Current Affairs Questions and Answers 2026 - Current Affairs Quiz - April 1, 2026
Welcome to our Daily Current Affairs 2026 Questions and Answers section. This article provides Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2026 carefully compiled from trusted government sources such as PIB (Press Information Bureau), News On Air, DD News and leading national publications such as The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Times of India and Hindustan Times. The Question and Answer format is especially helpful for students preparing for competitive exams as it promotes active recall, boosts retention, and improves accuracy and speed.
Each Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2026 includes MCQs based on the latest national and international events. These questions are carefully selected from key topics such as economics, politics, government schemes, awards, appointments, summits, sports, environment, and more. Practicing in Current Affairs Questions and Answers format not only helps in quick revision but also simulates the real exam environment, making you more comfortable with the pattern of competitive exams. With consistent practice, you can strengthen your grasp on current affairs and improve your overall score in the General Awareness section.
Top 5 Headlines of the Day - April 1, 2026
- Rajya Sabha Passes Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Bill 2026 to Regulate Service Rules of Forces.
- Large Number of Devotees Take Holy Dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Chaitra Purnima.
- Government Expands Mental Health Services and Launches New Tele-MANAS Initiatives in India.
- India and Tajikistan Discuss Bilateral Cooperation as MEA Secretary Sibi George Meets Tajik Foreign Minister.
- India Moves Ahead in Chip Manufacturing as PM Modi Inaugurates Kaynes Semiconductor Facility in Gujarat.
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Current Affairs 2026 Questions and Answers - April 1, 2026
1. India’s Census 2027, which recently began its first phase, is significant because it will be conducted in which of the following ways for the first time?
- Using satellite imagery only
- Fully digital census with self-enumeration option
- Conducted only through online surveys
- Conducted only by state governments
Answer: B) Fully digital census with self-enumeration option
Explanation: India has started the first phase of Census 2027, which is considered the world’s largest population enumeration exercise. For the first time in India’s history, the census will be conducted digitally using mobile applications, web portals, and online self-enumeration facilities. Census 2027 is the 16th Census of India and the 8th census conducted after Independence. The first phase, called the House Listing and Housing Census, began on 1 April 2026. During this phase, enumerators collect information about housing conditions and household amenities. The second phase, called Population Enumeration, will take place in 2027, with 1 March 2027 as the reference date for population data.
Explanation: India has started the first phase of Census 2027, which is considered the world’s largest population enumeration exercise. For the first time in India’s history, the census will be conducted digitally using mobile applications, web portals, and online self-enumeration facilities. Census 2027 is the 16th Census of India and the 8th census conducted after Independence. The first phase, called the House Listing and Housing Census, began on 1 April 2026. During this phase, enumerators collect information about housing conditions and household amenities. The second phase, called Population Enumeration, will take place in 2027, with 1 March 2027 as the reference date for population data.
2. Which institution introduced mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) for digital payments in India from April 2026?
- Ministry of Finance
- National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
Answer: C) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandated two-factor authentication (2FA) for digital payment transactions in India. The rule is implemented under the “Authentication Mechanisms for Digital Payment Transactions Directions, 2025.” Under the rule, all digital payments must be verified using at least two different authentication factors. Examples of authentication factors include OTP, PIN, password, biometric verification, or device-based authentication. At least one authentication factor must be dynamic, meaning it is generated uniquely for each transaction (for example, an OTP). The rule applies to UPI payments, debit/credit card transactions, mobile wallets, and other online payment methods.
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandated two-factor authentication (2FA) for digital payment transactions in India. The rule is implemented under the “Authentication Mechanisms for Digital Payment Transactions Directions, 2025.” Under the rule, all digital payments must be verified using at least two different authentication factors. Examples of authentication factors include OTP, PIN, password, biometric verification, or device-based authentication. At least one authentication factor must be dynamic, meaning it is generated uniquely for each transaction (for example, an OTP). The rule applies to UPI payments, debit/credit card transactions, mobile wallets, and other online payment methods.
3. Which international organisation released the report stating that India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy?
- World Bank
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Answer: D) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Explanation: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released a report stating that India continues to remain the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The OECD projected that India’s real GDP will grow by about 6.7% in the fiscal year 2025–26. The report highlights India's strong economic performance driven by domestic demand, government spending on infrastructure, and economic reforms. The OECD is an international organisation that works to promote economic cooperation and development among countries. It publishes global economic outlook reports and policy recommendations.
