Daily Current Affairs and GK | 3 April 2026

Topic: Awards and Prizes

1. President Droupadi Murmu has approved the 'President's Police Colours' award for the Odisha Police.

• The Ministry of Home Affairs informed the Chief Secretary of this decision on March 30.
• DGP YB Khurana stated that this award is conferred only once.
• He emphasized that the Odisha Police has earned this honor through its collective hard work.
• The 'President's Police Colours' is also referred to as 'Nishaan'. It is the highest honor bestowed upon any police force in India.
• This award recognizes exceptional service and gallantry. It also commends professionalism and dedication to duty over a prolonged period of service.
• The award is represented in the form of a special flag. This flag is worn on the left sleeve of the police uniform.
• To be eligible for this award, it is mandatory for any armed force or police unit to have completed at least 25 years of distinguished service.

Topic: Defence

2. India's defence exports hit a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26.

• A record level of defence exports amounting to ₹38,424 crore in the financial year 2025–26 has been achieved by India.
• This represents a significant increase of ₹14,802 crore compared to ₹23,622 crore recorded in the previous financial year.
• A strong growth rate of 62.66% in defence exports has been registered, indicating a substantial expansion in India’s defence manufacturing and export capabilities.
• The total contribution to defence exports has been shared between Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) at 54.84% and private sector firms at 45.16%, highlighting balanced participation across sectors.
• A remarkable surge of 151% in exports by DPSUs has been observed, while private sector exports have grown by 14%, showing varying but positive growth trends in both segments.
• In value terms, exports worth ₹21,071 crore have been contributed by DPSUs, increasing sharply from ₹8,389 crore.
• While private firms exported goods worth ₹17,353 crore, an increase from ₹15,233 crore last year.
• A nearly threefold increase in defence exports over the past five years has been recorded, indicating sustained progress in strengthening India’s global defence trade presence.
• Defence equipment has been exported to more than 80 countries during FY 2025–26, demonstrating the expanding international reach and acceptance of Indian defence products.
• The number of registered defence exporters has increased from 128 to 145, reflecting growing participation and confidence of industries in the export ecosystem.

Topic: National News

3. India Post is envisioned to be transformed into a global logistics powerhouse by 2030.

• Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has stated that India Post is being rapidly transformed into a major logistics powerhouse, with the aim of becoming a global player by 2030.
• The announcement was made while a commemorative postage stamp marking 75 years of the Postal Training Centre Saharanpur was released in New Delhi on 2 April.
• The day was described as historic, and the Postal Training Centre Saharanpur was praised for having trained thousands of postal employees with values such as service, efficiency, accuracy, and “Nation First, Service First.”
• It has been noted that nearly 2.5 lakh postal workers have been trained by the institution over the past 75 years, while around 30 thousand trainees are trained annually at the centre.
• The centre has been portrayed not merely as a training institution but as a place where ordinary employees are shaped into dedicated “Karma Yogis” committed to national service.
• A commemorative stamp was officially released to mark the 75-year milestone of the training centre, symbolising its legacy and continued relevance.
• An agreement was also signed between the Government of Goa and the Cochin Port Authority for onboarding onto the SAMPANN platform during the same event.
• The SAMPANN system has been designed as an integrated online pension management platform that enables processing, sanctioning, and direct disbursement of pensions into bank accounts.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

4. Four years of the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement have been completed on 2 April.

• This marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic engagement between the two countries.
• The agreement has been credited with enhancing trade flows, fostering industry linkages, and creating new opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and employment generation.
• Bilateral trade between India and Australia has reached 24.1 billion US dollars in 2024–25, reflecting steady growth under the agreement framework.
• An increase of 8% in India’s exports to Australia has been recorded over the previous year, indicating improved market access and competitiveness of Indian goods.
• India’s total trade with Australia has been reported at 19.3 billion US dollars in FY 2025–26 up to February, showing continued economic momentum.
• Under the agreement, 100% tariff line access has been granted by Australia to India, ensuring comprehensive coverage for Indian exports.
• Zero-duty market access has been made available for all Indian exports to Australia from the beginning of this year, significantly reducing trade barriers.
• Preferential market access has been granted by India on around 70% of its tariff lines, covering nearly 90% of total trade value.
• The agreement has contributed to deeper economic integration by reducing tariffs, improving market accessibility, and encouraging bilateral investments.

