Daily Current Affairs โ 24 April 2026
Daily Current Affairs ยท 24 April 2026
10 fully-analysed topics ยท 30 bilingual MCQs ยท 3 embedded videos ยท built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
๐ 10 Topics
๐ฏ 30 MCQs
๐ฌ 3 Videos
๐ฎ๐ณ Hindi + English
๐ฏ 30 MCQs
๐ฌ 3 Videos
๐ฎ๐ณ Hindi + English
Economy: 5 ยท History: 4 ยท Environment: 1
โถ Start Here โ UPSC-Standard Quiz
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ โ 24 April 2026
10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories ยท 10-sec timer per question
Score yourself as you go. Get a feel for how UPSC-level questions are framed around the day's news.
๐ฐ Today’s Top 5 Current Affairs
#01
History
History
Indiaโs Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Crisis
๐ฐ Why in News
Despite improved school enrolment and policy emphasis under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
โ
Quick Facts
- India faces a serious FLN crisis despite strong policy support (NEP 2020
- Addressing the crisis requires shifting focus from enrollment to learning outcomes through better teaching practices
- About: FLN refers to a child's ability to read simple sentences with meaning and solve basic math problems by the end of Class 3
- According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) by NGO Pratham Foundation
- The World Bank defines learning poverty as the inability to read and understand a simple text by age 10
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Explicitly identifies FLN as a foundational national priority
- NIPUN Bharat Mission: Specifically launched in 2021 to ensure that every child in the country necessarily attains Foundational Literacy and Numeracyโฆ
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: An overarching program for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12
- PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India): A centrally sponsored scheme to upgrade and develop more than 14,500 schools to showcase the implementation ofโฆ
- DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing): A national platform for school education providing quality e-content for teachers and students.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- text has improved only marginally from 16.3% in 2022 to 23.4% in 2024 , reflecting slow
- only marginally from 16.3% in 2022 to 23.4% in 2024 , reflecting slow progress and a
- a high rate of learning poverty (around 55%), which was further exacerbated by the
- Numeracy (FLN) by the end of Grade 3, by 2026-27. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: An overarching
- Bharat Abhiyan'? (2017) (a) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between
- Education guidelines. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are
๐ฏ UPSC Relevance
Discuss the significance of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in achieving India's demographic dividend.
#02
Economy
Economy
World Bank
๐ฐ Why in News
Recently, Indian American business executive Ajay Banga was nominated by US President to head the World Bank.
โ
Quick Facts
- If confirmed by the World Bank Board of directors
- About: It was created in 1944 , as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) along with the IMF
- The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build sharedโฆ
- The World Bank is one of the United Nations' specialized agencies.
- International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
- International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) India is not a member of ICSID.
- The United States is the largest single shareholder
- While the World Bank provides support to developing countries
- The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank.
- They are the rupee-denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing for the public and private sector.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- is the largest single shareholder, with 16.41% of the votes, followed by Japan (7.87%
- 16.41% of the votes, followed by Japan (7.87%), Germany (4.49%), the United Kingdom
- votes, followed by Japan (7.87%), Germany (4.49%), the United Kingdom (4.31%), and France
- Germany (4.49%), the United Kingdom (4.31%), and France (4.31%). The rest of the
- the United Kingdom (4.31%), and France (4.31%). The rest of the shares are divided among
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
IMFWTO
#03
History
History
ASER 2024 and Elementary Education
๐ฐ Why in News
The NGO Pratham Foundation released the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 on learning outcomes of school students in rural India.
โ
Quick Facts
- It is based on a 2024 survey conducted in 17,997 villages across 605 rural districts.
- It reached 649,491 children in the 3-16 years age group
- About: ASER is a nationwide, citizen-led household survey that offers an insightful snapshot of children's schooling and learning in rural India
- Enrollment : ASER tracks school and preschool enrollment trends, highlighting improvements and challenges by state and age group.
- Learning Outcomes : It assesses basic reading and arithmetic skills , showing children's progress at primary and secondary levels.
- Digital Literacy : ASER 2024 evaluates older children's smartphone skills , including tasks like setting alarms, browsing, and messaging .
- Pre-primary (Age Group 3-5 Years): Enrollment : Enrollment in pre-primary institutions ( Anganwadi
- Overall Enrollment : Enrollment dropped slightly from 98.4% in 2022 to 98.1% in 2024
- Reading and Arithmetic Skills: In 2024, 23.4% of Standard (Std) III children in government schools could read Std II-level text , up from 16.3% inโฆ
- Arithmetic abilities improved more than reading skills , with government schools showing faster progress than private schools.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- E.g., Enrollment of 3-year-olds rose from 68.1% in 2018 to 77.4% in 2024 . Pre-primary
- of 3-year-olds rose from 68.1% in 2018 to 77.4% in 2024 . Pre-primary Institutions
- Enrollment dropped slightly from 98.4% in 2022 to 98.1% in 2024 , with government
- dropped slightly from 98.4% in 2022 to 98.1% in 2024 , with government school enrollment
- school enrollment declining from 7 2.9% to 66.8%. Reading and Arithmetic Skills: In
- school enrollment declining from 7 2.9% to 66.8%. Reading and Arithmetic Skills: In 2024
#04
Economy
Economy
Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic
๐ฐ Why in News
Recently, the world marked five years since the outbreak of Covid-19 , a pandemic that caused millions of deaths , unprecedented economic disruptions , and significant social challenges .
