Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (1st April, 2026)

National News

PM Modi Launches Kaynes Semiconductor Plant in Gujarat – A Big Boost for India’s Chip Industry

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kaynes Semicon Plant on March 31, 2026, marking a major boost to India’s semiconductor manufacturing ambitions.
• Developed by Kaynes Technology, the facility will produce advanced components like Intelligent Power Modules for EVs, electronics, and industrial use.
• The project supports the India Semiconductor Mission and aligns with the ‘Make in India’ vision, strengthening global supply chain integration.
• It enhances domestic chip production, reduces import dependence, and positions India as a growing hub for advanced technology and electronics manufacturing.

India’s First Digital Census 2027 Begins: Self-Enumeration, Mobile Apps & Massive ₹11,718 Cr Exercise Explained

• India has begun Census 2027, marking its first fully digital census using mobile apps and online self-enumeration for faster, transparent data collection.
• This 16th census and eighth after Independence will be conducted in two phases—housing data (April–Sept 2026) and population enumeration (Feb 2027).
• For the first time, citizens can fill details online, improving accuracy and accessibility across multiple languages.
• With a budget of ₹11,718 crore, this massive exercise modernizes data collection and strengthens planning, governance, and policy-making across India.

State News

Amaravati Set to Become The Andhra Pradesh’ Sole Capital: Explained

• Andhra Pradesh is set to declare Amaravati as its sole capital through an amendment to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
• The move ends years of debate, replacing the earlier shared-capital arrangement with Hyderabad and scrapping the three-capital model proposed by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
• Originally promoted by N. Chandrababu Naidu, Amaravati is being developed as a modern greenfield capital with major infrastructure investments.
• This decision aims to bring administrative clarity, fulfill post-bifurcation requirements, and accelerate governance and development in the state.

International News

WTO 14th Ministerial Conference Concludes: India Focuses on Reforms, Fisheries and Agriculture

• The 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC-14) concluded on March 30 in Yaounde, Cameroon, with India actively participating under Piyush Goyal.
• Discussions focused on WTO reforms, fisheries subsidies, e-commerce, agriculture, and support for small economies, though some complex issues remain unresolved.
• India emphasized consensus-based decision-making, food security, public stockholding, and sustainable livelihoods for small-scale fishermen.
• The conference reinforced the need for a fair, inclusive, and development-oriented global trade system while highlighting ongoing challenges in international trade negotiations.

Economy News

India’s GST Collections Hit ₹1.78 Lakh Crore in March 2026: What Drive’s The Surge?

• India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections reached ₹1.78 lakh crore in March 2026, reflecting steady economic activity and improved tax compliance.
• Gross GST revenue touched nearly ₹2 lakh crore, driven by strong imports, stable domestic demand, and better digital tracking of transactions.
• Higher import-based collections and consistent consumer spending supported growth, while refunds rose to ₹0.22 lakh crore, boosting business liquidity.
• Top contributing states included Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat, highlighting regional economic strength and India’s resilient growth momentum.

Appointments News

Vir Vikram Yadav Appointed DGCA Head as India Faces Aviation Safety Challenges

• Vir Vikram Yadav has been appointed as the new Director General of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), replacing Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, amid safety and operational challenges in India’s aviation sector.
• He will focus on strengthening aviation safety frameworks, addressing staff shortages, and implementing FDTL norms to restore confidence in one of the world’s largest aviation markets.
• This appointment is part of a broader bureaucratic reshuffle by the Government of India, including 25 senior civil servant postings.
• DGCA regulates domestic and international air transport, enforces aviation rules, and coordinates with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

IndiGo Names William Walsh as CEO: What His Appointment Means

• IndiGo has appointed Willie Walsh as its new CEO, marking a major leadership shift as the airline aims to recover from disruptions and expand globally.
• Walsh, former head of International Air Transport Association (IATA), brings decades of experience, including leadership roles at Aer Lingus and British Airways.
• His appointment reflects IndiGo’s ambition to strengthen international operations and build a global presence with new long-haul aircraft.
• Walsh’s expertise is expected to guide the airline through regulatory challenges, partnerships, and strategic growth in the global aviation market.

Awards News

International Booker Prize 2026 Shortlist Books: Themes and Analysis

• The International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist features six global novels exploring themes of identity, exile, and human resilience.
• Selected works include titles by Daniel Kehlmann and Marie NDiaye, highlighting diverse cultures and historical contexts.
• The prize celebrates translated fiction, promoting global voices and cross-cultural understanding in literature.
• The winner will be announced on May 19, 2026, at Tate Modern, sharing £50,000 between author and translator.

Defense News

Indian Navy Inducts Indigenous Stealth Frigate ‘Dunagiri’ Under Project 17A

• The Indian Navy inducted the indigenous stealth frigate INS Dunagiri on March 30, 2026, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited under Project 17A.
• The warship features advanced stealth, automation, and 75% indigenous content, marking a major step in Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.
• Equipped with BrahMos missile, MRSAM, and MF-STAR radar, it enhances India’s maritime combat strength.
• INS Dunagiri represents next-generation naval capability with improved stealth, faster construction, and advanced multi-mission operations.

INS Sanshodhak: India’s Indigenous Survey Vessel Strengthens Maritime Capabilities

• The Indian Navy received INS Sanshodhak on March 30, 2026, completing the four-ship Survey Vessel (Large) project built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited.
• Equipped with advanced tools like sonar, AUVs, and DGPS, the vessel enhances hydrographic surveys, seabed mapping, and navigation safety.
• With over 80% indigenous content, it reflects India’s push for self-reliance in defence under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• INS Sanshodhak will support naval operations, ocean research, environmental monitoring, and coastal infrastructure planning, strengthening maritime capabilities.

Science & Technology News

India Strengthens Marine Research with Bhavasagara Centre as National Repository

• India has designated the Bhavasagara Referral Centre as the National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna to preserve and study the country’s marine biodiversity.
• Developed by the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, it houses over 3,500 classified deep-sea specimens, including invertebrates and fishes.
• Recognized under the Biological Diversity Act 2002, the centre safeguards samples, DNA data, and newly discovered species while supporting scientific research.
• This initiative strengthens India’s blue economy, ocean research, and aligns with global efforts like the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).

India’s First Quantum Computer to be Launch in Amaravati: Chandrababu Naidu Announces

• Andhra Pradesh will launch India’s first quantum computer on April 14, 2026, in Amaravati under the Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative led by N. Chandrababu Naidu.
• The project aims to boost innovation in quantum computing, enabling breakthroughs in AI, cryptography, and drug discovery while strengthening India’s global tech position.
• Supported by the National Quantum Mission and partners like IBM, it will create a collaborative ecosystem for research and startups.
• This initiative promotes self-reliance, reduces import dependence, and positions Amaravati as a future global hub for advanced computing and technology.

Important Days News

Utkal Divas 2026 Odisha: Formation Day History, Significance, and Events

• Utkal Divas 2026 is celebrated on April 1, marking the formation of Odisha in 1936 as India’s first linguistic state to unite Odia-speaking regions.
• The day honors leaders like Madhusudan Das and Gopabandhu Das for preserving the Odia language, culture, and identity.
• Utkal Divas reflects Odisha’s rich heritage, from its ancient Kalinga roots to its colonial struggles, and celebrates pride, cultural unity, and the state’s development journey.
• Festivities include Odissi dance performances, public events, parades, school competitions, and tributes to reformers, highlighting Odisha’s vibrant traditions and history.

Current Affairs Today | 1st April 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam