April 2026 Current Affairs PDF (English)

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

National Affairs

India's First Fully Digital Census Commences (April 1, 2026)

India launched its first fully digital Census on April 1, 2026 — the 16th Census overall and 8th since Independence. Phase 1

(House Listing) began April 1, 2026. Phase 2 (Population Enumeration, including caste) is scheduled for February 2027. Snow-bound regions use October 1, 2026 as the reference date. The exercise uses geo-tagging for accuracy. A

Self-Enumeration portal (launched across 8 States/UTs) lets citizens fill data online. Two mascots — Pragati and Vikas —

were unveiled. Caste enumeration returns after 1931, a gap of 96 years. Total outlay: Rs 11,700+ crore. Data security is

governed under the Census Act.

KEY FACTS:

• 16th Census overall | 8th since Independence
• Mascots: Pragati (Progress) and Vikas (Development)
• Caste enumeration after 1931 — first time in 96 years
• Budget: Rs 11,700+ crore | Geo-tagging included • Self-Enumeration portal: 8 States and UTs in first phase

Q. India's first fully digital Census commenced in which year?

(a) 2024 (b) 2025 (c) 2026 (d) 2027 Ans: (c) 2026

Q. Which census is this since India's Independence?

(a) 6th (b) 7th (c) 8th (d) 9th Ans: (c) 8th

Amaravati Declared Andhra Pradesh's Permanent Capital

Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, granting statutory recognition to Amaravati as the permanent capital. The Rajya Sabha cleared it on April 2, 2026, after the Lok Sabha had already passed it. The bill follows a 2025 resolution of the AP Legislative Assembly. The capital question had been disputed since AP's bifurcation in 2014 under the AP Reorganisation Act. The Jaganmohan Reddy government's earlier three-capital proposal — Amaravati (Legislative), Kurnool (Judicial), Visakhapatnam (Executive) — was abandoned.

KEY FACTS:

• Bill: AP Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 • Rajya Sabha passed: April 2, 2026 • AP bifurcated in 2014 — Telangana carved out • Earlier 3-capital proposal abandoned

Q. Which bill made Amaravati the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh?

(a) AP Capital Region Bill 2024 (b) AP Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2026 (c) State Capitals Act 2025 (d) AP Municipal Ordinance 2026 Ans: (b) AP Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2026

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

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PFBR Kalpakkam Achieves Criticality — Nuclear Milestone

India's 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu achieved first criticality — the point at which a nuclear chain reaction becomes self-sustaining. This advances India's three-stage nuclear programme designed by Dr. Homi Bhabha. Stage 1 uses natural uranium in PHWRs. Stage 2 uses plutonium in Fast Breeder Reactors like PFBR. Stage 3 will harness thorium as fuel. India holds the world's third-largest thorium reserves. PFBR is designed and built by BHAVINI (Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited). India also announced a target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 (current: 8.8 GW).

KEY FACTS:

• Location: Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu | Capacity: 500 MW • Organisation: BHAVINI • India's 3-stage plan: PHWRs (Stage 1) >> FBRs (Stage 2) >> Thorium (Stage 3) • India has world's 3rd largest thorium reserves • Nuclear target: 100 GW by 2047 (current: 8.8 GW)

Q. PFBR Kalpakkam belongs to which stage of India's 3-stage nuclear programme?

(a) Stage 1 (b) Stage 2 (c) Stage 3 (d) Stage 4 Ans: (b) Stage 2

Q. Which organisation built the PFBR at Kalpakkam?

(a) NPCIL (b) BARC (c) BHAVINI (d) ISRO Ans: (c) BHAVINI

Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Comes Into Force (April 16, 2026)

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam — the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 — came into effect on April 16, 2026. It mandates 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, the Delhi Legislative Assembly, and all State Legislative Assemblies. The reservation will activate after the next delimitation exercise, which requires fresh Census data. A sub-reservation for SC/ST women is carved within the 33% quota. Minister Kiren Rijiju described the notification as an ideological milestone for women's political empowerment. The bill was originally passed in a special Parliament session in September 2023.

