Daily Current Affairs — 27 April 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 27 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
Environment: 6 · Economy: 2 · History: 1 · Polity: 1
▶ Start Here — UPSC-Standard Quiz
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ — 27 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
Environment
Environment
3rd Synchronised Nilgiri Tahr Survey
📰 Why in News
Recently, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department launched the third synchronised Nilgiri Tahr survey across the Western Ghats in coordination with Kerala.
✅ Quick Facts
- The survey ensures simultaneous counting across state boundaries to avoid duplication and improve accuracy
- Use of the "Varudai" mobile app with a supporting web-based system enables real-time data collection
- About: Also known as Varayaadu or Nilgiri Ibex
- The Eravikulam National Park (ENP) in Kerala hosts the largest population
- Project Nilgiri Tahr was launched in October 2023 , focusing on habitat management, population monitoring and scientific conservation.
#02
Environment
Environment
Nilgiri Tahr – reporting
📰 Why in News
Recently, Nilgiri tahr's population has increased from 568 in 2018 to 612 in 2019 in the Mukurthi National Park, Tamil Nadu.
✅ Quick Facts
- The recent increase has favoured a healthy sex ratio i.e.slightly skewed in favour of female goats.
- There has been almost 27% increase in the population of the tahr in the Nilgiris over the last three years.
- Factors responsible for maintaining an increase in the population of Nilgiri Tahr are: Keeping the national park closed to tourists and free from…
- It has been listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act
- The Adult males of Nilgiri Tahr species develop a light grey area or "saddle" on their backs and are hence called "Saddlebacks"
- It is found in open montane grassland habitat of rain forests ecoregion.
- It is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu
- Habitat loss (mainly from domestic livestock and spread of invasive plants)
- Populations of these animals are small and isolated, making them vulnerable to local extinction,
- It is a protected area located in the northwest corner of Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats.
#03
Environment
Environment
IUCN Assessment of the Himalayan Wolf
📰 Why in News
The Himalayan Wolf ( Canis lupus chanco ), a prominent lupine predator found across the Himalayas has been assessed for the first time in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s Red List.
✅ Quick Facts
- About: The Himalayan Wolf is a mysterious lupine predator that inhabits the high elevations of the Himalayas.
- Characterized by distinctive genetic markers, its mitochondrial DNA suggests a genetic foundation predating the Holarctic grey wolf.
- It is found in parts of China, Nepal, India, and Bhutan and typically lives in alpine meadows and grasslands at elevations of 10,000 to 18,000 feet
- Population estimate of 2,275-3,792 mature individuals
- Indian section has 227-378 mature individuals, primarily in Ladakh and Spiti Valley.
- The IUCN Red List is the foremost global resource for assessing the risk of extinction among animals, fungi, and plant species.
- Accessible to all, it serves as a crucial indicator of global biodiversity health, it offers comprehensive insights into species' characteristics…
- The IUCN Red List Categories define the extinction risk of species assessed
- There are eight Green Status Categories: Extinct in the Wild
- A Green Status assessment examines how conservation actions have affected the current Red List status.
#04
Environment
Environment
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
📰 Why in News
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has completed 51 years since its inception , and over the years, it has been successful in protecting several endangered species.
✅ Quick Facts
- About: The Wild Life (Protection) Act, of 1972 provides a legal framework for the protection of various species of wild animals and plants…
- The act also lists schedules of plants and animals that are afforded varying degrees of protection and monitoring by the government.
- India's entry to the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) was made easier by the Wildlife Act.
- Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir was not covered by the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972
- The 42 nd Amendment Act, 1976, Forests and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds was transferred from State to Concurrent List.
- Article 51 A (g) of the Constitution states that it shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment…
- Article 48 A in the Directive Principles of State policy
- Schedule I: It covers endangered species that need rigorous protection.
- A person is liable to the harshest penalties for violation of the law under this Schedule.
