Daily Current Affairs Quiz: April 17, 2026

Notes:
Dillenia nagalim is a new plant species discovered in Kamjong district of Manipur near the Indo-Myanmar border. The name reflects the Naga community, indicating its local origin. It is endemic, currently known from only a single location. It is a small shrub with bright yellow flowers and double-serrated leaves. It differs from related species like Dillenia pentagyna in size, flower structure, and reproductive features. It grows in tropical deciduous forests (250–350 m altitude) and flowers during May–June.

Notes:
The Painted Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis pictus) is a rare, colourful terrestrial reptile recently spotted in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. It belongs to the genus Eublepharis under the family Eublepharidae, distributed across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The species was scientifically described in 2022 from the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The Brahmani River acts as a geographical barrier separating it from the East Indian Leopard Gecko. It prefers dry evergreen forests with scrub and meadow habitats.

Notes:
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush inaugurated “Chintan Shivir 2026” in New Delhi (2-day event ending 17 April 2026). The event aims to review progress, identify gaps, and plan a future roadmap for the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) sector. It emphasises evidence-based traditional medicine and integration with modern healthcare systems. The Ministry launched a WhatsApp channel and a toll-free number (1800-11-0008) for public engagement. The initiative aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and promotes “Heal in India, Heal by India.”

Notes:
The Indian government has officially notified the establishment of the country’s first semiconductor fabrication plant, developed by Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Limited (TSMPL) in the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), Gujarat. It will support electronic hardware, software, and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITeS). The initiative aligns with reforms in the SEZ Rules, 2006 (amended in 2025), including reduced land requirement and flexibility in operations. It aims to boost semiconductor manufacturing, innovation, and ease of doing business in India.

Notes:
The Financial Intelligence Unit India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority to strengthen coordination against financial crimes. The MoU aims to enhance information sharing, training, and outreach for entities regulated by PFRDA. It focuses on improving Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) capabilities. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), established in 2004 under the Ministry of Finance. FIU-IND acts as the national agency for analysing suspicious financial transactions, while PFRDA regulates India’s pension sector