Current Affairs 16 April 2026

The Lancet reports 1.3 billion cases of liver disease worldwide.

• The Lancet reports ~1.3 billion global cases of liver disease.
• ~1.3 billion people affected by MASLD (16.1% of global population).
• 143% rise in cases since 1990.
• Projected to reach ~1.8 billion by 2050.
• Higher prevalence in North Africa and Middle East.
• Major drivers: obesity, high blood sugar, urbanization.
• Increasing cases among younger adults in low- and middle-income countries.

UN Women reports a fourfold increase in sexual violence cases in Sudan.

• UN Women reports a fourfold rise in sexual violence in Sudan.
• Sexual violence cases have quadrupled since the start of the conflict.
• 4.3 million women and girls displaced.
• 17.1 million people need humanitarian assistance.
• Major impact in Darfur and Kordofan regions.
• Women-led aid groups facing funding shortages and insecurity.

India Pharma 2026 calls for increased funding for innovation.

• India Pharma 2026 concluded in New Delhi (April 2026), highlighting need for higher innovation funding.
• Focus on pharmaceutical growth through innovation and investment.
• Emphasis on funding via venture capital, private equity, and blended finance.
• Push to shift from generic drugs to advanced therapeutics.
• Collaboration among government and industry bodies for R&D support.
• Highlighted role of research-driven funding ecosystem for pharma innovation.

India supplies 13 tonnes of BCG vaccines to Afghanistan.

• India delivered 13 tonnes of BCG vaccines to Afghanistan.
• Consignment: 13 tonnes of Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine supplies.
• Purpose: Support child immunization against tuberculosis.
• Delivered to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health.
• Part of humanitarian and global health cooperation efforts (WHO & UNICEF aligned).
• Follows earlier HADR assistance for disaster relief in Afghanistan.

Marine heatwaves are increasing the intensity of tropical cyclones.

• Study (April 13, 2026) shows Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) are intensifying tropical cyclones.
• Linked to 60% increase in billion-dollar disasters due to rapid intensification.
• Rapid Intensification (RI): wind speed rise ≥ 30 knots (~55 km/h).
• MHWs increase likelihood of cyclones strengthening before landfall, raising wind and storm surge damage.
• Major hotspots: Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea (>2 events/year).
• Rising trend also seen in North Indian, North Atlantic, and East Pacific Oceans.
• Cyclone activity in North Indian Ocean has increased since 2005 (data: 1981–2023).
• Driven by higher sea surface temperatures and atmospheric moisture.
• MHWs act as extra energy source for cyclone intensification.