Current Affairs Quiz - April 2026

Notes:
India’s first advanced 3D chip packaging unit has been launched at Info Valley, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, marking a major boost to semiconductor self-reliance. The project, Heterogeneous Integration Packaging Solutions (HIPS), is promoted by 3D Glass Solutions. It involves an investment of about ₹2,000 crore with central and state fiscal support under the India Semiconductor Mission. The facility will manufacture 3D glass-based semiconductor packages for Artificial Intelligence, high-performance computing, telecom (5G/6G), defence, and aerospace sectors.

Notes:
The Himachal Pradesh High Court quashed a notification declaring Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Col. Sher Jung National Park, also known as Simbalbara National Park, is located in the Paonta Valley, Himachal Pradesh. It is named after freedom fighter and environmentalist Colonel Sher Jung. The park lies in the lower to upper Shiwalik ranges with elevations between 350–700 metres. It is situated at the confluence of the Himalayas, Gangetic plains, and semi-arid biogeographic regions. It shares ecological connectivity with Kalesar National Park.

Notes:
A recent DNA study of a pre-Hispanic mummy found that the bacteria causing scarlet fever existed in the Americas even before European colonization. Scarlet Fever, also called scarlatina, is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus, which also causes strep throat and skin infections. It mainly affects children aged 5 to 15 years and is characterized by a bright red rash, sore throat, and high fever. The disease is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. There is no vaccine, but it is effectively treated with antibiotics such as penicillin, and untreated cases may lead to serious complications affecting the heart and kidneys.

Notes:
The Ministry of Home Affairs received an indigenous satellite imaging system Prajna, developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation through CAIR (Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics), to improve real-time decision-making for security agencies. The AI-enabled Prajna system is designed to monitor sensitive regions and support counter-terrorism operations, thereby strengthening internal security. DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully conducted in-flight trials of ADC-150 (Air Droppable Container with 150 kg capacity) from the P-8I aircraft off the Goa coast.

Notes:
BSE Index Services has launched the BSE Housing Finance Index to track the performance of companies in the housing finance sector. The index is derived from constituents of the BSE 1000 Index that are classified under housing finance as a basic industry. It will be reconstituted semi-annually in June and December to ensure updated representation of the sector. The index is designed to support passive investment instruments like exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and index funds.

Notes:
Egypt is hosting an ISSF Junior World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) in Cairo from April 19 to 27, 2026. The event is taking place at the Egypt International Olympic City, featuring 284 athletes from 27 member federations. The event is organized by the International Shooting Sport Federation and includes rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines. India has sent a strong 71-member contingent, with 58 athletes already participating in the competition.

Notes:
INS Nireekshak reached Colombo to participate in IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 (India–Sri Lanka Navy Diving Exercise). It is a Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of the Indian Navy. The exercise (21–27 April 2026) focuses on diving operations, training, and interoperability. It strengthens maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise aligns with MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision in the Indian Ocean Region.

Notes:
Dhar city of Madhya Pradesh has been selected under the Safe Cities Project 2026 to enhance women’s safety. The initiative is led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and fully funded by the Central Government. An allocation of ₹10 crore has been made for a 5-year implementation period. It aims to make public spaces safer and women-friendly through infrastructure upgrades.

Notes:
Punjab Police launched Operation Gangstran Te Vaar to curb gangster activities. The operation has led to a decline of up to 69% in gangster-related murders and firing incidents. A 100% reduction in gangster-linked murder cases has been reported since launch. Public participation has increased through anonymous reporting mechanisms. A toll-free Anti-Gangster Helpline (93946-93946) receives about 175 calls per month. Citizens report extortion calls and criminal activities via the helpline.

Notes:
Yuvelis Natalia Morales Blanco, 24, received the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize for halting commercial fracking along the Magdalena River in Colombia. She co-founded AguaWil, campaigning “No to fracking, Yes to the river.” Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, extracts oil/gas by injecting water, sand, and chemicals into shale rock. The Goldman Environmental Prize, known as the “Green Nobel,” honors grassroots environmental champions from six regions. The winner of 2026 are all women—include Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria), Borim Kim (South Korea), Sarah Finch (UK), Theonila Roka Matbob (Papua New Guinea), Alannah Acaq Hurley (USA), and Yuvelis Morales Blanco (Colombia).