Daily Current Affairs April 20
Table of Contents
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April 20 | Daily Current Affairs 2026
Important Days – Daily Current Affairs April 20
1. UN Chinese Language Day is observed globally on which date every year?
A) April 18
B) April 19
C) April 20
D) April 21
E) April 22
Answer: C) April 20.
Event and Location:
- Event: UN Chinese Language Day is observed annually to celebrate the Chinese language and promote multilingualism within the United Nations.
- Location: Globally, across the United Nations system.
- Date: April 20.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: UN Chinese Language Day is observed every year by the United Nations to recognize the importance of the Chinese language as one of its six official working languages.
- Objectives: The observance aims to celebrate multilingualism, promote cultural diversity, and encourage the equal use of all six official languages throughout the United Nations.
Important Terms Explained:
- UN Chinese Language Day: A United Nations observance held annually on April 20 to promote the Chinese language and linguistic diversity.
- Multilingualism: The use and promotion of multiple languages within an institution or society to ensure wider inclusion and equal communication.
- Cultural diversity: The presence and recognition of different cultural traditions, languages, and identities within a global community.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | UN Chinese Language Day is observed globally every year. |
| Date | April 20. |
| Observed by | United Nations. |
| Purpose | It celebrates the Chinese language and promotes multilingualism and cultural diversity. |
| Historical tribute | The day honours Cangjie, the mythical figure believed to have invented Chinese characters. |
| Established by | The UN Department of Public Information established the day in 2010. |
| First observed | The first Chinese Language Day was celebrated on November 12, 2010. |
| Date shift | Since 2011, the observance has been held on April 20 every year. |
Obituary – Daily Current Affairs April 20
2. Oscar Schmidt, who passed away in April 2026, was a legendary basketball player from which country?
A) Argentina
B) Spain
C) Brazil
D) Italy
E) United States
Answer: C) Brazil.
Event and Location:
- Event: Basketball legend Oscar Schmidt passed away at the age of 68, leaving behind a major legacy in international basketball.
- Location: Brazil and the global basketball community.
- Date: April 20, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The news marks the passing of Oscar Schmidt, a celebrated Brazilian basketball player known for his elite scoring, Olympic performances, and long international career.
- Objectives: The significance of this development lies in recognising his contribution to global basketball, his role in elevating Brazil’s stature in the sport, and his enduring influence on international players and fans.
Important Terms Explained:
- Oscar Schmidt: A Brazilian basketball legend known for prolific scoring, exceptional shooting, and a highly influential international career.
- Hall of Famer: A title given to a sportsperson inducted into an official hall of fame in recognition of outstanding achievements and lasting impact in the sport.
- Pan American Games: A major multi-sport event for countries of the Americas in which Oscar Schmidt played a historic role during Brazil’s 1987 basketball victory over the United States.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Basketball icon Oscar Schmidt died at the age of 68. |
| Date | April 20, 2026. |
| Country | Brazil. |
| Nickname | He was known as Holy Hand or Mão Santa. |
| Career span | His basketball career began in 1974 and ended in 2003. |
| Olympic record | He represented Brazil in five consecutive Olympic Games from 1980 to 1996. |
| Major achievement | He scored 46 points in Brazil’s famous 1987 Pan American Games win over the United States. |
| Global recognition | He was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and Italian Basketball Hall of Fame. |
Appointments – Daily Current Affairs April 20
3. Who has been appointed as India’s new High Commissioner to Bangladesh in April 2026?
A) Ashwini Vaishnaw
B) Dinesh Trivedi
C) Vinay Mohan Kwatra
D) Piyush Goyal
E) Harsh Vardhan Shringla
Answer: B) Dinesh Trivedi.
Event and Location:
- Event: Former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi was appointed as India’s new High Commissioner to Bangladesh.
- Location: India and Bangladesh.
- Date: April 20, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Dinesh Trivedi, a former Union Minister and former BJP Member of Parliament from Barrackpore in West Bengal, was appointed to head India’s diplomatic mission in Bangladesh.
