Daily Current Affairs April 15
Table of Contents
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April 15 | Daily Current Affairs 2026
Important Days – Daily Current Affairs April 15
1. Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is primarily celebrated in Assam to mark which of the following?
A) End of the monsoon season
B) Assamese New Year and arrival of spring
C) Victory in a historical battle
D) Foundation Day of Assam
E) Winter harvest completion
Answer: B) Assamese New Year and arrival of spring.
Event and Location:
- Event: Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu marks the Assamese New Year and the beginning of spring.
- Location: Assam, especially the Brahmaputra Valley region.
- Date: April 14, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The festival is celebrated over seven days with rituals such as worship of cattle, respect for elders, devotion to household deities, farming-related observances, music, dance, and community gatherings.
- Objectives: It aims to welcome the Assamese New Year, celebrate spring, mark the beginning of the agricultural cycle, promote prosperity, and strengthen cultural identity and social bonding.
Important Terms Explained:
- Rongali Bihu: The spring Bihu festival of Assam that marks the Assamese New Year and is associated with joy, renewal, and festive celebrations.
- Goru Bihu: The first day of Bohag Bihu dedicated to cattle, which are washed, decorated, and honoured for their role in agriculture.
- Manuh Bihu: The second day of the festival when people wear new clothes and seek blessings from elders.
- Gosai Bihu: The third day of Bohag Bihu dedicated to the worship of household deities.
- Bihu dance: A traditional folk dance of Assam performed during Bohag Bihu to express joy, youthfulness, and community spirit.
- Pepa: A traditional Assamese wind instrument commonly played during Bihu celebrations.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Bohag Bihu 2026 or Rongali Bihu. |
| Date | April 14 to April 20, 2026. |
| Location | Assam. |
| Festival significance | It marks the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. |
| Agricultural relevance | It begins the new agricultural cycle and is linked with the sowing season. |
| Key rituals | Cattle worship, blessings from elders, worship of household deities, and farming-related observances. |
| Cultural features | Bihu dance, Bihu songs, dhol, pepa, open-air performances, and community feasts. |
| Broader importance | It represents prosperity, renewal, Assamese identity, and community bonding. |
2. Pohela Boishakh 2026 is celebrated primarily to mark which of the following?
A) Beginning of the Bengali New Year
B) End of the harvest season
C) Foundation Day of West Bengal
D) Start of Durga Puja celebrations
E) Commemoration of a Mughal ruler
Answer: A) Beginning of the Bengali New Year.
Event and Location:
- Event: Pohela Boishakh 2026 marks the celebration of the Bengali New Year and the beginning of Bengali calendar year 1433.
- Location: West Bengal, Bangladesh, and Bengali communities worldwide.
- Date: April 15, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The festival is observed through traditional rituals, cultural celebrations, prayers, festive greetings, special food, and the Haal Khata custom of opening new account books.
- Objectives: It aims to welcome the Bengali New Year, celebrate cultural identity, promote social harmony, and mark a fresh personal and financial beginning.
Important Terms Explained:
- Pohela Boishakh: The first day of the Bengali calendar year, celebrated as the Bengali New Year.
- Mesha Sankranti: The solar transition of the Sun into Aries, which is associated with the timing of the Bengali New Year.
- Nabo Borsho: A Bengali term meaning New Year and commonly used for Pohela Boishakh celebrations.
- Haal Khata: A traditional practice in which business owners open new account books and invite customers for goodwill and sweets at the start of the new year.
- Alpona: A traditional decorative folk art drawn on floors and courtyards during festive occasions in Bengal.
- Shubho Noboborsho: A Bengali greeting meaning Happy New Year.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Pohela Boishakh 2026. |
| Date | April 15, 2026. |
| Location | West Bengal, Bangladesh, and Bengali communities worldwide. |
| Calendar significance | It marks the beginning of Bengali calendar year 1433. |
| Historical background | The festival traces its roots to the Mughal era when the calendar was aligned with agricultural cycles and tax collection. |
| Key traditions | Holy bath, new clothes, alpona decoration, prayers, greetings, and Haal Khata. |
| Cultural features | Traditional food, music, rituals, and community celebrations reflect Bengali cultural identity. |
| Significance | It symbolizes fresh beginnings, unity, goodwill, and a new financial and cultural year. |
3. Himachal Day is observed every year on April 15 to commemorate which of the following?
A) Grant of full statehood to Himachal Pradesh in 1971
B) Formation of Himachal Pradesh as an administrative unit in 1948
C) Merger of Himachal Pradesh with Punjab
D) Establishment of Shimla as India’s capital
E) Adoption of the Constitution of Himachal Pradesh
Answer: B) Formation of Himachal Pradesh as an administrative unit in 1948.
Event and Location:
- Event: Himachal Day 2026 marks the formation of Himachal Pradesh in 1948 through the unification of princely states into one administrative unit.
- Location: Himachal Pradesh, India.
- Date: April 15, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The observance commemorates the creation of Himachal Pradesh as a Chief Commissioner’s Province on April 15, 1948, after the merger of around 28 to 30 princely states including Chamba, Mandi, and Sirmaur.
- Objectives: It aims to remember the political integration of the hill regions, honour the foundation of modern Himachal Pradesh, and highlight the state’s historical evolution and progress.
Important Terms Explained:
- Himachal Day: The annual observance marking the formation of Himachal Pradesh as an administrative unit on April 15, 1948.
- Chief Commissioner’s Province: An administrative unit directly governed by the central authority through a Chief Commissioner in the early years after Independence.
- Princely states: Semi-autonomous territories ruled by local monarchs that were integrated into the Indian Union after Independence.
- Statehood Day: The day marking Himachal Pradesh’s attainment of full statehood on January 25, 1971.
- Union Territory: A type of administrative division in India governed directly by the Central Government, which Himachal Pradesh became in 1950.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Himachal Day 2026. |
| Date | April 15, 2026. |
| Location | Himachal Pradesh, India. |
| Historical basis | It commemorates the formation of Himachal Pradesh on April 15, 1948. |
| Administrative development | Around 28 to 30 princely states were merged into one administrative unit. |
| Key princely states mentioned | Chamba, Mandi, and Sirmaur. |
| Later milestones | Himachal Pradesh became a Union Territory in 1950 and attained full statehood on January 25, 1971. |
| Present significance | The day reflects the origin of Himachal Pradesh’s political identity and its later social and economic progress. |
Sports – Daily Current Affairs April 15
4. Why was Sanju Samson awarded the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March 2026?
A) For leading the IPL run-scoring chart
B) For taking the most wickets in March 2026
C) For his match-winning performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
D) For becoming India’s Test captain
E) For scoring a double century in ODI cricket
Answer: C) For his match-winning performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Event and Location:
- Event: Sanju Samson won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March 2026 for his outstanding performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
- Location: International cricket.
- Date: April 15, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The award recognises Sanju Samson’s match-winning contributions during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, including three consecutive fifties and key performances that helped India win the title.
- Objectives: It aims to honour exceptional individual performance in international cricket and acknowledge players who make a decisive impact in major tournaments.
Important Terms Explained:
- ICC Men’s Player of the Month: A monthly award given by the International Cricket Council to recognise the best performing male cricketer in international cricket during a specific month.
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup: The world championship tournament for men’s Twenty20 international cricket organised by the International Cricket Council.
- Player of the Tournament: An award given to the best overall performer in a tournament based on consistent and impactful contributions.
- Strike rate: A batting metric in cricket that shows how quickly a batter scores runs per 100 balls faced.
- Super 8: An advanced stage in a tournament where qualified teams compete for a place in the knockout rounds.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Sanju Samson wins ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March 2026. |
| Date | April 15, 2026. |
| Location | International cricket. |
| Award received | ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March 2026. |
| Tournament linked | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. |
| Performance in March | He scored 275 runs in three matches at an average of 137.50 with a strike rate close to 200. |
| Overall tournament performance | He scored 321 runs in the tournament. |
| Significance | His performances helped India win a consecutive T20 World Cup title and earned him Player of the Tournament honours. |
5. Why was Melie Kerr named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for March 2026?
A) For leading the Women’s World Cup standings
B) For her all-round performances in series against Zimbabwe and South Africa
C) For becoming the youngest New Zealand captain
D) For winning the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award
E) For taking a hat-trick in a Test match
Answer: B) For her all-round performances in series against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Event and Location:
- Event: Melie Kerr won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for March 2026 for her outstanding all-round performances for New Zealand.
- Location: International women’s cricket.
- Date: April 15, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The award recognises Melie Kerr’s performances with both bat and ball in New Zealand’s series wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa, including her record-breaking bowling in ODIs and consistent batting in T20Is.
- Objectives: It aims to honour exceptional monthly performance in international cricket and acknowledge players making a decisive contribution to team success.
Important Terms Explained:
- ICC Women’s Player of the Month: A monthly award given by the International Cricket Council to recognise the best performing female cricketer in international cricket during a specific month.
- All-rounder: A cricketer who contributes significantly with both batting and bowling.
- ODI: One Day International is a limited-overs format in which each team generally plays 50 overs.
- T20I: Twenty20 International is a limited-overs format in which each team plays 20 overs.
- ICC Women’s T20I all-rounder rankings: The ICC rankings that measure the performance of women cricketers in T20 Internationals based on both batting and bowling contributions.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Melie Kerr wins ICC Women’s Player of the Month for March 2026. |
| Date | April 15, 2026. |
| Location | International women’s cricket. |
| Award significance | She won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for the third time. |
| ODI performance | She took 16 wickets in three matches against Zimbabwe, including career-best figures of 7/34. |
| Batting against Zimbabwe | She also scored 140 runs in the ODI series against Zimbabwe. |
| T20I performance | She scored 276 runs in the T20I series against South Africa as New Zealand won the series 4-1. |
| Additional achievement | She reached 11 consecutive scores of 30 or more and moved to the top of the ICC Women’s T20I all-rounder rankings. |
Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs April 15
6. The Financial Intelligence Unit-India primarily works to prevent which of the following?
A) Crop failure
B) Money laundering
C) Electoral malpractice
D) Natural disasters
E) Industrial pollution
Answer: B) Money laundering.
Event and Location:
- Event: Financial Intelligence Unit-India is a specialised government agency that detects, analyses, and helps prevent money laundering and other suspicious financial activities.
- Location: India.
- Date: April 15, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: FIU-IND collects financial transaction reports from banks, financial institutions, and other reporting entities, analyses suspicious patterns, maintains a central database, shares intelligence with enforcement and regulatory bodies, and takes action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
- Objectives: It aims to strengthen transparency in the financial system, detect illegal financial activities at an early stage, support national and international coordination against financial crimes, and help prevent money laundering and related offences.
Important Terms Explained:
- Financial Intelligence Unit-India: India’s national agency for receiving, processing, analysing, and disseminating information related to suspicious financial transactions.
- Money laundering: The process of concealing the origin of illegally obtained money by making it appear legitimate.
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act: A law enacted in 2002 to prevent money laundering and provide for confiscation of property derived from such activities.
- Cash Transaction Report: A report submitted for large cash transactions as required under financial reporting rules.
- Suspicious Transaction Report: A report filed when a transaction appears unusual, doubtful, or potentially linked to illegal activity.
- Economic Intelligence Council: A high-level body headed by the Finance Minister that coordinates intelligence relating to economic offences and financial security.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Financial Intelligence Unit-India and its role in preventing money laundering. |
| Date | April 15, 2026. |
| Location | India. |
| Administrative control | It functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. |
| Legal basis | It was established in November 2004 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. |
| Core functions | It collects, analyses, stores, and shares financial intelligence related to suspicious transactions. |
| Key reports handled | These include cash transaction reports, suspicious transaction reports, cross-border transfer reports, property transaction reports, and reports related to non-profit organisations. |
| Significance | It strengthens financial transparency and supports action against money laundering, fraud, and related financial crimes. |
7. Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 has been launched with what total corpus to support startups in India?
