Current Affairs Quiz - April 2026

Notes:
Civil Services Day in India is observed annually on April 21. Civil Services Day commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 1947 address, where he described civil servants as the “steel frame of India.” The day aims to reaffirm commitment of civil servants towards citizen-centric governance and public service excellence. The theme for 2026 is “Viksit Bharat: Citizen-Centric Governance and Development at the Last Mile.” The theme aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.

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The Rajasthan High Court issued notices regarding alleged illegal elephant rides near Amber Fort. Amber Fort (Amer Fort) is located about 11 km from Jaipur in Rajasthan. It was built in the late 16th century by Raja Man Singh I, a general of Akbar. The fort is situated on the Aravalli hills, providing strategic and scenic advantage. Amer served as the capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs before Jaipur was established. The fort showcases a blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles.

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Recently, Lucknow hosted the Northern Region Agriculture Conference (April 24), focusing on agricultural policy, farmer welfare, and development. It serves as a platform to connect agriculture with new technologies, ideas, and markets. Stakeholders such as farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), startups, banks, and scientists are participating. The conference aims to shape agricultural priorities for North India and promote farmer-centric development.

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Finland has built the world’s first permanent deep geological repository for nuclear waste at Olkiluoto. The facility, called Onkalo repository, is located about 400–450 metres underground in stable bedrock. It is designed to safely store highly radioactive spent nuclear fuel for tens of thousands of years. The system uses a multi-barrier approach: waste sealed in metal canisters, enclosed in copper capsules, surrounded by bentonite clay, and embedded in rock. The deep underground location protects it from environmental risks and human interference.

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Recently, the forest department in Prayagraj launched the “Dolphin Friends” volunteer network to conserve the endangered Ganges river dolphin. It is a community-based initiative involving volunteers to monitor dolphin movement, breeding, and habitat conditions. The aim is to protect dolphins during sensitive periods, especially the monsoon breeding season. It promotes public awareness and local participation in conservation efforts. The initiative supports long-term protection of river ecosystems through regular monitoring and community involvement.

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Recently, India launched indigenously developed Silicon Photonics solutions at Indian Institute of Technology Madras, marking progress in technological self-reliance. The launch was led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Two key innovations were introduced: Silicon Photonics Process Design Kit (PDK) and Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuit (PPIC) Test Engine. These were developed at the Centre of Excellence for Compound Photonics and Photonic Integrated Circuits Systems (CoE-CPPICS). The initiative supports research, industry, startups, and defence sectors as a shared national facility.

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Defence Research and Development Organisation unveiled Advanced Armoured Platforms (tracked & wheeled) on April 25, 2026, at Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra. These platforms were developed by Vehicles Research and Development Establishment to meet evolving operational needs of Indian defence forces. They feature an indigenously developed 30 mm crewless turret with a 7.62 mm PKT gun and Anti-Tank Guided Missile capability.

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The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the SMILE–Beggary Survey Mobile Application during a Chintan Shivir held in Chandigarh (24–26 April 2026). The app is developed under the SMILE Scheme, specifically its Beggary Sub-Scheme for comprehensive rehabilitation. It enables real-time digital data collection by district authorities and implementing agencies, improving accuracy and transparency. The application addresses issues like delayed and inconsistent reporting, ensuring timely monitoring and better coordination. It enhances capabilities for real-time data analytics, performance tracking, and evidence-based policy implementation.

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Jordan recently signed the Artemis Accords at NASA Headquarters, expanding global participation in space governance. The Artemis Accords were launched in 2020 as a non-binding framework for guiding civil space exploration. It was co-led by NASA and the US Department of State along with founding nations like Australia, Japan, and the UK. India is also a signatory, highlighting its role in global space cooperation. The accords promote peaceful exploration and responsible use of outer space.

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The Indian Air Force launched Mehar Baba Competition-3 (MBC-3) on 27 April 2026 to promote drone-based radar innovation. It is the third edition of the competition, originally started in 2018, to encourage defence technology development. The theme is “Collaborative Drone-Based Surveillance Radars.” The aim is to develop a swarm of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) acting as airborne radar for detecting and tracking aerial targets. The competition is named after Mehar Singh, a Maha Vir Chakra awardee and pioneering air veteran.