Daily Current Affairs Quiz 22nd April 2026 for Banking & Competitive Exams |

Daily Current Affairs: 22nd April, 2026

Q1. The National Civil Services Day is celebrated annually on April 21 to recognize the contribution of officers to the nation’s growth. For the year 2026, which of the following has been selected as the official theme for the celebrations?

(a) Civil Services: The Steel Frame of a New India

(b) Digital Governance: Transforming India through Technology

(d) Towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat: Role of Civil Servants

(e) Minimum Government, Maximum Governance: Scaling for the Future

Answer: c

Solution:

Civil Services Day is observed every year on 21 April in India to honour the role of civil servants in governance and administration.
The day commemorates the historic 1947 address by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Metcalfe House, Delhi, where he described civil services as the “Steel Frame of India.”
It highlights the contribution of civil servants in nation-building, policy implementation, and citizen welfare through efficient, impartial, and accountable administration.
The observance was institutionalised in 2006 by the Government of India to formally recognise the contributions of civil servants.
The first Civil Services Day celebration was held in 2006 at Vigyan Bhawan.
The evolution of civil services is rooted in the constitutional framework of 1950, which established All India Services such as the IAS and IPS.
The theme for Civil Services Day 2026 is “Viksit Bharat: Citizen-Centric Governance and Development at the Last Mile.”

Q2. In April 2026, which initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) was nominated for the prestigious WSIS Prizes 2026 under the ‘Enabling Environment’ category?

(a) Digital India Bhashini

(b) Samriddh Gram

(d) GramNet 2.0

(e) Sanchar Saathi

Answer: b

Solution:

In April 2026, “Samriddh Gram: Integrated Phygital Service Delivery Model Enabled by BharatNet”, an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications, was nominated for the World Summit on the Information Society Prizes 2026.
The nomination falls under the Action Line AL C6: Enabling Environment category.
The initiative is built on the BharatNet digital infrastructure, aimed at expanding connectivity in rural areas.
It establishes Samriddhi Kendras as one-stop community hubs providing integrated “phygital” services—a blend of physical and digital delivery.
These centres offer access to essential services such as healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, financial inclusion, and e-commerce.
The initiative leverages high-speed broadband, FTTH connectivity, and public Wi-Fi to enable services like telemedicine, smart classrooms, digital governance, and tech-driven agriculture.

Q3. World Creativity and Innovation Day is observed globally on April 21 to emphasize the role of creative problem-solving in achieving sustainable development. What is the official theme for the year 2026?

(a) Creativity for All: Building a Brighter Future

(b) Step Out and Innovate: Solving Local Problems

(d) Innovation for Sustainable Human Development

(e) Creative Minds, Resilient Nations

Answer: c

Solution:

World Creativity and Innovation Day is observed globally on 21 April.
The day was designated by the United Nations to highlight the role of creativity and innovation in human development.
The theme for 2026 is “Harnessing Creativity for Global Progress.”
The theme emphasizes using innovative ideas and creative solutions to address global challenges and promote sustainable development.
The observance traces its origin to 2002, when Marci Segal introduced the concept to encourage creative thinking worldwide.
It later became part of World Creativity and Innovation Week (15–21 April).
In 2017, the UN General Assembly officially designated 21 April as World Creativity and Innovation Day.
The first UN-recognised celebration was held in 2018, aligning the observance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UNESCO also plays a key role in promoting creative industries and artistic freedom, following the 2005 Convention.

Q4. According to the “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026” released by UN ESCAP, what is the projected GDP growth rate for India for the year 2027?

(a) 6.2%

(b) 6.4%

(d) 7.4%

(e) 5.4%

Answer: c

Solution:

According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, India’s economy is projected to grow at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027.
The projections are part of the report titled “Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026.”
India’s economy recorded a strong growth rate of 7.4% in 2025, driven by:
- Robust domestic consumption, particularly in rural areas
- GST rate cuts
- Increased exports ahead of tariff changes by the United States
The South and South-West Asia region grew by 5.4% in 2025, up from 5.2% in 2024, largely supported by India’s performance.
Inflation in India is projected at 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027, indicating relative price stability.
According to International Renewable Energy Agency, there were about 16.6 million green jobs globally, with steady annual growth.
The findings underscore India’s role in regional economic growth, sustainable development, and green industrial transition.

Q5. According to the data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the growth of the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) slowed to what percentage in March 2026?

