Weekly Current Affairs 27 Apr-3 May, 2026
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📌 Judiciary & Appointments
Q.1) Who has been appointed as the first woman Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in April 2026?
Ans > Justice Lisa Gill
- Historic Milestone: Justice Lisa Gill was sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in April 2026.
- Succession: She succeeds Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur. Her appointment marks a significant step forward for gender representation in India’s higher judiciary.
📌 Judiciary & Appointments
Q.2) Who has been appointed as the new Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog?
Ans > Ashok Kumar Lahiri
- New Leadership: Former Chief Economic Adviser Ashok Kumar Lahiri was appointed as the new Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog on April 25, 2026.
- Succession: He succeeds Suman K. Bery, bringing extensive macroeconomic policy experience to India’s premier policy think tank.
📌 Judiciary & Appointments
Q.3) Who has been appointed as the new Chairperson of NASSCOM in April 2026?
Ans > Srikanth Velamakanni
- NASSCOM Chairperson: Srikanth Velamakanni, co-founder and Group CEO of Fractal Analytics, was appointed as the new Chairperson of NASSCOM.
- Succession: He takes over from Sindhu Gangadharan. His background in analytics and AI aligns with the Indian IT industry’s strategic pivot towards deep tech.
📌 Infrastructure & Industry
Q.4) Where did Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw lay the foundation stone for the 1-gigawatt (GW) capacity ‘Google Cloud India AI Hub’ in April 2026?
Ans > Visakhapatnam
- Google Cloud AI Hub: The foundation stone was laid in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh on April 28, 2026.
- Investment Scale: The AI Hub is part of a massive $15 billion investment by Google, signaling Vizag’s emergence as a major tech infrastructure node.
📌 Infrastructure & Industry
Q.5) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 594-km long ‘Ganga Expressway’. It connects which two cities?
Ans > Meerut and Prayagraj
- Ganga Expressway: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 594-km Ganga Expressway connecting Meerut to Prayagraj on April 29, 2026.
- Significance: It is the longest greenfield expressway in Uttar Pradesh, passing through 12 districts, designed to significantly reduce travel time across the state.
📌 Infrastructure & Industry
Q.6) Where has India’s first integrated Lithium-ion battery and Rare Earth Magnet recycling plant been established?
Ans > Secunderabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Recycling Milestone: India’s first integrated Lithium-ion battery and Rare Earth Magnet recycling plant was established to support the EV ecosystem.
- Location Note: Though listed as “Secunderabad, UP” in records, it is technically Sikandrabad in Bulandshahr District near Noida. This plant is crucial for circular economy efforts in battery materials.
📌 Defence & Military
Q.7) Which country has developed a new drone system named ‘Atlas Drone Swarm System’?
Ans > China
- Atlas Drone Swarm: China unveiled the Atlas Drone Swarm System, developed by China Electronic Technology Group Corporation (CETC).
- Capabilities: The system can autonomously launch and coordinate up to 96 drones with a single operator, representing a leap in battlefield drone swarm technology.
📌 Defence & Military
Q.8) Where is ‘Pragati’, the first multinational military exercise by the Indian Army, being conducted?
Ans > Umroi, Meghalaya
- Exercise PRAGATI: Standing for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Location: Conducted at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, it is a landmark multinational military exercise hosted by the Indian Army.
📌 Defence & Military
Q.9) According to the recently published SIPRI report ‘Trends in World Military Expenditure 2025’, what is India’s rank in global military spending?
Ans > 5th
- Global Ranking: According to SIPRI, India ranked as the world’s 5th largest military spender in 2025.
- Expenditure: India’s defence expenditure stood at $92.1 billion, reflecting its ongoing military modernization and strategic requirements.
📌 Defence & Military
Q.10) Which operation has been launched by the Israel government to resettle the ‘Bnei Menashe’ community from India’s Northeast states to Israel?
Ans > Operation Wings of Dawn
- Operation Wings of Dawn: Launched by Israel to repatriate members of the Bnei Menashe community.
- The Community: The Bnei Menashe reside primarily in Mizoram and Manipur and claim descent from one of the lost tribes of Israel. The first flight brought 240 immigrants in April 2026.
📌 Science & Technology
Q.11) In which country has the world’s first permanent nuclear waste repository, “Onkalo,” been built?
Ans > Finland
- Onkalo Repository: Located in Olkiluoto, Finland, it is the world’s first deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel.
- Timeline: Construction began in 2004, and the facility is set to begin full operations in 2026, offering a long-term solution to nuclear waste storage.
📌 Science & Technology
Q.12) What is the name of India’s first privately developed orbital rocket?
Ans > Vikram-1
- Vikram-1: Developed by Skyroot Aerospace, it marks India’s first privately developed orbital rocket.
- Launch Plan: Flagged off for Sriharikota in April 2026 with a target launch in June 2026. (Note: Vikram-S, also by Skyroot, was a suborbital rocket launched earlier).
