Weekly Current Affairs 13-19 April, 2026

Weekly Current Affairs (13-19 April 2026) – Complete Study Module
Q.1) In April 2026, in which state did the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps launch ‘Operation Him Setu’ to rescue tourists stranded amidst landslides and snowfall?

Ans > Sikkim

  • Operation: The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps launched ‘Operation Him Setu’ in Sikkim to rescue tourists who were stranded due to sudden heavy landslides and snowfall in the mountainous terrain of the state.
  • Trishakti Corps: The Trishakti Corps is the Indian Army’s formation responsible for the operational area of Sikkim and parts of the northeast. It is headquartered in Sukna, West Bengal, and oversees security and disaster relief in the sensitive northeastern Himalayan region.
  • Significance: Sikkim, a high-altitude Himalayan state, is particularly vulnerable to flash floods, landslides, and sudden weather changes — events that frequently strand tourists, especially along routes to areas like North Sikkim and Nathu La Pass.
  • Army’s Humanitarian Role: Operations like Him Setu highlight the Indian Army’s critical role in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance (HADR) in difficult, remote Himalayan terrain where civilian rescue infrastructure is often limited.
Q.4) Where has the foundation stone of the world’s first integrated global university, ‘Vantara University’, been laid?

Ans > Jamnagar, Gujarat

  • Location: The foundation stone of ‘Vantara University’ — described as the world’s first integrated global university — was laid in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
  • About Vantara: The Vantara project in Jamnagar is a world-renowned animal rescue and conservation centre operated by Anant Ambani. The university is envisioned as an educational extension of this conservation mission, integrating wildlife science, environmental studies, and global learning programmes.
  • Vision: Vantara University aims to be a first-of-its-kind institution that combines traditional academics with hands-on environmental conservation, wildlife management, and holistic global education, drawing students and researchers from across the world.
  • Significance for Jamnagar: The development further cements Jamnagar’s status as a hub for major national initiatives — the city already hosts the world’s largest oil refinery (Reliance) and one of the world’s largest and most respected animal sanctuaries through the Vantara facility.
Q.8) Where has Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India’s first 3D technology-based Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ‘Immersive Multi-Dimensional Museum’?

Ans > New Delhi

  • Inauguration: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India’s first 3D technology-based Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ‘Immersive Multi-Dimensional Museum’ in New Delhi.
  • Technology Used: The museum uses cutting-edge 3D immersive technology, including projection mapping, augmented reality (AR), and multi-dimensional displays to bring to life the life, battles, forts, naval power, and administrative genius of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in a visually engaging format.
  • About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Shivaji Maharaj (1630–1680) was the founder of the Maratha Empire, celebrated for his military strategies, naval warfare, fort architecture, and progressive administration. He is revered as a national hero across India.
  • Significance: As India’s first museum of this kind dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj, it represents a modern approach to heritage preservation and public education, making Indian history more accessible and engaging for younger generations through immersive technology.
Q.9) In April 2026, in which language did India’s Vice President, C.P. Radhakrishnan, launch the latest edition of the Indian Constitution?

Ans > Sindhi

  • Launch: India’s Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan launched the latest edition of the Indian Constitution in the Sindhi language, making it accessible to India’s Sindhi-speaking community.
  • About Sindhi: Sindhi is one of the 22 scheduled languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It is primarily spoken by the Sindhi community, descendants of those who migrated from the Sindh province (now in Pakistan) during the 1947 Partition.
  • Unique Feature: Unlike most Indian languages, Sindhi does not have a single dedicated state in India. It uses multiple scripts including Perso-Arabic (the official script) and Devanagari. The Constitution of India is the foundational legal document; publishing it in Sindhi strengthens linguistic inclusivity.
  • Significance: Publishing the Constitution in all 22 scheduled languages ensures that every Indian citizen, regardless of their mother tongue, can access and understand their fundamental rights and the country’s supreme law in their own language.
Q.7) Which Indian player has been named the ‘Leading Women’s Cricketer in the World’ by the prestigious Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack 2026?

Ans > Deepti Sharma

  • Honour: Deepti Sharma was named the ‘Leading Women’s Cricketer in the World’ in the 2026 edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack — one of cricket’s oldest and most prestigious publications, often called the ‘Bible of Cricket’.
  • Historic Achievement: Deepti Sharma became the first player (male or female) to score 200+ runs AND take 20+ wickets in a single ICC World Cup tournament. Her all-round performances were central to India winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
  • About Wisden: Published annually since 1864, Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack is the most authoritative cricket publication in the world. The ‘Leading Cricketer in the World’ awards are among the most coveted individual recognitions in the sport.
  • Previous Indian Winner: Smriti Mandhana won the Wisden Women’s award for the year 2024, making back-to-back Indian wins a testament to the dominance of Indian women cricketers on the global stage.
Q.10) In April 2026, legendary player ‘Viktor Axelsen’ announced his retirement from international badminton. Which country does he belong to?

Ans > Denmark

  • Country: Viktor Axelsen represented Denmark, a Nordic nation that has historically produced world-class badminton players despite not being in Asia — the traditional powerhouse of the sport.
  • Retirement: He announced his retirement from professional badminton in April 2026 at the age of 32, citing recurring physical limitations and persistent nerve pain following back surgery in April 2025.
  • Olympic Legacy: Axelsen is a two-time Olympic Gold Medallist, winning the men’s singles title at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, cementing his legacy as the greatest men’s singles badminton player of his era.
  • World Dominance: He is a two-time World Champion (2017 and 2022) and held the BWF World No. 1 ranking for a remarkable 183 weeks — making him one of the most dominant athletes in the history of his sport.
Q.11) Who has won the ‘ICC Men’s Player of the Month’ award for March 2026?

Ans > Sanju Samson

  • Winner: Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for March 2026, recognising his exceptional batting performances during the month.
  • About Sanju Samson: Sanju Samson is the captain of the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has been one of India’s most explosive white-ball batsmen. He is known for his attacking strokeplay, elegant cover drives, and ability to accelerate the run rate.
  • ICC Men’s Player of the Month: This award is given monthly by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to recognise outstanding male cricketing performances across all formats during that calendar month, voted by a panel of experts and fans globally.
  • Significance: Samson’s selection reflects the growing recognition of Indian players on the international stage and his own evolution as a match-winner across all white-ball formats for both Team India and his IPL franchise.
Q.12) Which Indian company has appointed tennis star Carlos Alcaraz as its global brand ambassador?

Ans > Infosys

  • Partnership: Infosys — India’s second-largest IT services company — appointed reigning World No. 1 tennis star Carlos Alcaraz of Spain as its global brand ambassador, a high-profile partnership that aligns the company’s technology innovation narrative with Alcaraz’s youthful dominance in world tennis.
  • About Carlos Alcaraz: Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) is one of the most exciting young talents in the history of tennis. He became the youngest player to hold the World No. 1 ATP ranking and has won multiple Grand Slam titles including Wimbledon and the US Open.
  • Infosys & Tennis: Infosys already has a deep connection with tennis — it is the official technology partner of Grand Slam tournaments including the Australian Open, Roland Garros (French Open), and the US Open, making this Alcaraz partnership a natural extension of its sporting tech brand strategy.
  • Strategic Fit: The partnership is designed to project Infosys as an agile, innovative, and globally relevant technology company, using Alcaraz’s image of speed, precision, and next-generation excellence as metaphors for the company’s own technology capabilities.
Q.3) Between India and which country was the joint military exercise ‘Dustlik 2026’ conducted in April 2026?

Ans > Uzbekistan

  • Exercise Name: ‘Dustlik 2026’ (also written as Exercise Dustlik VII – 2026) is the bilateral joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan, held to strengthen defence cooperation between the two nations.
  • About Dustlik: Dustlik (meaning ‘friendship’ in Uzbek) is an annual joint exercise that focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, sharing tactical skills, and enhancing interoperability between the two armies.
  • India-Uzbekistan Relations: India and Uzbekistan share strategic interests under India’s Connect Central Asia Policy. Uzbekistan is an important partner for India in Central Asia, especially for regional connectivity, trade through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and counter-terrorism cooperation.
  • Significance: Regular joint exercises like Dustlik help both armies build combat-ready partnerships, align their approaches to modern asymmetric warfare, and deepen the broader bilateral strategic relationship between India and Uzbekistan.
Q.5) In April 2026, where has ISRO successfully completed the second ‘Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02)’ for the Gaganyaan mission?

Ans > Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota

  • Test Location: ISRO successfully completed the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) for the Gaganyaan mission at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh coast.
  • About IADT: The Integrated Air Drop Test is a critical validation test for the Crew Module Recovery System of the Gaganyaan spacecraft. It involves dropping the Crew Module from a helicopter at high altitude to test whether the parachute and flotation system will safely land the module in the sea after re-entry from space.
  • Gaganyaan Mission: Gaganyaan is India’s first human spaceflight programme, which aims to send a 3-member Indian crew to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 400 km for a 3-day mission and safely bring them back to Earth by splashdown in Indian waters.
  • Significance: IADT-02’s success is a critical milestone in validating the safety of the crew recovery system — one of the most vital components ensuring astronaut safety during Gaganyaan’s return from space.
Q.13) Under the recent agreement between HAL and GE Aerospace, the HAL-GE F414 jet engine will primarily be used in which Indian fighter aircraft?

Ans > Tejas Mk2

  • The Agreement: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and GE Aerospace (USA) signed a landmark agreement for the co-production of the F414 turbofan jet engine in India — a historic step for India’s defence manufacturing indigenisation.
  • Primary Use: The HAL-GE F414 engine will primarily power the Tejas Mk2, the advanced next-generation variant of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, significantly enhancing its thrust, range, and combat performance.
  • Atmanirbhar Bharat: The deal involves technology transfer with over 80% indigenous content targeted over time, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in the defence sector and reducing dependence on foreign engine suppliers.
  • Tejas Mk2 Overview: The Tejas Mk2 is a medium-weight, multi-role combat aircraft being developed by ADA and HAL. It will feature an AESA radar, advanced avionics, and significantly improved weapons payload compared to the current Tejas Mk1A.
Q.15) Which spacecraft has NASA selected for the splashdown of the ‘Artemis II Mission’ in the Pacific Ocean in April 2026?

Ans > Orion

  • Spacecraft: NASA selected the Orion spacecraft for the splashdown of the Artemis II Mission in the Pacific Ocean in April 2026. Orion is NASA’s deep-space crew vehicle designed to carry astronauts beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Artemis II Mission: Artemis II is the first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis programme — the next great era of lunar exploration. It was a crewed lunar flyby mission, sending 4 astronauts (including the first woman and first person of colour to go to the Moon’s vicinity) around the Moon without landing and returning safely to Earth.
  • About Orion: The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) is jointly built by NASA and Lockheed Martin. It is designed for long-duration deep-space missions and can sustain a crew of 4 for missions lasting up to 21 days in deep space.
  • Artemis Programme Goal: The Artemis programme’s ultimate goal (Artemis III and beyond) is to establish a sustained human presence on and around the Moon, serving as a stepping stone for future crewed missions to Mars.
Q.19) The ‘Anusandhan National Research Foundation’ (ANRF) has developed the ‘SARAL AI’ platform to simplify complex research papers in collaboration with which institution?