- Species under this Schedule are prohibited to be hunted throughout India
#05
Environment
Environment
Tiger Deaths Raise Concerns in Nilgiris Biodiversity
📰 Why in News
The Nilgiris District in Tamil Nadu is home to a rich biodiversity and a large population of tigers . However, in the past two months, 10 tigers have died in the district due to various reasons.
✅ Quick Facts
- This has raised concerns among conservationists and officials about the welfare and survival of the big cats.
- High Density of Tigers: The high density of tigers in the Mudumalai-Bandipur-Nagarhole complex of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is pushing…
- The rise in tiger numbers puts pressure on prey species like spotted deer, and Indian gaur
- Tiger cubs, believed to be two weeks old, found dead in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve's buffer zone
- Poaching Threat: Recent poaching incidents in the Nilgiris district, underscore the persistent threat to tigers
- The inability to monitor and safeguard these majestic animals contributes to conservationists' worries.
- Ensuring sufficient prey for tigers is essential for their survival.
- Human activities, deforestation, and encroachments contribute to habitat loss.
- About: The very name Nilgiris' with literary meaning 'blue mountains' has originated from the appearance of blue flower clad mountains (Neelakurinji…
- Animals like Nilgiri tahr , Nilgiri langur, slender loris, blackbuck, tiger, gaur, Indian elephant and marten are found here.
📚 ⚖️ 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
Environment
Environment
Lion-Tailed Macaques
📰 Why in News
Recently, the adaptation of the lion-tailed macaque ( Macaca silenus ) to Valparai's urban settings underscores the intricate relationship between wildlife and human activity, necessitating conservation measures.
✅ Quick Facts
- Key Features: One of the smallest macaque species
- The lion-tailed macaque's black hair, except for its distinctive light-coloured mane around its head and chin, earns it the nickname "beard ape."
- Known as "the wanderoo," lion-tailed macaques are solitary and shy, staying within their familiar range in hierarchical groups of 10 to 20 members.
- Dominant males of the group emit loud, human-like 'whoops' to alert outsiders entering their territory.
- This primate is native to the fragmented rainforests of Karnataka
- The primary danger lies in the loss of their rainforest home
- Behavioural shift towards human settlements, driven by a scarcity of natural food, habitat degradation, increased human activity, and poor waste…
- The Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) has developed canopy corridors and implemented regulations to curb feeding and safely guide macaques across…
- The Tamil Nadu government has announced the establishment of a Tamil Nadu Endangered Species Conservation Fund with a corpus of Rs
- The Tamil Nadu Forest Department plans to conduct a study to estimate the macaque population and devise a comprehensive conservation strategy.
#07
History
History
Israel Airlifts Bnei Menashe from India
📰 Why in News
Recently, Israel flew around 240 individuals from Mizoram to Tel Aviv under " Operation Wings of Dawn" amid ongoing security concerns in West Asia .
✅ Quick Facts
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests
- This was the first of multiple batches with settlement planned in absorption centres such as Nof HaGalil in northern Israel.
- India clarified that it did not facilitate the operation, limiting its role to ensuring legal migration and preventing trafficking.
- The Bnei Menashe (meaning "sons of Manasseh") claim descent from one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel
- They are primarily part of Mizo and Kuki tribal groups , with a population of about 7,000 in Northeast India
- Originally, most of the community had converted to Christianity under missionary influence, before a Judaising movement emerged in the late 20th…
- In 2005, Israel's Chief Rabbinate recognised them as a "Lost Seed of Israel", based on cultural claims and inconclusive genetic evidence, enabling…
#08
Economy
Economy
West Asia War & India's Manufacturing Slowdown
📰 Why in News
The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropped to a 45-month low of 53.9 in March 2026
✅ Quick Facts
- Manufacturers faced the steepest intensification of input costs since August 2022
- Geoeconomic Fallout of the US-Israel-Iran Conflict on India
- Self-Defence, IHL and UNCLOS in USIsraelIran Conflict
- India's manufacturing slowed as PMI fell to 53.9 (45-month low) in March 2026 due to the West Asia conflict and rising input costs.
