Q.2) Who has been elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for the third consecutive time?
Ans > Harivansh Narayan Singh
- Historic Third Term: Harivansh Narayan Singh was re-elected as the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha for a historic third consecutive term in April 2026, making him the longest-serving Deputy Chairman in the history of India’s upper house of Parliament.
- About: He is a Janata Dal (United) politician and a member of the NDA coalition. He is also known as a veteran journalist who edited the prominent Hindi newspaper Prabhat Khabar for many years before entering politics.
- Role of Deputy Chairman: The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides over the sessions of the upper house in the absence of the Chairman (who is the Vice President of India) and plays a crucial role in managing orderly parliamentary proceedings.
- Significance: His unprecedented third consecutive election reflects his broad acceptability across party lines and his distinguished, impartial conduct of parliamentary proceedings in his previous two tenures.
Q.10) In which state’s Voter List Revision (SIR) process has the Supreme Court recently intervened under Article 142?
Ans > West Bengal
- Supreme Court Intervention: The Supreme Court of India invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to intervene in the Voter List Revision (Special Intensive Revision — SIR) process being conducted in West Bengal.
- About Article 142: Article 142 grants the Supreme Court the power to pass any decree or order necessary for doing “complete justice” in any cause or matter. It is a special provision that allows the Court to go beyond existing laws to ensure substantive justice.
- SIR Process: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists is conducted by the Election Commission of India to ensure electoral rolls are accurate, up-to-date, and free from bogus or duplicate entries ahead of major elections.
- Significance: The Supreme Court’s intervention in West Bengal’s voter list revision underscores the constitutional importance of maintaining free, fair, and accurate electoral rolls, especially in a state with a history of sensitive electoral disputes.
Q.12) Which railway depot has become India’s first ‘water-neutral’ railway depot in April 2026?
Ans > Kankaria Coaching Depot, Ahmedabad
- Historic Achievement: The Kankaria Coaching Depot, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, became India’s first ‘water-neutral’ railway depot — a landmark milestone in sustainable railway operations and water conservation.
- What ‘Water-Neutral’ Means: A water-neutral facility ensures that it does not create a net negative impact on freshwater resources — achieving this through rainwater harvesting, water recycling, reducing consumption, and replenishing local water bodies equal to or greater than the water it uses.
- Initiatives Undertaken: The depot implemented comprehensive water-saving technologies including rain water harvesting structures, wastewater treatment and reuse plants, and water-efficient cleaning systems for coaches that significantly reduced freshwater consumption.
- Indian Railways’ Green Mission: This achievement is part of Indian Railways’ broader ‘Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030’ and its commitment to sustainable operations, positioning Indian Railways as an environmentally responsible public utility.
Q.15) Where did Indian Railways announce the launch of the ‘Divya Dakshin Yatra Train’?
Ans > Visakhapatnam
- Launch City: Indian Railways (IRCTC) announced the launch of the ‘Divya Dakshin Yatra’ Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train from Visakhapatnam (Vizag) in Andhra Pradesh, connecting pilgrims and tourists to famous South Indian religious and heritage destinations.
- About Bharat Gaurav Trains: Bharat Gaurav is an IRCTC initiative that operates theme-based tourist trains across India at affordable fares, covering religious, heritage, and culturally significant destinations. It is particularly popular among pilgrims and senior citizens.
- Significance of Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam (Vizag) is a major port city in Andhra Pradesh with excellent rail connectivity. Launching from here ensures convenient access for pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and neighbouring states.
- Destinations Covered: The Divya Dakshin Yatra covers major South Indian pilgrimage centres including temples in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala, providing an affordable and convenient guided spiritual journey.
Q.20) When was the 107th anniversary of the ‘Jallianwala Bagh Massacre’ observed?
Ans > 13 April
- Date: The 107th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre was observed on 13 April 2026, marking 107 years since the tragic colonial-era atrocity perpetrated by British forces in 1919.
- About the Massacre: On 13 April 1919, British Indian Army troops under the command of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer opened fire without warning on a peaceful gathering of thousands of unarmed civilians — men, women, and children — assembled at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab.
- Casualties: Official British estimates recorded 379 deaths and over 1,200 wounded, though actual numbers are believed to be far higher. The narrow exit-less garden made the massacre particularly devastating as people had no escape from the gunfire.
- Historical Impact: The massacre is one of the darkest chapters of British colonial rule in India. It galvanised Indian public opinion decisively against British rule, was a turning point in Mahatma Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement, and deeply influenced the course of India’s independence struggle.
Q.5) N. Ramachandran, who passed away recently, was the former president of which organisation?
Ans > Indian Olympic Association
- Passing: N. Ramachandran, the distinguished sports administrator, passed away recently. He served as the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and made significant contributions to Indian sports at both national and international levels.
- Indian Olympic Association (IOA): The IOA is the National Olympic Committee for India, responsible for managing India’s participation in the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and other major international multi-sport events. It is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
- N. Ramachandran’s Contributions: During his tenure as IOA president, he worked to strengthen India’s international sporting relationships and improve the governance and administrative structures of Indian sports federations. He was also closely involved with World Squash Federation affairs.
- Significance: His passing is a significant loss for Indian sports administration, and tributes were paid by sporting bodies and athletes across the country recognising his decades of contribution to Indian and global sports governance.
Q.6) Who recently won the inaugural ‘Boulders Classic 2026’ golf tournament held in Hyderabad?
Ans > Shubhankar Sharma
- Winner: Indian professional golfer Shubhankar Sharma won the inaugural ‘Boulders Classic 2026’ golf tournament held in Hyderabad, marking a significant victory in his home country at a prestigious new event on the Indian golfing calendar.
- About Shubhankar Sharma: Shubhankar Sharma is one of India’s most successful professional golfers on the European Tour (now DP World Tour). He rose to prominence with back-to-back wins on the European Tour in 2018 and has represented India in multiple international events including the Olympics.
- About Boulders Classic 2026: The Boulders Classic 2026 is an inaugural golf tournament hosted in Hyderabad, part of the efforts to develop and elevate the profile of professional golf in India and attract top international talent to compete on Indian soil.
- Golf in India: Indian golf has seen significant growth in recent years, with players like Anirban Lahiri and Shubhankar Sharma competing regularly on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, helping raise the sport’s profile among Indian sports fans.
Q.13) How many total medals did India win at the ‘Asian Wrestling Championships 2026’ held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan?
Ans > 17 medals (2 Gold, 6 Silver, 9 Bronze)
- Medal Tally: India won a total of 17 medals at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan — comprising 2 Gold, 6 Silver, and 9 Bronze medals — a strong performance reflecting the depth of Indian wrestling talent.
- Host City: Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, hosted the 2026 edition of the Asian Wrestling Championships. Kyrgyzstan has a strong wrestling tradition and the event drew top wrestlers from across Asia.
- India’s Wrestling Legacy: India has a rich tradition in wrestling (Kushti), with Olympic medallists like Sushil Kumar, Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Ravi Kumar Dahiya elevating the sport’s status. The Asian Championships serve as a key preparatory event for the World Championships and Olympics.
- Significance: India’s 17-medal haul places it among the top wrestling nations in Asia, demonstrating continued investment in grassroots wrestling programmes and the effectiveness of the national training infrastructure for combat sports.
Q.17) Which medal did the Indian contingent win in the Mixed Team Pistol event at the Granada ISSF World Cup 2026?
Ans > Gold Medal
- Gold Medal Win: The Indian shooting contingent won the Gold Medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the Granada ISSF World Cup 2026 held in Spain. The gold-winning pair was Palak Gulia and Mukesh Nelavalli.
- Event Details: The ISSF World Cup 2026 was held in Granada, Spain on 7 April 2026. In the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event, India claimed gold, China won silver, and Hungary took bronze.
- ISSF World Cup: The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup is one of the most prestigious annual shooting competitions globally. It serves as an important qualification pathway for major events including the Olympics and Asian Games.
- India’s Shooting Excellence: India has emerged as a world-leading nation in target shooting, consistently producing top athletes across air pistol, air rifle, and shotgun disciplines. Shooting is now one of India’s most medal-productive Olympic sports.
Q.3) Australia and Japan signed a $7 billion defence deal for the supply of which type of military vessels to Australia?
Ans > Mogami-class Frigates
- Deal Details: Australia and Japan signed a landmark $7 billion defence deal for Japan to supply Mogami-class multi-mission frigates to the Royal Australian Navy — one of the largest Australia-Japan defence cooperation agreements ever concluded.
- About Mogami-class Frigates: The Mogami-class (30FFM) is Japan’s latest class of advanced multi-mission frigates built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. They are highly capable vessels designed for anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and mine-sweeping operations, featuring cutting-edge stealth, automation, and sensor systems.
