Daily Current Affairs Quiz: April 16, 2026

Notes:
Recently, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh reviewed progress of Shongtong–Karchham Hydroelectric Project during a visit to Kinnaur district. The Shongtong–Karchham Hydroelectric Project is located on the Satluj River in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a run-of-river (RoR) project, meaning electricity is generated using natural river flow without large storage reservoirs. The total installed capacity is 450 megawatts (MW), with 3 × 150 MW Francis turbines. It is being developed by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), a state-owned company. The project aims to enhance clean energy generation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Notes:
Calamaria garoensis is a newly discovered species of burrowing reed snake identified in the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It is currently endemic to the Garo Hills, indicating a restricted geographical distribution. It belongs to the genus Calamaria, known for small, secretive, and burrowing snakes. Reed snakes are non-venomous, slender, and fossorial (adapted to underground life). They are typically brown, reddish, or blackish in appearance.

Notes:
World Chagas Disease Day is observed on 14 April to raise awareness about this neglected tropical disease and its impact. Chagas disease, also called American trypanosomiasis, is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is a chronic infectious disease that can lead to severe heart and digestive system complications. It spreads mainly through triatomine bugs (kissing bugs), which transmit the parasite via their feces. It is prevalent in Latin America, especially South and Central America and Mexico.

Notes:
INS Dhruv is India’s first dedicated nuclear missile tracking and ocean surveillance ship, enhancing strategic maritime capability. It was commissioned on 10 September 2021 and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO). The ship tracks ballistic missiles, gathers Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), and supports India’s missile defence programme. It provides early warning of missile threats and helps calibrate Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) systems using trajectory data.

Notes:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare chaired the First Health Working Group meeting under the BRICS framework in New Delhi in 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from nine BRICS countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE, and Indonesia. India, as BRICS Chair 2026, adopted the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” It focused on strengthening cooperation in public health, including communicable and non-communicable diseases and health systems. India proposed new priorities of promoting healthy lifestyles and improving mental health and wellness.