Daily Current Affairs and GK | 4 April 2026

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

1. The Income Tax Department has launched a new website named ‘Kar Saathi’.

• The objective of this platform is to simplify tax-related processes. It has been designed to make tax filing even easier for users.
• This website improves access to tax-related information. It consolidates all information pertaining to direct taxes onto a single platform.
• An AI-powered assistant, also named ‘Kar Saathi’, has been introduced as well.
• This tool assists users with tax-related queries. It also guides users through various procedures. This AI assistant is available 24×7.
• This initiative is part of a broader modernization effort. It reflects the government's focus on technology-driven services.
• Ravi Agarwal, Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), spoke about this initiative during the launch of ‘PRARAMBH’.
• ‘PRARAMBH’ is an outreach program focused on tax reforms. It facilitates the transition towards the ‘Income Tax Act, 2025’.
• The full name of ‘PRARAMBH’ is ‘Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat’.
• These reforms prioritize simplification and clarity. The number of rules has been reduced from 510 to 333, and the number of forms has been cut from 399 to 190.
• These changes will make compliance with regulations even easier.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

2. An agreement signed by the GoI to provide the SAMPANN platform-as-a-service to Goa and the Cochin Port Authority.

• On 2 April, an agreement has been signed by the Government of India to provide the SAMPANN platform as a service to the Government of Goa and the Cochin Port Authority to enhance digital governance.
• The adoption of the platform has been aimed at strengthening technology-enabled, citizen-centric governance and improving service delivery mechanisms.
• SAMPANN has been designed as a comprehensive, cloud-based pension management system covering the entire lifecycle from initiation to disbursement and accounting.
• The platform has been developed in alignment with the Digital India mission to ensure seamless, transparent, and efficient pension administration.
• Pension processing, authorisation, accounting, and payment have been integrated into a single digital interface to reduce delays and improve efficiency.
• SAMPANN is now distributing an average monthly pension of ₹1,650 crore, and a total amount of approximately ₹72,000 crore has been disbursed through it so far.
• The system has enabled direct transfer of pensions into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, ensuring transparency and ease of access.
• Features such as grievance redressal, digital records, and streamlined processes have been incorporated to enhance user experience for pensioners.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

3. A 'Road Over Bridge' project worth ₹132.51 crore has been approved at Deendayal Port.

• A road over bridge project at Deendayal Port has been approved by the government at a total cost of ₹132.51 crore to improve connectivity and logistics efficiency.
• The approval has been granted by Sarbananda Sonowal as part of efforts to strengthen port-led development and modern infrastructure in the country.
• The project has been aligned with the objectives of the Sagarmala Programme and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to enhance multi-modal connectivity.
• The construction of the road over bridge has been undertaken by Western Railway on a deposit basis to ensure timely execution.
• The proposal has been examined and appraised by the Delegated Investment Board to ensure compliance with modern safety standards and technical requirements.
• The infrastructure project has been designed to remove critical bottlenecks and improve the movement of cargo across the port area.
• Seamless movement across the rail crossing will be enabled, which will eliminate delays and ensure uninterrupted cargo flow.
• The project has been expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and strengthen India’s maritime logistics chain.
• Reduction in congestion and faster evacuation of cargo will be achieved once the project is completed.
• The initiative has been considered a major step towards building world-class port infrastructure and reinforcing India’s position as a global maritime hub.

Topic: State News/ Uttar Pradesh

4. The construction of a ₹700 crore bypass road in Ujjain announced for the 2028 Simhastha Mahakumbh.

• A new bypass road project in Ujjain has been announced by Mohan Yadav at an estimated cost of more than ₹700 crore ahead of Simhastha Mahakumbh 2028.
• The Bhoomi Pujan for the ambitious infrastructure project has already been performed, marking the beginning of its development phase.
• The project has been specifically designed to manage the large-scale movement of devotees expected during the Simhastha Mahakumbh.
• The event has been described as the largest congregation in the world, requiring extensive planning and coordination for smooth execution.
• An estimated 35 to 40 crore pilgrims are expected to attend the Simhastha Mahakumbh 2028, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure.
• The bypass road will help in easing heavy traffic congestion and ensure smoother movement of vehicles and pilgrims during the event.
• Additional infrastructure projects such as road widening, beautification, parking zones, and modern bus terminals have also been planned.
• Upgradation of drainage and sewerage systems across the city has been included to improve urban management during the mega event.
• A total investment of more than ₹2,500 crore has been earmarked for infrastructure development in Ujjain over the next two years.
• The initiative has been part of a broader vision to develop Ujjain as a “Time Capital” and a modern Science City, integrating spirituality with development.

Topic: International Appointments

5. Uchral Nyam-Osor's election as the new Prime Minister of Mongolia has been confirmed.

• Uchral Nyam-Osor has been elected as the new Prime Minister of Mongolia, becoming the third leader in the country within nine months.
• His appointment has been confirmed by Parliament with a strong majority after a prolonged political deadlock.
• The leadership change has come amid rising political instability and increasing economic pressures in the country.
• He has been chosen as a reform-oriented compromise candidate acceptable to different political factions.
• Uchral Nyam-Osor has previously served as the Speaker of Parliament and has also led the ruling party.
• His background includes experience as a former hip-hop artist before entering politics and public service.
• He has earlier handled the digital development and communications portfolio, promoting transparency and digital governance reforms.
• The previous Prime Minister, Zandanshatar Gombojav, has stepped down following pressure linked to corruption allegations involving a senior minister.
• The leadership transition has been aimed at stabilising governance and restoring political balance within the country.