Explanation: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released a report stating that India continues to remain the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The OECD projected that India’s real GDP will grow by about 6.7% in the fiscal year 2025–26. The report highlights India's strong economic performance driven by domestic demand, government spending on infrastructure, and economic reforms. The OECD is an international organisation that works to promote economic cooperation and development among countries. It publishes global economic outlook reports and policy recommendations.
4. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth about ₹1,950 crore with which company to procure Mountain Radar systems for the Indian Air Force (IAF)?
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
Answer: A) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
Explanation: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth around ₹1,950 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to procure two advanced Mountain Radar systems for the Indian Air Force (IAF). These radar systems are designed to operate effectively in high-altitude and mountainous terrains, where monitoring airspace is challenging. The project will strengthen India’s air defence capabilities and surveillance in sensitive border regions. The radar technology was indigenously developed by DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment while BEL will manufacture and supply the systems. The contract falls under the “Buy (Indian – Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)” category, which promotes domestic defence production.
Explanation: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth around ₹1,950 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to procure two advanced Mountain Radar systems for the Indian Air Force (IAF). These radar systems are designed to operate effectively in high-altitude and mountainous terrains, where monitoring airspace is challenging. The project will strengthen India’s air defence capabilities and surveillance in sensitive border regions. The radar technology was indigenously developed by DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment while BEL will manufacture and supply the systems. The contract falls under the “Buy (Indian – Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)” category, which promotes domestic defence production.
5. Recently, nine cheetahs from Botswana were brought to India under Project Cheetah and released in which national park?
- Kanha National Park
- Kuno National Park
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Pench National Park
Answer: B) Kuno National Park
Explanation: Nine cheetahs (6 females and 3 males) were translocated from Botswana to India on 28 February 2026. This translocation is part of Project Cheetah, a programme launched by the Government of India to reintroduce cheetahs into the country. They were released into quarantine enclosures at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh for acclimatisation and health monitoring. With this arrival, India’s cheetah population increased to around 48 individuals, including several cubs born in India. Earlier batches of cheetahs were brought from Namibia (2022) and South Africa (2023). Kuno National Park (Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh) was selected for the project because it has suitable grassland habitat and adequate prey base for cheetahs.
Explanation: Nine cheetahs (6 females and 3 males) were translocated from Botswana to India on 28 February 2026. This translocation is part of Project Cheetah, a programme launched by the Government of India to reintroduce cheetahs into the country. They were released into quarantine enclosures at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh for acclimatisation and health monitoring. With this arrival, India’s cheetah population increased to around 48 individuals, including several cubs born in India. Earlier batches of cheetahs were brought from Namibia (2022) and South Africa (2023). Kuno National Park (Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh) was selected for the project because it has suitable grassland habitat and adequate prey base for cheetahs.
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6. Which international body held the emergency session where several countries called for dialogue between the US and Venezuela?
- United Nations General Assembly
- International Court of Justice
- United Nations Security Council
- World Trade Organization
Answer: C) United Nations Security Council
Explanation: The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session where several countries urged the United States and Venezuela to resolve their tensions through dialogue and diplomacy. The meeting was convened after escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, including disputes related to sanctions, maritime actions, and political conflicts involving the Venezuelan government. During the session, many countries emphasized that disputes between nations should be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. The UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security and can hold emergency sessions when global conflicts threaten stability. Whenever there is an international security crisis or conflict between countries, the United Nations Security Council usually holds emergency meetings to discuss the situation and recommend diplomatic solutions.
Explanation: The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session where several countries urged the United States and Venezuela to resolve their tensions through dialogue and diplomacy. The meeting was convened after escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, including disputes related to sanctions, maritime actions, and political conflicts involving the Venezuelan government. During the session, many countries emphasized that disputes between nations should be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. The UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security and can hold emergency sessions when global conflicts threaten stability. Whenever there is an international security crisis or conflict between countries, the United Nations Security Council usually holds emergency meetings to discuss the situation and recommend diplomatic solutions.
7. By approximately what percentage have malaria cases declined in India, according to Health Minister J.P. Nadda?
- 30%
- 50%
- 60%
- Over 80%
Answer: D) Over 80%
Explanation: According to the Union Health Minister, malaria cases in India have reduced by more than 80% in recent years. During the same period, malaria-related deaths have decreased by about 78%. The decline is mainly due to government initiatives such as better disease surveillance, early diagnosis, improved treatment, and mosquito control programmes. India has moved from being a high-burden malaria country to a “high-impact” control stage. The Government of India has set a target to achieve zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027 and eliminate malaria completely by 2030.
