1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen India’s fight against cyber frauds and financial crimes.

The MoU was signed by Shri Amit Mohan Govil (Director, FIU-IND) and Shri Rajesh Kumar (CEO, I4C), marking enhanced inter-agency intelligence collaboration.

Detailed Explanation:

The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen India’s fight against cyber frauds and financial crimes.

The MoU was signed by Shri Amit Mohan Govil (Director, FIU-IND) and Shri Rajesh Kumar (CEO, I4C), marking enhanced inter-agency intelligence collaboration.

The agreement aims to improve information sharing, coordination, and operational intelligence support between both agencies.

It comes at a time when India’s digital payment ecosystem has expanded significantly, increasing the need for cybersecurity safeguards and fraud prevention mechanisms.

2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted the 60th and 1st Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting for Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) from April 06 to April 08, 2026.

The meeting was chaired by Sanjay Malhotra, with participation from MPC members Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Saugata Bhattacharya, Prof. Ram Singh, Dr. Poonam Gupta, and Indranil Bhattacharyya.

The MPC kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) and maintained a ‘Neutral’ policy stance due to global uncertainties and West Asia conflict.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted the 60th and 1st Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting for Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) from April 06 to April 08, 2026.

The meeting was chaired by Sanjay Malhotra, with participation from MPC members Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Saugata Bhattacharya, Prof. Ram Singh, Dr. Poonam Gupta, and Indranil Bhattacharyya.

The MPC kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) and maintained a ‘Neutral’ policy stance due to global uncertainties and West Asia conflict.

The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate was retained at 5.00%, while the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and Bank Rate were held at 5.50%.

The MPC cited factors like rising crude oil prices, rupee depreciation, and supply chain disruptions as key reasons for its cautious stance.

The GDP growth forecast for FY27 was revised downward by 50 basis points to 6.9% from the earlier estimate of 7.4%.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation is projected at 4.6% for FY27, remaining within the tolerance band of ±2%, with core inflation estimated at 4.4%.

The next MPC meeting is scheduled to be held from June 03 to June 05, 2026.

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has partnered with S&P Global Energy to launch exchange-traded derivatives based on Platts benchmarks.

The initiative will initially introduce futures contracts linked to Platts Dated Brent Crude Oil, a globally recognised international crude oil pricing benchmark.

The move will enable Indian market participants to access global crude oil prices through a regulated domestic exchange platform.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has partnered with S&P Global Energy to launch exchange-traded derivatives based on Platts benchmarks.

The initiative will initially introduce futures contracts linked to Platts Dated Brent Crude Oil, a globally recognised international crude oil pricing benchmark.

The move will enable Indian market participants to access global crude oil prices through a regulated domestic exchange platform.

The NSE, based in Mumbai, was incorporated in 1992 and began operations in 1994 to bring transparency to Indian financial markets.

The collaboration integrates S&P Global Platts pricing benchmarks into India’s commodity derivatives ecosystem.

The Dated Brent Crude Oil (Platts) Futures received regulatory approval, with the official launch scheduled for 13 April 2026.

4) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Election authorities in Puducherry deployed ‘Nila’ humanoid robot for the first time during Assembly elections at the VOC Government School polling booth to enhance voter experience through technology-driven assistance.

The robot was developed by Robo Mirror, Coimbatore, and was dressed in a traditional saree, greeting voters with flowers, providing polling booth directions, and assisting elderly and first-time voters.

Detailed Explanation:

Election authorities in Puducherry deployed ‘Nila’ humanoid robot for the first time during Assembly elections at the VOC Government School polling booth to enhance voter experience through technology-driven assistance.

The initiative aimed to create a high-technology and welcoming environment for voters, especially to encourage participation among young voters and first-time voters.

The robot was developed by Robo Mirror, Coimbatore, and was dressed in a traditional saree, greeting voters with flowers, providing polling booth directions, and assisting elderly and first-time voters.

‘Nila’ is an event-based interactive humanoid robot equipped with sensor-based voter detection capability, supports communication in Tamil and English languages, and can perform walking and hand-waving interactions.

5) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Nidhi Chhibber, Chief Executive Officer of the National Institution for Transforming India Aayog, released the second edition of the report titled “From Borrowers to Builders: Women and India’s Evolving Credit Market” in New Delhi.

The report highlighted that women hold a credit portfolio of ₹76 lakh crore, accounting for 26% of total system credit, registering a 4.8-fold increase since 2017.

Detailed Explanation:

Nidhi Chhibber, Chief Executive Officer of the National Institution for Transforming India Aayog, released the second edition of the report titled “From Borrowers to Builders: Women and India’s Evolving Credit Market” in New Delhi.

