Current Affairs 01 April 2026

Prime Minister Visit to Gujarat

The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth over ₹20,000 crore in Vav-Tharad region of Banaskantha district, Gujarat.

Key Highlights:

The projects span multiple sectors including:

• Roads and highways
• Railway connectivity
• Energy infrastructure
• Housing (PM Awas Yojana)

These initiatives aim to boost connectivity, economic growth, and employment opportunities in North Gujarat.

Important Developments:

• Transmission projects linked to Khavda Renewable Energy Park (4.5 GW capacity)
• Expansion of Deesa Airport, a strategic asset near the international border
• Development of Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway corridor
• Railway gauge conversion improving connectivity to tribal areas
• PM inaugurated the Kaynes Technology semiconductor plant in Sanand

Nyaya Setu AI Chatbot and ‘Dishika’ Mascot Launched

The Government of India has launched the Nyaya Setu AI Chatbot along with its mascot “Dishika” under the DISHA programme to improve access to justice through technology.

Key Highlights:

• Nyaya Setu is a voice-first, multilingual AI-powered legal assistant designed to help citizens understand Legal rights, Court procedures and steps to follow in legal matters.
• The initiative aims to increase access to justice, especially for people facing language and procedural barriers.
• The chatbot is developed by the Digital India BHASHINI Division under the Ministry of Electronics & IT.

Andhra Pradesh Introduces QR Code System on Rice Bags

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched an innovative initiative to print QR codes on rice bags, enabling consumers to trace the farmer and origin of the crop.

Key Highlights:

Under this initiative, rice supplied to schools and welfare hostels will carry QR codes, allowing students to know who cultivated the food and where it was grown.

The model is being implemented in SPSR Nellore district, where rice will be distributed to:

• Around 41,000 schools
• Over 400 welfare hostels

The government aims to procure 2 lakh tonnes of paddy in the current season, with over 60,000 tonnes already procured.

Significance:

• First-of-its-kind initiative in India
• Promotes transparency in food supply chain
• Recognises and respects farmers’ contribution
• Strengthens farmer-consumer connection

Delimitation of Constituencies in India

As per Article 81 of the Constitution, seats in the Lok Sabha are allocated based on population to ensure equal representation. However, the 84th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 froze the number of seats until after the first Census post-2026.

After Census results (expected by 2028), a Delimitation Commission will be formed, and changes may reflect in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Core Issue:

States that successfully controlled population growth (like southern and some northern states) may lose relative representation, while high-population states may gain more seats.

Proposed Solution:

Experts suggest introducing a Demographic Performance (DemPer) principle, which considers:

• Population size
• Success in reducing fertility rates

This approach aims to balance population-based representation with fair federalism, ensuring that states with better governance are not penalised.

Karnataka Passes Anti-Honour Killing Bill

The Karnataka Legislature has passed the Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026, aimed at protecting individuals, especially inter-caste couples, from violence and coercion.

Key Highlights:

The Bill clearly states that consent of parents, family, caste, or community is not required once two adults decide to marry, reinforcing the principle of individual liberty.

It provides legal protection to couples facing threats, harassment, or violence in the name of “honour” and tradition.

Major Provisions:

• Minimum 5 years imprisonment for honour killings
• Criminalisation of social boycott of couples
• Police protection within 6 hours of complaint
• Establishment of safe houses in every district
• Creation of a special cell and 24-hour helpline (Eva Nammava Vedike)
• Access to legal aid and counselling services

Supreme Court Reaffirms Right to Die with Dignity

The Supreme Court, in the Harish Rana v. Union of India (2026) case, has reaffirmed the right to die with dignity under Article 21, allowing withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment.

Key Highlights:

The Court permitted withdrawal of Clinically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration (CANH) for the first time, marking a significant step in the evolution of euthanasia jurisprudence in India.

Major Changes:

• Simplified process by reducing multiple medical board approvals
• Removed mandatory immediate judicial oversight
• Strengthened patient autonomy and decision-making rights

INS Dunagiri and INS Sanshodhak Delivered to Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has received two important indigenous vessels INS Dunagiri and INS Sanshodhak, marking a significant step in strengthening maritime capabilities and promoting indigenous defence manufacturing.

INS Dunagiri

• INS Dunagiri is a Nilgiri-class stealth guided-missile frigate, built under Project 17A by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata.
• It is the fifth ship out of seven planned under Project 17A, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. These frigates are equipped with advanced stealth features and are capable of handling multi-dimensional threats in naval warfare.

INS Sanshodhak

INS Sanshodhak is the fourth and final ship of the Sandhayak-class survey vessels, also built by GRSE. It is a hydrographic survey ship, used for:

• Assisting in maritime operations
• Mapping ocean floors
• Supporting navigation

First Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Shachi’ Launched

India has launched its first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) named ‘Shachi’ (Yard 1280) at Goa Shipyard Limited, Goa.

Key Highlights:

‘Shachi’ is the first of eleven NGOPVs being developed for the Indian Navy as part of indigenous shipbuilding initiatives.

The vessels are being constructed at:

• Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa
• Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata

Functions of NGOPVs:

These ships are designed for multi-domain operations including:

• Maritime surveillance and defence
• Search and rescue (SAR)
• Protection of offshore assets
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
• Anti-piracy operations

Special Features:

• Named after figures from Indian mythology
• ‘Shachi’ means “one who renders assistance”
• Ship crest includes Ursa Major constellation and lighthouse symbol

INS Malwan Delivered to Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has received ‘Malwan’, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi. Malwan is part of a series of eight ASW SWCs designed for strengthening India’s coastal defence and underwater surveillance capabilities. The ship is named after Malwan, a historic coastal town in Maharashtra associated with the maritime legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Technical Features:

• Length: Approximately 80 metres
• Displacement: Around 1,100 tonnes
• Propulsion: Waterjet propulsion system
• Equipped with Torpedoes, Anti-submarine rocket launchers

Functions:

• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
• Coastal surveillance
• Mine warfare
• Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)