Daily Current Affairs Quiz 19th April 2026 for Banking & Competitive Exams |

Daily Current Affairs: 19th April, 2026

Q1. World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is being observed globally on April 18, 2026. In light of increasing global challenges, what is the official theme for the year 2026 as announced by ICOMOS?

(a) Heritage of Commemoration

(b) Complex Pasts: Diverse Futures

(d) Shared Cultures, Shared Heritage, Shared Responsibility

(e) Discover and Experience Cultural Diversity

Answer: c

Solution:

World Heritage Day is observed globally on 18 April every year.
The day aims to promote awareness about the importance, diversity, and vulnerability of cultural and natural heritage.
It is also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites.
The observance was proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites and later approved by the UNESCO General Conference in 1983.
The theme for 2026 is “Emergency Response for Living Heritage in Contexts of Conflicts and Disasters.”
The theme focuses on strengthening resilience and protecting cultural heritage sites and traditions during crises.

Q2. In April 2026, the Government of India expanded the scope of the RELIEF scheme by adding which two countries to the list of eligible destinations?

(a) Israel and Lebanon

(b) Saudi Arabia and UAE

(d) Egypt and Jordan

(e) Turkey and Cyprus

Answer: d

Solution:

In April 2026, the Government of India expanded the list of eligible destinations under RELIEF – Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation in response to the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia and its impact on maritime logistics.
RELIEF is a time-bound initiative launched on 19 March 2026 under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) to support exporters facing disruptions in the Gulf and wider West Asia region.
The scheme addresses challenges such as sharp increases in freight costs, higher insurance premiums, and war-related export risks.
It provides support across the entire export cycle, covering both shipments already undertaken during the disruption period and future exports.
The initiative is being implemented by Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India as the nodal agency.
RELIEF includes provisions for support to insured exporters, facilitation of insurance cover for upcoming shipments, and reimbursement assistance for MSME exporters facing high logistics and insurance costs.
With the latest expansion, Egypt and Jordan have been added to the list of eligible destinations for shipments, including those meant for delivery or transshipment.

Q3. In the Financial Year 2025-26, how many new startups were recognized by the Government of India, marking the highest annual recognition since the inception of the Startup India initiative?

(a) 36,400

(b) 48,200

(d) 72,100

(e) 1,00,000

Answer: c

Solution:

The Government of India recognized over 55,200 startups in FY 2025–26, the highest number in a single year since the launch of the initiative.
The Startup India initiative, launched on 16 January 2016, aims to build a robust ecosystem for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.
Since its inception, the total number of recognized startups has crossed 2.23 lakh as of 31 March 2026.
These startups have generated more than 23.36 lakh direct jobs, contributing significantly to employment creation.
Over 1.07 lakh startups have at least one woman director or partner, accounting for around 48% of total recognized startups, highlighting strong women participation.
The number of recognized startups grew by 51.6% year-on-year in FY 2025–26 compared to the previous financial year.
During the same period, direct job creation increased by 36.1%, indicating expanding economic impact.
Overall, the initiative continues to strengthen India’s position as a global startup hub and innovation-driven economy.

Q4. The World Border Security Congress 2026, where India showcased its maritime security leadership, was hosted in which city?

(a) Geneva, Switzerland

(b) Vienna, Austria

(d) New Delhi, India

(e) Munich, Germany

Answer: b

Solution:

India participated in the World Border Security Congress 2026 held in Vienna, Austria from 14 to 16 April 2026.
India showcased its leadership in maritime security and reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation.
The Indian delegation was led by Anand Prakash Badola.
The World Border Security Congress, established in 2012, is a premier global platform bringing together government officials, security experts, and industry leaders.
The forum focuses on emerging challenges, technological advancements, and best practices in border management, while promoting global collaboration.

Q5. Recently, in April, 2026, Which railway coaching depot became the first in India to achieve ‘water neutral’ status by utilizing plant-based purification systems?