(a) 2.8%

(b) 1.5%

(d) 4.0%

(e) 0.4%

Answer: e

Solution:

The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) growth in India slowed to 0.4% (year-on-year) in March 2026, down from 2.8% in February 2026.
The data was released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The slowdown was mainly due to a decline in key sectors:
- Fertilizer production fell sharply by 24.6%
- Crude oil production declined by 5.7%
- Coal production decreased by 4%
- Electricity generation dropped by 0.5%
However, some sectors showed positive growth:
- Natural gas production increased by 6.4%
- Cement production grew by 4%
- Steel production rose by 2.2%
- Petroleum refinery products saw a marginal increase of 0.1%
The eight core industries together account for over 40% of the weight in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

Q6. In April 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs received the AI-enabled satellite imaging system ‘Prajna’ to strengthen internal security. Which specific laboratory of the DRDO developed this system?

(a) Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL)

(b) Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR)

(d) Institute for Systems Studies & Analyses (ISSA)

(e) Advanced Numerical Research & Analysis Group (ANURAG)

Answer: b

Solution:

India has strengthened its internal security and naval logistics through two major indigenous defence developments led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
Recently, in April, 2026, The Ministry of Home Affairs received an AI-enabled satellite imaging system named “Prajna.”
Prajna was developed by DRDO’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
The system uses artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring of sensitive regions, enhancing decision-making for security agencies.
It is designed to support internal security operations and counter-terrorism efforts across the country.
In addition, the Indian Navy successfully completed trials of the Air Droppable Container (ADC-150).
The ADC-150 is designed to enhance logistical support, emergency response, and supply delivery in maritime operations.

Q7. Apple Inc. officially announced that __________ would succeed Tim Cook as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

(a) Greg Joswiak

(b) Jeff Williams

(d) Craig Federighi

(e) Luca Maestri

Answer: c

Solution:

Apple Inc. announced a major leadership transition on 20 April 2026.
John Ternus has been named the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company.
Tim Cook will transition to the role of Executive Chairman from 1 September 2026.

Q8. In April 2026, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched an AI-powered chatbot to help citizens verify official notices and prevent cyber fraud. What is the name of this chatbot?

(a) Saathi

(b) Abhay

(d) Prajna

(e) Daksh

Answer: b

Solution:

The Central Bureau of Investigation has introduced an AI-powered chatbot named “Abhay.”
The platform is designed to help citizens verify the authenticity of official notices and communications.
It aims to protect people from digital frauds, particularly cases involving “digital arrest” scams, where fraudsters impersonate officials.
The chatbot enables users to cross-check suspicious messages and claims in real time, enhancing public awareness and safety.

Q9. Garia Puja, one of the most revered traditional festivals, is celebrated with great devotion in which of the following Indian states?

(a) Assam

(b) Manipur

(d) Nagaland

(e) Tripura

Answer: e

Solution:

Garia Puja is being celebrated on 21 April 2026 across Tripura with great enthusiasm and devotion.
The festival is observed by both tribal and non-tribal communities, promoting harmony, goodwill, and social unity.
Garia Puja is a seven-day festival dedicated to Garia, the deity associated with prosperity and well-being.
It is traditionally celebrated at the beginning of the Tripuri month of Boishakh, marking a new agricultural cycle.
The festival has its roots in tribal traditions, but over time it has evolved into a state-wide cultural celebration.

Q10. According to the updated DGFT notification effective from April 2026, how many total banks have been authorized to import precious metals (Gold and Silver) until March 2029?

(a) 12

(b) 15

(d) 19

(e) 21

Answer: b

Solution:

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has updated the list of authorised banks for importing gold and silver.
The revised authorisation is issued under the Department of Commerce, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
A total of 17 banks have been authorised, of which:
- 15 banks can import both gold and silver
- 2 banks are permitted to import only gold
The authorisation is effective from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.
The amendment has been issued under Appendix 4 of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023, in line with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.
Banks authorised to import both gold and silver include:
- State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank
- Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank
- IndusInd Bank, Yes Bank, Federal Bank, RBL Bank
- Karur Vysya Bank, Deutsche Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
Banks authorised to import only gold include:
- Union Bank of India
- Sberbank

In April, 2026, The Government of Meghalaya has decided to exclude Lumpongdeng Island from the proposed luxury resort project following concerns raised by local stakeholders.
The decision reflects sensitivity towards environmental protection and local sentiments.

Umiam Lake:

Also known as Barapani Lake, it is a man-made reservoir located in Meghalaya.
The lake is surrounded by the East Khasi Hills.
It was created in 1965 as part of the Umiam-Umtru Hydroelectric Power Project, the first hydroelectric project in Northeast India.
The project was initiated by the Assam State Electricity Board with support from the Government of India and the Canadian International Development Agency.
The reservoir was formed by constructing a dam across the Umiam River, which is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River.