Current Affairs Quiz - April 2026

Notes:
INS Taragiri was commissioned into the Indian Navy on April 3, 2026, at Visakhapatnam by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It is the fourth ship of the Project 17A class, designed by the Warship Design Bureau. It was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, it has over 75% indigenous content with MSME support. The frigate features advanced stealth technology with reduced radar cross-section. It supports multi-role operations: combat, surveillance, anti-piracy, and humanitarian missions.

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As part of Gaganyaan mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation is conducting Mission MITRA (Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Response Assessment) in Leh from April 2 to April 9, 2026. Mission MITRA is a first-of-its-kind team behavioral study, developed jointly by ISRO and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, aimed at evaluating crew safety and performance in human spaceflight. The study focuses on team communication, adaptability to stress, psychological resilience, and mutual support, which are critical for mission success. Leh’s high-altitude environment (approx 3,500 metres), hypoxia, low temperature, and isolation serve as a natural analog for spaceflight operations.

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India has inducted its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridhaman, into the Indian Navy, strengthening its strategic deterrence capability. INS Aridhaman is the third indigenously built Submersible Ship Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN) and the second submarine of the Arihant class (Submersible Ship Ballistic Nuclear). It has been developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel project (ATV) at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. The submarine has a displacement of about 6,000 tonnes on the surface and 7,000 tonnes when submerged.

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India ranked 3rd globally in the renewable energy market in 2025, as per the International Renewable Energy Agency Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026 report. The country’s total renewable energy capacity reached 250.5 GW, driven mainly by strong growth in solar and wind energy. About 37 GW of solar capacity was added, along with a record increase in wind power. India is placed behind China and the United States, reflecting its rapid expansion and growing global leadership in clean energy transition.

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India’s major ports handled a record 915.17 million tonnes (MT) of cargo in FY 2025–26, surpassing the 904 MT target and registering a 7.06% year-on-year growth. Among the top performers, Deendayal Port handled the highest cargo, followed by Paradip Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority. Mormugao Port recorded the highest growth rate of 15.91% among major ports. Operational efficiency improved, with average vessel turnaround time reducing to 48.86 hours, while Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority led the container segment with 23.82 hours turnaround time.

Notes:
Government launched the India’s first dedicated programme on “Administrative Capacity Building for Scientists and Academicians” under Mission Karmayogi in April 2026. The launch took place during the SADHANA (Strengthening Adaptive Development and Humane Aptitude for National Advancement) Saptah at Vigyan Bhawan. The programme aims to equip scientists and academic leaders with governance, administrative, and decision-making skills.

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On World Health Day 2026, the Council on Energy Environment and Water advanced a South Asia Hub of the Global Heat Health Information Network. Global Heat Health Information Network is an independent, member-driven platform of scientists, practitioners, and policymakers focused on protecting populations from health risks caused by extreme heat in a changing climate. It was launched in 2016 and is led by the World Health Organization, World Meteorological Organization, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It aims to strengthen the capacity of governments, organisations, and professionals to safeguard people from preventable health impacts of extreme ambient heat.

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Divya Singh became the first Indian woman and second woman globally to reach Mount Everest Base Camp by bicycle. She began her journey from Kathmandu and completed the expedition in 14 days. The base camp is located at an altitude of 17,560 feet in the Himalayas. She endured extreme conditions, including temperatures of –12°C, low oxygen levels, and strong winds. Route included Saleri, Namche Bazaar, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. She cycled 10–12 hours daily, carrying her bicycle across difficult terrain. Her feat highlights women empowerment, endurance, and growing adventure sports culture in India.

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A rare melanistic (black-coloured) spotted deer (chital) was recently sighted at the Umred Pauni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary near Nagpur. The sanctuary is located across Pauni tehsil in Bhandara district and Umred, Kuhi, and Bhivapur talukas of Nagpur district in Maharashtra. It is bounded along the northeast by the Wainganga River and the Gose Khurd Dam. The forest corridor along the Wainganga River connects this sanctuary with the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, aiding wildlife movement and ecological connectivity.

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Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education Shri Jayant Chaudhary has launched a ₹530 crore ‘Skills Outcomes Fund’ campaign, anchored by the National Skill Development Corporation under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The fund aims to mobilise public and private capital to scale outcomes-based financing (OBF), linking investments directly to verified employment outcomes such as job placement, retention, and career progression. It promotes a blended finance model combining government funding with private sector investments and focuses on demand-driven, employer-led skilling.