Ans > IIIT Hyderabad

  • Collaboration: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) developed the ‘SARAL AI’ platform in collaboration with IIIT Hyderabad (International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad).
  • SARAL Stands For: SARAL stands for Simplified And Automated Research Amplification and Learning — a name that reflects the platform’s core mission of democratising scientific knowledge.
  • Core Features: The SARAL AI platform uses advanced AI models to decode technical jargon and convert complex research papers into engaging, accessible formats such as short videos, podcasts, presentation slides, and social media posts in 18 Indian languages.
  • Significance: SARAL AI bridges the gap between academic research and the general public, enabling frontline workers, students, and citizens to access scientific discoveries in their own language — a major step towards democratising science in India.
Q.20) Which institution has unveiled its new medium-term strategy named ‘Utkarsh 2029’?

Ans > Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

  • Strategy Name: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) unveiled ‘Utkarsh 2029’, its new medium-term strategy framework covering 2025 to 2029, succeeding the earlier ‘Utkarsh 2022’ strategy.
  • Core Pillars: Utkarsh 2029 is built around key pillars including price stability, financial system resilience, digital currency and payments ecosystem expansion, regulatory excellence, climate risk integration, and inclusive financial development.
  • Digital Focus: A major thrust of the strategy is deepening India’s digital payment infrastructure, expanding the CBDC (e-Rupee) ecosystem, and enhancing cybersecurity across the financial sector.
  • About RBI: The Reserve Bank of India is India’s central bank, responsible for monetary policy, bank regulation, foreign exchange management, and currency issuance. Its medium-term strategy is critical for India’s macroeconomic stability and financial inclusion goals.
Q.2) Who has been elected as the new Prime Minister of Hungary in April 2026?

Ans > Péter Magyar

  • New PM: Péter Magyar was elected as the new Prime Minister of Hungary in April 2026, ending the long political dominance of Viktor Orbán who had led Hungary since 2010.
  • About Péter Magyar: Péter Magyar is the leader of the Tisza (TISZA) party in Hungary. He rose to prominence as a prominent critic of the Orbán government, gaining significant popular support particularly among young, urban Hungarians seeking democratic reform and closer ties with the European Union.
  • Political Context: Hungary’s 2026 elections were seen as a landmark contest between Orbán’s Fidesz party and Magyar’s Tisza party. Magyar’s victory signalled a significant shift in Hungarian politics, with implications for Hungary’s relationship with the EU and NATO.
  • Significance: As the leader of a major EU member state, Hungary’s new PM is expected to reshape the country’s foreign policy stance, particularly regarding EU solidarity, rule of law compliance, and support for Ukraine — all contentious issues under the previous Orbán government.
Q.6) Where was the ‘9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2026)’ held in April 2026?

Ans > Port Louis, Mauritius

  • Venue: The 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2026) was held in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, in April 2026.
  • About the Indian Ocean Conference: The Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) is an annual multilateral forum that brings together governments, scholars, business leaders, and policy experts from Indian Ocean Rim countries to discuss themes of peace, stability, development, and cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • India’s Role: India plays a central role in the IOC as the largest nation in the Indian Ocean Rim. The conference aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision — PM Modi’s strategic framework for Indian Ocean cooperation.
  • Mauritius Connection: Mauritius is a key strategic partner for India in the southwestern Indian Ocean. It hosts India’s radar surveillance station, and both countries have deep cultural, economic, and security ties, making it a natural host for this significant maritime conference.
Q.13) When was ‘World Heritage Day 2026’ celebrated?

Ans > 18 April

  • Date: World Heritage Day, officially known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is observed every year on 18 April.
  • Established By: Established by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982 and approved by UNESCO’s General Conference in 1983, the day has been observed globally since 1984.
  • Purpose: The day aims to raise awareness about the diversity and vulnerability of cultural heritage around the world and the efforts needed to protect and conserve it for future generations.
  • India’s Heritage: India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the most in Asia — including the Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, Sundarbans, Red Fort, and the Western Ghats, reflecting the country’s extraordinary cultural and natural richness.
Q.16) Which city in the United States has become the first to install a life-size bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda?

