Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of  21st   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) Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) revised authorisation of banks for gold and silver imports (2026)?

(a) 17 banks are authorised to import both gold and silver

(b) 15 banks are authorised to import both gold and silver

(c) Only 10 banks are authorised to import gold and silver

(d) The authorisation is valid till 31 March 2026

(e) All banks are allowed to import only gold

2) Which of the following was the proportion of rural households expecting a decline in income as per National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in March 2026 survey titled “Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments”?

(a) 6.5%

(b) 5.2%

(c) 4.6%

(d) 3.8%

(e) 7.1%

3) The World Bank’s Rajasthan Highway Modernisation Project (2026) introduced which of the following financing mechanisms for the first time in India?

(a) Step-Up Loan (SuL)

(b) Revolving Credit Facility

(c) Bullet Repayment Loan

(d) Green Climate Fund Loan

(e) Bridge Financing Mechanism

4) Which of the following is defined as a “soiled note” as per RBI’s Master Directions on Facility for Exchange of Notes and Coins?

(a) A note with missing security features

(b) A note torn into multiple unrelated pieces

(c) A dirty note due to normal wear and tear, including a two-piece note pasted together

(d) A counterfeit note

(e) A note withdrawn from circulation

5) In 2026, the Vikram Sodhi Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence-enabled geological and mining systems has been established at which institution?

(a) IIT Delhi

(b) IIT Bombay

(c) IIT Madras

(d) IIT Kharagpur

(e) IIT Kanpur

6) The Kankaria Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad achieved water-neutral status using which key nature-based wastewater treatment technique?

(a) Reverse osmosis

(b) Chlorination

(c) Ion exchange

(d) Distillation

(e) Phytoremediation

 

7) As of 2026, the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG), constituted by MeitY, will receive technical support from which of the following bodies?

(a) NITI Aayog

(b) Reserve Bank of India

(c) Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC)

(d) National Statistical Office

(e) Digital India Corporation

8) The Panel of Vice-Chairpersons of the Rajya Sabha, reconstituted in April 2026, consists of _________ Members of Parliament.

(a) 6

(b) 5

(c) 9

(d) 7

(e) 8

9) The first BRICS Health Working Group (HWG) Meeting in 2026 was held under which theme proposed by India?

(a) Inclusive Growth and Global Stability

(b) Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability

(c) Digital Transformation for Future Economies

(d) Sustainable Development and Climate Action

(e) Health Equity and Universal Coverage

10) As of 2026, N. Alim Yusuf received the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) National Award for developing which of the following applications?

(a) GreenScan

(b) BioTrack

(c) PlantGuard

(d) EcoMap

(e) NeophyteID

11) The fourth ship of the Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project, DSC A 23, was launched at which location?

(a) Mumbai

(b) Visakhapatnam

(c) Kochi

(d) Kolkata

(e) Chennai

 

12) Under the Australia–Japan defence agreement (2026), which company was awarded the contract to build the Mogami-class frigates?

(a) Kawasaki Heavy Industries

(b) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

(c) Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems

(d) BAE Systems

(e) Lockheed Martin

 

13) The India–China bilateral consultations under Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)in 2026 were held with which Indian representative?

(a) Vinay Kwatra

(b) S. Jaishankar

(c) Sibi George

(d) Harsh Vardhan Shringla

(e) Taranjit Singh Sandhu

14) Who has been appointed as the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh in April 2026?

(a) Pranay Verma

(b) Vinay Kwatra

(c) Dinesh Trivedi

(d) Harsh Vardhan Shringla

(e) Taranjit Singh Sandhu

15) The Rosalind Franklin rover, part of the ExoMars mission, is scheduled to be launched in 2028 to explore which planet?

(a) Mars

(b) Jupiter

(c) Venus

(d) Saturn

(e) Mercury

16) In 2026, the proposed integrated steel plant in Odisha by JSW Steel Limited and POSCO Group will be set up under what type of partnership?

(a) 60:40 Joint Venture

(b) 70:30 Joint Venture

(c) 50:50 Joint Venture

(d) Wholly-owned subsidiary

(e) Public-private partnership

17) Which State became the first in India to adopt the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) under the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Management Initiative?

