Daily Current Affairs
18 April 2026 · 10 questions
Gautam Adani overtook Mukesh Ambani to become Asia's richest person. What was Adani's net worth as per latest data?
Correct Answer: C. $92.6 billion
Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group, became Asia's richest person with a net worth of $92.6 billion, surpassing Mukesh Ambani's $90.8 billion. Adani Group operates in ports, airports, green energy, and infrastructure. Gautam Adani is from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Mukesh Ambani leads Reliance Industries, India's largest company by revenue.
BWSSB became the first water utility in India to receive ISO 50001:2018 certification. What does BWSSB stand for?
Correct Answer: A. Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) became the first water utility in India to receive the prestigious ISO 50001:2018 certification for energy management, announced on April 14, 2026. ISO 50001 is an international standard for energy management systems that helps organisations improve energy performance, efficiency, and reduce energy costs and emissions.
World Heritage Day (International Day for Monuments and Sites) is observed on which date every year?
Correct Answer: D. April 18
World Heritage Day — officially the International Day for Monuments and Sites — is observed every year on April 18. It was established by ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) in 1982 and approved by UNESCO in 1983. The day raises awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage and the efforts needed to protect and conserve it for future generations.
Meghalaya officially recognised Khasi and Garo as state languages. Which language was Meghalaya's official language before this recognition?
Correct Answer: B. English
Meghalaya officially recognised Khasi and Garo as state languages alongside English, which was already the official language of the state. This came after long-standing demands from local communities to preserve indigenous identity and improve governance accessibility. Khasi and Garo are the two major tribal languages of Meghalaya. The state was formed on January 21, 1972 and its capital is Shillong.
Ahmedabad's Kankaria Coaching Depot became India's first 'Water Neutral' railway depot. How much water does it save daily?
Correct Answer: C. 1,60,000 litres
Ahmedabad's Kankaria Coaching Depot became India's first 'water neutral' railway depot by saving nearly 1.60 lakh (1,60,000) litres of water daily. The depot redefines how traditional railway operations can align with environmental goals through innovative, eco-friendly practices that significantly reduce resource consumption. This is a major milestone for Indian Railways' sustainability initiatives.
Philippines joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative. What is the primary focus of this initiative?
Correct Answer: A. Strengthening global semiconductor and AI supply chains
Philippines joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative which aims to strengthen global supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. As part of the partnership, a 4,000-acre industrial hub will be developed in Luzon, Philippines. The initiative marks a significant step towards reducing global dependence on concentrated supply sources for critical technology components.
AICTE launched VAANI 3.0 scheme for Indian languages in higher education. What does VAANI stand for?
Correct Answer: D. Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages
AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) launched the 3rd edition of the VAANI scheme — Vibrant Advocacy for Advancement and Nurturing of Indian Languages. It aims to strengthen the use of Indian languages in technical education and research, enabling students to learn complex concepts in their mother tongue. AICTE is the statutory body regulating technical education in India.
UK PM Keir Starmer and French President Macron launched a maritime security initiative for which strategic strait?
Correct Answer: B. Strait of Hormuz
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly launched a new international maritime security initiative aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world's most crucial shipping routes. The virtual meeting was attended by around 40 countries including India. The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and is critical for global oil trade.
ICC launched the inaugural Women's T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 in which country?
Correct Answer: C. Rwanda
The ICC (International Cricket Council) launched the inaugural Women's T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 in Rwanda, starting from April 18 in Kigali. It is a five-nation tournament bringing together emerging cricket nations to develop women's cricket globally. Rwanda's capital Kigali hosted the event. This is a major step by ICC to expand cricket beyond traditional powerhouses.
IIT Kharagpur launched the 'Vikram Sodhi Centre' for AI-driven mining. How much funding is committed for this centre over 5 years?
Correct Answer: A. ₹15 crore
IIT Kharagpur announced the establishment of the Vikram Sodhi Centre of Excellence for AI-enabled geological and mining systems, backed by a ₹15 crore funding commitment over five years. The initiative aims to transform India's mining sector through artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation. IIT Kharagpur was India's first IIT, established in 1951 in West Bengal.