Current Affairs Quiz - April 2026

Notes:
Varkala, Kerala, has been included in the inaugural “20 Cities Towards Zero Waste” initiative. The initiative is led by the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste with support from UN-Habitat and United Nations Environment Programme. It recognises cities that demonstrate innovative and ambitious efforts in waste reduction, circular economy practices, and sustainable urban development. The initiative aims to highlight leadership and innovation in managing waste effectively. It promotes the exchange of best practices and lessons among cities globally. It seeks to inspire other cities to adopt zero-waste strategies and accelerate sustainability transitions.

Notes:
YES BANK has emerged as the highest-rated Indian bank in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) 2025, scoring 79/100. This achievement marks the fourth consecutive year the bank has featured in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook, placing it among the top 15% of global banking leaders. The bank is included in the 2025 Sustainability Yearbook, recognizing its leadership in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. The high rating is based on performance in areas like climate strategy (net-zero commitments), financial inclusion, human capital development, and corporate governance.

Notes:
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu unveiled a plan to develop Amaravati as a global hub for quantum computing.
The initiative, Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV), aims to place Andhra Pradesh among the top 5 global quantum hubs by 2030, leveraging the National Quantum Mission. The first quantum computer is set to be launched on April 14, marking a major milestone. The ecosystem will include hardware manufacturing, algorithm development, research, and innovation labs, supported by 8 dedicated research towers. The state plans to develop core technologies locally (cryogenics, photonics, advanced electronics) to reduce import dependence and achieve end-to-end capabilities.

Notes:
e-GramSwaraj platform has enabled cumulative payments exceeding ₹3 lakh crore for Gram Panchayats, marking a major step in digital governance. It was launched in 2020. It is an e-governance platform aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in Panchayati Raj Institutions. The platform is developed under the e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project and is integrated with the Public Financial Management System. The platform supports decentralized planning, progress reporting, and work-based accounting, strengthening grassroots governance.

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A rare white female albino Himalayan tahr has been recorded in Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Bharmour, Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh. The sanctuary is the second largest in Himachal Pradesh and is known for its rich biodiversity and high-altitude ecosystem. Geographically, it lies between the Ravi and Chenab rivers and represents a high-altitude protected area. It is bordered by Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary in the south-east and Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary in the north-west.

Notes:
World Autism Awareness Day is observed annually on April 2. The day highlights the need to improve the quality of life for autistic individuals, ensuring they lead full, meaningful lives as integral members of society. It advocates for acceptance rather than just awareness. The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day on December 18, 2007. The theme for 2026 is “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” focusing on dignity and addressing the barriers to care and support, particularly in education and employment.

Notes:
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 under Environment Protection Act, 1986, replacing the 2016 rules from April 1, 2026. The rules aim to promote a circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for better waste management. They mandate four-way segregation of waste at source into wet, dry, sanitary, and special waste categories. Central Pollution Control Board will implement a digital portal to track waste lifecycle and improve governance. The rules promote refuse-derived fuel (RDF) usage and include special provisions for hilly and island regions.

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The Centre for Southeast Asian Studies has been inaugurated at Nalanda University to strengthen India’s engagement with Southeast Asia. The initiative was announced by Narendra Modi during the ASEAN-India Summit 2025. It focuses on interdisciplinary research areas like climate, maritime studies, trade, public health, migration, and digital cooperation. The Centre will support the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Plan of Action (2026–2030). It aims to act as a bridge by enhancing academic collaboration, policy engagement, and cultural ties between India and Southeast Asia.

Notes:
Asian Squash Federation named Abhay Singh as Men’s Player of the Year 2025. Anahat Singh won the top honour in the girls (junior) category. The Indian boys team won the Men’s Team Award after securing bronze at the World Junior Team Championships 2025. Previously, Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa won ASF awards in 2022.

Notes:
The Delhi government has launched the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, a financial empowerment scheme providing up to ₹1.2 lakh (inclusive of interest) to girls from birth through graduation to support their education and prevent early marriage. The scheme, aimed at low-income families, provides phase-wise payments, with maturity at age 18 or 21. The scheme becomes fully operational on April 1, 2026.