NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Lok Sabha Passes Bill Declaring Amaravati as Sole
Capital of Andhra Pradesh: The Lok Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh
Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to recognise Amaravati as the sole
and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, with Congress supporting the move
while YSR Congress staged a walkout. The Bill was passed by voice vote after a
detailed debate and will now be sent to the Rajya Sabha and then to the
President for final assent.
2. DGCA Signs MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to
Boost Aviation Skill Development in India: Directorate General of Civil Aviation signed
an MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to train youth in aviation fields such
as Aviation Engineering and Aviation Managemen The initiative aims to
strengthen India’s aviation workforce and is expected to boost sectoral growth
under the leadership of Narendra Modi.
3. DoT Extends OTT SIM-Binding Deadline to Dec 31: The Department of
Telecommunications (DoT) has extended the deadline for SIM-binding on
OTT apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal to December 31, 2026, due to
industry concerns. The earlier rule mandating automatic logout within 6 hours
for web/desktop sessions has been withdrawn and replaced with a risk-based
approach (logout only in suspected fraud cases). The move aims to combat cyber
frauds like digital arrests, under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber
Security) Rules, 2024, though full technical readiness is expected by Oct–Nov
2026.
4. Ashwini Bhide Becomes First Woman BMC Commissioner: Ashwini Bhide has been
appointed as the Municipal Commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal
Corporation (BMC), becoming the first woman to head one of India’s
oldest and richest civic bodies. She took charge from Bhushan Gagrani and will
also serve as Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, while Lokesh
Chandra replaces her in the CM’s Office.
5. Coal
to Ammonium Nitrate Project Planned in Odisha: A leasing agreement has
been signed between Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) for a Coal to Ammonium Nitrate Project at Lakhanpur, Odisha. The project reflects India’s push to
utilise domestic coal resources for value-added chemical production, particularly
in fertilisers and industrial applications. Ammonium nitrate has a melting
point of around 170°C and is highly soluble in water. When heated in aqueous
solution, it decomposes to produce nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing
gas. Its chemical stability under controlled conditions and high nitrogen
composition make it suitable for multiple applications.
6. India
Sends Rice Aid to Burkina Faso Amid Humanitarian Needs: India has extended
humanitarian assistance to Burkina Faso by dispatching 1,000 metric tonnes
of rice, reflecting its commitment to global food security and South-South
cooperation. The aid comes at a time when several African nations,
including Burkina
Faso, are facing food shortages
and economic challenges. The country’s landscape is largely dominated by
savannahs and plateaus, with low mountain ranges in the southwest. The northern
region forms part of the Sahel, characterised by arid and semi-desert
conditions. Mount Tenakourou is the highest peak in Burkina Faso. The country
is also drained by three major rivers—Black Volta, Red Volta, and White
Volta—which eventually merge in Ghana to form the Volta River.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 4 April – International Day for Mine Awareness and
Assistance in Mine Action: International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance
in Mine Action is observed annually on 4 April to raise
awareness about landmines and explosive remnants of war. The day aims to
promote mine action efforts, ensure the safety of civilians, and support
affected communities in rebuilding their lives.
It was declared by the United
Nations in 2005 to encourage global efforts towards clearing landmines and
reducing threats.
2. 4 April – International Carrot Day: International Carrot
Day is celebrated every year on 4 April to promote the
consumption and awareness of carrots as a healthy vegetable. The day was first
celebrated in 2003 and has since gained popularity across many countries rots.
3. TP53
Mutation Found in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Patients: A recent
multi-institutional study involving 830 adult patients with Acute Lymphoblastic
Leukaemia (ALL) has revealed that nearly one in ten patients carries a mutation
in the TP53 gene. This finding is significant as such genetic mutations are
often associated with poor prognosis and may influence treatment strategies in
managing this aggressive blood cancer. The disease occurs when genetic
mutations arise in the DNA of bone marrow cells, leading to uncontrolled
cell division. Common symptoms include bleeding from the gums, bone pain,
fever, frequent infections, and recurrent or severe nosebleeds. These symptoms
result from the disruption of normal blood cell production.
4. Min
Aung Hlaing Elected Myanmar President: Myanmar’s parliament has elected military
leader Min Aung Hlaing as president, consolidating the authority he has held
since the 2021 coup that removed the civilian government. While projected as a
constitutional transition, the development effectively maintains military
dominance over the country’s political system. He won 429 out of 584 votes,
reflecting the overwhelming presence of military-backed lawmakers and appointed
representatives in parliament. The shift from military chief to president
represents a change in designation rather than governance. As required by the
constitution, Min Aung Hlaing stepped down as commander-in-chief before
assuming office. However, the position has been handed to his close associate,
Gen. Ye Win Oo, ensuring that the armed forces remain under loyal leadership.
This arrangement reinforces the continuity of military influence within the
state structure.
5. Uchral
Nyam-Osor Becomes Mongolia Prime Minister: Mongolia’s parliament has confirmed Uchral
Nyam-Osor as the country’s new prime minister, marking the third leadership
change within nine months. The appointment follows the resignation of his
predecessor amid political deadlock and internal divisions within the ruling
Mongolian People’s Party (MPP). Uchral secured strong parliamentary backing,
receiving 88 votes out of 107 lawmakers, signalling an attempt to restore
governance stability in the resource-rich nation. The resignation of former
prime minister Zandanshatar Gombojav came after prolonged tensions between the
ruling party, opposition Democratic Party and dissenting factions within the
MPP. A boycott of parliamentary proceedings had paralysed legislative
functioning for weeks. His exit is widely viewed as a compromise to ease the
impasse, though underlying political fractures remain unresolved.