A) ₹2,000 crore
B) ₹5,000 crore
C) ₹7,500 crore
D) ₹10,000 crore
E) ₹15,000 crore
Answer: D) ₹10,000 crore.
Event and Location:
- Event: Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 has been launched to support deep-tech, innovative manufacturing, and early-stage startups through a new funding push.
- Location: India.
- Date: April 15, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The scheme provides a ₹10,000 crore corpus under a fund-of-funds model in which the government invests in SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds that further invest in startups, with implementation led by SIDBI and monitoring by DPIIT.
- Objectives: It aims to improve funding access for startups, promote venture capital investment, support deep-tech and R&D-intensive ventures, strengthen early-stage and growth-stage startups, and encourage innovation-led economic development.
Important Terms Explained:
- Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0: The second phase of the government-backed funding initiative designed to channel investment into startups through registered investment funds rather than direct government financing.
- Alternative Investment Funds: Investment vehicles regulated by SEBI that pool capital and invest in startups and other emerging businesses.
- Deep-tech: Startup sectors based on advanced scientific or engineering innovation such as artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
- DPIIT: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which monitors the scheme.
- SIDBI: The Small Industries Development Bank of India, which is responsible for implementing the fund.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: A government vision aimed at promoting self-reliance, including in manufacturing and innovation.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0. |
| Date | April 15, 2026. |
| Location | India. |
| Corpus | The scheme has been launched with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore. |
| Funding model | The government will invest in SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds, which will then invest in startups. |
| Key focus areas | Deep-tech, early-stage and Micro VC support, innovative manufacturing, and sector-agnostic investments. |
| Implementing agency | SIDBI will lead the implementation of the scheme. |
| Significance | The initiative is intended to expand capital access and strengthen India’s startup ecosystem through targeted funding support. |
Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs April 15
8. PPFAS Asset Management Private Limited received approval from which authority to manage National Pension System funds?
A) RBI
B) SEBI
C) PFRDA
D) IRDAI
E) NABARD
Answer: C) PFRDA.
Event and Location:
- Event: PPFAS Asset Management Private Limited has received approval to manage National Pension System funds, marking its entry into the pension fund management space.
- Location: India.
- Date: April 15, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The approval allows PPFAS Asset Management Private Limited to set up a dedicated pension fund entity, launch pension schemes, and manage long-term retirement investments under the National Pension System.
- Objectives: It aims to expand pension fund management capacity, improve access to professionally managed retirement investments, and support long-term financial security for subscribers.
Important Terms Explained:
- PPFAS Asset Management Private Limited: An asset management company that has now entered India’s pension fund management segment after receiving regulatory approval to manage NPS funds.
- PFRDA: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority is the statutory regulator responsible for promoting, developing, and regulating pension funds in India.
- National Pension System: A government-regulated, market-linked retirement savings scheme designed to provide old-age income security to subscribers.
- Investment Management Fee: The fee charged by pension fund managers for managing investments under NPS, revised under a slab-based structure from April 2026.
- Annuity: A financial product purchased with a portion of the retirement corpus to provide regular income after retirement.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | PPFAS Asset Management gets approval to manage NPS funds. |
| Date | April 15, 2026. |
| Location | India. |
| Regulatory authority | Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority. |
| Key development | PPFAS has received approval to enter the pension and retirement investment sector. |
| Scheme involved | National Pension System. |
| Investor relevance | The move expands professionally managed retirement investment options for subscribers. |
| Regulatory significance | It reflects the growing pension fund ecosystem and regulated retirement savings market in India. |
9. The International Monetary Fund raised India’s growth forecast for FY27 to what percentage?
A) 5.8%
B) 6.0%
C) 6.2%
D) 6.5%
E) 7.0%
Answer: D) 6.5%.
Event and Location:
- Event: The International Monetary Fund raised India’s FY27 growth forecast to 6.5% while highlighting strong domestic economic performance.
