Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of  17th   April  2026. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) According to IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) data, what was the Gross Direct Premium (GDP) underwritten by non-life insurers in India during FY26?

(a) ₹2.78 lakh crore

(b) ₹3.07 lakh crore

(c) ₹3.35 lakh crore

(d) ₹4.20 lakh crore

(e) ₹2.58 lakh crore

2) What was India’s overall trade deficit in FY 2025–26, and which segment recorded the highest growth?

(a) USD 94.66 billion – Merchandise exports

(b) USD 119.30 billion – Services exports

(c) USD 860.09 billion – Merchandise imports

(d) USD 774.98 billion – Total exports

(e) USD 418.31 billion – Trade deficit

3) In 2026, the “MyLIC Customer App” and “Super Sales Saathi App” launched by LIC are part of which digital platform?

(a) DIVE (Digital Innovation & Value Enhancement)

(b) INSURE Tech Platform

(c) e-Insurance Grid

(d) Bharat Insurance Network

(e) FINTECH Connect

4) As of 2026, the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI), recently seen in news, is associated with which initiative to prevent telecom-linked financial frauds?

(a) RBI’s Digital Rupee initiative

(b) SEBI’s SCORES platform

(c) DoT’s Sanchar Saathi initiative

(d) MeitY’s Cyber Suraksha Mission

(e) NPCI’s UPI सुरक्षा framework

 

5) According to the IMF’s April 2026 World Economic Outlook, what is the projected GDP growth rate for India in FY27?

(a) 6.4%

(b) 6.0%

(c) 7.0%

(d) 7.6%

(e) 6.5%

6) Consider the following statements regarding India’s unemployment situation in March 2026:

1. The unemployment rate increased to 5.1%, the highest in the last five months.
2. Urban unemployment rate stood at 6.8%, higher than the rural unemployment rate.
3. The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) increased compared to February 2026.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) All 1, 2 and 3

(e) 1 only

 

7) Consider the following statements regarding the Karnataka High Court’s directions on menstrual leave:

1. The Court recognised menstrual leave as part of the fundamental right under Article 21.
2. The directive applies only to the organised sector.
3. The order will remain in effect until the Karnataka Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Bill, 2025 is enacted.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 only

(d) All of the above

(e) 3 only

8) As of 2026, the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) 3.0 certification received by ITC Limited is related to sustainable sourcing of which crops?

(a) Pulses and oilseeds

(b) Cotton and sugarcane

(c) Tea and coffee

(d) Wheat and paddy

(e) Maize and barley

9) Consider the following statements regarding India’s cocoa sector roadmap:

1. India aims to achieve self-sufficiency in cocoa production by 2030.
2. India currently produces more than 50% of its domestic cocoa requirement.
3. The roadmap proposes launching a National Mission on Cocoa.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

(e) 3 only

 

10) What is the proposed investment for India’s first semiconductor chip fabrication unit approved for Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd.?

(a) ₹50,000 crore

(b) ₹75,000 crore

(c) ₹91,000 crore

(d) ₹1,20,000 crore

(e) ₹60,000 crore

 

11) In 2026, Nizar Mohammed Saeed Amedi has been elected as which President of Iraq?

(a) 7th

(b) 8th

(c) 10th

(d) 9th

(e) 6th

12) In 2026, the Indian Air Force signed an agreement with which company to establish an in-country depot facility for F404-IN20 aircraft engines?

(a) Boeing

(b) Lockheed Martin

(c) GE Aerospace

(d) Airbus Defence

(e) Rolls-Royce

13) In 2026, ‘Radio Sikkim Sundari’ (88.4 FM), recently launched in East Sikkim, is associated with which programme?

(a) Digital India Programme

(b) Vibrant Villages Programme

(c) BharatNet Project

(d) Skill India Mission

(e) North East Special Infrastructure Scheme

14) In 2026, the newly discovered species Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis belongs to which group in the Kachugaon region of Kokrajhar district near Raimona National Park (Assam)?

(a) Snake

(b) Frog

(c) Tortoise

(d) Lizardfish

(e) Gecko

15) What was the theme of the 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2026) in Port Louis, Mauritius?

(a) Security and Growth for All in the Region

(b) Maritime Cooperation for a Sustainable Future

(c) Strengthening Indo-Pacific Partnerships

(d) Blue Economy and Regional Integration

(e) Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance

16 ) Which company signed a technology agreement with GE Aerospace for the co-production of F414 jet engines in India?