- Strategic Context: This deal is part of the deepening Australia-Japan security partnership, both being key US allies in the Indo-Pacific. It reflects growing concerns about regional security and China’s expanding naval presence, and aligns with Australia’s strategy to modernise and expand its naval fleet.
- Japan’s Defence Exports: Japan has significantly liberalised its defence export policy in recent years, moving away from its post-WWII pacifist restrictions. The Australia deal represents one of Japan’s largest-ever defence equipment exports and a milestone in Japan’s re-emergence as a significant defence manufacturer.
Q.4) Who has been appointed as the first-ever female Chief of Army in Australia’s 125-year military history?
Ans > Susan Coyle
- Historic Appointment: Lieutenant General Susan Coyle was appointed as the first-ever female Chief of Army in Australia’s 125-year military history — a landmark appointment that marks a significant milestone for gender equality in Australia’s armed forces.
- About Susan Coyle: Lt Gen Susan Coyle is a highly decorated senior officer of the Australian Army who has served in various operational, command, and staff roles across Australia and internationally. Her appointment breaks one of the last glass ceilings in Australian military leadership.
- Australian Army: The Australian Army is the land warfare branch of the Australian Defence Force and has a history stretching back to 1901. It is a professional all-volunteer force that has served in conflicts and peacekeeping missions globally, including in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and more recently Afghanistan and Iraq.
- Global Trend: Susan Coyle’s appointment is part of a broader global trend of women reaching the highest positions in national militaries. Countries like New Zealand, Netherlands, Germany, and the United States have also seen women appointed to top military leadership roles in recent years.
Q.18) GE Aerospace has signed an agreement to establish an F404 engine depot facility in India. Which platform is this engine associated with?
Ans > Tejas Fighter Aircraft
- Agreement: GE Aerospace (USA) signed an agreement to establish an F404 engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) depot facility in India, significantly strengthening the indigenous support ecosystem for India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft programme.
- F404 Engine: The GE F404 is a low-bypass turbofan engine that currently powers the Tejas Mk1 and Tejas Mk1A variants of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft. It provides the aircraft with its core propulsion system, generating significant thrust for combat operations.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: Setting up an engine depot in India reduces India’s dependence on sending engines abroad for maintenance, cutting downtime, saving costs, and building indigenous MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) capability — a key pillar of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence.
- Tejas Programme: The Tejas LCA is India’s homegrown single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft developed by HAL and ADA. The Indian Air Force has ordered over 180 Tejas aircraft across various variants, making it the backbone of India’s future air combat fleet.
Q.11) According to the IMF’s ‘World Economic Outlook’ (April 2026), global growth is projected to slow to what rate in 2026?
Ans > 3.1%
- IMF Projection: According to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook released in April 2026, global economic growth is projected to slow down to 3.1% in 2026, a downward revision from earlier projections, reflecting mounting global headwinds.
- Key Reasons: The slowdown is attributed to multiple factors: the lingering effects of elevated interest rates across advanced economies, the impact of new US tariff measures and escalating trade tensions, geopolitical conflicts (Ukraine-Russia, Middle East), and persistent debt challenges in developing economies.
- India’s Outlook: Despite global deceleration, India remains the fastest-growing major economy in the IMF’s 2026 projections, with real GDP growth forecast at approximately 6.5%, driven by strong domestic consumption, infrastructure investment, and digital economy expansion.
- About IMF’s WEO: The IMF’s World Economic Outlook is a flagship publication released twice annually (April and October) providing analysis and projections of global economic developments — it is one of the most closely watched economic documents by policymakers and markets worldwide.
Q.8) Which neighboring country’s $1.3 billion loan tranche was recently withheld by the IMF in April 2026?
Ans > Bangladesh
- IMF Decision: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) withheld a $1.3 billion loan tranche for Bangladesh in April 2026, citing concerns over economic reform progress, fiscal consolidation targets, and the pace of structural reforms required under Bangladesh’s ongoing IMF support programme.
- Bangladesh’s Economic Context: Bangladesh had been receiving IMF support as part of a $4.7 billion Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility arrangement approved in 2023 to help the country manage a foreign exchange crisis, rising inflation, and post-pandemic economic stress.
- IMF Conditions: IMF loan tranches are typically disbursed in installments conditional on recipient countries meeting agreed economic reform milestones — including fiscal deficit reduction, tax revenue improvement, and central bank reserve management — assessed through periodic reviews.
- India’s Perspective: As a neighboring country with deep economic ties, India closely monitors Bangladesh’s economic stability. Political and economic turmoil in Bangladesh — including the change in government in 2024 — has complicated the reform agenda required for IMF disbursements.