- Objectives: The appointment aims to strengthen India-Bangladesh relations, improve diplomatic engagement, and support regional stability through closer political and strategic coordination.
Important Terms Explained:
- High Commissioner: The senior-most diplomatic representative sent by one Commonwealth country to another in place of an ambassador.
- Indian Foreign Service: India’s diplomatic service responsible for managing foreign relations, embassies, consulates, and international negotiations.
- Diplomatic mission: An official office or representation established by one country in another to manage bilateral relations and protect national interests abroad.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Dinesh Trivedi appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh. |
| Date | April 20, 2026. |
| Location | India and Bangladesh. |
| Appointee | Dinesh Trivedi, former Union Minister and former BJP MP. |
| Political background | He represented Barrackpore in West Bengal and held ministerial positions in the Union Government. |
| Notable significance | The appointment is notable because such posts are usually held by Indian Foreign Service officers. |
| Diplomatic purpose | The move is expected to strengthen India-Bangladesh bilateral relations. |
| Strategic value | His political experience and Bengali roots may help in handling sensitive cross-border and regional issues. |
Awards – Daily Current Affairs April 20
4. Who was crowned Femina Miss India World 2026 at the grand finale held in Bhubaneswar?
A) Rajnandini Pawar
B) Nikita Porwal
C) Sadhvi Satish Sail
D) Nandini Gupta
E) Meenakshi Chaudhary
Answer: C) Sadhvi Satish Sail.
Event and Location:
- Event: Sadhvi Satish Sail was crowned Femina Miss India World 2026 at the 61st edition of the pageant.
- Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
- Date: April 20, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Femina Miss India pageant selected Sadhvi Satish Sail of Goa as Miss India World 2026, while Rajnandini Pawar of Maharashtra was declared the first runner-up.
- Objectives: The pageant aims to identify talented, confident, and socially aware women who can represent India at international beauty platforms, including Miss World 2027.
Important Terms Explained:
- Femina Miss India: A national beauty pageant in India that selects representatives for major international beauty competitions.
- Miss India World: The title awarded to the winner who represents India at the Miss World pageant.
- First runner-up: The contestant who finishes second in the competition and stands next in rank after the winner.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Sadhvi Satish Sail crowned Femina Miss India World 2026. |
| Date | April 20, 2026. |
| Location | Bhubaneswar, Odisha. |
| Edition | 61st edition of Femina Miss India. |
| Winner | Sadhvi Satish Sail from Goa. |
| Runner-up | Rajnandini Pawar from Maharashtra. |
| Crowning by | Nikita Porwal crowned the winner. |
| Next stage | Sadhvi Satish Sail will represent India at Miss World 2027. |
5. Who received the Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award 2026 in Hyderabad for contributions to climate-resilient agriculture?
A) M. Venkaiah Naidu
B) Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao
C) Tummala Nageswara Rao
D) Mandava Prabhakar Rao
E) Vidya Sagar Rao
Answer: B) Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao.
Event and Location:
- Event: Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao received the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award 2026 for his contributions to climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management.
- Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
- Date: April 19, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award was conferred on Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director and Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, in recognition of his work in climate-resilient farming and sustainable resource management.
- Objectives: The award aims to honour significant contributions to agricultural research, food security, sustainable farming, and innovation that help Indian agriculture adapt to climate variability and environmental challenges.
Important Terms Explained:
- Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award: An agricultural award instituted by the Retired ICAR Employees Association in collaboration with Nuziveedu Seeds Limited to recognise outstanding contributions to agriculture and food security.
- Climate-resilient agriculture: Farming practices and systems designed to withstand climate variability, extreme weather, and environmental stress while sustaining productivity.
