Current Affairs Quiz - April 2026

Notes:
The National Biodiversity Authority has designated two institutions as National Repositories under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act 2002. The institutions are Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology and Agharkar Research Institute. The Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology hosts the Referral Centre Bhavasagara, focusing on deep-sea biodiversity with over 3,500 geo-referenced specimens, including fishes and invertebrates. It is the only national facility dedicated to preserving life from India’s deep-sea ecosystems. The Agharkar Research Institute hosts the MACS Microorganism & Fungal Collection, specialising in anaerobic and extremophilic microorganisms and diverse fungal cultures.

Notes:
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence busted a major gold smuggling syndicate under Operation Dhahabu Blitz. A total of 29.37 kg of gold worth Rs 37.74 crore was seized, and 24 carriers were arrested. The accused, including female carriers from Nairobi, were intercepted at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Seized items included 25.10 kg of gold bars and 4.27 kg of gold jewellery. The case exposed a highly organised network using trained carriers and coordinated methods to evade detection. The operation highlights DRI’s role in curbing smuggling activities that threaten India’s economic and fiscal stability.

Notes:
Gorakhpur’s AI-based Urban Flood Management Cell (UFMC) has been appreciated by the Prime Minister’s Office and NITI Aayog for its proactive flood management model. India’s first AI-enabled Urban Flood Management Cell (UFMC) has been established in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. It uses artificial intelligence, real-time sensors, and hydrological modelling to predict rainfall, waterlogging, and flood risks in advance. The aim is to shift from reactive flood response to proactive forecasting, reducing loss of life and property damage.

Notes:
Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority, launched the 17th edition of ELECRAMA 2027 in New Delhi. ELECRAMA 2027 is the world’s largest electrical show, organised by Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association. The event will be held from 20–24 February 2027 in Greater Noida with Germany as the partner country. Focus areas include sustainability, innovation, automation, quality, safety, and reliability. The event is expected to host 1,100+ exhibitors and facilitate around 25,000 Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings. India currently has about 7.5 gigawatt pumped hydro storage capacity, with potential to surpass the United States and Japan in this sector.

Notes:
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) disease is resurging in the United States due to declining childhood vaccination rates. It is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b infection and mainly affects children under 5 years. It can cause mild infections (ear infections, bronchitis) and severe diseases like meningitis and bloodstream infections. Despite its name, it does not cause influenza (flu). Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing) and close contact. Symptoms vary depending on the infected body part; severe cases may lead to death or long-term complications.

Notes:
April 12 is observed as International Day of Human Space Flight to celebrate achievements in human space exploration. The day commemorates the historic flight of Yuri Gagarin in 1961, when he orbited Earth aboard Vostok 1 spacecraft. It marks the first human space journey, a milestone in space science and technology. The day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011. It highlights the importance of human space exploration for scientific advancement and global cooperation. The day also recognises ongoing efforts in space missions aimed at benefiting humanity.

Notes:
Devendra Fadnavis laid the foundation for India’s first Pod Taxi project (Automated Rapid Transit System – ARTS) in Mumbai. The project was inaugurated in the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar. It is a driverless, AI-powered transport system operating on battery-powered pods. Pods run on a dedicated guideway, ensuring smooth and congestion-free travel. Each pod can carry up to 6 passengers.

Notes:
Andhra Pradesh has launched India’s first quantum test facilities under the Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative on the occasion of World Quantum Day (April 14). The facilities include two Quantum Reference Facilities at SRM University, Amaravati and Medha Towers, Gannavaram, creating India’s first quantum test and certification ecosystem. The systems operate at extremely low temperatures (near −273°C) and support advanced quantum research and innovation. The initiative promotes collaboration among academia, startups, and industry, with support from institutions like Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Notes:
Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) is located in the Nallamala hill ranges of Andhra Pradesh and is one of the largest tiger reserves in India. It is named after the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Srisailam Dam situated in the region. The reserve comprises two wildlife sanctuaries: Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary. The Krishna River flows through the reserve, shaping its ecology and biodiversity. Recently, plans have been revived to establish a tiger enclosure to care for injured, abandoned, or orphaned tiger cubs.

Notes:
The Haryana government introduced Aadhaar-based biometric verification for crop procurement at mandis. Farmers or authorised representatives must verify identity via biometric scans before selling produce. Crop arrivals are cross-checked with the ‘Meri Fasal-Mera Byora’ portal (farmer registration database for land and crop details). The e-Kharid app (digital procurement platform) records vehicle number and captures load photographs before issuing gate passes. The system aims to prevent fraud (illegal sale of crops from other states under fake identities).