(a) Bharat Electronics Limited

(b) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

(c) Bharat Dynamics Limited

(d) Larsen & Toubro

(e) DRDO

17) Consider the following statements regarding the TIME100 List 2026:

1. It is the 23rd annual edition of the list released by Time magazine.
2. Xi Jinping featured in the list for the 14th time.
3. Ranbir Kapoor was the only Indian film actor included in the list.
4. The list includes categories such as Leaders, Innovators, Artists, Titans, Icons, and Pioneers.
5. Alysa Liu was among the oldest personalities included in the list.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

(a) 1 and 5 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 5 only

(d) 3 and 4 only

(e) 1, 2 and 5 only

18) As of 2026, R. Vaishali will face which reigning champion in the upcoming Women’s World Chess Championship?

(a) Hou Yifan

(b) Ju Wenjun

(c) Koneru Humpy

(d) Ding Liren

(e) Tan Zhongyi

 

19) What is the theme of World Hemophilia Day is observed annually on 17 April 2026?

(a) Bleeding Disorders Awareness for All

(b) Equity in Healthcare Access

(c) Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders

(d) Universal Health for Rare Diseases

(e) Early Diagnosis, Better Care

 

20) What is the theme of World Voice Day is observed on 16 April 2026?

(a) Caring for Our Voices

(b) Voice for Communication

(c) Healthy Voice, Healthy Life

(d) Speak Up for Health

(e) Protect Your Voice

 

Answers:

1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Gross Direct Premium (GDP) underwritten by non-life insurers in India grew by 9.20% in FY26, reaching ₹3.35 lakh crore, compared to ₹3.07 lakh crore in the previous financial year.

As per IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India), the total non-life insurance premium collection stood at ₹3,35,918 crore in FY26, up from ₹3,07,612 crore in FY25.

Detailed Explanation:

The Gross Direct Premium (GDP) underwritten by non-life insurers in India grew by 9.20% in FY26, reaching ₹3.35 lakh crore, compared to ₹3.07 lakh crore in the previous financial year.

As per IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India), the total non-life insurance premium collection stood at ₹3,35,918 crore in FY26, up from ₹3,07,612 crore in FY25.

The general insurance segment recorded a growth of 7.86%, reaching ₹2,78,376 crore, compared to ₹2,58,090 crore in the previous fiscal year.

The standalone private health insurers segment saw a sharp rise of 19.8%, with premiums increasing to ₹45,865 crore, driven by higher demand for health coverage and policy expansion.

The growth in health insurance premiums was supported by the GST waiver on health insurance, which boosted affordability and demand.

2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

India’s total exports increased by 4.22% to USD 860.09 billion in FY 2025–26, while imports grew faster by 6.47% to around USD 970 billion, leading to a widening of the trade gap.

The overall trade deficit (goods + services) rose sharply by over 26%, reaching USD 119.30 billion, compared to USD 94.66 billion in FY25, reflecting increased import dependency.

Merchandise exports recorded a marginal growth of about 1%–0.93%, reaching USD 441.78 billion in FY 2025–26 compared to USD 437.70 billion in FY 2024–25.

Services exports were estimated at USD 418.31 billion, registering a strong growth of around 8%, supporting overall external trade performance.

Detailed Explanation:

India’s total exports increased by 4.22% to USD 860.09 billion in FY 2025–26, while imports grew faster by 6.47% to around USD 970 billion, leading to a widening of the trade gap.

The overall trade deficit (goods + services) rose sharply by over 26%, reaching USD 119.30 billion, compared to USD 94.66 billion in FY25, reflecting increased import dependency.

Merchandise exports recorded a marginal growth of about 1%–0.93%, reaching USD 441.78 billion in FY 2025–26 compared to USD 437.70 billion in FY 2024–25.

Merchandise imports increased significantly to USD 774.98 billion, up from USD 721.20 billion, contributing to the widening trade deficit.

Services exports were estimated at USD 418.31 billion, registering a strong growth of around 8%, supporting overall external trade performance.

In March 2026, India’s total exports declined by 4.58%, while imports fell by 5.76%, leading to a reduced trade deficit of USD 2.44 billion compared to USD 3.55 billion in March 2025.

