Current Affairs - April 3, 2026 Current Affairs

Bodhana Sivanandan has become England’s top-ranked female chess player, marking a historic achievement in her career. She surpassed four-time British Women's Champion Lan Yao and is currently the highest-rated female player across the United Kingdom. Her global standing has also improved significantly, as she is ranked among the top 100 female players by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). Known for her exceptional talent at a young age, she has defeated experienced Grandmasters and secured a Woman Grandmaster norm, highlighting her rapid rise and potential in international chess.

Andhra Pradesh launched a free electricity scheme aimed at supporting weaver families across the state, benefiting nearly 1.03 lakh households. The initiative covers both handloom and powerloom workers, providing 200 units and 500 units of free electricity per month, respectively. This measure is expected to significantly reduce operational costs and improve income stability, with estimated annual savings ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹21,000 per family. With a budget allocation of around ₹150 crore annually, the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening traditional industries and ensuring the welfare of artisans.

Singapore’s Changi Airport secured the top position in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026, marking the 14th time it has achieved this distinction since 2000. Renowned as a major international hub in Southeast Asia, the airport is celebrated for its exceptional passenger experience, advanced infrastructure, and unique attractions such as The Jewel, which houses the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Its consistent ranking reflects high standards in services like dining, entertainment, and connectivity. The recognition also highlights Singapore’s global leadership in aviation excellence and airport management.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth has assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Army Staff, bringing with him nearly four decades of extensive military experience. His career includes leadership roles across diverse terrains, including desert operations and counter-insurgency missions in Jammu & Kashmir. He has also held key strategic and staff positions at Army Headquarters and served in international assignments such as a United Nations mission in Angola. Known for his strong academic background and excellence in military training, his appointment reflects the Army’s emphasis on experienced leadership to drive modernisation and enhance operational readiness.

Mappls App will be used to map and locate authorised Aadhaar centres through a collaboration between the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and MapmyIndia. The integration ensures accurate and official listings of Aadhaar service points across the country. Users will be able to search for centres based on specific services such as new enrollment, child enrollment, and updates to address or mobile numbers. This initiative enhances accessibility and convenience for citizens by providing reliable, service-specific location data and is expected to become fully operational in the coming months.

Tripura has achieved national recognition as three of its Panchayats received the National Satat Vikas Puraskar 2025 for their outstanding work in sustainable development. Sepahijala District Panchayat secured the top position in the “Best District Panchayat” category, while Kanchabari Gram Panchayat ranked first in the “Healthy Panchayat” category. Baikunthapur Gram Panchayat earned third place in the “Women-Friendly Panchayat” category. These awards highlight effective grassroots governance and development initiatives. The recognition is accompanied by financial assistance from the central government to further strengthen local development and improve living standards in these regions.

Income Tax Department launched the ‘Kar Saathi’ AI-powered assistant along with a new official website to streamline and simplify the tax-filing process. This initiative aims to provide taxpayers with a centralised and user-friendly platform for accessing direct tax-related services and information. The AI chatbot offers round-the-clock assistance, helping users resolve queries efficiently. As part of broader administrative reforms, the move aligns with efforts to modernise tax systems, reduce complexity, and enhance transparency. The initiative also supports the government’s vision of a technology-driven tax framework under the upcoming Income Tax Act, 2025.

Madhya Pradesh launched the ‘School Chalen Hum’ campaign to boost student enrollment and ensure that no child is left out of the education system. The initiative covers all districts and thousands of villages, aiming to enroll a large number of students in the academic year 2025-26. The campaign includes simplified admission processes, distribution of textbooks, and infrastructure improvements in schools. Additionally, the state is focusing on teacher recruitment, language inclusivity, and welfare schemes such as providing laptops, scooters, uniforms, and hostels to support students, particularly those from marginalised communities.

INS Malwan is a next-generation anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft delivered to the Indian Navy to strengthen coastal defence. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited with over 80% indigenous content, it reflects India’s push toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Designed for operations in shallow coastal waters, the vessel is equipped with advanced sonar systems, torpedoes, and surveillance capabilities to detect and neutralise underwater threats. It is part of a planned fleet of eight such vessels aimed at replacing older corvettes and enhancing maritime security, particularly in sensitive littoral regions.

Shri Chanchal Kumar has been appointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, assuming charge on April 1, 2026. A 1992-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, he has held several important positions in both central and state governments. His prior roles include serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, as well as Managing Director of NHIDCL. In Bihar, he has worked closely with the Chief Minister in key administrative roles. His vast experience is expected to contribute significantly to policy implementation and governance in the ministry.