Daily Current Affairs — 24 April 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 24 April 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
📚 10 Topics
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
Economy: 5 · History: 4 · Environment: 1
▶ Start Here — UPSC-Standard Quiz
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ — 24 April 2026
10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories · 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.
📰 Today’s Top 5 Current Affairs
#01
History
History
India’s Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Crisis
📰 Why in News
Despite improved school enrolment and policy emphasis under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
✅ 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 Numeracy…
- 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 of…
- DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing): A national platform for school education providing quality e-content for teachers and students.
📊 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
🎯 UPSC Relevance
Discuss the significance of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in achieving India's demographic dividend.
#02
Economy
Economy
World Bank
📰 Why in News
Recently, Indian American business executive Ajay Banga was nominated by US President to head the World Bank.
✅ 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 shared…
- 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.
📊 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
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
IMFWTO
#03
History
History
ASER 2024 and Elementary Education
📰 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.
✅ 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% in…
- Arithmetic abilities improved more than reading skills , with government schools showing faster progress than private schools.
📊 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
📰 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 .
✅ 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 years…
- 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 decade…
- 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 original…
- 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 Europe…
- 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
📊 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
India’s Fight Against Anemia
📰 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.
✅ 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.
📊 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
📚 ⚖️ Core Subject Drill — Indian Polity
⚖️ Indian Polity MCQ Quiz · भारतीय राजव्यवस्था
10 bilingual MCQs · Indian Polity · Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian Polity. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
📖 More Current Affairs Coverage
#06
Economy
Economy
Safer Alternatives to Traditional Fireworks
📰 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.
✅ 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 and…
- 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
📊 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
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtDPIIT
#07
Economy
Economy
Explosive Substances Act and Peroxide Chemicals
📰 Why in News
A chemical explosion in a Thane (Maharashtra)-based factory, claiming 11 lives, highlights critical safety flaws.
✅ Quick Facts
- The Explosives Act of 1884, enacted by the British colonial government in India, regulates the manufacture, storage, possession, use, sale, import…
- 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
📰 Why in News
The Government of India aims to replace the Explosives Act 1884 with the new Explosives Bill 2024.
✅ 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 both…
- The PESO , formerly known as the Department of Explosives, since its inception in 1898, has been serving the nation as a nodal agency for regulating…
- PESO's major work is to administer the responsibilities delegated under the Explosives Act 1884 and Petroleum Act 1934 and the Rules made thereunder…
- 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
📰 Why in News
The Supreme Court of India has relaxed the year-long blanket ban on fireworks in Delhi-NCR
✅ 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.
📊 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 (SO₂ and
- standards. Read more: Green Crackers 24 Shares –> Send To My Progress Send To My
#10
Environment
Environment
Air Pollution in India
📰 Why in News
An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)
✅ 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 the…
- 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 oxides…
- In winter, Delhi's cold conditions cause pollutants to accumulate in the lower atmosphere, forming dense smog and worsening surface-level air…
📊 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
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
MoEFCCWHO
🗞️ Wrap Up — Simple CA Quiz
Simple Current Affairs MCQ — 24 April 2026
10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics · great for quick revision
End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.