- Location: India and global economy.
- Date: April 15, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The IMF revised India’s growth outlook upward for FY27, noted stronger domestic demand and improved trade conditions, lowered the global growth projection for 2026 to 3.1%, and warned that rising tensions in West Asia could increase oil prices and inflationary pressures.
- Objectives: The assessment aims to present the economic growth outlook for India, highlight emerging global risks, and draw attention to the possible inflationary impact of geopolitical disruptions on energy markets.
Important Terms Explained:
- International Monetary Fund: An international financial institution that monitors the global economy, provides economic assessments, and supports financial stability among member countries.
- FY27: Financial Year 2026–27 used for measuring annual economic performance and projections.
- Growth forecast: An estimate of the expected rate of economic expansion over a given period.
- West Asia: A geopolitically important region whose conflicts can affect oil supply, energy prices, and global inflation.
- Strait of Hormuz: A major global oil transit route whose disruption can significantly affect international energy markets.
- Inflation: A sustained rise in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over time.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | IMF raises India growth forecast for FY27. |
| Date | April 15, 2026. |
| Location | India and global economy. |
| India FY27 forecast | India’s growth forecast for FY27 was raised to 6.5%. |
| India FY25 outlook | India’s FY25 growth was revised higher to 7.6%. |
| Global 2026 growth | Global growth projection for 2026 was lowered to 3.1% from 3.3%. |
| Global inflation outlook | Global inflation was projected at 4.4% in 2026 compared with 4.1% in 2025. |
| Key risk factor | Rising West Asia tensions may push oil prices higher and increase inflationary pressure. |
Appointments – Daily Current Affairs April 15
10. Samrat Choudhary’s swearing-in as Chief Minister of Bihar is significant for which reason?
A) He became Bihar’s youngest Chief Minister
B) He became the first Chief Minister from BJP in Bihar
C) He became the first Deputy Chief Minister from JD(U)
D) He replaced the Governor of Bihar
E) He led a non-NDA government in Bihar
Answer: B) He became the first Chief Minister from BJP in Bihar.
Event and Location:
- Event: Samrat Choudhary was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Bihar after the resignation of Nitish Kumar.
- Location: Patna, Bihar, India.
- Date: April 15, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The swearing-in marks a leadership change in Bihar under the National Democratic Alliance, with Samrat Choudhary taking oath as Chief Minister and Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Vijay Kumar Choudhary taking oath as Deputy Chief Ministers.
- Objectives: The change aims to continue alliance governance in Bihar, maintain coordination between BJP and JD(U), and strengthen the political and social base of the ruling alliance ahead of future elections.
Important Terms Explained:
- National Democratic Alliance: A political alliance in India led by the Bharatiya Janata Party and comprising several regional and national parties.
- JD(U): Janata Dal (United) is a regional political party with a significant presence in Bihar politics.
- BJP: Bharatiya Janata Party is one of India’s major national political parties.
- Deputy Chief Minister: A senior member of the state government who assists the Chief Minister and may handle key administrative responsibilities.
- OBC: Other Backward Classes refers to socially and educationally disadvantaged communities recognised for affirmative action in India.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Swearing-in of Samrat Choudhary as Chief Minister of Bihar. |
| Date | April 15, 2026. |
| Location | Patna, Bihar. |
| Key development | Samrat Choudhary became the first BJP Chief Minister of Bihar. |
| Preceding event | The swearing-in followed the resignation of Nitish Kumar. |
| Deputy Chief Ministers | Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Vijay Kumar Choudhary were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. |
| Political alliance | The government continues under the National Democratic Alliance framework. |
| Significance | The development marks a major shift in Bihar politics and a leadership transition within the ruling alliance. |
11. FICCI appointed Anant Swarup to which position with effect from April 14, 2026?
A) President
B) Secretary General
C) Director General
D) Chairman
E) Chief Economist
Answer: B) Secretary General.
Event and Location:
- Event: FICCI appointed Anant Swarup as its new Secretary General with effect from April 14, 2026.