Topic: Sports

6. India won three team gold medals at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok.

• A dominant performance has been delivered by India at the World Archery Para Series held in Bangkok, where three team gold medals have been secured in compound events.
• In the women’s compound team event, Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag have defeated Kazakhstan with a score of 150–147 to win gold.
• In the men’s compound team final, Toman Kumar and Shyam Sunder Swami have secured a convincing victory over Chinese Taipei with a score of 153–146.
• In the mixed compound category, Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar have combined to defeat Indonesia 153–146, earning the third gold medal for India.
• A bronze medal has also been secured by Bhawna and Rajshri Rathod in the women’s recurve team event by defeating Japan 6–0.
• Multiple podium finishes across categories have been registered by India, reflecting overall excellence in the tournament.
• The performance has been praised by the Sports Authority of India for the team’s determination and focus.
• Special recognition has been given to athletes supported under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme for their achievements.

Topic: Agriculture and Allied Sectors

7. India's fisheries sector has received an investment of approximately ₹39,272 crore since 2015.

• This funding has boosted both employment and export performance.
• Approximately 30 million fishermen and farmers depend directly on this sector.
• India is now the world's second-largest producer in aquaculture. It contributes approximately 8% to the global fish production output.
• Fish production rose from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019–20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes by 2024–25.
• This reflects an average annual growth rate of approximately 7%.
• Seafood exports have witnessed rapid growth over the past decade, rising from ₹30,213 crore in 2013–14 to ₹62,408 crore in 2024–25.
• Shrimp exports account for the largest share of these earnings, contributing ₹43,334 crore alone.
• India exports over 350 varieties of seafood products to approximately 130 global markets.
• The United States is its largest buyer. Other key markets include China, the European Union, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Middle East.
• The share of value-added seafood products has increased from 2.5% to 11%. The value of this segment now stands at approximately $742 million.
• The government is promoting high-value species, including tuna, seabass, cobia, and mud crabs.
• Infrastructure across the entire sector is being upgraded, encompassing cold storage facilities and supply chains. Fishing harbors are also being modernized.

Topic: Sports

8. Rassie van der Dussen has retired from international cricket.

• He brought to a close a career that was renowned for its consistency in the limited-overs formats.
• He described playing for the South African national cricket team as the greatest honor of his life.
• He made his international cricket debut at the age of 29.
• His first match was a T20I against the Zimbabwe national cricket team.
• Subsequently, he made his Test cricket debut in 2019. This match was played against the England national cricket team.
• He played a total of 18 Test matches. His performance in ODI cricket was even more impressive.
• In this format, he established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman.
• He scored 2,657 runs in 71 ODI matches. His batting average in ODIs exceeded 50.
• For South Africa, only AB de Villiers holds a higher ODI average than him.
• In Test cricket, he scored 905 runs. In this format, he registered six half-centuries.
• In T20Is, he scored 1,406 runs across 57 matches. He claimed ten half-centuries in T20 Internationals.
• He scored six centuries in ODIs. Additionally, he recorded 17 half-centuries.
• He confirmed that he would continue to play domestic cricket.

Topic: Sports

9. The 'Khelo India Tribal Games' in Chhattisgarh concluded with a grand ceremony attended by several senior dignitaries.

• Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
• Special guests included international boxer Mary Kom and footballer Bhaichung Bhutia.
• On the final day, the men's football final and several archery medal events were held.
• In Raipur, West Bengal won the gold medal in the men's football competition by defeating Chhattisgarh 1-0.
• Chhattisgarh secured the silver medal in the same event.
• In archery, Komalika Bari of Jharkhand won the gold medal in the women's recurve individual category.
• Nagaland secured the top spot in the women's recurve team event.
• In the men's recurve individual competition, Arjun Khara of Odisha won the gold medal.
• Jharkhand claimed the gold medal in the men's recurve team event.
• In the overall medal tally, Karnataka topped the table with 23 gold medals.
• The state also added 8 silver and 7 bronze medals to its tally.
• Odisha finished in second place with 21 gold, 15 silver, and 21 bronze medals.
• The host state, Chhattisgarh, finished ninth in the final medal tally, having earned 3 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze medals.
• Approximately 3,800 athletes participated in this competition. The participants represented 30 states and Union Territories.
• The competitions were organized across seven core sporting disciplines. These included archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling.
• Traditional sports such as Mallakhamb and Kabaddi were presented as demonstration events.

Topic: Defence

10. The Indian Navy commissioned the stealth frigate INS Taragiri at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.

• Rajnath Singh presided over the commissioning ceremony.
• This warship was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
• It is the fourth vessel developed under the Project 17A stealth frigate program.
• The Defence Minister emphasized the importance of maritime power for India's long-term development goals.
• He stated that approximately 95 percent of India's trade is conducted via maritime routes.
• The ship has a displacement of approximately 6,670 tons.
• It is equipped with modern weaponry and advanced stealth technology.
• More than 75 percent of its components are indigenously manufactured.
• This reflects the progress achieved in the field of self-reliant defence manufacturing.