Q.9) Which has become the first company in India to receive the globally recognized ‘Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) 3.0’ certification for wheat and paddy?
Ans > ITC Limited
- Historic First: ITC Limited became the first company in India to receive the globally recognized ‘Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) 3.0’ certification for both wheat and paddy crops, a landmark achievement in sustainable agriculture and responsible sourcing.
- About FSA 3.0: The Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) 3.0 is a globally recognized tool developed by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform that evaluates and benchmarks farm-level sustainable agriculture practices against international standards covering soil health, water management, biodiversity, labour rights, and farmer livelihoods.
- ITC’s Agribusiness: ITC Limited has a large agribusiness division that sources wheat and paddy from millions of farmers across India through its e-Choupal and ITC Agri-Business networks, making this certification a significant achievement covering large volumes of Indian farm produce.
- Significance: This certification positions ITC as a global leader in sustainable food sourcing and opens new market opportunities with European and global food companies that mandate FSA-certified grain procurement under their own sustainability commitments.
Q.1) Who has been named as India’s new High Commissioner to Bangladesh in April 2026?
Ans > Dinesh Trivedi
- New High Commissioner: Dinesh Trivedi — former Union Railway Minister and senior politician — was appointed as India’s new High Commissioner to Bangladesh in April 2026, a significant diplomatic appointment given the sensitive state of India-Bangladesh relations.
- About Dinesh Trivedi: Dinesh Trivedi is a veteran Indian politician who served as the Railway Minister of India from 2011-2012. He is known for his independent views, his railway budget that proposed significant fare hikes, and his subsequent resignation. He later resigned from the Trinamool Congress party and entered politics independently.
- India-Bangladesh Relations: India-Bangladesh relations have gone through a turbulent phase since August 2024, when PM Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India amid mass protests. The new Bangladesh government under Muhammad Yunus has had a more complex relationship with India, making the appointment of a skilled High Commissioner crucial.
- Strategic Importance: Bangladesh is one of India’s most important neighbours, sharing a 4,156-km border — the longest land border with any single country. Bilateral ties encompass trade, water sharing, connectivity, security, and people-to-people exchanges, making the High Commissioner’s role extremely significant.
Q.7) Whom has the Harvard South Asian Association selected as its ‘Person of the Year 2026’?
Ans > Sayani Gupta
- Honour: Bollywood actress Sayani Gupta was selected as the ‘Person of the Year 2026’ by the Harvard South Asian Association — a prestigious recognition from one of the world’s most eminent universities, acknowledging her contributions to Indian cinema, art, and social causes.
- About Sayani Gupta: Sayani Gupta is a critically acclaimed Indian actress known for her compelling performances in films like ‘Margarita with a Straw’, ‘Four More Shots Please’, ‘Article 15’, and ‘Jagga Jasoos’. She is celebrated for her artistic versatility and willingness to take on unconventional, socially relevant roles.
- Harvard South Asian Association: The Harvard South Asian Association (HSAA) is a student-run organisation at Harvard University that promotes South Asian culture, arts, and academic discourse. Its ‘Person of the Year’ award recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to South Asian society, culture, or global discourse.
- Significance: The recognition by HSAA highlights the growing global visibility of Indian independent cinema and its actors who use their platform to address important social issues including disability rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and women’s empowerment in South Asian society.
Q.14) In April 2026, India supplied 13 tons of ‘Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine’ as medical assistance to which neighboring country?
Ans > Afghanistan
- Medical Assistance: India supplied 13 tons of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine to Afghanistan in April 2026 as humanitarian medical assistance, demonstrating India’s continued commitment to public health support for its neighbour despite complex diplomatic circumstances.
- About BCG Vaccine: The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is one of the world’s oldest and most widely used vaccines, primarily providing protection against tuberculosis (TB) — a major infectious disease burden in South Asia. It is also used to prevent other severe forms of mycobacterial infections in children.
- India-Afghanistan Relations: Despite the Taliban government’s return to power in 2021, India has maintained humanitarian engagement with Afghanistan — continuing to provide food, medicine, and essential supplies to help the Afghan people, while navigating a careful diplomatic approach.
- India’s Vaccine Diplomacy: India is one of the world’s largest vaccine producers and has historically used vaccine supply as a tool of soft power and humanitarian diplomacy — supplying COVID-19 vaccines, polio vaccines, and other essential immunisation products to neighbouring and developing countries.