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute: A premier agricultural research institution in India that works on crop improvement, resource management, and agricultural innovation.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao received the Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award 2026. |
| Date | April 19, 2026. |
| Location | Hyderabad, Telangana. |
| Award edition | It was the 9th edition of the Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award. |
| Awardee | Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director and Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. |
| Reason for honour | He was recognised for contributions to climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management. |
| Instituted by | The award was instituted by the Retired ICAR Employees Association in collaboration with Nuziveedu Seeds Limited. |
| Special significance | The award coincided with the birth centenary year of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan. |
Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs April 20
6. Where was the foundation stone laid for India’s first 3D semiconductor packaging unit in April 2026?
A) Dholera
B) Sriperumbudur
C) Info Valley
D) Electronic City
E) GIFT City
Answer: C) Info Valley.
Event and Location:
- Event: The foundation stone was laid for India’s first 3D semiconductor packaging unit with an investment of about ₹2,000 crore.
- Location: Info Valley, Odisha, India.
- Date: April 19, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The project will establish an advanced 3D semiconductor packaging facility in Odisha through 3D Glass Solutions and its Indian arm HIPSPL, introducing 3D heterogeneous integration packaging technology in India.
- Objectives: The initiative aims to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing, reduce import dependence, support sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, 5G, defence electronics, and high-performance computing, and advance the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Important Terms Explained:
- 3D semiconductor packaging: An advanced chip packaging method in which semiconductor components are stacked or integrated vertically to improve performance, space efficiency, and functionality.
- 3D heterogeneous integration: A packaging technology that combines different types of chips, components, or materials into a single advanced system for higher performance and efficiency.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: A Government of India vision focused on building self-reliance in key sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and strategic industries.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Foundation stone laid for India’s first 3D semiconductor packaging unit. |
| Date | April 19, 2026. |
| Location | Info Valley, Odisha. |
| Project value | The project involves an investment of about ₹2,000 crore, with article details also citing approximately ₹1,943 crore. |
| Developer | The facility will be developed by 3D Glass Solutions through its Indian arm HIPSPL. |
| Key dignitaries | Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were present. |
| Production timeline | Commercial production is scheduled to begin by August 2028, with full-scale production targeted by 2030. |
| Strategic value | The project will support self-reliance in advanced electronics and strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem. |
7. Which agency launched the Abhay AI chatbot to help citizens verify official notices and avoid online scams?
A) National Investigation Agency
B) Enforcement Directorate
C) Central Bureau of Investigation
D) Intelligence Bureau
E) National Crime Records Bureau
Answer: C) Central Bureau of Investigation.
Event and Location:
- Event: The Central Bureau of Investigation launched the Abhay AI chatbot to help citizens verify official notices and avoid digital scams.
- Location: India.
- Date: April 20, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Abhay AI chatbot was introduced by the Central Bureau of Investigation as a digital verification tool to check whether notices claimed to be issued by the agency are genuine or fake.
- Objectives: The initiative aims to curb digital fraud, protect citizens from online scam networks, prevent panic caused by fake notices, and strengthen public safety through artificial intelligence.
Important Terms Explained:
- Abhay: An AI-powered chatbot launched by the Central Bureau of Investigation to help citizens verify the authenticity of notices and protect themselves from digital scams.
- Digital arrest scam: A cyber fraud method in which criminals impersonate law enforcement officials, show fake legal notices, threaten arrest, and extort money from victims.
- Artificial intelligence: A technology that enables computer systems to perform tasks such as analysis, pattern recognition, and automated assistance, often used in fraud detection and public service tools.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | CBI launched the Abhay AI chatbot to combat digital scams. |
| Date | April 20, 2026. |
| Location | India. |
| Launching agency | Central Bureau of Investigation. |
| Tool type | It is an AI-powered chatbot for notice verification. |
| Main purpose | It helps citizens identify genuine and fake notices allegedly issued by the CBI. |
| Launch platform | It was launched during the 22nd D P Kohli Memorial Lecture. |
| Significance | The initiative strengthens cybercrime prevention and public safety through technology-driven policing. |
8. What was the major achievement of Blue Origin during the New Glenn mission launched on April 20, 2026?
A) Successful Moon landing
B) First space tourism flight
C) First successful landing of a reused New Glenn booster
D) Launch of a Mars rover
E) First private space station docking
Answer: C) First successful landing of a reused New Glenn booster.