6. Earthquake
Lights Phenomenon Observed Near Turkey-Greece Tremors: Recent minor earthquakes
in the Aegean
Sea region near Turkey and Greece were accompanied by unusual
glowing lights in the sky, drawing scientific attention to the phenomenon known
as earthquake lights. These rare visual events have been reported historically
in seismic zones and continue to intrigue researchers studying the link between
geological stress and atmospheric effects. Earthquake lights refer to luminous
phenomena such as flashes, glowing orbs, streaks, or vertical pillars of light
observed in the sky before, during, or shortly after an earthquake. These
lights are not caused by fire or heat but are instead linked to electrical
processes triggered within the Earth’s crust. Though rare, they have been
documented across various seismic regions worldwide.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Indian Navy Inducts ‘Malwan’ ASW Craft to Boost
Coastal Defence Capabilities: The Indian
Navy inducted ‘Malwan’, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water
Craft (ASW SWC), built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, boosting coastal
defence capabilities. ‘Malwan’ is part of a series of 8 indigenously built ASW
SWCs designed for shallow water operations, enhancing surveillance and
anti-submarine warfare readiness. Named after the historic town Malwan linked
to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the vessel is equipped with advanced radar,
sonar, torpedoes, and anti-submarine rockets for maritime security operations.
2. INS
Aridhaman Boosts India’s Nuclear Submarine Capability: India has strengthened
its strategic deterrence with the commissioning of INS Aridhaman, its third
indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). The induction
marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to enhance its underwater nuclear
capabilities, completing the triad of land, air, and sea-based nuclear delivery
systems. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally inducted the submarine,
underscoring India’s growing focus on maritime security amid evolving regional
dynamics. INS Aridhaman is the third vessel in the Arihant-class submarines
developed under the classified Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project at
Visakhapatnam. It follows INS Arihant, commissioned in 2016, and INS Arighaat,
inducted in 2024. The Arihant-class represents India’s entry into the elite
group of nations possessing nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines,
alongside the US, Russia, the UK, France, and China. These
submarines are crucial for ensuring credible second-strike capability in
nuclear deterrence.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. EaseMyTrip Partners NSDC, Sanatan Al to Launch
Spiritual Entrepreneurship Initiative: Easy Trip Planners
Limited partnered with National Skill Development Corporation,
Sanatan AI, and Bhagva platform to launch an entrepreneurship initiative
in India’s spiritual services sector. The initiative “1 Panchayat – 1 Pandit –
SANATANAI Shop on Wheels by EMT” aims to deploy EV-based mobile service units
across 2 lakh Panchayats, offering pooja services, samagri, virtual darshan,
and religious event facilitation.
2. Meghalaya Signs Pact with Starlink to Pilot Satellite
Internet in Remote Regions: The Meghalaya
government signed a Letter of Intent with Starlink to pilot
satellite-based internet connectivity in remote hill regions. The initiative
aims to improve connectivity in key sectors like education, healthcare,
disaster management, and economic development, addressing long-standing
infrastructure challenges.
3. NASA Launches Artemis II Mission for First Crewed
Lunar Flyby in Over 50 Years: NASA launched
the Artemis II mission, marking the first crewed lunar flyby in over
50 years since the Apollo era, using the Space Launch System (SLS) from Kennedy
Space Center. The mission carries four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover,
Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—on a 10-day journey around the Moon aboard
the Orion spacecraft. The spacecraft will orbit the Moon without landing and
conclude the mission with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The primary
objective is to test spacecraft safety, perform system checks, and simulate
manual piloting to prepare for future human Moon landing missions.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. India’s GST Collections Rise 8.8% to Cross ₹2 Lakh
Crore in March 2026: India’s gross GST collections rose by 8.8%
year-on-year to over ₹2 lakh crore in March 2026, compared to about ₹1.83
lakh crore in March 2025, reflecting improved tax compliance and economic
activity. As per the Ministry of Finance, Central GST stood at ₹40,549 crore,
State GST at ₹53,268 crore, and IGST collections crossed ₹1 lakh crore. For FY
2025–26, total gross GST revenue reached ₹22 lakh crore, marking an 8.3%
increase over ₹20 lakh crore recorded in the previous financial year.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh Win Top Honours at Asian
Squash Federation Awards 2025: Abhay Singh was
named Men’s Player of the Year 2025 by the Asian Squash Federation, while
Anahat Singh won the top honour in the girls’ junior category. The Indian boys’
team received the Men’s Team Award after winning bronze at the World Junior
Team Championships 2025. Japan’s Satomi Watanabe bagged the
senior ASF Women’s Player of the Year award. This marks India’s return to
ASF annual honours since 2022, when Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa had won
top awards.
2. Tripura Panchayats Win Top Honours at Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar 2025: Three Panchayats of Tripura won top honours in the Deen Dayal Upadhyay and Nanaji Deshmukh Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar 2025, showcasing excellence in local governance. Sepahijala district was ranked the best District Panchayat, while Kanchabari topped in the Health-Friendly category and Baikunthapur secured third place in the Women-Friendly category. Winners will receive financial assistance ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore, highlighting progress in development, healthcare, and women empowerment.
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