Q.16) Who has won the title of the ‘Miss Sake India 2026’ beauty and cultural pageant?
Ans > Nishita Antarkar
- Winner: Nishita Antarkar won the title of the Miss Sake India 2026 beauty and cultural pageant, earning the honour of representing India in the Miss Sake international competition in Japan.
- About Miss Sake India: Miss Sake India is a unique pageant that celebrates not just beauty but also cultural exchange between India and Japan, with a special focus on Japanese culture, sake (Japanese rice wine), cuisine, and traditions. Winners typically represent India at the global Miss Sake competition held in Japan.
- Cultural Exchange: The Miss Sake pageant is an important cultural bridge initiative, encouraging Indian participants to learn about Japanese language, traditions, and hospitality culture, while also promoting India-Japan people-to-people ties and the growing tourism relationship between the two nations.
- India-Japan Relations: India and Japan enjoy a strong bilateral relationship designated as a ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’. Beyond strategic and economic cooperation, cultural exchanges through events like Miss Sake India strengthen the people-to-people dimension of this important relationship.
Q.19) The Chancellor of which country, Dr. Christian Stocker, visited India on a four-day official visit from 14 to 17 April 2026?
Ans > Austria
- Official Visit: Dr. Christian Stocker, the Chancellor (Prime Minister) of Austria, visited India on an official four-day state visit from 14 to 17 April 2026, holding bilateral talks with Indian leadership including PM Narendra Modi to strengthen India-Austria ties.
- About Austria: Austria is a landlocked Central European country and a member of the European Union. Known for its rich cultural heritage (Mozart, Beethoven, Freud), Vienna’s historic architecture, and alpine landscapes, Austria maintains strong diplomatic and economic ties across Europe and globally.
- India-Austria Relations: India and Austria have maintained diplomatic relations since 1949. Bilateral cooperation spans trade, tourism, culture, science and technology, and education. Austria is home to several UN agencies (Vienna is the third UN city), and both countries cooperate on multilateral issues.
- Significance: High-level bilateral visits between Indian and European leadership are part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen its partnerships across Europe — particularly important in the context of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations and growing India-Europe strategic cooperation.
📌 Quick Summary — 20 April 2026
🏛️ National & States
- Parliament: Harivansh Narayan Singh elected Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha for a historic 3rd consecutive term.
- Judiciary: Supreme Court intervened under Article 142 in West Bengal’s Voter List Revision (SIR) process.
- Railways: Kankaria Coaching Depot, Ahmedabad becomes India’s first ‘water-neutral’ railway depot.
- Tourism: Indian Railways announced the launch of ‘Divya Dakshin Yatra’ Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train from Visakhapatnam.
- History: 107th anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre observed on 13 April.
🏆 Sports
- Obituary: N. Ramachandran, former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), passed away.
- Golf: Shubhankar Sharma won the inaugural Boulders Classic 2026 golf tournament in Hyderabad.
- Wrestling: India won 17 medals (2 Gold, 6 Silver, 9 Bronze) at Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- Shooting: India won Gold Medal in 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at Granada ISSF World Cup 2026 (Palak Gulia & Mukesh Nelavalli).
🛡️ Defense & Security
- Australia-Japan: $7 billion defence deal signed — Japan to supply Mogami-class Frigates to Australia.
- Military Historic: Susan Coyle appointed as Australia’s first-ever female Chief of Army in its 125-year history.
- Aviation: GE Aerospace signed agreement to establish F404 engine depot in India — engine associated with Tejas Fighter Aircraft.
🔬 Science & Economy (IMF)
- IMF WEO: According to IMF’s World Economic Outlook (April 2026), global growth projected to slow to 3.1% in 2026.
📈 Economy & Finance
- IMF-Bangladesh: IMF withheld Bangladesh’s $1.3 billion loan tranche in April 2026 due to reform concerns.
- Agriculture: ITC Limited becomes India’s first company to receive FSA 3.0 certification for wheat and paddy.
🌍 International & Days
- Diplomacy: Dinesh Trivedi named India’s new High Commissioner to Bangladesh.
- Award: Sayani Gupta selected as Harvard South Asian Association’s ‘Person of the Year 2026’.
- Aid: India supplied 13 tons of BCG vaccine to Afghanistan as medical assistance.
- Pageant: Nishita Antarkar won Miss Sake India 2026 title.
- Visit: Austrian Chancellor Dr. Christian Stocker visited India on a 4-day official visit (14-17 April 2026).
Current Affairs Quiz
20 April 2026
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