- Location: India.
- Date: April 14, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The appointment places Anant Swarup in the key leadership role of Secretary General at FICCI, where he is expected to support industry-government engagement, policy reforms, trade promotion, and responses to economic and industrial challenges.
- Objectives: It aims to strengthen FICCI’s leadership structure, improve policy and trade advocacy, and support India’s economic and industrial growth through experienced institutional guidance.
Important Terms Explained:
- FICCI: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry is one of India’s leading industry bodies that works as a bridge between government and business.
- Secretary General: A senior executive position responsible for leading the organisation’s administration, policy coordination, and strategic institutional functions.
- IRPS: The Indian Railway Personnel Service is a Group A civil service responsible for managing human resources in the Indian Railways.
- WTO: The World Trade Organization is an international body that deals with global trade rules and trade-related negotiations.
- Director General of Trade Remedies: A key trade-related position dealing with issues such as anti-dumping, countervailing duties, and safeguard measures in international trade.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Appointment of Anant Swarup as FICCI Secretary General. |
| Date | April 14, 2026. |
| Location | India. |
| Organisation | Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. |
| Appointee | Anant Swarup. |
| Professional background | He has over 30 years of experience in public policy, trade, and regulatory frameworks. |
| Previous roles | He served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Director General of Trade Remedies, Executive Director to the Union Minister of Railways, and First Secretary at the WTO in Geneva. |
| Significance | His appointment comes at an important time for India’s economic and industrial growth. |
International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs April 15
12. Which international treaty is popularly known as the Constitution of the Oceans?
A) UNCLOS
B) Kyoto Protocol
C) Basel Convention
D) Bretton Woods Agreement
E) TRIPS Agreement
Answer: A) UNCLOS.
Event and Location:
- Event: The Islamabad Impasse highlights the legal and strategic confrontation over maritime rights in the Strait of Hormuz following failed U.S.-Iran negotiations.
- Location: Strait of Hormuz, between Iran and Oman, with diplomatic developments linked to Islamabad.
- Date: April 15, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The issue centres on competing interpretations of UNCLOS, with Iran imposing a security toll on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the United States responding with a naval blockade while both sides justify their actions through differing views on maritime passage rights.
- Objectives: It aims to define the legal rights of coastal and user states in an international strait, explain the difference between Transit Passage and Innocent Passage, and assess how maritime law affects global trade, security, and freedom of navigation.
Important Terms Explained:
- UNCLOS: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is the international legal framework governing maritime zones, navigation rights, ocean resources, and marine environmental protection.
- Strait of Hormuz: A strategically important international waterway through which a major share of global energy trade passes and which lies between Iran and Oman.
- Transit Passage: A navigational right under UNCLOS that allows ships and aircraft to pass continuously and expeditiously through international straits without suspension or tolls.
- Innocent Passage: A right allowing foreign vessels to pass through a state’s territorial sea so long as the passage is peaceful and not prejudicial to the security of the coastal state.
- Territorial Sea: The maritime zone extending up to 12 nautical miles from a coastal state’s baseline where the state exercises sovereignty subject to certain navigation rights of foreign vessels.
- Exclusive Economic Zone: A maritime zone extending up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline in which a coastal state has sovereign rights over natural resources.
- ITLOS: The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is the specialised judicial body that settles disputes related to the interpretation and application of UNCLOS.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | The Islamabad Impasse and the Strait of Hormuz maritime dispute. |
| Date | April 15, 2026. |
| Location | Strait of Hormuz and Islamabad-linked diplomatic context. |
| Core legal issue | The dispute concerns the legality of Iranian tolls and the U.S. naval blockade under UNCLOS. |
| Main legal concepts | The central debate is between Transit Passage and Innocent Passage in an international strait. |
| Geographic significance | The Strait of Hormuz is about 21 nautical miles wide at its narrowest point and is bordered by Iran and Oman. |
| Institutional framework | UNCLOS entered into force on November 16, 1994, and operates through bodies such as ISA and ITLOS. |
| Strategic significance | The standoff affects global trade, oil prices, maritime security, and the wider interpretation of international law. |
13. The proposed Arc de Trump monument in Washington, D.C. is inspired by which historic European monument?
A) Colosseum
B) Big Ben
C) Arc de Triomphe
D) Eiffel Tower
E) Brandenburg Gate
Answer: C) Arc de Triomphe.