(a) Gujarat

(b) Tamil Nadu

(c) Kerala

(d) Odisha

(e) Andhra Pradesh

18) As of 2026, the matches of the Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 are being held at which venue?

(a) Eden Gardens

(b) Lord’s Cricket Ground

(c) Gahanga Cricket Stadium

(d) Wankhede Stadium

(e) Melbourne Cricket Ground

19) As of 2026, National Fire Service Day and National Civil Services Day in India are observed on which of the following dates respectively?

(a) April 14 and April 21

(b) April 12 and April 20

(c) April 10 and April 18

(d) April 15 and April 25

(e) April 18 and May 1

20) In news, Oscar Schmidt, who passed away in 2026, was associated with which sport?

(a) Football

(b) Cricket

(c) Hockey

(d) Tennis

(e) Basketball

Answers:

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Department of Commerce (DoC), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), updated the list of authorised banks for gold and silver imports.

As per the revised notification, a total of 15 banks are authorised to import both gold and silver, while 2 banks are permitted to import only gold.

The updated authorisation will be effective from 01 April 2026 and will remain valid till 31 March 2029.

The amendment has been issued under Appendix 4 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023, in accordance with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.

The DGFT authorisation strengthens the framework for regulated precious metal imports in India.

Detailed Explanation:

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Department of Commerce (DoC), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), updated the list of authorised banks for gold and silver imports.

As per the revised notification, a total of 15 banks are authorised to import both gold and silver, while 2 banks are permitted to import only gold.

The updated authorisation will be effective from 01 April 2026 and will remain valid till 31 March 2029.

The amendment has been issued under Appendix 4 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023, in accordance with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.

The DGFT authorisation strengthens the framework for regulated precious metal imports in India.

Banks authorised to import both gold and silver (15 banks):

State Bank of India (SBI)

Punjab National Bank (PNB)

Bank of India (BoI)

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)

Axis Bank

HDFC Bank

ICICI Bank

Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMBL)

IndusInd Bank

Yes Bank

Federal Bank

RBL Bank

Karur Vysya Bank (KVB)

Deutsche Bank

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

Banks authorised to import only gold (2 banks):

Union Bank of India (UBI)

Sberbank,a Russian state-publicly listed company

India is the second-largest importer of gold globally, importing gold worth $72 billion in 2025–26, which is a 24% increase compared to 2024–25.

The country’s silver imports in the last fiscal year stood at $12 billion, which is more than double the $4.8 billion imported in the previous year.

 

2) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) conducted a bi-monthly survey in March 2026 titled “Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments”.

As per the survey, 69.5% of rural households expect their income to increase in the next financial year.

This is the lowest level of income optimism since the survey began in September 2024.

A year earlier, 72.2% of households expected income growth, while in November 2025, the figure peaked at 75.9% (highest in the series).

The proportion of households expecting a decline in income fell to 4.6% in March 2026, which is the lowest recorded level.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) conducted a bi-monthly survey in March 2026 titled “Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments”.

As per the survey, 69.5% of rural households expect their income to increase in the next financial year.

This is the lowest level of income optimism since the survey began in September 2024.

A year earlier, 72.2% of households expected income growth, while in November 2025, the figure peaked at 75.9% (highest in the series).

The proportion of households expecting a decline in income fell to 4.6% in March 2026, which is the lowest recorded level.

The NABARD survey is conducted every two months across India and captures data on income, consumption, inflation, credit, investment, and expectations.

The survey noted that rural sentiment has weakened, partly due to perceived impacts of the West Asia conflict (started on 28 February 2026).

Expectations for income and employment improvement for the next quarter declined to the lowest level across all survey rounds.

The report highlighted a loss of growth momentum in rural areas.

According to second advance estimates of GVA (2022–23 base year), real GVA growth in agriculture and allied sectors slowed to 2.4% in 2025–26, down from 4.9% in 2024–25.

The nominal GVA growth in agriculture sharply decelerated to 0.6% in 2025–26, from 9.0% in 2024–25.

3) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The World Bank (WB) Board of Executive Directors approved a USD 225 million (approx. ₹2,080 crore) loan for the Rajasthan Highway Modernisation Project.