(a) Nizamuddin Coaching Depot, Delhi

(b) Wadi Bunder Coaching Depot, Mumbai

(d) Perambur Coaching Depot, Chennai

(e) Kankaria Coaching Depot, Ahmedabad

Answer: e

Solution:

The Kankaria Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad has become India’s first water-neutral railway coaching depot.
The initiative marks a significant step towards environmental sustainability and water conservation in railway operations.
The depot achieves water neutrality by using plant-based natural purification systems along with advanced treatment and reuse techniques.

Q6. In April 2026, which organization launched the anthology “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India” to promote immersive tourism?

(a) Ministry of External Affairs

(b) NITI Aayog

(d) Ministry of Culture

(e) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

Answer: b

Solution:

In April 2026, NITI Aayog launched an anthology titled “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India.”
The initiative aims to promote India’s diverse tourism landscape in a structured and immersive manner.
It seeks to inspire both Indian citizens and global travellers to explore the country’s rich cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage.

Q7. Oscar Schmidt, who passed away in April 2026 at the age of 68, was a legendary sports figure widely regarded as one of the most prolific scorers in the history of professional basketball. Which country did he represent internationally?

(a) Argentina

(b) Spain

(d) Italy

(e) USA

Answer: c

Solution:

Oscar Schmidt, one of the most prolific scorers in basketball history, passed away in April 2026 at the age of 68.
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, recognising his outstanding contribution to the sport.
Oscar Schmidt had a 30-year professional career, playing in Brazil and Europe, and retired in 2003 at the age of 45.
He represented Brazil in five Olympic Games and four World Cups, holding all-time scoring records in both competitions.
He held an unofficial world record of 49,737 points scored for club and country.
This record was later surpassed by LeBron James in 2024.

Q8. Prior to the 2026 declaration of Khasi and Garo as official languages of the state, which language served as the sole medium for carrying out all official administrative business in the state of Meghalaya?

(a) Hindi

(b) Assamese

(d) English

(e) Nepali

Answer: d

Solution:

The Cabinet of Meghalaya on 16 April 2026 approved the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026.
The ordinance declares Khasi and Garo as official languages of the state, in addition to English.
Khasi and Garo are the languages of the two largest indigenous tribes in Meghalaya.
The decision addresses a long-standing demand for greater recognition of these languages.
Currently, English is used for official administrative work in the state.

Q9. In recognition of her remarkable contributions to film, storytelling, and the enhancement of South Asian visibility on a global scale, which Bollywood actress was named the “2026 Person of the Year” by the Harvard South Asian Association?

(a) Deepika Padukone

(b) Radhika Apte

(d) Priyanka Chopra Jonas

(e) Sobhita Dhulipala

Answer: c

Solution:

Sayani Gupta has been named the Person of the Year 2026 by the Harvard South Asian Association.
The recognition honours her outstanding contributions to film, storytelling, and representation.
The award highlights her role in shaping contemporary narratives and diverse representation in cinema.
The Harvard South Asian Association annually confers this award on individuals who have made a significant impact on South Asian identity and public life.

Q10. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently relaxed the registration validity for Not-for-Profit Organisations (NPOs) on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE). What is the new maximum duration an NPO can remain registered without raising funds?

(a) 12 months

(b) 2 years

(d) 3 years

(e) 10 years

Answer: d

Solution:

In April, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has relaxed key norms for the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) to enhance fundraising for social enterprises.
The reforms aim to improve participation, flexibility, and efficiency for Not-for-Profit Organisations (NPOs).
SEBI has extended the registration validity for NPOs to up to 3 years, compared to the earlier 2-year limit, even if they do not raise funds immediately, subject to exchange approval.
The move addresses delays in regulatory and statutory approvals that often hinder fundraising efforts.
SEBI has reduced the minimum subscription requirement for Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instruments from 75% to 50%, based on project viability.
Even with lower subscription levels, the SSE will ensure due diligence and proper utilisation of funds.
If the minimum subscription is not achieved, funds must be refunded to investors, and NPOs must disclose plans to raise the remaining capital.
NPOs are also required to disclose the impact of funding shortfalls on project implementation and outcomes.
Earlier, SEBI had reduced the minimum investment for Social Impact Funds to ₹1,000 from ₹2 lakh to encourage retail participation.