Event and Location:
- Event: Blue Origin achieved the first successful landing of a reused New Glenn booster, although the onboard satellite failed to reach its intended orbit.
- Location: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, United States.
- Date: April 20, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The mission involved the launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, the recovery and landing of its reused first-stage booster, and the deployment of the BlueBird 7 satellite.
- Objectives: The mission aimed to demonstrate reusable heavy-lift launch capability, reduce space mission costs through booster recovery, and deploy a satellite intended to support space-based cellular broadband services.
Important Terms Explained:
- New Glenn: A heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle developed by Blue Origin for commercial, scientific, and future deep-space missions.
- Reusable booster: A rocket stage designed to return safely after launch so that it can be refurbished and used again, helping reduce launch costs.
- BlueBird 7: A satellite developed by AST SpaceMobile as part of its plan to build a space-based cellular broadband network connecting directly with standard smartphones.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Blue Origin achieved the first successful landing of a reused New Glenn booster. |
| Date | April 20, 2026. |
| Location | Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, United States. |
| Organisation | Blue Origin. |
| Rocket name | The mission used the New Glenn heavy-lift rocket. |
| Mission highlight | The reused first-stage booster landed successfully about 10 minutes after liftoff. |
| Mission setback | The BlueBird 7 satellite failed to reach its intended orbit and was placed too low for sustained operations. |
| Significance | The mission marked progress in reusable launch technology despite only partial overall mission success. |
International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs April 20
9. What is the main purpose of the RELOS pact operationalised by India and Russia in April 2026?
A) To establish a joint currency system
B) To enable mutual military logistics access
C) To launch a bilateral satellite mission
D) To create a common trade corridor
E) To begin joint nuclear energy production
Answer: B) To enable mutual military logistics access.
Event and Location:
- Event: India and Russia operationalised the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement to enable mutual access to military logistics facilities.
- Location: India and Russia, including access to strategic regions such as the Arctic.
- Date: April 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement allows India and Russia to access each other’s military bases, ports, and airfields, and supports the deployment of personnel and military assets for logistical cooperation.
- Objectives: The pact aims to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, improve interoperability and operational flexibility, expand India’s strategic reach, and deepen India-Russia military ties.
Important Terms Explained:
- Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement: A defence logistics pact that allows two countries to use each other’s military facilities for refuelling, repair, replenishment, and logistical support.
- Interoperability: The ability of military forces from different countries to work together effectively during operations, exercises, or missions.
- Arctic region: A strategically important northern polar region gaining attention due to new shipping routes, energy potential, and geopolitical competition.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | India and Russia operationalised the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement. |
| Date | April 2026. |
| Signed earlier | The pact was originally signed in February 2025. |
| Location | India and Russia, with strategic relevance in the Arctic region. |
| Main provision | The agreement enables mutual access to military bases, ports, and airfields. |
| Deployment scope | It allows deployment of personnel, warships, and fighter aircraft under agreed limits. |
| Validity | The agreement is valid for five years with an option for extension. |
| Strategic value | It strengthens defence ties and expands India’s global operational reach. |
Schemes – Daily Current Affairs April 20
10. The Union Cabinet extended Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana III till March 2028 with what revised outlay?
A) ₹80,250 crore
B) ₹82,500 crore
C) ₹83,977 crore
D) ₹85,000 crore
E) ₹87,250 crore
Answer: C) ₹83,977 crore.
Event and Location:
- Event: The Union Cabinet approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana III till March 2028 with a revised outlay of ₹83,977 crore.
- Location: India.
- Date: April 20, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The extension of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana III will support the upgrading of rural roads and bridges, including pending sanctioned but unawarded projects, to improve connectivity in plain and hilly areas.
- Objectives: The scheme aims to strengthen rural connectivity by linking villages to Gramin Agricultural Markets, higher secondary schools, and hospitals, while promoting rural economic growth and better access to essential services.