KEY FACTS:

• 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 • 33% reservation: Lok Sabha + all State Assemblies + Delhi Assembly • Effective after delimitation post next Census • Sub-reservation for SC/ST women within the 33% • Passed in Special Parliament Session, September 2023

Q. Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is which Constitutional Amendment?

(a) 103rd (b) 104th (c) 105th (d) 106th Ans: (d) 106th

Q. What percentage of seats does this act reserve for women?

(a) 25% (b) 30% (c) 33% (d) 50% Ans: (c) 33%

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

Supreme Court: Fundamental Right Against Climate Change Impacts

The Supreme Court of India ruled that citizens have a fundamental right to be protected from the adverse impacts of climate change, linking it explicitly to Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). The bench held that the right to a clean environment and stable climate is intrinsic to the right to life with dignity. This landmark judgment expands India's environmental jurisprudence and is the first explicit recognition of climate rights by the Supreme Court. It will have far-reaching consequences for climate litigation and government policy-making on emissions, industry regulation, and urban planning.

KEY FACTS:

• Article 21 (Right to Life) extended to cover climate protection • First explicit recognition of climate rights by India's Supreme Court • Will impact future climate litigation and environmental policy

Q. The Supreme Court linked the right against climate change to which Article?

(a) Article 14 (b) Article 19 (c) Article 21 (d) Article 32 Ans: (c) Article 21

Shekha Jheel — India's 99th Ramsar Site

Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh was designated as India's 99th Ramsar Site (Wetland of

International Importance) in April 2026. This takes Uttar Pradesh's total Ramsar sites to 12 — 2nd after Tamil Nadu (20).

The Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, for the protection of globally significant wetlands. India now has the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia and is one site away from the 100-site milestone.

KEY FACTS:

• Location: Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh • India's 99th Ramsar Site | UP's 12th (highest for any state) • Ramsar Convention signed: 1971, Ramsar, Iran • India has the most Ramsar sites in Asia

Q. Shekha Jheel is India's how many-th Ramsar site?

(a) 97th (b) 98th (c) 99th (d) 100th Ans: (c) 99th

Q. In which district of UP is Shekha Jheel located?

(a) Lucknow (b) Agra (c) Aligarh (d) Varanasi Ans: (c) Aligarh

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

OSAT Semiconductor Plant Inaugurated at Sanand, Gujarat

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated an OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) facility in Sanand, Gujarat on March 31, 2026. Set up under the India Semiconductor Mission with an investment of approximately Rs 3,300 crore, the plant has a capacity of up to 60 lakh chips per day. OSAT covers the final stages of chip manufacturing: assembly, packaging, and testing — after silicon wafers are fabricated elsewhere. This is a critical step in building India's semiconductor ecosystem and reducing import dependence. A 3D glass chip packaging unit in Odisha was also announced under the India Semiconductor Mission.

KEY FACTS:

• Type: OSAT (Assembly + Test) — not a fabrication plant • Investment: approx Rs 3,300 crore | Capacity: 60 lakh chips/day • Location: Sanand, Gujarat | Scheme: India Semiconductor Mission • 3D glass chip packaging unit also planned in Odisha

Q. OSAT stands for:

(a) Outsourced Silicon Assembly Technology (b) Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (c) Official Semiconductor Automation Testing (d) Offshore Semiconductor Assembly Task Ans: (b) Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test

Great Indian Bustard Chick Born in Kutch, Gujarat

A critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick was born in Abdasa, Kutch — a landmark for conservation. Since eggs in Kutch are frequently unfertilised, an egg was transported from Rajasthan to Kutch in a portable incubator over a 19-hour journey, placed in a wild female's nest on March 22, and hatched on March 26. The GIB (Ardeotis nigriceps) is found only in India and is the state bird of Rajasthan. Wild population has fallen below 150, threatened by power lines and habitat loss. In a related development, four cheetah cubs were born at Kuno National Park, Sheopur (MP) — the first wild birth by an Indian-born female cheetah since the reintroduction project began in September 2022.

KEY FACTS:

• GIB (Ardeotis nigriceps): Critically Endangered | State bird of Rajasthan • Wild GIB population: fewer than 150 • Egg transported Rajasthan to Kutch in portable incubator (19 hours) • Cheetah reintroduction: Namibia (Sep 2022) + South Africa (Feb 2023) • Cheetahs declared extinct in India: 1952 | 4 cubs born at Kuno NP, Sheopur, MP

Q. Great Indian Bustard is the state bird of which state?

(a) Gujarat (b) Madhya Pradesh (c) Rajasthan (d) Haryana Ans: (c) Rajasthan

Q. In which year were cheetahs declared extinct in India?

(a) 1947 (b) 1952 (c) 1960 (d) 1970 Ans: (b) 1952

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

Economy

RBI Celebrates 92nd Foundation Day (April 1, 2026)

The Reserve Bank of India celebrated its 92nd Foundation Day on April 1, 2026. RBI was established on April 1, 1935, based on the recommendations of the Hilton Young Commission (1926). It was initially a private shareholders' bank and was nationalised in 1949. On this occasion, fresh commitments were made to expand the e-Rupee (India's Central Bank Digital Currency). The e-Rupee wholesale pilot launched in November 2022; retail pilot began December 2022. Current Governor: Sanjay Malhotra (appointed December 2024). HQ: Mumbai.

KEY FACTS:

• Established: April 1, 1935 | Based on Hilton Young Commission (1926) • Nationalised: 1949 | HQ: Mumbai • Current Governor: Sanjay Malhotra • e-Rupee wholesale pilot: Nov 2022 | Retail: Dec 2022

Q. RBI was established on the recommendations of which commission?

(a) Simon Commission (b) Hilton Young Commission (c) Butler Commission (d) Muddiman Commission Ans: (b) Hilton Young Commission

Q. In which year was RBI nationalised?

(a) 1935 (b) 1947 (c) 1949 (d) 1951 Ans: (c) 1949

World Bank Upgrades India's GDP Growth Forecast to 6.6%

The World Bank raised India's GDP growth forecast to 6.6% for FY 2026-27, citing three drivers: resilient domestic demand, a strong rebound in exports, and structural reforms including GST rationalisation. This makes India one of the fastest-growing major economies. IMF's projection stands at approximately 6.5%; RBI's estimate is approximately 7%. India overtook the UK to become the 5th largest economy in 2022 and is targeting 3rd place by 2030, ahead of Japan and Germany.

KEY FACTS:

• World Bank FY27 forecast: 6.6% | IMF: approx 6.5% | RBI: approx 7% • India = 5th largest economy (overtook UK in 2022) • Target: 3rd largest economy by 2030

Q. World Bank's GDP growth forecast for India for FY 2026-27?

(a) 6.0% (b) 6.3% (c) 6.6% (d) 7.2% Ans: (c) 6.6%

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 — Rs 10,000 Crore Corpus

The government launched Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 with a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore, managed by SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India). It invests in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) with focus on deep-tech and early-stage ventures facing pre-Series A funding gaps. FoF 1.0 was announced in Union Budget 2016 with the same corpus size. India now has 100,000+ DPIIT-recognised startups and ranks 3rd globally in startup ecosystem size, after the USA and China.

KEY FACTS:

• Corpus: Rs 10,000 crore | Manager: SIDBI • Focus: Deep-tech + early-stage AIFs • India: 3rd largest startup ecosystem (after USA and China) • 100,000+ DPIIT-recognised startups in India

Q. Who manages the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0?

(a) SEBI (b) NABARD (c) SIDBI (d) RBI Ans: (c) SIDBI

Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool) Approved

The Union Cabinet approved the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool with a sovereign government guarantee. It will provide comprehensive insurance for Indian vessels and maritime trade against geopolitical risks — war, piracy, and international sanctions — reducing dependence on foreign (primarily London-based) marine insurers. Context: After the Russia-Ukraine war, many international insurers refused to cover ships trading with sanctioned countries, disrupting Indian oil imports. India handles approximately 95% of its trade by volume through maritime routes.

KEY FACTS:

• BMI Pool backed by sovereign government guarantee • Reduces dependence on foreign (London-based) marine insurers • India's trade by sea: approximately 95% by volume • Context: Russia-Ukraine war exposed vulnerability to foreign insurance refusals

Q. Approximately what percentage of India's trade (by volume) is seaborne?

(a) 70% (b) 80% (c) 90% (d) 95% Ans: (d) 95%

SAF-Blended Aviation Fuel + Green Hydrogen Pilot Project

(A) SAF Blending: The ATF Control Order, 2001 was amended to include aviation fuel blended with Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Targets: 1% blending by 2027, 2% by 2028, 5% by 2030. SAF is made from bio-waste, agricultural residue, or synthetic processes and can cut aviation carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. (B) Green Hydrogen: SJVN Limited inaugurated India's first multipurpose Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station, Himachal Pradesh (April 24). Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy — emitting zero carbon.

KEY FACTS:

• SAF targets: 1% (2027) >> 2% (2028) >> 5% (2030) • SAF cuts aviation carbon footprint by up to 80% • Green Hydrogen pilot: Nathpa Jhakri HPS, Himachal Pradesh | By SJVN Ltd • Green H2 = electrolysis of water using renewable energy

Q. India's first multipurpose Green Hydrogen Pilot Project is located at:

(a) Sardar Sarovar Dam (b) Tehri Dam (c) Nathpa Jhakri HPS (d) Bhakra Nangal Ans: (c) Nathpa Jhakri HPS

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

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7th Critical Mineral Block Auction + National Coal Exchange

The Ministry of Mines launched the 7th tranche of critical mineral block auctions alongside the 2nd tranche of exploration licences — offering 19 mineral blocks containing lithium, tungsten, and tin. These minerals are vital for green energy, EVs, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. Separately, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs approved the name reservation for National Coal Exchange of India Limited, enabling NSE to launch a dedicated, transparent coal-trading platform. India has also approved 29 new proposals under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) with a projected investment of Rs 7,104 crore and 14,248 direct jobs.

KEY FACTS:

• 7th critical mineral block auction: 19 blocks | Key minerals: lithium, tungsten, tin • National Coal Exchange approved: NSE to launch dedicated coal platform • ECMS: 29 proposals approved | Rs 7,104 crore investment | 14,248 jobs

Q. The 7th critical mineral block auction included blocks containing which of these minerals?

(a) Iron, Copper, Gold (b) Lithium, Tungsten, Tin (c) Bauxite, Manganese, Coal (d) Zinc, Lead, Silver Ans: (b) Lithium, Tungsten, Tin

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

International Affairs

NASA Artemis II — First Crewed Lunar Mission Since 1972

NASA launched Artemis II on April 2, 2026 — the first crewed mission to the vicinity of the Moon since Apollo 17 in December

1972, a gap of 53 years. It lifted off from Kennedy Space Center aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Crew: Reid

Wiseman (Commander, USA), Victor Glover (USA), Christina Koch (USA), Jeremy Hansen (Canada, CSA). The Orion

spacecraft will loop around the Moon without landing. Artemis III (planned 2027) tests docking in Earth orbit; landing: Artemis IV

since 1972. India is a signatory to the Artemis Accords (2023) and ISRO is a partner agency.

KEY FACTS:

• First crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 (December 1972) — 54-year gap • Rocket: SLS | Spacecraft: Orion | Launch site: Kennedy Space Center • Crew: Wiseman, Glover, Koch (USA) + Jeremy Hansen (Canada) • Mission type: Lunar flyby — no landing | Artemis III aims for landing (2027) • India signed Artemis Accords in 2023 | ISRO is partner

Q. Which was the last Apollo mission before Artemis II?

(a) Apollo 13 (b) Apollo 15 (c) Apollo 17 (d) Apollo 11 Ans: (c) Apollo 17

Q. Astronaut Jeremy Hansen belongs to which country?

(a) USA (b) UK (c) Australia (d) Canada Ans: (d) Canada

US-Iran Framework Agreement — Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Iran reached a strategic framework agreement: the US will halt designated military strikes while Iran guarantees safe and unhindered passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Formal peace talks are expected to be hosted in Pakistan. The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most critical oil chokepoint — approximately 20% of global petroleum passes through it daily. Iran had earlier threatened closure in response to Western sanctions. The US Senate separately voted 52-47 to reject a Democratic resolution to limit presidential war powers under the War Powers Act of 1973, which requires Congressional approval within 60 days of military action.