 

3) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Shri M. Nagaraju, IAS, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, launched LIC’s new mobile applications — MyLIC Customer App and Super Sales Saathi App — in Mumbai, Maharashtrain the presence of senior LIC leadership.

Both applications are part of LIC’s DIVE (Digital Innovation & Value Enhancement) platform, aimed at delivering a secure, seamless, and fully integrated digital insurance experience for customers, intermediaries, and employees.

Detailed Explanation:

Shri M. Nagaraju, IAS, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, launched LIC’s new mobile applications — MyLIC Customer App and Super Sales Saathi App — in Mumbai, Maharashtrain the presence of senior LIC leadership.

With over 260 million policies, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) aims to strengthen its digital ecosystem to improve service efficiency, scale, and customer experience in the insurance sector.

The MyLIC App provides a 360-degree digital platform integrating policy servicing, claims support, payments, documentation, and customer engagement in a single interface.

Key customer features of MyLIC App include policy portfolio management, instant premium payments, real-time policy benefit tracking, paperless policy loans, online policy updates, and revival of lapsed policies.

The Super Sales Saathi App is designed for LIC’s intermediaries and field agents, enhancing their ability to serve customers more effectively.

Both applications are part of LIC’s DIVE (Digital Innovation & Value Enhancement) platform, aimed at delivering a secure, seamless, and fully integrated digital insurance experience for customers, intermediaries, and employees

4) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen India’s financial ecosystem security by addressing the misuse of telecom resources in financial frauds and investment scams.

The partnership aims to integrate telecom intelligence systems with market surveillance mechanisms, marking a shift from reactive enforcement to proactive fraud prevention.

A key feature of the collaboration is the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI), which uses inputs from DoT’s Chakshu facility under Sanchar Saathi, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies to detect potentially fraudulent mobile connections.

Under DoT’s Sanchar Saathi initiative, over 88 lakh fraudulent mobile connections have already been disconnected using ASTR technology.

Detailed Explanation:

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen India’s financial ecosystem security by addressing the misuse of telecom resources in financial frauds and investment scams.

The MoU was signed by Shri Sanjeev Kumar Sharma (DoT, AI & Digital Intelligence Unit) and Shri Sandip Pradhan (SEBI Whole Time Member) in the presence of Shri Deb Kumar Chakrabarti, Member (Services), Digital Communications Commission.

The partnership aims to integrate telecom intelligence systems with market surveillance mechanisms, marking a shift from reactive enforcement to proactive fraud prevention.

A key feature of the collaboration is the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI), which uses inputs from DoT’s Chakshu facility under Sanchar Saathi, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies to detect potentially fraudulent mobile connections.

The FRI system acts as an early warning mechanism to prevent misuse of mobile numbers in financial scams and securities frauds.

Under DoT’s Sanchar Saathi initiative, over 88 lakh fraudulent mobile connections have already been disconnected using ASTR technology.

The deployment of FRI has helped prevent financial losses of around ₹2300 crore in the last ten months, strengthening cybersecurity in the financial sector.

 

5) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its April 2026 World Economic Outlook (WEO) titled “Global Economy in the Shadow of War.”

The IMF marginally upgraded India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) by 10 basis points (bps) to 6.5%, from the earlier estimate of 6.4% in the January 2026 WEO.

Detailed Explanation:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its April 2026 World Economic Outlook (WEO) titled “Global Economy in the Shadow of War.”

The IMF marginally upgraded India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) by 10 basis points (bps) to 6.5%, from the earlier estimate of 6.4% in the January 2026 WEO.

The report projected that India’s economy will remain stable at 6.5% in FY28, indicating medium-term growth consistency.

India’s GDP growth for FY26 has been estimated at 7.6%, reflecting a strong economic recovery and sustained domestic momentum.

6) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

India’s unemployment rate rose to 5.1% in March 2026, the highest level in the last five months, according to the National Statistics Office based on the Periodic Labour Force Survey

The unemployment rate increased from 4.9% in February 2026 to 5.1% in March 2026

Urban unemployment rate increased to 6.8% from 6.6% in the previous month

The Labour Force Participation Rate declined to 55.4% in March 2026 from 55.9% in February 2026

Detailed Explanation:

India’s unemployment rate rose to 5.1% in March 2026, the highest level in the last five months, according to the National Statistics Office based on the Periodic Labour Force Survey

The unemployment rate increased from 4.9% in February 2026 to 5.1% in March 2026

Urban unemployment rate increased to 6.8% from 6.6% in the previous month

Rural unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.3% from 4.2%

Male unemployment rate increased to 5.0%, while female unemployment rate rose to 5.3%

The Labour Force Participation Rate declined to 55.4% in March 2026 from 55.9% in February 2026

The rural Labour Force Participation Rate decreased to 58.0%, while the urban Labour Force Participation Rate declined to 50.3%

The Worker Population Ratio declined to 52.6% from 53.2% in February 2026

The rural Worker Population Ratio decreased to 55.5%, while the urban Worker Population Ratio declined to 46.8%

7) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Karnataka High Court directed the Karnataka State Government to implement a menstrual leave policy across both organised and unorganised sectors

The Court recognised menstrual leave as part of the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution of India

The directions include extending menstrual leave benefits to women workers in the unorganised sector

The order will remain effective until the proposed Karnataka Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Bill, 2025 is formally enacted

Detailed Explanation:

The Karnataka High Court directed the Karnataka State Government to implement a menstrual leave policy across both organised and unorganised sectors

The Court recognised menstrual leave as part of the fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution of India

M. Nagaprasanna, Judge of the Karnataka High Court, observed that menstruation is a natural biological process and workplace support during this period ensures humane working conditions

The Court directed the State Government to issue guidelines, circulars, and administrative measures to ensure uniform implementation across workplaces

The directions include extending menstrual leave benefits to women workers in the unorganised sector

The order will remain effective until the proposed Karnataka Menstrual Leave and Hygiene Bill, 2025 is formally enacted

The case was filed by a woman daily wage worker employed at a hotel in Belagavi, seeking extension of menstrual leave benefits to all sectors

 

8) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

ITC Limited became the first company in India to receive Farm Sustainability Assessment 3.0 certification for sustainable sourcing of wheat and paddy.

The Farm Sustainability As sessment 3.0 framework was developed by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform and is widely used by global agriculture and food companies to assess sustainable farming practices.

Detailed Explanation:

ITC Limited became the first company in India to receive Farm Sustainability Assessment 3.0 certification for sustainable sourcing of wheat and paddy.

The Farm Sustainability As sessment 3.0 framework was developed by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform and is widely used by global agriculture and food companies to assess sustainable farming practices.

The certification confirms that ITC Limited’s sourcing practices meet global standards of sustainability, traceability and ethical agriculture.

The initiative covers over 22,000 acres of farmland and involves more than 3,500 farmers across over 70 Farmer Producer Organizations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

The certification was implemented under ITC Limited Crop Development Programme focusing on sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment.

 

9) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

India aims to achieve self-sufficiency in cocoa production by 2040 to reduce import dependence worth United States Dollar 866 million

The roadmap was prepared by Grant Thornton Bharat in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

India currently produces less than 20 percent of its domestic cocoa requirement, leading to a significant supply-demand gap

The roadmap recommends the launch of a National Mission on Cocoa to strengthen domestic production and improve farmer incomes

Detailed Explanation:

India aims to achieve self-sufficiency in cocoa production by 2040 to reduce import dependence worth United States Dollar 866 million

The roadmap was prepared by Grant Thornton Bharat in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

India currently produces less than 20 percent of its domestic cocoa requirement, leading to a significant supply-demand gap

Cocoa consumption in India is projected to reach 4.67 lakh tonnes by 2040, driven by the growth of the chocolate and food processing industry

The roadmap recommends the launch of a National Mission on Cocoa to strengthen domestic production and improve farmer incomes

The proposed mission includes the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for cocoa research and development

The strategy proposes the development of 250 hectares of seed gardens during the initial implementation phase between 2026 and 2028

It also includes training of one lakh farmers and distribution of 25 million seedlings during the capacity-building phase between 2028 and 2030

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Government of India approved a Special Economic Zone for Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Limited at Dholera, Gujarat.

The project involves an investment of ₹91,000 crore and will establish India’s first semiconductor chip fabrication unit.

The approval was granted by the Board of Approval for Special Economic Zones, chaired by the Commerce Secretary, and notified by the Department of Commerce on 9 April 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India approved a Special Economic Zone for Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Limited at Dholera, Gujarat.

The project involves an investment of ₹91,000 crore and will establish India’s first semiconductor chip fabrication unit.

