Current Affairs 1 April 2026

EconomyHighquizQuiz

Government Extends RoSCTL Scheme to Boost Textile Exports Competitiveness

•The Indian government has extended the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for apparel, garments, and made-ups until September 30, 2026.
•The scheme aims to enhance the global competitiveness of India's labor-intensive textile sector by refunding embedded state and central taxes and levies.
•Benefits under RoSCTL are provided through transferable duty credit scrips, which can be utilized for customs duties or traded.

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MiscellaneousMediumquizQuiz

Early Screen Use Stunts Child Social, Sensory Growth, Experts Warn

•Paediatricians and psychologists express growing concern over early screen exposure in children.
•Excessive screen use is linked to stunted social and sensory development.
•Children may miss crucial real-world interactions, impacting their ability to form healthy relationships later.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

India Ramps Up Energy & Fertilizer Security Amidst West Asia Conflict

•India's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) reviewed strategies to mitigate the impact of the West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz blockade on national interests.
•Key focus areas include diversifying sources for critical imports like Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and fertilizers.
•Measures are being implemented to ensure adequate power availability, stabilize domestic LPG prices, and monitor food commodity prices to safeguard citizens.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

India Accelerates E-Bus Adoption with New Tender to Boost Energy Security

•India is intensifying its efforts to electrify public transport by accelerating the adoption of electric buses.
•A new tender for 3,000 electric bus units is anticipated to be issued by June.
•This strategic move aims to significantly reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

India reverses jet fuel price hike; commercial LPG up amid global oil surge

•India has reversed the recent hike in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices.
•Commercial Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices have increased by approximately ₹200.
•These price movements are primarily driven by a global surge in crude oil prices.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

India Tightens Footwear Standards to Curb Toxic Chemicals, Boost Exports

•India has implemented stricter quality control norms for footwear manufacturing.
•The new regulations specifically target the presence of toxic chemicals like Dimethylformamide (DMF) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
•These measures aim to safeguard consumer health by reducing exposure to harmful substances.

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MiscellaneousHighquizQuiz

India's Cooking Fuel Shift: LPG Dominates, Rural Areas Still Rely on Firewood

•A majority of Indian households now use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cooking, a significant increase from approximately 20% two decades ago.
•Despite this widespread adoption, a substantial portion of families, particularly in rural areas and economically weaker states, continue to rely on firewood.
•The transition reflects evolving energy access patterns and has implications for public health, environment, and women's empowerment.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

India's GST Revenue Hits ₹1.78 Trillion in March, Gross Collections Cross ₹2 Trillion

•India's net Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue for March reached ₹1.78 trillion.
•Gross GST receipts, before accounting for refunds, touched ₹2 trillion in March.
•This marks an 8.8% year-on-year increase in gross collections.

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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

Indian Railways Targets Record Freight Movement of 1,670 MT by FY26

•Indian Railways aims to achieve a record freight transportation volume of 1,670 million tonnes (MT) by Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26).
•This ambitious target is primarily driven by projected increases in the movement of key commodities like fertilizers and steel.
•Despite the record projection, the anticipated growth rate is considered modest when compared to other transport sectors.

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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

Government Extends RoSCTL Scheme to Support Textile Exporters Amid Global Uncertainty

•The Indian government has extended the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for textile exporters.
•The scheme, which covers apparel and made-ups, is now extended by six months until September 30, 2024.
•RoSCTL aims to refund embedded State and Central taxes and levies to boost the global competitiveness of Indian textile products.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Pre-bankruptcy transaction 'lookback' period expanded to two years under IBC

•The 'lookback' period for scrutinizing pre-bankruptcy transactions has been extended to two years.
•This expansion applies to deals made before a bankruptcy petition is filed with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
•The measure aims to prevent asset stripping and fraudulent transactions by companies nearing insolvency.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

PM Reviews Strategy to Diversify LPG, LNG, Fertilizer Imports Amid Geopolitical Tensions

•Prime Minister Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review measures for diversifying India's energy and fertilizer import sources.
•The primary objective is to reduce reliance on West Asian suppliers due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the region.
•Key strategies include ensuring price stability, enforcing anti-hoarding measures, and securing alternative trade routes.

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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

TP53 Gene Mutation Linked to Aggressive Adult Leukaemia, Impacts Treatment Strategy

•A recent U.S. multi-institutional study found a TP53 gene mutation in about 10% of adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) patients.
•Patients with this specific mutation exhibited higher relapse rates and lower long-term survival compared to those without it.
•The findings underscore the TP53 mutation as a critical prognostic indicator for aggressive adult ALL.

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EnvironmentHighquizQuiz

Rice's Whale: Critically Endangered Species Threatens Gulf of Mexico Oil Drilling

•Rice's whale, a distinct species identified in 2021, is critically endangered.
•It primarily inhabits a specific area in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.
•Proposed oil and gas drilling activities in its habitat pose a significant threat to its survival.

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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

NASA's Artemis 2 Moon Flyby Mission Primed for Launch

•NASA's Artemis 2 mission, a crewed lunar flyby, is scheduled for launch from Florida.
•This mission is the first crewed flight of the Artemis program, designed to return humans to the Moon.
•It aims to test the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System (SLS) before future lunar landing missions.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

U.S. Report Flags India's High Tariffs and Non-Tariff Barriers

•A recent U.S. government report has expressed concerns over India's trade policies.
•The report specifically highlights India's high import duties (tariffs) and various non-tariff barriers as impediments to trade.
•Criticism was also directed at the ad hoc modification of tariff rates through Gazette notifications, lacking public comment.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Commercial LPG Prices Rise, Government Caps ATF Hike Amidst OMC Under-Recovery

•Commercial LPG cylinder prices have seen an increase, impacting businesses.
•The government has imposed a 25% cap on the hike in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices for domestic flights.
•Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are currently experiencing an under-recovery of ₹380 per LPG cylinder.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Recent GST Revenue Hits ₹2 Lakh Crore, Driven by Import Taxes and Trade Dynamics

•Recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections reached ₹2 lakh crore, marking a 10-month high.
•The significant increase in revenue is primarily attributed to taxes collected on imports.
•Tax experts suggest this growth reflects higher international prices and a potential trade imbalance.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Indian Stock Markets Surge on De-escalation Hopes Amidst Significant FII Outflows

•Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, commenced the new financial year with substantial gains.
•The Sensex recorded a significant jump of 1,186 points, driven by positive market sentiment attributed to de-escalation hopes.
•Despite the market rally, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) registered a considerable net outflow from Indian equities.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Government allows SEZ export units to sell in domestic market at concessional rates

•The government has permitted Special Economic Zone (SEZ) export units to sell their products in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).
•These sales will be subject to concessional customs duty rates, rather than full duties.
•The decision aims to support export-oriented units facing challenges due to the current global trade environment.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Global Tensions Drive Up Auto Costs, Maruti to Hike Prices Amidst FY26 Sales Growth

•India's Personal Vehicle (PV) sales are projected to grow by 8% year-on-year in FY26, driven by positive market factors.
•Automobile manufacturers, including Maruti Suzuki, are set to increase vehicle prices due to mounting cost pressures.
•Rising global commodity prices, particularly for oil, gas, and key metals, are a primary reason for increased input costs.

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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

IndiGo Raises Fuel Surcharge Despite ATF Cap, Airfares Increase

•IndiGo has announced an increase in fuel surcharges for both domestic and international flights.
•The surcharge for domestic flights can go up to Rs 900, while for Europe flights it can reach Rs 10,000.
•This move comes despite a government-imposed cap on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices for domestic carriers.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

U.S. Exit from NATO: Trump's 'Paper Tiger' Remark Sparks Alliance Debate

•Donald Trump criticized NATO, labeling it a 'paper tiger' and expressing disbelief over members' refusal to join a potential conflict with Iran.
•Trump is reportedly considering the U.S. exiting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
•These comments highlight ongoing tensions regarding burden-sharing and strategic alignment within the alliance.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

UK Labour Leader on Middle East Conflict and Strait of Hormuz

•UK Labour leader Keir Starmer stated that the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran is not in the UK's national interest, advocating for non-involvement.
•Starmer emphasized the UK's potential role in ensuring the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global maritime choke point.
•The statement highlights a potential divergence in foreign policy approach from the current UK government and its transatlantic allies.

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DefenceMediumquizQuiz

Iran Denies Trump's Claim of Ceasefire Request with United States

•Former US President Donald Trump claimed Iran's new leader had requested a ceasefire with the United States.
•Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson promptly denied Trump's statement, labeling it as false and baseless.
•This exchange highlights the persistent diplomatic tensions and communication challenges between the two nations.

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DefenceHighquizQuiz

Iran's Strategic Deadlock: Nuclear Deal, Missile Program, and Gulf Security Reshaping

•A Johns Hopkins professor suggests Iran might be open to a nuclear deal but remains firm on its missile program and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
•This stance indicates a strategic deadlock with the US, potentially leading to a significant reshaping of the Gulf's security architecture.
•The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil transit, making Iran's control a major international concern.

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DefenceHighquizQuiz

Israeli Strike Kills Senior Hezbollah Commander in Beirut, Escalating Regional Tensions

•An Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon, resulted in the death of a senior Hezbollah commander.
•The incident occurred on April 1, 2026, in the Jnah district of Beirut.
•This event is expected to further escalate tensions in the already volatile Middle East region.

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InternationalMediumquizQuiz

US-Iran Ceasefire Claims: Trump's Assertion vs. Tehran's Denial

•Former US President Donald Trump claimed Iran's President requested a ceasefire.
•Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian denied the request, calling it 'false'.
•Pezeshkian stated Iran is willing for a ceasefire if adversaries guarantee no return of hostilities.