KEY FACTS:

• Strait of Hormuz: approx 20% of global petroleum passes daily • Connects Persian Gulf to Gulf of Oman • Peace talks to be hosted in Pakistan • US Senate rejected anti-war resolution: 52-47 • War Powers Act 1973: President must seek Congress approval within 60 days

Q. Approximately what percentage of global petroleum passes through the Strait of Hormuz?

(a) 10% (b) 15% (c) 20% (d) 30% Ans: (c) 20%

Q. Under the War Powers Act 1973, a US President must seek Congressional approval within:

(a) 30 days (b) 45 days (c) 60 days (d) 90 days Ans: (c) 60 days

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

Myanmar: Min Aung Hlaing Formally Becomes President

Myanmar military chief General Min Aung Hlaing was nominated as President through a parliamentary process — transitioning from head of the military junta (SAC: State Administration Council) to constitutional head of state. Ye Win Oo was appointed the new Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services. Min Aung Hlaing led the coup on February 1, 2021, which overthrew the NLD government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar shares borders with four Indian northeastern states: Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border.

KEY FACTS:

• Myanmar coup: February 1, 2021 | SAC = State Administration Council • Ousted: NLD party of Aung San Suu Kyi • New Army Chief: Ye Win Oo • India-Myanmar border: 1,643 km | 4 states: Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh

Q. Myanmar's military coup took place on:

(a) February 1, 2020 (b) February 1, 2021 (c) November 1, 2021 (d) April 1, 2022 Ans: (b) February 1, 2021

India-South Korea: $50 Billion Trade Target by 2030

PM Narendra Modi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in New Delhi on April 20, 2026. Key outcomes: bilateral trade target of $50 billion by 2030 (current: approximately $25 billion); upgrade of the 2009 CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement); launch of the India-Korea Digital Bridge; and 4 MoUs signed in sports, cultural industries, SMEs, and industrial cooperation. South Korea is a major investor in India — Hyundai, Samsung, LG, and Kia all have substantial India operations.

KEY FACTS:

• Trade target: $50 billion by 2030 (current approx $25B) • CEPA first signed: 2009 — now being upgraded • India-Korea Digital Bridge: new initiative • Major Korean firms in India: Hyundai, Samsung, LG, Kia

Q. India and South Korea set a bilateral trade target of how much by 2030?

(a) $30 billion (b) $40 billion (c) $50 billion (d) $75 billion Ans: (c) $50 billion

India Wins 4 Seats in UN ECOSOC Bodies

India was elected unopposed to four prominent subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), including the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. This marks a significant diplomatic victory and reinforces India's growing influence in global governance. UN ECOSOC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and coordinates economic, social, and related work of 15 UN specialized agencies, functional commissions, and five regional commissions. India also issued a 'do not travel' advisory for Iran amid regional tensions.

KEY FACTS:

• India elected to 4 UN ECOSOC bodies — unopposed • Includes: Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights • UN ECOSOC: one of 6 principal UN organs • India also issued 'do not travel' advisory for Iran

Q. How many UN ECOSOC subsidiary bodies did India win seats in (April 2026)?

(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5 Ans: (c) 4

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

UAE: 50% Government Services to Be AI-Driven Within 2 Years

The UAE announced plans to shift 50% of its government services to AI within two years, deploying advanced 'agentic AI' systems to handle routine departmental tasks autonomously, reducing manual dependency. This fits UAE's long-standing AI strategy. UAE appointed the world's first Minister of AI — Omar Sultan Al Olama — in 2017. UAE is also home to MBZUAI (Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence) in Abu Dhabi — the world's first AI-focused graduate university.

