CURRENT AFFAIRS 23-24 April, 2026

CURRENT AFFAIRS 23-24 April, 2026

1. NATIONAL PANCHAYATI RAJ DAY 2026: –

• The National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 is observed on the April 24 every year across the India. This day marks the significant moment to strengthen the grassroots democracy. The day commemorates the implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 and which came into force in 1993 and it have institutionalized the local self-governance in rural India. This year’s theme is the ‘Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas’ reflects the growing importance of to empower Panchayats.

National Panchayati Raj Day 2026 Theme

• The theme for this year is the ‘Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas’.
• The theme is focuses on to strengthening the local bodies to ensure inclusive and balanced development.
• Panchayats are now playing the important role to implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the grassroots level.

2. INDIA’S NEW ONLINE GAMING RULES KICK IN FROM MAY 1, 2026 –

• To regulate the rapidly growing the online gaming sector India has introduced new rules to focusing on the user safety and the responsible gaming. These are to e notified on the ay 1st, 2026 under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It is also part of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 (PROGA) and will create the safer, transparent and accountable gaming system.

Formation of Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI)

• The major feature of the new rules is the to creation of the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI).

Structure of OGAI

• It will be headed by a senior official (Additional Secretary level)
• Includes representatives from,
• Ministry of Home Affairs
• Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
• Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
• Department of Financial Services
• Department of Legal Affairs

3. INDIA’S ATAL PENSION YOJANA HITS RECORD 9 CRORE ENROLMENTS –

• Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has reached the historic milestone by achieving the 9 crore total gross enrolments in scheme as of the 21st April, 2026. This achievement showcases the scheme’s growing popularity and specially among the workers in the unorganized sector. Importantly in the financial year 2025-26 alone recorded over the 1.35 crore new subscribers and make it the highest ever annual enrolment since the inception of the scheme.

Record Enrollments in FY 2025026

• The remarkable rise in the enrolments under the APY is not just accidental. It is the result of the coordinated efforts by the multiple institutions which includes the banks, postal networks and government agencies.
• Several other factors have contributed to this growth,
• As the extensive outreach campaigns across rural and semi-urban areas.
• Active participation of the public and private banks along with regional rural banks (rrbs)
• It also got support from the Department of Posts to reaching remote populations
• Also the continuous awareness drives and multilingual communication initiatives

4. WORLD BOOK DAY 2026: UNESCO INITIATIVE –

• World Book and Copyright Day 2026 is observed on 23rd April around the world every year. This day celebrates the power of books, authors and reading culture. The day was established by the UNESCO and it highlights how the books connect cultures, preserve knowledge and inspire generations. It also raises awareness about the copyright laws which protect the authors rights. This occasion also promotes the education, creativity and global conversation through the written word.

Why Is World Book Day Celebrated on 23 April?

• The 23rd April holds the special significance in the literary history. It is associated with the death anniversaries of some of the greatest writers in the world.
• Miguel de Cervantes (Spain)
• William Shakespeare (England)
• Inca Garcilaso de la Vega (Peru)

5. TASHKENT TO HOST WORLD PARA ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2027 IN JUNE –

• World Para Athletics has announced that Tashkent will host the 2027 World Para Athletics Championships. This event is scheduled to be held in the June 2027. This will marks the first time the Central Asia will host the prestigious event. The championship which is one of the largest para sporting events in the world will take place at the state-of-the-art Olympic City Main Stadium in Tashkent.

Tashkent Selected as Host for 2027 Championships

• The announcement confirms that Tashkent will host the 13th edition of the World Para Athletics Championships.
• This decision showcases the Uzbekistan’s expanding infrastructure and its commitment to promote the inclusive sports and global sporting events.
• This event will be staged at the Olympic City Main Stadium which is the modern facility capable of to hosting international competitions.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.  Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) functions under which ministry ?

1. a) Ministry of Home Affairs
2. b) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
3. c) Ministry of Finance
4. d) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Q2.  Recently, World Earth Day 2026 was celebrated with the theme “Our Power, Our Planet.” World Earth Day is observed annually on which of the following dates ?

1. a) April 22
2. b) March 21
3. c) April 23
4. d) April 21

Q3.  Recently, the proposed G20 Satellite was in the news. The G20 Satellite is primarily intended for which of the following purposes ?

1. a) Earth observation for climate, pollution, and weather monitoring
2. b) Military surveillance and defence operations
3. c) Deep space exploration and interplanetary missions
4. d) Navigation and GPS services for global transport

Q4.  Consider the following statements regarding World Earth Day (International Mother Earth Day):

1. It was inaugurated in 1970 by the United Nations to commemorate the first global climate summit.
2. The 2026 theme “Our Power, Our Planet” emphasizes community action and renewable energy transition.

         Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. a) 1 only
2. b) 2 only
3. c) Both 1 and 2
4. d) None

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is incorrect: While Earth Day was first celebrated on 22nd April 1970, it was initiated by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, not the United Nations. It was sparked by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, which spurred the modern environmental movement. The UN recognized it later, adopting the name “International Mother Earth Day” in 2009.
• Statement 2 is correct: The 2026 theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” which underscores the shift from mere awareness to intense collective action, encouraging community engagement, renewable energy adoption, and accountability for environmental damage.

Q5.  The term “petroglyph” refers to:

1. a) Paintings made using natural dyes on cave walls
2. b) Carvings or engravings made on rock surfaces
3. c) Fossilized remains of plants and animals
4. d) Ancient manuscripts written on stone tablets

Explanation-

• Petroglyphs are rock engravings created by removing part of a rock surface by incising, pecking, or carving.
• They differ from cave paintings (which use pigments).

Answer Key