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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

Artemis II Mission: US-China Race for Lunar Dominance and Geopolitical Stakes

•The US Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon, with Artemis II being a crucial crewed test flight.
•The mission is part of a renewed international space race, primarily between the United States and China, to establish lunar presence.
•Success of Artemis missions could see US astronauts on the Moon significantly ahead of China's timeline.

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MiscellaneousHighquizQuiz

India's First Digital Census Scheduled for 2027, Largest Global Enumeration

•India is set to conduct its first fully digital census in 2027, marking a significant technological shift in the country's demographic data collection.
•This upcoming census will be the largest enumeration exercise globally, aiming to capture comprehensive data on India's vast population.
•The data collection process will primarily utilize a mobile application, enhancing efficiency and potentially reducing the time taken for enumeration.

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EconomyHighquizQuiz

NSO Releases 'Energy Statistics India 2026' Report on Energy Sector Trends

•The National Statistics Office (NSO) has released its annual publication, 'Energy Statistics India 2026'.
•The report provides an integrated dataset covering India's major energy resources.
•Key areas covered include energy reserves, production, consumption, trade, and overall sector trends.

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DefenceHighquizQuiz

Indian Navy to receive Malwan, second ASW Shallow Water Craft from CSL

•Malwan, the second of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC), is scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy.
•The delivery date for Malwan is specified as March 31, 2026, marking a significant step in naval capabilities.
•Constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Malwan is a high-tech, waterjet-propelled warship.

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InternationalHighquizQuiz

India's Neighbourhood Policy Reboot: Trade as a Strategic Imperative

•India is presented with a strategic opportunity to re-evaluate and revitalize its neighbourhood policy.
•Economic engagement, particularly through enhanced trade, is identified as a crucial instrument for strengthening regional ties.
•A robust trade-centric approach can bolster India's influence, foster stability, and achieve strategic objectives in South Asia.

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EnvironmentHighquizQuiz

Rethinking Disaster Risk Assessment: Beyond Total Population Count for Better Preparedness

•Current disaster risk assessment methods often rely on total population, leading to a distorted view of actual risk.
•States with smaller populations but high exposure to hazards may receive inadequate funding for disaster preparedness.
•This flawed approach weakens overall disaster management efforts and leaves vulnerable populations at greater risk.

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Polity & GovernanceHighquizQuiz

Chhattisgarh HC: Private Prayer Meetings Need No Prior Permission

•The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that prior permission is not required for prayer meetings held in private dwellings.
•The decision came after petitioners challenged police notices demanding such permissions for religious gatherings in their homes.
•The court clarified that authorities can intervene only if there are violations such as noise pollution or a breach of law and order.

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Polity & GovernanceHighquizQuiz

Allegations of Voter List Manipulation Erupt in West Bengal Ahead of Elections

•Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to manipulate voter lists in West Bengal through bulk submissions of Form 6.
•West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), alleging 'voter hijacking' by including 'outsiders' in the state's electoral roll.
•The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal clarified that his office's role is to process Form 6 applications according to established rules, not to pre-verify the intent behind submissions.

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DefenceHighquizQuiz

NIA, ED Bust Maoist Extortion and Money Laundering Rackets, Seize ₹40 Crore Assets

•The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) jointly dismantled Maoist extortion and money laundering networks.
•NIA's dedicated anti-Naxal vertical is actively investigating over 100 cases, with chargesheets filed in nearly 90.
•The operations led to the seizure of assets valued at more than ₹40 crore, disrupting the financial lifeline of Naxal groups.

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Polity & GovernanceMediumquizQuiz

Kerala Elections: LDF and UDF in direct contest, NDA seeks to emerge as third force

•The electoral contest in Kerala is primarily between the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
•The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is actively working to establish itself as a significant third political force in the state.
•This election highlights the multi-party system and coalition dynamics prevalent in Indian state politics.

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Polity & GovernanceMediumquizQuiz

J&K Speaker Raises Security Concerns Amidst Alleged Party Office Security Withdrawal

•J&K Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather expressed serious concerns over the security situation in the Union Territory.
•The Speaker emphasized that past incidents should guide current security decisions and called for authorities to take legislators' concerns seriously.
•The statement came after the National Conference (NC) alleged the withdrawal of security cover from its party office.

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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

Uttar Pradesh Registers Over 17,800 New Factories in Seven Years, Boosting Industrial Growth

•Uttar Pradesh has recorded the registration of 17,841 new factories since April 2017.
•This significant industrial expansion is attributed to the state government's focus on good governance, transparent policies, and visionary leadership.
•The growth aims to establish Uttar Pradesh as a prominent industrial hub, contributing to job creation and economic prosperity.

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