KEY FACTS:

• UAE target: 50% govt services via AI within 2 years • World's first AI Minister: Omar Sultan Al Olama (UAE, 2017) • MBZUAI, Abu Dhabi: world's first AI graduate university • Agentic AI = autonomous AI handling tasks end-to-end

Q. Which country appointed the world's first Minister of AI?

(a) USA (b) China (c) UAE (d) Singapore Ans: (c) UAE

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

Sports

Sheetal Devi — Para Archer of the Year 2025

World Archery named 19-year-old Sheetal Devi from Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, as Para Archer of the Year 2025. She has phocomelia — a condition where she was born without arms — and shoots the bow using her feet, a remarkable achievement. Her honours include: Gold at the World Para Archery Championships in Gwangju, South Korea; mixed team gold at the Asian Para Games; individual silver medals at the Asian Para Games and Asian Championships. She competed at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

KEY FACTS:

• Age: 19 | State: Jammu and Kashmir (Kishtwar) • Condition: Phocomelia (born without arms) — shoots with feet • Award: Para Archer of the Year 2025 by World Archery • Gold: World Para Archery Championships, Gwangju, South Korea • Competed at Paris Paralympics 2024

Q. Sheetal Devi is associated with which sport?

(a) Para Swimming (b) Para Archery (c) Para Shooting (d) Para Athletics Ans: (b) Para Archery

Q. Sheetal Devi belongs to which state?

(a) Himachal Pradesh (b) Punjab (c) Jammu and Kashmir (d) Uttarakhand Ans: (c) Jammu and Kashmir

R. Vaishali Wins FIDE Women's Candidates 2026

Indian Grandmaster R. Vaishali (24 years) won the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament 2026 held in Cyprus, defeating Russia's Kateryna Lagno in the final round to finish with 8.5 points out of 14. She will now challenge reigning Women's World

Chess Champion Ju Wenjun (China). Notably, Vaishali is the sister of GM R. Praggnanandhaa — a historic

sibling achievement in chess. In the Open section, Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov won and will face Gukesh for the World title. India's chess champions include: Viswanathan Anand (5 titles) and D. Gukesh (2024).

KEY FACTS:

• Vaishali: FIDE Women's Candidates 2026 winner | Venue: Cyprus • Final score: 8.5 / 14 | Defeated Kateryna Lagno (Russia) in final round • Will challenge Ju Wenjun (China) for Women's World Chess title • D. Gukesh (current World Champion) is her brother • Open Candidates winner: Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan) — will face Gukesh

Q. FIDE Women's Candidates 2026 was held in which country?

(a) Spain (b) Greece (c) Cyprus (d) Turkey Ans: (c) Cyprus

Q. Who is the current Women's World Chess Champion (to be challenged by Vaishali)?

(a) Hou Yifan (b) Ju Wenjun (c) Koneru Humpy (d) Alexandra Kosteniuk Ans: (b) Ju Wenjun

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

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Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 — India Wins 17 Medals

India finished with 17 medals — 2 Gold, 6 Silver, 9 Bronze — at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Key performers: Aman Sehrawat (61 kg) — Silver (Men's Freestyle); Mukul Dahiya — Silver; Dinesh — Bronze (125 kg). Medals were spread across Men's Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Women's Wrestling. Aman Sehrawat had won the Bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 in Men's 57 kg Freestyle — India's only wrestling medal at Paris.

KEY FACTS:

• Venue: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan • Medal tally: 2 Gold, 6 Silver, 9 Bronze (Total: 17) • Aman Sehrawat: Silver (61 kg) | Also: Paris Olympics 2024 Bronze (57 kg) • Categories: Men's Freestyle, Greco-Roman, Women's Wrestling

Q. Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 was held in which city?

