Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (2nd April, 2026)

State News

Meghalaya Partners with Starlink India to Bring High-Speed Internet to Remote Areas

• Meghalaya has partnered with Starlink India to bring high-speed satellite internet to remote and underserved areas, announced on April 1, 2026.
• The MoU aims to bridge the digital divide by leveraging low-Earth orbit satellites for faster and more reliable connectivity in hilly and forested regions.
• Key benefits include transforming education with digital classrooms, enabling telemedicine, improving emergency response, and supporting farmers and local businesses through e-commerce and digital payments.
• Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasized that this collaboration will enhance governance, reduce administrative delays, and strengthen the state’s digital infrastructure and overall socio-economic development.

Ashwini Bhide Becomes First Woman BMC Commissioner

• Ashwini Bhide has been appointed as the first woman Municipal Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on March 31, 2026.
• A senior Maharashtra cadre IAS officer, she is known for strong administrative skills and leading major projects like Mumbai Metro Line 3 as MD of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited.
• Her appointment marks a milestone in gender representation and is expected to boost efficient governance and infrastructure execution in Mumbai.
• BMC, India’s richest municipal body, manages the city’s civic services, making this role one of the most challenging and significant in urban administration.

Lok Sabha Passed Resolution For Amravati The New Capital of Andhra Pradesh

• The Lok Sabha has passed a resolution declaring Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh by amending the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
• This ends the earlier shared-capital arrangement with Hyderabad and replaces the three-capital model proposed by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
• The move fulfills a long-pending requirement post-bifurcation and reflects political consensus on a single capital system.
• Originally promoted by N. Chandrababu Naidu, Amaravati is being developed as a modern greenfield capital to boost governance and infrastructure.

Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill 2026 Passed: 784 Legal Provisions Changed to Boost Ease of Doing Business

• The Lok Sabha passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 on April 1, 2026, to decriminalize minor offences and simplify outdated laws.
• The bill amends 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts, replacing many criminal penalties with monetary fines to ease legal burdens.
• Promoted by Piyush Goyal, it supports MSMEs and startups by improving compliance and reducing fear of prosecution.
• This reform strengthens ease of doing business, reduces litigation, and promotes trust-based governance under the “minimum government, maximum governance” vision.

International News

Costa Rica Launches Snake Identification App: A Smart Tool to Prevent Panic and Save Lives

• Costa Rica has launched the ICP App, developed by Universidad de Costa Rica and the Clodomiro Picado Institute, to identify venomous snakes and improve public safety.
• The app helps users recognize 25 venomous species, compare them with non-venomous ones, and access verified scientific information.
• It also provides first-aid guidance for snakebites and allows users to record locations of encounters, aiding medical response.
• This initiative aims to reduce panic, prevent unnecessary killing of snakes, and promote coexistence while enhancing awareness and wildlife conservation.

Banking News

India Records All-Time High UPI Transactions in March 2026: ₹29.52 Trillion Value

• India’s digital payments reached a new high as UPI transactions hit ₹29.52 trillion in March 2026, up from ₹26.84 trillion in February.
• Transaction volume also rose to 22.64 billion, marking an 11% monthly increase and reflecting strong adoption across sectors.
• For FY 2025-26, total UPI value surged to ₹314.23 trillion with 241.616 billion transactions, showing 21–30% annual growth and wider reach into smaller towns.
• Average daily transactions jumped to 730.36 million, highlighting UPI’s central role in India’s digital economy and the public’s growing trust in cashless payments.

Defense News

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Takes Over as Vice Chief Amid Army Modernization Push

• Dhiraj Seth has taken charge as Vice Chief of the Indian Army, bringing nearly four decades of distinguished service and leadership experience.
• An alumnus of National Defence Academy, he has commanded key formations, including armoured units, counter-insurgency forces in Jammu & Kashmir, and the Sudarshan Chakra Corps.
• He has also held strategic roles at Army Headquarters and served in a UN mission in Angola, gaining global exposure.
• His appointment strengthens the Army’s modernization and preparedness with experienced leadership in operations, planning, and national security.

Indian Army Appoints New Commanders for Southern, Eastern, and Western Commands

• The Indian Army appointed new commanders for its Southern, Eastern, and Western Commands on April 1, 2026, to boost operational readiness and modernization.
• Sandeep Jain took charge of Southern Command, bringing extensive infantry and UN mission experience.
• V. M. B. Krishnan assumed Eastern Command with expertise in high-altitude operations and logistics reforms, while Pushpendra Pal Singh leads the strategically crucial Western Command.
• These leadership changes aim to enhance preparedness, technological integration, and strategic capabilities across key military regions.

INS Malwan Delivered to Indian Navy: Next-Gen Anti-Submarine Vessel Explained

• The INS Malwan was delivered on March 31, 2026, in Kochi, marking a major boost to India’s coastal defense.
• Built domestically with over 80% indigenous content, it is the second in a planned fleet of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC) replacing ageing Abhay-class corvettes.
• The 80-metre vessel features waterjet propulsion, advanced sonar, lightweight torpedoes, and anti-submarine rockets, designed for littoral operations, mine-laying, and coastal surveillance.
• Named after the historic town of Malwan, it reflects India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat push, strengthening maritime security and modern naval capabilities.

India’s Defense Exports Hit Record ₹38,424 Crore in FY2025-26

• India’s defence exports reached a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26, marking a sharp 62.66% growth and highlighting its emergence as a global exporter.
• Growth was driven by Defence Public Sector Undertakings and private firms, reflecting strong public-private collaboration and rising manufacturing capacity.
• Exports now reach over 80 countries, with an increasing number of exporters, boosting India’s global credibility and strategic influence.
• Supported by policy reforms and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, this surge strengthens economic growth, reduces import dependence, and advances India’s defence self-reliance.

Science & Technology News

NASA’s Artemis II Mission Begins: First Crewed Moon Journey in Over 50 Years Takes Off

• NASA launched the Artemis II on April 1, 2026, marking the first crewed journey toward the Moon since Apollo missions in 1972.
• Using the Space Launch System, four astronauts began a 10-day mission aboard Orion to orbit the Moon and return safely to Earth.
• The diverse crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, highlighting inclusive space exploration.
• This mission tests critical systems, follows a free-return trajectory, and sets the stage for future human lunar landings and deep-space exploration.

Schemes News

Delhi Launches ‘Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana’: Girls to Get ₹1.2 Lakh-Check Eligibility

• The Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana launched by the Delhi Government aims to support girls’ education and financial security, replacing the Ladli Scheme.
• Announced under Rekha Gupta, it provides phased financial aid from birth to graduation, growing up to ₹1.20 lakh with interest.
• The scheme targets economically weaker families, promoting education, delaying early marriage, and ensuring long-term empowerment of girl children.
• With a digital application process and milestone-based benefits, it strengthens financial independence, improves literacy, and boosts future opportunities for girls.

Important Days News

World Autism Awareness Day 2026: Understanding Autism, Breaking Myths & Building an Inclusive Society

• World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2, 2026, promoting awareness, inclusion, and support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Initiated by the United Nations in 2007, the day focuses on breaking myths, reducing stigma, and encouraging early diagnosis and equal opportunities.
• The 2026 theme, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” highlights dignity, acceptance, and recognizing unique abilities.
• Observed globally with campaigns and events, it emphasizes that autism is not a limitation but a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world.

Current Affairs Today | 2nd April 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam