This is the current affairs 25 April 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
1. Who has the Central Government appointed as the new Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog?
a. Ashok Lahiri
b. Govardhan Das
c. Arvind Subramanian
d. B.V.R. Subramanian
Answer: a. Ashok Lahiri
– Senior economist Dr. Ashok Lahiri assumed this responsibility on April 24, 2026.
– He will replace Suman Beri, who held this position since May 2022.
Ashok Lahiri’s Career
– Ashok Lahiri is a well-known economist.
– He is also currently a BJP MLA from Balurghat, West Bengal.
– He served as the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India from December 2002 to June 2007.
– He has been a member of the 15th Finance Commission.
– He has also worked with global institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
– He has also served at the Delhi School of Economics, the Asian Development Bank, and several other leading institutions.
NITI Aayog
– It is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India.
– It was established on January 1, 2015, replacing the Planning Commission.
– It provides economic, social, and technical advice to the government.
– It promotes cooperative federalism.
– The Prime Minister is the Chairperson of NITI Aayog.
Organizational Structure
– The structure of NITI Aayog is as follows:
– Chairperson: Prime Minister of India (ex-officio).
– Vice-Chairperson: Appointed by the Prime Minister (currently Ashok Lahiri)
– Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed term (currently B.V.R. Subramanian)
– Governing Council: Consists of the Chief Ministers of all states and the Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories.
– Full-time and Part-time Members: Experts from various fields.
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2. Which party did the 7 Rajya Sabha MPs of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) join?
a. BJP
b. Congress
c. SP
d. BSP
Answer: a. BJP
– This was announced by Punjab Rajya Sabha MP and founding member of AAP, Raghav Chadha, in a press conference on April 24, 2026.
– Raghav stated that two-thirds of the party’s MPs took this decision; therefore, the Anti-Defection Law has not been violated.
– “We have decided that, using the provisions of the Constitution, we will merge ourselves into the BJP.”
– Assembly elections are due in Punjab in 2027.
– In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, AAP won 3 seats in Punjab.
– AAP has 10 MPs in the Rajya Sabha.
– 7 are from Punjab and 3 are from Delhi.
Those who joined:
– Raghav Chadha
– Sandeep Pathak (former professor at IIT Delhi)
– Ashok Kumar Mittal (Chancellor of Lovely Professional University)
– Harbhajan Singh (former Indian cricketer)
– Vikramjit Singh Sahney
– Swati Maliwal
– Rajender Gupta (industrialist, founder of Trident Group)
How AAP’s equation will change:
– Lok Sabha MPs: 3
– Rajya Sabha MPs: 10
After leaving the party:
– Lok Sabha MPs: 3
– Rajya Sabha MPs: 3
– BJP in Rajya Sabha: 106 + 7 = 113
Raghav was distant from the party for two years:
– On March 21, 2024, before the Lok Sabha elections, when Arvind Kejriwal was arrested in the liquor scam, Raghav neither spoke nor wrote anything.
– In February 2025, when Delhi election results were declared, AAP suffered a heavy defeat, winning only 22 seats.
– Raghav remained silent.
– He was not seen in any party program.
– At the beginning of 2025, AAP’s banner and election symbol began disappearing from his social media.
– On February 27, 2026, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court acquitted Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and others in the CBI liquor policy case.
– AAP celebrated this, but Raghav was absent.
After the Iran war began, Raghav refused to speak in Parliament on the party line.
– When AAP MPs walked out under the party whip, Raghav remained present in the House.
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3. What percentage of a party’s elected members must leave the party simultaneously and merge with another party for the Anti-Defection Law not to apply to them?
a. One-third
b. Two-thirds
c. More than 20%
d. More than 50%
Answer: b. Two-thirds
– This law came into discussion after 7 Rajya Sabha members of AAP joined the BJP.
Anti-Defection Law
– The Anti-Defection Law was implemented in 1985 through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment to curb the “Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram” culture in Indian politics and ensure political stability.
– It is included in the 10th Schedule of the Constitution.
– Key change: Initially, if one-third (1/3) of members split, it was considered a “split” and exemption was granted.
– However, the 91st Amendment of 2003 made the rule stricter.
– Now, under the 10th Schedule, if at least two-thirds (2/3) of elected members leave together and merge with another party, the Anti-Defection Law does not apply.
– Total AAP MPs: 10
– Required number: at least 7 MPs
– Current situation: Since 7 MPs have defected, they are trying to save their membership on the technical ground that it is a “valid merger.” If the number were 6, their membership would have been terminated immediately.
Rules to avoid disqualification
– Under the Anti-Defection Law, an MP may lose their seat if:
– They voluntarily give up membership of their party.
– They vote against party instructions (whip) in the House.
– Exception: If the 7 MPs prove that they have merged their group/party, they will not be disqualified. After the 91st Amendment (2003), “split” is no longer recognized—only “merger” is valid.
Legal complexities and Supreme Court view
– Legal experts (such as Abhishek Manu Singhvi) argue that merging only the Legislature Party is not enough; the original Political Party must also merge.
– However, in practice, if two-thirds members separate, the Chairman often recognizes them as a separate group.
Decisive role: Chairman of Rajya Sabha
– In defection cases, the final decision is taken by the Chairman of the House (Vice President; Speaker in Lok Sabha; Speaker in Assembly).
– If the Chairman accepts this group of 7 MPs as a “merger,” their membership will remain.
– If AAP leadership proves it unconstitutional, their membership may be cancelled and fresh elections will be held.
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4. Which Indian military officer was inducted into the ‘International Hall of Fame’ at the U.S. Army War College (USAWC), Carlisle Barracks?
a. General Manoj Mukund Naravane
b. General Bipin Rawat
c. General Upendra Dwivedi
d. General Dalbir Singh
Answer: c. General Upendra Dwivedi
– Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi received this honor on April 24, 2026.
– He is the third Indian Army Chief to receive this honor.
Earlier recipients include V. K. Singh and Bikram Singh.
– He addressed faculty and international military officers on professional military education and evolving security scenarios.
– He is also a fellow and alumnus of the USAWC.
Hall of Fame:
– The International Fellow Hall of Fame at the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, is a prestigious honor.
– It recognizes foreign military officers who studied there and later reached top positions (like Army Chief).
– Established in 1988.
– Located in Pennsylvania, USA.
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5. Which Indian state called for a ‘self-lockdown’ due to severe heat?
a. Kerala
b. West Bengal
c. Tamil Nadu
d. Bihar
Answer: a. Kerala
– In Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged a self-lockdown from 11 AM to 3 PM due to heatwave conditions.
– Temperatures have exceeded 40°C.
– High humidity is worsening the heat impact.
Government guidelines:
– Avoid unnecessary travel and outdoor work.
– Do not expose yourself to direct sunlight between 11 AM–3 PM.
– Ensure proper ventilation indoors.
– Drink plenty of water even if not thirsty.
– Avoid dehydrating beverages.
– Eat nutritious food.
– Wear light-colored, loose cotton clothes.
– Use umbrella, footwear, and sunglasses when going out.
– Elderly, children, pregnant women, patients (heart disease, diabetes, cancer, skin diseases), and people with albinism should avoid going out.
– Avoid daytime parades, elephant processions, and fireworks during festivals.
– Ensure water and shade for animals.
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6. Who has been appointed as the new Chairman of NASSCOM?
a. Salil Parekh
b. Srikant Velamakanni
c. Nandan Nilekani
d. Nassef Sawiris
Answer: b. Srikant Velamakanni
– IT body NASSCOM announced Srikant Velamakanni on April 23, 2026.
– He is Co-founder and Group CEO of Fractal.
– He will replace Sindhu Gangadharan (MD, SAP Labs India).
– Known for expertise in AI and analytics.