Ans > Seattle

  • Historic First: Seattle, Washington became the first city in the United States to install a life-size bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda, commemorating his profound spiritual and philosophical influence on American society.
  • About Swami Vivekananda: Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) was a 19th-century Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, and spiritual leader who introduced Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. His iconic address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893, beginning with “Sisters and Brothers of America” brought him international fame.
  • Connection to America: Swami Vivekananda visited the United States multiple times and founded the Vedanta Society of New York in 1894. His ideas had a profound influence on American intellectuals, writers, and spiritual seekers.
  • Significance: The installation of this statue in Seattle is a recognition of Swami Vivekananda’s lasting global legacy and the growing prominence of Indian cultural and philosophical traditions in the United States, as well as India’s growing soft power globally.
Q.17) Who has been appointed by Israel as the new chief of its foreign intelligence agency ‘Mossad’?

Ans > Roman Gofman

  • Appointment: Roman Gofman was appointed by Israel as the new chief of Mossad — Israel’s national intelligence agency responsible for foreign intelligence collection, covert operations, and counter-terrorism overseas.
  • About Mossad: Mossad (Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations) is Israel’s equivalent of the CIA or RAW. It is widely regarded as one of the most capable and secretive intelligence agencies in the world, known for high-profile operations, cyber intelligence, and counter-proliferation activities.
  • Predecessor: Roman Gofman succeeded David Barnea, who had been Mossad’s director since 2021 and oversaw the agency through a period of intense regional turbulence including the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza.
  • Significance: The appointment of a new Mossad chief at this geopolitically sensitive juncture signals a potential shift in strategic priorities and operational approach for Israel’s most critical external intelligence service as it navigates ongoing conflicts and regional realignment.

📌 Quick Summary — Weekly Current Affairs (13-19 April 2026)

🏛️ National & States
  • Army Operation: Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps launched ‘Operation Him Setu’ in Sikkim to rescue tourists stranded by landslides and snowfall.
  • Education: Foundation stone of world’s first integrated global university ‘Vantara University’ laid at Jamnagar, Gujarat.
  • Culture: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India’s first 3D Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ‘Immersive Multi-Dimensional Museum’ in New Delhi.
  • Language: VP C.P. Radhakrishnan launched the latest edition of the Indian Constitution in the Sindhi language.
🏆 Sports
  • Cricket — Wisden: Deepti Sharma named the ‘Leading Women’s Cricketer in the World’ by Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack 2026.
  • Badminton: Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) announced retirement from international badminton in April 2026.
  • ICC Award: Sanju Samson won the ‘ICC Men’s Player of the Month’ award for March 2026.
  • Brand Ambassador: Infosys appointed tennis star Carlos Alcaraz as its global brand ambassador.
🛡️ Defense & Space
  • Military Exercise: Joint military exercise ‘Dustlik 2026’ conducted between India and Uzbekistan in April 2026.
  • Gaganyaan: ISRO successfully completed second ‘Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02)’ for Gaganyaan mission at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
  • Aviation: HAL-GE F414 jet engine to primarily power Tejas Mk2 fighter aircraft under the recent HAL-GE Aerospace agreement.
  • NASA: Orion spacecraft selected for splashdown of the Artemis II Mission in the Pacific Ocean in April 2026.
🔬 Science & Technology
  • AI Research: ANRF developed ‘SARAL AI’ platform to simplify complex research papers — in collaboration with IIIT Hyderabad; supports 18 Indian languages.
📈 Economy & Finance
  • Banking: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) unveiled ‘Utkarsh 2029’ — its new medium-term strategy framework (2025–2029).
🌍 International & Days
  • Hungary: Péter Magyar elected as the new Prime Minister of Hungary in April 2026.
  • Diplomacy: 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2026) held at Port Louis, Mauritius.
  • World Heritage Day: Celebrated on 18 April every year.
  • Culture: Seattle (USA) became the first US city to install a life-size bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda.
  • Intelligence: Roman Gofman appointed as the new chief of Israel’s Mossad.

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