(a) Almaty (b) Tashkent (c) Bishkek (d) Baku Ans: (c) Bishkek

Q. India's total medals at Asian Wrestling Championships 2026?

(a) 12 (b) 15 (c) 17 (d) 20 Ans: (c) 17

India at World Archery Para Series + Spanish Para Badminton

World Archery Para Series, Bangkok: India won 16 medals including 7 Golds. Gold medallists: Payal Nag (Compound Female Individual), Bhavana (Recurve Female), Harvinder Singh (Recurve Men's Individual), Swati Chaudhary (W1 Female). Shyam Sundar Swami claimed Bronze (Compound Men's Individual). Spanish Para Badminton International 2026 (Toledo, Level 1): India secured 16 medals — 5 Gold, 5 Silver, 6 Bronze. Gold winners: Pramod Bhagat and Manisha Ramadass (Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5); Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan. Additionally, Archery World Cup Stage 1 (Shanghai): Indian men's and women's compound teams both won gold.

KEY FACTS:

• World Archery Para Series Bangkok: 16 medals, 7 Gold for India • Spanish Para Badminton (Toledo): 16 medals — 5G, 5S, 6B • Archery World Cup Stage 1 (Shanghai): Indian compound teams won gold • Harvinder Singh: Gold in Recurve Men's Individual

Q. How many gold medals did India win at the World Archery Para Series, Bangkok?

(a) 5 (b) 6 (c) 7 (d) 8 Ans: (c) 7

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

Science, Environment & Tech

Memristors: Energy-Efficient AI Computing Breakthrough (Cambridge)

Researchers at Cambridge University developed a stable hafnium-oxide-based memristor (memory-resistor). A memristor is an electronic component that regulates current flow while retaining memory of past electrical states — even when powered off. The key breakthrough: memristors merge memory and processing in one unit, eliminating the Von Neumann Bottleneck — the energy lost by constantly shuttling data between separate CPU and RAM in traditional computers. This can reduce AI computing energy consumption by up to 70%. As AI models grow exponentially, data centre energy consumption has become a global concern, making this breakthrough strategically significant.

KEY FACTS:

• Developed at: Cambridge University | Material: hafnium-oxide • Merges memory + processing in one unit • Eliminates Von Neumann Bottleneck (CPU-RAM energy waste) • Energy saving potential: up to 70% reduction in AI computing energy • Considered the 4th fundamental circuit element

Q. The Von Neumann Bottleneck refers to:

(a) Overheating of CPUs (b) Energy wasted in CPU-RAM data transfer (c) Slow internet connectivity (d) Battery drain in mobile devices Ans: (b) Energy wasted in CPU-RAM data transfer

South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) — Earth's Magnetic Weak Zone

New data from the ESA's Swarm satellite constellation recorded significant developments in the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) — a large region over South America and southwest Africa where Earth's magnetic field is substantially weaker than normal. Often called the Bermuda Triangle of Space, the weakened shielding allows cosmic rays and energetic solar particles to penetrate closer to Earth's surface, triggering anomalies in satellites and spacecraft passing through. The SAA is slowly moving westward and expanding. It is jointly monitored by NOAA and ESA.

KEY FACTS:

• SAA: Region over South America and southwest Africa • Called the 'Bermuda Triangle of Space' • Monitored by: ESA's Swarm satellite constellation • Effect: Satellite malfunctions in the SAA zone • Slowly moving westward and expanding

Q. South Atlantic Anomaly is associated with:

(a) Ocean current disruption (b) Weakening of Earth's magnetic field (c) Deep sea volcanic activity (d) Ozone hole formation Ans: (b) Weakening of Earth's magnetic field

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

AMOC Slowdown — Atlantic Ocean Conveyor Belt Warning

New oceanographic data confirmed a steady weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) — the ocean current system that transports warm water northward and cold water southward across the Atlantic. AMOC is often called the ocean conveyor belt or Great Ocean Conveyor. Potential consequences of collapse: Northern Europe cools significantly (paradoxically, despite global warming); the Southern Ocean flips from a carbon sink to a carbon source; global weather patterns are severely disrupted. The primary driver of weakening is freshwater influx from melting Greenland glaciers, reducing ocean salinity and density.

