Daily Current Affairs Quiz 17th April 2026 for Banking & Competitive Exams |

Daily Current Affairs: 17th April, 2026

Q1. In April 2026, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) Secretary launched two mobile applications for LIC. What is the name of the app specifically designed to assist LIC’s intermediaries and agents?

(a) LIC Agent Connect

(b) Super Sales Saathi

(d) LIC Mitra

(e) Bima Sugam

Answer: b

Solution:

In April 2026, M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance, launched two new mobile applications of Life Insurance Corporation of India.
The applications launched are MyLIC (Customer App) and Super Sales Saathi (for intermediaries/agents).
MyLIC App provides a comprehensive 360-degree digital experience, integrating multiple insurance services into a single platform.
It is designed to reduce paperwork, enhance convenience, and enable policyholders to manage their insurance needs digitally.
Super Sales Saathi App is developed for LIC’s agents and intermediaries.
It aims to improve productivity, efficiency, and customer service through advanced digital tools.
Overall, these applications represent a significant step towards digital transformation and improved service delivery in the insurance sector.

Q2. India’s R. Vaishali made history in April 2026 by winning the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. In which country was this prestigious tournament held?

(a) Canada

(b) Cyprus

(d) Spain

(e) India

Answer: b

Solution:

R Vaishali won the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 on 15 April 2026.
With this victory, she became the first Indian woman to win the Candidates Tournament.
The tournament was held in Cyprus.
The win marks the biggest achievement of her career so far.
She has earned the right to challenge reigning world champion Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Chess Championship title.

Q3. The Sakurajima volcano, which erupted in April 2026, is located on which island of Japan?

(a) Honshu

(b) Hokkaido

(d) Shikoku

(e) Okinawa

Answer: c

Solution:

In April 2026, the Sakurajima volcano erupted, sending massive plumes of ash several kilometres into the sky.

About Sakurajima Volcano:

It is located on the southern tip of Kyushu island, near Kagoshima, Japan.
Sakurajima is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, with frequent eruptions of varying intensity.
It is a stratovolcano, formed by successive layers of lava, ash, and volcanic debris.
The volcano lies along a convergent plate boundary, where tectonic plates collide, leading to volcanic activity.

Q4. In April 2026, which state cricket association became the first in India to implement a formal annual contract system for its domestic players?

(a) Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA)

(b) Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA)

(d) Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA)

(e) Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA)

Answer: e

Solution:

The Mumbai Cricket Association has decided to introduce annual contracts for its players starting from the 2026–27 season.
The contract system will include three categories—Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C, with players receiving remuneration accordingly.
The proposal was approved during a recent Apex Council meeting of the association.
With this move, the Mumbai Cricket Association has become the first state cricket body in India to implement a player contract system.
The initiative aims to provide financial security, structured remuneration, and professional stability to domestic players.

Q5. Who among the following was NOT included in the newly reconstituted panel of vice-chairpersons announced in April 2026?

(a) Sasmit Patra

(b) Phulo Devi Netam

(d) Manish Tiwari

(e) Ghanshyam Tiwari

Answer: d

Solution:

C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, reconstituted the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons on 15 April 2026.
The reconstituted panel includes:
- Dinesh Sharma
- Phangnon Konyak
- M. Thambi Durai
- Sasmit Patra
- Phulo Devi Netam
- Ghanshyam Tiwari
The reconstitution is effective from 15 April 2026.
The Panel of Vice-Chairpersons assists in presiding over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha in the absence of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

Q6. According to the IMF’s 2025 estimates, India has slipped to which position in the global GDP rankings?

(a) Fourth

(b) Fifth

(d) Seventh

(e) Third

Answer: c

Solution:

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India has slipped to the 6th position in global GDP rankings for 2025.
India’s GDP is estimated at $3.92 trillion, placing it behind:
- Japan – $4.44 trillion
- United Kingdom – $4 trillion
The top three economies globally are:
- United States – $30.8 trillion
- China – $19.6 trillion
- Germany – $4.7 trillion
The decline in ranking is mainly attributed to a weaker rupee, which has offset strong domestic economic growth.

