Current Affairs One - Liner : 2nd & 3rd April 2026

National:

• On 2 April 2026, the Government of India extended the National Piped Natural Gas (PNG) Drive 2.0 till 30 June 2026. The scheme aims to accelerate household and industrial adoption of PNG, ensuring cleaner energy access across urban and semi‑urban areas.

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has designated ‘Bhavasagara’ as India’s first National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna. Located in April 2026, it will serve as a central hub for cataloguing and conserving marine biodiversity. The repository will document species from India’s deep-sea ecosystems for research and policy support.
• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), in collaboration with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO), has developed the India SDG Dashboard. Launched in April 2026, it provides a unified platform to track progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has extended the deadline for SIM-binding of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms to 31 December 2026. This regulation aims to link user accounts with verified mobile numbers for enhanced security.
• Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) signed a land lease agreement in April 2026 at Lakhanpur, Odisha. The project will set up India’s first indigenous coal-to-ammonium nitrate plant with a 2000 TPD capacity. It will use Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)’s coal gasification technology on about 350 acres of MCL land.
• Meghalaya has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink India to expand satellite-based high-speed internet across the state, aiming to revolutionize connectivity in remote areas. The initiative will support education, healthcare, governance, disaster management, and rural development, aligning with Meghalaya’s vision of building a $10 billion economy by 2028.
• President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of the President of India’s Police Colour (Nishaan) on the Odisha Police, making it the first state police force from Odisha in independent India to receive this honour. The Ministry of Home Affairs formally communicated the decision to the Odisha Chief Secretary.
• India Post has been envisioned to transform into a global logistics powerhouse by 2030, reflecting the government’s ambition to leverage its vast postal network for modern supply chain and e‑commerce needs.
• The Ministry of Education has officially declared NCERT a “Deemed-to-be University under a distinct category” (notification dated March 30, 2026). This empowers NCERT to independently offer diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and research programmes, while adhering to UGC norms and NEP 2020 guidelines.

International:

• The 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) concluded in Brazil, April 2026. The meet granted protection to 40 new species, boosting global migratory wildlife conservation. Nations adopted resolutions to safeguard habitats and migration routes. The outcome strengthens international cooperation in biodiversity protection.

Banking:

• The Finance Ministry has set a borrowing plan of ₹8.20 lakh crore through dated securities in the first half of FY27 (April–September 2026). This is part of the overall gross borrowing target of ₹15.43 lakh crore for the year. The funds will be used to finance the fiscal deficit and support infrastructure and welfare spending.

Economy:

• India’s GST collections in March 2026 crossed the ₹2 lakh crore mark for the third time ever, reaching ₹2,00,064 crore — an 8.8% year‑on‑year growth, driven by strong domestic demand and import revenues. Net collections after refunds stood at ₹1,77,990 crore, reflecting healthy tax buoyancy.
• India’s defence exports touched a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025‑26, marking the highest ever achieved. This milestone reflects the country’s growing emphasis on self‑reliance and global competitiveness in defence manufacturing. The surge highlights successful government initiatives to boost indigenous production and expand international markets.

Science & Technology:

• NASA successfully launched Artemis II on April 1, 2026, sending four astronauts on the world’s first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. The 10-day mission aboard the Orion spacecraft will orbit the Moon and return to Earth, testing critical systems for future lunar landings and eventual Mars missions.

Sports:

• India has officially topped the global list of track & field doping cases in April 2026, with 148 athletes suspended — surpassing Kenya (146) and Russia (66). This alarming rise highlights a deep integrity crisis in Indian athletics.

Defence:

• On 31 March 2026, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) marked a major achievement in India’s Aatmanirbhar shipbuilding drive. The shipyard launched INS Shachi, the first of its class for the Indian Navy, and delivered ICGS Achal, a fast patrol vessel, to the Indian Coast Guard.

Apps & Portals:

• On 1 April 2026, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal jointly unveiled the Nyaya Setu AI chatbot and its mascot Dishika at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, under the DISHA Programme. This marks a landmark step in India’s “Tech‑for‑Justice” initiative, designed to transform every smartphone into a legal gateway for citizens.

Govt.Schemes:

• On 2 April 2026, the Andhra Pradesh government launched a ₹150 crore Free Electricity Scheme for handloom and powerloom weavers. The initiative aims to reduce production costs and support traditional weaving communities by providing free power supply.
• The Ministry of Textiles has extended the RoSCTL (Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies) scheme for apparel, garments, and made‑ups exports till 30 September 2026. This scheme rebates embedded state and central taxes/levies, helping Indian exporters remain competitive globally.

Military Exercises:

• Exercise KAKADU 2026 was hosted by the Royal Australian Navy in March 2026. It involved 19 nations, 31 warships, and 6,000+ personnel, making it one of the Indo‑Pacific’s largest naval drills. The Indian Navy participated with INS Nilgiri (Project 17A stealth frigate). The exercise began with a Fleet Review on 21 March 2026 in Sydney Harbour, marking 125 years of the Australian Navy.

Important Days:

• On 2 April 2026, the world observed World Autism Awareness Day. The UN theme was “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value”. Focus shifted from “awareness” to rights‑based acceptance and inclusion. It highlights dignity, equality, and full participation of autistic individuals.
• On 1 April 2026, Odisha celebrated Utkal Divas (Odisha Day), marking its 91st foundation day. The state was formed on 1 April 1936 as a separate province for Odia‑speaking people. The day honours leaders like Madhusudan Das who spearheaded the movement.
• Good Friday in 2026 is observed on Friday, April 3. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is marked by solemn prayer, fasting, and reflection across Christian communities worldwide.
• On 3 April 2026, the Army Medical Corps (AMC) celebrated its 262nd Raising Day, marking its legacy since 1764 and formal establishment in 1943. The AMC is the backbone of military healthcare, operating under the motto “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (May all be free from disease).

Appointments:

• On 30 March 2026, Mongolia’s parliament elected 39‑year‑old Uchral Nyam‑Osor as the new Prime Minister, making him the country’s third PM in just nine months. He succeeds Gombojavyn Zandanshatar, who resigned amid internal strife in the ruling Mongolian People’s Party.
• Renowned sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador for India’s Census 2027. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the decision on April 2, 2026, recognizing Pattnaik’s creative influence and ability to connect with the public through his art.
• Shri Chanchal Kumar, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, has recently taken charge as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on April 1, 2026, succeeding Sanjay Jaju.
• Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff in April 2026. He succeeds Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, who took over as Chief of the Army Staff. General Seth brings extensive operational and strategic experience to the role.

Books:

• On 1 April 2026, Vice President (and Rajya Sabha Chairman) Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book “Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament” at Samvidhan Sadan (Old Parliament Building), New Delhi. The book is authored by Smt. Sudha Murty, noted writer, philanthropist, and Rajya Sabha MP.

Questions:

Q.1 “Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament” is authored by:
a) Shashi Tharoor
b) Sudha Murty
c) Amish Tripathi
d) Ramachandra Guha

Answer: b) The book is authored by Smt. Sudha Murty, noted writer, philanthropist, and Rajya Sabha MP.

Q.2 Who has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador for Census 2027?
a) Amitabh Bachchan
b) Sonu Sood
c) Aamir Khan
d) Sudarshan Pattnaik

Answer: d) Renowned sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador for India’s Census 2027.