Topic: Indian Economy

5. India has achieved a record coal production target of 210.46 MT in the financial year 2025-26.

• A total coal production of 210.46 million tonnes has been recorded from captive and commercial mines in FY 2025–26, marking a year-on-year growth of 10.22%.
• Dispatches have also increased significantly, reaching 204.61 million tonnes, which reflects a growth of 7.35% compared to the previous financial year.
• The improvement in production and dispatch figures has been attributed to enhanced operational efficiency, better logistics, and increased capacity in the coal sector.
• The sector’s capability to meet rising energy demand has been strengthened through sustained production growth and improved coordination mechanisms.
• A total of twelve captive and commercial coal blocks have been operationalised during the financial year through Mine Opening Permissions.
• An additional annual production capacity of more than 86 million tonnes has been added, expanding the country’s coal mining base significantly.
• Seven coal blocks have commenced production within the same financial year, demonstrating faster execution of projects and improved regulatory support.
• The achievement has been aligned with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, focusing on enhancing domestic coal production and reducing dependence on imports.
• Policy interventions and streamlined approval processes have been implemented to accelerate mining activities and improve sector performance.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

6. The fifth meeting of the India-Mozambique Joint Defence Working Group held in Maputo.

• The Fifth Joint Defence Working Group meeting between India and Mozambique was conducted in Maputo from 1st to 2nd April 2026 to strengthen defence cooperation.
• The discussions have been focused on expanding structured military exchanges, enhancing joint training opportunities, and improving maritime domain awareness.
• Collaboration in conducting military exercises and promoting the supply of defence equipment has also been deliberated during the meeting.
• A comprehensive review of progress made since the previous meeting has been undertaken by both sides to assess ongoing cooperation.
• A forward-looking roadmap for future defence engagement has been charted out, aiming at deeper strategic collaboration.
• The Indian delegation has been led by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, along with representatives from armed forces and coast guard.
• The Mozambican delegation has been headed by Permanent Secretary Casimiro Augusto Muieo, reflecting high-level participation from both countries.
• The meeting has reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and mutual commitment to regional security and stability in the region.

Topic: National News

7. The Ministry of Education has granted NCERT the status of a "Deemed to be University" under a special category.

• This decision was based on the recommendations of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• The Ministry approved this status after reviewing an online application submitted by the NCERT.
• This application was evaluated by an expert committee constituted by the UGC.
• The NCERT has been directed to initiate advanced academic activities.
• These include research programs, PhD courses, and new types of academic programs.
• Established in 1961, the NCERT is an autonomous body under the Government of India.
• Its objective is to assist and guide the Central and State governments in improving the quality of school education.
• The institution's primary roles include conducting and coordinating educational research.
• It also prepares and publishes textbooks as well as supplementary learning materials.

Topic: Indian Economy

8. The Government of India has approved a full exemption from customs duty on certain petrochemical products.

• This exemption will remain in force until June 30, 2026.
• This decision is linked to ongoing disruptions in global supply chains caused by tensions in West Asia.
• The Ministry of Finance described this move as temporary and characterized it as a targeted relief measure.
• Its objective is to ensure the continuous availability of essential petrochemical inputs that are vital for domestic industries.
• This measure is expected to alleviate cost pressures on the downstream sectors.
• It will also help maintain stability in domestic supply.
• Several industries dependent on petrochemical materials stand to benefit from this move. These include the plastics and packaging sectors.
• Consumers may indirectly receive relief through lower product costs.
• The Ministry stated that approximately 40 items fall under the scope of this exemption.
• These include products such as methanol, anhydrous ammonia, toluene, styrene, dichloromethane (methylene chloride), and vinyl chloride monomer.

Topic: Indian Polity

9. The Parliament of India has approved the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026.

• The Lok Sabha passed this Bill by a voice vote.
• The Rajya Sabha had already approved this legislation.
• This law lays down new rules for appointments to senior positions within the Central Armed Police Forces.
• Under this legislation, it has been mandated that half of the Inspector General-level posts shall be filled through deputation.
• At least 67 percent of the Additional Director General posts are to be filled through deputation.
• All posts holding the ranks of Special Director General and Director General shall be filled exclusively through deputation.
• Parliament has also passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
• The Rajya Sabha, too, approved this Bill by a voice vote.
• The Lok Sabha had passed it prior to its approval by the Upper House.
• This law grants statutory status to Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Topic: International News

10. India and Tajikistan held the 5th round of Foreign Office Consultations in Dushanbe.

• These discussions were co-chaired by Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West), and Tajikistan's Deputy Foreign Minister, Idibek Kalandar.
• Both sides reviewed the overall progress of bilateral relations across various sectors.
• Key areas reviewed included political relations, as well as defense and security cooperation.
• Trade, economic engagement, and cultural exchanges were also part of this review.
• Education and consular matters were also discussed during the consultations.
• Both countries explored avenues for cooperation across various multilateral forums.
• They also shared their views on significant regional and global developments.
• During his visit, Sibi George met with Tajikistan's Foreign Minister, Sirojiddin Muhriddin.
• The primary objective of this meeting was to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
• Both sides discussed expanding the scope of their bilateral engagement.
• Sibi George also interacted with members of the Indian community residing in Dushanbe.
• He appreciated the role played by the Indian community in enhancing relations between the two countries.