Weekly Current Affairs Test : 15th to 21st April 2026

Researchers found a traditional herbal formulation used by the Konyak tribe of Nagaland showing anti-cancer potential, highlighting the importance of indigenous medicinal knowledge. The Konyaks mainly inhabit Mon district of Nagaland. The term “Konyak” is derived from ‘Whao’ (head) and ‘Nyak’ (black), meaning “men with black hair.” They are of Mongoloid origin, and about 95% of the population follows Christianity. Their language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family (a major Asian linguistic group).

A new species of bent-toed gecko, Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis, has been discovered in Assam near Raimona National Park. It belongs to the genus Cyrtodactylus (one of the largest groups of geckos globally with high species diversity). The species is named after Raimona National Park located in Kokrajhar district of Assam. It has a moderate body size with a maximum snout-vent length (distance from snout to cloaca in reptiles) of about 71.1 millimetres (mm). It shows rounded, bluntly conical and weakly keeled dorsal tubercles (small bony projections on the skin).

More than 1,000 Roman artefacts were discovered in Lake Neuchatel, Switzerland, providing insights into life during the Roman Empire. Lake Neuchâtel is the largest lake entirely within Switzerland and lies at the base of the Jura Mountains. It was formed during the last Ice Age (period of extensive glaciation about 15,000 years ago) due to melting glaciers carving valleys. The lake is about 38.3 kilometres (km) long and 8.2 km wide, covering 212.33 square kilometres (sq km).

Susan Coyle has been appointed as the first-ever female Chief of Army of Australia, marking a historic milestone in April 2026, with tenure starting in July. She currently serves as Chief of Joint Capabilities and has nearly four decades of experience since joining the army in 1987. The announcement by Anthony Albanese reflects a shift towards inclusive leadership in defence. She will lead the Australian Army, becoming the first woman to head any service branch. The move aligns with reforms in the Australian Defence Force to improve gender representation and workplace conditions.

The International Labour Organization report “Universal social protection in changing labour markets: Protecting workers in all types of employment” stresses strengthening social protection for all workers. Social protection (social security: policies reducing poverty and vulnerability across life stages) includes nine areas like maternity, unemployment, health, old-age, disability, and survivors’ benefits. It must shift from poverty reduction to poverty prevention, ensuring support before vulnerability arises. Universal coverage is needed for all workers, including informal, temporary, part-time, and self-employed categories.

Recently, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh reviewed progress of Shongtong–Karchham Hydroelectric Project during a visit to Kinnaur district. The Shongtong–Karchham Hydroelectric Project is located on the Satluj River in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a run-of-river (RoR) project, meaning electricity is generated using natural river flow without large storage reservoirs. The total installed capacity is 450 megawatts (MW), with 3 × 150 MW Francis turbines. It is being developed by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), a state-owned company. The project aims to enhance clean energy generation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Calamaria garoensis is a newly discovered species of burrowing reed snake identified in the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It is currently endemic to the Garo Hills, indicating a restricted geographical distribution. It belongs to the genus Calamaria, known for small, secretive, and burrowing snakes. Reed snakes are non-venomous, slender, and fossorial (adapted to underground life). They are typically brown, reddish, or blackish in appearance.

World Chagas Disease Day is observed on 14 April to raise awareness about this neglected tropical disease and its impact. Chagas disease, also called American trypanosomiasis, is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is a chronic infectious disease that can lead to severe heart and digestive system complications. It spreads mainly through triatomine bugs (kissing bugs), which transmit the parasite via their feces. It is prevalent in Latin America, especially South and Central America and Mexico.

INS Dhruv is India’s first dedicated nuclear missile tracking and ocean surveillance ship, enhancing strategic maritime capability. It was commissioned on 10 September 2021 and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO). The ship tracks ballistic missiles, gathers Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), and supports India’s missile defence programme. It provides early warning of missile threats and helps calibrate Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) systems using trajectory data.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare chaired the First Health Working Group meeting under the BRICS framework in New Delhi in 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from nine BRICS countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE, and Indonesia. India, as BRICS Chair 2026, adopted the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” It focused on strengthening cooperation in public health, including communicable and non-communicable diseases and health systems. India proposed new priorities of promoting healthy lifestyles and improving mental health and wellness.

Dillenia nagalim is a new plant species discovered in Kamjong district of Manipur near the Indo-Myanmar border. The name reflects the Naga community, indicating its local origin. It is endemic, currently known from only a single location. It is a small shrub with bright yellow flowers and double-serrated leaves. It differs from related species like Dillenia pentagyna in size, flower structure, and reproductive features. It grows in tropical deciduous forests (250–350 m altitude) and flowers during May–June.

The Painted Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis pictus) is a rare, colourful terrestrial reptile recently spotted in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. It belongs to the genus Eublepharis under the family Eublepharidae, distributed across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The species was scientifically described in 2022 from the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The Brahmani River acts as a geographical barrier separating it from the East Indian Leopard Gecko. It prefers dry evergreen forests with scrub and meadow habitats.

Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush inaugurated “Chintan Shivir 2026” in New Delhi (2-day event ending 17 April 2026). The event aims to review progress, identify gaps, and plan a future roadmap for the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) sector. It emphasises evidence-based traditional medicine and integration with modern healthcare systems. The Ministry launched a WhatsApp channel and a toll-free number (1800-11-0008) for public engagement. The initiative aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and promotes “Heal in India, Heal by India.”

The Indian government has officially notified the establishment of the country’s first semiconductor fabrication plant, developed by Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Limited (TSMPL) in the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), Gujarat. It will support electronic hardware, software, and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITeS). The initiative aligns with reforms in the SEZ Rules, 2006 (amended in 2025), including reduced land requirement and flexibility in operations. It aims to boost semiconductor manufacturing, innovation, and ease of doing business in India.

The Financial Intelligence Unit India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority to strengthen coordination against financial crimes. The MoU aims to enhance information sharing, training, and outreach for entities regulated by PFRDA. It focuses on improving Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) capabilities. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), established in 2004 under the Ministry of Finance. FIU-IND acts as the national agency for analysing suspicious financial transactions, while PFRDA regulates India’s pension sector

The Bombay High Court was informed that the Maharashtra government has not yet framed a policy to address Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal neurological disease. Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), also known as Dawson disease, is a progressive and disabling brain disorder caused by a persistent infection of the measles (rubeola) virus. The disease typically develops several years after a person has recovered from measles, due to an abnormal immune response or mutated virus. It is a rare condition occurring in about one per 50,000 measles cases and mainly affects children and adolescents, with males being more vulnerable.

Researchers recently discovered a new bent-toed gecko species, Cyrtodactylus jayadityai, in Tripura, highlighting Northeast India’s rich biodiversity. The species inhabits lowland forest patches, emphasizing the ecological value of these habitats. It is genetically distinct, showing about 4.7–5.2 percent divergence from its closest relative, Cyrtodactylus tripuraensis, based on mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) analysis. The gecko is nocturnal, becoming active at night for foraging and hiding in burrows during the day. With this discovery, the total number of Cyrtodactylus species in Northeast India has increased to 31.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a hafnium-oxide memristor, a brain-inspired nanodevice that can significantly reduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) energy consumption. A memristor (memory + resistor) is an electronic component whose resistance depends on past current flow, enabling it to “remember” previous electrical states. Unlike a conventional resistor, a memristor has variable resistance and retains its state even when the current is switched off. Memristors are nanoscale devices with low energy requirements and are commonly made using materials like titanium dioxide (TiO₂) between metal electrodes.

North India’s water and energy security will improve as the 300 megawatt Lakhwar Hydroelectric Project on the Yamuna River in Uttarakhand progresses after review by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The Lakhwar project is a multipurpose hydroelectric project located near Lohari village in Dehradun district and is being developed by Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam. It includes a 204 metre high concrete gravity dam, three steel-lined penstocks, and an underground powerhouse with three vertical Francis turbines of 100 megawatts each.

The Government has expanded the RELIEF (Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) scheme under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) due to geopolitical disruptions in West Asia affecting maritime trade. The RELIEF scheme, launched by Ministry of Commerce & Industry in March 2026. It provides support to Indian exporters facing high freight costs, increased insurance premiums, and war-related risks in the Gulf region. It is implemented through the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India as the nodal agency, focusing on insurance facilitation and risk coverage.