The approval was granted by the Board of Approval for Special Economic Zones, chaired by the Commerce Secretary, and notified by the Department of Commerce on 9 April 2026.

The Special Economic Zone will be developed over 66.16 hectares in Dholera Special Investment Region, a planned smart industrial city with connectivity to Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Gandhinagar and Surat.

Dholera Special Investment Region is emerging as a major high-technology manufacturing hub in India.

India established Asia’s first Export Processing Zone at Kandla, Gujarat in 1965.

The Special Economic Zone Policy was introduced in 2000, followed by the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, which came into force in 2006.

As of 31 March 2024, India has more than 280 operational Special Economic Zones.

The roadmap aims to expand cocoa cultivation to one lakh hectares and meet 50 percent of domestic demand by 2035

11) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Parliament of Iraq elected Nizar Mohammed Saeed Amedi, former Environment Minister and member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), as the country’s 9th President during a voting session held in Baghdad, Iraq.

Detailed Explanation:

The Parliament of Iraq elected Nizar Mohammed Saeed Amedi, former Environment Minister and member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), as the country’s 9th President during a voting session held in Baghdad, Iraq.

Nizar Amedi succeeded Abdul Latif Rashid and became the 6th Iraqi Head of State since 2003.

In the first round of voting, Nizar Amedi secured 208 votes, while Muthanna Amin received 17 votes and Fuad Hussein got 16 votes.

12) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Indian Air Force (IAF) signed a strategic agreement with GE Aerospace (USA) to establish an in-country depot facility for F404-IN20 aircraft engines used in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme.

The facility will enhance India’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for advanced fighter jet engines, improving operational readiness and self-reliance.

Under the agreement, the IAF will own, operate, and maintain the depot facility, while GE Aerospace will provide technical expertise, specialised equipment, spare parts, and training.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Air Force (IAF) signed a strategic agreement with GE Aerospace (USA) to establish an in-country depot facility for F404-IN20 aircraft engines used in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme.

The facility will enhance India’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for advanced fighter jet engines, improving operational readiness and self-reliance.

Under the agreement, the IAF will own, operate, and maintain the depot facility, while GE Aerospace will provide technical expertise, specialised equipment, spare parts, and training.

The initiative aims to strengthen the aviation supply chain, with GE Aerospace planning to deliver 20 engines to India by December 2026 to reduce delays and stabilise production.

The F404-IN20 engine is an afterburning turbofan engine (19,000 lb thrust class) used in Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A fighter aircraft.

 

13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Indian Army (IA) Trishakti Corps launched ‘Radio Sikkim Sundari’ (88.4 FM) in East Sikkim near the India–China border, marking the first border village community radio station in Sikkim.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening last-mile connectivity and community engagement in border regions under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP).

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Army (IA) Trishakti Corps launched ‘Radio Sikkim Sundari’ (88.4 FM) in East Sikkim near the India–China border, marking the first border village community radio station in Sikkim.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening last-mile connectivity and community engagement in border regions under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP).

The station is powered by Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and solar backup systems, ensuring continuous and reliable broadcasting services.

It is equipped with a dedicated encoder system, enabling online streaming via the Google Play Store application, expanding its digital reach.

The radio station promotes socio-economic development, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment in border areas.

14) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

A new species of bent-toed gecko, named Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis (Raimona bent-toed gecko), was discovered in the Kachugaon region of Kokrajhar district near Raimona National Park (Assam).

The species name reflects its geographical origin, being named after Raimona National Park, highlighting its regional biodiversity significance.

Detailed Explanation:

A new species of bent-toed gecko, named Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis (Raimona bent-toed gecko), was discovered in the Kachugaon region of Kokrajhar district near Raimona National Park (Assam).

The species name reflects its geographical origin, being named after Raimona National Park, highlighting its regional biodiversity significance.

The discovery was published in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa, ensuring scientific validation and global recognition.

The species belongs to the Cyrtodactylus genus, which is one of the most diverse gecko groups across South and Southeast Asia.

Adult individuals of the species exhibit a maximum snout-vent length of 71.1 mm, indicating its moderate body size.

 

15) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2026) was held from April 10 to 12, 2026 in Port Louis, Mauritius.

The theme of IOC 2026 was “Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance.”

The conference was held for the first time in an African country, making Mauritius the first African host nation of the event.

Detailed Explanation:

The 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2026) was held from April 10 to 12, 2026 in Port Louis, Mauritius.

