Daily Current Affairs – 02-04-2026

Economy News

Sathya Agencies IPO

Sathya Agencies, a leading consumer appliances and electronics retailer in South India, has filed draft papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise up to ₹600 crore through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The company operates across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, and Puducherry, with 392 consumer electronics retail outlets and 35 mobile phone showrooms. The IPO consists of a fresh issue of shares worth ₹300 crore and an Offer for Sale (OFS) of ₹300 crore by promoters Johnson Asariya, J. John Sathya, and Charles Pakkiyaraj. The proceeds from the fresh issue will be used for partial acquisition payment (₹350 million) of Unilet Appliances, repayment of certain borrowings amounting to ₹1,750 million, and for general corporate purposes. The issue is managed by Anand Rathi Advisors and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors.

National News

INS Malvan – Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warship Inducted

The indigenously built warship INS Malvan has been handed over to the Indian Navy. It is designed with the capability to detect and destroy enemy submarines. Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, a contract was signed with Cochin Shipyard Limited to manufacture eight anti-submarine warfare ships with modern features for the Navy. These ships are capable of operating in shallow coastal waters and destroying submarines using torpedoes. The warship INS Malvan, built with more than 80% indigenous components, measures 80 meters in length and has a displacement of 1,100 tonnes. It is powered by a waterjet propulsion system and is equipped with torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, advanced sensors, radars, and sonar systems for monitoring and neutralizing enemy submarines.

Amaravati Recognized as Andhra Pradesh Capital

The Lok Sabha has passed a bill granting legal recognition to Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Earlier, the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly had unanimously approved the resolution and forwarded it to the Central Government. The bill was introduced in Parliament by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai. Members of parties including Telugu Desam Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Jana Sena, Congress, YSR Congress, and Samajwadi Party participated in the discussion. The bill was approved in accordance with the State Reorganisation Act, and the announcement was made by Tenneti Krishna Prasad, who was in the Speaker’s chair. The bill is scheduled to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha for further approval. Previously, after the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, Amaravati was proposed as the capital city following the bifurcation of the state.

Sports News

Italy Eliminated; Bosnia Qualifies for FIFA World Cup

In the FIFA World Cup scheduled from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, USA, and Mexico, the European play-off qualification matches saw Bosnia and Herzegovina defeat Italy in Zenica via a 4-1 penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, thereby qualifying for the tournament; this marks Bosnia’s second qualification, with its previous appearance in 2014. Italy, a four-time champion (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006), failed to qualify for the third consecutive time, having also missed the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. In other results, Sweden defeated Poland (3-2) and Turkey defeated Kosovo (1-0) to qualify, with Turkey qualifying for the first time since 2002. The Czech Republic qualified after defeating Denmark (3-1) in a penalty shootout and returns after 2006. In the inter-continental play-offs held in Mexico, Iraq defeated Bolivia (2-1) to qualify for the World Cup after 40 years, last appearing in 1986, and was placed in Group ‘I’ with France, Senegal, and Norway. In another match, Congo defeated Jamaica (1-0) in Guadalajara, Mexico, to qualify.

ICC T20I Rankings – Abhishek Sharma Retains No.1 Spot

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the latest T20I rankings for batsmen, in which Abhishek Sharma (India) continues to hold the 1st position, followed by Ishan Kishan (India) in the 2nd position. Tilak Varma (India) is ranked 6th, and Suryakumar Yadav (India Captain) is placed at 7th position. Jos Buttler (England) has moved up to the 8th position, while Tim Seifert (New Zealand) has dropped to the 9th position. In the T20I bowlers’ rankings, Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) holds the 1st position, with Varun Chakaravarthy (India) in the 2nd position and Jasprit Bumrah (India) in the 5th position.

Oracle Layoffs – 12,000 Employees in India Affected

Oracle, a software company headquartered in Austin, United States, has laid off approximately 12,000 employees in India as part of its global workforce reduction of 30,000 employees. The layoffs are linked to restructuring measures, including changes related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and operational streamlining. In India, the company has a total workforce of about 30,000 employees, and nearly 40% of employees have been affected by this decision. Reports indicate that another round of layoffs may occur within a month. The company has also announced financial support for affected employees, including 15 days’ salary for one year of service, leave encashment, gratuity, one-month notice period salary, and an additional two months’ salary.

IIT Madras – University of Canterbury MoU for Academic Cooperation

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, on April 1 to strengthen international academic cooperation. The MoU establishes collaboration in degree programmes, online education, research, and academic exchange. Under this partnership, IIT Madras Bachelor of Science (BS) students can pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Data Science at the University of Canterbury. The agreement was signed by representatives of both institutions, including Prof. Prathap Haridoss (IIT Madras) and Prof. Michael Grimley, Head of Future Learning and Development (University of Canterbury).