- Key impacts included higher freight costs, longer shipping routes, energy price spikes, raw material shortages, and stress on MSMEs.
- Resilience requires diversifying energy sources, alternative trade routes, and structural reforms to reduce dependence on geopolitical risks.
- Shipping Surcharge Burden: Freight rates for Indian exporters have jumped by 40% to 50%
- Energy-Driven Input Cost Inflation: Manufacturers faced the fastest rise in operating expenses in 45 months
- Crisis in MSME Clusters: Manufacturing hubs like Morbi (Ceramics) and Surat (Textiles) reported significant shutdowns in early April 2026 due to the…
- Raw Material Scarcity (Metal & Cement): The cost of steel scrap rose by 5-8%
📊 Key Numbers & Data
- rates for Indian exporters have jumped by 40% to 50% . Beyond the cost, the rerouting of
- for Indian exporters have jumped by 40% to 50% . Beyond the cost, the rerouting of ships
- 45 months. Spikes in crude oil (breaching USD 110/barrel) and natural gas prices have made
- Cement): The cost of steel scrap rose by 5-8%, and cement companies faced a "choking" of
- Inflation: The Rupee hit a record low of Rs 95 per dollar in late March 2026. For
- average of five sub-indices: New Orders (30%) Output (25%) Employment (20%) Suppliers'
🎯 UPSC Relevance
Analyze the impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict (2026) on India's manufacturing sector, particularly MSME clusters.
#09
Polity
Polity
Challenges Faced by Chin-Kuki-Mizo Group
📰 Why in News
Prelims: Refugee in India, 1951 Refugee Conference, Foreigners Act of 1946, Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA), Rohingya Refugee, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
✅ Quick Facts
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests
- More than 300 people belonging to the Chin-Kuki-Mizo group have taken shelter in Mizoram's Lawngtlai district since November 2022
- The constitutional and human rights of the indigenous Kuki-Chin tribes
- The Kuki-Chin tribes of the CHT have been demanding a separate State due to the large-scale influx of non-tribal people into the hills
- The ZORO asked India to advise his Bangladeshi counterpart to declare a ceasefire with the Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA) and stop abusing the rights…
- The organisation also appealed India to direct the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Border Security Force not to drive away the Kuki-Chin people who…
- India lacks specific legislation to address the problem of refugees, in spite of their increasing inflow.
- India is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol , the key legal documents pertaining to refugee protection
- The Supreme Court in the National Human Rights Commission vs
- Non-refoulement is the principle under international law which states that a person fleeing persecution from his own country should not be forced to…
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtMinistry of Home Affairs
#10
Economy
Economy
India-Israel Relations
📰 Why in News
The Indian Prime Minister made a historic State visit to Israel. During this visit, the bilateral relationship was elevated to a "Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation & Prosperity."
✅ Quick Facts
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests
- Furthermore, the first round of negotiations for the India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was successfully concluded in New Delhi, signaling a…
- Technology: Indo-Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence (CoE): A Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed to establish Indo-Israel Cyber Centre of Excellence…
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): A dedicated MoU to promote ethical AI development, civilian applications, and public-private capacity building
- UPI Integration : A landmark MoU to enable cross-border remittances between India and Israel utilizing India's indigenous Unified Payments Interface…
- Financial Services Cooperation: MoU between India's IFSCA (International Financial Services Centres Authority) and the Israel Securities Authority…
- Commercial Arbitration: Agreement between the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) and the Israeli Institute of Commercial Arbitration (IICA) to…
- Commerce and Services: Retail, logistics, hospitality, cleaning, and warehousing.
- Manufacturing: Textiles, electronics, chemicals, plastics, metals, and food processing.
- Restaurants: Recruitment for cafs, restaurants, and food sales businesses.
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Prime MinisterIndian Navy
🎯 UPSC Relevance
1. What is the significance of the IndoIsrael Cyber Centre of Excellence? It aims to enhance digital resilience
🗞️ Wrap Up — Simple CA Quiz
Simple Current Affairs MCQ — 27 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.