The report highlighted that women hold a credit portfolio of ₹76 lakh crore, accounting for 26% of total system credit, registering a 4.8-fold increase since 2017.

The report was prepared under the Women Entrepreneurship Platform and developed by TransUnion CIBIL in collaboration with MicroSave Consulting.

Credit penetration among women increased from 19% in 2017 to 36% in 2025, with around 16 crore credit-active women borrowers, growing at a 9% Compound Annual Growth Rate.

The report stated that nearly 45 crore women are credit-eligible in India, of which around two-thirds remain unserved, indicating significant potential for expansion in women’s access to formal credit systems.

6) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved multiple proposals to strengthen agricultural support systems, urban transport infrastructure, and energy security.

The Cabinet approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers for fixing Nutrient Based Subsidy rates for Kharif Season 2026 on Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers for the period from April 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026, with a tentative budgetary allocation of ₹41,533.81 crore.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the revised project cost of HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited in Rajasthan from ₹43,129 crore to ₹79,459 crore to strengthen domestic refining capacity and energy infrastructure.

Detailed Explanation:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved multiple proposals to strengthen agricultural support systems, urban transport infrastructure, and energy security.

The Cabinet approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers for fixing Nutrient Based Subsidy rates for Kharif Season 2026 on Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers for the period from April 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026, with a tentative budgetary allocation of ₹41,533.81 crore.

The Cabinet also approved Jaipur Metro Phase-2 Project, a 41-kilometre corridor connecting Prahladpura to Todi Mod in Jaipur, with an estimated cost of ₹13,037.66 crore, to improve urban mobility and public transport connectivity.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the revised project cost of HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited in Rajasthan from ₹43,129 crore to ₹79,459 crore to strengthen domestic refining capacity and energy infrastructure.

7) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh with a total investment of ₹40,175.33 crore to strengthen renewable energy capacity, energy security, and infrastructure development in the North-Eastern region.

The Kamala Hydroelectric Project received approval with an investment of ₹26,069.50 crore and has an installed capacity of 1,720 megawatts, expected to generate 6,870 million units of electricity annually. The project includes ₹4,743.98 crore for flood moderation, ₹1,340 crore for enabling infrastructure, and ₹750 crore as Central Financial Assistance for the State’s equity share.

Detailed Explanation:

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh with a total investment of ₹40,175.33 crore to strengthen renewable energy capacity, energy security, and infrastructure development in the North-Eastern region.

The approved projects include the 1,200-megawatt Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project in Anjaw district and the 1,720-megawatt Kamala Hydroelectric Project across Kamle district, Kra Daadi district, and Kurung Kumey district.

The Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project, to be developed on the Lohit River, received approval with an investment of ₹14,105.83 crore. The project has an installed capacity of 1,200 megawatts and is expected to generate 4,852.95 million units of electricity annually, with completion planned within 78 months. The project also includes construction of 29 kilometres of roads and bridges to improve connectivity in Namsai district and Anjaw district.

The Kamala Hydroelectric Project received approval with an investment of ₹26,069.50 crore and has an installed capacity of 1,720 megawatts, expected to generate 6,870 million units of electricity annually. The project includes ₹4,743.98 crore for flood moderation, ₹1,340 crore for enabling infrastructure, and ₹750 crore as Central Financial Assistance for the State’s equity share.

8) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Permanent Mission of bsidiary bodies of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Additionally, Preeti Saran, India’s Ambassador, has been re-elected to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) for 2027–2030.

Detailed Explanation:

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations announced that India was elected by acclamation to key subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

India has secured positions in major UN bodies, including the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) (2027–2030), the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO Committee) (2027–2030), and the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) (2027–2029).

The CSTD serves as an intergovernmental forum to discuss issues related to science, technology, and development.

The NGO Committee is responsible for evaluating applications for consultative status and handling reclassification requests from NGOs.

The CPC acts as the main subsidiary organ for planning, programming, and coordination within the United Nations system.

Additionally, Preeti Saran, India’s Ambassador, has been re-elected to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) for 2027–2030.

9) Answer: D

Nasscom Foundation has appointed U. B. Pravin Rao as its new Chairperson, effective immediately.

He succeeds Rostow Ravanan, who has completed his tenure as Chairperson.

U.B. Pravin Rao brings over 35 years of experience in the technology sector, including global operations, large-scale transformation, and execution excellence.

10) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jayant Chaudhary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched an initiative to establish the Skills Outcomes Fund (SOF) in New Delhi.