India plans to equip Dassault Mirage 2000 jets with Astra Mark-2 missiles, enhancing interception up to 240 kilometres and boosting aerial dominance. Astra Mark-2 is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). More than 50 industries, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), contributed to its development. Astra Mark-1 (90–100 kilometres range) is already inducted in the Indian Air Force (IAF) on LCA Tejas and Su-30 MKI.

Hussain Sagar Lake is facing severe foul odour due to heavy algal bloom during rising summer temperatures. Algal bloom occurs due to eutrophication, where excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus enter the water. Hussain Sagar Lake is an artificial lake in Hyderabad, built in 1562 AD under Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah. It is located on a tributary of the Musi River and is among Asia’s largest man-made lakes. The lake is also called Tank Bund and connects Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

The Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench) set aside rejection of Community Forest Rights claims of the Tharu tribe in Lakhimpur Kheri. The Tharu are an indigenous tribe of the Terai plains along the Indo–Nepal border, residing in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Bihar. They are among the oldest and largest ethnic groups of the Terai and were recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in 1967. Their language, Tharu or Tharuhati, belongs to the Indo-Aryan subgroup of the Indo-European language family. Economy is based on agriculture, cattle rearing, fishing, hunting, and forest produce collection.

Developing countries launched the Borrowers’ Platform at the International Monetary Fund–World Bank Spring Meetings 2026. It is a platform for borrower nations to share experiences, coordinate policies, and collectively raise debt-related concerns. It includes Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to strengthen debt management and global negotiation capacity. It is governed by Finance Ministers, supported by technical debt officials for policy inputs. It is not a debt-restructuring mechanism, but a coordination and dialogue forum.

Chenchu tribals in Amrabad Tiger Reserve opposed relocation citing forest-based livelihood concerns. The Chenchu are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) mainly living in Nallamalai forests of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They are classified under the Proto-Australoid group and also inhabit Karnataka and Odisha. Settlements called “Penta” consist of scattered huts based on kinship; “Peddamanishi” acts as village head. Society is based on small families with relatively equal gender roles and marriage at maturity.

Scientists at CSIR Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine demonstrated that Apis mellifera can survive sub-zero temperatures, reducing the need for seasonal hive migration. Apis mellifera is the most widely distributed and domesticated honey bee species globally. It is commercially important for honey, wax, propolis production, and crop pollination. It is native to Europe, West Asia, and Africa, it has been introduced worldwide since the 17th century. It thrives in habitats with abundant flowering plants such as meadows, forests, and gardens. It can adapt to diverse environments including grasslands, deserts, and wetlands with adequate resources.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court quashed a notification declaring Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Col. Sher Jung National Park, also known as Simbalbara National Park, is located in the Paonta Valley, Himachal Pradesh. It is named after freedom fighter and environmentalist Colonel Sher Jung. The park lies in the lower to upper Shiwalik ranges with elevations between 350–700 metres. It is situated at the confluence of the Himalayas, Gangetic plains, and semi-arid biogeographic regions. It shares ecological connectivity with Kalesar National Park.

A report by the Kerala State Food Commission highlighted discrepancies in ration distribution in Edamalakkudy, Kerala’s only tribal panchayat inhabited by the Muthuvan tribe. The Muthuvan tribe resides in the Western Ghats across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They speak the Muthuvan language, belonging to the Dravidian language family, with dialects like Malayalam Muthuvan and Pandi Muthuvan. They are known for harmonious coexistence with wildlife and deep ecological knowledge of hill ecosystems. The tribe possesses traditional medicinal knowledge passed down through generations.

The Central Bureau of Investigation launched an Artificial Intelligence-powered chatbot named “Abhay” to help citizens verify official notices and prevent digital scams. The chatbot will be launched during the D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture by Justice Surya Kant. It enables users to check the authenticity of notices, addressing rising “digital arrest” scams involving impersonation of officials. The tool acts as a first line of defence against cyber fraud, where criminals siphon money through deception. It reflects increasing adoption of Artificial Intelligence in policing for fraud detection and public assistance.

India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park is being established in Ladakh on the banks of the Indus River to preserve ancient rock art. Petroglyphs are prehistoric carvings or engravings on rock surfaces depicting symbols, figures, and inscriptions. The park aims to protect endangered petroglyphs threatened by tourism, infrastructure development, and environmental factors. It will relocate and conserve carvings from vulnerable and isolated sites across Ladakh for safe preservation and public display.