The loan has been provided through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

The financing package includes a 35-year maturity period, a 5-year grace period, and India’s first Step-Up Loan (SuL) mechanism.

Detailed Explanation:

The World Bank (WB) Board of Executive Directors approved a USD 225 million (approx. ₹2,080 crore) loan for the Rajasthan Highway Modernisation Project.

The loan has been provided through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

The financing package includes a 35-year maturity period, a 5-year grace period, and India’s first Step-Up Loan (SuL) mechanism.

The Step-Up Loan (SuL) helps reduce initial fiscal burden during the early high-risk phase and increases repayments later once the project stabilises and becomes suitable for market refinancing.

The project aims to improve the efficiency, resilience, and safety of state highways in Rajasthan.

Around 800 kilometres (km) of state highways will be upgraded and maintained under the project.

4) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued Master Directions on Facility for Exchange of Notes and Coins to ensure smooth currency exchange services across India.

As per the guidelines, all bank branches across the country are mandated to provide free and non-discriminatory exchange services of currency notes and coins to the public.

A “soiled note” is defined as a currency note that has become dirty due to normal wear and tear.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued Master Directions on Facility for Exchange of Notes and Coins to ensure smooth currency exchange services across India.

As per the guidelines, all bank branches across the country are mandated to provide free and non-discriminatory exchange services of currency notes and coins to the public.

Banks are required to provide key customer services including:

Issuing fresh and good-quality notes and coins of all denominations

Exchanging soiled, mutilated, or imperfect currency notes

Accepting coins and notes for transactions or exchange purposes

A “soiled note” is defined as a currency note that has become dirty due to normal wear and tear.

It also includes a two-piece note pasted together, provided both pieces belong to the same note and no essential security feature is missing.

Such soiled or damaged notes must be accepted by banks either for exchange over counters or for credit into customer bank accounts.


5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal announced the establishment of the Vikram Sodhi Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence-enabled geological and mining systems, with a funding support of ₹15 crore over five years.

The centre aims to transform India’s mining sector through Artificial Intelligence and data-driven technologies, enhancing efficiency and decision-making.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal announced the establishment of the Vikram Sodhi Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence-enabled geological and mining systems, with a funding support of ₹15 crore over five years.

The centre aims to transform India’s mining sector through Artificial Intelligence and data-driven technologies, enhancing efficiency and decision-making.

The initiative is supported by Vikram Sodhi, associated with Mineros SA and Sun Valley Investments, highlighting industry-academia collaboration for solving real-world challenges.

The centre integrates geological sciences, mining engineering, and Artificial Intelligence into a unified research framework, strengthening India’s research ecosystem.

It seeks to address the issue of fragmented adoption of digital technologies in mining by developing integrated Artificial Intelligence-based systems across the mining lifecycle.

6) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Kankaria Coaching Depot, located in Ahmedabad, achieved water-neutral status, demonstrating how railway operations can align with environmental sustainability goals through efficient water management practices.

The depot saves nearly 1.60 lakh litres of water daily by treating and reusing wastewater generated during coach washing and maintenance activities.

Water neutrality means the depot treats and reuses nearly the same quantity of water as it consumes, reducing dependence on freshwater sources.

A key component of the system is phytoremediation, a nature-based wastewater treatment technique that uses plants to remove pollutants and improve water quality.

Detailed Explanation:

The Kankaria Coaching Depot, located in Ahmedabad, achieved water-neutral status, demonstrating how railway operations can align with environmental sustainability goals through efficient water management practices.

The depot saves nearly 1.60 lakh litres of water daily by treating and reusing wastewater generated during coach washing and maintenance activities.

Water neutrality means the depot treats and reuses nearly the same quantity of water as it consumes, reducing dependence on freshwater sources.

The initiative results in annual water savings of about 5.84 crore litres, contributing significantly to urban water conservation.

The transformation has been achieved through advanced wastewater management systems, ensuring efficient reuse of water within railway operations.

A key component of the system is phytoremediation, a nature-based wastewater treatment technique that uses plants to remove pollutants and improve water quality

7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) constituted the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) as a high-level inter-ministerial body to serve as India’s central institutional mechanism for Artificial Intelligence governance policy development and coordination.

The Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) was proposed as one of three institutions under India’s Artificial Intelligence Governance Guidelines and the Economic Survey to strengthen the country’s Artificial Intelligence governance framework.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) constituted the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) as a high-level inter-ministerial body to serve as India’s central institutional mechanism for Artificial Intelligence governance policy development and coordination.

The Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) was proposed as one of three institutions under India’s Artificial Intelligence Governance Guidelines and the Economic Survey to strengthen the country’s Artificial Intelligence governance framework.

The group aims to support a whole-of-government approach by aligning the work of ministries, departments, regulators, and advisory bodies under a coordinated national Artificial Intelligence strategy.

As per the notification issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) will receive technical support from the Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC

 

8) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha P. C. Mody announced the reconstitution of the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons, effective from April 15, 2026, to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.

The panel consists of six Members of Parliament (MPs) from different political parties, nominated by C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Detailed Explanation:

Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha P. C. Mody announced the reconstitution of the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons, effective from April 15, 2026, to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.

The panel consists of six Members of Parliament (MPs) from different political parties, nominated by C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

The composition of the panel includes:

Dinesh Sharma, S. Phangnon Konyak, and Ghanshyam Tiwari from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Phulo Devi Netam from the Indian National Congress (INC)

M. Thambidurai from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)

Sasmit Patra from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD)

9) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), chaired the first Health Working Group (HWG) Meeting under the BRICS framework for 2026 in New Delhi.

As the BRICS Chair for 2026, India proposed two key initiatives under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, namely the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles and the promotion of mental health and wellness.

Detailed Explanation:

Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), chaired the first Health Working Group (HWG) Meeting under the BRICS framework for 2026 in New Delhi.

The virtual meeting was attended by senior health officials, technical experts, and delegates from BRICS member countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, along with Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, to deliberate on priority areas of cooperation in public health.

The meeting discussed nine priority areas, including:

strengthening the Tuberculosis Research Network

cooperation among medical product regulatory authorities

development of an integrated early warning system for infectious diseases

promotion of digital health architecture for continuum of care

implementation of the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles

advancement of mental health and wellness initiatives

promotion of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM)

addressing Diseases Driven by Social Determinants of Health (DDSDH)

strengthening the BRICS Network of National Public Health Institutes

As the BRICS Chair for 2026, India proposed two key initiatives under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, namely the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles and the promotion of mental health and wellness.

10) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

N. Alim Yusuf, a botanist from Kerala, was honoured with the World-Wide Fund for Nature National Award at the National ECHO Youth Innovation Summit 2026, organised as part of the International Youth Biodiversity Conference in Hyderabad, Telangana.

He received the award for developing an Artificial Intelligence-powered mobile application “NeophyteID” designed to identify invasive plant species in Kerala.

Detailed Explanation:

N. Alim Yusuf, a botanist from Kerala, was honoured with the World-Wide Fund for Nature National Award at the National ECHO Youth Innovation Summit 2026, organised as part of the International Youth Biodiversity Conference in Hyderabad, Telangana.

He received the award for developing an Artificial Intelligence-powered mobile application “NeophyteID” designed to identify invasive plant species in Kerala.

During the summit, he was granted Rs 1.5 lakh as a seed fund by the World Wide Fund for Nature to support the further development and expansion of the application.

The NeophyteID application was developed by researchers at the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences (MGBIPS) located at Olavanna, Kozhikode, Kerala, and is capable of identifying around 100 invasive plant species in the State

 

11) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

DSC A 23, the fourth ship of the five Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project, was launched at Titagarh, Kolkata, West Bengal.

The ship was launched by Mrs Deepa Sivakumar in the presence of Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, Chief of Materiel.

The launch ceremony was conducted with full naval traditions and ceremonial splendour.

The construction of the Diving Support Craft (DSC) is being undertaken by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.

Detailed Explanation:

DSC A 23, the fourth ship of the five Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project, was launched at Titagarh, Kolkata, West Bengal.

The ship was launched by Mrs Deepa Sivakumar in the presence of Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, Chief of Materiel.