📌 Science & Technology
Q.13) In April 2026, China announced the selection of two astronauts from which country for its Tiangong Space Station mission?
Ans > Pakistan
- International Cooperation: China selected two Pakistani astronauts (Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud) for its Tiangong Space Station mission.
- Significance: This highlights expanding Sino-Pakistani cooperation into the domain of manned space exploration.
📌 Sports
Q.14) In April 2026, which Indian player has taken charge as a member of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council?
Ans > PV Sindhu
- BWF Council: Indian badminton star PV Sindhu joined the BWF Council as a voting member.
- Role: She was elected Chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission and made her first appearance at the BWF AGM in Horsens, Denmark, representing athletes’ voices at the highest level.
📌 Sports
Q.15) Who became the first athlete in history by running a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race at the London Marathon 2026?
Ans > Sebastian Sawe
- Historic Milestone: Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawe won the 2026 London Marathon with an incredible time of 1:59:30.
- Record: He became the first athlete to officially break the 2-hour marathon barrier in a sanctioned competitive race (Eliud Kipchoge’s prior sub-2 hour run was in a controlled exhibition).
📌 Sports
Q.16) Who has won the ‘IBSF World Billiards Championship 2026’ title held in Carlow, Ireland?
Ans > Sourav Kothari
- World Champion: Sourav Kothari secured the IBSF World Billiards Championship 2026 title in the time format.
- The Final: Held in Carlow, Ireland, he defeated fellow Indian cueist Pankaj Advani 1133-477 in the championship match.
📌 Environment & Conservation
Q.17) Which two Indians have been awarded the ‘Whitley Award 2026’?
Ans > Barkha Subba and Parveen Shaikh
- Green Oscars: Barkha Subba and Parveen Shaikh were awarded the prestigious 2026 Whitley Awards.
- Contributions: Parveen Shaikh was recognized for Indian Skimmer conservation, and Barkha Subba for her work protecting the Himalayan salamander.
📌 Environment & Conservation
Q.18) Which country hosted the 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue (PCD) in April 2026?
Ans > Germany
- Petersberg Climate Dialogue: The 17th edition of the PCD was hosted by Germany in Berlin on April 21-22, 2026.
- Objective: The dialogue serves as a crucial platform for high-level political discussions to prepare for the annual UN Climate Change Conferences (COP).
📌 Government Schemes & Apps
Q.19) Which state government has announced India’s first ‘Mushroom Mission’ with an investment of approximately ₹13,000 crore?
Ans > Andhra Pradesh
- Mushroom Mission: The Andhra Pradesh government launched India’s first state-led Mushroom Mission.
- Investment: Backed by a massive ₹13,000 crore investment, the goal is to make Andhra Pradesh the largest mushroom producer in India, boosting rural agricultural income.
📌 Government Schemes & Apps
Q.20) Recently, 6 border villages of which district of Jammu and Kashmir have been included under the Centre’s ‘Vibrant Village Programme-II’ (VVP-II)?
Ans > Kathua
- Vibrant Village Programme: Six border villages in Kathua district (Bobiya, Kadyala, Gajnal, Karol Krishna, Rathua, and Gujjar Chak) were included under VVP-II.
- Goal: The programme aims to develop infrastructure, improve connectivity, and prevent out-migration from strategic border areas.
📌 Government Schemes & Apps
Q.21) Which state has secured the top position in the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 with 943 ‘Front Runner’ Panchayats?
Ans > Tripura
- PAI 2.0 Leader: Tripura secured the top position nationwide in the Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0.
- Achievement: The state boasts 943 ‘Front Runner’ Gram Panchayats. Notably, Jugal Kishore Nagar Village Committee in Sepahijala district ranked first in the entire country.
📌 Economy & Finance
Q.22) According to Knight Frank’s PIRI 100 index (2025), which Indian city ranked in the global top 10 for luxury residential price growth?
Ans > Bengaluru
- Real Estate Growth: Bengaluru ranked 8th globally in Knight Frank’s PIRI 100 index, registering a 9.4% price growth in luxury residential properties.
- Mumbai: Mumbai also performed strongly, entering the top 10 at 10th place with an 8.7% growth rate.
📌 Economy & Finance
Q.23) India has recently approved the first drawdown of ₹30 billion for which country under the ‘SAARC Currency Swap Framework’?
Ans > Maldives
- Financial Support: India approved the first drawdown of ₹30 billion for the Maldives under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework in April 2026.
- Purpose: This move helps stabilize the Maldivian economy, addressing foreign exchange liquidity constraints and reinforcing bilateral economic ties.
📌 Awards & Recognition
Q.24) Which Indian scientist has been honored with the prestigious ‘Breakthrough Prize 2026’ in the field of physics?
Ans > Dr. Atanu Nath
- Breakthrough Prize: Dr. Atanu Nath, a physicist from Assam, won the 2026 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.
- Research: He was honored for his critical contributions to the Muon g-2 experiment. He is the first scientist from Northeast India to receive this prestigious recognition.
📌 Awards & Recognition
Q.25) Which Indian Municipal Corporation has won the ‘Gender Equality Promotion (GeM) Award 2026’ in Vienna (Austria)?
Ans > Guntur Municipal Corporation
- International Recognition: The Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) of Andhra Pradesh won the 4th Gender Equality Mobilisation (GEM) Award.
- Organiser: The award was presented by UNIDO in Vienna during the International Day of Women in Industry 2026 celebrations.
📌 Important Days & History
Q.26) When was ‘World Intellectual Property Day 2026’ observed?
Ans > April 26
- World IP Day: Observed globally on April 26 to learn about the role that intellectual property rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity.
- 2026 Theme: The theme for 2026 was “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.”
📌 Government Schemes & Apps
Q.27) In April 2026, which mobile app has been launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the ‘Beggary Free India’ initiative?
Ans > SMILE-Beggary Survey App
- SMILE App: The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launched the SMILE-Beggary Survey Mobile Application.
- Launch Venue: It was unveiled at a Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh. It aims to digitally map and rehabilitate persons engaged in begging across the country.
📌 Books & Authors
Q.28) Who is the author of the book “The Curious and The Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries” published by Rupa Publications?
Ans > Gen. Manoj Mukund Naravane
- New Release: Former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane authored the book “The Curious and The Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries”.
- Publisher: Released by Rupa Publications, the book delves into historical military anecdotes and strategic mysteries.
📌 Important Days & History
Q.29) International Labour Day is celebrated on 1 May every year in memory of which historical event?
Ans > Chicago Protest
- May Day Origins: International Labour Day commemorates the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago.
- The Protest: Workers went on a massive strike demanding an eight-hour workday, which eventually became a cornerstone of modern labour rights worldwide.
📌 Social Issues
Q.30) Who has become India’s first transgender cricket umpire?
Ans > R. Rithika Sri
- Breaking Barriers: R. Rithika Sri made history by becoming India’s first transgender cricket umpire.
- Inclusivity: Her appointment marks a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation and inclusivity within Indian sports administration and officiating.
📌 Quick Summary — Weekly Current Affairs
- Judiciary: Justice Lisa Gill appointed as the first woman Chief Justice of the AP High Court.
- Appointments: Ashok Kumar Lahiri appointed as the new Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog.
- Appointments: Srikanth Velamakanni took over as the new Chairperson of NASSCOM.
- Infrastructure: 1-GW Google Cloud India AI Hub foundation laid in Visakhapatnam.
- Infrastructure: PM Modi inaugurated the 594-km Ganga Expressway from Meerut to Prayagraj.
- Industry: India’s first integrated Li-ion battery recycling plant established in Secunderabad, UP.
- Military Tech: China developed the autonomous Atlas Drone Swarm System (96 drones).
- Defence: Exercise PRAGATI (first multinational drill by the Indian Army) held in Umroi, Meghalaya.
- Defence: India ranked 5th globally in military expenditure ($92.1 billion) per SIPRI report 2025.
- Diplomacy: Operation ‘Wings of Dawn’ launched by Israel to resettle Bnei Menashe from India.
- Science & Tech: Onkalo, the world’s first permanent nuclear waste repository, built in Finland.
- Space: Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital rocket by Skyroot Aerospace.
- Space: China selected two Pakistani astronauts for its upcoming Tiangong Space Station mission.
- Sports: PV Sindhu took charge as a voting member of the BWF Council.
- Sports: Sebastian Sawe officially broke the 2-hour barrier in a competitive marathon.
- Sports: Sourav Kothari won the 2026 IBSF World Billiards Championship.
- Environment: Barkha Subba and Parveen Shaikh won the prestigious Whitley Award 2026.
- Environment: Germany hosted the 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue (PCD).
- Govt Schemes: Andhra Pradesh announced India’s first Mushroom Mission (₹13,000 crore).
- Govt Schemes: 6 border villages in Kathua, J&K added to the Vibrant Village Programme-II.
- Govt Schemes: Tripura secured the top position in the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0.
- Economy: Bengaluru ranked 8th globally for luxury residential price growth in the PIRI 100 index.
- Finance: India approved a ₹30 billion SAARC Currency Swap drawdown for the Maldives.
- Awards: Dr. Atanu Nath honored with the Breakthrough Prize 2026 in physics.
- Awards: Guntur Municipal Corporation won the UNIDO GEM Award 2026 in Austria.
- Important Days: World Intellectual Property Day celebrated globally on April 26.
- Apps: SMILE-Beggary Survey App launched by the Ministry of Social Justice.
- Books: Gen. Manoj Mukund Naravane authored “The Curious and The Classified”.
- Important Days: International Labour Day on May 1 commemorates the 1886 Chicago Protest.
- Social Issues: R. Rithika Sri became India’s first transgender cricket umpire.
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