Explanation: According to the Union Health Minister, malaria cases in India have reduced by more than 80% in recent years. During the same period, malaria-related deaths have decreased by about 78%. The decline is mainly due to government initiatives such as better disease surveillance, early diagnosis, improved treatment, and mosquito control programmes. India has moved from being a high-burden malaria country to a “high-impact” control stage. The Government of India has set a target to achieve zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027 and eliminate malaria completely by 2030.
8. Which of the following products attracts a 40% GST rate in India under the revised tax rules for “sin goods”?
- Wheat and rice
- Tobacco and pan masala
- Milk and dairy products
- Medicines
Answer: B) Tobacco and pan masala
Explanation: The Government of India introduced a revised GST structure for “sin goods”, under which tobacco, cigarettes, and pan masala are taxed at 40% GST from 1 February 2026. The new tax structure replaces the previous GST compensation cess that was earlier imposed on such goods. The reform also introduces additional excise duty on tobacco products and a health-related cess on pan masala to maintain high taxation levels. Bidis are taxed differently, continuing under a lower 18% GST rate, while most other tobacco products move to the 40% GST slab. The objective of the higher tax is to reduce consumption of harmful products, improve public health, and generate government revenue.
Explanation: The Government of India introduced a revised GST structure for “sin goods”, under which tobacco, cigarettes, and pan masala are taxed at 40% GST from 1 February 2026. The new tax structure replaces the previous GST compensation cess that was earlier imposed on such goods. The reform also introduces additional excise duty on tobacco products and a health-related cess on pan masala to maintain high taxation levels. Bidis are taxed differently, continuing under a lower 18% GST rate, while most other tobacco products move to the 40% GST slab. The objective of the higher tax is to reduce consumption of harmful products, improve public health, and generate government revenue.
9. The “Vidyanjali Programme” launched by the Government of India is mainly related to which of the following?
- Volunteer participation to improve government schools
- Digital education through online classes
- Free distribution of tablets to students
- Scholarship for higher education abroad
Answer: A) Volunteer participation to improve government schools
Explanation: The Vidyanjali Programme is a school volunteer initiative of the Government of India aimed at improving the quality of education in government schools by encouraging participation from the community, professionals, and private sector. Under this programme, volunteers such as retired teachers, professionals, government officials, and members of the Indian diaspora contribute their knowledge and skills to support students and schools. Volunteers assist students through mentoring, tutoring, reading activities, creative writing, public speaking, arts, sports, and skill development programmes. The initiative also allows individuals and organisations to contribute resources, equipment, or infrastructure support to improve school facilities.
Explanation: The Vidyanjali Programme is a school volunteer initiative of the Government of India aimed at improving the quality of education in government schools by encouraging participation from the community, professionals, and private sector. Under this programme, volunteers such as retired teachers, professionals, government officials, and members of the Indian diaspora contribute their knowledge and skills to support students and schools. Volunteers assist students through mentoring, tutoring, reading activities, creative writing, public speaking, arts, sports, and skill development programmes. The initiative also allows individuals and organisations to contribute resources, equipment, or infrastructure support to improve school facilities.
10. India recently sent medical aid and disaster relief material to which country after it was affected by tropical cyclones in 2026?
- Mozambique
- Sri Lanka
- Madagascar
- Indonesia
Answer: C) Madagascar
Explanation: India sent humanitarian assistance to Madagascar after the island nation was severely affected by tropical cyclones in 2026. Madagascar was severely affected by tropical cyclones such as Cyclone Fytia and Cyclone Gezani, which caused widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. An Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft transported around 30 tonnes of relief supplies, including 12 tonnes of medical aid and 18 tonnes of disaster relief materials. The relief supplies included medicines, surgical kits, emergency tents, water storage tanks, dignity kits, and ready-to-eat meals for affected populations. The aid delivery highlights India’s role as a first responder in humanitarian crises in the Indian Ocean region.
Explanation: India sent humanitarian assistance to Madagascar after the island nation was severely affected by tropical cyclones in 2026. Madagascar was severely affected by tropical cyclones such as Cyclone Fytia and Cyclone Gezani, which caused widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. An Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft transported around 30 tonnes of relief supplies, including 12 tonnes of medical aid and 18 tonnes of disaster relief materials. The relief supplies included medicines, surgical kits, emergency tents, water storage tanks, dignity kits, and ready-to-eat meals for affected populations. The aid delivery highlights India’s role as a first responder in humanitarian crises in the Indian Ocean region.