April 2026 Current Affairs for Competitive Exams with 100 Practice MCQs

Introduction

April 2026 current affairs are very important for students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and State PCS. This month includes major updates in government schemes, policies, defence, economy, science & technology, sports, awards, appointments, and international events. Studying April 2026 current affairs regularly helps candidates stay updated with recent developments and improves their performance in the General Awareness section.

This article on April 2026 current affairs is designed in a simple and exam-oriented way, covering all important topics with clear explanations. It focuses on key facts, names, dates, and important highlights that are frequently asked in exams. By revising April 2026 current affairs along with practice questions, students can boost their confidence, accuracy, and overall exam preparation.

Note / Disclaimer:

This article on April 2026 current affairs is based on the latest available information as of now. Some details, especially appointments, rankings, policies, and ongoing events, may change over time due to new updates or government decisions. If you are reading this in the future, it is strongly recommended to recheck and verify the latest information from official sources.

For competitive exams, always make sure you are studying the most updated version of April 2026 current affairs, as even small changes in facts or names can affect your answers. Regular revision and cross-checking will help you stay accurate and exam-ready.

April 2026 Current Affairs

Government Schemes & Policies

1. Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) – Revision

• Name of the scheme: Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS)
• Purpose / Objective: To provide young people with internship opportunities in top companies to improve their job skills.
• Target beneficiaries: Youth aged 18 to 25 years.
• Launched by: Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
• Year of launch: 2024 (Revised in April 2026).
• Key features: Interns get exposure to real-world business environments in the top 500 companies in India.
• Benefits provided: A monthly stipend of ₹5,000 and a one-time grant of ₹6,000.
• Eligibility criteria: Youth aged 18–25; must have passed High School/Higher Secondary or hold a degree/diploma.
• Important components: The scheme now includes final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Funding pattern: CSR funds from companies and Central Government support.
• Implementing agency: Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
• Recent updates (April 2026): In April 2026, the government expanded eligibility to include final-year students, ensuring they can start internships immediately after their exams.

2. Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme

• Name of the scheme: TDIP Scheme
• Purpose / Objective: To promote India’s leadership in global telecom standards like 5G-Advanced and 6G.
• Target beneficiaries: Telecom researchers, startups, and innovators.
• Launched by: Ministry of Communications (Department of Telecommunications).
• Year of launch: 2026 (Guidelines released in April).
• Key features: Financial support for participating in global bodies like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
• Benefits provided: Funding for research, patents, and global technical collaborations.
• Eligibility criteria: Registered Indian entities and researchers in the telecom sector.
• Important components: Total outlay of ₹203 crore for the period 2026–2031.
• Funding pattern: 100% Central Government.
• Implementing agency: Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• Recent updates (April 2026): Official revised guidelines were released in April 2026 to speed up innovation in 6G technology.

3. Namami Gange – Artificial Recharge structures

• Name of the scheme: Namami Gange (National Mission for Clean Ganga)
• Purpose / Objective: To clean the Ganga river and recharge groundwater levels in the river basin.
• Target beneficiaries: Rural and urban populations along the Ganga basin.
• Launched by: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Year of launch: 2014 (New phase targets in 2026).
• Key features: Building artificial recharge structures to save rainwater.
• Benefits provided: Improved water table and cleaner river water.
• Funding pattern: Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• Implementing agency: National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
• Recent updates (April 2026): In April 2026, the Ministry reported that over 60 lakh water conservation structures have been completed, with a target of 1 crore by May 2026.

4. PM-SURAJ (National Portal Update)

• Name of the scheme: PM-SURAJ (Social Upliftment and Employment-Based Welfare)
• Purpose / Objective: To provide easy credit (loans) to marginalized communities.
• Target beneficiaries: Scheduled Castes (SC), Backward Classes, and Sanitation Workers.
• Launched by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Year of launch: 2024.
• Key features: A digital portal that removes middlemen for loan applications.
• Benefits provided: Direct credit support to help start small businesses.
• Funding pattern: Central Sector Scheme.
• Recent updates (April 2026): In April 2026, a new feature was added to provide “instant approval” for sanitation workers to buy modern cleaning machinery.

5. MERITE Scheme (Technical Education)

• Name of the scheme: MERITE (Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education)
• Purpose / Objective: To modernize engineering education and make students more “job-ready.”
• Target beneficiaries: Students in government technical colleges.
• Launched by: Ministry of Education.
• Year of launch: 2022 (Phase II active in 2026).
• Key features: Focuses on AI, Robotics, and Ethics in technical training.
• Funding pattern: Central Government with World Bank assistance.
• Recent updates (April 2026): In April 2026, a mandatory “AI and Digital Ethics” module was integrated into all polytechnic colleges under this scheme.