GST Collection in March 2026 – ₹2 Lakh Crore Milestone

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in March 2026 exceeded ₹2 lakh crore, recording a 9% increase compared to March 2025 (₹1.83 lakh crore). This is the third-highest monthly collection in the 2025–26 financial year, after April 2025 (₹2.36 lakh crore) and May 2025 (₹2.01 lakh crore). The total GST collection for the 2025–26 financial year reached ₹22.27 lakh crore, showing a growth of 8.3%. In March 2026, revenue from domestic transactions increased by 5.9% to ₹1.46 lakh crore, while revenue from imports stood at ₹53,861 crore, marking a 17.8% increase. The total refund amount was ₹22,074 crore (13.8% increase), and the net GST revenue rose by 8.2% to ₹1.78 lakh crore.

Transgender Persons Amendment Act 2026 – Presidential Assent

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, gave assent on March 30 to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, and the law came into force from the same date as notified by the Union Law Ministry. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on March 24 and in the Rajya Sabha on March 25. The amendment removes the provision allowing self-identification of transgender persons and makes medical evidence mandatory. It also provides a clear definition of the term ‘transgender persons’ and increases punishment for crimes against them from a maximum of 2 years imprisonment under the 2019 Act to a maximum of 14 years imprisonment along with a fine.

Personalities, Awards and Events

Operation Sindhur – Yuddha Seva Medal to Navy Officers

During Operation Sindhur, undertaken by India against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi awarded the Yuddha Seva Medal to Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod and Vice Admiral Rahul Gokhale for distinguished service during conflict. The medal, awarded to senior officers for exceptional service in war or conflict situations, was given to Pramod for formulating the attack plan and coordinating naval operations, and to Gokhale for executing successful missile strikes and bringing 22 warships to operational readiness within 96 hours. Additionally, Nao Sena Medals were awarded to officers including Captains Suraj Rebera, Vikas Kark, Piyush Kathiyar, Rajeshwar Sharma, Vivek Kuriakose, and Commander Kapil Kumar, Lieutenant Commander Rishabh Purbiya, Chief Engineer Manoj Kumar Were for their contributions in preparing submarines and maintaining operational readiness.

Insolvency Law Amendment & Key Bills Passed in Parliament 2026

The Insolvency Law (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed in the Rajya Sabha on April 1, 2026, after being approved in the Lok Sabha on March 30, 2026, thereby completing its passage in Parliament. The amendment is based on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, and incorporates 12 amendments, with 11 recommendations of the Lok Sabha Select Committee accepted; the bill was originally introduced on August 12, 2025 and the committee submitted its report in December 2025. The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 was also passed in the Rajya Sabha, proposing an integrated administrative system for CAPF personnel and provisions for appointment of IPS officers, including 50% posts for Director General level and 67% for Additional Director General level. Further, the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 was passed in the Lok Sabha, aiming to reduce penalties for minor offences and improve ease of doing business by amending 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts related to 23 ministries and departments.

International News

India–Israel Defence Deal – Supply of Light Machine Guns

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) has supplied the first batch of 2,000 light machine guns to India as part of a defence procurement plan to acquire 41,000 guns. The supply was carried out through PLR Systems, a company of the Adani Group, which is also the first private small arms manufacturer in India. The weapons supplied are Negev 7.62 mm light machine guns, featuring both semi-automatic and fully automatic modes, and are used by the Israeli military. Further, 4,000 guns are scheduled to be delivered by the end of the current year. This supply follows a defence cooperation agreement signed between India and Israel in November, under which PLR Systems has also secured a contract to supply 1.70 lakh guns, with 18,000 guns to be delivered in the first phase by the end of the year.

Cricket Australia Contracts 2026–27 – Player List Announced

Cricket Australia has announced the 2026–27 player contracts for the Australian cricket team, which is the reigning ICC 50-over ODI World Cup champion. In the new contract list, Glenn Maxwell, Sam Konstas, and Jhye Richardson have been excluded. The players included in the contract list are Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, and Adam Zampa.

Lionel Messi – Final Home Match for Argentina

Lionel Messi, the Argentina national football team captain and a three-time FIFA World Cup-winning player for Argentina, delivered a notable performance in his final international match on home soil held in Buenos Aires. The match was part of friendly matches played in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in June, in which Argentina defeated Zambia 5-0. In the match, Messi (38 years) assisted a goal to Julián Álvarez and also scored a goal in the 43rd minute. Messi is currently playing in the Major League Soccer (USA).

DR Congo Qualifies for FIFA World Cup After 52 Years

Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 52 years. In the qualification play-off match held in Mexico, Congo defeated Jamaica 1-0, with the winning goal scored in extra time by Axel Tuanzebe, a Premier League defender. Following this qualification, DR Congo has been placed in Group K along with Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

Iraq Qualifies for FIFA World Cup After 40 Years

Iraq has qualified for the FIFA World Cup after 40 years by defeating their opponent 2–1 in the qualification match held in Mexico. Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the tournament. The goals for Iraq were scored by Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein. This marks Iraq’s return to the World Cup after their previous qualification in 1986.