Q7. According to government data for the fiscal year 2025-26, which country has overtaken the United States to become India’s largest trading partner?

(a) United Arab Emirates (UAE)

(b) Russia

(d) Germany

(e) Saudi Arabia

Answer: c

Solution:

China has overtaken the United States to become India’s largest trading partner in FY 2025–26.
Bilateral trade between India and China reached $151.1 billion during the period.
India’s trade deficit with China widened sharply to around $112.16 billion, the highest ever.
India’s exports to China increased by 36.66% to $19.47 billion, while imports rose by 16% to $131.63 billion.
The United States, which had been India’s largest trading partner for the past four years (till 2024–25), slipped to second position.
India’s trade with the US:
- Exports: $87.3 billion (↑ 0.92%)
- Imports: $52.9 billion (↑ 15.95%)
- Trade surplus: declined to $34.4 billion (from $40.89 billion in 2024–25)
Historically, China was India’s top trading partner from 2013–14 to 2017–18 and in 2020–21, while the US led from 2021–22 onwards.
Exports growth trends (2025–26):
- Negative growth with: Netherlands, UK, Singapore, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Australia, France, South Africa, Malaysia
- Positive growth with: UAE, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Nepal, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, Vietnam
Imports growth trends (2025–26):
- Negative growth with: Russia, Iraq, Indonesia, Australia, Qatar, Taiwan
- Positive growth with: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Germany, Thailand, Malaysia
Overall, the data reflects rising trade dependence on China, widening trade imbalance, and evolving global trade dynamics for India.

Q8. In April 2026, the Central Government notified a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to be set up by Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing. In which location is this mega project being established?

(a) GIFT City, Gandhinagar

(b) Dholera, Gujarat

(d) Noida, Uttar Pradesh

(e) Hyderabad, Telangana

Answer: b

Solution:

In April 2026, the Central Government notified a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to be developed by Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing.
The SEZ will be set up at Dholera, in Gujarat.
The zone will focus on electronic hardware, software, and IT/ITeS activities.
The company has proposed an investment of approximately ₹91,000 crore.
The project includes the establishment of India’s first semiconductor fabrication (chip-making) unit, a key step towards reducing import dependence.
The proposal has been approved by the Board of Approval (BoA), the highest authority for SEZ-related matters, chaired by the Commerce Secretary.

Q9. Which Union Ministry is the nodal agency for organizing the nationwide “Nari Shakti Vandan Run” in April 2026?

(a) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

(d) Ministry of Culture

(e) Ministry of Education

Answer: a

Solution:

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is organizing a nationwide “Nari Shakti Vandan Run” on 17 and 18 April 2026.
The initiative aims to promote women-led development and encourage citizen participation in the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The event is themed #NariShaktiVandan, highlighting the importance of women empowerment.
The run will be conducted across seven major cities:
- Patna and Jaipur on 17 April 2026
- Delhi, Cuttack, Mumbai, Indore, and Bengaluru on 18 April 2026
The event seeks to promote fitness, awareness, and active participation while celebrating the role of women in nation-building.

Q10. Mark Mobius, who passed away in April 2026, was famously known by which of the following monikers in the financial world?

(a) The Oracle of Omaha

(b) The Indiana Jones of Emerging Markets

(d) The Bond King

(e) The Quant Guru

Answer: b

Solution:

Mark Mobius, a veteran global investor, passed away on 15 April 2026 in Singapore at the age of 89.
He was widely regarded as a pioneer of emerging market investing and was often referred to as the “Indiana Jones of emerging markets.”
Mark Mobius spent over 30 years at Franklin Templeton, where he played a key role in expanding investments into developing economies.
He later co-founded Mobius Capital Partners, continuing his focus on emerging markets.
His strategies helped channel billions of dollars into developing economies, shaping global investment trends.