Event and Location:
- Event: Donald Trump unveiled plans for the proposed Arc de Trump monument, a gold-accented triumphal arch intended to honour American heroes and national pride.
- Location: Washington, D.C., United States.
- Date: April 15, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The proposal seeks to construct a 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., submit it for design review and approval, and position it as part of broader changes to the capital’s cultural and symbolic landscape.
- Objectives: It aims to create a grand national monument, honour American heroes, project national pride, and redefine the visual identity of the U.S. capital through a large-scale architectural landmark.
Important Terms Explained:
- Arc de Trump: A proposed triumphal arch monument planned for Washington, D.C., designed as a large symbolic structure with gold accents and decorative elements.
- Arc de Triomphe: A famous triumphal arch in Paris, France, built to honour those who fought for France and used here as the design inspiration for the proposed monument.
- Commission of Fine Arts: A U.S. body that reviews matters related to design, architecture, and aesthetics for significant projects in Washington, D.C.
- National Endowment for the Humanities: A public institution in the United States that supports humanities-related projects and is mentioned in the content as a possible funding source.
- National Garden of American Heroes: A proposed initiative intended to honour notable American figures through commemorative installations and monuments.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Proposal of the Arc de Trump monument. |
| Date | April 15, 2026. |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States. |
| Proposed height | The monument is proposed to stand around 250 feet tall. |
| Design inspiration | The design is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. |
| Key features | It is planned with gold inscriptions, eagles, lions, and a torch-like structure. |
| Approval status | The proposal has been submitted to the Commission of Fine Arts for review and requires multiple approvals. |
| Major significance | The project is presented as part of a broader effort to reshape the cultural and symbolic identity of Washington, D.C. |
National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs April 15
14. The proposed Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty First Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to bring which major change in India’s parliamentary structure?
A) Abolishing the Rajya Sabha
B) Increasing Lok Sabha strength and revising delimitation rules
C) Removing reservation for SCs and STs
D) Making the Census unconstitutional
E) Reducing the number of Union Territories
Answer: B) Increasing Lok Sabha strength and revising delimitation rules.
Event and Location:
- Event: The Union government has proposed the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty First Amendment) Bill, 2026 to expand the Lok Sabha and revise delimitation provisions.
- Location: India.
- Date: April 15, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The proposed amendment seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 members, amend Article 81 regarding seat composition, change Article 82 to allow delimitation before the post-2026 Census, and modify Article 334A to enable earlier implementation of women’s reservation after delimitation.
- Objectives: It aims to improve political representation in line with population growth, allow earlier redistribution of seats and constituency boundaries, and accelerate the implementation of 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
Important Terms Explained:
- Lok Sabha: The lower House of Parliament in India whose members are directly elected by the people.
- Delimitation: The process of redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies and reallocating seats based on population changes.
- Article 81: The constitutional provision that deals with the composition of the Lok Sabha and allocation of seats among States and Union Territories.
- Article 82: The constitutional provision related to readjustment of parliamentary constituencies after each Census through delimitation.
- Article 334A: The constitutional provision linked to the implementation of women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
- Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023: The constitutional amendment that provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, to be implemented after delimitation.
- Delimitation Commission: A statutory body that determines constituency boundaries, seat allocation, and reservation of seats for SCs and STs.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty First Amendment) Bill, 2026. |
| Date | April 15, 2026. |
| Location | India. |
| Proposed Lok Sabha strength | The Bill proposes to increase Lok Sabha membership from 543 to 850. |
| Seat composition proposal | It proposes up to 815 elected members from States and up to 35 members from Union Territories. |
| Key constitutional changes | The Bill seeks changes in Article 81, Article 82, and Article 334A. |
| Core policy shift | It proposes earlier delimitation without waiting for the first Census after 2026. |
| Major significance | The proposal may improve representation and speed up women’s reservation in Parliament and State Assemblies. |
15. The Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor was inaugurated primarily to achieve which of the following?