6. Ayushman Bharat – Vay Vandana (70+ Expansion)

• Name of the scheme: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Expansion)
• Purpose / Objective: To provide universal health coverage to senior citizens regardless of their income.
• Target beneficiaries: All Indian citizens aged 70 years and above.
• Launched by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Year of launch: Original in 2018; 70+ Expansion approved in late 2024 (Mass roll-out in 2026).
• Key features: Provides a “distinct” card (Vay Vandana Card) to differentiate seniors from regular PM-JAY members.
• Benefits provided: Cashless health insurance up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for hospitalisation.
• Eligibility criteria: Age must be 70 or above (Aadhar-based verification). No income or wealth limit.
• Important components: Includes a “top-up” cover for those already in a family plan.
• Funding pattern: Shared between Central and State (60:40).
• Implementing agency: National Health Authority (NHA).
• Recent updates (April 2026): In April 2026, the government reported reaching a milestone of 1.14 crore Ayushman Vay Vandana cards issued to senior citizens.

7. India International Water Week (IIWW-2026)

• Name of the scheme: 9th India International Water Week (Event-based Initiative)
• Purpose / Objective: To address global water challenges and promote climate-resilient water management.
• Target beneficiaries: Farmers, researchers, water-tech industries, and the general public.
• Launched by: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Year of launch: Conceptualized in 2012 (9th Edition launched in April 2026).
• Key features: Theme for 2026 is “Climate Resilient Water Management.”
• Benefits provided: Knowledge sharing, international collaboration, and showcase of water-saving technologies.
• Eligibility criteria: Open to all global and national water sector stakeholders.
• Important components: Includes the 2nd International WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Conference.
• Funding pattern: Fully funded by the Central Government.
• Implementing agency: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Recent updates (April 2026): On April 22, 2026, Union Minister C.R. Patil officially launched the IIWW-2026 portal and brochure in New Delhi.

8. PM Yuva 3.0 (Authors Mentorship)

• Name of the scheme: Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors.
• Purpose / Objective: To project Indian culture and worldview through the writings of young authors.
• Target beneficiaries: Budding writers under the age of 30.
• Launched by: Ministry of Education (Department of Higher Education).
• Year of launch: 2021 (3.0 version active in 2026).
• Key features: Mentorship by top Indian authors and publication through the National Book Trust (NBT).
• Benefits provided: Scholarship of ₹50,000 per month for six months (Total ₹3 Lakh).
• Eligibility criteria: Indian citizens below 30 years. Previous winners of YUVA 1.0 or 2.0 are not eligible.
• Important components: Focus themes: Indian Diaspora, Knowledge Systems, and Makers of Modern India.
• Funding pattern: Central Sector Scheme (100% Central).
• Implementing agency: National Book Trust (NBT).
• Recent updates (April 2026): In April 2026, the focus was set on “Digital India” themes for the upcoming camp at the World Book Fair.

9. Diamond Imprest Authorisation Scheme (DIA)

• Name of the scheme: Diamond Imprest Authorisation Scheme
• Purpose / Objective: To make India a global diamond hub and prevent business from moving to other countries. 
• Target beneficiaries: Exporters of natural cut and polished diamonds.
• Launched by: Department of Commerce (Ministry of Commerce and Industry).
• Year of launch: Effective from April 1, 2025.
• Key features: Allows duty-free import of natural diamonds for value addition and export.
• Benefits provided: Exemption from Basic Customs Duty, IGST, and Compensation Cess.
• Eligibility criteria: Exporters with “Two Star House” status and an annual turnover of $15 million.
• Important components: Requires 10% value addition on imported diamonds.
• Funding pattern: Central Trade Policy initiative.
• Implementing agency: Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
• Recent updates (April 2026): In April 2026, the government simplified the documentation, allowing “Self-Declaration” for faster duty-free clearances.

10. PM-KISAN (Income Support Update)

• Name of the scheme: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.
• Purpose / Objective: To provide direct income support to landholding farmers for agricultural needs.
• Target beneficiaries: All landholding farmer families (with certain exclusions).
• Launched by: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Year of launch: 2019.
• Key features: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of funds into bank accounts.
• Benefits provided: ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments of ₹2,000.
• Eligibility criteria: Must be a landholding farmer; not an income tax payer or high-ranking professional.
• Important components: Mandatory e-KYC for all beneficiaries.
• Funding pattern: 100% Central Sector Scheme.
• Implementing agency: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Recent updates (April 2026): In April 2026, the government launched a massive e-KYC and “Face Authentication” drive to ensure funds reach only genuine farmers for the upcoming 2026 installments.

