Current Affairs [Top Questions]

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World Hemophilia Day is observed on 17 April to raise awareness about bleeding disorders. It is led by the World Federation of Hemophilia. The theme for 2026 is “Diagnosis: First Step to Care”, emphasising early detection and treatment. It highlights that over 75% of hemophilia cases remain undiagnosed globally. Awareness campaigns include “Light it up Red”, where landmarks are illuminated to show support. The initiative promotes equitable access to diagnosis and treatment for inherited bleeding disorders.

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Researchers recently discovered a new bent-toed gecko species, Cyrtodactylus jayadityai, in Tripura, highlighting Northeast India’s rich biodiversity. The species inhabits lowland forest patches, emphasizing the ecological value of these habitats. It is genetically distinct, showing about 4.7–5.2 percent divergence from its closest relative, Cyrtodactylus tripuraensis, based on mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) analysis. The gecko is nocturnal, becoming active at night for foraging and hiding in burrows during the day. With this discovery, the total number of Cyrtodactylus species in Northeast India has increased to 31.

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The Andhra Pradesh government launched the ‘Jaladhara–Jalaharati’ water conservation program in April 2026. The purpose is to strengthen water security and improve groundwater levels across Andhra Pradesh before the monsoon. This 100-day initiative focuses on increasing groundwater levels, repairing tanks and canals, and protecting water bodies to boost agricultural productivity. The initiative is part of the broader “Swachhandra-Swarnandhra” project and involves active participation from farmers, local bodies, and community organizations.

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Excavations at Tell el-Farama in northern Sinai revealed a rare round temple in the ancient city of Pelusium. Pelusium was located at the easternmost mouth of the Nile, about 32 km southeast of Port Said in Egypt. It was originally known as Sainu or Per-Amun and served as a key fortress and customs post on Egypt’s eastern frontier. The city was famous for flax production and held strong economic importance.

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The Chhattisgarh government plans to launch a jungle safari in Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary to promote eco-tourism. The sanctuary is located in Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh, and lies in the Maikal range of the Satpura hills, known for rich biodiversity. It forms part of the Kanha–Achanakmar Corridor, linking Kanha National Park and Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, aiding wildlife movement.

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The 10th National Summit on Good and Replicable Practices and Innovations in Public Health Systems was held in Chandigarh as a two-day event. The summit aimed to share best practices, innovations, and successful strategies to strengthen India’s public health system. It focused on building a robust and comprehensive healthcare ecosystem under the National Health Mission. The initiative is expected to benefit health workers, frontline staff, and beneficiaries like pregnant women and children through improved record management. The summit highlighted how state-level innovations can be scaled up at the national level for better healthcare delivery.

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The 52nd All India Sainik Schools Principal’s Conference was inaugurated by Sanjay Seth at Sainik School Kazhakoottam in Kerala on 7 May 2026. The conference focused on academic excellence, institutional performance, policy discussions, and future reforms for strengthening the Sainik School system. Sainik School Nagrota received the Raksha Mantri Trophy for sending the highest number of cadets to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA) in 2025. Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the government aims to establish 100 new Sainik Schools, out of which 86 have been approved and 79 are operational.

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United Nations Human Settlements Programme recently launched the Catalogue of Solutions 2026–2029 to promote sustainable urban development and better housing policies worldwide. UN-Habitat was established in 1977 after the Habitat I Conference and is headquartered in Nairobi. Its primary objective is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable cities and ensure adequate shelter for all. The UN-Habitat Assembly includes all 193 United Nations member states and approves the organisation’s strategic plans.

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National Jute Board has been implementing the Jute Crop Information System (JCIS) since 2023 in collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation and Jute Corporation of India for scientific monitoring of jute cultivation. Jute Crop Information System (JCIS) integrates satellite imagery, weather analytics, vegetation indices, and geo-tagged field data for near real-time crop monitoring and production estimation. Two major tools developed under the system are BHUVAN JUMP, a mobile application for field monitoring, and PATSAN, a web-based analytics platform for jute surveillance.

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The exhibition “From Shunya to Ananta” was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The exhibition highlights India’s historic contributions to mathematics, especially the concept of “Shunya” (zero), and their impact on global scientific thought. It showcases the evolution of mathematical ideas from ancient India and their diffusion across civilizations. The initiative is part of India’s efforts to promote its civilisational heritage and intellectual contributions on global platforms.