Adani Ports – 500 Million Tonnes Cargo Handling Milestone

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (Adani Ports), India’s largest private port operator, has achieved a milestone by handling 500 million tonnes (50 crore tonnes) of cargo. The company, which started in 1998 with a single port, has expanded to 19 ports and terminals across India and abroad. It took 16 years to reach the first 100 million tonnes (10 crore tonnes), while subsequent milestones were achieved in shorter durations. The company currently manages 15 domestic ports, 4 international ports, and 12 multi-modal logistics parks, connecting 95% of India’s hinterland regions. Adani Ports holds about 28% share in India’s total port trade and has an annual cargo handling capacity of 630 million tonnes (63 crore tonnes). The company has set a target to handle 1 billion tonnes (100 crore tonnes) of cargo by 2030.

Artemis II Moon Mission

The Artemis II Moon Mission of NASA will send four astronauts to the Moon, marking the first human lunar mission in more than five decades. The mission will use the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which generates 39.1 meganewtons of thrust, with two solid-fuel boosters providing over 75% thrust and a core stage powered by 4 RS-25 engines using liquid hydrogen and oxygen. The spacecraft includes a Launch Abort System, Crew Module (5 m diameter), and Service Module for life support, power, and propulsion. The astronauts selected are Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot, first person of colour to travel to the Moon), Christina Koch (first woman on a lunar mission, record 328-day spaceflight), and Jeremy Hansen (first non-American to travel around the Moon, Canada). The mission is associated with facilities such as the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, where the rocket and Orion spacecraft are prepared.

Lt. Gen. Dhiraj Seth Appointed as Army Vice-Chief

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth has assumed charge as the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 and has nearly four decades of operational experience, including counter-insurgency operations. In related appointments, Lieutenant General V.M.B. Krishnan has taken charge as GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, succeeding Lieutenant General R.C. Tiwari, who retired on March 31, while Lieutenant General Pushpendra Pal Singh has assumed charge as GOC-in-C, Western Command.

Census 2027 – Self-Enumeration Portal Usage

The Population Census 2027 self-enumeration portal recorded usage by about 55,000 households on its first day of operation in eight States and Union Territories, as announced by the Union Home Ministry. The first phase, known as House Listing Operations and Housing Census (HLO), includes 33 questions, and initial participants included President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah. The self-enumeration facility has been introduced in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha, Sikkim, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area, and Delhi Cantonment Board areas. The HLO phase will be conducted from April 16 to May 15, and all other States must complete the first phase by September 30. In Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh snow-bound areas, both phases will be completed by September 30. The second phase of Census, including details like religion and caste, will be conducted in February 2027. The portal, available in 16 regional languages, generates a unique Self-Enumeration ID (SE ID) for verification during door-to-door surveys.

Wipro Launches AI-Native Business Unit and Leadership Changes

Wipro Limited has announced a new ‘AI-Native Business & Platforms’ unit to strengthen its services business, with changes effective from April 1. As part of the leadership reshuffle, Suzanne Dann, CEO of the Americas-2 Strategic Market Unit, has stepped down, while Nagendra Bandaru, President and Managing Partner of Technology Services GBL, has been appointed as the CEO of the new unit; he will report to CEO and MD Srini Pallia. Additionally, Kanwar Singh has joined Wipro as President and Managing Partner of Technology Services GBL and is part of the Executive Leadership team. The new unit will focus on developing enterprise-grade Agentic AI solutions and will manage platform assets such as NetOxygen, CROAMIS, IHS, HPS, Enterprise Telco AI, WINGS, and WEGA, in collaboration with Wipro Ventures.

Reports and Indices

Keepiton Report 2025 – Internet Shutdowns and India

The Keepiton Coalition, a global civil society initiative led by Access Now, released its report on internet shutdowns, stating that in 2025, a total of 313 internet shutdowns were recorded across 52 countries. India reported 65 shutdowns, which is the lowest since 2017, but remains the highest among democratic countries and second highest globally. The report highlighted that internet shutdown orders in India are issued legally but are considered incompatible with democratic principles. It also noted that internet shutdowns affect human rights, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) linking them to crimes against humanity. They disrupt governance and welfare schemes such as Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and cause economic losses, with India losing about $323 million in 2024. The report further referred to legal aspects, stating that internet access is part of Article 21 (Right to Education and Privacy) as per Faheema Shirin v. State of Kerala (2019), and freedom to conduct trade online is protected under Article 19 as per Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India.

Important Days

World Autism Awareness Day - April 2

World Autism Awareness Day is observed annually on April 2, declared by the United Nations and first observed in 2008. The theme for 2026 is “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value”, emphasizing the importance of dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The day aims to promote awareness, early diagnosis, and support systems to ensure the rights and well-being of individuals with autism.

International Children’s Book Day - April 2

International Children’s Book Day is observed annually on April 2, organized by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). The day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen, a renowned Danish author. It aims to promote reading habits among children, encourage access to quality children’s literature, and highlight the importance of books in education and imagination.