Current Affairs Quiz - April 2026

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh ranked first in India in procurement through the Government e-Marketplace in FY 2025–26. The state recorded purchases worth ₹22,337 crore, setting a benchmark in transparent public procurement. The Central Government recognised Uttar Pradesh as a role model for efficient and transparent procurement practices. Among departments, the Urban Development Department had the highest share, procuring ₹3,606 crore via GeM. The initiative strengthens digital governance, transparency, and efficiency in public spending.

Notes:
At the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 in Bishkek, India won two gold medals in men’s freestyle wrestling. Sujeet Kalkal won gold in the 65 kg category, defeating Uzbekistan’s Umidjon Jalolov 8–1, becoming the first Indian after Bajrang Punia (2019) to win in this category. This marks Sujeet’s third consecutive gold medal in 2026, highlighting his consistent performance. Abhimanyou Mandwal secured gold in the 70 kg category, defeating Mongolia’s Olympian Tömör-Ochiryn Tulga 5–3.

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:
A recent study found that the green pill millipede (endemic species of the Western Ghats) shows a lotus effect (self-cleaning property where water removes dirt). Millipedes belong to Class Diplopoda (arthropods with two pairs of legs per segment) under Subphylum Myriapoda (many-legged invertebrates). They are slow-moving, segmented arthropods with cylindrical bodies and multiple legs. They inhabit moist tropical microhabitats like leaf litter, soil, and dead wood, and are found worldwide except Antarctica.

Notes:
Reserve Bank of India under its strategy ‘Utkarsh 2029’ (2026–2029 framework for financial sector reforms) plans to advance Project Sa-Mudra (currency management modernisation initiative). It aims to expand CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency: digital form of sovereign currency) for efficient cross-border payments. The framework rests on six pillars: robust regulations, inclusive finance, competitive markets, effective technology, future-ready organisation, and Global India. RBI will scale up ULI (Unified Lending Interface: digital platform for seamless credit access) to improve credit delivery to underserved sectors.

Notes:
Calamaria garoensis is a newly discovered species of burrowing reed snake identified in the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It is currently endemic to the Garo Hills, indicating a restricted geographical distribution. It belongs to the genus Calamaria, known for small, secretive, and burrowing snakes. Reed snakes are non-venomous, slender, and fossorial (adapted to underground life). They are typically brown, reddish, or blackish in appearance.

Notes:
INS Dhruv is India’s first dedicated nuclear missile tracking and ocean surveillance ship, enhancing strategic maritime capability. It was commissioned on 10 September 2021 and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO). The ship tracks ballistic missiles, gathers Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), and supports India’s missile defence programme. It provides early warning of missile threats and helps calibrate Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) systems using trajectory data.

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.”

Notes:
China is deploying ships and barriers to tighten control over the entrance of the Scarborough Shoal. The move has escalated tensions with the Philippines, which also claims the shoal. The Scarborough Shoal is a disputed atoll in the South China Sea claimed by China and the Philippines. It is known as Huangyan Island (China) and Panatag Shoal / Bajo de Masinloc (Philippines). It lies about 220 km west of Luzon (Philippines) and over 800 km southeast of Hong Kong. It is the largest atoll in the South China Sea, covering around 150 sq. km with a shallow lagoon.