The launch ceremony was conducted with full naval traditions and ceremonial splendour.

The construction of the Diving Support Craft (DSC) is being undertaken by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.

The vessels feature a 30-metre long catamaran-hull design with an approximate displacement of 380 tons.

The catamaran-hull form provides superior stability, enhanced deck area, and improved sea-keeping characteristics.

These ships are specially designed for diving operations in coastal waters and harbours.

The project was designed and built according to the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

Extensive Model Testing and Hydrodynamic Analysis were carried out at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam.

12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Australia and Japan signed a USD 7 billion defence agreement for the supply of advanced stealth warships to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Under the agreement, Japan will deliver 3 upgraded Mogami-class frigates from 2029, while 8 additional frigates will be built in Australia.

The project supports Australia’s naval modernisation plan to expand its fleet from 11 to 26 major warships over the next decade.

The contract was awarded to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which will build the first ships in Japan, defeating Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.

Detailed Explanation:

Australia and Japan signed a USD 7 billion defence agreement for the supply of advanced stealth warships to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The deal marks one of Japan’s largest military export agreements in recent decades and strengthens Indo-Pacific defence cooperation.

Under the agreement, Japan will deliver 3 upgraded Mogami-class frigates from 2029, while 8 additional frigates will be built in Australia.

The project supports Australia’s naval modernisation plan to expand its fleet from 11 to 26 major warships over the next decade.

The contract was awarded to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which will build the first ships in Japan, defeating Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.

The upgraded Mogami-class frigates are multi-role stealth warships designed for anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and surface strike operations.

Each frigate will have a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles and will be equipped with a 32-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS).

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

India and China held their first bilateral consultations under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), marking a key step in the gradual normalisation of bilateral relations.

The talks come after easing of the eastern Ladakh military standoff (resolved in 2024), reflecting renewed efforts toward diplomatic engagement and stability.

The discussions were held with Sibi George, focusing on strengthening multilateral cooperation.

Detailed Explanation:

India and China held their first bilateral consultations under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), marking a key step in the gradual normalisation of bilateral relations.

The talks come after easing of the eastern Ladakh military standoff (resolved in 2024), reflecting renewed efforts toward diplomatic engagement and stability.

The consultations were the first formal SCO-level bilateral talks after the border thaw, indicating improving India–China relations after years of tension.

Both sides discussed implementation of decisions taken by SCO leaders and exchanged views on the future direction of the SCO framework.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that both countries agreed to continue and deepen cooperation and consultations on SCO-related matters.

India and China reviewed cooperation in security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges under the SCO platform.

The discussions were held with Sibi George, focusing on strengthening multilateral cooperation.

14) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Government of India appointed former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi as the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh in April 2026, succeeding Pranay Verma.

Dinesh Trivedi is a rare political appointee to a high diplomatic post, marking a departure from the conventional practice of appointing only Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers.

He is a former leader of both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India appointed former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi as the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh in April 2026, succeeding Pranay Verma.

Dinesh Trivedi is a rare political appointee to a high diplomatic post, marking a departure from the conventional practice of appointing only Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers.

He is a former leader of both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

He is tasked with promoting regional stability, security cooperation, and diplomatic engagement in the India–Bangladesh region.

He has a long political career, having started with the Congress Party in the 1980s, later joining Janata Dal (1990) and TMC (1998) as its first General Secretary.

He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, representing Gujarat and West Bengal at different times.

He was the Railway Minister (2012) and also served as Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare (2009) in the UPA government.

15) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket will launch the Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars in 2028.

The launch will take place from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, located in the United States of America.

The rover will become the first Mars rover to explore subsurface life on the Red Planet (Mars).

Detailed Explanation:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket will launch the Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars in 2028.

The launch will take place from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, located in the United States of America.

The Rosalind Franklin rover is part of the ExoMars mission led by the European Space Agency (ESA).

NASA has approved the Rosalind Franklin Support and Augmentation (ROSA) project to enhance mission success.

The primary objective of the mission is to drill up to 2 meters beneath Mars’ surface to search for signs of past or present microbial life.

The rover will become the first Mars rover to explore subsurface life on the Red Planet (Mars).

