Daily Current Affairs – 02.04.2026

🔹 National Affairs (India)

• RBI Monetary Policy Outlook
  • The Reserve Bank of India maintained a cautious stance amid global inflationary pressures.
  • Repo rate remains steady at 6.50% to balance inflation and growth.
  • Inflation projected around 5.2% for FY 2026.
  • GDP growth forecast retained at 6.8%.
• Digital India Expansion Initiative
  • Government approved expansion of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
  • Focus on rural broadband connectivity under BharatNet Phase-III.
  • Target: 100% gram panchayat connectivity by 2027.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission Update
  • Additional allocation of ₹8,000 crore approved.
  • Target: 5 million metric tonnes hydrogen production annually by 2030.
  • Expected to generate 6 lakh jobs.
• New Expressway Inauguration
  • Prime Minister inaugurated Delhi–Dehradun Expressway Phase-II.
  • Length: 210 km, reducing travel time to 2.5 hours.
  • Project cost: ₹12,000 crore.
• Agriculture Sector Reform
  • Launch of AgriStack Digital Platform.
  • Database integration of farmer records, land holdings, and crop patterns.
  • Aim: Direct benefit transfer efficiency and crop insurance optimization.

🔹 International Affairs

• Global Climate Agreement Progress
  • Countries agreed to revised carbon reduction targets under COP framework.
  • Aim: Reduce global emissions by 45% by 2030 (from 2010 levels).
• India–Japan Strategic Partnership
  • Agreement signed for semiconductor manufacturing collaboration.
  • Investment commitment: $10 billion over 5 years.
  • Focus sectors: AI chips, EV components.
• US Federal Reserve Policy
  • Interest rates maintained at 5.25%–5.50% range.
  • Inflation cooling but remains above target at 3.1%.
• China Economic Data
  • GDP growth reported at 4.9% (Q1 2026).
  • Export growth slowed due to global demand contraction.

🔹 Economy & Banking

• UPI Transactions Surge
  • UPI recorded ₹22 lakh crore transactions in March 2026.
  • Volume crossed 14 billion transactions in a single month.
  • Growth rate: +35% YoY.
• Bank Merger Update
  • Government considering consolidation of smaller public sector banks.
  • Objective: Strengthen capital adequacy and global competitiveness.
• SEBI Regulatory Change
  • New norms for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
  • Minimum investment reduced to ₹10,000 to boost retail participation.
• Insurance Sector Growth
  • IRDAI reported 18% growth in premium collections in FY 2025–26.
  • Life insurance penetration increased to 4.2% of GDP.

🔹 Defence & Security

• Indian Navy Exercise
  • Conducted “Exercise Sea Shield 2026” in the Arabian Sea.
  • Participation: India, France, Australia.
  • Focus: Maritime security and anti-submarine warfare.
• DRDO Missile Test
  • Successfully tested Agni-P ballistic missile.
  • Range: 1,000–2,000 km.
  • Capable of carrying nuclear payload.

🔹 Science & Technology

• ISRO Satellite Launch
  • Launched RISAT-3B surveillance satellite.
  • Purpose: All-weather earth observation and border monitoring.
  • Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• AI Regulation Framework
  • India proposed national AI governance guidelines.
  • Focus: Ethical AI, data privacy, and accountability.

🔹 Environment

• Forest Cover Report
  • India’s forest cover increased to 24.8% of total land area.
  • Target: 33% under National Forest Policy.
• Heatwave Alert
  • IMD issued alerts for northern states including Delhi, UP, Rajasthan.
  • Temperatures expected to reach 45°C+ in early April.

🔹 Awards & Honours

• Padma Awards 2026 (Select Highlights)
  • Padma Vibhushan awarded to:
    • Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar (Science & Engineering)
  • Padma Bhushan:
    • Pankaj Advani (Sports – Billiards & Snooker)
  • Padma Shri:
    • Multiple grassroots innovators and artists recognized.

🔹 Appointments & Resignations

• New SEBI Chairperson
  • Rajeev Kumar appointed as SEBI Chairman.
  • Tenure: 3 years.
• Chief Economic Advisor
  • Dr. Anantha Nageswaran tenure extended by 2 years.

🔹 Sports

• IPL 2026 Update
  • Leading run scorer: Shubman Gill – 312 runs (first 5 matches).
  • Highest wicket-taker: Jasprit Bumrah – 11 wickets.
• Badminton – India Open 2026
  • Winner (Men’s Singles): Lakshya Sen
  • Runner-up: Viktor Axelsen
  • Score: 21-18, 17-21, 21-16
• Cricket – Women’s Series
  • India defeated England in ODI series 2–1.
  • Player of the Series: Smriti Mandhana (245 runs).

🔹 Important Days

• 2 April – World Autism Awareness Day
  • Theme 2026: “Inclusive Education for All”
  • Aim: Promote awareness and inclusion of individuals with autism.