The SOF is a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for youth from low-income backgrounds across India.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jayant Chaudhary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched an initiative to establish the Skills Outcomes Fund (SOF) in New Delhi.

The SOF is a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for youth from low-income backgrounds across India.

The fund is designed to mobilize capital and link skilling programs to verified employment outcomes, making it one of the world’s largest Outcomes-Based Financing (OBF) initiatives.

The initiative is led by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the MSDE, acting as the nodal implementing agency.

The SOF follows a blended finance model, combining government, private, and philanthropic capital through an outcomes-based financing framework.

11) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of a Seismological Observatory in Kishtwar and a Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) in Doda, Jammu & Kashmir.

The announcement was made during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held at the DC Office Complex, Doda.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of a Seismological Observatory in Kishtwar and a Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) in Doda, Jammu & Kashmir.

The announcement was made during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held at the DC Office Complex, Doda.

The proposed Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) will enable real-time weather monitoring, improve early warning systems, and strengthen disaster management under the Mission Mausam initiative.

The Seismological Observatory will enhance India’s national seismic monitoring network, improve earthquake detection and analysis, and boost disaster preparedness and risk mitigation.

Automated Weather Stations (AWS) will be installed in Paddar and Machail, with site selection already completed to improve weather forecasting in remote regions.

12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India (ALEMAI) has launched the ‘Aluminium Bharat’ initiative to strengthen India’s domestic aluminium manufacturing capabilities and promote sustainable industrial growth.

Detailed Explanation:

The Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India (ALEMAI) has launched the ‘Aluminium Bharat’ initiative to strengthen India’s domestic aluminium manufacturing capabilities and promote sustainable industrial growth.

The initiative aims to position India as a global leader in aluminium production and exports by enhancing the entire aluminium value chain.

The initiative was unveiled by Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) in New Delhi.

‘Aluminium Bharat’ focuses on collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders to develop a strategic roadmap for sectoral growth.

As part of the initiative, ALEMAI will host ‘Aluminium Bharat 2026’, India’s first comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the aluminium value chain.

13) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has constituted a Special Task Force (STF) on Agriculture to strengthen India’s agricultural resilience amid global disruptions.

The first meeting of the STF was chaired by Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of DARE (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) and Director General (DG) of ICAR.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has constituted a Special Task Force (STF) on Agriculture to strengthen India’s agricultural resilience amid global disruptions.

The STF aims to address challenges related to geopolitical uncertainties, climate variability, supply chain disruptions, and rising input costs affecting the agriculture sector.

The initiative focuses on ensuring food security, agricultural input security, and data-driven policy support for the Government of India (GoI).

The first meeting of the STF was chaired by Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of DARE (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) and Director General (DG) of ICAR.

The STF was formed in response to issues such as global food and fertiliser supply chain disruptions, energy market volatility, and climate risks.

ICAR is strengthening the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) programme in 100 Aspirational Districts through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

14) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR (IOS SAGAR), deployed on INS Sunayna, departed from Malé (Maldives), strengthening India–Maldives maritime relations.

The visit reinforced maritime cooperation, operational coordination, and strategic partnership between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

On departure, the ship conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with MNDF Coast Guard Ship Ghazee, enhancing interoperability and joint operational capability.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR (IOS SAGAR), deployed on INS Sunayna, departed from Malé (Maldives), strengthening India–Maldives maritime relations.

The visit reinforced maritime cooperation, operational coordination, and strategic partnership between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

On departure, the ship conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with MNDF Coast Guard Ship Ghazee, enhancing interoperability and joint operational capability.

The exercise highlighted improved maritime coordination between both naval forces.

During the visit, Commander Siddharth Chaudhary, Commanding Officer of IOS SAGAR, called on senior MNDF leadership including Major General Ibrahim Hilmy (Chief of Defence Force) and Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem (Commandant, Coast Guard MNDF).

15) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

GAIL (India) Limited (formerly Gas Authority of India Limited), a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking, signed a long-term charter party agreement with Alpha Gas, a Greek shipping company, for the Liquefied Natural Gas carrier ‘Energy Fidelity’ to strengthen liquefied natural gas transportation capacity.

The agreement was executed between GAIL (India) Limited and Pantheon Maritime Services Private Limited, a Singapore-based affiliate of Alpha Gas, and was formally signed at the headquarters of Alpha Gas in Athens.

Detailed Explanation:

GAIL (India) Limited (formerly Gas Authority of India Limited), a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking, signed a long-term charter party agreement with Alpha Gas, a Greek shipping company, for the Liquefied Natural Gas carrier ‘Energy Fidelity’ to strengthen liquefied natural gas transportation capacity.