11. RBI Green Deposit Framework

• Name of the scheme: Green Deposit Framework
• Purpose / Objective: To ensure that funds collected by banks for “Green” reasons are used for climate-friendly projects.
• Target beneficiaries: Renewable energy companies and eco-conscious depositors.
• Launched by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Year of launch: 2023.
• Key features: Banks must follow strict rules on how they use “Green Deposits.”
• Benefits provided: Safe green investment options for the public; cheaper loans for green projects.
• Eligibility criteria: All Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs and Small Finance Banks).
• Important components: Covers Renewable Energy, Waste Management, and Green Buildings.
• Funding pattern: Bank-led (Regulated by RBI).
• Implementing agency: Scheduled Commercial Banks.
• Recent updates (April 2026): As of April 2026, the RBI officially added “Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure” as a valid sector for green funding.

Awards & Honours

1. Laureus World Sports Awards 2026

• Name of the award: Laureus World Sports Awards
• Field/category: Sports
• Given by: Laureus Sport for Good Foundation (Awards held in Madrid in 2026).
• Purpose of the award: To honour individuals and teams from the world of sports along with sporting achievements throughout the year.
• Eligibility criteria: Professional athletes and teams globally.
• First awarded year / history: 2000.
• Famous or recent winners (April 2026):
  • Sportsman of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz (Tennis)
  • Sportswoman of the Year: Aryna Sabalenka (Tennis)
  • Breakthrough of the Year: Lando Norris (F1)
• Country of origin: International (United Kingdom).
• Frequency: Annual.
• Prize details: Laureus Statuette (a silver-cartier representation of the Laureus logo).
• Special facts: Often referred to as the “Oscars of Sports.”
• Recent updates/news (April 2026): The 2026 ceremony was held in Madrid on April 21, 2026, where tennis stars dominated the top categories for their 2025-26 performances.

2. Jnanpith Award (Updated News)

• Name of the award: Jnanpith Award
• Field/category: Literature
• Given by: Bharatiya Jnanpith (India).
• Purpose of the award: To recognise outstanding contribution towards Indian literature.
• Eligibility criteria: Any Indian citizen who writes in any of the 22 languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution or English.
• First awarded year / history: 1965 (First winner: G. Sankara Kurup).
• Famous or recent winners: Vairamuthu (Tamil Lyricist and Poet).
• Country of origin: India.
• Frequency: Annual.
• Prize details: ₹11 lakh cash, a citation, and a bronze replica of Saraswati (Vagdevi).
• Special facts: India’s highest literary honour.
• Recent updates/news (April 2026): While announced in March, the formal discussions in April 2026 current affairs highlighted Vairamuthu as only the third Tamil writer ever to win this award, ending a 24-year gap for the language.

3. World Food Prize 2026

• Name of the award: World Food Prize.
• Field/category: Agriculture / Science / Food Security.
• Given by: World Food Prize Foundation (USA).
• Purpose of the award: To recognise individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food.
• Eligibility criteria: Open to any individual regardless of race, religion, or nationality.
• First awarded year / history: 1987 (Conceived by Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug).
• Famous or recent winners: Huub Lelieveld (Netherlands).
• Country of origin: USA.
• Frequency: Annual.
• Prize details: $250,000 cash and a sculpture.
• Special facts: Often called the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture.”
• Recent updates/news (April 2026): In April 2026, Huub Lelieveld was named the laureate for his pioneering work in global food safety science which reduced foodborne illnesses worldwide.

4. Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award 2026

• Name of the award: Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award.
• Field/category: Agricultural Science / Research.
• Given by: Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS) and ICAR.
• Purpose of the award: To honour scientists for their lifelong contribution to agricultural research and food security in India.
• Eligibility criteria: Agricultural scientists and researchers.
• First awarded year / history: 2004 (First winner: Norman Borlaug).
• Famous or recent winners: Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao.
• Country of origin: India.
• Frequency: Biennial (Every two years).
• Prize details: ₹2 lakh cash, a gold medal, and a citation.
• Special facts: Named after the father of India’s Green Revolution.
• Recent updates/news (April 2026): Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao received the award in Hyderabad on April 20, 2026, for his research on climate-resilient agriculture and soil health.

5. Harvard South Asian Person of the Year 2026

• Name of the award: South Asian Person of the Year
• Field/category: Art / Cinema / Social Impact.
• Given by: Harvard University (South Asian Association).
• Purpose of the award: To recognise individuals of South Asian descent who have made significant contributions to the arts or social change.
• Eligibility criteria: Individuals with South Asian heritage.
• First awarded year / history: Recent tradition at Harvard.
• Famous or recent winners: Sayani Gupta (Indian Actress).
• Country of origin: USA (International).
• Frequency: Annual.
• Prize details: Honourary citation and plaque.
• Special facts: A high-prestige academic recognition for artists.
• Recent updates/news (April 2026): Actress Sayani Gupta was honoured on April 17, 2026, for her versatile work in Indian cinema and her voice on social issues.

6. Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival Awards (16th Edition)

• Name of the award: 16th Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival-26.
• Field/category: Cinema / Independent Film.
• Given by: Mini Box Office (Independent organization).
• Purpose of the award: To celebrate excellence in cinema and encourage independent filmmakers.
• Eligibility criteria: Films produced from January 2024 onwards.
• First awarded year / history: 2011.
• Famous or recent winners: Award ceremony set for April 30, 2026.
• Country of origin: India.
• Frequency: Annual.
• Prize details: Trophies and certificates for various categories (Feature, Short, Animation, etc.).
• Special facts: Not to be confused with the Government’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award (the highest cinema honour). This is a premier independent festival.
• Recent updates/news (April 2026): The April 2026 current affairs focus on the screening gala and final ceremony scheduled for April 30 in New Delhi.

7. Femina Miss India World 2026

• Name of the award: Femina Miss India World.
• Field/category: Beauty Pageant.
• Given by: Femina (Times Group).
• Purpose of the award: To select India’s representative for the Miss World pageant.
• Eligibility criteria: Women aged 18-25, Indian nationals.
• First awarded year / history: 1964.
• Famous or recent winners: Sadhvi Satish Sail.
• Country of origin: India.
• Frequency: Annual.
• Prize details: Crown, sash, and professional contracts.
• Special facts: India’s oldest and most prestigious beauty pageant.
• Recent updates/news (April 2026): Sadhvi Satish Sail was crowned the winner on April 20, 2026, and will represent India at the Miss World 2026 competition.

8. WSIS Prizes 2026 (Nomination News)

• Name of the award: World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes.
• Field/category: Information Technology / Digital Development.
• Given by: International Telecommunication Union (ITU – United Nations).
• Purpose of the award: To recognize innovative digital projects that help achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Eligibility criteria: Global digital initiatives from governments or private sectors.
• First awarded year / history: 2012.
• Recent Nomination (April 2026): Samriddh Gram Initiative (India).
• Country of origin: International (Switzerland/Global).
• Frequency: Annual.
• Prize details: Certificates of Excellence and global recognition at the WSIS Forum.
• Special facts: Known as the most prestigious UN award for digital innovation.
• Recent updates/news (April 2026): India’s “Samriddh Gram” initiative was officially nominated in the “Enabling Environment” category in April 2026.

9. Stockholm Water Prize (Youth Announcement)

• Name of the award: Stockholm Water Prize.
• Field/category: Environment / Water Conservation.
• Given by: Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).
• Purpose of the award: To recognize outstanding achievements in water-related activities.
• Eligibility criteria: Scientists and activists globally.
• First awarded year / history: 1991.
• Famous or recent winners: Kaveh Madani.
• Country of origin: Sweden.
• Frequency: Annual.
• Prize details: $150,000 and a crystal sculpture.
• Special facts: Often called the “Nobel Prize for Water.”
• Recent updates/news (April 2026): Kaveh Madani was highlighted in April 2026 current affairs as the youngest-ever winner of this prestigious prize for his work on sustainable water management.

10. Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards (Update)

• Name of the award: Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards.
• Field/category: Journalism.
• Given by: The Express Group.
• Purpose of the award: To celebrate the legacy of Ramnath Goenka and recognise courageous journalism.
• Eligibility criteria: Journalists working in print, broadcast, and digital media in India.
• First awarded year / history: 2005.
• Country of origin: India.
• Frequency: Annual.
• Prize details: ₹1 lakh cash and a trophy per category.
• Special facts: One of the most prestigious awards for the “Fourth Estate” in India.
• Recent updates/news (April 2026): The winners list released in late March continued to be a major topic for April 2026 current affairs as a benchmark for investigative reporting in the country.

11. Gallantry Awards (Presidential Investiture Ceremony)

• Name of the award: Gallantry Awards (Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra).
• Field/category: Defence / Bravery.
• Given by: President of India.
• Purpose of the award: To honour acts of bravery and sacrifice of the Armed Forces and civilians.
• Eligibility criteria: Personnel of the Military, Paramilitary, and Police forces.
• First awarded year / history: 1952.
• Famous or recent winners (April 2026 Ceremony):
  • Ashoka Chakra: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (for contribution to human spaceflight/Axiom-4).
• Country of origin: India.
• Frequency: Bi-annual announcements (Republic Day/Independence Day), ceremonies often held in March/April.
• Prize details: Medals and monthly monetary allowances.
• Special facts: Ashoka Chakra is the highest peacetime gallantry award.
• Recent updates/news (April 2026): The formal investiture ceremony took place in April 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history as the first person to receive the Ashoka Chakra for achievements related to space exploration.