Important Terms Explained:
- Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana III: A phase of the rural road development scheme focused on upgrading through routes and major rural links connecting villages to key service and economic centres.
- Gramin Agricultural Markets: Rural market centres that provide farmers with access to trading facilities and agricultural commerce opportunities.
- Viksit Bharat 2047: India’s long-term development vision aimed at transforming the country into a developed nation by the year 2047.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Cabinet extended Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana III till March 2028. |
| Date | April 20, 2026. |
| Location | India. |
| Approving authority | Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. |
| Revised outlay | The scheme outlay was increased from ₹80,250 crore to ₹83,977 crore. |
| Main focus | The scheme focuses on upgrading through routes and major rural links. |
| Connectivity targets | It aims to connect villages with markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. |
| Strategic value | The extension supports rural development, market access, and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. |
11. Which initiative was launched by the Ministry of Textiles to promote Indian weaves globally in April 2026?
A) Bharat Vastra Mission
B) Vishwa Sutra
C) Handloom Global Connect
D) India Looms Abroad
E) Sutra Bharat Abhiyan
Answer: B) Vishwa Sutra.
Event and Location:
- Event: The Ministry of Textiles launched Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World to promote India’s handloom heritage on the global stage.
- Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
- Date: April 20, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Vishwa Sutra was launched as a handloom promotion initiative developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology, and was showcased at the 61st Femina Miss India event.
- Objectives: The initiative aims to globalise Indian handlooms, blend traditional weaves with contemporary fashion, create international visibility for Indian textile heritage, and expand market opportunities for artisans.
Important Terms Explained:
- Vishwa Sutra: A textile promotion initiative launched by the Ministry of Textiles to showcase Indian handloom weaves globally through modern fashion presentation.
- National Institute of Fashion Technology: A premier Indian fashion education and design institution that supports innovation, design development, and industry collaboration in the textile and fashion sector.
- 5F Framework: A value chain approach promoted by the Government of India that links Farm, Fibre, Factory, Fashion, and Foreign to strengthen textile production and exports.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World was launched by the Ministry of Textiles. |
| Date | April 20, 2026. |
| Location | Bhubaneswar, Odisha. |
| Launching platform | The initiative was unveiled at the 61st Femina Miss India event. |
| Collaborating bodies | It was developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology. |
| Design concept | It features around 30 Indian weaves from 30 states inspired by 30 countries and cultures. |
| Core purpose | It aims to promote Indian handlooms in international markets through modern fashion integration. |
| Strategic value | It supports artisan promotion, textile exports, and India’s cultural soft power. |
National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs April 20
12. Which railway depot became India’s first water neutral railway depot in April 2026?
A) Sabarmati Coaching Depot
B) Kankaria Coaching Depot
C) Ajmer Railway Depot
D) Tughlakabad Coaching Depot
E) Itarsi Coaching Depot
Answer: B) Kankaria Coaching Depot.
Event and Location:
- Event: Kankaria Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad became India’s first water neutral railway depot.
- Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
- Date: April 20, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The depot achieved water neutral status by treating and reusing as much water as it consumes through advanced wastewater management and reuse systems.
- Objectives: The initiative aims to reduce freshwater dependence, conserve water resources, promote sustainable railway operations, and lower environmental impact through eco-friendly treatment practices.
Important Terms Explained:
- Water neutral: A condition in which an establishment treats, recycles, or replenishes water equal to the amount it consumes.
- Phytoremediation: A nature-based treatment method in which plants are used to absorb, filter, and remove pollutants from wastewater.
- UV disinfection: A water treatment process that uses ultraviolet light to kill harmful microorganisms and make water safe for reuse.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Kankaria Coaching Depot became India’s first water neutral railway depot. |
| Date | April 20, 2026. |
| Location | Ahmedabad, Gujarat. |
| Organisation | Indian Railways. |
| Water savings | The depot saves nearly 1.60 lakh litres of water daily. |
| Treatment method | The system uses phytoremediation, sand filtration, carbon filtration, and UV disinfection. |
| Annual impact | The initiative saves about 5.84 crore litres of water annually. |
| Significance | It promotes sustainable railway operations and reduces dependence on freshwater sources. |
13. What did the Union Cabinet approve in April 2026 to strengthen India’s maritime insurance capacity and reduce dependence on foreign insurers?
A) Sagarmala Export Fund
B) Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool
C) National Port Security Mission
D) Indian Ocean Trade Corridor Scheme
E) Maritime Risk Control Authority
Answer: B) Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool.
Event and Location:
- Event: The Union Cabinet approved the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool to provide domestic maritime insurance coverage and strengthen India’s maritime self-reliance.
- Location: India.
- Date: April 18, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool was cleared with a ₹12,980 crore sovereign guarantee corpus to offer uninterrupted and affordable insurance coverage for Indian shipping through participating domestic insurers.
- Objectives: The initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign insurers, improve maritime security, ensure continuity of trade during geopolitical disruptions, and build domestic capacity in maritime risk management.
Important Terms Explained:
- Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool: A domestic insurance mechanism approved by the Government of India to provide comprehensive maritime risk coverage for ships operating to and from Indian ports and through high-risk global routes.
- Sovereign guarantee: A government-backed financial assurance that supports a scheme or institution by guaranteeing its obligations and enhancing credibility and stability.
- Protection and Indemnity: A form of marine liability insurance that covers third-party risks such as oil spills, crew injuries, collision liabilities, and wreck removal.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Union Cabinet cleared the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool. |
| Date | April 18, 2026. |
| Location | India. |
| Approving authority | Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. |
| Financial backing | The pool is backed by a ₹12,980 crore sovereign guarantee corpus. |
| Initial underwriting capacity | The pool will have an initial underwriting capacity of about ₹950 crore. |
| Coverage scope | It will cover Hull and Machinery, Cargo Insurance, Protection and Indemnity, and War Risk Insurance. |
| Strategic value | It will reduce dependence on foreign insurers and strengthen India’s maritime trade resilience. |
14. India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park will be developed at which place in Ladakh?
A) Alchi
B) Sindhu Ghat
C) Chilling
D) Tangtse
E) Dah Hanu
Answer: B) Sindhu Ghat.
Event and Location:
- Event: The foundation stone was laid for India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park to protect ancient rock carvings and preserve cultural heritage.
- Location: Sindhu Ghat, Ladakh, India.
- Date: April 18, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The project will establish a dedicated conservation park at Sindhu Ghat to protect, preserve, document, and display endangered petroglyphs found across Ladakh, including vulnerable artefacts from isolated locations.
- Objectives: The initiative aims to safeguard ancient rock carvings from environmental damage and human threats, promote scientific heritage conservation, and create an educational space for visitors and researchers.
Important Terms Explained:
- Petroglyphs: Prehistoric images, symbols, or carvings etched directly onto rock surfaces, representing early forms of human expression and communication.
- World Heritage Day: An annual observance held on April 18 to raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage and historical monuments.
- Archaeological Survey of India: The premier government agency responsible for archaeological research, conservation, and protection of India’s cultural heritage sites and monuments.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park will be developed in Ladakh. |
| Date | April 18, 2026. |
| Location | Sindhu Ghat, Ladakh. |
| Foundation stone laid by | Vinai Kumar Saxena. |
| Core purpose | The park will conserve and protect ancient petroglyphs threatened by natural and human factors. |
| Institutional support | An MoU has been signed with the Archaeological Survey of India for scientific conservation and documentation. |
| Threats addressed | The project responds to weathering, climate change, tourism pressure, and infrastructure development. |
| Significance | The initiative will preserve Ladakh’s prehistoric rock art and strengthen cultural heritage conservation in India. |
Over All Review
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Important Days
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Obituary
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Appointments
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Awards
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Science and Technology
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International Affairs
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Schemes
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National Affairs
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