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7. Who was appointed as Director at Power Finance Corporation (PFC)?
a. Ashwini Kumar Tiwari
b. Ram Mohan Rao
c. Rajesh Kumar Agarwal
d. Ravi Ranjan
Answer: c. Rajesh Kumar Agarwal
– Rajesh Kumar Agarwal took charge as Director (Finance) of Power Finance Corporation on April 23, 2026.
– Tenure: 5 years or until further orders.
– Has 30 years of experience.
– Previously Executive Director at PFC.
PFC:
– A leading NBFC in India focused on the power sector.
Provides financing for power generation projects.
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8. Politician Nadendla Bhaskara Rao passed away on April 22, 2026; of which state had he served as Chief Minister?
a. Karnataka
b. Andhra Pradesh
c. Telangana
d. Kerala
Answer: b. Andhra Pradesh
– Nadendla Bhaskara Rao, aged 90, was a former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh.
– He was undergoing treatment in Hyderabad.
– Born: June 23, 1935 (Guntur).
– Started career as a lawyer.
– Began politics with Congress.
– Won from Vijayawada East in 1978.
– Became founding member of TDP in 1982.
– Known for the 1984 “August Coup” in Andhra Pradesh.
– Was Finance Minister under N. T. Rama Rao.
– When NTR was in the U.S. for treatment, Bhaskara Rao claimed majority support.
– Took oath as CM on August 16, 1984.
– Triggered massive political unrest.
– NTR launched “Dharma Yuddham.”
– Within 31 days, the central government intervened.
– On September 16, 1984, NTR was reinstated.
– His tenure lasted only 31 days.
– Later rejoined Congress and continued politics.
– Became MP from Khammam in 1998.
– Joined BJP in 2019.
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9. Which women’s group was awarded the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize?
a. Iroro Tanshi, Borim Kim, Sarah Finch
b. Borim Kim, Theonila Roka Matbob
c. Alana Akak Hurley and Yuvellis Morales Blanco
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above
– The Goldman Environmental Prize 2026 was awarded to six women leaders globally.
– First time it has been awarded entirely to women.
– Known as the “Green Nobel.”
Winners:
– Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria – Africa)
– Borim Kim (South Korea – Asia)
– Sarah Finch (UK – Europe)
– Theonila Roka Matbob (Papua New Guinea – Islands)
– Alana Akak Hurley (USA – North America)
– Yuvellis Morales Blanco (Colombia – South/Central America)
Achievements:
– Yuvellis opposed fracking in Colombia.
– Borim Kim led a landmark youth climate case.
– Sarah Finch ensured climate impact consideration before oil approvals.
– Iroro rediscovered an endangered bat species.
– Matbob held a mining company accountable.
– Hurley helped stop a major mining project in Alaska.
About the prize:
– Established in 1989 by Richard and Rhoda Goldman.
– One of the most prestigious environmental awards.
– Given annually to grassroots leaders from six regions.
– Prize money: $200,000.
– Recognizes work in environmental protection, biodiversity, and climate justice.
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10. When is National Panchayati Raj Day celebrated?
a. April 21
b. April 22
c. April 23
d. April 24
Answer: d. April 24
– Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declared April 24 as National Panchayati Raj Day in 2010.
Panchayati Raj:
– Marks the implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (effective 1993).
– Gives constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
– First implemented in Rajasthan on October 2, 1959.
– Later adopted by Andhra Pradesh.
– Recognized as institutions of self-governance.
– Around 2.63 lakh Panchayats and 31.47 lakh elected representatives.
– 14.54 lakh (≈46.20%) are women.
– Highlights decentralization of power.
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11. When is the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace observed?
a. April 20
b. April 22
c. April 24
d. April 25
Answer: c. April 24
– First observed by the United Nations on April 24, 2019.
Celebrated annually thereafter.
– Recognizes the use of multilateral decision-making and diplomacy for peaceful conflict resolution.
United Nations:
– Chief: António Guterres
– Established: October 24, 1945
– Headquarters: New York, USA
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