Current Affairs Quiz - April 2026

Notes:
Indian Navy’s Commanders’ Conference 2026 has commenced at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi, from 14–16 April 2026. It is the first biannual apex-level conference of 2026, aimed at reviewing the Navy’s operational readiness, capability development, and strategic alignment with national security goals. The conference gains significance amid ongoing West Asia conflict and increased presence of Multi-National Forces (MNFs) in the Indian Ocean Region, impacting India’s energy security. It also reviews operational doctrine, inter-services coordination, and technology-driven responses after Operation Sindoor.

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:
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has proposed an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of 663.32 square kilometres around the Kali Tiger Reserve to regulate activities and protect biodiversity. Kali Tiger Reserve is located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats. It comprises two contiguous protected areas: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park, forming a single ecological landscape. It is connected to Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and further to Radhanagari and Koyna wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra, ensuring wildlife corridors.

Notes:
Operation Meghdoot completed 42 years on April 13, which is observed as Siachen Day to honour India’s control over the Siachen region. The operation was launched in 1984 by the Indian Army with support from the Indian Air Force to secure the strategically important Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield. It involved airlifting troops and supplies to high-altitude glacial peaks using transport aircraft and helicopters under extreme weather conditions. The operation was initiated to counter Pakistan’s attempts to assert control over the uncharted Siachen region through cartographic claims and expeditions.

Notes:
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has completed 10 years, transforming India into a real-time digital payment economy. The network expanded from 216 banks in 2021 to 691 banks by January 2026, creating a highly interoperable payment ecosystem. It has expanded internationally, being operational or linked with countries like UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, and Qatar. It is operated by the National Payments Corporation of India, which regulates and manages retail payment systems in India.

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:
India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation stood at 1.64% in March 2026, as per provisional government data. The data was released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. On a month-on-month basis, WPI declined by 0.06%, indicating easing price pressures. Primary articles index stood at 197.3, showing mixed trends with a monthly decline but positive year-on-year growth. WPI reflects producer-level price changes, indicating supply-side inflation in the economy. The index is compiled using data from institutional sources and manufacturing units across India. WPI data is released monthly (around 14th), with April 2026 data scheduled for May 14, 2026.

Notes:
India supplied 13 tonnes of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines and related materials to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health. The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine used to protect against tuberculosis (TB). It is the only licensed vaccine for TB and is widely administered to newborns worldwide. The vaccine was developed by Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin at the Pasteur Institute and first used in 1921. Its main aim is to prevent severe childhood TB, including TB meningitis and disseminated TB. It also provides partial protection against diseases like leprosy and Buruli ulcer.

Notes:
Balikatan Exercise is the largest bilateral military drill between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces. The term “Balikatan” means “shoulder-to-shoulder,” symbolising the strong alliance between the Philippines and the United States. It is conducted annually, with the first edition held in 2001. The 2026 exercise (41st edition) will be held from 20 April to 8 May 2026. Around 17,000 troops from seven countries—Philippines, USA, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand—will participate. The exercise aims to enhance regional security through joint operations and interoperability.

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.”