โ
Quick Facts
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests
- Although much of the immediate crisis has passed
- Economic Impact: GDP Gaps: India experienced a sharp contraction in its GDP growth rate during 2020-21
- Post-pandemic recovery was robust, with growth rates of 9.7%, 7%, and 8.2% in subsequent three years (2021 to 2023), but the economy remains yearsโฆ
- At a 7% growth rate , India's GDP is projected to return to its pre-Covid trend by 2042-43, whereas a 7.5% growth rate could achieve this a decadeโฆ
- Global GDP contracted by 3.1% in 2020, and the 2023 Global Economic Prospects report indicates a nearly USD 4.7 trillion shortfall from the originalโฆ
- Governments globally borrowed heavily during the pandemic, causing the largest spike in public debt in two decades in 2020.
- Public debt remains above pre-Covid levels , with spending expected to escalate due to net-zero commitments , increased defense budgets in Europeโฆ
- High debt burdens constrain fiscal flexibility , diverting resources from critical sectors like health, education, and infrastructure .
- The pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of global supply chains
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- contraction in its GDP growth rate during 2020-21, dropping to -5.8% due to stringent
- growth rate during 2020-21, dropping to -5.8% due to stringent lockdowns, compared to the
- compared to the pre-Covid average of 6.6%. Post-pandemic recovery was robust, with
- recovery was robust, with growth rates of 9.7%, 7%, and 8.2% in subsequent three years
- was robust, with growth rates of 9.7%, 7%, and 8.2% in subsequent three years (2021
- robust, with growth rates of 9.7%, 7%, and 8.2% in subsequent three years (2021 to 2023
#05
History
History
Indiaโs Fight Against Anemia
๐ฐ Why in News
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released a progress update on the Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) campaign, highlighting India's sustained efforts to combat anemia, a major public health challenge.
โ
Quick Facts
- About: It was launched in 2018 with the aim to reduce anemia through a 6x6x6 framework
- 6 Key interventions: Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation : Age-appropriate Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplements are provided
- Deworming : Biannual deworming for children and adolescents (1-19 years) and antenatal deworming for pregnant women.
- Behavior Change Campaigns : Year-round campaigns focusing on key behaviors to combat anemia.
- Anemia Testing and Treatment : Use of digital methods for anemia screening, with special attention to pregnant women and adolescents.
- Fortification of Foods : Mandatory fortification of foods with Iron and Folic Acid in government programs.
- Awareness and Treatment for Non-Nutritional Causes : Special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies, and fluorosis in endemic areas.
- About: Anemia is a condition primarily caused by iron deficiency
- Vulnerability & Impact : Children under 5 (especially those under 2 years)
- In 2019, anemia caused a loss of 50 million years of healthy life , primarily due to iron deficiency, thalassemia, sickle cell trait, and malaria.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- major statistics from NFHS-5 , including 67.1% of children and 59.1% of adolescent girls
- NFHS-5 , including 67.1% of children and 59.1% of adolescent girls being anemic. The 6x6x6
- Extent in India and Globally : Globally, 40% of children (659 months), 37% of pregnant
- Globally, 40% of children (659 months), 37% of pregnant women, and 30% of non-pregnant
- 659 months), 37% of pregnant women, and 30% of non-pregnant women (1549 years) are
- Reduce stunting in children under 5 by 40% Reduce anemia in women of reproductive age
๐ โ๏ธ Core Subject Drill โ Indian Polity
โ๏ธ Indian Polity MCQ Quiz ยท เคญเคพเคฐเคคเฅเคฏ เคฐเคพเคเคตเฅเคฏเคตเคธเฅเคฅเคพ
10 bilingual MCQs ยท Indian Polity ยท Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian Polity. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
๐ More Current Affairs Coverage
#06
Economy
Economy
Safer Alternatives to Traditional Fireworks
๐ฐ Why in News
A devastating fireworks accident in Kerala (e.g., Mundathikode blaze) and safety concerns during festivals like Thrissur Pooram have renewed focus on safer alternatives.
โ
Quick Facts
- Legal Framework: Governed by the Explosives Act, 1884 and Explosive Rules, 2008 , regulating the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of fireworks
- Regulatory Authority: The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)
- Supreme Court Directives: In Arjun Gopal vs Union of India (2018)
- In Noise Pollution (V) In Re (2005) , the Supreme Court held that noise pollution violates Article 21 , which guarantees the right to life andโฆ
- Administrative & Safety Failures: Rampant illegal manufacturing (especially in hubs like Sivakasi
- Health Hazards: Traditional crackers release a cocktail of toxic chemicals: Strontium (Red): Causes bone growth issues in children.
