Current Affairs - April 1, 2026 Current Affairs

BEL is the company that signed a major contract with the Ministry of Defence for supplying Mountain Radars to the Indian Air Force. Bharat Electronics Limited, a leading public sector enterprise in defence electronics, will manufacture these radars, which have been indigenously designed by DRDO’s LRDE. The project falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, supporting the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. These advanced systems are specifically designed for high-altitude operations, significantly enhancing air defence and surveillance capabilities in mountainous regions, thereby strengthening national security.

Dr Thomas Pucadyil has been appointed as the Director of the Biotechnology Research Innovation Council-National Centre for Cell Science (BRIC-NCCS) in Pune. He succeeded Dr Manisha Inamdar, who was serving as interim director after the retirement of Dr Sharmila Bapat. Prior to this role, he was a Professor at IISER Pune and is widely recognised for his contributions to biological sciences. He received the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in 2018 and is a fellow of leading scientific academies in India, reflecting his excellence in research and leadership.

Delhi Technological University is the academic institution that partnered with the National Council for Cement and Building Materials through a Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration focuses on enhancing research, innovation, and skill development in cement and construction technologies. It aims to bridge the gap between industry and academia by promoting joint research initiatives, training programs, and knowledge exchange. The partnership also contributes to building sustainable infrastructure by equipping students and professionals with the modern technical expertise required to meet the evolving demands of the construction sector in India.

Dunagiri is the indigenous stealth frigate delivered to the Indian Navy as part of Project 17A, which represents the Nilgiri class of advanced warships. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata, it is a modern multi-mission platform equipped with advanced stealth features, sensors, and weapon systems such as BrahMos missiles and MRSAM. The ship is named after the earlier INS Dunagiri, continuing its legacy. With around 75% indigenous content, the project significantly boosts self-reliance, supports MSMEs, and contributes to employment generation in the defence sector.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy extended the completion deadline for certain PM-KUSUM projects to March 31, 2027. This decision was taken due to difficulties faced in achieving financial closure, mainly because of limited lending by banks and financial institutions. The revised deadline applies to projects where Power Purchase Agreements or Notices to Proceed were issued on or before December 31, 2025. The extension ensures that ongoing projects receive adequate time for completion and aligns them with future developments under the upcoming PM-KUSUM 2.0 framework.

Vir Vikram Yadav has been appointed as the new Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), marking a significant leadership change in India’s aviation sector. He replaced Faiz Ahmed Kidwai and assumed charge at a time when the aviation industry was facing safety concerns, operational disruptions, and regulatory challenges. His role involves strengthening aviation safety frameworks, addressing staff shortages, and ensuring effective implementation of regulations. The appointment is part of a broader bureaucratic reshuffle aimed at improving governance and restoring confidence in India’s rapidly growing aviation market.

Punjab is the state where the cabinet approved the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna aimed at supporting women through direct financial assistance. The scheme ensures monthly cash transfers to eligible women, promoting financial independence and dignity. It provides ₹1,000 per month for general category women and ₹1,500 for Scheduled Caste women. Women aged 18 and above who are registered voters and residents of the state can benefit. With no family cap and additional benefits alongside existing pensions, the initiative strengthens social security and financial inclusion across both urban and rural areas.

Andhra Pradesh is the state where the Science City collaborated with CSIR–NIScPR through a Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership is aimed at enhancing science communication and promoting research in Science, Technology, and Innovation policy. It focuses on evidence-based policymaking, capacity building, and public awareness of science. The initiative includes activities such as organising workshops, conducting joint research, and developing educational resources. It benefits students, researchers, and policymakers while aligning with sustainable development goals and strengthening scientific outreach across the state.

Sadhana Saptah is a nationwide capacity-building initiative launched by the Capacity Building Commission in April 2026. It is designed to strengthen governance by enhancing the skills and competencies of civil servants across India. The program involves participation from numerous ministries, states, and training institutions, making it one of the greatest collaborative efforts of its kind. Structured around themes like technology, tradition, and tangible outcomes, it aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The initiative also complements Mission Karmayogi by promoting role-based training and improving public service delivery.

Gujarat is the state where the Kaynes Semiconductor Plant was inaugurated in Sanand, marking a major step in strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem. The facility contributes to domestic chip production and supports industries such as electric vehicles, electronics, and industrial automation. It aligns with the India Semiconductor Mission and the ‘Make in India’ initiative, aiming to reduce dependence on imports and integrate India into global supply chains. The plant also highlights the country’s push toward technological advancement, export potential, and workforce development in the semiconductor sector.