The agreement was executed between GAIL (India) Limited and Pantheon Maritime Services Private Limited, a Singapore-based affiliate of Alpha Gas, and was formally signed at the headquarters of Alpha Gas in Athens.

The agreement was signed by S Bairagi, Executive Director (Marketing – Shipping and International Liquefied Natural Gas) of Gas Authority of India Limited, and Anna Angelicoussis, owner of Alpha Gas.

The Liquefied Natural Gas carrier ‘Energy Fidelity’ has a cargo capacity of 174,000 cubic metres, enabling large-scale liquefied natural gas transportation.

The vessel is equipped with a modern two-stroke propulsion system, along with advanced air lubrication technology and shaft generators, which enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions during operations.

The agreement will strengthen Gas Authority of India Limited’s liquefied natural gas transportation capability, supporting India’s transition towards cleaner energy sources such as natural gas.

16) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

NTPC Limited (formerly National Thermal Power Corporation Limited), India’s largest power utility, signed a strategic non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Électricité de France to explore collaboration in the development of nuclear power projects in India.

The agreement was signed by Arnada Prasad Samal, Chief General Manager of Nuclear Cell, National Thermal Power Corporation Limited, and Vakisasai Ramany, Senior Vice President of International Nuclear Development, Électricité de France.

Detailed Explanation:

NTPC Limited (formerly National Thermal Power Corporation Limited), India’s largest power utility, signed a strategic non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Électricité de France to explore collaboration in the development of nuclear power projects in India.

The agreement was signed by Arnada Prasad Samal, Chief General Manager of Nuclear Cell, National Thermal Power Corporation Limited, and Vakisasai Ramany, Senior Vice President of International Nuclear Development, Électricité de France.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, both organisations will jointly assess the feasibility and modalities of cooperation, including evaluation of European Pressurised Reactor technology for its suitability in India’s nuclear energy programme.

The collaboration will explore localisation opportunities for large-scale deployment of nuclear reactors, assess economic and tariff aspects, identify potential project sites, and provide technical support as mutually agreed.

17) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

James Warren Whittaker (Jim Whittaker), the first American to summit Mount Everest, passed away at the age of 97 in Port Townsend, Washington,United States of America (USA).

He was born on 10 February 1929 in Seattle, Washington, and became one of the most celebrated mountaineers in history.

He achieved global fame by becoming the first American to summit Mount Everest on 1 May 1963, along with Nawang Gombu, becoming the 10th climber ever to reach the summit.

Detailed Explanation:

James Warren Whittaker (Jim Whittaker), the first American to summit Mount Everest, passed away at the age of 97 in Port Townsend, Washington,United States of America (USA).

He was born on 10 February 1929 in Seattle, Washington, and became one of the most celebrated mountaineers in history.

He achieved global fame by becoming the first American to summit Mount Everest on 1 May 1963, along with Nawang Gombu, becoming the 10th climber ever to reach the summit.

His achievement came 10 years after the historic climb of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, and helped boost mountaineering popularity in the USA.

Career Highlight: He was the first full-time employee and later CEO (1971–1979) of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), expanding it into a major outdoor retail cooperative.

18) Answer: D

Central Reserve Police Force Valour Day, also known as Shaurya Diwas, is observed every year on April 9 across India to honour the bravery of Central Reserve Police Force personnel during the Battle of Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.  April 9, 2026 marks the 61st Central Reserve Police Force Valour Day.

19) Answer: C

National Pet Day is observed every year on April 11 to raise awareness about animal welfare, adoption of pets from shelters, and the importance of caring for companion animals.

The day was established in 2006 by Colleen Paige, an animal welfare advocate, to encourage pet adoption and protection of animals awaiting homes in shelters.

20) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

India observes National Safe Motherhood Day every year on April 11 to raise awareness about maternal health, safe pregnancy, and access to quality healthcare services for mothers.

The day is observed on the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, spouse of Mahatma Gandhi.

The theme for National Safe Motherhood Day 2026 is “Equity in Maternal Healthcare: Leaving No Mother Behind.”

Detailed Explanation:

India observes National Safe Motherhood Day every year on April 11 to raise awareness about maternal health, safe pregnancy, and access to quality healthcare services for mothers.

The day is observed on the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, spouse of Mahatma Gandhi.

The theme for National Safe Motherhood Day 2026 is “Equity in Maternal Healthcare: Leaving No Mother Behind.”

India became the first country to officially declare April 11 as National Safe Motherhood Day, following a proposal by the White Ribbon Alliance India, and the day was designated by the Government of India in 2003.