Lohit River.
- Environment: Anita Chaudhary awarded the ‘WWF Machchli National Award 2026’ for freshwater conservation.
🏆 Sports
- Chess: R. Vaishali became the first Indian female to win the Candidates Chess Tournament.
- Obituary: Cricket administrator C. D. Gopinath passed away at age 96 in April 2026.
- Commonwealth Games: Cricket and Hockey to make a comeback at the 2030 Commonwealth Games in India (dropped from 2022 Birmingham).
🛡️ Defense & Space
- Naval Power: INS Dhruv — India’s first dedicated nuclear missile tracking and ocean surveillance ship — highlighted in current affairs.
🔬 Science & Technology
- Semiconductors: India’s first Semiconductor Special Economic Zone (SEZ) approved at Dholera, Gujarat.
- Innovation: Tamil Nadu topped India in patent application filings in FY 2025-26.
📈 Economy & Trade
- Agri-Trade: China resumed imports of broken rice from India in April 2026.
- Export Record: India’s total exports (Goods & Services) reached a record USD 860 Billion in FY 2025-26.
- Trade Partner: China overtook the US to become India’s top trading partner in FY26.
- FMCG Milestone: Amul (GCMMF) became the first Indian FMCG company to cross ₹1 trillion turnover in FY 2025-26.
🌍 International & Days
- Arc de Trump: US President Trump unveiled plans for gold-clad triumphal arch “Arc de Trump” in Washington D.C.
- BRICS: First BRICS Health Working Group Meeting 2026 held in New Delhi.
- World Voice Day: Observed every year on April 16.
- Diplomacy: Pranay Verma appointed as India’s new Ambassador to Belgium and EU.
- World Chagas Disease Day: Observed every year on April 14.
- Iran: Anti-regime activist Bita Hemmati faces execution by the Iranian government.
Current Affairs Quiz
17 April 2026
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Apr 2026
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