KEY FACTS:

• AMOC = Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation • Functions as ocean conveyor belt — critical for global climate regulation • Weakening cause: Greenland ice melt >> freshwater dilutes salinity • Risk: N. Europe cooling; Southern Ocean becomes carbon source • Monitored via deep ocean bottom pressure sensors

Q. AMOC stands for:

(a) Atlantic Marine Ocean Current (b) Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (c) Arctic Meridional Ocean Circulation (d) Atlantic Mesopelagic Overturning Current Ans: (b) Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation

April South Asia Heatwave — Human-Caused Climate Change

A rapid scientific assessment by World Weather Attribution and ClimaMeter found that human-induced climate change made the intense mid-to-late April 2026 heatwave across India and Pakistan approximately 3 times more likely to occur. Temperatures peaked near 47.6 degrees C in parts of Uttar Pradesh, with several cities recording approximately 45 degrees C — nearly 8 degrees C above normal seasonal averages. The 15-day event was classified as super-rapid intensification. IUCN also updated its Red List, moving Emperor Penguins and Antarctic Fur Seals to more critical threatened categories due to rapid Antarctic sea ice loss.

KEY FACTS:

• Peak temperature: 47.6 deg C (Uttar Pradesh) — 8 deg C above normal • Climate change made this heatwave 3 times more likely (WWA + ClimaMeter) • Duration: 15-day super-rapid intensification event • IUCN Red List update: Emperor Penguin + Antarctic Fur Seal moved to critical categories

Q. Climate change made the April 2026 South Asia heatwave how many times more likely?

(a) 2 times (b) 3 times (c) 4 times (d) 5 times Ans: (b) 3 times

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

Generic Oral Semaglutide Approved in India (CDSCO)

India's CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) approved generic versions of oral Semaglutide — a GLP-1 receptor agonist (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist). Semaglutide treats Type-2 Diabetes and Obesity. The branded versions — Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (obesity) by Novo Nordisk — cost Rs 10,000-15,000 per month in India. Generic versions will drastically lower costs and widen access. GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking a gut hormone that stimulates insulin release and suppresses appetite. India approved Kankaria Coaching Depot, Ahmedabad as India's first Water Neutral Railway Depot (uses phytoremediation).

KEY FACTS:

• CDSCO = Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (India's drug regulator) • Drug class: GLP-1 receptor agonist | Uses: Type-2 Diabetes + Obesity • Brand names: Ozempic (diabetes), Wegovy (obesity) — by Novo Nordisk • Kankaria Coaching Depot, Ahmedabad: India's first Water Neutral Railway Depot • Phytoremediation: using plants to treat wastewater

Q. Semaglutide belongs to which drug class?

(a) Insulin analogues (b) GLP-1 receptor agonists (c) SGLT-2 inhibitors (d) DPP-4 inhibitors Ans: (b) GLP-1 receptor agonists

Q. Which organisation regulates drug approvals in India?

(a) ICMR (b) MCI (c) CDSCO (d) NMC Ans: (c) CDSCO

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

Appointments

National Appointments

International Appointments

Q. Who was appointed as the first woman Chief Justice of AP High Court?

(a) Justice Hima Kohli (b) Justice Lisa Gill (c) Justice B.V. Nagarathna (d) Justice Indira Banerjee Ans: (b) Justice Lisa Gill

Q. Who is the current CMD of BPCL (April 2026)?

(a) Arun Kumar Singh (b) Sanjay Khanna (c) G. Krishnakumar (d) Rajan Kapoor Ans: (b) Sanjay Khanna

Q. Who became the first female Army Chief of Australia?

(a) Susan Collins (b) Angela Brannigan (c) Susan Coyle (d) Helen Wilson Ans: (c) Susan Coyle

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

Important Days — April 2026

Q. What is the theme of Earth Day 2026?

(a) Beat Plastic Pollution (b) Restore Our Earth (c) Planet vs. Plastics (d) Invest in Our Planet Ans: (c) Planet vs. Plastics

Q. National Panchayati Raj Day relates to which Constitutional Amendment?

(a) 72nd (b) 73rd (c) 74th (d) 75th Ans: (b) 73rd Amendment Act, 1992

HCS/UPSC Current Affairs — April 2026

Created by Sanjay | English Edition

QUICK REVISION — ONE LINERS

Compiled for HCS / UPSC / State PCS exam preparation | Created by Sanjay — Your Exam Preparation Partner | English Edition