A) Expand coastal shipping routes
B) Improve regional connectivity and economic development
C) Replace railway services in Uttarakhand
D) Create a new international border route
E) Establish a defence-only transport network
Answer: B) Improve regional connectivity and economic development.
Event and Location:
- Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor to improve connectivity and support regional development.
- Location: Delhi and Uttarakhand, including Dehradun and nearby regions.
- Date: April 15, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The corridor has been launched as a major infrastructure project to reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, improve access to major tourist and religious destinations, and support trade, logistics, and employment generation.
- Objectives: It aims to strengthen regional connectivity, promote tourism and local business activity, improve market access for farmers and producers, and encourage sustainable development through environment-friendly infrastructure.
Important Terms Explained:
- Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor: A major expressway-based infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity between Delhi and Uttarakhand and stimulate economic growth in the region.
- Elevated wildlife corridor: A raised stretch of transport infrastructure built to allow safe movement of wild animals and reduce habitat disruption.
- Devbhoomi: A traditional term used for Uttarakhand, meaning Land of the Gods, due to its religious and spiritual importance.
- Char Dham: The four major pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
- Regional connectivity: Improved transport links between nearby cities and regions to support travel, trade, tourism, and economic integration.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor inauguration. |
| Date | April 15, 2026. |
| Location | Delhi and Uttarakhand region. |
| Inaugurated by | Prime Minister Narendra Modi. |
| Purpose / reason | To improve connectivity, reduce travel time, lower costs, and promote regional development. |
| Tourism impact | It improves access to Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and the Char Dham sites. |
| Economic benefits | It is expected to boost trade, logistics, jobs, local businesses, and market access for farmers. |
| Strategic / significant value | The project combines infrastructure growth with sustainability through a 12-km elevated wildlife corridor. |
16. The Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility was launched to strengthen which sector in India?
A) Space tourism
B) Quantum technology ecosystem
C) Coastal shipping network
D) Conventional power generation
E) Textile manufacturing
Answer: B) Quantum technology ecosystem.
Event and Location:
- Event: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility, described as India’s first indigenously built open-access quantum computing platform.
- Location: Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Date: April 14, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The facility has been launched to support quantum computing research, testing, certification, and indigenous hardware development, including the Amaravati 1S and Amaravati 1Q systems developed within India.
- Objectives: It aims to build a self-reliant quantum hardware ecosystem, reduce dependence on foreign technology, promote domestic innovation, and strengthen India’s capabilities in advanced computing under the National Quantum Mission.
Important Terms Explained:
- Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility: An indigenous open-access quantum computing platform launched to support research, testing, manufacturing, and innovation in India’s quantum sector.
- Quantum computing: A next-generation computing technology that uses qubits instead of classical bits and applies principles such as superposition and entanglement to solve complex problems more efficiently.
- Qubits: The basic units of quantum computing that can represent multiple states at the same time, unlike classical bits.
- National Quantum Mission: India’s national initiative to develop quantum computing, communication, and sensing technologies and build indigenous capabilities in the sector.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: A national vision focused on building self-reliance in critical sectors, including advanced technology and manufacturing.
- Cryogenics: Technology involving ultra-low temperatures, used in quantum systems to maintain the conditions needed for quantum processors.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Launch of Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility. |
| Date | April 14, 2026. |
| Location | Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. |
| Launched by | Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. |
| Key feature | It is described as India’s first indigenously built open-access quantum computing platform. |
| Core purpose | It aims to build a sovereign quantum hardware ecosystem and accelerate domestic innovation. |
| Institutional collaboration | The project involves TIFR, IISc, DRDO, and Amaravati Quantum Valley Hub. |
| Strategic significance | It supports India’s National Quantum Mission and strengthens self-reliance in advanced computing technologies. |
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