 

16) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

JSW Steel Limited’s Board approved the formation of a Joint Venture (JV) with POSCO Group to establish a 6 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) integrated steel plant in Odisha.

The venture will operate as a 50:50 Joint Venture, ensuring equal partnership between both entities.

Detailed Explanation:

JSW Steel Limited’s Board approved the formation of a Joint Venture (JV) with POSCO Group to establish a 6 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) integrated steel plant in Odisha.

The proposed JV is aimed at strengthening strategic relations between the two major steel companies, JSW Steel Limited and POSCO Group.

The venture will operate as a 50:50 Joint Venture, ensuring equal partnership between both entities.

Under the arrangement, Saffron Resources Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSW Steel, will be converted into a 50:50 JV entity through a share subscription agreement.

17) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to implement the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) under the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Management Initiative.

With this development, Odisha became the first State in India to adopt the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) during the second phase of the initiative.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to implement the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) under the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Management Initiative.

With this development, Odisha became the first State in India to adopt the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) during the second phase of the initiative.

The MoU was signed between Pooja Mishra, Additional Secretary, Science and Technology Department, Government of Odisha, and R. S. Kankara, Director of the National Centre for Coastal Research, in the presence of Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, at Lok Seva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar.

The initiative is part of the India–Norway partnership on sustainable ocean management, which was launched in 2019. The first phase of the programme covered Puducherry and Lakshadweep.

The Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) aims to support coastal economic development while ensuring the conservation of marine ecosystems along the 574-kilometre coastline of Odisha.

 

18) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The International Cricket Council (ICC) launched the inaugural Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, starting to promote women’s cricket among emerging cricket nations.

The five-nation tournament features Rwanda, Italy, Nepal, the United States of America, and Vanuatu, representing different International Cricket Council regions.

All matches are being conducted at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium.

Detailed Explanation:

The International Cricket Council (ICC) launched the inaugural Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, starting to promote women’s cricket among emerging cricket nations.

The five-nation tournament features Rwanda, Italy, Nepal, the United States of America, and Vanuatu, representing different International Cricket Council regions.

All matches are being conducted at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium. The tournament follows a double round-robin format, under which each team plays against every other team twice, and it will continue until May 2, 2026.

The opening fixtures included Rwanda vs Italy and Nepal vs the United States of America, while Vanuatu began its campaign on April 19, 2026, against the host nation Rwanda.

The Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 aims to strengthen associate member participation in women’s cricket, provide international exposure to emerging teams, and create a structured pathway toward higher-level global tournaments.

 

19) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

National Civil Services Day is observed every year on April 21 in India to recognise and motivate civil servants for their contribution to public administration and nation-building.

National Fire Service Day is observed every year on April 14 across India to honour firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, particularly during the Bombay Dock Explosion.

Detailed Explanation:

National Civil Services Day is observed every year on April 21 in India to recognise and motivate civil servants for their contribution to public administration and nation-building.

The day commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Home Minister of independent India, who addressed probationary officers at the All-India Administrative Service Training School, Metcalfe House, New Delhi, on April 21, 1947.

National Fire Service Day is observed every year on April 14 across India to honour firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, particularly during the Bombay Dock Explosion.

The day also marks the beginning of Fire Service Week, observed from April 14 to April 20, to promote fire safety awareness among the general public, employees, and students.

The theme for 2026 is “Safe School, Safe Hospital and Fire Safety Aware Society – Together for Fire Prevention”, focusing on strengthening fire safety preparedness in critical public institutions and society.

 

20) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Oscar Schmidt, one of the greatest scorers in basketball history, passed away at the age of 68 after battling a brain tumor.

He had an extraordinary 30-year professional career, playing for clubs in Brazil and Europe, and retired in 2003 at the age of 45.

Detailed Explanation:

Oscar Schmidt, one of the greatest scorers in basketball history, passed away at the age of 68 after battling a brain tumor.

He had an extraordinary 30-year professional career, playing for clubs in Brazil and Europe, and retired in 2003 at the age of 45.

Oscar Schmidt represented Brazil in five Olympic Games and four FIBA World Cups, setting all-time scoring records in both tournaments.

He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, recognising his outstanding contribution to the sport.