- Barium (Green): Leads to respiratory distress and muscle weakness.
- Aluminium/Antimony: Leads to skin and lung irritation.
- About: Cold spark technology is an advanced pyrotechnic system that produces visual spark effects without explosions, loud noise, or heavy smoke.
- Working Mechanism: It uses fine metal alloy powders (such as titanium and zirconium) that are heated and dispersed into the air
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- arsenic, or lead. They reduce emissions by 30% to 35% . The three main categories are
- or lead. They reduce emissions by 30% to 35% . The three main categories are: SWAS (Safe
- by CSIR-NEERI, they reduce emissions by 3035% and avoid toxic chemicals like barium
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtDPIIT
#07
Economy
Economy
Explosive Substances Act and Peroxide Chemicals
๐ฐ Why in News
A chemical explosion in a Thane (Maharashtra)-based factory, claiming 11 lives, highlights critical safety flaws.
โ
Quick Facts
- The Explosives Act of 1884, enacted by the British colonial government in India, regulates the manufacture, storage, possession, use, sale, importโฆ
- The Explosive Substances Act of 1908 encompasses provisions defining explosive substances and special category explosive substances
- The general structure for peroxides can be represented as ROOR, where 'R' can be any element
#08
Economy
Economy
Draft Explosives Bill 2024
๐ฐ Why in News
The Government of India aims to replace the Explosives Act 1884 with the new Explosives Bill 2024.
โ
Quick Facts
- The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has proposed the draft bill.
- The key objectives are to raise fines for regulatory violations and enhance the efficiency of licensing procedures.
- Designation of Licensing Authority: Under the proposed bill
- Possession, use, sale, or transportation of explosives in violation may lead to imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of Rs 50,000, or bothโฆ
- The PESO , formerly known as the Department of Explosives, since its inception in 1898, has been serving the nation as a nodal agency for regulatingโฆ
- PESO's major work is to administer the responsibilities delegated under the Explosives Act 1884 and Petroleum Act 1934 and the Rules made thereunderโฆ
- It operates under the DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- The organisation has provided training to law enforcement
- Historical Context: Enacted during British colonial rule, the Explosives Act of 1884 aimed to regulate various aspects of explosives.
- Safety Regulations: The Act applies to various types of explosives, including gunpowder, dynamite, nitroglycerin, and other similar substances
#09
History
History
Green Crackers
๐ฐ Why in News
The Supreme Court of India has relaxed the year-long blanket ban on fireworks in Delhi-NCR
โ
Quick Facts
- The court called it a "test case" to balance festivals with pollution control, noting blanket bans led to smuggling and use of harmful fireworks.
- Green Crackers: Designed to reduce air pollution by modifying traditional formulations
- Green crackers can be of two types : Improved Fireworks: Modified existing crackers with cleaner compositions.
- New Formulation Fireworks: Developed with new materials and compositions to further cut emissions.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- of dust suppressants. They ensure at least 30% reduction in particulate matter (PM) or 20%
- 30% reduction in particulate matter (PM) or 20% PM reduction plus 10% reduction in gaseous
- matter (PM) or 20% PM reduction plus 10% reduction in gaseous emissions (SOโ and
- standards. Read more: Green Crackers 24 Shares –> Send To My Progress Send To My
#10
Environment
Environment
Air Pollution in India
๐ฐ Why in News
An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)
โ
Quick Facts
- The analysis used data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) collected through Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS)
- Widespread National Non-Compliance: During the winter period
- The majority of India's economic hubs struggled with toxic air
- Bengaluru was the only megacity to keep its air quality slightly below the NAAQS limit, recording an average PM2.5 concentration of 39 g/m³.
- Southern and Central/Northeastern India performed the best
- Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5): Microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the atmosphere
- It is not emitted directly but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in theโฆ
- They are emitted from paints, solvents, vehicle exhaust, and industrial processes, and play a major role in smog formation.
- Photochemical Smog: A b rownish-gray haze caused by the action of solar ultraviolet radiation on an atmosphere polluted with hydrocarbons and oxidesโฆ
- In winter, Delhi's cold conditions cause pollutants to accumulate in the lower atmosphere, forming dense smog and worsening surface-level airโฆ
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- ambient air quality. In India, NAAQS covers 12 pollutants (the 8 in AQI plus Benzene
- across the country, targeting a 20-30% reduction in particulate matter
- concentrations by 2024 (later revised to a 40% reduction by 2026). Frequently Asked
- particulate matter pollution by up to 40% by 2026 through city-specific action plans
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
MoEFCCWHO
๐๏ธ Wrap Up โ Simple CA Quiz
Simple Current Affairs MCQ โ 24 April 2026
10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics ยท great for quick revision
End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.