The theme of IOC 2026 was “Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance.”

The conference was held for the first time in an African country, making Mauritius the first African host nation of the event.

IOC 2026 aimed to bring together key maritime states and stakeholders to strengthen regional dialogue, cooperation, and governance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The 3-day conference was jointly organised by India Foundation (IF) in association with the Government of Mauritius.

India was represented by External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar, who visited Mauritius on April 9–10, 2026.

 

16) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed a key technology agreement with GE Aerospace for the co-production of F414 jet engines in India.

The agreement includes transfer of critical manufacturing technology to strengthen domestic defence production capabilities.

It marks the first major technology transfer collaboration between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and GE Aerospace for advanced jet engine production.

The F414 jet engines will power next-generation indigenous fighter aircraft of India.

Detailed Explanation:

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed a key technology agreement with GE Aerospace for the co-production of F414 jet engines in India.

The agreement includes transfer of critical manufacturing technology to strengthen domestic defence production capabilities.

It marks the first major technology transfer collaboration between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and GE Aerospace for advanced jet engine production.

The F414 jet engines will power next-generation indigenous fighter aircraft of India.

Around 120–130 planned indigenous fighter jets are expected to be equipped with these engines to replace ageing Russian-origin aircraft currently in service.

The F414 jet engine has been in operational service with the United States Navy for over three decades and is known for its high thrust-to-weight ratio, durability and reliability.

The agreement supports the Make in India initiative and aims at reducing dependence on defence imports.

 

17) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Time (magazine) released the TIME100 List 2026, recognising the 100 most influential individuals globally across multiple sectors

The TIME100 List 2026 marks the 23rd annual edition of the global influence list published by Time magazine

The list categorises personalities into Leaders, Innovators, Artists, Titans, Icons, and Pioneers

Xi Jinping featured in the list for the 14th time

Ranbir Kapoor was the only Indian film actor featured in the TIME100 List 2026

Alysa Liu was among the youngest personalities included in the list at the age of 20 years

Detailed Explanation:

Time (magazine) released the TIME100 List 2026, recognising the 100 most influential individuals globally across multiple sectors

The TIME100 List 2026 marks the 23rd annual edition of the global influence list published by Time magazine

The list categorises personalities into Leaders, Innovators, Artists, Titans, Icons, and Pioneers

The list recognises influence in sectors such as artificial intelligence, climate action, governance, business, science, sports, entertainment, and social activism

Xi Jinping featured in the list for the 14th time

Indian personalities included in the list are Sundar Pichai, Vikas Khanna, and Ranbir Kapoor

Vikas Khanna was recognised for promoting Indian cuisine globally and contributing to social initiatives

Ranbir Kapoor was the only Indian film actor featured in the TIME100 List 2026

Alysa Liu was among the youngest personalities included in the list at the age of 20 years

Dolores Huerta was among the oldest personalities included in the list at the age of 96 years

18) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

R. Vaishali won the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament 2026 organised by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs in Cyprus

She became the second Indian woman after Koneru Humpy to qualify for the Women's World Chess Championship

She will face reigning champion Ju Wenjun in the upcoming Fédération Internationale des Échecs Women’s World Chess Championship

Detailed Explanation:

R. Vaishali won the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament 2026 organised by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs in Cyprus

She became the second Indian woman after Koneru Humpy to qualify for the Women's World Chess Championship

She will face reigning champion Ju Wenjun in the upcoming Fédération Internationale des Échecs Women’s World Chess Championship

Divya Deshmukh drew her final-round game against Bibisara Assaubayeva, which helped determine the final standings of the tournament

 

19) Answer: C

World Hemophilia Day is observed annually on 17 April to raise awareness about Hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders.

The theme for World Hemophilia Day 2026 is “Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders.”

World Hemophilia Day was first observed in 1989 by the World Federation of Hemophilia.

17 April was chosen to mark the birth anniversary of Frank Schnabel, founder of the World Federation of Hemophilia.

20) Answer: A

World Voice Day is observed annually on 16 April to highlight the importance of the human voice as a primary tool of communication

The theme for 2026 is “Caring for Our Voices”, focusing on vocal health awareness, early diagnosis, and prevention of voice disorders

World Voice Day originated in 1999 as Brazilian Voice Day, initiated by medical professionals to raise awareness about voice disorders